Hineinu, September 18, 2024

The High Holiday Packet is here to help with planning as we look ahead to Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and more.

Havurahniks, RSVP for the Erev Rosh Hashanah Dinner (by Monday, Sept. 23) and Sign up to Volunteer at High Holidays.

Meanwhile, the month of Elul continues!
RSVP for an Elul activity you will find enjoyable and meaningful!

Palestinian and Israeli Leaders from Roots, September 28 and 29
We are very grateful to be co-hosting the organization Roots, a Palestinian-Israeli initiative for understanding, non-violence, and transformation. The main program, with Noor Awad and Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger, will be at Havurah on Sunday morning, September 29. In addition, Rav Hanan will be sharing some of his story and struggles as part of our joint Seliḥot service with Shir Tikvah, on Saturday night, September 28 at the EJC.

Please come out for one or both of these events to learn about and support the courageous work of these leaders on the ground in Israel-Palestine. 
 
RSVP (registration is required to attend) – Havurah's Selichot Service with Shir Tikvah, from 7:30 pm to 9 pm, on Saturday, September 28, at the Eastside Jewish Commons (2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland) (an online streaming link will be given with RSVP confirmation)

RSVP – Roots: Peacemakers at a Time of War,
from 9:30 am to noon, on Sunday, September 29, at Havurah Shalom (825 NW 18th Ave, Portland). [See the shareable event flyer!]

A Year After October 7:
So Many Worlds Destroyed, We Gather to Grieve
As we approach October 7 and Simḥat Torah, many of us feel called to mark this time in community, with rituals of mourning, remembrance, and lamentation, as well as prayers for a different path forward.

Below are a few opportunities to gather in Jewish community. In whatever way we mark this time, may we each know comfort, and may we emerge more awake to our potential for a less violent future.

Community Gathering: A Night to Remember
7 pm, Sunday, October 6 – Congregation Neveh Shalom (2900 Peaceful Lane, Portland)
From the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland: It has been one year since the Hamas attacks on Israel. Our community will come together for an evening of song and prayer in memory of those impacted by this war and to give hope for the return of the hostages. Registration is required to attend and there are bag check requirements noted on the registration page. Havurah Shalom is one of a number of co-sponsors of this event. Click here to register. 
 
Let There be Light: A Vigil to Honor All the Lives Taken
7 pm, Monday, October 7 – Eastside Jewish Commons (2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland)
A space to grieve all those lost to the violence in Israel-Palestine over the last year, and to express the various layers of grief we might be holding during this time. We will mourn and honor the lives taken through poetry, an art installation, memorial candles, and room for personal reflections. Presented by Shir Tikvah, Havurah Shalom, TischPDX, the EJC, and the Alberta Shul.
 
A Yizkor to Remember Those Taken from Us on Simḥat Torah a Year Ago
5 pm, Thursday, October 24 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
On the last day of Sukkot every year, as we conclude the Days of Awe, we recite Yizkor  prayers for loved ones no longer with us. In addition this year, just before Simḥat Torah, we will gather for a special Yizkor service to remember those killed in the Hamas attacks on this day in the Hebrew calendar a year ago. We will then move directly into Simḥat Torah, rejoicing in all that connects us and renewing our story once again.

Save the Date, RSVP:
Queer Torah Potluck in SE Portland
7 pm to 9 pm, Sunday, October 19 – Reed College Neighborhood, RSVP for location
Come shake the lulav in the Sukkah with a bunch of Jewish Queers. Bring a tasty contribution. Hosted by Lev Pearlman. RSVP

General Info

Thank you for following our COVID safety guidelines for in-person gatherings, which were updated on June 15, 2023. 

Contacting your fellow Havurah members: If a member's name is hyperlinked, you can go directly to their contact page in the directory by clicking on their name and then logging into your Havurah account. Or search in the online Havurah member directory (log into the website and go to the Contact tab). 

Zoom Room links can be found near the end of this email.

Regular Havurah Happenings

Weekly Torah Study​ 
9 am, Saturdays – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Bet
An in-depth look at the weekly Torah reading, led by congregants. No prior knowledge or study is necessary. All viewpoints are welcome as we try to draw lessons from our holy books. All are welcome. (On the third Shabbat of each month, there will be a multi-synagogue Torah Study led by Emily Simon.)

Shabbat Morning
10 am, Saturdays – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
All are welcome at our Shabbat services, including b'nei mitzvah services. Upcoming b'nei mitzvah are listed below and in the website calendar. All are welcome. (Join us for Contemplative Shabbat on Saturday, October 5.)

Mahjong Group
1 pm, first and third Mondays – Havurah Shalom Library
Mahjong is a fun, social activity that builds community, encouraging new friendships and cementing old ones. Prospective members of Havurah Shalom interested in our mahjong group are invited to attend a game to become better acquainted with our group, but we ask that you already know how to play before coming. Please contact the Havurah office to schedule your visit. Havurah members, reach out to Leah Hershey if you want to be added to the group email list and receive notices of meeting changes.

Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation
12 pm, Tuesdays – Havurah Shalom (Sanctuary or Library) and Zoom Room Bet
We gather to find moments of quiet and shalom in a welcoming space. Various styles of Jewish meditation are explored. No meditation experience necessary. All are welcome to drop in. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Nancy Becker, or Ria de Neeve.

Morning Minyan
8:30 am, Wednesdays – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and those saying Kaddish. All are welcome.

Upcoming Havurah Events

Daily Shofar
All day, every day (except on Shabbat) from September 4 to October 1 –  Havurah's YouTube page (for everyone) and Facebook page (for Havurah members)
Hear the Sound of the Shofar each day of Elul (except Shabbat): Andrine, Diane & Howard (& sometimes Dominic) help prepare us for Rosh Hashanah with shofar, deep thoughts & a touch of kavannah. Videos will be posted daily on Havurah's YouTube and Facebook pages to watch as you are able.

High Holidays in Places You Might Not Expect
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Thursday, Sept. 19 – Havurah Shalom
Soon we will be celebrating the High Holidays as we do every year, and maybe similarly to how we marked these holidays when we were growing up. Yet, did you know that there are many extraordinary Jewish communities around the world celebrating our new year with so much exuberance? While there are similarities between how the holidays are observed here and elsewhere, there are many differences as well. Come learn about how Jews in parts of India, Southern Italy, various countries of Africa, and several other global communities celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur! Led by Judi Kloper, a Havurah member who serves on the board of Kulanu, an international nonprofit that supports isolated, emerging, and returning Jews and Jewish communities worldwide. All are welcome. RSVP

Multiy-Synagogue Torah Study, Led by Emily Simon
9 am to 10 am, Saturday, September 21 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Bet
On the third Saturday of the month (Shabbat morning), we have a multi-synagogue Torah Study, led by Emily Simon. Other congregations joining Havurah Shalom include Temple Sholom in Monticello New York, Emek Shalom in Ashland, Oregon, and Mayim Shalom in Coos Bay, Oregon. We may even have some folks joining us from other parts of the country and maybe the world. No prior knowledge or study is necessary. All viewpoints are welcome as we try to draw lessons from our holy books. Email info@havurahshalom.org for Zoom link. All are welcome.

Siddur Repair Workshop
1 pm to 5 pm, Saturday, Sept 21 – Havurah Shalom
Would you like to learn some basic book mending skills and help mend our many siddurim? Joe Clement, a Havurah member who works for Multnomah County Library, is offering a tutorial and tikkun workshop. All are welcome. Tools will be provided, but please RSVP so we know how many we need.

Teen Honey Cake Baking
10 am to 12:30 pm, Sunday, Sept. 22 – Havurah Shalom
The Teen Engagement Committee invites all Havurah teens to learn how to bake honey cake to share with family and friends as we start the New Year with a sweet treat. All are welcome. RSVP
 
Birding Together
10 am to 12 pm (noon), Sunday, Sept. 22 – Oaks Bottom Wildlife Reserve
Meet at the Sellwood Park parking lot at SE 7th Ave and Sellwood Blvd for a leisurely walk to look for birds. Join experienced birders Cindy and Andrew Merrill to see how many different species we can find and identify together. Birding expertise is not required, but interest in nature is helpful. We’ll walk from the parking lot down a gradual slope to a dirt and gravel path to the wetland. The path is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, and bikes and dogs are not permitted. Questions? Call, text, or email Cindy Merrill (member login required to access directory). All are welcome. Read other key event info and RSVP.

Connecting Past with Present: May Their Memories Be For a Blessing
1-2:30 pm on Sunday, Sept. 22 (at Havurah)
7-8:30 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 24 (on Zoom)
7-8:30 pm on Monday, Sept. 30 (on Zoom)
Make your memory of a deceased family member or friend into a blessing by attending one of four gatherings during the month of Elul to share a story and hear a story. These September gatherings are part of Havurah Shalom’s “Arc of Remembrance” programming in preparation for Yizkor (Service of Remembrance) on Yim Kippur afternoon. All are welcome. (Click the dates hyperlinked above to RSVP for an upcoming session.)

Climate Action Team Meeting
5 pm to 6:30 pm, Mondy, September 23 – Zoom Room Gimel
Join the Climate Action Team's monthly meeting.

Songs of Turning Sing-Along for Elul
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Monday, September 23 – Havurah Shalom
Everyone circle around and join your voices together—it’s a sing-along! No expertise is needed, just the desire to sing. We’ll kick off the new season with Songs of Turning, for the season of Elul and the High Holidays. If you’re not already on the Havurah singers email list, contact Sacha Reich. RSVP

Book Group to Discuss The Weight of Ink
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, September 24 – Zoom Room Bet
The Havurah Shalom Book Group meets monthly to discuss fiction and nonfiction books voted on by Havurah members. All are welcome to any and all meetings. Copies of our upcoming books can be checked out by members in the Havurah library. A list of the 2024-25 books is available here. This month, we invite you to read and discuss…The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish (fiction, 576 pages)
Set in London in the 1660s and early twenty-first century, the book is  an interwoven tale of two women. One is a scribe for a blind rabbi at a time when women were not permitted to be scribes, and the other is an ailing historian with a love for Jewish history. Winner of the National Jewish Book Award.
Discussion led by Yvonne Cohen. Nonmembers welcome. RSVP for Zoom info.

Havurah Greeter Safety Training
7 to 8:15 pm, Tuesday, Sept. 24 – Zoom Room Dalet
We will learn how to how to be aware of our surroundings, help people having medical or psychological emergencies, and what the best practices are for emergencies specifically at the Tiffany Center and Havurah Shalom, where our High Holidays services will be taking place. These skills can be used year-round at Havurah and in your everyday life too. Have a good time learning in the session, come out more knowledgeable than before, and then sign up to greet and usher when volunteer sign-ups open! (This class is for Havurah Shalom members only.) RSVP

Fleece Blanket Making for Community Warehouse
7 pm to 9 pm, Wednesday, Sept. 25 – Havurah Shalom
Join the Poverty and Homelessness Committee and Teen Engagement Committee as we assemble ten no-sew fleece blanket kits to be donated to Community Warehouse. The evening session on Sept. 25 will be led by the teens. No experience necessary. Bring a sharp pair of sewing scissors if you have one. Contact Julie Hastings with questions. All are welcome. RSVP for the Sept. 25 session.

The Cost of Free Land, Book Discussion with Havurahnik Author Rebecca Clarren
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Wednesday, September 25 – Havurah Shalom & Zoom Room Aleph
All are welcome to this Elul event from Havurah's Racial Justice Committee: Havurah member Rebecca Clarren will be in person at Havurah for a book presentation and signing of her award-winning book, The Cost of Free Land. The book investigates the entangled history of her Jewish ancestors’ land in South Dakota and the Lakota people, who were forced off that land by the United States government. Non-members are invited! You can find more information and RSVP here.

High Holidays at Havurah Shalom are open to all! See our schedule and more information here.

Selichot Service at the EJC
7:30 pm to 9 pm, Saturday, September 28 – Shir Tikvah at Eastside Jewish Commons (2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland)
Selichot Join Shir Tikvah and Havurah Shalom for an evening of prayer and contemplation, soul searching and learning. Special guest, Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger of Roots, speaking on "Embracing Our People, Confronting Our Sins:
A Religious Israeli Peace Activist Struggles with Zionism." Roots is a grassroots movement of understanding, nonviolence and transformation among Israelis and Palestinians. Open to the community. No charge. Childcare available.
RSVP (registration required). Streaming link will be given with RSVP confirmation.

Roots: Peacemakers at a Time of War
9:30 am to noon, Sunday, September 29 – Havurah Shalom
Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Noor A’wad are leaders of the West Bank-based Roots/Shorashim/Judur, an Israeli-Palestinian grassroots initiative for understanding, non-violence, and transformation. Roots’ work is aimed at challenging the assumptions the two communities hold about each other. They represent a unique network of Israelis and Palestinians who have come to see each other as partners in the work to make changes to reduce tension, prevent escalation, and end the conflict. Rav Hanan and Noor will discuss their personal experiences having spent most of their lives living in the heart of the conflict, both before October 7, 2023, and since. They will also share how their perspectives, their work, and their societies have and have not been changed in recent months, how Israeli and Palestinian communities view Roots, and what they see for the future. RSVP

High Holidays Cemetery Gathering
1 pm to 2:15 pm, Sunday, September 29, 2024 - Havurah Cemetery, 5656 SW Humphrey Blvd, Portland (directions to our cemetery)
We gather to remember our loved ones, led in song and remembrance by Susan Brenner and Tivona Reith.

Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual
7 pm to 8:15 pm, Sunday, September 29 (Tishrei) – Either in person outdoors in NE Portland or online in Zoom Room Heh (RSVP to receive location updates throughout the year)  
Our gender-inclusive New Moon group celebrates each Rosh Ḥodesh with learning and ancient and contemporary ritual. Everyone is invited to connect with our closest heavenly body, the Moon. Rosh Chodesh events for 5785 will take place on Sunday evenings at 7 pm closest to the New Moon. Attend any or all sessions. All are welcome. RSVP

Palestinian Justice Letter Writing Group
6 pm to 7:30 pm, Monday, September 30 – Zoom Room Heh
We will resume our monthly letter writing on the last Monday of each month to write letters to our lawmakers for Israel/Palestine justice. Questions? Contact Dale Oller (member log-in required to access directory). Non-Havurah-members very welcome as well. RSVP for Zoom info.

High Holidays Tikkun Olam Tzedakah Project
Havurah's Poverty & Homelessness Committee is asking congregants to bring one or more of the following items when you our High Holiday services taking place at the Tiffany Center (1410 SW Morrison - 4th Floor). Please only bring items to the Tiffany Center (4th Floor), as collection bins will not be available at Havurah Shalom.

Hygiene Item Requests for Rose Haven
LARGE containers (about 32 ounces) of: • Shampoo • Conditioner • Body Wash • Body Lotion/Moisturizer • Tubes of Neosporin or Benadryl (any size)

Lift Up Food Items Requested
• Low-sodium soups, broths, chili • Nut butters • Breakfast items such as cereal or granola bars • Any and all gluten-free items (snacks, cereals, pastas, crackers, etc)

Learn about the entire High Holidays Tikkun Olam Tzedakah Project on page 6 of the High Holidays packet, which is being undertaken in support of Rose Haven, Lift Up, and the Portland Food Project.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service
7:30 pm to 9 pm, Wednesday, October 2 –Tiffany Center (1410 SW Morrison, Portland) and YouTube
We usher in the new year together with song, prayer, and reflection, setting the tone for our Days of Awe journey. Childcare walk-ins will be welcome depending on space.

Rosh Hashanah Service Day 1
9 am to 1:30 pm, Thursday, October 3, 2024 – Tiffany Center (1410 SW Morrison St., Portland) and some services on YouTube
9:30 am - Rosh Hashanah Morning Services
9:30 am - RSVP for 5785, A Sweet Year for Wee Jews (ages 0-5) (not streamed online)
10:30 am -  RSVP for Rosh Hashanah Family Service (ages 5+) (not streamed online)
10:30 am - Torah Service
10:30 am - Middle School Discussion (not streamed online)
11:30 am - Children’s Aliyah
12:30 pm - Musaf/Additional Service
Childcare walk-ins will be welcome depending on space.

A Sweet Year for Wee Jews (Ages 0-5)
9:30 am, Thursday, Oct. 3 – The Tiffany Center (1410 SW Morrison St., Portland), Floor 2
A half-hour of singing and stories about the holiday for the 0-5 crowd and their parents. We'll be in person at the Tiffany Center. This activity will not be streamed online. RSVP

Rosh Hashanah Family Service (Ages 5+)
10:30 am, Thursday, Oct. 3 – The Tiffany Center (1410 SW Morrison St., Portland), Floor 2
Especially for families with children over age 5! This upbeat and participatory Rosh Hashanah service is for the whole family! Enjoy stories and skits, soulful prayers
and contemporary songs–as we all begin the year anew, together. This service will be in person only, with no online streaming. RSVP

Rosh Hashanah Service Day 2
9:30 am to 1:30 pm, Friday, October 4 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Neshamah
9:30 am - Rosh Hashanah Morning Services
10:30 am - Torah Service
11:45 am - Shofar Service
12:15 pm - Musaf/Additional Service
1:00 pm - Community Potluck Luncheon
All are invited to the community potluck luncheon; Havurah members are invited to  sign up to bring food. Nonmembers, please be our guests!

Tashlich Service and Potluck Dinner
12 pm to 2 pm, Sunday, October 6 – Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Dr., Lake Oswego
We will gather by the water at Foothills Park in Lake Oswego to release our mistakes and regrets amid song and community. Bring a little vegetarian dish for a potluck afterward. RSVP

Safety Corner

Havurah Greeter Safety Training
7 to 8:15 pm, Tuesday, Sept. 24 – Zoom Room Dalet
We will learn how to how to be aware of our surroundings, help people having medical or psychological emergencies, and what the best practices are for emergencies specifically at the Tiffany Center and Havurah Shalom, where our High Holidays services will be taking place. These skills can be used year-round at Havurah and in your everyday life too. Have a good time learning in the session, come out more knowledgeable than before, and then sign up to greet and usher when volunteer sign-ups open! (This class is for Havurah Shalom members only.) RSVP

More Tikkun Olam 

The Poverty & Homelessness Committee is asking congregants to contribute specified items to Rose Haven and Lift Up when they arrive for services (4th Floor of the Tiffany Center only) and to collect food for the Portland Food Project.

Learn about the High Holidays Tikkun Olam Tzedakah Project in the focus box above and on page 6 of the High Holidays packet.

 

Havurah Shalom Tikkun Olam Partners:
Path Home (formerly PHFS): Volunteer for our monthly Path Home dinner | Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (IAP) | Lift UP | MACG |Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice NW ​​​​​​ | Rose Haven |Jewish Earth Alliance | IMIrJ (Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice)

Out in the Community

Do You Want to Support a Community Impact Statement about Recent Hate Crimes in Portland?
In April and May of 2022, when Michael Bivins set fire to the Muslim Community Center of Portland with congregants inside of it, shattered windows of Congregation Shir Tikvah and Everybody Eats PDX, and spray painted “Die Juden” on Congregation Beth Israel, his actions went beyond defiling our sacred spaces. He sought to erase our right to practice our religions and to shatter our sense of safety as Muslim, Jewish, and Black people. You are invited to confidentially sign onto the Community Impact Statement that will be presented to the court in his upcoming sentencing hearing. You can indicate in the form if you would like to be notified of the upcoming sentencing hearing, which will most likely be in late September.

What Did You Mean by How You Lived Your Life? Ethical Will Workshop
5 pm to 6:30 pm, Thursday, September 26 – Eastside Jewish Commons (2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland)
Join the Jewish Association for Death Education (JADE) for an evening of life review, self reflection and journal-style writing. Ethical Wills are a long-standing Jewish tradition to share the wisdom of your life with loved ones after your death and is an excellent process to engage with in preparation for High Holidays. This workshop will provide a brief teaching on the tradition of writing ethical wills and offer some examples for inspiration. After the teaching, we will respond to writing prompts that will help generate ideas of what you might want to include in your own ethical will. This event is designed to be small and intimate in nature. Seating is limited - please register here to attend. 

Parking Available for Havurah Events

Legacy has generously given us permission to park in its lot at 1919 NW Lovejoy on weekdays after 5 pm and all day on weekends. We can park in any spot except spots 1 through 10. We hope this will make it easier to come for services and other programming! Please help us maintain our relationship with Legacy by honoring these guidelines.

Havurah Zoom Rooms

Havurah Zoom Rooms


To see our full Zoom room instructions, click here. Member sign-in required.
 

Resources

Do You Need Support?
If you are facing emotional, financial, or health challenges and would welcome support, please consider contacting the (a) Bikkur Holim (Visiting the Sick) Committee for spiritual support, (b) Lotsa Helping Hands for help with food, transportation, or other errands, or (c) Rabbi Benjamin, for spiritual and moral support – benjamin@havurahshalom.org or 503-248-4662 ext. 3. If you're interested in being on a list of people who support others in concrete ways, such as grocery shopping or running other errands, please contact Lotsa Helping Hands. To request that the name of a relative or Havurah member be read during the Misheberach (healing prayer) at Shabbat services, please use this Misheberach Request Form.

Questions About Havurah?
The Transparency & Inclusivity Committee is an avenue within Havurah Shalom to help members find the answers to questions or concerns they have wondered about. Please send your questions to transparency@havurahshalom.org. We will anonymously answer your question in Hakol. Everyone in our community benefits from this clarity.