Hineinu, November 20, 2024

Shabbat and Opportunities to Be Together
Upcoming Shabbat gatherings (in person and on Zoom) include Solidarity Shabbat (Friday evening, Nov. 22), Weekly Torah Study (Saturdays at 9 am, with a special multi-synagogue Torah study on third Saturdays, see calendar for more info), Shabbat Morning (including Shabbat Mornings with B'nei Mitzvah) (Saturdays at 10 am, see calendar for more info), and our regular Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration (Friday evening, Dec. 13).

There will also be a Tot Shabbat (Saturday, Dec. 7, at 10:30 am) and a Parenting Huddle: What to Do with the G Word (God)? (Saturday, December 7, 3:10 pm), both at Havurah Shalom.

Check out the rest of this newsletter for many more events, classes, meetings, and other gatherings and opportunities coming up in the next few weeks or so.

Learn to Chant Torah: Register Soon!
7 pm to 8:15 pm, Mondays, February 3 to March 3  – Havurah Shalom
Are you interested in learning how to chant the Torah? This beautiful, ancient system is a treat to learn, and inspiring to sing. A five-session class led by Ken Lerner will teach you everything you need in order to connect with this heritage, and become a proud “leyner” (Torah chanter). Ken has been a patient teacher of beginning Torah readers for over 30 years at Havurah, and would be happy to help you feel the satisfaction of gaining this skill.

Note: There needs to be a minimum of three interested students to make the class a reality, and there is an upper limit of seven people. Please RSVP soon if you are interested, but no later than Jan. 15, 2025, and Ken will be in touch about the class.

Questions? Contact Ken Lerner (member login required to access directory) or ask a question in the registration notes when you RSVP/register.

5785/2024 High Holidays Videos
Would you like to watch and listen to recordings of our recent High Holiday services, including individual drashot? Check out our YouTube playlist, High Holidays 2024/5785. 

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.

Coming to Havurah Shalom by bicycle? Feel free to bring your bike inside our building while you're at Havurah.

Weekly/Biweekly 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, including on Saturday, December 21.)

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 (Leo Friedman, November 23) are listed below and in the website calendar. All are welcome. (Tot Shabbat is set to take place on Saturday, December 7 at 10:30 am.)

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, Adela Basayne, 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.

More Upcoming Havurah Events

Submission Deadline for December Hakol: Thursday, November 21
The deadline for submissions to the December 2024 issue of our monthly newsletter, Hakol, is Thursday, November 21. Havurah members: To read the submission guidelines and submit your short articles, go to HavurahShalom.org > News > Submit News & Requests > Click on the Hakol Submission Form. Or click on this link to go directly to the Hakol submission form. Reach out to Tara Anderson (tara@havurahshalom.org), Havurah Participation and Publications Coordinator, if you have questions.

Solidarity Shabbat
5:45 pm to 8 pm, Friday, November 22 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
Join Havurah members and friends for a Solidarity Shabbat service and potluck nosh. This is a spiritual space for community members working in solidarity with Palestinians - and for the liberation of all peoples - to come together to pray, build connections, and renew ourselves on Shabbat to continue our justice work.
Free childcare provided! Please review Havurah's proposed Brit Kavod for our community guidelines. (Schedule: 5:45 pm - Hearty Potluck Nosh; 6:15 pm - Grounding & Introduction; 6:30 pm - Service; and 7:30 pm - Kiddush & Shmooze.) Masks strongly encouraged and provided; the organizers request that all attendees who are able do so mask during the Grounding & Introduction and Service portions. If possible, please bring a small dish of your choice for the potluck. We are a vegetarian (fish ok) facility. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan food and drink welcome! RSVP with your name and how many are attending. When you register/RSVP, in the Notes section, please let us know if you can bring something for the potluck and what it is. Looking forward to seeing you! Questions? Contact Rocky Cohen or Dove Balgley (member login required to access the directory) or ask a question in the registration notes when you RSVP.

Shabbat Morning with Bar Mitzvah of Leo Friedman
10 am to 12 pm, Saturday, November 23 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
Please join us for Shabbat morning services, including welcoming Leo Friedman as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community. All are welcome.

Wings of the Dove Campaign Community Conversations (Next Session at Havurah is Saturday, Nov. 23)
3:15 pm, Saturday, November 23 – Havurah Shalom (During Shabbat School)
The Wings of the Dove Campaign is on track to lift the Havurah community to new heights, expanding the potential of our congregation in new spaces where we will gather, learn, sing, and celebrate! Your voice is needed. Havurahniks and those interested in supporting the future of our community, please choose one of the Wings of the Dove Community Sessions listed above and share in building the vision to address Havurah's future facility and staffing needs. RSVP for your preferred session (the next session is on Nov. 23). Questions? Email Aaron Pearlman, Campaign Manager, at aaron.pearlman@havurahshalom.org.

Havurah’s Climate Action Team (HCAT) Monthly Meeting
5 pm to 6:30 pm, Monday, November 25 (last Mondays) – Zoom Room Gimel Havurahniks, join us at the Climate Action Team's monthly meeting. With the new normal of extreme hot summer days and wildfire smoke, we are all affected by the climate crisis. Havurah Climate Action Team (HCAT) meets monthly and online as needed, to educate and support one another in tangible actions and political advocacy to address solutions. Questions? Contact the HCAT Co-chairs, Elianne Lieberman or Harriet Cooke.

Palestinian Justice Letter Writing Group
6 pm to 7:30 pm, Monday, November 25 (last Mondays) – 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. Non-Havurah-members very welcome as well. RSVP if you need the Zoom info. Otherwise, feel free to drop in anytime! Questions? Contact Dale Oller (member log-in required to access directory).

Havurah Book Group: There Was an Old Woman (216 pages, nonfiction) by Andrea Carlisle—Author to Join Discussion!
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, November 26 (last Tuesdays) – Zoom Room Bet
Join the Havurah Book Group in discussing There Was an Old Womanl: . We are also pleased to be joined by the author, Andrea Carlisle! (From the publisher’s description) “In these personal essays, Carlisle looks for new ways to bring herself more fully into this time of life. Those curious about approaching or living in old age will find wisdom and insight in her unique perspective. In a voice that rings with clarity, humor, and humility, Carlisle shows us that old age is not another country where we can expect to find the Old Woman grimly waiting, but instead is an expansion of the borders in the country we are most familiar with: ourselves.” Discussion led by Beth Kaye. All are welcome to any and all meetings, members of Havurah and non-members alike. RSVP for Zoom info.

Office Closed November 28 and 29
The Havurah Shalom office will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual: Kislev
7 pm, Sunday, December 1 – Meeting in Zoom Room Heh during the winter; future gatherings to take place in Zoom Room Heh or in Inner NE.
A gender-inclusive New Moon group, learning and celebrating each Rosh Ḥodesh with ancient and contemporary ritual. Open to any and all genders, inviting each to connect with our closest heavenly body, the Moon. Gatherings take place monthly on or near the new moon of each Hebrew month at 7 pm on the Sunday closest to the New Moon, either on Zoom or in person - outdoors in inner North/East Portland - depending on seasonal shifts in the weather. Attend any or all sessions; all are welcome. RSVP to be updated on location and other details throughout the year.

Dreams in the Torah, Dreams in Our Lives
6:30 pm to 7:45 pm, alternating Tuesdays, December 3 to February 18 – Havurah Shalom
Dreams are important messages in the Torah and, some say, from our unconscious minds. Over six sessions, we will explore the dreams of our ancestors as a prelude to sharing and learning about our own dreams, using a facilitated process from the Haden Institute, based in Jungian, Gestalt and Jeremy Taylor methodologies. Facilitated by Adela Basayne. Limited to 8 participants. RSVP

Tot Shabbat
10:30 am to 11:15 am, Saturday, December 7 – Havurah Shalom
Young children (0-5) and parents celebrate with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. All are welcome! Please RSVP when you plan to come. We provide free childcare for those staying to enjoy the full Shabbat service that ends at noon and which is followed by a light community brunch. Email info@havurahshalom.org to learn more. RSVP

Parenting Huddle: What to do with the G Word (God)?
3:10 am to 4:30 am, Saturday, December 7 – Havurah Shalom
Explore real-life questions that we face as parents/guardians, with some guidance from our Jewish texts and values, and each other. For the Dec. 7 Parenting Huddle: We will explore an expansive array of different ways that Jews think about God, including our own experiences and questions, as parents and as people. And we will talk about how all this relates to parenting, in both spiritual and practical terms. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. For parents/guardians to enjoy during Shabbat School, at Havurah Shalom. Member and non-member parents/guardians welcome. RSVP.

Create a Personal Chanukah Card
4 pm to 5:15 pm, Sunday, December 8 – Zoom Room Bet
Let's make virtual and paper collage Chanukah cards in December! This class is for children, teens, and adults. We will focus on symbols of the season and creating a personalized image or set of images you can use in your cards this year to accompany a gift or send to friends and family. For virtual cards, you will need a computer that has Word  or Google Docs or a sketching app like Sketchbook. For paper cards, you need colored or metallic card stock or construction paper, markers, colored pencils, metallic markers, scissors, white glue, origami metallic paper, or stickers.  We will use clip art, and there will be samples images and messages at hand. RSVP to receive more instructions ahead of time, including the Zoom login info. All are welcome. Led by Carolina Martinez.

Teen Engagement Committee Meeting
7 pm, Monday, December 9 – Zoom Room Bet
Monthly meeting for the Teen Engagement Committee leadership. Havurah teens and their parents are welcome.

Steering Meeting
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, December 10 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Gimel
Steering members and staff will meet to consider matters of governance. All Havurah Shalom members are invited to attend Steering Committee meetings. For Zoom join links, visit havurahshalom.org/zoom (must be logged in) or call the office in advance for assistance (503-248-4662).

Monthly Racial Justice Committee Meeting
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Thursday (2nd Thursdays), December 12 – Zoom Room Bet
Havurah members, join the Racial Justice Committee for our monthly (second Thursdays) meeting. We will make plans to create learning opportunities for our community and engage in learning together during the meeting. Questions? Contact Julia Lager Mesulam. Learn more on the Havurah calendar.

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration: Friday, December 13
5:45 pm (Hearthy Nosh), 6:30 pm (Service), 7:30 (Continued Hearty Nosh, Plus Dessert), Friday, December 13 – Havurah Shalom (and 6:30 pm Service also in Zoom Room Aleph)
​​​​​​​A musical, all-ages Friday night service with hearty nosh before the service and continued hearty nosh plus dessert after. All are welcome! Free childcare is provided! No need to RSVP, but please see the Dec. 13 event page for important information.

More Tikkun Olam 

 

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

Portland Jewish Academy K-8 Admissions Open House
10 am to 12 pm, Sunday, December 8 – Portland Jewish Academy (6651 SW Capitol Highway)
From Portland Jewish Academy: (For incoming K-8 students and their families) Learn all about Portland Jewish Academy's values-based education at our upcoming admissions open house. PJA is an inclusive Jewish community school that welcomes families of all backgrounds. We offer a well-rounded education infused with Jewish values that emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, social-emotional learning, community engagement, and character development. Our students are empowered to think for themselves and work for the world.
RSVP today.  (If you can’t make the open house, click to inquire about a private tour with PJA.)

Winter Marketplace at the MJCC (Mittleman Jewish Community Center) from ORA Northwest Jewish Artists
Sunday, December 8 (11 am to 4 pm) and Monday, December 9 to Thursday, December 12 (9 am to 7 pm) – Mittleman Jewish Community Center (MJCC) (6651 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, Oregon)
ORA Northwest Jewish Artists is holding its annual Hanukkah Marketplace from December 8 to December 12 at the MJCC. Art, music, and storytelling. Stock up on gifts, be entertained, and support local artists. Free admission. See flyer for more. (Check out the ORA-Northweset Jewish Artists website. And learn more about the individual ORA NW artists—a group that includes several Havurahniks in their number—and their artwork.)

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.