Hineinu, January 1, 2025

Rabbi Benjamin's Sabbatical Begins Feb. 1
From the Presidents Team: Rabbi Benjamin will take part one of a well-deserved sabbatical for five months, beginning on February 1, 2025, and returning to our thriving community on July 1, 2025. During this time, the many functions of his position will be picked up by … everyone – as a participatory community is compelled to do. Many will take on these responsibilities, from our staff and lay leaders to committee chairs and congregants who have pastoral skills, are musically inclined, or otherwise want to help lead services. What an opportunity for us to stretch and grow! Details on who will be stepping into different roles and the help we still need can be found on page 6 of the January 2025 Hakol and will be further shared in the Hineinu newsletter during this month. If you have questions or need to communicate with Rabbi Benjamin, please reach out to him before the "last minute" in late January. Replenish well, beloved Rabbi!

Wings of the Dove Campaign for Havurah Shalom January Engagement Sessions — Seeking Your Input on Havurah's Future
For years, Havurah volunteers have been working on plans for our space and staffing needs. Now it is your time to step forward and give us some input. Your participation in one of the upcoming Wings of the Dove Engagement sessions will give us the feedback needed to create a campaign that assures Havurah will thrive as a participatory commu-nity while addressing our growing needs. Thank you to the over 200 members who have already given their input. Please take note of the upcoming engagement session dates in January and watch your email for final details:
• NW Neighborhood Session – Thursday, January 16, 7 pm, RSVP
• SW Neighborhood Session – Wednesday, January 22, 7 pm, RSVP
• Zoom Session – Sunday, January 26, 7 pm, RSVP
• SE Neighborhood Session – Members in SE will receive a personal invitation
• NE Neighborhood Session – Members in N/NE will receive a personal invitation
Note that these are not fundraising sessions. We are seeking input on our goals and plans. Thank you.

Two-Part Series on Engaging with Antisemitism
4 pm to 6 pm, Sundays, January 12 and 26 — Havurah Shalom
Using sections of the book Safety through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism, we'll gather as Havurah members on January 12 to share personal experiences and reflect together about the reading and antisemitism in general. We'll gather again on January 26, along with members of First Unitarian Church, to host co-author Shane Burley and explore how we can fight antisemitism, in solidarity with others. Participating Havurah members should be able to attend both sessions and do some reading and reflecting before each session. Childcare will be available as well. RSVPs required for this two-part series at Havurah Shalom.

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration: Friday, Jan. 10
5:45 pm Hearty Nosh, 6:30 pm Service, 7:30 pm Continued Hearty Nosh, Plus Dessert, Friday, January 10 — Havurah Shalom (w/ 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! No RSVPs. Free childcare is provided! Learn more. 

Havurah members, please consider donating a bit of your time to help out! We need people to fill and set out water pitchers, make almond butter and jam sandwiches for the kiddos, bus tables, distribute challah and wine/juice, put out song sheets, and more! Sign up here to volunteer.

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, January 18.)

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. (On January 4, there will be a Text and Torah Shabbat: Rituals of Shabbat. Also, note that the Tot Shabbat for January is now taking place a on Saturday, January 11. RSVP)

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

Text and Torah Shabbat: Rituals of Shabbat
10 am to 12 pm, Saturday, January 4 — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
One hour of text study with Diane Chaplin on special topics, followed by a brief service. Join us afterward for a light community brunch provided by the Lunches and Noshes Committee! Free childcare is provided. For Zoom information, please email info@havurhshalom.org in advance.

Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual: Tevet
7 pm, Sunday, January 5 – 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.

How Precious the Ground Book Discussion: Ch. 5, 6, and Epilogue
[Note Date & Zoom Room Changes]
5 pm to 6 pm, Tuesday, January 7 — Zoom Room Heh
Join Havurah’s Climate Action Team (HCAT) for a discussion of Chapters 5, 6, and Epilogue from How Precious the Ground on Which We Stand: Jewish Values that Could Save the Earth by Rabbi Sheldon (Shelly) Lewis. Each chapter stands on its own; no worries if this will be your first time joining us. All are welcome. Zoom info will be shared when you register. (The author will speak to Havurahniks via Zoom on Monday, Jan. 13!) RSVP

Hebrew as a Tool: Prayer and Torah
7 pm to 8:15 pm, Wednesdays, Jan. 8 to Jun. 18 — Havurah Shalom
Using an in-depth, word-by-word approach, we discover literal meaning(s), ancient layers of understanding, and our own personal interpretations that stem from the nuances of the Hebrew text. Basic Hebrew decoding skills necessary.​​​​​​ RSVP to join this course.

Racial Justice Committee Meeting
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Thursday, January 9 — Zoom Room Bet
Havurahniks, join the Racial Justice Committee Monthly Meeting where we spend some time learning together and planning activities for our community. We welcome new committee members all the time! Come check us out if you are curious! Questions? Contact Julia Lager-Mesulam (member login needed to access directory). (*Havurah members: For Zoom room info, go to HavurahShalom.org/Zoom and log in to your member account.*)

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration
5:45 pm Hearty Nosh, 6:30 pm Service, 7:30 pm Continued Hearty Nosh, Plus Dessert, Friday, January 10 — Havurah Shalom (w/ 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! Learn more. 

Tot Shabbat
10:30 am to 11:15 am, Saturday, January 11 – 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

Two-Part Series on Engaging with Antisemitism
4 pm to 6 pm, Sundays, January 12 and 26 — Havurah Shalom
Using sections of the book Safety through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism, we'll gather as Havurah members on January 12 to share personal experiences and reflect together about the reading and antisemitism in general. We'll gather again on January 26, along with members of First Unitarian Church, to host co-author Shane Burley and explore how we can fight antisemitism, in solidarity with others. Participating Havurah members should be able to attend both sessions and do some reading and reflecting before each session. Childcare will be available as well. RSVPs required for this two-part series at Havurah Shalom.

Rabbi Shelly to Speak to Havurahniks
5 pm to 6 pm, Monday, January 13 — Zoom Room Gimel
Join Havurah’s Climate Action Team (HCAT)  for a discussion with Rabbi Sheldon (Shelly) Lewis, author of How Precious the Ground on Which We Stand: Jewish Values that Could Save the Earth. Dr. Adriane Leveen, Bible Scholar and Climate Activist writes, “Lewis conveys the many ways in which the Hebrew Bible celebrates the natural world as a sacred creation that we must cherish and work to preserve. His words are glorious, his vision illuminating. Reading his book fills me with joy. Learn more & RSVP

Make Your Own Haggadah
6:30 pm to 7:45 pm, Mondays, January 13, 20, 27 and February 3 - Zoom Room Heh
Adults and teens, put your own mark on the seder by making your own Haggadah to tell the story of the Exodus! We'll meet four times and focus on choosing and making art, selecting readings to include, selecting songs for a songbook and playlist, and telling the story of the plagues. At the end, you will have a document you can print or share to be used at your seder, along with a songbook and playlist you can sing along with! Led by Carolina Martinez. Learn more and RSVP.

Teen Engagement Meeting
7 pm, Monday, January 13 — Zoom Room Bet
Monthly meeting for the Teen Engagement Committee leadership. Havurah teens and their parents are welcome. Questions? Contact Andy Waxman and Michelle Bobowick. (*Havurah members: For Zoom room info, go to HavurahShalom.org/Zoom and log in to your member account.*)

Monthly Music Jam
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Monday, January 13 — Havurah Shalom
Havurahniks, tune your instrument, warm up your voice, and head down to the Havurah music jam! Join the January Jam, this month led by Hannah Truehaft.  All players and singers are welcome for a fun evening of playing and singing together—for the joy of it! Our songbook includes Jewish and secular songs from a wide range of artists and eras. Can't wait to sing and play with you! RSVP

Steering Meeting
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, January 14 (second Tues-days) — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Gimel
Steering members and staff will meet to consider matters of govern-ance. All Havurah Shalom members are invited to attend Steering Com-mittee meetings. Members will be able to view a draft meeting agenda on Havurah’s calendar page for the Jan. 14 Steering meeting.

Multi-Synagogue Torah Study, Led by Emily Simon
9 am to 10 am, Saturday, January 18 (Third Saturdays) – 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.

Shabbat Morning with Bar Mitzvah of Nathaniel "Nat" Fox
10 am to 12 pm, Saturday, January 18 -– Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
Please join us for Shabbat morning services, including welcoming Nathanial "Nat" Fox as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community. All are welcome.

Havurah Shalom Office Closure: January 20 (MLK Day)
The Havurah office will be closed on Monday, January 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Teen Tikkun Olam: The Friends of Seasonal and Service Workers (FSSW) Coat Sort
11 am to 2 pm, Monday, January 20 – Lewis & Clark College in the Stamm Dining Hall (Located in the Fowler Student Center)
Tikkun Olam opportunity for Havurah teens on MLK, Jr. Day! Join us to sort coats being donated to various charities by Columbia Sportswear, or-ganized by Teen Engagement Committee and the Friends of Seasonal and Service Workers. RSVP.

B’khol Levav’kha: Meeting this Moment Wholeheartedly – An Evening of Meditation and Connection
6:30 pm to 8 pm, Thursday, January 23 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
We’ll gather for spiritual practice and spiritual community as we enter this new chapter in our country. Interweaving guided meditation, song, and space for reflection and sharing, we’ll draw from our tradition’s spiritual resources as we accompany and support each other during this time of transition. We’ll also leave some time for informal connection and community. Contact Rabbi Benjamin with questions. All are welcome. RSVP.

History of the Sephardic Jews and Their Language, Ladino
7 pm to 8:15 pm, Thursdays, January 23, January 30, and February 6 – Havurah Shalom

Who are the Sephardic Jews? What is their history and what is their language? We will focus on the Jews expelled from Spain and Portugal who settled in the Ottoman Empire and their language, Ladino.  You will learn where they lived, the communities they formed, and what happened to them in the Holocaust and post-Holocaust. You will be exposed to Sephardic culture, music, and literature. You will get a taste of the Ladino language, how it formed, how it was used, its literature, and its proverbs. If you speak modern Spanish, you should take this class. If you don’t speak modern Spanish, you should take this class. Led by Roger Brewer. RSVP

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

Mahloket Matters: How to Disagree Constructively
10:30 am to 11:45 am, on seven alternating Sundays, January 5 to March 30 -– On Zoom and at Temple Emek Shalom (TES) in Ashland, Oregon
From Temple Emek Shalom: Join an 7-session class taught by Emily Simon to study mahloket l’shem shamayim (constructive disagreements) as a vital tool to generate critical thinking and personal growth. Text study can be used to increase the desire and ability to understand and engage more constructively with conflicting political opinions today. Each class will present a mahloket (disagreement) in classical Jewish texts that is relevant to a unique aspect of modern life and contemporary challenges. For a complete list of dates and topics click here. No Hebrew or prior study is necessary for this course. This class will be free for TES members and cost $120 for non-TES member households. If anyone needs financial assistance, please contact Rabbi Julie at rabbijulie@emekshalom.org. You can register for the class here.

18th Annual Winter Sephardic Film Festival
7 pm to 9 pm on second Tuesdays through April 2025 (next film showing is January 14) -– Congregation Ahavath Achim (6686 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland)
From Congregation Ahavath Achim: Join us on the second Tuesday of each month from December - April for a Sephardic Film followed by Sephardic desserts and discussion. (The Tuesday, January 14 film is Glickman.) For more information on this film festival, including a list of all films to be shown, click here.

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.