Hineinu: Solidarity Shabbat, Jewish Ethical Responses to Racism, Musical Shabbaton w/ Aly Halpert, and More

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Hineinu: Solidarity Shabbat, Jewish Ethical Responses to Racism, Musical Shabbaton w/ Aly Halpert, and More

Hineinu, April 23, 2025

Solidarity Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Potluck Nosh on Friday, April 25
A reminder that our next Solidarity Kabbalat Shabbat service and potluck nosh (fourth Fridays) will take place in person and on Zoom this Friday. Learn more about this gathering, including masking requests, the potluck sign-up, the volunteer sign-up (for Havurah members), the Zoom and in-person schedule, and more. All are welcome, Havurah members and non-members alike. Learn more & RSVP.

Jewish Ethical Responses to Racism:
A Four-Session Curriculum
6:30 pm to 7:45 pm, May 5, 12, 19, and June 5 — Havurah Shalom
We will address topics such as countering white nationalism and antisemitism, Jewish perspectives on reparations, repairing Jewish pioneer memory, and responding to racial microaggressions. Facilitated by Karen Sherman and Adela Basayne. Please RSVP ASAP to help make this opportunity a success! Questions? Contact Adela Basayne at adela@havurahshalom.org.

Join Our Musical Shabbaton, May 9 to 10,
with Musician-in-Residence Aly Halpert
- On Friday evening, May 9, all are welcome to join for our Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration (second Fridays, with a break for summer).
- On Saturday morning, May 10, all are welcome to join for our Shabbat Morning with Musical Shabbaton (10 am to noon, followed by kiddush lunch). If you plan to stay for lunch after the service, please RSVP for that soon.
- On Saturday afternoon, May 10, Havurah members are welcome to join for a Songs of Liberation Song Circle with Aly Halpert. Havurahniks, be sure to RSVP very soon if you would like to join for this song circle; registration capped at 80 Havurah members.
(Learn more about our May 9 and 10 Musical Shabbaton with Aly Halpert in our April 2025 Hakol.)

General Info

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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.

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. We also have a monthly Multi-synagogue Torah Study on Saturday, April 26 (normally held on third Saturdays). 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 (Dora Fortgang, April 26) are listed below and in the website calendar. (On Saturday, May 10, there will be a special Shabbat Morning and Music Shabbaton with musician-in-residence Aly Halpert; please RSVP in advance if you'd like to stay for the kiddush lunch after the service on May 10.)

Mahjong Group
1 pm, first and third Mondays — Havurah Shalom
For Havurah members. Mahjong is a fun, social activity that builds community, encouraging new friendships and cementing old ones. Reach out to Leah Hershey to be added to the email list.

Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation
12 pm, Tuesdays — Havurah Shalom 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 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.

Upcoming Havurah Events

Solidarity Kabbalat Shabbat
5:45 pm Hearty Potluck Nosh; 6:15 pm Grounding & Introduction; 6:30 pm Service; 7:30 pm Kiddush & Shmooze, Friday, April 25 (and fourth Fridays) — Havurah Shalom (w/ Zoom Room Aleph option starting at 6:30 pm for Grounding & Intro and Service)
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. Please review Havurah's Brit Kavod for our community guidelines. Masks strongly encouraged and provided. All are welcome. Learn more & RSVP. (Havurahniks, consider helping out at this April 25 gathering. Most shifts just 10 or 15 minutes.)

Multi-synagogue Torah Study
9 am to 10 am, Saturday, April 26 — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Bet
We will again have our monthly 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. (Normally held on the third Saturday of the month, Multi-Synagogue Torah Study will be held on April 26 this month.)

Shabbat Morning with Bat Mitzvah of Dora Fortgang
10 am to 12 pm, Saturday, April 26 -– Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
Please join us for Shabbat morning services, including welcoming Dora Fortgang as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community. All are welcome.

Progressive Israel Network (PIN) Sessions
April 27 (at 3 pm) and May 4 (at 11 am) — Zoom Room Bet
Havurah members, join for any or all of the remaining Zoom gatherings in this four-session series to learn about the Progressive Israel Network. Ask questions and learn how we can plug in. The April 27 speakers are from Reconstructing Judaism and New Israel Fund and the May 4 speaker is from New Jewish Narrative. Learn more and RSVP

Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual (Nisan)
7 pm to 8:15 pm, Sunday, April 27 — RSVP for location updates (either in Zoom Room Heh or North Portland)
A gender-inclusive New Moon group, learning and celebrating each Rosh Ḥodesh with ancient and contemporary ritual. Led by Andrine de la Rocha. RSVP

Havurah's Climate Action Team's Monthly Meeting (HCAT)
5 pm to 6:30 pm, Monday, April 28 — ~~Zoom Room Bet~~ Zoom Room Gimel
Havurahniks, join the Climate Action Team's monthly meeting on last Mondays. (Havurah members, click for our Zoom room login info page; log in to your Havurah member account for access.)

Palestinian Justice Letter Writing Group
6 pm to 7:30 pm, Monday, April 28 — Zoom Room Heh
We hold monthly letter-writing group Zoom gatherings (last Mondays) to write letters to our lawmakers for Israel/Palestine justice. Feel free to drop in any time! There’s no need to RSVP; however, please do RSVP/register if you need the Zoom login. Non-Havurah-members very welcome to join as well.

Steering Meeting (Budget)
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Monday, April 28 — Havurah Shalom
Havurah Shalom's Steering Committee will meet an extra time this month to discuss the budget. All Havurah members are welcome to attend this Steering Meeting. See the calendar for updates as the meeting date approaches.

Havurah Teens and Havurah's Poverty and Homelessness Committee: Supporting Rose Haven
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Wednesday, April 30 — Havurah Shalom
Havurah Teens help Rose Haven prepare for their 12th annual 'Reigning Roses Walk' by making ribbon rosettes! Drinks and snacks will be provided! RSVP 

Jewish Ethical Responses to the Problem of Racism
6:30 pm to 7:45 pm, Monday, May 5, 12, 19, and June 9 — Havurah Shalom
Following the curriculum developed by the Program in Jewish Ethics at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, each class will address a different topic, and be accompanied by videos and readings. Facilitated by Karen Sherman and Adela Basayne. Topics addressed in the four sessions include: Countering White Nationalism and Antisemitism; Jewish Perspectives on Reparations; Repairing Jewish Pioneer Memory; Responding to Racial Microaggressions.
(https://jewsandrace.com/about/). If you'd like to join this course, please RSVP as soon as possible. Questions? Reach out to Adela Basayne (adela.basayne@havurahshalom.org).

Monthly Racial Justice Committee Meeting

7 pm to 8:30 pm, Thursday, May 8 — Zoom Room Bet
Havurah members, join the Racial Justice Committee for our monthly meeting (second Thursdays). We will make plans to create learning opportunities for our community and engage in learning together during the meeting. We welcome all members to join us even if you have not joined before or it has been awhile since you attended a meeting. Questions? Contact Julia Lager Mesulam. (Log in to your Havurah member account on our website and look under the Contact tab for Havurah's Member Directory and Zoom Room login info.)

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration
5:45 pm Hearty Nosh, 6:30 pm Service, 7:30 pm Continued Hearty Nosh, Plus Dessert, Friday, May 9 — 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. Aly Halpert, musician-in-residence, will join the Havurah musicians for our musical, family-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat service. No RSVPs. All are welcome! Learn more. (Havurahniks, consider signing up for a volunteer shift; many shifts that are just ten or fifteen minutes.Thank you!) Note that we'll take a break from these Kabbalat Shabbat Celebrations during the summer.

Shabbat Morning with Musical Shabbaton (w/ Aly Halpert)
10 am to 12 pm (with kiddush lunch afterward, please RSVP for lunch ASAP) — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
On Shabbat morning, May 10, Aly will partner with Ken Lerner and Susan Brenner, infusing music into our Community Minyan and offering a drash. All are welcome. Planning to join for the kiddush lunch after the service? RSVP for that ASAP/by Monday, May 5.

Songs for Liberation Song Circle with Musician-in-residence Aly Halpert
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm (closing with the Havdalah ritual), Saturday, May 10 — Havurah Shalom
Songs for Liberation. How can songs help us create a liberated world? Join Aly Halpert for a session exploring how song can ground us, hold us, heal us, and expand our imagination, especially in times where liberation seems furthest from reach. We will sing together, connect with each other, and resource ourselves for the times ahead. Music is especially important at this critical time of struggle that we are all facing. Havurah members, if you plan to attend this Songs of Liberation Song Circle, please RSVP now. (The Saturday afternoon Song Circle is currently specifically for Havurah members, as it caps at 80 people.) Questions? Contact Sacha Reich (avodah@havurahshalom.org). RSVP

You can learn more about our May 9 and 10 Musical Shabbaton with musician-in-residence Aly Halpert on page 8 of our April 2025 issue of Hakol.

Safety Corner

Guardian Online Training via Secure Community Network
12 pm, Thursday, April 24 — Zoom by RSVP
Guardian seeks to empower people to be “Active Bystanders.” The goal is to provide individuals with the skillset to identify potential threats, protect institutions, and respond to situations from a safety perspective. Elements include how to react appropriately to possible threats, use of de-escalation techniques, and concepts from the Department of Homeland Security’s The Power of Hello program. RSVP.

BeAware: Introduction to Situational Awareness
12 pm, Wednesday, May 7 – Zoom by RSVP
Build observation skills and learn to recognize and react to various situations in your everyday life – from going to Havurah and dropping off children at school, to going to the gas station or an ATM. The course will cover the basics of situational awareness and how to help protect yourself, your family, and your community. Taught by Jessica Anderson, Secure Community Network Regional Security Director. RSVP

Tikkun Olam Corner

Interfaith Advocacy Day in Salem on Tuesday, April 29
The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty is holding Interfaith Advocacy Day all-day on Tuesday, April 29 at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Salem, Oregon. Learn more here. Registration closes on Sunday, April 27. Interested in connecting with a Havurahnik about this event or other happenings from the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty? Contact Sue Abrams.

Participate in Rose Haven's Mother's Day Reigning Roses Walk
10 am check-in, 11 am walk, Sunday, May 11 — Register for location details for this walk (in NW Portland, not so far from Havurah Shalom)
Havurah Shalom's Poverty and Homelessness Committee supports several non-profits who provide various services for those in need of shelter, food, and more. One of these non-profits is a Havurah neighbor a few blocks away, Rose Haven, a day shelter and community center. Rose Haven holds an amazing annual Mother's Day neighborhood walk, the Reigning Roses Walk! Per Rose Haven: Supporters and guests will unite for an uplifting celebration of women, striding a beautiful route through NW Portland featuring interactive and sponsored stops along the way. Walk with–or in honor of–a special person in your life: a mother, auntie, grandmother, daughter, partner or friend. Learn more and register here.

Our Havurah Poverty & Homelessness Committee contact person for Rose Haven is Marcia Suttenberg; Havurahniks, feel free to reach out to Marcia with questions about Rose Haven and this event. If you are further interested in the Poverty & Homelessness Commitee's work or would like more info about our committee, contact Gloria Halper or Steve Rudman.

After the Election, Advocacy is Essential; An Invitation to Havurah Members from the Tikkun Olam Cluster
Havurah members, please join the existing Tikkun Olam listserv to be informed about action opportunities related to issues the five Tikkun Olam committees are focused on. More details here. Havurahniks, to be added to the listserv, send an email to tikkunolam@havurahshalom.org with the subject line: Add to Tikkun Olam Google Group.

Out in the Community

Tivnu Jewish Social Justice Gap Year Program in Portland: May 1 Info Session
From Tivnu: From Passover celebrations to high school graduations, this season is one of big questions. If you’ve got questions about what comes next after high school for you, your child, or your students, check out our May 1 info session to learn more about the benefits and day-to-day experience of Tivnu’s once-in-a-lifetime gap year experience. Register for the last Tivnu info session of the year (at 5:30 pm, Thursday, May 1, on Zoom).

Tivnu: All Grown Up - A Taste of Tivnu for Adults (Register by May 1)
From Tivnu: You don’t have to be a Tivnu Gap Year participant to learn to swing a hammer and help build a community—at least, not anymore! We’d love for you to join us June 15-19, 2025 for the best of Tivnu: hands-on work at places like Hazelnut Grove tiny house village, conversations with our favorite inspiring young activists, and exploring the amazing beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Not to mention a good local Pinot Noir after work. (There are some things we don’t get to share with the gap year kids!) Homestays available. Greatly discounted price of $360 for professional Jewish educators. Tivnu is offering a special rate of $540 for Havurah Shalom members. (Financial assistance available for all: contact steve@tivnu.org.) Questions? Contact Steve@Tivnu.org for more information. We’re looking forward to this taste of Tivnu with you in June!

Arab-Jewish Partnership in a Time of War: A Conversation with Raghad Jaraisy of Sikkuy-Aufoq
7 pm, Tuesday, May 6 — Eastside Jewish Commons (2420 SE Sandy Blvd, Portland, Oregon)
Per the New Israel Fund: "In recent years, actions taken by Israel's right-wing government have further marginalized the country's Arab minority. Since the events of October 7 and the ensuing war in Gaza, tensions between Israel's Jewish and Palestinian citizens have further intensified. And yet, even in this difficult moment, there is hope. Across Israel, courageous activists are working to build a more equal and shared future for all who call the land home. The New Israel Fund is proud to support these efforts and the leaders behind them.
One such leader is Raghad Jaraisy, Co-Executive Director of Sikkuy-Aufoq. A respected attorney and human rights advocate, Raghad has devoted her career to advancing the civil and collective rights of Palestinian citizens of Israel ..." (Havurah Shalom is among the co-sponsors of this event.)
Learn more. | Sign Up to Attend.

Portland Jewish Music Festival (w/ Free-of-Charge Solo Cello Concert from Havurahnik Diane Chaplin at Noon on Friday, May 16!)
May 8 to 18 — Eastside Jewish Commons (2420 SE Sandy Blvd, Portland, Oregon) and at any other venues listed on the EJC's website
See the EJC's PDX Jewish Music Fest website for more, including event dates, workshop info, and festival passes and tickets Music, Films, Lectures, Workshops!
Regarding Havurahnik Diane Chaplin's May 16 Solo Cello Concert, per the EJC: Join us for a noon concert with world-class cellist Diane Chaplin as she plays a solo concert spanning her repertoire of music by Jewish composers, Klezmer and Jewish concert music and more! Get your free tickets/reserve your spot at Diane Chaplin's cello concert (scroll down on the EJC's Portland Jewish Music Fest website and click on Diane Chaplin's May 16 event).

Parking Available for Havurah Events

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 (a) Bikkur Holim (Visiting the Sick) Committee for spiritual support, (b) Lotsa Helping Hands for help with food, transportation, or errands, or (c) Rabbi Benjamin*, for spiritual and moral support. *Note that Rabbi Benjamin will be on sabbatical until July 1, 2025. For pastoral needs during this time, please contact the Havurah Shalom office (info@havurahshalom.org, 503-248-4662) and Rachel Pollak will make the appropriate connection for you.

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.

Havurah Shalom
825 NW 18th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

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Wed, April 30 2025
2 Iyyar 5785

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Upcoming Events

IP = In person only (normally at Havurah Shalom);

ZM = On Zoom/online only;

HYB = In person and online; and

ANN = In person at Havurah's Annex.

All Events

Saturday ,
MayMay 3 , 2025

(HYB) Shabbat Morning
Shabbat, May 3rd 10:00a to 12:00p
Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin (who is on sabbatical until July 1, 2025), this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion. 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@havurahshalom.org.
MORE INFO
Saturday ,
MayMay 3 , 2025

(IP) Shabbat School
Shabbat, May 3rd 3:00p to 5:15p
This program gives children a foundation for lifelong Jewish learning and engagement while integrating parents and children in a caring Jewish community.
MORE INFO
Saturday ,
MayMay 3 , 2025

Grade 6 Shabbat School Special Celebration
Shabbat, May 3rd 3:45p to 5:15p
Parents of Grade 6 students gather during Shabbat School and Havdallah to celebrate their students.
Register Now

MORE INFO
Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025

(ZM) Progressive Israel Network Sessions
Sunday, May 4th 11:00a to 12:00p
Havurah Shalom is hosting a four-session series from the Progressive Israel Network. Come learn in collaboration with representatives from five to six of the participating Progressive Israel Network organizations, including T’ruah, New Jewish Narrative, Partners for Progressive Israel, New Israel Fund, J Street, and Reconstructing Judaism. All perspectives on Israel-Palestine, as well as all curious people, are welcomed and encouraged. Our guests will give presentations and take questions. You can register for all sessions, below, but it's okay if you can't attend all three sessions. (Reconstructing Judaism, the central organization of the Reconstructionist movement, of which Havurah Shalom is a part, is a member of the Progressive Israel Network.)
MORE INFO
Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025

(IP) Private Rental
Sunday, May 4th 1:00p to 4:00p

MORE INFO
Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025

(IP) Writing for Peace and Reconciliation, Within and Between Us
Sunday, May 4th 6:30p to 8:30p
Commemorate the last day of Pesach and Yitzkor in community Passover not only invites us to retell our ancient story but to look at our current reality and ask: what is our mitzrayim today? The obstacle in our personal and communal life? Where can we break through in an act of courage and compassion? April 20th & May 4th, 6:30 PM at Havurah, join Harriet Cooke for a writing/drawing group to explore this theme along with Yitzkor, the Sephirot and Counting the Omer. (It is recommended to attend either just the first session or both sessions.)
MORE INFO
Monday ,
MayMay 5 , 2025

(IP) Jewish Ethical Responses to the Problem of Racism
Monday, May 5th 6:30p to 7:45p
We will address topics such as countering white nationalism and antisemitism, Jewish perspectives on reparations, repairing Jewish pioneer memory, and responding to racial microaggressions. Facilitated by Karen Sherman and Adela Basayne.
Register Now

MORE INFO
Tuesday ,
MayMay 6 , 2025

(IP) KS Rehearsal
Tuesday, May 6th 7:00p to 9:00p

MORE INFO
Wednesday ,
MayMay 7 , 2025

(CANCELED) Collage Art with Jewish Symbols
Wednesday, May 7th 6:30p to 7:45p
This class has been canceled by the instructor. If you are interested in doing art at Havurah, please reach out to Adela Basayne (info@havurahshalom.org). Bring your crafts and creativity out for making collage art with Jewish symbols. We will create hamzas, stars of David, trees of life, and images for blessing the home. All ages are invited! Led by Carolina Martinez.
Register Now

MORE INFO
Wednesday ,
MayMay 7 , 2025

(IP) Hebrew as a Tool: Prayer and Torah (registration closed)
Wednesday, May 7th 7:00p to 8:15p
(This class will now be starting on January 8.) 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.
MORE INFO

Wed, April 30 2025 2 Iyyar 5785

Address: 825 NW 18th Ave, Portland OR 97209 Phone: 503-248-4662

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