May 17 Community Email

Friday, May 19, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Join us for a casual, family-friendly and music-filled service. Beginning with candle lighting, Kiddush and challah, the service continues with prayers and music led by congregants, followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner. (Above photo was taken at a Dorot Shabbat.)

Community Minyan

Saturday, May 20, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This welcoming and engaging service includes davening, Torah reading, and haggling over the meaning. Deepen your connections and let quiet fill your soul on Shabbat morning. Childcare is available.

Shabbat School Summit
Saturday, May 20, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Parents review this year and plan teaching and social activities for next year. Children gather separately for games and activities. Please bring your calendar so we can plan summer gatherings.

New & Prospective Members Bagel Brunch

Sunday, May 21, 10:00 am - 12:00 noon

Havurah Shalom welcomes new and prospective new members to a morning of fun and information at our annual orientation on Sunday, May 21. Attendees will get acquainted with various offerings in the Havurah Shalom community, hear from experienced members, and meet with other newer members. We will have a coffee, bagels and juice, and childcare will be provided. Hope to see you there! Please RSVP here if you can come. If you have questions, contact Sarah Rosenberg, 503-452-4250. (Above photo was taken at a New & Prospective Members Bagel Brunch.)

Ma'avar Committee Meeting
Sunday, May 21, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Anyone interested in joining Ma'avar is welcome to attend the meeting. For more information, contact Sidney Gold or Keren McCord.

Sanctuary Cohort Meeting

Monday, May 22, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Our immigrant community continues to live in fear. People are afraid to leave their homes, go to appointments, take their kids to school. They are afraid of being detained or deported. The Havurah Sanctuary Team is exploring how we can demonstrate and support Sanctuary - to listen to the needs of the immigrant community and provide needed support. At this meeting, we will provide updates on the various actions we have organized and provide an opportunity to send a message to our governor that we don't want any of our county jails being used as detention facilities for ICE. Based on input from previous meetings, we will divide into two work groups - Community Engagement and Political Action - and plan future activities. Questions? Contact Shari Raider or Kathy Gordon.

Book Discussion Group

Tuesday, May 23, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

"A Marriage of Opposites" by Alice Hoffman is the next book Havurah's book discussion group selected to discuss. "Telling the fictionalized life of Rachel Pissarro, the mother of the famous Impressionist Camille Pissarro, the story unwinds slowly—beginning with Rachel in her youth, growing up in a strict Jewish community on the island of St. Thomas in the early 1800s. When her older husband dies, she falls in love with her husband’s nephew, and her defiance and strength to be with the one she loves manages to supersede her community’s desire for discretion and adherence to custom." The book also concerns the relationship between mother and her artist son, Camille. Please RSVP here. (Above Wikimedia photo is of a painting by Camille Pissarro.)

Spiritual Life Committee Meeting

Tuesday, May 23, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Anyone interested in joining the Spiritual Life Committee is welcome to attend this meeting.

Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation, Tuesdays, 12 noon - 1:00 pm

We gather on Tuesdays to find some moments of quiet and shalom. All are welcome.

Morning Minyan, Wednesday, May 24, 8:30 - 9:00 am
Join us for this focused minyan for people who are saying Kaddish and/or want to incorporate a regular prayer practice.

Office Closures: May 29 (Memorial Day), May 31 & June 1 (Shavuot)

Pastoral Care Team Meeting

Thursday, June 1, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Please join in this planning meeting to discuss the development of our Havurah Pastoral Care Team (PCT). The PCT is a congregant-led group whose purpose is to provide both spiritual and hands-on support to Havurah members facing such things as illness, medical challenges, and family emergencies. The PCT was initially developed to cover pastoral needs during Rabbi Joey's 2015 sabbatical but it has become clear that our members have a variety of needs and concerns for which community support may be needed. The PCT is intended to supplement and complement the HavHelp/Lotsa Helping Hands process which has been in existence for many years. The PCT will become active during the time leading up to Rabbi Benjamin's arrival at Havurah, and we envision it continuing after he joins our community as well. On June 1, we will meet to discuss short-term plans/needs in addition to longer-range goals.

Morning Minyan, Thursday, June 1, 8:00 - 9:00 am
We will not have a morning minyan on Wednesday, May 31, this week. This week we will have our morning minyan on Thursday, June 1, with an early start (8:00 am) for the second day of Shavuot.

Song of Miriam Awards Brunch

Sunday, June 4, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Mazel tov to Eve Berry! Eve is the 2017 Song of Miriam Honoree from Havurah Shalom. Her many contributions to our congregation stem from her lifelong focus on childhood education and learning. In her civilian life, Eve is an elementary teacher for ESL students. She has generously shared her time, talent and expertise with us at Havurah. Read more about Eve here.

If you would like to attend the Song of Miriam Awards Brunch, please print, complete and mail this form to register. If you want to sit with other Havurah members, please email Shelley Sobel after you register.

Red Cross Blood Drive - Havurah Shalom & Shaarie Torah

Sunday, June 4, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Shaarie Torah
On June 4 we are cosponsoring a blood drive with Shaarie Torah and the Red Cross. It will take place between 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at Shaarie Torah in the Social Hall (920 NW 25th). This is a life-saving mitzvah and will only require about one hour of your time. Please sign up at redcrossblood.org. Type in the code shaarietorah to find the blood drive or call 1-800-733-2767 to schedule an appointment. Contact Chris Coughlin if you have questions.

SAVE THIS DATE: Emanuel Ben-David, Scholar In Residence

Saturday, July 15, Community Minyan-10:00 am, Vegetarian Potluck-12:00 noon, Presentations, 1:30-4:00 pm
Havurah is honored to have Emily Simon's good friend from Ashland and Israel, Emanuel Ben-David, join us on July 15 for a special Shabbat. Suffice it to say that, being a native Israeli, Emanuel notices nuances in Hebrew, and as a result his teachings have great depth. He is studying for the rabbinate but to Emily's mind could be a rabbi right now based upon his ability to lead davening. He and Emily have led services together in Ashland, and Emily is convinced that he will be a great guest for the Shabbat that he is coming to visit. His "day job" was involved in the technical side of Israeli military defense, and his knowledge on that topic is terrific to hear. Read more and RSVP here.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Press Conference on Affordable Housing - In 2003, tens of millions of our taxpayer dollars were invested in the South Waterfront development. The major beneficiary was OHSU and, in return, OHSU promised to build 400 units of affordable housing. To date, OHSU has produced ZERO affordable housing units. On Tuesday, May 23, from 12:15 to 12:45 pm, MACG will hold a press conference urging OHSU to keep its promise. It would be wonderful if Havurah members could attend to show their support. The press conference will be at Elizabeth Caruthers Park, 3508 SW Moody Ave. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Goldberg.

Counting the Omer - Many thanks to Diane Chaplin for leading an engaging Text & Torah discussion last Saturday about counting the omer. You can read the information she presented about Emor & Omer here.

Connect With Your Community! - More than a year has passed since Havurah asked members to tell us how they would like to connect at Havurah. Having experienced significant changes in both the world and our community, your interests may have changed. Please take five minutes to answer the five questions on this survey. Thank you for helping us improve our community's connections!

Portland Homeless Family Solutions Goose Hollow Shelter Direct Service Project - Since July, 2015 Havurah has had a team of volunteers at Goose Hollow evening shelter once a month. I have had the pleasure of coordinating Havurah volunteers for this hands-on project. Last Thursday I was at the shelter, as I am on occasion, as a member of Havurah's team. The families are uniquely different. Some adults over these past 2 years stand out as they are the ones who challenged my prior assumptions of homeless adults. Several children I will continue to carry in my heart. Each one clearly demonstrated with actions and words their understanding of how to make the best of their situation, not just for themselves, yet also for the other children there. And then there are the Havurah volunteers who I have the humble honor to get to work with. Join this incredible group of Havurahniks. It only takes an hour of your time to complete the sole requirement of an on site orientation. Next one: May 18, 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Contact Gloria Halper.

Email List for Social Action - Havurahniks, there's nothing like a Trump presidency to inspire action! So, are you interested in attending rallies, calling senators, writing postcards, etc. with other Havurah folks? If so, Rebecca Darling-Budner (as part of the Tikkun Olam Committee) is now facilitating an email list that will be used solely for organizing ourselves to take action together. To join the list, just shoot her an email requesting to be a member, rbudner@yahoo.com.

Book Drive for Boise-Eliot, May 16 - June 4 - I am organizing a book drive for the kids at Boise-Eliot/Humboldt PK-8 School in North Portland. Boise-Eliot serves the largest population of Black children in Oregon, and the school community is a supportive and nurturing environment in a neighborhood that has lost almost all of its Black population. Here's a 2016 Slate article about the school and the changing realities in the surrounding community. Please consider donating new or gently used books, Tuesday, May 16- Sunday, June 4. The goal is to collect 700 books, so each child has at least one book to read over the summer. Here's how to donate: Send books directly to Boise-Eliot/Humboldt via their Amazon wish list at http://a.co/4Tak0s6 or buy books and drop them off at Boise-Eliot/Humboldt PK-8 School, 620 N Fremont, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, or Children's Institute, 1411 SW Morrison Street, Suite 205, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm - Danielle Cogan, Havurah member

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Havurah Shalom is a vibrant, egalitarian, and diverse Jewish Reconstructionist community. Steeped in Jewish values, Havurah promotes spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility.

Find our calendar and learn more at www.havurahshalom.org.

825 NW 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

503-248-4662

Havurah Shalom
825 NW 18th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

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Sat, May 10 2025
12 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

Sunday ,
MayMay 11 , 2025

Rose Haven Walk (register at their 2025 Reigning Roses Walk site)
Sunday, May 11th 10:00a to 1:00p
Rose Haven supporters and guests will unite to stride a beautiful route through NW Portland on Mother’s Day at the 12th Annual Reigning Roses Walk. Walk with, or in honor of, a special woman in your life – a mother, grandmother, daughter, partner, or friend. 10 am check-in, 11 am begin walking. (We've cancelled the Havurah Teen Engagement plan for this event; just go to the Rose Haven 2025 Reigning Roses Walk website to register!)
MORE INFO
Monday ,
MayMay 12 , 2025

(IP) Jewish Ethical Responses to the Problem of Racism
Monday, May 12th 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.
MORE INFO
Tuesday ,
MayMay 13 , 2025

(HYB) Steering Meeting
Tuesday, May 13th 6:30p to 8:30p
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).
MORE INFO
Wednesday ,
MayMay 14 , 2025

(IP) Hebrew as a Tool: Prayer and Torah (registration closed)
Wednesday, May 14th 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
Thursday ,
MayMay 15 , 2025

(IP) Brit Kavod Workshop
Thursday, May 15th 7:00p to 8:30p

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Thursday ,
MayMay 15 , 2025

(IP) B’nei Mitzvah Drash and Service Workshop
Thursday, May 15th 7:00p to 8:00p
Students and parents are guided through responding to Torah in a drash. You will also take a walk through the Shabbat Morning service. Led by Sarah Shine.
Register Now

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Saturday ,
MayMay 17 , 2025

(HYB) Text and Torah Shabbat: "Forgotten" Jewish Rituals
Shabbat, May 17th 10:00a to 12:00p
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.
MORE INFO
Saturday ,
MayMay 17 , 2025

(IP) Shabbat School Summit
Shabbat, May 17th 3:00p to 5:15p
Summit for all Shabbat School Families. At least one parent/adult from each familiy needs to attend. If you have two adults and children in more than one grade, it is best to have one adult attend per grade.
Register Now

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Sunday ,
MayMay 18 , 2025

(IP) New(ish) Member Brunch
Sunday, May 18th 10:00a to 12:00p
A schmear & schmooze brunch at Havurah Shalom from the Havurah Welcoming Committee for new members, newish members, and any Havurahniks who would appreciate being welcomed in again and learning about new ways to become more connected within the community. Questions? Email Wendy Castineira. Please RSVP! You can also reach out to Tara Anderson, Havurah's Participation and Publications Coordinator (phone: 503-248-4662, ext. 4; email: tara@havurahshalom.org). When you register, please let us know in the Notes section about any relevant dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)
Register Now

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Sunday ,
MayMay 18 , 2025

(IP) Annual Cemetery Beautification Day
Sunday, May 18th 1:00p to 3:30p
To beautify our cemetery, please bring garden implements and wear appropriate clothing.
Register Now

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Sat, May 10 2025 12 Iyyar 5785

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

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