May 24 Community Email

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May 24 Community Email

Havurah Shalom

Weekly Community Email, May 24

From Our Calendar:
1) Upcoming Shabbat
2) Office Closures

3) Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation

4) Thursday Morning Minyan for Shavuot

5) Pastoral Care Team Meeting

6) Song of Miriam Awards Brunch - Eve Berry is Havurah's Honoree

7) Red Cross Blood Drive Cosponsored with Shaarie Torah

8) Last Kabbalat Shabbat of the Year!
9) Save This Date - Emanuel Ben-David, Scholar in Residence
10) Pride Parade on Sunday, June 18

Announcements:
1) Tonight - 10th Annual Sara Glasgow Memorial Lecture at PSU
2) Tomorrow - Sharing Life Stories
3) Connect With Your Community - 5 Questions
4) Planning Ahead for the High Holy Days
5) Portland Homeless Family Solutions Direct Service Project
6) Book Drive for Boise-Eliot
7) Rachel's Well - A New Mikvah for Portland
8) Just in Time for Summer Camping
9) Havurah Sanctuary Committee Action

Above is a photo of artwork on Havurah's courtyard provided by a young Havurahnik at last Saturday's Shabbat School Summit.

1) Community Minyan

Saturday, May 27, 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Join us this Saturday as Barbara Slader, Ken Lerner, Teri Ruch, Laura Ehrlich, Jacob Mandelsberg, and others lead and read Torah. The book Bamidbar (which means “In the desert”) is also the name of the first parsha of the book, which we will read this Saturday. While the people of Israel are in the desert, they are commanded to take a census of the 12 tribes. Why all the counting? Rashi says: Because of G‑d’s great love for His people, He counts them all the time. He counted them when they left Egypt. He counted them after they fell in the wake of the sin of the golden calf, to know the number of the survivors. And He counted them when He came to manifest His presence within them: on the first of Nissan the Sanctuary was erected, and [one month later] on the first of Iyar He counted them. Add your voice to the discussion this Saturday. Join us!

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

3) Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation
Tuesday, May 30, 12 noon - 1:00 pm
We gather on Tuesdays to find some moments of quiet and shalom. All are welcome.

4) Morning Minyan

Thursday, June 1, 8:00 - 9:00 am
We will not have a morning minyan on Wednesday this week. Our morning minyan will be on Thursday, June 1, with an early start (8:00 am) for the second day of Shavuot.

5) 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.

6) 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. Photo of Eve below.

7) Red Cross Blood Drive

Sunday, June 4, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Shaarie Torah
On June 4 Havurah is 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.

8) Last Kabbalat Shabbat of the Year!

Friday, June 9, 6:30 - 8:15 pm (Dinner at 6:30 pm; Service at 7:30 pm)
Join us for a tasty catered vegetarian dinner before our musical Kabbalat Shabbat service. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options will be provided. RSVP here by Monday, June 5 . All are invited to join us for our short, celebratory musical service at 7:30 pm to welcome in Shabbat. The service will be led by Havurah musicians Ilene Safyan and Liz Schwartz (lead vocals), Chaim Wolin, Scott Snyder, Steven Sandberg-Lewis, and John Duke, among others.

9) Save This Date: Scholar-in-Residence Emanuel Ben-David, 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.

10) Portland Pride Parade
Sunday, June 18, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

As we have for more than a decade, Havurah Shalom will march in the Portland Pride Parade on Sunday, June 18, with the “Community of Welcoming Congregations.” The parade is from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, beginning on the North Park Blocks, between NW 8th Ave and NW Davis St. Watch this weekly email and Havurah’s website for details about where and when to meet so we can march together. As always, we will hang our Pride banner on our building during the month of June. For the first time this year, many Jewish organizations will march together with the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland in the parade. Above photo was taken last year by Donna Kleinman.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

1) Tonight! The 10th Annual Sara Glasgow Cogan Memorial Lecture - The Ten Commandments in the Limelight, with Dr. Jenna Weissman Joselit,
Wednesday, May 24, 7:00 pm (Dessert Reception at 8:45 pm), Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 333. Thank you to Havurah member Nathan Cogan and the Cogan Family for their generous sponsorship of this event. Learn more here.

2) Sharing Life Stories: Bridging Our Perspectives on Israel, faciliatated by Elad Vazana (co-sponsored by the Institute for Judaic Studies) - Thursday, May 25, 7:00 pm, Neveh Shalom. This event and the June 12 event are free, but RSVP at 503-246-8831 or lwoloshin@nevehshalom.org as there are only 150 spots available. "Story is the shortest distance between people," says Israeli Elad Vazana, an artist, educator, multi-narrative tour guide, and experienced mediator and facilitator of successful face-to-face relationship building for social change. For 15 years he has helped Palestinian and Israeli youth and adults — Muslims, Christians, Jews, and others — build trust while experiencing that “an enemy is one whose story we have not heard.” Also Monday, June 12, 7:00 pm - Nani: A Musical Journey into the Ancient Roots of Israeli Music. Learn more here.

3) Connect with Your Community! - It has been more than a year since Havurah asked you to tell us your interests. After huge changes in the world and in our community, we’re hoping you’ll let us know if your interests have changed and, if so, how you’re most interested in connecting with others at Havurah. Please take a moment to answer the five questions on this survey. Thank you for helping us improve our community’s connections!

4) Planning Ahead for High Holy Days - If you are like my family, you are beginning to think about school getting out, warm and sunny days becoming the norm, summer vacations, hanging out and eating dinner with friends on the patio or in the park. We are excited, knowing that the daylight will be lasting longer. But before we all head off into the sunshine, may I suggest you take some time to organize your calendar? I am talking about the High Holy Days that come at the end of September. Soon calls and requests will be made for members to take on the many parts that make the Days of Awe amazing and beautiful. Havurah Shalom is fortunate to have such a large and creative collective of families. And to our collective of families, I say, come and join the work of preparing and creating our High Holy Days. **Go ahead: put the dates in the sidebar in your calendar for services at the Tiffany Center. Read more of Susan Lazareck's inspiring message on our blog.

5) 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. Contact Gloria Halper.

6) 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

7) Rachel’s Well—Portland’s New Community Mikvah for all—will open this summer for traditional contemporary ritual immersion. This is a Mikvah created by the community for the community, and with everyone’s support we will together make it a beautiful (and functional) space. If you would like to serve as Havurah Shalom's representative on the advisory committee for the new community mikvah, contact Julia Lager-Mesulam.

8) Just in Time for Your Summer Camping! Own a Piece of Havurah's History. A Havurah Shalom member is selling 30 Super Nova LED camping lights used for Joey's retirement party. All the batteries have been used for 5+ hours on medium setting - lights have five settings and have a great handle at the top which makes them a perfect tent light for camping. They were purchased for $9.98 and are selling for $8, with $1 of that donated to Havurah. Email Monica if you are interested in purchasing one. Happy Summer!

9) Havurah Sanctuary Committee Action, "Radical Accompaniment in difficult times." Over a dozen Havurah members went up to the Tacoma Detention Center for the 9th Annual Mother's Day Vigil. Thank you to all who participated!

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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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Tue, April 23 2024
15 Nisan 5784

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Upcoming Events

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Tuesday ,
AprApril 23 , 2024

Experience the Omer: Making it Count!
Tuesday, Apr 23rd 7:00p to 7:30p
[RSVP to be emailed a recording of the April 9 intro session.] The Omer is an ancient tradition marking time between the Exodus from the Narrow Place to the Expanse at Sinai. Explore tools and practices to facilitate your own learning and experience from Liberation to Revelation. We will have an intro class followed by half-hour check-ins, one for each Sephira. Led by Andrine de la Rocha. 7 pm, Tuesdays, Apr. 9 (Intro), 23 (Chesed), 30 (Gevurah); May 7 (Tiferet), 14 (Netzach), 21 (Hod), 28 (Yesod); Jun. 4 (Malchut) Led by Andrine de la Rocha.
MORE INFO
Wednesday ,
AprApril 24 , 2024

Passover Minyan
Wednesday, Apr 24th 8:00a to 9:15a
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish. We meet both in person and streaming online in Zoom Room Aleph. All are welcome. Please email info@havurahshalom.org for join info.
MORE INFO
Thursday ,
AprApril 25 , 2024

Prayer Flags for Our Planet
Thursday, Apr 25th 11:00a to 3:00p
This exhibit is about science and art. It is meant to be a learning experience, about the top 60 solutions to climate change, as researched by over 5,000 scientists. And most importantly it is about hope. It is about learning about these solutions to climate change and changing the hearts and minds of those around us, so that we can all work together. Anne Nesse, 2024
MORE INFO
Thursday ,
AprApril 25 , 2024

(ZM) Racial Justice Committee Meeting
Thursday, Apr 25th 7:00p to 8:30p
Please join us for our monthly Racial Justice Committee Meeting. We will learn of upcoming events and plan new ones.
MORE INFO
Saturday ,
AprApril 27 , 2024

(HYB) Shabbat Morning with Bat Mitzvah of Beatrice Weiss Ekstrom
Shabbat, Apr 27th 10:00a to 12:00p
Please join us in welcoming Beatrice Weiss Ekstrom as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community.
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Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024

(IP) B'nei Mitzvah Run-through
Sunday, Apr 28th 11:00a to 1:00p

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Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024

(IP) Havurah & Partners' Climate Action Fair at MJCC
Sunday, Apr 28th 12:00p to 4:00p
HCAT invites you to continue with our climate action month by attending a community wide Climate Action Fair at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. Cosponsored by the MJCC and the Jewish Federation’s Climate team, meet dozens of environmental organizations and discover resources for actions you can take. A series of speakers will talk about forestry, electrification, native plants and climate friendly foods. (And let Elianne Lieberman know if you can give someone a ride or are seeking a ride!)
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Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024

Private Gathering
Sunday, Apr 28th 1:00p to 5:00p

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Monday ,
AprApril 29 , 2024

(ZM) Climate Action Team Meeting
Monday, Apr 29th 5:30p to 7:00p
Join the Climate Action Team's monthly meeting in Zoom Room Gimel.
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Tuesday ,
AprApril 30 , 2024

Passover Minyan (Yizkor)
Tuesday, Apr 30th 8:00a to 9:15a
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish. We will observe Yizkor today as well. We meet both in person and streaming online in Zoom Room Aleph. All are welcome. Please email info@havurahshalom.org for join info.
MORE INFO

Tue, April 23 2024 15 Nisan 5784

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