Dear Havurah, Hearts are heavy throughout the country right now following Saturdays tragedy in Charlottesville. We mourn the murder of Heather Heyer, killed by a crazed individual as she was peacefully protesting a hate-filled rally of white supre
Dear Havurah,
Hearts are heavy throughout the country right now following Saturday’s tragedy in Charlottesville. We mourn the murder of Heather Heyer, killed by a crazed individual as she was peacefully protesting a hate-filled rally of white supremacists. Our prayers are with all those injured and all those whose lives were torn apart by Saturday’s tragic events. Let us utilize these prayers as a means of connection amidst the vulnerability of this moment. And let us channel these prayers and this grief into action — responding to darkness with the lights of faith and courage.
As we lit Shabbat candles here at Havurah on Friday night, I was sending light toward Charlottesville, knowing that several colleagues were traveling there to be present in witness and support. Alas, they witnessed tragedy. One of them who was there, Rabbi Malka Bina Klein, wrote a moving piece you can find here. She writes of appreciating “the importance of witnesses who can tell us the vitally important stories that are the real news of the day.”
For Rabbi Klein, at the heart of that real news are individuals who are resisting hatred. Amidst the terror and injustice, let us not forget these stories. And let us not underestimate ways great and small in which we each can be part of them, in which we can join together in responding to violence with resilience and love, guided by a vision of the world we are partners in creating.
Havurah Shalom is a vibrant, egalitarian, and diverse Jewish Reconstructionist community. Steeped in Jewish values, Havurah promotes spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility.
(HYB) Shabbat Morning Shabbat, Mar 30th 10:00a to 12:00p Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin, this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion. For Zoom link (Zoom Room Aleph), email info@havurahshalom.org.
(IP) Tot Shabbat Shabbat, Mar 30th 10:30a to 11:30a Young children (0-5) and parents celebrate with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. All are welcome.
Mahjong Group Monday, Apr 1st 1:00p to 4:00p We are excited to bring mahjong back to Havurah. It is a fun, social activity that builds community, encouraging new friendships and cementing old ones. And while some of us may play elsewhere as well, we all agreed that restoring its place as an ongoing congregational activity will be a good fit for Havurah and those of us who play or want to learn the game. So please don't hesitate to join us!
Naming the Unnameable: Exploring Theology and Practice through Rabbi Toba Spitzer’s God is Here Wednesday, Apr 3rd 7:00p to 8:30p Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin. In this class, we’ll be exploring various ways in which the Divine is represented and imagined in Jewish tradition. Beyond simply the intellectual, our lens will be more one of spiritual reflection and practice. In other words: As we encounter and interact with the metaphors that the tradition offers for experiencing and connecting with God/Spirit/Life, what do we notice within our hearts and minds? How do particular images shape our consciousness and perception? As a guide for this exploration we will read Rabbi Toba Spitzer’s book, God is Here, which should be purchased for the class (contact Rabbi Benjamin for a free copy if needed). RSVP here by March 1.
(IP) Understanding October 7, 2023 Thursday, Apr 4th 7:00p to 8:30p Rabbi Benjamin and Joel Beinin will offer three sessions on “Understanding October 7, 2023” – the Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s response. The class will offer space for people to express their personal feelings about the events as well as explore the historical context of the events of October 7. Integrated into our examination of this moment, we will engage with a variety of Jewish texts: on grief and loss, on holding multiple truths, and on questions of fundamentalism and fixed views.
(HYB) Shabbat Morning Shabbat, Apr 6th 10:00a to 12:00p Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin, this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion. For Zoom link (Zoom Room Aleph), email info@havurahshalom.org.
Shabbat School Shabbat, Apr 6th 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.
(IP) Whose B'nei Mitzvah Is It Anyway? Shabbat, Apr 6th 3:10p to 4:00p Parents explore the hopes and fears that inspire, inform, and complicate the planning process. Led by Adela Basayne and Laura Orgel, psychologist and child/family therapist.