Friday, Aug. 18 Dear Havurahniks, We have an exciting few days ahead! Tomorrow, Aug. 19, from 530 to 800 pm, Havurah is hosting a potluck picnic and Havdalah celebration at Laurelhurst Park to welcome Rabbi Benjamin and his family, Rachel, Arava
Next 4 Days - Havdalah Picnic, Travel Tips, B'racha for the Eclipse
Friday, Aug. 18
Dear Havurahniks,
We have an exciting few days ahead!
Tomorrow, Aug. 19, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm, Havurah is hosting a potluck picnic and Havdalah celebration at Laurelhurst Park to welcome Rabbi Benjamin and his family, Rachel, Arava, Judah and Lev. We will meet at sites E and F, which are closest to SE Ankeny St.
Please bring a vegetarian dish to share - your choice of main dish, side dish or dessert. Havurah will provide some vegetarian sub sandwiches, plates, napkins, juice, cups and water, but please bring your own drink to share as well, if you want to drink something other than water or juice.
We will have games for children, potluck dinner, music and Havdalah. Come at 5:30 to start the games, and dinner will begin around 6'ish. Please RSVP here if you can come.
Travel Tips for Weekend Events & Events on Monday & Tuesday
Please plan your travel to upcoming Havurah events head of time! This applies to all who are coming to our Community Minyan Saturday morning, our Tuesday noon meditation group, and the Tuesday evening Safety Committee Meeting and Book Group Discussion. Here are some guidelines provided by the Portland Bureau of Transportation:
Prepare for heavy traffic congestion on area highways and potential delays on public transit this weekend through Tuesday, as the state experiences an influx of visitors for Monday's total solar eclipse. On Monday, Portlanders should consider telecommuting, working flexible hours, walking, or biking to avoid travel delays. Carpooling can reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, reducing traffic for everyone. Portland Streetcar and BIKETOWN bike share service both plan normal operations.
Be alert! Be respectful!
The Portland area will experience a nearly total eclipse, so make sure you have your eclipse glasses with you, but also remember to use caution when traveling, especially around buses and trains.
Whether walking or driving, do not stop or park on train tracks or stand in the street to get a better view. Be especially careful on rail tracks, as streetcars and light rail vehicles require longer stopping distances.
People driving, especially downtown on Monday morning from 9 to 11:30 a.m., should expect crowded sidewalks and heavy pedestrian traffic.
Portlanders should be prepared for traffic delays, and check online resources, specifically:
Public transit service may also experience delays and congestion, especially as travelers use the MAX Red Line to reach Portland International Airport before and after the event. TriMet Riders can stay informed of delays or disruptions at trimet.org/alerts, using TransitTracker online or through the TriMet Tickets mobile app. Also TriMet's Rider Support team at 503-238-RIDE (7433) can help plan trips or help navigate delays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day.
Portland Streetcar service plans normal operations, though highway traffic could overflow onto city streets that share the road with streetcar. Check schedules and real time arrival times at PortlandStreetcar.org and service alerts at PortlandStreetcar.org/alerts.
Jewish View of Eclipses & B'racha for the Eclipse
Deborah Eisenbach-Budner has provided this link to interesting information about the Jewish view of eclipses over time, and a b’rachah (blessing) to say when you witness the eclipse:
Ancient rabbis actually thought an eclipse was a bad omen, so they weren’t so big on a b’rachah for it. But some folks will say “Barukh atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam oseh ma’aseh b’reishit,” which praises the Divine for the works of creation.
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) Solidarity Shabbat Friday, Jun 27th 5:45p to 8:30p 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.
(HYB) Climate Change Shabbat Morning Shabbat, Jun 28th 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@havurhshalom.org.
(HYB) Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual Sunday, Jun 29th 7:00p to 8:15p 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. An introductory meeting will happen on the full moon of Elul on Wednesday, Aug. 30 outdoors—weather permitting—in North Portland. Subsequent meetings will be on or near the new moon of each month either in person in North Portland or on Zoom, depending on seasonal shifts in the weather. Attend any or all sessions. RSVP to be updated on location and other details throughout the year.
(ZM) Palestinian Justice Letter Writing Group Monday, Jun 30th 6:00p to 7:30p We hold monthly letter writing group Zoom gatherings to write letters to our lawmakers for Israel/Palestine justice. Questions? Email Dale Oller (member log-in required to access directory). Feel free to drop in any time! There’s no need to RSVP, but please do RSVP if you need the Zoom login. Non-Havurah-members very welcome as well.
(IP) Pride Kabbalat Shabbat in the Park Friday, Jul 11th 6:30p to 8:30p Celebrate queer and Jewish joy with a special Kabbalat Shabbat service at Columbia Park! We’ll enjoy a potluck dinner together afterward. Beverages will be provided. BYOB. All are welcome.
(HYB) Shabbat Morning Shabbat, Jul 12th 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.
