HAVURAH HAPPENINGS 1 Upcoming Shabbat 2 Nov. 6 Deadline to RSVP for November Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner 3 Refugee Support Meeting Tomorrow 4 Recurring Happenings Tuesday Meditation, Wednesday Morning Minyan 5 Sanctuary Committee Meeting 6 W
Weekly Community Email, Nov. 1
HAVURAH HAPPENINGS
(1) Upcoming Shabbat (2) Nov. 6 Deadline to RSVP for November Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner (3) Refugee Support Meeting Tomorrow (4) Recurring Happenings: Tuesday Meditation, Wednesday Morning Minyan (5) Sanctuary Committee Meeting (6) Whose Bat or Bar Mitzvah Is It Anyway? (7) A Broken Hallelujah, Tribute to Leonard Cohen (8) One Last Chance to Help With Courtyard Mosaic Project (9) Dorot Shabbat (10) Water is Life (11) Book Discussion Group (12) New Submission Guidelines for Weekly Emails
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(1) Premiere of Documentary 'Priced Out' Tonight (2) Outside the Frame's 'Leaving Home' (3) 'Homeward' by Ari Shapiro (4) Awakening the Divine Jewish Spirituality Retreat
HAVURAH HAPPENINGS
(1) Upcoming Shabbat, Community Minyan, Saturday, Nov. 4, 10:00 am - Leaders and leyners at this Saturday’s community minyan include Rabbi Benjamin, Moriah Cordova, Susan Lazareck, Michele Goldschmidt, Diane Chaplin, Sam Sirkin, and Marty Brown. This week’s parsha Vayera includes a few notable moments, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Isaac’s birth, Hagar and Ishmael’s banishment, and the near sacrifice of Isaac, all of which should make for an interesting discussion.
(2) RSVP by Nov. 6 for Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner & Service on Nov. 10 - Havurah musicians Margie Rosenthal, Tanja Lux, Sarah Shine, Steven Sandberg-Lewis and Larry Reichman will join Rabbi Benjamin in leading our Nov. 10th Kabbalat Shabbat service. The catered, vegetarian dinner is from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free options will be available, and you’re invited to bring wine or juice to celebrate Shabbat. Childcare is available for kids age 2 to 8. Please RSVP here for the dinner by Nov. 6. Cost adjustments are available at 503-248-4662.
(3) Refugee Support Meeting, Thursday, Nov. 2, 6:30-8:00 pm - This is an opportunity for new and veteran Catholic Charities volunteers from our congregation to meet for support, information, and inspiration. Please join us, even if you aren’t yet a volunteer and are simply curious. Questions? Email Rebecca Darling-Budner at rbudner@yahoo.com. Please RSVP here.
(4) Recurring Happenings: Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation, Tuesday, Nov. 7, at noon, and Morning Minyan, Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 8:30 am.
(5) Havurah Sanctuary Committee Meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 7:00-9:00 pm - Let us continue together our work for immigrant justice. Join us for the next meeting of Havurah's Sanctuary Committee. Come hear how we are engaging with immigrant communities as well as political actions you can be involved with. We will discuss our plans for the Nov. 30th Vigil at the ICE offices, hear about IMIrJ Accompaniment work, and learn more about rapid response networks. We will continue our discussion about activities we can do as a congregation to educate and energize our community to continue to be engaged with our Sanctuary work. Questions? Contact Bob Brown (rebrown47@gmail.com) or Shari Raider (shari.raider@gmail.com).
(6) Whose Bat or Bar Mitzvah Is It Anyway?, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 7:00-8:15 pm - Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Education Director, and Laura Orgel, Child & Family Therapist - This workshop is not about logistics or expectations: It is about the meaning of B'nai Mitzvah and its power as a rite of passage for the whole family. We will explore the hopes and fears that inspire, inform and complicate the preparation and planning process. How can we feel more connected to our child in this process? Our partner or ex-partner? Our family of origin? The rituals and liturgy? The community? How do we celebrate the occasion in a way that honors these connections, and our values? This frank and non-judgmental workshop is about the big questions and how they impact the concrete decisions that parents and youth are called upon to make. RSVP here by Nov. 2.
(7) “A Broken Hallelujah,” Tribute to Leonard Cohen on The Night of Broken Glass (Kristallnacht), Thursday, Nov. 9, 7:00 pm, Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders St - A community gathering of music, poetry and reflection, with Beth Israel Cantor Ida Rae Cahana and Havurah Music Coordinator Ilene Safyan, and with the following special guests: Havurah members Sacha Reich and Andrew Ehrlich, Wendy Westerwelle, Courtney Von Drehl, Ralph Huntley, Ji Tanzer, and Ben Sandler. Sponsored by the Institute for Judaic Studies, Beth Israel, Havurah Shalom, Neveh Shalom, and the Oregon Jewish Museum & Center for Holocaust Education. Light reception and discussion to follow. Suggested donation of $10. (Above poster was designed by Hannah Westerman.)
(8) Last Chance to Help Finish Courtyard Mosaic - This is when it all comes together! Check out Barbara Gundle's photos of artist Lynn Takata and Havurah members applying the tiles and glass that Havurahniks made to the backing board. This is one of the last steps before the murals will be installed in our courtyard. Havurah members have one more opportunity to help: Sunday, Nov. 12, between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Learn more and RSVP here!
Above photo taken by Barbara Gundle.
(9) Dorot Shabbat, Friday, Nov. 17, 6:00 pm - Join Havurah families 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 Jacob Mandelsberg, Sarah Shine, Gabe Adoff, Tanja Lux, and Ilene Moss. A vegetarian potluck dinner will follow the service. Please bring a dish to share! Questions? Contact Karen Pomerantz at karen_pomerantz@yahoo.com. Please RSVP here by Nov. 15.
(10) Water Is Life, Thursday, Nov. 16, 6:30-9:00 pm - Join us to hear a unique perspective on the pipeline and its implications for water and climate. Panelists will include youth from the Yurok, Hoope and Karuk tribes, traveling all the way from Northern California to share their perspective and a video recently produced by the Klamath tribes in southeast Oregon in opposition to the massive proposals to pipe, liquefy, and export fracked gas through the Northwest. All are invited to the evening. Learn more here and how to RSVP for the evening. Havurah high school and middle school students are also invited to a dinner with the tribal youth at 5:30 pm. Click here to learn more about the dinner.
(11) Havurah Shalom Book Discussion Group, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 7:00-8:30 pm - Please join us for discussion led by Stacy Hankin of The Luminous Heart of Jonah S. by Gina Nahai. This book tells the story of an Iranian Jewish family that is tormented for decades by Raphael's son, a crafty and unscrupulous financier who has futilely claimed to be an heir to the family's fortune. Forty years later he has nearly achieved his goals when he suddenly disappears, presumed by many to have been murdered. "Lyrical, shrewd, and daring, novelist Nahai ... writes with acute emotional and nearly anthropological perception, laser-wit, and deep compassion." Contact marjoriewalters@gmail.comif you have questions.An RSVP through the Havurah website will help the discussion leader know how many will be attending.
(12) New Guidelines for Submitting News for Weekly Emails - We are an increasingly active community, so we have a growing number of posts in our weekly emails. To make it easier for Havurah members to find the news they're interested in, we're asking that future email submissions not exceed 125 words. You'll find the email submission form here and on our website. You can submit longer descriptions for our online calendar using the same link. Just indicate that the longer description is for our online calendar. Also, please select a maximum of three dates when you'd like your email to be in the weekly email. To request an exception, please email teri@havurahshalom.org. Thank you for your understanding!
Above photo taken by Michael Heumann.
Fun Photos of Singing in the Sukkah, Havurahniks of All Ages - Photos of Havurahniks singing in our sukkah on Oct. 8 just came in. Check them out here!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(1) Premiere of Documentary Film 'Priced Out,' Wednesday, Nov. 1, 7:00 pm, Whitsell Auditorium in the Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park Ave – 'Priced Out,' the new film edited and co-produced by Havurah member Eric Maxen, will premiere at the 44th annual Portland Filmmakers Festival. The film is about gentrification and its impact on the African American population in Portland's Albina neighborhood, and is a sequel to the 2002 film 'Northeast Passage.' For more details about the premiere and to buy tickets: https://nwfilm.org/films/priced-out/. For more details about the film:www.PricedOutMovie.com. Questions? Contact Rachel Plotinsky, plotinsky@hotmail.com.
(2) Outside the Frame Gala Screening: 'Leaving Home,' Monday, Nov. 13 - Doors open at 5:30 pm with beverages and snacks provided; Seating at 6:00 pm; Portland Center Stage at The Armory - This show is for all ages! - Join Outside The Frame for a special gala screening of new films by and with youth experiencing homelessness in Portland, presented with Outside In and Prosper Portland. Filmmakers will be in attendance. A Lifetime Achievement Award this year will be presented to Tia Plympton to recognize her decades of work and mentorship with homeless youth. The theatre will undoubtedly fill up, so reserve your tickets online here. Questions? Contact Nili Yosha at nili@otfpdx.org.
(3) 'Homeward,' Nov. 16 & 17 at 7:30 pm, and Nov. 18 at 7:00 & 9:00 pm, World Trade Center #2, 121 SW Salmon - Ari Shapiro, son of Havurah members Len and Elayne Shapiro, will present 'Homeward,' his new one-man show with music, on Nov. 16, 17 and 18. Learn more about Ari and his one-man show in this month’s Oregon Jewish Life.
(4) Awakening the Divine Jewish Spirituality Retreat, Jan. 2-7 - Rabbi Benjamin will co-lead this five-day retreat on the East Coast in January, alongside other skilled teachers of contemplative Jewish practice. Rabbi James Jacobson-Maisels, the retreat’s lead teacher, is one of the foremost teachers of meditation in the Jewish world today. This is Rabbi Benjamin’s third year teaching at this retreat, and he would be happy to answer any questions for those who are interested. You can learn more on this flier.
Please use this form to submit stories for this weekly community email. Submissions are due by noon on Tuesday each week.
Havurah Shalom is a vibrant, egalitarian, and diverse Jewish Reconstructionist community. Steeped in Jewish values, Havurah promotes spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility.
(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.
(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.
(HYB) Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration Friday, May 9th 5:45p to 8:00p A musical, all-ages Friday night service with family-friendly dessert and hearty nosh before and after. All are welcome! 5:45 pm Hearty Nosh, 6:30 Service, 7:30 Oneg. Free childcare is provided. Those joining on Zoom, please come at 6:30; the in-person hearty nosh portion and oneg will not be televised. For Zoom information, please email info@havurhshalom.org.
(HYB) Shabbat Morning with Music Shabbaton (w/ Aly Halpert) Shabbat, May 10th 10:00a to 12:00p This community minyan will feature the musical contributions of Aly Halpert who is in residence with us this Shabbat. 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.
(IP) Tot Shabbat Shabbat, May 10th 10:30a to 11:15a Young children (0-5) and parents celebrate with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. All are welcome! Please RSVP when you plan to come. We provide free childcare for those staying to enjoy the full Shabbat service that ends at noon and which is followed by a light community brunch. Email info@havurahshalom.org to learn more.
(IP) Songs for Liberation Song Circle (w/ Aly Halpert) Shabbat, May 10th 4:30p to 6:30p (Currently this event is for Havurah members only, as registrations are capped at 80 people. Havurah members, be sure to RSVP.) Rising Song Records artist Aly Halpert concludes our music shabbaton with a Song Circle, a space to enjoy our voices together as we learn new and ancient Jewish songs and niggunim together. Aly Halpert is at the epicenter of a resurgence of Jewish music-making– introducing new tunes, new words, and new ways of bringing music into davening and community-building.
Teen Tikkun Olam Walk with Rose Haven 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. Sponsored by Teen Engagement Committee.
(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.
(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).
(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.
