HAVURAH HAPPENINGS 1 Upcoming Shabbat 2 Water Is Life 3 Dorot Shabbat 4 Tot Shabbat 5 Lev Tahor Pure Heart Chanting 6 No Meditation Next Tuesday 7 Text Torah 8 Silver Falls State Park Hike 9 Book Discussion 10 ICE Vigil Led by
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HAVURAH HAPPENINGS
(1) Upcoming Shabbat (2) Lev Tahor (Pure Heart) Chanting (3) No Meditation Next Tuesday (4) Text & Torah (5) Silver Falls State Park Hike (6) Book Discussion (7) ICE Vigil Led by Havurah (8) PHFS Goose Hollow Shelter (9) Energy Efficiency In Times of Darkness (10) Chanukah Celebration & Kabbalat Shabbat
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(1) Welcoming Andi, Havurah Shalom Program Director (2) 'Homeward' by Ari Shapiro (3) Moishe House Discussion for 20s & 30s (4) Sign Up Now for Lift Urban Portland Christmas Dinner (5) Fair Trade Judaica Gelt (6) Just Energy Transition Initiative Video (7) Jewish Spirituality Retreat & Weekend In Quest
HAVURAH HAPPENINGS
(1) Upcoming Shabbat -
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. Please RSVP here by Nov. 15.
Community Minyan, Saturday, Nov. 18, 10:00 am - Join Rabbi Benjamin, Susan Brenner, Sam Sirkin, Emily Simon, Noah Goldenberg, Richard Goldenberg, and David Koff in davening, reading Torah, and discussing Torah this Saturday. In parsha Toldot, Jacob secures his brother's birthright and steals his blessing, then flees to escape his brother's anger.
Tot Shabbat, Saturday, Nov. 18, 10:30-11:30 am - Young children and their parents celebrate Shabbat with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. We touch on the main highlights of the Shabbat morning service: wonder, fun, song, listening to the world, dancing, and Torah. Afterwards, we enjoy an informal potluck nosh and the chance to play and schmooze. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner and Rabbi Benjamin. RSVP here by Nov. 15.
(2) Lev Tahor (Pure Heart) Chanting, Monday, Nov. 20, 7:00-8:00 pm - We will gather to lift sacred phrases through melody, harmony, and rhythm in order to open our hearts, clarify our minds, and cultivate qualities such as gratefulness and compassion. Interspersed with periods of silent meditation, the chanting will be guided by teachings and intentions from Rabbi Benjamin. Each of these monthly gatherings is open to anyone – no experience, musical ability, or commitment necessary. RSVPs are welcome.
(3) No Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation Next Tuesday - But, we continue bravely forward after that! It is amazing how this little group has sustained. This is the first Tuesday that we aren’t meeting for a whole year. Wishes for good health and thankfulness for all of us. - Deborah
(4) Text & Torah: The Torah and Gender Identification, Saturday, Nov. 25, 10:00 am - Come early to grab a breakfast nosh before we examine gender diversity in the Torah. Did you know that Classical Judaism identifies six categories of gender? We will read and discuss both ancient and contemporary Judaism’s views around non-binary genders.
(5) Silver Falls State Park Hike, Tuesday, Nov. 28 – Are you interested in exploring Oregon’s natural areas with other Havurahniks? Join the new Havurah Naturalists Group! Jeff Gottfried will lead the group’s first hike on Tuesday, Nov. 28, in Silver Falls State Park. The group will leave Portland at 8:30 am from Jeff’s house, 7040 SW 84th Ave, and drive through Silverton to Silver Falls. Learn more here.
(6) Book Discussion, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 7:00-8:30 pm - Join us for a 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 a crafty and unscrupulous financier who has futilely claimed to be an heir to the family's fortune. Forty years later he suddenly disappears. Learn more and RSVP on our website calendar to help the discussion leader plan. Questions? Contact marjoriewalters@gmail.com.
(7) Vigil at ICE Office led by Havurah Shalom, Thursday, Nov. 30, 10:00-11:00 am - Join Rabbi Benjamin, Illene Safyan, and the Havurah Sanctuary team as we lead the monthly "Last Thursday Witness" Vigil on Nov. 30 at ICE offices. Through song and prayer we will lift our voices together to express our solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters. Meet at 4310 SW Macadam Ave from 10:00-11:00 am. The Vigil will happen rain or shine. Questions, please contact Bob Brown rebrown47@gmail.com or Shari Raider shari.raider@gmail.com.
(8) Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS), Goose Hollow Shelter Direct Service Project - Come to an hour-long orientation to learn how Goose Hollow offers families temporary housing and helps them become stable and no longer homeless. Orientations: Nov. 30 at 4:00 pm, Dec. 6 at 5:00 pm, at 1838 SW Yamhill. RSVP to Bethany Rocci. From a PHFS volunteer: “Being a Kid Time Host is more than just playing a game with the kiddos. You have the opportunity to offer emotional support, peer contact, confidentiality, and skill-building in self-assertion and conflict resolution. Kids need to know that the trauma is not their fault and that adults are working to fix it.” For more info re: PHFS please contact Gloria Halper.
(9) Energy Efficiency in Dark Times, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7:00-8:30 pm - This session, facilitated by the Lifelong Learning Committee, will offer reflection, encouragement, and renewal as we celebrate the second night of Chanukah. Please join us in community as we acknowledge challenges, tap into cultural sources that offer perspective, and find ways to mend, rededicate, and move forward. Tikkun olam comes in a variety of sizes, from the very personal to the global. Bring on the light! RSVP here.
(10) Joy & Light, 4th Night of Chanukah, Friday, Dec. 15, 6:00-8:30 pm
- Chanukah Celebration for All Ages, 6:00-6:45 pm: Candle lighting, singing, storytelling, led by Rabbi Benjamin, Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, and Ilene Safyan. RSVP here by Dec. 4.
- Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner, 6:45-7:45 pm - Bring a chanukiah and candles for your dinner table if you wish! RSVP here by Dec. 4. Please note that this RSVP deadline is a week earlier than our usual RSVP deadline for dinner.
- Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 7:45-8:30 pm (No RSVP required)
You can download a flier here.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(1) Welcoming Andi, Havurah Shalom Program Director - We are thrilled to let you know that Andi Bales Molnar will begin at Havurah on Monday, Nov. 27, as Havurah Program Director. This position was identified long ago as critical to supporting our growing community and contributing to a sustainable organizational infrastructure for staff, lay leaders, and members of Havurah. Remodeling is happening currently in the Gan room to create an office for Andi as well as to modify the Kerem classroom for Shabbat School. Read more here.
(2) '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. Learn more about Ari and the show in this month’s Oregon Jewish Life.
(3) Moishe House Discussion, Games & Drinks for People in their 20s & 30s, Sunday, Nov. 19, 1:00-5:00 pm - The Jewish People Policy Institute will lead a discussion on Israel-Diaspora Relations at Moishe House in NE Portland. Discussion is from 1:00-3:00 pm. Games and cozy drinks from 3:00-5:00 pm.Learn more here.
(4) Sign Up Now for Lift Urban Portland Christmas Dinner - Havurah members often help serve Christmas dinner to NW Portland residents in need at Lift Urban Portland’s Community Christmas Dinner. If you would like to volunteer this year, sign up here.
(5) Fair Trade Judaica Chanukah Gelt - This Chanukah, we can support Kuapa Kokoo, a Fair Trade cooperative in Ghana who are co-owners of Divine Chocolate. Fair Trade standards prohibit the use of child labor. Learn more and order gelt here.
(6) If you missed the Just Energy Transition Initiative Conversation at Havurah on Oct. 27, you can watch it here!
(7) Jewish Spirituality Retreat & Weekend In Quest – Click here to learn about 'Awakening the Divine Jewish Spirituality Retreat' and 'Weekend In Quest.'
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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.
(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.
