(1) Upcoming Shabbat (2) Climate Action Team Planning Meeting (3) Phone Bank & Canvass for Measure 101 (4) Music Rehearsals (5) Rabbi Benjamin's Installation (6) Parents, Let's Talk Race (7) January Book Discussion (8) Portland Homeless Family Solutions (9) Dorot: Short & Sweet Shabbat (10) Discovering Shabbat Morning Learners' Minyan (11) "Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth"
COMMUNITY EVENTS
(1) Weekend In Quest (2) Poetry Reading (3) Mikvah Grand Opening (4) Never Again: A Jewish Response to the Rohingya Crisis (5) Reconstructionism Today
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(1) Upcoming Shabbat, Kabbalat Service, Friday, Jan. 12, 7:30 pm - This Friday's short, joyful service will be led by Rabbi Benjamin and an array of talented musicians: Beth Hamon, guitar and vocals; Scott Snyder, mandolin; Steven Sandberg-Lewis, mandolin or guitar; Jacob Mandelsberg, guitar; Tanja Lux, violin; Karen Stolzberg, cajon; Barry Lavine, melodica; Chava Wolin, ukulele; and Chaim Wolin, clarinet. Join us! Above photo was taken by Barbara Gundle.
Bar Mitzvah of Alex Joffe, Saturday, Jan. 13, 10:00 am - Alex Joffe, son of Liz Joffe and Nora Beck, will be called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah this Saturday. Join us as we celebrate with Alex and his family and welcome him to our community!
(2) Climate Action Team Planning Meeting, Thursday, Jan. 11, 7:00-8:30 pm - The Climate Action Team invites you to our January planning meeting. We will be discussing ideas for making Havurah events more sustainable, planning outreach, and deciding on events for the coming year. We would love to hear your thoughts and input. If you would like to participate but can't make it, we have the ability to do teleconferencing that evening, or you can share your ideas via phone or email. Please RSVP to Elianne Lieberman at elianne97202@yahoo.com.
(3) Phone Bank & Canvass for Measure 101, Jan. 14-15 - We had a great telethon in support of Measure 101 on Sunday, Jan. 7. Let's keep up the energy! Havurah has joined a designated day of action for the community on Sunday, Jan. 14, with a kickoff rally with Sen. Jeff Merkley at 10:00 am, followed by canvassing. To sign up for canvassing or phone banking, or for more information, click hereor here . Questions? Contact Nancy Becker at nancyjbecker@gmail.com.
(4) Music Rehearsals, Monday, Jan. 15, Thursday, Jan. 18, 7:00 pm - Saturday, Jan. 20, is the Installation for Rabbi Benjamin. If you'd like to be a part of the music for that evening, please get in touch with Ilene Safyan atilene.safyan@havurahshalom.org. We will have two rehearsals next week. Please plan on attending either on Monday, Jan. 15, or Thursday, Jan. 18.No RSVP is necessary, though Ilene would like to know who wants to participate.
(5) Rabbi Benjamin's Installation Ceremony, Saturday, Jan. 20, 5:15 pm - Havurah will officially welcome Rabbi Benjamin and his family in an installation ceremony, and we want you to join the festivities!
This will be a participatory, multigenerational event, inclusive of all ages and abilities. The intention is for us to come together as a community and officially mark our transition and growth, as well as formally install Benjamin as our rabbi. The celebration will begin after Shabbat School around 5:15 pm with pizza and veggies. The installation ceremony, centered on the Havdalah ritual, will include music (of course!), a passing of the Torah through generations to Rabbi Benjamin, and a few other components. EVERYONE is welcome and encouraged to attend this important moment in Havurah's past, present and future. More details will follow in the Havurah weekly emails. RSVP HERE. Questions? Email Fran Berg at bergfr@gmail.com. Remember to mark your calendars and join us on JANUARY 20!! —The Rabbi Transition Team
(6) Parents - Let's Talk Race, Sunday, Jan. 21, 1:00-4:00 pm - This is an anti-racism workshop for parents and caregivers of young children, facilitated by and for parents who benefit from white privilege. It is organized by the Portland Chapter of Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), Family Action. SURJ is a national group of individuals and groups organizing white people for racial justice. Learn more about the objectives and expectations of the workshop, and RSVP HERE.
(7) January Book Group Discussion, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 7:00-8:30 pm - Please join us for discussion of The Mathematician’s Shiva by Stuart Rojstaczer. A prominent Russian mathematician dies. The story is written from the point of view of her son, who tries to understand his brilliant mother. The 400 eminent mathematicians who show up to honor her want to see if she left clues to solve an important math enigma. The book includes pieces written by the mother as well as interactions among the family and the mathematicians. This discussion will be led by Carolina Martinez. Please RSVP here.
(8) Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS), Every Night, 6:00-9:00 pm, Beth Israel - A new temporary winter night shelter is operated by PHFS at Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) through April 30. The 75 space capacity is for families with children.The shelter is starting with only adult volunteers (18 years and older). Volunteers are needed! Orientations at CBI: Jan.18 at 1:00 pm and Jan. 24 at 4:30 pm.There will be more orientations. If you are interested in attending an orientation, email Gloria Halper at losninos6@gmail.com with orientation date.
PHFS Goose Hollow Shelter Direct Service Project, One Thursday a Month, 1838 SW Jefferson - Havurah is continuing our Adopt-a-Night volunteering at Goose Hollow Shelter. To volunteer, an hour-long orientation is required. On Jan. 22, 5:00-6:00 pm, an orientation is offered at Goose Hollow, 1838 SW Jefferson.Please RSVP to Bethany@pdxhfs.org. For more info about PHFS, contact Gloria Halper or John Devlin.
New Volunteer Resource: Goose Hollow Kid Time Host Training - This article from the July-August issue of Hakol, by Stefanie Hausman, gives great advice on providing effective support for parents and kids at the Goose Hollow Shelter.
(9) Dorot: Short & Sweet Shabbat, Friday, Jan. 26, 6:00 pm - Join us for this casual, family-friendly, and music-filled service. Beginning with candle lighting, Kiddush and challah, the service continues with prayers and music, followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner. Led by Jacob Mandelsberg, Sarah Shine, Gabe Adoff, Tanja Lux, and Ilene Moss. 6:00 pm Service, 6:45 pm Potluck. Please RSVP here.
(10) Discovering Shabbat Morning Learners’ Minyan, Saturday, Jan. 27, 10:00-11:30 am - Join this upbeat workshop/minyan where we will walk through the Shabbat morning service, learn about the general structure of the service, the key themes and prayers, and some of the choreography. We will practice some prayers together and answer questions. This service is especially for families with youth in grades 5 and up who are in the B’nai Mitzvah process, all adults who are curious or perplexed, and anybody else. Childcare is available every Saturday morning for children 0-9. Please RSVP in advance for childcare. Led by Rabbi Benjamin.
(11) Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth - Screening and Panel Discussion, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 6:30-8:30 pm - Join Havurah's middle and high school students for a special screening of an important and timely documentary. "Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth" highlights the challenges faced by young people without legal status. A panel discussion will follow the film, led by producer Rebecca Shine of Graham Street Productions and joined by two youths deeply affected by these issues. Every day 122 Dreamers may lose their DACA status, making them undocumented in the only country they have known. Come be part of this vital discussion, hosted by the Havurah Sanctuary Committee. Questions? Contact shari.raider@gmail.com. No RSVP necessary.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
(1) Weekend in Quest, March 2-4, Holiday Inn Express, Astoria - The 12th annual Shabbaton of study and community. This year's Topic: Jewish Masculinity & Femininity in the Premodern World. Scholars: Rena Lauer & Yiftach Osterloh of the University of Oregon. Register and pay at www.weekendinquest.org or pick up a brochure at Havurah use the form to mail in your check. For more information, email mimiepstein42@comcast.net. Photo below is of Yiftach Osterloh and Rena Lauer.
(2) Poetry Reading by Frances Payne Adler, of her new book, The Making of a Matriot, 2nd Edition, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 7:00 pm, Broadway Books, 1714 NE Broadway, Portland - Matriot (ma' - tri - at) noun. 1. One who loves his or her country. 2. One who loves and protects the people of his or her country. 3. One who perceives national defense as health, education, and shelter for all of the people in his or her country, and the world. (Orig. FPA, 1991) Poet and Havurah member Frances Payne Adler is the author of five books and four exhibitions, including "Dare I Call You Cousin," about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a collaboration with Israeli artists, Michal Fattal and Yossi Yacov.
(3) Grand Opening of Rachel's Well Community Mikvah, Sunday, Jan. 21, MJCC, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy - 2:00-3:00 pm - Tours available by reservation; 3:00 pm - Ribbon Cutting, Speakers and Refreshments; 4:00 pm – “A Conversation About Mikvah” panel discussion at the MJCC. RSVP to mikvah@jewishportland.org. Learn more about Rachel’s Well: www.jewishportland.org/mikvah.
(4) Never Again: A Jewish Response to the Rohingya Crisis, Monday, Jan. 29, 6:30-8:30 pm, Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, 724 NW Davis St, Portland - The Royingya are a majority Muslim ethnic minority who have been ruthlessly oppressed by the Myanmar military, suffering indiscriminate killings, forced evacuations, rape and other forms of violence. Approximately 700,000 Royingya have been forced to flee their homes since August and only about 400,000 Rohingya remain in Myanmar. 120,000 of those are kept in concentration camps. Learn more about the evening here.
(5) Reconstructionism Today - Read the new issue of Reconstructionism Today HERE.
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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.
(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.
