April 4 - Friday Hike, Lev Tahor, Hand in Hand, Shindig Registration Opens
HAVURAH HAPPENINGS (1) Upcoming Shabbat (2) Naturalists Hike This Friday (3) Lev Tahor (Pure Heart) Chanting (4) Kabbalat Shabbat with Hand in Hand (5) Cultural Humility Training (6) Everything You Don't Know About Electric Vehicles (7) New & Prospective Members Orientation (8) Tot Shabbat (9) White Ally Trainings (10) Book Group Discussion (11) Havurah Shindig - Registration is Open! (12) Contemplative Shabbat June 1-2
ANNOUNCEMENTS (1) Seeking Nominations for Steering Committee & Steering Committee Minutes (2) PHFS Future Plans & Dinner Donations (3) "The Forbidden Conversation" Tomorrow (5) Moishe House Residence Opening (6) "The Reluctant Radical"
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(1) Community Minyan, Saturday, April 7, 10:00 am - Join Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah leaders and leyners, including Susan Brenner, Chaim Wolin, Ken Lerner, Marty Brown, Andy Waxman, Emily Simon, and Sam Sirkin, for a Shabbat service with Hallel and Yizkor. Torah readings encompass tithing, the Sabbatical year, Passover, and Shavuot.
(2) Havurah Naturalists Hike, Friday, April 6, 8:30 am-4:30 pm - You are invited to join the Havurah Naturalists Group on a beautiful hike to Falls Creek Falls in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington. It's a relatively easy hike of about two miles from the trailhead, along the rushing waters of Falls Creek to some spectacular falls. There should be some early spring wildflowers in bloom, and it is not uncommon to spot a herd of elk on our way to the trailhead. Bring lunch, snack, water, and rain gear, even if it's sunny. Hiking boots and poles are recommended. Optional items include a camera and binoculars. Meet at Jeff Gottfried's home at 8:30 am to carpool. Contact Jeff with any questions at jeff@gottfried.net. (Above photo was taken along the Falls Creek Falls trail.)
(3) Lev Tahor Chanting, Monday, April 9, 7:00-8:30 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. Lev Tahor Chanting is open to anyone – no experience, musical ability, or commitment necessary. It is free for members; non-members are asked to make a small donation to Havurah Shalom.
(4) Kabbalat Shabbat, Friday, April 13, 7:30-8:30 pm - We are excited to host three representatives from Hand in Hand, Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel, at the service: Noa Yammer, a senior Hand in Hand staff member, and Alma Saporta (who is Jewish) and Vicky Makhoul (who is Arab), both recent graduates of Hand in Hand’s flagship school in Jerusalem. The service is preceded by a catered dinner at 6:30 pm, which requires advance registration. Due to space limitations, we must limit seats for the dinner, so please sign up here as soon as possible to be assured of a seat. Registration will close when seats are filled; however, RSVP no later than noon on Wednesday, April 11. If your RSVP is being mailed, please let the office know. All are welcome to attend the service at 7:30 pm - no RSVP required. Childcare is available. (Students of Hand in Hand pictured below.)
(5) Cultural Humility Training, Sunday, April 15, 3:00-5:00 pm, Havurah Shalom - Learn about best practices in communicating with people from cultural backgrounds different from ours. Lynn Reer will lead this training. She has a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics and has been working as a teacher trainer for many years. She will give us some tips on ways to challenge our cultural perspectives so we can honor individuals as they truly are, as members of a culture with customs and practices we may not be familiar with. We will bring in two "cultural informants," one whose native culture is Mexican, the other, Somali, to look at examples of communication misunderstandings. Please RSVP to Deb Kallen at debkall2010@gmail.com.
(6) Everything You Don't Know About Electric Vehicles, Monday, April 16, 7:00-8:30 pm - Paul Reno, retired faculty member of the Marine Science Center at Oregon State University, will present a brief history of electric cars. He will dive deep into what you need to know: types of EVs, cost, effect of weather and accessories on battery life, charging issues, environmental impact and more. He will also briefly discuss fuel cell vehicles. A question and answer period will follow. Co-sponsors: Northwest 350PDX and Havurah Climate Action Team. For additional information, contact Kahler Martinson at martinsonkahler@yahoo.com or Steve Birkel at sjbirkel@gmail.com.
(7) New & Prospective Members Spring Oneg Orientation, Saturday, April 21, 12:00-1:30 pm - Did you join Havurah during the past 18 months? Do you have questions about our history, our committees and affinity groups, and our future plans? If so, join us for our annual orientation for new and prospective members. It begins with a vegetarian oneg lunch, and childcare will be available. You'll hear from Havurah leaders, including Rabbi Benjamin and Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, and have plenty of time to ask them questions. You're also invited to the community minyan before the orientation, which begins at 10:00 am, and/or to Tot Shabbat, which is from 10:30-11:30 am that morning. Please RSVP here by Wednesday, April 18, if you can join us for the orientation!
(8) Tot Shabbat, Saturday, April 21, 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. Tot Shabbat is fashioned for the under-6 crowd, but older kids are welcome (and can help tell a story, etc.). Afterwards, we enjoy an informal potluck oneg nosh and the chance to play and schmooze. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. Please RSVP here.
(9) White Ally Trainings, Sunday, April 22, 2:30-5:30 pm, First Congregational UCC, and Tuesday, April 24, 9:00 am-noon, Muslim Education Trust (MET)- Learn tools and skills to effectively engage with people who don't think racism is real. Trainings are led by David Campt, a nationally renowned trainer who developed the White Ally Toolkit. This is a continuation of the equity work Havurah has been doing for several years, including the SURJ (Stand Up for Racial Justice) training we had for parents at Havurah in January. If several of us attend a training, our collective learnings will empower us all! For April 22, the cost is $15-$45, sliding scale. Register here. For April 24, the cost is $45 without lunch and $60 with lunch. Contact MET if you're interested in a sliding scale. Register here. Please email Susan Rosenthall if you register so Havurahniks can watch for each other at the training and possibly carpool.
(10) Book Discussion Group, Tuesday, April 24, 7:00-8:30 pm - Reports of growing water shortages around the world underscore the urgent need to find solutions. Based on meticulous research and hundreds of interviews, Seth Siegel's book Let There Be Water reveals the history, methods, and techniques behind Israel’s ability to lead the world in cutting-edge water technology. Israel not only solved the water problem within its desert, but it also supplies water to others. This book also discusses how cooperation on water systems can forge diplomatic ties and promote unity. Phil and Marjorie Walters will lead the discussion, and Phil will offer a means to assess our own household water usage. Michael Heumann, who heads the Havurah Climate Action team, will add local perspectives about water issues on our horizon. Join us! RSVP here.
(11) Havurah Shindig, Tickets Now Available Online, Sunday, May 6, 4:00-8:00 pm - Get your tickets now! Come party with your Haverim! CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets to our premier fundraiser event/party. Food, desserts, wine, and beer are included with the price of admission. You can also purchase raffle tickets and a seat at the casino tables. There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase more casino scrip, raffle tickets, specialty cocktail tickets, and wine wall "chances" at the event. Why are we doing this fundraiser? Because we care about our programming, our community, and each other. Buy your tickets now and support your favorite synagogue! Questions? Email Nancy Becker at nancyjbecker@gmail.com.
(12) Presence, Light, Manna: What We Need is Here - A Contemplative Shabbat, June 1-2 - Led by Rabbi Benjamin and Rabbi Joshua Boettiger of Emek Shalom in Ashland. Beginning Friday evening, then continuing all day Saturday from morning through Havdalah, we will immerse ourselves in contemplative Jewish practice. Through meditation, chanting, and prayer, supported by instruction and teaching, we will aim to open hearts and refine our awareness. Our time will be spent in silence, aside from prayer and chanting, as well as brief opportunities to check in about the practice. The retreat is open to everyone, regardless of experience. Registration to cover expenses is $40 for members of Havurah or Emek Shalom, $50 otherwise. You can register here. The Shabbat morning service and lunch following are open, with no registration needed. Contact Rabbi Benjamin at benjamin.barnett@havurahshalom.org with questions.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(1) Nominating Committee Looks for New Steering Members - Havurah's Nominating Committee has started work to fill positions for next year's Steering Committee, including Vice President and Limud (Education) Lead. We are looking for motivated Havurah members who want to be involved in a hands-on manner with our governance and planning. New Steering members will be presented for election following the Congregational Meeting on June 3. According to Havurah bylaws, there will be a 10-day period to submit additional nominations before the voting period. If you have questions about positions, please contact one of the Nominating Committee members: Eve Berry, berryev@yahoo.com; Janice Kettler, jket123@gmail.com; Julia Lager-Mesulam, lagermes@gmail.com; Aaron Pearlman, aaron@pearlmanoffice.com; and Debbi Nadell, debbinadell@gmail.com.
Steering Committee Minutes - You can read the February Steering Committee minutes and reports here.
(2) Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS) Future Plans - We are excited to let you know that PHFS has made an offer to purchase a building that will be used as a permanent shelter and administrative office. This new shelter will have room for 26 families – more than three times the current capacity of eight families. Because the 24-hour shelter will be in a single location, it will provide a much more stable and supportive experience for the families. PHFS also made an offer to purchase eight adjacent housing units to provide affordable housing and has launched a capital campaign to raise the money to buy the building. Learn more here.
Meal Making/Drop Off Option for PHFS Shelters - Prepare a meal that can be used when it’s most needed! Meals can be breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Food may be home-prepared, pre-made from the grocery store, or restaurant-made. Freezer-friendly meals are encouraged. This is a delivery-only task and is also a financial contribution. Thank you for your generosity! Please coordinate drop-off times with Volunteer Manager Bethany Rocci at bethany@pdxfhs.org.
(3) "The Forbidden Conversation," J-Street Speaker Event, Thursday, April 5, 7:00-9:00 pm, Havurah Shalom - "The Forbidden Conversation," written and performed by Gili Getz, is a personal journey into the past and future, exploring the difficulty of talking openly about Israel. The one-act play will be followed by a conversation. Video clip & additional information here. Questions? Contact Fran Payne Adler at fpayneadler@csumb.edu.
(4) Opportunity for Young Adults - Moishe House Portland, a hub for young adult Jews in Portland, is looking for a new housemate aged 22-32 to move in with us and create Jewish community! The application deadline is May 6. Here are some benefits of the position: subsidized rent, budget to create events every month, scholarships and retreats, socializing and networking opportunities, leadership coaching, communal living, Shabbat leftovers! If you are interested or know someone who might be, please get in touch with me, Jake Sullivan, at Jake.moishepdx@gmail.com. You can apply by clicking here. Be sure you select the Portland Moishe House. Click here for more information about the larger Moishe House organization. Please help spread the word!
(5) "The Reluctant Radical," Portland premiere, Saturday, April 21, 7:30 pm, Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd. - In 2016, Lindsey Grayzel was arrested and charged with felonies while filming a climate activist. Come see the finished film at its Portland premiere. The film follows Ken through a series of direct actions, culminating with an action that shuts down all the U.S. tar sands oil pipelines and threatens to put him behind bars for 20 years. No RSVP is required, though pre-order of tickets is highly recommended, as the screening may sell out: bit.ly/ecofilmRR.
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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.
(IP) Shabbat School Shabbat, May 3rd 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.
(ZM) Progressive Israel Network Sessions Sunday, May 4th 11:00a to 12:00p Havurah Shalom is hosting a four-session series from the Progressive Israel Network. Come learn in collaboration with representatives from five to six of the participating Progressive Israel Network organizations, including T’ruah, New Jewish Narrative, Partners for Progressive Israel, New Israel Fund, J Street, and Reconstructing Judaism.
All perspectives on Israel-Palestine, as well as all curious people, are welcomed and encouraged. Our guests will give presentations and take questions. You can register for all sessions, below, but it's okay if you can't attend all three sessions.
(Reconstructing Judaism, the central organization of the Reconstructionist movement, of which Havurah Shalom is a part, is a member of the Progressive Israel Network.)
(IP) Writing for Peace and Reconciliation, Within and Between Us Sunday, May 4th 6:30p to 8:30p Commemorate the last day of Pesach and Yitzkor in community Passover not only invites us to retell our ancient story but to look at our current reality and ask: what is our mitzrayim today? The obstacle in our personal and communal life? Where can we break through in an act of courage and compassion? April 20th & May 4th, 6:30 PM at Havurah, join Harriet Cooke for a writing/drawing group to explore this theme along with Yitzkor, the Sephirot and Counting the Omer. (It is recommended to attend either just the first session or both sessions.)
(IP) Jewish Ethical Responses to the Problem of Racism Monday, May 5th 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.
(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.
