Dec. 26 - Music Survey Results, Kabbalat Shabbat, Tu B'Shvat
(1) Upcoming Shabbat (2) Last Thursday Witness with IMIrJ (3) Office Closure on New Year's Day (4) Presentations of Music Survey Results (5) Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner Deadline (6) Family Yizkor (Remembering Those We Loved) (7) New Volunteer Orientation for PHFS at Havurah (8) Jan. 20 Presentation by John Talberth with Tu B'Shvat Seder & Jan. 21 Tree Planting (9) Tu B'Shvat Book Reading (10) Have a Question About Havurah? (11) Relief for Indonesia
Learn about Tu B'Shvat happenings at Havurah below. Above is Georgia O'Keeffe's painting "Lawrence Tree." It isn't upside down. Its perspective is from below, looking up.
(1) Upcoming Shabbat, Community Minyan, Saturday, Dec. 29, 10:00 am– At our Community Minyan, Chris Coughlin, Marty Brown, Roger Brewer, and Susan Brenner will help us daven and explore the parsha Shemot ("Names"), which covers a wide range of events. These include the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt, Pharaoh’s order to kill the slaves' baby boys, the early years of Moses' life, his marriage to Tzipporah, his encounter with the burning bush, and his first meeting with Pharaoh to demand that his people be freed. Several service-maker volunteer roles for the Dec. 29 minyan still need to be filled. Learn here how you can help, and sign up for a role!
(2) Last Thursday Witness - IMIrJ ICE Vigil, Thursday, Dec. 27, 10:00 am, Portland ICE Headquarters, 4310 SW Macadam Ave– We will gather in vigil as we express our support and love for families affected by ICE detentions. Join this monthly gathering to lift up the reality of what happens every day at the Portland ICE facility and participate in solidarity in various interfaith expressions and rituals. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is very limited.
(3) Office Closure on Tuesday, Jan. 1 – Havurah's office will be closed on Jan. 1, for New Year's Day.
(4) Music Survey Results Presentation, Sunday, Jan. 6, 10:00-11:00 am and 11:30 am-12:30 pm – The Music Disappearing Task Force (DTF) will present the results of the online music survey in two sessions on Sunday, Jan. 6, at Havurah: 10:00-11:00 am and 11:30 am-12:30 pm. We had over 160 responses to the survey, and the results showed a vibrant and active interest in the music we share at Havurah. The DTF will review the data and present some of the written responses in both sessions. Come to the session most convenient to you. Light refreshments will be provided.
(5) Jan. 6 Deadline to RSVP for Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner. Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner & Service are on Friday, Jan. 11: Dinner at 6:30 pm, Service at 7:30 pm – All are welcome at our musical and upbeat Kabbalat Shabbat service on Jan. 11, and no RSVPs are required. The service will be led by Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah musicians. Advance registration is only required for the catered vegetarian dinner. Please RSVP here for the dinner by Jan. 6. Kabbalat Shabbat dinner happens with the help of many volunteers! If you are a member of Havurah, learn how you can help when you RSVP. Childcare is available for kids ages two to eight. If you're interested in a cost adjustment for the dinner, please call 503-248-4662.
(6) Family Yizkor (Remembering Those We Loved), Sunday, Jan. 13, 4:00-5:00 pm– Has your family lost a loved one, who you continue to remember with your children? We will gather to remember, share, sing, and reflect on the lives and the loss of dear ones – in a way that gently includes children and their experience. Your family loss may have been very recent or years ago. We are focusing this experience on children ages 4-14, but older and younger are also welcome. Please RSVP with names and ages of children. We will ask you to bring 1-2 of these: a photo, an object that reminds you of the person you are remembering, something that your family wants to share about that person through words. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner and Rabbi Benjamin.
(7) New Volunteer PHFS Orientation at Havurah for the Family Winter Shelter/Lents or 13 Salmon, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 7:30-8:30 pm– So you've been reading about Havurah's volunteering with Portland Homeless Family Solutions, (PHFS) for some time now. An orientation could be your first step to becoming a volunteer or an opportunity to learn more about homelessness in Portland and the work that PHFS does. Either way, a win-win use of your time. This is **A First ** PHFS orientation at Havurah for Havurah members only. Children can attend if they will be volunteering too, but their attendance at the orientation is not required. Space will be limited. RSVP with your name and the number of Havurah members coming with you to Gloria Halper at losninos6@gmail.com.
(8) Presentation by John Talberth & Tu B'Shvat Seder, Sunday, Jan. 20, 6:30-8:30 pm & Tree Planting with Friends of Trees, Monday, Jan. 21, 8:45 am-12:00 pm– Midwinter. The sap begins to rise in the trees. It's Tu B’Shvat, the New Year of the Trees. With climate solutions significantly connected to healthy forests, the Havurah Climate Action Team (HCAT) will host three events in honor of Tu B’Shvat. On Sunday, Jan. 20, forest ecologist John Talberth will discuss the state of our forests and how we can restore their health and draw down carbon, followed by a Tu B'Shvat seder with Rabbi Benjamin and HCAT. Learn more and RSVP here. On Monday, Jan. 21, families are invited to join Friends of Trees to plant native trees and shrubs at Ibach Park, 10455 SW Ibach St, Tualatin. Please arrive by 8:45 am to sign in and enjoy breakfast treats and coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The planting starts at 9:00 am. Friends of Trees provides gloves, tools, and guidance, so just come dressed for the weather and wearing sturdy shoes. Learn more and RSVP here by Jan. 7.
(9) Tu B'Shvat Book Reading by Havurah Authors, Thursday, Jan. 24, 7:00-8:30 pm – Havurah members Alicia Jo Rabins and Rebecca Clarren will read from their newly published books, Fruit Geode and Kickdown. Alicia's first collection of poems, Divinity School, won the APR/Honickman First Book Award; she is a poet, musician and Torah teacher, and will perform live music as part of the reading. You can hear an interview with her on OPB's Think Out Loud by scrolling down this web page. Rebecca is an award-winning journalist with extensive experience reporting on environmental issues; Kickdown, her debut novel, was shortlisted for the PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction. In the spirit of Tu B’Shvat, the authors will read passages from their books related to the natural world. The reading is sponsored by the Havurah Climate Action Team. RSVPs are appreciated.
(10) Have a Question About Havurah? – The Transparency/Inclusivity Committee welcomes your questions! We will find the answer and publish the question (but not the questioner) and answer in an upcoming Hakol. It is our intention at Havurah that what you know and understand about our congregation should not be a function of who you know. So if you find yourself wondering about something related to Havurah, or if someone shares their question with you, we hope you will send your question to transparency@havurahshalom.org.
(11) Relief for Indonesia – In response to the deadly tsunami that struck Indonesia’s Sunda Strait region on Saturday evening killing hundreds, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland is collecting donations to provide relief to the region. 100% of funds raised will be passed directly to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). The JDC is providing emergency relief and assessing emerging needs through its local partner in the Kalianda and Rajabasa subdistricts in Lampung, and also coordinating with USAID and the United Nations. The aid provision includes health services, clean water, and critical supplies for survivors and the displaced. Donate here.
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Havurah Shalom is an engaged, vibrant, egalitarian, and diverse Jewish Reconstructionist community. Steeped in Jewish values, Havurah promotes spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility.
(HYB) Shabbat Morning Shabbat, May 3rd 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.
(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.
