(1) Upcoming Shabbat (2) PHFS Orientation at Havurah for New Volunteers (3) Donations for PHFS Winter Shelter (4) Rabbi Goldie Milgram on Wisdom from Reb Zalman (5) Presentation by John Talberth & Tu B'Shvat Seder (6) Discussion of The Book Smugglers (7) Rabbi Deborah Waxman at Havurah (8) Poetry of the Soul (9) Tu B'Shvat Book Reading & Live Music by Rebecca Clarren & Alicia Jo Rabins (10) Dorot Shabbat (11) Tot Shabbat (12) Discovering Shabbat Morning (13) 19th Annual Community Havdalah Service & Social (14) Beginning the B'nai Mitzvah Journey (15) Eye-opening & Unexpected Stories from Jewish History (16) Shabbaton Weekend with Joey Weisenberg (17) Have a Question About Havurah? (18) Two Recommended Online Classes (In Gmail, click on "view entire message" to see complete email.)
Painting of Miriam dancing at the Sea of Reeds by Chana Helen Rosenberg
(1) Upcoming Shabbat, Community Minyan, Saturday, Jan. 19, 10:00 am– This Saturday we will read and discuss Parsha Beshalach, which means "When (He) Let Go." Pharaoh releases the Hebrew people only to change his mind and send his armies after them. Rabbi Benjamin, Roger Brewer, Susan Brenner, and others will lead and read Torah. Join us!
(2) PHFS Orientation for Family Winter Shelter/Lents or 13 Salmon, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 7:30-8:30 pm + Bonus Training, 8:30-9:00 pm– New volunteer PHFS orientation AND training (keep reading) at Havurah. 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. This is **A First** PHFS orientation at Havurah. Children can attend if they will be volunteering too, but their attendance at the orientation is not required. **EXTRA BONUS: From 8:30-9:00 pm you can attend a training that is now required for new volunteers who have never attended an orientation. RSVP with your name and the number of family members coming to Gloria Halper at losninos6@gmail.com.
(3) Donations for the Family Winter Shelter– The PHFS Family Winter Shelter is open and in need of a few items. Across from the coat closet at Havurah, you'll find a container where your donations would be welcomed: serving spoons and bowls (think of the size to serve portions for 20-30 people), art supplies for children (nothing messy ... crayons, markers, pages to color, colored paper, kids scissors, glue sticks), recyclable/reusable dishes that Havurah folks can use on their night to volunteer and take home with them afterward. Questions? Email Gloria at losninos6@gmail.com.
(4) Wisdom From Reb Zalman: Embracing the Jewish Spirit, Thursday, Jan. 17, 7:00-8:30 pm, P’nai Or of Portland, 9750 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland – Rabbi Goldie Milgram, lead editor of Wisdom from Reb Zalman: Embracing the Jewish Spirit, will lead a workshop based on the book. Contact Zmira Lovejoy at admin@pnaiorpdx.org with any questions.
(5) Presentation by John Talberth on the State of Our Forests & Tu B'Shvat Seder, Sunday, Jan. 20, 7:00-9:00 pm– Tu B’Shvat, the New Year of the Trees, begins the night of Jan. 20. With climate solutions significantly connected to the restoration of healthy forests, the Havurah Climate Action Team (HCAT) will host events in honor of Tu B’Shvat. On Sunday, Jan. 20, forest ecologist John Talberth will offer a presentation on the state of our forests and how we can help restore their health and draw down carbon at the same time. We will learn about specific political actions that we can take. Following his presentation, Rabbi Benjamin and HCAT will guide us through a Tu B'Shvat seder with ritual foods, song, and potluck oneg dessert. The evening is co-sponsored by Havurah Shalom, Shir Tikvah, and Kol Shalom. Please RSVP here. (Above is a painting by David Hockney.)
(6) Book Discussion Group, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 7:00-8:30 pm, Havurah Shalom – The Book Smugglers, by David Fishman, is the true, nearly unbelievable, story of the ghetto residents of Vilna, "The Jerusalem of Lithuania," who rescued hundreds of thousands of rare books, manuscripts, and cultural treasures—first from the Nazis and then from the Soviets—by hiding them on their bodies, burying them in bunkers, and smuggling them across borders. Fishman’s powerful account describes the “paper brigade” of Vilna (now Vilnius) during World War II. Discussion led by Ruth Feldman. This Havurah Shalom Book Discussion is included in a series of community-wide events leading up to David Fishman’s visit to Portland on Sunday, Jan. 27. You can attend his talk as well: 1:00 pm, Portland State University, Browsing Lounge (Room 238), Smith Memorial Student Union, 1825 SW Broadway.
(7) Rabbi Deborah Waxman to Speak at Havurah, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 7:00 pm – Reconstructing Judaism President Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., will speak at Havurah about the Reconstructionist movement and resilience during this challenging political climate. The first woman rabbi to head a Jewish congregational union and a Jewish seminary, Rabbi Waxman became president of Reconstructing Judaism in 2014 and is the movement’s leading voice in the public square. She is a cum laude graduate of Columbia College, Columbia University, and a recipient of a rabbinical ordination and a Master of Arts in Hebrew letters from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1999. She earned a Ph.D. in American Jewish history from Temple University in May 2010. Rabbi Waxman is committed to visiting all Reconstructionist communities and has already visited more than 50. She is also the sister of Havurah member Andy Waxman.
(8) "The Poetry of the Soul" Begins Again, Thursdays, Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 14, 21, 28, March 7, 12:00 noon-1:15 pm – We will read the Psalms closely, one by one. How they lend voice to our oscillating emotions, engagement with a sublime Other, and a longing for refuge will help us honor our own truths. We will use English translations and commentaries and refer to the Hebrew. Taught by Rabbi Joey. Please RSVP here if you plan to attend, even if you RSVPed for the fall classes previously.
(9) Tu B'Shvat Book Reading & Live Music by Havurah Authors Alicia Jo Rabins & Rebecca Clarren, Thursday, Jan. 24, 7:00-8:30 pm – Nationally acclaimed authors and 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. 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. Learn more and RSVP here. Photo above of Alicia Jo Rabins, Rebecca Clarren below.
(10) Dorot: Short & Sweet Shabbat Service, Friday, Jan. 25, 6:00-7:30 pm – A casual, family-friendly, and music-filled service, followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner. Led by Jacob Mandelsberg, Sarah Shine, Gabe Adoff, Larry Reichman, and Tanja Lux. RSVP by Jan. 23..
(11) Tot Shabbat, Saturday, Jan. 26, 10:30-11:30 am – Young children (0-5) and their parents celebrate Shabbat with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. You can stay for an informal oneg nosh and the chance to play and schmooze. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. RSVP by Jan. 23.
(12) Discovering Shabbat Morning, Saturday, Feb. 2, 10:00-11:30 am – Join this upbeat workshop/minyan where we will walk through the Shabbat morning service and answer questions. This service is especially for families with youth in grades 5 and up and all who are in the B’nai Mitzvah process. Childcare is available every Saturday morning for children 0-9. Light lunch provided afterwards. Led by Susan Brenner and Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. RSVP here.
(13) 19th Annual Community Havdalah Service and Social, Saturday, Feb. 2, 7:00 pm, Cedar Sinai Park, 6125 SW Boundary Street – Havdalah service with music, refreshments, conversation, and Israeli dance demonstration. Rabbi Ariel Stone will lead the service. Event is sponsored by Jewish Women's Round Table in cooperation with Cedar Sinai Park and area synagogues and Jewish organizations. Questions? Contact Adele Thompson at adeledt@live.com.
(14) Beginning the B’nai Mitzvah Journey: Why, When & How, Sunday, Feb. 3, 10:00 am-12:00 pm – This workshop for parents intends to launch families on the b’nai mitzvah journey. Rabbi Benjamin will begin with a focus on the rite of passage itself, then families will learn about the date selection process. Rabbi Benjamin, David Newman, and Michael Evans will lead this workshop. RSVP by Jan. 28.
(15) Eye-opening and Unexpected Stories from Jewish History, Sundays, Feb. 3, 10, 24, 10:00-11:30 am – Educator David Feder, who also happens to be our Havurah High teacher, will lead a series of classes that span knowledge of ancient, medieval, and modern Judaism and explore how stories of diversity and problem-solving can unite us going forward. Register here.
(16) Shabbaton Weekend with Joey Weisenberg, Friday-Sunday, Feb. 15-17, Shaarie Torah, 920 NW 25th Ave – Havurah members are invited to participate in a Shabbaton weekend at Shaarie Torah with acclaimed musician, author, and teacher Joey Weisenberg. No community minyan will be planned at Havurah that Saturday to give Havurah members an opportunity to join the Friday night and Saturday morning services with Joey Weisenberg. The Saturday service will be followed by a Kiddush lunch and, later that afternoon, a singing circle. A special singing workshop is scheduled for Sunday. All events are free except the Friday evening dinner and Sunday workshop, which require a modest fee. The cost for all weekend events is $36. Learn more and RSVP here on Shaarie Torah's website. Listen to Joey Weisenberg's music on his website.
(17) 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.
(18) Online Classes by Tamar Kamionkowski of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College – Exodus: What They Didn't Teach You in Hebrew School – Each unit includes a video lecture, screen casts that walk students through the text in English, questions for students to consider, and spaces for students' comments. The eight-week course begins on Jan. 14, and you can complete it at your own pace. It costs only $72. Learn more and register here.
Beginner-Intermediate Biblical Hebrew – Students who enroll before Feb. 4 receive a 25% discount. This course covers the biblical perfect (past tense) for strong and weak verb roots, the infinitive, semichut, possessive suffixes, and about 120 vocabulary words. This online course begins Feb. 14 and can be completed at your own pace. Learn more and register 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.
