Thursday Witness: IMIrJ ICE Vigil Thurs., August 29, 10 am, PDX ICE Headquarters, 4310 SW Macadam Ave.
IMIrJ folks will be hosting a 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.
This Week
Contemplative Shabbat and Torah Study Saturday, August 31, 10 am - 12 pm
Even though many Havurahniks are heading to Ashland for the “Indecent” Shabbaton at the end of August, there will still be a Shabbat morning service at Havurah Shalom on Saturday, August 31. The service will include contemplative chant, meditation, and Torah study, and will be led by Tivona Reith. This intimate gathering will be an opportunity for inner reflection and preparation for the High Holy Days, as well as welcoming Rosh Chodesh Elul. Mourners Kaddish, Kiddush, and Motzi will be included.
Jewish Mindfulness and Meditation Tuesday, September 3, 12 pm
We gather on Tuesdays, from 12 pm - 1 pm, to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Rabbi Benjamin, and Nancy Becker.
Two Spots Left in Trope Class Wednesdays, September 4, 11, 18, 25, 7 pm - 8:15 pm
Learn with Ken Lerner, master leyner! If you are able to read Hebrew, and if you can attend all classes and agree to complete homework in between classes, this may be your opportunity to learn the fundamentals of leyning (chanting) Torah. Contact Deborah Eisenbach-Budner at deborah@havurahshalom.org for questions or for information about fees paid to teachers.
Morning Minyan Wednesday, September 4, 8:30 am
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.
Inside Havurah
High Holiday Packet Corrections
Unfortunately, several typos made their way into the High Holiday Packet that you just received in the mail. Here is a corrected PDF version for all your reference needs! Corrections are on third page in purple text.
Add Your Voice to the High Holidays!
Havurahniks, we invite you to add your voice to our prayer and celebration at High Holidays this year by submitting a “mini-drash” or kavanah to be included in our services. These short reflections or sharing of life experience, 2-3 minutes long, can be either in response to this year’s theme “Hineinu” or connected to the annual themes of teshuvah (returning / renewal / repentance) or forgiveness. The writing can be your own, or it can be a reading that expresses something true for you.
Send to rachel.pollak@havurahshalom.org with the subject line “Mini-drash 2019”.
- Rabbi Benjamin Barnett
Celebrate 40 Years of Havurah Shabbat School with Us
Let’s hear and see your reflections! On November 23rd, 4:00 pm, we will look back and marvel on 40 years of our unique and amazing family cooperative Jewish education model, while envisioning our future. Will you share some reflections, recollections, photos, memories of the Shabbat School experience for you, your children, your family? Deborah and Brad (Havurah’s new Communications and Membership Coordinator) will create a short film for our celebration. You can find out more by clicking here.
Join Us for Dorot Shabbat Friday, September 6, 6:00 pm Service, 6:45 Potluck Dinner
Please join us for a 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. RSVP here by Sept 4th.
Kabbalat Shabbat is Quickly Approaching! Friday, September 13, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Join us for a catered vegetarian dinner on September 13th at 6:30 pm, followed by a short, musical service at 7:30 pm. RSVP for the dinner by Sunday, September 8th. For cost adjustments, call 503-248-4662 ext. 2. No RSVP is required for the service portion. Childcare is provided.
Learn About the Upcoming Global Climate Strikes! Saturday, Sept 14, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm at Havurah
The Havurah Climate Action Team invites you to attend an informational event about the Sept 20th & 27th Global Climate Strikes. We will hear from student climate activists, the Sunrise Movement, and other organizers about the upcoming strikes. This is a great opportunity to learn more and get questions answered. The strikes will be huge, international events focusing on the Climate Emergency and the lack of action to address the biggest crisis facing humanity. Students, parents, and others will strike from school and work to attend protests.
Hashiveinu: Musical and Spiritual Preparation for the Days of Returning Thursdays, Sept. 12, 19, 26, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm at Havurah
We will interweave singing High Holiday melodies with reflecting upon and discussing the themes and meaning of this sacred time. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you consider yourself a singer. Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin and others. RSVP here.
RSVP for Rabbi’s Contemplative Practice and Walk in the Forest Sunday, September 15, 7:00 am, Lower Macleay Park
We will gather in Lower Macleay Park in the early morning, beginning with some chanting then walking mindfully along the trail. In the midst of this month of Elul, we will access teachings and intentions from the tradition to direct us toward teshuvah, the returning and renewal of this season. This will be a very short hike at a gentle pace. We will conclude by 8:30 am. Contact Rabbi Benjamin with questions. Click here to RSVP by Sept. 8th.
Have a Question About Havurah?
The Transparency and 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. 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.
In June's Hakol, the question dealt with the issue of Havurah's growth. Our current co-presidents were interviewed to provide an answer.
Please use this form to submit stories for this weekly community email. Submissions are due by noon on Tuesday each week.
Havurah Shalom is a vibrant, diverse, participatory Jewish community steeped in Jewish values promoting 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.
