Text & Torah: Vayera Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 am - 12 pm
In this Torah portion, three guests arrive at Abraham and Sarah’s tent. They inform Abraham that God will give the elderly Sarah a child. The prophesy comes true, and they name their son Isaac. God informs Abraham that Sodom and Gomorrah will be destroyed, though Abraham attempts to convince God otherwise. God tells Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham obliges but is told that it was a test of faith and offers a ram to sacrifice instead.
Tallit Class Sundays, Nov. 17 & Dec. 8, 10:30 am - 12 pm
We will learn to create a tallit, tie the tzitzit and learn the meaning of the gematria wound and knotted into the holy fringe. $7 for supplies! RSVPs are closed.
Moroccan Flavors of Jewish Cooking Sunday, Nov. 17, 3 pm - 5 pm
An introduction to the broad scope of Moroccan Jewish cooking in its cultural and historical context. Taught by Oren Kosansky. Free to members!RSVPs are closed.
Jewish Mindfulness and Meditation Tuesday, Nov. 19, 12 pm - 1 pm
We gather on Tuesdays, from 12 pm to 1 pm, to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, and Nancy Becker.
Morning Minyan Wednesday, Nov. 20, 8:30 am - 9:00 am
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.
On Shabbat: A Palestinian & Israeli Initiative for Understanding Friday, Nov. 22, 7 pm - 9:30 pm at Havurah Shalom 7 pm - 7:30 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Rabbi Benjamin, Rabbi Hannah Leyner of P'nai Or, and Rabbi Ariel Stone of Shir Tikvah 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm: Presentation by Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Shadi Abu Awwad Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 am - 12 pm at Havurah Shalom; 7 pm - 9 pm at Neveh Shalom 10 am - 11 am: Text Study with Rabbi Hanan 11 am - 12 pm: Shabbat Morning Service 7 pm - 9 pm: Painful Hope, a presentation by Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger & Shadi Abu Awwad at Neveh Shalom
We are pleased to co-sponsor the visit to Portland by Roots, a local Palestinian-Israeli initiative for understanding, non-violence, and transformation. Please RSVP here. You can read more about their organization here.
Workshop: Safer Together, Building Security Saturday, Nov. 23, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
For those that want to get a sense of the steps Havurah has taken to address the issues of community safety and security. Our building's safety features will be covered in this short informational course. Taught by John Devlin.
Book Groupto Discuss Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver Tuesday, Nov. 26, 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Dellarobia, a restless farm wife who has spent a decade of domestic disharmony on a failing farm after she accidentally became pregnant at seventeen. Seeking escape through a secret tryst, she encounters a shocking sight instead: a silent, forested valley that looks like a lake of fire. She understands it as a cautionary miracle, and a raft of other explanations is heard from scientists, religious leaders, and the media. Rural farmers come into unexpected contact with urbane journalists, opportunists, sightseers, and a striking biologist with his own stake in the outcome. Discussion led by Andy Beers.
Celebrating 40 Years of Shabbat School! Saturday, Dec. 7, 4 pm - 5:15 pm
Join in on the celebration! Whether your family was part of Shabbat School 40 years ago, 15 years ago, now, or never, come and see what we look like today. Come sing, enjoy a movie retrospective, and eat some birthday cake too. It is time to kvell about what Havurah Shalom has managed to do all these years – have a Jewish education family cooperative like none other! Please RSVP here by Dec. 2.
Winter Welcome Tea for New and Prospective Members Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 am - 1 pm
A chance to connect for new and prospective members seeking more connection. We'll come together to schmooze, nosh, kibbutz, and learn about Havurah happenings. Join the Welcome Committee as we show up to build and enrich our relationships to one another in the spirit of Hinenu: We Are Here! Sign up for the event on our website by clicking here. Contact Brad Pector at brad@havurahshalom.org with any questions.
Hanukah Neighborhood Celebrations Sunday, Dec. 22-30, various times - sign up!
This year, we are trying something different. Instead of one large Havurah Hanukah party, we will get together in smaller groups to light candles, sing songs, play dreidel, and eat latkes. If you are already hosting a Hanukah party, why not add some Havurahniks to your guest list? Or, if you would like to attend a neighborhood Hanukah party, let us know and we will find you a party to join.
Havurah Leadership Training Time Change Sunday, Dec. 15; Jan. 12; March 15, 2 pm - 4:30 pm
Please note that we are changing the time of our Leadership Training Classes to the afternoon. The new time is 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm on all three dates. More information on the three sessions can be found in the November HaKol or here.If you have questions about the training, contact Debbi Nadell.
Inside Havurah
Are You a Descendant of German Speaking Jews?
Do you have documents or artifacts from pre-WWII Europe that are in a box somewhere? The Leo Baeck Institute in NYC may be interested in archiving and preserving your items. They have approached me to help them identify folks who have artifacts, photos, and documents to potentially donate for preservation, research, and scholarship. Please contact Nancy Becker if you are interested in finding out more or have any questions.
Kitchen News: No Kvetching!
The Kitchen Committee would like to keep the fridge clean and organized! The refrigerator will be cleaned every two weeks by a rotating group of volunteers, who will dispose of any unlabeled foods and jars. All long term items like salad dressing and jam must be dated, and it will be helpful to state what the item was for and where it came from. We don't want to throw out anything that can be reused, but we also want to improve the chilled environment for our community!
Wanted: Havurah Historian
Are you looking for a project that can be done mostly on your own, but that will enrich the life of the congregation? Havurah has a 40+ year history. We are looking for someone who can add memorable events to our timeline documents, both as they happen and by using archival material (like old Hakols) as a source. If this project sounds up your alley, contact Rachel Pollak to learn more!
Be a Welcomer at Havurah!
Attending an event at Havurah? If so, you can be a welcomer! Sign up here, grab a welcome button from the basket in the hallway, smile, be friendly, check in with people who may have come alone, and introduce people to each other! Contact Stefanie Hausman if you have questions.
Tikkun Olam
ECONorthwest HOMELESSNESS IN OREGON: A Review of Trends, Causes, and Policy Options
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) reported almost 22,000 students in the 2017-18 school year as homeless. Under the ODE definition, homeless students are those who lack a “fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residence.” This count included sheltered and unsheltered students, and those who were doubled-up in shared housing, living in a hotel or motel, or who are unaccompanied by adults.
PHFS will soon have its Lents building ready to house 26 homeless families. More volunteers will be needed. Attend an orientation. Contact Gloria Halper or John Devlin for dates.
MACG Delegate Assembly Thursday, Nov. 14, 7 pm - 8:45 pm at Lake Oswego United Methodist Church
Havurah is a member organization of MACG - Metropolitan Alliance for the Common Good. Delegates from all member organizations meet to review and discuss MACG plans, campaigns, trainings, budget and news. Open to all Havurahniks. This is a great way to learn more about MACG and meet folks from other member organizations.
MACG Institute for Public Life November Training Friday, Nov. 22, 7 pm - 9 pm
Saturday, Nov. 23, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
St. Andrew Lutheran in Beaverton
The Institute for Public Life training is for people who want to improve their leadership skills when organizing. This training is free for Havurah members.
Havurah Climate Action Team
Climate Change: Is It a Jewish Issue? Wednesday Dec. 11, 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Mittleman Jewish Community Center, Schnitzer Family Campus
6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland
Join us for a panel discussion on the Climate Crisis from a Jewish perspective. The conversation will be led by Rabbi Tziv Fischer, Rabbi David Kosak and key experts.
The Havurah Climate Action Team is a cosponsor of this event with the Jewish Community Relations Council, MJCC, Portland Kollel, and Community Neveh Shalom. RSVP here.
Needed for the LIFT UP Community Christmas Dinner Drop off at Havurah by December 20
Each year, several hundred guests come for dinner on Dec 25 and each guest is given a toiletry kit and makes a choice for a hat, scarf, gloves and a pair of socks. We've noticed that there aren't enough large sizes and that many of our guests prefer dark colors. Are you a knitter? Can you make some hats and scarves? Or can you pick up some gloves and socks to donate? Please bring your (purchased) gloves and socks and your (hand-kinitted) hats and scarves to Havurah. Thank you!
Volunteer for Lift UP Community Christmas Dinner Wednesday, Dec. 25, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Congregation Beth Israel, Goodman Hall
Congregation Beth Israel is again hosting the Lift Urban Portland Community Christmas Dinner. This beloved neighborhood event is attended by several hundred guests and is a popular volunteer opportunity. Last year over 200 people helped to make the dinner a success. This event will take place on Christmas Day in Goodman Hall, located on NW Flanders in the Schnitzer Family Center. Dinner will be served from 12 pm - 2 pm. Meals are also delivered to homebound individuals. Many volunteers are needed to make this event happen, including drivers to deliver meals. Delivering meals can be a family activity. Sign up to volunteer here starting November 1!
Other Events in the Community
Michael Winograd & Christina Crowder, Live in Portland! Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019 at 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm, SE Portland, OR (house concert)
Join Klezmer clarinet virtuoso Michael Winograd and Accordion whiz Christina Crowder for over 100 years of Jewish music in one night! RSVP here. Suggested donation $20-25 or what you can. All door proceeds go to the artists! Contact Abbie Weisenbloom at abbiew@froggie.com with questions or for directions.
Fighting Homelessness One Tiny House at a Time with Tivnu Wednesdays, Nov. 20, 27; Dec. 4, 11, 10 am - 3 pm
A field outside the MJCC, on Capitol Highway, opposite the Federation
Build a better Portland for all of us, one tiny house at a time! Join Havurah's longtime partner Tivnu: Building Justice along with PJA and Cascadia Clusters. Let's make this a New Year of security, opportunity, and community, working alongside the folks who really need it. Tivnu and partners will bring the tools and the construction coach; you bring the hands and the heart. Sign up now!Questions? Email Erik at Erik@Tivnu.org.
Head of Israel’s Conservative Rabbis to Speak at CST About Israel's Election Wednesday, Nov. 20, 6:30 pm
Congregation Shaarie Torah, 920 NW 25th Avenue, Portland
We have a very special opportunity to learn from an insider about the implications of the current electoral tumult in Israel. Rabbi Andrew Sacks, the Director of the Conservative Movement’s Rabbinical Assembly in Israel, will give a presentation called "The Israeli Election: What Does it Mean for Israel, What Does it Mean for You?" Rabbi Sacks has a unique perspective on these issues. He is in the trenches of the fight for religious rights and freedoms in Israel. A player in the Israeli progressive Jewish world, Rabbi Sacks has been deeply involved in debates about Women of the Wall, about the Orthodox Establishment, and the rights of non-Orthodox movements in Israel. He will discuss the recent election and the implications for Israel and for progressive Jews.
Concert for the Village Saturday, Nov. 23, 6 pm, Subud House: 3185 NE Regents Drive, Portland
Join us for a fun packed evening benefiting the work of the Rafiki Village Project. Listen to music, eat, drink, socialize, bid on auction items, and shop for Chanukah gifts; all while supporting a great cause.
Okaidja is a singer-songwriter from Ghana. Okaidja was born into a family of musicians and storytellers. Continuing and expanding the tradition, he has become a master multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and arranger. Seffarine offers an ear-caressing blend of sounds from Spain and north Africa, combining the soulful sounds of Moroccan singer Lamiae Naki with flamenco guitarist Nat Hulskamp, their music melds into an intoxicating blend of ancient and modern that is a mix of Spanish flamenco, Arabic and Andalusian music, Persian classical, and jazz. Purchase tickets here.
Jewish Life & Learning
Volunteer at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education Deadline: Dec. 8, 2019
The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (OJMCHE) is currently looking to expand our group of trained volunteer educators. As part of the Education Team, docents play a critical role in helping thousands of visitors and school groups engage with museum content each year. Docents participate in in-depth educational sessions on the Holocaust, Oregon Jewish history, and the history of discrimination and resistance in Oregon as well Jewish art and culture. In the museum, docents lead conversation style tours of core exhibitions as well as national and international temporary exhibits.
If you are interested in expanding your knowledge and giving back to the community as part of a like-minded group of volunteers, follow this link to fill out an application before the deadline.
Bend the Arc's Jeremiah Fellowship
Applications are open for the 2020 cohort of the Jeremiah Fellowship, Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice’s national leadership program for young adult Jews who want to mobilize their community to fight for progressive change. Click here to start your application.
Reconstructing Judaism Newsletter
Interested in what’s happening in the national Reconstructing Judaism movement? Looking for some new ideas? Check out Reconstructing Judaism news here, or listen to the latest podcast.
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 contact us.
Send your questions to transparency@havurahshalom.org. You can also contact Judy Steinberger and Fran Weick.
Please use this formto 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.
Find our calendar and learn more at havurahshalom.org or call 503-248-4662.
(HYB) Text and Torah Shabbat: "Forgotten" Jewish Rituals Shabbat, May 17th 10:00a to 12:00p One hour of text study with Diane Chaplin on special topics, followed by a brief service. 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.
(IP) Shabbat School Summit Shabbat, May 17th 3:00p to 5:15p Summit for all Shabbat School Families. At least one parent/adult from each familiy needs to attend. If you have two adults and children in more than one grade, it is best to have one adult attend per grade.
(IP) New(ish) Member Brunch Sunday, May 18th 10:00a to 12:00p A schmear & schmooze brunch at Havurah Shalom from the Havurah Welcoming Committee for new members, newish members, and any Havurahniks who would appreciate being welcomed in again and learning about new ways to become more connected within the community. Questions? Email Wendy Castineira. Please RSVP!
You can also reach out to Tara Anderson, Havurah's Participation and Publications Coordinator (phone: 503-248-4662, ext. 4; email: tara@havurahshalom.org).
When you register, please let us know in the Notes section about any relevant dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)
(IP) Jewish Ethical Responses to the Problem of Racism Monday, May 19th 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.
(IP) Last Music Jam of the Season! Monday, May 19th 7:00p to 8:30p Join your fellow Havurah musicians for our last jam of the season. We'll play and sing Jewish and secular songs, just for the joy of it! Everyone has the opportunity to choose and lead songs from a wide range of artists and eras. Hope to see you there! Please RSVP.
(IP) Hebrew as a Tool: Prayer and Torah (registration closed) Wednesday, May 21st 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.
