Book Group
Book Group
The Havurah Book Group grew out of Havurah’s commitment to creating a vibrant Jewish community steeped in learning. The group allows us to know one another better through opportunities to share ideas and knowledge that excite us. One of the group’s goals is to become a venue for discussion of complex, controversial issues, discussions that may be difficult to have in other settings.
Meetings are held once monthly to discuss books that have been chosen by the group. We meet on Zoom (Zoom Room Bet - Members can log in to see Zoom room information) from 7 pm to 8:30 pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Members are not obligated to come every month, and can come just to the book discussions that interest them.
Book suggestions are gathered yearly. The person who suggests the book leads the discussion or arranges for someone else to do it. We currently read a mix of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and memoirs. Member suggestions can also include poetry and drama.
More than 120 people are on the Book Discussion Google Group. (Click on "HS Book Discussion Google Group" below to join.) If you have questions or would like to be added to the email list please co-chair Stacy Hankin.
Havurah Shalom Book Group Schedule for 2025-2026 (Year 5786)
October 28, 2025
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad
Discussion Leader: Joel Beinin
November 25, 2025
Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Ackner
Discussion Leader: Beth Kaye
December 2, 2025 – No meeting
January 27, 2026
The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride
Discussion Leader: Maud Naroll
February 24, 2026
The Heaven and Earth Grocery by James McBride
Discussion Leader: Maud Naroll
March 24, 2026
Being Jewish after the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning by Peter Beinart
Discussion Leader: Joel Beinin
April 28, 2026
Playworld by Adam Ross
Discussion Leader: Beth Kate
May 26, 2026
Enemies, A Love Story by Isaac Bashivis Singer
Discussion Leader: Sue Danielson
Resources
Book Group's 2023-2024 Reading Schedule with Book Blurbs
Book Group's 2022-2023 Reading Schedule with Book Blurbs
Book Group's 2021-2022 Reading Schedule with Book Blurbs
Tips for Book Discussion Leaders
Previously-Read Books
Book Group General Meeting Minutes, March 2023
Book Group General Meeting Minutes, March 2022
Sat, October 25 2025
3 Cheshvan 5786
Need Help? If you are a Havurah member in need of help, log in to find resources here.
Upcoming Events
IP = In person only (normally at Havurah Shalom);
ZM = On Zoom/online only;
HYB = In person and online; and
ANN = In person at Havurah's Annex.
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Saturday ,
OctOctober 25 , 2025(HYB) Shabbat Morning
Shabbat, Oct 25th 10:00a to 12:00p
Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin, 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. -
Saturday ,
OctOctober 25 , 2025(IP) Tot Shabbat
Shabbat, Oct 25th 10:30a to 11:15a
Young children (0-5) and parents celebrate with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. All are welcome! Please RSVP when you plan to come. We provide free childcare for those staying to enjoy the full Shabbat service that ends at noon and which is followed by a light community brunch. Email info@havurahshalom.org to learn more. -
Saturday ,
OctOctober 25 , 2025(IP) Shabbat School
Shabbat, Oct 25th 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. -
Saturday ,
OctOctober 25 , 2025New Family Orientation and Teacher Training part 2
Shabbat, Oct 25th 3:00p to 4:30p
Families new to Shabbat School are required to attend both parts of the New Family Orientation and Teacher Trainings. You will meet other parents, become more oriented to the Shabbat School program and your participation in it and gain some training in teaching Shabbat School. Your attendance and participation are integral to the success of your family’s experience and our program. Please add the names of parents/grandparents who are attending for your family in the notes below. Thanks -
Saturday ,
OctOctober 25 , 2025(IP) 2nd Grade Kehillah Night
Shabbat, Oct 25th 5:30p to 8:30p
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Sunday ,
OctOctober 26 , 2025(IP) Tivnu Teen Building Project
Sunday, Oct 26th 11:00a to 2:00p
Learn how to build planter boxes that will be used by a houseless community to grow their own produce and flowers. Tivnu staff/participants will teach you how to use the tools you need to bring fresh produce and a little cheer. Tivnu will also frame the project in the context of Jewish values surrounding self-sufficiency, land use, and taking care of your body. -
Sunday ,
OctOctober 26 , 2025(HYB) Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual
Sunday, Oct 26th 7:00p to 8:15p
A gender-inclusive New Moon group, learning and celebrating each Rosh Ḥodesh with ancient and contemporary ritual. Open to any and all genders, inviting each to connect with our closest heavenly body, the Moon. An introductory meeting will happen on the full moon of Elul on Wednesday, Aug. 30 outdoors—weather permitting—in North Portland. Subsequent meetings will be on or near the new moon of each month either in person in North Portland or on Zoom, depending on seasonal shifts in the weather. Attend any or all sessions. RSVP to be updated on location and other details throughout the year. -
Sunday ,
OctOctober 26 , 2025(ZM) Israel-Palestine Committee Monthly Planning Meeting
Sunday, Oct 26th 7:00p to 8:30p
Havurah members, you are welcome to join the Israel-Palestine Committee planning meeting. We meet monthly in Zoom Room Dalet (fourth Sundays, 7 pm to 8:30 pm). For Zoom Room info, visit havurahshalom.org/zoom (be sure you log in to your Havurah member account). -
Monday ,
OctOctober 27 , 2025(ZM) Havurah's Climate Action Team (HCAT) Meeting
Monday, Oct 27th 5:00p to 6:30p
Havurah members, join the next monthly meeting of Havurah's Climate Action Team (HCAT) in Zoom Room Gimel, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. ***For Havurah members who are not already on HCAT, RSVP/register to be emailed the agenda for our next meeting when it's ready. You don't have to commit to attending all the meetings listed.*** Questions? Contact Elianne Lieberman or Marianna Grossman. -
Monday ,
OctOctober 27 , 2025(IP) Thinking About Palestine and Israel After the Destruction of Gaza [CLASS IS FULL]
Monday, Oct 27th 7:00p to 8:30p
Learn about the historical contexts behind Oct. 7, 2023, as well as the response that has resulted in massive destruction of life and society in Gaza. Led by Joel Beinin.
Address: 825 NW 18th Ave, Portland OR 97209 Phone: 503-248-4662
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