End of Life
Cemetery Committee
Havurah's Cemetery Committee is led by Dave Weil, David Ellenberg, and Evan King. The committee helps Havurah members purchase cemetery plots and manages other aspects of the cemetery. Every year the committee brings the Havurah community together during High Holidays to remember loved ones who have passed away and organizes an annual cemetery beautification day. You can find information about the cemetery below.
In the Event of a Death
If you are a member of Havurah Shalom and experience a death in the family, you can reach Rabbi Benjamin at 503-248-4662 ext. 3. If you need to make funeral, burial or shiva minyan arrangements, and Rabbi Benjamin is out of town and can't be reached, his voicemail message will direct you to the pastoral support person who can assist you.
Yahrzeits
If you would like Havurah to notify you when the yahrzeit dates of your loved ones are approaching, you can log into your Havurah membership account and add the names and dates there.
If you haven't logged in as a member yet, click on the "login" link in upper right corner of our website, enter the email address where you receive Havurah correspondence, and create a password for yourself. You'll receive an email from Havurah confirming that your password has been received, and then you'll be able to log into your account any time. If you have questions, call 503-248-4662.
Chevra Kadisha
A chevra kadisha is a group of men and a group of women who perform the traditional Jewish ritual of preparing individuals for burial. This service is one of chesed shel emet (ultimate kindness). In order to maintain the dignity of the one who has died, the ritual is performed by chevra members who are the same gender as the deceased. Chevra Kavod haMet is a chevra kadisha for several Jewish communities in the Portland area.
Resources
- Commentary and Research by Diane Chaplin about Jewish mourning traditions
- Books for Children and Families about terminal illness, aging and death, in a Jewish context
- Books for Adults About Death in a Jewish Context, which can be checked out from Havurah's library
- Reference Information from end-of-life workshops at Havurah by former Havurah member Rabbi Me'irah Iliinsky
- Video of Rabbi Iliinsky's Interactive Play at Havurah on Tahara
Cemetery
Havurah Shalom's cemetery is located off the Sylvan Hill, just west of downtown Portland, at 5656 SW Humphrey Blvd. You can find directions below.
This interview with founding member Elden Rosenthal describes how and why Havurah established the cemetery shortly after the congregation was formed and the egalitarian concepts the cemetery reflects.
Havurah works closely with Holman’s Funeral Service to coordinate funerals at our cemetery. Holman's is located at 2610 SE Hawthorne Blvd. You can call 503-232-5131 to make arrangements or to learn about preplanning to make the end of life less stressful.
If you are a member of Havurah and need to make funeral, burial, or shiva minyan arrangements, please contact Rabbi Benjamin at 503-248-4662 ext. 3. If he is out of town and can't be reached, his voicemail message will direct you to the pastoral support person who can assist you.
These are some helpful resources for making burial arrangements:
Directions to the Cemetery
Directions from downtown Portland to our cemetery, which is a section of the Jones Cemetery at 5656 SW Humphrey Blvd:
- Take Highway 26 West toward Beaverton.
- Take the Sylvan Exit.
- Turn left at the light at the top of the exit ramp and cross over the freeway.
- Turn left at the second light onto SW Humphrey Blvd.
- Turn right onto SW Hewett.
- Take an immediate left into the parking lot of the Vineyard Church. As you drive up through the parking lot, the cemetery entrance will be straight ahead.
- Park in the church parking lot (except on Sunday mornings), and proceed on foot into the cemetery.
- Continue up the paved path toward the circular drive to the right. The oldest section of Havurah's cemetery is just beyond the circular drive, marked by hedges along the left and back and a wire fence on the right.
Sun, January 29 2023
7 Shevat 5783
Need Help? If you are a Havurah member in need of help, log in to find resources here.
Havurah Updates
Hineinu: Shabbat Minyan Lunch is Back, Helping a Community Member, Spread the Word about Hiring
Regular Happenings
Thank you for following our safety requirements at in-person gatherings.
Zoom Room links can be
Hineinu: A Time for Everything
Masks Optional and Stay Home if You Are Feeling Sick
With Covid transmission levels "low" in Multnomah County, and a decl
Hineinu: Lots Going On at Havurah Shalom!
Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Dinner
6:00 - 8:30, Friday, Jan. 13
We're gathering in person to welcome Shabbat. All are
Upcoming Events
-
Monday ,
JanJanuary 30 , 2023
Monday, Jan 30th 7:00p to 8:15p
In this four-week introductory class, we will delve into the history of Jewish mysticism, sample ancient Kabbalistic texts and contemporary mystical writings, become acquainted with Hasidic rebbes and their enduring stories, and explore selected mystical concepts and practices. Led by Tivona Reith, Rabbinic Chaplain and Mashpiah Ruchanit. -
Tuesday ,
JanJanuary 31 , 2023
Tuesday, Jan 31st 5:30p to 7:30p
The Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good (MACG) Havurah Core Team hope you will consider registering for the 5-session virtual course “Wrestling with the Truth of Colonization.” This course has been developed and presented by local Indigenous leaders in Washington, Montana, two Canadian provinces, New Zealand and Australia. The course is very powerful and moving. Please spread the word wide and far within our community and beyond. . Since Havurah is a MACG member, there is no cost for members. -
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 1 , 2023
Wednesday, Feb 1st 6:30p to 8:30p
-
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 1 , 2023
Wednesday, Feb 1st 7:00p to 8:30p
-
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 1 , 2023
Wednesday, Feb 1st 7:00p to 8:15p
A selection of Palestinian voices in their own terms—unmediated by Western or Israeli media or organizations with a political agenda—using a selection of films, poetry, prose, and music (and depending on Covid conditions, food). We will include well known figures like Edward Said, Ghassan Kanafani, and Mahmud Darwish as well as representatives of the youthful generation of feminist authors, such as Hala Alyan, Farah Chamma, and Rafeef Ziadah. The emphasis throughout is on cultural expression rather than historical narrative or political analysis. However, to provide a common point of departure, we will begin with a film that surveys the history since British Mandate Palestine (1922-1948) to about 2000. Led by Joel Beinin. -
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 2 , 2023
Thursday, Feb 2nd 5:30p to 7:30p
The Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good (MACG) Havurah Core Team hope you will consider registering for the 5-session virtual course “Wrestling with the Truth of Colonization.” This course has been developed and presented by local Indigenous leaders in Washington, Montana, two Canadian provinces, New Zealand and Australia. The course is very powerful and moving. Please spread the word wide and far within our community and beyond. . Since Havurah is a MACG member, there is no cost for members. -
Friday ,
FebFebruary 3 , 2023
Friday, Feb 3rd 7:30p to 8:30p
We will join congregations nationwide in dedicating our Shabbat services to honoring refugees and asylum seekers. -
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 4 , 2023
Shabbat, Feb 4th 10:00a to 12:00p
Please share in our joy as Havurah Shalom’s Adult B’nai Mitzvah group is called to the Torah. After services, please join us for a luncheon sponsored by the B’nai Mitzvah group, with the help of the Havurah Community and our friends and family. Please RSVP by Jan. 19. -
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 4 , 2023
Motzei Shabbat, Feb 4th 7:00p to 9:00p
Teens! Come hang out with your friends at Havurah! Activities include board games, gaga, cornhole, etc. Ice cream sundae bar for dessert, and music with DJ Saul. -
Sunday ,
FebFebruary 5 , 2023
Sunday, Feb 5th 1:00p to 3:00p
Join us for a joyful, family-friendly hike from Tryon Creek Nature Center through trails to the Tryon Farm, about 20 minutes. A short Tu B'shvat seder (under cover of a large yurt if rainy or too cold), followed by return hike back to the nature center. The hike will be led by forest activist Brenna Bell. Seder will be led by Harriet Cooke and Karen Ballard. RSVP