Middle School Grades 7-8
Middle School (Grades 7-8)
Havurah's Middle School emphasizes kehillah and kesher (community and connection). It strives to be fun and to help students stay connected with their friends and/or expand their circle of relationships and community. Recognizing that many families are involved with B'nai Mitzvah preparation, the program is held in groups of classes throughout the school year. Classes and activities focus more on culture than religion, with the intent of exposing students to diverse ways of being Jewish.
Designed for 7th and 8th graders, our Middle School offers students and families a unique blend of programs. In prior years, students have learned about and experienced Jewish cooking, watched and discussed Jewish films, considered Jewish customs and rituals concerning health and body image, and participated in tikkun olam projects.
Meeting Times
Havurah Middle School meets on Wednesday evenings during the school year, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Each class begins with dinner (6:30 to 7:00 pm), when students socialize with each other and with Havurah's High School students. Then students have class from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. During the 2024-25 (5785) school year, Grade 7 will meet on with Rabbi Benjamin for their Cohort classes on 10/23, 10/30, 11/6 and 11/13. Grade 8 meets for classes on 10/23, 10/30, 11/6 and 11/13 as well, then Grades 7 and 8 meet together for classes on 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29 and 2/5.
Parent Participation
All parents participate in facilitating the Middle School program. Some join the High School parents in providing dinner on class nights, while others assist in the classroom or plan activities. At times parents are also asked to drive students to events. Parent Orientation for Havurah Middle School will be held on October 23. Details and RSVP coming soon.
Tuition & Registration
Enroll here for 2024-25 (5785) Middle School - grades 7 and 8. Contact Carrie Kirschner with questions, carrie@havurahshlom.org
For tuition assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Deborah Eisenbach-Budner.
Resources for Middle School Parents
Thu, September 18 2025
25 Elul 5785
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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Sunday ,
SepSeptember 14 , 2025
Sunday, Sep 14th (All day)
Hear the Sound of the Shofar each day of Elul (except Shabbat): Andrine, Diane & Howard (& sometimes Dominic & Wesley) help prepare us for Rosh Hashanah with shofar, deep thoughts, and a touch of kavanah (intention). Videos will be posted daily on Havurah's YouTube and Facebook pages. -
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 18 , 2025
Thursday, Sep 18th 5:30p to 7:30p
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Thursday ,
SepSeptember 18 , 2025
Thursday, Sep 18th 6:30p to 9:00p
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Thursday ,
SepSeptember 18 , 2025
Thursday, Sep 18th 7:00p to 8:30p
During the High Holy Days we read four sections of the Torah. This series of study sessions will give us an opportunity to read the texts and explore their meanings. We will look at what our teachers before us thought of the readings, as well as investigate modern commentators. We also will come up with our own thoughts and see how we can understand the texts for our lives today. Led by David Dropkin. No experience necessary. Please join us. -
Friday ,
SepSeptember 19 , 2025
Friday, Sep 19th 12:00p to 1:30p
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 20 , 2025
Shabbat, Sep 20th 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. -
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 21 , 2025
Sunday, Sep 21st (All day)
Hear the Sound of the Shofar each day of Elul (except Shabbat): Andrine, Diane & Howard (& sometimes Dominic & Wesley) help prepare us for Rosh Hashanah with shofar, deep thoughts, and a touch of kavanah (intention). Videos will be posted daily on Havurah's YouTube and Facebook pages. -
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 21 , 2025
Sunday, Sep 21st 10:30a to 12:30p
Bake honey cake muffins to share with family and friends and start the New Year with a sweet treat. -
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 21 , 2025
Sunday, Sep 21st 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. -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 22 , 2025
Monday, Sep 22nd 7:30p to 9:00p
We usher in the new year together with song, prayer, and reflection, setting the tone for our Days of Awe journey. All are welcome. Our Erev Rosh Hashanah service will take place at the Tiffany Center. The service will also stream on Youtube.
Address: 825 NW 18th Ave, Portland OR 97209 Phone: 503-248-4662
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