Poverty & Homelessness Committee
Poverty & Homelessness Committee
Poverty and homelessness continue to be major issues in Portland. We believe it is vital that Havurah continue to educate our community and be an active advocate in the ongoing goal to reduce the hardships, isolation, loneliness, and violence experienced by those who face unaffordable housing, wage inequity, racial/sexual discrimination, and mental and physical disabilities.
The Poverty & Homelessness Committee supports the work of various nonprofit agencies that we believe reflect these values held by the Havurah community. We support organizations through volunteer time, financial donations, and advocacy work.
Current co-chairs of this committee are Gloria Halper, Steve Rudman, and Jenn Louis.
Currently we are working with the following groups:
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Havurah has been a longtime supporter of Portland Homeless Family Solutions to empower homeless families with children for their long-term housing needs.
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Havurah is a partner congregation of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty, a volunteer-driven, advocacy group of 14 Portland faith-based institutions. It offers an opportunity to become informed and involved with systems-change efforts to reduce poverty in our community. Their website offers educational resources and information. Join them for their first Thursday meetings at noon to listen to speakers addressing issues of homelessness and poverty. You must sign up for these virtual meetings through their homepage.
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Havurah supports The Common Good Project (TCGP), a program working under the nonprofit Trash for Peace (TFP). What does this mean? It means that TCGP can get public funding and grants for its projects and have assistance running its programs so that the focus can be on our work on the streets and have the support of TFP when it comes to administrative duties. The Common Good Project is a year-round service organization whose mission is to stabilize, enrich, and transform the lives of Portland’s homeless residents through meaningful city waste removal work that builds self-esteem, personal agency, and community, ultimately creating pathways toward more stable lives. Learn more here. For more on TCGP, please check out the Trash for Peace website in January, 2023, when their website updates should be completed.
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Havurah supports Lift Urban Portland, which provides food and supports low-income residents in northwest and downtown Portland.
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In 2021-22, Havurah added the RoseHaven Day Shelter for women, children, and marginalized genders experiencing homelessness and poverty. RoseHaven is the only day shelter and community center in Multnomah County supporting these vulnerable populations. Of interest to our Havurah community, RoseHaven is physically located in our NW neighborhood, only blocks from our synagogue, and it provides opportunities for our Education Committee for Youth volunteer projects.
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
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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
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Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 1 , 2023
Wednesday, Feb 1st 7:00p to 8:30p
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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