Purim
Purim
The Book of Esther tells the story of the Jews of Persia, during the time of King Ahasuerus. After Queen Esther's cousin Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, the king's minister, Haman tried to wipe out the Jews. The king gave him permission to draw lots (pur) to determine the day of destruction.
When Mordecai learned about the plan, he asked his cousin Esther to intercede. At a banquet for the king and Haman, she denounced Haman, who was hanged.
Celebrations of this story include humorous spiels with costumes, jokes and songs, and boundary-crossing on issues of gender, sexuality, authority, and relations with the non-Jewish world.
In this photo taken by Barbara Gundle at Havurah's 2018 Purim celebration, Rabbi Benjamin, dressed as Esther, addresses the crowd in a Brooklyn accent.
Sun, April 27 2025
29 Nisan 5785
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Havurah Updates
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 ,
AprApril 27 , 2025(IP) B'nei Mitzvah Run-through
Sunday, Apr 27th 10:30a to 11:30a
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Sunday ,
AprApril 27 , 2025(ZM) Progressive Israel Network Sessions
Sunday, Apr 27th 3:00p to 4:30p
Havurah Shalom is hosting a four-session series from the Progressive Israel Network. Come learn in collaboration with representatives from five to six of the participating Progressive Israel Network organizations, including T’ruah, New Jewish Narrative, Partners for Progressive Israel, New Israel Fund, J Street, and Reconstructing Judaism. All perspectives on Israel-Palestine, as well as all curious people, are welcomed and encouraged. Our guests will give presentations and take questions. You can register for all sessions, below, but it's okay if you can't attend all three sessions. (Reconstructing Judaism, the central organization of the Reconstructionist movement, of which Havurah Shalom is a part, is a member of the Progressive Israel Network.) -
Sunday ,
AprApril 27 , 2025(HYB) Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual
Sunday, Apr 27th 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 ,
AprApril 28 , 2025(ZM) Palestinian Justice Letter Writing Group
Monday, Apr 28th 6:00p to 7:30p
We hold monthly letter writing group Zoom gatherings to write letters to our lawmakers for Israel/Palestine justice. Questions? Email Dale Oller (member log-in required to access directory). Feel free to drop in any time! There’s no need to RSVP, but please do RSVP if you need the Zoom login. Non-Havurah-members very welcome as well. -
Monday ,
AprApril 28 , 2025(IP) Steering Meeting
Monday, Apr 28th 6:30p to 8:30p
The Steering Committee will meet an extra time this month to discuss the budget. -
Wednesday ,
AprApril 30 , 2025(IP) Teens and the Poverty and Homelessness Committee
Wednesday, Apr 30th 6:30p to 8:30p
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Wednesday ,
AprApril 30 , 2025(IP) Hebrew as a Tool: Prayer and Torah (registration closed)
Wednesday, Apr 30th 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. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 3 , 2025(HYB) Shabbat Morning
Shabbat, May 3rd 10:00a to 12:00p
Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin (who is on sabbatical until July 1, 2025), 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 ,
MayMay 3 , 2025(IP) Shabbat School
Shabbat, May 3rd 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. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025(ZM) Progressive Israel Network Sessions
Sunday, May 4th 11:00a to 12:00p
Havurah Shalom is hosting a four-session series from the Progressive Israel Network. Come learn in collaboration with representatives from five to six of the participating Progressive Israel Network organizations, including T’ruah, New Jewish Narrative, Partners for Progressive Israel, New Israel Fund, J Street, and Reconstructing Judaism. All perspectives on Israel-Palestine, as well as all curious people, are welcomed and encouraged. Our guests will give presentations and take questions. You can register for all sessions, below, but it's okay if you can't attend all three sessions. (Reconstructing Judaism, the central organization of the Reconstructionist movement, of which Havurah Shalom is a part, is a member of the Progressive Israel Network.)
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