Sanctuary Committee
Sanctuary Committee
The Havurah Sanctuary Committee engages in political action and direct service in its work of welcoming the stranger.
The committee is currently chaired by Debbi Nadell, Miriam Reshotko, and Beka Feathers.
Much of our Immigrant and Refugee justice work is done in partnership. Alongside other congregations in the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ), we advocate for immigration-related public policy issues. We are part of the national HIAS Welcome Campaign and participate in National Refugee Shabbat and other HIAS actions. In partnership with Catholic Charities & Lutheran Community Services, we provide support to refugees relocating to the Portland area. We also participate in events organized by the Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice Northwest.
Our activism has included the following:
- Annual Refugee Shabbat
- Annual Passover Service and Vigil at ICE Headquarters
- Education for Havurah members about immigrant and refugee issues
- Salem Legislative Lobby Day
- Advocacy for legislative and regulatory changes
- Vigils at ICE headquarters and detention sites
- ACLU Legal Observers
- IMIRJ Accompaniment
Havurah is currently sponsoring two families:
- A Guatemalan family seeking asylum
- A refugee family from Afghanistan
Refugee and Immigrant Fund: A tax deductible fund supporting this work has been created.
Sun, April 27 2025
29 Nisan 5785
Need Help? If you are a Havurah member in need of help, log in to find resources here.
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.
-
Sunday ,
AprApril 27 , 2025
Sunday, Apr 27th 10:30a to 11:30a
-
Sunday ,
AprApril 27 , 2025
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
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
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
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
Wednesday, Apr 30th 6:30p to 8:30p
-
Wednesday ,
AprApril 30 , 2025
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
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
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
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.)
Address: 825 NW 18th Ave, Portland OR 97209 Phone: 503-248-4662
Privacy Settings | Privacy Policy | Member Terms
©2025 All rights reserved. Find out more about ShulCloud