Shabbat School Grades K-6
Shabbat School (Grades K-6)
Our cooperative Shabbat School is one component of the Havurah Shalom community and of Jewish living. Over time, our experiences in Shabbat School are complemented by celebrating holidays and life-cycle milestones, tikkun olam (repair of the world), tefillah (prayer/reflection), and by bringing Jewish values into our daily life.
Havurah Shalom Shabbat School is for member families with children in grades K-6 and meets approximately 17 Saturday afternoons throughout the school year from 3 to 5:15 pm. Learn more about the school's history and listen to testimonials below.
Family Cooperative Jewish Education Model
Our cooperative Shabbat School is one component of the Havurah Shalom community and of Jewish living. Over time, our experiences in Shabbat School are complemented by celebrating holidays and life-cycle milestones, tikkun olam (repair of the world), tefillah (prayer/reflection), and by bringing Jewish values into our daily life.
With the help of our education staff, parents work together in teams to plan and implement the curriculum and community-building activities for their child’s grade. Each teaching team is responsible for planning and implementing four sessions.
In addition to giving our children a basis for Jewish learning, Shabbat School fosters a strong sense of community among families. Many parents feel that they, too, enhance their knowledge about and connection to Judaism through the Shabbat School experience. All levels of experience and knowledge are welcome in our Shabbat School.
Please see the Havurah Shalom Shabbat School Parent Handbook and Curriculum Overview for detailed information about the Shabbat School structure, parent teaching and curriculum.
Goals of Shabbat School
The goals of the Havurah Shalom's Shabbat School are to:
- Develop and/or deepen our enthusiasm for Jewish learning and living.
- Embrace the Jewish values of study, social justice, celebration in home and synagogue, and participation in life cycle events.
- Appreciate and rely upon Jewish values as a guide to moral and responsible decision making for ourselves and our community.
- Engage substantively with Jewish tradition and deepen our attachment to our community.
It is our hope that the Shabbat School experience, in concert with home and community and Jewish involvement, will facilitate these long-term outcomes:
- Children will build the beginning of a foundation for lifelong Jewish learning and engagement.
- Parents and children will be drawn into a warm and caring Jewish community that will enhance our Jewish living.
The two smaller photos above were taken at Shabbat School on March 12, 2022, by Talia Hack-Davie Stein.
Enrollment Policies
In order for our family cooperative model of Grades K-6 Jewish education to continue to meet the diverse needs of families, their children and the larger Havurah community, we have the following policies for Shabbat School enrollment:
Timeline
All potential new families must be in touch with Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Education Director, to discuss the unique model of Shabbat School, a family cooperative, before enrolling.
Families must be Havurah Shalom members by April 18 and enroll their children in Shabbat School by May 1 to ensure a spot for the upcoming year. From May 1 to August 1, enrollment in a particular grade is subject to space availability, in consultation with and at the discretion of the Education Director. You can contact Deborah, our Education Director, at deborah@havurahshalom.org to see if there is room.
Enrollment in Shabbat School is not available after August 1 for the upcoming year. Despite this, families are welcome to join Havurah Shalom and fully participate in holidays, Shabbat celebrations, and all other family activities.
For tuition assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Education Director.
Post-Enrollment
We kick off the 2022-23 school year with the Shabbat School Summit on May 14, 3-5 pm. At that point, the whole Shabbat School community of parent-teachers organize themselves to prepare for when classes officially begin in September.
Enrollment Link
Begin Enrollment By Visiting This Page
Shabbat School Quick Links
Shabbat School Parent Handbook 2022-23
Family Calendar 2022-2023
Curriculum Overview
Reimbursement Form for Shabbat School Expenses
Youth Hebrew Classes: Enrollment and Terms of Participation
Youth Safety Policy Agreement Form
Shabbat School History
Learn more about the school's history and listen to testimonials below.
History of Shabbat School
40th Anniversary Shabbat School Video
Above photo of sixth graders at end of Shabbat School celebration in May 2022 was taken by Sandy Bacharach.
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