Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about the Wings of the Dove campaign. This page will continue to be updated.
IDENTIFYING NEEDS
Q: How did we identify these priority needs (building and staff needs)?
A: Over the last 10 years, Havurah has engaged in multiple long-term efforts to understand how our growth has impacted our congregation. These planning efforts consistently raised three themes:
- Growth and Space Needs – expanding membership means expanding classrooms, staff offices, and gathering spaces.
- Staffing and Volunteer Support – additional staff are needed to sustain Havurah’s participatory model and support volunteers.
- Equity and Belonging – as we grow, we must ensure that finances are never a barrier to being part of Havurah.
GROWTH
Q: What are the trends in membership?
A: The average growth in Hauvrah membership is 1.5%-2.2% each year since 2000. The graph below shows the linear projection of growth from 390-430 (high to low averages) by 2024. We have surpassed 500 households.

Source: Tom Berg and Deborah Eisenbach-Budner report on congregational size and decision-making.
Q: What are our assumptions about future growth?
A: In 2014, with 364 households, when we began to assess the impact of our growth members. At that time, we identified the need for additional staff and space at that time. In 2025, with 500 households, our need for space and staff remains clear.
Source: 2014 Long Range Plan, 2019 Space Jam, 2022 Long Range Plan, Governance 2.0, 2023 Feasibility Study, & 2024 Community Engagement Sessions
Wed, November 5 2025
14 Cheshvan 5786
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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Wednesday ,
NovNovember 5 , 2025(IP) Middle School
Wednesday, Nov 5th 6:30p to 8:30p
For grades 7 and 8. -
Wednesday ,
NovNovember 5 , 2025(IP) High School
Wednesday, Nov 5th 6:30p to 8:30p
For grades 9-12. -
Wednesday ,
NovNovember 5 , 2025(IP) B'nei Mitzvah Cohort
Wednesday, Nov 5th 6:30p to 8:30p
Youths being called to the Torah will build community and ask, “What does being Jewish and becoming bar, bat, or b’nei mitzvah mean to me?” Led by Rabbi Benjamin. -
Wednesday ,
NovNovember 5 , 2025(ANN) Adult B'nei Mitzvah
Wednesday, Nov 5th 7:00p to 8:15p
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Thursday ,
NovNovember 6 , 2025(IP) Watch Party at Havurah for Dayenu's Jewish Climate Action Event, "Gathering for Song & Solidarity"
Thursday, Nov 6th 5:00p to 6:00p
All are welcome. Click here to RSVP. This November 6 watch party is being hosted by HCAT (Havurah's Climate Action Team) and Havurah's Music team. The November 6 online "Gathering for Song & Solidarity" event itself has been organized by Dayenu: The Jewish Call to Climate Action. Hope you can be with us! -
Friday ,
NovNovember 7 , 2025(IP) Teen Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, Nov 7th 6:00p to 8:00p
A special Kabbalat Shabbat for teens and their families. -
Saturday ,
NovNovember 8 , 2025(HYB) Shabbat Morning
Shabbat, Nov 8th 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. -
Saturday ,
NovNovember 8 , 2025(IP) Shabbat School
Shabbat, Nov 8th 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. -
Saturday ,
NovNovember 8 , 2025Grade 1 Kehillah Night
Shabbat, Nov 8th 5:15p to 8:00p
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Sunday ,
NovNovember 9 , 2025(IP) Private Event
Sunday, Nov 9th 9:00a to 4:00p
Address: 825 NW 18th Ave, Portland OR 97209 Phone: 503-248-4662
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