Hineinu, December 6, 2023

RSVP for Chanukah - Be a Chanukah Celebration Greeter

RSVP & Learn More Key Info about our Chanukah Celebration!

Havurahniks, Sign Up for Chanukah Greeter Shifts (Just 15 minutes)!

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration on Friday, December 8
6 pm Oneg; 6:30 pm Service; 7:30 pm Dinner, Friday, December 8 – Havurah Shalom (and also Zoom Room Aleph for the 6:30 pm service)
We hold Kabbalat Shabbat celebrations on the second Friday evening of each month from October through May: All are welcome at this family-friendly oneg followed by a service led by Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah musicians, with a registration-based dinner afterward (which is presently full to capacity).

KABBALAT SHABBAT UPDATES:

• THE 7:30 pm DINNER IS FULL; LEARN ABOUT THE WAITLIST AND CANCELLATIONS. Visit the Dec. 8 Kabbalat Shabbat event page to learn how to either (a) cancel a dinner registration (if you/anyone in your party can no longer attend) or (b) get on the waitlist (with an update to be shared with those on the waitlist at 1 pm on Friday, Dec. 8).
• COME FOR THE 6 pm ONEG AND 6:30 pm SERVICE! You don't need to RSVP/register to join for the oneg and service. Free childcare is provided. All are welcome! The service is also accessible via Zoom Room Aleph. Let's welcome in Shabbat together.
• HELPING OUT AT KABBALAT SHABBAT: Havurahniks, can you help out at the December Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration--many helping hands are needed to make Kabbalat Shabbat a success each month? Click here to explore available volunteer shifts, which start at just 15 minutes.

Parenting Huddle: Will the Real Chanukah Please Stand Up?
3:10 pm to 4:30 pm, Saturday, December 9 – Havurah Shalom

Join this upcoming Shabbat afternoon gathering of Havurah parents and grandparents of all backgrounds and with (grand)children of any age. (Please RSVP/register here by 4 pm on Friday, December 8.)

• We’ll look into the contentious historical roots of Chanukah, many of which parallel questions of cultural and religious identity that we still contend with today!
• We will try to articulate what we want Chanukah to really be about for our families as well as how to generally reclaim the holiday from commercialism and co-optation into the 'Jewish Christmas'.
• We will discuss the particular challenges that our diverse families face at this time of year, as well.

Bring your thoughts, questions, family traditions, recipes, favorite children's Chanukah books, etc. Facilitated by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. RSVP

Tzedakah Opportunity: Helping Israelis and Palestinians
While not a comprehensive list of all organizations worthy of your consideration, here is a list (reviewed by Havurah program staff) of a number of charitable organizations helping Israelis and Palestinians.

General Info

Thank you for following our COVID safety guidelines for in-person gatherings, which were updated on June 15, 2023. Contacting your fellow Havurah members: If a member's name is hyperlinked below, you can go directly to their contact page in the directory by clicking on their name and then logging into your Havurah account. Or search in the online Havurah member directory (log into the website and go to the Contact tab). Zoom/YouTube stream links can be found near the end of this email.

Regular Havurah Happenings

Weekly Torah Study​ 
9 am, Saturdays – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Bet
An in-depth look at the weekly Torah reading, led by congregants. No prior knowledge or study is necessary.

Shabbat Morning
10 am, Saturdays – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
All are welcome at our Shabbat services, including b'nei mitzvah services. Upcoming b'nei mitzvah (Bennet Aliyar, December 16) are listed below and in the website calendar. (On December 9, there will be a Tot Shabbat at Havurah Shalom from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. RSVP for that Tot Shabbat.)

Mahjong Group
1 pm, first and third Mondays – Havurah Shalom Library
Mahjong is a fun, social activity that builds community, encouraging new friendships and cementing old ones. If you want to learn how to play, please contact Leah Hershey for teaching resources. If you are ready to join a game, please RSVP on the calendar. To receive Mahjong Group updates, ask Leah to add you to the email list.

Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation
12 pm, Tuesdays – Havurah Shalom (Sanctuary or Library) and Zoom Room Bet
We gather to find moments of quiet and shalom in a welcoming space. Various styles of Jewish meditation are explored. No meditation experience necessary. All are welcome to drop in. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, Nancy Becker, or Deborah Eisenbach-Budner.

Morning Minyan
8:30 am, Wednesdays – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and those saying Kaddish. All are welcome.

Upcoming Havurah Events

Winter Clothing Drive for Rose Haven: Two Contribution Opportunities 
5 pm to 6 pm, Friday, December 8 (just before the December Kabbalat Shabbat) and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Sunday, December 10 (during our Chanukah Celebration) – Havurah Shalom
The Havurah Poverty and Homelessness Committee will collect winter coats and other needed items for the women and non-binary folks served by the Rose Haven day shelter. There is a substantial need for community donations this winter. Thank you. Items most needed: adult women's clothing, with a particular need for larger sizes - winter coats, raincoats, waterproof pants, durable pants, waterproof shoes/ boots, hats, gloves, hand warmers, socks, BRAND NEW underwear, and blankets. Questions? Contact Gloria Halper or  Marcia Suttenberg.

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration
6 pm Oneg; 6:30 pm Service; 7:30 pm Dinner, Friday, December 8 – Havurah Shalom (and also Zoom Room Aleph for the 6:30 pm service)
We hold Kabbalat Shabbat celebrations on the second Friday evening of each month from October through May: A family-friendly oneg followed by a service led by Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah musicians, with dinner afterward (dinner registrations are presently full). Free childcare is provided.The 6 pm Oneg and the 6:30 pm Service do not require registration - all are welcome! Note that the 7:30 pm dinner is now full; visit the Dec. 8 Kabbalat Shabbat event page to learn more about how to cancel dinner reservations, how to get on the dinner waitlist, and how to help out at a Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration.

Tot Shabbat
10:30 am to 11:30 am, Saturday, December 9 – Havurah Shalom
Young children (0-5) and parents celebrate with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. All are welcome. RSVP

Parenting Huddle: Will the Real Chanukah Please Stand Up?
3:10 pm to 4:30 pm, Saturday, December 9 – Havurah Shalom
Join this upcoming Shabbat afternoon gathering of Havurah parents and grandparents of all backgrounds and with (grand)children of any age.

We’ll look into the contentious historical roots of Chanukah, many of which parallel questions of cultural and religious identity that we still contend with today!

We will try to articulate what we want Chanukah to really be about for our families as well as how to generally reclaim the holiday from commercialism and co-optation into the 'Jewish Christmas'. We will discuss the particular challenges that our diverse families face at this time of year, as well. Bring your thoughts, questions, family traditions, recipes, favorite children's Chanukah books, etc. Facilitated by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. Please RSVP  for this gathering by 4 pm on Friday, December 8.

Havurah Hanukkah Celebration
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Sunday, December 10 – Havurah Shalom (with the last 20-30 minutes, approximately, to be joinable online as well) - Please RSVP 
All are invited to celebrate the lights of Chanukah at Havurah Shalom! Fun for adults, teens, and children alike. Bring family, friends, or just yourself!

Our Chanukah celebration will include: live Hanukkah music, a latke potluck (and a latke tasting contest!), dreidel playing, gelt, arts and crafts, gaga (parent supervision required), candle lighting, storytelling, and more!

Additionally, some Hanukkah Tikkun Olam activities you may wish to participate in include a Living Lightly Gifts Table, to take and/or leave previously loved items in good condition that would be nice for someone to have as a gift (hosted by the Havurah Climate Action Team) and the Winter Clothing Donation Drive for the Rose Haven day center (hosted by the Havurah Poverty and Homelessness Committee). 

RSVP & Learn More Key Info about our Chanukah Celebration!

Havurahniks, Sign Up for Chanukah Greeter Shifts (Just 15 minutes)!

Palestinian Justice Monthly Meeting
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Sunday, December 10 – Havurah Shalom (Room Pardes) and Zoom Room Bet
The proposed Committee for Palestinian Justice will hold its (delayed) monthly meeting. This meeting is for Havurah members only. Contact David Lewis with questions.

Havurah Instrumental Music Jam
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Monday, December 11 (second Mondays) –  Havurah Shalom (Pardes Room, near the courtyard)
Come play together in community! Bring your enthusiasm, your instrument and voice! The jams will continue monthly on the second Monday of the month. Song sheets will be provided and include a mix of Hanukkah songs, folk, Jewish and popular music. Questions? Contact Julie Walcer. RSVP

Steering Committee Meeting
6:30 pm, Tuesday, December 12 – Zoom Room Gimel
All Havurah members are invited to attend the monthly meetings of the Havurah Steering Committee.

Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual
7 pm to 8:15 pm, Wednesday, December 13 (and monthly with new moon) – RSVP for location updates and details throughout the year
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. Gatherings take place monthly on or near the new moon of each Hebrew month at 7 pm, either on Zoom or in person—outdoors in inner North/East Portland—depending on seasonal shifts in the weather. Attend any or all sessions. RSVP to be updated on location and other details throughout the year.

Shabbat Morning with Bar Mitzvah of Bennet Aliyar
10 am, Saturday, December 16 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
Please join us for Shabbat morning services, including welcoming Bennet Aliyar as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community. All are welcome.

Hakol Submission Deadline: Thursday, December 21
Havurahniks, click here to learn more on submitting short articles for the next issue of our monthly synagogue newsletter, Hakol. The deadline for the January 2024 Hakol is Thursday, December 21.

More Tikkun Olam 

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty First Thursday: Presentation from Three Faith Leaders
12 pm to 1:30 pm, Thursday, December 7 – Zoom hosted by the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (RSVP for this event at this link - After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.)
Interfaith Alliance on Poverty First Thursday presentation will be from three of IAP faith leaders, Father Dave Zegar of St. Andrews Catholic Church, Reverend Alison Miller of First Unitarian Universalist Church and Reverend Beth Neel of Westminster Presbyterian Church will speak to us about how we can find and offer hope in our times. There will be time for Q&A following their presentations. Questions? Contact Sue Abrams.

Winter Clothing Drive for Rose Haven: Two Contribution Opportunities
5 pm to 6 pm, Friday, December 8 (just before the December Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration) and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Sunday, December 10 (during Havurah's Hanukkah celebration) – Havurah Shalom
The Havurah Poverty and Homelessness Committee will collect winter coats and other needed items for the women and non-binary folks served by the Rose Haven day shelter. There is a substantial need for community donations this winter. Thank you. Items most needed: adult women's clothing, with a particular need for larger sizes - winter coats, raincoats, waterproof pants, durable pants, waterproof shoes/ boots, hats, gloves, hand warmers, socks, BRAND NEW underwear, and blankets. Questions? Contact Gloria Halper or Marcia Suttenberg.

Living Lightly Gifts Table at the Havurah Chanukah Celebration, Hosted by the Havurah Climate Action Team (HCAT)
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Sunday, December 10 (during Havurah's Hanukkah celebration) – Havurah Shalom
Do you have toys, games, puzzles, jewelry, books, woven baskets, blank journals, or other items in your house that you no longer use/need, and are in good shape, that someone – child, teen or adult - might like to receive as a gift? Then bring them to the Chanukah party, and put them on one of the swap tables. Are you looking for a little gift to appreciate yourself or to give to someone else? Then come check out the swap tables at the Chanukah party. You do not have to bring an item(s) to take an item(s). All items are free for the taking! Any items left on the tables at the end of the evening will be packed up donated.

News & Events from Our Tikkun Olam Partners

Path Home (formerly PHFS): Volunteer for our monthly Path Home dinner | Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (IAP) | Lift UP | MACG | Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice NW ​​​​​​ | Rose Haven

Out in the Community

The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance by Havurahnik Rebecca Clarren
5:30 to 7 pm, Wednesday, December 6 – on Zoom, register to attend here
From Seeding Justice: Join Seeding Justice, Temple Beth Israel of Portland, Havurah Shalom of Portland, and the Jewish Federation of Lane County as we welcome Portland-based, award-winning journalist Rebecca Clarren and Seeding Justice Executive Director Se-ah-dom Edmo (Shoshone-Bannock, Nez Perce and Yakama) in a conversation around Clarren’s new book, The Cost of Free Land. Click here to learn more about this Zoom-based book discussion. There is no cost to attend; you can go directly to the registration link here.

Resources

Do You Need Support?
If you are facing emotional, financial, or health challenges and would welcome support, please consider contacting the (a) Bikkur Holim (Visiting the Sick) Committee for spiritual support, (b) Lotsa Helping Hands for help with food, transportation, or other errands, or (c) Rabbi Benjamin, for spiritual and moral support – benjamin@havurahshalom.org or 503-248-4662 ext. 3. If you're interested in being on a list of people who support others in concrete ways, such as grocery shopping or running other errands, please contact Lotsa Helping Hands. To request that the name of a relative or Havurah member be read during the Misheberach (healing prayer) at Shabbat services, please use this Misheberach Request Form.

Questions About Havurah?
The Transparency & Inclusivity Committee is an avenue within Havurah Shalom to help members find the answers to questions or concerns they have wondered about. Please send your questions to transparency@havurahshalom.org. We will anonymously answer your question in Hakol. Everyone in our community benefits from this clarity.

Havurah Zoom Rooms

Havurah Zoom Rooms

To see our full Zoom room instructions, click here. Member sign-in required.