Groups
Chesed Community of Care
The Vaad Shel Chesed is a community of people who care. We visit
people, cook meals, and care for those in need of healing and would
love for you to be part of our team! We meet every other month to study
what our tradition has to teach us through text, learn practical tips
about how to comfort people, and process our experiences. Contact Rabbi Greenstein to find out how you can be involved.
Choir Mondays 7:30pm-9pm
Do you like to sing at services? Do you like contemporary Jewish and Israeli music? Please consider joining Neveh Shalom's choir! If you've sung in choirs all your life, or if you've never sung in a choir, whatever your circumstances, we need you! (Men, we are desperate for tenors.) You don't need to read music or Hebrew, since we use transliterations. PLEASE join us! Questions? Ask choir members Beverly Bookin or Esther Liberman
Chevra Kavod Hamet
After a Jew dies, a burial society, known as the Chevra Kadisha
(literally, "holy society") prepares the body for interment. This
process, called tahara (purification), involves the respectful, ritual
cleaning of the corpse, by men for males and by women for females.
The Neveh Shalom Chevra Kvod Hamet, a voluntary, community-wide
organization, devoted to the reverential preparation of the dead
according to Jewish tradition, was established 30 years ago under the
guidance of Rabbi Stampfer.
The Neveh Shalom Chevra Kvod Hamet is a group of committed Jews who
prepare the body for burial. Currently, the membership includes men and
women from nine Portland Synagogues.
The Chevra Kvod Hamet provides services to any Jew, whether
affiliated with a synagogue or not. The Chevra Kvod Hamet is
financially self-supporting.
Jewish tradition regards it as exceptionally meritorious to join a
Chevra Kadisha, as performing this important mitzvah is done
anonymously.
College Outreach
The College Outreach Committee keeps our college students (and military) connected to our Neveh Shalom family through:
- Care Packages - 2009-10 Schedule includes: September/Sukkot,
January/Tu b'Shevat, February/Purim, March/Pesach - Student email directory and Facebook page to stay in touch with each other
- A subscription to the Neveh Shalom Chronicle by e-mail
- Rabbi Isaak's weekly email on the Parashat Hashuva
- Periodic messages from our clergy directed specifically to our college students.
- Events for Students (during vacation) and Events for Parents
- Greeting cards for birthdays and graduation
To get involved with this group, email Sandy Axel or call 503.292.3425
The USCJ published helpful information on Making Jewish College Choices (that is, making college choices as a Jewish person - not specifically Jewish Colleges)
Havurah Program
Havurot are small fellowships of individuals and families who meet on a regular basis for social, educational, ritual or other purposes as “communities within community.” They are a way for our shul to feel more familiar and intimate as we extend our involvement in synagogue life into our homes. We want to connect all interested Neveh Shalom congregants with a Havurah that meets their needs and interests. Members of a Havurah often become one another’s extended family, available to celebrate life’s joys and give support through life’s challenges. Havurah leaders and participants are needed for a successful Havurah. A Havurah is what its members make of it.
If you are interested in joining a Havurah contact Caron Blau Rothstein at 503.246.8831 ext. 139.
Hinenu: Here We Are
Hinenu is for all Jews in their 20's and 30's who live in the Portland
area and who are post-college and pre- kids. Hinenu means, "Here We
Are" - the future of Congregation Neveh Shalom and the Portland Jewish
community. We seek to enrich personal life, friendship, and community
with civic responsibility, good food, music, dancing, study, and
motivation to seek new challenges. THIS IS NOT YOUR BUBBE'S JUDAISM!!!!
For more information or to get on our e-mail list contact
info@hinenu.org or see our website at www.hinenu.org
Israel Affairs Committee
This committee cultivates a closer connection to Israel and its people through synagogue events and the co-sponsorship of community-wide endeavors. We host Israeli TV series and movie viewings, speakers, Yom Ha'Atzmaut celebrations and are working on a sister-synagogue relationship with Hod V'Hadar, a Masorti Congregation in Israel. We strive to create events that are fun and informative. Please check the Neveh Shalom website, weekly e-blasts and monthly Chronicle for timely articles, upcoming events and ways for you to get involved in making Israel more a part of your life.
Israel Affairs Chair, Dana Sacks
Staff contact: Caron Blau Rothstein, 503.246.8831 x139
Jewish Film Group
We gather 8-10 times per year to view a Jewish film together, enjoy refreshments, and schmooze with friends old and new. Anyone who is interested in Jewish films is welcome to attend. If you would like to receive more information, please contact Joan and Paul Sher to be placed on the email list.
Upcoming Meeting dates:
Sunday, Dec 6, 3:00pm
Lunch Bunch for 65+ 2nd Tuesdays at 12:00 noon
We meet monthly for a kosher lunch; followed by a lecture, movie, discussion or other activity of interest. Meetings are usually scheduled at noon on the second Tuesday of each month. Be sure to check the Chronicle each month for updates. This magnificent kosher lunch is only $5.00 per person. Reservations are required by noon on Monday. Call the office at 503.246.8831 x100.
2009-10 Schedule:
October 13 - "Sphere of Influence"
November 10 - Jewish Book Month with Gloria Olds
December 8 - Brenda Morgan of Elders in Action
January 12 - Lydia Carron with Ride Connection
February 9 - TBA
March 9 - TBA
April 13 - Outing to Title Wave (Library surplus & discount book store)
May 11 - Laurel & Hardy Film
June 8 - "Social Security" round table discussion
(break for July-Aug)
Contact JoAnn Bezodis at 503.293.7309.
Men’s Club
Exciting speakers, lively discussions, community activities, great
adventures! Join the fun & make some new friends! Men's Club of
Neveh Shalom is an easy way to get together with other members of the
congregation,schmooze, learn, nosh, have some fun and share interesting
ideas.
• Education programs
• Guest speakers
• Trips & adventures
• Family holiday parties, fun & games
• Social gatherings
• Men’s Club Shabbat Service
• Fund-raising for synagogue youth groups
2009-2010 Monthly Meeting Dates, Sundays at 9:45am, Zidell Chapel
Sept. 13, Oct. 18*, Nov. 15, Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 21, Mar. 14, Apr. 18, May 23
(*) Oct. 18 meets at 10am due to Rosh Chodesh services in Zidell Chapel
Annual membership dues are $36. Dues cover the cost of programs, the brunch, as well as Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs national dues. Send your check made out to Neveh Shalom Men's Club; along with your name, address, e-mail address, and phone number. For more information, email Jeremy Kelter or call 503.989-6229 or email Bruce Stern or call 503.626.5227
Mothers Circle Associated Program:
“Are you a mother raising Jewish children, new to Judaism through marriage or by choice? Don't do it alone!”
The Mothers Circle provides FREE education and support for women of other religious backgrounds who are raising Jewish children. Women at all stages of Jewish family life (engaged, married but no kids yet, etc.) and of all family constellations are welcome and encouraged to attend. NEW THIS YEAR: Women who are Jewish by choice are eligible for participation in the program for the first time.
A new course starts October 17, 2010. Classes meet 2 Sunday mornings/month for 7-8 months and focus on Jewish rituals, ethics, and the how-to’s of creating a Jewish home. Free childcare is also provided during the sessions. Come be a part of this warm and nurturing environment and feel empowered to take on the responsibility of raising children in Judaism. Coordinated and Facilitated by Congregation Neveh Shalom in partnership with the MJCC, the Oregon Board of Rabbis, B’nai B’rith Camp, Congregations Beth Israel, Havurah Shalom, Kol Ami & Shaarie Torah and made possible by grants from the JFGP’s Innovation Impact Fund, OJCF and OJCYF.
Information sessions: September 15, 7 pm OR October 3, 9:30 am.
Mothers Circle: The Course is taught by locally renowned Jewish educator, author and life coach Lois Shenker. For more information or to register, please contact Caron Blau Rothstein at 503.246.8831, x139 or visit www.TheMothersCircle.org.
NS Babies
See Shoreshim
Ozreinu:
Success for our children with Special Needs
Neveh Shalom and TASK co-sponsor this social/support group for parents of children with special needs (broadly defined). Topics include school, community, and social success. Parents of young adults with special needs also participate and share experiences. For meeting dates, please contact Corinne Spiegel, TASK Inclusion Specialist at 503.226.7079, ext 55, or Mel Berwin, parent volunteer.
TASK is a program of the Jewish Family and Child Service. The mission of TASK is to promote acceptance and inclusion in the Jewish community of people with disabilities, so that everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in the richness of Jewish educational, religious, cultural, and social life. http://www.jfcs-portland.org/task.php.
Shoreshim
The Shoreshim (Hebrew for "roots") program at Neveh Shalom offers many diverse opportunities for families with young children (ages 0-5 years) to meet, socialize and grow new roots in our Portland Jewish community. Shoreshim coordinates Tot Shabbat services, runs parent workshops, celebrates our newest members with an annual New Babies Shabbat, facilitates playgroups, hosts special Shabbat and other holiday programs, and creates a welcome space for our youngest members and their parents to enjoy synagogue-wide celebrations-all with music, storytelling, crafts and other creative vehicles to give our young families a growing sense of Jewish life. Shoreshim relies on parent volunteers to help plan and participate in events as well as Tot Shabbat. Getting involved is a great way to meet community members and to foster and preserve the vibrant spirit of Shoreshim.
For more information, please contact co-chairs Ellie Gilbert, and Rachel Pines, or Shoreshim staff liaison Caron Blau Rothstein, or 503.246.8831 x139.
2010-2011 Event Dates:
8/29/10 All Member BBQ-Shoreshim/Foundation School Craft
9/26/10 Sukkot Program
10/2/10 Tot Shabbat Kick Off
10/24/10 Off Site Event, TBD
11/12/10 Shabbat Dinner
12/5/10 All Member Chanukah Party
1/15/11 Havdalah Program
1/29/11 New Babies Shabbat
Saturday, January 29, 2011, 9am Shabbat Service
On this special Shabbat, as a community, we will welcome our youngest members born during the past year. Parents and their newborn children, along with siblings, will be called to the Torah for an Aliyah and a special blessing. This is always a memorable Shabbat.
2/13/11 All Member Pancake Breakfast
3/11/11 Shabbat Dinner
3/20/11 Purim
April-June TBD
Shoreshim Playgroup:
Parents & Caregivers-Bring your tot to Neveh Shalom for some grownup discussion and children’s playtime. Get to know other Jewish families with young children. Dates/Times for Fall/Winter 2010-11 TBD. For more information contact Caron Blau Rothstein at 503-246-8831 x139
Taste & Travel
Thursday evenings, 7-9pm
Join us for this series of travel experiences presented by our own well traveled congregants. Taste & Travel is a time of "Show-and-Tell" for grown-ups. We usually schedule two presentations per evening (45 minutes each). Enjoy a virtual tour through sharing experiences via slides, PowerPoint presentations, artifacts, souvenirs, and best of all, food! We will have treats, snacks, or finger foods so you may sample the region and culture.
We will be meeting at Neveh Shalom on the following Thursday evenings, 7-9pm For more information or if you would like to present, contact JoAnn at 503-293-7309. We look forward to seeing you there!
November 12:
7pm Steve Sirkin on "Cruising the Mediterranean"
8pm Paul & Roberta Cohen on "Cruising Mexico & the Caribbean"
January 14:
7pm
8pm
March 11:
7pm Rabbi & Carol Isaak on China (both sessions)
April 8:
7pm Dave & Karen Johnson on "A medical mission to Guatemala"
8pm Dave Johnson on "Conquering Kilimanjaro and Safari in Tanzania, Africa"
May 13:
7pm
8pm
Women’s League
Women's League is the link between the home and the Synagogue. We are part of an International organization of women from all over the world. We provide opportunities for friendship and learning as a part of our Synagogue.
We are active throughout the year, and membership is available to all women of Neveh Shalom and our community. Our monthly Potluck & Planning Board Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm at a Board Member's home. We support our Synagogue with an annual donation to the Feldstein Library, the annual Women's League Scholarship donation to our religious school, we sponsor the Break the Fast Meal after Yom Kippur services and we participate in community wide events such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure against Breast Cancer.
For more information, please contact Membership Chair Marla Weiner or President Susan Sutherlin.
Yachad
Come join Yachad- the active arm of Men's Club. Have fun with other guys as we strengthen our growing community. There are social, cultural and athletic events to participate in. This is a great opportunity to build friendships and be a part of the expanded Men's Club at Neveh Shalom! For more information, email Glen Coblens or call 503.705.6295.