If you’re looking for a Jewish community in Portland, Oregon, that’s welcoming, hands-on, and rooted in tradition, Havurah Shalom is one of the city’s best-known options. It’s a Reconstructionist congregation in Northwest Portland where members don’t just attend services; they help lead them.
This guide covers Havurah Shalom’s history and values, its Shabbat and holiday services, education programs for kids and adults, social justice work, and how to get involved.
Quick answer: Havurah Shalom is a Reconstructionist Jewish congregation at 825 NW 18th Ave in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1978, it has grown to about 400 member families and is led by Rabbi Benjamin Barnett. It’s known for participatory, member-led services, an inclusive community, and a strong focus on tikkun olam (repairing the world). Its High Holiday services are open to the public without tickets. Call 503-248-4662 or visit havurahshalom.org for current schedules.
Havurah Shalom at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Movement | Reconstructionist (Reconstructing Judaism) |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Rabbi | Rabbi Benjamin Barnett |
| Size | About 400 member families |
| Address | 825 NW 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 |
| Phone | 503-248-4662 |
| Website | havurahshalom.org |
You can find directions to Havurah Shalom on MapQuest or any maps app.
About Havurah Shalom
A havurah that grew into a congregation
“Havurah” means “fellowship” in Hebrew. The havurah movement began in the late 1960s and 1970s, when small groups of Jews came together to pray, study, and celebrate in a more personal, do-it-yourself way.
Havurah Shalom started that way in 1978, as a small group of Portland families. According to its listing with Reconstructionist Judaism, it now has about 400 member families, and its High Holiday services draw around 1,000 people.
What Reconstructionist Judaism means
Reconstructionist Judaism, founded on the ideas of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, sees Judaism as the evolving civilization of the Jewish people. In practice, Reconstructionist communities usually:
- value both tradition and change,
- make decisions democratically, with members’ input, and
- welcome a wide range of families and backgrounds.
Havurah Shalom describes itself as combining traditional communal Jewish practice with democratic and pluralistic values.
Who’s welcome
The congregation welcomes traditional families, single people, interfaith and interracial couples, and people of all gender identities. Members often take leadership roles, including leading services and reading Torah.
Shabbat and Holiday Services
Havurah Shalom’s services are known for being participatory, with lots of singing and lay leadership.
| Service | When | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Kabbalat Shabbat | Friday evenings | Check the calendar for times |
| Shabbat Morning | Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon | Some in person and online, some in person only |
| Tot Shabbat | Select dates, for ages 0 to 5 | In person |
| High Holidays | Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Open to the public without tickets |
The congregation also celebrates the full Jewish calendar, including Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Purim, and Passover.
Older versions of this article listed a 7:30 p.m. Friday start time and weekday-only “business hours.” Service times vary by week and season, so check the calendar on havurahshalom.org before you go.
Jewish Learning and Education
For children and teens
| Program | Who it’s for |
|---|---|
| Tot Shabbat | Ages 0 to 5 and their families |
| Shabbat School | Kindergarten through 6th grade |
| Grades 7–8 program | Middle schoolers, often preparing for b’nei mitzvah |
| High School program | Teens |
| B’nei Mitzvah | Students preparing for bar, bat, or b’nai mitzvah |
The education program is led by Education Director Deborah Eisenbach-Budner.
For adults
- Adult learning classes and discussion groups, including Torah study.
- Adult B’nei Mitzvah, for adults who never had a bar or bat mitzvah, or who want to celebrate one as a grown-up.
Tikkun Olam: Social Justice at Havurah Shalom
Tikkun olam means “repairing the world,” and it’s central to Havurah Shalom’s identity. The congregation’s members focus especially on:
- Climate action,
- Equity,
- Immigrants and refugees, and
- Poverty and homelessness.
Members take part through volunteering, advocacy, and partnerships with local organizations.
Things to Experience at Havurah Shalom
- Shabbat morning services with participatory singing and member-led Torah reading.
- Kabbalat Shabbat to welcome the Sabbath on Friday evening.
- High Holiday services, which are open to everyone without tickets.
- Holiday celebrations throughout the year, from building a sukkah to Purim and Passover.
- Adult learning and Torah study.
- Family programs like Tot Shabbat and Shabbat School.
- Social justice projects that put Jewish values into action.
How to Get Involved
- Check the calendar on havurahshalom.org for services, classes, and events. Look for in-person and hybrid options.
- Attend a service. You don’t need to be a member to visit.
- Introduce yourself. Ask about newcomer events or speak with a staff member.
- Explore membership. The website has a “Becoming a Member” page with details on joining.
- Volunteer. Help with services, holidays, education, or social justice work.
Membership
Details on membership, including dues, are on the “Becoming a Member” page of the congregation’s website. Many Reconstructionist congregations use flexible or pledge-based dues so cost isn’t a barrier, so it’s worth asking if you have questions.
Visiting for the First Time
- Dress: Most Portland congregations are casual to business-casual. Dress comfortably and respectfully.
- Head coverings: Kippot and tallitot are often available, and wearing them is usually a personal choice in Reconstructionist settings.
- Hebrew: You don’t need to read Hebrew. Prayer books usually include English translations and transliterations.
- Kids: Families with children are welcome, and Tot Shabbat is a great first event for young families.
Reviews
You can read what visitors say on Google Reviews. Older versions of this article listed a rating and review count copied from a Google business listing. Ratings change, so check the current score yourself.
FAQs
What kind of synagogue is Havurah Shalom?
A Reconstructionist congregation, affiliated with Reconstructing Judaism.
When was Havurah Shalom founded?
In 1978, by a small group of Portland families.
Who is the rabbi at Havurah Shalom?
Rabbi Benjamin Barnett.
Where is Havurah Shalom located?
825 NW 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, in Northwest Portland.
Are interfaith families welcome?
Yes. The congregation welcomes interfaith and interracial couples, single people, and people of all gender identities.
Do I need tickets for High Holiday services?
No. Havurah Shalom’s High Holiday services are open to the public without tickets.
What are the Shabbat service times?
Shabbat morning services typically run Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Check the website for Friday evening times and special services.
Does Havurah Shalom have a religious school?
Yes, including Tot Shabbat, Shabbat School for kindergarten through 6th grade, programs for grades 7–8 and high school, and b’nei mitzvah preparation.
Conclusion
Havurah Shalom has grown from a small fellowship of Portland families in 1978 into a congregation of about 400 families, while keeping its participatory, welcoming spirit. Whether you’re looking for Shabbat services, Jewish learning for your kids, or a community committed to social justice, it’s worth a visit.
Check the calendar at havurahshalom.org, and consider starting with a Shabbat morning service or a High Holiday celebration. If you’re exploring different spiritual traditions more broadly, our guide to New Age religion explains another set of beliefs and practices.
Also read:
- Exploring New Age Religion | Beliefs and Practices Explained
- Top 10 Influential Anthropologists and Their Impact
- Turkic Tongue NYT Crossword Clue | Complete Guide
- Holier Than Thou Type NYT | Crossword Clue Explained
This guide is independent and isn’t affiliated with Havurah Shalom. Service times, programs, and membership details change, so check the congregation’s website for current information.
