creating community
revitalizing judaism
Events
Upcoming & Past Events
A mussar workshop
Courage and Fear: Jewish Ancestral Wisdom for Crisis Times
July 30, 4-6:30 pm At the Eastside Jewish Commons and on zoom (register to receive the zoom link)
TischPDX and NefeshLA present this Mussar workshop with Rabbi Susan Goldberg and Sally Dworsky.
A Mussar Workshop With Rabbi Susan Goldberg and Sally Dworsky
What times we are living in! We are challenged personally and collectively to navigate the unknown and reach into ourselves and each other for strength of heart, ometz lev. Thankfully, there is ancient wisdom to guide and support us. Join as we explore one of the tools of the Jewish ancestral tradition, mussar, on Saturday, July 30th at the Eastside Jewish Commons, or on Zoom. Register HERE
What times we are living in! We are challenged personally and collectively to navigate the unknown and reach into ourselves and each other for strength of heart, ometz lev. Thankfully, there is ancient wisdom to guide and support us. Join as we explore one of the tools of the Jewish ancestral tradition, mussar, on Saturday, July 30th at the Eastside Jewish Commons, or on Zoom. Register HERE
2nd Saturdays
Shabbat Yoga
embodied practice | reoccurring | alumni
Shabbat Yoga
2nd Saturays of the month, 9 am - 10:30 am | at burning spirits yoga
A monthly yoga class centered around the themes of the Jewish month. Delve deep into the body and get present to whatever is coming up for you this month. Join together with others in the community to lovingly be present with yourself and explore your body.
You must be vaccinated for COVID-19 to attend. Masks are optional during class / while on your mat (but I am still encouraging mask use for socializing, entering/existing class, etc.).
$8-18 suggested fee, no one turned away. Payment accepted via Cash, PayPal or Venmo @Amanda-Davidowitz. Check registration forms for schedule changes. Studio space sponsored by TischPDX.
every new moon
well circle pdx
wellness | recurring | Alumni
Well Circle PDX
Monthly around Rosh Chodesh
Every month we gather around the new moon and the beginning of the new month in the Hebrew calendar. With a rotating leadership model, we bring in journaling, mediation, discussion, and other rituals/activities to celebrate and discover the themes and meaning of the month in our own lives. We focus on introspection, wellness, community, and Jewish feminist spiritual learning.
past events
learning | alumni | all night
Into the Night: Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Saturday, June 4, 7 - midnight, at the EJC
Join Tisch PDX and partners for our 3rd annual Tikkun Leil Shavuot (Night of Jewish Learning!)
This event will feature 12 different workshops from local Jewish teachers, community organizers, ritualists and activists. Stay tuned for workshop subjects.
Refreshments provided! RSVP here
song circle
with Rena Branson of the Queer Jewish Nigun Project
queertet song circle | alumni | music
Queer Jewish Song Circle with Rena Branson
Thursday, April 14, 6:45 pm at the EJC
Rena is a Jewish composer, ritual leader, and educator who uplifts personal and collective healing through song.
This song circle will be held in the sanctuary of the Eastside Jewish Commons, please bring proof of vaccination, which will be checked at the door.
Suggested donation $0-18+, with no one turned away for lack of funds. All proceeds support this queer Jewish artist who is producing their first album, “Love Is the Ground,” in collaboration with a team of Jewish/LGBTQIA+/BIPOC artists in Lenapehoking, Philadelphia. This album is about cultivating a sense of home in the cosmos, in community, in our bodies; about hungrily pursuing transformation; and about resting in the present as we are, in our enoughness. It is an offering to the movements and people who have shaped my sense of what ahava raba (abundant love) can look like.”
RSVP & More info:
partner organization | alumni | community sale
Alberta Shul Rummage & Plant Sale
Sunday, May 22, 10 am - 2 pm, 8620 NE Dyer
They’ve been starting seeds, taking cuttings, talking to farmers and cleaning our attics and basements to have a great sale in store for you! All items will be suggested donation/pay what you can. There will also be lotsa lotsa good housewares, clothes, some furniture, and other great items for sale donated from our amazing community members! All proceeds go to support The Alberta Shul!
get liberated
dance party
purim queer dance party
Purim Dance Party
Sunday, March 20, 2-4pm at the EJC
Purim is about revelry! Joy! Abundance of silliness and flipping it all on its head! Come dance about it!
Please join us as we partake in our annual 2nd annual PDX Purim dance party and the latest in Caryn’s (Cohort 3) queer Jewish holiday (Purim, Passover, Simchat Torah, and Hanukkah) dance-a-thons! This event will be at the Eastside Jewish Commons and will loosely follow the Purim story as we dance our hearts out and eat some snacks on Sunday, March 20th from 2pm – 4pm. See you there to get liberated and spread joy with some radical dance!
Come when you can. All are welcome. The organizers would like to remind our friends that while costumes are encouraged, masks and vaccines are required (please bring your cards to show at the door). Please contact Caryn with all questions and song requests: cshebowich@gmail.com. Please register on Eventbrite here →.
celebration & fundraiser
completely outrighteous
purim party & fundraiser for houseless portlanders
Completely Outrighteous Purim with ColabPDX & The Alberta Shul
Saturday, March 19, 7 pm at the Pickle Factory
Completely OutRighteous is a Purim celebration and fundraiser for houseless Portlanders and one our Tischies (Poly Poptart, Cohort 4) is performing! Join Co/Lab PDX and the Alberta Shul at the Pickle Factory on Saturday, March 19th at 7pm for this night of food, music, comedy, drag, and drinks.
You can register for this OutRighteous event directly on this SimpleTix website →. Please come in costume and great ready to party with your friends from around town. Money raised from this event will help fund the construction of safe and warm tiny homes for our houseless Portland neighbors homes and aid while giving valuable training in the construction field. It’s almost Adar 2 and Bubbe wants to know why you don’t have your Purim Costume yet! Completely OutRighteous is a Purim celebration and fundraiser for houseless Portlanders and one our Tischies (Poly Poptart, Cohort 4) is performing! Join Co/Lab PDX and the Alberta Shul at the Pickle Factory on Saturday, March 19th at 7pm for this night of food, music, comedy, drag, and drinks.
You can register for this OutRighteous event directly on this SimpleTix website →. Please come in costume and great ready to party with your friends from around town. Money raised from this event will help fund the construction of safe and warm tiny homes for our houseless Portland neighbors homes and aid while giving valuable training in the construction field.
megillah reading & costume contest
Purim party
purim | megillah reading and after party
Purim Party with Shir Tikvah & TischPDX
Wednesday, March 16, 6 pm, at the EJC
Join TischPDX and Shir Tikvah at the Eastside Jewish Commons (EJC) on Purim, Wednesday, March 16th at 6pm to participate in the mitzvah of listening to the Megillah reading led by Rabbi Stone. If you’ve ever heard one of Rabbi’s Screaming Latke storytimes, we promise you’ll be just as entertained! If you can’t join us in-person, a virtual link will be available.
Afterwards, the party will reconvene at Mad Hanna‘s for an in-person “Purim spiel after party bake-off & costume contest” (whew! I’m out of breath just typing it) around 8:00pm. Pies will be provided by Red Sauce Pizza, but don’t let that hold you back: the venue also has a food and booze available for purchase. Costumes are strongly, strongly, strongly recommended!!
Both the EJC and Mad Hanna’s require that all guests be vaccinated. You must provide proof of this at the doors. Additionally, the EJC is an indoor venue so we ask that you wear a mask. Mad Hanna’s is a bar and we will be in an outdoor heated patio, so for the second half of the event, please bring valid ID to show you are 21+. You do not need to be 21+ to attend the magillah reading at 6pm. Please contact Tammy (Meti) Habteyes (Cohort 3): t.habteyes@gmail.com or Derekh Travers: derekh@tischpdx.org with any questions, or click here to register →.
dance
Hanukkah Dance Party
hanukkah | dance party
Queer Hanukkah Dance Party
Saturday, December 4th from 7:30 to 10pm
Please join us as we partake in our annual queer PDX hanukkah dance party and the latest in Caryn’s (Cohort 3) queer Jewish holiday (Purim, Passover and Simchat Torah) dance-a-thons! This event will follow the Queer Hanukkah Happy Hour at the Eastside Jewish Commons and will loosely follow the Chanukah story as we dance our hearts out and eat some snacks from Jerusalem Rose on Saturday, December 4th from 7:30 to 10pm. See you there to bring some light into the darkness with dance!
Come when you can. All are welcome. Contact Caryn with questions and song requests: cshebowich@gmail.com The organizers ask that you only come to this event if you’re fully vaccinated. Masks should be worn at all times and the event will be in a large open atrium space. Please bring your vaccination cards to show at the door.
partner event
Queer Hanukkah
Happy Hour
hanukkah | partner event
Queer & Trans Hanukkah Happy Hour & Candlelighting
Saturday, December 4th from 5pm to 7pm at the Eastside Jewish Commons
Join Rabbi Ariel, Shir Tikvah, TischPDX and The Alberta Shul, for the annual celebration for the annual Hanukkah happy hour on Saturday, December 4th from 5pm to 7pm at the Eastside Jewish Commons atrium. Bring a Hanukkah menorah and candles to light the seventh candle together! BYOB. Safe snacks provided. We’ll be masked but still able to scream loudly enough to make the point when we get to traditional reading of Lemony Snicket’s The Latke That Couldn’t Stop Screaming.
Vaccination for adults required. Please stay home if you are exhibiting signs of illness or unable to be vaccinated. Masks required indoors unless eating or drinking or presenting. Please respect social distancing. Please RSVP with Shir Tikvah PDX →
alumni event
Milk & Honey
drag & comedy show | alumni
Milk & Honey
Postponed
Poly Poptart’s Jewish drag + comedy show hybrid event is called Milk & Honey. Milk & Honey occurs monthly and will be this Saturday at Local Lounge.
For tickets, please visit this website →
song circle
Jewish Queertet Group Sing
community | song circle
Jewish Queertet Group Sing
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2PM-4PM | EASTSIDE JEWISH COMMONS
A kid-friendly (and newcomer-friendly) gathering. A combination of Jewish and secular tunes will be sung, with an emphasis on short, repetitive, and easy-to follow melodies. There will be a listserv email collection for future group-sings. Put together by Caryn and Ellie (Cohort 3).
For a feel of what to expect, please check out this soundcloud playlist →. The organizers ask that you only come to this event if you’re fully vaccinated. Masks should be worn while singing in a large open atrium space.
days of awe
Sukkot grape Juice making & party
community | high holidays
Sukkot Grape Juice Canning Workshop + Party
Sunday, September 26th, 11 am-7pm | Outside with the Sukkah, in Eleyna’s Secret Garden
Learn how to make and can grape juice to drink & share on any Shabbat or Chag. It’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted. Shelf stable! Lasts for years! You’ll learn how to make Annie Rose’s Magic Grape Juice and Lazy Lassie’s Sparkling Grape. We’ll play around with the steam juicer, direct juicing, and other things to do with grape juice, too. It’s the easiest canning project and so much fun.
Oh, and shake the lulav and smell the strange citrus in the Sukkah too!
Masks required; if you have elected not to get vaccinated, please join us next year and don’t come this year. Bring the kids! Wear clothes you can get stained!
erev sukkot
native gathering garden
service | Partner
Erev Sukkot at the Native Gathering Garden
North of NE 72nd Avenue & Killingsworth St | September 18th 12pm-4pm | Jews for Indigenous Sovereignty & guests volunteer
Blessing the six directions together in a space that is sacredly held by the Indigenous community in Portland. Then we’ll be volunteering/learning about Indigenous plant care. To RSVP, email Native Gathering Garden coordinator Nichole Bruno at Nichole.
What to bring: A mask, warm & waterproof clothes, and (if you have them) gardening tools & gloves. The garden also has tools people can use, but bringing your own is best.
Where: Cully Park, 5810 NE 72nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220. Click here for more info about the garden!
Accessibility: All ages and abilities welcome & the garden is wheelchair-accessible! It’s ok if you can’t do manual labor — the garden tenders encourage people to come just to be with the land.
days of awe
Kol Nidre Song Circle
community | high holidays
Kol Nidre Song Circle
September 15, 4:45pm-5:45pm | Piccolo City Park (SE Richmond area)
Join us for a reflective song circle as we embrace the beginning of Yom Kippur. We’ll sing a host of songs with teshuvah (returning/repentance) in mind, with silence in between, plus a little bit of ritual to open and close us out. Mellow vibes. Family friendly, if your kids are into this kind of thing.
This event is for people of any confidence level with singing—we want you to join us and can’t wait to sing with you! If you’d like to just come bask in the sound of other voices, your presence is also welcome! We chose this start and end time to give space for folks to watch streamed services/do other Kol Nidre things later in the evening if you wish.
COVID notes: you must be vaccinated to attend this event (unless you are under 12 years old). Masks will be worn at all times, and we will practice social distancing.
days of awe
Tashlich at Broughton beach
community | high holidays
Tashlich at Broughton Beach
September 12, 6pm-7:30pm | Broughton Beach: 4356 NE Marine Dr, Portland, OR 9721
We will gather in-person for this lovely holiday ritual. We will use the formidable Columbia River as a place to cast away our regrets, our omissions, our mistakes, —the guilt and shame we feel from these things and to begin again in this new year. We encourage you to bring some stone or pebbles of your own to throw as well as water and a snack for yourself so we can spend a little time connecting afterward.
days of awe
virtual workshop
reflection | high holidays
Embodied Teshuva
sunday, august 29th, 10 AM | Zoom
Join new TischPDX fellow Amanda Davidowitz!
This virtual workshop is an invitation to take a journey of introspection, self-compassion and forgiveness in the presence of community. Amanda will guide you through meditation, breath, journal exercises and yoga postures designed to create an experience of compassionate Cheshbon Hanefesh (”soul accounting”) and intention setting as we approach the Days of Awe. While the Hebrew word Teshuva is usually translated as repentance – it literally means “to return.” This auspicious time in the Jewish calendar is an opportunity to return to self, to your values, to community and to your connection with the divine.
jewish activism
justice reform
Activism | partners
Still in Prison Teach-In
thursday, august 12th, 7-9 PM | Zoom
Learn about Oregon’s history with a racist law supported by the Klu Klux Klan that was recently declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Sadly, despite the decision, the work to undo the injustice of this racist Oregon law is not finished. You can take action to seek justice for all Oregonians.
No one should remain wrongfully imprisoned by an explicitly racist, antisemitic, xenophobic discriminatory law. After nearly 90 years of injustice by an inequitable judicial system, the opportunity for justice should not be ignored.
Speakers include Dr. Aliza Kaplan, Professor of Lawyering and Director, Criminal Justice Reform Clinic, and Terrence Hayes. In 2013, Terrence was released from prison after serving 9 years. He was convicted by a non-unanimous jury. AG Ellen Rosenblum was the judge on his case in 2004.
alumni event
Milk & Honey
drag & comedy show | alumni
Milk & Honey
Postponed
Poly Poptart’s Jewish drag + comedy show hybrid event is called Milk & Honey. Milk & Honey occurs monthly and will be this Saturday at Local Lounge.
For tickets, please visit this website →
song circle
Jewish Queertet Group Sing
community | song circle
Jewish Queertet Group Sing
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2PM-4PM | EASTSIDE JEWISH COMMONS
A kid-friendly (and newcomer-friendly) gathering. A combination of Jewish and secular tunes will be sung, with an emphasis on short, repetitive, and easy-to follow melodies. There will be a listserv email collection for future group-sings. Put together by Caryn and Ellie (Cohort 3).
For a feel of what to expect, please check out this soundcloud playlist →. The organizers ask that you only come to this event if you’re fully vaccinated. Masks should be worn while singing in a large open atrium space.
days of awe
Sukkot grape Juice making & party
community | high holidays
Sukkot Grape Juice Canning Workshop + Party
Sunday, September 26th, 11 am-7pm | Outside with the Sukkah, in Eleyna’s Secret Garden
Learn how to make and can grape juice to drink & share on any Shabbat or Chag. It’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted. Shelf stable! Lasts for years! You’ll learn how to make Annie Rose’s Magic Grape Juice and Lazy Lassie’s Sparkling Grape. We’ll play around with the steam juicer, direct juicing, and other things to do with grape juice, too. It’s the easiest canning project and so much fun.
Oh, and shake the lulav and smell the strange citrus in the Sukkah too!
Masks required; if you have elected not to get vaccinated, please join us next year and don’t come this year. Bring the kids! Wear clothes you can get stained!
erev sukkot
native gathering garden
service | Partner
Erev Sukkot at the Native Gathering Garden
North of NE 72nd Avenue & Killingsworth St | September 18th 12pm-4pm | Jews for Indigenous Sovereignty & guests volunteer
Blessing the six directions together in a space that is sacredly held by the Indigenous community in Portland. Then we’ll be volunteering/learning about Indigenous plant care. To RSVP, email Native Gathering Garden coordinator Nichole Bruno at Nichole.
What to bring: A mask, warm & waterproof clothes, and (if you have them) gardening tools & gloves. The garden also has tools people can use, but bringing your own is best.
Where: Cully Park, 5810 NE 72nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220. Click here for more info about the garden!
Accessibility: All ages and abilities welcome & the garden is wheelchair-accessible! It’s ok if you can’t do manual labor — the garden tenders encourage people to come just to be with the land.
days of awe
Kol Nidre Song Circle
community | high holidays
Kol Nidre Song Circle
September 15, 4:45pm-5:45pm | Piccolo City Park (SE Richmond area)
Join us for a reflective song circle as we embrace the beginning of Yom Kippur. We’ll sing a host of songs with teshuvah (returning/repentance) in mind, with silence in between, plus a little bit of ritual to open and close us out. Mellow vibes. Family friendly, if your kids are into this kind of thing.
This event is for people of any confidence level with singing—we want you to join us and can’t wait to sing with you! If you’d like to just come bask in the sound of other voices, your presence is also welcome! We chose this start and end time to give space for folks to watch streamed services/do other Kol Nidre things later in the evening if you wish.
COVID notes: you must be vaccinated to attend this event (unless you are under 12 years old). Masks will be worn at all times, and we will practice social distancing.
days of awe
Tashlich at Broughton beach
community | high holidays
Tashlich at Broughton Beach
September 12, 6pm-7:30pm | Broughton Beach: 4356 NE Marine Dr, Portland, OR 9721
We will gather in-person for this lovely holiday ritual. We will use the formidable Columbia River as a place to cast away our regrets, our omissions, our mistakes, —the guilt and shame we feel from these things and to begin again in this new year. We encourage you to bring some stone or pebbles of your own to throw as well as water and a snack for yourself so we can spend a little time connecting afterward.
days of awe
virtual workshop
reflection | high holidays
Embodied Teshuva
sunday, august 29th, 10 AM | Zoom
Join new TischPDX fellow Amanda Davidowitz!
This virtual workshop is an invitation to take a journey of introspection, self-compassion and forgiveness in the presence of community. Amanda will guide you through meditation, breath, journal exercises and yoga postures designed to create an experience of compassionate Cheshbon Hanefesh (”soul accounting”) and intention setting as we approach the Days of Awe. While the Hebrew word Teshuva is usually translated as repentance – it literally means “to return.” This auspicious time in the Jewish calendar is an opportunity to return to self, to your values, to community and to your connection with the divine.
jewish activism
justice reform
Activism | partners
Still in Prison Teach-In
thursday, august 12th, 7-9 PM | Zoom
Learn about Oregon’s history with a racist law supported by the Klu Klux Klan that was recently declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Sadly, despite the decision, the work to undo the injustice of this racist Oregon law is not finished. You can take action to seek justice for all Oregonians.
No one should remain wrongfully imprisoned by an explicitly racist, antisemitic, xenophobic discriminatory law. After nearly 90 years of injustice by an inequitable judicial system, the opportunity for justice should not be ignored.
Speakers include Dr. Aliza Kaplan, Professor of Lawyering and Director, Criminal Justice Reform Clinic, and Terrence Hayes. In 2013, Terrence was released from prison after serving 9 years. He was convicted by a non-unanimous jury. AG Ellen Rosenblum was the judge on his case in 2004.
ritual and nigunim
queer nigun project
music | partners
Queer Nigunim with Rena Branson
tuesday, july 27th| 7 pm pst
Join us at Laurelhurst Park for an evening of ritual and traditional Hasidic nigunim (wordless Jewish melodies) with Rena Branson, founder of the Queer Nigun Project. Along with teaching traditional melodies, Rena also writes new liturgical music, expanding marginalized Jews access to their own power, healing, connection, and growth.
workshop
tisch b'av and grief
Holidays | alumni | partners
Preparing for Tisch B'Av at Alberta Shul
thursday, july 15th, 7-9 PM| Eastside jewish commons 2420 NE Sandy Blvd, 97232
Join Sara Figueroa, Alberta Shul Board Member and TischPDX alum, for a workshop on preparing for Tisha B’Av. Explore through writing and discussion questions to help process our personal and collective grief about the symbolic loss of the temple and to look at our personal and collective grief from this last year and the loss of our spiritual touchstones. As we enter the heat of mid-summer and head into the high holidays, how does this deep work prepare us for Elul and the high holiday season?
Action Hour
social justice havdalah
activism | recurring | Fellows | Alumni
Havdalah Action Hour
every Saturday in May, 7 pm | on ZoOM
Come hang out, light a fancy candle, and work on any social justice-y action item you have– and/or we will always have action items to share as well! Right now we are continuing to write letters to incarcerated people in support of Critical Resistance’s near-completion #WriteThemAll campaign This is about celebrating liberation
Fundraiser
lag b'omer haircutting
fundraising | holiday | staff | Alumni
Lag B'Omer Covid Cuts
Friday, April 30th, 9 am-1 pm
We’re planning an amazing Lag B’Omer Haircut Kick-Off event to launch our TischPDX May fundraising drive!! Here are all the details and if you’ve been looking to get an awesome haircut, now is your chance! (We want participants, so read below for details and pricing).
Next Friday from 9am to 1pm, TischPDX will be offering up an opportunity to get a Covid-cut, donation-based haircuts in a COVID-safe and inclusive environment (Prince – @princehairpdx).
Before and after your cut, we will be going live to promote the fundraising campaign, promote Prince Hair PDX, teach about the holiday, and UtopiaPDX, who we will be donating part of the proceeds from. Cuts are all different times, but we estimate we will have the opportunity for 4-5 people to get a cut. I would love to get a variety of different cuts, so please let me know which you’re thinking of getting and your schedule/availability during that window. At this time, color is likely not an option for this event, but if you’re interested in that, let us know.
Accessibility: The studio has stairs. Studio is COVID-safe, with full PPP (the hair professional has been vaccinated), max 4 people in the room at any one time. Salon chair will be cleaned/disinfected between people. Participants will be featured on @tischpdx and @princehairpdx social media, but consent will be confirmed prior.
Different Cut options and suggested donation amounts for those cuts:
Short Haircut | $35 |
Long Haircut | $45 |
Bald/Skin Fade | $35 |
Bang Trim | $15 |
Buzzcut | $23 |
Straight Razor Head Shave | $35 |
Faded Buzzcut | $27 |
pesach-themed music
dance-a-thon
Holidays | Fellows
Passover in the Park
Saturday, April 3rd, 1 pm | SE corner of Irving park
The Purim dance-a-thon was such a success there were requests for another. Come to Irving Park (SE corner) April 3rd to dance ourselves towards liberation. We will loosely follow the exodus story, feel free to suggest songs. We’ll set up at 1 pm. Come when you can. All are welcome.
covid-safe passover
liberation seder
Holidays | Fellows
Seder in the Park
Saturday, march 27th, 3 pm | wilshire park NE 33rd ave Porland, OR 97212
- This is about celebrating liberation! Bring your whole self. We’re excited to have you.
- COVID is still real. Everyone is expected to distance from anyone not in their COVID bubble and take any other appropriate precautions. Masks required at various points.
- This is a potluck! Bring food to share if you can. (If you’re more comfortable, you can bring a personal meal instead.) The meal will be kosher-style.
- BYO: Seder plate, seating, plate/utensils/etc. We’ll try to have extras, but can’t guarantee.
- BYO Haggadah if you have one.
Accessibility:
- The park is accessible by public transit and ADA compliant.
- We’ll have a speaker system set up to help with audio.
- Food will be ingredient labeled.
The seder will be participatory! We’re hoping you might be moved to lead us in a section, in whatever way speaks to you: traditional liturgy, interpretive liturgy, poetry, storytelling, game, music, anything,anything, ANYTHING. If you’d like to lead any section, please let us know in the RSVP.
Action Hour
social justice havdalah
activism | recurring | Fellows | Alumni
Havdalah Action Hour
every Saturday in march, 7 pm | on Zoom
Come hang out, light a fancy candle, and work on any social justice-y action item you have– and/or we will always have action items to share as well! Right now we are continuing to write letters to incarcerated people in support of Critical Resistance’s near-completion #WriteThemAll campaign This is about celebrating liberation
songs and niguns
singing group
music | Fellows
Shabbat Song Circle
Saturday march 6th, 7 pm
Come sing with us! Join Sahar, Caryn, Ellie, and Rae on Saturday, March 6 at 2 pm. The songs and niguns are short + repetitive, great for singing through many times while playing with harmonies, and you don’t need to know any of the words. (Some don’t even have any!) You’re more than welcome to come with a favorite tune to share. Dress for the weather and wear a mask as usual. If it rains, we’ll move under the covered area nearby.
learn and gather
police accountability shabbat
learning | Alumni | Partner
PPA Contract Learning Shabbat
Friday, March 5th, 7 pm | on Zoo
The Alberta Shul Racial Justice and Bend the Arc PDX present the Portland Police Association Contract learning Shabbat. Come learn and catch up with local rad Jewish organizing around the Portland Police Association’s contract negotiations.
Sign up here!
tend to the land
native gathering garden
service | Partner
Volunteer at the Native Gathering Garden
sunday, february 21, 1-4 pm
We have been kindly invited to observe Tu B’Shevat (and now Purim) for a second year by volunteering at the Portland Native Gathering Garden at Cully Park! Because the garden is closed until the end of January our observance will be slightly belated, but worth the wait. We’ll meet at the garden to briefly discuss the relationship between Tu B’Shevat, Purim and decolonization-focused racial justice work, and volunteer to tend the garden with members of Portland’s Indigenous community.
How to sign up: RSVP by Thursday, February 19th to attend! To RSVP, email Native Gathering Garden coordinator Nichole Bruno at Nichole.
What to bring: A mask, warm & waterproof clothes, and (if you have them) gardening tools & gloves. The garden also has tools people can use, but bringing your own is best.
Where: Cully Park, 5810 NE 72nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220. Click here for more info about the garden!
Accessibility: All ages and abilities welcome & the garden is wheelchair-accessible! It’s ok if you can’t do manual labor — the garden tenders encourage people to come just to be with the land
song circle
Adar & Song
singing | Fellows
Singing Circle for Rosh Chodesh Adar
Saturday, february 13, 2 pm
Join Sahar, Caryn, Ellie, and Rae for group singing! We have been running this circle (outdoors with masks and social distancing) for the last three months and it’s been feeling so great — please come join us!! Location TBD closer to the date depending on the weather; contact Sahar at lemonbalm1990@gmail.com for location updates and to RSVP so we can have a headcount.
rosh chodesh adar
shabbat, journaling, & discussion
self reflection | Partner
Bring in the month of Adar with Shabbat, Journaling, and Discussion
friday, february 12, 6:30 pm
The month of Adar is nearly upon us! Adar is characterized by the sign of Pisces, or the fish: dagim in Hebrew. Representing spiritual fluidity, transcendence, and protection (among many other things), fish and water are highly sacred symbols in Judaism and I can’t wait to explore their significance with you! We’ll also learn more about Shabbat Shekalim, Purim, and the holiday’s heroine Esther. If you’d like to see a preview of the prompts, please email us!
Join by Computer | Join by Phone | Zoom Passcode: adar
creating a giving plan
interactive workshop
tzedekah | Alumni
Tzedekah Giving Plan Workshop
sunday, february 7, 4 pm | on Zoom
Join Yasha & Colleen for an interactive workshop and discussion on building plans for moving resources rooted in the foundational Jewish value of tzedakah. We will utilize Jewish stories and texts to help define intentional goals to create and implement your own personal giving plan. From a police and prison abolitionist perspective we will focus on mutual aid giving strategies centering Black and Indigenous led organizing.
All are welcome, whether you are creating your first giving plan or interested in updating and refining what you already have. The majority of time will be dedicated to working on your plan with the support of resources and peers.
Please RSVP by emailing us (colleenpdixon@gmail.com and yasha.annah@gmail.com) by Friday February 5th. We will send out a confirmation email with the workshop link the morning of the workshop.
human connection through song
song circle
Singing | Fellows
Shabbat Shira Sing
Saturday, January 30th
Join Sahar, Caryn, Ellie, and Rae for group singing! A small, masked, and distanced outdoors gathering of Jews singing in celebration of Shabbat Shira.
jews for black lives
mlk day march
activism | fellows
Jewish Bloc at MLK March
monday, January 18th
Let’s get a strong Jewish presence at Don’t Shoot PDX’s 7th Annual MLK Day event. Join Caryn, Lyra, and Taylor in marching and plugging into Jewish activism.
discussion and food
hummus-making workshop
cooking | Alumni
Hummus with Herschel
sunday, January 3rd, 7:30 pm | on Zoom
Join us for a friendly discussion of the recent graffiti and vandalism of the PDX Israeli-inspired restaurants. While we talk, improve your cooking skills by making tahini, hummus, and/or pita in your own oven. Themes of antisemitism, Zionism, cultural appropriation, and activism on the left will all be brought up.
critical resistance pdx collab
#write them all campaign
action | Fellows | Alumni
Prison Letter Writing Night
Sundays in january @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm | on Zoom
Let’s gather to help Critical Resistance PDX finish their #WriteThemAll campaign, with TischPDX & Bend the Arc. (more info at instagram.com/
Before the event, make sure you have (we can help you acquire and/or fund these things!)
-Envelopes
-Stamps
-Non-smudged, non-wrinkled paper & non-smudging pens
-Printout of resource sheet (either 2 sided or 2 pages) linked below
We will provide the addresses to write to during the event.
Liberation Literacy and alberta shul fundraiser
hanukah variety show
Fundraising | Alumni | Partner
Alberta Shul Virtual Hanukah Variety Show
Saturday, December 12th, 2020 | on Zoom
Inter-community, inter-generational, inter-idealogical virtual, COVID-safe Hanukah gathering and performance showcase to fundraise for Liberation Literacy and the Alberta Shul. Come and attend to meet new people, watch some fun acts, and learn more about Bend The Arc, Liberation Literacy, and Alberta Shul if you didn’t know about them before.
first night of hanukkah
cooking party
Cooking | Fellows
Latke Fry-Along
Thursday, December 10th, 2020 | on Zoom
Spend time with friends, and virtually cook together for the first night of Hanukkah! Connection is hard during the pandemic so let’s do our best to make social connections while still supporting the public health.
jew bloc
defend democracy rally
Activism | Fellows
Jew Bloc - Election Edition
Wednesday, November 4th, 2020
Our democracy hangs in a fragile balance, so let’s show up as Jews for the BLM movement in the streets. Come build comfort and connection with a Jewish activist community and fight against fascism and white supremacy in this pivotal moment in American history.
ballot happy hour
Learn. Socialize. Vote.
Politics | Alumni
Ciders and Change II: A Virtual Ballot Party
sunday, october 25th, 6 pm | on Zoom
I’m not going to sugarcoat this: Democracy is important. Probably more important than when we gathered 2 years ago.
But I get it, if you’re overwhelmed by doom scrolling and feel like you’re not getting exposed to all the issues, ballots can be daunting. So to make sure more people vote, I’m hosting a virtual ballot happy hour with enough time to still early vote. All you gotta do is this:
1. Register for the event, especially noting your favorite cider flavor profiles. Non-alcoholic is always an option!
2. If you feel comfortable, I will personally deliver a mystery cider to your house day-of. Your cider will be dropped off by someone masked, gloved, and extra sanitized between deliveries.
3. Join us on Zoom to learn and fill out our ballots together, discuss down-ballot candidates, local initiatives. Even if you’ve already voted, you are welcome to join and drink a cider with us to celebrate the democratic process. This is by no means an exclusive event, so invite whoever you want to virtually bring to the polls! EVENT is FREE but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!
challah making
fancy braiding
cooking | Fellows
Challah Braiding Workshop
THursday, october 22nd | on Zoom
Ever feel inept in your challah braiding abilities? No need to fear, because Lyra is teaching a workshop in some more complex braids. Learn a new skill and connect with other Jews before Shabbat!
Book Group
Israeli/Palestinian Speculative Fiction
learning | Fellow
Imagining the Future
THursday, september 24th | on Zoom
Join this book group to explore speculative fiction by Israeli and Palestinian authors, and explore how writing reflects life situations and what we can dream.
tags:
Fellows: events hosted by current tischpdx fellows
Alumni: event hosted by tischpdx alumni
Partner: event hosted by partner organization
Read all about our cohort members, current and past and what they’re up to!
TischPDX
Unaffiliated Jewish Leadership Incubator
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