Look Inward, Pause, and Reflect
Elul is the month leading up to the High Holy Days. It is customary to spend time learning and reflecting during this period in preparation for the spiritual work of the New Year and Yom Kippur.
Elul begins on the evening of August 13.
Experiences and Activities to prepare for the High Holy Days
Expand Your Mind and Spirit
Elul Season Poetry Workshop
With Meg Bernstein
Tuesday, August 18, 7:00pm
Registration Required
A generative and discussion-based workshop for folks who enjoy writing poetry, exploring Elul and the High Holy Days through the poetry of apology, forgiveness, and intention.
Conservative Judaism Explained
With Mel Berwin, Director of Congregational Learning
Thursday, August 27, 7:00pm
Registration Required
Whether you’re a new member or simply seeking greater clarity, you’re invited to attend this engaging opportunity to learn about our movement’s name, values, and distinguishing features. Open to all.
Approaching Grief in the HHD Season
With Rabbi Eve Posen
Wednesday, September 16, 7:00pm
Registration Required
Sacred moments in time can bring intense emotions to the surface. In this session we’ll touch on the grief that may be present as we begin a new year and offer a few Jewish tools to process the season.
Culture and Ritual
Hear the Shofar During Elul
Sundays-Fridays, August 14 – September 10
Sun: 9:00am | M-F: 7:15am
It’s traditional to attend Morning Minyan in preparation for the High Holy Days and to hear the shofar being blown. For it to be a “kosher” hearing, you’ll need to hear it in person.
Interested in blowing the shofar at Morning Minyan? Contact Priscilla: lamalo@comcast.net.
End-of-Summer Community Shabbat with Rick Recht
At Neveh Shalom in Collaboration with Beth Israel
Friday, August 28, 6:15pm
Congregation Beth Israel and Congregation Neveh Shalom invite you to a special end-of-summer Kabbalat Shabbat service led by musician Rick Recht.
Together, we’ll gather on the CNS Holzman Plaza to welcome Shabbat through song, prayer, and reflection as we mark the transition from summer toward a new year.
Please note: While this special service will take place outdoors on the Holzman Plaza, it is a worship service rather than our traditional Shabbat on the Plaza program. There will not be a community dinner, drinks, or children’s activities following services.
Come ready to sing, pray, and welcome Shabbat together. We hope you’ll join us for this beautiful moment of community and connection.
Portland Jewish Festival
Sunday, August 30, 11:00am-7:00pm
Neveh Shalom is thrilled to be participating in Portland’s FIRST Jewish Festival, gathering with organizations from around the community for a celebration of Jewish Joy! Check out the CNS booths, entertainment, food, local vendors, kids’ activities, and more!
Head Back to Shul with your Neveh Shalom kehillah!
Wednesday, September 2, 5:00-7:00pm
Come join your friends, the CNS clergy, and staff for an exciting and fun-filled welcome back to shul! Kick off the new year with the sound of the shofar, a hot dog dinner, arts & crafts, and more! Visit with representatives from the many groups and programs that make up our dynamic kehillah. We can’t wait to see you for this ruach (spirit) filled evening!
Selichot High Holiday Melodies from Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Traditions
Saturday, September 5, 8:00pm
Rabbi Eve Posen, Rabbi Cantor Eyal Bitton, and Rabbi April Villarreal explore and share some of their favorite melodies connected to the themes of Selichot and the High Holy Days. Registration is not required for this event!
Registration is not required for this event.
Youth Activities
GESHER (6th-8th) Twilight Gathering
Wednesday, August 19, 7:00-8:30pm
Meet up with old friends & make new ones as we gather in the CNS Plaza for a fun evening of games & interactive storytelling. GESHER welcomes in our newest class of sixth graders at this event!
NOAR (3rd-5th) Paint & Pop
Thursday, August 20, 6:00-7:30pm
Meet up with your Neveh friends for evening of messy fun on the courtyard as we create a group art project for the Youth Lounge. You won’t want to miss the pop tasting & paint darts! As we say goodbye to summer, we say a huge HELLO to our newest class of third graders at this event.
CHAVERIM (K-2nd) Apples & Honey Field Day
Sunday, September 6, 10:00-11:00am
It’s time to get ready for Rosh Hashanah! We welcome in our newest Kindergarten kids & their families (as well as all our 1st & 2nd grade friends) with a morning of seasonal games & art projects. Apple races, natural brush painting, a scavenger hunt, & more!
BOGRIM (8th-12th) Mocktails & Movies
Sunday, September 6, 7:00-9:00pm
Whew! First two weeks of school done already!? Relax in the Youth Lounge with your friends, sip on some delicious beverages, & laugh your heart out to a silly movie. We’ll welcome in our newest glass of 9th graders with jokes & a toast.
NOAR (3rd-5th) Tashlich Hike & Picnic
Monday, September 7, 10:00am-12:00pm
Learn about the magic ritual of Tashlich on this scenic hike with your friends. We’ll pass the Witch’s Castle, cast our “transgressions” into Balch Creek & eat a picnic lunch together. Please bring a kosher-style lunch. Snacks will be provided.
