Upcoming Events

Shabbat - Short and Sweet - Online
Short and Sweet to bring us together. Light candles online with us if you choose, or just join and watch. Shabbat observance is about 20 minutes with more time for socializing for those who would like to stay after. We will have music and a thought or poem for the day provided by the host.
Zoom link will be sent in membership email.

Kol Shalom Community Seder
All are welcome to join in Kol Shalom's annual Community Seder. We will share a humanistic haggadah reading, music, wine, and the traditional seder plate. There will be a hidden afikomen for the kids. While we’re not serving dinner, we’ll have a social time with hors d’oeuvres prior to the seder for relaxation and friendship. We will finish by 6:00 pm so you can make dinner arrangements on your own.
Adult $20, Student/Teen/Child $15, Under 12 Free. Registration required by April 15.
We especially invite families with young children. They will be welcome to join in on the traditional asking of the Four Questions and searching for the afikomen
Socrates Cafe
Socrates Cafe is our monthly meeting place online to discuss topics related to philosophy, spirituality, science, history and religion. Readings will be provided prior to each session and suggested readings from participants are welcome. The sessions are at 10:00 am, generally fourth Saturday of the month and are one hour long. Sessions are open to non-members.
We have special topics related to Humanistic Judaism including looking at the Torah and Bible from an American Jewish Humanist perspective. What can we learn? Grab some coffee, hot chocolate or whatever your home cafe table desires and join us for some relaxed informal and, hopefully, very interesting discussions.
Rosh Hashanah Observance
Kol Shalom is a humanist, non-theistic denomination of Judaism, serving the Portland metro area for over 25 years. Rather than a worship service. our observance gives a deep connection with our Jewish roots in celebrating the Jewish new year. Kevin Minkoff will return as our cantor with beautiful traditional Jewish music. Kevin will also be our shofar blower. We will have a candle lighting, meaningful readings by the congregation and a special talk to deepen our experience together.
All told our service will represent modern Judaism and a time to connect with our Jewish lives. The service itself lasts about one hour with generous time afterwards for socializing with provided light snacks ("oneg"). .
Kol Shalom is a welcoming community Non-members are welcome. There is a suggested donation of $20 for non-member adults over the age of 25 for each service. Young adults (25 and under) and youth are free. Non-member pre-registration required. Please register here. Thanks and hope to see you!
Yom Kippur Observance
Kol Shalom is a humanist, non-theistic denomination of Judaism, serving the Portland metro area for over 25 years. Rather than a worship service. our Yom Kippur observance gives a deep connection with our Jewish roots where we take stock of ourselves in relation to our families, friends and the community. Kevin Minkoff will return as our cantor with beautiful traditional Jewish music. Kevin will sing the tradition Kol Nidre live at Yom Kippur. Jerry Bobbe, cellist, with Margaret Bloomfield, pianist, will perform Max Bruch’s Kol Nidre. We will have a candle lighting and meaningful readings by the congregation.
All told our service will represent modern Judaism and a time to connect with our Jewish lives. The service itself lasts about one hour with generous time afterwards for socializing and traditional Jewish light snacks to "break the fast" (for those who fast).
Kol Shalom is a welcoming community Non-members are welcome. There is a suggested donation of $20 for non-member adults over the age of 25 for each service. Young adults (25 and under) and youth are free. Non-member pre-registration required. Please register here. Thanks and hope to see you!
Socrates Cafe
March 29 Topic: TBA
Socrates Cafe is our monthly meeting place online to discuss topics related to philosophy, spirituality, science, history and religion. Readings will be provided prior to each session and suggested readings from participants are welcome. The sessions are at 10:00 am, generally fourth Saturday of the month and are one hour long. Sessions are open to non-members.
We have special topics related to Humanistic Judaism including looking at the Torah and Bible from an American Jewish Humanist perspective. What can we learn? Grab some coffee, hot chocolate or whatever your home cafe table desires and join us for some relaxed informal and, hopefully, very interesting discussions.

Shabbat - Short and Sweet - Online - Purim
Short and Sweet to bring us together. The theme of this Shabbat is Purim. Light candles online with us if you choose, or just join and watch. Shabbat observance is about 20 minutes with more time for socializing for those who would like to stay after. We will have music and a thought or poem for the day provided by the host.
Zoom link will be sent in membership email.
Social Action Committee Discussion Group for All Members
Setting Intentions For The Coming Year - we will discuss volunteer opportunities and ways to be engaged given the current political climate
Light fare will be provided, however additions, should you feel inclined, would be welcomed. Members: Feel free to invite friends or family who may be interested.
Email Wendy Busch for more information info@kolshalom.org (put “For Wendy” in the subject.
Socrates Cafe
March 1 Topic: Please join us at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 1, for an online discussion of Khirbet Khizeh, a short novel by S. Yizhar (pen name of Yizhar Smilansky). The novel is available from the Multnomah County Library, but there’s only one copy. You can also purchase the paperback version of the novel (new or secondhand) or an ebook. This edition of the Cafe will be hosted by Randolph Splitter of Kol Shalom.
Please request Zoom link by emailing info@kolshalom.org.
Published in 1949, soon after the events it describes, and considered a masterpiece of Hebrew literature, Yizhar Smilansky’s lyrical yet very down-to-earth short novel Khirbet Khizeh follows an Israeli military unit as they expel Palestinian villagers, offering a wrenchingly honest view of modern Israel’s founding.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/mar/12/rereading-jacqueline-rose-khirbet-khizeh
Socrates Cafe is our monthly meeting place online to discuss topics related to philosophy, spirituality, science, history and religion. Readings will be provided prior to each session and suggested readings from participants are welcome. The sessions are at 10:00 am, generally fourth Saturday of the month and are one hour long. Sessions are open to non-members.
We have special topics related to Humanistic Judaism including looking at the Torah and Bible from an American Jewish Humanist perspective. What can we learn? Grab some coffee, hot chocolate or whatever your home cafe table desires and join us for some relaxed informal and, hopefully, very interesting discussions.
Repro Shabbat
Join us for Third Annual Kol Shalom Reproductive Shabbat, Friday, Feb. 9, 5:00 PM on Zoom. Special Guest Speaker: Amy Lavan, Planned Parenthood of the Columbia Willamette. Contact info@kolshalom.org for Zoom link.
Repro Shabbat is an annual Shabbat celebration that honors the Jewish value of reproductive freedom. It takes place annually on Parshat Mishpatim, the reading of which contains the verses commonly referenced as the foundation of Judaism’s approach to reproductive health, rights, and justice. Individuals and communities across the world gather to celebrate Repro Shabbat and the Jewish traditions it honors. Participation can take many forms.
Social Action Committee Discussion Group for All Members
More information to be posted on our membership list and newsletter

Shabbat - Short and Sweet - Online
Short and Sweet to bring us together. Light candles online with us if you choose, or just join and watch. Shabbat observance is about 20 minutes with more time for socializing for those who would like to stay after. We will have music and a thought or poem for the day provided by the host.
Socrates Cafe
Jan. 25 Topic: Can Humanism Replace Religion? Should it? Contact Walt Hellman (hellmanw@gmail.com) for readings and Zoom link.
Socrates Cafe is our monthly meeting place online to discuss topics related to philosophy, spirituality, science, history and religion. Readings will be provided prior to each session and suggested readings from participants are welcome. The sessions are at 10:00 am, generally fourth Saturday of the month and are one hour long. Sessions are open to non-members.
We have special topics related to Humanistic Judaism including looking at the Torah and Bible from an American Jewish Humanist perspective. What can we learn? Grab some coffee, hot chocolate or whatever your home cafe table desires and join us for some relaxed informal and, hopefully, very interesting discussions.

Shabbat - Short and Sweet - Online
Short and Sweet to bring us together. Light candles online with us if you choose, or just join and watch. Shabbat observance is about 20 minutes with more time for socializing for those who would like to stay after. We will have music and a thought or poem for the day provided by the host.
Socrates Cafe - Hanukkah and the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible)
Socrates Cafe is our monthly meeting place online to discuss topics related to philosophy, spirituality, science, history and religion. Readings will be provided prior to each session and suggested readings from participants are welcome.
The December Socrates Cafe will take up the question, “Why isn’t Hanukkah in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible)?
Grab some coffee, hot chocolate or whatever your home cafe table desires and join us for some relaxed informal and, hopefully, very interesting discussions.
Socrates Cafe
Socrates Cafe is our monthly meeting place online to discuss topics related to philosophy, spirituality, science, history and religion. Readings will be provided prior to each session and suggested readings from participants are welcome. The sessions are at 10:00 am, generally fourth Saturday of the month and are one hour long. Sessions are open to non-members.
We have special topics related to Humanistic Judaism including looking at the Torah and Bible from an American Jewish Humanist perspective. What can we learn? Grab some coffee, hot chocolate or whatever your home cafe table desires and join us for some relaxed informal and, hopefully, very interesting discussions.

Shabbat - Short and Sweet - Online
Short and Sweet to bring us together. Light candles online with us if you choose, or just join and watch. Shabbat observance is about 20 minutes with more time for socializing for those who would like to stay after. We will have music and a thought or poem for the day provided by the host.
Socrates Cafe
Socrates Cafe is our monthly meeting place online to discuss topics related to philosophy, spirituality, science, history and religion. Readings will be provided prior to each session and suggested readings from participants are welcome. The sessions are at 10:00 am, generally fourth Saturday of the month and are one hour long. Sessions are open to non-members.
We have special topics related to Humanistic Judaism including looking at the Torah and Bible from an American Jewish Humanist perspective. What can we learn? Grab some coffee, hot chocolate or whatever your home cafe table desires and join us for some relaxed informal and, hopefully, very interesting discussions.

Shabbat - Short and Sweet - Online
Short and Sweet to bring us together. Light candles online with us if you choose, or just join and watch. Shabbat observance is about 20 minutes with more time for socializing for those who would like to stay after. We will have music and a thought or poem for the day provided by the host.
Social Action/Awaken to Action Coffee meeting - Online
Open to all members…focus on election
Yom Kippur Observance
Kol Shalom is a humanist, non-theistic denomination of Judaism, serving the Portland metro area for over 25 years. Rather than a worship service. our Yom Kippur observance gives a deep connection with our Jewish roots where we take stock of ourselves in relation to our families, friends and the community. Kevin Minkoff will return as our cantor with beautiful traditional Jewish music. Kevin will sing the tradition Kol Nidre live at Yom Kippur. Jerry Bobbe, cellist, with Margaret Bloomfield, pianist, will perform Max Bruch’s Kol Nidre. We will have a candle lighting and meaningful readings by the congregation.
All told our service will represent modern Judaism and a time to connect with our Jewish lives. The service itself lasts about one hour with generous time afterwards for socializing and traditional Jewish light snacks to "break the fast" (for those who fast).
Kol Shalom is a welcoming community Non-members are welcome. There is a suggested donation of $20 for non-member adults over the age of 25 for each service. Young adults (25 and under) and youth are free. Non-member pre-registration required. Please register here. Thanks and hope to see you!
Rosh Hashanah Observance
Kol Shalom is a humanist, non-theistic denomination of Judaism, serving the Portland metro area for over 25 years. Rather than a worship service. our observance gives a deep connection with our Jewish roots in celebrating the Jewish new year. Kevin Minkoff will return as our cantor with beautiful traditional Jewish music. Kevin will also be our shofar blower. We will have a candle lighting, meaningful readings by the congregation and a special talk to deepen our experience together.
All told our service will represent modern Judaism and a time to connect with our Jewish lives. The service itself lasts about one hour with generous time afterwards for socializing with provided light snacks ("oneg"). .
Kol Shalom is a welcoming community Non-members are welcome. There is a suggested donation of $20 for non-member adults over the age of 25 for each service. Young adults (25 and under) and youth are free. Non-member pre-registration required. Please register here. Thanks and hope to see you!

Sunday Forum on Separation of Church and State
KOL SHALOM REVIVES ITS SUNDAY FORUM
Separation of Church and State Event Sept. 29 at EJC
We are presenting a Sunday afternoon forum on this oh-so-timely and very important topic, for our member families, and for the wider community. We’ve invited members of over 20 supportive congregations and organizations to join us at the East Side Jewish Commons (EJC) and hope EJC regulars will come as well.
We’ve engaged a knowledgeable speaker, Dr. David Schraub, of the Lewis and Clark Law School. Dr. Schraub is associate professor of Constitutional Law, also teaching political science and issues of anti-semitism and other discrimination. He’ll stay for a Q and A. After the program, we’ll have time to visit, with light refreshments.
High School students might especially appreciate this topic. There is no charge but we’ll ask people to sign in as they enter. Do mark your calendars for this informative and social event. Questions? Comments? Contact Kol Shalom board members, Myra Himmelfarb or Karen LaMorticella : myrahimmelfarb@gmail.com, klamort@comcast.net
Socrates Cafe
Socrates Cafe is our monthly meeting place online to discuss topics related to philosophy, spirituality, science, history and religion. Readings will be provided prior to each session and suggested readings from participants are welcome.
Grab some coffee, hot chocolate or whatever your home cafe table desires and join us for some relaxed informal and, hopefully, very interesting discussions.

Shabbat - Short and Sweet - Online
Short and Sweet to bring us together. Light candles online with us if you choose, or just join and watch. Shabbat observance is about 20 minutes with more time for socializing for those who would like to stay after. We will have music and a thought or poem for the day provided by the host.