Every year at Passover, we retell the story of our ancestors’ transition from constriction in Egypt to the expansive wilderness of freedom. 

Please join Rabbi Rachel and Rabbi David in a very sweet community second-night Seder with a delicious vegetarian meal prepared with love by the hands of members of our own community.

REGISTER NOW to attend in person or via Zoom.

All are welcome! We want this feast to be accessible to all, so please contact Karen at office@ashlandhavurah.org to discuss your financial needs.

Article from the Jewish Federation of Portland

PHOTO: Kohanim Manny Cohen and Allen Kenner bless the Havurah Shir Hadash community.

The Havurah Synagogue in Ashland recently celebrated its 36th anniversary as well as the 25th anniversary of Rabbi David Zaslow serving as the spiritual leader of the community.

“Twenty-five and 36 are sacred numbers in Judaism,” says Rabbi David. “It was 36 years ago that Rabbi Aryeh Hirschfield, z”l, organized Havurah Shir Hadash in Ashland, which has since blossomed into a 135-member synagogue.” 

July 16 was an extraordinary evening of sharing reflections and memories – and especially honoring Rabbi Zaslow for all he has given over these many years and all that he continues to give the community with his leadership, wisdom and teachings. There were tears of joy and laughter as one speaker after another shared what was in their heart.

Maggidah Ayala Zonnenschein served as master of ceremonies for the evening. Speakers included the mayor of Ashland, Mayor Julie Akins; Rabbi Julie of Temple Emek Shalom in Ashland; Daniel Greenblatt, founding member and council president; and Jonnie Zheutlin, long-time member who celebrated her 95th birthday in August and moved to live with her daughter in Portland. It was a perfect opportunity to honor Jonnie with a beautiful blessing from Rabbi David. Rebbitzen Devorah Zaslow shared a humorous essay she wrote many years ago about being the wife of a jazz club owner/poet-in-the-schools who turned into a rabbi.

Maggidah Cyrise and Stefan Schachter added to the celebration with song. The evening culminated with Kohanim Manny Cohen and Allen Kenner blessing Rabbi David, Jonnie and everyone present with the ancient Priestly Blessing and a beautiful song written by Maggid Jhos Singer based on that blessing. 

“Reb Aryeh has given Oregon a special gift with his music, his presence and Jewish Renewal approach to deep spirituality,” says Rabbi David, noting that 10 years after founding Havurah Shir Hadash, the rabbi moved to Portland and founded P’nai Or of Portland. 

“It was so special to celebrate our 36th birthday with members and friends  of our community, both in person (before the Delta variant hit us all) and on Zoom,” he adds. “L’chaim, to another 36, and then 36 beyond that!”

It was an event that will live long in the memories of all who were part of it, both physically and virtually. Part of the evening was captured on film and is available on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=TNjs7KSp8RY

Rabbi David Zaslow created a slideshow to take us into the heart and soul of Bob Dylan’s lyric brilliance. Several clips of him speaking are included as well. You’ll get a good look at the inside of the manner in which he used juxtapositions of images to create evocative metaphors. Join us and share the link with friends who might be interested in this experiential look at some of Dylan’s work.

The festivities begin with crafts for children, dreydel table, and Greenleaf latke dinner for sale. Then we’ll gather in the sanctuary for our community candle lighting, Hanukkah songs and a story by Devorah!

Everyone is welcome to join Rabbi David Zaslow, Rabbi Sue Morningstar, Rabbi Emanuel Ben-David, Maggidah Ayala, along with the Havurah Choir and musicians for inspirational, musical, prayerful services, stories by Maggidah Devorah Zaslow and teachings. Advanced registration is required for Non-Members.

Register Now

Join Reb David and friends for a meaningful Passover Seder, catered by Chef Skye Elder. In person seating is limited, so make your reservations early. The Seder will be live streamed as well. Registration is now open! Please join us for our rather intimate community Seder.

Put on your favorite costume and join us for an evening of hilarity, high humor, and hamantaschen!
Come parade in your purim finery, then chant along with our wild Purim “rappers” as we tell the Purim story.

January 11, 2024

Highly charged terms such as ‘genocide’ and ‘apartheid’ only promote divisiveness if they are applied inaccurately

By Rabbi David Zaslow

Criticism of a nation’s policies is a vital feature of thriving democracies like the United States and Israel. But the misuse of  words in order to advance one’s belief only adds fuel to the fires of divisiveness and hatred.