Hanukkah is observed for eight nights starting on the 25th day of Kislev, which may fall from late November to late December. Hanukkah usually falls somewhere near that other little holiday known as Christmas, but not this year. This year Hanukkah begins the evening of Dec. 8 and ends Dec. 16. For me that means…
Oregon Jewish Life asked three Oregon rabbis in 2012, “How can Jewish or interfaith families turn their “December dilemma” into a positive, meaningful experience for children?” Rabbi Benjamin Barnett Beit Am Jewish Community, Corvallis (Editor’s Note: In August 2017, Rabbi Barnett became rabbi of Portland’s Havurah Shalom) The phrase “December dilemma” itself reflects the heart…
It’s hard to believe, but Hanukkah is upon us once again. As Charlie Brown’s little sister Sally might say, “I haven’t even finished eating all my Halloween candy!” My kids can barely contain their excitement. “Daddy, how many more days until Hanukkah?” is the constant refrain around the house these days. Hanukkah in Oregon is…
After two weeks of twice the average rainfall at the end of October, early November’s balmy weather inspired some women at the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland to have a little fun with fashion. In a city known for individual style, three of the women showcased diverse tastes that reflected their individual outlooks. Israeli shlicha…
Unlike the reaction Ed Asner received when he tried to introduce Heifer International to his rabbi, Portland synagogues have long supported that charity’s efforts to end poverty and hunger. This year Asner helped launch Heifer at Hanukkah and Congregation Shaarie Torah accepted the challenge to raise funds to buy a heifer. When Shaarie Torah Education…
Julie Diamond often thinks of people she’s never met, shares reminiscences about them and reflects on King Solomon’s observations that “charity saves from death.” The people – Rebecca and Sada Tarshis, Art Krichevsky and Chuck Karsun among them – left most of their money to charity, aiding a host of institutions and causes close to…
In recognition of the unprecedented transfer of inherited wealth and responsibility for philanthropic funds, the Jewish Federations of North America picked 22 communities, including Portland, for a program to train professionals to engage the next generation of donors. The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland selected Associate Executive Vice President Laurie Rogoway to participate in the…
EDITOR’S NOTE: In light of the serious situation in Israel as we were preparing this issue of Oregon Jewish Life, the following Guest Editorial replaces the Letter from the Editor this month. Bob Horenstein is the community relations director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. As most of us sleep soundly in our beds…
Life Enrichment is the new name for the Robison Jewish Health Center’s activity program, and Cedar Sinai Park has appointed Jennifer Felberg to be in charge. “We are focused on person-centered care, and we are here to enhance all aspects of our residents’ lives,” says Kimberly Fuson, CSP’s chief program officer. “The new name is…
On Nov. 4 Israel bid farewell to a king. His name was Shaul Evron, and he was the undisputed king of the Israeli culinary scene. He was also a man very dear to my heart. I was a newcomer in the foodie world in 1998 when I interviewed him for the Jerusalem Post. Actually, the…
