Monthly Mitzvah Project – January
Each month, the MJCC and PJA communities will collect items for the monthly mitzvah. These projects reflect the Jewish commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), providing opportunities to give back to our community.
Please drop off items in the blue bin in the MJCC Lobby.
January – New and gently used socks for Janus Youth Programs
Support the MJCC and PJA communities by donating books for our annual Used Book Sale.
Book Collection Drive: January 14 – March 15. Donate your used books to the MJCC. Drop off at the front desk. Need a pickup? Email pjabooksale@gmail.com to schedule pickup. No encyclopedias, please.
The Book Sale will be at the MJCC March 31 – April 2
Free and open to the community.
This class at Congregation Neveh Shalom will be based on Rabbi Kushner’s newest book, Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned about Life. $36, which includes the book.
Register at: 503.246.8831; receptionist@nevehshalom.org
Proceeds with support the Feldstein Library.
Seniors and young families enjoy an inter-generational celebration of stories and songs each Thursday.
Join Kim Schneiderman for this weekly inter-generational story hour for young families with music, PJ Library books, and the residents of Cedar Sinai Park.
Come study and discuss the Bible with Rabbi Isaak at Neveh Shalom.
INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM CLASS
Winter/Spring 2019 Session begins January 17. This 18-week course is taught by members of The Oregon Board of Rabbis, representing a variety of Jewish affiliation. A carefully constructed curriculum includes Jewish history, life cycle events, holidays, ritual and daily practice, theology, study of Torah and contemporary Jewish America. While not a conversion class, most OBR members consider it a prerequisite for students beginning study for conversion. Classes 7-9 pm, Thursdays, at rotating Portland area synagogues, course fee $360 includes class materials. Register online or contact JoAnn Bezodis, Class Facilitator, at 971-248-5465, or by email at info@oregonboardofrabbis.org. Website: http://oregonboardofrabbis.org/introduction-to-judaism-class/
Education Administrator
Rabbi Goldie Milgram will offer a workshop about her new book, Wisdom from Reb Zalman: Embracing the Jewish Spirit, published by Reclaiming Judaism Press. The book is a collection of 250 vignettes about Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (1924-2014), founder of the Jewish Renewal movement.
Reb Zalman was a spiritual leader with a deep commitment to interfaith work. He was initiated into Sufism, served as World Wisdom Chair at Naropa University (the only accredited, Buddhist-inspired university in the Western hemisphere), and was one of the rabbis whose meeting with the Dalai Lama was chronicled in “The Jew and the Lotus.” His friendship with the Berrigan brothers, two activist Jesuit priests, inspired him to start the Shalom Center, a Jewish organization advocating for social and environmental justice. His blending of traditional Judaism with mysticism, social justice work, and spiritual practices filled with joyful singing and dancing has led to the Jewish Renewal movement, now with dozens of synagogues in the United States and abroad..
Please contact P’nai Or’s administrator, Zmira Lovejoy, at admin@pnaiorpdx.org, with any questions.
You can read more about the book at http://www.reclaimingjudaism.org/node/699
Please join Congregation Shaarie Torah for a special Shabbat morning service. At this service, we will include new melodies, explore the service with some reflections on the prayers themselves, and chant according to the Triennial cycle of Torah readings. It will be a mix of the beautiful and familiar traditional Shabbat morning service and new ideas and energy. This service meets in the Chapel downstairs on the third Saturday of the month.
Torah Troop for 3rd-5th Graders
1st and 3rd Shabbat every month at 10:00am
Meet in the MAIN service (Stampfer Chapel or Main Sanctuary) for the beginning of the Torah service, and then come out with your friends for a fun and active lesson on the Torah portion (parsha) of the week. Return to the service to help lead Adon Olam, and join the community for lunch!
Continue the fun and warmth of Congregation Neveh Shalom’s Tot Shabbat with Kiddush Club. We sing, dance, hear a Torah story and more! 1st Shabbat of the month with Rabbi Eve Posen, 3rd Shabbat of the month with Gershon Liberman. Both followed by Kiddush lunch.