OJMCHE looks back at the determination, resilience, and leadership that have brought Portland’s Conservative congregation through 150 years, preserving tradition while embracing modernity.
In 1869 a group of Polish and Prussian immigrants settled in Portland and founded the city’s second synagogue, Ahavai Sholom, blending traditional religious practices with modern American customs, struggling to find stability in their early days. Three decades later a group of Russian immigrants faced the same challenges when they founded Neveh Zedek Talmud Torah. The two congregations eventually merged, becoming Neveh Shalom in 1961. Always ready to adapt and innovate, today the congregation stands at the forefront of social justice, carrying forward the Jewish values which light their way.
The exhibit gives visitors a view into the history of Neveh Shalom, highlighting some of the events and people who shaped its growth, drawing personal connections between devotion to tradition and the progressive outlook which has characterized the congregation from its very beginning.
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON THE ISRAEL360 TALK at Neveh Shalom March 12.
Mel Bochner: Enough Said from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation
Mel Bochner (b.1940) consistently probes the conventions of painting and language. Bochner’s text-based works will be on view.
From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundations, this body of recent works, 2007-2018, challenge audiences to reflect on the nature and structure of everyday language. Curated by Bruce Guenther, adjunct curator for special exhibitions, the exhibition explores language as image and idea through Bochner’s long-held interest in complex printmaking techniques.
“Bochner’s historic use of language and words as both a linguistic system of inquiry and as a formal visual vocabulary of his painting practice has found new focus in the last decade through the artist’s intense engagement with printmaking and his exploration of the relationships of words as image, text, voice and thinking,” says Guenther. “He plumbs English and Yiddish for language’s power to establish identity, to command respect, or to attack in works of unpredictable emotionality and humor.”
“Mel Bochner is one of the most important conceptual artists of our time. His word art makes us smile, laugh, frown and jeer – but always forces us to think,” says Jordan D. Schnitzer. “He seduces us with emotions, words and phrases that we all have used. Whether we laugh or frown experiencing his art, we are forever moved.”
Born in 1940 to an Orthodox family in Pittsburgh, the artist attended Hebrew school and was exposed to art early through his father, who was a sign painter with a workshop in the family’s basement. Displaying an early talent for drawing, Bochner participated in the Carnegie Museum of Art’s innovative children’s art classes, eventually winning a scholarship to Carnegie Melon University.
ojmche.org
Many of the most beloved, uplifting, and romantic songs in musical theater history have one thing in common: The incomparable writing team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. A Grand Night For Singing collects over 30 treasured hits from Rodgers and Hammerstein shows such as Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, and Cinderella; and invites audiences to experience these classics anew through artful arrangements and clever interpretations. It’s “something wonderful” for any lover of classic musical theater.
Directed by SHARON MARONEY
Music by RICHARD RODGERS • Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II • Musical Arrangements by FRED WELLS
Orchestration by MICHAEL GIBSON and JONATHAN TUNICK • Conceived by WALTER BOBBIE
Originally produced by Roundabout Theatre Company, New York City, in 1993.
Spring Monthly Mitzvah Projects
Each month the MJCC and PJA communities will collect items for the monthly mitzvah. Drop off items in the blue bin in the MJCC lobby. Check the display for how you can participate and donate to these worthy causes.
This project reflects 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.
April – Pet Toys for Cat Adoption Team and Oregon Dog Rescue
Yom Ha’Atzmaut: Call for Photo Submissions!
Israel from the Eyes of the Community: A PDX Community Art Display at our Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration
Send us your best photo that you took in Israel. Approved submissions (no lewd photos, or photos that include illegal paraphernalia) will be on display in the MJCC Art Gallery from April 29 – May 31, 2019.
Community members will vote on their favorite photo from April 29 – May 8. Winners will be announced at 8:00 pm at the Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration on May 8.
Email a high resolution digital copy of the photo, and include a note about where and when it was taken. Files no larger than 10MB per submission. Deadline is April 12, 2019. One submission per person. Email submissions to lsteinberg@oregonjcc.org.
Sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and PJ Library
PassinArt presents John Henry Redmond’s The No Play tells the story of cultural connections between a Black family and a Jewish scholar in the 1940s.
A post-show talkback featuring cast members, community thought leaders and advocates is scheduled Sunday, April 7 moderated by Senior Rabbi Michael Cahana, Congregation Beth Israel. Talkbacks are organized for the audience to share opinions and experiences.
Performances: 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 pm Sundays
PassinArt presents John Henry Redmond’s The No Play tells the story of cultural connections between a Black family and a Jewish scholar in the 1940s.
A post-show talkback featuring cast members, community thought leaders and advocates is scheduled Sunday, April 7 moderated by Senior Rabbi Michael Cahana, Congregation Beth Israel. Talkbacks are organized for the audience to share opinions and experiences.
Performances: 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 pm Sundays
The Cost of Pesach
My quest for financial peace as an observant Jew
with Rabbi Ken Brodkin
How does Halacha guide us in balancing our budgets with honoring the holiday of Pesach?…How much should we spend on Mitzvot?…Help, how do I not go into debt?…At what point is it appropriate for a Jew to accept Tzedaka funds to make Pesach?…What is an appropriate Halachic and Hashkafic perspective on the cost of Pesach and other Mitzvot?…
Shabbat HaGadol
April 13, 2019
Approximately 10:45 am
PLUS ~ Join us after Shul for a deluxe Kiddush
Have we got a colorful & magical evening for you!
Join us for the BB Camp Bash
BLUE
$85 per person
(Tickets for individuals age 32 and under: $36 contact Marisa for promo code at mreby@bbcamp.org)
Tickets at bbcamp.org/bash
For questions & sponsorship opportunities, please contact mreby@bbcamp.org
FEATURING “The Magic of SHIMSHI” http://www.shimshimagic.com/
Prepare to be amazed by SHIMSHI, the acclaimed magician & resident illusionist at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas
Originally from Israel, SHIMSHI was the last magician standing on Americas Got Talent!
DETAILS & DRESS
We kindly ask that you wear blue. Any shade, any hue, it’s up to you, as long as its BLUE.
Travelling to attend? Or looking for a mini staycation?
The Hilton HAS RESERVED A BLOCK OF ROOMS FOR THE Bash attendees at a discount rate of $199/night. Call (503)226-1611 to book your room.
The evening will include a Mitzvah Moment. We hope you will join us in supporting BB Camp’s mission to build friendships for life.
PassinArt presents John Henry Redmond’s The No Play tells the story of cultural connections between a Black family and a Jewish scholar in the 1940s.
A post-show talkback featuring cast members, community thought leaders and advocates is scheduled Sunday, April 7 moderated by Senior Rabbi Michael Cahana, Congregation Beth Israel. Talkbacks are organized for the audience to share opinions and experiences.
Performances: 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 pm Sundays