Remember to Savor Life
A wave of nostalgia swept over me this past month as I met with people for various articles in this issue.
It started when I walked into a stable in Canby to do a story about a woman who has revolutionized equestrian apparel. The smell of horses that mingled with the scent of fresh hay and wood chips took me back to my decades of raising and showing horses. I really only needed a couple of photographs, but I spent the afternoon hanging out and absorbing “all things horse.”
I’d recognized Sheryl Rudolph’s name when I set up the appointment to meet her, but it wasn’t till I saw her at the stable that I remembered the time we’d spent together on the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s Young Women’s Division. We had a lot of fun in those days.
Thinking about the Young Women’s Division reminded me of the program I helped organize to provide low-cost genetic screening for women so they would be aware if they were carriers of any of the genetic diseases common in the Jewish population.
When I photographed the arthritis exercise class at Mittleman Jewish Community Center, I recalled how the community rallied to keep the therapy pool open when the center was restructured during its economic woes in the past decade. Talking to the people who are able to keep moving in large part because of that pool reminded me of what a valuable resource it is.
Then I was off to visit a wine bar. Chatting with the bartender and a wine distributor, I was transported back to wine tastings I’d experienced in Oregon, Washington, France and Spain.
The beautiful horses, Jewish community activities and fine wines are all things I can return to and experience again and again.
But one thing I’ll never do again is speak to one of the wisest, kindest men I’ve ever met. Henry Blauer, z”l, whom I saw often at meetings and interviewed frequently for stories over the past two decades, died June 6 at the age of 91. Henry had been a constant in this community for decades before I moved here in 1992. He was the federation president more than 50 years ago and was on the board at the time of his death. He was always unfailingly kind and pleasant. He was thoughtful and insightful on any issue I had occasion to ask him about.
Like so many others in the community, I was shocked to hear of his passing. He had appeared so vital when I saw him just a week earlier.
Our May issue included a story featuring his wonderful wife, Gerel. I was pleased it ran while Henry was still able to enjoy it.
All these things remind me how important it is to savor life and enjoy the people and experiences who make the world a special place.
Deborah,
Editor-in-Chief
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- Letters from our Readers
Dear Editor,
I was so excited to see the new issue. I think it is great. You used the best of the pics for my article “Best Dad-Kid Noshes in Portland.”
I also loved the Wild West brawl article. Years ago, I had a Jewish page-a-day calendar and each day had a bit of trivia. One day the trivia was about the shootout between the Beth Israel rabbi and president. I asked Rabbi Rose if it was true, and he said, yes it really happened.
I also loved the Jews and brews last issue. Keep up the great writing!
Rich Geller, Portland
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Dear Chef Glickman,
As a retired Pennsylvania State Certified Executive Chef/Culinary Arts Teacher (of almost 40 years), and recently relocated resident to this beautiful state of Oregon, I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much we enjoy your articles in Jewish Life.
I always felt the necessity for positive reinforcement with the teaching of my students, and find it even more important at this stage in my life to give that “pat on the back” for a job well done.
Your articles are entertaining, informative and obviously well prepared by someone who loves what they do as much as I.
At 70 years of age, I find I am still learning and always keep an open mind with regard to what I may have learned to this point. I would often caution my students to do the same. For no matter what I may have taught them, someone somewhere may know a better, more expedient, or just plain different way to do it.
Thank you for your articles, and may I wish you continued success in the industry, and with your lovely family as well.
Steven D. Levin, aka Cheflev, Tigard
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Hi Deborah,
I’m writing you to tell you how even more impressed I am by this newest issue of Oregon Jewish Life – and of course to thank you for its excellent coverage of the Havurah of the Gorge.
In the previous issue, the coverage of resources for older persons and the feature on the young musician were the obvious, superb standouts. This issue, I can’t say quite what struck me, but I kept thinking, “Well, this is sensational,” “This is world-quality,” “This is far better than much larger Jewish communities are publishing,” and so on. You, and the community, are doing an incredible job.
And so of course I feel particularly honored that you are going to include something on my novel The Rescuer’s Path in your summer reading coverage.
My very best to you, and congratulations on an increasingly fine magazine.
Paula Friedman, Parkdale
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Dear Jewish Life,
This is an awesome magazine that has removed my disappointment over the ending of the years-long newspaper. Moreover, you have covered happenings in our non-Portland areas in a depth that I greatly appreciate.
I hope you will always be able to send me your wonderful magazine.
Mazel Tov on an excellent publication.
Francis Sommer, Bend
