Israeli designer searches for ‘the perfect line’ for flattering styles Ronen Chen is one of Israel’s most successful and internationally recognized designers. His label is sold in more than 400 boutiques throughout North America and Europe. While a limited Ronen Chen selection is available at Nordstrom, his new e-commerce site, RonenChen.com, will allow U.S. consumers…
Oregon Jewish Life asked four rabbis: With the extensive time commitment to prepare for a bar or bat mitzvah, how can congregations make this an exciting time for students that will inspire them to make Judaism an ongoing part of their lives? Rabbi Debra Kolodny Renewal Portland P’nai Or’s Simcha Sunday School and I prioritize…
Becoming bar or bat mitzvah takes study, commitment and a lot of hard work. When the big day comes, many say it’s time for a party. And, like any celebration, decorations make the event stand out and shine. From simple to sky’s-the-limit, design decisions affect ambiance and mood. DECORATIONS “What’s fun about a bar and…
While every child has individual needs when it comes to bar and bat mitzvah preparation, youngsters with mental and physical disabilities have unique challenges and strengths. As the director of congregational learning at Neveh Shalom and mother of a son with Asperger’s syndrome, Mel Berwin’s interest in working with all children runs deep. “At one…
When Hannah Sturman became a bat mitzvah in February, it stirred many emotions in the Neveh Shalom community. Hannah and her younger brother Mitchell have a rare brain disorder in which the two hemispheres of the brain do not communicate with each other. Congregation Neveh Shalom for many years hosted a community-wide Sunday school class…
As they come of age, these young people follow their passions to help others The bar and bat mitzvah process is filled with learning, faith and celebration. For many Oregon students another important aspect is finding a community service project that resonates with them. In this way, bar and bat mitzvah students not only prepare…
“Brilliance and Resilience” is on display at Temple Beth Israel, 1175 E. 29th Ave., in Eugene, through October. The exhibit includes photographs and vignettes of 30 women with disabilities who have participated in Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability programs. For information on viewing the exhibit at TBI, call 541-485-7218. For information on hosting the…
Another benefit of WILD has been the cross-cultural understanding that evolves during the delegates’ home stays with families in Eugene. Rabbi Yitzhak and Shonna Husbands-Hankin hosted deaf delegate Hanan Mohsen Ibrahim Aly from Cairo, Egypt. “We had many meaningful interactions,” says Shonna. “We showed her around, including a painting of a Middle Eastern woman releasing…
Susan Sygall and her band of 156 WILD women are “Loud, Proud and Passionate” in their efforts to enhance the lives and rights of women with disabilities around the globe. In August Sygall’s Eugene congregation hosted the closing session of the sixth Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability program. Temple Beth Israel is also hosting…
Our son Laz recently turned 12, and that means that very soon I will need to plan for his bar mitzvah celebration. It’s a big job making sure he’s on top of his Hebrew studies and laying the groundwork for his much-anticipated party to commemorate his becoming a bar mitzvah. He has been studying Hebrew…
