About a year ago, I moved to Portland from New York with my husband, George, and son, Liam. George and I quickly became overwhelmed researching childcare facilities and preschools for our son. Some schools maintain waiting lists that rival those of New York, while others were prohibitively expensive. I knew that we wanted our very…
Nineteen-year-old Josh Israel was a typical Portland teenager. He spent most of his time studying, watching television or playing video games with his friends. A graduate of Portland Jewish Academy and Riverdale High School, he says during his senior year he realized he wanted to do something different with his life. “I hadn’t done anything…
About three years ago, Congregation Beth Israel member Jack Heims was serving on the governor’s task force on veterans when then Gov. Ted Kulongoski told him that Oregon was one of just six states without a World War II memorial. Kulongoski got the legislature to support the idea and design, but he asked Heims to…
As the owner of 540 affordable housing apartments in four downtown buildings, Cedar Sinai Park is prepared to create a housing-with-services program to enable low-income seniors to age in place. In late December, CSP was slated to purchase Park Tower from the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and Lexington Apartments from the Schnitzer family, which recently…
When the Harold Schnitzer family gifted the Park Tower Apartments to the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, it was a winning proposition for all involved. The Schnitzer family was able to fulfill the wishes expressed by Harold Schnitzer in the weeks leading up to his death in April 2011. The OJCF won with a boost to…
January is the time of the year when most of us make at least one New Year’s resolution. Often, these resolutions regard our health in some way. As such, it is fitting to focus this month’s column on our outer health – or, more specifically, our skin. Our skin is the largest organ in our…
With the shorter days and rainy weather, it can be tough to motivate yourself to exercise. Many aren’t aware, there are, however, more benefits of exercise. What “hidden” benefits of exercise have been proven? IMPROVES MOOD AND SLEEP Exercise has been shown to have very positive effects on mood, stress and the health of your…
When the MJCC “celebrates champions and honors everyday athletes” at its annual dinner next month, it will be celebrating both its history and its important role in Jewish community life. Founded in 1914 as the B’nai B’rith Building and now known as the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, the “J” – its shortest moniker – has…
Many families head to the slopes for winter fun. Learning the rules of the mountain and how to ski or snowboard properly can enhance both fun and safety. One Portland family has found a long-term partner in that quest for family fun. Joyce Bernheim, John Ashworth and their children, Alexandra and Paul, have all taken…
They love the outdoors. They like to give back. They thrive on challenges. And they find a direct connection between their Judaism and their work with the Mount Hood Ski Patrol.“I’ve always felt closer to Hashem in the peace and serenity of the mountains than I have other places,” says Jeffrey Weitz, who has volunteered…
