I am often asked by friends, colleagues or others who detect my American accent (one doesn’t have to be too discerning to do so) why I chose to leave the U.S. and make aliyah. The question is generally a bit on the cynical side and goes something like, “What was so bad in America that…
Masada is an ancient fortification in the Southern District of Israel, on top of an isolated rock plateau on the eastern edge of the Judean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea. Apart from the archaeology, the site’s iconic setting has made it a popular place for concerts and events throughout the year. In the past few…
I committed a sin recently. I admitted that I wasn’t familiar with a particular French chef. If looks could kill … you should have seen the face of my executioner. It was as if I had admitted not knowing the words to “Hatikvah” or the Pledge of Allegiance. I was dead meat. In the professional…
A 60th wedding anniversary deserves a party, and Arnold and Elaine Cogan threw a bash. Held at the Oregon Jewish Museum on Dec. 22, the celebration brought together family and old friends. Each guest received a handmade commemorative cookbook with the couple’s favorites, including German Pancakes and Crazy Chocolate Cake. All 70 guests squeezed into…
Packouz Jewelers was established in 1917 by Nathan Packouz. The jewelry store on Southwest Broadway in downtown Portland was owned by the Packouz family for three generations until store manager Rick Mahler bought it about two years ago. Nathan’s grandson Larry Packouz has remained at the store to mentor the new owner but claims he…
Andrew Goldstein and Andrew Greenberg are two Jewish entrepreneurs hoping to change the future of medical diagnoses at Oregon’s leading technology incubator, the Portland State Business Accelerator (PSBA). Located in the heart of the “Silicon Forest” – a nickname for the cluster of high-technology companies located in Portland – the PSBA has been attracting entrepreneurs…
Following a rendition of “Yerushalaim Shel Zahav” toward the end of his final jazz piano performance of 2012 at Rose Schnitzer Manor on Nov. 30, George Fendel delivered a piece of good news to resident Sheldon Petcher and the enthralled audience of three dozen residents, caregivers,and staff. His next concert will not only take place…
“There’s nothing you can read about the Portland Youth Philharmonic that will prepare you for an experience when you come to a concert,” declares David Hattner, music director of the PYP, which is the oldest and one of the best youth orchestras in the United States. “You have to experience them because they’re that good.”…
Most of us remember Valentine’s Days in elementary school when we decorated our personal delivery boxes and waited for them to be filled with flimsy paper “Be My Valentine” cards from all our schoolmates. As we grew older, valentines hopes turned to a more specific choice, like a steady boyfriend or another hopeful suitor delivering…
Portland’s cheese scene recently got a lot more sophisticated with the addition of three Murray’s Cheese mini-stores. These satellite shops, which are the first to open west of the Mississippi, are located inside selected Fred Meyer supermarkets. The first Murray’s Cheese shop in Oregon opened at the Burlingame Fred Meyer in May of 2012 and…
