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Daily Archives: October 2, 2013
One Shlicha Leaves and Another Israeli Emissary Arrives
For the past two years, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland hosted an Israeli shaliach (male emissary) and shlicha (female emissary) to serve the Jewish community. This year the shlicha will be based at the Greater Portland Hillel. Shiran Halfon arrived in Portland Sept. 1, and will be here for a minimum of one year…
Looking for Love: What Kind of Relationship Do You Want?
The word “agenda” often carries a negative connotation; however, having one is not necessarily sinister. Simply put, an agenda is a well thought-out plan that outlines the steps that will move a person from one point to the next. That’s actually how you get things accomplished. You make a plan; then you work your plan…
Life on the Other Side: Care for Cardamom, Ma’am?
I was so foolish. I was sure the English version of a Hebrew recipe for an exotic cauliflower dish was correct. Why would I doubt it? It arrived in the morning paper and looked so appetizing that I decided to drop what I was doing and make it. (OK, so I finished my cup of…
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Seeking Peace in the Shadow of War
This column on the renewed negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians might seem somewhat detached because I am writing as all of us are preoccupied figuring out if America will attack Syria – and whether Assad, Hezbollah or even Iran will take out their frustration on Israel. The rush that overwhelmed the civil gas-mask distribution…
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Dairy Delights Abound In Portland
For variety and versatility, it’s hard to beat the cheese plate. A typical plate involves a celebration of tastes, textures and ingredients. In Portland you can enjoy a top-quality cheese assortment at wine shops, bistros and even food carts. Following are some of our favorite plates around town. Blackbird Wineshop & Atomic Cheese Bar Much…
The Meaning of Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Jews are not “bar-mitzvahed” or “bat-mitzvahed.” it does not happen to them. it is a status achieved by demonstrating personal awareness of the responsibility to take on the fulfillment of the mitzvot of Judaism. Children who become bar or bat mitzvah are “obligated to the mitzvot” (Mishnah Avot 5.21). According to Jewish tradition, this…
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Becoming a Woman in Front of Women
Not every girl gets to lead services chant the entire Torah portion of the week when she becomes a bat mitzvah. Portland Women’s Tefillah, led by Erica Goldman, has provided that opportunity to girls (and women) of all backgrounds since 1984, when the well-known Jewish educator cofounded the group embarked on what was to become a 30- year…
Cinetopia: The Next Big Thing in B'nai Mitzvah Parties?
Say you’re the parent of an 11- or 12-year-old and that bat/bar mitzvah date is looming ever closer. With so many details to cover – sending invitations and tracking RSVPs, making guest arrangements for out-of-town friends and family, keeping track of your child’s progress on their drash and Torah portion, perhaps learning one yourself –…
Mason's Ark
Everyone knows the story of Noah’s Ark, right? Noah was commanded by God to build a great ship and stock it with male and female pairs of every animal on Earth. God sent down a massive flood to wipe out every living thing on the planet to give humanity, which had become irretrievably corrupt, a…