“Justice, justice shalt thou pursue.” ~Deuteronomy (16:20) While charitable giving conjures up thoughts of generosity and benevolence, in Judaism the concept is a commandment, an obligation. Helping the poor and needy is a duty in Judaism. Yet beyond fulfilling physical needs, as Jews we also strive to create a better, more just world for…
For 25 years, the Jewish Women’s Round Table has presented the Song of Miriam Award to women volunteers who actively support Jewish life. In June JWRT President Leslye Epstein welcomed 21 new honorees and a roomful of their supporters to this year’s Song of Miriam Brunch at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. “Over 400 women…
An ethical will is a document that is written to express someone’s deepest personal values in order to pass those along from one generation to the next. It is not legally binding. This practice, though it dates back to biblical and medieval times, resurfaced in the Jewish community around the 19th century and more recently…
Making the decision to write an ethical will can feel fulfilling, even empowering. However, sitting down and writing one can be truly challenging. The wonderful thing is that there is no right or wrong way to write an ethical will, and yours can be as simple or complex as you wish. (See accompanying article “What is…
As a country, as a community, we need to take care of the veterans who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedom; many come back very, very broken spiritually and mentally. They need our support,” says Major (Ret.) Lisa Walker, Veterans Program manager for Portland’s Central City Concerns. Lisa should know….
Harold “Hal” Saltzman, z”l, contacted Central City Concern because he wanted to have an impact on veterans. A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he was concerned about the state of veterans in the Portland area. Hal’s passion propelled the creation of the Annual Veterans’ Picnic, an event that honors the contributions…
When Chrissy Kinsey first saw her room in a downtown Portland Central City Concern supportive housing building, she instantly felt safe. Chrissy had followed a rocky road to get there, beginning with early childhood trauma that included a few years in foster care. In 2008 Chrissy was excited to join the Army and was stationed…
Alix Greenberg has been an artist and an active member of her synagogue for as long as she can remember. When someone offered to pay for her artwork for the first time a few years ago, she felt she could accept money only if she also gave back to the community that has given her…
GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND PO Box 151200 San Rafael, CA 94915-1200 800-295-4050 guidedogs.com/donate Guide Dogs for the Blind is the largest Guide Dog school in North America. GDB prepares highlyqualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind/visually impaired at no cost to them. GDB receives no government funding and relies solely…
Robison Home has reopened as a state-of-the-art, short-stay rehab center. Cedar Sinai Park’s legacy building still houses the synagogue, which is open to all CSP residents and guests, and Adult Day Services in an attached building. But the hallmark of Robison Health & Rehabilitation Center is a modern rehab center with 44 private rooms featuring…
