Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The Alzheimer’s Association website (azl.org) reports: “A number of studies indicate that maintaining strong social connections and keeping mentally active as we age might lower the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s.” So in honor of…
This spring, Congregation Neveh Shalom members Dale Oller and Sarah Coblens launched Yad b’Yad (Hand in Hand) to support mourners through the difficult process of grieving and adjustment during the first year after the loss of a close relative. Coblens believes Yad b’Yad is the only such initiative in the Northwest Jewish community. As a…
A Nosh of Jewish Wisdom: Recovering from an illness makes one feel like returning to the days of one’s youth. Dear Helen: Ten years ago my sister went through several rounds of chemo and her cancer went into remission. We had a long time together, but her cancer came roaring back like a freight train…
When Polina Munblit takes potential residents on tours through the newly refurbished Rose Schnitzer Manor, Cedar Sinai Park’s assisted living facility in Portland, she explains their options and answers their questions. She later welcomes the new residents as they move in, helps them get settled and introduces them around. She is not, however, a social…
According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs. Older adults who fear falling sometimes limit their activities and social engagements. That limited social engagement could then lead to depression, isolation…
Those 55 and older are welcome to become Wondering Jews with the program created by Neveh Shalom congregants Estelle Wexler, z”l, and Julian Kaufman in 2015. Wondering Jews presents an active calendar of speakers, meet-ups and outings geared toward those lucky enough to be of retirement age and their friends. During the spring and summer…
The open vista that greets students and visitors entering Portland Jewish Academy is now the physical manifestation of the open, collaborative learning environment that has long been a hallmark of the Jewish day school. PJA has renovated the lobby, removed walls between hallways and the library, and reorganized the open space and adjacent rooms to…
At 16, Jack Green is not just chasing his dreams, he’s living them. “School, soccer and Judaism – being part of all three is important to me,” says Jack. This year all three areas of his life have gotten a big boost. The Alaskan teen moved to Portland in August after earning a slot in…
Nov. 8 Community Shabbat Connect: The Carl Preschool is partnering with PJ Library for this special event focused on Shabbat. 9:30-11 am, at Carl Preschool, Congregation Shaarie Torah, 920 NW 25th, Portland. For preschoolers with a parent, grandparent or other caregiver; siblings welcome. Start off like a typical Carl Preschool morning with singing and stories…
“To be Cuban and to be Jewish is to be twice survivors.” – Maritza Corrales, “The Chosen Island” Editor’s Note: The author of this piece, Irene Shaland, will present “The Jewish Experience against the Background of Cuban History,” at the Crypto-Judaic Studies Conference Nov. 5-7 in Philadelphia. The Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies was founded in August…
