Photo: Julie Diamond Upon hearing the news of Julie Diamond’s death on the morning of August 12, like many people, I literally lost my breath. I knew she was in the struggle of her life, as we had discussed it often. But, we had plans to get together in a couple of weeks. We…
I could honestly write pages on the incredible human being that Rudy Rochman is. Although I am not familiar with Eduard and Noam, I can only imagine they are amazing young men as well. But, as this is a fluid situation, and none of us know what is happening behind the scenes, the families…
Amos Meron is a name that many in the community will remember with fond memories. Amos was a Shaliach (emissary from Israel) who in 2011, was brought to Portland to work with the community at large and specifically college-age and young adults. He did a great job of educating people about Israel and was…
Photo: The Floom Family. If you are lucky, you have friends whose parents welcome you as part of the family. Lily Floom was one of those people. The Floom southwest Portland home was a gathering place for their friends, and their children’s friends, and was filled with laughter, and raucous competitions of Pictionary and…
After a snowy and unseasonably cold couple of weeks, it is good to know that the first day of spring is just around the corner, on March 20. Then, a week later, we will be celebrating the first night of Passover on March 27. It is difficult not to draw some symbolism from these two dates. Spring is…
2020 has been a year like no other. We have seen a pandemic, the likes of which the world has not experienced in more than 100 years. We are also experiencing one of the most divisive political and social climates in our nation’s history. Anti-Semitism, racism and unemployment are up, and our economy is tumbling…
At a time when our country feels so divided amid the political climate, COVID-19, protests, economic hardships and now fires, I crave and appreciate kindness. People and relationships that I may have taken for granted are now treasured more than ever. I was in this appreciative mindset when I was even more touched by the kind generosity…
You have probably noticed how much has been written about people’s generosity during these challenging COVID-19 times. And the Jewish community is no exception. Over the last six months, we have had dozens of conversations with our readers and followers about how and where they can help. Some asked for suggestions of where they can donate, while others…
Photo: The ad that made the Szyfbergs celebrities in New Zealand. After two lighthearted conversations with Neil Szyfberg of Eugene, Oregon, I can tell you one thing, Jewish mothers don’t have anything over this Jewish father. In fact, Neil’s wife, Mindy – who was a Hebrew school teacher at Temple Beth Israel in Eugene for…
