When Ban Al-Malika grew up in Iraq, she knew America from television and war. Cultural stereotypes ran deep, both for foreigners and other Muslim denominations. Her mother had grown up in a more liberal time when girls had prospects. Now bombs rocked cafés where women worked. The Jewish musicians who had once dominated Baghdad’s cafés…
Actress and comedian Wendy Westerwelle wakes up every day feeling fabulous – “Medicare-fully Fabulous” in fact, which is the title of her upcoming show. Playing at the Sanctuary Theater this February, it’s about finally having health insurance and discovering that at 65, she’s never looked or felt better. “I wrote the show,” she says. “It’s…
James Phelps may be director of development at Portland Jewish Academy and the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, but when it comes to taxes, he has problems. He and his partner originally filed both state and federal returns individually. When Oregon passed the Domestic Partnership law, he filed state taxes jointly and federal individually, thereby confounding…
Lisa Lieberman turned to jazz one short year ago. A singer since her high school choir days in San Diego, she’d grown up with folk music and soft rock. Despite the newness, Lisa won the Jazz Society of Oregon’s Amateur Vocalist Contest on Oct. 15. She’s delighted and looks forward to years of learning, jamming…
Most people know Goldie Barde for her great work as president of the Robison Home Sisterhood or the religious services she led at Cedar Sinai Park. They remember when she and her late husband, Leonard, received the 2008 Maurice D. Sussman Memorial Award for their contributions to the community. But many don’t know her fascinating…
You may know Phyllis Lang as the wise Queen Guinevere in Sleeping Beauty, or the artist who creates amazing Narnia masks. Her work with the Northwest Children’s Theater has ranged from handling props to playing Lady Montague. But along with a lifelong interest in theater, Phyllis has a mission based on her experience overcoming a…
Rabbi Jack Melul and his wife, Shira, are welcome additions to Eugene’s Jewish community. Hired by Oregon NCSY/ Jewish Student Union Director Meira Spivak of Portland, Rabbi Jack will work as director of Eugene NCSY and will give Hillel Oregon a regular rabbinic presence for the first time in more than a decade. “It’s great…
Rob Hershinow is a board member at Congregation Beit Haverim. “Rosh Hashanah is an opportunity to remember our spiritual compass, the significance of Jewish practice and Judaism in our ongoing lives,” he says. “Life changes and unfolds throughout the year with new people and new experiences. Values are tested. Rosh Hashanah is something familiar. The…
Founded in Bend five years ago, Temple Beth Tikvah has grown in quantity and spirit. The synagogue started with 40 member families and now has almost 70. They’ve affiliated with the Union of Reform Judaism, provided social, cultural and educational opportunities for their close-knit community and look forward to working with Johanna Hershenson, their first…
They came west during the California Gold Rush and moved north opening general stores throughout Oregon. German Jews were among Portland’s leading early entrepreneurs. They first lived near their downtown places of business. Many structures like the Fleischner Mayer building, Blumauer & Hoch and the Simon Façade still stand. Soon the merchants moved to fashionable districts like Northwest Portland. Now local…
