OJMCHE looks back at the determination, resilience, and leadership that have brought Portland’s Conservative congregation through 150 years, preserving tradition while embracing modernity.
In 1869 a group of Polish and Prussian immigrants settled in Portland and founded the city’s second synagogue, Ahavai Sholom, blending traditional religious practices with modern American customs, struggling to find stability in their early days. Three decades later a group of Russian immigrants faced the same challenges when they founded Neveh Zedek Talmud Torah. The two congregations eventually merged, becoming Neveh Shalom in 1961. Always ready to adapt and innovate, today the congregation stands at the forefront of social justice, carrying forward the Jewish values which light their way.
The exhibit gives visitors a view into the history of Neveh Shalom, highlighting some of the events and people who shaped its growth, drawing personal connections between devotion to tradition and the progressive outlook which has characterized the congregation from its very beginning.
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON THE ISRAEL360 TALK at Neveh Shalom March 12.
Mel Bochner: Enough Said from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation
Mel Bochner (b.1940) consistently probes the conventions of painting and language. Bochner’s text-based works will be on view.
From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundations, this body of recent works, 2007-2018, challenge audiences to reflect on the nature and structure of everyday language. Curated by Bruce Guenther, adjunct curator for special exhibitions, the exhibition explores language as image and idea through Bochner’s long-held interest in complex printmaking techniques.
“Bochner’s historic use of language and words as both a linguistic system of inquiry and as a formal visual vocabulary of his painting practice has found new focus in the last decade through the artist’s intense engagement with printmaking and his exploration of the relationships of words as image, text, voice and thinking,” says Guenther. “He plumbs English and Yiddish for language’s power to establish identity, to command respect, or to attack in works of unpredictable emotionality and humor.”
“Mel Bochner is one of the most important conceptual artists of our time. His word art makes us smile, laugh, frown and jeer – but always forces us to think,” says Jordan D. Schnitzer. “He seduces us with emotions, words and phrases that we all have used. Whether we laugh or frown experiencing his art, we are forever moved.”
Born in 1940 to an Orthodox family in Pittsburgh, the artist attended Hebrew school and was exposed to art early through his father, who was a sign painter with a workshop in the family’s basement. Displaying an early talent for drawing, Bochner participated in the Carnegie Museum of Art’s innovative children’s art classes, eventually winning a scholarship to Carnegie Melon University.
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Many of the most beloved, uplifting, and romantic songs in musical theater history have one thing in common: The incomparable writing team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. A Grand Night For Singing collects over 30 treasured hits from Rodgers and Hammerstein shows such as Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, and Cinderella; and invites audiences to experience these classics anew through artful arrangements and clever interpretations. It’s “something wonderful” for any lover of classic musical theater.
Directed by SHARON MARONEY
Music by RICHARD RODGERS • Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II • Musical Arrangements by FRED WELLS
Orchestration by MICHAEL GIBSON and JONATHAN TUNICK • Conceived by WALTER BOBBIE
Originally produced by Roundabout Theatre Company, New York City, in 1993.
Spring Monthly Mitzvah Projects
Each month the MJCC and PJA communities will collect items for the monthly mitzvah. Drop off items in the blue bin in the MJCC lobby. Check the display for how you can participate and donate to these worthy causes.
This project reflects the Jewish commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), providing opportunities to give back to our community.
Please drop off items in the blue bin in the MJCC Lobby.
April – Pet Toys for Cat Adoption Team and Oregon Dog Rescue
Seniors and young families enjoy an inter-generational celebration of stories and songs each Thursday.
Join Kim Schneiderman for this weekly inter-generational story hour for young families with music, PJ Library books, and the residents of Cedar Sinai Park.
Come study and discuss the Bible with Rabbi Isaak at Neveh Shalom.
INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM CLASS
Winter/Spring 2019 Session begins January 17. This 18-week course is taught by members of The Oregon Board of Rabbis, representing a variety of Jewish affiliation. A carefully constructed curriculum includes Jewish history, life cycle events, holidays, ritual and daily practice, theology, study of Torah and contemporary Jewish America. While not a conversion class, most OBR members consider it a prerequisite for students beginning study for conversion. Classes 7-9 pm, Thursdays, at rotating Portland area synagogues, course fee $360 includes class materials. Register online or contact JoAnn Bezodis, Class Facilitator, at 971-248-5465, or by email at info@oregonboardofrabbis.org. Website: http://oregonboardofrabbis.org/introduction-to-judaism-class/
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Doors open at 5:30 pm, show starts at 7. Come early to eat, come to drink, come to soak in the view from the lakeside deck … and come to laugh ’til you cry!
Lake Theater’s beer and wine lists represent the best in the industry, and are curated with care; and their cocktails feature seasonal ingredients mixed with never-bottom-shelf spirits. And the pizzas! New York style! Food and drink can be enjoyed in the theater.
The theater features cabaret-style seating on the main floor and traditional velvet seating in the balcony. We can bring the show to almost 100 people at a time!
Designed by celebrated local architect Richard Sundeleaf, the Lake Theater first opened its doors in 1940, charging 25¢ for admission.
Yom Ha’Atzmaut: Call for Photo Submissions!
Israel from the Eyes of the Community: A PDX Community Art Display at our Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration
Send us your best photo that you took in Israel. Approved submissions (no lewd photos, or photos that include illegal paraphernalia) will be on display in the MJCC Art Gallery from April 29 – May 31, 2019.
Community members will vote on their favorite photo from April 29 – May 8. Winners will be announced at 8:00 pm at the Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration on May 8.
Email a high resolution digital copy of the photo, and include a note about where and when it was taken. Files no larger than 10MB per submission. Deadline is April 12, 2019. One submission per person. Email submissions to lsteinberg@oregonjcc.org.
Sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and PJ Library
David Meyers (Yaveni) and Andrea White (Mattie)
PassinArt presents John Henry Redmond’s The No Play tells the story of cultural connections between a Black family and a Jewish scholar in the 1940s.
A post-show talkback featuring cast members, community thought leaders and advocates is scheduled Sunday, April 7 moderated by Senior Rabbi Michael Cahana, Congregation Beth Israel. Talkbacks are organized for the audience to share opinions and experiences.
Performances: 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 pm Sundays