HANS COPER—LESS MEANS MORE features the sculptural work of Hans Coper (1920-1981), a radical Jewish artist of the mid-twentieth century who was at the vanguard of British studio ceramics, pushing the boundaries of clay and forms of abstraction in his work. Guest curated by Sandra Percival, founding Director and Curator of Zena Zezza, the exhibition presents nearly 50 works by Coper including his Spade, Thistle, Ovoid and Cycladic forms drawn from an extensive collection of his work in England’s York Art Gallery, a rarely seen Portland collection, and a cluster of works from collectors and California institutions. Coper left Germany for England as a Jewish refugee in early 1939. The exhibition also includes works by celebrated ceramicist Lucie Rie, also a Jewish refugee, along with a small selection of related contemporary and modern artworks. Coper was described as “gentle, yet shattering” and Less Means More opens a conversation into the complexities and contradictions embedded in his life and work.
ALSO:
Betty LaDuke: EARLY WORK: curated by Bruce Guenther, Adjunct Curator for Special Exhibitions, features works created in the 1960s by one of Oregon’s most internationally recognized artists, Betty LaDuke, recipient of the Governors Art Award 1993. Centered in her identity as a first generation Jewish American, the early graphic works are based on memories of the vibrant street life of the immigrant neighborhoods of New York and stories from the Jewish bible. The works form a foundation for understanding the evolution of her long career as a narrative, image-based artist driven by deep social and political engagement.
Monthly Mitzvah Project
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.
September
School Supplies & Backpacks for low income, immigrant and refugee students
• Schoolhouse Supplies
• IRCO (Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization)
• Catholic Charities
Torah Troop for 3rd-5th Graders
1st and 3rd Shabbat every month at 10:00am
Torah Troop allows families at Congregation Neveh Shalom to move into the main sanctuary while still enjoying youth-oriented activity. At 10:00am, families meet in the main service. After the beginning Torah service, youth join their friends for a lesson on the Torah portion (parsha) of the week with adult leaders, and come back to help lead the Adon Olam at the end of the service.
As always, we end with our community for lunch!
Gates of Light: A New-Old Approach to Torah and Kabbalah
Jewish mysticism helps us understand the Torah, the world, and ourselves. Delve into the core teachings of the majestic Kabbalistic tradition. Red bracelets aren’t going to do it – dig deep into the texts and into ourselves. Join Rabbi Joshua Rose for a look into the book Sha’arei Orah – Gates of Light.
Monday, September 9
Monday, October 7
Monday, November 4
Monday, December 9
2:30 – 3:25 pm
Free and open to the community.
In partnership with Congregation Shaarie Torah
Unity Through learning.
Study Torah with a partner and make connections with Jews from across Portland. Hot drinks, light snacks, and study resources will all be made available.
Join Portland as we learn one on one. Bring your learning partner or ask us to provide one.
Shmirat Haguf – Jewish Yoga for Women
Focus on deepening the bond between your physical body and your vitality of spirit. Cultivate a curious and compassionate relationship with yourself as a spiritual act. This practice will offer a safe space to explore our breath, functional movement, fluidity and resistance, strength, and relaxation in a community of women. Women of all ages and experience are welcome. Instructor: Rachel Stern
Made possible by a grant from the Women’s Giving Circle of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland.
Tuesdays
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24
8:00 – 9:15 pm, FIT126A
Cost: $40. Member Cost: $32.
Drop-in Cost: $12. Member Cost: $10.
Thursdays
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24
8:00 – 9:15 pm, FIT126B
Cost: $40. Member Cost: $32.
Drop-in Cost: $12. Member Cost: $10.
Tuesdays
Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26
8:00 – 9:15 pm, FIT126C
Cost: $40. Member Cost: $32.
Drop-in Cost: $12. Member Cost: $10.
SilentHikes are a new form of meditation in motion, combining music, verbal guidance, silence and nature to help participants find purpose and connection. While traditional forms of meditation are an isolated experience, and constitute a sort of retreat, this one is an exercise in exploring and being present in the evolving world around us. Participants have described their experiences as “transcendent” and “rocking their world.”
Hidary is a composer and concert pianist and a former tech guru with a passion for physics. His MindTravel concept draws on his expertise across all these disciplines. He loved music from an early age, but truly discovered its powers when it was the only thing that helped him heal after the tragic loss of his sister in a motorcycle accident.
July 15, 2019, article in the JERUSALEM POST described Hidary like this:
The 47-year-old Jewish-American multidisciplinary artist has performed the fruits of his creative continuum to all sorts of audiences in all sorts of locations. The concept of “release,” of relinquishing control and preconceptions about our lives and the physical world around us, is central to the thematic ethos.
A monthly discussion covering a wide range of topics that draw on our experiences.
Thursdays: 11:30 am – 12:15 pm New Time!
Thursday, September 12
Topic: Returning Lost Items – What the Torah Teaches about finders-keepers
Thursday, October 10
Topic: Preparing for Sukkot – Who will you invite to your sukkah?
Thursday, November 14
Topic: Giving Thanks
Thursday, December 12
Topic: Finding Light – Hanukkah learning
Free and open to the community.
In partnership with Congregation Neveh Shalom
Come study and discuss the Bible with Rabbi Isaak at Neveh Shalom.