Purim Carnival

2016 Purim Carnival

Sunday, March 13, 12:00 PM

Congregation Beth Israel

1972 NW Flanders Street

Portland, OR 97209

All kids and kids at heart are invited to the Annual Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 13^th.Lunch will be provided for $5 per person.

FINDING VITAL RECORDS IN ISRAEL – WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE

Description: If you are interested in Israeli genealogy and resources uniquely available in Israel this is a program you should not miss. The presentation will cover genealogical research in Israel, with particular emphasis on the records and databases contained in the Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA). Records in their database include early censuses, burials, government employees, and organizational members. You will also find numerous links to research in other countries such as South and Central America. You can access information, databases, connect with others, etc., by going to its website at: http://genealogy.org.il/ . If you register for this site, you’ll receive increased access to IGRA’s and databases and stay informed on the society’s activities. Registration is free and doesn’t obligate you in any way. You can also join IGRA online and receive full membership benefits.

Bio: Garri Regev has lived in Israel since 1978 and was an elementary teacher for more than 20 years there. Garri has been doing genealogical research for over 20 years. She has lectured on Genealogy to many adult groups including AACI, Hadassah, Touro College, the Central Zionist Archives (CZA), the National Library of Israel (NLI), EVA/MINERVA and IAJGS Conferences. Garri currently volunteers at the Israel Museum, at the CZA and also at the NLI Genealogy Center. She was President of the Israel Genealogical Society and is currently the President of the Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA). Garri serves on the IAJGS Board of Directors. She was the Vice-Chair of the 2015 IAJGS Conference in Jerusalem and co-chair of program for the Conference.

The program is free to JGSO members. We request a $5 contribution from non-members. That fee can be applied to a membership should you decide to join JGSO at this meeting. If you have any questiona please email us at jgsoregon@gmail.com .

Learn about MJCC Summer Day Camp programs, register, and meet camp staff!

Purim Party at the Ashland Public Library, Sunday, March 13. 4:30 PM

Young families with children 18 months – 8 years, and their siblings, are invited to a Purim costume party on Sunday, March 13 at 4:30 PM at the Ashland Public Library, featuring stories and songs by JenUwin, our local “unicorn” and Cyrise Beatty Schachter. “JenUwin is a magical creature who brings joy to children wherever she goes,” says the Director of the Family Nurturing Center. The holiday of Purim celebrates the story of Queen Esther in Persia long ago and is one of the most joyous holidays in the Jewish year. The event is free and open to all and snacks will be provided.  For more information call 541-292-0805. PJ Library is a Jewish literacy program co-sponsored by Havurah Synagogue and Temple Emek Shalom.

A weekly story hour for young families with music and PJ Library books!

College Info Night

Learn the ins and outs of college affordability, financial aid, and admissions process. Hear from experts and learn about Jewish life on campus.

Speakers:

Meira Spivak                         Gap Year Programs
Jodie Walder-Biesanz         College Admissions Coach
Tim Tank                               Financial Planner
Andy Gitelson                       Oregon Hillel Foundation
Shiran Halfon                       Greater Portland Hillel
Amee Sherer                         UW Hillel
Rabbi Dov Bialo                   Chabad at Reed
Shira Melul                           Akiva at U of O

Portland Jewish Book Celebration continues

The annual Portland Jewish Book Month celebration was expanded this year to reach beyond one book and one month. The six-month celebration that began last November continues with in March the Mittleman Jewish Community Center hosts its first Authors’ Series. The talks at the MJCC begin with Kimberly Marlowe Hartnett. At 7 pm, March 3, she will discuss her book, Carolina Israelite – How Harry Golden Made Us Care about Jews, the South, and Civil Rights. On March 8 at 7 pm, author Jessica Fechtor will share her book, Stir – My Broken Brain and the Meals That Brought Me Home. Laura Nicole Diamond, author of Shelter Us: A Novel, wraps up the author series at 7 pm, March 15.

Individual event tickets are $8 or $5 for MJCC members; a series pass is $20 or $12 for members. For information and registration for the Authors’ Series, visit oregonjcc.org/authorseries or contact Len Steinberg at lsteinberg@oregonjcc.org.

Sephardic Winter Film Series

features: Nicky’s Family

What if Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein and Steven Sondheim collaborated to write a Purim schpiel?

Well, that’s not going to happen.

Instead we have Congregation Beth Israel’s own retelling of the Biblical Book of Esther:

West Side Schpiel

Wednesday, March 16, 6:00 PM

Congregation Beth Israel

1972 NW Flanders Street

Portland, OR 97209

Starring the clergy, staff and the volunteer choir of CBI, “West Side Schpiel” is the story of star-crossed lovers caught between the warring factions of uptown Shushan. A parody of one of the most beautiful and beloved Broadway musicals, “West Side Schpiel” brings a hilarious new telling to the ancient tale.

Congregation Beth Israel’s annual Purim Schpiels have become a highlight of the year. These original productions fulfill the ancient Jewish custom of retelling our familiar story in new and engaging ways. Through clever rewording of the lyrics, the shows bring humor and joy to our community. Past productions have included “The Jews Brothers,” “Blazing Schpiel” and the “Pirates of Purim.” Scenes from these and others are on the synagogue’s web site: www.bethisrael-pdx.org

The schpiel is free and open to the community.

Join  us for a weekly story hour for young families with PJ Library stories, crafts and music!