Take your game to the next level. It will give your mind a workout!
Registration code: CG304
In the Cafe at the J
Join our Emeritus Rabi for weekly study of our sacred texts.
Exhibits Feb. 16- May 27
Vedem: The Underground Magazine of the Terezin Ghetto
Vedem Underground examines the literary magazine written by Jewish teens imprisoned at Terezin, a Nazi camp in Czechoslovakia during the Second World War. Using pop-art graphics, drawings and paintings, and the prose and poetry, these brave adolescents secretly wrote and illustrated the longest-running underground magazine in a Nazi camp. Vedem (Czech for “In the Lead”) documented their voices with defiance, humor and heartbreak. The exhibition breaks down their 800 original pages and reconstructs them in the form of a contemporary magazine. Curated by Rina Taraseiskey and Danny King.
To Tell The Story: The Wolloch Holocaust Haggadah
On view in the East Gallery: Commissioned by Helene and Zygfryd B. Wolloch, The Holocaust Haggadah is richly illustrated with lithographic prints by David Wander and calligraphy by Yonah Weinreb that link the story of liberation from ancient Egypt to the Holocaust.
Join us for a fun, introductory Israeli dance class. All levels are welcome. Six people needed to run class. Instructor: Allsion Victor
Register with code: CG302
Rabbi David Zaslow is teaching a Beginner’s Hebrew class beginning Thursday, May 17 from 5 to 6 pm, and continuing each Thursday through June 14. Participants will learn to read, write and pronounce Hebrew. No prior knowledge required. Class fee, including text and Aleph Bet poster by local artist Abby Lazerow, is $40 for the series. The class will also be accessible via live streaming for those unable to attend in person. Pre-registration requested by calling 541-488-7716. The Havurah Synagogue is located at 185 N. Mountain Ave. in Ashland.
Weekly learning and discussion with Rabbi Emeritus, Daniel Isaak.
Presence, Light, Manna: What We Need is Here – A Contemplative Shabbat, Led by Rabbi Benjamin Barnett of Havurah Shalom and Rabbi Joshua Boettiger of Emek Shalom in Ashland
Beginning with Friday evening, then continuing all day Saturday from morning through Havdalah, we will immerse ourselves in contemplative Jewish practice. Through meditation, chanting and prayer, supported by instruction and teaching, we will aim to open hearts and refine our awareness. Our time will be spent in silence, aside from prayer and chanting, as well as brief opportunities to check in about the practice. The retreat is open to everyone, regardless of experience.
Registration to cover expenses is $40 for members of Havurah or Emek Shalom, $50 otherwise. You can register below. The Shabbat morning service and lunch following are open, with no registration needed. Contact Rabbi Benjamin at benjamin.barnett@havurahshalom.org with questions.
Additional details:
Our Friday evening program will go from 7:30-9:30 pm (dinner is not provided). For those from outside of Portland, home hospitality can be arranged for the night. We will reconvene at 8:30 am and be together until 9:00 pm. Lunch and dinner will be provided, and there will be snacks available throughout the day.
Please RSVP at tinyurl.com/ContemplShabbat.
Join other families for prayer, singing, conversation and fun followed by an indoor picnic-style lunch.
Join other young families for singing, dancing, stories, indoor picnic-style lunch and Shabbat fun.
Award-winning mom-son authors Lisa Cohn and Michael Cohn help educate others about kids’ sensory integration challenges, as part of the June 2 release of Bash and Lucy Fetch Tea Vera and the Dream Beasts, a children’s book that features a sensory-sensitive boy (Bash), the dog who helps keep him calm (Lucy), and a handful of girl-power relatives. The A book release party will be held as part of Village Home’s Summerfest celebration.
Michael and Lisa were previously featured in Oregon Jewish Life in the December 2014 issue when they released their second book Lucy and Dash fetch Jealousy.
Michael and Moira, age 9, describe their sensory sensitivities—also known as sensory processing disorder—in a video, saying things like “wool sweaters feel like a bomb to me,” and identifying the three stages of meltdown due to sensory overload. They also describe negative experiences at traditional schools.
Watch Michael and Moira here: https://youtu.be/l19sRLFNsMA
It’s estimated that as many as one in six kids are affected by some kinds of sensory issue, according to the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder. Kids and adults with sensory processing disorder tend to be over- or under-sensitive to different sensory stimuli, including noise, tastes, touch, and smells.
“Part of our aim with this book is to educate people about sensory processing challenges in kids and to debunk the myths of sensory integration issues,” said Cohn, an award-winning freelance writer who covers parenting and other issues.
One myth is that sensory kids are autistic. Truth is, autistic kids often have sensory issues, but sensory kids aren’t autistic. In fact, studies show that the brains of the two populations are different.
About 35% of gifted kids possess sensory challenges, according to the STAR Institute.
However, because their sensory challenges make these kids want to move around, they often can’t sit still in class and will become disruptive. That’s why homeschooling is a good option for them. Michael and Moira attend Village Home, where they take a few classes at a time and leave plenty of opportunity for calming exercise.
Says Lori Walker, founder of Village Home, “Because Village Home offers classes for homeschoolers a la carte style, it is possible to just take one class, or many, depending on the child and their group learning style.”
Lisa and Michael Cohn received three awards from Mom’s Choice and USA Best Book Awards for their first two “Bash and Lucy” books. They have “traveled” more than 540,000 miles to meet with students in 15 countries via Skype in the Classroom and are certified Microsoft Innovative Educators as a result of this volunteer work. They are founders of the Roving Reader Leaders club.
At the June 2 party, music will be provided by Mr. Hoo of the Alphabeticians. The Cohns will share a sensory toolkit — fidget toys, putty, books, gum, and other items that are calming for kids with sensory challenges.
Learn more about “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts” at www.BashAndLucy.com
For more information, contact Lisa Cohn, BashAndLucy@gmail.com or 503-577-0504.