A Jewish Studies Sampler with Rabbi Jonathan Seidel PhD
Four Surveys of Intriguing and Slightly Mysterious Topics:
- The Dead Sea Scrolls Today
- Kabbalah – New Approaches and Discoveries both Scholarly and Popular
- Jewish Magic: Amulets, Healing and Transformation
- The Jewish Role in the Development of Science both Empirical and Mystical
Sundays: February 17, March 31, April 28, May 12
1:00 pm
Cost: $15. Register: oregonjcc.org/jewishlearning
Through intimate interviews and live performances, They Played for Their Lives artfully portrays how music saved the lives of young musicians in the ghettos and concentration camps during the Holocaust. Playing music fostered spiritual strength within themselves and others, and often proved a bargaining tool that spared their lives. The documentary follows the narratives of eight survivors, all unique stories that illustrate the power of music to sustain the human soul. At the end of the war their lives unfold in surprising ways, yet music remains at the core of their memory and legacy. Charcoal illustrations, a live piano performance by 106-year old survivor, and a moving reunion of two boys who searched for each other for 66-years, make this compelling viewing.
| Want to meet Portland’s newest crop of gifted Jewish artists? Don’t miss Cedar Sinai Park’s reception, exhibit opening and art talk back by this gifted group of 7th, 8th and 9th graders. No strangers to the spotlight, the young people you’ll chat with have each exhibited works for the last three years in juried art programs sponsored by Northwest Jewish Artists during Jewish Arts Month.
The work here is by Edith Crever, 8th grade. |
First place Israel photo by Niomi Markel
Israel from the Eyes of the Community – A PDX Community Art Display:
Members from the Greater Portland area submitted photos that were taken by them while in Israel. A committee selected the photos on display. During the week leading up to our annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration (May 8), visitors were ask to vote for your favorite photo! That evening, we will announce the winners.
This year’s winning photo was taken by Nimoi Markel.
Submissions to lsteinberg@oregonjcc.org by April 12.
Exhibit on display April 29 – May 31
Sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and PJ Library
In response to yesterday’s (April 27) tragic shooting, join our Jewish community for a gathering in support of the Jewish Community of Poway and San Diego .
Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, who was shot in the hate crime attack said, “We need to create as much light as possible in this world, by participating in prayer services, supporting our local Jewish communities and mostly doing random acts of kindness. A little bit of light pushes out a lot of darkness.”
So-sponsored by Chabad Centers of Oregon, The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and the Mittleman Jewish Community Center.
Chabad of Oregon shared this message:
We are heartbroken and pained by the attack that took place yesterday, the last day of Pesach, during services, at Chabad of Poway, CA. This is an attack on all of us, and we grieve for the family of Lori Gilbert-Kaye who lost her life & pray for the recovery of Noya Dahan (Age 8), Alon Peretz and Rabbi Yisrael Goldstein who are injured.
Let us each take upon ourselves a new mitzvah this week to combat the ugly hate that has again reared its ugly face. More than just a nice sentiment, the light and goodness we bring into the world through performing a Mitzvah – by adding in goodness and kindness we create real, positive change, generating light, and bringing the era of redemption ever closer.
Today, please reach out to another with kindness, give extra charity, put on tefillin, say some Tehillim (psalms), attend a Torah class, resolve to light Shabbat candles, or choose any mitzvah that is close to your heart.
To contribute to the Chabad of Poway recovery fund go to: https://www.chabadpoway.com/Templates/Fundraising/Default_cdo/aid/4365672
JFGP CEO and President Marc Blattner wrote in an email to the community:
Mah Jongg for Beginners
Learn to play this ancient game. It will give your mind a workout!
Tuesday Mornings
April 16 – May 14
10:30 am – 12:30 pm, CG301
Cost: $100. Members: $85.
Register: oregonjcc.org/registration
Mah Jongg for Intermediate Players
Take your game to the next level!
Tuesday Afternoons
April 16 – May 14
1:30 – 3:30 pm, CG302
Cost: $100. Members: $85.
Register: oregonjcc.org/registration
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.
May – Household Supplies for Organizations Serving Refugees
Yom HaShoah, Jewish Remembrance Day, memorializes the millions of victims of persecution and mass murder during the Holocaust. Join local Holocaust survivors, their families, rabbis and community members for a candle lighting ceremony to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day. Please bring a yellow flower to symbolize life. Presented in partnership with Congregation Neveh Shalom and Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education.
Here in Portland – as in Jewish communities around the world – we gather to read the names of the men, women, and children murdered by Nazi Germany and its European collaborators between 1933 and 1945. The list comprises names archived at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust remembrance center in Jerusalem.Throughout Holocaust Remembrance Day members of the community – dignitaries, clergy, and others – will read these names out loud in Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square.