During the month of April, the MJCC and PJA communities will be collecting Art Supplies for Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP). Items can be dropped off in the blue pin located in the MJCC lobby.
Using examples from her latest novel, Seven Stitches, acclaimed author Ruth Tenzer Feldman will explore the craft of writing fiction and nonfiction and methods for keeping your mind flexible. You are welcome to sit back and listen to the conversation or to join a hands-on workshop on character and points of view.
Community forum and panel discussion on the ongoing events facing our country and the increasing wave of bomb threats received at Jewish institutions.
Steve Goldman, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Branch, FBI
Officer Brian Hubbard, Criminal Intelligence Unit, Portland Bureau of Police
Rabbi David Kosak, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Neveh Shalom
Brian Plinski, Office of Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici
Prof. Steven M. Wasserstrom, Moe and Izetta Tonkon Professor of Judaic Studies and Humanities, Reed College
Billy J. Williams, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon
More speakers may be added after printing
Free and open to the community
Congregation Ahavath Achim, in cooperation with the Sephardic Cultural Center of Oregon, will present the 10th Annual Sephardic Winter Film Series, a compilation of film screenings with Sephardic content, to be shown on the first Tuesday of each month, beginning November 2016 through April 2017. Film screenings are FREE to the public, (a modest voluntary donation is suggested but not required). After each film is screened, a discussion period will follow with a prominent local personality to lead the discussion. A Sephardic dessert and tea will be provided during the discussion period.
Final film:
April 4, 2017
The Ballad of the Weeping Spring. Musical instruments take the place of guns and an Iranian symphony takes the place of a gun fight in this clever, emotional homage to The Magnificent Seven. In this drama, a dying man’s last wish sends his oldest friend, Tawila, on a grand adventure to find the best symphony players around for a final performance of “The Ballad of Weeping Spring.” But will a guilty secret undo all of Tawila’s hard work? Winner of 4 Israeli Academy Awards, plus 5 nominations including Best Film, and winner Best Music at Jerusalem Film Festival.
Hebrew with subtitles, 105 minutes, 2012, Film by Benny Toraty, Discussion speaker: Charles Levy
Films shown FIRST Tuesday of each month at 7PM. Admission & Sephardic dessert are FREE.
Sponsors: Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, National Council of Synagogue Youth (NCSY),
Albert J. & Esther Menashe, Richard & Judi Matza, Charles & Jo Levy, Ron & Pam Sidis, Renee Ferrera,
Eve Stern & Les Gutfreund, Michael Menashe
For information call David 503-892-6634 or jewishfilmportland.org
Sculpt your body with this new class that combines powerful yoga poses with light weights, therabands and exercise balls to increase strength, tone muscles, and improve flexibility.
Instructor: Tara Atkinson
Wednesdays, April 5 – June 7
Register: oregonjcc.org/registration Code: FIT308
Rabbi David Zaslow will teach a six-session class based on his newly published book “Reimagining Exodus; A Freedom Story.” The biblical Exodus is the most influential liberation and freedom story ever told. It has served as both an inspiration for Puritans, American revolutionaries, abolitionists, Mormons, the modern civil rights movement, and revolutionaries the world over. Participants will not only learn how the story has been used historically by non-Jews, but how in Jewish tradition the Exodus has also been applied to the individual life journey with its enslavements, challenges, liberations, and revelations. This groundbreaking course explores the Exodus as the intersection of this foundational story for Judaism and Christianity.
Fee: $70, including text. Dates: March 29, April 5, 12, May 10, 24 and 31. Wednesdays, 5-6:15 PM. Pre-registration required by calling 541-488-7716.The Havurah is located at 185 N. Mountain Ave. in Ashland. Call 541-488-5146 for more info.
Purchase beautiful hand-made items to benefit Planned Parenthood (providing reproductive healthcare), Momentum Alliance (inspiring youth), and Western States Center (building diverse reproductive justice leadership). Delight in the creativity of your community. Bring your checkbook, cash, and/or open heart! Download a flier here.
- Remember those who struggled for the rights we have now
- Learn from youth fighting for reproductive justice for all, today
- Act to protect reproductive justice and choices for the future
Schedule:
6:30 – 7:00 pm Reproductive Justice History slideshow and ‘It’s In Our Hands’ craft fair – Buy beautiful handmade items; delight in the creativity of community; raise funds for three amazing organizations (Planned Parenthood, Momentum Alliance, and Western States Center.
7:00 – 7:45 pm Speakers: Hear what it took to gain the rights we have and what the struggle for reproductive justice looks like today
7:05 pm Intro and Jewish framing
7:10 pm Eliana Kerzner (teenager)– dramatic monologue about early reproductive justice work of M. Sanger among Eastern European Jewish immigrants
7:15 pm Layton Borkan – history of past need for birth control, abortion, reproductive health and personal family history as activists
7:22 pm Judith Arcana – being a Jane in Chicago (abortion escorts BEFORE Roe vs Wade), lifelong activism
7:30 pm Emily Lai from Momentum Alliance– current work, especially among communities of color and/or low income communities
7:40 pm Introduction of Action table leaders:
- Mica Hastings – Sexuality Educator with Planned Parenthood – how can teens get involved?
- Natalie Lerner – Oregon Reproductive Justice Bill – what can we do to help
- Katherine McDowell – current legal challenges and issues – what can we do
- Judith Arcana – writings about activism; what we have learned
- Emily Lai – work of Momentum Alliance and Western States Center – We are Brave Coalition – How to support this work
7:45 – Action Tables, craft fair, and shmoozing with activists working on current legal challenges, sexuality education, building leadership among diverse communities of color and class, Oregon’s proposed Reproductive Health Equity Act.
Neshama Carlebach Shabbaton, April 7 and 8, 2017
Neshama Carlebach, a leading superstar in the Jewish world, is continuing the legacy established by her father Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Like her father, Neshama’s talent and charisma captivate and endear her to people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds.
Neshama has performed and taught in cities worldwide, has sung on the Broadway stage, has sold more than one million records, and was a six-time entrant in the 2011 Grammy Awards. Neshama was one of the creators of the Broadway play “Soul Doctor.”
Online registration is open Here
FAQ’s are available on the website with lots of information about the weekend, including hotel accommodations. Please call 541-488-7716 for more info.
Join us on the 2nd Saturday of this month for our Shabbat gathering of toddlers and their caregivers.
Enjoy stories, songs and crafts that celebrate holidays and Jewish values. Stay afterwards for bagels and coffee with Rabbi – free play for the kids and schmoozing for the adults.
Best for kids up to age five, although older siblings are welcome too.
Delve into biblical and midrashic text to find meaning from our traditions that relate to our lives. Taught by Mel Berwin. Free.