Calendar

Oct
7
Sun
JGSO: Jewish Life in Poland @ Congregation Ahavath Achim
Oct 7 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Oregon invites you, your family and friends to its upcoming program “Jewish Life in Poland” by Avraham Groll.

Description: Part 1 (10th-15th centuries) will explore patterns of Jewish migration to Poland between the 10th-15th centuries. We will discuss when and why the major shifts happened, where the Jews settled and their involvement in the Poland’s development. This presentation is designed for beginners, and is not a workshop. Maps, pictures, and documents will be displayed. Handouts with further information and a bibliography will also be distributed.

Part 2 (16th-18th centuries) will explore patterns of Jewish migration to Poland between the 16th-18th centuries. We will discuss the “Golden Age of Polish Jewry,” the reaction to Shabtai Tzvi, and how the Jewish experience in Poland helped set the stage, in part, for the eventual rise of the Hasidic movement. This presentation is designed for beginners, and is not a workshop. Maps, pictures, and documents will be displayed. Handouts

Bio: Avraham Groll, the Director of JewishGen.org, is passionate about connecting people with their Jewish roots, and helping them experience what it means to be part of the Jewish people. Avraham holds an MBA from Montclair State University, an MA in Judaic Studies from Touro College, and a BS in Business Administration from Ramapo college, and spent two years studying at Yeshiva Ohr Yeruslahayim in Israel. He is a frequent lecturer on a variety of Jewish genealogical and historical topics.

Jun
23
Sun
JGSO: Research Session @ Hillsdale Public Library
Jun 23 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

June’s JGSO meeting will be a research session providing one-on-one support. Bring your research materials and your personal laptops or tablets. Some computers with internet access will be available for those without. While you work with our Mavens/Experts, take advantage of some of the resources that are available within the library.

Set aside a few hours each month to work on your family tree. Redefine your research goals. Get help with the endless supply of genealogical websites. Exchange knowledge and ideas with others who have similar interests. Help others and be prepared to learn something new as you listen to other people’s questions and the processes used in finding their answers.

Sep
11
Wed
SilentHike @ Meet at Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial
Sep 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
SilentHike @ Meet at Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial
Join people from all over the Portland area for a SilentHike — a musical journey into mindfulness at Forest Park. SilentHikes are a new concept from MindTravel — an immersive music and meditation experience company created by composer and concert pianist Murray Hidary (check him out on his Tedx talk here). During the SilentHike session, MindTravelers will wear wireless headphones and embark on a hike with music, guidance and thoughtful commentary from Hidary. All the components – music, words, silence, visual cues – work synergistically to help participants connect with themselves and the world around them.
The SilentHike is free, but register in advance to reserve headphones.
Allow yourself to be carried away by the deep feeling of freedom and connection of the newest way to practice walking meditation – MindTravel SilentHike (mountains) and MindTravel SilentWalk (cities). This magical experience is led by MindTravel creator and composer, Murray Hidary.
Over the course of the MindTravel experience, you’ll join other MindTravelers exploring one of the world’s most beautiful gardens, parks and trails while guided by MindTravel music delivered through MindTravel headphones. The evocative, improvisational piano music ignites freedom and expansiveness that amplifies the healing and inspirational power of being surrounded by beauty.
After a short introduction and intention-setting, the group will venture forth on a guided meditative walk through the beautiful grounds of the garden for a contemplative and powerful creative journey — all while enveloped in the transcendent sounds of the beautiful, original MindTravel compositions.

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. 

Nov
3
Sun
JGSO: Genealogy Mini “Boot Camp” @ Congregation Neveh Shalom
Nov 3 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

You’ve done your DNA, gotten your results, but don’t recognize any names and don’t know what to do next? Or have you been working on building out your family tree but need help to research your family?  Where do you begin?  How to get additional information if you’ve hit that brick wall?  This will be geared to help both newbies and those who have been working to build their family tree for many years.

Laurel Smith, past president of the Genealogy Forum of Oregon will present a mini “boot camp” to get everyone started. Contact: 503-997-1685, jgsoregon@gmail.com.

Cost:  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.

Please come early if you would like help from other genealogists.

Nov
6
Wed
4th Annual Scholar-in-Residence with Rabbi Elana Zaiman @ Congregation Neveh Shalom
Nov 6 @ 6:00 pm – Nov 10 @ 12:00 pm

CNS and the Suher family announce the fourth annual Scholar in Residence program in memory of Yoni Suher (z”l), featuring Rabbi Elana Zaiman, author of Forever Letters. More at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence.

Wed, Nov 6, 6pm Dinner, 7-8:30pm Talk – Navigating the Teen Years: Opening the Door to Conversation and Connection

Fri, Nov 8, 7:15-9:00pmpm dinner and talk – Connecting In These Times of Political and Social Unrest

Sat, Nov 9, 12:15-2:00pm lunch and study – What Makes a Forever Letter Resonate

Sun, Nov 10, 9am-12pm brunch and talk – The Forever Letter Writing Experience

Complimentary meals are provided at each talk with RSVP.

RSVP at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence or contact: receptionist@nevehshalom.org, 503.246.8831. Seating is limited.

About Rabbi Elana Zaiman

Rabbi Elana Zaiman, the author of The Forever Letter is the first woman Rabbi from a family spanning six generations of Rabbis. She’s also a chaplain and travels throughout the US and Canada as a Scholar-in-Residence, speaker and workshop facilitator.

Through empowering stories, sample letters and writing tips, Rabbi Zaiman serves as our guide on a journey into Forever Letters, what they are, why write them, and how they can deepen, heal and uplift our relationships. Elana lives with her husband and son in Seattle. 

“More than any time in our recent history, it’s critically important for families to come together and share their love and support of one another. Elana Zaiman’s The Forever Letter offers tools, guidelines, and examples for grandparents and parents to share their love, respect, and values with the next generation.”  –Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul 

This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.

**This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.**

Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.

Navigating the Teen Years: 4th Annual Scholar-in-Residence with Rabbi Elana Zaiman @ Congregation Neveh Shalom
Nov 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Wed, Nov 6, 6pm Dinner, 7-8:30pm Talk

Navigating the Teen Years: Opening the Door to Conversation and Connection

Teens, parents, and grandparents, using texts and stories, will explore how to create greater connection during these years and beyond.

Complimentary meal provided with RSVP.

RSVP at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence

or contact: receptionist@nevehshalom.org, 503.246.8831. Seating is limited.

About Rabbi Elana Zaiman

Rabbi Elana Zaiman, the author of The Forever Letter is the first woman Rabbi from a family spanning six generations of Rabbis. She’s also a chaplain and travels throughout the US and Canada as a Scholar-in-Residence, speaker and workshop facilitator.

Through empowering stories, sample letters and writing tips, Rabbi Zaiman serves as our guide on a journey into Forever Letters, what they are, why write them, and how they can deepen, heal and uplift our relationships.

Elana lives with her husband and son in Seattle.

“More than any time in our recent history, it’s critically important for families to come together and share their love and support of one another. Elana Zaiman’s The Forever Letter offers tools, guidelines, and examples for grandparents and parents to share their love, respect, and values with the next generation.”

–Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul

This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.

** This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom. **

Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.

Nov
8
Fri
Connecting In These Times of Political and Social Unrest; 4th Annual Scholar-in-Residence with Rabbi Elana Zaiman @ Congregation Neveh Shalom
Nov 8 @ 7:15 pm – 8:30 pm

Fri, Nov 8, 7:15-9:00pm dinner and talk

Connecting In These Times of Political and Social Unrest

What we are feeling is real and we are not alone.

Through stories and teachings, Rabbi Zaiman helps us to better connect with ourselves and with the ones we love.

 

Complimentary meal provided with RSVP.

RSVP at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence

or contact: receptionist@nevehshalom.org, 503.246.8831. Seating is limited.

About Rabbi Elana Zaiman

Rabbi Elana Zaiman, the author of The Forever Letter is the first woman Rabbi from a family spanning six generations of Rabbis. She’s also a chaplain and travels throughout the US and Canada as a Scholar-in-Residence, speaker and workshop facilitator.

Through empowering stories, sample letters and writing tips, Rabbi Zaiman serves as our guide on a journey into Forever Letters, what they are, why write them, and how they can deepen, heal and uplift our relationships.

Elana lives with her husband and son in Seattle.

“More than any time in our recent history, it’s critically important for families to come together and share their love and support of one another. Elana Zaiman’s The Forever Letter offers tools, guidelines, and examples for grandparents and parents to share their love, respect, and values with the next generation.”

–Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul

This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.

** This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom. **

Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.

Nov
9
Sat
What Makes a Forever Letter Resonate; 4th Annual Scholar-in-Residence with Rabbi Elana Zaiman @ Congregation Neveh Shalom
Nov 9 @ 12:15 pm – 2:00 pm

Sat, Nov 9, 12:15-2:00pm lunch and study

What Makes a Forever Letter Resonate

Sharing values, wisdom, and experiences from medieval times to today, Rabbi Zaiman will look at excerpts of letters as templates for creating Forever Letters of our own.

 

Complimentary lunch provided with RSVP.

RSVP at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence

or contact: receptionist@nevehshalom.org, 503.246.8831. Seating is limited.

About Rabbi Elana Zaiman

Rabbi Elana Zaiman, the author of The Forever Letter is the first woman Rabbi from a family spanning six generations of Rabbis. She’s also a chaplain and travels throughout the US and Canada as a Scholar-in-Residence, speaker and workshop facilitator.

Through empowering stories, sample letters and writing tips, Rabbi Zaiman serves as our guide on a journey into Forever Letters, what they are, why write them, and how they can deepen, heal and uplift our relationships.

Elana lives with her husband and son in Seattle.

“More than any time in our recent history, it’s critically important for families to come together and share their love and support of one another. Elana Zaiman’s The Forever Letter offers tools, guidelines, and examples for grandparents and parents to share their love, respect, and values with the next generation.”

–Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul

This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.

** This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom. **

Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.

Nov
10
Sun
The Forever Letter Writing Experience; 4th Annual Scholar-in-Residence with Rabbi Elana Zaiman @ Congregation Neveh Shalom
Nov 10 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sun, Nov 10, 9am-12pm brunch and talk

The Forever Letter Writing Experience

Connect with ourselves and those we love, as we learn to share our stories and write as we would like to be heard. You don’t have to be a writer. You don’t have to love to write or know who you are writing to. Show up and be yourselves. Bring your favorite pad, pen, or notebook, and we will provide brunch.

Complimentary brunch provided with RSVP.

RSVP at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence

or contact: receptionist@nevehshalom.org, 503.246.8831. Seating is limited.

About Rabbi Elana Zaiman

Rabbi Elana Zaiman, the author of The Forever Letter is the first woman Rabbi from a family spanning six generations of Rabbis. She’s also a chaplain and travels throughout the US and Canada as a Scholar-in-Residence, speaker and workshop facilitator.

Through empowering stories, sample letters and writing tips, Rabbi Zaiman serves as our guide on a journey into Forever Letters, what they are, why write them, and how they can deepen, heal and uplift our relationships.

Elana lives with her husband and son in Seattle.

“More than any time in our recent history, it’s critically important for families to come together and share their love and support of one another. Elana Zaiman’s The Forever Letter offers tools, guidelines, and examples for grandparents and parents to share their love, respect, and values with the next generation.”

–Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul

This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.

** This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom. **

Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.

Dec
8
Sun
JGSO: Research Session @ Hillsdale Public Library
Dec 8 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

December’s JGSO meeting will be a research session providing one-on-one support. Set aside a few hours each month to work on your family tree. Redefine your research goals. Get help with the endless supply of genealogical websites. Bring your research materials and your personal laptops or tablets. Some computers with internet access will be available for those without. While you work with our Mavens/Experts, take advantage of some of the resources that are available within the library.

All those interested in exploring their Jewish ancestry or family history in general are welcome. Even if you don’t have specific questions come and exchange knowledge and ideas with others who have similar interests. Help others and be prepared to learn something new as you listen to other people’s questions and the processes used in finding their answers.