Sharon Fendrich is like so many moms: She, too, sings to herself while idling in the school pickup line. But unlike most moms, Fendrich – a professional musician and vocalist – is truly inspired. She uses her precious few moments before welcoming her two children into her minivan to record a few bars into her…
Exhibit compassionately explores struggles of Israelis and Palestinians In 2010, award-winning poet and activist Frances Payne Adler became alarmed by news reports of Israeli settlers in the West Bank throwing stones not only at their Palestinian neighbors, but also at IDF soldiers, whose job it was to safeguard the Palestinians. “I have been concerned about…
“Son of Saul,” directed by Laszlo Nemes, won a Golden Globe for 2016 Best Director of a Foreign Language film and has been nominated for an Oscar. The film opens in Portland for a general run Jan. 29 at Cinema 21 after a members-only opening preview Jan. 20 at Northwest Film Center. Nemes answered…
Jewish-themed papercuts generally don’t conjure up visions of Star Trek. References to Jews beautifying commandments with this colorful, baroque folk art date to 1345. Symbols and inscriptions include biblical passages, Stars of David and the Zodiac – complete with fantastic animals. Captain Kirk and his Starship Enterprise are unlikely candidates. Unless, of course, you’re Isaac…
The Table|Room|Stage new play development program at Artists Repertory Theatre is accepting submissions for the new Oregon Play Prize through Jan. 31. This is a rare opportunity for an Oregon playwright to win a commission, work with a theater on play development and receive a first full production of his or her work at Artists…
Asked what it meant to receive the 2015 American Poetry Review/Honickman First Book Prize for her manuscript, Divinity School, Portlander Alicia Jo Rabins was unequivocal: “I feel like I won the lottery. There were over 800 submissions.” In the world of poetry, this prize represents a hugely prestigious honor, one that includes the publication and…
Peter Zisa and Friends present their annual celebration of peace and goodwill, “Seasons of Light Holiday Benefit Concert.” Seasons of Light, an annual benefit concert since 2007, returns Dec. 5 this year with an exciting program of music that celebrates the many cultural and faith traditions of our community. Excellent performers from many musical traditions…
Internationally acclaimed cabaret artists Lynne Jackson and Mike Palter will be in Portland Dec. 8 for a concert. “Though we will be in Portland ostensibly to perform a ‘jazz’ concert, George and Laurie (Fendel) and our friends and fans in Portland know that we actually present the glorious songs of The Great Jewish American Songbook,”…
It’s hard to be Jewish in Portland during the month of December, especially when you’re looking for a family-friendly evening of seasonal entertainment. While some Jewish-oriented performances exist – like Jewish Theatre Collaborative’s “Hanukkah and the Power of Light” – more often than not Jewish families must settle for the usual December shows such as…
Portlander Betsy Kauffman lives a life full of beliefs that she puts into action on many stages. Calling herself “weirdly domestic,” this 55-year-old livewire puts her beliefs into practice as a Jewish wife and mother of two boys, Gabriel and Zach. Domesticity dwindles as she heads to her workday at the nonprofit organization Energy Trust…
