Nehama Leibowitz – Morah/Teacher (1905-1997) That is the inscription on the tombstone of Nehama Leibowitz, a master Torah scholar and teacher. Nehama, as she was commonly referred to, was born in Riga, Latvia, in 1905 to Orthodox/Zionist parents who spoke Hebrew to their children. Learning was extremely important in the Leibowitz family, and private tutors…
We know that language directly influences our culture, how we think and what we believe. It can even shape our perceptions and influence the way we view the world as a reflection of our experiences and values. However, today’s Yiddish revival offers even more benefits. Yiddish can provide a link to parents, grandparents, hearts and…
Through the first three months of the 2013-14 academic year, Oregon Hillel on the University of Oregon campus has seen consistent growth. From connecting with off-campus Jewish organizations to packing students in on Friday nights, Executive Director Andy Gitelson has seen many new initiatives breed success in Eugene’s Jewish community. “I think the big thing…
Mathematics may seem like an odd means for building interfaith bridges, but mathematics teacher and consultant Sherri Adler has met people she would never have encountered without it. Adler lives in the Phoenix area and trains teachers in Singapore Math and Common Core standards. Until recently she was a partner and co-founder of SMARTTraining, LLC,…
It’s really hard to be a self-help author. Despite the warm and fuzzy messages of most self-help books, the publishing industry is cutthroat. In fact, the only thing harder than publishing self-help books, is making a living as a self-help author. After marketing costs, website development and book tours you are lucky to make $1…
This month Oregon Jewish Life looks at education and the impact good schools and good teachers can have on children. An excellent teacher influences a child’s life long after the school year ends. A 2012 study by professors at Harvard and Columbia tracked 2.5 million students over 20 years, from fourth grade to adulthood. It…
Longtime Havurah Shalom member, legendary matchmaker, irrepressibly funny woman, advocate for the havenots, Torah scholar and youth mentor Emily Simon is receiving a lifetime achievement award for her professional accomplishments – as a criminal defense attorney. Emily will receive the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association’s Ken Morrow Lifetime Achievement Award Dec. 6. Created in 2000…
Dear Helen, Every time my parents come to visit something goes kaflooey. It’s like we are cursed. I have broken out in severe attacks of eczema. My husband had a car accident. Our daughter needed an emergency appendectomy. The water heater died. The cat died. That’s not all but I want you to keep reading….
Rabbi Daniel Isaak reflects on one concept in the Torah that has impacted the world “And God created the human in His image, In the image of God He created him, Male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27, Alter translation) All human beings, regardless of race, nationality or religious heritage, are of equal value…
Relying on the vision, tenacity and collaborative skills he used to launch projects for affordable home ownership, rentals and an artist community, real estate developer Ted Gilbert is focused on bringing a regional bicycle park to Portland’s most “park deficient” region. Gateway Green will be a 38-acre park featuring bicycle paths and trails, picnic areas…
