Photo: In Oregon, it is easy to find running water for the Rosh Hashanah ritual of tashlich. “Tashlich” means “casting off” in Hebrew and involves symbolically casting off the sins of the previous year by tossing pieces of bread or another food into a body of flowing water. Just as the water carries away the…
Families in Ashland enjoy Jewish stories, songs and movement at a PJ Library Sunday morning program in Lithia Park. On Sept. 11, Ashland launches PJ Library Connection Adventures with a Tot Shabbat at Pioneer Hall in Ashland. All families with kids 6 months to 8 years are invited to welcome Shabbat with blessings, song, storytelling…
The Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 13th season of this award-winning teen philanthropy program. OJCFY is designed to encourage a lifelong passion for philanthropy and social activism. Through the program, students develop a deep understanding of the importance of nonprofits and their inner workings. Some of the requirements of…
Summer vacation. These two simple words can bring up a multitude of feelings in parents. On the one hand, the freedom from early mornings rushing out the door can feel like an enormous relief. On the other hand, all that unscheduled time can feel a bit daunting: What will we do with all that time?…
7-and 8-year-olds: Sign up for more free books! On July 1 Portland-area kids under age 9, who had previously aged out of the PJ Library program, will once again be able to receive a free book each month. For years, children aged 6 months to 6 years have been receiving the free books and music….
Rick Nitti prides himself on helping improve the lives of children and their families during his 16 years as executive director of Neighborhood House. Founded in 1905 by the National Council of Jewish Women, Portland Section, Neighborhood House has grown from its roots aiding immigrants in South Portland to become a leading Portland nonprofit social…
Since 1998 St. Clare School eighth-graders have studied the Holocaust in a collaborative unit designed by the Catholic school’s art teacher and language arts teacher. The unit has had an impact far beyond the school walls. The entries St. Clare students have created for the Sala Krysek Holocaust Art and Writing contests are incredibly powerful….
It’s no secret that the Jewish people have had a millennia-long love affair with food. From the manna from Heaven that nourished the ancient Israelites during their long desert sojourn, to bagels and lox with a shmear, few things delight us more than getting our nosh on. Beyond mere sustenance, food plays a symbolic role…
Seeking a culminating project for his years at Portland Jewish Academy, eighth-grader Sam Ellenby decided to combine his passion for music with helping the community’s seniors. “I have always had an immense passion for music, and I believe so strongly in the effects it can have on a person’s life,” says Sam. PJA’s Capstone Project…
When West Albany High School teacher June Satak learned her students would represent Israel at this year’s Oregon Model United Nations program, she gave everyone thumbs up. The students’ top request? They wanted to separate fact from fiction by researching Israel’s stand on social and political issues. The students would be expected to debate relevant…
