PHOTOS: Magen David Adom offers First 7 Minutes terrorism and emergency response training for civilians in Milwaukee. This pilot program will now be rolled out and offered to communities across the United States. For more information about how to schedule First 7 Minutes training in your community, contact First7Minutes@afmda.org. Following recent armed attacks…
Rabbi Yosef Garcia died June 17 at age 62 in Arizona, where he moved in 2005 from Portland. Rabbi Garcia cofounded the Association of Crypto-Jews of the Americas with Neveh Shalom Emeritus Rabbi Joshua Stampfer. The two later created the “Ceremony of Return,” which includes a Certificate of Return that is recognized by the Ministry…
PHOTO: Regional Security Director Gene Moss talks with leaders of Jewish organizations and congregations during an introductory gathering. In his new role as regional security director, Gene Moss held a community safety meeting with about two dozen leaders of Jewish organizations and congregations. The June 11 gathering met in the Jewish Federation of Greater…
Photo: Portland’s Moishe House holds Passover Seders, Shabbat dinners, and an assortment of recreational, social and educational opportunities for young adults. They are looking for a new housemate to join them in planning the events. Portland’s Moishe House is seeking a dynamic young adult, between the ages of 22-30, who is excited about living…
Synagogue, temple, church, mosque and other congregational leaders and security departments are urged to attend this June 30 emergency training, briefing and active shooter safety presentation to prepare congregations for potential attacks and violent extremism. “Houses of worship have reason to be concerned and prepared,” writes the Rev. Markel Hutchins, the national lead organizer of…
PHOTOS: Above, the formal installation of P’nai Or Rabbi Hannah Laner featured symbols and metaphors from the marriage ceremony. At right: From left, P’nai Or of Portland Hazzan Bruce Morris, Rabbi Hannah Laner and President Alan Hanawalt bring the congregation’s Torah to its new home May 2. During her first interview with P’nai Or…
PHOTO: Above, Neveh Shalom “Minyonnaires” gather to bid Shalom L’Hitraot to Howard and Petra Shapiro (holding hands). The couple sold their Portland home and moved to Oceanside, and Howard, a minyon regular for many years, will be sorely missed. At right, Minyan regulars: (front) Lee Cordova and Tony Kostiner; (back) Merrill Hendin, Sam Gottlieb and…
PHOTO: Jodi Garber-Simon from Portland was one of 100 women from around the world attending the lay leadership conference. The Orthodox Union Women’s Initiative hosted its inaugural Leadership Summit, a lay leadership conference designed to encourage and develop women serving as lay leaders within their communities. The 100 participants were nominated by 56 communities (including Portland)…
When a man becomes a father, he also becomes his son’s first hero and his daughter’s first love. He’s also the one who gives advice (although not always wanted) and tells those great dad jokes (also not always wanted). What do you get this guy for Father’s Day? Before you give up and grab a…
PHOTOS: Researchers gathered data from 17,576 Jewish teens between the ages of 13 to 19 in a national survey administered through the 14 participating Jewish youth groups. Responses from More than 17,000 Teens Reveal Ambitions and Fears, Positive Influence of Jewish Youth Organizations The largest study ever on American Jewish teens paints a picture of…
