Oregon enters a brave new world July 1 when recreational marijuana becomes legal across the state. Oregon has long been a trailblazer when it comes to cannabis, becoming the first state to decriminalize the plant in 1973, and the second to legalize medical marijuana in 1998. Cannabis has long been a part of the Jewish…
After 118 years of serving women, families, children, immigrants and others in need, the Portland Section of the National Council of Jewish Women has been formally dissolved; but the group’s legacy will continue in perpetuity. “It saddens me we have to close, but we have a changing world,” says Meryl Haber, who served as section…
The Jewish Women’s Round Table announces its 23rd Annual Song of Miriam honorees. The Song of Miriam Awards honor women who volunteer their time and energy to ensure the continuity and vibrancy of the Jewish community of Oregon and Southwest Washington. This annual event is sponsored by the Jewish Women’s Round Table, whose mission is…
Bagel On! celebrates Jewish life in Southwest Washington By Sarina Penland It started as a simple idea in the mind of Robin Hayden, Congregation Kol Ami’s president. Her idea to establish a “Jewishly Fun Fair” in Southwest Washington became more developed over the course of a year, with dedicated volunteers, planning and hard work. Event…
June 2 Artist Talk: Shelley Jordon, professor of art at Oregon State University, will discuss her artwork in the exhibit “Ordinary Matters,” which is on display through June 21 at OJMCHE along with “Frank Barnett: FotoMacher – Examining Lives with Jewish Eyes.” 7 pm at OJMCHE. Public $5; Members and Students free. RSVP: 503-226-3600 June…
“A haimisher mensch means someone with whom you can take your shoes off, or let your hair down.” ~ Leo Rosten, The Joys of Yiddish If Rabbi Daniel Isaak had to pick one word to describe his tenure at Congregation Neveh Shalom, it would be “haimish.” The Yiddish word means informal, cozy, warm. Having the…
Federation’s 95th annual meeting June 9 The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s 95th Annual Meeting on June 9 will feature an inspiring talk by Avraham Infeld, who has invested a lifetime enhancing Jewish education and identity. The 4:30-6 pm free program will also feature the presentation of the inaugural Laurie Rogoway Outstanding Jewish Professional Award….
Bat mitzvah project allows community to bury its treasured trash Congregation Shir Tikvah turns 13 this spring and celebrates its coming-of-age the same way all b’nai mitzvah students do: through learning and serving the community. The congregation’s bat mitzvah project does both – all in the name of sacred trash. Congregation Shir Tikvah Rabbi Ariel…
Five years ago, Joan Myles wanted to share her love of Jewish learning with others who were visually impaired. The result was Yismehu, a nonprofit devoted to enabling Jewish learning for visually impaired students of all ages. Since then more than 100 students around the world have enrolled in Yismehu’s distance-learning programs. Many of those…
Founded in 1947 to serve the Salem/Keizer Jewish community, Temple Beth Sholom has had a full-time rabbi for most of its history until 2013. Now the congregation has embarked on a fundraising campaign as the next step to bring a full-time rabbi back to the only synagogue in the area. Membership dropped from a high…
