Federation Annual Meeting

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.

Following Laurie’s recent retirement, federation created this award to honor Laurie’s dedication to community and passion for Jewish life. Nominations are due by noon, May 4. The recipient will receive up to $1000 to participate in a professional development experience. For nomination information, contact Caron Blau Rothstein at caron@jewishportland.org or 503-245-6449.

Federation invites the community to “celebrate another wonderful year of Jewish community,” and get inspired by Avraham as he speaks about his project The 5 Legged Table.

A native of South Africa, Avraham immigrated to Israel in 1959. In the 1970s he founded Melitz, a nonprofit educational service institution that fosters Jewish identity rooted in a pluralistic understanding of Jewish life and the centrality of Israel.

Avraham will speak about his most recent project focused on the five components, or “legs” of Jewish life – memory, family, covenant at Mount Sinai, Israel and Hebrew. At the 2010 event announcing project, Avraham described The 5 Legged Table is a metaphor for a strong and stable Jewish identity. Avraham argues that all Jews should commit to at least three of the five legs. In this way, whenever he or she meets another Jew who has made the same commitment, they will always have at least one of the legs in common.

Avraham often speaks about the “Jewish people being unified but not uniform.” This project celebrates Jewish unity while demonstrating creatively the rich diversity of religious, cultural and ideological voices that make up the Jewish people.

This year’s meeting will be held at Rose Schnitzer Manor on the Cedar Sinai Park campus (please use 62^nd to access campus). No reservations required, but for more information, contact federation at 503-245-6219 or info@jewishportland.org.