Resource Guide 2022: Kids & Teens

 

For almost as long as Jews have been in Oregon, there have been schools to help facilitate the transmission of knowledge to the next generation.

Since the founding of the Portland Hebrew School in the early 1900s, opportunities for Jewish education have blossomed along with the growth of the Jewish community. Portland now offers three day schools, and Hebrew and religious schools are spread across the state.

Informal education is widely available too. Youth groups and camps, both day and overnight, immerse youth in Jewish life. At Jewish camp, children experience a range of activities from arts to sports all in a Jewish setting. Jewish values, culture and traditions permeate the campers’ days through song, food, art and dance.

In recent years many programs such as PJ Library have arrived to reinforce the link between schools and parents, while also engaging families who have no other connection to the Jewish community.

On the following pages, you will find the resources you need to ensure your family can enjoy the sweetness of Jewish life available in our communities.

FAMILIES

PJ LIBRARY PORTLAND
9900 SW Greenburg Road # 220, Tigard, OR
503-892-7415
jewishportland.org/pjlibrary

PJ LIBRARY EUGENE-SPRINGFIELD
PO Box 5924, Eugene, OR
541-484-2541
jewishfedlc.org/pj-library

PJ LIBRARY IN OREGON
Oregon outside of Portland metro including Salem, Corvallis, Ashland and Bend
503-452-3443
pjlibrary.org

PJ OUR WAY
For ages 9-12
pjourway.org

PRESCHOOLS

FOUNDATION SCHOOL
Cory Willson, Director
Congregation Neveh Shalom
2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland, OR
503-293-7307
cwillson@nevehshalom.org
foundationschoolpdx.org
For over 60 years, Foundation School has embraced our youngest learners – sparking imaginations, instilling a sense of wonder, and providing the building blocks for the next generation of creative and confident problem-solvers. The children who are part of the Foundation School legacy embrace an “anything is possible” approach to life where they are asked to wonder, encouraged to inquire, and participate in the process of bringing young families together for a lifetime of friendship.

THE GAN-GARRET JEWISH PRESCHOOL
9604 NE 126th Ave. #2340, Vancouver, WA
360-256-0859
thegan.org

THE GAN: PORTLAND JEWISH PRESCHOOL
6612 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR
503-977-7850
portlandjewishpreschool.com

MAAYAN PRESCHOOL
Mrs. Lindsey Voorhees, Early Childhood Director  
lvoorhees@maayanpdx.org
Mrs. Rebecca Berzow, Early Childhood Judaic Specialist
2 Touchstone Dr., Lake Oswego, OR
503-245-5568
info@maayanpdx.org
maayanpdx.org

PEACE GARDEN PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN
Havurah Shir Hadash
185 N Mountain Ave.
Mail: PO Box 1262
Ashland, OR
541-488-8887
havurahshirhadash.org/peacegardenpreschool

POMEGRANATE PRESCHOOL
Temple Emek Shalom
1800 E Main St.
Mail: PO Box 1107
Ashland, OR
541-488-2909
emekshalom.org/education

PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY
6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR
503-244-0126
office@pjaproud.org
pjaproud.org

RIGHT START
9900 SW Greenburg Road #220, Tigard, OR
503-892-7415
jewishportland.org/rightstart

TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL PRESCHOOL
1175 East 29th Ave., Eugene, OR
541-345-7314
tbieugene.org/preschool

TREE OF LIFE MONTESSORI
SE 42nd Ave. and Stark St., Portland, OR
treeoflifemontessori.org

DAY SCHOOLS

MAAYAN TORAH DAY SCHOOL
Rabbi Yerachmiel Kalter, Principal
Mrs. Darcie Young, Principal of General Education & Guidance
Mrs. Lindsey Voorhees, Early Childhood Director
2 Touchstone Dr., Lake Oswego, OR
503-245-5568
info@maayanpdx.org
maayanpdx.org
Maayan Torah uses the best practices in education and focuses on the needs and progress of each student from 18 months to eighth grade. Our nurturing philosophy supports our students to develop their strengths and gives them a life-long connection to Judaism. We are dedicated to developing an environment of academic excellence and high student achievement. We seek to instill the love of Torah and Mitzvot as a wellspring, “Maayan,” in our students’ lives.

MAIMONIDES JEWISH DAY SCHOOL
Karen Denardo, Principal
Devora Wilhelm, Director
6612 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR
503-977-7850
office@PortlandJewishSchool.com
PortlandJewishSchool.com
Maimonides Jewish Day School is an accredited, kindergarten through 8th-grade school committed to teaching the whole child, inspiring lifelong learning and providing personalized, meaningful and empowering Judaic and general studies education for a diverse community of Jewish children. Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, Maimonides launched its Montessori-inspired program and curriculum. The Montessori Method is child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children, and it is employed in educational institutions worldwide.

OREGON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
Susie Gundle, Director of Admissions
6300 SW Nicol Road, Portland, OR
503-246-7771
oes.edu/admissions
admit@oes.edu
Nestled within 59 wooded acres of natural wetlands, nature trails, ropes courses, and gardens in southwest Portland, OES is a college preparatory, independent, pre-kindergarten to grade 12 day school, and grade 9-12 boarding school. Since 1869, Oregon Episcopal School has prepared students for higher education and lifelong learning by inspiring intellectual, physical, social, emotional, artistic, and spiritual growth so students may realize their power for good as citizens of local and world communities.

PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY
Merrill Hendin, Principal
Erika Saiers, Director of Early Childhood (Infant-PreK)
Sarah Glass, Admission Director (K-8th grades)
Steve Albert, Executive Director
6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR
503-244-0126
office@pjaproud.org
pjaproud.org
PJA is a community Jewish Day School and Early Childhood program that welcomes families of all backgrounds. Students from 6 weeks through 8th grade thrive in an academically rich environment that honors the whole child. At PJA you will find small classes, dedicated teachers, support services, enrichment opportunities, and a warm and welcoming community. Accredited by Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) and a member of Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools.

HEBREW/RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS

BEIT HAVERIM RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Shelli Hutchinson, Religious School Director
1111 Country Club Road, Lake Oswego, OR
503-568-1241
office@beithav.org
beithav.org/religious-school
Beit Haverim, “House of Friends,” is a small and inviting inclusive Reform congregation located in Lake Oswego.  We welcome Jews by birth, by choice, and at heart, along with members who may identify as interfaith, multi-ethnic, and LGBTQ+. Our school values the tradition of mitzvot and the practice of tzedakah through thought and action. Join us in worship, educational programming and our religious school which conveniently meets Sunday afternoons during the school year.

CHABAD HEBREW SCHOOLS
Northeast: 971-801-2424
Southeast: 503-236-6642
Hillsboro: 503-747-5363
Vancouver, WA: 360-993-5222

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
1972 NW Flanders St., Portland, OR
503-222-1069
bethisrael-pdx.org/education

CONGREGATION KOL AMI EDUCATION
7800 NE 119th St., Vancouver, WA
360-896-8088
jewishvancouverusa.org

HAVURAH SHALOM EDUCATION
825 NW 18th Ave., Portland, OR
503-248-4662
havurahshalom.org/limud
Learning for all ages is part of Havurah Shalom’s mission. Adult education opportunities range from cultural/historical through literary/expressive to spiritual practice. Our Shabbat School (K-6) uses a family cooperative model in which parents teach a staff-guided and supported curriculum. We provide Middle School and High School programs for teens. Learn more at havurahshalom.org.

THE HEIMANN FAMILY WISDOM GARDEN HEBREW SCHOOL
Havurah Shir Hadash
185 N Mountain Ave.
Mail: P.O. Box 1262
Ashland, OR
541-488-7716
havurahshirhadash.org/school

KOL SHALOM CHILDREN’S EDUCATION
1509 SW Sunset Blvd. #1E, Portland, OR
503-459-4210
kolshalom.org/childrens-education

NASHIRA EDUCATION PROJECT
2420 NE Sandy Blvd.
Mail: 1631 NE Broadway St. #314
Portland, OR
503-473-8227
shirtikvahpdx.org/education

NEVEH SHALOM ALIYAH PROGRAM
2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland, OR
503-246-8831
nevehshalom.org/learning
Neveh Shalom is known for our warm and vibrant youth community. ALIYAH students in grades K-12 experience holidays and traditions, gain strong Hebrew language skills, celebrate B’nai Mitzvah, and grow from the many opportunities for meaningful leadership within our inclusive after-school learning environment.

P’NAI OR OF PORTLAND SIMCHA SCHOOL
6948 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR
503-248-4500
pnaiorpdx.org

SHAARIE TORAH EDUCATION PROGRAM
Sharon Pollin, Ed.D., Education Director
920 NW 25th Ave., Portland, OR
503-226-6131
shaarietorah.org

SHORESH PORTLAND
Maayan HaTorah
2 Touchstone Dr., Lake Oswego, OR
971-266-0481
shoreshportland.com

SHUL SCHOOL
Temple Emek Shalom
1800 E Main St.
Mail: PO Box 1107
Ashland, OR
541-488-2909
emekshalom.org/education

DAY CAMPS

BB DAY CAMP PORTLAND
503-496-7447
bbcamp.org/portland

CAMP GAN ISRAEL-VANCOUVER
9604 NE 126th Ave., Vancouver, WA
360-256-0859
jewishvancouverwa.com/camp-gan-israel

CAMP SEED
6688 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR
503-245-5420
portlandkollel.org/kids/home

GAN ISRAEL DAY CAMP
6612 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR
503-246-KIDS (5437)
ganisraelportland.com

MITTLEMAN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR
503-244-0111
oregonjcc.org/camps

PJA SUMMER DISCOVERY
Contact: Celinda Llanez
6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR
503-244-0126
pjaproud.org

RESIDENT CAMPS

B’NAI B’RITH CAMP
Located on the Oregon coast
503-452-3443
bbcamp.org

CAMP MIRIAM
#303-950 W 41st Ave., Vancouver, BC 
604-266-2825
campmiriam.org

CAMP SOLOMON SCHECHTER
Zach Duitch, Executive Director
Mail: 117 East Louisa St. #110
Seattle, WA
206-447-1967
info@campschechter.org
campschechter.org
Camp Solomon Schechter has a 68-year tradition of fun, friendship, and Jewish education immersion in the Pacific Northwest. Camp creates a unique, welcoming, and spiritual community for youth entering 1st-12th grades. Schechter’s spectacular 175-acre wooded facility located near Olympia WA features a private lake, river, miles of hiking trails in pristine forests and wetlands, and outdoor adventure courses (ropes course, zip line, giant swing and climbing tower). At Schechter, Judaism and joy are truly one!

EDEN VILLAGE WEST
6176 McBryde Ave., Richmond, CA
510-560-5610
edenvillagewest.org

URJ CAMP KALSMAN
Rabbi Ilana Mills, Camp Director
Jena Whitesman, Assistant Director
14724 184th St. NE, Arlington, WA
425-284-4484
campkalsman@urj.org
campkalsman.org
Camp Kalsman’s 300 beautiful acres offer a great balance of Jewish education and recreation. Our campers learn and hone skills in athletic, aquatic, artistic and nature programs. Join us for a summer of fun, friendships of a lifetime, and an unparalleled Jewish experience. We can’t wait to welcome you home!

URJ CAMP NEWMAN
711 Grand Ave. #280, San Rafael, CA
415-392-7080
campnewman.org

CAMPERSHIPS

ALBERT J. KAILES MEMORIAL CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND OF OJCF
ojcf.org/grants-and-scholarships/receive-a-scholarship/
Scholarships are available for Jewish youth and teens from Oregon attending Jewish overnight camp within the United States. Must demonstrate financial need.

BUNKCONNECT
646-278-4500
jewishcamp.org

CHAI ISRAEL
9900 SW Greenburg Road #220, Tigard, OR
503-892-7415
jewishportland.org/travelisrael

ONE HAPPY CAMPER
jewishcamp.org/one-happy-camper

YOUTH GROUPS

BBYO – EVERGREEN REGION
Mercer Island, WA
971-303-9764
bbyo.org

CTEEN OF NORTHEAST PORTLAND
2858 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR
jewishnortheast.com/cteen

JEWISH CUB SCOUTS PACK 739
Portland, OR
503-432-1135
facebook.com/pack739

JEWISH STUDENT UNION
503-504-1301
jsu.org

NCSY
6688 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR
503-757-3037/503-504-1301
oregon.ncsy.org

NORTH AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEMPLE YOUTH
Congregation Beth Israel, Portland
503-222-1069
bethisrael.org/youth-education

OREGON JEWISH COMMUNITY YOUTH FOUNDATION
1618 SW First Ave., # 210, Portland, OR
503-248-9328
ojcf.org

OJCYF empowers Jewish teenagers to take action by grantmaking, volunteering and advocating for causes that align with their Jewish values. As a program of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation (OJCF), OJCYF strives to develop future community leaders, smart philanthropists and engaged citizens

PINWHEEL/UNITED SYNAGOGUE YOUTH
2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland, OR
480-892-2732
usy.org/regions/pinwheel

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES

BB CAMP INCLUSION PROGRAM
503-452-3443
bbcamp.org

TASK, YOUR JEWISH CONNECTION TO DISABILITY AWARENESS/JFCS
Janet Menashe, TASK Program Inclusion Specialist
1221 SW Yamhill St. #301, Portland, OR
503-729-8648
janetmenashe@jfcs-portland.org
jfcs-portland.org