The Jewish people have treasured books and learning for millennia.
Even our central prayer, the Shema, includes the instruction: “Take these words which I command you this day and teach them faithfully to your children.”
The Jews of Oregon have taken this task to heart.
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
Rachel Nelson, Director of
Educational Initiatives
6680 SW Capitol Hwy
Portland, OR
503-892-7415
PJ (Pajama) Library, a Jewish Federation program, supports families raising Jewish children through the gift of high-quality Jewish children’s books and music, along with resources, events and programs. ALL Jewish families – dual heritage, single parent, same sex couples, traditional, cultural, etc. – with children ages 6 months through 8 years are encouraged to enroll AT NO COST to you as part of our community’s commitment to creating a vibrant Jewish community for all.
PJ LIBRARY EUGENE-SPRINGFIELD
PO Box 5924, Eugene, OR 97405
541-484-2541
PJ LIBRARY IN OREGON
Oregon outside of Portland metro including Salem, Corvallis, Ashland and Bend.
503-452-3443
PJ OUR WAY
PJ Our Way is the extension of PJ Library for 9-11 year olds! PJ Our Way gives 9- to 11-year-olds the autonomy to pick a FREE book each month from four selections.
PRESCHOOLS
THE CARL PRESCHOOL: A COOPERATIVE JEWISH PRESCHOOL
At Congregation Shaarie Torah
Elizabeth Fleishman, Preschool Director
920 NW 25th Ave.
Portland, OR
503-226-6131
The Carl Preschool is a cooperative Jewish preschool open to all, providing a warm, fun and creative environment where your child will laugh, learn and grow. Come explore with us!
FOUNDATION SCHOOL
Leah Conley, Director
Congregation Neveh Shalom
2900 SW Peaceful Lane
Portland, OR
503-293-7307
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.
GAN-GARRET PRESCHOOL VANCOUVER
9604 NE 126th Ave.
Vancouver, WA
360-256-0859
A learning environment that fosters creativity, curiosity and compassion. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach. Exceptional teachers | Beautiful classroom | Creative playscape. Offering a full day program with extended care options.
THE GAN: PORTLAND JEWISH PRESCHOOL
Mimi Wilhelm, Director
6612 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, OR
503-977-7850
Mimi@PortlandJewishPreschool.com
The Gan inspires curiosity, creativity and compassion in a joyful Jewish environment. Children interact with materials as they explore, experiment and discover. We foster a love for lifelong learning and create a vibrant community.
PEACE GARDEN PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN
Havurah Synagogue
185 N Mountain Ave.
Mail: PO Box 1262
Ashland, OR 97520
541-488-8887
MAAYAN PRESCHOOL
2 SW Touchstone Dr.
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
503-245-5568
PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY
6651 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, OR
503-535-3536
POMEGRANATE PRESCHOOL
FOR THE ARTS
Temple Emek Shalom
1800 E Main St.
Mail: PO Box 1107
Ashland, OR 97520
541-488-2909
RIGHT START
Rachel Nelson
6680 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, OR
503-892-7415
Right Start provides funding to qualified families to help ensure children have the right start on developing a life rooted in Jewish values and traditions. The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland has made this gift available to the Jewish communities of Portland and SW Washington. Matching funding is provided by the National Jewish Right Start program, an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor.
TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL PRESCHOOL
1175 East 29th Ave.
Eugene, OR
541-345-7314
DAY SCHOOLS
MAAYAN TORAH DAY SCHOOL
Aviel Brodkin, General Studies Principal
Rabbi Yerachmiel Kalter, Judaic Studies Principal
Esther Fischer, Early Childhood Director
2 SW Touchstone Dr.
Lake Oswego, OR
503-245-5568
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 students’ lives.
MAIMONIDES JEWISH DAY SCHOOL
Rabbi Shneur Wilhelm, Principal
6612 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, OR
503-977-7850
RWilhelm@PortlandJewishSchool.com
Maimonides Jewish Day School is committed to educating the whole child, providing personalized, meaningful, and empowering Judaic and General Studies education for the 21st century student to be a life-long learner.
PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY
Merrill Hendin, Principal
Sarah Kahn Glass, Admission Director
Steve Albert, Executive Director
6651 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, OR
503-244-0126
PJA is a Jewish community day school accredited by Northwest Association of Independent Schools and a member of Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools. At PJA, we think for ourselves and work for the world. Our curriculum integrates Jewish learning and values with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) through a project-based learning approach, providing a foundation for success in high school, college and life. Each PJA student experiences small classes, dedicated teachers, and a community that is open to all.
HIGH SCHOOLS
ALEXANDER MUSS HIGH SCHOOL IN ISRAEL
Hod HaSharon, Israel
Regional contact:
JNF, 1455 NW Leary Way #400, Seattle, WA
206-760-1188 ext. 941 |
HEBREW/RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS
BEIT HAVERIM RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS
Classes: 1111 Country Club Road
Mail: PO Box 311
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
503-310-9184
CHABAD HEBREW SCHOOLS
Northeast: 971-801-2424
Southwest: 503-977-9947
Southeast: 503-236-6642
Hillsboro: 503-747-5363
Vancouver, WA: 360-993-5222
A Hebrew school in YOUR neighborhood! Educating kids so their love of Judaism won’t expire at their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Chabad Hebrew schools are contemporary learning centers that welcome every Jewish child, regardless of background/ religious observance.
CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Michael Z. Cahana, Senior Rabbi
Josh Kashinsky, Executive Director
Ben Sandler, Education Director
1972 NW Flanders St.
Portland, OR
503-222-1069
Our nationally accredited Religious School and state certified Preschool guide students to apply Judaism’s teachings to their personal lives and our world; our adult education programming enriches both those new to Judaism and more advanced students.
CONGREGATION KOL AMI EDUCATION
7800 NE 119th St.
Vancouver, WA
360-896-8088
HAVURAH SHALOM EDUCATION
825 NW 18th Ave.
Portland, OR
503-248-4662
havurahshalom.org/lifelonglearning
Havurah’s educational offerings include a wide range of Adult Learning opportunities; Shabbat School (K-6) based on a staffguided, family cooperative model, with parents as teachers; Middle School; and High School. Learn more at https://www. havurahshalom.org.
HEIMANN FAMILY WISDOM GARDEN HEBREW SCHOOL
Havurah Synagogue
185 N Mountain Ave.
Mail: P.O. Box 1262
Ashland, OR 97520
541-488-7716
KOL SHALOM CHILDREN’S EDUCATION
1509 SW Sunset Blvd., Ste. 1E
Portland, OR
503-459-4210
kolshalom.org/childrens-education/
THE NASHIRA EDUCATION PROJECT
Rabbi Ariel Stone
Katie Schneider, Education Director
At the Tucker Maxon Oral School
2860 SE Holgate Blvd.
Portland, OR
503-473-8227
Shir Tikvah’s innovative program encourages students to connect to Judaism in a rich and lasting way. We offer 18 Sunday sessions per year and congregation-wide celebrations for the whole family. It’s fun, meaningful and on Portland’s eastside.
SHAARIE TORAH EDUCATION PROGRAM
920 NW 25th Ave.
Portland, OR
503-226-6131
NEVEH SHALOM ALIYAH PROGRAM
2900 SW Peaceful Lane
Portland, OR
503-293-7306
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 Bnai Mitzvah, and grow from the many opportunities for meaningful leadership within our inclusive after-school learning environment.
P’NAI OR OF PORTLAND SIMCHA SCHOOL
9750 SW Terwilliger Blvd.
Portland, OR
503-248-4500
SHUL SCHOOL
Temple Emek Shalom
1800 E Main St.
Mail: PO Box 1107
Ashland, OR
541-488-2909
DAY CAMPS
BB DAY CAMP PORTLAND
Liz Broberg, Camp Director
503-496-7447
Located at Congregation Beth Israel, BB Day Camp offers a warm and welcoming camp experience filled with art, dance, water play, martial arts, gymnastics, music, Jewish enrichment and Shabbat celebrations for campers entering kindergarten through grade 5. Extended care and bus transportation available.
CAMP GAN ISRAEL-VANCOUVER
9604 NE 126th Ave.
Vancouver, WA
360-256-0859
CAMP SEED
6688 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, OR
503-245-5420
GAN ISRAEL DAY CAMP
6612 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, OR
503-246-KIDS (5437)
Part of the largest network of Jewish camps in the world, Portland’s Gan Israel Day Camp has provided modern Jewish children from diverse backgrounds an amazing Jewish summer (and winter break) experience since 1984.
MITTLEMAN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
Day Camp
6651 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, OR
503-244-0111
PJA SUMMER DISCOVERY
6651 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, OR
503-244-0126
RESIDENT CAMPS
B’NAI B’RITH CAMP
Michelle Koplan, Executive Director
Ben Charlton, Camp Director
503-452-3443
Located on the beautiful Oregon coast, B’nai B’rith (BB) Camp is a vibrant and inclusive Jewish camp serving the Pacific Northwest since 1921. BB Camp has been a home away from home for generations of campers of different ages, backgrounds, denominations and abilities. Our unique culture is built on sharing fun experiences in a welcoming environment that inspires all campers to grow and develop enduring Jewish identities.
CAMP MIRIAM
950 W 41st Ave. #303
Vancouver, BC
604-266-2825
CAMP SOLOMON SCHECHTER
Zach Duitch, Executive Director
Josh Niehaus, Director of Innovation & Programming
Mail: 117 East Louisa St., #110
Seattle, WA 98102-3203
206-447-1967
Camp Solomon Schechter has a 60-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 180-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!
URJ CAMP KALSMAN
425-284-4484 (winter)
360-435-9302 (summer)
URJ CAMP NEWMAN
Winter Office: 711 Grand Avenue,
Suite 280
San Rafael, CA
415-392-7080
CAMPERSHIPS
ALBERT J. KAILES MEMORIAL CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND OF OJCF
https://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
The Foundation for Jewish Camp also offers first-time camper families another opportunity to save. Through this program, eligible families pay introductory prices ranging from 40-60% off the camps’ listed rates.
JWEST CAMPERSHIP PROGRAM
ONE HAPPY CAMPER
The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland is proud to provide incentive grants for up to $1,000 for your child’s first summer at Jewish overnight camp.
CHAI ISRAEL
Rachel Nelson
6680 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, OR
503-892-7415
jewishportland.org/travelisrael
Jewish Federation of Greater Portland provides 18% of the published cost for an Israel experience for ALL Portland-area teens (up to $1,800). Grants also available for immediatepost- high school eligible gap year programs. For those enrolled in a congregational high school program, the Oregon Board of Rabbis continues its Teen Israel program in partnership with the Arthur Krichevsky Fund at OJCF, the teen’s home congregation and JFGP.
YOUTH GROUPS
BBYO
Portland: 503-345-9451
Eugene: 503-349-6605
CTEEN PORTLAND
Portland, OR
971-801-2424
JEWISH CUB SCOUTS PACK 739
(grades 1-5)
Portland, OR
Arden Edy: 503-975-3355
JSU-PORTLAND
503-504-1301
JR NCSY
503-504-6430
NCSY
6688 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, OR
Oregon: 503-757-3037
Portland: 503-504-1301
Eugene: 503-261-3850
NORTH AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEMPLE YOUTH
Congregation Beth Israel, Portland
503-222-1069
OREGON JEWISH COMMUNITY YOUTH FOUNDATION
1618 SW First Ave., Ste. 210
Portland, OR
503-248-9328
The Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation empowers Jewish teenagers to take action by grant making, volunteering and advocating for causes that align with their Jewish values. The program strives to develop future community leaders.
PORTLAND RISHONIM/UNITED SYNAGOGUE YOUTH
Neveh Shalom: Rabbi Eve Posen,
503-246-8831 ext. 136
Shaarie Torah: 503-226-6131
United Synagogue Youth: for 9th to 12th-graders.
SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES
BB CAMP INCLUSION PROGRAM
Shayna Sigman, MSW; Inclusion Coordinator
Ben Charlton, Camp Director
503-496-7444 ext. 7018
For campers with special needs and disabilities at B’nai B’rith Camp.
TASK, YOUR JEWISH CONNECTION TO DISABILITY AWARENESS/JFCS
Janet Menashe, Disabilities Inclusion Specialist
1221 SW Yamhill St., Ste. 301
Portland, OR
503-226-7079 ext. 122
janetmenashe@jfcs-portland.org
