By Saul Korin The Portland Jewish Academy Family Giving Circle expanded in 2017-18 and had more funds to disperse for this school year thanks to a generous match. At its June meeting, the PJA Family Giving Circle reviewed requests and made funding decisions. Chaired for the second year by Rob La Forte and Carol…
The open vista that greets students and visitors entering Portland Jewish Academy is now the physical manifestation of the open, collaborative learning environment that has long been a hallmark of the Jewish day school. PJA has renovated the lobby, removed walls between hallways and the library, and reorganized the open space and adjacent rooms to…
As the last barge built by the Zidell Companies is launched from the barge house in June, the Zidell family turns their full attention to developing the family’s 33 acres on Portland’s South Waterfront into a mixed-use development with a sense of community and green space. “Because we are a small family and own the…
The Forward picks Ilene Safyan song On Sept. 26 Portland musician Ilene Safyan was named to the final playlist of the Forward’s second Soundtrack of Our Spirit. The soundtrack is a reader-inspired digital project to find the best new voices in Jewish music. After tallying thousands of votes from readers and consulting with celebrity judges…
For two Portland philanthropic couples, the Portland Jewish Academy’s annual auction in December is a time to come together and invest in Jewish education. Jay and Diane Zidell and Steve “Rosy” Rosenberg and Ellen Lippman say they view Jewish education as vital for the future of Jewish people. Both couples have matched Mitzvah Moment donations…
