COVER PHOTO: Ed Tonkin. Photo by Brian Gareths Ed Tonkin always knew the Jewish Federation was important, but it wasn’t until he joined the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland in 2014 that he understood just how and why it is so vital. As he has learned about all the programs, agencies and…
Photo by Benjamin Ariff With broad organizational and grassroots support, Portland’s new community mikvah opened Nov. 1 to provide every Jew access to the ritual bath for all traditional and contemporary transitions and milestones. Rachel’s Well is now open on the Schnitzer Family Campus in a secluded, natural setting. Owned by the Jewish Federation of…
PHOTOS: Left, Kathy Davis-Weiner presents an award to Jemi Kostiner Mansfield. Right, guest speaker Rabbi Jonathan Porath with incoming JFGP Board Chair Ed Tonkin. The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s 96th Annual Meeting on June 8 began with a moment of silence for the victims of the terrorist shootings at the Tel Aviv Mall earlier…
It’s hard for me to believe that on Wednesday I celebrated my 22nd year in the Federation field. As I reflect on my career, I can think of many incredible achievements, as well as difficult challenges faced by the Jewish community. Sadly, at least at this moment, none seem more upsetting than the Boycott, Divestment…
Jewish members of the LGBTQ community from across the United States embarked on the groundbreaking “See Israel with Pride” mission May 26. The trip has been organized and led by the Jewish Federations of North America in partnership with A Wider Bridge, to experience Israeli culture, politics and character through a LGBTQ lens. The Jewish…
Photo: PDX Hillel Managing Director Shiran Halfon strategizes with PSU students before the senate meeting. From left are: JSU president Kelsey Kaplan, CHAI co-president Brennan Thorpe, Shiran and CHAI co-president Anthony Safir. On May 23 Portland State University’s student senate restarted an effort to divest from companies doing business in Israel. Following this first…
Most brides wouldn’t think to take duct tape to their wedding, but just like MacGyver, good event planners come prepared for every possible hiccup. So when BLC Events founder Barbara Cohen and Elyse Stoner coordinate an event, they always take a suitcase full of extension cords, duct tape, spare lingerie and a host of other…
