By the time an Israeli military pilot saluted Jeff Silver on the kibbutz where he spent his 17th summer in 1978, Jeff was already pre-disposed toward a career in aviation and the military. But Jeff couldn’t know that now, 34 years later, he would be poised to ascend to heights few others reach in that…
In the run-up to the elections, the vast majority of media commentators and so-called experts relentlessly classified these elections as the least interesting and lackluster in recent memory. This is the ninth time I have witnessed an Israeli election cam- paign in all of its sometimes wondrous and often questionable glory. While I am far…
To help launch a new community program that links volunteers with community needs, the Portland Mitzvah Network of the Jewish Federation of Portland is planning a broad range of volunteer projects to coincide with international Good Deeds Day March 10. In Portland volunteers will be able to choose from projects such as outdoor environmental work…
A 60th wedding anniversary deserves a party, and Arnold and Elaine Cogan threw a bash. Held at the Oregon Jewish Museum on Dec. 22, the celebration brought together family and old friends. Each guest received a handmade commemorative cookbook with the couple’s favorites, including German Pancakes and Crazy Chocolate Cake. All 70 guests squeezed into…
Packouz Jewelers was established in 1917 by Nathan Packouz. The jewelry store on Southwest Broadway in downtown Portland was owned by the Packouz family for three generations until store manager Rick Mahler bought it about two years ago. Nathan’s grandson Larry Packouz has remained at the store to mentor the new owner but claims he…
“There’s nothing you can read about the Portland Youth Philharmonic that will prepare you for an experience when you come to a concert,” declares David Hattner, music director of the PYP, which is the oldest and one of the best youth orchestras in the United States. “You have to experience them because they’re that good.”…
The topic of gardening is a different subject now than it was some 40 years ago when my family and I tilled and maintained an acre of land for fruit and vegetable gardening (with a few chickens thrown in). Time seemed so simple then: no personal electronics, no microwave oven, no rush – or so…
When Myra Beetle bought her 1892 Victorian, the two-story home barely hinted at its glorious past. Decades of remodels covered the home’s original gingerbread, bay windows and trim. Built in the Portsmouth neighborhood of North Portland as a wedding gift to Mary Jardine, the house once served as a gambling den, according to neighborhood lore….
Weddings are always a joy, and when it comes to buying gifts to celebrate that joy, the options are endless. A great present is one selected with a great deal of thought for the happy couple. It is always good to check out the registry and perhaps think of giving cash. But if you would…
First-time Newlyweds: When and how should we start budgeting and combining finances? Discussion about finances is a process best started when you commit to marry and should continue indefinitely. A good way to start is by sharing each of your specific short-, mid- and long-term goals. Then, together, prioritize the goals, giving relevant details like…
