2020 is a big year for the Portland Jewish community. It marks the 100th anniversary of significant initiatives undertaken by Jewish leaders that came before us. In 1920, the community came together and formed the Jewish Federation in Portland. That same year, leaders also opened a home for elders in need. Originally called the “Jewish…
Oregon Jewish Life asked three Oregon rabbis in 2012, “How can Jewish or interfaith families turn their “December dilemma” into a positive, meaningful experience for children?” Rabbi Benjamin Barnett Beit Am Jewish Community, Corvallis (Editor’s Note: In August 2017, Rabbi Barnett became rabbi of Portland’s Havurah Shalom) The phrase “December dilemma” itself reflects the heart…
It’s hard to believe, but Hanukkah is upon us once again. As Charlie Brown’s little sister Sally might say, “I haven’t even finished eating all my Halloween candy!” My kids can barely contain their excitement. “Daddy, how many more days until Hanukkah?” is the constant refrain around the house these days. Hanukkah in Oregon is…
When my wife and I moved to Salem five years ago, we didn’t give much thought to whether or not there was a Jewish community here. We moved to Salem from the Los Angeles area, where there are so many Jews that the public schools close on Jewish holidays. Judaism had always been a quiet…
