I am often asked by friends, colleagues or others who detect my American accent (one doesn’t have to be too discerning to do so) why I chose to leave the U.S. and make aliyah. The question is generally a bit on the cynical side and goes something like, “What was so bad in America that…
Masada is an ancient fortification in the Southern District of Israel, on top of an isolated rock plateau on the eastern edge of the Judean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea. Apart from the archaeology, the site’s iconic setting has made it a popular place for concerts and events throughout the year. In the past few…
I committed a sin recently. I admitted that I wasn’t familiar with a particular French chef. If looks could kill … you should have seen the face of my executioner. It was as if I had admitted not knowing the words to “Hatikvah” or the Pledge of Allegiance. I was dead meat. In the professional…
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…
Andrew Goldstein and Andrew Greenberg are two Jewish entrepreneurs hoping to change the future of medical diagnoses at Oregon’s leading technology incubator, the Portland State Business Accelerator (PSBA). Located in the heart of the “Silicon Forest” – a nickname for the cluster of high-technology companies located in Portland – the PSBA has been attracting entrepreneurs…
“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.”…
Portland’s cheese scene recently got a lot more sophisticated with the addition of three Murray’s Cheese mini-stores. These satellite shops, which are the first to open west of the Mississippi, are located inside selected Fred Meyer supermarkets. The first Murray’s Cheese shop in Oregon opened at the Burlingame Fred Meyer in May of 2012 and…
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…
Most of us dream of acquiring real estate, our first home, a commercial building for a family business, or a downtown condominium when it’s time to downsize. But did you know that giving away real estate can also be exciting? Real property donated to a qualified charitable organization can benefit the donor and the community….
