Whether we like it or not, every now and then we get a serious reminder of where we live and how our very normal daily routine of work, school, family, stating our opinion and going wherever we want whenever we want is anything but normal in this neighborhood. Israelis’ normalcy is actually an astonishing accomplishment….
When the Portland Chamber Orchestra presents George Frideric Handel’s “Judas Maccabaeus” this month, Israeli- born conductor Yaacov Bergman says, “It will take us into our holiday story in a way that portrays Hanukkah vividly.” The PCO, of which Maestro Bergman has been music director/conductor for a decade, will offer four performances of its ecumenical holiday…
The long, cold, rain-soaked nights, suffused with the aroma of organic, locally sourced, cruelty-free, artisan latkes can mean only one thing – it’s Hanukkah in Oregon! For Jewish families with young children, Hanukkah is a special time to come together and share the history of our people. Hanukkah, or dedication in Hebrew, commemorates the rededication…
Hanukkah has all the ingredients for a wonderful family holiday – a good story, strong rituals, fun songs, delicious (fried!) food, a kid-friendly gambling game, colorful candles and, of course, presents. Despite all the potentially delightful parts of the holiday, oftentimes the presents become the dominant focus, which can be unpleasant and stressful for parents….
Portland’s Jewish community was enriched by decades of dedicated service when Canadian Laurie David came to town to visit her aunts in 1964 and fell in love with Portland native Bert Rogoway on a blind date. This month, Laurie Rogoway retires after 30 years of building community through her work at the Jewish Federation of…
The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland is in the midst of our 100 Days of Impact. On Oct. 1, Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin spoke to 130 of our leading donors and provided an inspiring message about overcoming challenges and living generously. The people in attendance have committed $725,000 to Campaign 2015. Every gift increased…
The son of surgeon and World War II veteran Zanly Edelson, z”l, Dr. Richard Edelson grew up with a strong respect for the veterans who sacrifice so much to allow Americans to thrive. Zanly Edelson was a general surgeon on a military base in England and was injured in a glider crash during the invasion…
A new exhibit at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education chronicles the first decade of Oregon’s Holocaust Memorial, established in 2004 by a broad coalition of local groups both to honor those who died and to educate generations to come. A Triumph of Life: Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the Oregon Holocaust…
Residents of Oregon come from many places and often leave family behind. While Passover is traditionally a “home” holiday, congregations realize there are many who do not have family nearby or who would just like to celebrate with their larger community family. Here are some options (Note: Many seders offer scholarships for those unable to…
Local artists and art lovers alike eagerly anticipate the annual Portland Open Studios tour, which takes place during the second and third weekends in October, but probably no one is looking forward to it more than Diana Unterspan. Unterspan is a fiber artist who works primarily with wool and silk to create both decorative and…
