It was a journey through time, through tears and toward hope. A trip that took two dozen women through a millennium of Jewish life in Poland to a rebirth of Jewish life in Israel. “This was the journey of a lifetime,” says Eve Levy, who organized the trip with the Portland Kollel. “It was so…
Stretching back to the biblical commandment for parents to teach their children, Judaism has emphasized the importance of education. Known as People of the Book, Jews have supported learning and flourished through education. David Grubin’s 2008 PBS series and companion book Jewish Life in America reflects on the importance of education in Jewish life: “In…
Judaism requires the utmost respect be given to the deceased. Volunteers at two burial societies (see box) in the Portland area provide the ultimate kindness at the end of life as they perform the traditional ritual of preparing individuals for burial. Chevra kadisha literally translates as “holy society.” “The chevra kadisha is dedicated to holiness,”…
