Like many other aspects of student life in 2020, at-school clubs also had to go virtual when the pandemic hit. Jewish Student Union (JSU) clubs were no exception to this change. West Coast NCSY runs more than 67 JSU clubs – on public and private high school campuses in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and…
A new report shows the changing landscape of Jewish education from the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on Jewish educators – from a shift to more full-time work, to a rise in demand for essential Jewish education services, to a growth of national educational offerings, and more. Led by CASJE (Consortium for Applied Studies in…
Photo: Andy Gitelson, executive director of The Oregon Hillel Foundation prepares meals for students. Starting college is both an exciting and daunting process under normal circumstances, but this year’s college freshmen are facing challenges never before seen by universities. Andy Gitelson, executive director of The Oregon Hillel Foundation, is also adapting to these challenges. “How…
Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, last week presented awards to recognize individuals and campus Hillels that are creating innovative experiences and meaningful connections to help students develop stronger ties to their Jewish identities. Greater Portland Hillel, serving Portland State University, Lewis & Clark College, and Reed College received Hillel’s highest…
PHOTO: Museum and Holocaust Educator Amanda Solomon points to a photo from the Lodz Ghetto. She says when students see real people in the photos, they ask important questions that have no easy answers. After four years as a middle school math teacher, Amanda Solomon wanted to have a greater impact. On the March…
President Shimon Peres does not let his age of 91 deter him from attending and addressing several events on a daily basis. A few years ago, at one of these events, he was asked if he wants to be remembered as a leader who never stopped pursuing peace. Expecting a positive answer in some variation…
For Jewish families of children in elementary and middle school, that often means deciding on both an academic program and a religious school program. Jewish students who do not attend one of the three Jewish day schools in Portland often enroll in a Sunday school, Shabbat school and/or afterschool Hebrew program to supplement their regular…
B’nai B’rith Camp has opened its arms in the spirit of community. Now in its second year, Kehila (Hebrew for community) integrates children with a variety of special needs into the summer camp experience. Following inclusion models based in schools, Kehila positively impacts children with disabilities, instilling in them a sense of independence while inspiring…
Does integrating students with special needs benefit all students or the community in general? Ben Sandler Education Director Congregation Beth Israel “You shall not insult the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind.” Leviticus 19:14 Integrating students with special needs absolutely benefits everyone! The first illustration that comes to mind is the work…
J Street – a liberal pro-Israel, pro-peace nonprofit lobbying organization – has captured the hearts and imaginations of some Oregon college students. Thirteen of the 24 Oregonians who attended the J Street National Conference, March 24-27, were students, mostly from Reed and Lewis & Clark colleges. One student at the conference in Washington, DC, was…
