Mittleman
Exclusive updates for our donors and supporters from your MJCC
Jewish Community Center at the Schnitzer Family Campus
Spring 2020
6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219 | 503.244.0111 | oregonjcc.org
MJCC to Hold Inaugural Community Celebration on May 14 The Mittleman Jewish Community Center will host our Inaugural Community Celebration on May 14, 2020 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Members, donors and friends of the MJCC are invited to join us to honor our members and leaders of the MJCC community. We will be awarding our Harry Glickman Scholar Athlete Award, which honors two Jewish scholar athletes who have lived in Oregon for the past three or more years and are Juniors or Seniors in high school. Applicants will be judged on academic and athletic achievements, as well as their commitment to community service. We will also induct new members of the Oregon Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, which was established in 2012 to honor Jewish athletes who have accomplished extraordinary achievements in sports and have a deep connection to the State of Oregon. The goal is to inspire and educate the Jewish community, and the community at large, that sports play a major role in our Jewish culture. The evening will recognize Swim Team All-Stars, Soccer League winners, Day Camp Stars and 100 Days of Fitness winners. Gerald (Jerry) and Evelyn Leshgold are our inaugural Mittleman Jewish Community Center Pillars of Excellence Award winners. Married in 1941, Jerry began building his optometry practice in Portland in 1942. Jerry and Evelyn were longtime members of the MJCC and volunteers across the Portland Jewish community. Jerry was a very successful Membership Chair, as well as Chair of the “Cadillac Dinner” fundraiser that raised millions of dollars over the years for the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. The Leshgolds split their time between Portland, the Oregon Coast and Palm Desert, California, and they have three daughters, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren! The MJCC Pillar of Excellence Award was established to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a remarkable commitment and service to the Portland Jewish community and the MJCC. Winners distinguish themselves as lay leaders, serving the MJCC on the Board, committees, and/or in other volunteer capacities. Those recognized have had a significant impact on the J and the Portland Jewish community over an extended period of time. Those selected for the award have demonstrated evidence of the four “Pillar Behaviors” of the MJCC that apply to lay leaders - B’Yachad (Teamwork), Kehillah (Build Community), Ezrah (Help or Assist), and Ruach (Serve with Spirit).
Jerry and Evelyn Leshgold
While there is no cost for the event, sponsorships are available. For more information contact Saul Korin at skorin@oregonjcc.org or 503.452.3427.
Support the J by attending a fundraising event!
ng Comi i h t s g! Sprin
MJCC Poker Tournament
Join us at Cellar 503 for a night of Texas Hold’em, beer, wine, snacks, and fun.
Date to be determined. Additional details to come at: oregonjcc.org/poker
Fundraising Dinner at Aviv
Drawing on inspiration from his life in Israel, Chef Tal Caspi blends flavors from the Middle East with the Northwest’s harvest. Join us for a fundraising dinner at Aviv, Portland’s home to delicious vegan Israeli food and support the MJCC.
Tuesday, May 19
5:30 pm Seating or 8:00 pm Seating At Aviv, 1125 SE Division St., Portland Early Bird Cost (Before April 30): $35 Standard Cost (After April 30): $40
Register at: oregonjcc.org/aviv
MJCC Day Camp Promises Another Awesome Summer We are pleased to announce that the MJCC Day Camp was selected as one of nine JCC camps to participate in the SLBC Staenberg Camping Chavurah at Songleader Boot Camp. Carli Rosenthal, Camp Manager, attended the SLBC Bootcamp in St. Louis in February, and she is excited to bring back what she learned, gaining important techniques and strategies to create transformative change in our camp community. In other grant news, the MJCC received the JCC Association Innovation Fund for Israel Engagement grant, giving us additional resources to focus on our Jewish Enrichment at camp. As part of this grant, we will be featuring different activities during camp by dedicating one day a week to learn, create, explore, and educate campers about Israel.
Carli Rosenthal, Camp Manager (left), at the SLBC Bootcamp.
Since 1947, the MJCC has been offering area youth a total day camp experience. Our camps are open to everyone and offer full-day fun, all summer long! We have four core camps within our summer program, for ages 3 through 6th grade. For older campers, we have a CIT (“CounselorIn-Training”) leadership development program for those entering grades 7 - 10.
Classic Camps include sports, swimming, cooking, Jewish culture, drama, nature, and arts + crafts. Themes change each week, bringing exciting crafts, games, special guests, and more! All Classic campers swim, gather for a daily song circle, and celebrate Shabbat on Fridays. Each week closes with a special Friday Funday! For our 1st - 4th graders, we are offering a wide variety of specialty camps this year. The summer will be filled with cool science, world exploration, adventure sports, and so much more. Kef camp, for 5th - 6th graders, offers our oldest campers adventures throughout the week that will allow for exploration and discovery. Campers go on field trips to explore Portland, experience independence, work together, and have “Kef” (fun)! Any camper, from 1st - 6th grade, is eligible to sign up for a one-night overnight at B’nai B’rith Camp on July 16 - 17. Please see page 14 of the camp guide for additional information. For those in grades 7 - 10, our CIT program is an awesome summer option. It’s a leadership development opportunity designed to empower teens by offering new responsibilities, challenges, and adventures by working with younger campers. For more information, visit oregonjcc.org/daycamp. “It has never been easier to get our kiddo out the door in the morning! He couldn’t wait to get to camp every day. After a day filled with awesome activities and endless fun, he was always ready for a good night’s sleep!” – Simcha Camper Parent
MJCC
DAY CAMP OPEN TO EVERYONE! Ages 3 - 15 Swimming Included
FULL + PARTIAL DAY OPTIONS 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
oregonjcc.org/daycamp 2
Young Families Gather for Celebrations and Community Service
Upcoming Events Jewish Heritage Night with the Portland Winterhawks Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00 pm Purim Carnival Sunday, March 8 at 1:00 pm Night Out at the Theatre: Incognito At Third Rail Repertory Theatre Saturday, April 4 at 7:30 pm Art Gallery Exhibit: The Passover Series – Shlomo Katz, Polish/Israeli, 1937-1992 On display from April 8 – 16
Our young family winter programs focused on spreading warmth, light, and joy throughout our community. Our annual Chanukah Donuts + Dancing event was a great way for our community to kick off the Chanukah holiday season! Forty families joined us to bring in the light by enjoying jelly-filled donuts, arts and crafts, and Israeli dancing taught by our longtime dance instructor, Allison Victor. New Year’s Eve at Noon, in partnership with MJCC Day Camp and PJ Library, ended 2019 with a bang! Close to 500 people of all ages enjoyed arts and crafts, snacks, the bounce house, face painting, and of course, the big balloon drop at noon. In January, Portland’s PJ Library partner organizations (including the MJCC) came together to put on a day of service for preschoolers and their grown-ups at PJ Library MLK Day of Service. Everyone had the opportunity to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., hear about his lasting impact, and complete different projects focusing on the theme V’Ahavta L’Reiecha Camocha (Love Your Neighbor as Yourself). We welcomed 150 community members for this meaningful program.
Jewish Community Orchestra featuring Daniel Partridge, Horn Soloist Sunday, April 5 at 3:00 pm Art Gallery Exhibit: Israel from the Eyes of the Community On display from April 20 – May 31 Yom HaZikaron Commemoration Monday, April 27 at 7:30 pm Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 pm MJCC Author Series – Yousef Bashir At Congregation Neveh Shalom Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00 pm
In Grant News… We are grateful to the following donors who made recent grants in support of the MJCC*: Leonard & Lois Schnitzer Charitable Supporting Foundation of the OJCF • Funding for Campus Plan • Warm Water Pool operations Oregon Cultural Trust Cultural Development Grant • Audio-visual upgrades to Stern Family Ballroom *See Day Camp article on page 2 to learn about two additional camp-specific grants we received. For every dollar you donate to the MJCC, you can claim an Oregon tax credit by matching it with a gift to the Trust.
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Art Exhibits Bring Diverse Shows to Gallery In February, the MJCC hosted Jewish Arts Month in partnership with ORA Northwest Jewish Artists. Our featured artist was Leslie Elder, a Portland-based oil and watercolor painter. Leslie is passionate about painting directly from life: portraits, landscapes en plein air, and still life. She’s exhibited in the past at the 510 Museum and Art Space in Lake Oswego and won awards in Watercolor Society of Oregon shows, exhibiting in traveling shows all around Oregon. As part of the MJCC’s permanent collection, The Passover Series – Sholmo Katz, Polish/Israeli, 1937-1992, will be on display from April 8 - 16. Born in Lodz, Poland, Shlomo Katz immigrated to Palestine when he was just 8 years old in 1945. Katz developed an original technique of oil painting on a gilded metal surface. The result recalls medieval icons on the one hand, and oriental miniatures on the other. However, these ancient resources combine to form a totally modern image with a light humorous touch and a noble character. It took a lot of experimentation to translate these images to the graphic art form. The metallic inks of the golden tones and the importance of absolute registration presented just a part of the challenge, but the Katz serigraphs became the ultimate in modern printmaking. Our annual photography show, Israel from the Eyes of the Community – A PDX Art Display, will be on view in our gallery from April 20 - May 31. Community members from the Greater Portland area Artwork by JAM Featured Artist, Leslie Elder. are once again invited to submit photos that they have taken while in Israel. A committee will select the photos to be displayed in the gallery. During the week leading up to our annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration (May 3), you will have a chance to vote for your favorite photo! Winners will be announced during the Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration. Community members are asked to submit their best photos from Israel through email, attaching a high resolution digital copy of the photo, as well as a note about where and when it was taken. The MJCC is a partner on the Federation’s 2020 Israel mission, and we encourage participants on that trip to submit their photos when they return. Files can be no larger than 10MB. One submission per person, please. Send photos to: Lenny Steinberg, Arts + Culture Manager at Lsteinberg@oregonjcc.org by April 10.
Arts + Culture Gathering In January, Lenny Steinberg, Arts + Culture Manager, had the good fortune of meeting with over 20 JCC arts and culture staff in New York City, working together for two days on the ways the Jewish Community Center Association of North America (JCCA) helps our communities connect with meaning through our arts and culture portfolios. The theme of the gathering was “How We Tell Our Story,” and professionals discussed their Jewish obligation to capture our stories, and to share them, in order to build our communal narratives. Participants had opportunities to hear from JCCA staff, including President and CEO, Doron Krakow, as well as expert story-teller and coach, Deborah Grayson. “Overall,” said Lenny, “it was an excellent chance to meet and hear from colleagues from around the country to better understand what is going on in the arts and culture world. I look forward to bringing some exciting new ideas back to the J.”
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Used Book Sale! March 29 - 31 At the Mittleman Jewish Community Center
$1 CBhoilokdsren’s $2 ABlloookths er
6651 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland, OR
How Do You J? Our featured member this month is Sue Friedman. If you’re here regularly, you’ve probably seen Sue taking a Nia or Tai Chi class, or kibbitzing with friends in the cafe after working out. Sue is one of our “regulars” and has a long history with the J. In fact, MJCC Member Sue Friedman, Sue’s dad, Milton “then” and “now.” Margulis, was one of the Center’s very first members when it opened in 1914. He also served as president from 1957 - 1959 and was active until he passed away at the age of 87. Sue has two children, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
What are your earliest memories of the J? Mickey Hirschberg (the J’s swimming instructor) was an icon. She was my swimming teacher when I was around 8 or 9 years old. She smoked on the pool deck and never went in the water. I never became a great swimmer, but Mickey even took on the challenge of teaching my dad to swim at the age of 60. She also taught me how to make my bed at BB Camp with military corners. We had an inspection every day. Much of my early years at the J were linked with BB Camp, though in the late 60’s, I worked for three years as the MJCC’s Day Camp Program Director, busing kids to parks all over town since the J’s building downtown didn’t have space for children’s programs. As a family did you continue to use the J? Our whole family used the J in various capacities over the years. My son, Steve, also learned to swim from Mickey. In 1973, we attended the groundbreaking of the new building. Both Steve and my daughter, Jewely, were BB campers. Steve was active in BBYO as a teen and still plays basketball here three times a week. My late husband, Leonard, was an avid racquetball player. Due to some spinal cord injuries, the Warm Water Pool became a lifeline for him, and he used it for aquatic therapy three to four times a week. How often do you come to the J, and what do you do here? I started coming here to exercise about 15 - 20 years ago. I am here at least four days a week. My favorite classes are Nia and Tai Chi. I also like to attend author lectures and cultural events like symphony performances. My grandson is now a member of BBYO, so he’s here on Tuesday nights. What makes the J different from other gyms? The friendly staff. The staff is very welcoming and makes a big effort to ensure a friendly and warm environment. If you’ve got a welcoming staff, that’s everything!
MJCC Legacy Society The MJCC Legacy Society is a group of dedicated community members who have made the extraordinary commitment to remember the MJCC in their estate plans. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support and their dedication to ensure the long-term sustainability of our Center. If you are interested in becoming a Legacy Society member, contact our Executive Director, Steve Albert, at salbert@oregonjcc.org or 503.535.3592. Anonymous Steve Albert and Janie Goldenberg Bruce Abrams John and Carol Arnsberg Stacy Barna Barry and Karla Benson Amy and Doug Blauer Gerel Blauer Stephen Butler Milton Carl z”l Glen Coblens and Mia Birk Edith Dorsen Becky and Greg Ewer Howard and Jen Feldman John and Beth Germain Robert E. Glasgow and Lesley G. Glasgow Jonathan and Sarah Glass Bernard Goldhammer z”l Nancy J. Green z”l Merrill and Perry Hendin Lisa Katon and Noah Kressel Sheldon Klapper and Sue Hickey Eric and Anna Kodesch Eric and Robin Kornblit Tony and Priscilla Kostiner Jordana and Ryan Levenick
Howard and Wendy Liebreich Gail Mandel and Steven Klein Jeanne Newmark Jeff and Anne Nudelman Stacey L. and Marshal R. Oller Sue Perkel Robert and Rita Philip James E. Richman Bert and Laurie Rogoway Gayle and Paul Romain Steve Rosenberg and Ellen Lippman Stan and Madelle Rosenfeld Kyle and Rebecca Rotenberg Bunny and Jerry Sadis Stephen and Becki Saltzman Faye Gordon Samuels Andrea Sanchez and Benjamin Drucker Lois and Leonard z”l Schnitzer Sandra Schnitzer Gary and Linda Singer Jonathan Singer Les z”l and Martha Soltesz Tom Stern Menachem M. Teiblum z”l Kenneth and Jennifer Zeidman Jason Zidell
We thought it was critically important to include the MJCC in our Legacy plan, as The Center is a common ground for our community. Earlier generations provided for us. We are obliged (gratefully) to do the same for others. It’s that simple. — Sheldon Klapper & Sue Hickey
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Staff Profile: Ashley Scacco Sports + Recreation Manager Ashley has a Master’s degree in Sport Management from Washington State University where she started her recreation career as a flag football official and moved on to work for university recreation, as well as for the City of Pullman. She has a strong background in recreational programming and has a passion for helping individuals of all ages explore options to exercise and have fun through sports and other recreational enrichment activities. In the spirit of expanding our programming here at the MJCC, Ashley is collaborating with Mad Science, Chess for Success, Kim’s Tae Kwon Do, and Skyhawks to add diversity to our after school program options. If you haven’t checked out our after school classes lately, take a look at our spring Program Guide for enhanced options! In addition to our onsite programming, Ashley is very excited about the opportunity to serve as our Delegation Head for Team Oregon at the JCC Maccabi Games® and ArtsFest® in San Diego this summer. She is working towards creating a diverse and robust delegation with potential for growth towards off-season gatherings and events. In her free time, Ashley enjoys hiking, bouldering, traveling, and daydreaming about a summer lake day in Minnesota with family. To share your Sports + Recreation program ideas, contact Ashley at ascacco@oregonjcc.org.
Aquatics Department Profiles Our Aquatics Department has had some big changes, and our new team is excited to introduce themselves to everyone.
After nine years at the MJCC and over twenty years in aquatics, Jennie Condon has moved up to Aquatics Program Manager, and continues as Head Coach for the MJCC Stingrays. She has a degree in English and Biology from Hollins University, where she also swam competitively. Outside of work, Jennie likes horses, photography, and spending sunny weekends gardening with her wife.
Grace Lawson, a long-time lifeguard, instructor, and supervisor at the Carlton Community Pool, joins us as Assistant Aquatics Manager. She has a degree in Sociology from Linfield College where she was a varsity swimmer, and will be taking over supervision of our swim lesson program. When you meet Grace, be sure to ask her about her deep love of Star Trek and all things science fiction.
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Micah Steeves is our Morning Lead, responsible for opening our Main Pool bright and early every weekday. Micah keeps busy outside the J, too, lifeguarding and coaching pole vaulting in McMinnville, and attending the Police Reserve Academy. If he had free time, he would love to work on his motorcycle or other mechanical projects.
Eddie Herzig is our Weekend Head Guard, helping us ensure leadership coverage seven days a week. Eddie is a junior at Riverdale High School who also teaches and competes in sailing.
Our whole team is happy to be working with the entire community, and looks forward to saying hello to you!
Houselessness: A Community Conversation PDX BUSINESS BREAKFAST SERIES
P D s X s e
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A Community Conversation
The MJCC Business Breakfast Series is now in its third year. For our second breakfast of 2019-2020, the Mittleman Jewish Community Center will be hosting a community conversation around Houselessness on March 17 at Portland State University. The panel will be moderated by Joanne Zuhl, Executive Editor of Street Roots with panelists Sharon Meieran, M.D., J.D., Multnomah County Commissioner, District 1, and Marisa A. Zapata, Ph.D. Director Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative at PSU.
Tickets and sponsorships available at oregonjcc.org/pdxbiz. Read more about our speakers at oregonjcc.org/panelists.
TUESDAY, MARCH 17 7:30 am BREAKFAST 8:15 am PROGRAM PSU Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 327 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201
Ask the Expert Note: for this piece we consulted with several different tax experts regarding IRAs. Question: Can I donate my IRA’s required minimum distribution to the MJCC? Answer: A distribution from a traditional IRA normally incurs taxes, since the account holder didn’t pay taxes on the money when they put it into the IRA. But account holders age 72 or older who make a contribution directly from a traditional IRA to a qualified charity can donate up to $100,000 without it being considered a taxable distribution. The deduction effectively lowers the donor’s adjusted gross income (AGI). To avoid paying taxes on the donation, the donor must follow the IRS rules for qualified charitable distributions (QCD’s), aka charitable IRA rollovers. The donation can also help meet all or part of the IRA’s required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year. (Owners of traditional IRAs must start taking RMDs at age 72 or face tax penalties; Roth IRAs do not require distributions while the account holder is alive so this provision doesn’t work for them.) The charity must receive the donation by December 31 for the amount to be applied to that year’s tax return. The RMD used to be 70-1/2, but following the passage of the Setting Every Community Up For Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act in December 2019, it was raised to 72. IRA holders who are age 72 or older can donate to a qualified charity (like the MJCC) directly from a traditional IRA, effectively lowering their adjusted gross income. (Distributions from SIMPLE IRAs are not eligible to be QCD’s.) Mutual fund families and brokerages all have simple procedures for sending your QCD checks directly to the charities of your choice. QCD’s are a good choice for individuals who otherwise could not deduct all or part of their charitable donations because they have chosen to utilize the new, larger standard deduction rather than itemize deductions. The use of QCD’s does not affect this decision but effectively creates an added tax benefit “deduction” in that they reduce your AGI and therefore your tax obligation for the year. Another way to donate IRA assets is through an estate after the donor’s death by naming the charity as the designated beneficiary—or one of them—of the IRA. The charity will receive whatever percentage of the assets the account owner provides for on the beneficiary form. Again, fund families and brokerages have simple procedures for adjusting IRA beneficiary designations. For more information, contact your financial advisor, or Saul Korin at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center at skorin@oregonjcc.org and 503.452.3427.
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MJCC Staff is Here For You!
MJCC Board of Directors
Steve Albert, Executive Director
President Steven Klein
503.535.3592 | salbert@oregonjcc.org
Beth Germain, Chief Financial Officer 503.535.3593 | bgermain@oregonjcc.org
Jennifer Harrington, Assistant Executive Director 503.535.3541 | jharrington@oregonjcc.org
Miriam Stroud, Human Resources Director 503.535.3632 | mstroud@@oregonjcc.org
Becky Ewer, Marketing + Creative Director 503.535.3533 | bewer@oregonjcc.org
Saul Korin, Director of Donor Engagement + Philanthropy 503.452.3527 | skorin@oregonjcc.org
Lenny Steinberg, Arts + Culture Manager 503.535.3555 | lsteinberg@oregonjcc.org
Board Members Richard Barker Barry Benson Amy Blauer, Secretary Joyce Evans Jonathan Glass Marni Glick, Treasurer Larry Gloth Gail Mandel Carol Richmond Erik Richmond, Vice President Danelle Romain, Vice President Jonathan Singer Ahuva Zaslavsky Jennifer Zeidman Jason Zidell, President-Elect
Lisa Katon, Donor Relations + Grants Specialist
Mittleman
503.535.3539 | lsinger@oregonjcc.org
Jewish Community Center
Linda Singer, Community Concierge
We are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and our community for their support of the MJCC.
Schnitzer Family Campus 6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219 503.244.0111 | oregonjcc.org
503.535.3532 | lkaton@oregonjcc.org
Supported by
www.jewishportland.org