Oregon Jewish Life MARCH/April 2022 issue by JewishLifeMagazine

MARCH/APRIL 2022

GET READY

SUMMER

CAMP IS ON!

CELEBRITY CHEF

“It’s exciting to wake up every day, to see what we can do, how we can change lives of the students and the mentors.”

Creates Passover dish for you!

JUSTIN ZELLINGER

~Justin Zellinger

Leading the charge for Oregon's underserved students

TOGETHER WE CAN DO EVEN MORE JOIN US

2022 WESTERN REGION TRIBUTE EVENT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 RSVP at ushmm.org/2022-west SUPPORT THE MUSEUM AS WE REIMAGINE HOLOCAUST EDUCATION in ways that engage new audiences and resonate with young people worldwide. As antisemitism and misuse of Holocaust history are on the rise, this work has never been more urgent. National Leadership Award Honorees Suzi and Steve Hilton, Phoenix Jane Jelenko, Los Angeles The Tramiel Family, Palo Alto Chairs Amy and Andrew Cohn, Phoenix Amanda Moose and Edward Lazarus, Santa Barbara Featured Speakers Prof. Peter Hayes, Historian and Author Dr. Edna Friedberg, Historian, US Holocaust Memorial Museum Tickets are $500 for in-person and a $100 minimum suggested donation to join virtually. For more information about event sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Western Regional Office at 310.556.3222 or western@ushmm.org.

Media Sponsor

A financial planner and a rabbi walk into a bar. Being wise with your finances might be important to you. Being generous might be important to you. Helping you do both is definitely important to us. Contact us at givesmartly@ojcf.org.

CO N TE N TS Oregon Jewish Life March/April 2022 Adar 1-Adar 11, 5782 Volume 10/Issue 6

FEATURES COVER STORY Justin Zellinger and Mike impacting one student at a time

BUSINESS OJCF’s David Forman is a man on a mission 10 Biz Ins & Outs 12 HEALTH NEWS: Ran Knishinsky’s new book-Healing With Clay 40 FRONT & CENTER The Oregon Symphony’s spectacular 12th season Steve Solomon’s State of the Art The evolution and inspiration of OK Little Bird FOOD Passover similarities and differences Celebrity Chef Jordan Urnovitz Creates a Passover dish for our readers 4 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

42 44 46 48 50

SPECIAL SEC TION • CAMP First time at camp? Camp Q & A Ten Top things you never knew about camp BB Camp at 100 Happy Camper gift guide

20 24 28 30 36

AC TIVELY SENIOR Beauty Helps to overcome trauma

MARCH/APRIL 2022

ISR AEL MDA helping Ukranian refugees

GET READY

SUMMER

CAMP IS ON!

“It’s exciting to wake up every day, to see what we can do, how we can change lives of the students and the mentors.”

Creates Passover dish for you!

JUSTIN ZELLINGER

JLIVING United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Presents ‘2022 Western Region Hybrid Event’

CELEBRITY CHEF

~Justin Zellinger

Leading the charge for Oregon's underserved students

COVER

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 5

MARCH/APRIL 2022 Oregon Jewish Life | Adar 1-Adar 11, 5782 • Volume 10/Issue 6

PU B LI S H E R /E D ITO R

H OW TO R E AC H U S

Cindy Salt zman

602-538-2955

H O N O R A RY E D ITO R Leni Reiss

ART DIREC TOR Tamara Kopper

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ellen Brauns tein Bob Dit ter, LCSW Michelle Talsma Everson

EDITORIAL editor@ojlife.com ADVERTISING SALES 602-538-2955 advertise@ojlife.com BUSINESS publisher@ojlife.com EVENTS editor@ojlife.com

Jenn Direc tor Knudsen Shannon Levit t Allison Mint z Rabbi Jef frey Schesnol

Oregon Jewish Life magazine in available online at orjewishlife.com.

Send business information or event photographs to editor@ojlife.com.

CALENDAR: Please post events on our online calendar.

To request first-time authorization to post events online, go to

orjewishlife.com and scroll down to the “calendar access request” link under “Quick Links” on the right. After you submit the form,

you’ll receive an email with instructions for posting future event.

A Prince Hal Produc tion ( TGMR18)

2022-2023 MediaPort LLC All rights reserved The content and opinions in Oregon Jewish Life do not necessarily reflec t those of the publishers, staf f or contrac tors. Ar ticles and columns are for informational purposes only and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Although ever y ef for t is made to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, Arizona Jewish Life, and its agents, publishers, employees and contrac tors will not be held responsible for the misuse of any information contained herein. The publishers reser ve the right to refuse any adver tisement. Publication of adver tisements does not constitute endorsement of produc ts or ser vices.

6 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

MAY 7 | 6 PM

AN AFRICAN AMERICAN REQUIEM Oregon Symphony and Resonance Ensemble join forces to present the world premiere of An African American Requiem, Portland composer Damien Geter’s bold, thought-provoking musical response to violence against African Americans in the United States. Tickets start at $20

for tickets: orsymphony.org 503-228-1353 | 909 sw washington, portland, or 97205 All Classical Portland will broadcast this world premiere live

SPACE STILL AVAILABLE! HAVE QUESTIONS?

JOIN

Feel free to contact Jennifer at camp@cbiaz.org for any questions or more information. T H E

FUN! FUN!

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! CAMPSTEIN.ORG @CAMPSTEIN @CAMPDAISYANDHARRYSTEIN

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 7

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

CINDY SALTZMAN Publisher

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST EDITION OF OREGON JEWISH LIFE. You will find this issue is chock-full of fascinating people, including a celebrity chef who created a modern twist on a Passover main dish specifically for the Oregon Jewish Life readers. And if you have camp-age children, we have you covered. Our special camp section helps prepare you and your children for camp in an informative and friendly way. On a more serious note, with so many people suffering in the world today, especially in Ukraine, it is sometimes hard to focus on the simple and joyful moments in life. So many people have told me how powerless they feel to make a difference. But if there is one thing the world has learned from President Zelensky, is that one person can make a difference, with little or big acts of courage, caring, and strength. It has been fascinating to watch the Jewish community all over the world swell with pride as the Ukrainian Jewish President, through his actions, has become a living hero. And we pray he stays that way. I saw a meme recently that said, ‘Here is my morning routine: 1. Wake up 2. Check on Zelensky 3. Coffee. Some days it does feel like that. But there are lots of ways to help. We have been putting together some resources that we will be posting soon. As we look forward to Passover and families coming together to celebrate our perseverance, we remember those who have not been so fortunate, perhaps even with an extra seat at our table. We wish everyone much strength peace health and happiness.

The Weekly: orjewishlife.com, click on“Subscribe Now!” Facebook: @ojlife Twitter: @JewishLifeNow Instagram: @JewishLifeNow Call: 602-538-2955

8 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

Email us: publisher@ojlife.com advertise@ojlife.com editor@ojlife.com calendar@ojlife.com

Thank you for helping us grow. We so appreciate your loyalty and support. For the best in local events, personalities, business, the arts, Jewish celebrity news and food trends, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

For The Weekly Edition delivered to your inbox, sign up here

orjewishlife.com/the-weekly-sign-me-up

David Forman

is a man on a mission BUSINESS

By Cindy Saltzman

avid Forman, the new President and CEO of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation is a man on a mission. David knew from the outset that he had big shoes to fill. His predecessor, Julie Diamond, was beloved and respected by the community. And her untimely death did nothing to dim her reputation. David who knew Julie and served on the OJCF board, says that although he usually follows the advice of Vince Lombardi to "never follow a legend", he believes this time, he will make an exception. He states, "Julie [Diamond] was a rockstar. She changed the face of philanthropy in Portland, if not in all of Oregon. It's a tough act to follow, but I am extremely excited to hold this position and I want to honor Julie." David began his law career in New York in a large Wall Street firm. He moved to Portland in 1993. He has been working at Tonkon Torp, LLP since 2003 where he was most recently a partner and the Chair of the Corporate Finance and Transactions Practice Group. In addition to serving on the OJCF board, David was also the past board chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and Cedar Sinai Park. He has an undergraduate degree in economics and a law degree from the University of Michigan. On a personal note, David is. married and he has two daughters.He is also a self -described Cleveland Browns and University of Michigan alumni fantatic. David with family on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. 10 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

CINDY SALTZMAN: Was it a hard decision to leave the legal field to enter the non-profit world? DAVID FORMAN : No, because of what I am doing now. But I did have amazing partners and worked at an amazing law firm, so from that point of view, it was hard to leave. The firm was also incredibly supportive of this decision. But if you are asking me from the point of view of the opportunity, then no. I am so excited and thrilled to be here. I know Julie was aware that I was being considered and blessed that as well. To be able to spend the last chapter of my working life in a mission-driven position, working on issues that I have spent the last 25 years involved in is a gift. I have a terrific team and I have a lot to learn from them. I feel incredibly supported by the board, the executive committee, and the community in general. Everybody always mentions Julie, as they should. I just hope that everything I do is in honor of her.

community's needs. I think if we do a good job of educating the donors of the community's needs, we will conitnue to succeed.

Do you have set goals for the Foundation?: Short term: Listen and learn. When I first entered my office, which had been Julie's, I noticed a Talmudic quote Julie had hung on the wall: “I found a beautiful world because my ancestors planted it for me. I am planting it for my children.” In my first email to the community, I wrote that my long term goal for the Foundation was to help "inspire the next generation of donors to sow their own charitable and philanthropic plantings in honor of the fruitful community that was and continues to be planted through the generosity of our prior generations and existing donors."

What are you looking most forward to in your new position? I’m just so thrilled to be here and to be given this responsibility. I have a unique opportunity to build on Julie‘s legacy and define, on a daily basis, my own. Sometimes it feels that there are a lot of people that don't understand why the Jewish community is so important until they need it. Our mission is to support a thriving Jewish community in Oregon and SW Washinton. But to have a thriving Jeiwsh community, we also have to have a thriving general community. We have to make sure our community thrives, but we do have an obligation to make sure the general community is healthy as well. We are integrally linked with the larger community.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for you and the Foundation? I think an issue with every philanthropic organization these days is the way people think about philanthropy and the way they identify with philanthropy. It is not the same perspective as our parents had. The nature of philanthropy is changing. It has been changing for the last decade or so, I think for any non-profit. Also young philanthropists who want to see the impact of what they are doing. There is the addtional challenge of new poeple movng here that don't have any connection to the community. We need to work on making those connections. But the real challenge for philanthropy across the board, is that people in their twenties, thirties and forties, don't look at philanthropy in the same way as people in their fifties, sixties, seventies,and beyond. Our job is to help answer the "why" for that group. And I am looking forward to doing that. It's important to remember that we are a little different from a regular non-profit. We are not a fundraising organization. Our job is to match donors with the

How have you found it to be working with the other organziations? I personally have a good relationship with all of the organizations, I think we have terrific relationships with our partner organizations and the Federation If the community is doing this correctly, there shouldn't be overlap. Each agency should have its own role and we should be complementary to each other. The Federation's role is to identify the community needs and fundraise.. Our job is to find donors to satisfy those needs. None of this is competitive, it is all complimentary. And this is what the community expects of us, that we should be complementary and work together for the benefit of the community.

Speaking of the larger community, you mentioned in an earlier conversation, how much you love Portland. Do you care to elaborate on that? Either I was built for Portland or Portland was built for me. I have been able to have a very sophisticated career here and at the same time, I have been able to escape into the wilderness. I spend a lot of time outdoors. I like the independent streak in Portland. The day I got here, I realized right away, that if you want to be involved in the community, all you have to do is show up. I don't think there are that many places where you can be relatively new to a community and get involved on a pretty substantial level so quickly. It sounds like your new postion as the President and CEO of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation was also made for you. I do feel that this is the perfect position for me. It was just 35 years in the making. OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 11

BIZ IN & OUTS

Jennifer Harrington

Michelle Koplan

Sharon Pollin

St. Charles Health Care Systems new Wellness Program Manager

Sharon Pollin Selected As Pardes Alumni Mahloket Matters Fellow

Jennifer Harrington, the MJCC’s Assistant Executive Director, has accepted a position as the Wellness Program Manager for St. Charles Health Care Systems. Jennifer will serve as a member of the Human Resources Organizational Development team, and her primary responsibility will be the creation of an employee-centric wellness program for the 4,600 employees in the St. Charles system. According to Steve Albert, Executive Director · Portland Jewish Academy/Mittleman Jewish Community Center, Jennifer has been at the MJCC for over a decade, “During that time, she served as Fitness Program Manager, Health and Wellness Director, and Assistant Executive Director. In these roles, Jennifer has had an enormous impact on the J’s programs in all areas, especially fitness, day camp, sports & recreation, aquatics and membership. The wide range of offerings and services, and the current strong position of our organization, is a tribute to Jennifer’s dedication, passion, and talent. “ stcharleshealthcare.org

Sharon Pollin, the education director at Congregation Shaarie Torah, was recently selected as a Pardes Alumni Mahloket Matters Fellow. Sharon posted recently, “It is an honor to learn about the topic of conflict resolution with this accomplished North American cohort. Pardes has crafted a curriculum modeled after Talmudic Rabbinic conflict and informed by contemporary thinkers to help us better understand the why’s, what-for’s and how’s of conflict, and approaches to resolution. Dr. Pollin earned a B.A. in elementary education, M.S. in educational supervision and administration, studied Jewish text at Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, and possesses Doctoral Certification in Jewish Education Leadership, and earned her Doctorate in Education Leadership. pardes.org.il

B’nai B’rith Camp Chief Executive Officer Awarded

Rabbi Eve Posen, the associate Rabbi at Congregation Neveh Shalom in Portland, began her two-year Rukin Rabbinic Fellowship this month. This fellowship was established by 18 Doors, a non profit helps interfaith couples and families in formation, to build their confidence in their relationship with Jewish. According to their website, “We understand Jewish interfaith relationships – and deliver knowledge and connection to help you open the door to Jewish in a nonjudgmental way.” Rabbi Posen is a graduate of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic

B’nai B’rith Camp Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Koplan, was recently awarded the American Camp Association’s prestigious Frank M. “Scotty” Washburn award for her outstanding service. Michelle founded the Alliance of Oregon Camps and led the way to reopen Oregon’s overnight camps following the pandemic crisis. stcharleshealthcare.org

12 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

Rabbi Eve Posen begins a two year fellowship

Rabbi Eve Posen

Rabbi Brodkin

Studies. Rabbi Posen also holds an M.A. in Experiential Education from the American Jewish University. The Rukin Rabbinic Fellowship is an opportunity for rabbis to come together to deepen their practices of working with interfaith couples. Rukin Fellows are mentored by 18Doors experts, and receive access to specialized learning and resources. A unique community of practice where rabbis hone their skills working with interfaith couples and families. Rabbi Posen is active in the work of social justice and engaged with American Jewish World Service. She is a mother to two children and an elderly dog and is partnered with a wonderful human. nevehshalom.org

Pat Welch

Pat Welch awarded the PBJ Women of Influence award Pat Welch, Co-Founder and CEO of Boly: Welch, was awarded the Portland Business Journal’s Joan Austin Woman of Influence Lifetime Achievement award during Women’s History Month. Pat was described in a PBJ interview as “a bonafide powerhouse, mother, philanthropist and community business leader.” Upon receiving the award, Pat said, “The five women, who received this award in previous years, are so out of my league as to be comical. That said, I’m proud to be selected and very grateful for the recognition.” bizjournals.com

Rabbi Keneth Brodkin accepts new position in New Jersey Rabbi Brodkin of Kesser Israel in Portland recently announced that the Brodkin family will be moving to New Jersey this August. He stated, “I have accepted an offer to serve as rabbi of Congregation Sons of Israel in Manalapan, NJ, late this summer. This is a unique position in a growing part of central Jersey which offers me an opportunity to help lead a number of important initiatives to serve Jews. As much as I look forward to this new calling, it’s very bittersweet for Aviel, the kids, and myself to be planning a move from this community, which we love so deeply. Portland, Oregon and Congregation Kesser Israel have been our home since December 2005, and we will always consider ourselves an integral part of the Kesser family.” We wish Rabbi and Aviel Brodkin and their family the best on their next adventure. sonsofisrael.com

HAVE BUSINESS NEWS TO SHARE? Send your "Biz Ins" to editor@ojlife.com OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 13

COVER STORY

JUSTIN ZELLINGER:

Impacting one student at a time By Allison Mintz

MIKE’S mission is to educate and mentor underserved students to lead healthy lives personally, in their school community, and beyond.

ustin Zellinger assumed the role of Executive Director for the MIKE Program during Covid. He stepped in during a pivotal time when Covid was restructuring the way the organization was able to connect with students and mentors. As the original founder stepped down after 18 years, Justin assumed the role with passion, determination, and a drive to succeed.

14 MARCH/APRIL MARCH/APRIL2022 2022||OREGON OREGONJEWISH JEWISHLIFE LIFE

OREGON OREGONJEWISH JEWISHLIFE LIFE| | MARCH/APRIL MARCH/APRIL2022 2022 15

JUSTIN ZELLINGER Justin helping to mentor a student.

Justin said that he felt a sense of honor in assuming the role as Executive Director. For the past 18 years, this role was assumed by the founder and was a volunteer position. This was the first time the Executive Director role was going to be a paid position. “When I first saw the job posting, I was like, this is really cool, this makes sense, and would be really great. For a few reasons this was a culmination of my professional background and my personal interest in creating healthier communities and letting people know about preventable diseases” said Justin. Justin shared that working with MIKE has been the most fulfilling work he has done in his nonprofit career. You can see the excitement in his face, it is genuine! As Justin said, “Its exciting to wake up every

16 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

day to see what we can do, how we can change lives of the students and the mentors. We are impacting so many people. We are preparing a stronger workforce.” MIKE has been impacting underserved high school students in Oregon for 20 years. Through this program, high school students are paired with a near-peer mentor that will help provide resources, tools, guidance and education on important topics such as nutrition, exercise, mental health, access to healthcare, social justice, and disease prevention. MIKE is creating opportunities and possibilities for youth in vulnerable areas and undeserved communities. “We are creating a healthier generation of Oregonians through our work. With the high school students and volunteer

mentors, we are building a pipeline of well trained and empowered healthcare professionals” said Justin. While Justin is passionate about all of the programs offered through MIKE, he was really motivated and excited to share the collaborative program with Sweet Home High School and the Western University of Health Sciences. This program gives medical students the opportunity to engage with this community and make a genuine impact by mentoring high school students. For this program, first and second year medical students serve as mentors in the high school once a week giving students the opportunity to learn beneficial skills such as healthy eating, coping strategies, and other health topics. As Justin indicated, “it’s great to see this and something we can replicate in bringing in medical students to go into their community. They start off idealistic with a set of goals and expectations, but have to customize based on the trends, concerns, or issues directly impacting the specific students and the community they are serving. We are preparing a stronger workforce of future physicians. This has expanded our role in the rural communities across the state, the students and schools all benefit from this customized program.” Justin said that a huge need for keeping MIKE viable is funding. “Funding is a constant challenge, in that we want to meet our goals so we can continue to grow. MIKE does not have a marketing budget, so not a lot of people know about us. We are a small organization and if things don’t go well on the fundraising side then the lights don’t stay on.” Fortunately, with Justin at the helm of the organization, he has been able to secure multiple grants and develop partnerships that are continuing to grow this impressive program. Justin is optimistic that their annual fundraising event on March 10, 2022 will be a great success. This event is budgeted to raise $75,000, which is ¼ of the annual revenue for the MIKE program. While Covid has been a difficult year for funding, Justin said that, “we have been able to grow our staff while actually being able to grow our revenue. Donations are a great way to support and make a difference. However, if you are looking for a more hands-on approach to supporting this organization, Justin indicated that their Advisory Board and Board of Directors is recruiting and looking to bring new people on board with creative ideas in healthcare, education, and other relevant areas. They are always looking for individuals who can assist in developing curriculum, volunteering as a guest speaker in the classroom, or being a volunteer mentor for a semester. The possibilities

“For a few reasons, this was a culmination of my professional background and my personal interest in creating healthier communities and letting people know about preventable diseases”

~Justin Zellinger

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 17

JUSTIN ZELLINGER

“We are creating a healthier generation of Oregonians through our work. With the high school students and volunteer mentors, we are building a pipeline of well trained and empowered healthcare professionals” ~Justin Zellinger

18 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

are endless in how this program can be supported. Justin graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago with a degree in Sociology in 2010. He brought with him a strong background in fundraising, relationship development, and health equity resources. “Sociology comes into play in my nonprofit work. Out of college I sort of stumbled into a career in fundraising. I didn’t even know this was a thing.” One of Justin’s first jobs was managing the sports department at the JCC in Chicago. From there, it has grown into other nonprofit work in the public health and volunteer health organizations. Justin’s background has predominately focused on health equity and fundraising. Justin moved to Oregon 10 years ago with his wife. They have two young children and are very proud of their Jewish heritage. According to Justin, “The things that are most important to me, who I am, is that I am a dad, a Jewish man, and someone who cares about my community. Both the community of Oregon, and the Jewish community.” With limited time, it is extremely important that I focus on my role as a dad, my spiritual and Jewish practice, and my role as a community member.” Justin has dedicated his life to working with organizations that give back to the community. From working with organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Heart Associations, CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, and Albertina Kerr, Justin is committed to supporting organizations that are dedicated to empowering and supporting both individuals and families. Justin has been on the Board of Directors for the Jewish Family & Child Services (JFCS) in Portland, Oregon for the past 5 years. Through his work on the board, Justin has been able to not only learn more about working with nonprofits, but has been able to provide resources for the Jewish community he is so passionately connected to. Justin was really open about his faith and his enthusiasm for supporting his Portland community as well as the Jewish community. “I’ve always been involved in the Jewish community both in a cultural way and with community building, especially in the last 10 years since moving to Portland with my family.” Like so many new parents, Justin found that when he had children, the opportunities to volunteer and be active in the community increased. At the time, Justin had one child and had a second child after moving to Portland. Justin found a support network and plenty of volunteer opportunities once he started his children at the Jewish preschool. What really has made an impact on Justin

was the support of the community. “The community has been really open and has been a great way to get involved. It was actually quite easy to get involved. We have been very involved, especially with volunteering at JFCS, belonging to a couple of different synagogues, practicing our Judaism with the community and within the community.” You can see the pride in Justin’s face as he shared his thoughts on the community and his connection with his faith. As Justin indicated, there are so many amazing nonprofits out there supporting the community. Being involved with MIKE has been a life changing opportunity for him. Justin knows that the work he is doing today will help catapult the students’ future tomorrow. “We just have to take one day at a time, keep plugging away, and work hard and we will continue to see the growth of this program.” said Justin. As Justin shared, his faith, community, and determination are all driving factors in what he does everyday. He knows the importance of his work and the need in this community. While challenges exist, he knows that he and his team will continue to be there to make a difference for tomorrow’s youth. Above: Justin Zellinger and family. Left: Justin is an avid outdoorsman. Here he climbs Mt Hood in Oregon.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 19

JEWISH LIFE PRE N SE GO N RE

First Time at Camp? Talking with Your Child

Bob Ditter, L.C.S.W.

S “CAMP

Where strangers become friends, and friendships last forever.”

ending your child away to camp for the first time is a major milestone for most families, one that is often marked by excitement, anticipation, and perhaps even some anxiety. Though camp is certainly about making friends and having fun, it is also about being on your own and being a part of a community. One of the most important things you as a parent can do to help prepare your child for both these aspects of camp is to talk with your child about it before he/she goes. In fact, it may be better to have several occasional, shorter talks rather than one long conversation as children often absorb more when there is less to think about at one time. I also find that children do better with this sort of conversation if it is part of a more general conversation and if it is part of a pattern of talking, either at the dinner table or while riding in the car doing errands. The following are some sample topics for discussion that will help prepare your child emotionally for their big adventure:

FRIENDS Camp is not anything if it is not about making new friends. If you are shy about meeting new kids, then learn to get to know others by being a good listener. Remember also that not everyone in your cabin, bunk, or group has to be your friend, and you don’t have to be everyone else’s friend. As long as you treat others with respect and they do the same with you, then having one or two friends at camp is fine. If you have more, then that’s great!

ACTIVITIES There are many exciting things to do at camp, many of which you may never have tried before. If your child tends to be a bit homesick or worried about being homesick, remind him/her about the excitement of going to camp: Remember, when you first decided to go to

20 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

camp, what made you so excited? You may not like all the activities, or you may be better at some than others. That’s normal. I, however, hope you are willing to try. The more you put into camp, the more you will get out of it!

COOPERATING You, like every other camper there, will be part of a cabin, bunk, or group. As your parent, I hope you will cooperate with others and help out. That’s part of what makes camp

so special — kids helping each other out. Most kids will help you if you are friendly and help them. Give yourself time. One thing about camp is that almost everything is new — the kids, the activities, the routines, the bed you sleep in, the bathroom. It takes a few days to get adjusted, so be patient with yourself. Most of the time you will be having so much fun you won’t mind all the changes, but if you do, remember that you will get so used to things that by the time you come home you will miss all those things!

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 21

SUMMER CAMP

HELPING OUT Camp is about fun, but it also requires that you help out. Clean-up is part of camp. You do it every day! As your parent, I hope you will cooperate!

GETTING HELP Everyone has good days and bad days. If you are having a problem, your counselor is there to help you! You don’t have to wait to tell us if you are upset about something. After all, if your counselor doesn’t know what might be troubling you, he/she can’t help you. Be honest and ask for what you need. If your counselor doesn’t seem to be concerned or doesn’t help you, then you can go to the unit director, head counselor, etc. Parents should know who these “back-up persons” are and how their child will recognize them if they need to.

BEING POSITIVE It’s a great thing to remind your first-time camper about his or her strong points. I would focus not just on what they do well, but their positive qualities as well, such as what makes them a good friend or the type of person other kids would want to know. Helping children identify their strengths can help them when they are having a setback — one of those inevitable growing pains all children have from time to time. Talking with your child about these kinds of issues is a great way to show support as your child gets ready to take this important step on the road to being more resilient and self-reliant. For you as a parent, it can give you more peace of mind as you allow your child to participate safely in a broader world. To learn more about camp and child development, please visit the American Camp Association’s Web site: www.ACAcamps.org, or call the toll-free number, 1-800-428-CAMP (2267). Bob Ditter is a child and family therapist living in Boston who consults extensively with people who work with children. He was special consultant to the Disney Channel for their series “Bug Juice.” Ditter has visited over 500 children’s camps in the United States, has been quoted in Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, Parent Magazine, and the Ladies Home Journal. He has appeared on “The Today Show” and the “Evening News with Peter Jennings” and is considered one of the nation’s leading experts on camp. Originally printed in CAMP Magazine, reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association; © 2006 American Camping Association, Inc.

22 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 23

SUMMER CAMP

Q A &

24 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

DAYLEE SHAW MJCC Day Camp Manager Q: How do you think children most benefit from going to camp? THE largest benefit of camp for campers is the ability for them to just be kids. For many campers, it provides a space away from stressors in the world, where they can truly just be themselves. Especially given the global pressures children have endured in recent years, camp is a much needed space away from the deadlines and tasks that may exist in their everyday lives. All children experience varying challenges, but at camp everyone is able to express themselves within a fun and supportive environment.

CELINDA LLAN

Portland Jewish A Director of the S Discovery Pro

Q: How do you t benefit from go

IN this new “nor programs are esse with social and le may have missed t Discovery Program professional teachers working with students times and can use strategi navigate feelings of anxiety b and world events.

NEZ

Academy (PJA) Summer ogram

think children most oing to camp?

rmal,” camp and enrichment ential for providing students earning opportunities they the last 2 years. PJA’s Summer m classes are taught by certified, who are knowledgeable about during these challenging ies, such as mindfulness, to brought on by the pandemic

HANNAH MILLER Camp Stein Staff Member

Q: How do you think children most benefit from going to camp? At camp, campers are creating memories, doing all the activities they love with friends and have the opportunity to try something new (like archery!) While at camp, campers build friendships, start to understand the importance of tradition, and gain independence. They are also given the opportunity to bewcome more in tune with themselves, and find new interests that they want to pursue.

BETTY KHIRMAN Camp Kesher Counselor

Q: How do you think children most benefit from going to camp? "IMPACTING others has always been a passion, and I felt that I could further my love as a camp counselor. I’ve been to summer camp and knew the influence counselors had on campers, and the impact was something I wanted to provide. What I didn’t know was the amount I would be impacted by being a counselor at Camp Kesher. The connections campers and counselors formed were more than any other bond I’ve ever had with anyone. At Camp Kesher, you form connections with each other which you can’t form in any other setting. The inspiration throughout Shabbat, deep meaningful conversations, ebbing, or just numerous simple conversations inspired me beyond words." Kesher literally translates to connection, ties, and bonds. To be honest, there’s no better name for Camp Kesher. Seeing so many other 3rd-9th grade campers and other counselors form bonds with one another and grow together in two weeks, was granted because of the strong community and connections created at Camp Kesher. Betty (center) with co-counselors

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 25

SUMMER CAMP

Q A &

MEIRA SPIVAK Camp Kesher Camp Director

Q: How do you think children most benefit from going to camp? “OF COURSE kids gain independence, social skills and a larger friend group at camp. But at Camp Kesher, we offer an added bonus. Campers leave camp with an immense amount of Jewish pride and love of being Jewish. Camp Kesher’s days are filled with exciting activities and trips.Yet, it’s the Jewish feeling that stays with the campers way beyond their time in camp.”

OLIVER

HAPPY CAMPERS Camp Kesher Camper

Camp Kalsman Camper

“I CAN’T wait for Shabbat in camp. We eat such yummy food, have a ton of fun and even have a dance party with glow sticks during Havdallah. Shabbat in Camp Kesher is the best!

Q: What is special about your counselors? They’ve always had my back, no matter what. Every counselor is committed to making camp the best for everyone in their cabion, which is really special.

26 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

MIRIAM

Camp Kalsman Camper Q: What is your favorite activity? My two favorite things to do at camp are singing songs every morning after breakfast and swimming at the pool.

SUMMER CAMP

Top Ten Things You Never Knew About Camp Camp has become a staple of the summer season. Each year, millions of children, youth, and adults head to the hills, lakes, valleys, and parks to participate in the time-honored tradition of camp. And, while most people easily conjure up images of campfires and canoes, there is a lot more to the camp experience. Here are ten of the things you may not have known about the camp experience.

28 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

10. CAMP IS OLDER THAN DIRT, ALMOST LITERALLY. Started in 1861, the camp experience turned an impressive 150 years young in 2011. The secret behind the longevity? “Camps are adapting to meet the needs of today’s campers,” says Tom Rosenberg, president/ CEO of the American Camp Association. “At the same time, the impact camp has on campers, the life-changing experience, has remained after all these years.”

9. CAMP IS WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD, AND THEN SOME! The camp experience is life-changing – developing friendships and memories that last well beyond the final campfire. And, there is a camp for literally every budget. Often camps offer special pricing or financial assistance, and some camp experiences qualify for tax credits or for payment with pre-tax dollars. Visit ACA’s Affording Camp page for more information.

8. GREEN IS “ZEN.” Research shows that firsthand experience with nature, like those at camp, reduce stress in children and help them better handle stress in the future. In addition to teaching children how to

be good stewards of the environment, camps are teaching children how to enjoy the world around them and take a minute to breathe deep and feel the nature, which ultimately teaches them how to de-stress the natural way. 7. MOMMIES AND DADDIES DO IT TOO. Camp is not just for children and youth. There are family camp experiences, and camps for single adults, senior adults, and any adult that wants to relax and enjoy all camp has to offer. Adults benefit from the same sense of community, authentic relationships, and selfdiscovery that children do. Camp is an excellent vacation option, allowing adults to try a variety of new activities in a safe and fun environment.

6. TRY THIS ON FOR SIZE! Camp is a great place to try new activities and hobbies. Afraid of rock walls? According to ACA research, 74 percent of campers reported that they tried new activities at camp that they were afraid to do at first. And, those activities often leave lasting impressions. In the same survey, 63 percent of parents reported that their child continued new activities after returning home.

5. MANNERS MATTER, AND OFTEN LINGER. The camp experience teaches more than just archery or lanyard making. The entire experience is made of teachable moments, perhaps one of the biggest is how to live with a group of people. Campers learn to pick up after themselves, respect each other’s property, and to say “Please” and “Thank You.”

4. VEGGIES TASTE BETTER WITH FRIENDS. Hollywood and fictional novels may have given camp food a bad reputation, but in truth, camps are constantly exploring healthy food options, and often are at the forefront of things like allergy specific diets, healthy snack options, and vegetarian meals. According to ACA’s 2011 Emerging Issues survey, 90.7 percent of responding camps indicated that healthy eating and physical activity was an important or very important issue.

3. IF EVERYONE ELSE WENT TO CAMP, MAYBE THERE’S SOMETHING TO IT! Camp has played an important role in the lives of some of the most talented

people in history. ACA’s family resource site offers a list of notable campers – including business professionals, celebrities, artists, and great thinkers. 2. CAMP GETS THOSE NEURONS PUMPING! Education reform debate and concern over summer learning loss have pushed academic achievement into the spotlight. Research shows that participation in intentional programs, like camp, during summer months helps stem summer learning loss. In addition, camp provides ample opportunity for developmental growth, which is a precursor to academic achievement. And, because of the “hands-on” nature of camp, often children who struggle in traditional education settings do well at camp.

1. CAMP BUILDS LEADERS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY AND BEYOND! Independence, resiliency, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and the ability to relate to other people — these are the skills that tomorrow’s leaders will need, and the skills camp has been adept at building for 150 years.

For more information on preparing your child for an independent, fun-filled summer, visit ACAcamps.org. Or, follow ACA on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hints and camp information. Contact Public Relations at 765.346.3391 or pr@ACAcamps.org to interview an ACA spokesperson or for more information about preparing for camp. For customizable public service announcements or article reprints, visit our Press Room.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 29

SUMMER CAMP

B 1 2021 2 19

BB Camp at 100:

Brand New and Branching Out By Ellen Braunstein

30 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

’nai B’rith (BB) Camp of Oregon has completed a $14 million capital campaign, which has transformed the 100-year-old camp with new facilities built over the past decade. New cabins, a dining hall, an amphitheater, a lakefront lodge, a gym – all handicap accessible – are among the many structures dotting the completely rebuilt 14-acre campground on the shores of Devil’s Lake near Lincoln City. “We did it!,” wrote Irving Potter, chair of BB Camp Second Century Campaign, to a community of 400 donors and other supporters. “That means BB Camp is more inclusive, comfortable and fun than ever. We are so proud to be able to give this incredible gift to the next generation of campers.” Key to the success of the capital campaign was the BB Men’s Camp Association’s decision in 2009 to purchase the camp property and operation from the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. The acquisition established BB Camp as an independent, community-based Jewish camp. BB Camp joined the JCC Association and retains traditional ties to the JCC movement. “In 2009, JCC’s around the country were having terrible financial problems,” said Potter, a camper starting in 1955 and co-president with Kyle Rotenberg of BB Men’s Camp Association. “We were afraid they would panic and sell the property. So, the Men’s Camp group stepped up and we bought the camp from the JCC.” The group came up with a 10-year master plan, laying out everything that needed to be done to make the camp brand new. That purchase and master plan “spring-boarded the camp organization into this amazing decade, where it’s become a life-long organization with year-round programming,” said Aaron Pearlman, BB Camp’s chief philanthropy officer and a volunteer member of BB Men’s Camp Association. “We’ve had the flexibility to grow and raise money from foundations and individual donors that support the work we’re doing.” April 30th is BB Camp’s big fundraising gala and the annual golf tournament is July 11. The organization is hosting an alumni and friends weekend to commemorate the big anniversary on May 20-22. Today, the BB Camp organization is operating

Irv Potter (second row, right) with his cabin in the 50’s

"BB Camp is more inclusive, comfortable, and fun than ever. We are so proud to be able to give this incredible gift to the next generation of campers.” ~Irving Potter chair of BB Camp Second Century Campaign

Men’s Camp in the 40’s

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 31

SUMMER CAMP

A newgeneration of BB campers.

BB CAMP

“We’ve implemented amazing programming that really has been able to fulfill the needs of this generation of children and hopefully our future generations.” ~Michelle Koplan, chief executive officer of BB Camp and Chair of the Alliance of Oregon Camps

32 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

throughout the Pacific Northwest with day camps in Portland, Corvallis, Salem, and Eugene. All told, 5,000 children are served annually. “The work that we do is really transformational,” Pearlman said. “We’re helping a lot of at-risk kids from low-income families.” Many attend on full scholarship. The work of BB Camp goes far beyond camping. About 325,000 meals have been served to those affected by wildfires and the pandemic, Pearlman said. “That’s a whole other piece of what we do.” “We’ve implemented amazing programming that really has been able to fulfill the needs of this generation of children and hopefully our future generations,” said Michelle Koplan, chief executive officer of BB Camps and Chair of the Alliance of Oregon Camps. To commemorate the century of progress, an exhibit will open in June at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education. It will feature interviews with BB Camp alumni and the history of the camp. The story of BB Camp begins in 1921. That year, Julia Swett, director of the B’nai B’rith Building Association, decided to start a Jewish camp for kids in old South Portland. The children were from poor Eastern European Jewish families. This was a way for children to get out of the city and back to nature. The cost of camp was $5 per child, paid in monthly installments. The camp started on rented property at Camp Walula located on Bass Lake in Stevenson, Washington. Then the camp program moved to a site in Neskowin, Oregon and in 1925 to the current property donated by former Oregon Governor Julius Meier on the east side of Devil’s Lake. Swett continued as director of the camp for nearly 20 years. When the B’nai B’rith Building Association changed its name to the Jewish Community Center

1968

Pinky Rosenfeld, Corky Morris, Milt Lebenzon, Zanley Rosencrantz, guy with tie, Sam Landy, Eddie Potter and Mort Saks.

1983

Three Generations of Men's Campers Irv Potter, Joe Hochman, Harry Potter (Irv's Uncle), Jeff Ginsberg (Irv's Nephew), and Eddie Potter (Irv's Father)

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 33

SUMMER CAMP

Right: Irv Potter and Michelle Koplan, BB Camp CEO, at the new South Side Cabins dedication. Opposite page: Irv Potter and Kyle Rotenberg at Men’s Camp in 2000.

(and later to the Mittleman Jewish Community Center), B’nai B’rith Camp as it became widely known, kept its traditional name. It became commonly known as BB Camp. In 1931, a group of guys, under the auspices of the Ramblers, got together at BB Camp for a “men’s camp.” That evolved into the B’nai B’rith Men’s Camp Association and their annual camp retreat. While continuing to run its own camp for men, the BB Men’s Camp Association evolved to become the primary source of financial support for BB Camp and is now the parent organization of the camp. Over the decades, one of the big changes for BB Camp was dissolving the separate sessions for boys and girls in the early 1970s under the direction of Ralph Birnberg. Since 1970, BB Camp has continued to evolve, with each director adding his or her particular stamp to BB Camp. In 1982, under the leadership of Jeff Lann, BB Camp added its one-week Maccabee session as a bridge to the traditional three week sessions. Since 1999, under Koplan’s leadership, BB Camp has converted to a fully kosher kitchen; added new programming for campers during the summer and year-round; created a day camp for local, often non-Jewish, kids living in Lincoln City. Additionally, Koplan implemented the Kehila program for campers with special needs and a teen philanthropy program. Both programs have received national recognition. BB Camps also runs B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) in Portland. Today, 150 men in the BB Men’s Camp Association still meet annually at Men’s Camp. In their 20s to 90s, they go to camp for fun and fundraising. The men are raising $350,000 every summer amid trips to the golf course, basketball court and card games, Potter said. The men who attended the camp when they were young became successful later in life, Potter said. “At some point the guys realized they needed more of a reason to go to a camp retreat than just to have fun,” Potter said. The group distributed $90,000 in scholarships last year. “What’s really interesting about the group is that its multi-generational, said Potter, a retired lawyer. “There are guys in their early 50s who have been coming for 20 years now.” The group tends to be more culturally Jewish than religious. Yet 150 show up to Friday 34 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

DISCOVER! открытие! !‫לגלות‬

BB CAMPS! CAMP S!

OVERNIGHT CAMP

on the Coast! and DAY CAMPS in Portland, Lincoln City, Corvallis, Eugene, and Salem!

Leadership Adventure Jewish Identity Independence Friendships for life!

BBCAMP.ORG | INFO@BBCAMP.ORG SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE!

“The work that we do is really transformational. We’re helping a lot of at-risk kids from low-income families.” ~Aaron Pearlman, BB Camp’s chief philanthropy officer

night services followed by a three-on-three basketball tournament on Saturday morning. Others hit the golf courses near the camp. There’s also a poker tournament, tennis tournament and bingo. Pearlman said, “It’s wonderful to be in this community of people that all feel the same way and feel a sense of ownership of the camp, and technically they do own the camp.” OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 35

SUMMER CAMP

HAPPY CAMPER 2

36 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

1. B OOT CAMP - These funky rain boots will brighten any dreary bad weather day! $45.00 - cowgirlkim.com 2. PURPLE RAINBOW - Be camp at camp. $15.00 - pixielane.com 3. DRY RUN - 6 Piece Towel Set, 2 Bath Towels, 2 Hand Towels, and 2 Washcloths $39.99 - walmart.com 4. FLIP FLOP - Patterened Plant-based Flip Flops - $4.99 - oldnavy.com

5. JUMP THE SHARK - Mid -Lenght swim trunks - $39.99 - teacollection.com 6. SHIP SHAPE - Spaceship Timeline Hoodie - $44.66 teeshirtpalace.com 7. C ADDY SHACK - Small plastic stackable basket with handle $10.52 - amazon.com 8. H AIR RAISING - Set of 2 silky cotton scrunchies in Liberty patterns $12.00 - etsy.com (HandmadebyLisaGifts)

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 37

SUMMER CAMP

1. H EAD GAMES - Go team! 100% unstructured cotton canvas. $14.99 cafepress.com

5. SLEEP TIGHT - Down alternative pillows, Queen 2-pack - $49.99 - walmart.com

2. PROSE POETIC - Once Upon A Time Journal. $30.12 - etsy.com (QuirkyCupCo) 3. LIFELINE - iPhone 13 $39.99 - walmart.com

6. SUN BREAKER - Coppertone ® 5.5 oz Sport SPF 100 spray - $7.99 - target.com 7. C HECK IT OUT! - Kids Checkerboard classic Slip-ons - $35.00 - vans.com 8. LOVE - Set of 2 silky cotton scrunchies in Liberty patterns $12.00 etsy.com (HandmadebyLisaGifts)

4. MY JAM - Marvel 100% Organic Cotton PJs - $44.95 - gap.com

38 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

HAPPY CAMPER 6

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 39

HEALTH NEWS

NISHINS K N KY A R

Author recommends eating

clay

to cure what ails you By Shannon Levitt

40 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

an Knishinsky didn’t really plan to be an author when he went to college, though he loved to write. He was always more of an artistic guy – albeit one with a fascination with naturopathic medicine. So, when he had an opportunity after graduation to buy into a homeopathic pharmacy and health food store in Arizona, he grabbed it. And it was there that he began to take “a keen interest” in writing about something that was becoming one of his passions: geophagia, the practice of eating dirt. It might seem a shocking notion to some. It certainly seemed so to Knishinsky when he was first introduced to the concept by a doctor who suggested he eat clay to make a ganglion cyst on his wrist disappear. The doctor explained that the clay could possibly remove some toxins from his system, thereby resolving the cyst. Knishinsky was skeptical that eating what he thought of as dirt had anything to do with healing, but he gave it a shot and found that, at least in this instance, “dirt” worked. A 2012 article in Scientific American explored research suggesting that geophagia has been practiced both by humans and animals for thousands of years and that eating clay may have been an adaptive method of detoxifying. Pharmaceutical companies originally used the clay mineral kaolin to help make Kaopectate, which is used to treat diarrhea and digestive problems. Kaolin has since been replaced with a synthetic chemical in the U.S., but clay is still in both natural and pharmaceutical medications including in livestock feed to protect animals from toxins. In 1998, Knishinsky learned that nobody had written about the topic in 20 years, so he wrote “The Clay Cure”. Recently, he discovered his book was selling more than ever, and he decided now would be the time to incorporate the past two decades of research on the topic and release a new edition. On April 5, a revised and expanded 2nd edition titled “Healing with Clay” will be released by Healing Arts Press and distributed by Simon and Schuster. Additionally, Knishinsky has created Detox Dirt, an edible and pharmaceutical grade montmorillonite clay, which can be found at www.detoxdirt.com. After his first foray into writing, Knishinsky wrote other books, then got his MBA and entered the pharmaceutical industry. He quickly got into brand management and became a consultant. It’s been an advantage knowing two sides of America’s health care industry: pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, an umbrella terms for all types of natural medicines and supplements.

Ran, Alma and their two daughters Danit & Yael. “I’ve worked on both sides of the fence and I consider myself pretty lucky and blessed to have an opportunity to understand how both types of medicine work,” Knishinsky said. During his career, he was a management consultant at Greater New York Hospital Association and worked with hospitals on a number of clinical and non-clinical issues, he said. From there he worked with large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturers in the commercial development of drugs. “There’s a place for different types of medicine,” Knishinsky said. “There’s a place for naturopathic medicine, for homeopathic medicine and for allopathic medicine, and it’s all very interesting.” He noted that he’s followed the arguments around the COVID-19 vaccine and remembers 20 years ago when there was an equal skepticism of naturopathic supplements. “My experience has given me a bird’s eye view into how pharmaceuticals are developed, and how they’re sold and promoted and I understand the clinical science and validation. I keep an open mind about natural medicine and pharmaceutical medicine and nothing is perfect.” The clay packaged in Detox Dirt has been the subject of qualified, double-blind placebo-controlled trials. He said that “there isn’t much that does real detoxification”. That’s the job of the liver and kidneys. However, he said, clay can act like a sponge absorbing toxins and carrying them through the GI tract and eliminating them through the feces.” And he’s confident in the amount of scientific validation for edible clay that’s been done in the last 10 years and wanted to add to the data by rewriting his original book “to introduce people to this really unique and arcane subject matter.” Born in Israel and raised in Arizona, Knishinsky is a Managing Partner at Arizona Boardwalk, a tourist attraction in Scottsdale. Though his family and the Boardwalk keep him busy, working on the book has allowed him to follow his passion again. “I love writing about such a unique subject matter,” he said. And in terms of his Detox Dirt, like the slogan of the old Hair Club commercials, he’s not just the owner, he’s a customer. He and his wife, Alma, and his two daughters, Danit and Yael, all take the clay cure. Shannon Levitt is a freelance writer in Greater Phoenix. OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 41

“Moving Music Forward” The Oregon Symphony continues to innovate during its 125th anniversary season By Michelle Talsma Everson

FRONT & CENTER

The full orchestra performing at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall 42 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

his season, the Oregon Symphony celebrates its 125th anniversary and the first under its new musical director, David Danzmayr. The wellknown local symphony produces several hundred concerts and awardwinning education and community programs each year, serving more than 250,000 people in-person and tens of millions more people through broadcasts and recordings. “Throughout his inaugural season, David [Danzmayr] has received multiple standing ovations from audiences and universal acclaim for the outstanding concerts he has conducted,” says Russell Kelban, vice president of marketing and strategic engagement for the Oregon Symphony. “Starting with the season premiere concert that reunited the orchestra with audiences after an 18-month hiatus, through his most recent concert when he reintroduced audiences to important works by under-represented composers such as William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony. Some of David’s most popular concerts this season included conducting symphonies composed by Mahler, Beethoven and Haydn. Later this season, David presents the works by exciting young composers like Nico Muhly and Nathalie Joachim. The season ends with David conducting Beethoven’s breathtaking Ninth Symphony.” For those who have yet to see the Oregon Symphony, Danzmayr has some helpful advice. “…The question from people, ‘What do we need to do before we come to a concert?’ I think the answer is, ‘Absolutely nothing.’ You don’t need to know when Beethoven was born, and you don’t need to wear fancy clothes to go to an orchestra concert. The only thing you need to do is show up and listen.” Kelban notes that some upcoming shows and events that locals can look forward to include:

Left: David Danzmayr, Carlos Kalmar (past MD) and Ginette DePeist (widow of the last MD Laureate James DePreist).

Q John Williams: 90th Birthday Bash with the Oregon Symphony, March 19 and 20. This event features music from some of Williams’ most memorable film scores: Star Wars, E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial, Jaws, Jurassic Park, and more. Q The Princess Bride in Concert: feature film with Oregon Symphony (part of the Symphony’s Popcorn Series), on April 2 and 3. The orchestra performs the score live with the film projected on the big screen. A hilarious fairy tale adventure for the entire family. (In May, the next in the Popcorn Series will be Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.) Q From Oregon Symphony’s Kids’ Concert Series: “Under the Sea,” on April 10 at 2 p.m. This event is described as, “A musical excursion into the water depths with favorite music from The Little Mermaid, Pirates of the Caribbean and Debussy’s mysterious, magical La Mer.” The concert is an hour long and with family-friendly priced tickets. Q Joshua Bell with the Oregon Symphony, April 23-25. One of the most celebrated violinists of our era, Joshua Bell stars in a program featuring two Romanic Era greats. Q Looking ahead, on May 7 at 6 p.m., don’t miss “An African American Requiem: a world premiere presented by Resonance Ensemble and the Oregon Symphony.” This concert is Portland composer Damien Geter’s bold musical response to violence against African Americans in the Unites States combines traditional Latin Requiem texts with civil rights declarations poetry, and the famous last words of Eric Garner, “I can’t breathe.”

In addition to these upcoming events, Kelban adds that the Oregon Symphony’s gala takes place on Saturday, April 9. The theme is “What the Future Sounds Like.” “Oregonians are invited to an unforgettable evening celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Oregon Symphony,” he says. “The gala features a special concert offered both in person and free livestreaming globally, conducted by Music Director David Danzmayr and hosted by Grammy Award-winning mandolinist, singer, and composer Chris Thile.” “To be perfectly direct, the Oregon Symphony is one of the best orchestras in the United States; there is no question about that,” Danzmayr adds. “And that is thanks to the music directors who came before… It’s thanks to the effort of the musicians to commit to the hard work. So, for me it’s a pleasure to take over now, to work with an orchestra that plays on that level with that commitment and that sound.” The Oregon Symphony is announcing their 2022-2023 season this spring. Subscriptions for classical, pops, popcorn and kids’ series are on sale at orsymphony.org.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 43

STAR OF DAVID 2020

Portlander Steve Solomon’s

State of the Art By Ellen Braunstein FRONT & CENTER

44 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

teve Solomon can’t draw by hand, but that hasn’t stopped him from lighting up Instagram feeds with his daily postings of colorful and mesmerizing digital art. The Jewish resident of Portland makes rich, abstract and complex fractal collages with a mouse and computer – a creative endeavor he launched late in life. “I’ve been trying not just to grow my business, but to develop as an artist with new ways of expressing myself,” said Solomon, who is 64. He loves digital art as opposed to hand-painted art “because you start seeing all kinds of free-floating images that weren’t there to begin with. You can bend, stretch and reshape a digital image.” Solomon is also a singer/songwriter and video artist. “I get to combine my artwork with original music and that’s pretty well received.” The Jewish Star of David and the chai are images that finds their way onto his digital canvasses. “I find that especially in the digital realm the Jewish symbols come up,” he said. Solomon’s artwork was featured in a Jewish magazine in the Netherlands. “They got a hold of me through Instagram and it’s kind of cool because I’m on the cover.” The image is heavenly, blue and ethereal, like the ocean and sky combined, he said. Solomon’s connection to the Jewish community extends to his presence on Facebook groups. “If it’s a Jewish group concerned with exposing antisemitism and protecting Israel, I join it. My hope is that the United States will once again become an ally to Israel. I want to make sure that Israel stays Israel.” Solomon became a bar mitzvah at Congregation Neveh Shalom and was taught by Rabbi Phillip Kleinman. “I was his favorite student because I could sing and all the other little boys were going through puberty and couldn’t sing. So, he liked me a lot.” Until he was in his 40s, he sang like Boy George, Solomon said. Music remains a big part of his life. Solomon sings and plays the keyboard and synthesizer keyboard, which can create the sound of any instrument. “I’m very eclectic. In the past four years, I’ve been creating atmospheric and relaxation music. I do like synthetic pop sound and I love folk, country and ballads.” Solomon used to perform in clubs up and down the west coast. From 1989 to 2014, he was the owner of a video rental store chain, Impulse Video. He combines music with his art. “You can transition from one effect to another and choose appropriate music that fits that video. Most of mine are very soothing and meditative.” The process of creating art begins with a starting point, he said. “You never know where you’re going to end up. When writing music, you hit a note on the piano and the next thing, you’re writing a song. The same thing with digital art. You start with a basic concept, and, as opposed to someone who actually is painting, they are limited to their strokes and their easel and the colors at hand. I have an infinite array of tools and all kinds of programs.” His digital artwork is available on coffee mugs, tapestries, canvas, wood, jigsaw puzzles, posters, framed print and more. Check out his work on Instagram at @Steve757 or www.artpal.com/ Steve757 and www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/4-steve-solomon

STEVE SOLOMON WE LIVE IN A WORLD OF OUR OWN 2021

PEARL THE CAT 2021

AMOEBA WINGS 2022

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 45

FRONT & CENTER

The Evolution and Inspiration of OK, Little Bird by Deena Goldstein

DEENA GOLDSTEIN

46 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

n the first page of OK, Little Bird, readers are immediately catapulted into laughter at a seemingly inappropriate moment. And, therein, becomes the tempo and pacing of the book. Ok, Little Bird flips the expected on end and leaves readers both laughing and tearful. To have a deeper understanding of the humor and writing style in OK, Little Bird, it’s important to take a glimpse at my background. I’m a former stand-up comedian and multimedia artist (www.deenasart. com). Whether on canvas, stage and now print, my inspirations come from life, love, family, and experiences. Often, I’m not making a conscious choice in my desire to create, make people laugh or share a story – it just becomes something I must do. The writing and publishing of OK, Little Bird has been the most profound, surreal, and rewarding experience of my life. From conception to print, OK, Little Bird was a year and half journey. At some point in all our lives, we’ll undoubtedly find ourselves confronted with an overwhelming and often devastating circumstance. For me, it was the knowledge and eventuality, that I would lose my father. As with anything else in life, what we do with challenges we’re handed foreshadows the outcome of how we heal and move forward. For me, it was my father’s gift of humor that put wind in my sails to exit the harbor of the deepest grief and loss I’ve ever known. For OK, Little Bird to resonate and be relatable, I became a hunter and gatherer of memories from my childhood and adult life. Synthesizing the essence of our quirky family dynamics, and often addressing painful moments, that I

previously had not handled. Through wry banter, anecdotes, cantankerous family dinners, unfiltered commentaries, voicemails and letters, readers will take a bouncy ride as they experience the unconditional love and bond between Little Bird and her father. In short, a simply unforgettable father-daughter relationship. I’ve always seen the world through the lens of joy, love and humor, and growing up, was extremely close with my family members – in particular, my father. He was a bigger-than-life character. Unfiltered, funny, irreverent, and stern. As the youngest of three, (without spoilers), I wriggled my way into my father’s heart. We spent time together, we did life together, we laughed together, and, when his health took a severe and terminal decline, we stood together in that fight as well. In the greatest irony of all, I became “Little Bird” weeks before my father passed, and it was at that very moment I knew I had a story to tell. We were most certainly, not the typical father-

daughter tale. Most importantly, I felt readers would be inspired by our incredible, loving connection, while simultaneously reflecting on a special connection to someone in their lives. Suddenly hospice and group homes were part of our dialogue and daily lives. Most importantly, learning how to stay connected while steeped in mutual impending pain and loss. How did we do this? Humor. My father, through it all, never lost his sense of humor, and in that strength, I too, used his gift of humor to heal through his loss. Humor is pervasive throughout the book (even when you least expect it!) OK, Little Bird navigates deep waters of close relationships, unconditional love and how we handle grief when we’re in its’ midst. Each of us experiences loss differently and each of us has a way of coping. OK, Little Bird puts into words what many experience, but are unable to emote or communicate. It lets readers know that even when things are “not OK”, there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Readers are left feeling uplifted, inspired – for even in darkness, joy can be found. OK, Little Bird delicately balances laughter, joy and heartache – and I hope you will pick up a copy and enjoy. As there is much content for discussion, Book Club Kits are available, which include a moderator packet of questions and touchpoints. For information or to obtain a Book Club kit, email deegold710@gmail.com. OK, Little Bird is now available for preorder on Amazon at oklittlebird. com – and soon, will be available worldwide at a variety of online and offline retailers.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 47

SWEET AND SAVORY BRISKET

HUEVOS HAMINADOS

LEEK SOUP

GEFILTE FISH

APPLE WALNUT CHAROSET

SEVEN SPICE GRILLED LAMB CHOPS

EASY KUGEL

KITNIYOT

48 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

ROASTED CHICKEN LEGS WITH GARLIC

PA S S O V E R

Ashkenazi European and Sephardi and Mizrahi Mediterranean

Passover Similarities and Differences

s we usually celebrate Passover in America with the customs and symbols of Ashkenazi European Jewish heritage, while few celebrate the holiday with Sephardi and Mizrahi rituals. Sephardim are found in many countries. Typically, the migration from the Iberian Peninsula took Jewish families from Spain and Portugal to some European locations and North Africa and the Mizrahi in the Middle East and Asia. Sephardic and Mizrahi practices vary widely from country to country, like Turkey, the Balkans, Kurdistan, China, Greece, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Egypt, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Tunisia, and others. Whatever the customs or origins, they all share the values of birth & rebirth and freedom. Mainly, the Sephardi variations reflect local foods, eating kitniyot, legumes and some grains, rice (forbidden amongst the Ashkenazim on Passover,) and brown warm eggs, Huevos Haminados. Seder foods include leek soup, fish appetizers, main courses of lamb and fish sprinkled with fruits or sweetened vegetables. The recipes for chaorset vary widely, but frequently may include apples, dates, honey, figs, and other sweet fruits and red juice. Typical Ashkenazi foods include chicken soup with matzo balls, gefilte fish, matzo kugel, and brisket. Of course, everyone eats matzo. Sephardi seder language is generally either bilingual

RABBI JEFFREY SCHESNOL

Hebrew and the local language or Ladino with a combination thereof. Sephardim ask the Four Questions in a slightly different order, starting with the question about dipping twice. Customs like flagellation using celery, chives, scallions, or leeks are used to simulate the Egyptian taskmasters beating the slaves. Moroccan and Tunisian Sephardim hold the seder plate over their head or pass it over the head of those at the seder table, symbolizes slaves carrying burdens on their heads. Some families cover the seder plate with fine embroidery and place it on the head of a child present for all to see. Sephardim in Turkey and the Balkans will not look at the juice spilled symbolizing the ten plagues, while Greek Sephardim pour vinegar into a basin as the ten plagues are recited. Sephardim do not hide the afikomen (hidden dessert) or have a Cup of Elijah. They do take some seder foods from the table to use as good omens for an entire year. In some communities they save a piece of the middle matzah to use as an ornament or carry it on their person to protect them from the “evil eye” and some dip their hand in the charoset to make an imprint of a hamsa hand (good luck symbol) on paper to hang on their door as protection against evil spirits. Today, many American Jews are experimenting with Sephardi or Mizrahi seder variations to spice up the traditional seder. I particularly enjoy the Sephardi charoset. It even makes a good dessert.

Or Adam Congregation for Humanistic Judaism & Arizona Jewish Historical Society

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 49

JORDAN URNOVITZ

PASSOVER

Matzo & Za’atar Chicken Schnitzel with Sunchoke Puree and Horseradish Chermoula Giving the traditional flavors of Passover a modernized twist that any home cook can make! By Jordan Urnovitz

ith Passover quickly approaching, I was tasked by Oregona Jewish Life magazine to develop and share a dish that could be made by the home cook during the Passover holiday. I wanted to come up with something that would look fancy shmancy and impress your guests during the holiday, but also something that was very representative of the available ingredients that surround the Passover tradition. Roasted chicken or brisket is common, and almost every Jewish household has their staple recipe for both, and if you ask any Bubbie or Zaide, they’d tell you not to meddle with their classics. So, I looked at the seder plate and wanted to incorporate what most people knew about the foods of the holiday, even those not familiar with Jewish traditions. I’m not making a dish for Jewish people, I’m making a dish for everyone that wants a taste of Passover. A must is the matzo, followed by horseradish and other bitter herbs. I also wanted to keep with the kosher laws of not mixing meat and dairy. This isn’t a dish you need to serve at your seder, but it is a dish you should definitely make during the days that follow. 50 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

The issue with Passover dishes are that they can sometimes become boring or monotonous. I wanted to provide a modern take on an easy to make dish, with a Passover spin. So here’s a dish with a little bit of a wow factor, with only a little elbow grease to produce. Enjoy! EQUIPMENT Food Processor mallet plastic wrap deep frying pan INGREDIENTS HORSERADISH CHERMOULA 1.5 cups chopped cilantro 1 cup flat leaf parsley 4 cloves garlic 2 tsp cumin 1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp coriander 1/4 tsp cayenne 1/2 lemon, juiced 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp horseradish root, freshly grated you can substitute 2 tbsp of prepared horseradish from a jar, but I promise you the freshly grated one makes a difference if you can find it

INSTRUCTIONS HORSERADISH CHERMOULA Combine all the ingredients listed above EXCEPT the horseradish, in a food processor, and process until somewhat smooth, but don’t overprocess. Transfer mixture to a bowl and mix in by spoon the freshly grated horseradish. SUNCHOKE PUREE Add sunchoke pieces to a large pot of water, bring to a boil, and allow them to sit in the boiling water for 20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a food processor. Blitz until somewhat smooth and then add the milk, slowly, making sure to not make the puree too thin. Add salt and pepper to taste.

SUNCHOKE PUREE (PARVE) 1 pound sunchokes scrubbed, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 1/4 cup soy milk or any other non-dairy milk, to keep the recipe from being meat and dairy. Salt to taste Black pepper to taste MATZO AND ZA'ATAR CHICKEN SCHNITZEL 4 chicken breasts 1 cup potato starch SUNCHOKES 1.5 cup matzo meal 3 large eggs 3 tbsp za'atar 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp coriander 1 tsp salt plus more to coat chicken 1 tsp black pepper plus more to coat chicken Vegetable oil for frying

MATZO AND ZA'ATAR CHICKEN SCHNITZEL Laydown a 2-foot long strip of plastic wrap on your kitchen countertop. Place chicken breasts on the plastic, leaving a 2-inch space between each breast. Cover the breasts with another strip of plastic wrap, so the meat is sandwiched between two layers of plastic wrap. Use a mallet to pound the breasts until they are a little less than 1/4 inch thick but be careful not to rip the chicken. Season breasts with salt and pepper. Setup three wide, shallow bowls and a large plate on your countertop. In your first bowl, place the potato starch. In your second bowl, beat the eggs. In your third bowl, stir together the matzo meal, za’taar, paprika, coriander and 1 tsp salt and pepper until well mixed. Leave an empty plate nearby where you will place your coated chicken breasts. Pour oil into a skillet until it’s deep enough for frying (about 1 inch). Heat the oil slowly over medium until it reaches 375 degrees. While oil is heating, dip each breast one by one into your breading bowls, coating them on both sides with each ingredient. Starting with potato starch, then the egg and then the seasoned matzo meal. When the oil is hot, fry the coated breasts 2 at a time until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. After frying, set the schnitzels on a wire rack or a paper towel to drain off excess oil. Sprinkle the schnitzels with additional salt to taste. To assemble as seen in the picture, place a large dollop of sunchoke puree towards the center/edge of the plate, and on top of that place a schnitzel. Top the schnitzel with the horseradish chermoula and add some of your favorite roasted veggies (I opted for sweet carrots).

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 51

Beauty

Helps to Overcome the Trauma of Destruction ACTIVELY SENIOR

By Jenn Director Knudsen Communications Manager, JFCS

defining event, the Holocaust does not define four Holocaust Survivor Services clients who first and foremost are artists. Boris Uan-Zo-li has a painting genre named after him. Sidonie Caron created

Snowy Village

Orange Fish 52 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

a piece that hangs in the Empire State Building in New York City. Georgette Hancock believes her colorful images are inspired by G-d. And Rosalyn Kliot says, “I don’t remember a time when I was not passionate about art.”

ROSALYN KLIOT A child survivor of the Holocaust who was born in occupied Poland before the end of WWII, Rosalyn, 77, says her mother noticed her scratching out images on the ground as young as 2 years of age. Her mother gave her crayons and paper. “It’s been an integral part of my being all my life,” says Rosalyn, a retired vocational rehabilitation counselor and expert witness who holds a bachelor’s in art and a master’s. Rosalyn was just an infant when the war ended and has no memory of the horrors of war. “By the time I was 2, I’d lived in three countries, on two continents, and spoke fragments of three languages,” she says of being taken from Lodz, Poland, to Germany before landing in Boston Harbor on her second birthday in April 1947. Even when working full-time, Rosalyn turned to her canvases and bright paints. “There’s nothing dark about my art; my pieces come out light and bright,” she says, noting maybe her self-described “joyful” pieces are a subconscious reaction against the Holocaust. That attitude works for her now, too, during the ongoing pandemic, which has been a time of great productivity and creativity. “I’m tapping into my optimistic attitude of how lovely the world is, pandemic or not.” See more of Rosalyn Kliot’s artwork here.

GEORGETTE HANCOCK Also energized by art is Georgette Hancock, originally from Hungary and who made Oregon home 25 years ago after having lived in New Hampshire, New York, and Florida. “I am 85 going on 30,” she says, crediting her art as both physical and spiritual sustenance. “Art inspires me to see the bright side of life. We were not born to be miserable,” she says, obliquely referencing the Holocaust and its Nazi perpetrators. “I’m not a victim. If I’m sad because of them, then they win. People are basically good.” Georgette survived WWII as a child in hiding and then as a resident of the Budapest Ghetto only to escape her city with a baby in tow during Hungary’s 1956 revolution. A mother of three, Georgette came to art later in life. A colleague at a women’s shelter in Ft. Meyer, Fla., brought her paints. “I never painted in my life, but I liked their smell. … Suddenly I just created something so profound, so from then on, I started to paint.” Her profound images originated in the Biblical story of Noah, his Ark and his family; she employed a rainbow of acrylic paint, plaster, beads, and stones. “The Holocaust was so tortuous for me,” she says. Art and G-d are her antidotes to crushing sadness. Georgette says her love of and talent for painting represented “the first time G-d gave me a chance.” For a long time, Georgette made original greeting cards. She got great joy from making them and knew their recipients received happiness in equal measure. “I put positivity into the universe with my cards,” she says. She still paints today, putting bright colors that bleed into one another on canvases that have been in art shows. See more of Georgette’s artwork here.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 53

Where Can We Go?

Rainbow Weather, Loch Hourn

SIDONIE CARON Fine artist Sidonie Caron, 89, holds an opposite view of the pandemic. “Covid has been a real bummer,” she says. “The venues to show art have been drastically curtailed and when one is in my age group and hampered by the lack of up-to-date computer skills, finding venues becomes even more difficult.” An artist her entire life, Sidonie currently is working on a commission in addition to the bold landscapes, cityscapes, portraits, Judaica and more that she creates in her studio nearly every day. “It’s been a career that I’ve enjoyed without the pressure of being very well known; I’m pretty modest about my accomplishments and where I stand in the art world,” she says, making no reference to her seven-page C.V. that includes titles of very colorful paintings that have hung all over Oregon and the Northwest, as well as New York, Boston, St. Louis, in her native Germany, and even in an episode of the TV series “Grimm.” At the very start of WWII, Sidonie’s “very Prussian,” fervently Zionist father spirited his young family out of Berlin, Germany, to Holland and, eventually, to Britain, where Sidonie lived until age 15. “I was terribly rebellious,” perhaps the mark of an artist, a free spirit, she says, and so her parents deftly handed her off to an aunt and uncle based in New York City, where her education emphasized formal art training. There, her recognition as an artist began followed by her return to London, where she attended St. Martins School of Art and the Central School of Arts and Crafts. “I used to say, my emphasis was experimentation,” in techniques, medium and subject matter. Missing from her trove of works are themes or images reminiscent of WWII. “One did not talk about the war or the camps, and there was no guidance to do so,” Sidonie says of her formative years in an Orthodox home and community in England. Americans since 1969, Sidonie and her English husband, Gordon, have three children who live in Portland and in Israel. Their three great-grandsons live in Israel. High-energy her entire life – she used to run 10 miles a day – Sidonie is frustrated she hasn’t the stamina she used to. Always hungry during the war – she ate wild carrots to and from school – today “her butterfly mind” remains hungry still, for her art, for the creative process. “If I no longer want to do art anymore, that means I’m old.” See more of Sidonie’s artwork here.

54 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

A Man with a Cat View with Ships

BORIS UAN-ZO-LI Boris Uan-Zo-li produced patents publicly and art after sundown. Moscow born – by way of a grandfather originally from Shandong, China – Boris, 83, studied engineering at a university in the Former Soviet Union and ultimately authored 165 patents in electronics for the aerospace industry, explains his son, Alex Uan-Zo-li, who often speaks on behalf of his monolingual Russian father. Boris pursued a master’s in book illustration, eventually morphing his style into Uan-Zo-lism whose bold images and use of primary colors draw from past masters and whose exactitude comes from his engineering background. While his art was appreciated in Russia – Boris mounted a number of exhibits in the USSR – Judaism most certainly wasn’t. His father had been arrested and sent to a Soviet forced-labor camp, relatives had burial monuments desecrated, and they – Boris, too – lived in

fear. “If you were a Jew you had to be blind not to know antisemitism,” Alex says. In 1996, Alex had the opportunity to study for his Ph.D. at Virginia Tech, also in power engineering, and in 2010 he brought his parents here as Jewish refugees. Boris’ eye-catching paintings hang in private collections in Germany, Switzerland, France, this country and also in his own house that doubles as a gallery with more than 300 pieces. Each of his pieces includes a distinctive hatch mark. That, Alex explains, is Chinese for the original name of Boris’ grandfather. It should have been “Wang” in English but was misspelled during the man’s early 1900s journey from China and Japan, eventually to Moscow. A spelling error rendered Boris’ name as unique as his heritage and vast body of work. See more of Boris’ artwork here. OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 55

Magen David Adom’s ISRAEL

Ukrainian Refugee Assistance Center helps locate missing relatives.

MDA paramedics in Poland.

ince World War II, Magen David Adom, Israel’s national paramedic and Red Cross service, has operated a tracing unit for locating displaced relatives and renewing family ties. On Monday, March 7, MDA opened a hotline to assist Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Israel. An estimated 3,000 are already there. Russian- and Ukrainian- speaking volunteers are providing assistance regarding medical needs, and navigation and coordination among the various service and governmental agencies. But they are also receiving requests to find lost relatives. In the first 24 hours of operation, more than 100 inquiries were made, many seeking MDA’s assistance in locating missing family members. It is not clear if 56 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE

those relatives are still in Ukraine or have fled to Israel or another country in Europe, or even if they are alive, dead, or injured. MDA is working with the Ukrainian Red Cross and its counterparts in Europe to locate the relatives. “We are working vigorously to ease the trauma experienced by these people who have been torn from their homes and families,” said Eli Bin, MDA’s directorgeneral. “We hope to reunite them with loved ones and provide them with some comfort and closure. AFMDA has launched a Ukraine Emergency Appeal to supporting EMTs and paramedics working near the conflict, lifesaving supplies, equipment, vehicles, and services for Ukrainians seeking temporary or permanent refuge in Israel: afmda.org/donate-ukraine

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Presents

‘2022 Western Region Hybrid Event’ Annual Program Occurs In-Person And Online on March 30

J LIVING

t this historic time for reflection and action – members of the Western Region community who support the efforts of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will come together in a limited capacity in-person event, featuring Northwestern University professor Peter Hayes, or attend via live stream on March 30 at 6 p.m. P.T. Eighty years after mass killing began during the Holocaust, antisemitism and misuse of this history are on the rise— from violent attacks that make headline news to physical, verbal and online assaults that often go unreported. These events, part of a larger climate of hatred, compel us to share Holocaust history and convey its continued relevance. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact much of how the Museum does its work, but not why it is done. Representing the Western Region Tribute Committee, co-chairs Amy and Andrew Cohn, of Phoenix, and Amanda Moose and Edward Lazarus, of Santa Barbara, Calif., will join Museum supporters from 10 western states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico,

Oregon, Utah and Washington) to renew their pledges at the hybrid event to ensure that the critical lessons of the Holocaust – lessons about the fragility of societies, the nature of hate and the consequences of indifference – help inspire leaders and citizens to act on these critical lessons. The annual “What You Do Matters” Western Region Tribute Event — normally held in Los Angeles and historically attracts up to 1,000 guests in-person, including many Holocaust survivors — will this year feature a special presentation that will tell the story of the destruction of Jewish life in Poland and intertwine three individual accounts of resilience, hope and determination.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2022 57

AS SEEN ON

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills VOTED THE

BIZBASH

Top 100 Entertainers of 2021! ENTERTAINER FOR

CHRISTINE CHUI

‘Bling Empire’ AS SEEN ON

Sweety High

FOR YOUR NEXT PART Y OR EVENTS

From Your Lips! UNSEAL YOUR KISS

We provide guidance for the questions and challenges you face with uplifting readings and impeccable predictions. besos@officiallipstickreader.com 877.605.6389 INTERACTIVE & ENTERTAINING INTERPRETATIONS • CUSTOMIZED KISSING BOOTH

Oregon Jewish Life MARCH/April 2022 issue

Articles inside

Beauty Helps to overcome trauma

Passover similarities and differences

MDA helping Ukranian refugees

Celebrity Chef Jordan Urnovitz Creates a Passover dish for our readers

‘2022 Western Region Hybrid Event’

The evolution and inspiration of OK Little Bird

Steve Solomon’s State of the Art

The Oregon Symphony’s spectacular 12th season

Justin Zellinger and Mike impacting one student at a time

First time at camp?

Ten Top things you never knew about camp

Biz Ins & Outs

OJCF’s David Forman is a man on a mission

Happy Camper gift guide

Ran Knishinsky’s new book-Healing With Clay