Oregon Jewish Life September 2016 Vol.5/Issue 6

SEPTEMBER 2016

WANDER NO MORE

HIGH HOLIDAYS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

UNITED

BY MUSIC

Tikkun Olam Through Song

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 1

!

You care - you can make an amazing difference in the world, and now is the time. It’s our New Year, a time of reflection, the right moment for each of us to do something amazing.

SHANAH TOVAH - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

®

2 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

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Wander No More

O r e g o n J ewi s h Li fe • S e pt e m b e r 201 6 • Av- E l u l 57 76 • Vo l u m e 5/I s s u e 6

14

FEATURES

HIGH HOLIDAYS

COVER STORY UBMNA: Healing the world with song

24

JEWS WITH ATTITUDE 10

Picking a fight with Parkinson’s

BUSINESS 12

Ins & Outs

24

FOOD Chef’s Corner: Holiday-inspired foods NW Nosh: Feast Portland

44 46

YOUNG ADULTS Giving Circle unites young professionals Moishe House’s new residents and event leaders Portland native named to Chicago LIst Portland Jewish Passport Launches

32

48 50 50 51

SENIORS Affordable Housing with Services Walks to End Alzheimer’s get personal

52 54

HOME & GARDEN 56 59

From suburbia to urban condo Plant bulbs for colorful spring

ISRAEL Kids with special needs soar with Krembo Wings

34

60

ADVICE This election is important

70

14 16 17 18 20 22

Reconnect with the Earth Holiday musings in the great outdoors Pre-Yom Kippur mikvah Spiritual checkup Revisit estate plan for New Year Holiday services for the unaffiliated

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 30 32 34 38 40 42

Jewish Museum’s new home A century of Alpenrose on canvas Keeping music live and alive Eugene’s harmonious harpist Celebration of Art Entertainment Spotlight

JKIDS & TEENS TOO Kids and Teens Calendar BB Camp and BBYO unite OJCYF celebrates b’nai mItzvah Camp Solomon Schechter breaks ground Solomon Schechter hosts Sephardic Camp Rosh Hashanah activity sheet

61 61 63 64 64 70

JLIVING Hillel International CEO heads to Portland TASK’s heart & soul retires Mikvah transitions Portland mikvah history Previews of things to come FACES Calendar

66 67 68 69 71 72 74

COLUMNS 44 46 70

Chef’s Corner by Lisa Glickman NW Nosh by Kerry Politzer Ask Helen SEPTEMBER 2016

ON THE COVER • Original Artwork By Kara Yoder

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4 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

Kara is an independent graphic designer, illustrator and artist.

Her unique and imaginative style is built through a mix of photo collage and digital painting. She creates surreal pieces that delight the viewer while reflecting on the human condition. karayoder.com | karayoderdesigns@gmail.com

WANDER NO MORE

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 5

Wander No More

O r e g o n J ewi s h Li fe • Av- E l u l S7 76

PUBLISHERS

H OW TO R E AC H U S

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A Prince Hal Production ( TGMR18) 2016-2017 MediaPort LLC All rights reserved The content and opinions in Oregon Jewish Life do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers, staff or contractors. Articles and columns are for informational purposes only and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, Oregon Jewish Life, and its agents, publishers, employees and contractors will not be held responsible for the misuse of any information contained herein. The publishers reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

Publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement of products or services.

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Questions? Contact Peg Elefant, Pacific Northwest Region President: pelefant@hadassah.org See application for terms and conditions. Land package only; Missions to Israel only.

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OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 7

Wander No More

A New Year...New Beginings, and a chance to get it right As the High Holidays approach, it is natural to take stock of the past year. We walk through the rooms of our lives, looking at the cracks in the walls, the uneven foundation, the facade that has been chipped away.

While many may look back over the past year with regret and Robert Philip

remorse for mistakes made, it is just as important to look back in gratitude. We must be thankful for the small things that went right and remember those who were kind to us – even if we were not kind in return. As we focus on the coming year, and all of the possibilities, we can learn from past mistakes and create a better path.

In Judaism, we start the New Year with a clean slate. Everyone is on an equal playing field. We can lay the groundwork today for the coming year rather than live another year of regret. We can create a year of happiness, gratitude and meaning for ourselves and others.

Cindy Saltzman

We wish you and your loved ones a healthy and happy New Year, and the chance to “get it right.”

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allofthe joys of theNew Passover holiday!

Wishing Wishing you all theyou joys a Happy Year!

From all of us at Rosenbaum Financial From all of us at Rosenbaum Financial

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OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 9

Jews with Attitude

Dr. Richard Rosenbaum picks a fight with Parkinson’s

wants doctors to be prepared.)

Other people on the local During a casual conversation committee are talking to TSA, cab with his father in 1993, Portland drivers, bellhops and police about neurologist Dr. Richard how to interact with people with Rosenbaum suddenly asked, Parkinson’s.

“Dad, how long have you had “People with Parkinson’s have Parkinson’s?” a wide variety of needs,” says “What?” replied Dr. Edward Richard. “Ask what they need and Rosenbaum, z”l, then 78. He went listen. Some don’t need any help, on to live with the disease for 16 some need an arm to lean on or a years, dying in 2009 at the age of push in their wheelchair.”

94.

Some of the information “He was a physician,” says he is relaying to the Portland Richard. “I couldn’t believe he had community may be similar to the it and didn’t know.” guidance he provided in his 2006 Parkinson’s disease – a motor book, Understanding Parkinson's system disorder often characterized Disease: A Personal and Professional by tremors, slowness, rigidity and View, which helps those with impaired balance – is a progressive the disease and their families, disease whose early symptoms are friends and caregivers understand subtle and can come on gradually. the disease and its progression, “Sometimes it is hard to diagnose treatment options, variations in and sometimes it is clear at a prognosis and research that he glance,” says Richard. Watching his hopes will ultimately halt the father that day, it was apparent to progression of the disease. him that his dad had Parkinson’s.

The book is also a personal A board-certified neurologist reflection on his father’s experience.

Dr. Richard Rosenbaum practicing at The Oregon Richard was perhaps inspired Clinic and a clinical professor to write the book by his father’s of neurology at Oregon Health experience as the author of A Taste Sciences University, he has focused of My Own Medicine: When the much of his practice and teaching on Doctor Is the Patient. The success of Parkinson’s since his father's diagnosis. his autobiographical book, renamed “I was not his doctor, but reading, The Doctor, and the 1991 movie of teaching and writing about Parkinson’s the same name starring William with his help increased my commitment Hurt made Dr. Edward Rosenbaum to people with Parkinson’s disease,” he a sought after speaker at medical –Richard Rosenbaum says, adding he also accepted a post schools and conventions. The book on the board of Parkinson’s Resources chronicles his battle with throat of Oregon, the local patient support cancer and his experience with organization. the medical profession from the patient side of the fence. His Currently he is working to make Portland “Parkinson’s speeches focused on how doctors should treat patients and on ready” for the arrival of some 3,500 to 4,000 people, many with his delayed diagnosis.

Parkinson’s, for the Fourth World Parkinson Congress later this The latter was an ironic subject for him to be sharing with month (see box). He has talked with doctors and ER staff at medical students on his speaking tour, says his son. “We have hospitals and medical facilities nearest the convention center to a tape of him giving a talk in 1992, a year before my abrupt prepare them for potential emergency medical needs of people question, and his hands were clearly trembling. He was talking with Parkinson’s. (He hopes no one needs emergency care, but to students about why the diagnosis of his throat cancer was

By Deborah Moon

“Sometimes it is hard to diagnose and sometimes it is clear at a glance.”

10 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

Dr. Edward Rosenbaum (center) with his sons on his 70th birthday in 1985. All of the brothers are at equal risk to inherit Parkinson’s disease. From left are Howard (MD, psychiatrist), Richard (MD, Neurologist), Edward, James (MD, chief of ophthalmology at Legacy Devers Eye Clinic) and Ken (attorney in Virginia).

delayed, and another diagnosis was there in front of everybody’s eyes and no one noticed it.”

About a decade later, Richard’s Uncle William was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He will turn 100 shortly before the start of the WPC in Portland this month.

While it has long been known that Parkinson’s tends to run in families, in recent years specific genes have been tied to increased risk of developing the disease. Two such genes, one of which causes Gaucher’s disease if a person inherits the mutated gene from both parents, are more common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. The second gene, LRRK2, is common in the Basque population of Spain and the Berber population of North Africa. The percentage of those with the gene who will ultimately get Parkinson’s is still not certain. Additionally, Richard says that genetic testing is not recommended since there is no known way to prevent Parkinson’s. It helps to get plenty of exercise, eat well and live healthy, “which we all should be doing anyway.”

But for those who have developed Parkinson’s, Richard says the upcoming conference offers a wealth of information to help people cope with the disease.

“I believe the more informed people are, the more likely somebody can deal with it,” he says.

The conference offers a variety of sessions; the conference program notes which sessions are scientifically rigorous.

“All are welcome together at all sessions,” says Richard.

“I asked WPC Executive Director Eli Pollard, ‘What is the effect of having people with Parkinson’s in the same sessions as researchers?’ She told me that researchers say people with Parkinson’s inspire them with new ways to do research; it is a

helpful interaction.”

While researchers gain ideas, people with Parkinson’s can learn about new medicines they can ask their doctor about and new forms of exercise and nutrition that are proving helpful.

Richard believes that research will find a way to halt the progression of the disease. A way to stop the progression would mean early screening would be imperative, he says. For instance, many people lose their sense of smell a decade before Parkinson’s tremors and slowness develop. Someday genetic screening might be recommended.

“If we can stop the progression, we could take people on the verge of developing (the disease) and treat them before they are affected,” says Richard.

“It is an illness we are going to solve early in this century,” he says.

Fourth World Parkinson Congress

WHEN: Sept. 20-23 WHERE: Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland WHO: Everyone who is touched by Parkinson’s – whether a patient, researcher, family member, clinician, nurse or rehab specialist – is welcome.

INFORMATION: wpc2016.org

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 11

PRBI’s 10th annual meeting will be held in June 2017 in Berlin, Germany.

503-708-0402 | lee@weinsteinpr.com

NEW FISCAL YEAR’S OJCF BOARD CHANGES FOR FISCAL YEAR RHONDA KRUSCHEN NAMED DIRECTOR OF PDX HILLEL

On Aug. 1 Rhonda Kruschen became the new director of Greater Portland Hillel, serving Portland State University, Lewis & Clark College and Reed College. In this role, she will be partnering with the board of directors, students on Portland college campuses and the larger Jewish community to fulfill Hillel's mission of enriching the lives of Jewish students – at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She brings her contagious, warm energy and sense of humor in her toolkit.

Hailing from Los Angeles and a graduate of Pitzer College, Rhonda is passionate about building Jewish community. She has nurtured a strong connection to Israel through NFTY programs in her youth and a study abroad program at the University of Haifa. She spent the last few years fundraising for a major Jewish assisted-living community, and managing and leading hundreds of young professionals in event execution and community involvement. Most recently, Rhonda consulted with executive female leaders at the Fortune 500 level on their own professional growth. She is participating in the pilot cohort of PDX Pathways, a professional development and mentoring program through the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland.

Greater Portland Hillel President Josh Frankel says, "We are thrilled to introduce Rhonda to our community and hope you can meet her in person on Sept. 7, when we, along with UO Hillel, host the president and CEO of Hillel International, Eric Fingerhut, at the Multnomah Athletic Club for a discussion about the current state of college campuses across the country and how we can together sustain a warm and safe environment for Jewish students."

818-292-5004 | Rhonda@pdxhillel.org | pdxhillel.org

LEE WEINSTEIN NEW PRESIDENT OF PR BOUTIQUES INTERNATIONAL

Lee Weinstein of Weinstein PR in Portland has been elected president of PR Boutiques International, a global network of 38 boutique PR firms in 12 countries, for 2016-17.

“PR Boutiques International provides great learning (experiences) for owner-operated boutique PR firms,” says Weinstein, a 15-year Nike veteran and eight-year boutique PR agency owner. “We are a growing, exciting organization, having added three new members – from Southern California and Tokyo – in just the first half of 2016. This past year, we’ve also added a monthly members ‘jam’ session to share best practices and ideas, and for members to ask questions to improve their businesses.”

Weinstein is a highly experienced public relations and public affairs professional, having directed communications at NIKE, Inc., worked for a United States congressman and Oregon governor, founded an Oregon-based boutique PR agency, and served on numerous nonprofit and governmental boards of directors. He is a member of the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, where he learned members of the Weinstein family were involved in establishing two Portland congregations.

PRBI held its ninth annual meeting of members in San Francisco in May, focusing on “Delivering Value in 2016 and Beyond.” PRBI is an international network of boutique public relations firms, with members headquartered in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The principals of member firms are experienced practitioners who have held senior positions in large PR agencies and/ or corporations and now put service first and work directly with clients.

12 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation is pleased to announce several changes to its board of trustees with the start of the new fiscal year. As of July 1, 2016, Steve Laveson has assumed the role as president-elect. Laveson is a longtime OJCF board trustee who has served as vice president and chair of the OJCF Investment Committee.

He is a portfolio manager/analyst with Becker Capital Management.

Richard Glassman has taken on the role of treasurer from Roy Abramowitz, who remains on the board as a trustee at large. Glassman is a relationship manager at The Commerce Bank of Oregon.

Andrew Rosengarten, executive vice president at Jones Lang LaSalle, has become a trustee at large. Previously, Rosengarten served as Cedar Sinai Park’s representative on the foundation’s board, a seat now filled

by CSP board President Liz Rabiner Lippoff. Lippoff frequently writes articles for Oregon Jewish Life.

Jim Meyer, past president and longtime trustee, has finished his term of service on the board.

503-245-9328 | ojcf.org

MJCC NAMES SAUL KORIN DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Saul Korin, MBA, is the new development manager for the Mittleman Jewish Community Center and Portland Jewish Academy.

Prior to relocating to Portland, Saul served as the manager of The Guardians of the Los Angeles Jewish Home, a support group that raises $750,000 annually for the residents of the Jewish Home.

A graduate of the nonprofit management MBA program at The American Jewish University, Saul worked for 15 years in the Los Angeles Jewish community with many organizations such as the Jewish Free Loan Association, Jewish Communal Professionals of Southern California, Los Angeles Hillel Council and the American Jewish University. Saul is also the founding DJ of IKAR Spiritual Community in Los Angeles.

He is a father of three daughters and is married to Dr. Tatum Langford Korin, assistant dean for educational research and innovation at Oregon Health Sciences University. Born and raised outside Philadelphia, he is now rooting for the Trailblazers but maintaining affiliations with the Eagles, Flyers and Phillies. oregonjcc.org | pjaproud.org | 503-452-3427

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL WELCOMES STAFF

Leslie Zimmer has joined CBI as its new clergy assistant. Originally from the Midwest (Ohio and Chicago), she spent 13 years in Los Angeles before moving to Portland last September. Leslie worked at Anshe Emet Synagogue in Chicago, as well as Temple Judea and Kehillat Israel in Los Angeles.

In her spare time, Leslie has run large singles groups in Chicago and Los Angeles, as well as having run fan conventions for thousands of people from all over the world. She has also run Dayton BBYO alumni reunions and has volunteered for many charitable organizations. especially those that help children.

Leslie is excited to work for CBI’s dynamic clergy and looks forward to meeting her new congregation and helping out when needed.

Sarah Reiter is thrilled to be joining the CBI team as the new education administrator. Some of you may already know Sara from her time as a third-grade religious school teacher at CBI last year. Sarah is a University of Oregon alum who recently returned to Oregon after two years of living in Washington, D.C. Having worked as a religious school teacher and at Jewish summer camps for the past eight years, she is honored to be able to continue her personal and professional Jewish journey in the Congregation Beth Israel community.

503-222-1069 | bethisrael-pdx.org

NATIONAL PAWNBROKERS ASSOCIATION HONORS EARL OLLER, Z”L

The National Pawnbrokers Association awarded its highest honor, the Charles R. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award, to Earl Oller, z”l. Earl, who passed away on March 9, 2016, was one of the key contributors to the growth of Oregon’s pawn industry and remained a strong advocate for pawnbrokers in his state and the nation for over 40 years. His son, Josh Oller of Silver Lining Jewelry & Loan, accepted the award on his father’s behalf at the NPA Annual Awards Luncheon at The Mirage Events Center in Las Vegas, NV.

MICHAEL ALLEN HARRISON BUYS PIONEER CHAPEL

Portland pianist and composer Michael Allen Harrison is the new owner of the Pioneer Chapel in Canby. It will serve as a venue for concerts, weddings, receptions and other special events. He moved his new Bosendorfer Concert Grand to the chapel and plans to record and perform there year round.“The concert hall acoustics are incredible and provide the perfect venue for live performances and world class recordings,” says Michael. The historic chapel, built in 1884, is 30 minutes south of Portland at 508 NW Third Ave. in Canby.

Michael is well known for his annual “Ten Grands” concert, a fundraiser for his Snowman Foundation to promote music education. He also collaborated with Rabbi Alan Berg on two musical theater creations, “Crossing Over: A Musical Passover Story” and “Soul Harmony.”

Upcoming concerts include: Michael Allen Harrison Piano Solo on Sept.

24, and Oct. 1, 14 and 29; and Michael Allen Harrison & Aaron Meyer Concert Series Sept. 16, Oct. 23 and Nov. 12.

503-412-9339 | mah@teleport.com | pioneerchapel.net

MJCC AND PJA ANNOUNCE NEW OFFICERS, BOARD

“As a family, we are of course very proud,” says Dale Oller, Earl’s wife.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who, through their outstanding leadership and efforts, have gone above and beyond to make a significant and lasting impact on the pawn industry over the course of their careers.

Earl founded the Oregon Pawnbrokers Association in 1986 and served a near continuous term as president until 2014. He was a fierce advocate for pawnbrokers in Oregon, where he was a member of multiple task forces, partnering with the Oregon Department of Public Safety and the Portland Police Bureau.

He served the National Pawnbrokers Association for nearly a decade and helped mentor the next generation of leaders in the industry.

In the 1980s, Earl spearheaded a 15-year, statewide effort to eliminate unlicensed pawn stores in Oregon, helping to convert them to licensed and regulated businesses. He was a regular attendee of legislative sessions in Washington, D.C., and helped educate state legislators, law enforcement and local officials.

ABBIE WEISENBLOOM TO ADD STREAMING CONCERTS

Since 2009, flautist Abbie Weisenbloom has curated one of the more eclectic concert series in town. The performances, which take place in her home, feature music all over the world. “You can think of it as traveling while never leaving your living room,” she explains. Over the years, she has hosted more than 300 shows. Weisenbloom, whose husband, Harold, is Jewish, has a particular fondness for klezmer music. She is drawn to what she terms “the rich, inspiring cultural heritage of the Jewish people.”

In addition to klezmer, Weisenbloom is a fan of Brazilian, Quebecois, swing and soul genres. Some of the renowned artists she has hosted include klezmer clarinetist Andy Statman and Brazilian-influenced jazz saxophonist/clarinetist Anat Cohen.

Currently, Weisenbloom is running a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for online streaming so that the world beyond her room’s 40 seats may enjoy her series. The campaign continues through Sept. 19; a link is available on her website.

503-233-4945 | abbiew@froggie.com | froggie.com

Jonathan Glass and Andrea Sanchez are new co-presidents of the Mittleman Jewish Community Center and Portland Jewish Academy boards. Previously board Treasurer, Glass is vice president and CFO of Council Tree Investors, a private equity firm. Sanchez works at Human Solutions, where she is responsible for management and oversight of its housing department.

Gayle Romain continues as board secretary.

Five new members have joined the two boards: Steve Klein is an attorney with the law firm of Stoel Rives; Erik Richmond is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon; Stan Rosenfeld has served on numerous boards including Cedar Sinai Park, Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and Congregation Shaarie Torah; Carrie Wynkoop is the founder and owner of Cellar 503, an online Oregon wine club, and Mandate Media, a digital strategy and political consulting firm; and Jonathan Singer is a real estate attorney at Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, where he represents businesses, property owners, and lenders on a range of transactions. oregonjcc.org • pjaproud.org

Shana Tova!

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year.

weinsteinpr.com OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 13

Reconnect Earth with

to celebrate High Holy Days

By Rich Geller

high holidays Inside

14 Agrarian roots of High Holy Days 16 Outdoor musings on world’s woes 17 Pre-holiday immersion 18 Spiritual checkup 20 Financial checkup 22 Where to pray

14 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

The signs of fall are everywhere. The leaves are turning vibrant shades of red and gold, the scent of pumpkin lattes wafts gently on the breeze and the crisp, cool nights grow long as the Pacific Northwest prepares for winter. Even for urban dwellers, the Earth and its seasons help to define time for us.

For the ancient Israelites this connection was woven deeply into the fabric of everyday life. The rhythm of the seasons was inextricably linked with religious observance while the Temple still stood in Jerusalem. Many of the holidays and festivals, including Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot, have roots in the agricultural cycles of ancient Israel.

It’s no coincidence that the cluster of autumnal Jewish holidays occurs in the Hebrew month of Tishrei, the start of the rainy season in Israel.

Long ago these holidays would culminate in a plea to G-d to send rain to the Earth. The seven-day festival of Sukkot was immediately followed by the holiday of Shemini Atzeret (which means eighth day of assembly in Hebrew), an ancient day of prayer for rain that is still observed by some.

In Oregon we tend to take rain for granted. Often it is just another thing to kvetch about. For our agrarian ancestors, however, rain was often the difference between life and death.

This year, the High Holiday season officially kicks off with the arrival of Rosh Hashanah at sundown on Sunday, Oct. 2, as we usher in the New Year of 5777. In our time, the most important days on the Jewish calendar are the Days of Awe – 10 days of introspection, reflection and soulsearching neatly bookended by the twin pillars of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In the Temple era what we call the High Holy Days were merely a prelude to the far more auspicious harvest festival of Sukkot, which was widely known as the Feast of the Ingathering, (Chag HaAsif ). In fact, some historians believe that during the time of the First Temple (957-586 BCE), Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur were not separate holidays at all but rather part of the Feast of the Ingathering.

Rosh Hashanah was considered the start or “head” of the new economic and agricultural year. The day was observed in the Temple by the high priests, who would make a burnt offering (animal sacrifice) to G-d.

Trumpets and shofars were blown and there was a cessation from work for the people. On Yom Kippur, the priests would make a sin offering to G-d on behalf of the entire house of Israel. A scapegoat was released into the wilderness bearing the symbolic sins of the community upon its head, thus freeing the people to embrace the coming year.

The main event for the Israelites, however, was the seven-day festival of Sukkot. One of three annual biblically ordained pilgrimage festivals, this ancient harvest celebration honors the “ingathering,” or the processing of the fruits of the harvest. Grapes are stomped and made into wine; wheat is taken to the thresher and other crops are made ready for storage and consumption. Sukkot is also known as the Feast of Booths because it

commemorates the 40 years that the Israelites wandered the desert in search of the promised land. Pilgrims from all over Israel would travel to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple, praise G-d and rejoice in the harvest. Sukkot was also believed to be the time of year when G-d would judge the world and decree how much rain would fall. Each morning during Sukkot the high priests would conduct a water-drawing ritual called the Water Libation (Nisuch Ha-Mayim). Water would be poured upon the Temple’s altar in a demonstration of faith that G-d would provide rain for the coming year. This ritual was an occasion of great joy for the people, who would watch with anticipation as the water was carried to the altar, accompanied by musicians and much merriment. The final day of Sukkot is known as Hoshana Rabba, when to this day, in an echo of ancient Temple ritual, Jews will beat the ground with willow branches and recite prayers for rain and a bountiful harvest.

Following Sukkot on Shemini Atzeret, the high priests would plead to G-d to send just the right amount of rain for the coming year. Not so little that crops would wither and die and not so much that the world would be drowned in torrential floods.

In modern times we have become disconnected from the land and from the Earth that sustained our ancestors.

Fortunately, in Oregon it is easy to become reacquainted with an old friend. There are many ways that we as 21st-century Jews can reconnect with our past with an eye toward the future.

Community-supported agriculture is a very Oregon way to support local farmers and food producers. Farmers offer shares of the expected harvest to subscribers, who receive periodic shares of produce along with eggs, dairy and other foods. Tuv Ha’aretz is a Jewish food box that partners with local farmers, wineries, breweries and bakeries to bring the fresh local and kosher food to you. For the High Holidays a special Rosh Hashanah box contains a round raisin challah from Portland’s

While you are enjoying your apples and honey on Rosh Hashanah, be sure to spare a thought for the bees that helped to make it all possible.

Challahman, local organic apples and honey. Tuv Ha’aretz is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while discovering the bounty that our wonderful state has to offer. Enhance your Shabbat table with locally grown and produced kosher wine from Pacifica winery and beer from Leikam, Oregon’s first and only certified kosher nanobrewery! Learn more at tuvhaaretzportland.com.

While you are enjoying your apples and honey on Rosh Hashanah, be sure to spare a thought for the bees that helped to make it all possible. The bees need our help. Currently, honeybees are threatened by colony collapse disorder, which kills millions of bees each year. Humans and other animals depend on bees to pollinate all sorts of crops, including apples. You can do your part to help save the bees by making a donation to Friends of the Earth to ensure that future

generations of Jews will have apples and honey to usher in all the sweet New Years to come. Check them out at foe.org.

Another great way to connect with the Earth is to pack up the whole tribe and go apple picking in the Columbia River Gorge. The Hood River Fruit Loop is a scenic 35-mile loop chock-full of farm stands, wineries and u-pick farms. Visit hoodriverfruitloop.com for more information. Those apples and honey will taste even sweeter when you’ve picked them yourself.

Sometimes it seems as if the entire time between Labor Day and Halloween is one nonstop yom tov ( Jewish holiday). We Jews have been ringing in the New Year with a month-long bash for over 3,000 years! Apparently our ancestors knew how to party.

The Jewish holidays, while biblically ordained, have evolved over time, with layers of depth and meaning added by the high priests and later the rabbis and laypeople. For our distant forebears, the “head” of the year was a time to rejoice in the harvest and pray for rain. It is written in the Talmud that during Sukkot when the Temple still stood, the high priests would sacrifice a total of 70 bulls, which represented the 70 known nation-states at the time. The plea to G-d was universal, on behalf of all humanity, on behalf of all the Earth. Rashi, the 11th-century rabbi and Talmudic scholar extraordinaire, said that the 70 sacrifices were made during Sukkot “to bring forgiveness for them so that rain shall fall all over the Earth.”

So when that Oregon rain starts to come down this fall, remember the generations who depended on that rain for their very lives.

La Shanah Tova.

Celebrating Jewish Life in Southwest Washington

L’shanah Tovah

‫לשנה טובה‬ Let us welcome you to all of our High Holy Day services bit.ly/highholydays5777

360-896-8088 • www.jewishvancouverusa.org 7800 NE 119th Street • Vancouver WA 98662 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 15

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Holiday musings

in the great outdoors

By Harriet Cooke

P’nai Or’s Shabbat in the Park was especially welcome this year.

Beit Haverim Beit Haverim invites you to join us for the High Our Religious School offers quality education for1111 children Countrypreschool Club Road Holy Days 5776. Community Services led by Lake Oswego, OR 97034 aged through teenagers. We also offer Hebrew classes, tutoring and 503-568-1241 Rabbi Alan Berg and Cantorial Soloist Ann Brown. preparation for B’Nai Mitzvot, and confirmation class. office@beithav.org www.beithav.org

Come see what we have to offer for you and your family!

Selichot Social Hour ............................. Saturday, Sept. 24 .......... 7 PM

Rosh Hashanah Erev Rosh JoinHashanah us for ................................... Sunday, Oct. 2 .......... 7 PM Children’s Religious Service School ........................................Monday, Oct. 3 ..........9 AM Morning OpenService* House.........................................Monday, Oct. 3 ...... 10 AM ..........................................................Monday, Oct. 3 ........ 1 PM Sunday,Tashlich Sept. 11, 2:30 pm George Rogers Park, 611 S. State St., Lake Oswego

talented, dedicated Cemetery Service .......................................... Sunday, Oct. 9 ....... 10 AM Oswego Pioneer Cemetery, 17401 Stafford Rd, Lake Oswego teachers, and other Jewish families, and Yom Kippur observe class in Kol Nidrea......................................................

Tuesday, Oct. 11 ......... 7 PM session to learnService about ..............................Wednesday, Oct. 12 ........ 9 AM Children’s our curriculum.

Morning Service*................................Wednesday, Oct. 12 ....... 10 AM

NOW ENROLLING FOR followed by Adult Study Session (2 pm), Afternoon Service (3 pm)

PHOTO BY CAMPBELLSALGADO.COM

Shabbat Shavuah Meet our Rabbi, our............................................. Friday, Oct. 7 .......... 7 PM

Visit www.beithav.org SCHOOL! ) Yizkor/Neilah (4:30 pm), and Potluck Break Fast (6 pmRELIGIOUS for schedule of family Sukkot Service .................................................Friday, Oct. 21 .......... 7 PM potlucks and services Beit Simchat Morning Service ............. Tuesday, Oct. 25 .......

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1111 Country Club Road Simchat Torah Family Service ....................Friday, Oct.Oswego, 28 .......... 7OR PM97034 Lake 503-568-1241, *Childcare available, reservations required. Email: office@beithav.org office@beithav.org Non-Member Reservations: 503-568-1241 or www.beithav.org www.beithav.org

16 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

The summer is winding down, the High Holy Days are on the horizon and our Jewish Renewal congregation, P’nai Or, is busy preparing for the holiest time of the year, while continuing to live the holiest every day of the year. We are taking stock, turning again in the ongoing spiral dance of t’shuvah. Evolving, growing and learning how to live in ways that will nourish each other and future generations, l’dor vador, from generation to generation.

I’ve needed our Shabbat in the Park more than ever this summer. The loving community, nature, song, dance, prayer, Torah and good food to share has kept me grounded in hope and possibility. After years immersing myself in the severity of climate change, broader environmental sustainability issues, and the global economic and political systems that have driven our unsustainable way of life, I need the natural world and I need Shabbat.

Solutions are out there – environmental regeneration, living within our finite resources, and a healthy and just economic system. Through permaculture, including replanting trees and building up organic matter in soil, some scientists believe we can reverse the atmospheric CO2 to levels that can sustain future generations. I’m part of a local group looking at economic foundations to support such endeavors. We’ve created the Portland Public Banking Alliance to help develop these new institutions to achieve our goals.

But the solutions require more than knowledge and new institutions. In his book, Torah and the Earth, Exploring 4000 years of Ecology in Jewish Thought, Rabbi Arthur Waskow and Tikvah Frymer-Kensky compare ancient Babylonian and Jewish writings on ecological sustainability. The Babylonians were faced with many of the same concerns we are faced with today on a global scale, problems rooted in population and resource pressures – biological and material issues. The early Israelites declared the problems were rooted in the realm of ethics, undirected and lawless human activity that pollutes the land physically, politically and spiritually. Deuteronomy 11 states explicitly, if you do good, “G-d” will bring the rains in their season, there will be abundance and you will live long on the land. But if you live unethically, “G-d” will intervene and the skies will dry up and the land will spit you out.

Ari Shavit’s book, My Promised Land, illuminates both of these truths. The early Zionists worked to restore and regenerate Israel, planting forests, orchards and vineyards, often alongside peaceful Palestinian neighbors. Following the war, fear, degradation and injustice has inspired burgeoning populations that grow armies against each other and compete for limited resources, rather than raising stewards for the earth, working together in partnership with the One God we all claim to love and praise. The One who teaches us to love our neighbor as

ourselves.

I finished reading Shavit’s book the day our congregation joined an interfaith dialogue at the Bilal mosque. Imam Toure, a seventh-generation imam, taught from the Koran. Rule number one, never take a life that “I” have made holy ... And the root of the word Muslim, SLM, is an active word meaning one who enters peace, one who makes peace.

Last year was miraculous with the Pope’s Laudato Si, the Islamic Declaration on Global Climate Change and the Rabbi’s Letter on Climate Change. We will never get a handle on how to live with the earth, l’dor vador, if we don’t learn how to live with each other and work on equitable solutions for all.

May this year be a year of interfaith peace and justice that inspires our collaborative work to turn to a sustainable way of living on our finite and precious planet. P’nai Or invites you to join us for High Holidays at Unity of Portland (more information at pnaiorpdx.org) as we plant seeds for the coming year’s work. Seeds that will allow us to live, l’dor vador, with all Abrahamic descendants, in peace.

Women invited to mikvah on Erev Yom Kippur

By Chana Shloush

Women’s immersion in the mikvah the day before Yom Kippur is an ancient custom whose roots lie in the Yom Kippur immersions of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) in preparation to enter the Holy of Holies, the innermost chamber of the Temple in Jerusalem. At Mount Sinai, too, before receiving the Torah, the Jewish people immersed in a mikvah.

Mikvah immersion, when prescribed by the Torah, results in a status change from tumah, an untranslatable word indicating spiritual impurity, to taharah, spiritual purity. It has no connection to physical dirt or unsanitariness. Maimonides addressed this issue eight centuries ago in his Laws of Mikvaot, 11:12: “It is clear and obvious that tumah is not some adhesion of filth that can be removed with water, but a Torah decree, and it is dependent upon the intention of the heart.”

While the woman immerses physically on Erev Yom Kippur, she of course prepares herself emotionally and spiritually to let go of the transgressions or shortcomings of the past and to embrace a renewed commitment to G-dliness and mitzvot.

For regular mikvah immersion in accordance with Jewish law, where women immerse in order to reenter the holy, mindful intimacy of the marital relationship, women make certain specific preparations. In contrast, the ErevYom Kippur immersion does not call for advance physical preparation.

Portland’s Mikvah Shoshana, which is reserved exclusively for women, will be open on Erev Yom Kippur, Oct. 11, for all Jewish women who would like to partake in this beautiful custom of the day.

For information or an appointment, call Simi Mishulovin at 503-309-4185.

Chana Shloush, originally from Portland, is the author of Mikvah Meditations.

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Spiritual checkup for the New Year

By Teddy Weinberger

As part of the spiritual accounting that characterizes the period of the High Holy Days, we are invited to survey ourselves and ask honestly: In relation to last year, has our spiritual condition improved or worsened; were the hopes that we expressed during last year’s High Holy Days – that there would be a change in our character – realized or did they vanish into nothing? It’s difficult to find an exact scale to help us perform a proper spiritual checkup, one that will not delude us and yet one that will also not produce a picture of exaggerated gloom.

The Rebbe of Piaseczno offers us an honest and true scale: “If you want to learn about yourself, to tell if you rose or, heaven forbid, if you fell during the past year, look at your wishes – but only your wishes and not your fantasies. Every Jewish person wants to be a tzaddik (a righteous person), but this is a type of fantasy. A person fantasizes that they will wake up one morning and find that they have become a tzaddik. This is not a true spiritual wish. Only a condition toward which a person is willing to work can be considered a true spiritual wish. And so, if you want to learn about your spiritual condition, look to your wishes. What did you want spiritually a year ago, and what do you want now? If your wishes have increased – or even if they have stayed the same – this is a sign that you have risen

18 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

spiritually.”

A proper spiritual checkup according to the Rebbe of Piaseczno, therefore, is measured by our willingness to put in effort, to take that extra spiritual step – and to take responsibility for all that results from this step. A comparison of our willingness to commit to this work during the course of the coming year in comparison to last year will testify like 1,000 witnesses to our true spiritual condition.

But something is bothering you. A tiny voice sneaks into your heart and whispers: “Last year at this time you also thought that you could change; yes, you thought that you could change your skin and become a really pious person. And yet, you repeated your sins again and again. What was last year will be this year: You will be greeted by the same failures and sins, and all of your prayers will be for naught.”

Here, too, the words of the Rebbe of Piaseczno can be helpful. Our problem stems from our hope for big changes: to be a completely different person, to be free of sin. The expectation is so lofty that when the High Holy Days pass we find that we have no tools to bring it to fruition, for it’s not possible to change drastically in one fell swoop. And so we are left to struggle with a powerful fantasy that cannot be realized in our lives.

Our job is to translate the great feeling of penitence that we have at this time of year into defined goals. We need to identify honestly for ourselves a practical spiritual goal for the coming year for which we are willing to pay a price. A person who wants to change their character will not desire in a general way to be humble (for example). This person will set aside a defined period of time to study the trait of humbleness and will commit to performing certain specific actions that can help them attain their goal. And a person who wishes to be more charitable will take it upon themselves to perform a few more specific charitable acts – but to do this with consistency.

In this way, one’s practical spiritual wishes will be realized.

The Rebbe of Piaseczno concludes here: “A false spiritual wish can always be very great. A person can always fantasize about taking a giant leap and becoming an exalted tzaddik in an instant. Not so is the true spiritual wish, the wish that is realized with work; it knows no shortcuts, but only measured steps, step after step, toward a more elevated spiritual condition.”

Shanah Tova!

Note from Teddy: I freely translated this High Holy Days message from my friend and teacher Rabbi Lior Engelman.

Teddy Weinberger, Ph.D., writes from Givat Ze’ev, a suburb of Jerusalem just over the Green Line. He and his wife, Sarah Jane Ross, made aliyah in 1997 with their five children. Teddy is director of development for Meaningful, a company that works with Israeli nonprofit organizations.

CONGREGATION

Shir Tikvah Wishes you a sweet new year

All are welcome at our daytime services.

www.shirtikvahpdx.org OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 19

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High Holiday financial checkup

By Steve Kantor and Walter Clark

Estate planning can mean a variety of things, depending on individual goals and values. A chief element of any estate plan includes creating a will or trust to ensure the well-being of loved ones after death. In a business context, estate planning encompasses both ensuring the financial security of loved ones and creating an appropriate succession plan. Many also desire to provide a lasting legacy for the community at large. With the High Holidays rapidly approaching, it’s a good time to think about passing on one’s legacy to future generations and the Jewish community.

The current annual exclusion from gift tax is $14,000, meaning an individual may gift up to $14,000 per donee, per year. Noncharitable and nonmarital gifts totaling more than $14,000 to one person in a year will reduce the donor’s $5.45-million federal estate and gift exemption. At an individual’s death, the unused remainder of his or her $5.45-million exemption is applied to determine whether and to what extent federal estate tax will be due. Charitable and marital gifts can reduce that tax. Oregon has no gift tax, but the exemption from Oregon’s estate tax is only $1 million. Whereas federal estate tax is 40% on amounts in excess of the exemption, Oregon’s estate tax rate ranges from 10% to 16%.

In the case of family-owned businesses, estate and succession planning often go hand in hand. Take, for example, a couple owning several rental properties. If they desire to pass on the business to their children, they can create a family LLC to hold the properties and then gradually transfer ownership interests in the LLC to their children through the use of the annual exclusion from gift tax. Parents can potentially take advantage of valuation discounts and transfer even more value out of their taxable estates. Parents can also provide guidelines regarding how the remaining interest they own in the LLC will be handled following their deaths. Furthermore, if their children are still minors, parents can use an asset-protection tool such as a trust to protect gifted assets until the children are grown and ready to manage their own assets. There are also trusts that allow parents to gift assets to their minor children, but provide for control and protection over the assets until a later date.

When making these transfers, it is important to consider both estate and income tax consequences in advance. A downside to these transfers is that any assets transferred to the children while the parents are living will not receive a step-up in basis (increase to fair market value) at either parent’s death. The children will instead take the parent’s adjusted cost basis in the gifted asset.

If the children subsequently sell the gifted asset, they will have 20 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

to recognize gain to the extent the sale price exceeds basis.

Assets transferred at death, however, receive a step-up in basis to the fair market value on the date of death. The children could immediately sell any inherited asset with little or no income recognition. Whether an asset should be gifted to the next generation during life or at death depends on several factors, which must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Charitable giving is another effective tool for tax reduction, allowing a donor to leave a legacy that will last far beyond death. While tax rates and exemption amounts often change on congressional whims, the deduction for charitable gifts has remained constant, and the types of qualifying gifts during life continue to grow. For example, the deduction for qualified charitable distributions from IRAs was recently made permanent. Individuals 70½ or older may now make direct distributions (not to exceed $100,000) from their IRAs to charitable organizations and pay no income tax on the distribution.

Charitable gifts made at death are deductible from both the federal and Oregon estate tax, and making a charitable gift does not necessarily mean that you have to relinquish all control over the gifted asset. Individuals can make gifts in their wills or trusts to organizations such as the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and specify that the gift be held as a fund or endowment for a specific cause, organization or field of interest.

Charitable giving is another effective tool for tax reduction, allowing a donor to leave a legacy that will last far beyond death.

In our experience, the OJCF has been very accommodating in working with the personal representative or trustee to meet the decedent’s goals. For example, through working with the OJCF, we were recently able to combine two smaller bequests for different causes from an individual into a single endowment to ensure those bequests would continue to provide funds for both causes for years to come.

Many public charities, including the OJCF, also allow individual donors and families to establish donor-advised funds.

A DAF allows a donor to receive an immediate tax benefit for charitable contributions, while retaining an advisory role to recommend to what charities the income from those assets should be distributed. Contributions to a DAF are deductible

in the year in which they are made, but the fund advisor (usually the initial donor and/or his or her descendants) retains the power to recommend grants from the fund during its existence.

Whether you are planning to ensure your family’s wellbeing or the continuation of your business, provide for the community at large, or some combination thereof, the importance of having a plan in place cannot be understated.

Creating an estate plan provides peace of mind that you are doing what you can to ensure that the people and causes you care about flourish long after you are gone.

Let’s Celebrate!

Lunch Brunch Dinner Sightseeing Groups Charters

A partner at the Samuels Yoelin Kantor LLP law firm in Portland, Stephen Kantor and his wife Elaine were named 2016 Oregon Jewish Community Foundation Legacy Society Honorees. He also is a member of the B’nai B’rith Camp board, and a past president of Jewish Family & Child Service.

Walker Clark joined Samuels Yoelin Kantor in 2015, where he is an estate planner and taxation lawyer. He advises families and small businesses in Oregon and Washington. Walker has been attending Congregation Neveh Shalom his entire life, and he is a member of the OJCF Giving Council.

503-224-3900 Portlandspirit.com 503-224-3900 Local family ownedPortlandSpirit.com since 1994

Shanah Tovah!

Our doors are open!

1972 NW Flanders Street Portland, Oregon 97209-2097 (503) 222-1069 ▪ www.bethisrael-pdx.org Rachel L. Joseph Ida Rae Cahana Michael Z. Cahana Associate Rabbi Senior Cantor Senior Rabbi Emanuel Rose, D.H.L., D.D. Rabbi Emeritus

Judith B. Schiff Cantor Emerita

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 21

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Looking for a place to pray?

Compiled by Deborah Moon

Whether it’s the haunting tones of the shofar that stir Jews’ souls or some other phenomenon, synagogues are traditionally flooded with worshippers during the Days of Awe. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services are so full that most congregations require tickets to ensure regular attendees can find a seat in the congregation they support all year long.

High Holidays has created a conundrum for many synagogues over the past century. If they limit attendance to members only, the pay-to-pray model turns people away just when they might be open to letting Judaism into their lives; yet if synagogues open their doors to all comers, members who support synagogue operations and programs throughout the year may find no room in the sanctuary. To lower the barriers that might keep people away, many synagogues offer free or low-cost admission to students and those on fixed incomes, but most require reservations ahead of time.

We have invited congregations to post their holiday services on the orjewishlife.com website. So if you are looking for somewhere to worship this year, please visit orjewishlife.com/ calendar or visit your own congregation’s website. We also asked congregations to share their High Holiday guest policy.

In the spirit of welcoming others, Havurah Shalom has opened its High Holiday services to the community for more than 30 years. The egalitarian, diverse and engaged Jewish community promotes spirituality, learning and acts of social responsibility. Since the sanctuary of the Reconstructionist synagogue accommodates only a few hundred, the congregation has for several years rented large spaces that can hold a thousand or more worshippers. Admission is free and no tickets are required. All Havurah’s High Holiday services are held at the Tiffany Center at 1410 SW Morrison St., Portland, except for Selichot, which is held at Havurah Shalom, 825 NW 18th Ave., and Tashlich, which is held at Sellwood Riverfront Park.

Chabad centers across the state also traditionally have offered free services. Find a Chabad near you at chabadoregon.com or in the Oregon Jewish Life Annual Resource Guide (orjewishlife.com).

Congregation Beth Israel, the leading voice of Reform Judaism in Oregon, will welcome 5777 with traditional and multi-generational services, as well as opportunities to study, reflect and connect at our historic campus in NW Portland.

At CBI we believe in welcoming everyone regardless of their resources. If you are interested in joining us for the High Holidays and are not a CBI member, please contact us at 22 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

503-222-1069 for more information. We especially encourage families and individuals new to the Portland area, college students and those who are not currently members of a synagogue to reach out to us.

Congregation Neveh Shalom is a vibrant, energetic, and egalitarian Conservative congregation. We are a home for people of all backgrounds, orientations, genders and viewpoints.

During the High Holy Days, we offer free tickets for people who have moved to Portland over the last year and college students/grad students with valid ID. Neveh Shalom also offers reciprocity tickets for people who are members of synagogues elsewhere. Contact Wendy Kahn at cnsmembership@ nevehshalom.org or 503-246-8831 ext. 114 for more information.

Congregation Shir Tikvah offers free services for Rosh Hashanah, Oct. 3, and Yom Kippur, Oct. 12. For more information, contact Amelia Schroth at office@shirtikvahpdx. org or 503-473-8227 or visit shirtikvahpdx.org.

Shalom Bayit, Jewish Community of Central Oregon (jccobend.com) has never had tickets. Of course, donations are graciously accepted. Shalom Bayit is located at 21555 Modoc Lane, in Bend.

Temple Beth Israel in Eugene (tbieugene.org) does not use tickets for High Holiday services. All are welcome. To help defray costs, TBI asks nonmembers who are able to do so to contribute by making a donation. We do not want finances to be a barrier for anyone wishing to attend services or participate in the community. Full-time college students are free as are active military personnel.

High Holidays

(Holidays begin at sunset the day before the first day) Sept. 24 Selichot Oct. 3-4 Rosh Hashanah Oct. 8 Shabbat Shuva Oct. 12 Yom Kippur Oct. 17-24 Sukkot Oct. 24-25 Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah

Shanah Tovah For High Holy Day tickets and membership information, please contact Wendy Kahn at: cnsmembership@nevehshalom.org; 503.293-7305

Open the gates

and enter the new year with

All services

(except Rosh Hashanah Day 2) at Unity Church 4525 SE Stark, Portland

and Rabbi

Yitzhak Husbands-Hankin

Erev Rosh Hashanah ~ Sunday 10/2, 6pm Rosh Hashanah Day 1 ~ Monday 10/3, 10am (Followed by Tashlich at Laurelhurst Park) Rosh Hashanah Day 2 ~ Tuesday 10/4, 10am at St Mark Presbyterian Church, 9750 SW Terwilliger, Portland Kol Nidre/Erev Yom Kippur ~ Tuesday 10/11, 6pm Yom Kippur ~ Wednesday 10/12, 10am Children’s services 9:30-10:30am on Rosh Hashanah Day 1 and Yom Kippur.

Open your heart

•

••

• •

• Everyone is welcome • Sliding scale donation • No ticket required Childcare available by advance registration at admin@pnaiorpdx.org

with Jewish Renewal

For more information, view www.pnaiorpdx.org or call 503-248-4500 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 23

Cover Story

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Healing the world with the blues Story and local photos by Deborah Moon

24 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

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In concerts from Portland to Amsterdam, United by Music North America is healing the world one song at a time.

Founded in the Netherlands in 2005 to provide performance opportunities for musically talented people with developmental disabilities, United by Music expanded to North America in 2012. The nonprofit was founded here by a Jewish motherdaughter duo, who combined their expertise in the nonprofit and music worlds to launch a successful Portland-based band that is wowing audiences from Oregon’s Waterfront Blues Festival to gala concerts in the Netherlands.

“People with developmental issues are put in a box,” says Barbara Hammerman, who co-founded UBMNA with her

daughter, Amanda Gresham. “Through blues music we offer them a chance to fly. … It blurs the lines between what is able and what is not.”

The goal of UBMNA is to give musically talented individuals, who self-identify as having special needs, the opportunity to perform at a professional level. Produced by Amanda, coached by mentors and guided by Music Director Dave Fleschner, the band has evolved into a professional troupe hired year-round to perform at festivals, venues and private events.

On stage, band members seem to step effortlessly outside of that box society seeks to confine them to. Listening to these talented adults on stage, it is suddenly easy to understand why the phrase “differently abled” is much more apt than the term “disabled.” Their strong, sure voices raised in song give no hint

To volunteer, donate or book, United by Music North America: UBMNA.org | 253-225-7655 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 25

Wyatt Isaacs, one of two singers who went on Birthright Israel.

of the limits society assumes they face.

“It helps people and breaks barriers; imagine no barriers with gender or race or color or abilities,” says band member Wyatt Isaacs, one of two band members who recently participated in Birthright Israel. “I really enjoy it. I enjoy the good people and the social message; Amanda has done a great, great job.”

Wyatt also enjoyed his Israel experience last year. “It was really moving – an incredible experience,” he says with a smile. “Israel has a lot of deep, rich culture and the food was incredible.”

Jordan Ackerson, the other Birthright participant in the band, is an insightful young man if one takes the time to listen.

Like many people with autism, he speaks hesitantly and often looks away. On the first day of summer, he wished me a good summer and spoke of the wild changes in weather from 100plus temperatures to cold, rainy days. He had a point to make: “The weather is full of paradoxes, just like people.”

When he took the stage, the change in him made his point.

Here is an engaging performer with a beautiful fluid voice, eyes seeking his audience, gestures as smooth and practiced as a rock star.

“United by Music is transforming the lives of everybody involved – not just the artists.The mentors all say they have been enriched.”

From left: Music Director Dave Fleschner with UBMNA’s two co-founders, Artistic Director Amanda Gresham and President Barbara Hammerman.

Amanda Gresham with singer Bethany Ide, right.

26 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

- Barbara Hammerman Another band member, David Hutzler, says he enjoys the people he’s met and the places he’s visited. As the third artist to join the band, he frequently attends outreach events to talk about the program and encourage people to support it. In late July and after the band’s performance, he staffed the UBMNA booth at the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival near the St. John’s Bridge. He talked to passersby about United by Music and encouraged them to make a donation to the program, showing them the CDs they could receive for various donation levels.

Last year he introduced his friend Bethany Ide to the band.

Bethany had performed in the past with the choir Voices Unlimited, but enjoys the music and good friends she has found at UBMNA. “I’ve never sung blues before,” she says.

“I’ve been singing as long as I can remember. I enjoy learning a new style of music.”

Even after four years of producing the band’s performances, Amanda says she is continually impressed by their brilliance and how quickly they learn. “I know how musically talented they are, and I am constantly re-astounded by their intuition and retention,” she says. “Their skills exceed expectations.”

Amanda’s vision to create a band performing at a professional level is brought to fruition by the music director.

“Dave translates the ideas into music. I’ll have thoughts and he

is able to organize them into cohesiveness.”

Dave, who has played in and directed dozens of bands, started at UBMNA as a mentor but soon expanded his role.

“Dave actualizes my vision into reality by translating the goals into music and sharing it with the mentors and artists in the language they understand,” says Amanda. “Then we rehearse together till we are performance ready.”

Dave adds, “I took her (Amanda’s) vision for the artists to have a chance to perform at the same level as professionals. It takes rehearsal, practice and working parts out. … I’ve found they are just as capable as all the other artists I work with. I had my mind opened working with these artists.”

Barbara notes that while many of the band members had performed individually before, as band members they have had to learn to work with others and communicate and collaborate.

Now, Dave says, “I believe our show is as good, as entertaining as any show you’d see on stage.”

He’s not alone in that belief.

Two-time Grammy-nominated blues singer Earl Thomas (Bridgeman) has sung with the band at the Waterfront Blues Festival for the past two years. This year he performed with them on the Oregonian Front Porch Stage.

“They are good, they are so good I was brought to tears a couple times,” says Earl. “I play music all over the world, and this is my most rewarding musical experience. These kids are so real. They are so dedicated to the music.”

While initially the mentors performed alongside and nurtured the artists, Dave says that now the mentors often take more of a backup role in the band.

During a performance at the Rose Hotel during this year’s Blues Festival, a famous face was spotted playing backup guitar. Sonny Hess was the first woman nominated in a maledominated field for best lead guitar by the Cascade Blues Association, where she has also been nominated for a lifetime achievement award. But she’s happy to drop in and perform with this talented group of artists.

“United by Music is transforming the lives of everybody involved – not just the artists. The mentors all say they have been enriched,” says Barbara.

Last year UBMNA launched its second band in the Puget Sound area, and Nashville musicians have expressed interest in bringing the program there.

In April Barbara and Amanda led 11 performers, three volunteers and eight parents to Europe to participate in the 10th Anniversary Jubilee Celebrations and Gala Concerts of United by Music in The Netherlands. The Portland band performed six concerts in eight days in Dordrecht/Sleidrecht.

“Our program is the first to be developed outside of the Netherlands,” says Barbara. “An important component to our trip, beyond the concerts, was that we all stayed in a village of vacation homes with all of our artists and their parents, as well as the performers from the Netherlands and a few from

UBMNA performs at O’Connors Vault in Multnomah Village.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 27

Norway and Denmark – countries which are attempting to start a United by Music program in their areas. With this sort of Olympic Village-style housing and many meals together, we were able to visit and have one or two jam sessions a day with people from these other countries. I believe the friendships made will last a lifetime in some cases.” ~~ But how did United by Music begin and how did Portland become home to the first branch outside of the Netherlands?

And how did two Jewish women come to lead it?

An executive of a Dutch health-care organization that deals with people with developmental challenges, Joris Van Wijngaarden is a longtime blues fan who began booking American artists to perform at parties and events he hosted. One of those singers, Candye Kane (z”l), started to invite some of the people on stage to sing with her.

Barbara says that Candye and Joris were both amazed by two things. The singers spoke and sang in English, which Joris had no idea they knew, and they were extremely talented. That discovery prompted Joris to found United by Music in 2005 with the goal of giving people with disabilities the opportunity to soar and excel; by 2006 the first band began performances.

As a blues fan, Joris realized the American root music was an ideal fit to challenge assumptions. Historically, blues was the music of “chanceless populations,” says Joris. “We provide opportunities,” says Amanda, “when the world provides opportunities for them, good things can happen.”

Additionally, Dave says blues “comes out of despair and longing, but ultimately is uplifting in the artistry; singing helps transcend the sadness.”

When Joris wanted to expand the program to America, Candye told him he must talk to her good friend Barbara, president of Hammerman Philanthropic Partners, and her daughter, Amanda, CEO of Delta Music Experience.

Barbara has more than 30 years of experience working with nonprofit philanthropy, including 18 years with the Jewish Federation system. In the mid-1980s she was the founding executive of the Jewish Federation endowment program in Orange County, CA. That program became a pilot program for the national federation movement (now Jewish Federations of North America) to help small and mid-sized federations create an endowment program.

Amanda’s experience in producing blues music events dates to 2004 when she moved to New Orleans to create river cruises where musicians and fans would travel together for an intimate experience of sharing music, stories and meals. Having built a strong trust with blues musicians she had traveled with as a documentary photographer starting in 1999, Amanda was able to recruit some impressive participants on her cruises. The Delta Music Experience was just a year old when Hurricane Katrina forced her to evacuate New Orleans. Driving to Gig Harbor, WA, to stay with her parents, Raymond Lavine and Barbara, she stopped in Portland at a Blues for Katrina benefit concert. She returned to New Orleans a few months later and discovered the

UBMNA went to the Netherlands in April for a series of eight concerts.

UBMNA volunteer Jason Naiman, cofounder Barbara Hammerman and performer David Hutzler at the UBMNA booth at the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival.

28 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

Jordan Ackerson and his mother, Lisa Liebman, visited Tel Aviv after UBMNA performed in Europe.

art gallery she owned there was not sustainable. She stayed until 2008, then decided to relocate her DME to a city “with a blues-loving community with riverboats” – in other words, Portland. She quickly became involved with the Waterfront Blues Festival and now produces the DME Blues Cruises and the DME Louisiana Pavilion at the festival. The pavilion is a destination attraction during the festival that creates “a village of Louisiana with Gulf Coast music.”

So in 2009 Joris flew to the states to meet the women.

“He came for lunch and stayed for the day,” says Barbara. “I know music, festivals and nonprofits, but I don’t know about developmental issues.”

Over the next 18 months, the three laid the groundwork to bring UBM to America. Barbara reached out to her network to see if similar programs existed here (she couldn’t find any), and she and Amanda went to the Netherlands to see the program in action. Then Amanda and Joris planned a two-country, three-state, nine-city showcase tour of performers from the Netherlands.

“It was a 60-minute targeted performance – part performance and part talk,” says Barbara, adding that they invited about 400 people in each city to attend the 2010 showcase. “At the end, we asked people if they wanted to help start UBMNA and if they were willing to meet with us. All nine cities said yes.”

Each city created a team to explore the concept, and all agreed the program needed to launch in one city initially.

Barbara says Portland was the unanimous choice as the pilot city “because of Amanda’s connections with the Waterfront Blues Festival, so they were a natural partner.”

In fact, UBMNA has had an ever expanding role at the festival, starting with participation in the Louisiana Pavilion and moving on to one of the main stages. Amanda says now she gets calls from her DME musicians asking to perform with the band or asking how they can be involved in this worthwhile project.

Amanda calls UBMNA a true family affair. Amanda’s DME is the presenting sponsor; Barbara is board president and director of UBMNA; and Amanda’s father, Raymond Lavine, sponsors musicians and hosts benefit concerts for the group at WurliTzer Manor in Gig Harbor.

Fundraising is an essential component of the program. While the national health care in the Netherlands helps support the parent program, in the United States such programs to improve quality of life are not covered by health insurance.

The performers’ parents are also vital to the program.

“The founders are important, but this is a team,” says Amanda. “This couldn’t happen without the involvement and support of the parents, the artists, the mentors and the festival bookers who are excited about bringing us to perform.”

“We are open for bookings year round,” says Amanda, who coordinates the band’s production schedule. “We exist to collaborate.”

And at most bookings you’ll hear the group’s theme song including the chorus: Music brings us together Anybody can sing along We’re united by music And we’re united in song

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OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 29

Jewish museum buys permanent home

By Deborah Moon

INSIDE 30 JEWISH MUSEUM’S FOREVER HOME 32 PAINTING THE ALPENROSE CENTURY 34 TALENT IN THE VILLAGE 38 NEW CD FROM EUGENE 40 ORA CELEBRATES ART 42 ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

30 SEPTEMBER OREGON JEWISH 2016 |LIFE OREGON | SEPTEMBER JEWISH2016 LIFE

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he Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education will have a permanent home thanks to the purchase of the former Museum of Contemporary Craft, 724 NW Davis in Portland.

The purchase agreement was announced July 6. The museum will remain open until Sept. 25 in its leased space at 1953 NW Kearney St. with its current exhibition, Every Minute Counts – Photographs by Katherine Joseph. The museum will reopen in June 2017 in one of Portland’s prime art destinations, allowing OJMCHE to reach many more visitors through First Thursday openings and greater visibility. The move will expand OJMCHE’s footprint from the current 6,900 to near 15,000 square feet.

PHOTO: MICAH FISCHER

During the closure, OJMCHE will continue to offer educational programming such as tours of the Oregon Holocaust Memorial and South Portland Walking Tours, as well as outreach programming in classrooms statewide.

Founded in 1990, the mission of the OJMCHE is to interpret the Oregon Jewish experience, explore the lessons of the Holocaust and foster intercultural conversations.

“I want the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education to follow to the rapidly emerging consensus that the most successful museums of the future will be places to hang out, engage and contribute: museums that blur the boundaries between what goes on inside the museum walls and what occurs outside,” said OJMCHE Executive Director Judy Margles.

“I want the museum to be the moderator and filter of shared wisdom and diverse perspectives, in addition to being a source of scholarship. I want to represent the plurality of voices in our community, and I want our programs to address community concerns.”

A July 6 announcement from Margles and Board Chair Elaine Coughlin attributed the purchase to “the hard work of our board, in particular outgoing Board Chair David Newman, and the visionary leadership of a small group of key donors. … Through the galvanizing of our community, we were able to act quickly and, within a few months, a group of just over 30 donors helped us raise the $5 million to purchase a top tier museum space.”

OJMCHE also launched a community capital campaign to support a long-term operating budget, build an endowment and fund permanent exhibitions.

“Securing of a permanent home for the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education safeguards a cultural treasure for generations to come,” said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) in a press release from OJMCHE. “Through its programming and exhibitions, this vital community institution focuses on the need to uphold democratic values and support human dignity through education and outreach. In an era where we are facing global issues of displacement, migration and racism, it is institutions like this museum and education center that are educating our next generation while also shaping Oregon’s cultural landscape.”

“It is great news that the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education has found a new home in the previous Contemporary Crafts Museum space,” Regional Arts and Cultural Council Executive Director Eloise Damrosch said when the purchase was announced. “Not only is the footprint ideal for the museum’s needs, but it will also bring much greater access and visibility to this important cultural organization.”

OJMCHE reported that the campaign to purchase a permanent home was supported by three lead gifts: $1 million from The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation/Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan Schnitzer; $1 million from the Leonard and Lois Schnitzer Family; and $1 million from Irwin and Renee Holzman. In addition to the lead gifts, 29 other community members made significant contributions to fund the building purchase.

“My mother and I and my late father have always felt that the Oregon Jewish Museum plays a critical role in our community,” said Jordan Schnitzer in the press release announcing the purchase. “It is so important for young people in our community

to understand their roots and for others outside of our faith to better understand the role that Jewish pioneers and citizens have played in our community. We are proud and honored to participate in this fundraising and would like to personally thank all those who joined with us.”

During the museum’s closure, the staff will move the archives to the new facilities where they will be housed in a secure, environmentally controlled space specifically designed to store archival collections. Dating back to 1850, the archives include 12,000 historical photographs, of which 1,260 are catalogued and accessible, and 750 archived collections including Judaica, fine art and Holocaust-related pieces.

The new facilities will provide better public access to OJMCHE’s collections with a private reading room where researchers can make appointments to work on projects. A private space will be available to listen to oral history recordings and to read transcripts from 650 oral histories collected over the past 40 years.

When OJMCHE reopens, along with rotating national and international exhibitions, the museum will have permanent exhibitions focused on discrimination in Oregon, the history of Jews in Oregon and the Holocaust. The eight-month closure will allow the museum staff to work with curators and researchers to create these new exhibitions, which will be located on the facility’s second floor.

The space will offer It is so important areas for reflection and conversation with a gift for young people in shop and a cafe on the ground floor. OJMCHE’s our community to public programming – films, lectures, understand their symposiums and partnered community roots and for others events – will be able to outside of our faith reach a larger audience with a new auditorium to better understand that seats 120 people.

OJMCHE is a the role that Jewish statewide leader in social justice education pioneers and citizens with over 3,500 students and teachers have played in our participating in docentled tours at the museum community. and the Oregon ‑ Jordan Schnitzer Holocaust Memorial in 2016. The museum’s new home will provide state-of-the-art facilities for social justice education with an auditorium equipped with AV equipment, labs for hands-on arts and culture projects, and space to give in-depth, focused programming.

“The OJMCHE Education Department is thrilled about the potential this new space offers for group discussions, films, Holocaust speakers, workshops and teacher trainings,” said Holocaust Educator April Slabosheski. ojmche.org OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 31

Artist captures Alpenrose memories on canvas

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By Deborah Moon

ver the past 18 For more than a decade, years, artist Susan hundreds of Jewish families ALPENROSE HISTORY Kuznitsky has turned out for the annual Lag The history of the Alpenrose Dairy dates watched a timeless B’Omer celebration in this back to 1891, when Florian Cadonau began peace descend on quiet, pastoral setting between delivering milk in three-gallon cans by people as they visit her neighbor, Beaverton and Portland. horse-drawn wagon.

Alpenrose Dairy.

The dairy is a family affair for Then, in 1916, Florian’s son, Henry Cadonau, Now as the family-owned dairy Susan’s family, too. Her son, and his wife, Rosina, took full ownership of celebrates its 100th anniversary, Jacob Heiteen, now 22, became the business and named it Alpenrose, after Susan is capturing this slice of an Eagle Scout in 2012 and built Switzerland’s national flower. In 1946, a bygone era in oils and pastels. a chicken coop for the Hens and Henry’s son, Carl Cadonau Sr., took the She has created a series of 14 oil Hares 4-H Discovery Farm at reins and remained in charge of the company until his death in June 2004. paintings and one pastel, with Alpenrose Dairy for his Eagle As the years have passed, Alpenrose Dairy possibly more to come, of the Project. has grown by leaps and bounds. Today, under sights and events that make her Susan and her husband, the leadership of Carl Cadonau Jr. and Rod neighbor special in Portland’s Steven Heiteen, moved with their Birkland, both great-grandsons of Florian, past and present (see box for sons Jacob and Matthew, now Alpenrose Dairy continues its long tradition of brief history).

18, from Sellwood to Southwest providing the very best. To this day, Alpenrose “So many people have special Portland to be closer to the remains a family-owned business, with many memories from this place, and preschool at the Mittleman of Florian’s great-great-grandchildren working she has really captured all that,” Jewish Community Center and daily to keep his spirit alive in everything says Tracey Cadonau McKinnon, their synagogue, Congregation the company does. who serves as communications Neveh Shalom. Gaining (from alpenrose.com) and events director of her Alpenrose as a neighbor was an family’s business. “It’s neat to unexpected bonus. have all those memories and feelings so vibrant and alive in A graduate of the America Academy of Art in Chicago, her paintings.”

Susan says she was inspired to commemorate the dairy’s The frequent free activities the family hosts on this 55-acre centennial because of her own fond memories and parcel of country in the midst of a metro urban area draws experiences. She says her almost daily walks take her through visitors from around the region and even the world. With the farm and past people enjoying a range of experiences. milk now trucked to the dairy, the farm is no longer home to “It’s like stepping back in time when you go there,” she says. vast dairy herds. Now the dairy is home to baseball fields, a “It’s Americana. Everything is from another time. It has a velodrome, a quarter-midget racing track and Dairyville, the whole charm you don’t see anymore, and it’s my neighbor.” re-creation of an Old West town complete with boardwalks, Most of the original paintings are available, though two storefronts, opera house and storybook lane. of them have already sold. The tribute to Rusty Nails, the

32 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

Susan Kuznitsky displays a print of one of the paintings she did after last year’s Softball World Series, as workers from Mike Hebrard’s athleticfield.com prepare the field for a return of the World Series in August. Hebrard bought several prints of the painting after a softball mom purchased the original.

popular clown who entertained a generation of children at Dairyville, was purchased by his daughter. One of her paintings of the Little League Softball World Series was sold to the mother of a player featured in the painting. But prints on cradled birch panels are available for those and other paintings in the series.

The dairy’s website features Susan’s Alpenrose series on its homepage, and she frequently has a booth at dairy events. The paintings and prints will also be on display at Susan’s Studio in the Woods the second and third weekends in October, when she participates in Portland Open Studios (portlandopenstudios.com). Studio visitors will also be able to see her working on other projects; recently she was finishing a commission for the official portrait of this year’s Rose Festival Queen.

Oct. 8 and 9 is also an opportunity to visit her neighbor for one of the biggest events on the dairy’s calendar – the annual cyclocross event that last year drew 1,700 cyclists to the dairy.

“It is a fun spectator sport because there is constant action to see,” says Tracey, adding there are also plenty of food and vendor booths for visitors to enjoy. Susankuznitsky.com | alpenrose.com

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 33

Matt Miner: Keeping music live and alive Stories and Photos by Gloria Hammer

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story on National Public Radio about house concerts featuring professional musicians in private settings inspired Matt Miner to launch his second career. Matt and his wife, Sasha Kaplan, started presenting great music and delicious food in their home; things grew from there.

Matt grew up in Gladstone, across the Willamette River from my family in West Linn. Our families became friends.

Both families had migrated here from the East Coast, were Jewish and lived in small towns outside Portland. Our families got together often when we were little kids. Matt and I both attended West Linn High School.

Many years later, with a successful career at Oregon Public Broadcasting behind him, Matt now fuels his passion for live music by booking the best live music from all over the country.

The following Q&A has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Any anti-Semitic memories from growing up in Gladstone?

Not really anti-Semitic, but confusion born of ignorance.

There were only two Jewish families that we knew of, us included, in the town of about 2,000. I kept a low profile. I did not show off my Hanukkah toys until the other kids had their Christmas goodies.

Where did you go to college?

I started at University of Oregon, retreated to Clackamas Community College for a while and then graduated from U of O in 1972.

How did you meet Sasha?

I bought my first house in 1980; I put an ad in the Willamette Week for a roommate. Sasha answered the ad; she decided she didn’t want to live there, but we started dating. We got married the next year.

Sasha grew up immersed in the Jewish community of Providence, RI. Besides a mean pot of chicken soup, Sasha has a wide variety of ethnic culinary expertise. She spent most of her working years as a chef and caterer.

Our first son, Michael, was born in 1982, second son, Haven, in 1989. Michael and his wife, Llewelyn, live in Seattle and blessed us with our first grandchild, West Leo Miner, last April.

Haven lives in Chicago and is an English teacher.

What do you think of being Grandpa?

When you see the child for the first time, you recognize the connection with personalities, genetics and history of both families. With a grandchild that connection spreads even wider. You realize that those nice people you met at your kid’s

34 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

128 NW Eleventh Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97209

Chris Coleman, Artistic Director

503.445.3700

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Visit www.pcs.org for more info.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

By Alan Menken and Howard Ashman On the U.S. Bank Main Stage Sept. 10 – Oct. 16, 2016

HOLD THESE TRUTHS

By Jeanne Sakata | In the Ellyn Bye Studio Oct. 1 – Nov. 13, 2016

ASTORIA: Part One

By Chris Coleman; based on the book ASTORIA: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson’s Lost Pacific Empire, A Story of Wealth, Ambition, and Survival by Peter Stark | On the U.S. Bank Main Stage Jan. 14 – Feb. 12, 2017

HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW

A musical biography of Ethel Waters

THE OREGON TRAIL

By Bekah Brunstetter On the U.S. Bank Main Stage Oct. 29 – Nov. 20, 2016

By Larry Parr | In the Ellyn Bye Studio Feb. 4 – Mar. 19, 2017

WILD AND RECKLESS A new musical event from Blitzen Trapper

THE SANTALAND DIARIES

LAUREN WEEDMAN DOESN’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE

By Lauren Weedman On the U.S. Bank Main Stage Mar. 17 – Apr. 30, 2017

MARY’S WEDDING

By Stephen Massicotte In the Ellyn Bye Studio Apr. 15 – May 28, 2017

CONSTELLATIONS

By Nick Payne On the U.S. Bank Main Stage May 13 – June 11, 2017

On the U.S. Bank Main Stage Mar. 16 – Apr. 30, 2017

By David Sedaris; adapted for the stage

by Joe Mantello | In the Ellyn Bye Studio Nov. 26 – Dec. 24, 2016

HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN

By Hershey Felder On the U.S. Bank Main Stage Nov. 30 – Dec. 30, 2016

Visit www.pcs.org for tickets!

Katie deBuys in Stupid F***ing Bird. Photo

by Patrick Weishampel/blankeye.tv.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 35

What are your thoughts on the 30 years you spent at OPB? I started there right out of college. It was a small, very conservative state agency careful not to offend the legislators who held the purse strings. By the time I left in 2005, it was a large, less conservative, private nonprofit, careful not to offend the corporate underwriters who held the purse strings. I had the best job, being paid to be clever – writing, producing and directing promotional spots for both local and national programs.

How did you start presenting music events?

I have always been a musician, playing drums in various bands. I started putting on shows in high school. A friend and I put on a dance with three live bands and actually made money.

In late 2004, I decided to try my hand at house concerts. I asked a couple of local singer-songwriters and we did well.

We did about 50 of those shows in our home over a six-year period with some 40 guests at each. The ticket price not only compensated the performers but also paid for a buffet dinner prepared by Sasha. Finally, we decided that we had had enough wear and tear on our house and ourselves and decided to present shows in public venues.

Where are your venues in Portland?

I do most of my shows at O’Connor’s in Multnomah Village, but I have presented at the Alberta Rose Theatre, Secret Society, The Clinton Street Theatre and the Albert Pub. Why O’Connor’s?

My relationship with O’Connor’s began with the Cal ScottRichard Moore Songwriter Circle. Cal and Richard had played my house concerts several times and asked if I would produce a series of Songwriter Circle concerts. After one in another venue, we settled into O’Connor’s. We have done the shows in O’Connor’s Vault every other month for the past five years, selling most of them out. Steve Arel, the owner, is super supportive and lets me do what I want to do.

UPCOMING CONCERTS October 3 O’Connor’s Songwriter Circle, special guest Steve Bradley October 23 Secret Society, Kenny White and Amber Rubarth (touring singer-songwriters) October 28 O’Connor’s, Beth Wood and Anne Weiss Contact Mattminermusic@gmail.com to get on his mailing list.

36 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

Sasha Kaplan and Mike Miner

What is it you are trying to do?

I realized long ago that there is a huge middle class of singer-songwriters who do not go from gig to gig in private jets and tour buses playing to thousands of fans. These artists are as talented and creative as Paul Simon, James Taylor and Carole King, but they either never got the big break or chose not to risk the personal sacrifices that often come with fame and fortune. These artists fly coach or drive cross country with a guitar and a box of CDs; they play small venues like O’Connor’s and folk festivals, making fans and real friends at each stop. I want my friends and neighbors to hear and enjoy this music in an environment where artists and audience can make a real connection.

I create an intimate music experience like I did in my home.

O’Connor’s works well because the environment lets you focus on the music. It’s not about the scene; it’s about the music.

Tell me about the music.

Most of the artists play solo – just voice and guitar. They play original songs that often tell stories. Many are as adept at speaking as they are at singing, and the stories often start as monologue and end up with verse, chorus and accompaniment.

What is the Songwriter Circle you have every other month?

Cal and Richard host the circles. Each show includes a guest artist who completes the circle of three who take turns singing their own original songs and help each other out with harmony and instrumental support. Cal is a multi-instrumentalist who will pick up a harmonica, cornet or mandolin to fill in a solo on a song he just learned from the guest. Richard Moore’s contribution is as much standup comedy as it is a contributor of songs ranging from sweet to outrageous.

Mostly these concerts are acoustic performances in what is called “Singer-Songwriter” or “Americana” style.

Do you have sponsors for your shows?

I thought a hearing-aid dealer would be ideal to associate itself with the work I have been doing. Many who attend the shows are over 50, and some are dealing with hearing issues.

My first and only cold call was to Duane Smelser at Hearing Health. He was on board immediately. The walls of his office in Raleigh Hills are covered with photos of rock stars; I knew we were on the same wavelength. Duane and his wife, Donna, attend almost every show. I often remind people that musicians have families and mortgages like the rest of us. Some have day jobs, but many do not. They rely on ticket and CD sales to pay for childcare as well as guitar picks.

What is your reputation?

Over the 11 years I have been doing this, people who come to my shows have grown to trust that they will get more than their money’s and time’s worth spending an evening with us. I have built an email list, I have great talent, I love putting together quality evenings celebrating music. Our crowds guarantee a decent payout for our talent plus something for myself. It is a labor of love – keeping the music live and alive. I will keep on doing this for a long while.

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EUGENE SCENE

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David Hefland

David Helfand: harmonious harpist

By Joseph Lieberman

38 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

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PRESENTS

Oct. 8 – Oct. 15, 2016 | Keller Auditorium Featuring the OBT Orchestra and Portland Pianist Hunter Noack

Eva Burton | Photos by James McGrew

n a lucid dream that occurred a few days before the first anniversary of his mother’s passing, Eugene harpist David Helfand answered a phone to hear his mother say, in a voice gravelly from disuse, “Hey, Sweetie! It’s been quite a trip!” He then entered into a conversation with her until his own voice got louder and he woke himself up. Now fully alert, he recalled the dream with amazement and wondered which trip she was referring to: her life’s journey, or a journey beyond life?

He couldn’t remember all the details of their conversation, but he came away from it with a sense of “after our passing, better put on your seatbelt, ‘cause it’s gonna be one helluva ride through the cosmos!”

At least this was the sense David transformed into musical inspiration, and eventually, into the central instrumental piece on his new album with violist Justin Lader, which is titled “Through the Portal.”

This incident wasn’t the first time David’s mother had deeply interfaced with his music. A year earlier, his sister Judith, a documentary filmmaker in New York City, had met with David as their mother lay dying in New Rochelle, NY. He’d given Judith a copy of a CD that contained several new songs he was working on. One in particular, “Searching for You,” which was filled with a kind of meditational rapture, seemed to her the perfect spiritual background for the situation that faced them.

They couldn’t tell for sure if their mother was listening, but as the song faded out, it seemed to take the listeners into a distant yet beautifully beckoning place. It was on those final notes that their mother took her final breath and then passed peacefully. David felt awed and humbled that the last thing she may have heard was his own composition providing a calming road to her transition.

“That moment became so powerful, so personal,” he says, “and later I wanted to share with others her journey through life and beyond and my own musical awakening.”

“Searching for You” is also the final piece on David’s album, his eighth. Previous works have taken the listener to King Arthur’s castle ruins in England (“At the Edge of the Cornish Sea”), on nomadic caravans through Israel (“Beyond the Sea of Reeds”) and to Indian, Middle Eastern, Gaelic and East Asian destinations via his Celtic harp, mandocello, guitar and, more recently, his ethereal electro-mechanical Mellotron, used so hauntingly in tunes by ’70s groups such as The Moody Blues.

Most of his latest projects have been in collaboration with Lader, who also contributed the song “Orbit” to this album.

Helfand had been raised in a Conservative Jewish home on Long Island, which, though predominantly secular, nourished his spirit with culturally rich traditions. He moved to Eugene in 1987 and today is Jewishly active in Temple Beth Israel.

His inspiration comes from many sources, including Reb Shlomo Carlebach, the “godfather” of rabbinical balladeers, and Scottish multi-instrumentalist Robin Williamson, founding member of the Incredible String Band. The interludes inspired by his mother, however, brought it all back home.

Helfand’s latest CD is available along with most of his other albums online at davidhelfand.com.

Oregon Jewish Life: 1/4 Page (3.5 x 4.875) Itzhak Perlman Recital

TICKETS START AT $29 | www.obt.org | 503-222-5538 Giants Before Us underwritten by The Boeing Company

Serenade underwritten by Sue Horn-Caskey and Rick Caskey

SUPPORTED IN PART BY:

OREGON SYMPHONY PRESENTS

ITZHAK PERLMAN RECITAL

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 7:30 PM Itzhak Perlman, violin Rohan De Silva, piano Brahms: Sonata No. 2 Ravel: Sonata No. 2 A rare evening with the 16-time Grammy winner who continues to thrill audiences around the world.

The Oregon Symphony does not perform.

OrSymphony.org | 503-228-1353 ARLENE SCHNITZER CONCERT HALL

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 39 OregonJewishLife_ItzhakPerlman_QP.indd 1

8/16/16 11:37 AM

Celebration of art, food & music

L

ocal Jewish artists are planning a party, and the community is invited.

ORA Northwest Jewish Artists returns to the Mittleman Jewish Community Center for its 10th annual art show and sale.

ORA will throw a preview party and sale for its juried art show Nov. 5 and 6. Admission to both events is free.

Affordable, original, high-quality fine art and craft created by local Jewish artists will be available for purchase during a preview party Saturday night, followed by an all-day sale on Sunday. ORA’s show offers high-quality yet affordable one-of-a-kind treasures.

The two-day celebration presents a Taste of Oregon: Jewish art, Portland food and live music.

ORA is a collective of Jewish artists and the only organization devoted to promoting art created by Jewish artists in Oregon and Washington. Those who attend the Saturday night preview will have the advantage of shopping from fully stocked art booths. So come to the preview and discover tasty treats from Mother’s Bistro combined with sample tastings of Ambacht Beer and Gompers Gin.

A R T I S T S R E P E R T O R Y T H E AT R E

OJMCHE ON

Move THE

OJMCHE is preparing for our historic move to 724 NW Davis Street Gift Shop Moving Sale through September 25 –most items drastically reduced. Judaica, jewelry, cookbooks and more!

Final Kearney Street exhibition: Every Minute Counts Photographs

by Katherine Joseph closes on September 25th by

During our closure, OJMCHE will have vibrant programming with partner organizations across the city.

Nick Jones Dámaso Rodriguez

directed by

STARTS SEP 6 Swinging between reality and fantasy, TREVOR takes aim at the nature of humanity and the lies we tell ourselves.

SEASON SPONSORS:

a r t i s t s r e p .o r g 503. 241 .1 278

40 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

Stay in touch at www.ojmche.org

Left to right: Diane Russell, Esther Liberman, Diane Fredgant

ORA artists at the J TASTE OF ART PREVIEW PARTY AND SALE: 7-9:30 pm Saturday, Nov. 5 CELEBR ATION OF ART SALE: 10:30-4:30 pm, Sunday, Nov. 6 WHERE: MJCC 6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland R AFFLE: Customers will earn one raffle ticket for every $25 spent on art. Five winners will receive valuable prize packages.

New Productions this fall at

PCO!

PCO, celebrating its 70th anniversary, is the oldest incorporated chamber orchestra in the country. It is known for its innovative concerts with a fusion of art forms. PCO is funded in part

by Oregon Community Foundation, Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Arts Commission, and generous patrons of the arts.

PERFORMANCES

7:30 p.m. Sept. 24, 2016 Nordia House, 8800 SW Oleson Rd., Portland 3:00 p.m. Sept. 25, 2016 Agnes Flanagan Chapel, Lewis & Clark College, Portland

TICKETS

$30 for adults $25 for seniors $15 each for groups of 10 or more.

Children 12 and under always free.

Music at both events will add to the artistic atmosphere.

Local band “The Noted” will perform lively music throughout the Saturday evening party. On Sunday, George Fendel and Rich Garber will entertain the crowd with selections on the piano.

Original glass, clay, fabric, beads, stone, paint, metals and photography will be available for viewing and purchase.

Exciting new artists will add a new dimension of creative art to this year’s show. Returning artists will bring their new art forms guaranteed to spark your senses. The show features a broad selection of beautiful Judaica-themed art, as well a variety of exciting secular art.

Most artists are happy to discuss commission ideas.

Schmooze with artists and meet other art lovers at both events. Beat the holiday rush and stock up on unique Hanukkah, birthday and anniversary gifts.

Visit ORA’s website at northwestjewishartists.org for more information about the artists and their work.

The Spirit of Youth The first concert of PCO’s 70th season celebrates the constantly evolving, ever changing, and yet forever optimistic spirit of youth.

Concerto No. 1 in C Major for Piano, Trumpet and Strings Dmitri Shostakovich Raley Schweinfurth, Piano

This 16 year old pianist is a student of eminent piano pedagogue, Dorothy Fahlman, one of Portland’s most distinguished teachers. Raley has been the principal pianist for the Portland Youth Philharmonic since 2014.

The Diary of Anne Frank Ani Maldjian, Soprano

A one act opera-monodrama that uses the literal text of Anne Frank. It takes the listener through a two year span of her life that demonstrates how children, fraught with adversity, can grow up quickly to become mature human beings. Ms. Maldjian is largely known for her portrayal as Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, a one-woman opera, and comes into her own in this solo work. The vocal writing uses the words of Anne Frank’s diary closely and offers a technical and emotional tour de force for this game

Yaacov Bergman, Music Director

503-771-3250 Photo by Images by Floom

www.PortlandChamberOrchestra.org OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 41

THE HAROLD SCHNITZER FAMILY PROGRAM IN JUDAIC STUDIES Presents

The 2016 Levy Event at Portland State University Nov. 4-6

Please join us at the PSU campus for brunch, music, a panel and performances. Featured reading by award-winning poet Alicia Jo Rabins, Artist-in-Residence.

TICKETS: Free and open to the public Information: pdx.edu/judaic

PORTLAND CENTER STAGE AT THE ARMORY Presents

Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin

Nov. 30-Dec. 30 A tour de force performance takes us from Czarist Russia to the Lower East Side — and ultimately the world. Hershey Felder’s masterful creation of character and musical performance makes this evening with Irving Berlin unforgettable.

TICKETS: pcs.org • 503-445-3700

OREGON JEWISH MUSEUM AND CENTER FOR HOLOCAUST EDUCATION Presents

Every Minute Counts – Photographs

by Katherine Joseph

Through Sept. 25 Come see this last exhibition in the museum’s 1953 NW Kearney St. location. Come hear the Sept. 20 talk by Katherine Joseph’s daughter Suzanne Hertzberg, author of Katherine Joseph: Photographing an Era of Social Significance.

TICKETS OR INFO: ojmche.org • 503-226-3600

TRIANGLE PRODUCTIONS! Presents

Golda’s Balcony March 9-April 1

Featuring Wendy Westerwelle as Golda Meir. From the pogroms of Russia to the halls of Knesset, the story of Golda Meir is the story of the state of Israel in the 20th century.

TICKETS: trianglepro.org • 503-239-5919

42 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

OREGON SYMPHONY Presents

Itzhak Perlman Recital Oct. 18

A rare evening with the 16-time Grammy winner accompanied on the piano by Rohan DeSilva. One of the world’s premier violinists, Perlman has been called classical music’s greatest ambassador.

TICKETS: OrSymphony.org • 503-228-1353

WHITE BIRD Presents

Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance Company’s Wallflower

AVSHALOM POLLAK

Oct. 20-22 Inbal Pinto and Avshalom Pollak are regarded around the world as two of Israel’s most imaginative and accomplished choreographers and directors. Ten dancers in fantastically colored costumes create startling shapes against a gleaming white background.

TICKETS: whitebird.org • 503-245-1600

OREGON BALLET THEATRE Presents

Giants

PORTLAND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Presents

The Spirit of Youth

Sept. 24 Nordia House (8800 SW Oleson Road) Sept. 25 Agnes Flanagan Chapel (Lewis & Clark College) Yaacov Bergman directs Grigory Frid’s musical interpretation of “The Diary of Anne Frank.”

Performed by soprano Ani Maldjian, who is known for her portrayal of Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, a one-woman opera.

TICKETS: PortlandChamberOrchestra.org 503-771-3250

Oct. 8-15 Trace the evolution of ballet in the 20th and 21st centuries with George Balanchine’s “Serenade” (1935); William Forsythe’s “In The Middle, Somewhat Elevated” (1989); and the world premiere of OBT Resident Choreographer Nicolo Fonte’s “Giants Before Us.” TICKETS: obt.org 503-222-5538

ARTISTS REPERTORY THEATRE Presents

TREVOR

Starts Sept. 6 This heart-wrenching new comedy stars Trevor, a 200-pound chimp intent on reviving his showbiz career. Swinging between reality and fantasy, TREVOR takes aim at the nature of humanity and the lies we tell ourselves.

TICKETS: artistsrep.org 503-241-1278 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 43

Food

CORNER

As summer draws to a close and we approach the holiest week of the year, it’s time again to reflect on the blessings we have received. Our summer included settling in to a new home, outdoor concerts, major league baseball games, Fourth of July fireworks and toasting s’mores. My husband and I logged countless miles in the car shuttling our 15-year-old son, Laz, almost daily to baseball games, football workouts, ski training and piano lessons.

Laz will begin his final two years of high school this fall, and I am tremendously proud of the young man he has become.

As we celebrate the New Year on Rosh Hashanah, we recognize that we have much to be grateful for. Ten days later on Yom Kippur, we will be called to ask for forgiveness from others and for ourselves. We make an effort to scrutinize who we are, who we wish to be, how others see us and how we would like to see ourselves. These are deep thoughts for most grown-ups, let alone a teenager on the verge of becoming a man. It does, however, create a great teaching opportunity.

Our world has become a pretty scary place. It seems every other day we are forced to witness another human calamity resulting in the loss of precious lives. Colliding opinions have led to demonstrations of anger and hostility, dividing us into a country of red and blue, black and white, and, most disturbingly, good and evil. The upcoming election of a new president has turned political opinions into judgments of character instead of a vote for the candidate who champions an issue.

These are all hard things for our young people to absorb. As

THOUGHTS AND FOODS INSPIRED BY THE HOLIDAYS Story and photos

by Lisa Glickman

his mom, it is my job to feed him, clothe him, keep him safe and help him navigate his journey into becoming the man he wants to be.

On this Day of Atonement my hope for him is to reach a little deeper into his heart and hear the meaning of Yom Kippur. I hope he strives to take responsibility for his actions and realize how they reflect on his character. These are lofty goals to expect from a teenager who spends most of his time preoccupied with Snapchat, sports scores and his reflection in the mirror! I’m pretty certain that I am not the only parent of a teenager who can make this same observation! He is the best part of this family and I love him.

My hope for this family, and yours, is a safe, happy and healthy New Year, a comfortable fast, and, best of all, a joyful and abundant break fast! L’shana Tovah.

Lisa Glickman is a private chef and teacher who lives in Portland. She has made TV appearances on COTV in Central Oregon and appeared on the Cooking Channel’s “The Perfect Three.”

She can be reached at lisa@lisaglickman.com.

44 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

Blueberry Blintzes After a long fast it is customary to feature dairy in the break-thefast meal. Blintzes are a favorite in my family and a perfect way to use that bumper crop of blueberries you were smart enough to freeze in late July! And most of the prep can be done ahead of time.

Crepe Batter:

Apple, Brie and Chanterelle Mushroom Pizza with White Truffle Honey Apples and honey are the theme for this tasty Rosh Hashanah-inspired pizza. Truffle honey can be found in some specialty stores or ordered online. It adds an amazing earthy flavor and highlights the seasonal chanterelle mushrooms.

Pizza Dough:

1 teaspoon active dry yeast 2 teaspoons sugar 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus a bit more for coating 2/3 cup warm water (105-110º) 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon kosher salt Dissolve yeast, sugar and oil in warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer. Cover bowl and set in a warm place and allow mixture to bloom for about 20 minutes to become foamy. Place bowl on mixer stand and use the paddle attachment. Add flour and salt and mix on slow speed for two to three minutes until smooth dough develops. Gather dough into a ball and place in another bowl. Coat dough with a bit more olive oil, cover and allow to double in size (about 1½ to 2 hours). Punch down dough.

(The dough can be used now or stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours)

Pizza Toppings:

6-8 ounces chanterelle mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided) Pinch of salt ½ teaspoon red chili flakes 2 tablespoons white or yellow cornmeal 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced very thin 6 ounces Brie cheese cut into bite-sized hunks 1-2 tablespoons white truffle honey Preheat oven to 450º. Sauté sliced mushrooms in 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and red chili flakes until most of the liquid has evaporated; set aside. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and stretch and form your pizza shape. Place dough on a baking sheet dusted with the cornmeal. Brush remaining olive oil all over the surface of the dough. Scatter sliced apple, Brie and mushrooms evenly onto the dough. Bake pizza until edges are golden and cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and drizzle with honey.

1 cup milk ¼ cup cold water 2 eggs 1 cup all-purpose flour Pinch salt 1 tablespoon sugar 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for sautéing the crepes

Cheese Filling:

1½ cups ricotta cheese 4 ounces cream cheese 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1 egg

Blueberry Sauce: 2 pints blueberries 2 tablespoons butter ¾ cup sugar 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Melted unsalted butter, for sautéing blintzes Confectioners' sugar, for dusting Combine milk, water and eggs in a blender. Mix to combine.

Add flour, salt and sugar. Mix to combine. Add melted butter and mix a few seconds more. Set batter aside for about an hour to rest. Meanwhile, using a hand mixer, mix together ingredients for cheese filling. Set in refrigerator to chill. Next, place berries, butter, sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Stir berries, sugar and cornstarch to combine and bring mixture to a boil and cook for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Heat an 8-inch nonstick skillet to medium high. Pour about ¼ cup of the crepe batter into the skillet and swirl skillet to create a thin pancake. When edges begin to brown, flip crepe and cook for about one minute more. Remove crepes to a baking sheet and let cool. When all crepes are finished, begin to fill with cheese filling. Place about ¼ cup of filling in the middle of each crepe and fold bottom edge toward the middle. Fold in sides of crepe and roll like a burrito toward the top. Set blintzes on another baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (At this point, blintzes can be refrigerated or frozen until ready to continue).

To serve, sauté blintzes in a small amount of butter until lightly browned on both sides. Place in ovenproof serving dish and keep warm in a 300º oven until all blintzes are sautéed. Serve hot blintzes with blueberry sauce and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 45

NWNosh

Chef Paul Kahan to cook from the heart at Feast Portland

By Kerry Politzer

46 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

The fifth annual Feast Portland festival promises to be more exciting than ever. Events include hands-on classes, tastings and the ever-popular Dinner Series. At the Sandwich Invitational, chefs from Austin to Nashville will compete to offer the best tastes between two slices of bread. On the last day of the festival, the Brunch Village smorgasbord will stuff everyone to the gills with meat, bread and pastries. And as always, the libations will flow.

This year, Chicago chef and restaurateur Paul Kahan will be featured at two events: a dinner with Ned Ludd’s Jason French and the outdoor Night Market, which will feature Latin American flavors. Kahan, who won the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Chef award in 2013, is thrilled to be a part of the festival.

“Honestly, it's my favorite food event in the whole country,” he says.

Through his company, One Off Hospitality Group, Kahan runs eight restaurants and bars in Chicago. His offerings range from Italian seafood dishes to luncheonette fare. He has a particular talent for pairing food and drink; one of his restaurants is a European-style beer hall, and his award-winning bar, The Violet Hour, serves modern comfort food with amazingly creative cocktails.

The one constant in Kahan’s diverse restaurant empire is the quality of his ingredients.

“I was one of the earlier adopters in Chicago to begin working hand in hand with farmers,” he explains, “and it has made sustainability the cornerstone of what we do.” He describes his culinary philosophy as getting “good product and doing as little as possible to it.

I try to teach all of our team members the importance of sustainability and community, as well as cooking from the heart with passion.”

Kahan grew up in a Jewish Paul Kahan

Night Market at Feast Portland last year. Photo by Brooke Bass

family that owned a deli on Chicago’s Devon Avenue, which was then the heart of the local Jewish community. His father also owned a smoked fish company that supplied Jewish delis.

“To this day,” he reminisces, “the best thing I’ve ever eaten was at my dad’s smoked fish house. I was about 12 years old the first time I pulled a freshly smoked chub out of the smoker, peeled back the flesh and popped it in my mouth. It was still warm and delicious in its simplicity.”

In college, Kahan delivered his father’s smoked fish to delis all over the city. He also began working in an organic food co-op, which kindled his interest in cooking.

For Feast Portland’s Night Market, Kahan will feature a dish inspired by the Tex-Mex cuisine offered at his Dove’s Luncheonette restaurant. At his Dinner Series event, which will feature the Hyland Estates and Domaine Drouhin wineries, he and French will cook outside over an open fire. Their collaboration is sure to delight festivalgoers. “He is my favorite chef in Portland!” Kahan enthuses.

Jason French and Paul Kahan at Elder Hall: Saturday, Sept. 17 at 7 pm. USA Pears Night Market at Zidell Yards: Friday, Sept.

16 at 6 pm. For tickets and more information, please visit feastportland.com

Portland Hadassah cordially invites you to a Wine & Dessert Reception

Featuring Barbara Goldstein Deputy Director, Hadassah Office in Israel

Thursday September 15, 2016 7:00 pm The Screening Room at The Hotel DeLuxe 729 SW 15th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Couvert: $36

Indian & Middle Eastern Cuisine Hours: Tues – Thurs & Sun 5 - 9 Fri – Sat 5 - 10

503.231.0740 www.bombaycricketclubrestaurant.com 1925 SE Hawthorne Blvd • Portland, OR 97214

Please register online at

http://www.hadassah.org/events/portlandwd OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 47

[Young Adult]

OJCF’s Giving Council collaborates to serve the community

Giving Council members discuss tzedakah options

expected but in a good way,” says Margot Feves, Giving Council participant. “While everyone in the group had Jewish Whether it was the opportunity to meet new people, the values, we had different ideas on how those values applied to chance to leverage one’s charitable dollars, the desire to do good giving.” or all of the above, the first year of Oregon Jewish Community For this Giving Council, the members decided to support Foundation’s Giving Council brought together 20 Jewish young programming at organizations that exemplify the values professionals united by the common goal to collaborate and be of community, education and equity. The group invited 15 impactful with their giving. Over six months, the members of organizations to submit grant proposals for consideration. the Giving Council worked as a group and experienced a form The Giving Council was specifically looking to support of philanthropy that enabled them to be generous in a more programming that provided assistance to girls, women, thoughtful and conscious way. immigrants and refugees, while also addressing the issue of “The foundation is so pleased to provide a new program equity. that offers young professionals in Portland a way to connect Members of the Giving Council's first cohort had $20,000 with the community and be available to grant to local philanthropic,” says OJCF organizations. The pooled Executive Director Julie Diamond. funds were a combination of Co-chaired by Sara Epstein the members’ contributions (a and OJCF Board of Trustees minimum suggested donation of member Andrew Rosengarten, $500) plus $10,000 in matching the Giving Council members met funds from OJCF's Community monthly from January through Endowment Fund. In midJune to share their views on Jewish May the group made its grant values. They discussed what it recommendations to support means to give through a Jewish three organizations: Portland lens, decided what their giving Jewish Academy, Girl Scouts of priorities would be, pooled their Oregon and SW Washington, charitable resources and eventually and Sunshine Pantry (see box for distributed grants to programs that details). met their criteria.

“The biggest success of the Discussing values and personal Giving Council, in my opinion, perspectives is a priority for giving was not the funds that were circles, because it enables members granted but the thoughtful to connect with one another and conversations between the find common ground. members and their analysis of "With our group, each the potential grantees through a participant really had to wrestle Jewish lens,” says Leikam. with what Jewish giving meant to The group's thoughtful grantJulia Weiss, foreground, and Giving Council Co-chair Sara Epstein discuss giving goals. Sonia Marie Leikam, OJCF collaborative giving making will impact the lives them personally. Then as a group, program coordinator, is in the background. they had to come to a consensus of a diverse populations in the around a shared vision," says community: children of various Sonia Marie Leikam, OJCF’s ethnic backgrounds, girls whose collaborative giving program coordinator and the group’s mothers are currently serving prison terms, and homeless and facilitator. at-risk families in need of the basic essentials in life.

“Working collaboratively was more challenging than I "This generous grant will allow us to build on our successful

By Gail Mandel

48 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

pilot program with Neighborhood House, which focuses on peer-to-peer connections among preschoolers, by expanding the program to fully engage families and further our efforts to bridge two different but complementary communities," says PJA Executive Director Steve Albert. “Our hope is to offer children new opportunities and experiences which will enrich lives at school, build community and create strong relationships,” adds Erika Saiers, PJA’s director of early childhood education.

Margot Feves says the most rewarding part about participating in the Giving Council was the collaboration.

“Despite some controversies the group was able to talk through differences and was able to come to an agreement regarding grant decisions that seemed to satisfy all the members."

Leikam and the Giving Council’s co-chairs are recruiting members for the second cohort of the group. Looking forward, the group intends to continue engaging, educating and empowering Jewish professionals. In its second year, the Giving Council's programming will expand to include occasional pop-up events or educational salons to inform people about specific philanthropic areas of focus.

"OJCF’s board of trustees is thrilled with the success of the Giving Council’s first year," says Diamond. "The program has brought together an impressive group of individuals, who generously gave their time and resources to make a difference in our community. It will be exciting to see what lies ahead in year two!"

Gail Mandel is legacy development and marketing manager at the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation.

Giving Council Grants 2016 p

$5,000 to Portland Jewish Academy for its project to create a cohesive community between PJA preschool classrooms and a “buddy” classroom at Neighborhood House’s Head Start program, with the goal of strengthening community and building bridges across cultures and circumstances. $5,000 to Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington for its Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program, serving girls whose mothers are incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, with the goal of lessening the impact of parent-child separation. $10,000 to Sunshine Pantry for its family shower room project, which is part of a general upgrade to existing restroom facilities to enable those who are homeless or whose situations at home are not conducive to proper hygiene to bathe in a safe environment.

A Taste of Giving: Happy Hours Designed To Do Good

Learn more about the OJCF Giving Council at a fun evening of food, drink and philanthropy.

Come schmooze with friends and meet other young Jewish professionals aged 21-40.

Learn about two worthy local nonprofit programs in need of funding.

Cast your vote to decide which organization will receive your support.

First Happy Hour 6-8 pm Sept. 15.

Tickets are $25 and include a $10 charitable contribution, drinks and nosh. For tickets, go to ojcf.org or call 503-248-9328.

Advertise

in October’s two special sections All About Women Bar/Bat Mitzvah Showcase Contact Debbie Taylor 503-892-7403

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 49

[Young Adult]

New faces in Moishe House and beyond

Portland Moishe House residents from left are Aaron Kaufman, Shayna Sigman, Kenneth Gordon, Alex Friedman and Rochelle Schwartz. Shayna and Alex moved into the house for young Jewish adults over the summer.

Portland Moishe House has gained two new residents and a new contingent of young adults to help create Jewish community for their peers.

Portland Moishe House is one of 86 Moishe Houses in 21 countries designed to help young, innovative Jews create their vision of an ideal Jewish communal space. House residents plan and host events for other young adults.

Shayna Sigman moved into the Portland house in June.

Originally from Los Angeles, she moved to Oregon in 2009 to attend Willamette University. After graduation she became connected with Portland’s Jewish community and attended many Moishe House events. Most recently she was in St. Louis, MO, where she completed a master’s in social work at Washington University in St. Louis. She is excited to be back in Oregon and looks forward to exploring Portland’s nonprofit community.

Alexander Friedman moved into the house in August. He grew up in the Bay Area in California before attending the University of Oregon and graduating in 2012 with a BA in history. He first became involved in the Jewish community after college, with the East Bay Moishe House in Berkeley, CA. In August 2015, after teaching English for a year in Be’er Sheva, Israel, he hung up his travel pack and settled in Portland with plans to build a home, join a community and start a career in real estate. He looks forward to better serving Portland’s young adult community.

Moishe House Without Walls empowers young adults to build Jewish community as they envision it by planning and hosting programs. Participants, who were required to attend an Aug. 25 training, receive support to host up to two events a 50 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

month.

Thanks to a grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, the local MHWOW is open to any Portlander 22 to 32 years old. In the past it was only available for Moishe House resident alumni and Moishe House retreat participants. About 20 young adults signed up for the MHWOW training and are eligible to receive subsidies to host events for their peers.

For information about September events and High Holiday events, check the calendar at: moishehouse.org/houses/portland or visit facebook.com/groups/Moishehouseportland/ You can contact Shayna and Alex at shayna.moishepdx@ gmail.com and alex.moishepdx@gmail.com.

Portland native named to Chicago’s “36 Under 36” List

Sara Wasserteil, 31, a Portland native, has been named to the fifth annual “Double Chai in the Chi: 36 Under 36” list of young Jewish movers and shakers in Chicago. Presented

by JUF’s Young Leadership Division and Oy!Chicago – an outreach website for Chicago 20- and 30-somethings – the list shines a spotlight on the faces of Chicago’s Jewish future and recognizes the amazing contributions of this generation. The young professionals featured are noted for making a difference through their work, giving back in their free time, and earning distinction in the Jewish community and beyond.

Sara is the daughter of Howard and Vivian Wasserteil, who now live in Kirkland, WA, where her dad is the director of ad-

YOUNG ADULT THINK TANK – An Aug. 3 ad hoc meeting on young adult engagement drew 22 Jewish communal professionals to brainstorm effective ways to engage young adults in Jewish life locally. At the meeting, Jewish Federation of Greater Portland President and CEO Marc Blattner announced the creation of the Passport to Jewish Portland. The group agreed to meet quarterly to share ideas, challenges and successes, and to find collaborative opportunities to reach young adults.

ministration for Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue. Sara became a bat mitzvah at Congregation Neveh Shalom. A graduate of Beaverton High School, she was very involved in BBYO and served on the regional board for two years. She was a camper and later a counselor at B’nai B’rith Camp for six years.

“It’s truly amazing that this marks our fifth year of this initiative — and that in that time we have honored and gotten to know 180 of this community’s innovative young leaders,” says Stefanie Pervos Bregman, co-founding editor of Oy!Chicago.

“As always, this year’s list confirms for us that the future of Chicago’s Jewish community is incredibly bright.”

Sara has devoted herself to the most vulnerable communities in Chicago and the world. After spending much of her 20s abroad assisting refugees in Zambia and the Congo, helping agricultural and the private sectors in Nigeria, and working on other civic projects in Ghana and Kenya, she brought that dedication to Chicago, where she consults on civic impact initiatives that improve lives. She has developed strategies for organizations to help keep at-risk youth in school, built a roadmap for the Cook County Public Defender to get people awaiting trial with mental health or substance abuse issues out of jail and into treatment, and much more.

Sara also has a habit of teaching and mentoring everywhere she goes, including about Judaism. In Africa, she brought Jewish holidays to her communities; in Chicago, Sara is a consultant with the Civic Consulting Alliance.

“I love growing people, so I am currently mentoring five graduate students interested in pursuing international development careers and serve as the founding director for the Practitioner’s Council at the Center for Policy Entrepreneurship, which enables me to connect students to civic-minded leaders,” says Sara. The program is through the Harris School of Public Policy.

“I like to teach people of different backgrounds about Judaism,” adds Sara. “When I lived in Ghana, I led a seder to teach my community about Jewish traditions; while in Zambia, I led a Hanukkah celebration for my neighbors. Now that I’m in Chicago, I started integrating family history into holiday celebrations to help family and friends connect their own histories to Jewish stories and traditions.” oychicago.com/36under36

Embark on Jewish journey with passport Think it’s too expensive for young adults to do Jewish in Portland? Think again.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, in collaboration with area synagogues and agencies, has created the Passport to Jewish Portland. The program creates a subsidized gateway/entry point for young adults to affiliate within the community. For a total cost of $360 per individual, a young adult receives annual memberships at one participating synagogue, the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, and a subscription to Oregon Jewish Life magazine.

For years, studies have shown that young adults (ages 22-30) are not joining membership organizations and historical Jewish institutions. People will say they are not “joiners.” Others say they are less interested in traditional Jewish institutions. One common refrain is cost – it’s expensive to do Jewish.

Those aged 22-30 who are currently not members of a synagogue and/or the MJCC are eligible for the passport. The program is open to 100 people in this initial year. Participants are eligible for this special one-time opportunity.

Passport holders can choose a basic individual membership at any one of the following congregations: Congregation Ahavath Achim, Beit Haverim, Congregation Beth Israel, Havurah Shalom, Congregation Kesser Israel, Congregation Kol Shalom, Congregation Neveh Shalom, P’nai Or of Oregon, Congregation Shaarie Torah or Congregation Shir Tikvah.

JFGP will collect and distribute funds and administer this pilot program.

Caron Blau Rothstein will coordinate the program at the Jewish Federation.

To apply for a passport to start your Jewish journey, call Caron at 503-245-6449.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 51

[seniors]

Housing with Services Project Director Howard Klink in the entry of the health and social service center in Cedar Sinai Park’s 1200 Building. The center serves residents of 11 affordable housing buildings in Portland.

CSP’s affordable Housing with Services

By Deborah Moon

National attention is focused on the Housing with Services model that Cedar Sinai Park conceived in 2012 to support seniors in its four downtown affordable housing buildings.

The Housing with Services LLC that grew out of that impulse now assists seniors and people with disabilities living in 11 Portland affordable housing buildings. Nine housing, health and social service providers, of which CSP is the largest shareholder, work together to help the residents maintain their health and quality of life to successfully age in place.

In June, Housing with Services Project Director Howard Klink participated in a Congressional briefing on affordable housing plus services in Washington, D.C. Klink was part of a delegation of three members and two staffers from LeadingAge, which is an advocacy and policy association of 6,000 not-for-profit organizations dedicated to making America a better place to grow old.

“We are viewed as one of the more unique and innovative models in the country,” says Klink.

The goal of the briefing was to explain to Congressional representatives and staff how affordable senior housing plus services strategies can help address the social, health and long52 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

term services and support policy concerns associated with the rapidly growing low-income older adult population.

When Portland State University completes its evaluation of the project in October, Klink says he expects it will show several benefits.

“We anticipate the evaluation will show we have significantly reduced health care costs (through fewer emergency room visits), improved health outcomes, reduced evictions, and we hope to show reduced frequency of inappropriate nursing home and institutional care,” he explains.

He attributes a reduced eviction rate to a crisis response system and social workers on site who can help residents deal with mental health issues that often result in evictions.

Services include a health and wellness center, primary and urgent care, mental health and addiction services, nutrition assistance, Give2Get resident service exchange, and culturally specific outreach and support.

Those services are having a positive effect according to Dan Valliere, COO of REACH, one of three housing organizations participating in the LLC. “Our goal and the goal of our residents is stable housing,” says Valliere. “Individual health and well-being is a fundamental determinant of their ability to keep housing stable.

We support people to stay healthy and access preventative care, and support exercise, nutrition and behavioral health. … We are breaking down barriers by working with the health care system so it is more connected to and available in a friendly and customer-focused way where people live.”

Funding for the project included contributions from the nine equity partners and a variety of grants including a $440,000 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services State Innovative Model Grant. Construction of the health center, located at CSP’s “1200 Building,” was provided by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

“The hope is the briefing will set a foundation for a formal hearing on housing plus services later this year,” he says. The key question is “How do we get policy changes to allow for more flexible use of Medicaid money?”

One of the primary recommendations Klink made at the briefing was to create “explicit policy support for use of Medicaid funding to support services coordination, rent assistance and health-related interventions such as mold remediation and air conditions.”

Klink has been involved in Portland’s Housing with Services program since its inception. In 2012 CSP acquired three buildings downtown – Lexington Apartments, Park Tower Apartments and the 1200 Building, which now houses the health center servicing residents in all 11 buildings in the LLC. Combined with the 2007 purchase of Rose Schnitzer Tower, CSP became the operator of four affordable housing buildings within blocks of each other.

That was the genesis of Housing with Services, says Klink: “David Fuks (who was then CEO of CSP) asked, ‘How do we help people in our buildings age in place and have a high quality of life. How do we bring services and support to people in our buildings?’ ” Klink, who has belonged to Havurah Shalom for 30 years, says Fuks hired him to facilitate the planning process to create a service delivery model for people in CSP-owned buildings.

As soon as the model was created, it drew attention. Home Forward (formerly the Portland Housing Authority) wanted to participate with four buildings it operated nearby. REACH wanted in with its three buildings in the same neighborhood.

The group started submitting grant requests and created an LLC, for which Klink serves as project director. Social service agencies, including Jewish Family and Child Service, joined the project.

This month Outside In, known for its programs for homeless youth and adults, will begin operating the health and wellness clinic, for which it is a federally qualified provider. The clinic includes geriatric specialists, primary care physicians, acupuncture and massage.

Food from Urban Gleaners and the Oregon Food Bank is delivered to the 1200 Building twice a week and then distributed to food pantries in each of the buildings.

An active Resident Advisory Council helps with design, prioritization and evaluation of projects.

“Projects like this need to be brought to scale in publically subsidized housing to generate health care savings of interest to coordinated care organizations and insurance companies,” says Klink.

He hopes his presentation in D.C. helps that happen.

Howard Klink addresses a Congressional briefing in Washington, D.C.

Ultimately, it’s your experience that matters.

To be sure, we’re proud of our 28 years of experience in senior living. But, to us, what really matters is your experience at our communities. We invite you to experience NorthWest Place for yourself at a complimentary lunch and tour. Please call now to schedule.

I n de p e n de n t L i v i ng R e s i de nc e s

2420 NW Marshall Street • Portland, OR SRGseniorliving.com • 503.388.5417 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 53

[seniors]

Walking to end Alzheimer’s

he also volunteers for the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association helping with Portlander Bill Cohen is a grand champrograms, policy and advocacy. pion fundraiser dedicated to ending the Following his mother’s death in 2013, he disease that stole his mother’s memory, started a team to participate in the annual creativity and, ultimately, her life.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s. He returns to the Sheila Cohen Springer, z”l, was an artist, walk for the third time as co-captain of his teacher and printmaker all her life. When walk team, this year called "Team Sheila, Hurricane Katrina struck, she lost both her Terri and Jim." He added the names of Terri house in Biloxi, MS, and her health. and Jim to the team name since the two “The trauma tipped her over, severely exhave walked with his team for the past two acerbating the symptoms of early dementia years as they deal with early onset Alzheishe’d been experiencing,” Bill says. Springer mer’s. lived with a sister on the East Coast for a Bill Cohen at last year’s Walk “It affects so many of us,” says Bill, noting to End Alzheimer’s. couple of years then moved to Cedar Sinai that with the population aging, the disease Park in Portland – first to Rose Schnitzer is afflicting more people every year so that Manor and later to a memory-care unit at Robison Jewish virtually everyone has a friend, relative or co-worker suffering Health Center. from the disease or serving as a caregiver for someone who is.

During the years she lived at CSP, Bill participated in an “And costs are exploding. We need a cure and treatment soon.”

Alzheimer’s Association support group, initially as a participant Bill has been sharing his mother’s story as he walks to honor and later as the facilitator. He still works full time as a policy her memory. Each year his team has been in the top 20 teams analyst at the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles, but now in terms of both funds raised and team participants.

By Deborah Moon

founded on strong jewish values

Happy New Year!

JOE MENASHE Principal Broker

Shana

Tova

maintain her independence, with a helping hand from someone in her community.

A local, non-profit, in-home care agency (503) 542-0088

54 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

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Sheila Cohen Springer, z”l, with artwork she created while living at Rose Schnitzer Manor.

“The walk is such an easy and gratifying way to make a difference and give back and help find a cure – it’s not just memory loss,” says Bill, inviting others to join him walking Sept. 11 at Portland International Raceway or to donate online.

“Other diseases like breast cancer and heart disease have made such progress; that’s what we need to do for Alzheimer’s.”

This year Bill became a member of the Grand Champions Club, which recognizes those who raise $1,000 or more toward their own personal Walk to End Alzheimer's fundraising goal.

As of early August, Bill had raised nearly $1,500, with 18 people donating on his fundraising page (act.alz.org/goto/ Bill_Team_Sheila_Terri_Jim_2016). Bill also created a weekly fundraiser: “I bake healthy, tasty blueberry muffins and sell them at work. I put them out and say here is a suggested donation to support the cause.”

“I am committed to raising awareness and funds to support Alzheimer's care and for research, and I am asking for your support,” writes Bill on his web page. “Together, we can become an unstoppable force against this devastating disease.”

l’sHana

tovaH

As the High Holy days draw near, all of us at Rose Schnitzer Manor send you wishes for a healthy and happy new year.

Please be our guest (503) 535-4004 www.cedarsinaipark.org

2016 Walks to End Alzheimer’s

Portland Sept. 11 Bend Sept. 17 Albany Sept. 18 Medford Sept. 24 Roseburg Sept. 25 Eugene Oct. 9 For more information, visit alz.org/walk

ACTIVE ASSISTED LIVING

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 55

Home & ifestyle L

BEFORE 56 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

The Weiners’ kitchen is designed to make entertaining easy with large refrigerator and oven, as well as a bar-height pedestal as part of the counter space, which can still easily accommodate prep work before the party. Inset: The kitchen before the redesign.

Downsizing to functional beauty Story and photos by Deborah Moon

When Michael Weiner and Kathy Davis-Weiner decided to downsize from a 4,300-square-foot Lake Oswego home to a 1,972-square-foot urban condo, they had an unusual quandary.

It wasn’t that they wouldn’t have room when their children visited with their families. “We have occasional visits from our four kids and two grandkids, who live in four different places across the country,” says Michael. “We are here by ourselves 340 days a year.”

“I felt guilty,” adds Kathy. “But the kids supported us and said whatever makes the most sense for us.”

No, the problem was finding space for all their art.

When the couple travels, which they do frequently, they love to look at art. “But we fall in love; it’s a dangerous habit,” says Kathy, noting that most of their trips result in new pieces.

“Certain things, like the donkey from Israel, had to have a place,” says Kathy.

Long active in the Jewish community (Michael served as

the board chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland), when the couple decided they were ready to downsize, they pulled out their Jewish rolodex and called their longtime friend and Realtor Carolyn Weinstein. When they started their search in late 2013, the market had already gotten so hot that places sold within days or hours. They missed one place they liked, and when they saw a condo in the hills overlooking downtown with a view of four mountains on a clear day they jumped on it.

“It was the view that captured us,” says Kathy.

“It was dark and gloomy, but we saw the potential,” says Michael.

So once again they called a Jewish friend – interior designer Linda Georges. Linda had recently sold her business, Room

by Room, but was still working part time. She introduced the couple to her friend and builder Karl Hoffses from Ridgecrest Homes.

“It was a great collaboration,” says Linda. “He’s one of my favorite builders. Kathy and Michael have such an artistic eye! … We assessed their artwork to make sure we knew where it

These custom-made cabinets were designed specifically for each piece of the couple’s art collection, including on bottom “Five Books,” by Michael’s mother ceramic artist Ruth Weiner, z”l, and “Donkey,” an original hand-painted bronze sculpture by Israeli artist Dorit Levinstei

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 57

was all going to fit. It was an intensive They ended up moving in and doing the part of the project. It was definitely a kitchen later. group effort.”

“I cook and bake a lot, so I wanted a Karl agrees that the art was a key bigger oven and bigger refrigerator,” says element in the remodel.

Kathy. “We like to entertain and people “The most challenging aspect of like to be in the kitchen, so part of the the job was to arrange the various art counter is more bar-top level, but I can pieces to the space and to adequately still use it.” illuminate them with the limited “The key is to make it functional and electrical that we had available in the still look good,” she says as Michael adds, condo,” says Karl. “The use of various “You have to have an eye to functionality.” forms of LED lighting helped with While most of their favorite artwork that.” found a space in their new home, “We had “The Weiner’s condo is surely a to get rid of a lot of art; some of it went project that our company is very to auction,” says Kathy. And most of the The front bathroom was proud of,” says Karl. furniture had to go. designed to spotlight the glass The couple decided to gut the entire The art created by Michael’s mother, sculpture by Christopher Jeffries condo; only the hardwood floors were however, has a permanent home in their set into the wall. kept intact. condo.

“We needed light,” says Michael.

Ruth Weiner, z”l, who was named one “We had to put in soffits everywhere.” of 50 “living treasures” by the governor of Michael called the project a Illinois in 2001, created a series of books complex engineering job. “The trick is in ceramics. Michael and Kathy have a doing creative things in a small space row of ceramic books that she created one and making sure everything flows page at a time. She did an entire series together.” of open books that are now on display Kathy says Karl and the in a synagogue and library on which she subcontractors had fabulous ideas. wrote the names of Holocaust victims “We were all working together,” she copied from a book at a Holocaust says Kathy. “It was give and take. memorial in Prague. Michael and Kathy Niches were set into the wall to accommodate specific pieces of art.

It meant Michael and I had to accompanied her on that journey, also communicate a lot.” going to the village where her aunts and “Yet we are still married,” uncles perished (her parents had says Michael with a smile. immigrated to the United States in Kathy took the lead in the early 1920s). finding places for artwork. She “She took her experiences and cut out templates of the pieces travel into her art, kind of like we do,” they knew they had to keep and says Kathy. started taping them to walls.

“We do it a lot easier,” Michael She decided the front says. “She created it, we just buy it.” bathroom was a perfect spot Custom-made cabinets line many for a large glass sculpture. of the condo’s walls. Each cabinet Michael decided a tub would was created by Mainly Cabinets Inc. complement the room and then (mainlycabinets.com) for a specific Linda took over. piece of art.

“The bathtub in the guest The custom cabinetmaker also bath was all Michael’s idea; he brought to life Michael’s vision and has a keen eye,” says Linda. “I sketch for a bar wall. wanted the guest bath to be inviting, so I had an idea for the “Michael helped design the bar,” says Linda. “It was his glass and they loved it. I created the vertical stripe through the concept from a magazine. He got his heart set on that concept, entire floor and up the wall. Very striking and inviting. The and the cabinet company, Mainly Cabinets followed suit.” right color is certainly my strong suite, so we played off their The couple has discovered many benefits of urban condo life. gray and neutral palate they wanted.”

They can walk or take the streetcar or bus to restaurants, art Moving to the master bathroom, Linda took her cues from galleries, performances and other events. They have a bird’s-eye Kathy. view of traffic, weather and sunsets reflecting off the US Bank “Kathy is very artistic herself and can see colors quite well,” building. says Linda. “She likes textures, so we played that up in the “Everything is right by us,” says Kathy. But perhaps, best of master bath.” all, “You can go travel and just close the door.”

The kitchen and dining area took a little longer to figure out.

58 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

Fall planting brings spring flowers

By Melinda Myers

Shorten the winter season with the help of spring-flowering bulbs that you plant in fall. These beauties often provide the first bit of color and fragrance each year.

Look for new and unique ways to incorporate bulbs into your landscape. Create a seasonal water feature with a river of blue scillas and grape hyacinths meandering through the garden.

Welcome visitors with a front door or walkway garden that blooms from early spring through early summer and is loaded with crocus, tulips, daffodils and allium.

Don’t overlook those shady spots. Many of these locations provide enough early season sun, before the trees leaf out, for bulbs to grow and flower. Use more shade-tolerant spring bloomers like snowdrops, grape hyacinths, scillas, anemones, daffodils, fritillarias and Camassias in shady areas among hostas, ferns and other shade-tolerant perennials.

Growing flowers from bulbs is easy. Just follow these simple steps for a beautiful spring garden.

Selection

Purchase bulbs that are dense and firm, and free of bruises or mold. Shop early for the best selection. Mail-order sources will ship your bulbs at the proper planting time. If you buy locally, store the bulbs in a dry, well-ventilated and cool (60-degree) location until it’s time to plant.

Don’t let deer, rabbits and chipmunks dissuade you from planting. Include hyacinths, grape hyacinths, scillas, glory-ofthe-snow, fritillarias, alliums and Camassias that the animals tend to overlook.

Design Ideas

Include a variety of bulbs for added color throughout spring.

Early bloomers like glory-of-the-snow, crocus, early tulips and daffodils, and grape hyacinths are followed by mid-season daffodils and tulips along with fritillarias. Late-spring blooming tulips and alliums finish off the spring display.

Combine several bulbs that bloom at the same time to double the floral impact or at different times to extend the color throughout the spring. You can create your own combinations or look for prepackaged combinations prepared by experts.

Low-growing White Splendor anemone along with Ocean Magic grape hyacinth make a striking combination for under shrubs. The yellow blossoms of Dutch Master daffodils, pink Involve tulips and purplish-blue grape hyacinths will give you several layers of color.

Or add a bit of eye-catching red to the garden throughout the spring with the Really Red collection of tulips. Red Emperor starts things out in early spring, followed by Oxford and ending with double-flowering Red Princess and Sky High Scarlet.

Location

home that tend to warm up early in spring.

Reduce maintenance and boost your garden’s beauty by mixing bulbs with perennials. Once the bulbs are done blooming, the neighboring perennials mask the fading bulb foliage.

When and How to Plant

Increase growing success in poor soils by incorporating several inches of compost, peat moss or other organic matter into the top 12 inches of soil. This improves drainage in clay soil and the water-holding ability of sandy and rocky soils. Then be sure to incorporate a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer.

Wait to plant your bulbs until the soil cools. This is any time after the night temperatures are consistently 40 to 50 degrees.

Plant spring-blooming bulbs three times as deep as the bulb is tall. Water thoroughly to remove air pockets and encourage fall root growth. Add a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and reduce the risk of early sprouting.

So break out your trowel and garden gloves and get busy planting. You’ll be glad you did when spring arrives and your yard and garden are filled with a rainbow of beautiful flowers.

Melinda Myers has over 30 years of gardening experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening.

carolyn and robin weinstein

Realtors for Every Generation ®

Working for you and our community since 1978 to learn more visit

cweinsteinpdxhomes.com or contact us personally

carolyn 503.802.6415 robin 503.802.6405

carolynandrobin@hasson.com

Plant bulbs in well-drained soil. Avoid areas such as next to the dryer vent or against the south-side foundation of your OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 59

[Israel]

Kids with special needs find wings

By Deborah Moon

In a country where accessibility to buildings and youth groups is limited, children with mobility issues or special needs are learning to soar with Krembo Wings.

Founded in 2002, Krembo Wings is Israel’s only youth movement for children with special needs. Children with severe psychological, motor and cognitive disabilities are able to participate in a structured social environment with their able-bodied peers. The youth movement is changing lives of those with special needs and changing societal and individual perceptions of disabilities one town at a time.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland has helped launch four branches of the group that brings together young people with and without disabilities aged 7-21 from all cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. This summer Eliana Fenn, the International Outreach Coordinator for Krembo Wings, came to Portland to share the success of the branches Portland helped start in Carmiel, Lod and Tsfat as well as progress toward the establishment of a chapter in Kiryat Malachi later this year.

“Krembo Wings was founded by an able-bodied Israeli teenager who was inspired by her volunteer work with a disabled child and felt that handicapped youth deserved the same kind of programs that able-bodied teens have through their youth movements,” says Lee Gordon, chair of JFGP’s Overseas Special Projects Committee, which allocates funds for programs in Israel that help vulnerable populations. “Able-bodied teens volunteer with handicapped youth, thereby giving a wonderful and meaningful volunteer experience for the teens as well as the youngsters who receive the support.”

Lee, who co-founded Israel’s Hand in Hand schools that provides integrated, bilingual schools for Jewish and Arab students, sounds especially proud of the branch Portland helped create in Lod. “In Lod, which is a mixed city of Jews and Arabs, Krembo worked with both communities there and brought Jewish and Arab teens together.”

Serving areas that have diverse populations is common for 60 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

Krembo, which has branches in Druse, Bedouin and West Bank villages. The Portland-funded branch in Tsfat brings Haredi and secular youth together. The new branch in Kiryat Malachi will serve a development community with a large percentage of Ethiopian immigrants.

Each branch is created with the support of the municipality, which finds an accessible meeting space and provides funds, as well as funds from the Ministry of Welfare and donors such as federations or foundations.

JFGP Allocations Director Bob Horenstein said when he visited a Krembo Wings branch two years ago he was amazed by the powerful stories he heard from the teen counselors as well as the beneficiaries and their families.

During her Portland visit, Eliana shared some stories of participants.

She read a letter from Yosif, a participant with cerebral palsy in Lod, who describes how he went from being a difficult teenager who resented everyone to a fun-loving kid.

He says that when Krembo Wings’ representatives came to his house, “It was the first time in my life that other kids asked me to join them in something. … Most of the kids I’d met until that night looked at me funny, made fun of me and had a hard time understanding me because I have cerebral palsy. The kids that came from Krembo Wings didn’t even seem to notice my ‘special needs.’ They talked about the activities and the fun we’d have together.”

Yosif ’s letter concludes, “No one talks about the obvious – my CP and my being an Arab. … It’s not a place for confrontation and division. We are all just kids that take the time to know each other for who we are on the inside.”

Afik, the group’s first blind counselor, wrote, “Krembo Wings made me believe in myself and dare to be active in a youth movement just like everyone else.”

Two teen counselors partner with each participant with disabilities for the year. Before the program begins, the counselors receive in-depth training. As they grow to know their partners, they go into local schools and other community venues to educate the public on what it’s like to have a disability.

Bob shared the story a mother of a physically deformed daughter told him of the changes she saw. When she would push her daughter’s wheelchair, she said children used to cross the street to avoid her. After her daughter joined Krembo Wings, Bob says, “kids became ambassadors and talked to other kids about how to respond. Now when she walks with her daughter by the school, kids run out to greet her.”

Eliana added, “That and hundreds of other stories are due to you and federation. Thank you for your partnership. We couldn’t do it without you.”

Kids &Teens too

A child-friendly resource for parents

Sept. 5

BIG TRUCK DAY: Listen to the drivers talk about their vehicles up close and personal! Police car, fire truck, antique cars! Eat lunch from vegetarian food trucks in the parking lot. 10 am-1 pm at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, 651 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland. Free. 503535-3617, oregonjcc.org

Sept. 11

PJ LIBRARY BACK TO SCHOOL AT THE ZOO: 1-3 pm at Oregon Zoo,

4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland. Join PJ Library and our community partners for a back to school at the zoo event! RSVP: 503892-7415 or rachelr@jewishportland.org

Sept. 18

OY G’FELT JUNIOR (Parent and child 8+). 1-3 pm at the MJCC, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland. Dive into a fun parent and child crafting class making your very own Gi-Felted Fish. $40 per pair, Member $36, additional Child $10. 503-535-3617, oregonjcc.org

Sept. 26

A JEWISH NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: 6-7 pm at Oregon Museum

of Science and Industry, 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland. Come as a family and join us for a private evening at OMSI! $10/ family. pjaproud.org/omsi or 503-2440126

Weekly Events

NORTHEAST STORY HOUR WITH PJ LIBRARY: 9:30-10:15

am Sundays starting Sept. 18 at New Seasons, 3445 N Williams Ave., Portland.

Share in a weekly story hour for families with music and PJ Library Books. 503892-7415

PJ STORY HOUR YAD B'YAD:

9:30-10:15 am Fridays starting Sept.

23 at Rose Schnitzer Manor, 6140 SW Boundary St., Portland. Share in a weekly story hour with music and PJ Library Books with the residents of Cedar Sinai Park. 503-892-7415

BBYO and BB Camp teens attend an international kallah in Pennsylvania this summer.

BB Camp & BBYO unite

B’nai B’rith Camp has assumed management of the BBYO program in the Portland metropolitan area. This expands a three-year-old partnership of a shared BB Camp/BBYO staff position.

“With PJ Library and now BBYO, along with our year round in-city programs, summer, family, and adult camping as all part of our portfolio, we’re really serving the full spectrum of individuals’ lives through the lens of building friendships for life in lifelong Jewish experiences,” says BB Camp Executive Director Michelle Koplan.

It’s “exciting and rewarding work.”

The new partnership will include supervision of all local programming, finances and fundraising. The goal of this partnership is to strengthen programs for local Jewish teens and increase the number of chapters, the number of members and the reach of BBYO to include the entire metro area. As both organizations approach 100-year anniversaries, this partnership expands the impact of this important teen program and helps BB Camp to fulfill its core mission of “building friendships for life.” The partnership fits perfectly in BB Camp’s five-year strategic plan to become a year-round and lifelong agency.

Historically, BBYO has functioned as a centralized model. The only other nonBBYO entities running their own programs across the country are Tucson JCC OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 61

and Atlanta JCC. BB Camp is the first camp in the country to operate BBYO chapters.

B’nai B’rith Camp and BBYO share common goals: to involve more Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences and enrich their Jewish identity with a focus on personal and leadership development. BB Camp is seeking to expand teen leadership opportunities locally and will be partnering with BBYO to promote its national and international summer teen leadership programs.

Currently, Portland has two Aleph Zadik Aleph, or boys’ chapters – Sol Stern AZA #65 and Chaim Weizmann AZA #360 – and one B’nai B’rith Girls chapter – Portland BBG #313. Current membership is about 90 teens. A primary goal of this partnership is to substantially expand membership and programming for the community’s teens.

There has long been a synergy where BBYO leaders become counselors and leadership staff at BB Camp, giving back to the next generation of our campers, notes Michelle.

“Several of my professional staff and board members are BBYO alum, so we have some knowledge of the program,” says Michelle. “We are very excited by this opportunity to engage our Jewish community’s teens throughout the school year.”

BBYO leaders, though, come from many backgrounds and attend a variety of Jewish camps, and Michelle says she envisions this partnership will provide strong leaders for Jewish camps across the Northwest and for the future of Northwest Jewish communities.

BBYO is a pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring

62 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. BBYO’s leadership programs have provided exceptional leadership programs and identity-enrichment experiences, shaping the confidence and character of more than 400,000 alumni, who are prominent figures in business, politics, academia, the arts and Jewish communal life.

Located on a lakeside campus on the scenic Oregon coast, BB Camp has been dedicated to providing the best summer experience for today’s campers while preparing them to be tomorrow’s community leaders since 1921. BB Camp strives to teach the values and ethics of Jewish living by example, experience and creative expression.

BB Camp is developing a job description for the Portland BBYO Director position; for information, contact Michelle at mkoplan@bbcamp.org. An alumni fundraising committee is being formed to help support local BBYO programming and scholarships for teen leadership programs. If you are interested in joining this committee, contact Aaron Pearlman at apearlman@bbcamp.org.

BB Camp and BBYO have signed an agreement with the Mittleman Jewish Community Center to continue a partnership where the MJCC provides spaces for BBYO meetings and programs. As has been the tradition for decades, BBYO chapters meet every Tuesday during the school year at 7 pm at the MJCC (6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland). Teens who want to get involved in a Portland chapter or who are interested in starting a new chapter in their community should email mkoplan@bbcamp.org.

[Kids & Teens]

OJCYF’s Exciting B’nai Mitzvah Year

By Gail Mandel • Photo by Eden Swartz

More than 180 individuals joined the

Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation on April 20 to celebrate 13 years of teen philanthropy at the OJCYF annual benefit dinner. Forty-five teens from high schools around the metropolitan area participated in the program during this milestone year.

This year’s annual benefit dinner, which is unique among teen philanthropy programs, raised more than $40,000 for the youth board members to grant to worthy nonprofits in Oregon and Israel. The dinner also included a collaborative performance piece featuring OJCYF teens and members of Momentum Alliance, a Portland youth-led nonprofit that helps young people realize their power and mentors future social justice leaders.

OJCYF’s grant-making for this 13th year of the program totaled $49,627. This sum includes the funds raised at the annual benefit, two smaller grant cycles held prior to the dinner and a grant from the OJCF Endowment Fund supporting Neve Michael in Israel. For the second year in a row, a special paddle raise was held specifically for the OJCYF Endowment Fund; it raised an additional $1,250, bringing the endowment fund’s total to $18,300. OJCYF’s 14th year kicks off on Sept.

11.

Grants awarded to Jewish organizations in 2016 were: Camp Solomon Schechter, $300; Cedar Sinai Park, $450; Dror Israel Movement, $3,000; Greater Portland Hillel, $1,000; Hand in Hand, $2,500; Jewish Family & Child Service, $3,750; Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, $2,500; Maayan Torah Day School, $350; Mittleman Jewish Community Center, $200; Moishe House, $1,000; Neve Michael Children’s Village, $627; OJCYF Endowment Fund, $3,000; Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, $3,100; Portland Jewish Academy, $100; Portland Kollel, $1,250; and Portland State University Foundation – Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies, $3,500.

Grants awarded to general organizations in 2016 were: Bloom Project, $50; Camp Kesem, $1,000; CASA for Children, $500; Children’s Book Bank, $1,600; Children’s Center, $2,500; Community Transitional School, $3,000; Community Warehouse, $250; Metropolitan Youth Symphony, $200; Momentum Alliance, $2,400; Neighborhood House, $1,900; Pixie Project, $1,200; Raphael House, $1,000; Roosevelt High School, $1,000; Southwest Community Health Center, $3,000; and Urban Gleaners, $3,400.

For more information about OJCYF, contact Sonia Marie Leikam at soniamariel@ojcf.org or call 503-248-9328.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 63

Family; Tumwater Mayor Pete Kmet; and two CSS campers.

Also in attendance were Tumwater Councilmember Debbie Sullivan, Tumwater Building & Fire Safety Official John Darnell and Lacey Deputy Mayor Cynthia Pratt.

Solomon Schechter hosts Sephardic Adventure Camp

Breaking ground for the future at Camp Solomon Schechter are, from left, Andy Kaplowitz, CSS president elect; Sam Perlin, CSS executive director; Sarah Kahn Glass, CSS president; Jerry Cohen Samis Foundation board of trustees president; and Jay Holzman, leadership donor.

Camp Solomon Schechter breaks ground for future

On July 10 a formal groundbreaking ceremony at Camp Solomon Schechter launched the start of major construction at the camp. From 60 to 120: The Campaign to Build Jewish Continuity is a $12 million multiyear project, beginning this fall, to refurbish the camp’s facilities over the coming years.

Projects include: • Chadar Ochel (dining hall), where youth and staff gather to share meals and learn together, will be built in the 10 months between summer camp 2017 and 2018.

• The infirmary will be redesigned into a Mirpa’ah (health center) to include two exam rooms, expanded medical bays, an office and a separate housing facility for medical staff.

• Mercaz (sports & arts center) will provide a covered basketball court-sized outdoor space and enclosed classrooms to accommodate up to 60 kids at a time.

• Misrad Kabalah (welcome center) will create an efficient operational nerve center for the entire camp.

• A spiritual meadow and infrastructure improvements round out the plans.

But this campaign is about so much more than buildings.

Talking about enhancing this cherished camp for the Pacific Northwest community, CSS Executive Director Sam Perlin said, “camp is kids … (and) Schechter is also about adults.

That’s because it’s not just a summer experience or a schoolyears’ experience. As we have found, it’s a lifelong experience.”

The facility currently hosts more than 500 campers and staff each summer and is used during the year by the Osprey Camp program, which works primarily with distressed school districts in Southwest Washington to provide students with a powerful application of science concepts as they live and learn in the outdoors. It also provides a unique rental venue for schools, nonprofits, governmental organizations, tribes and individuals to have conferences, retreats and special events.

Speakers at the groundbreaking also included CSS Board President Sarah Glass; CSS Board Vice President Andy Kaplowitz; representatives of major donors, including Jerry Cohen for the Samis Foundation and Jay Holzman for the Holzman 64 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

Camp Solomon Schechter Executive Director Sam Perlin welcomes the campers from Sephardic Adventure Camp to the CSS facility.

Photo by Kaia D'Albora

On Aug. 1, Sephardic Adventure Camp, an Orthodox Jewish camp from Washington state, was evacuated from its campsite in eastern Washington due to a nearby forest fire.

Consistent with the Jewish value of hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests), Camp Solomon Schechter in Tumwater, WA, extended an invitation and hosted SAC this year Aug. 5-17.

Between the two camps there were more than 325 campers and staff at the facility (over 215 campers, ranging from third to 10th grades, and 110 staff ), putting the site at capacity for these two weeks. Because of the difference in ages and religious practices, the two camps ran their programs concurrently but separately, sharing the 180-acre grounds and private lake. CSS Executive Director Sam Perlin was excited by the addition of diverse Jewish kids and teens at the facility.

“The logistics are complicated, but this is exciting for Camp Solomon Schechter. Our campers and staff are living up to our Jewish value of gimilut chasadim: love thy neighbor as thyself.”

SAC Director Chana Adatto-Shefa said, “We are so fortunate to have an incredible Jewish community of people willing to help us out during our time of need, enabling Sephardic Adventure Camp to continue on this summer. Sam Perlin and his crew at Camp Solomon Schechter have been extremely welcoming and supportive.”

Camp Solomon Schechter has a 62-year tradition of fun, friendship and Jewish education in the Pacific Northwest. They create a unique, welcoming and spiritual Jewish environment based on the ideals of the Conservative movement, offering an innovative experience for youth of all denominations entering second-12th grades. At Camp Solomon Schechter, Judaism and joy are truly one!

Sephardic Adventure Camp is a warm, welcoming Jewish community, big enough to offer a wide variety of activities but small enough to know every camper by name. A summer spent at Sephardic Adventure Camp builds independence and self-reliance as well as Jewish friendships and identity that last a lifetime.

ROSH HASHANAH fun 5777 WORD FIND

Rosh Hashanah is observed on the first two days of Tishrei. Rosh Hashanah literally means “Head of the Year” as it marks the beginning of the Jewish year. It is actually the anniversary of mankind, the day that HaShem created Adam and Chava. The primary theme of the day is to accept HaShem as King. The central mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar, the ram's horn.

The shofar is sounded on both days of Rosh Hashanah, but it is not sounded on Shabbat. The sound of the shofar represents the trumpet blast when people proclaim their king, as well as a call for teshuva (repentance). The day is the first of the “Ten Days of Repentance” which ends on Yom Kippur. The shofar is blasted 100 times. The traditional greeting on Rosh Hashanah is "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year". It is also customary to go to a body of water and symbolically cast our sins into it and recite Tashlich prayers. On Rosh Hashanah, candles are lit each night and Kiddush is said at the evening and daytime meals.

Can you discover the Secret Message? Find and circle the bold, italicized words from the Rosh Hashanah summary in the Word Find. Write the unused Word Find letters in the spaces below to spell the Secret Message.

Have Fun!

M R O S H E Y D O U

F

B E

C R A T

K

I

B E D Y

I

A R N N A D E

E A

S

S

S

Which one is different?

Hint: Rosh Hashana PRAYER

TESHUVA

ROSH CHODESH

HALLEL

SHOFAR

CROSSWORD Complete the crossword by translating each Hebrew word into English. Use the reference from Parsha Bereishit, read on Rosh Hashanah, for help.

ACROSS

2

3

4 5 6 7

O N S

N G R

I

A

D

T

E D E R

C H A V A F

H H

T O R Y

M G B

T

L L

A S

E

R A S D G

A O O S O U N D E O A O D D Y O B O T L

H B

I

S O D A R M E

E C

A L

S

SECRET MESSAGE

___ ___ __ _________ ___ ______ ___ _ ____ ____

YOM TERUAH

1

I

S

A

spot the difference

A C H A Y W

1. ‫( זרע‬21:12) 2. ‫( משתה‬21:8) 5. ‫( שמע‬21:6) 6. ‫( רב‬21:34) 7. ‫( באר‬21:19)

DOWN

1. ‫( שבע‬21:23) 3. ‫( היום‬21:26) 4. ‫( שבע‬21:28)

gematria

Hint: A sound the Shofar makes.

‫ד‬ +‫א‬

‫רי‬ ÷‫ג‬

‫כו‬ - ‫טז‬

‫ס‬ +‫מ‬

‫ד‬ x‫ק‬ ‫ת‬

‫א ב ג ד ה ו ז ח ט י כ ל מ נ ס ע פ צ ק ר ש ת‬ 400 300 200 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

9

WORD CMRLESAB

RFEIONFG ________ BLMA ____

NBDI ____ SETT ____

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

(scramble)

ENALG _____ RTAAL _____

Hint: The Binding of Yitzchak

CANDLELIGHTING IN JERUSALEM 5:43 P.M. weekly chinuch podcast - about 150 posted! parsha + chinuch < 5 minutes www.thefamousabba.com/podcasts

Brought to you by:

© 2016 The Famous Abba

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Check your answers at: www.thefamousabba.com/roshhashana OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 65

J

Hillel International CEO explores Jewish ID on campus

g n i v i L INSIDE

66 Campus identity 67 Well-earned retirement 68 From mikvah to mikvah 70 Election year blues 71 Previews 72 FACES 74 Calendar

66 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

Hillel International President and CEO Eric Fingerhut will be in Portland for an evening celebrating Greater Portland Hillel and Oregon Hillel and taking part in some strategic planning for both organizations.

Part of the celebration will be the announcement of a $1,000,000 legacy gift to Hillel for the University of Oregon from community member and Hillel International Board of Governor Sharon Ungerleider. This gift will sustain Jewish campus life in the region for years to come. Oregon Hillel is thriving under the leadership of Executive Director Andy Gitelson and board chair Sharon Rudnick. Hillel will also introduce the new Portland Hillel Director Rhonda Kruschen, who is just beginning her tenure with Portland's board chair Josh Frankel (see announcement page 12).

In addition to his keynote address “Building Jewish Identity in a Shifting Campus Climate,” Fingerhut will explain how local communities can come together to invest Hillel’s Drive to Excellence, ensuring that every Jewish student has the opportunity to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel. During his two days in Oregon he will meet with university presidents and a variety of dynamic local and regional Jewish community leaders

Hillel International President and CEO Eric Fingerhut addresses a college crowd. He will be in Portland Sept. 7.

who have worked hard over the past 25 years in support of Oregon Hillel and Portland Hillel since their inceptions.

Hillel’s Drive to Excellence is about ensuring that Jewish college students on every Hillel campus have the best possible opportunities to find this inspiration. The Drive to Excellence is an ambitious plan that defines the elements of an excellent Hillel and then works with all local affiliates to meet these high standards. By 2020, 50 Hillels will be excellent on every measure, with 85% of all Hillels improving annually.

Fingerhut came to Hillel three years ago from a career in both the public and private sectors. He served in the Ohio State Senate and the United States House of Representatives. He also served as the Chancellor for the Ohio Board of Regents, the overseeing body for the Public University System in Ohio.

Before becoming the president and CEO of Hillel International, Eric was the corporate vice president of education and STEM learning business at Battelle, the world’s largest independent research and development organization. Under Eric’s leadership the past three years, Hillel has continued to grow, now operating on more than 550 campuses in North America and 18 countries around the world.

BUILDING JEWISH IDENTITY IN TODAY’S SHIFTING CAMPUS CLIMATE WHY: Hear Hillel International President and CEO Eric Fingerhut and honor legacy donor Sharon Ungerleider WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016 | 5-6:30 pm WHERE: The Multnomah Athletic Club, 1849 SW Salmon St., Portland WHAT: Light hors d’oeuvres and libations will be served.

RSVP by Sept. 5: Andy@oregonhillel.org or 541-343-8920 ext. 101

TASK’s heart and soul retires Story and photos by Deborah Moon

Nearly 20 years ago I sat with a group of parents and community members concerned about the lack of support and Jewish opportunities for children with learning, developmental or physical differences. This summer I attended a retirement party for the woman who spent 18 years ensuring the community included and supported everyone.

About a year after Gaye Schafer and Eve Stern convened that initial meeting, TASK, the disabilities awareness program of Jewish Family and Child Service, was created with a 1998 grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. But Eve says, “It was really when Corinne Spiegel came on board that things started happening.”

“Corinne is really the heart and soul and muscle of the organization,” said Eve in a 2009 interview.

On June 9, Corinne retired from her position as JFCS inclusion specialist; a room full of grateful families, JFCS staff members and community leaders gathered at Cedar Sinai Park to share memories and wish her well.

TASK has expanded from its original focus. Originally called Treasuring and Accepting our Special Kids, TASK now stands for Treasuring, Accepting, Supporting Kehilla (community). The change reflected the program’s shift from aiding families of children with special needs to supporting individuals of all ages and families coping with disabilities, while also working with the community to raise awareness of and inclusion of people with disabilities. TASK was instrumental in the 2013 creation of Kehillah Housing, CSP’s apartments for adults with special needs.

Kicking off the formal festivities, JFCS Executive Director Carrie Hoops said, “The work she has done in this community for the last 18 years has made an indelible impression, from thinking up the concept of Kehillah Housing so many years ago to her daily consultations with clients and community, case management, community workshops, parent support groups and the myriad of socialrecreational events she coordinates for adults with special needs.”

Carrie’s introduction was followed by Eve and Gaye, who alternated in singing Corinne’s praises: “We attribute all of TASK’s success to the good fortune that shined on us when Corinne joined the team and really made things happen.”

“Now all Jewish children can attend Sunday school, have bar and bat mitzvahs, attend Jewish summer camp, have social opportunities and a place to live. All Jewish children are treasured and accepted. Their families no longer feel isolated. … adults are able to connect with each other and the greater community for social and cultural events.”

Gaye Schafer, Corinne Spiegel and Eve Stern at the retirement party for Corinne at Cedar Sinai Park.

Corinne Spiegel has known Erika Menashe for many years. Erika is now a resident at Kehillah Housing, the Portland affordable housing project for adults with special needs on the campus of Cedar Sinai Park, for which Corinne was a key advocate.

“All of these achievements are due to Corinne’s remarkable vision, hard work and gift for communication.”

The duo also praised Corinne as a true woman of valor who sees the beauty and value in everyone.

“We wish you all the best and hope that you pursue your dreams, enjoy some down time and revel in the knowledge that you have made a valuable and permanent change in our community.”

In mid-August, Janet Menashe became the new TASK inclusion specialist, adding the role to her position as a skills trainer for JFCS's Partners for Independence Program. Janet can be reached at 503-226-7079 ext. 155 or janetmenashe@ jfcs-portland.org.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 67

JLiving

Above, Rabbi Ariel Stone leads a desanctification ceremony of Portland’s Community Mikvah. The architectural drawing from Carleton Hart Architecture shows the new community mikvah, which will be located on the Schnitzer Family Campus just west of the Mittleman Jewish Community Center.

Mikvah Transitions

By Deborah Moon

“From strength to strength, from mikvah to mikvah,” said Rabbi Ariel Stone at the July 24 desanctification ceremony to close the Portland Ritualarium (aka Portland Community Mikvah), which has served the full spectrum of the Jewish community since 1962.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, in partnership with the Oregon Board of Rabbis and others, is building a new community mikvah using the proceeds from the sale of the house that contained the ritualarium. Federation President and CEO Marc Blattner explained that the confluence of Portland’s hot real estate market and the escalating maintenance needs of the mikvah made this an excellent time for the transition.

OBR President and mikvah committee chair Rabbi Stone notes it is not appropriate to sell a sacred space for a secular purpose, but it is halachically appropriate to sell a sacred space to create another sacred space.

“A Jewish community is required to have a mikvah,” explains Blattner. “Portland is blessed to have had two mikvaot. The old Jewish Ritualarium of Portland, however, was falling into disrepair, and the Jewish Federation, in partnership with the Oregon Board of Rabbis and other community leaders, realized the 68 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

need to build a new mikvah that will be open and accessible to everyone in the Jewish community. This is an exciting opportunity for Jewish Portland.”

The new mikvah will be located on the Schnitzer Family Campus, which is in the heart of Portland’s Jewish community’s main population center.

Blattner and Rabbi Stone both say they expect greater mikvah usage and learning to take place in the new location with a modern, open feel.

Rabbi Stone said the Board of Rabbis hopes to sponsor various opportunities for learning and to be available for teaching about mikvah. She noted other mikvah professionals and attendants will also be good resources for the community.

The new mikvah is expected to be ready for use by early 2017.

“After today, this place that has been so important to our community for so long, is no longer sacred,” said Rabbi Stone at the desanctification ritual.

Just as three immersions are required when visiting the mikvah, the ritual to close the mikvah included three immersions.

Rabbi Stone dipped into the history, community and spirituali-

ty of the mikvah.

Rabbi Joshua Stampfer had planned to present a history of the community mikvah, which opened nine years after his arrival in Portland. But in the face of the day’s heat, the nonagenarian felt unable to appear, and Rabbi Stone provided a brief history (see box for historic overview).

For the second immersion into community, Rabbi Stone spoke of the people who have lived in the home and served as caretakers of the mikvah.

The ceremony’s third immersion explored the spiritual meaning of water in Jewish tradition. “Miriam had a well that followed her around,” said Rabbi Stone. She described crossing the sea from slavery to freedom as “our people’s first mikvah.” Immersion in the mikvah is about transitioning from one state to another, she explained.

The new mikvah, like the ritualarium, will be used across the Jewish spectrum, she said.

“Very few mikvaot in the U.S. are truly community mikvaot,” she said in an interview before the groundbreaking for the new mikvah. “A mikvah can’t be made unkosher if someone who you disagree with religiously goes into it, and the rabbis of this community have figured that out and are willing to live by that. I’ve very proud of this group of rabbis.”

At the time of this writing, groundbreaking was predicted to occur in mid-to-late August.

“To break ground on a sacred space right after Tisha B’Av is a nice coincidence,” said Rabbi Stone. Tisha B’av is a fast day that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples, and to begin to create a new space for Jewish life just after such a somber day is very meaningful, she added.

A campaign to fully fund the new mikvah’s construction and provide funding for its upkeep and operation was also launched in August. Portlander Ronnie Malka is leading the fundraising effort. Ronnie worked with Caron Rothstein, who is the JFGP coordinator for the project, to develop an online resource for the project: jewishportland.org/ourcommunity/ portland-community-mikvah. This link displays videos from four members of the community who have used a mikvah in meaningful ways, shows images of the architectural plans and explains details of the giving tiers for the campaign.

On Aug. 2 Ronnie’s sister-in-law, Naomi Malka, the director of the Adas Israel Community Mikvah in Washington, D.C., was in Portland to help launch the campaign. At an evening program she spoke about the creative ways women and men can use the mikvah to mark a variety of life transitions.

For more information on the mikvah project, contact Ronnie Malka at 503-680-4746 or Caron at 503-245-6449.

Contact your rabbi or Caron for more information on mikvah needs in the interim.

A local option for women is Mikvah Shoshana, which opened in 1998 to promote Taharat Hamishpacha, family purity – where women immerse in order to reenter the holy, loving, mindful intimacy and mitzvah of the marital relationship. For information or an appointment call 503-309-4185.

Mikvah history

Compiled by Sura Rubenstein

The Harrison Street mikvah was at least the third community mikvah in Portland. According to several sources, a mikvah organization was incorporated about 1902 to serve immigrants in the South Portland neighborhood. There are no mentions in news stories or other sources of an earlier mikvah, though there may have been one.

A 1975 story in The Jewish Review, a longtime Jewish community newspaper, notes that a mikvah was established in the Duniway Park area in the South Portland neighborhood about 1902. It was later relocated to Southwest Third Avenue and Lincoln Street, where it fell victim to the urban renewal clearance project that claimed more than 50 blocks in the Jewish and Italian immigrant neighborhoods.

The late Lydia Brown, who had been president of the mikvah organization for more than 20 years, said she, her husband, Barry Brown, and other families found a house across the street from their home, and the new mikvah opened in February 1961.

“It took a lot of legal procedures,” she recalled in a letter about the mikvah’s history. “We had to get permission from the neighbors, because it was considered a public utility.”

She noted that Ruben Cohen, who served multiple terms as president of Congregation Shaarie Torah in the 1940s and 1950s, helped raise money for the mikvah. “Mr. Cohen used to tell (potential donors) that if there is a choice in a community to build a shul or a mikvah, the mikvah is more important."

Julius and Ilona Aigner, Holocaust survivors who had come to Portland from Hungary, were the first couple to serve as the “new” mikvah’s live-in caretakers “They took great pride in their position, especially since they were both Holocaust survivors and saw our traditions being continued,” said their son, Leslie Aigner.

In about 1980, Lilian and Joseph Corcos took over as the mikvah staff, serving in that position until their retirement in 2014, when they moved to be closer to family.

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J

Living

Dear Helen:

Ask Helen

This election is important

How can a Jew possibly consider voting for a bombastic, anti-Semitic bigot? Any candidate who demonizes people by religion or ethnicity should feel scarily familiar. I’m terrified that someone I’ve shared meals and conversation with could say so casually, “They’re both the same, and I like that he’s not a politico.” I’m not a blind follower of any party. I consider all the possibilities in each election. Yes “the lesser of two evils” is a lousy decision-making tool. But I deeply believe our choice now is between true evil and politics as usual. By “evil” I mean fascist, racist, misogynistic, war-mongering, egotistical, unbalanced, narcissistic. He Who Shall Not Be Named shouldn't be within a dozen miles of the nuclear codes. I’ve been horrified while the media was so easily manipulated and gave this anti-Semitic buffoon a pass. I have as many concerns as anyone about career politicians. But this choice is stark and obvious, especially for Jews, who should simply know better where this all ends. My family lost big branches in World War II. What can I say to people who are sitting this one out or think the options are equal?

Color Me Horrified

Learn to speak and read modern Hebrew

Dear Horrified:

You're preaching to the choir, but we’re all going to have to keep doing that, loudly, clearly and often, until the polls close in November. One of my favorite social media postings this season is this: “If you ever wondered how you’d have acted in 1930s’ Germany, here's your chance to find out.” My parents escaped the Reich by the skin of their teeth, leaving everything behind.

Were they farsighted, lucky or both? The parallels are clear and written in large capital letters. By me, anyone immune to seeing them is either a fool or has values very different than mine. None of us can remain silent. The risks are too great.

In 2016 America, we have a system that, however flawed, still allows most people the right to vote. Every one of us who is able has a responsibility to do so, and to keep America from committing socio-political suicide. This may be the year of the Angry Voter. But get angry at the right things and speak to anyone who will listen. Arm yourself with facts and talking points. Educate anyone in your periphery and ask them to pay it forward. Volunteer. Get as many like-minded people as you can find to do the same. Vote and make sure everyone you know does the same.

Dear Helen:

My father died 10 months ago. I've spent the time since doing lots of mourning and crying, saying Kaddish and helping my frail mother. I've also had to cope with a disgruntled sibling who’s done everything imaginable to make my life, my mother's life and the lives of my sibs unnecessarily more difficult. Whatever is appropriate, he’s Mr. I’m Against It: negative, angry, demanding, self-centered and greedy. The unveiling coincides with the High Holidays. Can you help me focus on forgiveness when what I really want to do is give him an attitude readjustment, preferably with the pointy end of a sharp stick?

Had It

Dear Had It: evels!

New L m scratch ng fro

ti 1 Star read dy to 2 Rea onal versati 3 Con Stude nt Teach s, Parents, e Every rs, Tourists one is ..

Welco . me!

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70 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

One of the benefits of an annual time of forgiveness is to reset the emotional clock from exactly such hassles. Nothing can erase a lifetime of familial stresses or make the grieving of a beloved parent any less painful. But doing the sort of t’shuvah that the High Holidays are all about can be a deep and powerful time of cleansing. It’ll help you and maybe him.

Ask your brother to pray together for family healing. Make a special time during the unveiling get-together for all the sibs to share what they love and value about the family, with only one rule: no negativity. Everything must be expressed as a positive.

Take notes and share them afterward. Tell him that after the unveiling you will simply no longer listen to his anger. It’s past time for such embitterment. Bury it. Then hug him and move on.

A resident of Eugene since 1981, Helen is a member of Temple Beth Israel, where she studies and speaks on Torah. She claims to have black belts in schmoozing, problem solving, and chutzpah. She’s a writer and an artist (kabbalahglass.com). Please email your questions to helen@yourjewishfairygodmother.com

Previews PORTLAND HADASSAH PRESENTS WINE, DESSERT AND BG SEPT. 15

Barbara Goldstein, deputy director of the Hadassah office in Israel, will speak on “Hadassah! Research in Service to Humanity” at a Wine and Dessert Reception 7- 9 pm, Sept. 15, at Hotel DeLuxe, 729 SW 15th Ave., Portland.

Known as BG to most of the Zionist world, Barbara is past national vice president of Hadassah. Jumpstarting what would be a long career in Jewish communal work, Barbara was a volunteer during the Yom Kippur War working directly with the wounded soldiers and others before serving on numerous boards and committee for the American Zionist Movement, the Joint Authority for Jewish and Zionist Education and, of course, Hadassah.

Tickets are $36. For more information, contact event chairs Diana Lindemann at 503-312-2530 or diana2504@msn.com, or Carolee Kawer at 503-657-3928 or ceekay1014@gmail.com. Register online at hadassah.org/events/portlandwd.

HEROIC ITALIAN CYCLING CHAMPION CELEBRATED SEPT. 11

Cycling legend Gino Bartali was a multiple winner of the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia cycling races, and an athlete recognized as a Righteous Among the Nations. Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel bestows the honor on gentiles who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. Bartali’s heroic story will be celebrated this fall at a bike ride organized by Congregation Shir Tikvah. The third annual Simcha Cyclathon begins at 8 am Sunday, Sept. 11, on the Banks-Vernonia State Trail.

“Gino Bartali risked his life, over and over again on a bicycle in order to save that of a stranger,” says Rabbi Ariel Stone of Congregation Shir Tikvah. “We will be cycling for fun, but also from the vantage point that was his, to consider his courage. What does it take to defend the innocent stranger among us from the murderous discrimination and persecution we ourselves have known? “ At the height of World War II, Bartali enjoyed notoriety and prestige as a world-renowned cyclist; he was notorious for his epic training rides across German-occupied central Italy. Yet despite – or perhaps because of – his celebrity, a secret stash of forged papers that could have cost him his life went undetected in the handlebar and seat of his trusty steed. Bartali is thought to have saved some 800 lives by distributing exit visas to Jewish families hiding in houses and convents across the countryside.

A devout Catholic, Bartali worked for a Jewish rescue network run by the archbishop of Florence, Cardinal Elia Dalla Costa, and later for the Assisi Underground, which was run by local priests. He rarely spoke about his wartime efforts, instead insisting that “you do good deeds – you don’t

talk about them.” Shir Tikvah’s ride is open to the public. There are 5-, 10and 40-mile route options. Buxton Trailhead is the start point for all rides.

Bring a picnic and enjoy live bluegrass music performed by Mountain Honey at noon at the Buxton Trailhead.

Proceeds from the event will support Shir Tikvah’s ongoing programming needs. Donations will be matched by sponsors. Shir Tikvah is a synagogue with an independent streak. This program and the tribute to Gino Bartali reflect that bent.

503-473-8227 | shirtikvahpdx.org

JEWISH MUSEUM BOOK EVENTS SEPT. 6, 20, 27

Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W. Burnside St., hosts Chasing Portraits, at 7:30 pm, Sept. 6. Elizabeth Rynecki, author of Chasing Portraits, A Great Granddaughter’s Quest for her Lost Art Legacy, in conversation with OJMCHE Director Judith Margles. Rynecki’s book is a memoir of one woman’s emotional quest to find the art of her Polish-Jewish great-grandfather, lost during World War II. For the final week of its final exhbit in its current location, OJMCHE presents Secrets of the Greatest Generation: stories our mothers never told us. Come at 6:30 pm to see exhibit of photos by Katherine Joseph then at 7:15, hear her daughter Suzanne Hertzberg, author of Katherine Joseph: Photographing an Era of Social Significance. When her mother died in 1990, Suzanne discovered a trove of memorabilia from her mother’s career as a Roosevelt-era photographer for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.

At 6 pm, Sept. 27, OJMCHE joins the Oregon Historical Society and Oregon State University Press to celebrate the publication of The Jewish Oregon Story 1950–2010 by Ellen Eisenberg.

The Jewish Oregon Story traces the history of diverse Jewish Oregonians and their communities during a period of dramatic change. Drawing on archival sources, including a collection of over 500 oral histories, the book explores how Jewish Oregonians both contributed to and were shaped by the “Oregon Story,” a political shift that fueled Oregon’s – and particularly Portland’s – emerging reputation for progressivism and sustainability. Historian Ellen Eisenberg examines a community grappling with, and increasingly embracing, change – from the dramatic national shifts in women’s roles and inter-group relations to local issues such as the razing of the historic South Portland Jewish neighborhood.

Ellen Eisenberg holds the Dwight and Margaret Lear chair in American History at Willamette University, where she has taught since 1990. The Jewish Oregon Story, 1950-2010 is a companion volume to her earlier book, Embracing a Western Identity: Jewish Oregonians, 1849–1950.

503-226-3600 | ojmche.org

MOTHERS CIRCLE PREVIEW SESSION SEPT. 18

The Mothers Circle is a 13-week community-wide empowering program geared to women of other religious backgrounds raising kids in a Jewish family environment. Held at the MJCC, this supportive class is for anyone wanting to learn more about the “how-tos’ of tradition, holidays and ritual. There is no cost and childcare is provided. Come learn more at an information session, Mothers Circle style Rosh Hashanah “mini-lesson” and coffee 9:30-10:30 am,Sept. 18, 9 at the MJCC. programs@nevehshalom.org | 503 293-7313

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 71

J

Living

FACES & PLACESFACES & PLACES LEGACY SOCIETY HONOREES – The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation named Steve and Elaine Kantor as the 2016 OJCF Legacy Society Honorees, and recognized their leadership and generosity at the foundation’s Annual Meeting June 15.

CAMP FUN – Campers at Gan Israel Day Camp enjoy activities such as archery and visit to a petting zoo, all with the Jewish touch.

REED REUNION – Reed College alumni Marge Goldwater enjoys her 45th reunion.

In addition to co-chairing the reunion, she also met with the Reed dance department head to coordinate arrival for spring term of Israeli dancer Iris Erev. “It was great fun and a wonderful opportunity to talk with the chairman of the dance department and others as well as see the gorgeous new performing arts center,” says Marge. “The dance studio has two walls of glass looking out onto what looks like a forest. I just hope Iris, coming from a desert country, doesn't faint when she sees the studio.”

FEDERATION BOWLERS – The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s governing board and professional team had a social event at Big Al’s Bowling Center Aug. 11 to get better acquainted. Board member and allocations committee chair Jeff Robinson prepares to send his ball down the lane.

NEW TORAH FOR ASHLAND – More than 150 people filled the Ashland Community Center on June 19 to witness a Jewish scribe ink the last 20 of the Hebrew letters on the Torah scroll with a turkey feather for the Chabad Center of Southern Oregon.

“We are so thankful for the generosity of Daniel and Diane Sragowicz who sponsored this new Torah Scroll for our Ashland community,” says Rabbi Avi Zwiebel, director of the Chabad Center. Picture courtesy of Jyl Klein.

COOKING SALSA – Participants in the Cooking “Salsa” – Kosher in PDX (held June 2 and 5) raise a toast with the sangria they prepared at the direction of Venezuelan Chef Karen Balbas. Participants also created datiles con marconas, tortillas espanolas, empanadas gallegas, and churros y chocolate. Salsa dance lessons followed the cooking lesson. Portland Jewish Events and theJODOXgroup presented the events.

Photo by Deborah Moon 72 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

TASTE OF TIVNU – The Rebuilding Center was one stop this summer for 16 high school students from California's Tarbut V'Torah Community Day School, who spent eight days on a Tivnu: Building Justice program that provided a taste of Tivnu’s flagship gap year program by weaving together activism, study of social justice issues from Jewish and global perspectives, community building, and concrete physical work. Tivnu.org

JFGP ANNUAL MEETING – Keynote speaker, Rabbi Jonathan Porath from Israel, left, shares a moment with Ed Tonkin who was installed as new board chair at the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s 96th Annual Meeting on June 8.

Kathy Davis-Weiner presents the second annual Laurie Rogoway Outstanding Jewish Professional Award to Jemi Kostiner Mansfield.

ISRAELI BB STAR – Israel basketball star Tal Brody (center, white shirt) meets the staff of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. Born in New Jersey, Tal was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets, but joined Maccabi Tel Aviv to play professional basketball in Israel. After serving in the U.S. military and the IDF, he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv until 1980. For his contributions to Israeli sports, Brody received the Israel Prize in 1979. Photo

by Deborah Moon

GREEN HOUSE – In the days before residents moved into the first of four new 12-resident households at Cedar Sinai Park in Portland, tours gave the community a glimpse of the senior-centered homes. “Green House homes combine the best of a real home setting with skilled care, giving elders the freedom to live life on their terms rather than conform to the rhythms of the institution,” explains CSP CEO Sandra Simon, at left. The project is part of a $33 million construction project named the Harold Schnitzer Health & Rehabilitation Care Center. cedarsinaipark.org Photos by Andie Petkus OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016 73

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

Through Sept. 25

Repertory Theatre. Artistsrep.org

Every Minute Counts – Photographs

by Katherine Joseph will be the final exhibit in the current space of Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, 1953 NW Kearney, Portland. Born in the Ukraine, Katherine immigrated to the United States in the early 20th century with her family, eventually moving to New York City to pursue a passion for photography. 503-2263600, ojmche.org

Chasing Portraits book conversation.

See page 71

Sept. 2 Shabbat on the Plaza and BYO Picnic. 6-7 pm on the lawn at Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders. Dessert provided. Free.

503-222-1069

Sept. 4 Back to Shul at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland. Enjoy music, food and fun. 11 am-1 pm at this BBQ on the plaza. Free. RSVP: tinyurl.com/ backtoshul2016 or 503-246-8831 Summer’s final first Sunday tour of Oregon Holocaust Memorial. While the memorial is open during all park hours, on first summer Sundays, OJMCHE docents give tours at the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, SW Washington Way and Wright Avenue, Portland. Free. 503-226-3600

Sept. 7 Jewish identity on campus. See page 66

Sept. 8 The Evolution of Jewish Law: Nosh and Drash with Rabbi Eve Posen, 1-2 pm at Cafe at the J, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland. Free. 503-535-3617, oregonjcc.org

Sept. 9 Shabbat and Food Carts on the Plaza. 6-7 pm at Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders, Portland.

Free. 503-222-1069

Sept. 10-Oct. 16 Little Shop of Horrors at Portland Center Stage. Pcs.org

Sept. 11 Synagogue on the Frontier. Tour Congregation Beth Israel’s historic campus with architectural historian and CBI congregant Henry Kunowski.

Noon at CBI, 1972 NW Flanders, Portland. 503-222-1069 Beit Haverim Religious School open house. 2:30 pm at 1111 Country Club Road, Lake Oswego. 503-5681241, beithav.org

Sept. 5

Walk to end Alzheimer’s. See page 54

Roots and Rafters Celebration: Come celebrate MJCC’s successful Roots & Rafters Campaign, which allowed for critical improvements to the Schnitzer Family Campus. 10 am-1 pm at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, 651 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland. Community party with food, music, games and activities for the whole family (includes Big Truck Day). Free. 503-535-3617, oregonjcc.org

Sept. 15 Portland Hadassah hosts Barbara Goldstein, deputy director of the Hadassah office in Israel at a Wine & Dessert Reception 7- 9 pm at Hotel DeLuxe, 729 SW 15th Ave., Portland. $36. Contact Diana Lindemann 503-312-2530 or register online: hadassah.org/events/portlandwd Taste of Giving Happy Hour for Young Adults. See page 48

Sept. 17

Sept. 6 Sole Support 1k and 5k walks to Trevor,a new comedy about the nature of humanity, opens at Artist

support the essential programs serving residents facing Parkinson’s

74 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2016

disease presented by Parkinson's Resources of Oregon. Noon at Rose Quarter in Portland. Free.

800-426-6806

Sept. 18 Hadassah! Research in Service to Humanity. Sunday brunch 10:30 am-1:30 pm at Hotel DeLux, 729 SW 15th Ave., Portland. Put your imagination, your dreams, enthusiasm and organizational skills to work for Portland Hadassah. Free.

503-312-2530, 503-657-3928 “All You Need is Love” as we celebrate Congregation Beth Israel with music of The Beatles. Come Together for an evening of fun, inspiration and entertainment. 5-10 pm. $150. RSVP: 503-222-1069

Holy Days prep sessions from various rabbinic points of view. 1-4 pm at the MJCC. Presented by Oregon Board of Rabbis and Portland Area Jewish Educators. jewishportland.org/ YOMLIMMUD Play Bingo! Help Friends of Robison to support our residents. 6:30-8:30 pm in Zidell Hall at Rose Schnitzer Manor. $18. RSVP by Sept. 19: cedarsinaipark.org/friends

Sept. 27 Book Launch Party: The Jewish Oregon Story. See page 71

Sept. 29

Fourth World Parkinsons Congress.

See page 10

Israeli Film Series. Three weeks of Israeli film ranging from drama to comedy and even a teen screen! A discussion will follow each film.

7-9:30 pm Thursdays at Mittleman Jewish Community Center In partnership with Institute for Judaic Studies. Continues Oct. 6-13.Film: $8; member/$5; Series: $20, member/$12. 503-244-0111 or oregonjcc.org

Sept. 23

Sept. 30

North Coast Shabbat services led by Priscilla Kostiner followed by an oneg Shabbat. 8 pm at Bob Chisholm Center, 1225 Ave. A, Seaside. Free.

503-244-7060

Shaba-Lah Shabbat: MJCC kicks off the High Holiday season with a free family celebration filled with stories, singing, and apples and honey. 503244-0111, oregonjcc.org

Sept. 24

OCTOBER HOLIDAYS High Holidays begin at sunset the day before the first day See service locations and times online at orjewishlife.com/calendar

Sept. 20 Secrets of the Greatest Generation book talk. See page 71

Sept. 20-23

Several congregations hold Selichot services in the evening to begin spiritual preparations for the New Year. For times and locations, visit orjewishlife.com/calendar The Spirit of Youth Concert features a musical interpretation of The Diary of Anne Frank. Presented by Portland Chamber Orchestra. 7:30 at Nordia House, 8800 SW Oleson Road, Portland. Repeats 3 pm Sept.

25 at Agnes Flanagen Chapel, L&C College, Portland. 503-571-3250, PortlandChamberOrchestra.org

Sept. 25 Yom Limmud: A Day of Learning. High

Oct. 3-4 Rosh Hashanah

Oct. 8 Shabbat Shuva

Oct. 12 Yom Kippur

Oct. 17-24 Sukkot

Oct. 24-25 Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah

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