APRIL 2019
WANDER NO MORE
PESACH
Keto Meets Passover
ACTIVELY SENIORS
Maintaining Your Health and Wealth
CANCER
Pioneer Researcher & Teen Team Up for Free Program
HENRY WINKLER
Hollywood's leading mensch
JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 1
! E T A D W E N JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER PORTLAND’S WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY
IMPACT 2019 WITH BARI WEISS NEW DATE!
MAY 6, 2019
Featuring New York Times Opinion Writer Bari Weiss www.jewishportland.org/IMPACT
2 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
MAHLER’S FIRST SYMPHONY MAY 18, 19 & 20, 7:30 PM
Carlos Kalmar, conductor • Storm Large, vocalist • Hudson Shad, vocal quartet • Weill: The Seven Deadly Sins Mahler: Symphony No. 1, “Titan” Portland’s favorite songstress Storm Large stars in Kurt Weill’s bitingly humorous The Seven Deadly Sins. Mahler’s ground-breaking first symphony, aptly nicknamed “Titan,” brings the Classical Season to a triumphant close.
orsymphony.org 503-228-1353 your official source for symphony tickets MOVING MUSIC FORWARD MKT-421_Ad_OreJewishLife_Storm_C16.indd 1
Oregon Jewish Life: 7.25 x 4.875 Runs: April issue Artist: CL 16 - Storm
3/20/19 10:02 AM
Save the date for OJCF’s Annual Meeting & Reception This year’s Legacy Society Honorees: Arlene Schnitzer, Jordan Schnitzer & the blessed memory of Harold Schnitzer Monday, June 3, 2019 l 5:30 PM at MJCC
Celebrating 30 years of supporting the community. There is no cost to attend and there will be no fundraising. Oregon Jewish Community Foundation 503.248.9328 l ojcf.org
JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 3
WANDER NO MORE
CO N TE N TS April 2019 | Adar II-Nissan 5779 | Volume 8/Issue 3
14
COVER STORY Henry Winkler: Hollywood’s leading mensch
ACTIVELY SENIOR 38
FEATURES BUSINESS Ins & Outs
18
28
FRONT & CENTER Kerry Politzer receives RAAC grant Portraits bring families smiles & courage Arab-Jewish ensemble ends US tour in Portland Symphony’s Carlos Kalmar headlines gala Little Shtetl on the Prairie
13 14 16 16 16
HOME & LIFESTYLE 6 Spring/Summer Fashion Trends
44
NEVER FORGET Letter from Warsaw Ghetto
46
YOUNG ADULTS Repairing the world
38
10
COLUMNS Ask Helen by Helen Rosenau
47
20
Financial planning for long life 18 Wise Aging comes to Portland 19 Rabbis visit seniors 20 Absent sis butts in on mom’s care 20 Retirement: Just the beginning 22 Don’t tip over 24 Enjoy a happier retirement 25
PASSOVER Ritual foods tell the tale 26 Keto meets Passover 28 Poach pears for Pesach 30 Almond butter honey cake 32 Briefs: Crossing Over, weekend workshop & historic matzah 34 Let all who are hungry come and eat 35 Why do Jews feed the hungry 36 Food box volunteers needed 37
KIDS & TEENS MJCC receives grant for sun safety at camp Kids & Teens Calendar Teen & cancer researcher present free program
48 49 50
JLIVING The Jewish side of justice FACES & PLACES Calendar
48 50 44 4 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
ON THE COVER: Henry Winkler PHOTO COURTESY HENRY WINKLER
51 52 54
CAROLYN and ROBIN WEINSTEIN
carolyn and robin weinstein
MAY 19, 2019
Working for you Realtors for Every and Generation our community since 1978 for you and our ®
Working community since 1978 Realtors® for Every Generation
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With dining this good your friends may show up at lunchtime and stay through dinner.
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
ART for TASK/Tikvah Silent Auction The silent auction includes art ranging from paintings and drawings to textiles and jewelry. Funds raised will support the TASK/Tikvah disabilities services for children and adults.
f Free Mim osa Bar I MJCC Lobby Sponsored by Larry Holzman Art for TASK/Tikvah Silent Auction Sponsor: Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Family Fund of OJCF / Arlene Schnitzer & Jordan Schnitzer
10:30 a.m. to Noon Brunch MJCC Ballroom
‘Wise Aging’ with co-author, Linda Thal Wise Aging provides a guided path for those who want to discover new resources for living their later years with spirit, resilience and wisdom.
Join us for a complimentary lunch & tour.
Please call 508.388.5417 to schedule a taste for yourself.
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 NorthWestPlaceSeniorLiving.com • 503.388.5417
Some “Words of Wisdom” by Guest of Honor: Rabbi Joshua Stampfer Brunch Presenting Sponsor:
Larry Holzman and THE HOLZMAN FOUNDATION, INC.
JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 5
WANDER NO MORE
APRIL 2019
A pril 2019 | Adar II - Nissan 5779 | Volume 8/Issue 3
PU B LI S H E R
H OW T O R E AC H U S
Cindy Salt zman
503- 892-7402
A DV E R TI S I N G A N D E D ITO R I A L D I R EC TO R
ADVERTISING SALES: adver tise@ojlife.com
Cindy Salt zman
E D ITO R- I N - C H I E F Deborah Moon
ART DIREC TOR Philip Nerat
GR APHIC DE SIGNER
EDITORIAL: 503- 892-7402 or editor @ojlife.com E VENTS: editor @ojlife.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: orjewishlife.com/magazine-subscription BUSINESS: publisher @ojlife.com S U B S C R I P TI O N S A N D D I S TR I B U TI O N Home deliver y of Oregon Jewish Life Magazine is $12 for an annual subscription or $20 for two years. Subscribe online at orjewishlife.com/magazine-subscription. Complimentar y copies of Oregon Jewish Life magazine are available at dozens of retail locations including Jewish agencies, synagogues, New Seasons grocer y stores, enter tainment venues, restaurants and professional of fices.
Tamara Kopper
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
PU B L I C ATI O N A N D D E A D L I N E S
Mala Blomquis t
COLUMNIS TS
Oregon Jewish Life magazine is dis tributed on the fir s t of the month. Stor y ideas for features and special sec tions are due 45 - 60 days prior to public ation.
Lisa Glickman
BIZ INS & OUTS: Busines s news is due about 25 days before public ation.
Kerr y Polit zer
Helen Rosenau
Lucia Schnit zer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Elaine Eisenbraun Leon Gildin
Rabbi Daniel Isaak Lisa Katon
Fred Siever t Tony Urdes
SALE S Erika Harrison Waters 971-570-3937 erika@jewishlifemagazines.com
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6 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
FACES & PL ACES: Photos from past events are due 20 days prior to publication. E VENTS: Information about upcoming event s is due about 20 days prior to public ation. C ALENDAR: Please pos t event s on our online c alendar. Relevant event s that are pos ted by the 10 th of the month before public ation will be included in the magazine. To reques t fir s t-time authorization to pos t event s online, go to orjewishlife.com and scroll down to the “c alendar acces s reques t ” link under “quick links” on the right. Af ter you submit the form, you’ ll receive an email with ins truc tions for pos ting future event s.
A Prince Hal Produc t ion ( TGMR18)
2016-2017 MediaPort LLC All rights reserved The content and opinions in Oregon Jewish Life do not necessarily reflec t those of the publishers, staf f or contrac tors. Ar ticles and columns are for informational purposes only and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Although ever y ef for t is made to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, Oregon Jewish Life, and its agents, publishers, employees and contrac tors will not be held responsible for the misuse of any information contained herein. The publishers reser ve the right to refuse any adver tisement. Publication of adver tisements does not constitute endorsement of produc ts or ser vices.
JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 7
PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE
CINDY SALTZMAN Publisher
Subscriptions: orjewishlife.com/magazine-subscription Newsletter: orjewishlife.com, click on“Subscribe Now!” Facebook: @ojlife Twitter: @JewishLifeNow Instagram: JEWISHLIFENOW Call: 503-892-7402 8 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
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JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 9
BIZ
I N S & O UTS
Cedar Sinai Park
Jordan and Arlene Schnitzer
CSP hires management company to guide Robison and Green House operations In March Cedar Sinai Park appointed a management company to guide operations at the Robison Health & Rehabilitation Center and Harold Schnitzer Center for Living Green House. Since 2016 these state-of-the art facilities have been delivering higher-level nursing care to a broader group of patients than did the former Robison Jewish Health Center. Aidan Health Services Inc. is an experienced, proven specialist in the management of post-acute care and skilled nursing facilities. CSP retained Aidan Health Services to improve efficiencies in these more comprehensive and complex healthcare facilities. Its contract is limited to RHRC and HSCL. It does not include executive management services or Rose Schnitzer Manor. CSP’s executives, administrators and staff, including all caregivers, continue as CSP employees. CSP selected Aidan because of their expertise in the field of post-acute care, their work with other mission-driven nonprofit organizations, their successful record serving those organizations and the recommendation of CSP’s trusted advisors. CSP Board of Trustees Chair Ivan Gold says, “We’re proud of our five-star quality rating in this complex healthcare niche. Aidan’s specialized management will help us deliver that quality more efficiently and effectively. Importantly, Aidan understands and has committed to CSP’s emphasis on traditional Jewish values.” Martin.Baicker@cedarsinaipark.org | cedarsinaipark.org
OJCF to honor Schnitzer family The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation has selected Arlene Schnitzer, Jordan Schnitzer and the blessed memory of Harold Schnitzer as the foundation’s 2019 Legacy Society honorees. The Schnitzers will be honored at OJCF’s Annual Meeting and Reception to be held on June 3 at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. “The impact that Arlene, Harold, z”l, and Jordan have had upon the foundation and our community is immeasurable,” says OJCF President and CEO Julie Diamond. “It is only fitting that we honor and thank them during our 30th anniversary year.” The family’s generous support of Oregon’s Jewish and general nonprofit organizations has changed the region’s philanthropic landscape. “The foundation is grateful for our relationship with Arlene and Jordan, and we are proud to support their charitable giving through the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer Family Fund of OJCF,” says OJCF Board Chair Steve Laveson. “Their steadfast commitment to the Jewish community can’t be overstated, and their charitable legacy will benefit Jewish Oregonians for generations 10 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
Michelle Caplan
to come.” Please join OJCF on June 3 to honor Arlene Schnitzer, Jordan Schnitzer and the blessed memory of Harold Schnitzer. ojcf.org
Michelle Caplan returns to Neveh Shalom staff Congregation Neveh Shalom welcomes back Michelle Caplan as the congregation’s membership and engagement director. Michelle is a familiar face both in the Jewish community and at Neveh Shalom. She worked as a Jewish communal professional for 18+ years and has been a lay leader for many local organizations for the past six years. Most recently, Michelle worked at Nike. Currently, Michelle serves on the board at B’nai B’rith Camp and is part of the Women’s Philanthropy Task Force at the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. As a breast cancer survivor, Michelle also supports many causes and events associated with the breast cancer community. Neveh Shalom Executive Director Fred Rothstein says he and the entire Neveh Shalom leadership, both lay and professional, are pleased to have Michelle back on the congregation’s staff. Michelle is a wonderful Jewish communal professional who brings both passion and skill to her work, says Rothstein.
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JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 11
BIZ
I N S & O UTS
Jennifer Hardy
Stacy Lebenzon Oller
Fred Rothstein
Although she was born in St. Louis and raised in Dallas, TX, after 24 years here she now considers Portland home. Michelle and Jon have been married 25 years. Their two children have grown up at Neveh Shalom and benefited from the amazing programs at Foundation School, ALIYAH and Tichon. Jennifer, 19, is a freshman at the University of Oregon, and Andrew, 16, is a sophomore at Beaverton High School. Michelle attended the University of Judaism, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Jewish studies. 503-246-8831, ext. 139 | programs@nevehshalom.org | nevehshalom.org
Fred Rothstein installed as NAASE president Neveh Shalom Executive Director Fred Rothstein was installed as president of the North American Association of Synagogue Executives at the 2019 NAASE International Conference held in West Palm Beach, FL, March 10-13. NAASE is a Jewish membership organization serving the professional needs of executives of Conservative synagogues. NAASE serves as the central resource for professional development, job placement, information-sharing and peer support for executives serving in Conservative congregations. Fred has been the executive director of Neveh Shalom for 18 years. The congregation congratulated Fred and noted that his efforts on the national scene reflect positively on our community and shine a bright light on the work being done in Portland. nevehshalom.org | naase.org
BB Camp welcomes new staff B’nai B’rith Camp welcomes two new staff members, Jennifer Hardy as accounting specialist and Stacy Lebenzon Oller as Second Century events coordinator. Jennifer brings eight years of experience with accounts payable, receivables and payroll. Jennifer also has a passion for art and connecting with kids. She works with the Tigard/Tualatin school district to organize its volunteer art program, bringing art classes to schools throughout the district. Jennifer also teaches painting classes to K-5 students throughout the Portland area. 12 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
MJCC team members at JCCA ProCon from left: Lenny Steinberg, Jennifer Harrington, Ryan Ochoa, Becky Ewer, Kelsey Kaplan
Stacey will oversee the friend-raising and fundraising events, and other adult-oriented retreats and programs, leading up to and through BB Camp’s 100th anniversary celebration in 20202021. She joins the BB Camp staff after three years on the BB Camp board. She has been a life-long BB Camper. Stacey was born and raised in Portland. She received a bachelor’s degree at Brandeis University. After spending six months living on a kibbutz in Israel and traveling through Europe, Stacey returned to Portland to teach at Portland Jewish Academy. Stacey and her husband, Marshal, lived in Florida, Virginia, New York, Washington State and California before returning to Portland in 2015. Stacey and Marshal have two children, Leo and Sarina, who, like their mom, grandfather and great-grandfather, are proud BB Campers. bbcamp.org
MJCC staffers attend JCCA ProCon In February, several members of the MJCC’s management team attended the Jewish Community Center Association of North America’s 2019 Professional Conference (ProCon). Held in Orlando, FL., ProCon was an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the continent. The MJCC team members attended workshops ranging from program development and fitness trends to employee retention and human resources. One highlight was a keynote talk by Yotam Polizer, co-CEO of IsraAid, an Israel-based international nongovernmental organization that provides emergency aid and relief during times of natural and man-made disasters across the globe. The MJCC works indirectly with IsraAid as part of the new JCCA initiative, JResponse. JResponse is a startup initiative to respond to local crises facing JCCs and their communities. JResponse leverages the talent of 6,000 JCC professionals nationally by deploying teams to provide aid and assistance in times of crisis. Jennifer Harrington and Ryan Ochoa are co-coordinators of the program at the MJCC. “Attending the JCCA Professional Conference was very powerful and enlightening,” says MJCC Creative and Marketing Director Becky Ewer. “I made some amazing connections, learned innovative ways to engage members and felt empowered to make a difference.” oregonjcc.org | jcca.org
FRONT & CENTER
KERRY POLITZER
Pianist Kerry Politzer receives RACC grant
KERRY POLITZER, a pianist on the adjunct jazz faculty at Portland State University, has received a Regional Arts & Culture Council grant for her work related to the upcoming concert “Bebop Meets Bossa Nova: The Music of Durval Ferreira.” Kerry is the NW Nosh columnist for Oregon Jewish Life. Bossa nova is a Brazilian music genre that was popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Its greatest proponents were composer/pianist Antonio Carlos Jobin, poet Vinicius de Moraes and the still-living guitarist/vocalist Joao Gilberto. For the concert, Kerry will partner with Sounds of Brazil PDX to present the concert, which will feature an octet of musicians. Kerry has often explored Brazilian jazz themes and rhythms in her five jazz albums as a leader. She is a featured performer on saxophonist Laura Dreyer’s Brazilian jazz release “Free Flying Bird” (Sony Latin). In 2018, Kerry and her band, Bossa PDX, were featured at PDX Jazz’s Lan Su Garden series, the Florence Wine & Jazz Festival and the Oregon Coast Jazz Party in Newport. After the Newport performance, Kerry presented an educational clinic on bossa nova, which was funded by Just Jazz, Inc. Kerry recently received a professional development grant from Portland State University to present this clinic at the University of Kansas. “Bebop Meets Bossa Nova” will take place at Classic Pianos (3003 SE Milwaukie Ave.) at 7:30 pm, May 4. kerrypolitzer.com | brownpapertickets.com/event/4064770
Celebrate Music at Congregation Beth Israel
Shesh Besh
Tuesday, April 9, 7:00 PM
Chichester Psalms Friday, May 10, 6:00 PM
Congregation Beth Israel, Main Sanctuary
Congregation Beth Israel, Main Sanctuary
Experience Shesh Besh, The Arab-Jewish Ensemble of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Comprised of three members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra alongside four of the finest musicians from Israel’s Arab community, Shesh Besh embodies two cultures living together in harmony.
Sunday, May 12, 10:00 AM
Free and open to the public.
Made possible through the generosity of Irving Levin and Stephanie Fowler
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Listen to The Chichester Psalms, one of Leonard Bernstein’s most beloved choral works, performed by the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Choir and CBI’s own Kol Echad choir. Free and open to the public.
1972 NW Flanders Street, Portland • (503) 222-1069 • www.bethisrael-pdx.org
JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 13
FRONT & CENTER
Portraits bring smiles to families of critically ill kids By Elaine Eisenbraun WHEN A JEWISH farm mom meets another rural Jewish woman at the food co-op, it’s a good bet that a friendship will blossom. Elaine Eisenbraun met Lily while sorting bulk organic food. Their families formed a tight bond, sharing many kiddushim and milestones, helping each other through an unlikely number of health challenges, from cancer to heart surgery. Lily’s two children seemed endlessly afflicted with asthma. Then the doctor revealed a different diagnosis. It was cystic fibrosis. The devastated family had to relocate to a more urban area, where a children’s hospital could provide steady care. Elaine wondered how her family could share enduring friendship, support and compassion from so far away. One day, she was watching her talented daughter, Kristen, paint a portrait on canvas. Perhaps a portrait of the children would bring solace to their dear friends? Kristen painted the portrait, Grandma had it framed and Elaine sent the surprise package. Upon finding the gift on their doorstep, Lily phoned, exclaiming, “This portrait is a treasure! We hung it so it is the first thing we see in the mornings. It gives us courage.” Those words didn’t fall lightly on Elaine’s ears. They replayed in her mind, where she imagined bringing the same peace to others facing critical childhood illness. Her two daughters, Laura and Kristen, felt the same, and Portrait Connection was formed. Elaine left her job and steady income. The organization received nonprofit status, and planning began to paint portraits for families across the country facing serious childhood ailments. 14 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
The three women knew they needed to get the word out, so one day Elaine went into Cascade Publications in Bend, OR. She hesitantly asked for a little blurb in the arts magazine, and the editor loved what they were doing. He said, “If you bring me 10 portraits by March 1, I’ll give you the cover and a feature article.” Elaine calmly said, “Sure thing!” then went out to the car and exclaimed, “How will we even begin to accomplish this!” The timing was almost impossible; there was no money to pay 10 artists and there were no Central Oregon portraits in queue. But nonprofits are capable of tremendous feats, and the family’s Jewish heritage taught them that belief mixed with rachamim, or compassion, is powerful. The new challenge also created an idea for incorporating the whole community into the plan. What if the 10 portraits were presented at a public celebration? It would open the eyes of neighbors, who are often unaware of the everyday struggles of neighbors in medical upheaval. That portrait presentation celebration, Power of Art: Portraits, became the first event of its kind and included a monthlong exhibition. The response to the event was astounding. The outpouring of communal compassion at these Portrait Presentation Ceremonies is beyond compare. The many tears shed at the event were neither tears of sadness nor of joy, but simply of humanity. Several families have said that their child’s portrait has changed their lives. It creates a sanctuary of joy in their homes where they can look into the eyes of their beloved child and feel courage infiltrating their souls. One family said, “This
Israeli jazz saxophonist Eli Degibri PHOTO BY YOSSI ZWECKER
UPCOMING PRESENTATION CEREMONIES BEND, OR APRIL 1: 5:30 PM AT TETHEROW RESORT TUCSON, AZ JUNE 8: 4 PM AT HACIENDA DEL SOL LA GRANDE, OR SEPT. 6: TIME TBD AT ARTS CENTER EAST WEBSITE PORTRAITCONNECTION.ORG
Left: Cancer patient Kaitlyn receives her portrait from Kristen Eisenbraun. The portrait was painted by Leslie Peck of Greenwich, NY. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DAILY GAZETTE Above: Portrait Connections founder Elaine Eisenbraun presents a portrait to Patrick in New York.
portrait is worth a million dollars to us.” A father said, “After a tough night, I come downstairs and look into his eyes, and it just flips on the positive switch.” Another mom explained, “Our son’s condition is terminal. Someday this is all we’ll have.” That same spirit and energy that brought the first event to life in Bend continues on. Portrait Connection is planning similar ceremonies in Oregon, Arizona, South Carolina, Minnesota and Kentucky, with hopes of serving Portland as soon as resources are in place. Portrait Connection shares a brand new concept. While “Arts in Healthcare” is a growing phenomenon around the world, its emphasis is on hospital settings. What if we can bring art back to its roots as a messenger in our own homes, where it can convey the ultimate message of compassion to families who need to know that we all care, and to artists who need our support to keep their craft alive? The gift is priceless. Elaine Eisenbraun is both the author of this piece and the founder of Portrait Connections. JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 15
Arab-Jewish ensemble ends U.S. tour in Portland THE ISRAEL Philharmonic Orchestra’s acclaimed Arab-Jewish ensemble, Shesh Besh, will conclude its 12-concert U.S. tour in Portland. The tour began March 23 with four concerts at the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, DC. The ensemble will perform in Philadelphia Shesh Besh, the Israel and California before coming to Portland. Congregation Beth Israel hosts the Philharmonic Orchestra’s ensemble for a free concert at 7 pm, April 9. Arab-Jewish ensemble Shesh Besh, which was created as part of the IPO’s KeyNote music education program, includes three IPO musicians and four of the most renowned Arab musicians in Israel. Shesh Besh’s music weaves together traditional Oriental material with works by Bach, Dvorak and SaintSaëns, as well as original compositions by Jewish and Arab composers, leading audiences on an immersive music journey across cultures.
OJMCHE gala: Imagine OREGON SYMPHONY Music Director Carlos Kalmar will speak on creativity, community and the immigrant experience at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education Gala. OJMCHE’s 2019 Gala – Imagine – will begin at 5 pm April 14 at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. Cocktails, small bites and a silent auction will be followed by dinner and & Carlos Kalmar Kalmar’s special program. His talk Complex Rhythms, An Immigrant’s Story will speak to his experience as both a creative and an immigrant and how he was shaped by collaboration and community in the development of his work. In May 2011 he made his New York debut at Carnegie Hall with the Oregon Symphony as part of the inaugural Spring for Music festival. New Yorker magazine critic Alex Ross called the Oregon Symphony’s Carnegie Hall performance under Kalmar “the highlight of the festival and one of the most gripping events of the current season.” Born in Uruguay to Austrian parents, Kalmar showed an early interest in music and began violin studies at age 6. By the time he was 15, his musical promise was such that his family moved back to Austria so he could study conducting with Karl Osterreicher at the Vienna Academy of Music. He has previously served as the chief conductor and artistic director of the Spanish Radio/Television
FRONT CENTER
Visit “Little Shtetl on the Prairie” April 10 ON APRIL 10 award-winning, Portland-based journalist Rebecca Clarren will present “Little Shtetl on the Prairie: Reckoning with the past through chuva (repentence).” The free hour-long slide show and talk at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education is part of the OJMCHE series of informal lunchtime conversations. Bring a lunch or buy a brown bag lunch in Lefty’s Cafe for the program in the museum’s auditorium. Clarren’s relatives escaped pogroms in Russia and became Jewish ranchers and homesteaders in South Dakota. Throughout her childhood, Clarren heard stories of their fortitude and luck – stories 16 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
of her uncle “Bronco Lou” and of the mikvah immersions her great-great-grandmother took in the ice-choked creek behind their shack on the prairie. Yet among the narratives, she never heard stories of the Lakota, their neighbors. In an effort to better understand the truth of the past and possibly find some healing, Clarren has set out to find descendants of the Lakota families who were displaced and harmed by the amoral federal policies that provided her family with free land. Claren has written about Indigenous Americans for national magazines such as The Nation, Indian Country Today and High Country News. Her journalism, which is frequently supported by the Fund for Investigative Journalism, has won the Hillman Prize, an Alicia Patterson BroncoLou: Clarren’s great-uncle, Louis Sinykin, aka Bronco Lou, a rodeo bronc champion. PHOTO FROM THE ETTA ORKIN COLLECTION
On the tour will be longtime IPO Principal Bassist Peter Marck, who plans to retire this year after 45 years with the orchestra; as well as IPO Principal Flutist Yossi Arnheim; Aziz Naddaf, who plays the tablah; Sami Kheshaiboun, who plays the Eastern violin; and Michael Maroun on the oud. The ensemble received the European Medal of Honor-Prize for Tolerance in 2006 for their vision and commitment to Israeli-Arab relations. For more information on the concert at Beth Israel, call 503-222-1069.
Orchestra and Choir in Madrid as well as the music director for the Hamburg Symphony, the Stuttgart Philharmonic, Vienna’s Tonnkunsterorchester and the Anhaltisches Theater in Dessau, Germany. He lives in Portland with his wife, Raffaela, and sons, Luca and Claudio. Gala tickets are $100 per person with a special of $50 for those 40 and under. Tickets can be purchased at ojmche.org.
Foundation Fellowship, and acknowledgement from the Society for Professional Journalists and the Native American Journalists’ Association. Her first novel, Kickdown (Sky Horse Press, 2018), was shortlisted for the PEN/Bellwether Prize. She lives in Portland with her husband and two young sons. The presentation, which will include a slide show and Q&A, was funded by a grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council. ojmche.org | rebecca-clarren.com JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 17
Financial planning for a long life Campers leap from the dock into the camp’s private lake. This summer campers will have a new aqua park on the lake giving them more options for water fun.
By Tony Urdes
ACTIVELY SENIOR
INSIDE 18 Finances for a Long Life 19 Wise Aging 20 Visiting Seniors 20 Ask Helen: Aging Parent 22 Retirement: The Beginning 24 NOT Tipping Over 25 Better Retirement
THE FACT THAT WE are on average living longer and are healthier for longer should be good news. But it comes with a challenge: How do we finance this longer life? First, longevity is not the same as aging. Aging is about end of life, but longevity is about all of life. In response to living longer, people need to prepare for more stages and more transitions. In today’s fast and complex world, pursuing your life’s goals is being challenged in so many new ways. That is why now is the perfect time to review your life’s goals and clearly understand where your money is – and why. Creating a sense of purpose and adding structure to your financial journey can improve your results and give you a sense of financial and emotional comfort. The best way to predict the future is to create it. The responsibility for planning your financial journey applies to all investors. We are each unique and very different; thus our individual plan will differ from all other plans depending on our stage in life, our specific situation and our specific goals. Add to that our different investment philosophy, values, attitude, risk tolerance, objectives and expectations, and soon you realize that collaborating with a professional financial advisor might be the smart way to approach a successful and purposeful financial journey. Where you are today is the result of important choices and thoughtful decisions you’ve made along the way. Now that you are here: • How do you plan on managing the multi-year cash flow for you and your family? • How do you plan on funding your next business or personal ambition? • How do you plan on making sure you have enough assets to fund your Great Goals in Life, besides your general living expenses, medical costs, charitable giving, vacations, family education expenses, weddings, etc.? • How do you make sure that your successes go beyond you and your family? How can you ensure that your legacy and values will be carried forward for generations? • How do you educate your next generation about the responsibilities that come with inheriting a purposeful legacy? Are they equipped with the knowledge and the passion to handle the inherited wealth, not only as a gift but also as an important responsibility? “Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely day dreaming, but vision with action can change the world” (Nelson Mandela). Building anything worthwhile requires careful thought and a long-term perspective. With passion, inspired by your vision, and a deep level of knowledge, your trusted financial advisor can help you create a smart and dynamic personalized plan, a plan that includes expertise and time-tested strategies to help you address challenges and take advantage of opportunities over time. Your advisor can facilitate conversations with your loved ones and help you develop your unified vision for all you want to accomplish. So, what’s the smartest thing you can do for you and your loved ones today? Decide what you want your future to look like and work with your trusted financial advisor to create your plan for the next 5-10-20-30-50+ years and generations to come. And after that, do everything you can to follow that plan, stay healthy and spend time with the people you love. Tony Urdes, together with Bianca Urdes and Ken Miller, is the Urdes Miller Group at Stifel Financial Corp. Website: urdesmiller.com. The group was featured in Oregon Jewish Life last May: orjewishlife. com/tony-bianca-urdes-putting-people-first. Tony can be reached at tony.urdes@stifel.com or 503-499-6275.
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A C T I V E LY S E N I O R
meeting on a regular basis for about nine session. Facilitators complete training with IJS Wise Aging trainers to prepare to lead groups. “The Holzman Foundation is underwriting the Portland Wise Aging Training,� says JFCS Interim Director Ruth Scott. “It’s a gift to the community, as the training will provide the community with a group of facilitator teams anchored with area synagogues and organizations.� By Deborah Moon JFCS incoming president Larry Holzman, the son of Irwin and Renee Holzman, who founded the family foundation in 1990, says he heard IN JUNE, In June, Jewish Family & Child Service will launch the about the Wise Aging program when the JFCS board discussed Wise Aging program, based on the book Wise Aging, Living with Joy, bringing it to Oregon. Resilience and Spirit. “As I was listening, it reminded me of the Melton (Adult Mini“Wise Aging is unlike any other program or self-help book,� says School) Program our family underwrote many years ago,� says Larry. JFCS Senior Outreach Clinician David Molko, who completed the “Structurally it’s not the same. But the concept of adult interaction, in training program and led a pilot group in Portland. “This program this case for health and wellness rather than (Melton’s) uses many modalities and draws on the wisdom LEARN MORE: education focus, brings us to a better place connected of Judaism and other religions to offer a different May 19 Celebrate our Caring with others.� approach to aging.� Community Brunch Larry pitched the concept to his family foundation David says participants gain internal and external Featuring Wise Aging co-author Linda and says his mother was incredible as she “asked the resources to enhance their aging experience. Thal and Rabbi Joshua Stampfer jfcs-portland.org/giving/2019-brunch right questions and strategized� as she had for so many Through mindfulness and contemplative practices organizations before. The family agreed it was a great such as text study, journaling, meditation and opportunity to reach into the community and help chanting, participants can explore internal resources. External support people through this stage of life with a support system. comes from small peer groups, where adults 55+ can share the angst of “They can do it better by doing it together,� says Larry. dealing with aging parents, the challenges and rewards of retirement, and For information on facilitator training or joining a Wise Aging group the potential for many years of healthy living and learning. in June, contact Ruth Scott at 503-226-7079, ext. 113, or RScott@jfcsIn the pilot program he led, David says he was inspired by portland.org. participants’ comments. “It is comforting to know other people are
Wise Aging comes to Portland
going through similar circumstances, and it is reassuring to know you are not in the process alone,� he says. The program consists of a facilitated peer group of 10-12 people
For information on facilitator training or joining a Wise Aging group in June, contact Ruth Scott at 503-226-7079, ext. 113, or RScott@jfcs-portland.org.
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A C T I V E LY S E N I O R
CHABAD’S VISION that no Jew is forgotten inspires Chabad rabbis, their families and volunteers throughout the state visit senior communities. They visit around the holidays, before Shabbat or just because. In the greater Portland area, Rabbi Chayim E. Mishulovin coordinates dozens of visits on the westside. Often accompanied by one or more of his children, he ensures they have their holiday needs met by bringing along gifts such as the Seder In The Box or the Purim spirit. On Rosh Hashanah, he’ll trek for hours to bring seniors the sound of the shofar and the basic service. On Portland’s Eastside, Chabad of NE Portland coordinates the Chesed Connection, which receives funding from the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. Chesed volunteers visit homebound seniors in assisted living communities and homes. To request a visit, contact Rabbi Mishulovin at Everything Jewish #MoreThanAStore 503-246-5437.
Chabad rabbis visit seniors ask helen
A NOSH OF JEWISH WISDOM:
For the ignorant, old age is winter. For the wise, it is harvest. 20 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
Rabbi Chayim Mishulovin, often accompanied by some of his children, visit seniors at local senior living communities around the city.
Long absent elder sister butts in on Mom’s care
Dear Helen: I’m the middle of three girls. The youngest lives in Australia and is too far away to be useful, except to vent my frustrations. The elder is retired (I still work) and just moved back to town after 30 years. I’ve been the only one coping with the daily dramas of an aging mother, who recently had a third stroke in addition to other medical issues. It took me six months to convince Mom to install some bathroom modifications that (a) she needs now, and (b) she must have in place to avoid long and expensive stays in rehab after inevitable future medical events, as they won’t release her to home care without them. Sis showed up, cavalierly said “Oh that seems extreme” and suddenly all my months
of advocating for non-crisis planning went out the window. How can I get her to see I know more, and I’m not the wrong vote? Hamstrung Dear Hamstrung: You need to re-establish new ground rules for communication that are more sophisticated than “older knows best.” She needs to understand what you’ve learned from your experience as the primary caretaker. That means sitting her down and laying out the landscape from what she sees as current day-to-day issues, and what happens during and after a crisis. The biggest ground rule should be this: whenever something comes up, whichever of you is with your mother says, “Let’s think
about that a little.” Then the two of you go off and parley until you agree. No one lets your mother play one against the other, and no one speaks with authority about house or health until you both agree. For my money, anything that is non-crisis planning is a good choice. That includes retrofitting the house to avoid being placed in medical facilities, and organizing regular phone and visit schedules. Your mom is lucky to have two loving daughters so close. Dear Helen: I have a friend who started a wonderful new romance. That is to say, it was wonderful when she started. She was like a teenager again. Note she is in her early 50s. But she was giggling and telling stories, and probably half or more of her sentences began with “Bob ... .” Now, six months in, she is still talking about “Bob,” but the stories have turned darker. He “doesn’t like me having so many nights out with my friends, doesn’t approve of my choices in political candidates or who I donate to, thinks I should invest with his broker” and so on. I am concerned for her emotional well-being, her assets and possibly even her safety. I was in an abusive relationship when I was much younger, and this has all the classic signals of someone who is trying to control her. How should I respond? Do you think I am over-reacting? Concerned
Dear Concerned: Not at all! I would be equally concerned if I saw this happening to someone in my circle. If you need a reality check, however, ask a mutual friend if she has any similar observations or concerns and listen to what she says about what she is seeing. Your friend in the relationship with Bob will probably feel ganged up on if you both talk to her at the same time. But if you individually meet her for a meal and express your concerns, you will probably get her attention. Don’t be shy about identifying websites with tips for people in abusive relationships and cautions for seniors about financial advisors. Most importantly, tell her she has 24/7/365 access to you if she ever feels unsafe. Assure her you love her, but be 100% clear about your concerns. Have your other friend, or even more than one, do the same, perhaps spaced out every few weeks. If it is as bad as you suggest, she will learn. I hope it isn’t the hard way. If you see escalation, do a formal intervention.
A resident of Eugene since 1981, Helen Rosenau is a member of Temple Beth Israel. She’s a student of Torah and an artist (kabbalahglass.com), a writer (yourjewishfairygodmother.com) and now the author of The Messy Joys of Being Human: A Guide to Risking Change and Becoming Happier.
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A C T I V E LY S E N I O R
Retirement
was only the beginning for Judith Kleinstein By Deborah Moon research advocate, she reviews materials WHEN JUDITH KLEINSTEIN retired in prepared for patients. For five years she has 2004, she drew on the skills and interests she been involved with OpenNotes to help patients had cultivated during 31 years as a Portland access their medical charts. OpenNotes believes teacher to craft a rewarding and active life. providing ready access to notes can empower Even before she retired, she already was patients, families and caregivers to feel more in active as a lay leader at Congregation Beit control of their health-care decisions. Haverim and at Providence Milwaukie, where Her work as a hospital chaplain began as a she volunteered in the pastoral care program. volunteer. After having both hips replaced in “My volunteer work grounded me during 1997, she was very impressed by the support the retirement transition,” says Judith. of the Providence chaplains’ program. She So it’s no surprise that over the next 15 completed the four-week pastoral visitor years she has dramatically expanded her training program, which is no longer offered, volunteer work. As a volunteer she helps and then volunteered Sunday evenings as seniors, cancer survivors, hospital patients and an on-call chaplain. After retiring from her congregation. She also has continued to teaching, she enrolled in PPMC’s yearlong work as a substitute teacher for Portland Public chaplain residency program. She is now an Schools and as a hospital chaplain. on-call chaplain for two Providence hospitals Before retiring, she had spent a year evenings and weekends – Milwaukie and studying with Rabbi Larry Halpern for a JUDITH KLEINSTEIN Willamette Falls. group adult b’nai mitzvah at South Metro To illustrate how rewarding her chaplaincy Jewish Congregation, which later became work can be, Judith likes to tell how a nurse called her one day and Beit Haverim. When the congregation affiliated with the Reform said a woman in labor did not want to have her baby. When Judith movement in 2001, Judith was selected to attend a para-rabbinic arrived at the birthing unit, she says the woman was frantic. Her course at the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion husband, a long-distance truck driver, could not be reached and in Cincinnati. She extended her stay in Cincinnati to take several was unaware she was in labor five weeks early after her water broke. workshops in synagogue music, as well. Judith calmed her down and helped her reach her husband’s relative, In 2006 Beit Haverim honored her with the Song of Miriam who was able to assure the woman her husband would understand. Award, presented annually by the Jewish Women’s Round Table to “She felt OK about having the baby then,” says Judith. honor the extraordinary volunteer contributions women make to “Amazingly, she asked me to stay and hold her hand and do what the Jewish community. She continues her congregational service as a her husband would have done.” choir member, secretary and Beit Haverim board member. She also Judith was later able to meet the grateful husband and see the is active in Torah study and helps out as a lay leader. happy family of three. She volunteers as an AARP Tax Aide Counselor; a Senior Much of her volunteer work is rooted in skills she gained Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) Medicare/ during 31 years of teaching. She was an elementary classroom Medicaid volunteer for Clackamas County; a patient advocate teacher at the Metropolitan Learning Center, an alternative K-12 for the OpenNotes Consortium; and a research advocate for public school in Portland, until she took an around-the-world Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE). She recently travel sabbatical in 1991-92. “When I got back, the principal topped 6,000 hours as a volunteer at Providence Portland Medical asked me to do global studies for high school,” says Judith. She Center, where she has played her recorder for patients on “Musical also taught personal finance, economics and two electives – Monday” for 22 years. music survey and child development. In 1996 she moved to the She has volunteered for AARP’s tax aide program for eight years. district’s drug and alcohol rehab program for students in sixth to The training for this year’s tax season was especially hard given the 12th grade, where she tutored small groups of students. “I loved changes to the tax code. tutoring,” she says. She later tutored students through another As a SHIBA volunteer, she helps people one on one who district program for teen parents. request help at a senior center or county offices. During open “Fifteen years after formally retiring, I seem to be busier and enrollment, she does a lot of presentations as well as being paired more involved in the community than ever before,” says Judith. with those requesting help. “Chaplaincy, substitute teaching and my various public service In 2012 Judith was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. volunteer works allow me to gently touch the lives of others and She calls her survival rare: “Only 15% survive disease free.” know that I am bettering my world.” That experience inspired her to volunteer for FORCE. As a 22 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
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A C T I V E LY S E N I O R
Learn “How to Not Tip Over” By Deborah Moon
Alexander Technique teacher Eve Bernfeld works with a student. PHOTO BY ANDREA LEONCAVALLO
EXPLORING BALANCE WITH THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE WHEN
2-4 pm, April 14 WHERE
MJCC, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland COST
$45 ($25 MJCC members) INFORMATION
503-244-0111 oregonjcc.org/fitness-wellness/fitness-wellness-programs 24 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
SENIORS CAN explore their balance this month in a workshop that is both informative and playful – aspects reflected in the class title, “How to Not Tip Over.” “Humans are amazing balancing bipeds, but as we get older the balancing act can get more challenging,” says workshop instructor Eve Bernfeld, certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, on which the workshop is based. Eve says the 120-year-old Alexander Technique “calls into question many of our assumptions about living: that gravity is hard to deal with, that being on two legs is unstable, that back pain is inevitable, that standing up straight is hard work.” The April balance workshop will be held at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, where Eve has been teaching workshops since 2016. Eve says the MJCC class is geared toward seniors, but all ages are welcome. She says she had a mother and adult son take one class together. “I love working with seniors both at the J and in my private practice (In Balance Alexander Technique) in Southeast Portland,” says Eve. “Seniors are perfect students of the Alexander Technique because many of them have already come to the realization that rushing and ‘muscling’ our way through the day are inefficient long-term life strategies.” “Helping people become more ‘In Balance’ is the focus of my work,” says Eve. “This involves unpacking our idea of balance. Balance is not a fixed state, but a dynamic process. We don’t hold our balance, we modulate it.” The workshop will help students explore the intersection of posture and balance, and learn how to improve both by tweaking their thoughts and motions. “For anyone suffering from severe balance issues, I would not recommend starting with a group workshop,” says Eve. “It would be safer to work one-on-one with a certified Alexander Technique teacher. … Alexander Technique has been shown, when taken as a course of individual lessons, to improve balance and mobility in seniors and to be an effective intervention for chronic back and neck pain as well as for Parkinson’s disease.” A member of Congregation Beth Israel, Eve says she appreciates that “both Judaism and Alexander Technique are holistic and embodied. Just as Judaism can, if we let it, infuse and enrich all of our daily activities with holiness, so (does the) Alexander Technique cultivate an interest in the mundane bits of our lives.” Eve says that while growing up in Jackson Hole, WY, her Jewish communal experience “was limited to a highly anticipated annual Hanukkah party.” Her family did observe Judaism at home, and she attended services at Temple Emanu-el in Tucson, AZ, when she visited her grandparents. “It has been very rewarding as an adult to work on filling in the gaps in my childhood Jewish education.” In Balance Alexander Technique: 503-915-7400 eve@inbalanceAT.com | inbalanceAT.com
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Happier, Healthier and Younger in Retirement By Fred Sievert WE ALL UNDERSTAND and appreciate the need for sound financial planning during the years preceding retirement. Who among us hasn’t gone online to calculate our retirement “nest-egg” needs and then panicked because accumulating that much wealth seemed inconceivable; especially if we started the process at age 55 or later? But there is another aspect to your retirement plans that are equally important. My own retirement has proven to be a magnificent experience of feeling happier, healthier and younger than I’ve felt in decades. How did I plan for that and how can you plan too? While being prepared financially for a secure retirement certainly contributes enormously to our happiness, I have found it even more important to attend to all of the other nonfinancial aspects of post-career lifestyle and plans. Caught up in the rigors of pursuing a career, many of us dream of a time in retirement when we can relax, pursue leisurely activities, travel more often, and hence we believe, enjoy life more fully. I remember when I was climbing the corporate ladder at New York Life and working 14 or more hours per day (with little reprieve on Saturday or Sunday). A half-hour with family was rare but wonderful. How wonderful it was to fantasize about the days when I would finally get some well-deserved rest and relief from that hectic pace. However, like many people, since embarking on the very real retirement voyage, I have discovered that the formula for success and happiness has little to do with how much we relax, rest and enjoy leisurely activities. A happy retirement comes from continuing to live a life of consequence and impact. Whether you’re in your 60s, 50s or even 40s, let me offer some advice on how to begin to explore and plan for your nonfinancial activities in your retirement years. The earlier you do this, the better since the planning you do now can position you for greater fulfillment later. Perhaps the easiest way to start the nonfinancial planning process is to ask, and honestly answer the following three questions: • What has made you happiest and provided the greatest gratification in your pre-retirement years? In short, what are your greatest passions? • What are your unique gifts and skills that can be best utilized to generate the most satisfaction following your career? • What can you do now to position yourself for the greatest impact on your world when you decide to scale back or retire from your current vocation? The answers to questions like these are unique to every individual and will force you to wrestle with elusive concepts like “success,” “satisfaction” and “happiness.” Nonetheless, I think you’ll find it thought-provoking and enjoyable to go through the exercise of contemplation and answering. My financial planning began long before retirement, but my nonfinancial lifestyle planning began in earnest just three years before my official transition out of my career. I benefited from the advice of a financial advisor, a personal coach and a spiritual coach.
Answering the Passion Question Most of us are happiest when we are pursuing our passions. So step one for me was to clearly identify those activities and pursuits that left me with the greatest sense of accomplishment, self-worth, and therefore, happiness. I began to see retirement as a new beginning, a period of significance and impact rather than settling into a slower paced life of leisure. Think about those activities that give you the greatest joy and sense of fulfillment and then attempt to articulate your passions in a sentence or two. Answering the Gifts and Skills Question It’s almost a certainty that there will be a high correlation between what you do well and what makes you happy. However, expand your thought process by reflecting on all kinds of moments in your life – beyond your work activities – when you have felt truly happy and fulfilled. What made time stand still? Answering the Preparation Question Having identified your passions and your unique gifts and skills, you need to consider how you will prepare for the next phase of your life and, in so doing, maximize your effectiveness and your ultimate happiness. Don’t forget to remain physically active and take care of yourself. I believe that the combination of meaningful post-retirement engagement coupled with a physical exercise routine, proper sleep, and good eating habits has contributed to a dramatic improvement in all of my vital signs. If you follow your own passions in a way that effectively deploys your own unique gifts and skills, I’m certain that you too will feel happier, healthier and younger in retirement. Fred Sievert is an author and retired president of New York Life Insurance Co., a Fortune 100 company. JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 25
PASSOVER Moses said to the people, "Remember this day, when you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, for with a mighty hand, the Lord took you out of here, and [therefore] no leaven shall be eaten. ~ Exodus 13:3
Passover foods that tell the seder story By InterfaithFamily THE RITUAL FOODS of Passover tell the biblical story of the Exodus from Egypt and the story of the ancient rabbis who wrote the Haggadah. “During the seder, we don’t just tell the story of the Exodus, we see, smell, feel and taste liberation,” says Rabbi Jill Jacobs. What follows is a brief description of many of the special foods of Passover. First, let’s focus on the foods that are placed on a ceremonial plate, usually in the middle of the table or somewhere where everyone can easily see it. This special plate is called the seder plate. The traditional foods on this plate are:
26 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
Maror – a bitter herb, often horseradish, or bitter greens like chicory or endive. It’s supposed to be uncomfortably hot! It represents the bitterness of slavery. Some people take a “maror challenge” using very, very hot horseradish. Chazeret – a bitter vegetable or green, often Romaine lettuce. It’s also a symbol of the bitterness of slavery, but it gets used in a different part of the seder than the maror. Karpas – a leafy green, very often parsley. Represents the rebirth of spring. Baytzah – a roasted egg. Also represents the rebirth of spring and the national birth, or rebirth, of the Jewish people from out of the constraints of bondage. The roasting recalls the Passover sacrifice brought to the Temple in Jerusalem in ancient times. Z’roah – a shank bone of a lamb. Represents the Passover offering of a lamb made at the ancient Temple in Jerusalem in the early spring. Sometimes a chicken neck is substituted, and in vegetarian homes, a beet or a carrot may be substituted. Charoset – is a sweet, thick or chunky fruit and nut spread that symbolizes the mortar that Jewish slaves used in their hard labors building cities and brick buildings for the Pharaohs. Jews of European descent usually make it with apples, nuts, honey, sweet wine and cinnamon. Jews from other lands have other ingredients, but it is always ground or chopped to resemble mortar, and is usually brown in overall color.
In some more liberal Jewish households, people add other symbolic foods to their seder plates to call attention to issues of oppression, liberation, justice and inclusivity. Two of these new items that growing numbers of Jews are adding to their seder plates are: An orange – Putting an orange on the seder plate was an idea originated by Dr. Susannah Heschel in the 1980s. It represented the inclusion of LGBTQ and other marginalized people in the Jewish community, and the fruitfulness that these members of the community bring to Jewish life. Somehow, the new custom she shared with her guests morphed into a fast-traveling urban legend, and the story changed so that the orange was said to represent the inclusion of women in Jewish religious leadership roles. Today, for many, the orange symbolizes all of the above. Olives are sometimes included as a call for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Other symbolic foods have been added to the seder plate over the years – Passover is a very flexible holiday, and different families and communities adapt it to their concerns and passions. There are also important symbolic foods on the Passover seder table that aren’t placed on the seder plate. Matzah is unleavened bread – flat, porous, crumbly and pretty tasteless. It is the primary story-telling food at Passover. It is the only bread that is eaten with a Passover seder meal and throughout the weeklong holiday. The plural of
the Hebrew word matzah is matzot, with a long “o” sound. According to the Exodus story, the enslaved ancestors of the Jewish people hurried to flee Egypt once Pharaoh had finally agreed to let them go. They wanted to bring provisions with them, including bread that was baking in communal ovens. But in their desperate haste to get out of Egypt before the Pharaoh changed his mind, their bread didn’t have time to rise, so the slaves took it as it was, flat and dry, and hurried towards freedom. For the whole week of Passover, the tradition is for Jews to refrain from eating bread or baked goods that have had time to rise – that are leavened – and instead to eat only matzah, which is also known as “the bread of slavery,” “the bread of poverty” and “the bread of affliction.” At the beginning of the seder, the hosts place three matzot, piled on top of each other, on a plate. Some families have a cloth matzah cover, which has three cloth partitions inside; so that you
can slide one piece of matzah into each of the interior sections. During the seder, there’s a point at which we take the middle matzah and break it in half. Apart from the three pieces of matzah that are used ceremonially during the seder, people also have lots of boxes or platters of matzah on the table so that everyone can have however much they want during the festive meal. Salt water – people place one or more bowls of salt water on the table for the seder. At one point early in the seder, there’s a ritual activity in which everyone dips the green vegetable from the seder plate into the salt water and eats it. The salty water represents the tears of slaves, as well as the waters of the Red Sea that parted so the Jews could cross into freedom. This article is reprinted with permission from InterfaithFamily, supporting Jewish interfaith couples and families. Learn more at interfaithfamily.com.
MAROR
CHAZERET
KARPAS
BAYTZAH
Z'ROAH
CHAROSET
ORANGE
MATZAH
SALT WATER
JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 27
✡PASSOVER
Keto meets Passover WHAT HAPPENS when a French-trained pastry chef and the author of four best-selling cookbooks meets the ketogenic (keto) diet, the no-carbs-allowed diet that’s sweeping the nation? Now mix in Passover, (beginning this year Friday, April 19), replete with its ancient culinary traditions, and the result is a mouthwatering fusion of the old, the new and the healthy. For the uninitiated, the term keto comes from the fuel the body burns when blood sugar (glucose) is not available. Ketosis happens when you deprive your body of the carbs that break down into blood sugar, so the body turns to fat as its fuel. When your body enters a state of ketosis, keto devotees say they drop not only extra pounds but also have extra energy and increased focus. Keto, with its complete avoidance of carbs of any kind, could have been a daunting Passover challenge. However, for a pro like Paula Shoyer, author of Healthy Jewish Kitchen (Sterling Epicure), it’s a natural. She thrives on the opportunity to modernize traditional holiday dishes in healthy new ways. “Way too often people feel they have to choose between blowing their diet and emerging from the holidays feeling bloated or foregoing the traditional foods that are so important to pass on to the next generation,” says Paula, whose cooking classes, demonstrations and more than 33 television appearances have made her something of a household name. Additionally, Paula’s recipes for other holidays have been featured by Jewish Life magazines in recent months. With Passover just around the corner, Paula offers a bold fusion diet that includes the holiday basics in keto form. Begin with savory chicken and matzah ball soup, followed by mouthwatering traditional brisket and a delicious dessert; a decadent chocolate cake topped with ganache. This year enjoy tradition and good health. 28 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
KETO-FRIENDLY TRADITIONAL BRISKET Serves 8 to 10
4½-5 pounds second cut brisket 2 tablespoons coconut oil, divided 1 tablespoon coconut (or almond) flour, or more as needed if you have 2 pieces of meat 4 teaspoons paprika 4 teaspoons garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1½ cups water 4 large tomatoes, quartered, seeds removed and cut into 2-inch pieces 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley to garnish, if desired
Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat coconut oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat. Sprinkle coconut flour on both sides of the meat, shaking off excess, and brown in the pan until you see crispy parts on the meat, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove meat to a roasting pan. If you have two pieces of meat, add another one to two teaspoons coconut oil to the pan before you brown the second piece. Place the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper into a small bowl and mix well. Turn heat to medium low, add another ½ teaspoon of oil. Add the tomatoes and cook for three minutes, stirring often. Add a heaping tablespoon of the spice mix and 1½ cups water, turn heat up to medium high and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, rub the remaining spice mixture all over the meat. Pour the tomato mixture over the meat. Cover with heavy duty foil. Bake for 1 hour. Remove pan from oven, place meat on a cutting board and slice against the grain into 1/3-inch slices. Return the slices to the pan and tuck into the liquid. Cover and bake for another hour, or until the meat is fork tender. Sprinkle parsley on top and serve. PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAULA SHOYER
KETO CHOCOLATE AVOCADO CAKE Makes one 8-inch round cake
CAKE 1½ cups almond flour ¾ cup dark cocoa, plus 1 tablespoon for greasing pan ¼ cup coconut flour ½ cup xylitol 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup coconut cream, from canned coconut milk ½ cup almond milk
KETO MATZAH BALL SOUP It is somewhat awkward to call these matzah balls, when they have no matzah in them, but they look just like matzah balls, are surprisingly tasty and good for you, too. Serves 7-8
MATZAH BALLS 1 pound ground chicken ¼ cup chicken stock 2 tablespoons ground almonds 1 tablespoon coconut flour (or almond flour) 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 large egg 1 tablespoon coconut oil ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon white pepper 8 cups water 2 teaspoons kosher salt
SOUP 1 whole chicken cut into quarters 1 large onion, quartered 2 carrots, peeled and cut in half 3 stalks celery, cut crosswise in half 2 cloves garlic 1 parsnip, peeled and cut in half 1 fennel bulb, quartered ½ cup sliced shitake mushrooms 2 bay leaves 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon black peppercorns ½ large bunch parsley ½ large bunch dill 8 cups water
3 large eggs 1 tablespoon coconut oil, plus 1 teaspoon for greasing pan 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 large ripe avocado GANACHE 5 tablespoons boiling water ½ cup dark cocoa ¼ cup xylitol ½ cup coconut cream 1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch round pan with 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Add 1 tablepoon cocoa and shake all around to dust the bottom and sides. Tap out excess. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa, coconut flour, xylitol, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Place the coconut cream, almond milk, eggs, coconut oil, vanilla and avocado into a food processor or blender and blend for two full minutes, scraping down the sides a few times, so that the mixture is completely smooth. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk together. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes and the remove to a wire rack. To prepare the ganache topping, place the cocoa and xylitol into a small bowl. Add the boiling water and whisk well. Add the coconut cream and vanilla and mix well. Spread over the top of the cake.
TO MAKE THE MATZAH BALLS In a medium bowl mix together the chicken, stock, ground almonds, coconut flour, garlic, egg, oil, salt and pepper. I like to use my hands. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill for 2 hours or up to 1 day. Have a bowl of cold water nearby; wet your hands, scoop up some batter shape into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place onto a plate and place in the fridge until the water is boiling. Bring the water to boil over high heat and add the kosher salt. Add the matzah balls, reduce heat to simmer and cook for 8 minutes, Serve with soup. TO MAKE THE SOUP Place the chicken pieces in a large pot. Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, parsnip, fennel, mushrooms, bay leaves and salt. Add the water and bring to a boil. Use a large spoon to skim the scum off the top of the soup. Add the peppercorns and salt. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer, checking after 5 minutes and skimming off any additional scum. Add the parsley and dill, cover and simmer for 2 hours. Let cool. Strain through a large sieve. Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if necessary. *can substitute almond flour for coconut flour JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 29
✡PASSOVER CHECK OUT OUR SPECIAL MAY E-MAGAZINE
FOOD SCENE− ISRAEL
Add some fun (and poached pears) to your seder table By Lisa Glickman
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WANDER NO MORE
30 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
AT THE PASSOVER SEDER, we ask the question “Why is this night different from all other nights?” On this night, we eat only matzah. On this night, we especially eat bitter herbs and dip them twice. On this night, we dine with special ceremony. The story of Passover represents the journey from darkness into light. With all the seriousness, I like to add a smidgen of fun. When our kids were little, my friends and I would try to come up with fun things to do to incorporate our little ones into the service. For instance, we made frog finger puppets for them to play with during the reading of the Haggadah to take their minds off how hungry they were getting. The kids are grownups now, but we still can try to incorporate fun into our seder. Many Haggadot tell the story of Passover with just a little tongue placed firmly in cheek. These can add a touch of levity to what can be a somewhat somber evening. I even found a 30-second Haggadah on Haggadot.com if your group has a collective, excessive lack of patience. This year I ordered wine labels from Etsy.com. They came in a package of eight sticky labels that go right over the label of your Manechevitz or other Kosher for Passover wines. They include labels that say: “PASS that wine OVER,” “Goes well with Matzah” and “This is how we Jew it.” Foodandwine.com has a list of Passover cocktails with names such as “Beats Manna,” “Samson’s Riddle” and “Dayenu” that look delicious and are made with San Francisco’s Distillery 209 spirits. The distillery makes gin and vodka that are kosher for Passover. I have always loved our Passover seder. We may not all observe in the same fashion, but we can all agree it is a time to come together and commemorate the inspiring story we revisit year after year. Collectively we say, “Next Year in Jerusalem.” I actually have a wine label for that … I think I’ll open that bottle first!
RED WINE POACHED PEARS WITH SWEETENED MASCARPONE CHEESE* AND PISTACHIOS *Vegan/non-dairy option recipe, too POACHED PEARS 4-5 Bosc pears 1 bottle kosher red wine such as Zinfandel or Merlot ½ cup sugar 2 cinnamon sticks 2 star anise buds 1 orange, juiced, plus 3 1-inch-wide strips of rind Carefully peel pears using a vegetable peeler, leaving stem intact. Carefully slice off a small portion from the bottom of each pear so they stand upright. Place wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, orange juice and rind in a deep saucepan. Bring to a boil to melt sugar, then turn down to a simmer. Place pears in spiced wine and cook for 20-30 minutes. Remove pears from wine and set aside. Turn wine back up to a boil and reduce by half. Allow to cool completely. (Sauce will thicken a bit when cooled. If too thick, add some water and warm slightly.) Plate pears and spoon sauce over. Serve with one of the following toppings. MASCARPONE CHEESE TOPPING 1½ cups mascarpone cheese 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or vanilla extract ¼ superfine sugar (To make superfine sugar, place about 1 cup sugar into high-speed blender. Blend on high for a few seconds. Store remaining sugar for another use.) ½ cup shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped Mix mascarpone, sugar and vanilla together until smooth and thoroughly blended. Serve dollop alongside pears and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. VEGAN/NONDAIRY TOPPING 1½ cups raw cashews ½ cup water ¼ cup superfine sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or vanilla extract 2 teaspoons lemon juice ¼ teaspoon kosher salt Cover cashews with boiling water and soak for 2-3 hours. Drain cashews and place into high-speed blender along with water, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and salt. Blend until very smooth. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Serve dollop alongside pears and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
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.
JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 31
✡PASSOVER
Almond Butter Honey Cake By Lucia Schnitzer
THIS FLOURLESS ALMOND cake may be the best-hidden secret for a Passover dessert! There are plenty of almond cake recipes on the internet, but most of them use finely ground almonds or almond flour for the base ingredient. This cake uses almond butter instead. The result is a dense, moist cake that is sweet and full of almond flavor. This recipe is also gluten-free, sugar-free and paleo diet friendly. Try it for a new treat during Passover this year.
ALMOND BUTTER HONEY CAKE Ingredients ½ cup creamy roasted almond butter 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons honey (Optional: substitute with all xylitol or stevia) 1 tsp xylitol or stevia ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl mix almond butter until creamy. Mix in eggs, honey, xylitol and vanilla extract. Add salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Transfer batter into a well greased 8 x 8-inch baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Garnish with chopped almonds. Makes 12 servings.
Lucia Schnitzer and her husband, Ken, own Pomelo (a full-service restaurant), at Lucia's at The Orchard and Splurge (a candy and ice cream shop), all at The Orchard Phx, 7100 N. 12th Street, Phoenix. They also own Lucia's Healthy Marketplace, 1590 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, which they opened in 2009 in honor of her successful battle with breast cancer. 32 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219 503.244.0111 | www.oregonjcc.org
JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 33
✡PASSOVER
Passover briefs WEEKEND EXPLORES PASSOVER, FREEDOM AND THE WISDOM OF NOT KNOWING The Havurah Synagogue and Temple Emek Shalom will co-host a dynamic weekend of pre-Passover learning, prayer, music and community featuring Estelle Frankel, MFT, April 5-7. Estelle is a practicing psychotherapist, spiritual advisor and seasoned teacher of Jewish mysticism. Ordained as a spiritual director by Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Estelle has taught Jewish studies in Israel and throughout the United States for more than 40 years. In Ashland she will teach “Passover, Freedom and the Wisdom of Not Knowing: A Spiritual Practice for Thriving in These Uncertain Times.” Using insights and spiritual practices from Kabbalah, mussar and positive psychology, students will explore the rich symbolism of Passover and engage with the middot (soul traits) associated with its rites. The weekend begins at 7 pm April 5 at Havurah Synagogue, 185 N Mountain Ave., Ashland. For more information, call Ayala Zonnenschein at 541-488-7716. Cost is $170.
CROSSING OVER RETURNS AS INTERFAITH EXPERIENCE This year’s performance of “Crossing Over – A Musical Haggadah” will be an interfaith experience with the celebration of Passover and crossing the Red Sea offering a new vision of rebirth and renewal. Crossing Over, composed by Michael Allen Harrison with book and lyrics by Rabbi Alan Berg, debuted at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center in 2012; it has been performed many times since including at Portland State University in 2014 34 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
HISTORIC MATZAH AVAILABLE IN PORTLAND Bakeshop owner Kim Boyce will team up with Rabbi Brian Zachary Mayer again this year to make matzah using a special recipe culled from the annals of the Spanish Inquisition. This matzah is available for special order at Bakeshop. Bakeshop also will host a matzahmaking class on April 7. Participants will learn to make the matzah and learn about the history and meaning of this recipe from Rabbi Brian. History of the recipe: In 1503 in Northern Spain, just like she did the year before, Angelina de Leon kneaded dough of flour, eggs and olive oil and flavored it with pepper and honey. She flattened small cakes and pricked them with a fork so they wouldn’t rise. Everything was like it was the year before. Angelina wondered for how many more years she would have to do this in secret. Celebrating Passover was against the law. Her preparations were seen by her maid, Maria Sancho, who testified to the Inquisition – in whose annals the recipe was recorded. Angelina and her family were found to be secret Jews. To try this historic matzah, order by April 12 for pickup in the store April 17-26. Bakeshop is located at 5351 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. The matzah is $18 for a half-pound box. Only 15 spots are available for the 2:30-4 pm, April 7 matzahmaking class. All supplies are provided except for rolling pins, which participants should bring with them. Fee is $50. To order matzah or sign up for the class, call 503-946-8884, email orders@ bakeshoppdx.com or sign up online at squareup.com/store/bakeshop-4.
and Congregation Beth Israel in 2017. This year the performance will be at 7:30 pm, April 24, at the Lake Oswego United Church of Christ/Beit Haverim, 1111 Country Club Road. “Crossing Over – A Musical Haggadah will be performed in the beautiful and sonically magnificent sanctuary that the Lake Oswego United Church of Christ shares with Temple
Beit Haverim,” says Beit Haverim Rabbi Berg. Crossing Over is a musical drama. It begins on the seventh night of Passover and concludes with a vision of a peaceful, blessed Jerusalem. Music highlights each step on this journey. For this musical Haggadah, the stage is set as a seder table, where the participants sing our story and ask our questions. The narrator reveals the tale.
Conducted and performed by Michael Allen Harrison, the concert will be narrated by the Rev. Jennie Ott and Rabbi Berg. The concert stars Cantor Ida Rae Cahana, Julianne Johnson Weiss, Kayla Bojelais, Ashley Bojelais and Linda Harrison. Israel Annoh will be on drums. Returning from past productions, this reenactment of the seder will feature projections of pictures from the Passover Haggadah illustrated by Leonard Baskin, z"l. For more information, call 503593-4099. Tickets are available online at michaelallenharrison. com/crossing-over
✡PASSOVER
Let all who are hungry come & eat By Deborah Moon AT THE DAWN of the new millennium, Oregon topped a list that no one wanted to top. Oregon was the hungriest state in the nation in 2000. Since then, many programs and thousands of people throughout our state have acted in concert to reduce hunger statewide. By 2018 the state had improved, dropping to 12th hungriest state and 14th in food insecurity, defined as not having enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle. As chair of the food bank’s advocacy committee, Rabbi Daniel Isaak wants to keep Oregon on track to eliminate hunger. As the Passover Haggadah reminds us at this time of year, “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” Rabbi Isaak shares the origin of the mitzvah of feeding the hungry in the accompanying story on the next page. Last month he was invited to speak at the Oregon Hunger Taskforce Legislative Breakfast. Though snow cancelled the breakfast, he did deliver his talk later in the morning: “We agree that no one should go hungry. …Whether we are food bank volunteers, or SNAP administrators, cooks in schools who see to it that children begin their day with full bellies or our state legislators, together we have the power to do all we can so that no one wonders if there will be food to eat tomorrow.” In addition to advocating for the Oregon Food Bank, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the farm bill, Rabbi Isaak says the committee addresses the root causes of hunger. The committee has advocated for accessible transportation, rent stabilization, affordable housing, minimum wage increases and other measures that enable families to afford food. According to the Oregon Food Bank, Oregon is closer than any other state in the country to ending hunger. Why? Because an infrastructure of food assistance has been built in a statewide network of 21 regional food banks and more than 1,200 programs and partners. This achievement has not been duplicated in other states. We have a 30+ year history of collaboration and working together across the rural/urban divide and across political boundaries, because hunger is an issue that crosses all of those differences. We have
grappled with the fact that systemic inequities such as racism fuel hunger, and when we name the problem, we can start to solve it. Oregon is an agricultural state that grows more than 200 highquality commercial food crops, and our agricultural partners are committed to ending hunger. The Oregon Food Bank is only as powerful as the community who supports us, and our community is powerful beyond measure. “The food assistance network is heavily reliant on the faith community,” says Oregon Food Bank CEO Susannah Morgan. “Many food pantries are hosted by congregations, and several food drives are conducted by congregations. Numerous congregations participate in public policy advocacy with MAZON: The Jewish Response to Hunger or the Christian Bread for the World. At its best, faith shines a light on our shared humanity and requires us to act for the good of our neighbors.” Rabbi Isaak says he first connected with the Oregon Food Bank after telling Susannah he considers hunger a religious mandate. “My goal is to help religious organizations become more involved and get positive PR for their work,” says Rabbi Isaak. “Hunger is a noncontroversial issue for religious groups to work on together.” In addition to being motivated by his faith, Rabbi Isaak is moved by his personal experiences to alleviated hunger. The son of Ellen and Helmut Isaak, he never experienced hunger growing up in California. But his mother’s stories of food
Volunteers pack bags of corn at the Oregon Food Bank at the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s Doing Tuesday mitzvah project. In addition to the Jewish Federation, Portland Jewish Academy and Havurah Shalom have recently sent groups to volunteer with Oregon Food Bank.
JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 35
depravation in Nazi Germany have always stayed with him. His mother, Ellen Heymann, was born in Berlin in 1922 and often spoke about her experience of food rationing as a teenager. “The family received one egg per week, which, because she was sickly, went to her mother,” says Rabbi Isaak. “The memory of rationing food never goes away. … You lead the rest of your life concerned that food may not be available.” In 2007 Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski accepted the food stamp challenge to eat on just $21 for the week – the average amount allowed Oregon food stamp recipients. When he then challenged government employees to do the same, Rabbi Isaak and his wife, Carol, decided to try it, too. The difficulty of eating for the amount really hit home when the rabbi realized they could not afford a loaf of challah for Shabbat unless that was the only food they bought that day. Now rabbi emeritus at Congregation Neveh Shalom, Rabbi Isaak is also moved to fight hunger by the reaction one of his young congregants many years ago. “When she was 5 years old, Jensen Gilbert confronted hunger for the first time – not her own, but that of others,” says Rabbi Isaak. Walking through Multnomah Village, Jensen asked her mom why a family was going to Neighborhood House. “Ellie explained that there are people in our community who may not have enough to eat. They can come to Neighborhood House where food is available. … Jensen was visibly stunned. It was so disturbing to her. “Ellie decided that this experience required an appropriate response. Together they headed to the nearest supermarket, filled a bag with food … and left it for the family on the hood of their car.” Jensen will celebrate her bat mitzvah at Neveh Shalom this June, and she has not forgotten that experience. Last year Jensen’s school competed to see which class could collect the most food. Jensen’s class took first place. The second-place class donated 36 pounds of food, but her class collected two tons for Neighborhood House. “Jensen’s shock at the existence of hunger is the appropriate response,” says Rabbi Isaak. “Jensen reminds us all that hunger should not be accepted as normal. Hunger is immoral. We have the means – we need the will to eliminate it.”
OREGON FOOD BANK STATISTICS 36 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
Rabbi Daniel Isaak at the Oregon Food Bank. PHOTO BY CAROL ISAAK
Why do Jews feed the hungry? By Rabbi Daniel Isaak THE MITZVAH OF practicing hospitality in Jewish thought derives from earliest Jewish memory. In Genesis we read that when strangers pass by, though recuperating from surgery, our forefather Abraham urgently welcomed them to his tent, offering water to bathe their feet as well as food to eat. On Passover in particular, no Jew should be alone. Every Jew must have others with whom to celebrate the Passover holiday, to fulfill the obligations of reciting the Haggadah, enjoying the first taste of matzah and sharing four cups of wine. Many of us do our best to seek out seniors, widows/widowers, singles and new arrivals, who may not have local family, to include at our seder tables. Synagogues solicit names of families with space at their tables to match with those seeking a home to join. Hunger itself is a particularly cruel and painful form of enslavement. Each Yom Kippur we recite the echoing demand of Isaiah: “to share your bread with the hungry, and to take the wretched poor into your home.” Every Jewish holiday asks us to be cognizant of the poor, for example with gifts to the poor on Purim and Maot Hittim (wheat money) prior to Passover. The famous invitation in our Haggadah to join the Passover celebration, “Let all who are hungry come and eat,” is not simply an act of hospitality; rather, it recognizes some people do not have the means to create a Passover
POUNDS OF FOOD DISTRIBUTED IN 2018: 50.7 million through Oregon Food Bank and 94.9 million through the Oregon Food Bank Network.
NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS: 260,000 monthly VOLUNTEERS: 40,000 volunteers donated 201,513 hours in 2018 to pack 19,813,442 pounds of food.
DISTRIBUTION CENTERS: 36 Free Food Markets across Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington Counties; 37 School Pantries across the state of Oregon. oregonfoodbank.org
observance. It is easy to forget that there are those in our midst who are hungry, who experience food insecurity temporarily or permanently due to infirmity, health, dislocation, unemployment or other reasons. The antecedent to our invitation to welcome the hungry appears in almost precisely identical words in the Talmud, where we read that Rav Huna, a wealthy man of his time, whenever he would sit down to a meal would open his door and declare, “Whoever is in need of food, let him come and eat” (Taanit 20b). And why, the rabbis ask, is the invitation extended in the Haggadah in Aramaic rather than Hebrew? Because, they respond, at the time of its inclusion Aramaic was the lingua franca, the language understood by all. Thus it was not meant pro forma, just to be recited, but it was meant to be acted upon, for the people, both host and potential guest, to understand that the invitation was extended in earnest. On Passover when we retell, and in some sense reenact, our liberation from bondage, we present ourselves as equals, no rich and poor, no haves and have-nots. We were all slaves, all seeking liberation. We all ate matzah, poor bread, or perhaps the bread of the poor, because there was insufficient time for the dough to rise. Historian Cecil Roth, editor of the Szyk Haggadah, includes the following observation: “The Jew who sits down at his Passover meal, oblivious to the call of those who are in want, has missed the entire spirit of the celebration.” Rabbi Daniel Isaak is an emeritus rabbi at Congregation Neveh Shalom in Portland. He also sits on the board of the Oregon Food Bank and chairs the advocacy committee.
PASSOVER FOOD BOX VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are needed April 14 to pack and deliver Passover food boxes to families and individuals in need. The Maot Chittim Project – literally “Money for Wheat” – ensures that area families have the food they need to truly celebrate Passover. This year the Maot Chittim Project will deliver about 125 kosher-forPassover food boxes to clients of Jewish Family & Child Service. Volunteers of all ages are needed as packers, schleppers and drivers. The project is based at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland. At 8:30 am, strong volunteers are needed to carry all the cases of food (weighing 20-50 pounds) to the packing area. Packing the food into boxes for families starts at 9 am. Delivery drivers will begin departing around 11 am as boxes are completed. To RSVP, contact Jon Perrin jonperrin@gmail.com. In addition to Passover, JFCS clients in need have received Thanksgiving food boxes for many years. The advancing ages of Holocaust survivors and increasing cost of food has prompted JFCS to partner with the Sunshine Division and launch a quarterly kosher food box delivery beginning June 11.
Let’s also write the next chapter. HOW WILL YOU ASSURE JEWISH TOMORROWS?
To create your Jewish legacy contact: Oregon Jewish Community Foundation l 503.248.9328 l ojcf.org Julie Diamond, President & CEO, julied@ojcf.org l Gail Mandel, Director of Philanthropy, gailm@ojcf.org
LIFE & LEGACY program and the LIFE & LEGACY logo are trademarks of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. All rights reserved.
JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 37
“No matter how difficult it is for you to learn as an individual, it has nothing to do with how brilliant you are. That is the truth.” ~ Henry Winkler
38 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
COVER
STORY
HENRY WINKLER: Hollywood’s leading mensch By Mala Blomquist ONE OF THE last times Henry Winkler was in Oregon was to
treat Portlanders to a sneak peek of his new series, “Barry.” Earlier this year he visited Seattle as part of his book tour for his popular Here’s Hank book
series. His travels bring him all over the United States and he often appears at Jewish organization’s fundraisers, including a 1998 Jewish Federation of Greater Portland gala.
Henry expresses the importance of speaking at these events. “I share not
only my Jewishness, but I share my struggle with dyslexia. What I have
found, when I speak all over the place, people come up to me and they go, ‘Oh my God, I think I’m you … how did you understand me so well … I
think I didn’t catch that in my own child. So it seems to resonate, and as long as it resonates, I am going to travel.”
When you speak to him or watch interviews with him on television, his
gratitude and humility about his success are evident. You never hear anything negative about him, which for someone who has been in show business as long as he has, proves that he is genuinely a nice guy – a real mensch.
JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 39
❚ ❙ HENRY WINKLER ❚ ❙ THE REVELATION Henry always struggled in school, he would notice that he wasn’t keeping up with the other kids academically, but he suffered in silence. “I was in the bottom 3% academically in the country,” he remembers. But an amazing revelation happened when Henry’s stepson, Jed Weitzman was diagnosed with dyslexia in the third grade. Henry was 31 at the time, and everything they were saying about Jed rang true about himself. “The first thing is you get very angry because you think, ‘Oh my gosh, all of that yelling, all of that grounding, was for naught,’ ” says Henry. His parents always thought he was lazy and wasn’t applying himself and would punish him for poor grades. He realized the problem was in the way his brain was wired and that it was also something he had inherited, but he’s not sure from whom. “I never saw traces of it in my parents because they could spell; my father spoke 11 languages – it just seemed everything was easy for them – it just wasn’t easy for me,” he says. “(I thought) you gave it to me, and now you’re yelling at me.” Henry also came to the realization that perhaps he was successful in his career because the struggle actually made him stronger, that he had to fight through it and figure it out. He also had a 180-degree shift in his own parenting, as he realized that he too had accused his children of being lazy when it came to applying themselves at school. Henry has two biological children with his wife, Stacey. His daughter, Zoe, is a teacher, and son Max is a director. Both have dyslexia. EXPLORING A DIFFERENT PATH Henry was experiencing a lull in his acting career in 2003, when his then manager, Alan Berger, suggested that he write a children’s book. Henry replied, “I’m stupid. I can’t write a book. I don’t know how to write a book.” Alan told him not to worry, that he was going to introduce him to Lin Oliver, who “knew everything about children’s literature.” That was the beginning of the collaboration between Lin and Henry that has produced 28 chapter books for young readers. The first series followed the “everyday adventures of a bright boy with learning challenges” named Hank Zipzer. Kind of sounds like someone familiar, huh? After 16 books in the Hank Zipzer series, Lin and Henry wrote 12 books under the Here’s Hank title, a prequel
Henry, with British Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald, receives an honorary OBE in recognition of his services for children with dyslexia in the U.K. PHOTO BY ZANYASAN TANANTPAPAT; Henry as a young boy; He received an MBA from Yale; Henry starred in the 1974 film “Lords of Flatbush”; “The Fonz” makes the cover of TV Guide; young hip Henry; the role that catapulted him to fame, Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli of “Happy Days.” Inset: The Fonz’s leather jacket resides at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. 40 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
❚ ❙ HENRY WINKLER ❚ ❙ featuring the same character in second grade. The title character isn’t the only thing special about these books. The publisher, Penguin Random House, used a font designed by a Dutch father who has a dyslexic son and is also dyslexic himself. “It makes reading so much easier,” says Henry. “The font literally helps you when you just can’t figure it out – it’s amazing. We were very proud of that.” Since January, Henry has been on a book tour promoting what will be the last book in the series, Everybody Is Somebody. When asked why this is the last Here’s Hank, Henry replies, “The publisher said, ‘Hey, how about we call it quits,’ I thought that was a sign.” Fans of Henry Winkler, the author, need not fear. He has begun work on a new series of three books revolving around the theme, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Like the Hank books, this series
will be geared for children ages 8 to 11. Fans of Hank can also watch the British show, “Hank Zipzer” on Universal Kids. Henry explains why Britain picked up the show. “I could not sell it in America for television because he has a problem, and we all know that children like aspirational – they don’t like kids with problems. But 1 out of 5 has a problem.” The show ran for three years. . A related movie made called “Hank Zipzer’s Christmas Catastrophe” won the International Emmy Kids Award in the category for TV movie/mini-series. in April 2018. Asked what he hopes children take away from the Hank books, Henry is passionate in his reply. “No matter how difficult it is for you to learn as an individual, it has nothing to do with how brilliant you are. That is the truth.” THE FONZ – AND SO MUCH MORE Henry says he wanted to be an actor since he was old enough to reason. He graduated from Yale University’s Drama School with a master’s degree in 1970 and started working as an actor. His first jobs were in commercials, as extras in movies and repertory theater. Then in 1974, a new show called “Happy Days” invited viewers into the idyllic home of the Cunninghams and introduced Arthur Fonzarelli, “Fonzie” or “The Fonz” to America. Before Henry was cast in that role, “Happy Days” creator Garry Marshall had a completely different image of Fonzie. “A taller character, an Italian, tougher character – and a short Jew walked in,” jokes Henry. “I just thought to myself – I am taller and Italian.” It apparently worked, because Henry made that role his own. With his signature thumbs-up and “Ayyy!” he enjoyed 10 years on the series. Fonzie also made appearances on the “Happy Days” spin-off shows, “Laverne & Shirley,” “Mork & Mindy,” and “Joanie Loves Chachi.” Is Henry still recognized as the Fonz? “Every day, a hundred times a day, in every country,” he says. “And I consider it to be a gigantic compliment.” Before you can even get the question out if he was typecast after playing the Fonz for so long, he replies, “Yes I was – but I just worked through it. I became a producer, something I didn’t even think I could do or wanted to do. And then it turns out I have produced, end-to-end, 23 years of on-the-air series.” He has worked as executive producer on many television shows including “So Weird” on the Disney Channel, “Hollywood Squares,” “Sightings,” “Dead Man’s Gun,” “Mr. Sunshine” and “MacGyver.”
“I never saw traces of it in my parents because they could spell; my father spoke 11 languages – it just seemed everything was easy for them – it just wasn’t easy for me.” ~Henry Winkler on dyslexia JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 41
❚ ❙ HENRY WINKLER ❚ ❙ Clockwise from right: Henry produced both the original and new versions of “MacGyver”; Rightor Doyle, Bill Hader and Henry in a scene from “Barry”; “Better Late Than Never” cast Terry Bradshaw, William Shatner, Jeff Dye , Henry and George Forman; Henry wins his first Primetime Emmy Award for “Barry,” and Henry with the Golden Globe Award for his portrayal as “The Fonz” on Happy Days (winner in 1977 and 1978).
dining room table! When you walk into my house, you see it. When you deliver a package, you see it. I’m installing a spotlight for it, and making a chain so that I can wear it as a necklace.” He is also an executive producer on the new “MacGyver,” which features Lucas Till as the young 20-something Angus “Mac” MacGyver. The original series ran from 1985 to 1992 and starred Richard Dean Anderson as the title character. Lucas was just 2 years old when the original show finished. Henry says it was “fantastic” to see the show’s resurgence and it has been consistently leading the ratings in its Friday night time slot on CBS. Filming also just wrapped last December on the second season of “Barry,” which is scheduled for release this spring on HBO. “Barry” is a dark comedy that follows a hitman from the Midwest to Los Angeles where he follows his “mark” into an acting class and decides that he wants to become an actor. Henry plays acting teacher Gene Cousineau, who is eccentric, fastidious and worshipped by the students in his class. “The challenge is to take this really big, kind of arch(etype) character and keep him real.” When asked if Henry draws on a particular person’s idiosyncrasies for Gene’s character, he replies, “He’s based on every acting teacher that I’ve had or that I’ve heard about.” On Sept. 17, 2018, Henry took home his first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy. “I have been nominated many times and stayed in that chair many times. This time I got to stand up, and that was fantastic,” says Henry. Asked where the Emmy statue resides, he replies, “On the 42 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
FAMILY, FAITH AND THE FUTURE Henry’s mother, Ilse Anna Maria (Hadra) and father, Harry Irving Winkler, emigrated from Berlin to New York in 1939. His father was able to secure a work visa for six weeks. Harry was in the lumber business and imported and exported wood. At the time they left Germany, Harry knew they would not be returning, but he did not share his thoughts with his wife. Henry’s Uncle Helmut had planned to leave with his brother. Instead, he decided to wait an extra day for a dinner jacket that was being finished at the tailors. That night the Nazis came and took him. He was eventually sent to Auschwitz, where he died in 1942. Henry’s first visit to Berlin was documented during an episode of the show “Better Late Than Never.” During the show’s two-year run, Henry traveled the globe with William Shatner, George Foreman, Terry Bradshaw and “sidekick” Jeff Dye experiencing different cultures and checking items off of their bucket lists. While in Berlin he was able to see the memorial plaque that bears his uncle’s name (called a Stolpersteine or “stumbling stone”) placed in the pavement in Nikolsburger Platz Park. These small copper plaques, created by the German artist Gunter Demnig, are used to commemorate the individuals’ last place of residence or work before they fell victim to the Nazis. “I was not prepared for the extraordinary emotion that came,” admits Henry. “It was pretty intense when I looked down, and I
❚ ❙ HENRY WINKLER ❚ ❙ saw the plaque with my uncle’s name – who I never met – on it. That emotion that is on the screen was very true at the moment.” Helmut was not the only relative to die in the Holocaust – the Winklers lost almost all their relatives. “Every relative I had mostly were faux,” says Henry. “They had come over also, and the German-Jewish community became my aunts and uncles.” Henry says that his parents “talked about the journey, about how wonderful life was until it wasn’t. How everyone thrived, how they were Germans first and couldn’t believe what happened.” In those first years in New York, the Winklers and other families founded a congregation, though it didn’t have a building for many years. They would rent out space in halls to hold services. Then they built a building on 66th Street between Broadway and Central Park. “I just drove by it last week, because we were in New York on a book tour, and the building is no longer there,” says Henry. The name of the synagogue was Congregation Habonim – “the builders.” Henry now observes certain holidays and is “observant with pride.” Last year he invited “Fauda” creator and star, Lior Raz to break the fast on Yom Kippur. “He came with his family, and I was late, and he was dismayed that they made me work on Yom Kippur.” He also admits to often working on Shabbat, especially when making a television series. His arduous work schedule over the years hasn’t seemed to affect his marriage. Last year, he and Stacey celebrated their 40th anniversary. They married at the height of his fame during “Happy Days” – and he says the most important thing for him in those early years was to protect the children. “At that time, the paparazzi had some respect, and they really listened,” says Henry. “I said, ‘Please, I’ll stand here, and you shoot me, but don’t shoot the children.’ ” That’s why his children were rarely seen in the press. He talks with pride about all his children, but he ponders the fact that he has only worked with his son Max, the director, on student films. “He has never hired me professionally, and I am thinking of having a chat with him when we hang up,” says Henry. This summer he is taking a break from his busy schedule to go fly fishing with Stacey. He enjoys the tranquility his favorite hobby brings. “You cannot do anything but concentrate on what you are doing at the moment,” says Henry. “It calms you right down.” He jokes that he and Stacey must take separate boats. “Unfortunately, I must fish in her water. If I see something that looks fishy, I cannot follow the (fly fishing) rule of that’s ‘her’ water.”
Clockwise from above: The stars of “Better Late Than Never” at Nikolsburger Platz Park where Henry found the memorial plaque for his uncle Helmut; and Henry, with mother, Ilsa; Henry and Stacey on their wedding day, May 5, 1978; The Stolpersteine that bears Henry’s uncle Helmut’s name; and Henry’s Uncle Helmut.
The Winklers also enjoy going to the theater together. Henry says he would like to do more live theater – winning a Tony Award is on his bucket list. “I love it so much,” he says. “I don’t have a dream role; I’ll put out in the universe to win a Tony.” When asked if he put the thought of winning an Emmy out into the universe, he says, “I think I just put out in the universe it would be fun to win.” The universe must be listening to Henry right now, and after having the honor of chatting with him on the phone, and feeling his sincerity, humbleness and positive energy coming through, I can understand why. JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 43
CYCLING SHORTS
Influencers and celebrities are wearing bike shorts across Instagram, so this trend is here to stay for a while. There are many ways to wear these athleisure pieces aside from their original intention. They can be paired with fitted blazers, button-up cardigans or an over-sized blouse for a grown-up and sophisticated look.
YELLOW
The most popular color this spring is yellow. It has even earned a new nickname, “Gen Z yellow” and it has pushed “Millennial pink” off its pedestal. The color is showing up not only in clothing but also bags, hats, iPhone cases and swimwear. The good thing is it’s not the shade of your mom’s rubber dishwashing gloves; it more closely resembles a marigold and looks great on most skin tones.
What’s old is new again is undoubtedly true for some of these fashion trends for 2019.
6 Spring/Summer Fashion Trends By Mala Blomquist 44 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
CROCHET
Following on the ’60s tie-dye trend, is ’70s crochet trend. But you won’t be seeing the color orange and crazy patterns that dominated the trend decades ago. This time, the pattern and the hue are monochromatic. Crochet is used for everything from tank tops to long-sleeved dresses.
ANIMAL PRINTS
The good news is that if you bought a leopard print item last year, you still can wear it. And leopard isn’t the only print in the game. Zebra, tiger, giraffe and snake prints adorn everything from shoes to shower curtains. The best part? An animal print is actually a neutral so go ahead and wear it with everything.
TIE DYE
A fashion trend that is usually associated with the ’60s, hippies and Woodstock has been given a modern makeover by the likes of designers Prada and Stella McCartney. The process has been applied to fabrics like denim and satin and styles such as mini dresses, puffer jackets and A-line skirts. Of course, the traditional tie-dye T-shirt is still around if you’re a little reluctant to add this trend to other pieces of your wardrobe.
BUCKET HATS
There’s good and bad news about this trend. The good news is that wearing a hat during the spring and summer protects your scalp and face from the harmful rays of the sun. The bad news – bucket hats are back. What originally was conceived to keep the rain off of fisherman’s heads in the early 1900s has reemerged as a catwalk item. JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 45
NEVER
FORGET Never Forget
Letter from Warsaw Ghetto illustrates spirit of resistance Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, is May 1, 2019 By Leon Gildin
Emanuel Ringelblum, 1900-1944, was a scholar, a teacher and a social worker in Warsaw, Poland. He and his family were confined to the Warsaw Ghetto following the Nazi invasion of Poland. Devoted not only to his people but to the Yiddish language, he chronicled the fate of the Jews in the ghetto, particularly during the period of deportation ( July-September 1942) as well as the first gassings at the death camp in Chelmno. This information was passed to the Polish Underground, which forwarded it to the Polish Government in Exile in London; thus word of Nazi atrocities was carried to the outside world. As a historian, Ringelblum kept a record of the daily life in the ghetto and was instrumental in organizing as much communal and educational programing, especially for children, as was possible. His records were hidden in milk cans and metal boxes and buried under buildings before the destruction of the ghetto. He hoped the historical archive would survive to show
YOM HASHOAH Day of Remembrance Events Volunteer Cleanup
at the Oregon Holocaust Memorial Sunday, April 28, 10am-2pm
They Played for Their Lives Sunday, April 28, 2:30pm, OJMCHE A film portraying how music saved the lives of young musicians during the Holocaust
Yom HaShoah Commemorative Service Wednesday, May 1, 7pm Free and open to the public Congregation Neveh Shalom 2900 SW Peaceful Ln, Portland Presented in partnership with Congregation Neveh Shalom and OJMCHE
Reading of the Names Thursday, May 2, 10am-5pm Free and open to the public Pioneer Courthouse Square 701 SW 6th Avenue, Portland Presented in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland
the brutality of the Nazis and the strength of the Jewish people. Two sections of the archive were recovered in 1946 and 1950. A third section has never been recovered. In March 1943, Ringelblum and his family were smuggled out of the ghetto and lived on the "Aryan" side of Warsaw. He returned, by himself, to the ghetto to participate in the uprising and its ultimate destruction in April 1943. He was captured, sent to a labor camp, smuggled out and returned to Warsaw and his family, who were still in hiding. In March 1944, the Ringelblum family's location was betrayed. They were arrested by the Nazis and ultimately executed in Pawiak prison. Following is part of a letter Ringelblum wrote March 1, 1944, to YIVO (Yiddish Scientific Institute) and the Yiddish Pen-Club. In Poland the principal language of the Jewish community was Yiddish. In this letter he describes the spiritual resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto. The watchword of Jewish social activism was "life with honor and death with honor." An example of this was the cultural work that had developed, despite the terror, the hunger and the need which grew until the martyr's death of Polish Jewry. There developed an underground cultural organization with the name "ICOR" (Yiddish Culture-Organization). It organized cycles of educational lectures, anniversary celebrations (honoring Peretz, Sholem Aleichem, Mendele, Borochov and others) and literary and artistic performances. Under the concealment of children's kitchens and homes administered by "Centos" (Central aid for children and orphans) a network of underground schools of various political persuasions was created. A conspiratorial central Yiddish archive was created under the innocent name of "Oneg Shabbos." A lively underground cultural work program was run by almost all of the parties and ideological organizations, particularly the youth organizations. Through almost the entire time the ghetto existed, there was an underground press and magazines were published, as were books. With the help of a staff of teachers, educators and artists, hundreds of performances for children were organized and took place in dormitories and clubs where the children lived and slept. There was also a central library organized for children, a theater and courses in the Yiddish language and literature. Even in the concentration camps where the SS sent a number of Jews from Warsaw and other cities, our social and cultural activities did not cease. It was not breached nor did it stop serving the community. While in Panytov and Trovniki as well as other camps there rose a conspiratorial society of self-help. From time to time there were even secret performances and celebrations, etc. The flow of social and cultural work continued for as long as there was a pulse in the Jewish collective society. You should know that the last activists that remained alive, remained true, to the very end, to the ideals of our culture. EMANUEL RINGELBLUM
Author and Yiddish scholar Leon Gildin provided this English translation of the Yiddish letter, which appeared in the 2018 Summer-Fall Edition of the magazine Afn Shvel, published by the League for Yiddish, New York, NY.
724 NW Davis St., Portland, OR 97209 | 503-226-3600 | www.ojmche.org 46 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
YOUNG ADULTS
and house the eight young adults she is responsible for as a team leader. Feeding nine people on $300/week has made her very fond of Winco. Though team members are all 18-24, most team leaders in NCCC are 26 or 27. But Amy was already well steeped in community service and leadership before she signed up for NCCC. Growing up in Baltimore, MD, in a Reform congregation and attending a Conservative Jewish Day School from pre-K through eighth grade, she learned tikkun olam early on. In high school she was active in NCSY, and at college she was very involved in Hillel. At the University of Virginia, she served as the student representative to the Hillel board her junior and senior years. She led alternative spring break and other service projects, and by her senior year she was training trip leaders. “I realized the idea of tikkun olam was not just to help others,” she says. “I realized it’s also reciprocal. You yourself are learning and improving through your service work.” So when she applied for NCCC, she applied to lead a team. One thing she has learned in NCCC is how to be flexible. “You need to roll with the punches,” she says. “It’s intense. You live, work, eat and travel together.” She is still passionate about service. After her 11-month leadership commitment ends in July, she is considering another year of service. “I’m considering disaster management, maybe a program through FEMA, or maybe I’ll go back to the East Coast and do policy work focused on youth and young people.” Wherever she goes, the community is sure to benefit from the experience and passion of this accomplished young woman.
AmericCorps Team Leader Amy Singer at the Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center in Grants Pass, OR.
Young leader repairs world By Deborah Moon
At just 23 years old, Amy Singer is one of the younger team leaders for AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. She has led her team as they mentored and interacted with 435 students in Sacramento. They removed invasive species and planted 5,000 trees and native plants in Portland’s Johnson Creek watershed. Now the team is in Grants Pass until April 12 helping to restore animal enclosures and create firebreaks at the Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center. The wildlife center takes in injured or abandoned animals. They treat and release about 1,000 animals annually. Some animals, such as birds that are unable to fly well enough to hunt, remain at the center and become animal ambassadors to educate the public. After another training session in Sacramento, the team deploy for one or two more projects in the Pacific region before completing their 10-month service program in July. Amy also has managed a $10,000 budget to feed, transport
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JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 47
This year MJCC hopes most campers sport a sun hat.
&
Kids Teens
48 APRIL 2019 | JEWISH LIFE
MJCC receives grant to encourage sun hats at camp
By Lisa Katon
Did you know that Oregon has the fifth highest rate of melanoma in the United States, surpassing many other “sunny” states like California and Florida? We receive nearly a quarter of our lifetime sun exposure before age 18, and we know that the strongest UV radiation occurs during the day, when kids are at school. The Mittleman Jewish Community Center just received funding through the Knight Cancer Institute Community Partnership Program at Oregon Health & Science University to pilot a program encouraging kids attending summer day camp to wear sun hats. The goal is to limit sun exposure among kids and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. The MJCC is adapting the Uriel Medical Foundation’s SHADE program for elementary school students, an evidence-based intervention that grew out of a 2015 Knight Community Partnership grant. Using SHADE’s educational materials, the MJCC will develop and implement a program that involves parent and staff education, science-based projects for campers (in grades 1-4) and the promotion of sun-safety behaviors. Participants will be issued sun hats and have access to sunscreen and tents for shade in outdoor areas. The grant will allow the MJCC to hire a science specialist to lead the science sessions to help campers understand UV light, the skin cancer risk associated with exposure to sunlight and techniques for skin-cancer prevention. Grant funds will also cover training materials, science equipment, pop-up sun shades and more. “Our next step to build on the success of the SHADE science program is to adapt it to other settings, and we are excited that the MJCC will be the first to teach this important sun-safety curriculum at their summer camps,” says Tammy Wisco, the SHADE program manager with the Uriel Medical Foundation. The MJCC is honored to be among a cohort of 10 organizations receiving a 2018 Knight Community Partnership Program Grant. MJCC Assistant Executive Director Jennifer Harrington has played a key role in developing this cancer-prevention project. “We are thrilled to be able to undertake this exciting project, teaching our campers, in a very hands-on way, how they can develop sun-safe habits to reduce their risk of developing future skin cancers,” says Jennifer. MJCC Summer Day Camp kicks off on Monday, June 24, 2019, and runs through Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, with Vacation Day Camp options available the weeks prior and the week following Summer Day Camp. For more information, visit MJCC's website at oregonjcc.org.
KIDS APRIL CALENDAR
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APRIL 6
BB CAMP CHOCOLATE SEDER: 5-8 pm, at Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders, Portland. While parents have a date night, kids K-5 can enjoy B’nai B’rith Camp’s Fourth Annual Chocolate Seder!. Concurrent chocolate seder for middle schoolers. bbcamp.org/choco-seder/
Day Camp
ONGOING: SUNDAYS
The Je wish Ex perien ce PJ LIBRARY STORY HOUR: 9:15 am Sundays at Congregation Nevehfor the Modern Child! Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland. Share in a weekly story hour for young 0pm Care, 7:00am - 6:0 families with music, art and PJ Library books with Morah Sarah and Morah Leah. 6/24| Extra 9:00am - 3:30pm Day Cam rachelr@jewishportland.org or 503-892-7415 6/25 p
2 June 24 - August
TUESDAYS
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BBYO: 7 pm at the MJCC, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland. Ninth-to 12th-graders volunteer in the community, celebrate their Jewish heritage, become leaders, and Jucultural ne 2activities participate in array of social, political, spiritual, 9:athletic all 4 - Au 00am -and 3:30pm gus | Extra within a Jewish context.503-345-9451 Care, 7:0 t 2 0am - 6: 20% Off 00pm ForCapitol BBYO CONNECT: 7 pm therch MJCC, Hwy., Portland. Sixthpricin byatMa 15 6651 SW g a nd to re C G Ipcultural to eighth-graders enjoy social,Mor recreational, athletic, and Judaic activities e specials ortla nd.com/gister visit online with new friends. 503-345-9451 Regis
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CIENC 7/18 E FUN See re verse Our w 6/28 f o 7 r /2 e O 2 e ld kly a PJ STORY HOUR YAD B'YAD: 11 am, Thursdays. Sinai Park, 6140 er Gan ctivCedar PLANT (ages ities in CAMP RM 6-13) 7/236/27 PHOTO BEAN FA RIP clud with Wa SW Boundary St., Portland. Share in a weekly story hour young families terfor e: T play SPROUTS K 7/24 cre 6/26LY SOUCP music led by Kim Schneiderman and PJ Library books. rachelr@jewishportland.org SIL ESS self-g ative cra sports NATU DR E fts uided h a v COLLE RE AM 7/25 z 5 S t h /2 p i a or 503-892-7415 bakin 6 lay bbat GE g m a 7/5 CTEM r part g W V C R senso dening I O A ies F L ANIMAL TSH 7/29 BIRD F MP 4 ct EEDER NO CA music Weekly Hebr r6y/2a iv 7/4 S YOGA and m SHAB G H!! ies ew enric ities BAT A vito 7/30 IN i 4T t v T h L c e L m W m A Y A ent ent. OEEK UL T B D LONG7/3 E BA J E SH FOURTH FRIDAYS WITH RABBI EVE POSEN: 5:15-7 Opm, fourth E S AB U Y L J T RAMA B 7/31 DA M E&P M N HIT SLL U ECT M WCO E CO E RED DRES Fridays. Welcome Shabbat with music and stories for ages 0-6. PotluckKdinner 7/2 W L 8/1 Y 7/12 AC E
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follows. For location: 503-246-8831 or eposen@nevehshalom.org
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IT third Saturdays at Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders, Portland.VIPMusic, CO JUMPI /C LE Y L NG C AC ICA G 7/8 ST 7/18 ERR G CTR RIN OB B ELE INEE IN dancing and fun for the youngest congregants. 503-222-1069 G K EN C G Y I P CLA LPTIN 7 U 7/1 SC VY UR SHABBAT STORYTIME: 9:45-10:15 am, second Saturdays, at Y Y T UP DA PS TO RESS HER 6 YS D A /1 S 7 d s 7/26 nefor Congregation Shir Tikvah, 7550 NE Irving St., Portland. Stories, songs and crafts KO E Wed TH IZE ES S IN HIP S LIF MES KID CHEN 5 D /1 7 toddlers and their caregivers; older siblings welcome. Stay afterward for bagels and GA EN 7/25 KIT OO IT FRI DAY /C ON GZ VIP EG TIN G ZY PET OR AST HT coffee with Rabbi Ariel Stone. 503-473-8227 RA AY MIN C 4 IM /2 D 7 T SW CO NIG HA TS OR SP TE KESSER KIDS' TIME: 10:45 am-noon, second and fourth Saturday at LA 7/23 8/2 S IT Y Congregation Kesser Israel, 6698 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland. Games, songs, /C T O rsdA VIP 2 IGH OT /2 N Thu 7 H R /1 Y E 8 P ELR OV G MP learning, food activity for ages 2-11. 503-222-1239 JEWKING CA S TIN TLE MA L KA AS GC ES 7/31 NATIONPA C I PIN TORAH TROOP: 10 am, first and third Saturdays at Congregation Neveh ER SS U UM G J T IN E RIN DR LO E XP 7/30 Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane. 3rd-5th graders: Torah portion lesson, Adon ENATUR S Y Y A BQ MIL Y Frid FA LL B E AH 7/29 AH DA Olam and lunch. 503-246-8831 ALL REW CH ING FA OR K T A B YOUNG FAMILY TOT SHABBAT: 10:15-11:15 am, first and third T BA B Saturdays at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane. A fun service SHARTY PA IT /C VIP RK for families with kids 5 and under featuring Shabbos Mouse. 503-246-8831 -PA TS OR SP wish Life, SW Portland KIDDUSH CLUB: 10:15-11:15 am, first and third Saturdays at Congregation Chabad Campus of Je Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane. K-2nd graders: sing, dance, hear a Torah 503.246.KIDS (5437) o@CGIportland.com | inf story. 503-246-8831
BOWLING
Gan Israel is attended by Jewish children from tions. diverse backgrounds and affilia ister
CGIportland.com/Reg
JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 49
Personal cancer connection provides Capstone project for community By Deborah Moon
Ruthie Zeidman’s ties to pioneer cancer researcher Dr. Brian Druker stretch back to four years before she was born. Now an eighth grader at Portland Jewish Academy, Ruthie has invited the man who saved her father’s life to join her for a public program on cancer. In May 2001, Dr. Druker’s research at Oregon Health & Science University won FDA approval for Gleevec, the first targeted cancer therapy, to treat chronic myeloid leukemia in patients with the Philadelphia chromosome. Just six months later, Ruthie’s dad, Ken Zeidman, was introduced to Dr. Druker after doctors found a high count of white blood cells and diagnosed him with CML. For the next 13 years, Ken took Gleevec (with a couple of breaks when he had unrelated surgeries) and is now in remission from the often fatal disease. At PJA, eighth graders do a Capstone Project including a service learning project, a research paper and a drash to connect their project to Judaism. Ruthie wanted her project to have personal meaning – and the impact her dad’s cancer and treatment have had on her throughout her life is about as personal as it gets. PJA service learning teacher Elana Cohn-Rozansky says she realized that Ruthie’s connection with “this phenomenal scientist” had the potential to be of interest to the community well beyond PJA’s walls. So Ruthie invited Dr. Druker to join her to present a program on the impact of cancer and its treatment. “I wanted to talk about how a cancer diagnosis affects patients and their families even after they are in remission,” says Ruthie. “Dr. Druker is going to talk about what leukemia is, and I’m going to talk about my experience. Then we’ll have a Q&A.” “I want to raise money and awareness,” she adds, noting the event is free, but she is also requesting donations for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. During the reception at the end of the talk, she has planned a raffle to raise more funds. “Dr. Druker will help motivate people to give,” says Ruthie. “He helps the public understand that is what they can do to help eradicate cancer.”
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On May 15, 2012, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and Mittleman Jewish Community Center presented “The End of Cancer is within Reach, An Evening with Dr. Brian Druker.” From left: Dr. Druker and Ken, Jennifer and Ruthie Zeidman.
On April 14, 2019, Ruthie Zeidman, pictured with father Ken, will host a community-wide program with Dr. Druker on cancer.
CANCER’S IMPACT
PRESENTERS: Cancer research pioneer Dr. Brian Druker and PJA eighth-grader Ruthie Zeidman WHEN: 2:30-4:30 pm, Sunday, April 14 WHERE: Congregation Beth Israel, Pollin Chapel, 1972 NW Flanders, Portland FREE, but donations requested for the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society RSVP: Jennyzltd@yahoo.com
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Rabbi Motti Wilhelm teaches the Portland Crime and Consequence class at Stoel Rives Law Firm.
Lawyers explore roots of common law in Jewish tradition
Crime and Consequence, a six-session Jewish Learning Institute course on the Jewish perspective on criminal justice, drew nearly 70 attorneys and laymen to the Portland and Salem course locations. The course tackled questions such as What's the purpose of prison: punishment, deterrence or rehabilitation?; What’s Judaism’s position on the death penalty?; and Can criminals ever make amends, and if so, how? The course drew deeply on ancient Jewish sources, while using contemporary materials to give a modern context to the discussion. “It was a singular experience to see that the roots of our common law dated thousands of years to a system of rationale justice and morality that ancient Jewish scholars used to reconcile the competing needs of individuals, as well as the competing needs of a society at large against the freedoms and responsibilities of the individual,” says Jeff Babener, a longtime attorney who took the course. The course was accredited by the Oregon State Bar for nine CLE credits including three Access to Justice Credits. “It is a profound irony that the United States is a true beacon of democracy, freedom and the rule of law while it imprisons more of its own citizenry than any other country,” wrote Professor Alan Dershowitz, professor emeritus at Harvard Law School, in his endorsement of the course. “Crime and Consequence ... brings rigorous legal analysis, statistical data on incarceration and rehabilitation, and case studies into a uniquely profound dialogue with the values undergirding our entire political tradition.” Criminal justice is not just an armchair study and discussion for Chabad Rabbis Motti Wilhelm and Avrohom Perlstein, who presented the courses. In 1976 the Rebbe – Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of Righteous Memory – called upon his students and followers to bring meaning and joy to those incarcerated. “If a person is being held in prison, the goal should not be punishment but rather to give him the chance to reflect on the undesirable actions for which he was incarcerated,” the Rebbe said in Yiddish in a 1976 talk. “He should be given the opportunity to earn, improve himself and prepare for his release when he will commence an honest, peaceful, new life, having used his days in prison toward this end.” In Oregon that philosophy is furthered through chaplains who visit and help prisoners. Chabad Rabbis Avrohom Perlstein and Chayim Mishulovin are chaplains at the Oregon State Penitentiary and the Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan, respectively. JLI courses in Portland are presented by the Benaroya Jewish Learning Academy, the adult education arm of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, Southwest Portland; for information, call 503-381-7119. For information on the Salem classes, presented by Chabad of Salem, call 503269-4666. JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 51
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FACES & PLACES /
MAIMONIDES & JFCS – Jewish Family & Child Service presented a program on Inclusion & Disability Awareness to students at Maimonides Jewish Day School during Disability Awareness Month.
SOUL BOXES — To the sound of a snare drum reverberating under the Capitol dome, a Soul Box procession marched around the State seal in the middle of the Rotunda floor at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem on Feb. 15. Soul Box is a project to raise awareness of the U.S. gunfire epidemic by counting and honoring victims, offering healing participation to those seeking solace and providing dramatic visual support for all initiatives working for a safer, more civil society. The Soul Box Project’s goal is to create a Soul Box for each of the 168,558 people killed or injured by gunfire from 2014 to 2017. During a series Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Women’s Philanthropy events, participants (including JFGP Board Member Emily Benoit, left, and Tamar Davis) created 400 boxes for the project.
TORAH CONNECTS – Sarah and Ryan Pitman with daughters Caroline and Nora prepare to help Rabbi Moshe Druin as he meticulously restores Congregation Beth Israel’s Holocaust Scroll as part of Torah Connects. This year, as part of CBI’s 160th Anniversary Celebration all of CBI’s Torah scrolls will be meticulously restored by an expert sofer (Torah scribe). Throughout the spring, CBI is hosting several educational and Torah letter fill-in events with the visiting sofer.
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ACTIVIST’S TOUR – Palestinian human rights activist Bassem Eid, center right, enjoys dinner before his talk at Congregation Neveh Shalom in March. He was joined by Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and Jewish Community Relations Council leadership, as well as other faith-based leaders in the Portland community. Eid spoke in several Oregon communities during mid-March. Eid’s tour was sponsored by StandWithUs in partnership with JFGP. Photo by Michelle Bombet Minch
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FACES & PLACES
MAAYAN TORAH DINNER — Maayan Torah Day School raised $94,000 at its annual fundraiser. About 220 people attended the dinner that honored Jeff and Jennifer Edelson and Larry and Elise Brant. From left are Principal Aviel Brodkin, Rabbi Kenneth Brodkin, Larry Brant, Elise Brant, Jeff Edelson, Jennifer Edelson, and Rabbi Yerachmiel Kalter, director of development and Judaic studies. /
ART BAR – Diane Russell’s Portraits of the Portland Jazz Festival were exhibited at the Art Bar in the Antoinette Hatfield Hall druing February. Pictured at the opening reception from left are (Luis Chaname, portrait painter Max Ginsburg, Diane Russell, daughter Liana Kramer, and Judi Jamison. Luis and Judi are long time collectors of Diane’s work. Diane has been studying with Max Ginsburg, from New York City, for three years. Her portraits were also exhibited at the MJCC for in March.
SNOW VACATION – Twenty five BB Campers in kindergarten through fifth grade went to Snow Bunny on Mount Hood for a Presidents Day Vacation Camp Day.
THE ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING – Elaine Cogan, public-speaking expert, recently offered tips and immediate feedback about speech-giving to 11 young professionals who are part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland's PathwaysPDX program. "Public speaking is an art, not a science," said Cogan, author of How to Speak to (Almost) Anyone About (Almost) Anything, which she signed and sold at the end of the interactive evening. Participant Anna Kovach, 25, a human resources generalist for Vacasa, said improving her public-speaking skills always will be relevant. "There's not a person who doesn't benefit from this topic." JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2019 53
APRIL CALENDAR
SEE KIDS CALENDAR PAGE 49
Through April 28
April 7
A Grand Night for Singing. More than 30 treasured hits from Rodgers and Hammerstein shows at Broadway Rose Theatre. 503-620-5262 broadwayrose.org
“The No Play” talkback moderated by Rabbi Michael Cahana featuring cast members. passinart.org or 503-235-8079
April 9
Pre-release Book Launch: Moments of the Heart by Dorice Horenstein. 6:45 pm at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 503-708-7675, jewisheducationservices.com
Through April 30
Shesh Besh Concert. See page 16
April 24
Monthly Mitzvah Project: PJA and MJCC are collecting pet toys for Cat Adoption Team and Oregon Dog Rescue. Blue bin in the MJCC lobby. 503-535-3555
Sephardic Film Fest: “The Women’s Balcony.” 7 pm at Congregation Ahavath Achim, 3225 SW Barbur Blvd. Film, discussion and Sephardic dessert free. 503-750-0888
Central Coast Community Seder. 6 pm at B’nai B’rith Camp, Devil’s Lake, OR. RSVP: bbcamp. org/seder
Through May 26
Nature of Memory lecture. 7-9 pm at Zidell Hall, RSM, CSP. Free. 503-535-4041
Holocaust Remembrance. 11 am-noon at Rose Schnitzer Manor, CSP. 503-535-4041, cedarsinaipark.org
April 10
April 28
Little Shtetl on the Prairie. See page 16
A Jewish Studies Sampler with Rabbi Jonathan Seidel. 1-2:30 pm at the MJCC. Also May 12. Register: oregonjcc.org/jewishlearning
OJMCHE Exhibits: ojmche.org Mel Bochner – Enough Said From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. Tradition and Change: Neveh Shalom Turns 150 Years.
March 31-April 2 PJA/MJCC Used Book Sale. 10 am-5 pm, Sunday, and 8 am-7 pm, Monday and Tuesday, at the MJCC, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland. 503-2440111
April 1 Partners Portland. Come study Jewish heritage and Torah. Repeats every Monday 7:45-8:40 pm at the MJCC Café, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland. portlandkollel.org/partners
April 2
April 13 BLUE: BB Camp Bash featuring illusionist Shimshi. 6- 9:30 pm at Hilton Portland Downtown, 921 SW 6th Ave. bbcamp.org/bash
April 14 Violence and Non-Violence in Ancient Judaism. 2019 Levy Annual address: Dr. Seth Schwartz. 7:30 pm, Portland State University. Free pdx.edu/ judaic OJMCHE Gala with Carlos Kalmar. See page 16 How to Not Tip Over. See page 24 Volunteers needed to pack and deliver Passover food boxes. See page 37 Cancer’s Impact. See page 50
Everything you wanted to know about the Middle East: Free series. 7-8:30 pm at Zidell Hall, Rose Schnitzer Manor, CSP. Baher Butti shares Iraqi culture. 503-522-2116
April 16
April 4
April 17
Israel360: My Israel Story. 7-9 pm at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland. Evening of personal, true, Israelrelated storytelling. 503-246-8831
Get the Word. 1 pm at OJMCHE. Guest Curator Bruce Guenther leads a public tour of Mel Bochner – Enough Said. Repeats May 15. ojmche.org
April 4-5 TechFestNW featuring Israeli Smart Cities innovator Zohar Sharon. Viking Pavilion, Portland State University. TechFestNW.com
April 5-7
Film Premiere: “Chavruta: A Drummer’s Bat Mitzvah.” 7:30 pm at MJCC. 15-minute documentary follows two Portland artists. 503535-3555
A Look at Yearning in the Early Work of Bob Dylan. 7-8:30 pm, Pollin Chapel, Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders St. 503-222-1069
April 18 Parkinson’s lecture. 1-2:30 pm at Rose Schnitzer Manor, CSP. Lecturer from OHSU neurology department. 503-535-4041
April 22
May 1 Yom Hashoah Commemorative Service. 7 pm at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland. ojmche.org
May 2 Reading of the Names. 10 am-5 pm at Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave., Portland. Names of the men, women and children murdered by Nazi Germany. ojmche.org/events/2019reading-of-the-names
May 6 Impact featuring Bari Weiss. 5:30-8:30 pm at the MJCC. Presented by Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. Jewishportland.org/IMPACT 503-245-6219
May 8 From Warsaw to Baltimore: Escaping Nazi and Contemporary United States Ghettos presented by OJMCHE Holocaust Educator Amanda Solomon. Noon-1 pm at OJMCHE. ojmche.org
May 9 The More Who Die the Less We Care. 6-8 pm talk by Paul Slovic on genocide and compassion at OJMCHE. ojmche.org/events/2019-the-morewho-die-the-less-we-care Remembering Leonard Bernstein. 7-8:30 pm, Pollin Chapel, Congregation Beth Israel. 503222-1069
May9-June16
PASSOVER
"Let Me Down Easy" & "Well." Profile Theatre presents in rotating repertory at Portland Playhouse. profiletheatre.org, 503-242-0080
April 20
May 10
Passover, Freedom and The Wisdom of Not Knowing with Estelle Frankel in Ashland. See page 34
April 19-27
April 5-14
Humanistic Seder. 4-7:15 pm at Starlight Room, 1125 SE Madison St., Portland. RSVP by April 6: 503-459-4210, kolshalom.org
Chichester Psalms, a choral work by Leonard Bernstein. 6 pm at Congregation Beth Israel. Free. 503-222-1069
Beit Haverim Community Passover Seder. 5:30 pm at Celebrate Catering, 15555 Bangy Road #100, Lake Oswego. RSVP: 503-310-9184, bhsmjc.ejoinme.org/seder19
May 10-12
PassinArt’s “The No Play” tells the story of cultural connections between a Black family and a Jewish scholar in the 1940s. Fridays-Sundays at the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, 5340 N Interstate. passinart.org, 503-235-8079
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Portland Kollel/NCSY Shabbaton with Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen. Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel. portlandkollel.org/shabbaton/
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WHAT’S HOLDING YOU BACK?
Embrace a new chapter – a new adventure – in your life here at Portland’s truly active independent senior living community. Discover a variety of interesting and meaningful experiences through our bountiful calendar of events and outings. We are privately owned and locally operated. Our genuine and caring staff delivers excellence in customer service - one resident at a time!
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