Oregon Jewish Life November 2016 Vol.5/Issue 9

NOVEMBER 2016

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Seniors

Senior Living Reboot

Charitable Giving/ Financial Planning So Many Ways to Give & Save

LEE WEINSTEIN Embracing his Past While Building his Future

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 1

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL generously thanks all the Sponsors and Donors who for our 2016 Fall Fundraiser. Thanks to you we raised over $230,000 to support valuable CBI programs and services.

Many thanks to our Generous Lead Sponsors All My Lovin’

Imagine

Arlene Schnitzer/Jordan Schnitzer

Brad Berman and Janice Slonecker Mandi and Stuart Chestler Ned Duhnkrack Renee and Irwin Holzman Rhonda and Jim Kennedy Lisa and Glen Levy Jill and Ed Neuwelt Rita and Bob Philip Harold and Jane Pollin Yale Popowich and Tina Skouras

Here Comes the Sun Marcy Tonkin

I Want to Hold Your Hand Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana, Cantor Ida Rae Cahana and Rabbi Rachel L. Joseph Andrea Davis/Tiffany and David Goldwyn The Goodman Family Craig Hartzman and Jim John Ted M. Nelson/Curt Shaffstall Brad and Ed Tonkin & Ron Tonkin Dealerships Bianca and Tony Urdes/ Urdes-Miller Wealth Management Jason Waxman Kathy Davis-Weiner and Michael Weiner

Let It Be Margie and Michael Anton Bonnie and Jonathan Barg David Bean/Wyse Kadish LLP Kira and Jeff Capen Marge Cohn Ilene and Jim Davidson Cameron and Dick Davis Sarah and John Epstein Jen and Howard Feldman Joey and Val Fishman Eric and Rebecca Friedenwald-Fishman Stacy and Sharon Friedman

Andrew Galler and Audra LaFave Randy and Debbie Geller Linda and Tom Georges Harriet and Richard Gottlieb Lisa and Jonathan Greenleaf Michelle and Steve Gradow Janet Hoffman and John Harland Josh and Michelle Kashinsky Joe Menashe and Joanne Van Ness Menashe Liz and Ruben Menashe Northwest Bank/Denise and Jamie Shulman Judy and Mark Peterman Marney and Allan Pike Steve and Allison Pike/ Dr. Pike Dentistry for Children Steve and Leslie Robinson Diane and David Rosencrantz Michael and Linda Salinsky Debra and Roscoe Nelson Lois Schnitzer Arthur Steinhorn Sharon Weil Charlene Zidell

We thank all our Generous Donors Michael Adler and Molly Newcomer • Alina Aliyar and Sara Spetlel Aliyar • Michael and Margie Anton • Bill and Sydney Baer Jonathan and Bonnie Barg • Lester and Heather Baskin • David and Marah Bean • Brad and Janice Berman Rabbi Michael and Cantor Ida Rae Cahana • Lance and Debbie Caldwell • Asher and Grace Cantor Jeff Capen and Kira Dennison-Capen • Stuart and Mandi Chestler • Michael Clancy • Marge Cohn and Marvin Richmond Jason and Crista Comella • Jim and Ilene Davidson • Barry and Bonnie Davis • Dick and Cameron Davis • Julie Diamond Richard Dobrow • Lou and Kathleen Doctor • Ned Duhnkrack and James Monteith • Barbara Durkheimer and Gary Larsen John and Sarah Epstein • Pierce Ethier • Jeff and Sharon Feinblatt • Howard and Jen Feldman • Joey and Val Fishman Eric and Rebecca Friedenwald-Fishman • Stacy and Sharon Friedman • Andrew Galler and Audra LaFave • Judah and Ali Garfinkle Randy and Debbie Geller • Tom Georges III and Linda Georges • David and Tiffany Goldwyn • The Goodman Family Harriet and Richard Gottlie • Steve and Michelle Gradow • Jonathan and Lisa Greenleaf • Ronald and Whitney Hall Irv and Gail Handelman • Craig Hartzman and Jim John • John Parks and Rebecca Hill • Janet Hoffman and John Harland Irwin and Renee Holzman • Rabbi Rachel Joseph • Josh and Michelle Kashinsky • James and Rhonda Kennedy Jerry and Evelyn Leshgold • Glen and Lisa Levy • David and Liz Lippoff • Gail Mandel and Steve Klein • Steve and Robin McCoy Sharon Meieran and Fred Cirillo • Joe and Joanne Menashe • Ruben and Elizabeth Menashe • Page and Lynn Mesher Roscoe Nelson III and Debra Harrison • Ted Nelson and Curt Shaffstall • Ed and Jill Neuwelt • Jeanne Newmark • Northwest Bank Mark and Judy Peterman • Bob and Rita Philip • Allan and Marney Pike • Steven Pike and Allison Sneider Pike Ryan and Sarah Pitman • Harold and Jane Pollin • Yale Popowich and Tina Skouras • Portland Lighting, Inc. • Printsync, Inc. Alex and Marisa Reby • Stephen and Leslie Robinson • Robert and Joan Rosenbaum • David and Diane Rosencrantz Sally Rosenfeld and Andrew Frank • Ted and Davia Rubenstein • Rick and Jill Rubinstein • Rose Rustin • Jerry and Bunny Sadis Michael and Linda Salinsky • Ben Sandler and Lolly Jamerson • David and Lisa Sarasohn • Elaine Savinar • Jack and Sara Schecter Cantor Judy and David Schiff • Arlene Schnitzer & Jordan Schnitzer • Lois Schnitzer • Dan and Tricia Schoenbaum • Service-Master Nir Peled and Jerami Shecter • Jamie and Denise Shulman • Ron and Sheila Silver • Michael Simon and Suzanne Bonamici Don Spiegel and Deborah Davis-Spiegel • Arthur Steinhorn • Jeff and Barbara Steinberg • Brad and Michelle Tonkin Cheryl Tonkin • Marcy Tonkin • Rena Tonkin • Tony and Bianca Urdes • Urdes-Miller Wealth Management Group Steven Wilker and Lainie Block Wilker • Jason Waxman • Sharon Weil • Michael Weiner and Kathy Davis-Weiner Jeff and Jen Weprin • Wyse Kadish LLP • Jeff and Lynn Wolfstone • Lewis and Ann Young • Charlene Zidell

congregation beth israel • 2 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

1972 nw flanders, portland • 503-222-1069 • www.bethisrael-pdx.org

®

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 3

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Oregon Jewish Life • November 2016 • Tishrei- Cheshvan 5777 • Volume 5/Issue 9

COVER STORY 14

CHARITABLE GIVING & FINANCIAL PL ANNING

COVER STORY Lee Weinstein reclaims his roots

25

FEATURES JEWS WITH ATTITUDE Forensic psychologist inspired by Sherlock Holmes

25

8

BUSINESS Ins & Outs

10

30 32 36

Jewish choral music revitalized 48 The Jewish Oregon Story draws a crowd 50 Commissar on film and page 52

JKIDS & TEENS TOO

ISRAEL

Jewish moms learn together Teens learn lessons in life and Judaism Kids and Teens Calendar

Chef’s Corner: Soup Season NW Nosh: Israeli cuisine To Life: Thanksgiving gratitude

ARTS & ENTERTAIMENT

The power of Hadassah Israeli-American Council

53 54

42

37 42 42 43 43 44 47

60 61 62

JLIVING

HOME & LIFESTYLE Décor and gift trends

14 16 17 18 20 21 22 24

SENIOR A real home at new Green House Exercise to be Forever Fit Friendships blossom Spiritual learning never ends Spending your retirement wisely Holiness and dignity at end-of-life Senior calendar

FOOD

32

Couples invest in Jewish future Complex gifts of business shares Collaboration for philanthropy Food and gifts for holiday cheer Financial finetuning Social program crowdfunding Giving & Planning Directory Matching donor and recipient values

56

YOUNG ADULTS Celebrating Sharon and Hillel 58 Survey reveals Hillel’s impact on students 59

Scholar in residence memorializes Yoni Suher, z”l FACES Previews of things to come Calendar

63 64 65 66

COLUMNS Ask Helen Chef’s Corner by Lisa Glickman NW Nosh by Kerry Politzer To Life by Amy Hirshberg Lederman

58 COVER • Lee Weinstein. Photo by Steve Dykes.

4 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

24 30 32 36

Looking to make a difference this holiday season?

Support

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Mitzvah Menorah Adopt-a-Family

NOVEMBER 20

DECEMBER 18

ASSEMBLY & DELIVERY

WRAPPING & DELIVERY

To volunteer, donate, or learn more, contact Carrie Kaufman at 503-226-7079, ext. 118 or ckaufman@jfcs-portland.org jfcs-portland.org

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 5

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NOVEMBER

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As a young girl, growing up in Portland, I decided one day that I would go around our neighborhood and collect money for “poor people.” I never really thought it through as to which organization, or to whom, the money would go. I just knew that I needed to help. So, as I knocked on doors, neighbors would give me change – and a smile. When I knocked on the Weil’s front door (who were family friends), Mr. Weil invited me in and asked me if I would be willing to donate the money to an organization that he was involved with that helped children who were mentally challenged. Before I had a chance to answer, he said that he would also put an article about what I did in the local paper. That sealed the deal! Fame for an 8-year-old is pretty heady stuff.

Robert Philip

Clearly, my donation was not the highest form of tzedaka, which is giving anonymously; but I did feel good afterward and that feeling stayed with me.

There are many forms of “giving back” whether by donating monetarily or volunteering to a charity or cause that you believe in, or by “paying it forward” by helping a stranger pay for groceries at the checkout line or feeding a stray animal.

Charity and tzedakah are important tenants of Judaism. Many would say the foundation of Judaism.

Cindy Saltzman

Giving to help the elderly in our community and to develop resources for our seniors, is also explored in this issue. Now is probably the best time to be a senior, in terms of healthcare, social agencies and the ability to live longer, healthier and more active lives.

This November issue is packed full of interesting people, events and ideas. We hope you enjoy it and in some way, through these pages, are inspired to give back and become involved.

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OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 7

Jews with Attitude

Inspired by Sherlock

By Gloria Hammer

Alexander Millkey, the co-founder of Northwest Forensic Institute, LLC, was obsessed with Sherlock Holmes books as a kid. Maybe that is a clue into his chosen career as a forensic psychologist.

He grew up in Atlanta, where he was raised “loosely Jewish” by his Jewish mother and non-practicing Catholic father. His mother’s family has lived in Georgia for generations, and the extended family would celebrate the Jewish holidays together.

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

What led you to your profession?

I think the seeds were planted when I was pretty young.

My dad was an architect, and among other things, he built prisons and jails. When I was a kid, maybe 12, my dad went to rural Georgia to schmooze with a warden, whose approval was important for him to get a contract to build a prison. My mother and I went along to help forge a connection. We toured the prison and had dinner with the warden. The trustee who served us was very nice. He chatted with us. After the meal he poured me a hot chocolate and brought coffee for my parents. I liked him instantly.

My dad made a comment about hiring the trustee when he got out of prison, and the warden, in thick Southern drawl, said, “He’s never getting out.” It turns out he had murdered his wife and boiled the body. I remember being stunned that a man who was so nice could have done something like that. A lot of my professional life has been oriented toward understanding these amazing discrepancies in human behavior.

“A lot of my professional life has been oriented toward understanding these amazing discrepancies in human behavior.” ~ Forensic Psychologist Alexander Millkey

My first thoughts of a forensic psychologist are from watching Netflix detective series. Is this close to what you do?

The real work of a forensic psychologist is nowhere near as glamorous as that portrayed in television and movies!

I’m a psychologist who specializes in diagnosis and understanding human behavior. My specialty is applying that knowledge to answer legal questions. The biggest part of my job is advising the court in sorting out mental health issues.

The most common question I’m asked is probably whether a person is fit to stand trial. That means the court wants to know if because of a mental illness, a person can’t understand the

Northwest Forensic Institute: alexander.millkey@nwforensic.org 8 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

proceedings, work with their attorney or participate in their defense. Mental illness is not uncommon among people who are charged with a crime. I also get asked whether a person is at risk of future violence, or to help the court understand what caused a person to act as they did and to help the court come up with a plan to keep the person from engaging in future criminal behavior.

What is the biggest misconception about your work?

A lot of people think of forensic psychology as criminal profiling, and I don’t do that. Another misconception is the insanity defense is very common. In fact, it is incredibly rare.

The actual rate of people being found guilty by reason of insanity is around one-quarter of 1%.

My profession is not nearly as exciting or glamorous as that portrayed on television. In fact, probably 80% of my time is spent writing reports. A show about the actual lives of forensic psychologists would be a great sleep aid and would not attract very high ratings.

What is difficult for you about your work?

Some of the people I work with have done terrible things. It is my job to understand what happened and what led to them behaving as they did. Sometimes exploring these thoughts, feelings and actions can be very disturbing. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I’ve had nightmares.

Where did you go to school?

My undergraduate work was at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. My doctorate is from Pacific University in Oregon, and I had specialized training in forensics at Mendota Mental Heath Institute in Madison, WI.

What brought you to Portland?

In 1998 I met a woman in Atlanta. She was leaving to move to the San Juan Islands to study orcas. Three months after I met her I was living in the Pacific Northwest. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made. We celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary in August and have two beautiful children together.

What part does Judaism play in your life?

Judaism plays a larger role in my life now than when I was a child. My wife, Sara, teaches at Portland Jewish Academy, and both my children, Asher and Hannah, attend PJA. PJA is really my Jewish home in Portland. Even though my oldest is only 9, she has strengthened my Jewish identity. My daughter is getting toward the age when we need to think about bat mitzvah, so Sara and I are in the process of looking at synagogues.

What’s your favorite Jewish moment?

I love what a close-knit community we have in Portland.

For several years I’ve been meeting with a group of dads whose kids are at PJA. We had a new dad join about a year ago. I have dinner with these guys just about every month, and it was almost nine months before I realized that the “new dad,” David Kosak, was the senior rabbi at Neveh Shalom! As a forensic psychologist you would think I would be clued into things like that. I think it really illustrates what a self-effacing guy he is and how warm and mutually supportive the Jewish community is in Portland.

What’s your most memorable professional experience?

There have been so many! Unfortunately, because of the nature of my work, I am not able to talk about them unless they end up in public record. Recently, I was involved in a case where I was one of three forensic mental health providers who initially believed that the defendant was delusional only to discover that what he was saying, although very bizarre and frankly frightening, is probably true. They say that the difference between writing fiction and nonfiction is that fiction has to be believable, and this case certainly bore that out. Someday I would like to be able to write a book about the memorable cases I’ve been involved with.

Gloria Hammer divides her time between Portland and Hood River. Her interviews with interesting people (including entrepreneurs, a school principal and former Portland Mayor Vera Katz) appear periodically in Oregon Jewish Life.

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OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 9

INS & OUTS

Ilene Safyan

Mark Rosenbaum

Jay Zidell

The Forward picks Ilene Safyan song On Sept. 26 Portland musician Ilene Safyan was named to the final playlist of the Forward’s second Soundtrack of Our Spirit.

The soundtrack is a reader-inspired digital project to find the best new voices in Jewish music. After tallying thousands of votes from readers and consulting with celebrity judges Lipa Schmeltzer and Neshama Carlebach, the Forward announced the final playlist: Shir Yaakov Feit, “Broken Hearted;” Ilene Safyan, “Hashkivenu;” and Hazaan Ilan Mamber, “Erev Shel Shoshanim.”

This is not the first time Ilene has gained national attention.

Ilene (with Margie Rosenthal) won the 1995 Parents Choice Magazine Gold Medal Award for Excellence for “Just in Time for Chanukah!”

Ilene serves as cantorial soloist at Congregation Neveh Shalom and Havurah Shalom. Whether in her role as cantor, teacher, performer or composer, Ilene weaves the multicultural musical strands of the Jewish experience into a rich, harmonic tapestry of sound. She has shared her music at holiday services, Shabbatons, concerts and simchas throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

“Obviously, I am thrilled and honored and extremely happy … and I know I wouldn’t have gotten there without the support of our Portland and Oregon community,” says Ilene of the Forward’s soundtrack. forward.com/series/soundtrack/2016

Zidell to stop building barges “Hull 686 will be the last barge to be built here at ZMC,” Zidell Companies President Jay Zidell said in a message to employees of Zidell Marine Corporation on Sept. 21. He added that the final barge is expected to be delivered around the second quarter of next year “and it is my hope and expectation that you will all stay on the job as long as the project calls for.”

Though ZMC will no longer be building barges, it will remain in the barge-leasing business. The company owns several barges that it leases to customers.

Zidell Marine Corporation has built barges on the Willamette River for more than 50 years. But the South Waterfront 10 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

Mikvah Groundbreaking Sign

development over the past decade made it almost certain that at some point ZMC would stop building barges in the increasingly residential and office-oriented neighborhood.

Zidell said ending the business was a difficult decision because of the impact on the 60-some employees. “You have all been part of a terrific team, and one that I have the greatest respect and loyalty for,” he said in the message to employees.

He added some employees will also have opportunities for additional work cleaning up the facility.

“Starting this afternoon, we will begin an effort to help provide a smooth transition into employment in related fields as jobs phase out here,” Zidell concluded. zidell.com

Mark Rosenbaum receives PSU Presidential Medal Portland State University President Wim Wiewel presented the Presidential Medal to Mark Rosenbaum in recognition of his distinguished advocacy and philanthropy to PSU and the Portland community.

Mark is a past chair of both Jewish Family and Child Service and the Oregon Region of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

His father Fred Rosenbaum, z”l, escaped from the Nazis and was taken to England with thousands of Jewish children on the Kindertransport. In 2014, Mark said, “As the generation that lived through the Holocaust gets smaller and smaller, our need to study and understand its implications gets larger and more important.”

As part of that effort, Mark co-chaired a weekend of events and programs on the memories and lessons of the Holocaust for the Oregon Holocaust Memorial and Education Endowment Fund.

Mark also chairs the Camp Rosenbaum Fund, which supports the summer camp for underprivileged children that his father founded.

The PSU Presidential Medal, first bestowed in 1976, honors dedicated leaders who have made countless contributions to PSU and the community. This is the fourth presidential medal awarded

by Wiewel in his tenure as president of PSU. psuf.org

Janet Menashe

Elizabeth Davis

Rob Jacobs

Community mikvah groundbreaking Oct. 20 The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, the Oregon Board of Rabbis and LCD (BuildLCD.com) hosted the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Portland Community Mikvah at 3:30 pm Oct. 20 on the Schnitzer Family Campus on the west end of the MJCC, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland.

More than $25,000 has been raised from a community campaign led by Ronnie Malka with an anonymous donor contributing an additional $100,000. Donations are still welcome and needed to help complete and maintain the mikvah.

The Portland Ritualarium has been decommissioned and the property is on the market. Proceeds from the sale will go toward the the new mikvah.

Building started Oct. 5 and is expected to be completed in five to six months. jewishportland.org/ourcommunity/portland-community-mikvah

Janet Menashe new TASK inclusion specialist Janet Menashe has been named the inclusion specialist for Jewish Family & Child Service’s disability awareness program TASK (Treasuring, Accepting & Supporting Kehillah).

She replaces Corinne Speigel, who retired from the position this summer after 18 years.

Janet initially joined Jewish Family & Child Service in April 2015 as a skills trainer with the Partners for Independence program, helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build the skills they need to become more independent. She has also been a member of the TASK Advisory Board and supported Cedar Sinai Park’s Kehillah program, which provides affordable housing for income-qualified adults with developmental disabilities.

Janet was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in institutional management and dietetics, and a minor in business administration.

In addition to spending time with family and friends, Janet enjoys traveling, knitting and reading.

503-226-7079 ext. 155 | janetmenashe@jfcs-portland.org

Don Spear

Josh Blank

Portlanders stand up for Israel StandWithUs Northwest, the Pacific Northwest chapter of the 15-year-old international Israel education organization, now has two former Portlanders at the helm: Elizabeth Davis and Rob Jacobs.

Rob Jacobs opened the Seattle-based office in 2007 and serves as regional director. Davis recently joined as the assistant director.

Previously she worked in corporate communications for The Boeing Company. Jacobs previously served four years as the Pacific Northwest regional director of the Anti-Defamation League.

StandWithUs Northwest covers Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska.

“After 20 years in public relations and communications, it’s tremendous to be working on behalf of the Pacific Northwest Jewish community. Advocating for and strengthening our ties to Israel and combating anti-Semitism is work that really matters,” Davis says.

Jacobs described increasing anti-Israel activities and the growth of the BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) movement locally as the impetus for establishing StandWithUs in this region. “We work against these new forms of anti-Semitism, and we educate our community about Israel and its many accomplishments.” northwest@standwithus.com | 206-801-0902 | standwithus.com

OpenSesame Closes $9 Million in Series B Funding OpenSesame, the leader in on-demand e-learning courses for the enterprise, has raised $9 million in a Series B funding round led by Altos Ventures with continued participation from Partech Ventures. A trusted provider of on-demand e-learning courses, OpenSesame serves Global 2000 companies.

“OpenSesame has experienced tremendous growth in the last two years because leading organizations understand that simple and effective online training gives them a competitive advantage,” says OpenSesame’s CEO, Don Spear. “It is exciting to have Altos Ventures bring their deep experience to OpenSesame.”

Spear is co-president of Congregation Beit Haverim. Josh Blank, OpenSeame’s SVP and general manager, is a former board member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland.

The funding round will accelerate sales and marketing efforts and support OpenSesame’s best-in-class customer experience.

OpenSesame.com OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 11

INS & OUTS

Courtesy of Vinci Hamp Architects

Dr. Alon and Orit Kramer

Jennifer Greenberg

OREV Specialty Vet Care opens in Multnomah Village Dr. Alon Kramer and his wife, Orit, recently renovated a Multnomah Village building into a purpose-built veterinary specialty center. OREV Specialty Vet Care’s new facility provides advanced veterinary care for OREV’s small animal specialty services (orthopedic, soft-tissue, and oncological surgery), comprehensive analgesia and anesthesia services, and staffed overnight care. Dr. Kramer and his staff work with pet owners and other veterinarians to provide specialized care for complex cases.

The Kramers, who together founded OREV, met during military service in Israel and relocated to the United States to attend UC Davis, where Dr. Kramer received his DVM degree and his veterinary surgeon training and board certification (an advanced degree requiring four additional years of schooling beyond veterinary school). The family moved to the Portland area in 2007, but left in 2010 when Cornell University offered Alon a position in its new multi-specialty private/academic hybrid advanced care facility in New England.

The Kramers underestimated their deep ties to the Pacific Northwest and returned to Portland in 2012, establishing OREV in an urgent care veterinary facility in Tualatin. The Kramers have experienced and thoroughly appreciate the Northwest’s, and especially Portland’s, unparalleled love and care for animal family members. Similarly, their care philosophy stems from an unwavering focus on people and their animal friends. Taking care of owners, pets and staff, as well as giving back to the community, are at the foundation of OREV Specialty Vet Care.

OREV is open Monday through Thursday from 9 am-5:30 pm and Friday from 9 am-1 pm. Additional specialty services at OREV are planned in the future.

7637 SW 33rd Ave. | orev.vet | 503-477-7122

Jennifer Greenberg resigns from Neveh Shalom Congregation Neveh Shalom Program Director Jennifer Greenberg resigned at the end of October. Jennifer has been part of CNS’s professional team for about six years. She is leaving 12 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

Portland Art Museum’s Rothko Pavilion

to pursue new ambitions and opportunities, both educational and professional. Jennifer noted that she feels good about her contributions and knows that she is leaving with Neveh Shalom a stronger community through her professional time here. Jennifer intends to continue being an active member and volunteer in the Conservative congregation.

A notice from CNS noted: “All of us appreciate the professionalism, skills and dedication she has brought to her work here. We wish her and the Greenberg family only success and happiness going forward.”

Jennifer has taken a position with Shapiro & Delaney LLC, a team of neuropsychologists who advise the pharmaceutical industry in clinical trial development. She will also be working on a project basis with organizations in need of project management and/ or communications expertise. She is planning to start an MBA program in fall 2017.

Portland Art Museum announces Rothko Pavilion On Oct. 6, the Portland Art Museum announced both an expansion that will unify its campus by connecting the museum’s freestanding buildings and a 20-year partnership with the children of Mark Rothko – Christopher Rothko and Kate Rothko Prizel. The partnership includes the loan to the museum of major paintings by Mark Rothko from their private collection; paintings will be loaned individually in rotation over the course of the next two decades.

The expansion will feature a new glass-walled building to be named the Rothko Pavilion in recognition of the artist’s legacy in Portland. Portland was his home as a youth after emigrating from Latvia, and the museum is where he took art classes as a teenager and where he received his first solo exhibition. The naming was made possible thanks to an $8 million lead gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

Groundbreaking is scheduled to take place in 2018, with an expected completion in late 2020 or early 2021. The museum has launched a $75-million capital and endowment campaign.

Designed by Chicago-based Vinci Hamp Architects, the threestory Rothko Pavilion will add roughly 30,000 square feet to the

Phil Berger

Kristin Spear

museum. A glass-walled stair tower will connect the pavilion to the museum’s main building. The pavilion will feature 9,840 square feet of gallery space, an education and design lab and space for the museum’s library, and a rooftop sculpture garden.

In 1933 the museum organized the first solo exhibition of works by the 29-year-old artist Marcus Rothkowitz, later to be known as Mark Rothko. Rothko’s art and a play about his life were featured in Oregon Jewish Life’s March 2013 issue (orjewishlife.com/ rothko-revisited) portlandartmuseum.org

Phil Berger launches funeral planning service Phil Berger launched Above and Beyond Jewish Funeral Planning LLC in mid-October. Phil is a licensed life insurance agent in Oregon and Washington with 30 years of experience in customer service and sales. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University in 1982 and his master’s degree from City University of New York at Baruch College in 1988. In 2013 Phil worked with the Holman’s Funeral Service team as a pre-arrangement counselor.

Through his year at Holman’s, he realized “I have an affinity for a lifecycle event most people don’t like. … I have a unique skill set to offer. I am familiar with Jewish burial customs and (have) insight into (the) funeral industry. I will present options and share traditional Jewish customs.”

Phil’s spiritual journey has led him to memberships in Conservative, Humanistic and Reform synagogues. He and his family have been members of Congregation Kol Ami in Vancouver since 2005. Additionally, he says he has been meeting with rabbis of congregations across the spectrum and can help families understand the various perspectives.

He said questions he can help families answer include: How do I choose a funeral home and/or cemetery? Are there Jewish funeral homes and cemeteries available? What if I am not or my spouse/ partner is not Jewish? What are the traditional customs, and how do I go about following them? Do I have any choices? What about cremation? Organ and full body donation? What will it cost?

503-567-1480 | phil.berger@abjfp.com | jewishfuneralplanning.com

Portlander launches website for faith-based items Former New York, luxury retail stylist Kristin Spear has founded Faithhaus, an online marketplace dedicated to products of faith and lifestyle.

The Portland-based online marketplace is designed to bridge the gap between faith and commerce by providing consumers with gifts and lifestyle merchandise with an elevated sense of style and taste.

“We are filling the need for a place to shop for contemporary and relevant gifts, to find entertaining and decorating ideas, and to gather inspiration from vibrant people who share their rituals of faith,” explains Kristin.

Kristin says the concept for Faithhaus was born when her best friend got married and converted to Judaism. She saw the new couple had a difficult time finding traditional items to fit into their modern lifestyle. She decided to take her years of experience as a stylist and curate a shopping experience for people looking for faith-based gifts.

The website offers Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Sikh and Spiritual gift lines.

Faithhaus.com

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 13

Charitable & Financial Planning

PJA auction is time to invest in Jewish future

By Shuly Wasserstrom

F

or two Portland philanthropic couples, the Portland Jewish Academy’s annual auction in December is a time to come together and invest in Jewish education. Jay and Diane Zidell and Steve “Rosy” Rosenberg and Ellen Lippman say they view Jewish education as vital for the future of Jewish people.

Both couples have matched Mitzvah Moment donations at the annual auction for the past few years. When they upped their commitment three years ago to match sponsorships, as well, sponsorship levels rose and have done so each year since.

Tzedakah, commonly translated as charity, literally means justice. Unlike the common American view of charity as a benevolent act, Judaism considers it an obligation to provide food, clothing and shelter to those in need.

Our Charitable Giving section provides a variety of ways to fulfill the obligation to pursue justice.

Personal financial planning ensures a brighter future for you, your family and you community.

14 Couples' matching gifts inspire others 15 Portland Jewish Academy Auction 16 Business share donations

17 Collaborate on philanthropy

18 Thanksgiving food boxes & Mitzvah Menorah 20 Financial Finetuning

22 Planned Giving/Financial Planning Directory 24 Donor and recipiant values

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 14 NOVEMBER 2016 | OREGON JEWISH2016 LIFE

Jay and Diane Zidell

Sponsorships, ranging from $360 to $10,800, come from individuals and businesses that support PJA. Last year sponsorships totaled approximately $75,000. Each year during the auction, everyone in attendance gets to raise their number to support the school during the Mitzvah Moment. Attendees can “bid” to donate at levels ranging from $36 to $25,000. Last year’s Mitzvah Moment gifts totaled about $125,000. With the double matches from the two couples, the school reaped nearly $375,000 from the Mitzvah Moment and $225,000 from sponsorships.

In total, last year’s auction raised more than $620,000, including revenue from the auction itself.

“PJA is at the top of our list as far as charitable giving,” Jay says.

“Both my wife and I have concerns about some of the trends we see within the Portland Jewish community and in order to stem some of those trends we see, we think it’s critically important that we capture our youth as early as possible and give them the

ZIDELL BY CORINNA SCOTT

opportunity to have a high-quality education. This means both secular and Jewish education, and hopefully that will keep them inside the tent for a longer period of time.”

This year, for the first time, a Zidell family member, the couple’s granddaughter, is at the school. She is in kindergarten. “We’ve always been dedicated to supporting PJA, but I am delighted to see my granddaughter attending,” Diane says.

Jay believes the social environment at PJA significantly impacts a child’s Jewish identity. Students who attend are able to grow up with other kids who have similar interests, and that “ultimately strengthens the Jewish fabric of the community,” Jay says.

Jay and Diane say in recent years they have increased their support in other Jewish agencies and activities that are primarily youth or young adult focused, including B’nai B’rith Camp, Hillel and Moishe House. The couple believes that investing in youth is essential to ensure a strong future for the Jewish people and the

Rosy and Ellen say they have been involved with the Mittleman Jewish Community Center and PJA since they moved to Portland, but didn’t begin to provide financial support until their girls started school.

The Zidell family, however, always has. In fact, the Min Zidell Education Wing is named in honor of Jay’s mother.

“They supported the school when my girls were enrolled, and now that his granddaughter is, I feel it’s important to support his family,” Rosy says.

Rosy and Ellen see giving to PJA as an investment in the future. “Everything else we give to is current or the past. Children are the future and the most important,” Rosy says.

“Our support is about creating educated Jews – persons who are educated Jewishly – who can use that Jewish education to inform how they act and what they choose to do. I think they will choose to act differently, and hopefully better, with a strong Jewish

Annual Portland Jewish Academy Auction

WHEN: 4:30 pm • Dec. 11 WHERE: Mittleman Jewish Community Center, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland WHY: Founded in 1961 as Hillel Academy, the first class had 26 students in grades 3-6. Now, 55 years later, we have over 325 children enrolled in our infant toddler program, preschool, lower school and middle school. As we educate more of our community’s children, the auction’s impact becomes even greater. Over half of PJA students receive some scholarship support, which reflects our diverse student body.

TICKETS/INFO: $75 until Dec. 1 at pjaproud.org/auction Steve “Rosy” Rosenberg and Ellen Lippman

Portland community.

For Rosy and Ellen, matching donations is an opportunity to encourage others in the community to participate in giving. With both couples matching donations, even a small donation can make an impact.

“It really empowers people to feel good about the gift they are giving, no matter the size,” Rosy says. He hopes it motivates others to be charitable, as well.

“Our donations are allowing kids to go to school who otherwise couldn’t,” Rosy says. “One of the great things about the school is that over half of the kids have some sort of financial assistance.”

Rosy and Ellen’s twin daughters, Mara and Ilyana, attended the school through elementary and middle school. They credit PJA for giving their girls the best education possible and believe an all-encompassing, all-day Jewish education is the best way to immerse kids in Jewish learning.

education,” Ellen says.

“PJA provides a powerful connection in a concentrated way,” Rosy says. “I believe it’s hard to find meaningful connections in the Jewish world without a Jewish education.”

Steve Albert, the Execute Director at the JCC and PJA, says the support from the donations is critical to the school on many levels.

“Their support of PJA’s operations allows us to offer a tremendous amount of need-based financial aid, which allows us to better serve the community. In addition, these funds support faculty professional development, the development and implementation of our new interdisciplinary Makerspace, field trips and special programs.”

Steve says their generosity inspires others and helps build a culture of philanthropy. “We are tremendously grateful for their support.”

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 15

Charitable

& Financial Planning

Charitable gifts of business shares

By Julie Diamond

Y

ou give generously every year to the nonprofit organizations you love – your synagogue, the Jewish overnight camp you went to as a kid, the day school and your alma mater. You’ve worked hard for decades and are starting to think seriously about retirement. Maybe you’re not sure how you’ll continue to make your charitable gifts once your income is reduced or less certain. If you’re a business owner, here’s a look at one possibility you might not have thought about.

QUESTION: I own my business, and my kids don’t want to get involved. I’m looking for a buyer for the business, but it’s got to be the right person who understands what we do. Once I find that buyer, is there any way that I could donate part of the business for a charitable tax deduction during the transition to new ownership?

ANSWER: Yes, this is something you should consider. In fact, OJCF recently concluded a gift and sale of closely held business shares. It’s an opportunity to have an immediate tax deduction, possibly avoid capital gains taxes and create new charitable resources for your giving. If contributed to a donoradvised fund of a community foundation, like OJCF’s recent gift, you could make advised grants from the fund during your lifetime and even pass that privilege to your children. A significant inflow into this kind of charitable instrument when selling a business could mean you’ll have the resources for all the charitable giving you are accustomed to doing, and perhaps more.

Q: How do I go about investigating that kind of transaction?

A: You’ll want to get guidance from an attorney with experience in this area and a skilled tax advisor. Is your business 16 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

Attendees at OJCF’s Professional Advisors Group Sept. 27 program on gifts of complex assets learned how to think creatively about charitable gifts such as business shares, real estate and art. Panelists (pictured from left to right) Julie Diamond, Roy Abramowitz and Jeff Thede shared their insights about how such gifts can work for philanthropic individuals.

organized as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation? Or, is it a limited liability partnership (LLP)? Who is involved in changing ownership and what is the process? You should also determine what type of charitable entity would receive the gift – a private foundation, community foundation/supporting organization or public charity. Each has different IRS rules governing charitable tax deductibility, control of the funds, appraisals, business income and so on. You should consult with the charity or foundation you are considering working with, too. It’s an opportunity for you to reflect on how to put your charitable giving to work in the community. The charitable entity will share with you what their process and requirements are for accepting closely held business shares, partnership interests and LLCs. A foundation or charity working in this area should have a written gift acceptance policy. You should review that with the charity’s professional leadership and make sure you’re all working toward the same achievable goals.

Q: This type of gift sounds complicated. Maybe it’s just too much of a hassle. Why bother?

A: It’s worth exploring, and if all the pieces fit together, the outcome can be tremendous. It’s smart business and can be very rewarding, especially for someone with a lifelong commitment to philanthropic giving. Advisors and foundation professionals

are accustomed to working as a team for the business owner, examining the business transaction requirements, the IRS issues and tax consequences, and the type and purpose of the charitable gift. It’s like putting a puzzle together and can be really exciting.

Q: What should I look out for?

A: Proper valuation and appraisal of the business is key. You’ll likely be the most knowledgeable about marketability of the business (or partnership interest), but you can’t have a binding pre-arranged sale either, or you’ll lose the tax benefits. At the same time, the foundation or public charity will need to know they can sell the interest in a reasonable time and without undue risk or burden such as a capital call. There are tax regulations

governing the deduction (basis versus full fair market value), and you should be concerned about liabilities, pre-arranged sales and qualified appraisals, for example. If details are overlooked or shortcuts are taken, it can turn out poorly for everyone. With proper advice, this kind of gift can go smoothly and have very rewarding benefits for everyone involved.

Julie Diamond is the executive director of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation.

OJCF does not provide tax or legal advice. Always consult with your personal tax and financial advisors before making significant charitable gifts. ojcf.org

Philanthropy can be a collaborative effort

By Gail Mandel

HELPING CHARITABLE INDIVIDUALS ACHIEVE THEIR philanthropic goals can be a group effort, involving a cadre of charitable people, nonprofit gift planners and professional advisors. The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation understands the key role professional advisors play in helping clients with their philanthropy, which is why the foundation launched its Professional Advisors Group in 2010.

PAG comprises advisors from legal, accounting, insurance, wealthmanagement and investment fields. Professional Advisors Group meetings, held several times a year, focus on a variety of topics, some more specialized than others. The common thread that runs through the program is the idea that when advisors, clients and nonprofits collaborate, the results can provide important financial resources that will strengthen our community for generations to come.

Now in its sixth year, PAG is co-chaired by Josh Frankel and Brian Suher. PAG continues to provide its members with educational programming, community building and networking opportunities, with the goal of providing advisors with valuable resources to assist their clients.

“Due in part to the success of OJCF’s Professional Advisors Group, advisors are now more aware than ever of the benefits of working with the foundation to help their clients realize their philanthropic vision,” says OJCF Executive Director Julie Diamond. “Our relationship with advisors plays a pivotal role in the continued growth of OJCF and our success in serving sophisticated donors.”

In recent years, OJCF’s PAG meetings have covered issues surrounding empowering elders, legal issues for same sex couples, charitable gifts of complex assets and identity theft. The group’s next gathering will be held in January 2017 and will address the matters surrounding professional liability. A session about ethical wills will be held in June 2017.

It is OJCF’s mission, as a community foundation, to support

Professional Advisors Group Co-Chairs Brian Suher and Josh Frankel, right

and strengthen the entire community. Our work with professional advisors and their clients has meaningful impact on both Jewish and general nonprofit organizations alike. For example, in recent years, OJCF distributed grants to the OHSU Knight Cancer Challenge from funds realized through the liquidation of gifts of noncash assets.

For more information on PAG, contact Gail Mandel at 503-248-9328 or gailm@ojcf.org.

Gail Mandel is the legacy development and marketing manager at OJCF. She also serves as the program manager for OJCF’s Professional Advisors Group.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 17

Charitable

& Financial Planning At delivery time, big smiles light up the faces of recipients and delivery volunteers too.

month and again in December for organizing gift bundles to deliver to families.

JFCS enlists more than 150 volunteers each year to buy, assemble, wrap, and deliver the food boxes and holiday gifts.

At Thanksgiving, volunteers will assemble and deliver food boxes to 150 households, enabling more than 600 people to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast. The large boxes are filled with all the ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving feast, including a turkey (kosher for families who observe kashrut), Thanksgiving Food Boxes & Mitzvah Menorah potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy, pumpkin pie supplies, milk and eggs. Volunteers pack these “boxes of bounty” and deliver them on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

Each year partner organizations serve as collection sites, with each asking for donations of a specific food item to help fill the boxes. Last year’s partners collected nearly $3,000 worth of ewish Family & Child Service invites the community to nonperishable items. For the second year, Safeway Albertson’s participate in two holiday programs to help people who are will provide a grant to purchase 150 turkeys. facing adversity feel more connected to their community.

JFCS is currently seeking partners to collect food to fill this The Torah tells us, “When we eat and drink in celebration, we year’s food boxes. Monetary donations are also being sought to are obligated to feed the stranger, the orphan and the widow.” help offset JFCS’s $4,000 grocery bill for the perishable items Continuing a 15-year tradition, JFCS will once again brighten purchased to complete the bountiful ingredients for each box. the holiday season for needy individuals, families, Holocaust Last year one food box recipient wrote the following thank you survivors and other seniors through two campaigns: the note: Thanksgiving Food Box Drive and the Adopt-a-Family/Mitzvah “I want to say thank you for my kosher Thanksgiving box.

Menorah program.

This will give me a minimum of 15-20 meals (after roasting JFCS Executive Director Carrie Hoops stresses the important turkey, take bones and skin with some meat and boil it with role of the community for the success of the holiday campaigns. carrots, onion, celery and parsnips and make turkey soup stock, “What started as small JFCS programs, the holiday campaigns and either can in jars or freeze for later). You put a smile on have grown into a community-wide endeavor,” says Carrie. “JFCS my face, when everything seems black. So I thank you. My cat now serves as the coordinating entity for the Thanksgiving Food Antja-Katrein thanks you (she will help eat some of the turkey, Box program and Adopt-a-Family gift drive, but it is really the as well).” community at large that makes these programs a success. We rely ••• on the participation of many partner organizations that actually Through the Adopt-a-Family/Mitzvah Menorah campaign, collect the food and gifts. Without those partnerships, we simply JFCS will help at least 50 low-income families create couldn’t meet the huge need that exists in our community. We personalized Hanukkah and Christmas wish lists and then work are seeking several new partner organizations this year to enable with partners to fulfill those requests. All told, the gifts will us to reach our goal of providing 150 Thanksgiving boxes and benefit about 120 individuals, including children. holiday gifts for 50 families.”

Gift bundles contain basic necessities such as kitchen items or With JFCS now a subsidiary of Cedar Sinai Park, this cold weather gear as well as toys, books and other gifts for the year’s campaigns will be a collaborative endeavor of the two kids. The “wish lists” of the participants are a reminder that life’s organizations. Additionally, the Mittleman Jewish Community good fortune is not evenly distributed. Many of the requests are Center provides its facilities for assembling food boxes later this

Share holiday joy with vulnerable families

J

18 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

simple: a pair of walking shoes, frames to hold cherished photos or paint supplies for a budding 5-year-old artist.

Again, JFCS relies on community partners and many families and individuals who “adopt” a person or family in need.

The following vignette illustrates the impact and value of the campaigns: Last holiday season, a family of five was among the Adopta-Family recipients. The single mom worked full time despite medical challenges. The two oldest children have developmental disabilities. The younger twin boys help out as much as they can around the house.

The children’s father has been in and out of substance-abuse programs and does not provide any financial or moral support.

The family was behind on their electric bill and worried about how they would manage with cold weather approaching. They asked for warm jackets and beanies for the four children.

If it wasn’t for the generosity of community agencies and individuals, many families would not have gifts to give their children during the holiday season, and older and disabled adults would not feel remembered. When the community comes together, great things happen!

To sign up as a volunteer, contact Phoenix Barrow at phoenix. barrow@cedarsinaipark.org or at 503-535-4055.

To support the holiday campaigns as a partner or donor, contact Carrie Kaufman at carrie.kaufman@cedarsinaipark.org or 503-535-4447.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 19

Charitable

& Financial Planning

Americans admit their finances need polishing Courtesy of Country Financial

For the two-thirds of Americans who confess their finances need work, now is the time to take a fresh look at personal finances.

The Security Index* from Country Financial Country Financial, which assesses Americans’ sentiments of their personal financial security, found Americans need to: clean up credit card debt; get spending habits in check; and establish a plan to build up emergency fund savings.

“Depending on your financial goals, there are a variety of simple steps you can take to make a difference,” said Joe Buhrmann, manager of financial security at Country Financial.”

MILLENNIALS MUST MASTER THE BASICS Millennials say spending habits, student loan debt and credit card debt are the biggest financial pain points they need to address. Taking basic steps to clean up your finances – such as creating and maintaining a budget as well as keeping tabs on your credit score – can be simple moves to make during this season of growth.

Currently, only 57% of millennials follow a budget, according to the survey, and one out of every three millennials has either never checked their credit report. For many in this generation, getting in the habit of tracking spending and monitoring debt can help overcome some of the most prominent financial

20 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

hurdles.

DEBT WEIGHS HEAVIEST ON GENERATION X Just 10% of Gen Xers report they are debt free, compared to the 18% of the general population and the 24% of those 65 and older who report carrying no debts.

For middle-aged Americans, credit card debt becomes the biggest financial woe.

As a result of the focus on credit card debt, members of Generation X keep close tabs on their credit report. Americans aged 35-49 are the most likely to have checked their credit report within the last six months (51%).

BOOMERS AND BEYOND As older Americans build their nest egg and pay down debts to prepare for retirement, financial priorities shift once again.

Living on a budget is paramount during the final stretch before retirement and the transition to living on a fixed income (See story page 43).

“In different stages of your financial life, there will be different priorities and pain points,” said Buhrmann. “Taking time this spring to adjust the weak spots in your financial plan can help right the course toward reaching your financial goals.” *The Country Financial Security Index was created by Country Financial and is compiled by GfK, an independent research firm.

Crowdfunding supports social progress

I

sraeli startup LivinGift is a new crowdfunding platform that allows contributors to provide zero-interest loans for ventures that have a positive social impact.

Eligible ventures must fulfill two simple criteria according to the website livingift. org. The venture must improve the lives of people or communities, and have a sustainable economic model and a fixed income. As long as it meets those criteria, it doesn’t matter if the venture’s creator is a nonprofit or for-profit company or a nongovernmental organization.

“We decided to create this platform to encourage the social progress and solve problems like the credit crunch. Indeed, banks hardly fund social impact enterprises because they see them as a high-risk investment,” Shiry Eden, LivinGift founder, said in a Times of Israel interview.

The website describes the process as follows: “On the platform you will be able to donate for a social impact project of your choosing. The project will receive your donation as a zero-interest loan. You will receive a notification email when the loan will be repaid. Then, your donation will be shown on your private donor page in the platform, enabling you to use the same donation for helping a new social impact project. With one donation you create a positive social impact over and over again.”

When the platform launched in late September, it featured two ventures in Israel – Israeli Finance Institute and Safe Together – but may expand to projects around the world in the future. A business or company may only launch a single campaign at a time through the LivinGift platform. Every campaign remains on the site for 45 days.

All projects are reviewed by the LivinGift’s public advisory council, headed by Professor Meir Heth, a former chairman of the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange, Bank Leumi Le-Israel Ltd. and Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The advisory council checks all the projects to understand if they are legitimate enterprises or not, Eden told the Times of Israel.

For more information, visit the website or email office@livingift.org.

Retirement on your terms

If you’re planning for retirement, I can help organize your finances so you can do all the things you’ve dreamed about. From creating retirement income, to managing your investments and protecting what you’ve earned, I’ll help guide you towards a comfortable and secure retirement.

Call today for a complimentary consultation.

Brian E Suher Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor Phone: (503) 833-5283 brian.suher@rbc.com 805 SW Broadway Suite 1800 Portland, OR 97205 RBC Wealth Management is not a tax advisor. All decisions regarding the tax implications of your investments should be made in consultation with your independent tax advisor.

RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice.

A division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

16-PO-688_Retirement Planning Ad_4.813x9.938_concepts.indd 1

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10/18/16 1:40 PM

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 21

Charitable CHARITABLE GIVING

& Financial Planning

RESOURCE DIRECTORY Central City Concern is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation that accepts tax-deductible donations of cash, in-kind goods and securities.

We are able to accept bequests and planned gifts. Contributions are put to work right away to provide housing, healthcare and employment services to the most vulnerable members of our community.

ALBERTINA KERR Mailing address Portland, OR 503-262-0188 AlbertinaKerr.org

For more than 100 years, Albertina Kerr has been providing programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, empowering them to live richer lives. Donors help ensure Albertina Kerr will be her for those in need for the next 100 years.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS 1532 NE 37th Ave. Portland, OR 97232 503-249-7300 oregon.dressforsuccess.org

CENTRAL CITY CONCERN

The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

232 NW Sixth Ave. Portland, OR 97209 503-294-1681 ccconcern.org

Donate clothes, volunteer of contribute funds to help us help women succeed.

GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND PO Box 151200 San Rafael, CA 94915-1200 800-295-4050 guidedogs.com/planned-giving

Guide Dogs for the Blind is the largest Guide Dog school in the country. GDB prepares highly-qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind/visually impaired throughout North America at no cost to them. GDB receives no government funding and relies solely on the generosity of private donations.

JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER PORTLAND 6680 SW Capitol Hwy.

®

®

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

503.245.6219 | www.jewishportland.org

JewishPDX

22 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

Charitable Portland, OR 503-245-6219 info@jewishportland.org jewishportland.org

Since 1920, JFGP has been your means of connecting with your community, discovering new ways to do good and giving back to those who came before you. By supporting a network of organizations and innovative programming, we meet the ongoing needs of people at home, in Israel and around the world.

OREGON JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 1618 SW First Ave., Ste. 210 Portland, OR 97201 503-248-9328 info@ojcf.org ojcf.org

& Financial Planning

RESOURCE DIRECTORY OJCF promotes strategic philanthropy offering charitable individuals philanthropic tools including donor advised funds, charitable gift annuities, planned gifts and trusts. In partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, OJCF directs the LIFE & LEGACY initiative in Oregon to promote after-lifetime giving to build endowments and strengthen Jewish organizations for future generations.

FINANCIAL PLANNING MORGAN STANLEY PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT 522 Fifth Ave., 10th Floor New York, NY 212-296-6329 fwgsa@morganstanley.com

The Family Wealth Group at Morgan Stanley PWM is a specialized team of interdisciplinary strategic advisors providing services

including financial & investment planning, estate & family succession planning, philanthropic advisory and administrative services.

The group is headed by Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor Robert Stolar, JD LLM.

RBC WEALTH MANAGEMENT 805 SW Broadway Suite 1800 Portland OR 97205 503-833-5283 Rbc.com

RBC Wealth Management seeks to provide investment advice, exceptional service and an unbiased, independent perspective to help clients achieve financial goals. Our objective is to develop long-term relationships with clients employing a consultative approach to match appropriate investments to our client’s unique needs – at all stages of their lives.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 23

ask helen Donor, recipient and values should mesh Dear Helen:

I’m a senior and believe strongly in putting my money where my mouth is, so I avoid shopping in certain stores, try to take public transportation and generally live frugally by utilizing thrift stores and farmer’s markets. But I have family money that came to me through relatives who survived the Shoah. I try not to think of it as “mine” for daily living, which I feel a responsibility to pay for myself with my earnings and savings. I have no heirs who will really need the money, so I decided to donate a healthy percentage of the assets that will survive me to my synagogue in my will. I filled out a legacy donor form a year or so ago specifying that the money was to be used for Holocaust education. Last week I got a call saying (much, much more politely and very sincerely): “Thanks for the donation in your will. Is there a chance you could give us money now? Also, we aren’t sure we can honor the specificity of your donation, so would you mind donating your bequest to the general endowment?” I said I could not contribute anything now, and that I wanted to sleep on the endowment issue. Two weeks later I still feel unsatisfied by the request. A general endowment can pay for everything from the janitor to the utility bill. I want something very different and specific. Perhaps I should set up the program while I am alive to see it manifest. Ideas?

Donor

Dear Donor:

Giving a large tzedakah donation, which is how I interpret your question, is a luxury for many people. When it comes as a lump bequest, measured in thousands or many thousands of dollars, the recipient should not only say a sincere thank you but also attempt to honor the donor’s request. It’s totally legit for your synagogue to ask if you could give some of the money now –and totally legit for you to say no if it doesn’t meet your current lifestyle or budget priorities. What sounds most important to you, the Shoah education component, is what you should focus on.

Beyond your shul are many organizations devoted to Jewish life and history, from the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education to the University of Oregon Holocaust Studies Program.

Contact each of them to know what your choices are before you commit too much too soon. Then, determine what your reasonable expectation of a donation would be. A long illness can wipe out even healthy bank accounts. When you feel certain what you can honestly deliver, go back to each possible recipient. Lay out a plan that would work within each context. In your synagogue, for example, there may be an alternate endowment fund, most likely for Talmud Torah.

Ask if the intent of your donation could be met within that context.

Then work with the synagogue library/Talmud Torah folks to round out their Shoah collection of materials, and have a section of the library named for your deceased ancestors. Set up an annual reading program for TT students and fund that now, with the remainder of

the legacy to support the program into the future.

Help a local mom support her family Please Give at MomGotAJob.Org 24 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

COVER

Lee Reclaims his heritage

Lee Weinstein has a wonderful view of Portland from his 23rd floor office in Ladd Tower on the South Park Blocks.

By Deborah Moon

Lee Weinstein, 57, has followed a long path to reclaim his Jewish, liberal, entrepreneurial heritage.

He served on the staff of a congressman and a governor, developed the first AIDS nutrition news source in the nation and spent 15 years on Nike’s communication team. Then he quit the corporate world to launch his own boutique public relations firm. He was recently elected president of an international PR network.

His current persona as a liberal Jewish business owner is closer to that of his immigrant great grandfather, Israel

Weinstein, than to his far-right grandfather, Archie Weinstein.

His father, Sanford Theodore (Ted) Weinstein, was not raised Jewish after Archie married Delta Frazier, daughter of the sheriff of Harney County.

After an impressive employment journey through political, nonprofit and corporate spheres, Lee owns and operates his own business, Weinstein PR; he converted back to Judaism during college; and he is a staunch Democrat who worked for Congressman Ron Wyden (now Oregon’s senior senator) and Governors Neil Goldschmidt and Ted Kulongoski (though not during Ted’s term as governor).

Israel’s Family Story Israel Weinstein fled the pogroms in Rovno, Russia, and brought his wife, Clara, and two daughters to New York City in the late 1890s. The family, which by then included three sons, moved to Portland in 1905, perhaps with the encouragement or support of great uncle Abe Weinstein. According to an OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 25

“Reading The Chosen by Chaim Potok and QB VII and Exodus

by Leon Uris changed my life and opened my mind.”

oral history from Lee’s great aunt Rose Weinstein Radding Marks, Uncle Abe helped many branches of the family relocate to Oregon. Israel owned mercantile stores in Portland and later in Burns. He was also one of the few Democrats in Oregon during that era – he attended at least two Democratic national conventions and knew FDR, says his great grandson Lee. Israel’s son, Archie, on the other hand, was “very conservative – further right than Attila the Hun; not of my ilk,” says Lee. A flamboyant self-made millionaire who served as a Lane County commissioner and once ran for governor, Archie owned seven army surplus stores in the southern Willamette Valley.

Archie wanted to be a lawyer, but was refused admission to the state bar; he claimed because he was Jewish. Lee says it is just as likely he was denied admission because he ran moonshine with his brothers (when his father’s Weinstein’s General Store in Burns was sold and remodeled decades later, a still was found above the ceiling).

Lee claims his own business success can be attributed to luck, timing and “who you know.”

But it might also be the work ethic he shares with Archie. In a 1979 article in Oregon Magazine, Archie attributed his success to the fact that “I always did the work of three or four men.”

Lee admits that some would call him a workaholic, but says, “I love working. Work is my hobby as well as my profession. I’ve been lucky to have great jobs.”

Living with his single mom who worked at the cosmetics counter at Nordstrom, he joined the workforce at age 13, working as a busboy. He hasn’t stopped working since.

Lee’s father, Ted, and mother, Mel Lee, returned to the liberal politics of Israel. Lee recalls that after Bobby Kennedy’s assassination, Ted stopped selling guns in his store.

Growing up around his parents’ political friends, including Neil Goldschmidt, who was his babysitter, Lee became immersed in politics, assuming he would someday run for public office. “Watching him become (Portland) city commissioner and then mayor was inspirational,” says Lee. In sixth grade, he wrote to members of Oregon’s congressional delegation to urge action on the environment. He also started a neighborhood newspaper, which he sold door-to-door. Before his parents’ divorce, he attended seventh grade at an alternative school run by Quakers, where he met numerous draft resisters on their way to Canada.

Lee Weinstein with (then) Congressman Ron Wyden (D-OR) in 1981.

26 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

ChrisVan Dyke, Jane Goodall and Lee.

Appeal of Judaism He attended Caitlin Gable School and then transferred to Lincoln High School, where his journey back to his family’s Judaism began. When he was sick with mononucleosis, his stepfather gave him The Chosen by Chaim Potok and QB VII and Exodus by Leon Uris.

“In my misery, reading those three books changed my life and opened my mind,” says Lee. When he enrolled at Lewis & Clark College the next year to study political science, he signed up for a class taught by Rabbi Emanuel Rose of Congregation Beth Israel.

“I was turned on by my family’s history,” says Lee. “It related to me in my soul.”

A second class with Rabbi Rose followed, and Lee discovered Judaism resonated with both his beliefs and his family history. Knowing he wanted to someday have children, he decided to continue studying with Rabbi Rose to convert. “I took back my roots,” Lee explains.

He did have children with his first wife, Jessica Litwak, a theater professional, to whom he was married eight years.

Emma, now 25, and Sophie, 22, both became bat mitzvah.

When the children were young, the family belonged to Havurah Shalom. Following the divorce, Lee says he called every night to say goodnight to the girls until they left for college. They maintained a strong bond with their father even as their mother’s successful career as a multidisciplinary theater professional took them to the East Coast.

Devoted Father During the interview for this article Sophie called her dad; he warmly told her he’d call her back soon and then gushed with praise for his daughters’ accomplishments. In May, Sophie graduated from Oberlin, where she was involved in Chabad all four years, with a joint major in studio art and Jewish studies. She is teaching first grade in Cleveland through Teach For America, which recruits college graduates to commit two years to teaching in high-need schools. Yale Press recently selected one of Sophie’s illustrations for the cover of the book The House of the Mother.

A New York-based theater and film director, Emma is a graduate of Smith College and is the Cullman Scholar in Yale School of Drama’s MFA Directing Class of 2019. She is

Chelsea Clinton and Lee at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

working on a new commission for Working Theatre that she will write and direct; the play is about blacks, Jews and racial relations during100 years in Detroit.

“Emma would love to direct in Ashland (at Oregon’s famed Shakespeare Festival),” says Lee, noting the girls spent weeks each summer with him and grew to love the state.

Political World Beckons While he was in college, Lee worked for Lee Hames in the Portland Planning Department – this was the first step in his “knowing the right people” to launch his career. As graduation neared, he decided he wanted to work for a member of Congress.

But he was stunned when he got a call from newly elected Oregon Congressman Ron Wyden. Ron told him, “I was talking to Lee Hames and she says you’re pretty good. I’m looking to fill my first congressional staff and I’d like to meet you.”

Lee landed an internship straight out of college. “I was the first one to the office and the last to leave,” says Lee. So he soon got a full-time job offer – as the receptionist in Wyden’s office. “I drove them crazy. I didn’t have enough to do so I was always dusting.”

To keep him busy, Lee’s job was soon shifted to answering constituent mail and entering names in the database. Since there was a campaign under way to take away the mortgage deduction on taxes, Lee says he had thousands of postcards he was responsible for answering.

“Ron had a great press operation and is very media savvy,” says Lee. “That’s where I got the marriage of media and politics.”

Lee and Ron are still friends, and Lee says Ron is always quick with a story about him.

Lee returned to Portland to work at Lewis & Clark recruiting students. Then he spent two years at the executive assistant for future governor Ted Kulongoski when he was Oregon insurance commissioner.

When his old babysitter Neil decided to run for governor, Lee became an active volunteer. After Neil was elected, Lee was hired to work in the administration. He served as Neil’s deputy press secretary for two years.

Congressman Earl Bluenauer and Lee at BikeTown Launch.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 27

From Left Emma, Sophie, Lee and Melinda Weinstein at Sophie’s graduation from Oberlin in May.

Israel and Clara Weinstein (great grandparents of Lee Weinstein).

Proud Achievements When Jessica landed a job teaching theater at San Francisco State, Lee and Jessica moved to California, where Emma was born.

For the first time, Lee didn’t have the “who you know” connection, but he did have the luck. He got a job from a classified ad. For two years he worked for the nation’s first food program for AIDS patients. As marketing communications director for Project Open Hand, he responded to the lack of nutritional information available to people with HIV. That work is among his proudest achievements, he says.

“We hired two dieticians and started a newsletter,” he says.

“Positive nutrition is essential. If you lost muscle mass, you would die. … Hopefully we helped people live longer.”

When Jessica wanted to have a second child and stop working, Lee realized that the growing family couldn’t survive on one nonprofit income. So they decided to return to Portland, and Lee turned his attention to landing a corporate job with Nike.

His “luck, timing and who you know” again played a crucial role. While in the governor’s office he had worked with Kay Bryant, who had become head of internal communications at Nike.

28 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

“When I called her, she said my timing was great: ‘I’m writing your job description right now,’ ” says Lee. Lee joined Nike writing the employee newspaper. “I was the writer, photographer and designer of the Nike World Record.”

When he joined Nike in 1992, the $2 billion company had 2,000 employees. When he left in 2007, the company had grown to $17 billion and 17,000 employees. During those 15 years, he met and wrote about Nike executives and top athletes.

He worked on the company’s PR efforts for the Sydney and Salt Lake City Olympic Games. He wrote about the need for Nike to embrace soccer if they wanted to become a global company (not an immediately popular idea when he wrote about it).

From 2002 to 2005, he directed Nike’s corporate responsibility communications, where he developed a strategic communications plan to build Nike’s reputation as a responsible company.

“I loved Nike,” he says. But during that project he said he realized he had a mission he wanted to pursue – to make the world a better place than he found it, which fit with both his Jewish and personal beliefs.

His Own Enterprise “It took time to figure out,” he says. “I wanted to get reintegrated into Oregon. I love our state. There’s no better place to live. … I thought of lots of different business. I have all this PR experience and political experiences and Nike … I decided to start a boutique PR agency.”

Weinstein PR is a joint project with his wife of 16 years, Melinda Gadwood, who handles the books; she had been Nike CEO Mark Parker’s assistant. The business has no other employees, but they work with 20 “phenomenally talented people who work from their home offices.” Lee says most are moms who want work/life balance. Lee is involved in every promotion or project the firm works on. The client list is impressive, ranging from corporate giants such as Google, Facebook and Nike to nonprofits and government entities.

Lee describes one of the corporate giants as being the source of his greatest contribution to helping Oregon.

“Ron (Wyden) had a great press operation and is very media savvy. That’s where I got the marriage of media and politics.” ~ Lee Weinstein

“In the height of the recession in 2009, Facebook wanted to build a plant in Prineville,” says Lee. “Crook County was really suffering. People were leaving, suicides and domestic violence were high … It was great to help those people. Now technology is one of their main industries.”

He also shares his PR chops with other boutique PR firms in 16 countries around the world. As a member of PR Boutiques International for several years, Lee has enjoyed having a global cohort with whom to discuss challenges and best practices. This year he completed nine years of serving on the Maryhill Museum of Art board of trustees, one of his many volunteer commitments; since he had some extra time, he accepted the PRBI presidency. He’s already instituted a monthly conference call he named “PRBI Jam” for members to discuss PR or business topics, such as how to retain talent and how to manage millennials.

“It’s nice to know you’re not out here all by yourself,” says Lee. Though Melinda is not Jewish, she enjoys joining Lee at seders, High Holiday services and b’nai mitzvah celebrations.

“She loves the faith and culture,” says Lee. Lee says they do not belong to a congregation since they spend most of the week in their home south of The Dalles, where no Jewish congregation exists. Lee generally spends two to three days a week in Portland conducting business from his 23rd floor unit in the Ladd Tower in the south Park Blocks.

Whether looking out over Portland’s growing city or enjoying the sunshine at their home south of The Dalles, Lee and Melinda are doing their part to ensure Oregon continues to be a wonderful place to call home.

1

2

1

Lee joins Emma at the bimah at her bat mitzvah.

2

Lee with Rachel Robinson, Phil Knight and Jackie Joyner Kersee in 1997 at a 50th anniversary celebration of Jackie Robinson’s debut in major league baseball to break the color barrier.

3

The view from Lee and Melinda’s home south of The Dalles is a peaceful escape from urban life.

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OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 29

Food

CORNER

SOUP IS A SIMPLE WAY TO REPAY PARENTS Story and photos

by Lisa Glickman

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.

30 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

We all remember a time when we couldn’t wait to be older.

Rites of passage like getting a license to drive, graduation, our first apartment, marriage and children led to the feeling of being a “grownup.” We were on our own and able to take care of ourselves. We made our own choices and decisions never to look back to the days when someone older told us what to do. We eagerly accepted our parents’ help and eventually were grateful for all they did for us, knowing that we couldn’t have done it without them.

In time we realize the people who helped us grow up may now need our help. The number of Americans age 65 and older is projected to more than double from 46 million today to more than 98 million by 2060. Through either divorce or death, our parents may find themselves living alone, either in an assisted-care facility or at home. Health concerns that restrict physical and cognitive function may require around-the-clock assistance from a family member or health-care professional.

Many of us find ourselves in the middle of caring for the ones we are raising and the ones who raised us. It’s not easy.

Dealing with an aging parent is not always logical. Age can hinder the ability to think and reason clearly. Older people may act or react much differently than they did when they were younger. Showing kindness and patience during this time is more important than ever. Providing assistance by grocery shopping, preparing a meal, and transporting them to a doctor’s appointment or a haircut can alleviate a bit of stress for an aging parent or family member. Even family and friends who live out of town can help with the care-giving process with regular visits or phone calls.

Being all grown up comes with responsibility. Our parents were responsible for us, and in turn we need to take some responsibility for them. A weekly meal is a simple way to spend quality time with those who may enjoy it now more than ever.

These two soup recipes are perfect for a warm cozy lunch or a light supper to share together.

Rustic Tomato Soup

Nothing says “comfort food” like the combination of rich tomato soup and a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. The addition of sweet potato to this thick and hearty soup gives it added nutrients and amazing flavor. This soup freezes great, so make some extra to tuck into the freezer for a quick, easy and inexpensive meal.

1 medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 1 sweet onion, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 2-4 cloves of garlic 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, with juice 1 14-ounce can tomato sauce 1 8-ounce can tomato paste 1½ cups vegetable stock 1½ cups milk, whole or low fat Kosher salt and black pepper to taste Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional) Add sweet potato to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add onion, carrot and garlic and

continue to pulse until vegetables are all about the same size (pea size or smaller). Heat olive oil to medium high in a large heavy-bottomed soup pot. Add vegetables to olive oil and cook until slightly softened, about 10 minutes. Add whole tomatoes with juice to bowl of food processor and process until smooth.

Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, stock and milk to softened vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and allow to simmer for about an hour for vegetables to soften.

Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve with basil garnish if desired.

Dill Pickle and Tuna Chowder

Some may remember “Chez Mustache,” a restaurant in Aurora, OR, that went out of business some years ago. It was there that I had Polish Dill Pickle soup for the first time – and it was delicious! I used this as inspiration for this Dill Pickle and Tuna Chowder garnished with sharp cheddar cheese and crumbled potato chips, which reminds me of a toasty tuna melt sandwich.

4 large dill pickles, finely chopped ½ cup pickle juice, from the pickle jar 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 6 cups vegetable stock 1 cup whole milk 2 tablespoons flour 6 ounces canned albacore tuna, chunked 1 egg 2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled ¼ cup chopped fresh dill Salt and pepper to taste Garnish: 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup crumbled potato chips In a large heavy-bottomed soup pot, combine pickles, pickle juice, potatoes and stock. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Allow to cook until potatoes are very soft, about 30-45 minutes. In a small bowl, combine milk and flour. Add to soup and bring back up to a boil. Stir in tuna and remove from heat.

Combine egg and butter and stir into broth. Stir in chopped dill and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve garnished with cheese and potato chips.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 31

NWNosh

ShalomY’All Pine Street Market

32 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

Israeli Cuisine

finds many homes in Portland

By Kerry Politzer

The fresh vegetables and intriguing flavors of Israeli cuisine are cropping up all over Portland. While food carts like Wolf & Bear’s introduced us to ingredients such as amba as early as 2009, the Israeli food trend has really taken off in the past few years. Feast Portland, our renowned annual food festival, regularly flies in chefs like Michael Solomonov of Zahav.

Mediterranean Exploration Company and Shalom Y’all are overflowing with diners. Chefs like Sam Smith and Jenn Louis are reimagining Israeli food, making it their own.

When asked why Israeli cuisine is becoming so popular here, Feast Portland co-founder Mike Thelin remarks: “I think a lot of it has to do with exploration. A lot of what influenced cuisine for a long time, a lot of places, not just here – was French, Italian or Spanish food. Israeli, or even Middle Eastern food, you didn’t see a lot of. You didn’t see a whole lot of experimentation happening within that space, but a lot of chefs are choosing to explore that now. A lot of these folks have Israeli or Jewish heritage and want to showcase the food that inspired them and their families growing up. I would expect that current to absolutely continue; everyone you talk to from that part of the world comes back and talks about all these incredible dishes and beautiful vegetable-centric OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 33

NWNosh

TUSK beets and veggies

cuisine.” was served next, and finally, a Yemenite chicken curry, baked Thelin connects Israeli cuisine to the farm-to-table egg shakshuka and a creamy tahini semifreddo festooned with movement that is so prevalent in this region. “(This movement) chocolate curlicues. gave us the sort of expectation that food After a standing ovation, Louis got up “The style is really attractive to explain the universal appeal of Israeli ought to be seasonal. At the Portland Saturday Farmers’ Market, we are cuisine. “It’s super diverse. It’s Ethiopian, to people; it’s interactive, thinking of how we are going to prepare it’s Libyan, it’s Yemenite, it’s Russian. It’s all of this local produce with an Israeli sharing. At Tusk, people are an incredible melting pot, a fun palate for influence. I think it’s a really special a chef to play with.” thing.”

Mediterranean Exploration Company passing plates, tearing off The Israeli influence was very much and Shalom Y'all’s John Gorham, who pieces of bread. When the in evidence at this year’s Feast Portland. came to Israeli cuisine from the Sephardic At the Sandwich Invitational event, the angle, echoed this sentiment. “It’s a food is interactive, it’s forcing cuisine of many different countries; all dynamic team of Michael Shemtov and Bryan Lee Weaver (Butcher & Bee, you to have dialogue with the the Jews who went there after the war Nashville) featured amba on their fried brought back their cuisines. There was avocado flatbread. Shemtov explained people around you instead of a time when the food was very simple. that this pickled mango condiment came And then, 20, 30 years ago, a new to Israel via Iraq and India. The chefs also just sitting there having it be generation really wanted to celebrate their participated in one of Feast Portland’s homelands. That’s when the explosion a static experience. It’s a lot highlights: the Shabbat Shalom dinner happened; the rest of the world is at Michael Madigan’s KitchenCru. more fun, and it creates a lot following suit now.”

This sold-out event also showcased the The restaurateur, who opened amazing culinary talents of New Orleans- more connection between the Mediterranean Exploration Company based Alon Shaya as well as our own with his partner, Ron Avni, and people sitting at the table.”

Kasey Mills and Jenn Louis.

Executive Chef Mills, is delighted with Diners were treated to Shaya’s freshly the restaurant’s success. “It’s doing very – Chef Sam Smith baked pita and a trio of intensely flavored well for us. Mediterranean Exploration sauces: serrano-spiked skhug, spicy Company is going on three years now; harissa and an original onion/carrot concoction of Weaver’s. that restaurant has only gotten more and more popular every After a flurry of small bites, plates of eggplant and slow-roasted month that we’ve been open.” The team’s newest project, an cabbage appeared. A hearty lamb and roasted tomato pot pie Israeli street food stand at Pine St. Market, serves up bowls 34 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

of silky hummus and generous pita sandwiches. Future plans include opening an Israeli restaurant in Oregon’s wine country.

Louis, who has been named Best New Chef by Food & Wine Magazine, regularly features Israeli ingredients and dishes at Lincoln Restaurant.

The chef, who once lived in a kibbutz, loves to experiment with items such as pomegranate molasses, tahini and a spice blend known as Ras el Hanout.

One of Louis’ recent dishes was a beet hummus with labneh, carrots, okra and clove dukkah (an Egyptian condiment commonly used in Israel).

Tusk chef Sam Smith makes his own version of dukkah, which he sprinkles atop grilled sweet potatoes. Smith has explored Israeli cuisine for many years; together with Solomonov, he opened Philadelphia’s modern Israeli restaurant Zahav. He then spent some time exploring Italian cuisine, but decided to come back to the cuisine he loved most. “I sort of realized that the food I had been making with Michael was where my heart was, so I wanted to take that idea, make it my own and take inspiration from that,” he says.

MEC by David Reamer Photography

For Smith, Israeli cuisine is something that brings people together. “The style is really attractive to people; it’s interactive, sharing.

At Tusk, people are passing plates, tearing off pieces of bread. When the food is interactive, it’s forcing you to have dialogue with the people around you instead of just sitting there having it be a static experience. It’s a lot more fun, and it creates a lot more connection between the people sitting at the table.”

Smith derives much inspiration from trips to Israel. “You sit down and you’re getting bread almost everywhere, and all these little vegetable dishes to start your meal. And one thing that was very inspiring was the way that they cook grilled skewers directly over charcoal. I am doing that at Tusk.” At his restaurant, Smith offers a variety of meat skewers such as chicken marinated with basil and sumac or ground lamb with hot peppers, cumin and black pepper.

The chef is excited to see more Israeli ingredients on local menus, and he sees this trend snowballing. “I’m seeing things like sumac and Aleppo pepper on more restaurant menus, which is really great. I think a lot of people will start getting inspired, and we will start seeing more of those flavors.”

BUTCHER AND BEE fried avocado flatbread

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 35

This Thanksgiving, dish up the gratitude!

By Amy Hirshberg Lederman

My husband, Ray, was diagnosed with diabetes in 1962, when he was 12 years old. Back in those days, it was a big ordeal to manage juvenile diabetes. There were no glucometers, insulin pumps or disposable syringes to ease the way or help parents keep their children’s blood sugar under control. And when, in 1985, Ray was diagnosed with celiac disease (unknown then but now commonly referred to as gluten intolerance), the monitoring of foods became all the more difficult because of his diabetes.

I always wondered how I would have handled it, if it had been me. What if I had been saddled with diabetes as I was just beginning to fight off pimples and adolescent insecurities?

How would I have felt if, after having been denied sugar for so many years, I could no longer eat pasta, bagels or cake? I’m pretty sure I would have ranted a lot, at least to close friends.

And I know I would have wanted recognition for being “such a good sport” when others ordered pizza and I was stuck eating a rice cake with cheese.

But not Ray. He just managed to find ways to work around each challenge and never lost sight of the fact that he still was one lucky man.

Ray’s approach to life was inspiring. His acceptance of his life, in the face of struggles, fears, losses and even death, was born from the belief that we are not entitled to anything but that we should remain grateful for all that we have. He was a man who exemplified what it means to live in gratitude.

During the course of Ray’s illness and since his death, I have tried to cultivate this approach to life. It is a daily discipline – of heart, mind and even of the words I use. But living in gratitude has helped me put my life back on track by guiding me to focus on all that I have now, not what I’ve lost or no longer have. And it works… most of the time.

When it doesn’t, I accept that my sadness or sense of loss needs to be recognized, too. So I hold it for a while and when I’m ready, I let it go again until the next time. But these moments are less frequent and intense as the days roll into months and soon, years.

Gratitude is the appreciation for what we have that is good in our lives. From the moment we wake up in the morning, we have things to be grateful for. A good night’s rest in a warm bed, waking up in a safe place, a job to go to or a family to feed. Simple things that we often overlook and take for

36 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

TO LIFE!

granted.

In Hebrew, the word for gratitude is hakarat hatov, which means “recognition of the good,” especially of the good things that others have done for us. Hakarat hatov is meant to make us feel good about ourselves. It requires us to stop, look around and remember the times in our lives when others were there for us because they cared or appreciated us. When we recognize that a parent has worked hard to help us go to college or that a boss has given us a bonus because he values our work, we feel worthy, valued and loved. Simply put, cultivating gratitude is one way to become a happier person.

But the essence of gratitude lies within our attitude. So much of whether we feel grateful for things is based on our attitudes about life.

Everyone experiences difficult times. Poor health, failed relationships, financial stresses or family strife can make it very hard to feel upbeat and grateful. While we can’t always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we feel about it and how we respond. As my father says: “When things are tough, you can have a good attitude or a bad one for the same nickel.”

Gratitude requires us to make the choice to be conscious of what we have, rather than what we lack. It asks us to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. One way to develop gratitude is to take time each day to acknowledge what we have that is good in our life at that very moment. Then, and this is the hard part, to say it aloud – to ourselves and to others to whom we are grateful. It may be as simple as acknowledging that we appreciate a colleague or teacher, or a friend or child for calling to check in. Through this conscious and articulated awareness of the blessings in our life, we cultivate gratitude and often, joy.

This Thanksgiving, consider serving a big dish of gratitude with your turkey and stuffing. Take the gratitude challenge and spend time during the meal sharing something for which you are grateful. Your family will leave feeling filled up – not only from the pumpkin pie but from the good feelings and happiness that gratitude provides.

Amy Hirshberg Lederman has written more than 300 columns and essays that have been published nationwide. amyhirshberglederman.com

Seniors find real home at Green House

CARE

By Liz Rabiner Lippoff

N Old age is changing. Seniors are living longer, healthier lives and they are

making good use of that extra time.

Active seniors are exercising more than ever so they can keep doing the things

they love – traveling, spending time with grandchildren, studying Judaism and

wisely spending that money they saved for retirement.

For those who do need skilled care,

The Green House model adopted by

Cedar Sinai Park for their new nursing

home puts a strong emphasis on home.

But even long, healthy lives

come to an end. Chevra kadisha

volunteers ensure that individuals are treated with respect and kindness at this final lifecycle stage.

37 Senior Living Revolution 42 Exercise

42 Friendships 43 Study

43 Retirement Spending

44 Chevras Offer Respect 47 Senior Calendar

obody driving from Raleigh Hills to Hillsdale on the BeavertonHillsdale Highway can doubt that there is a whole lot going on at Cedar Sinai Park.

The site is no stranger to new construction. Our community created The Jewish Old People’s Home in 1920, we broke ground at the current site in 1954 and members of Sisterhood moved the first residents into the brand new Robison Jewish Home in 1955. The May Terrace Apartments opened in 1981, followed by the Rose Schnitzer Manor in 1998 and the Shlim Wing in 2002. More recently, construction of the Kehillah housing for adults with disabilities drew plenty of attention in 2013, being right there on the highway side of the campus.

The current project, though – two new, beautiful buildings – is much more than a dramatic reshaping of the landscape. The new Harold Schnitzer Center for Living is part of a revolutionary movement called the Green House Project, and while it has nothing to do with growing hot house tomatoes in the dead of winter, it marks the beginning of a whole new paradigm of care for our elders.

The decision to build a new nursing home as well as to remodel the existing building is, according to former CSP CEO David Fuks, “a significant change that is focused on empowering the people we serve, helping them to remain independent and helping them to have the quality of life that they have a right to expect. It grew from CSP’s commitment to honor people’s desire to live their lives with dignity, personal choice and respect.”

“The business of CSP is considerably different than what people would have imagined it to be during the heyday of the old Robison building,” he explains. An important survey by the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland reinforced national trends and local anecdotal evidence that showed, Fuks says, “Most people do not want to go into an institution at all, so CSP needed to diversify to allow people to stay home. Sinai Home Care and Adult Day Services are part of that effort. Robison itself needed to shift its focus to short-term rehabilitation to get people back home (after a significant health event). But if people needed 24/7 intensive care because of health considerations or memory issues, it shouldn’t be at an ‘institution.’ It should be in a home where they can live with the comfort and dignity that they were used to.”

CSP actually embraced that concept a decade ago by beginning a shift from the traditional “hospital model” to what is called in the industry “patient-centered care.” In theory, residents could wake up when they feel

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 37

CARE

Seniors A rendering of the new proposed sitting room.

Below:The results of the sitting room that shows a small refrigerator and microwave so residents can bring home nonkosher leftovers and heat them up.

like it, eat when they are hungry and spend their days in activities or at rest … whatever suits their abilities and their mood. There were limits to how much that was possible at Robison, however.

The double rooms were the first hurdle: you can’t really sleep in if your roommate is up watching “The Today Show,” and you can’t watch Home Shopping Network in the middle of the night if your roommate is sleeping.

The central kitchen and communal dining room were another stumbling block; they meant that meals needed to be served within certain hours, and getting people back and forth all day invariably impacts the time staff can spend on patient care. While CSP did the best they could, training staff to listen to residents and families and adapting their operations to better serve them, it became clear to the CSP leadership and board that, while remodeling Robison and converting the double rooms into singles could turn it into a profitable, state-of-the-art, acute care rehabilitation center, it was not going to be enough to give our community the long-term elder care it deserved. Add to that the fact that the status quo was not a sustainable business model.

38 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

Enter the Green House Project, designed to achieve three things: meaningful life, empowered staff and a real home. The first residence opened in 2003 in Tupelo, MS, and today there are 212 Green Houses in 33 states. The one at CSP is the first in Oregon. Each residence is truly a home, with 12 private bedroom/ bath units, a large living room with fireplace, a spacious den and a big, open kosher kitchen with a long dining table to seat all the residents, staff, and any family and friends who are invited to join in the fun. When the construction is complete, CSP will have four households for a total of 48 single bedrooms.

Jennifer Felberg is CSP’s campus life program director and ensures that all aspects of the program are implemented in all four homes. She is in charge of training the staff as well as helping both residents and staff transition from the nursing home environment to life in a Green House.

She explains that in a traditional organizational chart the administrators are on the top, with lines down to the managers, then supervisors and finally, at the bottom, the people who are

actually delivering the care to the residents. In the GH model, the chart is a circle with the resident – who is not on the traditional chart at all – at the center, surrounded by the care staff, called shahbazim (plural of shahbaz, Persian for royal falcon.)

Supervisors, administrators, the director of nursing and others form the perimeter of the chart; they give support, not orders, to the shahbazim. The shahbaz job description isn’t “make beds,” “cook breakfast” or “give medicines,” although each does all of those tasks. It is to nurture, protect and sustain the residents. The shahbazim decide among themselves who will do which jobs, which shifts to work and how to resolve conflicts. The residents and shahbazim together decide how the household is managed, what activities to schedule and when, what’s for dinner, even whether or not to get a dog.

Between the shahbazim and the administration on the chart is a guide, in this case Jemi Kostiner-Mansfield, who is a combination GH advisor and cheerleader, and a “sage,” an unbiased third party who helps the team work through issues without having to go to a supervisor. Charles Jagger, a 14-year Robison volunteer, has completed the training and serves as the first sage. Long-time volunteer Robin Kirsch started training in October to be the sage for the second household. CSP is looking for volunteers to serve as sages in the two remaining households.

Jennifer says this is big culture shift for everybody, but they

MAINTAIN THEIR INDEPENDENCE WITH A HELPING HAND FROM SOMEONE IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

JOY OF DOWNSIZING with Theresa Giddings, of Soft Landings Solutions for Seniors

Ultimately, it’s your experience that matters.

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

YOU’RE INVITED! Date: Sunday, Dec. 4 Time: 2:00 - 3:30pm Place: Zidell Hall Cost: No charge

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Everyone has a lot of belongings. Often we are so overwhelmed by the prospect of dealing with our “stuff,” that we postpone decisions about moving – even when moving is in our best interest. Join Theresa Giddings to hear practical ideas about how to deal with all those items you’ve accumulated over the years and learn why the time to start doing this is NOW.

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OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 39

CARE

Seniors

are making progress, and she can hardly control her enthusiasm. “They ask, ‘What time is lunch?’ and we ask back, ‘What time do you WANT to have lunch?’ ” she says with a laugh. But she sees encouraging changes. “People who didn’t walk much are now walking to the dining room table. They all sit down and eat together, and we see progress in how some are now feeding themselves.”

Some improvements are even more significant. “We have two people who were falling almost every day at Robison. One has fallen twice in the three months here, and one has fallen only once,” Jennifer says. “Everything is here, in a central family location.”

I had a chance to experience the Green House firsthand when I was invited to dinner one night in September. The table was set when I arrived, and I could smell pot roast warming in the oven. I sat between Ellen and Dorothy. There was banter back and forth: pass the salad dressing, do you want more potatoes? Somebody opened a bottle of wine, and Gene tried his darnedest to show us his cork-in-the-bottle trick. Ellen told me that she comes from Massachusetts, moved to Billings and finally came to Portland to live with a friend.

We went on to chat about books. Three different

and she shared one of her favorite anecdotes: Pam never went into the dining room at Robison because it was too much for her: all the activity, all the tables. She ate by herself at the end of the solarium every day. Now she has a place at the table; everybody sits together. It’s the first time she’s actually had “dining” instead of just “meals” – conversations! – with other residents.

One evening, Natalie and Pam were sitting chatting at the table after dinner and Natalie said, “I think you’re my best friend.” Pam replied, “I think you’re mine. It’s nice to have someone you trust.”

SO! WHAT’S UP WITH ROBISON?

Residents who are still at Robison are a part of the GH experience even as they await their own new, shiny households.

Coordination among the GH, Robison and the Rose Schnitzer Manor has meant a full roster of activities despite the construction. Robison residents are invited to the Green House for activities and events, like bingo, crafts, an ice cream party.

With fewer communal spaces available at Robison as it undergoes its own renovation, both Robison and Green House residents go

Left to right: Residents and shahbazim enjoy dinner together. Shahbaz Beth O’Mahoney designed her own apron. The kosher kitchen has two sides – one for meat and one for dairy.

women told me they loved living there: their room is beautiful and the people are nice. Tony worked the crowd, encouraging people to eat, joking around and serving root beer floats for dessert. Steve got up to help clear the table. I learned that two of the residents came from the memory care unit at Robison, but I couldn’t tell which they were. (I also will not tell you who in this story is a resident and who is a shahbaz.)

Dorothy ate slowly and deliberately, so the root beer floats were all cleared away when she was finished. “Do you want a root beer float?” I asked. No. “How about some ice cream?”

She nodded yes. Tony called out from the kitchen, “How about some chocolate sauce?” An enthusiastic yes. I hopped up to bring it to her, and she dove right in. It was a pleasure to watch.

After dinner, Jennifer and I sat in the den where we could still easily hear Colleen playing the piano in the living room, 40 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

across the street to the Rose Schnitzer Manor for activities, events and Shabbat services. There are field trips for Robison and Green House residents. Evidently some mischief makers from the Green House and Robison went downtown together in September to see “The Lion King.” They enjoyed the downtown ambiance afterward, had a drink at Huber’s and dinner at Fogo Du Chao, and didn’t get home until almost midnight. I can’t imagine the shenanigans when all 48 Green House rooms are full!

The rooms at the new Robison will be dual-certified, so current

ELDERCARE 101: Robison residents who do not want to move into the Green House, or for whom there isn’t yet space, can live comfortably in the single rooms at Robison. In addition, the staff at Robison and the Rose Schnitzer Manor have already begun extensive training, called CORE, which will segue them to a job description in an organizational chart that more closely resembles that of the Green House model. The goal, says CSP CEO Sandra Simon, is to have the Green House philosophy of real home, empowered staff and meaningful life extend to the entire organization.

“CSP, as leaders in elder care, embraces this innovative model,” she explains. “We know that our elders want choice. We also know that committing to the staff training and support this culture change requires puts us way ahead of our competition.”

It was also a strategic business decision. A double-room, shower-down-the-hall, decades-old facility cannot compete with more modern facilities for post-acute care patients, and the profits from post-acute care must support the Green House care at the Harold Schnitzer Center for Living. “Over the past five to 10 years we have seen an uptick in the number of new homes being built in our market, and we are facing competition that we did not face in the past,” Sandra says. “By investing today in this model, we will continue to be a center of excellence for elder care – Portland’s first choice when thinking of nursing home care – and also have a sustainable business model with a viable future. All of this ties into our organizational values and makes perfect sense for us.”

Of course, for now it is still a construction zone.

“The Talmud says, ‘All beginnings are hard,’ ” quotes Ivan Gold, former chair of CSP’s Quality Management & Corporate Compliance Committee. “Our work to begin a new Robison Home has been a good example. Construction is on time and on budget, but it has disrupted daily life for some of our residents. Some are jubilant in their new modern Green House homes, but some are still in Robison’s outdated facilities. The synagogue is being rebuilt, so it’s temporarily gone. The dining rooms and kitchen are being totally redone.”

Committees composed of staff, residents and family members are identifying issues and working together on solutions.

Paul Sonnenschein is the current QMCCC chair.

“Sandra and her team are working incredibly hard to minimize the impact on residents and their families and to maintain the highest standard of care and support.” Paul appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding during this period of growth and change.

The Green Houses at the Harold Schnitzer Center for Living will have their grand opening in February 2017, and CSP will host celebrations galore when the shiny new Robison opens in February 2018.

A Practical Guide to Later Life Planning, Care, and Wellbeing with Mary Jo Saavedra

YOU’RE INVITED! Date: Sunday, Nov. 13 Time: 1:30 - 3:00pm Place: Zidell Hall Cost: No charge

Mary Jo Saavedra will present practical approaches to the challenges of eldercare management covering all aspects of aging in this informative presentation.

*Please RSVP by November 6 as seating is limited.

Call us at 503.535.4000 or visit cedarsinaipark.org

“We are Thankful…

for our new vibrant friends here.”

-Ray and Dorothy Packouz

During this season of gratitude, we are thankful for the health and vitality of our community and for the loving support of their families.

Liz Rabiner Lippoff is a marketing consultant and has been a freelance writer for Oregon Jewish Life since its first issue. She currently serves as president of the Cedar Sinai Park Board. LizInk.biz OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 41

PHYSICAL

Seniors

Exercise and stay “Forever Fit”

By Deborah Moon

Robin Kirsch shows the class how to preform lunges.

SOCIAL

Intergenerational friendships

D

or l’ dor, from generation to generation, isn’t just a saying at Cedar Sinai Park. Preschoolers and schoolchildren are frequent visitors to the senior living campus.

Maimonides Jewish Day School brought kindergarten and first-grade students to the campus for a pre-Rosh Hashanah program on Sept. 15; pre-Hanukkah and pre-Pesach programs are also planned. Three older MJDS girls visit RSM every Friday morning for a Torah/mitzvah study.

Maayan Torah Day School plans a pre-Hanukkah craft project at RSM using items from ScrapPDX. Maayan Torah has partnered with Robison Jewish Health Center in the past, but construction projects on that side of the campus have limited big group activities this year.

This is the second year of the Better Together Shabbat Leadership Program, a partnership between CSP and Portland Jewish Academy. Last year 16 PJA seventh-graders paired with residents at CSP as students and seniors learned to lead Kabbalat Shabbat services.Even younger children get into the mix when PJ Library brings preschoolers to the campus for a Yad b’Yad music and story hour with the seniors.

R

obin Kirsch, 60, has been teaching exercise classes since 1985, when an aerobics instructor invited her to teamteach a class at the Baltimore JCC. For the past eight years she has used her 30+ years of experience to help seniors and others who want to improve their fitness level without high-impact or high-intensity workouts. Two days a week she teaches “Forever Fit,” a 90-minute whole-body, muscletoning workout, at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center.

Most Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:45, about 16 to 20 people (mainly senior women) turn out to become forever fit. The class helps strengthen muscles and bones, improves posture and gait, and helps seniors stay agile and able to get in and out of a chair easily.

“My main concern is working on balance to help prevent falls,” says Robin, who is certified by the American Council on Exercise.

“I can modify exercises for people with different injuries,” she adds, noting many people in the class have knee or hip issues. “I can show them modifications.”

Robin says she does a lot of upper body strengthening because “If you can’t use a walker later, then you are stuck in a wheelchair.”

The class incorporates a variety of equipment including weights, bands, rings, versa balls and chairs. Robin always includes squats and pushups (using a versa ball against the wall).

42 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

Rose Schnitzer Manor resident Alegre Tevet talks to a kindergartener from Maimonides Jewish Day School

SPIRITUAL

Seniors

Delayed bat mitzvah

Celia Hirsch, 96, Rhoda Feldman, 88, and Julie Anne Feinstein, 76, learned Hebrew and studied Torah to prepare for their b’not mitzvah celebration at Rose Schnitzer Manor on Oct. 22 during Chol haMoed Sukkot.

T

he three residents at Rose Schnitzer Manor studied Hebrew with Eddy Shuldman during the past year so each could become a bat mitzvah. These senior women grew up when the transition to adulthood for girls was seldom marked in the synagogue as it was for boys, so a bat mitzvah celebration was not an option when they turned 12 (or 13).

An article on the Jewish Women’s Archive (jwa. org) reports that the first bat mitzvah in America was in 1922, when the founder of the Reconstructionist Movement, Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, created a ceremony for his daughter, Judith Kaplan. Yet JWA noted it wasn’t until the 1970s that feminism and “the need to acknowledge the equality of women as Jews led to the adoption of some type of bat mitzvah ceremony by every American Jewish denomination from Reform to modern Orthodoxy.”

At Cedar Sinai Park, these women have now had their turns at the bimah.

FINANCIAL

Spending your retirement

By Deborah Moon

Y

ou’ve followed your financial adviser’s advice on how much you need to save and how to invest it, and now you are retiring. The question is, what do you need to be aware of as you shift from saving to spending your investments?

“There is a huge psychological shift in retirement,” says Kim Rosenberg, financial planner and investment advisor at Rosenbaum Financial (RosenbaumFinancial.com). “When you are not retired, you are trained to save for your retirement. When you decide not to get income from work anymore, it’s a huge psychological shift. People don’t know how to spend in retirement. It’s a new time and new transition.”

With today’s rapidly evolving medical breakthroughs, Kim advises retirees to plan to live to 100 unless they have immediate health issues.

Kim has identified four risks retirees face and has suggestions on how to counter them.

RISK ONE: Running out of money. Think about your values and goals and what you want to do in retirement. Figure out O a spending plan based on fixed costs and special goals such as N travel, activities with grandchildren or a new car. The third most E expensive cost in retirement is health care – you need to decide how you will pay for health problems or long-term care before you need it.

T W O

RISK TWO: Spending from wrong source at the wrong time. For most people it is best to delay taking Social Security benefits until age 70 when you will get the maximum amount per month (up to 32% more than if you started at age 62). It ensures you have more money later in life when your other investments are declining.

Also consider your tax burden when deciding which funds to withdraw – you have already paid taxes on regular investments, so you will only pay capital gains on those; on traditional IRAs and 401Ks, you will pay income taxes on withdrawals.

T H R E E

RISK THREE: Prepare for inflation. The funds for your day-today living expenses should come from conservative investments.

Other funds should be designated to grow enough to pay for the increased costs 30 years from now – in other words, investments that will fight the inflation of the future. Invest some of your savings in long-term investments such as the stock market that will grow over time.

F O U R

RISK FOUR: Stock market swings. You can’t assume you can take the same amount from stock investments every year – sometimes the market is up and sometimes it is down (statistically, the market is down 30% of the time). Plan how much you will need a year in advance and designate liquidity for that amount as you plan your investments. Revisit your strategy every year to decide how much is appropriate to take based on market factors.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 43

Providing dignity for final transition

By Deborah Moon

DIGNITY

1

Although Michael Rosenberg performs many mitzvot, including blowing the shofar before Rosh Hashanah for students at Maayan Torah Day School and at Kesser Israel services, he says everyone should have one mitzvah that they polish and are dedicated to. He says of preparing the dead for burial, “This is mine.”

2

Charlie Rosenblum and Sharon Segal show the plain pine box typically used for Jewish burials.

3

Sandy Axel and Rochelle Rosenberg display the simple linen shrouds that are made by the “Shroud Crowd” at Congregation Neveh Shalom.

Rochelle plans to organize a similar sewing circle at Havurah Shalom. Sandy copied the pattern for the shrouds at a national chevra conference, because she has always made clothing for special occasions and felt that this was an additional mitzvah the community could do for “the most important moment of life.”

44 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

J

udaism requires the utmost respect be given to the deceased.

Volunteers at two burial societies (see box) in the Portland area provide the ultimate kindness at the end of life as they perform the traditional ritual of preparing individuals for burial. Chevra kadisha literally translates as “holy society.”

“The chevra kadisha is dedicated to holiness,” says Rabbi Tzvi Fischer of the Portland Kollel. “Our tradition teaches us that people live on. Their soul lives on as well as their actions live on in this world … through the people they impacted.”

Volunteers carry out the ritual of washing, purifying and dressing the deceased, with men caring for men and women caring for women to maintain modesty even in death.

Since Judaism promotes the dignity of all with all being treated equally in death, the deceased is dressed in simple shrouds and buried in a plain wooden (usually pine) box.

“Probably about half of the Jewish burials (we do) don’t have tahara,” according to Cameron Holmes, general manager of the 162-year-old, family-owned funeral home where both chevras frequently carry out the mitzvah. “We try to educate them (the family) on what the chevra can do.”

Making sure the community knows about the significance and meaning of tahara is important to volunteers of both chevra, who also perform tahara at River View Cemetery Funeral Home and Young's Funeral Home. Technically tahara is the continuous stream of water poured over the body to act as a mikvah to purify the body for the final transition in the lifecycle. But Rabbi Fischer says that the term has come to be used for the entire preparation, from washing and dressing the body to placing the deceased in the casket.

“If people knew about it ahead of time, they would want it,” says Rochelle Rosenberg, who leads Chevra Kavod Hamet. “We have to go out to people and talk to the rabbis and go to hospitals and talk to the chaplains.”

Rochelle’s predecessor, Sandy Axel, adds, “One of the beauties of Jewish burial practice is it is very structured. It is about honoring and taking care of the person who

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has died. After burial it shifts to taking care of the mourner.”

Respecting the dead is the primary focus of tahara, says Michael Rosenberg, who has organized the Chevra Kadisha of Portland for more than 20 years. “We have performed tahara on people who are not halachically Jewish. We have to respect the dead – that is universal. There is nothing wrong with performing an act of kindness for the dead.”

Michael says he often relies on Rabbi Elhanon Zohn, head of the chevra in the Queens and a recognized expert, for advice on any issues that arise. “There is nothing he hasn’t seen, and he talks you through it,” says Michael.

Volunteers of both chevras say that performing the burial ritual is incredibly rewarding.

“It’s natural to have apprehensions, but when you get to helping it feels natural and unintimidating,” says Michael. “You feel love and respect for the person in front of you, who is totally helpless and needs your help. After helping once, a lot of people say, ‘please call me again.’ ” “It’s a very special feeling,” he adds. “You feel you are doing something important, and it gets deep into who we are as a people.”

Charlie Rosenblum has been a chevra volunteer since 1997 and is also a member of the joint Shir Tikvah, Kol Shalom and P’nai Or cemetery committee that oversees the Jewish cemetery at River View Cemetery.

After a friend from Torah study took him to observe tahara, Charlie says, “It struck me that this is something I can do and I should do.”

Sharon Segal also was moved when she went to her first tahara.

“I saw the film “Plain Pine Box” and it really spoke to me,” says Sharon, who has been a chevra volunteer for about five years.

“We are the last people to see this person. It feels spiritual and holy and like you are doing something really good.”

Typically families who choose tahara have a $60 charge added to their funeral home bill to cover supplies for the procedure. However, that fee is waived for burials coordinated

you peace and happiness your Wishing heart and mind fill with the

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OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 45

DIGNITY

by Hesed Shel Emet, a nonprofit that provides an honored burial for individuals who could not afford to plan for their own Jewish burial in keeping with the traditions and practices of Judaism.

Though the chevra volunteers speak generally about the mitzvot they perform, each tahara is anonymous. The family does not know who volunteered to prepare their loved one for burial, and the participants do not speak of it publically.

That contributes to the selfless mitzvah, as neither the deceased nor the family can thank the volunteer for offering this ultimate kindness.

End of Life Resources CHEVRA KAVOD HAMET

Includes volunteers from Neveh Shalom, Havurah Shalom, Shir Tikvah, P’nai Or, Beth Israel, Shaarie Torah, Kol Ami and Beit Haverim, as well as the unaffiliated.

Chevrakavodhamet@gmail.com • chevrakavodhamet.org • 503-481-6716 CHEVRA KADISHA OF PORTLAND

Includes volunteers from Kesser Israel, Chabad of Oregon, Beit Yosef, Shaarie Torah and other congregations, as well as the unaffiliated.

Michael Rosenberg: michael@cashcoloan.com • 503-519-2454 HESED SHEL EMET

Oregon Jewish Indigent Burial Society

Debbi Bodie, Program Administrator: 503-423-7845

jewishportland.org/ourcommunity/hesed-shel-emet KAVOD NICHUM

National chevra organization: jewish-funerals.org

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Shiru L’Adonai, shir hadash:

Koleinu revitalizes local Jewish choral music

By Elizabeth Schwartz

Becca Stuhlbarg directs Koleinu, a Jewish choir. Photo by Duncan Gilman

48 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

a couple of visits to Rose Schnitzer Manor to sing for residents If you grew up in a Reform or Conservative synagogue in there.

North America and you are over a certain age, chances are your This past summer, Stuhlbarg was one of four Conducting shul had a choir. Choral music was an integral part of Reform Fellows at the North American Jewish Choral Festival, an and Conservative worship for much of the 20th century. Most annual event in the Catskills sponsored by the Zamir Choral synagogues had a congregational choir; some also boasted Foundation and led by its founder, Matthew Lazar. The festival, youth choirs and/or professional ensembles. now in its 27th year, brings together hundreds of professional The rich tradition of Jewish choral music stretches back to and amateur singers, conductors and cantors for five days of King David, who is credited with forming the first instrumental intense music making, with daily concerts and rehearsals that and vocal ensembles for use in worship services in the Temple stretch late into the night. in Jerusalem. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E., the rabbis abolished most of the worship practices from the Temple era, including the musical innovations King David had introduced. Jewish choral music emerged again in the late Renaissance during the early Baroque period with the music of Italian Jewish composer Salamone Rossi, known as “El Ebreo,” (The Hebrew). By the 19th century, choral music had become a central aspect of Reform synagogue services; composers such as Louis Lewandowski, who wrote in the grand operatic tradition of Jules Massenet and Giuseppe Verdi, created lavish four-part arrangements of liturgical settings to enhance the worship experience. Some 19th-century Orthodox congregations, following the example of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, formed male a capella (unaccompanied) choirs, as well.

Over the last 40 years, choral music has been supplanted in many congregations by more contemporary and participatory styles of music, but the choral repertoire – along with those who want to sing it – remains. Conductor Becca Stuhlbarg is reviving Jewish choral music Binyumen Schaechter talks with to Koleinu Choir director Becca Stuhlbarg at the Jewish in Portland, both within and outside worship Choral Festival in New York about his passion to bring Yiddish language, music and theater to services, as leader of Koleinu (Our Voice), a new life. He conducts the Jewish People’s Philharmonic Chorus. Becca received a full scholarship and airfare to attend the Jewish Choral Festival in New York this Summer. Photo courtesy of choir based at Congregation Neveh Shalom.

Becca Stuhlbarg Koleinu, which formed in November 2015, is a non-audition choir open to all; CNS membership is not required.

“Having the opportunity to work with Mati was really spe“Anyone who can commit to Monday night rehearsals is cial,” says Stuhlbarg. “His passion for the music, his knowledge welcome,” says Stuhlbarg. “We are still accepting new members, of the repertoire and his insistence on being true to the music especially men.” reminded me that I can demand a high level of concentration Tenors and basses are in short supply within Koleinu, as is and devotion to the music from my own singers.” the case for community choirs everywhere. The choir currently Stuhlbarg’s repertoire highlights from last summer’s festival boasts almost 20 members; Stuhlbarg hopes for a group of 25, include “Unter di Churves” (Shaul Berezovsky/Itsik Manger, with balanced sections, that will eventually be able to tackle arr. Gil Aldema); “Yefey Nof ” (Paul Ben-Haim/Yehuda Halevi) some of the more challenging works in the repertoire. and works by contemporary young composers Samuel Dylan “I like to push my singers, but not push them too far,” StuhlRosner and Ari Sussman. barg explains. “Their musicianship level varies, but most are beAs a fellow, Stuhlbarg had the opportunity to conduct the ginners. For some, this is their first choral experience, but I see Next Dor choir, whose members include high school- and colthe choir as a place for members to learn and grow as singers.” lege-age singers, and to hear members of HaZamir choirs from To that end, Stuhlbarg, who holds both bachelor’s and around the country. master’s degrees in music from the University of California at “It was really inspiring to hear the younger people in HaZSanta Cruz, incorporates lessons in proper vocal technique and amir and see how passionate they are about the music. It gives musicianship into every rehearsal. me hope that Jewish choral music will continue to evolve and Koleinu is currently working on music for CNS’s congregagrow,” says Stuhlbarg. “There is a future for Jewish choral music tional Hanukkah party on Dec. 28. In 2017, the group will be in synagogue services as well as in the concert hall.” featured in some of CNS’s regular services; they will also make OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 49

Author Ellen Eisenberg greets Rita Philip before signing her copy of The Jewish Oregon Story.

Book launch draws enthusiastic crowd

By Deborah Moon

The long-anticipated sequel to The Jews of Oregon: 1850-1950 received a rave review by the man who was the driving force in its creation.

Rabbi Joshua Stampfer was speaking to a crowd that had begun arriving nearly an hour before the launch party for The Jewish Oregon Story 1950-2010 was slated to begin. “We are rejoicing to have in our hands this remarkable account of our community from 1950 to 2010,” he said.

Rabbi Stampfer described the first book by Steven Lowenstein, z’l, as “sheer pleasure with hundreds of beautiful pictures” and

Paul and Alice Meyer and Rabbi Joshua Stampfer sit in the front row of a room at the Oregon Historical Society crowded with 165 people, who turned out for the book launch of The Jewish Oregon Story 1950-2010.

50 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

stories. But he praised author Ellen Eisenberg for providing something even more important – an understanding of history – in the second book. Rabbi Stampfer received one of the first copies off the presses at Oregon State University Press, which published the book in cooperation with the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education.

“It is one thing to know history – when, where and what happened – but to me it is more important to know why,” said the rabbi, who founded the OJMCHE and several other organizations profiled in the book. “She enabled me to understand why the Oregon Jewish community is the kind of

community it is. … I wanted to know (the) why to plan for a better future. This is what she provided me and what you have in store for you.”

Alice Meyer, who chaired the committee to commission and publish the sequel, had introduced Rabbi Stampfer by saying, “His vision, his enthusiasm and his determination brought this book to fruition.”

The book was commissioned by OJMCHE as a sequel to the first book published in 1987, but Ellen describes it as a companion piece to her own 2015 book Embracing a Western Identity: Jewish Oregonians 1849-1950, which has a similar thematic approach to history rather than the chronological community history of Lowenstein’s work. “Book two is a sequel to both,” she said.

Noting this was her first foray into recent history, Ellen said it was exciting to celebrate with so many, yet also “terrifying to talk about history to people who were there.”

Without the archives of the OJMCHE and its records from the Jewish Historical Society of Oregon, Ellen said the book would not have been possible. In the countless hours she spent in the archives, she said she learned “things look different here.” She said Oregon’s Jewish community reflects both national Jewish trends and the journey of Oregon “from staid to hip.”

“The Jewish community influenced and reflected those changes,” she said.

The Jewish Oregon Story is available online at ojmche.org/ books/the-jewish-oregon-story for $24.95; shipping is $2.

AC 2 ANDERSON

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH

COOPER

&

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

ANDY

COHEN

DEEP TALK AND SHALLOW TALES

SERIES

T he F uture Show

by Deborah Pearson

December 1-4 “As soon as I finish speaking you will clap. Even those of you who were a bit bored will clap because it’s a comfortable way to signal an ending.” With these words, Deborah Pearson begins to tell the future in one sitting; starting with the end of the performance and finishing at the end of her life. Obsessively rewritten for every new performance (and consequently every new future), this show examines the uncertainty and fragility of what lies ahead for us all.

GIVE THE GIFT OF THEATRE! Our Flex Passes make the perfect holiday gift and cost 20% less than our regular ticket price.

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Join Cohen and Cooper for an unscripted, uncensored and unforgettable night of conversation

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OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 51

The Commissar on film and in print Nov. 20

One of the most important films of the Soviet era and a new companion piece about the film will share the spotlight at the Northwest Film Center this month.

Filmed in 1966 and ’67, but kept from release for 20 years, “The Commissar” will be screened in Portland at 4 pm, Nov. 20, at NWFC’s Whitsell Auditorium, 1219 SW Park Ave. Reed College Professor Marat Grinberg, the author of the first book companion to the film, will introduce the film and answer questions following the screening. Copies of his new book, Aleksandr Askoldov: The Commissar, will be available for purchase and signing. The event is co-sponsored by the Portland Jewish Film Festival.

The film is based on a short story by Vasily Grossman.

It tells of a female Red Army commissar who is forced to stay with a Jewish family near the front lines during the 1920s battle between the Red and White Armies as she waits to give birth. The film drew the ire of censors 52 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

for its frank portrayal of the violence faced by Russian Jews in the wake of the revolution.

Grinberg’s book is the first companion piece to the film in any language. It recounts the film’s plot and turbulent production history, and it also offers a close analysis of the artistic vision of its director, Aleksandr Askoldov, and the ways that viewers can trace in the film not only his complex aesthetics, but also the personal crises he endured in the years leading up to the film. The result is an indispensable companion to an unforgettable film.

Grinberg received BAs in comparative literature from Columbia University and in modern Jewish studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1999, and his Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of Chicago in 2006.

He is a professor of Russian, humanities and comparative literature at Reed, where he also teaches Jewish literature. He is a scholar of Jewish literature and film. He and his wife, Marianna, have two children – a son in second grade at Portland Jewish Academy and a 4-month-old daughter.

He is also the author of I am to be Read not from Left to Right, but in Jewish: from Right to Left: The Poetics of Boris Slutsky. He co-edited Woody on Rye: Jewishness in the Films and Plays of Woody Allen.

Published by Intellect and distributed by the University of Chicago Press, Aleksandr Askoldov: The Commissar will be released nationally on Nov. 28. The 112-page paperback is available for $28.50.

Marat Grinberg

[Israel]

The power of Hadassah returns to Portland

By Deborah Moon

Portland’s Hadassah Chapter is important – so important that the director of Hadassah in Israel came to Portland to help reinvigorate the chapter.

Barbara “BG” Goldstein hadn’t been in Portland for 38 years, even though her grandfather, Bert Simon, was born here in 1880. But when her friend, Peg Elefant, president of Hadassah’s Pacific Northwest Region, asked, BG came.

On Sept. 15 at Hotel deLuxe, BG, Peg and Portland Chapter President Diane Lindemann presented an evening of information, dessert and prizes designed to get past members and a new generation of women interested in Hadassah. The 104-year-old women’s Zionist organization supports Hadassah medical and youth and social programs in Israel and advocates for women’s rights and Israel in America. Hadassah activity in Portland had dwindled since the chapter’s office in Multnomah Village closed about three years ago.

Now Peg and Diane, with BG’s support, are inspiring renewed activity. Diane grew up in Hadassah with her mother Ruth serving as Portland Chapter president. She said she was drawn back to the organization when she saw Hadassah’s new slogan, “Hadassah: the power of women who do.”

And Hadassah does do. Hadassah provided the first modern medicine in the land of Israel over 100 years ago. Since then Hadassah established Israel’s first teaching hospital, nursing and dental schools, cancer center, burn unit, trauma unit and embryonic stem cell research center. Indicative of Hadassah Medical Organization’s commitment to treating all, Hadassah maintains the only bone marrow registry for Arabs in the world.

“Hadassah by policy serves everybody,” says Peg. “Politics stay outside. We treat people.”

The evening’s program included a video of the breakthroughs in stem cell research to combat ALS, multiple sclerosis, macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s. BG says many U.S. hospitals started partnerships with HMO when U.S. policy banned federal funding for most stem cell research from 2001 to 2009.

“Hadassah is the power of women who created a nation after 2,000 years of exile,” says BG. On Hadassah’s 100th anniversary, she was asked to light one of the 12 torches representing the 12 tribes of Israel on Mt. Herzl at the Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day) celebration.

“I felt the 300,000 women of Hadassah there with me.”

BG says she is involved with Hadassah because, “I was handed Israel on a silver platter.”

She adds, “But the creation of the state is only the beginning

Keren Hoover, of Beaverton, and Barbara Van Raalte, who lives at Mirabella Retirement Community, both won raffle prizes at the Sept. 15 Hadassah gathering.

From left, Peg Elefant, Barbara Goldstein and Diane Lindemann are excited about Hadassah’s future in Portland and Israel.

to the total renaissance of the spirit of the Jewish people. … The Jewish state is given to us, but it comes with the privilege of responsibility.”

And now Portland Hadassah is once again stepping up to participate in that responsibility. “Portland is renewing,” says Peg.

Portland Hadassah

March 1 Program: Bikkur Cholim Project launch featuring Letty Cottin Pogrebin, author of How to be a friend to a friend who’s sick.

Contacts:

Diana Lindemann, Portland chapter 503-312-2530 | pnwregion@hadassah.org Peg Elefant, Pacific NW Region president pelefant@hadassah.org | Hadassah.org/pnw OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 53

[Israel]

Shared Vision, Shared Values at the IAC conference

Oregon Jewish Life Publisher Cindy Saltzman was among the 2,100 activists and leaders who descended on Washington, DC, Sept. 24-26 for the Israeli-America Council’s sold out national conference. Israeli and Jewish Americans gathered for three energizing days of inspiring lectures, workshops, panels and activities presented by 180 thought leaders from across the nation, Israel and around the world.

“U.S. & Israel: Shared Vision. Shared Values” was the theme of one evening that included an Ambassadors Fireside Chat with three of Israel’s most distinguished diplomats – former UN Ambassador Ron Prosor, former UN Ambassador and the current Director General of the Foreign Ministry Dore Gold, and former U.S. Ambassador and the current Deputy Minister for Diplomacy Michael Oren.

“We are seeing a revolutionary change in Israel’s foreign relations,” said Oren, citing growing relationships in East Asia, Africa and the Arab world. “We enhance life around the world because our message is that we are the same – we represent the same values, the same liberties, the same freedoms.”

The week after the conference, the Jerusalem Post recognized Adam Milstein, IAC co-founder and chair, as one of the 50 most influential Jewish figures who have made an impact in the world over the last year, and have the potential to effect change in years to come. Launched in 2007, IAC is now active in more than 27 states, we are the fastest-growing Jewish organization in America.

“This award is a testament to the historic accomplishments of the Israeli-American community in recent years,” said Milstein.

1

1 Oregon Jewish Life magazine’s Publisher, Cindy Saltzman (far left) was joined by the Phoenix contingent at the conference including (from left) Stuart Wachs, Ronny Urman, Sigal Nini Urman, Susan Bondy and Shahar Edry.

2 Tamir Pinkus outside the conference in Washington, DC with Jonathan Grunin, Los Angeles Fellow at AIPAC 54 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

2

Congregation Neveh Shalom invites you join us for The First Annual Yoni Suher (z”l) Scholar in Residence Weekend with:

Arnold Roth Saturday, Nov 12, 7:00pm Out of the Screaming Silence: In the Crosshairs of the Terrorist’s Weapons 3

4

Free and open to all

nevehshalom.org/arnoldroth ~ 503.246.8831 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland, OR. 97239

5 3 On Sept. 25, Senator Charles Schumer addressed the crowd stating the “U.S. should never use the UN as a forum to put pressure on Israel.”

There’s never been a better time to be a member of the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education.

4 Former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani.

5 Co-founder and Chair Adam Milstein, left, interviews entrepreneur and philanthropist Sheldon G Adelson, CEO and chair of Las Vegas Sands Corporation.

6 Cindy Saltzman with Jonathan S. Kessler, Director of Strategic Initiatives, AIPAC.

As we move towards the June 2017 Grand Opening of our new home we invite you to join us in behind the scenes tours, collaborative programming across the city, and the joy of being part of a community that is making a great Jewish organization thrive for years to come. Join online at www.ojmche.org As of November 1, OJMCHE administrative offices are located at our new home, 724 NW Davis Street.

6

503-226-3600 | 724 NW Davis Street, Portland 97209 | www.ojmche.org OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 55

Home & ifestyle L Photos courtesy of Gardener's Supply Co.

Four easy care gardening decor and gift trends

By Melinda Myers

56 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

Succulents

Growing succulents is another low-maintenance garden trend that is perfect for busy gardeners. Just place them in a sunny window and water whenever the soil is dry. It’s truly as easy as that.

The small scale cacti and succulents provide a multitude of opportunities for incorporating into your celebrations. You won’t need much space to enjoy the subtle colors and dramatic form of these drought tolerant plants. Just select containers that complement, but don’t overpower their charm.

Another idea is to dress up the table by making them into place cards for your guests. Simply add a name to the decorative pot. Or display them all together in a copper plant tray, terra cotta saucer or other shallow container to use as a centerpiece throughout the evening. When dinner is over, each guest can pick their own plant to take home.

Air Plants

Dress up your home for Thanksgiving or Hanukkah or give gifts that keep giving throughout the year with these low-maintenance gardening trends.

Just add a little fun, classic beauty or style to make it even more memorable now and throughout the year.

Terrariums These mini greenhouses continue to grow in popularity and are perfect for new or timid gardeners. Just plant a few small tropical plants, moisten the soil, close the lid and you have a self-contained growing chamber. Show off your green thumb with a modern, classic or vintage style vessel.

Use the gazebo tabletop terrarium, classic bell jar or another mini garden as a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dining table or buffet. Or create a miniature garden in a glass to give as a hostess gift.

When the party is over, it’s a great memento of a fun gathering.

Unique and amazing air plants are all the rage and could certainly be described as the definitive easy-care plant. Many are native to rainforests where they grow in the canopy of trees, gathering water and nutrients that pass by. No soil is needed for these versatile plants. Just hang them in a bright location and soak in tepid non-softened water once every week or two.

Display them in an open terrarium, shell or other decorative container.

They make great centerpieces or stunning displays.

Pothos, Philodendron and Ivy

These plants have long been low-maintenance favorites of the indoor garden. This year, consider dressing them up with artificial flowers and greens.

Or display them in unique containers, baskets or hangers. Go retro and macramé a colorful hanger for your favorite hanging basket. Or place the pot in an earthy woven basket, sleek plastic pot or classic round copper wire globe hanging basket. Add some fairy lights for a bit more sparkle.

Make Thanksgiving and Hannukah bright and memorable with the help of these low-maintenance garden trends and plants. You, your family and friends will enjoy their beauty, charm and easy care nature throughout the new year ahead.

Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of gardening experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. Visit melindamyers.com for more gardening videos and tips.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 57

[Young Adult]

Sharon Ungerleider, center, receives a plaque honoring her contributions to Hillel. From left are Shoshana Ungerleider, Hillel International Board Chair Tina Price, Sharon, Ariel Kelley and Hillel International CEO Eric Fingerhut.

By Andrew Goldberg

Celebrating Hillel and Sharon Ungerleider

The impact Hillel has on Jewish identity on campus and the role Sharon Ungerleider has played in that mission was cause for celebration Sept. 7 in Portland.

Members of the Oregon Jewish community joined together at the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland for a special event honoring Sharon’s commitment to the Oregon Jewish community and her $1 million legacy endowment supporting the Oregon Hillel Foundation.

The celebration attracted several prominent members of the Oregon Jewish community, including Jewish Federation of Greater Portland CEO Marc Blattner who explained the community turned out to “celebrate the generosity of Sharon Ungerleider … and to celebrate Jewish college life.”

Hillel International CEO Eric Fingerhut took a break from overseeing more than 600 Hillels internationally to come to Oregon to express his gratitude toward Sharon. “Tonight is a very special night because, first of all, Hillels at University of Oregon and in Portland are very important Hillels,” said 58 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

Fingerhut. “They’re growing, vibrant and the number of Jewish students that we are here to serve is growing. So it’s very important for me to be here.”

He added he came to help honor Sharon, “a legend in the entire Hillel movement.”

A longtime member of the board of Hillel International and a strong leader for UO Hillel, Sharon recently announced a gift of $1 million in her legacy bequest and will to the University of Oregon Hillel.

“I wanted to come here and thank Sharon personally and honor her,” Fingerhut said.

He also shared his hopes that the event shined a light on all the things Hillel does to help students “navigate the challenging moments that exist on college campuses today.”

Noting that 85% of Jewish college-age young adults attend college or university, he said it is important they have both the support to feel secure on campus and be part of the larger community, while also finding a strong Jewish community.

“College is a time of forming identity,” Fingerhut said. He added that as a pluralistic movement, Hillel helps students

understand that “You are connected to a long line of Jewish people.”

For 93 years Hillel has offered a place for students to feel “safe, comfortable and welcomed.” In addition to providing enriching Jewish connections, he said Hillel also works to protect students “from what some see as a policy debate (anti-Israel BDS movement),” but one that spurs “aggressive attacks on Jewish students.”

“We can’t do this by ourselves,” he said. “We need help and support. Sharon is a role model for that. But every one of us in our own way can do something to help support this movement.”

Indeed, those seemed to be the themes for the evening: not just gratitude, but the idea that everyone can do their part to help Hillels – and the Jewish students they serve – survive and thrive.

One of the event’s speakers was Josh Losner, a recent U of O graduate. A former AEPi president and Oregon Hillel board member, who now works in the realm of Israel advocacy, Josh flew in to express his gratitude to Sharon. He said Sharon is known for being a mentor to students who want to get involved in Israel advocacy, specifically the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. “We all do great things, but sometimes we forget to celebrate the end product. And the end product of this is (Oregon Hillel Foundation Executive Director) Andy Gitelson, is Rhonda (Kruschen, director) from PDX Hillel, is me, is you. It’s all the people who have been empowered and all the people who have been motivated and influenced by Sharon Ungerleider. And so not only is gratification important – because, yeah, you know, at the dinner table it’s great to thank your mom for dinner – but also, it brings the best out of people. It’s uplifting. It makes people believe that they too can make a difference,” said Josh.

As for Sharon herself, she wanted the event to move its attendees to look toward the future for Jewish youth. “I’m hoping we instilled a sense of passion for what an investment in Hillel can produce, not only in a community like Portland or Eugene, but really in the entire Jewish world. This group had a chance to glimpse a few students who are doing extraordinary work domestically and internationally to advance the future of the Jewish people and its connection to Israel,” she said.

She stressed Hillel encourages students to build on their passions and connect to their history and culture.

“But most importantly I hope the takeaway is Israel as a central role, certainly not as a country but as something that unites our people. A sense of destiny. And I think the speakers we heard tonight spoke to that. And so I’m glad that I could be part of bringing that conversation forward,” she said.

Sharon said she hopes other people at the event will step forward and get involved in Hillel and find a way to connect with Millennials.

“Become their friend like I have,” she said. “It’s about being a friend where you are, infusing the future, sending a message.”

She concluded, “And it is a total blast. The takeaway is, this kind of work is really fun. And if you’re a Jewish leader, go out and have some fun.”

A journalism student at the University of Oregon, Andrew Goldberg is working as a communications intern with UO Hillel this school year.

Survey finds ‘Hillel Effect’ on Jewish students

Students’ interactions with their campus Hillels correlate to a significant increase in the students’ positive connections with Jewish life concluded a study by Hillel International.

Hillel’s 2016 survey of more than 10,000 Jewish college students from across North America and the former Soviet Union found that the students’ connections to Jewish life grows with each interaction. At least six interactions with Hillel programs and staff per year produced the strongest result.

To calculate the unique “Hillel effect” on students, the research factored out prior Jewish experiences students had before college. In every area of desired Jewish growth, Hillel was found to have a medium to high effect. The results of this survey highlight the impact engaging with Hillel has on students and suggests that participation with Hillel programming can inspire many Jewish students to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.

“Our survey shows that with each engagement with a local Hillel on campus, our students feel more connected to their heritage and more interested in engaging in Jewish life. That is why Hillel’s engagement programs are so important,” said Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of Hillel International.

KEY FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY INCLUDE: • 38% of students surveyed reported that they participate in six or more Hillel activities per year, while 18% engaged with Hillel four or five times.

• Six interactions with Hillel correlated with significantly more engagement in Jewish life, in a way that is comparable to a single Birthright Israel trip or other highimpact experience.

• The survey found engagement with Hillel can significantly grow a student’s Jewish knowledge and connection to Jewish life, while increasing their Jewish social network.

• Interactions with Hillel raised students’ appreciation for Judaism’s centrality in their lives as well as their connection to Israel.

The research was conducted as part of Hillel’s Drive to Excellence, a data-driven effort to improve the organization’s reach and engagement with students on campus.

“Hillel’s measurement program equips our campus professionals with the data necessary to develop the programs and initiatives that can engage students on every campus Hillel,” Fingerhut said.

Founded in 1923, Hillel has been enriching the lives of Jewish students for more than 90 years. Hillel’s most recent survey of Jewish college students was conducted in February 2016 at 48 Hillels, representing 73 campuses. The study was led by Rosov Consulting. More information on the report is available at Hillel.org.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 59

JKids & Teens too

The Portland JWRP Leadership Conference delegation from left to right: Sandy Nemer, Paula Garfinkle Reed, Jodi Garber-Simon, Eve Levy, Lee Lazarus, Allison Sherman and Janine Kurnoff.

60 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

Portland moms attend Jewish leadership conference

Seven Jewish mothers from Portland participated in the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Leadership Conference, Sept. 18-20, in College Park, MD. Allison Sherman, Janine Gottheiner, Lee Lazarus, Eve Levy, Sandy Nemer, Paula Reed and Jodi Garber-Simon attended from Oregon.

The conference, held in collaboration with Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, gathered Jewish women from across the world to hone their leadership skills and create a global Jewish women’s movement. The annual conference was launched in 2013 with 65 participants from the United States, Canada and Mexico. It has grown to include some 300 people from nine countries – Australia, Cuba, Greece, Israel, Panama, Russia, Spain, South Africa and the U.S. – this year.

Portland sisters Janine and Lee, of the communications consulting firm the Presentation Company, were among the featured speakers. In their presentation, “Visually Telling Your Story,” Janine shared many ways to visualize information.

Other speakers included Mindy Scheier, founder of Runway of Dreams, who joined the first JWRP Fashion trip this summer; Ariel Halevi, founder and co-owner of Vayomar, an Israel-based communications consulting firm; Charlie Harary, an entrepreneur, philanthropist and leader of the JWRP Momentum men's trips; Gidi Grinstein, founder and president of the Reut Institute, a non-profit strategy group focusing on Israel and Jewish issues; and Dr. Zeev Ben Shachar, director of Israel education at Hebrew University.

Allison, one of the Oregon participants, called the experience “an amazing weekend of motivation and encouragement on how to excel at your passion.” She said the speakers provided tools to realize a life goal. “Don't doubt yourself. If you have a dream or an idea, go for it. If you fail, get up and do it again. Let fear propel you to take the chance, not avoid it. Know yourself and (your) uniqueness and use it to succeed.”

The JWRP brings Jewish mothers on life-changing Momentum trips to Israel, with support from Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, to inspire them to change the world. Since 2009, more than 8,000 Jewish mothers from 150 partner organizations in 26 countries spanning five continents, Australia, Africa, Europe, North America and South America, have experienced the Momentum trips.

Participants commit to getting involved in activities when they return home, including community events, Israel engagement programs, Jewish education, global learning, leadership development and Momentum Israel missions for husbands.

“I loved reconnecting with people I'd met on my two JWRP trips to Israel,” says Portland mom Jodi. “It was also fantastic to be at the conference with so many members of our Shine board (Portland women’s group). We learned some new strategies and ideas to help bring inspiring Jewish programming to Portland women. This was an amazing opportunity afforded to me by the Portland Kollel, and I am very grateful.”

The next trip for Portland Jewish women, who will be taking a trip with JWRP and the Portland Kollel, is Dec. 4-14. Two spots are available for the December trip. Portland will also participate in a November 2017 trip. Any Jewish woman with children under the age of 18 is eligible to apply for this experience of a lifetime. Contact Eve Levy for more information, 720-315-4267. Apply at jwrp.org/apply.

Classes for teens combine lessons on life and Judaism

By Polina Olsen

Julia Wolf takes driving seriously and attributes her skill to first-rate training. A junior at Lake Oswego High and an active member of Congregation Shaarie Torah, she says the driver’s education course she took through NCSY last year showed her the way.

“I got everything I needed about driving but was also around my Jewish friends,” she says about the class, which is being offered again this January. The first period was Jewish learning, and Rabbi Doovie brought up topics we could apply to our daily lives like kashrut, modesty and holidays. Then we had three hours in the classroom and three on the road.”

In fact, all three classes taught by NCSY this winter promise to benefit teens and their parents. Jewish Driver’s Education, Jewish Babysitter’s Club and Jewish ACT Prep will be partially subsidized and taught by ODOT driving instructors, the American Red Cross and the Princeton Review, respectively.

Rabbi Doovie Jacoby, Avivah Jacoby or Meira Spivak of NCSY will start each class by relating it to Jewish teachings.

“The idea behind the classes is instead of having teens do something extra that’s Jewish, we take something they’re doing

anyway and put it in a Jewish environment,” says Oregon NCSY/JSU Director Meira Spivak. “For the Driver’s Education class we add safety and health issues, anything from eating disorders to tattoos. For ACT Prep, we add discussions on test taking and the Jewish view of pressure and stress management.

In addition to getting a Red Cross First Aide certificate, teens in our babysitter’s class learn about Jewish bedtime routines, Jewish parenting and cooperation techniques. They’ll also receive Jewish books to read to children at bedtime, thanks to the generosity of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland.

The classes are all on Sundays, so they don’t conflict with other things, plus they’re subsidized and fun. We hope people will take advantage of the opportunity.”

All classes are held at the NCSY office, 6688 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland. Jewish Driver’s Education runs each Sunday from 11:45 am to 3:30 pm beginning Jan 8 and ending April 30; it costs $150 before Dec. 2 and $200 after. The Jewish Babysitter’s Club, open to 6th to 8th graders, runs from 9 am to 1 pm Jan. 9, 22 and 29 and costs $150. Jewish ACT Prep runs each Sunday beginning Jan. 8 and ending March 19 and costs $449. For more information or to register, visit oregon.ncsy.org.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 61

Kids & Teen

EVENTS November

RECURRING:

PJ STORY HOUR YAD B'YAD: 9:30-10:15 am Fridays at Rose Schnitzer Manor, 6140 SW Boundary St., Portland. Share in a weekly story hour for young families with music and PJ Library books with the residents of Cedar Sinai Park. rachelr@jewishportland.org or 503-892-7415

your friends and give your parents the night off! K-6th Graders. $25, $5 sibling discount. Drop off at BB Camp Office, 9400 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, #200. amansfield@bbcamp.org or 503-496-7444 ext. 7015

SHABBAT STORYTIME: 9:45-10:15 am, second Saturdays, at Congregation Shir Tikvah7550 NE Irving St., Portland. Free. Shabbat gathering of toddlers and theircaregivers. Best for kids up to age 5, although older siblings are welcome.Enjoy stories, songs and crafts that celebrate holidays and Jewish values.Stay afterwards for bagels and coffee with Rabbi Ariel Stone. 503-473-8227

Nov. 6

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

Nov. 5 & Dec 3 pm on select Saturdays:

KIDS NIGHT OUT WITH BB CAMP: 5-9 pm. Come hang out with

INFO DAY AT RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL 9727 SW Terwilliger Blvd., Portland.

503-262-4844 or Riverdaleschool.com

Nov. 8 & Dec. 7

PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE: 10-11:30

am Sundays at New Seasons, 3445 N Williams Ave., Portland. Share in a weekly story hour for families with music and PJ Library Books. rachelr@ jewishportland.org or 503-892-7415

MONTHLY HEBREW STORY HOUR WITH PJ LIBRARY:

2:30 pm every second Sunday at the Hillsboro Public Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Pkwy., Hillsboro. rachelr@jewishportland.org or 503-892-7415

am at PJA, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy. Come tour LIVE! A fully accredited Community Jewish Day School offering early childhood care, preschool, Kindergarten - 8th grade, and after-school care. Inge Hoogerhuis: 503-2440126 or ihoogerhuis@pjaproud.org

TORAH YOGA: 10:30 am-noon every second Saturday at Congregation Shaarie Torah, 920 NW 25th Ave., Portland. 503-226-6131

Nov. 9-11 & 23, Dec. 23 & 26-30

CHAI BABY + PJ LIBRARY INDOOR PLAYGROUND:

BB BREAKS: 9 am-5pm. Spend the mornings running and playing at

PDX Sportscenter and go on a field trip in the afternoon. 1st-6th graders. $55 per day. Drop off at BB Camp Office, 9400 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, #200. bbcamp.org/bb-breaks, amansfield@bbcamp.org or 503-4967444 ext. 7015

Nov. 20

BAGEL NOSH AND STORY TIME: 1 pm in the PJA Library, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy. 503-244-0111

A LITTLE SHABBAT: 5-6:30 pm every third Friday at at Congregation Shaarie Torah, 920 NW 25th Ave., Portland. 503-226-6131

10 am-noon, every first Thursday at the MJCC, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy. For parents and their children up to 5 years old. Playing, running, meeting new and old friends, snacks. Free. 503-244-0111

NOMINATE THE 2017 HARRY GLICKMAN SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Applications must be submitted by midnight, Nov. 30, 2016.

The Oregon Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and the Mittleman Jewish Community Center are seeking applications for a male and a female high school student as its Harry Glickman Scholar Athletes of the Year.

Any Jewish scholar athlete who lives in Oregon and is a junior or senior in high school is eligible. Applicants will be judged on academic and athletic achievements as well as his or her commitment to community service.

One male student and one female student will be selected for the award and will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2017 MJCC Friends of the Center Brunch. Winners will also receive public recognition at the MJCC, a commemorative plaque and a monetary award.

For questions, contact MJCC Program Director Len Steinberg at 503-5353555 or email lsteinberg@oregonjcc.org. For more information or to apply: oregonjcc.org/sports/harry-glickman-scholar-athlete-award.

SEEKING SOCIALLY MINDED JEWISH TEENS FOR $36,000 AWARDS

The Helen Diller Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties, is now accepting nominations for the 2017 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards. Now in its 10th year, the prestigious national award recognizes up to 15 Jewish teens annually with $36,000 each for demonstrating exceptional leadership and spearheading dynamic social change. Up to five teens from California and 10 from other communities across the United States will be acknowledged for their philanthropic efforts.

The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards began in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2007 as the vision of Bay Area philanthropist Helen Diller. The awards recognize Jewish teens demonstrating and exemplifying the spirit of tikkun olam, a central Jewish value meaning “to repair the world.” Since its origin in 2007, the program has awarded over $3 million to 84 teens in recognition of their vision, compassion, innovation, and demonstrated ability to lead.

Teachers, civic leaders, rabbis – anyone interested in nominating a teen – or any teen interested in self-nominating, can visit dillerteenawards.org to begin the nomination/application process. The deadline for nominations is Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017.

Complete the simple online form at dillerteenawards.org. For more information, email dillerteenawards@sfjcf.org or call 415-512-6432.

62 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

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Scholar in Residence enriches community and memorializes Yoni Suher, z”l

By Deborah Moon

Living

Yoni Suher Memorial Scholar in Residence

SCHEDULE: Nov. 11 & 12 (Shabbat services): Terrorism Through the Eyes of the People it Impacts; Personal and Communal Reflections.

Nov. 12, 7 pm: Out of the Screaming Silence: In the Crosshairs of the Terrorist’s Weapons.

Nov. 13, 3 pm: Keren Malki Foundation.

Expanding options in home health-care for families with severely disabled children. Healthcare professionals, social workers and parents are encouraged to attend.

WHERE: Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland.

CONTACT: 503-246-8831

Brian Suher and Arnold Roth share a connection no one wants to have – they both lost loved one’s to a terrorist bomb.

Arnold Roth, whose 15-year-old daughter was killed in a 2001 bombing in Jerusalem, seemed a natural choice for the first Yoni Suher (z”l) Memorial Scholar-in-Residence program, according to Yoni’s uncle, Brian, currently a member of Congregation Neveh Shalom’s board.

Born in Portland, Yoni was one of three Israeli tourists killed in a terrorist bombing in Turkey in March. The father of two was on vacation with his wife, Inbal, to celebrate his 40th birthday.

Inbal was also wounded in the attack and spent nearly 30 days in the hospital.

Roth will present a series of talks Nov. 11-13 at Congregation Neveh Shalom (see box). The weekend is sponsored by the The Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund in memory of Yoni Suher (z”l).

“We don’t imagine terror will be the only topic in the future,” says Brian. “Future programs will look at timely topics. This year we are starting with Arnold Roth, a knowledgeable, involved speaker who brings a different perspective. Nobody seems to have answers on a global basis.”

Following Malki’s murder, Roth and his wife, Frimet, Yoni Suher, z”l, with his wife, Inbal; son, immersed themselves in researching, writing and speaking Ori, 7; and daughter Goni, 9. about terror. The couple jointly blog about This Ongoing War (thisongoingwar.blogspot.com). Roth has written and spoken extensively about terrorism’s impact. He has been an invited speaker at the United Nations and the US Congress.

But this inaugural year will also reach beyond terrorsim and include a lecture by Roth on one of his other interests.

“He’s very involved with chesed, Jewish values,” says Brian of Roth. “We wanted to share his interest and mission to work with families with severely disabled children and find alternatives to institutionalization.”

As a memorial to their daughter, the Roths created Keren Malki, the Malki Foundation, in September 2001. It Arnold Roth addresses the United provides substantial practical support to thousands of Israeli Nations holding a photo of his daughter, Malka Chana, who was killed in a families (Christians, Moslems, Jewish and Druze) who terrorist bombing in Jerusalem. choose to care at home for their special-needs child rather than hand the child off to institutional care.

Yoni’s father, Randy Suher, was a member of Neveh Shalom. Yoni’s grandmother and Brian’s mother, Ethel Suher, was a longtime director of the congregation’s Foundation School; she now lives in Seattle. Yoni was born in Portland. The family were members of Neveh Shalom, but moved to Israel when Yoni was 1.

Brian’s family has long been active in Portland’s Jewish community. His father, Ted, z”l, served as president of Neveh Shalom. Brian, who is married to Barbara Atlas, has one son and two stepsons. His stepson Walker Clark is active with the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and Neveh Shalom.

When Brian heard of Yoni’s death, he the first flight he could get on for Israel. He says Neveh Shalom Rabbis Daniel Isaak (emeritus) and David Kosak asked if he wanted to have a memorial service in Portland when he returned, but “I asked if we could think of other things.

“I talked to the family and we decided this (memorial lecture) was a much more meaningful way to move into the future,” says Brian. Since the family has a deep commitment to education, “Bringing a scholar and helping us all be more enriched was our solution.”

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 63

JLiving

FACES &FACES PLACES & PLACES

CEMETERY CLEANUP —Albany Jewish Cemetery got a facelife Aug. 25 when 21 volunteers from Corvallis, Salem and Philomath gathered for a second day dedicated to monument restoration. This The volunteers worked wonders with water and toothbrushes (the tools of choice for removing unwanted build-up in headstone crevices). After the High Holy Days, the group will work on a website to make information about the cemetery and the pioneers buried there accessible electronically.

WOMEN’S EVENT BRUNCH – Jane Weitzman signs copies of her book Art & Sole at the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Women’s Brunch Oct. 16. JFGP Women’s Philanthropy co-chairs are (from left) Wendy Kahn, Joanne Van Ness Menashe (director of Women's Philanthropy), Carolyn Weinstein, event speaker Jane Weitzman, Joyce Mendelsohn, Elizabeth Menashe, and (not pictured) Sharon Weil and Priscilla Kostiner.

COME TOGETHER – Congregation Beth Israel's Come Together chairs Bianca and Tony Urdes along with Rabbi Michael Cahana and Rabbi Rachel Joseph welcome a packed house on Sept. 18 at The Exchange Ballroom. In addition to wonderful entertainment by the band Britishmania, sponsors and guests Came Together to raise more than $230,000 to support valuable programs and services offered by CBI. 64 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

MULTICULTURAL HOLY DAY CHORUS – Eileen Heaton, music director for the Chorus Line in Bend’s Tower Theatre, sings with Temple Beth Tikvah chorus: from left, Lauren Olander (flute), Julie Geveshausen (keyboard and harp), Jo Booser (flute/violin), Rabbi Johanna Hershenson (blowing the ritual shofar to bring in the New Year) and Eileen Heaton (standing). The group (standing from left are Jo Booser, Eileen Heaton, Rabbi Johanna Hershenson, Julie Geveshausen and Lauren Olander) performed at TBT’s High Holy Day services. Eileen has been singing at Shabbat services at TBT since January The Hebrew in the songs of prayer reminds her of Latin’s integral role in her Catholic experience. Through her affiliation with the musicians of TBT, Eileen has come to see that the Jewish religion is really a connection of people, not defined by a building in which to pray.

PREVIEWS PREVIEWS

Previews

PREVIEWS

Hold These Truths on stage through Nov. 13

this event.

The Taste of Art Preview Party and Sale will be 7-9:30 pm, Nov. 5. The Celebration of Art Sale runs 10:30-4:30 pm, Nov. 6. Admission to both events is free.

503-244-0111 | northwestjewishartists.org

Portland Center Stage presents two plays during November that are well worth a look.

On stage through Nov. 13, Hold These Truths is a timely example of what can happen in America when racism and hysteria come together.

During World War II, University of Washington student Gordon Hirabayashi Come to J for Books, Bagels and fights the government’s orders to forcibly remove and mass incarcerate Hanukkah Gift Fair Nov. 20 all people of Japanese ancestry on the West Coast. As he struggles to The Mittleman Jewish Community Center hosts a double celebration of reconcile his country’s betrayal with his passionate belief in the U.S. Jewish Book Month.

Constitution, Hirabayashi journeys toward a greater understanding of Enjoy a bagel nosh and story time in the PJA Library at 11 am, Nov. 20.

America’s triumphs – and a confrontation with its failures. Since the Books will be just one of the treasures you can find at the Hanukkah Gift play’s critically acclaimed world premiere in Los Angeles in 2007, director Fair the same day from 10 am to 2 pm. About 20 vendors are expected to Jessica Kubzansky and actor Ryun Yu offer an array of treasures perfect for Hanukkah gift giving. have partnered on several productions of Craft and fine artists will share their creations along with Hold These Truths, most recently at Act music and books galore.

Theatre in Seattle.

A latke lunch will be available at Cafe at the J. “When I discovered Gordon’s story in the 503-244-0111 | oregonjcc.org late 1990s – so full of heartbreak, but also his irrepressible humor and zest for Sephardic Film Festival life – it was a life-changing experience,” schedule announced says playwright Jeanne Sakata. “I knew Congregation Ahavath Achim, in cooperation with the I had to try to bring his story to the Sephardic Cultural Center of Oregon, announce the full American stage, not just as an act of schedule for the 10th Annual Sephardic Winter Film Series. healing for myself, my family and my The Nov. 1 film, Above & Beyond, was announced last community, but also to inspire and give month. The remainder of the schedule is: Ryan Yu is Gordon Hirabyashi in Hold These hope to any American citizen who has Truths. Photo by Patrick Weishampel/Blank been denied equal treatment under Dec. 6 (double feature): 1913: Seeds of Conflict.

Eye TV the law promised by our Constitution Explore an overlooked moment in pre-World War I because of factors such as race, gender, Palestine when Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities sexual orientation and who must battle intermingled with a cultural fluidity enjoyed freely by all, and few could constantly to make those promises a living reality.” contemplate the conflict that would engulf the region for the next century.

Ryun Yu, who played Hirabayashi at ACT Theatre in Seattle, powerfully Arab & Jew Return to the Promised Land. The grinding struggle that has reprises the role at The Armory. The play continues in the Ellyn Bye Studio caused such suffering by Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs is pictured in at The Armory through Nov. 13. searing human terms. Written and narrated by Pulitzer-Prize winner David At the end of the month, Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin opens on the K. Shipler, this program taps the powerful yearnings of two peoples.

U.S. Bank Main Stage at The Armory. From Nov. 30 through Dec. 30, you can experience the remarkable story of “America’s Composer.” Felder Jan. 3, 2017: Among The Righteous. Seeking a hopeful response to takes us from the depths of anti-Semitism in Czarist Russia to New York’s the plague of Holocaust denial in the Arab world, Robert Satloff sets out Lower East Side – and ultimately throughout America and the world. in the wake of 9/11, on an eight-year journey to find an Arab hero whose 503-445-3700 | pcs.org story would change the way Arabs and Jews view their history. Satloff found not only the Arab heroes he sought, but also the story of the halfRenate Dollinger brings shtetl paintings to million Jews of Arab lands in North Africa under Vichy, Fascist and Nazi ORA’s 10th annual art show and sale control.

Renate Dollinger (world renowned artist) will be in Portland this month when ORA Northwest Jewish Artists returns to the Mittleman Jewish Feb. 7, 2017: The Long Way Home. This Academy Award-winning Community Center for its 10th annual art show and sale. ORA will throw a documentary examines the critical post-World War II period from preview party and sale for its juried art show Nov. 5 and 6.

1945-1948, and the plight of the tens of thousands of refugees who Renate Dollinger was a landscape painter with a small gallery in Palo survived the Nazi Holocaust but whom most of the world left to fend for Alto, CA, a husband, four children and lots of dogs themselves. Their clandestine attempts to get to the Jewish homeland led when, in 1968, at the age of 44, she suddenly to the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. turned to painting life in a shtetl. In the early 1970s a Berkeley museum curator called Renate March 7, 2017: The Truce. A biographical documentary about out of the blue, came to look at the paintings and Italian chemist turned author Primo Levi, who was interned in Auschwitz signed her up for a one-person show: “The Lost during World War II. Following his release, he returned to his native Turin.

World of the Shtetl.” She has been painting the This movie depicts his hellish nine month journey from the camp back to scenes ever since. Renate’s brochure says: “The his home. rich culture of the shtetl is evoked in Renate’s compelling paintings with their uncanny portrayals April 4, 2017: The Ballad of the Weeping Spring. Musical …While the scenes are born of the artist’s instruments take the place of guns and an Iranian symphony takes the imagination, they possess a compelling sense place of a gun fight in this clever, emotional homage to The Magnificent of truth … as if they were part of Renate’s own Seven. Winner of 4 Israeli Academy Awards, plus 5 nominations including personal experience.”

Best Film, and winner of Best Music at Jerusalem Film Festival.

Renate and her husband raised their children Films with Sephardic content screen at 7 pm the first Tuesday of in Palo Alto and then moved to Salem to be each month November 2016 through April 2017. Films, dessert and near their daughter. Today she lives at a senior discussions at Ahavath Achim, 3225 SW Barbur Blvd., Portland, are free residence near Seattle, close to another daughter. (donations accepted).

At age 92, Renate continues to paint and will sell some of her paintings at David: 503-892-6634 | jewishfilmportland.org OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 65

Through Nov. 13

NOVEMBER CALENDAR

Hold These Truths at Portland Center Stage.

See page 65

"patient" from the perspective of both a medical and halachic perspective in order to deal with issues that arise on a regular basis.

RSVP: lscord@comcast.net or 503-639-0853

Through Jan. 1

Nov. 7

Exhibit: Andy Warhol: Prints from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, the largest display of Warhol prints ever presented. Spanning two floors of the Portland Art Museum (1219 SW Park Ave., Portland), this major retrospective exhibition includes more than 250 Andy Warhol prints. portlandartmuseum.org

Join Eve Levy for a three part mini-series. Topic to be announced. 11 am-noon Nov. 7, 14 and 21.

Free. 503-245-5420 or eve@portlandkollel.org

Nov. 1 Sephardic Winter Film Series begins with “Above and Beyond.” See page 65

Nov. 2 Awesome ladies night out with your friends. 7:309 pm. Free. 503-245-5420 or eve@portlandkollel.org

Nov. 3 Stampfer Community Enrichment Award Dinner honoring Carolyn and Gary Weinstein. 6 pm at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland. $60 per person; no fundraising.

RSVP: 503-293-7318 or meverett@nevehshalom. org

Nov. 4-6 2016 Levy Event. Edges of Identity: Jews, Punk, Poetry – A weekend of music and learning featuring Alicia Jo Rabins and Golem. Brunch, panels and performances. 503-725-8449 or pdx.edu/Judaic

Nov. 5 Complementary Medicine Seminar from the Ovarian Cancer Alliance. 10 am-noon at McMenamin’s Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd Ave., Portland. Dr. Cynthia Bye, ND will moderate the seminar and provide an introduction to complementary medicine. Free but registration required. http://ovariancancerosw.org/ event-2194664.

Nov. 8 Portland Jewish Book Celebration begins with two events to discuss the book The Marriage of Opposites: 6:30-8:30 pm: Ahava Reads at Sip d’Vine, 7829 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland; sponsored by Congregation Shaarie Torah. 6:307:30 pm: Pageturners at the Hillsdale branch of the Multnomah Public Library, 1525 SW Sunset Blvd., Portland; sponsored by Friends of the Library.

Nov. 9 Laws and statutes of Shabbat. First night of series presented by Rabbi Spivak. 7:30-9 pm at Portland Kollel. 503-245-5420

Nov. 10 Holocaust historian Christopher Browning speaks on “From humanitarian relief to Holocaust rescue.” 7 pm in the Smith Ballroom at PSU. Free.

503-226-3600 The Shabbat Project – Challah Bake. 7:30-9:30 pm at Portland Kollel. 6688 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland. 503-245-5420 or ryg@portlandkollel. org

Nov. 15 Pissarro, Pinot & Palette: Impressionism and Beyond. 7-9:30 pm at MJCC. Local artist Jeffery Hall will talk briefly about how his work relates to The Marriage of Opposites. Followed by creative art instruction session. $36. RSVP: 503-2440111

Nov. 16 A Kippah in the Caribbean. 7 pm at Havurah Shalom, 825 NW 18th Ave. To enhance appreciation of this year's Portland Jewish Book Month selection The Marriage of Opposites (set in the Caribbean), see this documentary film, A Kippah in the Caribbean. General $8; OJMCHE, IJS and Havurah members $5; free with RSVP for Wednesday night religious schools. ruth@ ruthmike.com

Nov. 20 The Commissar: film and author talk. See page 52

Nov. 24 Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov. 30-Dec. 30 Hershey Felder is Irving Berlin at Portland Center Stage. See page 65

Dec. 4 Super Sunday: Jewish Federation of Greater Portland phone-athon. Volunteer to make calls or answer the call and make a donation. Either way you’ll change lives and strengthen the community.

Jewishportland.org/supersunday or 503-2456219

Nov. 12 A Night of Comedy with Rabbi Bob Alper.

Fundraiser for Congregation Kol Ami 5-9 pm at Kol Ami in Vancouver, WA. $75. 360-896-8088 International Shabbat Project – Shabbat Lunch.

Noon-2:30 pm. 503-245-5420

Nov. 13 Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean. Join Ron Silver and Eric Kimmel for salty tales of the Jewish pirates 10:30 am, Mirabella Retirement Complex, 3550 SW Bond Ave., Portland. Sponsored by Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Neveh Shalom and the MJCC. oregonjcc.org/artsculture/jewish- book-celebration

66 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016

Ladies Paint Night. 7 pm at Bottle & Bottega, 1406 SW Broadway. Guided paint lesson presented by Shine. $36. RSVP: Shinepdx.com/ paintnight or eve@portlandkollel.org

Scholar-in-Residence Arnold Roth at Congregation Neveh Shalom. See page 67

Taste of Oregon: Jewish art, Portland food and live music. Two-day celebration presented by ORA Northwest Jewish Artists. 7-9:30 pm Saturday, 10:30 am-4:30 pm Sunday, at MJCC. 503-244-0111

An evening of Jewish Medical Ethics. 7 pm at private home. Dr. Lee Cordova and Ahavath Achim Rabbi Michael Kaplan will discuss a fictional

Nov. 14

Nov. 11-13

Nov. 5-6

Nov. 6

Dec. 6 Sephardic Winter Film Series: Double feature.

See page 65

Dec. 11 Portland Jewish Academy Auction. See page 14 For additional event listings, see our Senior Calendar on page 47 and our JKids & Teens Calendar on page 63.

PSU awards Presidential Medal to community leader Mark Rosenbaum At a recent dinner of PSU Foundation and University trustees, Portland State University President Wim Wiewel presented the Presidential Medal to Mark Rosenbaum in recognition of his distinguished advocacy and philanthropy to Portland State University and the Portland community.

The Portland State University Presidential Medal, first bestowed in 1976, is awarded to those dedicated leaders who have made countless contributions to PSU and the community. This is the fourth presidential medal awarded by President Wiewel in his tenure as president of PSU. Rosenbaum is President and CEO of Rosenbaum Financial, Inc., which provides integrated investment, estate and business succession planning to its West Coast clients.

“Mark is a visionary whose passion for Portland State is infectious and inspiring. His legacy of giving continues to have a profound impact on the lives of our students and vibrancy of our community and for that we are truly grateful.”

–Portland State University President Wim Wiewel

1600 SW Fourth Avenue, Suite 730 Portland, OR 97201 503-725-4478 503-725-4465 www.psuf.org OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 67

strategic thinking about wealth Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management has been helping ultra-high net worth individuals, their families and foundations plan for and grow their wealth for decades.

Based in New York City, the Family Wealth Group at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management is a specialized team of interdisciplinary strategic advisors providing a full range of family office services to meet the complex needs of the UHNW marketplace. These services include financial & investment planning, estate & family succession planning, philanthropic advisory and administrative services.

The Family Wealth Group is headed by Robert Stolar, a Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor. Drawing on three decades of investment & financial planning experience, Robert has earned various distinctions within the wealth advisory community, including recognition by Barron’s as one of the top 100 advisors in the country for 2015.

Robert Stolar

Managing Director Private Wealth Advisor 522 Fifth Avenue, 10th Floor New York, NY 10036 212-296-6704 robert.stolar@morganstanley.com Source: Barron’s “Top 100 Financial Advisors,” April 20, 2015. Barron’s “Top 100 Financial Advisors” bases its ratings on qualitative criteria: professionals with a minimum of seven years of financial services experience, acceptable compliance records, client retention reports, customer satisfaction, and more. Finwancial Advisors are quantitatively rated based on varying types of revenues and assets advised by the financial professional, with weightings associated for each. Because individual client portfolio performance varies and is typically unaudited, this rating focuses on customer satisfaction and quality of advice. The rating may not be representative of any one client’s experience because it reflects a sample of all of the experiences of the Financial Advisor’s clients. The rating is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pays a fee to Barron’s in exchange for the rating. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved. © 2015 Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, a division of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC. Member SIPC. CRC1179133 04/15 8225582 PWM001 04/15 68 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016