Confront hate — pages 2-3

Cultural grants — page 4 Holiday mitzvah & tastes — pages 8-10 Sept. 30, 2020 / Tishri 12, 5781 Volume 55, Issue 17 Justice Ginsburg was one of the righteous BY RABBI BARRY COHEN Social media and the internet have been buzzing about the fact that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on Sept. 18, 2020, just before Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah. As many of you may have already read, based on the timing, Jewish tradition teaches that this con- firms Ginsburg was righteous, a tzadeket. But what is the origin of this teaching? According to the Social artist Adam W. McKinney dressed as 1921 Fort Worth, Tex- as, lynching victim Fred Rouse at sites associated with the lynch- Babylonian Talmud, humanity ing. “Because I could not locate any photographs of Mr. Rouse, I is sorted into three categories at took it upon myself to ‘fill in the blanks’ and use my body as the can- the start of the High Holidays: Women attending last fall's Fed- vas on which I would remember him,” McKinney says. The tintypes the book of life, the book of eration IMPACT event received for the exhibit were made by Navajo photographer Will Wilson. death and those whose fate is yet to be determined. Related to this this sticker of Notorious RBG image, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, pres- when author Irin Carmon spoke ident of the Union for Reform of the justice's life and impact. Multimedia exhibit Judaism, commented, “One of the themes of Rosh Hashanah she was already righteous. speaks to hearts, minds suggests that very righteous Whether arguing before the people would die at the very end Supreme Court or residing as BY DEBORAH MOON outside the museum. of the year because they were the court’s first female Jewish Though the exhibit explores needed until the very end.” justice, Ginsburg fought for OJMCHE’s new exhibit Shel- themes similar to the United In another Talmudic citation, women’s rights, reproductive ter in Place is a response to in Spirit project the museum we learn that if someone dies rights, LGBTQ rights and vot- the two realities sweeping our co-sponsors, it is not part of that on the eve of Shabbat, it reveals ing rights. More broadly, she nation – COVID-19 and pro- series of programs that explore that person must have been advocated for a more just soci- tests against police brutality. the connections between the righteous. ety for everyone. Opening Oct. 1, the multimedia Black and Jewish communities. Personally, I have always Justice Ginsburg had a unique exhibit expands the museum’s “Rather it (the exhibit) is struggled with the idea of God ability to teach Supreme Court contribution to the racial injus- part of a national project – opening up books during the justices to empathize with those tice conversation and does so Dwelling in a Time of Plagues High Holidays that seal our fate who are affected by the law. with outdoor viewing. – which was conceived to for the coming year. And to me, Rather than arguing that wom- Social artist and activist Adam offer artists an opportunity to the date that someone dies does en deserve equal protection un- W. McKinney’s Shelter in Place make new artworks for Suk- not reveal whether he or she der the law, she challenged the is installed in the windows and kot and forge new connections was righteous. predominantly male justices to first floor gallery of Oregon between artists and museums,” Rather than using Jewish tra- imagine how it would feel to Jewish Museum and Center for says OJMCHE Director Judy dition to reverse engineer the be denied rights they took for Holocaust Education, but it is Margles. “Artist Adam McK- righteousness of Justice Gins- granted for no reason other than completely viewable days and inney’s installation investigates burg, I would rather celebrate their gender. evenings from the sidewalks See SHELTER, page 3 that, based on her legal career, See GINSBURG, page 11 United in Spirit: so timely, so challenging BY DEBORAH MOON comes through personal encounters.” UNITED IN SPIRIT Bob Horenstein added that the “basis for When United in Spirit launched early Reinvigorating the Historically our community’s continuing this important this year, the Jewish and Black organizers Positive Relationship Between work” rests in the Jewish teaching “Justice, could not have known how essential and the African-American and Jewish Justice you shall pursue.” relevant the programming would be – nor Communities Pastor Mondaine said his community is a how difficult it would be to present. Sponsored by: The Jewish Com- powerful, resilient people. “However, we COVID forced the postponement or the munity Relations Council of JFGP, need the wind beneath our wings. We can’t move to a virtual landscape of the programs just do this by ourselves. We need the help Portland Chapter of the NAACP, Or- just as social justice issues and protests of those with access and prestige.” against police brutality against Black peo- egon Jewish Museum and Center Just 10 days before the far-right Proud ple ignited the desire to rediscover the civil for Holocaust Education, and Dia- Boys were scheduled to hold yet another rights collaboration between the Black and logues Unlimited rally in Portland, Pastor Mondaine re- Jewish communities. jewishportland.org/united-in-spirit called a previous visit by the group. He In mid-September, about 570 members of said Portland Rabbi Debra Kolodny invited both communities explored their “Shared … Hatred cannot stand up to friendship.” the NAACP to join her congregation for a Legacies.” Participants could screen the The partnership chronicled in the film was Shabbat picnic next to the protests. documentary “Shared Legacies: The Af- based on the shared legacy of oppression “We talked about unity, and they talked rican American-Jewish Civil Rights Alli- that Blacks experienced through slavery, about division,” said the pastor. “We have ance” at their leisure Sept. 13-15 and then segregation and racism and Jews experi- to be unapologetic and extremely deliber- join a Sept. 16 panel discussion featuring enced from the expulsion from Israel 2,000 ate in how we stand together.” the film’s producer Dr. Shari Rogers and years ago culminating in the Holocaust. Rabbi Cahana noted, “People try to divide the Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley, a veteran of Rabbi Cahana said that with the Holo- us, but you can’t divide brothers, you can’t the Civil Rights movement who appeared caust only a couple decades earlier, that divide sisters.” in the film, and Portlanders Rabbi Michael shared history of oppression served as a United in Spirit was scheduled to con- Cahana and NAACP President E.D. Mon- strong basis for the partnership in the Civil clude in October with a joint mission to daine. The discussion was moderated by Rights era. Yet as Jews as a group (the Rab- Civil Rights sites in the American South. Judy Margles and Bob Horenstein. bi emphasized not all Jews are white) were The pandemic forced its postponement “These are exciting times,” said Dr. Rog- accepted into white society, that foundation until next October. After the Shared Leg- ers. “The world cares about this (racial eroded. acies program, interest in participation has injustice) right now, and we have the op- He said the basis of Jewish support of the surged. So perhaps next fall’s Civil Rights portunity to use this for good.” Black community must now be “based on mission will be not just a figurative, but Rabbi Cahana agreed. “White supremacy compassion, understanding, on seeing the also a literal return to the unity the two is dying. It is going to be loud in its dying. world through another person’s eyes. It communities enjoyed half a century ago. Explore history of hate, then pursue justice BY DEBORAH MOON “Uncovering the Hidden His- UNCOVERING THE HIDDEN HISTORY tory of Anti-Black Racism in “Through our own bitter expe- OF DISCRIMINATION IN OREGON Oregon” on Oct. 6 is the first riences of anti-Semitic hatred, Uncovering Oregon’s Hidden History of Anti-Black in a series of webinars on the we in the Jewish community Racism: 7 pm, Oct. 6. Featuring Walidah Imarisha, history of discrimination in have learned the inestimable educator, writer, public scholar and spoken word artist. Oregon. “The speaker, Wali- importance of solidarity with jewishportland.org/uncovering-oregons-hidden- dah Imarisha, is a phenomenal others who are willing to make activist and author and public common cause in the fight history-of-anti-black-racism-walidah-imarisha Uncovering Oregon’s Hidden History of Anti-Native speaker who will be taking us against hate and prejudice in through the really shameful all its forms,” reads the concept American Discrimination: 5:30 pm, Oct. 12. Presented by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde NAYA history of anti-Black racism statement on confronting hate in the state of Oregon,” says Family Center, the program will focus on Healing and from the Jewish Community Bob, noting laws that excluded Relations Council of the Jewish Reconciliation: A Celebration of Culture. Blacks from settling in the ter- Federation of Greater Portland. jewishportland.org/uncovering-oregons-hidden- ritory and then state of Oregon, The programs created under history-of-anti-native-american-discrimination with the last law not repealed this concept include a series of until 1926. webinars followed by a summit The webinar series continues Relations Council is partnering nars that focus on a shameful to address the history of hate in with the history of anti-Native with organizations in other mi- history of discrimination in Oregon and the future quest for American discrimination in Or- nority communities to create a Oregon that has been largely racial justice. egon. Subsequent webinars will series of programs to confront whitewashed in our high school “In this time of national and address discrimination against hate,” says Bob Horenstein, history courses. It’s important local reckoning with our coun- the Latinx, Pacific Islander, JFGP director of community to learn this history so that we try and state’s grim legacy of Asian and LGBQT communities discrimination and systemic relations and public affairs. understand how we arrived at racism, the Jewish Community “We are starting with webi- the situation today.” Continued on next page 2 Jewish Review Sept. 30, 2020 HATE (cont. from previous page) SHELTER (cont. from page 1) and possibly other minority communities, as well as anti-Semi- the effects of anti-Black racial vio- tism in the state. lence, posing questions about who SHELTER IN PLACE “It’s important to learn gets to feel secure and safe, while Oct. 1, 2020-Jan. 31, 2021 that history so we can also speaking to Jewish tradition.” Outdoor Opening: Oct. 1, figure out how best to The Tucson Jewish Museum and 4-6 pm, brief remarks at 5 deal with those current Holocaust Museum LA also have pm, Oregon Jewish Museum issues of systemic rac- created exhibits for Dwelling in and Center for Holocaust Ed- ism and hatred and an- Time of Plagues, and New York’s ucation, 724 NW Davis St. ti-Semitism,” says Bob. 14th Street Y is showing highlights Installation is viewable from Next spring, a daylong from the national project through the exterior of OJMCHE summit on confronting the windows of its lobby gallery. hate will present strat- Opening on the eve of the Jew- both days and evenings. egies and resources for ish holiday of Sukkot, the exhibit ojmche.org collective action against uses film, photography and dance bigotry and hate. The to explore the social tenets of Suk- I have to remember that people are Portland-based human Walidah Imarisha kot – departing and dwelling, ex- making the trip to the museum to rights organization pressing and atoning, striking and walk around the perimeter.” Western States Center has agreed to cosponsor the webinars shaking. The exhibit features con- Asylum Arts recommended and the summit; WSC’s Executive Director Eric Ward will temporary tintypes of McKinney McKinney as “the perfect match” serve as a keynote speaker. as lynching victim Fred Rouse; a for OJMCHE in the national proj- The JCRC’s concept statement notes: “We have been re- mélange of hanging tree branches ect. After meeting the artist on minded almost daily that our communities of color, immi- to reference the deconstruction Zoom, the OJMCHE exhibition grants and LGBTQ persons, as well as many of our neigh- of a sukkah; and two projected committee was enthusiastic with bors of various religious faiths, are frequent targets of vicious dance films – one of McKinney his proposal, says Judy. hatred. Nevertheless, we have also seen seeds of hope. We performing the story of Mr. Rouse McKinney’s parents, one of Afri- have witnessed an upsurge of people ready to stand in soli- in sites of trauma, and the other a can and Native American heritag- darity with those who are targets of discrimination and hate hologram about the intersections es and one of Eastern European – people who are eager to listen, to learn and to take action to of racism and anti-Semitism in the Jewish heritage, were married in make Portland a place that truly protects the lives, well-being time of COVID-19. July 1964 – three years before the and dignity of all who live here. The exhibition will be worth see- Supreme Court struck down state The summit will be a collaborative effort by all the orga- ing in the daylight and in the eve- laws banning interracial marriage. nizations that presented the webinars on the history of hate; ning as the videos and hologram McKinney says, “I was raised in an however, the summit will focus on the present and the future. will look different depending on environment where being of mixed Keynote speakers and breakout session leaders will share the light. heritages was not an anomaly, nor their expertise, skills, resources and tools to help people “We are most grateful to the sup- a contradiction. … Rather than a translate their commitments to social justice and equity into port of the Council of American severed, percentaged representa- effective social action. Jewish Museums, Asylum Arts tion of any one of my heritages, I and CANVAS for creating this was taught that I am 100 percent of PDX biz series: How to Be Anti-Racist unique opportunity to turn the mu- all of my heritages, or, as is said in The Mittleman Jewish Community Center’s (now virtual) seum ‘inside out’ with this exhibi- Lakota, Mitákuye Oyás’i – a reflec- business series explores How to Be Anti-Racist at noon Oct. 15. tion that is relevant both in content tion of ‘all my relatives.’ ” The panel, which features a Black social activist and a and accessibility,” says Judy. McKinney graduated from Bad- white ally, will be moderated by Rabbi Benjamin Barnett of This exhibit expands on the mu- er Hillel Academy in Milwaukee, Havurah Shalom. Rabbi Barnett works to build relationships seum’s summer window exhibits, Wis., and earned his bachelor of across religious and culture lines in the name of creating a which included a tribute to the late fine arts in dance performance less violent world. Sen. John Lewis, Discrimination from Butler University and a mas- Panelist Karen Haberman is an anti-racist who worked for and Resistance, Land Acknowl- ter’s degree in dance studies with the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee in Atlanta edgement, and sculptures by Mel concentrations in race and trauma in 1963 and in Mississippi in 1964. She attended a Histori- Katz. theories from New York Univer- cally Black College as an exchange student and then gradu- “I’d like to think that with our sity’s Gallatin School of Individ- ated magnum cum laude from Harvard with a bachelor’s in activation of the windows for exhi- ualized Study in New York City. social relations. bitions and chalking the vote on the He lives with his husband, Daniel Panelist Barbara O’Hare is a Black social activist who has sidewalk, we have been able to stay Banks, in Fort Worth where he is worked to undo racism for the last 25 years. She is the found- true to our mission and make sig- an assistant professor of dance at er of Dialogues Unlimited, which is a cosponsor of United nificant contributions to conversa- Texas Christian University. in Spirit. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Portland tions about racial justice and about “I often think about my role as State University and has facilitated dialogues with law firms, nurturing our souls through beauti- an artist to bring awareness to police officers, faith communities, school boards and com- ful and meaningful art work,” says the impact of oppression and to munity groups. Judy. “I’ve heard from a number of the vestiges of historical trauma,” The program is free, but a suggested donation of $18 sup- people who tell me that they visited says McKinney. “I am interested ports this and future programs. For more information on the the museum and loved the exhibi- in what might be on the other side series and registration for the October Zoom/Facebook Live tions. I always do a double take, of the trauma – and I think it might event, visit oregonjcc.org/arts-culture/pdxbiz. since the museum itself is closed. be each other.” Jewish Review Sept. 30, 2020 3 MJCC, OJMCHE receive cultural support grants BY DEBORAH MOON safe during this pandemic. who had to evaluate hundreds lost Arts + Culture revenue in These grants will mean that of grant applications at record 2020 and will help to ensure The Mittleman Jewish Com- more than 600 Oregon arts and speed, knowing that the re- that we are able to continue to munity Center and the Oregon culture organizations across our quests far outnumbered dol- provide limited Arts + Culture Jewish Museum and Center state’s counties and Tribes will lars available.” offerings to our community in for Holocaust Education are be able to keep up their vital The average grant award is the coming months. These pro- among the 621 cultural orga- creative work,” said Governor $41,458. Just under $90 million grams include a wide variety nizations across Oregon that Kate Brown in the release. in requests was received from of virtual classes, author talks, will receive Coronavirus Relief “Everything from museums 751 organizations; 130 of those films, exhibitions and holiday Fund Cultural Support grant to fairgrounds to the summer organizations were ineligible celebrations.” awards totaling $25.7 million. events we all know and love for awards based on program Funding was determined based A press release from the Or- can continue to enrich our lives guidelines. on eligible request amounts, an egon Cultural Trust notes the – connecting us to one another The Mittleman Jewish Com- award allocation formula that CRF Cultural Support funds are and giving us the hope and in- munity Center will receive established a base amount of intended to provide financial spiration we need.” $21,332. The loss of program funds per county or Tribe, and assistance to cultural nonprofit The Oregon Jewish Museum revenue and reduction of mem- the organization’s fiscal size. organizations and community and Center for Holocaust Edu- bership revenue has and con- Smaller organizations received venues that have canceled or cation will receive $77,901. tinues to have huge financial a higher percentage of their eli- postponed public programming “The Coronavirus Relief implications for the MJCC. gible expenses. because of public health exec- Fund Cultural Support Grant Even with significant cuts to “These funds are lifeblood utive orders associated with was designed specifically expenses (furloughing of staff, to Oregon’s cultural commu- the COVID-19 pandemic. The to offset losses due to the reduction of hours, etc.), the nity,” said Chuck Sams, chair funds were made available pandemic,” says OJMCHE center anticipates a significant of the Cultural Trust Board of through a $50 million relief Director Judy Margles. “For deficit this year. Directors. “While they won’t package for Oregon culture OJMCHE, these funds are “We are extremely grateful replace all the losses suffered approved by the Emergency providing critical and essen- to the Oregon Cultural Trust during the pandemic, they Board of the Oregon Legisla- tial support for staffing and and the Multnomah County will ensure Oregon culture ture in July. operations. We are especially Cultural Coalition for these survives this crisis. We are “Many cultural organizations grateful to the Oregon Cultur- relief funds,” says MJCC Ex- deeply grateful to the Oregon and institutions have closed al Trust and the Multnomah ecutive Director Steve Albert. Legislature for making this their doors to help keep us all County Cultural Coalition “They offset a portion of our possible.” First community safety webinar shares tips About 50 people interested in was inspired by the first fire safety issues during a year of at Chabad House in SW Port- changing reality signed up for land, apparently started by an the free safety webinar for the electrical issue in a third-floor greater Portland Jewish commu- office that had been vacant for nity, which was held Sept. 15. much of the pandemic. Stand- Sponsored by the Jewish Fed- ing outside the damaged build- eration of Greater Portland, the ing, JFGP’s President and CEO webinar featured panelists and Marc Blattner and Regional Se- handouts from the Washington curity Director Gene Moss talk- County Sheriff’s Office and Tu- ed about the need to share fire alatin Valley Fire & Rescue for a safety tips for buildings that are community safety presentation. largely vacant as people con- Topics included online safety tinue to work from home. Gene for kids, cyber security basics, realized there are also issues of scams and home safety. protecting those buildings from “This webinar was an excel- crime as well as safety issues lent introduction to a variety of families are facing while liv- ways to stay safe in these days, ing, working and studying in including being vigilant when it our virtual world. comes to online and phone safe- “I wanted to present safety in ty,” says Rachel Nelson, JFGP broad brushstrokes,” said Gene. Director of Educational Initia- “The next ones (safety webinars) tives & Intergroup Outreach. “It will focus on a specific aspect of also highlighted the importance safety for groups such as child of having a plan and practicing safety and internet scams target- it with your kids, especially with ing the elderly.” emergency evacuations” (see For information on future safe- handout at right). ty webinars, contact Gene at The idea for the webinar [email protected]. 4 Jewish Review Sept. 30, 2020 Jewish Review Sept. 30, 2020 5 Books & Authors seconds per marathon. He hopes his book enjoys similar success raising funds for the IDA. The 114-page paperback is available for $20 or $18 for IDA members. Information on the audiobook will be available soon. Order at www.runningthedistancebook.com.

JCCs offer Bookfest in Your Living Room In addition to this fall’s free MJCC Author Series (see story last issue), the Mittleman Jewish Community Center is presenting Bookfest in Your Living Room. Bookfest in Your Living Room is a nationwide virtual series de- veloped by the JCC Literary Consortium. The JCC Consortium consists of over 100 JCCs throughout North America, including the MJCC, committed to providing premier literary events. The series began earlier this month and continues with 30 programs through December, culminating with Michael J. Fox and his book No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality. The diverse books include kids’ books, cookbooks, novels, mem- oirs and nonfiction explorations of climate, crime, justice, LGBTQ, Running the Distance with dyslexia college, aging and the Mossad. Authors include Natan Sharansky, Running the Distance, Jared Blank’s story about the relationship John Grisham and Dale Berra, writing about My Dad, Yogi. of dealing with dyslexia and successfully running the World Mar- Most Bookfest events are $6 or $11 for a virtual ticket or range athon Challenge, is due out on audiobook soon. The International from $25 to $55 for a virtual ticket and copy of the book. Check Dyslexia Association (dyslexiaida.org/) published the hard copy out all the authors and books at oregonjcc.org/book-fest. and paperback in fall of 2019 at the IDA Conference in Portland. Jared is the son of Lynn and Book club hosts author of Blue Thread Owen Blank, members of Con- Congregation Neveh Shalom and The Feldstein Library will host gregation Beth Israel where (virtually) Portland author Ruth Tenzer Feldman at 4 pm, Oct. 24, Jared became a bar mitzvah. for a mother-daughter discussion of Blue Thread. Diagnosed with dyslexia at the Blue Thread is a historical fiction young adult novel that takes age of 5, Jared now supports place in Portland during the early 1900s, a time when women were the IDA in numerous ways. In marching to get the vote. The 100-year anniversary of the 19th January 2018, he ran the World amendment granting women the vote is this year. The story also Marathon Challenge (seven time travels to the eras of Moses and women’s rights. This is a marathons on seven continents timely, thrilling, pro-feminist read. in seven days) to raise aware- Women aged 12-120 are invited to meet the author and other ness and $50,000 for the IDA. guests for an exciting hour. The program is open to grandmothers, He will participate in this year’s granddaughters, aunts, nieces, as well as mothers and daughters. Virtual Dyslexia Dash, which Since the book group currently is virtual, it is now open to the has a Running The Distance Or- community and out-of-town relatives. egon Team that people can join. For more information or to register for the Zoom event, contact And his book is a fundraiser for Laurie Fendel at [email protected] or 503-244-0205. Include the association. the names, emails and phone numbers of all interested people and The Oregon Branch of the whether any are members of Neveh Shalom. IDA has launched the Running the Distance Scholarship Fund https://or.dyslexiaida.org/running/. Jared says running seven marathons in seven days and writing a Oregon Poetry Association Zoom Oct. 10 book while coping with dyslexia were challenging. “The activities are Portland Jewish poet Willa Schneberg will present a workshop very similar, I enjoy both and both require a lot of work,” says Jared. on documentary poetry at this year’s Oregon Poetry Association “For me, writing was more of a challenge than running. Like run- Zoom Conference. The conference will be 8:30 am-5:30 pm, ning, I needed to find ways to dig deep in content and organization.” Oct. 10. Ashley Toliver, winner of the Oregon Book Award for He says he is grateful to have the support of IDA’s Denise Douce Poetry, will be the keynote speaker. for her editing and IDA CEO Sonja Banks for believing in the Willa, a 2002 Oregon Book Award winner for In The Margins project. Of The World, will present Introduction to Documentary Poetry When Jared was a student, he broke his days into alternating during the first workshop session at 10 am. Workshop participants blocks of study and sports. Now he breaks his days into work and will explore how nonfiction poetry brings a fresh take on history workouts. “There are only so many spots to train during workdays. and documents injustice. Participants are encouraged to talk about So it makes natural blocks. I think my school years and sports which current or historical events they would like to manifest in helped in managing this type of schedule.” poetry. If time permits, participants will work on first drafts. Jared finished all seven races in the Marathon Challenge and For information on the conference or to register, visit ranked 12th overall with an average of 4 hours, 32 minutes and 16 https://oregonpoets.org/. Conference fee is $55 for the entire day. 6 Jewish Review Sept. 30, 2020 Gleaning food for hungry responds to pandemic BY KERRY POLITZER sons and Market of Choice are Since 2006 Urban Gleaners once again providing regular founder Tracy Oseran has tire- donations, so Urban Gleaners is lessly fed the hungry in Portland. now able to make food pickups “We directly provide food to five or six days a week. families,” she says. “Our focus, “Before all this, we had 67 probably eight or nine years ago, sites where we delivered food really became kids, because it every week,” says the found- turned out that there’s really a er. “And we now have 11. But huge amount of food insecurity we’re providing 1,000 meals a for families and children.” week for people. It’s not what Tracy was inspired by the Bib- we were doing before … but lical practice of leaving the cor- that’s still 1,000 more families ners of fields untouched so that who are eating.” the poor might harvest them. “I When asked how people feel so strongly about that,” she might help Urban Gleaners, remarks. “No one in this coun- Tracy is clear. Urban Gleaners founder Tracy Oseran says COVID-19 has try should ever be hungry; we “Definitely, money is the best changed the way the group gleans food for the hungry. have enough food to feed peo- thing. But we also still do get donations of food – community ple three times over.” help these farmers who (had line up in their cars. Volunteers gardens, a lot of people who have During Sukkot and with been) supplying restaurants. come, and they just place a box fruit trees, we accept all of that.” the new challenges posed by Their business went away; they in each car.” The organization also works COVID-19, the issue of hunger grew all this food and then had Tracy’s organization has al- with Congregation Beth Isra- is more pressing than ever. no one to buy it. So, we started ways maintained a focus on el, where Tracy’s family are Before the pandemic, Urban buying some food and making healthy, nutritious foods. The members. “We have some vol- Gleaners collected prepared the meals ourselves.” founder waxes enthusiastic unteers from temple,” she says. food from about 150 donors The pandemic also forced about the current offerings pro- “The social action committee including restaurants, caterers, Tracy to alter her model of food vided by Urban Gleaners. “CIS- has been very supportive of corporations and grocery stores. distribution. “It was, we’re go- CO (a restaurant supplier) was us.” She adds that parents of “That basically, in a week, ing to bring all this food, we’re closed for quite some time and bar or bat mitzvah kids some- disappeared,” says Tracy. “Ev- going to set it out on tables, and they’re back now, so we often times donate their leftovers. eryone just shut down … it was you guys shop and take what will get in all this deli meat, like, Urban Gleaners recently post- pretty earth-shattering.” The you want. (With COVID-19) a whole cooked turkey breast. ed an informative video about founder has been hard at work we couldn’t do that anymore. And we’ll get roast beef and its mission. If you want to learn adapting her organization’s So we started making boxes ham, and we get a lot of bread, more about how you can help mission to fit the new normal. with one prepared meal, which so we make sandwiches.” during this Sukkot holiday, visit “For the first time in our histo- would serve four people, and While Urban Gleaners lost 80 urbangleaners.org. ry, we started purchasing food, then milk, cheese, fresh pro- percent of its donations at the which we’ve never done. We duce and a loaf of bread, some start of the pandemic, Tracy Kerry Politzer is a writer, had partnerships with local eggs, whatever we have. What says that things are gradually foodie and pianist who moved farms, and we were trying to happens is families come and evening out. Zupan’s, New Sea- to Portland in 2011. PJA students turn out for after-school challah session on Zoom Portland Jewish Academy Middle School stu- dents and staff participated in an optional after- school activity on Zoom to shape challah on Sept. 11. Two seventh-grade students who partic- ipated in a summer cooking class taught by PJA Jewish Studies teacher Benjamin Foote, asked if he would teach a Friday afternoon challah mak- ing class. Preparing challah dough takes a lot of time, so they settled on challah shaping. The teacher shared a challah recipe in advance, and everyone had their dough ready. About 20 peo- ple continued their online school day and joined the challah-shaping party. Some had never made challah before, and some make it every week. PJA eighth-grader Beren, above, shapes challah “I thought part of the fun was everyone bringing dough as part of a Zoom activity led by Middle different recipes, baking tips, etc. and sharing School Jewish Studies teacher Benjamin Foote. collaboratively,” says Foote. “I was hoping for At right, seventh-grader Lulu shows off her baked that, as opposed to ‘Mr. Foote teaches you chal- challah. lah,’ and it worked.” Jewish Review Sept. 30, 2020 7 Sukkot: sunset Oct. 2-Oct. 9 HIGH HOLIDAYS 5781 Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah: sunset Oct. 9-Oct. 11 Seniors savor taste of the holidays BY DEBORAH MOON

The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and Challah- man teamed up to bring the taste and texture of the High Holidays to seniors living in area retirement communities. Challahman baked and de- livered 184 loaves of round challah to residents in five se- nior communities the morning before Rosh Hashanah. Feder- ation funded the gifts for 114 residents at Cedar Sinai Park, 26 at Mirabella, 22 at Court- yard Village, 15 at Touchmark in the West Hills and 7 at Paci- fica/Calaroga Terrace. The gifts were inspired by two men – Rabbi Barry Cohen and Rich Meyer – who were search- Round challah loaves for Rosh Hashanah were ing for ways to enrich the High delivered the morning of Sept. 18 to nearly 200 Holidays for seniors in the Jewish seniors living at five Portland-area retire- community. ment communities including Cedar Sinai Park, When Rabbi Cohen arrived left, and Mirabella, above. in Portland in fall of 2018 to become Federation’s first full- Portland-baked kosher chal- evening to make Kiddush. The lot for Rosh Hashanah.” time community chaplain, he lah, returned to its roots with a challah is very important to us Both men say they hope the began visiting retirement com- home delivery service in early and lovingly critiqued. We will challah reminds the seniors the munities and getting to know June in response to the changed especially enjoy challah from community cares even when residents through dining and reality of life during the pan- Challahman.” visiting is impossible. studying together. demic. Congregation Shaarie “I was touched by the note, but “I hope that the simple gesture “And then the COVID-19 Torah soon partnered with the it made me think about the many of a Rosh Hashanah challah pandemic struck,” he says. Challahman to deliver challah Jewish seniors in our communi- will let them know the Jewish “Since then, I have not been each Friday to 10 random con- ty who have been so affected by community still cares for their able to visit, and except for oc- gregants. the pandemic, especially when health, safety and welfare,” casional Zoom or phone calls, Rich says that one week he it comes to participating in com- says the rabbi. we have had no contact. With received a sweet thank you munal celebrations and rituals,” Rich agrees.“It’s a small way the High Holidays, I wanted note: “What a delightful sur- says Rich. “I got in touch with to connect, but I hope it helps to reach out to residents. I am prise for Shabbat, two loaves Rabbi Cohen and the Federation people feel that the community grateful to have worked with of challot. At the retirement and talked about ways to reach is thinking about and caring for Rich Meyer, the Challahman, facility where I live, the few out to people who might feel them, and that we look forward to connect with our seniors.” Jews among us gather infor- isolated. He came up with the to the time when we can all cel- The Challahman, maker of mally on Friday afternoon/ idea of providing round chal- ebrate together.”

Shofar Across Oregon & SW Washington At 4 pm on Sept. 20, the second day of Rosh Hashanah, people across Oregon and SW Washington filled the air with the sound of the shofar. From left, Steve Glickman, Rabbi Michael Cahana and Herb Semler participated in the event sponsored by the Oregon Board of Rabbis and the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. 8 Jewish Review Sept. 30, 2020 Mitzvah Morning aids hungry and houseless The morning of Erev Yom person and connect with others. Kippur, 78 households re- COVID-19 is still very much sponded to the call to aid those an issue, but we’ve learned facing food and housing inse- creative ways for people to be curity, both of which have been alone but together in support exacerbated by COVID-19. of others,” says Caron Blau Households donated meal kits, Rothstein, who coordinated the hundreds of hotel-sized toilet- event with Elana Cohn-Rozan- ries and new underwear. sky. Caron serves as Director of “I want to extend gratitude Community Planning and Allo- for your Mitzvah Morning” cations for JFGP, and Elana is Mitzvah Morning said Diane Rheos, Executive the Service Learning Coordina- volunteers Director of Portland Back- tor for PJA. donned masks pack, which received the food Participants assembled and and unloaded donations. “You contributed collected items in their homes cars when 745 food sacks to kids who and then dropped off their do- participants need help having enough on nations at one of two drive- pulled up with the weekends. Knowing that through, socially distanced sites. donations at two 300 people or more were all Participants dropped off their drop sites, one involved in touching each of donations the morning of Sept. on the eastside, those food sacks gives me such 27 for Portland Backpack and above, and at the joy. All those kids, parents, Transition Projects, which re- Schnitzer Familiy working together.” ceived the two trunkloads of un- Campus (MJCC/ Mitzvah Morning was host- used, travel-sized toiletries and PJA) on the ed by the Jewish Federation new adult underwear for those westside, left. of Greater Portland, Portland experiencing houselessness. Jewish Academy and Eastside "It was a fabulous program Jewish Commons. and the best way to go into Yom a difference,” adds Diane. “We membering how much we can “People have missed their Kippur," says Caron. have a wonderful community care for each other is vital for opportunity over the last six- “There is nothing better than and each of you help us make our health. Thank you for the plus months to volunteer in working side by side to make it so. These are days when re- reminder.”

Famed chef shares holiday recipes Three-time James Beard Award-winning night,” said Michael as he demonstrated chef Michael Solomonov cooked, joked how to spatchcock the chicken so it would and entertained thousands who Zoomed lay flat. He delightedly quipped it was a into the Rosh Hashanah cooking program wonderful opportunity to say spatchcock cosponsored by 32 Federations nationally. (which is also known as butterflying). Michael is “a true mensch and outstanding He added the onion and honey-glazed Chef Michael Solomonov led 5,000 viewers chef,” said Marc Blattner, CEO and Pres- chicken recipe was very flexible. He urged through preparation of a Rosh Hashanah ident of the Jewish Federation of Greater people to lay the spatchcocked chicken over meal with food journalist Gabriella Gersh- Portland, which orchestrated the free event. whatever root vegetables they had on hand enson moderating questions from viewers. Michael cooked two dishes – honey cake and to season the bird (he recommended and tabbouleh – adapted from his Zahav kosher chicken even for non-kosher programs for Federations nationwide that cookbook and one that he developed for households) with spices they enjoyed. again feature the Philadelphia-based chef. the evening. Given the success, JFGP is organizing Registration information will be avialable “The chicken was made specially for to- virtual Hanukkah and Passover cooking before the Dec. 2 and March 16 programs. Jewish Review Sept. 30, 2020 9 Three families reflect on very different Sukkot BY GLORIA HAMMER join them during this year’s pandemic. Eric calls their Sukkah modest – it’s not “Health, safety and common sense are paramount Jewish and rabbinic principles large or extravagant – but he thinks the that always carry the day. As long as there is no immediate risk and the authorities posters that the kids sometimes hang of say the air quality is sufficient, we will be in the sukkah!” musicians and athletes set it apart. These are the words of Keith Berne. His thoughts coincide with the two other fami- He says his family is easygoing and tries lies profiled here that shed light on why Sukkot 2020 will be different from all others. not to overreact to crises such as COVID and wildfires. “We need to be safe and take precautions. Challenges are oppor- tunities to grow … in life not everything goes your way.”

Kornblit Family Eric Kornblit is a Global Supply Chain Berne Family Manager for Intel and board president of Keith Berne is a Re/Max Realty Broker. Congregation Kesser Israel. Rosalie Berne is a senior director for Robin Kornblit is a benefit advisor for the Thermo Fisher Scientific. State of Oregon at PERS. Kaufman Family Children: Areille, 27, and Avi, 25, who Children: Daniel, 16, Wilson High School; Jason Kaufman is a vice president with lives in Israel. Hannah, 13, Portland Jewish Academy. US Bank. The Berne family has been building a suk- “The holiday brings us close to the out- Allison Kaufman is the Operations Direc- kah since 1992 when they bought their first doors and the spiritual wilderness that tor at B’nai B’rith Camp. house in Cedar Hills. Jews experienced in the desert thousands Daughters: Eliana, Sarina and Adena. Keith is quick to say that Sukkot is a To- of years ago,” says Eric. “Sukkot brings The Kaufman family has built a sukkah rah-commanded festival. It is commanded us closer to our roots as nomadic tribes of for 17 years. They take the commandment to be joyous. “From the day our first child herders where Hashem was ever present to to dwell outside during Sukkot to heart. was born, we wanted her to think Judaism us.” The weather doesn’t always cooperate, but was fun, and Sukkot was the perfect holi- They have built a Sukkah every year since when it isn’t raining, the family thinks it is day,” he says. Keith’s father Frank helped they were married in 2002, first in Israel fun to be in the sukkah and connect to the until his passing in 2018 at 94 years old and now in Portland. Hannah often deco- outside. When the Bernes moved back to Portland rates the sukkah with drawings, and Daniel They live in Wilsonville with few Jewish in 1989 after three years in Israel, they helps build the sukkah. Robin helps where neighbors, so it is also their way of out- wanted to share Sukkot. Keith and Rosa- needed and cooks the meals they eat in the wardly showing their Judaism. Five years lie befriended many young Jews who had sukkah. ago when they put up their sukkah after just moved here with new families. “In “It is so special because of our ability to moving into a new home, they got a notice past years, we have had up to 25 people connect outside and see the stars at night,” from the HOA that the building structure crammed into our 16- by 8-foot sukkah. says Hannah. “It is so beautiful.” was not approved. They wrote the HOA That won’t happen this year! One of the Eric does not believe online gatherings are that they were building it for religious pur- many themes of the holiday is the fragility, a replacement for face-to-face interactions poses, and now they make sure to notify uncertainty and insecurity of life, like the to create close connections among family the HOA every year before building their sukkah itself – this year, more than ever, in and community members. sukkah. my lifetime,” Keith says. “For the first time since World War II, Their sukkah is 8 by 12 feet – not a lot of The building and prep work will not be Jews are not able to gather and celebrate room to spread out. In addition, the sukkah affected. The Torah commandment to have their traditions as we have in the past,” says connects to their back door, which requires fun and to bring joy and light into the world Eric. He believes the challenge is to main- having people come through the house. is needed more than ever. But the Bernes tain our traditions and come out stronger They will decide close to the holiday if won’t be jamming in 25 people; they will once COVID-19 has run its course. they can have friends over. Being outside follow distance guidelines and let folks “For traditional Jews, our religious lives will help, but if the pandemic spread is serve themselves. They will invite family cannot be even close to normal without the greater in October, they will limit guests and friends from around the world to join physical ability to celebrate our traditions,” and invite people to join them virtually. in on Zoom. says Eric. “Online does not work.” “G-d willing, we will be able to have Keith regrets that he didn’t have everyone They will be limiting Sukkot to imme- guests,” says Jason. who ate a meal in his Sukkah over the de- diate family and maybe one or two guests It will be a far cry from last year when cades sign the two by fours that hold it up. with social distancing. Their family in Tex- they hosted 20 people in their sukkah as He says, “Sukkot is so meaningful, you feel as and Maryland, whom they haven’t seen part of Congregation Neveh Shalom’s Suk- connected to Jews around the world.” in almost a year, won’t be able to travel to kah Hop. 10 Jewish Review Sept. 30, 2020 Chaplain's Corner GINSBURG (continued from page 1) Empathy is very difficult to teach. You must Cord Professor of Law at University of Nevada, push people out of their comfort zone and then Las Vegas. show them how to return. Ginsburg was a master Justice Ginsburg used the teaching, “jus- of this technique. tice, justice shall you pursue” (Deuteronomy But one of the ways Ginsburg created justice 16:20). “Justice” is repeated because we have was through challenging the norms that relegat- a sacred obligation not only to pursue justice ed women to caregiving and men to convention- tribally, but also universally. For the sake of all ally working. She set the stage for both women Americans, she pursued justice in the arenas of and men to have more ways to pursue their pas- power, economics, health care and profession- sions in the economic arena. Part of her legacy al careers. concerns “the ability to perform your gender as Through leveraging her passions, energy, intel- you wish, whether that is women working out- lect and emotions, she changed our country – and side the home, … men staying home and caring for the better. Now the responsibility is ours to Rabbi Barry Cohen is Jewish for children, men loving other men, women lov- protect her legal legacy and to continue her pur- Community Chaplain of the ing other women,” said Kathryn Stanchi, E.L. suit of justice. Greater Portland Area. Teen Corner A Call to Action through Middot BY MAZZI KATZEN people say “Black Lives Matter,” this is at the heart of that notion. We must always remember Currently, the world is facing a lot. There are that there are no superior beings, and it is our job many battles being fought such as the COVID-19 to fight against any injustice that says otherwise. pandemic and the battle against racism through The rabbi and I also discussed tikkun olam, the Published biweekly by the Black Lives Matter movement. value of repairing the world. This is a key value As a young Jewish woman who attended the Jewish Federation of in Judaism and may seem intimidating. Where do Portland Jewish Academy her whole life, I grew Greater Portland we begin to repair the world with all the hardship up learning about middot (Jewish values). We 9900 SW Greenburg Road, and misfortune that it is faced with? Tikkun olam always learned about them in the context of the Suite 220 is closely identified with social action. In my own times in which they were written. Now I am see- Tigard, OR 97223 experience, I have used philanthropy and tzeda- ing how these values can and should be applied 503-245-6219 kah as a way of working toward tikkun olam. in current times and within my own life. They Through my participation in the Oregon Jewish JewishPortland.org can help guide us through life’s most complicat- Community Foundation, I have seen philanthro- ed moments. py make big impacts on my community and the To help me dive deeper into these ideas, val- word around me, and it is a great tool that truly Editor ues and how they relate to the present moment, can help to repair the world. Deborah Moon I reached out to Rabbi Ariel Stone of Congrega- Jewish principles teach us that pursuing justice, tion Shir Tikvah in Portland. Rabbi Stone is a [email protected] giving tzedakah and following other mitzvot can social activist and strong female leader. During a 503-892-7404 lead to piecing the world back together. long discussion, she enlightened me about some How does this relate to current times? Now Jewish principles that can make a huge impact in more than ever the world is in need of repair. It Circulation the world right now. To receive the Jewish is our duty to follow mitzvot and middot the best The first value that we discussed was pikuach Review in your email inbox, we can. We need to help vulnerable populations nefesh. This value is really an obligation for all email your name and email and stand up against injustices we see in the Jews. It states that saving a life is the most im- address to world. As we reflect on how to navigate through portant thing. Even if you break another mitzvah [email protected] these difficult times, it is essential to embrace our (law) to do so, saving a life comes before any- Jewish values, to use those values as a compass thing else. Currently, so many lives are at higher and to allow them to guide us toward making the risk, and it is our job to learn how to make com- OPINIONS printed in the world a better place. promises to help others. Something as simple as Jewish Review do not wearing a mask could be considered a mitzvah, Mazzi Katzen is a necessarily reflect those as you are making a simple yet helpful compro- junior at Lakeridge High of the Jewish Review mise that could save others. School. She is a member Committee, the Jewish We need to remember that our life does not of the OJCYF Leadership Federation of Greater come before anyone else’s. We are all part of this Council and served as Portland, its governing kehilla (community). Genesis 1:26-28 states that a 2019-2020 Jewish all human beings are made in the image of God, board or the staffs of either Teen Funders Network meaning that everyone is created equal. God did the newspaper or the Ambassador. Federation. not make anyone or any group of humans superi- or. We are all equally holy in God’s image. When Jewish Review Sept. 30, 2020 11 Rabbi's Corner Measure 110 a humane, effective approach to drug addiction BY RABBI DEBRA KOLODNY is cruel, expensive and ineffective. It’s time for us to stop. Pirke Avot Chapter 2:16 teaches us that Our current system creates tremendous (Rabbi Tarfon) used to say… It is not up to harm and unnecessary suffering. Measure you to finish the task, but neither are you 110 takes our state’s current ineffective and free to desist from it.” As a rabbi, I often ask cruel approach to drugs and replaces it with myself how every challenge in our society evidence-based solutions. It connects peo- can be addressed and what is my role in en- ple who are deeply suffering with the care suring forward momentum on that issue. they need to get well. It will save lives. That inquiry leads me to support Measure If our goal is to reduce overdoses and ad- 110, a ballot measure we’ll be voting on in diction, we should have a response that’s Rabbi Debra Kolodny serves as the spiri- November. rooted in compassion and in what the tual leader of Portland’s UnShul and as ex- Measure 110 would shift Oregon to a science says works. Addiction is a health ecutive director of Portland United Against health-based approach to drugs and ad- issue, not an ethical lapse or character Hate, a coalition of more than 80 commu- diction. Instead of arresting and punishing weakness for which we should punish and nity organizations, neighborhood groups, people for drug possession, we’d expand stigmatize people. Addiction deserves a agencies and local governments working access to drug addiction treatment and re- compassionate, health-based response. together to support those targeted by hate. covery services, paying for it with existing Measure 110 would specifically invest taxes on marijuana. in expanding access to treatment services Measure 110 can heal relationships, fami- Oregon really needs this right now. Our that are culturally responsive, trauma-in- lies and entire communities. state ranks nearly last in access to drug formed and patient-centered. It would ex- In Judaism, there is a concept of “ma’asim addiction treatment, and nearly two people pand access to peer support and recovery tovim” or good works. We are expected to die of overdoses every day. services to assist people in remaining clean perform good works without seeking re- Instead of expanding treatment and recov- and sober. Housing, both stabilized and ward or recognition. In fact, in general, Ju- ery services, we continue to punish people for transitional, for persons with substance daism has a huge emphasis on deeds, tak- being addicted to drugs, arresting more than use disorder would also be funded through ing real action in the world, not on positive 8,900 people a year in cases where simple the measure. This is essential, because it’s thoughts or wishful thinking. Voting yes on drug possession is the most serious offense. nearly impossible for someone to recover Measure 110 is a good deed in and of itself, That’s the equivalent of one arrest every hour. if they don’t have a safe place to lay their something we can do to extend kindness, Nothing is gained by shaming, blaming head at night. empathy and care. and punishing people because they are Overdose prevention and harm reduction Science tells me that the evidence-based addicted to drugs. Shame leads people to are also funded. As is evident, this measure approach offered through Measure 110 despair and disconnection, which makes addresses addiction holistically to help peo- will be effective in helping many. My heart recovery even harder. While Oregonians ple recover and heal. Measure 110 will also tells me that working to pass Measure 110 use drugs at the same rate regardless have a transformative effect on communi- is a great opportunity to put my faith into of race, Black, Indigenous, Latinx and ties. Just as addiction creates heartbreak far action, to perform a good deed with enor- LGBTQ communities are disproportion- beyond a person’s firsthand suffering, the mous implications for the highest good for ately harmed by current drug policies. gifts of recovery extend far beyond that in- all. I urge you to join me in voting yes on Over-policing marginalized communities dividual. By helping the individual recover, Measure 110. Monthly Mitzvah: Mikvah To celebrate 36 (double chai) years in out only at special times, under specific Oregon, Chabad of Oregon is promot- conditions. The union of a man and a ing a different mitzvah for each month woman is especially precious. of this year. The celebration is based This helps explain why Judaism pre- on the Mitzvah Campaign created by scribes a cycle of union and separation Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. between husband and wife. And why the Schneerson, z”l, in 1967. most important institution of Jewish life, In October the focus is on the mikvah. next to the home, is the mikvah that stands There is nothing more holy in this world, at the vortex of that cycle. Because pre- nothing more precious to its Creator, than cious things only stay beautiful when you the union of a man and a woman. It is, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. after all, the fountain of life. To learn more or for a private tour of Precious things are kept in sealed boxes. Mikvah Shoshanah, the Portland Wom- Some treasures in your wardrobe are so en’s Mikvah, contact Simi Mishulovin at beautiful, of such value, that they come 503-309-4185. Mikvah Shoshanah, Portland Women’s Mikvah 12 Jewish Review Sept. 30, 2020 JCRC Column Jewish community weighs in on Oregon’s ethnic studies standards

BY MICHELLE BOMBET MINCH that completely excluded the Jewish American experience. Upcoming A Sept. 15 Zoom meeting gave members of the The original draft of the Oregon bill similarly Jewish Community Relations Council and Jew- did not include creating standards for Middle issues ish educators the opportunity to comment on the Eastern Studies and Jewish Studies. But the most recent draft of Oregon Ethnic Studies stan- JCRC submitted language to amend the bill and Issue date Deadline dards and concepts. to ensure Jewish representation on the ODE ad- The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s visory committee. JCRC hosted the Zoom meeting with Amit Ko- At the meeting with Mr. Kobrowski, JFGP ar- Oct. 14 Oct. 7 browski, Social Science Specialist of the Oregon ticulated the following three priorities that any Department of Education, who is meeting with new standards should include: Oct. 28 Oct. 22 schools and organizations interested in providing • Consideration of Jews as a historically mar- public comment. ginalized community in the United States. Nov. 11 Nov. 5 To give some background, in June 2017 Ore- • The positive contributions of the American gon’s Governor Kate Brown signed into law Jewish people to medicine, commerce, society, House Bill 2845 making Oregon the first state etc. throughout the history of our country. Nov. 25 Nov. 19 to require schools to adopt ethnic studies curric- • The inclusion of anti-Semitism under any ulum in social sciences for public kindergarten lessons that focus on bigotry and discrimination Dec. 9 Dec. 3 through grade 12. Due to COVID-19, the state against minority communities. board has extended the original adoption date by ODE’s email response following the Zoom call Dec. 23 Dec. 17 one year to no later than September 2021. brought to the forefront significant concerns. The bill directed the Oregon Department of Taking the third priority as an example, a teach- Education to create an advisory group to draft er has the flexibility to create lesson plans that statewide ethnic studies standards for public kin- do not include anti-Semitism yet include bigotry dergarten through grade 12 and requires the State and discrimination against other minority groups. Submit news, photos and Board of Education to ensure that academic con- Oregon uses a standards-based education, so cur- obituaries by the issue tent standards for history, geography, economics riculum is not included for ethnic studies or for and civics include sufficient instruction on the any social science class. deadline to: histories, contributions and perspectives of indi- Why should we care about ethnic studies in our editor@ viduals who are Native American; are of African, public schools? Hatred toward the Jewish people jewishportland.org. Asian, Pacific Island, Chicano, Latino, or Middle is at an all-time high. The “2019 ADL Audit of Eastern descent; are women; have disabilities; Anti-Semitic Incidents found that the total num- To request a larger story, are immigrants or refugees; or are lesbian, gay, ber of anti-Semitic incidents in 2019 increased please email the editor bisexual or transgender. 12 percent over the previous year, with a disturb- The bill was sparked by a grassroots movement ing 56 percent increase in assaults,” according to a week before the dead- “led by students advocating to see themselves, a press release from the ADL. “The audit found line. their story, their identity in the school curricu- there were, on average, as many as six anti-Se- lum,” according to the ODE. mitic incidents in the U.S. for each day in the House Bill 2023 of June 2019 amended calendar year – the highest level of anti-Semitic HB2045 and directed district school boards, the activity ever recorded by ADL.” Rabbi's corner State Board of Education and committees or of- Can we really expect incidents of hate to de- The Jewish Review offers ficers to adopt textbooks and other instructional crease when standards, curricula and lesson plans space for our community's materials on American history and government leave out the narrative of the Jewish people as a rabbis to share their that adequately stress the services rendered by marginalized community? underrepresented minorities. The bill also directs We look forward to continuing our conversa- thoughts on the week's the ODE to provide professional development to tions with ODE to get further clarification on the parsha or current events. teachers and administrators related to academic responses to the three priorities we set forth. The Oregon Board of content standards adopted pursuant to HB2045. Rabbis coordinates The JCRC has a heightened sense of alert fol- Michelle Bombet Minch is chair of the Jewish lowing a series of unfortunate events with the Community Relations Council and Israel Ad- the Rabbi's Corner. To California State Board of Education and their vocacy Committee of the Jewish Federation of schedule a date to submit Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum. The 2019 Greater Portland. A native of Baton Rouge, La., a 500-word piece, email draft included derogatory and divisive content she relocated to Oregon in 1992 with the soft- OBR President Rabbi toward Jews and Israelis as well as references ware/hardware industry and currently provides to the Boycott, Sanctions and Divestment move- marketing/public relations/web development ser- Eve Posen, eposen@ ment. Most recently, there was a surprise draft vices on a consulting basis. nevehshalom.org.

Jewish Review Sept. 30, 2020 13 Kesser Israel to celebrate Jodi Fried's five years of service Congregation Kesser Israel will honor eted High Holiday program each year, to She works Jodi Fried on a Zoom program “Celebrat- burning the mortgage this past December,” as an empow- ing Five Years of Community Excellence” she says. “What I am most proud of are the erment coach at 7 pm, Oct. 6. relationships I built within the Kesser com- helping moms In conjunction with its High Holiday Ap- munity, the broader Portland Jewish com- with confi- peal, the congregation is honoring Jodi for munity and beyond, and the way I fostered dence and to her five years of outstanding service to the community connection amongst others.” build travel congregation. Jodi grew up as a member of Rabbi Brodkin says Jodi successfully creat- and adventure Kesser Israel, and from 2015-2020 served as ed an environment where people of all back- back into their Kesser’s membership and program director. grounds and affiliations can connect and feel lives and she Kesser Israel Rabbi Ken Brodkin says valued. “She effuses belief in each person continues to Jodi “is an exceptional Jewish professional that she works with or touches,” he adds. host her To who has had an outsized impact on Jewish To join the Oct. 6 Zoom meeting cele- (Mom) Life life in Portland. In her quiet, modest man- brating Jodi, go to https://us02web.zoom. podcast, a podcast for moms juggling it all ner, she has engaged and empowered many us/j/81299798292. (loveadventuremom.buzzsprout.com). volunteers.” For more information on the program, Visit her website loveadventuremom.com Jodi says she is proud of her five years at email [email protected]. or join her Empowered Jewish Mom Kesser. “There is so much to be proud of, This year, Jodi decided to focus on “being Movement on Facebook at facebook.com/ from Scholars in Residence Shabbatons, more present for my family as a stay-at- groups/empoweredjewishmom to the way our small team ran a multi-fac- home-mom.” Portland gets page on JewishGen website Women’s ReJewvenation retreat goes virtual JewishGen.org has reserved a slot for Portland to create its own Do thoughts of rainy days, coupled with continued social distanc- page in KehilaLinks, a free feature on the organization’s website. ing, have you feeling down or overwhelmed? Then set aside the KehilaLinks pages are little online books for communities where weekend of Oct. 23-25 for ReJewvenation, B’nai B’rith Camp’s Jewish people have lived. They can contain memorials and cultur- annual Women’s Retreat coming to you virtually this year. al, genealogical and historical records for future generations. Each Join a warm and diverse community of women to light Shabbat community can post its history, photos, memoirs and data. candles, learn a new recipe, play a game of Bingo, try out a fitness Jewish Genealogical Society of Oregon Secretary Linda Wolfe class and much more, all from the comfort of your own home. Kelley is the volunteer manager for Portland’s KehilaLinks page. Organizers are excited about the opportunity to connect and find The JGSO invites all Jewish organizations in Portland to partici- laughter, joy and beauty in new ways, while raising vital dollars pate so this legacy can be left for the next generations. for the future of BB Camp. All participants will be asked to make a The Portland page seeks photos and family stories about Oregon meaningful gift to support BB Camp. BB Camp lost more than $2 Jewish families. Send permissions from authors and families and million of income this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and with your submissions. For submissions and questions, email Lin- has pivoted to provide day camps in Lincoln City, Portland and da at [email protected]. Seattle, virtual programs and serve over 30,000 meals to food-in- secure families in Lincoln City (now being expanded to victims of Submit to: [email protected] the Echo Complex Fire). Obituaries Registration is free. For details, visit bbcamp.org/rejewvenation or contact Stacey Lebenzon at [email protected]. DAVRIAN HERSH He was the beloved husband of Davrian Hersh (z”l), passed Darlene; father of Ed Menashe, away on Sept. 25, 2020. She Joya Menashe and Rachelle was the beloved mother of Menashe; stepfather of Debo- Public Service Announcement Congregation Beth Israel Can- rah Ellis and Michelle Alberts; tor Ida Rae Cahana (Rabbi grandfather of 8; great grandfa- Michael Cahana), Tom Hersh, ther of 4; and brother of Beulah Lisa Reed and Michael Hersh; Schauffe. grandmother of David, Sarit, He was born March 28, 1932. Liora, and Idit Cahana; Ben Private interment is scheduled. and Hadley Hersh; Kyle and Chabad SE Rabbi Dov and Natalie Reed; and Leah and Chani Bialo posted on Face- Alex Hersh. book: “Jack Menashe (or Mr. Congregation Beth Israel Menashe, as we lovingly called offers condolences to Cantor him) was a special soul. In his Cahana, Rabbi Cahana, Tom, quiet way he brought joy to Lisa, Michael, Daivd, Sarit, each encounter. Mr. Menashe Liora, Idit, Ben, Hadley, Kyle, and the children had a special Natalie, Leah, Alex and the ex- relationship and he will be tended Hersh family. sorely missed. We wish Dar- lene (Mrs. Menashe) lots of JACK MENASHE comfort and blessings.” Jack Menashe, z’l, passed Congregation Neveh Shalom away Sept. 20, 2020, the sec- extends its deepest condolences ond day of Rosh Hashanah. to the Menashe family. 14 Jewish Review Sept. 30, 2020