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Home , Abby Stein, Beit Yosef (book), Moishe House, Passover, Passover Seder

Food for homeless – page 2 for survivors – page 3 Mikvah Shoshana never closed – page 8 Moving – page 10 March 17, 2021 / 4, 5781 Volume 56, Issue 7

See Marking one year of pandemic life Events March 16, 2020, marks the day that our schools and buildings closed last year, and our lives were and drastically changed by the reality of COVID-19 reaching Oregon. As Resources the soundtrack of the musical “Rent” put it: ~ pages Congregation Beth clergy meet via Zoom using “525,600 minutes, how 6-7 CBI Passover Zoom backgrounds, a collection of which do you measure a year?” can be downloaded at bethisrael-pdx.org/passover. Living according to the Jewish calendar provides us with one Pandemic Passover 2.0 answer to this question. BY DEBORAH MOON who live far away. We measure our year by Passover will be the first major Congregation Shaarie Exec- completing the full cycle Jewish that will be celebrated utive Director Jemi Kostiner Mansfield of holidays and Jewish for the second time under pandemic noticed the same advantage: “Families rituals. Time and our restrictions. and from out of town can come need for our community Since Pesach is traditionally home- together on a virtual platform, people and these rituals haven’t stopped in this year, even based, it is perhaps the easiest Jewish who normally wouldn’t be around the though so many of our usual ways of marking these holiday to adapt to our new landscape. seder table.” holy moments have been interrupted. Still, it has been a challenging experi- Shaarie Torah normally hosts a sec- Congregation Neveh Shalom has created a booklet ence for individuals and congregations. ond seder, but chose to cancel offering four rituals to help mark the past year. But we have learned a lot about the vir- last year and instead tried to match Introducing the rituals, the booklet notes: “As tual world over the past year, and some people up for Zoom seders, offering we approach the milestone of this unique and silver linings have appeared. tips and tricks on leading one. They challenging year, we recognize that this year has People traditionally come together in plan to do the same this year. encompassed deep loss and grief, innovation and large groups of family and friends for Congregation Beth Israel also shifted resilience, as well as joy and hopefulness. In order a seder on the first night of Passover, its holiday focus to virtual experiences. to mark this moment, we invite you to explore the and many congregations offer a com- “Last year, we quickly pivoted our following pages (in booklet) and engage in any of the munity seder on the second night. Last Passover experiences to an online plat- four rituals or blessings that speak to you during the year, Oregon restrictions on gatherings form and held a congregational seder anniversary week of the beginning of the pandemic.” began about three weeks before Pass- for the first time in many years,” says Lighting a yahrtzeit candle to remember a loved one over, disrupting seder plans. Joseph. “It was the early or to recognize the grief we’ve held this year (page 4). Many congregations canceled their days of Zoom when people were still Shehechiyanu blessing: “We are grateful to be here community seders last year. trying to figure out how to be together at this time!” (page 5). Congregation Neveh Shalom, how- – physically distanced but spiritually Rock Garden: Paint or decorate a rock with acryl- ever, moved its in-person community connected. We craved connection, and it ic paint or sharpies with messages of hope, grief, a seder to Zoom with Rabbi Eve Posen was a joy to be together on the screen.” dedication to the memory of someone you lost this as the lead and experienced an incred- Building on last year’s experienc- year or anything that speaks to you (page 6). ible turnout. es, this Passover many organizations Short candlelighting on the anniversary of “For the first time since I left home, I and congregations are hosting virtual the pandemic: Friday, March 19, 2021, at 6 pm on was able to have seder with my fami- seders or offering resources so congre- Zoom (page 7). ly across the country AND be present gants can host virtual seders for family The booklet concludes with a pandemic poem by for my congregation here in Portland,” and friends. The Jewish Federation Alicia Jo Rabins entitled “Accidental Monks.” says Rabbi Posen, highlighting one of of Greater Portland has compiled a The booklet was mailed to members of Congre- the key silver linings of virtual life – gation Neveh Shalom, but others are welcome to the ability to “gather” with loved ones See PANDEMIC PESACH, page 6 download the pdf at bit.ly/3rBOYTi. Chef Jenn Louis, cen- ter above, has recruited many volunteers to help cook, collect and deliver food and other essentials to some of the many tent encampments that have sprung up around Port- land as the houseless population has swelled. Former restaurateur cooks for the homeless BY DEBORAH MOON She says basic needs should be a right in Last fall, local chef and cookbook author our wealthy country. Jenn Louis walked into a tent encampment Good Deeds Month Later this , a “Good Deeds “I don’t ask their stories – not judging is to see if anyone wanted some sweaters her Month” promotion will feature or- really important,” says Jenn, who adds if boyfriend wanted to give away. ganizations and people such as Jenn people want to talk, she listens “with an “It is one thing to drive by; it is another Louis who are doing good in our com- open heart.” to stand in a camp,” says Jenn. “The next munity. The monthlong promotion Jenn is trying to scale back her deliveries day, I bought beans and rice and took them will give people the opportunity to to two days a week because she needs time a hot meal.” volunteer and help with those efforts. to organize donations, cook and coordinate. Since that first visit in November, Jenn has Good Deeds Day is an annual cel- She also needs time to continue offering gone to tent camps every week to bring the ebration of community volunteer- online cooking classes and consulting with basics to people with no permanent home. ing that takes place on a Sunday with food service businesses. Now she visits about eight to 10 camps two millions of participants around the She says her cooking classes have blos- to four days a week with hot meals, nonper- world doing good together. But this somed into virtual cross-country family ishable food, clothes, warm socks, hygiene year with the increased needs com- gatherings. “I’ve done cooking classes for supplies, sleeping bags, tents, dog food and bined with pandemic restrictions on birthdays or other occasions for families other items that people have requested on gatherings, the Jewish Federation of scattered around the country,” says Jenn. her previous visit. Greater Portland will spotlight indi- “They all to cook together. It’s really, She has attracted a score of volunteers viduals and organizations doing good really fun.” from Havurah Shalom, where she is a to create a monthlong opportunity for Her third cookbook, published last year, member, Congregation Beth Israel and Good Deeds. reflects her respect for diverse cultures and many individuals concerned with Port- family and regional traditions. Her web- land’s homeless crisis. Donations of food, site says of The Manifesto: supplies and homemade cookies (a favorite businesses in her life including restaurants “Looking at the world through the lens of in the camps) have rolled in from individ- such as Lincoln and Ray, an Israeli restau- a simple bowl of chicken soup, I share sto- uals and companies. Information on cook- rant she closed in 2018. ries about traditional cooking styles, ingre- ing, volunteering and donating (including “I want all the products to go directly to dients, folklore, family history and more.” an Amazon wish list) is available online at people,” she says. “It makes a lot of differ- Jenn Louis has competed on Bravo’s jennlouis.com/food-for-the-homeless or by ence when you work directly with people. “Top Chef Masters,” was named one of emailing Jenn at [email protected]. It’s all volunteers who work directly with Food & ’s “Best New Chefs” and was The site also features a list of her partners people.” nominated for a James Award for who regularly donate food and supplies. Some people cook or collect donations. her second cookbook The Book of Greens, Jenn says some people don’t want to donate Some drive a second car to take all the de- which won an International Association of to her effort, because she is not registered liveries Jenn cannot fit in her own car. Culinary Professionals award. Information as a nonprofit, while others like the ability “Our job is to care for people who can’t about her classes and cookbooks on chick- to help so directly. She did not want to start take care of themselves,” says Jenn. “I can’t en soup, greens and pasta are available on another business after having run several save people, but I can provide basic needs.” her website, jennlouis.com. 2 Jewish Review March 17, 2021 Challah orders spread cheer to survivors, others BY JENN DIRECTOR KNUDSEN Challahman Rich How many loaves of challah did the fol- Meyer brings a bin lowing ingredients make? of challah loaves to 750 pounds of Janet Menashe to 85 pounds of sugar deliver to Kehil- 70 dozen eggs lah residents. For 6 quarts of vanilla every two loaves 10 pounds of salt sold, one more is 7 gallons of oil. donated to Jewish If you answered in the ballpark of 1,600 Family & Child challah loaves, you’re right. Service. Each week That’s the number of loaves of for about 75 Holocaust Shabbat that Rich Meyer, the mind and survivors, clients baker behind The Challahman – “Port- with special needs land’s tastiest kosher challah,” according to and other JFCS its website – has donated to Jewish Family clients get a fresh & Child Service since last spring. loaf of challah for It was then that Meyer – one of about Shabbat. 100 Jewish community members – placed calls on behalf of the Jewish Federation of but last March needed to shut down his op- help them stay safe in their homes.” Greater Portland to check in on people and eration for distribution issues. Holocaust survivors aren’t the only JFCS ask how they’d been doing. The pandemic “I’d wondered if I could restart my busi- clients who receive weekly Challahman and lockdown were new then, and people ness and also help the community simulta- loaves. Disabilities Inclusion Specialist shared with Meyer they had begun to feel neously,” he says. His model is to charge a Janet Menashe thought the bread could give rather sad and isolated. bit more per loaf for regular customers to Kehillah residents a brighter and heartier “We’re part of a community and this is a help offset the cost of those he donates. As Shabbat. Located at Cedar Sinai Park, Ke- very difficult time, and I feel very fortunate his website specifies, for every two loaves hillah is independent, affordable housing for to be healthy and be able to get around,” purchased, a third is donated to JFCS. adults with developmental disabilities. Meyer says. The stories people told him put Holocaust Survivor Services Manager Now Menashe distributes up to 15 loaves others’ situations in perspective, particular- Kim VanKoten shares what the challah has to Kehillah House residents and a few cli- ly the most vulnerable among us. meant to one survivor. The 82-year-old sur- ents around town. Her rounds include a “Especially those who lived and survived vivor told her, “I want to thank you for the gentleman in his 40s. “I take him the chal- , and now they’re near the tail delicious meals and challah and all you are lah each Friday,” she says. “He looks very end of their lives having to live through just doing for us in this difficult time. You are much forward to getting the challah since it this awful thing,” he says of the pandemic doing everything you can to make our lives is so good, but he also enjoys our talks each and its social fallout. “It occurred to me: all easier!” Friday because he is feeling isolated.” these people are just shut in; they can’t see Every Friday, Meyer drives to a Gresh- Meyer said he plans to offer his challot for anyone.” am-based facility where JFCS clients’ as long as this pandemic drags on. Even if But he could at least help them usher in meals are assembled and drops off up to 60 it’s another 1,600 loaves, or more. Shabbat with an edible piece of love and loaves to be delivered around town. “I’m happy to play a small role to bright- support. So he contacted JFCS, a partner- VanKoten says, “Clients have mentioned en up their weeks,” says Meyer. ship was formed and Meyer got to baking. they are very grateful for the meals and the To order two of your own loaves to benefit He’d founded The Challahman in 2012, challah for Shabbat, that such deliveries a JFCS client, visit challahman.com.

Holocaust Remembrance events March 31: Musical tribute (see story) Yom HaShoah musical tribute April 7: Yom HaShoah will be observed The Oregon Jewish Museum and inet, violin and cello by Olivier Eugène virtually with a short service led by Oregon Center for Holocaust Education and Prosper Charles Messiaen of France, Board of Rabbis at 7 pm with Holocaust sur- Jewish Family & Child Service present considered one of the major compos- vivors and their descendants via Zoom. a 7 pm, March 31, Zoom-based musi- ers of the 20th century. He composed April 8: Reading of the Names. Community cal tribute in honor of Yom HaShoah, “Quartet for the End of Time” while a members, elected officials and survivors will Holocaust Remembrance Day. political prisoner in Germany. read the names inscribed on the Oregon Ho- Rich with music and meaning, the free Following the musical program, Holo- locaust Memorial in Washington Park. The evening event features Chamber Music caust survivor Ruth Bolliger, a member event will be livestreamed and recorded. Northwest musicians playing pieces of OJMCHE’s speakers’ bureau, will These events are part of a series recogniz- composed by those imprisoned and be in conversation with Amanda Co- ing Genocide Awareness and Prevention murdered during the Holocaust. The ven, OJMCHE’s director of education. Month. The series is co-sponsored by The musical interlude portion of the event Born in 1938 in then-Czechoslovakia, Immigrant Story, Oregon Historical Society, includes a piece for cello composed by infant Ruth and her family escaped OJMCHE, PSU Holocaust and Genocide Proj- James Simon, who perished in the gas to Belgium, then France, followed by chambers of Auschwitz in 1944, fol- England, before arriving in New York ect, Never Again Coalition and WorldOregon. lowing his internment at Theresienstadt. City in 1941. Bolliger later moved to Details/registration: ojmche.org/calendar/ There will also be a movement for clar- Oregon, settling in Portland in 1975. Jewish Review March 17, 2021 3 Events past & future (For Passover events, see page 7) MARCH 18: Confronting Anti-Semitism The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland presents “Uncovering the Hidden History of and in Oregon” on Zoom Thursday, March 18, at 7 pm. “The webinar concludes our six-part series focusing on the shame- ful history of discrimination and bigotry in our state,” says JFGP Community Relations Director Bob Horenstein, who coordinated the series and is a panelist for this webinar. “It is imperative that we learn about this history because in our schools it has been largely whitewashed, ignored or even distorted. And in order to effectively address current issues around racial injustice and hate, we believe that it’s important to take a step back in order to move forward.” Speaking about this final webinar, Horenstein says, “When we think about racism and bigotry, sometimes anti-Semitism gets A COVID-19 community workshop featuring Max Cohen, N.D., on short shrift because of the perception that Jews are just part of March 4 covered the COVID-19 virus and the safety and effective- the white majority. The program on the 18th will show both how ness of vaccines. Dr. Cohen said this slide on how to get vaccinat- Jews have been accepted, yet, on the other hand, faced – and still ed in Oregon was one of two to remember. The other showed that face – bigotry.” all three current vaccines are 100% effective in preventing death Past webinars can be viewed at jewishportland.org/uncovering. and hospitalization. Sponsors: CNSCOS, JFGP and Boost Oregon. On May 26, the many partner organizations that have participated in the history webinars will gather for a virtual summit to confront hate now and in the future. More information will be posted on the same site as the webinars when it is available. The anti-Semitism panel features Horenstein and Ellen Eisenberg and will be moderated by Judy Margles, director of the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education. As director of community relations since 1994, Horenstein has directed the Federation’s efforts to safeguard the social safety net, promote civil rights, combat hate and bigotry, and strengthen the local community’s ties to Israel. Professor Eisenberg holds the Dwight and Margaret Lear chair in American History at Willamette University. Her book The First to Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education Cry Down Injustice? Western Jews and Japanese Removal during Director Judy Margles welcomed over 300 participants to its first WWII was a 2008 National Jewish Book Award finalist. virtual Gala. Settling In included a short video with cameo appear- Register for this free Zoom program at jewishportland.org/ ances from staff, donors, educators, students, community members uncovering-the-hidden-history-of-jews-and-antisemitism-in-oregon and elected officials. Donations for the Moment are still be- ing received and are near the goal. Julie Diamond won the raffle for MARCH 18: PDXBiz on survival on pandemic a virtual /cocktail date with Ari Shapiro, co-host of NPR’s All The Mittleman Jewish Community Center’s #PDXBIZ Business Things Considered. View the gala: ojmche.org/annual-gala. Series presents “THE PIVOT: How Restaurants and Venues Sur- vived COVID-19” at noon, March 18, on Zoom. When the world shut down, how did businesses survive? Learn examples from the past year of shut down and what we can expect moving forward. The panel includes Ezra Holbrook, Alberta Street Pub, and Uri Kushner, Dairy Hill Ice Cream. Congregation Neveh Shalom COVID-19 Outreach and Services is the presenting sponsor of this program. Cost: Free. $18 suggest- ed donation. Register: oregonjcc.org/pdxbiz

MARCH 21: Authors series – Becoming Eve The Mittleman Jewish Community Center’s Authors Series pres- ents Abby Stein, author of Becoming Eve, at 4:30 pm, Sunday, March 21, on Zoom. Stein is the 10th-generation descendant of the , the founder of the Hasidic movement. Stein was born as the first son in a dynastic rabbinical family, poised to become a leader of the next PDX Hillel celebrated 13 years of inspiring the Jewish Future at generation of Hasidic Jews. In 2015, Stein came out as a woman, their B’nai Mitzvah celebration March 4. Executive Director Han- and she now works as a trans activist. Becoming Eve explores: nah Sherman was joined by more than 60 smiling faces as they How far will you go to become the person you were meant to be? honored Zack Dworkin with the Future Leaders Award, heard from The talk is presented in partnership with Congregation Beth Is- students and founders about the impact of Hillel, and launched the rael, Congregation Neveh Shalom, Congregation Shaarie Torah, Future Leaders Campaign to support ethical Congregation Shir Tikvah and Havurah Shalom. raising $39,462. To contribute, visit pdxhillel.org/donate. Cost is $8 per household. Register at oregonjcc.org/authorseries 4 Jewish Review March 17, 2021 HHHaaappppppyyy veerrr PPPaaassssssooovve

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy Passover..

Next year in !!

Chag Sameach from the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland

Jewish Review March 17, 2021 5 PANDEMIC PESACH (from page 1) Meals page of local and national resources available at istration and other resources are available at Kosher Passover jewishportland.org/passoverhappenings. nevehshalom.org/passover/. Cedar Sinai Park has a Plan A and Plan B for Havurah Shalom, which offered virtual seders Meals To-Go seders on the senior living campus, where the last year, is organizing a limited number of virtu- Century Catering will once vast majority of residents and staff have been al seders for the first and second nights for mem- again offer Kosher Passover fully vaccinated. bers. This year, the congregation added music Meals To-Go the week of “We are cautiously optimistic that we can recordings, recipes and additional resource links March 21. “Crazy to think it’s have small gatherings of residents for Passover on its website. been a year since we started this seders,” says Cathy Zheutlin, CSP spiritual life With an ever evolving, and for now, seemingly tradition,” says Allen Levin, coordinator. “Plan A allows for small seders, one improving situation on the pandemic, the CNS owner of Century Catering, in each household, one for Post-Acute and four at Health Workgroup, Reopening Task Force and Cafe at the J (currently closed) Rose Schnitzer Manor. The seders at RSM in the Executive Committee has agreed to open the and Garbanzo’s Food Cart in dining rooms are being led by Rabbi Sara Rinson doors of its sanctuary to members for Yom Tov the parking lot of the Mittle- and Rabbi Barry Cohen, both of whom are fully Pesach services for up to 12 congregants with man Jewish Community Cen- vaccinated chaplains.” preregistration. There are, of course, health and ter. Allen has worked to ensure No guests will be invited to this year’s seders. safety protocols that must be agreed to and fol- kosher meals remain available “Residents know that we have a Plan A and Plan lowed, and preregistration/ is re- during pandemic restrictions. B,” Cathy adds. Plan B exists in case someone quired. Each seder meal comes with , to grate, tests positive for COVID or if the state or CDC Congregation Kesser Israel will also offer issue more stringent guidelines on gatherings be- in-person services, as they have over the past , soup fore Pesach. year when state guidelines have permitted. (chicken or vegetable broth) “Given Plan A and Plan B, it feels either like “We offer both indoor and outdoor live services, and flourless chocolate . living in a Dr. Seuss book or exiting from Egypt with masks and distancing,” says Kesser Rabbi Choose from one of four main with no time to prepare,” says Cathy. “This year Kenneth Brodkin, adding the congregation does dishes: herb-roasted chicken, is different from all other years.” not host a community seder. “In addition, our slow-cooked , roasted Beth Israel’s Rabbi Joseph agrees this is a dif- weekday services are livestreamed.” lemon-dill salmon or stuffed ferent year from all others, as well as from last Kesser also created a “Seder Map” to guide portobella mushroom – all of year. people who are just learning how to make the which come with vegetable “This year feels different,” says Rabbi Joseph. seder, step by step. The Orthodox congregation sides. “Why is this Passover different from last Pass- also has developed a three-part learning series An assortment of side dishes is also available a la carte. over? Because this year, the CDC said it is OK for Pesach (see next page). for vaccinated grandparents to hug their grand- “Over the past year, we have focused a lot on Orders are due by midnight children. Because this year, while our seder reaching different people with different needs on Sunday, March 21, and tables are smaller, while we still incorporate in different ways,” says Rabbi Brodkin. “In the the meals will be ready for Zoom, we also open our doors to hope. Because ‘old days,’ everyone just came to Shul. Now, pickup on Thursday, March this year, we can truly say these words from the with the pandemic, we are trying to offer an 25, between 3 and 5 pm at the Passover : Matchil b’ganut u’mesaim array of programs that meets different needs MJCC turnaround, 6651 SW b’shevach – You begin with the bad news, but simultaneously. All of our learning and inspira- Capitol Hwy., Portland. you end with the good news. We don’t deny the tion takes place online live and is also offered Order: centurycateringholiday. bad, the difficult, we don’t ignore it, but we say as podcasts.” square.site/ or you can email that’s only the beginning, and the end is going “The virtual world has really pushed us to offer your order to centurycatering84 to be an ending of hope.” a wider array of offerings,” says Rabbi Brodkin. @gmail.com. This year, in addition to a second night virtual “Personally, I’m really excited about Kesser’s The full menu will be posted seder, Rabbi Joseph is leading a noon, March 17, weekly podcast, the Torah Journey. This podcast on square site and at oregonjcc. workshop on how to make an online seder mean- helps people find the next step in their Jewish org/about-us/cafe-at-the-j. ingful for your whole family. Last spring, it was journey.” a scramble to get ready for the Passover holiday , an Orthodox Sephardic congrega- Northeast in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now tion, also plans in-person services for Shabbat offers Seders-To-Go we’ve had a year to learn tips and tricks. Beth and the first two days of Pesach. The congrega- Chabad of Northeast Portland Israel has a variety of resources, including Zoom tion will set up a tent adjacent to the open doors will again offer seders-to-go. Passover backgrounds, available on its website at of its building to combine indoor and outdoor Order by Sunday, March 21, bethisrael-pdx.org/passover/. open-air seating. with pickup (delivery avail- Neveh Shalom also brings back its virtual seder “We will not be hosting a community seder,” able) Friday, March 26. experience drawing on the lessons of last year. says Beit Yosef President Benaya Laws. “That Each box includes three “We’ve learned how to use the technology to our will be left for families to conduct in their own matzahs for one seder, English/ advantage by inviting participants to prepare sec- homes.” Hebrew Haggadah, step-by- tions in advance,” says Rabbi Posen. This year, as families sit down with their rela- step guide to the seder, kid- Neveh Shalom’s community seder will be tives at the table or on Zoom, Rabbi Posen sug- dush cup, seder plate items on Zoom and will feature a CNS Commu- gests they consider: “Last year we were slaves, (limited supply), wine and a nity Haggadah comprising video, writing this year we are free is a common theme of the seder dinner of matzah ball and art from all generations of its congrega- Haggadah and Passover narrative. What were soup and brisket with sweet tion. Nonmembers are welcome to join the you a slave to in pre-pandemic living and how carrots, zucchini and potatoes. Zoom seder at 6 pm, March 28. Seder reg- have you been made free from it?” JewishNortheast.com/sedertogo 6 Jewish Review March 17, 2021 Virtual Eugene Community Seder March 28 Attend the Temple Beth Israel (Eugene) Virtual Community Events & Resources Seder led by Rabbi Ruhi Sophia Motzkin Rubenstein at 5:30 pm, Kesser Israel offers virtual Pesach prep series March 28, on Zoom. Congregation Kesser Israel invites the community to join Rabbi Enjoy a short second night seder with the community, then have Ken Brodkin for a three-part series in preparation for Pesach. He dinner on your own. will present three drashot (discussions) at 8 pm, March 18 and 24 The seder will use the Saratoga Haggadah, compiled years ago and April 1, on Zoom. by Rabbi Ruhi Sophia’s parents. It takes more than 30 minutes, but “This year, we are going to be doing a learning series on Pesach not more than an hour, to get to the meal. that includes study of the Haggadah, how to have Shalom Bayit Before the seder, visit the Saturday, March 27, Pesach tips section on Pesach, as well as study of the , which is read in at tbieugene.org/passover-2021/. Sign up by March 24. on Passover,” says Rabbi Brodkin. “On Thursday, March 18, we will be discussing The Essential Central Coast Virtual Seder March 30 Haggadah Lesson,” he adds. “In that learning session, we will look This year’s Central Coast Community Seder will be a virtual at the most important thing about the Pesach seder and how to do event at 5:30 pm, March 30. B’nai B’rith Camp staff will lead a it. The essential lesson revolves around engagement. We need to virtual seder with Passover activities and traditions. engage ourselves, our kids and all of those around us, and we will BB Camp invites the Central Coast Jewish community for an be looking at what engagement is all about.” evening of reflection and celebration from the comfort of your own On March 24, attention turns to Shalom Bayit (peace in the home) home. The seder is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater on Erev Pesach (and beyond). Learn how to observe Erev Pesach Portland and PJ Library in Oregon. on a Shabbat and keep your Shalom Bayit intact while you’re at it. When you register, get a list of ceremonial foods (in case you The third session on the Song of Songs will be held during the wish to participate in this way) or bring creative alternatives from intermediate days of Passover. What’s Your Love Language? Les- what you have on hand. sons in love from Shir HaShirim will be April 1. Register: bit.ly/3qvV9qt. Details: [email protected]. For the link for all drashot, email [email protected]. Shop for Passover essentials at the museum Chocolate Seder on Zoom March 21 The Ron Tonkin Family Museum Shop at the Oregon Jewish Mu- Make this your family’s sweetest Passover yet by joining Con- seum and Center for Holocaust Education (724 NW Davis St.) is gregation Shaarie Torah for a Family Chocolate Seder Sunday, open for Passover shopping March 16-19 from 11 am-3 pm. March 21, at 11 am. Along with beautiful Passover items, including Haggadot, seder Led by Dr. Sharon Pollin, we will be reminded that freedom is plates and candles, the fully stocked gift shop offers books for chil- sweet as we make our way through mounds of M&M’s and Kit Kats, dren on Passover and other , cookbooks, jewelry glug gallons of chocolate milk, and sing traditional and silly songs. and special Judaica. Masks and social distancing are required. All CST Religious School families will receive a bag of most needed materials delivered to their home. Non-members will OneTable offers Seder connections receive the supply list and Chocolate Haggadah upon registra- OneTable, an organization that empowers people to envision tion. This event is free and open to the entire community. Register new rituals and build community through Shabbat dinner expe- at shaarietorah.org/passover/. riences, is helping make the 2021 possible. At a time when people are feeling isolated and in need of meaningful Passover Storybook Trail March 21 connection, OneTable is supporting people of all ages interested in Chabad Northeast is hosting a Passover Storybook Trail at Lau- hosting or attending virtual, household-based or outdoor socially relhurst Park on March 21 to help families to prepare for Pesach. distanced Passover gatherings. Families can sign up for half-hour time slots between 2 and 4 pm. “Passover is such a communal holiday experience filled with Capacity of each shift will be limited to ensure that social distanc- meaning and memories,” says Al Rosenberg, chief strategy officer ing and all safety precautions can be followed. of OneTable. “We learned a lot last year about the ways people Families are invited to enjoy the great outdoors. Go back in time can be creative and adapt ritual to make meaning in these times as you read the story of Passover and collect souvenirs along the of distance. People may not gather together this year, but we can way. At the end of the trail, participate in Passover arts and crafts. help create those personal connections and interactions that make Register for a time slot at Jewishnortheast.com/Storybooktrail. Passover special, memorable and resonant today.” Candy Seder March 21 Young adults (20s-30s) can turn to OneTable.org/passover if Join B’nai B’rith Camp and Congregation Beth Israel to prepare they’re interested in hosting or attending virtual, household-based your family for Passover the sweetest way possible at 4 pm, March or outdoor socially distanced Passover gatherings. OneTable ex- 21, 2021, on Zoom. tends this support to people of all ages through Herefor.com. These The seder is suitable for grades 1-6. Reserve your kit (with candy platforms offer financial and creative support for Passover gather- enough for two) by March 18 and schedule a pickup in Portland. ings, a way to connect and a place to share photos of and reflect on Then Zoom in to snack and learn about the holiday on March 21. celebration. Resources include guides to group, solo and Shabbat Register at bethisrael-pdx.org/candy-seder-2021/ seders, Haggadot, recipes, playlists and inspiration boards. In the second year of the pandemic, the need for meaningful Neveh Shalom virtual seder March 28 connection and ritual is greater than ever. Last year, OneTable and Last year, Congregation Neveh Shalom quickly shifted its second Seder2020 (now Herefor.org) supported more than 38,000 virtu- night seder to a virtual event led by Rabbi Eve Posen. This year’s al Passover participants, building on a long history of facilitating community seder will also be on Zoom and will feature a CNS meaningful engagements through its Shabbat dinner program. Community Haggadah comprising video, writing and art from all generations of our congregation. Non-members are welcome to More Passover Resources and Events join Neveh Shalom’s ZOOM seder at 6 pm, March 28. Details can Visit jewishportland.org/passoverhappenings for more Passover be found at nevehshalom.org/passover/. resources and events. New events are being added as received. Jewish Review March 17, 2021 7 Open throughout pandemic for essential spiritual needs BY JENN DIRECTOR KNUDSEN rifying yourself, taking ev- Restaurants closed. Athletic erything away that’s between facilities shuttered. Schools yourself and G-d or the uni- emptied. and oth- verse,” says , 62, who er Jewish organizations locked immersed during the pandemic, their doors. for the first time. She asked But Mikvah Shoshana re- only her first name be used. mained open throughout the “So many people are hunger- pandemic. Because it had to. ing for ritual right now,” says It represents the centrality of Rebecca, who was so taken home and family in Jewish life. with mikvah, which she chose It’s been a year since the to engage in upon completing pandemic took hold, “and we menopause, she is considering remained open 363 days of the making immersion before Yom year,” says Simi Mishulovin Kippur a regular practice. about Mikvah Shoshana, which “It’s such a gift to yourself. every year closes on the two Mikvah Shoshana was able to remain open during all the pan- You literally take everything major fast days, Tisha B’ demic challenges of the past year thanks to the guidance of health away from yourself to be there and . experts and the work of volunteers to ensure users' safety. in the world,” says Rebecca, “We’ve had to deal with so who also is not affiliated with much in addition to the pandem- $4,600 for a stockpile of addi- of the Torah, and in ancient Chabad. ic: early curfews, riots over the tional cleaning products, like times, as today, it offered a way Mikvah was not part of Beth’s summer, ice, loss of power. And personal protective equipment, to transcend to a purer, even di- mom’s life, though her family the mikvah was able to be open and systems such as those for vine state of being. toured ruined ones around the through it all,” says Chabad of water testing. The money came Mikvah Shoshana is sole- world. Prior to marrying, she Oregon’s Mishulovin. solely from private gifts. ly for women for traditional knew she would commit to She is a certified mikvah Why was it so important for immersions. Portland’s other mikvah. educator and teaches Jewish Mikvah Shoshana to stay open? mikvah, Rachel’s Well Com- A regular Shabbat service at- women of all denominations Because adherence to To- munity Mikvah, is open to all tendee, Beth said recitation of about the mitzvah. She also is rah-based living does not pause who self-identify as Jewish for prayers at services can become the primary appointment sched- for a pandemic. traditional and contemporary rote. Mikvah provides the op- uler for those who immerse in “Torah is the guide to the way immersions. Mikvaot request a posite. Portland’s only Orthodox ritual of life, including married life, small donation for use. “Every month, it’s a time to bath and the city’s only mikvah and the home is at the center of The word “ritual” is as in- focus on what I am asking for that remained open all of the ,” Mishulovin says. tentional as the use of mikvah from G-d – such as healing past year. The physical intimacy hus- itself. – and also the ‘thank yous’ to Mishulovin said that on March band and wife enjoy is consid- From the onset of menstrua- G-d,” such as the advent of the 14, 2020, she and a few others ered the most G-dly power, a tion, a woman is not physically COVID-19 vaccine, the recent immediately jumped into action very holy act, she explains. To intimate with her husband for election results and good health to learn how to keep Mikvah engage in lovemaking and pos- at least 12 days. Shortly before outcomes for family members. Shoshana open during the then sibly procreating, the woman the end of those dozen days, There were more than 230 vis- newfangled pandemic. must be ritually pure to usher in she makes an appointment to its to the mikvah last year, and In the Jewish world, Mishu- such G-dliness. go to the mikvah. On the day the women are grateful Mikvah lovin consulted with the ex- Put another way: “It’s bring- of her mikvah visit and prior to Shoshana was open all year perts behind Mikvah.org, from ing Judaism into sex,” says arriving at the facility, she eats long. which she earned her certifica- Beth, who visits the mikvah foods that likely will not get Mishulovin says one woman tion and which is advised by Is- every month. lodged between her teeth and told her, “Thank you for being rael’s health ministry. Further, (Beth is a pseudonym; some also cleanses from hair follicle my only social outlet.” Another she conferred with larger mik- interviewees requested a pseud- to toenail (now at home per woman prepared for her wed- vaot in , because onym or to not be quoted. Their pandemic protocols). ding by immersing in the mik- theirs were guided by a team reasons are similar: mikvah is Then, fully naked and bereft vah for the first time. of doctors. And in the secular such a personal, private act that of any jewelry or makeup – to Beth says, “I would have been world, she followed protocols its intimate nature compels an- ensure nothing comes between at a loss if the mikvah had to provided by local family phy- onymity. “It’s between a man her and the waters of the mik- close during the pandemic.” sicians and infectious disease and a wife,” says Beth, who is vah – the woman fully im- A mother of only sons, who is specialists, such as those with not affiliated with Chabad.) merses and then recites a brief committed to mikvah and its the Centers for Disease Control While a mikvah itself is a prayer upon emerging from meaning, she adds, “I’d pass and Prevention. ritual bath filled with “living her successful self-dunking. mikvah on to a daughter, if I Mishulovin estimates her waters” sourced from any natu- She then submerges additional had one; I’m already thinking small team – volunteers all – rally flowing water source such times. about how I can pass it on in put in 160 hours of time and as rain, the mitzvah of mikvah What occurs after the immer- my own family.” effort to ensure the safety and goes beyond the physical struc- sion is between only the wom- For an appointment, contact security of Mikvah Shoshana ture. References to mikvah ap- an and G-d. Mishulovin at 503-309-4185 or in the face of COVID-19, and pear in Genesis, the first book “Engaging in mikvah is pu- [email protected]. 8 Jewish Review March 17, 2021 Slingshot tags TischPDX for 10 to Watch list Portland’s TischPDX has here working to make Jewish been named to the 2021 “10 life accessible to their peers to Watch” list by Slingshot, here in Portland.” an organization that engages Other groups named to this young Jewish philanthropists year’s list are: : A - to make lasting impact. The list ish Call to Climate Action, highlights young organizations GrowTorah, JCC Harlem, and projects in North America Jewish Youth Climate Move- that are responding to current ment, JQY Drop-In Center for and timely needs in the Jewish LGBTQ Jewish Teens, Lost community and beyond. Tribe Esports, The Elaine The third leadership cohort of Breslow Institute at Beit T’Shu- TischPDX launched in August vah, Ta’amod: Stand Up! and 2020. TischPDX bolsters the Work At It. Read about the 10 leadership and visions of Jews honorees at slingshotfund.org/ who have been historically 10-to-watch. marginalized in Jewish com- “This year’s ‘10 to Watch’ list munal life: Jews who are queer highlights projects that are re- and trans; Black, Indigenous, sponding to unmet needs that People of Color (BIPOC); and have only intensified during Sephardi and Mizrachi Jews. the pandemic,” says Stefanie “I see Oregon, the Pacific Rhodes, CEO of Slingshot. “We Northwest and the West Coast are featuring initiatives that all as places where Jewish in- are mobilizing Jewish leaders The December 2020 Zoom graduation of TischPDX cohort 2 was novation is taking place, and and community members to joined by members of cohort 3, who began their program in August. I am excited to have national address a wide range of issues attention focused here,” says – including the climate crisis, more information. That encour- mon theme. Eleyna Fugman, who cofound- at-risk Jewish youth, addiction aged the group to apply again “For people raised outside ed TischPDX with fellow East and substance abuse, and sexual this year, and they were named Judaism, they are often pulled Side Portlanders Rabbi Ariel harassment and gender discrim- to the list. to Judaism by its connection Stone and Kalyn Culler Cohen. ination in Jewish workplaces.” Eleyna says TischPDX ap- to social justice,” says Eley- The group launched its first co- Over the next several months, peals to young people who want na, who was herself raised in hort of six diverse young adults Slingshot will feature content to learn more about their Juda- a very secular household in in August 2018. on the “10 to Watch” organiza- ism but do not feel comfortable rural northern California. Her “Our work at TischPDX is to tions to offer a deeper look into in more formal organizations. only exposure to Judaism be- empower young Jewish leaders their work. In addition, Sling- She says they also had one co- fore college was a seder at her in our community (to) move shot will be facilitating educa- hort participant who was raised grandparents in the Bay Area from seeing themselves as mar- tional opportunities for young modern Orthodox, and hence every couple years. She found ginalized in the Jewish com- philanthropists to learn about knew a lot about Judaism, but her connection after moving munity to being a central force how to fund these initiatives. felt alienated in the organized to the Bay Area and coming guiding our community into the Eleyna notes that when Jewish world after coming out out as a lesbian in her 20s. She Jewish future,” says Eleyna. “I TischPDX applied for last as non-binary. found Queer and other see our recognition by Sling- year’s list, they didn’t make it, Each cohort features six home-based groups a draw to shot as a boon, bringing eyes but one of the young philan- participants chosen for the Jewish life, which inspired her and attention to our community thropists who reviewed their 10-month program. After eight to help create TischPDX. and to the young Jewish leaders application did reach out for months, participants have the TischPDX is providing Jews option to opt into an extension in the Portland area with the to 18 months and receive a tools they need to lead enrich- $750 stipend to attend a Jewish ing and purposeful Jewish lives retreat or conference or other – and establishing a model for educational experience. Five of Jewish engagement that could the six participants in each of be replicated in other small the first two cohorts opted for cities across the U.S. These the extension. leaders have hosted more than The extension provides an 120 events and programs, rang- overlap between cohorts that ing from a Queer Sci-Fi Zoom has proven beneficial, notes Shabbat to a Bike through Eleyna. parade and a The cohorts meet monthly and Reparations giving circle. Pre-Passover Food Drive (now on Zoom) for , These events have reached People came by car and wagon to make their community a little skills and relationship building. more than 1,000 of their peers brighter March 14 with their food donations for the Portland Jewish Each participant develops a in the Portland area. community's Pre-Passover Food Drive. More than 1,000 pounds of project or program for the com- For more information, visit food was collected at four sites for three food pantries. munity. Social justice is a com- tischpdx.org. Jewish Review March 17, 2021 9 Rabbis on the move Rabbi Debra Kolodny to head east instantly accessible, and they will remain close to the congrega- After 10 years in Portland, Rabbi Debra Kolodny (in blue jacket) tion,” says Beit Yosef President Benaya Laws. “They will remain will relocate to Amherst, Mass., on June 4 with wife, Brio, and active with our congregation … providing direction on policy and their dog, Cinna- our customs.” mon. Rabbi Eliyahu and Rabbanit Malky Weisman, who have been Rabbi Debra was members of the congregation, take the on-the-ground rabbinic lead a co-founder of related to supervising the , providing classes for Jewish ed- Portland’s UnShul ucation and determining immediate halachic issues. in 2015 and will The Truzmans came to Portland in 2003. They founded Congre- continue to serve gation Beit Yosef in 2007 and that congregation. have led the congregation since. In 2018, UnShul Rabbi Truzman grew up in members opted to Melilla in Spanish Morocco. transition from an He did his rabbinic studies in event- and activ- , England, and served as ity-based model the spiritual leader of one of the to a Renewal con- two Sephardic synagogues in gregation soaked Manchester, England. He held in ecstatic and contemplative prayer, mystical Jewish learning, rabbinic posts in Hong Kong, psycho-spiritual healing and radical political engagement. Recent Guatemala, Aruba, Canada and Zoom services have acclimated people to distanced but intimate Arkansas before moving to services, so Rabbi Debra and the UnShul will continue together Portland. The couple met when online, with in person when allowed. he served as a rabbi in Guate- “After 10 years in the cross hairs between armed White national- mala, where Dorit Truzman was ists and violent police, forest fires and a PNW culture that was nev- born and raised. er quite a match, I’m excited to relocate to a smaller area drenched “They are beloved and brought to Portland their rich Sephardic in leftist politics, Jewish and queer communities, and amazing tradition infused with their characteristic Sephardic warmth,” says universities,” says Rabbi Debra. Laws. “Through their continued leadership, Congregation Beit Yo- Originally from New York and Washington, D.C., Rabbi Debra sef is remaining alive and active in Portland.” looks forward to returning to the East Coast. The rabbi’s brother Beit Yosef is named in honor of Maran Yosef Karo (1488-1575), and about 30 friends, including eight rabbis, live in western Mas- author of the last great codification of Jewish law, the Shulchan sachusetts. Aruch. Though excited to explore new horizons, Rabbi Debra has some “Congregation Beit Yosef is so grateful that the Weismans are incredibly fond memories. At their first High Holy Days at P’nai stepping into a rabbinical leadership role,” says Laws. In addition Or in 2011, Rabbi Debra integrated part of the Occupy Wall Street to supervising kashrut and leading classes, Rabbi Weisman will be manifesto into the drash. This inspired a congregant to the authority to determine immediate halachic issues. build a sukkah at the Occupy Portland encampment and ask Rabbi Beit Yosef is returning to in-person Shabbat services and will Debra to lead a teaching. For three years they served as executive hold services the first two days of Pesach, as well. Doors from the director of Nehirim, a national organization of lesbian, gay, bisex- congregation’s building will open into an adjacent tent to combine ual and Jews. Before it closed in 2015, they produced indoor and outdoor open-air seating. People can register for ser- a Queer Clergy for a conference with local vices on the website www.beityosef.org. BLM and Don’t Shoot Portland activists. Over the past four and a half years, Rabbi Debra has attended More Transition News: Rose, Levy, Boettiger hundreds and spoken at dozens of marches and forums against Other Oregon congregations will also see changes in rabbinic lead- Trump policies and in support of immigrant rights and ending po- ership this year. Stories are planned on the following transitions. lice violence. They also gave testimony to the state legislature and • Rabbi Joshua Rose announced in January 2020 that he planned city council and got arrested to support refugee rights. to conclude his role as Shaarie Torah’s rabbi in June of 2021. Rab- In addition to continuing to serve the UnShul, which is populated bi Rose and his family will stay in Portland and plan to remain with serious Torah divers, social justice activists and LGBTQI+ connected to the Shaarie Torah community. The board and rabbi folks, Rabbi Debra will also continue with activism, producing search committee are interviewing candidates to fill the post. their musical Princess , and teaching and consulting local- • In 2014, Rabbi Gadi and Eve Levy moved to Portland to work ly and nationally. for and within the Jewish community. Since 2018, the couple have To learn more about Portland's UnShul, email served as rabbi and rabissa of Congregation Ahavath Achim, Port- [email protected]. land’s 105-year-old Sephardic synagogue. Earlier this year the couple announced they will move in June to Deerfield, Ill., a sub- Rabbi Truzman to stay connected from Israel urb of , to lead L’Chaim Center, an outreach organization. On Feb. 28, Congregation Beit Yosef Rabbi Shlomo and Dorit • Rabbi Joshua Boettiger has announced he will be leaving Tem- Truzman left Portland for Israel to make . The couple will ple Emek Shalom of Ashland in July. Rabbi Boettiger has accepted continue as Rabbi and Rabbanit Emeritus from Israel for the Or- a post as the Jewish Chaplain at Bard College in upstate New York. thodox Sephardic congregation, which is located at 4200 SW Ver- He will also teach some Judaic studies classes at Bard. He also will mont St. on the edge of Portland’s Gabriel Park. serve (primarily remotely) as the Associate Rosh for the “Because of the virtual world we now live in, the Truzmans are Center for Contemporary Mussar based in . 10 Jewish Review March 17, 2021 Science news Study of fish could offer clues to aging and cancer in humans BY DEBORAH MOON Portland and Israeli research- ers have joined forces for a study of embryo dormancy and aging in killifish that could have applications in the fields of human aging and spread of cancer. Portland State University Professor of Biology Jason Podrabsky, Ph.D., and Hebrew University Assistant Profes- sor of Genetics Itamar Harel, Ph.D., were awarded a National Science Foundation grant last Hebrew University Assistant Professor of Genetics Itam- year to study the role of vitamin ar Harel, above (left), works in his lab in Jerusalem. At D synthesis and signaling on right, Portland State Univeristy Professor of Biology Ja- embryo development/dorman- son Podrabsky works out in the field.The two researchers cy and aging. The researchers received a grant to study dormancy and aging in killifish. are studying annual killifish, which have short life spans and Harel lived in the United diapauses, it became clear that Podrabsky also serves as in- whose embryos can become States for five years while these same mechanisms also terim vice president, research & dormant in dry conditions. doing his postdoc research at affect aging, so it is a very com- graduate studies at PSU. In that “We are asking basic science Stanford. He has been studying plementary collaboration,” says role, he oversees PSU’s visiting questions,” says Dr. Harel from aging in killifish in Africa. The Podrabsky. scholar program to bring an his lab The Silberman Institute two researchers had been fol- “Because vitamin D signaling Israeli scholar to campus for at Hebrew University. “Howev- lowing each other’s work, and is conserved between fish and a yearlong visiting professor er, our findings could identify Harel reached out to Podrabsky humans, this project could help appointment in a PSU depart- principles in embryonic devel- to initiate the collaboration. us to better understand aging in ment related to their area of opment or aging that are con- “Jason is a pioneer in diapause humans, and could help us to study. The program was created served throughout the animal research and was a natural col- develop technologies to make as part of the Harold & Arlene kingdom (including humans). laborator for this project,” says human tissues (and maybe even Schnitzer Family Fund of the It that case, our research could Harel. whole humans) dormant,” Po- Oregon Jewish Community be applied for manipulating As Podrabsky explains on pdx. drabsky adds. Foundation’s 2018 donation to similar biological processes in edu/podrabsky-lab/what-is-a- COVID has significantly im- PSU’s Judaic Studies Program. humans, as well.” killifish, “Diapausing embryos pacted the researchers’ ability “It is just a coincidence that I Both researchers study annual experience a profound arrest of to do field work and to establish also have a collaboration with killifish that live in seasonal cellular metabolism, growth and strengthen the collabora- Itamar,” Podrabsky says. “I ponds. When the ponds dry up, and proliferation. Understand- tive project between the scien- really enjoy working with the the adult fish die, but the em- ing how these feats are accom- tists and their labs. folks associated with the visit- bryos survive in the dry mud. plished could help to understand “We would normally travel to ing scholar program, and it is They can survive without water how to slow or arrest devel- South America and/or Africa a great opportunity for interna- for years. opment of human cancers.” each year to collect embryos tional collaboration.” “They can stop their develop- Vitamin D controls whether the and fish from the field, but all In 2019, Professor Stanley ment and remain dormant as embryos of these fish enter into travel has been paused,” says Rotman was the first visiting embryos for years – this is what dormancy during development. Podrabsky. “There is also a scholar. Rotman did research I study,” says Dr. Podrabsky. The researchers use modern significant amount of money with Professor John Lipor of “Second, they are one of the genome editing techniques in the grant to pay for student the electrical and computer fastest-aging vertebrate spe- (CRISPR/Cas9) to knock out exchanges (two-three months engineering department, pre- cies on Earth – some species the function of genes that pro- at a time) between my lab and sented multiple seminars and go through the entire process duce vitamin D to see if it af- Itamar’s lab to foster cross mentored graduate students. of growing old and aging in a fects the fish’s ability to enter training. I am hopeful that these “Basically, we’re pausing the handful of weeks – this is what dormancy or changes the speed trips will be possible as early as program due to COVID and Itamar studies. We are combin- of aging. late this year or early in 2022.” until we can safely host Assaf ing forces to study both pro- “Once we learned more about The study is due to run until Shmerling, our second schol- cesses.” the mechanisms that regulate about fall 2024. ar,” says Podrabsky.

Jewish Review March 17, 2021 11 Chaplain's Corner A Chance to Rewire our Brains BY RABBI BARRY COHEN on what we perceive we lack, which only makes us feel even Imagine a circle that is sev- worse. en-eighths complete. What Psychologically, we have Published biweekly by words would you use to de- paid a price. Our brains nat- Jewish Federation of scribe it? urally create chemicals that Greater Portland Most people say “incom- make us feel good: serotonin, plete,” “unfinished” or “bro- 9900 SW Greenburg Road, norepinephrine and dopamine. ken.” We are hardwired to use What depletes these chemi- Suite 220 this kind of language. Our brain cals? Fatigue, stress, anxiety Tigard, OR 97223 has a habit of focusing on the and depression. In effect, our 503-245-6219 negative and overlooking the pandemic world and our nat- JewishPortland.org positive. ural tendency to fixate on the Leonard Felder, in his book incomplete and broken are Editor Here I am: Using Jewish Spir- adversely affecting the brain’s Rabbi Barry Cohen is the Deborah Moon itual Wisdom to Become More ability to manufacture “feel Jewish community chaplain of [email protected] Present, Centered and Avail- good” chemicals that foster a the Greater Portland area. 503-892-7404 (message) able for Life, cites a study that sense of balance, satisfaction Bluma Gerstein Zeigarnik con- and joy. such as “Something just hap- ducted at the University of Ber- Fortunately, we have an op- pened that I don’t want to over- Circulation lin in 1927. She had subjects portunity to rewire our brains. look. It made me feel good that I To receive the Jewish look at incomplete pictures. We can teach our brains to experienced …” Review in your email inbox, She discovered that when the notice and recall positive ex- Offering our version of this email your name and email eye looks at a circle that is sev- periences and good outcomes. prayer is a way to get feel- address to en-eighths complete, the brain Though the prospect may seem good drugs without a prescrip- [email protected] focuses on the one-eighth that daunting, Felder encourages us tion. Just try it out. We may is incomplete. that we only need to be delib- discover that recognizing and OPINIONS printed in the Felder notes the problematic erate and dedicated. We only acknowledging the positive in Jewish Review do not aspect of the way our brains need to offer a simple six-word our lives is a way to stimulate necessarily reflect those process reality: “Our brains blessing: Baruch she-amar and increase the flow of neu- of the Jewish Review have an exhausting tendency v’hayah ha’olam. Baruch hu. rotransmitters in our brain cells Committee, the Jewish to focus constantly on things “Blessed is the One that con- and nerve endings. The result? Federation of Greater that are unfinished, while at the stantly speaks, expresses or Calmness, balance, satisfaction Portland, its governing same time, we tend to overlook creates, and the world around and joy. board or the staffs of either or take for granted things that us and inside us comes to be; Felder writes, “Even if you the newspaper or the are solid.” blessed is this awe-inspiring are currently saying a grand to- Our brains are more wired to process.” tal of zero blessings or just one Federation. note what we lack rather than We can say these words when thank-you each day, see what to emphasize what we already we see something beautiful, happens to your clarity and have. We innately focus on alive or mysterious. We can your moods when you start fo- Upcoming the negative rather than the say these words after we share cusing your mind on the many positive. (A silly but effective a good experience or even after things in your life that are going issues illustration: I still remember our curiosity has been piqued. well and shouldn’t be taken for the handful of times my mom In addition, there is more than granted.” Issue date Deadline was late in picking me up when one way to offer this prayer. If So here’s our homework as- I was a little kid, rather than we prefer feminine language, signment. For the next week, March 31 March 25 the hundreds of times she was rather than saying Baruch hu, don’t focus on the one-eighth punctual.) we can say B’rucha Yah, “Bless- of our everyday experiences April 8 During these extended months ed is the breath of life that is that is “incomplete;” rather, April 14 of the COVID-19 pandemic, blessing us right now.” We can find beauty in the seven-eighths this default setting of our brains also say “Blessed is Shechinah” of our interactions that are posi- April 28 April 22 has been our enemy. Many (God’s female indwelling pres- tive, constructive and even tran- of us at times have become ence.) We can shorten the six scendent. Then without pause, May 12 May 6 stressed out, anxious, fatigued words to two words: Baruch offer that six-word prayer of or even depressed. In response, she-amar. Finally, we can offer gratitude, in whichever form our brains can overly fixate spontaneous, heartfelt words, we choose. Submit news, photos and obituaries by the In addition to the Chaplain's Corner, the Jewish Review offers space for our issue deadline to community's rabbis to share their thoughts on the week's parsha or current events. [email protected] Rabbis can schedule a date to submit a column by emailing [email protected]. 12 Jewish Review March 17, 2021 Guest Column Police Reform: Soft Skills for Hard Encounters BY DAVE DAHL AND JATHAN JANOVE Verbal Aikido his car and drove away.” Conventional martial arts center on block- Before creating Dave’s Killer Bread, ing strikes and striking attackers. These arts Learning lessons Like any soft skill, verbal Aikido takes Dave Dahl spent 15 years of his life in jails are defensive in nature yet can result in the practice. What might you say or do that and prisons. In his numerous encounters attacker’s injury or death. By contrast, Ai- would redirect the other person from a with police and corrections officers, their kido centers on maneuvering the attacker to fight/flight state of mind to one without an- approach was always force or threat of a position where no one gets hurt. Instead ger or hostility? Being curious makes room force, obedience or physical suffering. of fight or flight, you engage with your op- for other options to be considered, resulting Now approaching age 60 with a highly ponent. Instead of blocking and striking, in better outcomes. successful business venture behind him you blend in, moving with the attacker Recently, a video showed a confrontation and currently working as a philanthropist, while maintaining your balance and con- between Portland police officers and a pro- Dave holds no bitterness toward law en- serving your energy, and while requiring tester who stood in front of their squad car. forcement. He freely admits that his behav- the attacker to expend his/her energy and The police showed restraint, not respond- ior was far from exemplary, not only with struggle to maintain his/her balance. ing to the nasty things she yelled at them. the crimes he committed, but the way he The principles of physical Aikido apply to Patiently, they kept repeating that she need- responded to law enforcement. verbal Aikido. Hostile words typically in- ed to move out of the way or be arrested. voke a fight or flight response. “That’s the Finally, after it became clear she wasn’t stupidest thing I ever heard!” can produce Hostile, Threatening Situations going to move, they arrested her. flight or it can produce fight. “Yeah. Well, can be De-escalated Without Force Before they arrested her, the woman you’re the stupidest person I ever met!” An or Threats of Force didn’t just shout insults. She said other Aikido response would be to ask a question In the 1970s, a friend of Jathan’s, “Sam,” things including, “I have a college degree!” such as “What makes it the stupidest thing achieved his dream of becoming an LAPD The officers never responded to any of you ever heard?” Or, “Wow, the stupidest police officer. He got called to a domestic these comments, yet they presented gold- thing ever. What’s #2?” Either way you disturbance in Watts. He and two other en opportunities for verbal Aikido: “That’s turn the attack into a conversation. white police officers arrived at the call and great, what school did you attend?” “What encountered a large Black man. The man Verbal Aikido in potentially did you study?” “That’s funny; I have a stood in a narrow doorway so they couldn’t violent situations cousin who went to that school” and so on. surround him. He said he was going to beat Winston Churchill once helped Jathan The officers showed restraint, and they up each of the cops, one at a time. Sam ap- avoid a bar fight. Late on a Friday night, a made an arrest without violence. However, proached him and said, “OK, we agree to large and evidentially inebriated man took had they been trained in soft skills such as fight you, one at a time. However, I’d like exception to something Jathan said. He put verbal Aikido, it’s unlikely an arrest would to go last.” his face close to Jathan’s and made it clear have been necessary. Instead, between po- A puzzled look came over the man’s face. he had aggression on his mind. lice officer and protester, a positive connec- He said, “Why?” Jathan responded by asking questions. At tion would have been made. Sam responded, “I figure you might one point the man, who was Black, said, Jathan Janove is a member of Kesser Israel be tired by then, so it’ll give me a better “I’m from Northeast Portland and I haven’t and works with several Jewish organiza- chance of taking you.” been shot!” tions as an organi- The man’s anger dissolved. He held out Jathan said, “that reminds me of a quote zation consultant his wrists. Sam cuffed him and took him by Winston Churchill.” and executive coach. into the station without incident. “I don’t like Churchill!” the man said. He is the author of Two days later, Sam was notified to see “You may like this quote: ‘There is noth- Hard-Won Wisdom: the captain. Expecting praise or a commen- ing so exhilarating as to be shot at without True Stories from dation, he was shocked when he received result.’ ” the Management a reprimand. “You showed weakness,” the The man was silent, so Jathan repeated it. Trenches (Harper captain said. “You had weapons. Instead, The man’s body posture and facial expres- Collins 2016). you embarrassed the LAPD.” sion changed. He smiled and said, “You jathanjanove.com What Sam did, and what the captain know what – I do like that quote.” The par- failed to appreciate, was de-escalate a ties shook hands and the incident was over. Dave Dahl is the “Dave” of Dave’s Killer potentially violent encounter by listening Recently, a friend of Jathan’s talked her Bread and currently and responding to what he listened to. way out of a road rage incident using ver- serves as a community In the many tragic-horrific videos of en- bal Aikido. A belligerent driver blocked philanthropist at his counters between the police and African her car, got out and began yelling threat- power2work.org with Americans, you almost never see the of- ening epithets at her. She managed to shift a passion for helping ficers actively listen and respond to what the dialogue to the respective colors of the formerly incarcer- they heard. Instead, it’s essentially “obey their cars, explaining that she preferred ated find meaningful or get hurt or die.” Lost are opportunities his car color to hers. She said, “The shift employment. for verbal engagement to de-escalate the in topics clearly confused him. He mut- situation without force. tered a couple of expletives, got back in OPINIONS printed in the Jewish Review do not necessarily reflect those of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, its governing board or the staffs of either the newspaper or the Federation. Jewish Review March 17, 2021 13 tasks, connecting residents to resources and other Moishe House opportunities, and developing a strong knowledge base about Jobs board young adult life in their regional communities. The Jewish Review publishes job openings from local Jewish See full job description at moishehouse.org/about-us/join-the- agencies and congregations. Job information will be shortened to team/northwest-community-manager-2/ fit available space. Submit to: [email protected] Email cover letter and resume to: [email protected]. Important: write “Northwest Community Manager” with your first Eastside Jewish Commons Director of and last name and preferred location in the subject line. Operations and Community Relations Salary range: $65,000-85,000 plus benefits package BB Camp Community Care and Inclusion Eastside Jewish Commons is pleased to share an incredible op- portunity to be a leader in helping build Jewish life on Portland’s Director/JFCS Child and Family Therapist Eastside. We are hiring for a new, full-time position: Director of Salary Range: $60,000-70,000 plus benefits Operations and Community Relations. This dynamic position’s primary role is to provide culturally The goal of Eastside Jewish Commons is to a create a lively and competent mental-health clinical and inclusion services to the inclusive family and social gathering place on Portland’s growing, diverse community of B’nai B’rith Camp and Jewish Family & thriving Eastside. We are on the verge of moving forward with a Child Service. “Diverse community” includes children, adoles- space that we intend to fill with educational, cultural, spiritual and cents, couples, adults, seniors and family units from myriad cul- recreational programming. tural and ethnic backgrounds and traditions. Responsibilities The full job description is posted on ejcpdx.org/ejc-is-hiring. For include, but are not limited to, recruitment, screening, intake and more information, email [email protected]. orientation, evaluation and intervention, treatment planning, re- ferrals, counseling, training, patient education, case management, Moishe House NW Community Manager reporting, record keeping and information. Full-time position based in the Bay Area, Portland or . Requirements include Oregon licensed and registered men- Starting Salary Range (Portland): $50,000-$53,000 plus benefits tal-health clinician in good standing with their board; minimum Founded in 2006, Moishe House empowers young adults to cre- of two years’ clinical experience; experience in Jewish camping ate their own dream Jewish communities. A Moishe House is led or similar nonprofit preferred; and ability to work effectively with by a group of volunteer community builders who open their doors and understand the Jewish community and Jewish values. to 20-somethings to create spaces of connection, new friends and Job Responsibilities include working closely in both a summer engaging events – all at no cost to the participant. To date, there camp and clinic-based setting with individuals, couples, parents, are more than 140 communities in over 25 countries, and we’re groups, families, children and teens on issues related to ADHD, still growing! autism, disabilities, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, rela- Moishe House is searching for a Northwest Region Community tionship issues, emotional regulation and social skills; and work- Manager to manage and enable our community builders located ing with parents of children with special and MESH (Mental, across the Bay Area, Portland, Vancouver and Seattle to be lead- Emotional and Social Health) needs. ers in creating meaningful, welcoming experiences that serve the For a complete job description visit bbcamp.org/ young adult Jewish community in their city. A Community Man- inclusion-dir/. Interested applicants should submit a cov- ager is a member of the Resident Support team and is typically er letter and resume to Overnight Camp Director Bet- responsible for supporting 12-15 houses and pods and 35-45 com- te Amir-Brownstein at [email protected]. munity builders to achieve program goals, including recruiting Review of applications will begin immediately. Position is opened new community builders, efficiently completing administrative until filled. Obituaries Public Service Announcement TSVI EPSTEIN TSvi (Howard) Epstein, z”l, passed away March 12, 2021, at home in Portland at age 76. He is survived by wife, Navah (Bon- nie) Epstein; daughters, Dorothy Epstein, Lillian Halem and Jen- nifer Kessem; sister Barbara Saltzman; and six grandchildren. He was born July 5, 1944, in , Calif., to Sidney and Lillian (Nemor) Epstein, z”l. He was a member of Congregations Kesser Israel and Beit Yosef. A private funeral was held the after- noon of March 12 at the Kesser Israel cemetery. On behalf of the Congregation Kesser Israel, Rabbi Brodkin ex- tended sincere condolences to Navah and his entire family.

SUBMISSIONS Submit obituaries to: [email protected]. Obituaries are posted online as they are received at jewishport- land.org/obituaries. Pay tribute to family or friends in memory of their dearly depart- ed by making a donation in their honor. 503-245-6219 or jewish- portland.org/kavodtribute. 14 Jewish Review March 17, 2021