Protests Renew African-American/Jewish Bonds by DEBORAH MOON the Portland NAACP

The future of sports 4 pm, today, June 10 — page 7 June 10, 2020 / Sivan 18, 5780 Volume 55, Issue 9 Protests renew African-American/Jewish bonds BY DEBORAH MOON the Portland NAACP. “Our com- beyond (see page 7). The historic connection be- munities must summon the level Emmett, former assistant tween the Jewish and African- of effort we displayed during the county administrator for Clack- American communities was civil rights (movement).” amas County and an equity and slated to be the focus of a series The Jewish Community Rela- diversity consultant, has par- of programs all year; then Stay tions Council has developed a ticipated in the Black Jewish Home orders in March curtailed close partnership with the local Dialogue groups the JCRC has the United in Spirit programs. chapter of the NAACP (JCRC, hosted over the past decade. These connections have been NAACP, OJMCHE and Dia- Emmett and Bob have become reinvigorated during protests logues Unlimited cosponsor friends and enjoyed a seder against police brutality in the United in Spirit). On June 2, in Bob’s home. Emmett says wake of the killing of George Pastor Mondainé and Emmett reaching out is important. Floyd in police custody. Wheatfall joined Community “Invite a black person into your “We did not lose “We did not lose our connec- Relations Director Bob Horen- space; say hello to somebody our connection … tion; we thought we had over- stein for a special edition of black in the grocery story,” he we relaxed.” says. “I can’t promise you won’t come … we relaxed,” says Pas- Weekly Wednesday Updates on – Pastor E.D. Mondainé tor E.D. Mondainé, president of fighting racism in Portland and See UNITED, page 6 to Bob Horenstein Art: creating and sharing in a pandemic BY DEBORAH MOON tour. “The pandemic shutdown home, the projects are neces- stopped me cold for awhile. sarily less complex than those Artists variously have found Since I create content and per- I can do at the MAC,” says their creativity crippled, freed form professionally to pay the Martha. “This does not mean or inspired by the global pan- bills, when the gigs dried up, they are any less beautiful or demic, but all of the local artists so did my motivation to create interesting; but rather than I interviewed agree that selling more music. …. I felt utterly complex weave structures, the or sharing art during the shut- lost and deflated, and I didn’t interest comes through use of down has been a challenge. touch my guitar for almost a color and different yarns.” She CRIPPLING BLOW month.” notes she is using many yarns Some artists lost access to Access to studio space has she has at home for her current their studios or equipment, hampered the efforts of some projects “leading to interesting while others felt the weight of artists. Martha Decherd still color and texture combinations the world crushing their desire does some weaving at home in my work.” to create. on her 4-shaft floor loom and CREATING ANEW “When stay at home orders portable 2-shaft loom. But Artists whose creativity was began in mid-March, I had a she hasn’t been able to finish stymied by the upended world very hard time creating,” says a project she was working on found varied ways back to cre- Silk artist Diane Fredgant was silversmith Victoria Epstein. “I in March on the large 8-shaft ating. working on this piece when would go in my studio, sit there loom she was using at the For Beth that meant focusing COVID struck. “After a month and stare at the walls.” Multnomah Arts Center. Her on music that wasn’t part of of focusing on face masks and Musician Beth Hamon had husband, Glenn Decherd, has her professional life now. She hospital gowns, I came back to just returned from performing not been able to work on his had previously taught march- the piece, and now it is push- at Weekend in Quest and was pottery at all, since he uses the ing percussion for 30 years and ing the way I use silk to a new prepared to release her latest studio at the MAC. place,” she says. album with a local and national “While I am able to work at See ART, page 8 Free online subscription: jewishportland.org/subscribe Changemaker Judaic studies grads celebrate fellowship for Graduates of The Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies at Portland State Uni- young adults: versity had a special end-of-year celebration on Zoom June 3. Applications “The ceremony last night was very special,” open June 15 said Judaic Studies Academic Director Natan M. Meir the next day. “Even though we met on This July the Jewish Zoom, the atmosphere was celebratory and exu- Changemakers Fellowship berant. Many, many family members and friends jewishchangemakers.org were present from all over the country, including will provide a three-week Alaska and Texas.” intensive cohort-based Students graduating with a major in Judaic program for young adults Studies were Logan Lawrence, Sarah Rohr and ages 20-25. Alex Mansfield. Students graduating with a mi- Each week covers a new nor in Judaic Studies were Max Blust, Emily topic: professional devel- Horger, Megan Olsen and Rachael Walkinshaw. opment, community en- Logan Lawrence received three scholar- gagement and Israel. ships this year: the Lois Berlin, John May, Ida Participants who com- and Sam Shleifer Endowed Scholarship; the Lor- plete the entire program ry I. Lokey Endowed Fund for Israel Scholar- (which involves about 1.5- ship; and the Aspen Mitzvah Scholarship Award 2 hours of participation through World Languages. PSU Judaic studies per day) receive a $500 Sarah Rohr has been asked to deliver a com- students from top, stipend. Sessions begin mencement address at PSU’s virtual commence- left to right: Max July 6. Young adults may ment. “Tune in to hear my call to action,” says Blust, Sarah Rohr, also sign up for individual Sarah. Look for her address at 11 am, June 14 Logan Lawrence, Alex sessions. pdx.edu/commencement. Mansfield, Rachael The fellowship is pre- Sarah says the thing she will miss most with Walkinshaw, Megan sented by the Jewish Fed- a virtual graduation is “the physical feelings of Olsen and Emily erations of North America completion that are associated with the act of Horger. in parntership with several walking.” Sarah’s uncle recently was released Jewish and young adult or- from the ICU after a month of COVID and is ganizations. now beginning to walk again. She reflected on Each cohort of 10 will her son’s countenance as he learned to walk. Not work with a Jewish leader- being able to walk across the stage to receive her ship mentor to create and diploma made her wonder, “Is it still a right of develop a service proj- passage?” ect to help tackle a local Yet she says she feels very fortunate to have had need brought on by the the opportunity to study at PSU. COVID-19 global crisis. “I didn’t go to JTS, Columbia or Yale,” says Cohorts of 10 fellows can Sarah. “My professors did and from their insight- either be built by an orga- ful bodies of inquiry and research, I have come nization and include all lo- to Judaism in exponentially new and historically cal participants, or fellows grounded ways. Portlanders are very lucky to can be placed into a ran- have such an asset in our community.” dom cohort. Jewish Fed- Another graduate also considers himself lucky eration of Greater Portland to have had this experience. Development Associate Speaking during the end-of-year ceremony, and young adult coordina- Max Blust said, “Judaic Studies has been the tor Nadine Menashe will most influential part of my education as it has lead a local cohort if there allowed me to become aware of the Jewish past is sufficient local interest. and how it connects with my Jewish present. I’m Applications open on incredibly grateful to Dr. Natan Meir for working June 15. Prior to that or- with me as an advisor on my university honors ganizations are invited thesis, Oregonian Holocaust Memory. … Final- “Because our department is small, each faculty to anonymously nomi- ly, I’d like to thank my grandmother, Linda, for member had the time to give a personalized charge nate potential participants attending many Judaic Studies classes with me to each graduate, and several graduates chose to jewishchangemakers.org/ over the past two years. Being my grandma’s deliver beautiful words of thanks to all those who nominate to receive com- peer has helped us grow our friendship and spend supported them during their university career. munication from JFNA more time together. We didn’t understand how Despite the difficult news in the headlines, we about the opportunity. important Jewish history is to our family until we allowed ourselves a moment of celebration at all came to the Judaic Studies program.” that these fabulous individuals have accomplished Reflecting on the evening, Professor Meir said, over the past years. We’re very proud of them.” 2 Jewish Review June 10, 2020 News in brief BB Camp cancels overnight camp; plans day camps and virtual events In a June 2 letter to supporters and families of B’nai B’rith Camp, Oregon’s oldest Jewish overnight camp announced it will not be able Crisis fund is helping to offer overnight camp this year due to a decision from the state. An email from Gov. Brown’s office earlier that day announced: The Portland Jewish commu- payroll/program support and “After much consideration, and in consultation with the Oregon nity’s COVID-19 Crisis Cam- loss of revenue Health Authority and local public health officials, our office will paign has raised $$866,000 • Tivnu - Building Justice, not be allowing overnight camps to operate this summer.” as of June 8, 2020. Dozens of $2,500. BB Camp is continuing plans to offer its two day camps this sum- Jewish organizations across the These funds and the $6.1 mil- mer in Portland and Lincoln City, but has not yet finalized details. state have received grants total- lion community organizations Additionally BB Camp staff is working to plan “ways to gather ing $632,600. The requests for have received from the Pay- virtually and in-person with social distancing so that we can be funds keep coming. check Protection Program SBA together as an overnight camp community.” In the most recent grant cycle, loans have kept many Jewish BB Camp already offers virtual Shabbat Walk and Friendship Cir- seven organizations received organizations viable. cle every Friday at 4 pm. In the week following the announcement, grants totaling $29,100. Orga- “But these funds will be gone BB Camp also held several Zoom Community Conversations for nizations receiving grants were: by June 30. What happens youth, families and a camp staff. • Chabad of Central Oregon, then?” wrote JFGP President “As you can imagine, we, like you, are heartbroken beyond $1,800 for loss of income and CEO Marc Blattner in his words,” wrote BB Camp Board President Jordana Levenick and • Jewish Community of Cen- May 15 Marc’s Remarks email. Executive Director Michelle Koplan. “Not to share a summer with tral Oregon/Congregation Sha- Nonprofits across the country our campers and staff on beautiful Devil’s Lake is unfathomable. lom Bayit, $1,800 for loss of are struggling to survive now We share in your disappointment ... to not have the opportunity to income and to find new ways to move discover, play and enjoy a magical summer at BB Camp.” • Tigard Chabad Jewish Cen- forward. Blattner notes, “The bbcamp.org ter, $500 for loss of revenue impact of this pandemic will • Camp Solomon Schechter, not go away any time soon, and $18,000 for revenue loss from most believe things will never Maayan Torah offers preschool camps close of camp go back to what we considered Maayan Torah Day School is happy to announce Preschool Sum- • Temple Beth Tikvah in Bend, ‘normal.’” mer School for children ages 2-5. The camp runs July 20-Aug. 14 $2,700 for additional expenses To contribute to the crisis from 9 am to 3 pm Monday-Friday. and loss of revenue campaign, go to jewishport- Children may attend one week or all four. Maayan is a licensed • Chabad of Salem, $1,800 for land.org/covid19relief. preschool operating under the highest level of safety and cleanli- ness. Space is very limited. If camps are closed due to COVID-19 a full refund will be issued. Themes are: July 20-24, Splat! Color; Two resources to aid individuals: July 27-31, Blast Off into Space; Aug. 3-7, Explore Science; and Jewish Free Loan Program Aug. 10-14, Adventure Outdoors. In recognition of the sudden change of circumstances faced For details, contact Tia Weniger at [email protected]. by many individuals and families in our community due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jewish Free Loan Program of the Jew- PDX>Israel delayed till at least summer 2021 ish Federation has expanded its offerings. The PDX>Israel 2020 trip, originally rescheduled for March Individuals who have been impacted by the COVID-19 virus and 2021, will now be moved to summer 2021 or later due to continu- require a loan may be eligible for a no-interest loan of up to $1,000 ing concerns and restrictions related to COVID-19. with no cosigners. The number of these types of loans is limited. More than 400 people had signed up for the Jewish Federation of Loan repayments will begin after 120 days and will be divided Greater Portland Centennial trip to Israel when the global pandem- into equal payments of $28/month for 36 months. ic made the trip impossible for this year. For more information, call 503-892-7417 or visit jewishportland. “At present, Israel’s borders are closed to non-citizens coming to org/jewish-free-loan. the country for tourism,” wrote trip leaders in a June 8 email. “It is unclear when Israel will reopen to international tourism, although Emergency financial aid available it’s likely to be in stages with citizens of countries with similarly Thanks to the local Jewish community’s COVID-19-Emergen- low rates of infection welcomed back first.” cy Campaign, funds are available to help individuals and families Trip co-chairs Priscilla and Tony Kostiner and Kathy Davis-Wein- weather the economic storm triggered by the pandemic that threat- er and Michael Weiner will coordinate with JFGP staff trip leads ens our health. Marc Blattner and Caron Blau Rothstein to reschedule the trip Food and shelter (rental assistance) are the two major reasons once medicine has options to manage and prevent the virus. people have requested emergency aid in the past two months. As- “It is highly unlikely a vaccine and/or proven treatment options sistance can be provided or help with utility bills, prescriptions and will be available in the time frame required for us to reopen reg- other medical bills, supplies for home schooling and a variety of istration and prepare thoroughly for this special trip,” they wrote other needs. June 8. For more information or assistance, contact JFCS Emergency Aid JFGP plans to provide some virtual Israel experiences later this Program Manager Tavia Berrigan at 503-226-7079 ext. 134 or by summer. email at [email protected]. Jewish Review June 10, 2020 3 Untraditional awards ceremony Federation 100th BY DEBORAH MOON annual meeting June 16 Tradition! Just as Tevye The Jewish Federation of discovers in “Fiddler on the Greater Portland’s 100th Roof,” times are changing and Annual Meeting will be a traditions have to change, too. virtual event both emblem- Since 2015, the Laurie Ro- atic of, and focused on, the goway Outstanding Jewish incredible resiliency and Professional Award has been vibrancy of our Jewish com- presented at the Jewish Fed- munity during a not-so-nor- eration of Greater Portland’s mal year. annual meeting. This year’s Keynote speaker Eric D. pandemic has changed that tra- Fingerhut is the president dition as it has so many others. and CEO of The Jewish For its 100th annual meeting, Federations of North Amer- the JFGP is going virtual (see ica, former CEO of Hillel story at right), but Rogoway International and a former committee members staged a U.S. Representative from drive-by presentation celebra- Ohio. Fingerhut will share tion – something that seems to a broader view of what Jew- have evolved as a new tradition ish communities are facing in the COVID era. across our nation. Selected as the sixth recipient Wexner Heritage Director of the Rogoway Award, Sonia Sonia Marie Liekem received her Laurie Rogoway Outstanding Rabba Yaffa Epstein will de- Marie Leikam expected to re- Jewish Professional Award with a porch ceremony June 2. Wearing liver the invocation. ceive the award virtually at the masks, Caron Blau Rothstein, Julie Diamond, Eliana Temkin and The meeting will acknowl- June 16 JFGP annual meeting. Karen Blauer presented the award plaque, flowers and balloons edge the five Sussman Fund But on June 2 a masked delega- to Sonia Marie, with her husband, Theo, and three sons as the Award recipients, who each tion of four delivered the award enthusiastic audience. receive a scholarship for un- to Sonia Marie on her porch. into board members, Wexner as Jewish creates a welcoming dergraduate studies. Admin- “You created an incredible participants and proud Jewish environment and opens doors istered by JFGP, the Suss- moment for me that exemplified parents in the last 5 years,” to individuals who may other- man Fund was started by why I continue to work in our wrote Sonia Marie on the nom- wise find roadblocks to joining Gilbert and Lillian Sussman community: because of people our community. … (She is) cre- in 1981 in honor of their like you,” Sonia Marie wrote in inating form for the award. “It ating a pipeline of leaders for 50th wedding anniversary to an email to committee chair Eli- has been so satisfying to open our future.” provide scholarships to Port- ana Temkin. "It was also special doors for amazing individuals Eliana notes that the nine land-area Jewish students to share this moment with my and watch them embrace the members of the Rogoway Jew- attending four-year colleges family there. In doing my work, challenge of strengthening our ish Professional Award Com- in the United States. This I often leave the kids at home, community.” mittee were impressed with the year’s recipients are Natali and it wasn’t until tonight that I Three letters from communi- strength of the pool of 11 nomi- Plotkin, who will be a junior realized the importance for me ty members supporting Sonia nees for this year’s award. at Pacific University; and to have them see that when I Marie’s nomination discuss just “The committee had a robust freshmen Eliel Safran, Itha- am away from them, I am doing how special she is: discussion about all of the nom- ca College; Isaac Vergun, things that matter.” Sara Epstein: “Sonia Marie inees. I feel very proud to be in Howard University; Arielle Sonia Marie is indeed doing gives me the confidence that I a community that has so many Bloom, Lewis and Clark things that matter. can do it…. The special thing Jewish professionals doing College; and Rij Dorfman, “We are richer because of the about Sonia Marie is that she good work,” she said. Oregon State University. work she does,” says Eliana. is a supportive figure in not just The award includes up to Additionally, the Laurie “We really appreciate how de- my life, but for a whole com- $1,800 to participate in a pro- Rogoway Outstanding Jew- voted to youth Sonia Marie is munity of people.” fessional development experi- ish Professional Award will through OJCYF.” Emily Benoit: “Sonia Marie’s ence, and the committee was be acknowledged during the In her role as program officer dedication to the OJCF Giving impressed that Sonia Marie meeting (see story at left). at the Oregon Jewish Commu- Council makes a lasting impact “was able to describe for us nity Foundation, Sonia Marie on those who participate and her plans on what she would do WHEN: Tuesday, June 16, leads programs to engage the for those who are granted. … with the money.” Those plans 2020, at 4:30 pm next generation of leaders in- Sonia Marie’s passion for the include applying for a Wexner WHERE: Zoom (register cluding the Oregon Jewish OJCYF program enthuses teens fellow program and the Senior for log in information Community Youth Foundation, to learn about philanthropy and Educators Cohort at M2: The RSVP: jewishportland.org/ the OJCF Giving Council and Judaic giving.” Institute for Experiential Jew- jfgp-100th-annual-meeting the Sip & Tzedekah program Nicole Frisch: “Her commit- ish Education. QUESTIONS: for young adults. ment to ‘radical accessibility’ [email protected] “Our participants have grown for all individuals who identify See AWARD, next page 4 Jewish Review June 10, 2020 CSP debuts 100 stories for 100 years During its celebration of 100 years of serving Jewish Port- land’s elders, Cedar Sinai Park is sharing 100 stories of people who live, work and volunteer on the senior living campus. Eddy Shuldman and Karen Blauer began the birth of Our Stories (aka 100 stories for 100 years). They have partnered with known authors around the city to capture these community stories to give readers a feel for the agency’s culture, history, activities and values. “Karen and I began asking local Jewish writers if they would Story 1: Eleanore Rubinstein Story 2: Breakfast with Rabbi Barry Cohen. donate their time and talents to helping us bring these stories ly Thursday Bulletin. The first but plans are to release stories resident Eleanore Rubinstein to life,” says Eddy. “Thus far, two stories, and ultimately the more frequently. whose attitude of gratitude is everyone we have asked has said yes. In addition, we have whole series, are on CSP’s “My hope is that our broader infectious (in a good way). It several talented writers among website: community will delight in these was skillfully written by Diane our residents. You can expect cedarsinaipark.org/our-stories/ stories and discover what a trea- Solomon whose words shed to see them cover some of our “It’s been a joy for me to work sure CSP is in our community,” light on many facets of her upcoming stories, as well.” on this wonderful project for says Eddy. “We’ll be looking gem-of-a-subject. The second It’s a privilege and deeply CSP, which has been there for back at our history for some of story, by Jenn Director Knud- moving experience to hear the my family and with my beloved our stories while also looking at sen, follows community chap- personal stories of residents BB Camp counselor Eddy,” what is happening now. I hope lain Rabbi Barry Cohen, who and employees, as well as our says Karen, adding that “After we will also keep an eye on the joins residents for an hour of caring community of support- all these years, I have a chance future and perhaps dream out conversation over breakfast. ers,” says Karen. “I’m excited to try to redeem myself for be- loud about how we would like weekly (pre-pandemic). to see people’s stories shared. ing a rambunctious handful.” to grow ourselves.” To receive a new story every There are announcements Initially the stories will be The inaugural snapshot fea- time one is published, sign up at about the series in CSP's week- rolled out one story per month, tures Rose Schnitzer Manor cedarsinaipark.org/our-stories

AWARD (continued from previous page) Traditionally, Sonia Marie bat candlesticks to inherit.… Building community I believe Annual meeting, but the current would be able to deliver her This community has created is a part of my purpose, and I crisis dictated otherwise. … acceptance speech during the me, and in many ways has been am so grateful to be able to do What was done in the past could annual meeting. Yet with the my Jewish family. I came here this work with such love and no longer be done safely. This is condensed virtual format, she at 17 to attend Lewis & Clark support from others. our call right now on so many won’t have that opportunity. College and attended my first Part of this award belongs to levels, as Jews. To do things Following are some excerpts seder ever at the home of Syl- my colleagues and the commu- differently that may stretch us from what would have been her via Frankel. Melton classes, nity that has so willingly sup- and challenge us. We need to acceptance speech: women’s retreats at the Kollel, ported my growth and evolu- look deeply at our institutions I affectionately call myself a family camp at BB Camp, nav- tion as both a professional and and who they are serving and Cashew. I grew up with a Cath- igating hard questions about through my journey deepening hiring. We are called in this mo- olic dad and a Jewish mom, justice with OJCYF teens, mak- my Judaism. The constant sup- ment to stand in solidarity with first-generation American, born ing challah with Chabad, find- port of my family, and in partic- the BIPOC (black, indigenous, at the beginning of my parents’ ing a home at Shir Tikvah and ular my husband, who despite people of color) community and American Dream. A Christmas most profoundly, my time with not being Jewish himself, has especially our Jews of color. It tree with a Magen David on it was the most spiritual activity our local Holocaust survivors helped me in creating a strong is messy and difficult and oh so in my home. has created this Jew. I don’t Jewish home with our children, Jewish to wrestle with it all. I Having chosen to immerse know that who I am could exist as well as stepped up to care for ask you, as my fellow Jews, to myself in Judaism in my late anywhere else in this country, our kids when I am at commu- join me in imagining a different teens, every part of my practice and I am profoundly grateful to nity events or running meetings way of being. Grounded in our is self-directed. I have never this community. – I cannot thank him enough. shared tradition and united in had family to fall back on for I am humbled and touched I would normally be accepting desire for a just world, l wel- a honey cake recipe or shab- deeply by this recognition. this award at the Federation’s come your partnership. Jewish Review June 10, 2020 5 UNITED (Continued from page 1) get burned, but the majority of years later. That program, co- families that support teaching relationships you reach out to, led by leaders from the Jewish children about antiracism and you will be friends.” and African-American commu- related topics: padlet.com/ During a May 31 Gathering nities, has been rescheduled for mhyde/antiracist. of Light and Hope at Congre- Oct. 10-12, 2021. In his letter to PJA families, gation Neveh Shalom, Emmett Coinciding with the launch PJA Executive Director Steve was invited by one of those of United in Spirit, the Oregon Albert shared the following friends, Steve Sirkin a former Jewish Museum and Center for paragraph from PJA’s Middot member of the JCRC, to share Holocaust Education opened the (values) statement: “The day is his poem Elegy for George exhibit Southern Rights, explor- short, the work is great. You are Floyd (see below). ing the racially segregated proms not expected to finish the work, "Say hello to Bob has gotten to know Pastor and homecoming rituals in but you are not free to desist” Mondaine over the past year and Montgomery County, Georgia. (Pirkei Avot 2:20-21). At PJA, somebody black in a half as they have worked on OJMCHE Director Judy we are guided and inspired to the United in Spirit programs. Margles shares some books take responsibility for the world the grocery story.” Now they are collaborating on and resources she has found in which we live. Through acts ~Emmett Wheatfall ways to keep the momentum to understand and fight rac- of Chesed - kindness, and Tik- going since events have been ism: “The three books at the kun Olam - repairing the world, Emmet notes that creating a postponed until next year. top of my list right now are we see ourselves as agents of diverse world for kids sets the United in Spirit had planned a Racism Without Racists by change who can achieve social stage for more understanding as Day of Remembrance June 19 Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, How to justice and pursue peace. they get older “There are plenty to memorialize the victims of be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Those values have “come to of books that have black, Asian, the unspeakable horror of 250 Kendi, and White Fragility by mind over and over again in indigenous … faces.” years of lynching in America. Robin D’Angelo. You can find recent days,” wrote Steve. “The The JCRC is a co-signer of a “We’ve postponed that until a great compilation of useful past few days have been diffi- “Statement of Solidarity Pledg- late June next year,” says Bob. resources is available at bit.ly/ cult ones, as we have been con- ing to End Systematic Racism “We wanted it to be more than ANTIRACISMRESOURCES). fronted, yet again, by violence in Law Enforcement and Work a virtual event.” Lastly, nmaahc.si.edu/ against blacks and the tragic for a Just Society,” created by Also postponed is the civil learn/talking-about-race, impact that systemic racism the Jewish Council for Public rights mission to the American produced by the National Muse- has upon our country… Our Affairs. south to learn together about the um of African American Histo- commitment to social justice, The Oregon Board of Rabbis important history of the civil ry, provides a number of tools to as Jews, as Americans and as also issued a statement of sup- rights movement and, more im- guide difficult conversations.” human beings, is being tested, port for justice in the wake of portantly, about the injustices Portland Jewish Academy and silence is not an acceptable Floyd’s death (see statement that still plague our society 60 also has found resources for response.” page 11). An Elegy for George Floyd by Emmett Wheatfall My fellow citizens, in the immortal words We hear George Floyd cry out, the fruit of a black woman’s womb; there- of the late great Martin Luther King Jr., Please, please, I can’t breathe. fore, we abhor the murder …we’ve come here today to dramatize a My stomach hurts. of this black man named George Floyd. shameful condition. My neck hurts. Everything hurts. America, the great black intellectual In essence, we’ve come here to recall that They’re going to kill me. Ta-Nehisi Coates has said, despicable horror of police brutality, Ma’am, ma’am In America, it is tradition namely, the murder of another black man to destroy the black body. — George Floyd, George Floyd, So, we, people of color, with many of our O’ America, the black body is beautiful; of Minneapolis, Minnesota. white brothers and sisters shout, George Floyd was beautiful. Colin Kaepernick, another black man, Justice! took a knee for racial and social justice. O’ Justice! Where are you? America, the poet Langston Hughes is George Floyd, cuffed, held face down on noted for having said, that dirty asphalt street, part and parcel in In a nation striped and cloaked in red, I, too, am America. the land white, and blue, George’s life of the free, land of the brave, took to his was snuffed out by a white cop wearing My fellow citizens, George Floyd too, neck that white cop’s knee. So, we, his dress duty blue. That white cop was America. people of color, with many of our white did what COVID-19 could not do, George So, we, people of color, with many of our brothers and sisters shout, Floyd was dead before the Code blue. white brothers and sisters echo, Justice! Justice! We can’t breathe, O’ Justice! Where are you? O’ Justice! Where are you? We can’t…breathe. We…can’t…breathe, We hear George Floyd echo Eric Garner, George was a son of America, the seed of We… I can’t breathe. a black man, © emmett wheatfall (printed with permission) 6 Jewish Review June 10, 2020 Weekly Wednesday explores pandemic’s wide-ranging impact

BY DEBORAH MOON

Weekly Wednesday Up- dates were created to keep our community informed of how COVID-19 is affecting all of us. Past programs have featured an infectious disease expert, Jewish agency executives, Jew- ish clergy, both of Oregon’s are now. U.S. senators, Israeli deputy Rabbi Stone: The importance consul general, and representa- of fulfilling pikuach nefesh TODAY, JUNE 10 at 4 PM: “What Does the Future Hold for Sporting tives from the governor’s office (preserving life) and being Events?” Will the stands at sports arenas across the country be and Oregon Health Authority. able to come together … has as empty as Portland’s Providence Park stands are in this photo A special edition Tuesday brief- changed the parameters around of Timbers exec Mike Golub? Find out today when Mike shares ing on June 2 explored racism. what I am comfortable using his perspective on what he sees happening with sports going for- This week, the series turns to Zoom for. Zoom’s ability to ward. Mike is the president of business operations for the Portland the future of sports (see photo). bring us together has complete- Timbers and Thorns soccer teams. Register for login information: You can see recordings of all ly changed the game for me. jewishportland.org/covid-19-community-health-update-with-mike-golub these enlightening programs at jewishportland.org/ weeklywednesday. June 2: (Tuesday) Special Not all police are corrupt and Oregon Health Authority and Following are snippets from Edition: Fighting Racism brutal. They are civil guardians. Jackie Yerby and Sophorn Che- the three most recent programs in Portland and Beyond But within the “fraternal order ang, both from the governor’s (some of the comments are With E.D. Mondainé, president of police” you have a loyalty office. paraphrased). of Portland NAACP and senior to the profession and not to the Jackie Yerby, governor’s pastor at Celebration Taberna- people you serve – that can and health department: For data, May 27: “Our Jewish cle Church, and Emmett Wheat- must be changed. guidelines, resources and news, fall, former assistant county (On the danger protesters face visit coronavirus.oregon.gov. Community: Pre, During administrator for Clackamas in the age of COVID) Do you When counties are in Phase and Post Pandemic: What County and equity and diver- die of COVID-19 or do you die Two of reopening, faith-based is the role of clergy to sity consultant. Moderated by of driving while black? spaces that allow for 6 feet of Feeling spacing between people and help guide a community JFGP Community Relations Pastor Mondainé: Director Bob Horenstein. powerless is the worst form of follow all COVID limitations during uncharted spiritual This special edition forum oppression. There is a narrative can reach up to 250 people. times?” was announced just one day in … our participation serves no (Regarding schools reopening A conversation with Rabbi Eve advance and drew 286 regis- purpose. in fall): The aim is to have kids Posen and Rabbi Ariel Stone. trants in 24 hours. (On the need to get out and return to classrooms in Septem- Rabbi Posen: Our job as cler- Emmett Wheatfall: I am register people to vote): Crit- ber in a way that is safe – what gy is to be there. African-American…I do not ical, critical, critical. It does that looks like is still being Rabbi Stone: We’ve been speak for ALL black people. matter. It is imperative every worked out. here before and if history is any I am not a monster. I am a hu- one of us get out and vote. Matthew Green, OHA: The guide, we will be here again. … man being. Stand with us as accomplices, basic question is how do we go If our ancestors could spend 40 Police brutality is nothing not just allies. An accomplice about daily activities as close to years in the wilderness, we can new, we are just exposed to it will follow you onto the battle- normal in a way that minimiz- do it. in a greater way through tech- ground. es the possibility of transmis- Rabbi Posen (on creativity nology (such as camera phones Become a member of NAACP sion to others? The answer: 6 and adaptability of Judaism): and internet). (which was founded by four feet distance, face coverings, Rabbinic Judaism was created This protest is more diverse Jewish and three black leaders) cleanings surfaces, avoid pass- in response to the end of Tem- and has galvanized the atten- or the Urban League. ing things from person to per- ple Judaism. … prayer instead tion of the nation. son and know the symptoms of sacrifices. … We live in a People do not remember the June 3: What does – cough, fever, shortness of breath – and if you have any world that is not the world that names of those who throw a Reopening Look Like for was. … The model of Judaism rock. symptoms or have been around is being able to innovate and A vote will do more for you the Jewish Community someone who does, STAY create in the place where we than a rock. With Matthew Green from the HOME. Jewish Review June 10, 2020 7 Fred Harwin has recently focused his oil paintings on rock forma- tions, which provide an element of “solid conti- nuity throughout time.”

Sara Harwin is continuing the work of Illumi- nated Letters: Threads of Connection. This segment is titled After the pandemic “stopped her cold,” Beth “Torah Ohrah/To- Hamon has picked up her guitar again and rah of Light/Light now is performing on Zoom and Facebook. of Torah.” ART DURING A PANDEMIC (Continued from page 1) thought drumming might be a maintaining a household, en- good place to start. tertaining friends, family and “So I picked up my sticks "I’ve decided to spontaneously sing visitors, and marketing of our and a practice pad and started work. This freedom along with drumming again, every day on the patio ... to make people who the concentrated time during the for 10 to 30 minutes, just so stay-home orders is giving each I’d have somewhere to put walk by feel serenaded. It's refresh- of us an opportunity to explore my nervous energy,” says new ideas and expand potential Beth. “This week I’ve been ing to put a smile on others’ faces.” directions.” drumming at my local park Jordan Ackerson Jordan Ackerson says the to lend support to the people ~ pandemic “made me feel the protesting for systemic change inspiration to do more singing, in the way policing is done in because I love doing things that this country, and to support make people feel that ‘touched those fighting for the lives of black people UNTETHERED: and moved’ feeling inside.” who’ve been threatened and attacked by “A few times I’ve decided to sponta- white supremacists and the police in the FREEDOM TO CREATE neously sing on the patio near our front past few years.” “As an artist, sometimes I feel shy about yard to make people who walk by on our The drumming enabled Beth to return to putting my ideas out into the world, but street feel serenaded,” says Jordan. “It feels her guitar. Recently she has worked to hone quarantine has reminded me that life is refreshing to put a smile on others’ faces songs she has already written and to “hang short,” says silk artist Diane Fredgant. “I and relieve their stress dealing with the out with a couple newer things I haven’t have something to say. I have the courage COVID virus.” released yet.” now to keep working without fully know- Victoria also found that turning to a more ing where the piece is going. All I know is SELLING/SHARING/ repetitive expression was a way back to that my piece is about shalom, prayer and SUPPORTING ART creating. bringing the words of the Torah into our “When folks are struggling, buying art “After about 4-5 hearts.” is not a priority,” says Willa. “Many folks weeks … (I) decided For poet, visual artist and social worker have lost their jobs, have not received un- that the repetitive na- Willa Schneberg, the closure has offered employment checks and are staying even ture of making chains valuable time to focus. “I am actually more closer to home since the recent unrest.” might be a way to get productive because I can’t attend the usual In addition to the reduced local market myself in the studio cultural activities that I normally would, for art, the lack of tourists is hurting many doing something and so I have more time to work on ceramic small galleries. Willa says the artisan shop thus creating,” says Victoria of her jewelry sculpture, write and revise poems, and send Like Nobody’s Business on Northwest making. “It worked.” After making three them out to journals.” 23rd has recently reopened with curbside or four chains, she decided to use leftover Sara and Fred Harwin have likewise pickup and local delivery. The artisan shop links and other pieces from her workbench found freedom to explore new directions. is owned by an artist couple who currently to create a Quarantine Necklace for herself. “Both of us have fully equipped and are unable to make rent. “I really want to “Moving forward I am working on oth- stocked studios at our residence,” says Sara, support this store, so I have lowered the er lines … as well as continuing to make a fabric artist. Her husband Fred is a paint- prices to way below what they sell for in chains using the concept of the Quarantine er. “We are able to fully devote our studio a gallery,” says Willa. “My latest (poetry) Necklace to incorporate different styles time to whatever work we wish to create into the same chain.” without the distractions of raising family, See SHARING ART, next page 8 Jewish Review June 10, 2020 Poet, visual artist, curator and social work- Jordan Ackerson, along with his mother, er Willa Schneberg poses in her exhibit at Lisa Lieberman, and two other musicians, OJMCHE in Fall 2012: The Books of Es- had four paying gigs between November ther: an interdisciplinary exhibition of the life and March, but since then he’s turned to Silversmith Victoria Epstein created a of one woman who ‘talked’ through writing. Zoom and Facebook to share his music. “Quarantine Necklace” she calls “My Brain” from leftover chain pieces and random bits on her workbench from failed or unfinished SHARING ART (continued from previous page) projects. “This is a piece that I will not sell. It collection Rending the Garment can be represents the multitude of thoughts in my purchased there, too.” ORA is busy figuring out head. The thoughts are not cohesive, but Victoria laments that all art fairs are can- they share the same space.” celled through the summer, and most gal- how to adjust to this new leries are closed as well. “As the galleries way of doing business.” begin to reopen, I believe things will start to shift,” she says. “I am also part of a won- ~ ORA President Diane Fredgant derful seasonal gallery in Lake Oswego called Rain Spark, … so I am keeping fin- when the client told me that she had lost gers crossed we will be able to open.” her job due to COVID. I sent it to her any- Victoria is offering 20% off her entire col- way, because it’s her tallit and she deserves lection on Etsy.com/shop/LyricCreations that comfort. I needed to be a part of the during June. helping.” Martha and Glenn Decherd sell most of Beth has done a few things on Zoom, their work through shows and sales hosted including facilitating a mid-May online by ORA: Northwest Jewish Artists. Since gathering of Women of Reform Judaism those sales have been canceled for now, the members from Iowa to sing a few songs couple are not selling anything. But ORA and reflect on “the resources we have to members such as Martha, Glenn and Vic- help ourselves and each other … I would toria may get a boost from new marketing be thrilled to facilitate similar gatherings opportunities being created by ORA, a net- going forward.” Martha Decherd wove this shawl, which work of local Jewish artists. She also joined 24 other women artists she says is “a great example of finding just “ORA is busy figuring out how to adjust in #sisterscount to create video vignettes the right yarns to go together.” to this new way of doing business,” says for each of the 49 days of counting the Glenn Dechard shows off one of his pottery Diane, who serves as ORA president. “We Omer. Beth also performed in the group’s pieces at an ORA art show last year. are putting together a COVID-19 quaran- performance of a new song written for the tine show (tentatively set for September) at project. The raw recording is on New York the MJCC, where ORA artists each show City’s Lab/Shul Facebook page with an ed- one piece created while staying home along ited version due out in mid-June. with pictures of their creative processes. In May she performed a short mini con- We are also creating an online Hanukkah cert on Facebook: facebook.com/Beth- Sale, where each member will have a page HamonMusic/. The next concert will be at on a website with items for sale.” 6 pm, June 21, and she plans one per month On a personal level, Diane has been busy till the High Holy Days. sewing masks; for each mask she sells, she Jordan has also turned to Facebook to donates a mask to rabbis, postal workers share his music. For his 32nd birthday, he or others in need. She continues work on did a live Facebook concert with his mom. tallit and silk orders, but it’s not all about He told friends he didn’t need gifts, “but the money. would truly appreciate it if they would “As an artist, for me it’s about people make a donation to any of their favorite getting what they need in order to pray and charities in honor of my birthday. … As celebrate Jewish traditions while creating of June 1, over 950 folks have viewed our beauty,” says Diane. “At the beginning of concert fun. We got word from so many quarantine, I had just finished a tallit com- folks that what we did made them feel that mission and was getting ready to send it true inner comfort and joy.” Jewish Review June 10, 2020 9 Rabbi's Corner It is our job to repair the broken BY RABBI BRIAN ferently by law enforcement, ZACHARY MAYER that they are more often arrested and killed during arrest. Published biweekly by Messes happen Their shock was a wake up that Jewish Federation of I should be more shocked that Greater Portland With intent to douse her brother, my 11-year-old Annie this is happening. That I should 6680 SW Capitol Hwy. be unwilling to just feel sad, ac- Portland, OR 97219 tugged on the backyard garden hose. “Stop! Stop! Stop!” I cept this as a terrible fact, and 503-245-6219 move on with my day. ” JewishPortland.org shouted. She didn’t see that the hose, tangled on a garden stake, My response: “I feel sick would damage a portion of the about this too, am going to pro- garden if she pulled any further. tests, and organizing as I can.” Editor She pulled and I received an- Rabbi Brian Zachary May- Deborah Moon other mess – yet another I did [email protected] er resides in Portland. He is Repair, now. not cause – to clean-up. Jewish tradition maintains that 503-892-7404 the founder and head of Reli- gion-Outside-The-Box rotb.org, before God created the world, BLM. Period. an internet-based, global group God faced a unique problem: Last week, in lieu of my usual of thousands of digital-age if I am everywhere, how can I Circulation 40/52 week-a-year newsletter, I create anything separate from To receive the Jewish seekers. sent a note explaining that my me? The solution: God con- Review in your email inbox, of it like this: let’s say my son tracted God’s self into God’s email your name and email prepared, polished article about staining a picket fence and our broke his leg and came to me self, creating a vacuum into address to for attention. And, let’s say which creation could occur. [email protected] consumer driven society was off-topic. I clarified: “Because my daughter comes because However, the tension within today the focus needs to be on she hurt her toe. Yes, her toe the containers of God’s essence hurts, but were I to focus on it, I exploded (you might too, if you OPINIONS printed in the black lives.” would take away from the more were filled with God, no?) and Jewish Review do not Bob W. wrote back exposing pressing needs of my boy. All sent shards of into the world. necessarily reflect those his failure to fully understand: lives are not consistent targets Jewish tradition says that repair of the Jewish Review “I agree that black lives matter, of police and civic brutality.” of the world – tikkun olam – is Committee, the Jewish in fact the mantra needs to be possible when humanity does Federation of Greater that all lives matter. All lives Anne G wrote: “I was talking righteous deeds, bringing to Portland, its governing matter does not take anything to my young children about the light the shattered fragments of board or the staffs of either away from black lives matter.” protests and explaining why the newspaper or the My response: “The topic at people have bubbled over with the divine. Federation. hand is black lives. Changing frustration about how black Neither you nor I caused to all lives changes the focus people are treated unfairly. systemic racism. Nonetheless and we need at this time to be They were shocked to hear that repairing the broken is still our Upcoming issues focused on black lives. I think black people are treated so dif- job. Issue date Deadline Monthly Mitzvah: Study Torah June 24 June 18 To help people study during these unprecedent- July 8 July 2 Study Torah: Sink your ed times, Chabad of Oregon offers two online brain into something deep Torah study classes. July 22 July 16 To celebrate 36 (double chai) years in Oregon, Women's Torah Class with Mimi Wilhelm ex- Chabad of Oregon is promoting a different mitz- plores the inner meaning of Shabbat at 8 pm Mondays on Zoom. Contact Mimi@ChabadOre- Aug. 5 July 30 vah for each month of this year. The celebration is based on the Mitzvah Campaign created gon.com for details. by Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Cultivating Character with Rabbi Motti Wil- Aug. 19 Aug. 13 Schneerson, z”l, in 1967. helm meets at 8 pm Wednesdays on Zoom to In June the focus is to study Torah. Study a por- discuss the Torah’s perspective on charity, own- Sept. 2 Aug. 20 tion of Torah daily. Even a few lines contain the ership and free choice. Pirkei Avot (“Ethics of infinite wisdom and will of G-d. the Fathers”) records sayings of the sages dealing “We’ll be glad to help,” says Rabbi Moshe Wil- with the cultivation of positive character traits Send news and photos to helm. “For assistance or more information, call and attitudes. Contact RabbiMotti@ChabadOre- [email protected] me at 503-957-7842.” gon.com for details. 10 Jewish Review June 10, 2020 The Oregon Board of Rabbis issued Chaplain's Corner White privilege the following statement on June 4 on the aftermath of the murder of BY RABBI BARRY COHEN That being said, as I write these words, I George Floyd: feel that I am being patronizing. Deep in “Justice, Justice shall you pursue, that Ever heard the cliché, “He was born on my heart, I do not know what it feels like to you may live” (Deut 16.20) is a central third base and thinks he got a triple”? be an African American, Hispanic Ameri- ethic of the Jewish people. During my freshman year of college, I can, or part of the LGBTQ community. Too often victims ourselves at the started learning about the idea of “white But at least I am aware of the gift I have hands of uniformed representatives of privilege.” It seemed foreign to me because received. the state, we Jews know that state pow- I grew up a Jew in the South. A Jew sur- I have never feared a cop, only feared get- er can be abused by unethical individu- rounded by Southern Baptists did not seem ting a speeding ticket. I have never feared als, and we decry the murder of George to qualify. getting pulled out of my car and hand- Floyd, like so many others unjustly But here I am, a number of years down cuffed, face down. I have never feared hav- deprived of their lives, and thus of the the road. In light of the nearly two weeks of ing my car searched. I have never feared promised rights of every resident of the demonstrations in the aftermath of George getting arrested and taken to jail for saying United States of America to life, liberty Floyd’s murder, I have been thinking a lot the "wrong" thing, in the wrong tone. and the pursuit of happiness. about “white privilege.” I may have taken part in demonstrations, In the face of injustice at the hands Let me share two anecdotes: but only when I knew I would be safe. of white supremacists, we declare that • My 15-year-old son loves riding his When my kids and I were living in Chicago, we cannot be silent, and we will not be bike. And I love how he is gaining confi- we took part in the march after the shooting moved. We call upon the governing bod- dence doing so (and getting in good shape at Stoneman Douglas High School. Though ies of our neighborhoods, counties and as a result). Sundown is one of his favorite we passed by police during the march, and I state to respond to the police violence times to ride, and he has a bike with a head- knew there were police mounted on horse- and murder, to the ongoing injustice of light and taillight. I tell him to be careful back behind me, I did not feel afraid. At the unequal protection before the law with and enjoy himself. end of the demonstration, we walked back a renewed effort to hear the anguished • I enjoy taking evening walks with my to my car parked in the pay-by-the-hour lot, voices of our black neighbors, and to 15-year-old daughter. It’s good to get out- and we drove back home to the suburbs. respond with compassion and with the side, breathe in some fresh air and spend I am amazed that demonstrators have con- application of equal justice under law to quality time together. Sometimes we take tinued, day after day, with even greater in- their fear and their agony. a path in residential neighborhoods; some- tensity and emotion. Perhaps that is another For the sake of my kin and friends, I times we take a path toward Sunset High example of white privilege; I never had to pray for your well-being; for the sake of School. demonstrate in my own neighborhood. the house of our God, I seek your good. If we were an African American family, May we use these days to better under- (Psalm 127) would I make the same choices? The more stand the power we have (that we never Destruction of property is always re- I learn about the cold hard reality of race in knew we had), and how we can leverage gretful, but destruction of human life is our country, the more I understand I would our power for the sake of change and jus- an incalculable loss. We call upon all choose differently. Too many things could tice for all. those who love peace to join with us in go wrong with a black teenager riding a the declaration that peace must include bike alone towards sundown. Too many As the Community Chaplain for the safety, bodily integrity, and human de- things could go wrong with a black father Greater Portland Jewish community, Rabbi cency for us all. Peace must include jus- and daughter taking a walk at night. Barry Cohen serves as a resource for all tice for the most targeted among us, or I understand how I am making my choices Jews in our community. He can be reached it is not peace. and am teaching my children that we are at 503-892-7401 or chaplain@jewishport- We call upon all those elected repre- the beneficiaries of “white privilege.” land.org. sentatives of our communities, all those entrusted with the good and welfare of all our neighbors and friends, to redou- ble your efforts to ensure that “justice will burst forth like a mighty flood stream, and righteousness like a flash flood” (Amos 5.24) sweeping away all evil in its path. We decry police brutality and use of lethal force, flash bangs, tear gas, rubber bullets and other weapons of war. We also call for an end to the relationship between the Portland police and the military, particularly purchasing surplus military equipment. We join with black justice seekers and will work for an end to white suprema- cy, white nationalism and all forms of FLOWERS FOR SHAVUOT – Volunteer Peggy Dorf gets ready for surprise Shavuot flower anti-black oppression, including mass deliveries at Congregation Kesser Israel. The Congregation delivered flowers to over 110 incarceration, broken windows polic- households in the Portland area to help bring the community together for the holiday. The ing, and the war on drugs. deliveries spread light, joy, and even brought some members and friends to tears. Jewish Review June 10, 2020 11 Owners of small businesses share struggles BY GLORIA HAMMER Jen Singer, principal broker is important not to clog the system. But I recognize the need for people to get out and Keller Williams Realty safely enjoy a treat to boost morale and en- Five business owners didn’t Spending more time together has allowed joy something familiar like ice cream. hesitate to share when I asked my husband and me to have a greater re- We offer curbside service 3-9 pm, Thurs- spect for each other’s careers. Being with how life has changed with their day through Sundays. We ask customers to our daughter use contactless payment, by ordering and livelihoods. If they represent full time has paying on our website or by phone. Most allowed us to other business owners, we can people understand, but some say it’s too see what really much trouble. I wish more customers wore look forward to better times. makes her tick. masks. Folks seem to be getting more lax Selling homes During the conversations I had with masks and staying 6 feet from others. during this time It has been heartwarming to receive to remind myself to breathe. has been inter- messages of support from the community. They discuss the leadership esting. Initially, Hillsdale has always shown love and sup- I worried that and creativity needed to move port for small business and we feel it now it would slow more than ever. forward. We can be proud that down. But ba- As for Dairy Hill Ice Cream in Pioneer bies are born, they are our community. The Place, I just have no idea. Will it be safe to kids graduate have a kiosk space in the middle of a food following are excerpts of those from school hall again or anytime soon? interviews. and people need bigger houses to accommodate home offices. My phone never stopped ringing with requests to buy or sell homes. Changing how we do it has been like drinking from a fire hose as we tackle virtual or touchless open houses and virtual listing appointments and showings. Everything I learned over the past 17 years changed overnight. I am working more than ever but doing it from the comfort of my home with my family nearby. Thankfully interest rates and inventory are low, so we are confi- dent that the housing market is stable. The Judah Garfinkle words virtual, social distancing and masks Garfinkle Orthodontics are now just part of our vocabulary. One day we were working, and the next I had to cancel more than 600 appointments Josh Oller and furlough the best team in the world. I felt stomach punched and experienced Silver Lining Jewelry & Loan Silver Lining is a State Licensed Pawn- anxiety and panic as well as mood swings. shop and my employees unanimously While I got to sleep in, run with my wife agreed we needed to stay open. We stayed and play with my kids, I felt totally out of open to ensure that our customers can control, living levels of uncertainty that borrow the funds they need to get them threatened the foundation of my life. through these hard times. And we reassured The following eight weeks were spent our clients that our business is not going figuring out how to pause then restart my anywhere and that their items are safe. business. There was no certain counsel or Initially we thought pawnshops would be playbook. I went to bed and woke up with busy with people getting new loans since a myriad of acronyms (PPP, PPE, CDC, our unemployment system completely OHA) swirling in my head. I instituted failed, but that was not the case. Instead virtual care options and organized family we saw a panic of our customers picking game nights. Uri Kushner up their items for the fear that something Now back in the office, I am grateful to Dairy Hill Ice Cream might happen to the business and they have my team again doing the work we I laid off seven employees on March 16. would lose their item. They used the stimu- love. The opportunity to fulfill our vision I am filled with inner conflicts over re- lus money to redeem their property instead of crafting smiles that elevate the spirit is opening my Hillsdale location on May 21. of using it to buy necessities. This was not powerful and cannot be covered up by the Being married to a health care professional, mask we now ask patients to wear as they I want to honor what is truly essential. It come into the office. See BUSINESS, next page 12 Jewish Review June 10, 2020 BUSINESS (cont.) jewishportland.org/ Coming Events community-calendar/online-events just an occurrence in Oregon but across the United States. June 12: BB Camp Shabbat walk We limited the customers to two at a Join B’nai B’rith Camp’s Shabbat Walk at 4 pm, June 12. time to maintain social distancing, and all Register in advance for this meeting (registration required to access this event). Together employees wear masks and gloves. We in- we will light candles, do kiddush and motzi and sing. In perfect BB Camp style we invite stalled Plexiglas on our counter windows. each household to share a “rose” (highlight) from your week. I can see the mental exhaustion in my em- Questions? Contact Stacey: [email protected] or visit bbcamp.org/virtual-shabbat ployees. I am responsible to protect my employees, June 12: Pride Unity Shabbat my customers and my business. Join your LGBTQ+ and ally community for a Shabbat candle lighting celebration of love and acceptance in recognition of Pride month. Pride Unity Shabbat will be on Zoom at 8 pm, Friday, June 12. It will end by 8:30 pm so people who observe Shabbat free of electronics may maintain their observance and participate. Register: jewishportland.org/community-unity-shabbat-pride-edition June 12-13: Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi Memorial Shabbaton Havurah Shir Hadash invites you to join its first live streaming Shabbaton celebrating spiritual connectivity in the legacy of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (1924-2014), pathfinder and futurist for Jewish spirituality in the emerging digital age. The Memorial Shabbaton begins at 6:30 pm, June 12. This year’s Reb Zalman Scholars are Rabbi Rachel Barenblat and Rabbi David Markus, next-generation visionaries and riveting teachers for the next transformations of Jewish life. With music, poetry, spirited prayer with liturgy old and new, mystic visioning, and re-mixing of ancient text, together we’ll bring forward visions for a Jewish digital future worthy of us all. Register: havurahshirhadash.org/product/shabbaton-2020/ Fees: $36 per person, $72 per couple/family and $18 for students June 15: OJMCHE Virtual Annual Meeting Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education will hold its annual meeting at noon, June 15 online. Hear from Director Judy Margles on the work of the museum over the last year and during this unforeseen time of closure. There will also be remarks from OJMCHE’s out- going Board Chair Elaine Coughlin. For more information, contact Gail Mandel at [email protected]. Max Barenberg Blackboard Music June 16: Jewish Federation’s 100th Annual Meeting I bought Blackboard Music in 2015. No Eric Fingerhut, President & CEO of Jewish Federations of North America, will be the one expects his or her business to dry up keynote speaker for the 100th Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Greater Port- overnight. Blackboard provides DJ’s, land. See story on page 4. Register: jewishportland.org/jfgp-100th-annual-meeting sound and light packages for events, espe- cializing in student events. I have had one June 18: Combatting Anti-Semitism through Storytelling The Jewish Project is a portrait of a Jew through storytelling. Jared Goodman of Morgan event in May – playing music for the Lake St Theater weaves personal stories of being a Jew with Jewish history and culture, explor- Oswego High School drive-through grad- ing themes of identity, secularism vs traditionalism, the writings of Isaac Bashevic Singer uation. COVID-19 has severely impacted and Abraham Joshua Heschel, plus some klezmer music too. He works to combat the the entire events industry. spread of anti-Semitism and share Judaism and Jewish culture with fellow Oregonians. We have had 34 weddings, proms, b’nai Every other Thursday at 5 pm from June 4 to July 30. Cost: $15. For more information, mitzvot and corporate events canceled or contact Jared at [email protected] rescheduled. We have returned all deposits Register at: morgansttheater.com/tickets/the-jewish-project-june-4th-at-8pm-pt for events through August, and I anticipate large gatherings will be prohibited far be- June 18: Effective tools for parenting in times of crisis yond then. Effective tools for parenting in times of crisis: A conversation with Dinah Gilburd, Because my business relies on large gath- LCSW, will be 8:30-9:30 on Thursday, June 18, on Zoom. erings, I’ll only work with venues, clients Dinah Gilburd LCSW, is a clinical social worker with Jewish Family Child Service. and vendors that treat safety with the seri- Sponsored by Jewish Federation, PJ Library and JFCS. Thanks to the Holzman Founda- ousness it deserves. tion for making this presentation possible. While celebrating together isn’t necessary Register: jewishportland.org/effective-tools-for-parenting-in-times-of-crisis for survival, the last few months have made us realize how good it feels to gather with June 19: Fathers’ Day Unity Shabbat friends and how much we miss it. Once we Come express gratitude to our fathers who have given us their support, guidance, in- have a vaccine, people will be looking to spiration, and love. Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland as we light Shabbat party harder than they ever have before. I candles in honor of our dads. hope when that day comes, they give me Fathers’ Day Unity Shabbat will be on Zoom at 8 pm, Friday, June 19. It will end by a call. I will need to do something else for 8:30 pm so people who observe Shabbat free of electronics may maintain their observance work for a while, until events come back. and participate. Register: jewishportland.org/community-unity-shabbat-fathers-day-edition Jewish Review June 10, 2020 13 Life cycle Obituaries Obituaries are posted online GERALD LESHGOLD ALICE POTTER BIRTHS as they are received. Gerald Leshgold, z"l, passed Alice Potter, z"l, passed HEIMS/PACHOLL Submit obituaries to: away on June 3, 2020, at 101 away June 2, 2020, at the age Congregation Beth Israel [email protected] years old. He was the beloved of 102. Alice was preceded in wished Mazel Tov to Carly Pay tribute to family or friends husband of Evelyn Leshgo- death by her husband, Edward Heims and Zak Pacholl on the in memory of their dearly de- ld, father of Carol Rosenthal Potter; and her daughter, Carol Feb. 9 birth of Alana Naupa- parted by making a donation in (Bob), Barrie Cress (Jon), and Potter Ginsberg. Alice is the kakai Celia Pacholl in Maui. their honor. 503-245-6219 or: Lynn Rosencrantz (Arne); dear mother of Irving (Arlene) Kvelling grandparents are jewishportland.org/kavodtribute grandfather of Jamie, Lauryn Potter, Linda (Stanley, z”l) Lynne Bartenstein and Dan (Jules), Daniel, Zack (Kara), Hochman and Carol, z”l (Bob, Heims. Josh (Nicole), Willie (Maf- z”l) Ginsberg. She also had JONATHAN MALLOV fi), Hayley (Shawn), Adam 8 grandchildren and 17 great MARTEL Jonathan Mallov (Yonatan (Thalia), Marcus (Emily), and grandchildren. Congregation Beth Israel Ben Shmuel), z”l, passed away Amy; and great-grandfather of In keeping with Congregation wished Mazel Tov to Gary and June 7, 2020. He was the broth- Eli, Preston, Felipe, Jaz, Jaxon, Neveh Shalom’s and the fam- Sheryl Martel on the birth of er of Congregation Kesser Isra- Max, and Ben. ily's commitment to keep our their granddaughter, Natalie el member Dr. Joe Mallov. He was born in Seattle, Wash., community safe and healthy, Florence Martel, to Benjamin Dr. Mallov will be sitting shi- March 29, 1919, to Mildred, z”l, and in compliance with our and Rachel Martel on April 7. va at home. While he is not able and Ben Leshgold, z”l. Richard governor's directive, a private to have any visitors due to the Leshgold, z”l, his brother who interment was held. WEISS virus, calls are appreciated. passed away in January, was 14 Born Dec. 9, 1917, she moved Congregation Beth Israel years younger. with her mother Esther Rib- wished Mazel Tov to Marcia BEVERLY ROBINSON Jerry grew up in Seattle and ack Solomon and older sister and Stuart Weiss on the birth of Beverly Robinson, (z"l)Bat met his wife of 78 years at Lillian Solomon Volchok from their grandson, Arthur Joseph Sheva bat Moshe Yehoshua a B'nai B'rith event in 1938. Los Angeles to Portland. DePasse, on April 28. v'Chaya Raizel, died June 6, Evelyn was 16, Jerry was 19. She graduated from Port- 2020 at the age of 82. He attended the University of land's Commerce High School AXEL She was the beloved sister of Washington and upon gradua- (Cleveland). Alice and Eddie Congregation Neveh Shalom Sheryl Harris and niece of Frie- tion, Jerry moved to Portland met at the Jewish Communi- wished Mazel Tov to Sandy and da Gass Cohen. to attend the NW School of ty Center in Portland where Jeff Axel on the birth of their First cousin to Susan Branch, Optometry and to be closer to they were active in BBYO. newest granddaughter, Hannah Trudine Burke, Richard Cohen, Evelyn. They dated for three They were married for almost Miriam Axel, born on May 28. Zachary Gass and Ethyl Jevsa- years and married in 1941. 66 years until Eddie's passing var. Jerry enlisted in the Air Force. in 2001. During WWII they BABENER She was preceded in death by He served as a 2nd Lt. in the produced a monthly newslet- Congregation Neveh Sha- husband Burke Robinson (z"l), Control Tower Division. ter for members of Portland's lom wished Mazel Tov to Roz parents Milton J. and Rose Gass Dr. Leshgold opened his first Ramblers club serving in the Babener on the birth of her Rosenberg (z"l) and grandpar- practice with a fellow graduate military. In recognition, Alice newest grandchild, a baby boy ents Joseph and Zirl Gass (z"l). in Portland where they prac- was awarded the "Amanuensis" born on May 25. Mother / baby/ A private graveside service ticed together for five years. award by the Ramblers when family are all doing well. will be held at Shaarie Torah He practiced for 40 additional the troops came home. Cemetery on Tuesday, June 9. years and retired in 1988. After She played weekly with the The Jewish Review pub- retiring, Evelyn and Jerry divid- same Mah Jong group for over lishes life-cycle announce- JERRY FISHMAN ed their time between Portland, 60 years. Jerry Fishman, z"l, passed Palm Desert and Gearhart. The family has requested that ments when they are re- away June 4, 2020, in Stam- In high school Jerry received donations in Alice's memory be ceived. Please send news ford, Conn. He was the hus- nine letters for his sports par- made to B'nai B'rith Camp or of births, b'nai mitzvah, band of Judy and dear brother ticipation. He played golf, ten- the charity of your choice. engagements, weddings and of Linda (Sid) Alpert. He had nis and racquetball until three anniversaries to: three children and seven grand- years ago. He was also a former [email protected] children. president of Tualatin Country Congregation Neveh Shalom Club and a supporter of Con- extends our deepest condo- gregation Beth Israel, Rose lences to the Fishman / Alpert Schnitzer Manor/Cedar Sinai family. Park, Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and Mittleman Mazel Jewish Community Center. Private services were held Friday, June 5, at Congregation Tov Beth Israel cemetery. Dona- tions may be made to the charity of your choice.

14 Jewish Review June 10, 2020