TODAY: Find calm in a frantic world — page 11

BB Day Camp — page 5

June 24, 2020 / Tammuz 2, 5780 Volume 55, Issue 10 It’s TiME to save our planet BY DEBORAH MOON “Through TiME, every kid and adult can be ac- A program developed tively involved in pro- in Portland by an Israeli tecting the most valuable scientist is protecting lands on Earth,” says biodiversity by buy- Uri. ing threatened areas This year, sites in in hotspots around the Kenya and Brazil are Members enter the Mittleman Jewish Community world. waiting to be saved and Center for the first time since mid-March. Uri Shanas, Ph.D., spent protected for future gen- his 2014-15 sabbatical erations. Everyone can from the University of donate as much as they MJCC reopens Haifa doing research at Uri Shanas want and then vote for Portland State Universi- their preferred land on With Multnomah County approved for Phase 1 re- ty. While in Portland, Uri More tikkun the website. opening, the Mittleman Jewish Community Center created This is My Earth olam - page 2 TiME partners with opened its doors to members on June 19, 2020. (TiME), an all-volunteer local organizations to ALL fitness classes (at Home and at the MJCC) are nonprofit that uses 100% ensure land stays in the for members only. But virtual arts and culture pro- of donations to purchase and protect hands of indigenous people. grams remain open to everyone. Find those events land in Earth’s most biologically di- This year’s donations will be allocat- oregonjcc.org/arts-culture/at-home-arts-culture. verse areas. ed (based on votes received) to Wild- “We are very excited “Well, TiME turned out to be a life Clubs of Kenya to protect wildlife to reopen the MJCC to Phase One great success,” said Uri in a recent on Mount Longonot, where wildlife the community and look interview. “Now TiME has more than is threatened by agricultural expan- forward to welcoming reopening: 5,000 members and has purchased and sion; Nature Kenya to purchase land back our members when What does it protected already four biodiversity in Dakatcha Woodland, a refuge for they are ready to come mean for our hotspot areas around the world – two endangered species that has no formal to campus,” MJCC Ex- in the upper Amazon, one on an island protection status; and to expand Ser- ecutive Director Steve community? in the Caribbean Sea and a forest in ra Bonita Reserve, located in Brazil’s Albert says. “We have - page 4 Colombia.” most endangered biome, to save the worked extremely hard Congregation Neveh Shalom Rabbi four remaining primate species and to meet or exceed all David Kosak met Uri when the Israeli other threatened wildlife. required and recommended health protocols to en- presented an Israel360 program at the Teachers in Israel use TiME’s edu- sure a very safe, healthy, comfortable and worry-free synagogue about an environmental cation program to teach students from workout experience for our members. We recognize project he had done in Israel on both kindergarten to universities about na- that individuals will feel ready to return to campus at sides of the green line. ture, biology and ecology, as well as to different points in time and are pleased to continue The two have stayed in touch since enhance values such as democracy, eq- offering virtual programming to our members in the Uri returned to Israel. And in 2018, uity and activism. Uri hopes to expand coming weeks and months.” Rabbi Kosak’s son, Shayah, chose the education program to the United Members MUST register in advance to use the fit- TiME as his bar mitzvah project. He States and Canada in the near future. ness center and/or attend a group exercise class. Res- raised about $2,000, which went to On June 29, the International Day of ervations open 24 hours prior to class time or desired saving animals and plants in the Am- the Tropics, the kids in Israel will join workout slot: oregonjcc.org or call 503-244-0111. azon. Other b’nai mitzvah students, TiME to raise funds for protecting the Assistant Executive Director Jennifer Harrington including Zohar from Sidney, Austra- tropical forests. encourages those who have been enjoying the free lia, and Jasmine from Herzelia, Israel, Check the website for donations and have followed Shayah’s example and more information: See MJCC, page 4 made TiME their project, too. this-is-my-earth.org Free online subscription: jewishportland.org/subscribe Tikkun olam briefs NE Chabad spreads good vibes & positivity Rabbi Chaim Wilhelm of Chabad of Northeast Portland says he knows when he does something to make a difference, it is also helpful to him. He’s seen a similar reaction from the volunteers in the group’s Chesed Connection. “Volunteering makes people happy,” says Rabbi Chaim. But with the pandemic and stay B’nai B’rith Camp at home the order of the day, Food Service he says, “People want to make Director Becci a difference, but there are not Bazen preps many ways to do it right now.” meals for BB “We created these Good Vibe Camp’s free Lawn Signs to give out to summer food friends and neighbors, and the program. response has been really posi- tive,” says Rabbi Chaim. Though NE Portland Chabad started distributing the signs before the killing of George Floyd, he BB Camp feeds hungry says, “People have expressed more interest in the signs since the protests started. People are looking for positive messages.” children in Lincoln City In addition to the upsurge in interest in signs, he says volunteers for the 1½-year-old Chesed Connection have surged, too. BY DEBORAH MOON model, which is a grab-and-go Chesed Connection delivered about 100 seder-to-go packages, fund- program in the county, with one ed in part by the Community Crisis Campaign. Since then, volunteers B’nai B’rith Camp has provid- site in Lincoln City. have delivered Shabbat-to-go packages of challah, soup and dessert ed free meals to nearby Lincoln “They (NW Coastal Housing) to about 40 homes each week. To make or request a delivery, email City children who meet guide- asked us to take on a larger [email protected]. lines for free lunch since 2013. piece and start ASAP,” says To receive a lawn sign, visit JewishNortheast.com/lawnsign. With COVID-19 impacting Michelle. school food programs and in- With the help of NW Coastal Shaarie Torah members randomly get challah creasing food insecurity in the Housing and a child nutrition Congregation Shaarie Torah rolled out a fun, sweet project on state, this year the Jewish camp specialist from the Dept. of Ed- June 12 in partnership with the Challahman (Rich Meyer). Each expanded and launched its sum- ucation, BB Camp was able to Friday, 10 Shaarie Torah house- mer food program early. put together a program in just a holds are being surprised with “As of Monday (June 15), few days, says Allison. challah deliveries. we are providing breakfast and In addition to the meals served So recipients know where the lunch for seven days a week to to campers in the Lincoln City gift is from, a note is attached to 200 to 300 kids a day,” says BB BB Day Camp, sack meals for the challah. For each loaf deliv- Camp Executive Director Mi- three or four days are available ered to Shaarie Torah members, chelle Koplan. for pickup two days a week at Challahman donates a loaf to the The meals are provided to BB Camp and at two apartment Holocaust Survivors program of children who meet the USDA/ complexes operated by NW Jewish Family & Child Service. Oregon Dept. of Education Coastal Housing. The meals Shaarie Torah Executive Di- Child Nutrition Program re- are prepared by BB Camp Food rector Jemi Kostiner Mansfield quirements for the Summer Service Chef Becci Bazen and says, “We decided to launch Food Service Program. two kitchen staff members. A this to give people stuck at “When schools were closed a volunteer from NW Coastal home an extra burst of love and few months ago, I reached out Housing picks up the meals support from the shul and to (hopefully) sweeten their Shabbat. to our housing partner, NW from the BB Camp kitchen and Coastal Housing, to make sure takes them to the locations on COVID Emergency Fund is helping community that the kids in the two apart- the designated day for that site. The Greater Portland Jewish Community COVID Emergency ment complexes we have been “These kids are very, very Fund, a joint project of the Jewish Federation of Greater Port- providing food to during the hungry, and we are so delighted land and the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, has raised summer were going to be re- we are able to provide food for $867,000. ceiving food,” says BB Camp kids,” says Michelle. Last week two additional grants were awarded: B’nai B’rith Operations Director Allison In 2006 Michelle created the Camp for $45,500 (their grants now total $84,000) and NCSY for Kaufman. day camp on the Jewish over- $1,800 (their grants now total $6,800). At that time, the Lincoln night camp’s facilities on Dev- The campaign now has provided grants of more than $697,000 to County School District had il’s Lake to serve area families 36 Jewish organizations across the State of Oregon and Southwest begun to use bus routes to pro- who need summer child care Washington. vide free meals to all kids in the and families vacationing in The pandemic continues to challenge Jewish organizations and area. But at the beginning of the area who want to give their individuals. To help meet a $50,000 match from an anonymous June, the school district tran- children a taste of BB Camp. donor, donate at jewishportland.org/covid19relief. sitioned to its summer meals (See related story page 5) 2 Jewish Review June 24, 2020 Exploring historical context of today’s racism BY DEBORAH MOON Ku Klux Klan presence in the 1920s and the White Aryan Re- “Racism is as American as sistance drive for a white ethnic apple pie if we are being hon- state in the Pacific Northwest in est,” said Professor Angela the 1990s. Addae, one of four panelists The program concluded with on the June 18 Zoom program suggestions on how society can Racism, Protest and Law En- move forward in this time of forcement: Historical Context heightened awareness. for Contemporary Times. The “How do we undo racism?” program was cosponsored by asked Addae. “People say I the Oregon Historical Society am not a racist … Admit we and Oregon Jewish Museum all have been indoctrinated … and Center for Holocaust Ed- then we can commit to doing ucation. the work.” While the 13th Amendment Panelists clockwise from top left: Professors Joseph Lowndes, An- “For white folks … chal- abolished slavery, the 14th gela Addae and Judson Jeffries and moderator Marisa Chapell. lenge racism when it comes Amendment guaranteed all up (where you live or work),” citizens equal protection of the said Lowndes. Noting racism is laws and civil rights laws have history, philosophy and religion In terms of defunding police, rooted in the past, he said, “We outlawed discrimination, “That at Oregon State University, Lowndes said many protesters may not be responsible for what is not reflected in our lived asked about recent calls for are talking about the role of happened in the past, but we are experience,” said Addae, who police abolition and defunding police. “Why are police called responsible for what happens in is an assistant professor at the police. on to take on all these roles to the present.” University of Oregon School Without a clear definition of manage multiple crises in soci- Dr. Jeffries added he teaches of Law. “Chattel slavery taught the terms, it is impossible to ety? Where can we put resourc- his students, “They have an ob- white people to dehumanize talk intelligently about aboli- es differently?” ligation to use their degrees as a Black people.” tion or defunding police, said Addae agreed with reallo- tool … (to enhance) the human In a similar vein, Joseph Dr. Judson Jeffries, professor cating funds to crucial social race.” Lowndes, political science of African American Studies services that directly address In introducing the panel dis- associate professor at the Uni- at Ohio State University and societal problems. “Police are cussion, OJMCHE Director versity of Oregon, said, “White editor of the Journal of African poorly equipped to solve those Judy Margles noted, “The supremacism animates almost American Studies. “If we are social problems.” protests have really encour- everything in American politi- talking about going back to a Panelists also discussed Or- aged me to look forward with cal life.” He added that waves period, I remember growing up egon’s history of Black exclu- a modicum of hope.” The pre- of protests against dehuman- in 1970s and 80s, when many sion, including the state consti- sentation may have left the au- ization in this second cycle of police called themselves Peace tution that banned Blacks, free dience with a similar glimmer Black Lives Matter “opens up Officers … and monitored the or enslaved, from living in the of hope for a more equal future territory for new types of eman- neighborhood by walking a state. Addae noted the state was for all Americans. cipatory visions.” beat – that’s something I can founded as a white utopia, and See the full hourlong pre- Regarding those expanded vi- support. If you are talking Lowndes added white suprem- sentation at: youtube.com/ sions, panel moderator Marisa about complete eradication, I acists have risen in the state watch?v=et-lS4xhM8g&fea- Chapell, associate professor of say pump the brakes.” in waves – including a strong ture=youtu.be Joe Mussabini won’t be at Café at the J when it reopens Mittleman Jewish Community Center members and visitors are his wife, Amy. His presence will continue to be felt however; the likely to notice someone missing when MJCC is naming the seating area nearest the counter and window they stop by the Café at the J when the overlooking the pool “Joe’s Corner.” café reopens (it didn't reopen when the J Joe grew up in Egypt, spoke five languages (Arabic, Greek, Italian, did June 19, though kosher meals cnn be French and English) and played semi-professional soccer in his 20s ordered online). – first in Sweden and then South Africa. He eventually began work- If you’ve spent any time in the café, you ing as the maître d’ and public face of a five-star hotel in Durban, probably know Joe Mussabini, who like- then for a renowned hotelier who sent him on a trip to America. ly greeted you, asked what he could get In 1978, Joe met Allen, and the two worked together running sev- for you or wanted to know how your day eral restaurants and even a popular Los Angeles nightclub named was. “He dedicates his life to taking care Marbles, which was frequented by movie stars and other celebrities. of other people,” says kosher caterer and “He is so charismatic. And anything he does, he does well,” café owner Allen Levin, Joe's friend of says Allen. For example, Joe played squash late in life and placed more than four decades. second in his age division in the U.S. Professional Squash Cham- Earlier this year, Joe was diagnosed with ALS, also known as pionships. Lou Gehrig's disease. Unfortunately, his symptoms have pro- A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Joe: gressed rapidly in the last several months. Joe is now at home with gofundme.com/f/hmnpn-joe039s-family Jewish Review June 24, 2020 3 Multnomah County Phase One Reopening: What does it mean for Jewish organizations? BY DEBORAH MOON online experience with selected in-person opportunities. With Multnomah County “A meaningful congregation, entering Phase One, we asked after all, is not based on a phys- many of the Jewish communi- ical structure … The true foun- ty’s agencies and congregations dation for meaning is found in about their plans. Many, such relationships,” says Executive as Congregation Beth Israel Director Fred Rothstein. “That bethisrael-pdx.org/connections has continued to be a guiding and the Oregon Jewish Mu- principle as clergy, staff and suem and Center for Holo- lay leadership pivoted quickly caust Eduction ojmche.org, to creatively develop new ap- will continue to stream or Zoom proaches to meet the needs of services and programs. The Mit- our congregants. Livestream tleman Jewish Community Cen- and Zoom have clearly become ter has reopened to members important tools in continuing (see story). Following are plans connections.” nevehshalom.org from some other organizations: Congregation Shaarie Torah Mittleman Jewish Community Center Day Camps returned June 22 Cedar Sinai Park: All Rose also has convened a task force with stable groups of 10 children and two counselors. MJCC camps Schnitzer Manor residents have to talk about phased reopening, will run each week from June 22 through Aug. 7, 9 am to 4 pm, tested negative for COVID-19. specifically in-person Shab- Monday-Friday. No before or after care is available. Staff member tests also are bat services. “The building negative as of June 22 (pending and offices will remain closed results of four not yet received). through July while we continue (continued from page 1) Therefore, the RSM move-in to watch trends in COVID cases MJCC hold is now lifted (all move-ins in Multnomah County and the virtual classes to join the MJCC leadership skills and hands on still require a COVID-19 nega- state,” says Executive Director to continue the classes at the experience with campers. We tive test prior to move-in). Jemi Kostiner Mansfield. “We center or online. are looking forward to giving All federal and state safety will, of course, be following The J will be open (for campers a unique, fun-filled measures in place for RSM and all OHA and CDC guidelines members only) 7 am-7 pm, camp experience and giving RJHC/HSCL remain the same. for physical distancing, crowd Monday-Friday; and 8 am-4 parents a bit of a break.” You can read updates at: limits, cleaning, mask wearing, pm, Sunday. Hours will be The CIT program is de- cedarsinaipark.org/ contact tracing, etc. A hybrid reassessed in August. When signed to empower teens by covid-19-announcements/ model of limited in-person and parking, members are asked to offering new responsibilities, Rachel’s Well Community live-streamed services is being leave an empty space between challenges and adventures in- Mikvah is in the process of re- planned for the High Holidays." cars to allow for social distanc- cluding working with younger opening. Upgraded safety and shaarietorah.org ing. Social distancing continues campers and team-building. security guidelines are in place, Congregation Shir Tikvah is in the building with everyone CITs gain real life experienc- and all immersions are still by not planning on reopening to the staying at least 6 feet apart and es and skills that teach them appointment only. To request public for now. People can still following one-way footsteps. how to be positive mentors and an appointment a minimum of Zoom into the 9 am Torah Study Temperatures will be taken and leaders. 4-7 days in advance, and longer on Shabbat by reaching out to masks are required (available at The following areas remain if possible, people should email office manager Amelia Schroth, entry). To maintain a one-way closed, but will reopen when [email protected] at: [email protected] traffic flow, members will exit state and local guidelines allow: Congregation Neveh Sha- Congregation Kol Ami, in through the downstairs doors pools, locker rooms, Sports- lom: The congregation has Vancouver, Wash., is continu- facing the Sportsplex. plex, basketball, climbing established a “Reopening Task ing to offer daily story times, Nonmembers are invited to wall and Cafe at the J (though Force” with six workgroups three times a week check-ins, enroll children in the MJCC kosher meals are available for (health, education, facilities, services, Kol Ami Women of summer day camps, though due online ordering). ritual, membership/program- Reform Judaism events and to limited capacity this year, To further combat the ming and HR/finance) to deter- Men’s club events via Zoom. camps are filling up fast. COVID-19 pandemic, the mine how and when it will be “We are making our decisions “Our camp team has been building will be cleaned, sani- safe to return to the building. based on best health practices spending the past few tized and disinfected through- Foundation School will operate for our staff and our community months planning a fun-filled out the day; larger areas will be a small, limited summer camp and looking forward to a time summer for school-aged chil- fogged nightly with a Victory initially offered to first respond- when there is a treatment or dren grades K to 6,” says Jenni- Innovations electrostatic dis- ers and essential workers in our vaccine, and it is safe for all of fer. “Children grades 7 through infectant sprayer. Additional congregational community. us to meet together in person,” 10 have the opportunity to hand-sanitizing stations have Planning is under way for High says Rabbi Elizabeth Dunsker. join our Counselor in Train- been added throughout the Holy Days to be a “primarily” jewishvancouverusa.org ing program, which provides building. 4 Jewish Review June 24, 2020 BB Camp pivots to day camp BB SUMMER DAYS In addition to the BB Day BY DEBORAH MOON Camps for elementary and When Oregon Gov. Kate middle schoolers in Port- Brown decided to prohibit land and Lincoln City, B’nai overnight summer camps this B’rith Camp staff have plans year, B’nai B’rith Camp piv- to make this summer fun for oted all its resources toward its all youth and families. two existing day camps plus PORTLAND BB TEENS an added day camp for middle Following strict guidelines schoolers in the metro area. for COVID-19 mitigation, BB Day Camp rolls out in day programs will connect Portland June 29 for children teens with their BB Camp entering kindergarten through friends as they participate in some of their favorite BB sixth grade in the fall. The Lin- BB Day Camps will feature Camp activities. For more coln City Day Camp for ages many of the same activities as information, email Assistant 5 to 14 will begin a week later past years. (July 6) and run through Aug. Director Purple Rattray at 21. BB Camp Middle School being so nimble and creative “We will have a similar sched- [email protected]. Days will offer four one-week and pivoting and working with ule and similar activities as FAMILY CAMPS sessions in Portland, July the governor’s office to create overnight camp with a focus on After months of spending 6-Aug.14. Camp days will run essentially brand new pro- leadership skills.” time in our own homes, it from 9 am to 4 pm, with no grams,” she adds. In Lincoln City, day camp- is time to get away and ex- extended care options avail- In past years the two day ers will once again be based perience a little bit of BB able due to state restrictions camps have served about 360 in the camp’s Mercaz Campus Camp magic together. The on maintaining stable, separate day campers in Lincoln City and Center, which has multiple sep- State has released guide- groups of 10. about 340 in Portland. Even with arate spaces to keep campers lines for Family Camps to “The health and safety of our no preschool camps allowed in stable groups of 10. With open in Phase 2. BB Camp campers is always our highest outside of child care settings this no overnight campers at the is ready to launch our sum- priority,” says BB Camp Exec- summer, Michelle expects the campground, day campers will mer Family Camps when utive Director Michelle Koplan. numbers to grow in Portland. also have “free rein of a lot of approved. More information But to prepare for a safe expe- During a normal summer, the space.” will be available soon. rience in the era of COVID-19, Portland day camp serves 60 to Camp specialists will wear BB SEATTLE DAYS BB Camp staff has implement- 80 children each week. protective gear and visit just BB Camp will bring op- ed guidelines from the Oregon In Portland the elementary age one group at a time. For now, portunities for BB Campers Health Authority and the Cen- and middle school camps are rather than field trips, visitors in the Seattle area to con- ters for Disease Control, as well housed at Congregation Beth such as representatives from nect with each other under as ideas from a new field guide Israel in the education building, Echo Theater, Steve’s Creature Washington’s COVID-19 from the American Camp Asso- which has ample classrooms Features and Mad Science will guidelines. These daylong ciation. “We are mitigating and to keep groups separate as re- visit the camps. The camps may programs will be filled with modifying programs.” quired by OHA guidelines. include field trips later in the the BB Camp magic that “So much of the work we “We have room to grow with summer. campers look forward to had done with the governor’s classroom spaces,” says Mi- “We are going to be flexible each summer at BB Camp. office preparing for (the hoped chelle. “As summer progresses, this year,” says Michelle. VIRTUAL EVENTS for opening of) overnight camp if people are more comfortable So parents will know what BB Camp will soon share transferred beautifully for our (sending kids to camp), we may precautions are being main- a slate of online camper day camps,” says Michelle. grow.” tained at camp, BB Camp has get-togethers and programs. “We usually have 130 young She says the Middle School posted its protocols COVID-19 BB Camp's Teen Philan- adult counselors, so we are de- Days were added in Portland to specific Operations Manual on thropy program for 10th ploying those staff in both our meet the needs of former over- its website bbcamp.org. graders goes virtual. Each day camps.” night campers who now have Register for BB Day Camps at year, the Leaders in Train- “I am so proud of my staff for nothing to do for the summer. bbcamp.org/register/. ing cohort learns to review grants and work together to Eden Village West offers free virtual summer camp programs decide which Lincoln City nonprofits should receive Ordinarily an organic farm- other – all the best parts of the free programs that are geared their allotted funds. This to-table Jewish summer camp, Eden Village homestead ethos. toward the diverse learning year the program will be vir- this year Eden Village West, “Our goal is to bring the spirit styles, social styles and inter- tual, but still rewarding. edenvillagewest.org, has creat- of Eden Village into the homes, ests of 2nd- to 11th-graders. Events are also planned for ed a free remote program, Eden backyards, and imaginations of Most programs are drop-in former staff and alumni. HOME(in)STEAD. your families,” says Nava Sher- and will remain accessible on- Virtual BB Game Nights HOME(in)STEAD provides wood, Operations Manager of line throughout the summer. and BB Campfire/Havdallah inspiration to get kids outside, Eden Village West. Check out edenvillagewest.org/ are in the works. making things, experiencing na- From June 28 to July 17, Eden homeinstead for a schedule and bbcamp.org/bb-summer-days ture, and connecting with each Village will share almost 60 description. Jewish Review June 24, 2020 5 JFGP 100th Annual Meeting: Great things happen BY DEBORAH MOON committed $100,000 to partner that JFGP President and CEO Goldstein, Ted Nelson, Jack with Federation on the Greater Marc Blattner “is known across Birnbach, Jim Meyer and Ed The Jewish Federation of Portland Jewish Communi- the federation system – he is re- Tonkin” and “12 other profes- Greater Portland’s 100th annu- ty COVID Emergency Fund. spected, he is listened to … we sionals on a daily basis who are al meeting on June 16 reflected Within two weeks, the grant trust him to help lead us.” As making a difference … togeth- our changed world and how the process had begun. With dona- an example of that, Fingerhut er with our partner agencies, Jewish community has rallied tions from individuals, the fund said when the crisis hit in mid- synagogues, rabbis” who make to aid individuals and organiza- has raised $867,000 and grant- March, federation executives on Jewish Portland what it is to- tions in these tumultuous times ed $697,000 to 36 organizations a Zoom call wondered when aid day, during COVID and post- of COVID and protests. With in Oregon and SW Washington would be needed. “Marc said, COVID. 144 households on the Zoom – “a true representation of great ‘We are acting now.’” Fingerhut Watch a video from the meet- webinar, the centennial meeting things happening.” said the other execs quickly fol- ing: youtu.be/r6nI-Q9xo20. was the largest in recent history. She called the crisis campaign, lowed Portland’s lead to launch The larger turnout was one of “A crowning moment of our a crisis campaign. New Board Members several “silver linings” JFGP Jewish community, who came to- Blattner wrapped up the meet- Sarah Rosenberg Brown Board Chair Lauren Goldstein gether during this trying time … ing by sharing insights and ma- Originally from Albuquerque, shared during the evening. to make sure every agency and jor accomplishments of the past NM, Sarah has lived in Oregon The opening montage of video individual was taken care of.” year. He congratulated the five 26 years. She dedicated over 12 clips from leaders of the Oregon Even during the crisis cam- winners of the Sussman schol- years of her professional life Board of Rabbis, Jewish Family paign, the community respond- arships and the winner of the to nonprofit work, started two & Child Service, Cedar Sinai ed and the Jewish Federation’s Rogoway Outstanding Jewish small businesses, and now is a Park and B’nai B’rith Camp, and total resource development this Professional Award (see article consultant with The Peak Fleet community members reflecting year totaled $4,641,823 so that on award winners in the May focusing on community build- on the community’s response all agencies will receive the 27 issue: jewishportland.org/ ing and social/racial equity. culminated with Goldstein shar- same allocation they received jewishreview/jr-stories/ Les Gutfreund ing the Federation’s rallying cry last year. untraditional-awards-ceremony A Detroit native, Les relo- for the year, “When We Come Goldstein added the commu- To help expand the strategic cated his family to Salem in Together as a Community, Great nity also came together to make priority of community engage- 1994. After being very active Things Happen.” great things happen through ment, Federation has created a in the Salem Jewish commu- Goldstein offered a swift three strategic community pri- Young Adult Board “to engage nity, he moved to Portland to roundup of the community’s orities: community engagement, even more people,” said Blat- marry Eve Stern in 2010. Les successes over the past year, maintain security, and elevate tner (see related story, page 8). works as a general contractor both before and during COVID. messaging and communications. He called the reboot of The and chairs Jewish Free Loan of She noted that when we began She emphasized that engage- Jewish Review, originally pub- Greater Portland. the year July 1, 2019, Federation ment was targeting agencies, lished by Federation from 1959 Alan Montrose was putting the finishing touch- synagogues, rabbis, individuals to 2012, a highlight of the year. Alan was born in Portland. es on the community Israel trip we know and don’t yet know – “After an eight-year hiatus … He has had a dental practice as the centerpiece of its centen- “all of our constituents.” it returned online to great read- in Beaverton, called Smiles nial year. “In the fall, we were The polling feature on Zoom ership, up-to-date information Northwest, for 37 years. Alan gathering together in vibrant was used to confirm the nom- and a great reception.” and his wife, Debbi, have two groups” for inspirational gath- inating committees’ nominees He praised the work of Wom- children and one granddaugh- erings featuring Chef Michael for four new board members: en’s Philanthropy and the JCRC ter. He has served on Federa- Solomonov, Ambassador Den- Sarah Rosenberg Brown, Les – which has strengthened Jew- tion’s Allocations Committee, nis Ross and Notorious RBG Gutfreund, Alan Montrose and ish community ties with the Af- and presently serves on the author Irin Carmon. Pre-pan- Eliana Temkin. rican-American community and board of Congregation Neveh demic, she said, “We (Federa- Guest speakers were Jewish been involved in combating the Shalom. tion and Wexner) identified 20 Federations of North America resurgence of anti-Semitism. Eliana Temkin incredible changemakers from President and CEO Eric Finger- The postponement of the Isra- Eliana moved to Portland our community to participate hut and Wexner Heritage Direc- el trip for 400 people was the from California in 1988. After in a leadership development tor Rabbi Yaffa Epstein; both year’s biggest disappointment, 16 years as a Jewish communal program, which we now look spoke about the importance of said Blattner, adding, “I hope professional, Eliana works for forward to starting soon.” leadership for a community’s all will come with us when it’s Kaiser Permanente as an orga- When the world changed in success. rescheduled and that new peo- nizational effectiveness consul- mid-March, “It was our time “We know we are at a time ple will join.” tant. As a member of Havurah to pivot, and our Jewish Fed- of change – we are having the At no additional cost, the Fed- Shalom, Eliana has served on eration changed literally on a 100th annual meeting … by eration also moved into new the Rabbi Search Committee dime,” said Goldstein. Zoom,” said Fingerhut. “We office space at 9900 SW Green- and as co-chair the Long-Range On March 16, the JFGP Board know our work is going to help burg Road in May, though staff Planning committee. She serves met in emergency session on determine what it (the future) is is still working remotely due to on Federation’s Allocations Zoom and committed $250,000 going to look like.” COVID restrictions. Committee. She and husband, from reserves to launch a crisis Fingerhut said that the federa- Blattner said he is privileged Alan Springs, have three sons. campaign. A day later, Oregon tion system and Portland “have to work with an “outstanding See brief bios of continuing Jewish Community Foundation the leadership we need.” He said Executive Committee – Lauren board members on page 11. 6 Jewish Review June 24, 2020 OJMCHE reports fiscal stability in turbulentyear The Oregon Jewish Museum lenge and so, all the more, it is and Center for Holocaust Edu- a time to cherish hope. cation’s virtual annual meeting With the dissolution of the In- June 15 drew 130 people, an stitute for Judaic Studies, OJM- increase from the typical 90 to CHE has taken over steward- 100 people who have attended ship of two of IJS’s signature recent in-person annual meet- programs: Weekend in Quest ings held over lunch. and Portland Jewish Film Fes- Deputy Director Gail Mandel, tival. Unfortunately, the 2020 Curator of Collections Anne PJFF was yet another casualty LeVant Prahl, and Manager of the COVID-19 crisis. of Museum and Holocaust The museum was fortunate to Education Amanda Solomon receive a forgivable loan from told OJMCHE members about the Paycheck Protection Pro- their work before and during gram of the Small Business Ad- Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education staff COVID-19. ministration. The loan, which and board members log on to Zoom as the OJMCHE annual meet- Director Judy Margles ac- will convert to a grant, has ing gets under way. knowledged the concerns that enabled the museum to end the many of us feel as we confront fiscal year financially sound. ident. OJMCHE also welcomed the next,” says Margles. “Not the pandemic, oppose racism Board member Steve Reinisch Leonard Shapiro to the board. being in the same room with and grapple with our worries paid tribute to Elaine Coughlin, “OJMCHE’s annual meeting museum members and not be- about the future. But she also whose term as board president is a time to bring the commu- ing able to exchange greetings focused on hope – that this is a concludes June 30. Jeff Mazer nity together to mark the end of and good wishes with each oth- moment of breathtaking chal- is the museum’s incoming pres- one year and the beginning of er was a challenge.” OJCF annual meeting shares highlights of year BY JULIE DIAMOND of COVID-19, with $425,210 was delayed by the coronavirus, Gottheiner will join as the ap- in grants for Emergency Relief it will begin in the fall with re- pointed trustee representing the Oregon Jewish Community needs during March, April and mote learning strategies. Also, Jewish Federation. Foundation held its Annual May. Of that, $298,980 was our colleague Arlene Schiff, Josh and I thanked those con- Meeting via Zoom on June 4. directed to the Greater Jewish National LIFE & LEGACY di- cluding service on the board: About 60 community members Portland Together COVID-19 rector at the Harold Grinspoon Stan Geffen, Marni Glick, Lau- participated, less than typical- Relief Fund, a joint project Foundation, shared via video ren Goldstein, Steve Gradow, ly attend. The Annual Legacy of the Jewish Federation and that the national Legacy pro- Steve Laveson, Eric Rosenfeld Celebration was postponed due OJCF. gram has reached the milestone and Mike Tannenbaum. to the coronavirus and that may OJCF celebrated the Ore- of $1 billion in legacy commit- The OJCF professional team have affected attendance. gon Jewish Community Youth ments to Jewish organizations has been working remotely Here are some highlights of Foundation’s successful com- in the U.S. and Canada. Oregon since mid-March. Operations the meeting, which I led with pletion of their year, in spite and SW Washington are part of have continued relatively Board Chair Josh Frankel: of COVID. Although OJCYF’s this success! smoothly, with the occasion- During the period July 1, Annual Benefit Dinner, usual- Josh led a celebratory mo- al lost piece of mail. Several 2019, to May 31, 2020, the ly held in April, was canceled, ment for OJCF Program Offi- Foundation events have been foundation distributed 1,395 thanks to the generosity of cer Sonia Marie Leikam, who postponed or cancelled and total grants. These grants rep- many sponsors, the teens made received the Laurie Rogoway other programs are being re- resented $7.7 million in char- community grants of $66,000. Outstanding Jewish Profes- imagined for online experienc- itable dollars that reached 390 The teens shared their grant sional Award sponsored by the es. The Foundation board and nonprofits. decisions in a lively “Pass the Jewish Federation. Leikam professional team have juggled The Foundation’s total assets Grant Check” video. handles OJCYF, Young Adult a lot of new technology over under management (AUM) as The update on LIFE & LEG- Giving Council and other donor these past months and, indeed, of June 3, 2020, were $90.4 ACY included a welcome to education and outreach respon- Zoom fatigue has set in. million, flat compared to last nine new partner organizations sibilities. I am especially grateful for year at the same time, but with that applied for and have been As always, “members” voted the work of board chair Josh recent swings to as low as $75 accepted to a second group of on the slate of board of trust- Frankel and all the board lead- million. With the market vola- organizations to embark on the ee nominees. Newly elected ers. They, along with the pro- tility due to COVID-19, the In- LIFE & LEGACY program for trustees are Jason Kaufman, fessional team, are providing vestment Committee has been the development of after-life- Steve Kaufman (not related) strong leadership in these tur- meeting more often to intensify time gifts. They will be able to and Sue Menashe. Trustees bulent times. their oversight of the Founda- earn incentive grants for their elected for another three-year tion investments. success funded by the OJCF term are Kathy Chusid, Naomi Julie Diamond is President OJCF’s donor fund advisors Community Endowment Fund. Derner, David Forman and Em- and CEO of the Oregon Jewish responded quickly to the onset Although the program launch ily Kahn. In addition, Simon Community Foundation. Jewish Review June 24, 2020 7 New board gives new generation a seat at table BY DEBORAH MOON are already putting on events the diverse young adult popu- Stuart Zeltzer came to Portland for young adults. “As a board lations, says Nadine Menashe. in 2016 to pur- The Jewish Federation of member, I hope to help people Nadine, JFGP development sue a career Greater Portland has formed a have more awareness of all the associate since 2018, serves as in family med- Young Adult Board, with seven different options,” says Hope. the JFGP staff coordinator for icine. Stuart members serving as ambassa- “It takes time to find out about the young adult board. was active in dors to 21- to 45-year-olds who all the fun stuff going on – once Nadine says the Federation the Detroit live in different areas, have dif- we can get together again.” decided to create the board to and Cleveland ferent sexual orientations and She adds she has made her more fully engage young adults Jewish communities through are in different stages of life, closest friends in the Jewish and to harness the expertise work at Tamarack Camps, as well as to the community’s community and hopes other of former Moishe House resi- Moishe House and the Cleve- organizations serving those young adults participate so they, dents, graduates of PDX Path- land Youth Leadership Division. young adults. too, can find such long-lasting ways (JFGP’s leadership and Stuart remained engaged here “As the world has changed friendships. mentoring program for young through the PDX Pathways pro- and continues to change in so Sarah, a lifelong Portlander, adult professionals), and other gram, the Giving Council and many profound ways, it is cru- agrees. “Being part of the Port- engaged young adults. participation in many events for cial that each generation has a land Jewish community has BOARD MEMBERS young Jewish professionals. voice and a seat at the table in brought so much joy and growth Hope Peskin-Shepherd is a Ben Morgan has lived in the community decision-making,” into my life. … I made long-last- policy analyst area for five says Marshal P. Spector, who ing relationships through friend- at the Oregon years, residing was on the Federation commit- ships and mentors that have Health Au- in Milwaukie tee that created the new Young enhanced my life and helped thority. Hope with his wife, Adult Board. “It is essential for define my values and goals.” is passionate Lauren, along the ‘older’ generations to listen, “Young adults will benefit about public with their chil- learn and gain perspective from greatly from being part of the health and re- dren, 3-year-old young adults, especially those Portland Jewish community,” productive rights and completed Zev and 7-month-old Lital. He in the progressive community – she says. “I cannot wait to her Master’s of Public Health in loves everything Portland has to they have benefitted from what help bridge young adults to our New York. She is originally from offer – outdoor adventures, the we have done well but will deal community.” Michigan and helped found a food and culinary culture, and with the consequences of our Stuart Zeltzer sees young adults Jewish Young Professionals the community and the amazing shortcomings and failures.” as a crucial demographic to build group in Ann Arbor. Hope was beer. He has worked in the beer A serious seat at the table is connection and community. “As thrilled to find a similarly wel- industry for almost eight years, exactly the reason Shayna Sig- the space between education coming and friendly community currently with Firestone Walker man agreed to serve on the new years (high school and college) in Portland. She loves hiking, Brewing Company. board. After earning her mas- and the start of family life wid- singing, cooking and traveling. Hannah Holstein volun- ter’s degree, Shayna moved to ens, young adult programming Jake Sullivan grew up in Port- teered with her brother’s Spe- Portland as a resident of Moishe has stepped up to help fill the land and at- cial Olympics House planning programming void,” he says. “As disconnec- tended Colo- baseball team and watched for other young adults. She says tion, loneliness and uncertain rado College her father train she hasn’t always felt like the economic times potentially lay and the Uni- Super Sunday older generations have taken ahead, connection and commu- versity of Cam- callers, which her seriously, and she hopes the nity will be essential.” bridge. From led to her passion for nonprof- As a member of the new board, 2017-2020, he official nature of Young Adult its. She earned her master’s Stuart says, “I want to share the served as a resident in Moishe Board will give members “the degree from Northeastern Uni- sense of community, support and House Portland, helping to power to forge connections versity in Nonprofit Manage- intrigue that I have both given create a welcoming space for across the community … and to ment. Hannah is an associate teach other organizations what and received as part of the Jew- young adult Jews. Jake is excit- ed to bring his passion for con- director of development at the young adults want and who ish community … part of the rea- PSU Foundation and likes to young adults are.” son I ended up in Portland was nection, creativity and fun to this new venture. explore the Pacific Northwest Shayna is joined on the board through the generosity and con- grew up attend- with her son, husband and dog. by former Moishe house- nection of the Portland Moishe Sarah Howard ing BB Camp Shayna Sigman moved to Port- mate Jake Sullivan, Hope House to help set me up with and Congre- land in 2016, Peskin-Shepherd, Sarah How- housing during a monthlong visit gation Beth Is- after complet- and plug me into the community ard, Stuart Zeltzer, Ben Morgan rael. Work and ing her MSW as soon as I got here.” and Hannah Holstein. school havetak- at Washing- The board will have its initial “I was very excited seeing the en her all over ton University retreat in August – either in per- list of people on the board,” the world, where she discov- in St. Louis. says Shayna. “It makes me very son or on Zoom, depending on ered her passion for providing During her time hopeful.” government and health recom- access to education and oppor- in Portland, she has worked for Hope says that when she mendations at that time. tunities. When not working, you multiple Jewish organizations, moved to Portland in 2018 af- One of its preliminary mis- can find her with her dog and served two years as a Moishe ter earning her master’s degree, sions will be to plan a hallmark husband, hiking in the Gorge, House Portland resident and she was impressed by how young adult event that will be hosting family and friends for participated in the Jewish Feder- many different organizations fun and feel welcoming for all dinner, or wine tasting. ation’s Pathways program. 8 Jewish Review June 24, 2020 Portland Jewish Academy's memorable graduation Like so many things in the past PJA since age 3. “Since then, three months, this year’s Port- there have been major chang- land Jewish Academy Eighth es and disruptions in our PJA Grade Graduation Celebration life, especially for the teach- was unprecedented and unfor- ers. Even after all of this, the gettable. It started with lawn teachers made it a priority to signs for each of the 21 gradu- give us an opportunity to make ates delivered by their teachers. a graduation presentation that It continued with a car parade was meaningful to us. Every in the PJA parking lot with lots single one of my teachers has of hoots and hollers, smiles and been there to support me and signs, and bags of goodies. The their dedication and commit- next day it culminated in a spe- ment to their students has es- cial Zoom graduation ceremo- pecially shown these past few ny that included presentations months.” from all the students. For Kai, the biggest regret was “My favorite part of this un- not being able to say good-bye traditional graduation ceremo- in person after the Zoom gradu- The night before their Zoom ny was being able to see the ation. “It’s like, we’ve spent all graduation, above, Port- culmination of experiences this time together and we don’t land Jewish Academy's 21 that we’ve all had here, and even really get to say good- eight-graders enjoyed a how those experiences were bye. We just log off and we’re car parade around the PJA expressed in everyone’s pre- done.” But, Kai adds, it’s not parking lot. sentations,” says graduate Kai really regret, “just a little sad LaForte. about it, you know?” This eighth-grade class had Liana says they did at least to accept many disappoint- get to wave good-bye during ments this year, including the graduation drive-through missing their class trip to Isra- the night before the Zoom el. Throughout it all, students graduation ceremony. After embraced the challenges of the the ceremony, she texted her time, and the PJA staff made the friends to congratulate them run-up to the end of their PJA on graduating. experience truly remarkable. “It was not the same, but it “I am very grateful for all of made me feel better knowing my teachers at PJA, especially that both the teachers and I in these last few months after it have worked as hard as we became clear our eighth-grade possibly could to make it the class may not be able to travel most special graduation,” she to Israel,” says graduate Lia- says. “That’s all I could’ve na Kressel, who has attended asked for.” PJA’s socially distanced kindergarten graduation Kindergarteners didn't miss out on graduation festivities this year. Portland Jewish Academy held a lovely socially distant grad- uation for their kindergarteners on Sunday, June 14, in the PJA parking lot. Everyone gathered in a circle with family groups standing 6 feet apart in designated spots. Each kindergartener, one at a time, stood on a cloud written in chalk on the pavement that said “Kindergar- ten.” They walked up to the row of teachers at the end, said hello, received their bag of goodies, took a photo and then walked back to the cloud on the pavement that said “First Grade.” It was a momentous occasion for these little ones who have been meeting daily on Zoom for the past three months. The graduation finished with a Yasher Koach to the teachers and some songs. AT RIGHT: Jackson was one of 19 kindergartners graduating at Portland Jewish Academy this year. Teachers Maya, Celinda and Alex congratulate him from a distance. Jewish Review June 24, 2020 9 Searching for Light: Dina Feuer – robust at 88 Jathan Janove is an porting a country that didn’t yet exist. To author, columnist, this day my closest friends include fellow executive coach and members of HH. organization con- Socialist kibbutzim have struggled to sultant. During this remain viable. How come? difficult time, Jathan Unfortunately, as beautiful as the concept has been interview- is, I don’t think human nature is compatible ing people about with the essence of socialism. We’re wired their lives, values to better ourselves and we tend to assess and priorities. how well we’re doing in relation to others. Initially the founding kibbutz community, BY JATHAN JANOVE not the parents, named the children. The fo- cus was truly “from each according to his On a normal Passover, Dina Feuer’s ability, to each according to his needs.” To- seders (often over 100 people each night) day in Israel the only kibbutzim that have require 15 pounds of apples just for the retained socialism are ironically the kibbut- charoset. This year she purchased a single zim that own lucrative assets, businesses apple. The seders were online. As a first and corporations. I’m afraid the model has generation born American, Dina’s parents not prevailed. came from Europe and spoke Yiddish to What’s an embarrassing moment in her. She answered in English. For the last your life you’re willing to share? 46 years she has been in Portland and for When I first came to Portland, Rabbi 65 years married to her late husband, Yaac. Stampfer and his wonderful wife, Goldie, Most of this time she worked full time hired me to cook for Soloman Schechter, Dina Feuer building community and teaching Hebrew the Jewish camp they founded. (I had been and Judaica at the Portland Jewish Acade- running the kitchens for the HH camp in reciting their blessings to a big audience at my, its predecessor Jewish Education Asso- Liberty, NY, since I was 16 years old.) One the Shabbat table, they would collect them ciation, and Portland State University. She morning I overestimated the amount of during the week and sometimes even bring helped settle the State of Israel, served in eggs for French toast and was left with a a written list. the Israeli Army and she even helped found huge bowl of unused eggs. This triggered I weaved this practice into my classes. two synagogues. my kibbutznik guilt for wasting food. Each Friday, I asked students to share their What’s something in your life for which Imagine that your house catches fire. blessings for the week. For example, if a you are grateful? After saving your loved ones and pets, child said, “I got a present from my par- I can’t begin to count the number of things you have time to safely make a final ents,” I’d say, “What’s the blessing behind I’m grateful for. I have lived a blessed life. dash. What would you grab? it?” Eventually, he or she would respond If I had to pick one, it would be a chance This would be a problem. Not being built with “My parents love and care about me.” occurrence that happened in Brooklyn, NY, like Samson, I doubt I could carry the at I remember a little boy who often came when I was 11. least 150 photo albums, not to mention the to class poorly dressed in ill-fitting clothes. On the way to the dentist’s office, I passed family video collection and my late hus- One day this boy shared his blessing. He a store window with a fascinating diorama band’s artwork. Rather than trying to make said “my bracha is I got a pair of shoes that featuring camping and scouting. Curious, I a painful selection choice, I’d probably just fit me.” stopped. It was the socialist Zionist youth grab my purse, keys and credit cards. What do you find spiritual in life? movement called Hashomer Haztier (HH) What’s a treasured memory? Judaism plays a fundamental role in my which had a big emphasis on scouting. This Shabbat is so important that religious life and memories are important. We Jews organization set the path for the rest of my Jews are called Shomer Shabbat which are fortunate to have moral and ethical life, including my career teaching Hebrew means Guardians of Shabbat. Our commu- laws and so many holidays. There’s always and Judaica, living in Israel (where my nity centers on coming together for Shab- a holiday coming up, including relatively three sons were born) and living on a so- bat and all the other holidays. newer ones like Jerusalem Day and Inde- cialist Israeli kibbutz and a moshav, and my My grandson calls our community “The pendence Day. The month in the Hebrew passion for the Jewish people and the state Shabbos Crowd.” We recognized that a calendar with no holidays is called “bitter of Israel. form of prayer is appreciating your bless- month.” As if it were yesterday, I recall playing ings. So at every Shabbat we go around What’s the moral of the story of your ping-pong, a game I’d previously known the table and the children tell the blessings life? nothing about, at HH. The ping-pong of their week. These are not “highlights” Focus on your blessings and act. You table also served as the place where we of their week, but rather the things that probably don’t have the power to make kids counted out the money we raised in happened that they are thankful for. It’s world peace. But you do have the power to our blue and white boxes for the Jewish an important distinction and makes peo- make the world a better place. National Fund. This organization gave ple appreciate things when they happen As widely as you can (in your own fami- me a sense of purpose that so many kids and give thanks afterwards. Sometimes ly, friends, neighbors and immediate com- lacked. the blessings are simple. For example: the munity), spread positivity, trust, kindness, I remember how scared I initially was car started every day this week; we were compassion and caring. If everyone could to jump through the New York subway healthy; I did well on a school project. Be- do that, wow! What a wonderful place this doors and talk to total strangers about sup- cause the kids looked forward to proudly could be. 10 Jewish Review June 24, 2020 JFGP 2020-21 Continuing Board Members (from page 6) Lauren Goldstein, Chair: As a Chief She and her husband, Matt, enjoy travel Revenue Officer, Lauren helps marketing with daughter, Kayla. She is a member of and sales leaders at growth-focused organi- the JFGP’s Women’s Giving Circle. zations transform their demand marketing to Hank Kaplan: Hank came to Portland in drive revenue growth and excellent customer 1981 for a one-year clerkship with the Hon. experiences. Lauren cofounded Women in Gus Solomon. He practices labor and em- Revenue, a nonprofit built to empower wom- ployment law with Bennett Hartman, LLP. en in sales and marketing with education, Previously chair of Federation's Jewish Re- mentorship and networking opportunities. view Committee, he is now Legislative Ad- Lauren has served on the Federation board in vocacy Committee Chair of the JCRC. He and different leadership capacities for more than wife, Marni Glick, have two grown daughters, 15 years. both PJA grads. Programs explore Leslie Beard: Leslie is originally from Ronnie Malka: Born in Israel and brought Milwaukee, Wisc., and has lived in Port- up in Los Angeles, Ronnie moved to Port- diverse issues; land for 30 years with husband, Peter, and land 20+ years ago. Along with husband, their four children. She works as a physical David, she owns Malka Diamonds & Jew- June 24: Find calm therapist at Emanuel Hospital specializing elry in downtown Portland. They have two in adult neurology and is also a member of daughters, Ellie and Maya. Ronnie chaired Weekly Wednesday Updates were created their clinical ethics consultation team. the campaign to raise funds for Rachel’s to keep our community informed of how Emily Benoit: Born in Upstate New York, Well Community Mikvah. COVID-19 is affecting all of us and have Emily moved to Florida when she was 10. Jim Meyer: Jim moved to Portland from expanded to explore other issues affecting She moved to Vancouver, Wash., in 2016 Boston with his wife, Lora, in 1960; they our community such and equal justice for and quickly became involved with the have three sons and eight grandchildren. A Blacks and the LGBTQ communities. greater Portland Jewish community. Emily long-time investor in Portland small busi- The programs are held each Wednesday has worked for city, state and county gov- nesses and real estate, he is now semi-re- afternoon on Zoom. ernments and now works as a transportation tired. Jim has been involved with Federation This week, at 4 pm, Wednesday, June 24, planner in the private sector. since 1966, including as board chair 1970- Rabbi Jonathan Slater speaks on Finding Jack Birnbach: Jack grew up in Portland 72 and campaign chair 1988-89. Calm in a Frantic World. Jewish contem- and attended Neveh Shalom and Camp Sol- Ted Nelson, Campaign Chair: Ted has plative practices – particularly mindfulness omon Schechter. He currently chairs Feder- lived in Portland since he was 13. A CPA for meditation grounded in Jewish terms – can ation’s Allocations Committee. Previously, over 30 years, he is head of finance for a offer us a way to navigate turbulent times. he was Federation’s Treasurer and a mem- business unit that is part of a large Swed- Rabbi Slater will discuss the roots of con- ber of the Pathways mentor committee. He ish-based paper company. He was as Board templative Jewish practice, its meaning for is a member of the Jewish Community Re- President of Congregation Beth Israel 2016- us today, and offer the opportunity to prac- sponse to COVID-19 Steering committee. 2018. He has served on the Federation tice together. Sign up at: jewishportland.org/ Karen Blauer: Currently on the board of Board since 2018. He has two children and covid-19-community-health-update-with- the Eastside Jewish Commons, Karen has two grandchildren. had a leadership role at Jewish Family & Jeff is professor and chair rabbi-jonathan-slater Jeff Robinson: Child Service, Mittleman Jewish Communi- of the Department of Communication at At 1 pm, Wednesday, July 1, educator, ty Center, Cedar Sinai Park and B’nai B’rith Portland State University. Jeff moved from lecturer, author specializing in Jewish Camp. In 2019 she won Metro’s Bill Tolbert New Jersey to Portland in 2009 with his wife and Holocaust films Rich Brownstein Diversity award for leading outreach efforts and two daughters, who attend PJA. They will discuss A Brief History of 75 Years to engage marginalized communities. belong to Congregation Neveh. He has vol- of Holocaust Films: From The Great Debbie Frank: Debbie’s diverse career unteered for the Federation in various roles Dictator to Schindler's List to JoJo Rabbit. spans from politics to helping start a state- over the last 10 years (e.g., chairing Super A Portland native, Brownstein now lives in wide nonprofit to PR work and sales strat- Sunday and the Allocations Committee). Jerusalem, Israel. egy for social venture and internet compa- Ed Tonkin, Immediate Past Chair: Eddy This program is a collaboration of the nies. She runs a corporate gifting company is a Portland native, affiliated with Congre- Next Generations Group and the Jewish called The Right Promotions. She founded gation Beth Israel. He received his J.D. of Federation of Greater Portland. The Next a meetup group called PDX MOTS (Mem- law in 1979 from UW and practiced law in Generations Group, formed in 2011, in- bers of the Tribe) in 2014. Portland before joining the family automo- cludes Holocaust descendants, survivors Simon Gottheiner, ex officio, JFGP rep bile business. Eddy chaired National Au- and supporters who want to keep the stories to OJCF: Simon emigrated to the U.S. from tomobile Dealers Association in 2010-11. and lessons alive and relevant. South Africa at age 5 and grew up in Palo Eddy has served on boards of several char- nextgenerationsgroup.wordpress.com Alto. After 12 years in various sales and mar- itable organizations. He is married to Mi- Register for this program at: keting positions at Intel, Simon joined his chelle and has two kids and one grandson. jewishportland.org/covid-19-community- wife, Janine, and sister-in-law, Lee Lazarus, Mark Zeitzer: Mark was born in Phoenix. health-update-with-rich-brownstein at The Presentation Company, LLC. He and his wife, Mindy, moved to Portland In honor of Pride Month, last week's pro- Rick Haselton: Rick is an Oregon native. in 2008 to raise their family. They have He served on the Oregon Court of Appeals three sons, who attend Portland Jewish gram focused on Perspectives on Pride in from 1994 until retiring in December 2015 as Academy. Marc is an emergency physi- a Changing Time. Rachel Nelson moderat- Chief Judge. Rick and his wife, Sura Ruben- cian and the Medical Director of Acute Care ed a panel of Pride Northwest Executive stein, are long-time members of Kesser Isra- Services at ZOOM+Care. They belong to Director Debra Porta, Executive Director el. Their daughter graduated from PJA. Congregations Neveh Shalom and Kesser of Nehirim Rabbi Debra Kolodny and San Jessica Hilbert: A native of Wilmington, Israel. Mindy and Mark chaired the Feder- Francisco JCRC Director Tyler Gregory. Delaware, Jess has lived in Oregon 10 years, ation Campaign Kick-Off event in 2013 and See recordings of all the past programs at in Portland since 2014. She is a co-founder chaired the Federation Campaign from 2016 jewishportland.org/weeklywednesday. and General Counsel of Red Duck Foods. to 2019. Jewish Review June 24, 2020 11 Rabbi's Corner Out of the Wilderness BY RABBI KEN BRODKIN

Divisions in our country have always run deep. In the wake of recent and concurrent crises, the lines of division have, amazing- ly, become even more pronounced. What is Published biweekly by our calling in a society marked by division Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and rift? 6680 SW Capitol Hwy. American society tends to divide along Portland, OR 97219 multiple lines, from political affiliation and 503-245-6219 geographical region, to socio-economic JewishPortland.org backgrounds, race and religion. Perhaps beneath these apparent lines of division lies a more basic challenge: the way we speak Editor to one another. Deborah Moon In the social media milieu, we have spun [email protected] to a point where we cannot believe the oth- 503-892-7404 er side is well intentioned, much less has Ken Brodkin is the rabbi at Congregation anything of value to say. Kesser Israel in Portland. Bamidbar (Numbers) is the section of To- of spirits” who knows the soul of each rah we read during summer months. It is Circulation person. Likewise, good leaders are peo- To receive the Jewish Review in your about crisis. The Hebrew word Bamidbar ple who can connect to that inner spirit of email inbox, email your name and email literally means “in the wilderness.” Yet, the each person, especially through words. The address to term Midbar (wilderness) is also related to leader moves people through empowering, [email protected] the Hebrew word “Dibur” (speech). inspiring words. Additionally, the letter Mem at the begin- The prophet Isaiah foresaw a time when a ning of the word “Midbar” literally means great Messianic leader would rule with the OPINIONS printed in the Jewish “from,” but it implies coming from or being “rod of his mouth.” The defining attribute Review do not necessarily reflect those outside of a place. So upon reflection, the that Scripture ascribes to the Messiah is of the Jewish Review Committee, the Hebrew word Midbar – wilderness – can the ability to speak words that bring peo- Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, be thought of as “without speech.” ple to righteousness and justice. Indeed, its governing board or the staffs of Speech is the way we give meaningful ex- the psalmist declares “grace is poured either the newspaper or the Federation. pression to something. A wilderness is that upon his lips.” desolate place where we lack the ability to A profound example of this from the find meaningful expression. When good modern era is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a words are lacking, crisis ensues. man whose words stirred a generation. His During Bamidbar, many crises unfold. words were poetic, even prophetic. He con- Upcoming issues In each crisis – from Miriam and Aharon fronted the injustices that marred American slandering Moshe, to the complaints of the society, but he did so with words of hope, spies or Korach – there is a deficit of good Issue date Deadline promise and love. words. Each crisis festers in an environ- How was King able to move a generation? ment of complaint, slander and ill will. He was not a president nor a governor. Yet, In the midst of the crises, Moshe looks to- July 8 July 2 the words of this Atlanta pastor carried ward a future time beyond his own leader- authentic moral authority. They conveyed ship. Moshe turns to G-d and says, “HaShem, July 22 July 16 the inner hope of America. He spoke of a G-d of the spirits, appoint a man over the future time when American society will be assembly in whom there is spirit.” Why founded upon “the rock of brotherhood.” Aug. 5 July 30 did Moshe refer to the Almighty as “G-d Times of crisis and division are like a wil- of the spirits” in this prayer? What does it derness. In that desolate place, we need to mean that a leader should have spirit within Aug. 19 Aug. 13 seek the language of leadership. We need them? to listen deeply to the words of our fellow, In Jewish thought, Ruach or spirit is Aug. 20 and we must speak words of justice and Sept. 2 suggestive of both inner soul and speech. righteousness. Moshe related to his Creator as the “God Sept. 16 Sept. 10 Words of Shalom. The Rabbi's Corner is a space reserved for our community's rabbis to share their thoughts on the week's parsha or current events. The Oregon Board Send news and photos to of Rabbis coordinates the project. To schedule a date to submit a 500-word [email protected] piece, email OBR President Rabbi Eve Posen, [email protected]. 12 Jewish Review June 24, 2020 Chaplain's Corner JCRC annexation statement On June 22, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland board voted unanimously to approve this statement on Israel’s poten- Who is your teacher(s)? tial annexation of portions of the West Bank. BY RABBI BARRY COHEN was Elisha Ben Abuya, someone brave “Our Jewish Community Relations Coun- enough to indict the construct we call cil has long been committed to building Who has been your teacher? Who has strong bipartisan support for Israel and the been your kindred spirit? “Rabbinic Judaism.” I encourage you to read Milton Steinberg’s As a Driven U.S.-Israel relationship, promoting a posi- One Jewish teacher, Yehoshua ben tive face of Israel in the greater community, Perachyah, instructs: “Provide yourself Leaf, his exploration of Ben Abuya and the interdependence of reason and faith. and combating the assault on Israel’s legit- with a teacher; acquire a companion; imacy waged by the Boycott, Divestment and judge every person in the scale of Another teacher was Rebbe Nachman of Breslov; he continues to inspire me and Sanctions (BDS) movement,” says merit.” Yehoshua lived in the lower JFGP Director of Community Relations Galilee in the 2nd century. We find his with his passionate pursuit of faith. I also learned from Elie Wiesel, a survi- and Public Affairs Bob Horenstein “A teaching in Pirke Avot 1:6, part of the move by Israel to unilaterally annex or ex- Mishnah. vor of our greatest tragedy; I am amazed by his demand for answers from God tend sovereignty to parts of the West Bank A plain reading of his text is that we will undermine these important efforts, and without rejecting God. And then there is should never isolate ourselves because the BDS movement will likely have far Martin Buber and his landmark teaching solitude breeds error, failure and de- greater success in its campaign to isolate Is- of the “I-Thou” relationship; he helped spair. In addition, we are to find a kin- rael diplomatically, economically and cul- me develop my personal theology, and dred spirit, someone we can study with turally. As a result, the Jewish Federation, my embrace of the idea that God is not and deepen our friendship. Lastly, Per- through the JCRC, is issuing the following achyah teaches that we should strive to an external entity but the result of sacred statement.” view everyone positively and appreciate relationships. Proposed actions in Israel of unilaterally whatever they have to offer. Along the way, I have found many annexing and/or extending Israeli sover- Why does Perachya instruct to acquire kindred spirits, of diverse backgrounds eignty to parts of the West Bank could have one teacher, as opposed to many? He and backstories. Some were close com- deep consequences, including undermin- likens one teacher to sewing one field panions, some were acquaintances and ing efforts towards achieving a two-state with wheat, barley, olive trees and fruit some were pains in the behind. But I solution and the creation of a future viable trees; through this one field we derive learned that all of them had kernels of Palestinian state. It could also further dam- great wealth and blessing. If we have wisdom to share. age the broad bipartisan support for Israel multiple teachers, then we have too During these days when we still must in the U.S., including among Members of many fields each sewn with different maintain social distancing, we can heed Congress. crops; as a result, we are spread too thin Perachya’s teaching to acquire a com- The Jewish Community Relations Coun- and acquire little wealth or blessing. panion. Too many of us, particularly our cil believes: I respectfully disagree with Perachya. elderly, are suffering the tolls of social iso- A two-state solution, achieved through Through my years, I have acquired lation. Let’s make an extra effort to reach direct bilateral negotiations conducted in a multiple teachers, only to my benefit. out to the generation older than us who spirit of reconciliation and compromise, is My first teachers, understandably, were live alone; they are more than our “com- the surest path to a permanent resolution of my mother and father. My next teachers panion.” They remain our “teacher.” the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. were all musicians; through their lyrics So who have been your teachers? Your The two-state solution envisions two inde- and soulful melodies, I have acquired companions/kindred spirits? How are pendent states—the Jewish and democratic wisdom. The following only scratches you better because of them? state of Israel and a future demilitarized the surface: Bruce Springsteen, The I feel fortunate that I have acquired state of Palestine—living side-by-side in Who, Marc Cohn, Bonnie Raitt, Prince, many teachers through the years. Each peace and security. Pearl Jam, John Lee Hooker, BB King, in their own way, they have ensured that In present and reasonably foreseeable cir- Aretha Franklin, Charles Mingus and my connection with both the Jewish and cumstances, unilateral actions undertaken Miles Davis. Through pivotal moments secular world continues to develop and by either side that change the status quo of in my life, they provided hope, inspira- evolve, and I continue to grow emotion- the West Bank (e.g., a declaration of state- tion, encouragement, compassion and ally and spiritually as a result. hood by the Palestinians; the extension of sovereignty by Israel) are unhelpful and love. We continue to travel, side by side. will only serve to extend the impasse. In college, I acquired many other As the Commu- Both the Israeli and Palestinian people teachers. But one was Friedrich Ni- nity Chaplain have legitimate historical and religious etzsche. Before anyone chastises me for the Greater claims to the land that comprises the West for following someone who allegedly Portland Jew- ish community, Bank (Judea and Samaria). However, it is inspired the Third Reich, let me empha- unconstructive in the pursuit of peace for size: Nietzsche would have despised Rabbi Barry Cohen serves as either side to insist on exercising their full Adolf Hitler and everything he stood for. claims to the territory (i.e., peace envisions a resource for I learned much from Nietzsche, mainly an eventual territorial compromise). all Jews in our his desire to question the evolution and The preservation of broad bipartisan sup- community. Call repercussions of Western Morality. port for Israel in the U.S. is vital for Israel’s 503-892-7401 or In rabbinical school, I acquired many well-being. more teachers. One of my favorites email [email protected]. Jewish Review June 24, 2020 13 Jobs board Obituaries Gap Year Resident Advisor Obituaries are posted online as they are sional basketball team to the Rose City. … Tivnu: Building Justice is looking for a received. Submit obituaries to: In 1970, Glickman raised funds for a new caring, organized, and dedicated individual [email protected] NBA expansion team, founding the Port- to complete our Jewish social justice gap Pay tribute to family or friends in memory land Trail Blazers and serving as general year staff team. The Tivnu Gap Year Pro- of their dearly departed by making a dona- manager until his retirement in 1987.” gram is a 9-month immersive experience tion in their honor. 503-245-6219 or: He also founded the Portland Buckaroos for high school graduates, aged 17-20, jewishportland.org/kavodtribute minor league hockey team in 1960. He from across the United States. The Tivnu served as the club’s co-owner and president Gap Year Resident Advisor & Mentor will ELSA SCHEIB over 12 seasons, during which the team live on site with Gap Year participants, Elsa Scheib, z"l, died June 21, 2020, after won three titles. mentor program participants in formal and a brave battle against cancer. She was the In memory of trailblazing Harry Glick- informal settings, contribute to creating beloved mother of Patty (Ryan) Arvizu and man, the Oregon Jewish Museum and an atmosphere of personal and communal Joni Scheib. She was preceded in death by Center for Holocaust Education posted this growth, and perform a variety of organiza- husband Berel (z"l). 2005 interview: ojmche.org/ tional support tasks. tivnu.org/careers/ A private graveside service will be held at oral-history-people/harry-glickman/ Email cover letter and resumé to Steve Shaarie Torah Cemetery on June 24. OJMCHE featured Glickman in its 2012 Eisenbach-Budner at [email protected] and exhibition “In the Game,” where he was Adinah Miller at [email protected], with BILL HOFFMAN inducted as an inaugural member in the subject “Resident Advisor and Mentor.” Bill Hoffman, z"l, died June 15, 2020, in Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. A quote from Portland. He was the brother of Barbara sports journalist Ken Wheeler, collected Music Coordinator (Marvin) Wolf. Bill is also remembered during the research for the exhibition, apt- Havurah Shalom, a participatory, egalitar- by his sons, Brett and Bradley; nephews ly describes this great sports icon: “When ian, fiercely collaborative congregation of Eric and Howard Wolf; many cousins in Glickman speaks, it seems the earth should 440 family units, seeks an amazing Music the community; and partner of many years, shake and pictures should sway or fall from Coordinator. Successful candidates will Charlene Miller. the wall. That voice, that deep, rumbling have skills in building community through Congregation Neveh Shalom extends our voice with the timbre of rolling thunder, music, a thorough grounding in Jewish mu- deepest condolences to the Hoffman/Wolf stands as a personal signature.” sic, will welcome collaboration and com- family. In Glickman’s memory, the Blazers ask mit to nurturing others’ talents. Our .5 FTE that people consider making a donation to Music Coordinator will report to and work HARRY GLICKMAN the Oregon Jewish Museum & Center for closely with the rabbi in organizing Havu- Harry Glickman, z"l, passed away on Holocaust Education, Congregation Beth rah’s member musicians to provide music June 10, 2020, at age 96. He was the be- Israel or the Jewish Federation of Greater for services, the Education Director to sup- loved husband of Joanne Glickman; father Portland. port parent/teachers in infusing music into of Marshall Glickman (Lisa), Jennifer our cooperative youth education programs, Glickman-Hett (Mark Hett), and Lynn Rice MICHAEL MARX and the Program Director and the Music (Bob Rice); and grandfather of Laz, Syd- Michael Marx, z”l, died May 30, 2020, Committee to create and promote opportu- ney and Joel. under hospice care in his home in Portland. nities for Havurah members to weave mu- A private service will be held at Beth Is- Michael is survived by his spouse, Donald sic into all aspects of congregational life. rael Cemetery Marshall; their pet companions, Pepper havurahshalom.org/music-coordinator Harry was the founder and president and Pumpkin; nephew, Steven Mackler Send resume and cover letter to: emeritus of the Portland Trail Blazers, and of Maryland; and cousins, Ilene Harris of [email protected] has been called the “father of professional California and Norman Goldblatt of New sports in Oregon.” York. He was born April 12, 1933, in New- Operations Manager Glickman grew up in Portland playing ark, N.J., where he was raised by his Aunt Congregation Kesser Israel seeks a full- basketball at the JCC and Lincoln High Doris. time Operations Manager to join our staff School. He graduated from Lincoln High He was preceded in death by his parents, leadership team. Our synagogue, centrally School in 1941. He served three years in Alan and Jeanne Marx; and sister, Renee located in SW Portland, serves more than the Seventh Army’s 12th Armored Division Mackler. 130 families and owns our small building. that went through Belgium, France and Marx overcame prejudice for being Jew- The Operations Manager is a key position Germany in World War II. Returning to Or- ish and gay, built a successful business in a small tight-knit staff and will work egon after the war he resumed his studies career, supported causes that fought dis- very closely with our full-time rabbi in a and earned a degree in journalism from the crimination and protected animals, and broad array of areas. In addition, s/he will University of Oregon in 1948. enjoyed a 32-year relationship with Donald work closely with our part-time staff, board In The Jewish Oregon Story 1950-2010, Marshall, who he was finally allowed to members and lay volunteers in an array of Ellen Eisenberg writes: “Carving out a marry in 2013. areas including business management, de- career in sporting promotions, Glickman In the early 1980s, at the beginning of the velopment and fundraising, membership began with boxing, and then brought pre- AIDS epidemic, he worked setting up hos- and program support, PR and communica- season National Football League games, pice care in Los Angeles and San Diego. tions, and office and building management. the Harlem Globetrotters and the National Memorial donations may be made in Mi- Job description at: https://bit.ly/2V0tWiK Basketball Association all-star games to chael's name to the Oregon Humane Soci- To apply, submit a cover letter and resume Portland beginning in the mid 1950s. … as ety, Oregon Public Broadcasting and the to [email protected]. early as 1954, he aspired to bring a profes- Dove Lewis emergency animal hospital.

14 Jewish Review June 24, 2020