INSIDE this ISSUE Race Talks tackles June 23, 2021 / Tamuz 13, 5781 Volume 56, Issue 14 Israeli-Palestinian conflict– page 2 State song gets new lyrics Moishe House hires NW manager – page 2 BY DEBORAH MOON Thirty years ago, Amy Shapiro blanched when she had to teach her Portland Jewish Academy Adult day services choir the lyrics “blood of martyrs” and “land of resume at CSP – page 3 empire builders” when they were invited to sing the state song at the Capitol. Song of Miriam honors She returned last February to sing the new lyr- – page 4 ics she wrote featuring mountains, forests and volunteers rivers. This year, House Concurrent Resolution 11 passed the Oregon House in April with a vote Teens seek grant of 47-6 and passed 23-5 in the Oregon Senate. proposals – page 4 As a concurrent legislative resolution, it does not need to be signed by the governor, it just needs to MJDS student wins be filed with the Secretary of State. In testimony submitted for the measure, Amy national prize – page 5 wrote, “Outdated, misleading and offensive words glorifying oppression and murder are re- UO Hillel rabbi tapped Amy Shapiro sang her updated version of placed with inspiring words glorifying Oregon’s for fellowship – page 5 “Oregon, My Oregon” for the Opening Ceremony natural beauty – majestic mountains, forests and in the House of Representatives Feb. 14, 2020, rivers – as well as our love of freedom.” Julie Diamond Oregon’s 161st birthday. See STATE SONG, page 9 honored; OJCF installs board – page 6 Astoria machzor find new homes – page 7 Vaccinated? Go mask free at Mikvah – page 8

New Jewish Federation of Greater Portland board members, from left: Jodi Fried, Simon Gottheiner, Generous community Stuart Kirschner and Mindy Zeitzer. boosts JFGP JFGP annual meeting looks toward second century allocations – page 9 BY DEBORAH MOON challenges of their constituents. comprehensive socio-demo- The Jewish Federation of “Sometimes we were unsure of graphic community study in Make meaning – page 10 Greater Portland’s 101st annual where things were headed, and our history and a three-year meeting, held on Zoom June 14, perhaps now, as of tonight, we grant to enhance Jewish life on Oregon Board of 2021, looked at lessons of the see a light at the end of the tun- the eastside – and plans for the Rabbis' achievements difficult past year and shared nel,” she said. relaunch of two major projects – page 10 plans for moving strongly into Just as Federation forged – the Wexner leadership fellow- its second century to enhance ahead to meet the challenges of ship and Community Israel trip. Burial societies, local Jewish life. the past year, it is now charging JFGP President and CEO JFGP Chair Lauren Goldstein toward that light and into its Marc Blattner announced the cemeteries, obituaries shared how Federation grants, second century. board’s decision to undertake – pages 11-13 programs and resources helped The 38-minute annual meeting a comprehensive community Jewish organizations come was packed full of news. This study over the next two years, Jobs Board: PJA, Kol through the pandemic and meet included a record campaign, the first since 2008. Ami – page 14 the social isolation and other two new initiatives – the most See JFGP AT 101, page 8 Race Talks tackles Jewish-Palestinian conflict BY DEBORAH MOON said he now “stands as a Jew in Portland-based Race Talks, solidarity with Palestinians.” which hosts difficult conver- “Are we ever “Nothing is normal in Gaza,” sations to inform people and said Rosch, who spent two build relationships, presented going to have a weeks there in 2104 teaching “How David Became Goliath: yoga in refugee camps. “Four- Israel’s 100 Year War on Pales- solution to this teen years of an illegal Israeli tine” on June 17. siege have ripped apart hopes.” “When I heard the title … I problem?” Rosch said he now sees what was hesitant about participat- he once viewed as a triumphant ing,” said Sharon Erez-Shai, ~ Race Talks Founder return to an empty land as eth- who was born in Tel Aviv and nic cleansing. moved to Portland in 2016. “I Donna Maxie “If Israel is committing ethnic understand by inviting me, you cleansing, they are incredibly are willing to listen to the other bad at it,” responded Horen- side and keep an open mind.” Maxie’s daughter Shaina and literatures at Portland State stein, noting the Palestinian One of the five panelists, Pomerantz, who is Black and University. She also shared a population has increased much Ramzy Farouki pulled out Jewish, said she hosted the personal story of her ties to the faster than the Jewish popula- during the program. In an talk with “an open heart and land. Her mother was born in tion. email, which the moderator open mind.” The panel also 1912 in Tel Aviv and her father Noting he is married to an read during the program, he ob- featured Asma Taha, Ph.D., was a Holocaust refugee. The Israeli woman of color, Horen- jected to both Erez-Shai’s par- Palestinian-American nurse “oldest history book, the Bible” stein said 50% of Israel’s Jew- ticipation as a former employee practitioner at OHSU; Ned and archaeological findings ish population are people of in the Israeli government and Rosch, cofounder of the anti-Is- connect her to the land. color. to the contextual history film rael Jewish Voice for Peace in “My roots connect me to the He said his father-in-law hired from Vox shown at the start of Portland; and Bob Horenstein, Hebrew nation,” said Erez-Shai. many Palestinians during the the program. Farouki is the son director of community relations She recognizes that Palestin- 1990s for his construction com- of Palestinian refugees and the and public affairs at the Jewish ians also feel a historic connec- pany which resulted in “the founder of the Center for the Federation of Greater Portland. tion to the land and see them- personal interactions necessary Study and Preservation of Pal- The daughter of 1948 refugees selves as a nation. for there to be peace.” estine in Portland. from Yafa, Dr. Taha shared a “When people see themselves Horenstein said both he and “It was not my intent to give a personal story of her relation- as a nation, you can’t argue,” the Federation support a two- skewed point of view or to of- ship with the land. She heard she said, adding “I believe in a state solution, and Federation fend Ramzy,” said Race Talks her grandparents’ stories of two-state solution.” has funded several co-existence Founder Donna Maxie, noting Yafa all her life. Now she goes She noted that Egypt and Jor- programs in Israel. people have been fighting over to the West Bank and Gaza one dan “did not permit the Pales- When the Jews accepted the that land for thousands of years. to two times a year with a chil- tinians to create a nation when 1947 United Nations plan to “Our goal is for people to learn.” dren’s health organization. they were in Gaza and the West partition the land into two “I can’t feel anyone can walk “After many decades, I will Bank (1948-67).” states, “all the Arab countries away from this discussion and always identify myself as Pal- “I see the Palestinian people; rejected it,” he said. “Had they feel they have not had a posi- estinian and hope I will be able I also want to be seen,” Erez- not, the Palestinians could have tive presentation,” she added. to go back one day,” she con- Shai added. been celebrating 73 years of in- “Are we ever going to have cluded. Rosch, who was raised in an dependence.” a solution to this problem?” Erez-Shai is an adjunct senior observant Jewish family and For more information on Race asked Maxie. instructor in world languages strongly identified with Zionism, Talks, visit racetalkspdx.com/. Jake House is new Moishe House NW community manager Moishe House has hired Jake House, 29, part of the network of more than 140 Moishe silon Pi Fraternity while earning a BA in as its new Northwest House communities in over 30 countries. psychology at the University of California Community Manager. Jake manages and enables Moishe House Santa Barbara. Based in Portland, community builders located across the Bay Jake grew up in Torrance, Calif., but has Jake began his new Area, Portland, Vancouver and Seattle to lived in Portland for about four years. post May 10. be leaders in creating meaningful, welcom- “I absolutely LOVE the Pacific North- Moishe House is a ing experiences that serve the young adult west,” says Jake. “I’m excited to exer- global nonprofit that Jewish community in their city. cise my leadership skills and build commu- builds peer-led Jew- Jake was previously working as a program nity around me.” ish communities for coordinator/outdoor adventure educator for Jake can be reached at jake.house@ young adults around Trackers Earth in Portland. moishehouse.org. To explore events and the world. Founded in 2006, Moishe House Jake has not lived in a Moishe House, opportunities with Moishe House Port- funds, trains and educates young adults to but he has deep Jewish roots. He attended land visit them online facebook.com/ create pluralistic, inclusive and welcoming URJ Camp Kalsman as its first CIT and MoisheHousePDX. The Portland house Jewish communities. Portland’s original returned to camp in various other roles for has room for three new residents; apply at Moishe House launched in 2008 and is now another five years. He joined the Alpha Ep- moishehouse.org/welcome/ 2 Jewish Review June 23, 2021 Cedar Sinai Park Day program for seniors returns holds annual BY DEBORAH MOON meeting on Zoom Adult Day Services resume at Cedar Sinai Park held its annu- Cedar Sinai Park July 1. al meeting virtually over Zoom Before COVID restrictions for the second year and drew 62 closed the program in March households. 2020, about 18 seniors a day en- Attendees at the June 10 annu- joyed socialization, activities, al meeting heard from CSP CEO games and good food. Thanks Kimberly Fuson, Board of Trust- to support from the state and ees Chair Elise Brickner-Schulz CSP, the adult day staff are and Board Finance Chair David poised to relaunch the program Hirsch about the state of CSP that is both a respite for care- and a look to the future. givers and a boon for seniors The team expressed its appre- facing cognitive changes. ciation to the incredible board During the pandemic, the state for their efforts throughout subsidized adult day programs this past, unprecedented year. that did not lay off staff and Lorraine enjoys painting and Those board members are Elise Phil and Claire enjoy gar- that kept in touch with fami- Brickner-Schulz, Ivan Gold, Jeff dening at CSP's Adult Day lies. CSP shifted Nancy Heck- Reingold, David Hirsch, Steve Program (pre-pandemic). ler from her role as Adult Day Rallison, Michael Feves, Mi- Services Director to Life En- chelle Eastern Gradow, Michael richment Director for the cam- Millender, Rabbi Michael Z. pus. Nancy brought her three CSP Adult Day Services Cahana, Ilene Davidson, Mar- full-time adult day staff along cedarsinaipark.org/adult-day-services ion Gans, Dr. Marvin Kaiser, to provide one-on-one activ- Conrad Myers, Mylen Shenker, Eddy Shuldman, James Winkler ities and socialization to CSP HOURS: 8:30 am-6 pm, Monday-Friday, beginning July 1 residents during pandemic re- and Bernice Karsh. strictions that kept families and RATES: Short day (up to 6 hours): $95 CSP members voted in six new volunteers from visiting. She Long day (more than 6 hours): $115 board members for the 2021-22 year: Margot Feves Pearmine, also stayed in touch with day CAPACITY: 18 people service families via an e-news- Marc Goldring, Howard letter, phone calls and videos. LOCATION: Cedar Sinai Park, 6125 SW Boundary St. Graitzer, Jennifer Griffith-We- “It really was a win-win all the CONTACT: Director Nancy Heckler at 503-535-4403 prin, Jaimie Simon Harper and way around,” says Nancy. “It or [email protected] Felicia Rosenthal. We would was a win because Cedar Sinai like to extend a warm welcome Park really needed a lot of one- to these new trustees. on-one people – our residents respite for themselves, Nancy games and eating lunch with And the board confirmed were in their rooms and no says the program is just as im- friends are part of every day. CSP’s new slate of officers: family. So my folks just amped portant for the participants. Gardening, watercolor and bin- chair, Brickner-Schulz; secre- it up – they were doing Zoom “Research is showing the go are other popular activities. tary, Ilene Davidson; treasurer, calls, they were playing cards benefits of socialization for Lunch and snacks are pre- David Hirsch; vice chair-real and games. Now we have my folks living with dementia,” pared by CSP’s food service estate and affordable housing, adult day staff coming back to says Nancy. “Less depression, staff. Participants can choose Michael Feves; vice chair-qual- the day program. It’s a perfect they eat better, they sleep bet- from the entrees being served ity and corporate compliance, time because families are start- ter, they have higher levels of in residents dining halls, or they Steve Rallison; and vice chairs, ing to be able to come into the self-esteem.” can special order favorites such Michelle Gradow, Michael Mil- building, and we’re starting to “I have folks come in with as a grilled cheese or a tuna lender and Jeff Reingold. slowly get in volunteers.” maybe little facial affect, but sandwich. The meeting featured an upbeat Nancy said day service fam- they are tapping their toes This video youtube.com/ and uplifting song created espe- ilies are delighted to see the or maybe singing along, or watch?v=EXOGhBi6Dfc gives cially for Cedar Sinai Park by program reopen. watching the crossword puzzle a taste of a day at CSP Adult the a cappella sensation Six13. “You feel the relief through as it’s developing or giggling Day Services. CSP employees were celebrat- the emails (from families),” with their neighbor,” she says. About half of the pre-pan- ed for all their hard work and says Nancy. “One woman “That’s all engagement. That’s demic participants are return- dedication throughout the year. wrote, ‘Mom has really missed the beauty of being together.” ing. Sadly, many passed away The board and executive team her friends; another woman All the participants are adults during the pandemic, though are honoring staff by providing emailed, ‘My husband needs to with rich pasts, and Nancy and none from COVID. Therefore, a dinner for four to each em- be with people other than me;’ the staff treat them as adults and the re-opening program has a ployee on June 10 and 11 and and one caregiver said, ‘I really, engage them in fun, intelligent few spaces available, and Nan- an outdoor employee barbeque really need a break.’” activities. Participants can join cy has begun interviewing po- in July. While many family caregivers the program from one to five tential participants. (See details The meeting was recorded for want an adult day program as days. Music, exercise, word in box above.) those unable to attend. Jewish Review June 23, 2021 3 Song Of Miriam 2020-21 honorees, part 2 HANNAH BERKOWITZ she is on the Beit Am Board overseeing building Honored by Beit Haverim operations, and she heads the interior design sub- Hannah Berkowitz committee and art recommendations committee. is a giving and lov- Joni is committed to Beit Am’s Burial Soci- ing member of Beit ety, where she serves as treasurer and organiz- Haverim, where she es Meals of Consolation and cemetery cleanup has been active for events. She successfully obtained grant funding more than 23 years. to renovate and clean headstones at the Waverly She is an original Hebrew Cemetery in Albany and helped get it member of the con- registered as a National Historic Site. gregation’s choir Joni is a master at community building: she and has been singing brings her heart, humor and intellect to every with them for more project. She is conscientious, reliable and a loyal than 20 years. friend. Beit Am says it counts itself lucky that Hannah actively looks for ways to contribute to she is part of its community. the good of the community and the synagogue. She is excellent at welcoming new people, often KATHLEEN DOCTOR ushering or greeting at Shabbat Services and then Honored by Women of Reform Judaism/Beth For 27 years, the Jewish staying to clean up after services and events. She Israel Sisterhood Women’s Round Table has rec- provides lively information during Torah Study Beth Israel Sister- ognized women volunteers in through her love and knowledge of literature and hood is honoring its the community at its Song of history. past president, Kath- Miriam Awards Brunch. She is an ardent baker and brings Haman- leen Doctor, with In the face of the pandemic, the taschen, latkes, delicious desserts and anything the Song of Miriam brunch was cancelled last year. else that is needed for a holiday or occasion. Award. Kathleen This year, JWRT leaders still In addition, Hannah cares for the frail and elder- has served for eight believed it would not be safe to ly in the community by sharing her talents and years on the Sister- hold an indoor event that often friendship. She is an avid gardener, taking pride hood board in vari- draws more than 300 people. in her heirloom vegetables and beautiful flowers. ous offices. Since the first brunch in June And she is a passionate tango dancer and teacher. With calm, steady 1993, between 15 and 23 wom- Beit Haverim describes Hannah by saying, in guidance, Kathleen encouraged the involvement en have received the annual short, she lives life fully! of new members and has been a great mentor to award. Honorees have been up-and-coming leaders. She is a strategic thinker selected by more than 25 con- JONI PLOTKIN with a very positive attitude and a “can do” style. gregations and organizations. Honored by Beit She is not afraid to tackle new projects and has JWRT and the Jewish Review Am, Corvallis always enjoyed the challenge. She has overseen have united to ensure Song of “Get ’er done!” several fundraising efforts through the years and Miriam Award nominees from describes Beit Am’s continues to be involved in them. 2020 and 2021 get the recogni- Song of Miriam hon- Kathleen is a sweet and welcoming person who tion they deserve. Throughout oree Joni Plotkin. has opened her home to Beth Israel Sisterhood the next few issues, the Review When her three for many projects and functions. will feature pictures of honor- daughters started She was active in her Bay Area synagogue, ees along with a description attending Sunday Congregation Beth Am, and its Sisterhood before of their work and why they are School, Joni began moving to Portland eight years ago. valuable to their organizations. her volunteer activities at Beit Am as a teacher. Kathleen has operated her own business and Following is the second group Next, she was hired to be the office administra- also worked in several nonprofits, including of three women whose organi- tor, where she quietly and cheerfully kept things as the director of development at the Palo Alto zations selected them to receive running smoothly for 15 years. A newcomer’s YMCA and board member for the Gideon Haus- the Song of Miriam. first Beit Am encounter was often Joni’s warm, ner Jewish Day School. More honorees will be pro- friendly welcome. Kathleen is the mother of three adult children, filed in issues throughout the Joni’s contributions to Beit Am are diverse and is an avid traveler and cyclist, and loves to get summer. substantial, typically in leadership roles. Currently, involved and meet people. B'nai B'rith Camp teen funders seek grant proposals The B’nai B’rith Camp Teen nity development and critical potential client on the basis of student tours will not be con- Foundation, with the support of needs. Grant requests for up to race, religion, color, sex, sex- sidered. the Oregon Jewish Community $2,000 will be considered. ual orientation, age, national To receive the grant applica- Foundation Community Fund, Grant requests must be from origin, ancestry, citizenship, tion form, email BB Camp As- announces the availability of 501(c)3 organizations from veteran or disability status are sistant Director Carly Sokolof grant funds to support projects Oregon Jewish communities or not eligible for funding. at [email protected]. directly related to youth educa- the Lincoln City area. Organi- Individual requests are not Send completed proposals to tion, youth recreation, commu- zations that deny service to a accepted. Travel programs and Carly by July 9, 2021. 4 Jewish Review June 23, 2021 Maimonides student wins national essay contest Sima Wilhelm, a ninth-grader Dear Marlene, at Portland’s Maimonides Jew- ONE FULL YEAR. ish Day School, won first prize Just over one year ago, you and I would get together every in the Better Together Cohort month for “Better Together.” We would chat, cook, learn and V: National High School con- connect. While you are older than me, our friendship became test with her essay “One Full natural. You shared with me how your passion for running was a Year.” hobby you developed in your senior years, and you inspired me Better Together, a school- with the story of your first marathon which you ran in Israel. I based Jewish intergenerational shared with you our class politics and both my excitement and program, launched the contest in trepidation about going to High School. Through our conver- recognition that social isolation sations I learned that we are more alike than different, we both and loneliness in the elderly is at had fears to overcome, dreams to fulfil and we both loved making an all-time high. Students were food for Shabbos. asked to reflect on the Jewish But without warning that all changed. tradition of creating community COVID hit and an entire new lexicon entered our vocabulary. and reducing social isolation in Social distancing, lockdowns, quarantine, transmission and both seniors and the elderly. pre-existing conditions. Sima wins a scholarship to a Suddenly it was not safe to be together. While as a child I was more protected from the effects of COVID, you as a senior were Jewish camp (half the cost, up Sima Wilhelm to $5,000) or gap year program more susceptible. A virus without a cure was ravaging our planet (half the cost, up to $8,000), order of magnitude. “Amid a and the senior population was uniquely vulnerable. I can’t imag- which can be used until 2024. pandemic that particularly af- ine how scary that must have been. MJDS receives a $25,000 flicted the young and the elder- Scary and isolating. It was not just me you could not see. Your prize for the winner’s Jewish ly – one group for the psychic own grandchildren were unable to come into your home. day school. toll it exacted and the other I remember how you shared with me how excited you were about An email announcing the for the frighteningly high risk your granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah. Now you were unable to attend. national winners notes: “The of infection – Better Together Suddenly we felt so different. You a senior, I only a child. winning submissions were defied the unprecedented med- Enter Zoom. Our Better Together program started meeting via very meaningful this year. Our ical and logistical challenges to Zoom. We could not cook or taste the food together, but we could esteemed judges are most im- build relationships across a vast sing. You in your home and me in mine. We could bond over pressed by how the Better To- age difference and to inspire a melody, poetry and conversation. gether program has impacted deeply moving set of essays.” One day, you allowed me to interview you. You shared the the students as reflected in their Benjamin N. Cardozo School influence your grandfather had on your life, how meaningful you feelings about seniors, aging of Law Professor Dr. Leslie found volunteering, and how COVID impacted your life. and the mitzvah of caring for Newman, also a judge, wrote: We shared the challenges we were facing. We were both isolated, the elderly.” “That the relationships de- worried and anxious and we spoke a lot about when we think this Columbia Journalism School scribed in the wonderful stu- will end. We dreamed of what we will do once that day comes. Professor Samuel G. Freedman dent essays filled incalculable We realized we were fighting COVID – together. We were locked has been a judge in the Better voids during this past, hard year down. Isolated. Alone. Together. Together contest for seven years. is palpable in the writing, in the And then, once again, it felt like we are really not that different from “I’ve always cherished both details shared, and in the learn- one another. We each face our struggles, have fears and inhibitions, the goal of building intergen- ing and feeling so beautifully and we each have to muster the courage to shine our brightest. erational Jewish bonds and the described in the essays.” Better Together in COVID brought me back to that point of high quality of the students’ Sima’s winning essay is in the remembering: we are more the same than we are different. essays,” wrote Freedman; he form of a letter to her Better I can’t wait for COVID to be over. You are one of the first people added that the essays from 20- Together partner (see essay at I want to hug. 21 were of an entirely different right). Sima Oregon Hillel’s Rabbi Goldstein tapped for Jewish Wisdom fellowship Rabbi Meir Goldstein from Oregon Hillel Rabbi Goldstein is one of 13 rabbis in the around him. When not at work, you will is one of 46 fellows clergy cohort. Rabbi Goldstein serves as find him on a hiking trail, baking bread, selected to participate the Senior Jewish Educator at the Oregon playing guitar or studying. Rabbi Goldstein in Hadar’s Jewish Hillel Foundation and is an instructor on and his wife, Laura, live in Eugene with Wisdom Fellowship, the Judaic Studies faculty at the University their loving (yet bossy) shih tzu, Koofi. a collective learning of Oregon. He is committed to a pluralistic Hadar empowers Jews to create and sus- and thought leadership vision of Judaism that supports the flour- tain vibrant, practicing, egalitarian commu- project for Jewish pro- ishing of every human being. A passionate nities of Torah, Avodah and Hesed. fessionals. Over five student of Torah, Rabbi Goldstein attended The fellowship began June 22. Fellows weeks, four cohorts the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at will study and work together over the next will engage with some the American Jewish University, where several weeks. The program will conclude of the most pressing he earned an MA in Rabbinic Studies in with a final project, determined by each social, moral and spiritual questions con- 2003 and Rabbinic Ordination in 2006. He fellow, aimed at sharing learnings with the fronting our communities and the world. seeks to elevate the human dignity of those broader Jewish professional field. Jewish Review June 23, 2021 5 Julie Diamond OJCF welcomes new trustees The Oregon Jewish Community Circus Project and Mercy Corps. Foundation welcomes Lindsay Krivo- Born and raised in Portland, Sharon earns lifetime sha, Glen Levy and Sharon Morell to Morell is a past president of the OJCF its board of trustees and taps Jonathan and a long-standing member of the achievement prize Singer as chair-elect. foundation’s investment committee. Lindsay Krivosha is Portland-born, She has served on the boards of Cedar Julie Diamond, retiring president and CEO of the from a family with a strong history Sinai Park, Congregation Beth Israel Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, has been of involvement in OJCF. Lindsay’s and the Mittleman Jewish Communi- awarded the Allan Price Award for Distinguished father, Steve Kantor, was one of the ty Center. Her son, Blake, is a proud Service to the Fund- founding board members of the foun- graduate of the Oregon Jewish Com- raising Profession. This dation, and she’s excited to carry on the munity Youth Foundation. After a ca- award recognizes fund- tradition. Lindsay is in her 11th year reer in the investment industry, Sharon raising professionals as a financial advisor; she has worked continues to act as a consultant for who demonstrate excep- in financial services in some capacity institutional retirement plans. tional skill and enthusi- since graduating college. Outside of Chair-elect Jonathan Singer is a asm for their work, who work and community involvement, fifth-generation Portlander with deep pursue big ideas and suc- she is kept very busy with her hus- roots in the community, where he re- cessfully engage others band, Joel, and their two young chil- mains active in civic and community in achieving them, and dren, Eddie and Abby. affairs including on the boards of the who inspire new levels Glen Levy and his wife, Lisa, moved MJCC and Portland Jewish Academy. of giving among donors. to Portland from New York City in Before joining Barg Singer as a partner, Julie is only the fourth recipient of this award, 2011. Glen owns and operates a small, he practiced law in the Washington, which is given by the Association of Fundraising blended portfolio of residential and D.C., office of O’Melveny, a global law Professionals of Oregon and Southwest Washington. commercial real estate in New York, firm, and in the Portland office of Mill- During Julie’s tenure, the foundation grew its assets New Orleans and Portland. Previously, er Nash Graham & Dunn. In his spare under management from $43 million to more than he spent a decade working in gourmet time, Jonathan enjoys listening to and $110 million and granted more than $80 million dol- food manufacturing, specifically bread playing jazz, traveling the world and lars into the community. She has helped hundreds of bakeries. He is past president of Con- the Oregon coast, watching the Blazers donors actualize their philanthropic goals by work- gregation Beth Israel and has served on and spending time with his family. ing with them and their professional advisors to turn the OJCF Board on behalf of CBI for “Lindsay, Glen, Sharon and Jon- assets into charitable dollars in creative and tax-wise the last two years. Glen is a founding athan are joining a board of leaders ways. and current board member of Stone working actively to complete the task In a letter supporting Julie’s nomination, Judy Mar- Soup PDX. In addition to supporting of improving our corner of the world,” gles of the Oregon Jewish Museum & Center for Ho- OJCF, the Jewish Federation of Greater says Tara Siegman, vice president of locaust Education wrote, “Julie has been a constant Portland and other local Jewish agen- philanthropy, referencing a popular advisor, mentor, friend and colleague, responding to cies, Glen and Lisa are also ardent sup- Pirkei Avot (2:16) quote on perfecting my fundraising questions by generously sharing her porters of Harper’s Playground, The the world. expansive knowledge of trends, donors and process- es, always accompanied by her trademark respect for OJMCHE offers South Portland Summer Walking Tours others, levelheadedness and honesty.” Oregon Jewish Museum and Center former Lincoln High School, 1620 SW Philanthropist Jordan Schnitzer supported Julie’s for Holocaust Education has partnered Park Ave., on the campus of Portland nomination with this statement: “Upon her retire- with the Architectural Heritage Center State University. These buildings, now ment, I feel very indebted to Julie. I am certain that and Halprin Landscape Conservancy repurposed for the university, bookend many other citizens would agree that because of her to offer guided weekly walking tours neighborhood changes over the past dedication, our community is a better place!” of South Portland this summer. 100+ years. Julie’s colleagues beyond the Jewish community If you are interested in learning more The walking tour is offered in con- recognize her passion, too. In another supporting about Portland’s first urban renewal junction with the OJMCHE exhibition letter, Rebecca Bibleheimer from the Northwest project and the Halprin fountains, join Lawrence Halprin, Fountains, opening Planned Giving Roundtable and Oregon Communi- us for a guided walking tour of South on June 23, and the Architectural Heri- ty Foundation wrote of Julie, “Her dedication and Portland. The tour will explore historic tage Center’s current exhibition, South commitment to OJCF has had a measurable impact and architecturally significant sites of Portland and the Long Shadow of Ur- on the foundation and thus its incredible impact on the neighborhood. ban Renewal. Oregon. She has helped countless donors create Trained tour guides will talk about the Tours are 10:30 am, July 6; 6 pm, July meaningful and impactful legacies with their gifts city’s first urban renewal project of the 15; 11 am, July 25; 10:30 am, Aug. 3; 6 to the foundation, and the impact of those gifts she early 1960s that irreparably changed pm, Aug. 12; and 11 am, Aug. 22. Tours has stewarded with such grace, love and deference the physical, social and cultural land- are scheduled at various time on differ- will continue to improve the lives of people in our scape of the neighborhood. Included ent days each week to ensure everyone community for countless years to come.” will be a walk through the Portland has a time that fits their schedule. As Julie steps into retirement, the Julie Diamond Open Space Sequence, a series of foun- Tickets are $12 for members of OJM- Scholarship Fund was created by her friends and col- tains designed by Lawrence Halprin CHE and ACH; $20 non-members; leagues in recognition of all her passion and work. and Associates between 1965 and 1970. and $5 children 12 and under. All tours If you would like to honor Julie through a contri- The 75-minute tour begins at the run rain or shine. Space is limited to bution to the scholarship fund, you can do so at former Shattuck Elementary School, 15 people. Preregistration is required: https://tinyurl.com/JulieDiamond 1914 SW Park Ave., and ends at the ojmche.org/calendar. 6 Jewish Review June 23, 2021 Beit Salmon prayerbooks find new homes BY DEBORAH MOON The prayerbooks were discovered by Barbara Rasmussen, historian at Astoria’s Congregation Beit Salmon had a short Peace Lutheran Church. Former Beit Salm- history in Astoria, but its legacy continues on member Carol Newman, who has a folk with the donation of a box of 24 machzor music and a live arts interview show on (High Holiday prayerbooks) that will be Astoria’s community radio station KMUN, available to seniors in retirement commu- took on the task of finding both a history nities in the greater Portland area. and a future for the books. Beit Salmon was named in honor of being Calligrapher Debbie Twombly scribed 28 in the salmon capital of world and includes labels Beit Salmon Astoria, Oregon. Car- the root letters of Shalom. Abram Good- ol recruited friends Ruth and Diana Lin- stein, now a rabbi in Alaska, led services for demann to help paste the labels in the the congregation in 2014 and 2015. He led machzors. High Holiday services at Peace Lutheran “While doing so, I found Rabbi Laurie Church in 2015, when he was a third-year Rutenberg’s name on one of the books,” rabbinic student at Hebrew Union College says Carol. “I called her and finally learned in Los Angeles. He is the son-in-law of Beit the source of the books. Ann Goldeen had Salmon founder Ann Goldeen, z”l. asked her friends for help, and Gesher had Congregation Beit Salmon did not con- Diana Lindemann presents 24 machzors lent and then gifted the books.” tinue after Dr. Goldeen’s untimely death (high holiday prayerbooks) to Community After the books were labeled, Diane took in January 2016. Goldeen was one of Chaplain Barry Cohen. The books were them home to Portland to deliver to Rabbi four board officers, and two of the oth- last used by Congregation Beit Salmon, Cohen so they could find new homes. ers moved out of the area. Moria Golub which served the Jewish community of As- “The machzorim had been used in 2013 moved to Albany for studies, and Dr. toria in 2014-15. with Yankl Falk leading the first Rosh Ha- Margaret Hammitt-McDonald went east shana and Yom Kippur services in Astoria to care for her parents. Dr. Allie Evans at the moment, they may have a purpose in about 50 years,” says Carol. “In 2014 remained in the area but opened a natu- again in the future.” and 2015, Rabbi Abram Goodstein led ropathic clinic. Portland-area Community Chaplain Rab- services at Ann Goldeen’s home and Peace “These prayerbooks now have their own bi Barry Cohen is working to make those Lutheran Church. And now, hopefully, history,” says Rabbi Goodstein. “Jewish words come true. He plans to find homes these books will bring comfort and light to prayerbooks in Astoria is no small feat. To for the prayerbooks at local retirement others who will learn of Congregation Beit me, it symbolizes that Judaism can be any- communities, so they can have them avail- Salmon and Jews still living in the oldest where. Even though they may not be in use able in their libraries for Jewish residents. settlement west of the Rockies.”

Jewish Review June 23, 2021 7 JFGP AT 101 (continued from page 1) “There has never been one (community inson and Mark Zeitzer, and presented the through our organizations and institutions study) of this scope and magnitude,” said slate of new members for consideration. we help fund to make this a reality.” Blattner. The study will provide “accurate Meeting attendees elected four new board The Federation Campaign for Community and actionable data that informs commu- members: Jodi Fried, a Jewish professional Needs increased by 6½ percent, the largest nity planning … (and) the findings will be (formerly program chair at Kesser Israel, single year increase in more than 20 years. made available to everyone in our Jewish now operations manager for Sephardic Ad- Thanks to the additional $300,000, Feder- community.” venture Camp) and women’s empowerment ation was able to allocate more funds both More information on the community coach; Simon Gottheiner, an allocations locally (see story page 9) and overseas. study and how to participate will be avail- committee veteran and COO of the Presenta- Federation’s OSP committee spends able once a demographic research firm tion Company; Stuart Kirschner, who partic- months researching and reviewing various is selected to conduct the study. Results ipated in the first PDX Pathways young adult proposals from Israeli nonprofit organi- should be available in about 24 months. leadership cohort and has since served on zations. All allocated funds in Israel are “I also want to highlight one new and spe- allocations and Jews Next Dor at Beth Israel; used for social services, and none go over cial grant – a three-year investment in the and returning board member Mindy Zeitzer, the “Green Line.” You can read about the Eastside Jewish Commons,” said Goldstein incoming allocations chair and a past cam- eight nonprofits in Israel receiving funds at (read about the space at jewishportland.org/ paign co-chair who is also active at Neveh jewishportland.org/marcs-remarks/101st- jewishreview/jr-stories/eastside-hub). Shalom and Portland Jewish Academy. annual-meeting-and-special-projects- “We’re excited about this new Jewish com- Blattner also praised the community’s june-18-2021. munity space on the east side of town and agencies and synagogues for working to Community Chaplain Rabbi Barry Co- look forward to many programs and ser- ensure that the needs of the community hen summed up the year in his invocation. vices being provided there.” were met during this turbulent year. He Noting our community and the world have Set to begin last spring, the Wexner Her- thanked outgoing Oregon Board of Rabbis faced tremendous challenges, he said, “We itage Program now is set to launch in Au- Chair Rabbi Eve Posen and retiring Oregon have also strengthened each other emotion- gust. Read about the 20 Portland fellows Jewish Community Foundation CEO Julie ally and spiritually…. virtually or in person. and the program at jewishportland.org/ Diamond for their partnership in meeting What we created and experienced this year jewishreview/jr-stories/wexner-announces. community needs. reminds me of the wisdom of Rabbi Tarfon The Federation postponed its Centennial “When we come together, great things recorded in Pirkei Avot: ‘It is not your re- Trip to Israel that was poised to take 400 happen,” said Goldstein. sponsibility to finish the work, but you are people to Israel in March 2020; new dates Blattner added that Federation and its not free to desist from it either.’” Rabbi Co- in March 2023 will be announced soon. partners had to “look at everything differ- hen added that even though we will never be Nominating Committee Chair Ed Tonkin ently … ways we can enhance this Jewish able to completely fulfill all the needs of the thanked outgoing board members Debbie community going forward. But the essence community, “collectively we can handle any Frank, Rick Haselton, Jim Meyer, Jeff Rob- of our work is about people – but we do this challenge that comes our way.”

Vaccinated? Now you can visit mikvah mask free Rachel’s Well Community Mikvah has Vaccinated guests are also able to prepare and we’re so delighted to have more peo- recently revised its usage guidelines. With on site rather than at home, and appoint- ple coming to the mikvah and feeling safe the growing number of fully vaccinated in- ment times will be extended. about this experience,” says Rachel’s Well dividuals, and in consultation with medical Individuals who do not have proof of Mikvah Manager Caron Blau Rothstein. experts, health and safety practices have vaccination may still make a masked ap- Appointments are requested by emailing been modified for immersion appointments. pointment with the original restrictions in [email protected] a minimum of Mask-free appointments are available place. That includes wearing a mask except four days before the desired immersion when all parties provide verification of vac- while immersing, with only the immerser date (not counting Shabbat and other Jew- cination. Vaccinated guests are once again and guide present, and preparation at home. ish holidays). welcome to come and support or celebrate “Thanks to the pervasiveness of vaccina- Details about Rachel’s Well in general and along with the immerser. For conversion tions in the Portland metro area, Rachel’s updated health and safety guidelines in par- immersions, the Beit Din of three rabbis Well can once again resume more normal ticular can be found at: jewishportland.org/ presiding over this final step in the conver- appointments. We’ve seen an uptick in mikvah. Email [email protected] or sion experience also can resume on site. appointment requests in recent months, call 971-220-5580 with questions. 8 Jewish Review June 23, 2021 Community generosity increases Federation allocations BY DEBORAH MOON ience of our institutions and because of the The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland JFGP LOCAL PARTNERS generosity of our community, we were able was able to allocate 6.3% more money than Akiva to support our agencies,” says Caron. in the previous year to its 18 local partner All the agencies were able to keep aloft agencies (see box). B’nai B’rith Camp during the pandemic and are now ready to “That’s reflective of the success of the Cedar Sinai Park carry forward to the future. Many pandem- campaign, which is reflective of the gener- ic-inspired innovations likely will continue osity of our community,” says Caron Blau Chabad of Hillsboro in some form in the future. For instance, Rothstein, JFGP’s director of community the museum will continue to use its win- planning & allocations. Chabad of NE Portland dows for exhibits, day schools will con- “Our committee was inspired by the many Greater Portland Hillel tinue to use technology to reach students great agency leaders who were nimble, when they can’t be physically in school flexible, brave, visionary and creative (in Jewish Family & Child Service and virtual-hybrid models will continue at the face of COVID),” adds Caron, who Maayan Torah Day School many organizations. staffs the allocations committee. This was Jack’s final of three years as “The pandemic brought out the best in our Maimonides Jewish Day School chair of the allocations committee. Incom- agency leaders, employees and donors,” Mittleman Jewish Community ing board member Mindy Zeitzer will chair says allocations chair Jack Birnbach. “Our Center allocations for the coming year. allocations committee certainly focused on “Jack has really been a remarkable chair,” how COVID was impacting their agencies, Moishe House says Caron. “He combines the best of head but the mission of the agencies was still One Table and heart in making decisions. He is a re- carried out (some in person, some online tired CPA … he creates spreadsheets, but and over the phone). They did not lose con- Oregon Hillel he understands the nuance and humanity of tact with those who they serve.” what we do.” Caron and Jack rattled off an impressive Oregon Jewish Museum and Jack takes the committee’s work seriously. list of some of those innovative adapta- Center for Holocaust Education “Allocations spends hundreds of hours tions: Portland Jewish Academy each year researching our 18 partner agen- • Oregon Jewish Museum and Holocaust cies on behalf of our very generous do- Education created exterior window exhib- Portland Kollel nors,” says Jack. “Almost none of our do- its and developed a virtual tour of the Holo- Reed College Chabad nors have the time to put in that we do. And caust Memorial in Washington Park. we do this with them in mind. In Portland, • Oregon Hillel had to close its building, TIVNU: Building Justice we allocate block grants to agencies to help but they had Shabbat meals-to-go available them continue to do their good works. We for even more students than would have who couldn’t get their free lunches when are not project focused, but outcome dedi- come to Shabbat dinners. schools closed. cated.” • OneTable created Herefor with holiday • The three day schools found creative The allocations committee focuses on resources for all ages to remain connected ways to teach and keep students and fami- providing the block grants to partners in to community during lockdown. lies engaged. five impact areas: Building Jewish Identi- • Portland Kollel painted an office wall • Tivnu started the year with tents to keep ty, Jewish Education, Advocacy & Social green to create a green screen so they could their students quarantined until everyone Justice, Jewish Culture & Engagement, and continue to deliver Jewish learning via was safe and innovated virtual, remote in- Social Services. Zoom and podcasts. ternships when local, in-person internships The full allocations report will be avail- • B’nai B’rith Camp served meals to became unavailable. able in the JFGP annual report being re- fire victims and low-income students “The committee was inspired by the resil- leased this summer. STATE SONG (continued from page 1) The resolution modifies the lyrics, while Land of the Great Northwest invited her to sing at last year’s opening keeping the same music of “Oregon, My Forests and rolling rivers.” ceremonies, things started to happen. Rep. Oregon” to reflect the “significant cultural, Amy was PJA’s music teacher for about Schouten introduced Amy to Evelyn Koch- historical, economic and societal evolution 15 years in the 1980s and 90s. After she er, who also objected to the song’s racist in Oregon” since the state song was ad- taught the choir the lyrics to sing at the lyrics. Evelyn started a Facebook page to opted in 1927. Amy changed fewer than a Capitol, she didn’t sing the song again until promote Amy’s version. dozen words in the song. 2016, and that was the first time she updat- Last month, when Amy posted the news For instance, she changed “blest by the ed some lyrics. The Hillsboro Symphony that the updated lyrics were adopted, one blood of martyrs” to “blessed by the love Orchestra, which her husband, Jeffrey Ole- of the PJA students who had sung the song of freedom.” nick, plays in, asked her to sing the song at the Capitol commented: “I can remem- The verse beginning: during a performance featuring Oregon ber you talking about that when I was in “Land of the Empire Builders, composers. She agreed, but only if she fifth grade, 30 years ago. You have accom- Land of the Golden West; could change the lyrics. plished a long goal. Mazel Tov.” Conquered and held by free men,” Then Amy contacted her state legislators. Amy hopes that students around the state Became: An early measure died, but after Repre- will now sing “Oregon, My Oregon” with “Land of Majestic Mountains sentative Sheri Schouten (D-Beaverton) pride. Jewish Review June 23, 2021 9 Chaplain's Corner Rabbi’s Corner Importance of meaning-making OBR has achieved much BY RABBI BARRY COHEN nity, how did we depend on others? BY RABBI EVE POSEN Now that COVID restrictions are How will we continue to reach out and connect with kindred spirits? I have many favorite quotes from Pirkei Avot, the Eth- lifting, I have begun to visit retire- ics of our Fathers. One of my favorites, one that my fa- ment communities again in person. Ideally, our spiritual and religious practices and beliefs enable us to make ther of blessed memory ingrained in me, reads “You’re Talk about a range of emotions. I not obligated to complete the task, neither are you free have felt a surreal combination of meaning of our pandemic experience and reduce our stress and pressure. to desist from it.” joy, gratitude and relief. I found my- As a Type A personality in the “Type A and Type B self being more patient, living in the However, we must be careful if our spiritual and religious beliefs impede personality hypothesis,” this is really hard for me. And moment, more aware of what was yet, here I stand at the end of my two-year term as chair going on. I spent less energy plan- us from adjusting, coping and healing. For example, if we believe COVID-19 of the Oregon Board of Rabbis. We have accomplished ning on what I would say next and so much in the past two years, and I know there is still more energy on celebrating what was is part of God’s master plan, we may struggle with how to resolve the tre- more work to do. happening in the present. What specifically have we done in the last two years? We must continue to acknowledge mendous suffering, pain and death that the virus inflicted. If we are fa- At the board level, we’ve built personal relationships by that we have just gone through a starting each meeting with a personal teaching or favorite collective traumatic experience. It talistic about what will happen to us in the coming weeks and months, we text or quote from our diverse membership. We’ve check- has been complex, nuanced and mul- ed in on one another, and when COVID interrupted and tilayered. Moreover, it is ongoing. strip away our free will and under- mine the idea that we have an obliga- changed our lives, we held space for rabbis to ask ques- We need time to come to terms with tions and gain strength from this gathering of colleagues. what has happened. We need to de- tion not only to take care of ourselves, but that our decisions affect others. Externally, we have worked with the Jewish Federation compress, grieve and heal. of Greater Portland to distribute sustaining grants and I recently completed an intense But if we believe that life is what we make of it, try to make good services to a myriad of local organizations. We have giv- 8-week program called “Essentials en out our own goods and services grants, enabling fam- of Palliative Care,” sponsored by the choices and attempt to learn how to be healthier, we embrace a positive ilies and individuals to use gift cards, funded through California State University Shiley JFGP, to feed themselves while preserving their dignity. Institute for Palliative Care. I am attitude. This constructive coping mechanism affirms the power that We’ve led multiple community and statewide programs finding ways to apply some of what I of learning for holidays, as well as workshops allowing learned to our pandemic experience. each of us has to effect change. Meaning-making is dependent on us to harness the power of technology to bring us togeth- Palliative care emphasizes “mean- er in this rare moment. And we’ve worked at raising up ing-making” in response to how our healthy relationships. As I continue to interact more and more in person with our voices for justice throughout our community. fabric of life has been torn apart. By Are we done? No. When I took on the leadership of making sense of what we have lost individuals, families and small groups, I am curious about what we will expe- the OBR in 2019, I could never have imagined what and how this has made us feel, we lay ahead with a global pandemic and everything else can obtain a sense of purpose and rience. Are people coping in a healthy way? What unaddressed needs, anxi- that challenged us as leaders and community members. reprioritize our values. We can en- I have been honored to be a part of these conversations gage in meaning-making in multiple eties and expectations will rise to the surface? How will we confront grief and actions that have led us forward over the last two arenas: the workplace, at home with years. For the last eight years, the Oregon Board of Rab- loved ones and with friends. We can that we have ignored or suppressed? What spiritual and religious beliefs bis has had an incredible gift of leadership in the power- also do this through artistic endeav- ful voices of Rabbi Dunsker, Rabbi Stone, Rabbi Joseph ors, intellectual pursuits, social ac- and practices have been positive … what has been counterproductive? and now me. Together, we have supported the building tivism and reconnecting with nature. of a community mikvah, recognized and lifted up voic- With meaning-making, both spiri- I need to be open to a variety of re- sponses. Who knows what emotions es, and addressed the needs of the most vulnerable. tuality and religion play vital roles. Have we desisted? Also, no. I’m proud and honored Spirituality encompasses a variety of will rise to the surface? The coming weeks and months present an incred- to add my name to this incredible line of leadership opportunities. Concerning our health, and to pass on the mantle to Rabbi Benjamin Barnett how will we take care of our bodies ible opportunity for us to reconnect – not only with others, but with our- to continue to lead us forward and continue our work. and souls? Concerning work, how Thank you for the support and trust this community of- will we re-enter the workplace with selves. Let us be patient, compassion- ate and empathetic. Let us be open to fers; though we may never “complete” our tasks, we a positive mindset? Concerning prac- will make progress on them together. tices, how will we discard counterpro- reprioritizing our values. And most ductive habits, continue healthy ones importantly, let us be grateful for the As the Associate Rabbi of and learn new, constructive habits? goodness we have right now. Congregation Neveh Shalom Concerning relationships, how will in Portland, Rabbi Eve Posen we facilitate hope and optimism? Rabbi Barry delights in learning from and We can also turn to our religion. How Cohen is teaching all ages and stages of has our faith been weakened or bol- the Jewish her community. Rabbi Posen is stered? Concerning our beliefs, what community grateful to be mother to Shiri has helped us navigate COVID-19? chaplain of and Matan, partner to Duncan Concerning practices, what rituals the Greater and human pillow to Stanley gave us strength, reassurance and Portland the dog – all of whom inspire confidence? Relating to our commu- area. and support her work. 10 Jewish Review June 23, 2021 Guest Column Tahara, “The ultimate kindness” BY DAVID LEWIS “Preparing someone for burial requires from us the utmost in care and respect for that individ- Published biweekly by ual, for how we treat our dead Jewish Federation of reflects how we should treat Greater Portland everyone.” Thus begins the 9900 SW Greenburg Road, ceremony of tahara, which we, Suite 220 the members of Chevra Kavod Tigard, OR 97223 HaMet, perform for all Jews 503-245-6219 who want it here in Portland – Reform, Conservative, Recon- JewishPortland.org structionist and non-affiliated. (The Hevra Kaddisha of Port- Editor land serves Orthodox congre- Deborah Moon gations and others requesting [email protected] traditional Jewish burial.) 503-892-7404 (message) It is for all of us one of the most tender, loving, caring and Circulation intimate things we do. Let me Chevra Kavod HaMet cochair David Lewis, right, is a retired To receive the Jewish tell a story. computer engineer and a member of Havurah Shalom. He has Review in your email inbox, My parents both were non- been involved with taharot for 20 years, first in Santa Cruz, Ca- email your name and email practicing Jews, and both had lif., and in Portland since 2011. He cochairs Chevra Kavod haMet address to made arrangements for their with Sharon Fendrich, a member of Neveh Shalom who has been [email protected] bodies to be cremated and their a member of the chevra since 2014. She came to be part of this ashes scattered at sea. I was holy work after a powerful experience with the Chevra Kadisha OPINIONS printed in the there when they died. The peo- of Eugene, which prepared her beloved grandmother for burial in Jewish Review do not ple who came to take them 2011. Sharon is an award-winning neoclassical music composer, were kind and professional. But vocalist and pianist. necessarily reflect those in both cases, they told me to of the Jewish Review take a walk, saying that I would are also members of our com- obtained a permit for a private Committee, the Jewish not want to see what they were munity. Then we wrap them in burial on their own property. Federation of Greater about to do, that it would not be a shroud and place them into The text requesting volunteers Portland, its governing something I would want as my a simple pine box. They wear includes all particulars, so that board or the staffs of either last memory of them. their kippah and tallit, one of anyone who is not comfortable the newspaper or the Later, when I found out about the fringes cut off and placed in either physically or ritually can Federation. the Chevra Kadisha in my com- the sash of their garment since simply not participate that time. munity and what they did, I re- they can no longer pray with Let me close with something alized that this was something it. We close the aron (the same personal, just one of the reasons Upcoming so loving and caring and present word we use for the ark, and that I do this work. We are all that it was exactly what I would this is not a coincidence, since individuals, and I cannot speak issues want as my last memory of it contains something equally for anyone else. I travel by bi- someone. We wash them slow- holy), and we roll it into a room cycle. Coming home after per- Issue date Deadline ly and carefully; I personally where other members guard it forming a tahara, I ride through have always thought of how until the time of burial. a quiet neighborhood, the trees this man’s mother would have If you have someone you are vibrant even in winter, the bi- July 7 June 30 washed him as an infant and close to who is dying, please cycle silent except for the hiss try to do it with the same love contact your congregation, of the tires on the pavement. July 21 July 15 and care. Then we pour water which can give you more infor- Reaching the city, and starting to simulate immersion in a mation, or Holman’s Funeral to see people going about their Aug. 4 July 29 flowing mountain stream, may- Service directly if you do not lives, is like havdalah in a way, im chayim, living waters, to belong to a synagogue. (To vol- a rejoining of the stream of or- purify them of the sins we all unteer, see box on next page.) dinary life. Coming home, I feel Aug. 18 Aug. 12 accrete in our journey through Most of our work is done the differences between life and this world. We dry them and through Holman’s, although death and have the sense that Submit news, photos clothe them in the simple lin- some is done through River- every moment – here, now – is en garments worn by the high view. We occasionally have important, to be valued and not and obituaries by the priest to enter the Holy of Ho- travelled to perform a tahara in rushed through in haste. I feel issue deadline to lies; garments, that in our case, other funeral homes or in ru- more profoundly alive than at [email protected] are sewn by volunteers who ral areas where people have almost any other time. Jewish Review June 23, 2021 11 Kesser Israel joins list of historic cemeteries Under a new law that changed partment, has worked toward Neveh Shalom, Congregation Kesser Israel Cemetery to be the designation for historic this change for more than a de- Beth Israel cemetery and Con- included among Oregon’s his- cemeteries to those 75 years or cade. The new law designates a gregation Shaarie Torah cem- toric cemeteries,” says Sura older, the Kesser Israel cem- historic cemetery as “any burial etery. Historic cemeteries with Rubenstein, the Orthodox cem- etery joins a handful of other place that contains the remains Jewish sections include River etery’s volunteer manager. Jewish cemeteries in the Port- of one or more persons who View Cemetery in Portland, The Orthodox Jewish cem- land area already designated died before the date that is 75 Lake Oswego’s Pioneer Cem- etery, located in Southeast historic. years before the current date.” etery, Eugene Masonic Cem- Portland, was established in Governor Kate Brown signed A press release from the com- etery, Jacksonville Cemetery 1924 and had its first burials in into law a bill that extends the mission estimates 180 cemeter- and Waverly Memorial Park 1925. Many of the earliest of historic designation beyond the ies are eligible for listing under near Albany. the 300-plus burials in the cem- original date of Feb. 14, 1909. the new date. Jewish cemeter- “We are delighted with the etery are of immigrants from The Oregon Commission on ies already listed as historic legislature’s passage of HB Poland and Russia. They came Historic Cemeteries, housed include Ahavai Shalom and 2123 – introduced at Governor to Oregon in 1890-1924 as part within Oregon Heritage in Or- Neveh Zedek/Talmud Torah Brown’s request – which makes of the great waves of Jewish egon Parks and Recreation De- cemeteries of Congregation it possible for the Congregation Continued on next page

Hevra Kaddisha of Portland Burial societies seek volunteers Chevra Kavod HaMet members reflect on mitzvah Chevra Kavod HaMet is recruiting volunteers for both its men’s and women’s burial society teams. In addition, the In recent years, two members full at https://www.aish.com/ chevra is gearing up to provide taharot for trans and non-bi- of the Hevra Kaddisha of Port- sp/so/Preparing-My-Friends- nary people. As part of that effort, the chevra is actively re- land, Jon Perrin and Eve Levy, Mother-for-Burial.html: cruiting trans and non-binary members. have shared touching tributes As a child growing up in To- Volunteers are needed for teams who perform taharot, who about the mitzvah of caring for ronto, my mother volunteered act as shomrim guarding the body and who sew tachrichim, the the deceased. for the chevra, but I never real- sets of shrouds and garments. The sewing crew meets once a Jon Perrin wrote a piece in ly knew what it entailed. I had month; suspended during the pandemic, the sewing group in- 2007 about his first experience learnt that this volunteer work tends to resume work once the team is vaccinated. helping to prepare the body of a is considered the highest form New members are interviewed to determine where they deceased person for his funeral. of chesed, (lovingkindness) that would best fit and what their existing level of experience is, Following are excerpts from his one can do for another person. but no experience is required. During the pandemic, inter- essay, which can be read in full The reason for that is that you views have been done via Zoom, which will continue to be at https://www.aish.com/sp/so/ could never be paid back in offered as an option as the chevra resumes in-person opera- Touching_Death.html: this world. It is an act of giv- tions. The women’s team recently performed its first in-per- I was careful to remind myself ing completely for the sake of son tahara since the pandemic began. that this was a man – someone’s giving. Members who perform taharot are trained in person, both father, brother, uncle or hus- We started with the head, in the ritual and procedures to keep everyone safe, including band. We did our best to main- washing her hair and rinsing proper donning and removal of PPE. Then volunteers act as tain an atmosphere of modesty the soap out ever so gently. readers during their first taharot to see how the team works. and kept him covered as much Each hair that fell out was If you are moved to participate, visit chevrakavodhamet.org as possible. collected and placed in a linen or email [email protected]. I have been to a number of bag to be buried with the body. funerals and been among the Each limb was washed, one at a Hevra Kaddisha of Portland mourners. There, everyone fo- time, with so much respect and The Hevra Kaddisha of Portland welcomes new volunteers to cuses on dealing with the living care. The body was covered at help with the sacred task of caring for the dead. Tahara (purifi- because that is whom the funer- all times. cation and preparing the dead for the final journey) is an age-old al is truly for. Having been one I felt an intense sense of peace ritual. During the pandemic, the Hevra Kaddisha of Portland who focuses on the dead, and descend as we finished prepar- continued to provide in-person taharot under strict protocols after escorting this man as he ing her for burial. outlined by the National Association of Chevra Kadisha under left the mortuary, I have a new In addition, Levy spoke with the leadership of Rabbi Elchonon Zohn in conjunction with perspective. longtime Chevra Kadisha vol- leading epidemiologists and public health experts. The Hevra Eve Levy, who recently unteer Dr. Donna Kuttner about Kaddisha of Portland offers its services to all Jews regardless moved to the Chicago area, the mitzvah of caring for the de- of affiliation throughout the Willamette Valley. penned a piece in 2018, the ceased in a recent podcast, “The No prior experience is required. For more information, or first time she participated in a Ultimate Kindness – Preparing to schedule a training or observe to see if it’s a mitzvah for chevra. She stepped in to assist to Meet One’s Maker: Demy- you, please contact Michael Rosenberg, head of the Hevra when her friend’s mother died, stifying Jewish Burial.” The Kaddisha, [email protected], 503-519-2454; or the and one chevra member was in- 37-minute program is available co-chairs of the women’s section of the Hevra Kaddisha of jured and could not participate. at facebook.com/eve.levy.37/ Portland Donna Kuttner, [email protected], and Adele Following are excerpts from videos/3968921329887631 and Epstein, [email protected], 503-539-2391. her essay, which can be read in on Apple podcasts. 12 Jewish Review June 23, 2021 Obituaries CHAIM BEN ZALMAN ing press, Olive Press. She HALEVI BULKA returned to Portland State Uni- Chaim Ben Zalman HaLevi versity and completed her dual Bulka, z”l, father of Congrega- BS degree in speech communi- tion Kesser Israel member Elie cation and physics in 1988. Bulka, has passed away. The From 1988 to 2002, she lived funeral was in Israel on June in Grants Pass, joining a com- 16, 2021. Elie sat shiva in Israel munity of Sai Baba devotees, before his return to Portland. working with elderly and dis- abled patients. She returned ROSI GOLDSMITH to Portland in 2002 to help Rosi Goldsmith, z”l, passed care for her mother, Naomi away June 8, 2021, in Portland. Goldsmith, working as organ- She is survived by her brother, ic gardening coordinator in an David F. Goldsmith (Bonnie elder care facility. S. Hillsberg) of Silver Spring, Drawing on her own deep The Chevra Kadisha (Jewish Burial Society) Building was erected Md.; sister, Julie Cwikel (Sam- experiences with injury and in 1928 at the Kesser Israel cemetery. Under a bill recently signed uel Bar-Gil) of Omer, Israel; trauma, she became a licensed into law by Governor Kate Brown, Kesser Israel now qualifies as a nieces and nephews in Israel massage therapist and body historic cemetery. and Michigan; and cousins in worker in 2009, specializing Portland. Her brother and sis- in rehabilitation through neu- ter-in-law, Daniel and Robin roplastic healing, especially (from previous page) Adler-Goldsmith, z”l, prede- for Parkinson’s patients. She CEMETERIES ceased her. owned Integration Massage immigration seeking better the congregation. Rosi was born April 25, 1950. (integrationmassage.com/) in lives for themselves and their The seven-member Ore- She was the daughter of inter- Portland. She taught courses on families. In some cases, the gon Commission on Historic nationally known epidemiol- organic gardening and nature stories of the people in the Cemeteries was established to ogist John R. Goldsmith, z”l, communication. cemetery tell of hardships and maintain a listing of all histor- and paleontologist Naomi F. Rosi was a special spiritual sorrows. ic cemeteries and gravesites in Goldsmith, z”l. Rosi was born soul who brought light and “Although we do not have Oregon; promote public edu- in Salem, grew up in Berke- healing to all those she touched. notable people among the cation on the significance of ley, Calif., and graduated from She leaves behind numerous burials, the cemetery tells historic cemeteries; and help Berkeley High School in 1967. friends from Congregation more of a ‘people’s history’ of obtain financial and technical She attended Reed College P’nai Or and the Sai Baba com- Jewish life in Oregon,” says assistance for restoring, im- from 1967 to 1970. From 1971 munity. Sura. “We are looking forward proving and maintaining their to 1975, she was part of the Rabbi Hannah Laner of Con- to working with the Commis- appearances. Learning Community, an ex- gregation P’nai Or officiated at sion on Historic Cemeteries The commission recognized perimental institution of higher the funeral June 13. on issues of preservation, that many cemeteries didn’t education founded in 1970 by restoration and long-term qualify under the original des- a group consisting mostly of SUBMISSIONS planning for the cemetery’s ignation, which was based on former faculty and students at Submit obituaries to: future – and are grateful for establishment of Oregon as a Reed College that was funded [email protected]. the opportunity.” state on Feb. 14, 1859. Desig- by the Carnegie Corporation Kesser Israel’s cemetery nated historic cemeteries are and affiliated with Antioch Col- Obituaries are posted on- has a Chevra Kadisha Build- eligible for grants and other lege. In 1975, she co-founded line as they are received at: ing, erected in 1928, which protections under state law. The a cooperative women’s print- jewishportland.org/obituaries. was likely used for preparations commission found many cem- of deceased for burial according eteries that did not qualify still to Jewish traditions – washing had historic significance. The Hesed Shel Emet – burial for all (“purification”) and dressing in commission recognized that Hesed Shel Emet (“unrequited kindness”) provides Jewish shrouds before placing in cas- historic value and significance burial resources for members of the Jewish community in kets. Inside, there is a central changes over time. So, the roll- Oregon and SW Washington in circumstances when the indi- concrete platform where the ing date became the goal. vidual or the individual’s family needs support – “so that all preparations would take place. Operating cemeteries are not Jews can be buried in dignity.” In recent years, the building has required to list as historic with Established by the Oregon Board of Rabbis and facilitated been used for storage. The left the commission, but they are by the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, this partnership pillar notes that it was erected eligible. For information on is dedicated to assuring that every Jew, regardless of financial by the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the historic cemeteries and avail- means or religious affiliation, receives a dignified, traditional Chevra Kadisha, whose names able resources and to designate Jewish funeral and burial. are at the bottom of the pillar. a cemetery, visit http://www. For more information on Hesed Shel Emet, contact pro- The congregation assumes the oregonheritage.org or contact gram administrator Lisa Spiegel at 503-564-8420 or email “officers” listed on the right pil- Kuri Gill at 503-383-6787 or [email protected]. lar are officers and trustees of [email protected]. Jewish Review June 23, 2021 13 Life-cycle events Jobs board The Jewish Review publishes job openings BIRTHS from Jewish agencies and congregations. TZVI ELIMELECH AVROHOM Submit to: [email protected]. SPECTOR PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY Tzvi Elimelech Avrohom Spector was 5th Grade General Studies Teacher born on June 6, 2021, to Shifra and Salary: $34,700-$67,082 per year Max Spector. He was welcomed by big sis- PJA is an inclusive community day school ter, Masha; grandparents, Gabriala Brown, that strives to recognize, understand and Sharon Pollin, Marshal Spector and Shari honor all of our families. We value the Levinson; and great-grandparents, Harold ALEX PERRIN-JOSIAH HAMOVITZ diversity in our community, and we con- and Jane Pollin. Alexandra Perrin of Portland is engaged tinuously work to provide an education for The bris was June to Josiah Haimowitz. Alex is the daughter students in all of our programs that is equi- 14 at Congrega- of Jon and Susanna Perrin of Portland Or- table, accessible and just. tion Kesser Isra- egon. Josiah is the son of Bruce and Amy The General Studies Teacher is respon- el. Tzvi is named Hamovitz, Pleasant Hill, Oregon sible for ensuring that all students learn after his paternal Alex graduated with the Portland Jewish the basic and essential skills at each grade great-grandfa- Academy Class of 2009. The two met at level. This position provides an atmosphere ther, Rabbi Harry the University of Oregon. The Perrins and and environment conducive to the intellec- Spector, z”l, who Josiah are members of Kesser Israel. The tual, social and emotional development of bravely retained wedding will be in August 2021 at Horning students in classrooms and in a variety of his Jewish identity Hideout in North Banks, Ore. other school-related settings. after escaping Nazi For full job description and to apply, visit Germany as a child; after his maternal great WEDDING pjaproud.org/about-us/employment uncle, Abe Pollin, z”l, an owner of a Wash- ington, D.C., sports teams and a model of CONGREGATION KOL AMI philanthropy; and after the Skulener Reb- Director of Education be, Harav Yisrael Avrohom Portugal, zt”l, Part Time, 32 hours per week; Salary: a Hasidic leader who passed away in 2019. $40,000; stipend toward health insurance, professional development negotiable NEIMA TOVA SKOLNIK Congregation Kol Ami is a warm and wel- Rabbi Sholom and Chaviva Skolnik wel- coming Reform congregation in Vancou- come a new daughter, Neima Tova, to their ver, Wash. Led by Rabbi Elizabeth Dun- family. She joins her three older sisters, sker, Kol Ami has more than 140 member Freida Leah, 10, Sarah Ita, 5, and Ahuva families. Kol Ami is seeking an energetic, Bracha, 1½. She was named after services dynamic, knowledgeable Director of Ed- at Congregation Ahavath Achim June ucation to begin in the summer of 2021. 19, 2021. Rabbi Skolnik, who previously Our school currently serves 35 students on taught at Mayaan Torah Day School, is Sundays and Hebrew School students on now the Rabbi of Ahavath Achim. Thursday afternoons. The DOE leads vol- unteer teachers from the congregation to ENGAGEMENTS help foster a love for Jewish learning and connection to our community in a fun, sup- MIRIAM LAMBERT-MATYS WEISER portive environment. Congregation Kesser Israel wishes mazel The DOE sets the vision and the standards tov to Miriam Lambert and Matys Weiser for our religious school and Hebrew school on their wedding Sunday, June 20, 2021, in program. The DOE will work closely with Ellenville, N.Y. Rabbi Dunsker and the Education Commit- Miriam Lambert, age 42, is a member of tee. The DOE will oversee the day-to-day Congregation Kesser Israel. She was born operations of the religious school, recruit and raised in Eugene and has lived in Port- and supervise teachers, develop and im- land since 2007. She is a medical physicist plement curriculum, and facilitate family employed by Kaiser Permanente. education programs. Matys Weiser, age 54, is a member of the The ideal candidate is a creative, enthusi- Hasidic community in the Catskills, N.Y. He astic Jewish educator, with formal and infor- DEVORAH BRODKIN-EZRA EPSTEIN immigrated to the United States from Poland mal Jewish education experience. He/she/ Devorah Brodkin of Portland is engaged in the mid-1990s and is an entrepreneur. they should be comfortable working with to Ezra Epstein from Bergenfeild, N.J. Following the ceremony, the couple will children and families. Candidates should Devorah is the daughter of Congregation drive cross country back to Portland, with have a strong Judaic knowledge base and Kesser Israel Rabbi Ken and Aviel Brodkin. stops for adventure in the national parks skills in community building, supervision, Ezra is the son of Yisrael and Ellisa Epstein along the way. They wish to thank the staff development and office management. of Bergenfield N.J. community for their generous outpouring For the complete job description, The wedding will be Sunday, Aug. 22, of support and good wishes, and they look email Rabbi Elizabeth Dunsker at 2021. forward to many wonderful years to come. [email protected]. 14 Jewish Review June 23, 2021