PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY
At the Schnitzer Family Campus | Think for yourself. Work for the world. Summer 2026, 5786 | Exclusive updates for our donors and supporters.
Community Shavuot Program Brings PJA and Local Congregations Together
PJA was delighted to host “Standing Together at Sinai: A Night of Learning for Our Whole Community,” a meaningful and joyful community Shavuot Program in collaboration with Congregation Neveh Shalom (CNS) and Congregation Shaarie Torah (CST).
More than 100 individuals (families, students, congregants, and community members) attended the event, which began with children’s programming and a special dairy dinner for Shavuot, and extended into the night with a community service activity for teens, a communal tefillah, and several adult learning sessions. The evening featured teaching and leadership from educators and rabbis across the three partner institutions. PJA faculty members Jana Hopfinger, Kate Dickinson-Villaseñor, and Amy Katz led hands-on Shavuot-themed activities for children
while Merrill Hendin led a Shavuot story-time session. CNS staff included Rabbi April Villarreal, Meg Bernstein, Mel Berwin, Rabbi Eve Posen, and Rabbi Cantor Eyal Bitton. Congregation Shaarie Torah was represented by Rabbi Gary Oren.
This collaboration helped create a rich and inclusive experience rooted in our shared values of limmud (study), zehut (identity), and kehillah (community).
PJA is grateful to Congregation Neveh Shalom and Congregation Shaarie Torah for their partnership, and to all of the educators, rabbis, families, and community members who helped make the evening such a success. Hosting “Standing Together at Sinai” was an honor, and we look forward to future opportunities to gather, learn, and celebrate together.
Kehillah in Bloom: Spring Highlights
From Our PJA Community
Spring has been full of energy, connection, and joyful traditions for PJA’s Kehillah.
One exciting new highlight this season was the launch of PJA’s first-ever Bike Bus, with three spirited rides to school in April, May, and June. More than 30 students, from Pre-K through 8th grade, rolled in side-by-side with Hebrew music blasting and excitement building before the school day even began. It was a wonderful example of how simple ideas can bring the community together across grades, and we hope to keep the momentum going into the fall. Shoutout to PJA parent Sam Balto for making this happen!
Spring also brought beloved traditions that continue to strengthen the fabric of PJA. During Purim, families participated in the annual Mishloach Manot exchange, sharing festive treats and spreading joy from home to home. Later in the season, Lag B’Omer offered a chance to gather outdoors, with swimming, firepits, roasted marshmallows and potatoes to celebrate.
A particularly meaningful part of the spring was Teacher Appreciation Week, when the community came together to celebrate the teachers who make PJA so special. From homemade baked goods greeting teachers on Monday morning, to a Spice Shuk where teachers “shopped” for spices to take home, the week was filled with thoughtful touches. Mini wellness sessions like yoga and flower-making offered space to recharge, while massages (back by popular demand) and swag bags from Mad Sass Soap Co. added extra delight. Most importantly, teachers shared how deeply they felt the love from the PJA community.
Our Early Childhood educators were similarly treated to a fantastic week of treats and displays of gratitude. A team of parent volunteers joined Erika and Lexie to make it an extra special week featuring breakfast goodies, heartfelt cards, handmade bouquets, gift cards and goodie bags.
The year concluded with a final Kabbalat Shabbat Kibbitz and Kehillah sent students into summer with an end-of-school celebration at Gabriel Park.
As always, Kehillah continues to grow through shared traditions, new ideas, and meaningful ways for families to come together.
KEHILLAH
Celebrating the Journey: Mazal Tov to the PJA Class of 2026
The PJA community gathered on June 10th to celebrate the Class of 2026 at our 8th grade graduation. Surrounded by family, friends, and teachers, our graduates reflected on their journey as they prepare for the exciting chapters ahead.
Principal Merrill Hendin and Executive Director Steve Albert welcomed attendees with words of encouragement rooted in the PJA middot (values). They reminded students that the respect, curiosity, gratitude, responsibility, and community they practiced here are qualities they will carry with them forever.
A beloved hallmark of the PJA graduation is the individual or paired student presentations. This year, graduates shared memories of deep friendships, supportive teachers, class trips, and favorite projects. Some presentations were humorous, others heartfelt, and all offered a window into the unique personalities shaping the Class of 2026. They beautifully illustrated how a PJA education unfolds—transforming the children who once learned their Aleph-Bet into confident, resilient young adults with a lifelong love of learning.
The ceremony concluded with one of PJA’s most moving traditions. Faculty members gathered around the graduates, holding a tallit above their heads while reciting the Shehecheyanu prayer. This powerful moment beautifully mirrored the blessing these same students received as first graders during their siddur ceremony, bringing their PJA journey full circle.
This year, several families are closing particularly long and meaningful chapters at PJA. We extend special appreciation to the Cohen/Schroeder, Mandelsberg, Peleg, Symms/Romain, and Zeitzer families. Together, these families have contributed decades of volunteerism, partnership, friendship, and community building that have enriched our school in countless ways.
While we will miss seeing these graduates in our hallways, we are incredibly proud to send them forward. We know they will continue to learn, lead, explore, and make meaningful contributions to the world, anchored by the values and memories defined during their years here.
Mazal Tov, Class of 2026!
A Record-Breaking Year: The Annual Fund Soars to New Heights
It wasn’t just a successful year for our Annual Fund—it was a historic one!
The Annual Fund supports our dedicated teachers and staff through professional development opportunities and helps keep our salaries competitive. We look to the entire community to support these efforts and have instituted a special competition amongst classes to boost schoolwide participation.
Thanks to the incredible generosity and commitment of our community, participation rates for both the Early Childhood and Day School divisions reached their highest levels in school history.
The numbers speak for themselves:
• Day School Participation: 87%
• Early Childhood Participation: 44%
What pushed us over the top this year? Was it the sweet promise of a free challah? The high-energy Donuts + Donations event? While the incentives were certainly enticing, the true driver of this campaign was the spirit of our community and the tireless efforts of our volunteers. As three-time Annual Fund Class Rep Jaimie Harper says:
“The annual fund is so much more than a fundraiser because it’s about participation. While the dollar amount is meaningful, getting to 100% participation is always the goal no matter the size of the donation. This makes it more like a FUNraiser as we build community and some friendly competition between classes and stretch to reach 100% participation in all grades.”
To celebrate the FIVE classes that achieved 100% participation (another record!), we promised a free challah to every family in each of these classes. The response was so overwhelming that for two Fridays following Passover, our orders skyrocketed by dozens of loaves. We owe a huge thank you to our supplier who ensured every family could enjoy their well-earned treat. And a special thanks to Richard Boyd for coordinating the effort along with volunteers who helped with distribution.
Our remarkable achievement this year was made possible by the creativity, grit, and dedication of our Annual Fund volunteer team. Please join us in thanking:
If
• Kalli Nichols and Amelia Wasserman (Early Childhood)
• Nathan Lawless and Talia Kahn (Kindergarten*)
• Max Woods (1st grade)
• Emily Saxton (2nd grade*)
• Max Woods (3rd grade)
• Elizabeth Rice and Christina Kraemer (4th grade*)
• Meytal Markman (5th grade*)
• Duncan Gilman (6th grade)
Give a gift of any size by March 31 at: pjaproud.org/donate or scan the QR code.
• Jaimie Harper (7th grade*)
*Classes that hit 100%
(NOTE: 8th grade does not participate as they have a separate campaign to honor their graduating students. See page 12 about the Atid Campaign.)
Thank you to all of our volunteers and donors for helping our school reach new heights!
If you’d like to make a gift today, please visit: pjaproud.org/donate
PJA in the Big Apple: A Transformative 8th Grade Trip to NYC
This year, PJA’s 8th grade class embarked on an unforgettable five-day trip to New York City alongside students from the Contra Costa Jewish Day School (CCJDS). Serving as a meaningful alternative to our traditional Israel trip, the experience offered students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Jewish history, culture, and identity while building lasting friendships with peers from another Jewish day school community.
The trip was packed with memorable experiences and iconic New York landmarks. Students enjoyed some of the city’s outstanding kosher restaurants, sampling everything from classic deli fare to modern Jewish cuisine. A highlight for many was seeing the Broadway production of The Outsiders, which brought literature and theater together in a powerful and engaging way.
The group explored the rich diversity of Jewish life by visiting Hasidic neighborhoods in Brooklyn, gaining insight into traditions and ways of life that were new to many students. At the Tenement Museum and throughout Lower Manhattan, students learned about the immigrant experience and the challenges faced by those who helped build New York City. These lessons came to life during visits to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where students reflected on themes of immigration, opportunity, and belonging.
The trip also included a visit to the 9/11 Memorial, providing a meaningful opportunity to honor those lost and consider the resilience of New York City. For a change of pace, students cheered together at a Mets game, enjoying a classic New York experience and creating fun memories outside the classroom.
“Perhaps the most meaningful part of the trip, was the friendships that developed between PJA and CCJDS students.” said chaperone Amy Katz. Through shared experiences, conversations, and adventures, students formed connections that extended beyond their own school community. By the end of the week, they returned home with a deeper appreciation for Jewish life, American history, and the value of building relationships across communities— making the trip both educational and personally transformative.
Honoring the “Yoms”: PJA
Observes Three Core Days on the Jewish Calendar
In April, PJA recognized three important dates on the Jewish calendar, often referred to as the “Yoms.” The observances start out with two solemn dates, Yom HaShoah, honoring the victims and survivors of the Holocaust, and Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day. Following those is a joyful celebration for Israel’s Independence Day, Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Below is a glimpse of how PJA recognized each of these important dates.
Yom HaShoah
Portland Jewish Academy’s 8th grade students led a moving Yom HaShoah v’HaGivurah program, honoring victims and survivors of the Holocaust through reflection, remembrance, and learning. The ceremony, a culmination of the 8th grade Shoah curriculum, featured student poetry readings and candle lighting dedicated to the millions persecuted during the Shoah, including Jews, Roma, disabled people, and other targeted groups. Students and community members were deeply impacted by Holocaust survivor, Eva Aigner, who shared the remarkable story of her and her husband’s survival during World War II. Through their leadership, PJA students created a meaningful experience that emphasized memory, resilience, courage, and the responsibility to stand against hatred in all its forms.
Yom HaZikaron
PJA’s Yom HaZikaron assembly, led by our 7th grade students, provided a meaningful opportunity for students in grades four through eight to come together in remembrance and reflection. The 7th graders thoughtfully shared readings in both Hebrew and English, helping the community connect to the significance of Israel’s Memorial Day. As is done throughout Israel, students and faculty stood together for a moment of silence to honor those who have given their lives in service to the State of Israel. The assembly also included learning about lone soldiers— the brave men and women who serve in the Israel Defense Forces without immediate family in Israel—and the special support and recognition they receive. Through this brief tefillah and educational program, students deepened their understanding of remembrance, gratitude, and connection to Israel.
PJA’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) celebration brought our community together for two joyful days of learning, connection, and pride. On Yom Ha’Atzmaut itself, students arrived dressed in blue and white, filling the school with festive spirit. Israeli flags and blue and white (kachol v’lavan) decorated the campus, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflected our connection to the State of Israel.
A highlight of the day was an immersive “trip to Israel” designed and led by our 7th grade students. Through a series of creative games and activities, younger students traveled virtually across the country, visiting Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Mediterranean Sea, and other iconic locations. The experience helped students learn about Israel’s geography, culture, and landmarks in an engaging way.
The celebration continued on Friday with a special visit from the Israeli band HaShayarah. Through interactive workshops and activities, HaShayarah encouraged students to explore their own personal connections to the modern State of Israel and reflect on what Israel means to them. The visit concluded with a lively community singalong featuring Israeli songs that had students and faculty singing, dancing, and celebrating together.
Yom Ha’Atzmaut
Growth and Discovery: Reflecting on Spring in Early Childhood
This past spring, Early Childhood was filled with growth in a multitude of ways. This transformation was visible not only in the children themselves but also by the work of their own hands. Over the season, the children watched with wonder as the seeds they had planted sprouted into plants, and blossoms transformed into berries.
In the classrooms, groups started seeds indoors before carefully transplanting them into the outdoor gardens. The children also enthusiastically investigated the worlds of worms and caterpillars. In a beautiful, symbolic transition following Passover, they experienced the joy of watching their nurtured butterflies fly away into freedom.
Meanwhile, the Pre-K children wrapped up a year-long project of collecting compost for the Early Childhood Department. They finally had the opportunity to see the direct results of their hard work as that waste was turned into rich soil and added back into the gardens.
It was wonderful to witness these ongoing explorations of the cycles of life, and to see how beautifully they aligned with the core values of Jewish Early Childhood Education.
We are grateful to the following donor who made a recent grant in support of PJA:
Helen & Jerry Stern Grandchildren’s Fund of OJCF for Tuition Assistance
Steve Albert
Sean Bartlett
Richard Boyd
Bess Butterworth
Angelica Evans
Becky Ewer
Hannah Glass
Sarah Glass
Arielle Goranson
Yehuda Gruenberg
Jaimie Harper
Merrill Hendin
Linda Hill
Lisa Katon
Amy Katz
Kim Krikorian
Carly Landau
Sara Morton
Lexie Quandt
Elizabeth Rice
Erika Saiers
Eden Samiee
Karen Sapoznikow
Susan Sparrow
Harriet Wingard
Adam Zappa
Alumni Updates from PJA Class of 2022
Mazal tov to the PJA Class of 2022 alumni who recently graduated from high school and are heading off to new adventures! Wherever their journey takes them, they will always continue to make us PJA Proud!
Judah Barnett graduated from Grant High School and will take a gap year. In high school, Judah wrestled on the varsity team for four years and served as a team captain.
Emeri Berkson-Klaus
graduated from Cleveland High School where she competed on the track and field team and sang in the choir. She also participated in OJCYF. Emeri will attend Portland State University to major in Psychology.
Ariel Carroll graduated from Oregon Episcopal School and will attend Washington University in St. Louis. In high school, Ariel served on the OJCYF leadership council, co-led the Jewish Student Union, and served as an OES student admissions ambassador.
Jake Chisholm from Northwest Academy and will attend the University of Redlands. During high school, Jake continued to grow as a musician and currently drums in two active touring bands.
Graduates not pictured: Daniel Barzilay, Eliav Rose, Matthew Cissna, Maya Zaslavsky, Noah von dem Bruch
Rosa Eisenbach-Budner graduated from Milwaukie High School in June 2025 and began college at Portland State University where she is on the dance team. In high school, Rosa participated in varsity cheerleading, dance, and wrestling, golf, track and field, and REAP (a multicultural leadership program).
Marlo Dabareiner
graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and will attend Wesleyan University, where she hopes to study Political Science, English, or History, with a minor in Theater. In high school, Marlo specialized in technical theater and was stage manager.
Jonathan Faclieru graduated from Sunset High School and will attend San Diego State University to major in Civil Engineering. In high school, Jonathan played high school and club soccer for four years, participated in OJCYF, and joined a variety of clubs.
Eitan Miller Feder graduated from Grant High School and will attend Carleton College. In high school, Eitan participated in Jewish Student Alliance, Teacher Story Time Club, National Honor Society, and Dungeons & Dragons Club.
Owen Feinblatt graduated from Wilsonville High School and will study Biomedical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. In high school, Owen played varsity lacrosse and varsity snowboarding, joined National Honor Society, served as president of the Cultural Exploration Club.
Gavin graduated from Ida B. Wells and will attend the University of Utah. In high school, Gavin participated in snowboarding and lacrosse and worked at Dairy Hill. As he heads into college, he brings with him lessons from school, athletics, work, and community.
Madilynn Gilbert graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and will attend Willamette University, where she plans to play lacrosse, major in Business, and minor in Economics. In high school, Madi participated in varsity lacrosse, varsity basketball, cross country, and served as varsity lacrosse captain.
Henry Gilroy graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School and will attend Western Washington University in the fall. Henry heads into his next chapter with the foundation of his PJA and high school experiences behind him.
graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and will attend Boston College to study Physics and Child Life Development on the pre-med track. In high school, Lucy continued artistic swimming, earning three national medals as well as receiving the Harry Glickman Scholar Athlete Award.
Gabe Horwitz
from Ida B. Wells High School and will attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where he plans to major in Economics. During high school, Gabe founded Story Capsules, a volunteer initiative connecting students with elders through storytelling projects.
Maya Mackey-Nadler attended both St. Mary’s Academy and Lincoln High School and will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to major in Animal Science. In high school, Maya was active in horseback riding and served as a youth board member for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association.
Rami Mandelsberg graduated from Grant High School and will attend the University of Oregon to study Human Physiology. In high school, Rami completed an OHSU internship in molecular biology, played soccer all four years, tutored, and participated in Jewish Student Alliance of Oregon.
Anna Kappler graduated from Oregon Episcopal School and will attend Claremont McKenna College, where she plans to dual major in Economics and Integrated Sciences. In high school, Anna served as yearbook editor, worked as an OES admissions ambassador, and performed in many theater productions.
JJ Komitor graduated from Lake Oswego High School and will attend the University of Oregon. During high school, JJ served as vice president of the student body, president of the junior class council, and founder and president of both Tech Time with Seniors and Jewish Student Union.
graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and will attend the University of Chicago to study Chemistry and possibly Linguistics. In high school, Lily participated in theater tech, including sound design, choir, dance, Science Olympiad, improv club, and chess club.
Assaf Nachum graduated from Riverdale and will attend Western Washington University to study Physiology. Assaf’s next step reflects a continued interest in science and learning.
Noam Peleg graduated from Sunset High School and will attend the University of Colorado Boulder to study Engineering Physics. In high school, Noam played water polo, founded and led Sunset’s Jewish Student Union, and advocated against antisemitism before local and state education boards.
graduated from Ida B. Wells High School and will study Chemical Engineering at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. In high school, Sunny participated in theater, served as an Outdoor School student leader, worked as a summer camp counselor, and was involved in Jewish Student Union.
Eden Siegel-Lukin graduated from Milwaukie Academy of the Arts and will attend the University of Toronto to study Life Sciences. In high school, Eden pursued aerial acrobatics and aerial dance, created 2D art, and worked as a barista.
Zoe Sweek will graduate this June from Boston Ballet’s pre-professional division at Walnut Hill School for the Arts, where she danced six days a week. In the fall, she will attend Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington for their ballet program.
Max Symmes graduated from Cleveland High School and will attend Temple University in Philadelphia, where he plans to major in International Business and row in the fall. In high school, Max participated in rowing, completed the full IB diploma program, and worked as a manager at a Bellagios location in Sellwood.
Dillon Thompson graduated from Franklin High School and is heading to California State University, Fullerton. During high school, Dillon worked at a record store and developed a lifelong passion for reading and movies.
Louisa Way graduated from Ida B. Wells and will attend Minneapolis College of Art and Design to study Illustration. In high school, Lulu participated in Science Olympiad, played ultimate frisbee, and attended a pre-college summer program at MCAD.
Talia Weinstein graduated from Ida B. Wells and will attend the Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon. In high school, Talia figure skated, competed in Science Olympiad, served on the OJCYF leadership council, and joined the Winterhawks Figure Skating Club junior board.
Merrill Hendin to Retire at the End of the 2026-27 School Year
In January, it was announced that Merrill Hendin, PJA’s longtime Principal, would be retiring at the end of the following school year. Merrill has been a part of the PJA community since 1989 in various capacities including teaching Jewish Studies, volunteering in the classroom, becoming the Director of Jewish Studies, and, finally, Principal, starting in the 2009-2010 school year. In all, Merrill will have spent 38 years as a member of the PJA kehillah, 21 of them professionally.
“This kehillah,” Merrill wrote in a letter to school families, “has helped raise my family and helped me grow into the person I am today. I will deeply miss being here amongst all of you and your children, from the youngest babies who I love to greet in the mornings, to our oldest middle school students who show us through their learning and actions what it is to be a mensch who works for the world. I am so grateful for the opportunity PJA has given me to play a small part in the growth and development of your families.”
As we begin this leadership transition, Steve Albert (PJA’s Executive Director) and Merrill will work together with our administrative team, PJA’s Board of Directors, and professionals from both Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools and the Northwest Assocation of Independent Schools to gather information, draft a job description, and form a search committee, with the goal of launching a search this fall.
We have another year together during which we will celebrate all that Merrill has done for PJA. We all look forward to continuing to learn and grow together as a kehillah as we begin our search for Merrill’s replacement. They are big shoes to fill, indeed!
2026 Song of Miriam Awardee: Jaimie Harper
PJA was delighted to nominate PJA parent Jaimie Harper as our 2026 Song of Miriam Awardee. The 30th Annual Song of Miriam Awards Brunch, honoring outstanding Jewish women volunteers in Oregon and SW Washington, was held on June 14th at the MJCC.
A fourth-generation member of Portland’s Jewish community, Jaimie’s roots at PJA run deep. She still fondly remembers the scent of fresh challah from her days at ECLC (now the PJA Early Childhood Education program) and maintains a lifelong bond with her kindergarten teacher, Morah Lois Shenker.
Now the proud mother of Esther (a rising PJA 8th grader) and Reuben (a rising junior at Beaverton High School), Jaimie is dedicated to giving back to the community that helped shape her and her children. Jaimie considers her volunteer work at PJA to be among her favorite hobbies.
Her myriad volunteer roles have included:
• Classroom Engagement: Dedicated years to supporting teachers and students directly in the classroom.
• Community Building: Served as an active member of the PJA Family Camp Committee and a frequent participant in Kehillah programming.
• Fundraising & Events: Provided multi-year volunteer support for the Used Book Sale and PJA Auction.
• Strategic Leadership: Contributes as a member of the PJA/MJCC Development Committee.
• Annual Fund Leadership: Serves as an Annual Fund Class Representative with trademark “gusto.” Jaimie is especially proud of achieving 100% class participation through her persistent (and persuasive!) outreach.
We were humbled to have three wonderful PJA families represented as Song of Miriam honorees: Jaimie Harper who was honored by PJA; Michelle Kashinsky, honored by MJCC and Arielle Goranson, honored by Jewish Federation. We also had two PJA grandparents on stage as honorees!
Such beautiful representation of our wonderful kehillah. Jaimie, we are so grateful to you for all of your love, warmth and dedication to PJA. And you too, Arielle and Michelle! We love you all and are honored to have you as Song of Miriam recipients.
- Merrill Hendin
PJA loves Jaimie, and we are so grateful for her warm and loving presence in our kehillah. Todah rabah, Jaimie, for all you do and kol hakavod on this well-deserved honor!
Photo on the left.
Back, left to right: Michelle Kashinsky, Jaimie Simon, Arielle Goranson. Front, left to right, PJA grandparents, Pauline Goldstein (Cong. Shaarie Torah Sisterhood) and Shoshannah Freilich (Beit Am of Corvallis)
Afterschool Programs Wrap Up a Fantastic Year
As the school year came to a close, excitement built across PJA Afterschool programs as students prepared to showcase all they had learned and created throughout the spring. Families gathered for end-of-the-year family engagement events celebrating the creativity, confidence, and growth of our students.
Throughout the year, participants in PJA Afterschool explored visual arts, music, dance, theater, and hands-on enrichment activities that encouraged self-expression and collaboration. These culminating events gave students the opportunity to share their work proudly through art shows, performances, and interactive displays that reflected months of dedication and learning.
The celebrations were designed not only to honor student achievement, but also to strengthen the connections between families, staff, and the broader community. Families enjoyed refreshments, spent time together, and experienced firsthand the welcoming environment that makes PJA Afterschool programs so meaningful.
Families interested in registering for PJA Afterschool programs for the coming year are encouraged to fill out an inquiry form on the PJA Afterschool website.
Investing in the Future:
The Class of 2026 Atid Campaign
This year, a dedicated team of co-chairs led the charge in strengthening PJA’s Endowment through the Atid Campaign. Three couples, all parents of 8th graders,—Danelle Romain and RD Symms, Yehuda Gruenberg and Orlee Tatarka, and Galia and Arnon Peleg—worked tirelessly to engage fellow 8th grade families, inviting them to make a lasting impact in honor of their graduates.
The Atid Campaign (meaning “Future” in Hebrew) offers 8th grade families a meaningful way to celebrate their student’s journey. By contributing to the PJA Endowment, families ensure that future generations of students thrive. Donors can direct their gifts toward the fund that resonates most with them:
• 8th Grade Travel Experience
• Tuition Assistance
• General Endowment
Due to the conflict in the Middle East, our traditional Israel trip was, unfortunately, cancelled. However, in true PJA spirit, our community pivoted.
The 8th grade class embarked on a trip to New York City. From the heights of the skyscrapers to the depth of the city’s rich cultural history (and bagels, of course!), students enjoyed a fun, educational, and bonding experience in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
Join Us
Your support ensures that the PJA legacy remains strong for years to come. To make a gift in honor of a graduate, please visit: pjaproud.org/atid
Empathy in Action: PJA
7th Graders Explore Social Justice in LA
This year marked the fifth consecutive trip to Los Angeles for our PJA 7th graders, in conjunction with Tzedek America, whose mission is to transform lives, strengthen Jewish identity, and change the world through immersive social justice experiences.
Nineteen members of the Class of 2027, along with three chaperones – Adam Zappa, school counselor; Sara Morton, 7th/8th grade science teacher; and Harriet Wingard, 6th/7th grade Humanities teacher, traveled to LA for four days and three nights, from May 4-7.
At the heart of the trip is EMPATHY: how do we cultivate compassion and connection with people whose lives and stories differ from our own? We heard from residents at Los Angeles’ only Jewish Treatment Center, Beit T’Shuvah, and the LA Mission; we offered water bottles to people living on Skid Row; we took a tour of Homeboy Industries, an enterprise launched by Father Greg Boyle and dedicated to providing social services and job training to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated people. We also got to learn about LA graffiti art from two artists/activists, Sergio and Kevin Flint, and we visited the moving Wall Las Memórias, guided by its founder, prominent AIDS activist, Richard Zaldivar.
This was Harriet’s third time chaperoning the trip, and it was rewarding to share and experience it with new students and colleagues. Reflecting on the trip, Adam mused, “I knew it was going to be powerful and aligned with the work I do with students through social/emotional learning and restorative circles…but what I didn’t know was how students would receive the stories they heard and how they would process them and ask questions of the speakers. To me, that was the “gold” of the whole experience. Not only were our students able to absorb what they were told, but they could also see the person behind the story.”
Sara reflected: “During our time in LA, I was struck by the depth of empathy and growth our students demonstrated. Listening to speakers share some of the most difficult moments of their lives was incredibly powerful, and our students responded with thoughtful questions and reflections that showed their developing sense of ‘radical empathy.’ They began to see how change is possible, how community is essential for change, and how the choices they may face in the future can have a lasting impact on their lives. What stood out just as much was how the class came together: on bus rides, over meals, during free time, and in meaningful conversations, they built connections and supported one another in a truly beautiful way. It was a transformative experience that strengthened both their understanding of the world and their sense of belonging to one another.”
Some words of advice from current 7th grader, Yael Olds, for future 7th graders: “Pay attention to the people sharing their stories because they can really touch you, and they will always stay with you. Don’t be scared of Skid Row. It is not scary; it is just different from what you are used to, but you will be with adults, and you will be helping people. Be ready to change your view of things because you can think a certain way, but then people will share their stories, or you will see something that will change you, and you will not forget it.”
Ask the Expert: Hannah Kahn Glass
Education and Community Engagement
Coordinator at Adamah NY, PJA Alum 2013
Q. How can Jews respond to the climate crisis today?
A. The climate crisis is the issue of our time. We are already witnessing the danger of a warming planet. We see it in erratic weather, flooding, and widespread habitat destruction. It can feel overwhelming, even paralyzing, to consider how one individual could possibly respond. How can a single person take on the mass production of fossil fuels, propped up by systems that prioritize profit over people?
To that, I would say: you’re right. We can’t do it alone. We have to do it in community.
I was raised immersed in Jewish communities of Brooklyn, NY and Portland, Oregon, with PJA being one of the most formative. While I might not have had the words for it then, what I gained in these spaces was a deep sense of shared language, lineage, and culture. I have come to understand how powerful this grounding can be in Jewish climate organizing.
When we show up to an action, we bring that shared culture with us. We build unity through the songs we grew up singing. We draw connections to Jewish holidays like Sukkot and Tu B’Shvat, which highlight our relationship with the natural world. We call upon Jewish environmental teachings such as shmita, the seventh year in the ancient agricultural cycle, when we pause production and allow the land to rest.
When we root ourselves in our shared culture and practice, we can better mobilize our communities to show up in the broader climate movement. Our Judaism has something meaningful to offer this diverse, multi-faith coalition.
So, what are some ways you can plug into Jewish Climate Action?
1. Mobilize your institutions: Encourage your synagogue, school, or organization to join the 500+ members of Adamah’s Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition, a network committed to urgent and meaningful climate action. PJA is already an active member of the Coalition.
2. Support youth leadership: Help young people in your community find their voice by connecting them with the Jewish Youth Climate Movement.
3. Take collective political action: Join Dayenu’s mobilizations to advocate for strong climate policy alongside a values-driven Jewish community.
4. Bring nature into Jewish life: Explore Adamah’s educational resources and integrate joyful nature-based learning into your Jewish spaces.
And if you ever want to talk more about this, feel free to reach out to me at hannah.glass@adamah.org.
With hope for a more sustainable and just world,
Hannah
PJA Dor L’Dor Society
The Dor L’Dor Society recognizes those who have made the extraordinary commitment of including Portland Jewish Academy in their estate plan with a gift through a bequest, trust, life insurance policy or other planned gift. We gratefully acknowledge all of the members of the PJA Dor L’Dor Society.
Anonymous (3)
Steven Albert and Janie Goldenberg
Bonnie Boone Altshuld and Steve z”l Altshuld*
Ron and Judy Appelbaum
Alan Bacharach*
Gloria Bacharach z”l*
Richard Barker and Kelly Portnoff-Barker
Stacy Barna
Jackie and Stuart Barthold*
Barry and Karla Benson
Gregory Bishop and Sharon Klin*
Lynn Bonner*
Donna and Dick z”l Brownstein*
Marlene Davis z”l*
Stanley Davis*
Julie Diamond z”l
Esther Dickstein z”l
Edith Dorsen
Robert Erlich z”l
Becky and Greg Ewer
Eleanor Fischer z”l
Robin and Eric z”l Flamm
Karen and Skip Freedman*
Nadine Gartner and Benjamin Olds
John and Beth Germain*
Jacob Gildesheim*
Jonathan and Sarah Glass
Edward and Florence Glick z”l*
Eric Goldenberg*
Erica Goldman and Jeffrey Druckman*
Adam and Robin Greenman*
Rick Haselton and Sura Rubenstein*
Merrill and Perry Hendin*
Helen Herner*
Ruth Horenstein*
Lewis and Lisa Horowitz*
Hilde Jacob z”l
Dr. Irvin and Dr. Jacqueline Jacobs
Sam Jacobson*
Phil Jansen and Ariel Shattan*
Garry and Judith Kahn
Hank Kaplan and Marni Glick*
David Karlin
Lisa Katon and Noah Kressel
Sheldon Klapper and Sue Hickey
Eric and Robin Kornblit
Tony and Priscilla Kostiner*
Stacey Lebenzon
Shirlee and Reuben Lenske z”l*
Jordana and Ryan Levenick
Al and Rosanne Levi*
Holly R. Litwin*
Gail Mandel and Steven Klein
Richard and Judi Matza*
Zen Menasche-Slayen*
Vic and Toinette Menashe*
Larry and Joyce Mendelsohn*
Mark and Marcia Meyer*
Joel Mullin and Sheri Katz
Hillary Nasso and Ken Wittenberg*
Diane Nemer z”l*
Dale Oller
Ella and Herbert Ostroff z”l*
Jack & Clara Paige Family Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation
Make a Lasting Impact
Robert Leonard Parnas z”l
Erik Richmond and Annette Demsey
Gayle and Paul Romain
Steve Rosenberg and Ellen Lippman*
Stan and Madelle Rosenfeld
David and Darcy Rubin*
Nicole Heiman Sacks z”l and Robert Sacks*
Jerry and Bunny Sadis
Stephen and Becki Saltzman
Faye Gordon Samuels
Andrea K. Sanchez and Benjamin Drucker
Joan Schnitzer
Richard and Patricia Schwartz*
Gary and Linda Singer*
Jonathan Singer
Anthony Slayen*
Kelly and Julie Smith*
Les z”l and Martha Soltesz
Marshal Spector
Roslyn Srebnik Fund of the Srebnik Family Trust
Carol and Noam z”l Stampfer*
Sherry and Steven Stone*
Howard and Vivian Wasserteil
Rabbi Joey Wolf and Lisa Rackner*
Carrie Wynkoop and Kari Chisholm
Esther and Henry z”l Zabronsky*
Ken and Jennifer Zeidman
Mark and Mindy Zeitzer
Jason Zidell
Jay and Diane Zidell
*Denotes Founding Members of the Dor L'Dor Society
As children growing up on Portland’s East Side, we were often the only Jewish kids in our class. Every year we dealt with the discomfort of being singled out to sing a Hanukkah song while everyone else sang Christmas songs. It’s memories like those that make us thankful that our kids, Tory and Juliana, had the opportunity to be educated in a setting that made them feel proud and confident during their Kindergarten through 8th grade years at PJA. They carried those lessons with them into their adulthood.
Our commitment to the Dor L’Dor Society will ensure that PJA will continue to thrive for future generations for years to come.
Al and Rosanne Levi Proud PJA Alumni Parents
(Tory, Class of 2000 and Juliana, Class of 2007)
For more information about PJA's Dor L'Dor Society, contact Steve Albert at: salbert@pjaproud.org or call 503.535.3592.
Portland Jewish Academy Schnitzer Family Campus 6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219 P: 503.244.0126 | F: 503.245.4233 | pjaproud.org
We are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and our community for their support of PJA. jewishportland.org
Jason Zidell
Tamar Wyte-Lake
Hannah Schafer
Danelle Romain
Arnon Peleg
Michelle Kashinsky
Eric Herman
Chris Hathaway
Arielle Goranson
Nicole Frisch
Eric Brickenstein
Sept. 21: Yom Kippur
Sept. 12-13: Rosh Hashanah
Sept. 4-6: PJA Family Camp
Aug. 31: First Day of School for Early Childhood
Aug. 26: First Day of School for Day School
VIEW THE COMPLETE CALENDAR: pjaproud.org/calendar Calendar
Naomi Harwin | Secretary
Jules Bailey | Treasurer
John Emshwiller | Vice President
Nadine Gartner | Immediate Past President
David Solondz | President
Board of Directors
2026-27