PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY
At the Schnitzer Family Campus | Think for yourself. Work for the world. Summer 2025, 5785 | Exclusive updates for our donors and supporters.
Leaving a Legacy: The 8th Grade Class Gift and the Atid Fund
At PJA, graduation isn't just an end; it's an opportunity to shape the future. A tradition at PJA involves the 8th grade families uniting to make a meaningful gift in support of the school they've called home. This collective contribution flows into the Atid Fund – a Hebrew word meaning "future" – a dedicated fund within the PJA endowment held securely at the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation (OJCF - ojcf.org).
The vision for the Atid Fund took root in 2019, championed by dedicated PJA parents. They recognized the profound impact PJA had on their children's lives and envisioned a powerful way to give back, ensuring the same enriching experience for generations to come. This initiative allows families to direct their generosity towards areas that resonate most with them within the endowment: enriching the 8th grade travel experience, providing crucial tuition assistance, or bolstering general school needs.
Each year, a dedicated group of families steps forward to serve as co-chairs, encouraging their peers to participate in this vital endeavor. Their leadership is instrumental in fostering a spirit of collective giving and achieving high participation rates. The Class of 2025 demonstrated remarkable commitment, achieving 57% participation and raising an impressive $20,500. We extend our deepest gratitude to this year’s dedicated co-chairs: Justin Carroll and Keren Rosenblum, Jamie and Denise Shulman, Hannah Treuhaft and Marc Blackstein, Sandra Valle and Peter Mellman.
Rise & Shine Program
The impact of the Atid Fund is profound and farreaching. It not only strengthens PJA's long-term financial stability, but also directly empowers future students to access the transformative education that defines the PJA experience. We are immensely grateful to our past co-chairs and all the participating families whose generosity will ensure that future generations will benefit from an outstanding PJA education, just as their own children have. Their legacy of giving truly builds a brighter future for PJA.
This year, PJA is participating in the "Rise & Shine Program" - a generous matching program from an anonymous, national foundation. If PJA can raise just $9,000 more in eligible gifts by early December, the school will receive $25,000 in matching funds! Eligible gifts consist of gifts or pledges from new donors in the amount of $5,000 or more, or gifts or pledges from past donors in an amount that is at least 3x their largest gift in the last three years. If you think that you could help PJA succeed in securing this match, please contact Steve Albert at salbert@pjaproud.org.
Co-chairs Left to Right: Peter, Sandra, Hannah, Denise, Justin Not pictured: Keren, Jamie, Marc
Rooted in Community, Growing Every Day
PJA Kehillah at Work
The second half of the school year was filled with vibrance and connection as families across the school community came together in a multitude of ways. With a focus on inclusion and joy, spaces were created to engage all kinds of families across PJA.
From organizing heartfelt gestures during Teacher Appreciation Week to hosting ever-popular kibbitzes that bring parents together in casual, meaningful ways, the 2024-25 school year was rich with opportunities to connect. Class Reps played a key role in organizing Shabbat gatherings, class meet-ups, continued challah sales coordination, and spontaneous moments of class togetherness that continue to strengthen bonds between families.
Community celebrations and activities were abundant, with shared experiences like Winter Words Writing Workshop, Purim Mishloach Manot, PJA @ the Blazers, the launch of women’s Catchball, and the festive joy of Lag B’Omer. The annual end-of-year gathering at Gabriel Park was a joyful tradition to close out the school year in community.
Looking ahead, a multi-phase community art project will kick-off in late summer during the back-to-school picnic on August 24. Planning is underway for PJA Family Camp in September, and a fresh wave of parent programming (including a book/podcast group) is set to launch in the new school year, bringing even more opportunities for connection, celebration, and shared joy.
Celebrating our Graduates: PJA Class of 2025/5785
Mazal Tov PJA class of 2025! Every year, our graduates impress us with their words and creative endeavors at graduation and this year’s class was no exception. This fabulous group of 8th graders shared their hearts and reflections in diverse and creative ways through their words, painting, sculpture, writing, poetry, song, and video. They presented on their own and in groups, and showed their talents and individuality through their presentations. They left us all wowed as they expressed love and gratitude for their teachers, families, each other, and PJA as a kehillah that has helped raise them.
It has been a privilege watching these students grow up, some from infants and toddlers who started in our Early Childhood program, and others who joined us along the way. No matter when they started, they are a group of students who are all deeply embedded members of our PJA kehillah. They are engaged learners, wonderful leaders and friends to their younger kindergarten buddies, and they filled our halls with their joy and laughter.
The world needs the kindness and care that this group of graduates brings: the curiosity they exhibit, the action they take. Over these years they have learned to work together, making their learning richer, deeper and more robust. They will take this all with them, as they join new communities in high school and beyond.
As we send them off, we remind them also of the opportunity to turn to PJA as they continue to develop their passions to take action and do good in the world, and we encourage our graduates to access support through the Noam Stampfer Gemilut Chasadim Fund. This fund, named in honor and memory of PJA alumni parent and deeply committed community member, Noam Stampfer z”l, exists for the primary purpose of perpetuating good and important service work after students have graduated from PJA. We encourage students to access these funds established to support the continued need to do good in the world.
This group of graduates will be going on to a variety of high schools throughout Portland and beyond, ranging from local public schools, overseas adventures, and local independent schools. They are looking forward to immersing themselves in their high school experience, while taking with them the tools they were given at PJA to be capable, strong learners who can think for themselves and work for the world.
As a class and as individuals, these students embody the middot (values) of PJA of study, respect, responsibility, appreciation, identity, and community. May these middot continue to live and grow in all of our graduates as they leave our halls and move on to high school, and may they always be embraced by their communities as they have been at PJA.
We wish them and their families Mazal Tov and look forward to welcoming these new alumni back to our halls to share their high school adventures.
A Sweet Send-Off for Rosanne Levi
Auction Manager/Coordinator, Purchasing Agent + Admin. Assistant
Our beloved Rosanne Levi is retiring after 20 years as a member of our staff, and countless years prior to that as a parent and volunteer. Rosanne’s primary role has been as the Auction Coordinator both in her professional capacity and as a volunteer. Rosanne has also been the PJA office receptionist and, most recently, has taken on the role of Resource Room + Supply Coordinator.
Rosanne first came to PJA as the parent of Juliana and Tory, when Tory, her eldest, started preschool. After a few years she joined the board and, after both kids had graduated, she started working in the Development Department under former Executive Director, Lisa Horowitz. Rosanne’s role was primarily running the PJA Auction, along with a host of other development-related tasks such as database management. Her event prowess was in high demand as there was even a time that she subbed as Rentals + Events Manager at the MJCC to cover a colleague’s maternity leave. In 2010, Rosanne moved to the main office, where she juggled front office and auction duties. After the retirement of Rhona Jacobs, Rosanne added purchasing agent to her role, and has been doing triple duty for the past two years!
Rosanne is looking forward to spending more time with her children and grandchildren. She and her husband Al love visiting their son Tory and his family in Arizona, especially during the cold winter months in Portland. They also enjoy catching up with their daughter Juliana who is now living in Colorado. Also on Ro’s list are lunch dates and visits with friends (without watching the clock!), a lot of books to read and movies to catch up on.
Of course there are many, many memories of PJA auctions over the years, but one that stands out to Ro is the “year of the flood” when the gymnasium flooded and the whole operation had to be moved down to the PJA Lobby, Learning Commons, Beit Midrash and classrooms at the last minute. Another one that stands out was when she solicited an auction gift from a friend who owned a pet store. They offered to donate a puppy; naturally Rosanne and Al won it and went home with a new dachshund puppy who lived a long and happy 12 years with them!
Rosanne says she will miss the PJA community and her colleagues who have been willing to help whenever asked. In particular, she is deeply grateful for her wonderful auction colleague and friend, Mary Steinberg. Over the past 14 years, the two worked as a marvelous duo, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a phenomenal event, year after year.
We are so appreciative of Rosanne’s big heart and will miss her good cheer and supportive presence. We wish Rosanne well as she moves into this next phase of life. Go forth and enjoy Ro! PJA loves you!
Farewell to Mary Steinberg, Auction Assistant
Mary Steinberg is also “retiring” from her auction work. Mary first started volunteering at the 2005 auction when all three of her daughters were in the Early Childhood program. In 2009, Mary was hired to work on the auction, first as Auction Assistant, then as the Silent Auction Coordinator for the last few years. Some of Mary’s favorite auction themes were the “decades” including the 50’s, 70’s and 80’s. In fact, Mary said it was the 70’s theme that really inspired our community to start dressing up, which brought a new level of fun and excitement to our events. She was a whiz at maneuvering our auction software, procuring hundreds of items from local businesses, and spending hours getting all of the hundreds of items recorded correctly.
While Mary says she will miss the auction crew, this fall she is looking forward to spending more time relaxing at home as well as visiting one of her daughters in New York. We will miss having Mary’s expertise and positivity at PJA and are so grateful for the time and energy she devoted to ensuring dozens of successful auctions.
Rosanne Levi
Left to Right: Richard, Linda, Mary, Rosanne
Beyond the Classroom: PJA's Immersive East
Coast Educational Trip
For the second year in a row, PJA’s 8th graders headed to the East Coast for an eight-day trip full of adventure, fun, food and (of course) deep learning. With the everevolving security situation in Israel, it was decided early on in the year that the graduating class would instead go on an educational tour to Washington DC and New York City.
Students visited museums galore in DC, explored the historic streets of Old Town Alexandria, toured several memorials and Arlington National Cemetery. One afternoon they even met with Oregon Congresswoman, Suzanne Bonamici, in her office next to the US Capitol Building. For 8th grader Forrest, this was one of the highlights of the trip: “It was interesting to see where she works and what she does. I also appreciated getting to ask her questions.”
For Sequoia, the most memorable part of the trip was visiting the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. “I learned a lot there,” she said. “I took my time slowly and read every single caption. I had the strongest connection there because of my family, and it is so important to learn about.”
From DC, the 23 students and three chaperones took a bus to New York City where they were treated to a Broadway performance of Hamilton on their first night. In addition to walking tours of Hasidic Brooklyn, lower Manhattan, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, students sampled foods galore including pickles on the Lower East Side, pizza at John’s Pizzeria and plenty of bagels, of course. Students even participated in a hands-on bagel-making workshop, which was certainly a highlight for many, including Ayelet, who said, “The bagel workshop was cool. I learned a lot about the history of bagels and how you are actually supposed to make a bagel.”
Whether they were taking in the views atop the Empire State Building or reflecting on the African American experience at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, PJA students were curious, engaged, polite and overall excellent travelers. The chaperones reported that everyone had a fantastic time and that the students certainly made them #PJAPROUD.
Students Reflect on 8th Grade Capstone Projects
At PJA, every eighth grade student considers an issue that they are passionate about, and designs and runs a capstone service project, intended to address that issue through direct or indirect service, education or advocacy. They also write a formal research paper focused on the chosen issue, and finally deliver a capstone drash, a teaching about the work they did through the lens of Jewish text. The following are excerpts from several of our students’ drash presentations.
From Matan Carroll:
Matan held a dog food drive and a fundraiser for the Pongo Fund. He also educated students at PJA about the importance of caring for dogs whose owners are houseless.
This mitzvah, to feed one’s animals before oneself, might seem small, even routine. But it reflects a larger, essential Jewish value: chesed, lovingkindness. It reminds us that real kindness isn’t about grand, dramatic gestures. It lives in the everyday; in the quiet, consistent choices we make, like filling a food bowl or pausing to meet someone else’s needs before our own.
From Sam Olson:
Sam hosted a walk to raise awareness about public transportation access in Portland in conjunction with Portland Walks.
I think my project is very unique and there is a great text to connect it to, and that is Leviticus 19:14-18. This text is especially famous for its first line, one that shapes Judaism today, at least in my opinion: “You shall not insult the deaf, or place a stumbling block before the blind. You shall fear your God: I am Adonai.”
This also connects to my project, and what Oregon Walks and I are advocating for. Another big part of the text is, “You shall not render an unfair decision: do not favor the poor or show deference to the rich; judge your kin fairly.”
Although the poor struggle to even keep their roads looking like roads, rich neighborhoods in the hills are also often a little neglected, and minor roads can be out of shape. The goal is to make transportation easy, cheap, and accessible for everyone for a long period of time.
From Noam O’Glasser
Noam hosted a toy drive for Path Home during the holiday season.
As a result of this service project, I truly gained a huge amount of empathy for people who struggle with houselessness. It was a very humbling experience realizing just how meaningful these gifts were to them, given that we often take things like toys and games for granted. In the end, this project was exactly what my chosen text says to do, never to harden your heart; reach out and help others.
Of course, I also gained a lot of gratitude for many different things throughout this project.
From Ayelet Lake:
Ayelet held a bake sale to raise money to plant a tree for the residents of The Sunshine House. She did this in honor of her cousin Michaela.
I decided to raise money for an apple tree. It would be pretty, and the residents could harvest the apples every year. I held a bake sale to raise money for the tree. The bake sale overall went very well! We raised over $200. I had my friend Kai, my mom and my sister come on the Sunday before to help me bake! Unrelated to my capstone project, my parents had planned during spring break to go to Canada to visit my great aunt and uncle. And so while I was there, I gave the money for the tree to my uncle (the plan was to plant the tree, but it was snowing and too cold).
We are PJA proud of the great work our eighth grade students did!
Ayelet Lake and Siena Rabinovitz
PJA to LA: Tzedek America
7th Grade Trip
The 7th grade trip to Los Angeles goes beyond a typical travel adventure! In collaboration with Tzedek America, whose mission is to transform lives, strengthen Jewish identity, and change the world through immersive social justice experiences for youth ages 11-18, fifteen of our PJA 7th graders traveled to LA, along with chaperones Harriet Wingard, Larisa Lerner, and Shahar Eden from May 12-15. Their experience was unforgettable – not only because of meaningful content and a fast-paced itinerary –but because our students met the demands of the trip with their typical heart, curiosity, and empathy.
As they heard stories from a range of people, including formerly unhoused individuals, artists, activists, and community leaders, our students asked thoughtful questions, offered appreciation, and conveyed true curiosity. Highlights included inspiring stories from people like Meymuna Hussein-Cattan from Flavors from Afar (a culinary hub sharing global flavors and cultural exchange through meals crafted by former refugees and asylum seekers), artist-activist Hedy Torres, and Noah Reich and David Maldonado from Classroom of Compassion, (a Los Angeles-based floral and creative arts organization that works to create restorative and artistic spaces of compassion and love for people of all communities). A highlight for many of our students was the LA Arts District Graffiti, Mural, and Street Art Tour, led by local artists, Hector Calderon and Sergio.
And of course, there was plenty of fun – from cheering on Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts at Dodger Stadium to playing tourist on the Santa Monica Pier to finding delicious eats from some of LA’s best at Grand Central Market.
Following the trip, 7th graders reflected on their experiences through both writing and art. To the right is a poem written by Ezra Zeitzer, inspired by the graffiti, murals, and street art he learned about from Sergio.
Here’s to our amazing 7th graders! May this trip be just one of many experiences that helps shape our PJA Middle School students into compassionate, engaged citizens of the world.
Aerosol Art
By Ezra Zeitzer
It isn’t art, people say Walking By the colors
Words and symbols
Scrawled On the wall With aerosol
But I say Yeah, it’s art For sure
The hidden Meanings
Sliding and slashing Through Waves and layers Of color
It’s art all right
It’s Wildstyle Art
Curving and swerving Ducking and diving Imagination On a wall
Tags And flags
Nothing outcast
Definitely, it’s art
The Best Kinda art
Freestyles Nonstops And throwups
Poking fun And Making points
This, it’s art Made to be Seen
Sunset on the Santa Monica pier with PJA 7th graders and chaperones, Harriet, Larisa and Shahar
Alumni Updates from PJA Class of 2021
Mazal tov to the PJA Class of 2021 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!
Sunaina Arora graduated from St. Mary’s Academy. She is deeply committed to youth advocacy and volunteered with the Multnomah Youth Commission. Sunaina will be attending University of Puget Sound in the fall.
Nico Chapin graduated from Northwest Academy. In high school he pursued martial arts, drumming and theatre. Nico is heading to University College Utrecht in the Netherlands where he plans to study psychology, political science, and philosophy.
Saul Drucker graduated from Ida B. Wells High School where he was VP and President. He plans to work this summer to fund an exciting gap year trip to New Zealand. In Fall 2026, he’ll attend Colorado School of Mines as a Presidential Scholar, majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
Gloria Jin graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and will be attending Columbia University in the fall.
Dana Josephson graduated from Grant High School where she was in involved in theatre, the Jewish Student Union and BBYO. Dana is excited to head to the University of Oregon to major in Public Relations.
Gautam Josse graduated from PCC Early College. During high school he participated in KLS-YES to Indonesia for his junior year. He’s embarking on an exciting journey to Skidmore College (London First Year program) and is ready for new academic adventures.
Hannah Kornblit graduated from Ida B. Wells High School where she dedicated her time to choir and voice lessons. Hannah is excited to attend Oregon State University, where she plans to major in Psychology and minor in Criminal Justice.
Amitai Kosak graduated from Ida B. Wells High School and is heading to Loyola University Chicago.
Hannah Millkey graduated from Riverdale High School. She participated in soccer, tennis, and cross country, alongside Science Bowl, GSA, Maverick Club, and National Honors Society. Hannah will head to Colorado College where she plans to study pre-med with aspirations of becoming a Psychiatrist.
Maryn Moreau graduated from Pacific Crest Community School. She dedicated herself to volunteerism contributing over 468 hours. She is headed to Lewis & Clark College to pursue a pre-med track. She plans to major in Psychology and double minor in Health Studies and Neuroscience.
WeiLan Nathan graduated from Lincoln High School. During high school she participated in the Jewish Student Union, ASB Diversity Equity and Inclusion, tennis, volleyball, and basketball, alongside working at Providence Park. She will attend Tulane University, where she will study Business.
Leo Oller graduated with Honors from Benson Polytechnic High School. He is looking forward to his future in the automotive industry.
graduated from St. Mary's Academy. Gabi was a four-year varsity track and field athlete, a threeyear SMA Ambassador, and led the “Lead Like a Girl” program for two years. She’s ready for an exciting future at Washington University in St. Louis.
Parker Reitshtein graduated from Oregon City High School. Throughout high school, she was a dedicated member of the cheer team. She’s excited to head to Loyola University Chicago for her next academic chapter.
Nate Reynolds graduated from Ida B. Wells High School, and is ready for his next chapter at the University of Oregon. He’ll be diving into Computer Science, bringing his sharp skills to a new challenge.
Bella Robinson graduated from Ida B. Wells High School where she was a dedicated athlete, running varsity cross country and track, while also interning at Parkinson’s Resources, and serving as president of the Jewish Student Union. Bella will head to Chapman University to study Health Sciences in the Pre-med program.
Marko Ruzicka graduated from St. Mary’s Academy. They’re embarking on their next big adventure at West Virginia University.
Chris Ruzicka graduated from Riverdale High School where he was an active member of the Chess Club and played basketball. He also earned his third gold cup for his tenth year at the Piano Festival. Chris is is excited to major in Biology at the University of Oregon.
Sivan Safran graduated from Ida B. Wells High School where she served as co-president of the JSU and threw discus for the track team. Next year she will go on a Norwegian gap year program called Shvilim. Then, Sivan will attend the dual-degree program between The Jewish Theological Seminary and Barnard College.
Beren Sloan graduated as a Valedictorian from Benson Polytechnic High School. Beyond excelling academically, he honed his skills through three years in the ACE mentorship program. He’s headed to OSU Cascades - Honors College to major in Mechanical Engineering.
Jonathan Williams graduated from Ida B. Wells High School where he was involved in JSU, BBYO, Post 58, and the tennis team, demonstrating strong community engagement. He’s headed to the University of Oregon for his next exciting chapter.
Noah Zeitzer graduated as Valedictorian from Ida B. Wells High School. He participated in JSU, BBYO, and NCSY, alongside working at Rose Schnitzer Manor and completing the Tichon program at Neveh Shalom. He will attend Hofstra University, where he’ll major in Health Sciences and compete in D1 Track and XC.
Collage of Exciting Spring Happenings
PJA Celebrates Beth Rice, Song of Miriam Award Recipient
The Portland Jewish Academy community proudly celebrates PJA parent Beth Rice, who was honored with the Song of Miriam Award at this year's ceremony on June 1st at the MJCC. This annual event recognizes outstanding volunteers across Oregon's Jewish community, and Beth's dedication truly shines.
A tireless volunteer and devoted mom to Jameson and Sawyer, Beth's contributions to PJA are immense. Beyond her classroom support, she has passionately served as Kehillah co-chair for the past year, fostering a stronger sense of community. Her involvement spans from being a supportive class representative and enthusiastic PJA ambassador to her longstanding commitment as an auction volunteer (for at least five years!) and valuable participation in visioning work for the MJCC/PJA campus plan. As Kehillah co-chair, Beth has brought to life a refreshed staff room, spearheaded at least four vibrant community art projects, and orchestrated truly magnificent teacher appreciation weeks.
“Thank you so much, Beth, for all you do for PJA,” said Principal Merrill Hendin. "It was an honor to celebrate you with the Song of Miriam award.” Beth's quiet dedication and willingness to lend a hand in countless other ways make her an invaluable member of our PJA family. We are deeply grateful for her remarkable spirit and are honored to have her in our kehillah.
End-of-year Key Ceremony
Kindergarten Torah Creations
6th Grade Living Legacy
First Grade Siddur Ceremony
Third Grade Bridges Tour
Early Childhood Bug Exploration
B'Yachad (Better Together)
Yom Ivrit (Hebrew Day)
Beth with her proud family
PJA's Purim Unites
Our Community
PJA’s Purim celebration beautifully showcases our school’s commitment to fostering creativity, empowering student leadership, and strengthening our vibrant community. This joyful holiday serves as a platform for students to take charge, express themselves artistically, and build meaningful connections across grade levels.
We kicked off our festive Purim celebration with an imaginative and dynamic Purim Spiel inspired by Sesame Street—reimagined as Shushane Street. Our talented 5th grade students took the lead in every aspect of the production. They wrote, directed, and performed the spiel with enthusiasm and originality, while also managing all technical support. Their creativity, leadership, dramatic skills, and support for one another shone through in this spirited performance, bringing laughter and joy to our entire school community.
Middle School students achieved nearly 100% participation in our lively costume contest, showcasing their creative and playful spirit. Our mishpachot (multiage student groups) gathered to play games and exchange mishloach manot (festive Purim food baskets), deepening bonds across age groups and fostering a strong sense of community. Our 6th grade students took on the responsibility of designing and constructing carnival games that highlighted aspects of the Purim story and traditions. They then organized and led the carnival for the rest of the school, demonstrating both creativity and leadership in action.
Early Childhood students also embraced the holiday with enthusiasm, holding a delightful costume parade and designing small-scale carnivals within their classrooms. Their joyful participation added to the festive atmosphere, reminding us all of the pure delight that comes with celebrating Purim together.
A special, exuberant kol hakavod / well done to our incredible 5th grade students for their outstanding Purim Spiel, a true testament to their creativity and leadership. Toda raba / thank you to Rabbi Eve Posen for reading a segment of Megillat Esther for our community.
PJA Afterschool: Making Memories,
Building Community
As spring blossomed across Portland, the afterschool programs at Portland Jewish Academy were buzzing with energy! During PPS Spring Break and PJA Passover break, our afterschool programs offered vacation care packed with hands-on projects, outdoor play, and special themed days that kept students smiling and learning while school was out. Staff worked hard to create memorable experiences that felt both fun and restorative for all.
As the school year wound down, each of our afterschool sites prepared for a festive end-of-year celebration. Families were invited to join us for treats and a student showcase, to celebrate the creativity and accomplishments of our young artists.
During the last few weeks of school, all of our students had the opportunity to create their own zines and participate in a zine trade! For those unfamiliar, zines (short for “magazines” or “fanzines”) originated in the 1930s among science fiction fans, and flourished in the punk scenes of the 1970s and later with the riot grrrl movement of the 1990s, becoming a DIY form of self-expression and activism. Created outside of mainstream publishing, zines are typically handmade, photocopied booklets covering personal, or subcultural topics. Today, zine culture remains vibrant in libraries, art spaces, and online communities, celebrating creativity, resistance, and grassroots communication.
We’re also excited to test out a new summer camp being offered at Forest Park Elementary School! The program will extend PJA’s hallmark approach—blending joyful learning, and community-building—into the summer months, with enriching weekly themes and outdoor exploration. This summer we will be running camp for three weeks, and hope to extend the summer fun next year!
Wanna join the fun? Registration for the 2025–26 afterschool programs is now open! If you are interested in finding out more information, check out our website: pjaproud.org/afterschool or send us an email at afterschool@pjaproud.org.
Ask the Expert: Colleen Morrissey
PJA’s Director of Student Support K-8
With helpful input from Stephanie Wagner, 1st grade general studies teacher and Lucy Leo, 2nd grade general studies teacher
How can I prevent the “summer slide” for my elementary-aged child?
As the final school carpool happens and backpacks are tossed aside, summer beckons with its long, lazy days. While a break from the classroom is well-earned, it’s important to remember that academic skills can slip during these months, a phenomenon known as the “summer slide.” The good news? You don’t need to fill your child’s summer with worksheets to prevent it. In fact, some of the best learning tools might already be on your game shelf, in your kitchen, or even right outside your front door. Here are a few engaging, screen-light ways to keep elementary-aged kids learning all summer long, without turning your living room into a classroom.
Board Games: Build Strategy and Math Skills
Classic board games are more than just rainy-day fun; they’re brain workouts in disguise AND offer an opportunity for quality family time. Consider scheduling a weekly family game night.
• Math & Money Skills: Games like Monopoly Junior or The Game of Life introduce kids to budgeting, counting, and even basic economics.
• Reading & Vocabulary: Scrabble and Boggle help build spelling and vocabulary. For older kids, consider doing the daily Wordle together.
• Critical Thinking: Strategy-based games like Clue or Catan Junior develop problemsolving and decision-making skills. Sorry is an accessible option for the younger learners.
Card Games: Quick, Portable Learning
A simple deck of cards can unlock dozens of games that build essential skills. Pack a deck in your beach bag or road-trip kit. Card games are a perfect on-the-go learning tool.
• Number Sense: Uno and Go Fish reinforce number recognition, sequencing, and matching. Try War for greater-than/less-than concepts. Blackjack/21 is an option for kids who need practice with addition and subtraction.
• Memory & Logic: Concentration (a.k.a. Memory) sharpens focus and pattern recognition.
• Social-Emotional Skills: Taking turns, winning gracefully, and dealing with setbacks, all valuable life lessons, tucked into a 52-card deck.
Cooking & Baking: Try the tastiest way to learn measuring, mixing, and reading recipes. Cooking and baking improves math, science, and reading comprehension. Invite your child to be your sous chef once or twice a week. Bonus: they’re more likely to try new foods if they help make them.
• Math & Fractions: Doubling or halving a recipe gives kids hands-on experience with fractions and multiplication.
• Reading & Sequencing: Picking a recipe, writing a shopping list, following the recipe from start to finish helps children understand and practice organizing information and following directions.
• Science & Curiosity: Watching yeast rise or cookies brown in the oven can spark questions about chemistry and states of matter.
Travel
If you have vacations planned, this is a fabulous opportunity to incorporate some additional learning.
• Writing: Send postcards or letters to family or friends. Think about how excited grandma will be to get a letter from their grandchild!
• Writing, organization, communication: Have your child create a summer journal or travelogue. Depending on their age, your child can draw or write about their day. This can be especially engaging if it’s a travel journal or scrapbook with drawings, maps, photos, and descriptions.
Go Outside
There is plenty to learn by simply going outside and taking a mindful walk in nature.
• Scientific Inquiry: As you walk, talk about what you see, hear, smell, and wonder.
• Self-regulation: Nature walks can also teach kids a simple way to regulate their nervous systems through deep breaths and quiet observation.
Summer learning doesn’t have to mean sitting down with workbooks. With a little creativity, everyday activities can become opportunities for growth. By incorporating games, cooking, and everyday fun into your weekly routine, you’re not just fighting summer learning loss, you’re modeling and fostering a love of learning that lasts all year.
PJA Students Commemorate and Celebrate Yom
HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom HaAtzmaut
In the spring, PJA students and faculty engaged in a meaningful journey through three significant days on the modern Jewish calendar: Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom HaAtzmaut. Each offered opportunities for remembrance, reflection, and celebration.
We began this period with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, focusing on themes of memory, resilience, and courage. Students connected with history through an activity based on Benno and the Night of Broken Glass, engaging in a heartfelt, age-appropriate exploration of the Holocaust. Our middle school community was honored to welcome Sonia Liberman, who courageously shared her personal story of survival during our Yom HaShoah commemoration led by the 8th grade students.
We then shifted into Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, where students in grades 4 - 8 participated in a
respectful and age-appropriate ceremony led by our 7th graders. The gathering offered a space to reflect on the deep connections between loss, memory, and identity.
Our commemorations culminated with Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, on May 1st. The day began with an all-school assembly filled with Israeli music, singing, and dancing. Students participated in a lively “Tour of Israel” hosted by our excellent tour guides - the 7th graders. The interactive stations highlighted Israeli geography, culture, and history.
Throughout the week, Hebrew and Jewish Studies classes extended the learning with critical questions and thought-provoking inquiries to deepen students’ understanding of Jewish identity, connection to Israel, and the power of place and memory.
Mosaics in the PJA Art Studio!
This spring several students in grades 3 through 8 explored the art of mosaics. Mosaics require a multi-step process of designing, gluing, and grouting, requiring student artists to exercise patience, persistence, and attention to detail. Many noted that the extra time commitment made the final results all the more gratifying. "It’s truly a privilege,” says art teacher Alisa Scudamore, “to teach art at PJA where the arts are valued and students can explore their creative voices in various ways.”
Early Childhood: Nurturing Growth, Fostering Discovery
Spring at PJA was a season of incredible growth and discovery in our Early Childhood classrooms. Children immersed themselves in the wonders of the natural world, learning about plants, flowers, seeds, and the full cycle of life. Our gardens buzzed with tiny hands planting seeds and tenderly caring for new sprouts.
Beyond the garden beds, our playgrounds became living laboratories. Children discovered cinnabar moths, and their gentle curiosity extended to all creatures, big and small. It was truly inspiring to see brave and gentle children pick up bugs and worms, encouraging their peers to overcome their apprehension and explore alongside them.
The outdoor classroom continued to be a hub of exploration and experimentation. The recent spring rains provided endless opportunities for mixing and concocting with collected rainwater, while our youngest learners delighted in the water tables. These weren't just for filling and dumping; they became stages for developing balance and coordination as infants explored standing and reaching. Our infants also ventured across campus, even waving to swimmers in the J's pool!
Community & Connection
Teacher Appreciation Week was a tremendous success, thanks to our incredibly generous families and loving children. Teachers felt truly cherished with an outpouring of cards, flowers, meals, treats, and gifts. We are so grateful for the warmth and support of our community. We also celebrated Early Childhood Kabbalat Shabbat with fantastic family turnouts. Songleader Justin Carroll brought joyful energy, inspiring children to sing and dance together. These special gatherings foster a wonderful sense of community as siblings connect and classes take turns leading the Shabbat blessings.
We're thrilled to share that several new babies have been born to currently enrolled families! We eagerly anticipate welcoming these newborns into our program this fall.
Weaving Our Story
In the art studio, children have been immersed in the beautiful process of weaving. This act of interweaving threads mirrors how each child's unique experiences and gifts come together to create a vibrant and colorful community. Just like the yarn, every individual contributes to the rich tapestry of our program.
The school year has been filled with immense growth and development for all our children. We wish all our families a safe and wonderful summer break!
In Grant News
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
Support PJA today!
Steve Albert
Richard Boyd
Angelica Evans
Becky Ewer
Sarah Glass
Arielle Goranson
Merrill Hendin
Lisa Katon
Amy Katz
Kim Krikorian
Carly Landau
Lucy Leo
Rosanne Levi
Colleen Morrissey
Liz Phillips
Lexie Quandt
Elizabeth Rice
Eden Samiee
Karen Sapoznikow
Alisa Scudamore
Mary Steinberg
Stephanie Wagner
Harriet Wingard
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 Applebaum
Gloria Bacharach z"l*
Alan Bacharach*
Richard Barker and Kelly Portnoff-Barker
Stacy Barna
Jackie & Stuart Barthold*
Barry and Karla Benson
Gregory Bishop and Sharon Klin*
Lynn Bonner*
Donna and Dick z"l Brownstein*
Stanley Davis*
Marlene Davis z"l*
Julie Diamond z"l
Esther Dickstein
Edith Dorsen
Robert Erlich z"l
Becky and Greg Ewer
Eleanor Fisher 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*
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*
Jeffrey Menashe and Wendy Gutmann*
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*
Make a Lasting Impact
For more information about PJA's Dor L'Dor Society, contact Steve Albert at: salbert@pjaproud.org or call 503.535.3592.
Jack & Clara Paige Family Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation
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 and Robert Sacks*
Jerry and Bunny Sadis
Stephen and Becky 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 & Diane Zidell
*Denotes Founding Members of the Dor L'Dor Society
It is hard to believe that it has been five years since our son, Eli, graduated from PJA in June 2020. His PJA education began in Transitional Kindergarten and the opportunities, culture, and nurturing yet challenging environment the school provided him has fundamentally contributed to who he is today. He is an independent and inquisitive thinker as well as a thoughtful and empathetic individual. He is a mensch. PJA provided him with a solid foundation for high school, which in turn prepared him for college. His classmates from PJA are still at the forefront in his life and serve as a lodestar as he navigates both opportunities and challenges.
For us, including Portland Jewish Academy in our estate plan was an obvious and heartfelt decision. We are infinitely grateful to PJA’s teachers, administration, and staff for being our partners in Eli’s education and growth. We want to do our part to help ensure that PJA thrives and continues to provide such an outstanding educational experience for future generations.
Gail Mandel and Steve Klein Proud PJA alumni parents
Portland Jewish Academy
Schnitzer Family Campus
6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219
P: 503.244.0126 | F: 503.245.4233 | pjaproud.org
CALENDAR: pjaproud.org/calendar
Sept. 23-24: Rosh Hashanah Sept. 26-28: PJA Family Camp Oct. 2: Yom Kippur
Aug. 26: First Day of School for Day School
Aug. 25: First Day of School for Early Childhood
Jason Zidell
Sandra Valle
Danelle Romain
Michelle Kashinsky
Martha Izenson
Chris Hathaway
Arielle Goranson
Nicole Frisch
Eric Brickenstein
Jules Bailey
Naomi Harwin | Secretary
Nate Smith | Treasurer
John Emshwiller | Vice President
David Solondz | President-Elect
Nadine Gartner | President
of Directors
We are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and our community for their support of PJA. jewishportland.org 2025-26 Board