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TASTE OF TEMPLE MLK, JR. SERVICE

MITZVAH DAY

BROTHERHOOD/ SUKKOT IT’S LIKE, TOTALLY TEMPLE

3 1 0 2 t a k A look bac ADULT EDUCATION/SISTERHOOD

BETTER THAN BROADWAY

L’TAKEN PRESCHOOL

Bulletin December 2013 Kislev-Tevet 5774 Vol. 63, No. 3

SISTERHOOD

Established 1858

DALAI LAMA

SHABBAT ON THE PLAZA

December 2013

FAMILY BARN DANCE

PURIM SCHPIEL

B’not Mitzvah

Adult Education Adult Education Presents:

Jada Taylor Barbon Jada Barbon will become Bat Mitzvah on December 7, 2013. She is the daughter of Robyn and Tony Barbon and the younger sister of Maya. Jada attends Stoller Middle School in the Beaverton District. For her Mitzvah Project, she has chosen to work with Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in Portland, a place where complex medical care is blended with a peaceful environment built for children and their families. The goal of Jada’s project is to put a smile on the faces of children who are in the hospital long-term. She knows how lonely it can be as a patient in the hospital and how much it means to receive cards from people thinking about you. She is working in the art room with some of the religious school students to make get well cards for the long-term patients and those who don’t have a lot of family and community support, so they will know people are always thinking of them and wanting them to get better. She’s also organizing a donation drive for the patients, collecting toys and books for them to play with while they are in the hospital. To learn more, visit www.legacyhealth.org/locations/hospitals/ randall-childrens-hospital-at-legacy-emanuel.aspx

Thirty-Six Yiddish Phrases Everyone Should Know Sunday, December 8, 10:00 AM Pollin Chapel Speaker: Eric Kimmel Are you a schlemiel or a schlemazel? Come join storyteller and overall mensch Eric Kimmel as he dispenses a bisl (little bit) of Yiddish, the mame loshen of Eastern European Jews, the Lower East Side and every comic to grace the Catskills. Eric will use well-known Yiddish words and phrases as a springboard to stories of our yiddishkeit heritage. No schlepping required.

Havdalah and a Movie: Crossing Delancey Saturday, December 21 Dinner at 6:00 PM; Movie at 7:00 PM Miller Room Speaker: David Fuks, CEO of Cedar Sinai Park and beloved local comedian

Emma George Freedman Emma Freedman will become Bat Mitzvah during the 5:00 PM. Havdalah service on December 21, 2013. She is the daughter of Howard and Susan Freedman and the older sister of Max. Emma is a student at DaVinci Arts Middle School in NE Portland. She is working with Community Transitional School on her Mitzvah Project to collect muchneeded items for the agency, which provides important educational and support services to children aged 5-14 who are homeless, in transition, and/or experiencing chronic poverty-related crises. Over a three-month period, Emma has spearheaded a series of drives to collect school and art supplies, clothing, and personal hygiene items that are so crucial to these at-risk youth. To find out how you can help support Emma’s project, visit www.transitionalschool.org.

CBI Book Group

Crossing Delancey is a classic romantic comedy starring Amy Irving and Peter Riegert. Can an independent, contemporary woman find happiness with with a guy who sells pickles? The dinner begins at 6:00 PM and is optional. It will be a Jewish Deli menu. Dinner reservations are $15 each. RSVP to Tracy in the CBI office. Your payment is your reservation. We will also have a pickle tasting – please bring your favorite pickles to share.

Camp Kalsman News My name is Bobbie Goldstein, and I was appointed a Camp Kalsman Commissioner last June to represent the Portland area and especially CBI Families!

Please join our book group each month for a morning of pleasant literary discussion. There is no need to sign up.

I attended Jewish Camps for eight years and established and directed a large synagogue-based preschool for twenty-five years. I was instrumental in providing bus transportation for next summer and heard Sarah Moody’s outstanding Camp Presentation to our families on November 3rd. I frequently participate in Camp Commission Meetings held at Camp and in Seattle.

December’s selection is: The Invisible Wall: A Love Story that Broke Barriers by Harry Bernstein.

Part of my role is to support and encourage you as parents, as you make the decision to provide your children with a life-long memorable Jewish camp experience!

Sunday, December 8, 9:00 AM Herbert & Shirley Semler Board Room

For January, we will read The Tin Horse: A Novel by Janice Steinberg.

Registration is in progress! Visit Camp Kalsman’s website, www.kalsman.urjcamps.org, for exciting information. The Foundation for Jewish Campers offers scholarships to firsttime campers, and Ben Sandler and Sydney Baer will be happy to address scholarship questions and availability. I can be reached at (310) 923-2254. Fondly, Bobbie

2

Congregation Beth Israel

Our Leadership Musical Musings

Engagement and Collaboration

By Ida Rae Cahana Senior Cantor On November 2, Rabbi Cahana and I had a unique opportunity to take Congregation Beth Israel “on the road.” We travelled to Bend to officiate for one of our congregant family’s Bar Mitzvah celebration. The Glickman family lives there, but a deep part of their connection to the Jewish community is rooted here through their family’s long history with Temple. As part of the morning service, held in a church where the local congregation of Beth Tikvah prays each Shabbat, we experienced an extraordinary confluence of community appreciation and warmth, from the new rabbi, Johanna Hershenson, to the “regulars” from her community, the participation of Rabbi Rose, the out of town family and friends, and even the church’s audio coordinator who wished us “Blessings and a good Sabbath.” Musician friends of the family participated in the service with me, the amazing violinist Aaron Meyer, and the equally remarkable guitarist Tim Ellis. Both of them are new to playing Jewish music and dug into the 40+ pages of liturgical settings with appreciation and gusto. When the service ended, the three of us talked about continuing to collaborate in some fashion. It was clear that this prayer experience and music had moved them. On Thursday, June 12, 2014 from 6:30-7:30 PM, Aaron and Tim will join us for an informal “Music Under the Dome” concert which you will not want to miss! In his book, “The Lord’s Song in a Strange Land,” Rabbi Jeffrey Summit makes the point that the musical style of a congregation is an expression of the core meaning of that particular sacred community. As we continue to work towards an ever more connected and inspired membership here at CBI, the power of music is central in all of our efforts. Expanding the participation in music during all of our services, from songs we can all sing to incorporating gifted musicians within our ranks, is a part of this essential value: to make participation in the life of the synagogue a joyful and deep experience. As I write this, I am planning for a recording session at the home/recording studio of Michael Allen Harrison. Michael has been generously sharing his wonderful talent and heart once a month as he plays for our “Shir Shabbat,” our celebratory music service. He is also the producer for a new recording of Friday night music of prayer, made possible by the Nettie Director Library Book Endowment Fund, which we hope to have finished by the first of the secular new year: a gift for our entire congregation. Included on this recording are other terrific musicians from our temple including cellist Irving Levin, bass player Ben Sandler, saxophonist Stacy Friedman, accordion player Fred Cirillo, percussionist Arthur Steinhorn, guitar players and vocalists Beth Hamon and Kim Palumbis, and our own Michael Barnes and Michael Allen Harrison on piano. It is a huge but very worthwhile effort, and we are all excited to share some of the great music you hear on Shabbat evenings as a CD recording that you can listen to, learn the melodies and words, and make these prayers and settings a part of your life. You’ll be hearing soon about how to get your own complimentary copy of this new Temple CD. I hope that you don’t stop there. Call or write to me if you or others you know of in our community love to sing and/or play instruments. The hidden (and not-so-hidden) talent here at CBI is widespread, but like Aaron Meyer and Michael Allen Harrison, you may not have thought of using your gifts as a way of serving the synagogue. I invite you to be my partner in creating everwidening circles of personal and musical Jewish connection. We don’t have to go “on tour” – our beautiful music is right here. What a joyful noise we will make together!

By Sydney A. Baer Executive Director Last month, I attended the National Association for Temple Administration’s (NATA) national conference for Temple Executive Directors in Dallas, TX. Everything is bigger in Dallas. The largest Reform congregation, Temple Emanu-El, has an 18 acre campus and 130,000 square feet of buildings with a plethora of parking. Still, there is no place like home. They have an amazing campus, but we still have the most magnificent sanctuary. This year’s theme was collaboration and engagement. We are all looking for ways to help our congregants connect and be more engaged. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the URJ, was one of our speakers, leading an inspiring workshop on collaboration. He thanked us for being the original collaborators, with our reputation for generously sharing information with our colleagues, as well as for our work with clergy, staff, lay-leaders, and our congregants. Many spoke of Ron Wolfson’s book, Relational Judaism: Using the Power of Relations to Transform the Jewish Community. I’m thrilled for those attending the URJ Biennial this year, as the collaborations and conversations will continue. One of my goals was to seek fun and innovative friendraising, fund-raising, and engaging programming to bring back to CBI. While I didn’t teach any of the workshops this year, both our Better Than Broadway and Taste of Temple programs intrigued many and could have been a workshop based on the requests for templates and “howto” information. The workshops and break-out groups are always informative, but the best information comes from the conversations over meals and in the hallways. We all stay up way too late sharing information and stories! As I have noted over the years, the professionalism, the generous sharing of information, and the camaraderie of my colleagues is unprecedented. I have been a member of NATA for 13 years, and I have served on the board for six. I have also served on many of the committees, been a liaison to the URJ’s Religious Action Center and the Commission on Social Action, and served as co-chair of several conferences. It has been a most rewarding experience. This year, I received the ultimate compliment from my colleagues (whom I lovingly call my “peeps”): receiving the Service to NATA Award for my involvement with membership, mentoring, and community building within NATA. I was very surprised and honored. When I look at the honorees that have come before me, it is humbling. This beautiful award sits with the photos of my family in my office. I’m back, feeling inspired and rejuvenated. Now if we could just have their parking lot!

Cantor Ida Rae Cahana

December 2013

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Developing CBI How do you measure success? by Jenat Levison Feldman Development Director Having completed Better Than Broadway, I ask myself (as I do at the of end each event), “Were we successful?” My answer is always the same; success is measured in several ways: • Did we attract the guests that the event targeted? • Did the number of guests match what was intended? • Did the guests enjoy the event, and are they pleased they attended? • D  id we net the financial goal, and was there positive response to the way in which the money was raised? • D  id the chairs and committee members enjoy their experience planning and executing the event, AND are there people who want to be a part of a planning committee for the next time?

I am proud to report a definite yes to all of the questions above; Better Than Broadway was a resounding success. Feedback from the more than 200 guests has been extremely positive. Guests loved the look and feel of the venue, were stimulated by the energy, and were entertained by the creative and thought-provoking performance. Our elegant and memorable evening netted $140,000, an amount that far exceeded our goal. My intention is not to sugarcoat the challenges and pressure that chairs and their committees face when planning a major event. My intention is to continually thank those who put their passion for CBI into making certain our fundraisers provide something for every guest. I remain convinced that those who get involved do so because they are committed to CBI and understand that funds raised contribute greatly to CBI’s wonderful programs. In the November bulletin, we publicly recognized all those who were involved in the Better Than Broadway event. In this bulletin, we want to list all those generous supporters who, since July 1, 2013, have given an additional meaningful contribution to help us move towards the $200,000 Development Department fundraising goal. Whether through a donation to the Every Family Initiative, a pledge to the Mitzvah Moment appeal, an enhanced annual contribution, or any other initiative, your donation is greatly appreciated and truly matters.

Thank you... Michael Adler and Molly Newcomer Jay and Suzanne Albert George and Sharon Alexander Marc and Tracy Alifanz Dave and Anita August Bill and Sydney Baer Jonathan and Bonnie Barg Mac and Sarah Barr Lester and Heather Baskin Michael and Rosalie Baskin David and Ruth Bath Len and Betsy Bergstein Andrew Berlinberg and Ellen Raim Richard Berman Les and Ellen Bick Margaret Bird Mel Birge and Janet Morgan Herb Black Bruce Blank Gerel Blauer George Bodner Lynn Bonner Darin Briskman and Vickie Gray Marina and Bill Brown Donna Brownstein Debra and Kim Burchiel Barry and Vicki Burstein Howard and Raquel Byer Rabbi Michael and Cantor Ida Rae Cahana Lance and Debbie Caldwell Connie Cambreleng Asher and Grace Cantor Barry and Barbara Caplan Bernard Caplan Bob and Patty Chestler

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Stuart and Mandi Chestler David Cohen and Lee Anna Jones Ilaine Cohen Kenny and Rhonda Cohen Margery Cohn and Marvin Richmond Louis Feldman and Risa Colton-Feldman Marge Congress & Evi Pazmanczyk Will and Melanie Dann Jim and Ilene Davidson Andrea Davis Julie Diamond Richard Dobrow Lou and Kathleen Doctor David Rabbino and Elizabeth Domagalski David and Aaron Douglas Ned Duhnkrack and James Monteith Barbara Durkheimer and Gary Larsen Bunny Edelson John and Sarah Epstein Tom Cull and Julia Epstein Lee and Robin Feidelson Howard and Jen Feldman Laurie Forrest Andrew Frank and Sally Rosenfeld Elizabeth Friedenwald Eric and Rebecca Friedenwald-Fishman Stacy and Sharon Friedman Sue Friedman Ed and Ann Galen Morrie Galen Bill and Bev Galen Zanley and Claire Galton Judah and Alison Garfinkle Stanley and Adrienne Geffen Richard and Leslie Geller

Congregation Beth Israel

Tom and Linda Georges Rick and Marilyn Gilbert Leonard and Yvonne Gionet Paul and Mimi Goldman Lewis Barr and Ann Goldsmith Barr Mark and Lauren Goldstein David and Tiffany Goldwyn Doug and Lila Goodman Greg Goodman and Susan Schnitzer Mark and Christi Goodman Alix and Tom Goodman Susan Graber and Bill June Steven and Michelle Gradow Gordon and Meryl Haber Rachel Halupowski Irv and Gail Handelman Rony Fintzy and Linda Harrison-Fintzy Craig Hartzman and James John Margaret Hasson Gary and Joyce Hoffman Janet Hoffman and John Harland Tom and Cynthia Hofmann Irwin and Renee Holzman William and Dana Hunt Ben and Janice Isenberg Morris and Gerry Jackson Paige Jackson Ken and Karen Janoff Rabbi Rachel and Gabe Joseph Rabbi Sam and Dori Joseph Art and Sylvia Kaplan Jim and Rhonda Kennedy Scott Howard and Lucy Kivel Mikhail Kozlov Don and Judy Kramer

L’Dor V’Dor From Generation to Generation Jean Krosner Paul and Lee Labby Moshe Lenske Jerry and Evelyn Leshgold Irv Levin and Stephanie Fowler Ron and Shelly Levy Dave and Deborah Lewinsohn Carol Lewis Kathleen Lewis Ken and Colleen Lewis Scott Lewis and Laura Rose-Lewis Jonathan and Marilyn Lindner David Lipman Stan and Joyce Loeb Ralph and Bobbi London Dick and Harriet Maizels Howard and Robin Marcus Phillip Margolin Judy Margolis Milt and Lynn Marks Chip Kosboth and Robin McAlpine Fred Cirillo and Sharon Meieran Joe and Joanne Menashe Jordan Menashe Ruben and Elizabeth Menashe Page and Lynn Mesher Barney and Susan Milstein Darren and Jill Mitchell Roscoe Nelson III and Debra Harrison Maddie Nelson and Jim Lafky Ted Nelson and Curt Shaffstall Patricia Neuberger Robert Neuberger Mark New Janice Newmark Jeanne Newmark Ken and Debby Novack Avrel Nudelman Andy Olshin and Rebecca Mischel Dan and Tracy Oseran Henry and Nancy Oseran Robert and Leslie Peltz

Mark and Judith Peterman Rita and Robert Philip Allan and Marney Pike Steven Pike and Allison Sneider Pike Ruth Polay Harold and Jane Pollin Phil and Dorothy Reiter Jim and Michael Richman Stephen and Leslie Robinson Rabbi Emanuel and Lorraine Rose Tarah Rose James Rosenbaum and Sandra Lewis Robert and Joan Rosenbaum David and Diane Rosencrantz Alan and Eve Rosenfeld Eric and Tiffany Rosenfeld Rosemarie Rosenfeld Warren Rosenfeld and Sheryl Langerman John and Marti Rosenthal Ted and Davia Rubenstein Eleanore Rubinstein Rick and Jill Rubinstein Dick and Deanne Rubinstein Rose Rustin Babak and Caroline Sabi Jerry and Bunny Sadis Ken and Loree Sakai Michael and Linda Salinsky Ruth Saltzman Faye Samuels Ben Sandler and Lolly Jamerson David and Lisa Sarasohn Elaine Savinar Cantor Judith and David Schiff Merrill Schneider Arlene Schnitzer Dori Schnitzer Lois Schnitzer Thelma Schnitzer Joel and Sandra Seres Lynda Shapiro Ralph and Ellie Shaw

Curt and Kathy Sheinin Ruth Sheinin and Tom Barnett Jeffrey Whalen and Stephanie Siegel Ron and Sheila Silver Michael Simon and Suzanne Bonamici Richard and Lori Singer Jill Slansky Rodger Sleven and Marcella Flores Richard Solomon and Alyce Flitcraft Les and Martha Soltesz Bruce Spiegel Don Spiegel and Deborah Davis-Spiegel Tom and Mardi Spitzer Harley and Robyn Spring Irvin and Sabrina Stein Arthur Steinhorn Les Gutfreund and Eve Stern Jerome and Helen Stern Lynn Tobias and Chet Edwards Robert Tobias Brad and Michelle Tonkin Cheryl Tonkin Edward Tonkin Rena Tonkin Ron and Marcy Tonkin Bill and JoAnne Treuhaft Tony and Bianca Urdes Michael Goldman and Jane Vereschagin Jordan and Gina Wand Jason and Shonda Waxman Marlene Weil-Perez & Sharon Weil Michael Weiner and Kathy Davis-Weiner Stuart and Marcia Weiss Jeff and Jen Weprin Mark Larsen and Wendy Westerwelle Jon and Amie Wexler Jeff and Lynn Wolfstone Tammy and Philip Yasher Alan and Janet Zell Martin and Beverly Zell Charlene Zidell Herman and Vicki Zimmerman

Give Us Your Best Shot! We want to see what Beth Israel looks like season by season through your eyes and camera lens. Are you most inspired by the sight of the Temple’s glowing bricks against a pure blue summer sky or when a light dusting of snow gently caps the dome? Perhaps you like watching spring’s green buds burst forth, making the Temple play a game of peekaboo as the leaves fill in…or you’re awed by the reappearance of the building when fall’s winds denude the graceful trees of their foliage. However you most enjoy the Temple, we invite you to capture the timeless beauty of our majestic sanctuary and campus grounds in pictures and share your vision with us. From the humblest cell phone camera to the most elaborate photographic equipment, from dazzling processing skills to the simplest of angles, show us how you see Beth Israel. Take pictures and send them to us at jemi@bethisrael-pdx.org (jpg format preferred). We’ll feature selections throughout the year with the project culminating in a slideshow at the 156th Annual Meeting on May 16, 2014. And yes, you will receive photo credit for any images used. Questions? Feel free to contact Jemi Kostiner Mansfield: 503-222-1069 or jemi@bethisrael-pdx.org.

December 2013

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Upcoming Events Congregational Trip to NYC

Christmas Day Meals on Wheels Deliveries

Informational Meeting

Wednesday, December 25, 10:00 AM CBI

Tuesday, December 10, 5:30 PM Pollin Chapel Rabbi Cahana, Cantor Cahana, and the Adult Education Committee invite you on an unforgettable trip to Jewish New York from May 7-12, 2014. To learn more, come to the informational meeting on December 10.

On Christmas Day, we are again delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors. Drivers assemble at Temple Beth Israel at 10:00 AM. The routes are close-in SW and NW, as well as in the downtown area. To sign up, please contact Temple at (503) 222-1069 or Alan Rosenfeld at alrosey@aol.com or (503) 226-5990. Prompt response is necessary, because background checks are required by the Oregon Health Authority. Alan can give you information on the procedure.

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Soup at our Shabbat Potluck Dinner Friday, December 20, 6:00 PM Pollin Chapel/Blumauer Auditorium Join us on Friday, December 20 (Erev Winter Solstice) for a cozy evening of music, food and friendship… and to mark the shortest day of the year we are spreading out our Shabbat evening as long as we can. Shir Shabbat services will be held at 6:00 PM in Pollin Chapel, followed by a casual potluck dinner in Blumauer Auditorium featuring soups, salads, and yummy breads. Beth Israel will provide a variety of hearty soups and breads plus non-alcoholic beverages. We invite you to bring salads, sides, and desserts to share with your CBI family. Wine and/or beer? Be our guests to BYOB. An online sign-up sheet is available at www.signupgenius.com/ go/70A0F4CAAAB22A20-shabbat to ensure we don’t have too many repeat dishes. While there is no charge for this dinner, we do request an RSVP so we can adequately plan. Please contact Tracy in the main Temple office at (503) 222-1069 or tracy@bethisrael-pdx.org.

Eighth Annual Weekend in Quest A Shabbaton of study and fun at the beautiful Oregon Coast Feb. 28 - March 2, 2014 Astoria, Oregon Presented by the Institute for Judaic Studies, this year’s topic is “Go West, Young Mensch!” Dr. Ellen Eisenberg of Willamette University will be speaking. For more information, visit www.weekendinquest.org or contact Mimi Epstein at mimiepstein42@comcast.net or (503) 203-2671. Congregation Beth Israel is a co-sponsor of this event.

L’Dor V’Dor From Generation to Generation Mazel Tov to

Condolences to

Matt and Allie Neidich on the birth of their daughter, Lillian Ruth Neidich, on October 13, 2013.

Patt and Steve Bilow on the death of her father, Harrel Crabb, on October 22 in Texas.

Norman and Sherry Eder and Clarice Eder on the naming of their granddaughter/great-granddaughter Lucy Wolfstone Eder at the November 15th Shir Shabbat Service. Lucy was born on September 9, 2012. She is the daughter of David and Sara Eder and younger sister of Sam. Lucy’s other grandparents are Ann and Steve Hunter from Minnesota, and she has three more great-grandmothers: Clarice Wolfstone (Seattle), Thelma Hunter (Minnesota), and Elaine Buhr (Wisconsin).

Helen Gould and family on the death of her father, Matthew Gould, on November 3 in Mandeville, LA.

May they grow in wisdom and be a source of strength to their families and all humankind.

Annual contribution dues payments should be mailed early in the month to ensure they are received at CBI by the December 31st deadline to permit the tax deduction for charitable donations in 2013.

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Congregation Beth Israel

Sisterhood for me personally having grown up with Beth Israel and watching my own children follow the same path I did (not so) many years ago. Thanks to: Lynn Gelber, Beth Israel Sisterhood Programming Chair; Deborah Kaplan, Early Childhood Education Director; Rabbi Rachel Joseph; and all the parents (and grandparents!) of the wonderful children who came to enjoy breakfast, crafts, and conversations with your Sisterhood.

Holiday Party for Seniors in Need Thursday, December 5, 11:00 AM We are again helping with a holiday party for the seniors at the Loaves and Fishes center on NW Irving Street. Several CBI members volunteer at this location. The party will be held on December 5th at 11:00 AM. We could really use a few more volunteers to help with the party, as well as donations of items for the seniors. Terri Warren, who is leading this project, says, “Used clothes in good shape are welcome, especially large sizes. But what I would really love are new socks and underwear for men and women, books, reading glasses from the dollar store, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, floss, and anything else great from the dollar store. We can also use some tarps and hats and gloves for our elders who live outside. We can always use inexpensive towels; used shoes are always good. These are people with very little. We will be gathering on the evening before at the kitchen to make certain everything is labeled and hung up or folded on tables.” We need volunteers on the day of the party to stand at the tables and help people with sizes and also help to keep some people from taking way more than their portions and stuffing their bags. There are several people who don’t speak English well and don’t seem to understand about taking turns and taking only a single item at a table. Language is certainly a barrier in this respect and without adequate staffing, it gets a bit out of control. Terri also remarked, “I have had terrific luck shopping at Value Village on Mondays when certain tags are 75% off. I buy things, many warm things, and bring them home, and wash and iron everything so it gets rid of that Value Village odor. I’m making a whole bunch of tags and will have a tag applicator to mark everything appropriately.” This is a pretty big job and any help would be greatly appreciated, both in terms of contributions and volunteers. If you can help, please e-mail Terri at twestover@mac.com.

5th Annual Sisterhood Tot Shabbat Becoming a Tradition

This has become one of my favorite traditions, and I look forward to it every year. Our next sponsored Tot Shabbat will be on March 1, 2014. I hope all of you will feel free to contact me any time if you would like to know more about WRJ/BIS and how we support your children - from preschool to high school grads. L’Shalom, Linda Harrison-Fintzy, President, WRJ/Beth Israel Sisterhood

Chanukah Fair Fun The first WRJ/Beth Israel Sisterhood Chanukah Fair was great! There were so many beautiful things to buy. Vendors and shoppers were busy.

Thank you to: Daureen Morris, Gift Shop Manager/Buyer, for organizing the event; her helpers and volunteers on the floor and in the gift shop (Debbie Braymer, Ellen Bick, Diane Ring, and Bruce Morris among others); Craig Paton and the CBI staff for their assistance; and all of the vendors and shoppers. A portion of every sale was donated back to Sisterhood to fund our support of the CBI religious school. We had so much fun that we are already discussing next year’s Chanukah Fair. If you missed the fair, or still need that special something for Chanukah (or any occasion), please visit our gift shop. The gift shop will be open during religious school hours on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 PM and Sunday mornings from 9:15 AM-12:30 PM. We will also be open on Fridays from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. To schedule an appointment during other hours, please call gift shop manager Daureen Morris at (503) 246-0374. Remember, proceeds from the gift shop help Sisterhood fund religious school activities.

Bikur Cholim: Food for the Body and Spirit

The 5th Annual Sisterhood-sponsored Tot Shabbat was held on Saturday morning, November 2nd. It’s always so uplifting to be with the newest generations of our congregation and friends of our community! Beth Israel Sisterhood is proud to be able to help support all the children of our congregation, not only by giving financial support to the religious school and the preschool, but by being actively involved with them as well. It is truly a labor of love

We have lasagna, and now we have vegetarian dairy-free soups for anyone who is ill but needs a meal for himself or their family, those sitting shivah, and for anyone returning from the hospital and too tired to cook. Don’t be shy – the food is there for you because we care. And yes, it’s free, because the best things in life are free. Whatever the reason, if you need help, please contact a member of our clergy in the CBI office at (503) 222-1069 or Daphna Stadig at topsys@comcast.net. We will be ready with Daphna preparing lentil food to feed the body and spirit. soup & corn muffins.

December 2013

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Social Action We provide lunch for the monthly Residents Activity Council meetings. Food is the key to getting people to come out of their apartments and have the opportunity to make connections, which is why we also prepare suppers every few months. We also provide prizes for monthly bingo games - generally necessities like household cleaners and hygiene supplies, which they can’t afford to buy.

Meet the Neighbors This year the Social Action Committee continues to address the issue of Food Justice, focusing on local concerns as we live in the secondhungriest state in the nation. As hunger impacts so much of one’s life, we’ve paid particular attention to helping the residents of the NW Tower and the NW Tower Annex. These are Section 8 buildings, and the need for subsidized housing is so great that even the waiting lists for these buildings are closed. As we’ve asked you to support our efforts, including providing the children with needed school supplies, coats, and shoes, we thought you would like to know more about our neighbors next door. These two buildings house 166 households. They are the Silent Poor - the people who have shelter but very limited financial means. They aren’t on the street, but many live a life of quiet desperation. • The average annual income is $8,625 and 28.5-31% of this amount goes toward rent. • 27 residents have an annual income of $1,000 or less. They have no money to do a load of laundry. Their fellow residents provide them with funds so they can do 1 load of laundry each month. • 42% of the residents are elderly and 67% are disabled. • There are at least 35 children living in the Annex. The average annual income per family is $8,804. Many are single parent households, and there is a need for parenting skills classes. • Food stamps (even before the November reductions) don’t last the month, and it is difficult for the disabled to get to food pantries. These folks need our help and support. Thanks to CBI member Marge Congress, we are providing the residents with a library. On Wednesday afternoons, we have an after-school program for homework help and enrichment.

Allison B. Cohen Madrichim Training and Religious School Scholarship Fund In Memory of Gilda Joyce Wexler Eldon and Carolyn Wexler In Appreciation of Cantor Cahana, Rabbi Joseph, Rabbi Cahana, and Rachel Halupowski (Mallory Gradow’s Bat Mitzvah) With love, the Gradow family

Altar Flowers and Oneg Shabbat

In Memory of Frank Blumenkron Mary Ann Bustamante Rachel Blumenkron In Honor of Barbara Durkheimer and Gary Larsen (Granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah) Bunny and Jerry Sadis

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Amy R. Goldsmith Library In Memory of Evelyn Galen Tiffany and Eric Rosenfeld In Honor of Janet Zell Arline Greenblatt

Cemetery Beautification

In Memory of David Hudesman David and Diane Rosencrantz John May Susan and Stuart Shleifer Josef Neuberger Patricia Neuberger Gregory Shapiro Jack G. Shapiro Joseph Alkalay Joy Alkalay Rose Black Eve Black Herb Black

With your time and generosity, we try to give food, comfort, and a little enrichment to the adult residents. We are trying to work with the children to help them break the cycle of poverty. Your donations to the Social Action Fund and Social Action Food Fund allow us to fund these and other worthwhile activities. Equally important, we cannot continue our efforts without your contributions of time. Please go to the Social Action page on the CBI website to sign up to provide holiday gifts for the children (www.bethisrael-pdx.org/ community/social-action). With 8 days of Chanukah, please dedicate one day of gift giving to these kids. We also need contributions of desktop computers, whether or not in working order. Computers in the social room give residents a chance to connect with the outside world. Volunteers can refurbish the computers or use parts to keep other computers working. This is a tax deductible gift and will be so appreciated by the residents. We want and need your help on these and other projects. To contact us or get involved, e-mail sac@bethisrael-pdx.org, call Tracy in the CBI office, or go to the Social Action page on the CBI website for more detailed information on all of our programming. We are confident there is a place for each of you in helping to repair the world. On Sunday, December 8th we will be meeting in Blumauer Kitchen to make cookies for Potluck in the Park. Join us at 10:00 AM (or 11:00 AM following the Adult Ed program) to make cookies and friends. Please join us at our next Social Action meeting on December 11 at 7:00 PM in the Semler Board Room for good company, good treats, and most importantly, good deeds.

Rabbi Cahana Discretionary In Memory of Evelyn R. Galen Morris J. Galen Herman Fagin Rachel Halupowski Edwin I. August Josephine August David and Anita August

Cantor Cahana Discretionary In Memory of Corrine “Corky” Zelinka Bob Zelinka

Rabbi Joseph Discretionary

In Honor of Jenat and Howard Feldman (Son’s marriage & birth of first grandchild) Dr. William Baer (Special Birthday) Rabbi Sam and Dori Joseph

Congregation Beth Israel

In Appreciation of Rabbi Joseph (Officiating the marriage of our children, Leigh Feldman and Sara Moskovitz) Howard and Jen Feldman

Rabbi Rose Discretionary In Memory of Hilda Steinbock Jacob Ovetz Irving Steinbock Edythe Steinbock Mara Forsythe-Crane Karla Forsythe and Jim Crane Jennie Y. Enkelis Mara Enkelis

General Administrative In Memory of Sandy Kowitt Joel and Cheryl Prell

Very Thoughtful People Herbert L. Newmark Janet Louvau Holt Joan and Robert Rosenbaum David H. and Rose Fertig Milton and Elynor Zusman Fred Polsky Gloria Swire Benjamin Brown William R. Brown Ida Delman Emma Ferrera Bernard Carr Bob and Lore Labby Estelle Ellner Harold Ellner Isidor C. Brill Ruth L. Brill Madeline Nelson Gilbert Schnitzer Ken and Debby NovackHarold Unkeles Esther Hirsch Barde L. Bernard (Barney) Barde Frances Arback A. J. Unkeles Rose Unkeles Miriam B. Unkeles Leo Matin Harry and Joanne Glickman Rose Black Elise F. Wendel Susan and Larry Black Henry (Bialistok) Billys Laura A. Korman and Chris Hill In Honor of Harold Fowler (100th Birthday) The Bernie Caplan Family

Hal Ruthizer Cultural Arts In Memory of Sara Bazelon Jim and Michael Richman

Holiday Childcare

In Memory of Herbert H. Lauterstein Lee Lowenson

Judith Anne Epstein Education Director’s Fund In Memory of Betty V. Goldman Marcia Colton, Risa and Louis Feldman, & Jacob and Noah Feldman

Landau Chapel

In Memory of Betty V. Goldman Marcia Colton, Risa and Louis Feldman, & Jacob and Noah Feldman In Honor of Rick Blauer (Recovery) Gerel Blauer

Oseran Family Lecture In Memory of David Finkelstein Nancy and Henry Oseran

Preschool

In Memory of Michael Grunbaum Marilyn and Hans Grunbaum Berta Delman Nicole and Jeffrey Gullish

Rosenfeld Family Assistant/ Associate Rabbi Fund In Memory of Betty Donoghue Nancy Caplan Bess Steinman Feldstein Benjamin Feldstein Tammy Kramer

Ruth Semler Youth Activities In Memory of Mitzi Tobias Regina Cohen Ilaine Cohen & Family Pearl Friedman Sherry Caplan Nancy Caplan Barry and Barbara Caplan Morris Pollin Harold Pollin Sherie Hildreth The Bruce Hildreth Family Marvin Swire Margie Winkler Susan and Jim Winkler Minnie Spivak Henry Spivak Helen Spivak & Family

Social Action (General) In Memory of Anna Press Stephen Press Bernice Rosencrantz M. H. Rosencrantz Jacob Solomon Roza Willer Dick Solomon Max J. Swerdlik Jerry and Evelyn Leshgold Dorothy Asher Evelyn Asher Maizels Edith Schnitzer Kathleen Lewis Fred Carr Thomas & Leonard Carr

Food

Sara Sadis Bunny and Jerry Sadis David C. Frisch LouAnn Frisch Isaac B. Holzman Lena Holzman M’Liss Gilbert Renée and Irwin Holzman Bluma Goldberg Jan Goldberg & Family Erna Neuberger Patricia Neuberger Mollie Katz Pearl Trachtenberg Charles Berne Lee and Frank Berne Sherie Hildreth Leo Matin Geri and Jerry Matin Thea Grunbaum Marilyn and Hans Grunbaum Louis P. Sandoz Sue Friedman Nancy Caplan The Bernie Caplan Family David Bloom Harriet Packouz Towne Wendy and Bob Steinberg Ruth Saul Ted and Davia Rubenstein Sara Bazelon Mimi Richman Dorothy Baruh Gail Marracci Jacqueline R. Spivak Helen Spivak & Family In Honor of Ella Menashe (Bat Mitzvah) Marcia Colton Bunny and Jerry Sadis (Special Birthdays) Mark Dohrmann and Julie Durkheimer General Contribution Given By Harriet Schatz

I Have A Dream

In Memory of David Bloom Harriet Packouz Towne Lance and Mary Steinberg In Honor of Jim Maer (Recovery) Bunny and Jerry Sadis

In Memory of Thelma Tobin Howard and Lois Tobin Jay Gittelsohn Shirley Gittelsohn and Ernie Bonyhadi Irene Frisch Naomi and David Strauss Loretta Bloom, Linda, Michael, and Leslie Mitzi Tobias Naomi and David Strauss Alan Green Susy, Marci, and Katrina Hammel Nancy Green Herb Newmark Nancy Green and Susy Hammel

Heims Family Youth Activities Endowment In Memory of Alfred J. Davis Nathan Dickson I. Kenneth Davis

Lloyd B. Rosenfeld Youth Leadership Fund In Memory of Miriam F. Rosenfeld Rosemarie Rosenfeld In Honor of Liz and Ruben Menashe (Granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah) Bunny and Jerry Sadis

December 2013

Nettie Director Library Book Endowment In Memory of Fanny Director Nathan Rosen Nettie Margolis Irene Frisch Stuart and Nikki Director Harry Gross Nathan Rosen Neal and Lisa Rosen In Honor of Olivia Cohen (Bat Mitzvah) Jerry and Evelyn Leshgold

Simon & Helen Director Endowment In Memory of Alfred J. Davis Sarah Davis Gordon Nagel Nathan Dickson Mitzi Tobias Dick and Cameron Davis

Temple Endowment

In Honor of Joy Alkalay (90th Birthday) Bunny and Jerry Sadis

WRJ/Beth Israel Sisterhood Funds

Bikkur Holim - Hope in Life

In Memory of Irene Crane Karla Forsythe and Jim Crane Bertha Mayer Holtzman Wilma Jane Balick & Sandra Kailes Biller

Prayer Book

In Memory of Leo and Betty Goldman Hyman and Rose Veltman Marcia Colton Betty V. Goldman Margo Sercu In Honor of Jacob Colton Feldman (Birthday) Marcia Colton

Service to the Blind In Memory of Miriam Rosenfeld Meryl Haber

Sisterhood Programming, Leadership & Enrichment In Memory of Rosebelle Himelstein David and Shawn Looney

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In Remembrance ~ May their memory be for a blessing. December 6 & 7 Lettie Adler Jack N. Barde Dorothy Baruh Arthur Bergman Albert Berkowitz James D. Bromberg Sylvia Davis Campf Nancy Caplan William Cohen E. Frieda Dobrow David Finkelstein David Frisch Frieda Gideon Betty V. Goldman Bertha Grenley Bertha Mayer Holtzman Leslie Dell Hughes Daniel Kivel Julius & Lena Levistein and Children Selma Lindberg Paul Matusow Hyman B. Nudelman Samuel Oldstein Rita Kantor Pearlmutter Barbara Prebish Miriam J. Reinhardt Billie Rosenblum Miriam F. Rosenfeld Bess Shavzin Harry Shleifer Jean Sitwell Minnie Spivak Hilda Steinbock Marion Orloff Stoler Caroline Berg Swann Nancy P. Thalhimer Erick Thompson Dorothy Warner Ira Weiner Leon Winters Albert A. Woolach December 13 & 14 Marilyn Blaushild Rose Bloom Elizabeth Canter Fred Carr Della Cohen Fannie Director Marjorie Easton Alfred Edelman David Exposito Ryan Ferrante Evelyn Galen

CBI Team

Senior Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana rabbicahana@bethisrael-pdx.org Senior Cantor Ida Rae Cahana cantorcahana@bethisrael-pdx.org Assistant Rabbi Rachel L. Joseph rabbijoseph@bethisrael-pdx.org Rabbi Emeritus Emanuel Rose, D.H.L., D.D. rabbirose@bethisrael-pdx.org Cantor Emerita Judith Blanc Schiff cantor@bethisrael-pdx.org

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Harry Gross Lily Grover Nathan Helman Rosebelle Himelstein Cecilia Hobin Frank Hochfeld Victor T. Hoeflich Robert Stuart Joseph Mollie Katz Albert Kipnis Adele Labow Hannah R. Lang Herbert H. Lauterstein Burton L. Lipman Moses Mark Leo L. Matin John May Josef Neuberger Phillip Leo Nudelman Elsie K. Payne Mary Frances Peters Jerrold (Jerry) Richard Lottie Roffe Rabbi Abraham J. Rose Nathan Rosen Jacob Rosenberg Jean Moss Rustin Louis P. Sandoz Jack Schneiderman Sigmund Sichel Bessie Silverman Jacob Solomon Milton Tenzer Mildred Zell December 20 & 21 Robert Adams Miriam B. Aiken Herbert Alexander Joseph Alkalay Charles Berne Frances Bettman Rebecca Bilow Rose R. Black David Bloom Eugene R. Cohn Irene Crane Frank Director Eugene Eiseman Herman Fagin Anna Feves Esther Fishman Mara Rosanne Forsythe-Crane M’Liss Gilbert Samuel G. Gilbert

Education Department Education Director Ben Sandler, M. Ed. ben@bethisrael-pdx.org Early Childhood Education Director Deborah Kaplan deborah@bethisrael-pdx.org Education Administrator Mor Kenane mor@bethisrael-pdx.org Member Services Executive Director Sydney A. Baer sydney@bethisrael-pdx.org

Mary E. Greenberg Thea Grunbaum Ethel Harrison Mae Hasman Lena Holzman Homer Kiser Ruth Kullman Ben Meyer Levin Anne Levitt Olga Lewin Joseph Lipshutz Rose Lyman Evelyn Mandelbaum Dora Manheim S. Julius Mayer Judith Meller Morton Mills Robert Arthur Nagel Stanley B. Nagel Fannie Oldstein Jacob Ovetz Morris Pollin Anna Press Anita Reinhorn Shirley Rickles Bernice Rosencrantz Charles L. Rosenthal Harry Rubin Jack Ruby Ruth Saul Adele Savinar Sol Sax Milton Schatz Theodore Schoenfeld Jacob G. Senders Cynthia Sherman Alan E. Shevach Anne Siegel Flora Spaiser Gertrude Sussman Joseph Munroe Thom Harriet Packouz Towne Elise F. Wendel Gilda Wexler Spencer Wing Jack Winkler Sophie Jean Wolf Harry J. Yurman Daniel Zell Norman Zimmerman December 27 & 28 Dorothy Asher Edwin I. August Josephine August

Pearl Baskin Maxine Bauer Sara Bazelon Henry (Bialistok) Billys Eve Black Frank Blumenkron Mary Ann Bustamante Ronald Cohen Sidney Cohen Alfred J. Davis Berta Delman Louis Diamondstein Nathan Dickson Ian Douglas Judith Epstein Victor Feibelman Benjamin Feldstein Jerome Freiberg Anna Geller Leonard Geller Thomas T. Georges, Sr. Bluma Goldberg Pauline L. Goldberg Abraham Goldstein Rhonda Beth Goldstein Joseph Greenwald Michael R. Grunbaum Goldie Hammel Sherie Hildreth David Hudesman Seymour Kaufman Philip Kipnis Morris Klein Janice Alexander Levy Samuel Lowengart Morrie Mink Erna Neuberger Matthew Neuwelt Augusta Newmark Burton Nudelman Reva B. Reingold Charlotte Rosen Louis Rosenberg Morris H. “Mish” Rosencrantz Max Schlesinger Edith Schnitzer Myra Scholnick Gregory Shapiro Max Solomon Irving Steinbock Max J. Swerdlik Bilah Vilner Stanley Wand Roza Willer Corinne “Corky” Zelinka

Development Director Jen Feldman jen@bethisrael-pdx.org

Office Administrator Tracy Alifanz tracy@bethisrael-pdx.org

Art of Catering 503-231-8185 Larry Grimes

Congregational Affairs Director Jemi Kostiner Mansfield jemi@bethisrael-pdx.org

Facilities Manager Craig Paton craig@bethisrael-pdx.org

Food in Bloom 503-223-6819 Catherine Hernandez

Finance Director Jim Baldwin, CPA jim@bethisrael-pdx.org

Facilities Staff Andy Coles Drew Christensen

Century Catering 503-849-2605 Allen Levin

Accounting Assistant Vicki Greif vicki@bethisrael-pdx.org

Catering Panel

Devil’s Food Catering 503-233-9288 Charles Stilwell

Project Coordinator Dara Docherty dara@bethisrael-pdx.org

Congregation Beth Israel

Alfresco Catering by Sheraton 503-335-2858 Shellie Postlewait

Culinary Artistry 503-232-4675 Jenn Louis

December 2013 SUNDAY

Kislev-Tevet 5774

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1   Kislev 28

2   Kislev 29

3   Kislev 30

4   Tevet 1

5   Tevet 2

6   Tevet 3

7  Tevet 4

Chanukah 5th Candle

Chanukah 6th Candle

Chanukah 7th Candle

Chanukah 8th Candle

Membership Committee 12:30 PM SBR

Mah Jongg 10:00 AM SBR

Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR

IHP 4:30 PM SEC

Kabbalat Shabbat Service 6:00 PM PC

Tot Shabbat Service 9:30 AM PC

WRJ/BIS Board Meeting 6:30 PM SBR

JND Shabbat Service 7:30 PM PC

Shabbat Service: Bat Mitzvah of Jada Barbon 10:30 AM Temple

Executive Committee 12:00 PM SBR

No Sunday Programming

Midrasha 5:30 PM SEC Alef Bet Class with Cantor Schiff 6:00 PM LB

8  Tevet 5

10  Tevet 7

11  Tevet 8

12  Tevet 9

13  Tevet 10

14  Tevet 11

Book Group 9:00 AM SBR

9  Tevet 6

Meditation Group 7:30 PM SC

Knit-a-Mitzvah 10:00 AM SBR

IHP 4:30 PM SEC

Mah Jongg 10:00 AM SBR

Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR

Religious School/ B’nei Mitzvah 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM

NYC Trip: Informational Meeting 5:30 PM PC

Midrasha 5:30 PM SEC

Kabbalat Shabbat Service 6:00 PM PC

Shabbat Service 10:30 AM PC

Potluck in the Park baking 10:00 AM BA Kitchen Adult Ed: 36 Yiddish Phrases Everyone Should Know (Eric Kimmel) 10:00 AM PC

Alef Bet Class with Cantor Schiff 6:00 PM LB Social Action Meeting 7:00 PM SBR

Kol Echad Choir Rehearsal 11:30 AM BTB

15  Tevet 12

16  Tevet 13

17 

18  Tevet 15

19  Tevet 16

20  Tevet 17

21  Tevet 18

Religious School/ B’nei Mitzvah 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Education and Youth Committee 11:45 AM SBR

Adult Education Committee 8:30 AM SBR

Mah Jongg 10:00 AM SBR

Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR

Kol Echad Choir Rehearsal 11:30 AM BTB

Midrasha 5:30 PM SEC

IHP 4:30 PM SEC

Shir Shabbat Service 6:00 PM Pollin Chapel Wedding blessing: Kelly Donnelly & Tony Talal

Shabbat Service 10:30 AM PC

Tevet 14

Alef Bet Class with Cantor Schiff 6:00 PM LB

22  Tevet 19

23  Tevet 20

24  Tevet 21

Winter Break: No Classes

Board of Trustees Meeting 6:15 PM SBR

Winter Break: No Classes

30  Tevet 27

Havdalah Bat Mitzvah of Emma Freedman 5:00 PM Temple Adult Ed: Dinner, Havdalah & Movie: Crossing Delancy 6:00 PM MR

25  Tevet 22

26  Tevet 23

27  Tevet 24

28  Tevet 25

Winter Break: No Classes

Winter Break: No Classes

Mah Jongg 10:00 AM SBR

Torah Study 9:00 am SBR

Kabbalat Shabbat Service 6:00 PM PC

Shabbat Service 10:30 AM PC

Let’s Do Something Jewish for Christmas 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM GH

29  Tevet 26

Soup & Salad Potluck 7:00 PM BA

31  Tevet 28 Administration Offices & Clergy Education Department & Preschool Fax Machine WRJ/BI Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop Beth Israel Cemetery 426 SW Taylors Ferry Road

503-222-1069 503-222-2037 503-274-1400 503-222-1069 503-222-1069

View our online calendar at

www.bethisrael-pdx.org Location Key HH = Harris Hall  BA = Blumauer Auditorium GH = Goodman Hall LB = Library LF = Lipman Foyer MR = Miller Room PC = Pollin Chapel SBR = Shirley & Herbert Semler Board Room SC = Shemanski Chapel SEC = Sherman Education Center SFC = Schnitzer Family Center

Congregation Beth Israel

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Congregation Beth Israel

1972 NW Flanders Street Portland, OR 97209-2097

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO. 594

Board of Trustees 2013/2014 Officers

Trustees

Stuart Chestler President

Jonathan Barg Deborah Caldwell Eric Friedenwald-Fishman Ali Garfinkle Linda Georges Sharon Meieran Joanne Van Ness Menashe Mark Peterman Marney Pike Ron Silver Arthur Steinhorn Jane Vereschagin

Ned Duhnkrack VP/President Elect Ilene Davidson Vice President Elizabeth Domagalski Vice President Brad Tonkin Vice President Ted Nelson Secretary John Epstein Treasurer

Auxiliaries Linda Harrison-Fintzy - WRJ/BI Sisterhood President Bob Winthrop - Brotherhood President Administration Offices & Clergy Education Department & Preschool Fax Machine WRJ/BI Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop Beth Israel Cemetery

503-222-1069 503-222-2037 503-274-1400 503-222-1069 503-222-1069

Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism since 1879

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Congregation Beth Israel