Developing CBI
L’Dor V’Dor From Generation to Generation Mazel Tov to
Honoring Those Who Served Each year at Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day, we pay tribute to those buried at Beth Israel who served our country in the wars by adorning their final resting spot with an American flag. This simple indication of military service honors the sacrifices of our war veterans and enhances the natural beauty of our historic cemetery. For many years, cemetery workers have placed the nearly 200 flags on the ground plots and mausoleum spaces throughout the property. In the past, Mitzvah Day volunteers have assisted with the task. Recently, we have introduced a new procedure aimed to ensure all graves are properly marked. Over the long Memorial Day Weekend, a container of flags will be centrally located adjacent to Landau Chapel. Families coming to visit may take a flag so they can personally place it on the grave in tribute to their loved ones. Should you have any questions about burial locations at the cemetery, please contact Jemi Kostiner Mansfield at (503) 222-1069 or jemi@bethisrael-pdx.org.
Choose to Make a Difference by Jenat Levison Feldman Development Director Thirty-one years ago I moved to Boulder, Colorado, with my husband and newborn son in tow. Howard was to start his career as a professor, and for the first time in my adult life I did not have a job. As someone who likes to be busy and connected, I cultivated friendships with other new moms and started a play group. As our children grew older and the importance of giving my son a Jewish preschool experience increased, I gathered more bravado than I ever knew I had and with just six families started a Jewish preschool, housing the preschool in Congregation Har HaShem, where Rabbi Joshua Rose now serves as Senior Rabbi. I just visited that school (and saw Rabbi Rose there picking up his kids) and kvelled knowing there are now 100 children in the program. While attending Shabbat Sing, someone asked me f I had ever envisioned this, and I said absolutely yes – not because I was cocky but because I truly believed then as I do now that there are many others who want that transformative Jewish experience for their children and themselves. Being back in Boulder floods me with memories of what it felt like to bring together for the first time an exciting group of people who believed anything was possible. Working at CBI continues to give me that thrill. From the smallest idea to the most innovative next great thing, by working together we can impact lives far beyond what one might imagine. It starts with a dream and then is fueled by passion. With that as your mantra, the possibilities are endless. All that really matters is that you choose to make a difference. Now start imagining what we could develop together.
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Joe and Rochelle Stilwell and Robert and Ann Sacks on the birth of their grandson, Albert Jason Sacks, on March 10, 2013. Albert is the son of David and Lesley Sacks and joins big sister Elizabeth (4). Michael and Jim Richman on the birth of their grandson Samuel Lee Richman, born March 25, 2013. Samuel’s parents are Taylor and Sarah Richman, Seattle, Washington. Samuel joins big sister Leah. Samuel’s Hebrew name is Shemu’el Gadol. And mazel tov as well to Samuel’s grandparents David and May Lee of Shanghai, China. May they grow in wisdom and be a source of strength to their families and all humankind. Crista and Jason Comella on the naming of their daughter, Anna Frances Comella (born September 30, 2012), at the April 12th Shir Shabbat. Stephen and Leslie Robinson on the marriage of their daughter, Shaina, to Matt Boal on Sunday, April 21, 2013. The wedding was held in Camas, WA and officiated by Rabbi Rachel Joseph. Matt is the son of Jim and Anne Boal of Portland, OR. Jemi and Greg Mansfield and family on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Benjamin Riker Mansfield, celebrated on April 6, 2013 at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. Ben is the younger brother of Alex and the grandson of Tony and Priscilla Kostiner. He is a 7th grader at Portland Jewish Academy. Ben’s Mitzvah Project focuses on helping to lead holiday services and activities at the Robison Jewish Health Center as well as raising money for their ongoing religious, cultural, and social programming. Danielle Spring, who was honored at the April 11 Stampfer Enrichment Award event as an outstanding Youth Leader through the Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation. Danielle is the daughter of Robyn and Harley Spring and granddaughter of Evelyn Maizels. A senior at Lake Oswego High School, Danielle has been involved with OJCYF all four years of her high school career and is one among 4 teens who were recognized this year for their work. Aaron Heims and Justine Metteer on the naming of their son, Liam Elijah Heims (born February 28, 2013), at the April 26th Shabbat Service.
Condolences to Leslie and Rich Geller and Terri and Zachary Koontz and families on the death of their father, Stanley E. Samuelis, on Saturday, March 16. Ron and Marcy Tonkin on the death of his sister, Barry, Bradley, Cheryl, and Edward Tonkin on the death of their aunt, and Rena Tonkin on the death of her sister-in-law, Suzanne T. Milller, on Wednesday, March 27. Eileen and Joseph Kane and family on the death of her mother, Joyce M. Cohen, on Friday, March 29, in Summit, NJ. Rachel Halupowski on the death of her mother, Sue Halupowski, on Saturday, March 30. Pearl Trachtenberg on the death of her husband, Irving Trachtenberg, on Monday, April 1.
Congregation Beth Israel