Oregon Jewish Life Dec 2017 Vol. 6 / Issue 8

DECEMBER 2017

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EASTSIDE SPACES Two projects look to give Portland Eastsiders room to be Jewish

Holiday gifts

It's that giving time of year and we have some great ideas

EREZ BARON ISRAELIS ARE FLOCKING TO OREGON FOR SURROGATE BIRTHS AIDED BY EREZ

PORTLAND BREWER IS ON A NATURAL HIGH

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 1

Tis’ the Season Come in to Mercedes-Benz of Portland and Mercedes-Benz of Beaverton and enter to win a new iPad!*

2017 PRE-OWNED C300

249

$

Mercedes-Benz of Portland 1605 SW Naito Pkwy. Portland, OR (877) 683-1342 mercedesbenzportland.com

a month due at signing1

Mercedes-Benz of Beaverton 9275 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR (971) 340-4589 mercedesbenzbeaverton.com

Live. Thrive. Drive. *No purchase necessary to enter/win. Must be 18 to enter. Winner will be chosen at random A drawing for one iPad will be done from combined entries from Mercedes-Benz of Portland and Mercedes-Benz of Beaverton. Winner will be notified

by January 10, 2018.

Available only to qualified customers at participating authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services through 11.30.2017. $249 total customer cash due at lease signing. Plus license and title, and $115 title and registration processing fee. Six available at this price. Lease-term 36 monthly payments of $249. No security deposit required. Advertised 36 month lease payment of a pre-owned 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 based on an adjusted capitalized 2 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER cost of $33,473.72.

Total lease charge $8,964.

On approved credit. Call 2017 844-531-9860 for full lease disclosure.

1

Find your light

and share it with those who need it most. You have

the capacity. Just like the candles you add to the menorah, you can bring light, warmth and comfort to those who are struggling without them.

*

Your gift to Jewish Federation delivers relief

and brightens the lives of thousands of people at home, in Israel and in more than 70 countries worldwide.

*

Find your light. Federation will help it shine.

jewishportland.org/donate * 503.245.6219

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 3

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Oregon Jewish Life | December 2017 | K islev-Tevet 5778 | Volume 6/Issue 8

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COVER STORY Israelis’ path to parenthood via Portland Rachel’s Well opens to immersion for all

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Chanukah Tales 16 Gifts, grinches and gratitude 18 Menorahs brighten Gorge towns 20 Thinking food at party time 21 Holiday Gift Guide

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KIDS & TEENS

BUSINESS Ins & Outs Community property matters

12 14

FOOD Chef’s Corner: Fried in oil NW Nosh: Macaroons worth giving

New website urges HPV vaccines Learn to raise safe high-tech kids Contests for kids and teens Kids & Teens Calendar

24 26

JLIVING

38

Eastside Spaces: Commons & Alberta Shul

Weekend in Quest to explore gender ID Sephardic Film Series FACES

Calendar

FEATURES

JEWS WITH ATTITUDE Brewer on a natural high

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CHANUKAH/ HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

FRONT & CENTER David Spear enlivens music/ Jewish life

"Pericles" voices reminiscent of Havurah

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YOUNG ADULT Oregon Hillel flourishes on two campuses 42 Emerson Fellows host IDF reservists 43

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ACTIVELY SENIOR Tourist becomes friend of Tanzania It takes a planet

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HOME & LIFESTYLE Orchids brighten indoor décor

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ISRAEL Maccabean spirit lives on in IDF Anti-Semitism hides in anti-Zionism

44 4 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

52 53

COLUMNS

Ask Helen Chef’s Corner by Lisa Glickman NW Nosh by Kerry Politzer To Life by Amy Hirshberg Lederman

54 55 56 56

58 60 61 62 65

18 24 26 37

Cover: Erez Baron with twin daughters Daphna and Danielle. Photo by Nir Slakman

M � e l To v !

STAY LIKE A LOCAL IN THE HEART OF PORTLAND’S WEST END DISTRICT

4 0 9 S W 1 1 T H AV E P O R T L A N D | 5 0 3 . 2 2 4 . 3 2 9 3 | M A R K S P E N C E R . C O M

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 5

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Oregon Jewish Life • | K islev-Tevet 5778 | Volume 6/Issue 8

PUBLISHER

H OW T O R E AC H U S

Cindy Saltzman

503- 892-7402

ADVE RTI S I N G AN D E D ITO R IAL D I R EC TO R

EDITORIAL: 503- 892-7402 or editor @ojlife.com

Cindy Saltzman

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E D ITO R- I N - C H I E F Deborah Moon

S O C IAL M E D IA E D ITO R Mala Blomquist

WE B M ASTE R Karl Knelson

ART D I R EC TO R Philip Nerat

G R AP H I C D E S I G N E R

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PU B L I C ATI O N A N D D E A D L I N E S

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CO NTR I B UTI N G WR ITE R S Rich Geller Gloria Hammer Bob Horenstein Liz Rabiner Lippof f Melinda Myers Teddy Weinberger

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Stor y ideas for features and special sec tions are due 45 - 60 days prior to public ation.

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A Prince Hal Produc t ion ( TGMR18)

2016-2017 MediaPort LLC All rights reserved The content and opinions in Oregon Jewish Life do not necessarily reflec t those of the publishers, staf f or contrac tors. Ar ticles and columns are for informational purposes only and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Although ever y ef for t is made to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, Oregon Jewish Life, and its agents, publishers, employees and contrac tors will not be held responsible for the misuse of any information contained herein. The publishers reser ve the right to refuse any adver tisement. Publication of adver tisements does not constitute endorsement of produc ts or ser vices.

6 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 7

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ith 2018 just around the corner, we at Oregon Jewish Life are taking stock of the past year – where we made mistakes and where we hit it out of the park. We’re looking inward and then forward to what we can do to improve and progress as a company. With that being said, we are acutely aware that progress and improvement will only come as we create value to our readers and better serve our Jewish community and the community at large.

Cindy Salt zman

We plan to be more engaged, resourceful and visible in the coming year.

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LOCAL EXPERTS, GLOBAL REACH Bonhams specialists will be visiting Portland soon to provide free and confidential appraisals with a view to selling at auction.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY +1 (503) 312 6023 sheryl.acheson@bonhams.com AN IMPORTANT DIAMOND SOLITAIRE RING Sold for $1,447,500 Found in Portland, sold in New York

bohams.com/portland Prices shown include buyer’s premium.

Details can be found at bonhams.com

HERE FOR YOU ®

www.jewishportland.org OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 9

Jewswith

Attitude

Elan Walsky is high on brewing

By Gloria Hammer

Elan Walsky is on a natural high. His Coalition Brewing made national waves in an Oct. 5 article in Fortune Magazine about hops and hemp. Coalition brews the first hemp and CBD beer in Oregon – Two Flowers India Pale Ale. The brew has great flavor and aroma, but it won’t get you high or show up on a drug test. Elan’s high is purely emotional!

The following Q&A with Elan has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

How did Coalition Brewing begin?

I was teaching home brewing at Steinart Company when Kiley Hoyt came in to buy a fancy small batch setup.

As we talked, we realized we had studied at the same brewing science school, the Siebel Institute. When Kiley asked what I would call my brewery, I replied, Hobo Brewing. Serendipitously, she had started an LLC under that name the week before. We began looking at production spaces, and Kiley asked me to be her partner. We are among a small cadre of breweries that are brewer owned and responsible for the recipe development and hands-on production of every beer. Our motto is “Community Through Beer.”

What happened to Hobo Brewing?

Before we opened, we received a cease and desist order from a brewery in California that produces a beer called Hobo. So with no name, we went on a hike through Forest Park and decided we weren't coming down until we had a new name. Several hours and several beers later, we settled on Coalition. It represents a number of things for us. The company would not exist without the "coalition" of people who came together to launch it; we have very different, but complementary, skill sets. It also speaks to our desire to be a community-focused business.

You are Portland’s first cannabis and hemp beer makers, correct?

We hold the title as the first hemp and CBD beer in Oregon.

It's important to make a distinction here between cannabis and hemp. What people refer to as cannabis is the recently legalized flower and associated extracts of the marijuana plant used for medicinal and psychoactive properties. Cannabis contains THC, the active compound that gets you high when you smoke. Our beer contains no THC. Industrial hemp is a marijuana plant bred to have little to no THC. It is used for hemp clothing, oil, seeds and some of the common hemp products available at many stores.

Our beer does contain CBD, one of the many cannabinoids that exist in hemp, cannabis and many other plants. CBD is nonpsychoactive, but it is considered to be responsible for some of the anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties of cannabis.

Has legalizing pot changed the beer industry?

Legalization was one of the driving factors behind our decision to move forward with this product. There is substantial marketing value to participating in this new and exciting industry.

Lots of alarmists say the declines in beer sales are linked to legalization. To my mind, this is more of a casual correlation rather than causation. We view it as an opportunity to tap into a market segment that we would not normally have access to.

How many breweries can Portland support?

People love to say that Portland is saturated with breweries, and yet more open every year. To me there is more than enough room for unique and innovative craft brands to be able to grow alongside each other.

Who are your customers?

We have customers from many different social, economic and age backgrounds. In general, craft beer is considered an 10 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

"affordable luxury," something a wide range of people will be willing and able to treat themselves to in good or tough economic times. It's been interesting to see the new market segment we are tapping into with our CBD beers.

Tell me about your family.

Both sides of my family come from what is now the area around Belarus. My father is from New York and now works as a neurologist in Santa Fe, NM. My mother was born in Argentina and raised in Israel. After her compulsory military service in the IDF, she immigrated to New York, where she met my father while working airport security at JFK. I was born in Santa Fe, went to the University of Colorado in Boulder and came to Portland 10 years ago.

Did Judaism play a role in your childhood?

It certainly did. I was raised Reform in Santa Fe, and had my bar mitzvah at Temple Beth Shalom. At that point, I was given the choice of how to practice. While I don't actively practice much other than celebrating the High Holidays, I consider it a deeply important cultural connection. Much of my extended family lives in Israel, so it has certainly informed my life. Judaism’s values of education, hard work and striving for excellence are something that I try to apply to my professional life.

What are the plans for your brewery?

In addition to a constant flow of new and interesting beers, including more CBD beers, Coalition has some very exciting things going on. We just released our Space Fruit IPA in sixpack, 12-ounce bottles to complement our flagship 22-ounce bottles. Our big project is the construction of a new covered and heated outdoor drinking patio. We will be opening our tasting room seven days a week and year round, so our patrons will have a cool, comfortable place to enjoy our beers, check out our brewery and experience beer right at the source.

Where can people get your beer?

You can find our beer at many local retailers. Our bottles are at Whole Foods, New Seasons, Fred Meyer, Safeway, Albertsons and select Plaid Pantry stores. We are at most if not all of the independent bottle shops, and our beers rotate on draft at lots of great restaurants and bars around town. You can also find it in SW Washington up the I-5 corridor and the surrounding region. If you happen to find yourself in San Jose, Costa Rica or Tokyo, keep your eyes out for it as well.

Coalition Brewing

2705 SE Ankeny St. Portland, OR 97214 503-894-8080; coalitionbrewing.com Tasting Room Hours: Friday 5-9 pm; Saturday 2-9 pm; Sunday 2-6 pm

How did your family react when you focused on the science of beer as a career?

My formal education is largely in the biological sciences.

My area of focus was cognitive neuropsychology, the study of the physical brain structures responsible for cognition and perception. While I will always have an interest in that field, I'm very happy to be working in the beer industry.

I've always been a bit of a science nerd, but I also enjoy a working environment that is not as stringent as the laboratory or academia. Brewing beer is the perfect combination of art and science, a chance to use my educational knowledge and have a creative outlet.

My family was incredibly supportive of my decision, especially considering they are not really drinkers. I count myself among a lucky few to be doing something I love.

Do you have any advice for others about the industry?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The beer industry, especially in Portland, has some of the most knowledgeable and friendly colleagues I've ever met. You can brew your entire life and still only know half of it. Don't be afraid to tap into the vast wealth of knowledge.

Did getting mentioned in Fortune Magazine affect your business?

Being mentioned in Fortune has certainly been a boon for us.

The article is very new, so we haven't experienced the full effect yet, but we have seen many mentions from patrons and retail partners and an increase in media inquiries.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 11

INS & OUTS

Zach Duitch

Duitch hired to lead Solomon Schechter On Dec. 1 Zach Duitch became the new executive director of Camp Solomon Schechter, a Pacific Northwest Jewish camp near Olympia, WA, founded in 1954 by Rabbi Joshua Stampfer. Zach succeeds Sam Perlin, who served as executive director for 10 years.

Zach’s extensive foundation in Jewish camping began at Schechter.

He spent seven summers as a camper, one as counselor-in-training and seven as a summer staff member (culminating as the assistant summer director).

He has spent the past 17 years at the Stroum Jewish Community Center, beginning as a youth counselor in the after-school program and rising to director of data insights and security management. His leadership of the JCC’s summer day camp program increased attendance from 300 to more than 1,200 campers this summer. When he was director of programs and services, he engaged more than 3,000 community members per year through innovative and creative programming and helped transform the center’s dormant health and fitness program into a thriving business center. Schechter and the SJCC look forward to finding new and creative ways to partner.

A news release announcing the appointment noted that Zach is already developing his vision for the camp’s future with innovative programming, strategic thinking, and an eye on growth and new opportunities.

“I’m really coming back home to Camp Solomon Schechter, a place where my Jewish identity and the values that guide me each day were formed,” says Zach. “I’ll work to make sure that Schechter continues to be a place where every camper will build self-confidence (and) be courageous, curious and creative in an all-inclusive, nurturing environment. … Schechter needs to be a place where campers feel safe, celebrate diversity and build a community of friends.” campschechter.org

Biz Ins & Outs submissions

Oregon Jewish Life welcomes submissions of news items for our Business Ins & Outs column. Please submit a brief writeup (up to 200 words), contact information (phone, email and/or website) and a photo of the person or product (attached jpg at largest available size). Submissions should be sent to Editor-in-Chief Deborah Moon at deborah.moon@ojlife.com by the 10th of the month for inclusion in the next month’s issue.

12 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

Simi Mishulovin

Robin Kamerling Abbie Barash

Mikvah Shoshana director tapped for fellowship Mikvah Shoshana Director Simi Mishulovin has been nominated to participate in Mikvah.org's first cadre of certified Taharat Hamishpacha trainers and women's mikvah specialists.

The intensive training is focused on empowering directors of women's mikvaot to serve as a resource for mikvah, women's health, fertilityrelated challenges, marriage counseling and identifying abuse.

Mikvah Shoshana-Portland’s Women’s Mikvah serves women in a sensitive fashion that enhances the meaning of mikvah. It enables each woman to discover the spiritual mystery in this life-fulfilling mitzvah in a tranquil and supportive setting. It is located at 6612 SW Capitol Hwy. in Portland.

At its conference, Mikvah.org recognized the unique outreach and educational efforts Mikvah Shoshana has brought to Portland's community and showcased it as a model for others to learn from.

Simi@ChabadOregon.com | PortlandWomensMikvah.com 503-309-4185

Robin Kamerling joins staff of B’nai B’rith Camp Robin Kamerling has been hired as development manager of B’nai B’rith Camp. As part of the development team, she will be responsible for supporting and executing fundraising strategies.

Robin was born and raised in Chicago and moved out West with her dog about 1995. After a brief stint as a French teacher in Seattle, she settled in a small rural community in the foothills of the North Cascades called The Methow Valley, known for its ski trails and many recreational opportunities. When her daughter turned 15, they decided to move to Portland. Robin took a job in advertising at Portland Monthly and moved into nonprofit fundraising with the completion of the Willamette Valley Development Officer’s Certification program in June of 2017.

Having attended Camp CHI outside of Chicago as a child, she knows the many wonderful benefits of Jewish camp. When Robin is not working, she is usually out in nature or planning to visit her daughter, Eliza, who now attends college in New York City. bbcamp.org

MJCC hires Abbie Barash as program associate Abbie Barash is the new program associate at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. She will be handling logistical support for MJCC programs and events.

Originally from St. Louis, MO, Abbie Barash has always been extremely involved in the Jewish community. She spent much of her youth and young adulthood active in BBYO and Camp Sabra.

After high school, she attended the University of Redlands where she pursued a BA in religious studies. Her passion for engaging in religious and inter-religious cooperation grew as she spent the next three years studying at the Claremont School of Theology where she obtained a master of divinity in interfaith chaplaincy. Abbie moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2015 where she spent a year in Tacoma as a hospital chaplain resident. She now lives in the Portland area.

Besides contributing toward cultural and arts programming through the J, Abbie also works part time teaching yoga, children's soccer and snowboarding on Mt. Hood. oregonjcc.org

Visit OJMCHE’s Ron Tonkin Family Gift Shop for all your Chanukah gifts

Mon Closed Tue-Thu 11am-5pm Fri 11am-4pm Sat-Sun Noon-5pm

You’ll find menorahs, books, candles, and beautiful crafts and jewelry from local and national artists. OJMCHE members receive a 10% discount!

724 NW Davis St., Portland, OR 97209 | 503-226-3600 | www.ojmche.org

The Year Is Almost Over

Minimize your taxes and maximize your gifts to the community Give cash or appreciated securities } Contribute to an exisiting fund } Open a donor advised fund

}

Contact us to discuss your charitable goals.

Oregon Jewish Community Foundation www.ojcf.org l 503.248.9328

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 13

Business

OJCF Professional Advisors Group co-chairs, from left, Brian Suher and Josh Frankel, welcome attorneys Abby Wool London and Daniel L. Stenberg to the Oct. 24 PAG presentation on community property in Oregon.

Community property: Who cares in a common law state like Oregon?

By Deborah Moon

Oregon is not a community property state, so why should residents, lawyers and financial planners care?

The topic drew about 50 professionals who advise clients on estate planning and tax and legal issues to the October luncheon of the Professional Advisors Group of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation.

The program was presented by attorneys Abby Wool Landon and Daniel L. Stenberg. At Tonkon Torp, LLP, Landon is chair of the estate planning practice group and a partner in the business department and tax practice group. She is a frequent speaker at continued legal education seminars. Steinberg’s practice at Williams Kastner Greene & Markley focuses on advising local, national and international companies on commercial law, with an emphasis on protecting the rights of creditors and fiduciaries.

Simply put, community property is important in Oregon, a common law state, because, Landon told the group, “Once property is defined as community property, it retains its character as community property for tax purposes and for many legal purposes … (including) treatment on divorce or separation, transfer on death, obligations for debts and liabilities.”

That matters because the majority of people moving to Oregon are from community property states. Landon quoted several studies on net migration to Oregon. One notes that the Portland metro area is a popular migration destination for 14 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

retirees and college-educated young people, with net migration of 66 people per day from 2012 to 2014. The top five states people arrive from are all community property states (California, Washington, Arizona, Texas and Idaho).

“In common law states like Oregon, property titled to one spouse or another is presumptively that person’s separate property,” said Landon. “In a community property state, titling is not determinative of ownership. Understanding this distinction is especially important for those of us working in wealth management in Oregon.”

Steinberg noted the issue is also relevant to debts. “The general rule in Washington, and most community property states, is that debts incurred by either member of a ‘community’ in a community property state are generally considered community debts. … Community debts are only payable from community property.”

At the conclusion of the program, OJCF Executive Director Julie Diamond spoke about why charitable organizations such as the foundation care about this issue.

“OJCF accepts noncash gifts – homes, condos, farms, apartments and a rare gift of air rights over a building in Seattle,” said Julie, urging lawyers and estate planners to “do due diligence before a gift is put in place.”

“We are here to accept good gifts when the title is not messed up,” she said, adding she wants to avoid “Good gifts gone bad … noncash gifts that went sideways.”

Brian Suher, PAG co-chair with Josh Frankel, announced the group’s next meeting will be in February. The program will look at the impact of tax reform, “but if it doesn’t change, we have a backup topic – privacy laws.”

For more information on PAG or OJCF, visit ojcf.org or call 503-248-9328.

At Magen David Adom, we’re often saving lives before our ambulances even arrive.

At Magen David Adom, Israel’s national EMS service, help begins the moment the phone is answered. Because EMTs handle the calls, they can provide lifesaving instructions while dispatching ambulances and first-responders on Medicycles. And now, with 15,000 CPR-certified civilian Life Guardians joining our team, help can be just seconds away.

As we celebrate Chanukah, please give the gift of life, and make your year-end tax-deductible donation today.

AFMDA Western Region 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 750 Los Angeles, CA 90048 Toll-Free: 800.323.2371 western@afmda.org

www.afmda.org OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 15

THIS MONTH'S SPONSOR

December Special: Come in to sign up to win a new iPad. See store for details.

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CHANUKAH

ChanukahTales

December 13-20, 2017

Light first candle evening of December 12

By Rich Geller

A

16 CHANUKAH TALES 18 GIFTS, GRINCHES AND GRATITUDE 20 MENORAHS FOR THE GORGE 21 GOING TO A PARTY?

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE PAGES 22-23 16 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

ll Jewish holidays begin with a good story. Passover depicts Moses facing off against Pharaoh, and Purim features Mordechai and Esther prevailing over the wicked Haman. Chanukah boasts a particularly compelling narrative with its epic tale of freedom versus tyranny. The underdog Maccabees managing to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and the subsequent miracle of the oil is right up there with the Homeric Hymns or Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Like the mighty Hercules or Achilles, Judah Maccabee is on a hero’s journey. The Chanukah story has inspired a myriad of folktales, both ancient and modern. They are to be found collected in books, on the internet and in the collective memories of the Jewish people. Let us begin with the tale of Judah Maccabee.

The Chanukah story begins in 167 BCE, when the malevolent Greek Syrian King Antiochus demands the Jews in his domain assimilate to the Hellenistic norms of the Seleucid Empire. They are forbidden to study Torah or practice Judaism. While some Jews bowed to the king, Judah “The Hammer” Maccabee and his followers rose up. Judah was following in the footsteps of his father, Mattathias the High Priest, who was the first to resist idolatrous practices.

Against overwhelming odds, the Maccabees managed to score an impressive string of victories through guerilla warfare. The fighting culminated in a pitched battle with an army of professional soldiers and even trained battle elephants!

After an epic struggle the Maccabees defeated Antiochus and his soldiers.

Victory, however, tasted like ash when the Jews discovered their desecrated Temple defiled with pig’s blood and altars to Greek gods. The Temple was cleansed and the damage repaired only for the Jews to discover there was but one day’s supply of oil to light the menorah. When that supply managed to last for eight days (long enough for more oil to be produced), the Temple was rededicated to G-d, and the Jews have commemorated the event forevermore.

The word “Chanukah” means dedication.

The book Jewish Fairy Tale Feasts by Jane Yolen and Heidi Stemple is a great resource for Jewish parents. Ostensibly a Jewish cookbook, each recipe is paired with a folktale relating to a holiday. The book features a Chanukah tale called “The Latke Miracle.” The story concerns a poor widow and mother of seven

children living in the shtetl. Chanukah is fast approaching, and she cannot afford flour for her potato latkes. The widow runs into an old man even poorer than she, who asks to be taken in for the evening. The widow obliges and what happens next is nothing short of a Chanukah miracle. The man mysteriously disappears; when the widow comes home, her children tell her of an old man who gave them Chanukah gelt and a bag of flour for latkes. Chanukah is saved!

The Orthodox Union website has a funny story from Israel, where sufganyot are much more popular than the humble latke. According to legend, after Adam and Eve were cast out from the Garden of Eden, G-d fed them sufganyot as a sort of consolation prize! The story derives from the word sufganyot broken down into the Hebrew sof, which means end, gan, which means garden, and the Hebrew letters yud and hey, which help spell the name of G-d (Yud hey vav hey). Together, sof-gan-yud-hey becomes “the end of the garden of the Lord or garden of Eden.”

The Polish city of Chelm, popularized in Judaica by Nobel Prize-winning author Isaac Bashevis Singer, is presented as a Jewish shtetl inhabited by well-intentioned fools. Two books, Chanukah in Chelm by David A. Adler and The Jar of Fools: Eight Chanukah Stories, by Eric A. Kimmel feature the curious

village of Chelm. The dilemmas and morals in these tales are rooted in both the everyday and the sacred. They have been compared in structure to the Talmud and the Midrash, as they raise ethical questions and arguments and provide both silly fun and moral lessons. Don’t forget to read Kimmel’s classic Herschel and the Chanukah Goblins, yet another masterpiece from the undisputed king of children’s Chanukah books.

When Chanukah is under attack by grumpy goblins, only Hershel of Ostropol can save the day. A mischievous trickster, Hershel employs cunning and guile to outwit the Chanukah goblins and trick them into celebrating Chanukah with him.

A hero of Ukrainian folklore, Hershel of Ostropol was also an actual historic figure who lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Chanukah is best spent with friends and family. It is a time for hunkering down, as the cold winds of winter howl outside and the windows are faintly illuminated by the flickering glow of candles. There may be rain, sleet or snow falling. What could be better than curling up with a steaming hot plate of latkes, the kids and a good story? It is also a mitzvah to popularize the story of G-d’s miracle of the Chanukah lights.

So this Chanukah, spread the word: read, discuss, laugh and love in the best tradition of the people of the book.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 17

ask helen

Gifts, Grinches and Gratitude

Dear Helen: I’m part of a circle of friends who’ve traded holiday gifts for decades. Eventually we stopped giving them to all the children, too, but it would feel very strange, even socially uncomfortable, to skip Chanukah gifts for the core friends. This summer I gently suggested donating our gift money as tzedakah instead; I could see the “Grinch” tag aimed my way. These are people who need not one thing. They’re all downsizing, from purging their closets of work clothes after retiring to moving into a condo. Even at the risk of social stigma, I feel torn between sending an email saying, “In your honor I have made a Chanukah donation to (our synagogue or some nonprofit)” and buying some silly token gift to demonstrate that we should have outgrown this ritual.

Not a Grinch Dear Not a Grinch: There are so many people who are in true need that spending any money at all on useless consumerism feels more wasteful than silly. If I ran your world, I’d stick with your tzedakah plan for half of your budget and organize a group excursion (as in “the gift of a collective experience”) with the other half.

Start with an email that says roughly, “I know we’re all

downsizing, so I have decided not to gift ‘things’ this Chanukah.

But I love you all and want to honor the depth and duration of our friendship. In our collective names, I have made a donation to (insert name of Jewish organization that serves the needy, say Jewish Federation). I’m also proposing that we pool our resources and start a new annual holiday tradition of an excursion – maybe theater tickets or a day trip to somewhere fun. Let’s find new ways to make the world and our psyches better.”

There may be some grumbling about “Grinchiness,” but your true friends won’t tell you about it.

Dear Helen: I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I have a friend who keeps giving me her hand-me-downs like she is doing me a big favor. I’m not sure where she got the idea that I admired her taste, which I most certainly do not, though I do politely tell her that I like whatever new purchase she is modeling when we get together. This is, BTW, a woman who proudly tells me “I don’t like to shop,” but who manages not to wear the same thing twice in a season. For my birthday, she gave me – gift-wrapped no less! – a box of “gently worn” duds that she said I had admired. I managed to swallow my horror and surprise and said, “Thanks but I’m in giving-away mode, so perhaps you should donate these to a women’s charity.” I know she means well. Do you have a gentle way to forestall what I fear is coming my way again in December?

Thanks, But No

Dear Thanks, But: Re-gifting is not uncommon, but generally it’s with an unwanted new item.

Asking if you want a no-longer-needed item is considerate.

Gift-wrapping it is rude and/or a very bad joke. Either way, unless it is something you have truly coveted, the appropriate response is “Thanks, but no thanks.” Women I know who are in acquisition and/or shedding mode have made an annual clothing exchange party for people to bring their outgrown, under-worn and otherwise no-longer-wanted attire. All the residual clothing, jewelry and accessories are donated to local women’s organizations that help people in transition who are homeless or who might need professional attire they could not otherwise afford.

If you suspect this person is planning to “gift” you again for Chanukah, make it a non-event by telling her how you are culling your clothes down to the essentials as part of a self-improvement program. You could, in your nicest possible voice, say, “If you’re interested in anything …” but only if you can keep a straight face.

HELEN

18 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

A resident of Eugene since 1981, Helen is a member of Temple Beth Israel. She claims to have black belts in schmoozing, problemsolving and chutzpah. Email your questions to helen@yourjewishfairygodmother.com.

Our goals are to encourage ourprogram congregation to learn, teach, practice Th e goals of our education for our youthtoare thetosame as social justice, and to haveWe loving ritual practices that enhance our lives. the entire congregation. seek to construct powerful educational experiences that enable oureducational students to become These are our goals for our program andCritical for our Readers, members.

Social Justice activists and Reflective Ritual Practitioners.

Happy Hanukkah!

“We love Beit Haverim because for years it was the most diverse experience my kids had—different types of families from all sorts of backgrounds. At this point, my kids have grown up in the community and they consider Beit Haverim an extension of their family.”

— Kim Kent, parent, congregant, and former religious school teacher

Beit Haverim

1111 Country Club Road Lake Oswego, OR 97034 503-344-4839, office@beithav.org www.beithav.org

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 19

CHANUKAH Amanda Lawrence, pictured overlooking the Columbia River near Hood River with husband, Dana Scheffler, and children, Alia and Reed, has helped Hood River and White Salmon obtain menorahs to make Chanukah part of the communities' holiday celebrations.

Mayor Paul Blackburn

Gorge towns to kindle light of Chanukah 20 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

H

ood River Havurah member Amanda Lawrence wanted to bring the light of Chanukah to towns in the Columbia Gorge.

“After I spoke with (Hood River Mayor) Paul Blackburn about this idea, he graciously offered to pay for half and then I reached out to the Havurah group to help pay for the other half,” says Amanda. “This is a beautiful, collaborative effort to start to recognize and celebrate religious diversity in the Gorge. It is a small but very important step, and it is so wonderful to see so many people coming together to make it happen.”

Paul praised Amanda for “raising this important issue.” He said he offered to pay for half because he wanted to endorse her lead.

“More than ever these days it is so important to nurture a community that is supportive of all our residents, especially those who are in a minority,” says Paul. “Hood River has invited folks to share with us items that represent their holiday traditions to be included in our holiday display (which, to be clear, consists mainly of a huge Christmas tree). I hope that together we can craft a celebratory, inclusive, fun display to help us all through these dark, wet days.”

Lindee Lewitt, who coordinates the Gorge havurah group, says members donated more than enough to match the mayor’s offer and pay for the other half of the menorah. Nine people from Hood River Havurah said they would donate toward the purchase of the menorah. With the extra funds, the havurah has purchased two menorahs, one for Hood River and one for White Salmon.

Food Thoughts for Holiday Parties

For beer, you might pick up some of Shmaltz Brewing’s two new holiday beers – Jewbelation 21st Anniversary Ale and golden strong ale Chanukah, Hanukkah...Pass The Beer, available in 4-packs. They also offer the annual favorite Shitck In A Box variety 12-pack.

By Deborah Moon

Looking for a hostess gift, my mind still drifts to food. Two new cookbooks would be welcome additions to most cooks’ kitchen bookshelves.

Mesorah Publications has just released Real Life Kosher Cooking: Family-friendly recipes for every day and special occasions (hardcover $34.99). This new cookbook from food blogger Miriam Pascal shares a delicious collection of recipes for real life cooking and for real people. Real Life Kosher Cooking features more than 160 doable recipes for home cooks.

W

ith holiday parties in abundance this month, thoughts inevitably turn to food.

What should you take your hostess? Food and drink to share?

Or maybe a thank you gift?

A bottle of wine is always a nice choice for a formal dinner or elegant party. But if you’re going to a casual get together, consider picking up some beer and chips.

For a different take on chips, try these Flamous Brand Falafel Chips for a healthy Mediterranean taste. These chips are organic, gluten-free, kosher and vegan and taste great with hummus or other dips.

Modern Jewish Baker: Challah, Babka, Bagels & More (hardcover $29.95) was released by Countryman Press in September.

Shannon Sarna is the editor of the popular Jewish food blog The Nosher. This book features Step-by-step instructions for the seven core doughs of Jewish baking. Often referred to as the Queen of Challah, author Shannon Sarna is known for her unique and untraditional challah recipes.

THIS HANUKKAH, LIGHT THE WAY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Leave a legacy gift and help secure a strong future for the organizations most important to you. How will you assure Jewish tomorrows?

HANUKKAH ON THE EAST SIDE DECEMBER 17 | 5:00 - 9:00 PM L I V E MUSIC | L A T K E A P P E T I Z E R S BAKING | GAMES

To create your Jewish legacy contact: Julie Diamond, OJCF President & CEO julied@ojcf.org • 503.248.9328 • www.ojcf.org

More information at bit.ly/shirtikvah LIFE & LEGACY program and the LIFE & LEGACY logo are trademarks of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. All rights reserved.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 21

OREGON JEWISH LIFE

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Especially when Pink Martini has a brand new CD – Je Dis Oui! – in its arsenal. And, in keeping with our Ode to Joy tradition, the concert will include the full-throated final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth. *Appears on December 31 concerts only

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OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 23

CORNER

24 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

FRIED IN OIL AND WORTH EVERY CALORIE

By Lisa Glickman

“Put on your yarmulke, it’s time for Hanukkah!” Every year while lighting the menorah, we never forget to enjoy Adam Sandler’s rendition of the Hanukkah song. It is a lighthearted, funny song that never fails to make us laugh.

We also enjoy indulging in all of those delicious fried goodies traditionally eaten on the eight nights of Hanukkah. As a columnist, I have shared recipes for fried chicken, crispy latkes, pillowy doughnuts and even the iconic New Orleans beignet – all fried to perfection and worth all the effort and all the calories!

I wondered if I could come up with yet another fried item that would be a festive and delicious reminder of the oil that kept the menorah lit for eight miraculous days. Then I remembered my very favorite confection that relies on deep frying: the cannoli.

Last summer while my family and I were in Italy, I promised myself that if I spotted the perfect creamy, crispy cannoli in the window of one of those incredible Italian bakeries, I would allow myself to indulge. I found one, and indulge I did. Sweetened dough thinly rolled and shaped around a tubular form is deep fried to a golden brown. Once cooled, it is filled with a blend of fluffy ricotta cheese and sweetened whipped cream.

At that moment, both ends of the cannoli are gently dipped in finely chopped pistachios or tiny miniature chocolate chips.

The combination of the light crispy shell, creamy sweet filling and chopped crunchy nuts is simply irresistible! I thoroughly enjoyed every bite!

Hanukkah beckons us to come together, light the menorah, eat special food and celebrate the festival of lights. A little laughter is always the perfect thing to have on the menu as well.

Here is my rendition of the Italian Cannoli. I use ricotta cheese and sweetened whipped cream gently blended with sweet and chewy maraschino cherries. I dip the ends in finely chopped sweet and salty Oregon hazelnuts and drizzle them with melted dark chocolate.

CHERRY CHOCOLATE CANNOLI WITH OREGON HAZELNUTS For the shells:

2 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon sugar Pinch of kosher salt 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 tablespoons sweet marsala wine

For the filling: ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries (I used the fancy Italian kind) 1½ cups ricotta cheese ½ cup heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 egg white 6 cups vegetable or canola oil 1 cup toasted and sweetened chopped hazelnuts* 3 ounces melted dark chocolate Powdered sugar Deep fry thermometer Cannoli molds To make the dough, in a medium bowl whisk together the dry ingredients. Cut in the butter and rub between your fingers until blended. Add the marsala, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (dough can be made up to two days ahead).

To make the filling, chop the cherries and squeeze them between paper towels to remove excess juice. In a large bowl mix them gently with the ricotta cheese. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and whip until stiff. Add half the whipped cream to the ricotta and fold gently to lighten.

Blend in the rest of the whipped cream and refrigerate.

Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Using a rolling pin, roll one piece on a floured surface to 1/16-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch cutter to make six circles. Use the rolling pin to elongate slightly into ovals. Wrap the ovals (the long way) around the metal cannoli tubes. Brush the seam with a little egg white and press to seal. Use your fingers to flare the ends open a little bit.

Heat the oil to 375 degrees. Carefully place the shells in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides, 2-3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shells to a plate lined with paper towels.

When molds and shells are cool enough to touch, carefully twist the molds from the shells. Repeat with remaining dough.

Just before serving, spoon the filling into a pastry bag (or a zip top bag with the corner cut) and pipe the filling from the middle out to both ends. Carefully dip ends in chopped nuts and place on serving tray. Drizzle with melted chocolate and dust with powdered sugar. * My dear friend, Sharie, shared her recipe for the nuts with me. She makes them by toasting the chopped nuts with a little bit of flavorless oil and then tossing them with butter, brown sugar and a pinch of salt.

Lisa Glickman is a private chef and teacher who lives in Portland. She has made TV appearances on COTV in Central Oregon and appeared on the Cooking Channel’s “The Perfect Three.” She can be reached at lisa@lisaglickman.com.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 25

NWNosh

Macaroons good enough to eat (and give) all year long

By Kerry Politzer

26 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

Traditionally, macaroons have been relegated to the chametz-free Passover menu. Most people don’t miss them during the rest of the year, since they’re often dry, heavy and sickenly sweet. However, a new Portlander is making macaroons so palatable that you’ll want to eat them all year long. Toronto-born Jenn Topliff, daughter of renowned cookbook author and food critic Jim White, has made it her mission to elevate the humble macaroon into an irresistible dessert. In October, she started baking her treats at a commercial kitchen in inner Southeast, and she’s now selling them through her website, eatroons.com.

Jenn explains, “(Macaroons) were always so disgustingly sweet. You either had the cloyingly sweet, squishy (packaged) macaroons or the huge 'artisanal' macaroons in the stores with the chocolate as an afterthought. It’s like, let’s drizzle seven tons of bad chocolate on top of this coconut bomb. They’re so white, and they have very little toastiness on them, so they’re almost like a bad decoration.”

After resolving to revamp the macaroon, Jenn experimented with recipes for close to a year. She tried many different coconut strands and brands of chocolate (she settled on Guittard).

She agonized over whether or not she should use sweetened condensed milk, before deciding it makes macaroons far too

sweet and lacking in balance. Finally, she came up with the seven-ingredient concoction that she lovingly terms the “roon,” a dark chocolate-dipped mouthful of delight.

While the basic macaroon flavor is coconut dipped in chocolate, Jenn has also created a chocolate-espresso variety as well as a special flavor for Chanukah. “We have a very limited-edition roon just for the month of December: peppermint bark. I ate five yesterday of the test subjects, and they are maybe the best thing I have ever had.” Jenn plans to introduce a new flavor every couple of months.

The graphic-designer-turned-baker originally launched her macaroon business in the Bay Area, but she recently moved to Portland with her growing family. She has big plans for her cookies with her online store just the start. “I anticipate lots of local accounts with coffee shops,” she says. “We just got our first account with Portland Bottle Shop in Sellwood. We’ve already solidified several corporate gifting programs for the holidays. I imagine we’ll shoot for retail.”

Jenn hopes eventually to open a tasting café in her commercial kitchen, hold macaroon-making classes for kids and launch a line of macaroon-decorating kits for birthday parties. “I envision selling a monster-themed kit with some edible eyeballs or animal parts or a princess kit. I have a bajillion ideas and just not enough arms and legs and hours of the day, but all in good time!”

For a sweet Chanukah present, visit eatroons.com.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 27

COVER STORY

Erez Baron and his twins, Daphna and Danielle, enjoy life in Israel. The twins were born in Portland to a surrogate mother. Erez is the director of the Israel Department of Oregon Reproductive Medicine, which enabled Erez and his partner to become biological parents.

PHOTO BY NIR SLAKMAN

28 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

L

ike many other Israelis, Erez Baron and his partner, Roy, turned to Portland when they wanted to become parents.

For Erez, the connection to Portland and the clinic that made him a dad has gone much further. For three and half years, Erez has been the director of the Israel Department of Oregon Reproductive Medicine. He helps Israelis navigate the medical, social, legal and Jewish aspects of becoming parents through surrogacy in Oregon at ORM. ORM helped its first Israeli couple become parents in 2011. Oregon Jewish Life chronicled the emerging trend in 2012 with an article on the second and third couples, whose twins were converted to Judaism following their birth to a non-Jewish surrogate birth mother.

Now thanks to that burgeoning movement, 180 Israeli children have been born to surrogate mothers in Oregon, with 36 more babies due soon.

“Our patients from Israel have certainly increased since Erez opened our office there,” says Dr. Brandon Bankowski, a partner at ORM who focuses on surrogacy and donor egg in-vitro fertilization. “It is so important to have an authority like Erez on the ground to help us to meet the needs of our patients. Most importantly, the care we deliver is more comprehensive for our patients. We are certainly lucky to have him.”

While the majority of the Israeli couples that use ORM are gay, the clinic has also helped heterosexual couples, single men and a transgender woman (who had previously donated sperm) to become biological parents. Erez leads a two-person ORM office in Israel and travels to Portland twice a year to meet with clinic and surrogacy agency staff.

“Same-sex couples cannot do this in Israel,” says Erez. “Heterosexual couples can use a surrogate, but they must get approval of a committee with rabbis and physicians.”

Several factors have converged to make Oregon a very attractive option for Israelis who want to become biological parents and are unable to do so in Israel: Oregon has a favorable legal climate for surrogate births; ORM is rated the third best in the nation for successful surrogate births; Portland has two surrogacy agencies that work frequently with Israelis; and the conversion process here is very friendly (and even easier with the opening of Portland’s new community mikvah, see page 34).

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 29

Tomer and Ziv Fuss Sanderovich with twins, Shira and Maya, are flanked by Cantor Ida Rae Cahana and Rabbi Michael Cahana, right, following the twins conversion at Portland’s new community mikvah, Rachel’s Well.

Because surrogacy is expensive and many Israelis want more than one child, most chose to try for twins. ORM has a success rate of 91% for at least one child born when two embryos are implanted, with 69% producing twins. “Only 9% have no pregnancy on the first try,” says Erez.

“One of our clients told me it is the best 'buy one get one free' deal ever,” says Erez, whose own twins, Daphna and Danielle, were born Jan. 6, 2015.

Even though some Asian countries offer a less expensive surrogate option, Erez says many Israelis choose the United States because of the higher success rate, the ability to know who the surrogate is and being able to have twins from two different fathers.

To illustrate the multi-dimensional journey of becoming parents via surrogacy, Erez shares his own story.

EREZ’S STORY

The desire to be a parent knows no boundaries. Jewish mothers want their sons to have children, even if they are in a same sex marriage.

“My partner and I wanted two kids, one biological for each father,” says Erez. “It is very expensive and an emotional roller coaster to do this journey, so we decided to go for twins. It is quicker and less expensive to do it all at once.”

In the fall of 2013, the couple made their first visit to Portland to leave a “genetic 30 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

sample,” as Erez euphemistically calls the sperm collection. Two weeks before the trip, the surrogacy agency they had decided to use called to say, “We have a match for you.”

Brooke is married with two kids and was willing to be a surrogate mother and carry twins.

“We flew to Portland and met Brooke,” says Erez. “We went to the zoo with her, her husband and two kids. It was a very emotional meeting. That night we went to dinner without the kids to discuss expectations.”

Erez says biological parents and surrogates go “from strangers to best friends in a few months.”

While they were in Portland, the couple also chose an egg donor and met her.

About four months later, ORM transferred two embryos, one from each father. “We were lucky and had a good clinic with high success rates,” he says, adding that after 10 weeks they learned there were two heartbeats. Erez and Roy returned to Portland 20 weeks into the pregnancy and spent more time with Brooke and her family. Then, knowing twins are often early, they returned to Portland in December 2014.

“We spent Christmas together – my first time to experience what Christmas is,” says Erez.

The girls were born on Jan. 6, which some people think is the end of the journey. “It is just the beginning of the real story,” he says.

The family stayed in Portland for three weeks – long enough to receive the official birth certificate listing Erez and Roy as the parents of both girls and for the girls to be converted to Judaism by Rabbi Michael Cahana of Portland’s Congregation Beth Israel.

“I am not religious,” says Erez. “In Israel religion is intimidating for me. (Religious) people don’t allow me to be a parent or drive on Shabbat. But going to Portland, (where) there’s even a lesbian rabbi, was so welcoming. Beth Israel families invited us to dinner at their homes. For the first time I felt close to my religion.”

Israeli citizenship is tracked by birth, so the girls had to have a blood test.

“One matched me and one matched my partner,” says Erez. “They got Israeli citizenship.”

Fortunately for the couple, Israeli law had recently changed to allow them both to be recognized as parents of both girls without having to formally adopt their partner’s biological child. Previously couples had to do a full adoption, which took two to three years. Since Erez and Roy had birth certificates listing both as parents, they only had to get parental recognition, which took only a couple weeks.

The couple stay in touch with Brooke and her family and consider them all close friends.

“WE GOT USED TO THE REALITY IN ISRAEL, WHERE WE, AS LIBERAL AND ESPECIALLY AS GAYS, ARE CONSIDERED AS NOT JEWISH ENOUGH.” ~ TOMER AND ZIV FUSS SANDEROVICH

A HETEROSEXUAL COUPLE CHOOSES PORTLAND SURROGACY

One couple, who asked to remain anonymous, says that Israel also makes it cumbersome for heterosexual couples to use a surrogate.

“We underwent fertility treatments and all that jazz for almost two years in Israel before looking at the surrogate option,” says the wife. “When it was time for the surrogate option, we were advised by our doctor that there is a committee that is in charge of approving surrogacy requests, and, from his experience, the terms of our case (time of trying to get pregnant, our age and medical history, our social economic backgrounds, etc.) doesn’t put us even close to being considered. So I looked into options abroad … and my desire for the highest level of medical care and my kids getting American citizenship led us to choose the more expensive Portland option.”

“We are both very family oriented and not having kids never really crossed our minds.

(Based on) our health histories and mental wear and tear of two years of attempts, we chose the option with the highest rate of success for healthy happy children. We used our own egg and sperm extracted and fertilized at ORM before re-introduction to the surrogate.”

Since the couple are the genetic parents of the twins and are listed as the parents on the U.S. birth certificates, they were able to take them home to Israel without the conversion and parental recognition requirements.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 31

“WE ALWAYS MAKE TIME TO VISIT WITH OUR CLIENTS AND THEIR BABIES (IN ISRAEL), AS WE CONSIDER THEM PART OF OUR EXTENDED FAMILY.” ~ CAREY FLAMERPOWELL, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF ALL FAMILIES SURROGACY

32 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

The couple says they had limited contact with Portland’s Jewish community other than “the lovely rabbi we used for the bris,” Rabbi Tzvi Fischer.

A JOURNEY TO SAME SEX PARENTHOOD VIA SURROGACY

Tomer and Ziv Fuss Sanderovich, whose twins were born Sept. 8, 2017, chose Portland because of ORM. “The clinic was the first thing we chose (before choosing a surrogacy agency, hospital, etcetera,” Tomer says. “We considered a number of clinics across the U.S., but in the end chose ORM from Portland.”

“The family is a major part in the Israeli culture, also in the gay community in Israel,” says Tomer, discussing the couple’s decision to have children. “We both have large families and they are playing very important roles in our life. We felt that having children is a natural step in our relationship and our lives together. …

Unfortunately adoption is not an option for gays in Israel, nor is surrogacy for gay couples. The Orthodox have way too much influence on the Israeli government and daily lives – even a Reform wedding for straight couples is not approved by the government.”

With their experiences of religion in Israel, Tomer and Ziv were pleasantly surprised by the welcome they received. “It was amazing experience,” says Tomer.

“It is wonderful that the community in Portland looked at us as Jewish at the same level as everyone. We got used to the reality in Israel, where we, as liberal and especially as gays, are considered as not Jewish enough.”

Shortly before Tomer and Ziv had to fly home to Israel with their daughters, Portland’s long dry summer finally relented and enough rain fell to allow the twins to become the first immersion in Portland’s new community mikvah, Rachel’s Well (see story page 34).

Though the mikvah’s official opening was Nov. 1, on Oct. 9 Rabbi Michael Cahana was able to use Rachel’s Well to convert the twins to Judaism for the purpose of Israeli citizenship. On Oct. 15, he officiated at a second conversion for an Israeli couple.

“This great miracle happened in Portland – it rained,” he says with a smile. “I’m really grateful they have allowed these pre-opening mikvot. Many uses you can put off, but these people have to get back to Israel.”

Left: Israelis Or and Idan shared this photo of their twins born in Portland in fall 2016. Congregation Beth Israel Rabbi Michael Cahana officiated at both the twins' conversion and the couple's Jewish wedding in Portland.

A SINGLE MAN’S SURROGATE JOURNEY

“I chose Portland because I got excellent recommendations for ORM,” says a single man, who asked to remain anonymous.

“I wanted to have my own son … as a gay individual I want to establish my own family,” he says. “I decided to go with the surrogate mom option, as I wanted be able to have my biological son. My son was born June 3, 2017, in Medford.

“I experienced liberal Judaism in Israel for the first time a couple months ago as I converted my son to Judaism,” he says.

Erez explains that non-Orthodox conversions are permitted in Israel, but there are advantages to having children converted in America. It can be difficult to find a rabbi in Israel who is willing to convert the child of two fathers. More importantly, he says, “If one chooses to do it in Israel, the baby/ies will be listed as ‘no religion’ when they get here and then will require further bureaucracy to change it to ‘Jewish,’ which complicates the procedure. … Most will prefer to do it while abroad in a short ceremony.”

A SURROGATE MOM AND SURROGATE AGENCY

Carey Flamer-Powell, founder and director of All Families Surrogacy in Beaverton, is also a surrogate mother.

All Families Surrogacy has been a popular resource for Israelis since early 2015, shortly after being founded. Carey says they connected with Israel through ORM and Erez. “We work very closely with ORM, and the majority of our clients have chosen ORM as their clinic. Our first clients from Israel signed on in early 2015.”

The agency’s Intended Parent Coordinator Elana Alpert lived in Israel for nine years and speaks fluent Hebrew, which can be useful in translating for Israeli clients. About 70 Israeli couples have either completed or are in the surrogacy process through All Families Surrogacy. About 98% of them are gay male couples.

“So far we have had 35 babies born to Israeli parents and many more on the way,” says Carey.

“I am a lesbian mom married to a Jewish woman,” says Carey of her personal interest in connecting to Israeli couples. “I am also an experienced surrogate and so are five of my staff members – four of whom carried for Israeli gay male couples. We form strong bonds and friendships with our Israeli clients, and we are passionate about helping them create their families. We have traveled to Israel twice as an agency for surrogacy conferences, and each time we always make time to visit with our clients and their babies, as we consider them part of our extended family. Just today, we had celebrated one of our Israeli client’s birthdays by taking them to lunch – they were in Portland visiting their surrogate.”

“ONE OF OUR CLIENTS TOLD ME IT IS THE BEST 'BUY ONE GET ONE FREE' DEAL EVER.” ~ EREZ BARON ON WHY ISRAELI COUPLES WANT TWINS

PORTLAND CONNECTIONS TO ISRAEL

The strong bonds that form between the Israeli parents and the surrogate families in Oregon also provide new connections between the two communities.

“These families make a connection with Israelis and they have a relationship,” says Rabbi Cahana, who has now converted more than 100 Israeli babies born here.

“I hear most often (that) they maintain the relationship. Mostly these are people who have had no reason to have a connection with Israel. For the surrogate family, Israel becomes a real place with real people living real lives.”

Through it all, Erez helps weave a fabric of indelible threads between biological and surrogate families, Oregon and Israel, and most importantly parents and children.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 33

Rachel’s Well

opens for ritual immersions for all Jews

Rachel’s Well Community Mikvah. Photo by Benjamin Ariff

By Deborah Moon

With broad organizational and grassroots support, Portland’s new community mikvah opened Nov. 1 to provide every Jew access to the ritual bath for all traditional and contemporary transitions and milestones.

Rachel’s Well is now open on the Schnitzer Family Campus in a secluded, natural setting. Owned by the Jewish Federation of Portland with ritual supervision provided by the Oregon Board of Rabbis, the community mikvah is open to all who self-identify as Jewish. Since all attendants, or guides, are volunteers, reservations for immersions must be made four days in advance.

A mikvah is a Jewish ritual bath fed by natural waters and traditionally used to mark transitions such as conversions or from workweek to Shabbat or holiday, and to observe the laws of family purity. Contemporary uses include marking milestones or transitions of all sorts.

“Federation saw a need to create a space for the entire community in the area it is in now,” says Ronnie Malka, who led the visioning process and capital campaign for the new mikvah.

She says the new mikvah incorporates all the elements envisioned by community feedback, including being “in nature, very Portland and not square.” Reflecting the change inherent in the mikvah experience, Ronnie says it also allows people to enter 34 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

through one door into the reception area and depart by another door along a beautiful, serene path through nature.

The 30 volunteer guides participated in a one-day training led by Naomi Malka, director of the Adas Israel Mikvah and Ronnie’s sister-in-law, who introduced Ronnie to the mikvah’s magic.

“Using the mikvah to mark transitions is one way people take normal human transitions and make them Jewish,” says Portland Jewish educator Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. “There is a national trend to make Jewish spiritual spaces that allow for both traditional expression and innovation.”

“The mikvah, seeking to include the broadest observance levels of the community, has various structures to kosher the water,” says Rabbi Tzvi Fischer, who chairs the OBR committee that supervises the mikvah. “There are two rainwater pools, one of which is a pool on top of a pool. This is to ensure that even with water displacement due to immersions, it remains natural rainwater. The city water runs over earth and into a rainwater pool to regenerate its natural form.”

Portland does have a women’s mikvah, Mikvah Shoshana, which opened in 1998 to promote family purity – where women immerse in order to “re-enter the holy, loving, mindful intimacy and mitzvah of the marital relationship.” But men and those who want to mark contemporary transitions have not had a local mikvah available since the July 2016 closure of the Port-

and Michael Kaplan.

“In halakha, ritual immersion marks a spiritual transition from one state to another … . We traditionally mark the transition from non-Jew to Jew in conversion, from separateness to intimacy in family life, and from the week to Shabbat. Today new uses of the mikvah include the celebration of transitions such as that of gender or age (bar/bat mitzvah and also menopause). Immersion in a mikvah is also a powerful way to transition through the pain of divorce or support recovery from personal trauma.”

Representatives from across the spectrum of the community shared why a kosher community mikvah is important for them.

Eve Levy of the Portland Kollel says, “Mikvah is all about rebirth, renewal and rejuvenation. I have been teaching women about this mitzvah and have been taking women to the mikvah for over a decade now in Israel, Denver and now Portland.

Many women that I have taken are first-time users, either before their wedding or coming to this at a later stage of life. On JWRP trips to Israel, we take the women to visit a very beautiful mikvah in the mystical city of Tsfat. … Many of the women follow up with me after the trip and start observing the laws of family. It is an opportunity to let things go and start anew each month. In my opinion observing the laws of family purity can First Immersion: The twin daughters of Israeli couple Tomer (pictured) and significantly enhance the excitement and love in a marriage.”

Ziv Fuss Sanderovich were the first immersions in Rachel’s Well. The twins Yet Toni Jaffe, who was on one trip, was disappointed she were converted at the mikvah Oct. 9 before the family had to fly home to could not use the mikvah. “I was told (nicely) that the mikvah Israel. The family was fortunate that the city issued an occupancy permit on our trip was not available to me because I was not married, and enough rain fell to fill the pools at the mikvah to enable the immerhaving my cycle anymore, etc.,” says Toni. So when she learned sions during a “soft opening” of the new mikvah.

Rachel’s Well would be open to all Jews, she made the biggest donation of her life to any organization.

“This is important to me and the LGBTQ community, because we are Jews and we want to particiThe reception area can pate fully in the life-cycle events also be used for small available to others,” says Toni. group education events.

“The mikvah is one of the most Photo by Benjamin Ariff important rituals to bless those life events and celebrations – marriage, adopting/birthing a child, becoming Jewish, significant life events like mourning a death or loss, having your bar or bat mitzvah and more.”

For Kesser Israel member Michael Rosenberg, having a community mikvah open to men near his Orthodox shul is very important as part of his preparation for the transition to Shabbat each week.

“It’s nice to have a place to go to that is nearby and specifically used for ritual purity and preparation for Shabbos and Yom Tov,” says land Ritualarium that had served the community since 1961.

Michael. He adds the mikvah is important to Orthodox men, “I believe in the power of traditional ritual to ground us in because “It is part of the preparation process. We go into Shabour Jewish sense of identity,” says Rabbi Ariel Stone, who was bos knowing all our weekly work is done. … Before you go into OBR president when the old mikvah closed and led the mikvah the mikvah, you are not ritually fit for serving HaShem. After subcommittee serving with Rabbis Ken Brodkin, Tzvi Fischer the immersing in the mikvah, you are ready for service. It is not OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 35

The preparation rooms have a spa-like feel. Photo

by Benjamin Ariff

Ronnie Malka, chair of mikvah visioning and capital campaign, stands at the door mikvah users can use to exit via a natural walkway around the building to complete their feeling of transition.

so much a physical state; it is a state of consciousness.”

For the many Israelis who come to Portland to begin their families through surrogate births, the mikvah is also very important. Surrogate births to Israelis in Oregon (see cover story, page 28) have soared in the past five years, but children need to be converted since the child’s Jewish status is defined by the birth mother. Tomer Fuss Sanderovich says, “We heard so many good things about the experience with the Beth Israel community from other couples, and obviously we wanted our 36 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

twins (and for us) to have this kind of wonderful experience rather than the other back home in Israel.” He adds Rachel’s Well is a “beautiful place, so welcoming, clean and with great atmosphere. (It) was an exciting and emotional experience for us.”

Caron Blau Rothstein, federation’s lead professional for the mikvah, says it is a place where everyone can find meaning.

Visitors will enter the reception area and meet a guide, who will “give space or guidance as you need,” says Caron.

The mikvah features two beautiful preparation rooms – one a spa-like setting with a deep soaking pool and one ADA-compliant with a roll-in shower.

An area outside the immersion pool room enables family or friends to be present and support or celebrate with the person there for an immersion.

The mikvah committee is working with the Oregon Jewish Museum to curate art for the reception and immersion areas.

With a beautiful mikvah open to all in an accessible location, many people have expressed confidence the new space will introduce many Portlanders to a tradition both ancient and modern.

“I’m happy for all the interest in the new mikvah and hope everyone will come to see for themselves and ‘take the plunge’” says Michael Rosenberg.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, visit jewishportland.org/mikvah.

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION WHERE: Rachel’s Well Community Mikvah, 6655 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland WHEN: 3 pm, Jan. 21, 2018 WHO: Friends and supporters and those who are just curious are all invited to attend and tour the mikvah.

INFORMATION: jewishportland.org/mikvah or fb.me/RachelsWellMikvah

TO LIFE

Cultivating pride and identity in a foreign land

By Amy Hirshberg Lederman

Brazil was nothing like I had expected it would be. Lush, bustling and diverse, it was a thriving country of varied landscapes and cultures. My family’s primary reason for going was to visit our 17-year-old daughter, Lauren, who in 2004 was a foreign exchange student for the year. Despite the exhausting 20-hour trip from the States, I was totally energized as we left the airport and drove through sugar cane fields, rolling hills and tiny towns, crunching fresh cashews and sipping ice-cold coconut water we bought from a roadside stand.

Brazil is a huge country, slightly smaller than the United States, with regions that vary from desert to mountainous to tropical. Its spectacular 4,655 miles of Atlantic coastline is home to numerous coastal cities where modern buildings stand adjacent to colonial forts and churches. And everywhere you go, there is music, people and chatter in the streets, although rarely in English.

Almost 75% of Brazil’s 186 million residents are Catholic.

When Lauren first decided to go, this caused us some concern because we knew that she would have little opportunity to connect with Jews for an entire year. But I was not prepared for the fact that once she arrived at her destination in Campina Grande, there was not a single Jewish person in that city of 350,000 people. And that no one, from her large, extended Brazilian family to her classmates and friends, had even met a Jew before!

The Jewish mother in me screamed, “Book Lauren a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Tel Aviv now!” But my rational mind and reasonable husband kept me in check. History helped me too, as we Jews have lived in the Diaspora for more than 2,000 years successfully preserving our faith, rituals and community.

Hopefully, Lauren would be able to do the same.

My prayers were answered at the end of her first month, when she called and asked if I would send a “Shabbat box” so she could light candles on Friday night. What she missed most, she confided, was our family connection – lighting candles and sharing Shabbat dinner as a family.

As Rosh Hashanah approached, she searched for a synagogue to attend services, which had become even more important to her now that she had so little opportunity to be with other Jews. With a great deal of effort, she found one in Recife, a city more than two hours away, and a Jewish family hosted her. We marveled that as Lauren sat in the women’s section of the Sephardic synagogue next to the rabbi’s wife and prayed in Hebrew and Portuguese, our family said the same prayers 10,000 miles away.

In December, we sent her a “Chanukah box” – complete with menorah, candles, dreidels and gelt so that she could celebrate the holiday. But she had other ideas. In addition to celebrating each night by herself, she was determined to share the holiday with her new family and friends, to teach them about the Maccabees and the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem.

And, of course, to treat them to delicious potato latkes and homemade applesauce, which, without a grater, took the entire day to make!

Like most parents, I often wonder whether the ideals, values and family traditions that we have tried to instill in our children will be important to them as they mature into adults.

I know first-hand how difficult and painful it is to let our children go their own ways. But I also know that the choices they make and the paths they follow will lead them to better understand who they are and what they truly value. And, if we have given them the tools and confidence to explore, we must be patient and have faith that they will find their own way to create a meaningful relationship to Judaism, God and the Jewish community.

Amy Hirshberg Lederman has written more than 300 columns and essays that have been published nationwide. amyhirshberglederman.com

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 37

FRONT & CENTER

1920s music and Jewish life come alive under David Spear’s direction

In early November, David produced and directed "Levy Weekend" for the PSU Harold Schnitzer Family Program David Spear may be a scholar-in-residence at Portland State in Judaic Studies, which included lectures and a screening of University for the fall term of 2017 only, but the music he has “Hungry Hearts” on Nov. 5. The next night a cabaret honored shared with his students and the Jewish composers and lyricists community will reverberate for who crafted some of the most many years to come. memorable melodies in the Great David is a composer, conductor, American Songbook. All the songs pianist and educator who bein the cabaret, with the exception gan his career orchestrating film of one written by David, were scores for Elmer Bernstein. Those written between 1920 and 1953. films include “Airplane,” “AniThe cabaret featured performances mal House,” “Heavy Metal” and

by PSU music students and faculty “Ghostbusters.” He went on to including Leroy E. Bynum Jr., the compose scores for three Academy new dean of PSU’s College of the Award-nominated films: “Ballet Arts and an accomplished opera Robotique,” “Rainbow War” and singer.

“The Courage to Care.” He also “As soon as word got out I was wrote the music for the Emmy doing a cabaret, everybody conAward-winning National Geoverged,” says David. graphic documentary “Surviving David found one cabaret Everest.” performer, Cantor Eyal Bitton, at David is melding music and Congregation Neveh Shalom. “I Jewish experience during his heard him sing on Kol Nidre. It term teaching in PSU’s Harold was beautiful and I was moved.”

Schnitzer Family Program in During a rehearsal for the Judaic Studies. Students taking his cabaret, Cantor Bitton spoke course, Arts and Jewish Experiabout how much he is enjoying ence: New Music and Sound for David and the cabaret. Initially he a Classic Silent Film, spent the hesitated to perform since he had semester composing and orchesjust moved to Portland over the trating a fresh musical score for an summer. historic silent film, "Jewish Luck" “It does me a lot of good to do (1925). Class participants will earn David Spear persuaded Cantor Eyal Bitton, newly arrived at this fun and amazingly musical a professional credential, as their Congregation Neveh Shalom, to perform in the Nov. 6 Cabaret at project … (Yiddish theater) does original work will be performed, Portland State University. me spiritual good,” says Cantor published and recorded.

Bitton. “David sees the joy and fun “Jewish Luck” will premiere in music.” with its new score at PSU in December. (Date, time and loca“We are dusting off and re-presenting The Great American tion will be posted on pdx.edu/judaic when available; for more Songbook for the Portland community in a fresh way,” he says. information, email judaicst@pdx.edu.)

In the cabaret, the cantor sang two songs including “LydDavid did a similar project with his graduate students at the ia the Tattooed Lady,” which was made famous by Groucho USC Thornton School of Music. Most silent films have no Marx. But he says David helped him forget that performance surviving score because the music was improvised by theand take a fresh approach. ater pianists at each screening. David and his USC students “David has a simple way of looking at a song anew from the rescored Samuel Goldwyn’s 1922 classic Yiddish silent film songwriter’s interpretation rather than from one great artist’s “Hungry Hearts.” The score and restored print premiered at the interpretation,” says Cantor Bitton.

2007 New York Jewish Film Festival at Lincoln Center.

With David’s busy teaching and rehearsal schedule, we

By Deborah Moon

38 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

decided an email interview was best. The following has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

How did you become interested in music?

I was very fortunate to grow up in a musical home in West Orange, NJ, where my mother and father were always playing, singing and making music. They created a children’s Saturday morning TV show in the early 1960s called “Pip the Piper.” My sister and I were always their first audience. When we came home from school asking for help on our homework, our parents invariably replied, “We need help with our homework, too, because we’re videotaping the show in New York tomorrow, so please sit down and listen to the act!”

My mom is a classically trained pianist, and I always loved the way she accompanied my dad. I observed their creative process and how they wrote and performed songs to advance the plot of each scene. I was also learning basic musical theory – melody, lyrics and harmony – by carefully observing their rehearsals.

How did you get started as a pianist, composer, conductor and teacher?

I never took formal classical piano lessons. I listened and figured out how to play other TV themes and popular songs by ear on the piano.

I loved music and was always improvising and playing piano by ear. I knew that I wanted to write music for all instruments, but I wasn’t quite musically literate. In junior high, I took Beginning Winds, where each student chooses a woodwind or brass instrument, but I wanted to learn how to play all of them!

The band teacher, Mr. Patrick, was an excellent conductor and allowed me to switch instruments every month of so – clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn. I finally was becoming musically literate and learned to produce new sounds and blend in an ensemble.

I had a big appetite for music and wanted to be a composer.

Music theory came easy to me during my music composition studies at UCLA. I became a staff accompanist for the UCLA dance and theater departments, which was a practical way for me to support myself as a working musician. As an undergraduate, I was hired as music director for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts when they founded their West Coast campus in the mid-1970s.

Among composer, conductor, pianist and teacher, do you have a favorite?

I see all roles fitting together as interlocking parts of a bigger musical puzzle. Composing requires long periods of solitude and concentration, where the goal is to reach inward to dig out the themes resonating in the mind and throbbing in the heart.

Conducting is a whole other thing. The music is already written (frequently by someone else), and the conductor’s main role is to fulfill the composer’s intentions by ultimately leading a performance and bringing the music to life. This requires learning every note in the score and inspiring confidence in the orchestra.

I have always integrated my roles as composer, conductor and pianist in the classroom. It is natural for me to use the piano to simplify and demonstrate with one finger how the opening notes to Beethoven’s 5th Symphony look and sound. I teach my college students how to “reduce” or “distill” a large orchestral work into a very simple piano piece. This work may seem daunting, but through the reduction the student discovers the elements comprising the composer’s original sketch. Thus, by “undoing” an orchestration, one learns every note and how the piece is truly composed.

You orchestrated film scores for many memorable films from the ’70s and ’80s. What does it mean to orchestrate? Is that different from "scoring" the film?

The legendary film composer Elmer Bernstein composed the underscore for those films. Elmer was the Mozart of film music and was able to write in any style for any period, location, and dramatic or comedic situation. His sketches were impeccable.

My role as orchestrator was not unlike the relationship of the apprentice to the master. Many of the great painters during the Renaissance didn’t have the time to actually paint, so they sketched their subjects and images on canvas and the apprentices filled in the colors. That is what an orchestrator does – paints colors with musical instruments. The great themes, melodies, chords and musical forms are simply notated by the composer and the orchestrator fleshes it all out and distributes the notes to the right instruments.

There are some parallels regarding my scoring project of “Jewish Luck” in collaboration with my PSU students. However, our work on this Yiddish silent film requires a lot more understanding of the period, history and culture in the Moscow Yiddish Theater in the mid-1920s. My goal is to create a new soundtrack for the film that accurately reflects the Sholem Aleichem characters, while being sensitive and authentic to the period and location. To facilitate this process, I wrote a song for the main title of the film, where I endeavored to define the style of the score – Yiddish theater circa 1925. Our goal in the class is to adapt and arrange the music to sound authentic to the period and location.

Was “Courage to Care” the first Jewish-themed film you scored?

Yes. “The Courage to Care” is a 30-minute documentary made in 1985 for a PBS series on the Holocaust. However, the main message in the film is about life, not death. The film focuses on how gentiles risked their own lives by hiding Jews in their homes during the war. The rescuers and the rescued were interviewed, and the opening narration was written and narrated by Elie Wiesel. I wrote the score for a quartet: piano, clarinet, viola and cello.

How do you like Portland and PSU?

Love it. I believe that Portland is the best remedy for anyone from New York or LA. I’m enjoying the slower tempo of this very smart city, which I find has a very friendly small town feel.

I left my car in LA and am taking public transport everywhere.

I couldn’t be happier.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 39

FRONT & CENTER

Voices in “Pericles Wet” remind scholar of Havurah

By Deborah Moon

When Shakespearean scholar Daniel Pollack-Pelzner saw a new adaptation of “Pericles,” the playwright’s use of women’s voices reminded him of the gender-neutral prayers he grew up with at Havurah Shalom.

This month Portland Shakespeare Project presents the world premiere of “Pericles Wet,” a visceral reimagining of Shakespeare’s “Pericles, Prince of Tyre.” Commissioned by Portland Shakes (as PSP is also known), “Pericles Wet” is by Portland playwright Ellen Margolis.

Both Ellen’s adaptation and Havurah’s use of gender-neutral pronouns “work to make our literary tradition more inclusive,” according to Daniel, PSP’s scholar in residence.

“Ellen has taken a Shakespeare play that focuses on a man’s journey and asked about the experiences of the female characters whom he encounters,” explains Daniel. “She gives equal weight to male and female voices, taking a traditionally gendered text and expanding the range of identities that it includes. My experience at Havurah has been encountering prayers that customarily imagine the power of the universe as male, and instead translating it as gender-neutral – addressing God as ‘you’ rather than ‘he.’ Both Ellen and Havurah are looking to the cherished texts that carry authority in our culture and asking how they can represent more of our communities.”

Daniel attended Portland’s Reconstructionist congregation until leaving for college in 1997. He became a bar mitzvah in 1993 at Havurah, when it met at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center.

“Writing my drash was the beginning of my academic 40 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

Courtesy of Portland Shakespeare Project

career: researching and analyzing a complex text and then presenting my ideas in public,” says Daniel.

More recently, Daniel’s articles on Shakespeare and theater have appeared in The New Yorker, Slate and The New York Times. Daniel earned his Ph.D. from Harvard, where he helped to edit the Norton edition of Shakespeare’s complete works. He is now the Ronni Lacroute Chair in Shakespeare Studies at Linfield College. Daniel will present some of the pre- and postshow discussions during the new play’s run in Portland.

“Pericles undergoes a long sea journey in Shakespeare’s play, and Ellen’s revision takes its inspiration from a beautiful rhyme of water with daughter,” explains Daniel. “She lets us feel the pain of the women that Pericles leaves behind, as well as the power of daughters and wives to shape their own journeys.”

Daniel has had a few journeys of his own. He headed east to earn his bachelor’s degree at Yale. He then taught in Paris and California before returning to the East Coast for grad school.

He and his wife (also a Portlander) returned to Portland in 2010 “so our kids could grow up near their grandparents.”

The family joins Daniel’s parents, Debby Pollack and Barry Pelzner, for Havurah’s High Holiday services every year.

He joined the Linfield faculty in 2010, teaching in the English and gender studies departments. Daniel has been PSP’s scholar in residence since 2013, and says he hopes never to leave.

“I grew up going to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, where I still take groups twice a year, and I’m so glad that there’s also high-quality, adventurous, well-informed Shakespeare being created in Portland, my hometown,” says Daniel.

Daniel Pollack-Pelzner

“Under Michael Mendelson’s artistic direction, Portland Shakespeare Project has established a commitment to staging Shakespeare in ways that honor the dramatic poetry and richness of his language and let that language speak to us in the present,” he says.” I’m delighted that PSP is invested in teaching actors how to unlock Shakespeare’s power and teaching audiences how to join the 400-year-long conversation about the plays’ significance.”

Portland Shakes presents “Pericles Wet”

IMAGINE WANDER NO MORE

TM

Written by Ellen Margolis, directed

by Michael Mendelson WHERE: Artists Repertory Theatre, Alder Stage, 1516 SW Alder St., Portland WHEN: Dec. 1-17, 2017; 7:30 pm ThursdaysSaturdays; 2 pm Sundays PRESHOW DISCUSSIONS: 6:45 pm, Dec. 7 (Ellen Margolis and Daniel Pollack-Pelzner) and Dec. 14 (Ellen Margolis) POSTSHOW DISCUSSIONS: Dec. 3 (Daniel Pollack-Pelzner and Michael Mendelson); Dec. 10 (Michael Mendelson); and Dec. 17 (Ellen Margolis, Daniel Pollack-Pelzner and Michael Mendelson) TICKETS: $30; $20 student/groups; 503-241-1278 or portlandshakes.org

ORjewishlife.com OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 41

YOUNG ADULTS

Hillel kicks off the fall helping Jewish life flourish at OSU & UO

By Deborah Moon

award-winning Jewish/Muslim educational series Manzil/Midrash has returned for a second year with programs designed to build bridges through increased understanding.

Things are also shaping up for a busy winter term with Hillel’s annual Retreat in the Snow Shabbaton in Sunriver. Close to 70 students from both campuses will share an incredible

Oregon Hillel is on track to impact a record number of students this year.

By Nov. 1 more than 400 students (325 at the University of Oregon and 77 at Oregon State University) had connected with Hillel at one of the many programs, events and Shabbat dinners, or through one-on-one interactions with Oregon Hillel’s staff or student interns. The programs and interactions are made possible by Oregon Hillel’s team of 14 student leaders, nine student interns and four staff, including HilUO Junior Jonalel’s first year with a part-time than Rifkind gives dedicated staff member at an inspiring D’var to OSU. students and famiOregon Hillel Executive lies during Erev Rosh Director Andy Gitelson says Hashanah Services this year marks growth on at Oregon Hillel. many fronts since he arrived in August 2012 as the only professional on staff. The year before he arrived, UO engaged only 212 students in the school year. When Hillel launched programming on the OSU campus in 2014, they knew of only two Jewish On campus for High Holy Day Services, University of Oregon State University students build community students; this year they are aware Oregon students take a moment to throw their “O.” and friendships at Hillel’s Welcome Back Barbecue of 150 on campus, more than half by creating a human knot. of whom have already connected with Hillel. weekend together, building friendships that will last a lifetime.

“It was so wonderful kicking off the year with the High Holy Thanks to the support of visiting Hebrew Union College RabDays where Hillel welcomed close to 200 students and parents binic scholar Liora Alban, the students will be able to explore at Rosh Hashanah services, Tashlich on the lake in Corvallis, Judaism in a personally meaningful way.

Yom Kippur or our free Break Fast,” says Andy. “Along with “We are empowering students to take ownership of their the amazing attendance, Hillel helped inspire 12 students to Jewish community and experience rather than only providing lead their community through reading Torah, providing Aliyot, it for them,” says Andy. “This is important, because while they leading songs, singing Kol Nidre and delivering truly thoughtare on campus they are actively creating and developing their ful D’vrei Torah.”

Jewish identities and interests, and when they graduate we Oregon Hillel will lead its second largest winter Taglit: have helped them discover the Jewish confidence to build their Birthright Israel trip this December as 23 students (10 Beavers Jewish network.” and 13 Ducks) will experience Israel for their first time on For more information about Jewish life at Oregon State Hillel’s trip.

University or the University of Oregon, and how you can get Both campuses also have rolled out Rosh Chodesh women's involved to support or invest, contact Andy at 541-343-8920 groups thanks to grants from the Jewish Federation of Greatext. 101 or Andy@oregonhillel.org. er Portland's Women's Giving Circle. University of Oregon’s

42 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

Voices of Israel speakers Shir and Udi meet Negin Akhavan, center, at the University of Oregon.

Emerson Fellows bring Israeli reservists to Oregon universities

By Alex Raphael

StandWithUs, an Israel education organization, has offered students at more than 80 North American universities the opportunity to apply for the Emerson Fellowship since 2001.

Our role as Emerson Fellows and as student leaders in pro-Israel or Jewish clubs is to bring events to campus that educate our fellow students about Israel. We can share whatever aspect we wish: the diversity of the people, innovations and the environment, history of the state or the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We share the message of Israel and her people; despite challenges, Israel has survived and thrived to become a diverse, innovative nation.

Another goal of the SWU Emerson Fellowship is to connect with other campus clubs by supporting each other's initiatives to build coalitions and connections among student leaders.

Many Emersons are involved in student government. On some campuses, they work to combat anti-Semitism, defeat Israel Divestment resolutions and to pass anti-BDS resolutions in the student government. With the assistance of StandWithUs regional coordinators and research staff, fellows create campaigns that confront anti-Israel rhetoric and also bring educational programming to campus.

SWU assists Emersons in bringing speakers to their campuses. One of the more moving programs is the “Between the Lines: Voices of Israel” Israeli Soldiers Tour. This campaign brings two young former Israeli soldiers to share their stories of growing up in Israel and their service. They answer questions, often tough ones. They put a human face on the IDF uniform.

Shayla Norris-York, Portland State University’s co-president of CHAI (Cultural and Historical Association for Israel), and Negin Akhavan, who is a member of Ducks for Israel, Oregon Hillel and Akiva at the University of Oregon, are both Emerson Fellows who brought the tour to their campuses.

Shir and Udi – last names are withheld for security purposes – are two animated Israelis with a passion to share their experiences. Both are from Israel's southern cities, which suffer from a constant barrage of Hamas missiles from Gaza. Both experienced the terror of a rocket attack: Udi's house was almost

destroyed, and Shir and her sister had 15 seconds to run for cover to a bomb shelter.

Military service in Israel is mandatory at age 18 – three years for men and two for women. Shir and Udi served in 2014, during Israel's “Operation Protective Edge,” which destroyed Hamas' terror tunnels from Gaza to Israel.

Shir trained soldiers to use a 3-D missile system to neutralize targets. She explained that this missile is so accurate that if it hits this room, the one next door will not be harmed.

This shows Israel is willing to invest vast amounts of money to develop weapons that will minimize casualties as much as possible. In fact, more than once the soldiers diverted the missile to an open field just to save a life. After service she visited Disneyland and Washington, D.C., before starting law school at Sapir University near Sderot, a city close to the Gaza border.

We were also fortunate to hear from Udi, the StandWithUs Israel Fellow or Shaliach (educator). He travels around the Pacific Northwest sharing his story and educating people about Israel at middle schools, high schools, churches, synagogues and on college campuses.

Udi studied chemical engineering at Ben Gurion University.

During college, he taught at nearby schools. After completing his degree, Udi was commissioned as an officer in the IDF serving as an engineer in the Negev Research Center in southern Israel. During his military service, he finished a master’s degree and became involved in activism on behalf of LGBTQ rights. After his service, he was a legislative aide to a member of Israel's parliament before becoming the SWU Shaliach.

I asked the reservists why they chose to join this tour. They both had a similar answer: education. Udi emphasized that education is the road to peace, which is also the belief of StandWithUs. He stressed that Israelis are his people and Israel, his country. Udi and Shir hope that when people hear about Israel they think of them, real human beings who have unique stories to share and lives with families and friends in Israel.

Alex Raphael is an Emerson Fellow for SWU at Lewis & Clark College. He is a senior biology major.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 43

ACTIVELY SENIOR

Children in Gijega, Tanzania, are happy to see the visitors who brought water to their village and school.

Tourist becomes

friend to Tanzania

By Deborah Moon

When David Newman, 63, took his son, Seth, to Tanzania for a safari and a cultural safari, they expected to be moved by the grandeur of Africa’s wildlife. What David did not expect was that he would be so moved by the humans he met that he would come home to Portland and start a nonprofit to provide water, education and health care to the villagers, who are now his friends.

Rafiki Village Project is a small nonprofit making a big impact. Rafiki (friend in Swahili) is an apt name for the charity that builds relationships as much as it builds needed infrastructure. David also chose the name because it has a familiar feel for Americans who know the crazy, wise elder Rafiki from “The Lion King.”

David has travelled extensively since he went to Israel at age 44 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

16 to study at an ulpan. He has visited Central America, the Caribbean, India, Vietnam and Thailand. He became an RN in 1981 and then finished graduate school, becoming a nurse practitioner in 1986. He worked in Appalachia for a time.

“My plan was to work in the developing world – that was the reason I went into nursing,” says David.

But life took a detour with a family to support.

“I’ve done a lot more consuming of the world’s resources then contributing to them,” laments David.

In 1996 he founded Health Plus, a wellness clinic that specializes in medical weight management and disease reversal.

He and his wife, Laura Orgel, a psychologist and the board secretary of Rafiki Village Project, have been together for 20 years, marrying at Havurah Shalom in 2006. They have three adult children between them – Jennifer, 29; Seth, 25; and Tamarah, 22.

“Seth and I went to Tanzania with the idea of being tour-

David Newman's trip to Tanzania started with a safari to photograph lions and other animals of the Serengeti.

nection with the people.”

So for their February 2016 trip, he and Seth also signed up for a cultural safari, walking through remote regions with a guide and staying in homes of local villagers, most of whom are semi-nomadic subsistence farmers.

Seth says the cultural safari was a highlight of the trip. “It was inspirational to meet these people and have them share their lives with us,” says Seth. “The details of their lives are very different, but the connection made me realize a lot is the same, as well.”

Walking down a dirt road one day they saw a man pushing a bicycle with a flat tire. He spoke English and told them he was a teacher at a local village and would be late that day because of the flat. David and Seth were the only tourists on the trip with guide Eberhard Haule, so they decided to follow the teacher to his school.

“The school in Gijega was in miserable shape,” says David.

Over the coming days walking between villages, David had a lot of time to think and daydream.

“I did a lot of thinking about the school,” he says. “I thought it wouldn’t cost much to renovate the classrooms, and it would make a difference in their lives. I daydreamed about coming home and raising money to fix their school.”

The cultural safari owner, Joas Kahembe, put David in touch with a California couple who about 10 years earlier had created a nonprofit called Karimu to provide funds and volunteers for projects in the Tanzanian village Dareda Kati. David talked to the couple and began the process of creating his own 501(c)3 to aid Gijega.

Villagers dig the 2½-mile trench for the water line to bring public water to Gijega.

ists,” says David. They signed up for a climb of Mount Meru and a safari, since Tanzania’s wildlife resources are considered among the finest in the world including the famed Serengeti plains.

“Most of my travels as an adult have been as a tourist,” says David. “During more recent trips, I’ve yearned to have a conOREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 45

David Newman and his wife, Laura Orgel, join students in front of the classrooms renovated by the Rafiki Village Project.

“I assumed the first projproject and talk ect would be to renovate the to villagers about classrooms,” he says. “But it what they wanted is important to get buy-in next. from the people you are “I met with the trying to help. So we had villagers and talkHaule go to the village and ed to the school ask what the villagers need board, parents most.” and local politiWater was the answer. cians about what The school and village had the community no water other than what needs,” he says. they could carry in buckets Tanzania is a from an untreated stream. relatively stable But a public water supply nation by Afriwas just 2½ miles away. can standards.

Villagers wanted a pipe The multi-party that would carry the treated Elephants on the Serengeti were part of David's introduction to Tanzania. democracy has water to their village and mandated educaschool. tion through eighth grade and a health clinic for every village.

“We hired a local engineer to design the project and bought But there isn’t enough money to fund those mandates. The only the materials,” says David. “The villagers did the work, digging a health clinic in Dumbeta Ward - which is made up of eight vil2½-mile trench for the pipe.” lages - is about 5 miles from Gijega.

The first project was funded in August 2016, and on Sept.

“The way out of poverty is education and health care,” says 20, 2016 water was turned on at the Gijega Primary School.

David. “If you take care of these two, you improve lives. TanzaThe pipe flows to two taps – one for the school and one for the nia is doing their part. It is a success story. … The work needs village, which is made up of three sub-villages of about 3,000 financial support. We have a long list of projects we want to do.” people total.

Since his second visit in 2016, the Rafiki Village Project has In October 2016, David returned to Tanzania to see the renovated classrooms in one of the two school buildings, built a 46 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

bathroom for the school’s teachers and installed a water tower at the Dumbeta health center to store treated water – previously the nurse had to wait at the village tap with a bucket.

In October of 2017 the school laid the foundation for a kitchen.

“Teachers recognized the kids were too hungry to learn,” says David.

Teachers have been cooking rice and beans donated by some of the families over an outdoor fire pit, but with the new kitchen and Rafiki funds to buy more food, they will be able to feed all the children every day at school.

Though the list of projects is long, David says he believes that $150,000 would fund them all, because the villagers make the bricks and provide the labor for all the projects.

In June of this year, Laura joined David when he returned to Tanzania. Though she had served as the secretary of Rafiki Village Project since its incorporation, she wanted to see the people and the work for herself.

“It’s one thing to edit board minutes and entirely different to sit in the sun and talk to people about what their lives are like,” says Laura. “It’s really important to us that this is not just a charity, that this becomes a collaboration and relationship with people and the place. … We wanted to meet with people and continue the conversation of what their needs are and prioritize things they would like help with.”

With her background in research, she was able to help the teachers, school board and ward education officers set up a system to track the success of Rafiki projects. The teachers were already meticulous about keeping attendance and testing records, but now they have a system to use the statistics they collect. “We want to study how effective we are.”

“I met a number of people who have become pals and Facebook friends – people who are not getting money but are interested in relationships,” she says.

Since the trip she has a better understanding of why David “came back from the first trip all fired up.”

“David lives and breathes the Rafiki Village Project,” says Laura. “David is very humble. He’s put hundreds of hours into this.”

In September Havurah Shalom cosponsored a benefit concert for the Rafiki Village Project. In December, the congregation’s tikkun olam committee will host a public presentation about Rafiki (see below).

“As affluent Jews we have an obligation to make other peoples’ lives better and to fight for social and economic justice,” says David. “That is why I believe in this work.”

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

WHAT: Presentation by Rafiki Village Project Founder David Newman featuring slides of water, school and health projects in small villages in Tanzania WHEN: 2-4 pm, Dec. 12 WHERE: Havurah Shalom, 825 NW 18th Ave., Portland INFORMATION: info@rafikivp.org or 503-248-4662 (Havurah Office) Rafikivp.org

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ACTIVELY SENIOR

It takes a planet to serve our elders

By Liz Rabiner Lippoff

Thousands of people standing and cheering and clapping, music blaring, strobe lights flashing ... Lady Gaga concert?

Timbers game? Ticker tape parade?

Nope. It was the annual conference of LeadingAge, the national umbrella agency for not-for-profit elder residence and service providers as well as many businesses, foundations and other groups that support them. Held Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in New Orleans, the opening session was an extravaganza of light, energy and of course jazz music in a huge convention center.

The incoming LeadingAge board chair, a football referee in his spare time, told us in no uncertain terms that we in the business of elder care have been playing defense for too long! There are regulatory challenges and funding shortfalls in our future. It is time to play offense: advocate, respond to calls for action, invite elected officials into our facilities. He quoted John Lewis and the crowd gave a standing ovation, the music soared to new heights, the strobe lights panned the room: “If not us, then who?

If not now, then when?”

Sitting next to me, Cedar Sinai Park CEO Martin (Marty) Baicker took it in stride; I, however, was overwhelmed. He has been to the conference many times; I had never even thought of going. But it was Marty who had urged me, as CSP board chair, to be there. “Besides the technical information we learn in the educational sessions, the conference provides the opportunity to speak with and learn from colleagues from across the country” he told me.

It was actually via LeadingAge that the seeds were sown for CSP’s entry into both housing with services and the Green House model. So there I was.

Oregon has hundreds of nursing homes, home care companies, social organizations and countless other senior services, but Cedar Sinai Park in Portland is unique: it is Oregon’s only Jewish organization serving elders with a wide range of services and residential options as well as the commitment to grow

Marty Baicker and Howard Klink at the session “Integrated Service Models Delivering Population Health in Aging Services.

those services as the community’s needs evolve.

Cedar Sinai Park, though, is not alone out there in senior service land, feeling its way without support and guidance. It is a member of The Association of Jewish Aging Services, which, according to former CEO David Fuks, helps CSP navigate how to best conduct ourselves within the special context of Jewish values and practice.

CSP is also a member of Oregon’s affiliate of LeadingAge (LeadingAgeOregon.org). Its resources and education help its members provide “quality housing, health, community and related services to the elderly and disabled.” Its corporate partners enable members to take advantage of group purchasing.

Members share their experiences and learn from each other.

Even its executive director, Ruth Gulyas, steps in where she is needed: she accepted the CSP board’s invitation this spring, for example, to join the members of CSP’s community and board in its nationwide search for CSP’s next CEO. LeadingAge Oregon itself has the support of the national LeadingAge, with its 6,000-plus members and partners in 38 states. LeadingAge is part of the Global Ageing Network that includes 30 countries. Providing our elders with the choices

leadingage.org | leadingageoregon.org | cedarsinaipark.org | medacureinc.com 48 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

they need and deserve evidently takes much more than a village. It takes a whole planet.

For four days, Marty and I – and more than 7,000 people from 38 states and six countries (Canada, UK, Australia, Trinidad, China and Cameroon!)

– explored everything from “Are NotFor-Profits Relevant and Sustainable” to “Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll with Dr. Ruth.” There were nearly 250 sessions to choose from in addition to targeted networking events. Exhibitors in a second huge hall displayed every possible product and service, from accounting and accreditation to wellness equipment and wireless communications. I stopped to chat with Ted Weinman of MedaCure, a producer of “durable medical equipment” located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. His yarmulke caught my attention.

“What makes your beds so special?” I asked him. “They’re better,” he replied.

“We make goods with chutzpah!”

We heard success stories in areas where we at CSP are trying to grow and improve. Marty looked at best practices in affordable housing, in-home services and post-acute care, among other things. (Robison’s post-acute care center admitted its first patients while we

Providing our elders with the choices they need and deserve evidently takes much more than a village.

It takes a whole planet. were at the conference.) I was seeking out thought leaders in governance and communication. At “The Psychology of Words” we parsed the language we use to describe our residents and our services. The difference between “we take care of you” and “we offer care options for you to choose from,” for example, is one of implied judgment of a person’s ability to make their own decisions. I took many, many pages of notes.

A presenter at our last session was Howard Klink, the director of CSP’s innovative Housing with Services program

Ted Weinman of Brooklyn shows off his MedaCure wares.

in CSP’s affordable housing units downtown. Howard and presenters from Ohio, Virginia and Washington, D.C., emphasized that simply giving someone a place to live is not enough.

Medical care, behavior health services, social and cultural activities – even a resident-led food pantry in the case of our affordable housing units – are all essential for people to thrive.

And to that I could only say: Amen.

“We all are so focused on the day-to-day work of caring for our elders,” Marty observed. “Attending the national conference gets us out of our routine and gives us the opportunity to see the big picture ... that there are thousands of people across the country doing the same important work as we are ... that their challenges are much the same as ours in Portland.”

Our job is to meet those challenges.

Liz Rabiner Lippoff is a marketing consultant, freelance writer and community volunteer. LizInk.biz OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 49

H& Lifestyle ome

orchids

Keeping

beautiful and blooming

By Melinda Myers

50 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

L

ift your spirits, enliven your indoor décor or give the gift of beautiful blooming orchids. You’ll enjoy these exotic blossoms for months with just minimal care – once you know what to do.

Start with a healthy flowering plant. The phalaenopsis or moth orchid is the most widely available and easiest to grow. It’s similar to caring for an African violet. When you provide the proper growing conditions, maintenance is a breeze.

The challenge comes with less-than-ideal indoor growing conditions of low light and dry air. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to create a better environment for your orchid.

Keep in mind that most orchids are epiphytes. In nature, they grow on other plants and obtain water and nutrients from the air, water and plant debris that accumulates in their environment. This is why they are grown in an orchid mix made of organic material such as peat, fir bark and perlite. This or a similar combination retains water while providing needed drainage.

Give your orchid a good soaking once a week. Pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer. Don’t allow orchids to sit in water and don’t water them too often. This can lead to root rot and death of your plant.

Further improve the environment by increasing the humidity around the plant.

Group them with other orchids and indoor plants. As one plant loses moisture, or “transpires,” the others will benefit from the increase in humidity. Plus, you’ll create a beautiful display while improving the growing conditions.

Alternatively, you can create humidity trays. Place pebbles in the saucer and the pot on top of the pebbles. Allow excess water to collect in the pebbles below the pot. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around your plant. This also eliminates the need to pour off the excess water that collects in the saucer.

For larger plant collections use rubber humidity plant tray grids. These save space by allowing you to place several plants on one tray. These are perfect for growing on tables or light stands.

Place your plant in a bright location. Orchids do best with 12 to 14 hours of sunlight. Unobstructed south- or eastfacing windows are usually the best. Or give plants a boost with artificial lights. Newer full spectrum LED lights provide needed light while using less energy.

And there’s no reason to hide your orchid and light setup in the basement. Check out the attractive, new indoor grow light systems like the Coltura LED Grow Frame (gardeners.com). It can be mounted on the wall or set on a table. Either way, your orchids will be in full view for all to enjoy.

Fertilize actively growing plants with an orchid fertilizer. Michigan State University developed a fertilizer that efficiently provides the nutrients orchids need. They have “Orchid Tap Water” and “Orchid Pure Water Fertilizer” formulations. Just follow label directions for best results.

Once the plants are done flowering, you can keep them growing indoors. If you like a challenge, try reblooming. On phalaenopsis orchids, just cut back the flowering stem between the second or third node from the bottom. Or give the plant a rest and cut the flower stem back to the leaves. Continue to provide proper care and wait to see if you were successful.

You can also simply treat an orchid plant like a long-lasting bouquet. That way there’s no guilt if you decide to toss it. And if the guilt is too much, just look for an avid gardener. There’s always someone who would be happy to adopt and try to rebloom your non-flowering plant.

The Coltura LED Grow Frame.

PHOTO COURTESY GARDENERS SUPPLY COMPANY

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone” DVD set and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned

by Gardener’s Supply for her expertise to write this article. Myers’s web site is www. melindamyers.com.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 51

ISRAEL

Maccabean spirit lives on in IDF

largest contingent of cadets (the ground troops) and was standing many rows in. But then something happened. SomeChanukah, with its fighting Maccabean spirit, took on perthing uncanny that moved Sarah and me to our very core. The sonal meaning for the Weinberger family recently. announcer started reading off the list of outstanding cadets. I On Oct. 25, nine of us headed down to Mizpeh Ramon to thought to myself: could it be? And then the announcer was see Elie graduate from Officers Course. Nathan and Ruthie saying "El," and then that turned into "Eliyahu" and then took a train from Tel Aviv to Be'er Sheva, and Sarah and I "Eliyahu Weinberger from Givat Zee'v," and there was Elie picked them up en route from Givat Ze'ev. Elie's wife, Harunning to the front to join the row of outstanding cadets. We dar, and her parents, Rivka and David, drove in one car from all jumped up and screamed like crazy. I felt flushed, and hot, Jerusalem and Rebecca and Ezra in another. Given that Israelis and dizzy with amazement. Sarah started to cry. The son of a are often blasé about graduations gun had utterly surprised us (we found (many students do not attend their own out later that he had known for a week). university graduations), and given that The defense minister personally cut a 2.5-hour drive is considered quite the white ribbon covering the outlengthy for our small country, this effort standing cadets’ officer's bars. The base says a lot about the place of the Israel commander (we heard later), who was Defense Forces in Israeli society. right behind, asked Elie if there was We had some time before the cersomeone special for him in the crowd, emony, so Elie showed us around the no doubt expecting Elie to say "Mom" base. The facilities are quite impressive: or "Grandma." I imagine very few have besides the classrooms, dining halls and answered as Elie did, "Yes, my wife." dormitories, there is a swimming pool, Elie's name was called out one running track, tennis court, basketball more time. At the end of the ceremocourt, a beautiful synagogue designed to ny the soldiers paraded off, led by the suggest the "burning bush," and a large outstanding cadets. As Elie's group building housing a gym with rooms marched by, the announcer noted that it for free weights, aerobic machines and was led by "Lieutenant Eliyahu Weinspinning bicycles (Hadar was noticeably berger." relieved to hear that Elie did not avail In a country that is technically at himself of the coed spinning classes). war with several of its neighbors, where During our walk we bumped into there is a mandatory draft and where Elie's course commander, Itay, who Memorial Day is a somber national looked to be about Elie's age (23), and holiday with military cemeteries full Elie later confirmed this. With his of visitors, to have your son become an fellow cadets as young as 19, Elie, who officer is a source of tremendous pride, studied in a yeshiva for over two-and-aall the more so if he will be an officer in half years before enlisting, was kind of an elite combat unit as Elie will be. To a senior citizen. We shook hands with have your son be named an outstanding Itay and asked him how Elie did in the Elie and Hadar Weinberger, before the officer’s graduate of his Officers Course feels like course. Itay said: "The truth? He was course graduation ceremony. Notice the white ribbon the entire country has proclaimed your terrible." We all laughed. on Elie's shoulder. During the months-long course, son to be a hero, and it also feels like We took our seats and awaited the the cadets have their officer's bars covered with this the entire country gave Sarah and me a start of the ceremony, which did not ribbon, to be removed upon graduation. massive bear hug saying: you did good. begin promptly at 16:00. The ceremony Elie received the soldiers he will be took place on the base's huge parade commanding a few weeks ago at a base grounds, so huge in fact that it dwarfed the approximately 600 in the Jordan Valley. I know and the country knows they are in cadets (about 10% of them women) who were about to become good hands. officers. A small marching band stepped its way to a corner of the grounds, from where it played military and Zionist songs; a Teddy Weinberger, Ph.D., writes from Givat Ze’ev, a suburb of Jerusalem. He color guard brought in various flags, and a number of military and his wife, Sarah Jane Ross, made aliyah in 1997 with their five children. bigwigs marched in along with Israel's defense minister.

Teddy is director of development for Meaningful, a company that works with Even had we had the foresight to bring binoculars, I doubt Israeli nonprofit organizations. that we would have been able to see Elie, who was with the

By Teddy Weinberger

52 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

“Progressive” movements mask anti-Semitism as opposition to Zionism

By Bob Horenstein

Shortly after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, my father (z”l) received a job offer from a chemical manufacturer in Pennsylvania only to have the offer rescinded when the firm discovered he was Jewish. He ended up making a living as a bookkeeper in his native Portland, where, until the 1970s, there were country clubs that refused membership to Jews.

With the adoption of anti-discrimination laws and the emergence of a more open, tolerant culture in the United States (the white supremacist fringe notwithstanding), it was assumed by many observers that such anti-Semitic exclusion would become a thing of the past. They were wrong.

Today, however, rather than the job market or country clubs, it’s from so-called progressive social movements that Jews are being barred. The new-age anti-Semites – most of whom readily support Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaigns demonizing Israel – have established a litmus test that Jews must pass to be part of these movements. That is, anyone identifying as pro-Israel and Zionist, which happens to be the overwhelming majority of American Jews, needn’t bother.

Nowhere is this phenomenon more rampant than on college campuses. According to a 2016 study by the Amcha Initiative, a California-based nonpartisan organization that investigates and combats anti-Semitism at institutions of higher education, Jewish students on several campuses reported being excluded from participating in progressive social justice activities, such as anti-rape demonstrations, pro-immigration rallies and Black Lives Matter events.

“In addition to ostracizing and alienating Jewish students from certain areas of campus life,” the study reported, “anti-Zionist students repeatedly attempt to shut down events organized by Jewish students.”

Beyond the campus, pro-Israel Jews have been made to feel unwelcome in some social justice movements despite their capacity to play a vital role in advancing the respective movements’ agendas. The Women’s March on Washington in January, for example, was co-chaired by Linda Sarsour, a Palestinian-American BDS activist who once declared on Twitter that “nothing is creepier than Zionism.”

In several media interviews after the march, in which thousands of Jewish women participated, Sarsour insisted that there’s no room in the feminist movement for women who support Israel. Still, her apologists claim she’s not anti-Semitic, pointing out that she helped raise funds to repair a vandalized St. Louis-area Jewish cemetery in February. Apparently, she didn’t think there were any “creepy” Zionists among the buried.

More recently, in June, during Chicago’s “Dyke March” in support of LGBT rights, three Jewish demonstrators who were

carrying rainbow Star of David flags were ejected after they refused to disavow Israel. In a statement issued following the march, organizers explained that “the [ejected] individuals were told that the march was explicitly anti-Zionist, and that if they were not OK with that, they should leave.” Zionism, the statement declared, “is an inherently white-supremacist ideology.”

Incredibly, the march organizers further proclaimed: “We believe in creating a space free from oppression... We welcome and include people of all identities [emphasis added].” Clearly, the blatant hypocrisy of that statement was completely lost on these anti-Semites.

Another group with an aversion to Zionists is Rethinking Schools, a national nonprofit magazine and book publisher headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, that focuses on “strengthening public education through social justice teaching.” Not only has this organization hopped onto the BDS bandwagon, it has also actively pushed for curricula that would present students with an overtly pro-Palestinian perspective under the guise of “social justice.” After all, says Rethinking Schools, “Zionist narratives often dominate textbooks.”

Every October, the Northwest Conference on Teaching for Social Justice, of which Rethinking Schools is a lead sponsor, draws hundreds of high school teachers from Oregon and Washington. Over the past few years, Jewish pro-Israel organizations wishing to table or present a workshop have been rejected by conference organizers. Even a proposed workshop on Arab-Israeli environmental collaboration was deemed too Zionist-friendly. Heaven forbid the teachers should learn about ways the Jewish state is improving the world.

For Jews in my father’s generation, anti-Semitism meant some jobs were unobtainable regardless of one’s qualifications; membership in certain social clubs was banned. Today’s leftwing anti-Semitism, though different in form, is disturbingly familiar.

American Jews’ long track record of involvement in civil rights campaigns, support for laws prohibiting discrimination against LGBT people, and opposition to policies restricting immigration is reflective of the positive contributions we make to important social justice causes. Yet, for some left-wing activist groups, these credentials aren’t sufficient. If you don’t renounce Zionism as part of your core Jewish identity and swear allegiance to the Palestinian cause, you simply aren’t welcome.

It’s time for progressive groups to stop tolerating the anti-Semitism within their ranks that makes a total mockery of their pursuit of social justice.

This column was originally published in the Oct. 2 Jerusalem Report. Bob Horenstein is the Community Relations Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland.

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 53

K I D S

and teens too!

Mendelsohn family – From left, 16-year-old twins Ryan and Lauren; Jason; Ronni; and Adam, 10, holding bichon frise Dez. When Jason was diagnosed with Stage IV oral cancer in 2014, he asked himself “How could I leave Ronni and our kids with so much more in life to experience?”

Dad’s SupermanHPV website promotes HPV vaccinations Have you heard of HPV-related oral cancer?

Jason Mendelsohn hadn’t heard of it until he diagnosed with Stage IV human papillomavirus-related tonsil cancer. Now he is passionate about educating parents about the importance of the HPV vaccine for boys and girls, as well as promoting oral cancer screenings for adults.

Oregon Jewish Life shared his journey in our January 2016 issue with the story “After tonsil cancer, dad pushes HPV vaccines for all teens” (orjewishlife.com/after-tonsil-cancer-dad-pushes-hpv-vaccines-for-all-teens). In that article, he shared his fears when he was diagnosed with HPV-related tonsil cancer that had spread to several lymph nodes in his neck. He asked himself “How could I not be there to give Ronni and our kids advice, just as my father does for us today?” Not wanting future generations of fathers to experience that panic drove Jason to share his story.

He wanted to raise awareness about this relatively unknown form of cancer and spread the word that it can be prevented.

Now he’s found new ways to promote HPV vaccinations.

“Even with all the inspiration and encouragement, one person can only do so much,” he told the Heritage Florida Jewish News for a November story. “You'd have to be superhuman to keep up. He remembered his friends and doctors who called him Superman during his treatments, and he adopted the name SupermanHPV.” Jason launched the website SupermanHPV.com to help those searching for information.

"I chose the name SupermanHPV as I knew it would draw attention to the diagnosis, and help me spread the word about HPV-related oral cancer," according to his blog. "I wanted people to understand that three out of four adults by the time they're 30 have HPV, 62% of freshman in college."

54 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

SupermanHPV.com launched the first week of September and immediately drew national attention. After visiting the website, Maggie Fox, senior writer at NBC, wrote an article about Jason and this “silent epidemic.” The article – nbcnews. com/health/health-news/silent-epidemic-cancer-spreading-among-men-n811466 – has been read by more than 500,000 people. Shortly after the article ran, he was asked to speak on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.

On his website, Jason tells his story, writes blogs and shares other people's testimonies and their own "words of wisdom" to encourage others with HPV-related cancer.

As part of his effort to bring attention to HPV-related oral cancer, Jason joined the board of directors of the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (headandneck.org); he serves as the co-chair for the group’s Patient Education Committee. He also serves on the board of the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute as a patient advocate.

Through his work with HNCA and SupermanHPV.com, he informs adults who have been diagnosed with an oral cancer to be checked for HPV-16 and encourages parents to talk to their children’s pediatricians about the Gardasil vaccination that can be given to boys and girls ages 9 to 26.

To learn more about HPV-related cancers, or any cancers involving the head and neck, visit SupermanHPV.com or headandneck.org.

Parenting High-Tech Kids helps keep kids safe online

How much screen time should children have? When should you give your child a cell phone? What’s the best way to integrate technology into the classroom? And how can you make high-tech devices; social networks like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter; online apps; and technology tools of every kind a more positive part of kids’ daily lives?

A new book, Parenting High-Tech Kids: The Ultimate Internet, Web + Online Safety Guide, answers these questions and more. This guide helps parents stay one step ahead of today’s fast-moving, high-tech landscape so they can teach kids how to successfully navigate a world of cutting-edge devices and 24/7 online connectivity. Bestselling keynote speaker and trends expert Scott Steinberg provides the answers parents and teachers need to know to teach responsible high-tech habits; protect children’s privacy; and make hightech tools, online apps and social networks a more uplifting part of childhood.

Released in October, the book offers real-world insights and advice for equipping kids with all the tools they need to succeed in a connected world.

Teach kids to be safer online while also teaching them the skills they need in tomorrow’s high-tech landscape.

Steinberg was recently named the Master of Innovation by Fortune magazine. A top-rated keynote speaker and the host of Next Up on NewsWatch, he provides presentations and training workshops at events, meetings and conferences. As a member of the Jewish community, he also addresses Jewish groups on these topics. His website is AKeynoteSpeaker.com.

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Teens making a difference eligible for $36,000

The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards are seeking nominations of exceptional Jewish teens leading meaningful community service and social change initiatives. Now entering its 12th year, the national award annually recognizes up to 15 Jewish teens with $36,000 each towards their project or education. Up to five teens from California and 10 from across the United States will be recognized for their humanitarian efforts.

The deadline for nominations is Dec. 18, 2017; the deadline for applications is Jan. 8, 2018. Self-identified Jewish teens who are 13 to 19 years old on Jan. 8, 2018, are eligible. Teens who have applied in the past are also eligible to reapply.

Since its inception in 2007, the program has awarded more than $3 million to 99 teens in recognition of their vision, compassion, innovation and demonstrated ability to lead.

“Nominating a teen for the Tikkun Olam Awards is a wonderful opportunity for educators, civic leaders and teen mentors across the country to recognize young Jewish leaders who are creating meaningful change at home and across the globe,” says Jackie Safier, Helen Diller’s daughter and president of the Helen Diller Family Foundation. “We hope the Awards encourage and catalyze a generation of Jewish teens in their ambitious work to repair the world.”

Anyone interested in nominating a teen or any teen interested in applying can complete the nomination/ application process at dillerteenawards.org. For questions, contact dillerteenaward@sfjcf.org or 415-512-6432.

Chanukah essay contest announced

Maimonides Jewish Day School is sponsoring a Chanukah essay contest for third/fourth-graders and fifth/sixth-graders.

Essays of about 150 words should reflect on “What Freedom Means to Me.” There will be one winner selected from each of the two age groups. Winners will receive an autographed book by awardwinning author Eric Kimmel, who has endorsed the contest.

Essays must be received by 5 pm, Dec. 4. Winners will be announced on Dec. 13. Email essays to Office@ PortlandJewishSchool.com with the subject line Chanukah Essay Contest 2017.

Please ensure that the student’s name, age, grade, and the name and phone number of the school appear on each entry.

For questions, email Office@PortlandJewishSchool.com or call at 503-977-7850.

CALENDAR

(For more Chanukah parties, see the December calendar on page 66) Dec. 3

HOMEMADE CHANUKAH. 2-4 pm at PJC 6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland. Listen to Chanukah stories, cook latkes and applesauce, build a chanukiyah, and make candles. All activities led by Portland Jewish Academy faculty! $5 per family. 503-535-3599 or pjaproud.org/ hanukkah

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL INFO DAY. Get acquainted with Riverdale campus life by visiting classrooms; getting to know teachers, students and parents; and learning about specific programs, clubs and sports. 9727 SW Terwilliger Blvd., Portland. RSVP 503-262-4847 riverdaleschool.com Dec. 9

PJ HAVDALLAH (Ages 0-5). 5:30-7:30 pm at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane. Say goodbye to Shabbat in our PJs. We’ll have dinner, stories, art and a whole lot of fun. $5 per person. Cosponsored by PJ Library. RSVP at: nevehshalom.org/pjhavdallah Dec. 12

CHANUKAH STORYTIME with author Eric Kimmel. 11 am-noon at Green Bean Books, 1600 NE Alberta St., Portland. Free. 503-892-7415 Dec. 13

CHANUKAH PROGRAM for all Portland middle school and high schoolers. 6-8:30 pm, at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane. Sometimes It Takes a Miracle: What is a miracle? Are miracles Jewish? Sponsored by Portland Area Jewish Educators (PAJE). Free. 503246-8831 Dec. 17

CHANUKAH FESTIVAL FOR KIDS and families: 9:30 am-noon at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland.

Create a menorah, make sufganiyot, play dreidel, dance and sing, story time, play area. All are welcome (ages 0-12 and parents), FREE and no RSVP required. Co-sponsored by PJ Library. 503-246-8831

CHANUKAH DONUTS AND DANCING. 2-4 pm at the MJCC. Family-friendly Chanukah celebration: Make decorations, play Dreidel, Israeli Folk dancing, and eat sufganiot. Cost: $10 per family. Register: oregonjcc.org/donuts Dec. 25

CHINESE FOOD AND A MOVIE: Spend your Day at the J! 11 am-2 pm. We will serve a Chinese inspired lunch, watch a family-friendly film and have several other activities and crafts at this yearly tradition. $15. Register: oregonjcc.org/movie 56 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

Dec. 31

FOURTH FRIDAYS WITH RABBI EVE POSEN: 5:15-7

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT NOON at the MJCC: Fun family event. Ring

pm, fourth Fridays. Join Rabbi Eve Posen for this fun Shabbat for young families! Welcome Shabbat with music and stories. Potluck dinner to follow. Co-sponsored by PJ Library. RSVP for more info and location: 503246-8831 or eposen@nevehshalom.org

in the New Year with arts and crafts, games, bouncy house, dancing, snacks, pool float, and our annual countdown to 2017 at noon with the balloon drop. 11 am-2 pm; Pool Float from 12:30-2 pm. Free. 503-2440111

SATURDAYS Jan. 4, 2018

TOT SHABBAT: 9-10:30 am, first Saturdays at Congregation Beth

PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP: 6-7 pm at PJA, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland. See PJA's

Israel, 1972 NW Flanders, Portland. Join us for our special Saturday service for our littlest congregants and the grown-ups who love them. 503222-1069

Kindergarten program and meet our faculty. 503-535-3599

RECURRING: SUNDAYS

NORTH STORY HOUR WITH PJ LIBRARY: 9:30-10:15 am, Sundays at New Seasons, 3445 N Williams Ave., Portland. Share in a weekly story hour for families with music and PJ Library Books. (No story hour Nov. 26). rachelr@jewishportland.org or 503-892-7415

MINI MENSCHES: 9:15 am-noon, Sundays. Congregation Beth Israel hosts a weekly Jewish space for families with children 0-3 to meet, learn and grow together. Each week we'll have activities like story time, dancing and music. chelsea@bethisrael-pdx.org

TOT SHABBAT: 10:30 am, first Saturdays, at Congregation Ahavath Achim’s Hillsdale location: 6686 SW Capitol Hwy. Eve Levy will lead tots and their parents in singing, dancing, stories and plenty of time for the children (and parents) to have fun. This program is geared for children up to age 5 and any older siblings who would like to attend. 503-227-0010

YOUNG FAMILY TOT SHABBAT: 10:15 am-12:15 pm, first and third Saturdays at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland. Join other young families for singing, dancing, stories, indoor picnic-style lunch and Shabbat fun. Free. Rabbi Eve Posen 503-246-8831

KIDDUSH CLUB FOR K-2ND GRADE: 10:15-11:30 am, first

TUESDAYS

and third Saturdays at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland. Sing, hear a Torah story, maybe dance. followed by lunch.

503-246-8831

STORY TIME IN ANNE AND GOLDIE’S CHILDREN’S CORNER. 11-11:30 am, Tuesdays, second floor of the Oregon Jewish

TORAH TROOP FOR 3RD-5TH GRADERS: 10-11:30 am,

Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, 724 NW Davis St, Portland.

Rotating storytellers bring carefully selected books to life, with occasional singing, movement and crafts. Stay to play in the Neighborhood House themed corner, or grab lunch at Lefty’s Cafe. Co-sponsored by PJ Library. Caregivers with children are free. ojmche.org

first and third Saturdays, Congregation Neveh Shalom. Meet in the main service for the beginning of the Torah service, and then come out with your friends for a fun and active lesson on the Torah portion (parsha) of the week. Return to the service to help lead Adon Olam, and join the community for lunch! Free. 503-246-8831

WEDNESDAYS

SHABBAT STORYTIME: 9:45-10:15 am, second Saturdays, at

CHAI BABY + PJ LIBRARY INDOOR PLAYGROUND: 10 am-noon, every second Wednesday (Sept-June) at the MJCC, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy. For parents and their children up to 5 years old. Playing, running, meeting new and old friends, kosher snacks. Free. 503-244-0111

Congregation Shir Tikvah, 7550 NE Irving St., Portland. Free. Shabbat gathering of toddlers and their caregivers. Best for kids up to age 5, although older siblings are welcome. Enjoy stories, songs and crafts that celebrate holidays and Jewish values. Stay afterward for bagels and coffee with Rabbi Ariel Stone. 503-473-8227

THURSDAYS

PJ STORY HOUR YAD B'YAD: 9:30-10:30 am, Thursdays at Rose

TORAH YOGA: 10:30 am-noon every second Saturday at

Schnitzer Manor, 6140 SW Boundary St., Portland. Share in a weekly story hour for young families with music and PJ Library books with the residents of Cedar Sinai Park. rachelr@jewishportland.org or 503-892-7415

Congregation Shaarie Torah, 920 NW 25th Ave., Portland. 503-226-6131

FRIDAYS

A LITTLE SHABBAT: 5-6:30 pm every third Friday at Congregation Shaarie Torah, 920 NW 25th Ave., Portland. For families with children in preschool (ages 2+). Short service with singing, greeting, stories followed by kid-friendly dinner. Free. 503-226-6131

TOT SHABBAT: 9-9:30 am every second Saturday at Congregation Kol Ami, 7800 NE 119th St., Vancouver. Rabbi Elizabeth Dunsker leads a short Shabbat service with singing and storytelling! Craft-making based on the story and a short oneg follows the service. Ages 0 to 5. 360-896-8088

KESSER KIDS' TIME: 10:45 am-noon every second and fourth Saturday at Congregation Kesser Israel, 6698 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland.

The program is geared for children ages 2-11. Games, songs, learning, food activity. Free. 503-222-1239

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Conversations Point The Way Toward Eastside Jewish Commons says consultant Mark Sherman who is guiding the EJC Steering Committee. “We started Community conversations this fall have with blank sheets of paper on the walls, and given a broad-based coalition the focus to within 20 minutes they were full of ideas.” He move forward on efforts to develop a large, added that people were “excited and appreciamulti-purpose program space on Portland’s tive they were being heard and listened to.”

East Side.

Area Eastsiders indicated interest in includThe Eastside Jewish Commons is distinct ing education from early childhood to adult from the Alberta Shul project (see story, page ed, social action, recreation and fun, and reliXX). Started independently, the two projects gious programming. “We saw a full spectrum mutually support the goal of building Jewish of Jewish community wanting to have space community infrastructure serving Portland’s where programming could occur.”

East Side. EJC and Alberta Shul leaders have “We are not in capital campaign mode, we compiled a fact sheet (see box) to provide are in project development mode,” says Mark, a 30-year veteran of successful nonprofit capital campaigns, which began with the Japanese-American Historical Plaza build in Waterfront Park in 1989. He is also a longtime member of Portland’s Jewish community and active at Congregation Neveh Shalom; he and his wife sent their children (now ages 21 to 38) to Portland Jewish Academy for 20 consecutive years.

Following the listening phase of EJC, the steering committee will begin conceptual planning and then identify potential spacParticipants at one of three Community Conversations on the Eastside Jew- es. Only then will fundraising ish Commons initiative, filled large sheets of paper with ideas on programs begin, says Mark. they want space for on Portland’s East Side.

“I am confident this project can be achieved in three to five years,” he says. clarity regarding Jewish Eastside projects.

“The process of doing this project will have Leaders from both projects mutually endorse a transformative effect by promoting collabthe success of both efforts. orations and engaging new Jewish leadership The EJC Steering Committee facilitated in combination with the Jewish community three conversations in October and November champions who have been leaders for many to explore what the estimated 10,800 Jews years,” says Mark. “The blend of core Jewish who live east of the Willamette River (based community leaders and new emerging leaders on a 2011 demographic study) would like to is very exciting to see develop.” see on their side of town. Planners had hoped Several organizations have expressed interest to attract 200 people to the conversations, but in the project, including PJA, Neveh Shalom, more than 300 turned out.

B’nai B’rith Camp, the Jewish Federation of “The goal of the conversations is to hear Greater Portland, Mittleman Jewish Commuwhat people on the East Side say they want,” nity Center and Congregation Shir Tikvah,

By Deborah Moon

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which is already based on the East Side.

Wanting to find a more permanent facility, Shir Tikvah had asked Mark about the feasibility of that. “My reply was ‘yes,’ if we truly to do it collaboratively,” he says.

In early 2017 the broadbased EJC Steering Committee was formed.

“Shir Tikvah called the question, but the response has been a collaborative process,” says Mark. “It is not under the auspices of any one organization.”

To report progress and share information, the EJC Steering Committee created a Facebook page: facebook.com/pdxeastsidejewishcommons.

Community bid accepted to preserve Alberta Shul An organization of Eastside Portland Jews and the seller of the Alberta Shul recently negotiated a deal to save the historic building from being demolished. Organizers are seeking local and national donors, bridge financing and in-kind donations to help purchase the building immediately and restore it.

Located in the historic Alberta Arts Neighborhood of Northeast Portland (4550 NE 20th Ave.), the modest wooden building once served as a home for Jewish community in Northeast Portland. Tifereth Israel, an Orthodox Jewish congregation, bought the building in 1914 and stayed until they outgrew the space in the 1950s.

The Alberta Shul Coalition plans to continue the legacy of the 110-year-old building as a landmark of Jewish commitment to desegregation and civil rights.

“We envision a collaborative cultural and spiritual center,” says Lela Brown, a union plumber and organizer. “Our work as organizers of the Alberta Shul is to cultivate an open space

where the seeds of this community can begin to grow.”

The space would be used immediately by North and Northeast Jewish residents to connect with Jewish identity as well as by the larger community.

“Embodying the core Jewish value of tikkun olam means drawing close as well as standing in solidarity with marginalized Portland communities targeted in the current political climate,” says Naomi Sheff, a young activist in Portland who recently joined the organizing effort.

Growing a community, forming an organization and fundraising for the purchase of the shul has been a huge undertaking, and skilled people have shown up to fill critical roles. The coalition is made up of Jewish teachers, organizers, business people and friends who have been professionally and informally hosting innovative Jewish events on Portland’s East Side for more than 10 years.

“When I saw what was happening here I knew I had to get involved, and I’m happy to use my skills as a nonprofit organizer to help start something,” says Noah Kleiman, founder of Old Library Studio and Secret Knowledge.

There are still many ways to participate, and regular meetings and events are announced on the group’s Facebook page and through email updates.

Monthly Shabbat gatherings are ongoing, and the next fundraiser will be a Hanukkah party on Dec. 18 (see box). For more information on this and future events, visit facebook.com/albertashul or email albertashul@gmail.com. To make a donation, visit albertashul.org.

Dreidel Poker & Latke Party

WHAT: Dreidel poker, a series of gambling games involving dreidels that are variations on poker games.

FOOD: Latkes and more WHEN: 6-10 pm, Dec. 18 WHERE Congregation Shir Tikvah, 7550 NE Irving St., Portland FREE; donations to Alberta Shul accepted INFORMATION: facebook.com/albertashul or albertashul@gmail.com

Alberta Shul/Eastside Jewish Commons Comparison Location Size

Alberta Shul Site specific; saves a property of historic interest.

Approx. 1,000-sf size supports one program at a time.

Eastside Jewish Commons Exploring potential sites; evaluating optimal placement.

Approx. 26,500-sf concept intended to support multiple programs and functions.

Leadership Neighborhood-based, grassroots leadership.

Steering committee represents broad coalition of Portland Jewish community stakeholders.

Project Status

The Alberta Shul project leaders are actively raising funds for building purchase and renovation. Time sensitive due to availability of property for purchase.

The EJC Steering Committee is developing the project, hosting community discussions, building partnerships and collaborations. Fundraising for property and construction will not begin until specific property plan has been developed.

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Married scholars explore Jewish masculinity, femininity Yiftakh Osterloh and Rena Lauer.

Photo by Mina Carson

Registration is now open for the 12th Annual Weekend in Quest presented by The Institute for Judaic Studies March 2-4, 2018, at the Holiday Inn Express in Astoria. The annual excursion in Jewish learning and celebration sells out most years, so early registration is suggested.

The weekend includes four lectures, Shabbat services, Saturday evening program, catered meals and time for exploring the revitalized Astoria overlooking the mighty Columbia River.

Shabbat and Havdallah services will be led by Rabbi Joshua Rose of Congregation Shaarie Torah.

This year’s programming, “Jewish Masculinity and Femininity in the Premodern World,” draws on the expertise of Professors Rena Lauer and Yiftakh Osterloh, who focus on medieval Mediterranean and ancient Mediterranean cultures, respectively. Rena will speak on Jewish-Christian relations and Jewish identity on Venetian Crete. Yiftakh will focus on aspects of Jewish identity resulting from the interactions of Jews with Greeks and Romans.

Since fall of 2014, the two have been assistant professors of history and religious studies at Oregon State University. Rena earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Harvard’s history department.

Yiftakh earned his Ph.D. from Princeton’s religion department and his MA in Jewish Studies from NYU. The two married after working together on a medieval Hebrew text, Sefer Hasidim, at Princeton University. Both have won OSU’s Trow Award for teaching excellence. The two often present programs or speak on the same panels at conferences, “which has led to us introducing, and responding to, each other’s scholarly presentations,” they wrote in an email interview.

“Between Yiftakh’s study of ancient Israel and Second Temple Judaism, and Rena’s study of medieval and early modern Judaism, lies our shared expertise in Rabbinic Judaism,” they wrote. “We both are interested in the questions that have always underwritten Jewish identity, namely, how did Jews define themselves in the ancient and medieval worlds? How did they relate to and take part in the broader world while still being Jewish?”

Ancient and medieval gender identity will be the focus of the weekend’s scholarly programs. Yiftakh will focus on masculinity and Rena on femininity. They each offered a taste of areas they will explore during the Weekend in Quest.

60 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

“The competitive masculine dynamic within Judaism is as old as Judaism itself, coming to the fore, in particular, in the days of the Maccabees, who actively portrayed themselves as more manly than their Greek oppressors,” wrote Yiftakh. “While Maccabean-Age authors utilized ideals of Jewish masculinity to rationalize their place within the broader Greco-Roman world, they were also willing to reuse these same masculine ideals as an internal test of Jewish authenticity. From the Maccabees to the present, masculinity remains an important – if not also problematic – interpretative category that we use to understand the significance of the Jewish past and present, and our place within it.”

Rena added, “Jewish women in the premodern world were doubly disenfranchised, meaning they had social and legal limits imposed on them from two corners: from being Jewish and from being women. All premodern women in Europe were essentially possessions of their fathers or husbands, and were limited by stereotypes of women’s mental and physical weakness; all Jews in Europe were limited by various laws controlling Jewish settlement and professions, among other anti-Jewish legislation. But despite these real social and legal disabilities, Jewish women found creative ways to get what they needed – socially, financially and legally. Sometimes this involved small acts of independence, and sometimes this involved much more radical choices: from suing their husbands in court to converting to Christianity.”

WEEKEND IN QUEST

Presented by The Institute for Judaic Studies TOPIC: Jewish Masculinity and Femininity in the Premodern World SPEAKERS: OSU Professors Rena Lauer and Yiftakh Osterloh LOCATION: Astoria, OR REGISTRATION: weekendinquest.org QUESTIONS: Mimi Epstein at mimiepstein42@comcast.net

Sephardic film series continues through April The 11th Annual Sephardic Winter Film series began in November and continues with films each month through April.

With the exception of this month’s double feature screening Dec. 5, all films are shown on the second Tuesday of each month. Films are presented by the Sephardic Cultural Center and followed by a speaker and Sephardic desserts. Admission and desserts are free thanks to sponsorship by the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, NCSY, Albert J. and Esther Menashe, Richard and Judi Matza, Charles Levy, Ron and Pam Sidis, Renee Ferrera, Eve Stern and Les Gutfreund, and Michael Menashe.

Films screen at 7 pm at Congregation Ahavath Achim, 3225 SW Barbur Blvd., Portland. For information, call Ron at 503750-0888.

Dec. 5 (double feature)

May Your Memory Be Love: In March 1943, 20-year-old Ovadia Baruch was deported with his family from Greece to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Upon arrival, his extended family was sent to the gas chambers. He struggled to survive. Ultimately he met a Jewish woman and developed a loving relationship despite inhuman conditions. It is a miraculous story. This film is part of the “Witnesses and Education” project of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and was filmed on location where the events originally transpired. Hebrew and English language, 47 minutes.

Days of Waiting: This poignant documentary focuses on an extraordinary woman, Estelle Ishigo, one of the few Caucasians to be interned with 110,000 Japanese-Americans sent to internment camps during World War II. During internment, this artist recorded the rigors of camp life through drawings and photographs. This film is not of Sephardic content, but the Japanese in America experience reflects that of Jews sent to camps in Europe. English, 28 minutes, Academy Award winner.

Discussion by Judy Margles, executive director of the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education.

Jan. 9, 2018

The Last Jews of Bagdad: Produced by Carole Basri, a Jewish-American lawyer and filmmaker of Iraqi-Jewish descent, this film captures the plight of more than 160,000 Iraqi Jews and their persecution, torture and escape from Iraq between the years of 1940 and 2003. English language, produced by Carole Basri, 110 minutes.

Following the film, Basri will engage the audience in a

conversation about the history of Jewish Baghdad and its rapid disappearance after 1940. The timing of this event is especially relevant considering the recent efforts of JIMENA and other Jewish organizations strongly urging U.S. officials to keep the Iraqi Jewish Archive from returning to Iraq.

Feb. 13, 2018

Shalla (aka Sallah Shabati): Brace yourself for “Shallah,” a film that in 1964 put actor Topol in the permanent spotlight and made Israel a contender in world cinema. In 1949 a Middle Eastern Jewish family moves to a settlement camp in Israel.

The patriarch of the family discovers Israeli bureaucracy and socialist values and fights kibbutz leaders and government officials. This hilarious comical satire ran a record nine months in New York theaters and received the Film Distributors Award.

Hebrew language, 110 minutes, produced by Menahem Golan.

Speaker: Charles Levy of Congregation Ahavath Achim.

March 13, 2018: Double Feature

Island of Roses, the Jews of Rhodes in Los Angeles: When the Holocaust reached the island of Rhodes in 1944, a 500-year civilization was destroyed. Today some of the last surviving “Rhodesis” are living in Los Angeles. Are Sephardic culture, customs, songs and food being transmitted to children and grandchildren? This film takes a realistic view of the state of affairs in this community. English language, 55 minutes, 1995, Producer Gregori Viens.

Rhodes Forever: A contemporary look at the Jews of Rhodes and their descendants. The film tells the largely unknown story of these people who, despite the physical destruction of their community during World War II, managed to transplant their unique Jewish culture elsewhere – notably the Congo and Europe. English Language, 56 minutes, 1995, Producer Willy Perelsztein.

April 10, 2018

Denial: Deborah Lipstadt is an American professor of Holocaust studies whose UK speaking engagement is disrupted when David Irving files a lawsuit against Lipstadt and her publisher for declaring him a Holocaust denier in her books.

In the United Kingdom, the burden of proof in a libel case lies with the accused. Lipstadt and her legal team, led by solicitor Anthony Julius and barrister Richard Rampton, must prove that Irving lied about the Holocaust. Historical drama based on a true story. English, 110 minutes, film by Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff.

Discussion speaker: OJMCHE Judy Margles.

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FACES & PLACES

OUTSIDE IN COOKING – Sarah and Abby Rubin help out with Congregation Neveh Shalom’s monthly cooking project in which volunteers cook for 60 homeless teens for Outside In. By volunteering, the teens not only do a mitzvah, they also complete their community service hours.

CTEEN SHABBATON – Cteen groups from Portland; Bellevue, WA; Richmond, B.C.; and Victoria, B.C., participate in havdallah at the Space Needle in Seattle. Portland took 17 people to the Shabbaton hosted by the Bellevue chapter.

JPDX GIRLS SOCCER – A team of 16 girls from Maayan Torah Day School, Maimonides Jewish Day School, and a home schooled girl celebrated the end of their soccer season by beating a mom/school staff team 6-4. The 10week season was coached and organized by volunteer Jodi Berris (kneeling third from right).

SUKKAH DECORATORS – Neveh Shalom’s sukkah decorating team featured from left (back row) Edward and Isaac Jacobowitz and (front) Jennifer Kalenscher, Jennifer Zitomer and Dana Sirkin.

BACK TO SHUL – Congregation Neveh Shalom congregants enjoy the annual Back to Shul event in early September featuring committee representatives, delicious food, face-painting and schmoozing.

62 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

A BROKEN HALLELUJAH – The Nov. 9. Leonard Cohen Tribute in Congregation Beth Israel’s sanctuary drew 800 people. The concert was sponsored by the Institute for Judaic Studies and co-sponsored by Congregation Beth Israel, Havurah Shalom, Congregation Neveh Shalom, the Jewish Theater Collaborative, and the Oregon Jewish Museum & Center for Holocaust Education. This musical performance explored Cohen's poetry and music and commemorated Kristallnacht, the night of shattered glass and shattered Jewish lives.

FACES & PLACES

MJCC BUSINESS BREAKFAST – The Mittleman Jewish Community Center launched its three-part PDX Business Breakfast series Oct. 25 at the Hotel Lucia. Below from left are MJCC Executive Director Steve Albert with barge builders turned developers Jason Zidell, Charlene Zidell and Jay Zidell. The informational and networking breakfasts feature local leaders sharing their insights and visions on the issues facing the Rose City. The second talk is tentatively set for Jan. 24. For more information contact MJCC development director Saul Korin at skorin@pjaproud.org or 503-244-0111.

TBI SENIOR BRUNCH – Temple Beth Israel in Eugene hosts a monthly brunch open to seniors in the community. Above, TBI Senior Brunch volunteers help to provide a delicious meal and friendly company to seniors in Eugene. Below, Venezuelan singer/songwriter Irene Farrera performs at a Senior Brunch .

IMPACT – IMPACT co-chairs Rochelle Schwartz and Kim Rosenberg, left, address the some 330 attendees at this year’s Women’s Philanthropy Impact event (Photo by One Click Studio). Impact speaker Nancy Spielberg, right, with Oregon Jewish Life Editor Deborah Moon. The event raised more than $167,000 for the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s annual campaign to meet the needs of the local and global Jewish community.

SUPER SUNDAY – Above, Greg Dresher and Max Forer celebrate successful calls during Super Sunday. This year’s Golden Phone awards go to University of Oregon Hillel (pictured below) for their efforts to secure nearly 20 contributions during the midday shift and Tivnu, who showed up at 8:30 am with 13 volunteers. Thanks to over 100 volunteers, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland closed 15% of all gifts to the Campaign for Community Needs in just under three hours! The annual phone-a-thon was chaired by Mindy and Mark Zeitzer.

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FACES & PLACES

O-VARY FUNNY – Comedian Betsy Kaufman does a skit on the names of various drugs we see on TV at the October fundraiser for the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and Southwest Washington. About 200 guests helped raise about $70,000, which will support alliance programs including chemo care kits, a new financial assistance program and Trust Your Gut awareness campaign Phase 2.

BETH SHOLOM MITZVAH DAY – Temple Beth Sholom volunteers sorted and packed over 4000 lbs. of food at Marion Polk Food Share; from left Laura Dawson, President and CEO Rick Gaupo, Randy Fishfader and Kim Hanson. Jeff Tross and TBS Board President Marc Overbeck spread mulch at the Rhododendron garden at Bush’s Pasture Park. More than 70 people turned out for the Salem congregation’s first mitzvah day organized by ChaGaT – Chinnuch (education), Gamilut Hasadim (deeds of lovingkindness), Tikkun Olam (healing the world).

64 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

EUGENE CHALLAH BAKE – Some 100 people of all ages mixed, kneaded and made blessings at the Mega Challah Bake Nov. 5 at the Veterans Memorial Center in Eugene at an event organized and sponsored by Chabad of Eugene. Rabbi Berel and Rivky Gurevitch (Below) encouraged everyone to make a second Challah to be given to a local organization that feeds the hungryin addition to preparing a challah to take home for themselves.

STAMPFER AWARDS – At left, Rabbi Joshua Stampfer presents the Rabbi Joshua Stampfer Community Enrichment Award to Sharon Straus at a Nov. 2 reception at Congregation Neveh Shalom. Dr. Jill Ginsberg and Tracy Oseran also received the award. The evening also included the presentation of the Merritt Linn Community Enrichment Award to Anna Shapiro of Congregation Neveh Shalom (pictured with Rabbi Eve Posen), Jake Birkel of the Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation, River Smith of Congregation Beth Israel/NFTY and Julia Wolf of Congregation Shaarie Torah/NCSY and JSU.

DECEMBER CALENDAR (See additional events for children and young families on page 56) Through Dec. 31 Fall Art Exhibit at MJCC: Jews of Africa – A Photographic Journey through Ancient and Awakening Communities. Jewish photographic documentarian Jono David showcases 59 images from his 4-year project documenting Jewish life, culture and history in 30 African countries and territories.

503-535-3555 Through Feb. 4, 2018 OJMCHE Presents two exhibits: “I AM THIS: Art by Oregon Jewish Artists” & “Munich to Portland, A Painting Saves a Family.” “I AM THIS” showcases the work by four generations of artists born Jewish, associated with or living in Portland, and navigating the complexity of aesthetics and self, making and being. “Munich to Portland” tells the story of a young woman who left her Munich apartment in November 1938 with a painting and returned with the visa that saved her family. OJMCHE presents the extraordinary story of how a team of German journalists launched an improbable search to find the missing artwork. Guided tours of exhibits every Sunday and Wednesday at 1 pm. ojmche.org

Dec. 4 Digging Torah: The Institute for Judaic Studies and Portland Jewish Academy offer in-depth-Torah-study class at 7 pm in the Beth Midrash of PJA. Gail Sherman on Joseph the Dreamer: Literary, Chasidic and Psychological Approaches. Reservations. RSVP: mail check to: Institute for Judaic Studies, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland, OR 97239 Dec. 5 Unresolved Issues of the 20th Century: The Quest of the Repatriation of Nazi Looted Art. 7 pm at OJMCHE. Speaker: Attorney Donald S. Burris will describe how his firm retrieved the “Woman in Gold” painting for its rightful owner, Maria Altmann. Tickets: $8 members, $10 public. 503-226-3600 Killing the Peace Process to Save the Two-State Solution. 7-8:30 pm at the MJCC. Featuring Dr. Michael Koplow, policy director of the Israel Policy Forum. Presented by Jewish Community Relations Council. Free. No RSVP. 503-245-6496 Sephardic Winter Film Festival. See page 61 Dec. 7

Dec. 1-17 Pericles Wet. See page 40 Dec. 1 Ta'am Ha Torah with Rabbi Joshua Rose. Noon at Congregation Shaarie Torah, 920 NW 25th, Portland (repeats Dec. 15). Bi-monthly gathering of people at all levels of learning in which we dive into the weekly Torah portion.

No RSVP. 503-226-6131 Dec. 3 The Greatest Mitzvah with Rabbi Rose. 10:30 am at Congregation Shaarie Torah, 920 NW 25th, Portland (repeats Dec. 10). Prepare to volunteer in this greatest mitzvah to care for the dead and become a Chevra Kadisha volunteer. No RSVP. 503-226-6131 Sunday Speaker Series: Anneke Bloomfield, who as a child in the Netherlands was sent away from home to hide among strangers after the war began. 2 pm at OJMCHE. Free with museum admission. 503-226-3600 Vodka and Latkes: Join the Neveh Shalom Sisterhood offsite for a preChanukah celebration. 5-7 pm. For location, details: coprez22@gmail.com Dec. 3-9 Eastside Chanukah Pop-up shop. 11 am-4 pm at Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 2858 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Everything Jewish will bring menorahs, chocolate gelt, candles, decorations. (Closed on Shabbat). 971-801-2424 or Rabbi@JewishNortheast.com

Dad's Night Out pre-Chanukah schmoozing and learning with Cantor Eyal Bitton. 7:30pm at the Big Legrowlski, 812 NW Couch St., Portland. Together, we will explore how to prepare for Chanukah with your family. Open to all dads raising Jewish kids. $5 donation requested. programs@nevehshalom. org Dec. 8 Darkness Before Light: Chanukah Kabbalat Shabbat and Dinner. 6:30 pm at Congregation Shaarie Torah. Childcare is available by registration. RSVP by Dec. 4 at shaarietorah.org Dec. 8-10 Neveh Shalom Scholar in Residence Amir Tibon, award-winning journalist and Washington, D.C., correspondent for Ha'aretz, will present a series of talks. Friday: Dinner and Talk: "The Future of the Kibbutz Movement In Israel – A Personal Reflection." Saturday eve: "Israel and the Arab World – The Secret Alliance." Sunday 10 am: "An Israeli Journalist's Perspective on Covering Trump's Washington." 503-246-8831 or nevehshalom.org Dec. 10 Portland Jewish Academy Auction 4-9 pm at MJCC. 4:30 pm silent auction opens; 6:30 pm - dinner and live auction. pjaproud.org or 503-244-0126 CST Sisterhood Latke Frying: Join the Sisterhood of Shaarie Torah for their annual latke frying for the CST Chanukah party on Dec. 16. 9:30 am at Shaarie Torah. RSVP to Marsha Strongin at marsha@strongin.net The Many Funny Faces of the Jewish People: Royal Wedding (1951). 2 pm at OJMCHE. Film series curated by Ygal Kaufman looks at the genre of Jewish

OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017 65

DECEMBER CALENDAR comedy in film. $8 members, $10 general public. ojmche.org Neveh Shalom Sisterhood Mitzvah Project. Noon.

For location, details: coprez22@gmail.com Dec. 12 It Takes A Village. Learn about the Rafiki Village Project. See story page 44 First Night of Chanukah at Directors Park. 4:30-6 pm at Directors Park, 815 SW Park Ave., Portland.

Celebrate the First Night of Chanukah with music, Chanukah foods, children’s crafts and a menorah lighting with dignitaries. This is the 34th year that Chabad of Oregon is lighting Portland’s Public Menorah. Free. (Menorah will be lit each night through Dec. 19 – see date for time each evening). 503-977-9947 Dec. 13 Menorah Lighting 5:30-7 pm at Directors Park.

503-977-9947 Dec. 14 Neveh Shalom Chanukah Party. 6-8:30 pm in Birnbach Hall, Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane. Bring your own chanukiah to light and bring toilet paper to make a giant chanukia and support Neighborhood House. Dinner: $18/adult, $12/kids, $54 family max. RSVP: tinyurl.com/ cnschanukah2017 Nosh and Drash with Rabbi Eve Posen. 3-4 pm at Cafe at the J, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy. Topic: A Jewish Perspective on Dying with Dignity. Free.

MJCC in partnership with Congregation Neveh Shalom. 503-244-0111 Menorah Lighting 5:30-7 pm at Directors Park.

503-977-9947 Dec. 15 Chanukah Family Celebration. 6 pm in Goodman Hall, Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders. Celebrate Chanukah with food trucks, latkes, games, crafts with SCRAP, and an ugly sweater parade! Bring canned or boxed food for the Oregon Food Bank. RSVP by Dec. 13: Sarah at 971-339-2084 or sarah@bethisrael-pdx.org Menorah Lighting 3-3:30 pm at Directors Park.

503-977-9947

Dec. 16

Dec. 19

Light Up The Night: Chanukah Party. 6:30 pm in the Social Hall of Congregation Shaarie Torah, 920 NW 25th. Havdalah and latke dinner followed by a shadow puppet light show and a dance party.

RSVP by Dec. 13: shaarietorah.org

Latke Ball 2017: Celebrate Chanukah with all the 20/30 somethings in town! $8 in advance/$10 at the door; food and one drink included. 7:30 pm at Dig-A-Pony, 736 SE Grand Ave., Portland.

503 496 7445 or jbenjamin@bbcamp.org Tickets: bbcamp.org/latkeball/

Menorah Lighting 5:30-7 pm at Directors Park.

503-977-9947

Shaarie Torah Men's Club Spaghetti Dinner. 4 pm at Congregation Shaarie Torah. RSVP: 503-2266131 or shaarietorah.org Dec. 28

Menorah Lighting 6:30-7 pm at Directors Park.

503-977-9947

Neveh Shalom Men’s Club meets 6-8 pm at The Big Legrowlski, 812 NW Couch St., Portland. Eat, kibbitz, network and enjoy yourself at this co-ed event. $18 donation for Sunshine Pantry. RSVP: elovitzclan@comcast.net

Dec. 17

Dec. 30-31

Becoming Miracle: Stories of tradition, assimilation, flourishing and how we became Jewish Portlanders. 2-4 pm at OJMCHE, 724 NW Davis St. Portland. Join OJMCHE Director Judy Margles and Shaarie Torah Rabbi Joshua Rose for a family-friendly Chanukah reflection. Kid friendly activities include dreidel games, craft projects and a scavenger hunt. Free, but RSVP by Dec. 13: ojmche.org

Pink Martini New Year’s Extravaganza. Ring in the New Year than with Pink Martini and the Oregon Symphony. Featuring China Forbes, Storm Large (Dec. 31 only), Ari Shapiro, The von Trapps and Cantor Ida Rae Cahana. 7:30 pm, Dec. 30; and 7 and 10:30 pm, Dec. 31 at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Tickets start at $40.

Song to Warm a Winter's Night! A Night of Music with Ilene Safyan and Barry Lavine. 7-9 pm at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland. An evening of music that will touch your soul and soothe your heart while indulging in fine wines and scrumptious desserts. $36. Tickets: tinyurl.com/nightofmusic2017 Kol Ami Latke Fest. 5-8 pm at Congregation Kol Ami, 7800 NE 119th St., Vancouver, WA. 360896-8088 Menorah Lighting 5:30-7 pm at Directors Park.

503-977-9947 Chanukah on the Eastside. 5-9 pm at Congregation Shir Tikvah, 7550 NE Irving St. Portland. Music, latkes, baking, games. 7550 NE Irving St., Portland.

503-473-8227 Dec. 18 Menorah Lighting 5:30-7 pm at Directors Park.

503-977-9947 Dreidel Poker & Latke Party. See page 59

66 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017

Dec. 25

Jan. 7, 2018 The Many Funny Faces of the Jewish People: The Inspector General (1949). 2 pm at OJMCHE. Film series curated by Ygal Kaufman looks at the genre of Jewish comedy in film. $8 members, $10 general public. ojmche.org Calendar abbreviations: MJCC, Mittleman Jewish Community Center, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland OJMCHE, Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, 724 NW Davis St, Portland

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68 OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2017