ELLEN MARKS
In the summer of 2018, Ellen Marks created the Tikkun Olam Committee at Havurah Shir Hadash in Ashland, OR. The committee’s purpose was to make a difference in the lives of the community’s most vulnerable citizens – those who are hungry, homeless and in need of direct assistance. Ellen and the committee were pivotal in getting the community enrolled in the parking program to provide a safe parking place for up to three vehicles of unhoused community members at a time. They also organized a benefit concert to raise money for this program and brought in more than $3,000, allowing for a portable toilet and trash pick-up for those enrolled. With additional financial support, some of the people who have used the safe parking have been able to transition to housing. In addition, Ellen has been very involved in volunteering for the local homeless shelter. Both Temple Emek Shalom and the Havurah Synagogue provide volunteers one day a week, and meals for the people staying there. Ellen also works at the Family Nurturing Center, a part of Oregon’s innovative and comprehensive response to support children and families in crisis. She also facilitates a weekly free GED class to help those who have not graduated high school to get their general equivalency diploma. "Ellen is a woman with a heart as big as they come. Where there is a need, she tries to help. Our community is so grateful for all that she is doing on our behalf,” says Ayala Zonnenschein, executive director of Havurah Shir Hadash.
JARED BLANK
In January 2018, Oregon native Jared Blank, who was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was five years old, ran the World Marathon Challenge (seven marathons on seven continents in seven days) to raise awareness and $50,000 for the International Dyslexia Foundation so that teachers, parents, and students can receive the resources and support they need to be successful. He is a board member for the International Dyslexia Association-Oregon and also an advisory board member of Playworks that helps schools and youth programs create healthy play environments where every child can join in. Earlier this year, he shared his personal story of overcoming dyslexia with the congregants of Neveh Shalom in support of ALIYAH’s inclusion program. ALIYAH is Neveh Shalom’s Jewish learning program for kids in grades K-6. Jared has also written a book in 2019, Running the Distance. All profits from book sales are 100% donated to the International Dyslexia Association. He has also set up Running the Distance Scholarships, offering four $1,000 scholarships for high school seniors on track to graduate or are a high school graduate and seeking to pursue academic or professional endeavors. Scholarships are for all students with dyslexia or other related learning differences. Jared says the scholarships are his demonstration of carrying out the words he lives by and his mission to educate, advocate and inspire.
OREGON JEWISH LIFE | DECEMBER 2020 25
