INSIDE
Oregon Hillel
Turns 30 – page 2
"Evolution of
Empowerment"
released – page 2
"Monument" set to
premier – page 4 Oct. 4, 2023/19 Tishrei, 5784 Volume 58, Issue 20
Kesser Israel sign
gets a facelift
– page 5
JCRC takes on
antisemitism in
schools – page 5
Oregon Jewish
Voices returns
– page 6
The Sukkah Season
– page 7
Chaplain: The
Transformative
Power of Sukkot
– page 10
Gratz College offers
online Jewish ed
– page 11 Jewish Community Chaplain Rabbi Barry Cohen, pictured at the Jewish Federation of Greater Port-
land's offices Wednesday, June 28, 2023. (Rockne Roll/The Jewish Review)
Obituaries – page 11 "Being present with people"
Events – page 12
Rabbi Cohen takes on many roles with one unifying mission
By ROCKNE ROLL the sad and frustrating answer was “no one.”
The Jewish Review “It always felt as if it were just one more jus-
There are few constants in Jewish Community tification of their not being involved when they
Chaplain Rabbi Barry Cohen’s day. Except for, couldn’t get a rabbi like that because all of the
perhaps, time spent in the car. congregational rabbis are already stretched very
“Thank goodness for satellite radio,” he said. thin in this town,” said Rabbi Ariel Stone of Con-
It makes sense that Rabbi Cohen is on the go gregation Shir Tikvah. As a member of the Ore-
a lot – within the approximately 5,000 square gon Board of Rabbis, she was heavily involved
miles of the Portland area are over 31,000 Jew- in creating the position, along with the Jewish
ish households. Eighty percent of those are not Federation of Greater Portland, and in hiring
CLICK TO LISTEN TO members of a synagogue. When those families Rabbi Cohen to fill it. Rabbi Stone recalled sift-
THE NEW EPISODE need a rabbi to officiate a funeral or visit a sick ing through heaps of resumes, but Rabbi Cohen’s
relative, they turn to the community chaplain. stood out.
Before Rabbi Cohen was hired into the role five “I think we gravitated toward Rabbi Cohen’s re-
Subscribe at years ago, families unaffiliated with a congre- sume because of the things he put into that about
jewishportland.org/ gation in need of pastoral services didn’t have a how important relationships were to him,” she
centralized resource available – it was a matter said.
subscribe of seeing who would pick up the phone and who Relationships have been at the core of Rabbi
had time among Portland’s rabbis. All too often, See CHAPLAIN, page 8
Oregon Hillel turns 30, "An Evoloution of Empower-
launches UO Jewish ment" highlights women's voices
Alumni Association in medicine - Jews included
By ROCKNE ROLL
Weekend celebration culimnates The Jewish Review
What started as a blog is now
with Oct. 14 gala at Ford Center a book that holds to the same
mission - uplifting the voices of
By ROCKNE ROLL ourselves and for other Jewish women in medicine.
The Jewish Review students.” Dr. Avital O’Glasser’s book,
Oregon Hillel is turning 30, What they built grew quick- “An Evolution of Empow-
and the campus Jewish orga- ly, and UO’s Jewish student erment: Voices of Women in
nization is throwing a party. population has grown with, or Medicine and Their Allies,”
Coinciding with the 100th perhaps because, of it. co-edited with Dr. Shikha
Anniversary of the founding “In the 90s, we probably had Jain, is a collection of pieces
of Hillel International, Oregon under 1,000 Jewish students from the Women In Medicine
Hillel is hosting a celebratory that were attending U of O,” Summit blog. The Women in
weekend culminating with Gitelson said. “These days Medicine Summit was founded
a dinner at the University of it’s more than double that, by Dr. Jain, a college friend of Dr. O'Glasser (Courtesy Photo)
Oregon’s Ford Alumni Center close to 2400 Jewish students Dr. O’Glasser, and the blog was
Saturday, Oct. 14 at 6:45 pm. and it’s something that we’re launched two years ago. be an advocate for yourself,
“It’s a great milestone for modeling and working for at “One of the missions of the how you can be an advocate
us,” explained Oregon Hillel Oregon State, too, is to take organization is to help women for the world, your patients and
Executive Director Andy Gi- this blueprint that we know and other members of our pro- your communities,” she said.
telson. works. It’s the reason that fessional communities identify “For me, personally, my identi-
Hillel was founded at the Jewish students are choosing when they don’t have the voice ty as an advocate is so intimate-
University of Illinois in 1923, to come to U of O; it’s a great that they need or want,” Dr. ly tied to the theme of tikkun
with the Oregon chapter school, and there’s a good O’Glasser said, “and then how olam (repairing the world) and
taking shape in the late 80s quality of Jewish life and Jew- to help amplify their voices and that Jewish value.”
thanks, in large part, to the ish resources.” help people find their voices in Other essays are more explic-
work of Rabbi Hanan Sills With antisemitism on the personal and professional spac- itly Jewish.
z”l. Oregon was first housed rise, especially on college es.” “There is a piece that I wrote
in the Newman Center on the campuses, Brown explained Contributors to the blog almost a year ago, reflecting on
UO campus – with Catholic that Hillel remains an essen- ranged in age from retirees to the anniversary of Ruth Bader
campus ministries as a room- tial haven for Jewish students elementary school students and Ginsburg’s death on the eve of
mate- before purchasing their as well as a gateway for those included non-binary people Rosh Hashanah and speaking
current facility on Hilyard who are curious about Juda- and male allies. Amongst the about how to me, as a Jew and
Street near campus. ism. A member of the Jewish collective authors are several who actually had a family mem-
This was about the time Sar- Federation of Greater Port- members of the Portland Jew- ber who died on Erev Rosh Ha-
ah Rosenberg Brown arrived land’s Board of Directors, ish community, including Dr. shana, that there’s a significant
in Eugene. Brown recalled that she grew O’Glasser, Naomi Leavitt and there’s a spiritual significance
“I’m from Albuquerque, up with Hebrew school, Jew- Nadine Gartner. of dying at the cusp of the new
New Mexico,” she said, “and ish summer camp and a Jew- “We have pieces of speaking year,” Dr. O’Glasser explained.
it just happens the two years ish family life, but her first to individual identities and Dr. O’Glasser is a Professor
preceding mine, students that Shabbat dinner at the Hillel self-exploration to the power of at Oregon Health and Science
I knew through our synagogue House in Eugene was still a communities of women, both University School of Medi-
and through our youth group milestone on her Jewish jour- personally and professionally. cine, where she specializes in
went to University of Oregon. ney. Essays that speak to the data internal medicine. She com-
So, when I came in the fall of “When I sat at that first behind persistent gender in- pleted her residency in internal
1994, they were already in- Shabbat meal, it was the first equities in the workplace, cer- medicine at OHSU after earn-
volved in the budding Hillel.” time that I chose to do some- tainly mostly in medicine but ing her medical degree from
Brown got a lot out of her thing Jewish on my own ver- in general, to that forward mo- Jefferson Medical College in
Hillel experience, ranging sus it being told to me,” she mentum of ‘what can we do to Philadelphia. Throughout her
from her challah recipe to said, “and that was hugely change the norm, to overcome career, she’s seen the effects of
some of her closest friends. liberating and exciting and dogma and ingrained biased discrimination against women
She talked about Hillel host- really laid the groundwork for practices,” Dr. O’Glasser said. firsthand.
ing speakers including Neil the work that I do in the com- “There’s not just one scene.” “We weren’t getting promoted
Fackenheim, Deborah Lip- munity now.” While the book itself is not ex- at the same rate, we weren’t
stadt and Elie Wiesel, and That sense of forging one’s plicitly Jewish, Dr. O’Glasser getting seats at the table, we
hosting a conference about own Jewish identity is a major sees Jewish values at the heart weren’t getting the same salary
ethics after the Holocaust. motivator for Gitelson, who of much of its content. offers. We weren’t getting sup-
“We got to create what we See HILLEL, page 9 “There’s a lot of discussion See O'GLASSER, page 6
wanted to see,” she said, “for about advocacy. How you can
2 Jewish Review - Oct. 4, 2023
In moments like this, preparing for a New Year,
we find ourselves both reflecting and looking ahead.
As we reflect on this past year, we can’t help but see the incredible impact we
made together. Whether it was committing to the critical security
infrastructure that allows safe participation in Jewish life and High Holiday
services this year, or supporting transformational educational experiences that
taught a future generation about the sweetness of dipping the apple in the
honey, your support made countless moments of Jewish pride,
connection, and safety possible.
THIS NEW YEAR, WHAT MOMENTS WILL YOU HELP CREATE?
DONATE TODAY TO THE
2024 CAMPAIGN FOR COMMUNITY NEEDS!
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Jewish Review - Oct. 4, 2023 3
"Monument" set to premiere
By ROCKNE ROLL
The Jewish Review
Oregon filmmaker Michael
Turner has found success by
making the deeply personal
broadly relatable. He brings that
gift for universalization to bear
on his Jewish heritage in his lat-
est project, “Monument,” which
premiers today at the Chagrin
Documentary Film Festival
and will be shows Oct. 18 at
Cinema21 in Portland through
a partnership with the Oregon
Jewish Museum and Center for
Holocaust Education.
“Monument,” made possi-
ble in part by a grant from the
Jewish Federation of Greater
Portland’s Women’s Giving
Circle, tells the story of Turn-
er’s grandmother, Lici, a survi- and the lights, I knew that she had died several years earlier,” help him complete his vision
vor of Auschwitz who went on was about to start talking about Turner said. “It centered me in and are honored that he chose
to construct a memorial to the things that she never talked what I hoped to pass on to my us, the Women’s Giving Circle,
Holocaust in her hometown of with us about.” daughter, that there were les- to help get his grandmother’s
Sarvar, Hungary. An interview Turner was inspired to begin sons there about how to navi- voice out into the public,”
with Lici about the memorial making “Monument” in the gate the world that I was seeing explained Federation’s Chief
is a foundational memory for aftermath of the Tree of Life unfolding in the news. That Development Officer Wendy
Turner and his decision to pur- Synagogue Shooting in 2016, morning was kind of when the Kahn, “[to] share his love and
sue filmmaking. around the time his daughter film started.” admiration for her courage and
“The Shoah Foundation was born. He wrote the first While Turner describes the the strength of everyone during
came to her house when I was draft of the opening scene of Holocaust as a “black hole in the Holocaust and empower
a kid and filmed an interview the film the morning after the the middle of the movie that the others to stand up now and
with her,” he said. “I was not attack. story revolves around,” his re- have conversations within their
allowed to stay in the room “That really made me feel lationship with his grandmother families about the atrocities of
is the focal point of this work,
while she told her story, but just like my grandma’s story wasn’t which he hopes is a touchpoint the Holocaust and how to face
seeing them set up the camera yet complete, even though she that everyone can connect to. today’s struggles with courage
“There’s this part of her that and love.”
I’ll never really be able to “They provided us a grant
touch, like all of us have this to do a sound mix on the
part inside us that other people film, which is a really excit-
can’t really touch,” Turner said. ing part of the process where
“I never really found a way to it’s almost finished and we
ask her these questions while worked with a sound designer
she was alive and after she to really add emotion to the
died, it suddenly seemed OK to soundscape to really help my
ask her.” grandma’s hometown come to
Women’s Philanthropy en- life,” Turner said.
tered the process earlier this Turner was part of a recent
year, providing a $4,000 grant Art/Lab cohort at Co/Lab and
through the Women’s Giving
Circle to fund the film. This is a previously produced the film
departure from their usual pro- “The Way We Talk,” document-
cess, where the Women’s Giv- ing his journey with stuttering.
ing Circle starts working with “Monument” will be screened
a project near the beginning of at Cinema 21, located at 616
their process. NW 21st Ave in Portland Oct.
“We understand that we do 18 at 7:15 pm. Tickets are $12,
not have the capacity to fund $10 for seniors and available
an entire project like Michael’s online at ojmche.org/events/
but we do have the capacity to film-screening-of-monument.
4 Jewish Review - Oct. 4, 2023
Kesser Israel sign facelift a family affair
By ROCKNE ROLL again brought in, but this time
The Jewish Review it was Kimi, Yak’s son, and his
When Congregation Kesser son, Tivon, who helped Yak in-
Israel moved to their current stall the original.
home, there was nothing on “It had some of the coating
the outside of their building to that was on the letters degraded
indicate that the Orthodox syna- and flaked off, and there was
gogue had set up shop. That was rust and and things like that,”
where Yak Feuer z”l came in. Kimi explained.
Years later, his son and grand- While Kesser Israel provided
son have helped to renovate the the materials, Kimi and Tivon,
distinctive sign, returning it to along with Avraham Schwartz,
its former glory. Leslie Elder, another former member from
who joined Kesser Israel eight Meade Street who has since
years ago, explained that Feuer made aliyah to Israel, donated
wanted to give something to their time to make the repairs.
the congregation for their new “They want to make sure that
home. The Feuer family had it looks good,” Elder said. “I
been members of the shul at its just thought it was a really
former Meade Street location beautiful thing.”
in South Portland, and Yak was “We were glad to do the work
an experienced metal worker and keep the sign up, restore it to
whose art work is still prized the original way that it was when
around Portland. my father first envisioned it,”
“He volunteered to make this Feuer said. “It is not just a sign,
sign, he created this Kessler Isra- it’s also artistic endeavor.”
el sign that’s up there now with With the rust removed and a
the logo,” Elder explained. “It’s new protective finish applied, the
very nice.” polished metal sign shines once
But it had seen better days. more, as Yak Feuer intended.
Much of the finish had come “I think that’s kind of how
off, and rust had started to settle Jewish people look out, kind
in on parts of the lettering. The of like a light on the world,
removal of a large tree on the shining out,” Kimi Feuer said.
west side of the building made “I think my father wanted to From left, Tivon and Kimi Feuer conduct repairs on Congregation
the sign more visible, accentu- convey that with the shiny sign Kesser Israel's sign Thursday, Sept. 21. (Courtesy Congregation
ating the need for repair work. especially in Portland where Kesser Israel)
The Feuer family were once it’s raining all the time.”
JCRC, partners tackle antisemitism in schools
Steve Netter, left, and Jack Goldstein,
below, discussed their experiences with
antisemitism in schools at a Jewish Com-
munity Relations Council program on the
subject Thursday, Sept. 28 at Congregation
Neveh Shalom. Goldstein, a junior at Je-
suit High School, emphasized that "these
occurrences still happen regularly today."
Netter, whose 12-year-old son experienced
severe antisemetic bullying, encouraged
parents to "talk to the school. Be a pest. We
have." (Rockne Roll/The Jewish Review)
Jewish Review - Oct. 4, 2023 5
From left, 2023 Oregon Jewish Voices authors Kerry Cohen, William Deresiewicz, Miriam Gershow, Marvin Lurie, and Willa Schneberg.
The quintet will read at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education Oct. 17. (Courtesy Oregon Jewish Voices)
Oregon Jewish Voices returns for 24th year
By ROCKNE ROLL work in mental health titled “The Naked previously served on the Oregon Poetry
The Jewish Review Room.” Association Board of Directors.
Willa Schneberg has been curating di- “There’s a whole section called ‘The 50 “I was just thrilled that we were able to get
verse groupings of Oregon writers for 24 minute hour’ about the actual process of [Deresiewicz],” Schneberg said, “because
years with one thing in common - a Jewish being with a therapist and one of the re- basically he lives in Portland, but he goes
perspective. views I got is ‘it’s difficult to encapsulate all over the the world to give lectures.”
Her brainchild, Oregon Jewish Voices, re- what makes The Naked Room so special. The diverse array of writings on show is
turns with a reading at the Oregon Jewish Add Schneberg to the list of authors you intentional, Schneberg said, to help readers
Museum and Center for Holocaust Educa- turn to in your own crises and in the crises branch out of their usual genreconstraints.
tion Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 pm, with a of others,’” she explained. The event was a unique venue for Jewish
new crop of authors following in the foot- Cohen has written 11 books, including authors when it began nearly a quarter cen-
steps of Sabena Stark, Sean Levy and Da- “Loose Girl: A Memoir of Promiscuity” tury ago, and it remains a distinctive win-
vid Biespiel to present their work. The only and has been featured in numerous na- dow into the divers of the Jewish literary
criterium for consideration is identification tional outlets as well as on The Today world to this day.
as Jewish. Show, Good Morning America and Dr. “I see it as very much an opportunity for
“I would say that the majority of their Phil. Deresiewicz has published numerous people to connect as Jews and I wanted
readers are secular, but there have been best-selling works and has received nu- to not be just for Jews.,” Schneberg said.
some people who are observant who also merous awards including a Hiett Prize for “People come now because they find these
read,” Schneberg explained. the Humanities. Gershow’s second novel are interesting writers, just like people go
This year’s authors are Kerry Cohen, Wil- and first collection of short stories are both to all kinds of diverse readings.”
liam Deresiewicz, Miriam Gershow, Mar- forthcoming; she’s also an Oregon Literary Tickets are $8 for OJMCHE members and
vin Lurie, and Schneberg, who has released Fellowship alum. Lurie’s latest collection $10 for the general public, and can be pur-
a new collection of poetry centered on her of Poetry was released this year and he chased online at omjche.org/events.
O'GLASSER (continued from page 2)
port for child raising, pregnan- sonal and professional roles, it
cy, fertility journeys, infertility actually starts has to start really,
journeys, breast-feeding,” she really young.”
explained. “This was happen- “An Evolution of Empower-
ing before the pandemic, it has ment” is not merely a recitation
been magnified by the pandem-
ic.” of what’s wrong with medicine
On the other side of the coin, – it’s the foundation of a vision
women play an essential role in to fix it.
modern medicine. “It’s not just an articulation
“There’s growing data that of, ‘This is the fact, this is the
patients do better when they are foundation, this is the lay of
treated by women. The patient the landscape,’ but there’s a lot
outcomes are actually better of forward thinking, creative
and this includes surgery,” Dr. problem solving expressed in
O’Glasser said. “There’s a con- the pages of this book,” Dr.
cept called the ‘Leaky Pipeline’
where holding people back O’Glasser said.
personally and professionally “An Evolution of Empow-
often starts as early as pre- erment” is in stock at Annie
school, and when we talk about Blooms Books Southwest Port-
supporting people in their per- land.
jewishportland.org/subscribe
6 Jewish Review - Oct. 4, 2023
Portland sukkah builder
Scott McKinley discusses
his philosophy of sukkah
construction and why Suk-
kot is so important to him
on this episode of The Jew-
ish Review Podcast. Click
the logo above to down-
load the latest episode!
The Sukkah Season
Clockwise from top: Congregation Neveh Shalom Mens Club member Edward Jacobowitz assembles the frame of the synagogue's suk-
kah in its courtyard. (Rockne Roll/The Jewish Review) Cedar Sinai Park maintnence technician Idriz Tahirovic secures the sukkah roof at
the Cedar Sinai Park campus. (Courtesy Cedar Sinai Park) Members of Congregation Beth Israel sing together during the congregation's
Erev Sukkot service in their sukkah in front of the main sanctuary building. (Courtesy Congregation Beth Israel) Chabad SW Portland
Rabbi Motti Wilhelm coaches Saul Korin, right, in the waving of lulav and etrog at a Jewish Professionals lunch in the Mittleman Jewish
Community Center sukkah. (Rockne Roll/The Jewish Review)
Jewish Review - Oct. 4, 2023 7
CHAPLAIN
(continued from page 1)
Cohen’s work long before he
took this role, but when you are
working with a family that has
suffered a loss and need to com-
fort them while also preparing a
meaningful service, those rela-
tionships need to form quickly.
Every family, every person,
every set of circumstances sur-
rounding a death is different.
Those differences affect every-
thing from how to approach a
grieving family member to how
to structure and perform the fu-
neral.
“There’s an expression that
was just hammered home not
only in Rabbinical school, but
also in my chaplaincy training
program. It’s being present with
people,” Rabbi Cohen said. “I
am there. I am listening. I am Rabbi Barry Cohen, right, leads young travelers from the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland's
paying attention. I am curious. March 2023 mission to Israel in shabbat blessings at a reunion for trip attendees at the Mittleman
I want to learn more.” Jewish Community Center Friday, May 5. (Jewish Review file photo)
Rabbi Stone explained that a
member of Shir Tikvah’s hus- “Whether that is someone who at the area’s retirement commu- es and times.
band had passed away right as is either accidentally listed as nities – he’s is at Cedar Sinai “People are always in the
they moved to town, but before Jewish or someone who is re- Park on Mondays and also has halls. They are always in the
she had been connected with ally devoutly Jewish or would regularly scheduled time with lobby. They’ve now set up a
Shir Tikvah or any other con- say they’re atheist or something five other communities and pool table,” he said. “You walk
gregation. It was Rabbi Cohen in between, I know that he’ll be more sporadic connections at by someone, and you start a
who performed the funeral, and able to interact with them really six more. conversation. Again, it may be
it was an experience that Rabbi well,” Mecartea said. “He’ll be “He goes to where my mother surface level, but then again,
Stone said the widow remarked able to get them the resources lives and there’s a lot of sup- they may say, ‘Hey, can we go
on most favorably. they need.” port,” explained Susan Green- over into this corner over there?
“I was able to find out from Often, Rabbi Cohen will come berg, Executive Director of I really need to talk.’”
her that it was a wonderful in knowing little more than that Jewish Family and Child Ser- Cathy Zheutlin, Spiritual Life
experience and that he did ev- they are Jewish – they could vice. “There’s a lot of appre- Coordinator at Cedar Sinai
erything that she could have be very religiously observant ciation for what he does at the Park, explains that each person
needed at this terrible, terrible or not at all. Like in so many senior places that he goes to.” has individual needs, and that
time for her,” Rabbi Stone said. other situations, Rabbi Cohen Rabbi Cohen also works with one of Rabbi Cohen’s best tal-
- takes this as an opportunity JFCS through their “Walk- ents is to identify and address
That presence is also a crit- to listen and connect with the ing Beside You” grief support that need.
ical skill in visiting Jewish person and what they really group and is working to ex- “It’s so individual; one person
patients in hospitals around need. Some want to pray; oth- pand his involvement in other needs to know that they matter
the area. Rabbi Cohen spends ers simply want to connect with JFCS programs in the coming in the world, another person
Wednesdays at Oregon Health another person who shares their months. needs to be comforted, another
& Science University Hospital., culture and background. Either Rabbi Cohen’s Mondays at person needs companionship,”
When other area hospitals have way, his mere presence is valu- Cedar Sinai start with break- she said. “He can provide, one
unaffiliated Jewish patients able. fast, moving around the room by one, those kinds of ser-
who are interested in receiving “What I have found is that saying hello. Much of this vices.”
a visit from a Jewish clergy even the people that may say time early in the day could be At important at times like
member, Rabbi Cohen gets the that they’re the most secular defined as schmoozing, but Passover, Rabbi Cohen makes
call – another way in which he or agnostic even, given the those lighter conversations oc- sure that people living in
has taken a burden off the con- opportunity to talk about spir- casionally take deeper, heavier non-Jewish facilities have ac-
gregational rabbis in the area. ituality, which can really open turns. After breakfast, Rabbi cess to matza, but less festive
Debra Mecartea coordinates up a lot about where are they Cohen will go to visit a list activities like grief groups for
the chaplaincy program at right now,” Rabbi Cohen said. of residents in their rooms, widows and widowers are the
OHSU hospital. She described “What are their needs? What sometimes meeting with fam- bread and butter of those vis-
the Clinical Pastoral Education are their anxieties? What are ily members and others as he its – and they often evolve in
training that Rabbi Cohen has their fears?” finds them, but sometimes the unexpected ways.
competed as the “gold stan- - most important conversations continued on next page
dard.” Rabbi Cohen also spends time happen in the in-between spac-
8 Jewish Review - Oct. 4, 2023
continued from previous page ly and hanging a mezuzah on ment for both the candidate and HILLEL
their doorpost, performing a the rabbis involved. While Rab-
Rabbi Cohen had been work-
ing consistently with 10 to 15 baby naming for a child whose bi Cohen refers those interested (continued from page 2)
residents at Courtyard Village parents aren’t affiliated with a in studying toward conversion has been at Oregon Hillel
to the Introduction to Judaism
in Raleigh Hills for quite a synagogue and even speak- for 11 years.
ing at high schools around class offered by the Oregon
while. “The group got back the area that are interested in Board of Rabbis, serving as one “We work to instill that
to me and said, ‘We feel like of the other two rabbis on a beit they can define what Jewish
we’ve done enough of the learning about Jewish culture din offers a unique opportunity life means for them beyond
grief work, but we still want to and history. As COVID-19 for connection. college and I take a great
be together,’” he said. “So, it restrictions have lifted, Rabbi “What makes the beit din so sense of pride in that,” he
changed from being a formal Cohen has returned to offici- special is that in preparation, I said.
grief group to a group that is ating weddings, performing a get to read that person’s story, That “beyond college
trying to maximize meaning number this summer. As if he how they came to Judaism, why connection” can hopefully
and significance from the ag- wasn’t busy enough, he also they want to embrace Judaism expand with the formation
ing process.” pens the Chaplain’s Corner as part of their identity. And of the University’s Jewish
There is so much more, too. column for each issue of The that prepares me to be able to Alumni Association. As
While spending time with peo- Jewish Review. have a just a genuine interaction Jewish UO graduates have
ple at retirement communities One of his favorite jobs, a role with the conversion candidate,” spread out from Oregon,
and hospitals, Rabbi Cohen that he has been called on to ful- Rabbi Cohen said. “We have Gitelson hopes that chap-
also networks with the staff of fill frequently in recent weeks very heartfelt conversations and ters of the JAA can provide
those locations so that when leading up to the High Holi- interactions, you know, where them with connection and
there are questions or concerns days, is to serve as a member of everyone on the beit din gets resources, personally, spiri-
about issues related to the Jew- a beit din, the rabbinical court to ask multiple questions about tually and professionally, in
ish community, he can respond that signs off on conversions who that person is, what they a way that’s meaningful for
and be a resource. to Judaism. A conversion can- have experienced, the challeng- all involved.
- didate’s appearance before the es that may lie in the future, their “They can do something
Some of the interactions beit din is one of the last steps favorite aspects of Judaism, fa- around the holidays, pot-
Rabbi Cohen takes on are not in the process after a year or vorite holidays, favorite foods. lucks where our young
as emotionally heavy, like more of study and work with a It’s very special, because it’s a alumni could tap into those
visiting a new-to-town fami- rabbi and is truly a special mo- very genuine interaction.” networks when they settle in
those communities,” Gitel-
- son said. “Instead of relying
One thing is certain – no two on a Hillel or a Federation,
days are the same for Rabbi or in addition to relying on
Cohen. Hillels and Federations and
“It’s taken years to have a places like that, they hope-
sense of comfort, knowing that fully will now have a Jewish
every day can change,” he ex- affinity group that they can
plained. “That being said, one tap into and see who’s in
of the things that drew me to their community and how
the position in the first place is can they connect.”
the whole idea that every day “One of the biggest parts
is going to be a little different. of the alumni association
I’ve got to be prepared to really groups is to sustain commu-
pivot to respond to a pressing nity that has already been
need or even a crisis.” created on campus and to
Those places that need Rabbi create new community,”
Cohen are also sometimes far added Deshna Shine, As-
apart physically, thus his rela- sociate Director of Alumni
tionship with satellite radio. Engagement at the Univer-
“I’m able to use the time, not sity of Oregon. “We’re here
just dealing with Portland-area to support that and manage
traffic,” he said. logistics and administration
The willingness to deal with and marketing and commu-
that traffic and travel, as well as nication. We’re here to staff
his training and talents, make the events and to train and
Rabbi Cohen a unique part of support the volunteers to be
the infrastructure of the Jewish able to, to staff and support
community. the events.”
“I’m just one piece in the More information on Ore-
whole puzzle of how we’re tak- gon Hillel’s 30th Anniversa-
Rabbi Barry Cohen delivers a d'var torah (scriptural lesson) at the ing care of people in our in our ry celebration can be found
opening of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland's Annual greater community,” he said. online at https://www.oreg-
Meeting Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at the Mittleman Jewish Communi- Rabbi Cohen can be contacted onhillel.org/
ty Center in Portland. (Rockne Roll/The Jewish Review.) at chaplain@jewishportland.
org.
Jewish Review - Oct. 4, 2023 9
Chaplain's Corner_____________
THE JEWISH REVIEW
E S T A B L I S H E D
1 9 5 9 The Transformative Power of Sukkot
O R E G O N & S O U T H W E S T
W A S H I N G T O N ' S J E W I S H N E W S P A P E R
By RABBI BARRY COHEN
Whew! We just made it through the High
Published biweekly by Holidays. I hope Rosh Hashanah and Yom Rabbi Barry
Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Kippur were meaningful, cathartic and Cohen is the
Jewish community
9900 SW Greenburg Road, Suite 220 memorable. chaplain of the
But we have only begun to celebrate. Next
Tigard, OR 97223 up? Sukkot, our holiday of thanksgiving. Greater Portland
503-245-6219 area. chaplain@
JewishPortland.org Sukkot is one of our pilgrimage festivals, jewishportland.org
historically when we would flock to Jeru-
salem. With Passover, we celebrated our
Editor exodus to freedom; with Shavuot, we cele-
Rockne Roll brated the harvest (and later, the revelation hospitality and protection.
Fulfilling the mitzvah of shaking the lulav
[email protected] of Torah at Mount Sinai); and with Sukkot, and etrog enables us to reconnect with the
we celebrated another harvest, as well as land and to show gratitude for the harvest.
Circulation our traveling through the desert to freedom We read in Leviticus 23:40, “On the first
To receive the Jewish Review in your in the Promised Land). day, you shall take the product of hadar
email inbox, fill out the form at We find one of our most ancient referenc- trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of
jewishportland.org/subscribe es to Sukkot in Leviticus 23:42-43, “You leafy trees and willows of the brook, and
shall live in booths seven days; all citizens you shall rejoice before the Lord your God
OPINIONS printed in the Jewish in Israel shall live in booths, in order that seven days.”
Review do not necessarily reflect those future generations may know that I made Think of how crucial the harvest was
the Israelite people live in booths when I
of the Jewish Review or the Jewish brought them out of the land of Egypt, I the for our ancestors. If the harvest was inad-
Federation of Greater Portland, its Lord Your G-d.” equate in the spring and fall, hunger was
governing board or the staffs of either We also must emphasize the agricultural sure to follow. We assume when we go to
the grocery store or to the market that we
the newspaper or the Federation. aspect of Sukkot. Centuries ago, farmers will find what we are looking for. We forget
would dwell in temporary structures at the about who planted the crops and who cul-
edges of their fields to maximize the time tivated, harvested, packaged, transported
Jewish Federation of Greater they could devote to the harvest. and stocked them. Sukkot reminds us to be
Portland online Sukkot features three mitzvot, or com- grateful for the interconnected web of peo-
Website: jewishportland.org mandments: spending time in a sukkah, ple we depend on to put food on our table.
Instagram: instagram.com/ shaking the arba minim, the lulav and The High Holidays do not officially end
jewishfederationpdx/ etrog, and celebrating. until the conclusion of Sukkot. Our liturgy
Facebook: Spending time in a sukkah enables us to paints the image of the gates of forgiveness
facebook.com/JewishPDX get reconnected with the land and with and how slowly and steadily they close.
each other. The sukkah is a minimalistic The Rabbis teach that though the gates of
Jewish Review Online: structure: four poles, thin walls and a roof forgiveness may close at the end of Yom
jewishportland.org/jewishreview comprised of sechach, branches or bam- Kippur, they are not locked until the end
boo. This structure provides basic protec- of Sukkot. In that spirit, we can continue
tion from the wind, sun and rain, but not to reflect upon how it is not too late to se-
NEXT ISSUES too much protection. More important is cure the image of our highest selves. As we
what happens within the sukkah. We can continue on our emotional/spiritual jour-
Issue date Deadline rest, eat a light meal, enjoy the evening, neys, during Sukkot, we can stop along the
and weather permitting, even sleep. way for rest and sustenance, both spiritual
OCT 18 OCT 12 A beautiful tradition is welcoming ush- and physical. As we meet with family and
pizin, guests, into our sukkah and express- friends in the sukkah, we can express grat-
NOV 1 OCT 26 ing hospitality. Symbolically, we can also itude and appreciation for one another and
invite Sarah and Abraham; Rebecca and acknowledge how we depend upon each
NOV 15 NOV 9 Isaac; Rachel, Leah and Jacob; Joseph; other and depend upon G-d.
During 5784 may we express gratitude for
Moses, Miriam and Aaron; as well as Da-
vid, Abigail and Esther. All these biblical how interdependent we are for our safety,
NOV 29 (Hanukkah) NOV 22 characters were wanderers and in need of security, well-being and growth.
Submit photos, news: Clergy Corner
[email protected] In addition to the Chaplain's Corner, The Jewish Review offers space for the community's
professional clergy to share their thoughts on the week's parsha or current events. Rabbis are
Free subscription: invited to schedule a date to submit a 500- to 600-word piece. For more information or to
jewishportland.org/subscribe request a date, email [email protected].
10 Jewish Review - Oct. 4, 2023
Obituaries ______ Gratz College launches online
NORMA ROSENBERG adult Jewish education program
Norma May Rosenberg z”l was a titan, who woke up every day
with the engine running, eager to learn and leave a meaningful By RABBI DANIEL LEVITT
impression on everything and everyone she touched. She was 94 Gratz College
years old, with plenty of gas left in the tank. Gratz College is thrilled to announce the launch of its new
Vibrant wife of the Lester J. Rosenberg z”l, persistent mother series of online Continuing Adult Jewish Education Classes,
of Steven “Rosy” (Ellen Lippman) Rosenberg and Lee “Rosy” designed to provide a transformative learning experience for
(Partner-Pamela Roussos) Rosenberg, inspirational grandmother individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of Jewish
of Mara Rosenberg, Ilyana Rosenberg and Noa Rosenberg, fully heritage, culture, and traditions from the comfort of your home.
engaged aunt to all of her nieces and nephews, a force of nature in Gratz College, a renowned institution with a rich history of
her leadership work in the community, and an integrally spirited academic excellence and commitment to Jewish education,
ally, mentor and moral compass to a nation of friends. is excited to offer a diverse range of virtual courses tailored
Norma grew up in San Antonio, Texas, daughter of the late Mel- to meet the unique interests and needs of adult learners. With
ville May and late Ethel Sacks, and sister to the late Melville May highly knowledgeable instructors, a supportive learning envi-
Jr. She lived her adult years in the Chicago area. So much to share ronment, and a wealth of resources, participants can engage in
in-between; words in this short bio will not properly do justice to an enriching educational journey.
her impact. Better to speak with those that knew her directly; there These Zoom classes are open to individuals of all backgrounds
are so many across Chicago, the US and Israel. and levels of knowledge, providing a welcoming and inclusive
Memorial contributions may be made to an organization that she environment where participants can connect with fellow learn-
and Lester helped build over decades and an organization that she ers and engage in thought-provoking discussions.
literally gave her life to--Israel Tennis and Education Centers. If Located in Philadelphia and founded in 1895, Gratz is the
you would like to do so, Norma instructed us this is the absolute oldest independent and pluralistic college for Jewish studies in
best way to honor her; the family agrees. You are welcome to share North America. From its inception Gratz holds the distinction
with anyone who would like to make a donation to support the Nor- of being the first institution of advanced Jewish learning to ac-
ma Rosenberg Children’s Fund, which has now been established in cept women on par with men.
memory of Norma. Please visit the ITEC website donation page, The classes will be offered virtually on a weekly basis, with
itecenters.org/norma-rosenberg/ or mail your donation to Israel flexible schedules to accommodate diverse lifestyles. For more
Tennis & Education Centers, 3275 West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite information and to register for Gratz College’s Continuing
102 Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 Adult Jewish Education Classes, please visit gratz.edu/aca-
demics/degree/continuing-education/gratz-scholars-program or
Burial Societies contact Rabbi Daniel Levitt at [email protected].
Portland has two holy societies of volunteers who prepare the
deceased for burial according to Jewish tradition: Chevra Kavod Rising Tide Gathering is Oct. 24-25
haMet and the Portland Hevra Kaddisha.
For questions about end of life, death and mourning, emial You’re invited to a two-day everyone in the Jewish com-
[email protected], visit ChevraKavodHaMet.org, virtual gathering Tuesday and munity. During this event,
or contact Michael Rosenberg at the Portland Hevra Kaddisha at Wednesday, Oct. 24-25 on you’ll discover fresh insights,
[email protected] or 503-519-2454. Zoom from 9 am - 1:15 pm build meaningful connec-
that will unite lay leaders, pro- tions, and find inspiration for
Submit obituaries to The Jewish Review's new online fessionals, clergy, students, Jewish ritual water immer-
form at form.jotform.com/JFGP/jr-obituary. funders, volunteers, and edu- sion. Sliding scale from $18
cators from around the world.
Life cycle Together, we’re dedicated to - 360. Register at risingtide-
making mikveh experiences openwaters.org/2023-gather-
Submit births, b'nai mitzvah, engagements, inclusive and accessible for ing-registration/
weddings, anniversaries and landmark birth-
days to The Jewish Review's new online portal
at form.jotform.com/JFGP/jr-life-cycle. Find High Holiday events
Find High Holiday events
throughout the community
thr oughout the community
Click the logo online at:
online at:
for the latest
jewishportland.org/
episode of jewishportland.or g/
The Jewish
highholidays
Review Podcast highholidays
Jewish Review - Oct. 4, 2023 11
Events__________ __________________________
jewishportland.org/community-calendar
Oct. 5: Cafe Shalom Cancer is lonely. Jewish Family with others and share what’s finding aids to help researchers
Israeli Folk Dancing & Child Service has combined on their mind. Online at tinyurl. navigate through manuscript
Weekly open Israeli dance these two truths to create this com/JFCS-Connection. collections to find information.
session Thursdays, 8-10 pm at support group open to anyone Oct. 14: Oregon Hil- This presentation will help ge-
CHCC, 8936 SW 17th Ave in with a cancer diagnosis. The lel’s 30th Anniversary nealogists read, follow, and use
Portland. All experience levels group will meet via Zoom the Join Oregon Hillel Saturday, finding aids to discover their
and ages welcome. Enjoy danc- second Wednesday of every Oct. 14, 6:45 pm as we cel- ancestors in archives. For more
ing in a welcoming and friend- month at 3 pm and offer a safe ebrate our 30th anniversary information or to register, visit
ly atmosphere of dancers at all space where people can be hon- at the University of Oregon’s sites.rootsweb.com/~orjgs/in-
levels. Learn new dances and est with one another and them- Ford Alumni Center, 1720 E dex.html.
practice favorites and classics selves – and where they are not 13th Ave, Eugene, Ore. Cost is Oct. 16: Healing Per-
from long ago. $7. For more taking care of others. The facil- $54 per non-student, $18cur- spectives
information, contact Allison itators will listen to and support rent UO Students. Please let Hear a panel of Portland State
Victor at [email protected]. you in this important communi- us know if you have See story, University student leaders talk
ty of people with some shared
Oct. 8: Israeli Folk experiences. Sponsored by the Page 2. about their Israeli experience
Dancing at SWCC Holzman Foundation and Jew- Oct. 14: The Road on their 10-day fact finding
Enjoy Israeli folk dancing ish Federation of Greater Port- Home choral concert mission Monday, Oct. 16, 7
at the Southwest Community land. To register or for more The Trinity Choir of Trinity pm at Congregation Neveh
Center with session leader Rho- information, visit jfcs-portland. Episcopal Cathedral, the Kol Shalom. Explore how they will
na Feldman Sundays, 2:30-4 org/cancer-support. Echad Choir of Congregation utilize their new perspectives to
pm. More information at sites. Oct. 11: Empowering Beth Israel, and Pacific Youth impact the campus climate. You
google.com/site/pifdnews. Teen Girls with Yoga Choir will join forces to present will also have an opportunity to
ask questions. Sponsored by
Oct. 9: Israeli Folk Navigating adolescence can a concert of choral music enti- Congregation Neveh Shalom’s
Dancing at Leedy be emotionally, physically, and tled The Road Home: Songs of Israel360 and PDX Hillel. For
Grange spiritually challenging for Jew- Belonging, Safety, and Hope more information, visit https://
at Congregation Beth Israel,
Enjoy Israeli folk dancing ish teens in a secular world. In Saturday, Oct. 14, 7-9 pm. Fea- nevehshalom.org/israel360/.
Mondays, 7:30 - 10:30pm with this 6-week yoga series held turing music from composers Oct. 17: Wondering
this friendly group in Cedar Wednesdays, Oct. 11th-Nov. Stephen Paulus, Leonard Ber- Jews Podcast
Mill (now in our 10th year). 15th, 4:30 - 6 pm at the Eastside nstein, Ben Steinberg, Shawn Portland-based co-hosts Josh
The session, run by Sue and Jewish Commons, Rachel Stern Kirchner, Susan LaBarr, Jake and Roy drop a new podcast
Donna, starts with easier, clas- (Heart-Shaped Yoga) will lead Runestad, and PYC’s new artis- Tuesdays, 6 am every two
sic dances and moves on to girls (Non-binary, gender-curi- tic director Christopher Maunu. weeks, focusing on Jews and
newer forms, couples’ dances, ous, and transgender girls wel- The ecumenical program will cannabis. wonderingjewspod-
line dances, and teaching, too. come) ages 15 and 16 through draw on themes of physical and cast.com
Find us on Facebook at “Israeli a practice of movement, breath, mental safety; the immigrant Oct. 20: Chronic Pain
Folk Dancing in Portland, OR.” meditation, and reflection in experience; and mutual efforts
Oct. 10: Yoga for an intentional and safe space to care for all members of the & Mental Health
for exploration and curiosity.
Jewish Family & Child Ser-
Renewal with Sido Together, we will co-create a human family. Free; donations vice offers Mental Health Spot-
Sirkus community of mutual support, encouraged. All proceeds raised light Friday, Oct. 20, 10 am on
will be equally shared between
Come and enjoy/explore your respect, confidentiality, and the represented organizations: Zoom to shine a light on areas
inner self in “Yoga for Renew- consent. All levels of yoga Family Promise, NW Pilot where all people – children
al,” a gentle yoga class Tues- experience and ability are wel- Project, WeShine, and Profile through older adults, including
days, 10-11 am at the Eastside come! Supported by a generous Theatre. For more information, self-identified disabled mem-
Jewish Commons. Designed to grant from the Women’s Giving email tracy@bethisrael-pdx. bers of our community – strug-
help bring you back to yourself, Circle. $36-$72 sliding scale org. gle and can seek help. Mental
to your own body and soul as per person for the series. No Health Spotlight’s goal is com-
we enter the season of turning one will be turned away for Oct. 15: JGSO pres- munity outreach and providing
within, planting the seeds of lack of funds. This class is lim- ents Digging into pertinent information about
what will spring forth in the ited to 10 participants, no drop- Finding Aids topics our clinicians are tuned
springtime (and we’ll do it with ins - participants must commit The Jewish Genealogical Soci- in to through their client work.
humor and with heart!). This to the entire series. For more ety of Oregon invites you, your Mental Health Spotlight is not
class is appropriate for both information, visit ejcpdx.org/ family and friends to its upcom- one-on-one therapy. It offers
beginners and seasoned mature events. ing program via Zoom Sunday, groups, workshops and presen-
yogis. For more information Oct. 13: JFCS Com- Oct. 15 at 10:30 am. Genealo- tations — spaces for anyone in
or to register, visit ejcpdx.org/ munity Connection gists use all kinds of tools to help the community to connect with
events. Join Jewish Family & Child with their genealogy research. others and share what’s on their
Oct. 10: JFCS Cancer Service for weekly conver- One of the best tools to under- mind. For more information or
Support Group sations Fridays, 10-11 am on stand and use when working to register, visit jfcs-portland.
org/services/counseling/men-
Community is important. Zoom: It is a space for anyone with manuscript collections is a tal-health-spotlight.
in the community to connect finding aid. Archivists develop
12 Jewish Review - Oct. 4, 2023