jr102721

INSIDE




Interfaith coalition
convenes homeless
summit – page 2

Shir Tikvah clears ton
of trash – page 2
Oct. 27, 2021 / Cheshvan 21, 5782 Volume 56, Issue 22 More restart kits for

Rachel’s Well: 4 years of immersions Afghans – page 3


BY DEBORAH MOON Briefs: Moishe Pod
When Rachel’s Well Commu- forming; drop-in care
nity Mikvah turns 4 on Nov. 1, returns to J – page 3
the ritual bath will have enabled
more than 1,200 traditional and UO honors Josh
contemporary immersions (see
box page 14). Frankel – page 4
Rachel’s Well is owned by the
Jewish Federation of Greater Events: Rabbi Oren
Portland with ritual supervision installation; film;
provided by the Oregon Board
of Rabbis. PJA open houses;
“Rachel’s Well is here for the mending bees; Tivnu
most traditional and for ev- info; volunteers
erybody who self-identifies as Rachel’s Well Community Mikvah sits in a natural setting. A sepa- needed; Chanukah
Jewish for the most contempo- rate dish mikvah, foreground, is available without an appointment
rary of reasons,” says Rachel’s for kashering kitchen utensils (access information available on with Blazers; save the
Well Mikvah Manager Caron request: [email protected]). Photo by Josh Partee. date – pages 6-7
Blau Rothstein, who is also
JFGP Director of Community place. Numbers will likely in- and amazed when I see the Portland Kollel adds
Planning & Allocations. crease as the mikvah resumes stats,” says Rachel’s Well Ad-
Before COVID limited access normal operations. This will visory Board Chair Ronnie eight to team – page 8
to the mikvah, nearly 400 im- include weekly drop-in erev Malka, who led the visioning
mersions took place annually. Shabbat immersions for men, process and capital campaign Vaccine mandates
In the past 12 months, despite which were discontinued in for the mikvah. – page 8
pandemic restrictions, more March 2020.
than 250 immersions took “I am always so impressed See RACHEL'S WELL, page 14 Searching for light:
Meti shares tapestry of Jewish existence Rabbi Rose – page 9


BY DEBORAH MOON Her mother made Aliyah from Chaplain's Corner:
TischPDX has received a Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Israel Who are you? – page 10
grant from The Jews of Color in 1988 and met Meti’s father in
Initiative to host a Sigd cele- ulpan, a Hebrew learning cen- Rabbi Kosak shares
bratory and educational event ter for new olim (immigrants).
in Portland, led by a member of Her paternal grandfather was wise words from
the TischPDX cohort (see box arrested by the Ethiopian gov- Ethiopian-Israeli
page 7). Sigd is an ancient Ethi- ernment for covertly working – page 11
opian Jewish holiday observed with Israel to liberate Ethiopian
50 days after Yom Kippur. Jews; he spent several months Jobs Board: CBI,
“Oftentimes, in Jewish set- as a political prisoner until
tings, I find myself having to American Jewish organizations P'nai Or, CNSCOS
correct people with: ‘Not all took up his cause. Meti moved – page 12
Jews do that’ when it comes to Portland about five years ago
to conversations around holi- and says she loves the commu- Obituaries: Naomi &
day customs and rituals,” says Metasabiya "Meti" Habteyes nity she found here.
Metasabiya Habteyes, the event greater tapestry of our Jewish Co-founder Eleyna Fugman Louis Horn, Wiener,
creator. “I want my communi- existence and be confident.” says TischPDX appeals to Meyer, Kane, Hasson,
ty to look beyond Ashkenazi Metasabiya (Mee-taa-saa-bi- Frankel – pages 12-13
norms and experience the ya) “Meti” was born in Israel. See SIGD CELEBRATION, page 7

Interfaith coalition convenes homelessness summit



BY BOB HORENSTEIN That three-hour summit was there does not appear to be a mation about positive outcomes
Over a year ago, the Federa- held on Oct. 4 at Congregation common roadmap to effective- from efforts underway to ad-
tion’s Jewish Community Re- Beth Israel and was attended ly address the problem. … As dress homelessness.
lations Council spearheaded by Mayor Ted Wheeler, Port- United in Spirit, we are ready • We must collectively define
the establishment of a broad- land City Commissioner Dan to lend a hand to support those what it means to have a “com-
based interfaith coalition called Ryan, Metro President Lynn political and civic leaders, passionate response” to the
United in Spirit. For the past Peterson, Multnomah County agencies and groups willing to problem.
several months, the coalition, Commissioner Sharon Meier- collaborate on the most equita- • The energy of the communi-
which has Jewish, Christian an, Deputy Police Chief Mike ble and effective solutions.” ty must be harnessed to solve a
and Muslim members, has been Frome, officials from Central Though it was obvious at the community problem.
meeting with elected officials, City Concern, Bybee Lakes summit that political leaders The summit was an important
nonprofits and business groups Hope Center, HereTogether and and civic organizations are tak- first step – but only a first step
(“stakeholders”) to discuss the the Portland Business Alliance, ing different approaches to ad- – in creating cooperation and
growing problem of chronic as well as members of United in dressing the problem, there ap- collaboration around efforts to
homelessness as well as other Spirit. It was the first time these pears to be a consensus among solve Portland’s homeless prob-
ongoing problems plaguing stakeholders had all gathered those who spoke: lem. Our coalition is hopeful
Portland. around one table. • Efforts are siloed as too many that a follow-up meeting with
It became clear after 18 hours As an organizer of UIS, I set “stakeholders” are working in- COVID precautions in place
of such meetings that though the tone for the summit in open- dependently of each other. will lead to a process for de-
these stakeholders were making ing remarks: “As faith-based • Better coordination is needed veloping a comprehensive plan
efforts to address the homeless organizations, we regard home- among elected officials, organi- with full collaboration among
problem, they were not neces- lessness as a moral tragedy zations and volunteer groups all our political leaders, nonprofit
sarily collaborating with one requiring urgent attention. Our trying to help the homeless. agencies, business groups and
another, often working in silos shared goal as a united group of • There is a need for better data faith communities.
and even pointing fingers at one diverse organizations is to ad- collection regarding the actual To learn more about United in
another. For these reasons, there vocate for and support the civic numbers of homeless living on Spirit, go to unitedinspirit.me.
was little progress. Our coali- and community collaboration the street (one alarming estimate
tion decided, therefore, that the and integration necessary to is 7,000 in Multnomah County) Bob Horenstein is Director of
time had come to invite all of help Portland end this human- and the availability of shelter Community Relations and Pub-
the stakeholders to an emergen- itarian crisis in our own back- beds and other alternatives. lic Affairs for the Jewish Feder-
cy summit on homelessness. yard. … We are concerned that • The public needs more infor- ation of Greater Portland.

Shir Tikvah pulls a ton of sins from floodplain


BY DEBORAH MOON

Congregation Shir Tikvah collected the
most trash of all the communities in 30
states and 18 countries that signed up to
participate in this year’s environmentally
conscious Reverse Tashlich sponsored by
Tikkun HaYam, repairthesea.org.
More than 2,000 people in 170 Jewish
communities around the world reversed the
tradition of tashlich, in which breadcrumbs
or pebbles are cast into flowing water to
symbolically cast off the sins of the previ-
ous year. In this ceremony, people remove
human “sins” (marine debris) from the wa-
ter in a collaborative waterfront cleanup.
The annual project, held the Sunday be- Congregation Shir Tikvah volunteers pulled more than a ton of trash from the Johnson
tween Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Creek Floodplain as part of a Reverse Tashlich ceremony.
had a 240% increase over last year.
Shir Tikvah’s crew, organized by Robbie Island. “I didn’t realize we would get in- son Creek; when Robbie scouted them,
Lambert, cleared 2,360 pounds of trash volved in houseless issues.” she found one that was in serious need of
from the Johnson Creek Floodplain near When Robbie volunteered to lead Shir cleanup. Robbie spoke to the residents of
the Springwater Corridor. The cleanup proj- Tikvah’s Reverse Tashlich team, she envi- the nearby homeless encampment on the
ect went beyond trash pickup, though, and sioned cleaning up the beaches on Sauvie Johnson Creek Floodplain, and they were
forged connections between the congrega- Island. But when she learned the nonprofit delighted with her request to haul away the
tion and the homeless campers in the area. SOLVE had scheduled a beach cleanup trash. She says that when the camp sets out
“I am such a water person – put me around there a day earlier, she contacted SOLVE garbage hoping it will be picked up, more
water, and I’m a happy person,” says Rob- and asked them for other ideas. often passersby dump more trash.
bie, who lives on a floating home on Sauvie SOLVE suggested four sites along John- Continued on next page
2 Jewish Review Oct. 27, 2021

Jewish effort to aid Afghan refugees grows


Groups in Portland’s Jewish community 1111 Country Club Road, Lake Oswego.
have ongoing drives to collect restart kits There is also a bin in the courtyard for af-
for Afghan refugees being relocated to ter-hour donations. Donations of cash and
Portland. Both drives are in collaboration gift cards (Fred Meyer, WinCo, Target and
with The Refugee Care Collective. IKEA) can be mailed to Beit Haverim, P.O.
The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center Box 311, Lake Oswego, OR 97034. Debo-
for Holocaust Education and the Jewish rah and Beit Haverim Tikkun Olam Chair
Federation of Greater Portland are col- Barbara Gold are joining two LOUCC
lecting donations of all eight requested volunteers as “super shoppers” to use the
kits for these new arrivals, with drop-offs cash/gift card donations to purchase items
at the museum accepted through Nov. 19. for the restart kits.
Beit Haverim and the Lake Oswego United For questions about the Beit Haverim ef-
Church of Christ, which share space, are fort, contact Administrator Jaime Gross at
concentrating their collection efforts on 503-568-1241 or [email protected].
bathroom and cleaning restart kits through OJMCHE and JFGP request donors
Nov. 10. choose from the variety of kits needed,
The Collective’s mission is to help refu- As of mid-October, about 70 restart kits for such as kitchen, bedding, personal care
gee families rebuild their lives and return Afghan refugees have been dropped off at and cleaning kits. Select a kit, go shopping
to a state of self-sufficiency and empow- the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for for the listed items (they need to be new),
erment. RCC partners with the three local Holocaust Education. Kits will be accepted and then place the items in a clear plastic
resettlement agencies – Catholic Charities at the museum through Nov. 19. tub that can close and label the top of the
of Oregon, Ecumenical Ministries of Or- comfort of hands that reached out to us and container with the restart kit type. You are
egon and Lutheran Community Services the anguish when people turned away.” encouraged to include a handwritten, un-
Northwest – to serve and meet the needs She adds the Beit Haverim board endorsed sealed note welcoming the family.
of refugee families and individuals in Port- the project immediately: “Our cultural his- You can drop off kits at OJMCHE (724
land. RCC also partners with the Oregon tory of exile and persecution heighten our NW Davis St., Portland) during museum
Department of Human Services to support connection to the plight of the Afghani ref- hours, 11 am-4 pm, Wednesday-Saturday
refugee youth. ugees. This effort resonated with all of us.” until Nov. 19. Or you can drop off your kit
“As Jews, we know what it is to be a ref- Donations of items for bathroom and at the Refugee Care Collective warehouse
ugee, a stranger in a strange land,” says cleaning kits, of completed kits, can be in Tigard (10160 SW Nimbus Avenue,
Deborah Reisman, who is coordinating the dropped off 9 am-2 pm, Tuesday-Friday, Suite F-3) noon-3 pm, Sept. 18, Oct. 23
project for Beit Haverim. “We have felt the through Nov. 10, at Beit Haverim/LOUCC, and Nov. 20.

TRASH (cont. from page 2) News in brief

On cleanup day Sept. 12, Robbie arrived early to co-
ordinate the cleanup with the residents. Once volun- Young adults sought for Moishe Pod West Portland
teers arrived, “We chatted and played with their dogs. Casual young adult Jewish programming is coming to Portland’s west side, and
We got to know the people.” Moishe House is looking for the right two young adults, ages 21-32, to make it
“We have to meet people – then they become a happen.
person,” adds Robbie, a retiree who used to volun- This isn’t a job. These two people will live together and be Moishe Pod West
teer as a GED tutor working with homeless youth at Portland, hosting three programs per month such as a Shabbat dinner. Moishe
Outside In. House, the international organization, will provide funds for the programs as
The group was able to haul away more than a ton of well as a rent stipend (the residents can live in a place of their choosing). This is
garbage thanks to another connection Robbie made. a perfect opportunity for those who want to build community.
FindingPDX.com, run by volunteers Chris Bean and If interested, reach out to Director of Expansion Joshua Goldberg at joshua.
Dave Kephart, brought their trailer to haul away ev- [email protected] or 248-425-8080.
erything Shir Tikvah collected.
After winning $500 for their efforts, Shir Tikvah
is planning to donate to FindingPDX to help with Drop-in child care, Chai Baby return to MJCC
future cleanups. Robbie is working with Chris to The Mittleman Jewish Community Center is bringing back drop-in child care
schedule future cleanups for the Shir Tivkah crew. and the Chai Baby Indoor Playground.
Shir Tikvah also participated in a collection drive to Drop-in child care for ages 6 months to 5 years is available 8:30-11:30 am,
gather supplies for the houseless. Shir Tivkah mem- Monday-Friday. Adult must remain in the building while child is in the child-
ber Sonia Marie Leikam and Abbie Schwalb, both care program. Parents or caregivers can work out or relax at the MJCC while
part of the Free Hot Soup network, invited people their children enjoy games, books, coloring and more. Pre-registration not re-
to drop clean supplies useful for camping at Leikam quired. Child may stay for a maximum of two hours per session. Member cost is
Brewing on Oct. 23. $8. For more information, visit oregonjcc.org/childcare.
Robbie is delighted to have both cleanup and aid Beginning Dec. 1, the Chai Baby Indoor Playground will meet the first Wednes-
for the houseless as part of her congregation’s rep- day of every month. Chai Baby is free and open to parents/caregivers and their
ertoire. children up to 5 years old. Meet friends while the children run, sing and have a
You can see more in a video spotlight from Tikkun kosher snack.
HaYam at youtube.com/watch?v=i3AoR0yqPXM. For more information, visit oregonjcc.org/indoorplayground.
Jewish Review Oct. 27, 2021 3

UO taps Josh Frankel for athletic dept. award


Student athletes from the football and member with versus USC in 1999. He was a member of
volleyball teams when the University of New Avenues for four bowl teams as the program began its
Oregon’s athletic department was just be- Youth. He has ascent to becoming one of the nation’s top
ginning its current rise to national promi- served as board teams.
nence, as well as a long-time staff member president of the Frankel toiled on the scout team as a walk-
who began her tenure at Oregon around the Greater Portland on freshman before earning his way up the
same time, have been selected to receive Hillel and on the depth chart. He shared kicking duties over
the department’s annual awards. boards of B’nai his next two seasons before his clutch field
Football player Josh Frankel will receive B’rith Camp, goal versus USC that gave Oregon a 33-30
the 2021 Leo Harris Award. Volleyball’s Cedar Sinai Park win in three overtimes. He also made four
Michelle “Shellie” Nisle has been tabbed and Mittleman of five field goals against Arizona in 1999
for the 2021 Becky L. Sisley Award. Cur- Jewish Commu- to preserve a 44-41 victory. He was given a
rent UO athletic department staff member nity Center. In 2020, Frankel was selected scholarship following Oregon’s 24-20 win
Beth Campbell has been named the 2021 for the 20-member Portland cohort of the over Minnesota in the 1999 Sun Bowl.
Order of the O honoree. The awards cere- Wexner Heritage Leadership Program, Frankel’s most productive year came
mony will held at a later date. which began this spring after being delayed as a senior in 2000, when he made 13 of
A certified financial planner and portfolio by the pandemic. 25 field goals and 37 of 39 extra point at-
manager, Frankel has individual and insti- “The UO holds a very special place in my tempts. That season, the Pacific Palisades,
tutional clients concentrated in Portland, life,” says Frankel. “My experience as a Calif., native made a career-long 47-yard,
Vancouver, Eugene, Bend, Medford, Spo- student athlete helped prepare me to be a game-winning field goal in the Ducks’ 27-
kane and California. He was hired by Fer- better father, a better husband, a business 24 win at Washington State. He also hit five
guson Wellman in 2013 to launch and grow executive and community leader. I am for- of five extra points in Oregon’s 35-30 vic-
West Bearing Investments. Since 2013, he ever grateful for the UO.” tory over Texas in the 2000 Holiday Bowl.
has helped grow the company to $315 mil- The Alumni Athletic Award was originat- Frankel finished his career with 150 points
lion in assets under his management. ed in 1967 by the late Leo Harris, former on 26 of 41 field goals and 72 of 77 extra
Frankel has also been active in his com- UO director of athletics, and his family and points and was an All Pac 10 honorable
munity and as a UO alumnus. The Duck was later renamed the Leo Harris Award in mention selection in 1999.
Athletic Fund and UO Foundation donor his honor. It is presented to an alumni let- He received his degree in journalism in the
is a past chair of the Oregon Club of Port- terman on the basis of at least 20 years of spring of 2000 and returned to Oregon to
land. He is also a member of the UO Men- achievement and service since graduation. earn an MBA in 2006. Frankel has worked
tor Program for current student athletes Frankel may be best remembered as the in the financial sector since then and is cur-
and the UO Alumni Association. Frankel backup kicker who came off the bench fol- rently an executive vice president at West
is the current chair of the Oregon Jewish lowing an injury to the starter and drilled Bearing Investments, a division of Ferguson
Community Foundation and is also a board a triple-overtime, game-winning field goal Wellman based in the Portland area.
Congregations in Greater Portland area
Congregations in Greater Portland area
Ahavath Achim (Sephardic) 360-993-5222 Chabad Young Professionals/ jewishvancouverusa.org
6686 Capitol Hwy. jewishvancouverwa.com Chabad NW Kol Shalom (Humanistic)
Portland, OR 97219 Chabad of Hillsboro 503-583-2025 | Pdxcyp.org 2420 NE Sandy Blvd.
503-227-0010 965 SW Brookwood Ave. Tigard Chabad Portland, OR 97223
ahavathachim.com Hillsboro, OR 97123 12555 SW Summer Crest Dr. kolshalom.org
The Alberta Shul 503-747-5363 | chabadh.com Tigard, OR 97223 Neveh Shalom (Conservative)
503-703-5205 | albertashul.org Chabad of Gresham/E County 971-329-6661 2900 SW Peaceful Lane
jewishtigard.com
Beit Haverim (Reform) 503-389-0312 Portland, OR 97239
503-246-8831
111 Country Club Dr. facebook.com/JewishGresham Gesher - A Bridge Home nevehshalom.org
Mail: PO Box 311 Chabad of Lake Oswego 503-246-5070
Lake Oswego, OR 97034 www-jewishlo.com ourjewishhome.org P’nai Or (Renewal)
503-568-1241 | beithav.org Havurah Shalom (Recon- c/o Hillsdale Com Church
Chabad of NE Portland structionist) 6948 SW Capitol Hwy.
Congregation Beit Yosef 503-309-4490 825 NW 18th Ave. Portland, OR 97219
4200 SW Vermont St. jewishnortheast.com Portland, OR 97209 503-248-4500 | pnaiorpdx.org
Portland, OR 97219 Chabad Center for Jewish 503-248-4662
971-220-8152 Life SW Portland havurahshalom.org Shaarie Torah (Conservative)
920 NW 25th Ave.
Beth Israel (Reform) 2317 SW Vermont St. Kesser Israel (Orthodox) Portland, OR 97210
1972 NW Flanders St. Portland, OR 97219 6698 SW Capitol Hwy. 503-226-6131
Portland, OR 97209 503-381-7119 | jportland.com Portland, OR 97219 shaarietorah.org
503-222-1069 Chabad at Reed College & 503-222-1239 | kesserisrael.org Shir Tikvah (Independent)
bethisrael-pdx.org SE Portland Kol Ami (Reform) 2420 NE Sandy Blvd.
Chabad of Clark County 3355 SE Steele St. 7800 NE 119th St. Portland, OR 97232
9604 NE 126th Ave. # 2340 Portland, OR 97202 Vancouver, WA 98662 503-473-8227
Vancouver, WA 98682 503-752-2258 | jewishreed.com 360-896-8088 shirtikvahpdx.org
4 Jewish Review Oct. 27, 2021

Jewish Review Oct. 27, 2021 5

Happenings




Oct. 29-30: Shaarie Torah installs Rabbi Oren
Congregation Shaarie Torah will formally install Rabbi Gary
Ezra Oren as the Conservative congre-
gation’s senior rabbi Oct. 29-30.
On July 1, 2021, Rabbi Oren became
the 10th rabbi to serve the congregation
since it was founded in 1905. He suc-
ceeds Rabbi Joshua Rose.
The congregation invites the commu-
nity to join in person or virtually for
learning and celebration to welcome in
Rabbi Oren with a very special Shabbat
and Installation ceremony.
The weekend will feature guests Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson and
Rabbi Cheryl Peretz. Rabbi Artson is Vice President of American
Jewish University, where he serves as Abner & Roslyn Goldstine
Dean’s Chair, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Rabbi Peretz is
associate dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.
Rabbi Oren said he is pleased to “help folks have a chance to
learn with a great teacher in Rabbi Artson.”
Shabbat service and the Installation Ceremony are open to the
public and free. During Shabbat morning services, Rabbi Art-
son will teach about “Character Counts: What Makes Someone
a Disciple of Abraham?” Havdallah, followed by the installation
ceremony, will begin at 6:30 pm. A Friday dinner and Saturday Three "mending bees" are planned in November at the interactive
evening cocktail party with keynote speakers have limited atten- fabric exhibit, "Tikkun Olam: Mending the Social Fabric."
dance and required sponsorship levels.
All attendees for all events must be fully vaccinated if eligible
and masked at all times in our building. Nov. 11, 26 & 27: Mend the social fabric
More information about the installation weekend, visit Three mending bees have been planned in November as part of
shaarietorah.org/installation/ the interactive installation “Tikkun Olam: Mending the Social
Fabric” at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust
Education, 724 NW Davis St.
Oct. 30-Nov. 5: Screening, talk “Upheaval” The parachute at the core of artist Bonnie Meltzer’s new exhibit is,
Congregation Neveh Shalom, Israel 360 and the Jewish Feder- like our social fabric, rent with tears. You can Meet the Artist and
ation of Greater Portland invite you to a free online screening of Mend the Tears without an appointment on Veterans Day and the
the documentary “Upheaval: The Journey of Menachem Begin” Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 11, 26 and 27).
to be enjoyed anytime between Oct. 31 and Nov. 5. A free Zoom Visitors can see the exhibition without being able to sew 1-4 pm,
discussion with the film’s director, Jonathan Gruber, will be at Wednesday through Saturday through Jan. 30. For an appointment

7 pm, Nov. 4. for up to five people for a mending bee and tour during museum
Watch the incredible life story of former Israeli Prime Minister hours, email Bonnie at [email protected].
Menachem Begin – imprisoned by the Soviets, orphaned by the To learn more, read Jewish Review's story at jewishportland.org/
Holocaust, crowned Peacemaker by the Nobel Prize Committee – jewishreview/jr-stories/mending-social-fabric or visit ojmche.org/
in this captivating documentary. events/tikkun-olam-mending-the-social-fabric/.
To reserve your space for the Zoom discussion
and receive the links to the movie, please register at Nov. 16 & Dec. 16: Tivnu info sessions
jewishportland.org/movie. Learn more about the Tivnu: Building Justice gap year
For questions, contact Rachel Nelson at rachel@jewishportland. program during two virtual information sessions: 5 pm,
org or 503-892-7415. Nov. 16, and 5 pm, Dec. 16. Staff and alumni will be
on the Zoom call to talk about the gap year program.
Nov. 8 & 15: PJA virtual open houses Tivnu: Building Justice founder Steve Eisenbach-Budner launched
Hop on Zoom to learn all about Portland Jewish Academy. Learn the first domestic Jewish gap year program in 2014. Tivnu gap
about the middle school at 6 pm, Nov. 8, and lower school (kinder- year participants connect with Jewish life and social justice
garten-fifth grade) at 6 pm, Nov. 15. through individualized internships, discover the Pacific North-
Meet PJA’s spectacular teachers, hear from students and staff west and create a home together in Portland. Internships might
about why they love PJA, and learn more about PJA’s curriculum. include advocating for immigrants’ rights, creating mentor-
PJA provides an academically rich environment that sup- ships for LGBTQ kids, building tiny houses or cooking for
ports each student’s personal growth and development, from houseless Portlanders. Apply by Jan. 1 to receive a $4,000
6 weeks old through eighth grade. The hands-on interdisci- early-bird discount and priority for internship placements.
plinary curriculum emphasizes collaborative learning, critical To read about this year’s participants, go to jewishportland.org/
thinking and community engagement. At PJA, students are jewishreview/jr-stories/tivnu-creates-gap-year-fans.
empowered to think for themselves and work for the world. For more information on Tivnu or the information sessions, email
pjaproud.org/openhouse Tivnu Outreach Coordinator Leanna Parsons at [email protected].
6 Jewish Review Oct. 27, 2021

Happenings to celebrate Chanukah in the middle of a basketball game,” says
“I hear repeatedly from people how empowering it is to be able
(Continued)
Rabbi Chaim. “Especially for young people, it is so nice to cele-
Nov. 21: Volunteers needed for food delivery brate Jewishly as part of a cheering crowd.”
Each year, Jewish Family and Child Service provides Thanks- The Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter require all guests ages 12 and
giving meals for families in need. Partner organizations sponsor up to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide proof of
items for the food boxes, which include potatoes, a kosher turkey, a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours. All guests
pumpkin pie and more. This year, organizations collecting for the must wear a mask at all times while on the Rose Quarter campus.
boxes include Cedar Sinai Park; Congregations Neveh Shalom, Discounted tickets prices start at just $11 and can be purchased at
Beth Israel and Shir Tikvah; and Portland Jewish Academy/Mittle- Rosequarter.com/groupnights Promo Code: CHABADOR. Tick-
man Jewish Community Center. JFCS will pack the turkey boxes, ets must be purchased by Nov. 5 for this year’s Chanukah Jewish
and then volunteers will pick up boxes at the Mittleman Jewish Heritage Night.
Community Center and deliver them to community members in
late afternoon, Nov. 21. To volunteer, contact Sammy Monk at Save the Date: 60th annual PJA Auction, Dec. 12
[email protected]. Being billed as the “Party of the Year,” the 60th Anniversary Port-
land Jewish “Academy Awards” Auction will be Sunday, Dec. 12.
Dec. 2: Chanukah The pre-show for the hybrid (in-person and virtual) auction will
start at 5:30 pm. For details, visit pjaproud.org/auction.
with the Blazers
Celebrate the fifth night Save the Date: Weekend in Quest, March 4-6
of Chanukah with the The sixteenth annual Weekend in Quest, a Shabbaton (study
Trail Blazers on Dec. 2. weekend), returns to Astoria for a weekend of study and commu-
Enjoy the giant menorah nity on the Oregon coast Friday evening through Sunday noon,
lighting and take a photo March 4-6, 2022.
with Dreidel Man as the Scholar-in-residence Professor Sasha Senderovich of the Univer-
Trail Blazers take on the sity of Washington will lead four sessions on “How the Soviet Jew
San Antonio Spurs at the Was Made: Literature, Culture, Humor.”
Moda Center. Chabad- WIQ is sponsored by the Oregon Jewish Musuem and Center
Lubavitch of Oregon will for Holocaust Education. Proof of vaccination required and safety
once again team up with protocols in place. More information and registration information
the Trail Blazers for the Dreidel Man & Blaze will be coming soon. Visit ojmche.org for event updates.
celebration. Rabbi Chaim
Wilhelm, who organized the first celebration in 2007 while still a See more online and in-person events at
rabbinic student, is again coordinating the event. jewishportland.org/community-calendar

SIGD CELEBRATION (continued from page 1) SIGD CELEBRATION
Portland Program
young people who want to learn more about Ethiopian soldiers and even high-ranking WHEN: Doors open 6-8 pm, Nov. 3
their Judaism but do not feel comfortable in officers serve in the IDF. I felt like I was WHERE: Eastside Jewish Commons,
more formal organizations. Eleyna founded on an island for so long, but here we were 2420 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland
the group with fellow east side Portlanders all together, celebrating together and more RSVP: shorturl.at/pyS68. In-person
Rabbi Ariel Stone and Kalyn Culler Cohen. than that, we were being celebrated for the attendance limit of 40. COVID vaccine
The group’s third cohort, which includes first time in my life. I was holding back card required for everyone 12 and up.
Meti, will graduate in December. tears of joy and pride throughout the whole WATCH PARTY: tentative; check
“TischPDX is thrilled to be able to work event. I was soaking up everyone’s stories, facebook.com/tischpdx/
toward our mission of bolstering the lead- and I’ve celebrated Sigd every year since National Sigd Webinar
ership of young and marginalized Jews in then.” Presented by Jewish Agency for Israel
Portland through facilitating connections Meti says leaders of the older generations, Virtual celebration and learning of the
and collaborations like this one with our who are more familiar with Sigd, are pass- Sigd at 9 am, Nov. 3
fellow Metasabiya Habteyes and the Jews ing on the tradition in innovative ways that REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3E6n1c0
of Color Initiative,” says Eleyna. speak to a larger audience and younger
Meti says that Sigd is about coming to- Ethiopian generations. able for those who don’t feel comfortable
gether as a community for a “communal She points to the popularity of Sigdiada, eating together).
reflection” and “bonding over the dream an Ethiopian art festival that launched in In Portland, Meti has continued the jour-
to one day be in Jerusalem. For Ethiopian 2012 in Tel Aviv. nalism career she began in the IDF. She
Israelis, it’s more of a celebration of having “I think that our generation (of Ethiopian- is the director of public affairs at KBOO
the dream of our ancestors realized.” Israelis) and the ones coming after us Community Radio. She also co-hosts “The
Meti didn’t participate in a Sigd event should add new customs to our existing tra- Gap,” a talk show on KBOO, where she
until she was serving in the Israel Defense ditions around this holiday like tikkun olam and Althea Billings amplify local action,
Forces. and direct social impact,” says Meti. activists and organizations. In December,
“I was a military journalist and was sent For her Nov. 3 program, Meti plans to she will launch a podcast about organiz-
out on an assignment to cover one of the share a slide show about Sigd, how it’s ing through a Jewish lens, combating an-
first IDF Sigd celebrations in Jerusalem,” celebrated and some of her personal con- ti-Semitism with interviews from political
she says. “During my army service, there nections to the holiday. The evening will and grassroots leaders. It will also be a
were only two other Ethiopians in my whole continue with dancing, an art project for space to have nuanced and respectful con-
unit, so I was shocked to see so many other kids and food (with to-go containers avail- versations about Israel/Palestine.
Jewish Review Oct. 27, 2021 7

Rabbi Skolnik Rabbi Akiva and Ela O'Connor Rabbi Ezra and Raina Balsam Sarah Evans
Portland Kollel adds 8 to team


The Portland Kollel welcomes eight new University and is an avid outdoorsman.
staff members – Rabbi Sholom Skolnik, Rabbi Akiva O’Connor joined the team
Rabbi Akiva and Ela O’Connor, Rabbi over the summer as the new Director of
Ezra and Raina Balsam, Rabbi Tzvi and Communication, overseeing marketing and
Racheli Caplan, and Sarah Evans. PR for the Kollel. A recent graduate of Ar-
They join Rabbi Chanan and Meira Spiv- izona State University, where he received a
ak, Kollel CEO and Oregon NCSY Direc- master’s degree in communications, Rabbi
tor, respectively, and Rabbi Boruch Dov Akiva is well-known for his lecture series
Diskind, Kollel Director of Administration on various topics as well as his listening ear. Rabbi Tzvi and Racheli Caplan
and Programming. Ela O’Connor is a teacher at Maayan Torah connections with the large Israeli popula-
“They share the passion and love for Torah Day School. The O’Connors tend to avoid tion in the greater Portland area.
learning and Jewish life that have been the the outdoors, but they would love to meet Sarah Evans joins the Portland Kollel as
hallmarks of the Kollel since its beginnings,” you over a cup of coffee or tea anytime to Director of Organizational Development.
wrote Rabbis Spivak and Diskind in an- discuss life, the universe and everything. Prior to joining Kollel, Sarah spent 20 years
nouncing the news. “They bring an array of Rabbi Ezra Balsam comes from Denver, working in the field of educational leader-
talents and experiences, and all are commit- where he was involved in outreach efforts ship and assessment in roles that took her all
ted to making this the Kollel’s best year yet.” to young Jewish professionals. Rabbi Ezra over the United States and even to Teguci-
In addition to teaching classes for the Kol- founded ShabbatSpot.org, a program to in- galpa, where she worked as a consultant for
lel, Mrs. O’Connor is a teacher at Maayan spire young Jews in relationship-building the Honduran Ministry of Education. She is
Torah Jewish Day School, and Mrs. Bal- and in deepening their connections with excited to be sharing her affinity for orga-
sam and Mrs. Caplan are working solely the greater Jewish community. Here in nization and process with the Jewish com-
for NCSY. Portland, he will be overseeing kiruv/out- munity. And when she’s not indexing her
“Rabbi Spivak worked both with NCSY reach operations. Raina is employed with indices or labeling her files, you can find her
and Maayan to be able to bring in the fam- NCSY. The Balsams are adventurous and playing guitar or reading a book.
ilies,” says Rabbi Diskind. energetic and would love to join you on The nightly learning seder and the Thurs-
Rabbi Sholom Skolnik needs little intro- your next hike, bike ride or a trip down the day evening Semichas Chaver with Rabbi
duction to the Portland community, where Willamette. Skolnik are in full swing. Weekly classes
he holds several leadership positions. Both Rabbi Tzvi Caplan is the Kollel’s resident with Rabbi Akiva and Ela O’Connor will
he and his wife, Chaviva, are educators Israeli rabbi. Born and raised in Jerusalem, start soon, with programming by the Bal-
at Maayan Torah Day School, and Rabbi Rabbi Tzvi studied for a number of years sams and the Caplans being planned. On
Sholom also serves as the spiritual leader under the venerable Rabbi Yaakov Fried- weekday mornings, the Kollel welcomes the
at Congregation Ahavath Achim. He now man in Beitar Illit, a suburb of the Israeli community to explore the laws of Kashrut
joins the Kollel team of rabbis. He will be capital. He is fluent in English and Hebrew with Kollel members from 9 am to noon. In
focusing on adult education and will also be and is a certified equine therapist. His wife, addition, the Kollel will create custom study
overseeing the daily learning program for Racheli, is employed at Portland NCSY. plans with a Kollel member on request.
other members of the Kollel. He is pursuing Together, the Caplans will be spearheading For more information, call 503-245-5420
a master’s in teacher leadership at Brandeis programming for teens as well as building or visit portlandkollel.org.
Vaccine mandates set for eligible students, PJA/MJCC staff

The Portland Jewish Academy Board of In August, OHA mandated that all school ministration appreciates the support of the
Directors approved a resolution mandating employees statewide be fully vaccinated by PJA Board of Directors in ensuring that
that all eligible PJA Day School students Oct. 18, allowing for religious and medi- PJA maintains the safest possible environ-
be vaccinated against COVID-19. Families cal exemptions. PJA reports that 100% of ment for its students and staff.
may request a medical or religious exemp- PJA employees (including all day school, The Mittleman Jewish Community Cen-
tion when necessary and applicable. Fami- after-school, early childhood and shared ter, which shares a campus with PJA, also
lies of students who are currently 12 years staff, as well as all maintenance staff, secu- requires that all MJCC employees, volun-
of age or older must provide proof of vac- rity contractors and custodial contractors) teers and contractors be vaccinated against
cination to PJA no later than Nov. 15, 2021. have been fully vaccinated. COVID-19 by Nov. 15. Employees may
Information for children ages 5-11 will be Vaccination against COVID-19 continues request a medical or religious exemption.
determined once the FDA authorizes emer- to be the most effective way to minimize MJCC members are not required to be vac-
gency use vaccination for that age group. the chance of serious illness, and the ad- cinated. Masks are required for everyone.
8 Jewish Review Oct. 27, 2021

“Searching for Light”
The Jewish Journeys of Rabbi Josh Rose



Jathan Janove is an tional Judaism and was becom- Rather than building some-
author, columnist, executive ing increasingly observant of thing from the outside in, Rabbi
coach and organization mitzvot. Eventually, he felt he Rose is focused on building
consultant. During this could no longer authentically from the inside out.
difficult time, Jathan has lead a Reform congregation. “Rabbis often do what I used
been interviewing people In 2014, Rabbi Rose joined to do: present a program that
about their lives, values and Congregation Shaarie Torah in I’m interested in and then try
priorities. Portland. Formerly an Orthodox to get people to attend … But
BY JATHAN JANOVE synagogue, the congregation now, I’m meeting one on one
Rabbi Joshua Rose was born joined the Conservative Jewish with people in our communi-
in Portland in 1970, son of Movement the year before his ty constantly, hearing directly
Rabbi Emanuel Rose, who for arrival. Rabbi Rose loved his what it is that they want to see
in Jewish Portland. I’m being
46 years was the senior rabbi at time there. “It’s a beautiful syn- Rabbi Josh Rose
Congregation Beth Israel. agogue community. And it was inspired every day by the en-
Growing up, Rabbi Rose had hugely supportive of the work I thusiasm and ideas. The next many unaffiliated Jews in Port-
step is to inspire them to col-
land who value being Jewish
no desire to follow his father’s was doing,” he says. laborate in bringing these ideas but seek something different.
rabbinical path. Instead, he However, Rabbi Rose’s Jew-
studied history at Occidental ish journey took another turn. to life – program by program.” “I believe Portland can be-
He points out that Co/Lab come a great city for all Jews,
College and pursued his pas- “Increasingly, I became un- joins an already fertile Jewish which includes Jews who
sion for books and ideas. comfortable with the role of ex-
After he graduated, he had no emplar of Jewish observance. creative landscape. cherish religious experience
“There are already fantastic and those who are seeking to
clear path or direction. He con- I was surprised and caught off
templated law school, “some- guard by my own inner shifts, organizations doing great work connect in new ways,” he says.
thing every confused college as I had always sought this here,” he says. “TischPDX, “My dream is to help make that
graduate contemplates,” he role.” In addition, he says, he Religion Outside of the Box, happen.”
says. Fortunately, however, wanted to connect to those ShulchanPDX, Alberta Shul Rabbi Rose has been gratified
he got hired by the Religious many Jews doing creative work and Co/Lab are part of what I by the support he’s received
Action Center in DC, a social outside of synagogue life. “In call the ‘next wave’ of Jewish thus far and looks forward to
justice advocacy group focused the end, I was drawn to what life here. Each brings a new being part of the renaissance of
on civil rights and religious I call the ‘Abraham’ strain in perspective on Jewish life. Jewish Portland.
freedom and supported by the Jewish life, a spirit of radical Along with the Eastside Jewish “Channah and the boys and
Commons – which is just an in-
Reform Movement. seeking, of openness and curi- credible resource for our com- I love Portland and the Jew-
ish community. We’re here to
During the four years he osity.” munity – (they) should make stay.”
worked there, Rabbi Rose did He then worked diligently anyone who cares about Jewish
outreach through speeches and along with the Shaarie Torah life in Portland feel excited.” If you’d like more informa-
tion, you can reach Rabbi Rose
presentations. Once, while dig- board and executive director In his current work, Rabbi at [email protected] or
ging up quotes from Maimon- to effect a smooth transition, Rose has learned there are a through www.colabpdx.org.
ides to include in an upcoming which came with the arrival of
speech, “It struck me that what I Rabbi Gary Oren, for whom
was doing was really shallow,” Rabbi Rose has high regard. Public Service Announcement
he says. “I knew nothing about “Shaarie Torah is in great
Maimonides. I was simply fish- hands,” he says.
ing for good quotes.” In his search for a new career
This moment started him on a path, Rabbi Rose was fortunate
path of religious learning that to meet a life coach.
took him to Harvard Divinity “He helped me figure out what
School, where he met his future I really care and am passionate
wife, Channah, and ultimately about: connection. I learned
to rabbinical school. He attend- that I’m happiest when I’m
ed Hebrew Union College in making connections between
New York after a first year of people and ideas or teachings
study in Jerusalem. I find inspiring and beautiful.”
After ordination, Rabbi Rose He saw that if he could find
was hired as an assistant rabbi work doing that, he’d be fulfill-
at Congregation Har Hashem in ing his calling.
Boulder, Colo. He later became This led to his creation of
senior rabbi. His three children Co/Lab: Reimagine Jewish.
– Eliav, 13, Akiva, 11, and Ra- “We want to create a commu-
fael, 10 – were born there. nity that explores Jewish ideas
During this time, Rabbi Rose and topics in an open, inclusive
continued his study of tradi- way,” he says.
Jewish Review Oct. 27, 2021 9

Chaplain's Corner



A Not So Simple Question



BY RABBI BARRY COHEN gut level, I thought I would feel
more at home and that my kids
Who are you? would have a better high school
This is a short question with
Published biweekly by an exceptionally complex an- experience here. We previously
Jewish Federation of swer. We can answer this ques- lived in Oklahoma City and the
northwest Chicago suburbs. I
Greater Portland tion tribally, and we can answer never felt comfortable or settled
9900 SW Greenburg Road, this question universally. there. I was intrigued by the op-
Suite 220 What do I mean by “tribal”? portunity to move to Portland
Tigard, OR 97223 This refers to a particular iden- and embrace the identity of
503-245-6219 tity with restricted “member- living in the Pacific Northwest.
JewishPortland.org ship.” Here is a tribal way I can But what about answering the
answer the question “who are question “who are you?” from a
Editor you?” universal perspective?
I am a Memphian (born in
Deborah Moon Memphis); a Reform Jew; a To begin with, I refuse to fo- Rabbi Barry Cohen is the
[email protected] staunch Democrat; cisgender; cus on such descriptors as race, Jewish community chaplain of
503-892-7404 (message) a University of Michigan alum- since “race” is nothing but a the Greater Portland area. He
construct. (On a genetic lev-
nus; a Pittsburgh Steeler fan; a el, there is no such thing as “a can be reached at
Circulation rabbi; white; Gen X-er; middle white gene.”) From a universal [email protected]
To receive the Jewish class; a father; a fan of blues, perspective, I define myself as
Review in your email inbox, jazz and a wide variety of rock curious, inquisitive, adventur- ponchos to help the houseless.
email your name and email and roll; a chaplain; the young- ous, open-minded and spiritual. Another way is to do the de-
address to est of four; a widower; a hiker. I can add that I am a pursuer of manding work to oppose sys-
[email protected] Please note that none of these justice and strive to repair small temic racism and to advocate
answers describe what I am not. corners of our world. I see my- for LGBTQ rights. An addi-
OPINIONS printed in the (I could have answered musi- self as a small part of an inter- tional way is thinking beyond
Jewish Review do not cally, I do NOT like country.) connected and interdependent myself to support legislation
necessarily reflect those Many of us may reflexively web of life. to increase taxes to address cli-
of the Jewish Review define ourselves by who we are The universal stresses com- mate change. It is universal to
Committee, the Jewish not, rather than who we are. I monalities, beyond surface lev- make personal sacrifices today
Federation of Greater think it is healthier to answer in el differences that only separate that are in the best interest of
Portland, its governing the positive. us into camps. Almost every generations to come.
What can become dangerous
What makes this tribal way day, I grieve how social media
board or the staffs of either of answering so challenging is has transformed our nation into is when we think it is best for
the newspaper or the that lines of demarcation are micro-tribes. We are divided, us to act from our tribal iden-
Federation. everywhere. The categories subdivided and sub-subdivided tity when we should be acting
from which to choose can be into groups of like-minded in- from our universal identity. We
Upcoming overwhelming. Concerning dividuals. One antidote that can see this with the controversy
self-identity, we often run away bridge our so-called perceived over whether or not to take
issues from some tribal categories and differences is to rediscover the COVID vaccine. Except in
what we have in common. those circumstances when the
run toward others.
In my youth, I loved the ex- These commonalities comprise vaccine could be life-threat-
Issue date Deadline pression, “American by birth, our universal identities. ening, we should become
Southern by the grace of God.” I continue to be intrigued by vaccinated not only to protect
But in my 20s as I learned more how we consciously and un- ourselves but to protect our
Nov. 10 Nov. 4 about the South’s history, cul- consciously act at times from family, friends, coworkers and
ture and racial legacy, I vowed our tribal identities and at times strangers we cross paths with
Nov. 24 Nov. 18 never to say that again. I have from our universal identities. every day … and total strangers
been redefining my Southern A lighthearted way I act upon thousands of miles away.
Dec. 8 Dec. 2 identity ever since. (Note, ear- my tribal identity is on game I began my words by asking
lier that I only mentioned my day when Michigan plays Ohio the straightforward question
Dec. 22 Dec. 16 specific birthplace; I did not State. A more powerful way is “who are you?” As we contin-
intend to associate myself with when I am politically engaged, ue to answer that question, we
the Southern region and its cul- taking part in democracy and arrive at the logical follow-up
Submit news, photos ture, history and references.) voting for candidates that re- question: “Who do you want to
be?” I look forward to answer-
When I learned about the flect my values.
and obituaries to chaplain position in Portland, I One way of acting universally ing that question for the rest of
[email protected] pursued it in part because on a is donating toiletries, socks and my life.
10 Jewish Review Oct. 27, 2021

Rabbi's Corner




The Beauty of Pride is More Than Skin Deep


BY RABBI DAVID KOSAK gave birth to Ashager. Like so Much press has already been
This past Wednesday (Oct. 20), many of us feel when first hold- written about the Sunrise
Israel360 partnered with our lo- ing our newborns, her parents’ Movement, a youth-oriented
cal Hillel and the Jewish Feder- optimism was recharged, and political action committee ded-
ation to bring Ashager Araro to what seemed a perilous and icated to climate marches and
our community for an engaging foolhardy journey was infused awareness. A DC division of
and powerful presentation. with new hope. the organization cancelled its
Ashager is a second-gener- There is another aspect to planned march for the environ-
ation Ethiopian-Israeli. Her her story that is important for ment when it learned that some
talk covered many topics. A American Jews – and perhaps Jewish groups were involved,
number of things stood out to all Americans to hear. When although all of those groups be-
me. One was her communi- her family lived in Ethiopia, lieve in a two-state solution for
ty’s deep-seated desire to re- where their black skins should Palestinians and Israelis alike
turn to Israel from Ethiopia, a have allowed them to “pass,” and understand that a healthy
country the Beta Yisrael (the their people suffered virulent planet benefits all peoples.
name by which Ethiopian Jews anti-Semitism. When they ar- What is pertinent to Ashager’s
self-identify) had lived in for rived in Israel, they instead visit with us is not the group’s Rabbi David Kosak is senior
1,500 years. It was a reminder endured racism – a racism, politics on the Middle East, but rabbi at Congregation Neveh
how skewed the political game she was clear to point out, that the more pernicious fact that Shalom. This column first
of calling Zionism a European has little to do with America’s this is one of countless exam- appeared in his Oct. 22 weekly
or colonialist enterprise is. For deep-seated structural racism. ples in which Jews are being email “Oasis Songs.”
over a millennium, the Beta In describing this dichotomy, forced to choose between their
Yisrael, isolated from modern she mentioned how often peo- identities. are excluded or marginalized.
communication tools, imag- ple try to force her into a false Sunrise DC claimed in a Nothing is new in this. This
ined that they were the last dichotomy. “Are you Black Twitter post that “Given our marginalization and “othering”
Jews even as they continually or are you Jewish?” She con- commitment to racial justice, have been the traditional forms
dreamed and longed for a re- sistently rejects such violent self-governance and indigenous that anti-Semitism has taken,
turn to Israel. Exile and long rhetoric. “I am both,” she said. sovereignty, we oppose Zion- and over the years, countless
years could not eliminate their “Embrace all of your identi- ism and any state that enforces Jews have contorted or denied
ancient tie to the land of their ties,” she urged the audience. its ideology.” Apparently, it is essential parts of their identities
ancestors. Ashager is a living example of acceptable for them to enforce in the vain hope that doing so
In the last decades of the 20th what it looks like to live with their ideology, to stand against would buy them acceptance.
century, a rumor reached them fearless pride. racial justice for Jews, to deny Often, we are unaware that we
that other Jews were out there In today’s world, it takes rare Israel’s right to self-governance are doing so or that our ideol-
and had returned to Jerusalem. courage to do so, particular- or its indigenous sovereignty. ogies have been shaped by the
Based only on the thinnest of ly for progressive American Let’s leave aside the dou- enduring and continual trauma
knowledge, thousands marched Jews, for whom the message ble-standard arguments, or even from which Jews suffer.
into the desert, uncertain if the continually given is that you the fact that groups such as this When Ashager Araro refuses
rumor were true but desperately can’t be Jewish, pro-Israel and support every other identity and to reduce her identity to Jewish
hungry to return to their, and committed to the social change only choose to erase Jewish or Black, she is taking a stand
our, ancestral home. you desire. We could spend a identity. I am most concerned for truth, justice, self-love and
Ashager challenged us to ask long time elaborating on the with the challenges this places pride. She reminds us that when
ourselves if American Jews ancient and enduring structural on Jews to feel pride in the full- we are aligned with, and have
would have done the same. She anti-Semitism that allows such ness of who we are. clarity about, who we are, no
was part of the second return in erasure of Jewish identities and This is not the first time, nor one can trick us into denying
1990-91. Her mother walked bodies to occur, but sadly we will it be the last, when Jews that. Jews! Be proud! Embrace
into the desert with little but the don’t need to. An example is who want to work toward inclu- yourself and the many facets of
clothes on her back, where she closer at hand. sion and a better world for all your identities!


Rabbi's Corner


The Jewish Review offers space for a Rabbi's Corner each issue. Our community's rabbis are invited to share
their thoughts on the week's parsha or current events or issues. The Oregon Board of Rabbis organized the
project. Rabbis are invited to schedule a date to submit a 500- to 600-word piece.
For more information and to schedule a column, email [email protected].



Jewish Review Oct. 27, 2021 11

Jobs board Obituaries
Submit to: [email protected].


CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL NAOMI AND LOUIS HORN, Z”L
Accountant Nearly 77 years ago in Jerusalem, in the
Full time. Salary commensurate with midst of World War II, a young British sol-
skills and experience ranging from $45- dier married the daughter of the Chief Sep-
65K. Possibility of partial remote work. hardic Rabbi of the Old City. The chuppah
Reports directly to the CFO. was raised on the rooftop of the Porat Yosef
CBI seeks an accountant to perform daily Yeshiva with a clear view of the Western
accounting tasks. This role has a strong em- Wall. Rabbi Ben-Zion Chai Uziel, Chief
phasis on membership outreach. The ideal Sephardic Rabbi of what was then Man-
candidate will have an understanding of datory Palestine, joined Naomi’s father in
nonprofit accounting principles, outstand- conducting the ceremony.
ing communication skills and a talent for The couple, Louis and Naomi Horn, z”l,
relationship building with members, abil- passed away within a few dozen hours of
ity to multitask, strong organizational and each other Oct. 20 and 22 in Salem, where
time management skills, attention to detail, they were beloved members of the Jew-
ability to collaborate with other team mem- ish community. Louis would have been
bers and ability to work independently with 102 on Nov. 2, and Naomi celebrated her
minimal supervision once trained. Bache- 100th birthday last May 25. Rabbi Hazan was pointing in Lou’s direc-
lor’s in accounting or finance is preferred. On two days, Thursday and Friday, their tion, speaking with other rabbis. Lou was
Full job description: bethisrael-pdx.org/ Salem friends and synagogue family trav- nervous, but he later learned that his future
jobs/. Resume and cover letter must be sub- eled to Portland for funerals at the Kesser father-in-law was telling others, with pride:
mitted to [email protected] with Israel Cemetery, first for Louis and a day “You see this man in military uniform? He
subject line: Accountant. later for Naomi, who was laid to rest beside knows how to pray in Hebrew, and he is
P’NAI OR OF PORTLAND her husband just hours before Shabbat. soon to marry my daughter, Naomi.”
Jewish Renewal synagogue in Portland “They were 100 percent Jewish in the In 1947, the young couple moved to Brit-
Rabbi’s Assistant deepest, deepest ways,” said Rabbi Eli ain, and, after Lou’s military service, came
P’nai Or seeks a rabbi’s assistant to work Herb of Temple Beth Shalom, which the to the United States. They lived in several
directly with Rabbi Hannah Laner on a couple joined when they moved to Salem states – including a memorable, if brief,
quarter-time basis. This person will pro- in 1949. Lou served as the congregation’s time working at a dude ranch near Tucson,
vide administrative support to our part- president for three terms, and Naomi was Ariz., owned by one of Lou’s aunts – be-
time rabbi in several key areas, including twice president of the sisterhood. “They fore deciding to join friends in Salem.
scheduling, communications and volunteer were members, teachers – machers – in the Both Lou and Naomi worked for the State
coordination. Strong computer skills are a best sense of the word.” of Oregon – Naomi in the Department of
must. Familiarity with Hebrew and Jewish Though they had no children of their own, Education, where she was an evaluator for
holidays is preferred. they founded the temple’s religious school, teacher certification, and Lou in the Depart-
Full job description: pnaiorpdx.org/rab- taught Sunday School for many years, and ment of Commerce, from which he retired
bis-assistant-position-available-part-time. also gave private lessons for bar and bat as assistant Corporation Commissioner.
Interviews first two weeks of November. mitzvahs. Lou is survived by nieces and nephews
Musical Accompanist Todd Silverstein, a longtime friend who and a number of cousins, including Karen
The musical accompanist will provide spoke at the funerals, remembered both for Danner in the Portland area, and many close
guitar/instrumental and vocal musical sup- their deep devotion to each other, to fami- friends in the Salem Jewish community.
port for the rabbi at Friday and Saturday ly and friends, to Israel and to the Jewish Naomi, who was one of nine children, is
services (usually one Friday night and two people. He closed his eulogies for both survived by a brother, Avihail, in Israel, a
Saturday mornings per month), Jewish hol- with “Sunrise, Sunset,” one of the couple’s large extended family, and, of course, her
idays, life-cycle events and other events. favorite songs, and one he said that “Lou and Lou’s Salem Jewish community.
Requirements: Strong skill at acoustic gui- would sing at the drop of a hat.” (To access an oral history interview with
tar or keyboard. Knowledge of Jewish liturgy Lou was born in London, England, but Naomi Horn held at the Oregon Jewish
and sacred music. Knowledge of audio tech- grew up in Birmingham, where his father, Museum & Center for Holocaust Educa-
nology preferred. Abraham, an immigrant from Lodz, Po- tion, contact archivist Alisha Babbstein at
Compensation per event; amount to be ne- land, worked as a master tailor. Lou, the [email protected])
gotiated. To apply, send resume and cover oldest of four boys, enlisted in the British
letter to [email protected] by Nov. 24. Army in March 1941, serving in Egypt ED WIENER
and Iraq before being sent to the Palestin- Ed Wiener, z”l, Yitzchak Beryl ben Rivka,
CNSCOS ian Mandate administered by Great Brit- passed away on Oct. 24, 2021. He is sur-

EVENT COORDINATOR ain. There he met Naomi, the daughter of vived by three children, Linda Wiener (Dr.
Congregation Neveh Shalom COVID-19 HaRav Ben-Zion Mordechai Hazan, a Joel Datloff), Wendy Herz and Shari Levin-
Outreach and Services seeks an Event Co- noted kabbalist and a founder of the Porat son (Marshal Spector); nine grandchildren;
ordinator to help plan vaccine events around Yosef Yeshiva, who had been born in Iraq. and three great-grandchildren.
the greater Portland area (Multnomah, Lou liked to tell the story of going to a A private funeral was planned. A shiva
Washington and Clackamas counties). synagogue service with Naomi’s father, minyan will be held at Congregation Shaa-
Full job description: nevehshalom.org/ who spoke no English, and being invited to rie Torah at 5 pm, Oct. 28. Vaccination and
covid19/ lead the prayers. At the end of the service, masking required.
12 Jewish Review Oct. 27, 2021

Obituaries
(Continued)


JAMES (JIM) MEYER
Jim Meyer, z”l, passed away on Shabbat, Oct. 23, 2021, at the age
of 85. Jim is loved and remembered by his wife, Lora; children,
Mark & Marcia Meyer (Portland), Tom & Shawn Fields-Meyer
(Los Angeles) and Richard & Erika Meyer (Portland); his brother,
Les (Marie Dalton-Meyer) Meyer (Burlington, Vt.); grandchil-
dren, Shana and Alex, Ami, Ezra and Noam, and Avi, Dalya and
Orly; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was an incredible leader in
the Jewish community and gen- Marilyn Hasson, z"l, with children, grandchildren and great-grand-
eral community. He has been in- children in 2011.
volved with the Jewish Federation MARILYN HASSON
of Greater Portland since 1966, Marilyn Hasson, z”l, passed away on Motzei Shabbat, Oct. 16,
serving as board chair 1970-72; 2021, at the age of 91. Marilyn is loved and remembered by her
campaign chair 1988-89; treasurer son, Barry (Leslie) Hasson; 10 grandchildren, Brett (Stephanie)
2018-21; and several other roles Rudolph, Corey (Michelle) Rudolph, Nicole (Joe) Imatani, Tracy
over the years. Jim was the sec- (Elizabeth) Hasson, Michelle Hasson, Lauren Hasson, Jenna Has-
ond board president of the Oregon son, Jason (Kaitlin) Johnson, Seth Rudolph and Danielle Rudolph;
Jewish Community Foundation, and 11 great-grandchildren, Jaden, Riley and Harper Imatani;
of which he was a founding board Clyde and Calvin Rudolph; Isabel, Alex, Abel and Evelyn Ru-
member, and served on the board dolph; and Lucia and Brady Johnson. Marilyn was predeceased by
of Congregation Neveh Shalom. her children, Michael Hasson, z”l, and Janise Rudolph, z”l.
He also served on several state and She was born Dec. 2, 1929. She helped manage the Hasson Co.
city boards and on general community boards, including Oregon real estate offices her son Michael founded in 1991. She was a
Community Foundation. long-time member of Congregation Neveh Shalom.
A Memorial Service was held Oct. 25 in the main sanctuary of There will be a private interment for family and friends.
Congregation Neveh Shalom. A private interment was held for the
family. ALLAN ISRAEL FRANKEL
At the service, his son Rich shared a quote about his father: “Jim Dr. Allan Israel Frankel passed away Oct. 7, 2021, in Los Ange-
always stood out as the best model of Oregon citizenship – a busy les, Calif., after a two-year battle with prostate cancer. He is sur-
individual who gave generously of their time to advance the public vived by his children, Josh (Amy) of Portland, Aaron (Carrie) and
interest.” Rich added, “That was Dad.” Shira (Andy); eight grandchildren; sister, Estelle (Steve); niece,
He was even more committed to his family: “He made it a prior- Miriam; nephew, Elon (Katie); and his dear friend Larry (Trish).
ity to show up for all our events. If it was important in our lives, it Born in 1951 in New York to Ho-
was important for him to be there.” locaust survivors, Allan spent most
Son Tom recalled the last time the family was all together for of his childhood in Northern Cali-
what the family calls a “Meyer Fest” for Thanksgiving two years fornia before attending UCLA for
ago. Jim gave the family a one-page list he had typed in 2006 when undergraduate and medical school.
Rabbi Daniel Isaak asked “What would you do if you won the He finished second in his class at
lottery?” The list was of all the ways “Dad felt he had won the lot- the UCLA School of Medicine and
tery" – beginning with being born into the freedom of America, his worked for two decades as a private
loving parents Larry and Ruth, his education at Harvard and Har- practice internal medicine doctor. In
vard Business School, the blind date that turned out to be Lora…” the early 2000s, he transitioned his
After graduation, Jim and Lora moved to Portland from Boston career to focus on cannabis med-
in 1960 to live in the west “for a year or two.” In 1961, he got an icine. As the founder and CEO of
unusual opportunity to acquire an old-line industrial distribution Greenbridge Medical, he became one of the world’s leading author-
business, Goodyear Rubber & Supply Co. He managed that busi- ities on cannabis dosing. Allan traveled the world to see patients
ness until he sold it in 1983. After that, Jim was an investor in and consult with other cannabis experts. Allan had a tremendous
Portland small businesses and real estate. passion for medicine and will be remembered as a highly skilled
(To access an oral history interview with Jim Meyer held at the and empathetic physician. He was also an innovator who helped
Oregon Jewish Museum & Center for Holocaust Education, con- develop two medical software programs – Chartscape and eScript.
tact archivist Alisha Babbstein, [email protected]) Allan could always be counted on for a joke and mak-
ing people laugh. His patients would often comment about
how his sense of humor made them feel at ease despite un-
ROSALIND (ROS) KANE comfortable health conditions. His sarcasm and sense of
Rosalind (Ros) Kane, z”l, passed away on Erev Shabbat, humor will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Oct. 22, 2021, at the age of 81. Ros is loved and remembered by Donations in his memory can be made to the Oregon Holocaust
her husband, Phil Kane; son, Daniel (Leslie) Petcher; sister, Ruth- Memorial and Education Endowment Fund at OJCF or the Red
anne Gould; stepson, Lee (Gina Rosito) Kane; and stepdaughter, Cross. As an alternative, please consider making a blood donation
Shoshana (Stephen) Silver. in his honor. The generosity of others through blood transfusions
The funeral was Oct. 26 at Ahavai Shalom Cemetery in Portland. helped sustain him the last year of his life.
Congregation Neveh Shalom and Congregation Shaarie Torah A celebration of life is scheduled for Nov. 7 at 4 pm on Zoom:
extend condolences to the extended Kane family. us02web.zoom.us/j/86385801732

Jewish Review Oct. 27, 2021 13

RACHEL'S WELL (continued from page 1)


Ronnie approached the OBR “I wanted a way
nearly a decade ago to urge
them to plan for a new com- to mark those
munity mikvah to replace the
aging mikvah built on Harri- Photo by Josh Partee transitions that
son Street in 1958. The JFGP
had funded the operations for was deeper and
that mikvah and took the lead more intentional.”
to build the new mikvah when
the Portland Ritualarium was ~Jake Sullivan
decommissioned in 2016.
“Jewish law awards prece- ing Tide Network, a group of
dence to the building of a mik- open mikvaot that welcomes a
vah over the building of any spectrum of users for a breadth
other institution, indicating the of purposes for immersion.
significance it has for commu- Though many Federations pro-
nal life,” says Rabbi Chanan vide financial support for mik-
Spivak, CEO of the Portland TRADITIONAL & CONTEMPORARY vaot, Lucy says none of the 34
Kollel. The Kollel has been IMMERSIONS AT RACHEL’S WELL communities in six countries
designated by the OBR to be Taharat HaMishpacha (Laws of Family Purity) monthly in the network have a Federa-
the mikvah’s halachic supervi- tion-owned mikvah.
sor. “The Federation has done immersion “The leadership Federation
a tremendous service to the Conversion – babies, youth and adults has taken is inspiring,” says
community by both the build- Pre-wedding – brides and grooms Carrie Bornstein, CEO of
ing of the mikvah as well as Pre-b’nai mitzvah Mayyim Hayyim, one of five
the professional oversight that core mikvaot that launched the
provides a comfortable, effi- Pre-holiday (Shabbat, High Holidays, Pesach, etc.) network. “Rachel’s Well is a
cient and safe environment for Mourning/Yarzheit model for other Federations.”
all those who use it. I see it as Post Tahara for those who volunteer to prepare bodies for Rising Tide was founded so
truly symbolic that an organi- burial communities “wouldn’t have
zation such as the Jewish Fed- to re-invent the wheel,” says
eration, which is situated at the Fertility Carrie.
center of the Portland Jewish 9 month of pregnancy Founded in 2018, Rising Tide
th
community, has stood up to the Healing from a trauma (illness, abuse, divorce, etc.) arose out of the trend for com-
responsibility to provide such Milestone celebrations (birthday, new job, etc.) munities to “open the experi-
an institution that is so central ence of mikvah to the entire
to Jewish life.” Transitions not otherwise specified Jewish community to help cre-
Ronnie not only promoted the ate a vibrant, welcoming, inclu-
need for a community mikvah sive American Jewish future.”
available for contemporary im- is an experience of immersion he learned Federation was build- The first such mikvah, Mayyim
mersions, she has also used it. you can enter as one person and ing a mikvah he could use. Jake Hayyim, opened in 2004 and
Before her daughter, Ellie, be- exit as another person who has had learned the concept of mik- consulted with many communi-
came a bat mitzvah at Congre- gone through a particular time or vah at Portland Jewish Academy ties before Rising Tide formed.
gation Neveh Shalom in 2019, situation or passage in your life.” and immersed in Israel during a But Carrie says that was time
Ronnie took her to Rachel’s That sense of leaving as a dif- Birthright trip. But he says he intensive, and Mayyim Hayyim
Well to mark the transition. ferent person was a factor in the has gone through many changes realized they could learn from
“And I did the same to be pre- design of Rachel’s Well. When in his life during his 20s. the newer communities. “We
pared to be the mother of a bat about 20 people met with the “I wanted a way to mark those had colleagues who could pro-
mitzvah,” says Ronnie. architect to share their vision transitions that was deeper and vide different perspectives and
Since Rachel’s Well opened, of a modern mikvah, Ronnie more intentional,” says Jake. ideas. They had done it more
the range of traditional and says one woman said she was “(Immersing) was an introspec- recently. Our system was cre-
contemporary immersions has moved by the way people left tive and spiritual experience.” ated in 2004 – pre-big internet.
grown immensely over the old Yad Vashem, the Holocaust me- That sense is exactly what the … There is a synergy when we
mikvah. morial in Israel, by a different mikvah is meant to be. learn from each other.”
In a video for Federation, mik- path than they entered. “The mikvah … entails so Carrie and Lucy both praised
vah volunteer guide and user Ronnie says that concept was many profound concepts of Caron for her leadership of Ra-
Toni Jaffe says that a mikvah adopted for Rachel’s Well: “If spiritual renewal and deep chel’s Well, with Lucy adding
open to all Jewish people for you choose to, after you im- meaningful connection,” says that Caron and Rachel’s Well
any reason really struck a chord merse, you could leave through Rabbi Spivak. have made many contributions
with her. a door in back and take a path Portland may well have the to the Rising Tide Network.
“I think we need more ritual in that curves around and feel up- only mikvah in the country To learn more about Rachel’s
our life to mark transitions, to lifted into this new space.” that was built and owned by a Well, visit jewishportland.org/
mark ceremonies, to mark pas- Also on video, Jake Sullivan Federation, according to Lucy mikvah or email mikvahpdx@
sages,” says Toni. “Rachel’s Well says he was very excited when Marshall, director of the Ris- gmail.com.
14 Jewish Review Oct. 27, 2021