Where are the Jews? It wasn’t too long ago that a demographic study was done of the local Jewish Portland community. As is the situation in many cities in the United States, the majority of Jews are unaffiliated… Download PDF … Read More
Shalom alechem malache ha-sharet malache elyon, mi-melech malche ha-melachim Ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu Peace upon you, ministering angels, messengers of the Most High, of the Supreme King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He. This melody, so full of love, … Read More
Why Make Aliyah? Throughout the ages, members of the Jewish community living in the Diaspora have chosen to relocate their family and possessions to the land of our ancestors, Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel. Long before the State of … Read More
The Torah makes an explicit statement of “naaseh v’nishma” – that we will obey and we will listen; clearly meaning that one must observe the commandments, and then ask for the reasons, if there are any to declare. Some statutes … Read More
Are you a Better Person this Year? We’re approaching the Days of Awe soon, the High Holy Days. Can you remember last year’s Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur? Did you ask for forgiveness and promise to do better this year? … Read More
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Chevre (friends), it’s been a long year. We’ve all dealt with many stressors – the economy, high gas prices, wars, terrorism, bills, illnesses, arguments, difficult situations … Read More