The Jewish Review staff
“In an ideal world, the only gatherings we’d have would be to celebrate blessings…. But today, we find ourselves in the midst of what feels like ongoing curses,” Rabbi Eve Posen said from the bimah of Congregation Neveh Shalom’s main sanctuary Monday, Sept. 2.
He...

By ROCKNE ROLL
The Jewish Review
As July wanes into August, the subtle shortening of the days marks the end of the summer for Jewish overnight camps around the country. Camp Kalsman in the North Cascade Mountains of Washington State, where the yellowing needles of Larch trees mark the shift of th...

By ROCKNE ROLL
The Jewish Review
One of the most notable pop culture phenomena of the early 2020s has been the proliferation of “vibes.” As it happens, Chabad at Reed College Rabbi Dov Bialo has been putting out vibes of his own.
Torah Vibes.

By JESSICA ANDERSON
In April and May of 2022, a man later identified as Michael Bivins, set fire to the Muslim Community Center of Portland with congregants inside of it, shattered windows of Congregation Shir Tikvah at Eastside Jewish Commons and a black-owned business, Everybody Eats PDX, and s...

By ROCKNE ROLL

The Jewish Review

There are lots of ways to greet a rabbi, but Rabbi Menachem Orenstein of Tigard Chabad will have to get accustomed to an atypical greeting – a salute.
Rabbi Orenstein officially became the Oregon Army National Guard’s first Jewish chaplain when he was commi...

By ROCKNE ROLL
The Jewish Review
Greater Portland Hillel is gearing up for a new academic year with a new – and expanded – staff.
Andy Friedland has joined the staff as Director of Jewish Student Life, while Jesse Weiss is PDX Hillel’s new Springboard Innovation Fellow, taking over for Madd...

By ROCKNE ROLL
The Jewish Review
What started as a yearlong project has become a four-year journey  culminating with the release of Brian Rohr’s first book, “Shaken To My Bones.”
Rohr’s book is a collection of poems, each inspired by one of the parshiyot, the weekly Torah portions. It st...

By JESSICA ANDERSON
Last week, I awoke to the news that a Portland resident, Domagoj Patkovic, aged 31, had been arrested by the FBI for making a series of false bomb threats against Jewish healthcare facilities in New York state. According to a federal indictment, his threats had triggered repea...

By ROCKNE ROLL
The Jewish Review
Jewish tradition provides guidance and rituals for so much for the lifecycle, but very little when it comes to divorce. There’s been work afoot to change that, however, and it’s coming to Oregon.
Divorce and Discovery, a weekend retreat for those going through...

By ROCKNE ROLL
The Jewish Review
Dignity Grows, Portland’s Jewish community effort to combat period poverty, is back this fall with new leadership.
Arielle Goranson has succeeded Bonnie Newman as Chair of Dignity Grows, a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s Women’s Phila...

By ROCKNE ROLL
The Jewish Review
Scott Nadelson’s newest book is a poignant connection to both his Jewish identity and the part of the world he calls home. 
“Trust Me,” set to be published in September by Forest Avenue Press in Portland, is Nadelson’s second novel. It depicts a divorced ...

By JESSICA ANDERSON

With our rapid news cycle and the sometimes-slow pace of the judicial process, it’s easy to lose track of progress in cases and incidents we become aware of. I’m pleased to share with you an update provided by Portland Police in one such case. 
As background, in May 2023...

By ROCKNE ROLL
The Jewish Review
Each year, the Jewish Federations of North America arranges an overseas mission for fundraising leadership throughout the country to see the work they’re supporting firsthand.
“The purpose is really not only to understand the work that happens overseas, but to...

By ROCKNE ROLL
The Jewish Review
Jakob Rich-Levin is back in the family business. 
The son of a Federation professional  in Florida, Rich-Levin joined the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland earlier this month as Campaign Administrator. 
“Federation was always a place  I saw myself ending...

By ROCKNE ROLL
The Jewish Review
Luda Isakharov’s last moment in the University of Oregon’s spotlight put quite a cap on a tumultuous year at the state’s flagship public university.
Isakharov graduated this year with three undergraduate degrees – political science, global studies, and Ru...

By JESSICA ANDERSON
I know it’s hard to imagine that High Holidays are right around the corner - we’re still enjoying summer and have yet to crack the lid on August. However, October will be here soon, and it’s not too soon to think about organizational planning around High Holiday events a...

By ROCKNE ROLL
The Jewish Review
Congregation Kesser Israel’s facility has undergone significant changes in the last year – a new perimeter fence, a new gathering tent, and other upgrades. The latest is likely the most fun of all – a playground.
The Orthodox synagogue staged a grand opening...

By ROCKNE ROLL
The Jewish Review
Portland’s annual Pride Parade is taking place Sunday, July 21, and Jewish Pride Greater PDX is spearheading participation for Jewish groups in Portland. It’s a wonderful opportunity to show up in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ Community – with hundreds of fello...