JR stories

Kosher food cart opens

Garbanzos food cart in the Mittleman Jewish Community Center parking lot is the latest kosher addition to Portland's food scene. Falafel pitas and platters and other vegan options were served up to eager customers when the cart opened Aug. 12. 

Allen Levin of Century Catering & Cafe at the…

Holocaust memorial designer wins governor's art award

The 2020 Governor’s Art Award recognizes the totality of John Laursen’s 50-year career – but his work on the typography for the Oregon Holocaust Memorial is one of his two proudest professional achievements. The memorial celebrates its 16th anniversary this month.

JFCS names Ruth Scott acting director

Ruth Scott returned to the helm of Jewish Family & Child Service Aug. 17, 2020. She previously served as JFCS interim executive director from Nov. 1, 2017, until David Block took the reins of the organization on Feb. 17, 2020. He resigned effective Aug. 14. 
Speaking about David’s resigna…

Local leaders share voice & vision

The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland will share inspiring daily videos from community leaders during the Hebrew month of Elul. A new video will be posted every day (except Shabbat) beginning Thursday evening, Aug. 20, 2020, when Elul begins at sunset.
Federation reached out to rabbis an…

Kol Shalom creates path to support Black resilience

The Black Resilience Fund was created two months ago by Portlanders Cameron Whitten and Salome Chimuku in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. Kol Shalom, Portland’s Community for Humanistic Judaism, has created a portal where all members of the Portland Jewish community may contribute.