JR stories

Bivins guilty on all counts

It has been a very long road for those invested in the outcome of the Michael Bivins prosecution. Readers are now very familiar with the case against Bivins, who vandalized Shir Tikvah, Beth Israel, Everybody Eats PDX and set fire to the Muslim Community Center of Portland with people inside…

A minstrel's musical journey

On a recent day at the Oregon Renaissance Faire, Mistral the Minstrel watches a stream of pirates, kings, queens, vikings, warriors, witches, wizards, and even folks in 21st century street garb wander past. Mistral the Minstrel, a one-man-medieval band, stakes a small claim between a…

OJCF unveils new brand at annual meeting

The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation had plenty to share at its annual meeting at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center Monday, June 16; A slate of new board members, new members of its executive committee and the induction of Robert and Ann Sacks into the Julie Diamond, z”l, Legacy…

Janove plays with a purpose at local facilities

Marjorie Janove has played piano with Joseph Silverstein and the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Today, she frequently plays for different audiences. “I really feel committed to bringing music to shut-ins, to people who otherwise wouldn’t have it or people who are either immobile altogether…

Bivins trial - finally - begins Monday

Many in our community have been following the saga of bringing Michael Bivins to trial for his bias crimes - in Spring 2022, Bivins set fire to the Muslim Community Center of Portland with congregants inside of it, shattered windows of Congregation Shir Tikvah and Everybody Eats PDX, and sp…