JR stories

BB Camp eligible for Grinspoon matching grant

Harold Grinspoon delivers PJL's 5 Millionth Book

Summer camp, like many institutions, is in jeopardy this summer. Camp directors and their boards are busily working to develop contingency plans to reopen in accordance with national and state health guidelines. To assist camps during this unprecedented time, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation …

Guest Column: Saving those rainy day funds? Very, very rainy days are here

Our Portland Jewish community, and indeed our nation, faces a multifaceted challenge of massive scale. There’s the health component, and that comes first. There’s also the human well-being component and the financial component. I’m pondering this third point on this rainy Jerusalem day.

Rabbi's Corner: On Haircuts, Staying Home & the Omer

Since going out for a haircut became a stay-home-order impossibility long before Pesach, many of us are overdue for some personal grooming. For many, this Omer period that we are in now may always be a time to refrain from haircuts, but this year we began the Omer already needing haircuts.

Chaplain's Corner: Seek 'Wise Counsel' to open

How do I address my fears, skepticism and cynicism? I am turning to the wisdom of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, latter 18th and early 19th century spiritual scholar and master. With his meditation, “Wise Counsel,” he speaks of the power of surrounding ourselves with the best people.

Chatting with grandmas during pandemic

FaceTiming with my 8-year-old grandson, Henry, I was telling him that I missed his hugs. Kidding Henry, I said “I’m going to get a large sheet, cover you up and squeeze.” What are other bubbes thinking during this pandemic? I asked eight special grandmas to comment, and here's what…