JR stories

Rabbis share wisdom for the season

In the Rabbi's Corner, Rabbi Gary Ezra Oren looks at appreciating this season. Community Chaplain Rabbi Barry Cohen looks at how we can end our walking hibernation.

Machanayim – A Tale of Connected Camps

BY MICHELLE KOPLAN
Recently, inspired by a blog written by Jeremy Fingerman, CEO of the Foundation for Jewish Camp, I explored the Torah portion, Vayeitzei, where the Hebrew word “machane” (camp) is first mentioned in the Torah.
When Jacob journeyed to meet his brother, Esav, we learn th…

Chanukah events begin Sunday (Nov. 28)

This year, Chanukah begins early on the secular calendar – the evening of Sunday, Nov. 28 – and continues through Dec. 5. The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland has curated a webpage, jewishportland.org/chanukah-resources, full of resources to help you celebrate. 
Explore local event…

JFGP exec sees warm peace in UAE

PHOTO: The UAE has created a modern city of tall, grand buildings in Dubai.

BY DEBORAH MOON

The United Arab Emirates wants Israelis and Diaspora Jews to visit the nation that signed the Abraham Accords with Israel in September 2020. 
Jewish Federation of Greater Portland President and CEO…

New Chabad Center fosters Jewish life in Gresham

PHOTO: Rabbi Avrohom and Cheina Dyce and daughters, Chaya Mushka and Rochel.

East Multnomah County, which includes the cities of Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale and Wood Village, has long been a desert when it comes to Jewish programming.
That will change with the opening of Chabad Jewish Cent…