JR stories

Antisemitism surges; so do responses

Two reports, both released on Feb. 13, show a national increase in both antisemitism and awareness of it in the Jewish and general communities.
In Oregon, those increases spurred the city of Ashland and Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon to release proclamations condemning antisemitism (SEE BEL…

Time to Embrace Reality

BY RABBI BARRY COHEN
My kids and I have shared a running conversation going back to their childhoods.
The context is that our world is not what we think it is. Instead, we are all characters in some kind of simulation, hosted and manipulated by some forever-to-remain-unseen power. We have ha…

Young adults invited to connect in February

Photo: Young adults competed to see who could create the best topping/decorated latke at the Jews Next Dor Chanukah party.

Portland is fortunate to have several organizations hosting events for young adults. The organizations below shared their February events and invite all to attend.
JEWS…

Portlanders explore history and aid future of Jewish Cuba

Photo: The Congregation Beth Israel group visits the Che Gervera Memorial Mausoleum in Santa Clara, Cuba.

BY DEBORAH MOON
Rabbi Michael and Cantor Ida Rae Cahana took 18 Congregation Beth Israel members and friends and two duffle bags of requested supplies (medicines, guitar strings and mor…

Jewish Oasis opens in the Pearl

PHOTO: Mathias Anderson and his dog, Akela, sit with Rabbi Chayim and Simi Mishulovin in the living room of the Jewish Oasis. Sofas, chairs, tables, books and artwork give the space the feel of a Jewish home.

BY DEBORAH MOON
The Jewish Oasis has opened in Portland’s Pearl District to shar…