We all saw the terrifying news about the bombing at the Multnomah Athletic Club. It is fortunate that people were not injured (beyond the perpetrator) and the damage was not even worse. But the club is currently closed.

Our community should be proud of the Mittleman Jewish Community Center for their immediate welcome to MAC members.

This is what community is all about!
 

Hard for me to believe it has been almost 19 years since my mother passed away. I think of her often and especially as we approach Mother’s Day.

Throughout Jewish tradition we are taught of the special role mothers play, starting with the Fifth Commandment -- “Honor your father and mother.” The Talmudic Sages debated (Kiddushin 31b) the best ways to honor their mothers and fulfill those biblical commands. They concluded -- diligent physical care, treat her presence with reverence, and maintain absolute patience and respect even if she causes distress.

The Talmud shares the story of Rav Yosef, who was blind. Whenever he heard the footsteps of his mother approaching, he would show respect by standing up and saying, “I will arise before the approaching Divine Presence (Shechinah).” He was honoring his mother as if he were honoring God.

Rabbi Tarfon was extremely devoted to his mother. It has been said that when she needed to get into or out of her bed, he would crouch down and let her use him as a stepstool.

This reverence begins with Eve, the first mother, and continues through the matriarchs -- Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah. Honoring one’s mother is not limited to any particular day but is meant to be fulfilled every day of one’s entire life.

The Jewish calendar offers a weekly opportunity to honor women on Shabbat. It is traditional in many households to sing Eshet Hayil, “A Woman of Valor” on Friday night -- an ancient song praising the wise and loving matriarch of the home. Drawn from Proverbs 31, this beautiful hymn is sung by families before the Shabbat meal to express deep appreciation for the woman of the household. It praises her wisdom, kindness, and dedication, serving as a weekly, rather than annual, tribute to motherhood and feminine strength.

Interestingly, Judaism has its own Mother’s Day -- the 11th day of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan (October/November), which commemorates the death of Rachel, Jacob’s wife. She is often referred to as Rachel imeinu, “Rachel our mother,” a maternal figure for all Jews. 

Mother's Day in America has evolved since its establishment in the early 20th century. Celebrated for the first time in 1908 by Anna Jarvis, it was later declared an official holiday in 1914. Initially intended to honor mothers for their sacrifices, the day has become a time to express love and gratitude.

Israel has had multiple ideas on how to celebrate Mother’s Day. The first celebration was initiated in 1947 in Jerusalem by the Ezra society, a women’s health organization. In 1951, Haifa established its own version, linked to the Maccabean matriarch Hannah and celebrated during Chanukah.

Later, an 11-year-old girl, Nehama Frankel, suggested the country honor the memory of Henrietta Szold, founder of Hadassah. Following her suggestion, Israelis' celebrate Mother’s Day, now referred to as Family Day (Yom HaMishpacha), on the 30th of Shevat, which coincides with the day Henrietta Szold passed away.

Let me take a moment to share a special opportunity brought to you by Hadassah and the Jewish Federation. Join award winning director Abby Ginzberg for a special screening of Labors of Love, a documentary exploring the life and legacy of Henrietta Szold, a visionary leader whose impact helped shape the foundations of modern Israel. The film traces Szold’s groundbreaking work in healthcare, education, and social justice, and her pivotal role in building institutions that continue to serve Israeli society today. Following the film, there will be a Q & A with the director moderated by Jewish Review editor, Rockne Roll. Abby will talk about the making of the film and Szold’s enduring relevance. You can buy your tickets to the film here.

There is another special program I want to bring to your attention, called Project Heroes. Join renowned Israeli musician Gilad Segev and his band for a powerful live concert blending music and storytelling at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center on Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Project Heroes brings to life extraordinary stories of courage, compassion, and resilience -- reminding us of the quiet heroism that emerges in times of darkness. Through immersive visuals and moving songs, this one-of-a-kind experience invites you to connect, reflect, and be inspired by the strength of the human spirit. This is a concert not to be missed. Buy your tickets here!

And do not miss the Jewish Federation's 106th Annual Meeting on May 27 at 4:30 p.m. at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. We are proud of our accomplishments for the year and look forward to sharing them with our community. Register here.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the death of Ted Turner. A media pioneer who discovered the power of satellites and created TBS (soon there were Atlanta Braves fans across the country -- what most people do not know, from 1975-1985, the highest rated show on TBS was professional wrestling), TNT, Turner Movie Classics, Boomerang, Cartoon Network and more. I actually rode an elevator with him in CNN Center when I was a college student.

You may remember he created the Goodwill Games in Moscow in 1986 (in 1990 they were held in Seattle). The Games featured 3,500 athletes from 79 countries -- Israel was not invited to participate.

Let me close with a head-scratching fact of the week. George Washington died in 1799. The first dinosaur fossil was discovered in 1824. President Washington and people of his time never knew dinosaurs existed.

Shabbat shalom and Happy Mother’s Day!