Over the next several weeks we will be sending you videos from community members on the role and impact the Jewish Federation plays. I hope you enjoy them.
I also want to acknowledge the 4th anniversary to Rachel's Well, our community mikvah. It is an incredible resource in our community and open to anyone for any purpose. Over 500 unique individuals from all over the world have used the mikvah. Thank you to the professionals and volunteers who give so much of their time to make this mitzvah possible.
On a different note, for decades there was the national Journal of Jewish Communal Service, where thought leaders in the Jewish community could share their ideas on contemporary Jewish issues. This was before the internet and thus the quarterly journal was printed and mailed. I remember how much I enjoyed reading the wide range of topics each would cover. Sadly, the entire journal concept ceased.
In early 2021, a new journal was started called SAPIR. This journal also provides opportunities for Jewish leaders to share their thoughts on the future of the American Jewish community and its intersection with cultural, social, and political issues. They are now on their third volume and this one is focused on Jewish continuity.
I do not often do this, but since I was not planning to write this week, I thought I would share these two excellent articles (each takes maybe 5 minutes to read) from this volume. One by Daniel Gordis titled, Continuity Requires Content, and the other by Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove titled, Continuity Requires Religion. I hope you find them as interesting as I did.
I want to remind you that the Jewish Federation is not hosting an in-person fundraising event. We hope you will support the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s 2022 Campaign for Community Needs here.
I would be remiss if I did not congratulate and celebrate my Atlanta Braves (I was born in Atlanta) on winning their first World Series since 1995. The final game included what many consider the "most Jewish play" in World Series history. Braves starting pitcher, Max Fried (Jewish), got Astros player Alex Bregman (Jewish) to fly out to Braves right fielder Joc Pederson (Jewish) in the second inning.
I look forward to sharing much more next week.
Shabbat shalom.
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