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Community events planned related to Israel and Gaza conflict

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 5:24:00 PM

Community events are planned in and near Portland over the next several days in response to the Israel-Hamas war. See source article.

The following community events are planned over the next several days in response to the Israel-Hamas war.

Shabbat Candle Lighting Campaign for Israel
When: Friday, Oct. 20, at 5:59 p.m.
Where: Jewish Oasis at 1218 N.W. Glisan St., Portland

The Jewish Oasis, a Jewish education, outreach and social services organization in Northwest Portland’s Pearl District, is asking people to light a Shabbat candle in memory of women killed in the Hamas attack, for the safe return of hostages and for the protection of people in Israel.

“The Shabbat candle, a timeless symbol of Jewish hope and light, offers us a chance to add literal light to this world and inspire others,” said Jewish Oasis co-director Simi Mishulovin.

Read full article here.

Ep. 42: Fighting Fires and Pedaling Wine Bicycles: the Portland Jewish Oasis

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 12:00:00 AM

See source article.

In Episode 42 of Lamplighters: Stories From Chabad Emissaries On The Jewish Frontier, reporter/producer Gary Waleik presents the story of Rabbi Chayim and Rebbetzin Simi Mishulovin, Chabad emissaries to Portland, Oregon. The Mishulovins have parlayed their knowledge of their city with their creativity to create an innovative storefront/shmooze center for Jews in their home city. But two near total disasters almost put an end to their Shlichus.

Lamplighters: Stories From Chabad Emissaries On The Jewish Frontier is producing a series of moving, beautifully produced, sound-rich and often surprising stories of Chabad shluchim and the people they inspire in every corner of the world.

Listen and subscribe at www.Lubavitch.com/podcast and on all major podcast platforms.

To pitch a story for our podcast about Chabad emissaries or for dedication/sponsorship opportunities please email us at podcast@lubavitch.com.

The Faces Of Giving

Fri, 2 Feb 2024 12:00:00 AM

See source article.

Before his passing, Jacob blessed his children and extolled their unique gifts. He praised the partnership between Issachar and Zebulun: the one would devote his life to the study and dissemination of Torah, producing scholars and teachers; the latter would build wealth and support his brother’s Torah study. Issachar is the elder of the two, yet Jacob blesses Zebulun first, for his support ensures the transmission of Judaism.

The success of Chabad’s work on behalf of the Jewish people depends on this symbiotic relationship between partners. Shluchim, who go out to establish and serve communities in the capacity of Issachar — disseminators of Torah — cannot do so without financial supporters to serve as their Zebulun.

Who are they? Why do they give? What do they get?

Here we meet some of these sons and daughters of Jacob, and learn what drives this partnership.

Chabad Lubavitch Of Oregon – Portland, Oregon
David Howitt
Founder and CEO, Meriwether Group

I first encountered Chabad as a young child in Grand Rapids, Michigan. My parents had divorced and as the security of my family unraveled, I thrived in the acceptance and connection that Rabbi Yossi and Sarah Weingarten gave me.

It wasn’t until years later, now living in Portland, that I reconnected with Chabad. After moving to the city as an adult, I searched for a synagogue for a while but nothing clicked. Then I met Rabbi Chayim and Simi Mishulovin.

As I got to know them, we talked a lot about the modern Jew who wants soulfulness, depth, and a real connection with his heritage. But he wants it in a way that aligns with how he lives his life. That’s the amazing thing about Chabad. They’re never going to make you feel bad about what you’re not doing. And because they are that way, it has invited me to deepen my faith, practice, and connection to G-d.

Together with Rabbi and Simi, we have been conducting focus groups for all demographics of Jews, asking, “what is that Jewish itch that you haven’t been able to scratch?”

As an entrepreneur I seek to bring a newness and relevance to consumers and we’re doing that here, at the Urban Jewish Oasis in downtown Portland, where we will offer a living room and kosher kitchen space to serve every Jewish need. We’re serving up Judaism with love. It’s here for you when you are available and willing.

See full article here.

Portland Demographic Study Profiles a Changing Jewish Community

Tue, 8 Aug 2023 10:01:00 AM

Children at The Gan: Portland Jewish Preschool. Chabad preschools in the Greater Portland area have become recognized as centers of educational excellence. See source article.

Survey shows that 25 percent of all who attend Jewish programs engage with Chabad

When Ari and Erin Witkin decided to send their son, Maddox, to preschool, they looked at a number of local schools in Northeast Portland, Ore. Many seemed good, but none “fit the bill” of what the couple was looking for. Then they heard about The Gan: Portland Jewish Preschool run by Chabad of Southwest Portland and found the perfect spot for their son, as they both had fond memories of attending Jewish preschool.

“Judaism has helped form us into the people and parents we are today and want to be moving forward,” said Ari Witkin, who received his Ph.D. in physical therapy just before the couple moved to Portland in 2019.

Shabbat dinners for friends and colleagues. “We host more Shabbat dinners than I can count. It’s integral to our lives,” said Witkin.

While Southwest Portland—the longstanding home of the majority of the city’s Jews—remains the focal point of Jewish life in Portland, many new arrivals like the Witkins are moving to outlying suburbs that are up to an hour away.

Chabad is also on the move, spreading throughout the region, estabilishing synagogues, mikvahs, camps and schools in neighborhoods that once had virtually no Jewish presence.

According to leading voices in the Portland Jewish community, Chabad’s initiative in this regard is essential to the city’s Jewish future as distance is the No. 1 reason parents give for not enrolling their children in a Jewish preschool and remains the second-greatest barrier to participation in the Jewish community, according to the 2022-23 Greater Portland Jewish Community Study, a major new survey conducted recently on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland.

“We look forward to partnering with Chabad and other community groups in using this information to strengthen and enrich Jewish life for generations to come,” Marc Blattner, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, told Chabad.org

Rabbi Motti Wilhelm who directs Chabad of Southwest Portland and the Gan Preschool with his wife, Mimi expressed Chabad’s gratitude to the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland for commissioning this study and “gifting the community with its treasure trove of data.”

“Having an unprecedented amount of geographic and demographic data along with the interests and engagement levels of our community allows all of those serving Jewish Portland to make more informed and thoughtful decisions,” said Wilhelm.

Public menorah-lightings around Portland attract people from all walks of Jewish life.

Read full article here.

Keeping traditions alive in a modern world

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 12:00:00 AM

See source article.

The first morning of our amazing trip (you had to be there!), we visited Anu – Museum of the Jewish People. The core exhibit is designed to reflect the multiculturalism of Jewish diversity today. The museum creators say “from hipster to haredi, every Jew can find themselves there.”

I see billboard-sized pictures of different families – the Tel Aviv family with a dog, the religious-looking family, people of different ages and locations. Life-sized screens of different Jews telling their story. Different Jewish groups (Sephardic, Hasidic, etc.) and political parties are displayed.

Read full article here.

Chanukah shopping and other resources

Fri, 2 Dec 2022 12:00:00 AM

PHOTO: The Ron Tonkin Family Museum Shop is just one of several gift shops that have Chanukah essentials and gifts in stock.

(NOTE: You can find Chanukah resources including events; Rituals and reading for kids and interfaith families; Chanukah 101; DIY crafts; and Mental Health at jewishportland.org/ourcommunity/chanukahresources22.)

Ron Tonkin Family Museum Shop

The Ron Tonkin Family Museum Shop is stocked with beautifully curated gifts, books, candles and Chanukah items. The shop is located in the lobby of the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, 724 NW Davis St., Portland. It is open 11am-4pm, Wednesday- Saturday.

For more information, email giftshop@ojmche.org.

Everything Jewish reopens in new home

Everything Jewish reopened on Nov. 28 in its new home at the Jewish Oasis in the Pearl District. Its former location was destroyed in a fire August 2020.

Read full article here.

Portland’s Jewish Music Fest to Bring Music, Food and Fun

Sat, 8 Oct 2022 7:00:00 AM

Part of the Jewish Music Fest’s planning committee meets up at Pioneer Courthouse Square. See source article (Courtesy of Rabbi Chayim Mishulovin)

Although this event is a moment of celebration for the Jewish community, all are welcome to the festivities.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — On Oct. 13, the Jewish Music Fest will be held at the Pioneer Courthouse Square in celebration of a new era for the Portland Jewish community and the upcoming holiday Sukkot.

The event is produced by Jewish Oasis, a retail store, information and community engagement center that serves Portland’s Jewish Community. This new center evolved from the original center called the Everything Jewish Chabad.

Two years ago, though, Southwest Portland’s Chabad Center for Jewish Life was burned down.

“It was a terrible, terrible situation,” Rabbi Chayim Mishulovin, who moved to Portland about 18 years ago, said. He is the Director of Special Programs at the Chabad of Oregon. “We made a decision that we’re going to come back and tell hate that we’re not going to back off and we’re going to come back bigger and better.”

With community support and donations, they were able to buy a new building.

Mishulovin said the new center’s name Jewish Oasis is representative of what they want to be for the community: a space to inspire and uplift anyone who enters.

“My mission in coming to Portland was to see how to bring Jewish experiences to the public in creative ways,” Mishulovin said. “Right now, we’re really excited about the Jewish Music Fest. We’ve had other music events and stuff, but never on this scale.”

The upcoming fest is also in honor of the Jewish holiday Sukkot. According to Chabad.org, “Sukkot celebrates the gathering of the harvest and commemorates the miraculous protection G‑d provided for the children of Israel when they left Egypt.” The holiday lasts from Sunday, Oct. 9 to Sunday, Oct. 16.

Attendees of the upcoming celebration can expect music, food and family-friendly fun. Children can enjoy activities from face painting to inflatables, and there will also be inflatable obstacle courses for adults.

Of course, Jewish Oasis has food covered as well. They will be partnering with Jewish-Kosher caterer Century Catering.

For entertainment, the 8th Day band founded by brothers Shmuel and Bentzi Marcus will be taking center stage.

“8th Day is a beautiful mix of traditional Jewish-themed music with a very strong, modern take on it,” Mishulovin said. “On the one hand, their messages are spiritual, uplifting and powerful that way, but also very with it for today’s modern music person.”

Although this event is a moment of celebration for the Jewish community, all are welcome to the festivities.

“This is a great opportunity for all of us to really come back and celebrate our city. Whether you’re Jewish or not, whether you live in Portland or not, Portland has so much potential,” Mishulovin said. “I think it’s a great time also for the general community to see, ‘What’s Jewish music? What’s a Jewish holiday?’”

Tickets for Jewish Music Fest are available online for up to $25. One ticket includes access to the family-friendly activities, food and drinks from the catering company, and preferred seating for the concert starting at 6:30 p.m.

The event is on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Pioneer Courthouse Square on 701 SW 6th Avenue.

Rising from the ashes, store reopens early to provide light in winter’s dark for people of the Jewish faith

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 7:50:00 AM

A menorah is central to the celebration of Hanukkah.LC- See source article.

After Everything Jewish, a place where people of the Jewish faith could come to buy religious items, burned last year, leaders decided to move the Chabad of Oregon operation from Southwest Portland to a building they bought in the Pearl District.

The new site needed to be gutted, and the plan was to finish the remodel and open for business in February 2022.

But believing the world is in a dark place, leaders opened a popup store this week in the middle of the construction site in time for Hanukkah. The shop is open 3 to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Sunday through Nov. 30 at 1218 N.W. Glisan St.

“The pandemic disrupted the comfort and norms in our systems and lives,” said Rabbi Chayim E. Mishulovin. “It seemed necessary we open now because we are all contemplating about why we are here and reflecting on what life is all about.”

Light is the symbolic message of Hanukkah, which begins on Nov. 28 and ends the evening of Dec. 6.

Known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, the eight days of Hanukkah are marked each evening by lighting a candle on a menorah until, on the last night, nine candles – including the candle to light the others – are glowing.

Mishulovin said the act, part of a Jewish ritual commemorating a holy miracle millennia ago, gives hope and allows those who participate to offer thanks and praise miracles. Menorahs, candles and other religious items used during Hanukkah will be sold in the corner of the shell of the new store. The shop will close back up Nov. 30 to allow crews to finish building out the space.

Rabbi Chayim E. Mishulovin in a corner of the new center, now under construction in the Pearl District, with some of the items for sale.

The operation is under the organizational umbrella of the Chabad of Oregon. Chabad is not affiliated with a particular synagogue in the metropolitan area but serves as a spiritual home for those of the Jewish faith, or those interested in learning more about Judaism.

Years ago, James Arroyo, of Tigard, stumbled over Everything Jewish, which had been in the Hillsdale area for more than 15 years.

“I grew up Catholic on the Lower East Side of Manhattan,” he said. “I moved out here 40 years ago. Six years ago, I wanted to learn the Torah. I checked with a couple synagogues, and no one was interested. I was driving and happened to see Everything Jewish, went in and told the rabbi what I wanted to do. I ended up reading the five books of Moses, and the rabbi and I became great friends.”

Arroyo, 72, said he no longer considers himself Catholic, nor does he describe himself as Jewish.

“I’m interested in faith and the connections,” he said. “It’s not about a divide.”

Mishulovin believes people of faith, no faith, or different faith experiences are searching for ways to bridge differences. When the Everything Jewish building was destroyed in the summer of 2020, leaders decided to move into the center of Portland in a bustling section of the Pearl District. The goal is to create what Mishulovin described as a “Jewish oasis” with the feel of a living room where people can casually, and intimately, talk and create a spiritual community.

“If you have a relationship with a rabbi or synagogue, that’s great,” said Mishulovin. “But we want to be a place for the person doesn’t have that relationship. To come in off the street, so to speak, feel uplifted and inspired in life.”

His wife, Simi Mishulovin, is part of the organization and senses a longing among all people to find meaning in life in such tumultuous times. She believes the new location will help on that journey.

Hanukkah, she said, highlights two miracles: A small army that stood for what is right was victorious over a larger army, and the miracle of a small flask of oil, only enough to burn only one day, lasted for eight days.

“Maybe some of us feel like we are on our last flask of oil,” she said. “We’ve gone through challenges that in the long run will make us stronger. No one is here by accident. We all have a light within us.”

The Pearl is gaining an Oasis

Tue, 9 Nov 2021 12:00:00 AM

PHOTO: When Simi Mishulovin, left, gave her sister-in-law a tour of the new space in the Pearl that will become Oasis, Mushka Wilhelm, of NE Chabad, said, "This is food for the soul, to be with others." See source article.

A Jewish Oasis is coming to Portland’s Pearl District.

Following the August 2020 fire that destroyed the Chabad House and Everything Jewish store near Hillsdale, a fund-raising campaign has allowed Chabad to purchase (with a mortgage) a 2,500-square-foot building at 1218 NW Glisan St. Now Rabbi Chayim and Simi Mishulovin are working on phase 1 renovations to create a Jewish Oasis featuring the return of the popular store and resource center, a lounge area, a coffee/tea stand, free Wi-Fi, ADA bathrooms and a high bar along the windows facing Glisan.

“I’d rather go to the Oasis and have a cup of tea and do a bit of work than go to Starbucks,” says Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward, whose NW Portland/Beaverton district encompasses the new Oasis. “It is taking something people like to do and creating a Jewish space to do it where people can feel welcome. For the uninvolved, it is less threatening, and for the involved, it is a place that feels more like home.”

David Howitt, who helped lead the planning committee, says they looked at what makes a Jewish home welcoming.
“The feeling of being loved and warm is usually found in the kitchen and living room,” says Howitt. “We are creating a Jewish kitchen and living room in the middle of Portland.”

Read full article here.