PHOTO: This space on NE Sandy Boulevard is being transformed from co-working office space into an inclusive hub of Jewish life for religious, cultural, spiritual, educational and social programs and activities on the east side.

Congregation Shir Tikvah and Eastside Jewish Commons are pleased to announce that they are moving into a new space at 2420 NE Sandy Blvd. The property offers 13,000 square feet, natural light, and ample room for worship, classes, activities and more. Their joint vision is to create an eastside space where all Jews feel welcome to study, gather and celebrate. 
Because of coronavirus, programming will be rolled out gradually, incorporating Oregon Health Authority recommendations for safety. 
“By fall, we hope to be a hub of Jewish life for religious, cultural, spiritual, educational and social programs and activities,” says EJC Board Chair Mia Birk.
In this model, numerous organizations and synagogues in addition to Shir Tikvah will offer all-ages programming. The concept is similar to a co-working space, with rooms constantly repurposed, maximizing resources for all.  
Congregation Shir Tikvah (“Song of Hope”) is a mid-sized, independent congregation under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Ariel Stone. Since its founding 18 years ago, it has taken pride in its eastside roots. While much of Portland’s Jewish infrastructure is heavily weighted on the west side, Shir Tikvah has used multiple locations east of the Willamette River. They look forward to moving to Sandy Boulevard by May 1. 
“This will be the first time all of our programs will be under one roof,” says Administrative Director Katie Schneider. “As our world gradually starts opening up, we are looking forward to really being together again.” 
Shir Tikvah Board Chair Dr. Bruce Birk adds, “One of the most exciting elements about the new space is that we are not entering it alone, but rather in community and partnership with the Eastside Jewish Commons.”
While many of Portland’s legacy Jewish families had roots on the east side, and new generations continue to be drawn to living there, there has been a decided lack of eastside public Jewish spaces. The Eastside Jewish Commons formed as a nonprofit in 2017 to address the issue.
The EJC is currently hiring staff to begin formalizing these plans with partners such as B’nai B’rith Camp. 
“BB Camp is excited to expand our footprint on the east side with additional robust programming, a new day camp and more opportunities for our BBYO chapters to convene together,” says BB Camp CEO Michelle Koplan. 
Other partners include Alberta Shul, Cedar Sinai Park, Jewish Family & Child Service, Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, Mittleman Jewish Community Center/Portland Jewish Academy, Portland Kollel, Oregon NCSY, Tisch PDX, Tivnu, Tree of Life Montessori, and congregations Havurah Shalom, Neveh Shalom and Shaarie Torah. 
Learn more or sign up to get more information about EJC: ejcpdx.org
Learn more or sign up to get more information about Congregation Shir Tikvah: shirtikvahpdx.org