PHOTO: TODAY, JUNE 10 at 4 PM: “What Does the Future Hold for Sporting Events?” Will the stands at sports arenas across the country be as empty as Portland’s Providence Park stands are in this photo of Timbers exec Mike Golub? Find out today when Mike shares his perspective on what he sees happening with sports going forward. Mike is the president of business operations for the Portland Timbers and Thorns soccer teams. Register for login information: 
jewishportland.org/covid-19-community-health-update-with-mike-golub

 

BY DEBORAH MOON

Weekly Wednesday Updates were created to keep our community informed of how COVID-19 is affecting all of us. Past programs have featured an infectious disease expert, Jewish agency executives, Jewish clergy, both of Oregon’s U.S. senators, Israeli deputy consul general, and representatives from the governor’s office and Oregon Health Authority. A special edition Tuesday briefing on June 2 explored racism. This week, the series turns to the future of sports (see photo).
You can see recordings of all these enlightening programs at jewishportland.org/
weeklywednesday.
Following are snippets from the three most recent programs (some of the comments are paraphrased).

May 27: “Our Jewish Community: Pre, During and Post Pandemic: What is the role of clergy to help guide a community during uncharted spiritual times?” 
A conversation with Rabbi Eve Posen and Rabbi Ariel Stone. 
Rabbi Posen: Our job as clergy is to be there.
Rabbi Stone: We’ve been here before and if history is any guide, we will be here again. …If our ancestors could spend 40 years in the wilderness, we can do it.
Rabbi Posen (on creativity and adaptability of Judaism): Rabbinic Judaism was created in response to the end of Temple Judaism. … prayer instead of sacrifices.  … We live in a world that is not the world that was. … The model of Judaism is being able to innovate and create in the place where we are now.
Rabbi Stone: The importance of fulfilling pikuach nefesh (preserving life) and being able to come together … has changed the parameters around what I am comfortable using Zoom for. Zoom’s ability to bring us together has completely changed the game for me.

June 2: (Tuesday) Special Edition: Fighting Racism in Portland and Beyond
With E.D. Mondainé, president of Portland NAACP and senior pastor at Celebration Tabernacle Church, and Emmett Wheatfall, former assistant county administrator for Clackamas County and equity and diversity consultant. Moderated by JFGP Community Relations Director Bob Horenstein.
This special edition forum was announced just one day in advance and drew 286 registrants in 24 hours.
Emmett Wheatfall: I am African-American…I do not speak for ALL black people. 
I am not a monster. I am a human being.
Police brutality is nothing new, we are just exposed to it in a greater way through technology (such as camera phones and internet).
This protest is more diverse and has galvanized the attention of the nation.
People do not remember the names of those who throw a rock. 
A vote will do more for you than a rock.
Not all police are corrupt and brutal. They are civil guardians. But within the “fraternal order of police” you have a loyalty to the profession and not to the people you serve – that can and must be changed.
(On the danger protesters face in the age of COVID) Do you die of COVID-19 or do you die of driving while black?
Pastor Mondainé: Feeling powerless is the worst form of oppression. There is a narrative … our participation serves no purpose.
(On the need to get out and register people to vote): Critical, critical, critical. It does matter. It is imperative every one of us get out and vote.
Stand with us as accomplices, not just allies. An accomplice will follow you onto the battleground.
Become a member of NAACP (which was founded by four Jewish and three black leaders) or the Urban League. 

June 3: What does 
Reopening Look Like for the Jewish Community 
With Matthew Green from the Oregon Health Authority and Jackie Yerby and Sophorn Cheang, both from the governor’s office.
Jackie Yerby, governor’s health department: For data, guidelines, resources and news, visit coronavirus.oregon.gov.
When counties are in Phase Two of reopening, faith-based spaces that allow for 6 feet of spacing between people and follow all COVID limitations can reach up to 250 people.
(Regarding schools reopening in fall): The aim is to have kids return to classrooms in September in a way that is safe – what that looks like is still being worked out. 
Matthew Green, OHA: The basic question is how do we go about daily activities as close to normal in a way that minimizes the possibility of transmission to others? The answer: 6 feet distance, face coverings, cleanings surfaces, avoid passing things from person to person and know the symptoms – cough, fever, shortness of breath – and if you have any symptoms or have been around someone who does, STAY HOME.