I hope you are enjoying the Sukkot holiday, known as “z'man simchateinu,” or “season of our joy.” Sukkot is the only holiday in the Torah where we are not only invited to be joyful, we are obligated to do so.

Starting this evening at the conclusion of Sukkot are the two holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. In Israel and among liberal Jews the two holidays are combined into one holiday. Among more traditional Jews outside of Israel, they are observed separately from one another on two consecutive days.

The Torah directs us to observe Shemini Atzeret (referred to as the Day of the Solemn Assembly), but we have little information about what that means. The holiday provides time to remember our loved ones and reflect as we complete our intense schedule of the High Holy days and Sukkot. It is also a time when we pray for rain in Israel. Simchat Torah marks when we complete the yearly cycle of Torah readings. As soon as we finish reading the end of Deuteronomy, we immediately begin again with Genesis and the famous word, "Bereishit," -- "In the beginning..."

Simchat Torah will also forever be the yahrzeit for the 1,200 victims of the horrific Hamas attack. Traditionally a day of joy and dancing, we ask ourselves: Can we still make space for celebration amid such pain? Our Jewish tradition and history teaches us we can and will as we stand strong and resilient, and remember, reflect, and seek a better future. May their memories be for a blessing and may we soon see the 101 hostages in Gaza back home with their families.

Being another short week due to the holidays, I want to share some important announcements:

According to the IRS, there are over 26,000 nonprofit organizations operating in the State of Oregon. Last week, the Nonprofit Association of Oregon shared its list of the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon 2024. The list is divided into three categories: large (50+ employees), medium (25-49 employees), and small (up to 24 employees) organizations and each is given an overall score.

I am enormously proud to share that the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland was ranked the 28^th best nonprofit to work for in the state! In the “small nonprofit” category we were #18 (fitting for a Jewish organization). I am also pleased that BB360 (formerly BB Camp) was 80^th overall in the state and #20 in the “medium nonprofit” category. Very impressive to have two Jewish organizations in the top 100 across Oregon. I hope we have many more in the years ahead.

By now you should have received your election ballot. I hope that everyone will exercise their right to vote. For those living in the City of Portland, on Monday night the Jewish Federation and NAACP co-sponsored a debate between five candidates for mayor. You can watch a recording of the forum here.

I am delighted to welcome Merit Pinker as the new Volunteer Coordinator for the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland starting on December 1. This position was created based on the recommendations from our Community Study to coordinate and elevate hands-on volunteerism in the Jewish community.

Merit, originally from Dallas, earned her BA in Anthropology/Sociology from Rhodes College in Memphis. After graduating, she moved to Sierra Leone as a Peace Corps Volunteer focused on community health. Following her service there, Merit joined the team at Hillels of Georgia, the statewide organizer for Jewish life on college campuses, as the Development and Marketing Manager. Merit moved to Portland in December 2022. We look forward to her building strong connections and expanding our community’s volunteer network to better serve the Portland Jewish community.

This coming Sunday is the sixth anniversary of the Tree of Life*Or L'Simcha shooting that left 11 people dead. Remembering the horror and tragedy, I hope we do not reflect on the hate but on the love, courage, and resilience that continues to define the Jewish people. We can honor the victims by ensuring that Jewish life is celebrated, protected, and empowered worldwide.

This has been quite the difficult year. The ongoing Hamas/Hezbollah/Iran war with Israel…rising antisemitism…upcoming elections…and more. Well, the Jewish Federation wants to help lighten the mood by bringing Comedy for Peace. Their motto: Jews. Muslims. Comedy. No politics. Just laughs. You can learn more about them here and here.

Comedy for Peace will be coming on Sunday, November 17 for two shows at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center:

Matinee – 3:00 pm – Tickets are $25

Evening – 7:00 pm – Tickets are $36

(food and drinks included in ticket price)

We hope you will join us for a fun and funny opportunity. Buy your tickets here.

In observance of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, the Jewish Federation office will be closed on Thursday and Friday. Enjoy the remainder of the week, chag sameach, and early best wishes for a Shabbat shalom.