As you read this I am on a plane flying back from a wonderful four day trip to Israel. I was here with community leaders, Priscilla and Tony Kostiner, Kathy Davis-Weiner and Michael Weiner, and my colleague Caron Blau Rothstein on an “inspection trip.”

What does that mean? 

We were looking at traditional, new and different sites in Israel to plan for a community trip to Israel in March 2020. The trip will celebrate the Jewish Federation’s 100th anniversary. 

I do not want to give away any secrets - yet - but we are looking to bring over 360 people to Israel. This has never been done before from Greater Portland. We are working hard to make it as affordable as possible and it will be an experience of a lifetime for you and your family (multi-generations).

Join us! Join your community! Bring your family! See! Learn! And experience the wonders and joy of Israel — whether for the first time or 54th time! 

More information and details by late April.

Speaking of Israel, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland is proud to help sponsor TechFestNW, scheduled for April 4-6 at Portland State University. TechFestNW offers curated speakers, workshops, a demo floor, parties and PitchFestNW, which showcases the best and brightest startups from all over the world. This includes the State of Israel. 

Mark Zusman, Editor & Publisher of Willamette Week, said, "I’m thrilled that we will have a strong Israeli presence this year at TechfestNW.  Israel is one of the most entrepreneurial nations on the globe and we are delighted that Twistlock, an Israeli company that is establishing an office here in Portland, will be attending TFNW. Thanks go to the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland for helping put this all together!”

Check out TechFestNW in a few weeks. 

This past weekend PAJE (Portland Area Jewish Educators) held a “Deep Dive” professional development opportunity at Congregation Shaarie Torah for 18 Jewish educators. Professionals were given the opportunity to spend two hours learning about teaching Hebrew through games or creating safe educational spaces for LGBTQ youth. It was a wonderful opportunity to go more in depth on topics of interest to our educators.

Here are comments from two of the participants:

“This workshop inspired deep reflection on what makes a “safe space” truly safe. Whether it’s finding more inclusive terms to use during a lesson, or being more purposeful in the books you read or how you decorate your classroom walls, this session pointed to a number of ways to work towards wholehearted inclusivity.”     Ilana Jaffe 

“The workshop discussed ways in which teachers could create a comfortable and gender-inclusive classroom for kids of all ages! It brought to light some small and large ways that we as teachers can make a difference with LGBTQ kids.”     Candace Rothstein

Finally, we are once again participating in the international annual Good Deeds Day on April 15, 2018. It is a family day of hands-on volunteering to make our community a better place. Join us and be a part of this special day -- register now.

Best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and more trip details in the not so distant future. This trip to Israel will be a once in a lifetime experience for our Jewish community. 

Marc