One of the things we talk about most at the Jewish Federation is what kind of impact can we make. Impact on the community. Impact in our communal organizations. And, perhaps most importantly, impact on individuals.

This past Sunday, over 100 community members celebrated the grand opening of our new community mikvah, Rachel’s Well. Owned and operated by the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, in partnership with the Oregon Board of Rabbis, this new mikvah is open and accessible for traditional and contemporary use. 

The grand opening was followed by a panel discussion on the multiple uses of mikvah. Both the panel and the attendees represented a broad swath of our community, a testament to the diversity of mikvah practice celebrated and possible at Rachel’s Well.

What struck me was a Facebook post following the day’s activities: 

I experienced something profound today. Something I've never experienced before…I gathered today with the greater Portland Jewish community to celebrate the opening of a new community mikvah. There was a discussion panel after the ribbon cutting and that's when it happened. I felt God's presence. Not God's work. Not God's guidance or hand. But I felt God's presence. God's restful presence…In a room of people from different generations, different traditions, different beliefs, from the blackest of black hat rabbis to purple haired kippah-wearing women to those that are skeptical about God's existence. But we were all gathered together without judgment, without fear of judgment, to celebrate this beautiful mitzvah and this beautiful new place to take part in this mitzvah. To hear the rabbi that I usually regard as too frum to consult, to hear him speak with such passion and sensitivity to the group of people from all walks of life, it moved me to tears, more than once. To hear someone who I would assume regards those of us who keep the mitzvah of family purity as antiquated and backward, to hear her speak with respect and thank us for keeping the tradition alive, also moved me to tears…When a group of people gathers and we spread our love for a mitzvah without judgment or division, that's where God rests.

Click here to see more photos.

To learn more and request a mikvah appointment visit www.jewishportland.org/mikvah. If interested in becoming a volunteer guide to attend mikvah users, please email mikvahpdx@gmail.com.

Birthright Israel, which to date has sent over 600,000 young adults (ages 18-26) to Israel, continues to make an impact. This winter, Oregon Hillel brought 19 students (10 OSU & 9 UO) on a truly memorable and life changing experience.

Following the trip, two students shared their experiences:

I grew up separated from my parents in a foster home. I was told I was Jewish, but I really didn’t know what that meant. All I knew was that my biological parents had lived in Israel and that my older siblings had been born there. My foster parents were very supportive and always told me to go on this “Birthright” trip because my parents were Jewish. After joining some activities at the Oregon State University Hillel, I was intrigued by the idea of the Birthright trip and as a bonus it was free! Throughout the trip I learned that this was an opportunity that makes you think, learn, grow, and develop as a person. I discovered the rich heritage I come from and the history of the Jewish people. I learned who I am and where I come from. I was able to reconnect and develop a relationship with my parents; make lots of new friends; and understand what it means to be Jewish.

                -Sky L. J.  – Springfield, OR - OSU Class of 2018

Growing up, I had always been forced to practice Judaism without any choice or freedom of say. My parents put me through the typical process of attending religious and Hebrew school, becoming a Bar Mitzvah and attending confirmation. I went through this process without very much engagement in the Jewish community. In high school I chose to occupy my time playing sports and doing school related extracurriculars. It was always important for me to stay Jewish, but I was never involved in any Jewish related organizations outside of synagogue. 

When I arrived at college, I decided that it was time for me to reconnect with my faith and immerse myself in the community. I had made many Jewish friends my freshman year, but decided that I didn’t want it to take over my entire life, so I did not join AEPi or Hillel right away. I reached out to the Hillel Director my sophomore year and began to stay in contact with him throughout the year. He recommended I check out Birthright to see if it sounded interesting, but did not force the concept on me. I was hesitant at first because of the traumatic stories portrayed in the media. After many discussions I was sold on making the trip over to Israel.

I am overly satisfied with my Birthright experience and feel inspired to share my story with future attendees who are in my former position of skepticism and fear about the State of Israel.  Not only did Birthright change my perspective and life, but it has also led me to work return to Israel this summer for an internship through the Onward Israel program!

-Matt C. – Pacific Grove, CA – UO Class of 2019

The Jewish Federation makes an annual allocation to Birthright Israel to make this possible for our students and young adults. I know Oregon Hillel is also grateful to the Zidell Family and the Candau Family (from the Bay Area) for providing a matching grant to fund the staff position that coordinates the birthright trips.

As I learned long ago, community building is really about people. And in providing opportunities and experiences one never knows what will inspire someone. How has our Jewish community inspired you?

Shabbat shalom.

Marc

This past Sunday, over 100 community members celebrated the grand opening of our new community mikvah, Rachel’s Well. Owned and operated by the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, in partnership with the Oregon Board of Rabbis, this new mikvah is open and accessible for traditional and contemporary use. 

The grand opening was followed by a panel discussion on the multiple uses of mikvah. Both the panel and the attendees represented a broad swath of our community, a testament to the diversity of mikvah practice celebrated and possible at Rachel’s Well.

What struck me was a Facebook post following the day’s activities: 

I experienced something profound today. Something I've never experienced before…I gathered today with the greater Portland Jewish community to celebrate the opening of a new community mikvah. There was a discussion panel after the ribbon cutting and that's when it happened. I felt God's presence. Not God's work. Not God's guidance or hand. But I felt God's presence. God's restful presence…In a room of people from different generations, different traditions, different beliefs, from the blackest of black hat rabbis to purple haired kippah-wearing women to those that are skeptical about God's existence. But we were all gathered together without judgment, without fear of judgment, to celebrate this beautiful mitzvah and this beautiful new place to take part in this mitzvah. To hear the rabbi that I usually regard as too frum to consult, to hear him speak with such passion and sensitivity to the group of people from all walks of life, it moved me to tears, more than once. To hear someone who I would assume regards those of us who keep the mitzvah of family purity as antiquated and backward, to hear her speak with respect and thank us for keeping the tradition alive, also moved me to tears…When a group of people gathers and we spread our love for a mitzvah without judgment or division, that's where God rests.

Click here to see more photos.

To learn more and request a mikvah appointment visit www.jewishportland.org/mikvah. If interested in becoming a volunteer guide to attend mikvah users, please email mikvahpdx@gmail.com.

Birthright Israel, which to date has sent over 600,000 young adults (ages 18-26) to Israel, continues to make an impact. This winter, Oregon Hillel brought 19 students (10 OSU & 9 UO) on a truly memorable and life changing experience.

Following the trip, two students shared their experiences:

I grew up separated from my parents in a foster home. I was told I was Jewish, but I really didn’t know what that meant. All I knew was that my biological parents had lived in Israel and that my older siblings had been born there. My foster parents were very supportive and always told me to go on this “Birthright” trip because my parents were Jewish. After joining some activities at the Oregon State University Hillel, I was intrigued by the idea of the Birthright trip and as a bonus it was free! Throughout the trip I learned that this was an opportunity that makes you think, learn, grow, and develop as a person. I discovered the rich heritage I come from and the history of the Jewish people. I learned who I am and where I come from. I was able to reconnect and develop a relationship with my parents; make lots of new friends; and understand what it means to be Jewish.

                -Sky L. J.  – Springfield, OR - OSU Class of 2018

Growing up, I had always been forced to practice Judaism without any choice or freedom of say. My parents put me through the typical process of attending religious and Hebrew school, becoming a Bar Mitzvah and attending confirmation. I went through this process without very much engagement in the Jewish community. In high school I chose to occupy my time playing sports and doing school related extracurriculars. It was always important for me to stay Jewish, but I was never involved in any Jewish related organizations outside of synagogue. 

When I arrived at college, I decided that it was time for me to reconnect with my faith and immerse myself in the community. I had made many Jewish friends my freshman year, but decided that I didn’t want it to take over my entire life, so I did not join AEPi or Hillel right away. I reached out to the Hillel Director my sophomore year and began to stay in contact with him throughout the year. He recommended I check out Birthright to see if it sounded interesting, but did not force the concept on me. I was hesitant at first because of the traumatic stories portrayed in the media. After many discussions I was sold on making the trip over to Israel.

I am overly satisfied with my Birthright experience and feel inspired to share my story with future attendees who are in my former position of skepticism and fear about the State of Israel.  Not only did Birthright change my perspective and life, but it has also led me to work return to Israel this summer for an internship through the Onward Israel program!

-Matt C. – Pacific Grove, CA – UO Class of 2019

The Jewish Federation makes an annual allocation to Birthright Israel to make this possible for our students and young adults. I know Oregon Hillel is also grateful to the Zidell Family and the Candau Family (from the Bay Area) for providing a matching grant to fund the staff position that coordinates the birthright trips.

As I learned long ago, community building is really about people. And in providing opportunities and experiences one never knows what will inspire someone. How has our Jewish community inspired you?

Shabbat shalom.

Ma