The Portland Jewish Festival is only 9 days away and I cannot tell you how excited I am for what is coming to Zidell Yards! This is going to be a joyful, energizing day for our entire community, and not just the Jewish community. There is going to be something for everyone, of every age, and every level of Jewish connection.

We have put together an incredible lineup of musical talent, and hearing from a few of these artists about how excited they are to perform for us has made this whole thing feel even more real. Hear some inviting words from just a few of them...

Rick Recht	Alicia Jo Rabins
Kosha Dillz	Nissim Black

I know some of you have reached out with questions about security, and I want to address that directly, because your safety is our top priority. Sadly, the most expensive part of putting on a festival like this is security, but it is a cost we gladly bear so you and your families can come and celebrate without worry. Without getting into every detail, please know there will be full screening and bag checks at every entrance, and we will have Portland Police alongside private security on-site and patrolling the bridges and surrounding neighborhood buildings. We have thought this through carefully, and we are ready.

We are also partnering with Jewish Family and Child Service for a canned food drive at the festival, and hope everyone attending will bring a few cans of kosher food with them. It is a simple thing to do, and it makes a real difference for families in our community who need a little extra support.

And whether you have already grabbed your tickets or you are still planning to, remember that parking is available right on-site at Zidell Yards -- so there is really no excuse not to join us. Get your tickets and parking passes today, and I will see you there!

Shifting gears for a moment, this past Wednesday was a genuine highlight of my week. The Jewish Federation had the pleasure of welcoming participants from the Jewish Federations of North America Executive Accelerator program here in Portland. Twenty talented Federation professionals from across North America are part of this program, and our community was one of several site options they could choose. The group that came to Portland also visited our neighboring Jewish Federations in Vancouver and Seattle, giving them a real feel for Jewish life across the Pacific Northwest.

We were fortunate to be joined by professionals from Jewish Federations in Miami, Broward County, Winnipeg, and the Jewish Federations of North America national office.

Each brought a distinct perspective shaped by their own Federation's work, and together we explored the ethos, opportunities, and challenges of Jewish life here in our region. The conversations were focused on what it means to be a senior Jewish communal professional, since each of them hopes to one day lead a Federation of their own. We talked about leadership expectations, time management, vision setting, navigating staffing challenges, working with volunteers, and much more.

It was a full day of rich conversation, and honestly, I probably came away having gained more from listening to Josh, Niv, Lital, Adam, and Becka than they gained from me. It was a genuine privilege to host them and to help them see what makes our community, and the broader Pacific Northwest, so special. I wish them great success as they continue their professional careers.

Last night was another meaningful evening. The Jewish Federation held a training for our volunteer solicitors ahead of the 2027 Campaign for Community Needs, which will be getting underway shortly. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the more than 60 people who have stepped forward to give their time and personally solicit gifts on behalf of our annual campaign. That is no small commitment, and it matters enormously.

The Talmud (Bava Batra 9a) teaches, "gadol ha'measeh yoter min ha'oseh" -- greater is the one who causes others to give than the one who gives himself. This teaches us that soliciting or facilitating tzedakah from others carries a special merit, one our tradition describes as even greater than giving on our own. When you ask someone to give, you are not imposing on them -- you are handing them the opportunity to perform a mitzvah. I hope our solicitors carry that ideal into every conversation this campaign season.

Following the training, our Board gathered for a "retreat." We welcomed six new board members, worked through several carryover items from last year, and dug into a number of important agenda items for the year ahead. I am genuinely energized about working alongside this board as we set the foundation for a stronger future.

Here is a little slice of Oregon history for you. On August 20, 1845, the Oregon Provisional Government created the massive Vancouver District north of the Columbia River -- this territory would later be renamed Clark County.

Last but certainly not least, I want to wish all the students and teachers heading back to school next week the very best for a positive, enriching, and joyful school year.

Shabbat Shalom and do not forget to buy your tickets and parking pass to the Portland Jewish Festival! I cannot wait to celebrate with you all.