Shabbat Shalom
February 20 (8 Adar, 5781)
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Dear Friends,
Like many of you, I enjoyed the snow that fell last weekend, only to see those conditions lead to extensive power outages here. While I was fortunate enough to get power back on Monday evening, many people in our community were without power or remain without power for many days, a situation we hope will be resolved soon. In addition, I share my sincere prayers for all of those in Texas who are suffering under the difficult conditions that persist in that state.
This past Monday, I received a text from a congregant asking me to check in on someone who was sitting in the dark. I immediately did so and was grateful for this text which reminded me how easy it is for us to forget what others are going through. Over the past several days, we have witnessed so much Chesed in our community, as people have rallied to help one another through this significant challenge. In fact, I had the pleasure of seeing kids from Maayan at the Kesser building on Thursday, as Maayan was without power. It’s inspiring to be part of a community so steeped in the trait of Chesed.
The idea of “remembering” is apropos as Parshat Zachor and the command to remember is upon us. The fact that we have a command “to remember” subtly reminds us that we have a tendency to forget. Whether it's forgetting how grateful we are for electricity, forgetting what our neighbors are going through, or forgetting HaShem’s kindness, there are scores of important matters that easily slip away. An underlying theme of Purim is the call to remember what is so easily forgotten.
This Shabbat, we fulfill the Mitzvah of remembering what Amalek did unto the Jewish people. You are welcome to register for our 9:00 am service to hear the reading of Zachor. In addition, at the end of services, there will be a second reading at approximately 11:10 am. Further, we will also hold an outdoor Zachor reading on Shabbat afternoon at 5:10 pm at Kesser Israel. This will be a brief gathering of about five minutes so that you can safely fulfill this Torah Mitzvah.
This coming week, a new and larger tent will be installed at the synagogue. We are investing in this open air space so that people can enjoy Megillah and future services outside. We will be holding both indoor and outdoor Megillah readings throughout Purim, please see below for details and for our required registration. We will be providing both men’s and women’s sections. Children ages 9+ are also invited to register.
While our indoor Megillah readings will be livestreamed, one should make every effort to attend a live Megilla reading in person. As noted in the OU Purim Guidelines, the general consensus of Halacha is that one must attend a live reading to fulfill the obligation of Megillah. Under extenuating circumstances of high risk, one can listen to the Megillah online. Please see the OU Guidelines or contact me if you have questions.
In addition, this coming Wednesday evening, I will offer a Drasha on the topic of How To Make Purim Meaningful At Home. I hope that you will join us as we delve deeper into the message of Purim and how to connect to the Chag in our times. Also, please see below for more information about our annual Matanot l’Evyonim drive.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ken Brodkin
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This year Mishloach Manot baskets are going to be delivered on Thursday, February 25 and Friday, February 26. Be sure to look out for them on Thursday and Friday so you can enjoy them! |
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To register for minyanim click here. |
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Daf Yomi - ONLINE
Join us daily for Daf Yomi with Rabbi Fischer. Click this link to join the class live, and click here to see the schedule. You can download the entire Talmud for free on your mobile device with apps like Sefaria and E-Daf.
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Sunday Gemara Group
Join Rabbi Ken Brodkin every Sunday morning at 9:15 am. Explore practical Halacha and Gemara as we delve into the second chapter of Shabbat. This chapter focuses on the laws of lighting Shabbat and Chanukah candles, among other topics that pertain to daily Jewish living. Click here to join.
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Parshat Hashavua
Join Rabbi Fischer every Monday evening at 7:30 pm to learn about the weekly Torah portion and get involved with a Q&A. Click here to join the Zoom meeting. To enhance your experience, read the Parsha before class. |
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We are proud to announce the call for nominations for the 2021 Laurie Rogoway Outstanding Jewish Professional Award. Established 7 years ago to honor our esteemed colleague and friend Laurie Rogoway, a pillar of Jewish professional leadership for over 30 years in Portland.
The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual currently working in a professional capacity at a Jewish communal organization in Greater Portland. This is for early to mid-career professionals (minimum 3 years in Portland Jewish Community). The nominee must demonstrate outstanding professional work and a commitment to the field of Jewish professional leadership.
The award will be presented at Federation’s Annual Meeting on June 14, 2021. The recipient will receive up to $1800 to participate in a professional development experience.
This is our call for nominations, and an opportunity for us to celebrate and recognize the excellence in Jewish Professional Leadership in our midst.
Note the nomination deadline: Friday, March 12, 2021, 12 noon.
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February Community Volunteer Opportunity-Purim Packages for Seniors
Mishloach Manot are special gift packages that are traditionally made and distributed for Purim to friends and family and even strangers. This year our community is invited to drop off Mishloach Manot for the elderly residents and caregivers on the Cedar Sinai Park campus to add joy to their Purim celebrations.
Drop off will be coordinated and socially distanced, and there are STRICT guidelines for volunteers to follow in assembling packages.
Co-hosted by: Cedar Sinai Park, Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, Portland Jewish Academy, Maimonides Jewish Day School and Maayan Torah Day School
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Garbonzos - Falafel Bar
The Garbonzos food cart is located in the MJCC parking lot. It is open Sunday - Thursday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm and Friday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. The menu includes pita sandwiches, plate options, soup, and sides. Garbonzos is gluten free and vegan. Click here for the full menu. To place a phone order call (503) 475 - 4875.
Kosher Meals to Go Available from Cafe at the J (Weekly)
(Orders due Tuesday by 8 pm, Pickup Thursday between 3-5 pm)
Allen Levin of Century Catering & Cafe at the J is preparing kosher meals for people to take home and serve. Currently, orders are due by 8:00 pm Tuesday for pickup between 3:00-5:00 pm Thursday at the turnaround in front of the MJCC. The menu offers soup; entrees including schnitzel, fish, beef, chicken and burger options; and dessert. Meals certified by Oregon Kosher. If there is interest, a kosher pizza night might be added. For the coming week’s menu and to order meals, email [email protected] by Sunday 6:00 pm to sign up to receive the weekly menu. (If you do not receive a confirmation, please try again.)
Holy Smokes - Righteous Eats
Holy Smokes is located on 3975 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway and is open for take out. Click here to view the full menu. They serve barbecue and smoked meats. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free options. Contact Holy Smokes at (503) 706 - 1006.
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Want to share announcements, community news, or events? Click here to send your news to be added to next week's email.
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Jewish Free Loan of Greater Portland |
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Jewish or “Hebrew” Free Loan Associations have been in the business of providing interest-free loans to individuals across North America for over a century. There is a recognition that sometimes life throws a wrench in one’s plans, and that the support of one’s community can make the difference in how that challenge is met.
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February 19 - February 26 |
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat - 5:30 pm
Candle Lighting - 5:26 pm
SHABBAT, FEBRUARY 20
Shacharit - 9:00 am
Mincha/Maariv - 5:20 pm
Havdalah - 6:31 pm
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
TAANIT ESTHER
Fast Begins - 5:44
Indoor Maariv & Megillah - 6:20 pm
Outdoor Maariv & Megillah - 6:20 pm
Fast Ends - 6:34 pm
Indoor Megillah Reading - 8:30 pm
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26
PURIM
Indoor & Outdoor Shacharit & Megillah Reading (online) - 6:45 am
Indoor Megillah Reading - 10:00 am
Outdoor Megillah Reading - 4:00 pm
Candle Lighting - 5:36 pm
Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat - 5:40 pm
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CHOLIM LIST: Each week during the Torah Reading we make a misheberach for those who are ill. Click here for our current misheberach list. To make changes, please email us at [email protected]
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