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Two Oregonians tapped for Pardes alumni fellowship

Dr. Sharon Pollin of Portland and Emily Simon of Ashland are
among 15 national fellows selected for the Pardes Alumni Leader-
ship Cohort of the Mahloket Matters Fellowship.
Fellows will study Pardes’ renowned Mahloket curriculum and
then create a community engagement initiative for their home
community. In this era of the collapse of civil discourse, Pardes
North America has launched its second year of the fellowship.
The fellowship is guided by the belief that Jewish texts and their
diverse interpretations can empower us to engage more construc-
tively in disagreements today.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to learn with this distin-
guished North American cohort that includes my fellow Oregonian,
Emily Simon,” says Pollin. “From squabbles amongst our closest
friends and relatives and outward to countries on the brink of war,
conflict is an unavoidable condition of our lives that often harms,
yet has the potential to enrich. The Rabbinic model of Mahloket
L’Shem Shamayim, disagreement for the sake of heaven, provides
perspective, direction and skills to successfully engage with others Emily Simon Sharon Pollin
in order to move forward and thrive in community, country and “I am honored and excited to be selected for this fellowship and
planet. I hope to share this outstanding Pardes curriculum – suit- look forward to working with Sharon Pollin and all the Pardes
able for many ages and stages – broadly in our community.” alumni in my cohort,” says Simon. “I hope to learn constructive
Pollin is the education director of Congregation Shaarie Torah, ways to help the Jewish community discuss disagreements in a
co-chairs the Women’s Giving Circle of the Jewish Federation manner that is for the sake of heaven. I think that this is crucial in
of Greater Portland and serves as a mentor to other Jewish pro- order to form coalitions and bring us closer to the justice that we
fessionals. Before returning to her hometown of Portland, she are commanded to pursue. I look forward to sharing the tools and
successfully led the revitalization of the Jewish Community Day the information I am learning with the greater Jewish community.”
School of Greater New Orleans as head of school. The fellowship features group study and individual mentorship
Emily Simon has been an attorney since 1979 and was a Juvenile from Pardes North America as they learn the Mahloket Matters
Defender until 2019. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award curriculum. Fellows will become a critical voice in a movement to
from the Oregon Defense Lawyers Association in 2013. Currently, help foster respectful dialogue across North America. Each fellow
she runs a mentorship program for Federal Criminal Defenders will receive a stipend of $500 for their time and participation.
and is a co-chair of Ashland Oregon’s Social Equity and Racial Each fellow also will receive a $500 community engagement
Justice commission. She is active with Congregation Emek Sha- grant to support the development of their own communal MM
lom in Ashland, where she chairs the social action committee and study groups and/or community engagement initiatives inspired
teaches b’nai mitzvah students and adult education programs. by MM learning.
Life-cycle events ORA, Neveh remember artist Ros Kane

Congregation Neveh Shalom and ORA: on Sunday in the congregation’s lobby.
BIRTH Northwest Jewish Artists will celebrate the Daniel and Leslie have designated 50% of
life and work of Rosalind (Ros) Kane, z”l, the proceeds to be donated to ORA to help
the weekend of Feb. 18-20. with scholarships, operation
Rabbi Eve Posen will costs and to provide learning
lead services and talk about opportunities for members
Ros, ORA and Jewish art at and the community. Some
Kabbalat Shabbat service artwork will be available
at Neveh Shalom 6:15 pm, at the JAM art week at the
Feb. 18. Following the ser- MJCC March 6-11.
vice, there will be time to Ros passed away on Erev
schmooze and meet Rosa- Shabbat, Oct. 22, 2021, at
lind’s son, Daniel, and her the age of 81. ORA’s news-
daughter-in-law, Leslie, and letter says of the longtime
enjoy Ros’ beautiful work member: “Ros was a be-
together. loved and humble artist who
Vaccinated and masked expressed her talents and
participants can join the generosity in many ways,
AHARON TZVI HARTFORD service in the congregation’s main sanctu- sharing her creations with others at import-
Chaim Simcha and Shayna Aliza Hartford ary, or anyone can Zoom in (find the link ant life events. She excelled in a variety of
along with Eliana (6 years) and Moshe (20 at nevehshalom.org/events). After the ser- media. Ros created beautifully detailed and
months) welcomed son and baby brother, vice, a brief video will preview the artwork precise watercolor paintings and stunning
Aharon Tzvi, to their family on Jan. 6, on display in the Neveh Shalom lobby and realistic drawings. She also enjoyed work-
2022. The family are members of Congre- her artwork and art supplies that will be ing with fabric and food. Ros made custom
gation Kesser Israel. Rabbi Avrohom Har- available for purchase on Feb. 20. kippot for life-cycle events. She was a
ris of Seattle did the bris. The art sale will be 9:30 am to 3:30 pm woman of valor.”
10 Jewish Review Feb. 16, 2022