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INSIDE

Hillel
honors
PDX
leader
– page 2
Dec. 21, 2022 / Kislev 27, 5783 Volume 57, Issue 25 Spotlight on

Trans Jewish leader proud of both BB Camp – page 2

BY DEBORAH MOON You can't avoid
Congregation Shir Tikvah’s new president, death, so prepare
Emma Lugo, is likely the first transgender wom- – pages 4-5
an to lead a synagogue board in Oregon. Her
election coincides with both increased accep- Obituary:
tance and visibility of LGBTQ individuals and
a dramatic increase in antisemitic and LGBTQ Rezvanipour – page 5
hate crimes.
“I am proud of both of my communities, and Lions dream for
that pride gives me strength,” says Lugo, who future – page 6
began her presidency in October. “It’s a really
exciting, thrilling time to be a transgender Jew.” Cycling for
Lugo is also the president of KBOO radio, environment – page 7
where she hosts Transpositive PDX, which ex-
plores the vibrant activism in Portland reflecting 70th anniversary:
the transgender communities. The show airs at Shir Tikvah President Emma Lugo.
6 pm the first and third Tuesday of every month. Cogans – page 7
She hopes to feature another prominent trans two lesbian governors in history. It was also a
woman, Jeopardy champion Amy Schneider, on history-making election for transgender candi- Lawyer turns to elder
a future episode. dates running for state legislatures, the PBS re- enrichment – page 8
PBS called the 2022 midterms “a historic year port continued.
for LGBTQ candidates vying for state and feder- “Being Jewish and being trans gives me more Carrs expand
al office,” with more than 430 winning election strength. It doesn’t give me fear, even though I connections – page 9
according to the LGBTQ Victory Fund. Oregon know there is reason to be afraid,” says Lugo.
Governor-elect Tina Kotek will be one of the first See TRANS JEWISH, page 8 Three ways to make
Teen drummer rocks out for charity a difference – page 10

BY GABRIEL MALKA Survivors' legacies
Judah Lopkin, 16, is not your average drummer. – page 11
The Sunday before Thanksgiving, Lopkin took to
the crowded downtown streets to perform on the WIQ in Astoria – page 11
bucket drums to raise money for the food rescue
organization Feeding America. Interfaith Chanukah
Bucket drums involve drumming on plastic – page 12
buckets and other objects to create beats and
rhythms. PJA auction and events
Why did a high school junior decide to do this?
“As much as I enjoy drumming, I felt unful- beyond Chanukah
filled,” says Lopkin. “I really wanted to use – page 13
my passion for drumming to do something that
mattered. I became tremendously inspired by Ahavath Achim
the YouTuber and philanthropist MrBeast, who welcomes community
makes charity fun through entertaining fundrais- – page 14
ers and donations. I wanted to combine my pas-
sion for drumming with charity in a fun way, and
the idea of playing the bucket drums downtown SUBSCRIBE:
took off from there.”
Judah Lopkin plays the bucket drums at Pioneer The Jewish concept of Or L’goyim (a light upon jewishportland.org/
Courthouse Square to support the food bank the nations) was another inspiration. subscribe
Feeding America. See TEEN DRUMMER, page 10