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CONVERSION REACTION (continued from page 1)
“The long-standing discrimi- “This Supreme Court ruling Rabbi Isaak, a Conservative that my Conservative or Reform
nation that non-Orthodox Jews legitimizes their work and will rabbi. “So, it is only logical that colleague in Israel performs is
have faced in Israel is now be- help unify and strengthen the conversions under the auspices not considered official since the
ing recognized and addressed. relationship with Israel and of non-Orthodox Israeli rabbis Orthodox rabbinate controls all
Reform, Conservative and World Judaism.” should be legitimate for citizen- issues of personal status.”
Reconstructionist rabbis and Rabbi Isaak adds that this is ship as well.” He says that is just one exam-
institutions in Israel have been just one small step forward. “When I officiate at a wedding ple of the many more changes
working heroically for decades “Conversions that I oversee in Portland, it is recognized by that will be required for full reli-
to bring new vibrant and engag- in Portland are accepted in the state,” he adds. “A wedding gious pluralism in Israel.
ing religious options to Israeli Portland AND for purposes
Jews,” adds Rabbi Cahana. of citizenship in Israel,” says Obituaries
Jobs board ISADORE GERALD YABLON

Isadore “Red” Yablon, z”l, passed away peacefully after a long
The Jewish Review publishes job openings from local Jewish illness on Feb. 21, 2021, at the age of 87 in Portland. He is sur-
agencies and congregations. Job information will be shortened to vived by his wife, Ruby Rachel (Jones) Yablon; his son, Brian
fit available space. Submit to: editor@jewishportland.org (Laurie Libenson) of Portland; his daughter, Dr. Corrie Yablon
OJCF Vice President of Philanthropy (Dr. Patrick O’Brien) of Ann Arbor, Mich.; grandsons, Ben Yablon
The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation helps individuals (Miriam Clayman) of Israel, Jonny Yablon and Will Yablon; two
and families achieve their heartfelt philanthropic goals through the great-grandchildren; a sister, Brenda Yablon of Vancouver and Tel
most tax-advantaged approaches to charitable giving. Its mission Aviv (Jessica and Richard). He was predeceased by his brother,
is to build and promote a culture of giving in Oregon and South- David.
west Washington that supports a thriving Jewish community now He was born May 30, 1933, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the
and for generations to come. first child of Willie and Adela (Goldberg) Yablon, z”l.
The Vice President of Philanthropy is responsible to the President He attended Jewish People’s School, Baron Byng High School
& CEO and will work in partnership with staff, trustees, communi- and McGill University and received his medical degree from the
ty donors and partners’ organizational leaders to realize long-term University of Toronto, where he also completed his orthopedic
goals for the Foundation. This Vice President will specifically help surgical residency. He moved to Boston, where he gained prom-
strategize and execute on the fund development and stewardship inence for his skills in surgery, teaching and research at Boston
work, which includes consideration of donor advised funds, in- University, and where he trained a generation of orthopedic sur-
vestments, impact investing, and grantmaking, all of which keep geons. He was a gifted self-taught musician who played piano and
growing markedly. Continuing to raise the Foundation’s profile, guitar and had a wonderful singing voice. He founded a folk group
this Vice President will also assume some outward-facing duties called the Yeomen, who delighted their very select audience for
as directed by the President & CEO, which may include serving almost 50 years. He was an avid fly fisherman and spent many
as a liaison to partner organizations, representing and presenting weeks in the Alaskan wilderness pursuing his passion.
as the Foundation’s ambassador, leading and attending trainings Red was a man of strong opinions and convictions and was not
within the community, and working with stakeholders. Working in afraid to make them known or to act on them. When the Yom Kip-
various capacities with the Board of Trustees, Professional Advi- pur War broke out in Israel in 1973, though he had a young family,
sory Groups, internal and external committees as well as on stra- he volunteered as a surgeon at the front. He was also an excellent
tegic initiatives will provide elevated responsibilities and growth public speaker. He touched many lives and leaves a beautiful legacy.
opportunities. Additionally, internal operations and supervisory Congregation Kesser Israel extends our sincerest condolenc-
responsibilities may evolve over time. Ultimately, this may well es to Brian and Laurie Yablon and family on the loss of Brian’s
be a succession planning opportunity as well. father, Dr. Isadore Yablon.
The Vice President of Philanthropy will possess the highest lev- Funeral arrangements were through Holman’s Funeral Services,
el of personal and professional integrity; leadership experience; Portland. A private funeral took place at Kesser Israel cemetery,
success in developing strategy; skills to comfortably interact with Feb. 22.
a professional staff, trustees, and community members; and an Donations may be made in the memory of Dr. Isadore G. Yablon
authentic heart for philanthropy. OJCF seeks an experienced de- to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children (lovetotherescue.org) or to
velopment professional who is entrepreneurial in spirit and adept the Jewish National Fund (www.jnf.org).
at collaborating to create and implement a comprehensive fund de- HERBERT HOCHFELD
velopment and asset accumulation plan that serves the community Herbert Hochfeld, z”l, passed away Feb. 12, 2021, at the age of
and donors with professionalism and transparency. This position 98. Herb was loved and remembered by his children, Susan (John)
offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits. We actively wel- Cullerton, Barbara Hochfeld and Harvey (Susan) Hochfeld; three
come all candidates from a wide range of backgrounds who have grandchildren, Andrew, Julia and Dawson; and one great-grand-
the skills to partner in and lead this dynamic philanthropic effort child, Elliot.
– regardless of compensation history. We seek to have someone in Herb was a longtime Congregation Neveh Shalom congregant.
place by Summer 2021. In keeping with CNS’s and the family’s commitment to keep our
For the full job description email executive search consultant community safe and healthy, and in compliance with our gover-
Melissa Ulum at melissa@msssearch.com or OJCF CEO and Pres- nor’s directive, a private interment is scheduled.
ident Julie Diamond at julied@ojcf.org. Congregation Neveh Shalom extends our deepest condolences to
All applications are held in strict confidence. Please submit your the extended Hochfeld family.
resume and a letter of interest to the attention of Melissa Ulum,
Managing Partner of MS&S Search, at melissa@msssearch.com. Submit obituaries to editor@jewishportland.org
14 Jewish Review March 3, 2021