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Portlander selected for iCenter’s Leader’s Lab

PDX Hillel Israel Fellow Eden Ferede Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies,
has been named to the first cohort of the the Jim Joseph Foundation, and the Paul
iCenter’s new program offering a Certifi- E. Singer Foundation through the Jewish
cate in Experiential Israel Education. The Community Response and Impact Fund.
first cohort of 31 participants comes from “Israeli culture is so dynamic and offers
across the country and from a wide range many ways for educators to tap into young
of educational settings for Jewish teens and learners’ passions, enabling them to build
youth. their own relationship with Israel,” says
This cohort, known as “Leaders Lab,” is Anne Lanski of the iCenter. “Yet this op-
the first of seven planned cohorts for 2021, portunity can be overshadowed by political
each of which will include 30-40 partici- polarization, toxic campus environments
pants. While planning for the certificate and hesitation among Jewish educators to
program was under way for years, the pan- embrace Israel – and its educational possi-
demic accelerated the final planning and bilities – as integral to their work. This new
launch of the entirely virtual program. program will help train educators and en-
Over the course of six weeks in both small gagement professionals, and instill in them
and large groups, participants will explore the confidence and depth of knowledge, to
content and practice new skills to move PDX Hillel Executive Director Hannah support Jewish students.”
them further on a pathway to literacy in Sherman. “Her participation in this pro- In addition to accepting individual partic-
Israel and education, and to engage their gram will allow us to further elevate our ipants, the iCenter will work closely with
learners in meaningful Israel educational Israel-related programming, creating organizations that want to build their own
experiences. The Leaders Lab cohort will meaningful programming that educates and cohort for their professionals. The cer-
offer vital feedback to shape the content engages our core group of students as well tificate program is designed for early to
and experience of future cohorts and to as broadening our reach into our campus mid-career professionals for whom Israel
help identify other educators and those who communities and engaging previously un- education is a part of their work, but who
would benefit from this training. engaged students.” do not necessarily see themselves as Isra-
“For the past two years, Eden has brought The iCenter, theicenter.org, believes that el educators. The certificate program also
so much light and joy to PDX Hillel, as this first cohort will be instrumental in welcomes applications from teens who are
well as helped strengthen many students’ creating support within institutions for responsible for Israel education in their
relationships to Israel by engaging in of- future, larger cohorts to thrive. Support youth groups, summer camps, synagogues,
tentimes difficult conversations,” says for the program comes from Charles and or school Israel clubs.
News in brief

MJCC reopened for members March 1 CNSCOS has created a resource guide that takes you through
The Mittleman Jewish Community Center reopened for members the basics of finding vaccination appointments through OHA and
with reservations on March 1. The J began to welcome back mem- through local pharmacies. This guide will be updated regularly
bers for in-person workouts, personal training, racquetball, swim- when new information becomes available.
ming and vacation day camps. The center will phase in additional Find the guide at bit.ly/2Ntg0NZ.
programs and services over time as guidelines allow. For those who would like to learn more about the safety and effi-
The MJCC – like all Multnomah County gyms, fitness organi- cacy of available vaccines, sign up for this workshop on March 4,
zations, indoor recreational facilities, pools and indoor venues – 4-5 pm, led by Dr. Max Cohen, ND with Boost Oregon.
closed temporarily Nov. 18 under the governor’s statewide freeze The purpose of the workshop is to inform and educate without
to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19. After-school and vacation fear. We especially encourage people who currently have access to
camps were permitted to continue during the freeze. For member- the vaccines, including older adults, teachers and school staff, and
ship information, email mjcc@oregonjcc.org or call 503-244-0111. essential workers, to join us for this workshop. Sponsors: Boost
Beginning Monday, March 1, the J opened to members only by Oregon, CNSCOS and Jewish Federation of Greater Portland
reservation during the following hours: Sunday 8 am-3 pm; and Register at tinyurl.com/BoostOregon.
Monday through Friday 7-11 am and 3-7 pm. Free loan makes first fertility loan
Portland Jewish Academy, which shares the Schnitzer Family
Campus with the J, will begin to phase in the elementary in-person The Jewish Free Loan of Greater Portland has increased its max-
school program on March 3. The school had planned to resume imum loan amount to $5,000, and the first loan approved at that
March 1, but “We had to delay a couple of days following the higher level is also its first fertility assistance loan.
storm and lengthy power outage,” says PJA and MJCC Executive “We are very excited with the growth and support of Jewish Free
Director Steve Albert. PJA’s Early Childhood program reopened Loan,” says Free Loan Chair Les Gutfreund.
last July. The middle school is expected to return after Passover. Loans of up to $5,000 now are available to Jewish residents of Or-
egon and SW Washington. The loans require two cosigners and are
Vaccination resources for Jewish community interest free with repayment over three years. Application-to-ap-
Congregation Neveh Shalom’s COVID-19 Outreach and Services proval can take a few weeks. Smaller loans of up to $1,000 for
team is a team engaged by CNS, with funding from the Oregon people directly impacted by COVID-19 do not require a cosigner
Health Authority, tasked with helping limit the spread of COVID-19 and application-to-approval takes just one to a few days.
by providing services and timely information to the Jewish commu- To apply for a loan or to donate, visit jewishportland.org/freeloan,
nities of Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. email freeloan@jewishportland.org or call Les at 503-932-7783.
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