Local holiday briefs
By Jewish Review
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Young adults invited to Gesher holiday dinners
For High Holy Days this year, Gesher, a nationally acclaimed home-based program of outreach to unaffiliated Jews, has expanded its Rosh Hashanah seders for Jewish young adults.
“Every year, we’ve felt the need to open our home for Jewish singles and couples,” said Rabbi Laurie Rutenberg, noting Gesher is beginning its 18th year in Portland. “High Holy Days are one of those times of the year for Jewish singles when being alone can be particularly painful.”
“Many young adults are new to Portland and do not have family,” she added. “Young couples without children also often feel like the Jewish community does not have anything to offer them. ”
Gesher’s Rosh Hashanah Seder, modeled on a Sephardic tradition, provides a feast interspersed with many symbolic foods.
This year, Gesher—A Jewish Bridge Home, will offer two events for Jewish young adults.
On Sept. 13, at 7 p.m., Gesher will hold a Rosh Hashanah feast for young adults in their 20s and early 30s. All Jews in this age range are invited, along with any significant others, Jewish or not.
On Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., Gesher will host a Rosh Hashanah seder for singles of all ages and couples without children.
“For our many years in Portland, we’ve always delighted in welcoming Jewish singles to our family’s holiday dinner table,” said Rabbi Gary Schoenberg. “Many have discovered the gift of Jewish connectedness in our home. Some have even found their life’s partners. We manage each year to rebuild the village of Jewish life through these gatherings.”
Both evenings will be festive potluck vegetarian. Reservations are a must (gesher@comcast.net or 503-246-5070) as space is limited. Gesher is located at 10701 SW 25th Ave. in Portland. Write or call for directions and suggestions for what to bring. There is no charge, but donations to Gesher are appreciated.
Teens sell honey cakes
Members of the National Conference of Synagogue Youth are selling honey loaf cakes for Rosh Hashanah.
Sales will benefit teen programs of NCSY, such as Latte and Learn and Shabbat Shebangs. NCSY is open to Portland-area teens, eighth grade through high school.
The teens are baking the honey cakes in the kitchen of former caterer Meira Spivak, the NCSY adivisor. Cakes are kosher parve.
Cost is $8 per cake. Cards are also available for $2.50 for one card or 5 cards for $10. To order, call Spivak at 503-246-1743.
Lulav sets for sale
The Everything Jewish gift shop will have a full line of Lulav and Etrog sets in their shop with rabbi on site to help you select and answer questions regarding your purchase.
The store is offering a first time buyer special of $18 to help those who want to experience this special mitzvah for the first time. Other sets begin at $28.95 and go up to more than $100.
Sets include a lulav (palm branch), an etrog (citron) from Israel, three hadassim (myrtle twigs), two aravot (willow branches) and a holder.
For more information about Lulov and Etrog sets and articles on the upcoming holidays, visit www.ChabadOregon.com/high.
Lulav sets will be on display Sep. 24-26. To reserve a set, email info@EverythingJewish.biz or call 503-246-5437 by Sept 16.
The shop is located at 6684 S.W. Capitol Highway. and is open Sun: 11-3, Mon-Thu: 10-6, and Fri 10-1.
Kollel hosts Lulav Shuks
The Portland Kollel will host a Lulav and Etrog Shuk from 5-7:30 p.m., Sept. 23 and 24, in preparation for Sukkot. Learn about and buy a Lulav and Etrog set at the Portland Kollel.
Learn the blessings, explore the meanings and study the proper way to perform this mitzvah. People will be able to pick their own lulav and esrog set with prices ranging from $30 to $7.
For more information visit www.Portlandkollel.org or Rabbi Zalman Krems at 503-753-9641 or rzk@Portlandkollel.org.
The Kollel also will host a Lulav and Etrog shuk in Eugene on Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. at Congregation Ahavas Torah 3800 Ferry St. Eugene, and in Corvallis Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mid-Willlamette Valley Jewish Community, 625 NW 36th St. Corvallis.