Conference to focus on mitzvot
By Deborah Moon Seldner
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Tikkun olam and mitzvah opportunities will be the focus when Portland Area Jewish Educators convene at Congregation Shaarie Torah Sept. 10 for their annual conference.
In addition to providing a free professional development opportunity for local Jewish educators, this year's fall conference will also feature a Mitzvah Shuk highlighting a variety of mitzvah projects.
Shaarie Torah Education Director Dorice Horenstein said the Mitzvah Shuk is designed both to make teachers aware of projects they might undertake as a school or class and also to give PAJE the opportunity to select one or more projects that they might take on as a community.
"All of the synagogues and schools are doing great mitzvah projects," said Beth Israel Education Director Ben Sandler, who is co-chairing the conference with Horenstein. "But we want our kids to come together not only socially, at dances, but over social action projects too."
The shuk will feature seven mitzvah projects. Jewish Family and Child Service will present information about its Thanksgiving box project, household supply needs and annual effort to provide Passover foods to those in need. Portlander Ann Bardacke will talk about the North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry and its high school project to help Ethiopian students in Israel fully participate in school activities. Cedar Sinai Park is looking for people to help with two gardening projects—one at Rose Schnitzer Manor and one for Miriam Suite residents at Robison Jewish Health Center. The Sunshine Pantry, which provides food and clothing to those in need, has a variety of projects for which they need assistance.
Sandler added the shuk will introduce educators to many local philanthropic opportunities.
"All of our schools help non-Jewish recipients," said Sandler. "Part of our goal is to make educators aware of Jewish needs."
The theme of tikkun olam, repair of the world, will be woven throughout the conference. The day will begin at 8:30 with three options for tefillah, followed by the keynote address at 9 a.m.
"Tzedakah is a cornerstone of Jewish life, but many of its aspects are not well understood," according to keynote speaker Charles R. Schiffman, executive vice president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. "We will take a quick overview of the meaning of tzedakah and some unique ways of making it part of our everyday lives."
The morning will continue with two break-out sessions in which participants can choose from a variety of workshops geared to different age groups and interests. Then participants will have a half-hour to experience the mitzvah shuk before sitting down for a kosher lunch prepared by Shaarie Torah mashgiach and cook Meirav Goldner.
The day will end with a 1:15 wrap-up session.
Attendance is free for Jewish educators and $18 for those not working in Jewish education.
For more information, contact Horenstein at 503-226-6131, ext. 229 or Sandler at 503-222-2037.