Affinity groups unite individuals with common interests
By Anne Koppel Conway
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Each of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland's four affinity groups has its own focus, but an underlying Jewish thread connects them all.
Blue Knot
Blue Knot, the Federation's hi-tech affinity group, is having a dynamic first year. The group now boasts 200 members and is growing, said Chair Eric Rosenfeld, a managing partner of Capybara Ventures. The first two meetings each attracted 30 to 40 members. He expects 40-50 attendees for the upcoming get-together.
Rosenfeld describes the Nov. 16 evening event, sponsored by D.A. Davidson & Co., as "classy and upscale." It will be held at the World Forestry Center, starting at 6 p.m. He draws a parallel between the Forestry Center's goal of achieving sustainable and regenerating forests and the changes the technology industry is undergoing with the seeds for growth being planted by new companies.
The topic, "The Future of Oregon's Technology Economy," is particularly germane today "with Intel potentially laying off 2,000 workers in Oregon," said Rosenfeld, who sees the glass as half-full. "The dislocation of employees who are leaving relatively comfortable jobs" and the accompanying "tough economic times" is counterbalanced by "a whole crop of new hi-tech companies emerging here in Oregon." So, although "we are in a transition period, a whole generation of new employers will provide a nice possibility for growth for the future of our economy."
In addition to the event providing great food-for-thought with the panel discussion it will also be "heavy on the hors d'oeuvres," Rosenfeld said. The networking period will give Knotters a chance to "build new relationships." Some of the members of the group "are leaders in the new companies. Some are recruiters, CEOs, senior executives and engineers," he said.
The group's name comes from the Torah passage that discusses the technology of making the rare, blue dye that goes into the knots on the corners of Tallitot. More than 18 Jewish tech groups have formed in other areas of the country.
Blue Knot is a "self-affiliating group," said Rosenfeld. "Members identify themselves as being a part of the technology industry as well as Jewish."
If you are interested in getting involved, contact Josh Stein
at 503-245-5641 or joshs@
jewishportland.org. Registration for the Nov. 16 event is available online at www.jewishportland.org/blueknot.
Young Adults Division
"The Young Adult Division's role is a vital one," said Chair Adrienne Sciberras. "The division serves as an entry point for young adults to connect with their peers and get involved in their local Jewish community. It provides the opportunity for social action, education, philanthropy and leadership development, and helps foster a greater sense of connection to the Jewish community of greater Portland."
The Young Adult Division affinity group is active as ever. Their regular activities include an informal get-together every third Thursday for a happy hour.
In addition, their "Shabbat Hops are really fun," she said. Members "meet at various synagogues for dinner and services. "It gives people a chance to check out the synagogues," said Sciberras.
If you would like to get involved with YAD, contact Josh Stein at 503-245-5641 or joshs@jewishportland.org.
Maimonides Society
The Maimonides Society, for all health professionals, is heading into its third year. The group's four to five yearly dinner meetings now have about 100 health care professionals attending, out of "700-800 potential members in the greater Portland area who should be getting into the program," said Howard Lazarus, M.D., chair of the Maimonides Society, named for the medieval Jewish physician and scholar.
Topics range from Jewish medical ethics to clinical, basic science to physician well-being to avocational topics such as humor. An upcoming winter or spring lecture will be about Nazi doctors.
To get with the program contact Jen Feldman at 503-245-6449 or jen@jewishportland.org.
Solomon's Legacy
Libby Schwartz, an attorney with Perkins Coie, LLP, chairs Solomon's Legacy, the affinity group for the legal community.
Recent luncheon events have featured Harry H. Stein and his biography "Gus J. Solomon: Liberal Politics, Jews, and the Federal Courts" and the Honorable Paul J. De Muniz, chief justice of the Oregon Supreme Court, who discussed the challenges facing the state's judicial system.
The legal affinity group is named in memory of Judge Gus Solomon, the first Jewish federal judge of Oregon, appointed by President Harry S. Truman, and for the biblical King Solomon.
To get in on the good lunches, lectures and camaraderie contact Schwartz at 503-727-2054, or Robert Horenstein, 503-245-6496 or bob@jewishportland.org.