Dec. 17 open house celebrates Kesser's history and future

By Kaplan Tuttlebaum

Congregation Kesser Israel is holding an open house ? "Honoring the Past, Celebrating our Future: A South Portland Family Reunion" ? on Sunday, Dec. 17, from noon to 3 p.m., at the historic Meade Street shul, 136 SW Meade St.
"So many people, families and individuals, have connections with Kesser Israel," said Sura Rubenstein, the event coordinator. "We wanted to celebrate where we've been, and especially all the people who've been a part of the shul's —and South Portland's—family."
She said the congregation was particularly interested in reconnecting with people with historic family ties to Kesser. It's especially important now, with the congregation in the process of relocating near the Mittleman Jewish Community Center.
"We'd love to have you share your memories, family stories or any bits of history about the shul," she said.
There will be a short formal program—about half an hour?beginning at 1:30 p.m., with remarks by Charles Schiffman of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, Kesser Israel Rabbi Kenneth Brodkin, and the congregation's former rabbi, Rabbi Leonard Oppenheimer. Mincha services will be at 2:30 p.m. in the sanctuary—and those who would like to will be able to take photographs from the balcony.
The rest of the time, Rubenstein said, people are welcome to circulate through the building and view displays of historic photos, newspaper stories, memorabilia, and several audio-visual presentations. In addition, there will be a "Kesser Connections" table, at which people can contribute their memories about the shul.
The memories, and the stories, she said, will be the greatest gift. Whether it's the scent of smelling salts on Yom Kippur, stories of a wedding and Sheva Brachos dinners in the shul, or a 40-year-old memory of a young boy talking sports with an old man during a long service, all are an important part of the shul's history.
"Since Hanukkah is the Festival of Dedication, we thought it was especially appropriate to have this event now—to celebrate the dedication of all those who have kept the shul going, and the dedication of those who are part of its renaissance," she said. Light refreshments also will be served.
Founded in 1912, Congregation Kesser Israel is the only remaining original synagogue in the Old South Portland neighborhood, which once thrived as the center of the city's Jewish community, and is a highlight of historic neighborhood tours. It's also the oldest continuously operating Orthodox synagogue in the state of Oregon.
Rabbi Brodkin, who this month celebrates his first anniversary with the congregation, emphasizes Kesser Israel's openness to the community. "This shul has always been 'an Orthodox synagogue for all Jews,'" he said. "That's our tradition, and we celebrate it."
For details, contact Sura Rubenstein at sura.rubenstein@comcast.net or 503-222-1239.