"Coincidence is God's Way of Remaining Anonymous" - Albert Einstein…read more My recent visits to the old Jewish Communities in Belmonte and Tomar Portugal has gotten me thinking lately about my own religious observance. I've fallen off the grid over the last few years, mostly due to the negligence (in my opinion) of a few East Bay synagogues regarding my son's Jewish education. I figured that if he wasn't welcome there, I wasn't going to walk through their doors either. But I really miss the Ruach Elohim (God's Spirit), and sensing that, Gayle has suggested that we try out a few places closer to our home in Pleasant Hill. And since my son now spends most of his time in Portland, it might be the right time for T'shuvah (repentance and return). I was pondering all this last Sunday as I was on my walk from the Pearl District towards Nob Hill (via the Alphabet District). At one point, I noticed this stunning Byzantine-style building and decided to come over, take a look, and wander around the associated campus. I also paused to sit and have a good think. As it turns out I had arrived at Beth Israel, a Reform Synagogue founded in 1858, and before Oregon became a State. My thoughts went all the way back to January 1979, when I first converted to Judaism in Houston Texas ( while I was a student at Texas A&M). The Conservative ceremony (including Mikvah and Bet Din) was held at United Orthodox Synagogue, but under sponsorship of Congregation Beth Yeshurun. Even 30 years later, I still remember that day and the mensch that made it all possible - Rabbi Moshe Cahana (Z"L). I still have the conversion papers with his signature, and fondly remember the classes, my conversations with him, and of course my "efforts" to extract that ritual drop of blood. And in the present day, maybe I've disappointed him. And once home, I looked up Beth Israel on their website and paused when I noticed the name of the Senior Rabbi....Michael Cahana, his son. It's time.

Use this as a point of reference for truly one of the most awesome areas in Portland. Walking…read morearound the synagogue, you can see amazing old-style buildings, houses, and grand streets.

Rabbi Josh Rose is beloved by everyone who has the honor to get to know him. He is solid,…read moreauthentic, honest, scholarly, a genuine listener, empathetic, compassionate, he asks the right questions, his answers are grounded in Jewish ethics, and his breadth of life experiences. He is sound, he is consistent, and his heart has no limits. He has been an asset to this Congregation and it's growth. Once you get involved in programs he has implemented for both adults and children, and once you hear him speak from the bima you will never leave. He is by your side and he will challenge you in a heartfelt way. You will grow with this synagogue, you will grow with Rabbi Rose.

Rabbi Rose is an amazing rabbi. He listens, really listens and promotes active questioning. It's a…read moreplace where Judaism is alive and thriving. It's a place for family, education, growth and community.

This location has been closed. Congregation Beit Yosef is now at 4200 Vermont Street Portland…read moreOregon

Do you like music? Do you like singing? Do you like gathering together with friends in the spirit…read moreof a shared faith in the equality and dignity of each person as a child of god? Great! Come to P'nai or - you'll feel welcomed and at home.

I "discovered" P'nai Or after a few years "trying out" the various other shuls in Portland. I was…read morelooking for a service in which I wsa a participant, not a spectator, and which brought joy and a feeling of belonging into religious observances that elsewhere were formulaic and meaningless. P'nai Or delivers on all of these counts. I've also found a deeply caring "family" where I can feel at home. The services are mostly in Hebrew, but also mostly musical, and filled with dance and warmth. The leaders explain what is going on, and there is no mumbling in an undertone! Everyone is made welcome, regardless of their level of knowledge. Whenever I take part in a service, I come away invigorated, and wishing I could attend more often.

Rabbi Benjamin is a gift. All are welcome at Havurah…read more I like that this synagogue has been around for decades and has an established membership and location. The Shabbat school is taught by parents and is very inclusive. I'm so glad our family has found its Jewish home.

Admittedly, even longtime members thought it was an off-night for this synagogue -- most were home…read morewatching the Presidential Debate. Of the somewhat few who were in attendance, all were very nice. I don't know if I can get into a guitar-accompanied Shabbat service, though, and I really miss the ancient melodies that so many synagogues, including this one, have abandoned for more modern ones. I'm still going to their High Holy Day services, though, but might do some more shul-shopping before I settle on one here in Portland.