"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.

This is a warm and welcoming Jewish synagogue in Lake Oswego. It is the only synagogue south of…read morePortland until you hit Salem. It draws from the south suburbs and the entire Portland metro area. It is affiliated with the Reform movement, has an (almost) full-time rabbi and cantor, and a religious school offering bar and bat mitzvah training. There are a variety of social and educational events throughout the year. I encourage any unaffiliated Jewish families -- particularly those who do not want to schlep into Portland -- to check out "Beit Hav" (house of friends).

From the owner: Beit Haverim is an open, inviting, and spiritually alive Jewish community, located just outside of…read morePortland, Oregon in Lake Oswego. Beit Haverim began in 1992 as South Metro Jewish Community located in West Linn, Oregon, and in 1998 SMJC evolved into a congregation. In 2007 SMJC adopted the Hebrew name of Beit Haverim, expressing the essence of who we are - a House of Friends. We welcome everyone to our Reform congregation of Jews by birth, Jews by choice, and Jews at heart. A congregation where families and individuals experience the sense of Jewish belonging that comes from shared worship, religious instruction, Tikkun Olam, and social events at a location not too far from home.

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.

Really fun study session and a beautiful worship experience in a sanctuary with a view of Mt St…read more Helens. Highly recommend!

This is more than a temple to me, it is a warm, welcoming community that comes together to…read morecelebrate times of joy and support each other through hard times. My wife is not Jewish and no one has ever asked whether she is or not. I find that even more meaningful than asking and still accepting her. My son is being Bar Mitzvah'd this summer and his preparation is focusing on the meaning of the day rather than just the ritual. If you're looking for a community that honors Jewish tradition but is current and relevant to being a Jew in today's world, this is the place. All led by the vivacious, brilliant, compassionate Rabbi Dunsker.

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.

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.

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.