Lots of Words...but worth reading!

We crammed ourselves into a small office space this morning to continue our planning for Jewish Arts Month (JAM.) The MJCC was hopping busy! The conference room was full, an event was going on in the ballroom and I counted 3 separate meetings going on in the cafe. How cool that our "J" is so vibrant and busy!

In the coming weeks there will be lots of talk about the exciting events we have  planned, but first, let's acknowledge all of the people who are working hard to make this event happen. We'll have to bring a camera to the next meeting to capture all the "shayna punims" of the team.

The grant writing talents of Helen Gundlach earned our grant from the Oregon Arts Commission! In addition to her duties as director of development for both the MJCC and Portland Jewish Academy, she found the time to cultivate a beautiful grant. Thanks Helen!!!

Lisa Horowitz doesn't sit on the planning team, but as CEO of The Mittleman Jewish Community Center and Portland Jewish Academy has offered incredible support. Our team will work hard to repay your confidence in us.

Another MJCC staffer, Jordana Levenick has been busy  creating a beautiful program guide, reserving rooms, and consulting on all marketing efforts.

Barbara Steinfeld is the Vice President of Travel Portland. She has helped design our grant evaluation tool and has facilitated a number of important contacts. She is also our Twitter Maven!

Esther Liberman faithfully takes notes, maintains our events calendar and is working on the design of our upcoming webpage with the  graphic arts staff at the "J". She's member of ORA: Northwest Jewish Artists, creating  beautiful works of bead art.

Cantor Ida Rae Cahana is a talented musical artist and adjunct clergy member at Temple Beth Israel. She is also a member of the MJCC board and is working closely with Ed Kraus, whose voice is well known to fans of KBOO's The Yiddish Hour. Together they are putting together several musical programs that will feature local and internationally know performers.

Founder and director of the Portland jewish Theater Collaborative, Sacha Reich brings theatrical vision to our team. KinderTransport will be a featured part of JAM coming to A.R.T. in March.

Priscilla Kostiner brings years of experience to our work. Long time supporter of Jewish cultural arts, religious lay leader and MJCC board member, Priscilla is leading our fundraising efforts.


 Our newest team member is Abby Myers. Under her leadership our kick-off party will involve city leaders as well as numerous talented artists and performers. Refreshments and free admission will welcome our guests.

Eddy Shuldman is a local artist, member of ORA and one of the originators of JAM. She is coordinating venues to feature local 2-D and 3-D artists .