"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 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.

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.

Learning to understand G-d and Jesus is life-saving. How does one understand G-d's message? It is…read moreby studying His Word, and focusing on Jesus instead of one's sinful nature. It is a blessing to learn about all the holidays God intends for us to celebrate and a life changing experience, one stepping stone at a time. Our heavenly father is patient, mercyful and full of grace and love towards his beloved children. If one just starts out learning about the holidays, surley God won't condem us if we can't celebrate them outwardly right away. God looks at our heart and smiles when we want to please him and change our life style a bit at a time. Jesus came into the world to save, not to judge. Let's keep focusing on Jesus and not on what we can't do. Keeping in close contact with God through staying in his Word, studying every morning, will show God that we are willing to do his will. God will help us to celebrate holidays he intends us to keep. After all, we can't earn our salvation, it is by grace that we are saved.

Wonderful church that puts the focus on Messiah Yeshua. Rabbi David has amazing insights into the…read moreJewish background of the Christian faith, and even though I am not Jewish myself, I have really appreciated his teachings over the years and love this congregation.

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.

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.

When we moved to Vancouver in 2018, I struggled to find a church that checked all the boxes. I am…read moreso happy that I continued to look until I found MPUMC. It is an extremely warm and welcoming congregation that has been extremely supportive to our family as we raised our children and stumbled through life's challenges. There are lots of opportunities for social connection, spiritual growth and community engagement. As a reconciling ministry, the congregation is not only welcoming and affirming for our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, but truly celebratory, which was an important factor for me in choosing a church. From Christmas pageants to pancake dinners, potlucks, kayaking picnics, hikes, youth ministry trips and the annual ice cream social, something is always happening at Mill Plain UMC!

I have been a member of this church since 1989. The people are warm and friendly across all ages…read more Reverend Carl Martin has a sincere message each Sunday that will reach your heart. Sunday school is available along with a caring nursery. Come join the choir and singing 9:30 or 11:00 each Sunday