Upcoming Events

Knit Together: A Crafting Community
Calling all knitters. Bring your projects and chat while enjoying your pastime in the Cafe at the J.
Tuesdays at 1:00 - 2:00 pm

No knitting on the second Tuesday of each month.

Open games in the Cafe at the J. Bring your friends and play.
Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays at 12:30 pm

Help choose next year's books. At the MJCC and on Zoom.
1:00 pm

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 896 9190 1409
Passcode: Books!

Join us in honoring another great Jewish composers and lyricist! Come rediscover the works of Jerry Herman, American composer and lyricist, known for his work in Broadway musical theater. He composed the scores for the hit Broadway musicals Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage aux Folles. Today, Gilda Solve will recreate the upbeat and optimistic outlook of what Herman called “the simple, hummable show tune.” So hum along as we listen to some of the most beautiful tunes in the American Songbook. Guests are welcome to ask questions via the chat throughout the program. 

Wednesday, August 17 on Zoom 
1:00 - 2:00 pm 

For details and tickets, click here.

Save! Order before August 15 for Early Bird pricing! 

Join us on Zoom to Berlin for four virtual trips in Germany's capital, which is buzzing with history (much good, some not) and culture. It was once called “the Athens on the Spree (River)" because of the significant cultural, scientific and architectural developments and achievements that happened there. Our professional guide Jamie – a long-time resident of Berlin – shares his insights and experiences in this dynamic and exciting city.

11:00 am - 12:15 pm on Zoom
For details and tickets, click here.

Join members of the community for a discussion in Hebrew. Purchase lunch or just enjoy the conversation. Some conversational Hebrew required.
In person at the MJCC
Every other Tuesdays at 12:15 pm
August 2, 16 + 30

Timbers vs FC Dallas
Providence Park
Saturday, August 6 | 7:30 pm
Tickets

Open games in the Cafe at the J. Bring your friends and play.
Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays at 12:30 pm

Portland Thorns vs. Racing Louisville FC
Providence Park
Wednesday, Sept. 21 | 7:00 pm
Tickets

Exploring Opera: Magnificent Mozart – His Glory in the Opera House 
Two Thursdays, September 8 + 15, 2022 
1:00 - 2:15 pm
on Zoom 
Save! Get “Early Bird” pricing before Sept 6th.

Immerse yourself in the world of Mozart – the early operas, when his genius was ready to burst forth; and the stupendous works of his maturity, when his brilliance as a musical dramatist was truly incomparable. Join Roger Pines on a voyage into some of the most glorious music ever written for the operatic stage! This special mini-series will reveal exactly what it takes to perform Mozart memorably, and will be illustrated by historically important performances by many of the greatest Mozart interpreters in the history of recording.  For details + tickets, click here. 

Music & Morsels: Beyond Bach 
Wednesday, September 14, 2022 
1:00 - 2:00 pm
on Zoom 
Save! Get “Early Bird” pricing before Sept 12th. 

For this program, classical pianist Ian Scarfe returns to explore selections from J. S. Bach's famous "Well-Tempered Clavier", a collection of Preludes and Fugues in all the major and minor keys. Seen as one of the most influential works in music history, Scarfe will show how composers from Beethoven to Chopin and Rachmaninoff were inspired by the Baroque master. 

For details + tickets, click here. 

 

Jewish Book Council presents:

Adeena Sussman in Conversation with Michael W. Twitty

Thursday, September 15
9:30 am (PT) 12:30 pm (ET)
Free, virtual event on Zoom

Join Jew­ish Book Coun­cil and best-sel­l­­ing author Michael Twit­ty in a con­ver­sa­tion about iden­ti­ty, food, cul­ture, and inter­sec­tion­al­i­ty. Kosh­er­soul is a thought-pro­vok­ing mem­oir that looks at the cre­ation of African-Jew­ish foods as a result of migra­tion and the dias­po­ra. Michael Twit­ty will be joined by Adeena Suss­man, food writer and author of the upcom­ing book Shab­bat: Recipes and Rit­u­als From My Table To Yours.

Additional details and registration at JewishBookCouncil.org.

Songs & Stories: A Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch 
Wednesday, September 21 
1:00 - 2:00 pm
on Zoom 
Save! Get “Early Bird” pricing before Sept 19th.

Considered to be a man known for his great versatility and humanity, Marvin Hamlisch believed in the power of music to bring people together. Today, Gilda Solve pays tribute to this great composer and conductor well-known on Broadway. He wrote the music for his groundbreaking show, A Chorus Line, which received the Pulitzer Prize, as well as the music for They’re Playing Our Song and The Goodbye Girl. Come tune in as Gilda revisits beloved tunes such as “I Can Do That," “What I Did for Love” and more! 

Guests are welcome to ask questions via the chat throughout the program. 
For details & tickets, click here.

Exploring Broadway: Shall We Dance? 
Four Thursdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27, 2022 
1:00 - 2:15 pm
on Zoom 
Save! Get "Early Bird" registration before October 4th! 

Dance became an integral part of musical theater with choreographer Agnes de Mille’s groundbreaking “Dream Ballet” in Oklahoma! In the time since, Bennett, Fosse, Robbins, Stroman, Tune and many others have created magical moments of movement from the intimate expressions of individuals to the energetic showstoppers of group production numbers. Journey with James Sokol through various dance numbers of an array of genres – ballet, jazz, Latin, rock & roll, tap and more – from “Golden Age” classics to contemporary classics. Video performance clips bring these exciting numbers into the discussion. 

Come for the dances; stay for the fun! 

For details & tickets, click here.  

 

 

 

 

Songs & Stories: A Tribute to Ira Gershwin 
Wednesday, October 12 
1:00 - 2:00 pm
on Zoom 

Save! Order before October 10th for “Early Bird” pricing! 

Join entertainer Gilda Solve for a tribute to Ira Gershwin, the most successful craftsman of the American theatre in the era between World Wars I and II, when many of his shows were Broadway hits. This beloved Jewish-American lyricist collaborated with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, to create some of the most memorable songs in the English language of the 20th century. His mastery of songwriting continued after George's early death in 1937. Ira wrote additional hit songs with composers Jerome Kern, Kurt Weill, Harry Warren and Harold Arlen. Guests are welcome to ask questions via the chat throughout the program. 

For details & tickets, click here. 

Music & Morsels: Beethoven's Cello Sonata 
Wednesday, October 26 
1:00 - 2:00 pm
on Zoom 

Save! Get “Early Bird” pricing before October 24th. 

Come join pianist Ian Scarfe and special guest cellist James Jaffe, who will perform and discuss Beethoven's Cello Sonata. The first composer to bring the cello into a solo voice, Beethoven was one of the most dramatic and influential composers of chamber music. The duo will perform Beethoven's 3rd Cello Sonata in A Major, from the composer’s "heroic" period, and discuss details in the music, share stories of their own performances, and tell more history of the music and of Beethoven himself. 

For details & tickets, click here.

Still Traveling:  Southern Italy’s Archeological Treasures 
Four Mondays, October 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21
11:00 am - 12:15 pm
on Zoom 

Our fantastic guide in Napoli – Antonella – returns with an all-new exploration of important archeological sites (some famous, some hidden gems) not far from her hometown.  Our virtual "trips" include: 

Pompeii (Oct. 31) 
Herculaneum & the So-Called “Minor Sites” (Nov. 7) 
Paestum (Nov. 14) 
The Phlegraean Fields (Nov. 21) 
For details & tickets, click here. 

 

  

Music & Morsels: "Scenes from Childhood" 
Wednesday, November 2 
1:00 - 2:00 pm
on Zoom 
Save! Get “Early Bird” pricing before Oct 31st. 

Don't miss Ian Scarfe's exploration of Romantic works for solo piano, culminating in the cycle of piano pieces by Robert Schumann called "Kinderszenen," or "Scenes from Childhood." These charming, humorous, and melodramatic works showcase the hyperactive imagination of the German composer Robert Schumann, and provide poignant listening for music lovers of all types. Scarfe will also share selected works from his own childhood growing up practicing the piano. 

For details & tickets, click here.

Exploring Opera: Compare & Contrast 
Three Thursdays, November 3, 10 & 17, 2022 
1:00 - 2:30 pm
on Zoom 
Save! Purchase "Early Bird" ticket before Nov 1st! 

After raves from the January opera series, James Sokol returns with a special mini-series filled with a new set of arias, fabulous singers, and gorgeous music; a great series for opera newcomers & the long-time fans. This deep dive may help illuminate who was better, this famous singer or that famous singer? Maybe a forgotten singer or an unknown singer? The answer is complex; it depends on the role, the moment in each career, especially on the listener’s preferences, and more! Still, to compare and contrast the same aria sung by different voices can be very interesting, sometimes illuminating, usually beautiful. Come for the songs; stay for the fun! 

For details & tickets, click here. 

Songs & Stories: A Tribute to Sammy Cahn 
Wednesday, November 9 
1:00 - 2:00 pm
on Zoom 
Save! Order before Nov 7th for “Early Bird” pricing! 

Come discover the songs & stories of Sammy Cahn, best known for his romantic lyrics to songs of Hollywood and Broadway. He was nominated for over 30 Academy Awards and won four times. His songs were recorded by virtually every major singer including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Doris Day and many more.  He wrote some of the most popular songs including “Come Fly With Me,” “Love and Marriage,” “My Kind of Town."  Join entertainer Gilda Solve to enjoy Cahn’s collaborations with Jule Styne, Jimmy Van Heusen and compositions for his friend, Frank Sinatra.  Guests are welcome to ask questions via the chat throughout the program. 

For details & tickets, visit click here. 

JCO provides enjoyable music to the Jewish and surrounding communities of the Portland Metro area. This program helps to further the growth of local artists by presenting concerts that attract, educate and entertain our audience.
Godard – Jocelyn Suite No. 1 & 2
Beethoven – Symphony No. 6 in F, op. 68
Sunday, November 13
3:00 pm
Tickets are available at the door on the day of the concert. $15 adults, 
$10 seniors, $8 students. 
Children under 6 free. 

Still Traveling:  Captivating Cambodia – Traditions in Food, Art, Crafts & Dance 
Four Mondays, December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2022 
11:00 am - 12:15 pm
on Zoom 

Zoom into the home of our beloved, professional, Cambodian guide - Tek - for an all-new exploration of vibrant artistic traditions in his homeland. Our virtual "trips" include: 

Cuisine: From Market to Table (Dec. 5) 
Fine Art: Museums & Galleries (Dec. 12) 
Crafts: A Renaissance of Traditions (Dec. 19) 
Dance: Ancient History, Modern Practice (Dec. 26) 

For details & tickets, click here.

 

Repeated by Popular Demand! 

Art & Anti-Semitism 
Tuesday, December 6 
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
on Zoom 
Save! Register by Dec 4th for "Early Bird" pricing! 

When talking about antisemitism, people often think about the Nazi regime and contemporary antisemitism, maybe about the Spanish Inquisition and other events within the past couple of centuries. However, anti-Semitism has been expressed in visual art since the early Middle Ages. This and other types of discrimination were encouraged by political and religious powers, all which paved the way to persecution and genocide. Jews have been depicted as monsters, sub-humans, animals or even demons. 

Join our professional guide & lecturer - Claudia - for this thought-provoking lecture and see an array of paintings, sculptures, reliefs, and gargoyles through the ages, each providing clear evidence of an anti-Semitic agenda. These images were the political cartoons and posters of the age…and most remain visible today. 

For details & tickets, click here

 

Music & Morsels: "Three's Company" 
Wednesday, December 7 
1:00 - 2:00 pm
on Zoom 
Save! Get “Early Bird” pricing before Dec 5th. 

Don't miss this wonderful concert with classical music for Piano, Violin, and Cello! Our live streaming concert will feature pianist Ian Scarfe joined by two special guest artists, as they bring together classical chamber music to a live audience. This program will feature Romantic works by Antonin Dvorak, including his "Dumky" Trio, a cycle of Ukrainian musical elegies that are full of romantic lyricism, exciting folk dances, and virtuoso playing. 

For details & tickets, click here.

Re-Re-Repeated by Popular Demand! 
Exploring Broadway: Fabulous “Fiddler” (Part I: An Encore!) 
Thursday, December 8 
1:00 - 3:00 pm
on Zoom 
Save! Order before Dec 6th for “Early Bird” pricing! 

Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock’s beloved Fiddler on the Roof is widely considered the last of Broadway’s “Golden Age” musicals. Before its premiere, some producers were concerned that it was "too Jewish" to attract mainstream audiences. However, the touching story and beautiful score proved to capture “the essential human longings for love, community, success, freedom, and family.” Join instructor James Sokol for an exploration – filled with interesting facts, delightful tidbits & nostalgic video clips – of this perennial favorite! Songs covered in this session include, "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I Were a Rich Man," "Sunrise, Sunset" and "Do You Love Me." Come for the songs; stay for the fun! 

For details & tickets, click here. 

Book Burning Throughout History: Our Ignorance is Their Power 
Tuesday, December 13 
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
on Zoom 
Save! Register by Dec 11th for "Early Bird" pricing! 

Many authoritarian governments and extremists are responsible for widespread cultural destruction through terrorism, war, ethnic cleansing, and other forms of mass violence.  The destruction of books & libraries is one way of making an ethnicity or culture disappear. Though book burning may seem a thing of the past, it still continues today!  Our beloved lecturer Claudia returns with another fascinating and thought-provoking topic, providing several examples and analysis of the motivations for this symbolic act. 

For details & tickets, click here. 

Songs & Stories: A Tribute to Betty Comden & Adolph Green 
Wednesday, December 14 
1:00 - 2:00 pm
on Zoom 
Save! Order before December 12th for “Early Bird” pricing! 

Jewish American musical-comedy team Betty Comden & Adolph Green wrote scripts – and often the lyrics – for many Broadway and Hollywood musicals. They were paired together longer than any other writing team in the history of Broadway. Join entertainer Gilda Solve for a review of some of their hit musical treasures.  Guests are welcome to ask questions via the chat throughout the program. 

For details & tickets, click here. 

Exploring Broadway: Fabulous "Fiddler" (Part-II, A Sequel) 
Thursday, December 15 
1:00 - 3:00 pm
on Zoom 
Save! Order before Dec 13th for “Early Bird” pricing! 

Join in this new class as instructor James Sokol continues an exploration of Harnick & Bock’s beloved Fiddler on the Roof.  Filled with interesting facts, delightful tidbits & nostalgic video clips, this lecture will explore such songs as "Sabbath Prayer," "Miracle of Miracles," "The Bottle Dance," "Far From the Home I Love," and "Anatevka."  Come for the songs; stay for the fun!  Note: Attending Part-I is not a requirement for joining or enjoying Part-II. 

For details & tickets, click here.