OFF THE GRID JUDAISM
The PDX Torah, in its own ark made from repurposed flower box, a whiskey case and license plates
Judaism is a way of life for an estimated 2.5% of the world's population. Some of us are born of Jewish parents and some are not -- but every one of us deliberately choosing to embrace their Judaism and live along Jewish rhythms, working and celebrating with others to create and nurture Jewish community, is a Jew by choice -- regardless of the circumstances of their birth.
People may be unaffiliated by choice -- perhaps because they haven't yet found a synagogue that's a good "fit" for them -- or by default, because they either can't afford synagogue dues or don't feel comfortable at a synagogue. Whatever the reasons, there are lots of unaffiliated Jews who nevertheless want to "DO" Jewish in some way.
Cost, geography, and/or discomfort in a traditional Jewish communal setting should not be barriers to living Jewishly.
I offer text study, life-cycle celebrations and DIY, hands-on Jewish experiences for anyone who wants to "DO" Jewish. I especially make myself available to unaffiliated Jews. (I will consider working with a synagogue-affiliated family on a case-by-case basis. Let's talk about it!)
OFF THE GRID JUDAISM does not have to mean NO Judaism! It can mean a very personal, intimate and thoughtful approach to an aspect of Jewish life you want to incorporate into your life. Whether it's a life-cycle event (wedding, baby-naming, B'nei Mitzvah or funeral), or an introduction to Jewish thought and belief through text study or creating art or music) being unaffiliated gives us the freedom to create a Judaism that is highly personal, meaningful and relevant to the lives we live in the world today.
I am a certified Wedding Officiant (through the Universal Life Church). I can also function as a cantorial soloist, songleader, arts and crafts teacher and Jewish educator. I lean heavily towards progressive, even radical, understandings of Torah and what it means to be a family.
I welcome interfaith families wanting to explore their Jewish pieces more deeply. I also welcome LGBTQ families and individuals wanting to incorporate Judaism into their lives without the judgments and hurdles they may have found elsewhere.
Though Jews are smaller in number, it's a big Jewish universe and there's room for everyone!
People may be unaffiliated by choice -- perhaps because they haven't yet found a synagogue that's a good "fit" for them -- or by default, because they either can't afford synagogue dues or don't feel comfortable at a synagogue. Whatever the reasons, there are lots of unaffiliated Jews who nevertheless want to "DO" Jewish in some way.
Cost, geography, and/or discomfort in a traditional Jewish communal setting should not be barriers to living Jewishly.
I offer text study, life-cycle celebrations and DIY, hands-on Jewish experiences for anyone who wants to "DO" Jewish. I especially make myself available to unaffiliated Jews. (I will consider working with a synagogue-affiliated family on a case-by-case basis. Let's talk about it!)
OFF THE GRID JUDAISM does not have to mean NO Judaism! It can mean a very personal, intimate and thoughtful approach to an aspect of Jewish life you want to incorporate into your life. Whether it's a life-cycle event (wedding, baby-naming, B'nei Mitzvah or funeral), or an introduction to Jewish thought and belief through text study or creating art or music) being unaffiliated gives us the freedom to create a Judaism that is highly personal, meaningful and relevant to the lives we live in the world today.
I am a certified Wedding Officiant (through the Universal Life Church). I can also function as a cantorial soloist, songleader, arts and crafts teacher and Jewish educator. I lean heavily towards progressive, even radical, understandings of Torah and what it means to be a family.
I welcome interfaith families wanting to explore their Jewish pieces more deeply. I also welcome LGBTQ families and individuals wanting to incorporate Judaism into their lives without the judgments and hurdles they may have found elsewhere.
Though Jews are smaller in number, it's a big Jewish universe and there's room for everyone!
2016: This young man was born and raised in a tiny town in northeast Washington state, the only Jewish kid in his little high school. After a year and a half of online study, he came to Portland to celebrate becoming Bar Mitzvah with his extended family. His entire high school of sixty-five students rented a bus and came down for the weekend to celebrate with him.
To learn more about doing Jewish,
Get in touch with me and let's chat.
I'm happy to meet you in Portland for a cup of coffee and tell you more about all the different ways Jews celebrate and learn and grow.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT ME.
If you're out of town, I am happy to chat via FaceTime or Skype.
I offer distance learning and will also travel to facilitate life-cycle events.
I look forward to meeting you and exploring what's possible.
Get in touch with me and let's chat.
I'm happy to meet you in Portland for a cup of coffee and tell you more about all the different ways Jews celebrate and learn and grow.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT ME.
If you're out of town, I am happy to chat via FaceTime or Skype.
I offer distance learning and will also travel to facilitate life-cycle events.
I look forward to meeting you and exploring what's possible.
Some cool stuff to check out on the web:
Women Cantors' Network - So proud to be a member of this org!
Alvarez Guitars - the only guitar I play. Because a great guitar doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Vic Firth sticks and Zildjian Cymbals - my go-to tools behind the drumkit.
Chrome Industries: where I get those cool shoes you keep asking me about.
Bandcamp - your online source for truly independent music!
Jewish Rock Radio -- the latest in contemporary Jewish music, online all the time!
Forward Magazine: The Soundtrack of Our Spirit (2015)
Hard Times Project - a 2009 interview from Oregon Public Broadcasting's award-winning radio project.
Torah Study is not a spectator sport! Try these sites for some insights:
Sefaria - All Jewish text, all the time. Amazing FREE resource (though they do welcome donations)!
Learn at JTS - Torah commentary and more
URJ Torah commentary
The Comic Torah - for mature readers (18+) only
Migdalor Guy's Random Musings - Personal, human-scale Torah commentary from a very smart guy
Women Cantors' Network - So proud to be a member of this org!
Alvarez Guitars - the only guitar I play. Because a great guitar doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Vic Firth sticks and Zildjian Cymbals - my go-to tools behind the drumkit.
Chrome Industries: where I get those cool shoes you keep asking me about.
Bandcamp - your online source for truly independent music!
Jewish Rock Radio -- the latest in contemporary Jewish music, online all the time!
Forward Magazine: The Soundtrack of Our Spirit (2015)
Hard Times Project - a 2009 interview from Oregon Public Broadcasting's award-winning radio project.
Torah Study is not a spectator sport! Try these sites for some insights:
Sefaria - All Jewish text, all the time. Amazing FREE resource (though they do welcome donations)!
Learn at JTS - Torah commentary and more
URJ Torah commentary
The Comic Torah - for mature readers (18+) only
Migdalor Guy's Random Musings - Personal, human-scale Torah commentary from a very smart guy