Meet PJA’s 2026–27 Kehillah Co-Chairs

Kehillah means community—and this year, Emily Yeomans and Talia Buchsbaum are helping bring PJA families together as our 2026–27 Kehillah co-chairs. They are excited to create welcoming ways for family members to connect, volunteer and strengthen the community that makes PJA so special.

Meet Emily Yeomans

A third-generation Portlander, Emily is beginning her fourth year as a proud PJA parent. She works as a senior product content manager in the research administration software industry and loves bringing people together and building community. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, traveling, volunteering in the Jewish community and spending time with her husband, Andrew, and their children, Sophia (third grade) and Ben (ninth grade).

Meet Talia Buchsbaum

Originally from Philadelphia, where her parents settled after immigrating from Israel, Talia has called Portland home for 10 years. She is beginning her second year as a proud PJA parent and is grateful to have found such a warm and welcoming community. Talia and her husband, Richard, both work in family medicine at OHSU and stay wonderfully busy with their children, Zora (third grade) and Lev (Kindergarten).

There’s a Place for You in Kehillah

Whether you can help with one event, take on a coordinating role or simply lend a hand when your schedule allows, your participation helps build connections across PJA. Complete the Kehillah Volunteer Interest Survey to tell us how you would like to participate this year.

Immediate need: We are looking for someone to help coordinate the upcoming Sukkah Hop. If you are interested, please let us know through the survey!

Upcoming Opportunities

On Friday, Sep 18, 2026, family members are invited to join us for two community events:

• K – 8 Kabbalat Shabbat, 1:50 – 2:30 p.m. in the MJCC Ballroom
• Painting Party, 2:45 – 4:30 p.m. Help beautify our communal space by completing the painting of the planters in front of the school building.

Watch for more information about the Sukkah Hop and other events in the Sunday Kehillah Update and your class WhatsApp.

Kehillah Volunteer Interest Survey

Questions or ideas? Contact Emily and Talia at kehillah@pjaproud.org.