Newsletters
Subpage-Header-Kinder-Reading.jpg
We are delighted to share PJA's 2023 digital Winter Newsletter! If you would like to request a printed copy, please email Lisa Katon here.
If you have any alumni updates to share with us, please contact Lisa Katon at lkaton@pjaproud.org. You may also fill out this alumni survey here.
Winter 2023 Newsletter
![The Return of Overnight Trips]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675101406/portland/wphs5qdesqheyng2ing2/313967933_539952214804795_6459889325472617456_n1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675101406/portland/wphs5qdesqheyng2ing2/313967933_539952214804795_6459889325472617456_n1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675101406/portland/wphs5qdesqheyng2ing2/313967933_539952214804795_6459889325472617456_n1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675101406/portland/wphs5qdesqheyng2ing2/313967933_539952214804795_6459889325472617456_n1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675101406/portland/wphs5qdesqheyng2ing2/313967933_539952214804795_6459889325472617456_n1.jpg","width":1440}])
Overnight trips are back in a big way at PJA! Our 5th-8th graders will all get to experience multi-day trips.
![Kehillah]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675188297/portland/bei4ngnigijbkil3hvum/Belongingarticle.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675188297/portland/bei4ngnigijbkil3hvum/Belongingarticle.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675188297/portland/bei4ngnigijbkil3hvum/Belongingarticle.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675188297/portland/bei4ngnigijbkil3hvum/Belongingarticle.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675188297/portland/bei4ngnigijbkil3hvum/Belongingarticle.jpg","width":1440}])
Kehillah (community), and Shayachut (belonging) are two key words that come to mind when I think about our wonderful school.
![A Show and Nosh for Special Friends and Families]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675188585/portland/i6ddvd4lholq6mss9lrg/IMG_1140-web.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675188585/portland/i6ddvd4lholq6mss9lrg/IMG_1140-web.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675188585/portland/i6ddvd4lholq6mss9lrg/IMG_1140-web.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675188585/portland/i6ddvd4lholq6mss9lrg/IMG_1140-web.jpg","width":1200}])
Friday, December 16 was a “Special” Day at PJA for many reasons.
![In-Person and Virtual Audiences Propel PJA to Auction Success]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675189475/portland/p79ynbllrcg5is4frvaj/DSC06345-web.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675189475/portland/p79ynbllrcg5is4frvaj/DSC06345-web.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675189475/portland/p79ynbllrcg5is4frvaj/DSC06345-web.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675189475/portland/p79ynbllrcg5is4frvaj/DSC06345-web.jpg","width":857}])
We had colorful Hawaiian shirts and flip flops, undersea creatures, fab ’60’s garb...
![Alumni Spotlight: Cassie Fowler, PJA Class of 2010]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675192111/portland/mvngdl9mni4tuwawdugo/is-7945.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675192111/portland/mvngdl9mni4tuwawdugo/is-7945.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675192111/portland/mvngdl9mni4tuwawdugo/is-7945.jpg","width":632}])
Merrill recently spotted PJA alum, Cassie Fowler, in the halls of PJA, at a Tuesday night BBYO meeting where Cassie serves as an advisor!
![Recent Alumni Share Wisdom with Current 8th Graders]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675192553/portland/qjviqkomvenguv3jkqpq/IMG_4097-web.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675192553/portland/qjviqkomvenguv3jkqpq/IMG_4097-web.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675192553/portland/qjviqkomvenguv3jkqpq/IMG_4097-web.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675192553/portland/qjviqkomvenguv3jkqpq/IMG_4097-web.jpg","width":1200}])
On November 29, PJA welcomed back four recent alumni to speak to current 8th graders and their families...
![PJA Grad “Rolls it Forward” to Assist Struggling Youth]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675193239/portland/led7wgrbfmftp6is8fjj/image07-web.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675193239/portland/led7wgrbfmftp6is8fjj/image07-web.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675193239/portland/led7wgrbfmftp6is8fjj/image07-web.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675193239/portland/led7wgrbfmftp6is8fjj/image07-web.jpg","width":1105}])
Leave it to a PJA graduate to figure out how to connect a love for Dungeons & Dragons, making awesome stuff, and helping others!
![A Busy Fall and Winter with Kehillah]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675198605/portland/qi9hncmclgvsxlmcq9pj/311706034_520437150089635_1674266686810676270_n.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675198605/portland/qi9hncmclgvsxlmcq9pj/311706034_520437150089635_1674266686810676270_n.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675198605/portland/qi9hncmclgvsxlmcq9pj/311706034_520437150089635_1674266686810676270_n.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675198605/portland/qi9hncmclgvsxlmcq9pj/311706034_520437150089635_1674266686810676270_n.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675198605/portland/qi9hncmclgvsxlmcq9pj/311706034_520437150089635_1674266686810676270_n.jpg","width":1440}])
PJA’s Kehillah is a cadre of hard-working parent volunteers who aim to build community through class and school-wide programs.
![PJA and MJCC Partner to Help Local Nonprofits]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675195505/portland/uvrclyq1x1wbczowgdjb/DonationDrives.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675195505/portland/uvrclyq1x1wbczowgdjb/DonationDrives.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675195505/portland/uvrclyq1x1wbczowgdjb/DonationDrives.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675195505/portland/uvrclyq1x1wbczowgdjb/DonationDrives.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1675195505/portland/uvrclyq1x1wbczowgdjb/DonationDrives.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675195505/portland/uvrclyq1x1wbczowgdjb/DonationDrives.jpg","width":1700}])
Daily life at Portland Jewish Academy is guided by our six Middot...
![Go Dragons! Fall and Winter Sports Update]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675198909/portland/ltwb63ugpmceryuop8ka/301379870_494439806022703_883918397838528830_n.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675198909/portland/ltwb63ugpmceryuop8ka/301379870_494439806022703_883918397838528830_n.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675198909/portland/ltwb63ugpmceryuop8ka/301379870_494439806022703_883918397838528830_n.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675198909/portland/ltwb63ugpmceryuop8ka/301379870_494439806022703_883918397838528830_n.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1675198909/portland/ltwb63ugpmceryuop8ka/301379870_494439806022703_883918397838528830_n.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675198909/portland/ltwb63ugpmceryuop8ka/301379870_494439806022703_883918397838528830_n.jpg","width":2048}])
Our PJA Dragons are one active group of student athletes!
![PJA Family Camp 2022]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675199537/portland/sg84r5fraudhlqtlq6wj/Family-Camp-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675199537/portland/sg84r5fraudhlqtlq6wj/Family-Camp-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675199537/portland/sg84r5fraudhlqtlq6wj/Family-Camp-1.jpg","width":624}])
On a beautiful September weekend, 30 families gathered at BB Camp for PJA’s second Family Camp.
![Make A Lasting Impact: PJA's Dor L'Dor Society]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657224252/portland/whldh8i3ajum15ruwib7/LifeandLegacy.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1657224252/portland/whldh8i3ajum15ruwib7/LifeandLegacy.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1657224252/portland/whldh8i3ajum15ruwib7/LifeandLegacy.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1657224252/portland/whldh8i3ajum15ruwib7/LifeandLegacy.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657224252/portland/whldh8i3ajum15ruwib7/LifeandLegacy.jpg","width":1389}])
Please remember PJA in your will, trust, retirement plan or life insurance policy.
![Ask the Expert: Adam Zappa, School Counselor]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675200180/portland/idpxhk8vphzqqidc8bqi/ZappaAdam.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675200180/portland/idpxhk8vphzqqidc8bqi/ZappaAdam.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675200180/portland/idpxhk8vphzqqidc8bqi/ZappaAdam.jpg","width":543}])
Adam Zappa answers: What does Restorative Practices look like in school?
![Gathering in Joy and Community]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675200261/portland/papgjqrglrdp1f953zgd/318157708_566742355459114_6189357591003566578_n1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675200261/portland/papgjqrglrdp1f953zgd/318157708_566742355459114_6189357591003566578_n1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675200261/portland/papgjqrglrdp1f953zgd/318157708_566742355459114_6189357591003566578_n1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675200261/portland/papgjqrglrdp1f953zgd/318157708_566742355459114_6189357591003566578_n1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675200261/portland/papgjqrglrdp1f953zgd/318157708_566742355459114_6189357591003566578_n1.jpg","width":1440}])
Our first All School Kabbalat Shabbat this year was on September 30, which was also the first Friday of the Jewish New Year 5783.
![PJA Alum Directing Film on the Adolescent Jewish Experience]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675200533/portland/ismxauy4zd06wv7disln/Zoe.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675200533/portland/ismxauy4zd06wv7disln/Zoe.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675200533/portland/ismxauy4zd06wv7disln/Zoe.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675200533/portland/ismxauy4zd06wv7disln/Zoe.jpg","width":1000}])
We didn’t anticipate that she would be rubbing shoulders with Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet...
![Caldecott Club]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675201114/portland/md7zqm4ch2egmjxap3le/CadecottClubimage.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675201114/portland/md7zqm4ch2egmjxap3le/CadecottClubimage.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675201114/portland/md7zqm4ch2egmjxap3le/CadecottClubimage.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675201114/portland/md7zqm4ch2egmjxap3le/CadecottClubimage.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1675201114/portland/md7zqm4ch2egmjxap3le/CadecottClubimage.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675201114/portland/md7zqm4ch2egmjxap3le/CadecottClubimage.jpg","width":1700}])
The PJA Caldecott Club is in full swing once again.
![PJA's Safranit Molly Becomes OSLIS Chair]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675201235/portland/wnvmee71lkrascz8dlwx/SloanMolly.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675201235/portland/wnvmee71lkrascz8dlwx/SloanMolly.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675201235/portland/wnvmee71lkrascz8dlwx/SloanMolly.jpg","width":622}])
PJA’s Safranit Molly has taken on a leadership role in Oregon’s school library community.
![New Buddy Program Creates Meaningful Connections]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675201394/portland/t1xh1onmapr0a9umqr5j/IMG_3962-web.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675201394/portland/t1xh1onmapr0a9umqr5j/IMG_3962-web.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675201394/portland/t1xh1onmapr0a9umqr5j/IMG_3962-web.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675201394/portland/t1xh1onmapr0a9umqr5j/IMG_3962-web.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675201394/portland/t1xh1onmapr0a9umqr5j/IMG_3962-web.jpg","width":1500}])
In early November, PJA Pre-K students met their 3rd-5th grade Day School buddies in the library.
![Early Childhood Students Explore Light for Hanukkah]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675201483/portland/ytuz0kunfhvezljhzjzp/320048485_1226577331535713_532014896960596705_n.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675201483/portland/ytuz0kunfhvezljhzjzp/320048485_1226577331535713_532014896960596705_n.jpg","width":480}])
This year, our Early Childhood program participated in a community light project.
![In Grant News]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675201644/portland/zryeujvkejdx7h2il1dg/ingrantnews-pja_2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675201644/portland/zryeujvkejdx7h2il1dg/ingrantnews-pja_2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675201644/portland/zryeujvkejdx7h2il1dg/ingrantnews-pja_2.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675201644/portland/zryeujvkejdx7h2il1dg/ingrantnews-pja_2.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1675201644/portland/zryeujvkejdx7h2il1dg/ingrantnews-pja_2.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1675201644/portland/zryeujvkejdx7h2il1dg/ingrantnews-pja_2.png","width":2200}])
We are grateful to the following donors who made recent grants in support of PJA.
Our 2022-23 Board of Directors:
Danelle Romain | President
John Emshwiller | Vice President
Richard Barker | Treasurer
Naomi Harwin | Secretary
Jason Zidell | Immediate Past-President
Joyce Evans
Nadine Gartner
Marni Glick
Martha Izenson
Michelle Kashinsky
Steven Klein
Arnon Peleg
David Solondz
Sandra Valle
Tamar Wyte-Lake
To learn more about our board, visit this page and click on the Board Members tab.
Thank you to the following people who contributed to this newsletter:
Steve Albert, Richard Boyd, Elana Cohn-Rozansky, Kate Dickinson-Villaseñor, Zoe Duncan-Doroff, Becky Ewer, Cassie Fowler, Sarah Glass, Naomi Harwin, Merrill Hendin, Anna Hixon, Lisa Katon, Amy Katz, Saul Korin, Kim Krikorian, Rosanne Levi, Eden Samiee, Molly Sloan, and Adam Zappa.