Late in 1992 a small group of people invited me to come to Portland from time to time in order to teach and lead services.  This was the beginning of P´nai Or of Portland.  I accepted the invitation and very soon these visits began to take place almost monthly.  After a while it became clear that not only was there a significant number people interested in attending these gatherings but, also, that  the nucleus of a community was beginning to form.  It was also clear that there was a need and a place for a Jewish Renewal community in Portland.  In 1996 I decided to leave Havurat Shir Hadash in Ashland, Oregon - a group I had helped to form in 1985 and then serve as rabbi for eleven and a half years - and move to Portland to devote more time to helping grow P'nai Or.  The community has continued to develop and mature steadily, both before and since that move in August, 1996.

I think that what I most appreciate about P'nai Or is the freedom of expression that exists during classes, services, and whatever other gatherings we have.  We don't have to check our total selves at the door in order to come together to pray or study.  We sing and dance with abandon during prayer, turn rabbinical "sermons" into discussions - sometimes to my great delight, sometimes to my utter dismay, and - perhaps most important - are not afraid to let tears flow or laughter burst forth.

I am also very happy that there is always a group of people within the community committed to and enjoying the study of basic Jewish texts and to deepening their practice of Judaism.  I have witnessed a great deal of growth in these areas over the years.  But even more important, in this regard, is that we remain open to two essential questions while engaged in this process: 1) How do study and practice bring me closer to God?, and 2) How do I engage in study and practice in such a way that, through them, I express the mitzvah of "V'ahavta l'rayacha kamocha" - "Love the other as yourself."  I find a great deal of  receptivity to these questions in our community.  For this I am very grateful.