Portland, October 18th, 2014. Magic was in the air and under the Dome at Congregation Beth Israel when Master Illusionist Shimshi took to the stage for a display of mental marveling before a spell-bound crowd of over 200. Levitation-level sponsors Harold and Jane Pollin pose with world-renowned illusionist and mentalist Shimshi, (center) who headlined at Beth Israel’s fundraiser. “The Magic is Here” was the theme of Beth Israel’s fall fundraiser, chaired by Drs. David & Tiffany Goldwyn.
Event chairs Drs. Tiffany and David Goldwyn helped create the magical evening, which included spinning and levitating candle centerpieces.
Cantor Ida Rae and Rabbi Michael Cahana join a stilt-walking entertainer to welcome arriving guests at the doorway to Schnitzer Family Center.
Beginning with a cocktail hour and supper, generously underwritten by sponsors Harold and Jane Pollin and catered by Al Fresco/Sheraton. The evening featured up-close acts of prestidigitation as Shimshi worked his way through the crowd. Nationally known for his appearances on America’s Got Talent, Shimshi is the resident illusionist at the Wynn Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. A paddle raise, introduced by CBI Board Member Eric Friedenwald-Fishman, helped push the event’s total fundraising number well above the projected $100,000 mark, thanks in large part to a matching challenge gift from the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.
Portland, October 19th, 2013. Over 200 guests were treated to an intimate theatre event at the Better Than Broadway fundraiser for Congregation Beth Israel. It’s Oregon’s oldest and largest Reform synagogue. Event committee members Cynthia Hofmann and Shelly Levy ring bells during the Mitzvah Moment paddle raise to signal another donation made. Together with sponsorships and many generous patron gifts the event netted nearly $140,000 to support ongoing services and programming at Congregation Beth Israel. (photo credit, Octavia Hunter & Sydney Baer)
Lorraine and Rabbi Emanuel Rose relax in front of the fun photo booth wall that greeted Patrons at the pre-function cocktail hour.
The cabaret-style show, which was held at Pure Space in the Pearl, starred Cantor Ida Rae Cahana and featured guest performers from the community and beyond. Cantor Mark Saltzman from Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood, CA, not only collaborated with Cantor Cahana on the concert content but also directed and performed alongside her. Rounding out the vocal talent were local entertainer Michele Mariana and Beth Israel students Max Friedenwald-Fishman, Iris Cohn and Sarah Barr. Michael Allen Harrison made a special appearance on piano during the Patron cocktail hour and again to underscore the Mitzvah Moment, led by Board member Eric Friedenwald-Fishman.
Cantor Mark Saltzman from Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood, CA, not only collaborated with Cantor Cahana on the concert content but also directed and performed in the cabaret-style show, which was held at Pure Space in the Pearl. Here they share a moment during a Sondheim favorite, The Little Things You Do Together.
Special guest performer Harold Pollin joined Cantor Ida Rae Cahana to sing Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof. Immediately following the touching duet the entire audience stood together to join in a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday to Harold.
Guest performers Michael Allen Harrison and Michele Mariana join Cantor Ida Cahana during the curtain call, while event co-chairs Ted Nelson and Tiffany Goldwyn offer a special round of applause.
Co-chairs Ted Nelson and Tiffany Goldwyn led an enthusiastic committee that worked tirelessly to plan a fun and unique experience, beginning with a pre-function Patron party, a creative photo booth opportunity and the ringing of bells during the Mitzvah Moment paddle raise to denote a new pledge.
Portland, February 10th, 2013. A friendraiser as much as a fundraiser, Taste of Temple showcased some of the best culinary talents in Portland. A sold out room of over 350 attendees at the Congregation Beth Israel event to enjoy sampling specialties from more than 30 area restaurants, bakeries, breweries and distilleries. Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana and Cantor Ida Rae Cahana are pictured with event co-chairs Tiffany and David Goldwyn and Ali and Judah Garfinkle.(Photo credit, Steve Bilow) A silent auction, prize giveaway and house party sign-ups – together with ticket sales and Recipe for Success donations – generated over $50,000 for ongoing programming at Beth Israel.
Lainie Block-Wilker, Steve Wilker, Mel Birge and Janet Morgan in front of the Party Sign Up board
Rabbi Emanuel and Lorraine Rose
Rabbi Rachel L. Joseph and Ted Nelson, Beth Israel Trustee
Next year’s Taste of Temple has already been scheduled for February 9, 2014.
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