a man wearing a shroud and yamaka, reading the Torah
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Portland and the surrounding region offers a rich Jewish cultural history.

Jewish Community

Find out more about Portland's Jewish community and legacy.

1 min read

Portland is home to more than 40,000 Jewish residents, and Jewish history in Oregon goes back to 1849. Many Jewish residents helped shape Portland’s future, such as Bernard Goldsmith, the mayor of Portland from 1869-1871, who built the Willamette Falls Locks in Oregon City; Aaron and Jeanette Meier and Emil Frank, of the Meier & Frank department stores; “Soda Pop King” Louis Albert; and Sam Schnitzer of Schnitzer Steel, to name just a few.

Events & Festivals

Jewish Eateries in Portland

Enjoy top-notch Jewish eats, from restaurants to bakeries to breweries.

  • Sweet Lorraine’s Latkes & More

    This former-food-cart turned pop-up inside Labyrinth Forge specializes in NY-style Jewish cuisine, serving up latkes, knish, kugel, old-fashioned cake doughnuts and more.

  • Leikam Brewing

    This family-owned brewery serves (and ships) 100% kosher beers. In keeping with tikkun olam, the brewery donates a portion of its profits to nonprofit organizations.

  • Ben & Esther’s Bagels

    Vegan Jewish deli and bakery serving boiled and baked bagels, kugel, knishes, rugelach, hamentashen and more.

  • Cafe at the J

    Cafe at the J is certified by Oregon Kosher and offers sandwiches, soups, salads, pizza, falafel, pasta, bagels, and more plus Kosher Meals To-Go for Shabbat.

  • Garbonzos

    Garbanzos is the latest kosher addition to Portland's food scene. Pitas, falafel platters, soup, salad and more are served up fresh six days a week. All items on the menu are gluten-free, vegan, halal and certified kosher.

Attractions

Resources

Cultural Communities

Oregon Jewish Museum

In times of social upheaval and political uncertainty, museums like OJMCHE are more relevant than ever. Explore the rich history and ongoing resiliency of Oregon’s diverse Jewish community with interactive exhibits and experiences for all ages.

Visit The Museum