Portland and the surrounding region offers a rich Jewish cultural history.
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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 very successful Meier and Frank department stores; “Soda Pop King” Louis Albert; and Sam Schnitzer of Schnitzer Steel, to name just a few.

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Cultural Communities

The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education

Explore the rich history and ongoing resiliency of Oregon’s diverse Jewish community with interactive exhibits and experiences for all ages at OJMCHE.

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Jewish food and attractions

  • Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education

    The mission of the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education is to interpret the Oregon Jewish experience, explore the lessons of the Holocaust and foster intercultural conversations.

  • Oregon Holocaust Memorial – Washington Park

    The contemplative, educational Oregon Holocaust Memorial is set in a meadow in Washington Park. The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education maintains the memorial and offers docent-led tours by request.

  • Shalom Y’all West

    Shalom Y’all serves up Israeli street food like veg-focused mezze platters, homemade hummus and lamb chops with oregano, garlic and lemon.

  • Jazzy Bagels

    Offering fresh homemade bagels in downtown Gresham, Jazzy Bagels serves up no less than 19 different bagels daily, along with bagel dogs, sandwiches and espresso. As a bonus, the eatery often features live music on its beautiful baby grand piano.

  • Mother’s Bistro & Bar

    Mother’s Bistro & Bar serves comfort food classics made from scratch. Enjoy biscuits, pot roast, chicken and dumplings, and a different decadent macaroni and cheese daily.

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Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions

Trips outside the city promise all-ages entertainment. Here are four must-see attractions within two hours of downtown Portland.