Portland and the surrounding region offers a rich Jewish cultural history.

Jewish Community

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

Updated Nov. 21, 2019 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.

Attractions

Events & Festivals

Jewish Film Festival – held in June at the Northwest Film Center
Jewish Federation of Greater Portland community calendar
Jewish Book Month – every November
ORA – Northwest Jewish Artist
Portland Israeli Folk Dancing

Resources

Oregon Jewish Life monthly lifestyle magazine
Oregon Kosher
Jewish Federation of Greater Portland – local congregations

Cultural Communities

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.

Discover Something New

Spring Hikes Near Portland

There’s something special about the first spring hike of the year. Enjoy wildflowers, bird watching and breathtaking scenery on these springtime rambles.