Co/Lab is a new initiative for Portland’s Jewish community: Live and interactive public events, wide-ranging cultural presentations and performances, and rich educational opportunities.
Co/Lab gives you a new way to explore Jewish ideas and values. This is not your grandmother’s Judaism – but we bet she’d love it. Whatever your background or wherever you’re going: If you’re interested in exploring what Judaism has to say about our lives and our world, connecting with others and discovering something new, Co/Lab is for you.
Our Programs
Explore our current slate
of events, gatherings, classes, and more
Purim Celebration
Don’t miss Portland’s greatest Purim celebration, a night to remember for Portland’s Jewish community. Last year over 300 revelers came to dance the night away. This year a portion of the proceeds will go to the PDX Housing Solidarity Project, a fabulous organization doing Righteous work here in Portland. Check out pics from last year’s event by clicking below, or read the (front page!) Oregonian’s article) here.
Learning/Lab is a range of one-time and ongoing classes with that distinctively Co/Lab mix of creativity, insight and fun, moving beyond the page to Jewish cooking, baking, art, music. Interested in tailor made small group or individual sessions? We’re offering those too.
Our next series is a 3-Part Tu B’Shevat conversations starting January 25. Register and info below
JUDAISM AND THE PSYCHEDELIC RENAISSANCE: A PORTLAND GATHERING
Our 3rd annual gathering exploring the resonance between psychedelic and religious experience, ancestral trauma and psychedelic therapy and Judaism’s psychedelic roots will take place on JUNE 9TH.Click below to learn more about what a great event last year’s was.!
An Oral History of the Jewish Future
An Oral History of the Jewish Future is done in partnership with the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education. The project will highlight the work of Portland change-leaders and regular folks who are redefining what “Jewish” looks like in the 21st century.
This 9-month creative laboratory for Portland area contemporary Jewish artists explores Jewish and contemporary themes and presents artists’ work at dynamic, public facing events. If you’re an artist, sign up at the link below to be notified when the application opens for next year’s cohort..
Good/Food
At this special gathering people from all across Portland came together to discover, connect, learn about, discover and literally taste delicious food. Among others, we heard from Portland Jewish food heroes Noah Jacob of Jacob and Sons, journalist Deena Prichep (NPR, Salon.com and elsewhere), chef and author Sonya Sanford, a host of rabbi/teachers, food activists, and more.
Jump in to the Lab!
There are three ways to get involved in Co/Lab.
- Attend events that interest you! It’s that simple. Sign up to hop on our email list, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
- Share an idea! All of our programs come from people in the Portland community like you who sit and brainstorm with Rabbi Josh. Have an idea for an event? Curious about a Jewish take on an important topic? Email rabbijosh@colabpdx.org or fill out our contact form whether you have the next great Co/Lab concept, or just want to sit down over coffee to schmooze.
- Collaborate with others building these great events. At least 1/2 the fun is connecting with other people like you, adding your voice to the mix, and helping us create. Email rabbijosh@colabpdx.org or fill out our contact form to get involved.
For you. Your mother was Jewish. Your dad was. Or your friend’s parents growing up were Jewish. Your partner is Jewish or even … some of your best friends are Jewish. Or, you’re just you and you’re interested in what’s happening at Co/Lab. You get the idea: if you want to connect to Co/Lab we want you to hang out with us. Join the conversation!
Who is Co/Lab for?
Where is Co/Lab?
Co/Lab is everywhere! We’ve hosted programs at the East Side Jewish Commons, in parks and open spaces, local bars, and funky restored warehouse spaces, among others. Check each event for location and registration information.
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Newish and Jewish in Portland
there is a lot of creative energy in jewish portland right now. here are just some of the other people doing new and innovative work.
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Rabbi Josh
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