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 deepening your connection to Judaism through art and ideas, connecting with others and discovering something new, Co/Lab is for you.
artist workshop
Golem with Ahuva Zaslavsky
[may 4th, 2pm-5:30pm]
Based on her research and writing about the golem, a mythical creature in Jewish folklore, multimedia artist ahuva s. zaslavsky will lead a hands-on sculpture workshop using clay and found materials. She will share the cultural context behind the creature before guiding participants to construct their own inner golem. All participants will get to keep their sculptures at the end of the workshop. Be careful that it doesn’t come to life when you get home!
artist workshop
Braiding and Breaking Bread with Sonya Sanford
[may 25th, 10am-1:30pm]
Join chef, cookbook author, and podcast host Sonya Sanford for an interactive class where we’ll make challah from scratch, step by step. From kneading the dough to braiding classic designs, baking golden loaves, and savoring fresh-out-of-the-oven bread, this class covers it all. By the end of this workshop, you’ll have learned tips and techniques to help you bake beautifully braided, golden, and crowd-pleasing challah at home. As we craft our bread, we’ll explore how Jewish stories are woven into the food we share, and how culinary traditions can ground us in identity while fostering connection and community. Rabbi Joshua Rose will provide an engaging text study while our challot bake. This class is open to all culinary skill levels, from beginners to avid bakers.
Our Programs
Explore our current slate
of events, gatherings, classes, and more
Learning/Lab is a community-wide opportunity to study everything from Talmud to Jewish mysticism, women’s folk rituals, to Jewish history, poetry, art and so much more.
Join Jewish educators and culture-bearers, rabbis, artists and our chef-in-residence for evenings of food, learning, and culture.
Art/Lab
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.
Podcast: The Genesis
Explore ever-changing ideas about Jewish identity and delve into Jewish ideas as Rabbi Josh taps artists, intellectuals, activists, rabbis, and others for rich conversations about being Jewish in the 21st century.
Jewish Discovery: Individual or Small group learning
Sometimes you want to explore Jewish ideas your own terms and in your own space. Rabbi Josh is currently offering these 5 session individual or small group gatherings with friends or family. Or if you like you can work out with Rabbi Josh a tailor-made subject of study that speaks to your curiosity.
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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Rabbi Josh
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