April 19, 20, and 21 2009 are the dates for Portland's Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Day) Community Commemoration.
This event is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Portland, The Archdiocese of Portland, Ecumenical Ministries of Portland, University of Portland, and others. For this year, instead of religious services the Holocaust experience will be explored through art, music, and film. In particular the paintings, letters, and poems of survivor Alice Lok Cahana will be presented and discussed. Alice Cahana is the mother of Rabbi Z. Michael Cahana of Congregation Beth Israel.
Cantor Ida Rae Cahana (daughter in law of Alice) was interviewed by host Ed Kraus on the Portland Yiddish Hour. The upcoming performance Through My Mother's Eyes was discussed, along with the meaning for the Cahana family of making Alice's experiences public art and performance.
The picture shown is No Names, part of the art that will be on display through May 24th at Portland Center Stage and at the Oregon Jewish Museum.
- KBOO