A Message from President Mark Berkovitch
Dear congregation,
Many of you will have heard by now that Sephardic synagogue Beit Yosef in Gabriel Park announced on September 29, 2025 that they had decided to close their doors permanently following Yom Kippur this year. Congregation Ahavath Achim now serves as Oregon’s only Sephardic community, and has been welcoming Beit Yosef community members to services and community events since the announcement.
We are honored to welcome the members of Beit Yosef into Congregation Ahavath Achim. This union reflects a relationship that has been developing naturally over many years—through shared tefillah, learning, and communal life. Coming together under one roof strengthens our community and preserves the unique warmth, traditions, and values that define Portland’s Sephardic heritage.
Our congregation is now in the rare and important position of serving as Oregon’s only Sephardic community. With that position, it is incumbent upon us to approach the coming months and years with intentionality, integrity, and respect for the traditions we are carrying forward, as we always have, but with a renewed spirit towards preserving our history and inspiring the next generation of Sephardic life in Oregon. While Beit Yosef closes its physical space, its legacy, spirit, and contributions continue forward with us. May this convergence deepen our bonds, enrich our Avodat Hashem, and mark the beginning of a vibrant new chapter for our unified Portland Sephardic community.
Happy New Year,
Mark Berkovitch
Synagogue President
Many of you will have heard by now that Sephardic synagogue Beit Yosef in Gabriel Park announced on September 29, 2025 that they had decided to close their doors permanently following Yom Kippur this year. Congregation Ahavath Achim now serves as Oregon’s only Sephardic community, and has been welcoming Beit Yosef community members to services and community events since the announcement.
We are honored to welcome the members of Beit Yosef into Congregation Ahavath Achim. This union reflects a relationship that has been developing naturally over many years—through shared tefillah, learning, and communal life. Coming together under one roof strengthens our community and preserves the unique warmth, traditions, and values that define Portland’s Sephardic heritage.
Our congregation is now in the rare and important position of serving as Oregon’s only Sephardic community. With that position, it is incumbent upon us to approach the coming months and years with intentionality, integrity, and respect for the traditions we are carrying forward, as we always have, but with a renewed spirit towards preserving our history and inspiring the next generation of Sephardic life in Oregon. While Beit Yosef closes its physical space, its legacy, spirit, and contributions continue forward with us. May this convergence deepen our bonds, enrich our Avodat Hashem, and mark the beginning of a vibrant new chapter for our unified Portland Sephardic community.
Happy New Year,
Mark Berkovitch
Synagogue President
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6686 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland, OR 97219
Mailing address: 5150 SW 85th Ave. Portland, OR 97225
Phone: 503.227.0010
[email protected]
Mailing address: 5150 SW 85th Ave. Portland, OR 97225
Phone: 503.227.0010
[email protected]
