Dear John,
As we gather with loved ones and communities across Oregon to welcome Rosh Hashanah and the start of 5786, we enter this season of reflection, renewal, and hope. The Jewish New Year calls on us to look inward, but also outward — to ask how we can strengthen our families, our neighborhoods, and our state in the year ahead.
The sound of the shofar reminds us to awaken to new possibilities, and to speak up when our values call us to act. Here in Oregon, our Jewish community has a proud history of pursuing justice, protecting the vulnerable, and engaging in public life. From Portland to Pendleton, Ashland to Albany, we are part of the fabric of this state — and we know that our voices and our votes matter.
In the coming year, the DPO Jewish Caucus will continue to be a home for Oregon Democrats who share these values. We will organize, connect, and mobilize Jewish voters and allies to help elect leaders who reflect our priorities: safeguarding democracy, defending civil rights, and building a state where all can thrive. With 2026 on the horizon, we are preparing now to ensure that Oregon remains a place where our values guide our politics.
Rosh Hashanah is a time to rededicate ourselves to community and collective responsibility. In Oregon, that means building bridges across geography, generations, and backgrounds — and showing up for one another. We invite you to continue showing up with us, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or simply being present in Jewish communal life across our state.
May this new year bring sweetness, joy, and strength to you and your loved ones — and may it also renew our shared commitment to creating a better Oregon, together.
Shana Tova U’Metuka,
Steph Newton
Chair, Jewish Caucus
