Message from the President

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Palouse, which is the description of the geographical area that includes Moscow Idaho and Pullman Washington and the surrounding areas along the Idaho and Washington borders. The area includes lush rolling hills of wheat, peas and lentils as well as the majestic foothills of whitepine and tamarack forests. Most of the population here has some connection with Washington State University (in Pullman) and the University of Idaho (in Moscow). Some of the members of the Jewish Community of the Palouse have been living here for over twenty years and some are transient faculty and students. 

What particularly defines the Jewish Community of the Palouse are two concepts: openness and volunteerism. The JCP is open to all members of the Jewish faith. Many of our families include mixed marriages and converted Jews. And our members come from a variety of backgrounds, including Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstruction Judaism. The JCP Board of Directors tries to provide the forum and the support for all members to participate and join together in a variety of activities. And that openness works effectively because the JCP relies on volunteerism. We have no Rabbi. We rely on lay leaders for our services and our educational programs. And anyone who wants to volunteer and initiate a program can do so. 

Our High Holiday Services are very well attended. And we often have a similarly large crowd at our Chanukah party. We also have parties on Sukkot and Purim, as well as a Passover Community Seder. Our Friday Night Service and Potluck generally meets once a month. Our Sunday School program generally has about a dozen students. And we also organize a Youth Group for Junior and Senior High School students. There are plans for a Shabbat Morning Service group and a Film Discussion group. And we generally have special events for visiting lecturers, visiting Rabbis, baby naming and, of course, Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. 

The closest synagogue is Temple Beth Shalom in Spokane Washington, nearly 100 miles north. Many of our JCP members are also members of that synagogue. And although our rural isolation is a disadvantage, we have realized a unique benefit in that our self-reliance promotes a closeness among our members. In Chicago, where I grew up, I could (and did) walk to several synagogues within a one mile radius. Being Jewish is easy in a city where the Temple and the Rabbi are always there -- whether you attend once a year, or once a week. But here on the Palouse, it takes a greater effort and commitment to celebrate our Jewishness. And we like to think that we get more out of it. 

So don't let anyone tell you that there are no Jews in Idaho or that there are no Jews East of Seattle. The Jews of the Palouse might ride horses, might have to drive on Shabbat to attend services, and might have no Rabbi, but we can bake knishes, fry latkes, and sing Adon Olam with the best of them. Come on out and see for yourself.

Myron Schreck, President:  (208) 882−0971   email: