2023 Impact Report

CHABAD OF PARADISE VALLEY

& JPHOENIX YOUNG JEWISH PROFESSIONALS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

• You Amplify Joy: A Heartfelt Thank You

• Your Support Brings Jewish Wisdom to Life

• Thanks to You, Jewish Singles Are Finding Love

• You Sparked A Night of Jewish Unity and Love

• You’re Fostering Jewish Pride

• You’re the Heartbeat of Our Flourishing Community

Photos: Jeanette Terry along with Aviv, Tess and Romi Peres enjoy Purim in the Shtetle. Young Jews feel a sense of belonging and community at Chabad of Paradise Valley.

YOU’RE THE HEARTBEAT OF JUDAISM

A HEARTFELT Thank You

Dear Friend,

As we enter the Jewish month of Adar - a special time when joy increases. It is a great time to thank you for your generosity, which has brought joy to our community.

Your support has brought so much joy, growth, and connection.

From expanding minds through our JLI Adult Education courses to fostering heartfelt unions and igniting communal spirit at events, your kindness has been pivotal.

The stories of Rosalyn and Jim, Ariel and Trent, Jon and Sarah, and the “Arms for Israel” initiative reflect the effect of your gifts. Each story is an example of a community rich in learning, love, and solidarity.

Thank you for being a cornerstone of our community’s strength and joy. Your support ensures our continued journey of discovery and connection.

With deep appreciation,

Rabbi Shlomy and Chaya Levertov

“It has deepened my connection to G-d and our community. It’s a reminder to be proud of our Jewish identity, especially now.”

YOU’RE FOSTERING JEWISH PRIDE:

SHOWING UP For our Heritage

Since October 7th, we’ve seen a shift in our community. The Jews are actively owning and expressing their Judaism. They are showing up in greater numbers to learn, to pray, and to Shabbat dinners --highlighting a deeper felt connection to their identity.

One of the ladies in the community offered to sponsor two pairs of Tefillin for two men who would commit to putting on Tefillin daily for the sercurity and safety of our IDF soldiers in Israel. Jewish young men flocked to strengthen their connection and express solidarity with Israel. While other members fo the community came forward and sponosred 6 additional pairs.

Participants share their daily experiences in our "Arms for Israel" WhatsApp group: Taran DePaola reflects, “Putting on Tefillin has deepened my connection to G-d and our community. It’s a reminder to be proud of our Jewish identity, especially now.”

Billy Asarch’s journey echoes this sentiment, “Tefillin has brought me closer to my Judaism, reinforcing my pride in our heritage. jPhoenix is like family, offering connection and support.”

To put on Tefillin in honor of the saftey and security of our brothers and sisters in Israel, give Rabbi Shlomy a call or text at 480-788-9310.

YOUR SUPPORT Brings Jewish Wisdom TO LIFE

Many people start thinking, “I’m proud to be Jewish, but I don’t know what it means to be Jewish.”

To address this, we began offering Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) adult education courses, which have become a source of inspiration and growth for those exploring the depths of Jewish wisdom. Three years ago, we embarked on this journey with just seven eager participants. Our most recent course attracted 37 people, both in person and online.

Rosalyn M. shared, “Wonderful course. I never had a Jewish education, and I thought growing up in Brooklyn was a Jewish education. After tonight’s class, I felt being Jewish is a great blessing. Thank you again for your knowledge and essential being.”

“After tonight’s class, I felt being Jewish is a great blessing.”

significant impact on the people in our community.

Jim Behnke reflected, “You have helped me look at and reflect on the purpose G-d has for me in this world.

These classes and this growth have happened only because of you. Your vision, support, generosity, and participation have expanded the JLI and have had a

Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Together, we are uncovering the richness of Judaism and empowering individuals to find their place within it.

For more information on our upcoming course on Decisions of Fate, visit jewishparadisevalley.com/jli.

COMMUNITY: First Fridays

At Chabad, you have helped foster an environment where connections deepen and friendships flourish, through our monthly First Fridays, Shabbat mornings, and Jewish holiday events. From the solemnity of High Holidays to the joyous Purim gatherings, your interest and friendship have helped create a sanctuary of belonging.

Our “First Fridays” have transformed our community. It has become the highlight of the month for many, creating an opportunity to bond and forge new friendships. It’s the heart of our vibrant community.

Our community is a place where everyone feels connected, and where friendships are nurtured and treasured.

These community events are where we merge the

magic from our community together with our JPhoenix community (20’s and 30’s) where young and old join together to celebrate Shabbat and holidays.

Your gifts to Chabad have created a community that is united, where every holiday, every Shabbat, and every milestone is a celebration of togetherness. Thank you for being the heartbeat of this beautiful community, where everyone feels connected, and friendships continue to blossom

THANKS TO YOU

JEWISH SINGLES Are Finding LOVE

Your support of Chabad has been instrumental in nurturing our JPhoenix community for those in their 20s and 30s. Our programming adds vibrancy to our community and Shul. At many of our events, Jewish singles have found their bashert, resulting in joyous unions that enrich both our community and our future.

Jon Lawson is thankful for Rabbi Shlomy’s encouragement. After attending a JLI class, Rabbi Shlomy suggested he join the “Campfire and Chill” event. That evening, he met Sarah Cadwallender by the firelight, sparking a journey from conversation to their upcoming wedding this month!

Two years ago, a local concerned mother shared her worries with Rabbi Shlomy about finding the right husband for her daughter, Ariel Shemesh. Rabbi Shlomy suggested that Ariel attend the JPhoenix Summer Party hosted by Chabad of Paradise Valley. There, she met Trent Waller. This serendipitous meeting blossomed into love, culminating in a wedding celebrated joyously by family and friends.

These are just two of many stories that demonstrate how your partnership with Chabad is uniting Jews to create families and shape the future of the Jewish people.

Your generosity helps cultivate this community with love, partnership, and shared journeys. Each story, each union, and each thank-you note serves as a reminder of the incredible difference you make in our community. Your investment in Chabad fosters an environment where people come together, love thrives, and beautiful beginnings are celebrated. Thank you for being the cornerstone of these meaningful connections.

Our annual Car Menorah Parade allows locals to openly display their Jewish Pride.

JPhoenix Summer Party brought together 160 young Jews to mingle and meet new friends. You leave the event feeling proud and happy to be Jewish!

Aleeza Ben Shalom of Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking brought together a crowd of 375 people for an empowering evening filled with laughter and unity.