Featured Event

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking: Aleeza Ben Shalom LIVE:

7-8:30 p.m. Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix-Scottsdale, 4415 E. Paradise Village Pkwy. S., Phoenix. Join Chabad of Paradise Valley for an evening with Jewish relationship expert and the host of Netflix’s “Jewish Marchmaking,” Aleeza Ben Shalom, as she shares behind-the-scenes secrets and live matchmaking on stage. Cost: $36-$200. For more information, visit jewishparadisevalley.com/aleezalive.

(Jewish News is a media sponsor of this event.)

Events

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 9-11

Documentary Film Series: All day. Online. Join the Arizona Jewish Historical Society for a free online streaming of the documentary, “Converts: The Journey of Becoming Jewish.” For more information, visit azjhs.org/converts.

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

Newcomers Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jalapeno Inferno, 20825 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. Join the Shayna Maidels, an intergenerational Jewish women’s organization, to sip, schmooze and eat. This event is limited to Shayna Maidels who have not yet been to an event or have been to one or two events only. Separate checks. For more information, visit jewishphoenix.com/ organization/scottsdale-shayna-maidels.

Better Together Celebration: 1 p.m. Temple Kol Ami, 15030 N. 64th St., Scottsdale. Join Temple Kol Ami and Gesher Disability Resources for an ice cream social celebrating the first year of the Better Together program that connects Jewish senior citizens and Jewish teens to bridge generations. For more information, contact Stacy Rosenthal at stacyr@gesherdr.org.

Summer Music Series: 3 p.m. Arizona Jewish Historical Society, 122 E. Culver St., Phoenix. Join the Arizona Jewish Historical Society and Red Rocks Music Festival for a concert featuring pianist-composer Tamir Handelman. Cost: $25 for AZJHS members; $36 for nonmembers. For more information, visit azjhs.org/tamir.

THURSDAY, JUNE 15

Collaboration Training for Jewish Community Professionals: 9-11:30 a.m. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Join the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix for a game-based collaboration training featuring the Israeli FreshBiz Game Simulation. Cost: Free. For more information, contact Jennifer Starrett at jstarrett@phoenixcjp.org.

Is Territory Sacred? Unexpected Kabbalistic Teachings for an Age of Religious Conflict: 1-2 p.m. Online. Join Valley Beit Midrash for a virtual presentation by Dr. Nathaniel Berman, the Rahel Varnhagen Professor in Brown University’s Department of Religious Studies. Cost: $18. For more information, visit valleybeitmidrash.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

Summer Starter Pool Party at Moishe House Phoenix: 2-5 p.m. Address provided upon RSVP. Joine Moishe House to kick off summer with drinks, snacks and hanging by the pool. Cost: Free. For more information, visit fb.me/e/160HhIk6n.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

Summer Splash: Ice Cream Social: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.

Join the Valley of the Sun JCC for fun poolside. Cost: Free; registration required. For more information, visit vosjcc.org/ program/summersplash/.

SUNDAY, JULY 9

Israeli Film Series: All day. Online. Join the East Valley Jewish Community Center for the film, “The Missing Tale.” For more information, visit evjcc.org/film/.

TUESDAY, JULY 11

NowGen Night Out: Strike Out Hunger: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bowlero, 9027 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. Join NowGen for an evening of bowling in support of several Jewish organizations dedicated to fighting hunger. For more information, contact Andrew Gibbs at 480-481-1757 or agibbs@phoenixcjp.org.

SUNDAYS

B.A.G.E.L.S: 9-11 a.m.; last Sunday of the month. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Grab a bagel and a cup of coffee at Bagels And Gabbing Every Last Sunday and enjoy some time with your friends and make new ones. You must register to attend. Bagels and coffee will be provided. Cost: Free for members, $5 for guests. For more information and to register, visit vosjcc.org.

THURSDAYS

Storytime at Modern Milk: 9:30 a.m. Modern Milk, 13802 N. Scottsdale Road, #163, Scottsdale. Storytime for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Integrates children’s books and songs while giving parents new ideas for play. Cost: $5. For more information and to register, visit modernmilk.com/after-baby.

Meetings, Lectures & Classes

SUNDAYS

Chassidus Class: 9 a.m. Online. Learn about the Chasidic movement with Rabbi Yossi Friedman. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Jewish War Veterans Post 210: 10 a.m. Online. Any active duty service member or veteran is welcome to join monthly meetings, every third Sunday. Cost: Free. For more information, email Michael Chambers at c365michael@yahoo.com.

Sundays are for the Family Weekly Feed: 3-5 p.m. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. Join Arizona Jews for Justice and AZ HUGS for the Houseless every Sunday to serve food to those in need. For more information and to RSVP, email Arizonajews4justice@gmail.com.

MONDAYS

Ethics of Our Fathers: 7 p.m. Online. Learn with Rabbi Zalman Levertov. Tune in at: bit.ly/2Y0wdgv. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Partners in Torah: 7:30 p.m. Online. Join a growing group of inspired learners with Project Inspire. Cost: Free. Tune in at: us04web.zoom. us/j/3940479736#success, password is 613. For more information, email Robin Meyerson at robin@projectinspireaz.com.

TUESDAYS

Let’s Knit: 1:30 p.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Share the pleasure of knitting, crocheting, etc. outside the social hall in the campus. Can’t knit? We can teach you! Every level welcome. Cost: Free. For more information, visit vosjcc.org.

Maintaining an Upbeat Attitude: 7 p.m. Online. A class exclusively for people in their 20s and 30s, learn how Jewish Mysticism can help with your attitude with Rabbi Shlomy Levertov. Cost: Free. Tune in at: JewishParadiseValley.com/YJPclass. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

WEDNESDAYS

History of the Jews: 11 a.m. Online. Learn the Jewish journey from Genesis to Moshiach with Rabbi Ephraim Zimmerman. Cost: Free. Tune in here: zoom.us/j/736434666. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Torah Study with Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Online. Weekly study group explores that week’s portion and studies different perspectives and debates the merits of various arguments. Intended for adults, Torah study is open to students of all levels. For more information, contact the TBS office at 623-977-3240.

Torah Study with Chabad: 12 p.m. Online. Take a weekly journey of Torah with Rabbi Yossi Levertov. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Lunch & Learn: 12:15 p.m. Online. Grab some food and learn with Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin. Cost: Free. Get Zoom link by emailing info@ chabadtucson.com. For more information, visit chabadtucson.com.

Finding Strength After the Loss of an Adult Child: 5-6:15 p.m. Online. Join psychotherapist Susan Charney for a grief support group for those who have lost an adult child. The group meets on Zoom the first and third Wednesday of the month. For more information, visit templesolel.org.

JACS: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. In person and via Zoom support group for Jewish alcoholics, addicts and their friends and family on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Cost: Free. For more information, email jacsarizona@gmail. com or call 602-692-1004.

THURSDAYS

Ladies Torah & Tea: 10:30 a.m. Online. Learn about the women of the Torah with Mrs. Leah Levertov. Cost: Free. Tune in at: ourjewishcenter.com/virtual. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Talmud - Maakos: 11 a.m. Online. Learn with Rabbi Shlomy Levertov. Cost: Free. Tune in at: JewishParadiseValley.com/YJPclass. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Mindfulness Gatherings: 12 p.m. Online. Hosted by Hospice of the Valley via Zoom. Cost: Free. To join by phone, dial 1-253-215-8782, meeting ID 486 920 2119#, to get the Zoom link or for further questions contact Gill Hamilton at ghamilton@hov.org or 602-748-3692.

The Science of Everything: 4 p.m. Online. Explore the most fundamental work of Chassidut: the Tanya, with Rabbi Boruch. Cost: Free. Tune in at: zoom.us/j/736434666. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Teen Discussions: 7-8:30 p.m. Online. Learn with Rabbi Tzvi Rimler. Cost: Free. Tune in at cteen.clickmeeting.com/east-valley. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

SATURDAYS

Saturday Mindfulness Gatherings: 9:30 a.m. Online. Hosted by Hospice of the Valley. To join by phone, dial 1-253-215-8782, meeting ID 486 920 2119#. To get the Zoom link or for more information, contact Gill Hamilton at ghamilton@hov.org or 602-748-3692.

Book Discussion: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Online. Join Or Adam Congregation for Humanistic Judaism on the third Saturday of every month for a book discussion. For more information and to register, contact oradaminfo@gmail.com.

Seniors

MONDAYS

Fitness Xpress Series with Zoe: 11-11:30 a.m. Online. Presented by JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. Workout features weight and band exercises as well as yoga poses. Exercises will be demonstrated standing, but can also be done sitting in a chair. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse.

Sip & Schmooze: 11 a.m. milk + honey, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Sip on kosher coffee or tea, enjoy a pastry and schmooze every second Monday of the month. RSVP appreciated to chani@sosaz.org or 602-4927670. For more information, visit sosaz.org.

Featured Presentation: 12:30 p.m. Online. Join Smile on Seniors Mondays and Wednesdays to learn from a variety of presenters about topical issues, like Q&As with medical professionals, entertainers and lectures. Cost: Free. For more information, visit sosaz.org/virtual or email Rabbi Levi Levertov at levi@sosaz.org.

TUESDAYS

Movie Discussion Group: 11 a.m. Online. Join Smile on Seniors on the third Tuesday of every month hosted by Issy Lifshitz. Cost: Free. For full details and the movie of the month visit sosaz.org/virtual or email Rabbi Levi Levertov at levi@sosaz.org.

WEDNESDAYS

Fitness Fun with Zoe: 10-10:45 a.m. Online. Presented by JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. Workout features light chair exercises with optional weights. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse.

Chair Yoga with Zoe: 11-11:45 a.m. Online. Presented by JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. 45-minute chair yoga class. No prior yoga experience required. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse.

THURSDAYS

Memory Cafe: 10-11 a.m. first Thursday; 1-2 p.m. third Thursday. Online. Presented by

Milestones

BAR MITZVAH

Jewish Family & Children’s Service. Program for those with changes in their thinking or memory, mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder, along with their care partners. For more information, visit jfcsaz.org/our-services/ older-adult-services/memory-cafe/.

In the Kitchen with Benita: 12:30 p.m. Join Smile on Seniors on the fourth Thursday of every month for some delicious cooking or baking fun! Cost: Free. For full details visit sosaz.org/virtual or email Rabbi Levi Levertov at levi@sosaz.org.

FRIDAYS

Welcome Shabbat: 11-11:30 a.m. Online. Celebrate Shabbat with the JFCS Virtual Center for Senior Enrichment. Each week a

MICAH SCHNEIDER

Micah Schneider became a bar mitzvah on May 20, 2023, at Temple Kol Ami.

He is the son of Rabbi Jeremy and Rachel Schneider; the brother of Ezra, Naomi and Sarah; and has four fur siblings.

Micah is the proud grandson of Mary Jane Tucker of Hackensack, New Jersey, and the late Bruce Tucker; and Bernard Schneider of Dallas, Texas, and the late Marsha Schneider. For his mitzvah project, Micah is collecting adult- and childsized socks and underwear (new and packaged) for the asylum seekers at the Phoenix Welcome Center.

A student at Pardes Jewish Day School, Micah enjoys listening to music and watching movies, playing the drums and video games, going on bike rides, hanging out with his friends and

Nita Lillian Ross

Nita Lillian Ross passed on 24 May 2023. She was born in New York on 15 May 1925, to Jack and Bertha (Lazarus) Zasloff.

Growing up in New York, Nita became an avid and accomplished equestrian and met the love of her life, Fred Ross at Sunnycroft Dude Ranch over the 4th of July weekend 1953. They were married on 9 May 1954, and were soulmates for seven decades.

different guest host will lead the program with song and celebration. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse.

Sit or Stand Ballet Class: 12-12:45 p.m. Online. Presented by JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. Jennifer Cafarella Betts and Friends from Ballet Theatre of Phoenix teach this class. Grab a chair or you can stand next to a chair or counter. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse.

Musical Friday: 12:30 p.m. Online. Join Smile on Seniors on the first Friday of every month for a musical presentation. Cost: Free. For full details visit sosaz.org/virtual or email Rabbi Levi Levertov at levi@sosaz.org. JN going hiking with his uncle. He loves Jewish summer camp and is a madrich (teacher’s aide) on Sunday mornings for the religious school.

ETHAN BENJAMIN FRIEDMAN

Ethan Benjamin Friedman will become a bar mitzvah on June 17, 2023, at Congregation Beth Tefillah. He is the son of Elliot and Dr. Ariella Friedman of Scottsdale.

Ethan’s grandparents are Giselle and Dr. Paul Hochsztein of Woodmere, New York; and Barbara and Dr. Harvey Friedman of Englewood, New Jersey.

A student at Pardes Jewish Day School, Ethan enjoys tennis, cross country, chess, piano and guitar. JN

Cathy Fox-Weinzer Blassaras

Treasured daughter, sister, wife, mother and Bubbe, Cathy Fox-Weinzer Blassaras of Scottsdale passed on May 11, 2023, at the age of 71.

She is preceded in death by her parents Abe and Bette Fox, as well as her brothers Scott and Fred Fox. She is survived by her beloved, Crist Blassaras; son, Chad (Shannon) Fox; daughter, Abby (Rob) Fox-Wong; brother, Tom (Lori) Fox; and her granddaughters Hallie Fox and Poppy Fox-Wong. She is also survived by Crist Michael, Shelby and Amelia Blassaras.

She was known for her kindness, generosity and humor. In 2020, Cathy celebrated retirement from a 51-year career as an accomplished medical consultant, having worked tirelessly to ensure public access to lifesaving medical treatments and testing for a variety of conditions. She loved travel, knitting and time with her cherished family. In the late 1990s, Cathy was president of Sisterhood and taught religious school at Temple Beth Israel.

Graveside services were held at Green Acres Cemetery on May 15, 2023.

Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of the Valley (please specify Sherman Home) or the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (please specify the research of Dr. Nandita Khera).

Eric Benjamin Fishman

Eric Benjamin Fishman peacefully passed away on May 18, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona, at 27 years old, surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with his mental health. Eric was a beloved community member of Beth El Preschool, Phoenix Hebrew Academy, Madison Meadows Middle School, Brophy College Preparatory (Class of 2014) and Vassar College (Class of 2018). He touched the lives of countless friends and family around the world.

Nita was a master knitter, creating heirloom sweaters. Her other hobbies included sewing, creating pressed flower cards and beaded flower arrangements, playing golf and bridge and cooking. She loved creating delicious meals for her family. Traveling was one of her great joys. She and Fred travelled the world with their friends, children and grandchildren. She loved the memories she saved in her copious photo albums, which now memorialize her legacy.

Nita had a depth of wisdom far beyond her formal education. She could always find the right words for any situation. She had an eye for beauty that was evident in her decorating and design; whether she was doing country comfort or elegant Asian décor, she knew how to put together an eclectic look that welcomed you into her space. Her choices for clothing and jewelry were timeless and classic. Although modest and shy, her beauty and elegance turned heads when she walked into a room.

But by far Nita’s greatest accomplishment and pride was her family. Growing up as an only child, creating family memories was always her most important life goal. The simplest pleasures in life brought Nita her greatest joy.

Nita is survived by her husband, Fred Michael Ross; her three children Robin Shaw, Bonnie (Jordan Eth) Ross and Richard Ross; four grandchildren Brian (Natalie) Shaw, Jeffrey Shaw, Daniel (Lily Zhang) Eth and Taylor Eth.

Services were held at National Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.

Eric was born in Phoenix on March 22, 1996, sporting a dimple-filled smile that was cherished by all. The consummate jokester, Eric filled every room with infectious smiles and laughter. Eric was a treasured teammate in many sports, including soccer, baseball, swimming, hip-hop dance and lacrosse. Eric’s favorite number, 22, could be seen darting across the field with both the Phoenix Patriots and Brophy lacrosse teams; the latter of which, he helped lead to two Arizona state championships. Eric’s loving personality, industrious work ethic, exemplary scholarship and exceptional lacrosse skills earned him a recruitment to Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. There, he studied economics and met incredible friends, both on and off the lacrosse field.

After college, Eric continued to bring smiles to southern and northern California, as a dear coworker and friend in the movie and cybersecurity industries. A constant in Eric’s life was a love of the summer months. In his youth, he loved attending Camp Ramah in Ojai, California, and spending countless hours at the beach and pool in Coronado, California, with his parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. In adulthood, Eric felt especially connected to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Connecticut, where he volunteered for five summers as a camp counselor. At Hole in the Wall, Eric’s care, laughter and mischievous nature brought joy and healing to his campers.

Eric is survived by his parents, Dr. James and Linda Fishman; his brother, sister-in-law and nephew, Adam, Allie and Aiden Fishman; his sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Joseph Williams; and his maternal grandparents, Dr. Lawrence and Rona Green. He is also survived by his beloved aunts and uncles, Drs. Sam Green and Suzanne Steinberg, Allison Krusch (Green), Drs. Suzanne Fishman and Tom Cain and David Fishman; and countless cousins who were as close as siblings, Dr. Stuart, Pamela, and Kenny Green; Ryan, Sydney and Matthew Krusch; Ed and Greg Cain; and Olivia and Teala Fishman.

Preceding Eric in death were his paternal grandparents, Dr. Arthur and Brandy Fishman; maternal great-grandparents, Louie and Tillie Shiff and Dr. Arthur and Ann Green; paternal great-grandparents, Edward and Silvia Fishman and Philip and Marge Brandsdorf.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Eric’s memory to Chabad of Coronado (chabadcoronado.com) and/or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org).