Jewish News, December 12, 2025

EMPOWERING WOMEN

The Women’s Leadership Institute of Arizona is celebrating its 10th anniversary

THE TIE-DYE LAWYER

Louis Silverman offers his tie-dye sessions as auction items for Valley nonprofits

Local families raise funds to help IDF soldiers heal from PTSD

LEISAH WOLDOFF | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Soldiers in the Duvdevan Unit, one of the Israel Defense Forces’ most elite and undercover counterterrorism units, carry out the most complex, high-risk missions deep inside enemy territory.

One moment, they may be sitting at a Shabbat table with their family, and then two hours later, they are in a refugee camp in Judea and Samaria on an operation to prevent a terrorist attack. These jarring transitions between the battlefield and ordinary life are a real challenge for this unit, which is the highest producer of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases in the IDF, according to Guy Farache, the CEO of the Friends of Duvdevan foundation. Farache, a reserve company commander within the Duvdevan Unit, spoke at Congregation Beth Tefillah in Scottsdale on Nov. 5 with other members of the unit. Duvdevan is Hebrew for “cherry,” symbolizing the idea that Duvdevan is considered one of the top units in the IDF. (It’s also the inspiration for the hit Israeli drama “Fauda.”) Among the approximately 200 people who attended the event were the evening’s hosts — Hilton and Melanie Efune, Steve and Suzi Hilton and Marshall Polk — who aim to spread awareness about the unit, as well as raise funds to help support the foundation’s efforts to help soldiers heal from PTSD.

Two active members of the unit, who the foundation requested be identified only by their first initials to protect their identities for security reasons, spoke about their experience on the morning of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Immediately after being notified of the attack, Z and R headed to Kibbutz Kfar Aza in southern Israel because a friend in their unit lived there and was

SEE IDF, PAGE 4

NCJW Arizona honors local leaders and hosts conversation with Joyce Vance

The National Council of Jewish Women Arizona (NCJW AZ) drew a full house on Sunday, Nov. 16, for its annual “Power and Persistence” brunch at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort. The fundraising event combined community recognition, a spirited live auction and an in-depth conversation between former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, Joyce Vance and NCJW AZ President Civia Tamarkin.

But before the brunch and bidding began, the morning’s tone was set by honoring two Arizona leaders whose work embodies NCJW’s mission to safeguard democracy and champion the rights of the state’s most vulnerable residents.

The first award of the morning, the inaugural NCJW AZ Visionary Voice Award, was presented to Maritza L. Félix, founder of Conecta Arizona, a Spanish-language news service dedicated to providing trusted information to Latino communities across the Southwest. The award recognizes “courage, innovation, vision and dedication to making our community a better place,” traits Félix has demonstrated through years of grassroots journalism and community organizing.

SEE NCJW, PAGE 2

Chanukah Happenings

A roundup of events to celebrate the holiday in the Valley and Northern Arizona. See page 16.

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

NCJW AZ President Civia Tamkin, left, leads a discussion with featured speaker Joyce Vance, NBC and MSNBC legal analyst and author, during “Power and Persistence.” COURTESY OF TYSON CLYBURN

about her Judaism with her fellow council members and speaking out for her rights

2023 Phoenix Jewish News

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Born in Mexico, Félix shared a deeply personal reflection on the complex emotions she has experienced as an immigrant, even long after earning U.S. citizenship. “For many years, I did everything to prove I deserved to be in the United States,” she told the audience. “In 2025, I can see just how many people who look like me are afraid.”

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“It is a true honor to be recognized by an organization that does the incredible work that you do every single day of the week,” Mayes said, noting that she has seen NCJW AZ members “on the front lines, helping protect our democracy at the local, state and even national level.”

Meyers first came to know Stern through her mother, Amy Silverman, who read her personal essays about raising a daughter with Down syndrome on KJZZ, National Public Radio’s Phoenix affiliate station.

daughter with Down syndrome on KJZZ, National Public Radio’s Phoenix affiliate station.

Meyers was so captivated by the essays that he reached out to Silverman, and the two became friends.

Meyers was so captivated by the essays that he reached out to Silverman, and the two became friends.

That’s how Stern first learned of the open council seat, but there’s no doubt she earned her position, Meyers said.

That’s how Stern first learned of the open council seat, but there’s no doubt she earned her position, Meyers said.

To become a council member, Stern had to apply and demonstrate that she had something valuable to contribute, he said.

She already has some practice at

about her Judaism with her fellow council members and speaking out for her rights

“One time, I was in class and someone called me the R-word and I told him not to. The teacher was in the hallway and another student repeated the word,” she said. Rather than letting the situation go, she told her theater teacher, who was able to intervene.

She already has some practice at

“One time, I was in class and someone called me the R-word and I told him not to. The teacher was in the hallway and another student repeated the word,” she said. Rather than letting the situation go, she told her theater teacher, who was able to intervene.

“If someone has a disability, saying the R-word is like saying the F-word,” Stern said.

introduced Vance’s new book, “Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy,” calling it “a handbook, a practical roadmap, offering instructions for how we as individuals and communities can meet the challenges of the times.”

“If someone has a disability, saying the R-word is like saying the F-word,” Stern said.

While performing in the musical “Hairspray,” she had another occasion to tangle with the offensive word, which appears in the script.

While performing in the musical “Hairspray,” she had another occasion to tangle with the offensive word, which appears in the script.

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“That’s really bad and my friend said it on stage. I was not OK with that, so I went to the director and told her it was a bad word for people with disabilities, but she wouldn’t take it out,” Stern said.

She did not shy away from naming the tension many immigrants feel every day. “Everything that I am is being challenged right now. Today, I’m celebrated, but tomorrow I can be targeted, and it’s just because of my identity.”

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Conecta Arizona, she said, is both a journalistic project and a form of community resilience. “We are meeting our community where they are, because we are actually there,” Félix explained. She finished by reminding the audience of the beauty of things they might consider frightening, such as the border and her people who are “blooming.”

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Mayes used her remarks to connect present-day challenges to a longer arc of democratic responsibility. She outlined the legal actions her office has taken in response to President Donald Trump’s administration policies affecting Head Start, Meals on Wheels, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), birthright citizenship and federal tariffs. Each lawsuit, she said, is grounded in the belief that the government must protect the most vulnerable.

“She’s on the council because she deserves to be on the council,” he said.

To become a council member, Stern had to apply and demonstrate that she had something valuable to contribute, he said.

Stern is creating a life and career as a member of her community, which makes her a great addition.

“She’s on the council because she deserves to be on the council,” he said. Stern is creating a life and career as a member of her community, which makes her a great addition.

Vance began by sharing that she was introduced to Tamarkin through fellow “SistersInLaw” podcast co-host Jill WineBanks, who served as NCJW AZ’s keynote speaker in 2020. She described writing her book in early 2025, a period she said felt like “drinking from a fire hose.”

Stern graduated from McClintock High School in Tempe last year and now attends Glendale Community College, with a focus on dance. She is a regular performer at Detour Company Theatre, a Scottsdale theatre company for adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.

“That’s really bad and my friend said it on stage. I was not OK with that, so I went to the director and told her it was a bad word for people with disabilities, but she wouldn’t take it out,” Stern said.

She let her mother know about the conflict and they were able to convince the director of the need to remove the word from the script.

She let her mother know about the conflict and they were able to convince the director of the need to remove the word from the script.

“It was clear that Project 2025 was being implemented at lightning speed,” Vance said. “As I started to write, I focused on the civil rights degradations that Trump was engaging in and the way he was abusing the federal bureaucracy.”

“My friend Al was next to me when I told the director and he gave me the biggest hug ever and said that he loved me so much,” Stern said. Sadly, Al died in a car crash on Oct. 24, 2021.

Heart Can’t Even Believe It: A Story of Science, Love and Down Syndrome,” Silverman’s book about her daughter. When Gesher’s speakers’ bureau, Damon Brooks & Associates, was asked to find a speaker about Down syndrome for an event this spring, Hummell first asked Silverman to speak, thinking Stern might be too young.

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Next, NCJW AZ presented its Impact Award to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, who was greeted with an energetic standing ovation. The award honors public officials who have demonstrated bold leadership and unwavering advocacy for women, children and families, qualities that Mayes has emphasized since taking office.

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“Every time I file one of those lawsuits on behalf of the State of Arizona,” she said, “I think about what past generations of Americans must be thinking about this moment that we are living through. And I believe with all of my heart that they are speaking to us across the ages, and they are saying to every single one of us, ‘Fight!’”

Stern graduated from McClintock High School in Tempe last year and now attends Glendale Community College, with a focus on dance. She is a regular performer at Detour Company Theatre, a Scottsdale theatre company for adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.

In fact, when Stern attended her first council meeting in January, she couldn’t wait to tell people of her involvement with Detour and share information about its upcoming shows.

Her remarks, equal parts indictment and rallying cry, drew yet another standing ovation.

In fact, when Stern attended her first council meeting in January, she couldn’t wait to tell people of her involvement with Detour and share information about its upcoming shows.

The event culminated in Tamarkin’s interview with Joyce Vance, a legal analyst, podcaster and author. Tamarkin

But the pace of developments made it nearly impossible to keep up. “Everything was changing so fast that I was tearing up pages every day,” she recalled. Ultimately, she decided the book needed a different anchor.

“There’s no question that she is going to thrive,” Meyers said. “She’s very gregarious and passionate about the things that matter to her.”

Stern looks forward to sharing insights

“There’s no question that she is going to thrive,” Meyers said. “She’s very gregarious and passionate about the things that matter to her.”

Stern looks forward to sharing insights

“That was hard; it’s very hard to get emotions out and I was very, very upset,” she said.

“My friend Al was next to me when I told the director and he gave me the biggest hug ever and said that he loved me so much,” Stern said. Sadly, Al died in a car crash on Oct. 24, 2021.

“That was hard; it’s very hard to get emotions out and I was very, very upset,” she said.

On the recent anniversary of his death, Stern made a cake and took it to the crash site.

“What I realized a couple of weeks in, was that focusing on what was wrong was not the answer for us,” she said. “It was focusing on what was right, like the strengths in American democracy, our institutions, our role as voters, what made us strong, not what made us weak.”

Heart Can’t Even Believe It: A Story of Science, Love and Down Syndrome,” Silverman’s book about her daughter. When Gesher’s speakers’ bureau, Damon Brooks & Associates, was asked to find a speaker about Down syndrome for an event this spring, Hummell first asked Silverman to speak, thinking Stern might be too young.

They decided instead that Stern should tell her own story; it’s a real bonus that she is not afraid of public speaking.

“It’s not the same when someone tries to tell a person’s story for them,” Hummell said.

They decided instead that Stern should tell her own story; it’s a real bonus that she is not afraid of public speaking.

“It’s not the same when someone tries to tell a person’s story for them,” Hummell said.

“I don’t know how I did it without crying. I’m so proud of myself,” she said.

On the recent anniversary of his death, Stern made a cake and took it to the crash site.

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Amy Hummell, executive director of Gesher Disability Resources, agreed that Stern is a good fit for ADDPC because of her ability to self-advocate.

“I don’t know how I did it without crying. I’m so proud of myself,” she said.

Additionally, helping people with disabilities find jobs was one of the reasons for acquiring the bureau. Unemployment in the disability community is upwards of 75% and of that percentage, 75% are ready, willing and able to work — but haven’t been given the opportunity, Hummell said.

Amy Hummell, executive director of Gesher Disability Resources, agreed that Stern is a good fit for ADDPC because of her ability to self-advocate.

Hummell co-hosted a book event with Meyers a few years ago for “My

SEE NCJW, PAGE 4

Hummell co-hosted a book event with Meyers a few years ago for “My

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Additionally, helping people with disabilities find jobs was one of the reasons for acquiring the bureau. Unemployment in the disability community is upwards of 75% and of that percentage, 75% are ready, willing and able to work — but haven’t been given the opportunity, Hummell said.

“People have it in them to speak up but don’t know how, and often they’re not cheered on. Sophie has family support

“People have it in them to speak up but don’t know how, and often they’re not cheered on. Sophie has family support

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Sophie Stern at her high school graduation in 2022 COURTESY OF SOPHIE STERN

NCJW AZ Board Member Lynn Davis, left, presented the Impact Award to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Sunday, Nov. 16. COURTESY OF TYSON CLYBURN

National Council of Jewish Women Arizona (NCJWAZ) and Arizona political leaders stand together at NCJWAZ’s annual “Power and Persistence” event. COURTESY OF TYSON CLYBURN

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Jewish life has always been sustained by the way we share our experiences. Every generation adds its own voices, its own reflections, its own understanding of what it means to belong to a people with a deep and ever-evolving story. In Arizona, the Jewish News has become one of the places where that story continues to unfold.

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At a time when local news is disappearing across the country, the Jewish News remains one of the few dedicated Jewish publications still serving a regional community. Its editorial team shows up not because the work is easy, but because they understand that documenting Jewish

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Alan Gold, board chair, Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix COURTESY OF ALAN GOLD

When Tamarkin asked what Vance believed had tipped the 2024 election toward Trump, Vance, who is Jewish, responded in a way that brought the mostly Jewish crowd to her side. “We’re all mishpacha here, so I’m just going to call it what it is,” she said. “There were too many Americans threatened by an incredibly accomplished African American woman running to be president.”

She described voters drawn to antiimmigrant and anti-woman messages as reacting out of fear of a changing America.

Tamarkin then asked Vance to expand on the “Lost Cause” narrative she believes underpins much of today’s right-wing politics. Drawing on her years prosecuting white supremacist groups in Alabama, Vance compared Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election to long-standing Confederate mythology.

“After the Civil War, few leaders of the Confederacy were held accountable,” she said. “Similarly, Trump pardoned the Jan. 6 insurrectionists.” By labeling militia members “patriots,” Vance argued, Trump has created a “new lost cause,” a mythic grievance built instantly rather than over generations.

“This new mythology didn’t take decades to emerge,” she said. “He did it overnight.”

Vance also shared a personal reflection that struck many in the room. She recounted a conversation with her adult son, who hesitated when she asked him for feedback on her book about democracy. He reminded her that when he was four, Occupy Wall Street dominated national discourse but since then the wealth inequality it protested has only intensified.

“For me, it was sort of a parental crisis moment,” Vance said. “I had to make the case for democracy itself.”

Her generation, she argued, bears much of the responsibility for both the current fragility of American institutions and the urgent need to strengthen them.

“We need to make the effort to support democracy, keep democracy, restore democracy and also make sure the next generation understands what democracy offers them,” she said. “Because it’s not always apparent.”

As attendees applauded loudly, Tamarkin thanked Vance for providing a message equal parts warning and resolve, two qualities central to NCJW AZ’s mission. JN

For more information, visit ncjwaz.org.

receiving calls from his parents about what was happening.

“When we got to the south, we saw things that are hard to describe,” R said. “It was like an apocalypse — complete chaos. Hundreds of terrorists, fully armed, from head to toe, with machine guns, RPGs (hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers) and grenades. Their only mission: to kill as many civilians as they could. Everywhere we looked, we saw the devastation that Hamas was imposing. Burning houses, wrecked cars left in the middle of the road and dead bodies everywhere, even women and children. Everything you heard, everything is true and even worse.”

By 1:30 p.m. that day, four members of their unit had been killed, and many others were injured.

During the Nov. 5 program in Scottsdale, the foundation held a moment of silence for 13 of the unit’s fighters who died since the beginning of the war; one had been killed in a battle in the Gaza streets after the ceasefire.

Farache said that the work of the Duvdevan unit didn’t stop after the ceasefire due to the large number of high-level terrorists who were released as part of the ceasefire.

Hilton and Melanie Efune learned about the Duvdevan Unit during a visit to Israel after Oct. 7, after their son befriended one of the soldiers. The couple was inspired by the unit’s work and as a way to show their appreciation and support, they sponsored a barbecue for the soldiers during their visit. As he spent time with the men and women who were on active duty in Gaza, Efune said he was moved by their work “fighting not only for the Israeli people, but for the Jewish people in the Diaspora.”

The Efunes were so inspired by the resilience and bravery of the unit, that they introduced their friend Steve Hilton to the unit and he visited their base in sum-

mer 2024. “These guys are the real deal,” Hilton said. “We want to help them.”

Last fall, the Efunes and Hiltons held a similar fundraising event that raised $300,000 for supplies. This year’s efforts are to help support the foundation’s Resilience Program, which includes PTSD workshops. The therapists are Duvdevan veterans, “so our fighters feel comfortable reaching out to them and speaking with them in a shared language,” Farache said. As of press time, more than $225,000 had been raised during the unit’s visit to Arizona, which also included a stop in Tucson.

The foundation aims to help individuals in the unit recover physically, mentally and emotionally as they transition back to civilian life. Its education program helps provide scholarships to Duvdevan veterans who, in return, serve as volunteer mentors and leaders to the soldiers.

“Every year, we provide 100 scholarships, and in exchange for that, these scholarship recipients volunteer in our programs and help us to operate the foundation,” Farache said. “This way, we maintain a very lean and efficient organization with less than 10% overhead.”

Other services include rehabilitation; therapy and financial support for wounded soldiers and their families; and a memorial and bereaved-family program, which honors the fallen soldiers and provides services to their families.

One of the attendees of the Scottsdale program, Steve Winokur, said he returned for a second year to welcome the group because he is in awe of their bravery and he wants to support the work they do to keep “all of us safe in the Diaspora, as well as in Israel.

“I’m grateful for them and want to support them to the extent that I can.” JN

For more information, visit duvdevanus.org.

Leisah Woldoff is a freelance writer based in Phoenix.

The Nov. 5 program was held at Congregation Beth Tefillah in Scottsdale. COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF DUVDEVAN

Guy Farache, CEO of the Friends of Duvdevan foundation, speaks about the foundation’s Resilience Program, which offers workshops to soldiers with PTSD. Also pictured are Steve Hilton, left, and Hilton Efune, along with members of the unit (whose faces are blurred for security purposes).

WLI marks 10 years of empowering Jewish women to lead

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

T

he Women’s Leadership Institute of Arizona (WLI) is celebrating its 10th year of empowering Jewish women across the Valley to take active roles in shaping their community. What began a decade ago as a modest program for a tight-knit group of women to study leadership skill development through Jewish textual analysis has grown into one of the area’s most recognized leadership incubators.

This year’s cohort, the largest in WLI history, includes 20 mentees who will each complete a community service project, with help from a mentor and in partnership with local Jewish organizations. Through mentorship, collaborative learning and relationship building, the institute fosters not only skill development but also a sense of belonging and responsibility toward the broader Jewish community.

“Our goal is to create a network of Jewish women who feel both empowered and equipped to lead,” said Rabbi Emily Langowitz, WLI’s executive director. “We’re helping them develop leadership skills in a Jewish context and giving them the tools and confidence to engage in communal decision making.”

One of the first big events for each year’s cohort is WLI’s “Community Night,” where ideas for the yearlong projects begin to take shape. On Wednesday, Nov. 5, representatives from 18 Jewish organizations, from longtime WLI partners to first-time participants, gathered to introduce their missions and share areas where they need support.

“It’s the moment mentees begin to envision how their passions might align with real needs in the community,” Langowitz said.

Following Community Night, mentees have about a month to connect with organizations that interest them. They discuss possibilities, consult with their mentors and ultimately choose a project that aligns with their talents, capacity and the community’s needs.

Langowitz takes a “hands-off” approach, preferring that mentees and mentors collaborate organically. “I want the mentee and mentor to work together on what makes sense for them,” she said. “The mentor’s job is to help the mentee balance ambition with reality.”

Over the years, WLI projects have ranged from creative programming to practical community tools.

WLI Board Chair Jessielyn Hirschl fondly recalled a wide range of past initiatives: Becca Runnels’ postpartum

workshop, M Zavos-Costales’ alternative film festival, Jennifer Starrett’s work on JewishPhoenix.com, Amber Sampson’s sensory food workshop for healing and Laura Drachler’s PJ Library Family Camp.

“I’ve already seen and heard how this is helping to prepare them as they cultivate relationships with community organizations and professionals,” Hirschl said.

Helping to create PJ Library Family Camp, a project that has become a fixture in the Valley, was a natural choice for Drachler, who sits on WLI’s board. She was able to draw on her love of Jewish camping, something she considers “an essential aspect of my life and Jewish identity. Helping bring a program that would allow more families to experience a taste of Jewish overnight camp seemed like an organic opportunity for our community, and the families in the PJ Library program,” she said.

It is one of the reasons she loves staying involved with WLI, and something she loves sharing with new cohorts.

“The joy of watching the program grow and continue to sell out year after year is a shared experience that brings us all closer, and I hope it brings the magic of Jewish overnight camp to more families. I expect the current 20 mentees to have a similar impact with their projects,” Drachler said.

As WLI grows, so too does the need to adapt its structure. This year’s expanded format features one large cohort divided into two smaller groups for monthly meetings, allowing for deeper discussion while maintaining a sense of collective identity.

“It’s working really well,” Langowitz

said. “Everyone comes together for big events like Community Night, but the smaller groups create a more intimate learning environment.”

For the mentors, some of whom are WLI alumni themselves, the experience is equally rewarding. Each mentor undergoes training to learn how to help mentees shape projects that are both meaningful and manageable.

“Often, mentees come in so enthusiastic that they want to take on something huge,” Langowitz said. “The mentors are there to help them scale their vision to fit their life, and the resources available.”

That balance is crucial, especially as the demand for volunteers grows across Jewish institutions. “There’s so much good work to do,” Langowitz said. “We encourage mentees to find something that’s realistic for their busy lives.”

Ten years in, WLI’s impact is visible across the Valley. Many former mentees now hold leadership positions in the Jewish community. That legacy was evident at this year’s Community Night, where several organization representatives turned out to recruit new mentees and share that they themselves had once been WLI participants.

“It was really powerful,” Langowitz reflected. “To see people who were once mentees now representing their organizations; it’s the clearest sign that what we’re doing is working. WLI graduates are stepping up, leading and shaping the future of our community.”

That sense of continuity and purpose is inspiring for Langowitz.

“Every cohort brings something new,” she said. “Just when I think I know

WLI, PAGE 7

On Wednesday, Nov. 5, the Women’s Leadership Institute of Arizona mentees and mentors met with Jewish organizations in the Valley. COURTESY OF THE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE OF ARIZONA

Mountain Region BBYO brings over 200 proud Jewish teens to Mesa

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

M

ore than 200 Jewish teens from Arizona, Nevada and Utah gathered at the Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa Nov. 14–17 for the Mountain Region BBYO Fall Convention, a weekend of leadership development, community building and Jewish exploration. From the moment the first buses arrived Friday afternoon, the excitement was palpable largely thanks to the event’s two teen co-chairs, high school seniors Alex Blumenreich and Sage Wexler, who spent months planning the program.

On Friday evening, as parents lingered over drinks after drop-off, Tess Perez, BBYO Mountain Region’s community director, made clear who deserved much of the credit.

“Honestly, Sage and Alex really run the region, and are supporting our entire team experience here over the weekend,” Perez told the gathered parents, praising their dedication and hands-on leadership.

Blumenreich, who lives in Phoenix, attends Pinnacle High School and belongs to Temple Chai, and Wexler, who lives in Tucson, said organizing the convention was both challenging and deeply rewarding.

“We’ve had a lot of mentors over our four years in BBYO, and we’ve had a lot of fun,” Blumenreich said.

Wexler agreed. “It’s basically taken us four years for us to work up in the organization and get to where we are, and it’s been a great four years,” she said.

Even as they chatted with friends on opening night, the two seniors rarely slowed down. They hurried to check in a late-arriving bus from Las Vegas before turning their attention to the first major program of the weekend: a conversation with actor, singer and Jewish advocate Jonah Platt.

The co-chairs opened the convention with a lively Q&A with Platt, known for his Broadway and television work and for his podcast, “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.”

After asking Platt some warmup questions that every BBYO guest fields, such as if he were to be any kitchen implement, what would it be, the teens, inspired by the format of Platt’s podcast, asked him questions centering on his own Jewish identity, beginning with Jewish summer camp, a favorite topic among many in the room.

“When you go to camp, you get to just be in Jewish life, from when you wake up to when you go to sleep,” Platt told them. “I took that for granted a lot as a kid, ditching prayers and hanging out with my friends. But in hindsight, it was

so valuable to get that level of immersion in Jewish life. It’s just rare and beautiful.”

They also asked his advice on staying connected Jewishly after aging out of BBYO, a question that resonated deeply with the 11th and 12th graders preparing for life beyond youth groups and high school.

“If you want to feel connected Jewishly, you’ve got to put yourself out there,” he said. “Connection isn’t passive; you have to show up for it.”

Before speaking with the teens, Platt spent time with the parents, sharing why he began his podcast, and why he feels compelled to use his platform to advocate for Jewish visibility.

“I really wanted to showcase the diversity of Jewish identity,” he said. “There are so many different ways to

look and feel and be Jewish, and I just love each and every kind of Jew. We’re all part of the same beautiful Jewish mosaic.”

Mountain Region BBYO Co-Chairs Sage Wexler and Alex Blumenreich interview Jonah Platt in front of more than 200 teens from Arizona, Nevada and Utah. COURTESY OF BBYO MOUNTAIN REGION

More than 200 teens filed into a room at the Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa for the Mountain Region BBYO Fall Convention on Friday, Nov. 14. COURTESY OF JEWISH NEWS

When one parent expressed concern about polarization within the Jewish community and asked Platt whether he felt optimistic or pessimistic about the future of Jews in America, one of the co-chairs jumped in.

“We’ll be proud to be Jewish and do our best to make the world a better place,” Blumenreich said to a round of applause from the parents.

Platt agreed, telling the group that speaking with young Jews continually

"WE NEED TO OWN WHO WE ARE. WE NEED TO BE LOUDER AND PROUDER AND LET PEOPLE KNOW JEWS ARE PART OF THE FABRIC OF SOCIETY.”

renews his optimism. He encouraged both parents and teens to focus on “Jewish joy,” even in difficult times.

He also offered a message about pride and resilience, drawing inspiration from the civil rights movement.

“Jews should take a page out of their playbook and hold their heads high,” he said. “We’ve tried the shtetl mindset and racism hasn’t gone away. You have to be smart about things, but it shouldn’t make you hide who you are or apologize for it. We need to own who we are. We need to be louder and prouder and let people know Jews are part of the fabric of society.”

Throughout the weekend, teens from 13 BBYO chapters across the Southwest participated in programs on leadership, identity, community service, Israel education and wellness. Arizona teens made up the largest contingent, with about 120 participants from Greater Phoenix. Nevada teens, including those

who arrived on the delayed bus from Las Vegas, contributed another strong cohort.

This year also saw the largest Utah delegation in six years, with 15 teens making the trip, a sign, Perez said, of BBYO’s growing momentum.

Adding an international component, 10 Israeli teens joined the convention as part of “Journey to Renewal: Empowering Emotional and Educational Recovery for Israeli Youth,” a two-week respite program sponsored by ORT America. During their stay in the Valley, the Israeli teens hiked desert trails, visited local attractions, volunteered and spent time with their American peers.

For Blumenreich and Wexler, the presence of the Israeli teens and the strong turnout from across the region affirmed what they hoped to create: a weekend that celebrated Jewish pride and connection. JN

everyone in the community, a whole new group of incredible women shows up. They are women doing amazing things in their personal and professional lives who want to give back in a Jewish context. The more the merrier, as long as we can make it work.”

For Langowitz and the WLI board, this 10th-anniversary year isn’t just a celebration of what’s been accomplished but a chance to experiment and grow.

“It’s fun to say, ‘Let’s try this new model and see what works,’” Langowitz said. “It’s a little like throwing spaghetti at the wall — some things stick, some things don’t. But every year we learn more about how to serve our community better.”

That spirit of experimentation and care has carried WLI through its first decade and promises to guide it into the next.

“As our cohorts, each with their unique perspectives, look into the community, WLI women will, and should, continue to make an impact that directly supports and builds up our Phoenix Jewish community,” Drachler said.

“I can’t wait to see what these women do and how they continue to uplift the mission of the Women’s Leadership Institute,” Hirschl said. JN

For more information, visit womenlearning.org.

Mountain Region BBYO Co-Chairs Alex Blumenreich and Sage Wexler take pride in the work they put into making their convention a success.

COURTESY OF JEWISH NEWS

JONAH PLATT

Jewish comic Rita Rudner plans to bring much-needed laughter to Scottsdale audience

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

Rita Rudner is a Renaissance woman. She started her career dancing and singing on Broadway, appeared in numerous films and television shows, authored six books, starred in 10 comedy specials and holds the record for the longest-running, solo female comedy show in the history of Las Vegas.

She said that trying stand-up comedy was one of the best decisions she ever made because it gave her independence, unlike when she was a singer or dancer and someone was always telling her how to perform.

“With comedy, I have total freedom. I remember the first time I was on David Letterman, and I did five minutes of my own thoughts, my own way and wore what I wanted to wear,” she said. “I was 27 and started to have my own thoughts and was brave enough to say them out loud.”

Valley fans will have a chance to spend “An Evening with Rita Rudner” on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

She said she loves Scottsdale and has performed here before and admitted that sometimes you just have to judge a city by

its mall, and Scottsdale gets a “10 out of 10” for Fashion Square.

Rudner grew up with a “very religious” mother who died when she was young, and she said her father was “too lazy to be religious,” so they didn’t go to synagogue.

“When you’re Jewish, you just feel Jewish, and that’s who I am,” she said.

“In fact, my first jokes were all about being overprotected as a child, which I was.”

She shared some of these early jokes, tapping into the stereotypical Jewish mom: “Neurotics build castles in the air, psychotics live in them, my mother cleans them,” and “My tricycle had seven wheels.”

There weren’t that many female comedians when she started her career, but she admired Joan Rivers and Phyllis Diller.

“They were such nice, talented, creative women,” she said. “They weren’t just comedians. They were fashion mavens, cooks, pianists, authors — I mean everything. They diversified their talents.”

She took a cue from their playbook in the diversification department and admitted she likes trying different things.

NO ONE SAVES MORE LIVES IN ISRAEL IN TIMES OF CRISIS.

One of her main collaborators is her husband of more than 30 years, Martin Bergman, who is a writer and producer. “My husband has a Jewish name, but he’s Swedish,” she joked.

The couple has worked together for theater, television and film including the movies “A Weekend in the Country,” “Thanks” and “Peter’s Friends.” They often collaborate on works performed at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, California, including the world premiere of their play, “Staged,” in 2023.

She credits Bergman as the driving force behind her residency in Las Vegas, which began in 2000; throughout its multi-year run, she sold almost two million tickets and grossed over $100 million. During that time, the couple adopted a daughter, Molly, and that schedule allowed Rudner to take her daughter to school, tuck her into bed at night and be home by 11 p.m.

“I was able to be a mother, raise a child and have a marriage, and I didn’t have to travel,” she said. “My husband’s very smart. He figured out a way where I stayed in one

place and the audience traveled.”

The couple moved to Orange County, California during the pandemic, and these days she travels only to do one or two shows a month.

“I didn’t think this would happen to us in our marriage, but I guess it was inevitable. It happens to most people when they get older. We’re playing golf,” she joked. She said she also plays tennis.

Rudner is working on a new project with Bianca Del Rio, a drag queen who won the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Rudner didn’t provide many details other than it’s “something that hasn’t been done.”

But she said that unlike stand-up comedy, which doesn’t cost any money to produce, other projects require an investment. “Once you start with a movie, a Broadway show or a TV show, you have to get other people’s money,” she said. “And to do that, you have to go around and try to sell your product. You get criticism, and they say change this and you can have this, and then you don’t want to do it, and it’s a whole big deal.”

That’s why she continues to enjoy the freedom of doing stand-up comedy. She said that when she is alone on stage, she is performing directly for the public and doesn’t have to please an executive or a publisher.

“I show up. I’m in a nice dress, one that doesn’t wrinkle. I unroll it, put it on and go out and tell jokes, and then I go back to my hotel and I have a really good feeling that everybody had a good time,” she said.

She said she doesn’t do political comedy but is always working on ways to make the show more interesting by sharing new perspectives and observations, weaving stories and jokes together. She also leaves time at the end of each show for audience questions, so no two shows are alike.

“I think comedy is great because it really does bring people together,” said Rudner. “And if there’s one thing the country needs at this point, it’s for people to come together and laugh at things we can all agree about.” JN

Rita Rudner will appear on Dec. 13 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. COURTESY OF DAVID JAKLE

There are many ways to support Israel and its people, but this Chanukah, no gift is more transformative than one to Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency services system.

Rabbi Mindie Snyder was recently named as the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix (JCRC), a nonprofit organization that promotes education, dialogue in both the Jewish and wider community to provide a concerted voice in advancing causes of justice and equity.

Snyder has worked with arts, health and human-service organizations for more than 30 years, where she has been a program innovator, organizational executive and consultant to corporations, state and national agencies.

“I think that all my years of experience in diverse organizations will help me lead JCRC,” Snyder said.

Donovan Hall, 35, of Mesa, was sentenced to 49 months in prison on Thursday, Oct. 30, for stalking Jews in New York City and sending more than 1,000 threats to murder and rape them, the U.S. Department of Justice stated in a press release.

Hall “targeted Jewish victims with a sustained campaign of intimidation, terror and harassment,” stated Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. “The approximately 1,000 threats he sent to these New Yorkers were alarming and brazen. The prosecution of this case, and the sentence imposed, make clear that this office will aggressively bring to justice those who perpetrate senseless

Chandler Center for the Arts (CCA) announced that it will award Pollack Investments, led by Jewish real estate visionary Michael A. Pollack, with its Business Arts Award, recognizing its leadership and support of the arts. The award was presented at the Center Stage Gala on Saturday, Oct. 18, in Chandler.

Under the leadership of president and founder Michael A. Pollack, Pollack Investments has spent more than 50 years revitalizing communities across Arizona, California and Nevada. With over 11 million square feet of completed real estate projects, valued at more than $1 billion, the company has become one of Arizona’s

She has worked in varied environments both in the United States and abroad, “where building bridges between people is beneficial for community harmony,” she said.

JCRC Board Chair Alan Zeichick sees her resume as indispensable to the job.

“I’m delighted that Rabbi Mindie has joined us at JCRC,” he said in an email.

“She has an amazing ability to bring people together. She radiates joy — the joy of being alive, the joy of being Jewish.”

Snyder is used to speaking to the media about issues regarding aging, end of life, at-risk youth and families, among other Jewish, social and public health concerns.

“I am a fierce advocate for the wellbe-

crimes of hate.”

Over three months, Hall contacted “several” New Yorkers about 1,000 times and “made antisemitic and violent threats to torture, mutilate, rape and murder them and their families,” the Justice Department said. “In particular, starting in August 2024, Hall made dozens of threatening phone calls, many of which were antisemitic in nature, to the Jewish owner of a hotel located in Manhattan, the owner’s family members and hotel staff.” The hotel in question is The Historic Blue Moon Hotel.

“During these calls, Hall threatened numerous times to kill the victims,” it said. It added that he “escalated” his

leading commercial real estate players.

Pollack has received proclamations and commendations from governors, senators, congressional representatives and local leaders. In Dec. 2022, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey issued a proclamation recognizing Pollack’s decades of professional achievement and philanthropic support of nonprofit organizations statewide.

Pollack said his support for Chandler Center for the Arts reflects his love of music and belief in its power to inspire.

“The arts have always held a special place in my life, both as a supporter and as a musician,” Pollack said in a press release.

Pollack Investments has been the title

ing of people and the planet. My research has explored the diverse languages present in common spaces and the revitalizing, relationship-enhancing power of hospitality, or hachnasat orchim, in contrast to the public health hazards of hate, ignorance and indifference,” she said in an email.

“During these troubling times, Rabbi Mindie is exactly who we need to build bridges inside our community, and also to our friends and fellow travelers,” Zeichick said.

Referring to the future of JCRC under her leadership, the board chair said, “she is cooking up some amazing programs, so stay tuned.” JN

threats by “texting photographs of two firearms and a machete to the hotel owner, along with threats to use those weapons to harm the owner and his family.”

Officers found and recovered the two guns, which weren’t registered to Hall and one of which was loaded, and ammunition at his home.

He was sentenced to three years of supervised release after his jail term.

Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI’s Newark Field Office. Clayton also thanked the New York Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, the FBI Phoenix Field Office, the Mesa Police

sponsor of several CCA concerts and underwrites free tickets for youth, ensuring young people have access to live music experiences. Pollack also nurtures a creative side as a drummer in his band, Pollack’s Corporate Affair, which has performed in community events such as the Phoenix Electric Light Parade and the Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade.

“Chandler Center for the Arts brings world-class talent and meaningful experiences to our community, and I am honored that Pollack Investments is being recognized with the Business Arts Award for helping share that joy with others,” Pollack said. JN

North Scottsdale welcomes fourth location for New York Bagels ‘N Bialys

New York Bagels ‘N Bialys (NYBB), the neighborhood eatery that seeks to bring “an authentic taste of New York to Arizona,” announced it opened a fourth location at 20567 N. Hayden Road in North Scottsdale.

For more than two decades, NYBB has been serving Jewish-inspired fare, from hand-rolled bagels and scratch-made bialys to deli sandwiches and breakfast specialties in Arizona.

share the flavors we love — fresh bagels, warm hospitality, a place to gather — right in the heart of Scottsdale.”

‘N Belgian Waffle and Pizza Bagels, along with house-made cream cheeses, desserts and signature drinks.

“We’re thrilled to open at Hayden Road,” said NYBB co-owners Shelley Curtis and Ruth Leatherman, in a press release. “This location brings us closer to more of our community, allowing us to

The new Hayden Peak location features a modern design, a large dining area and a patio for outdoor dining. It has the same menu, including fan favorites like the Nova Lox Bagel Sandwich, Chicken

“Our mission has always been to deliver that authentic New York deli experience — great food, great people and a place that feels like home,” Curtis said. JN

Snyder has been a past contributor to the Jewish News.

Department and the Clifton Police Department in Clifton, New Jersey. JN

Rabbi Mindie Snyder is now the executive director of JCRC. COURTESY OF RABBI MINDIE SNYDER

Michael A. Pollack COURTESY OF CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

The Historic Blue Moon Hotel is also home of two kosher establishments: Sweet Dreams Café and Settembrini Trattoria. COURTESY OF JACKIE HAJDENBERG VIA JEWISH TELEGRAPHIC AGENCY

JCRC welcomes new executive director

Mesa man sentenced to prison time for death, rape threats against Jews

Chandler arts center honors Pollack Investments at gala

What the menorah celebrates

PARSHAH VAYEISHEV:

GENESIS 37:1 - 40:23

Not long ago, I was talking with another rabbi, and we got onto an interesting question: Which Jewish holidays are the most commonly observed, even by Jews who are less observant? We both quickly agreed on the same three: Passover, Yom Kippur and Chanukah. I didn’t have the order exactly right, but the point was the same. There is something in each of these holidays that touches the heart of every Jew, no matter their background or level of observance. It reaches into our core — our spiritual DNA. Passover is when we became a nation. It’s when G-d took us out of Egypt, saved us, and formed a special bond with us as His people. On that night, something holy was placed inside every Jewish soul. Even Jews who observe fewer Jewish traditions still feel something when they sit at a Seder. It reminds us of who we are and where we

OPINION

Commentary

come from.

Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, speaks to our deepest connection with G-d. On this day, our soul shines brighter, and we come closer to who we really are. We stand like angels, asking for forgiveness, reconnecting with the part of ourselves that never breaks and never gets lost. Even Jews who don’t go to synagogue all year still feel Yom Kippur tug at them. It’s a day that simply can’t be ignored.

And then there is Chanukah.

Chanukah celebrates two miracles: the victory of a small group of Jewish fighters over the powerful Greek army, and the miracle of the pure oil, just one little jug meant to last one day that burned for eight days. That oil represents the spark inside every Jew. It doesn’t matter how covered or hidden it becomes; it never goes out.

What’s interesting is that Chanukah often seems even more widely celebrated than Passover and Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is a deeply holy day, but the idea of saying sorry, making amends and thinking about life is something even less observant people relate to. Passover, too, can be celebrated on a cultural level, almost like

Thanksgiving, marking freedom and the start of our people.

But Chanukah is different. Chanukah celebrates the victory of Torah and Judaism over the pressure to become like everyone else. It celebrates our right to live as Jews, proudly and openly. The Greeks didn’t want to destroy us physically, they wanted us to forget our faith and blend in. Chanukah pushes back against that. Lighting the menorah is a statement: We are Jewish, and our light is here to stay.

And yet — and this is the amazing part — even Jews who feel less connected with Judaism still light a menorah. Why? Because Chanukah touches the very core of who we are. The menorah flame reminds us of the flame inside every Jew. It may flicker, and it may be faint at times, but it never goes out. It waits patiently for the moment it can shine again.

Chanukah celebrates that deep within every Jew is a natural belief in G-d and a connection to the Torah and mitzvot that He gave us. This connection is part of our very identity, embedded in our spiritual DNA. At times we may be more involved in our Judaism, and at other times we may

struggle, but that core desire never disappears. Deep down, every Jew wants to feel connected, to live with meaning and to be proudly Jewish. Chanukah brings that truth to the surface by revealing the pure spark inside us that is always ready to shine.

So, this Chanukah, as we light the menorah, fry the latkes, enjoy the doughnuts and join community celebrations, let’s also take a moment to connect a little deeper. Let’s learn something new about our history, our traditions and our purpose. And let that little extra light inspire us to add another mitzvah, a step toward G-d. With that added brightness, may we soon merit to see the menorah once again lit in the Holy Temple, may it be rebuilt speedily in our days. JN

Rabbi Dov

In defense of the Sarah Hurwitz we know — and the nuance we all need in this moment

JARROD BERNSTEIN, CHANAN WEISSMAN, SHELLEY GREENSPAN | JTA

Over the course of the Obama and Biden administrations, each of us served as the White House liaison to the American Jewish community. In that role, we were responsible for reaching out to Jewish Americans from across the political and denominational spectrum and representing their voices in the White House.

It is hard to watch anyone you care about be savaged online, but it was particularly painful to see this happen to our friend and former colleague, Sarah Hurwitz. In the White House, where she served as a speechwriter first for President Barack Obama and then for First Lady Michelle Obama, Sarah was known for her kind heart, integrity and fierce loyalty to her colleagues and the leaders she served. We often marveled at the compassion she wove into the speeches she wrote. Her empathy for the plight of Americans of every background and her commitment to social justice were evident in her devotion to serving our country. We watched with pride as she went on

to write widely acclaimed books about Jewish ritual, tradition and spirituality and about the effects of antisemitism on Jewish identity. Meticulously researched, her books are an exercise in nuance, empathy and complexity as she articulates and wrestles with competing viewpoints. In her most recent book, for example, she both passionately defends Zionism, the national independence movement of the Jewish people, and also criticizes the current Israeli government.

So you can imagine our dismay when several far left and far right X accounts posted and retweeted a video clip of remarks she made at a recent Jewish conference that was selectively edited to cut off the actual point she was making. What followed was a torrent of outrage from people who claimed Sarah was arguing that we shouldn’t teach Holocaust education because doing so makes young people think the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza is a genocide. Others claimed she was saying that genocide only matters when it’s perpetrated against Jews.

Such sentiments would obviously be obscene, and we were shocked that people would attribute them to Sarah, someone who just published a book in which she expressed anguish about the unbearable deaths of civilians in Gaza. And we were appalled when people began circulating more out of context videos of Sarah with the intent of portraying her as callous and cruel. Those who took the time to track down and watch the entire original video, including the part that was cut off, would have seen the actual points Sarah was making about antisemitism education, which were as follows: Some forms of prejudice are about a majority dominating a minority whom they see as inferior — a kind of “punching down.” But as many scholars have noted, antisemitism is about “punching up.” The Holocaust happened in part because the Nazis insisted that the Jews, who were 1% of the German population, were actually the powerful ones and were using their power to harm ordinary Germans. They accused

A NOTE ON OPINION

Jews of undermining Germany’s World War I efforts and destroying the German economy. The Nazis claimed that killing Jews was therefore a form of self-defense, that they were protecting themselves against a powerful, depraved enemy.

Sarah was also conveying that, contrary to the impression young people get on social media, what happened in Gaza is not analogous to the Holocaust. It was a devastating war that does not fit neatly into a simplistic frame of oppressor versus oppressed. That black and white paradigm disregards the complex challenges that continue to stymie a resolution to this heartbreaking conflict. Sarah certainly could have been more sensitive in the language she used, but the points she was actually making are worth considering. JN

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

Levertov is director of the Chabad of Phoenix and Aleph Bet Preschool and Kindergarten.

area congregations at JewishAZ.com, where you can also find our 2026 Community Directory.

RABBI DOV LEVERTOV

Rabbi Dov Levertov COURTESY OF RABBI DOV LEVERTOV

Gesher’s annual gala draws its largest crowd ever

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

Forty years ago, Becca Hornstein and Joyce Berk-Lippincott launched a grassroots effort to help their children on the autism spectrum be more involved in the Valley’s Jewish communal life.

What started as the Council For Jews With Special Needs has evolved into Gesher Disability Resources, which today provides a multitude of resources, programs and services for children and adults with disabilities in Greater Phoenix.

On Nov. 1, 450 people gathered at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort to celebrate Gesher’s 40th Anniversary Ruby Gala. The event was emceed by Shawn Harper, a former National Football League (NFL) offensive lineman who played with the Rams, Oilers, Colts and NFL Europe and now owns and operates American Services and Protection, a security services firm headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

Growing up, Harper shared that he was diagnosed with multiple learning disabilities, was kicked out of two schools for disciplinary issues and left high school with a GPA of 1.62.

“But I was able to persevere because one thing I’ve learned is that adversity can break you, but it also can make you a record breaker. The difference is perspective,” he said. “I don’t like the word disability much because I’m not disabled. I’m uniquely enabled. We are all blessed with strengths and weaknesses, but the winners of the world tend to focus on their strengths.”

Harper said he was introduced to public speaking and motivational speaking engagements when he connected with Damon Brooks & Associates, Gesher’s speakers bureau.

“Working with Damon Brooks has afforded and blessed me to speak to

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corporations, small and large, which is why I’m here today, because they asked me to emcee this event. Now, the amazing thing about Damon Brooks is that it is a subsidiary of Gesher,” he said.

Gesher purchased Damon Brooks & Associates in 2021. It is composed entirely of representatives who either have a disability or are directly affected by one.

Marc Goldman, the former owner of Damon Brooks, founded the company in 1985 to provide education about the disability community by platforming people with disabilities.

“It was very exciting to announce that

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This semester, Modern Matters, Olami Arizona’s weekly fellowship, has had an incredibly successful run at both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. The program o ers students an enriching opportunity to engage with Jewish teachings in a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment. It provides a space for open conversations and encourages participants to explore their heritage and ask questions. They tackle topics like “The Afterlife,” “Why Bad Things Happen to Good People,” “Is there a God and Who Cares” and so much more! One Modern Matters participant shared, “I went to eight years of Jewish day school, and I learned more in this program than I did my entire school experience.”

Risa Brumer, director of Olami Arizona explained, “At Olami we believe that knowledge is the foundation for a strong Jewish future. We want to teach our students where we come from, so they can better understand where we are going. We’ve found that knowledge is the key to students’ pride in their Jewish identity.”

Over the last 20 years, Modern Matters (formally called Maimonides) program alumni have gone on to take positions of leadership in the federation, other Jewish organizations and in their local synagogues and communities.

The award given to the 14 past board presidents. COURTESY OF SARA WATERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

The emcee for the gala, Shawn Harper. COURTESY OF SARA WATERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Gesher is growing, and that we have a new speakers bureau,” Amy Hummell, executive director of Gesher and Damon Brooks, said at the 2021 gala. “It provides a national presence.”

Harper said he jumped at the chance to emcee the gala and called it a “full-circle moment” because of his late mother’s connection to the Jewish community.

“My late mother worked for some amazing individuals who happened to be Jewish,” he said. “She immediately went home to the south side of Columbus, and she taught us all the traditions. It was absolutely amazing.”

The evening’s celebration also included a silent auction, a live raffle and recognition of the 14 past board presidents, who each played an essential role in shaping the organization over the past four decades. Each person was given an inscribed giant ruby jewel to mark the occasion.

Harper compared Gesher to an engine, saying the past presidents were the foundation or the pistons, and the volunteers are the engine’s oil.

He then presented the inaugural “Volunteer of the Year” award to Marcia Solochek.

After Solochek retired, she decided to spend some of her newfound free time volunteering and discovered Gesher’s “Better Together” intergenerational program that connects Jewish seniors and young adults. There, she met Gesher member Mollie, who accompanied her on the stage to accept her award.

Harper then asked the audience to take 30 seconds for a moment of silence to remember those who had passed.

He introduced Adam and Jason Katz, who lost their brother, Jared, on March 29, 2024 at 45.

They shared that their parents did an amazing job of always including Jared in everything the family did.

“They never made it like having a brother with special needs was a challenge or a burden. It was just our life. Looking back, that’s one of the greatest gifts our parents gave us. They made sure Jared was never treated as different, just our brother,” said Jason Katz.

Jared was non-verbal, but his brothers said he “spoke volumes through his expressions and emotions. We always knew when he was happy, when he was sad or when he was just done with us,” they joked.

They acknowledged that Jared was always happy when attending a program or special event at Gesher.

“Gesher wasn’t just a place he went. It was a community that truly saw and embraced him, giving him the joy of friendship and belonging. Our parents devoted their lives to Jared. And because of their love and their support of this community, he lived a long and full life, one filled with happiness and

connection,” they said.

Next, Hummell and Josh Landers, Gesher’s board president, took the stage and Hummell said it was the largest crowd they ever had attend a gala and although she would have liked to share all the things that Gesher provides the community, she didn’t have enough time.

“Shawn is one of our speakers from Damon Brooks and Associates. That is one of our subsidiaries. So, we are asking for money and we’re making money too. We do all of it together,” she said.

She thanked all the parents of children in Jewish day schools and said that they work with 130 students every single month.

“We own two residential homes and we’re on the cusp of that third home; we hope to make an announcement soon. And social groups. Do you know that we’ve been bowling for 40 years?” she said.

She went on to list park parties, the Sternberg3 Community Model Seder and referral services, too. “That’s how we started, and that’s what we continue to do,” she said.

Hummell was presented with an award and flowers for her decade as executive director.

“We can’t thank you enough for how you’ve transformed this organization, how you helped lead it, grow it and we just want to express our deepest sincerity and appreciation for everything you’ve done and continue to do,” Landers said.

“A record number of attendees, a record that says more programs, more recipients and we are healthier and stronger now than we’ve ever been — and we expect to be stronger in the next 40 years.” JN

For more information, visit gesherdr.org.

GIVING NEVER GIVES UP

Together with our donors, volunteers and partners, we’re celebrating 100 years of giving back to the Valley. From food and clothing to housing and education, we all could use help at some time. And we’ll never stop giving what is needed. Because giving never gives up.

TO HELP, VISIT VSUW.ORG.

Gesher’s “Volunteer of the Year” Marcia Solochek, left, with Gesher member Mollie. COURTESY OF SARA WATERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

s nonprofit gala season heats up across the Valley, charitable organizations are hosting auctions and community celebrations. For many in Tempe, that also means calling on one of the Arizona city’s most colorful contributors.

Louis Silverman, better known as the Tie Dye Lawyer, is entering one of his busiest periods of the year.

Silverman has lived in Tempe for 44 years, long enough to reinvent himself a few times. He arrived in the Valley after graduating from law school in Texas and spent the first two decades of his career specializing in civil litigation. By 2005, though, he felt ready for a shift and narrowed his practice to estate planning, probate and trust law, which is work he has continued for nearly 20 years.

“It was time to change it up,” he said. He found that new professional path and, unexpectedly, a new artistic identity around the same time. The spark came during a trip to Hawaii’s Big Island. While

exploring the small town of Captain Cook, south of Kona, Silverman stumbled upon an artisan who called himself the Tie Dye Hobo.

“It’s pretty rural, and there was this guy just doing his thing,” Silverman recalled.

“I was watching him, fascinated by what he was doing.”

Tie-dye struck him as joyful, expressive and, perhaps just as important, harmless.

“Can’t get into too much trouble tiedying,” he joked. “Even the worst tie-dye is just a bad tie-dye. That’s the worst you can say about it.”

When he returned home, he headed to Michael’s for tie-dye kits. That early experimentation quickly led him elsewhere, specifically to local Goodwill stores, where he gathered inexpensive shirts, fabric and anything else he could test his new hobby on. Over the years, the hobby stuck. Before long, the Tempe legal community began referring to him affectionately as “the tie-dye lawyer.”

Silverman decided to embrace the moniker. He launched tiedyelawyer.com and began building what he describes as “a positive brand.”

“There are so many things you can be known for that aren’t so positive, like ‘the cocaine lawyer’ or ‘the DUI lawyer,’” he said, laughing. “This one makes people smile. I even make tie-dyes for clients, and now a lot of them ask if they get one out of the deal. Of course they do.”

But what started as a creative outlet soon grew into something more meaningful. Silverman realized he could pair his hobby with charitable giving, offering his tie-dye sessions as auction items for Valley nonprofits. The idea evolved even further once he teamed up with Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, a friend he met 15 years ago while the two were serving on the board of the Tempe Community Action Agency.

The collaboration happened almost by accident. While attending a gala together, Woods mentioned he enjoyed cooking and offered to donate a home-cooked dinner as an auction item. Silverman jumped in, offering to “spice it up” by adding a tie-dye experience after the meal.

“It became two events in one,” Silverman said. “And nonprofits loved it.”

The auction package now typically includes dinner for six to nine people followed by an evening of tie-dying in Silverman’s garage. The pairing creates a relaxed, intimate environment for guests, and offers a chance to spend time with the city’s mayor.

“It’s dinner with the mayor, and then we go into my garage and we tie-dye,” Silverman said. “It’s an opportunity to spend an evening with him in a real, relaxed environment.”

The offering has become a hit at local fundraisers, regularly raising hundreds of dollars or more. The most recent auction brought in $1,200.

Silverman says part of the appeal is Woods’ openness. “I thought some issues would be too controversial, but recently he was happy to talk about a rather hot topic in Tempe, and that was fun,” Silverman said.

Scheduling, he admits, is the trickiest part. Between a full-time legal practice and the obligations of a big-city mayor, finding an evening that works for everyone can be challenging. But as gala season ramps up, the two already have several events on the calendar.

Silverman’s ties to the community extend beyond philanthropy. Born in El

Paso, Texas, to a Reform Jewish family, he grew up immersed in Jewish communal life, having a bar mitzvah, confirmation and what he calls “all the usual Jewish trappings.” While he is not currently affiliated with a local synagogue, he remains proud of his Jewish identity and occasionally fields requests from Valley families to help tie-dye a tallit for b’nai mitzvah ceremonies.

“It’s surprisingly meaningful,” he said. “I love doing it.”

Silverman imagines that in the future, as his lawyering duties decrease, he will lean more into his tie-dying side hustle. Until then, he is happy to share his playful pastime for the good of the community and splash some colorful swirls into fundraising for the Valley’s charitable organizations. JN

For more information, visit tiedyelawyer.com.

Louis Silverman and Susan Brooks, an adult bat mitzvah, show off Silverman’s tie-dying products. COURTESY OF LOUIS SILVERMAN

Louis Silverman, right, and Tempe Mayor Corey Woods offer dinner and tie-dye to raise money for nonprofits. COURTESY OF LOUIS SILVERMAN

Support causes that matter to you through Arizona tax credits

JANET SILVA | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

Tax Day is just around the corner and now is the time many of us plan for the year-end. You can support the charities that have personal meaning to you through Arizona’s tax credit programs. When you donate to a qualified organization you receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit against your state tax liability and at the same time support nonprofit organizations. In Arizona there are several dollar-for-dollar tax credits that include the Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO), Private School Tuition Organization (STO), Qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organization (QFCO), Arizona Military Family Relief Fund and Public Schools. There is also a low-income corporate private school tuition program for businesses that has its own requirements and deadlines. If interested in the corporate program, call a school tuition organization (STO), or visit the Arizona department of revenue website at azdor. gov for more information.

Each qualifying organization has a program or programs that meet the unique

needs of our community. You can choose the cause that’s close to your heart whether you want to provide tuition assistance, help with medical and living expenses or meet special need requirements.

The STO program is run through the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR). In recent years there has been much news, and confusion, about the Empowerment Scholarship Program (ESA) offered through the Department of Education. These two programs are separate and cannot be combined.

At the JTO, we receive questions as to the impact the ESA program has had on STOs. There really has not been a negative impact as STOs raise funds based on tax credits and can only be used toward tuition, ESA funds are from another revenue stream and can be used for education support, in addition to tuition. If a family determines that ESA is the better choice, an STO then has the ability to either increase or provide additional funds to families looking for tuition assistance. The choice is what is best for

each family’s situation.

Each tax credit has a maximum amount that varies, and donations can be divided among organizations within tax credits but cannot exceed the maximum amount for that category. For example, the 2025 maximum amount for the private school tuition tax credit is $1,535 for individual taxpayers and $3,062 for married couples. A taxpayer can give the maximum to one STO, or they can divide their support among several STOs; however, the total cannot exceed the maximum amount allowed for the private school tuition tax credit. The various qualified organizations and details for each type of credit can be found on the Arizona Department of Revenue’s website.

Your support provides opportunities for charities to meet the needs of the families they serve. Remember that taking the tax credit doesn’t impact your family budget, but your donation makes a big difference helping members of our community.

The East Valley Jewish Community Center, Gesher Disability Resources, Jewish

Free Loan, Kivel Campus of Care, Jewish Family & Children’s Service and Jewish Tuition Organization have a collaborative website at jewishtaxcredit.org that makes it easy for taxpayers to support these organizations. The Jewish Tuition Organization is a STO, and the other five members of the collaborative group are qualifying charitable organizations. The group came together more than a decade ago to make it easy for the community to support several organizations of choice at one time. This year, the QCO tax credit maximum amounts are $495 for individuals and $987 for married couples. As with STOs, you can give the maximum to one QCO or divide the maximum amount among several of the organizations.

As you prepare your 2025 taxes, take the credit and help a student, family or person in need. JN

Janet Silva is the executive director of the Jewish Tuition Organization. For more information, visit jtophoenix.org or jewishtaxcredit.org.

Chanukah Happenings

This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Sunday, Dec. 14, and lasts until sundown on Monday, Dec. 22. There are festivities happening around the Valley and Northern Arizona, so no matter where you live, you can find an event near you. Many are free, check websites for more details. Happy Chanukah!

For an updated listing of Chanukah events and resources, visit JewishPhoenix.com.

Events

SUNDAY, DEC. 14

Hanukkah Family Glow Party: 2:30-4 p.m. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the VOSJ for dancing, glow sticks, games and more. $18 member, $25 nonmember; includes dinner and dessert. For more information, visit valleyofthesunj.org.

Communitywide Menorah Lighting: 3 p.m. Superstition Springs Mall Outdoor Amphitheater, 6555 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Join Chabad Jewish Center of Mesa, Gold Canyon and Apache Junction for menorah lighting, latkes, doughnuts and more. For more information, visit chabadmesa.com.

The Great Surprise Chanukah Festival: 3:30 p.m. Asante Community Park, 16763 W. Vereda Solana Drive, Surprise. Join Chabad of Surprise for live music, a drone show, gelt drop, activities, latkes, doughnuts, a giant menorah lighting and more. For more information, visit jewishsurprise.com/festival.

The Moon Valley Chanukah Festival: 3:30 p.m. Moon Valley Park, 502 W. Coral Gables Drive, Phoenix. Join Chabad of Moon Valley for live music, latkes, doughnuts, raffles, menorah lighting and more. For more information, visit jewishmoonvalley.com/festival.

Chanukah Celebration: 4 p.m. The Park at PV, 12750 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. Join Chabad of Phoenix for latkes, doughnuts, music, inflatables and more. For more information, visit chadbadaz.com/ chanukah2025.

Grand Chanukah Carnival: 4-6 p.m. Congregation Beth Tefillah, 6529 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. Join StandWithUs

Desert States for games, arts and crafts, Chanukah foods, menorah lighting and letter writing to IDF soldiers and hostages who have come home. For more information, visit bethtefillahaz.org.

White Mountains Chanukah Celebration: 4:15 p.m. Jack Barker Memorial Park, Johnson Drive and Highway 260, PinetopLakeside. Join Chabad of Rural Arizona for a menorah lighting, latkes, doughnuts, gelt, music and fun for the whole family. For more information, visit jewishruralaz.org.

Chanukah at Norterra: 4:30 p.m. The Shops at Norterra, 2460 W. Happy Valley Road, Phoenix. Join Chabad of Anthem for menorah lighting, entertainment and latkes. For more information, visit jewishanthem.com/menorah.

Bukharian Chanukah Celebration: 5 p.m. Mountain View Community Park, 1104 E. Grovers Ave., Phoenix. Join Chabad Bukharian Center for latkes, doughnut and a gelt drop. For more information, visit chabadbukhariancenter.org.

Chanukah at Arizona Center: 5 p.m. Arizona Center, Grotto Park, 455 N. 3rd St., Phoenix. Join Chabad of Downtown Phoenix for menorah lighting, children’s activities, latkes, doughnuts and more. For more information, visit jewishdowntownphoenix.com.

Chanukah at the Scottsdale Quarter: 5 p.m. Scottsdale Quarter, 15279 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join Chabad of Scottsdale for menorah lighting, live music, Chanukah treats and more. For more information, visit chabadofscottsdale.org.

Chanukah Celebration: 5 p.m. Chabad of Fountain Hills, 16830 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills. Join Chabad for a grand menorah lighting, giveaways,

latkes, doughnuts, crafts, LED glow show and more. For more information, visit jewishfountainhills.com.

Chanukah Celebration: 5 p.m. Court House Square, Downtown Prescott. Join Chabad of Prescott for music, latkes, doughnuts, children’s program and more. For more information, visit jewishprescott.org.

Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting: 5 p.m. Plaza at Mountainside, 4001 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix. Join Chabad of Ahwatukee for latkes, doughnuts, live music, crafts, entertainment and a giant menorah lighting. For more information, visit chabadahwatukee.com/light.

Light Up Goodyear: 5 p.m. Osborne Jewelers, 15350 W. McDowell Road, Goodyear. Join Chabad of Goodyear for latkes, doughnuts, soups, crafts, raffle, music and more. For more information, visit jewishgoodyear.com.

Mesa’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony: 5 p.m. The Post, 26 N. MacDonald Drive, Mesa. Join the City of Mesa for menorah lighting and food. For more information, visit downtownmesa.com.

Chanukah Menorah Lighting: 5:306:30 p.m. Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. 336 State Route 179, Sedona. Join Chabad of Sedona for live music, latkes, doughnuts, hot chocolate and photo opportunities with Judah The Maccabee. For more information, visit jewishsedona.com.

MONDAY, DEC. 15

Chanukah Party: 10:30 a.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Bring the whole family and join Smile on Seniors for latkes, treats and entertainment. Cost: Free; RSVP required. For more information, visit sosaz.org/chanukah.

Featured Event

NIGHTLY, DEC. 14-21 Chanukah in Carefree: 5:30 p.m. Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion in the Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy St., Carefree. Each evening is hosted by a different organization, and many nights will feature Chanukah food like latkes and sufganiyot. For more information, visit chanukahincarefree.com.

Chanukah on High Street: 6 p.m. High Street, 5415 E. High St., Phoenix. Join Chabad of North Phoenix for menorah lighting, latkes, doughnuts, hot chocolate, activities, music and more. For more information, visit ourjewishcenter.com.

Grand Menorah Lighting at City Hall: 5-7 p.m. Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. Join Chabad of Flagstaff for live music, crafts, latkes, doughnuts, prizes, activities and more. For more information, visit jewishflagstaff.com.

TUESDAY, DEC. 16

Menorah Lighting Ceremony: 5:30-7 p.m. Ragsdale-MLK Park, 24 E 6th St, Tempe. Join ASU Chabad and Downtown Tempe for menorah lighting, music,

Communitywide Chanukah concert will feature the LeeVees

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Aiming to bring joy, music and togetherness to the Valley’s Jewish community, Temple Solel will host a communitywide Chanukah celebration and concert on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. The event will feature New York City rock band the LeeVees, joined onstage by Solel Cantorial Soloist Todd Herzog, for a night of festive songs and holiday treats at the Paradise Valley synagogue.

The LeeVees, fronted by musicians Adam Gardner and Dave Schneider, emerged from a quirky combination of two indie bands. Gardner’s “Guster” and Schneider’s “Zambonis” shared tour dates years ago, and the two musicians stayed in touch. Noting how few contemporary Chanukah songs existed, not to mention how often the holiday was compared to Christmas simply because of its place on the calendar, they teamed up in 2005 to create a Jewish band dedicated to filling that gap. The result was “Hanukkah Rocks,” their debut album that quickly earned cult-classic status for its humor, catchy hooks and Jewish themes.

Herzog’s connection to the project is personal as well as musical. He and Gardner first met in college in the early 1990s and have remained friends.

“Guster has a cult following all around the country and even college kids nowadays still know this band that has been around for 35 years,” Herzog said. He noted the equally offbeat origin of Schneider’s other band, the Zambonis. “They write songs about hockey, which is a very niche project.”

Two decades after forming the LeeVees, Gardner and Schneider continue to tour with their Chanukah songs.

“Twenty years ago, Dave and Adam started the LeeVees to do another niche project: Chanukah music,” Herzog said. Their 2005 album’s anniversary has prompted the release of a 20th-anniversary vinyl edition as well as a December tour that brings them to Arizona just in time for the holiday.

Herzog said he hit upon the idea of bringing the band to Solel for its fundraiser.

“Formerly, we had done fundraisers with the Phoenix Opera company, and this year we wanted to try something a little different. I thought of Adam and the LeeVees,” he said.

When Gardner told him the band had the first night of Chanukah open, everything clicked.

“We said, ‘All right, that’s perfect. We’re going to schedule a huge communitywide party, with chanukiah lighting, sufganiyot and hot chocolate. We’ll cap all that with a concert with the two front men and a rhythm section behind them,’” said Herzog, who will also perform during the concert.

“We’re excited to bring our Chanukah rock music about food, fun and family to the warmer climes of Arizona,” Gardner said. “I’m especially excited to collaborate with Cantor Herzog musically, as he and I sang together in our college a cappella group.”

The event will feature additional community participation, including young musicians from Temple Solel. One of them, Herzog said, is “a real piano and guitar prodigy,” adding to the evening’s spirit of intergenerational celebration.

Sponsors will also be invited to a VIP reception complete with latkes and wine.

“It’s just going to be a great celebration for the whole community,” Herzog said.

Temple Solel’s past fundraisers have showcased everything from Broadway favorites to Disney musicals. But this year, Herzog said the staff strongly felt that the theme should center around Chanukah itself.

“The LeeVees’ songs are fun and goofy. They have songs about spelling ‘Chanukah,’ because of all the many different phonetic approaches to spelling the holiday,” Herzog said. “But they also address some more serious themes like antisemitism.”

“WE’RE EXCITED TO BRING OUR CHANUKAH ROCK MUSIC ABOUT FOOD, FUN AND FAMILY TO THE WARMER CLIMES OF ARIZONA.”

ADAM GARDNER

Their approach echoes the humorousyet-heartfelt tone of Adam Sandler’s famous “The Chanukah Song,” Herzog added, noting that the Jewish holiday simply hasn’t benefited from the same wealth of popular music as Christmas.

“There are so many good Christmas songs, but let’s face it, our Chanukah songs are not always the coolest,” he said.

Ultimately, Herzog hopes the concert will generate more than just entertainment.

“I really wanted to provide the whole community with a sense of joy and togetherness and an uplift as we come into this season, because there’s been a lot to be not uplifted about,” he said. “Music is such a unifying force for us that I wanted to offer that as something that the whole community could participate in.”

For ticket information, visit templesolelaz. shulcloud.com/form/hanukkah-party-LeeVees.

Poster for the LeeVees COURTESY OF THE LEEVEES The LeeVees’ Adam Gardner, left, and Dave Schneider, right, will play Chanukah music at Temple Solel on Dec. 14. COURTESY OF TED KAWALERSKI PHOTOGRAPHY, NY

Pull-apart sufganiyot cake

HARRY RUBINSTEIN | THE NOSHER

Now look, nothing — and I mean nothing — beats a perfectly fried sufganiyah fresh out of hot oil, dusted with powdered sugar, still warm enough to make the jam dangerously hot. That’s peak Chanukah right there. But if you’re feeding a crowd or just don’t want to smell your house up with hot oil, here’s a pretty fantastic baked version for you.

Fair warning: This is a rich dough that’s going to feel more like a very, very thick cake batter than bread dough when you first mix it. Between the eggs, butter and milk, you’re working with a seriously wet dough that’s going to test your patience and stick to everything it touches. But don’t panic — this is exactly what you want. All that richness is going to give you tender, pillowy sufganiyot that pull apart like clouds.

Here’s how to deal with the sticky situation: First, resist the urge to add more flour. Instead, embrace the chill, a cold dough is easier to handle. After the first rise, pop it in the fridge for 30

minutes. When shaping, keep your hands lightly oiled rather than floured. The oil prevents sticking without toughening the dough like extra flour would.

The payoff? Gorgeously golden, honeycomb-patterned pull-apart sufganiyot that looks like they came from a high-end bakery. They’re tender, rich and perfect for filling with whatever your heart desires. Plus, since they’re baked, you can make a whole batch at once instead of frying in little batches while your family hovers around you like hungry seagulls.

Is it traditional? Maybe not. But neither was adding Nutella as a filling, and we all know how that turned out.

Besides, if anyone gives you grief about baking instead of frying, just remind them that the real miracle of Chanukah was about making things last longer than expected — and these beauties will definitely stick around at least a day longer than their fried cousins.

Pull-Apart Sufganiyot Cake

Total Time: 3 hours Yield: Serves 8-12

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon fine salt

• 1 cup milk, room temperature

• 2 large eggs

• 2 large egg yolks

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, cubed and softened

For finishing:

• Large egg yolk whisked, plus 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

• Your favorite jam, for filling

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Take butter, milk and eggs out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before starting.

2. To make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar and salt. Add milk, eggs, egg yolks, vanilla and optional flavorings. Mix with dough hook on low speed until combined, about 2 minutes. With the mixer running, gradually add softened butter, piece by piece, waiting for each addition to be incorporated before adding more. Once all butter is added, knead for 8-10

minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Dough will be very soft and sticky — this is correct.

3. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place (75°F) for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled. For easier handling, refrigerate dough for 30 minutes after rising.

4. To shape and arrange: First choose your pan setup:12×12- or 13×13-inch square cake pan (ideal), or half sheet pan with foil walls (you’ll need to create a 12×12-inch space by folding heavyduty foil into 3-inch-high strips to form a square border inside your pan). Line your pan with parchment paper. With lightly oiled hands, divide dough into 16 pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange in a 4×4 grid with even spacing, they should be close enough to touch when fully risen. The foil walls or pan sides will help them rise upward instead of outward, creating perfectly fluffy, pull-apart sufganiyot. Cover loosely and let rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy. The balls should be touching and fill the space completely.

5. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

6. Gently brush risen dough with egg wash. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F.

7. Let cool slightly for 5 minutes. Cut a small slit on each sufganiyah, pipe in about 1 teaspoon of jam. Dust generously with powdered sugar. Best served warm. JN

Pull-apart sufganiyot cake is an alternative to frying individual doughnuts. COURTESY OF HARRY RUBINSTEIN

CHANUKAH

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

kosher treats and kids' activities. For more information, visit downtowntempe.com/ do/menorah-lighting-ceremony.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17

Chanukah Festival in Rio Verde: 4:30 p.m. Rio Verde Fire Station #442, 17619 E. Rio Verde Drive, Rio Verde. Join Chabad of Fountain Hills for latkes, doughnuts, ventriloquist show and 12-foot menorah lighting. Following the lighting, there will be a car menorah parade to Fountain Hills. For more information, visit jewishfountainhills.com.

Chanukah at Downtown Chandler: 5 p.m. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park , 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Join Chabad of the East Valley for music, doughnuts, raffles, children’s activities and more. For more information, visit chabadcenter.com/menorah.

Chanukah on the Lawn: 5 p.m. Biltmore Fashion Park, 2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. Join Chabad of Phoenix for menorah lighting, Chanukah treats, music, crafts and raffles. For more information, visit chabadaz.com/chanukah2025.

of Scottsdale for a family-friendly glow party with music, a dairy buffet, menorah lighting and more. For more information, visit chabadofscottsdale.org/glow.

Public Menorah Lighting: 5:30-7 p.m. Soleri Plaza, 4420 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center and other community organizations for menorah lighting, crafts and songs. For more information, visit scottsdazzle.com/event/ public-menorah-lighting.

Annual Hanukkah Party: 5:45-8 p.m. Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Join Beth El for a family-friendly event with songs, activities and a latke dinner. Cost: $18 adults, $10 children, $50 for a family of four. For more information, visit bethelphoenix.com/event/hanukkah.

Celebrate Hanukkah at the JW: 6 p.m. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix. Join Congregation Or Tzion at the JW Marriott to light the community menorah with Rabbi Andy Green and enjoy sufganiyot. Other activities include snow play, ice skating and virtual skiing (for a fee). Parking $12; free with validation. For more information, visit jwdesertridge.com/holidays.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18

Chanukah at Buffalo Park: 5 p.m. Buffalo Park, 2400 N. Gemini Road, Flagstaff. Join Chabad of Flagstaff for menorah lighting followed by a car menorah parade through downtown. For more information, visit jewishflagstaff.com.

3GAZ Hanukkah Party: 6-8 p.m. Homestead Community Center, 18600 N. 98th St., Scottsdale. Join 3Gs (thirdgeneration Holocaust survivors), their families and guests for latkes, sufganiyot and more. Bring your menorah. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/5f47nube.

Paradise Valley Chanukah Car Parade: 6 p.m. Paradise Valley Town Hall, 6401 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley. Join Chabad for a car parade followed by a Chanukah party at the home of Rabbi Shlomy and Chaya Levertov. For more information, visit jewishparadisevalley.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 19

SATURDAY, DEC. 20

Hanukah Coffee House: 7 p.m. The New Shul, 7825 E. Paradise Lane, Scottsdale. Join The New Shul for an evening of live music, latkes and refreshments. For more information, visit thenewshul.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 21

Chanukah on Ice: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jay Lively Activity Center, 1650 N. Turquoise Drive, Flagstaff. Join Chabad of Flagstaff for music, doughnuts, hot chocolate, games, raffles and ice skating. Cost: $10 per person, $36 per family, free for NAU students (sponsored by Chabad at NAU). For more information, visit jewishflagstaff. com.

Hanukkah Celebration in the West Valley: 3 p.m. Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley, 13701 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. Join Beth Emeth for dinner, menorah lighting, games, songs and a raffle. For more information, visit bethemethaz.org.

Chanukah Menorah Parade: 5:30 p.m. Parade starts at Chabad Phoenix, 2110 E. Lincoln Drive to Wesley Bolin Plaza, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix. Join Chabad of Phoenix for a menorah lighting and car parade, latkes, doughnuts and goodie bags. For more information, visit chabadaz.com/chanukah2025. JN HAPPENINGS

Chanukah Glow Party: 5 p.m. Address provided upon registration. Join Chabad

Light Up the Night: 50 Years Bright Hanukkah Celebration: 6:45 p.m. Shabbat service; 6:45-8:30 p.m. Hanukkah party. Location provided upon registration. Join Temple Emanuel of Tempe for latkes, games, crafts, photo booth, live Klezmer music and more. For more information, visit emanueloftempe.org/event/ Hanukkah2025.

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Paradise Valley Dental wishes you a happy Chanukah

10555 N Tatum Blvd Ste A-104 Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 480-998-7775 info@paradisevalleydental.com

Happy Chanukah from Congregation Kehi ah*!

Nach, Rodgers, Hilkert & Santilli

Chanukah Sameach from the Phoenix Police Department’s Jewish Advisory Board. May the Festival of Lights inspire strength, unity and renewed hope throughout our community.

We offer dynamic programming for every stage of Jewish life—Families with Young Children (FYC), Youth Education Program (YEP!), Post B’nai Mitzvah, Young Adults, Men’s Group, Women’s Group, and Social Action initiatives.

We offer meaningful programming for every stage of Jewish life—Families with Young Children (FYC), Youth Education Program (YEP!), Young Adults, Men’s Group, Women’s Group, and Social Action initiatives.

Join us as we celebrate our 18th year of building community, connection, and Jewish life together. Contact us to learn more and become a bright light in our Kehillah*!

Join us as we celebrate our 18th year of building community, connection, and Jewish life together. Contact us to learn more!

5858 E Dynamite Blvd, Cave Creek 602-369-7667 • info@congregationkehillah.org www.congregationkehillah.org

*Kehillah means community

Happy Hanukkah

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Scottsdale, AZ 85258 480-991-9077

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Arizona 8706 E. Manzanita Drive, Suite 100

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Featured Event

TUESDAY, DEC. 16

An Evening with Hostage Survivor Omer Shem Tov:

7 p.m. Embassy Suites By Hilton Hotel Phoenix-Scottsdale, 4415 E. Paradise Village Parkway S., Phoenix. Join Chabad of Paradise Valley and JPhoenix 20’s and 30’s for a presentation by Omer Shem Tov where he recounts his survival during the 505 days he spent in captivity in Gaza. For more information, visit JewishParadiseValley.com/Shemtov.

Events

THROUGH DEC. 17

For Chanukah events, see page 16.

Holiday Toy Drive: Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale or Valley Beit Midrash office, 7580 E. Gray Road #102, Scottsdale. Arizona Jews for Justice is collecting new, unwrapped toys for Native American youth, foster children and families experiencing financial hardship with children under 14. For more information, contact arizonajews4justice@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13

Simchat Shabbat: 12-1 p.m. Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 N. 56th St., Paradise Valley. Join Gesher Disability Resources for a 45-minute service led by clergy using a siddur (prayer book) that is specially designed for Gesher’s services with Hebrew, English and transliterations in enlarged type accompanied by illustrations. This is a “no shush” service where all expressions of prayer are welcomed. For more information, visit gesherdr.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 14

Men of Emanuel Blood Drive: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Temple Emanuel of Tempe, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Donate blood at Temple Emanuel. All donors will receive a Streets of New York voucher for a complimentary slice of pizza. For more information, contact Sal Caputo at 602-565-3492 or visit vitalant.org (blood drive code: templeemanuel).

Café Europa: 1 p.m. Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Join the Phoenix Holocaust Association for an afternoon of socializing for Holocaust survivors, their families and friends. For more information, visit phxha.com/connect.

MONDAY, DEC. 15

Sing Every Day Lecture Series: “The Ethics of Levinas and the Study of Music”: 1-2 p.m. Online or in-person at Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join VOSJ and Arizona State University Jewish Studies for a presentation addressing the making, interpretation and apprehension of music, informed by Jewish sources and contexts. For more information, visit jewishstudies.asu.edu/ Music.

TUESDAY, DEC. 16

Israeli Fashion: Exploring Identity, Innovation and Cultural Expression: 10-11:30 a.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Join the EVJCC for a presentation by Sapir Tiram, Israeli shlicha at the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix. For more information, visit evjcc.org.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18

Lessons from the Olive Tree for Families, Jewish Unity and the Social Security System.: 1-2 p.m. Online via Zoom. Join Valley Beit Midrash for a presentation on the symbolic and halachic significance of the olive tree by Dr. Jon Greenberg, researcher, author and professor. For more information, visit valleybeitmidrash.org.

“Oy to the World” A Hanukkah Musical: 4:30 p.m. activities; 6 p.m. performance. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix for this holiday musical revue. Each ticket includes latkes and sufganiyot, Hanukkah activities and admission to the evening performance. Cost: $18 per person. For more information, visit phoenixcjp.org/oy.

Teen Game Night: 6:30 p.m. Location provided upon registration. Join Chabad of Ahwatukee for a Chanukah-themed game night for teens in grades nine-12. For more information, visit chabadahwatukee.com/ game.

SATURDAY, DEC. 20

Beth El USY Hanukkah Bowling: 7-9 p.m.

Let It Roll Bowl & Entertainment Center, 8925 N. 12th St., Phoenix. Join Beth El’s youth group for an evening of bowling. Cost: Free for USY members; $20 for nonmembers. For more information, visit bethelphoenix.com/event/usy-bowl.

Drinks & Dreidels: 7:30 p.m. Location provided upon registration. Join Chabad of Ahwatukee and young professionals for an evening of friends, fun and Chanukah cheer. For more information, visit chabadahwatukee.com/drinks.

Lights and Strikes: 8 p.m. AMF Desert Hills Lanes, 2959 E. Bell Road, Phoenix. Join Chabad of Paradise Valley JPhoenix Young Professionals for an evening of shmoozing an bowling. For more information, visit jewishparadisevalley.com.

Meetings, Lectures & Classes

SUNDAYS

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

Finding Meaning and Hope: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 23-March 8. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Join Temple Chai for this support group for family caregivers caring for someone with memory loss, dementia or other cognitive impairment.

Cost: Free; registration required. For more information, visit templechai.com.

Jewish War Veterans Post 210: 10 a.m. the first Sunday of the month in Central Phoenix. Any veterans, friends of veterans or if you just want to meet at vet, all are welcome. For more information, contact Michael at c365michael@yahoo.com.

Anxiety in the Modern World: 6 p.m. Online. Learn the secrets of the Torah for living stress-free in the current environment with Rabbi Boruch of Chabad of Oro Valley. Cost: Free. Use this link: zoom.us/j/736434666. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

MONDAYS

Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework, Desert Cactus Chapter: 10 a.m. The Oasis at Sagewood, 4555 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. The guild meets the third Monday of the month, adjusted when necessary to accommodate Jewish holidays. For more information, visit pomegranateguild.org.

Mahjong: 1:30-3:30 p.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Come play mahjong each week. For all levels. Cost: Free; registration required at evjcc.org/mahjong.

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

Quotable Quotes by our Sages: 7 p.m. Online. Learn with Rabbi Shlomy Levertov. Use this link: JewishParadiseValley.com/ class. 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. Use this link: us04web. zoom.us/j/3940479736#success, password is 613. For more information, email Robin Meyerson at robin@projectinspireaz.com.

Learning to Trust in God: 7:30 p.m. Online. Learn with Rabbi Yossi Friedman. Use this link: ChabadAZ.com/LiveClass. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Torah & Tea: 7:30 p.m. Online. Learn with Rabbi Yossie Shemtov. Cost: Free. For more information, visit Facebook.com/ ChabadTucson.

Single Parent Zoom: 8 p.m. First and third Monday of every month. Join The Bureau of Jewish Education’s Family University single parents’ group for those looking to form friendships and build their support system with like-minded people. For more information or to register, visit bjephoenix.org/ family-university.

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? They will teach you! Every level welcome. Cost: Free. For more information, visit vosjcc.org.

Grief Support Group: 4 p.m. Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. All are welcome to this support group for anyone experiencing grief or any kind of loss. Cost: Free. For more information, call 623-5847210 weekdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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. Use this link: JewishParadiseValley.com/YJPclass. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Torah Studies: 7:30 p.m. Online. Learn with Rabbi Mendy Levertov. Use this link: ourjewishcenter.com/virtual. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

WEDNESDAYS

My Baby and Me: 9-10 a.m. Temple Chai Early Childhood Center, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Join Temple Chai ECC for a weekly gathering for families with babies up to 12 months. Cost: Free. For more information, visit tcaz.shulcloud.com/event/ my-baby-and-me-playgroup.html.

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.

Happiness Hour: 11:30 a.m. Online. Class taught by Rabbi Pinchas Allouche that delves into texts and references culled from our traditions to address a relevant topic. For more information, visit BethTefillahAZ.org.

Lunch & Learn: 12 p.m. Online. Grab some food and learn with Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin. Use this link: Facebook.com/ChabadTucson. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadtucson.com.

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.

COURTESY OF CHABAD OF PARADISE VALLEY

CALENDAR

The Thirteen Petalled Rose: 1 p.m. Online. Kabbalah class that studies “The Thirteen Petalled Rose” by Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz, focusing on the many concepts of Kaballah and Jewish Mysticism and applying them to everyday life. For more information, visit BethTefillahAZ.org.

Grief Support Group: 5-6 p.m. Online via Zoom. Therapist Susan Charney MCW, LCSW, leads a grief support group every first and third Wednesday of the month virtually for individuals experiencing the loss of an adult child or sibling. In lieu of any fees for these sessions, donations to Temple Solel are appreciated. For more information, contact susancharneycounseling@gmail.com.

History of the Jews: 7 p.m. Online. Learn the Jewish journey from Genesis to Moshiach with Rabbi Ephraim Zimmerman. Use this link: zoom.us/j/736434666. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

JACS: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Online. 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

Jews and Judaism in Morocco: 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Join TBSWV for this adult education series. The course will cover both the Berber Jews who arrived in Morocco more than 2,000 years ago before the beginning of Islam, as well as the refugees who were expelled from Spain in 1492 and from Portugal in 1497. Cost: $20 for members; $35 for nonmembers. For more information, visit tbsaz.org.

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

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

The Science of Everything: 11 a.m. Online. Explore the most fundamental work of Chassidut: the Tanya, with Rabbi Boruch. Use this link: zoom.us/j/736434666. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Torah Study with Hazzan Lev Ettelson: 11 a.m. Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. Join Hazzan Ettelson for a discussion of the weekly Torah portion. For more information, call 623-584-7210 weekdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Mindfulness Gatherings: 12 p.m. Online. Hosted by Hospice of the Valley via Zoom. Cost: Free. To join by phone, dial 1-253-2158782, 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.

Weekly Mahjong: 1-3 p.m. Temple Solel, 6805 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley. Join Temple Solel each Thursday afternoon for mahjong. Lessons available for beginners. Cost: Free. RSVP via email to dottiebefore@gmail.com so they know how many tables to set up.

Torah Portion Class: 7 p.m. Online or in person. Chabad Lubavitch of Fountain Hills, 16830 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills. Join Rabbi Mendy Lipskier for a

discussion of the weekly parshah and gain new insights to the Torah. For more information, visit jewishfountainhills.com.

Teen Discussions: 7-8:30 p.m. Online. Learn with Rabbi Tzvi Rimler. Use this link: cteen. clickmeeting.com/east-valley. Cost: Free. 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.

Shabbat

FRIDAYS

Tot Shabbat: 9:30 a.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix monthly for music, parachute play, crafts and a family Shabbat experience. For more information, visit bjephoenix.org.

Welcome Shabbat: 11-11:30 a.m. Online. Celebrate Shabbat with the JFCS Virtual Center for Senior Enrichment. Each week a different guest host will lead the program with song and celebration. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse.

Shabbat at Beth El: 5:45 p.m. on Zoom; 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale. Ave., Phoenix or livestreaming at tinyurl. com/bec-livestream. Celebrate Shabbat with songs, blessings and teachings with Rabbi Stein-Kokin and Cantor Sarah Bollt. For more information or to join, visit bethelphoenix.com.

Erev Shabbat Service: 5:30 p.m. Online. Rabbi Alicia Magal will lead a service livestreamed for members of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley. Cost: Free. For more information and to obtain the Zoom link, visit jcsvv.org/contact.

Shabbat Service: 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Oneg at 5 p.m. Temple B’rith Shalom, 2077 Brohner Way, Prescott. Join Temple B’rith Shalom for a musical and spiritual Shabbat service. For more information, visit brithshalom-az.org.

Shabbat Services: 5:30 p.m. nosh, 6:15 p.m. service; morning service has varying dates and times. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. For more information, contact Joan Neer at jneer@templechai.com.

Pre-Shabbat Kiddush Club: 6 p.m. Online. Say Kiddush with Rabbi Mendy Levertov. Cost: Free. Use this link: ourjewishcenter. com/virtual. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Shabbat Services: 6 p.m.; 9:30 a.m.; followed by a light Kiddush lunch. Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. For more information call 623-584-7210 or visit bethemethaz.org.

Shabbat Services: 6 p.m.; 9:30 a.m. Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Services are also live streamed at otaz. org/livestream. For more information about

services, events and membership, visit congregationortzion.org or call 480-342-8858.

First Friday Shabbat Services: 6:15 p.m.; Oneg at 7:15 p.m. Valley Unitarian Universalist, 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler. Join Congregation NefeshSoul for Friday night services the first Friday of each month in the sanctuary building of Valley Unitarian Universalist. For more information, contact Jim Hoffman at 480-329-3316.

Shabbat Services: 6:15 p.m.; 10 a.m. Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale. Services held in the Goldsmith Sanctuary. Participants must pre-register by Thursday at 5 p.m. Priority will be given to members first and then guests. If there are more requests than available seats a lottery system will be used. For more information or to make a reservation, visit cbiaz.org/ shabbat-services.

Kabbalat Shabbat and/or Shabbat morning service: 6:30 p.m.; 10 a.m.; dates vary. Congregation Kehillah, 5858 E. Dynamite Blvd., Cave Creek. Join Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman and cantorial soloists Erica Erman and Scott Leader either in person or via Zoom. For safety reasons, please register ahead of time. For dates, visit congregationkehillah. org/event/. Register by emailing info@congregationkehillah.org.

Shabbat Services: 7 p.m. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Services are followed by an Oneg. Services are live-streamed on YouTube. For more information and to get the YouTube link, visit tbsaz.org or call 623-977-3240.

Shabbat Services in Sun Lakes: 7-9 p.m. Sun Lakes Chapel, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. North, Sun Lakes. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation conducts Reform Shabbat services on the second Friday of each month. New members welcome. For more information, call 480-612-4413 or 480-580-1592.

Shabbat Services with Beth Ami Temple: 7 p.m. Services held at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, 4027 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley. Join Beth Ami Temple Rabbi Alison Lawton and Cantorial Soloist Michael Robbins as they lead Shabbat services twice a month. For more information, visit bethamitemple.org.

Third Friday Shabbat: 7-9 p.m. Group meets at a North Scottsdale location. The Desert Foothills Jewish Community Association hosts a Shabbat service followed by a program. Contact 602-487-5718 for more information.

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 602-492-7670. 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 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 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

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