Jewish News, May 23, 2025

HEADLINES | 5

WELCOME, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

On June 1, Talli Dippold will start leading the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center

HEADLINES

| 8

NEW LAW ON CAMPUS

Rep. Alma Hernandez sponsored a law prohibiting encampments on school property

Women’s Leadership Institute celebrates achievements of its newest, largest cohort

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Rabbi Emily Langowitz was paging through her notes before writing the D’var Torah she planned to deliver to the graduates of the Women’s Leadership Institute’s (WLI) ninth cohort on Thursday, May 8, when she was “inundated” with texts that for some reason referenced Leo, her infant son. She finally understood when she noticed that Temple Chai Rabbi Bonnie Koppell had texted only two words: Pope Leo. People were humorously congratulating her on preempting the new pope when she named her son Leo, “though ours is certainly the one and only, not the 14th,” she laughed. It also gave her a new angle on the D’var Torah for Parshah Kedoshim, which describes the many ethical and ritual laws aimed at helping people live lives of holiness: “caring for the weakest among us, treating one another fairly, loving each other as we love ourselves, all things represented so ably by the women sitting beside me tonight,” she said.

Reflecting on ‘quiet moments,’ Temple Solel rabbi readies for retirement

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

When Rabbi John Linder retires in June, leaving the senior leadership role he’s held at Temple Solel in Paradise Valley for 17 years, his life will inevitably change, but his home address won’t. The fact that he and his wife, Nancy, are staying in the Valley has provided enormous comfort to many of his congregants, who are sorry to lose their beloved senior rabbi after all he’s done to grow the temple’s membership, deepen a commitment to Torah study and create a warm and welcoming space.

“Everyone is pretty relieved that he’s not moving,” longtime Solel member Becky Lieberman told Jewish News. “We’ll feel the lack of Rabbi Linder’s presence, but it will be comforting to know he’s still here and that he’s the rabbi emeritus.”

Fostering meaningful connections with his congregants, particularly “the quieter, off-the-radar moments,” has been a significant piece of Linder’s rabbinate.

“Those pastoral, intimate, private moments — welcoming a new child into the world, bringing him or her into the covenant of the Jewish people or being at the bedside of someone who is actively dying, serving as a vessel to help someone close their eyes while providing their loved ones comfort at a time of deep grief. Those moments have been deeply moving and sustaining for me as a rabbi,” Linder told Jewish News.

“Rabbi Linder is genuine. There is not an inauthentic bone in his body,” David Weissman, a Solel member for SEE RABBI, PAGE 3

SEE COHORT, PAGE 2

However, Langowitz, WLI’s executive director, decided to expound on the Jewish tradition of choosing names and what special messages they carry forward, especially when one has been named for a courageous, ingenious or creative ancestor. The “Celebration of Achievement” that night honored the 16 women who “have chosen name after name, stepping into their power and the fullness of who they are,” following in the steps

Gallery of Graduates

Messages of congratulations to all those who graduated this month. See page 10. PHOTO COURTESY OF BILLIONPHOTOS.COM - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Rabbi John Linder had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis in person in Rome last year. Interfaith work is an important part of Linder’s rabbinate.

of Jewish matriarchs, prophetesses and judges, finding humor in difficult situations, speaking truth to the community and serving as “torch lights.”

Langowitz asked the graduates, or mentees, to stand alongside their mentors and called out each of their names.

“Midrash Tanchuma teaches that a person is known by three names: the name their parents call them, the name other people call them and the name they earn for themselves — the most important. These women have truly earned such names for themselves,” Langowitz said.

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operational infrastructure, helping create a collaborative educator day in Arizona, creating a mini-Jewish film festival, creating resources for mental health, building support to keep an internship in place and coordinating rides for Holocaust survivors.

said Jon Meyers, director of ADDPC.

“Our hope is to create and promote opportunities for people to be embraced, become part of the community and find equitable opportunities wherever they might live,” he said.

Langowitz then announced the names of mentees and mentors for Cohort 10, which would be the largest yet. She then gave a blessing to all of them, as well as the many WLI alumni who came to show their solidarity and support. Again and again, WLI members talked about the strong and lasting bonds they formed with one another.

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.

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

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

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

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.

WLI seeks to create a network of Jewish women in the Valley, and help them develop leadership skills while involving them in communal Jewish decisionmaking through mentorship, collaborative learning and relationship building. Each mentee is paired with a mentor who offers support, connections and assistance in completing a service project.

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Each mentor introduced herself and her mentee — or was the case with several mentors, two mentees. The mentor extolled the mentee’s leadership skills and personal qualities. Then, the mentee thanked her mentor, described the highlights of the experience and detailed her project.

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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.

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

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

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Geanna Levin, part of Cohort 10, recently moved to the Valley from Los Angeles. She teaches at Pardes Jewish Day School in Scottsdale and said that she heard several good things about WLI from one of her student’s parents. She then talked to WLI board members and Rabbi Elana Kanter, who stepped down as its executive director last year. All of them spoke to her about the camaraderie she’ll find in the organization.

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

“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’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.

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Each WLI cohort takes part in “Agency Night” wherein several local Jewish organizations come to meet the mentees, tell them what they do for the community and offer volunteer opportunities.

“I’m new to the community and this is a good way to meet Jewish women and get to know the community,” she told Jewish News.

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Thus, most of the projects involved doing something on behalf of one of these agencies.

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The projects included creating a women’s Torah study group, helping to launch a Phoenix chapter of the Young Women’s Impact Network, organizing volunteers, creating an organization’s

“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.

Ellen Widoff, a former WLI mentor, attended the event and said she knew several members who joined for the same reason.

WLI Board Chair Jessielyn Hirschl ended the program by congratulating the graduates and reiterating that they collectively served 10 organizations and launched 17 projects and programs in the local Jewish community. She also thanked the entire WLI community for “demonstrating resilience, collaboration and care,” when it came to helping one of their own — Rabbi Emily Langowitz.

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.

Baby Leo was born at 29 weeks, and Langowitz had to enter maternity leave

“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.”

“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

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.

“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.

much earlier than she had planned, three days before WLI’s opening retreat. There were many things for her to worry about, but the retreat wasn’t one of them. Hirschl told her it would be taken care of and she knew she could count on that because WLI teaches that moments like these “are part of leadership, not what keeps you from leadership,” Langowitz said.

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.

“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.

“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.

“Leadership extends beyond the classroom. It manifests during transitional moments, where we uplift each other and say yes to the unexpected,” Hirschl said. JN

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

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.

For more information, visit womenlearning.org.

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

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

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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.

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

Mala Blomquist | 602.639.5855 mblomquist@jewishaz.com

STAFF WRITER Shannon Levitt | 602.639.5854 slevitt@jewishaz.com

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Sophie Stern at her high school graduation in 2022

OF SOPHIE STERN

Cohort 9 mentees and mentors introduced themselves and presented their projects on Thursday, May 8. COURTESY OF JEWISH NEWS

Women’s Leadership Institute Executive Director Rabbi Emily Langowitz introduced the ninth cohort of graduates.

COURTESY OF JEWISH NEWS

nearly 20 years, told Jewish News. When Weissman was growing up, he was a bit scared of his rabbi, someone he found inaccessible. Linder is the opposite, not a figure demanding reverence but someone who is both “deeply spiritual” and approachable.

Those qualities mattered a lot to Weissman and his family when his son, Jordan, was diagnosed with cancer, “the scariest time for our entire family.” Linder spent time with Jordan, even giving him his cell phone number and telling him to call whenever he needed.

“It provided a layer of comfort in a time when we were absolutely petrified,” Weissman said.

For Rachel Gubin O’Connor, who has spent most of her life at Solel, Linder is “like a therapist, helping people get through things.” She senses in him a preternatural ability “to understand what some of us need before we realize it ourselves.”

Her twin sister, Ruth Gerstman, is also grateful for Linder’s empathy and patience. “He has been by our side for the beautiful and hard moments, life’s ups and downs,” she told Jewish News in an email.

Lieberman called Linder’s “knack for always remembering what’s happening in people’s lives uncanny,” describing it as his “superpower.”

Solel Associate Rabbi Debbie Stiel, who has worked alongside Linder for five years, attested to this portrait of his character.

“Rabbi Linder is probably the most expansive (i.e., accepting, encouraging, kind) rabbi I have ever met. There is a gentleness and warmth that emanates from him and is felt by everyone who meets him,” she told Jewish News in an email.

Joanna Goldenberg joined Solel two years ago after enrolling her children in its preschool.

“A friend told me the preschool was like a warm hug, and I felt that immediately,” she told Jewish News. She described the preschoolers’ love for Linder, and that her own kids confide “their little secrets” to him.

Goldenberg, who converted to Judaism several years ago, admitted that she is sometimes nervous in certain religious settings, but Linder always puts her at ease. In fact, even non-Jewish parents crowd in when he leads Shabbat for the preschoolers.

“So many come because Rabbi Linder has created something special,” she said.

David Boninger, a member of Solel for 20 years, credited the rabbi for instilling a positive sense of Judaism in his two daughters over whose bat mitzvot he presided.

Boninger was on Solel’s board when

Linder was interviewing for the job, and picked the rabbi up from the airport. He remembered the day, partly because he felt a bit awkward in his large Ford F-150, a vehicle perhaps better suited to some outdoorsy task than collecting the new rabbi. But Linder just laughed, explaining that having run a scrap metal business, he was used to pickups.

One might say that Linder’s road to the rabbinate was the one less traveled.

Growing up in Buffalo, New York, his family had a strong Jewish identity but one not grounded in Shabbat or Jewish ritual. Like most assimilated Jews of the era, Linder became a bar mitzvah, attended High Holiday services and celebrated holidays like Chanukah and Passover. He laughed, recalling the Maxwell House Haggadah his family used.

“It was a rather brief Seder before we had a delicious meal,” he told Jewish News.

Aside from attending a few Hillel functions and having Jewish friends in college, his life was decidedly non-religious. After graduation, he became a community and labor organizer. He met his wife when he took a union campaign job in Columbus, Ohio, for the state’s employees. It was exciting work but also demanding, so

much so that it took an enormous toll on the couple’s first year of marriage.

Prioritizing his marriage, Linder decided to join the family scrap metal business back in Buffalo, and the couple moved to New York.

Their life was going along rather successfully, but when Linder enrolled his son into his congregation’s preschool, he was struck by how much he didn’t know about being Jewish.

“I was at a loss for the depth of our own tradition, and I was curious to give our son deeper Jewish roots than I had. I went to Torah study for the first time,” he said.

Not long after, Linder had what he calls his “aha moment,” when Rabbi Steve Mason (Congregation Beth Israel Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin’s father) read parshah Vayera, in which Abraham challenges God about the injustice of destroying Sodom and Gomorrah: “Should not the judge of all the earth do justly?”

Suddenly, a 37-year-old father and businessman with roots in community and labor organizing was listening as Jewish tradition made a case for challenging injustice.

“That was a pivotal point in wanting to learn this incredible tradition I was born into and had only scratched the surface,”

RABBI, PAGE 4

Rabbi John Linder stands in the center of the Gerstman and O’Connor families before a group hike. Hiking is one of Linder’s favorite pastimes.

COURTESY OF RUTH GERSTMAN

Rabbi John Linder comforts children at their grandfather’s funeral earlier this year.

COURTESY OF RUTH GERSTMAN

Rabbi John Linder officiated at the wedding of Rachel Gubin O’Connor in Coronado.

he said. “As much success as I had in the family business, there was something else calling me.”

However, he still wasn’t clear on the path he would take. He listed four professions: teacher, therapist, nonprofit leader or rabbi. Ironically, he felt least prepared to become a rabbi. After considering each option, he decided on rabbinical school, partly because becoming a rabbi would incorporate the other three disciplines. He also wanted to go deeper into “the wisdom and blessings of our tradition and see where it led me,” he said.

He took his wife to dinner and told her of his decision to become a rabbi. “My wife did not blink,” he said. A lifelong teacher herself, she was instantly supportive though she didn’t yet know he would be in school for the next five years, or that they would live in Israel for a year.

Linder was 41 when he entered Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, and 46 when he was ordained. He took an associate rabbi job in Chicago for five years before being ready “to look for my own pulpit,” he said.

When he interviewed at Solel, he had only been to Arizona a couple of times. He had traveled to the Southwest for a high school camping trip, and right

after college, he followed his girlfriend to Scottsdale briefly, taking a summer job as a door-to-door salesman.

Three different people in his life knew of the position at Solel and encouraged him to apply. When he arrived for the first interview, he felt an instant connection with the congregants he met.

“The connection was mutual — I got them and they got me,” he said.

Adding to that was the fact that his wife’s family was scattered throughout the Southwest, including Tucson, Los Angeles and San Diego.

“Given the support that Nancy has given me, it felt great to be close to her family,” he said.

Jay Levinsohn was with the small Torah study group when he met Linder during the interview process. The six members of the group were enthusiastic about Torah learning, but it was challenging to involve others. That changed when Linder arrived.

“He just loved it and by the second year, we had 15 different people offering to lead the group,” Levinsohn told Jewish News.

Linder talked about it at services and made sure it was always in newsletters and information Solel sent out.

“People started talking about it at services on Friday night. They would ask if they should come. I told them, ‘Trust me. If my mother could see me go to Torah study, she would be amazed!’ Those

people came and brought more. Once things get rolling you get energy, so people came and got nourishment,” he said.

Linder is proud that he helped grow the Torah study group, in particular, and created a culture of learning, in general, during his tenure at Solel. Crediting the assistance he received from Stiel and Cantorial Soloist Todd Herzog, he said they are “connecting the dots” between “vibrant” services and putting “deep roots into the ground as to what Judaism has to offer, taking it into the world and making a difference in the small and quiet ways to do something publicly significant.”

Partnering with the Valley Interfaith Project (VIP) and working with people of different faiths is “the most impactful work I’ve experienced, in bringing words of Torah into the real world,” he said. He highlighted its role in moving the state to expand Medicaid and passing

simultaneously holding Judaism’s core beliefs in our hearts.”

Linder has also been able to gracefully navigate a very divisive political climate, according to Boninger.

“He’s always tried to be honest about his convictions, while also trying to help everyone understand Solel is a big tent where people are welcome,” he said. “He brought people in and grew the congregation.”

Having served on the board and as its president during Linder’s tenure, Boninger said the rabbi was always approachable, “even when unpleasant things were said,” and always willing to listen.

“He was very humble and knows he’s not perfect. That’s a pretty big deal,” he said.

Lieberman, another past board president, agreed. “Rabbi Linder’s one of those few people over my adult life who has been so good and supportive

“He is leaving Solel in a better place than he found it,” Weissman said.

“This is the most fulfilling job I’ve ever had,” Linder said. Though leaving is difficult, he has always trusted his instincts, eschewing the typical playbook.

“I didn’t know when I was leaving the family business what the next step was, but I’m deeply faithful about listening to what the universe and God are leading me to. It’s one of the beautiful things about our relationship with God, and Jewish tradition, that you have to take the next step, then another,” he said.

During one of Linder’s first High Holidays at Solel, Levinsohn recalled the rabbi sharing a lesson he learned as a young camper. The camp counselor said, “Boys, leave the campsite better than you found it.”

“That became his lesson for life,” Levinsohn said. “I would say that’s what he’s done here at Solel.” JN

For more information, visit templesolel.org.

Rabbi John Linder presided over the b’nai mitzvah of cousins and best friends Lillian Gerstman and Charley O’Connor. COURTESY OF RACHEL GUBIN O’CONNOR

Phoenix’s new Holocaust center hires executive director

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

On June 1, Talli Dippold will officially start her job leading the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center. The Center’s new executive director is the descendant of Holocaust survivors and was CEO of The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida, where she oversaw policy development and community engagement.

“Opening this incredible Center in Phoenix will be the culmination of my life’s work,” Dippold told Jewish News.

The Center’s groundbreaking will take place at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society (AZJHS) in downtown Phoenix on June 5. The big event takes place during Dippold’s first week on the job, however, she has already worked with her team for a few weeks.

As soon as she learned of the position, Dippold “did extensive research and talked to community members.” In that way, she was able to get “a good feel for the Center’s origin, something that felt near and dear to my heart,” she said.

The fact that Phoenix’s Center “is being built with community and for community” and has such “incredible community support” makes it unique in the world of Holocaust museums, she said.

Additionally, she finds its use of cuttingedge technology to interact and engage visitors “exciting and powerful.”

The Center will be able to both “tell timeless stories using this technology and preserve history,” she said.

In 2021, Arizona became the 16th state to require Holocaust education by statute. All of the state’s public schools now teach the Holocaust and other genocides at least twice between seventh and 12th grades. The new Center, with its guided tours, online and interactive exhibits and a digital resource library, will become a natural destination for student field trips.

Many teachers have benefited from inviting flesh-and-blood survivors into

their classrooms to meet and speak to their students. However, as time creeps forward, there are fewer of them to share their stories in person.

The Center will contain a high-tech gallery — complete with recorded survivor testimony — including a threedimensional interactive holographic image of local survivor Oskar Knoblauch, designed for visitors to ask more than 1,000 questions related to his history and receive answers in real time. In this way, Knoblauch, who has spoken of his experiences to thousands of students in person, will be able to talk to generations of students to come and provide some semblance of a personal relationship, an opportunity that disappears a little more every year.

AZJHS’ building will be closed to visitors during the Center’s construction but Dippold pointed out that there is a planned schedule of programming around the city on the organization’s website.

“We’ve partnered with a lot of local organizations to offer programming that is active, vibrant and out in the community. Even during construction, the work doesn’t end; it just goes into the community,” she said.

Dippold holds a master’s degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from Gratz College, where she graduated as valedictorian and received the Philip G. Solomon Prize for Holocaust studies. She has taken part in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Belfer Conference and the Holocaust and Jewish Resistance Teachers Program.

She was the associate director of the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center, the director of the Holocaust Education Fellowship Program at Queens University of Charlotte and the executive director of the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library.

Dippold has also held leadership roles with the Association of Holocaust Organizations and the North Carolina Council on the Holocaust. She recently led a delegation of Holocaust educators to attend the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and she is a graduate of Leadership Orlando, a member of Florida Executive Women and received the Orlando Business Journal’s 2023 Power Players award.

SEE CENTER, PAGE 7

Piper Fellowship

[pie-per-fel-oh-ship] noun

1. An opportunity for nonproﬁt leaders to reach, retool, and revitalize.

2. A Piper Fellowship can be transformational for both the leader and the nonproﬁt organization.

Sentence: “It gave me perspective; my Piper Fellowship was life-changing.”

Talli Dippold is the new executive director of the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center.

Arizona leaders honor Holocaust victims, survivors at Symphony Hall

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

“Today is the final day of a week-long commemoration of the Holocaust, known as the Days of Remembrance, established in 1980 by Congress as the country’s annual commemoration of the Holocaust,” said Sheryl Bronkesh, past president of the Phoenix Holocaust Association (PHA), to the crowd of more than 1,000 at Phoenix’s Symphony Hall on April 27. It was the largest audience to attend a Holocaust Remembrance Day program in PHA’s 40-year history.

It was also the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War II and Bronkesh gestured to the local Holocaust survivors sitting on the stage, thanking them for sharing their stories to educate today’s youth.

She stressed the importance “because of the resurgence of antisemitism, which I, the daughter of two Holocaust survivors, never expected to see in my lifetime. As more time passes, public knowledge about the Holocaust diminishes.”

Bronkesh was one of the recipients of the evening’s Shofar Zachor Award for “outstanding contributions to the teaching of the Holocaust and genocide awareness.”

She testified in front of legislative committees for House Bill 2241 to pass, ensuring that students are taught about the Holocaust, and other genocides, at least twice between seventh and 12th grades. She also brought several highprofile public programs to the Valley, chaired the inaugural community advisory board for “Genocide Awareness Week” at Arizona State University and currently co-chairs the content committee for the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center.

The other individual honored was Heather Roehl, a teacher at Ridgeview

College Preparatory High School in San Tan Valley. Roehl is the founder of JourneyThroughtheHolocaust.org, which maps Holocaust survivors’ journeys and is currently pursuing a doctorate in education to create a nationally adaptable curriculum around the Holocaust.

The diverse audience included students and faculty from middle schools, high schools and universities and members of the interfaith community, Arizona legislature and city and state leaders.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs spoke to the assembly and referenced Arizona’s Holocaust education requirement.

“As our students age and mature, it’s important that they receive an education that fully reflects history,” she said.

The state has also provided $7 million in funding to the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center.

“This is a demonstration of our shared commitment to making sure these stories are never forgotten,” Hobbs said.

She spoke about the passing of survivor Esther Basch, the “Honey Girl of Auschwitz,” who was scheduled to be the featured speaker at the event, as well as the honor she felt when she met with another survivor, Charlotte Adelman.

“She just turned 93, and it was an honor to host her at my office,” said Hobbs. “She reminded me that we have a responsibility to make sure that nobody forgets what happened and that continued education about the Holocaust is pivotal to honoring the lives that were lost.”

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said that she was looking forward to the groundbreaking of the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center in June. She also said how it came about was unique because it was decided by a public vote.

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Leslie Feldman, executive director of the Phoenix Holocaust Association, left, presents the Shofar Zachor Award to Sheryl Bronkesh.

Holocaust survivor Hanna Zack Miley shared her survival story of being a child on the Kindertransport.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

“Talli’s appointment marks a transformative moment for our center,” said AZJHS Board Chair Chuck Gealer, in a press release. “Her vision, heart and leadership will guide us into the future while staying true to our mission of remembrance and education.”

Dippold and her husband lived in the Valley for seven years in the early 2000s and all three of her now-adult children

“I find great hope and inspiration that the people of Phoenix said this is something we want to invest millions of dollars in, and I hope that brings all of our residents a source of light and hopefulness,” she said.

She hopes this renews a commitment to stand up against hate in all forms. “When I was sworn in as Phoenix’s first Jewish woman to serve as mayor, my first official act was to join with the Anti-Defamation League, and partners across all religious faiths, to sign a proclamation and say that we will stand up against hate,” she said. “Proclamations do not solve the great challenges that we are facing right now, but the more we can have these conversations and remember, I think the more we can have a path forward.”

Hanna Zack Miley, whose parents put her on a train as part of Kindertransport on July 24, 1939, shared her story of survival. The train, crowded with children, carried them from Germany, through Holland and across the English Channel to arrive at Liverpool Street station in London, where she was received by a foster family in Coventry.

“Five weeks later, World War II began, I never heard from my parents again,” she said. “I had been rescued, my life saved, but my culture, my language, my parents’ love, a sense of security, all vanished. I took on a new identity; I tried to be a nice British girl.”

It wasn’t until March 27, 2009, while visiting Cologne, Germany, where she was put on the train, that she learned her parents’ fate. They were killed in Chelmno, Poland, on May 3, 1942.

She had a thought to follow her mother and father on their last journey, from beginning to end, which in 2010, brought her to a clearing in a forest twoand-a-half kilometers from Chelmno, next to an excavated incinerator.

“With us are eight close friends. There

were born here, so she knows what she’s getting into in terms of the high summer temperatures.

“Heat does not bother me at all. I don’t love it, but I’m so excited and passionate about the position that I’m not thinking about the weather,” she said.

This work is personal for her. All four of her grandparents survived the Holocaust and each one of them was the

lone survivor in their respective families.

“My personal and professional life has always been shaped by Holocaust education,” she said.

She is dedicated to ensuring that every student who comes through the Center will walk out understanding this consequential part of history. She would like to see the whole community come through the Center, both Jews

and non-Jews.

“This will be a place where memory fuels empathy and education inspires action. This is about creating a movement of upstanders, people who don’t want to sit idly by but be part of the solution,” she said. JN

For more information, visit hfhecaz.org.

are 10 of us. We are a minyan,” said Miley. “We have traveled together to say Kaddish for my parents. We have followed them to their last breath in the back of a sealed grey truck, suffocating by a redirected exhaust pipe. They died with so many others on the road from Chelmno to this prepared pit in the forest. We are there on May the third, the anniversary of my parents’ death.”

She wondered aloud, with such a dark story, is there any flicker of hope? And then she said that she lit candles and placed them in the earth at that clearing in the forest, much like “here this evening, our little group, representatives of migrants, will light candles saying, ‘Remember, never forget.’”

Then she added, “How fitting to honor my parents, to remember them, to say their names: Amalie and Markus Zack, here, in this place with you on the 80th anniversary of Yom HaShoah.” JN

To view photos and video from the 2025 Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration, visit phxha.com.

“WHEN I WAS SWORN IN AS PHOENIX’S FIRST JEWISH WOMAN TO SERVE AS MAYOR, MY FIRST OFFICIAL ACT WAS TO JOIN WITH THE ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE, AND PARTNERS ACROSS ALL RELIGIOUS FAITHS, TO SIGN A PROCLAMATION AND SAY THAT WE WILL STAND UP AGAINST HATE.”

MAYOR KATE GALLEGO

Companies must apply for the corporate tax credit through a school tuition organization. First-round applications due to the JTO by June 26. Call us TODAY for more information on the corporate tax credit program.

Mayor Kate Gallego addressed the audience in Symphony Hall.

COURTESY OF JEWISH NEWS

New Arizona law targets campus encampments

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

T

hanks to the efforts of Rep. Alma Hernandez, a Jewish state legislator, Arizona’s public universities and community colleges will prohibit unauthorized camping on school property.

After making its way through the House and being passed by the Senate, Governor Katie Hobbs signed the bill into law on Wednesday, May 7.

Hernandez, a Tucson Democrat, sponsored House Bill 2880 after proPalestinian encampments protesting the war in Gaza appeared on campus at University of Arizona in Tucson, and Arizona State University in Tempe last year. She said the bill was written directly in response to the encampments and demonstrations, which she believes are antisemitic in nature.

The new law gives law enforcement officers authority to remove college campus encampments and any person caught violating the prohibition. An encampment is defined as a temporary shelter, including tents, that are used to stay on campus overnight or for a prolonged period of time.

If anyone sets up an encampment

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on campus, the legislation instructs administrators to have those individuals immediately vacate campus. If they don’t leave, then “legal action” should be initiated by contacting law enforcement.

“The purpose of this legislation is to reinforce and strengthen existing policies, ensuring our universities and community colleges have tools available to ensure all students can learn and thrive safely, while protecting the ability for every student to engage in free speech,” read a statement released by Liliana Soto, Hobbs’ press secretary.

Hernandez posted her excitement on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

“Arizona has officially become the first state to ban college encampments @GovernorHobbs has become the first Governor in the US to take action and ensure that my bipartisan legislation became law! I am grateful for all our support: The Rabbis, the Jewish community organizations and leaders, and most importantly, the students who trusted me. Arizona is leading the way. Antisemitism will not be tolerated on our college campuses,” she posted.

Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Desert Region, which represents the state of Arizona, also posted its pleasure about the new law.

Join us in January 2025 for two dynamic speakers!

“ADL welcomes @GovernorHobbs signing of HB 2880 yesterday. Introduced by @almaforarizona, this law ensures that Arizona campuses remain free of encampments so all students, faculty and staff remain safe amidst a climate of rising antisemitism. Thank you, Governor Hobbs, for protecting Arizona students!” read the post.

“This powerful and urgent legislation, authored by my dear friend and tireless advocate Alma Hernandez, makes Arizona the first state in the nation to ban antisemitic college encampments. And my dear friend, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, has become the first Governor in America to sign such a bill into law,” Allouche wrote on Facebook.

Not everyone was celebrating, however.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona denounced the legislation for violating students’ free speech. The Council on American-Islamic Relations Arizona worried that the law would be used unfairly to prosecute Muslim students and other pro-Palestinian people for protesting a war.

go out and protest,’’ she said.

In her X post, Hernandez said the legislation was not about targeting the free speech of any person or group.

“People have the right to protest, but they do not have the right to disrupt the learning of other students or intimidate Jewish students who are trying to get to class,” she wrote on X.

“In recent months, I’ve personally witnessed the pain of students in our community — like the 19-year-old student in my congregation violently harassed at school for being Jewish, or the college students trapped inside the Chabad House as a mob protested outside. This law is for them,” Allouche wrote in his post.

Oren Kessler

Sunday, January 5, 2025

4:30 PM

Sunday, January 12, 2025 4:30 PM Terror and Resilience, Past and Present

Ina Levine Community Campus

12701 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ

Oren Kessler will present on Palestine 1936 his rst major book on the Great Arab Revolt of 1936-1939 in British-controlled interwar Palestine, revealing how Jewish-Arab relations were altered forever after. Using English, Hebrew and Arabic sources it nds human stories in the battle for the Holy Land, providing rare insight into the grim pattern of con ict that grinds on today.

Namaste and Shalom: A Virtual Tour of Jewish India

Congregation Beth Tefillah Rabbi Pinchas Allouche, who testified in the Legislature on behalf of HB 2880, publicly expressed gratitude to Hernandez and Hobbs.

Rahel Musleah

Or Tzion

16415 N 90th St, Scottsdale AZ

Take a trip to Jewish India! India's Jewish heritage is a rich cultural and historical saga that stretches from biblical times until today. Explore each of India's Jewish communities as we visit sites and synagogues in Bombay, Calcutta and Cochin. Led by Rahel Musleah, who was born in Calcutta, the seventh generation of a Calcutta Jewish family that traces its roots to 17th-century Baghdad.

The Principal will be an experienced Jewish educator, holding a BA and/ or master’s degree in Jewish education, and will be a key resource for Jewish educational content for the Bureau of Jewish Education and for colleagues throughout the community. A successful candidate will demonstrate an enthusiastic attitude towards Jewish learning in a pluralistic Jewish community, and coalition building with other teen leaders. We would like to meet a visionary professional who has demonstrated the ability to use informal experiences to intentionally impart Jewish educational content in meaningful ways.

Voting against the bill, Phoenix Democratic Rep. Anna Abeytia addressed activists’ concerns, using herself as an example.

“As an activist at heart, this is not a good bill for those of us who are activists and do

Hernandez, who is a faculty associate at ASU, talked about her own discomfort in witnessing the encampment in Tempe.

In February, she told her House colleagues not to “pretend that that was not a problem.” JN

To learn more about this opportunity, email: jewished@bjephoenix.org

PASSAGES is BJE’s annual fundraising learning series. Your support enables the BJE to continue to promote Jewish life and literacy from Jewish Baby University, to Hebrew High, and Adult learning.

Jerry Lewkowitz presented Alma Hernandez with the Lewkowitz Family Rising Leader Award at the AntiDefamation League Desert’s conference on antisemitism in Tempe on Friday, April 11. COURTESY OF KASSIDY PINE

Sustainability for all!

RABBI NITZAN STEIN KOKIN |

PARSHAH BEHAR-BECHUKOTAI: LEVITICUS 25:1 - 27:34

This week’s double portion starts out with a divine reminder of the sabbatical rest of the promised land. Many generations of rabbis and scholars have pondered “Ma inyan shmita etzel har Sinai” — “What connection is there between sh’mitah (sabbatical of land) and Mount Sinai (revelation/Torah)?” — so much so that the phrase has become an idiom in modern Hebrew to express doubt as to how two things are related to each other. For example, refuting an argument by someone saying: What has this to do with the other? Honestly, I still wonder and will translate a little bit more freely: How is the concept of Sh’mitta, the sabbatical year in Israel, still relevant to the Torah that we live here and now in Arizona?

Let’s look into the original text from VaYikra (Leviticus) chapter 25 for a moment:

“On Mt Sinai the Eternal spoke to Moses: Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘When you come into the land that I give you, the land shall keep a Shabbat to the Eternal. For six years you shall sow your field, and ... prune your vineyard and gather in its fruits, (4) but in the seventh year there shall be an absolute Shabbat (Shabbat Shabbaton) for the land, a Shabbat for the Eternal You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard. You shall not reap what grows … It shall be a year of absolute Shabbat for the land … The Shabbat of the land shall provide food for you: for yourself and for your male and female slaves and for your hired worker and the sojourner who lives with you, and for your cattle and for the wild animals that are in your land: all its yield shall be for food.”

Indeed, we do find some eye-opening commentary throughout the past several hundred years bringing the sabbatical “home” to us. Five-hundred years ago the Italian bible commentator Sforno explains: “During this whole year, instead of serving the land, farmers are prepared to serve God. This makes Sh’mitte like Shabbat, which the Torah describes as “Shabbat for God your Lord” (Exodus 20:9)

In my eyes, Sforno focuses on the spiritual benefit that we can derive from the idea of Sh’mitta. For him the sabbatical year recognizes that not everyone can be a Torah scholar or clergy and be in service of lofty theological pursuits. After all, the world needs to be run, and people need to get food on the table. And yet the concept that every seventh year there is a break from “tilling the soil,” tells us that besides the concern for material success and wealth we do need to take a break and make time for spiritual pursuits. The Shabbat of the land is not just a cessation of its exploitation, rather it is called a “Shabbat for God.”

The sabbatical year is called a Shabbat Shabbaton, just like Yom Kippur is called a “Shabbat Shabbaton” — an absolute rest. Just like on Yom Kippur we refrain from bodily nourishment to do our soul work in prayer, so the idea of the sabbatical reminds us that at the minimum after every few cycles of material productivity, we should make a special effort to reconnect and give significant time to our own spiritual and religious growth. Taking a “time-out” and focusing on sustaining our soul-selves is part of a healthy rhythm of life. So, make some time in your life, even

if it’s just a summer vacation, when you devote yourself to some Jewish learning to rejuvenate.

The concept of a sabbatical year gives us a chance to remember that we hold a precious gift that is to be cared for, shared with all and left for generations to come. The commandment to grant everyone equal access to one’s orchard or field, even to the wild beasts and strangers, makes it clear that even if we find ourselves in a privileged position, we ought to recognize that all are God’s creations and need to be granted access to the resources our society holds and produces. This type of ‘reset’ for everyone is one more way to keep our society sustained and healthy. It reminds us evermore that we need to engage in types of productivity that keep our natural world sustained and let it regenerate. JN

Two writers offer strikingly different views of the ‘state of the Jews’

ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL | JTA

On May 13, the author and podcaster Dan Senor told an enthusiastic crowd at New York’s 92nd Street Y that despite a rising tide of antisemitism and a backlash against Israel’s war in Gaza that has left Jews feeling isolated and vulnerable, the Jewish community had within its power to “create nothing short of a Jewish renaissance.”

If philanthropists and communities double down on supporting Jewish day schools, summer camps, adult Jewish education and gap years in Israel, “I’m optimistic about the Jewish future in the Diaspora, not because the challenges aren’t real they are, but because we really do have the tools to rebuild American Jewish life,” said Senor, delivering 92NY’s annual “The State of World Jewry” speech.

One week earlier, The New Republic published a long article by the journalist and academic Eric Alterman, titled “The Coming Jewish Civil War Over Donald Trump.” It too surveyed the state of world Jewry, but with a markedly different analysis. Alterman sees a Jewish community divided between a

politically conservative minority that unconditionally defends Israel and a majority that votes Democratic and prioritizes defending democracy in both Israel and the United States. On the extremes, meanwhile, is a far right that promotes Israel’s annexation of the West Bank and Gaza, and a far left that is non- or anti-Zionist.

For Alterman, the Jewish challenge won’t be resolved by funding Jewish identity programs but confronting, as one liberal Jewish leader tells him, “who gets to define what it means to be Jewish in the U.S.” Does being Jewish mean supporting a hard-right Israeli government and an illiberal Trump administration because it has vowed to fight antisemitism? Or does it mean, as Alterman writes, defending “educational and democratic institutions that have allowed [Jews] to become the safest, most secure, and most economically successful Jewish population to exist anywhere, anytime, ever”?

With the war in Gaza still raging, after 19 months that altered Jewish self-perceptions and perhaps their status in the United States,

the two observers laid out visions of the present and future that are both diametrically opposed and in some ways complementary.

Senor, the co-author of the influential book “Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle” and host of the pro-Israel “Call Me Back” podcast,” focused on the resilience of Israel and the rise of antisemitism in the United States. He acknowledged Israel’s “internal fractures,” but also said it has emerged from the war in a better military situation than when it started, having neutralized Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran.

Unlike Alterman, he barely mentioned divisions within the Jewish community, instead insisting that the Oct. 7 attacks, the subsequent hostage crisis and anti-Israel backlash have increased Jewish engagement, unity and support for Israel.

“On Oct. 8, suddenly, many embraced their Jewish identity and community. They were pained as their family came under attack. As the scholar Mijal Bitton said, that pain we all felt, that pain you’re feeling is

peoplehood,” Senor said. “People started wearing Jewish star necklaces for the first time. They went to rallies. They donated hundreds of millions to emergency campaigns and sent supplies to IDF units, and yes, by the hundreds of thousands, they listened to podcasts about Judaism in Israel.”

The anti-Israel and antisemitic backlash led to “a crack in consciousness,” he said, reminding Jews of other eras in which their safety and security proved fleeting. And while many Jews are itching to fight back against antisemitism and anti-Israel bias in the media, on campus and in international courts, Senor urged a prescription for antisemitism previously offered by a number of prominent Jewish writers, including Dara Horn, Bari Weiss and Sarah Hurwitz: Invest instead in Jewish living and learning, “the one thing we can control.” JN

This piece was edited for space. To read it in its entirety, visit jewishaz.com.

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.

and should be a maximum of 200 words. They may be edited for space and clarity. Unsigned letters will not be

Rabbi Nitzan Stein-Kokin is the spiritual leader of Beth El Congregation in Phoenix.

Find area congregations at JewishAZ.com, where

Rabbi Nitzan Stein Kokin COURTESY OF RABBI NITZAN STEIN KOKIN

PARDES JEWISH DAY SCHOOL EIGHTH GRADE

PARDES JEWISH DAY SCHOOL CLASS OF 2025

GRADUATES LEAVE A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP, LEARNING, AND COMMUNITY

CLASS OF 2025 LEAVE A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP, LEARNING, AND COMMUNITY

LEAVES A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP, LEARNING, AND COMMUNITY

LEAVE A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP, LEARNING, AND COMMUNITY

LEAVES A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP, LEARNING, AND COMMUNITY

commentary, and contemporary Jewish thought. The maturity, insight, and respectful debate they demonstrated was inspiring, reafﬁrming the importance of Jewish values in shaping future leaders.

commentary and contemporary Jewish thought. The maturity, insight and respectful debate they demonstrated was inspiring, reafﬁrming the importance of Jewish values in shaping future leaders.

commentary, and contemporary Jewish thought. The maturity, insight, and respectful debate they demonstrated was inspiring, reafﬁrming the importance of Jewish values in shaping future leaders.

Excellence was not limited to just their academic pursuits. On the court, our 7/8 Girls Volleyball team once again made Pardes history by clinching their third consecutive Mountain Valley Athletic League championship. This impressive “three-peat” was the result of teamwork, grit, and hours of hard work. Equally as important, our team’s sportsmanship and camaraderie reminds us that true success includes humility and heart.

Perhaps the most poignant example of this class’s character came on our Tikkun Olam Innovation Days, one of which eighth graders spent the day at Saguaro Lake participating in a massive cleanup effort. They collected bags of trash, removed debris from trails and shorelines, and reﬂected on the Jewish responsibility to protect the natural world. Their commitment to service—both in spirit and action—demonstrated that learning at Pardes extends far beyond textbooks. It’s about making a difference.

Excellence was not limited to just their academic pursuits. On the court, our 7/8 Girls Volleyball team once again made Pardes history by clinching their third consecutive Mountain Valley Athletic League championship. This impressive “three-peat” was the result of teamwork, grit, and hours of hard work. Equally as important, our team’s sportsmanship and camaraderie reminds us that true success includes humility and heart.

Perhaps the most poignant example of this class’s character came on our Tikkun Olam Innovation Days, one of which eighth graders spent the day at Saguaro Lake participating in a massive cleanup effort. They collected bags of trash, removed debris from trails and shorelines, and reﬂected on the Jewish responsibility to protect the natural world. Their commitment to service—both in spirit and action—demonstrated that learning at Pardes extends far beyond textbooks. It’s about making a difference.

Excellence was not limited to just their academic pursuits. On the court, our 7/8 Girls Volleyball team once again made Pardes history by clinching their third consecutive Mountain Valley Athletic League championship. This impressive “three-peat” was the result of teamwork, grit, and hours of hard work. Equally as important, our team’s sportsmanship and camaraderie reminds us that true success includes humility and heart.

Excellence was not limited to just their academic pursuits. On the court, our 7/8 Girls Volleyball team once again made Pardes history by clinching their third consecutive Mountain Valley Athletic League championship. This impressive “three-peat” was the result of teamwork, grit and hours of hard work. Equally as important, our team’s sportsmanship and camaraderie reminds us that true success includes humility and heart.

As these students prepare to leave Pardes, they carry with them more than memories. They take with them a foundation built on intellectual rigor, spiritual exploration, and ethical responsibility. They have learned how to ask hard questions, how to collaborate, and how to lead with compassion.

Perhaps the most poignant example of this class’s character came on our Tikkun Olam Innovation Days, one of which eighth graders spent the day at Saguaro Lake participating in a massive cleanup effort. They collected bags of trash, removed debris from trails and shorelines, and reﬂected on the Jewish responsibility to protect the natural world. Their commitment to service—both in spirit and action—demonstrated that learning at Pardes extends far beyond textbooks. It’s about making a difference.

Perhaps the most poignant example of this class’s character came on our Tikkun Olam Innovation Days, one of which eighth graders spent the day at Saguaro Lake participating in a massive cleanup effort. They collected bags of trash, removed debris from trails and shorelines and reﬂected on the Jewish responsibility to protect the natural world. Their commitment to service—both in spirit and action—demonstrated that learning at Pardes extends far beyond textbooks. It’s about making a difference.

Perhaps the most poignant example of this class’s character came on our Tikkun Olam Innovation Days, one of which eighth graders spent the day at Saguaro Lake participating in a massive cleanup effort. They collected bags of trash, removed debris from trails and shorelines, and reﬂected on the Jewish responsibility to protect the natural world. Their commitment to service—both in spirit and action—demonstrated that learning at Pardes extends far beyond textbooks. It’s about making a difference.

brought classroom lessons to life. The trip also fostered camaraderie and independence, giving students a meaningful opportunity to bond as a class before their transition to high school.

visiting the Holocaust Museum, and engaging in civic discussions brought classroom lessons to life. The trip also fostered camaraderie and independence, giving students a meaningful opportunity to bond as a class before their transition to high school.

and government. Walking the National Mall, reﬂecting at the memorials, visiting the Holocaust Museum, and engaging in civic discussions brought classroom lessons to life. The trip also fostered camaraderie and independence, giving students a meaningful opportunity to bond as a class before their transition to high school.

a chance for students to deepen their understanding of American history and government. Walking the National Mall, reﬂecting at the memorials, visiting the Holocaust Museum and engaging in civic discussions brought classroom lessons to life. The trip also fostered camaraderie and independence, giving students a meaningful opportunity to bond as a class before their transition to high school.

One highlight of the spring semester was our ﬁrst-ever competition at Moot Beit Din (moot court) in Los Angeles, where our eighth graders tackled complex ethical dilemmas through the lens of Jewish law and tradition. Students prepared written decisions and presented oral arguments before a panel of judges, drawing upon Torah texts, rabbinic

One highlight of the spring semester was our ﬁrst-ever competition at Moot Beit Din (moot court) in Los Angeles, where our eighth graders tackled complex ethical dilemmas through the lens of Jewish law and tradition. Students prepared written decisions and presented oral

One highlight of the spring semester was our ﬁrst-ever competition at Moot Beit Din (moot court) in Los Angeles, where our eighth graders tackled complex ethical dilemmas through the lens of Jewish law and tradition. Students prepared written decisions and presented oral arguments before a panel of judges, drawing upon Torah texts, rabbinic

As these students prepare to leave Pardes, they carry with them more than memories. They take with them a foundation built on intellectual rigor, spiritual exploration, and ethical responsibility. They have learned how to ask hard questions, how to collaborate, and how to lead with compassion.

As these students prepare to leave Pardes, they carry with them more than memories. They take with them a foundation built on intellectual rigor, spiritual exploration and ethical responsibility. They have learned how to ask hard questions, how to collaborate and how to lead with compassion.

We are immensely proud of the Class of 2025. They have left an indelible mark on our school, and we are conﬁdent they will go forward with strength, kindness, and conviction. Whether they are advocating for social justice, innovating for the future, or simply lending a helping hand, we know they will continue to make our world a better place.

Mazal tov to our eighth graders! We are so excited to hear about all of the amazing contributions they will make to this world in the coming years and Pardes will always be their home. Once a Panther, Always a Panther!

We are immensely proud of the Class of 2025. They have left an indelible mark on our school, and we are conﬁdent they will go forward with strength, kindness, and conviction. Whether they are advocating for social justice, innovating for the future, or simply lending a helping hand, we know they will continue to make our world a better place.

Mazal tov to our eighth graders! We are so excited to hear about all of the amazing contributions they will make to this world in the coming years and Pardes will always be their home. Once a Panther, Always a Panther!

We are immensely proud of the Class of 2025. They have left an indelible mark on our school, and we are conﬁdent they will go forward with strength, kindness and conviction. Whether they are advocating for social justice, innovating for the future, or simply lending a helping hand, we know they will continue to make our world a better place.

Mazal tov to our eighth graders! We are so excited to hear about all of the amazing contributions they will make to this world in the coming years and Pardes will always be their home. Once a Panther, Always a Panther!

HINDA GROSS Arizona Jewish Academy

You’re on your way to new heights, and we are so proud of you!

Mommy, Abba, Tessa, Akiva, & Elie

Midreshet Lindenbaum (Jerusalem)

Passover BBQ

Holocaust remembrance

For the love of pickleball

Bringing communities together

Super Bowl snacks

California dreaming

Expertise for mommy & me

Sharing stories

Cohen, center, thanked the members of Salk AZA (a boy’s chapter of BBYO) for hosting a

Watching the Super Bowl with Smile on Seniors. Seated

On Wednesday, April 9, the Valley of the Sun JCC Intermediate Pickleball League finished its nine-week tournament. For one day every week, during the course of the competition, participants played six games. Harriet Colan, longest tenured full-time employee at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, and pictured in a lavendar t-shirt, shows off her second-place medal.

Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley member Nancy Urbach was the keynote speaker at the temple’s interfaith Holocaust Remembrance Day program. She shared how her family members helped save about 200 relatives and friends from Nazi Germany in the 1930s.

Todd Herzog, right, and Colton Rahav, left, took part in Congregation Beth Tefillah’s Passover concert and BBQ last month in Scottsdale.

OF

Grab a bag

The lucky ones

program.

Time for tea

OF

Women sharing a Seder

Honoring victims

Hiking with kehilla

Passover project

Heads up!

Brunch with the gang

Tikkun Olam Together, a program of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, worked to support the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix’s Passover Food Drive. Mothers and daughters packaged holiday candles and greeting cards, and added them to the Passover food packages that were delivered a few days before the start of the holiday.

OF

giveaway in February. Here, she presents a giant check for $10,000 to military veteran, Matthew Sabo.

Smile on Seniors hosted its Jewish Active Mature Adults brunch social on Feb. 23. Pictured from left are Ana Spence, Linda Lober, Michael and Nancy Mendelsohn, Andrea Silvey, Peter and Irene Baron, Isy and Benita Sonabend, David Termine and Dave Shooten.

Leo, one of the newest members of Temple Chai, wears a hard hat during the Phoenix synagogue’s groundbreaking at its new home.

New leader of Board of Rabbis

Congregation Or Tzion Rabbi Andy Green was recently announced as the new president of the Greater Phoenix Board of Rabbis Executive Committee. The new committee is pictured from left: Rabbi Mindie Snyder, co-treasurer; Beth El Congregation Rabbi Nitzan Stein-Kokin, vice president; Green; Congregation Beth Israel Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin, secretary; and Temple Kol Ami Rabbi Jeremy Schneider, immediate past president. Not pictured is Rabbi Mark Bisman, co-treasurer.

Reading stories

On Sunday, March 23, Temple Solel hosted its annual Women’s Passover Seder. It was an evening of spirituality, song and shared tradition led by Solel Rabbi Debbie Stiel and including the vocals of Tamara Lieberman. This special Seder weaves together the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage with the voices and experiences of women.

On Thursday, April 24, several Jewish organizations recruited volunteers for “Reading of Names” on Yom HaShoah. Leah Berenson of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix is pictured here reading the names of people murdered during the Holocaust.

Honoring the work

Baking with Benita

Hike your own hike

Solel hosted its annual fundraiser, “Solelebration,”

Congregation Beth Tefillah’s youth directors, Rabbi Yisrael and Eden Kumer, led a leadership training for teens while hiking in Phoenix. The goal was to empower the teens to lead fun and engaging activities for younger kids.

Jerry Lewkowitz, right, presented Alma Hernandez with the Lewkowitz Family Rising Leader Award at the Anti-Defamation League Desert’s Conference on Antisemitism in Tempe on Friday, April 11.

Parents, babies and peace

On Tuesday, April 29, Congregation Beth Tefillah (CBT) member Eleanor Gross L.C.S.W. led CBT’s Babyccino group in a mindful parenting session about releasing self-imposed limitations while cultivating inner peace and personal growth.

This COMMUNITY page

This COMMUNITY page features photos of community members around the Valley and the world. Submit photos and details each week to editor@jewishaz.com by 10 a.m. Monday.

Benita Sonabend, left, and Pinki Lifshitz demonstrate how to prepare black bean chocolate cake and tahini bread for Smile on Seniors “In the Kitchen with Benita” series on Feb. 25.

COURTESY OF KASSIDY PINE

HARRIS

Shabbat Shalom

Colton Rahav leads young families

sing Shabbat songs at Congregation Beth Tefillah’s Mishpachti Tot Shabbat. The program will take place before Shabbat every month.

From left, Marvin and Sandra Finkelstein, Rabbi Levi Levertov, Herb Spiwak, Ethel Schmall, Sharon Friendly, Howard and Ilene Kornblue and Vicki Diamond at Smile on Seniors’ “It’s Not Just Lunch and Heart Health” event on Feb. 5.

COURTESY OF SMILE ON SENIORS

Raya Sandler, right, and Lyla Katz were among those who gave away Purim treats, mishloach manot, to senior living communities for Tikkun Olam Together’s mother-daughter service group on Sunday, March 2.

KATZ

Michelle Jameson, Director of U. S. Vets -Phoenix, happily accepted 163 cans of coffee collected by Jewish War Veterans, Post 619. Pictured from left are John Hermann, Jameson, Nancy Stutman and Charles Gerson.

From left, Freeman Rosenblum, Alan Nathan, Glenn Miller, David Rosen, Keith Rezendes, Beverly Nathan

Rosenblum are pictured at Smile on Seniors’ “Deli Night” event

From left, Marvin Kline, Lori Roth, Marci Beliak, David Weinstein, Mark and Susie Magier, Sharon Cohn, Pat Singer and Tina Firetag are pictured at Smile on Seniors’ “Not Just Lunch and Music” event on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

Several staff members of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix traveled to Los Angeles in January for the Jewish Federations of North America regional gathering. Back row from left are Kaylie Medansky, Kay Campanella, Sarah Ben Harush, Jennifer Starrett, Richard Kasper, Andrew Gibbs and Rich Solomon. Front row from left are Sheryl Press and Gail Baer.

OF JEWISH FEDERATIONS

Harriet Colan, office manager at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, third from right, led a group VOSJCC members on a day trip to the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree in February.

Phoenix Holocaust Association observed International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a presentation by Georgia Hunter, author of “We Were the Lucky Ones.” Pictured from left are Hunter, Sheryl Bronkesh, Leslie Feldman and Busy Philipps. COURTESY OF

Featured Event

SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 1-2

Celebrate Shavuot:

7:15 p.m. on June 1; 11 a.m. on June 2. Chabad of North Phoenix, 22044 N. 44th St. Suite 100, Phoenix. On June 1, join Chabad for a community dinner followed by all-night Torah learning. On June 2, hear the Ten Commandments followed by a dairy lunch buffet and ice cream party for all ages. For more information, visit ourjewishcenter.com/celebrateshavuot.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28

Experience the Film & Meet the Co-Producer: 6-8 p.m. Location provided upon registration. Join Arizona Jews for Justice for the movie “Cowspiracy,” which follows an aspiring environmentalist as he seeks to find the real solution to the most pressing environmental issues and true path to sustainability, followed by a Q&A with co-producer Dr. Sailesh Rao. Ticket includes a light vegan dinner. $18 per person. For more information, visit valleybeitmidrash.org

THURSDAY, MAY 29

The Art of Caregiving: 1-2 p.m. Online. Join Valley Beit Midrash for a virtual presentation by Rabbi Richard Address, founder of Jewish Sacred Aging and the host of the “Seekers of Meaning” podcast/show. For more information, visit valleybeitmidrash.org/event/ the-art-of-caregiving.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

AI & Genealogy: Where Are We Now?: 1 p.m. Online Zoom webinar. Join the Arizona Jewish Historical Society for a presentation by Bonnie Bossert, MBA/MHA, a genetic genealogy researcher with more than 20 years of experience, on how to integrate modern tools into your research journey. Cost: Free; registration required. For more information, visit azjhs.org/event/ai-genealogy.

Shavuot Royale: A Night of Tradition, Elegance & Inspiration: 7 p.m. Congregation Beth Tefillah, 6529 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. Join CBT for a five-course plated dinner and special guest speaker. $54 adult members, $75 adult nonmembers; $30 child members, $50 child nonmember; registration closes on May 25. For more information, visit bethtefillahaz.org/ event/shavuot-royale-dinner.

SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 1-2

The Grand Shavuot Experience: 7:15 p.m. on June 1; 11 a.m. on June 2. Chabad of Scottsdale, 10215 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. On June 1, join Chabad for a community dinner, teen talk and all-night Torah learning. On June 2, hear the Ten Commandments, then enjoy an ice cream party and dairy luncheon followed by a VIP reception and dinner. For more information, visit chabadofscottsdale.org/shavuot.

MONDAY, JUNE 2

Shavuos Ice Cream Party: Call for time. Chabad Edelman Jewish Center, 16830 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills. Join Chabad of Fountain Hills for a reading of the Ten Commandments and an ice cream party. For more information, visit jewishfountainhills. com or call 480-795-6292.

Celebrate Shavuot: 1 p.m. Chabad of the East Valley, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. Join Chabad for a reading of the Ten Commandments and a dairy buffet. Cost: Free;

registration required. For more information, visit chabadcenter.com/shavuot.

Shavuot Garden Party: 3 p.m. Marley Park Heritage Club, 15210 W. Sweetwater Ave., Surprise. Join Chabad of Surprise for an ice cream party and reading of the Ten Commandments. Cost: Free; registration required. For more information, visit jewishsurprise.com.

Celebrate Shavuot: 5:30 p.m. Chabad of Ahwatukee, 961 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 111199, Phoenix. Join Chabad to hear the Ten Commandments and enjoy a dairy dessert bar. For more information, visit chabadahwatukee.com/ten.

Cheesecake on Sinai: 5:30 p.m. Address provided upon registration. Join Chabad of Downtown Phoenix for a reading of the Ten Commandments, dairy buffet including an assortment of cheesecakes. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jewishdowntownphoenix.com/sinai.

MONDAY, JUNE 2- THURSDAY, AUG. 28

Summer Camp for Adults: Times and addresses vary; some classes available online. Join Brandeis National Committee Phoenix Chapter for activities and classes throughout the summer. For more information, visit brandeisphoenix.org.

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

Summer Splash: Beach Bash: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the VOSJ for fun poolside. For more information, visit valleyofthesunj.org/calendar.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

Blood Drive: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the VOSJ and Vitalant and donate blood to help the community. Blood drive will take place in the Vitalant Bus in the VOSJ’s parking lot. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit valleyofthesunj.org/calendar.

THURSDAY, JUNE 12

Book Discussion: “The Art Thief”: 2 p.m. Online via Zoom. Join the Arizona Jewish Historical Society for a book discussion led by Rabbi Jeffrey Schesnol. Cost: Free; registration required. For more information, visit azjhs.org/ event/art-thief.

SUNDAYS

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

THURSDAYS

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

Meetings, Lectures & Classes

SUNDAYS

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

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

Anxiety in the Modern World: 6 p.m. Online. Learn the secrets of the Torah for living stressfree 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 likeminded 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.

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

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 or to join, visit cbtvirtualworld.com.

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.

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 or to join, visit cbtvirtualworld.com.

Grief Support Group: 5-6 p.m. Online via Zoom. Therapist Susan Charney MCW, LCSW, COURTESY OF

CHABAD OF NORTH PHOENIX

CALENDAR

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

Interfaith Course on Jewish Humor: 10-11:30 a.m. April 3, 10 and 17. Temple Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Join TBSWV Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan for this course analyzing jokes dealing with Jews and Judaism from different perspectives. Cost: $20 for members; $35 for nonmembers. Registration deadline is March 31. 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.

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

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.

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

Shabbat in the Park: 10-11 a.m. Cactus Park, 7202 E. Cactus 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/beclivestream. 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. 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 480-6124413 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.

MILESTONES

LAYLA REBECCA RAIZER

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

Layla Rebecca Raizer became a bat mitzvah on May 10, 2025, at Temple Chai. She is the daughter of Randy and Alana Raizer of Phoenix.

Layla’s grandparents are Robert and April Everett of Seaford, New York, and Marvin and Claire Raizer of Calabasas, California. For her mitzvah project, Layla organized a dance shoe drive and will bring the donated shoes for distribution to the North Valley Arts Academy, which services three public schools in the Paradise Valley School District.

A student at Desert Shadows Middle School, Layla enjoys musical theater at her school, performs with the children’s choir at Temple Chai and performs and competes with the dance company at Conservatory of Dance. She looks forward to returning to Camp Daisy and Harry Stein this summer. JN

OBITUARY

ARLENE GOLDSMITH

Arlene Goldsmith of Henderson, Nevada, died on April 17, 2025. She was 100. Arlene was born in Detroit, Michigan.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Goldsmith; brother, Seymour Genden; parents Murray Genden and Rose Genden Shapiro; and is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Sandie) Marroso; son, Dr. Mark Goldsmith; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Services were held at the VA Cemetery in South Florida.

Donations in her name can be made to the Adam Miller Fund, University of Michigan. JN

BAT MITZVAH

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