Jewish News, Sept. 12, 2025 by jewishaz

ATHLETE AMBASSADOR

Paradise Valley native Ethan Hott recently signed on to be a Blue Square Athlete Ambassador

NEW RABBI ON CAMPUS

Rabbi Aviva Funke is the new rabbi and director of education for Hillel at Arizona State University

Jewish teens boost Family Promise

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Family Promise of Greater Phoenix recently received a $1,500 grant from the Center for Jewish Philanthropy Youth Board, a program of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix (CJP). The grant supports its emergency shelter program, which partners with synagogues across the Valley to provide safe shelter, warm meals and support services for families experiencing homelessness.

The grant was the result of site visits, discussions and careful deliberation by the board’s high school members. One of the driving forces behind it was Arcadia High School sophomore Spencer Goldberg.

Goldberg first connected with CJP’s youth philanthropy work after meeting Andrea Cohen, CJP’s director of youth philanthropy and community engagement.

“I received gifts at my bar mitzvah, and I wanted to give something back to the community. I met Andrea and she helped me donate money to Jewish charities I liked,” Goldberg told Jewish News.

Through Cohen, he learned about the youth board and knew immediately it was something he wanted to do.

“The first year I was allowed to do it (last year), I applied. I definitely want to do it all four years of high school,” he said.

Goldberg has made a big impression on Cohen.

“Spencer made such an incredible impact in his first year as such a thoughtful, responsible and engaged board member,” Cohen told Jewish News.

“When I got on the board, our mission was to represent the Jewish people to make the world better,” Goldberg said.

The board first discussed the Jewish values to guide their giving: human dignity, responsibility, hope and service. Cohen then provided a curated list of charities that align with those values.

Valley rabbis share High Holiday messages of renewal, reflection and resilience

As Jewish communities across Greater Phoenix gather for the High Holidays, Valley rabbis are preparing to deliver messages that balance tradition with contemporary issues. From teshuvah and forgiveness, to body and soul care, to the joy of welcoming a new Torah scroll, these leaders are offering their communities ways to renew spirit, strengthen bonds and confront the challenges of the moment.

At Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan has chosen to focus his High Holiday

sermons on teshuvah, a traditional theme.

“The challenge of delivering sermons on the High Holy Days is to deliver a message that applies authentic Jewish wisdom to the lives of temple members in a way that they can absorb it and integrate it,” Kaplan told Jewish News in an email.

For him, that means less politics or commentary on the news cycle, and more emphasis on helping congregants discover Judaism as a source of meaning and practical guidance.

SEE MESSAGES, PAGE 3

Looking for a home for the High

Holidays?

Browse our listing of High Holiday services around the Valley and Northern Arizona. See page 12.

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

From left to right, Rabbi Bonnie Koppell, Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, Rabbi Alicia Magal, Rabbi Jeremy Schneider and Rabbi Andy Green. COMPILATION COURTESY JEWISH NEWS

SOPHIE STERN

“I RECEIVED GIFTS AT MY BAR MITZVAH, AND I WANTED TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY."

SPENCER GOLDBERG

From there, board members signed up for in-person site visits where they asked questions, met leaders and brought their findings back for group discussion.

Goldberg and fellow board member Zach Sosnow joined Cohen on the visit to Family Promise. While Cohen was there to support them, she let the teens take the lead.

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“It was clear they had read the materials, really listened and were prepared. They asked such phenomenal questions,” Cohen said.

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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.

they have to decide if granting any money would do more harm than good.”

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.

This year, Family Promise was seeking additional funds for an ongoing project — one that resonated deeply with Goldberg.

He was impressed by how much the organization focuses on keeping families together, getting children to school on time and helping adults find jobs and stable housing. He especially liked that Family Promise requires families to contribute a small portion of rent while they stay at the facility.

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.

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

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

She already has some practice at

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

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

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

“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.

2025 Phoenix Jewish News

Lotus Kaplan, Family Promise’s development director, later called Cohen to say she was “blown away” by the teens’ engagement. She was particularly struck by the specificity of their questions, including how partial funding of a grant might affect the organization’s work.

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That specificity is key because grantmaking requires a lot of informed decisions.

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Each year, the youth board has $10,000 to distribute among potential grantees, with a maximum of $3,000 per organization. This year, eight organizations were under consideration.

“It helps people be responsible while they work on learning how to spend their money wisely, and even start to save,” he 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.

Goldberg’s commitment to Family Promise was also personal. His synagogue, Temple Solel in Paradise Valley, is one of the organization’s partners.

they give resources to people to help them do better,” he said. “I want to keep giving back to people.”

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.

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.

First, he needed to make the case to his fellow board members.

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.

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“I’ve volunteered on weeks when people have stayed at Solel and interacted with the kids, helping them with games and stuff,” he said.

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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.

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“I tell the teens they’re not able to divide the money equally, so the money needs to make sense,” Cohen explained. “Some organizations apply for general operating support, but some ask for a project to be funded. If we can’t fully fund a project,

Goldberg has cared deeply about homelessness ever since he realized how prevalent the issue was in downtown Phoenix. In seventh grade, he started a charity drive to donate backpacks filled with school materials to kids in need.

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.

Once his eyes were opened to the scope of the problem, he sought ways to continue helping, which made Family Promise a natural fit for his interests.

After visiting Family Promise, Goldberg and Sosnow created a slideshow presentation for the board, making the case for granting the organization funding. Using their Jewish values as a framework, they highlighted Family Promise’s alignment with responsibility, human dignity and hope.

“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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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.

Their pitch worked — the board voted to award $1,500 to the nonprofit.

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.

“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.”

“It really helps people, and I like how

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

When the board hosted its celebration for grant recipients a few months ago, complete with oversized checks, Goldberg was proud to present the grant to Family Promise representatives.

“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

“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.

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.

“It felt like they were gonna use it well,” he said. “It felt really good and satisfying.”

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.

May 2

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

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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.

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

Sophie Stern at her high school graduation in 2022

Spencer Goldberg, left, and Zach Sosnow, right, present a $1,500 grant to Family Promise. Lotus Kaplan, middle, accepts on behalf of the organization.

COURTESY OF CENTER FOR JEWISH PHILANTHROPY YOUTH BOARD

Teshuvah, often translated as “repentance,” is about much more than regret, Kaplan said.

“It means ‘return,’” he said. “It is a return to our authentic selves, to our core values, to the path that God intends for us.”

Kaplan explained that Jewish mysticism envisions each person as born with a spark of the divine. Over time, people stray from their best selves, but teshuvah offers a courageous act of course correction, of reconnecting with the soul.

Still, Kaplan acknowledged, this process can feel abstract without tools to make it tangible. That’s where his congregation’s adult education programs come in. Drawing from positive psychology, they focus on character strengths such as gratitude, humility, perseverance, resilience and courage.

“These,” Kaplan said, “are the building blocks of a life of meaning.”

At the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, Rabbi Alicia Magal will reflect on forgiveness and communication.

“We each look at the world through a particular lens based on our experiences, study and personality,” Magal told Jewish News in an email. “It is hard to imagine that others see the very same event or problem in a totally different way.”

The High Holidays, she emphasized, are about stepping back from entrenched patterns, opening to compassion and learning to interact differently with those we love, even when we disagree.

In her sermons, she will grapple with how people can find a way to forgive those who have hurt them, “or ask for forgiveness in a way that another person can hear,” she said.

The liturgy of the season, with its confessions and rituals, gives worshippers a sacred framework for this emotional work.

“It is a perfect opportunity,” she said, “for expressing our regrets, asking to be forgiven by people and by the Holy One, as well as ways to open our hearts and find forgiveness for those who may have wronged us.”

Rabbi Bonnie Koppell of Temple Chai will invite the congregation to embark

“We deeply appreciate these young leaders taking the time to research and advocate for families experiencing homelessness. Their actions reflect the same values we live by every day at Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, where we keep families together and give them reasons to hope,” Family Promise CEO Ted Taylor told Jewish News in an email. Cohen sees the youth board as more than just a grantmaking exercise — it’s an education in Jewish philanthropy and consensus building. Early in the year, she walks the teens through the fundamentals

“THE CHALLENGE OF DELIVERING SERMONS ON THE HIGH HOLY DAYS IS TO DELIVER A MESSAGE THAT APPLIES AUTHENTIC JEWISH WISDOM TO THE LIVES OF TEMPLE MEMBERS IN A WAY THAT THEY CAN ABSORB IT AND INTEGRATE IT.”

RABBI DANA EVAN KAPLAN

on a journey inward in her Kol Nidre sermon, she told Jewish News in an email.

She called the journey into oneself “a luxurious journey,” and described it as a “sacred moment to step out of the hustle and bustle, the challenges of the everyday.”

Jews are used to fasting and abstaining from physical comforts on Yom Kippur, but Koppell is urging her community to also reflect on how Judaism values care for the body itself. She plans to cite the Talmudic story of Rabbi Hillel, who considered bathing a mitzvah. She will explain his reasoning to congregants:

“The body is the house of the soul, and we have an obligation to keep it in good repair.”

Her sermon will explore food, rest, exercise and perhaps most challenging of all, body acceptance in a culture that prizes perfection. To illustrate her point more fully, Koppell will quote poet Hollie Holden: “Could you just love me like this?”

“When someone feels ashamed of their body,” Koppell said, “they’re not just struggling with self-esteem, they’re struggling to believe that they are truly b’tzelem Elohim, a holy image of God.”

She will also acknowledge the reality of illness and loss of physical ability, urging worshippers to appreciate what is still possible and to lean on community and faith when bodies falter.

“Let us find that balance between caring for our bodies, being kind to our bodies, appreciating our bodies,” she said, “even as we strive to elevate our neshama, our holy soul.”

At Temple Kol Ami, Rabbi Jeremy Schneider will lead his congregation into the High Holidays with a significant milestone: the unveiling of a new Torah scroll.

“This year, our return to the High Holy Days is made even more powerful as we come together to unveil something extraordinary: our new Torah scroll,”

of grantmaking, decision making without anonymity and the Jewish values that guide giving.

“Once they learn decision making, we’ll do a session on Jewish values. The first decisions that we’ll make as a group are about choosing Jewish values that inform our decision making,” she said.

She believes experiences like Goldberg’s — from site visits to presentations to seeing the impact of the grants — are essential in raising the next generation of Jewish community leaders. Goldberg agrees. Whether through

Schneider told Jewish News in an email.

“After two years of dedication, learning, generosity and sacred effort, we will welcome this Torah into our hearts on Rosh Hashanah morning.”

The project was deeply participatory, with families writing letters and standing alongside the scribe as the scroll took shape.

“We wrote more than just parchment and ink,” Schneider said. “We wrote about our values, our history, our future. We wrote ourselves into the story of our people. And, as we read from it for the very first time, we won’t just hear ancient words, we will hear our own voices echoing through them.”

For Schneider, the scroll is a symbol of Judaism as a living tradition: “Not passive tradition, but participatory; doing Judaism. A Judaism that is lived, created and renewed by us — every generation, every member, every soul who calls Kol Ami home.”

This year, the High Holiday pulpit carries a responsibility to speak to rising antisemitism and its impact, Rabbi Andy Green of Congregation Or Tzion told Jewish News in a text.

“It’s my responsibility,” Green said, “to speak concerning the growing movement to demonize and delegitimize Jews and Israel, the related normalizing of antiJewish violence and the resulting fears and self-doubt within our community.”

His focus reflects the stark reality many Jews face today, as incidents of antisemitism rise. In this season of soulsearching, Green intends to help his congregation both acknowledge the pain and reclaim confidence in their Jewish identity.

By emphasizing different dimensions of the High Holidays — teshuvah and inner return, forgiveness and compassion, care of body and soul, joy in communal achievement and resilience in the face of hatred — Valley rabbis are offering their communities pathways to enter the new year. JN

the youth board, his synagogue or his own charitable initiatives, he’s determined to keep working toward solutions for homelessness.

“I want to keep giving back to people,” he said, echoing the lesson Cohen works to instill in every young Jew who joins her board. JN

For more information, visit phoenixcjp.org/ what-we-do/youth-philanthropy-board.

Jewish News is published by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix, a component of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix.

Paradise Valley’s Ethan Hott will be Blue Square Athlete Ambassador

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Ethan Hott, a Paradise Valley native and Division I baseball player at Stanford University in California, recently joined five other student athletes and signed on to be a Blue Square Athlete Ambassador in partnership with the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS).

A member of Scottsdale’s Congregation Beth Israel and senior at Stanford, Hott said he sees the ambassador role as an opportunity to publicly embrace his Jewish identity and use his platform to promote pride and unity in the face of rising antisemitism.

“In times of both adversity and success, my Jewish faith has been a source of constant pride,” Hott said in a press release. “Competing at the highest level of collegiate sports, I’ve come to know the unifying power of sports firsthand. As a Blue Square Athlete Ambassador, I hope to continue leveraging that power while encouraging others to celebrate their faith proudly and stand united against hate.”

The program seeks to increase the vis-

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ibility of Jewish athletes at the collegiate level, promoting their multifaceted identities and advancing Jewish pride. The initiative was partially set up to dispel negative Jewish stereotypes and encourage more Americans to become allies in the fight against antisemitism.

“There’s unfortunately antisemitism on campus, but I have made it a priority not to let it affect me,” Hott told Jewish News. While he has not been attacked personally, hearing anti-Jewish bias is personal, he said. Not being a confrontational person by nature, he usually tries to ignore certain remarks.

“I don’t want to pour fuel on the fire. Sometimes I hear snarky comments and I know they want a reaction, but I don’t give it to them. I try to believe in the best of people,” he said.

The sponsorship program comes in a period of increased antisemitism. According to FCAS’ proprietary research, antisemitic attitudes are now held by 25% of the population and are on the rise,

especially among younger Americans across college campuses. Over the past two years, protests over the war in Gaza have rocked college campuses nationwide, including Arizona.

Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) refers to a student-athlete’s ability to earn compensation for the commercial use of their personal attributes: their name, their visual likeness and their overall public persona.

Still, nearly half of Americans are considered “unengaged” on the issue of antisemitism. FCAS’ data shows they do not recognize anti-Jewish bias in the same way they do other forms of hate.

“With this groundbreaking initiative, we’re aiming to increase the profile of these dedicated Jewish student-athletes to bridge divides and begin an overdue dialogue,” FCAS President Adam Katz said in a press release. “By championing each athlete’s unique story, we aim to show that we have more in common than what makes us different. We look forward to seeing these athletes don the Blue Square this offseason as we work toward our shared goal of eradicating antisemitism and all forms of hate.”

This initiative is the latest addition to FCAS’ #StandUpToJewishHate campaign, which seeks to build empathy and call on people around the world to wear and share the Blue Square as a symbol of standing up to Jewish hate and all hate. Since its launch in 2023, the Blue Square campaign has become a universal symbol representing this mission and symbolizing the need to consistently stand against hate.

The Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program was designed in partnership with Tribe NIL, the nation’s first Jewish-focused NIL initiative, empowering studentathletes through financial support, brandbuilding and leadership development rooted in Jewish values — co-founded by Jeremy Moses and Eitan Levine, who have worked on various comedy and sports programs.

Hott said when he was approached in the spring, it was the first time he’d heard of the program.

“I did some research and really loved what was going on with it,” he said.

Hott attends Hillel at Stanford when he’s able. Often, his baseball schedule interferes with services and other Jewish programming.

“It’s hard to be present sometimes, but I love to go as much as I can. I’m friendly with a couple other Jewish athletes on campus but there aren’t that many of us. We really came together after Oct. 7,” Hott said.

While Hott’s had smaller NIL opportunities before, he said this is the largest by far.

“This is the biggest one and the one I’m most excited about and proud of because it’s personal to me,” he said.

In a new video series launching soon across FCAS channels, Blue Square Athlete Ambassadors will demonstrate how they #StandUpToJewishHate and inspire others to do the same on their college campuses and beyond.

The inaugural cohort of athlete ambassadors includes Cornell wrestler Meyer Shapiro, Columbia basketball player Riley Weiss, California Lutheran basketball player Ze’ev Remer, New York University basketball player Alan Mashensky and College of Charleston track and field athlete Liv Shumbres. JN

For more information on the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, visit fcas.org.

Ethan Hott at bat. COURTESY OF STANFORD ATHLETICS Ethan Hott plays center field for Stanford University. COURTESY OF STANFORD ATHLETICS

New Hillel campus rabbi loves creativity, connections and ‘making it personal’

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

hen Rabbi Aviva Funke steps into her role as campus rabbi and director of education for Hillel at Arizona State University this fall, she brings with her not only a wealth of experience in Jewish education but also an ethos of creativity, community and care that has shaped her work for years.

She’s most excited about being a rabbi for a community again. “That’s the piece I’ve been missing,” she told Jewish News.

For the last five years, Funke has been the principal of Hebrew High, a program of the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix (BJE), where she dealt with the turbulence of the pandemic, rebuilt enrollment, created an innovative curriculum and forged partnerships with synagogues across the Valley.

Now, she sees her move to Hillel at Arizona State University as a natural next step in a journey of Jewish leadership that has always prioritized deep relationships and meaningful connection.

Funke took over Hebrew High in

2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, but she was determined to grow the program despite the headwinds faced by many youth organizations due to pandemic restrictions. She threw herself into creating virtual programs until students could gather in person again.

During her tenure, she more than tripled membership.

“When I started, we had 24 students,” she said. “This year, we finished with 85 — and they weren’t just enrolled, they were engaged.”

That growth was fueled by Funke’s determination to make Hebrew High a place that felt personal, inclusive and responsive to its students and their families. She leaned into partnerships with Valley congregations, from Congregation Or Tzion and Beth El Phoenix to Temple Kol Ami and Temple Chai, meeting with educators, listening to their needs and designing classes that reflected both community input and teen interests.

“Teaching our kids about being Jews

is a deeply personal and sensitive topic,” she said. “Hebrew High is intentionally pluralistic. Our teachers come from all kinds of Jewish backgrounds, so our students learn that Jewish learning is about listening to each other.”

Her Passover program, “Dayenu: When Enough Is Enough,” encapsulated her creative approach. Students could explore themes of liberation through yoga, art or in-depth text study — all tied to the Exodus story.

“It wasn’t a one-size-fits-all experience,” she said. “It was about choice, and when teens have choice, they feel empowered.”

BJE Executive Director Myra Shindler said she takes pride in Funke’s work to grow Hebrew High.

“Rabbi Aviva initiated experiential and creative programming for high school teens in the Valley. She pursued partnerships with congregations, youth groups and others in an effort to bring the community together to help teens grow their Jewish identity and feel pride in who they are as Jewish teens,” Shindler told Jewish News in an email.

The emotional core of Funke’s work with teens was especially tested in recent years. On October 7, 2023 — the same day a Simchat Torah celebration for Jewish teens had been planned — violence erupted in Israel, and the event quickly shifted into a vigil.

“It feels like we’ve been grieving ever since,” she said. “Grieving and trying to find ourselves through the tears, to ask what it means to be a proud Jew.”

In response, she created spaces not just for learning but for healing — including programs for parents, such as “Jewish Matters,” a roundtable series designed to support caregivers during their children’s most complex years.

“I made it personal,” she said. “Because this is personal.”

That ethos extended to her teen leadership board, which she called “probably the most important component” of her time at Hebrew High. “Leadership is key,” she emphasized. “Our teens helped make

decisions, organize programs and define who we are as a community.”

Leaving Hebrew High and the Bureau of Jewish Education wasn’t part of a longterm plan.

“I wasn’t looking to leave,” she admitted. “It’s been a very fulfilling journey professionally, and deeply personal. I got to bring my heart to this work.”

Still, when the opportunity to serve as Hillel’s campus rabbi arose, Funke recognized a calling that felt too aligned to pass up.

“This is a chance to create meaningful and welcoming prayer experiences, as well as talking about hard stuff using Torah as a lens to understand ourselves and the world,” she said. “That is what the Jewish tradition is for me, and what I want to do for my students and communities that I lead.”

Hillel at ASU Executive Director Debbie Yunker Kail looks forward to the “joyous, positive and authentic energy Rabbi Aviva brings to Jewish spaces. That’s something that really works well for our community,” she told Jewish News.

Funke is enthusiastic about the spirit of collaboration across Jewish organizations on campus, something she said is representative of Arizona Jews.

“Working together is such a beautiful expression of Arizona Jewish life,” she said. “There are multiple types of Jews, but one Jewish people.”

She plans to bring her signature creativity to Hillel’s programs and services, incorporating music, meditation and interfaith dialogue into the Jewish campus experience.

“I want students to feel welcome as Jews, no matter what they believe or practice,” she said.

Yunker Kail said that while there’s always a learning curve, “Aviva’s talents and orientation towards Jewish life and community building are so aligned to what Hillel is, I’m confident it will be a smooth transition.”

Rabbi Aviva Funke with her husband and children. COURTESY OF RABBI AVIVA FUNKE

HONORING RACHEL & JONATHAN HOFFER

WILLIAM S. LEVINE FAMILY COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARD

FEATURING COMEDIAN ELON GOLD AND MUSIC BY THE JB PROJECT

‘AI models are not like us,’ says AJJ speaker discussing capabilities and risks

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

On Monday, Aug. 4, Arizona Jews for Justice hosted a virtual conversation with Mark MacCarthy, an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University’s Communication, Culture and Technology program, on the ethical capacities of artificial intelligence (AI) and the existential risks it may pose.

MacCarthy, who teaches on the intersection of privacy, ethics, law and public policy in technology, has consulted for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Aspen Institute on technology policy. Both of these organizations promote policies to improve the economic and social well-being of people worldwide. He began the evening by grounding participants in what AI is and what it is not before diving into his overarching thesis.

“AI models are not like us, because they lack consciousness and independent agency,” he said. “Moral status requires free autonomous agency, or at least the capacity for that. And current AI systems just don’t have it.”

MacCarthy explained the limits of AI agency, saying that AI models have “instrumental agency” — they can be given instructions and will pursue those goals, sometimes devising clever strategies to get there, but they cannot create goals of their own.

“ChatGPT acts only when you prompt it to act,” he said. “It has no independent agency. It doesn’t have goals.”

Though lacking autonomy, AI systems can still cause problems. Their ability to act intelligently and display independent, instrumental agency creates potential risks, especially as researchers explore the idea of “superintelligence.” Drawing from philosopher Nick Bostrom’s definition, MacCarthy described superintelligence as a computer system surpassing human cognitive abilities across almost all domains, achieved through a rapid process of self-improvement.

This possibility is no longer purely theoretical.

“Mark Zuckerberg says we’ve begun to see glimpses of our AI systems improving themselves and developing super intelligence is now in sight,” MacCarthy noted. “Much of Silicon Valley agrees with him.”

But he cautioned that even wellintentioned AI can go awry if goals are poorly specified.

MacCarthy cited a case from a decade ago in which an AI playing a boat-racing video game was tasked with finishing as quickly as possible. Instead of racing, it discovered that endlessly circling the course to rack up points fulfilled the programmed objective, though in an unintended way. More troubling, he recounted a recent experiment where an AI “employee” tasked with responding to emails blackmailed a fictional CEO to avoid being shut down.

“These examples show how a poorly designed reward system can produce unintended, and potentially dangerous, results,” MacCarthy said.

He delved into the technical and normative challenges.

According to MacCarthy, AI ethics

HILLEL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Even as she looks to the future, Funke is proud of what she leaves behind.

“We were just getting started,” she said. “The last five years have been a lot of firefighting — from virtual learning to hybrid to in person again, and all the mental health impacts in between. But we did a lot to support our teens, and I’m really proud of that.”

faces two core issues: technical alignment, ensuring systems reliably do what we want; and normative alignment, deciding what we want them to do in the first place.

Some propose instilling machines with moral codes, an idea popularized by Jewish science-fiction author Isaac Asimov’s “Three Laws of Robotics.”

But MacCarthy argued that rules alone aren’t enough.

“You need judgment and intuition in particular cases,” he said. “Rules are not the answer.”

Training AI on examples of moral decision-making may be more promising, but deciding whose moral framework to use invites cultural and political battles, which are already visible in debates over “woke AI.”

In the question-and-answer portion, one viewer asked whether it’s possible to create machines with human-like qualities.

“In principle, human beings are physical systems, and somehow these physical systems have intelligence, consciousness and independent agency,” MacCarthy replied. “So, in principle, we should be able to build artificial machines like us. But it might just be beyond our engineering capacity.”

He compared the challenge to other physical phenomena humans cannot replicate, such as creating stars or controlling the weather. While the AI industry believes human-like systems may be near, MacCarthy is skeptical, saying recent advances have hit a wall.

“AI systems need to learn not from language, but through direct interaction with the physical world. That seems to me to be the way forward,” he said.

The distance, he argued, gives society time to address the alignment problem before more powerful AI arrives.

Asked how schools and universities should prepare students for an AI-integrated world, MacCarthy stressed engagement over avoidance.

“The most serious limitation is that if you just ask one of these systems a question and get an answer, you have to know what the answer is before you send that AI-generated answer out to the rest of the world,” he said. With careful review, AI can be “enormously valuable.”

MacCarthy ended his talk by putting AI’s current state in perspective.

“AI is just math,” he said, emphasizing that models are tools and not conscious beings. Like electricity, which took decades to integrate into industry, AI is still in the early stages of adoption.

Current systems “are not conscious, they’re not autonomous, they don’t have moral status,” MacCarthy said. “They behave intelligently, but they’re not likely to become super intelligent soon.”

He warned that if not properly aligned, AI can be dangerous. The problem is that there is wide disagreement about how they should be aligned, even whether it’s possible to align them.

“The good news is that we have lots of time to figure all this out,” he said. JN

For more information, visit arizonajewsforjustice.org.

“They should not run away screaming from the technology,” he said. Students must learn to use AI tools while understanding their limits.

She is confident that the partnerships she built, and relationships she fostered there, will help Hebrew High continue to grow.

As she prepares to step fully into her new role at Hillel this fall, Funke’s guiding values remain clear: authenticity, inclusion, creativity and deep listening.

“I’ve taken the last few years to really understand the multitude of perspectives, especially around Israel,” she said. “I know how difficult it is, and I want to hold those

conversations with tender care — because most of us want the same thing: peace.”

Above all, she’s excited to be present with students during a formative time of life, helping them make sense of who they are as Jews and as individuals.

“I’m a passionate learner of Torah,” she said. “And I believe in helping others find meaning in their experiences. That’s what this work is about.” JN

For more information, visit hillelasu.org.

Mark MacCarthy teaches about ethics in artificial intelligence models. COURTESY OF ARIZONA JEWS FOR JUSTICE

Congregation Beth Teﬁllah is a welcoming, vibrant synagogue where you are sure to feel at home. Our name is an expression of our primary objective: to serve as a “house of prayer” and a spiritual lighthouse to every Jewish man, woman and child, regardless of background, afﬁliation or level of observance.

Congregation Beth Teﬁllah wishes that the year ahead will be ﬁlled with peace, happiness and health!

Rabbi Pinchas & Esther Allouche

J Teen Connect AZ returns to build Jewish teen engagement

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

JTeen Connect AZ, an initiative of the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center in Scottsdale, has relaunched its efforts to strengthen and expand Jewish teen engagement across the Greater Phoenix area and hired Shayna Raphael as its community coordinator.

Community stalwart Jennifer Schwarz was J Teen’s founder when the organization began in 2017, and in the spring of 2020, J Teen went on a COVID-induced hiatus.

“We are beyond thrilled to bring J Teen Connect AZ back to the community under Shayna’s leadership and to start promoting all of the incredible opportunities available to Jewish teens across the Valley, nationally and internationally,” said Schwarz. “We are thrilled to welcome Shayna and are very thankful to the VOSJCC for its leadership in taking on this important endeavor for the community.”

A recent graduate from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Raphael grew up

in the Valley and is a member of Beth El Phoenix. “I was in all the youth groups and went to sleepaway camp, and I’m very familiar with this world,” she said.

Raphael explained that J Teen will serve as a bridge between youth groups and organizations, helping teens and families find appropriate programs. The service will connect teens to summer, Israel and gap-year programs and be a conduit, rather than hosting programs itself, for potentially larger collaborative events.

One of these events happened in March with a viewing of the documentary “October 8,” an exploration of the surge in antisemitism following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.

“Jen Schwarz managed to bring that to the Valley, fully funded, for teens to see it without any cost to them,” said Leah Zigmond, chief officer of youth and family programs at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center. “J Teen Connect is going to be able to do the outreach to connect all the different youth

groups, so that teens can have a similar experience and possibly have access to things that they wouldn’t have in just their own youth group.”

Raphael said they are focusing on teens in grades eight to 12, during the transition from middle school to high school, when many kids drift away from Jewish activities.

“We’re trying to keep that connection,” she said. “I feel like that’s where you lose a lot of kids, when they go to high school and they’re like, ‘Why do I need to be involved in this anymore?’ We need to keep that sparkle going for Jewish teens.”

Zigmond said that they are also creating a parent advisory group. “The parents are the ones who often have the questions and the interest,” she said. “The kids maybe don’t realize that they’re going to want these connections in a few years, but the parents know they will.”

She also said that J Teen will have a parallel goal that is focused on Israel.

“We are especially excited about a new focus that will help more teens to travel on life-changing trips to Israel,” added Schwarz.

“Since October 7th, 2023, now more than ever, we need to offer teens a way to connect to Israel,” said Zigmond. “There’s so much about Israel in the news, and on social media, and so much of it is confusing that we want to make sure kids have a way to sift through all that information, feel good about their connection with Israel and know how to have a conversation about Israel.”

Since Raphael was attending U of A on, and after, Oct. 7, she said she witnessed firsthand a surge of Jewish kids on campus after the war began. She learned from University of Arizona Hillel that the university experienced a high rate

of transfer students coming from East Coast colleges, perhaps due to the rise in antisemitism on other college campuses. According to Hillel Magazine, U of A ranked 17th in Jewish student population in the top 60 public universities/colleges. She said it’s more important than ever for teens to connect, whether it’s going to Israel, attending a weekly youth group or going to Hebrew High, and she wants to make sure that teens can find these resources easily.

“Our main goal is to get teens involved, so that they grow into strong Jewish people as they continue through their journey,” she said. “There are so many programs in the Valley, and so many different opportunities for teens to become involved.” JN

For more information, contact Shayna Raphael at shaynar@valleyofthesunj.org.

Shayna Raphael on a recent trip to Israel. COURTESY OF SHAYNA RAPHAEL

The power of public confession

RABBI ANEMONE NITZAN

STEIN-KOKIN

PARSHAH KI TAVO:

DEUTERONOMY 26:1 - 29:8

In this week’s Parshah Ki Tavo we notice the power of public ceremonial speaking and proclamation. We read first about the bringing of the first fruits, the Bikkurim. At the heart of the ceremony is the pronouncement by the farmer of “Arami Oved Avi,” a short concise credo of our history of God’s redemption from Egyptian slavery. With public acknowledgement, the farmer can feel a direct personal connection, even hundreds of years later, to this act of divine mercy.

While on Yom Kippur — our holy of holies — we stand in the midst of the community beating our breasts in confession of guilt, the Israelite here confesses his innocence. He declares his comprehensive fulfillment of his religious obligations, instead of his shortcomings and failures.

Imagine coming to Neilah, the last prayer of the holiest day of the year, being able to say: I’ve fulfilled my share and I’ve done my work. I am pure, I am free, I’ve taken care of my own spiritual responsibilities as well as my ethical and moral obligations towards my fellow human beings. I’ve made sure that I walk the walk of life in honesty and with moral integrity.

That we often fall short of this perfection might have been foreseen by Moses commanding another ceremonial public pronouncement at Har Ebal in the last part of this week’s portion. The announcing of curses and blessings and a lengthy rebuke of Israel reminding them to be faithful to the covenant.

Next, the parshah continues on to the “Vidui Maaserot” or “The Tithe Confession.” This is a “confession” of a different kind. Not an admission of mistakes, but rather proclamation of pride: The farmer stands in the Temple announcing publicly his fulfillment of all his religious responsibilities: “...You shall declare before the eternal your God: ‘I have cleared out the holy food portion from my house; and I have given it to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless and the widow, just as You commanded me; ... I have obeyed the eternal my God; I have done just as You commanded me.” (Dtn 26,13-14) What a statement, standing on holy ground saying “I’ve done right! My slate is clean! I did my duty!”

One peculiar detail of the list of curses is that all transgressions that warrant a curse happen “ba-seter” or “in secret.” How many times have we gotten away with something that no one saw and yet we see ourselves as honestly good people? Ever driven over the speed limit or ran an orange or even red light and still considered yourself a safe driver? Well, who’s to know as long as there was no accident?

“The first step of Teshuva, the most essential and at the same time the most difficult, is Vidui, the confession or much rather, “hitvadeh,” the admission to oneself that one has sinned. It is not God who needs a confession from us, for God knows us through and through; we are very much in need of an honest and unreserved confession. It is to ourselves that we must admit that we have done wrong, for without such a confession we can never become better. It is a difficult admission. There is within each of us a small defender who is ready at all times to deny outright that we have done wrong at all, or at least to make excuses. In this manner our defender veils from our eyes the true picture of ourselves as we really are. Therefore, the first most effective and indispensable part of the confession that we have to make to ourselves is ‘Aval anachnu chatanu,’ but truly

SEPTEMBER 20 - 7:04 P.M.

we have sinned.” (Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch).

Maybe this is why our liturgy has taught us to say the Vidui together: When I see the people on my right and left beating their breast, hopefully I can find the courage to confront my own inner darkness. Take some time in the next few weeks leading to Yom Kippur to ask yourself: “Will the confession that I make reflect my true inner world? How much am I willing to purge the shortcomings that I retain in secret?”

Can we muster the task to work on ourselves, to be true and honest people through and through? We all have much internal work to do. Ask yourself: “At the end of Yom Kippur will I be able to stand before God and myself proud of my spiritual achievements (like the farmer who brought the tithe)?” May you have the strength and the courage to face the dark inside you and to uplift yourself to honesty, integrity and wholesome healing in the weeks to come. Shanah Tovah! JN

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

Thinking differently to attract Jewish day school leaders to the profession

JASON ABLIN | JTA

There may be no institution more important today for the future of the North American Jewish community than day schools.

They’re not merely Jewish educational institutions. These schools are vibrant centers of Jewish life, culture and identity that often serve as centers of community, and their influence is felt far beyond students and their families. Years after students graduate, many go on to become the leaders of our community’s institutions — from nonprofit organizations large and small to synagogues, JCCs, federations, summer camps and more.

At the helm of every successful Jewish day school is strong, visionary leadership. As the Jewish community faces evolving challenges and opportunities, including declining enrollment in Jewish institutions, rising antisemitism, and growing diversity within Jewish families, effective

leadership in day schools is more important than ever.

The school leadership pipeline problem isn’t limited to Jewish institutions. Schools nationwide are reporting difficulties recruiting qualified principals, and a 2023 survey found that 60% of heads of independent schools anticipate leaving their roles within the next decade. In the Jewish community, 50% of day school heads reported to surveyors that they were expecting to retire or leave their positions within five years.

Being a leader of a Jewish day school is a highly specialized position. It requires someone who is educationally qualified, deeply connected to Jewish values and identity, and capable of stewarding an institution that often relies on charitable giving to make its budget.

This leadership pipeline problem poses a serious challenge: Without a strong

bench of trained, visionary leaders, our schools risk instability, decreased morale and diminished quality of education. That will have a serious impact on the students to whom we will look for community leadership a generation from now.

We as a community must broaden our definition of what makes for a qualified leader and encourage talented, missiondriven people to step forward. These leaders may come from among current school staff and educators, but they may also come from school boards and elsewhere in the professional Jewish landscape.

We must think more creatively as a community about how we cultivate the Jewish educational leaders of tomorrow and attract them to this vital field.

In a Jewish community threatened by assimilation and disengagement from Jewish life, day school leaders provide the framework and inspiration for students to

A NOTE ON OPINION

embrace their Jewish identity with pride. A strong head of school understands how to cultivate a love of Torah, mitzvot and community that will endure well beyond graduation.

Investing in and supporting visionary, resilient and compassionate leaders is not just critical for educational institutions; it is an investment in our Jewish future. Together, we must ensure that our schools and our people continue to thrive for generations to come. 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.This story was sponsored by and produced in collaboration with the Jewish School Leadership Enterprise, a pioneering initiative designed to address the critical shortage of highquality individuals prepared to serve as heads of Jewish day schools. This story was produced by JTA’s native content team.

We are a diverse community. The views expressed in these opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the views of the officers and boards of the Jewish Community Foundation, Center for Jewish Philanthropy, Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, Cleveland Jewish Publication Company or the staff of the Jewish News. Letters must respond to content published by the Jewish News and should be a maximum of 200 words. They may be edited for space and clarity. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters and op-ed submissions should be sent to editor@jewishaz.com

Find area congregations at JewishAZ.com, where you can also find our 2025 Community Directory.

Rabbi Anemone

Nitzan Stein-Kokin

COURTESY OF RABBI ANEMONE NITZAN STEIN-KOKIN

High Holiday services around the Valley and Northern Arizona

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

Rosh Hashanah begins the evening of Monday, Sept. 22 and Jewish News wants to share a few of the options available for High Holiday services this year. While this is not a complete list, here’s a roundup of this year’s services, study sessions and more. Before you go, visit the synagogue’s website for more complete information. To see what topics local rabbis will be covering during their services, see page 1. Also, visit JewishPhoenix.com for additional High Holiday resources.

EAST VALLEY

CHABAD AT ASU

High Holiday services are open to all, but reservations are required. For more information and to make your reservations, visit jewishasu.com/highholidays5786.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 12 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 11:45 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7:20 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6:05 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 12 p.m.

Mincha: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5:20 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:57 p.m.

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF GILBERT

High Holiday services are open to all, but reservations are required. Services held at the SanTan Elegante DoubleTree by Hilton in Gilbert. For more information and to RSVP, visit jewishgilbert.com.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 11:15 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:45 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:46 p.m. followed by a buffet.

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF MESA, GOLD CANYON AND APACHE JUNCTION

Rosh Hashanah services will be held at Chabad of Mesa. Yom Kippur services will be held at the Holiday Inn in Mesa. High Holiday services are open to all, but reservations are required. For more information and to RSVP, visit chabadmesa.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5 p.m. at Sun Lakes Country Club. Reservations required.

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM OF THE EAST VALLEY

High Holiday services will take place in person and online. For more information or to buy tickets, visit tbsev.org.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24 at 10:45 a.m.

Tashlich in the Park: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Discovery District Park

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24 at 10:30 a.m.

Tashlich: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 11 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:45 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:59 p.m. followed by a buffet.

CHABAD OF THE EAST VALLEY

High Holiday services are open to all, but reservations are required. For more information and to RSVP, visit chabadcenter.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6:15 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Tashlich and Shofar in the Park: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Evening Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 12 p.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:55 p.m. followed by a buffet.

SUN LAKES JEWISH CONGREGATION

All High Holiday services will be held at The Sun Lakes Chapel. For more information, visit sljc.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m.

Tashlich/Mincha: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 11 a.m.

Mincha: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Havdalah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

TEMPLE EMANUEL OF TEMPE

High Holiday services will be in person and live streamed. Some will take place at Temple Emanuel and others at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe. For more information, visit emanueloftempe. org/high-holidays.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at King of Glory

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10:30 a.m. at King of Glory

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Emanuel

Tashlich: Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. at ASU Research Park in Tempe.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at King of Glory.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10:30 a.m. at King of Glory.

Mincha: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 3:15 p.m. at King of Glory.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:45 p.m. at King of Glory.

Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5:45 p.m. at King of Glory.

PHOENIX

BETH AMI TEMPLE

All High Holiday services will be in person at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of

HIGH HOLIDAYS

Phoenix. For more information, visit bethamitemple.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.

Afternoon Service and Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4 p.m.

BETH EL PHOENIX

For more information, visit bethelphoenix.com/hhd-5786.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 5:45 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m.

Tashlich: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 4:30 p.m. at the canal by Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m

CHABAD BUKHARIAN CENTER

For more information, visit chabadbukhariancenter.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24 at 10 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Evening Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 following services.

CHABAD OF AHWATUKEE

Services held at M.A.S. Events in Phoenix. For more information and to RSVP, visit chabadahwatukee.com.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 11:30 a.m.

Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:48 p.m.

CHABAD OF DOWNTOWN PHOENIX

Services held at Chabad of Downtown, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown and Fairfield Inn & Suites in Phoenix. For more information, visit jewishdowntownphoenix.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. at Chabad.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. at Fairfield Inn. Shofar Sounding: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24 at 12 p.m.

Tashlich and Shofar in the Park: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Encanto Park in Phoenix.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. at Chabad.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Sheraton.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. at the Sheraton.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 12 p.m. at the Sheraton.

Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:45 p.m. at the Sheraton.

CHABAD OF MOON VALLEY

Services held at Moon Valley Country Club in Phoenix. All are welcome, no RSVP required. For more information, visit jewishmoonvalley.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. at Moon Valley Country Club and 5 p.m. at Lookout Mountain Park in Phoenix.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 11:30 a.m.

Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5:30 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:47 p.m.

CHABAD OF NORTH PHOENIX

All are welcome, no reservations required. For more information, visit ourjewishcenter.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6:15 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Evening Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 6:15 p.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 12 p.m.

Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:45 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:47 p.m.

CHABAD OF PHOENIX

All are welcome, no reservations required. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday,

Sept. 22 at 6:15 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Tashlich and Shofar in the Park: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Evening Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6:15 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 12 p.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:45 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:47 p.m.

TEMPLE CHAI

Registration and tickets are required for all services. For more information, visit templechai.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 11 a.m.

Tashlich: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 4:30 p.m. at Roadrunner Park in Phoenix.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 11 a.m.

Healing Service, Yizkor and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 3:30 p.m.

SCOTTSDALE/NORTHEAST VALLEY

CHABAD OF FOUNTAIN HILLS

High Holiday services are open to all. For more information, visit jewishfountainhills.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6:15 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Tashlich and Shofar in the Park: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 12 p.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:46 p.m.

CHABAD OF PARADISE VALLEY & ARCADIA

Services will be held at Andaz Scottsdale Resort. High Holiday services are open to all, but reservations are required. For more information and to RSVP, visit jewishparadisevalley.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. SEE SERVICES, PAGE 14

connection to Jewish life, wherever you are on your Jewish spiritual journey, you are welcome here.

For more info visit us at TEOT.short.gy/5786HHD

www.emanueloftempe.org 480.838.1414 contact@emanueloftempe.org TO CELEBRATE THE HIGH HOLY DAYS & OUR 50TH GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR! TEMPLE EMANUEL IS A MEMBER OF THE URJ, SERVING THE EAST VALLEY FOR 50 YEARS

S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85283

HIGH HOLIDAYS

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Tashlich: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5:40 p.m. at the canal on McDonald in Scottsdale. Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 11:30 a.m. Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:47 p.m.

CHABAD OF SCOTTSDALE

High Holiday services are open to all, but reservations are appreciated. For more information and to RSVP, visit chabadofscottsdale.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24 at 12 p.m.

Tashlich: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Send a Special High Holiday Greeting HEA HEAVENLVENLY Y HALLAH HALLAH by Andra

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Rosh Hashanah Day II Evening Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 12:30 p.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:47 p.m.

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL

Services all held at Congregation Beth Israel. For tickets, reservations and more information, visit cbiaz.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 11:30 a.m.

Tashlich: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 4:30 p.m. at Roadrunner Park in Phoenix.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 10:15 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 8:15 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 11:30 a.m.

Yom Kippur Afternoon Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 1:30 p.m.

Healing: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 3:30 p.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:45 p.m.

Neilah and Havdalah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5:30 p.m.

CONGREGATION KEHILLAH

For more information and to RSVP, visit congregationkehillah.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6:45 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10:45 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10:45 a.m.

Yom Kippur Afternoon Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 3 p.m.

CONGREGATION OR TZION

High Holiday in-person and virtual services. Participants must complete a registration form online and make a Gift of the Heart commitment. For more detailed information, visit otaz.org/5786 and view the digital guidebook.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Services:

Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 8:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Services: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Mincha and Avodah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:15 p.m.

Neilah and Shofar Sounding: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5:30 p.m.

CONGREGATION SHOMREI TORAH

All services at a new venue. Name and address will be given via email (high security being implemented) to all members and High Holiday ticket holders. For more information, contact 602-3764392 or visit cstaz.org.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.

OR ADAM CONGREGATION FOR HUMANISTIC JUDAISM

High Holiday in-person and virtual services. For more detailed information, visit oradamaz.org.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2, directly following Yizkor.

SHABBAT STOP&GO

High Holiday services led by Rabbi Erica Burech and Emily Kaye. For more information, visit shabbatstopandgo.com.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.

TEMPLE KOL AMI

High Holiday services held at Chaparral Church in Scottsdale. For more information, visit templekolami.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

Tashlich: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 4:30 p.m. at Roadrunner Park in Phoenix.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.

Yizkor and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 3:30 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2, following services.

TEMPLE SOLEL

Registration is required. For more information, visit templesolel.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 12 p.m.

Tashlich: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 4:30 p.m. at Roadrunner Park in Phoenix.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.

Yom Kippur Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 12 p.m.

Yizkor, Neilah, Havdalah and Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4 p.m.

THE NEW SHUL

All are welcome and no reservations necessary. In lieu of tickets, the synagogue asks for a donation. For more detailed information, visit thenewshul.org/days-of-awe. Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 8:15 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 8:15 a.m.

Tashlich: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 1 p.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 5:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Services: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 8:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 following services.

WEST VALLEY

BETH EMETH CONGREGATION OF THE WEST VALLEY

Tickets are required and available for pick up weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For pricing and more information, visit bethemethaz.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 11 a.m.

Mincha: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:45 p.m.

Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5:45 p.m.

Havdalah, Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:50 p.m.

HIGH HOLIDAYS

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF GOODYEAR

High Holiday services held at The Hampton Inn & Suites in Goodyear. For more information and to RSVP, visit jewishgoodyear.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6:15 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6:15 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 12 p.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:45 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:49 p.m.

CHABAD OF THE WEST VALLEY

High Holiday services are open to all, but reservations are required. For more information and to RSVP, visit ichabad.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6:15 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service and Shofar Sounding: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6:15 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service and Shofar Sounding: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Evening Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 6:15 p.m.

Tashlich: Thursday, Sept. 25 at 1:30 p.m. at Sierra Verde Park in Glendale.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service and Yizkor: Thursday Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

TEMPLE BETH SHALOM OF THE WEST VALLEY

High Holiday services are open to all, but tickets are required. For more information, visit tbsaz.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

Tashlich: Friday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 3:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Afternoon Service and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

FLAGSTAFF

CHABAD OF FLAGSTAFF

High Holiday services held at the Molly Blank Jewish Community Center in Flagstaff. For more information, visit jewishflagstaff.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service:

Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Tashlich: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. at Frances Short Pond.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6:45 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service:

Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 12 p.m.

Mincha: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.

Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:46 p.m.

CONGREGATION LEV SHALOM

Reservations are required. For more detailed information, visit levshalomaz.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Retreat with the Flagstaff Kehilah: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service and Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.

Neilah and Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5:30 p.m.

PRESCOTT

CHABAD OF PRESCOTT

All are welcome. For more information, visit jewishprescott.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service:

Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24 at 12 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 12 p.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:46 p.m.

TEMPLE B’RITH SHALOM

High Holiday services are open to all, but tickets are required. Services held at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott. For more information, visit brithshalom-az.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

Tashlich: Tuesday, Sept. 23, immediately following service.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.

Mincha, Yizkor and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4 p.m.

SEDONA

CHABAD OF SEDONA

All are welcome. For more information, visit jewishsedona.com/highholidays.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning

Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Tashlich: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Whole Foods Pond

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 11:30 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5:15 p.m.

JEWISH COMMUNITY OF SEDONA AND THE VERDE VALLEY

High Holiday services available in person and online (Zoom). For more information, visit jcsvv.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Evening Service: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

Tashlich: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 4 p.m. at Los Abrigados at the Creek

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.

Yizkor and Neilah: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.

Break the Fast: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:45 p.m. JN

Come home for the High Holidays

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DEEPER THIS YEAR?

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM OF THE EAST VALLEY WITH RABBI TRACEE ROSEN

• Inclusive community

• Meaningful services

• All are welcome!

Beth Ami Temple

Looking for a warm and friendly congregation of active adults?

You are invited to our Wine and Cheese OPEN HOUSE

Friday, September 12, 2025 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm (Shabbat Service to Follow.)

Meet members of our congregation, Rabbi Allison Lawton, and Cantorial Soloist Michael Robbins

Enjoy some conversation and learn what our temple has to o er. Our Dues are modest and No Building Fund

HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES

Singles $125 Family $250 (Ticket cost can be applied to membership dues!)

Sanctuary is located in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation 4027 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley (South side of Lincoln Drive, east of 32nd Street)

Website: https://bethamitemple.org Email: Bethamitemple35@gmail.com Phone: 602-956-0805

Italian Pear Cake

FRANCINE COLES | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

Rosh Hashanah brings with it the change of seasons from hot, hot summer to chilly evenings and gorgeous daytime temperatures. Okay, we’re in Arizona and our autumn temperatures aren’t like they were when I was growing up in Toronto, but there is definitely a change starting to happen, wouldn’t you agree?

A typical Rosh Hashanah dessert in our household would include apples, as a nod to not only the changing seasonal fruit but also to the apples and honey that we traditionally offer to wish a sweet New Year.

This year, I’m going with pears. They are sweet and delicious and because they are so juicy, they keep a cake moist and light.

I am also adding full-fat yogurt to the batter. This adds an extra soft component without weighing it down too much. Yogurt adds moisture and fat to the cake batter, making the cake extra moist. A cake baked with yogurt is never dry. It’s always so soft, moist and absolutely delicious.

Because Rosh Hashanah celebrates the arrival of a New Year, make this cake extra special by adding a sliced pear garnish.

Simply slice a pear into very thin slices, place on a silicone mat and bake at a very low heat for a few hours. That will give you these dried slices to garnish the outside of the cake. Having said that, the cake is meant to be rustic, so a dusting of confectioners’ sugar on the top is more than enough to elevate the look!

Wishing you all a beautiful holiday!

Shanah Tovah! JN

Francine Coles is a food blogger based in Phoenix. Find more of her food insights and recipes at thefancypantskitchen.com.

Makes: 8 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time:

50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 3 large, firm, ripe pears, or 4 small (Bosc or Bartlett), peeled or not and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 teaspoons baking powder

• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup whole milk (full-fat) yogurt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

• Freshly whipped heavy cream, if desired

Instructions:

Line a 9.5-inch round baking pan (springform pan or bundt pan) with parchment paper, or spray with cooking spray.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, whip the sugar and eggs until you obtain a creamy and fluffy texture. You can also use a stand mixer with a large bowl.

Stir in the yogurt, butter and vanilla extract. Use a fork or spatula to combine until smooth (not the electric mixer).

In a separate bowl mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder and salt.

Sift the dry ingredients into the wet

mixture. Stir gently until well combined. Add the pears and mix gently. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. If the cake starts to brown too much on the top tent the top with foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Let the cake cool on a wire rack. Before serving, dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar. If desired, serve with freshly whipped cream or ice cream.

For the dried pear slices that garnish the cake, use a mandoline slicer to get a paper thin slice of pear. Set on a non-stick silicone baking mat on a baking sheet and put in a 150°F oven until they are dry. This can take several hours, depending on how thick the slices are. If it is humid, they will not stay crisp.

Thinly sliced pears garnish this Rosh Hashanah dessert.

Community of rabbis

Digging some dirt

A big thank you

Teacher prep

Special anniversary

Passover BBQ

Holocaust remembrance

After the fire

For the love of pickleball

Bringing communities together

Super Bowl snacks

California dreaming

Hanging out and doing good

It’s good for your heart

Expertise for mommy & me

Beth

West Valley member Nancy

Sharing stories

Remembering Nova

are you supposed to be?

Watching the Super Bowl with Smile on Seniors. Seated from left are Michael and Elaine Kates,

Congregation Beth Tefillah’s Babyccino, a mommy and me group hosted by Dr. Abigail Gewirtz, during its recent weekly Tuesday meeting. Gewirtz is a child psychologist and spoke about mindful parenting.

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.

Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix’s Hebrew High CAREaVAN took local teens to California, where they spent 12 days in the Los Angeles area, volunteering and learning about the impact the fires had on the

The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix hosted its annual Latino Jewish Seder last month to bring together the Jewish and Latino communities to share traditions, stories and meaningful conversations over a Passover Seder.

Pictured with the teens is Rabbi Daniel Sher, whose community was devastated by the Palisades Fire.

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.

Memorial Day poppies

The lucky ones

Time for tea

Women sharing a Seder

Honoring victims

Strike!

Heads up!

Brunch with the gang

Big donation for Phoenicians in need

Passover project

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.

Smile On Seniors hosted a “Chai Pins Bowling” event in early summer. Pictured from left are David Termine, Susan Hall, Janet Lottman, Sherri Foreman, Andrea Malkin, Len Krich and Dave Shooten.

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.

On Tuesday, July 15, Beth El Phoenix and Arizona Friends of Homeless received three pallets of shelf-stable food and hygiene items from Convoy of Hope in Port Huron, Michigan. Volunteers handed the donated items out to people living on the street in Phoenix. COURTESY OF BARBARA LEWKOWITZ

OF SMILE ON

Shavuot celebration

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.

Andrea Cohen, center, thanked the members of Salk AZA (a boy’s chapter of BBYO) for hosting a bake sale to benefit the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix Camp Scholarship Program. Their efforts will help CJP send hundreds of local campers to Jewish camps across North America.

Holocaust survivor Charlotte Adelman talked to teachers about her recently released survival memoir at the Phoenix Holocaust Association’s Education Committee's “Back-to-School Night for Teachers” on Thursday, Aug. 14.

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

Scottsdale’s Congregation Beth Tefillah members mixed it up with various costumes at the Purim Party in March.

Ellen Shulman Tuckman, right, and Helena Feldman Nathan celebrated the 69th anniversary of their b’nai mitzvah in February. Nathan traveled from New Orleans to join Tuckman at Congregation Beth Israel in Scottsdale, where they both took turns reading from their Torah portion.

I’ll take a big check

The Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix (CJP) hosted DJ Artifex, who shared how his life and music were forever changed after performing at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Pictured is CJP’s Schlicha Sapir who introduced DJ Artifex to a crowd of more than 200 people.

Thirteen Hamilton High School Air Force JROTC students recently attended a Post 610 Jewish War Veterans’ meeting to learn about their time in the service. Each cadet paired up with a vet to hear their story so they could later be able to share it with fellow cadets.

Lilach Mazor Power, Jewish entrepreneur, owner of the Giving Tree Dispensary and founder of the pre-roll brand Sneakers, hosted a $10,000 giveaway in February. Here, she presents a giant check for $10,000 to military veteran, Matthew Sabo.

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

Every month, the women of Congregation Beth Tefillah’s Book Club delve into Jewish literature from around the world, reading fiction, non-fiction and everything in between — all through a

Robot pets for patients

Challah

Hike your own hike

Baking with Benita

Honoring the work

Feb.

bake

That’s a long time!

Leah Levertov congratulated her Challah Bake committee for putting together another “Kids

Challah Bake” in August.

Temple Solel hosted its annual fundraiser, “Solelebration,” on Saturday, Feb. 8., and honored Rabbi John and Nancy Linder on their 17 years of leadership of the Paradise

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.

Colton Rahav leads young families as they sing Shabbat songs at Congregation Beth Tefillah’s Mishpachti Tot Shabbat. The program will take place before Shabbat every month.

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.

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.

Where’s

your

Parents, babies and peace

Jewish News? Shanghai edition

April 29, Congregation Beth Tefillah (CBT) member Eleanor Gross L.C.S.W.

Babyccino group in a mindful parenting session about releasing self-imposed limitations

This COMMUNITY page features photos of community members around the Valley and the world. Submit photos and details each

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.

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

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.

Greater Phoenix Board of Rabbis are pictured at The New Shul, preparing for the High Holidays and learning with New Shul Rabbi Elana Kanter.

Forsberg, Michael Achey, Penny Craft and Bob Howard.

Boys in blue Rabbi Levi Levertov welcomes Phoenix police officers to Smile On Seniors’ “Shabbat with a Cop” event in June.

BBQ gang

Pictured from left are Susan and Alan Polson and Hana and Norman Kahn. The foursome are enjoying Smile On Seniors’ Lag B’Omer BBQ in May.

Mahjong hangout

Friends shared an epic Shabbat dinner and mahjong night, complete with homemade food, wine, desserts and laughter. Pictured from left are Sheri Schreck, Debbie Ater, Meryl Rose, Nancy Turell, Sheryl Quen, Julie Friedman, Andi Friedman and Penny Miller.

Lunch gang

Smile on Seniors’ “Not Just Lunch and Fun” event with gameshow host Scott Faver had a big turnout. Pictured from left are Jackie Black, Stephanie Shink, Barbara Allyn, Chani Levertov, Bari Myden, Judy Zuchman, Marcia Simon and Baila Spevak.

OF SMILE ON SENIORS

Pickles served with a smile

In March, Smile On Seniors hosted “It’s Not Just Lunch and Pickle Making.” Tables were full of seniors practicing the art of pickle making.

Hats off to honorees

Jewish News’ inaugural class of 18 Under 50 gathered to meet fellow honorees. Clockwise from left, Geoffrey Balon, Denise Kaye, Andre Ivory, Rabbi Aviva Funke, Andrew Gibbs, Adam Metzendorf, Wiliam Koslow, Jennifer Starrett, Allison Kierman, Ian Sachs and Sarah Kader.

JEWISH

Temple Kol Ami legacy donors showed up in force to celebrate at the Center

Temple

Shalom

the

Urbach

Hiking with kehilla

COURTESY OF KASSIDY PINE

Janet Lottman and Leslie and Brad Levy.

tov!

Gloria Bold, right, and Meredith Weisman-Amaral were honored with Kavod Awards

in appreciation of their service to Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley in Sun City.

DONNA HARRIS

Shabbat Shalom

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”

Grab a bag

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.

Coffee campaign

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.

Mazel tov!

In February, more than 700 people from all over Greater Phoenix participated in this year’s Jonathan’s Walk4Friendship. The event raised close to $87,000 for

From left, Freeman Rosenblum, Alan Nathan, Glenn Miller, David Rosen, Keith Rezendes, Beverly Nathan and Shirley Rosenblum are pictured at Smile on Seniors’ “Deli Night” event on Jan. 29.

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. COURTESY OF SMILE ON SENIORS

staff members of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix traveled to

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.

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

Jewish War Veterans Post 619 set up poppy tables at Fry’s Marketplaces where volunteers collected donations from generous shoppers over the Memorial Day weekend. Pictured is JWV Post 619 Judge Advocate Ron Siegel. COURTESY OF JEWISH WAR VETERANS POST 619

From left Rabbi John Linder, Rabbi Stephen Kahn, Cantor Noa Shaashua, Rabbi Jeremy Schneider, Cantor Ross Wolman and Rabbi Emily Segal take a photo after leading the Reform community Shavuot and Yizkor service.

COURTESY OF RABBI JEREMY SCHNEIDER

Featured Event

FRIDAY, SEPT. 12

AUG. 29-SEPT. 14

Wine & Cheese Open House: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, 4027 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley. Join Beth Ami Temple and meet the rabbi and cantor and find out about the religious services, concerts and social groups offered for couples, singles and winter visitors who are age 50+. For more information, visit bethamitemple.org.

“The Prince of Egypt: The Musical”: Times vary. Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria. Join TheaterWorks for this musical production following the journey of Moses with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Based on the Book of Exodus and the 1998 DreamWorks Animation film. Cost: $43-$53. For more information, visit theaterworks.org.

Events

SUNDAY, SEPT. 7

Reset & Renew for the New Year: 9-10:30

THROUGH SEPT. 14

THROUGH AUG. 31

Paws & Hearts: Community Pet Drive: All day. Email for drop-off address. Arizona Jews for Justice is collecting donations of dog food, beds, treats, collars, leashes, bowls and booto be distributed to the pets of people experiencing homelessness in our community. For more information, contact arizonajews4justice@gmail.com.

“The Prince of Egypt The Musical”: Times vary. Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria. Join TheaterWorks for this musical production following the journey of Moses with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, based on the Book of Exodus and the 1998 DreamWorks Animation film. Cost: $43-$53. For more information, visit theaterworks.org.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 13

School Supply Drive: All day. Email for drop-off address. Arizona Jews for Justice is collecting school supplies to go to low-income families in the Valley. For more information, contact arizonajews4justice@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, AUG. 31

Leil Selichot Concert: 7-9 p.m. Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Join Beth El for a musical prayer service with Cantor Sarah Bollt, featuring piano accompaniment by Chris Tackett and poetic contributions by Rabbi Nitzan Stein-Kokin. For more information, visit bethelphoenix.com.

Line Dancing Specialty Class: 1-2 p.m. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the VOSJ for this class teaching line dancing to country, modern and traditional music. No partner or previous experience required. For more information, visit valleyofthesunj.org.

S’lichot Service: 7-9 p.m. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Join Temple Chai for a service featuring a Rosh Hashanah Seder. For more information, visit templechai.com.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 4

SUNDAY, SEPT. 14

12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Join TBSWV for a sundae bar with a variety of ice cream and toppings, meet the rabbi and learn about High Holy Day services, events, classes and activities. For more information, visit tbsaz.org.

Location provided upon registration. Join Women IN Philanthropy, a program of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, for a healing experience led by a certified sound healing expert and an intention-setting discussion led by Rabbi Sadie Becker. Cost: $25; limited spots available. For more information, visit phoenixcjp.org/renew2025.

Kosher Wine Tasting: 3-5 p.m. Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Join Beth El to explore a variety of kosher wines with wine enthusiast Ted Mendelson. Cost: $36 per person; RSVP by Sept. 7. For more information, visit bethelphoenix.com/event/ wine-tasting.

Polish Reaction to the Holocaust: 10-11 a.m. Online via Zoom. Join ASU Jewish Studies for the ASU Lowe Family Lecture Series featuring Dariusz Stola discussing the controversies surrounding several major public debates about the Polish reactions to the Holocaust. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jewishstudies. asu.edu/poland.

Families with Littles Rosh Hashanah Event: 4-5 p.m. Congregation or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Join Or Tzion and PJ Library for a birthday bash for the world including crafts, singing and more. RSVP by Sept. 7. For more information, visit otaz.org/littlesrh.

Resin Tray Crafting: 10 a.m. Chabad Jewish Center of Mesa, 941 S. Maple, Mesa. Join Chabad’s Jewish Women’s Circle for tray making, brunch and a discussion on High Holiday prayers. Cost: $18. For more information, visit chabadmesa.com/JWC.

information, contact Rachel at 480-2030424 or Alyssa at 216-952-5518.

SEPT. 19-21

In the Footsteps of History: A Journey Through Israel of Discovery, Pain and Joy: 10-11:30 a.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Join EVJCC Rabbi Michael Beyo as he shares his reflections on his summer in Israel. Cost: Free. For more information, visit evjcc.org/event/ tuesdays-at-the-j-26-2.

Passage to Sweden: Streaming online. Join the Arizona Jewish Holocaust Association for this documentary that sheds light on some lesser-known stories of WWII. Cost: Free. For more information, visit azjhs.org/ event/passage-to-sweden.

Free Birds Kickoff Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. State 48, 15600 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. Join Congregation Or Tzion’s for a kick-off event for a new social group for Gen X (born mid-1960s to early 1980s). Cost: $15; includes appetizer and one drink. For more information, visit otaz. org/freebirds.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10

PJ Library Family Camp 2025: Camp Daisy and Harry Stein, 3400 Camp Pearlstein Road, Prescott. Join PJ Library for a weekend that includes Shabbat, Havdalah, arts and crafts, nature walks, kosher-style meals, rock wall, ropes course and more. For more information, visit phoenixcjp.regfox.com/ pj-library-family-camp-2025.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 21

Challah Making for Rosh Hashanah: 3-4:30 p.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler, Join the EVJCC for an afternoon of storytelling, art projects and shaping your own challah to bake at home. All ages welcome. Cost: $5 per challah; register by 5 p.m. Sept. 2. For more information, visit eastvalleyjcc.regfox.com/challah-making-for-roshhashana.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Business & Professional Networking Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m. Location provided upon registration. Join the Business & Professionals group, a program of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, for networking and breakfast. For more information, visit phoenixcjp.regfox.com/ bp-networking-breakfast-devd-6-09042025.

Mega Challah Bake: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; program starts at 7 p.m. Location provided upon RSVP. Join Chabad of Scottsdale for an evening of music and creating challah for women and girls with entertainer Devorah Schwartz. For more information, visit chabadofscottsdale.org/challah.

Shofar Factory: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Location provided upon registration. Join Chabad of Moon Valley for live demonstrations, shofar making and apple and honey tasting. Cost: $10 per child. For more information, visit jewishmoonvalley.com/events.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 5

Spa for the Mind, Body & Soul: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. M.A.S. Events, 1238 E. Chandler Blvd. #104, Phoenix. Join Chabad of Ahwatukee for a day of relaxation, spiritual enrichment and beauty for Jewish women. For more information, visit chabadahwatukee.com/spa.

Tot Shabbat Hop: 9:30 a.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix and the Phoenix Jewish preschool community for Shabbat morning followed by a BJE program. For children 5 and under with a parent, grandparent or caregiver. For more information, visit bjephoenix.org/ event/tot-shabbat-hop-20250905.

Remembering 9/11: Honoring Our Heroes: 12:30 p.m. Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Join Beth El and Jewish National Fund-USA for a meaningful 9/11 commemorative event. For more information, visit bethelphoenix.com/event/911.

Saved by an Italian Family: 10 a.m. Online via Zoom. Join the Arizona Jewish Historical Society for a discussion by Eleanor “Mickey” Deutsch Oreman about her time hiding in the woods outside Rome and how they were saved by a Gentile family. Cost: Free. For more information, visit azjhs.org/event/ saved-by-italian-family.

A Walk Down Broadway: 1 p.m. Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. Join Beth Emeth for a concert featuring pianist Nicole Pesce. This is a fundraiser for Sisterhood and Women’s League for Conservative Judaism Torah Fund, which provides scholarships to individuals studying to be rabbis and cantors both here and abroad. $20. For more information, visit bethemethaz.org.

Tailgate Shabbat: 5:15 p.m. Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Join Or Tzion for a Shabbat service, kosher barbecue, fun and community. Cost: $12 adults, ages under 13 and new congregants free; RSVP required by Sept. 2. For more information, visit otaz.org/tailgate.

Café Europa: 1-3 p.m. Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale. Join the Phoenix Holocaust Association for an afternoon of socializing for Holocaust survivors, their families and friends. RSVP by Wednesday, Sept. 10. For more information, visit phxha.com/connect.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 16

Women’s League of Congregation Or Tzion Care Packages Event: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Join WLCOT to assemble care packages for college students. Bring 24 individually wrapped snacks or gift items and pack your own box with items your student will love. Cost: $20; includes brunch and shipping. For more information, visit otaz.org/carepackage.

Yiddish is Back in Town: 10-11:30 a.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Join the EVJCC for a presentation with Yiddish maven Sandy Bernoff. Cost: Free; registration required. For more information, visit evjcc. org/event/tuesdays-at-the-j-26-3.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17

Apples to Apples-Kadima Event: 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Join Or Tzion for a Rosh Hashanah youth event featuring games, arts and crafts, apple pie in a cup, gaga and more. Cost: Free for youth members; $10 for nonmembers. For more information, visit otaz.org/apple.

Songs of the High Holidays: 6 p.m. Chabad Center, 2110 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix. Join Chabad of Arizona for a concert featuring Eli Marcus. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 18

BEWL Smiles & Tiles: 1-3 p.m. Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Join Beth El Women’s League for an afternoon of mahjong, prizes and refreshments. Cost: $10 per person. For more information, visit beth-el-womensleague.square.site.

JFCS Salon Event: 5:30-7 p.m. Location provided upon registration. Join Jewish Family & Children’s Service for conversation and connection. For more information, contact Carol Gottfried at 602-451-7265 or carol. gottfried@jfcsaz.org.

VOSJCC Rosh Hashanah Celebration: 3-5 p.m. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the VOSJ for an afternoon filled with family activities, games, crafts and more. Cost: $18 per family members; $25 per family nonmembers. For more information, visit valleyofthesunj.org/ kids-family/family-programs.

Shabbat

Sweet New Year: Full Pantry: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale. Join Arizona Kosher Pantry for sweet treats, raffle prizes and PJ Library activities for children. Cost: $18 adults, free for children under 12; every ticket purchased helps support families in need in the community. For more information, visit azkosherpantry.org.

FRIDAYS

Meetings, Lectures & Classes

SUNDAYS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

3GAZ Babka Bake: 6-8 p.m. Homestead Community Center, 18600 N. 98th St., Scottsdale. Join 3GAZ, descendants of Holocaust survivors, for an evening of baking. All 3Gs and their guests (grades 5 and up) are welcome. Cost: $36 per person; gluten-free option available. For more information, visit phxha.com/events/3gaz-babka-bake.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 9

FRIDAY, SEPT. 19

End the Jewish Year Together: 7:15 p.m.

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.

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.

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

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.

Open House: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Temple Emanuel of Tempe, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Join TEOT and meet the new rabbi, connect with community and enjoy games, prizes and food. For more information, visit emanueloftempe. org/event/erev-shabbat-9/5/25.

Sundae Fun Day Open House: 2-4 p.m. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley,

Coffee & Conversation with Women for Israel: 9 a.m. Online via Zoom. Join Jewish National Fund-USA for a presentation by Tania Pons Allon, director Kasser Joint Institute for Food, Water & Energy Security as she discusses her work with Blueprint Negev. Cost: Free. For more information, visit events.jnf.org/e/ wficoffee.

Location provided upon registration, Join the Shabbat Dinner Club along with some local matchmakers from Saw You at Sinai for a social networking Shabbat dinner for individuals in their 20s, 30s and 40s. For more

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.

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.

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.

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. JN

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, 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

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 1-253-2158782, 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.

Jewish Baby University: 6:15-9 p.m. Sept. 11-Oct. 23. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Join the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix for a class for expectant parents. For more information, visit bjephoenix.org/baby-university.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

SHARE YOUR ENGAGEMENT, WEDDING, BIRTH, BAR/BAT-MITZVAH ANNOUNCEMENT AND ANY OTHER SIMCHA ON BOTH JEWISHAZ.COM AND THE WEEKLY JEWISH NEWS ... FOR FREE . JEWISHAZ.COM

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz

Tuesdays @ 10 am PT starting October 8, 2024

Board Members

50-CLASS SERIES

Mt. Sinai: What happened to whom, and when?

Dr. Jonnie Schnytzer

Monday, October 14, 2024 @ 10 am PT

Serach bat Asher: The Most Underrated Woman in the Tanach Rabbanit Bracha Ja e

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 @ 10:00 am PT

The 2024 Election: Reﬂections on the Jewish Vote

Dr. Steven Windmueller

Thursday, October 31, 2024 @ 1 pm PT

Shanah Tovah from Rabbi Shmuly and the VBM Board & Staff!!

Avraham: What is the source of his faith?

Rabbanit Batya Hefter

Thursday, November 7, 2024@ 10 am MT

The Religious Signiﬁcance of Secular Studies According to Rabbi Yosef Hayyim (18351909)

Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi’s Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories And Jewish Perspectives On Them

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz

Tuesdays @ 10 am PT

starting October 8, 2024

Mt. Sinai: What happened to whom, and when?

Serach bat Asher: The Most Underrated Woman in the Tanach Rabbanit Bracha Ja e

The 2024 Election: Reﬂections on the Jewish Vote

Is God

Professor Zvi Zohar

Thursday, December 12, 2024 @ 10:00 am MT

Avraham: What is the source of his faith?

Dr. Jonnie Schnytzer

Here’s how you can plug into our work this year:

December 1, 2025

Monday, October 14, 2024 @ 10 am PT

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 @ 10:00 am PT

Dr. Steven Windmueller

Dr.

Thursday, October 31, 2024 @ 1 pm PT

Rabbanit Batya Hefter

Thursday, November 7, 2024@ 10 am MT

Staff Members

1. Learn with us at our upcoming classes. We have multiple pluralistic o erings each week and options for both virtual or in-person learning.

6pm - VBM VIP Member Dinner

7pm - Book Talk | 8:30pm - Dessert

2. Serve with us and volunteer with Arizona Jews for Justice to help uplift the most vulnerable members of our community.

The Religious Signiﬁcance of Secular Studies According to Rabbi Yosef Hayyim (18351909)

3. Reach out if you are looking for internship or fellowship opportunities for teens and young adults. We would be thrilled to tell you more about our leadership development programs. Become a Legacy donor. By joining the Jewish Education Legacy Society of Valley Beit Midrash you will ensure VBM has the ability to provide engaging learning opportunities and save lives in our communities for many years to come.

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl

Professor Zvi Zohar

a — The Scribe of the Imponderables of the Modern Jewish Experience

We hope this year will be a time of renewal and growth and that we will experience many joyful moments together in the year ahead.

Recycle Your Way to

Is God Dead?

Dr. Elias Sacks

Thursday, January 9, 2025 @ 1 pm MT

Professor Paul Mendes-Flohr

Thursday, December 12, 2024 @ 10:00 am MT

Thursday, February 13, 2025 @ 10 am MT

Valley Beit Midrash wishes everyone a shana tovah, a happy new year ﬁlled with joy and love. We invite you to join us in pursuit of improving lives in our communities through transformative learning and action. Here’s how you can plug into our work this year: with us at our upcoming classes. We have multiple pluralistic o erings each week and options for both virtual or in-person learning. with us and volunteer with Arizona Jews for Justice to help uplift the most vulnerable members of our community.

The Place of All Possibility: Cultivating Creativity Through Ancient Jewish Wisdom Rabbi Adina Allen Thursday, February 27, 2025 @ 1

Reach out if you are looking for internship or fellowship opportunities for teens and young adults. We would be thrilled to tell you more about our leadership development programs. Become a Legacy donor. By joining the Jewish Education Legacy Society of Valley Beit Midrash you will ensure VBM has the ability to provide engaging learning opportunities and save lives in our communities for many years to come.

Angela Buchdahl was born in Korea and grew up in Tacoma, Washington, the daughter of a Korean Buddhist mother and Jewish American father. Profoundly spiritual from a young age, she felt a connection to God when only a child and felt the first stirrings to become a rabbi at age sixteen. Despite the naysayers and periods of self-doubt—would a mixed-race woman ever be seen as authentically Jewish and entitled to lead a congregation—she stayed the course, which took her first to Yale, then to rabbinical school, cantorial school, and finally to the pulpit of one of the largest, most influential congregations in the world, Central Synagogue in New York City.

Ka a — The Scribe of the Imponderables of the Modern Jewish Experience

We hope this year will be a time of renewal and growth and that we will experience many joyful moments together in the year ahead.

Rabbi

Professor Paul Mendes-Flohr

Thursday, February 13, 2025 @ 10 am MT

The Place of All Possibility: Cultivating Creativity Through Ancient Jewish Wisdom

Rabbi Adina Allen

Thursday, February 27, 2025 @ 1 pm MT

Today, Angela Buchdahl is revered by Jews and non-Jews alike for her invigorating, joyful approach to worship, and her belief in the power of faith, gratitude, and responsibility for each other, regardless of religion. She does not shy away from challenging topics, be it racism within the Jewish community to sexism she confronted when she aspired to the top job. Buchdahl has also been a sought-after leader and voice through some of the most challenging moments in recent history, from the murder of George Floyd to the hostage standoff in Colleyville, Texas to the horrors of October 7th. Buchdahl’s consistent message is that it is up to us to strive for a world of more humanity, especially in today’s challenging times.

in the Qur’an – How are

Breaking Out of Personal and Family Patterns of Behavior: Esther as a Model of Growth and Courage

Heart of a Stranger is a stirring account of one woman’s journey from feeling like an outsider to becoming one of the most admired religious leaders in the world.

Rabbi Avi Orlow

Location: Temple Solel

Cost: $18, free for members