Featured Event

MONDAY, APRIL 17

The Ins and Outs of Artificial Intelligence: 5:30-7 p.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the Center for Jewish Philanthropy’s Business & Professionals network for an interactive discussion with experts about the latest trends in artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT, and the ethics of using AI in your business and personal lives. Cost: $18 per person. For more information, contact Jennifer Starrett at jstarrett@phoenixcjp.org.

Events

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

Not Your Mother’s Gala: 6-10 p.m. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Join Temple Chai for its annual fundraiser. Cost: $150 per adult. For more information, visit tcaz.shulcloud.com/ event/2023GalaRegistration.

TKA 2023 Gala: 6-10:30 p.m. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Join Temple Kol Ami for a night of dancing, dining and a silent auction. For more information, contact 480-951-9660.

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

PJ Library Lotsa Matzah and Locomotives: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Adobe Mountain Desert Railroad Park, 23280 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. Get ready for Passover with PJ Library and enjoy crafts, activities, train rides and family fun. Cost: Free. For more information, visit phoenixcjp.regfox.com/ lotsa-matzah-and-locomotion.

Film Screening: Jews of the Wild West: 2-4 p.m. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale. Enjoy a community-wide showing of “Jews of the Wild West” in partnership with Center for Jewish Philanthropy. Supporting organizations include the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival and Arizona Jewish Historical Society. For more information, visit scottsdalemuseumwest.org/project/ jews-of-the-wild-west-film.

MONDAY, APRIL 3

David de Jong talks about his book, “Nazi Billionaires: The Dark History of Germany’s Wealthiest Dynasties:” 5-7 p.m. Virtual. Join the Phoenix Holocaust Association for an online discussion featuring David de Jong’s investigation of how Germany’s wealthiest men helped the Nazis grab power and how the Nazis helped German tycoons make billions off the horrors of the Third Reich and World War II. Cost: Free. For more information, visit phxha.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5 & THURSDAY, APRIL 6

2023 Passover Community Seders: For a list of seders open to the community across Arizona, visit jewishphoenix.com/ read/2023-passover-community-seders/.

FRIDAY, APRIL 7

Fran Lebowitz: 8 p.m. Virginia G. Piper Theater at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. Join Fran Lebowitz for a night of comedic storytelling. Cost: $35-$65. For more information, visit scottsdaleperformingarts.org/events.

MONDAY, APRIL 10 & TUESDAY APRIL 11

Spring Break Youth Philanthropy

Bootcamp: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix for a program designed for middle school students looking to engage as leaders and philanthropists. The program will focus on hands-on service, group decision making, leadership and Jewish values. Cost: $180. For more information, contact Andrea Cohen at acohen@phoenixcjp.org or 480-481-1784.

SUNDAY, APRIL 16

Yom Hashoah Commemoration: 3 p.m. Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale. Join the Phoenix Holocaust Association for its annual event featuring two concurrent sessions followed by a commemoration program including a procession of survivors, candle lighting in memory of the 6 million, presenting the Shofar Zakhor Awards to recognize those who educate the community about the Holocaust and musical pieces organized by Cantor Seth Ettinger. Cost: Free; registration required. For more information, visit phxha.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 17

Yom Hashoah Commemoration: 6 p.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Join the EVJCC for refreshments at 5:30 p.m., “Voices Silenced: Music from the Holocaust,” a lecture-recital featuring music by composers killed during the Holocaust, survivor testimony by Dirk Van Leenen and a candlelighting ceremony with representatives from the City of Chandler and local faith leaders. Cost: Free; registration required. For more information, visit evjcc.org/yomhashoah.

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

An Afternoon with Lan and Joy: 2 p.m. Gloria Christi Federated Church, 3535 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley. Join Beth Ami Temple for a concert featuring violinists Lan Qiu and Joy Pan. Cost: $36 per person. For more information, call 602-956-0805 or visit bethamitemple.org.

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

WEDNESDAYS

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

THURSDAYS

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

Shabbat

FRIDAYS

Shabbat in the Park: 10-11 a.m. Cactus Park, 7202 E. Cactus Road, Scottsdale. Join the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix monthly for music, parachute play, crafts and a family Shabbat experience. For more information, visit bjephoenix.org.

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

Shabbat at Beth El: 11-11:45 a.m. Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale. Ave., Phoenix. Celebrate Shabbat with songs, blessings and teachings with Rabbi Stein Kokin the first Friday of every month. Special guests will be welcoming Shabbat during the remainder of the month. For more information or to join, visit bethelphoenix.com.

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

Shabbat Services: 5:30 p.m. nosh, 6:15 p.m. service; morning varying dates and times. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. For more information, contact Sheana Abrams at (602) 971-1234 or sabrams@ templechai.com.

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

Shabbat Services: 6 p.m; 9:30 a.m. Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Services are also live streamed at otaz.org/livestream. For more information about services, events and membership, visit congregationortzion.org or call 480-342-8858.

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

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

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 Andrea at 480-664-8847 for more information.

Shabbat Services with Sun Lakes: 7 p.m. Sun Lakes Chapel, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. North, Sun Lakes. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation conducts services on the second Friday of the month. For more information, contact 480-612-4413.

Shabbat Services with Beth Ami Temple: 7:30 p.m. Gloria Christi Federated Church, 3535 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley. Rabbi Alison Lawton and Cantorial Soloist Michael Robbins lead Shabbat services twice a month. Beth Ami welcomes people who are not affiliated and looking for a spiritual connection. For more information, visit bethamitemple.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.

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/.

MT. SINAI CEMETERY

For sale: one plot in a semi-private estate in the original Jacob Section of the cemetery (Jewish only allowed).

Has been upgraded to companion (burial for 2) space. Includes granite bench on adjacent space with name engraved. jarpell@yahoo.com

Howard Charles Trau

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

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

Gladys Levitt of Phoenix died on March 18, 2023. She was 97.

Gladys was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 24, 1926, to Simon and Dora Lubell. Gladys was married to Norton (Sol) Levitt on October 9, 1948 and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, four months before Sol died. They moved to Phoenix in 1960 and were members of Beth El Congregation for over 50 years.

Although Gladys was an RN, when she moved to Phoenix she worked in the Alhambra School District, both an aide on the bus for special needs children and a cook in the cafeteria. Gladys was active with JFCS Senior Program at both Beth El and then Chris Ridge. She was active with the Women’s Auxiliary of the Jewish War Veterans.

Elaine T Hammerschlag of Paradise Valley passed peacefully on March 19, 2023, surrounded by her children.

Elaine was born in New York City and lived a long, full, 85 years, raising and nurturing an extended “collective of clowns” with her husband of 61 years, Dr. Carl Hammerschlag who preceded her in death on 1-21-22.

Elaine was known for her great sense of style, outrageous jewelry, grace, sharp wit and profound sense of social justice.

She is survived by her three daughters Lisa, Amy and Tara, their spouses and four grandchildren. A life’s celebration will be held in honor of Elaine later this year.

Donations can be made in her name to the Kyah Rayne foundation, KyahRayneFoundation.org.

Gladys is survived by her daughters Tina (Irwin) Sheinbein and Jody Levitt both of Phoenix; her son, Jerry (Sylvia) Levitt from Surprise; six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held at Beth El Cemetery on Monday, March 20, 2023, officiated by Rabbi Yisroel Isaacs and arranged by Sinai Mortuary.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Levitt-Sheinbein Loan Fund at Jewish Free Loan, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 206, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.

Sararuth K Rossow

SaraRuth K. Rossow passed away peacefully on March 24, 2023, at the age of 82. She was the oldest child of Alice and David Kornetsky. SaraRuth grew up in Holyoke, Massachusetts, surrounded by and part of a large and loving community. She graduated from American International College with a teaching degree. She later earned her master’s degree in education and went on to educate educators.

SaraRuth was passionate about community, social justice and Israel — and Zionism in particular. A consummate social butterfly, SaraRuth was never far from a telephone. She was devoted to her community and served on several boards throughout her adult life. No matter where she lived, SaraRuth found instant community and was a friend and neighbor who could always be counted on. She made friends easily and it was not a rarity that by the end of dinner at a restaurant she and the waitstaff would be on a first name basis. Ditto for the bank, supermarket, pharmacy and just about anywhere else she went. Humor was her hallmark and she was quick to smile or crack a joke. She was proficient in the art of batting her eyelashes and making silly sounds.

Howard Charles Trau of Phoenix, born January 27, 1929, passed peacefully in his sleep on March 21, 2023. He was 94.

Howard is survived by his dear wife, Jean, with whom he has spent the last 70 years lovingly beside and of whom he admired most in this world; as well as their three children Howard Jr. (Nancy), Curt (Tammy) and Jacki (Rick) Berger; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

All remember him for his bright and goofy smile, kind heart, quick wit and insatiable sweet tooth. Howard spread his appreciation for life until the very end, and the stories he shared from his long and full history — often over the pages of his everpresent crossword puzzles — echo in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. His memory reminds us to value the simple things, like a family dinner or an evening spent bowling. Howard proved there are few things in this world, or in this life, a slice of chocolate cake and a cold glass of milk can’t fix.

Graveside services were held 11:30 a.m. on March 23, 2023, at Mt. Sinai Cemetery.

Philanthropy was a cornerstone of her life, and mahjong was her sport of choice. Make no mistake that she was a competitor to be reckoned with. SaraRuth was resilient and tenacious. She knew what she wanted and went after it with zeal. Nothing could keep her down. She found a second chance at love with her second husband and dear friend, Robert Rossow, who preceded her in death. Together, the two spent their retirement years in Sun Lakes, where they built upon a lifetime of volunteerism and socializing.

SaraRuth leaves behind her two daughters Miche Bacher (Noah) and Stacey Simons (Holly Cooper); and grandsons Jordan and Elijah. She is also survived by her brother, Jason Kornetsky (Carrie) and nephew, Ethan.

Donations can be made to the SaraRuth and Bob Rossow Women and Children in Crisis Loan Fund at Jewish Free Loan (jewishfreeloan.org) or the Boulder Jewish Community Center (boulderjcc.org).