Jewish News, March 22, 2024

HOLOCAUST EDUCATION IN AFRICA

Tali Nates, the founder and director of the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre, spoke at Temple Solel

PHOENIX REALTOR AUTHORS BOOK

Oleg Bortman wants to ‘inspire success and freedom’

Surviving Holocaust Torah scrolls honored in Phoenix celebration

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Ben Cherny was part of several pairings of Holocaust survivors and descendants of survivors who tenderly carried Torah scrolls through a sizable crowd at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society (AZJHS) in Phoenix on Sunday, Feb. 25. Cradled in Cherny’s arms was one of hundreds of Torah scrolls that survived a Nazi campaign of synagogue desecration and destruction across the regions of Bohemia and Moravia, now known as the Czech Republic.

For reasons that Holocaust historians still debate, the huge collection of Torah scrolls and other Judaic objects were housed in Prague’s Jewish Museum until 1948, when they were transferred to a warehouse outside of the city and kept in less-than-ideal conditions, leaving them at risk of deterioration. In the early 1960s, a British philanthropist bought all the scrolls that remained — 1,564 Torah scrolls — and shipped them to his London synagogue.

The Memorial Scrolls Trust, the volunteer-run organization founded to care for the scrolls, not only repaired and restored the scrolls, they began loaning 1,400 of them to Jewish communities throughout the world. About 150 are too fragile to ship and so remain in London. The scrolls are never sold or gifted and are meant to be returned to the trust if an individual borrower dies or the Jewish community possessing a scroll merges with another community with one.

This February marks the 60th anniversary of the loan program, and 30 of the scrolls

is message of CJP solidarity trip to Israel

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

Afew societal assumptions were destroyed after the Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, according to the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC): Parents will always keep their children safe; one can feel secure at home; and if there is ever a situation of violence against Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the government will make sure everything is all right.

Talia Levanon, CEO of the ITC, was just one of the many people that met with the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix’s (CJP) Israel Solidarity Mission during its four-day trip, Feb. 25-29.

The group of 13, ranging in age from 13 to 81, started in Jerusalem by visiting the Western Wall for some quiet prayer time.

Participants noticed two additions to the plaza since any of them had last visited the Kotel: signs advising people of protected areas to take shelter should they hear a siren, and a large installation of yahrzeit candles.

“All of us had the chance to light

HEADLINES

are scattered throughout Arizona. Jeffrey Ohrenstein, chairman of the organization, was on hand at AZJHS to celebrate the occasion. It was his second time in Phoenix, having visited 10 years ago after being appointed chairman.

He said his real agenda in coming was to thank all the local volunteers who help with the scrolls, including helping to find any that have gone astray.

He called his organization the “head” and the “scroll holders the body, those doing all the good work.” Ohrenstein also thanked everyone who “cares about the past, who realizes that these scrolls are survivors and will remain after the living survivors are no longer with us; as long as they are here, the Jewish people will remain despite all efforts to destroy us.”

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Temple Solel Rabbi John Linder spoke about his synagogue’s borrowed Czech scroll and the young Cherny’s “miraculous” connection. The Paradise Valley synagogue’s Torah is an “orphan,” so-called because the connection to its original synagogue is lost. Thus, a decade ago, Solel sought out a Czech community to adopt and chose the city of Liberec.

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The miracle is that after choosing the city, it was discovered that a member of the synagogue had a direct connection to Liberec. Cherny’s great-grandfather, a Holocaust survivor, was from Liberec and after the war organized the small remaining Jewish community and led holiday services in people’s apartments in absence of a rabbi or functioning synagogue.

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“It is nothing less than miraculous that generations later Ben, a Czech descendant, would hold this Torah scroll and walk side by side with a Holocaust survivor into this historic building,” Linder said.

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He called Solel’s Czech Torah “our most sacred scroll. Each time it’s in the arms of our b’nai mitzvah, flanked by their families,

National Public Radio’s Phoenix affiliate station.

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

She already has some practice at

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

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

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

it speaks for itself, ‘Am Yisrael Chai.’ Indeed the Jewish people still live.”

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

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

Though still sometimes carrying the scars of synagogues that were burned and destroyed, these surviving Torah scrolls have been given back a voice when they are newly used in Jewish communities from Arizona to India, Brazil to New Zealand, Ohrenstein said.

He was joined in that belief by Jay Levinsohn, a Solel b’nai mitzvah teacher who has taught a class called “Character Development Through Holocaust Studies” for the last decade and is familiar with most of Arizona’s borrowed Torah scrolls.

“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.

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.

“These Torahs say, ‘Here I am!’” Levinsohn said. He would like to see them used to educate children and build intergenerational ties by sharing their stories within and among congregations that have one.

One of Levinsohn’s former students raised a concern about how to keep such important and precious possessions safe and in good physical and spiritual condition.

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.

Levinsohn said that while he could give a very long answer to such a question, the crux of the matter is that the scrolls should be used for services and shared with the community.

“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

Though the program of commemoration included solemn moments, like Temple

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

“That’s really bad and my friend said it on stage. I was not OK with that, so I went to the director and told her it was a bad word for people with disabilities, but she wouldn’t take it out,” Stern said. She let her mother know about the conflict and they were able to convince the director of the need to remove the

“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.

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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.

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

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

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

Chai Associate Rabbi Bonnie Koppell reading the “Mourner’s Kaddish” to “remember the six million and those who left no one behind to say Kaddish for them” and a candle lighting by survivors, the event was suffused with joy. Ultimately, the Torah scrolls were held up as a physical representation of more than just the survival of individual Jews but the thriving of the Jewish people, their communities and their culture. JN

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

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

For more information, visit azjhs.org/ czech-torah-scroll-commemoration.

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

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Holocaust survivors and their descendants hold Czech Torah scrolls on loan from the Memorial Scrolls Trust. COURTESY OF ARIZONA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Rabbi Jeffrey Schesnol, associate director of Arizona Jewish Historical Society, is pictured with two of the Czech Torah scrolls.

COURTESY OF ARIZONA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

candles in memory of those who were lost,” shared Scottsdale’s Congregation Or Tzion Rabbi Andy Green in a Shabbat service on March 2. “They have the names engraved of every person who Hamas murdered on that fateful day, of every soldier that died then and since.”

Later that evening the group met with Dan Feferman, executive director of Sharaka, a Middle East-based NGO.

The organization works to normalize relations between different groups residing in Israel and maximize the benefit of the Abraham Accords, explained Gail Baer, chief philanthropy officer for the CJP. “They believe the Accords will bring peace to the region and it’s a start.”

ITC’s Levanon talked to the CJP group the next day. The ITC is one of many recipients receiving funding from CJP’s Israel Emergency Relief Campaign. The ITC has opened 200 resilience centers across Israel staffed by 1,150 therapists, more than 800 of whom were newly recruited and trained following Oct. 7.

Levanon explained the complications that came with communities being divided, where some people are housed in hotels while others are hosted in small groups, although still separated from the rest of their community.

“A lot of her focus was on what they’re doing, particularly for children who experienced a lot of trauma; being displaced and knowing that people in their lives — teachers, friends, family members — were either murdered, kidnapped or injured, and the challenges for the parents who are trying to raise those children and deal with trauma of their own,” said Richard Kasper, CEO of CJP.

During the mission, the trip members also met with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), a recipient of CJP’s annual support, at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Jerusalem. To help children deal with trauma, JDC passed out 10,000 Hibuki “huggy” puppy dolls. These dolls have long arms so a child can feel they are being hugged, allowing them to articulate comforting words they might also need to hear.

Aside from the trauma, entire families have been living in one hotel room for the past five months, with kids who need schooling and teenagers who need social time away from their parents and younger siblings.

So, makeshift elementary schools were established in hotel meeting rooms and ballrooms and a high school was created on the beach in Tel Aviv. While at the Dan Panorama, mission trip members learned that a group from Sderot that had been staying in the hotel since right after the war began would finally be returning to their homes.

However, another couple the group met had no idea when they would be returning to their home. Married right

before Rosh Hashanah, Orr and Yaacov Bohlbot were on their honeymoon when Yaacov’s brother Elkhana was kidnapped from the Supernova music festival.

He was seen being kidnapped on a video. “They said he was injured but alive and it was a Hamas video that was posted on social media,” said Kasper. “That’s the last they’ve seen him.”

Elkhana had been living with his parents, along with his wife and small child, because he was starting an ice cream business. Now, Orr and Yaacov have left their home in Cancun, Mexico, to move in with his parents and another brother who lived in San Francisco, to wait for the release of Elkhana and care for their parents, sisterin-law and nephew.

“Four families have moved into one home to support this effort,” said Baer. “Orr has taken over a lot of the parenting responsibilities for the little boy.” Elkhana’s wife is often so grief-stricken that she is unable to care for her son.

The CJP group then headed south to Kibbutz Be’eri, one of the oldest kibbutzim in Israel. Founded in 1946, it was built close to the border to populate the perimeter.

Latan Finean escaped the kibbutz with his wife and children and now guided the visitors through his destroyed community where banners with photos of those murdered by Hamas hung on what was left of their homes.

“Everywhere, homes were burned and destroyed,” said Baer. “I looked on the ground and there were kitchen cabinets, toys, books, people’s personal stuff, clothing — everything was torn apart and trashed.”

But one thing Baer and others noticed was that while one home would be completely ransacked and burned, the one next to it remained unscathed. The reason: The homes that were attacked had evidence that there were children inside.

“You would see outside these houses a basketball hoop, bicycles, children’s books or small clothing hanging on a line,” said Kasper. “They set out after families and the elderly.”

Added Baer, “Their goal was to destroy the generations.”

“As we stood in rubble, I looked down and saw magnetic tiles and Legos, like my children play with, mixed in with the ash and the destruction and Latan explained that we’re standing in what was, just a few months ago, his in-laws dining room,” said Green.

Finean explained that his in-laws were both wine lovers and while the group was standing in the remains of their home, he picked up a cork from the ground.

He also shared text messages and the last phone call from his in-laws, during which you could hear them repeatedly saying, “I love you,” in Hebrew. He learned later that they did not die in their home as initially thought. Instead, they were taken a block away from their home and lined up on the street, along with about 40 of their neighbors, and shot at point-blank range.

“Bearing witness to the atrocities of Oct. 7, I was full of despair as a father, as a Jew

Congregation Or Tzion Rabbi Andy Green stands at the yahrzeit candle installation at the Western Wall.

COURTESY OF THE CENTER FOR JEWISH PHILANTHROPY OF GREATER PHOENIX

Members of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix’s Israel Solidary Mission at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. From left to right, Ethan Friedman, Dr. Ariella Friedman, Gail Baer, Judy Gardenschwartz, Rabbi Andy Green, Brad Cohen, Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, Elaine Cohen, Howard Trau, Jon Stuart and Richard Kasper. Ashley Rubio Levine is not pictured. COURTESY OF THE CENTER FOR JEWISH PHILANTHROPY OF GREATER PHOENIX

and as a rabbi,” said Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, president and dean of Valley Beit Midrash in Scottsdale. He shared he had been praying to God, begging for a pathway out of this horrible situation.

“As we were leaving Kibbutz Be’eri, I noticed next to all of the destruction a sunflower growing,” said Yanklowitz. “It gave me hope and reminded me that it is hope and faith that has given the Jews so much spiritual resilience to weather storms throughout our history and that together we would achieve that here, too.”

The site of the Supernova music festival is a 10-minute drive from Kibbutz Be-eri. The large field is dotted with newly planted trees, flags and memorials to the more than 400 people killed and the other 40 who were kidnapped. The once brown and open space is now green with grass and red poppies.

Green received a FaceTime call from his son, and he turned the phone so that his child could not see all the memorials.

“I had a short conversation with my son and said, ‘I’m OK. I’m safe physically but where I am, I don’t feel OK.’ And as I hold my phone with his face up against the posters with the faces of those who were lost, I realize that they’re all our children.”

The group then headed back to Jerusalem, to Hadassah Medical Center, where Dr. Dvora Bauman, gynecologist and director of the Bat Ami Center for Victims of Sexual Abuse, spoke honestly. She explained that the center treats Jews, Christians, Muslims — whoever needs its services.

Bauman told of the horror and brutality of what she witnessed since the war began, abuse inflicted on both men and women. She also shared that some of the rape victims from Oct. 7 have committed suicide.

“She’s been doing this work for more than 20 years, and she’s never seen anything like this, ever,” recalled Kasper.

He and his cohort met others at the hospital, anxious to share their stories. One was Tova, who was with her adult son waiting in traffic at a checkpoint when a gunman jumped from a car in front of them and opened fire. Her son, a school security guard, returned fire through the windshield and was shot several times in the leg and abdomen.

Overcome with fear, Tova ran for cover and left her son behind. Today, she struggles with the guilt of leaving her child in danger. In critical condition, though conscious, her son has assured her repeatedly that she did the right thing.

“It was hard for her to get through talking to us,” said Baer, but Tova stressed the importance of the medical and psychological care she’s receiving.

An administrator for the hospital

explained that they usually have 1,000 physicians on staff, but about 15% have been called up for service to the IDF. She explained that doctors from other countries have offered to volunteer but they can’t use them because of language barriers; they can’t effectively communicate with the hospital staff or patients.

A joyful moment occurred when the participants met survivors from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Adva Klein lived on the kibbutz for more than a dozen years but on Oct. 7, she was in Las Vegas visiting her parents. Upon seeing the news, she told them she had to return to her home.

They asked her, “What home do you have to go back to?”

Nevertheless, she returned to Israel and suffered from survivor’s guilt for her friends who did not survive. Unable to go back to her home in the kibbutz, neighbors told her the room where she slept was riddled with bullets, convincing her that she would not have survived.

She also shared that she was interviewed once on national television, and when someone in the group asked her how they could find the video, she responded to search for Adva Klein but said that she looked very different then because she’d lost a lot of weight.

Upon hearing her last name, Green stood up and interrupted. “Adva, you were my teacher at the Pressman Academy in Los Angeles in the early 90s, more than 30 years ago!”

Klein, surprised, asked his name. He told her and the two embraced and cried.

“She hasn’t seen him since he was six! That was really special,” said Kasper.

“It was beautiful,” said Baer. “I think it was the one time all of us were smiling.”

Baer also added that traveling with the two rabbis brought a “wonderful dimension” to the trip and they led the group in prayer sporadically. “It was a really gentle and cohesive group, especially given the age differences,” she said.

The group went to Hostage Square, where various installations, many

maintained by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, have been set up on the plaza in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.

There is a large clock that keeps track of the day, hours, minutes and seconds since Oct. 7, a piano ready for use given by the family of one of the hostages who loved music and a Shabbat table set with blue tablecloths, white plates and centerpieces on one end and cinder blocks for chairs, stale pita and dirty water on the other.

“It depicts the juxtaposition of what a Shabbat table looks like and what life might look like for the hostages,” explained Baer.

There’s a replica of a tunnel where Hamas holds hostages.

“I couldn’t stay in it very long,” said Green. “You have to bend down to walk through. It’s dark and there are moments where you can’t see anything but there’s a light at the end saying, ‘Let there be light.’ People can write messages of hope and prayers for their loved ones on the walls.”

The mission’s final dinner included Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin, chairperson of the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Fund for Victims of Terror. The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) is one of CJP’s partners in peaceful times but has also received funds from the Israel Emergency Relief Campaign.

“The Fund for Victims of Terror gives financial assistance, $6,000, to all these people, no matter what they need,” said Baer. She said many victims of terrorists left their homes with nothing, only wearing pajamas.

“In the time leading up to Oct. 7, JAFI had worked with 8,000 clients with the fund and in the months since Oct. 7, they’ve helped 10,000 more,” said Kasper.

A former member of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, Ayelet NahmiasVerbin was not subtle in her criticism of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a sentiment that the group heard from other Israelis on the trip.

IDF spokesperson Major David Ross started his presentation by explaining that the IDF, like the Jewish people, “has its

complexities.”

“He did offer some explanations for what happened, and we did have honest conversations about some of what we’ve read and heard in the West about intelligence reports, particularly those made by women in the IDF that were ignored,” shared Kasper.

Ross explained there were a lot of Gazans, not necessarily trained militarily or part of Hamas, who helped jam up communication mechanisms making it impossible at certain times for the IDF to know what was going on or to respond properly. That’s part of what compounded the situation and made it much worse than it might otherwise have been. The attack was also much more sophisticated than people thought Hamas was capable of.

“Our group asked some interesting questions about what they didn’t do and what they’ve done now,” said Baer. “It’s a terribly complex situation. It was complicated before Oct. 7, and now it’s even more complicated.”

Even with all the complexities of the current situation, Kasper and Baer said that everyone they encountered expressed their gratitude to them for coming to Israel and giving Israelis an opportunity to speak and be heard because they are feeling very isolated in the world.

When asked, “What do you want from us?” Klein responded, “Just two things. I want you to listen and I want a hug.”

“It sounds so cheesy, but they just all needed to be hugged,” said Baer.

“In those moments of loving embrace, hugging my teacher, hugging the person who I had never met before but who is in despair and pain, holding one another in love, we gave each other something important, which is a sense that we are not alone, a sense that we need not despair, a sense that there is tomorrow and the day after tomorrow and the day after that,” said Green. JN

For more information,

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

Orr and Yaacov Bohlbot hold a sticker with a photo of Yaacov’s brother Elkhana, who was kidnapped from the Supernova music festival.

COURTESY OF THE CENTER FOR JEWISH PHILANTHROPY OF GREATER PHOENIX

The remains of a home at Kibbutz Be’eri with a banner showing the resident who was murdered.

COURTESY OF THE CENTER FOR JEWISH PHILANTHROPY OF GREATER PHOENIX

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Holocaust education in Africa shines light into a continent’s shadows

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

South Africa hosts three different centers of Holocaust education, which may seem surprising as only about 55,000 Jews live in the entire country. However, the reason for their existence was made clear by Tali Nates, the founder and director of the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre, who connected the dots last week between Holocaust history and the African continent.

About 60 people braved a cold and rainy evening to hear her speak at Temple Solel in Paradise Valley on Thursday, Feb. 1. The audience learned that not only did some African nations play a role in World War II but many African educators now find that learning about the genocide of European Jews is a useful gateway for their students to talk about some of the traumas, both past and present, of their own countries, especially where political forces make conversation about the latter illicit.

Nates’ presence was at the behest of a partnership among Solel, Northern Arizona University’s Martin-Springer Institute in Flagstaff and the Phoenix Holocaust Association in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The United Nations unanimously dedicated Jan. 27, the date that memorializes the Soviet’s liberation of Auschwitz, for world commemoration; this year, it fell on Shabbat.

Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa are just a few African nations that hold annual Holocaust commemorations, which Nates pointed out might seem strange to those who believe Africa is on the margins of the

story. Instead, “Holocaust memory and education is growing in Africa,” she said. It’s now compulsory for all South African students in the ninth grade and is also part of the curriculum in Nigeria.

“The marginalized status of the Holocaust in Africa is actually empowering it,” she said. “The horror of this history is an entry point to speak about other traumatic events, such as genocides in Rwanda and Namibia and other catastrophes across the continent.”

While Nigeria doesn’t teach students about its own history of civil war and colonialism, teachers find that Holocaust education allows them an indirect path to speak to those issues, too. In one poignant example, Nates explained that some of the girls kidnapped from their school in Chibok, Nigeria by militant Islamic group Boko Haram, have become guides of a Holocaust and genocide exhibition in the country.

“They were empowered to process the ordeal through a history that is removed from their experience yet has echoes of it,” she said.

Speaking openly about genocide in one’s own country doesn’t come easily. The Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda’s capital city was built in 2004 and its first floor exhibit is dedicate to Rwanda’s experience, but Rwandan schools did not start teaching students about the 1994 genocide until much more recently and then it fell under “peace education” rather than history.

Tali Nates, the founder and director of the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Center, spoke at Temple Solel on Thursday, Feb. 1. Pictured from left are Temple Solel Associate Rabbi Debbie Stiel, Nates, MartinSpringer Director Bjorn Krondorfer and Phoenix Holocaust Association President Sheryl Bronkesh. COURTESY OF JEWISH NEWS

Because both victims and perpetrators still live side by side in many cases, talking about what happened requires a delicate balance, Nates explained.

On the museum’s second floor, visitors find exhibits of other genocides, the largest of which is dedicated to the Holocaust, including a model of the Treblinka death camp. In this way, learning about the Holocaust becomes an oblique method of learning about the country’s own experience.

“It is fascinating to hear that Holocaust education in some African countries — far away from the U.S. and Europe — can be a gateway to allow conversations about injustices and various forms of violence in their own countries, when such conversations can be difficult or dangerous to start,” Martin-Springer director Bjorn Krondorfer told Jewish News in an email.

Nates also acknowledged that for many Westerners, the second-largest continent’s involvement in World War II is not well known. From concentration camps in West and North Africa to refugee detention centers in East and South Africa, it was deeply engaged.

In 1914, 1,581 Jewish refugees from Austria, Czechoslovakia, Germany and Poland tried to go to Palestine but the British, who then controlled the country, deported them to the island of Mauritius in East Africa, where they were imprisoned

until 1945. One hundred and twenty six of them died of disease and suicide before they could be liberated, and are buried at St. Martin’s Jewish cemetery.

“That is a horrible story that is unusual and very close to South Africa,” Nates said. Additionally, South Africa joined the Allied forces and lost more than 11,000 soldiers. Members of the South African Air Force took many famous black-and-white aerial photos of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

“Even though some things seem on the margins, somehow it’s not. Sometimes the fact that it is connected to your history allows you enough interest to go further into the story to try and find out more,” she said.

Nates has a very personal association to the Holocaust and lost many family members to its horrors. She also has a famous connection as both her father and uncle were saved by the actions of Oskar Schindler and his famous list. On Thursday, she recounted some of that history, shared photographs of family artifacts and read directly from her uncle’s memoirs, the words of a survivor.

Nates writes and lectures about the Holocaust all over the world. She has received countless awards, including the International Religious Freedom Award presented to her by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken two weeks ago. Not all of the recognition is easy to receive though.

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Nates knows that her grandmother and two aunts were murdered at Bełzec, a Polish extermination camp, on Aug. 28, 1942.

Eighty years later, on the same day, Nates had the surreal experience of receiving the prestigious Goethe Medal in Weimar, Germany, the country that had murdered her family. The Goethe Medal honors nonGermans “who have performed outstanding service for the German language and for international cultural relations.”

Nates’ father, still a teenager, went to Germany after the war for his education. A few years later, he moved to Israel. That’s where Nates was born and raised. She met her South African husband at Hebrew University and moved to his home country, where she has spent her academic career dedicated to Holocaust education, genocide prevention, reconciliation and human rights.

The Holocaust center she founded in Johannesburg “is a very vibrant place full of exhibitions, events, concerts and films that tell a lot of individual stories about genocide in the 20th century, specifically to connect to South Africans,” she said.

The first genocide of the 20th century happened in Namibia in 1904, when it was a colony of Germany. The Herero and Nama peoples were targeted for extermination as collective punishment for rebellion against German rule; Germany only acknowledged the genocide in 2022.

Students in South Africa learn about the Holocaust and the 1994 Rwandan genocide before they learn about apartheid, which started in 1948, the same year as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document South Africa did not sign until 1998. South Africa also controlled Namibia from 1960 to 1990.

“In South Africa, we struggle to face our history. But by using the Holocaust and genocide in Rwanda, we can look at problems of political extremism in terms of the persecution and murder of refugees, asylum seekers and African migrants,” she said.

“Making connections is one important key for future Holocaust education,” Krondorfer agreed.

At her center, students write reflections about their visit. One 14-year-old wrote that she used to turn a blind eye when her family talked negatively about new immigrants and how they should go back to their countries. “Now I will put my foot down; I will not condone it,” the student wrote.

“These words of a 14-year-old student connecting what she learned about the Holocaust to her family’s dinner table conversation is something we can take forward, even when we are all the way down in Africa,” Nates said. JN

For more information on the Phoenix Holocaust Association, visit phxha.com; for Northern Arizona University’s Martin-Springer Institute, visit in.nau. edu/martin-springer.

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Jewish and Black lawyers want to put prisons on the agenda

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

In Arizona, more than 50,000 people are currently incarcerated and about another 75,000 are on parole or probation. While that is a significant number, it’s still small enough to indicate that for most people in the state, prison is only a place they’ve visited in movies or television shows, not exactly an abstraction but not a priority either.

Some lawyers representing vulnerable populations in Greater Phoenix want to change that, starting with a three-class series, “Ten Pillars of the Criminal Justice System and the Reforms Needed to Meet Them.”

The educational program covers topics from prevention and policing to prison conditions and rehabilitation, and finally, reintegration into society. It is jointly presented by the Arizona Jewish Lawyers Association (AJLA), the Arizona Black Bar (ABB), the Arizona State University (ASU) Jewish Law Students’ Association, the ASU Black Law Student Association and Middle Ground Prison Reform.

AJLA President Nina Targovnik and ABB Past President Obie Sadler first worked together last year on “From Swastikas to Jim Crow,” which addressed both the plight of Jews during the Holocaust and Black Americans after the end of Reconstruction.

While the series counts towards Continuing Legal Education (CLE), law students are not the only people Targovnik and Sadler have in their sights.

On Thursday, Feb. 22, the second class in the series, “Rehabilitation and Conditions of Confinement,” took place at the ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in Phoenix in front of a mix of law students, lawyers, people working in various parts of the criminal justice system and anyone interested in what is happening in Arizona prisons.

Leading the discussion were four notable panelists, who presented their personal experiences with the prison system, answered audience questions and offered glimpses of what a future could look like.

Elaine Leeder, an American sociologist and daughter of a Holocaust survivor, who has been working in prisons in New York and California since 1995, wrote “My Life with Lifers: Lessons for a Teacher, Humanity Has No Bars.” Drawing on both her education and experience, she told the room that for things to improve, “change has to happen

on three levels: in the norms and values of society, at the institutional policy level and in the mass culture.”

She spoke of the change she observed in San Quentin State Prison in California that began when Governor Gavin Newsom decided to make it a “showplace” by putting in new leadership. At first, the change was small, affecting a tiny minority of the population.

A year later, she asked people on the ground how things were going and was told, “There’s one program that’s a showpiece, and the rest of us get the same old crap.” More recently, however, the change that began in one corner of the prison “started to permeate the whole place. The new warden is changing the culture, the laws and the rules of the place. He’s changing the norms and values so that the COs (correction officers) are being trained in humane policing,” she reported.

Leeder’s father was a Holocaust survivor and she said that made her “want to know why people do evil things.”

Ultimately, in her years observing prisoners, she’s found that much of it can be reduced to the expression “hurt people hurt people.”

The only way to counteract that hurt is to treat prisoners respectfully, no matter their crime. “If you’re treated with respect, you treat others that way. If you’re treated badly, you treat others badly,” she said.

Offering extensive programs of all sorts is the other way to improve prison culture and safety, both for prisoners and staff.

“The most secure prisons are the ones with extensive programming, such as education, GED, college programs, even canine training programs,” she said. She has extensive experience with restorative justice “as an alternative way for people behind the walls to forgive themselves and be forgiven.”

The day after the panel, Leeder met with several prisoners in Arizona only to find that most programs were not reaching them. “There needs to be more programming so that those inside can do the transformative work that I know is possible,” she told Jewish News in an email. Leeder’s work is sponsored by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and Society.

Donna Hamm, Middle Ground’s founder and director, is a former judge with extensive experience working in

Arizona’s criminal justice system. She agreed that restorative justice practices are one of the best things Arizona prisons could adopt while acknowledging it’s not a panacea.

She also understands the positive impact educational programming can have on prisoners. After all, she met her husband when she visited the college course he was taking in prison, where he was serving his time for killing someone during a drug deal.

Nicholas Heilig, who has served time in Arizona prisons and county jails, talked about the lack of programming available to him. He said if given a choice between prison and jail, he would always choose prison because at least there he can work and hope to get some benefits, including being able to change his clothes every day. In county jail, the laundry happens once a week and he was unable to change even his underwear for seven days.

Sean Malone, assistant director of prison operations in Arizona, acknowledged that in his years working for the state correctional system, the type of programming Leeder recommended was not a priority. However, he only recently decided to return to working in prisons because he sees some good changes on the horizon, he said.

Hamm reminded those in the room that much of what happens in prisons is “subject to the whims of politics.” The legislature is responsible for a lot of its actions and the governor chooses the director of the corrections department,

“which means the entire philosophy of that department can change with each new governor,” Hamm said. “With our recent governor, the change has been positive, but in the past, many times it hasn’t been.”

Sadler told the audience that he hoped this series “could be life-changing for a lot of people. People get into this business (the law) to make money and while making money is good, making a difference feels great.”

Targovnik, who has witnessed firsthand the arbitrariness of the criminal justice system as a lawyer at Community Legal Services (CLS), also had a personal stake in the series. She shared the disheartening details of her friend whose life could have been changed with a few minor interventions at several points, but instead, mainly due to poverty and isolation, she fell headlong into what Hamm referred to as “the criminal justice net; once you’re there, you’re there.”

While several in the audience shared their own experiences working within the system and the feelings of helplessness they sometimes struggle with, they were also “deeply informed,” according to Leeder. The open dialogue was about finding a realistic path to change.

“I think positive change can happen,” Leeder said. “Is it going to happen in my lifetime? No, but maybe in yours.” JN

“Reentry and Reintegration,” the third class in the series, will take place Thursday, March 28. To register, email azjewishlawyers@gmail.com by March 25.

Pictured from left are Elaine Leeder, Donna Hamm, Nicholas Heilig and Sean Malone. They were the panelists for “Rehabilitation and Conditions of Refinement,” the second night in a series on prison reform on Thursday, Feb. 22.

COURTESY OF NINA TARGOVNIK

CANVA STOCK IMAGE

Chandler rabbi delivers opening prayer to U.S. Senate in January

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

At the end of January, Rabbi Mendy Deitsch stood at the front of the U.S. Senate Chamber to give the opening prayer. Deitsch, who heads the Chabad of the East Valley, Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Chandler, was invited by Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema, someone he has had a fruitful dialogue with for some time.

“Over the years, we’ve spoken, communicated and had a close connection. Often, we talked about policies that affect the Jewish community,” Deitsch told Jewish News.

Sinema “recommended and invited Rabbi Deitsch as a prominent member of Arizona’s diverse religious landscape, and especially for his outstanding leadership and service to the Chandler community serving hundreds of families with food, clothing and monetary assistance,” the senator told Jewish News in an emailed statement.

Deitsch directs the Comfort Food Pantry, which provides food, clothing and financial assistance to Chandler residents; and is the executive director of the Community Tuition Grant Organization, which helps low-income families acquire private school scholarships.

Deitsch delivered the Senate’s daily morning prayer on Thursday, Jan. 25, two days before International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Sinema felt having Deitsch, whom she called “a widely respected religious leader, both locally and abroad,” give the prayer at that time heightened the occasion.

“I was honored that Sen. Sinema invited me but it was nerve wracking,” Deitsch said. “The Senate is a very important body full of people whose work impacts lives on a concrete, tangible level, and I wanted my

message to be clear and my words precise.”

He was notified of the invitation almost two months before the actual day. Both the Senate chaplain’s office and Sinema’s office worked to help take him through all of the requirements.

“There’s a lot of rules,” Deitsch laughed. Certain topics, such as anything deemed too political, were off limits. He wrote a draft to be approved by the chaplain’s office. Though he wanted to say something about the Israeli hostages being held in Gaza, he was told it would be too political.

“At the last minute, I decided to mention that they should be freed. It was a very serious moment, but thankfully, it went over well,” he said.

In the prayer, which lasted just over two minutes, he reminded the senators that though they represented diverse backgrounds, they shared a common vision and determination “to ensure that each day is better than the day before.”

Deitsch also echoed the words of Menachem Mendel Schneerson, also known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe, about how God is revealed “through human goodness and kindness.”

He exhorted the senators to always remember God’s presence in their work, enacting just laws and fostering a more peaceful world.

At that point, he spoke obliquely about the hostages without mentioning Israel or Gaza, saying, “Please let us see more peaceful days soon with the safe return of those being held hostage, as well as the dedicated men and women of our armed forces battling evil at this time.”

After it was over, quite a few people approached him to thank him for the prayer and for mentioning the hostages. C-Span aired it in real time and by the time he

found a kosher restaurant nearby for lunch, people there recognized him and told him they appreciated the prayer, he said.

Around the U.S. Capitol, decision makers are busy and often surrounded by people, which kept him from talking to many of the other senators, he said. He did have a brief exchange with Georgia Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock.

Deitsch said he was sorry to hear Sinema’s announcement on Tuesday, March 5, that she would not run in November to maintain her seat.

“To be honest, I’m disappointed that Sinema is not running. She’s a huge supporter of Israel and a voice of moral clarity,” he said.

Yet, he’s grateful for the good relationship he fostered with her and that it was by her invitation that he is now among the minority of religious leaders to offer a prayer in front of the U.S. Senate.

“To stand in front of people with so much power in their hands is something, and to say a prayer is a great honor,” he said.

One delightful coda to his time in

for the prayer, Deitsch saw she was wearing a necklace with her name written in Hebrew. He commented on the necklace and she told him it was a gift from her grandmother.

“I told her how beautiful it was that she is not afraid to hide her Jewishness. She told me she took part in Chabad on Campus during college and is proud of her Jewish identity. That’s very important right

Rabbi Mendy Deitsch in front of the U.S. Capitol.

Rabbi Mendy Deitsch delivers the opening prayer to the U.S. Senate on Thursday, Jan. 25.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

AJC of Arizona announces Judge Learned Hand Awards

The Arizona region of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) paid tribute to three legal professionals at its annual Judge Learned Hand (JLH) Awards luncheon on Thursday, March 21, at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix.

Michael Manning, formerly of Stinson LLP; Rick Unklesbay, longtime prosecutor; and Lindsay Herf, executive director of the Arizona Justice Project, were honored for their professional achievements and dedication to civic and philanthropic causes and organizations, according to a press release.

The luncheon recognized distinguished individuals within the legal profession. Established in 1964, the program honors those who have contributed meaningfully to the legal community and whose work reflects the integrity and broad humanitarian ideals exemplified by Judge Hand. The honorees are selected by an independent selection committee of prominent judges,

law professors and practitioners.

Over the course of its 117-year history, AJC has worked to safeguard minorities; fight terrorism, antisemitism, hatred and bigotry; pursue social justice; advance human dignity; support Israel’s right to exist in peace and security; defend religious freedom; and provide humanitarian relief to those in need.

Michael C. Manning was presented with AJC’s Community Service Award for demonstrating sustained contributions to the advancement of equality and democratic principles, especially in his work with civil rights. In the late 1990s, Manning won the then-largest wrongful death and civil rights settlement in the state’s history. Subsequently he brought 16 more cases against former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, recovering millions of dollars for families whose loved ones died as a result of unconstitutional conditions of confinement in the Maricopa County Jail,

Beth El to honor longtime educator next month

Beth El Phoenix will honor Nanci Siegel Manson for her 33 years of service in the Greater Phoenix Jewish community, including 13 years at Beth El, at a Morah Tovah Fundraiser on April 7 at Beth El.

Manson, who grew up in St. Louis, started her career in education after graduating from the University of Missouri Columbia with a degree in elementary education and an endorsement in early childhood education. She initially started teaching second and third grade in an elementary magnet school in Omaha,

JTO elects new board president

The Jewish Tuition Organization (JTO) announces Chad Mandelbaum as its newly elected board president. Mandelbaum will take the reins from outgoing president Fred Wabnik, who served for seven years.

“The board appreciates the many years Fred served as board president and I’m looking forward to work-

Nebraska. After her children were born, she switched to half-day kindergarten.

After she and her family moved to Arizona in 1990, she took a job as a long-term substitute teacher at Temple Solel’s preschool, where her two children attended. “They were in preschool and I wanted to be there with them,” she said.

After that school year ended, she taught at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center preschool, initially teaching pre-K and kindergarten before becoming the school’s assistant director for three years.

ing with the dedicated board and staff as we build on a great foundation to provide Jewish day school education to students, regardless of financial ability,” Mandelbaum said. “There is so much potential to make a difference for our community today and for the future, and I look forward to overseeing a period of growth at the JTO.”

Mandelbaum has served on the JTO board for several years and brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role both from the Jewish day school perspective and his JTO board experience. Mandelbaum enjoys

Jewish community member helps seniors with technology

Jena Olgin, a member of Greater Phoenix’s Jewish community, created Silver Aide to help seniors with technology support. She was inspired by watching as the seniors around her tried to set up confusing electronic devices and

or judges and county officials who were criminally charged by Arpaio because he considered them political enemies.

Rick Unklesbay accepted AJC’s Public Service Award for his sustained contributions to the advancement of equality and democratic principles through work in the non-profit and public sectors. Unklesbay worked in the Pima County Attorney’s Office from 1981 to 2021, supervising the Violent Crimes Unit and serving as Chief of the Criminal Division and Chief Trial Counsel. He established and ran the Pima County Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit — the first of its kind in Arizona and one of the very first in the nation — and worked closely with the Arizona Justice Project.

Lindsay Herf was honored with AJC’s Emerging Leadership Award, which is a tribute to an attorney practicing fifteen years or less who has demonstrated a commitment to the values of public or com-

When Har Zion Congregation — a Conservative congregation in Scottsdale that eventually merged with what is now Congregation Or Tzion — opened a preschool in 1997, Nanci was hired as its founding director. She remained at the preschool’s helm for its entire18 years of existence. During her last two years there, she also served as the synagogue’s religious school director and co-executive director.

After Har Zion’s preschool closed in May 2013, Nanci switched gears, using her second degree in fashion merchandising to

munity service. As executive director of the Arizona Justice Project, Herf has dedicated her career to exonerating the innocent and correcting cases of manifest injustice in Arizona. Under her leadership, more than two dozen men and women have been released from wrongful incarceration. She has taught at both the University of Arizona in the Wrongful Conviction Law Clinic and at Arizona State University.

Tim Eckstein, Joe Roth and Erica Erman, members of Greater Phoenix’s Jewish community, were co-chairs for the luncheon. JN

For more information, visit ajc.org.

work at a company that set up merchandise displays in department stores. In a few months she started getting requests to return to the world of education. In Oct. 2013, she became the director of education and youth programming at Beth El, where her roles included overseeing and developing programming for the synagogue’s Talmud Torah, Kadima and USY youth groups, as well as adult education. She retired from Beth El in 2023. JN

For more information, visit bethelphoenix.com/ mazal-tov-nanci

witnessed their frustration.

“Over the years, my grandparents and some senior family friends have asked me for technology help,” said Olgin. “It has been a rewarding experience knowing that I made the technology easier for them to use.”

She wants the appointment to be comfortable and convenient, so she will come to the senior’s home. Her goal is for the

a diverse professional background with a 30-year career in commercial real estate, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and institutional real estate investments.

Currently serving as managing partner of Mandelbaum Properties, Mandelbaum is responsible for asset management and financial oversight of the firm. He has experience in investment sales, leasing, and development in the Phoenix market, and has held previous positions with Wheels Up, iStar Financial (a Starwood Capital portfolio company), Bear Stearns and

client to ask questions, feel comfortable and want to use their electronics.

Olgin, a graduate of Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School, Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University where she received a Master of Science in instructional technology, has taught all over Greater Phoenix, Los Angeles and Israel.

“I want you to be able to use your

The Blackstone Group’s real estate private equity fund. Mandelbaum is a graduate of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and accounting and earned a CPA certificate.

“Chad’s experience and financial knowledge is a perfect fit for his role as JTO board president, and I look forward to working with him as we take the JTO to the next level,” said JTO Executive Director Janet Silva. JN

For more information, visit jtophoenix.org.

devices in the comfort of your own home,” she said. “I believe that every person is capable of learning how to use their personal technology. I am passionate about teaching at your comfort level and making sure to pace the lesson well. I want to make sure that at the end you still enjoy your technology, not hate it!” JN

For more information, visit silver-aide.com.

From left to right: Rick Unklesbay, Michael C. Manning and Lindsay Herf. COURTESY OF ARIZONA REGION OF THE AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE

Chad Mandelbaum COURTESY OF JEWISH TUITION ORGANIZATION

Jenna Olgin COURTESY OF JENNA OLGIN

Purim: A miracle eye opener

RABBI DOV LEVERTOV

PARSHAH PURIM: EXODUS 17:8-16

Purim is one of my favorite holidays of the year. It probably has to do with my birthday rolling right into it, but as I have grown older and I learn the story behind the story, it is an amazing and special holiday.

The Chabad Rebbe once spoke about the Jewish Holidays as train stops on a year’s long journey. When traveling by train, at each stop, some people come on and others get off. Some people are more serious in their nature and appreciate the solemnness of Yom Kippur, others might be outdoorsy and love Sukkot. And for the extra joyous and partygoers, we have Purim.

The Rebbe, in his infinite love for each Jew, used this metaphor to explain how every Jew feels inspired by different observances and holidays and should be celebrated for the parts they do connect with. When we think of a perfect world, everyone is observing the same and with a steady level

Commentary

of commitment, but the “perfect” world, how G-d created it, features imperfect individuals overcoming challenges and societal pressures to connect with their Creator.

G-d created us body and soul. Each part of the Human tandem tugging us in the opposite direction.

Our corporeal selves are selfish, looking for money, fame, pleasure and material indulgence. Our soul, our connection to G-d, lives to observe the Torah and mitzvot, however, it requires the body to do so. The Jewish guilt that constantly chirps in our ears, which is our soul, trying its best to encourage our G-d connection.

Most Jewish Holidays feature the celebration of miracles, open miracles that showed the might and power of G-d. These inspire us to connect by the enormity of the occurrence. Similarly, when we experience a situation where we see no other hope but for a miracle, as the saying goes, “there are no atheists in a foxhole,” we pray for the big-time intervention. And, when we are blessed with those miraculous occurrences, they lead us to a connection with G-d and inspire our observance.

Purim is different.

The Purim story happened when

Achashveirosh allowed Haman, his evil minister, to write up decrees to annihilate the Jewish nation from his Kingdom, without knowing that his new wife was Jewish too. When he found out, he had a change of heart and let Mordechai take over the decree making and voila the Jews were saved.

An already G-d centered individual will see the behind-the-scenes orchestration. The party that leads to Vashti being summoned and her refusal leading to her death, the beauty pageant to find the next wife where Esther, the only participant that didn’t want the job, gets chosen to take her place. Mordechai being a “helicopter parent” who happens to speak 70 languages and overhears the conversation plotting to kill the king. Lots of little things lined up perfectly, but there is no clear-cut, bigmoment miracle. The Purim story leaves room for the non-believer to question and blame it on coincidence.

Purim is therefore the holiday that inspires us to notice the details, to notice the small miracles that G-d orchestrates for each of us, every single day. Purim shows us that throughout the daily grind and struggles, we have a G-d that is cheering us

SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING MARCH 22 - 6:23 P.M. MARCH 29 - 6:29 P.M. SHABBAT ENDS

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on. We have a creator that wants us to find those moments and connect with him. We might not be a picture of perfection, but we are G-d’s version of perfect.

To sum it up, G-d’s idea of perfection is a struggling Jew that overcomes material desires to connect with Him. Purim inspires us to notice how in the day-to-day grind of life, G-d is there ensuring we have what we need, to allow us to connect with Him.

This year, Purim is Saturday night and Sunday. Purim has four mitzvah observances. 1. Listen to the reading of the Megillah (Saturday night and Sunday). 2. Enjoy a festive meal. 3. Share two Kosher food items with a fellow Jew. 4. Give charity to the poor (x2).

I hope you will be inspired to see G-d in your day to day and join us on the holiday train to observe Purim! JN

How do we celebrate Purim in a time of mourning? We’re not the first Jews to face that question.

DAVID I. BERNSTEIN | JTA

How can we possibly be joyous on Purim this year? Should it be canceled? Or must it go on?

There is so much to mourn: the terrible events of Oct. 7, the incomprehensible suffering of the hostages being held by Hamas, the ongoing war and the daily toll it is taking.

And yet, we are told to “increase our joy” in this month of Adar in anticipation of Purim, the holiday that begins this year on the evening of March 23.

Is anyone in the mood?

It is difficult, but I think Jewish tradition and Jewish history offer us some models.

Jewish tradition recognizes that there is no “full cup” of joy, nor one of unmitigated sadness.  At a wedding, an occasion full of joy and hope, the groom ceremoniously breaks a glass to remind us that all is not well.

In a similar vein, there are limitations on mourning. When the period of shiva is over, the custom is that the mourner is accompa-

nied outside and walks around the block, signifying the need to return to the world. This is what life is: a mixture of joy and sadness, of things we are grateful for and things we dread. Life is not black or white; rather we alternate from one to the other and back again, sometimes feeling them both at once.

In Krakow stands the oldest surviving synagogue in Poland: the Alta Shul, built in the 1400s, probably before the European discovery of America. A few centuries ago, on a different tragic Simchat Torah, a group of Jesuit students interrupted the celebrations and took away the Torah scrolls.

How could the community ever celebrate that holiday again? They did. But they instituted a way to remember that tragedy: for one of the hakafot — the normally joyous “parade” of the Torah scrolls —  they would not sing and dance but would sit on the ground in mourning. With the next hakafah, the singing and dancing would resume.

Fast forward to the 1970s and 1980s, as

Jews all over the world struggled to help the brave Soviet Jewish activists who were trying to emigrate to Israel. My synagogue in Manhattan observed a “silent hakafah,” without song and dance, to remember “The Jews of Silence” (the title of Elie Wiesel’s important book about Soviet Jews trapped behind the Iron Curtain). After the silent hakafah, the celebrations resumed.

We Jews have a very strong sense of memory. Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi, the late Columbia University historian, wrote that “remember” is written 169 times in the Hebrew Bible. We remember the many tragedies that have befallen our people.  But we do not get stuck in the past — we move on, and we celebrate life, not death.

We see this after a terrorist attack in Israel. There is a remarkable sense of solidarity, there is great sadness. Yet very quickly the blood is washed away and life at that very spot resumes.

Perhaps the best model for us is those

A NOTE ON OPINION

who survived the Holocaust. In 1946 in Landsberg, we have photos of them in costumes; one of them even dressed up as Hitler (!), and they “hanged” him as part of their Purim celebrations. They did not despair or wallow in self-pity. Instead, they built a future: They married, they had children, and they agitated, advocated and fought for a Jewish State.

In the Scroll of Esther, read on Purim, we are told “v’nahafoch hu,” that “everything flips:” the impending tragedy is averted, the persecutor is brought to justice and sadness becomes joy.

Our Torah teaches us, “Choose life!” We must choose life to its fullest, even as we remember and mark the tragedies around us. And this year we need “v’nahafoch hu” more than ever. 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.

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

Rabbi Dov Levertov is director of the Chabad of Phoenix.

Rabbi Dov Levertov COURTESY OF RABBI DOV LEVERTOV

Real Estate/Banking

Finding contractors to do non-DIY projects

ROSIE ROMERO, JR. | COLUMNIST

Every house needs routine maintenance and repairs. Some you can do yourself. Others, like the ones listed below, need to be done by a licensed contractor. When I say, “licensed contractor,” I mean one licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC). These contractors are also bonded and insured.

Your home is one of the most expensive items you own, and home projects done wrong can turn into thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs.

NON-DIY PROJECTS

Modifying a load-bearing wall

This project, without question, is NOT a DIY, ever!

You don’t know what is behind the drywall. A load-bearing wall provides structural support for weight loads above the wall and cannot be removed without a new structure taking its place.

HVAC system replacement

Removing and installing an HVAC system is very technical and complicated. Installers must be skilled in electrical, plumbing, welding and industry-specific computer programing. They also need experience handling toxic gases and understanding pressure, temperature, airflow and specialized equipment.

An experienced HVAC contractor will ensure you get a unit that is the right size for your home and matches the ductwork and your comfort needs.

Roofing

Safety is the primary concern here. There are many unknowns on your roof, such as rotten beams or shingles that could be moldy and/or have holes that could easily cause serious injuries. Professional, experienced roofers know how to choose the right products, properly walk on roofs, spot dangers and operate power tools while performing a delicate balancing act.

As for the work itself, replacing a roof or repairing damage requires skill and

experience. An improperly installed roof looks awful and can damage other parts of your home, which can decrease its value and resale.

Building your own pool

Many people think they will save a lot of money building their own pool. You may save some money, but it is generally not worth the headache or the safety risks. Subcontractors generally take the jobs from the general contractors they have strong relationships with first, and that puts you and your pool at the bottom of their to-do list.

There are so many safety issues, such as drowning prevention, leak detection, electrical malfunctions, settling and countless others, that this must be handled by a professional.

More reasons why these are not DIY projects

These projects require a city permit to ensure everything has been checked and meets safety codes.

Remember to check with the city for any project you tackle yourself. They will tell you what needs to be permitted and what is required to meet the inspection requirements.

By tackling these projects yourself, you will likely void the manufacturer’s warranty. If there is a defect with their products, you can’t get your money back.

If someone gets injured working on your DIY project, it will be reported to your home insurance company, which will cause legal and financial troubles for everyone involved.

If you DIY an installation or repair something that may affect the structure of your home, your insurance company may cancel your policy. This could leave you without coverage, and it may be very difficult to find another company to insure you later.

Even if you buy the right supplies and research how to do the project, these jobs are best left to the professionals. One mistake can turn into a disaster that will

need to be fixed by a professional. Then you pay for the DIY and the professional expenses.

HIRING A CONTRACTOR

Now that you know these jobs should be performed by a contractor, it’s time to find one.

Interview several contractors

Only choose contractors that are licensed and bonded with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (I can’t stress this point enough). It is illegal to contract without a license in Arizona. It is also illegal for someone else to contract under another company’s license and for employees of a licensed company to do side work using their employer’s license.

Be wary of coupons

Open any circular or envelope of coupons mailed to your home, and you will find a bounty of advertisements for duct cleaning, roofing, HVAC inspections and so on. If the specials seem too good to be true, they are.

Scams

Duct cleaning, for example, is a common scam. Just because it is dusty in Arizona, it doesn’t mean you need annual duct cleaning. When the time comes and

you need them cleaned, you should hire a professional company that is a Certified Air Conditioning Specialist. One poorly done “cleaning” could cost you a new HVAC system. A good cleaning done by a professional should last seven to 10 years.

Keep it local

Over the past few years, a large percentage of our local air conditioning and plumbing contractors were purchased by national private equity companies. These large organizations design their operations entirely around the monetizing of the customer. Their dayto-day operations have one primary goal in mind … sales and profit. Regardless of the industry, when calling a contractor, ask these questions:

• Are your technicians paid a commission or “performance base” pay?

• Is the owner in the office daily?

• Do you have other locations or affiliated companies, or is Arizona home? JN

For more information, visit RosieOnTheHouse. com and select “Rosie’s How To Choose A Contractor Consumer Guide.” Rosie Romero, Jr. is co-owner of Arizona’s home improvement radio program “Rosie on the House.”

Pool construction and repair is best left to the experts.

Phoenix banker offers advice on best way to save for the future

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

When it comes to saving money, many people think of a simple savings account that allows money to grow according to a set interest rate. But there are other options, and many banks and credit unions offer their clients a choice of a money market account (MMA) or a certificate of deposit (CD).

“CDs typically offer higher interest rates compared to money market accounts,” said Thomas J. Inserra, CEO of Integro Bank in Phoenix. “However, CDs typically require the account holder to lock in their funds for a specific period (such as 6, 12 or 24 months), whereas money market accounts offer more flexibility by allowing account holders to make withdrawals at any time without penalty. The financial institution holding the money market account will determine the limits on the number of withdrawals per month.”

According to U.S. News & World Report, there are some key differences between the two.

Consider these three factors when deciding which type of account to choose:

LIQUIDITY

MMAs offer greater liquidity than CDs, as you can usually access your funds at any time without penalty. CDs, on the other hand, have a fixed term (ranging from a few months to several years) and you generally can’t access your money until the term is up without incurring an early withdrawal penalty.

INTEREST RATES

CDs typically offer higher interest rates than MMAs because you commit to keeping your money in the account for a specific period. A longer term will likely have a higher interest rate. MMA interest rates tend to be higher than traditional savings accounts, but lower than CDs. They are variable and can change over time based on market conditions.

MINIMUM DEPOSITS

CDs often have a minimum deposit requirement, though it can be as little as $1 at some institutions. CDs with high interest rates may require larger minimum deposits. MMAs may also have a minimum deposit requirement, though some institutions offer MMAs with no minimum deposit required.

The main draw of a CD is that it earns a fixed interest rate for the term of the account, regardless of the rate fluctuations. It is important to note that if you pull out your money from a CD before the maturity date, you’ll be charged an early withdrawal fee. Some banks may penalize an account days or months of interest depending on your CD term length.

On the other hand, MMAs are better than CDs if you’re looking for a more accessible account. You can easily deposit and withdraw funds for a money market account with an ATM card, personal checks, online or with a cell phone. Make sure to double check whether a bank issues ATM cards or personal checks with their

money market accounts. Also check if there are limits on outgoing transactions per statement cycle.

Both CDs and money market accounts are generally considered low-risk investments because they’re typically offered by banks and are FDIC insured up to the maximum allowed by law (currently $250,000 per depositor, per bank for CDs and MMAs).

“Choosing between a CD or money market will depend upon the goals and needs of the customer,” said Inserra. “If the account holder will need access to the funds easily and without penalties, a money market savings account is their better option. If the customer has the capacity to lock up the funds for a set period of time, a CD is often the better option as it can offer a higher return.” JN

For more information on Integro Bank, visit integrobank.com.

Phoenix realtor authors book to ‘inspire success and freedom’

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Oleg Bortman couldn’t have picked a worse time to get into real estate. It was 2009 and he and his family had moved two years earlier to Phoenix, arguably the city hit hardest by home price declines at the beginning of the Great Recession. According to the Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index, the average house in Phoenix lost 53% of its value between June 2006 and March 2009, the first time since the Great Depression that a metropolitan area’s house prices dropped by more than half.

That didn’t discourage Bortman, who predicted, “If I can make it when homes are basically being given away when things recover, I’ll have a strong business.”

More than a dozen years later, he’s been proven right. He oversees The Brokery, a residential real estate company with four offices in Greater Phoenix and 80 agents working under him. Of course, he was no

novice when it came to sales. For 15 years, before he made the change, Bortman had a successful career in pharmaceutical sales for Abbott and was constantly on the road.

Now, he keeps closer to home, his wife, two children and his Scottsdale synagogue, Congregation Beth Tefillah.

Recently, Bortman became an author and published his first book, “Always Ahead: 12 Striking Stories of Determination, Commitment, and Inspiration in Pursuit of Success and Freedom.” This compilation of stories by him and other entrepreneurs is published by Best Stellar Publishing, a company that worked with each contributor to prepare a chapter of eight to 12 pages.

The idea for the book originally

he told Jewish News. He may have put the notebook down but he kept thinking about it. Even more than thinking about it, he kept talking about it, until finally his wife told him bluntly, “Stop talking about it and just do it!”

Bortman was born in Ukraine and he came with his family, who had next to nothing, to the United States in the late 1970s, when he was only three years old. “We didn’t speak the language and we started all over from scratch,” he said.

He is a big believer in the ideal of the American dream, and so he wanted to share his rags-to-riches story with people he might inspire to know that people can persevere through hard times and find success on the other side.

When he decided to compile these stories, he thought about the many people he knew who were successful in various businesses but weren’t always certain they would be.

“I wanted to inspire success and freedom,” Bortman said.

There is a range of contributors, from builders to public relations to other pharmaceutical salespeople. Bortman said that all the book’s stories are unique and “should be heard,” but some resonate with him in particular.

LaDarren Landrum, Bortman’s performance coach, writes about his powerful story of experiencing homelessness early in life, joining the U.S. Marines and eventually winning NBC’s “Next Olympic

Hopeful,” with no experience, earning himself a spot in the Olympic training camp for U.S. men’s rowing.

Landrum doesn’t only focus on personal training for Bortman and his other clients, but also on creating a tough mental mindset. The two have been working together for almost two years, and now Bortman’s son, who dreams of playing soccer professionally, has started training with Landrum.

The book came out in January. He’s pleased to know people are reading it and sharing the stories. He is even thinking about doing some book signings.

He hopes that readers will enjoy how he divides life metaphorically into the four quarters of a professional football or basketball game, beginning with childhood, transitioning to young adulthood — a time of trying different jobs — followed by mid-life when one finds an enjoyable career and the years when one earns the most money before retiring. That’s when the player moves into overtime, a happy retirement.

“The third quarter of my life was my big, impactful move into real estate,” he said. “It’s all about how quickly you can get to overtime.” JN

“Always Ahead: 12 Striking Stories of Determination, Commitment, and Inspiration in Pursuit of Success and Freedom,” is available on Amazon.

Oleg Bortman is pictured holding his new book. COURTESY OF PIXELIST MEDIA

The 12 tribes of landlords

OPHIR GROSS | COLUMNIST

Owning rental properties is like having your own personal money-printing machine. It’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building your financial empire one rental property at a time. So, let’s dive into 12 benefits of being the landlord of your very own real estate kingdom:

Steady cash flow

Picture this: while the rest of the world is swiping their credit cards and crossing their fingers for payday, you, the proud property owner, are sipping your morning coffee, knowing that the rent checks are on their way. Rental properties provide a constant stream of income, and if managed right, you’ll have more greenbacks than your neighbor’s envyworthy lawn.

Appreciation

Real estate values tend to rise over time, just like fine wine — and who doesn’t like a good vintage? Your rental property could turn into a prized possession that appreciates in value. So, when you decide it’s time to cash in, you might just find yourself toasting to a profitable sale.

Tax benefits

Now, let’s talk taxes, shall we? Owning rental properties is like having your personal accountant find creative ways to lower your tax bill legally. Mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses are all deductible. Come tax season, you’ll be the one with the most significant refund check at the party.

Equity building

Think of your rental property as your financial gym — tenants pay rent, and you build equity. Over time, this wealth-building exercise can leave you with biceps of financial steel. Plus, if you decide to pay down that mortgage faster, you’ll be a financial Schwarzenegger in no time.

Portfolio diversification

Unlike the stock market’s rollercoaster ride, rental properties offer a smooth and

steady sail. They tend to dance to their tune, making them a perfect partner for diversifying your investment portfolio. When stocks plummet, your properties might just be doing the cha-cha of profitability.

Hedge against inflation

Inflation might eat away at your favorite snacks’ portion size, but it’s no match for rental properties. As the cost of living climbs, so does your rental income and property value. In the battle of purchasing power, you’ll come out on top, like a financial superhero.

Control over investment

Being a landlord means you’re the captain of your investment ship. You decide how to manage the property, choose your tenants, set the rent and even give your property a makeover when needed. It’s your investment, your rules and you’ll be the mastermind behind your financial success.

Retirement income

Ever dreamt of sipping cocktails on a beach while your bank account keeps growing? Rental properties can make that dream a reality. With multiple rental properties and mortgages paid down, you’ll have a stream of passive income that can fund your retirement in style.

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Our commitment to excellence extends beyond technical proficiency. We are passionate about creating spaces that resonate with our clients on a personal level. Whether you’re seeking a sleek modern aesthetic or a cozy traditional vibe, we’ll bring your vision to life with creativity and finesse. What sets us apart is not just our craftsmanship, but our unwavering dedication to your satisfaction. We pride ourselves on our reliability and dependability, ensuring that your project is completed on time and to the highest standards.

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Ready to transform your space? Contact The Contractor Guys today and let’s embark on this exciting journey together. Your dream home awaits! SEE LANDLORDS, PAGE 16

CREATION.

Toby Weinstein - West USA Realty

I love my job! There is nothing else I would rather do than being a real estate agent and property manager! Even though I have been licensed for over 35 years, I still love working with “firsttime” home buyers. I am still thrilled and excited when I find the “dream” home for that first-time home buyer or the “perfect” home for the last-time home buyer. Factors such as rising interest rates and a shortage of inventory have made home buying more di cult, but my years of experience have enabled me to help buyers through the complex, and at times, competitive home buying process.

At times, I have been asked to sell a home for someone experiencing a life changing event and it is gratifying to get the home sold quickly so the client can move on with their life. Through the years, I have acquired various resources that are helpful to sellers like estate sale companies, handymen, contractors, pet sitters and almost anything they would need to make their move as stress free as possible.

The property management services I o er are a result of working with local and out-of-state clients wanting rental properties. I realized that it would be an additional service I could o er my clients. They receive full-service management, their rental property appreciates and their mortgage is paid by tenants. It is one of the best ways to build a secure financial future.

REAL ESTATE/BANKING

Personal use and vacation homes

Who says rental properties can’t have a dual purpose? You can enjoy your property for vacations or retirement and still rake in rental income when you’re not soaking up the sun. It’s like having your cake and eating it too — with a cherry on top.

Learning opportunities

Owning rental properties isn’t just about counting money; it’s an education in itself. You’ll become a property management guru, a real estate market expert and a financial wizard all rolled into one. These skills are not just handy for your rental properties; they’re your secret sauce for financial success in other ventures.

Long-term wealth creation

Rental properties are like planting financial seeds that grow into money trees over time. As property values increase, and your mortgage balance shrinks, your net worth flourishes. It’s a long-term wealth strategy that can set you and your descendants up for financial triumph.

Local economic growth

Investing in rental properties isn’t just about personal gain; it’s also about fostering local economic growth. By providing housing options, you play a part in stimulating economic activity in your community while padding your pockets — a win-win situation.

Owning rental properties is like having a backstage pass to the world of real estate wealth creation. It’s an investment strategy that combines financial savvy, a bit of landlord charm and the promise of a prosperous future. Just remember to do your homework, make informed decisions and be ready to seize opportunities as they come. With some chutzpah and trustworthy real estate professionals by your side, you’ll be well on your way to rental property success. Cheers to being the landlord of your own financial destiny! JN

Ophir Gross is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty and has a combined skillset of business strategy and consumer psychology. She is a member of JNFuture Root Society, Women in Philanthropy, NowGen Phoenix, attends Congregation Beth Tefillah and began her roots in the community at the Phoenix Hebrew Academy and, formerly, Jess Schwartz High School. She can be reached at ophir.gross@ cbrealty.com or 480-794-0807.

Toby

Having a grand time

Teacher recognition

Where is your Jewish News?

Grand Canyon edition

It’s award season in the West Valley

A special night for justice

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.

Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley presented its annual Kavod Award to Nan RubinLieber, left, and Roz Goldstein, right, in appreciation of their exemplary service to the congregation and the Jewish Community Center of the Northwest Valley. They received their awards on March 1 during a special dinner. COURTESY OF BERNIE ARUM

Judy Schaffert received the Justice Champion Award for Excellence in Service & Character from Arizona Jews for Justice (AJJ) on Feb. 22 at Temple Solel. AJJ Campaign Director Eddie Chavez Calderon, left, and AJJ Founder Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, right, stand on either side of her.

COURTESY OF ARIZONA JEWS FOR JUSTICE

The Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation raised $9.9 million for Barrow Neurological Institute through the 59th Barrow Grand Ball on January 20. From left to right, Dr. Scott Kreiner, Harriet Friedland, Jim and Pam Risoleo.

COURTESY OF BARROW NEUROLOGICAL INSTITUTE

Janet Bain from Flagstaff enjoys paging through the Jewish News as she relaxes on the bank of the Colorado River near Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon on March 1. COURTESY OF JEWISH NEWS

Mesa teacher Kim Klett is pictured at the AntiDefamation League’s “In Concert Against Hate” program, where she was honored for her work on Holocaust education in 2023 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

COURTESY OF IMAGELINK PHOTOGRAPHY

Featured Event

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

Hamantaschen Make, Take and Bake:

2-4 p.m. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the VOSJCC to make hamantaschen to take home and bake. Cost: $18 members; $25 non-members. For more information, visit vosjcc.org.

Events

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY MARCH 23-24

Purim at Beth El Phoenix: 7 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. Sunday. Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Join Beth El for a study session followed by Havdalah, Maariv and Megillah reading on Saturday and morning services, youth activities, Purim shpiel, social action project and brunch on Sunday. Cost: $18 adults, $10 ages under 13, $45 for a family of four; paid registration required for brunch only. For more information, visit bethelphoenix.com/purim.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

Purim Celebration in Israel: 8 p.m. Chabad of Phoenix, 2110 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix. Join Chabad for Megillah reading, fun zone, falafel stand and live music. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com/purimparty.

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

Temple Chai ECC Registration/Purim Carnival: 9-11 a.m. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Join Temple Chai’s Early Childhood Center for a tour with the ECC director and a Purim carnival. Cost: Free. For more information, visit tcaz.shulcloud.com/calendar.

Purim Bash: 10:30 a.m. Chabad of Phoenix, 2110 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix. Join Chabad and Aleph Bet Preschool for Megillah reading, entertainment, petting zoo, inflatables, snacks and more. Cost: Free; RSVP requested. For more information, visit alephbetaz.com/ purimparty.

Purim at the Shuk: 4 p.m. Chabad of Scottsdale, 10215 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join Chabad for Megillah reading, live music, Israeli wine tasting, shuk booths, kids’ crafts and more. Cost: $28 adults, $19 children. For more information, visit chabadofscottsdale. org/purim.

Purim in Israel: 4 p.m. Chabad Edelman Jewish Center, 16830 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills. Join Chabad of Fountain Hills for Megillah reading, Israeli food and music, silent auction, children’s activities and Western Wall photo booth. Cost: $30 adults, $18 ages 3-12. For more information, visit jewishfountainhills. com/purim.

Rainbows Festival: 4-6 p.m. Heritage and Science Park, 113 N. Sixth St., Phoenix. Join AZ Jews for Pride at the Rainbows Festival for food trucks, craft cocktails, entertainment and a chance to support the LGBTQ+ community. Cost: Free. For more information, visit phoenixpride.org/events/rainbows-festival.

My Big Fat Greek Purim: 5 p.m. Chabad of the East Valley, 875 N. McClintock Drive., Chandler. Join Chabad for Megillah reading and a Purim party featuring Bouzouki music and Greek food and drink. Cost: $36 adults, $28 ages 12 and under. For more information, visit chabadcenter.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

Cruising Rabbi: More Travels with Rabbi Lavinsky: 10-11:30 a.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Join the EVJCC as Rabbi Arthur Lavinsky shares his adventures as a cruise rabbi. Cost: Free. For more information, visit evjcc.org/tuesdays.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

Kosher Food Truck: 12-2 p.m. Parked at 6516 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. Join Arizona Kosher Pantry and Ezras Cholim’s kosher food truck for lunch. All proceeds support the work the two organizations are doing to support the community dealing with food insecurity. For more information, visit azkosherpantry.org.

Jewish Philosophy and the Challenges of Modernity: 7-8:30 p.m. Online. Join ASU Jewish Studies and Professor Hava Tirosh Samuelson for a lecture on Jewish philosophy. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jewishstudies.asu.edu.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Under the Sea Dinner and a Movie: 6-7:30 p.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Join the EVJCC Early Learning Center and PJ Library for a pizza dinner, a showing of “Finding Nemo” and crafts. Register by March 25. For more information, visit evjcc.org/event/movienight2024.

TUESDAY, April 2

Israeli Wine Tasting: 6 p.m. Total Wine and More, 13440 N. Prasada Parkway, Surprise. Join Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley for kosher wine tasting and light bites. Cost: $25 members, $30 nonmembers; register by March 25. For more information, visit bethemethaz.org/upcoming-events.

THURSDAY, April 4

Choosing Optimism: Technion’s Role in Shaping Israel’s Future: 7:30 a.m. Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. Join Technion for an event featuring bestselling author Saul Singer and award-winning Technion Professor Moran Bercovici. Register by March 28. For more information, visit secure.ats.org/ page/63475/event.

SUNDAYS

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

THURSDAYS

Storytime at Modern Milk: 9:30 a.m. Modern Milk, 13802 N. Scottsdale Road, #163, Scottsdale. Storytime for babies, toddlers and

preschoolers. Integrates children’s books and songs while giving parents new ideas for play. Cost: $5. For more information and to register, visit modernmilk.com/after-baby.

Meetings, Lectures & Classes

SUNDAYS

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

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

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

MONDAYS

Interfaith Antisemitism Course: 10-11 a.m. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. TBSWV will present a four-part interfaith series (April 1, 8, 15 and 22) looking at contemporary antisemitism and attempting to analyze its sources and likely results. Cost: $20 members; $35 nonmembers; registration deadline March 27. For more information, visit tbsaz.org.

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

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

TUESDAYS

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

WEDNESDAYS

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

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

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

JACS: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Online. Zoom support group for Jewish alcoholics, addicts and their friends and family on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Cost: Free. For more information, email jacsarizona@gmail. com or call 602-692-1004.

THURSDAYS

Interfaith Course: 10-11 a.m. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. TBSWV will present a four-part interfaith series (April 4, 11, 18 and 25) focusing on two perspectives of the Gospels: Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism. Cost: $20 members; $35 nonmembers; registration deadline April 2. For more information, visit tbsaz.org.

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.

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

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

The Science of Everything: 4 p.m. Online. Explore the most fundamental work of Chassidut: the Tanya, with Rabbi Boruch. Cost: Free. Use this link: zoom.us/j/736434666. 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.

CALENDAR

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

Shabbat

FRIDAYS

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

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

Shabbat at Beth El: 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 service has varying dates and times. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. For more information, contact Joan Neer at jneer@templechai.com.

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

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

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 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. 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.

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

THURSDAYS

Memory Cafe: 10-11 a.m. first Thursday; 1-2 p.m. third Thursday. Online. Presented by Jewish Family & Children’s Service. Program for those with changes in their thinking or memory, mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder, along with their care partners. For more information, visit jfcsaz.org/our-services/older-adult-services/ memory-cafe/.

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

FRIDAYS

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

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

MILESTONES

ZOE RIVKA LIEBERMAN

Zoe Rivka Lieberman will become a bat mitzvah on April 13, 2024, at Temple Solel. She is the daughter of Mark and Dr. Tamara Lieberman of Scottsdale.

Zoe’s grandparents are Todd Clark and Danielle Reines-Clark of Tucson; and Gary and Kathy Lieberman of Mesa.

For her mitzvah project, Zoe is working with the Urban Farm Program at St. Vincent de Paul, helping to provide nutritious food to those in need.

A student at Cocopah Middle School, Zoe is an animal lover and enjoys volleyball, piano and playing the upright bass. JN

Doris Relin DeGroot

Doris Relin DeGroot, 88, passed away March 10, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Rochester, New York, and moved to Phoenix in 1962. Doris was the middle child of three daughters and is predeceased by her parents, Solomon and Ruth Relin, and her two sisters Barbara Berger and Joyce Cohen.

Forever an innovator and entrepreneur, Doris started her first business venture in 1975 — Reports Unlimited, Inc. She was definitely a woman ahead of her time, raising four children alone and launching her own business. She started several other businesses over the years including Management Services and People People — an analog friend matching service for women years before the internet.

Eventually, Doris decided to merge her passion and love of animals with her entrepreneurial pursuits. She created her last business venture — her lasting legacy — United Pet Care, LLC. when Doris was in her 60s. After bringing more affordable pet healthcare to thousands of pets in the Valley, Doris sold the business when she was 85 years old to finally retire.

A determined, loving and feisty wife, mother and Grammy, Doris leaves behind her children Terri (Bill) Hoffman, Julie Ficke, Jeff Hoffman, Joel (Heidi) Kallett; her husband, Peter DeGroot; and seven grandchildren that were her true joy: Courtney Hoffman, Kara Hoffman, Zach Ficke, Becca Ficke, Alex Dravillas, Ethan Kallett and Jordan Kallett.

A memorial service will be held for Doris at Sinai Mortuary, Friday, March 15, 2024, at 12 p.m. (4538 N. 16th St., Phoenix) followed by her internment at Beth Israel Cemetery (305 S. 35th Ave., Phoenix).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to either the Arizona Humane Society (azhumane.org) or Hospice of the Valley (hov.org) would be appreciated.

Gene Burns passed away peacefully on Feb. 29, 2024.

He was born on July 22, 1935, in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to Arizona with his family in 1950. He and his family were significantly connected with the Jewish community. Those values and connections still exist in his family today.

In 1956, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he became a weapons and infantry trainer. After the Army, he married the love of his life, Penny Tropp. Gene was a real estate agent and clothing salesman. He enjoyed working with people and singing barbershop quartet music, participating in several choruses and quartets for 36 years.

Gene had a positive influence on everyone he met. He always had a kind word and the biggest heart. He was known as “Dad” and “Zadie” to many people outside of his family.

Gene is survived by his two children Lori Berman (Michael) and Cary Burns (Deborah Northrop) and is a loving Zadie to Courtney and Jessica. He is also survived by his brothers Ed Burns and Ron Burns.

Donations are being accepted at the Swift Youth Foundation in his honor.

Morton Lippman

Morton Lippman of Scottsdale died Thursday, Feb. 29, at age 97. He was a beloved son, husband, father, businessman and friend to all who knew him, and he never knew a stranger.

Lippman grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he graduated from James Madison High School in 1943. He served in the Army during World War II, before graduating from George Washington University School of Pharmacy and becoming owner of Claremont Rexall Drug Store in Alexandria, Virginia.

He moved to Phoenix in 1970, and opened the Cardially Yours Hallmark store at Central Avenue and Camelback Road, which grew to four successful locations including one in Scottsdale Fashion Square.

After he retired, he worked as a volunteer and helped to reorganize the pharmacy at St. Vincent de Paul’s free medical clinic in downtown Phoenix. He was also a longtime member of Temple Chai in Phoenix.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons Andrew of South Pasadena, California and Glenn (Nancy Newberry) of Scottsdale; stepson, Stephen Partington (Chris) of Bloomington, Indiana; brother, Fred (Bonnie) of Pembroke Pines, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was married for 53 years to his childhood sweetheart, Miriam, who died in 2001. He married Nancy Partington in 2006, after they met while they were both working in the same bookstore. Mort was the beloved son of Charles and Ida; brother to the late Eddie Lippman.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Jewish Free Loan (jewishfreeloan.org).

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Gene Burns

Connect. Engage. Grow. At The

Intro to Golf

Tuesdays, Apr. 2-16 | 10am-12pm

J Members: $72 | Guests: $90

This hybrid classroom and hands on experience will cover rules, the fundamentals (grip, stance, swing), which clubs to use for which shots, and golfing exercises.

Movie Club

Monday, April 8 | 1-3pm | An American Pickle

J Members: $10/film | Guests: $15/film

Come to The J on the second Monday of the month to watch gripping and powerful films all with a Jewish theme. Following each screening, stay for an optional discussion about the film. Snacks will be served.

Cell Phone Photography Workshop

Sunday, Apr. 14 | 3-4pm

Members: $18 |

Guests: $25

Discover the art of capturing stunning photos on your cell phone through expert guidance, valuable tips, a live photo demonstration, and hands-on practice opportunities with our skilled instructor.

Art Talk - Phoenix Art Museum

Tuesday, April 16 | 11am-12pm | Savor the Southwest

J Members & Guests: Free

A Phoenix Art Museum docent will visit The J each month to present on a different artist, exhibit or collection at the Museum.

Wine 101 with the Scottsdale Wine Club

Thursday, May 2 | 6-7:30pm

J Members & Guests: $36

When sampling wine, do you get hints of blackberry with an oaky finish? Neither do we, YET! Learn how all about wine and how to taste like an expert. Price includes education and wine samples.

Mother’s Day Chocolate Centerpieces

Tuesday, May 7 | 5:30-7:30pm

J Members: $45 | Guests: $55

Unlock the secrets of chocolate tempering and molding in this hands-on course. Learn to differentiate between chocolate and compound coatings while mastering 3D molding and decorative techniques. Create a beautiful, delicious chocolate centerpiece, perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day. Get ready for some chocolate fun!

For questions, contact Chi Isiogu at chii@vosjcc.org or at 480.481.1756.

To see and register for all Adult programs, visit: vosjcc.org/adults try.vosjcc.org

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