Jewish News, August 9, 2024 by jewishaz

ELECTION LOSS

Maricopa County Recorder

Stephen Richer loses primary to an election skeptic

WORLD-FAMOUS CLASSMATE

Scottsdale Holocaust survivor, Rebecca Siegel, went to school with Anne Frank

From belonging to inclusion: CJP series seeks to open door to wider community

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Many Jewish professionals would like to welcome a broader coalition of Jews into their organizations and religious communities and let them know they really do belong there. In an effort to make their pitches more effective, the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix (CJP) is connecting local leaders with four groups representing those Jews who have heretofore had their voices marginalized.

“Our goal is to be more inviting and to make sure that our programs and events are welcoming. We want to increase the visibility of just how diverse our community really is,” CJP Director of Community Engagement Jennifer Starrett told Jewish News.

The big challenge is whether organizations can be flexible and open enough to move past their preconceptions of certain Jews and their intersectional identities. Thus, a critical first step is coming to the table with an open mind.

That was the message from Adam Pollack, chief program officer of 18Doors, a Jewish organization whose mission is to empower people in interfaith relationships. Pollack led “Creating a Space for Belonging” in June, the first presentation in CJP’s four-part virtual series.

Pollack told viewers to throw out preconceptions, come with an open mind and “ask questions — don’t hold back.” He reminded them that they were “in a space of learning” and shouldn’t be afraid of looking foolish.

SEE CJP, PAGE 2

ASU Chabad rabbi sees ‘true Jewish unity’ in Israel, talks challenging climate on campus

Amonth before Oct. 7, one survey of Jewish college students found that almost one in three had witnessed or experienced some form of antisemitism on campus. Flash forward to May 2024, after pro-Palestinian protests and encampments had rocked campuses across the country, and more than half of Jewish students have reported feeling less safe at school.

These campus tensions and student fears have weighed heavily on the mind of Chabad at Arizona State University Executive Director Rabbi Shmuel Tiechtel for months. They were certainly top of mind when he traveled to Israel July 10-14 to participate in this year’s Chabad on Campus International’s annual conference.

“There was no question in our mind that this year’s convention must be held in Israel. The campus shluchim (emissaries) are facing unprecedented challenges, and with that comes the need for an unprecedented response,” said Avi Weinstein, COO of Chabad on Campus International.

Two hundred campus rabbis from 14 countries met over four days to exchange ideas about how to support their students amidst one of the most challenging college climates they’ve ever faced.

“We’re in a unique situation,” Tiechtel said. “Our students knew about antisemitism, but most of them never experienced it like this in their lives. Our job is to teach them how to stay strong, stay resilient, stay secure and how not to let challenging

SEE CHABAD, PAGE 3

Mazel Tov!

At 80, Karen Shapiro celebrated her first bat mitzvah at the bimah of the synagogue she helped found. See page 14.

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACK KANE

Rabbi Shmuel Tiechtel, left, and Dr. Danny Abelev at the Kotel. COURTESY OF CHABAD AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

While he talked about the concept of belonging in a general way, even asking people to delve into their own memories in a breakout session, he also shared datadriven specifics to drive home his point. He discussed the prominence of interfaith couples and families and how they are already in “our big tent” using the findings of the last extensive Pew survey of Jewish Americans that showed 72% of nonOrthodox Jews who married after 2010 are marrying someone not Jewish and 69% of those couples are raising Jewish children “in one way or another.”

heritage.” The most useful thing to do is ask people their preferred terminology, he said.

said Jon Meyers, director of ADDPC.

“Our hope is to create and promote opportunities for people to be embraced, become part of the community and find equitable opportunities wherever they

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

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

Garcia, associate director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix, told Jewish News in an email.

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

Using inclusive language was also a central theme in the second presentation in CJP’s “Belonging” series, presented by Kachel Kohnhorst, the Southwest education and training manager of Keshet, an organization working for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families in Jewish life.

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

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

She already has some practice at advocating for herself.

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

She already has some practice at advocating for herself.

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

However, he and his colleagues are troubled by the fact that only 27% of such families feel a sense of belonging in the Jewish community. This low percentage is exactly why 18Doors exists, he said.

January 6

January 20

January 6

February 3

January 20

February 17

August 25

September 1

August 25

September 8

September 1

September 15

“Participating in the CJP’s inclusion series provides an invaluable opportunity to learn with professionals and lay leaders of local Jewish nonprofit organizations to foster and support a welcoming and inclusive environment within our Phoenix Jewish community,” Jewish Free Loan Executive Director Ellen Friedman Sacks told Jewish News in an email.

Kohnhorst began by encouraging viewers to think of building Jewish communities that embrace people not in spite of who they are but because of who they are, “people who are wholly built in God’s image.”

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

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

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

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

“Lots of people are choosing to marry someone from another background; lots of them are choosing to raise Jewish children in one way or another; and very few of them actually feel like they belong to the place that they’re raising their children in,” he said.

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

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

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

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

Much of her presentation involved an explaining LGBTQ terminology and definitions, which was greatly appreciated by viewers in the virtual chat, who admitted only passing familiarity with many of the terms. She went into detail and offered Keshet’s resources for further learning, something at least one participant called “extremely helpful.”

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

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

March 10

February 3

September 8

October 6

February 17

March 24

March 10

March 31

March 24

April 7

March 31

April 21

April 7

May 5

April 21

May 19

October 13**

September 15

Pollack offered several ideas and resources to make Jewish spaces more welcoming, including offering concrete explanations of religious services, more transliteration of Hebrew prayers and adding more cultural events.

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

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

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

October 6

October 20

He also helpfully distilled the Pew numbers for those interested in the rest of the CJP series, which addresses inclusion for LGBTQ Jews, Jews of color and Jews with disabilities, by explaining that a lot of interfaith families share these intersections.

October 13**

November 3

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

November 10

Beth El Phoenix’s M. Zavos-Costales signed up for the CJP series “to learn new outreach techniques to better integrate and include all members of our community.”

December 1

June 9

May 5

May 19

July 14

June 9

August 4

July 14

August 18*

August 4

August 18*

November 17

December 15

As a synagogue professional, she found it helpful that Pollack “aided in outlining areas that we can improve our outreach,” she told Jewish News in an email.

20 November 3 November 10 November 17 December 1

To illustrate the importance of inclusion he shared one final finding from the Pew survey. Children of interfaith parents in the 1980s and ‘90s were less likely to engage in Jewish life because of the treatment their parents received.

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.

“This has generational impacts,” Pollack said. “We can’t undo the past but we can change the future and ensure children see their parents are fully accepted and embraced.”

Gender identity, genderqueer, gender fluid and non-binary were a few of the terms Kohnhorst explained in depth because she understood that while people might have heard them before, many people still don’t know what they mean or how to use them appropriately, she said. Like Pollack, she emphasized that this was the perfect place to ask questions.

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.

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

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

“I appreciated the thorough review of terms and concepts as well as the grounding of the session in Torah with the reminder of the concept of “b’Tzelem Elohim” (we are all created in the image of god),” Wendy Cohen, Temple Chai’s executive director, told Jewish News in an email.

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.

“The facilitators challenge us as local leaders to dig deep and evaluate whether we are unintentionally creating barriers to involvement for some individuals,” Amanda

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.

Though Pollack used the term “interfaith” throughout his presentation he also broke down best practices when it comes to terminology because many people no longer use that word, instead preferring others such as “intercultural” or “mixed

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

Stern looks forward to sharing insights

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

Stern looks forward to sharing insights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Kohnhorst also offered a period of breakout sessions during which small groups were given several realistic and sometimes awkward scenarios involving LGBTQ people and asked how they would respond.

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

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

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.

6 December 20 *Best of Magazine **Annual Directory

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

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

N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 201, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Phone: 602.870.9470 | Fax: 602.870.0426 | editor@jewishaz.com | advertising@jewishaz.com subscriptions@jewishaz.com | www.jewishaz.com

Phone: 602.870.9470 | editor@jewishaz.com | advertising@jewishaz.com subscriptions@jewishaz.com | www.jewishaz.com

PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix

12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 201, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Phone: 602.870.9470 | Fax: 602.870.0426 | editor@jewishaz.com | advertising@jewishaz.com subscriptions@jewishaz.com | www.jewishaz.com

Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix

PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Rich Solomon | 602.639.5861 rsolomon@jewishaz.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jodi Lipson | 602.639.5866 jlipson@jewishaz.com

ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT Jodi Lipson | 602.639.5866 jlipson@jewishaz.com

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

GENERAL MANAGER Rich Solomon | 602.639.5861 rsolomon@jewishaz.com

Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix

GENERAL MANAGER Rich Solomon | 602.639.5861 rsolomon@jewishaz.com

MANAGING EDITOR Mala Blomquist | 602.639.5855 mblomquist@jewishaz.com

STAFF WRITER Shannon Levitt | 602.639.5854 slevitt@jewishaz.com

MANAGING EDITOR Mala Blomquist | 602.639.5855 mblomquist@jewishaz.com

STAFF WRITER Shannon Levitt | 602.639.5854 slevitt@jewishaz.com

ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT Jodi Lipson | 602.639.5866 jlipson@jewishaz.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS 602.870.9470 x 1 subscriptions@jewishaz.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ricki Urban | 602.870.9470 X 2 advertising@jewishaz.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS 602.870.9470 x 1 subscriptions@jewishaz.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ebony Brown | 410.902.2333 ads_phoenixjn@midatlanticmedia.com

Sophie Stern at her high school graduation in 2022

OF SOPHIE STERN

12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 201, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

is sorely lacking at many American universities.

times stop us from being who we are.”

While much of the discussions addressed the current crisis, the rabbis also shared programming ideas, classes, ways to engage students in a social media world and best practices.

Tiechtel was joined by Dr. Daniel Abelev, a family medicine physician, who has been working with Chabad at ASU for the last school year.

“He’s there to reinforce the troops,” Tiechtel said. “During the day, he heals bodies; at night, he heals souls.”

The two met with five ASU students studying in Israel on a summer program.

“They were so excited to see us. It bridged their worlds together,” he said.

Tiechtel said that many of the rabbis had much less support from various college administrations than he does at ASU, where he has developed strong relationships. He credits ASU’s administration with being supportive of the Jewish students overall. Several rabbis sought his advice on fostering better relationships with their own university administrations next fall.

He was also proud to share details of all the kosher resources at ASU, which

Many participants were able to draw on personal experience given that they had either witnessed similar incidents or had friends or family members who experienced the same things under discussion.

Cohen called that part of the session “most beneficial as we discussed strategies for promoting a better DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) framework in the workplace and offering programming to meet the needs of our LGBTQ+ members.”

“Without these educational opportunities

“Our administration is very supportive of Jewish life,” he said. “People were very interested and wanted to know how we can do that at other places.”

“We trust that the shluchim will return to campus with the strength, clarity and tools to continue being there to support Jewish students as they have been so impressively doing. We look forward to doing whatever we can to strengthen Jewish students on campus,” Weinstein said.

Holding the conference in Israel also allowed attendees to visit in person the Supernova music festival site, Sderot and the Sheba Medical Center, all places marked by the events of Oct. 7. They heard from families of hostages; Oren Laufer and Rami Davidian, who rescued many people from Hamas terrorists at the Nova concert; and Natan Sharansky, an Israeli politician and human rights activist.

“When I went to the Nova festival site and heard from someone who escaped and another who rescued people, it was such a powerful message and reminder of the responsibility we have for protecting one another,” Tiechtel told Jewish News.

After hearing the terrifying details from eyewitnesses and seeing victims of the

and connections to experts in the field, we would continue to operate in outdated and insensitive ways,” Garcia said.

Starrett designed the series to amplify the work already underway in the Greater Phoenix Jewish community. After two more virtual sessions, one in August and one in September, CJP will offer an in-person event with consultant Matt Lehrman, the managing director and co-founder of Social Prosperity Partners, in November, for those who have participated in the virtual sessions.

Oct. 7 terrorist attack who had lost limbs, Tiechtel was heartened by the visit to the Kotel, where he saw “true Jewish unity” and felt that Jews all over the world have been “called up from the reserves to be here for the Jewish people and make the world a better place,” he said.

Being able to bring newfound personal connections back to campus next fall is very exciting, he said. “Now I have a name to a face for the exchange programs.” When his students go abroad, whether to Argentina, Italy or Israel, he will be able to introduce them to a friend. “They won’t be floundering when they arrive.”

While Tiechtel can’t begin to predict what may come to pass this fall, he does know that his students “need a safe, welcoming, loving home away from home.”

He’s continued to meet with ASU administration to ensure students’ safety and believes “with God’s help we’ll come back to the way it was before.”

If the war is still going on when students return to ASU this fall, he hopes that “there will be conversations between the two sides (pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian) rather than protests,” he said. JN

For more information on Chabad at ASU, visit jewishasu.com.

November’s meeting will be an opportunity “to really dive into the work and figure out how, as a community, we can really move forward with putting some of the things that we’ve learned into action,” she said. JN

To register for “Creating Belonging for Jews of Color” on Aug. 14, or “Best Practices for Including the Disability Community in Programs and Events” on Sept. 6, go to jewishphoenix.com/series/ creating-a-space-for-belonging.

Group of 200 Chabad shluchim at the Kotel.

Flagstaff Holocaust education center receives big gift from surprising source

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Last fall, an email from someone then unknown to the staff of the MartinSpringer Institute (MSI) at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Flagstaff, arrived in the organization’s inbox. This kicked off an unexpected relationship that ultimately led to a large, planned gift that will help to secure the institute’s future. That initial message was sent by Mitchell

Raff, the son and nephew of Holocaust survivors, who had just published his memoir, “Little Boy, I Know Your Name: A Second Generation Memoir from Inherited Holocaust Trauma.”

Raff reached out not just to promote his Holocaust memoir but also to introduce himself as the nephew of Irwin (Issa) Springer, brother of MSI founder Doris (Springer) Martin. Raff was brought up by his aunt and uncle from a young age and believed that his story was a continuation of that told by Martin in her own memoir, “Kiss Every Step.”

Bjorn Krondorfer, MSI’s director, opened Raff’s memoir and was surprised to find that once he had started it, he couldn’t put it down. It was unlike any second-generation survivor tale he had read.

“I read it in one sitting because it was very powerful,” Krondorfer told Jewish News. “It was very different from what I expected from a second-generation narrative because he doesn’t try to reconstruct his parents’ lives.”

Krondorfer responded to Raff, telling him how taken he was by the narrative. The two began exchanging emails and phone calls until one day, “out of the blue, Raff said, ‘I want to support MSI with a planned gift endowment,’” Krondorfer explained.

In June, MSI announced that Raff had established two planned gifts for the organization totaling $1.5 million. The first is a $1 million endowment in memory of his aunt and uncle, Sally and Issa Springer, who raised him. The second endowment of $500,000 will support MSI’s Holocaust education programming.

Although the organization will not receive funds until after Raff’s death, the legally binding nature of the endowment provides the organization with a sense of safety and security about its future

and gives confidence to other donors, Krondorfer said.

“We won’t see the money any time soon — probably until after I’m no longer the director — but it provides the safety of knowing we can stay here for a long time,” he said.

Currently, Krondorfer and his colleagues share office space at NAU and they are starting a fundraising appeal this fall for three big-ticket items. The first is the opportunity to claim most of the floor in the building where they’re located now and to renovate it into an MSI center.

The second need is establishing an endowment that permanently guarantees the Holocaust education coordinator position. Now, the position only has funding for another two years. The third fundraising goal is to make the annual postdoctoral scholar position permanent — it is currently funded through next year.

“Donors want to make sure they give money to something that has a future. We were always going to have that, but Raff’s gift promises expansion,” Krondorfer said.

It is also going to be a boon for programming and education. Doris and her husband, Ralph Martin, started the organization with a dual mandate: to study Holocaust history and its legacy, and to address current conflicts — including the treatment of refugees, mass violence and genocide. MSI hosts exhibits, speakers, teacher training and offers many resources for teachers interested in Holocaust education.

“Raff’s gift will address different kinds of injustices, just as Doris and Ralph wanted. It doesn’t have to be directly connected with the Holocaust but can be any injustice happening to certain

groups,” Krondorfer said.

Raff said the Springers were kind and compassionate and gave him real hope as he attempted to understand and navigate the trauma of his childhood. The gift is a way to honor their generosity.

“I believe there is always hope and beauty despite our flaws and in the face of our trauma,” Raff said. “Mercifully, I was able to transform my life through that process and give my inherited trauma a name: Holocaust.”

Raff’s memoir recounts his survivor parents’ inability to cope well enough with their historical trauma to raise him and his siblings. His father was no more than a background presence and his mother’s dysfunction took an abusive turn. She didn’t feed Raff and his sister and hurt them physically. When her abuse was reported to the authorities, she took them to Israel. There, Raff said, they were basically forced to fend for themselves.

Even as a child, Raff knew he had to return to California, where his aunt and uncle lived. They were also survivors, but had learned how to cope with their trauma in a more productive way. In the memoir, Raff described his uncle as his “messiah” and said the couple were his best chance of having a normal life.

Krondorfer said the fascinating part of the book is that it’s not about his parents’ past but rather his attempt to make sense of himself as a product of his family’s trauma and the generational pain that has been inflicted on him and others.

“He had two sets of parents, one who couldn’t cope and one who could,” Krondorfer said. “It was so unexpected.” JN

For more information, visit in.nau.edu/ martin-springer.

Mitchell Raff established a $1.5 million gift for the Martin-Springer Institute at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

COURTESY OF MITCHELL RAFF Cover of Mitchell Raff’s memoir.

COURTESY OF MITCHELL RAFF

Wednesday, September 25 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm PDT Location: In-Person at Temple Chai and Virtual by Rabbi Jonah Pesner

Kol Kolot – Every Voice, Every Vote – Why the American Jewish Community and our Society more Broadly Needs to Work for an Inclusive Democracy, in which all voices are heard and every vote is counted – and what you can do to make it happen.

Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner serves as the Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and the Senior Vice President of the Union for Reform Judaism. Named one of the most influential rabbis in America by Newsweek magazine, he is dedicated to building bridges to collectively confront anti-Semitism, racism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate and bigotry.

Rabbi Pesner organizes Jewish communities to reach across lines of race, class, and faith in campaigns for social justice. He has led efforts to expand healthcare access, restore voting rights, and for LGBTQ equality, among others. Rabbi Pesner is widely published, including “Moral Resistance and Spiritual Authority: Our Jewish Obligation to Justice.” He teaches all over the world including at Harvard University where he has served as a visiting scholar. He sits on various boards including the NAACP, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the Faith-Based Security Advisory Council for the Department of Homeland Security, and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation Solidarity Council on Racial Equity, among others.

EVENT PRESENTED IN LOVING MEMORY OF GLORIA & HERB ZEICHICK.

The in-person event will take place at: Temple Chai • 4645 E Marilyn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032

A hybrid event • (In-person & accessible virtually)

Star Trek, the Road to Recovery and Reconciling with my Father

Thursday, September 5 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm PT

Location: In-Person at Beth El Phoenix and Virtual

by Adam Nimoy

While the tabloids and fan publications portrayed the Nimoys as a “close family,” to his son Adam, Leonard Nimoy was a total stranger.

The actor was as inscrutable as the iconic half-Vulcan science officer he portrayed on Star Trek, even to those close to him. Now, his son’s poignant memoir explores their complicated relationship and how it informed his views on marriage, parenting, and later, sobriety. Despite their differences, both men ventured down parallel paths: marriages leading to divorce, battling addiction, and finding recovery. Most notably, both men struggled to take the ninth step in their AA journey: to make amends with each other.

Discover how the son of Spock learned to navigate this tumultuous relationship—from Shabbat dinners to basement AA meetings—and how he was finally able to reconcile with his father—and with himself.

The in-person event will take place at: Beth El Phoenix • 1118 W Glendale Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021

A hybrid event • (In-person & accessible virtually)

The Triumph of Life: A Narrative Theology of Judaism

Wednesday, August 14 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am PT Location: Virtual

by Rabbi Dr. Yitz Greenberg

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash, will interview Rabbi Dr. Yitz Greenberg about his latest book, The Triumph of Life: A Narrative Theology of Judaism.

The Triumph of Life is Rabbi Greenberg’s magnum opus—a narrative of the relationship between God and humanity as expressed in the Jewish journey through modernity, the Holocaust, the creation of Israel, and the birth of Judaism’s next era.

In the words of Professor Steven T Katz, chair of the Elie Wiesel Center for Judaic Studies at Boston University, “No Jewish thinker has had a greater impact on the American Jewish community in the last two decades than Rabbi Yitz Greenberg.”

Rabbi Dr. Irving Greenberg (known affectionately as “Rav Yitz”) is perhaps the leading Jewish scholar and theologian of our time. An author of many influential books on Jewish thought, ethics, and philosophy, Rav Yitz is the Past President of CLAL: The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership and Past President of Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation. Prior to these positions he served as Rabbi of the Riverdale Jewish Center, was an Associate Professor of History at Yeshiva University, and the founder, chairman and Professor in the Department of Jewish Studies of City College of the City University of New York. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard and received ordination from Yeshiva Beis Yosef.

Jewish top election official loses primary to election skeptic

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, the Jewish Republican who garnered national attention for his defense of the 2022 election in the face of vitriolic attacks by election deniers — even going so far as to sue thenlosing candidate for Arizona governor Kari Lake for defamation — lost his bid for reelection in Tuesday’s Republican primary. State Representative Justin Heap moves forward instead as the party’s nominee for the office in November.

Heap has been a vocal election skeptic if not outright denier like Lake, one of several to endorse him. Earlier this year, Heap called Maricopa County elections “a laughing stock” on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter. “Voter confidence is at an alltime low. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I’m

running for Recorder to restore honesty, transparency & integrity in our elections.”

During his time in Arizona’s legislature, Heap supported bills that would ban electronic ballot tabulation and force hand counts, eliminate the option to vote early for most people and halt the use of voting centers to be replaced by precincts capped at 1,000 registered voters each.

In April, Richer told the Arizona Mirror these ideas are unworkable, especially the notion of capping precincts at such a low number.

Those ideas are all inspired by election fraud conspiracy theories. All have been opposed by Arizona county and election officials who have widely panned the proposals as completely unworkable.

“Good luck finding that many ADAcompliant, sufficiently spaced locations

"ELECTIONS HAVE WINNERS AND, SADLY, LOSERS. AND IN THIS ONE, IT LOOKS LIKE I’M GOING TO END UP ON THE LOSING SIDE OF THE COLUMN. BUT THAT’S THE NAME OF THE GAME. ACCEPT

STEPHEN RICHER

Select Realty is looking to hire a dependable individual for

Excellent pay with an outstanding benefits package. Kindly send resume and cover letter to email anthonymassey210@gmail.com or call/text: (424) 327-8028.

NEEDED IMMEDIATELY!

SEASONED PAINTER NEEDED IMMEDIATELY.

Select Realty has an opening for an Industrial/Residential/Commercial Painter. Competitive compensation and benefits package will be offered based on costeffective estimates to be provided by applicant. Candidates should submit a letter of interest and work history to: Anthony Massey at email: anthonymassey210@gmail.com or call/text: (424) 327-8028.

https://elections.maricopa.gov/work-with-us/temporary-positions.html

with accessible parking — and not having to pay for them,” Richer said.

Heap’s candidacy was cheered by conservative voters who have major misgivings about mail-in voting and the county’s ability to run a fair election.

Richer, whose job is to oversee voter registration and mail-in voting, was unable to overcome Republican voters’ misperceptions even though he made a major push to get anyone who had questions about the process to come and tour the elections facility.

“I firmly believe we would be much better situated as a community if we got to give all 4.5 million residents of Maricopa County a two-hour elections tour,” he told Jewish News last summer.

In his campaign for reelection, Richer highlighted the transparency of his office and the fact that he had strengthened processes to verify voter signatures and track ballots. He was endorsed by Jan Brewer and Doug Ducey, both former Republican governors of the state.

That wasn’t enough for Republicans who never forgave him for saying the 2020 and 2022 elections were not stolen.

When Richer filed the defamation lawsuit against Lake, her campaign and her political action committee last year, he said in an op-ed published by the Arizona Republic that Lake’s “words have provoked death threats from Lake’s followers. I’ve been forced to increase my personal and professional security while still watching over my shoulder.” The suit was also about the ramifications Lake’s words have had on his wife, his colleagues and “the thousands of election workers who have left the field after being harassed or worse, simply because they chose to help Americans vote.”

Earlier this year, Lake’s attorneys filed to

default in the lawsuit, essentially admitting to Richer’s claims of defamation. Still, “there is a non-zero number of people who will forever think that I am a criminal who, according to some, should be drawn and quartered because of what Kari Lake has said. For those people, the bell is rung and it will never be unrung,” Richer said.

In evidence of his point, in June, Richer shared a video of Shelby Busch, first vice chair of the Maricopa County Republican Committee, telling a crowd this year, “If Stephen Richer walked in this room, I would lynch him.”

He pointed out that people in the room laughed at her remark and nobody told her she’d gone too far. “This isn’t healthy. And it’s not responsible. And we shouldn’t want it as part of the Republican Party,” he posted on X.

On Wednesday, July 31, the day after he lost his primary, Richer posted a note congratulating Heap on his victory and calling it “a privilege” to have served the voters of Maricopa County.

“Elections have winners and, sadly, losers. And in this one, it looks like I’m going to end up on the losing side of the column. But that’s the name of the game. Accept it. Move on,” he said in his post. He still has a job to do and told voters that November could be a record turnout year.

Heap will face Timothy Stringham, a Democrat and military veteran, in November’s general election.

Regardless of who wins in November, Richer promised to help make it a smooth transition as Adrian Fontes did for him when he took over in 2020.

“I won’t be the one to drop the baton!” he posted. JN

For more information, visit recorder.maricopa.gov.

Stephen Richer engages with a student during a presentation and tour as part of a civics-focused middle school camp program.

Harris and Emhoff have ‘strong relationships with Arizona voters,’ says Jewish Democratic org

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Following President Joe Biden’s historic decision to abandon his reelection campaign and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee, Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) Chair Ron Klein and CEO Halie Soifer released a statement thanking Biden for his “exemplary leadership” and commitment to Jewish Americans. They also endorsed Harris, who they said “has a strong record of standing with Jewish Americans.”

Soifer, who visited Arizona in March to rally Democratic Jewish voters, explained that she served as Harris’ national security advisor while she was a California senator. She referenced her trip accompanying Harris and now-Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff to Israel.

“I witnessed their deep commitment to Israel’s security and strong ties to the Jewish community,” Soifer wrote.

On that trip, she snapped an iconic photograph of Harris pulling a blue kippah out of her pocket and fastening it on Emhoff’s head, who had bent down a little to help her. The couple had just descended the stairs in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City; Harris saw the Western Wall and knew what she had to do.

Soifer said it demonstrated Harris’ knowledge of, and relationship with, the Jewish community: The senator knew what to expect at a moment of Jewish significance.

“She prepared for it because she knew it would be meaningful for Doug,” Soifer told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “Part of the reason that trip was so special for

both of them was because it was his first time in Israel.” The trip was Harris’ third time in the country.

In her statement released on Monday, July 22, one day after Biden’s announcement that he would exit the race, Soifer thanked both Harris and Emhoff for their “staunch leadership on issues of importance to Jewish Americans” and listed the launching of the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism along with their support for the Jewish state.

Debra Stein, JDCA board member and Arizona chapter lead, echoed Soifer’s endorsement, saying that both Harris and Emhoff “have strong relationships with JDCA and with Arizona voters, having made multiple visits to Arizona over the last few months.”

Emhoff visited the Hillel Jewish Student Center at Arizona State University early in 2023, where he joined 10 students, Hillel at ASU Executive Director Debbie Yunker Kail and Hillel at ASU Assistant Director Taylor Silverman, for a 50-minute round table discussion, during which Emhoff invited students to share their personal experiences and how the current climate around antisemitism is impacting them as leaders.

“It was clear that this is an issue he’s passionate about and that he will take concrete steps to make the global climate better,” then-ASU senior and Hillel at ASU Student President Zachary Bell told Jewish News.

Stein pointed out that Emhoff was back in Arizona, an important swing state, last week. Recent polling had shown Arizona falling out of reach for Biden, but the outlook might prove better for Harris.

“JDCA has been on the ground in Arizona, mobilizing Jewish voters by phone and text and building upon our statewide group of volunteers,” Stein told Jewish News in an email.

“There’s no question that Arizona will be one of the critical battleground states that determine the presidency, if Democrats can hold on in the Senate and if they can win back the House majority,” Soifer told Jewish News in March.

She pointed out that Jewish voters will be critical in some very tight races come November. Soifer met with voters in Sedona, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson to listen to their concerns and let them know what a key role they would play in this election. Stein said it was a big deal for Soifer to meet with Arizonans in person.

“The one universal thing we heard across the board from Jewish voters is that reproductive rights is a driving force in this election,” Stein said.

In her first speeches and ads, Harris has put the issue of reproductive rights front and center. Soifer predicted that Arizona’s abortion access ballot measure would be helpful.

“Eighty-eight percent of Jewish voters believe that abortion should be legal in some or all cases and it’s a compelling issue,” she said.

Stein said JDCA’s Arizona volunteers “are working to make sure Jewish voters vote for Democrats like Kamala Harris, who share our Jewish values.” JN

This article incorporated material from Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Executive Function Coach

Excellence in Executive Function Coaching since 2016! Call us to schedule a FREE consultation.

Executive Function Coaching

We help individuals diagnosed with giftedness, 2e, dyslexia, AD/HD, anxiety, high functioning Autism, memory problems, and minor traumatic brain injury improve their executive function skills.

MindPrint Assessments

The only K12 cognitive assessment to identify student strengths and provide strategies personalized to a students' needs.

Kamala Harris affixes a kippah to the head of her husband, Douglas Emhoff, as they visit the Western Wall, Jerusalem, November 2017.

Debra Stein, left, and Halie Soifer took a quick selfie in Sedona this past March.

COURTESY OF HALIE SOIFER

Commentary

Camp Breastie brings magic of community to those impacted by cancer

LINDSEY BAKER | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

Three years ago this summer, I had just finished my 16th round of chemo and was preparing for my double mastectomy. Having been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at 35 years old during the height of the pandemic, I experienced immense isolation and fear. But in The Breasties, a nonprofit organization supporting survivors, previvors, stage 4 thrivers and caregivers impacted by breast and gynecologic cancers, I discovered muchneeded community. While separated by quarantine and distance, I was able to connect virtually with individuals whose stories reflected my own and whose honesty and perseverance brought me hope.

Last year I attended Camp Breastie. It was my first in-person Breastie event and my first time meeting survivors in real life whose stories I identified with. These connections were healing and

transformational. I am grateful that I was able to return to camp this summer, and I am still beaming from the energy and warmth that is Camp Breastie.

I had the privilege of attending sleepaway camps from the time I was 8 years old. From Jewish summer camps, including Alonim, Ramah and Sabra, to later twirling at Brant Lake Dance Camp in the lush green Adirondack Mountains, I relished summers. Memories remain of crackling fires, guitar-led singalongs, cool blue lakes and lifelong friendships ignited at camp.

When I heard that The Breasties was relaunching Camp Breastie, a program that had been started before the COVID19 pandemic but was paused for several years due to COVID, I knew I had to participate. During my first year of treatment, I was living in Tucson and

Don’t think of mourning as the opposite of joy

RABBI SHIRA KOCH EPSTEIN | JTA

The Hebrew month of Av started on Monday, and here I am, surrounded by delivery boxes, packing up our eldest for his first year of college. It feels monumental and mundane all at once. This big step is laced with excitement and anxiety, especially knowing how tough it can be to be Jewish on campus these days. This moment in the Jewish calendar feels like a perfect metaphor for everything we are experiencing.

Eighteen years ago, we faced a classic parental dilemma: the name game. We wanted a name beginning with A to honor my husband’s mother Andi who died when he was a teenager. It had to carry the weight of our hopes and dreams for this new little person and help us turn grief into joy. Two names stood out: Avi (“my father”) and Ami (“my people”).

We sat at our kitchen table, the weight of the world and the promise of new life hanging in the air. “Avi makes me think of the embrace of a parent we always want him to feel,” Jason said. I nodded, thinking of the strength and comfort we

seek when we cry out to God as avinu, our parent, during the High Holidays.

“But what about Ami?” I asked. We loved the idea of our child being cradled not just by us, but by our entire people. We were grappling with two sources of Jewish comfort and strength — the divine and the communal — as we took our first steps in helping him navigate the joys and sorrows of life.

That decision feels especially poignant this year. The month of Av begins with deep mourning, particularly during the first nine days when we put joyous occa-

sions on hold. The grief peaks on Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the month, a day that gathers all our collective sorrows into one heavy moment. We remember the destruction of both ancient Temples, the expulsion from Spain and many other heartaches. The weight of our history presses down on us, demanding that we face our pain head-on.

Then, six days later, we dive into Tu B’Av, a matchmaking festival that the Talmud teaches is one of our most joyous days. In between, we mark Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of Consolation.

In the Haftarah we read that day, God calls us ami, “my people,” wrapping us in words of comfort and hope. This is why the month is also called Menachem Av (“comforting parent”).

Contemplating the name Avi brings me to a hospice bedside moment. As Betty and I prayed together for her comfort and renewed spirit, her smile lines deepened. “Rabbi, I am ready,” she said. Her fear evaporating, she said she felt like a small child held by a loving God. The grief of life ending wasn’t absent, but joy was in the room too.

“Joy is a deep release of the soul, and it includes death and pain,” writes Rabbi Alan Lew. He teaches that true joy comes from fully inhabiting our experiences, no matter how tough. The month of Av doesn’t deny grief or force celebration. It accompanies us through both.

Reflecting on our tragedies also enhances our gratitude for present blessings. Dr. Erica Brown suggests that “we don’t diminish our happiness when we spend a day or a few weeks meditating

SEE BREASTIE, PAGE 9

Photo of participants of Camp Breastie 2024.

Judaism’s guide to overcoming crisis

RABBI PINCHAS ALLOUCHE PARSHAH DEVARIM:

DEUTERONOMY 1:1-3:22

Do you know what the Hebrew word for “crisis” is? It’s a fascinating word, and it teaches us volumes about how to deal with crises and challenges. That word is mashber. But mashber is also the name for the birthing stool used in childbirth. The lesson is clear: Judaism’s language has always viewed difficult times as being akin to the contractions of a woman giving birth. Despite the unfathomable pain, we know that something new and infinitely rewarding is also being born.

Similarly, the Chinese word for crisis, wei-chi, literally means “dangerous

BREASTIE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

had met only one other patient who, like me, was in their 30s. On more than one occasion, I was told by staff at my oncologist’s office and hospital where I could sit and wait — presumably for my mother or grandmother in treatment. And more times than I wish to count, I was told I was “too young for cancer.” The reality is that the rate of new cancer diagnoses in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) between the ages of 15 and 39 has increased over the past decade. The National Cancer Institute estimates that nearly 85,000 AYAs will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. And, as was shared in an article I coauthored with clinical psychologist and researcher Rina Fox that was published during AYA Awareness Week, “As the number of AYA cancer cases increases each year, so does the need for access to information, programs and communities designed to address the specific needs and challenges

opportunity.” When faced with an apparent crisis, a pessimist will see inescapable danger. An optimist, however, will look deeper and find within it a concealed yet encouraging opportunity.

When Rabbi Akiva, the pre-eminent 2nd-century sage, witnessed the burning of the Second Temple, he began to laugh. His colleagues, Rabbis Gamliel, Elazar ben Azaryah and Yehoshua, who were weeping, could not understand Rabbi Akiva’s reaction.

So, they asked him, “Why are you laughing?”

Rabbi Akiva responded, “In the writings of the prophets, we read of two prophecies: one of destruction and the other of hope and ultimate redemption. As I stand here and witness the fulfillment of the first prophecy, I am confident that the second prophecy of salvation will also

come to pass.”

This is why this Shabbat is called “Shabbat Chazon” or “The Shabbat of Vision.” Although it is the Shabbat before the sad day of Tisha B’av, when we mourn the destruction of the Jerusalem Temples and other tragedies that began on this day (such as the Spanish Inquisition), the great Chassidic master, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, revealed that on this Shabbat we are also given the power to visualize the rebuilding of the Third Temple.

Indeed, within every destruction, there is a promise of construction; within every bitter challenge, there lies a possibility waiting to be born; within every sight of darkness, there is a vision of light. All that is left for us to do is to open our eyes and seize the opportunity within. Or, in the words of Winston Churchill:

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

If we assume our responsibilities as G-d’s agents of goodness and light, even in times of crisis, we will undoubtedly see that we have together built a splendid palace for G-d and His blessings, and we will have together ushered in the ultimate redemption.

May it come speedily. Amen. JN

Rabbi Pinchas Allouche is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Tefillah in Scottsdale.

on the tragedies of history from which we emerged. We become more grateful, holding on tightly to our blessed lives because we can.” This thread weaves through Av.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks offers another layer of understanding. Joy, he says, is not merely the absence of sorrow, but the presence of a deeper connection that transcends our immediate circumstances. And in Jewish tradition, our joy is inherently collective. “The festivals as described

AYA survivors face.”

While The Breasties does not specifically target the AYA community, there are many Breasties who are young adults and/or were diagnosed with cancer (or discovered they had a genetic predisposition for cancer) in their 20s and 30s. Meeting Breasties via virtual programming during the pandemic, I was thankful to get to know individuals close to my age who had experienced treatment and surgeries similar to what I had received. Although I am not shy and enjoy connecting with strangers (especially while traveling), I was nervous about attending Camp Breastie—not knowing anyone except the friends I had made online. For that reason, coupled with my love of camp and having served as a camp counselor while in college, I raised my hand to serve as a cabin leader at Camp Breastie 2023. This summer, I was gleeful to once again be a cabin

in Deuteronomy are days of joy, precisely because they are occasions of collective celebration,” he writes. In our shared connection with God and each other, we discover a communal joy that carries us through even the toughest times. Navigating the end of childhood isn’t easy, especially for parents. But the lessons of Av are there for our kids and for us. We live in a world scarred by memories and ongoing experiences of destruction, yet it still bursts with moments of deep joy.

leader and also join the camp leadership committee.

Having worked in the nonprofit sector for nearly 20 years, I have yet to encounter another organization that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) like The Breasties. The focus on inclusion and the belief that every story matters permeated the camp atmosphere. We were all encouraged to talk to individuals we had never met, seek out those who appeared to be alone at a meal or event, and actively listen when hearing about each other’s experiences with cancer. Nearly 600 Breasties came together — in tears and joy — embodying The Breastie’s motto, “Worst Club, Best Members.”

The power of community is something I learned and felt during my upbringing in the Southern Arizona Jewish and broader Tucson communities. From singing songs at Kabbalat Shabbats to volunteering

That joy is richer because we share it as a people, together seeking God. Opening ourselves to awe and wonder, we touch Divine compassion. We find strength in our shared history and the gritty, beautiful reality of our current lives.

As Av begins, we mourn the destruction happening in real time along with the sorrows of our past. But if we allow ourselves to sit with the pain, we can also feel the loving presence of Menachem Av. By coming together, we gain the strength

for Project Isaiah to witnessing the outpouring of love after the fatal accident that took my father and his wife, I know and embrace the energy generated by individuals coming together.

This year’s camp theme was Breastie Magic, emphasizing the power of community and the joy created by authentic connections. The love, energy and light at camp were palpable. To go from being isolated at home, bald, recovering from chemo and preparing for multiple surgeries less than three years ago, to dancing the night away under glimmering stars in community was truly magic. JN

This article was first published in the Arizona Jewish Post.

Lindsey Baker, former COO of Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona, is a cancer survivor, patient advocate and nonprofit consultant. Lindsey can be reached at lrbakerconsulting@gmail.com.

of community. We join a dance, a song, an act of learning or helping, and tap into the enduring joy and hope of the Jewish people.

And as for our son Amichai, he has already met the Hillel rabbi and is ready to go. JN

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media. This article initially appeared in My Jewish Learning’s Shabbat newsletter Recharge.

Find area congregations at JewishAZ.com, where you can also find our 2024 Community Directory.

Rabbi Pinchas Allouche COURTESY OF RABBI PINCHAS ALLOUCHE

Scottsdale senior spends two months volunteering in Israel

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

In the months following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, several Jewish Arizonans spent a few days, or even a few weeks, volunteering in Israel, doing whatever they could to lend a hand in a difficult time of war.

Livia Sklar of Scottsdale joined their ranks this summer, devoting July and August to helping Israeli soldiers, medics and those dealing with food insecurity.

This is not her first volunteer service in the country. That happened while she was a college student in the late 1960s. She was attending Hebrew University in Jerusalem in 1967 when the Six-Day War, a war between Israel and a coalition of Arab states — primarily Egypt, Syria and Jordan — broke out on June 5, 1967.

At that time, everything came to a halt when her teachers and fellow students were drafted.

Because she knew English and how to type, she volunteered at Jerusalem’s main post office, a block from the Jordanian front. She typed out a lot of telegrams, mainly for the military.

“Back then, there were no cell phones, and telegrams were an important means of communication,” she told Jewish News.

Now, as in 1967, Israel is at war. Sklar was recently furloughed from her job as Chabad of Fountain Hills’ office manager

THERE’S ART & SCIENCE TO LASTING VITALITY.

At La Siena, we believe life should be filled with unique adventures & meaningful experiences. We invite you to take the first step in imagining what your next chapter can hold. Schedule a tour and discover an enriched community experience.

and decided volunteering in Israel, the country she dearly loves, “would be a meaningful way to fill my free time during the summer.”

At 78, Sklar understood she was signing up for something difficult. Her first weeks of service were through Sar-El, an Israeli organization that organizes volunteers to work alongside soldiers on military bases, performing non-combat support duties such as packing medical supplies, checking and repairing equipment, as well as cleaning, painting and maintaining bases.

“I can’t recommend it for all my contemporaries because some of it is grueling. We sleep in a tent with 50 bunk beds, in spartan conditions, maybe no air

conditioning and it’s 90 degrees or more outside,” Sklar said.

Despite the hard work, Sklar said this volunteer service has been quite different from her experience in 1967. For one, things are much more organized now. Still, “it’s not for everybody.”

The first two weeks were very physical. She spent her first week on the Hatzerim Airbase in Be’er Sheva, packing thousands of meals for soldiers in Gaza. In her second week, she packed emergency kits for field medics at Tel HaShomer, about 30 minutes from Tel Aviv. It was physically demanding, sometimes dull but always necessary work, she said.

The conditions may not have been ideal, but it’s the same for the soldiers,

Livia Sklar volunteering for Sar-El in Israel.

COURTESY OF LIVIA SKLAR

Livia Sklar showcasing her bunk bed. COURTESY OF LIVIA SKLAR

Livia Sklar, center, had a fun reunion with her Hebrew University classmates from 58 years ago. COURTESY OF LIVIA SKLAR

SENIOR LIFESTYLE

Sklar said. “This experience is almost like being in the army, in certain ways.”

One of the best parts happened after breakfast every morning when the flag was raised and everybody, including many volunteers from around the world, sang Hatikvah before starting work.

“The hours of Sar-El were the longest hours I’d have. It’s not for everyone my age,” she said.

She admitted that she and her fellow volunteers broke one of Sar-El’s rules when they chatted during their long hours about politics. Despite Sar-El’s admonishment against talking politics, it was the most popular topic.

“It always came down to politics. It was just on everyone’s mind,” she said.

Sar El also required that she bring her own blanket, sheet, pillow and towel in big plastic bags along with her other luggage.

“The hardest part is schlepping a backpack, a carry-on suitcase and all my own bedding. Getting on the buses, or train, with all that was really challenging,” she said.

Whenever people saw her struggling they always offered to help but she accepted it only if she really felt she needed it.

Sklar’s capacity for physical labor came as no surprise to her daughter, Orit Kwasman, who described her mother as

“a go-getter and a ball of energy.”

Kwasman, proud of her mother’s volunteer service, said most of her conversations lately begin with, “Have I told you my mom is in Israel volunteering?” She doesn’t have to worry about her mother spending two months on her own because her mom is never alone.

“If she’s not reconnecting with classmates from high school or Hebrew University, she’s smiling and striking up a conversation with whoever is next to her,” Kwasman told Jewish News in an email.

Sklar stayed with one of her old college friends in Jerusalem for the second half of July while volunteering at Jerusalem College of Technology, Machon Lev as an English tutor for soldiers, especially Haredi soldiers whose English skills were lacking. She never taught English but she served in New York as a school guidance counselor for 18 years.

“If she’s not helping her family, she’s finding ways to bring light and joy and connect others in the Jewish community,” Kwasman said.

One thing that’s been enormously helpful is her skill with Hebrew. She studied it all through school but was a little nervous before the trip that she might forget words and phrases.

“That part of my brain seems to be working very well,” she laughed.

“Sometimes I forget people’s names, but

The last week of July, Sklar was called back to a base by Sar-El. In August, she will work at a Chabad food pantry in Jerusalem. She is not allowing herself to think about what that will entail until she gets there.

“First things first,” she said. “I’m looking at the bus map to see how to get from where I’m staying to where I’m volunteering. I’m not going to worry about what I’ll be doing until I’m doing it.” JN

For more information on volunteering in Israel with Sar-El, visit sar-el.org.

Hebrew came back to me.”

Livia Sklar with fellow volunteers.

Scottsdale Holocaust survivor was Anne Frank’s classmate

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Scottsdale Holocaust survivor

Rebecca Siegel was born in Holland in 1929. She lived with her parents and older brother in the newer section of Amsterdam, where the city’s Jewish population was concentrated. The family attended an Orthodox synagogue and Siegel, who did not want to go to her neighborhood school, went to the 6th Montessori School instead, a relatively new institution in the Rivierenbuurt neighborhood.

Anne Frank, the Jewish girl whose diary documenting her life in hiding during the German occupation of the Netherlands made her one of the most well-known victims of the Holocaust, also attended the 6th Montessori School (renamed 6th Montessori School Anne Frank for its famous alum in 1957) and was Siegel’s classmate and friend.

The two girls not only shared a classroom but went to one another’s homes, attended parties together and often went to the ice cream shop on Sundays. In a video testimonial Siegel gave to San Francisco’s Holocaust Oral History Project in 1994, Siegel remembered standing with Frank outside their school in 1941 when they were told that after the summer holidays, they would not be allowed back at the school because they were Jewish.

Siegel, who wrote a memoir about her own harrowing tale of surviving the Holocaust, moved to Scottsdale from California eight years ago, but it wasn’t until earlier this year that Tony Fusco, associate director of education at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society (AZJHS), learned of her presence in town.

Fusco, a Phoenix Holocaust Association board member who has formed good relationships with many of Arizona’s survivors, set up a meeting with Siegel after the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) alerted him to her presence in the Valley.

“You have to pinch yourself when you realize the person you’re speaking to was connected to one of the most notable figures from the Holocaust,” Fusco told Jewish News. “When it all connects, it’s sort of like being a little kid in a museum, but it’s different because it’s reality.”

Fusco is also anxious to publicize Siegel’s personal story, which he first read in her memoir “Fragments Under Glass,” published in 2016. He videotaped an interview with her for AZJHS’ Holocaust Survivor Conversations archive and believes she will be a powerful living reminder of the greatest atrocity of the 20th century.

Siegel can tell students about the

bunk bed she shared with her mother in Bergen-Belsen and how she was assigned to watch the smaller children in the barrack when their mothers were ordered to work. She can recount details of the small washroom nearby where she would sometimes find people who had died in the night. The crematorium was always on her mind.

“You found piles of bodies outside. We thought we were going to die. You tried to stay awake to stay alive as long as possible,” she told Jewish News.

The only positive was being able to stay with her mother and occasionally see her brother and father, who were also kept together until her father became so ill he was taken to the camp hospital. The family has no confirmation of what happened to him after that.

Siegel also remembers the steady diet of cabbage soup she and the other prisoners were fed. At 18, her brother weighed 80 pounds by the end of the war.

“I remember being hungry. That I remember,” she said.

In her memoir, Siegel describes the terrible last days of captivity when she, her brother and her mother were packed into trains by the Germans, which were also filled with explosives and weapons.

She learned later that the plan was for the German soldiers to shoot everyone on the train or to blow it up. However, they did not know the Russians were advancing on them from one side and the Americans from the other. Siegel said all the prisoners, too weak from hunger and exhaustion to do anything once the soldiers abandoned the train, waited until they saw the American soldiers in their jeeps to leave the train to greet their liberators.

Siegel was 15 when that final scene unfolded, and the war ended.

“When you find survivors who are older and have more living memory of what happened, you can feel the emotion even more,” Fusco said.

Siegel, 94, prefers to speak to classes in person and Fusco is prepared to “help transmit her voice” using soundbites and images in a PowerPoint presentation. He will likely read excerpts from her book and ask her clear, defined questions.

Siegel’s call to action is to ensure that people don’t forget what happened. Fusco, like many Holocaust educators, worries about the not-so-distant future when students will no longer have the opportunity to talk to survivors in person.

Siegel has spoken publicly about her experience many times. Her first time doing so was in Amsterdam after the war, where she, her mother and brother returned after liberation.

“We had no house. We had nothing. We were taken in by friends and eventually we found a place to live,” Siegel said.

Her mother remarried and the family moved to the United States in 1951. In 1995, Siegel returned to Amsterdam for a visit. She walked around her old neighborhood and knocked on the door of her old house.

She told the person who answered the door she had lived there as a girl and was allowed in to look around. She decided not to disclose that she was Jewish nor that her family had been dispossessed.

“I just said I used to live there,” she said.

The experience was memorable because it felt “just like being back,” she said. It

was also Frank’s neighborhood.

Siegel often gets asked about what Frank was like and whether she noticed any greatness in her childhood friend. When she speaks to classrooms, some young students have even asked if she got Frank’s autograph.

“Anne was a very enterprising, lively young girl. She was just a little girl — like we all were,” she said.

Siegel wrote about knowing Frank in her memoir. She also read “Diary of a Young Girl” and said it was “well written.” JN

For more information on AZJHS Holocaust Survivor Conversations, visit azjhs.org/ holocaust-survivor-conversations.

Tony Fusco takes a selfie with Rebecca Siegel.

COURTESY OF TONY FUSCO

Rebecca Siegel is pictured in the front row, on the left, and Anne Frank sits alone in front of the back desk. COURTESY OF REBECCA SIEGEL

It’s all about math: Navigating America’s aging crisis

BOB ROTH | COLUMNIST

Imagine a future where the population of Americans aged 65 and older doubles in just 25 years. By 2050, the number of individuals aged 85 and older will have quadrupled. Now imagine that we do not have nearly enough people to care for them. This is not a dystopian vision — this is the reality we are facing today. And the math does not lie.

Our nation is hurtling toward a demographic crisis that we are woefully unprepared for. To maintain our current population of nearly 342 million, each childbearing woman in the U.S. needs to have 2.1 children. Instead, we’re at a rate of 1.7 and declining to 1.6, a downward trend that shows no signs of reversing. This means fewer people to care for a rapidly growing elderly population.

We are, quite literally, running out of time and people.

The perfect storm

The perfect storm is brewing, and it threatens the very fabric of our society. As our population ages, the demand for caregivers is skyrocketing. Yet, with birth rates plummeting and immigration policies tightening, the pool of potential caregivers is shrinking at an alarming rate. Those who are available face overwhelming workloads, and the cost of care is becoming exorbitant.

Here’s where the math gets even grimmer: The only way to pay for long-term supportive care is through private funds, long-term care insurance, veterans’ benefits or Medicaid. Most people mistakenly believe that Medicare will cover these costs. It does not. As a result, many families are left struggling, forced to choose between providing care themselves — often at great personal and financial sacrifice — or placing their loved ones in overburdened, and in many cases, underfunded care facilities. This is the true pandemic facing our nation. And unlike COVID-19, there’s no vaccine, no quick fix, no return to normalcy. This crisis will require sustained, thoughtful and community-driven solutions.

Living

never looked so good.

Hope through community engagement

Despite the bleak outlook, there is hope. I always like to find the silver lining and I believe that hope lies in community engagement. We need to start talking about this issue now — loudly, openly and persistently. The first step is to put the elephant in the room out on the table. Let us stop pretending that this problem will solve itself. I am here to tell you that it will not.

As we approach election season, I urge you to consider the positions of candidates not just on the economy, healthcare, foreign policy and education, but on how they plan to address the aging crisis. Are they proposing policies that support caregivers? Are they advocating for better funding for long-term care? Are they willing to address the needs of the aging, infirmed and disabled populations with the urgency and compassion that this crisis demands?

This is not just a federal issue — it’s a local one. It takes a village to care for our elders, and every one of us has a role to play. Whether it is volunteering at a local senior center, supporting legislation that

expands caregiver resources or simply having conversations with your neighbors about how we can collectively address this challenge, community engagement is key.

A call to action

We are at a crossroads. The aging crisis is no longer a distant threat — it is here, now. But we are not powerless. We have the ability to shape the future of elder care in this country. It will require community engagement, thoughtful policy and innovative solutions. Most of all, it will require a commitment from each and every one of us to care for our aging population with the dignity and respect they deserve.

This challenge is one of the biggest we will face as a nation. But together, we can meet it head-on. Let us start the conversation; vote for candidates who prioritize elder care, volunteer, advocate and educate our community. It is all about math, yes, but it’s also about compassion, community and action.

The time to act is now. JN

Bob Roth is the managing partner of Cypress

High-class amenities, unmatched scenery, rich residences – what more could you want out of luxury retirement living? Just you wait.

At Clarendale Arcadia, independent living residents find all these features – and even more sophisticated services – right outside their doors. The opportunity to retire in style has never been easier – or felt better – until now.

EXCITED TO LEARN MORE?

SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR TODAY BY CALLING 480-608-9102.

HomeCare Solutions.

Bob Roth

Senior bat mitzvah radiates ‘light, holiness and warmth’

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Karen Shapiro, 80, stood on the bimah at Temple Emanuel of Tempe, the synagogue she and her former spouse helped to found 50 years ago, and celebrated her first bat mitzvah on Saturday, June 29. In that moment, she realized the culmination of a years-long personal goal and, though she “was nervous the night before, the week before, three weeks before,” that Saturday morning, she woke up, got dressed and the nervousness was gone.

“I was ready,” she told Jewish News. Shapiro first started toying with the idea of having a bat mitzvah after all of her six children had gone through their own b’nai mitzvah, but it wasn’t until about a decade ago that she started getting serious about a plan. The first step was to begin studying Hebrew in earnest.

“I took Hebrew classes when my kids were younger but I had forgotten most of

it, and I knew it would be a long road,” she said. “When my children had their b’nai mitzvah, I didn’t have to deal with learning Hebrew. I just planned the party.

Now, I have to do everything.”

Her 10-year-old granddaughter, Samantha Shapiro, became her tutor. Once a week, the two met to work through the first-year Hebrew primer, granddaughter patiently reviewing the exercises and quizzing her grandmother. Shapiro was grateful for her granddaughter’s enthusiasm and for the fact that she never seemed to lose interest in the weekly tutoring sessions.

“Samantha told me, ‘You know Nany (Shapiro’s grandchildren’s nickname for her), when you get older, it’s harder to learn another language. So, we’ll take it slow,’” Shapiro said, admiring such a mature and accurate observation from someone so young.

One of the unanticipated joys of preparing for her bat mitzvah was the several months of working closely with her granddaughter, a period that Shapiro remembers as “very special. It gave me confidence that no matter how hard it was, and how long it took, I could do it.”

At Saturday’s ceremony, Shapiro thanked her granddaughter, telling her “I’m up here today because you were there for me.” Her words made the young woman, now a college student, “get a little misty,” Shapiro said.

Shapiro had other cheerleaders, including Barry, her husband of 30 years, and Rabbi Dean Shapiro, Emanuel’s former spiritual leader.

“Rabbi Shapiro had been encouraging me for years, and Barry was amazing and so supportive. ‘Whatever you need, classes, seminars, whatever, you got it,’ he told me,” Shapiro said. “He was so confident, it rubbed off on me.”

Her husband knew she could learn Hebrew even though he believed that “reading from the Torah is hard at 13 and at 79, it would be even harder,” he told Jewish News. But at the end of the day, he also knew his wife and her ability.

“She’s a pure student, so she stuck it out,” he said.

He also had the opportunity to surprise her after the bat mitzvah ceremony by announcing the establishment of the Karen Shapiro Senior Citizen Endowment Fund, with the initial purpose of helping other seniors who would like to follow in her footsteps. As the chair of Emanuel’s Life & Legacy program, he said he’s “a big believer in legacies.”

Emanuel congregant and former Jewish News staffer Salvatore Caputo was impressed by Shapiro, who read from the Torah after her eldest daughter, “a tough act to follow. Karen rose to the challenge and did a really good job. I was inspired by that,” Caputo said, adding that it was clear that she had prepared thoroughly.

Shapiro’s grit and determination is borne out by other parts of her biography. After all, not everyone can say they were instrumental in the founding of a synagogue that is still alive and well half a century later.

While her youngest child was in high school, Shapiro decided to go back to college full-time, eventually earning a master’s degree in history. She thought about law school but trained instead as a paralegal. At almost 50, she bought an office building and started a small business doing simple and straightforward legal work and charging a nominal sum. She described that business as successful but “allconsuming.”

She sold the business and moved to Hong Kong with Barry, her second husband. They later lived in New York and Minnesota before settling back in the Valley in 2014. She worked as a paralegal until retiring at the age of 70.

Though they live in Scottsdale, the couple spent their first High Holidays back in the Valley at Emanuel and Shapiro found that “it still feels like my spiritual home.” The couple have been active members since then.

Bat mitzvah Karen Shapiro poses with Emeritus Rabbi David Pinkwasser.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACK KANE

Initially, Rabbi Cookie Lea Olshein was going to officiate at the bat mitzvah but due to a scheduling conflict she could not. Thus, Shapiro asked Emanuel Emeritus Rabbi David Pinkwasser, the associate rabbi who started at the synagogue the year after it was established.

“I’ve known him since 1976, but I hadn’t talked to him in a while. When I told him I wanted him to officiate, he said yes and was so enthusiastic,” Shapiro said.

Working with someone she had known for so long offered a layer of comfort to a stressful process. The two “worked beautifully together” and when the day arrived, Shapiro felt ready.

On the day itself, Shapiro told the more than 100 people in the sanctuary, including most of her children, grandchildren and all of her great-grandchildren, as well as friends, congregants and several of Emanuel’s past presidents, all she had done to get to that moment. She thanked her husband and many others, and while one usually doesn’t thank the rabbi for officiating, she turned to Pinkwasser and said, “I know you’re retired, but there was no hesitation in your voice when I asked you to do this and I will be forever grateful.” Pinkwasser returned the sentiment. In the days following the bat mitzvah,

he messaged her that it had been “more than just a religious ceremony” to those assembled who “felt feelings they did not know they had.” He told Shapiro that she had “brought light, holiness, warmth and love into this world!”

Caputo, who is involved in Emanuel’s Life & Legacy program, felt that Shapiro’s bat mitzvah “co-signed the idea of what the future can be,” given her history with the synagogue.

“To see this 80-year-old bat mitzvah

on the very bimah she helped to create, that in itself is a story of completion and wholeness that I find inspiring,” he said. “Maybe I’ll do a second bar mitzvah in a few years.” JN

Karen Shapiro poses with her daughter, Lori, on Saturday, June 29, at Temple Emanuel of Tempe. COURTESY OF KAREN SHAPIRO

Karen and Barry Shapiro.

COURTESY OF KAREN SHAPIRO

Dreading wedding season? Shut up and dance with me.

ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL | JTA

In Jami Attenberg’s 2013 novel “The Middlesteins,” there’s a chapter about a joint bar and bat mitzvah told entirely from the perspective of the parents’ friends. So indistinguishable are these Cohns, Grodsteins, Weinmans and Frankens that the chapter is narrated in the first-person plural.

“We were at the age where we had almost been forgotten but were not quite old enough to be heralded for still being alive after all these years,” they explain. “Of course we were seated together at the reception, the eight of us.”

When I first read “The Middlesteins,” I was close to the age of the parents, and I thought it was the most depressing description of the disappearing act of encroaching age that I had ever read. And it only gets worse. During the reception, the couples limit themselves to one quick dance.

Otherwise, “[w]e checked our watches, and thought about the errands we needed to run the next day, the walk we would take in the sunshine, the phone calls we would make to our children, some of whom lived in other states, with grandchildren we missed terribly. We had only been there for two hours, but it was already starting to feel late.”

I’d like to say that after reading the book I vowed never to become “those people.” Or that I promised myself I’d be, if not the “bride at every wedding” (as Eleanor Roosevelt once described her narcissistic uncle Teddy), then the kind of guest my hosts wouldn’t regret inviting. Instead, for perhaps a decade, I was exactly those people. I treated weddings and b’nai mitzvah as chores. I complained that the music was too loud. I spent way too much time in the hallways. I cal-

culated how soon I could leave without seeming rude.

And then, over the past two years, more and more of my friends’ kids started marrying, and I decided I wasn’t ready to fade into the not-so-good night of the “parents’ friends table.” At the next wedding, instead of trying to make myself heard over the din of “Mr. Brightside,” I pulled my wife onto the dance floor. And stayed there. I have maybe three moves, and I used them all, again and again. This time I did make a vow: that I’d stay on my two left feet until the band packed up their instruments. I’ve stuck with it.

You might credit my transformation to the pandemic, and probably should. After two-plus years in lockdown, I joined others in “letting life out of the box,” as the poet Tony Hoagland puts it.

I also had Jewish guilt — even law! — as a goad. The Talmud, in Brachot 6b, says rejoicing with the bride and groom — simchat chatan v’kallah – is a mitzvah, meaning a commandment, and no mere good deed.

And 2,000 years ago the rabbis anticipated the self-consciousness of graceless middle-aged men. If you are worried about making a fool of yourself on the dance floor, remember the story of the great scholar Rabbi Shmuel son of Rabbi Isaac, who would juggle myrtle twigs before the bride (Ketubot 17a). When Shmuel’s colleague Rabbi Zeira said such antics were beneath him, Shmuel squirted him with a seltzer bottle. (Okay, not really, but the same passage goes on immediately to explain that not only did Shmuel not demean himself or Torah, but that when he died he was blessed with an extremely rare sendoff of divine fire.)

And ultimately, I have Jewish history

as inspiration. In her classic guide, “The Jewish Wedding,” Anita Diamant quotes a saying she attributes to Holocaust survivors: “To dance at a Jewish wedding is to dance on Hitler’s grave.” She continues: “For every generation, weddings are a glimpse into the future, a repudiation of past griefs and a celebration of the here and now.”

I’ve also learned a secret over these past few years. As dumb as you might feel clomping around in a circle while holding hands with a sweaty neighbor (Jews call this “dancing”), others find it admirable. I’ve had a few people, including brides and grooms, come up to us at the end of weddings and compliment us for having closed down the dance floor.

I mean no disrespect to people who either can’t or don’t wanna dance with somebody, shake it off, shut up and dance or celebrate good times, come on. Your hosts really don’t mind. And I’ll tell you how I know this: Last Sunday we celebrated the wedding of my middle child to a brilliant, kind and beautiful woman whose smile is as radiant as his.

The music was loud. The dance floor was packed. I was where I needed to be. And my pounding heart grew big enough to cherish everyone in the room, whether they were getting down or sitting it out. Because when it comes to celebrating a young couple’s love amid a cloudy here and now, I’m Mr. Brightside. JN

Holocaust Association held an ice cream social on July 28 for

family and

Rijksmuseum stars

Sheryl Quen, vice president of community impact for the Center of Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, stands in front of the Jewish star columns at the Rijksmuseum, which she visited while on vacation in Amsterdam.

Kids crafting

Third grade campers from Shemesh Camp of the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center make bracelets to send to children in Israel. The Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix arranged the project.

Social with survivors

The Phoenix

survivors,

friends. Pictured from left to right, 2Gs (second generation survivors) Peter and Molly Jekel, Arline and Steve Cohen and Holocaust survivor Ike Feiges and his wife, Nancy.

Jerry Lewkowitz, a stalwart of the Greater Phoenix Jewish community, celebrated his 95th birthday at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society on July 12. Seventy-one relatives flew in from eight U.S. states, as well as from Germany and Colombia. Lewkowitz is pictured sitting front and center.

Featured Event

SUNDAY, AUG. 18

The Simcha Showcase:

12-3 p.m. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join Event Smart Productions at this event which features simcha industry vendors, food samples, raffles, entertainment and more. Cost: Free. For more information, visit thesimchashowcase.com.

Events

SATURDAY, THROUGH AUG. 31

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

SUNDAY, AUG. 11

2024 Jewish Community Day with the Diamondbacks: 1:10-4 p.m. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Join the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix and other Jewish organizations for an afternoon of baseball and Jewish community pride as the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Philadelphia Phillies. Cost: $28-$80 adults, $25 ages 15 and under. Tickets are in the Jewish community area with activities for all ages, giveaways, a photo booth area and more. Ticket also includes a Jewish Community Day Diamondbacks in Hebrew hat giveaway (limited quantity available). For more information, visit phoenixcjp.my.canva.site/ diamondbacks.

Religious School Open House at Temple Beth Shalom WV: 3-5 p.m. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Join TBSWV for information on its religious school for grade levels K-2, 3-6 and b’nai mitzvah through confirmation. Cost: Free. For more information, visit tbsaz.org.

MONDAY, AUG. 12

Tishah B’Av–Temple Chai: 7:30-9 p.m. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Join Temple Chai for an evening of reflective study and prayer. Cost: Free. For more information, visit templechai.com.

MONDAY & TUESDAY, AUG. 12 & 13

An Evening of Inspiration and Action: Tisha B’Av: 7:30 p.m. Monday; 8 a.m. Tuesday. Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. Join Chabad of the East Valley for a reading and discussion of the book of lamentations, video presentation of “Unbroken Spirit” and service. For more information, visit chabadcenter.com/tishabav.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14

Creating Belonging for Jews of Color: 10-11:30 a.m. Online via Zoom. Join Stacey Aviva Flint, director of JEDI Education and Community Engagement at Jewish Federations of North America and the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix for a virtual professional development training designed to foster a deeper understanding of the experiences and identities of Jews of color. Cost: Free. For more information, contact engagement@phoenixcjp.org.

JBox Food Pantry: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. If you or someone you know could use help with groceries, sign up by Aug. 12 to pick up a box of kosher groceries at the EVJCC on Aug. 14. The food pantry is open to all. For more information, visit evjcc.org/ foodpantry.

THURSDAY, AUG. 15

Jewish Languages Today: Endangered, Surviving and Thriving: 1-2 p.m. Online. Join Valley Beit Midrash and Congregation Or Tzion for a virtual presentation by Sarah Bunin Benor, vice provost and professor of Contemporary Jewish Studies at Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion (Los Angeles campus) and adjunct professor in the University of Southern California Linguistics Department. For more information, visit valleybeitmidrash.org/event/ jewish-languages-today-endangered-survivingand-thriving.

SUNDAY, AUG. 18

Tu B’Av Single Seniors Ice Cream Social: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the VOSJCC to celebrate the day of love, Tu B’Av, with an ice cream social for ages 55+. Cost: $18. For more information, visit vosjcc.org.

MONDAY, AUG. 19

Learn About Judicial Integrity: 6-7 p.m. Online. Join Arizona Jews for Justice and attorney Judy Schaffert virtually as she discusses Judicial Integrity. Cost: Free. For more information, contact arizonajews4justice@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, AUG. 20

Freshman Mixer Event: 7-8 p.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join Hebrew High for an evening of pizza, games and community. All teens are welcome and they do not need to be signed up for Hebrew High to attend. Cost: Free. For more information, visit hhphx.org.

SATURDAY, AUG. 24

Kids Night Out-Splash into School: 5-8 p.m. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the VOSJCC for a kid’s night out for grades preK through 8 with a back-to-school theme, games, a movie, pizza and more. Cost: Free for members, $50 for guests; registration closes on Aug. 21. For more information, visit vosjcc.org/ program/kno.

SUNDAYS

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

THURSDAYS

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

Meetings, Lectures & Classes

SUNDAYS

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

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

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.

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

MONDAYS

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

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

Quotable Quotes by our Sages: 7 p.m. Online. Learn with Rabbi Shlomy Levertov. Use this link: JewishParadiseValley.com/class. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Partners in Torah: 7:30 p.m. Online. Join a growing group of inspired learners with Project Inspire. Cost: Free. Use this link: us04web.zoom. us/j/3940479736#success, password is 613. For more information, email Robin Meyerson at robin@projectinspireaz.com.

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

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

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

TUESDAYS

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

Maintaining an Upbeat Attitude: 7 p.m. Online. A class exclusively for people in their 20s and 30s, learn how Jewish Mysticism can help with your attitude with Rabbi Shlomy Levertov. Use this link: JewishParadiseValley.com/YJPclass. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

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

WEDNESDAYS

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

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

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

Torah Study with Chabad: 12 p.m. Online. Take a weekly journey of Torah with Rabbi Yossi Levertov. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

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

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

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

THURSDAYS

Ladies Torah & Tea: 10:30 a.m. Online. Learn about the women of the Torah with Mrs. Leah Levertov. Use this link: ourjewishcenter.com/

CALENDAR

virtual. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

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

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

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

Weekly Mahjong: 1-3 p.m. Temple Solel, 6805 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley. Join Temple Solel each Thursday afternoon for mahjong.

MILESTONES

OBITUARY

BENJAMIN ZLOCHOWER

Lessons available for beginners. Cost: Free. RSVP via email to dottiebefore@gmail.com so they know how many tables to set up.

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

SATURDAYS

Saturday Mindfulness Gatherings: 9:30 a.m. Online. Hosted by Hospice of the Valley. To join by phone, dial 1-253-215-8782, meeting ID 486 920 2119#. To get the Zoom link or for more information, contact Gill Hamilton at ghamilton@hov.org or 602-748-3692.

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

Samuel Weinstein

Samuel Weinstein passed away peacefully, with his family by his side on June 28, 2024, at the age of 100.

Benjamin Zlochower of Phoenix, died on July 27, 2024. He was 95. Benjamin was born in Lakewood, New Jersey and was enlisted for four years in the NY National Guard, 91st Field Artillery Battalion. He was a member of Beth El Phoenix.

Benjamin was preceded in death by parents Morris Zlochower and Anna Weinstien; brother, Sol Zlochower; and sister, Selma Levinson. He is survived by his wife, Esther Zlochower; daughters Susan Greenwald, Mindy Wolfe, Judy Bukshpan and Carrie Aaron; 14 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.

Services were held on July 29, 2024, at Mt. Sinai Cemetery and officiated by Rabbi Levi Levertov.

Donations in his name can be made to Jewish National Fund and Jewish Free Loan JN

Dr. Gerald (“Jerry”) Buckman

Dr. Gerald (“Jerry”) Buckman passed away peacefully in his sleep on Shabbat, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at age 94 in Scottsdale. He grew up in Spring Valley, Illinois, a small town two hours southwest of Chicago.

Jerry graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1955 and specialized in internal medicine. In 1957, he married Rita Ottenstein and raised three boys: Cary, Lee and Perry.

By the early 1960’s he joined Ravinia Associates in Highland Park. He was known for both his exceptional diagnostic skills and compassionate people skills, and eventually was selected to serve as chief of staff at Highland Park Hospital.

Jerry and Rita were strong Zionists and visited Israel, the first of many times, in 1969. They supported Hadassah and Youth Aliyah Villages.

Beth El synagogue played an important role in their lives; Jerry served as president of the synagogue and Rita was president of Sisterhood.

Jerry had many hobbies including sailing, electrical work, carpentry and gardening, but most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren. For him, nothing was more important than family.

Since his diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he would say, “I still have things to do,” and he merited another 6-1/2 years, during which he attended more graduations, weddings of grandchildren and births of more great-grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his dear wife, Rita; sons Cary (Debbie), Lee (Rachel) and Perry (Meryl); grandchildren Benjamin, Mordechai (Yardena), Miriam, Dena (CB), Ilan (Molly), Yoni, Noam (Nomi), Avi, Mari (Xander), Brendan and Morgan; and great-grandchildren Maia, Daria, Rayli, Leia, Nir, Erez, Roee, Noa, Remi and Sloane.

Donations in Jerry’s memory can be made to Hadassah.

Sam was born in Mt Clemens, Michigan in 1924. Sam served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Upon his return to Detroit, he worked as a sheet metal worker for 40 years in the heating and cooling industry until he retired. He spent most of his retirement in Las Vegas, enjoying time with some of his sisters and their families and playing bingo at the local casinos. He moved to Scottsdale in 2013, to be closer to his immediate family. He was one of nine children and was a devoted family man. He enjoyed participating and watching many sports, especially baseball, football and basketball. He is survived by his youngest brother, Harold Weinstein of Woodland Hills, California, and Sam’s children Ron (Marsha) Weinstein, Dr. Howard (Debbie) Weinstein, Denise (Lee) Kravetz and Lori Bruggeman. He was Grampa Sammy to Sarah, Molly, Shayna (Mike), Andrew (Josh), Zachary, Aaron, TJ and Allie and Great Grampa Sammy to Macy, Toby and Sasha, as well as many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.

On July 3, 2024, he was honored with a heartfelt service, officiated by Rabbi Bonnie Koppell, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Donations in his memory can be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation or Hospice of the Valley.

Marilyn Sandra Rubin

Marilyn Sandra Rubin (formerly Goss, née Kraus) died on June 24, 2024, at the age of 81. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She moved to Phoenix soon after marrying Phillip Goss, z”l, where they were active members of Beth El Phoenix synagogue, Marriage Encounter and the growing Jewish community. She had two daughters Debra (Rachel) Behrendt and Lori (Andy) Foss; and four grandchildren Joseph, Phoebe, z”l, Marina and Ethan. Through her marriage to Larry Rubin, z”l, she gained three stepchildren and six step-grandchildren. She loved her family fiercely and was extremely proud of their accomplishments; they brought great joy to her life.

Marilyn became a nurse while her children were young. She considered being a nurse her greatest achievement outside of her family. Marilyn received her associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, highlighting her commitment to continuous learning and her profession. Her career spanned several key nursing roles working as an operating room nurse, nurse leader and educator. The impact she made on her community through her work is immeasurable. She was especially proud to have been on Arizona’s first openheart surgery team.

After marrying Larry Rubin, she split her time between Jerusalem, Israel, and Scottsdale. She and Larry were active in the Chabad of Scottsdale. Together they lived a full life of faith, family and friends at the center. They traveled the world and maintained many circles of friends until Larry’s passing in 2015.

Marilyn was a lover of learning and in addition to travel she loved to attend classes and lectures. She also was a keen mahjong player and loved her book club. In her later years, she was fortunate to enjoy time with Phillip Wolf, going to concerts, traveling and socializing with a broad circles of friends. Marilyn was a friend to so many and a beloved leader in her community.

Marilyn surrounded herself with family and friends, who were there to support her when cancer returned and at her bedside through her final moments. Marilyn focused on enjoying every moment to the fullest, spending time with family and friends and mostly ensuring she had no regrets. She will be missed for a lifetime by those who knew and loved her.

Donate to Hospice of the Valley, hov.org, in Marilyn’s memory.