Jewish News, September 20, 2024 by jewishaz

HEADLINES | 6

JEWISH HIGH SCHOOL

Arizona Jewish Academy started the year with more students and a new name

SYNAGOGUE SERVICES

A listing of High Holidays services across the Valley and in Northern Arizona

Roving Rabbis roam further afield in Arizona in search of the state’s rural Jews

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Early this month, during his most recent threeweek trek across the state of Arizona, Rabbi Mendel Slonim was asked by several people why he visits at such a scorching time of year. This was Slonim’s fourth consecutive summer in the state representing Chabad’s international Roving Rabbis program, which seeks to reach rural Jews without much access to an organized Jewish community.

“Everyone always asks why I’m here in the summer. It strikes them as wild to see two rabbis in the heat of the summer, but it makes things fun,” Slonim told Jewish News with a laugh.

He and Rabbi Dovber Goldman, who traveled with him in Arizona, are so focused on their mission of reaching out to and showing care for every single Jew, no matter how remote, that they simply didn’t have time to worry about the high temperature.

Two summers ago, the pair also worked together and they reconnected with several Jews they’d met during their earlier travels.

“It’s surprising how many people remember me from year to year,” Slonim said. “Every connection and every person is special. I feel like I’m meeting a long-lost sibling or member of my family, and I’m dying to get to know them again.”

The rural Jewish outreach program, which is in its 81st year, was originally developed by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson,

SEE RABBIS, PAGE 2

Antisemitism, Israel and taking action figure in this year’s High Holiday sermons

As the Jewish High Holidays approach, rabbis across the Valley are shaping sermons to help their congregations welcome the New Year, a time for both profound reflection and spiritual renewal. Every year, Greater Phoenix rabbis challenge themselves to offer insight and inspiration by weaving together both traditional and contemporary themes in order to engage listeners with messages that resonate personally and communally.

That’s always a challenging writing assignment, but one obstacle making it increasingly difficult each year is the pace of the news cycle. Though Congregation Or Tzion Rabbi Andy Green already knows a broad outline of what he plans to talk about in his sermons this year, given “how much happens and continues to happen, writing something now might not be sufficiently up to date for a few weeks from now,” he told Jewish News.

For example, Green intends to talk at length about the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel and the rise of antisemitism, topics “it would be malpractice not to speak about,” he said. However, every day brings fresh information on life in Israel, the war in Gaza and new anxieties across the Jewish world. Even though he will not be able to let the ink dry on his sermons until the day he delivers them, he knows he will be talking about these issues in the context of maintaining Jewish pride.

SEE SERMONS, PAGE 3

Campus pride

As anti-Israel protests heat up again on college campuses, Jewish groups at the University of Arizona are focused on helping students take pride in their Jewish identities. See page 10.

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

PHOTO COURTESY OF RISA BRUMER

Clockwise from top left: Rabbi Debbie Stiel, Rabbie John Linder, Rabbi Bonnie Koppell, Rabbi Mendy Deitsch, Rabbi Jeffrey Schesnol, Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and Rabbi Andy Green. COURTESY OF JEWISH NEWS ARCHIVES

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

the Lubavitcher Rebbe, in the 1940s in New York and expanded into Arizona more than 60 years ago.

“The goal is to make Judaism accessible and relevant to every Jew, wherever they may be,” said Rabbi Zalman Levertov, regional director of Chabad of Arizona, who oversees the program in the state.

The program’s young rabbis, mostly New York yeshiva students on summer break, travel with only a list of names gathered from previous years and rely on word of mouth. Otherwise, they use their own moxie. Basically, it boils down to asking strangers if they know of any Jewish people or cold-calling anyone in town with a Jewish-sounding surname.

January 6

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This year’s creation of Chabad of Rural Arizona, a program run by a dedicated couple who regularly visit rural parts of the state, opened up an opportunity for Slonim and Goldman to tackle new terrain.

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two became friends.

open council seat, but there’s no doubt she earned her position, Meyers said.

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

August 25

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

She already has some practice at

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

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

She already has some practice at

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

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

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

2024 Phoenix

“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.

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Luckily, they chose a vehicle with fourwheel drive at the rental car company.

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They needed it, especially when they drove to Hackberry, a census-designated place with about 100 people near Kingman.

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“We met a Jew there, all the way on top of this high mountain,” Slonim said. “It was really in the middle of nowhere.”

In Rio Rico, they had no contacts to go on, so they simply walked into the supermarket and made themselves known. The idea was to introduce themselves to customers and hopefully find someone who knew a Jewish resident.

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“In this work, a lot of it is divine providence. It’s almost like Hashem guides your steps and says go into this store,” Slonim 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. Stern is creating a life and career as a member of her community, which makes

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.

contacted him and went to his house. He put on tefillin for the first time in his life; Slonim and Goldman put a mezuzah on his doorpost.

of Magazine **Annual Directory

Lo and behold, they met a man who said he knew someone Jewish. They

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.

He told the rabbis they had come at a significant and challenging time in his life. He was looking for a sign to connect more with his Judaism.

In fact, when Stern attended her first council meeting in January, she couldn’t wait to tell people of her involvement with Detour and share information about its upcoming shows.

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

“He was middle aged and he was just

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

“My friend Al was next to me when I told the director and he gave me the biggest hug ever and said that he loved me so much,” Stern said. Sadly, Al died

19 February 9

February 23

Heart Can’t Even Believe It: A Story of Science, Love and Down Syndrome,” Silverman’s book about her daughter. When Gesher’s speakers’ bureau, Damon Brooks & Associates, was asked to find a speaker about Down syndrome for an event this spring, Hummell first asked Silverman to speak, thinking Stern might be too young.

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

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

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

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

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

so touched by our mission and our message, that no Jew will be left behind. It was a very meaningful and memorable experience,” Slonim said.

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

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

“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.

During their travels, the roving rabbis bring books, mezuzot, tefillin and Shabbat candles to give to people they meet. Some choose not to participate in any of the mitzvot they offer.

“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

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

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

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

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“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.

Additionally, helping people with disabilities find jobs was one of the reasons for acquiring the bureau. Unemployment in the disability community is upwards of 75% and of that percentage, 75% are ready, willing and able to work — but haven’t been given the opportunity, Hummell said.

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

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STAFF WRITER Shannon Levitt | 602.639.5854 slevitt@jewishaz.com

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Shannon Levitt | 602.639.5854 slevitt@jewishaz.com

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Sophie Stern at her

Sophie Stern at her high school graduation in 2022

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

Rabbi Mendel Slonim puts up a mezuzah in rural Arizona. COURTESY OF RABBI MENDEL SLONIM

A rural Jewish man points out his new mezuzah he received from Rabbi Mendel Slonim, left and Rabbi Dovber Goldman this August. COURTESY OF RABBI MENDEL SLONIM

Rabbi Mendel Slonim, left, and Rabbi Dovber Goldman meet rural Jews as they travel through Arizona in August. COURTESY OF RABBI MENDEL SLONIM

“It’s been a deeply challenging year for the Jewish community around the world, but even in a time when we are being challenged, I want to share that there is richness and good reason to proudly express our Judaism, stand with Israel and continue forward even when we feel more hatred and vitriol than I’ve ever experienced before in my lifetime,” he said.

Temple Solel Rabbi Debbie Stiel is also discussing these issues and plans to talk about the idea of hope as it is understood in the Jewish tradition.

“This has been such a heartbreaking and difficult year for the Jewish community. It will be important for us to think about what our tradition says about hope, why it is such an important aspect of life and how we can help foster a true sense of hope,” she told Jewish News in an email.

On Yom Kippur, Temple Solel Senior Rabbi John Linder will discuss Moses in the Book of Deuteronomy, “interpreting Torah for the Israelites’ success as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, how can we, in our generation, take inspiration from Torah, for the sake of Israel today and our identity as American Jews,” he told Jewish News in an email.

Chabad of the East Valley Rabbi Mendy Deitsch plans to talk about the lessons the Jewish community has learned from actual events rather than theoretical ideas. People still ask why the Jews did not fight back against the Nazis, but since Oct. 7, “this question is no longer asked,” he told Jewish News in an email.

“We now clearly see that everything

Slonim said some people are reticent about being approached.

“They don’t know what we want. They ask, ‘You’re looking for the Jewish community? That’s not me. I don’t practice. You have the wrong person.’” Slonim always assures them it’s not about their level of observance but who they are deep down.

“The Rebbe’s outlook of what a Jew really is rips past the nametags of Reform, Conservative, whatever. It’s not about the congregation. If you’re a Jew, you’re a Jew,” he said.

Slonim, who was named for Schneerson, cherishes that perspective and is inspired by his namesake’s “love and care for every single Jew.”

Goldman said that commitment is sacrosanct.

“The Rebbe overturned every orthodoxy and shifted every paradigm. He taught us to look beyond the facade — affiliations, involvements or lack thereof — and focus on the common denominator, the eternal Jewish soul,” he told Jewish News.

Whether the people they meet put on tefillin or take any of what they offer, the rabbis enjoy spending time with those they meet and value connecting with

that happens to us happens by the divine will, and by increasing our faith and our trust in HaShem, we end off not only not being docile but empowered to tap into our inner resources and achieve great accomplishments,” he said.

Or Adam Congregation Rabbi Jeffrey Schesnol intends to talk about the importance of taking action when it comes to defining oneself, moving forward and demonstrating one’s values, he said in an email to Jewish News.

Deitsch agreed that taking action rather than remaining a passive observer is critical. He will share the lessons he learned earlier this year when he gave the opening prayer to both houses of the United States Congress in Washington, D.C.

“No matter where or what we are, we are never to see ourselves as too small to make an impact on the world around us,” he said.

To that end, Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan will discuss Jewish ideas about building character, particularly courage and bravery.

“Courage is the willingness to face, rather than evade, uncertainty, pain, agony and danger. Bravery comes with not just confidence but often a lack of fear. This is different from courage, where the action is taken in spite of fear,” he told Jewish News in an email.

The Jewish stories he will use to illustrate his points “can help us to understand the nuances of various character traits and how we can utilize the many attributes at our disposal to live our lives in more meaningful ways, and more ethical manners,” he said.

Temple Chai Associate Rabbi Bonnie Koppell will talk about the importance of listening to one another.

them. In fact, if Slonim didn’t feel passionately that he was helping “uncover people’s Jewish soul” he wouldn’t have the confidence to approach strangers.

“I’ve met Jewish women in the middle of the desert. When I leave Shabbat candlesticks with them, I tell them they’re bringing in that special light for this corner of the world,” he said.

Two weeks after Oct. 7, Slonim joined a solidarity trip to Israel with his parents, who head up Chabad at Binghamton University in New York.

“It was really raw then, and I realized we were helping people we had never met before and might not meet again. That family sentiment is indescribable. When a family member needs something, you drop everything and go help them,” he said.

He wanted to convey that idea of one Jewish family to the Jews he encountered during his fourth summer in Arizona.

“We have differences, but at the core we all have a Jewish soul and we’re there for each other no matter what,” he said.

Quoting Schneerson, Goldman said, “No Jew will be left behind.” JN For more information, visit chabadaz.com

“If we could only learn to listen more deeply, listen in ways that foster understanding, we would be in a much better place to create healing, to resolve conflict, in our personal relationships and in our troubled world,” she told Jewish News in an email.

She also acknowledged that part of being a good listener is learning how to discern who is worth listening to, especially in a world overwhelmed with media of all kinds.

“Ultimately, we need to be open to a variety of sources and then make our own informed decisions about what we believe. We need to listen to our own moral conscience and we need to listen to others. Life is complicated,” she said.

Linder will invite the community to experience awe and the benefits of doing so, “not only for the sake of our individual, physical health, but for the importance of getting outside of ourselves to recognize our interconnectedness with all of creation and our place in healing the world,” he said.

Amid all the solemn topics “there’s always room for humor,” Green said. Despite all the sad and frightening news, “one thing that has helped our Jewish family is humor and our ability to laugh.”

But with all the serious content to be shared, don’t expect any comedy routines this year, he said. JN

Telling the story of the Jewish people through food

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Jewish cooks across Greater Phoenix likely have their personal favorite recipes when it comes time to make any number of Jewish dishes. However, it is an open question how many of those same cooks (or the people at their tables) have given much thought as to how and why the recipes were first formulated.

To fill in some of that backstory, the Greater Phoenix Vaad HaKashruth (Vaad) invited Joel Haber, a Jewish food guide, researcher and writer, to speak about the story and significance of Jewish food and how it sheds light on the Jewish people from Sept. 13 to 15.

Haber, a New Jersey native, might not have started out as a professional connoisseur of Jewish food, but thanks to his love of it — and his mother’s influence as a great cook with a cosmopolitan flourish — he left his career in the film industry and learned the ins and outs of Jewish food in all its diversity, including its role in understanding the Jewish story.

“Food is more than good taste,” Haber told Jewish News. “It’s a way of entering into a conversation about culture and

history.”

Haber, who keeps kosher, moved to Jerusalem roughly 15 years ago and was happy to discover a wide variety of restaurants from which to choose.

“Eating your way through the restaurants of Israel is like a gustatory ramble through the Jewish diaspora,” he wrote in his self-introduction on his website, TasteofJew.com.

Once ensconced in his Jerusalem home, Haber started leading food tours in the city, which opened him up to the wide world of Jewish food history. He now researches, lectures internationally and writes about Jewish food, as well as hosting a podcast (18 Jewish Foods) on the topic.

This is Haber’s first time in Phoenix, and while he admitted it would have been nice to come in more seasonable weather, he is grateful for the invitation and always excited to talk to people about his favorite subject.

Vaad director and Congregation Beth Joseph Rabbi Yisroel Isaacs first heard about Haber’s work in March, after the

Vaad hosted a series of events featuring Orthodox Union Kosher rabbis, who explained the intricacies of their kosher certification process.

“Lectures aren’t a regular thing for the Vaad but we had such a strong response to the OU Kosher event in the spring — people really appreciated it,” Isaacs told Jewish News.

An attendee of that series suggested that Haber would be an “entertaining and interesting” speaker. After some investigating, the Vaad invited him. However, he wasn’t an obvious choice.

“He’s a little more out of the box,” Isaacs said. “His lectures are less about the ritual aspects of a kosher lifestyle and intersect more with Jewish culture in general.”

Still, Haber fits the Vaad bill when it comes to introducing speakers relevant to kosher food and Jewish life.

To begin his time in the Valley, Haber introduced four sections of a special Shabbat dinner at Congregation Beth Joseph on Friday, Sept. 13. The evening’s theme was titled, “Beyond Matzo Balls and Chopped Liver: The Diversity of Jewish Cuisine.” The menu featured Jewish foods from around the world and Haber discussed the significance of each.

A Kiddush luncheon the following day, “Cholent & Hamin: The Stew with 1,000 Flavors,” featured several cholents (Shabbat stews) based on recipes from different Jewish communities, Haber explored the culinary history of the Jewish dish, which is also the subject of his recent ebook, “Chulent & Hamin: The Ultimate Jewish Comfort Food.”

“Most Jewish communities have some version of a cholent, or Shabbat stew. Rather than seeing this as a coincidence, I see it as versions of the same dish that morphed as we move around the world,” Haber said.

Later that evening, he talked to teens about “What Makes a Food Jewish” and chatted with them about life in Israel. During Sunday brunch at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus on Sept. 15, Haber turned his attention to “The Original Culinary Movers & Shakers: Jews as Transporters of Food.” This was his chance to go into the details of the impact of the Jewish diaspora on global food.

Given that so much of the food people eat today is not indigenous to where it’s being consumed, it’s reasonable to wonder who moved it and why. Haber argues in his work that Jews have been disproportionately responsible for this movement of food because of their involvement in international trade, their transportation of recipes and ideas about food throughout the diaspora and because they learned and introduced different culinary techniques in various places, due to specific religious prohibitions.

Isaacs, who has enjoyed listening to clips of Haber’s podcast discussions about the same topics, hoped “people came away with a deeper appreciation of the variety of the Jewish experience and a pride in our history.”

He suspected that people enjoyed learning more about “the Jewish customs and practices surrounding the favorite Jewish pastime of eating,” and that Haber’s lectures appealed to a wide swath of the Jewish community.

Isaacs emphasized that the Vaad’s mission is to support both people who keep kosher and those who don’t do so yet. Thus, “the Vaad plans to continue expanding its guest lecture opportunities,” he said. JN

Joel Haber gave a series of lectures about Jewish food and its relationship to Jewish people.

Jewish high school in Scottsdale grows, gets new name

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

Arizona Jewish Academy (AJA) students entered their classrooms for the first day of school last month, likely feeling a mixture of nervousness, excitement and hope about all the possibilities the new school year might represent. After all, given the changes at Scottsdale’s coed Jewish high school since its opening three years ago, the future seems to be wide open.

The school’s most visible difference might be its new name, but there is also new leadership, new faculty and about three times the student body.

In the fall of 2021, then under the name Nishmat Adin - Shalhevet Scottsdale, the Jewish high school had a handful of students who were instructed both in person by local faculty, and remotely by teachers at Shalhevet High School in Los Angeles, the school’s California partner. They also occasionally traveled to LA for social and learning events.

“We were heavily remote that first year, but by the second year, we realized

families and students wanted more local faculty based in Arizona,” AJA Board Chair Dr. Ariella Friedman told Jewish News.

Friedman emphasized that the partnership with LA’s Shalhevet was essential to getting the school off the ground and she is “forever grateful to them for helping us grow — we couldn’t have done it without them.”

As the school developed and found its footing, it relied on Shalhevet’s support, especially administratively. However, before the start of the 2024-25 school year, AJA was able to shed the Shalhevet name, stand on its own and fully embrace its Arizona identity.

“It’s all us now,” Friedman said.

Another new development is the addition of Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Sneiderman, who recently became AJA’s first head of school after a nationwide search.

“He blew us away,” Friedman said. “He’s very aligned with our mission, is a collaborative leader and has tremendous experience.”

She said that one of the things that put Sneiderman over the top was seeing a video of his former North Carolina students talking about how much they learned from him.

“It was a lovely tribute to him. It was clear we made a great choice,” she said.

Sneiderman is excited about helping to mold the still-young school.

“I have definitive ideas about education in general, and Jewish education in particular, so being able to design something from the ground up appealed to me,” he told Jewish News. “Changing a school that has decades of institutional memory is either really slow or impossible.”

Sneiderman is a big believer in ensuring that school is a positive student experience, just as it was for him.

“I went to an amazing high school and would love to recreate that experience for these students. If people are happy, the school will grow,” he said.

To create that positive environment, Sneiderman is focused on providing students with opportunities to succeed, understanding that gaining confidence in one academic area helps them in subjects that present more of a challenge. Even improving a student’s skills on the basketball court can improve his mood and academic performance, he said.

“My goal is to support the students in every way. I can’t think of a better place or a better opportunity to do that,”

“I WENT TO AN AMAZING HIGH SCHOOL AND WOULD LOVE TO RECREATE THAT EXPERIENCE FOR THESE STUDENTS."

DR. ELIEZER SNEIDERMAN

Sneiderman said.

The AJA faculty now includes four full-time and three part-time members. Students come from across the state. Those coming from outside the Valley will board with local families.

Rabbi Pinchas Allouche, AJA’s founding dean and spiritual leader, is excited about the school’s growth and embrace of an Arizona identity.

“It represents a metamorphosis almost, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly,” he told Jewish News.

“We were grateful to Shalhevet for helping kick start the school but now we’re ready to take off on our own,” he said.

Allouche said he has faith in Sneiderman’s leadership and believes that

while the school is still small, its recent growth “reflects where this is going.”

“I’m excited about the school taking form as a community school; that was our goal from day one,” he said.

AJA is open to all Jewish students, regardless of religious affiliation, and promises both a rigorous Jewish and secular education in an environment aligned with Torah values and Halacha (Jewish law).

“We’re a Jewish school, period. The goal of the school is to speak to the soul and what unifies us, not the divisions or labels people impose on us. We’re all affiliated to the same roots, the same values, the same Torah.” Allouche said. JN For more information, visit azjewishacademy.org.

Arizona Jewish Academy started the 2024-25 school year with a new name and new growth. COURTESY OF ARIZONA JEWISH ACADEMY

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

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

Rabbi Pinchas & Esther Allouche

Celebrating a two-year turnaround at Prescott synagogue

SHANNON LEVITT | STAFF WRITER

When several congregants of Temple B’rith Shalom decided to throw a party last month in honor of Rabbi Dr. Susan Schanerman’s second anniversary as their spiritual leader, they were celebrating more than their rabbi’s short tenure.

Since Schanerman arrived at the Prescott synagogue, membership has increased by more than a third, religious school enrollment has more than doubled, more activities and programs are now in place and there’s a new feeling of kindness in the community.

When Schanerman was hired two summers ago, the rabbi stepped into a congregation that had been in turmoil before, and after, the departure of its previous leader 10 months earlier. Many congregants quit, and there were plenty of bad feelings to go around.

“It was heartbreaking,” B’rith Shalom Board President Deb Plotkin told Jewish News. The congregation was “patching together” when Schanerman was hired. “Once she came, people started to put their foot back in the door, relax and smile.”

Many of those congregants who left the synagogue have now returned to find “a warm, inviting environment,” she said.

“Rabbi Schanerman has brought healing, which we needed so much. She’s nurturing, very smart and collaborative,” board member Annie Bernkrant told Jewish News.

Schanerman acknowledged the “difficult time” B’rith Shalom went through in the two years before she got there.

“There were a lot of hurt feelings due to a break in the congregation,” she told Jewish News in an email. During her first year, she prioritized meeting with current and former congregants to do what she

could to heal the breach.

“Apologies to former congregants, and those who were hurt, were sincerely offered and accepted,” she said.

Plotkin was someone on the fence about her membership before Schanerman was hired.

“I didn’t want much to do with Temple B’rith Shalom after what we went through. But I stuck it out, and I’m glad because she (Schanerman) is as good as gold,” Plotkin said.

Plotkin said the rabbi has fostered an atmosphere of openness and kindness without being a pushover. When she has disagreements with the board or with individual members, they talk about it.

“There have been ups and downs, but she listens and we talk and work through whatever problems. She’s made me a better president,” Plotkin said. She took over as president roughly a year ago.

Bernkrant hadn’t been on the board for several years, but she joined again. “I feel positive about the feeling and culture we have now,” she said.

That positive feeling seems to be working. The synagogue’s membership has risen to 100 families and counting, during her brief tenure.

Schanerman also implemented several new programs and activities such as book and hiking groups, Hebrew learning and Judaism classes, a grief group and a chaverim group for people living alone.

The rabbi is experimenting and seeing what sticks.

Bernkrant said there’s something for everyone but if an idea doesn’t garner interest, as was the case for gentle yoga, the rabbi simply moves on without taking it personally.

“She’s a grown-up in the best ways,”

Beth El Cemetery Memorial Service

The community is invited to attend a Memorial Service Sunday, October 6th at 9:30 a.m.

Beth El Cemetery • 2300 W. Van Buren

Rabbi Nitzan Stein Kokin will officiate.

Note: Due to ongoing repairs to the cemetery chapel, the restrooms are unusable. There are facilities nearby at Greenwood.

she said.

Bernkrant especially loved it when Schanerman introduced Mussar, a Jewish spiritual practice that gives concrete instructions on how to live a meaningful and ethical life.

“Talking about important, deep values was life-changing,” she said. “You get to know people in a way you don’t on a daily basis.”

Bernkrant also enjoys the adult discussion groups and tikkun olam committee.

“(Schanerman) creates a very safe space to talk about important things, but we also laugh a lot and kibbutz. There’s a lot of good things going on and a lot of variety,” she said.

Whenever she goes to the synagogue, the parking lot is full of cars because something is always happening.

“We’re a small congregation, but we have become a kind of Jewish community center,” she said.

Plotkin also appreciates the variety of programs available and the fact that Schanerman is open to suggestions from her congregants.

“The rabbi doesn’t make anyone come to these classes. People want to come,” Plotkin said.

Bernkrant said that one of Schanerman’s best qualities is how much she loves her job.

“Being a rabbi is a really hard job, but you don’t hear that or feel that from her — it shows that she loves it,” she said.

Schanerman said she has already created “wonderful memories” in her Prescott pulpit and is considering what the future will bring.

“I am looking forward to continuing to grow the congregation, continuing my interfaith work, strengthening the religious school, offering a large variety of classes and programs that meet diverse needs and doing more tikkun olam work within Yavapai County,” she said.

On Friday, Aug. 23, more than 100 people came to mark Schanerman’s two years at B’rith Shalom, singing and praying together.

Bernkrant pointed out that “the celebration was not just a moment in time — it’s like a date that you reflect on. I want to celebrate all that’s happened. We celebrate it now because we want this to last, and we feel it will last,” she said. JN For more information, visit brithshalom-az.org.

Rabbi Susan Schanerman recites the Hamotzi blessing at her two-year anniversary celebration at Temple B’rith Shalom on Friday, Aug. 23. COURTESY OF TEMPLE B’RITH SHALOM

‘Bring Them Home’ rally in Scottsdale follows murder of six hostages

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

Following the murder of six hostages in Gaza, Arizona Jews for Justice (AJJ) organized a “Bring Them Home” rally on the morning of Sept. 6 on the corner of Scottsdale and Thunderbird Roads in Scottsdale. About 40 people gathered in temperatures hovering near 100 degrees to wave Israeli flags and show their solidarity with the hostages and their families.

The report came in just before midnight on Saturday, Aug. 31. “The IDF located a number of bodies during combat in the Gaza Strip,” said army spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later confirmed the bodies found in a tunnel underneath the Gazan city of Rafah were Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23. Eden Yerushalmi, 24. Ori Danino, 25. Almog Sarusi, 27. Alex Lubnov, 33. Each had been attending the Nova music festival near the Gaza border on Oct. 7. Carmel Gat, 40, had been at Kibbutz Beeri visiting her mother, Kinneret, who was killed on Oct. 7.

Goldberg-Polin was the most recognized face of the hostages due to the tireless efforts of his parents, Rachel Goldberg and Jonathan Polin. The couple had spoken to the pope and the president, to the United Nations and to 20 million Americans watching the Democratic convention.

The couple, along with other hostages’ family members, used giant speakers on Aug. 29 to call out to their captive loved ones near the border with the Gaza Strip. It might have been one of the last things they heard before Hamas terrorists killed them.

On Sept. 2, thousands of people flooded into Jerusalem for Goldberg-Polin’s funeral, where his mother said, “I no longer worry about you, I know you are no longer in danger.”

Then, she addressed her son directly. “OK, sweet boy, go now on your journey. I hope it’s as good as the trips you dreamed about because finally, my sweet boy, finally, finally, finally, finally, you’re free.”

After waiting for nearly 11 months for a positive outcome, the tragedy of the murder of the hostages has left the Jewish community across the world, and in the Valley, reeling. It was the main motive behind Friday’s AJJ rally.

“I want the hostages released,” said Sandra Bondy, who felt she needed to attend the rally. “My heart goes out to all the families suffering.” According to Israeli authorities, more than 60 living hostages, and the bodies of about 35 others, taken

ENGINEERS

captive on Oct. 7, are still in Gaza.

AJJ Founder Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz wanted to ensure that the rally was not viewed as anything political, “This is about the hostages,” he said. “We must have a clear moral conscience and their voices must be heard.”

He added, “We need to stand in solidarity for peace and mourn the death of all the innocent people.”

Yanklowitz led the group in songs about love and peace and chants of, “Bring them home now.”

Cayla Rabinowitz joined the rally because she is tired of the world relying on misinformation that it sees online.

“There is not a side to be on — it’s the side of humanity,” she said. “We have to speak up for those who can’t.”

Many of the cars that passed by honked, and even some drivers waved small Israeli flags. There was a lone pro-Palestinian protester across the street waving a Palestinian flag.

“The event was about brotherhood and Israel,” said Isaac Blumenthal, program associate for AJJ. “’Bring them home’ means more now than in the past,” he said, adding that the murder of the hostages now brings that phrase to a different level.

Karri Bernstein, program manager at AJJ, who wore an Israeli flag draped over her shoulders, admitted that she sometimes got emotional during the half-hour rally.

“Today’s event somehow felt more impactful and more meaningful,” she said. JN

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Rally goers gathered on the corner of Scottsdale and Thunderbird Roads. COURTESY OF ARIZONA JEWS FOR JUSTICE

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz addresses the group of rally attendees. COURTESY OF ARIZONA JEWS FOR JUSTICE

On UA Campus, groups aim to counter anti-Israel protests with Jewish pride

PHYLLIS BRAUN | ARIZONA JEWISH POST

As anti-Israel protests heat up again on college campuses across the U.S., Jewish groups at the University of Arizona are focused on helping students take pride in their Jewish identities.

Classes began at the UA on Aug. 26, and the first week of the semester was peaceful.

“The administration here is well aware of the potential for problematic situations to arise,” Elie Dvorin, UA Hillel’s new executive director, said in an interview before the Memorial Day weekend. “We have a lot of support here, from admin, from the security team at the university, from campus partners, from community partners. I think everyone will do what they can to ensure a safe climate for all students.”

On Aug. 23, the Friday before classes began, university officials emailed students, faculty, and staff a reminder of the UA’s commitment to freedom of speech and the need for “our words and actions to remain civil … no matter the strength of our conviction or passion.” The email from Interim Provost Ronald W. Marx and Interim Dean of Students Chrissy Lieberman said that “all members of the university community must have access to the campus.” It highlighted the university’s campus use policy, which prohibits camping, unauthorized sound amplification, and unauthorized structures.

Pro-Palestinian protests at the UA and other campuses began last year after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1200 Israelis, taking 250 hostages, and igniting the ongoing war in Gaza. Along with protests calling for Palestinian freedom “from the river to the sea,” which most Jews consider a threat to Israel’s existence, the pro-Palestinian

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faction erected two encampments at the UA in May, resulting in violent clashes with law enforcement.

Dvorin said Hillel needs to achieve “a balancing act” between responding to concerns for students’ safety and emotional well-being and recognizing that “we can’t change our lives completely. We’re still going to be proud Jews; we’re still going to be an outwardly Jewish organization. I think that’s the goal, not to let outside circumstances change your internal belief structure and the way you embrace your identity.”

On Friday, Aug. 30, Hillel’s Instagram page featured a lighthearted “Almost Shabbat” photo of students playing in a pool of bubbles.

But as Dvorin told the AJP, the situa-

tion can change quickly.

On Saturday, Aug. 31, the Jewish world was rocked by the news that Hamas had murdered six hostages in Gaza on the brink of their rescue. The six include American Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, whose parents’ activism on behalf of the hostages made him a global symbol of Israel’s hostage crisis.

Hillel and its Israeli culture club, Homeland, announced via Instagram on Sept. 1 that memorial candles, pictures, and stories of the victims would be available all week at Hillel. Hours later, they announced “a healing space with members of the Goldberg-Polin family” on Sept. 3.

Tuesday’s Instagram post from Hillel led off with a reminder of the healing vigil

but also mentioned other events later in the week, such as a “lounge and learn” and an Israeli coffee bar, in keeping with the balance Dvorin mentioned.

“More than anything, I want Hillel this year to be a place that students come to because they want to, not a place they come to because they feel they have to escape something,” Dvorin said.

Hillel’s “FreshFest” orientation this August drew more than 40 incoming students, three times the number last year, Dvorin said. He noted that Hillel’s programming this year will get a boost from a new Israel Fellow, Michelle Pissarenko, arriving Sept. 12.

At Olami Arizona, UA program director Risa Brumer said she’s met several Jewish students who transferred to the UA this semester “from schools where they just felt there was so much antisemitism.”

“It’s cool to see that the UA has a name out there of being welcoming to Jewish students,” she said.

Since Oct. 7, she said, more students have come to Olami to be surrounded by their Jewish peers and to connect more deeply with their Judaism. She explained they feel, “If this is what everyone is saying on social media about the Jewish people, or about Israel, then I just want to know more about what that really means.”

Last year, Olami’s national organization started a program to make college campuses “zero tolerance” zones for antisemitism. Arizona students lobbied in Washington, D.C., for bills to prevent antisemitism on campus but were told schools need to address the issue themselves. Students also went to Israel to show their support, meeting with Knesset members and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Brumer said Olami also encouraged students to make social media videos responding to antisemitic acts such as graffiti in Tucson, with the message, “This is not OK.” Students asked nonJewish students to speak out, to stand up for their Jewish peers, if they heard someone make an antisemitic comment. To show there’s more to Judaism than the Israel-Gaza war, students also handed out bags of Purim candy to non-Jewish students.

In an Instagram video on Sept. 2, Brumer responded to the murder of the hostages, saying one reason Jews feel so much pain at the news is that they had held onto hope.

A University of Arizona Hillel Instagram post from Sept. 1, 2024, shows memorial candles for the six hostages found murdered in Gaza. SCREENSHOT VIA INSTAGRAM

Citing the example of Goldberg-Polin’s mother, Rachel, she said, “We’re going to continue to be strong and continue to be resilient, because that’s a real Jewish value.”

Chabad at UA Director Rabbi Shmulie Sanowicz is also focused on teaching students to stay strong and be resilient. He noted that growing up in the U.S., most Jewish students hadn’t experienced any real antisemitism before last year.

The number one thing for Jewish students at the UA to know, he said, is that the Jewish organizations on campus are working together and with the administration.

“I think the students feel a very strong sense of security [because] they know everyone’s on the same page,” he said.

Incoming freshmen are choosing UA because they want to avoid universities that are rife with tension, Sanowicz said. “I’m very happy and proud to say that University of Arizona is attracting Jewish students that want to be able to live a normal college life.”

The best answer to antisemitism, he said, is being proud, “not backing down who you are but building up and growing your Jewish identity,”

He said students last year stepped up by taking leadership positions at Chabad, connecting with other organizations or checking in with fellow students. More students came to Chabad events, realizing “it’s important to find your people, to be

together, to support each other, to talk.”

“Even though the encampments only happened for a very short time here” compared with other universities, “it shook people up,” he said.

He is looking forward to a year of Jewish pride and students who want to learn more about Judaism, whether through Chabad’s Shabbat and holiday dinners or a program called The Jewish U, where students can take classes and earn credits they can redeem for cash or trips.

Olami has a similar program, a Jewish Pride fellowship that gives students a forum to discuss Israel, antisemitism, and Jewish identity while earning a stipend, Brumer said.

Dean Albert, a junior who is president of Hillel’s Homeland club, noted that more Jewish students came to Hillel last year because they felt uncomfortable talking to non-Jewish friends about Oct. 7.

But Homeland tries to stay a-political, he said, programming fun events like a Master Chef-style contest and Mimouna, a Moroccan-style post-Passover festival that has become an Israeli tradition.

“We need to be proactively cognizant of the security situation at all times,” Dvorin reiterated, “but if that’s our only concern, we’ve already lost.” JN

This article first appeared on AZJewishPost.com. Reprinted with permission.

My name is Dean Dinner. I have lived in Phoenix for 39 years, where I have practiced law. I only have one kidney, and it is failing. Unfortunately, because of issues with my kidney, I recently retired. As my kidney function continues to decline, I will need a transplant. I have been accepted into Mayo Clinic’s transplant program. My wife has attempted to be a donor but has been rejected twice for insu cient function. I would be so grateful if someone donated a kidney on my behalf, as a donated kidney lasts two to three times longer than a kidney from a cadaver. With a donation made in my name, I have been assured that I will receive a matching kidney within three months. If you are interested in exploring donation, please contact mayoclinic.org/livingdonor If you would like to speak with someone from the Living Donor Team, you can call 480-342-1010. If anyone wants to speak to me directly, my number is 480-241-3944. If anyone wants to speak to me directly, my number is 480-241-3944 With much appreciation

, Dean

University of Arizona students prepare bags of Purim candy in March 2024, extending the tradition of mishloach manot (sending portions) to their non-Jewish peers as part of an Olami Arizona program.

“Know your roots:” A journey through my ancestral homeland

ADENA BERNSTEIN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

“Know your roots,” my grandmother would often tell me. She believed that understanding where we come from and learning our family history was essential. Her greatest fear was that we might go through life without any knowledge of our ancestors or who they were.

My grandmother’s journey took her from Europe to Canada and finally to the United States. As a teenager, she witnessed the horrors of Hitler’s invasion of her hometown which was wiped out by mobile killing units. As my children became teenagers, I felt the weight of my grandmother’s legacy and the responsibility to expose them to our roots. This drive led me to author my book, “Living Among the Dead,” which documents her life within the broader context of world history.

With all four grandparents hailing from Poland, I was elated when the Embassy of Poland offered me an opportunity to deepen my understanding of my roots on a broader level. The embassy, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, invited me on a weeklong study visit.

As I packed for the trip, surrounded by ten other Americans with impressive backgrounds, I had no idea how profoundly this journey would impact my life. Our week began in Warsaw, where we met with directors of the Institute of National Remembrance. We explored Poland’s complex history, followed by a visit to the Pilecki Institute. One exhibit that deeply resonated with me was titled, “Called by Name.” This exhibit honors Poles who risked their lives to help Jews

A final polish: The enduring impact of Weiss Guys Car Wash on our community

REUVEN H. TAFF | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

Iwas deeply saddened to hear about the sale of Weiss Guys Car Wash, a beloved institution that has served the greater Phoenix community for so many years.

During our family’s 11 years at Beth El Congregation, I will never forget the kindness of the Weiss family. From generously opening their home swimming pools for our summer camp kids to consistently supporting their synagogue and other worthy organizations, their commitment to the community was unwavering.

Whenever I visited the Camelback Road location, I would always try to sneak past Jerry (z”l) and Jay, knowing they would insist on comping Beth El’s cantor. I must have told them countless times,

IN A WORLD WHERE MENSCHLEKEIT IS OFTEN IN SHORT SUPPLY, THE WEISS FAMILY EXEMPLIFIED KINDNESS, GENEROSITY AND HUMILITY.

“I’m not a schnorrer; I want to support your business.” But they were adamant that I not pay. While waiting for my car, I often observed how they interacted with their customers and employees. In a world where menschlekeit is often in short supply, the Weiss family exemplified kindness, generosity and humility.

As we approach the month of Elul in a few weeks, I can’t help but reflect on the metaphor of a car wash in relation to the Jewish idea of cleansing ourselves of our sins. Just as a car wash removes the

grime and buildup from our vehicles, the High Holydays offer us an opportunity to cleanse our souls, washing away the mistakes and transgressions of the past year.

The Weiss family’s car wash was more than just a place to clean our cars; it was a reminder of the possibility of renewal and the fresh start we all seek during this upcoming sacred season. Their dedication to treating everyone with respect and care has left an indelible mark on me and on all who had the privilege of patronizing their business.

The warmth and values they brought to their work reflected the principles they hold dear, touching the lives of countless individuals in our community. God bless the entire Weiss family. May they find comfort in knowing they served our community with unwavering dedication, treating each customer and employee as if they were part of their own family. The legacy of their generosity, warmth and commitment to fostering a sense of belonging will continue to inspire us all for many years to come, reminding us of the profound impact that genuine kindness and caring can have on a community. JN

Reuven Taff, former cantor and educational director of Beth El Congregation, is Rabbi Emeritus of Mosaic Law Congregation in Sacramento, California, where he served for 25 years. He can be contacted at rabbitaff@ mosaiclaw.org.

Reuven H. Taff COURTESY OF

Casting of the memorial wall at Remu Cemetery in Krakow is made from fragments of Jewish headstones. COURTESY OF ADENA BERNSTEIN

Settle down!

PARSHAH KI TAVO:

DEUTERONOMY 26:1 - 29:8

What are your plans for the High Holidays?

What does celebrating Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur normally look like for you? Joining family and friends for a meal, including the traditional apple dipped in honey and can’t-miss double serving of brisket? How about attending services to say some of your favorite prayers, hear the shofar blasts and listen to the rabbi’s sermon?

Rosh Hashanah is normally described as the Head of the New Year — a time for renewal, a chance to make changes. To better oneself, turn over a new leaf. Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, where our actions are judged and decisions about our future are decided. We ask ourselves: how is my relationship with G-d (how is my Judaism?), and with others (how is my personhood?) and we

ROOTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

during the Holocaust. These courageous individuals, often overlooked in historical discourse, are finally having their stories uncovered. While at the exhibit, I filled out a form to document the acts of a nonJewish Polish woman who risked her life to save my grandmother. Acknowledging her bravery felt like the very least I could do. This moment reinforced my connection to my roots and the profound impact that individual acts of courage can have on future generations.

The afternoon took us to the POLIN Museum, a powerful testament to the resilience of the Jewish people and a window into the roots of my own family history. Walking through the exhibits, I felt a deep connection to the past, realizing how the events that shaped my ancestors’ lives continue to influence my identity today. Despite the packed schedule, we found time to meet Poland’s chief rabbi at the Nozyk Synagogue. The beauty of the synagogue was only matched by the profound conversation we shared about modern-day Judaism in Poland. This encounter deepened my appreciation for the enduring legacy of my roots in this land.

The following day, our itinerary in Warsaw included visits to the Jewish

pledge to be better and do better. In turn, we pray for G-d to grant us blessings and abundance in all aspects of our lives in the year ahead.

But what happens after spending all those hours in shul? Do we leave this most serious and holy season in the Jewish year inspired and changed? Do Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur motivate us to be a better version of one’s self — a better person and a better Jew? Does the excitement carry over into the rest of the year?

When the final crumbs of Yom Kippur’s break-fast are brushed away are we any different than we were before we lit the candles or made Kiddush to mark the beginning of Rosh Hashanah?

This week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo (normally translated as “when you will enter”), begins by telling us of a commandment that we are responsible to keep only in the Land of Israel. But the verse here actually defines what entering the land means.

To keep this mitzvah (and the others related to the land) G-d wants us to be fully settled in the Land of Israel. While the nation entered Eretz Yisrael by crossing over the Jordan, true ownership of the

land — true living in it — only took place 14 years later after it was fully conquered. Only after entering and then conquering and settling the land would these commandments apply!

Entering and being in the land is a superficial connection to the land of our inheritance. G-d wants us to truly connect with the land, be one with it and appreciate it before giving us the mitzvoth connected with inhabiting the Holy Land.

And the same is with our connection with Hashem Himself. We can “enter” the land of G-d and forge a connection with Him but we sometimes end up just going through the motions and doing things like everyone else. Attend synagogue, sit through the meals, and we might even enjoy it all. But the greatest benefits of our relationship with G-d is when we “settle” in our Judaism, make it important and real and have it become a part of our day-to-day life.

That’s why, after the awe and closeness of Yom Kippur, we go straight into the holiday of Sukkot, where we bring holiness into the normal and mundane parts of life. We go about normal tasks of life —

SEPTEMBER 27 - 5:59

SHABBAT ENDS

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SEPTEMBER 28 - 6:52 P.M.

Historical Institute, the Taube Center and an archaeological site that revealed more layers of the city’s history. Lunch brought a fascinating discussion with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a memorable conversation with the director for Africa and the Middle

my Polish heritage, igniting a renewed sense of belonging. Our day ended with a poignant tour of the Jewish Cemetery and dinner with the president of the Jan Karski Educational Foundation.

Our journey then took us to Wrocław, where we met representatives from

AS MY CHILDREN BECAME TEENAGERS, I FELT THE WEIGHT OF MY GRANDMOTHER’S LEGACY AND THE RESPONSIBILITY TO EXPOSE THEM TO OUR ROOTS.

East and former ambassador to Israel, who provided a nuanced perspective on international relations.

A pivotal moment came for me during our meeting with Secretary of State Wojciech Kolarski at the Presidential Palace. I sought information about citizenship for descendants like me, whose grandparents fled Poland to survive the Nazi invasion. His hopeful response suggested a path to reconnecting with

the Simcha Festival and toured the Department of Jewish Studies at the University of Wrocław. We visited the Edith Stein House and the Four Denominations District. The next day, a visit to Oswiecim and a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau served as a harrowing reminder of the atrocities endured by countless victims during the Holocaust.

In Kraków, our final stop, I felt a profound connection to my roots as we

eating, drinking, even sleeping — but we do it all in the sukkah. We infuse holiness and G-dliness into the regular parts of life.

We recognize that G-d is right there at our side, not only in the special moments and good times, but also every day and in the uneventful happenings in life. Knowing that, feeling Him next to us, even brings us comfort during hardships and when facing challenges, too.

This year, more than ever before, it’s important for us to settle a bit more into our true identity — Judaism, Torah and mitzvot and G-d. Let’s not just get through Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur; let’s bring G-d fully into our lives. Let’s celebrate joy and hope and have it extend to Sukkot, Simchat Torah and the rest of the year. JN

Rabbi

engaged with scholars at the Institute of Jewish Studies at Jagiellonian University. Touring the Galicia Museum brought to life the rich history and culture that my ancestors were a part of, offering insights into the lives they once led. A highlight of our time in Kraków was attending a Shabbat dinner at the JCC, where we joined 700 people from around the world in a shared celebration of faith and tradition. This gathering was more than just a meal; it was a living link to my heritage, a moment where the past, present and future of my roots converged in a powerful way. On my last day in Kraków, I toured the Kazimierz district, where the history and culture of the city began to weave a spell on me.

This journey through Poland was more than an educational visit; it was a profound reconnection with my heritage. It reaffirmed the importance of remembering history, fostering dialogue and understanding the complex layers of identity and belonging. For me, it was a chance to heed my grandmother’s words and truly learn about my roots. JN

Adena Bernstein is a government lawyer based in Phoenix, and the granddaughter of two Holocaust survivors. To learn more, visit adenaastrowsky.com.

Moshe Levertov directs the Jewish Care Network in Phoenix.

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

RABBI MOSHE LEVERTOV

Rabbi Moshe Levertov COURTESY OF RABBI MOSHE LEVERTOV

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High Holidays services around the Valley and Northern Arizona

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

REAST VALLEY

Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

osh Hashanah is right around the corner and Jewish News wants to provide a few of the options for High Holiday services. While this is not a complete list, here’s a roundup of this year’s services, study sessions and more. Before you go, visit the synagogue’s website for more complete information. Also, visit JewishPhoenix.com for additional High Holiday resources.

Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

CHABAD OF THE EAST VALLEY

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6:15 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3 and 4 at 11:30 a.m.

Tashlich and Shofar in the Park: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Desert Breeze Park in Chandler

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Evening Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 12 p.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4:30 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:45 p.m. followed by a buffet.

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF GILBERT

High Holiday services are open to all, but reservations are required. Services held at the Four Points Hotel in Mesa. For more information and to RSVP, visit jewishgilbert.com.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service:

Shofar Sounding: Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3 and 4 at 10:45 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Tashlich: Friday, Oct. 4 at 4:45 p.m. in Power Ranch Community

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11:15 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4:45 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:33 p.m. followed by a buffet.

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF MESA

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3 and 4 at 11:30 a.m.

Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday,

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11:15 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4:45 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:34 p.m. followed by a buffet.

SUN LAKES JEWISH CONGREGATION

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

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

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM OF THE EAST VALLEY

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9 a.m.

Tashlich/Mincha: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9 a.m.

HIGH HOLIDAYS

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m.

Mincha: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m.

Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5:45 p.m.

TEMPLE EMANUEL OF TEMPE

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at Dayspring Church

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service:

Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10:30 a.m. at Dayspring Church

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Emanuel

Tashlich: Sunday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. at ASU Research Park

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at Dayspring Church

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Dayspring Church

Mincha: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3:15 p.m. at Dayspring Church

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4:45 p.m.

at Dayspring Church

Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5:45 p.m. at Dayspring Church

PHOENIX

BETH AMI TEMPLE

All High Holiday services will be in person at Gloria Christi Presbyterian Church in Paradise Valley. For more information, visit bethamitemple.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

Afternoon Service and Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m.

BETH EL PHOENIX

For more information, visit bethelphoenix. com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9 a.m.

Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service:

Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6:45 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:45 p.m.

CHABAD BUKHARIAN CENTER

For more information, visit chabadbukhariancenter.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 5:50 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service followed by Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5:50 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Friday, Oct. 4 at 11:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11:15 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4:45 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:34 p.m. followed by light buffet.

CHABAD OF MOON VALLEY

Services will be held at Moon Valley Country Club in Phoenix and the Wolfman home. All are welcome, no RSVP required. For more information, visit ourjewishmoonvalley.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service and Shofar Sounding: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Lookout Mountain Park

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

CHABAD OF NORTH PHOENIX

Rosh Hashanah services will be held at Chabad of North Phoenix, Yom Kippur services will be held at Cambria Hotel in Phoenix. All are welcome, no reservations required. For more information, visit ourjewishcenter.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3 and 4 at 11:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 12 p.m.

Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4:30 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:34 p.m.

CHABAD OF PARADISE VALLEY & ARCADIA

Rosh Hashanah services will be held at ASU Kerr Center (tentative) in Scottsdale and Yom Kippur services will be held at the Embassy Suites in Phoenix. High Holiday services are open to all, but reservations are required. For more information and to RSVP, visit jewishparadisevalley.com.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3 and 4 at 11:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11:30 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:34 p.m.

CHABAD OF PHOENIX

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

Mincha: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 4:45 p.m.

Shofar in the Park and Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Granada Park Lower Lake in Phoenix

Rosh Hashanah Day II Evening Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 6:45 p.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11:45 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4:30 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:34 p.m.

TEMPLE CHAI

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9 a.m.

Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 4:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3:30 p.m.

SCOTTSDALE/NORTHEAST VALLEY

CHABAD OF FOUNTAIN HILLS

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

Beth Ami Temple Welcome! Shabbat Services Begin at 7:00 pm Rabbi Allison Lawton Cantorial Soloist Michael Robbins

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6:15 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3 and 4 at 11:30 a.m.

Tashlich and Shofar in the Park: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 12:30 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4:15 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:34 p.m.

CHABAD OF SCOTTSDALE

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

High Holiday Tickets

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

Visit our website at www.bethamitemple.org bethamitemple35@gmail.com 602-956-0805 A

Very Modest Dues • No Building Fund 3535 E. Lincoln Drive • Paradise Valley (Sanctuary in Gloria Christi Church)

Shofar Sounding: Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3 and 4 at 11:30 a.m.

Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6:45 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 12:30 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4:15 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:34 p.m.

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 11:30 a.m.

Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 4:30 p.m. at Roadrunner Park in Scottsdale

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 10:15 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 8:15 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11:30 a.m.

Yom Kippur Afternoon Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1:30 p.m.

Healing: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3:30 p.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4:45 p.m.

Neilah and Havdalah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

CONGREGATION KEHILLAH

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6:45 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 6:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Yom Kippur Afternoon Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m.

CONGREGATION OR TZION

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Early Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 8:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Late Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 11:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 8:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Services: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Mincha and Avodah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m.

Neilah and Shofar Sounding: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5:15 p.m.

CONGREGATION SHOMREI TORAH

High Holiday services held at a Scottsdale hotel. For more information, contact 602376-4392 or visit cstaz.org.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m.

Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5 p.m.

OR ADAM CONGREGATION FOR HUMANISTIC JUDAISM

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m. (in person)

SHABBAT STOP&GO

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

TEMPLE BETH EMETH OF SCOTTSDALE

For more information, visit tbescottsdale. org or call 480-941-4112.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m.

Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

Havdalah and Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 following services.

TEMPLE KOL AMI

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.

Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 4:30 p.m. at Roadrunner Park

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

Yizkor and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3:30 p.m.

TEMPLE SOLEL

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 12 p.m.

Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 4 p.m. at Chart House in Scottsdale.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 12 p.m.

Yizkor, Neilah, Havdalah and Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4:30 p.m.

THE NEW SHUL

All are welcome and no reservations necessary. In lieu of tickets, the synagogue asks for a donation. For more detailed information, visit thenewshul.org/days-of-awe/.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 8:15 a.m.

Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6:45 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 8:15 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 8:15 a.m.

Yom Kippur Afternoon Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3:30 p.m.

WEST VALLEY

BETH EMETH CONGREGATION OF THE WEST VALLEY

High Holiday services are free of charge. Tickets are required and available for pick up weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, visit bethemethaz.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 5:30 p.m.

https://shorturl.at/EOpkq

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9 a.m.

CHABAD OF THE WEST VALLEY

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service and Shofar Sounding: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service and Shofar Sounding: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Kol Nidrei: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:45 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service and Yizkor: Saturday Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Yom Kippur Afternoon and Closing Service: Saturday Oct. 12 at 4:30 p.m.

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with a delicious dinner! Enjoy a traditional menu featuring brisket, roasted chicken, fresh challah, and more. Gather with loved ones and welcome the new year with a meal to remember. Place your order today! Shanah Tovah!

TEMPLE BETH SHALOM OF THE WEST VALLEY

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Service and Tashlich Potluck Dinner: Friday, Oct. 4 at 5 p.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Afternoon Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4:30 p.m.

Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

Sisterhood Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 following services. (Advance tickets required.)

FLAGSTAFF

CHABAD OF FLAGSTAFF

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.

Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. at Frances Short Pond in Flagstaff

Rosh Hashanah Day I Evening Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6:45 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 12:30 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4:30 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:32 p.m.

CONGREGATION LEV SHALOM

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service and Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

Neilah and Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

PRESCOTT

CHABAD OF PRESCOTT

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 5:50 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3 and 4 at 12 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 12 p.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:36 p.m.

TEMPLE B’RITH SHALOM

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.

Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3, immediately following service.

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

Mincha, Yizkor and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m.

Tishpishti is Sephardi honey cake, but better

SUSAN BAROCAS | THE NOSHER

Honey cake is a hallmark of Rosh Hashanah and the fall Jewish holidays — Ashkenazi honey cake, that is. But did you know there’s a Sephardi cake traditionally served for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur break fast and during Sukkot? Like its Eastern European counterpart, tishpishti symbolizes wishes for a sweet new year and the fullness of life. The cake is also popular for Purim and adapted for Passover.

SEDONA

CHABAD OF SEDONA

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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 5:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

Shofar Sounding: Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3 and 4 at 11 a.m.

Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Whole Foods Pond

Rosh Hashanah Day II Morning Service: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Semolina pastries and puddings have been made for centuries throughout the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East. Tishpishti is traditionally made with fine semolina and soaked in a sweet syrup of sugar, honey or a mixture, but beyond these common elements, there are many variations in both the way tishpishti is made — such as nuts or no nuts, eggs or no eggs, flavored with lemon, orange or rose water — and

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11:30 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5 p.m.

JEWISH COMMUNITY OF SEDONA AND THE VERDE VALLEY

High Holiday services available in person and virtual. For more information, visit jcsvv.org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Evening Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m.

even what it’s called according to different geographic and cultural roots. For example, in Egypt, it’s basboosah or baboussa, namora or namoura in Syria and shamali in Crete.

Tishpishti is perhaps the name most used and, as we know it today, the cake originated in Turkey. In the “Encyclopedia of Jewish Food,” Gil Marks explains that in Israel and for Jews from once-Ottoman

SEE CAKE, PAGE 20

Rosh Hashanah Day I Morning Service: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.

Tashlich: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 4 p.m. at Los Abrigados at the Creek

Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

Yizkor and Neilah: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5 p.m.

Break the Fast: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:40 p.m. JN

Tishpishti is a syrup-soaked cake made with semolina.

COURTESY OF SUSAN BAROCAS

Turkey, Greece and the Balkans, the name is probably a nonsense name from the Turkish “tez” (fast/quick) and “piti” (plane/slope). Put together, it means “quickly done.” In Ladino it might also be called pispiti, tupishti and revani, which Joyce Goldstein in “Sephardic Flavors: Jewish Cooking of the Mediterranean” notes is named after a 16th century Turkish poet “who wrote about the delights of food.”

Many tishpishti recipes use eggs, including ones that instruct you to whip the whites separate from the yolks, a Sephardi contribution to tishpishti. This recipe, however, is based on a very old traditional way of making cakes from a thick dough without eggs.

My concession to modernity is adding baking powder and soda, both 19th-century products, to lessen the density of the cake. Using ground almonds instead of walnuts will result in a lighter colored cake, which is traditional at Rosh Hashanah to symbolize a bright new year. Tishpishti is delicious on its own or served with a spoonful of yogurt, labneh or whipped cream and a cup of mint tea or strong Turkish coffee.

INGREDIENTS

For the syrup:

• ¾ cup sugar

• ¾ cup honey

• ¾ cup water

• 1–2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice or orange blossom water

For the cake:

• 1 cup fine semolina (not semolina flour)

• 2 cups all-purpose or one-to-one gluten-free flour or almond flour

• 1½ cups finely ground walnut or almond meal (not flour)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 cup good neutral vegetable oil (such as avocado, sunflower or peanut)

• 2 cups water

• ½ cup honey

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 tsp finely grated lemon or orange zest or a combination

• 1/8 tsp salt

• about 30 slices blanched almonds, whole almonds or walnuts, or chopped almonds or walnuts

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To make the syrup, begin by stirring the sugar, honey, water and lemon juice (if using) together in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Stop stirring, turn the heat up to mediumhigh until the mixture begins to boil, then reduce heat to a gentle boil. Cook about 15 minutes until the mixture thickens but is still syrupy. Remove from the heat and if using orange blossom water, stir it in now. Let the syrup cool to room temperature while the cake bakes.

2. To make the cake, preheat oven to 350 degress. Lightly grease a 9×13inch pan.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the semolina, flour, nuts, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon until well blended. Set aside.

4. In a large saucepan, mix the oil, water, honey, sugar, cinnamon, zest and salt. Heat over medium, stirring often. Remove the saucepan from the heat just as it begins to boil. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the flour mixture, about a third at a time, until it is totally absorbed and the batter is well

NOTES:

blended. It might seem like the last bit can’t get mixed in, but it will in the end. The resulting batter will be thick and dough-like.

5. Scoop the mixture into the greased pan and gently pat to flatten the batter with your hands so it is spread evenly and the edges are straight and even. (An offset spatula can be used to help to smooth the surface evenly and make sharp, clean edges.) Score the cake into small diamond shapes, about 26-30 pieces 1½ inches wide, cutting about half way down. Gently press one almond slice or whole nut on top of each piece in the center. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges are just starting to brown.

6. Take the cake out of the oven, then immediately pour about half the room-temperature syrup slowly and evenly over the hot cake, which will absorb the syrup as it cools. Wait a few minutes, then follow the scoring to cut all the way through the pieces. Pour the rest of the syrup evenly into the cuts and over the whole cake. Tishpishti is best when left at room temperature for several hours or overnight, so the syrup penetrates the cake. JN

• It is best to make the syrup ahead of time so it has time to cool, although you can choose to make it while the cake bakes, then refrigerate it to cool more quickly.

• Tishpishti is best when left at room temperature for several hours or overnight, so the syrup penetrates the cake.

• Store wrapped at room temperature for two days or a week in the refrigerator. The cake can be well-wrapped and frozen for two months. Defrost and then refresh with some drizzles of warm syrup.

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Featured Event

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22

Jewish Music in Poland, Past and Present:

3-4:30 p.m. in person and on Zoom. Arizona Jewish Historical Society, 122 E. Culver St., Phoenix. Join the AZJHS and ASU Jewish Studies for a lecture and performance on the Polish-Jewish experience by Jewish musician and pianist Neal Brostoff. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jewishstudies.asu.edu/JSPolishMusic.

Events

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

“The Diary of Anne Frank:” 7-9 p.m. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. Join the Phoenix Holocaust Association for a special performance of “The Diary of Anne Frank” presented by Childsplay. Use discount code TDAF30 to receive a $30 ticket price for center orchestra seats only. For more information, visit chilsplayaz.org.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22

Temple Emanuel Tots for ages 2 & 3: 11:30 a.m. Temple Emanuel of Tempe, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Join Temple Emanuel for Jewish learning and play for toddlers. For more information, contact Heidi Goldsobel at rs@emanueloftempe.org.

Open House Ice Cream Social: 3-5 p.m. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Join TBSWV for a chance to meet Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and leadership to learn about High Holy Days services and activities, including adult education, religious school, events, programs, social action, religious practices and Chavurah. Tour the building and learn about Sisterhood and Brotherhood activities. Cost: Free. For more information, visit tbsaz.org.

Jewish Women’s Conservative Forum Dinner: Women Who Win: 5-8 p.m. Maggiano’s Little Italy, 16405 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the JWCF for dinner and meet women candidates running for local and state office in the November election. For more information, contact lks19@cox.net.

Music & Nosh: 6:30-8 p.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Join the EVJCC for and evening of live klezmer music from Odessa and nosh and desserts by Chef Melinda. Cost: Free. For more information, visit evjcc.org/event/music-nosh.

MONDAY, SEPT. 23

Political Theology Within the Jewish-Israeli Case: 10-11:30 a.m. Online via Zoom. Join ASU Jewish Studies for a presentation featuring Annabel Herzog, Professor of Political Theory at the School of Political Science at the University of Haifa, Israel. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jewishstudies.asu.edu/JSIsrael3.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 24

Current Events in Israel: 10 a.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Join the EVJCC for a discussion of current events in Israel by Jake Bennett, Israeli-American Coalition for Action director of state legislative affairs. Cost: Free. For more information, visit evjcc.org/tuesdays.

NowGen September Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. RnR Gastropub, 3737 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join NowGen, a program of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, for a networking and social happy hour for Jewish adults in their 20’s through 40’s

in community, philanthropy and leadership. Cost: Free. For more information, visit phoenixcjp.regfox.com/nowgen-happy-hour.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25

The Art of the High Holidays: 1-2 p.m. Online via Zoom. Join the Join the East Valley jewish Community Center for a topical overview of visual art objects and their symbolism related to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur presented by Nancy Kotz from Jewish Art Education. Cost: Free; registration required. For more information, visit evjcc.org/artists.

Family Holiday Challah Bake: 3:30-5 p.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Join the Early Learning Center and the ELC Kindergarten for an afternoon of PJ Library stories and crafts while shaping your own challah to take home and bake. Cost: Free; register by Sept. 20. For more information, visit evjcc.org/jcommunity.

Zeichick Family Lecture: Kol Kolot – Every Voice, Every Vote: 7-8:30 p.m. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Join Temple Chai, Valley Beit Midrash and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix for a presentation on why our society needs to work for a more inclusive democracy in which all voices are heard and every vote counted, and what you can do to make it happen. Presented by Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and senior vice president of the Union for Reform Judaism. Cost: $18, free for VBM and Temple Chai members. For more information, visit valleybeitmidrash.org/event/zeichick-family-lecture-kol-kolot-every-voice-every-vote.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27

Tucson Pride Parade: 5-7 p.m. Join AZ Jews for Pride to march in the Tucson Pride Parade. Meet for Shabbat Service with Kol Ami at the Tucson Jewish Museum and walk over to join the parade. Details will be sent out by email. For more information, visit jewishphoenix.com/ events/join-the-jewish-community-in-the-tucson-pride-parade.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27

S’lichot – Service and Art Exhibit: 7-9 p.m. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Join Temple Chai for a meaningful preparation for the High Holy Days, focusing on repentance, forgiveness and renewal. This year, the service will feature an art exhibit, where Temple Chai artists will display works inspired by the Al Cheyt prayer. For more information, visit templechai.com.

Selichot Service with Canto Nissim: 7-9 p.m. Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Join Beth El for a musical holiday service with visiting Cantor Nissim Nati. Cost: Free. For more information, visit bethelphoenix.com.

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

Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework, Desert Cactus Chapter: 10 a.m. The Oasis at Sagewood, 4555 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. The guild meets the third Monday of the month, adjusted when necessary to accommodate Jewish holidays. For more information, visit pomegranateguild.org.

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

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

Quotable Quotes by our Sages: 7 p.m. Online. Learn with Rabbi Shlomy Levertov. Use this link:

JewishParadiseValley.com/class. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

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

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

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

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

TUESDAYS

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

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.

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

THURSDAYS

Ladies Torah & Tea: 10:30 a.m. Online. Learn about the women of the Torah with Mrs. Leah Levertov. Use this link: ourjewishcenter.com/ virtual. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

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

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

SATURDAYS

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

Shabbat

FRIDAYS

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

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

Shabbat at Beth El: 7:15 a.m. and 5:45 p.m on Zoom; 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale. Ave., Phoenix or livestreaming on YouTube. Celebrate Shabbat with songs, blessings and teachings with Rabbi Stein Kokin the first Friday of every month. Special guests will be welcoming Shabbat during the remainder of the month. For more information or to join, visit bethelphoenix.com.

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

Shabbat Services: 5:30 p.m. nosh, 6:15 p.m. service; morning service has varying dates and times. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. For more information, contact Joan Neer at jneer@templechai.com.

Shabbat Services with Sun Lakes: 5:30-6:15 p.m. Sun Lakes Chapel, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. North, Sun Lakes. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation conducts this twilight service on Aug. 9. For more information, contact 480-612-4413.

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

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

Shabbat Service: 6-7 p.m.; Oneg at 5:15 p.m. Temple B’rith Shalom, 2077 Brohner Way, Prescott. Join Temple B’rith Shalom for a musical and spiritual Shabbat service. For more information, visit brithshalom-az.org.

First Friday Shabbat Services: 6:15 p.m.; Oneg at 7:15 p.m. Valley Unitarian Universalist, 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler. Join Congregation NefeshSoul for Friday night services the first

Friday of each month in the sanctuary building of Valley Unitarian Universalist. For more information, contact Jim Hoffman at 480-329-3316.

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

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

Shabbat Services: 7 p.m. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Services are followed by an Oneg. Services are live-streamed on YouTube. For more information and to get the YouTube link, visit tbsaz.org or call 623-977-3240.

Shabbat Services with Beth Ami Temple: 7 p.m. Gloria Christi Federated Church, 3535 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley. Rabbi Alison Lawton and Cantorial Soloist Michael Robbins lead Shabbat services twice a month. For more information, visit bethamitemple.org.

Third Friday Shabbat: 7-9 p.m. Group meets at a North Scottsdale location. The Desert Foothills Jewish Community Association hosts a Shabbat service followed by a program. Contact 602-487-5718 for more information. JN

Gerald “Jerry” M. Walters

Gerald “Jerry” M. Walters passed away on Sept. 2, 2024. Born on December 18, 1942, he was 82.

Jerry Walters was always ready with a smile and a classic dad joke. A proud American patriot, his love of country was demonstrated by his dedication as an Army veteran. He was a lifelong Dodgers fan, an avid gun enthusiast and a voracious reader.

The greatest legacies Jerry leaves behind are the enduring love he shared with Cathy, his devoted partner of over 25 years, and the unbreakable bond he maintained with his best friend of 60 years, Alex. In addition to his cherished relationships, Jerry’s memory lives on in the hearts of his three daughters, four grandchildren and one greatgranddaughter.

Jerry’s life is a testament to the power of love, loyalty and friendship. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

DAVID BRESLOW WEIGEL

David Breslow Weigel will become a bar mitzvah on Oct. 5, 2024, at Temple Solel. He is the son of Laura Breslow of Scottsdale. David’s grandparents are John and Sonia Breslow of Scottsdale. For his mitzvah project, David is raising money for the Center Ice Fund through the Coyotes Amateur Hockey Association Scottsdale, which provides financial aid and other resources to eliminate barriers to participation.

A student at Veritas Prep, David enjoys hockey, video games, swimming and hanging out with friends and family. JN

OWEN FREDERICK KETCHEL

Owen Frederick Ketchel will become a bar mitzvah on Oct. 19, 2024, at Temple Solel. He is the son of Aron and Kristy Ketchel of Paradise Valley. Owen’s grandparents are Steve and Marta Ketchel of Tucson and Tom and Louise Wilson of Hemet, California.

For his mitzvah project, Owen collected book donations and helped organize a Book-in-a-Bag community service project. Students at his school decorated a paper bag with the theme of the book inside and donated them to Valley of the Sun United Way to inspire literacy.

A student at Madison Park Middle School, Owen enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family and playing soccer, piano, trombone and chess. JN

ASHER JOSHUA SILVERMAN

Asher Joshua Silverman became a bar mitzvah on Aug. 24, 2024, at Congregation Beth Israel. He is the son of Diane Silverman of Peoria and David Silverman of Glendale.

Asher’s grandparents are Ron and Cathy Caplan of Mesa and Steve and Lucy Silverman of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

A student at Paseo Verde Elementary School, Asher enjoys watching and playing basketball; is an avid collector of Pokémon cards; plays in the band; likes to dance; takes care of his two guinea pigs; and enjoys spending time with his brothers, family and friends. JN

Jeanette Rosalyn Kaplan

Jeanette Rosalyn Kaplan, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and compassionate social worker, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024, at the age of 98. Born on April 16, 1926, in Phoenix, Jeanette lived a life that always emphasized love, dedication, kindness and service to others.

Jeanette was the daughter of Hyman Gold and his wife, Sarah, who moved to Phoenix in the early 1900s, establishing deep roots in the community. She grew up in Phoenix, attending Phoenix Union High School, and later pursued her passion for psychology at the University of Washington. She was permitted to go away to college only with the promise to her parents that she would learn to cook and meet a man to marry. Her giant heart and unending passion to help others led her to a fulfilling career as a social worker, where she specialized in working with adoptive parents, making a lasting impact on many families. She worked until she had children and then moved to various volunteer positions for most of the remainder of her adult life.

Jeanette’s life was “made whole” by her marriage to Jarril Kaplan, the love of her life. Together, they built a life filled with love and dedication to one another, and always made their family the center of their world. Jeanette worked tirelessly to support Jarril through law school, with the salary of $230 per month, which they considered a very high salary for the times, and enough to start their family until Jarril could establish roots with his law career. Jeanette and Jarril raised three children: Susy, Robert and David, whom Jeanette doted on with oceans of love and care.

Jeanette is survived by her daughter, Susy; her sons Robert and David; her grandchildren Jessica, Lauren, Jamie, Mark and Nicole; and her great-grandchildren Henry, Clara, Caden and Senia. Her memory will be defined by her love, heart, kindness and generosity and passion for life. And by her motto which she loved to tell her children and grandchildren: “It’s not what happens to you in life, it’s how you deal with it.”

Jeanette’s life was a testament to her strong spirit, her kindness and her unwavering commitment to her family and community. She will be remembered for the countless lives she touched through her compassion, selflessness and angelic smile.

A service will be held at Beth Israel Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 8, 2024, to honor Jeanette’s life and the amazing impact of positivity she had on every person she met. There will be food served at Tee Pee Mexican Restaurant following the service and everyone is invited. The Kaplan family thanks everyone for the tidal wave of love that keeps pouring in with stories and memories of Jeanette.