Jewish News, Jan. 21, 2022

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Rabbis may live out of state, but still view Arizona congregations as their own

Rabbi Stephen Einstein was happy to retire in 2012. For 36 years, he had been the pulpit rabbi of Congregation B’nai Tzedek, which he founded in Fountain Valley, California.

But just two years into retirement, he was called back to the bimah.

For the past seven years, Einstein has traveled to Yuma to provide High Holiday services — except for 2020, when he provided services virtually. Congregation Beth Hamidbar in Yuma is one of a few Arizona synagogues that are served by rabbis living out of state.

For many years, student rabbis helped out in Yuma, a small city about 200 miles southwest of Phoenix. But in 2014, congregation leadership was looking for somebody more seasoned. The congregation worked with the Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion to identify the right fit.

“Here Rabbi Einstein was: experienced, skilled and can roll with things — all the things you want in a veteran rabbi. We knew he would be a great fit for Yuma,” said Rabbi David Fine, who was the small congregations’ specialist at the URJ at the time.

Einstein was happy to continue “to be of service” and enjoy the parts about being a rabbi he loved most — leading services — without having to do any of the parts he didn’t enjoy as much, like making operational decisions, attending board meetings and so on. He also

SEE RABBIS, PAGE 2

American

NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER

After 20 years at the helm, Barbara Zemel and Jay Bycer are taking a step back as co-presidents of American Friends of Magen David Adom’s Phoenix chapter.

“Twenty years is a long time chairing an organization,” Zemel said. “We’re tired. We’re in our 70s and it’s dayenu, as we say. We’re proud of what we’ve done and it’s time to pass the torch.”

Phoenix is the only remaining city with an AFMDA chapter. The organization will now transition to a different structure to match what exists in other states.

Catherine Reed, CEO of AFMDA, said the organization changed its chapter structure to one of regional boards in 2014, but Zemel and Bycer were doing such great work that the organization left Phoenix unchanged.

The organization’s primary role is to raise money for Magen David Adom, Israel’s national ambulance, blood-services and disaster-relief organization, as well as Israel’s representative to the International Red Cross. MDA is the only organization mandated by the Israeli government to serve in this role, but it is not

Friends of Magen David Adom local leaders step back after 20 years Phoenix real estate

It looks like the housing market is going to remain crazy this year. To learn more, go to p. 18.

jokes that he’s just never been good at saying no.

Leone Neegan, president of Beth Hamidbar, said it’s been “wonderful” having Einstein as their rabbi.

While he’s only physically there for High Holidays, he gave the congregation a class in doing lay-led services. “We take turns leading Shabbat services, and we pool our knowledge,” Neegan said. And in the meantime, if anything arises, Einstein is available by phone.

Einstein said the relationships he has formed with congregants in Yuma have a different flavor than those he built in California. Leading a congregation for 36 years, he knew multiple generations of families. In Yuma, he sees himself as a visitor.

Even though he has “very warm feelings” toward Yuma congregants, and he and congregants are “very friendly” with one another, “it’s not the same as having an ongoing relationship on a daily, weekly or monthly basis,” he said.

High Holidays are different, too. In California, hundreds of congregants would gather in the pews. In Yuma, 25 is a big crowd. “But it’s a nice, intimate feeling,” Einstein said. And, more people participate.

Einstein said being Beth Hamidbar’s rabbi is “a plus for me in every way you could imagine.”

He and his wife make a getaway out of his Yuma visits. He enjoys the four-hour drive from Orange County to Yuma with his wife, and they found a favorite lunch spot they make sure to visit along the way.

Einstein has been involved in “just about every organization you can think of that’s doing good things” and said being a traveling rabbi is another way he can continue that.

Rabbi Allison Lawton, meanwhile, prefers to think of herself as a rabbi of a Paradise Valley congregation who happens to live in Orange County.

Lawton has been the rabbi of Temple Beth Ami since 2017. Every other Friday, she flies in on Friday afternoons to lead services, then travels back home Saturday morning.

“I don’t like to consider it a traveling rabbi, because it sort of diminishes my role,” she said. “When they have services, I’m their rabbi; if they have life crises, I’m who they call.”

Beth Ami is a 43-year-old synagogue with exclusively senior members.

“There’s something very special about a congregation made up of senior adults who really know what they want, not only the temple service, but out of a temple itself,” Lawton said. She and longtime members liken Beth Ami to a giant chavurah.

“They have lots of activities: hikes, movies, dinners, Bible study, that kind of stuff. And services are just basically like a cherry on top of what they’re already doing,” Lawton said.

Being a rabbi is a second career for Lawton. She taught elementary students at a Jewish day school for many years, until she decided she no longer wanted to work with young kids. She still wanted to be in the Jewish community and being a rabbi seemed like a great fit.

“The word ‘rabbi’ means teacher, and I wanted to continue to teach — adults,” she said.

Beth Ami was her first congregation after attending the Academy for Jewish Religion. The synagogue put out a job listing, and Lawton happened to see it.

“I met with a couple of the congregants in San Diego, and we liked each other enough that I am now their rabbi,” she said. JN

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A group of women surround Beth Ami Temple Rabbi Allison Lawton. COURTESY OF ALLISON LAWTON

Zemel and Bycer have been dedicated to raising awareness about MDA. They led educational and fundraising events, creating award-winning programs, such as Partners for Life, where more than 1,000 children in grades K-8 were taught what MDA does to help their Israeli brothers and sisters. The curriculum they developed became the model for the national program.

In 2006, Zemel and Bycer created the Judaic Cultural Orchestra, which brought local musicians – Jewish and non-Jewish – together to play Jewish music.

“We raised a lot of money with both of those things. But we also brought this community together. We did things to strengthen our community, but at the same time, help Israel,” Bycer said.

Zemel and Bycer took over leading the organization in 2001 from Zemel’s parents, Irving and Frances Horn.

The Horns had been involved with the organization for 15 years. Zemel said it was mostly “elderly run” and they collected dues from existing members and tried to get more members. Her dad started a raffle, which helped with fundraising.

In 2001, AFMDA wanted to change the way the chapter was run to make it a “friends group with fundraising events,” Zemel said, but it was beyond the scope of what her parents could do. “They knew that, but they so inspired me that I couldn’t say no when I was asked.”

Bycer was passionate about helping the Jewish community grow and strengthening its institutions, and he was drawn to MDA’s mission and operations. He, too, couldn’t say no when asked for help by the national group 20 years ago.

One of Bycer’s greatest pleasures was serving on AFMDA’s National Board of Directors for several years, where he was asked to travel the country to help other chapters create similar programs for their communities.

In their 20 years as co-presidents, Zemel and Bycer raised $1 million for MDA, including sending four ambulances to Israel (one of them being the Murray and Sabina Zemel Ambulance), and increased their donor base from 200 to 2,000 people.

“It might not appear to be a lot, but here we are, a volunteer organization with no staff, no budget, nothing,” Bycer said. “We’re just doing it from our houses.”

Reed said the national group has

examined its reach over the past year, and identified Arizona as a state with even more potential.

“There is a wonderfully engaged Jewish community,” Reed said of Arizona. And while AFMDA is already well known in Phoenix and Scottsdale, there is still opportunity to raise awareness and increase the donor base outside of those communities, she said. Arizona also has a fast-growing Jewish population — mirroring its general population growth.

In 2002, there were roughly 44,000 Jewish households in the area, according to Arizona State University’s 2002 Greater Phoenix Jewish Community Study. In 2019, there were roughly 98,750 Jews, according to ASU’s 2019 Jewish Community Survey. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Arizona has experienced the third-highest population growth nationally since 2010, and Phoenix is the nation’s fastest growing city.

The Phoenix chapter of AFMDA will become part of a new Southwest regional board, led by Elana Michael, who joined the organization last May. Reed said Michael has spent the last year “really understanding the community” in Arizona as well as in New Mexico and San Diego.

Reed said the regional board structure gives more people an opportunity to participate and be engaged in a way that allows each volunteer the most flexibility. Those who are able and want to volunteer more frequently can, while others can participate with “whatever is most comfortable for them.” It’s a structure that works well for ensuring the longevity of the organization, she said, as it will help

to find and grow future lay leaders. The board structure also does away with monthly chapter meetings. “People are not as interested in having monthly chapter meetings, particularly during COVID,” Reed said. There were approximately 30 local chapters around the country before AFMDA transitioned to the board structure in 2014. Now there are about 15 regional boards.

Reed said one of the first things the people in Greater Phoenix can look forward to from the regional board is training on what to do in a crisis situation. AFMDA will be reaching out to synagogues, churches and Jewish community centers to bring a program that will both educate people about MDA and provide emergency skills.

Zemel and Bycer will stay involved as board members.

“We took something that really didn’t have visibility in the community, and over these 20 years, we’ve created a very positive image of it,” Bycer said. “We need some younger leadership. We need to mentor some people – and that’s in all things in Arizona. We need to get younger people involved on boards and get excited about their community and about Israel.”

Zemel said she is looking forward to taking a step back but still participating in the board.

“It’s been a part of me for 20 years. It’s going to be different, but I feel very good about it and all our accomplishments,” she said. JN

AFMDA is hosting a musical celebration Jan. 30 to honor Zemel and Bycer at Beth El Congregation. For more information and to register, visit afmda.org/az/.

Karen Bycer, left, and her husband Jay.

COURTESY OF AMEIRICAN FRIENDS OF MAGEN DAVID ADOM

Neo-Nazi leader with Phoenix ties sentenced to 7 years in prison

NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER

On Tuesday, Jan. 11, a leader of the NeoNazi group Atomwaffen Division was sentenced to a seven-year prison term for his role in a plot to threaten and intimidate journalists and Jewish activists, including one in the Phoenix area.

Kaleb Cole, 26, and three others mailed and delivered threatening posters to the victims at the end of January 2020. One of the journalists targeted was Mala Blomquist, who at the time was the editor-in-chief of Arizona Jewish Life. A poster featuring a hooded figure wearing a skeleton mask and preparing to throw a Molotov cocktail at a house was glued to a front bedroom window of Blomquist’s home. The poster contained her name and address and the message, “Your actions have consequences. Our patience has its limits. You have been visited by your local Nazis.” Cole created the poster.

Cole was the last of the Atomwaffen members involved in this case to be sentenced and the only one who requested that his case go to trial. The three others involved, Cameron Shea, Johnny Roman Garza and Taylor Ashley Parker-Dipeppe, pled guilty and were previously sentenced. The longest sentence prior to Cole’s was Shea, who received a three-year prison term. Cole’s attorneys were requesting that he also get a 36-month sentence.

Blomquist, who is not Jewish, traveled to Seattle to testify at Cole’s trial in September 2021. A jury in the Western District of Washington convicted Cole of one count of interfering with a federally protected activity because of religion, three counts of mailing threatening communications, and one count of conspiring with other Atomwaffen members to commit three offenses against the United States – interference with federally-protected activities because of religion, mailing threatening communications and cyberstalking.

At trial, other victims described how receiving the posters impacted them. Some moved from their homes for a time or installed security systems. One purchased a gun and took a firearms safety class. One left her job as a journalist. Blomquist did not leave her home alone for a month and installed a security system. When she checked her mail, she opened her mailbox with a long stick. “Just in case there was an explosive device inside,” she said.

At the sentencing on Jan. 11, Cole’s grandmother vouched for his character. “He cares about his family and just wants to be a productive member of society,” she said about her grandson. She also added, “He’s not interested in hurting anybody. He’s always been good and helpful to us.” She requested that Cole be moved from where he is currently

incarcerated in Washington State to a facility closer to where they live in Phoenix.

Before delivering the sentence, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour remarked how the others involved had shown remorse and apologized during their sentencing dates. Cole never took the stand during his trial, nor did he make any statement at his sentencing.

“I find Mr. Cole’s clear and unequivocal hate of members of the Jewish faith to be particularly odious,” said Judge Coughenour, continuing to state that the world was richer due to contributions from Jewish Americans such as astronomer Carl Sagan, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and actor Paul Newman –“Yes, Paul Newman,” he repeated.

“Kaleb Cole helped lead a violent, nationwide neo-Nazi group. He repeatedly promoted violence, stockpiled weapons, and organized ‘hate camps,’” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown in a Department of Justice statement. “Today, the community and those Mr. Cole and his co-conspirators targeted stand-up to say hate has no place here. He tried to intimidate journalists and advocates with hate-filled and threatening posters, tried to amplify their fear. Instead, they faced him in court and their courage has resulted in the federal prison sentence imposed today.”

Blomquist is satisfied with the sentencing results but mostly glad that the almost two-year ordeal is now over. “Testifying at his trial was one of the most terrifying things that I have ever done,” she said. “I feel that the others involved have denounced Atomwaffen and white supremacy, but I think that Cole believes the ideation and will just find like-minded people in prison and continue to be filled with hate.” JN

window at her home.

Local Jewish investigative reporter reflects on ‘dysfunction’ she uncovered

NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER

Hannah Dreyfus, an investigative journalist, has spent the last six years both as a member of the Jewish community, and as one of its few watchdogs.

While living in Brooklyn, Dreyfus reported on abuses of power among Jewish institutions and their leaders. She broke the story of alleged sexual misconduct by Jewish philanthropist and leader Michael Steinhardt as well as Reform rabbinic giant Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman; they are among a handful of others.

“I uncovered really unsavory and painful parts of how our community functions,” Dreyfus told Jewish News.

She’s faced pushback from both sources and publishers for what she’s written. “It tested me in terms of wanting to remain engaged and associated with a community where I was seeing a really dark underside,” she said.

Dreyfus, 29, moved to Phoenix last August with her husband and three children to work at ProPublica’s Southwest office. The past six years of her reporting have shown her the importance of local news and the challenges facing the Jewish community at large. She’s learned how to reconcile those challenges with

her own Jewish experience.

“The main thing I took away is how critical it is for members of our community to support reporting on our community,” she said. She had been with New York Jewish Week from May 2014 until January 2021, as the COVID pandemic cut into the paper’s revenue and contributed to its acquisition by 70 Faces Media.

“It was a really sad moment for Jewish journalism,” she said. New York Jewish Week had established a reputation as a news source that held community figures accountable.

“These stories won’t happen if we don’t support the publications within our community that cover them,” she said. Local news is a service to any Jewish community and a way to keep it safe and accountable, she added.

Dreyfus defines the Jewish community as “anyone who considers themselves a Jewish American and has a vested interest in the issues concerning our peoplehood.” And that community has many blind spots, she said.

There’s a discrepancy between the image that many in the Jewish community have of themselves, and what’s actually happening, she

said. And there’s a pressure to maintain that image at all costs.

“I think the Jewish community needs to understand that we are behind other faith communities when it comes to proactively addressing abuses of power,” she said. “The Achilles’ heel of the Jewish community is we see ourselves as a big family. And so we let things slide, we don’t deal with things, and we let really low standards continue and perpetuate.”

The reporting could have led her to disassociate the Jewish community after “seeing so much darkness and being in a frontrow seat to so much dysfunction and abuse,” she said, but she’s not going anywhere.

She is Modern Orthodox and married to a rabbi. Being part of the Jewish community is integral for her and her family.

“I carry so many stories from victims of well-known figures in our community. For me to stay involved and engaged with the Jewish community, I had to do some soul searching,” she said. “I realized that I’m sticking around in the Jewish community and that I care about our community doing better.”

She wants to see community institutions and leaders take complaints of abuse of power more seriously. “I hope the community starts to really look in the mirror when it comes to holding figures of power accountable, even if they’re known and beloved in our communities and even if our nonprofit institutions depend on them financially.”

Upon moving to Phoenix, she and her husband became members of Beth Joseph Congregation and enrolled their 5-year-old son in a Jewish day school.

“People seem really friendly and open to new people and different perspectives. I came here for work, not for community, but I was happy to find community here – happy and pleasantly surprised.”

As a ProPublica Abrams Reporting Fellow based in the Southwest office, Dreyfus will be reporting on threats to democracy, as well as continuing investigative work on sexual abuse, religion and socio-political issues affecting women and children. JN

Professor Eilat Shinar Director of Magen David Adom National Blood Services in Israel

Herzog Artist

Hannah Dreyfus with her daughter, Miriam Reinstein, left, and her husband Sam Reinstein, carrying their daughter Sophia Reinstein at Papago Park.

Jewish career coach advises no fear when it comes to finding dream job

NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER

Marlo Lyons knows a thing or two about making a career change. Over the past 30 years, Lyons, who lives in Scottsdale, has found success in three vastly different industries.

At 21, she began her career as a TV news reporter. At 29, she went to law school, and spent the next 15 years or so as an entertainment lawyer. Then, at about 45, she went into the field of strategic human resources. Now, in her early 50s, Lyons works full-time as an executive coach for Intuitive, a medical equipment manufacturing company, and runs a career coaching business to boot.

When people learn of Lyons’ career path, she is frequently asked: “How did you do that?” Since last summer, she’s had the perfect rejoinder. “Wanted -> A New Career: The Definitive Playbook for Transitioning to a New Career or Finding Your Dream Job,” her book, dedicated to helping others learn how to transition careers, came out in August.

On Wednesday, Jan. 5, she regaled an audience inside the Martin Pear Jewish Community Center with her story, as well as offer advice for those considering

a change in careers.

She had a few quick, but critical takeaways for her audience: “to get rid of fear; to know that there’s a path if they’re lost; to know that whatever they’ve been through in the past, they can move forward.”

In both her book and coaching, she guides people through a process beginning with identifying and defining values. Then, she helps translate those values into skills; identifies roles that align with those values and skills; and transfers both to a new career.

“That’s the short version. My book has the long version,” she joked.

Making a career change is on more people’s minds than ever. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, four million Americans quit their jobs in July 2021. There was a record-breaking 11 million open jobs at the end of October 2021.

“As you can imagine, with the ‘Great Resignation,’ I have a pretty thriving coaching business right now,” Lyons said.

There’s never a good time to start a new job, she said, especially remotely. But there’s no time like the present for somebody to figure out what they want to do, and build the courage to pursue it, she said.

“If you’re spending 40 hours a week plus at work every week, which most people are, that’s way too much time to be bored, unmotivated and unengaged,” she said. But people often don’t know where to start, or what they want, and that’s when they come to her.

“There’s a world of possibilities that are open to people who don’t know what they want,” she said.

Lyons enjoyed her time as a TV news reporter. She lived in five states and reported on all sorts of subjects, from the 74 tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma City on May 3, 1999 to the first harvesting of cancerfighting medication, Tamoxifen. But after 10 years, she found herself needing a fresh start. She was going through a hard time and didn’t handle it well at work, leading to her dismissal.

She jumped into law school, and became an entertainment lawyer at NBCUniversal and then Viacom, where part of her work entailed making sure reality TV show participants were sane, healthy and safe, and did not become a liability for the production.

“I’ve probably read the psych reports of most of your famous reality show participants, but after 12 years of doing it, you get bored,” she said.

In 2017, she landed at Roku, where part of her job was coaching executives. Since 2019, she has been doing similar work at Intuitive.

“I feel engaged because I am bringing value, and I feel fulfilled because all my values are fulfilled when I’m doing this,” she said. She wants everybody to know that their transferable skills can be used to land their dream job, too.

“Dream first, then find the right career from that dreaming; then go after it with vigor and confidence,” she said. JN

Congregation Beth Israel celebrates 100 years with interfaith concert

NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER

Seth Ettinger immediately knew how he wanted to celebrate Congregation Beth Israel’s centennial anniversary.

“You can’t have a centennial celebration without a huge musical experience and program,” said Ettinger, CBI’s cantor.

Over the past two years, Ettinger organized a multi-faith musical concert of the Psalms and composed a melody for Psalm 150. The Feb. 27 concert, available both in-person and virtually, is a collaboration between CBI, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Phoenix and Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale.

“What better way to bring us together than by showing everyone how our three movements use the Psalms in our worship service,” Ettinger said. As far as he knows, this is the first multi-faith concert focused only on the Psalms ever produced.

Ettinger joined CBI in 2018 from Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, where he enjoyed working closely with the Faithful Central Bible Church. The two congregations hosted joint Torah studies and services, and Ettinger appreciated the beauty in the overlap between the faiths and the symbolism behind the Jewish and Black communities coming together.

The relationship between the two communities has frayed since the Civil Rights movement, Ettinger said, and he is passionate about repairing relations.

“We’re more similar than different and we can’t be isolationist. We have to go ahead and come together, especially if our two minority groups are going to survive for another 100 years,” he said.

When he came to CBI in 2018, he was excited to seek out similar opportunities and began working with Pilgrim Rest. The congregation already had a relationship with Mountain View, which he was happy to foster as well.

Stan Lewis, the musical director at the Pilgrim Rest, said it is important for different communities to come together and learn from each other. And the opportunity to work with the Jewish community is appealing to him, too. Both communities have had to deal with discrimination and should be united, he said. Ettinger and Lewis agreed that one of the beautiful things about the upcoming concert is seeing how each faith community sings the

elements and sometimes will choose to “go straight hymnal.”

The centennial celebration seemed like a great opportunity to bring everybody together, Ettinger said, and a focus on Psalms was a natural fit.

“Psalms are designed to celebrate major moments like this,” Ettinger said.

Contrary to popular belief, he said, Psalms is the largest book of the Hebrew Bible. “From biblical times to today, music is probably one of those unique things that really imbues all of our daily life, whether we know it or not.”

Ettinger was on paternity leave last May and June following the birth of his second child in May, when a melody began playing in his head. It was a jubilant melody, reflecting how he felt.

“The melody and the rhythm for the chorus came into my head long ago. I always carried it with me but it never worked. And then when I was on paternity leave thinking about how my family was complete it just hit me and I heard the Psalm 150 in my head and thought, ‘Wow, what a closing number for this upcoming concert.’”

He hopes people who hear his composition are overtaken by happiness and joy and generally feel uplifted. “We need an escape from all that we have experienced,” he said, referencing the turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He received a grant from the Bloom Jewish Music Foundation to record the piece and to produce a virtual choir video with cantors across the country. A portion of the grant is also going toward the cost of the Feb. 27 concert.

The centennial celebration was supposed to take place in 2020, but festivities were postponed because of the pandemic. CBI, then called Temple Beth Israel, was incorporated in 1920 with 38 families.

Concertgoers can look forward to hearing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms,” and songs by Nefesh Mountain and Elana Arian, a proficient Jewish composer.

The concert will be at the Madison Center for the Arts. All performers are required to be vaccinated and masked until they sing. All audience members must wear masks. The concert will also be available in virtual form. JN

To purchase in-person tickets, visit tinyurl.com/4vys3bf3. To purchase tickets for the virtual experience, visit tinyurl.com/3n9bvz62.

Jewish entrepreneur launches special needs-focused business with cooking class

NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER

Roberta Harmon has always been drawn to working with people with special needs.

“We have a lot to learn from the specialneeds community about unconditional love, unconditional kindness and acceptance,” she said.

When Harmon was 12, she volunteered at Temple Chai as a madrich, assisting special-needs students in Sunday school. When she was 13, she volunteered with Temple Chai’s Ilana’s Garden, a social program for special-needs teens ages 12-19. At age 20, she started working with an agency to provide respite and habilitation therapy, a process aimed at helping individuals with disabilities attain, keep or improve skills and functioning for daily living.

Now 25, Harmon is launching Roberta’s Creations, her own special needs-focused business. A cooking class on Jan. 23, will be her first effort. Harmon is investing time into finding the best equipment and developing the best recipes to cater to people with special needs.

She plans to broaden her offerings over time to include tutoring, private sensory birthday parties and whatever else she can think of that would be helpful to the special-needs community.

“We’ll be able to teach all types of recreational activities as well as classes on life skills, business skills, so that anything that people want to do, they will have the knowledge to do it,” she said.

Beth El Congregation, where Harmon works full-time as a community youth and engagement coordinator, offered its kitchen for Harmon’s first cooking class.

Beth El Rabbi Nitzan Stein Kokin said lending the space was a no-brainer.

“I want everybody to have the chance to make connections, and it’s a wonderful thing that she’s doing,” she said. “It’s a teaching moment of helping young children and teens develop their essential life skills.”

Harmon said she is excited to offer something people want. Her first class was full within 24 hours of accepting enrollment. She decided to do two classes the same day: one for kids 5-11, and another for kids 12-18.

“I’ve researched different utensils, cookware, recipes — every recipe I made I’ve specifically designed to be able to do with little supervision,” Harmon said.

All recipes can be made in the oven to limit the dangers of stove work, like oil spatter.

She wanted to offer a cooking class because cooking is a hands-on sensory

and social activity, as well as a critical life skill. “I want them to be able to be independent,” Harmon said. “It’s important to have that sense of accomplishment.”

Harmon grew up watching her mom, Lorraine Harmon, work in the kitchen. Lorraine owned a kosher catering business for a while and Roberta learned

When Roberta came up with the idea of Roberta’s Creations last summer, Lorraine thought it was a perfect fit and joined as a business partner. Lorraine has extensive experience in the professional catering world, but also in the financial world. She owns a Liberty Tax franchise, and, in the past, owned a collection agency.

the business, cooking, food safety and handling by helping her mom.

“This is something we’ve worked side by side together doing for years, both socially and professionally,” Lorraine said.

When Roberta began her undergraduate degree in 2014, she went for biomedical science with hopes of becoming an orthodontist. But over time, she realized where her passion truly was and is now working on her bachelor’s in social work instead.

Lorraine wasn’t surprised. “I really thought it was a better fit. Roberta is a people person. She has a way to communicate in a manner that people gravitate towards her. She is spunky, she is positive, she is confident and she’s loyal.”

“It was important that she had somebody she could trust in her absence to be able to handle things from the business side,” Lorraine said. “We’re 80-20, Roberta for sure is making any tie-breaker decisions — I’m kind of on the sidelines to just be supportive in whatever way I can.”

Roberta doesn’t see disabilities, Lorraine said. “She only sees ability.”

Roberta grew up around her uncle with Down syndrome. “She saw uncle Brad as just uncle Brad, not uncle Brad with Down syndrome,” Lorraine said. “And that was very moving.” JN

For more information about Roberta’s Creations, visit robertascreations.godaddysites.com/.

Roberta Harmon COURTESY OF ROBERTA HARMON

“WE HAVE A LOT TO LEARN FROM THE SPECIAL-NEEDS COMMUNITY ABOUT UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, UNCONDITIONAL KINDNESS AND ACCEPTANCE.”

‘My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & The Therapy Continues’ at Herberger Theater seeks to amuse and uplift audiences

NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER

Peter Fogel wants to give Phoenicians a laugh heading into 2022.

The pandemic has made it feel like “two years that everyone lost their lives,” he said. “People are looking to laugh. They got to get back to their lives.”

Fogel is the star of “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & The Therapy Continues,” which began a four-week run at the Herberger Theater Center Dec. 29. The final show will be Jan. 30.

The one-man comedy is a sequel to “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy,” which was staged last in Phoenix in 2018. Fogel plays 25 different characters in each show.

Steve Solomon wrote the play based on his experience, and hand-picked Fogel to play him and his family members.

“This is a hysterical piece of comedy, in which the audience feels my chaos. The audience gets my frustration,” Solomon said.

Solomon was born in a Jewish-Italian household. The premise is that his parents are getting older, they’re hard of hearing, they

bicker, and generally “drive him crazy,” Fogel said, as do his ex-wife and his kids. The comedy of the play builds from that foundation.

The original production featured Fogel, as Solomon, going in for a therapy session. The therapist is late so he ends up talking to the audience as if they’re his therapist.

In the sequel, Fogel, as Solomon, is stuck at the airport in Atlanta in the middle of a snow storm. He wasn’t able to make Chanukah, Christmas or New Year’s Eve celebrations with his family, and he’s trying to get back to Miami for a family birthday, but all the flights are canceled. “We keep it updated with what’s going on with Covid,” Fogel said.

He can’t get home and the same problematic, yet amusing, family showcased in the first play makes him feel guilty. Speaking with his parents on the phone turns into a frustrating – yet funny – exercise in repetition and correction, as he says one thing but his parents hear something else.

“The audience is laughing at the human condition of having aging parents, which every Baby Boomer can relate to,” Fogel said.

And, Solomon said, audiences can relate to many of the characters in the play. People recognize “old, grumpy people whether they’re Jewish or Italian,” Solomon said. “My shows are not politically correct, but they’re a hit. After 9,000 performances, we must be doing something right.”

The original show launched in 2002, while the sequel hit theaters around 2010, Solomon said. Its current run at the Herberger Theater is only its second time in Phoenix in nine years.

Philip Roger Roy, the show’s producer, said the sequel has been scheduled to run in the winter since 2020, but got postponed “when the great plague descended upon us.”

Roy, producer and president of LeRoy Associates, Inc., said Phoenix is one of his best markets.

Solomon and Fogel said the show changes with the times, but the soul of the show has stayed the same.

“My parents are my parents. My family is my family. Twenty years ago and today – it’s the same thing,” Solomon said.

Solomon said he, too, hopes the play gives audiences a good laugh and a mental escape from the pandemic.

The Herberger Theater requires all guests, staff and volunteers to wear a mask or face covering at all times while indoors regardless of vaccination.

“Sometimes I look down and I see a sea of masks and I think I’m in an ICU,” Fogel joked, also noting that he appreciates the masking policy. When he talks to audience members after the show he, too, wears a mask.

“People are coming out. They’re laughing – it’s a challenge when they’re wearing masks, but I still hear them.” JN

“My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & The Therapy Continues,” runs from December 29 to January 30. Show times are Wednesday at 7 p.m., Thursday at 2 and 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $56.50 to $68.50. Tickets are available at the Herberger Theater Box Office, (602) 252-8497 or herbergertheater.org.

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Peter Fogel stars in “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & The Therapy Continues.” COURTESY OF LEROY ASSOCIATES, INC.

Area leaders speak out following Texas synagogue crisis

NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER

Phoenix’s Jewish community is processing after the weekend’s hostage crisis at a Texas synagogue.

Rabbi Stephen Kahn at Congregation Beth Israel in Phoenix said in an email to members Sunday evening that the events of the crisis “leave all of us” with a variety of emotions.

“Let us be grateful that we have each other’s love, support and courage. Let us give thanks to God that we have skilled, caring and professional security officers, advisors and experts at our own CBI eachand-every-day to protect us and keep us safe (sadly, like many congregations, CBI in Colleyville is unable to provide the necessary funds for on-site security),” he wrote.

An armed assailant took four hostages, including the rabbi, during Shabbat morning services on Jan. 15 at Congregation Beth Israel, a Reform synagogue in Colleyville, a suburb north of Fort Worth. All hostages were declared “out alive and safe” by Texas Governor Greg Abbott at 9:33 p.m. CST

Saturday following a 12-hour standoff. The suspect is dead.

According to recorded audio recovered from the livestream of the service, the man was seeking the freedom of Aafia Siddiqui, a relative by marriage of Khalid Sheikh Muhammad, the chief architect of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Aafia Siddiqui is serving an 86-year sentence in the Fort Worth area for attempting to kill American military personnel after she was arrested in Afghanistan in 2008 on suspicion of plotting attacks in New York. She made multiple antisemitic outbursts during and after her trial.

John Floyd, chairman of the Houston affiliate of the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations, the Muslim legal advocacy group, condemned the hostage-taking.

“This assailant has nothing to do with Dr. Aafia, her family, or the global campaign to get justice for Dr. Aafia,” Floyd said in a statement. “We want the assailant to know that his actions are wicked and directly undermine those of

us who are seeking justice for Dr. Aafia.”

Rabbi Jeremy Schneider of Temple Kol Ami in Scottsdale wrote to members Sunday evening saying he was ordained the same year as Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, the rabbi at CBI in Colleyville.

“Today and every day we offer prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving to the heroic first responders and to the many who showed support to Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and the members of Congregation Beth Israel who were taken hostage yesterday during Shabbat services,” he said.

He reassured members that TKA takes the security of the congregation “very seriously,” noting the facility’s gates are locked every day and the entrance is carefully monitored by staff. “When we are open for services and other evening programs, we have an armed security guard. Unknown visitors are greeted and if necessary questioned as to their reason for being there before entering the building.”

Arizona House Rep. Alma Hernandez (LD-3), one of the state Legislature’s several Jewish lawmakers, posted on Twitter “enough is enough,” and reminded her followers that last year a rock was thrown through a window in the front door of her shul: Tucson’s Congregation Chaverim.

“I don’t know any other religion that fears stepping into their place of worship or that has to have law enforcement at their door just to pray/have a gathering. This isn’t free to us. It’s time to pass legislation that helps us stay safe & cover these costs,” she said.

The East Valley Jewish Community Center, in a note to its subscribers, communicated its “profound appreciation” for law enforcement officials who secure Jewish communities.

“Together as we pray for peace, we acknowledge that we must also remain vigilant,” the note said. JN

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency contributed to this report.

SWAT team members deploy near the Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, Jan. 15, 2022.

COURTESY ANDY JACOBSOHN/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Prince Charles commissions Holocaust survivor portraits for Buckingham Palace

CNAAN LIPHSHIZ | JTA

The United Kingdom’s Prince Charles has commissioned portraits of seven Holocaust survivors to be displayed at Buckingham Palace for International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Charles, whose title is the Prince of Wales, commissioned the portraits as part of his service as the royal patron of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, a position he took over from Queen Elisabeth in 2015. The portraits will be displayed in the palace’s Queen Gallery ahead of Jan. 27, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945 and a date that the United Nations has designated as Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The paintings will later become a part of the Royal Collection, according to Vanity Fair. The survivors are all in their 90s, all survived Nazi camps and have all since lived in the U.K.

“As the number of Holocaust survivors sadly, but inevitably, declines, my abiding

hope is that this special collection will act as a further guiding light for our society, reminding us not only of history’s darkest days, but of humanity’s interconnectedness as we strive to create a better world for our children, grandchildren and generations as yet unborn; one where hope is victorious over despair and love triumphs over hate,” Charles said in a statement earlier this week.

The BBC has filmed the making of the portraits for a television program scheduled to be aired next month, the Royal Collection Trust noted in its announcement.

Last year, the Imperial War Museums in London displayed a series of Kate Middleton’s photographed portraits of Holocaust survivors. Middelton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is the wife of Prince William, the oldest son of Prince Charles and his late ex-wife Princess Diana. JN

Prince Charles, left, attends Ephraim Mirvis’ induction ceremony as the chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at the St John’s Wood Synagogue in London, Sept. 1, 2013. COURTESY OF STEFAN ROUSSEAU/WPA/POOL/GETTY IMAGES

Stop trivializing the Holocaust

Jan. 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the United Nationsdesignated day that marks the anniversary of the Allies’ liberation of AuschwitzBirkenau. Holocaust Remembrance Day gives the international community an opportunity to mark, remember and mourn the horrific genocide that left a third of the Jewish people dead — a loss from which we can never recover.

The day of remembrance is important. And regular, solemn international recognition of the gravity of the Shoah and the enormity of the genocidal plot to eradicate Jews is necessary. We need to keep reminding the world of the sanctity of life, the corrosive impact of hate and the depths of evil to which man can descend in the pursuit of power and control.

Unfortunately, far too many people regularly reach for the Holocaust and carelessly invoke it to criticize government action, push a political point or complain about a minor inconvenience. They blithely refer to whatever action or point they are trying to make by associating it with

being brutalized by Nazis. We have heard politicians and activists use the Holocaust to push back against gun control, liken the plight of immigrants

which has traumatized the Jewish people and had a profound impact on all people of good will. As Jews, we feel that we have a right to criticize

WE NEED TO KEEP REMINDING THE WORLD OF THE SANCTITY OF LIFE, THE CORROSIVE IMPACT OF HATE AND THE DEPTHS OF EVIL TO WHICH MAN CAN DESCEND IN THE PURSUIT OF POWER AND CONTROL.

at the border to Holocaust victims and compare vaccine mandates to Nazi policies and vaccination cards to yellow stars.

Such comparisons are offensive. They trivialize the Holocaust. They are false and hyperbolic. And they cheapen a genocide that is within living memory

those who carelessly trivialize that which is so fundamentally hurtful to us, and we chafe at the insensitivity of their remarks. We react instinctively to the insult — even though it isn’t directed at us. We react because the trivialization shows a lack of respect for our people’s history.

Challenges to Israel’s government of change

Israel’s government of change is navigating a serious challenge to its fragile coalition. Since the state’s founding, Israel has tried to settle its nomadic Bedouin minority in towns and cities. The Bedouin, most of whom live in the Negev, have resisted this push to abandon their traditional way of life. And while many Bedouin have settled in government-built towns in the Negev region, many still retain a semi-nomadic existence.

Israel often boasts with deserved pride that the Jewish state has made the desert bloom. Much of the remarkable reclamation of the land has been carried out in conjunction with Keren Kayemet Le’Yisrael, often called the Jewish National Fund, a quasi-governmental organization that oversees 13% of Israel’s land. (KKL-JNF is a different entity from the JNF that operates in the United States.)

It is against this background that riots broke out last week when KKL-JNF began planting trees on land settled by the Bedouin al-Atrash tribe. According to KKL-JNF, the move (with government support) was designed to incentivize new families to populate the area and

We

to provide a boost to Israeli agriculture and revenue opportunities for families in the area. The Bedouin, however, saw the action as a land grab and part of a plan to expel them from land they claim as theirs.

In past Israeli governments the Bedouin population had only a modest voice

that his four-seat faction would not vote with the government unless the tree planting was halted and formal negotiations with Bedouin leaders were launched. And although contrary views were expressed by many within and outside the coalition, that is essentially what the government decided to do. The

ISRAEL OFTEN BOASTS WITH DESERVED PRIDE THAT THE JEWISH STATE HAS MADE THE DESERT BLOOM. MUCH OF THE REMARKABLE RECLAMATION OF THE LAND HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT IN CONJUNCTION WITH KEREN KAYEMET LE’YISRAEL, OFTEN CALLED THE JEWISH NATIONAL FUND.

and even less controlling influence. But in today’s razor-thin governance construct, things are different. And so, when Mansour Abbas, the leader of the coalition member Islamic Ra’am party, decided to exercise his outsized influence on behalf of the Bedouin, the government took note. Abbas declared

tree planting was stopped, and discussions were commenced.

We are hopeful that a workable solution with the Bedouin population will be developed. And success in that effort could have an impact on another brewing issue which might test the coalition’s durability.

A NOTE ON OPINION

It is with that perspective in mind that we should seek to achieve a heightened sensitivity to the realities of other persecuted minorities and develop a better understanding of why what we say and how we say it is so important. This requires more than an understanding and acknowledgment of past injustices and persecution. We are talking about developing an appreciation for the fact that words matter — and that what may seem to us to be a harmless or joking reference can be offensive to others. We demand that awareness from those who invoke the Holocaust, and others have the right to demand that same sensitivity from us.

Our world has changed dramatically since the liberation of AuschwitzBirkenau. But the reality of the Holocaust and its permanent impact on the Jewish people and the civilized world has not changed at all. In remembering the Holocaust, we and the rest of the world need to maintain reverence and respect for its seriousness. We need to stop invoking Holocaust comparisons. There is nothing that compares. JN

Numerous reports indicate that former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is involved in the negotiation of a plea deal on his corruption charges that could involve his temporary or permanent withdrawal from politics. Should that occur, Netanyahu’s Likud party, now in the opposition, could come to life again, and could join with other rightleaning parties (including many in the current coalition government) to form a new government. That could be accomplished without the need for a new round of elections, and without the haredi parties.

Early this week, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett declared that a Netanyahu deal would not jeopardize the current coalition. Others – even some within the coalition – disagree. We will see what happens. But, in the meantime, there is no question that a negotiated deal with the Bedouin, and the related deference to a minority coalition member, should go a long way in solidifying the interdependence of coalition members and their joint commitment to maintaining their governance goals. JN

of the officers and boards of the Jewish Community Foundation, Mid-Atlantic Media or the staff of the Jewish News. Letters must respond to content published by the Jewish News and should be a maximum of 200 words. They may be edited for space and clarity. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters and op-ed submissions should be sent to editor@jewishaz.com.

are a diverse community. The views expressed in the signed opinion columns and letters to the editor published in the Jewish News are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views

Jews and Muslims can walk a common path. Martin Luther King Jr. showed us how

EBOO PATEL, JOSHUA STANTON | JTA

In 1957, at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered words whose wisdom continue to resound today: “For the person who hates, the true becomes false and the false becomes true. That’s what hate does. You can’t see right. The symbol of objectivity is lost. Hate destroys the very structure of the personality of the hater.”

When a weekend meant to commemorate Dr. King was shattered by the hostage-taking at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, we called upon each other as longtime friends and colleagues to find a better path forward for our respective communities. We feared that hate could disrupt the relationship that we had long shared and held dear.

Because the hostage-taker was a Muslim man apparently intent on freeing a Muslim women convicted on terrorism charges, opportunists are already hard at work exploiting our trauma in order to pit

Muslims and Jews against each other. In the spirit of Dr. King, equally embodied in the tireless bridge-building of Rabbi Charles Cytron-Walker of Congregation Beth Israel, we feel called to explore a

First, we need to change the story. Extremists are of no faith tradition but their own: extremism. We need to stop framing the conversation as community against community, so much as Muslims

WE NEED TO VISIT EACH OTHER’S HOUSES OF WORSHIP, READ EACH OTHER’S SACRED TEXTS, LEARN HOW PEOPLE LIVE OUT THE TENETS OF THEIR FAITH AND CULTURE, UNDERSTAND HOW EACH TRADITION INSPIRES JEWS AND MUSLIMS TO SERVE OTHERS, AND HOW WE ALL STRUGGLE WITH CHALLENGING CONCEPTS AND IDEAS IN OUR RESPECTIVE FAITHS.

new blueprint for how we can resist the temptation to allow hate to beget hate. This is but an initial sketch, no doubt with much input needed from lay leaders and clergy from across the Muslim and Jewish communities.

and Jews together against a common enemy. We need to call out and sideline extremists, leaving them isolated in their own camp. To that end, we suggest reflecting on the hostage-taker at Beth Israel as an extremist from the United

Kingdom with heinous goals unbefitting any faith.

Second, we need to tirelessly build bridges among the rest of us. We are all feeling isolated after two years of pandemic. We need to go out of our way to call friends, neighbors and relatives across lines of faith just to reaffirm the significance of relationship. Today, in the wake of Saturday’s trauma, Muslims should call their Jewish friends. Tomorrow, unfortunately, in a world brimming with hate, it may need to be the other way around. The rest of the time, both should call — and call upon — each other.

Third, we need to develop a knowledge and appreciation of each other’s traditions. It is easy to fear an “other” that you do not understand. We need to visit each other’s houses of worship, read each other’s sacred texts, learn

‘Jay Day’ represents 35 years of caring for community

ELISSA SILVERMAN

There are countless ways to honor the memory of a passed loved one: plaques, scholarships, headstones, planting a tree — even tattoos or running a marathon. But there are few ways more honorable than through public service.

Jason Silverman only walked this earth for six short years. But some 35 years later — almost six times more than he lived — Jason’s memory lives on.

“Jay Day” was inspired by Jason, my husband’s brother, and his fight with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It was simply the best way that their father, Robert Silverman, DDS, could think of to honor his fallen son.

In the mid-1980s, the family was in dire need after Jason was diagnosed and had to undergo experimental treatment out of state that was not then covered by insurance. Noticing the struggles during this difficult time, their small community of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania was instrumental in helping to support the Silvermans with fundraisers and donations.

“Up to that point, I had taken care of me and my family, and this sort of changed the way you think about people. So when I came back, I wanted to do something to say thank you,” Dr. Silverman told

the community. Since then, he has been giving back to the community for more than three decades through Jay Day, a day of free dental care for anyone in need in the community.

Around the time my father-in-law was retiring and selling his established practice in Annville, Pennsylvania, Jeremy, his youngest son and my husband, was graduating from dental school at Midwestern University in Glendale, ready to embark on his own career in dentistry. He, too, knew that Jay Day was an important family tradition that he wanted to carry on to honor his brother and continue his father’s legacy of giving back to the community.

He put it into his own words:

“Jay Day has been a yearly tradition in our family for as long as I can remember and I am excited to continue it in our new home in Chandler. As a new father myself, I want to set a good example for my son and show him what it means to ‘pay it forward’, just as my father did for me.”

I am a licensed clinical social worker, and together with my husband, we opened the doors to Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler in September 2020 amid the pandemic. Despite the challenges of a new startup, we did not deviate from our commitment to continue

the Jay Day tradition. The day has since expanded to also honor Jeremy’s sister, Beth, who passed away in 2014.

Part of the impetus is, of course, our Jewish tradition of tikkun olam. We are both in the healing professions — Jeremy is a dentist, and I’m a psychotherapist — and tikkun olam intersects completely with our professional values of helping to reduce suffering and pain, both physical and psychological. We understand the connection between physical and emotional pain, so it was important for us to carry on this family tradition for another generation and to do our part in helping to improve the lives of people in our community.

We scheduled the most recent Jay Day close to Thanksgiving and Chanukah, a time when people are struggling in many ways. Our family was honored to hold Jay Day at its new home in Chandler on Nov. 7, 2021. My fatherin-law flew out from Pennsylvania to work side by side with his son and pass on the baton to Jeremy for another 35 years. Along with the help of some very generous volunteers, Peace of Mind Dental Studio

was able to see about 50 patients in need and donated over $15,000 worth of dental services. JN

Elissa and Jeremy Silverman live in Ahwatukee and work with patients with a degree of dental anxiety, for whom they emphasize the connection between oral, mental and physical health.

To learn more about Peace of Mind Dental or for updates on annual Jay Day celebrations in the future, please visit pomdental.com/community.

Three generations of Silvermans, Robert, Jeremy and Dillon, are pictured on Jay Day, Nov. 7, 2021. COURTESY OF ELISSA SILVERMAN

G-d and the Mafia

his week’s Torah portion starts off with the words, “and Jethro heard…”

The medieval commentator, Rashi, quotes the Midrash which asks, “What event did he hear about? The splitting of the Red Sea and the war with Amalek.” It was apparently the news of these two events which prompted Jethro to come out to the desert and join his son-in-law, Moses, and the Jews.

We can well understand why the news of the splitting of the sea might have prompted Jethro to come. That water should split into solid walls and allow a nation to walk through it, that the very ground upon which they walked should turn into dry land, that a pillar of cloud should shield and protect are all extraordinary, miraculous events that would naturally inspire and excite.

The second event, though, of the subsequent war with Amelek seems to

PATEL / STANTON

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

how people live out the tenets of their faith and culture, understand how each tradition inspires Jews and Muslims to serve others, and how we all struggle with challenging concepts and ideas in our respective faiths.

Fourth, we need to expand our existing infrastructure of collaboration. The American Jewish Committee’s Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council holds the potential to expand its regional reach and engage hundreds more leaders across the country. Local collaborations, such as that which exists between New York’s Cordoba House and East End Temple, should welcome new partners and look into opportunities for larger-scale programing.  College campuses are ideal spaces for interfaith cooperation, especially through projects that combine service, learning and dialogue.

Fifth, we need to build entirely new paths to connection. We are working with Rabbi Benjamin Spratt of Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Manhattan to gather a book group for clergy, so that we can study deeply and reflect upon social issues that we can best address together. We need to establish advocacy coalitions to push together for better governmental monitoring of Islamophobia and the

be underwhelming. From our Sages’ description, it almost seemed natural. The balance of war tipped and swayed. Yes, ultimately, the Jews won ¬¬- but the enemy wasn’t wiped out, they were merely driven away. If it was miraculous, it certainly pales in comparison to the first miracle!

Who was Jethro? The verses indicate that he was a well-respected priest in his hometown of Midyan. Our sages tell us that he investigated, explored, and worshipped all the varied idolatries that existed. That is how he was able to exclaim, “Now I know that Hashem is greater than all other gods!”

(Exodus 18:11)

The relationship of the people to their gods at that time might be compared to the relationship of a storeowner to the mafia. “Dat’s a nice storefront yuv got dere. Would be a shame if somethin’ were to happen t’it. For jus’ 50 bucks a month, I kin watch it for yu.”

When Jethro heard about the God of the Jews and His ability to split the sea- he was impressed! This was more powerful than any god he had heard of! When he heard about a nation that started to war with the Jews, he expected to see something spectacular befall them. Surely to defeat

an army would be child’s play to a G-d that can split a sea!

When that didn’t happen, he went to explore. It was the surprise of the weak defeat of Amalek just after the mighty display at the sea which puzzled him.

What did he find out when he consulted Moses? That every encounter was created as a precise response to what was done.

At the sea, the Jews demonstrated a superhuman amount of trust when they waded into the sea, confident that G-d would pull through. They were awarded with an equally supernatural miracle.

The Egyptians, that had schemed to throw the Jewish boys into the water and drown them, were drowned in turn.

When later, the Jews weakened their commitment to G-d and didn’t delve into their Torah study, G-d likewise weakened his providence toward them, and they were vulnerable to an attack.

What Jethro heard was an epiphany! This was an entirely different type of G-d than he was accustomed to. This wasn’t a god that was there to take from humanity; it was a G-d that was there for humanity! Instead of a mafia, it was a coach. This G-d was saying, “Partner with me in the workings of the world. Provide for the

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poor, seek out justice, take care of the stranger! Know that every action of yours has meaning.” It was a G-d that demanded responsibility and accounting- not to further His interests but to help us mature and develop!

This G-d, the G-d of the Jews, the G-d of the World, is different not merely quantitatively, but qualitatively, than other gods. That is what Jethro discovers upon inquiry. We must ourselves discover a G-d that is not only mighty and powerful, but is unrelenting in His passionate love for us and belief that we can continue to develop ourselves into finer and loftier beings through the medium of Torah.

overdue confirmation of Dr. Deborah Lipstadt as U.S. Special Envoy to Combat and Monitor Antisemitism. We need to dream about more Muslim-Jewish community centers and shared spaces for gathering. We need to create a joint fundraising mechanism to seed new ventures and increase resources for grassroots organizations like the Muslim-

countless common causes, but have underbuilt mechanisms to act upon them.

In honor of Rabbi Cytron-Walker’s heroism and longstanding commitment to interfaith collaboration; in memory of the Dr. King; for the sake of ourselves and our children, we are called to

do better. The American Muslim and Jewish communities are vibrant, empowered and open-minded. In the wake of Colleyville, we need to build as never before. Together, we can.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

Rabbi Sholom Twerski is the assistant rabbi of Beth Joseph Congregation and the rabbinic administrator at the Greater Phoenix Vaad HaKashruth.

Find area congregations at jewishaz.com, where you can also find our 2022 Community Directory.

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RABBI SHOLOM TWERSKI

A quotation at the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in Washington, D.C. reads “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” COURTESY OF ROBERT LYLE BOLTON/FLICKR COMMONS

3 reasons why young adults should work at summer camp

NICOLE RAZ AND MICHAEL VYSKOCIL

Internships are synonymous with summer, but not every business is offering them due to continued remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In place of internships, a summer at camp can offer college students many of the same opportunities to develop their professional skills that a conventional internship would provide.

Tom Rosenberg, American Camp Association president and CEO, says he’s aware that some camp programs will need to limit enrollment this summer due to staffing shortages.

“When camps can’t serve children due to staffing shortages, we’re taking an isolating and disrupted year for our children and making it worse,” he says. “Our kids need camp more this year than ever before. The talent pool (18- to 25-year-old college and university students) for hiring staff this summer in the United States is challenged by a disrupted college and university schedule focused on credit recovery and staying on track to graduate. U.S. camp workers are less available this year than they’ve been in the last 50 years.”

The Martin Pear Jewish Community Center in Scottsdale doesn’t seem to be impacted by staffing shortages – yet, at least. Erin Wynn, Shemesh camp director of camping services, told Jewish News the

impact from COVID on staffing has yet to be seen. “Our leadership staff is almost completely staffed and I’m working hard to find the perfect specialists,” she said.

This summer, Shemesh plans to offer the “same great camp parents and campers love” despite a recent rebrand. Camp will run from May 31 through Aug. 5. Shemesh is offering a pre-camp, eight weeks of traditional camp, and a post-camp program. Among its programming, Shemesh will offer swimming, sports, cooking, art and field trips. For example, the middle schools will have weekly field trips and mitzvah projects.

Rosenberg said camp provides essential experiences for children by providing them the opportunity to learn and practice social-emotional life skills such as communication, decision-making, collaboration, teamwork, leadership, self-awareness, problem solving and independence. Campers can gain these skills with the support of a camp environment focused on keeping kids safe and healthy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

http://www.tinyurl.com/camp22

Wynn agreed. “It gives kids a safe place to be a kid,” she said. “Camp gives kids a chance to play, have fun, learn activities that aren’t connected to technology or screen time, learn about Jewish culture, make friends and more.”

Working at camp offers several benefits for young adults:

• Flexible positions tailored to many qualifications. If

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Shemesh campers play soccer last year at The J.

COURTESY OF KEITH MADDEN

Same Great Camp. Fresh New Look. Grandparents/parents of kids K-10, make sure you attend the Shemesh Camp special registration event at The J on February 6 to have FUN and SAVE!

Learn

young adults are looking for a specific internship, they can contact one of the many day camps in Greater Phoenix or an overnight camp like Camp Daisy & Harry Stein and describe their interests and motivations. A camp may be able to tailor a summer camp position to match their requirements.

• Leadership skill development daily. At camp, young adults gain practical leadership skills that will serve them well in their college and future business careers. Wynn said working at camp teaches young adults how to work with different types of people and how to be a team player. “They learn how important it is to be at work and how people (big and small) are depending on them,” she said. “It also teaches them work ethic and taking

responsibility for all of their actions.”

• A sense of adventure. After a challenging year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, working at camp offers a short-term opportunity for young adults to try something new, different and impactful while meeting new people and experiencing new surroundings. Camp allows young adults to learn more about what they want–and don’t want–from a post-college career.

Rosenberg noted camps have implemented mitigation strategies to address the pandemic “to safely operate in person.”

Even with these COVID-19 mitigation efforts in place last year, the 2021 camping season saw an increase in new family registration and attendance.

Interest-FreeLoansfor SummerCampandEducation

Shemesh campers practice archery last year at The J. COURTESY

Shemesh campers run through water last year at The J. COURTESY OF KEITH MADDEN

Tel Aviv is the world’s most expensive city to live in, study finds

GABE FRIEDMAN | JTA

Tel Aviv is now the world’s most expensive city to live in — and the reason why is tied in part to Israel’s successful COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

The Israeli city rose from No. 5 to No. 1 in the annual Worldwide Cost of Living index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the research arm of The Economist Group. The London-based media company also publishes The Economist magazine.

The 2021 report explains that Israel’s world-leading pace in vaccinating its population helped the shekel reach a “soaring” value against the U.S. dollar, leading to steep local inflation rates in dollar terms. By Jan. 1, 2021, Israel had vaccinated over 10% of its population, earning international praise and attention.

The price of about one out of every 10 everyday goods found in Tel Aviv, especially grocery items, “increased significantly,” the report said. The city is also the second-most expensive place in the world to purchase alcohol and public transportation, the report added. The increased prices of household goods, cars and fuel are noted too.

Tel Aviv’s real estate property prices also rose in 2021, but the EIU index does not factor those into its research.

After Tel Aviv, the EIU ranking lists Paris, Singapore, Zurich and Hong Kong as the other most expensive cities in the top five. JN

Phoenix real estate market frenzy to continue in 2022

BOBBY LIEB

Ihave been in residential real estate in the Phoenix area for more than 30 years. My father,

Herb Lieb, moved to the Phoenix in 1964 and he owned Kagel’s, a women’s fashion store at Park Central Mall, Herb’s Underground (Phoenix’s first disco) and The Jockey Club Nightclub. I have him to thank for introducing me to the Phoenix area.

The Phoenix Business Journal ranked me as the number one residential realtor in Phoenix in 2017 (based on sales volume as an individual agent not part of a team) and I average around 115 home sales per year specializing in Phoenix and Paradise Valley but have sold homes all over throughout my career. In 2005, some of you experienced the pinnacle of home prices before we had the short sale and foreclosure debacle for the next five years. In 2021, we exceeded the values from 2005, and home values will continue to rise in 2022.

I have never seen a crazier real estate market in all my years of selling homes.

I recently had a client who made 10 offers on different homes. Even though they were offering more than the asking price, we lost to multiple offers each time. The house he actually ended up buying had four other offers. Fortunately, the listing agent (who was also the owner) worked at HomeSmart and we had done several other deals together the past four years. Even though she had received a higher offer, she knew I would close on this home with my client, and she did not believe that the other buyer would end up closing.

Last year, I listed a home in Paradise Valley for $2.4 million. On the first day of the listing, I had 15 showings and received three offers – one was an allcash offer. The other two offers required financing, which meant they had to

qualify for a loan. The person with the cash offer waived inspections and made the earnest deposit non-refundable, so the house sold on day one. I have known the agent for 15 years and have a lot of respect for her. Cash usually wins out, but again I tell agents “do not burn bridges with your fellow real estate agents” because it

track the history and current status of the Greater Phoenix residential resale market and offers unique insight into its future direction, several analysts are commenting on what they interpret as a very high demand in housing. This is a serious

344 single-family homes for sale and there was 569 this time last year. The city of Mesa is down to 314 single-family homes and they were at 483 as recently as Oct. 3, 2021, and Phoenix is down to 777 single-family homes and there were 1,095

The bottom line is whether you are

can come back to hurt you down the road with another property.

I teach a monthly continuing education class on Marketing Essentials/Agency Law for realtors. The one thing I say repeatedly is to have loyalty and respect for your fellow realtors even though sometimes we compete with each other.

According to the Cromford Report, which provides detailed information to

about the current housing market is the chronic and extreme shortage of available homes. It feels like “high demand” when buying a house because there are far too many buyers for every house.

In 2022, the situation is going to get worse. Paradise Valley is down to an alltime low of just 93 single-family homes available for sale compared to 160 at this same time last year. Scottsdale is down to

looking to buy or sell, hire an agent who is an expert in the geographic area you are interested in moving to or selling from. Especially if you are looking to buy, those agents may know of homes not yet on the market. JN

Bobby Lieb is part of HomeSmart Elite Group and can be reached at 602-376-1341, boblieb@aol.com or visit centralphx.com.

Netflix’s ‘The Club’ is good, not great

JARRAD SAFFREN | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Ihave two categories into which I put quality shows.

Shows I can’t wait to watch and shows that, as I’m watching them, I think to myself, “OK, yeah, this is good.”

Netflix’s “The Club,” about Jews in Turkey in the 1950s, falls into the second category.

Part One of the opening season, which came out Nov. 5, has interesting characters, a vibrant setting and richlycrafted scenes. It’s also a revealing history lesson on Turkish Jewry in an increasingly Muslim country.

I enjoyed the six-episode watch. I was rooting for the good characters, Matilda (Gökçe Bahadır) the Jewish ex-convict, her daughter Rasel (Asude Kalebek), Selim Songur (Salih Bademci) the tortured nightclub performer and Orhan the Greek nightclub owner (Metin Akdülger) posing as a Muslim, to succeed.

I found the show’s moral lesson — that people deserve second chances — to be valuable. Matilda, the main character, is fresh off a prison sentence for shooting and killing a guy. But I just wanted her to reconcile with her daughter, Rasel. I never saw her as a murderer.

Despite all of those good qualities, though, something was missing. “The Club” lacked that spark that makes you think about it when you’re not watching, that makes you bring it up in conversation, that makes you want to hang out with the characters.

It’s worth the watch, but only if you’re looking for something to watch.

Let’s start with why it’s worth it, though.

Matilda is a strong and capable woman who can get her way even in the lowest of positions, like the nightclub job

she’s forced into after being released from jail. Rasel is a wild and careless late teen who suddenly gets a mother, Matilda, just as she starts growing into adulthood.

Selim is a charismatic but struggling singer and performer who successfully pitches the nightclub on his vision for a cabaret show. And Orhan is an entrepreneur with a string of failures

Within this resplendent and energetic tapestry, though, is a group of people who become more and more important to each other throughout the story. Matilda, in a nerve-wracking and then inspiring scene, decides to be Rasel’s mother instead of moving to Israel. Rasel, in a heartbreaking and then uplifting sequence, decides to let Matilda in after 17 years away.

ALL OF THESE PEOPLE CONVERGE AT THE SHOW’S NAMESAKE, “THE CLUB,” IN DOWNTOWN ISTANBUL, TURKEY’S LARGEST CITY AND CULTURAL HEARTBEAT. THE DOWNTOWN SETTING IS SHOWN TO BE A LIVELY AND COLORFUL STRIP. OVERHEAD SHOTS OF THE CLUB’S STREET, MARKED BY GLITZY BUSINESS SIGNS, ENHANCE THIS IMAGE.

on his record who sees the light in Selim’s vision.

All of these people converge at the show’s namesake, “The Club,” in downtown Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and cultural heartbeat. The downtown setting is shown to be a lively and colorful strip. Overhead shots of the club’s street, marked by glitzy business signs, enhance this image.

Selim, in a bright flash of charisma, sells the bottom-line businessman, Orhan, on his vision for the show. Later, after Selim bails on his opening performance, it’s Orhan who visits his apartment to convince him to come back.

Not all of the scenes are this important to the story. But most of them make it very clear that, by the end, they have advanced it.

In a less capable production, the scenes run together in the viewer’s mind. That is not the case in “The Club.”

Finally, through this entertaining and interesting story, we learn the Jewish history of a country that is often overlooked as a home for Jewry. And, perhaps not surprisingly, the outline of that history is familiar.

As Matilda’s rabbi says early in the season, “We’ve been here for hundreds of years.” But as both Matilda’s and Orhan’s backstories explain, in the 1950s, Turkey was starting to become the 99% Muslim country that it is today.

Matilda’s father and brother end up in jail for allegedly not paying a discriminatory wealth tax against nonMuslims. Plus, at different points in the story, Matilda and Rasel consider moving to Israel, which tens of thousands of Turkish Jews did around that time. On top of that, as Selim’s show and the club become more successful, Turkish officials start pressuring Orhan to purge the non-Muslim members of his staff.

Today, only about 15,000 Jews remain in Turkey. “The Club” portrays the trends that led to that present-day statistic.

For all those reasons, “The Club” hooked me, kept me for six episodes and convinced me to at least keep my eye out for Part Two, which comes out in January.

But its plot-driven nature made me more interested in learning what happened than in living with it. And if I watch part two, that will be my reason for doing so.

I want to know what happens in “The Club.” But I don’t really want to go to the club. JN

Jarrad Saffren is a staff writer for Jewish Exponent, a Jewish News-affiliated publication.

“The Club” on Netflix

SCREENSHOT From left: Gökçe Bahadır as Matilda Aseo and Asude Kalebek in a scene from “The Club” SCREENSHOT

Featured Event

SATURDAY, JAN. 29

Mostly Kosher Concert:

7:30 p.m. Listen to gypsy-rock band Mostly Kosher at Chandler Center for the Arts, located at 250 N. Arizona Ave. Band members radically reconstruct Judaic and American cultural music through ravenous klezmer beats and arresting Yiddish refrains. Cost: $15 for kids and starting at $22 for adults. For more information, visit chandlercenter.org/events/mostly-kosher.

Events

SUNDAY, JAN. 23

Special-needs cooking class: Roberta’s Creations is offering two cooking classes for kids with special needs; one class is for kids 5-11 and another is for kids 12-18. Location: Beth El Congregation, 1118 W Glendale Ave, Phoenix. Cost: $45. For more information and to register, visit robertascreations. godaddysites.com/special-needs-cooking.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 26

JBox Kosher Food Pantry: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Kosher groceries are available to anyone in need. To reserve a bag, sign up at evjcc.org/ foodpantry. To volunteer, email info@evjcc.org.

Wine Tasting: 5:30-7 p.m. Join the Martin Pear Jewish Community Center for a tasting of wines of South America. Cost: Starting at $35. To register, visit apm. activecommunities.com/valleyofthesunjcc/ Activity_Search/1975. Email Nicole Garber at nicoleg@mpjcc.org with questions.

FRIDAY, JAN. 28

Jewish Family and Children’s Service

Brighter Tomorrow: Noon. The Jewish Family and Children’s Service Brighter Tomorrow Event is the nonprofit organization’s annual signature event showcasing JFCS’ impact on the well-being of 40,000 + people in Greater Phoenix. The event will be held online. Individuals interested in participating must register to receive the required login information. Cost: $36 Visit jfcsaz.org/bt2022 to register. For more information, contact Andrea Arkow at Andrea.Arkow@jfcsaz.org.

SUNDAY, JAN. 30

American Friends of Magen David Adom celebration: 5:30 p.m. The Phoenix chapter of AFMDA is honoring Jay Bycer and his wife, Karen, and Barbara Zemel and her husband, Barry, who together have helped raise $1 million over the last 20 years from the Phoenix community for Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s paramedic and Red Cross service organization. A musical celebration will take place at Beth-El Congregation, Tuscany Condominium, 1118 W Glendale Ave, Phoenix. Acoustic artist Todd Herzog will perform an array

of soulful, spiritual songs in both Hebrew and English. Prof. Eilat Shinar, M.D., director of the Blood Services Division for Magen David Adom, will be the guest speaker. Cost: Starting at $100. For ticket and sponsorship information, visit afmda.org/az.

THURSDAY, FEB. 3

Breakfast for Israel: 7:30-9 a.m. Join the JNF-USA Desert States Breakfast for Israel at JW Marriott Phoenix at Desert Ridge Resort. The annual event brings together the community to hear how your support continues to ensure a bright, prosperous future for the land and people of Israel. For more information and to register, visit jnf.org/events-landing-pages/jewishnational-fund-breakfast-for-israel-desertstates-2021.

MONDAY, FEB. 7

Annual Card Party: 10 a.m. The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood will meet at the Cottonwood Ballroom in Sun Lakes, located at 25630 S. Brentwood Dr., Sun Lakes, for a fundraiser benefiting local charities and organizations. Gather your friends who play mahjong, Bridge, Canasta, Scrabble, RummiCube, pinochle or any other game and come to the event to enjoy a delicious catered lunch, raffles, huge gift baskets and treats from a bake sale. For reservations or questions call Geri at 480-305-0123.

THURSDAY, FEB. 10

Game Night: 6:30 p.m. Join the Martin Pear Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, for mahjong and Canasta. You can choose to teach, learn and play mahjong or join a canasta table! Wine and snacks will be served. Bring your 2021 mahjong card if you are playing mahjong.

Cost: $10. For more information and to register, visit apm.activecommunities.com/ valleyofthesunjcc/Activity_Search/1971.

THURSDAY, FEB. 10-FEB. 27

Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival: The 26th Annual Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival will screen films showcasing the best of Jewish life, history and heritage. Due to ongoing health and safety concerns, the film festival will once again be held virtually. Viewers will have 3 days to watch each film, with the ability to pause, rewind and even switch devices within the home.

Cost: Starting at $13. For more information and to register, visit gpjff.org on Jan. 17.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 23

Arizona Educators Symposium on Israel:

5-8 p.m. Join the Israeli-American Council for a teacher training with top-notch-experts on Israel. Educators will have the opportunity to learn about Israel and its contribution to science, technology innovation. This program is complimentary to all educators in Arizona. A certificate of participation will be given to participants that can help with obtaining professional development accreditation. The event is in-person and will be following strict health protocols. For more ifnormation and to register, visit iac360.org/ event/arizona-educators/.

SUNDAY, FEB. 27

CBI Centennial Concert Celebration: 4:30 p.m. A historic concert of the Psalms by the musical leadership and choral programs of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Mountain View Presbyterian Church Congregation Beth Israel. The event will be at The Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 North 16th Street, Phoenix. Cost: Starting at $36. To register, visit www.ticketmaster.com/ event/19005B89D2A61EC4. This event will also be livestreamed.

MONDAY, FEB. 28

Holocaust Educator Conference: 4:30-9 pm. Sponsored by the Bureau of Jewish Education in cooperation with Phoenix Holocaust Association and Arizona State University, teachers are invited to participate in this free conference. Keynote speakers will be author and award-winning podcast host, Rachael Cerrotti and Grant Gochin, author, diplomat and chair of the Maceva Project in Lithuania. The conference will be at the Hayden Library at ASU in Tempe. For more information, visit phxha.com/events/the-2022-holocausteducator-conference/ or email jewished@bjephoenix.org.

MONDAY, MARCH. 14

J Movie Club: 1-3 p.m. Join the Martin Pear Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, to watch “Carl Laemmle,” a documentary about Carl Laemmle, the German-Jewish immigrant who founded Universal Pictures, and saved over 300 Jewish families from Nazi Germany. Cost: $7 for members, $10 for guests. For more information and to register, visit apm. activecommunities.com/valleyofthesunjcc/ Activity_Search/1992.

SUNDAY, MARCH 27

Antisemitism Here and Now: 7 p.m. Join Congregation Beth Tefillah, 6529 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, for a presentation by StandWithUS co-founder and CEO Roz Rothstein and the director of SWY’s Center for Combating Antisemitism, Carly Gammill. Cost: Free. RSVP by March 23 at swuandtbt.paperform.co.

THURSDAYS

Storytime at Modern Milk: 9:30 a.m. Bring your babies, toddlers and preschoolers to our weekly all ages in-person storytime at Modern Milk, 3802 N. Scottsdale Rd. STE. 163. We will integrate favorite 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.

SUNDAYS

BAGELS: 9-11 a.m. Join the Martin Pear JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, for Bagels And Gabbing Every Last Sunday of the month in-person. Grab a bagel and a cup of coffee 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 apm.activecommunities.com/ valleyofthesunjcc/Activity_Search/1787.

MONDAYS

Mahjong: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join the East Valley Jewish Community Center in-person on Mondays for mahjong. This program is intended for players with prior experience and for those who have received the COVID-19 vaccination. Masks will be required. Cost: Free. For more information and to register, visit evjcc.org/mahjong. For further questions, call the EVJCC at 480-897-0588. The EVJCC is located at 908 N Alma School Rd, Chandler.

Virtual Meetings, Lectures & Classes

TUESDAY, JAN. 25

Auschwitz virtual live tour: “Through the Eyes of Elie Wiesel, z”l”: 4 p.m. The Center for Holocaust Education of the East Valley Jewich Community Center presents a special tour during the week of International Holocaust Remembrance Day led by Dr. Jerzy Wojcik, docent of the Auschwitz

Virtual Live Tours and of the Auschwitz Museum. The tour reflects the experience of professor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel, z”l, an Auschwitz survivor, as guided by his memoirs and speeches. Cost: $29. For more information and to register, visit holocausteducation.center/wiesel.

SUNDAY, JAN. 30

Ultra Orthodox & Arab Integration in Israeli Society: 2 p.m. In this virtual Bureau of Jewish Education class, join Gill Hoffman to learn about the Ultra-Orthodox and IsraeliArab integration in Israeli society. Hoffman has been the chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post for 20 years. He also teaches international communications at Israel’s College of Management and hosts a weekly radio show on the Land of Israel Network. The presentation will be over Zoom. Cost: $20. For more information and to register, visit bjephoenix.org/programs/passages.

TUESDAY, FEB. 1

Author presentation: 10-11 a.m., East Valley Jewish Community Center Tuesdays at the J virtual session features author Marcia Fine who will discuss her book “Love and Death in Rhodes” in a talk about what happened to the Jews of Rhodes. Free. Register for link: evjcc.org/tuesdays.

SUNDAY, FEB. 6

Jewish Communities in Warm Locales: 2 p.m. Beth Ami Temple invites you to join Dan Fellner on a visual, virtual adventure of some of the most unique Jewish communities around the world. This presentation will shed light on some resilient communities and give you ideas for your next vacation. Cost: $25. RSVP required by sending your name, email address and $25 check made out to Beth Ami Temple: Beth Ami Temple, 3104 E. Camelback Rd. #508, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Contact Bobbi at 602-956-0805, or email BethAmiTemple@hotmail.com with questions.

TUESDAY, FEB. 8

Docent presentation: 10-11 a.m., In this virtual presentation hosted by the East Valley Jewish Community Center, Phoenix Art Museum docent Isabel Ballerna will present about “Buenos Aires, Tango and Impressionism.” The presentation features the art of Benito Quinquela Martin, whose scenes show the activity, vigor and roughness of daily port life. Free. Register for link: evjcc.org/tuesdays

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

Ethics of Our Fathers: 7 p.m. Learn with Rabbi Zalman Levertov online. Tune in at: bit.ly/2Y0wdgv. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Quotable Quotes by our Sages: 7 p.m. Learn with Rabbi Shlomy Levertov online. Tune in at: JewishParadiseValley.com/class. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz. com. Learning to Trust in God: 7:30 p.m. Learn with Rabbi Yossi Friedman online. Tune in at: ChabadAZ.com/LiveClass. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

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

MONDAYS, AUG 2.-AUG. 30

Intermediate Hebrew: 4:30-6 p.m. In this virtual Bureau of Jewish Education adult education course, Sophie Platt will teach intermediate Hebrew. Cost: $50. For more information and to register, visit bjephoenix.org/course-events/2021/08/02/ intermediate-hebrew.

TUESDAYS

Let’s Knit: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Share the pleasure of knitting, crocheting, etc. and help others with a project or pattern. Can’t knit? We can teach you! Every level welcome. We will be sitting outside at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus and social distancing. Our last meeting before August will be Tuesday, May 11. Cost: Free . For more information, email Nicole Garber at nicoleg@mpjcc.org.

Keep Calm and Play Mahjong: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Play mahjong from home with myjongg.net. Cost: Free. To join a table, email Nicole at nicoleg@vosjcc.org.

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

WEDNESDAYS

History of the Jews: 11:00 a.m. Learn the Jewish journey from Genesis to Moshiach online with Rabbi Ephraim Zimmerman. Cost: Free. Tune in here: zoom. us/j/736434666. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Torah Study with Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley: 11 a.m.-noon. TBS of the West Valley’s weekly virtual 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. The goal is to achieve an understanding of what the text is and what it can teach us in the contemporary world. Fore more information, contact the TBS office at (623) 977-3240.

Happiness Hour: 11:30 a.m. An online class taught by Rabbi Pinchas Allouche that delves into texts and references culled from our traditions to address a relevant topic and draw uplifting life lessons from it. For more information or to join, visit cbtvirtualworld.com.

Torah Study with Chabad: Noon. Take a weekly journey to the soul of Torah online with Rabbi Yossi Levertov. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz,com

Lunch & Learn: 12:15 p.m. Grab some food and learn online with Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin. Cost: Free. Tune in on Zoom by emailing info@ChabadTucson.com. For more information, visit ChabadTucson.com.

Knit a Mitzvah: 1-3 p.m. On the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, check in with fellow knitters who are making items to donate as part of this Brandeis National Committee Phoenix chapter study group. For more information, contact Ronee Siegel at ronees@aol.com.

The Thirteen Petalled Rose: 1 p.m. An online Kabbalah class that studies “The Thirteen Petalled Rose” by Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz, focusing on the many foundational and transformational concepts of Kaballah and Jewish Mysticism and

Target

Print | Digital |

February 4

Arts

Jewish

JEWISHAZ.COM

Writer Opportunity Available Phoenix Jewish News

Mid-Atlantic Media, a fast-growing publisher of niche community and ethnic titles, is seeking a sta writer for its full time publishing project Phoenix Jewish News in Scottsdale, AZ. Phoenix Jewish News is an award-winning, print and digital publication covering the greater Phoenix diverse Jewish community since 1948. Our ideal candidate has experience with and enjoys writing both news and feature stories, thrives in a deadline environment and has digital media experience.

You love telling the stories and tracking down the facts that are at the heart of any article. You can thrive on multiple assignments and are flexible about evening and weekend work. Words and ideas are your oxygen. Photography experience is a plus. So is familiarity with Jewish community and Israel.

As an employee of Mid-Atlantic Media, you’ll be a part of a rapidly expanding organization that, in addition to the Phoenix Jewish News, publishes Washington Jewish Week, Baltimore Jewish Times, and other publishing projects such as Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle. Such a range of outlets a ords writers the opportunity to have multiple bylines across the U.S.

UPCOMING SPECIAL SECTIONS

applying them to everyday life. For more information or to join, visit cbtvirtualworld.com.

JACS: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Virtual 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.

Words & Whiskey: 8:30 p.m. Join a free weekly, virtual learning session for men. To RSVP, email rmollenaz@gmail.com or call/ text 310-709-3901.

THURSDAYS

Ladies Torah & Tea: 10:30 a.m. Learn about the women of the Torah with Mrs. Leah Levertov online. Cost: Free. Tune in at: ourjewishcenter.com/virtual. For more information, visit chabadaz. com.

Talmud - Maakos: 11 a.m. Learn with Rabbi Shlomy Levertov. Cost: Free. Tune in at: JewishParadiseValley.com/YJPclass. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

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

Jewish Life and Tradition: 1 p.m.

Rabbi Laibel Bloter will be returning for a new series called Jewish Life and Tradition. The first class is on Tuesday, May 25 at 1 pm and will continue on each fourth Tuesday of the month.

The Science of Everything: 4 p.m. Explore the most fundamental work of Chassidut: the Tanya, with Rabbi Boruch. Cost: Free. Tune in at: zoom.us/j/736434666. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Teen Discussions: 7-8:30 p.m. Learn with Rabbi Tzvi Rimler online, Cost: Free. Tune in at cteen.clickmeeting.com/east-valley. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

SATURDAYS

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

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

SUNDAYS

Soul Study: 7:15 a.m. An online class exploring the secrets of the Tanya and Jewish mysticism, taught by Rabbi Pinchas Allouche. Cost: Free.

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

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

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

Shabbat

FRIDAYS

Tot Shabbat in the Park: 9:30 a.m. Free tot-shabbat every Friday morning at Cactus Park. Shabbat music, toys and a meaningful pre-school shabbat experience. Is it your child’s birthday? Sponsor a shabbat for $36.00. For more information and to register, visit playdatesbydesign.com/ upcoming-classes.

Welcome Shabbat: 11-11:45 a.m. Join the JFCS Virtual Center for Senior Enrichment each Friday for a soothing and inspiring program to welcome Shabbat. Each week a different guest host will lead the program with song and celebration. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse.

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

Kabbalat Shabbat: 5:30 p.m. Congregation Kehillah invites you to join services via Zoom, April 23, May 7 and 24, with Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman and cantorial soloists Scott Leader and Erica Erman. PowerPoint slides will be viewable if you don’t have “Gates of Prayer for Shabbat and Weekdays.” Services will be held April 23, May 7 and To register and receive the link, please email, info@congregationkehillah. org.

Pre-Shabbat Kiddush Club: 6 p.m. Say kiddush with Rabbi Mendy levertov online. Cost: Free. Tune in here: ourjewishcenter. com/virtual. For more information, visit chabadaz.com. Shabbat at Beth El: 11-11:45 a.m. Celebrate Shabbat with songs, blessings and inspirational teachings. Rabbi Stein Kokin from Beth El Congregation will lead us 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.

In-person services: Congregation Beth Israel is holding services in the Goldsmith Sanctuary limited to 100 people, excluding clergy and staff. Members and guests must be fully vaccinated (two weeks since your last vaccination) and wear mask. Children may attend and must be able to wear a mask for the duration of the service .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. To make your reservation, contact Gail Gilmartin at 480-951-0323 or at ggilmartin@cbiaz.org.

In-person services: Congregation Or Tzion is holding in-person Friday evening and Saturday morning Shabbat services indoors. Attendees must pre-register and attendance will be capped at 25. Participants will also have to bring a completed questionnaire with them and everybody’s temperature will be checked as they enter the synagogue. Masks will be required and seat- ing is also socially distanced.

In-person services: Beth El Phoenix is offering in-person Shabbat services indoors, limited to 30 people, not including clergy. Masks and social distancing required as well as pre-registra- tion via bethelphoenix.com/ form/Shabbat-registration or by calling the office at (602) 944-3359.

EVERY THIRD FRIDAY, JAN. 15-DEC. 31

Third Friday Shabbat: 7-8 p.m. The Desert Foothills Jewish Community Association hosts a virtual abbreviated Shabbat service followed by a program. Contact Andrea at 480-664-8847 for more information.

Seniors

THURSDAY, JAN. 13

All Things Senior Expo: 9 a.m. Every year, Scottsdale Senior Services brings together an extensive collection of exhibitors who provide products, resources and valuable services to the 50+ community. The expo will be held at 7408 East Osborn Road, Scottsdale. For more information, visit scottsdaleaz.gov/seniors/senior-expo. For questions, contact the Rebecca Kurth at 480-312-8456 or RKurth@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.

MONDAYS

Tai Chi with Brian Stevens: 10-10:30 a.m. Tai Chi and Qigong are health practices that incorporate a form of ancient Korean healing martial arts known as DahnMuDo, which produces an overall limitless state of being, through focused movement and focused breathing. Experience a renewed sense of being, boost your immune system, and enjoy doing so in this virtual class. For more information and to register, visit jfcsaz.org/events/. Contact CSE Director Jennifer Brauner at seniorcenter@jfcsaz.org or 602-343-0192 with questions.

Dance Fusion with Michele Dionisio: 11 a.m.-noon. Presented by JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse.

Sip & Schmooze: 11 a.m. Sip on kosher coffee or tea, enjoy a homemade pastry and Schmooze with great company every second Monday of the month at Luci’s Barn at the Orchard, located at 7100 North 12th Street, Phoenix. RSVP Appreciated: chani@sosaz.org or (602) 492-7670. For more information, visit www.sosaz.org.

Featured Presentation: 12:30 p.m. Join Smile on Seniors Mondays and Wednesdays to learn from a variety of presenters about topical issues, like Q&As with medical professionals, entertainers and lectures. Cost: Free. For full details visit sosaz.org/ virtual or email Rabbi Levi Levertov at levi@sosaz.org.

Brain Fitness: 1-2 p.m. Join Toby Lazarus in this virtual brain fitness class, which works to engage the brain in innovative ways in a variety of cognitive areas and can help increase mental acuity. Word play, puzzles, memory games and problemsolving activities are employed to enhance your brain power. Cost: Free. For more information and to register, visit jfcsaz. org/events/. Contact CSE Director Jennifer Brauner at seniorcenter@jfcsaz.org or 602-343-0192 with questions.

TUESDAYS

Zumba Gold with Adriana Padilla: 9:3010:15 a.m.. This virtual class is perfect for active older adults who want a modified Zumba class with lower-intensity. Class focuses on all elements of fitness: cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility and balance. Come to this virtual

class ready to sweat, and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong. For more information and to register, visit jfcsaz.org/events/. Contact CSE Director Jennifer Brauner at seniorcenter@jfcsaz.org or 602-343-0192 with questions.

Movie Discussion Group: 11 a.m. Join Smile on Seniors on the third Tuesday of every month hosted by Issy Lifshitz. Cost: Free. For full details and the movie of the month visit sosaz.org/virtual or email Rabbi Levi Levertov at levi@sosaz.org. Because of Shavuot, May’s event will be May 20 instead of May 18.

Brain Games with Friends: 2-3 p.m. Challenge your brains while having fun. Experts believe that active learning helps maintain brain health by preventing loss of cognitive skills such as memory, reasoning and judgment. For more information or to register, visit vosjcc.org/j-at-home-adults.

WEDNESDAYS

Fitness Fun with Zoe: 10-10:45 a.m. In this virtual class, do some light chair exercise class with optional weights. Class follows a format of a warmup weight free movement, optional weights, then a cool down. Some standing options, however all moves can be done sitting. Presented by JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jfcsaz. org/cse. Contact CSE Director Jennifer Brauner at seniorcenter@jfcsaz.org or 602-343-0192 with questions.

Chair Yoga with Zoe: 11-11:45 a.m. Grab a chair and sit down for a 45 minute chair yoga class with Zoe! Yoga is beneficial to mind, body and spirit. Prior to class, please let Zoe know if you have any limitations in order for exercises to be modified. No prior yoga experience required. Presented by JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jfcsaz. org/cse.

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

Welcome Shabbat: 11-11:45 a.m. Celebrate Shabbat virtually with songs, blessings and inspirational teachings. For more information and to register, visit jfcsaz. org/events/. Contact CSE Director Jennifer Brauner at seniorcenter@jfcsaz.org or 602-343-0192 with questions.

Adult Chair Ballet Class: Noon-12:45 p.m. Join Jennifer Cafarella and Elaine Seretis from Ballet Theatre of Phoenix as they teach a ballet class that will help improve strength, flexibility, movement and balance. No prior dance experience required. Presented by the JFCS Virtual Center for Senior Enrichment. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse.

Musical Friday: 12:30 p.m. Join Smile on Seniors on the first Friday of every month for a musical presentation. Cost: Free. For full details visit sosaz.org/virtual or email Rabbi Levi Levertov at levi@sosaz.org. JN

Alice Lillian Bendau becomes a bat mitzvah on Feb. 5, 2022, at Temple Solel. She is the daughter of Sonya PlacenciaBendau and Chris Bendau of Phoenix.

Grandparents are Dinah Cervantes of Phoenix; Jose Placencia of Sun City; and Vicki and Cliff Bendau of Phoenix. For her mitzvah project, Alice collected items for the ongoing needs of families at the UMOM New Day Centers. These items included infant care, health, hygiene and cleaning products.

A student at Veritas Prep Academy, Alice enjoys reading, video making and writing scripts for movies. She also enjoys entertaining her younger brother and spending time with her family and friends.

Sandra “Sandy” May Fine, passed away peacefully at 87 on Dec. 14, 2021.

Sandy lived an amazing life full of so many adventures. She would tell you that, by far, her greatest adventure was her lifelong love affair with her husband, Elliott Alexander. Elliott passed away after 54 years of marriage, but their love truly carried on through Sandy’s unbroken devotion and invariable recounting of their literature-worthy romance.

Sandy was born in 1934 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Joseph Bernard and Lillie Ann Radner, their only child. From very early on in her life, it was clear that Sandy was a daddy’s girl through and through. Her close and adoring relationship with her father without a doubt shaped the wonderful woman, wife, mother, and Nana, that Sandy became.

Sandy is survived by her son, Michael Alan; her daughter, Jordana Beth (George); six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Evan Reiter Buchwald becomes a bar mitzvah on Jan. 29, 2022 at Temple Chai. He is the son of Lauren and Mathew Buchwald of Paradise Valley.

Grandparents are Carol Rose of Scottsdale; Wendy and Marc Kippelman of Bloomfield Hills, MI; and Linda and Dr. Robert Buchwald of Scottsdale.

For his mitzvah project, Evan volunteered 14 hours at Feed My Starving Children. He helped pack meals that will be delivered to organizations that help children in need around the world. Evan also connected with Remember Us, an organization that remembers children who perished in the Holocaust before they could become a bar or bat mitzvah. Evan will honor the memory of Ivan Buhvald, who died at Auschwitz.

A student at Cocopah Middle School, Evan enjoys basketball, hanging with friends, playing Xbox, skiing and traveling with family.

OBITUARY

MARK/MORDECHAI A. ISRAEL

Mark (Mordechai) A. Israel of Phoenix died Jan. 4 at 74. He was born in Seattle, WA. He served in the U.S. military.

He has long been associated with Ahavat Israel in Arizona, as well as Sephardic Bikur Holim Congregation in Seattle.

He is survived by his daughters, Shawn and Kellie; and sisters Elizabeth and Cynthia; and one grandson, Arwyn.

Services were held Jan. 9 in Seattle led by Rabbi F. Varon, though his mortuary is Sinai Mortuary in Phoenix.

Mark was an impactful contributor to Ahavat Israel Bukharian Jewish Congregation and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

OBITUARY

BARBARA LEWIS

Barbara Lewis of Peoria died Nov. 26, 2021 at 87. She was born in Bronx, NY. She was an active member of Temple Chai and Na’amat.

She is survived by her sons, Steven (Julie) Lewis, Craig (Janey) Lewis and Robert Lewis; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Services were held Dec. 6, 2021 at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona led by Rabbi Jim Simon. Arrangements were made through Sinai Mortuary.

OBITUARY

ALLEN LOVER

Allen Lover of Scottsdale died Dec. 7, 2021 at 85. He was born in Michigan. He served in the Navy.

He is survived by his wife, Esther Lover; daughter Miriam Lover; sons, Steven, Mitch, Brian and Sheldon Lover; parents, Lou & Rosie Lover; and sisters Bevy Lover and Shelley Lover; and lots of grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Services were held Dec. 9, 2021 at Mt. Sinai Cemetery led by Rabbi Shosan.

Ruthann Perlmutter left us peacefully on Shabbat morning, Jan. 8, after a full and meaningful life. She had been a Prescott resident for 34 years, arriving after the death of her beloved husband, Nathan Perlmutter. Born in Brooklyn on Feb. 9, 1924, to Sarah and Harry Osofsky, immigrant Jewish parents from Poland. Ruthie met Nate when they were teenagers. A loving couple, they were known for their personal and professional passions for improving America by fighting antisemitism, segregation and bigotry of all kinds, for helping improve Jewish-Christian relations and mutual respect. Nate’s career with the Anti-Defamation League took them around world and had them living across the country. In 1987, Ruth met with President Ronald Reagan to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Nate’s behalf. Then National Director of ADL, he was dying of cancer. Ruthann was more than “first lady” of ADL. An avid reader and college sociology teacher, she loved learning about anything, and engaging with everyone. She was a teen model, a bookkeeper, and bought shoes for her parents’ shoe store. She directed P.A.T.H. (Personal Aides to the Homebound) for the Federation for the Handicapped Seniors in New York City, was Director of Cambridge, Massachusetts’ Model City’s Senior Citizens Program, and became National Director of Social Services for the Workmen’s Circle Fraternal Organization in New York. A professional singer and good dancer, she was also proud of their racehorse Ruthie’s Native, winner of the 1977 Florida Derby. As an artist she painted large, dynamic, colorful paintings, and created clay and welded metal sculptures. She was a supporter of Yavapai College Art Gallery. This fun, lover of life modeled a caring life well lived, and touched and inspired many. She’ll be missed.

Ruthann was preceded in death by husband, Nate; and son Dean. She is survived by daughter, Rabbi Nina Perlmutter; and her husband Tom Brodersen of Chino Valley; grandchildren, Shana Levine Ross (Jack), Heather Christopherson (Max), Derek Milke; and grandchildren, Sadie, Josephine and Penny.

Burial will be at Mount Hebron Cemetery in New York City, at her husband’s side and near numerous family members. A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, Feb. 6 at Temple B’rith Shalom, Prescott.

The family extends deep gratitude for years of kind, professional care provided by Dr. Sam Downing and Synergy caregivers Kate Bump, Ann Delp, Susan Gibbs and Cindie Bernard. Thanks, too, to the Maggie’s Hospice Team. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Heritage Memory Mortuary.

Donations are invited to organizations supporting any of Ruthann’s wide-ranging concerns, including Jewish, interfaith, women, health, social justice and human welfare.

OBITUARY

FRANCES (FAYE) VIVIAN PALLER

Frances (Faye) Vivian Paller of Phoenix died Dec. 22, 2021 at 86. She was born in New York City.

She was a member of Beth El Congregation and choir member of Phoenix College Women’s Chorus, McConnell Singers.

She is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Jerry) Cohen of Westlake Village, CA and Sharona (Rabbi Aaron) Rubinstein of Macon, GA; son, David (Marcie) Paller of Encino, CA; sister, Judy (David) Siegel of Phoenix; brother, Rabbi Robert (Mari) Schectman of Windsor, CT; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Services were held Dec. 24 at Beth El Cemetery led by Rabbi Nitzan Stein Kokin of Beth El. JN

ALICE LILLIAN BENDAU

BAT MITZVAH

EVAN REITER BUCHWALD

BAR MITZVAH

40-CLASS SERIES: Pearls of Jewish Wisdom on Living with Kindness

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz

Mar 2022 - Dec 2022 @ 10:00 am PT

How to Answer a Fool

Professor Christine Hayes

Thursday, Feb 3 @ 1:00 pm MT

The Seven Questions You’re Asked in Heaven

Dr. Ron Wolfson

Thursday, Mar 3 @ 1:00 pm MT

Su ering Servants! How to Deal with the Missionary at the Door

Rabba Dr. Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz

Thursday, Apr 7 @ 11:00 am PT

Messianism, Zionism, and Religious Radicalism: Four Spiritualties in Israel

Rabbi Menachem Creditor

Thursday, May 12 @ 1:00 pm PT

Early Zionist Approaches to the Existing Arab Population

Lauren Cohen Fisher

Monday, Jan 24 @ 1:00 pm MT

Interreligious Heroes –Book Talk

Rabbi Dr. Alon GoshenGottstein

Tuesday, Feb 8 @ 1:00 pm MT

The Signi cance of the Mitzvot of Purim in our lives today

Rabbanit Sharona Halickman

Thursday, Mar 10 @ 9:00 am MT

White Supremacy and Antisemitism: Lessons from the Capital Attack

Professor Jonathan D. Sarna

Monday, Apr 11 @ 1:00 pm PT

Power of the Image: Photographic Thoughts on Torah Values

Shira Hecht-Koller

Wednesday, May 18 @ 1:00 pm PT

From Flood to Rainbow

Rabbi Avi Strausberg

Monday, Jan 31 @ 1:00 pm MT

Rabbinic Inferno: Hell in Classical Judaism

Rabbi Dr. Dov Weiss

Thursday, Feb 17 @ 1:00 pm MT

Frankenstein and the Golem

Dr. Paul Root Wolpe

Wednesday, Mar 16 @ 1:00 pm PT

The Biblical Plagues and OUR Plague: An Anthropocentric “Theology” and a Lesson for Our Times

Rabbi Chaim Seidler Feller

Tuesday, Apr 12 @ 1:00 pm PT

The Tragedy of Heruta: The Madonna who Became a Whore

Gila Fine

Wednesday, May 25 @ 10:00 am PT

Ruach Hamidbar

Peace-Building Insights After Eight Years of Meeting Palestinians

Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger

Wednesday, Feb 2 @ 10:00 am MT

Maimonides, Spinoza and Us: Toward an Intellectually Vibrant Judaism

Rabbi Dr. Marc D. Angel

Thursday, Feb 24 @ 1:00 pm MT

Is Judaism Woke or Unwoke?

Rabbi Asher Lopatin

Wednesday, Mar 30 @ 1:00 pm PT

To Be a Holy People, Jewish Tradition and Ethical Values

Rabbi Dr. Eugene Korn

Thursday, Apr 28 @ 10:00 am PT

King David: Man of War and Politics, Man of God, Man of Contradictions. Based on a close reading of the Books of Samuel Jeremy Rosen

Thursday, May 26 @ 1:00 pm PT

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz President & Dean