Jewish News, March 4, 2022

COMMUNITY

Bat mitzvah project fills a void for children with disabilities

Jewish community files lawsuit to prohibit use of gas deployed at Auschwitz for executions

NICOLE RAZ AND MALA BLOMQUIST

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and two local Jewish community members are suing the state of Arizona in hopes of preventing capital punishment by hydrogen cyanide, the same lethal gas that was deployed at Auschwitz.

Paul Rockower, executive director of the JCRC of Greater Phoenix and one of the plaintiffs, said the lawsuit is narrowly focused. “We are not arguing the merits of the death penalty, nor the guilt or innocence of the defendants – simply that because of our tragic history we have a unique lens to declare that the use of Zyklon B is a cruel and barbarous practice whose usage has no place in modern society.” The other plaintiff, Alan Zeichick, is a board member of JCRC.

During World War II, the Auschwitz camp in Germanoccupied Poland and others were designed for the use of pellets of Zyklon B – a hydrogen cyanide formulation. At the height of the deportations of Jews from 1943 to 1944, an average of 6,000 Jews were killed each day at Auschwitz.

Janice Friebaum, former vice president and spokesperson for the Phoenix Holocaust Association, shared that survivors and their descendants are horrified that the state is considering the possibility of using a gas that’s either the same or a derivative of what was used during the Holocaust.

“It’s a very painful way to kill a person and it’s fundamentally inhumane. To think that it was done to millions of people during the Holocaust is horrific enough, but to think that 70

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CREATIVE AGING

A new director and programming at the JFCS CSE

Local home chef appears on Food Network’s ‘Guy’s Grocery Games’

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

When Jordan Urnovitz won the fourth annual Top Home Chef cooking competition held by “The Arizona Republic” newspaper in 2016, he had no idea that that experience would lead to an appearance on “Guy’s Grocery Games” hosted by Guy Fieri on Food Network.

Initially, Food Network reached out to Urnovitz at the beginning of 2020 to discuss possible plans for him to appear on a new, geographical-based home chef show they were working on. Then COVID-19 hit and they called back to say that they were putting things on pause.

“So, every three or four months, they would call me and they would say, ‘Hey, we’ve got an idea for something. It looks like COVID-19 is ending …’ and sure enough, COVID never ended,” said Urnovitz. “Then they called and said, ‘We know that COVID is not going away, but we’d still love to have you do something. Would you be interested in doing ‘Guy’s Grocery Games?’’ and I was just ecstatic.”

The Food Network call happened on a Friday and Urnovitz was on a plane that Sunday headed to Santa Rosa, Calif., where “Guy’s Grocery Games” or “GGG” (Triple G) as it is known to its fans is filmed. The setting for the show, known as Flavortown Market, is both a television set and a full-fledged grocery store located inside a 15,500-square-foot warehouse.

“It has the design of a grocery store and

9 things you didn’t know about Purim

With costumes, spiels and lots of drinking, Purim, which in 2022 starts at sundown on Wednesday, March 16, is one of Judaism’s most raucous holidays. See page 8.

a Jewish debate coach contributed to Ketanji Brown Jackson’s path to Supreme Court nomination

Urnovitz competing on Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games.”

to 80 years later we’re thinking of using it as a method of capital punishment is mindboggling,” said Friebaum. “There are clearly other more humane methods available for the state to consider. Also, the use of this poison for mass extermination of human beings was essentially an innovation of the Nazis. So if the state of Arizona is considering mimicking that, we, the survivors and their descendants, see that as tantamount to approving of what the Nazis did.”

“Under no circumstances should the same method of execution used to murder over one million people, including Jews, during the Holocaust be used in the execution of people on death row,” said Jared Keenan, senior staff attorney with the ACLU of Arizona. “Arizona has acknowledged the horrors of cyanide gas as a method of execution and eliminated it in all but a narrow set of cases – it’s time the court eliminates the use of cyanide gas for execution once and for all. Regardless of where people stand on the matter of capital punishment, it’s clear that use of this barbaric practice is cruel and must be abolished.”

Last April, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said he had notified the Arizona Supreme Court that the state intended to seek warrants of execution for two death row inmates, Frank Atwood and Clarence Dixon. In response, the Arizona Supreme Court threw out the schedule that would lead to the execution warrants on July 12, 2021, delaying the projected dates for their executions. Then on Jan. 5, 2022, Brnovich asked the Arizona Supreme Court to set briefing schedules to allow his office (AGO) to file warrants of execution for Atwood and Dixon. The AGO asked the Arizona Supreme Court to establish firm briefing schedules before filing the execution warrants to ensure the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR ) can comply with its testing and disclosure obligations.

The men can select either lethal injection or gas under a state law that allows them the choice because they committed murders before Nov. 23, 1992, Brnovich said in a statement.

The Arizona Legislature ended the use of execution by lethal gas in 1992, but it left in place the use of gas for people who had already been sentenced at that time, leaving 17 people potentially subject to this form of execution.

The lawsuit alleges the state statute that allows for cyanide to be used for a form of execution violates Arizona State Constitution’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.

Arizona has not carried out an execution since 2014, and the last time it did so with hydrogen cyanide gas was Walter LaGrand in 1999, according to ADCRR. The Tucson Citizen published an eyewitness account of LaGrand’s execution in which he displayed “agonizing choking and gagging” and took 18 minutes to die.

The next step for the lawsuit is a hearing on March 7, where the defendants in the case, including the state of Arizona, ADCRR, Brnovich and others, must let the court know if there’s any cause that exists why the courts

shouldn’t grant declaratory relief that the cyanide gas program is unconstitutional.

“What we’re asking the court to do is essentially order the defendants to tell us and the court, whether there are any facts or if anything has changed since the protocol that’s been in place since the late 1990s,” said Keenen. “We just want to know if there’s anything new that’s changed that would allow the government to essentially argue that its current use of cyanide gas, or plans to use cyanide gas, doesn’t violate the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.”

Tim Eckstein, chairman of the JCRC board, said Jewish teachings have long opposed cruel and painful punishments. “Thousands of years ago, Jews shunned mutilation, burning at the stake, and throwing the condemned into a funeral pyre – common practices in other cultures,” he said. “Today, those same moral and ethical values require us to take a stand against a practice that we know, from very recent history, is cruel, inhumane and will highly likely cause severe pain and suffering.” JN

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everything you’d find in a grocery store but it was the best ingredients,” said Urnovitz. “They bring all the produce, meat, seafood – everything is fresh every single day. Then at the end of the day, they donate to local charities, which I thought was super cool.”

Another thing Urnovitz found “super cool” was that he had been invited to participate on a show that had 90,000 people apply when Food Network put out the call for home chefs.

Fieri has a reputation as a mensch, serving meals to firefighters who worked to contain the California wildfires and raising more than $20 million for restaurant workers struggling during the pandemic. When Urnovitz met Fieri, he immediately felt he was authentic and genuine.

“He came out to greet us and he knew everything about me,” said Urnovitz. “Like he had read all the bio background on me. He came out and said, ‘Marissa is going to be so proud and Ezra will love seeing you on television. Your bubbe would be so proud.’ I was taken aback that he knew everything about me.” Marissa is Urnovitz’s wife and Ezra is their 3-year-old son.

The premise of “GGG” is a cooking competition between chefs, but challenges are thrown in to test the competitor’s culinary skills. The first challenge that Urnovitz and his two competitors encountered in the “Global Food Fanatics” episode that aired on Jan. 19, was to pick two items from the market’s sample tables. The items were mini pizza bagels, mini chicken corn

dogs, boxed mashed potatoes and peanut butter filled pretzels.

“I’m not a fast human being and you really have to think on your feet. You have 30 minutes to shop, cook and plate,” said Urnovitz. “I grabbed the mini chicken corn dogs and the mashed potatoes.”

He prepared chicken shawarma on top of mejadra with Turkish ezme. Urnovitz had 20 to 30 dishes in his head that were familiar and that he knew he could make in the time allotment.

“Growing up in a Jewish household, everything revolves around food,” said Urnovitz. He remembers his mother and bubbe making traditional foods like kugel, but he also grew up eating a lot of Middle Eastern food at the restaurants in his hometown of Detroit, Mich. “There’s a lot of similarities in the spices to Israeli cuisine and I’ve always gravitated towards that food.”

Urnovitz was not eliminated in the first round, so he went on to round two. This time the challenge was that everything needed for your dish had to fit in a small brown paper bag.

For his second dish, he planned to prepare shakshuka Bolognese over Israeli couscous but when he returned to his station after picking out items in the store, he realized he was missing a key ingredient.

“I use a lot of harissa paste in what I cook and normally it’s really small but the jar that I grabbed was large. When I looked in the bag, I thought it was tomato sauce,” said Urnovitz. “They didn’t talk about this on the episode, but of course I know shakshuka has to have tomato. So I

went back to my station, emptied my bag and looked and thought, ‘Oh my God!’” There was no tomato sauce.

He proceeded to prepare the shakshuka and had another surprise. “I’ve cooked my entire life and I’ve never had a double egg (yolk) and I had three of them. That’s supposed to be good luck –though it wasn’t so much.”

In the end, Urnovitz lost because his shakshuka lacked the tomato sauce. The contestants were told before the show began that it’s more of a cooking game show and if you’re going to say something is something, then it has to be that.

“Now that I look back, if I would have called it a ragù I probably would have won, but I called it a shakshuka,” Said Urnovitz. “I don’t think I lost because I delivered a dish that wasn’t as good; I lost because I don’t think I played the game as well.”

He said after the show the producers told him that he was great on camera and in the kitchen and that they would love to have him back. “GGG” does redemption shows so Urnovitz figures that he might get invited back. In the meantime, he will enjoy his “happy place” in the kitchen.

In 2015, Urnovitz moved to Arizona and currently resides in Gilbert. “When we moved here, I just cooked at home. Then I ended up winning Top Home Chef and I cooked at the Arizona Food and Wine Festival,” he said. “I’ve done a dozen events for nonprofits, 30 different catering jobs and now I’m on ‘Guy’s Grocery Games.’ It’s laughable to me because I’m not a professional chef – I just like to cook.” JN

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Temple Emanuel of Tempe hires new managing director

RACHEL RASKIN-ZRIHEN

Gerri Madenberg has accepted the managing director position at Temple Emanuel of Tempe, officials announced. She arrived in person to join the congregation in late February, having relocated from Florida.

Madenberg brings extensive experience as a synagogue administrator and a strong background in management and finance. She will manage Temple Emanuel’s day-to-day operations in partnership with Rabbi Cookie Lea Olshein and the temple’s board of directors, as well as facilitate long-term planning for the synagogue.

Her selection comes after the temple’s managing director search committee reviewed many resumes and spoke with several candidates, from which Madenberg stood out “because of her warm and outgoing personality, professional background, attention to detail and life-long commitment to Reform Judaism,” according to the announcement. “We know she will be a great match for Temple Emanuel and we can’t wait to welcome her into our community.”

Temple Emanuel board president Jennifer LeGrand expressed excitement at the new hire.

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“I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING TO KNOW MY COMMUNITY AND MY TEMPLE MEMBERS AND BECOMING AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN THE TEMPLE, THE COMMUNITY AND ARIZONA’S JEWISH COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,”

“We are so excited to have Gerri Madenberg join Temple Emanuel of Tempe as our new managing director,” she said. “Gerri is warm and personable and we look forward to our community welcoming her and getting to know each other.”

connecting members to their interests while fostering congregational and community involvement.”

Madenberg said that growing up, her family joined Buffalo Grove’s Temple Chai and that she became a bat mitzvah at Kingswood Methodist Church, as the shul had yet to construct a building.

Later, Madenberg graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s in finance and returned to Chicago to begin her career and eventually start a family. Her daughter, Ellie, who earned her master’s in recreational therapy, is working in Salt Lake City, Utah. At the same time her son, Coby, is a junior at Colorado State University studying health and wellness “and dreams,” she said, “of going to medical school. I am a very proud mom!”

Madenberg added that she looks forward to meeting her new “Arizona family,” and that her “door will always be open.”

“I’m looking forward to getting to know my community and my temple members and becoming an active participant in the temple, the community and Arizona’s Jewish community as a whole,” she said in a telephone interview. “There are lots of things I’m looking forward to.”

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Saying she’s “honored and excited” to become the temple’s new managing director, Madenberg, who grew up in Buffalo Grove, Ill., said her synagoguerelated work experience ranges from assistant executive director/membership to temple administrator and executive director, and that she believes “in helping to create a strong Jewish community by

Madenberg said she’s even looking forward to the summer in Arizona.

“I love the heat – the hotter, the better,” she said. “I’m coming from Miami, so it’s perfect. I’d rather be hot and in air conditioning than be in the ice-cold wind in Chicago.” JN

Gerri Madenberg

Installation 2.0 of Rabbi Nitzan Stein Kokin at Beth El Congregation

EILEEN BLOOM

On February 4, 2022, more than 180 congregants, clergy, family and friends gathered for the long-awaited installation of Rabbi Nitzan Stein Kokin. Originally scheduled for the spring of 2020 but canceled due to COVID-19, the celebration was able to move forward with the assistance of vaccinations, masks, outdoor dining and a virtual-attendance option. Stein Kokin became Beth El’s spiritual leader on Aug. 5, 2019.

Born and raised in Germany, Stein Kokin moved to Jerusalem in her early twenties and lived there for six years, immersing herself deeply in both Judaism and Israeli society. After receiving a master’s degree in Jewish Studies from The Hebrew University in 2002, she took graduate-level Jewish education classes at Hebrew College in Newton, Mass.

Ordained in 2017, Stein Kokin is the first graduate of the Zacharias Frankel College in Germany, the newest of the five rabbinical seminaries of the Conservative movement. Her love for congregational and spiritual engagement led her to pursue the rabbinate when this new program opened its doors in Berlin in 2013. She believes in the power of connection and engages actively in

building community through strengthening personal relationships.

Reflecting on her almost-completed first term as Beth El’s spiritual leader, while looking ahead with excitement to the coming years of her engagement with the synagogue, Stein Kokin spoke about the special covenantal relationship a rabbi and their congregation have building the community. “As much as I hope to have inspired you on our joint journey through the last two and a half years together, you all have enriched my life and shaped my rabbinate,” she said. “You have made me stronger, let me discover and deepen talents and skills and let me grow into the rabbi I am today. I am very much looking forward to continuing this journey together as partners in the years to come.”

The evening started with cocktails and appetizers on the patio. For some guests, it was the first large gathering they attended in over two years. After enjoying empanadas and ahi tuna ceviche along with frozen margaritas, the crowd was encouraged to enter the synagogue for Kabbalat Shabbat led by Cantor Jonathan Angress and Stein Kokin.

The installation ceremony was led by Rabbi Cheryl Peretz, associate dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies

at American Jewish University and the Zacharias Frankel College. She played a special role in helping to guide Beth El and the search committee through its search for a new rabbi. Peretz is Stein Kokin’s teacher, mentor and friend who continues to be a source of information and inspiration.

Nine members of Beth El’s community, each representing a different group within the synagogue, participated in the ritual of filling a cup of wine. Ben Cooper, search committee chairman, said, “Rabbi, as we fill this cup with wine in this sacred hour, we pray that its taste will continue to sweeten in the days and years ahead as we work together.” The Chesed Committee chair, Risa Mallin, said, “We look to you as our partner and our guide in these acts of derekh eretz — proper treatment of others,” as she added the last drops to the kiddush cup.

Stein Kokin’s husband, Daniel, and their two daughters joined the rabbi on the bimah to open the ark and hold the Torah as Angress chanted the Birkat Cohanim in Hebrew and German, which was so meaningful to the Stein Kokin family.

Rabbi Stein Kokin’s Installation 2.0 was an opportunity to honor her and formally welcome her into Beth El Congregation’s

Kokin shared, “There was a wonderful spirit of joy and celebration of what we accomplished together in the last years – even under the challenges of a global pandemic – and a great boost of energy and spirit for all of us to keep moving ahead to build Beth El’s future. We felt the deep connection and good foundation we’ve already built. And we are ready to charge onto new horizons, standing on a good foundation of mutual commitment and care.” JN

Lunch & Learn

Tuesday, March 15th • 11:30am

You’re invited to learn more about inspired senior living at Maravilla Scottsdale. Join us for an informative presentation about our vibrant lifestyle and exceptional services & safeguards. Afterwards, enjoy a tour of our beautiful community, followed by a delicious chef-prepared lunch. To RSVP, please call 480.269.1952

Eileen Bloom is Beth El Congregation’s financial vice president, Beth El Women’s League president and the installation chairperson.

Bat mitzvah project fills a void for children with disabilities

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

When Michelle Schwartz was 10 years old, her mother asked her if she had given any thought to her bat mitzvah project. Michelle remembered her exact reply, “Yes, I want to volunteer and help kids in a theater program for special needs.”

Michelle has been involved in performing arts since she was in kindergarten. She has participated in youth theater at Desert Stages Theater, Art and Sol Performing Arts Program and the Martin Pear Jewish Community Center. Her latest role is the lead in the production of “Willy Wonka” at Pardes Jewish Day School, where Michelle is in seventh grade.

She shared her mitzvah project idea with Jennifer Adams, Pardes’ music and theater programming coordinator. Michelle is in Adam’s music and theater classes and takes weekly private piano and voice lessons from her.

“We talked about my summer musical theater camps where I have worked with SAARC (Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center) campers and how rewarding it was to watch their growth,” said Adams. “We discussed the connection everyone can have with music and she expressed her love for music and how she wants everyone to experience the joy that comes from singing.”

But when Sami Schwartz, Michelle’s mother, started researching where her daughter could volunteer with special needs children in theater, she quickly found out such a program does not exist.

“I found Detour Theatre, which is a theater program for adults with disabilities, but they do not have a children’s program. I looked and looked,” said Schwartz. She reached out to others in the theater community and there were a few weekly programs offered in the summer that

Michelle could volunteer at, but since she attends Jewish overnight camp, that wouldn’t work. “Everybody should be able to do theater. It was sad when we looked and there wasn’t anything for kids with special needs,” said Michelle.

Schwartz had previously volunteered with Gesher Disability Resources, so she reached out to Amy Hummell, Gesher’s executive director, to see if Michelle could volunteer with their participants.

“We’ve had quite a number of parents through the years who have approached us because their kids who are becoming a b’nai mitzvah are looking for a mitzvah project and they want to work with the disability population,” said Hummell. “This was different because Michelle had such a specific idea. I hate saying no, so we have been working as much as we can to make this happen.”

Michelle came to Gesher’s Hanukkah Party in the Park in December 2021 and led participants in a sing-along. “She was very organized and brought song sheets,” said Hummell. “She was very comfortable in front of a group with the microphone and has a nice voice. Everyone had a lot of fun.”

The next event that Michelle came to was Jonathan’s Walk on Jan. 30. There she led the crowd in chants and cheers. Initially, people from Orangetheory Fitness were going to be on hand to get the crowd excited before the walk, but they had to cancel. “It was really fun, even though the crowd was smaller than normal because of COVID, the people who were there were excited to be there,” said Hummell. “Michelle got everyone going and she did a great job.”

For the next program on Feb. 27, Michelle led participants in a sing-along to some of her favorite musical

theater songs at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus. Michelle would like to continue these programs even after her bat mitzvah.

“It was fun to see everyone having fun and participating and also it felt nice to know that I was giving the kids an opportunity to do it,” said Michelle. “I want to continue, because everybody should have the opportunity to experience everything.”

“What’s neat about Michelle is that she is one of those kids who have that vision about what she wants to do and how she wants to do it,” said Hummell. “Michelle created the flyers, QR code and the Google (registration) form. We want to support a young person who has such a fabulous idea.”

Michelle will be hosting one more event before she becomes a bat mitzvah on April 2 at Congregation Or Tzion. She has enlisted the help of some of her friends, who are also in musical theater, and they will be performing a concert as a fundraiser for Gesher on March 20 at 3 p.m. in the social hall at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus.

“For the March event, we can invite anyone to come and learn about Michelle’s vision of this theater program for kids,” said Hummell. “That’s setting the stage and the vision for what she wants to do.”

Schwartz thinks it would be wonderful if someone philanthropic heard about what her daughter has been doing and said, “What? There’s no theater program for children with disabilities? Let’s start one!” JN

Information for the March 20 event can be found at facebook.com/ gesherdisabilityresources/.

StandWithUs comes to Scottsdale

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

StandWithUs (SWU) is an international nonprofit and non-partisan education organization that combats antisemitism and supports Israel. Founded in 2001, SWU empowers students and communities with leadership training and educational programs. It informs through social media, print and digital materials, films, weekly newsletters and missions to Israel. Recognizing the critical need for education and action regarding the global rise of antisemitism, local community activists Mindy Franklin, Lynn Kahn and Chana Anderson are hosting SWU at an event, “Antisemitism Here and Now,” on March 27 at Congregation Beth Tefillah at 6529 E. Shea Blvd. in Scottsdale at 7 p.m. Roz Rothstein, co-founder and CEO of SWU and Carly Gammill, director of SWU’s Center for Combating Antisemitism, will discuss recent manifestations of anti-Jewish bigotry in the community, on campuses and high schools. They will also address

different forms of antisemitism and review ways people can get involved. A Q&A with Rothstein and Gammill will follow the discussion.

Franklin, Kahn and Anderson said in a joint statement, “With the current rise of antisemitism here in our community and across Arizona, evident in our cultural, social and political arenas, the time is now for all Jews to band together to combat the narrative of anti-Jewish bigotry. Being passive, disregarding hateful words or actions or hiding one’s religious identity will not make it disappear. It’s time for all Jews to stand up as a unified force against any and all incidents of antisemitism.”

They were also are excited that all the organizations they approached – including religious schools, synagogues, Jewish organizations, etc. – were extremely supportive of bringing SWU to the Valley.

In 2021, ADL Arizona tracked

significant reports of hate and bias incidents, reflecting a 26% increase from 2020 and a 41% increase from 2019.

SWU programs select and train student leaders, from middle school to college, to expose antisemitism when they see it and educate their peers about Israel in their schools and communities. In 2012 SWU created the Kenneth Leventhal High School internship.

During the two-semester program,

Leventhal Interns, who are juniors and seniors, identify the educational needs at their schools as they pertain to Israel, whether they are rooted in misinformation or disinformation. Then, working with their SWU regional high school coordinator, they develop a vision to meet those needs through educational programming.

Roz Rothstein, co-founder and CEO of StandWithUs.

9 things you didn’t know about Purim

MY JEWISH LEARNING VIA JTA

With costumes, spiels and lots of drinking, Purim, which in 2022 starts at sundown on Wednesday, March 16, is one of Judaism’s most raucous holidays. You might know about beautiful Esther thwarting evil Haman’s plans, the custom of getting drunk and what hamantaschen are. But we’re guessing there’s a few things about this holiday that might surprise you.

1. Esther was a vegetarian (or at least a flexitarian).

According to midrash, while Queen Esther lived in the court of King Ahasuerus, she followed a vegetarian diet consisting largely of legumes so that she would not break the laws of kashrut (dietary laws). For this reason, there is a tradition of eating beans and peas on Purim. (After all, you’ll need something healthy after all the booze and hamantaschen.)

2. You’re supposed to find a go-between to deliver your mishloach manot, the gift baskets traditionally exchanged with friends and family on Purim.

The verse in the Book of Esther about mishloach manot stipulates that we should send gifts to one another, not just give gifts to one another. As a result, it’s better to send your packets of goodies to a friend via a messenger, than to just give them outright. Anyone can act as a go-between, so feel free to recruit the postal service or even that nice guy in the elevator to help you deliver your gifts.

3. The Book of Esther is one of just two biblical books that do not include God’s name.

The other is Song of Songs. The Book of Esther also makes no reference to the Temple, to prayer, or to Jewish practices such as kashrut (keeping kosher).

4. Hamantaschen might have been designed to symbolize Haman’s hat – or his ears or pockets. Or something a little more womanly. Some say these cookies represent Haman’s ears (the Hebrew name for them, oznei Haman, means just this), and refer to a custom of cutting off a criminal’s ears before his execution. Another theory is that the three corners represent the three patriarchs whose power weakened Haman and gave strength to Esther to save the Jews. Yet another theory: Because the German word tasche means “pouch”

or “pocket,” the cookies could signify Haman’s pockets and the money he offered the king for permission to kill the Jews. Finally, in recent years, some feminists have suggested the cookies, which after all, are not dissimilar in appearance to female reproductive parts, were meant to be fertility symbols.

5. In 1945, a group of American GI’s held belated Purim services inside Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels’ confiscated castle.

According to Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) coverage at the time, the Jewish chaplain “carefully arranged the candles over a swastika-bedecked bookcase in Goebbels’ main dining room,” and Jewish soldiers explained to their Christian comrades in attendance “about Haman and why it was so fitting that Purim services should be held in a castle belonging to Goebbels.”

6. The Book of Esther, which many scholars theorize is fictional, may be an adaptation of a Babylonian story.

Some scholars argue that the Book of Esther adapted stories about these pagan gods – Marduk becoming Mordecai and Ishtar

transformed to Esther – to reflect the realities of its own Jewish authors in exile.

7. The Jewish calendar has a regular leap year with two months of Adar (but only one Purim, which falls during the second Adar).

To ensure that the holidays remain in their mandated seasons, the Jewish calendar was ingeniously adjusted to accommodate the 11-day difference between the lunar and solar years. In the 4th century C.E., Hillel scheduled an extra month at the end of the biblical year, as necessary. The biblical year begins in spring with Nissan (Exodus 12:1-2) and ends with Adar. Hillel, in conjunction with the Sanhedrin (Jewish supreme court) chose to repeat Adar (Adar I and Adar II) every 3rd, 6th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, and 19th year over a 19-year period.

8. Purim is celebrated one day later inside walled cities than it is everywhere else.

The Book of Esther differentiates between Jews who lived and fought their enemies for two days within the walled, capital city of Shushan and those who lived in unwalled towns, where only one day was needed

to subdue the enemy. The Rabbis determined we should make that same distinction when memorializing the event. Accordingly, if a person lives in a city that has been walled since the days of Joshua (circa 1250 B.C.E.), as Shushan was, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of the month of Adar, a day referred to as “Shushan Purim.”

9. Just after the 1991 Gulf War, Israel’s most popular Purim costume was of the Israel Defense Forces spokesman whose face appeared on TV every time a Scud missile alert sounded – and people snacked on “Saddamtaschen” instead of hamantaschen. Spokesman Nachman Shai’s “reassuring tones earned him the sobriquet ‘National Valium,’” while Israel was being pelted with Iraqi missiles, according to a JTA report at the time. That year, while many costume-makers avoided the temptation to make Saddam Hussein costumes (it would be like a Hitler costume, one vendor told JTA), bakeries hawked “Saddamtashen,” which “look and taste exactly like Hamantashen.” JN

For more articles like this, visit MyJewishLearning.com.

A tropical Latin Purim – Vegan hamantaschen with pineapple and mango filling

ILANA MEILLER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Idream of basking in the sun on a tropical beach in Latin America during the winter. But while this wish will materialize in the future, I am content to bring the tropics to my table this Purim. Craving for vegan hamantaschen with pineapple and mango filling, my search for recipes on the internet has yielded no results. Therefore, I came up with these unique oznei Haman, which transport me to a calm ocean with every bite.

The first step to making this Purim treat is to ensure that the pineapple and mango filling is prepared in advance. In less than thirty minutes, this four ingredient jam is ready and packed with vitamin C, fiber and protein, which boosts the immune system and supports weight loss.

I recommend opting for fresh pineapple and mango, as they taste better and retain higher levels of vitamins. Studies, for instance, show that canned pineapple and mango containing either fruit juice or syrup add more calories, carbohydrates and sugar to your diet. And speaking of sugar, since these fruits are naturally sweet, no added

sugar or sweetener is needed in this recipe.

Chia seeds is another ingredient used as a thickening agent that provides this jam with multiple purposes. The leftover preserve spreads nicely on bread and can be served on top of pancakes, crackers, cereal, etc.

Once the jam starts to cool and thicken, you are set to form the dough of these cookies. My vegan version finds the perfect balance between the wet and dry ingredients, creating a dough that is not tough and crumbly. And it is infused with exotic coconut oil and maple flavors … delicioso (delicious).

Feliz (Happy) Purim!

Ingredients for the pineapple and mango jam:

1 cup ripe mango, diced (or frozen)

1 cup ripe pineapple, diced (or frozen)

1-1½ tablespoons chia seeds

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Peel, core and dice the pineapple if using fresh. Cut and dice the mango if using fresh. Discard the skin and pit.

Cook the pineapple and mango in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously

for about 10 minutes.

Puree or mash the fruits with a hand/immersion blender or a potato masher.

Stir in lemon juice and chia seeds. Remove from the heat and set aside until you are ready to assemble the hamantaschen.

Ingredients for the hamantaschen:

¼ cup pure maple syrup

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water)

2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon unrefined coconut oil, melted

½ teaspoon baking powder

2 pinches of salt

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 1 baking sheet with parchment paper for about 16 hamantaschen. Mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water in a small cup. Let it sit for 10 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine the maple syrup, vanilla extract, flax egg (thickened for 10 minutes) and coconut oil.

Stir in the baking powder, salt and flour. Knead until a soft (not sticky) dough is formed.

Do not overknead.

Lightly flour a surface. Divide the dough into 2 pieces and roll each piece to about 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin. Note: No food processor and refrigeration are required.

Cut 3 inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass. Place a teaspoon of jam in the middle of each circle. Wet your finger with water and moisten the edges of the circle. Form a triangle shape by folding up the dough and pinching three corners to seal. Transfer all the assembled hamantaschen to the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. JN

Ilana Meiller was born in Israel and works as a school-based mental health professional in Baltimore County. This recipe orginally appeared in Baltimore Jewish Times – a Jewish News-affilated publication.

PHOTO BY ILANA MEILLER

Ukraine in turmoil

In retrospect, politicians and pundits agree that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch an all-out attack on neighboring Ukraine was predictable. They point to Putin’s paranoid obsession with an ever-growing list of accusations of Russia-targeted expansion in Eastern Europe by the West and NATO, and the unsupported charges of Ukrainian atrocities against the country’s Russianspeaking minority. Yet, in the run-up to the attack, there was hope that an invasion could be averted and that reason, diplomacy and a universal interest in world order would prevail. That was not to be. Given the accusatory focus of the AI report and its mind-bending hyperbolic name-calling, it is no surprise that the 300-page report was denounced by Jewish groups left, right and center. What was interesting was the volume of organizational denunciations that were issued before the report was even released. The pre-release announcement of the incendiary title was enough to trigger the well-deserved (yet predictable) responses and reactions.

While governments and their leaders were issuing warnings and threats designed to deter Putin, the international Jewish aid world was ramping up its efforts for rescue and relief of Jews in Ukraine. Instead of waiting for the

attack to launch, the relief agencies planned for it with something close to military precision.

The size of Ukraine’s Jewish community is unclear. A 2020 demographic survey numbered 43,000 Jews. The European Jewish Congress says that number could be as high as 400,000. In any case, by the morning after the invasion, Jewish federations in this country were announcing a Ukraine emergency fund

our local federations and the umbrella Jewish Federations of North America. In this time of crisis, our communities are proving once again that we are our brothers’ keepers.

The Jewish Agency has established six aliyah-processing stations at Ukrainian borders to help facilitate a safe and quick aliyah for those eligible, interested and able to take advantage of the opportunity; has accelerated a program to upgrade

WHILE GOVERNMENTS AND THEIR LEADERS WERE ISSUING WARNINGS AND THREATS DESIGNED TO DETER PUTIN, THE INTERNATIONAL JEWISH AID WORLD WAS RAMPING UP ITS EFFORTS FOR RESCUE AND RELIEF OF JEWS IN UKRAINE. INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR THE ATTACK TO LAUNCH, THE RELIEF AGENCIES PLANNED FOR IT WITH SOMETHING CLOSE TO MILITARY PRECISION.

and their partnering with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), HIAS and World ORT – all of whom have been working in Ukraine for decades and have established relationships in Ukraine to help facilitate relief protocols.

We applaud the quick mobilization and careful planning of the Jewish relief effort, and the related fundraising activities of

security at Jewish institutions across Ukraine; and has arranged care for the more than 1500 Ukrainians involved in JAFI-sponsored programs in Israel, Budapest and elsewhere, who cannot return home. JDC’s work in the area is focused on Ukraine’s Jewish population –many of whom are refugees in their own country. That work includes continuing care for nearly 40,000 impoverished elderly Jewish Ukrainians and thousands

of vulnerable younger community members as well as work with dozens of local organizations devoted to communal safety and welfare.

Israel has announced a significant aid package for Ukraine’s Jewish community to support security assistance, food distribution and absorption of refugees. On the political side, the Israeli government has pulled its punches. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid condemned the Russian invasion. But Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, in speaking about assistance to Jews in Ukraine, did not name the cause of the situation or place fault. That reluctance to confront Putin and Russia caused some to criticize the government’s failure to respond to the invasion with moral clarity. Others were more accepting, recognizing the fragility of Israel’s reliance on Russian goodwill to allow preemptive moves against Iranian terror-supporting activity in war-torn Syria. On Monday, however, Israel announced it would join the U.N. vote to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In the fluid and fraught situation in Ukraine, we find comfort knowing that our community’s international partners are there to help. We encourage our readers to donate generously to those life-saving efforts.

Ketanji Brown Jackson – a Republican opportunity

With war raging in Eastern Europe, you could be forgiven for missing the news last week that President Joe Biden nominated U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. The nomination is consequential – not because Jackson would be the first Black woman to sit on the Court, but because the nomination presents an opportunity for Senate Republicans to rise above partisan politics and join in approving a worthy candidate on her merits.

The Jackson nomination comes at a significant inflection point in the Biden presidency, as it will be considered and debated during the runup to this year’s midterm elections. Most agree that Democrats face significant challenges in the coming round of voting. But if Republicans are seen as obstructionist or unreasonable in their treatment of the Jackson nomination, they could pay a price at the polls. Besides, even if her nomination is confirmed Jackson is not

likely to change the current ideological balance of the Supreme Court – which is also likely the case for any other Biden nominee.

Republicans should embrace the Jackson nomination because she is qualified for the job. Indeed, her resume

seat she will fill, if confirmed.

Jackson also brings a different blend of work experiences to her potential new position, as she will be the first justice to have served as a federal public defender. In her two years in the appellate office of the DC Public defender service

THE NOMINATION IS CONSEQUENTIAL – NOT BECAUSE JACKSON WOULD BE THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO SIT ON THE COURT, BUT BECAUSE THE NOMINATION PRESENTS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SENATE REPUBLICANS TO RISE ABOVE PARTISAN POLITICS AND JOIN IN APPROVING A WORTHY CANDIDATE ON HER MERITS.

reads much like many others who have served on the Supreme Court. She attended Harvard University for her undergraduate degree, attended Harvard Law School and served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review. She then clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, the justice whose

Jackson obtained a different perspective of the federal criminal justice system –something that has served her well in her eight years as a U.S. District Court judge, and in her current position on the prestigious U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

The upcoming hearings on Jackson’s

A NOTE ON OPINION

nomination will be her fourth appearance before a Senate confirmation panel. Democrats are hoping for bipartisan support for her nomination this time, just like there was in her three previous appearances. While we join in that hope and believe such a move to be in Republican interests, we are not optimistic. We want to be wrong. But last week’s reflexive Republican efforts to link Jackson to the “radical left” and to tarnish her record by calling her “the favored choice of far-left dark-money groups,” make us doubtful.

Whether any Republican senators will vote to confirm Jackson remains to be seen. We hope some do. But above all else, we encourage consideration of Jackson’s qualifications on their impressive merit – irrespective of other considerations. Ketanji Brown Jackson is a gifted lawyer and respected jurist. She has the background and experience to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court and deserves to be confirmed. JN

We 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 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.

We must do more for our young Jewish adults

RABBI DR. SHMULY YANKLOWITZ

I’m sure you have noticed what I have: Engagement in Jewish life among young adults – people in their 20s and 30s – is not what it should be, and it’s not what we desire for the sake of Jewish survival and continuity.

It’s not us imagining things, either. The recent Pew Research Center report on Jewish Americans found that 41% of Jews 18-29 don’t consider themselves part of a branch of Judaism. And the engagement we do see is often superficial and satisfies neither the young Jews nor the institutions who wish to cater to them.

So what went wrong? Perhaps Hebrew school didn’t land for them and neither did the services they reluctantly attended growing up? Perhaps, as parents, we have not resisted assimilation enough?

Perhaps this is the result of an American cultural shift at large away from religion?

Instead, and more broadly, I’d pose that the problem is we’ve made Judaism too simple.

Young Jews, people in their 20s and 30s, have grown up to do amazing and exciting things – in college, their careers and their lives. But the experience of Judaism they received, and the one they

challenged them in the ways they’ve been stimulated and challenged in the other parts of their lives.

That’s why at Valley Beit Midrash, we seek to provide younger Jewish

THE RECENT PEW RESEARCH CENTER REPORT ON JEWISH AMERICANS FOUND THAT 41% OF JEWS 18-29 DON’T CONSIDER THEMSELVES PART OF A BRANCH OF JUDAISM. AND THE ENGAGEMENT WE DO SEE IS OFTEN SUPERFICIAL AND SATISFIES NEITHER THE YOUNG JEWS NOR THE INSTITUTIONS WHO WISH TO CATER TO THEM.

continue to expect, is one that has all too often been watered down. They can have a Ph.D. but a seventh-grade understanding of Judaism and a thirdgrade understanding of theology. Judaism to them is often boring because we, as educators, have not stimulated and

adults with the learning they deserve. Through our programs, we facilitate their engagement with the most intellectual and relevant moral questions of our time, on topics such as ethics, relationships, politics, spirituality, scientific discovery and self-growth, all while using the

full richness of the Jewish tradition to make Jewish values something that truly matters to them.

Of course, programs can err in the other direction, with content that is substantial but also inaccessible and uninclusive. But I have found that it’s perfectly doable to provide learning programs that are both intellectually rigorous, spiritually deep and unintimidating to those without a rich background in Jewish education. Deep content should not and does not require higher barriers to entry.

Often, we are doing our learning in “third spaces,” such as living rooms – or, during COVID-19, backyards – as young Jews who are uninterested in and often feel alienated by synagogues tend to find homey, non-institutional venues to be more inviting.

Personally, I love going to synagogue to pray, but the statistics are absolutely clear that only a tiny fraction of young Jews in their 20s and 30s will choose to

My Jewish family fled Kyiv in 1989. My heart breaks for the city today.

MIKHAIL ZINSHTEYN | JTA

Iwas born in Kyiv. I shy away from calling myself Ukrainian because at the time it was the USSR. And as Jews who eventually fled as refugees, my family didn’t have any ethnonational attachments to the place. Still, it’s where I learned to sort of smile.

It’s where my favorite photo of my mom and me was taken, just three years before cancer killed her. I remember the large city park by our apartment and its train for tots in the summer. I remember begging my sister to pull me on a sled in winter despite there being little snow.

That I had been born there at all was a function of knowing when to leave — and when to come back. My babushka, my grandmother, fled Kyiv the day before the Nazis came in 1941. Her own grandparents stayed. They were murdered at Babyn Yar.

After the war, the antisemitism in Ukraine under the Soviets was intense and repugnant. My father remembers seeing KGB officers snapping photos of men lined up by the synagogue to purchase matzah for Passover — a crime of Jewish expression.

Men identified in those photos would

be fired from their jobs or worse, my dad and his close relatives would recall years later as we sat in our new home in the United States around a dining room table spread with homemade gefilte fish, salat olivier and chopped herring salad.

A mention of a pogrom, the killing of Jewish doctors or total Soviet amnesia

that Jews were specifically targeted by the millions in Germany’s invasion of the USSR — all of these would get a knowing and exhausted nod.

And so we left again.

I still have all the papers that tell our departure story, familiar to so many Jews who left in the 1980s. Our exit visa to

Israel. Our United States refugee papers. Our refugee ID numbers.

Leaving for Israel, with an official exit visa, was the only way for Jews to get out the USSR. But because Israel and Moscow had no diplomatic ties, all Jews first flew to Vienna.

While other families bound for Israel pivoted straight to their flights to Tel Aviv, we remained in Vienna waiting for our permission to enter the U.S. Our tri-national spread of exit and entry visas are stamped by the Dutch (Israel’s representatives in Moscow), the Austrians and the Soviets. After several months in Vienna, the Hebrew International Aid Society secured our flight to New York City.

We arrived in the United States as refugees on Feb. 7, 1989. My mom died of an aggressive breast cancer months after our arrival in New York. My family long suspected her cancer was fueled by our proximity to Chernobyl when its nuclear reactor blew. That assumption is scientifically unfounded but played a huge role in my family’s story.

SEE ZINSHTEYN, PAGE 13

SEE YANKLOWITZ, PAGE 13

Mikhail Zinshteyn’s family’s exit visa from the USSR, and a favorite picture of him with his mother and sister taken in Kyiv. COURTESY OF MIKHAIL ZINSHTEYN

Es Pasht Nisht, the Mishkan and the Need to Strengthen Our Shuls

n one of his countless books on self-esteem, Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski (19302021) shares his personal experience with a method of disciplining children that avoids attacking them personally.

“When my father disapproved of something I did,” he writes, “he would say [in Yiddish], ‘Es past nisht’ (that is not becoming of you). He did not tell me I was bad, but to the contrary, I was too good to be doing something that was beneath my dignity.”

Rabbi Twerski’s parenting insight that elevating someone’s self-perception can change him for the better can be expanded to the national level to clarify the concept of the Chosen People.

Since at least the dawn of the Enlightenment, Jewish thinkers have struggled with the idea that the Almighty

YANKLOWITZ

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

has a special love for the Jewish people. An explanation of the Mishkan, or Tabernacle, that the Bnei Yisrael build at the end of the Book of Shemos brings out one common-sense approach to the significance of chosenness as a motivator to national greatness.

IBased on the number of sections and parshiyos of the Torah that discuss it, the Mishkan assumes strikingly outsize importance. The Torah dedicates more space to its construction, laws of its Karbanos and how to transport, travel and camp around it than any other topic – the second half of the Book of Exodus, the entire Book of Leviticus and the beginning of the Book of Numbers all discuss these topics.

When He commands Moshe to build the Mishkan, the Almighty specifies that it will be a residence for none other than Himself, “They shall make Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell among them” (Shemos 25:8). While there is no doubt that the spiritual influence of G-d dwelling among us is unfathomably great and there can be no bigger honor, its allusion to their chosen status serves an educational

purpose as well.

In his commentary on the Torah, Rabbi Avigdor Miller (1908-2001) writes that the main students of this message that the Mishkan delivered around the clock about the Almighty’s special relationship with one nation were none other than the Jews of that generation themselves. This perspective on the Mishkan’s function suggests that the purpose of G-d choosing a nation is not so much to indicate its superiority but rather to impose responsibility. If the Jews would only recognize their unique mission and special role in history, they might live up to their enormous potential.

Like Rabbi Twerski’s father who reprimanded his son by reminding him how special he is, G-d urged the Jewish people to rise to the occasion of their spiritual potential by planting the Mishkan in their midst as a constant reminder of their special status and mission.

As places that welcome the Divine presence, our homes and our shuls each serve as a present-day Mishkan. Each becomes a place for G-d to “dwell among them” to the extent that we

ZINSHTEYN

make them such with our mitzvot, kindness, prayer and Torah study.

The last two years have provided an uninvited opportunity to focus on strengthening the Jewish home as a Mishkan. The deployment of the vaccine and (hopefully) general decline of new COVID cases now present the converse opportunity: it is time to build up, strengthen and restore not our homes but our shuls, through our communal presence, our tefilos (prayers) and our participation. With both newly Jewishly reinforced homes and reinvigorated shuls as the dual Mishkan-like beacons of our national specialness and purpose, there is no more confident way forward into the post-pandemic future. JN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 participate. Hosting conversations and text studies in non-institutional spaces has proven incredibly successful for those entering (or re-entering the community). This also allows us to build our study and discussion into weeknight dinners, Shabbat celebrations and Saturday-night Havdalah gatherings.

In my experience, the best pathway toward Jewish engagement is through three things: robust learning, leadership development and values-based action. People want to learn and grow and channel that into improving our society.

At Valley Beit Midrash, we’re seeking to make our educational content (which these days are a mix of in-person and over Zoom) even more accessible. For the next six months, we are giving free access to all classes to Jews under 30 because of how important we think it is to give them access. This gets them into classes taught by world-renowned rabbis and professors that will inform and guide them through their Jewish lives.

In the area of leadership, we offer frequent fellowship programs that bring cohorts of young Jews together to make meaningful contributions on issues that matter to them, such as homelessness, antisemitism, interfaith

bridge building and environmentalism. I believe that, rather than being about mere networking, leadership activities should be morally courageous and should challenge and inspire us to cultivate our moral imagination.

And for those wishing to make the most direct difference in the world, our social action branch, Arizona Jews for Justice, does work that uplifts the homeless, supports refugees and assists some of the most downtrodden members of our community.

Jewish engagement for young adults, rather than being about empty social gatherings or networking events devoid of spiritual content, should mean opportunities to think critically about how to live their lives, create a thriving community and use their minds for the betterment of the world.

In order to stay relevant and to thrive, Judaism must be willing to compete with the strongest and most compelling ideas out on the marketplace today, wherever our young people are finding them. And I believe our sacred tradition truly has a lot to offer. JN

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz is the president and dean of Valley Beit Midrash.

We first lived in Midtown Manhattan for a few weeks, in what I believe was a halfway home for recovering addicts (the last time I checked, in the 2000s, it was a hotel). My dad recalls speaking to doctors in a hallway payphone about my mom’s worsening state, his broken English competing for clarity over the commotion in the public space. Once in Brooklyn, I attended a Jewish camp with my older sister — experiences organized for us by a rabbi my dad befriended, in part to distract us from our mom’s demise. Months later, we’d move to Los Angeles, where I remained for most of my life and now live again. According to my

dad and a photo I once took on a return visit, our old neighborhood was festooned with placards that read “patrolled by private police” — an alleged reference to the organized crime figures who kept watch.

Despite the trauma of this journey, I regard Kyiv with fondness. My heart breaks for the other children at risk of displacement, the families who may have to flee because of Moscow’s misdeeds.

I didn’t think Putin would commit to a full-scale invasion, that he’d instead try to destabilize Ukrainian democracy with less force. I had also assumed that, considering both lands are united by the horror of Hitler’s invasion, a Russian blitzkrieg of Ukraine would be beyond the pale. Alas.

I quiver that a city that has endured genocidal occupation, nuclear fallout and civil unrest all in the past 80 years must now endure this.

It’s not my place to offer solutions. It is my place to say a city’s tragedy 6,000 miles away feels very present and raw. JN

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

Rabbi Yisroel Isaacs is director of the Greater Phoenix Vaad Hakashruth, rabbi at Beth Joseph Congregation and director of the Jewish Enrichment Center.

SHABBAT

CANDLE LIGHTING MAR.

PARSHAH PEKUDEI EXODUS 38:21-40:38 RABBI YISROEL ISAACS

Because I was a child in Kyiv when Chernobyl’s core melted and spewed radioactive waste into the sky, my dad feared I was contaminated, too. For my entire childhood, he’d limit my play outside to when the sun was setting and have me in long sleeves and a hat if we were out in the day — so strong was his fear that the sun could trigger something in me unknown to doctors that Chernobyl left behind. I’d like to think that’s why I’m so pale today.

His Jewish wedding at a Nazi enclave was a ‘middle finger extended to Hitler.’ So was the rest of his life.

PHILISSA CRAMER | JTA

Felice Jacobs and Alan Feldstein could have tied the knot in Phoenix, where they met and where his mother worked at the local Reform synagogue. Or they could have held their wedding on the U.S. Army base in Austria where Alan was stationed at the time.

Instead, they chose the Eagle’s Nest, the Nazis’ former mountain retreat in the Bavarian Alps – a location that, as far as anyone knew, had never before hosted a Jewish wedding.

“We got married there because my husband wanted to thumb his nose at Hitler,” said Felice Feldstein.

Taking place just 10 years after Hitler’s defeat and death, the Feldsteins’ August 1955 nuptials were so notable that the Jewish Telegraphic Agency covered them at the time, identifying the event as “the first Orthodox Jewish wedding celebrated

in the town of Berchtesgaden, Hitler’s mountain retreat and to this day a hotbed of Nazism.”

It was not the last time that Alan Feldstein, who died on Jan. 29 at 88, would take a stand.

As a new faculty member at the University of Virginia in 1968, Feldstein once arrived home with only half a haircut – the result of an impromptu, one-man walkout after he learned that the barber shop wouldn’t serve Black customers.

his wife to head south, too.

The revelation about the barber shop came as a shock. But Feldstein did more than walk out. He went to the dean, who he knew also got his hair cut there, to press him to join a boycott.

After working at Los Alamos National Laboratory after returning from Europe, Feldstein earned a PhD in math from the University of California, Los Angeles. He then embarked on an academic career, first teaching at Brown University in Providence, R.I. When a colleague decamped for Charlottesville, Feldstein set about convincing

Felice was skeptical. Tension over race relations in the South was high: Charlottesville had only recently desegregated its schools after an extended fight; Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated the spring before their move. Alan soothed her anxiety by showing her a newspaper from his visit featuring a centerfold declaration in support of racial integration, signed by hundreds of local residents.

The petition was not well received. “That’s the trouble with you outsiders coming in here and telling us what to do,” the dean told Alan, according to notes he took at the time.

COLOR: Right click swatch, and find and replace with correct color

“That was enough for me to say, ‘we’re moving to a liberal town. We’ll be OK,’” she recalled.

For Alan, “outsiders” clearly meant Jews – which only served to galvanize him further. Ultimately, a boycott

The extended Feldstein family, including Alan and Felice at the bottom right, in an undated photograph.

of segregated barbers supported by the University of Virginia’s student government caused many of the shops to agree to serve Black customers.

The victory would be an enduring point of pride for the Feldsteins – but in some ways it was short-lived. Alan’s contract was not renewed, which their son Mark said everyone understood to be retaliation. The family left Charlottesville, and Alan returned to his alma mater, Arizona State University, where he taught for the rest of his career.

Mark Feldstein said his father’s activism inspired his own: In junior high, he conducted an expose on the racist textbooks being used in the classroom. It also jump-started his own career in journalism. Mark is now the chair of broadcast journalism at the University of Maryland, after an extensive career in investigative reporting.

For the family, the wedding at the Eagle’s Nest was a foundational story. “Their getting married at Berchtesgaden in the aftermath of World War II was legendary,” Mark said. “And we were all very proud of that.”

American troops were occupying Berchtesgaden at the time, but the vast underground bunkers built for the Nazis had already been turned into a tourist destination.

Felice didn’t take the tours. She was focused on the brass tacks of executing a marriage in another country, which included a civil wedding in nearby Salzburg in addition to the religious ceremony at the Alpine Inn, which sat atop a tunnel in which the Nazi leader Hermann Goering’s collection of looted art was found after the war.

At the Alpine Inn, the couple were married under a chuppah, the traditional Jewish wedding canopy. The rabbi was Oscar Lifschutz, a U.S. Army colonel whose long and storied military career included escorting the remains of Zionist leader Theodor Herzl from his grave in Vienna to a new burial site in Israel in 1949.

Afterwards, Felice recalled, the couple

dined in a “lovely, lovely room” and stayed the night – running up a total bill of $125, or about $1,300 today. About 10 of Alan’s Army friends were present for the wedding, along with his mother.

“This wasn’t that long after World War II ended, and I think he and my mom both felt like this was not just a middle finger extended to Hitler but also a kind of affirmation of Jewish survival in the face of the attempt to extinguish our people,” Mark Feldstein said.

Among the ghastly toll were members of the Feldsteins’ extended families. Alan was with his grandfather when word arrived about the murder of someone in their family; Mark said he learned that their family came from a shtetl that was

just across a river from a concentration camp. “No Jews made it through, including our family,” he said.

Felice recalled, “My grandmother’s sister, and her husband and family were annihilated. I have a family picture of that family. They were, I guess, wealthy Jews and they moved to Berlin. And that was the end of them.”

Over the following decade, the couple would engage in another act of defiance: producing four Jewish children. After Mark came three girls – Rachel, Suzie and Sarah.

According to family lore, Mark Feldstein recalled, his father’s mother was critical when the couple announced their third pregnancy. She asked why they

were having so many children.

“Well, Hitler murdered 6 million,” his father responded. “She shot back, ‘You don’t have to make up for all of them, do you?’”

Felice said her four children made sure that she and her husband of 66 years were never alone in the final months of his life.

“I am the luckiest person in the world,” she said.

Ill health in the last years of his life meant that Alan Feldstein didn’t speak to his family in detail about the deadly 2017 white-supremacist march in Charlottesville that saw neo-Nazis marching past the Reform synagogue where Mark Feldstein studied for his bar mitzvah.

Nor did he talk to them about Madison Cawthorn, the North Carolina Republican congressional candidate whose 2017 trip to the Eagle’s Nest propelled the Feldsteins’ wedding site back into public view in August 2020.

But his family knew that he was distressed by the hard-right turn that the United States appeared to be taking when Donald Trump was elected president in 2016.

“He saw parallels with what happened in Germany in the 1930s,” Mark Feldstein said. “The rise of authoritarianism, the promotion of racism – he was troubled by it, really troubled by it.”

Alan Feldstein was buried in a private service on Jan. 31. The family urged mourners to direct donations to their synagogue, Temple Emanuel of Tempe. Then, the week of Feb. 7, the temple sent an email to community members: Someone had vandalized synagogue property, including by drawing swastikas on its trash cans.

“Does it almost feel like you came full circle from Berchtesgaden there to what’s happening here?” Mark Feldstein asked his mother.

“Well, that’s an angle,” Felice Feldstein said. “Of course [Alan] didn’t know what happened last week at the temple, but I can imagine how upsetting this would have been to him.” JN

Alan and Felice Feldstein on their wedding day in 1955.

COURTESY OF MARK FELDSTEIN

New director and new offerings for Creative Aging

RACHEL RASKIN-ZRIHEN

Jennifer Brauner is Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) site director for the Center for Senior Enrichment (CSE) and the new director of its Creative Aging program. “Creative Aging” is a national movement aimed at “fostering an understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and quality of life for older adults,” Brauner said. “To help older people continue to grow and maintain a quality of life for themselves, so they can learn new skills and continue to sharpen their brain for a healthy mind and body.”

Brauner said the JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment programming at The Palazzo was going well until the COVID-19 pandemic shut CSE’s doors. In response, she “created a virtual component on Zoom of the senior center, so participants could take part virtually since we didn’t know if or when things would go back to normal.”

of classes and instructors, and was thereby able to “touch so many more people; people who were not able to get there physically and could now participate – and it exploded.”

The offerings include programs such as weekly Shabbat programs, exercise and movement classes, lecture series with Arizona Opera, humanity offerings with Ken Sorenson, virtual tours in Paris and docent series with Phoenix Art Museum. Brauner describes the Center for Senior Enrichment as an “eclectic program” with opportunities to draw interest to a wide variety audience. This is Brauner’s goal as she continues to expand the CSE and now her role with Creative Aging.

we move through this pandemic and the uncertainty,” she said. “I wanted to continue my mitzvah in the community and provide opportunities seniors didn’t currently have. Participants who attend our Creative Aging program receive more individualized attention – to focus on the skills each person wants to learn.” The class size is typically 8-12 participants at one time in a series.

Still being offered are Storytelling Workshops, Voice classes and Senior Chorus: The Sunshine Singers. Brauner took on the Creative Aging role after Janet Arnold Rees passed away suddenly at the end of November 2021. She didn’t want to take all the work that Janet had done and change it, so she began to research and get a sense of what could be added to the current offerings.

She offers a “virtual senior center on Zoom live five days a week,” with a variety

Brauner and her staff were asked to return in person at The Palazzo in July 2021 when it became clear that it was safe to do so. “People were getting vaccinated, and they really wanted this program in person. I decided to expand it with a wider variety of programs as

“I added Writing Wellness and Wonder that explores flash memoirs and poetry, led by facilitator Melissa Leto, who has

COLOR: Right click swatch, and find and replace with correct color

CREATIVE AGING, PAGE 16

Jennifer Brauner COURTESY OF JENNIFER BRAUNER

worked for me before offering reflective writing workshops,” she said. “I also added Move and Flow, a creative dance course for older adults designed for a range of physical abilities and dance experience. It’s going to let them have fun and move to music as one of the best prescriptions for health while improving their strength, balance, coordination, range of motion and body awareness.”

Lastly, Brauner said she created a course called The Unscripted Life: Improve Your Life with Improv, led by a registered drama therapist and creative engagement specialist, teaching participants new skills for their aging brains and incorporating a variety of playful improvisational exercises and games.

“Each class offers a different benefit for the individual in our writing, movement, voice and now improv classes,” Brauner said. “It’s going to let them focus on their creativity, attentiveness and enjoyment of being in the moment.”

Phoenix resident and CSE participant Donna Harris, who is in her 70s, said she appreciates Brauner’s efforts, as well as her “thoughtfulness and dedication,” calling her “very warm and approachable.”

“I’ve taken the Israeli dance and voice classes, but not in person with COVID,” she said. “Most people don’t look beyond their wrinkles and this provides a pathway to more and proves we can give back to our community – this is desperately needed at this time.” JN

The new weekly classes are $100 for the 8-week series. No drop-ins and payment must be made in advance to get the Zoom links. For more information or to register, contact Jennifer Brauner at 602-343-0192 or email Jennifer.brauner@JFCSAZ.org.

Rachel Raskin-Zrihen is a freelance writer living in Anthem.

Maravilla Scottsdale receives ‘Best in Wellness’ award

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

Maravilla Scottsdale, an active retirement community, has earned the 2021 Beacon Award for “Best in Wellness” from the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) and NuStep, LLC. In 2019, ICAA and NuStep teamed up to recognize and honor senior living communities that have excelled at adopting wellness-based lifestyles. In a recent ICAA survey, 59% of senior living communities forecast that by 2023, rather than adhering to the traditional care-based model with options for wellness, they will become wellness-based communities with options for care.

Maravilla Scottsdale was ranked 13th among the top 25 communities honored with the Beacon Award across the United States and Canada. The only other senior living community to win this award in Arizona was Splendido at Rancho Vistoso in Tucson.

Collin Milner, ICAA founder and CEO, said, “Aging well involves more than simply programs and special events, but requires an intentional, ongoing

pursuit of potential and possibilities. We’re pleased to recognize senior living communities that excel at fostering a mindset and environment that emphasizes promise and opportunities.”

At Maravilla Scottsdale, wellness is incorporated into the company’s signature Zest initiative, which offers a proactive, holistic approach to wellbeing that focuses on three fundamental areas: mind, body and soul. Launched in 2018, the evidence-based initiative developed by Dr. Sarah Matyko, corporate director of life enrichment at Senior Resource Group (SRG), seeks to measure and improve residents’ quality of life through social engagement, physical activities, diet and nutrition.

Every resident at Maravilla Scottsdale can participate in the programming offered through Zest.

“We’ve had motivational lecturers speak; we had our Power of Positivity Summit, which was a three-day immersive summit with yoga and meditation tools to have a more positive outlook; we’ve gone

on hikes and taken our residents on day trips up to Sedona; and we had a disco night – which was really popular,” said Alissa Edwards, regional Zest director at SRG. “Basically, Zest is about building new experiences for our residents –encouraging lifelong learning, staying active and purposeful living.”

For Maravilla’s Jewish residents, Edwards said that they celebrate holidays including holding a Seder every year on the first night of Passover and every month Rabbi Levi Levertov offers programming through his organization,

Smile on Seniors.

This is the third year Maravilla Scottsdale has won the Beacon Award and the past two years the staff involved the residents in the application process.

“We got our residents involved and asked them the questions and got their feedback,” said Edwards. “So it’s been this camaraderie among our resident demographic and our staff to talk about how amazing it is to live here at Maravilla and all that we offer.” JN

To learn more about Maravilla Scottsdale, call 480-630-3158.

Disco Night at The Electric Pickle

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARAVILLA

Who will care for us?

BOB ROTH

Every day in the United States, 10,000 or more people are turning 65. This is representative of the Baby Boomers (nearly 71 million Americans) born between the years 1948 and 1964. It wasn’t until 2011 that this phenomenon began, and now the oldest of the Baby Boomers started turning 75 last year, and in nine years, the Baby Boomers will begin turning 85. Couple this fact with the knowledge that 9 out of 10 Americans want to age in place – in the comfort of their own home. How are we going to accomplish this? And who will care for us?

During the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic, we discovered quickly that the elderly with multiple comorbidities were most vulnerable to this virus, especially for those that lived in a communal living setting. Former Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma said it best: “Residential care will always be an essential part of the care continuum, but our goal must always be to give residents options that help keep our loved ones in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, someone turning 65 today has nearly a 70% chance of needing long-term care and support and one out of five (21.3%) will need care for more than five years. Among care recipients aged 65+, more than two-thirds (70%) have long-term physical conditions, 39% have memory challenges and 21% have emotional or mental health issues.

So here is my question to our readers, are you prepared? Have you appointed someone to be your guardian, conservator or caregiver? If you have, then I want to thank you, if not, then what are you waiting for? Sit down with your family members and loved ones and let your wishes be known. Have a professional assist you in memorializing those wishes.

It all starts with having a plan. Hopefully, you have your affairs in order or, at the very least, you are planning to put them in place. Of those 65 or older, 70% will need long-term care and support. If family and friends are not an option for you, and you want to stay home and age in place, who will care for you? I would encourage you to hire a professional, employer-based in-home care aide/ caregiver agency, but do you have the necessary funds to pay for this type of caregiving service?

As Americans, we are aging rapidly and the stress that we are putting on the long-term care support system is like nothing we have ever seen before.

There are approximately 50 million Americans that are family caregivers that are making the physical, emotional and economic sacrifices every day to care for their loved ones, of course unpaid. Then there are nearly six million paid professional caregivers, typically referred to as in-home care aides/caregivers, underpaid and in scarce supply. These selfless individuals are the backbone of our direct care workforce providing care for the elderly and infirmed. Caregiving is hard work; caregivers assist the elderly and disabled in getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, eating their meals and taking their medications. Caregivers serve as the first line of defense by recognizing symptoms and behavioral changes and preventing costly and potentially dangerous hospitalizations. They make it possible for millions of Americans to stay in their homes and out

a physical and emotional toll, yet these caring souls do it with compassion day in and day out. The caregiving relationship with its complexities, difficulties and value is not well understood until you are the one giving or receiving care.

Caregiving is skilled work; it requires resilience and agility. Caregiving produces something so valuable that we can hardly quantify it, which is dignity.

Our long-term care support system is severely challenged – demand is overwhelming the supply of direct care workers; coupled with the severity of this workforce challenge and increasing costs of care, create “the perfect storm.” The workforce shortages were here long before the pandemic, and now the pandemic has shined a huge spotlight on this very issue.

Last week Genworth Financial released its 2021 cost of care report. This was their 18th year, and it is something that we in the care delivery space look forward to every year. This year’s report is quite startling but not surprising after what we have endured through the past couple of years with the COVID-19 pandemic. In all our years monitoring this report, we have never seen doubledigit increases across all the care delivery verticals.

Professional caregiving is not paid for by Medicare or managed care organizations. Presently it is paid for by one of four ways, private pay, long-term care insurance, Medicaid or VA Benefits. Most have to pay for these types of services privately and in many cases impoverishing the spouses/partners and their families.

So now that we have demonstrated this problem. How do we solve this?

I believe it begins with awareness and that starts with advocacy. Advocating one of the most vulnerable populations in our country and making sure that they are not forgotten. In many cultures this is a given, but not so much here in the United States.

How do we make this change?

1. Prioritize that care should be delivered in the home setting. It is well known that caregiving in individual’s home costs much less than a nursing home. In addition, it is the most desired place to receive care.

2. Attract more workers into the direct care workforce field. By 2050, there will be over 83 million Americans 65 and older, that is double the population today. In addition to attracting the workers, give them the tools and pay they deserve.

3. Modernize Medicare or develop a new program to deliver post-acute care in the setting they need and desire in the comfort of their own home, which would include paying for assistance with activities of daily living.

To make change a reality, it is up to us to convince our state and federal legislators. We need to let them know that real, meaningful changes to our health care laws and policies need to be made. We are the ones who elect our legislators, and it’s our duty to share our opinions about what affects us – as constituents and voters.

It is time to shine a light on this reality; let’s not let our lawmakers “kick the can” further down the road where we reach the point of no return.

Here is a question to ponder: Do you think about caregiving as a workforce or responsibility? The answer is it is both.

If we can all come together on this, great things can happen. Let’s start today. JN

Bob Roth is the managing partner of Cypress HomeCare Solutions.

Purim Events

TUESDAY, MARCH. 8

Purim Revenge Fantasy: 7 p.m. Join Stanley Mirvis, Harold and Jean Grossman chair in Jewish Studies/History at Arizona State University, for this highly visual lecture exploring the iconographic expressions of Jewish revenge fantasy found in Esther Scrolls from medieval to modern times. Presented in-person and on Zoom. For more information, visit jewishstudies.asu.edu/purim.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH. 9

Purim Preparation Night: 7 p.m. Join Congregation

Beth Tefillah, 6529 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, for a Purim preparation night titled “Unmasking Purim.” For more information and to register, visit bethtefillahaz.org/event/ purim-preparation-night.html.

FRIDAY, MARCH. 11

Shabbat Through the Seasons: Purim: 5 p.m. Join PJ Library and Pardes Jewish Day School at the Martin Pear Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, for dinner and activities to celebrate Purim. For more information, visit mpjcc.org/events/2022/03/11/family/ shabbat-through-the-seasons-purim.

Events

TUESDAY, MARCH. 8

Blood Drive: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The Blood Mobile will be parked in Temple Kol Ami’s parking lot for the duration of the drive. All COVID protocols will be in place. Check in at the Blood Mobile when you arrive for your appointment. For information or to register, contact Susan Guzman at 480-335-8853 or sutyguz@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH. 9

J Jam: 7p.m. Join other musicians at the Martin Pear Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale to make music together. All ability levels welcome! Snacks and drinks will be provided. For more information, visit apm.activecommunities.com/ valleyofthesunjcc/Activity_Search/1980.

THURSDAY, MARCH. 10

50+ Happy Hour Dinner: 5:30 p.m. Join Temple Kol Ami to re-connect, interact and socialize with people just like you (or with people not just like you) that make you laugh, make you think and make you enjoy being out and socializing. It’s time! This in-person event will be held outside on the TKA patio. Coffee, lemonade, soda and water will be provided. BYO wine & beer – and some to share! $18 per person, no refunds. Call 480-951-9660 or email Nancy Drapin for more information.

Slam Jam 3: 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the only Israeli & Jewish American Talent show in Arizona at CBI Live at Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. Get ready for a night of fun, laughter and great local music. Cost: $30-$40; proceeds benefit Shevet Shemesh. For more informatin, visit eventbrite.com/e/slam-jam-3an-annual-israeliamerican-talent-show-ticket.

FRIDAY, MARCH. 11

Documentary Film Series: 1-3 p.m. Join the Arizona Jewish Historical Society for its monthly documentary film series. This month's film is "Lebanon: Borders of Blood." For more information, visit azjhs.org/ documentary-film-series.

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 GermanJewish immigrant who founded Universal Pictures, and saved over 300 Jewish families

WEDNESDAY, MARCH. 16

Steampunk Purim: 4:15 p.m. Join Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix, for children’s activities, Megillah reading, dinner, Purim schpiel, hamantaschen and more. Cost: $15 adults, $10 children. For more information, visit bethelphoenix.com/purim2022.

THURSDAY, MARCH. 17

Purim in the Stadium: 5 p.m. Join Chabad of Fountain Hills, 16830 E. Ave. of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, for sports-themed crafts and activities, entertainment, Megillah reading and hamantaschen. Cost: $25 adults, $15 children (ages 3-12); after March 10, add $5 per person. For more information, visit jewishfountainhills.com.

Purim Under Construction: 5 p.m. Join Chabad of Scottsdale, 10215 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, for live music, entertainment, activities, masquerade contest, Megillah reading and dinner. Cost: $20 adults, $15 children; after March 10, add $5 per person. For more information and to register, visit chabadofscottsdale.org/purimparty.

Wild West Purim Party: 5:30 p.m. Join Chabad Jewish Center of Gilbert, 2378 E. Maplewood St., Gilbert for a BBQ dinner, Megillah reading, hamantaschen, activities and entertainment. Cost: $10 per ticket ($50 family maximum). For more information, visit jewishgilbert.com/wild.

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: Streaming March 11-13. 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, MARCH 8

Museum at the J: 10-11 a.m., Join the East Valley Jewish Community Center for Tuesdays at the J virtual presentation featuring “The Way We Were,” a journey through history to

see how artists have recorded the interiors of our homes. Presented by Phoenix Art Museum docent Kathleen McGovern. For more informaiton, visit evjcc.org/event/ tuesdays-at-the-j-6/2022-03-08/.

FRIDAY, MARCH. 11

Taking Changes: Making an Emotional Connection to the Holcaust: 10 a.m. Join the Arizona Jewish Historical Society, 122 E. Culver st., for a virtual presentation by Holocaust survivor Rachel Ruth Genuth. For more information, visit azjhs.org/ holocaust-survivor-conversations.

MONDAYS

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.

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.

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

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. For 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.

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

Knit a Mitzvah: 1:30 p.m. On the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, check in with fellow knitters who are making items to donate

CALENDAR

as part of this Brandeis National Committee Phoenix chapter study group. For more information, contact Ronee Siegel at ronees@aol.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.

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, contact 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 stress-free 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

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 a 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: 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-registration via bethelphoenix.com/form/Shabbat-registration or by calling the office at (602) 944-3359.

In-person services: Congregation Or Tzion is holding Friday evening (6:00 pm) and Shabbat morning (9:30 am) Services indoors. Beginning March 4, proof of full vaccination will be required for all events in the synagogue. Masks are required for everyone attending services at Or Tzion. Services are also live streamed at otaz. org/livestream. For more information about services, events, membership and our new COVID policy, please visit congregationortzion.org or call 480-342-8858.

Tot Shabbat in the Park: 9:30 a.m. Free totShabbat every Friday morning at Cactus Park. Shabbat music, toys and a meaningful preschool 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.

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.

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 livestreamed for members of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley. Cost: Free. For more information and to obtain the Zoom link, visit jcsvv.org/contact.

Kabbalat Shabbat: 5:30 p.m. Congregation Kehillah invites you to join services via Zoom, every other Friday, with Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman and cantorial soloists Scott Leader and Erica Erman. For the dates, visit congregationkehillah. org/events 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.

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. JN

Knifty knitters

Havdalah happenings

Cantor Ross Wolman extinguishes the Havdalah candle in a glass held by Rabbi Bonnie Koppell at Temple Chai’s combined Havdalah gathering and birthday celebration for the rabbi and cantor at the Arizona Biltmore’s Spire Bar on Feb. 26.

Super party

Jewish War Veterans Scottsdale Post 210 held its annual Super Bowl party on Feb. 13 for some of the veterans at

Chompie’s Grand Opening

That’s a wrap

Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley Men’s Club teamed up with the children from their religious school for this year’s World Wide Wrap – an international program to teach about donning tefillin.

This COMMUNITY page features photos of community members around the Valley and the world. Submit photos and details each week to editor@jewishaz.com by 10 a.m. Monday.

the Arizona State Veteran Home in Phoenix.

Members of the Martin Pear Jewish Community Center’s Tuesday knitting club made dolls that they donated to dementia and hospice patients in Scottsdale.

On Feb. 14, the Borenstein family, owners of Chompie’s Deli, Bakery and Restaurant, celebrated the grand opening of their new location at 33212 E. Cactus Rd. in Phoenix with a ribbon cutting and a proclamation ceremony from Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, far right.

SWU has also been a leader in helping university students on campuses worldwide confront anti-Israel/ antisemitic challenges. The StandWithUs Emerson Fellowship brings together more than 150 student leaders from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Brazil. With education and leadership training from SWU, paired with yearlong mentorship, the Emerson Fellows act as a network of grassroots educators on the ground.

Arizona has had student representatives participate in both the high school internship and the university fellowship programs in the past.

“Given the increase of antisemitic incidents in Arizona, a strong presence that confronts this and does proactive education is clearly needed. Thanks to Mindy, Chana and Lynn, this event is an excellent introduction to the community to the work of StandWithUs,” said Rothstein. “Coupled with the student programs we’ve already run here on college campuses, high schools and in middle schools for years, we look forward to being able to start an active chapter. StandWithUs is an excellent resource and partner for students, community leaders and other organizations in cities throughout the U.S. and around the world who want to fight antisemitism and educate people about Israel.”

MILESTONES

BAR MITZVAH

ETHAN HUNTER KRICH

Rothstein, a daughter of Holocaust survivors, was twice named by the Jewish Daily Forward as one of the “50 most influential Jews in America” and twice by the Jerusalem Post as one of the “50 most influential Jews in the world.”

As a fourth-generation Phoenician raised in North Central Phoenix during the 60s and 70s, Lynn Kahn said she was fortunate not to see or hear any signs of antisemitism when she was growing up. “It wasn’t until I was employed that I did experience the true hatred and disdain that some people felt towards the Jewish people.”

Kahn believes whether acts of antisemitism are due to ignorance, carelessness or genuine contempt, it is an ill in a segment of society that festers and inflicts great harm in humanity as a whole. “I believe antisemitism is taught; it is not an innate trait,” said Kahn. “With all the current antisemitism seen in our country today, coming from the alt-right, alt-left, Islamist extremists, congressional progressives, United Nations and now with Amnesty International – now is the time for us to be ‘Jewish strong and Jewish proud.’” JN

For more information on the event or to register, visit swuandtbt.paperform.co. The deadline to register is March 23.

Ethan Hunter Krich will become a bar mitzvah on March 26, 2022 at Temple Kol Ami.

He is the son of Eric H. Krich of Scottsdale and Penny Bowen of Scottsdale.

Grandparents are Barbara L. and Leonard B. Krich, M.D.

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.

If you are a confident and capable reporter looking for a new opportunity with a fast-growing media company, this is your chance.

To apply, email a cover letter, resume and recent clips mblomquist@midatlanticmedia.com