Jewish News, June 10, 2022

ART ON DISPLAY

Jacob Cohen combines two of his passions into an art piece on display in Scottsdale

Temple Chai welcomes new rabbi

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

On July 1, Rabbi Emily Segal will begin her new position as senior rabbi at Temple Chai in Phoenix. She and her family will move to Arizona in mid-June after serving as rabbi of Aspen Jewish Congregation in Aspen, Colo. Before Colorado, Segal served as associate rabbi at Temple Jeremiah in suburban Chicago, where she provided leadership to a 900-member congregation. She is also about to begin a second term as co-president of the Women’s Rabbinic Network (WRN), the national organization of Reform women rabbis, which represents more than 840 women, nonbinary and genderqueer rabbis. “It’s a pretty broad scope of work that the WRN takes on and it has been a meaningful outlet for advocacy for me and my rabbinate, as well as a source of precious friendship, community and camaraderie with my colleagues,” said Segal.

“We’re excited for Rabbi Segal and we all think she’s going to be able to continue our growth and attract new members,” said David Weiner, executive board president at Temple Chai. “She’s already a national leader with the Women’s Rabbinic Network and will definitely be a great addition to our leadership.”

Weiner stated that the search for a new rabbi took about six months, with many applicants willing to relocate to Phoenix. “We had a lot of good choices, but Rabbi Segal stood out.”

Segal grew up in Virginia, where her family was members of Temple B’nai Shalom with Rabbi Amy R. Perlin, who she shared was a major part of her and her family’s life.

“I still consider her ‘my rabbi’ and she recently agreed that when the time comes from my installation at Temple Chai, she’ll come install me,” said Segal. “It’s

SPECIAL SECTION | 17

WATER: ARE YOU DRINKING ENOUGH?

When the temperature soars, so do your chances of becoming dehydrated

Gov. Ducey embarked on third trip to Israel

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

Gov. Doug Ducey arrived in Israel on Jerusalem Day, May 29, for five days of talks with political and business leaders. Ducey’s meetings focused on trade, water and border security, according to his spokesperson C.J. Karamargin. The governor met with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, President Isaac Herzog and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also met with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides.

Ducey tweeted upon his arrival on the morning of May 29, “A blessing to be back in Israel! I look forward to a successful trip visiting important biblical heritage sites and meeting with leaders and businesses with a focus on water conservation, border security and trade issues.”

On May 30, at the 9/11 Living Memorial Plaza in Jerusalem, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) hosted Ducey and Nides at Israel’s only ceremony to honor Memorial Day. Representatives from the U.S. Army, U.S. Congress, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jewish National FundUSA and KKL-JNF senior officials

attended the ceremony.

The event began with a prayer led by Rabbi Randall Brown, followed by an opening speech by Yair Lootsteen, KKL-JNF vice chairman. After Ducey gave his speech, he planted an olive tree in a large pot instead of the ground in observance of the “Shemitah year.” During a Shemitah year, the seventh year, residents in Israel give their land a rest and desist from planting and cultivating.

“Women of a Certain Age: The Musical”

Meet Abe Goldfarb, who plays every male character in this new production. See page 8.

Gabe Kapler is following in the footsteps of other Jewish activist athletes, from Hank Greenberg to Aly Raisman

Gov. Doug Ducey addressed the crowd in front of the 9/11 Living Memorial on May 30.

Segal had an “aha” moment when she was 16 years old regarding her future career path. She had been recently elected as president of the temple youth group and they sent her to URJ Kutz Camp, the NFTY youth leadership camp, in Warwick, N.Y.

“It was my first exposure to broader Jewish life outside of our little community in Virginia, to daily services, to people discussing the Torah portion, to different ways of being Jewish and engaging Jewishly,” said Segal.

When she returned from camp and

was writing a d’var Torah on the story of Noah, she found herself becoming more engaged and enjoying the process of reading different commentaries and interpretations.

Segal remembered telling her mother, ‘I wish there was something I could do with my life to be involved in the Jewish community and always learn and maybe teach. I’d like to help people and be part of their lives and also be able to sing because I enjoy singing.’ Then my mom said to me, ‘You know, that’s called being a rabbi.’”

At that moment, it was like a switch flipped and Segal knew her path.

Another formative part of her youth was witnessing her father’s progression toward Judaism. “My dad converted to Judaism when I was in elementary school,” shared Segal. “I’m a believer in the power of interfaith families to create engaged Jewish families with strong Jewish identities. I think that’s an important part of me and certainly informs my work in the rabbinate and what I strive to create in the congregation.”

She is excited to join Temple Chai and can’t wait to engage with the staff, lay leaders and congregation in “joyful engagement with Jewish life.” Segal said that her view of Judaism isn’t an obligation or a burden but a fun and joyful part of life.

“It’s a gift that we’ve been given by the generations that came before us,” she said. Not only are we going to do important work and lift each other up and support

each other, but we’re going to have fun and not take ourselves too seriously. We’re going to create fun moments together and laugh. I think joy is essential, not only to Jewish survival but to our thriving. And so we are going to embrace the joy of being Jewish together.”

Segal shared that the lasting relationships she forms with her congregants are one of the greatest blessings of the role. To be part of people’s lives in a powerful way, from small informal moments to major lifecycle events, both sharing joy and supporting people in times of sadness, is the core of her rabbinate.

She also loves learning and teaching people of all ages. “Learning is fuel for me —from really little kids to people in later phases of their lives when they have more time to dig into Jewish learning. Learning with people is another major joy for me.”

“Rabbi Segal is a wonderful storyteller, great teacher and very engaging,” said Weiner. “We really wanted somebody that understood young families as well as our seniors. She can really relate to both ends of the spectrum.”

Segal met her husband, Scott, walking up the steps of Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem. They were married two weeks after they both were ordained in 2010. The couple has two children, Samantha, 10, and Ezra, 7.

She said her family is “outdoorsy” and looks forward to exploring Arizona. Segal joked that the first question everyone asks when finding out the family is moving here in June is, “Have you been to Arizona in the summertime?”

“We’re not afraid of a little bit — or a lot of — heat,” she said. “We are very excited for this next adventure, making new friends and not having to bundle up all winter!” JN

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Top Left: Courtesy of Daniel Cohen | Top Right: iStock / Getty Images Plus/aaronamat | Bottom Left: Courtesy of Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images via JTA.org | Bottom Middle: Courtesy of Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images via JTA.org | Bottom Right: Courtesy of Jacek Boczarski/ Anadolu Agency/Getty Images via JTA.org

The 9/11 Living Memorial, built by KKL-JNF and Jewish National FundUSA, is the only 9/11 monument outside the United States that lists the names of the people who perished in the attack,

facilitates viewing.

“We stand here before the only monument outside the United States to include the names of all victims of 9/11, honoring all those who perished in this tragedy. We also stand here on Memorial Day, commemorated today in the United States,” said Lootsteen.

combating wildfires, green R&D and much more. There is much that we and the great state of Arizona can do together.”

U.S. Ambassador Nides shared, “Israel is our most important ally in the area and probably in the world. On Memorial Day, there is no more fitting place to be in than here in Israel.”

This is Ducey’s third trip to Israel since he took office in 2015. He was the first Arizona governor to go to Israel and during his first year in office, he led an eight-day official trade mission there.

including five Israelis. The memorial, a 30-foot-tall bronze sculpture, is in the shape of an American flag and its upper part is meant to look like a flame reaching for the sky. A piece of melted metal from the ruins of the Twin Towers forms part of the base on which the monument rests. A glass pane over the metal

“Gov. Ducey, this is also an opportunity to thank you for your visit to Israel and this hallowed memorial for the victims of 9/11. Thank you for your ongoing and passionate support of the state of Israel. We at KKL-JNF here in Israel focus on forestation, water management, de-desertification,

“Thank you, Keren Kayemeth LeIsraelJewish National Fund, for hosting this Memorial Day ceremony. It is a unique honor to commemorate this Memorial Day at the 9/11 memorial site here in Jerusalem,” said Ducey. “I have traveled to Israel on multiple occasions, but this is the first time I am planting a tree in the Holy Land. I dedicate this tree to the memory of all those who have fought for justice and freedom and to their families and loved ones. May this tree be a living testament to help make our world a better and safer place.”

Commerce authority president and CEO Sandra Watson and Danny Seiden, a former Ducey staffer who now leads the statewide Chamber of Commerce business group, traveled with the governor. JN

Gov. Doug Ducey with Yair Lootsteen, KKL-JNF vice chairman.

COURTESY OF KKL-JNF/SHAHAR COHEN

“I HAVE TRAVELED TO ISRAEL ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I AM PLANTING A TREE IN THE HOLY LAND. I DEDICATE THIS TREE TO THE MEMORY OF ALL THOSE WHO HAVE FOUGHT FOR JUSTICE AND FREEDOM AND TO THEIR FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES. MAY THIS TREE BE A LIVING TESTAMENT TO HELP MAKE OUR WORLD A BETTER AND SAFER PLACE.”

Greater Phoenix area high schoolers awarded scholarships for Holocaust essay contest

NADINE BUBECK

When Matthew Maledon was in middle school, he studied the Holocaust. He read textbooks and memoirs, in addition to visiting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., on a family trip. Fast forward a few years and 17-year-old Maledon is one of the three Arizona high school students to be awarded scholarships in the annual Herb Goldberg Moral Courage Essay Contest.

The contest, open to all Arizona high schoolers, is a project of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Arizona’s No Place for Hate program, which works with educators and students across the country to promote respectful, inclusive and equitable school environments where all students can thrive.

In 2020, the Arizona legislature passed House Bill 2241. The bill requires that all Arizona students receive education on the Holocaust and other genocides during their K-12 education at least twice between seventh and twelfth grade.

“Learning about the Holocaust means learning about the heroes and the survivors, which is an emulation exercise for students — to see the highvalue qualities in these brave hearts and strive to become a tenacious, upstanding individual like these figures,” said Maledon. “Also, knowing about an integral piece in world history is necessary in limiting ignorance.”

A junior at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Maledon said many of the stories he read included a hero, in a sense, someone that helped others survive. He grew fascinated learning these stories of survival because out of the millions of deaths during that period, encountering survivor stories is extremely sacred and special.

“I believe having knowledge on the horrors of this time prevents ignorance in a lot of situations, and it’s a topic that should be taught to all students,” said Maledon. “For me, potentially leaving out the Holocaust in history classes is leaving out a massive, imperative chunk of world history.”

This year, participants were asked to read Holocaust survivors’ testimonies and explain why learning about the Holocaust has helped them respond to antisemitism and hate in their school and community with moral courage. Additionally, students were asked to identify attributes and skills needed to exemplify moral courage

and effect change.

“Moral courage is about action — it means doing the right thing even when one is afraid of the consequences,” said Tammy Gillies, regional director of ADL Arizona. “These impressive young students have demonstrated that kind of courage just by taking up their pens to share their own perspectives of what a Holocaust survivor’s testimony means for combatting today’s antisemitism, which unfortunately is on the rise in Arizona and across the country.”

According to the ADL’s Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, there were 2,717 antisemitic incidents tabulated throughout the United States in 2021. This is a 34% increase from the 2,026 incidents tabulated in 2020 and the highest number on record since ADL began tracking antisemitic incidents in 1979.

This year’s essay contest winners include Maledon’s first-place piece, “Moral Courage in Holocaust Education.” The second-place winner, Avery Shafron, a sophomore at Rancho Solano Preparatory School in Scottsdale, wrote the piece “Moral Obligation.” And the third-place winner, Alisa Velasquez, a freshman at Dobson High School in Mesa, scripted “A Tribute of Daffodils.”

“Learning about the Holocaust is important because it has allowed me to feel empathy and closeness with my Jewish heritage. The heavy knowledge has given me a connection with my Jewish community, built on a foundation of duty to never forget,” said Shafron. “Learning about the Holocaust has also shown me the fragility of human institutions, and though this thought

understand. The tragedy has also demonstrated the dangers of prejudice and inequality within society.”

The Goldberg Family Foundation donated the cash prizes, between $1,000-$2,500 per student, in memory of Herb Goldberg, who lived a life of moral courage. The foundation is dedicated to promoting positive change in people’s lives and helping to build and enhance the communities in which they live.

“The task of writing the essay compelled me to reflect about my actions and usage of moral courage in the past,” said Shafron. “I’ve learned a lot about myself — I’ve uncovered aspects of my nature as a person which I may not have, had I not written the essay.” She shared that she has outlined ways to uphold moral courage in her own life.

And as for the essay winners personally experiencing antisemitism, they are grateful to be surrounded by a positive, nurturing and kind community at school and within their families. However, the writing experience is a reminder always to have the courage to do the right thing — and to never forget.

“Maybe the most important trait needed to be morally courageous is the ability to step out of your circle and be an upstander to injustice. Change cannot happen passively and it certainly cannot come from staying quiet,” said Maledon. JN

For more information, visit arizona.adl.org.

Nadine Bubeck is an author and freelance writer living in Scottsdale.

The 2022 Herb Goldberg Moral Courage Essay Contest winners, from left to right, Matthew Maledon, Avery Shafron and Alisa Velasquez.

Gilbert physical therapist helps children reach milestones

ELLEN BRAUNSTEIN

Physical therapist Tisha Scherr gets kids moving, building strength in their little muscles when they have physical development delays.

The Gilbert Ph.D. also assists children with difficulties in coordination and balance. Parents marvel at how she helps their children achieve milestones like crawling, walking or throwing a ball.

At 43, Scherr has found a career that is both challenging and personally rewarding. Her home-visiting service, Sunny Days Pediatric Therapy, specializes in pediatric physical therapy from birth to age 21.

She said of her 15-year-old pediatrics practice, “I love helping kids and seeing the growth and the changes. I feel like I’m making a big difference.”

Scherr has worked with Aaron Smith for two and a half years since his discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Ryan Smith, a Mesa church pastor, said his son was diagnosed with an unknown neurological condition. “Tisha was assigned to us and one of our major goals was to get him moving, maybe crawling or rolling over when he came home.”

Smith said, “Tisha has been able to accomplish a lot. He just turned three and can now sit on his own unassisted. He rolls all over the place and is starting to attempt to stand.”

Smith said that Scherr has enormous patience and takes her cues from his son.

“There have been times where he has obviously not wanted to participate. So, she steps back a little bit, sees what he is willing to do today and then focuses on that.”

When doctors diagnosed her son, Carson, with brain abnormalities at 20 weeks, no one knew what to expect, said Courtney Roberts, a stay-at-home mom in San Tan Valley. “They said that he may not be able to breathe on his own or walk or crawl. At 3 years old, he’s done amazingly well. He’s meeting his milestones.”

She credits Scherr for her son’s progress.

“She just thinks outside the box and is super detail oriented,” said Roberts, a mother of four. “She’ll look for the tiniest details to help my son.”

Scherr belongs to Temple Emanuel with her two sons, Elijah, 14, and Micah, 9. She converted to Judaism in 2007. “I went out seeking religion and out of all the religions, I found that I identified with Judaism most.”

She is now expanding into a new sideline of helping people avoid injury, hoping to open a

storefront clinic. “I want to work on educating individuals on proper techniques to prevent injury when they are working out.”

An Arizona native, Scherr shared she became interested in athletic training as early as 15 years old. “I was working on the sidelines for injury prevention at Dobson High School in Mesa and I went into college with the mindset of being an athletic trainer.”

Scherr earned her doctorate in physical therapy from A.T. Still University, an osteopathic medical school in Mesa.

In one of her clinicals, she worked with children and that changed everything. She grew to love the specialty and took many continuing education classes.

Scherr recalled one bright little girl, Sophia, with cerebral palsy who began her physical therapy at two months. “Her family was told to abort the pregnancy, that she had no chance of having a good life. But this child, we went from not having any head control to being able to sit, to crawl and now, at 5 years old, she’s walking with a walker.”

Scherr also worked with a 5-year-old girl with Down syndrome. “She was already walking when I started seeing her but her balance was off and her strength was very low. Now she’s 20 and we’re doing strength

training and she’s winning medals in the Special Olympics.”

Scherr said she is “giving families hope that they don’t have to settle on a condition. There are definitely lots of changes that can be made as long as you try.” JN

For more information, contact Tisha Scherr at 480-221-2784 or tisha@sunnydayspediatric.com.

Ellen Braunstein is a freelance writer based in Chicago.

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Phoenix high schooler combines passions to create art

MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR

Ever since he was a small child, Jacob Cohen, who is on the autism spectrum, has loved art. “We always have a jar of colored pencils on the desk,” said his mother, Teri Cohen. “He has always liked to draw pictures since he was very young. Mostly Disney characters and if you look at his handwriting, it is very Disney-like.”

His love for art influenced his mitzvah project. Inspired by a news story about the Crayon Initiative, he decided to collect crayons for the organization. The Crayon Initiative takes unwanted crayons, remanufactures them and provides them to hospitals that care for children.

Jacob became a bar mitzvah on March 11, 2017, at Temple Chai in Phoenix. His mother worked as the Temple Chai Early Childhood Center’s office administrator when she was pregnant with Jacob and shared that Jacob has always felt very much at home there. He would spend his mornings at the Temple Chai ECC and afternoons at Serving Unique Needs (SUN) Kids, a preschool within the Paradise Valley Unified School District. At the time of his bar mitzvah, the family was living in Nevada but made a special trip to Temple Chai for the service.

At the end of May 2022, Jacob graduated from Pinnacle High School in Phoenix. Cohen was nervous that her son would be overwhelmed at the event, but he overcame his fears and walked across the stage to receive his diploma. During high school, Jacob took art class for two years with teacher Kelsey Greenland.

On May 13, an exhibition opened at The ArtReach Space inside the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts titled “Personal Effects.” The exhibit features mixed media painting, photography and sculpture created by students from Chaparral and Pinnacle High Schools. The students “use meaningful objects, imagery and colors to express their authentic selves. The resulting personal allegories offer glimpses into the private worlds of the artists’ identities with hopes that we too might share more freely and connect with each other more deeply,” states the exhibit’s description.

Jacob also collects Funko Pops, figurines that depict characters within pop culture, and never leaves the house without one. Cohen wondered if she would be able to recognize Jacob’s art in the exhibit. When she got to The ArtReach Space, she immediately knew which piece was her son’s.

“No denying at all it was Jacob’s

work — the Funko Pop in the middle speaks for itself,” she said. “What blew us away is that he gave it up for the art piece and even painted it! He said it represented himself in the artwork and that amazed us. Also, he is always writing the Hebrew word ‘chai’ on his work and cards for people — it represents life and Jacob lives his life to the fullest. We are very excited for the next adventure.”

The plaque next to Jacob’s artwork reads in part: “I created this work to represent things that are very important to me, especially movies which are a big part of my life. The blue and red used within the work represent my favorite colors ... In the writing on the canvas, you will find the Hebrew word ‘chai,’ which represents life and my Jewish faith. ... there is a vinyl figure, which I painted with my favorite colors to represent myself amongst these things. Before making this artwork, I didn’t know that I could create my own vinyl figure and it is very cool to have one representing me! Throughout this project, Therosia Reynolds encouraged me and helped me feel good about my work.”

Jacob shared with Jewish News more about his art piece, his Funko Pop collection and his plans for the future.

How did you decide on what you wanted to do for your art piece?

The artwork was about me and I love Funko Pops. I usually have at least one with me at all times.

Have you always enjoyed creating art?

Yes – I like to draw movie characters from Disney and 20th Century Fox animation. All animated movies.

What art mediums do you work with?

Colored pencils, paper and canvas. My favorite is coloring with colored pencils. I have done this forever. In school this year we also did a collage and that was something new for me.

How did you feel seeing your artwork on exhibit?

Great! Nice. It made me feel good to see it on the wall.

In the description of your art, you mention that Therosia Reynolds

encouraged you, who is that? She was an artist-in-residence in Ms. Greenland’s art class.

You put chai on your artwork, what do you like most about being Jewish? I go to Camp Ramah and sing songs, do prayers and eat challah. I like the holidays — eating latkes is the best!

Do you have other hobbies? What else do you enjoy doing?

Playing baseball (with the Miracle League), singing Broadway songs and watching Disney movies. We just took a graduation trip to Disney World.

How many Funko Pop figures do you have in your collection? Over 80.

How long have you been collecting them?

About three years — I used to collect Disney figurines.

Which one is your favorite?

Hades: Lord of the Underworld from [the Disney movie] “Hercules” (1997).

Now that you’ve graduated high school, what’s next?

I will go to a new school and do a program called Pathways. This is a life skills and job skills program. After two years, I am hoping to do an internship at the Mayo Clinic through a program with Project SEARCH (projectsearch.us) and then work at the Mayo Clinic. JN

The “Personal Effects” exhibition is open through July 31 at the The ArtReach Space inside the Scottsdale Center for the Performing at 7380 E. Second St. in Scottsdale. For more information, visit scottsdaleartslearning.org/exhibition/ personal-effects.

Aaron Lieberman, longshot Dem guv candidate, bows out of the race

DILLON ROSENBLATT | AZ MIRROR

Longshot Democratic gubernatorial candidate Aaron Lieberman called off his campaign Friday afternoon May 27. Lieberman was the only Jewish candidate left on the ballot running for governor. Steve Gaynor, who is also Jewish, dropped out of the race for governor on April 28. Lieberman, a former state legislator, was always given little chance of winning a primary contest against Secretary of State Katie Hobbs and former Nogales Mayor Marco Lopez. And after burning through most of the little cash he was able to raise on a television ad, his campaign fizzled out.

Lieberman trailed both Hobbs and Lopez in fundraising during the last quarter, and was left with $767,000 after April. He spent $500,000 on a last-ditch attempt for attention with his “dumpster fire” ad that took aim at both Hobbs and Republican candidate Kari Lake. But the ad included his campaign’s logo on the

dumpster that was on fire, turning the ad into more of a punchline than an effective message to garner support.

“I got into this race because I care deeply about the future of Arizona and I believe I have the skills and the experience needed to help make this great state even better as the next governor,” Lieberman said in a press release announcing the end of his campaign. He added that, while he no longer sees a path for himself to win, he will do whatever he can to make sure a Democrat will be on the Ninth Floor next year.

“Ensuring that Kari Lake gets nowhere near the governor’s office will be a top priority of mine over the next few months,” Lieberman said.

Both Hobbs and Lopez thanked him for his participation in the race.

“I want to thank @aaron4az for his participation in this primary campaign and his service to our state as a legislator.

I look forward to the fight ahead — as we all come together and stand up to those who are threatening our basic freedoms in Arizona,” Hobbs tweeted.

Lopez tweeted, “Aaron has been adamant that we need a governor who puts education and our working families first; one who’s not afraid to speak directly to the voters and speak out against hate and discrimination.”

Lieberman resigned from the state

legislature last year after serving just three years in the House of Representatives representing areas in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.

He dropped out with roughly two months to go before the Aug. 2 primary. Early voting begins on July 6 and independents and non-party affiliated voters must request either a Democratic or Republican ballot in order to participate in the primary election. JN

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Q&A with Abe Goldfarb starring in ‘Women of a Certain Age: The Musical’

AJ FROST

With the pandemic slowly settling down and the world opening up again, the theater is one of the best places to (re)visit. For audiences in the Greater Phoenix area, there’s a show currently running at the Herberger Theater Center that will get you off your feet and your heart pumping. “Women of a Certain Age: The Musical” is a rowdy, madcap and ultimately cathartic experience filled with pure fun. The Jewish News of Greater Phoenix sat down with one of the stars of the new show, actor Abe Goldfarb, to talk about his experiences in the production.

Can you tell me how you first learned of “Women of a Certain Age: The Musical” and how you got involved in the production?

I’ve known Jeff Thomson and Jeremy Desmon [the composer and the writer, respectively] for some time now. About a year and a half ago, they sent me the script in hopes of setting up a Zoom reading. I was instantly taken with the sensibility, the jokes and the humanity of it. Even though I hadn’t heard the music, I knew and loved Jeff’s work well enough that I was confident it would be a nonstop string of bangers. Which, of course, it was. I did a handful of readings as it developed and one thing that stuck out to me was that it’s a musical with three lead roles for women who are generally either relegated to boring supporting mom stuff or forgotten altogether. And here they’re the focus of the piece!

You’re an accomplished Broadway actor as well as a prolific voice actor? How do you approach each discipline?

I wouldn’t say accomplished! I’ve done one Broadway show, “Beetlejuice,” and it was one of the best experiences of my

life. I love voice-over acting because I get to play literally anything: A mouse, a monster, a mad scientist, someone who enjoys sports! It’s always about the character and that always starts with finding the voice. Everything after that comes easy. As a result, I’m bad at playing people who sound normal.

Can you tell me about your background as an actor?

I fell in love with it as a kid going to Buck’s Rock Camp [a performing arts camp in Connecticut]. You had to find your thing when you were there, and I found acting and clowning. I started getting serious about it in high school and eventually ended up studying at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School [in England] for three years. As far as what made me interested in the first place — it was that acting wasn’t sports. I’m garbage at sports, always have been. The funny thing about being 43 is that stage acting starts to feel as exhausting as sports!

In “Woman of a Certain Age,” you play every male character. What were the challenges and opportunities of such a demanding role?

It’s completely bananas to do 16 costume changes and eight distinct characterizations in a 90-minute show. I’m drenched in sweat and sore at the end of the night. But I get to be so ridiculous that I have trouble not just cackling. People let me DO this — as a JOB!

Were there any hallmarks of Jewish humor that you feel you integrated into the show?

Well, most of my comedy heroes are Jewish: Elaine May, Jack Benny, Mel Brooks, Mel Blanc, the Marx Brothers, for instance. There are some direct homages

in there (a Jack Benny slow burn, the fast dialogue of the Marx Brothers, etc.). You have to understand people to make them funny. I hope I’ve succeeded.

How would you describe “Woman of a Certain Age?” Certainly, it’s a comedy, but do you feel that there is a more serious underlying message to the silliness?

It’s a comedy and a party show. Audiences have been boisterous and wonderfully interactive. I think they’re responding to the humor and the fun of it all, but they’re also responding to something deeper. This is a show that confronts age, disappointment and social invisibility for women and it does that with jokes. It’s a balancing act that shouldn’t work, but it does. And for that you have to credit great writing and astonishing work by Andrea Canny,

Fredericka Meek and Sheri Sanders. It’s incredible to share the stage with them and watch them bring the audience into their conspiracy. Everyone falls in love with them because they’re funny. They’re playing the truth. JN

“Women of a Certain Age: The Musical” is playing now at the Herberger Theater Center through June 19. For more information, visit herbergertheater. org/events/women-of-a-certain-age/.

AJ Frost is a writer/editor based in Phoenix.

Abe Goldfarb COURTESY OF

The set of “Women of a Certain Age: The Musical.”

“The JCRC is thrilled to add to our board three outstanding members — all community leaders who have demonstrated a deep commitment to our core work,” said Tim Eckstein, returning board chair. “Carlos, Jen and Suzy each bring an important perspective and skill set that will help advance our work defending the Jewish community, deepening relationships with our partners and fighting for public policy that reflects our Jewish values.”

Before joining Chicanos Por La Causa, Galindo-Elvira was the regional director of the Anti-Defamation League. “I’m excited to join the JCRC board of directors — the premier organization fighting antisemitism and working to bring people of different backgrounds together in Arizona,” he said. “My hope in serving is to bridge both the Latino and Jewish communities in common cause to fight all forms of hate and unite to support each other.”

building bridges and working alongside other religious groups has been part of my mission since graduating from the Women’s Leadership Institute program.

I’m very excited to join Paul and the JCRC board on this journey.”

Prior to becoming a rabbi, Stone worked as a community organizer from Boston to Florida on issues ranging from voting rights to living wage campaigns.

“Joining the board of the JCRC gives me the opportunity to return to all of the non-partisan social justice issues that inspired me to become a rabbi over fifteen years ago,” she shared. “The JCRC gives our community a concrete way to work for a more compassionate and equitable society right here in Arizona.

I’m so excited to become a new board member this year.”

The JCRC board also includes Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Vicki Cabot, Adam Goodman, Alan Zeichick and Aaron Pratt.

The Human Services Commission is a seven-member citizen advisory committee appointed by the City Council to advise the staff and city council on human services priorities and programs. The commission also reviews and suggests funding allocations for various organizations that address health care, food insecurity, homelessness and support of the unsheltered, refugee and immigration issues, people with disabilities and other important social justice and human rights issues.

Stu Turgel appointed to Scottsdale Human Services Commission

On May 17, Scottsdale resident Stu Turgel was appointed to the City of Scottsdale Human Services Commission by the Scottsdale City Council. Turgel is a nonprofit consultant, host of “The Phoenix File” public affairs radio show and was the president and CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix from 2006 to 2013.

“I believe that everyone in our community should be free from food insecurity, free from being unsheltered and treated with dignity and respect by government officials, businesses and private individuals despite their economic or social status or condition,” shared Turgel. “I hope that as a commissioner, I will play a meaningful role to help our city deal with the root causes of issues that prevent equal access to basic human needs for all.”

STAFF WRITER

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JFCS Professional Leadership Group celebrates graduation

Participants in the fifth cohort of the Professional Leadership Group (PLG), a program of Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), graduated from the organization’s spring leadership program on May 18. The PLG brings together philanthropic-minded individuals, ages 27 to 45, who have a passion for social service. Founded in 2017, PLG participants received an in-depth look at the programs and services at JFCS and the important role the organization plays in helping the most vulnerable members of the Greater Phoenix area community.

“Our Professional Leadership Group participants have diverse backgrounds but a common goal of wanting to do good and make a difference in the Valley community,” said Andrea Arkow, director of philanthropy & donor engagement at JFCS. “Graduates have gone on to fill leadership positions, not only here at JFCS but with other nonprofit boards across the Valley.”

PLG participants receive increased knowledge of the social service and healthcare needs in the Greater Phoenix community; practical leadership lessons from distinguished professionals in the community; an opportunity for mentorship and coaching and networking

community members.

“The professional leadership group was a great way to get to know all the wonderful support programs and services available at JFCS,” says Tamara Zach, current JFCS board member and PLG graduate. “It introduced me to this amazing company. I found a place where my contributions can make a difference in this world and help those less fortunate.”

“While I was always aware of JFCS, I never really knew just how much their programs had to offer until I joined the PLG,” said Jessielyn Hirschl, PLG graduate. “I experienced a full-day tour where I visited multiple of their program sites and got an in-depth understanding of just how many communities and individuals they touch on a regular basis. This, coupled with my experience of working with the JFCS Helping Hands program as a staff member of Jewish Free Loan, eventually led me to become a monthly donor and it’s something I’m very proud and happy to do.”

PLG’s fifth cohort graduates include Alex Cohen, Ashley Hoffman, Stephanie Koplan, Sivan Levine, Yisroel Loeb, Zach Lytle, Brett Troisi and Betsy Zangara. Individuals interested in being considered for future PLG cohorts should contact Andrea Arkow at 602-567-8329 or Andrea.Arkow@jfcsaz.org.

Youth Philanthropy Board presents grants

On Wednesday, May 11, in a hybrid ceremony of online and in-person guests, members of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy’s Youth Philanthropy Board (formerly the Jewish Community

Foundation) presented $10,000 in grants to four organizations all working to address the mental health needs of their constituents. The board, comprised of 23 teens from around the Greater Phoenix area, met over nine months to work as strategic grant makers. They explored

different Jewish values and settled on three that would inform their philanthropic decision making: human dignity/kavod, responsibility/areyvut and that the highest level of tzedakah is helping someone help themselves.

Graduating seniors Sammy Marks and Nora Feinberg were honored for their years of service to the youth board. Nora Feinberg was also presented with a beautiful tzedakah box, honoring her for two years of service as a member of the Jewish Community Foundation board of directors.

The Youth Philanthropy Board is open to all Greater Phoenix area high school students who either have opened or commit to opening a B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Fund. For more information about the B’nai Tzedek program, visit jcfphoenix.org/ mentoring-young-philanthropists/. JN

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Top row, left to right, Jenna Parnas (ACESDV), Ayden Schure, Alexis Smith Schallenberger (JFCS), Daniel Monheit, Eli Binder and Tami Adelman (IMHR). Bottom row, left to right, Avah Montgomery, Nora Feinberg and Sadie Feinberg. COURTESY OF JEN ROGERS

More tremors in the shaky coalition

Could Israel’s rightward-leaning parties — who have historically been the strongest advocates for the settler movement — find themselves in the position of causing Israelis who live in the West Bank to be under martial law? That actually might happen, as another politically challenging dilemma confronts the increasingly fragile Israeli governing coalition, which passed its one-year mark last week.

Since the Six Day War, the territory beyond the historic “Green Line” has been under Israeli military occupation. Israeli citizens who live in the area have lived under civil law by virtue of an “emergency measure,” which has not been extended to the area’s Palestinians, who remain subject to military law. The emergency regulation, which must be renewed every five years, is set to expire at the end of June.

The reason most of us have not heard about the “emergency measure” and its five-year renewal is because renewal is practically a given — or had been until this year. But now, with the government holding a 60-seat tie in the Knesset and

the opposition committed to obstruction, it isn’t at all clear that the emergency measure can muster enough support.

The bill lost a crucial vote this past Monday. One partner in the coalition, the Islamist Ra’am party, cannot support a law that favors Jews in the territory and

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Knesset opposition, they have committed not to support any measure proposed by the governing coalition, as part of their effort to topple the current government and its leadership, and voted against it. These political machinations could

"UNDER THE CIVILIAN CONTROL MANDATED BY THE “EMERGENCY MEASURE,” ISRAEL’S 600,000 CITIZENS WHO LIVE BEYOND THE GREEN LINE ARE TRIED IN CIVILIAN COURTS AND RECEIVE SOCIAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS JUST LIKE RESIDENTS OF ISRAEL PROPER."

not fellow Palestinians. Without Ra’am, the number of Knesset members likely to support the legislation is down to 56. But some other coalition members abstained. And even though passage of the bill is unquestionably something favored by rightward-leaning parties who are joined with Likud leader and former Prime

Deadly ghost guns

Ghost guns are unserialized, unregistered and untraceable firearms that are bought in pieces and can be assembled at home. They are a worrisome addition to the growing arsenal of killing machines that plague our country. They are legal in 40 states. As crime rates soar, the quick spread and easy access of ghost guns are raising alarms.

Ghost guns are unlike any other dangerous item sold in America. They can be bought online like an Amazon purchase. Once delivered to the buyer’s home, they can be assembled in the family room like an item from Ikea. And if one needs guidance with the assembly, online YouTube and other videos help navigate the construction process.

Ghost guns begin with unfinished frames or receivers — the piece of the firearm that contains the firing mechanism, and the part of a gun that is regulated under federal law. When a frame is “unfinished,” it is unregulated. And since it has no serial number, the ghost gun is wholly untraceable. But once ghost guns are assembled, they look,

feel and function like a traditional gun, and are just as deadly.

There are a handful of states where ghost guns are illegal. Arizona is not one of them. Last week, a Maryland law prohibiting the sale, receipt and transfer of an unfinished frame or receiver that

create real problems for the settler community — which represents a significant voter bloc for Netanyahu and his opposition team. Under the civilian control mandated by the “emergency measure,” Israel’s 600,000 citizens who live beyond the Green Line are tried in civilian courts and receive social and

health benefits just like residents of Israel proper. They lose all that if they fall under military rule. Even a traffic ticket would have to be adjudicated by a military judge. Moreover, members of the Knesset who live in the West Bank will cease to be residents of Israel, a requirement for public service.

There are other dark clouds for Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who seems to be paying the price for favoring pragmatism over ideology in leading his widely divergent eight-party coalition — most of whom are not his natural political allies. In fairly rapid succession, four members of Bennett’s inner circle — his chief of staff, senior foreign policy advisor, personal assistant and spokesperson — all announced their resignations, reportedly frustrated that they can’t budge their boss to the right. And, of course, there’s the continuing, unrelenting opposition efforts of Netanyahu and friends, who have been encouraged by the recent further weakening of the prosecution’s case against Netanyahu.

For now, Bennett is hanging on. But his grip is weakening. JN

Similar suits have been filed by the District of Columbia and the city of Los Angeles. But despite the public uproar over increasing gun violence and frustration over the proliferation of untraceable ghost guns, Congress has not acted.

"GHOST GUNS ARE UNLIKE ANY OTHER DANGEROUS ITEM SOLD IN AMERICA. THEY CAN BE BOUGHT ONLINE LIKE AN AMAZON PURCHASE. ONCE DELIVERED TO THE BUYER’S HOME, THEY CAN BE ASSEMBLED IN THE FAMILY ROOM LIKE AN ITEM FROM IKEA."

does not have a serial number by the manufacturer went into effect. That day, the city of Baltimore sued the largest manufacturer of ghost guns, Polymer 80, as part of an attempt to fight the public health crisis of gun violence.

Although we favor a ban on ghost guns, we cannot understand why they aren’t, at the very least, subject to regulation and registration. And why is it that the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) does not

consider ghost guns a firearm? Purchasers are supposed to show identification to establish proper age when they buy cigarettes and alcohol. Every automobile is issued a vehicle identification number, and drivers must be licensed. But none of that applies to ghost guns. There are no age limits on who can buy them, there are no limitations on how many can be bought, and they are sold in interlocking pieces like Legos, in order to facilitate easy assembly and use.

The fundamental problem with ghost guns is that many purchasers buy them to evade law enforcement or because they cannot otherwise buy firearms legally. That includes underage buyers, buyers with criminal convictions, gun traffickers and others we don’t want walking around with a deadly arsenal. While we understand that regulating ghost guns will not end gun violence, restricting access and insisting on only allowing sales of traceable firearms to those of age who pass a background check would be a positive step in the development of sane gun laws to protect our lives. JN

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

are a diverse community. The views expressed in the signed opinion columns and letters to the

To heal our trauma, we must get proximate

RABBI SARA MASON-BARKIN

Aflame burns in the Hall of Remembrance of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.

Above it, are inscribed these words of Torah:

Guard yourself and guard your soul carefully,

lest you forget the things your eyes saw, and lest these things depart your heart all the days of your life. You shall make them known to your children, and your children’s children.

(Deuteronomy 4:9)

As Jews, we visit this museum to remember. We see the replica of the crematorium and we force ourselves to walk through the cattle car. Our trauma is an open wound. The flame burns like a yahrzeit (memorial) candle. In the brittle leather of aging shoes, we see the imprint of our relatives. And in the eyes of portraits hanging on the walls, we see ourselves.

I recently visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. with a group of new friends — the Phoenix Black-Jewish Cohort, and it became an entirely new experience. This is a group that formed over two years ago in the aftermath of

George Floyd’s murder. Paul Rockower, executive director of the Phoenix Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), explained that the vision was — and is — to bring together young Black and Jewish leaders from the Phoenix community. Together we sought to simply know each other. The goal is simple: to build deep relationships that are not just symbolic, but true.

Lawyer and activist Bryan Stevenson calls this ‘getting proximate.’ By being in proximity to those who are marginalized, we change stories about ‘someone’ to stories about someone we love. We learn that by standing together in our vulnerable moments, we ease each other’s pain. Stevenson writes, “There is power when we get proximate, and only then can we have mercy and compassion.”

It is like our sages teach: “that to love — truly to love — means to know what brings pain to your fellow human being.” (“The Sages Speak,” William B. Silverman).

Our cohort is made up of eight Phoenix leaders: four from the Jewish community and four from the Black community. We began meeting over Zoom, and we only just met each other in person for the first time a few months ago. The idea of traveling together felt new, risky, a little uncomfortable and very exciting. With a generous civic incubation grant from Jewish Federations of North America, we were able to make this trip a reality.

Outside the Hall of Remembrance, the eight of us huddled in a tight circle. We felt the power of proximity. I led our group in the mourner’s kaddish.

“This prayer is both an acknowledgement of memory and also an appreciation of life” I explained. “It is not only an expression of sadness, but also an affirmation that life is for the living.”

The Jewish members of our group said the prayer, and we all said amen.

Amen. From the Hebrew verb l’ha’amin — ‘to agree,’ or, ‘I believe this is true.’

SEE MASON-BARKIN, PAGE 14

Using cyanide gas in executions is an affront to Jewish values

TIM ECKSTEIN

n June 8, the State of Arizona executed Frank Atwood. Atwood, whose mother escaped Nazi persecution in Vienna, faced a perverse choice: suffer execution by lethal injection, or by hydrogen cyanide gas, a version of which was used by the Nazis to murder more than one million Jewish people at Auschwitz. Arizona last used cyanide gas in 1999 to execute Walter LaGrand. The state killed him violently, in all of our names, through a painfully slow asphyxiation that dragged on for an unfathomable 18 minutes.

Arizona’s commitment to this hideous execution method should shock the conscience of all Americans. It is particularly appalling to me as the board chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Phoenix, and to my broader community. Earlier this year, we sued the state of Arizona to

Ostop it from using this barbaric execution tool, infamous as the primary chemical deployed in Nazi death camps during the Holocaust.

This is the first time the JCRC has ever been a litigant. We hope it is the last. The killing of another human being through a practice known to cause pain and suffering undermines everything the Jewish people stand for. Judaism introduced to the world the idea that every life is imbued with infinite value. Long before the constitutions of Arizona or the United States banned cruel and unusual penal punishments, the Jewish people opposed them, as they diminish the humanity and dignity of everyone involved, the punished and those who inflict the punishment alike.

For thousands of years, Jewish teachings have inveighed against practices common in the cities, nations, and empires where we lived: mutilation, burning at the stake, and throwing the condemned into a funeral pyre, to name only a few. Those

same moral and ethical values require us to stand against a practice that we recognize, from our own tragic history, as highly likely to cause severe pain and suffering.

We are shocked that Arizona proposed to use the very same chemical compound used by Nazis — often referred to as Zyklon B. Indeed, the resumption of this practice risks, for Holocaust survivors, reliving a trauma they have spent their lifetimes trying to forget.

As Jews, we aspire to make our society a light unto the nations. On this matter, Arizona stands out for its darkness. Nearly the entire civilized world — and most of the United States — has abandoned the use of Zyklon B. No state has used it to execute for more than 20 years. There is no question that killing a person with hydrogen cyanide is both cruel and unusual. In fact, Frank Atwood’s lawyers argued that forcing him to choose between cyanide gas and lethal injection violated his rights.

The state has raised many defenses to our suit, most of them hyper-technical, legal ones that, if adopted, would prevent any challenge to a state’s use of any method of execution, no matter how cruel or unusual. What is absent from the state’s arguments is any argument that killing another human being with hydrogen cyanide is anything but cruel or unusual.

As June 8 approached, we continued to hold out hope that the state would confess explicitly what it concedes implicitly — that killing a person with Zyklon B is torture and thus that we, following every other state and the community of civilized nations, should bar its potential use. This hideous Nazi weapon of the Holocaust should be banished to history, not resurrected to wield violence in the name of Arizonans. JN

This piece originally appeared on aclu.org.

Tim Eckstein is the board chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix.

From left to right: Pastor Warren Stewart, Jr., Danielle Gross, Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin, Essen Otu, Jay Tinsley and Paul Rockower. COURTESY OF PAUL ROCKOWER

Action Required

NUMBERS 4:21-7:89

RABBI SHOLOM TWERSKI

n this week’s Torah portion, the Torah talks about the sotah, the wayward wife, who is suspected of infidelity. Her husband, after having warned her not to be secluded with a specific individual that he suspects may have been intimate with his wife, brings her to Jerusalem and to the Holy Temple if she disregards his warning. There, she undergoes a process where she swears she hasn’t been unfaithful, the Ineffable Name of G-d is dissolved in water and she drinks it. The Torah forewarns the miraculous nature of her death and the simultaneous death of her amour should she be guilty.

Immediately afterward, the Torah discusses the nazir. The nazir is a man or woman who voluntarily commits to live within an imposed set of restrictions. They are instructed to desist from drinking wine, among other activities, for a specific amount of time.

MASON-BARKIN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Amen is a prayer that we can say together, a prayer of proximity.

The next morning, we set out for the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The rectangular bronze lattice-like building stands in juxtaposition to the tall, narrow walls of the Washington monument. The history of the monument is complicated: it was built in the 1800s, in large part by enslaved Africans. It honors George Washington, who owned hundreds of slaves. Even before entering the museum, we examine our relationship to slavery, freedom and the journey from one to the other.

A glass elevator inside serves as a time machine, bringing visitors back to the 1400s. On the bottom floor of the museum, I stood at the helm of a reconstructed slave ship. I peeked inside a slave cabin. I read brutal stories.

I took a few extra moments to stand before the casket that once held the body of Emmett Till. I mourned the 14-yearold boy who was lynched by men who believed he whistled at a white woman in a grocery store. I saw the pain in the photograph of his mother’s face as she buried her son.

And yet, as we made our way forward through the timeline of African American history, we bore witness to progress. The top floor of the museum feels

Our sages are puzzled at the juxtaposition of these seemingly unrelated topics. There does not seem to be any theme that connects them. So why would the Torah choose to write the laws of these dissimilar topics back-to-back?

In answer, Rashi quotes the Talmud in the very beginning of Tractate Sotah. “Anyone who sees the sotah in her disgrace should declare themselves a nazir and prohibit wine to themselves.” The reason being that wine has the potential to lower or dull the natural inhibitions and can lead to promiscuity. This truth is always present but the visceral shock of witnessing the outcome and death that it causes in its wake should prompt us, say the sages, to take action against that happening to us.

In recent years, the number of attacks on synagogues and antisemitic incidents have been on the rise. We were all shocked at the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 and since then there have unfortunately been other such shootings. Of late, there have been school shootings that horrified the nation. If we haven’t done anything before, these incidents should shake us up. We have to react to the stark reality of what was only a theoretical possibility until now.

In our own synagogue, Beth Joseph security team manager and soon-to-be Magen Am Arizona’s director of operations, Ian Turner, takes this threat very seriously. “The proverbial risk-o-meter of these types of activities are rising and we must be proactive in sketching out a plan to protect ourselves, our families and our community.”

Ian is proactively organizing groups of well-trained volunteers that can be available to offer protection to Jewish institutions, events and schools throughout the city. “We have to recognize that we have become a target and must account for that.” To effectively take on such a task, we must all be on the same page, so he created the Arizona Jewish Security Initiative (AZISI.org).

While safety is paramount, we can be proactive in spiritual pursuits as well. We have all recently celebrated the holiday of Shavuot, the day when we received the Torah.

The Talmud in Tractate Shabbos tells us that on that day, G-d picked up Mt. Sinai and held it above the heads of the Jews. “If you agree to accept the Torah, very well. But if not, there will be your burial.” While it may seem that the Jews were being coerced into the acceptance of the Torah, that interpretation raises questions. Did they

To The Editor

lighter and brighter. It highlights the accomplishments of the African American community. It is a celebration of music and sports and television and science. Reunited with my group, we felt the proud power of the present.

But the present is painful, too. Moments after I stood alone before Emmet Till’s casket, Blacks and Jews stood together before a glass case holding Trayvon Martin’s bullet-riddled hoodie. There were his shoes, and the bag of skittles that he bought just before his death.

How can we say we love our neighbor unless we see their pain? Amen, friends. Your trauma, too, is an open wound.

At dinner that night, my colleague, Pastor Warren Stewart Jr., explained: “All that history reminds me, I’m a survivor. All that trauma, and I’m here.”

Amen. We all agreed. We are here because of the grit, the perseverance, and the luck of the survivors who came before us and the survivors who are us.

Our phones pinged then, with a news notification. Ten Black people shot in a Buffalo supermarket. Our hearts that had just begun to heal shattered again, ten times over.

This news hurt in a new and specific way.

It hurt because I could see the pain in my friend’s eyes and I hope that they saw the love in mine. In proximity we can truly love our neighbor.

Rep. Alma Hernandez’s eloquent condemnation of Mohammad El-Kurd’s traveling Jew-hating song and dance across college campuses including Arizona State University is to be applauded. (“ASU hosted notorious antisemite,” May 6, 2022). However Rep. Hernandez omitted the fact that El-Kurd’s Jew hating raves are invariably supported by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a documented front group for Hamas.

SJP was created in 2000 by Hamas supporter Hatem Bazian and pro-Hamas activist Snehal Shingavi to wage a campus war against Israel on behalf of Hamas. Also, Hamas is the most significant financial supporter of SJP through American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) — also established by Hatem Bazian in 2005. What is most important for all Jewish students, faculty and administrators at Arizona State University (ASU) to remember is that Hamas is an

Before we left the Museum of African American History and Culture, our group stood together before the rushing water pouring down like rain in the center of the Contemplative Court. On the wall we read: “We are determined… to work and fight until justice rains down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

As Jews, we visit this museum to remember. We see a casket, and a bulletridden sweatshirt. A mother’s tears.

Directory.

not eagerly cry out the day before, “We will do and we will listen!”? What need was there for this display of might?

It may very well be that G-d wasn’t threatening but visually demonstrating a fact. Our lifeblood as Jews is the Torah. A mass commitment to study it intensely and live by its precepts is what guarantees us continuity as a nation. The Torah is not meant to be studied only by the leaders, rabbis and teachers. Every individual is called to take upon him or herself to fully engage in studying the details, the lessons, the instructions of the Torah.

Let us act to protect ourselves from physical danger and spiritual decay. JN

antisemitic genocidal organization. Article Seven of the Hamas charter, which has never been revoked, requires every member and supporter of Hamas — which includes every member of SJP — to murder every Jew on earth. Israel is not mentioned in Article Seven.

SJP is not some benign student advocacy organization notwithstanding any public relations “social justice” or “human rights” pablum it may issue to obfuscate its purpose.

As a documented front group for Hamas, it exists solely to promote Hamas’ antisemitic genocidal agenda in university communities such as in Tempe. As such, it presents a clear and present danger to all Jewish students, faculty and administrators at ASU.

For all the above reasons, Fordham University has banned SJP from its campus. ASU should do the same.

Richard Sherman, Margate, Fla.

We bear witness: Lest you forget the things your eyes saw, and lest these things depart your heart all the days of your life. This is the purpose of memory. We burn with a fiery hope for justice and thunderous drive for peace. Let my fire be proximate to your water, for this is how we will change the world. JN

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

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

PARSHAH NASO

Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin is the executive educator at Congregation Beth Israel in Scottsdale.

Local retired professor and psychologist publishes late husband’s book

MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

Rosalyn M. Meadow, Ph.D., describes her late husband, Stephen Troub Meadow, as “The epitome of what a human should be.” The couple, married for 55 years, raised three children together and each pursued successful careers — he as a lawyer practicing securities law and she as a professor, licensed psychologist and sex therapist for more than 40 years. For three decades, Stephen Meadow researched and began the process of writing his book titled “The Creation of the Jewish People,” a book that Rosalyn Meadow compiled and published posthumously in his honor.

“It took a lot of energy and effort, but emotionally was very restorative and helpful,” Rosalyn Meadow shared about compiling and publishing the book.

“The Creation of the Jewish People” challenges the traditional theories of the origin of the Hebrew people. “The book contends that the compiling of the Hebrew Bible stories was created by a merger of the history and practices of the clans, tribes, religious leaders and biblical authors. Their intent was to persuade

the illiterate masses to adopt a system of universal law to resolve the class and ethnic conflicts among mutually hostile clans and tribes dwelling in the Land of Israel,” according to the description. “Stephen Meadow reveals how the Hebrew Bible stories united the often-hostile clans and tribes into one people following universal law and worshipping one God. Thus, former enemies would henceforth regard themselves as ‘one family,’ with the same history, laws, customs and religion.”

“Steve was my beloved husband of 55 years,” Rosalyn Meadow writes in the book’s forward message. “In addition to his ability to write this important and fascinating book, he had a great capacity for empathy, intellectual acumen and profound insight into the human condition.”

Rosalyn Meadow recalls that Stephen Meadow’s decades of research for the book included communicating with researchers, authors and professors who had studied in this subject area and attending multiple conferences. He studied Greek mythology, Middle Eastern rituals

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the top newspapers, different editions of the Holy Scriptures and hundreds of books lining his office. A graduate of Columbia Law School, his career involved service to his country, his law practice, faith and family, she shared. Her main goal right now is to spread the word about her husband’s book and accomplishments, having recently retired from her own successful practice in Phoenix. She was a licensed psychologist and diplomat in sex therapy (a certified sex therapist) for decades, in addition to being a professor of sociology at Scottsdale Community College.

“I originally had a master’s degree in history and economics — this was the 1960s, before the height of the feminist movement,” she said. “The colleges weren’t hiring faculty to teach history, so I gravitated toward teaching sociology classes that had never been taught before, including human sexuality and women’s studies.”

During this time (which Rosalyn Meadow puts in the late 60s to early 70s), her classes became so popular that the college started to receive extra funding. She recalled that Stephen Meadow created a waiver for students’ parents to sign because of the then-controversial topics. While teaching and continuing her education, she noticed many people came to her for help with their sexual and emotional problems. In her late 30s, she signed up for a Ph.D. program

with Stephen Meadow’s full support. supported me getting an education during

with Stephen Meadow’s full support. “My husband was ahead of his time; he supported me getting an education during a time when many men wouldn’t have done so,” Rosalyn Meadow said.

After earning her Ph.D., Rosalyn Meadow practiced psychology for more than 40 years. She helped those with sexual issues, trained medical professionals in human sexuality and even studied and released a book based on women’s conflicts about eating and sexuality titled “Good Girls Don’t Eat Dessert.” Through all her successes, Stephen Meadow was by her side. Now that she has retired, her priority is spreading the word about “The Creation of the Jewish People.” “Putting together the book was a gift — it gave me purpose, focus and reminded me how much I loved him,” she said. She notes that the book is available on Amazon, and her dream is to get it on the shelves at libraries, colleges and universities. JN

For more information, contact Rosalyn Meadow at rmeadowphd@gmail.com

Michelle Talsma Everson is a freelance writer and editor based out of Phoenix.

Water: Are you drinking enough?

BOB ROTH

s we head into the second week of June, the Phoenix and surrounding area weather forecast for this coming weekend is calling for above 110 degrees. You would think that after living in the Valley of the Sun for the last 28 years, one would be used to this kind of extreme heat by now. There is something about 110 that just says it is so oppressive out there.

In Phoenix and around the country, we are entering what is known as the “dog days of summer.”

Along with the increase in heat, let my column be a reminder about how important it is to drink plenty of water.

When we were younger, I don’t recall drinking as much water as we do today. Does everyone else feel the same way? I remember drinking milk and soda but very little water.

Statistically, more than half of Americans do not drink enough water. In fact, a study done by the mineral water brand Evian for their #stayhydrated campaign showed that of 2,000 people polled from

Athe United States, just 22% drink the USDA recommended amount. Instead, the average American is drinking only half the recommended amount.

The most often given response was that they were too busy or didn’t remember to drink more.

Here are some facts with regards to the importance of water: Every part of your body needs water. In fact, water makes up 60% of body weight. Dehydration happens when there is not enough water in your body. Mild dehydration can cause headaches, nausea and fatigue.

Shortly after his heart attack in August 2017, my father found himself so severely dehydrated after a bout of diarrhea that my stepmother called 911. The paramedics attempted to get an IV started but were unsuccessful as they could not find a vein, and my father had to be transported to the hospital. In the emergency room, after sticking him about half a dozen times, they were able to get the IV line inserted and started. After a stint in the emergency department, he was able to return home.

Dehydration is a serious condition and for older adults the risks become even greater.

Dehydration complicates other health issues seniors are challenged with; that is

why it is vitally important that they drink enough water each day. When aging adults become dehydrated, they face increased risks, including:

• Confusion – Dehydration negatively impacts brain function. Some aging adults are misdiagnosed as having dementia or delirium when they just need more water. People with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may experience an increase in confusion and forgetfulness associated with dehydration.

• Heart Disease – Because water is a primary component of blood, dehydration can cause an increased risk of heart attack, especially in people who already have heart disease.

• Risk of falls – Dehydration can cause lightheadedness, especially upon standing. Staying hydrated can play an important role in preventing injury due to muscle weakness or dizziness.

Seniors may also experience increased risks associated with diabetes, kidney problems and low blood pressure when they don’t drink enough water.

So how much water should one consume? This is often debated in terms of the exact quantity. In researching this, I came across an article from the Mayo Clinic and below

you will find some of my findings.

Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.

So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult in a temperate climate need?

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:

• About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men – 125 ounces

• About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women – 91 ounces

These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages and food. About 20% of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks. Knowing that 60% of our body mass is made up of water, let’s make sure we keep our bodies properly hydrated. Let’s raise a glass — well maybe over 10 glasses a day — and toast to good health and proper hydration, to the source that gives us life — “water.” L’chaim! JN

Bob Roth is the managing partner of Cypress HomeCare Solutions.

Simple changes allow you to stay home as you age

ROSIE ROMERO, JR

Today’s real estate market is tough for homebuyers.

From the soaring prices to low inventory, finding a home that fits your needs as you or a loved one ages can be challenging and costly.

If you are having trouble looking for another house with aging-friendly amenities, consider staying put and adding them to your current home.

It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to make a few simple changes to your home that could allow you to live there longer. There are many low-cost ways to make your home, or your parents’ home, more comfortable and accessible, including these suggestions.

For starters, focus on these areas that can become the biggest barriers as you get a little older: the doorways and the bathroom. In addition, it’s wise to get rid of the steps approaching at least one of the home’s entrances.

Entryways

You could replace the steps with a small, natural ramp with some grading and landscaping. Pro Tip: The ramp should be a foot in length for every inch of rise to the threshold. Otherwise, the slope will be too high and someone approaching in a wheelchair will stall halfway up. There are also portable ramps if you can’t add a permanent one. For stairs where a ramp isn’t feasible, add additional lighting to reduce the risk of falls.

Widen the front doorway to the home so it’s at least 36 inches, the width a wheelchair or walker needs to fit through without scraping the sides.

Doorways

The same goes for interior doors to bedrooms and bathrooms, which are typically only 30 inches wide. Can’t afford construction? Fit your door with a swingout hinge that will add 2 to 3 inches to the width. The hinges can be found at hardware stores or online.

Bathrooms

Next, make your bathroom more comfortable to use now and in the future. If you’re having trouble getting up and down when using the toilet, add a steel toilet safety frame with arms to help you lift and lower yourself. You can find them at home improvement stores that sell medical aids.

If you don’t like the look of the safety frame, install a grab bar on the wall next to the toilet. You can find

grab bars in stylish finishes and designer colors to match your bathroom’s décor.

For a more comfortable solution, though a bit pricier, swap your old 14-inch-tall toilet for a new “comfortheight” model with a seat that’s 17 to 19 inches from the ground, which is more like the height of a chair. Consider adding a washlet or bidet. A bidet is a standalone fixture that resembles a toilet. It uses water with a retractable or separate hand-held sprayer, faucet or direct spray from the bottom of the bowl. A washlet is a toilet seat with integrated bidet functions.

Grab bars in the bathroom were once associated with disabilities. That’s not the case anymore. People of all ages and abilities are buying and installing them. In addition to the grab bars next to your toilet, place one or two on the shower walls. They’ll help you hang on if you lose your balance. Your visitors will use them for the same reason.

Pro Tip: Before installing grab bar(s), consider how you will use it. One that’s positioned horizontally will give you the best leverage as you get out of the bathtub or stand up from the toilet. Choose one that is 24 inches long. Place it 33 to 36 inches above the floor. If you’d like to add a bar on the same wall as the showerhead, it should be at least 12 inches long.

Keep in mind that an angled bar is handy if people of different heights share the bathroom.

The angled grab bar might be easier to install because

wall studs are placed 16 inches apart. A 24-inch bar installed at a 45-degree angle will allow you to screw the bar into those studs easily. You need to anchor the grab bar to a wall stud or with a toggle bolt that has a guaranteed weight rating. Otherwise, it could pull right out from the wall and send you flying if you lean or pull on it. Plus, most building codes require that grab bars be secure enough to stay in place even under the pressure of a 250-pound load. That means you must screw the bars into wall studs. If the wall studs don’t match the length of the bar, then reinforce the wall with plywood, and screw it into that.

Many people use their showers far more than their bathtubs, especially if they no longer bathe children. Therefore, consider replacing your tub with a curbless shower. Have a bench and a hand-held spray installed at the same time, so that you can sit while you shower. If you’re still stepping over a curb to get into the shower, you could trip. And if you need to use a wheelchair down the road, rolling into the shower will be easier. Better to make those changes now when it’s not an urgent need. Most people want to live independently no matter what their age. Making a few future-minded improvements to your home now can help keep you comfortable and safe at home for years to come. JN

Rosie Romero, Jr. is co-owner of Arizona’s home improvement radio program ‘Rosie on the House.’

Angle the grab bar so users of different heights can easily reach it. COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK

Use pavers to make a sturdy and beautiful ramp to access the front door. COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK

The price is right: Why pricing your home right matters

OPHIR GROSS

e all know we’ve been in one of the hottest seller’s markets our country has seen in history. In 2021, according to the National Association of Realtors, we saw a 32% increase in home values and economists are predicting an additional 20% this year. If that’s not enticing enough, the full-service real estate brokerage Redfin shared data that about 62% of homes sold this year sold above list price. With trends like these, everyone wants a piece of the pie. And who wouldn’t?

However, don’t fall into the “green trap.” As tempting as it is to slap on additional tens of thousands of dollars to the price of your home, a good real estate professional will strongly urge you to reconsider. (An even better real estate professional will go over the data with you but we’ll get to that later.) Even in a booming seller’s market, correctly pricing your home is vital! Pricing, location and condition are the top three factors buyers consider when selecting a house — pricing being, arguably, the most significant factor of the three. When you position your home too high, you risk reducing buyer interest while your listing is

Wfresh, which can result in a prolonged sale and likely a discounted offer.

Simply put, consumers flock to the latest model, newest release and just-launched product. Whether it’s the upcoming iPhone, the year’s new car models or even the hit Netflix show that just aired, public interest peaks in the early stages and significantly tapers off over time. You want your home to generate the most attention to set yourself up to receive the highest offer the market is willing to present. When your house is overpriced and initial interest is low, there’s typically no going up from there. Your home is now old news. The second generation. The previous model. Everyone has already seen you and decided to pass up your home for another house that’s more competitively priced.

Another consumer behavior that is quick to generate attention is the idea of getting a deal. Buyers tend to purchase with emotion. After all, many envision their dream home — where they will be building futures and families and creating memories for many years to come. If buyers believe they are getting a deal and see value in what is being offered, emotions typically are heightened and desire grows. Once emotion and desire are attached to the home, buyers are

eager to offer more. You’ve now mastered marketing 101.

Think of the fast-fashion industry — inexpensive retailers like H&M, Zara and SHEIN, for example, thrive off of the same consumer behavior. Emotion and desire associated with purchasing a product on sale or for cheap result in mass sales, and in many cases, lead to excessive, habitual spending. These consumers will justify spending $200 on 10 articles of clothing but not spending $200 on five pieces. The illusion of the “sale” lures in the consumer but at the end of the day, they are still spending $200. To bring it full circle, you can over-list your home at $850,000 and get little traction for it appearing overpriced, or you can list it for $800,000, create emotion and desire around the house and due to a higher amount of interest, receive an offer that’s $50,000 over asking price. It’s all about perception!

So far, we’ve discussed the timeline of buyer interest, the consumer psychology behind purchasing and now for the icing on the cake — the seller’s role in driving up the price. Once you have the initial interest, emotional attachment and willingness to overpay, the ball is in your court. When your home is positioned competitively and buyers believe they are getting something

of value for a discounted price, consumer interest is amplified and you as the seller have a selective advantage. You can create a frenzy and manufacture a bidding environment. Similar to an auction, tensions are high and the most dedicated buyer wins. An item where bidding starts at $100 can quickly increase to $1,000 in a matter of minutes if the conditions are right.

While we are experiencing one of the most profitable seller’s markets, there is still a considerable need to act strategically when pricing your home. By positioning your home disadvantageously, you risk leaving money on the table that otherwise would be in your pockets. Don’t chase the market, let the market chase you!

If you are considering capitalizing on the current market and putting a property up for sale, consulting a trusted and knowledgeable realtor is essential. JN

Ophir Gross is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty and has a combined skillset of business strategy and consumer psychology. She is a member of NowGen Phoenix, attends Congregation Beth Tefillah and began her roots in the community at the Phoenix Hebrew Academy and, formerly, Jess Schwartz High School. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit ophirgross.com.

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Featured Event

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

Annual Pride Shabbat: 9:30 a.m. Join Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix for an uplifting Shabbat service celebrating our LGBTQ+ community. D’var Torah by guest Rabbi Tracee Rosen. For more information, visit bethelphoenix.com.

Events

SUNDAY, JUNE 12 & 26

Summer Splash 2022: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Join the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale for fun by the pool including a DJ, rock wall, splash pad, crafts for the kids and more! milk + honey will be grilling burgers and hot dogs for purchase. Cost: Free; registration is required. For more information, visit vosjcc.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 13

Monday Evening Hangout (For LGBTQ Jewish Teens): 5 p.m. Monday Evening Hangouts are a space for LGBTQ and allied Jewish teens age 13-18 (or in grades 7-12) to relax, hang and talk to other teens online from across North America. This space is facilitated by and for LGBTQ and Jewish teens. For more information, visit keshetonline.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 14

Documentary Film Series: 7 p.m.

Join the Arizona Jewish Historical Society, 122 E. Culver St., Phoenix for a free in-person film screening of “Benny Goodman: Adventures in the Kingdom of Swing.” For more information, visit azjhs.org/ documentary-film-series.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15

Yentl: 5 p.m. Join the Arizona Jewish Historical Society, 122 E. Culver St., Phoenix for a modest girls’ Jewish musical production of "Yentl."The play is written and choreographed by Chaya Meyerson with lyrics by Raina Balsam. Tickets for women and girls are $15 per person. For more information, call 602-469-1606.

THURSDAY, JUNE 16

Book Discussion: 2 p.m. Join the Arizona Jewish Historical Society for an online book discussion led by AZJHS’ executive director, Lawrence Bell. This month’s book is “Jewish Pride: Rebuilding a People.” Free, preregistration required. For more information, visit azjhs.org/jewish-pride.

Butterfly Yoga and Cocktails: 5-6 p.m. Join Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale for a yoga class to gain strength and flexibility while surrounded by butterflies After the class meet for cocktails at Grassroots Kitchen & Tap nearby. Cost: $40 for non-members; $35 for Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center members. For more information, visit vosjcc.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18

Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration: 5-10 p.m. Juneteenth is the oldest celebration of the ending of slavery in the

United States. The event at Eastlake Park, 1549 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix includes live entertainment, free health screenings, educational workshops, youth essay contest, children activities, ethnic arts and crafts, vendors, games and authentic soul food. For more information, visit phxsoul.com/ juneteenth-2022-celebrations-events-inthe-phoenix-metro-area/.

SUNDAY, JUNE 19

Israeli Film Series: Join the East Valley Jewish Community Center for an online film screening of “Marry Me However.” The film will be available to stream anytime on Sunday, June 19. There is no charge to watch the film. A link will be sent after registration. For more information, visit evjcc.org/event/ israeli-film-series-marry-me-however/.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29

Business Network-Lunch, Mix ‘n Mingle: Join JPhoenix at The Mint Capital, 7600 N. 15th St. #150, Phoenix for networking, sushi, salad and light refreshments. Cost: $8/person. For more information, visit pvchabad.com/JBN.

THURSDAYS

Storytime at Modern Milk: 9:30 a.m. Join Modern Milk, 3802 N. Scottsdale Rd, #163, Scottsdale for a weekly, in-person storytime for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. 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 Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 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, 908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler for in-person mahjong. his 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.

Virtual Meetings, Lectures & Classes

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.

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.

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

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

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: 6:308:30 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 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 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.

COURTESY OF BETH EL PHOENIX

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 stressfree in the current environment in a virtual class with Rabbi Boruch, with Chabad of Oro Valley. Cost: Free. Tune in using this link: zoom.us/j/736434666. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.

Shabbat

FRIDAYS

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: Temple Chai is holding Friday evening (5:30 p.m. Nosh, 6:16 p.m. sevice) and Shabbat morning (varying dates and times). For more information, contact Sheana Abrams at (602) 971-1234 or sabrams@templechai.com.

In-person services: Congregation Or Tzion is holding Friday evening (6:00 p.m) and Shabbat morning (9:30 a.m.) services indoors. Services are also live streamed at otaz.org/livestream. For more information about services, events and membership, visit congregationortzion.org or call 480-342-8858.

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

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.

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

Seniors

MONDAYS

Tai Chi with Brian Stevens: 10-10:30 a.m. Tai Chi and Qigong are health practices that incorporate a form of ancient Korean healing martial arts known as DahnMuDo, which produces an overall limitless state of being, through focused movement and focused breathing. Experience a renewed sense of being, boost your immune system and enjoy doing so in this virtual class. For more information and to register,

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 23

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July 8

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July 29

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Birthright returns

Hillel at ASU sent 60 students to Israel for the first Birthright trip since 2019.

O cial installation

Rabbi Andy Green was “officially” installed as Congregation Or Tzion’s senior rabbi on Sunday, May 22. Rabbi Felipe Goodman of Temple Beth Sholom in Las Vegas addressed congregants and Rabbi Green, seated.

Inflatable fun

Children participated in a fun game of Twister at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center’s Shemesh Camp.

Kick-o event

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

Temple Emanuel of Tempe celebrated the confirmation class of 5782 with a special erev Shabbat service on May. Pictured: Palmer Alig, Sierra Dain, Noah DeTata, Ayla Diefenbacher, Zachary LeGrand, Tanner Orenstein, Eli Shapiro, Isabella Small, Casey Strauss, and Eli Wortzel, as well as Rabbi Cookie Lea Olshein and religious school director Jessie Rubenstein. Not pictured: Rachael Prezant.

The JAMA - Jewish Active Mature Adults held their kick-off wine and cheese event on May 1. From left to right, seated, Linda Benaderet, Glenn Appell and Selma Strier; standing, Jeffrey Gelb, Tova Gelb, Pennie Aragon and Jesse Aragon.

visit jfcsaz.org/events/. Contact CSE Director Jennifer Brauner at seniorcenter@ jfcsaz.org or 602-343-0192 with questions.

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

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

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

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

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: 1-2:30 p.m. In a seven week series that begins April 5, learn how to use mindfulness techniques to help relieve anxiety, depression and pain. Cost: Free. For more information and to register, contact seniorcenter@jfcsaz.org or call Jennifer Brauner at 602-343-0192.

TUESDAYS

Zumba Gold with Adriana Padilla: 9:30-10:15 a.m. This virtual class is perfect for active older adults who want a modified Zumba class with lower-intensity. Class focuses on all elements of fitness: cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility and balance. Come to this virtual class ready to sweat, and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong. For more information and to register, visit jfcsaz. org/events/. Contact CSE Director Jennifer Brauner at seniorcenter@jfcsaz.org or 602-343-0192 with questions.

Movie Discussion Group: 11 a.m. Join Smile on Seniors on the third Tuesday of every month hosted by Issy Lifshitz. Cost: Free. For full details and the movie of the month

visit sosaz.org/virtual or email Rabbi Levi Levertov at levi@sosaz.org.

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

WEDNESDAYS

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

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

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

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

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

ALMA BYRD JACOBSON

Alma Byrd Jacobson becomes a bat mitzvah on June 11, 2022 at Congregation Or Tzion. She is the daughter of Ty Seibel of Phoenix and Adam Jacobson of Tempe.

Grandparents are Sheryl Staten of Cottonwood, and Stephanie and Frank Jacobson of Scottsdale.

For her mitzvah project, Alma is volunteering with Free Arts for abused children in Arizona.

A student at BASIS Phoenix, Alma enjoys acting in theater productions, singing, dancing and baking.

OBITUARY

TRACEY MICHELLE BIEGUN

Tracey Michelle Biegun (née Kaplan) of Scottsdale died May 18, 2022. She was 62.

She was born in Chicago and grew up in Wilmette, Ill.

Tracey is survived by her husband, Michael; daughter, Pamela; and sister, Fran Kaplan (Warshauer) of Santa Monica, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents Roberta and Robert Kaplan. Services were held at Green Acres Memorial Park on May 22, o ciated by Rabbi Jeremy Schneider and arranged by Sinai Mortuary of Arizona. Donations can be made in her name to Jewish Family & Children’s Service, 4747 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. JN

Korin Sharon Granett passed away on Dec. 23rd 2021. Korin was born on Jan. 17, 1931 in Philadelphia Pa. Shortly after her birth, her parents took her to Atlantic City, N.J. where they lived for the next eight years. They moved back to Philadelphia where Korin attended school and eventually became a student at Temple University majoring in marketing and management.

That is where she met Alan Granett who she later married. In 1969, Korin and Alan and their three children moved to Phoenix where Alan did his internship after finishing medical school in Philadelphia. He went on to practice medicine for the next 40 years.

Korin became very active in Hadassah, becoming a group president twice, and was eventually elected president of the Phoenix Chapter, serving a three year term. Hadassah was a tremendous passion of Korin’s.

Korin was an incredibly warm, loving, caring and selfless mother, wife, grandmother and great grandmother who loved her family so very deeply. She graced everyone who knew her with poise, class and charm.

Korin is survived by her husband, Alan; three children, Lora Granett, Steven Granett and Rhoda Ricci (Nick); three grandchildren, Heidi Nabors (Chris), Nikole Granett and Matt Ricci (Natalie); and four great grandchildren, Quinn and Mason Nabors and Madalyn and Jonah Ricci, who she called her precious angels. Graveside services were held on Jan. 2, 2022 at Paradise Memorial Gardens. Korin will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched. Contributions in Korin’s memory can be made to the Arizona Humane Society or to Hadassah, Valley of the Sun chapter.

Louise Leverant passed away on April 28, 2022. She was 85 years old. Louise was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Anna and Michael Firestone. The family moved to Phoenix when she was 11, where Louise eventually met and married her husband, Barry Leverant. They were married until his passing in 2005.

Louise was very active in the local Jewish community, and fiercely dedicated to preserving its culture and history. She served as both a past president and past secretary of the Arizona Jewish Historical Society.

Perhaps the only thing more important in her life was her devotion to her family. She was a loving wife, caring and supportive mother and superhuman Bubbé. A birthday was never forgotten, and honey cakes and macaroons ALWAYS arrived for the holidays.

She is survived by her son, Dirk Leverant (Amy); daughters Carin Siegel (Eric) and Jamie Greenfield (Kevin); and her seven grandsons, Seth Seigel, Adam Siegel, Nathan Siegel, Ethan Greenfield, Aaron Greenfield, Calen Leverant and Ryan Leverant.

Louise was laid to rest at Beth El Cemetery on May 1, 2022, with Rabbi Jeffrey Schesnol officiating. Donations in her memory can be made to the Arizona Jewish Historical Society.

YOUR ENGAGEMENT, WEDDING, BIRTH, BAR/BAT-MITZVAH

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz President & Dean

Why

onDeck: The Gifts That Introverts and Extroverts Bring to Jewish Leadership and Why It Matters

Rabbi Edward Bernstein

Wednesday, July 20 @ 1:00 pm PT

The Jews of China: Enduring Survival in the Middle Kingdom

Dr. James Baskind

Thursday, Aug 18 @ 1:00 pm PT

Staying Human –Can Judaism speak to the issues raised by Arti cial Intelligence?

Harris Bor

Wednesday, Sept 14 @ 10:00 am PT

Get

Can

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Cherniak

Thursday, Oct 27 @ 10:00 am PT

Shtisel’s Shas: A Talmudic Look at the Hit Israel T.V. Show

Professor Shai Secunda

Thursday, July 28 @ 1:00 pm PT

Women’s Resilience and Survival in the Holocaust

Professor Bjorn Krondorfer

Wednesday, Aug 24 @ 1:00 pm PT

God’s Prayer: The Central Image of Selihot

Rabbanit Leah Sarna

Thursday, Sept 15 @ 1:00 pm PT

Nadav and Avihu: A Pastoral Study in Bereavement

Rabbi Joseph Ozarowski

Thursday, Nov 3 @ 1:00 pm PT

The Problem of

Evil

Samuel Lebens

Wednesday, Aug 31 @ 10:00 am PT

“Shomei Keoneh” (Hearing Legally Counts as Speaking): Creating a Community Which is Inclusive of the Blind, the Deaf and the In rm

Rabbi Ysoscher Katz

Wednesday, Sept 21 @ 1:00 pm PT

Reading Vayikra with our Children: Strategies, Challenges and Opportunities

Dr. Tammy Jacobowitz

Thursday, Dec 1 @ 1:00 pm MST

A memoir that explores the stories of survival, tragedy and hope

Joel Poremba

Thursday, Aug 4 @ 1:00 pm PT

Prophecy: What Does it Mean Anyway?

Jonnie Schnytzer

Thursday, Aug 11 @ 10:00 am PT

Finding Spirituality in the Laws and Customs of the High Holidays

Rabbanit Sharona Halickman

Thursday, Sept 1 @ 9:00 am PT

What do we pray for this High Holidays?

Rabbi David Wolpe

Thursday, Sept 22 @ 1:00 pm PT

Speaking Religious Truth to Political Power

Rabbi Dr. Andrea Weiss

Wednesday, Dec 7 @ 1:00 pm MST

Nature and Revelation: what the Jewish calendar teaches us about their relationship

Dr. Elana Stein-Hain

Thursday, Sept 8 @ 1:00 pm PT

Shalom Aleichem: a model for working with development trauma

Rabbi Lisa Goldstein

Thursday, Oct 20 @ 1:00 pm PT

Nothing But the Truth? Balancing an Embrace of Tradition with Personal Integrity

Rabbi Leon Morris

Wednesday, Dec 14 @ 10:00 am MST

Ruach Hamidbar