Arizona Jewish Life Nov 2017 Vol. 6 / Issue 2

NOVEMBER 2017

SENIORS

CHARITABLE GIVING

Help with raising grandchildren, senior living and more

From volunteers to veterans

It’s fall – roast a

pumpkin!

Grouchy Historian & Activist Ed Asner

A DESERT GATHERING Todd Herzog unites the community through Jewish Music Fest

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 1

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Right: An instrument stand (approximately 2,500 years old) from the ancient Chu state takes the form of a mythical beast.

2 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

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strategic thinking about wealth Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management has been helping ultra-high net worth individuals, their families and foundations plan for and grow their wealth for decades.

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Robert Stolar

Managing Director Private Wealth Advisor 522 Fifth Avenue, 10th Floor New York, NY 10036 212-296-6704 robert.stolar@morganstanley.com Source: Barron’s “Top 100 Financial Advisors,” April 20, 2015. Barron’s “Top 100 Financial Advisors” bases its ratings on qualitative criteria: professionals with a minimum of seven years of financial services experience, acceptable compliance records, client retention reports, customer satisfaction, and more. Finwancial Advisors are quantitatively rated based on varying types of revenues and assets advised by the financial professional, with weightings associated for each. Because individual client portfolio performance varies and is typically unaudited, this rating focuses on customer satisfaction and quality of advice. The rating may not be representative of any one client’s experience because it reflects a sample of all of the experiences of the Financial Advisor’s clients. The rating is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pays a fee to Barron’s in exchange for the rating. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved. © 2015 Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, a division of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC. Member SIPC. CRC1179133 04/15 8225582 PWM001 04/15 ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 3

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Arizona Jewish Life • November 2017 • Cheshvan- Kislev 57 78 • Volume 6/Issue 2

18

FEATURES

CHARITABLE GIVING

COVER STORY

A Jewish perspective of charitable giving 23 Andy Silverman and Starr Sanders: Committed to helping others 24 What is an ethical will?

26 How to begin writing an ethical will 26 Irwin Sheinbein: Riding on the wheels of love 28 Patty Vallance: An expert at finding and filling needs 29 Veterans Day 31 Charitable giving/financial planning Directory 32

A Desert Gathering of Diverse Musicians 18

JEWS WITH ATTITUDE

Emoji Domains is Cool

12

BUSINESS

Bob Machiz: Helping Arizonans lose weight for 50 years Ins & Outs

31

14 16

FRONT & CENTER

Discover fine art during Hidden in the Hills artist studio tour Morrine Maltzman: Creating mosaic art masterpieces

34 36

FOOD

Chef’s Corner: Whole stuffed roasted pumpkin 38 Taste of Arizona: Tomaso’s When in Rome 40

HOME & LIFESTYLE

48

Keeping orchids beautiful and blooming 42 Fashion that gives back 44 Home tours 46

JKIDS & TEENS TOO

Farmers market fun Dinosaurs in the Desert Family Time: I’m an idiot: Episode 326 Kids Calendar

64 66 68 69

YOUNG ADULTS

56

Making their mark on Tucson: An interview with Tucson’s shinshinim 70

ISRAEL

Rediscovering Thanksgiving’s harvest roots in Israel

COLUMNS

Chef’s Corner by Lucia Schnitzer A Taste of Arizona by A. Noshman Family Time by Debra Rich Gettleman To Life! by Amy Hirshberg Lederman

66

AC TIVELY SENIOR Libby and Bernie Weiner: Not sitting on the sidelines 48 A place for grandparents raising grandchildren 50 The casitas at Maravilla Scottsdale 52 Holiday help for seniors 54 Ed Asner: Actor, activist and Grouchy Historian 56 Preventing trips, slips and falls 58 Ask the Matchmaker 59 Senior caregiver/provider directory 62

JLIVING To Life! Maintaining relevancy in a dot.com world 73 In a New York State of Mind 74 Heritage Award presented to the Sendrows and Siefers 75 A Taste of Limmud 76 Federation notes 77 Faces & Places 78 Previews 80 Calendar 82

72 38 40 68 73

COVER: Todd Herzog, photo by Cassandra Tomei

6 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

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A rizona Jewish Life | Cheshvan - K islev 5778 • Volume 6/Issue 2

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The surprising upside to #MeToo When the decades long abusive behavior of Harvey Weinstein went public and snowballed into what seemed like hourly updates, women around the globe responded with hashtag #MeToo. Women who had either been too afraid or intimidated to report or even speak about their own experience with sexual abuse or intimidation came forward to support those who were now speaking up and empowering themselves with the cathartic #MeToo.

Cindy Salt zman Publisher

What was amazing was not so much each women’s experience (though the stories were very moving), but the sheer numbers of women who had experienced some form of sexual abuse or intimidation. As I looked at each of my female Facebook friends profiles, it seemed as if the majority had the hashtag, #MeToo. As one friend wrote, “Hello – don’t you see it is literally all of us.” That was the shocker that really captivated everyone. Some form of sexual abuse for the everyday woman quite literally happens every day to millions of woman around the globe.

What initially began as a story of sexual abuse, intimidation and rape within the Hollywood elite, became a much more powerful story when one realized that the majority of women have, on some level, experienced the same.

So what is the upside? Hopefully we are at a point of no return. As a result of the brave efforts of women (and many men) everywhere, society as a whole can no longer turn a blind eye to this abuse under the guise of ignorance or even fear.

There seems to be a national awakening in the United States (and Israel by the way) where men who are predators will begin to understand that they will be called out and held accountable. And that men of integrity who would never in a million years hurt a woman intentionally now realize that through a woman’s eyes, what may have seemed like an innocent comment or touch can be perceived as inappropriate, uncomfortable and intimidating.

But perhaps the real silver lining is that we have learned once more, as history has taught us, if someone witnesses a wrong, and does nothing, their silence is viewed as complicity.

If someone you know is too intimidated or afraid to get help, be their voice. We must all speak out to correct a wrong. After all, humankind at its best shines when we are our brother’s AND sister’s keeper.

And yes, #MeToo.

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Attitude Emoji Domains is The best part came a few hours later as Like most entrepreneurs, Jon Roig was trying to solve a Jon explains, “It was problem he was encountering when he came up with the time for me to do concept of Emoji Domains. He was trying to register a domain my presentation to using emojis (those little images on your phone that you use to the panel of judges. express emotions) for an application that he had written.

It was very exciting He was working on an app he called “Office poltergeist.” The to be doing the idea was that you could use your mobile phone and play tricks presentation as on your co-worker’s computers, like sales were changes color or manipulating images. happening in the background!”

Jon wanted to distinguish his app in Jon admits, “I didn’t invent emoji the marketplace. “For whatever reason, domains as a concept, they existed before, the obvious solution seemed to be an but I made it finally easy to register.” emoji domain. I was trying to register His wife Jill interjects, “Jon came ‘ghost ghost ghost,’” he explains. up with a search engine registration When he ran into problems system so that anyone, regardless of their trying to register such a domain, the technical background, can very easily wheels started turning. Jon is a web register an emoji domain. That is the developer at Go Daddy, and they innovation, taking emoji domains and have “hackathons” a couple of times bringing them to the masses and making every year. Jon explains, “It’s a 24-hour them accessible to everyone.” period where you get together with All website domains are either numbers, your friends and colleagues and you letters or dashes. “The emoji domain is build something, theoretically related represented in the browser semi-secretly to Go Daddy’s business, and at the end as a combination of letters or numbers,” of the 24 hours they are judged.” says Jon. He has built-in coding working But the universe had other plans for behind the scenes so that emoji domain Jon on the day of the hackathon. “I names are compatible with all browsers. was signed up, and on that day my wife “The nice thing about that is for people gave birth to our son Asher, so I missed who just want to use a regular emoji the opportunity! domain and aren’t concerned with the Jill and Jon Roig with son Asher He sat on the idea for a few back-end technical piece, it will work in months and was ready when the next various situations and various settings, hackathon rolled around. whether you are on your laptop, your “I banged it out in a 24-hour period – basically not sleeping,” desktop or your phone,” explains Jill. “It works, and it’s a viable, Jon remembers. “I was done at 2 am and posted it to Twitter; consistent experience. That’s why Jon has worked on these then I went to sleep. I woke up at 6 am, and people were using enhancements – so that the user is always able to access what the site by the thousands, and it was already making money.” they need without interruption or confusion.”

By Mala Blomquist

12 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

SINGLE, DIVORCED, WIDOWED?

“The amazing thing about emojis is that they pretty much work worldwide.

Everybody knows what a soccer ball is, everybody knows what a car is,” says Jon. “It doesn’t matter if you are in Scottsdale or China. We are trying to capture that market all over the world right now.”

They have sold more than 20,000 emoji domain names to date, and they are available in 17 languages across 38 markets worldwide.

The registration process goes through Go Daddy. “That way people can capture the emoji domain that they want but they also have the reliability of purchasing through an international company that they know and trust so that they can feel secure about the process,” says Jill.

Jon and Jill are both excited that larger brands are beginning to use emoji domain names. As Jill explains, “Budweiser, MGM Grand, Penn & Teller, MailChimp, Bud Light Peach-A-Rita and Rayban have all used them. We have also seen small businesses as well purchasing emoji domains because it is a great way for them to get something that elevates them and puts them on the national stage.”

Jon shares a funny story, “Internationally, Kentucky Fried Chicken in Russia is using ‘two chicken drumsticks dot ws’ as one of their big campaigns to promote chicken in the former Soviet Union.” Further proof that emojis are universal.

For more information, visit Emoji Domains at i .ws.

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Business

Bob Machiz stands at the front during an early Weight Watchers meeting.

Bob Machiz: Helping Arizonans lose weight for 50 years

By Mala Blomquist

Weight Watchers was found in 1963 by a homemaker in Queens, NY, named Jean Nidetch. In 1967, Bob Machiz and his wife, Iris, were part of the first team to bring Weight Watchers to Arizona.

Iris had participated in a Weight Watchers’ program in New York and had been successful. She landed a job with the company and told her husband of the company’s success. “I wanted to do something else and possibly leave New York,” Bob explains. “We looked into franchise opportunities and voilà – we came out to Arizona.”

Bob’s dream for the franchise was to come to Arizona and 14 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

change people. “They all will be svelte, and we will go out of business – but we will have done well,” he says. “That was the dream. I’m glad I had that dream to move us forward.”

It was a good thing that Bob had that dream to hold on to because they were off to a rocky start. “The second Weight Watchers meeting we ever had was at the Jewish Community Center in Phoenix – six people came,” explains Bob. “Sixteen people had come to our first meeting, 14 were at our third meeting, and by our fourth meeting, we were at zero. It was discouraging. I remember standing in a Laundromat thinking ‘What am I doing here?’”

But Bob, Iris and their business partners, Jerry and Isabelle Appell, persevered because they believed they had something

good. “We had examples of success outside of us, so we thought if it succeeded there...we just needed to study the situation and be more careful about where we put our locations and go from there,” says Bob. For example, one of their earliest locations was in Mesa, but it did not succeed. “Nobody told us that the people in Mesa watch what goes on in Phoenix and then if it works there then they will adopt it,” he recalls. “We didn’t know that was the attitude. We had to learn the psychology of the people.” Now their locations in the East Valley are all very successful.

Another factor that contributed to gaining momentum in the early years was the fact that many residents of Arizona have friends and relatives who live back east. The positive reviews they would hear from these friends and family members helped grow the Arizona franchise. Once it took off, it’s been successful ever since.

Bob believes that the main reason why so many people are successful on Weight Watchers when other diets have failed them is the support system. “The support group is the crux of the whole thing,” he says. “The support system along with the science-based diet. You can get a diet anywhere, but when you come into a meeting, you have a support group of people who understand who you are, what you are – and we don’t make fun of people.” The people who run the support groups have all been through the program themselves. “We don’t just take people off the street and train them; they have to go through the program.”

Each center follows plans designed from the corporate office, so everybody in the whole world is using the same program.

Bob recalls when the popular “points” program was first introduced. “People didn’t like the word ‘calorie’ so we were thinking of a word that people would like and the word points came about. It really derives from calories. It’s a substitute word, almost a euphemism if you want to look at it that way.”

This system has proven successful, and people will get creative with point tracking and even have contests among themselves.

Bob says that women are still their main clientele, but that there are as many overweight men as women. He believes that women are very sensitive about their appearance where men “get humorous about it – they think it’s funny to poke a finger in another man’s paunch.” He feels they don’t take it seriously and don’t do anything about losing weight, but they should.

Today, Bob owns all the franchises in Arizona and Imperial County in California. “We have the oldest franchise on the west coast, and I’m one of the oldest people in the system,” he jokes.

At 94, he still makes the “command decisions” in the business, although he admits he has a great general manager that runs the day-to-day operations. “There are times when I feel like going to the office and times that I don’t.” He has two sons that have more recently become involved in the business.

Having just celebrated his 50th anniversary he has been reflecting on the history of the business. “We came out with four people, and I’m the last survivor of the four,” he says. “The other day I realized that I’d lived more of my life in Arizona than I have in New York, so I guess I have more Arizona in me these days than New York.”

To learn more about Weight Watchers, or to find a meeting in your area, visit weightwatchersaz.com.

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BIZ

INS & OUTS

Jane Jozoff

Hillel Jewish Student Center at ASU

JNF names Jane Jozoff Friends of the Arava Trustee Jewish National Fund is proud to announce that Jane Jozoff of Paradise Valley, a partner in Donovan’s Steak and Chop House in Phoenix, has been named a Trustee of the Friends of the Arava Institute of Newton Center, MA. Friends of the Arava is the fundraising arm of the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies, which is location on Kibbutz Ketura in Israel’s Arava desert.

Miriam May, executive director of Friends of the Arava Institute, said Jozoff will be one of 41 board members. The board has fiscal and operational oversight over the Friends of the Arava Institute, an organization that works to raise funds in support of the Arava Institute, with its partner, Jewish National Fund.

The Arava Institute is an environmental academic institution in the Middle East that is dedicated to preparing future Israeli, Palestinian and Jordian leaders to cooperatively find solutions to regional and global challenges.

Jozoff, a member of JNF’s Major Donor President’s and Sapphire Societies, said of her appointment, “By having members of different areas and countries work together, they get to share similar goals which promote understanding and cooperation.”

Jozoff added, “The Institute’s environmental projects benefit a region with many challenges, with abundant, sustainable water being at the top of the list. Meeting the dedicated people involved in this endeavor has brought me confidence that my time and talents will prove valuable and productive.” jnf.org

Hillel at ASU purchases property Hillel Jewish Student Center at Arizona State University has purchased a property to double its footprint at the Tempe campus and expand programming opportunities for Jewish students. The new property, at 1020 S. Mill Ave., is located directly south of Hillel’s current facility at 1012 S. Mill Ave. Additional space will allow for multiple events to occur at one time, addressing new needs that have emerged as Hillel has doubled its student engagement over the past year. Under the leadership of its executive director, Debbie Yunker Kail, Hillel now 16 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Michael A. Pollack

has more frequent and diverse concurrent meetings and programs, increased attendance, and a growing staff to support these efforts.

“We are grateful to those in the community who helped us take advantage of this unique opportunity to secure the property,” Board of Directors President Steven M. Goldstein said. The purchase was made possible through the generosity of: The Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Andrew & Amy Cohn, Deeann Jo Griebel, The William S. and Ina Levine Foundation, and Barry & Barbara Zemel. Stu Siefer provided help with initial architectural plans, Barry Zemel championed this project from the beginning, and Ms. Kail led the fundraising initiative. hillelasu.org

Michael Pollack sets Guinness World Record On Thursday, Sept. 28 an official adjudicator from Guinness World Records began counting the more than 8,900 pieces located in Valley Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Michael Pollack’s collection of advertising statues. The counting took place in Pollack’s 3-D Advertising Museum, which is located inside his Mesa based headquarters of Pollack Investments.

When the count was final, Pollack’s museum contained 8,917 pieces.

The pieces vary and range from rare life-size characters and signs, to miniature mannequins to 144 of the Baranger displays that were leased to jewelry stores between 1937-1977.

Pollack who has spent 44 years redeveloping real estate projects across California, Nevada and Arizona, said he never imagined the collection he started as a teenager would grow to what it is today.

“This is not only a huge honor for me to say we have earned a Guinness World Records title, but to know we truly have the largest collection of advertising statues anywhere in the world,” says Pollack. “This just shows what started as passion for me at 14 years old has grown into something rather extraordinary 50 years later.”

The various pieces are displayed throughout the museum so they can be enjoyed in their spacious surroundings. pollackmuseum.com

Barry Gross

Kaity Quinley

Carlos A. Hernández

The Driver Provider Announces key hires The Driver Provider is pleased to announce two high profile hires joining the company’s leadership team. Barry Gross, formerly of Reston Limousine, has signed on as the company’s new Executive Director. Kaity Quinley, the former Vice President at All Resort Group, will work as Driver Provider’s Regional Director of operations. Both Quinley and Gross bring years of experience and passion for the industry to their new roles. They also previously worked together at All Resort Group in Salt Lake City.

As Executive Director, Gross will be based out of The Driver Provider’s headquarters in Phoenix and will oversee the company’s operations in all five markets including Phoenix, Sedona and Tucson, Salt Lake City, Utah and Jackson Hole, WY. Gross’ experience in two of The Driver Provider’s key markets, Phoenix and Salt Lake City, will make for a smooth and rapid transition.

Quinley will remain in Salt Lake City as Regional Director of the company’s operations there. Her 11 years of experience in operations and client relations will lend a steady hand to the company’s newest office.

“We are thrilled to welcome Barry and Kaity to our team,” says The Driver Provider founder Jason R. Kaplan. “Each individual has an impressive record of success, commendable business principles and an unwavering commitment to excellence.” driverprovider.com

JFCS of Southern Arizona’s Carlos A. Hernández wins award Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona is proud to announce that President & CEO, Carlos A. Hernández was awarded 1st Place for Outstanding Leadership in the category of Mental Health and Psychiatric Services at the 2017 Influential Health and Medical Leaders Award ceremony Wednesday, September 27 at the Casino de Sol Resort.

Every year, Tucson Local Media honors local medical and healthcare professionals who have made significant contributions and demonstrated outstanding dedication to their work.

At age 47, Hernández is considered a young CEO, and is the first Latino to serve as President and CEO of JFCS of Southern Arizona,

Dan Shufelt

a nonprofit, non-sectarian specialty provider offering psychotherapeutic counseling, patient-centered trauma-informed care (PCTI), and social services to thousands of vulnerable community members of all faiths, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations and economic circumstances.

“Under Carlos’ outstanding leadership, JFCS has seen program expansion, technological advancement, and improvement in the delivery of services,” said Fred Fruchthendler, JFCS Board Chair.

“This is a significant and well-deserved honor.”

As an influential community health leader, Hernandez has devoted his life work to broad-based collaboration, quality improvement, de-stigmatization of mental illness, and achieving mental health parity for low-income and under-insured people. As the World Health Organization states, “There can be no community health without mental health.” jfcstucson.org

Arizona Helping Hands sets record…again For the fifth consecutive year, Scottsdale charity Arizona Helping Hands has set a new annual record for their service to Arizona’s children in foster care. As of September 30th, AHH has provided beds or cribs to 2,204 children, smashing through the 2016 annual total of 2,003 – and there’s still months to go in the year!

Dan Shufelt, President & CEO of AHH says, “To us it was unimaginable that a child that had already endured tough times in their short lives didn’t even have a safe place to sleep. We heard of children who were placed into care, primarily with family members, who were sleeping on the floor, or fighting over whose turn it was for the sofa. Our program has been instrumental in changing that dynamic. Families come to us for support from all over Arizona, traveling from Kingman, Yuma, the Native American communities and every corner of the state to receive a bed for their child to sleep on.”

In addition to beds and cribs, AHH provides other items every family needs – clothing, diapers, personal care packages – and then also celebrates children with personalized birthday packages.

“We want to let children know that their community cares about them. We will make them safe and comfortable, and we will show them that we care and want them to have a happy, positive life!”

Shufelt says. azhelpinghands.org ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 17

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A Desert Gathering of Diverse Musicians

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Todd Herzog

By Mala Blomquist

T

he headliners for this year’s Desert Gathering Jewish Music Fest, Chava Mirel, Nefesh Mountain and Todd Herzog, all have their own musical styles, but they are deeply connected through the spiritual power of music.

Desert Gathering began in 2013 as a result of Todd Herzog’s Start Me Up! fellowship through Valley Beit Midrash with Rabbi Darren Kleinberg. The idea was to gather together Jewish entrepreneurs under the age of 45 to bring fresh ideas and new programming concepts to the Phoenix Jewish community. (Todd and the first Desert Gathering were Arizona Jewish Life’s November 2013 cover story.)

The vision for the festival was “to bring continuity to the experience of being Jewish and do it in a way that was fun and inclusive, and that broke down barriers to allow people to have that sense of community in a larger metropolitan kind of experience,” says Todd.

“The festival was my effort to create a piece locally, and try to make something young and hip and exciting to appeal to the younger Jews in their 20s and 30s, who are part of the ‘missing demographic’ in the community,” he explains. “A lot of young Jews take a break for 10 years – much like eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee what I did.” In additional the nationally recognized artists, local school children, Israeli dancers and community cantors will perform.

Gabby Giffords Photo courtesy Americans for Responsible Solutions

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Chava Mirel

Nefesh Mountain duo Doni Zasloff and Eric Lindberg

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The past four years, Desert Gathering has been held at Steele Indian School Park in downtown Phoenix. “In the beginning, it was important to me to have the festival outside of the familiar territory of the Scottsdale Jewish community – so there wouldn’t be an assumption of what the event was going to be,” explains Todd. “I wanted people to come in open – not really knowing what to expect. We did well achieving a great cross-section of the Jewish community.

We had Chabad, Reform and unaffiliated Jews; I think for me that was one of the greatest successes of the festival – that it really crossed boundaries between different groups of people.”

Todd felt it was time to try something different and expand the festival even further by bringing it “home” to Scottsdale for its fifth year. The festival will be held at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus. “One goal I had by bringing it to the campus is to bring attention to the amazing resources we have in the community, with the JCC and Pardes Jewish Day School,” says Todd. “I wanted to put it somewhere that most folks are pretty familiar with and see if we can take the festival to the next stage of its evolution.”

Todd is the cantorial soloist at Temple Solel, and he has been singing since he can remember.

He sang in the choir through elementary and high school, where he first played in a band called Noize, playing cover tunes and trying to imitate the singers as closely as possible.

When Todd arrived at Tufts University, he was thinking about starting another band until he got involved with the acapella group the Beelzebubs. He sang with Nefesh Mountain that group all five years of college, leaving with a double bachelor’s degree – philosophy from Tufts and jazz voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

After college, he worked with cover bands and started writing more of his own music. He was teaching voice lessons when he met a woman that he would date for the next four years. She had leukemia and throughout the years they dated, would have relapses, eventually passing in 1999. “I was creating my own music and soul searching during that time,” says Todd. “I starting finding my own musical and songwriting voice in an attempt to cope with that loss.”

The result was his first CD, “What I Wouldn’t Give.” For a long time after its release, Todd found it hard to go back to writing simple pop music after dealing with such difficult life and death issues.

Years went by, and he met Karen, his future wife. She was very involved in the Jewish community and through her connections, Todd began to teach music at the New Community Jewish High School in Los Angeles.

The head of school told him, “My mission is to capture their mind and intellect with literature and biology and your job, as the music guy, is to capture their hearts.” Todd thought he would teach the kids Klezmer music but soon realized that they were more interested in pop music. “The compromise we came to was to write some of our own music based on Jewish

text or holidays,” explains Todd.

Todd also gave himself assignments in this new songwriting style. “I found the Jewish music let me address some of these deeper themes, and I could still do it in a very contemporary and accessible way,” says Todd. “That worked with the high school kids, so it became my mission to use music as a tool or engagement – it evolved organically over the years. It became more and more a natural and authentic part of who I am.”

Todd has six albums out with the latest being “Something to Believe in.” That album features a song that he wrote for his 6-year-old son, Sander, titled “On Your Side.” Todd explains the song, “is about unconditional love that you can never really experience until you’re a parent.” He continues, “I hope as I get older I have a little more perspective, a little more wisdom about life, and can hopefully make some connections between different ideas – better than I could when I was younger.”

“...ONE OF THE GREATEST SUCCESSES OF THE FESTIVAL (IS) THAT IT REALLY CROSSED BOUNDARIES BETWEEN DIFFERENT GROUPS OF PEOPLE.”

— TODD HERZOG

Chava Mirel

Nefesh Mountain

Nefesh Mountain was born out of the combined love that musicians Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff have for each other, bluegrass music, American traditions and their Jewish heritage.

“We came together playing music of all kinds including a kids and family group that we played together with,” Doni explains.

“An organic and natural thing happened with us doing Nefesh Mountain. We were falling in love and writing this bluegrass music accidentally – it’s like a love story for us.” The two have been married a little more than two years and performed as Nefesh Mountain for three.

Their name is a combination of Nefesh, which means “soul” in Hebrew, and the symbolism of mountains in both the Jewish and bluegrass tradition. “From the Rocky Mountains to Masada to Mount Sinai, we are all in this world together. This music is our fusion of who we are as American Jews, with our Jewish and American roots and as an expression of truth for us,” says Doni. “If you are ever going to declare who you really are to the universe; I imagine declaring myself on the top of a mountain with my arms outstretched. This is me – this is who I am, so it’s a declaration of who we are.”

Based outside of New York in Montclair, NJ, the duo spends months on the road performing. They led High Holiday services in Atlanta, went to North Carolina for a bluegrass festival and then to Massachusetts for a Sukkot concert. They had talked to Todd about performing at Desert Gathering in the past and were able to make it happen this year.

“We have a self-titled album (‘Nefesh Mountain’) that came out last May,’” says Eric. “We also have an upcoming album, the release date has yet to be decided, called ‘Beneath the Open Sky.’” They have performed in Arizona before and are excited to return.

“Bluegrass music is very spiritual in nature, it feels very pure and honest. We are just coming at it from a Jewish perspective,” says Doni. “We are all the same, we are all people, we are all trying to find our way. In music like this, it is about appreciating nature – which is a big thing in bluegrass and a huge thing in Jewish tradition. It really feels like we are just marrying something that wanted to get married. We didn’t make it up, we are just putting it together and creating a chemistry for it.”

To complement that union further, Eric says that he and Doni

challenge themselves to write their own truthful music. “Since the diaspora, Jews have been adapting to all the places they lived in,” he explains. “Whether it’s the Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern Europe, who after years and years formed the art of Klezmer, or the Sephardic Jews of Spain – there are so so many different types of Jewish music when Jews put down their roots – it seems like a natural fit.”

The passion for their music and the love they have for each other is palpable. “The whole thing feels very spiritual to me,” says Eric. “Between the meeting of my wife and the music that we are fortunate to make together. If you’re open to possibilities of what can happen if you unrestrict yourself from the bounds of what stereotypes are in society, or what you are supposed to do in life, I think that magical things happen.” He continues, “Our music, I’m proud to say, is the result of us not subscribing to any cultural norms of what music is or what Jewish people should do or shouldn’t do – we are excited to keep going with it.”

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 21

The crowd gathers for the 2016 Desert Gathering Jewish Music Fest.

Chava Mirel

Award-winning Jewish musician Chava Mirel will bring her world-fusion sound to the stage at Desert Gathering along with her musical partner Josh Niehaus.

Chava started performing in public before she was 2. “My dad’s a rabbi, so there was always something going on at the synagogue or community center,” Chava explains. “He would get me up to sing. That’s how it all started, doing community event stuff.”

She started playing the piano at age 6 and the guitar at 13, so she has been studying music for a long time. “I wrote my first song when I was 11 and sang it at the eighth-grade graduation.” says Chava “My mom is a singer too, so I felt like I had an edge.”

These days Chava has numerous outlets for her musical talents.

“I have my solo career as an artist-in-residence, I go to synagogues and do community service, I work with the kids and do some teaching, I go to festivals, I’m in a reggae band with Clinton Fearon (the Gladiators), that I tour with, and I’m in a jazz fusion band, Duende Libre.” She also has recorded two full-length albums under her name, and writes and records in a duo project, Josh and Chava, with Josh Niehaus. When she has free time in her busy schedule, Chava enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and son, who are both drummers.

She was invited to perform at Desert Gathering after Todd discovered her on Facebook. “There is this amazing thing that happened since the election called Harmony in Unison,” explains Chava. “It’s a Facebook group where every night there is a live concert from a different artist from around the country. It was meant to connect people and make them feel like they’re not alone and like there’s hope and to put some light into their lives.” Todd was going through the Harmony in Unison archives and came upon Chava’s performance with Josh. After seeing her perform, Todd reached out to her.

After she accepted the invitation to Desert Gathering, Chava learned that the Dunst Social Justice Music Project had selected one of her songs.. The ironic thing was that Todd had too. Only eight artists were selected out of 43 submissions from across the nation.. Chava and Todd were flown to Nashville to record their songs this summer. The project will benefit the Religious Action Center of the Union for Reform Judaism. This eight-song collection is designed to provide new social justice music for public singing in congregations, summer camps, youth groups and community gatherings of all kinds. The release date is set for December 2017.

“I got to know Todd a little bit better in Nashville, and he has become like a mentor to me,” says Chava. “I am so grateful for him. He is so knowledgeable about singing and performing. I feel inspired and really lucky to be involved in Desert Gathering.”

WHEN: NOV. 5, 4-8 PM WHERE: INA LEVINE JEWISH COMMUNITY CAMPUS, 12701 N. SCOTTSDALE ROAD, SCOTTSDALE

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5TH ANNUAL DESERT GATHERING JEWISH MUSIC FEST

TICKETS: $5 GENERAL ADMISSION, $20 FAMILY 5-PACK, $75 VIP EXPERIENCE (INCLUDES DESIGNATED PRIME PARKING, A CATERED KOSHER DINNER, SWAG BAG WITH SOUVENIRS, RESERVED SEATING WITH AN EXCELLENT VIEW OF THE STAGE, AND THE CHANCE TO MIX AND MINGLE WITH THIS YEAR’S TALENT) INFO: DESERTGATHERINGAZ.ORG

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CHARITABLE GIVING 24 Andy Silverman & Starr Sanders 26 Ethical wills 28 Irwin Sheinbein 29 Patty Vallance 31 Veterans Day 32 Charitable Giving/ Financial Planning Directory

A Jewish perspective on charitable giving “Justice, justice shalt thou pursue.” ~Deuteronomy (16:20)

W

hile charitable giving conjures up thoughts of generosity and benevolence, in Judaism the concept is a commandment, an obligation. Helping the poor and needy is a duty in Judaism. Yet beyond fulfilling physical needs, as Jews we also strive to create a better, more just world for generations to come.

Tzedakah, often translated as charity, literally means justice. It is just one of three Hebrew terms that express the Jewish approach to charitable giving. Tikkun olam (repair of the world) requires both tzedakah and g’milut hasadim (acts of loving kindness).

Tikkun olam reflects the human responsibility for fixing what is wrong in the world, both in society and nature. It embodies the spirit of philanthropy – increasing the well-being of humankind and our world by giving our time, money and skills. Social welfare and volunteer work, as well as the donation of monetary and physical resources, are ways in which people can be philanthropically involved and at the same time be involved in tikkun olam.

If we don’t take responsibility to fix what is broken in the world, injustice and environmental crises will continue unabated.

On the following pages, we share ways that members of Arizona’s Jewish community are making the world a better place.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 23

C h a r i ta b l e G i v i n g

Andy Silverman and Starr Sanders: Committed to helping others

By Sheila Wilensky

W

hen Starr Sanders was 13, she asked a friend about a tall guy practicing basketball at a Phoenix high school.

“Oh, you don’t want to be with him,” her friend advised, “He’s into causes.”

At that moment Starr decided that she did want to be with him. It wasn’t long until she and Andy became a couple, bonding over anchovy pizza.

Married for 51 years, they have been “into causes” ever since. From1959, when Andy wanted to hear “a smart guy” who was coming to Phoenix to discuss politics – turned out to be JFK – and later, after moving to Tucson in 1966.

Both their careers reflect an undying commitment to social justice: Andy is the Joseph M. Livermore Professor Emeritus of Law and Director of Clinical Programs at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. Starr retired after 30 years of high school teaching.

“My parents were very involved in the Phoenix Jewish community when I was growing up,” says Andy. “My mother was a brilliant woman who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1923. She worked as a secretary. She was always into helping other people.” His father, Nat Silverman, adds Starr, was “Mr. Jewish Life.”

Andy’s interest in ’60s anti-Vietnam war demonstrations began in high school. While at Arizona State University he was a police reporter for the Arizona Republic. He intended to remain in reporting, but in 1966, he started law school at the UA and never looked back.

“Once I’m involved in an organization [or a cause], it becomes a lifetime commitment,” affirms Andy. “I’m not going to get involved unless I’m really involved.” His involvement runs the gamut – from No More Deaths, Southern Arizona, to the Tucson Housing Trust Fund, the Primavera Foundation, the Coalition of Arizonans to Abolish the Death Penalty, Ben’s Bells and many more.

Andy, now 74, “flunked retirement,” says Starr. “Now that I’m retired, I only direct the Civil Rights Restoration Clinic, which runs both semesters, and usually in the summer as well,” says Andy, who also teaches immigration law during the spring semester.

During the 1980s, Starr and Andy were co-presidents of Congregation Chaverim. During those years, they both slept outside of the Federal Building in downtown Tucson \to protest homelessness. Andy was arrested, but after one night Starr returned home.

The couple had two young children at the time, and she 24 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

preferred to work behind the scenes on events and fundraising, although, she says, “I was a rabble rouser at faculty meetings.”

Starting her professional life as an accountant, Starr was offered a job upon their arrival in Tucson. When she was told, “we don’t pay women the same as men,” Starr took a job at the UA, and enrolled in courses in the College of Education. She ended up loving it and taught 17 subjects – from English to economics – during her career at Pueblo and Tucson High Schools. Currently, Starr writes “cause-driven novels,” and has published two.

Andy has always had “a passion for poor people in the criminal justice system. I never set a goal in my life. I try not to stress out.

I think I work hard,” he says. As a third-year law student, he helped start the Post-Conviction Legal Assistance Clinic, the first program in Arizona representing state prison inmates.

“He’s never charged a penny to any clients since he became a lawyer in 1969,” adds Starr.

The impact of the couple’s activism has been major, says Jeannette Maré, executive director of the Ben’s Bells Project, “Starr and Andy serve as a continuous source of inspiration for me. At Ben’s Bells, we help people understand what kindness means, how it is different than being ‘nice.’” Ben’s Bells (named after Jeannette’s son Ben who died in 2002 at the age of 2) are hung randomly throughout the community, in public spaces, for people to find and take home as a reminder to practice intentional kindness. Continues Jeannette, “Starr and Andy’s social justice work is a perfect example of how powerful and courageous kindness is. ‘Nice’ wants to be comfortable, but ‘kind’ is willing to be uncomfortable to serve the greater good. Kindness is love in action. Starr and Andy have been putting their love into action for a long, long time. We are so lucky to have them in our community!”

Currently, when students ask Andy, “how can I change the world?” “I feel so frustrated,” he replies, “Only a few people, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Lincoln have. Try to make a difference in your corner of the world. You can’t give up. Maintain a positive attitude.”

At the end of each class, Andy raises his hand and says, “Power.”

“I never think of giving up, and I absolutely feel the same way as they do. You have to give back,” he notes. “Starr and I are lucky people. We had supportive parents, good childhoods. Giving back, because of our good fortune, is the least we can do.”

Sheila Wilensky is a writer, editor and educator living in Tucson.

Starr Sanders and Andy Silverman at home.

“Try to make a difference in your corner of the world.

You can’t give up. Maintain a positive attitude.”

—Andy Silverman

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 25

C h a r i ta b l e G i v i n g

What is an ethical will?

By Julie Diamond

A

n ethical will is a document that is written to express someone’s deepest personal values in order to pass those along from one generation to the next. It is not legally

binding.

This practice, though it dates back to biblical and medieval times, resurfaced in the Jewish community around the 19th century and more recently has become widely used by other traditions and peoples. This personal expression can work in tandem with a legal will or estate plan, setting the groundwork for the successful passing of both financial assets and personal values.

As Jews, we know that modeling Jewish values to our children, our loved ones and in our community is a fundamental responsibility. We are a people devoted to tikkun olam and tzedakah – to repairing the world and to justice. So, you may wonder, isn’t a lifetime of actions enough? Don’t your children know how you view the world and what your hopes are for them? Not as much as you might think. And what about the grandchildren? How will your legacy be expressed later on after your children have married, perhaps married a non-Jewish partner, and moved away from the family? As Jews in a post-Holocaust world, we know that as survivors pass, the direct links to that history diminish. Israel is a complicated topic for many. Also, not all of us are equally schooled in Jewish traditions, text and practices.

In our increasingly complex society, the answer is “no,” your actions during your lifetime aren’t enough. Nor is your legal will enough, although surely it will reflect your Jewish and personal values through the financial decisions you’ve made. But if you don’t write something down in your own voice, your family members of the future won’t know your heartfelt stories – of Shabbat celebrations, of cherished objects such as a favorite Kiddush cup, of what your grandmother would say to you on Hanukkah while lighting the flickering candles. Of mistakes you learned from and of the accomplishments that fill you with pride.

An ethical will is your opportunity to reflect on what matters to you most in your life, what you inherited from your ancestors and what you hope for in the next generation. This requires you to grapple with your mortality, your personal history and your vision for the future after you are gone.

OK, sure, this is hard work – but only you can create your own personal statement that will embody your legacy of the heart. It may take a day or longer. You might write it out perfectly the first time, or work in a journal for six months. There are many guides and approaches. What a joy to go on this personal journey and share your ethical will with your family during your lifetime! (See sidebar on “How to begin writing an ethical will”). Finally, while our personal stories are our own, collectively they capture and reflect the beautiful legacy of the Jewish people.

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How to begin writing an ethical will

By Gail Mandel

M

aking the decision to write an ethical will can feel fulfilling, even empowering. However, sitting down and writing one can be truly challenging. The wonderful thing is that there is no right or wrong way to write an ethical will, and yours can be as simple or complex as you wish. (See accompanying article “What is an ethical will?”)

A good place to start is to think about the larger themes that ethical wills typically address to decide what you want to share with family and friends. According to Dr. Eric L. Weiner, author of Ethical Wills: Words from the Jewish HEART, five major themes to consider are Heritage and Hopes for the Future; Ethics and Experiences in Life; Atonement and Appreciation; Religion, Spirituality and Core Beliefs; and Tikkun Olam and Treasures (gifts of value given to others).

After considering these larger themes, it is helpful to drill down further and decide what specific topics you want to cover in your ethical will. According to Ethical Wills & How to Prepare Them: A Guide to Sharing Your Values from Generation to Generation, edited by Rabbi Jack Riemer and Dr. Nathaniel Stampfer, some topics worth examining are: • Formative events in life • People who have influenced me most • Important lessons learned in life • Mistakes made during life that I would hope a loved one would not repeat • Causes and organizations important to the family.

Corinne Ehrlich and her daughter Andi Minkoff.

Jerome and Anita Gutkin.

Fortunately, several good books are available to help you craft a personal and meaningful ethical will.

These books include prompts to help get you started as well as examples of both historic and modern ethical wills.

The statements from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix Endowment Book of Life Benefactors are good examples, too, as they are akin to the messages conveyed in ethical wills. These messages reflect how our community’s members feel about their lives, their values and how they want to be remembered by future generations.

One of these benefactors, Corinne Ehrlich, wrote in1998, “From the time I was a small child my parents provided me with a thorough education in the values, beliefs and history of the Jewish religion and the Jewish people. This knowledge has made me very proud of my religion and has provided me with the desire to work for the enrichment of our Jewish community and the assurance of a wonderful future. The rewards of this involvement have been many, especially the friendships established by working together with our people and the great joy in seeing our Jewish community grow and flourish. Need I say anymore!”

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Federation matters to me because when my family came to America, we had nothing and we didn’t speak the language.

Federation helped us to settle in and supported us every step of the way so I could become the person I am today.

YOUR GIFT MATTERS.

Strengthening Jewish life and identity while providing for Jews in need

Elena Kohn

480.481.7031 | jewishphoenix.org/donate ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 27

C h a r i ta b l e G i v i n g

Irwin Sheinbein: Riding on wheels of love

Photos from Irwin Sheinbein’s Wheels of Love trip in November, 2014.

By Mala Blomquist

I

rwin Sheinbein is no stranger to community service. His family has been involved with the Phoenix Hebrew Academy since its inception in 1964, and Irwin has held positions on various boards, Federation committees, and has both raised funds and participated in the Bike-a-Thon for Yeshiva High School.

There is another bike ride that he has been participating in for the past 12 years called Wheels of Love that benefits the ALYN Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel. Each year Irwin travels to Israel the first or second Sunday after Sukkot to participate in this ride.

“Every year the course is different, and the routes alternate between the northern and southern parts of the country,” explains Irwin. “Depending on the route, it can be anywhere from 275 to 350 miles over five days.” Irwin rides his bike year-round and also tries to get a spin class in once a week to keep in shape for the ride.

ALYN Hospital is a private hospital that gets some funding from the Israeli government but mostly relies on private donations. The bike ride will try to raise 3 million dollars this year by the fundraising efforts of its participants.

The hospital initially specialized in treating children with severe congenital disabilities, but they have expanded to treat adolescents and young adults who have been either hurt due to an accident or injured because of terrorist activity.

“What is so remarkable about the hospital is that their patients have such unique and debilitating illnesses that they have to come up with these incredible ways to try and treat the patient– as well as working with the families to help them take care of their child,” says Irwin.

The hospital also takes in patients from all over the Middle East. Irwin shares a particularly remarkable story about a young girl living in Gaza who was caught in the crossfire between Hezbollah and Israeli soldiers. As a result, her father and brother were killed, and she was severely injured. “The Israeli government came to ALYN and said to them, “We want you to take care of this young lady, and we will foot the bill.” After six months of rehabilitation the girl was ready to go back to living in Gaza, so the government said that they would cease paying the hospital for further treatment. ALYN’s response was, ‘We don’t care if you pay us or not, we are not letting this young girl go back to Gaza until we are satisfied that there is someone there that can take care of her.” So the hospital spent three months training a person and then released the girl to that caregiver.

That is just one of the fantastic stories that Irwin has heard

28 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

over the years. The first year he participated in Wheels of Love he took a tour of a new wing of the hospital for older individuals age 18-26. “The exterior of the hall looked like a street in Jerusalem,” explains Irwin. “They used Jerusalem stone, and you didn’t think you were even in a hospital when you went down that wing.”

Irwin goes on to explain, “Each room was assigned a post office box from the Israeli postal system. There was a young man who had paraplegia who was good with computers. The hospital gave him space to bring in computer hardware, and he set up a company and ran it out of the hospital.”

On Irwin’s fundraising page for the ride, he explains that the hospital’s need is even greater this year due to the Ministry of Health’s ruling that staff must be increased, but insurance companies have reduced reimbursements.

“I set my goal every year, and this year we are trying to raise 3 million dollars from all the riders,” says Irwin. “I have certain people that I go to every year, and they never turn me down.”

Riders come to Jerusalem from all over the world to participate, and this year they’ve capped the number of entrants at 440. Irwin notes that there are other riders from Arizona, but he is “the senior veteran” having participated the most number of times.

Because of the size of the group, there are four tracks riding simultaneously. Each track has security, a medical team and bike mechanics. On the last day, everyone rides into Jerusalem together, ending at the hospital.

“A lot of people return every year,” says Irwin. “It’s like going to adult camp for five days.”

Patty Vallance: An expert at finding and filling needs

By Mala Blomquist

P

atty Vallance admits she is not one to “write a check” when it comes to community needs.

Instead she jumps in with both feet to create “sustainable programs and things that are truly meaningful.”

Even the business she currently runs, Family Friends Estate Sales, has a charitable giving component built into the business model. “Ten percent of our commission on every sale, every time, goes to a local nonprofit that we support,” explains Patty. “It’s just a different way of doing business – it gives us the opportunity to give back directly to a charity we support.” They also provide estate sale services free of charge to first responder families.

Patty has been running estate sales for 31 years and believes she got into the business because she lost both of her parents before the age of 21. “It forced me, at a very early age, to come up with a legacy plan,” she says.

Since arriving in Tucson in 2000, Patty has immersed herself in volunteer work. She would volunteer at Tucson Hebrew Academy, where her children attended school and then she became involved with the Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council. “Stu [Stuart Mellan] has allowed us to think outside of the box and be creative about responding to the needs of the community,” shares Patty. “I can go to him with just an idea, and he says, ‘Make it happen!’”

She wanted to do a project that brought her Jewish community together and worked toward a significant goal.

So she partnered with the Pima Council on Aging and the Tucson Police Department to identify seniors living on their own that needed home repairs – to keep their homes habitable and safe.

“We brought the Jewish community together to make major home repairs. We brought together 500 volunteers,” states Patty. “We raised money to do the projects and did not pull money from any existing resources.”

Here next project came about as a reaction to the 2008 recession. She was watching the market shift and trying to figure out a source for sustainable funding to be able to continue doing service projects. She created the 1st-Rate 2ndHand Thrift Store to fill that need.

Patty Vallance, center, poses with an elite tactical rescue unit of Israeli firefighters. Tucson Firefighters Beyond Borders has reciprocity with the state of Israel “A person would come in and volunteer at the thrift store and then the equivalent of their hours were gifted to the charities of their choice,” explains Patty. “We brought Jewish values into creating the organization.”

The thrift store had developed relationships throughout the community including police, fire and rescue and Child Protective Services. One day, Patty was having a conversation with the chief of operations for the fire department. He was expressing frustration at a lack of specific resources for first responders. “I suggested they set up a foundation,” remembers Patty. “He asked ‘What’s a foundation?’” That was all that Patty needed to jump into action.

Patty assisted them in getting everything in place, and the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation (tucsonfirefoundation.com) was born. “The expenses related to getting it up and running came from the Jewish community through an anonymous gift,” says Patty. The endowment fund for the foundation was placed in the hands of the Jewish Community Foundation.

The three main focuses of the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation are cardiac, mental health and cancer.

The foundation provides advanced cardiac screenings that ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 29

C h a r i ta b l e G i v i n g the firefighters’ insurance would not typically cover. “Can’t tell you how many lives and careers are intact because of that!” exclaims Patty.

“We also pay for mental health copays,” explains Patty.

“We don’t want financial concerns to be the barrier to get the help they need.” They also have an arrangement with clinicians in Tucson so that if someone is having a mental health crisis, they will be seen within 24 hours.

“We brought the Jewish community together to make major home repairs.

We brought together 500 volunteers. We raised money to do the projects and did not pull money from any existing resources.” ­ ~Patty Vallance

Our Vision: A Jewish community free of genetic diseases Our Mission: Providing awareness, knowledge and screening to empower the Jewish community to make informed decisions regarding Jewish genetic diseases.

Our Process: Offering free or highly subsidized education, screening and genetic counseling for the most up-to-date panel of Jewish genetic diseases to Jewish adults of child bearing age.

How can you help?

Donate Today

www.jewishgeneticsphx.org/donate/ Purchase a Tribute Card www.jewishgeneticsphx.org/tribute/ Leave a Legacy Gift www.jewishgenticsphx.org/legacy/ Awareness

E ducation

Screening

Tel: 480-668-3347 info@jewishgeneticsphx.org www.jewishgenetics.org 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Please remember the Jewish Genetic Diseases Center of Greater Phoenix in your will, estate plan or by beneficiary designation

30 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Since melanoma percentages in firefighters are much higher than the general population, the foundation purchased a machine that allows the doctor to perform a whole body scan and then the information can be downloaded to make it easier to track potential changes in moles or other skin issues. There are only 10 machines like this in the country and out of 29 scans, 23 people were sent for further evaluation.

“Those are the killers in the firefighter community, and we try to put resources in place that can catch those issues before they get critical.,” says Patty. The foundation is an all-volunteer organization, and 96 cents of every dollar goes back into programming.

Patty has been involved in numerous other projects benefitting the community, and she shares her sage advice.

“Look for the niches that need to be filled and figure out a way to fix it,” she emphasizes. “It’s not about a band-aid it’s about healing. Whether it’s the homes we’ve repaired or a thrift store that can generate money for the community, it doesn’t matter what it is, find a way of ensuring that funding is always available and that the fixes you are doing are permanent.”

Veterans Day Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a federal holiday beginning in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became legally known as Veterans Day.

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VETERANS DAY PARADES

A Tribute to America’s Heroes and the 80’s

Celebrate Veteran’s Day by

honoring those who served at what promises to be a true rock and roll experience! Limited space available so buy your tickets today! Proceeds directly benefit Helping Hands For Freedom so we can continue to provide emergency financial assistance for veteran and gold star families.

Veterans Day parades feature marching bands, floats, military organizations and more.

Nov. 4

Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade starts at Gavilan Peak Parkway and ends at the Community Center. This year’s parade will honor Women Veterans. Parade begins at 10 am. Visit daisymtnvets.org for more information.

Nov. 11

A magical evening of fine automobiles,

Phoenix Veterans Day Parade heads south on

Saturday, November 11, 2017 7 to 11 p.m.

East Valley Veterans Parade starts on Center St. and University; turns south on Center St. to First St. and then turns west on First St. to Robson in Mesa. Parade begins at 11 am. Visit evvp.org for more information.

Central Ave. from Montebello Dr. to Camelback Road; turns east on Camelback Road to Seventh St. and then turns south on Seventh St. where it will end at Indian School Road. Parade begins at 11 am. Visit phoenixveteransdayparade.org for more information.

Tempe Veterans Day Parade starts at ASU

Gammage and travels along Mill Ave. to Tempe Beach Park. Parade begins at 10 am. Visit facebook.com/ TempeVeteransDayParade for more information.

Tucson Veterans Day Parade starts on Alameda St. and Granada Ave. Parade begins at 11 am. Visit tucsonveteransdayparade.org for more information.

libations, comedy, live auctions, and entertainment featuring the music of Journey and Bon Jovi tribute bands DSB and Ultimate Bon Jovi.

Lusso Fine Motorcars 9024 E Bahia Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Hosted cocktail reception • Dinner • Live Auction

$100 per person

To purchase a ticket online: www.helpinghandsforfreedom.org/ events/freedom-to-rock

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 31

C h a r i ta b l e G i v i n g Helping Hands for Freedom

Jewish Free Loan

777 E. Missouri Ave. #209, Phoenix 602-845-1390 • helpinghandsforfreedom.org

3443 N. Central Ave. #707, Phoenix 602-230-7983 • jewishfreeloan.org

Helping Hands for Freedom is a Phoenix based 501c3

JFL provides interest-free loans to enhance the quality of

supporting veteran and Gold Star families with emergency

life of Jewish Arizonans. Loan areas include, but are not

financial aid.

limited to, emergency situations, medical/dental expenses,

Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix 12701 N. Scottsdale Road #202, Scottsdale 480-699-1717 • jcfphoenix.org Since 1972, the Jewish Community Foundation been

senior care needs, debt consolidation, Jewish and secular education, adoption/IVF, Jewish summer camp and Israel experiences, and small business. Confidentiality assured.

Jewish Genetic Diseases Center of Greater Phoenix

important to them. We teach and mentor our community’s

12701 N. Scottsdale Road #201, Scottsdale 480-668-3347 • jewishgeneticsphx.org

future philanthropists through our B’nai Tzedek Youth

Our “Legacy Gene Pool” offers programs and recognition for

Philanthropy Program. Through the Life & Legacy program

those who make a lasting planned gift to the Jewish Genetic

the JCF is helping other non-profits secure their own

Diseases Center of Greater Phoenix. We also work closely

financial futures.

with the Jewish Community Foundation to assist our donors

helping people support the Jewish and secular causes most

Jewish Family & Children’s Service 4747 N. Seventh St. #100, Phoenix 602-279-7655 • jfcsaz.org

in achieving their charitable giving goals.

Jewish Tuition Organization

JFCS strives to increase self-sufficiency and strengthen

12701 N. Scottsdale Road #100M, Scottsdale 480-634-4926 • jtophoenix.org

families through quality medical, behavioral health and

The Jewish Tuition Organization (JTO), a student tuition

social services. We provide counseling, emergency financial

organization (STO), provides need-based scholarships for

assistance, holiday giving, older adult and senior services,

children attending six affiliated Phoenix area Jewish day

mental health education, Jewish career services, resources,

schools. The JTO raises funds through Arizona’s dollar-

and has the only Jewish senior enrichment center in

for-dollar private school tuition tax credit available to both

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individuals and corporations. Support the JTO and impact a

Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix

child’s life today!

Limmud AZ

12701 N. Scottsdale Road #201, Scottsdale 480-481-7002 • jewishphoenix.org

10632 N. Scottsdale Road #B584, Scottsdale limmudaz.org

The Federation has a variety of ways to give, including one-

Limmud AZ’s mission is to provide a wide variety of Jews

time and recurring donations, tribute gifts, planned giving,

with numerous points of connection to Jewish life, including

special campaigns and sponsorship. No matter which way

intellectual, spiritual, emotional, familial and communal.

you choose to give, your generosity will help Jews in need

To foster a strong volunteer corps who, through planning

and build vibrant Jewish communities here, in Israel and

and participating in our events, experience the power of

around the world.

volunteerism by building Jewish identity and community.

32 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Planned Parenthood Arizona, Inc. 4751 N. 15th St., Phoenix 602-263-4216 • ppaz.org Planned Parenthood Arizona promotes and protects every person’s freedom and right to enjoy sexual health and well-being, to make reproductive choices, and to build healthy, strong families. We offer affordable, compassionate, quality reproductive health care, honest information, and unbiased, comprehensive community education programs to increase positive health outcomes.

Tucson Jewish Community Center 3800 E. River Road, Tucson 520-299-3000 • tucsonjcc.org/support Open to all, the Tucson JCC serves the greater Tucson community and is a 501c3 nonprofit agency offering vital, enriching programs. We create community, based on Jewish values, by providing the highest quality programs and services in a safe and secure environment – for all people of all ages. Approximately 30% of our membership qualify for, and receive, scholarships funded through charitable giving.

Udall Shumway PLC 1138 N. Alma School Road #101, Mesa 480-461-5300 • udallshumway.com Udall Shumway PLC is a full-service law firm providing excellent legal representation in the Phoenix-East Valley.

For generations the Jewish Community Foundation has helped families build legacies and support the causes closest to their hearts.

Establishing a fund is easy, and can be done with lifetime giving or from your estate. Options range from donor advised funds to named permanent endowment funds.

Contributions to your fund are professionally invested and managed. They grow tax free, enabling you to donate even more to your favorite charities.

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plans. Please review udallshumway.com/estateplanning for a full description of these services and and overview of our firm.

Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center 12701 N. Scottsdale Road #201, Scottsdale 480-481-7002 • vosjcc.org The J has a variety of ways to give, including one-time

Building a permanent source of financial support for a vibrant, enduring Jewish community.

and recurring donations, tribute gifts, planned giving and sponsorship. We also accept car, boat and RV donations.

No matter which way you choose to give, your generosity will help enrich lives through quality programs and by assuring there is a place for the community to gather.

12701 N Scottsdale Road, Suite 202 Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 P | 480.699.1717 F | 480.699.1807 www.jcfphoenix.org ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 33

FRONT & CENTER

Discover fine art during Hidden in the Hills artist studio tour

By Susan Kern-Fleischer

"Canyon Walls"

34 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Joan Tandet Nelson jokes that she can’t draw stick figures and she can’t paint. But, give her some colorful fabric and a sewing machine, and her creativity instantly starts to flow. Her canvas is the fabric, and rather than brushstrokes, she stitches different shapes and textures together to create bold, abstract wall pieces.

Joan is one of 174 artists participating in the 21st Annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour, which takes place from 10 am to 5 pm during the last two weekends of November (Nov. 17-19 and Nov. 24-26). A signature event of the non-profit Sonoran Arts League, the free, self-guided tour features 44 studio locations throughout the scenic Desert Foothills communities of Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale.

As Arizona’s largest and longest-running artist studio tour, Hidden in the Hills offers collectors and art enthusiasts a rare chance to observe artists at work in their private studios.

Each studio also has one or more guest artists who will demonstrate how they create their art while displaying and selling their work.

Joan grew up in a suburb of Chicago, where she cherished her time visiting the city, especially the Art Institute. Soon after receiving a degree in special education at Southern Illinois University, she married and was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom to her three children for 15 years.

“That’s when I first had the opportunity to explore my creative side through quilting,” Joan says. “I started out with traditional patterns until I discovered contemporary design.”

She took a hiatus from quilting while teaching in both California and then later in Arizona. Upon retirement from the Cave Creek Unified School District, she once again had the time to pursue her passion with fabric.

“Fabric is very tactile, and it provides a way

"Kokopelli"

for me to express myself,” Joan, a Scottsdale resident, says. “I’ve never had formal training, but I continue to study to understand color, perspective and design.

I continue to observe shape, design and the use of color in both contemporary and Impressionist art. My work has evolved quite a bit, particularly in the past two to three years.”

She finds inspiration for her fiber art from photographs she takes of desert vistas, sunsets, storms in the distance and other experiences she has both here in Arizona and on trips to other states and abroad.

“I’ve gotten to be a serviceable photographer, and I pay a lot of attention to small details, especially the way light and shadow influence composition,” she says. “The photographs help me put together a color palette, and from there I create abstract shapes, lines and curves to express the mood of my subject matter.”

She also finds inspiration from her Jewish heritage. While the temple she attended as a child was conservative, she practices a less traditional approach to Judaism.

“It was important for me to raise my children to be Jewish, but now that they’re grown and on their own, we live in a

remote area, it’s just too far to drive to temple,” Joan says. “I still keep up the traditions surrounding the Jewish holidays.”

The process of quilting also brings her tranquility. She does the piecing of the fabrics on a traditional sewing machine, and she uses a mid-sized free-motion sewing machine for most of the quilting since it allows her to move the fabric by hand in various directions.

Unlike a painter, who can sometimes cover up an error, if she makes a mistake, she has to start over. “It can be timeconsuming, but I won’t display a piece unless I’m proud of it,” she says.

She works with more than 1,000 pieces of fabric and is always continuing to acquire more.

“I started out storing them in a bedroom closet, but now they are spread all over the house,” she says, adding that some pieces she hand-dyed herself.

Joan hopes her participation in Hidden in the Hills will increase awareness of quilting as a serious art form. Her fabric wall sculptures range in size and price, with smaller pieces starting at under

Artist Joan Tandet Nelson

$100.

During the HITH tour, she will exhibit her work at ceramist Sylvia Fugmann Brongo’s Studio #35, along with guest artists, jeweler Carol Fugmann and painter Mark Christopher. For more information, call 480-575-6624 or visit hiddeninthehills.org.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 35

FRONT & CENTER

Morrine Maltzman:

Creating mosaic art masterpieces

By Melissa Hirschl

Mosaic artist Morrine Maltzman’s studio in Scottsdale is a veritable explosion of color, texture and tactile delights.

Turning traditional mosaic art on its head, Morrine utilizes a seemingly limitless cache of objects she finds locally and around the globe.

India, Italy, China, Czechoslovakia and Etsy are just a few of her sources. “I am always trying to find a new angle, incorporate a new technique, or use material I haven’t tried before,” says Morrine. “I lay awake at night thinking of all the options available to me. I start visualizing, with no idea of what I’ll come up with.”

Using wood, glass, and Plexiglas as substrates, her results are both beguiling and whimsical. Frequently spending entire days in her studio, the artist is immersed in a creative bubble that never seems to burst. Her inspirational wellspring comes from photographs, her imagination, and the natural beauty of life – namely flowers, plants, buildings, trees, landscapes and even items such as cowboy boots. Morrine also creates soulful Jewish-themed art, creating Jerusalem style buildings and hamsas. “I try to put Jewish themes that are significant to me in my works for bar/ bat mitzvahs or wedding presents,” explains Morrine. “Trees of life or hamsas make great classes for all as they cross over to many religions.”

36 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Learn to make a mosaic hamsa at the class on Dec. 10 at Temple Kol Ami

Morrine’s studio overflows with diverse supplies that coalesce into beautiful “objets d’art.” A sampling of these supplies include papers, resin, beveled and stained glass, buttons, pearls, pottery, fabric, metals, gold leaf, sand, glitter, micro beads, rhinestones and even handmade beads. “Smalti, a chunky Italian glass, provides a truly unique touch that adds a different texture to my work,” explains Morrine.

“Sometimes I incorporate ‘fireplace glass’ which is thicker and resembles puzzle pieces. I’m also fortunate to receive real copper pellets from a metalsmith I worked with in

Michigan.”

Morrine has developed her distinctive style by adding whimsical elements such as cufflinks, earrings, old jewelry and even heirlooms. “I re-purpose whenever I can,” she says, “and I let my materials speak to me.” To achieve effects that are even more cutting edge, Morrine has recently teamed up with glassfusion artist Sue Goldsand, to create Jewish art with additional flair.

Striving to empower others to create bold and beautiful artwork as well, Morrine teaches classes in her studio and many other venues in the Scottsdale community. She also coordinates mosaic parties at private homes. “Of the many workshops and

classes I’ve taken, Morrine’s is by far the best,” says student Sue Lawler. “She is so talented and creative and willing to share all her knowledge. Not only did I learn different techniques – I also had a lot of fun.”

Morrine’s quest for new frontiers has led to the creation of colorful and eclectic commissioned pieces for temples, senior centers, and private residences. Her most recent commissioned work is a resplendent and contemporary 38-inch round Jewish themed mosaic with Jerusalem style buildings around the rim.

Her resume will soon contain more distinctions; she’s been hired by Temple Kol Ami in Phoenix to teach a one-day hamsa class, on December 10. Also, she’ll be teaching at the Limmud one-day Jewish themed conference in February, a yearly, multi-faceted event.

“The thing I find so wonderful about Morrine is she is constantly striving to expand her creativity,” says Sandy Adler, a Limmud coordinator. “She is a wonderful teacher.”

A native of Michigan, Morrine possesses a master’s degree in music from the University of Michigan. After attaining the status of a professional musician, her career flourished as a piano teacher and also as an entertainer at Jewish functions and weddings. Eventually, she discovered a passion for mosaics. Studying with Yulia Hanansen, a renowned mosaic artist in Ann Arbor, MI, Morrine began creating pieces in her home that caught the eye of friends and neighbors. Soon, she was creating fireplaces, outdoor fountains, wall hangings and even backsplashes. “I have collaborated with other artists on large projects for hospitals and schools,” she explains. “Also, I started to teach classes in my home. Teaching has always been my passion. I’ve always been a teacher since age 20. I love sharing everything I know – my suppliers, my resources. I love seeing what my students create – they always put a fascinating spin on their work.”

Giving back is a strong theme in Morrine’s life. She helped design and implement mosaic projects for a children’s Relay for Life team in Michigan. These mosaic projects hang in Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor.

Since moving to Arizona, Morrine has traveled back to Michigan twice to teach classes at senior centers. Residents create small hamsas or small Jerusalem cities. “I love teaching senior citizens,” says Morrine. “They hold a special place in my heart. When you can show them that they can create something that they are proud of, it makes them so happy.”

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 37

CORNER

IT’S FINALLY FALL

By Lucia Schnitzer

Photo by Matthew Strauss

Lucia Schnitzer and her husband, Ken, own Pomelo (a full-service restaurant), Luci’s at The Orchard and Splurge (a candy and ice cream shop), all at The Orchard Phx, 7100 N 12th Street, Phoenix. They also own Luci’s Healthy Marketplace, 1590 E Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, which they opened in 2009 in Lucia’s honor after her successful battle with breast cancer.

38 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Fall is here, and the weather is finally starting to cool down. Neighbors are coming out, people are walking, running, strolling, and everyone seems to be more pleasant and happier these days.

With the holidays right around the corner, we are preparing ourselves for families to come together once again. We will be feasting, laughing and making special memories.

This recipe makes for a beautiful centerpiece dish at your next gathering, and it will be admired by all who gather at your table. In this meal, the pumpkin acts as a cooking vessel, serving bowl, and part of the meal itself. Choose a Long Island Cheese pumpkin for its creamy flesh or a Cinderella pumpkin. You can choose a smaller pumpkin like the Baby Bear for each guest – just be sure to roast for a shorter amount of time.

Enjoy the weather and each other while you capture the spirit of the holidays!

Whole Stuffed Roasted Pumpkin Ingredients

1 Long Island Cheese or Cinderella pumpkin (10- to 12-pounds) 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 4 beef Italian sausages (12 ounces) or vegan sausages, divided 12 ounces of mushrooms, quartered 1 tablespoon non-dairy butter 6 garlic cloves, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup) 1 large red onion, chopped (about 2 cups) 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 2 ½ cups unsalted chicken stock or vegetarian stock 1 ¾ cups frozen black-eyed peas ¾ teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup uncooked farro ½ pound baby red potatoes, quartered 2 large carrots, cut into ½ inch slices 1 can unsalted whole tomatoes (28 ounces) ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cut out top of pumpkin, and reserve; remove strings and seeds. Wrap pumpkin in foil; place in a large roasting pan or baking dish.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat; swirl to coat.

Add sausages; cook 6 minutes or until browned on all sides. Remove to a large plate; when cool enough to handle, cut into ½ inch slices.

Increase heat to medium-high, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to pan. Add mushrooms; sauté 7 minutes. Transfer mushrooms to plate with sausage.

Add butter and remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pan. Add garlic, celery, and onion; cook 5 minutes. Add cardamom; sauté 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add stock, peas, and salt; simmer 10 minutes. Add farro, potatoes and carrots; simmer 20 minutes.

Drain tomatoes in a colander over a bowl. Break up tomatoes with hands, allowing juices to drain. Stir tomatoes, mushrooms, sausage and parsley into stew. Ladle stew into prepared pumpkin. Place pumpkin top next to pumpkin on the pan. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until pumpkin flesh is tender and easily scooped from the sides. Serve stew along with spoonfuls of pumpkin.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 39

FOOD RESTAURANT REVIEW

taste of

Arizona

Fish of the day: Sea Bass Fact: Italian food is the most popular ethnic food in America. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that for Jewish people that is also true, although, Chinese is a very close second.

Why do we love Italian food so much? Because of garlic, and because of slow simmered sauces, flavorful cheeses and textured pasta that help create a feeling of foreign adventure in every bite. There is also a family feel to Italian cooking. Every kid is hard-wired to love spaghetti – which makes it easy to graduate to vodka sauce.

If the Tomaso’s name sounds familiar to you, it is because Chef Tomaso Maggiore has been serving Italian food in the valley for 40 years. What’s new though is his latest concept, Tomaso’s When in Rome, a trattoria-style (less formal and less expensive than a ristorante) dining experience based upon the food in Rome but sourced from locally grown ingredients.

The servers, however, seem to be imported from Italy which only adds to the authenticity and charm of the experience. It has only been open since May 2017 and already has quite a following.

There is an all-day happy hour at the bar offering small plate appetizers that are almost a full meal, along with cocktail and wine specials. They serve a fresh warm basket of baked ciabatta bread with a nice crust and super soft insides along with heavenly garlic butter. Over the course of several visits, along with several desserts, here is what I had:

THIS MONTH’S RESTAURANT

Tomaso’s When in Rome $$$

23655 N. Scottsdale Road #120, Scottsdale 480-404-6085 tomasoswheninrome.com

Luxus Reserve $14 glass

A Sicilian red wine, lightly sweet and fruity, served in a glass and a bit left over in the decanter. I am pretty sure that Tomaso is an owner of the vineyard. Next time, I’m getting the bottle.

40 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Contact A. Noshman at a.noshman@azjewishlife.com

Sicilian Cannoli & Angel Kisses

Angel Kisses $8

(Fresh strawberries filled with sweetened mascarpone cream & chocolate) If you think you are too full for dessert, order this anyway, you will be glad you did, or better yet, start your dinner with this. Every single part of it is amazing, from the sweet fruit, to the cookie-like little balls of chocolate, and the creamy mascarpone (like the best cream cheese you’ll ever have). Every bite is a wonder.

Sicilian Cannoli $8 Gnocchi Anacapri $10

(Potato dumplings stuffed with spinach & asiago cheese, tomato & basil sauce) My Midwestern dining partner, a self-proclaimed gnocchi aficionado, just loved this appetizer as did I. The creamy, melt in your mouth texture of these stuffed little dumplings made you savor each one, and if that wasn’t enough, they were swimming in a pool of simmered tomato basil sauce that was light, fresh and flavorful.

Caesar Salad $8

(Traditional Caesar salad, croutons, served in parmigiano basket) Yes, I had to try it because it is often the very telltale early sign of whether or not the food is good at an Italian restaurant, and in this case, all signs point to yes! Everything about it was fresh, light, and oh that basket of baked parmigiana underneath was a wonderful flavor bonus that I ate mostly with my fingers.

Fish of the Day $19 (lunch menu)

(Crispy shell filled with sweetened ricotta cream & chocolate) The cannoli shell was crisp and sweet as it should be, and the filling was creamy, smooth, sweet and delicious. I added a cup of coffee, and my world was complete.

Cassata Cake $8

(No menu description but the manager said he made it himself) Cassata is a traditional holiday treat made with sponge cake, and in this case, moistened with Gran Marnier, and layered with cannoli filling including ricotta cheese and candieds (candied fruit), covered in a shell of green marzipan (almond and honey frosting) and coated with powdered sugar with fresh fruit on the side. I know, what’s not to love? It was rich, moist, exploding with different textures and flavors, and the fresh fruit made you feel like there was something healthy about it.

I guess you could say it was a much better version of a holiday fruitcake. I couldn’t finish it, but it came home with me and was just as good two days later.

(No menu description but it was parmesan encrusted sea bass, risotto and sautéed vegetables) Everything at Tomaso’s is beautifully plated and this catch of the day special was no exception. A generous portion of fresh sea bass perfectly encrusted with parmesan, lay atop a creamy risotto in a tomato basil sauce, and adorned by sautéed broccoli and tomatoes. All of the wonderful flavors and textures were present. The crunchy crust complimented the softness of the fish, and the creamy risotto and soft vegetables turned the whole thing into comfort food. The tomato basil sauce tied the whole dish together perfectly.

Eggplant Roulade $8 (Happy Hour menu) (Sautéed eggplant rolled with mozzarella, ricotta & basil baked with herb tomato sauce) I love eggplant any way it comes. When I saw this on the menu I knew it was for me. Succulent pieces of eggplant in all that Italian warmth was comfort food to me. It was almost like soup and I sopped up the remaining sauce with their delicious bread.

Tomaso’s When in Rome is a little off the beaten path, halfway between North Scottsdale and Carefree but well worth the drive. There’s an outdoor patio, Roman columns on the inside, white tablecloths and great service. It’s not fast as each dish is expertly put together so leave time to relax and take in the whole experience. It’s special occasion food without needing a special occasion to be there. The all-day happy hour is quite popular, and a fun way to try different things on the menu in small-plate form. If you know you’re going out for Italian, this is a Rome you can drive to. I’ll see you there.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 41

H& Lifestyle ome

orchids

Keeping

beautiful and blooming

By Melinda Myers

42 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

L

ift your spirits, enliven your indoor décor or give the gift of beautiful blooming orchids. You’ll enjoy these exotic blossoms for months with just minimal care – once you know what to do.

Start with a healthy flowering plant. The phalaenopsis or moth orchid is the most widely available and easiest to grow. It’s similar to caring for an African violet. When you provide the proper growing conditions, maintenance is a breeze.

The challenge comes with less-than-ideal indoor growing conditions of low light and dry air. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to create a better environment for your orchid.

Keep in mind that most orchids are epiphytes. In nature, they grow on other plants and obtain water and nutrients from the air, water and plant debris that accumulates in their environment. This is why they are grown in an orchid mix made of organic material such as peat, fir bark and perlite. This or a similar combination retains water while providing needed drainage.

Give your orchid a good soaking once a week. Pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer. Don’t allow orchids to sit in water and don’t water them too often. This can lead to root rot and death of your plant.

Further improve the environment by increasing the humidity around the plant.

Group them with other orchids and indoor plants. As one plant loses moisture, or “transpires,” the others will benefit from the increase in humidity. Plus, you’ll create a beautiful display while improving the growing conditions.

Alternatively, you can create humidity trays. Place pebbles in the saucer and the pot on top of the pebbles. Allow excess water to collect in the pebbles below the pot. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around your plant. This also eliminates the need to pour off the excess water that collects in the saucer.

For larger plant collections use rubber humidity plant tray grids. These save space by allowing you to place several plants on one tray. These are perfect for growing on tables or light stands.

Place your plant in a bright location. Orchids do best with 12 to 14 hours of sunlight. Unobstructed south- or eastfacing windows are usually the best. Or give plants a boost with artificial lights. Newer full spectrum LED lights provide needed light while using less energy.

And there’s no reason to hide your orchid and light setup in the basement. Check out the attractive, new indoor grow light systems like the Coltura LED Grow Frame (gardeners.com). It can be mounted on the wall or set on a table. Either way, your orchids will be in full view for all to enjoy.

Fertilize actively growing plants with an orchid fertilizer. Michigan State University developed a fertilizer that efficiently provides the nutrients orchids need. They have “Orchid Tap Water” and “Orchid Pure Water Fertilizer” formulations. Just follow label directions for best results.

Once the plants are done flowering, you can keep them growing indoors. If you like a challenge, try reblooming. On phalaenopsis orchids, just cut back the flowering stem between the second or third node from the bottom. Or give the plant a rest and cut the flower stem back to the leaves. Continue to provide proper care and wait to see if you were successful.

You can also simply treat an orchid plant like a long-lasting bouquet. That way there’s no guilt if you decide to toss it. And if the guilt is too much, just look for an avid gardener. There’s always someone who would be happy to adopt and try to rebloom your non-flowering plant.

The Coltura LED Grow Frame.

PHOTO COURTESY GARDENERS SUPPLY COMPANY

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone” DVD set and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned

by Gardener’s Supply for her expertise to write this article. Myers’s web site is www. melindamyers.com.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 43

H& Lifestyle ome

Fashion that Gives Back

Philanthropic Fashion that Makes a Statement

By Tori Rosenblum

44 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

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oming home with shopping bags full of new clothes and accessories always makes you feel good, but imagine how much better you’d feel if the products you bought helped others in need. Now, more than ever, designers and brands are showing just how stylish charity can be.

I compiled a list of my favorite philanthropic fashion brands, both local and national, that sell fabulous products which give back to fabulous social causes!

1-THE SHINE PROJECT

The Shine Project is a nonprofit company that sells handmade jewelry to raise scholarship funds for first-generation college students. While working at an inner-city high school, Phoenix local and The Shine Project Founder Ashley LeMieux, noticed many students didn’t feel college was a possibility for them.

They’d be the first in their family to attend college, had no financial resources, and didn’t have adequate mentorship. To remain financially stable, all inner-city youth who have received scholarships from the program are then employed to make jewelry at the company’s headquarters in downtown Phoenix. Since 2011, The Shine Project has given out 40 scholarships and

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currently employs 11 inner-city students. theshineproject.com

2-SERENGETEE

Serengetee is a clothing company for a cause that started by selling pocket tee shirts and has expanded to sell backpacks, hats and accessories from around the world. The brand was founded in 2012 after college students Jeff Steitz and Ryan Westberg met on Semester at Sea, a study abroad program that travels the globe by ship. While traveling, the founders began exploring markets and collecting fabric from countries in Africa, Asia, and Central America with the will to use these fabrics to make a positive change in the world. By purchasing fabric from over 25 countries, Serengetee supports artisans, their families and ancient fabric-making traditions.

Not to mention, the brand gives back 10 percent of their profits to a diverse range of grassroots, community causes, working to improve lives in those areas. serengetee.com

1

2

3-SEVENLY

Sevenly is a clothing company that operates on the basic concept that “People Matter.” Each week the company supports a different cause and seven dollars from every “cause of the week item” 5 purchased is donated to the week’s designated charity, while seven percent of other store items bought are donated to the company’s charity partners. Since the company’s launch in 2011, it has raised more than $4 million for numerous causes.

They sell clothing and accessories for men, women and children. sevenly.org

4-TENTREE

tentree is a men’s and women’s clothing and accessories company with the mission to reforest the world 10 trees at a time. For every item sold, tentree plants 10 trees.

To date, the company has planted over 16 million trees – that’s enough trees to provide thousands of days of employment, remove a remarkable amount of pollution from the air and restore tens of thousands of acres of land. tentree items

4 are also made with ethically responsible manufacturing practices. tentree.com

5-FEED

FEED was founded in 2007 with the idea of creating products that would motivate people to take part in the fight against hunger. The brand sells an assortment of different style bags including totes and cross-body styles; jewelry and accessories, baby clothing and tees for men and women. Every product FEED sells has a number on it that represents the amount of meals or micronutrient packets provided with its purchase.

With each product sold, FEED helps provide meals to local and international communities. feedprojects.com This holiday season, put your best-dressed foot forward. Check out these fashionable philanthropies and give back!

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 45

Y T L REA

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Residential Home Sales, Leasing and Property Management Serving the Residents of McCormick Ranch Since 1974 Residential HomeSales, Sales, Leasing Property Management Furnished & Unfurnished Rentals Available Year-Round Residential Home Leasingand and Property Management Serving the Residents of McCormick Ranch Since 1974 Serving the Residents of McCormick Ranch Since 1974 Long & Rentals ShortAvailable Term Year-Round Lease Agreements Furnished and Unfurnished

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7353 N. Via Paseo Del Sur • Scottsdale, AZ 85258 www.RanchRealty.com

A home in the Historic Roosevelt Neighborhood

Home Tours

By Mala Blomquist

Three unique home tours are happening in November.

Whether you want to see what urban living at it’s finest in Phoenix looks like, or you want to take a peek at beautifully restored homes from the turn of the century. Perhaps you want to take a short drive out Wickenburg way. Whatever tour you pick, stunning homes are waiting for you to explore.

Stephen L. West Estate Planning Transaction

Curtis M. Chipman Estate Planning Transaction

Our Estate Planning & Transaction Team Providing Excellent Legal Representation to Individuals and Businesses Throughout The Phoenix/East Valley for Over 50 Years

Midtown Urban Living Tour

The Midtown Neighborhood Association hosts this selfguided tour that features eight of Midtown’s finest buildings for tour goers to explore. Each venue is located within walking distance of the light rail for participants to get a true feel for urban living. The tour includes visits to Regency on Central, Artisan Lofts on Central, Chateau de Ville, Phoenix Towers, Tapestry on Central, Villa del Coronado, The Muse and Edison Midtown.

When: Nov. 4 from 11 am to 5 pm Where: Regency on Central (Encanto Light Rail Station),

480.461.5300 | WWW.UDALLSHUMWAY.COM 1138 NORTH ALMA SCHOOL ROAD, SUITE 101 MESA, ARIZONA 85201 MESA | PHOENIX | YUMA 46 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

2323 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Tickets: $15 online; $20 day of event Info: midtownphx.org/urban-living-tour

Wickenburg Tour of Homes

Sponsored by Las Senoras de Socorro, the home tour benefits the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. Includes a

Jewish Life_CAS Sigma July 2017.pdf 1 6/27/2017 10:28:49 AM

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self-tour of four distinctive Southwestern homes, entrance to the Desert Caballeros Western Museum and a holiday market at the Community Center.

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When: Nov. 4 from 9 am to 3 pm Where: Community Center, 150 N.

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Valentine St., Wickenburg Tickets: $25 Info: lassenoras.org

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Historic Roosevelt Neighborhood Home Tour

This tour, hosted by the Roosevelt Action Association, features many historic properties from Phoenix’s first “suburb.”

Explore turn-of-the-century architecture (Bungalows, Neoclassical, Tudor, Period Revival and Southwest Vernacular Homes) of homes built between 1893 and 1930. The tour will also feature a craft fair and food trucks.

When: Nov. 19 from10 am to 3 pm Where: McDowell to Van Buren and

Central to Seventh Ave., Phoenix Tickets: $13-$22 Info: rooseveltneighborhood.org

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 47

ACTIVELY SENIOR 48 Libby & Bernie Weiner 50 Grandparents raising grandchildren 52 Casitas at Maravilla 54 Holiday help for Seniors 56 Ed Asner 58 Fall prevention 59 Ask the matchmaker 62 Senior Caregiver/Provider Directory

48 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Libby and Bernie Weiner: Not sitting on the sidelines

By Leni Reiss

I

n the mid-1960s Libby and Bernie Weiner would escape the winter weather in Kankakee, a small town a few hours from Chicago where Bernie headed a successful insurance agency, to soak up the sunshine here in the Valley.

When and why did the couple make the move permanent?

Bernie recalls, “In the early ‘80s recession, major companies were relocating from our area. I came home one day and said to Libby, either I retire – or we move to Chicago.”

Libby picks up the story: “No retirement! I suggested we moved here to Phoenix because we had vacationed here for several years and liked it. Our daughter had gone to school here.

We already owned a condo here – and if we weren’t happy, we could always go back to Illinois!”

It turned out to be a very good move on many levels.

Their son, David (presently serving as co-chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix board of directors) previously had made the move. Also in the insurance trade, he says his father already had sold insurance to everyone in Kankakee, “so there was no one left!”

The couple have two other children: a son, who is an attorney in Chicago and a daughter, the mother of their two grandchildren, lives in Denver.

Once the Weiners settled in, Bernie and David joined forces to form Weiner Insurance. “David had broken ground, Bernie recalls, “but it was a challenge. We were good prospectors, though, even knocking on doors, and little by little we grew.”

He adds with parental pride, “We’ve never had one argument!” and, he adds, “David has taken Jewish involvement so much further than we ever have!”

Although David now holds the title of president, Bernie, at age 85, still is active in the company and maintains and services clients “doing whatever needs to be done” in the Chicago area. “I still love to work,” he says. “It keeps me on my toes.”

From the outset, the Weiners did connect with the local Jewish community. “Both of our families were involved in our

Bernie Weiner is standing in front of a framed photo of him completing a recent 5K run. hometowns, so it was natural for us to follow in their footsteps,” Libby says. Federation and Brandeis were among the beneficiaries of their support, along with memberships in Temple Solel and Temple Chai. And Libby says her late and beloved dog, Miss Ellie, “as human a dog as ever lived,” helped to make friends wherever they went. Not as physically active as once they were (golf and tennis for both of them and marathon running for Bernie), they now enjoy the Phoenix Symphony and performances at Scottsdale Center for The Arts, where this year they are sponsoring a performance by a Korean pianist. And they always are on the hunt, they say, for great restaurants.

They have lived for the past three years in an art-filled casita at Sagewood, the popular adult community with easy access to the Musical Instrument Museum.

“I still love to work, it keeps me on my toes.”

—Bernie Weiner Now celebrating 60 years of marriage, Libby says with a laugh, “We have fun together. It wasn’t love at first sight,” she laughs, “but we grew on each other!” Mutual student friends at the University of Illinois had fixed them up, and Libby remembers hearing that Bernie, a Korean War vet, had a new coral and white Ford, a gift from his family. So she dressed for their “Coke date” in a color to match the car. They married a year and a half later.

Son David observes, “My parents are growing older in a fun way. They aren’t sitting on the sidelines. They embrace where they are in life, and they take care of each other. They are aging well!”

Libby Weiner has played piano since age 8, and is taking weekly lessons on the grand piano in their Sagewood home.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 49

ACTIVELY SENIOR

A place for grandparents raising grandchildren

By Mala Blomquist

D

custody, we can help uet has been with that. We are not a in the Valley legal service, but we can for more than provide resources.”

30 years, working on Because grandparents improving the quality don’t often get a of life for older adults. break from parenting Duet is an interfaith duties, Duet offers nonprofit and offers respite assistance for services to people of all grandparents age faiths. Their primary 55 and older. Funds areas of focus are: may be available to connecting homebound pay for part (or all, in adults who are no some circumstances) longer able to drive of registration fees or with caring volunteers tuition for camps, afterwho provide rides to school activities, lessons the store or medical and enrichment classes. appointments; support Duet also plans groups for family monthly outings so that caregivers; training These kids are all smiles at a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren grandparents and their nurses in different picnic last March. grandchildren can meet faith communities to others in similar situations help them establish health and participate in fun activities to places like McCormickprograms within their local congregations; and assistance for Stillman Railroad Park, Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch, Arizona grandparents raising grandchildren.

Science Center and recently, an overnight trip to Tombstone.

The last program, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, There is also a Grandfamilies Holiday Party planned for Dec. 15 provides support groups, workshops, activities for families, respite that is free to attend, but registration is required. care, legal assistance and information and referral for grandparents On Nov. 17, Duet is holding a Gaining Guardianship of Your who, for a variety of reasons are raising their grandchildren.

Grandchild workshop at their location at 555 W. Glendale Ave. According to Duet’s website, in Arizona, more than 100,000 in Phoenix from 3 to 5 pm. Volunteer lawyers from Children’s children are being raised by their grandparents or other relatives.

Law Center through Community Legal Services will be assisting Nationwide, that number is more than 5 million. Many parents grandparents with a guardianship petition, providing legal advice are unable to take care of their children due to substance abuse, and answering questions regarding uncontested guardianship. incarceration, mental illness, child abuse or death.

Space is limited, and reservations can be made by calling 602Once a grandparent looking for assistance contacts Duet, they 274-5022 ext. 20. will be referred to resources that will help them in their unique “We are providing resources for a segment of the population situation. They also offer monthly support groups in the East that you don’t necessarily think of when you are thinking of the Valley, Central Phoenix and the far West Valley. “It’s a place traditional American family,” says Shelly. “The program is very where grandparents can go to meet up with other grandparents. popular, and we have a ton of demand in the Valley.”

We call them grandfamilies,” says Shelly Everson, public relations For more information on Grandparents Raising coordinator for Duet. “They can go and get the support they need.

Grandchildren or other programs that Duet offers, We also have a lot of partnerships with groups across the Valley, visit duetaz.org. where, for example, a grandparent is in need of information about

50 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

RELIABLE, RELIABLE,KINDHEARTED KINDHEARTED IN-HOMECAREGIVERS CAREGIVERS IN-HOME We provide in-home caregivers to older adults and the physically challenged within the community.

For Assistance a Few Hours a Day or Up to 24 Hours

We provide in-home caregivers to &older adults and the Locally owned operated by Eric & Denise Kaye.

We provide in-home caregivers physically challenged within the community.

Ultimately, it’s your experience that matters.

To be sure, we’re proud of our 29 years of experience in senior living. But, to us, what really matters is your experience at our communities.

We do everything with that idea clearly in mind. So, go ahead, enjoy yourself with great social opportunities and amenities.

Savor fine dining every day. And feel assured that assisted living services are always available if needed.

We invite you to experience The Village at Ocotillo for yourself at a complimentary lunch and tour. Please call now to schedule.

Connections in Home Care, LLC

to olderFor adults and the 3420 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 200 Assistance aphysically Few Hours a Da Phoenix, AZ 85028 or the Up •community. to 24 Hours challenged within (602) 708-8626 www.chcaz.org

RELIABLE, K IN-HOME C Locally owned & operated by Eric & Denise Kaye.

Connections in Home Care, LLC For Assistance a Few Hours Blvd., Suite 200 a Day or3420 Up E. toShea 24 Hours Phoenix, AZ 85028

(602) 708-8626 • www.chcaz.o Locally owned & operated by Eric & Denise Kaye.

Connections in Home Care, LLC

3420 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 200 Phoenix, 85028 in-home WeAZprovide

care (602) 708-8626 • www.chcaz.org physically challenge

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990 West Ocotillo Road • Chandler, AZ SRGseniorliving.com • 480.558.0246

(602) 70 ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 51

THE CASITAS AT MARAVILLA SCOTTSDALE

A Luxury Retirement Lifestyle like No Other THOSE LOOKING for a distinctive design, unparalleled amenities and a superior level of service and friendly atmosphere need look no further than the Casitas at Maravilla Scottsdale.

Located in North Scottsdale, Maravilla features a sophisticated blend of Arizona comfort and style reflected in warm Spanish Colonial architecture coupled with resort-style services and amenities.

Spacious courtyard plazas are dotted with outdoor fireplaces and fountains. Elegant, contemporary interiors are accented by handmade tiling, dramatic vaulted ceilings with wooden beams and one-of-a-kind artwork to create a luxurious, welcoming ambiance.

The Casitas at Maravilla Scottsdale are 1,750 to 1,900 square foot homes with their own, private garages in a European motor court design. Floor plans feature flowing two bedrooms plus den, large living rooms and beautiful, full kitchens with exquisite appointments. The perfect option for those who enjoy a little bit of privacy with the benefits of a resort retirement community setting, Casitas residents enjoy all of the community’s world-class amenities. Multiple dining venues, library and Internet lounge, theater and a spacious Clubhouse with fitness 52 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

center, indoor, heated swimming pool, spa are just some of the many benefits residents enjoy daily.

No need to worry about doing the chores, residents enjoy weekly housekeeping service with heating, air conditioning, water, sewer and trash removal all included in the monthly fee. The convenience of a maintenancefree lifestyle allows residents the time to pursue opportunities and interests – old and new. Whether it’s utilizing the community’s outstanding amenities, participating in a fun-filled outing or simply relaxing at home, residents shape their lifestyle with the full calendar of social, cultural, physical and educational opportunities that are available.

Those dedicated to health and wellness may enjoy the variety of fitness classes such as Zumba, yoga and Tai Chi, to water aerobics and balance training.

Lifelong learning is easily accessible through interactive wellness workshops and university level courses and lectures offered

by ASU’s Osher Lifelong Learning. Residents who are looking to flex their creative muscles enjoy the community’s many instructional classes and very own art gallery.

Further enhancing residents’ lifestyles are outings to local museums, theater

productions, high-end shopping and dining venues and other popular local entertainment destinations. Not to mention, residents also can enjoy access to the amenities and services of the neighboring Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort and TPC golf courses.

And, when residents are ready to relax and unwind, you may find them visiting with friends and family in Maravilla’s Scottsdale’s courtyard or café, watching the latest game in the Clubhouse living room, listening to musical entertainment on the patio, or enjoying a cocktail before dining at the Ironwood Grill.

In addition to the Casitas, residents can select from an assortment of spacious courtyard residences featuring contemporary, custom design touches. Should the need arise, Maravilla Scottsdale residents also enjoy the assurance that quality care and services are offered through the community’s licensed and accredited assisted living and memory care programs.

All of these components make up the lifestyle that so many of Maravilla Scottsdale’s residents enjoy. To learn more and schedule a personal tour, please call 480-359-1345 or visit maravillascottsdale.com.

Your Care Agency A S S I S T E D L I V I N G C O N S U LTA N T S

WHAT WE DO • Educate you on the options • Locate Assisted Living • Guide you through the process • Arrange for movers • Referrals to other services

HOW WE DO IT • Face-to-face meeting and assessment • Background check each place • Agent comes on tour with you • Assistance with paperwork

Contact: Jonathan Shaw 480-203-5983 JShaw@YourCareAgency.com www.YourCareAgency.com

A little help.

A big difference.

Assisted living services that are about the whole family and the whole YOU. But the best part? No matter if you need a little help or a lot, the difference you’ll feel will be amazing. Please call Maravilla Scottsdale to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour.

7325 E. Princess Blvd.

Scottsdale, AZ • 480.359.1345 MaravillaScottsdale.com Ca sita s | Cou rt ya r d R esidences In depen den t & A ssisted Li v ing | Memory Ca r e

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 53

ACTIVELY SENIOR

Holiday help for seniors

By Mala Blomquist

T

he Jewish Family & Children’s Service’s Annual Holiday Program not only offers help for families in need, but it also assists seniors in the community. The seniors that will be helped by the program are all receiving services through JFCS. All of the services that JFCS provides seniors – whether it be counseling, case management, advocacy, behavioral health or referrals – are all delivered in their own home.

“One thing most of our senior clients have in common is 54 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

that they are isolated, they don’t have a lot of support,” explains JFCS’s Jewish Social Services Manager, Kathy Rood, LAC. “A lot of them are also incredibly low income. We have clients who have to choose between buying medication or groceries.”

Through the holiday program, each senior receives a $50 gift card and a bag of gift items. The JFCS is always looking for donations of the gift items. They like to include gifts that the seniors will not only enjoy, but that will benefit them.

Items that stimulate the mind are welcome, such as crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, adult coloring books and supplies, and large print novels. They also like to include utilitarian things such as lap blankets, coffee mugs, flashlights or nightlights and large number calculators. Self-care items are such as toiletries, colognes, cosmetics for women, grooming items and supplies are popular. And they also put some treat in too, such as cookies or candies, tea or coffee.

“When they receive a gift card and a bag of gifts, it touches them deeply. It may be the one gift they get this year,” says Kathy. “It has more than one meaning. It helps them financially, but it also helps them feel like they are a part of something greater. It helps them feel like a part of the community.” Kathy explains that they help Jewish and non-Jewish seniors alike and that theirs is the only program in the Valley that offers assistance for both Chanukah and Christmas. “We help our fellow human beings,” she says.

Kathy says that they receive donations by way of sponsors, new ones and those that return year after year. Contributions also come from individuals who will go shopping for needed items. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be part of it,” she explains.

“We get a lot of monetary donations, too. If a person can’t, or doesn’t want to go out and shop, they can send in money to the program or donate on the JFCS website.”

The program kicks off every year right after Yom Kippur, with a deadline of the first week of December to gather all the items. Anything that they are lacking, Kathy will go on a shopping trip of her own to fill the gaps. “There’s about 10 of us on the older adult ‘team,’ and we have our own holiday gathering once a year and we put the packages together,” she says. Each therapist or caseworker will have their list of people that they’ve submitted to the program and that they are putting the packages together for, so they know these people and keep them in mind when assembling their gifts.

Last year the program helped 90 seniors, the most they’ve ever had. Usually, there are around 70 that receive packages. For more information on the holiday program, contact Kathy Rood directly at 602-452-4627 or email her at Kathy.rood@jfcsaz.org.

To donate online, visit jfcsaz.org.

Big things are happening in your backyard.

Introducing Mirabella at Arizona State University, a brand-new Life Plan Community on the campus of one of the most dynamic research universities in the country, just steps from the historic ASU Gammage theater. Offering a wealth of programs and activities, Mirabella aims to help you make the next chapters of your life the best chapters of your life. And with three penthouse restaurants and more than 250 of the largest view residences in the valley, it is high-rise urban living at its finest.

Our new model home is now open!

602-777-7701

1155 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 110 | Tempe, AZ 85281 602-777-7701 | mirabellaliving.com/ASU Mirabella at Arizona State University is a nonprofit, resident-centered community developed in partnership with Pacific Retirement Services and Arizona State University. Equal housing opportunity.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 55

ACTIVELY SENIOR

Ed Asner: Actor, activist and Grouchy Historian

By Deborah Moon

Grouchy Historian, Ed Asner.

PHOTO BY TIM LEYES

ACTOR ED ASNER IS A GROUCHY OLD MAN (just ask him).

Thirty-five years after his popular TV drama “Lou Grant” was canceled as Asner spoke out against U.S. policy in Central America, Asner is still a vocal and fiery activist working to alleviate the wrongs he sees in society.

On Oct. 14, Asner was in Tucson to emcee a Humane Borders dinner to recognize volunteers and raise funds for the nonprofit, charitable organization that works to save the lives of illegal immigrants. Humane Borders works to prevent death in the desert by establishing and maintaining a legally permitted system of water stations, as well as working in partnership with the Pima County Medical Examiner’s office to map the deaths that do occur. You can read about the organization’s work on our website at azjewishlife.com/gift-time-saves-lives.

When he turns 88 on Nov. 15, Asner will be in the middle of a 13day road trip performing his one-man show, “A Man and His Prostate,” and speaking about his new book. The Grouchy Historian: An Old-Time Lefty Defends Our Constitution Against Right-Wing Hypocrites and Nutjobs which was released in October. Both projects are collaborative efforts with Ed Weinberger, with whom he last worked when Weinberger produced and wrote for the “Mary Tyler Moore Show” where the character of Lou Grant was created.

“It is intimidating me a great deal,” says Asner, noting the trip includes a lot of travel, performing and speaking engagements. “I’m getting too old for that crap. … I’m lucky to be able to sit and digest my paper thoroughly.”

Yet he’s still acting on stage and television, and performing as a voice actor. The seven-time Emmy winner has guest-starred on several TV shows in the past decade including “CSI: NY” and “The Good Wife.”

In 2009 he starred as the voice of Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s animated film “Up,” which he says was mislabeled a kids’ film. “I call it a double love story,” he says. He adds that the old man’s rediscovery of love and adventure after the death of his beloved wife, Ellie, is a stirring reminder for seniors that life can find new highs.

Asner had reconnected with Weinberger in 2015 to star in the play based on Weinberger’s seven-day stay in an Italian hospital with a prostate condition. Though 90% of men older than 85 have prostate problems, Asner says his prostate is just fine. “Every 16 minutes a man dies in this country from prostate cancer,” he says. “The show has a lot of laughs and important information one should know about prostate cancer.”

The show hadn’t been on the road for long when the 2016 presidential campaign season took an ostentatious turn. (Throughout the interview for this piece, Asner never mentioned President Trump’s name; he referred only to this administration or this president.)

“The call to truth and honesty and the need to improve the state of our deteriorating democracy necessitated our collaboration,” says Asner of the pair’s new book.

Asner says he hopes The Grouchy Historian will make people “think very carefully when someone claims to know what the framers of the Constitution had done.” Promotional materials for the book say, “There’s no way that two hundred-plus years later, the right-wing ideologues know how to interpret the Constitution. On their way home from Philadelphia, the people who wrote it couldn’t agree on what it meant.”

Asner adds, “I encourage everyone to see the Constitution as a living, breathing document to be played with and managed to increase the justice we live by.”

56 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Enhancing Life — Advancing Wellness® WE OFFER A COMPLETE CONTINUUM OF CARE • Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care • Skilled Nursing • (CMS 5-Star & HSAG Platinum Level)

www.palazzohc.com 6250 N. 19th Avenue • Phoenix • AZ 85015

602.433.6300

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 57

ACTIVELY SENIOR

Preventing trips, slips and falls

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ccording to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans.

Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs. Older

HEALTH It is best to get a hearing and vision screening annually. Problems with vision can result in not being able to avoid an object, especially in dim light. Some hearing issues may be related to the part of the ear that also affects balance.

Some medications can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy, so take the time to get up slowly from a bed or chair if you experience this.

Bone strength is another item to discuss with your doctor. Discuss whether a vitamin D or calcium supplement is needed. Weak bones can equate to fractures and breaks during falls. Your doctor also can run tests to determine bone density and bone health.

It’s also important to remain hydrated, even when the weather is colder. Make sure you drink enough water to avoid feeling weak or dizzy.

adults who fear falling sometimes limit their activities and social engagements. That limited social engagement could then lead to depression, isolation and further physical decline.

The good news is you can take steps to help prevent falls.

HOME SAFETY Go through each room and remove or repair items that could potentially cause a fall, such as throw rugs, loose carpeting, raised thresholds, or uneven tile or hardwood. Keeps electrical cords and clutter out of walkways and hallways.

Wear properly fitting, sturdy shoes with nonskid soles instead of floppy slippers or stocking feet. Sensible shoes may also help to reduce joint pain.

Keep the house well lit, especially at the top and bottom of staircases. Install nightlights that go on automatically in hallways and bathrooms, or leave an overhead light on at night.

Make sure that any stairs in the home have a sturdy handrail. Grab handles can also be installed in the bathroom for safety. Make sure you have nonskid mats in the tub or shower area. Always take care when entering or exiting the tub or shower.

For those that live alone, consider investing in an alert device that will notify first responders for emergency assistance if you fall. It’s also a good idea to keep a cordless phone or cell phone close by.

EXERCISE Almost any activity that keeps you on your feet and moving, like walking, can help maintain proper balance. But staying steady as one ages becomes a challenge because of age-related muscle loss. Muscles hold the joints and bones in place, so losing muscle mass equates to a decrease in stability.

Simple things such as standing on one leg while doing the dishes, walking heel-to-toe, getting out of a chair without using your hands or doing squats can all be beneficial.

Working on strengthening the core and lower-body muscles can improve stability. Tai Chi and yoga classes along with working out with weights can all help you build muscle and improve balance.

FALL STATISTICS FOR SENIORS According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: • One in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year.

• Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.

• Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.

• Falls result in more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including more than 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 deaths.

• In 2014, the total cost of fall injuries was $31 billion.

• The financial toll for older adult falls is expected to increase as the population ages and may reach $67.7 billion by 2020.

58 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

ACTIVELY SENIOR

Ask the Matchmaker

W

e asked some single seniors for questions they would like to ask Karen Stein of MyTopMatchmaker. Here are those questions and her responses.

KAREN STEIN

Is it realistic to expect chemistry on a first date?

While it isn’t unrealistic, we still should manage our expectations. We establish words like “chemistry,” “spark,” “connection” or whatever word you use as immediate reactions that are necessary starting points in any relationship, but that simply isn’t the case. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen matches grown into life-long relationships from what appeared to be humble beginnings. We have to remember this isn’t a movie, media has warped our perception of love, and we require an emotional investment beyond a first date.

Plain and simple, true attraction/chemistry, the kind that lasts, is grown.

Between men and women, who has the most realistic expectations regarding a potential match?

With my experience, I know better to categorize genders one way or the other because I have seen it all. For instance, I have young clients who are far more practical than my older clients, so it just depends on the individual, not so much the gender, or even age. Part of what I do when I first meet with clients is to understand the ins and outs of their history. The more I understand my clients, the more we can manage these expectations and discover what they need moving forward. While we might know what we want, or think we do, part of this process is beginning to realize what we need. What I can say is, is that women are far more verbose in their feedback after their dates, while men are more to the point, but I think both men and women are grasping at the same things through slightly different lenses.

What has been the funniest first date that your clients have reported to you?

We have many couples going out during the same evening, but I never send them to the same restaurant, but around the time we just opened up, it happened. Two different dates ended up at the same restaurant. The man from one date and the woman from another found themselves walking back from the restroom at the same time and through a quick conversation informed each other they were on a blind date – realizing both through me. After some inquiring on their parts, and some back and forth, I set them up, and they are still together today! Not only that, a month later, the other lady and gentleman waiting at their tables would eventually be introduced by me and are getting married early next year!

To set up a free consultation with Karen, call 602-616-0026 or 520-318-5520. You can also visit MytopMatchmaker.com and fill out a form.

ANDARA A NEW YEARČ A NEW

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ACTIVELY SENIOR

SENIOR CAREGIVER/ PROVIDER DIRECTORY Her 13 years of hospice and memory care nursing experience gives Debbie deep insight into how to care for, empathize with, and lovingly support our residents and their families.

Andara Senior Lifestyle Community

11415 N. 114th St., Scottsdale 480-451-1800 seniorlifestyle.com/Andara Caregiver's name: Bharti Mehta Bharti Mehta is poised and compassionate. She is a proactive decision maker who always considers the unique needs of our residents and the best long-term outcome. Most of all, Bharti is endeared by the Andara residents she cares for – which is the biggest compliment of all!

Connections In Home Care

3420 E. Shea Blvd. #200, Phoenix 602-708-8626 • chcaz.org Connections In Home Care connects Valley older adults with kindhearted, reliable, caregivers that treat clients like family and help them achieve successful daily living at home.

Jewish Family & Children’s Service

Banker Law Office, PLLC

4530 E. Shea Blvd. #140, Phoenix 480-626-0182 phoenixelderlaw.com Provider's name: Yvette N. Banker Banker Law Office, PLLC and Yvette N. Banker are compassionate and experienced lawyers. The firm can assist you and your family with Guardianships and Conservatorships of minors or adults, Probate Administration, Wills and Trusts.

Barton House

7001 & 7007 E. Mountain View Road, Scottsdale 480-991-9912 thebartonhouse.com Caregiver's name: Debbie DeVries, LPN Debbie is a kind, compassionate, caring and clinically skilled nurse.

She excels at both the medical and non-medical care of our residents.

62 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

2017 N. 7th St., Phoenix 602-452-4627 • jfcsaz.org Provider’s name: Kathy Rood, Manager of Jewish Social Services Kathy Rood, a counselor with 18 years at JFCS, manages vital programs for the agency. Be it, emergency financial assistance, career services, holiday programs, holocaust services, or information and referral for the older adult and Jewish communities, she is the first point of contact. She is most proud of the newest program, JFCS Memory Café.

Maravilla Scottsdale - A SRG Senior Living Community 7325 E. Princess Blvd., Scottsdale 480-359-1345

MaravillaScottsdaleLiving.com

Caregiver's name: Rebecca Chavez Rebecca Chavez has been a member of the SRG team for over ten years. Now at Maravilla Scottsdale, Rebecca

ACTIVELY SENIOR

SENIOR CAREGIVER/ PROVIDER DIRECTORY is truly a caring professional that is always looking to help residents in whatever way she can. She always goes above and beyond for her co-workers – especially for the residents she loves to care for.

The Palazzo

6250 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix 602-433-6300 • palazzohc.com The Palazzo is a full continuing care community offering independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care. Our residents find a caring, compassionate and devoted staff to accommodate virtually every request. Come by The Palazzo to see our beautifully renovated apartments, Café, extensive activities and programs designed with you in mind.

The Springs of Scottsdale

3212 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale 480-941-9026 • thespringsofscottsdale.com What if there was a place you could live where you did not have to worry about chores or cooking or even transportation? What if this place included your own private apartment, a warm and secure environment with more conveniences than at your current home?

You could come and go as you please; you’d have many new friends, time to play and most importantly – peace of mind. Quality of life.

Zen Senior Living

11645 N. 25th Pl., Phoenix 602-992-0717 zenseniorliving.com Provider's name: Ashley Johnson Ashley is adept at handling a variety of client issues and problems with kindness and professionalism. She is dedicated to providing service and client satisfaction. Ashley also provides a caring and compassionate attitude to all that she comes in contact with.

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The Village at Ocotillo

990 W. Ocotillo Road, Chandler 480-558-0246 TheVillageatOcotilo.com Caregiver's name: Joseph Renteria Joseph Renteria is an exceptional caregiver who has been a part of The Village at Ocotillo’s team since 2015.

Residents and staff alike love to work with Joseph, and his smile and positive attitude are noticed by all. The love for his job is attributed to the enjoyment he receives from helping others.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 63

K I D S

and teens too!

Marysvale Farmers Market at El Oso Park

Farmers market fun

By Mala Blomquist

Fall in Arizona is when the famers markets in the Valley get back into full swing. These markets are not only a great way to get out and enjoy the cooler weather, but they are also an excellent opportunity to turn a fun, family outing into a learning experience.

On a trip to the local grocery store, if may be a difficult concept for your child to understand where all that food comes from in the produce department. At a farmers market, they can meet the actual farmer who grew the fruits and vegetables and ask them questions. It helps them to make connections between the food they eat and where it comes from. They might discover a fondness for a new food that they sample at the market, or realize that tomatoes taste entirely different when they were picked hours earlier.

Fresh produce is not the only thing that is for sale at the farmers markets. Other food items include meat, fish, dairy products, honey, jellies, salsas, snacks, pickled items, sauces, artisan breads, cakes and cookies. There are also non-food vendors at some markets, selling bath and beauty products, clothing, jewelry, furniture and more. Many offer activities for the kids and themed markets around holidays.

There are farmers markets all over the Valley from Ahwatukee to Verrado, so chances are good one is happening close to you this weekend. We have compiled a list to make them easy to locate.

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64 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

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Ahwatukee Farmers Market

4700 E. Warner Road, Phoenix Located in the parking lot of the Ahwatukee Community Swim & Tennis Center Sundays 9 am-1 pm Oct.-May; 8-11 am June-Sept. facebook.com/AhwatukeeFarmersMarket

Anthem Farmers Market

42424 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy, Anthem Sundays 9 am-1 pm Oct.-May; 8-11 am June-Aug. facebook.com/AnthemFarmersMarket

Carefree Farmers Market

101 Easy St., Carefree Located at Carefree Desert Gardens Fridays 7 am-1 pm year-round carefree.org

Farmers Market North Scottsdale at Troon North 10037 E. Dynamite Road, Scottsdale 1st & 3rd Saturdays 9 am- 1 pm Oct.-May 8711 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale 2nd & 4th Saturdays 9 am-1 pm Oct.-May farmersmarketnorthscottsdale.com

Gilbert Farmers Market

222 N. Ash St., Gilbert Saturdays 8 am-noon Oct.-March; 7 am-11 am April-Sept. gilbertmarket.com

Glendale Farmers Market

NEC of 59th Ave & Myrtle, Glendale Every other Saturday 9 am-1 pm Oct.-May glendalefarmersmarket.org

Goodyear Community Farmers Market

Old Town Farmers Market 3806 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale Saturdays 8 am-1 pm Oct.-June experiencescottsdale.com

Open Air Market at Phoenix Public Market 21 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Saturdays 8 am-1 pm Oct.-April; 8 am-noon May-Sept. phxpublicmarket.com

Roadrunner Park Farmers Market

3502 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix Saturdays 8 am-1 pm Oct.-May; 7 am-11 am June-Sept. facebook.com/RoadrunnerParkFarmersMarket

San Tan Valley Farmers Market 2505 E. Germann Road, San Tan Valley Located at Combs High School 2nd Saturday of the month 7 am-2 pm santanvalleyfarmersmarket.com

Sun City Farmers Market

16820 N. 99th Ave., Sun City Thursdays 9 am-1 pm Oct.-May facebook.com/Sun-City-Farmers-Market

Uptown Farmers Market

5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Wednesdays 9 am-1 pm Oct.-April; 8 am-noon May-June Saturdays 9 am-1 pm Nov.-April; 8 am-noon May-Oct. (held indoors June-Aug.) uptownmarketaz.com

Verrado Farmers Market 4239 N. Village St., Buckeye Sundays 10 am-2 pm Nov.-May verrado.com

3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear Saturdays 9am-noon Oct.-May goodyearaz.gov

Litchfield Park/Wigwam Farmers Market 300 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park Sundays 9:30 am-1:30 pm Nov.-April facebook.com/Wigwamfarmersmarket

Maryvale Farmers Market at El Oso Park 3451 N. 75th Ave., Phoenix Saturdays 8 am-noon Oct. & Nov. facebook.com/MaryvaleFarmersMarketatElOsoPark

Momma’s Organic Market

9744 W. Northern Ave., Peoria Located in the Park West shopping center Saturdays 9 am-2 pm Sept.-April mommasorganicmarket.com

Old Town Farmers Market in Scottsdale ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 65

KIDS

Dinosaurs in the Desert

66 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

By Mala Blomquist

You know when you hear an iconic theme song from a movie – how that can give you a thrill and make your heart beat a little faster? I had that exact feeling when I was getting ready to enter Dinosaurs in the Desert, the new exhibit at the Phoenix Zoo and was greeted by the music from Jurassic Park.

The Desert Lives Trail at sunset was the perfect setting for the 23 prehistoric animatronic creatures that move and make sounds and seem eerily real. There are educational signs about each dinosaur that highlights their size, interesting facts and how their adaptations compare to modern species.

Interpretive guides from the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo and local experts are on hand to answer your questions, and that is how I learned that the velociraptors in Jurassic Park were actually Utahraptors. You see, velociraptors are only the size of a mediumsized dog, so not very threatening. Utahraptors, by contrast, are 5- to 6-feet tall, but their name is not very intimidating. Through the magic of Hollywood and some artistic license, the raptors switched names for the movie. It was also recently discovered that the Utahraptor was covered in feathers – another fact that would have rendered them a little less frightening on the big screen.

The zoo also took some artistic license as you will notice that some of the dinosaurs look a little familiar. Several of the creatures have been custom painted to represent colors and patterns of today’s desert dwellers. There is an Edomontonia painted like a Gila monster, a Coelophysis painted like a Gamble’s quail, and a Citipati painted like a Chiricahua leopard frog to name a few.

Also featured among the custom-painted dinosaurs, are a Stegosaurus mother and baby that feature the two grand prize winning designs from the Design-o-Saur coloring contest. This contest was open to children ages 3-12, and the zoo received more than 1,000 entries.

The self-guided tour of the exhibit takes about 25-30 minutes to go through, but you may want to linger a little longer for a perfect selfie with a prehistoric pal.

Spoiler alert! My favorite part was at the end of the exhibit. Among the desert vegetation, you will come upon a young Tyrannosaurus Rex. Just as you are admiring the little guy, you hear a growl and look up to see a humongous “mamma” Rex lurking just behind him. By the time I got to this part, the sun had set and the moon was rising, further adding to the surreal feeling of the whole evening.

If you have a dinosaur lover or a budding paleontologist in your family, this exhibit is a mustsee. I highly recommend going in the evening because the lighting and shadows add something to the experience. Just keeping telling yourself…“they’re not real.”

Dinosaurs in the Desert Where: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pwy., Phoenix When: 9am-5pm daily through April 30, 2018 Tickets: $5 ($4 for member) in addition to zoo admission Info: 602-286-3800 or phoenixzoo.org

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 67

KIDS FAMILY TIME

I’m an idiot: Episode 326

By Debra Rich Gettleman

I’m sitting in a beautiful spot in the pristine, upscale neighborhood of Kirkland, WA, right on the shore of Lake Washington. The water is gently lapping at my feet. It’s a beautiful day. The ducks are splashing about, and a cadre of adorable young children race by me and charge into the water happily. I hear their mothers in the background calling to them to slow down, keep their shoes on, and not go into the water. These adorable mismatched urchins look so carefree and relaxed. I remember back to my kids at that age. I shouldn’t have worried so much about their clothes, their hair cuts, their light up sneakers. These kids seem lighter, happier in a way I can’t quite put my finger on.

From my perspective, this is charming and delightful. I smile at one of the moms and assure her that the fact that her little ones are not even remotely listening to her is perfectly normal and that it does get easier as they become older and more self-sufficient. She looks tired and hassled and smiles back at me, not really believing my reassurances. I almost say the most horrible thing a person can say to a harried parent in the midst of early childhood chaos, “Enjoy these moments.

They go by way too quickly.” Fortunately, I’m smart enough to remember how many well-wishing older people shared that trite bit of information with me as a young mom, and I’m all too aware of how mind-numbingly insensitive it is to say that to an exhausted parent with toddlers in tow. So I say nothing.

Hurray for me. Maybe I’ve conquered my inability to self-edit.

Maybe I’ve finally matured. Maybe not.

I glance at my watch and realize I’m now 5 minutes late for an important meeting. I gather my things, say goodbye and start to rush off. “Excuse me, Miss,” one of the moms asks, “Do you know of a day center near by?”

“A day center?” I repeat. “You mean like a daycare for the kids?”

“No,” she clarifies, “A center…for women and children…like to stay?”

It suddenly dawns on me that she means a homeless shelter.

(Is that not what we are supposed to call them anymore?) As the most politically incorrect woman on the planet – eI mean person – I seem to make every verbal misstep possible in our new Seattle society. I feel like a moron.

“Um…no, I’m sorry. I don’t know of any nearby.” But then with the wit and resourcefulness of a genius, I add, “I’m sure you can just google it on your cell phone and you’ll find what 68 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

you need.”

“Sadly,” the young woman replied, “I sold my cell phone so I can’t look it up.”

Now I am 100% aware of being a complete and utter ignoramus, and I am seven minutes late for my meeting and starting to panic.

“I have to run into this office to meet some people,” I apologize, “Will you be here for five more minutes?” She nods, and I tell her I’ll look into it and come back.

I’m certain from her kind but dismissive smile that she does not expect my return. I race to the meeting spot and rush in uttering a slew of regrets for my tardiness. I then explain that I’ve had a bit of a situation and need to check something on my phone. I assure my momentary return.

Darting towards the exit, I grab paper and jot down the names of several close centers with hours, addresses and phone numbers. When I get back to the beach, my mom friend is deep in conversation with her pal. I clear my throat to announce my return, and she seems slightly shocked to see me.

I half expect her to look at me with disdain and pretend she doesn't even recognize me after my previous faux pas. I hand her the paper and say, “I found these two places. Maybe one of them will work?”

She smiles warmly and graciously thanks me for looking it up for her. She calls to her friend that I found the place for which they were looking. They go back to their conversation with renewed vigor and I slip away, back to rush of the day, my “important” meeting, and the safety of my suburban problems.

Before ducking into my meeting, I glance back at the shoreline once more to see carefree kids splashing in the waves and I think, “Maybe I should’ve done more, given them money or food or some kind of intangible safety net.” But I don’t know what that would look like. So instead, I take a deep breath and appreciate the courage and strength it takes each and every one of us as we face our unique daily struggles to build a safe haven for ourselves and our families, and I am grateful for a lesson learned and the kindness of a stranger.

Debra Rich Gettleman is a mother, blogger, actor and playwright. For more of her work, visit unmotherlyinsights.com

KIDS CALENDAR

Ongoing:

CLUB J AT THE VALLEY OF THE SUN JCC

Provides after-school programming ranging from sports to cooking and crafts to Israeli culture and more for those in K-8. Transportation from nearby schools available. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-634-4949 or youth@vosjcc.org, vosjcc.org.

J CARE AT THE EAST VALLEY JCC

Parent drop-off or bus transportation from area schools for grades K-7. Includes homework club, cooking, Israeli culture, dance, sports, gymnastics and more. Early pick-ups from Kyrene schools on Wednesday early dismissals. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N Alma School Road, Chandler. Contact Jeff at 480-897-0588 or hastj@evjcc.org, evjcc.org.

J-CARE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM AT THE TUCSON JCC

Includes a variety of activities, Homework Hangout program (help from education specialists), arts, sports or teens can hang in the Youth Lounge.

Bus transportation from schools available for K-12. Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E River Road, Tucson. Contact Corey at 520-2993000 ext. 256 or ccravens@tucsonjcc.org.

Nov. 1

STORYTIME IN THE NORTHWEST WITH PJ LIBRARY at

the Jewish Federation Northwest, 190 W Magee Road #162, Oro Valley at 10:30 am. Storytime featuring PJ Library books followed by snacks.

We have guest readers and guitar players, seasonal crafts, outdoor play and more! Meet other Jewish parents, grandparents and caretakers. For newborn through age 5, but all ages and abilities are welcome. 520-5054161 or northwestjewish@jfsa.org.

Nov. 3

TOT SHABBAT AT CONGREGATION ANSHEI ISRAEL,

5550 E Fifth St., Tucson from 5:45-8 pm. Special Kabbalat Shabbat Service for young families to welcome the Sabbath with stories and songs, followed by kid-friendly Shabbat dinner. $25 per family (2 adults & up to 4 children). Additional adults $10 per person. RSVP to Kim, 520-745-5550 ext. 224 or edasst@caiaz.org.

Nov. 3, 10, 17 & 24

MOMMY & ME ROCK SHABBAT at Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center, 15030 N 64th St., Scottsdale from 9-10:30 am.

Teacher-led class for moms and their children ages infant to 2 years.

Moms connect and share experiences while their children learn and grow.

Classes are just $5 per class (or $35 for a 10-class pass) for Temple Kol Ami members. Non-members pay $10 per class (or $75 for a 10- class pass). For registration or information contact 480-951-5825 or tkaecc@ templekolami.org.

Nov. 5

SCHMOOZE YOUNG FAMILIES HIKE at McDowell Sonora Preserve, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale at 9:30 am.

Easy hike for the whole family. For additional details and to RSVP, visit Facebook.com/azschmooze.

MISHPACHA (FAMILY) PROGRAM: Create a Piece of Peace at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E Fifth St., Tucson at noon. Paint ceramic tiles to be mounted on the “Path to Peace” border wall between Israel and Gaza. Our decorated tiles will be taken to Israel by those who are going on Rabbi Eisen’s congregational Israel tour in May 2018. There, the tiles will be fired and then mounted by the members of the tour on the wall. Free, but RSVP is necessary to Nichole Chorny at cantorialsoloist@ caiaz.org.

Nov. 11

K’TON TIME at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E 5th St., Tucson

from 10:30-11 am. This fun & lively 20-minute service led by Gabby Erbst includes songs, prayers, stories & games; playground time for kids & schmoozing time for parents; kid-friendly kiddush. Geared to families with kids ages 1 to 6, but every family is welcome! 520-745-5550 or rabbi@ caiaz.org.

Nov. 12

BOOKS GALORE at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale from 9-11 am. In celebration of National Jewish Book Month, PJ Library joins us with their favorite books for a StoryWalk, complete with activities and crafts. Free for ECC families, but registration required. Guests: $5 per child. For more information and to register, contact 480-659-7769 or earlychildhood@vosjcc.org.

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN at Chabad of the East Valley, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler at 12:15 pm. Children will cook, bake and decorate fabulous foods, take home their creations and collect recipes in their own recipe book. $12/class. For more information contact 480-8554333 or youth@chabadcenter.com.

Nov. 18

HAVDALAH HAPPINESS AT CACTUS PARK, 7202 E. Cactus Road, Scottsdale from 3-6 pm. Enjoy an afternoon of family fun! Go for a walk, play on the playground, make a Havdalah kit or participate in Family Yoga. We end Shabbat together with Havdalah led by Rabbi Crane from Congregation Or Tzion. Light snacks will be served. Free for ECC families, but registration required. Guests: $5 per child. For more information and to register, contact 480-659-7769 or earlychildhood@vosjcc.org.

Nov. 19

BABIES AND BAGELS: LEARNING GRATITUDE at Temple Emanu-El Katz Family Library, 225 S. Country Club Road, Tucson from 3-4:30 pm. Enjoy a story, play on the playground and make colorful 'Thank you" cards to mail to the people we are thankful for such as teachers, friends and grandparents. Open to all families with children ages 1-7. Free.

RSVP to Meg Knight at 303-359-3161 or megrknight@yahoo.com.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 69

YOUNG ADULTS

Making their mark on Tucson: An interview with Tucson’s shinshinim

in his small town of Kfar HaRif. He found out by The word “shinshinim” chance scrolling through sounds funny at first, Facebook one day when an but it has significant ad for the program popped meanings. Shinshinim up. He asked his friends is an acronym for sh’nat about it, and they told him sherut, which means that it was “impossible to “a year of service.” The get in” and that no one Shinshinim Young from his region had ever Ambassadors Program gotten in so “he shouldn’t brings recent Israeli even try.” He decided Chen Dinatzi and Tamir Shecory high school graduates to apply on a whim and to a variety of Jewish found himself in the last communities abroad. There, the teens immerse themselves into round of interviews. Later, he was amazed to find out that he the community and act as a bridge between the U.S. and Israel, had been accepted. working and volunteering at various Jewish institutions. The As the initial excitement of being accepted wore down, program is quite competitive – only 115 teens are accepted out reality started to sink in. Tamir said that his mother was of a pool of about 2,000 applicants. extremely excited for him but was in denial until the day he, I recently had the opportunity to chat with Chen Dinatzi her youngest child, had to leave. Chen echoed this and added and Tamir Shecory, Tucson’s newest shinshinim for the 2017that she talks with her parents every day and that they, along 2018 year. with the majority of her friends are counting on her to bring Being a shinshin has been Chen’s dream since she was 15 back lots of food – Hershey’s chocolate and spicy peppers just years old and heard about it from one of her counselors in the to name a couple.

Israeli Scouts who had done the program. She recalls being In parting ways with their families in Israel, Chen and Tamir surprised that a program like that had even existed. She noted gained wonderful new host families. Chen says that “they’re that she went through the “excruciating screening process” and really like a second home for me, which is very important,” had refreshed the page where decisions would be displayed especially given that she expected to come to America and over and over for days. When she was finally accepted, she feel lonely. Tamir agrees and adds that he doesn’t “even call was shocked. “I didn’t even think I had a chance,” she said and them hosting families, they’re like adopting families.” After noted the wave of gratitude that swept over her immediately their daily activities, they love coming home to a warm and afterward. welcoming environment, where the people care so much about Tamir, on the other hand, hadn’t heard about the program them.

By Rose Capin

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They share similar feelings about their transition to the U.S. itself. Chen describes Arizona as one of the most beautiful places she’s been to “where the people are warmer than the weather.” She particularly enjoys the nature and landscapes, given that she’s used to living in a city where space is tight and buildings are abundant. Tamir, who was born in Portland and lived there for the first few years of his life, also loves Tucson.

He says that it’s cool to visit places like Costco that he went to as a child, and have a feeling of nostalgia.

When I spoke with the pair, they had only been in Tucson for a few weeks, but had a lot to say about their experience.

Their daily schedule fluctuates, but they go from Jewish institution to institution, connecting with people and sharing their culture. They might speak at a synagogue, then go to a Jewish school, then to an Israeli cultural session, followed by a Hebrew lesson or two. Some places they visit weekly and have an established process, which they say is their favorite so that they can build really strong connections and go deeper in their conversations.

One of the most critical aspects of their year here is being able to connect with the teenagers, most of whom, Tamir says, “will say that they have a connection to Israel, but they won’t be able to explain it so much. We want to make them realize what the connection is and why it’s there.” They especially want to provide their perspective of life in Israel that the news doesn’t always reflect; for example, how people come together during a crisis, opening up their homes to complete strangers.

Chen and Tamir have lots of plans for what they want to accomplish during their stay in Tucson. They each have

individual goals – like gaining independence, confidence, maturity and speaking better English – but they focused more on what they want to leave behind. Tamir hopes to create a mural, that the whole community can contribute to and that will represent their time there. He also says that he wants himself and Chen “to be the faces of Israel so that when they think of Israel or see something on the news, they’ll think about us and what we told them.” Chen stresses the importance of giving back, even just to two or three people. “We as teenagers, as shinshinim, get so much from others – from actual physical gifts to more important things like values and warmness. I feel like the best way we can give back is to make more people give back.”

After the Shinshinim program, both Chen and Tamir will serve in the Israeli army, where Chen hopes to have a meaningful position, possibly as an instructor, and Tamir wants to contribute his skillset to the team, maybe in the intelligence corps. As for later, Chen dreams of being a neuroscientist and Tamir wants to be an architect, but also be involved with the Jewish world abroad.

The pair are looking forward to making more connections and experiencing all that Tucson has to offer. As Chen proclaims, “I’m still understanding that I’m Chen Dinatzi and I’m here to leave my personal mark of Israel, and myself, and everything I believe in, on the Tucson community.”

You can learn more about Chen and Tamir by visiting jfsa. org/tucson-shinshinim.

Rose Capin is a sophomore at Vanderbilt University.

Federation matters to me because it supports EVJCC programs that promote human dignity, teach respect and understanding of Judaism, and create lifetime relationships.

YOUR GIFT MATTERS.

Strengthening Jewish life and identity while providing for Jews in need

George Goffman

480.481.7031 | jewishphoenix.org/donate

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 71

Rediscovering Thanksgiving’s harvest roots in Israel

By Teddy Weinberger

Many Americans have lost touch with the origins of Thanksgiving. When you ask someone to explain the reason for the holiday, they often link the holiday to American ideals like democracy, pluralism and freedom of religion. Since most Americans live their lives far removed from agriculture, few remember that Thanksgiving grew out of the same impetus that people worldwide for millennia have felt in the fall: a feeling of thanks at the conclusion of the harvest season.

Though we do not celebrate Thanksgiving in Israel, our move here reconnected us with the bounty of the land for which the pilgrims were thankful.

In immigrating to Israel, my wife and I did not realize that we would be bringing our family closer to nature. After all, we were not moving to a kibbutz or a similar type of agricultural community – we moved to what is essentially a suburb of Jerusalem. And yet the following trees are in my backyard: lemon, apple, pear, grapefruit, olive, shesek (loquat) and kumquat. For those so inclined, and my sons Ezra and Elie are so inclined, fall brings opportunities to participate in the harvest of many different kinds of fruit. This year, in the span of a few weeks, Ezra took part in the harvesting of three of the seven biblical "species."

The Bible speaks of the following as being special products of Israel: "a land of wheat and barley, of (grape) vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and (date) honey" (Deut.

8.8). The Hebrew language lovingly marks the specialness of these fruits by assigning unique verbs for their harvest. Whereas in English, you go out to "pick" figs, olives and dates, in Hebrew you do aryah, maysik and gedid, respectively.

In late August, Ezra and I drove to a park just 20 minutes

from our home and "aryah'ed" about 10 kilos (22 pounds) of figs (which I cooked up into some excellent jelly). In mid-October, Ezra went with a friend to the same park and to a nearby neighborhood in Jerusalem and "maysik'ed" several hundred pounds of olives (which he took to a small commercial olive press and turned into 50 liters of olive oil), and in late October, Ezra worked "gedid'ing" for a week and a half on a date farm in a small Jewish settlement near the Dead Sea. I volunteered and joined Ezra for several days of gedid. In return, date farmers Meirav and Doron gave me two jars of date honey (known as silan), several bottles of date beer, one kilo of Grade B dates (which I turned into excellent date cake) and four kilos of premium Medjool dates (which are in great demand in Europe; sometimes when a date fell to the ground we would jokingly say, with good reason, "pick up that Euro").

Though Ezra grumbled a bit at the low hourly rate (which was minimum wage, a bit under $7 per hour), I loved the experience. You and your fellow workers stand on a special gedid machine that lifts you up to the dates, you shake each cluster of dates and they drop into the surrounding netting, then you release the opening of the netting, shake the dates into a pail and pour them into crates. Cumulatively, it's hard work, but it's also pretty peaceful 10 feet above the ground among the dates.

And if you get hungry, you just pop a gorgeous Medjool into your mouth.

I'll be thinking about this year's aryah, maysik and gedid on Thursday, Nov. 23; this won't be hard because I will still be enjoying the fruits of these harvests. It might not be Thanksgiving here, but I will be feeling thankful for the bounty of this land.

The fact that I and my family in a small way are able to be part of the harvest makes me even more thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

72 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Maintaining relevancy in a dot.com world

J g n i v i L

By Amy Hirshberg Lederman

I have a habit of calling my dad on Friday afternoons. In my mind, it’s my “pre-Shabbat” ritual of connecting with him, but in truth, it’s due to more practical reasons. Mom is at bridge and it’s the only time he can get a word in edgewise.

The conversation is often about the week’s concerns – the fax machine that won’t work, the check he can’t find that he is convinced mom threw in the garbage, the challenges and limitations of approaching his 99th year.

Our “go-to” topic is often the stock market.

Grateful for years of investment ideas and advice, I never mind talking about puts and calls. But in between option chains and sell prices, I am often treated to a pearl from dad’s treasure chest of wisdom.

Growing up, I often felt the “heavy hand” of dad as he did his best to guide me into directions he believed were in my best interest.

Conversations often felt like ultimatums as we navigated the adolescent years. Thankfully, as I matured, so did my ability to accept his wellmeaning advice as an act of love, not control, and we became great friends as a result.

Over the years, I have noticed a huge shift in dad’s approach to our family as he has morphed from Heavy Hammer to Velvet Glove. And one Friday afternoon, I asked him about it because I really wanted to know if he had made an intentional decision to become less assertive, less inclined to offer advice, less desirous of controlling the ultimate outcome regarding the choices that his family made.

His answer surprised me. At one year shy of 100 years of age, the man I have looked up to as larger than life since I was a little girl, confessed to feeling less certain that he had the answers or even that he remained relevant in our face-paced, millennial-driven world.

And it occurred to me then, that if we are inclined to look back at our life in search of our own relevancy, we may come up short by today’s standards. Our worth may not lay in our past, but rather, in the future, longterm impact we can have on the people, communities and environment we love and care about.

The idea that we can have an impact on the future is found in the final chapter of the Book of Genesis in V’Yechi – which means:

“And he lived.” Jacob is 147 years old, on his deathbed, and calls for his son Joseph to come to his bedside. Joseph brings his two sons, Ephraim and Menashe. Jacob blesses Joseph, then his grandsons, saying that the God he has believed in all his life, who guided his father, Isaac and his grandfather Abraham, will bless these two boys and from them will come “teeming multitudes” to fill the earth.

After blessing his grandsons, Jacob calls each of his 11 sons to him, one at a time, blessing them and also cautioning and guiding them about their futures. Here lies the origins of the ethical will and the idea that we can have a profound impact on future generations by the actions we take up to the moment of death.

Perhaps the best way to measure our relevancy is to ask ourselves today how we can best impact the people and things we care about once we are no longer here.

What steps can we take to provide for the communities and causes about which we are most passionate? What role can we play in solving long-term problems? How can we leave the world knowing that our efforts will be sustained after we are gone? Can we inspire others to do the same?

Creating a meaningful legacy is not a difficult prospect, but it takes time, reflections and intention. You need not have a big bank account or estate to do so. A simple gift of a percentage of a life insurance contract, retirement or other account can serve to fund your legacy plan. The Jewish community has multiple resources and a myriad of opportunities to establish meaningful and relevant giving that will preserve a future that you can feel a part of long after you are gone.

The future is a verb, not a noun. The steps we take during our lifetime to protect and sustain the values, causes and ideals we cherish can create an ethical relevancy that will live far beyond our lifetimes.

Amy Hirshberg Lederman has written more than 300 columns and essays that have been published nationwide. amyhirshberglederman.com

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 73

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J In a New York State of Mind

would not accept him because Jennifer and Steven Schwarz are of his allergy,” explains Jennifer. being honored at the Valley of the “The J welcomed him with open Sun Jewish Community Center’s New arms, and they created their first York State of Mind fundraiser on peanut-free classroom, and we Saturday, Dec. 2. The couple is being were so grateful that he had a presented with The J’s Irv Shuman Jewish place that cared about him Award for their commitment, passion, and his health and wanting him to service and leadership within the participate in the program fully – community. that was very meaningful to us at The Schwarz’s have been active with the time.”

The J since they moved to the Valley The Schwarz’s often talk to their in 1995. Jennifer has spearheaded children about the importance many efforts, including the building of involvement, but mostly they of the outdoor playground, teen sports lead by example. “They obviously league and teen lounge and has been see that we care and feel strongly involved with preschool and youth about it,” says Jennifer. “But what programs. Steven has been involved in has really drawn them in has been many financial and operational aspects their own experiences.” of The J, in addition to multiple board For example, Max started a and committee leadership positions. whiffle ball tournament that Their three children: Max, 17, benefits charity for his mitzvah Kori, 15 and Emma, 12 all attended project several years ago, and it is preschool at The J, and it was there still going on today. “It ended up that Jennifer realized just how much Jennifer and Steven Schwarz turning in to a pretty big deal, and The J is there when you need it. “Our he has passed it down to other kids each year for their mitzvah son was diagnosed with a peanut allergy back when he was project,” explains Steven. “He raised about $5,000 the year he two years old we had a situation elsewhere where a preschool did it. It’s held on the JCC field every year.”

Another important factor that has laid the groundwork and What: “New York State of Mind” fundraiser with foundation for their children has been Jewish overnight camp. street-style eats, entertainment, live auction and “All three have gone to the St. Louis JCC overnight camp,” says Jennifer. “It has really shaped so much of their Jewish identity, a Broadway-style show. Proceeds support the and desire to be connected.” program and services at The J. The family enjoys the many offerings at The J, and both Jennifer and Steven have nothing but praise for The J’s CEO When: Dec. 2; event starts at 6:30 pm Jay Jacobs, COO Kim Subrin and all the staff and board Where: Valley of the Sun Jewish Community members. “They have done such a fabulous job with the evolution of the JCC,” says Jennifer. “To watch where it was, Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale and see where it is now, there is no reason why anyone wouldn’t Tickets: $150 per person; available at vosjcc. want to be a member of The J. You walk in, and you feel the org/newyork energy.”

74 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Heritage Award presented to the Sendrows and Siefers

Stu and Nancy Siefer with Susan and Mark Sendrow

On Saturday, Dec. 2 the Arizona Jewish Historical Society will present Susan and Mark Sendrow and Nancy and Stu Siefer with the 2017 Heritage Award at the Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center. The Heritage Award is presented to individuals who have made an exceptional impact on our community through outstanding leadership, service and dedication.

Together, these two couples have enriched the Valley with over four decades of volunteerism, civic engagement and philanthropy.

Susan and Mark Sendrow are retired attorneys from Maryland and New Jersey respectively. They moved to Phoenix in 1978. Susan is a past president of Congregation Beth Israel and former chair of the CBI Camp Daisy and Harry Stein committee. She serves as a volunteer for the Jewish Family and Children’s Services Senior Enrichment Program and the Arizona Jewish Historical Society. Together with Mark, she is also a member of the Penn & Wharton Club of Arizona.

Mark has served on the board of Congregation Beth Israel, is a past president of the CBI Brotherhood, and volunteers as a docent at the Phoenix Art Museum. He is a past president of the Arizona Jewish Historical Society and played a major role in the development of the society’s dynamic arts, culture and education programming. Susan and Mark are currently members of Congregation Beth Israel in Scottsdale.

Nancy and Stu Siefer are originally from Detroit and moved to Tempe in 1970. Nancy is a retired English professor who has served as a volunteer for the Jewish Organization of Tempe (a pre-cursor to the East Valley JCC), Maricopa County Sheriff ’s Office, Brandeis National Committee, Sun Sounds

of Arizona and the Arizona Jewish Historical Society. Stu is a retired architect whose firm has designed many award-winning projects in the Valley since 1973. He has volunteered for the Jewish Organization of Tempe as well as The Nash/Jazz in Arizona and is a past president of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, the Rio Salado Chapter of American Institute of Architects. He is also a past president of the Arizona Jewish Historical Society and was instrumental in the restoration of the Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center in 2008-2009, serving as chair of the building committee and volunteer project manager. They are currently members of Temple Emanuel of Tempe.

2017 Heritage Award What: To benefit the Arizona Jewish Historical Society When: Saturday, Dec. 2 Food and cocktail reception at 6 pm Award ceremony and performance at 7:15 pm Where: Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, 122 E. Culver St., Phoenix Tickets: $200/person; sponsorships and advertising opportunities also available RSVP: 602-241-7870 or azjhs.org ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 75

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A Taste of Limmud

In Hebrew, Limmud means "learning"- and that’s what they are all about. Limmud is a community that creates spaces and places so that you can craft your own Jewish experience, explore your connection to Jewish ideas and tradition, and meet people who share your curiosity and enthusiasm.

Limmud AZ is a gathering of hundreds of Jews from all walks of life, all Jewish backgrounds, all lifestyles and all ages that offers a full schedule of workshops, discussions, arts, music, performances, text-study sessions, and much more – all planned by the Limmud AZ community of volunteers. Limmud AZ is a full day program to be held on Sunday, February 11, 2018 from 9 am to 5 pm at Arizona State University in the Conference Center at the Memorial Union in Tempe.

On November 16 from 7-9 pm at Temple Solel in Paradise Valley, Limmud will be hosting “Taste of Limmud” – a onenight mini Limmud event that will give you a “taste” of what is to come at the February Limmud AZ event. The event is $18 per person which includes the program and dessert reception.

For tickets to either Taste of Limmud or Limmud AZ, visit limmudaz.org.

There will be three special sessions for attendees to choose from in addition to a keynote address for all by Rabbi Daniel Cohen. The sessions are:

Changing the World from the Inside-Out!

How does one change the world? Is it through meditation, or prayer, or activism, or rigorous learning? How about all the above! In this dynamic lecture meant to inspire both heart and mind, explore the techniques, philosophy and spiritual resources necessary to change the world... from the inside, out!

Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz, President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash

Who's in Your Circle?

Exploring the Talmudic Stories of Honi Ha-maagal

Many children know the stories of Rabbi Honi the Circle Drawer, who brings rain to drought-stricken areas, 76 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

who meets an old man planting a carob tree, and who falls asleep for 70 years. But his is much more than a folk tale. It is a profound analysis about the relationship between individuals and their communities. We'll explore the lessons these stories have for our own society.

Rabbi Tracee Rosen, rabbi of Beth Emeth Congregation, Sun City West

Judaism and Gratitude

Did you know that the Hebrew word for Jew comes from the word for gratitude? As we enter a time of thanksgiving in our secular society, we'll explore the Jewish roots of gratitude. Through text study, experience of song, and personal reflection, we'll discover together how Judaism has understood gratitude through the ages and how it can help us cultivate thankfulness in our day to day lives.

Rabbi Emily Langowitz, assistant rabbi at Temple Solel in Paradise Valley

What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone: Creating a Life of Legacy

Each of us, at some point, wakes up to the reality that our time on earth is limited. But how do we lead our lives with a sense of urgency every day? How do we develop the courage to make choices not based on pressure but on principle? How do we create the sacred space to reflect on who we are and who we want to be so we can realize our innermost goals and dreams? Through a unique blend of storytelling, practical exercises, and profound wisdom, Rabbi Daniel Cohen will teach seven transformative principles to reverse engineer your life so that you are living with purpose and passion, so that the person you are today more closely aligns with the person you aspire to be.

Rabbi Daniel Cohen is popular motivator, mentor and inspirational speaker

When: Nov. 16, 7-9 pm Where: Temple Solel, 6805 E. McDonald Dr, Paradise Valley Tickets: $18 Info: limmudaz.org

FEDERATION NOTES Federation: There in Times of Need

By Marty Haberer

We closed 5777 with great sadness as hurricanes wreaked havoc in Texas, Florida, the Caribbean and Puerto Rico and, as we ushered in 5778, an earthquake shook Mexico.

It is times like these that we draw together to help those in need. Helping others is founded in our basic values of tikkun olam, repairing the world, and it is times like these that I am especially proud to be part of a network of 151 Federations throughout North America that has proven itself time-and-time again in responding to crises.

When Jews are trapped in conflict zones in Ukraine, Federation is there delivering food, medicine and aid.

When Jews wish to escape persecution in France and Ethiopia, Federation assists with making aliyah (mov-

Stroll down the streets of New York!

Grab a bite at the local deli or hot dog stand. Be entertained by street performers and card sharks before enjoying a Broadway-style show that will knock your socks off.

Saturday, Dec. 2 | 6:30pm at the Valley of the Sun JCC

ing to Israel) and assimilating into a new country and way of life. When wildfires raged and bombs rained on Israel, Federation was there providing for immediate needs, shelter and counseling. When the hurricanes

Honoring Jennifer & Steven Schwarz

struck Texas and Florida, Federation was there with volunteers and aid.

We don’t do it alone. It is our generous donors and our local and global partners who make this work possi-

Chaired by Tiffani & Dan Bachus and Michelle & Bryan Kort

ble. Together, we are the net holding these vulnerable neighbors in gentle, caring hands. Together, we strengthen each other and live the ethos of tzedakah, justice and responsibility.

We cannot say thank you enough to our generous

register at

vosjcc.org/newyork

donors and our remarkable volunteers who give of their time, wisdom and treasure. They are the reason Federation matters.

Proceeds benefit the

Marty Haberer is the executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.

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FAC&EPLSACES CASTING AWAY SINS - On Sept. 28, Tucson Hebrew Academy’s lower school went on a field trip to perform the custom of tashlich, casting away sins. Rabbi Billy Lewkowicz and his four-legged friend gave an explanation before gathering the children by the wateR.

FALL INTO FITNESS - Lauren Sak,s in conjunction with FitPHX and AARP, launched a free 10-week family-oriented group workout series on Oct. 3 at Margaret T. Hance Park.

COOKING WITH MOM Rebecca Gluck makes round Challah for Rosh Hashana during Congregation Beth Tefillah's program for Moms and Tots called Tots & Play.

78 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

VETERANS SUKKOT PARTY - Commander Rochel Hayman of Scottsdale Post 210 of the Jewish War Veterans held a Sukkot party in her sukkah at her home in Phoenix on Sunday October 8. Invited were members of the Department of the Southwest of the Jewish War Veterans which included members of Valley of the Sun Post 194, Scottsdale Post 210 and Copper State Post 619.

ART APPRECIATION - Barbara Arkules stopped for a snack at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center after the Oct. 17 presentation on The Art of Gustave Klimpt by a Phoenix Art Museum docent.

Photo by Leni Reiss

PROPERTY BROTHERS – Jennifer Kaplan, owner of Evolve Public Relations and Marketing, worked with Drew and Jonathan Scott from HGTV’s “Property Brothers” when they were the special guests at the Maricopa County Home and Garden Show on Oct. 20-22.

MITZVAH MADNESS – Families from Congregation Beth Tefillah participated in Mishpachti Mitzvah Madness on Sept 17. The families assembled Rosh Hashana packages and New Year cards. It was donated to the BJE who distributed them to people in need.

WHAT DID ARIZONANS KNOW - The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum presented “Americans and the Nazi Threat: What did Arizonans Know?” on Oct. 16 at Arizona State University in Tempe. The program was co-presented with Arizona State University and The Arizona Republic.

Guests took a step back in time with the Museum and local experts to explore headlines, artifacts and other materials from that time period in Arizona.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 79

PREVIEWS

JFCS HOSTS MEMORY CAFÉ

The Jewish Family & Children’s Service is hosting it’s first Memory Café event on Nov. 2 from 10 to 11:30 am at Beth El Congregation at 1118 W. Glendale Ave. in Phoenix. The Memory Café allows people with memory challenges, and their caregivers, to get together and enjoy enriching activities in a nurturing and accepting environment.

The Memory Café will be held monthly on the first Thursday, and each month there will be a different theme.

For November, the theme is Ice Cream + Doo Wop and features refreshments, music from the 50s and 60s and a dance activity led by Michelle Dionisio.

Michelle is a former dancer and has Michelle Dionisio 37 years of experience in administering aging services throughout the Valley, including 26 years as president and CEO of Benevilla, a nonprofit providing social care and support to seniors, adults with disabilities, children and the families that care for them.

She has taught dance classes throughout her career.

The event is free but space is limited and RSVPs are required.

A diagnosis of dementia is not required to attend the Memory Café. For more information, call 602-452-4627 or email kathy.rood@jfcsaz.org.

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPER

For information and to register, call 480-481-1754 or visit jewishphoenix.org/developer.

BEAU JEST RETURNS

The play, “Beau Jest,” a hilarious romantic comedy that was a phenomenal hit off-Broadway and became a movie in 2008, returns to Arizona. Presented by Sun Lakes Community Theatre, there will be a matinee performance on Nov.14 with evening performances on Nov.15-18.

Directed by Carol Horowitz, the play will be performed at the Cottonwood Country Club at 25630 S. Brentwood Dr. in Sun Lakes Written by James Sherman, this hysterically funny play provides a unique vehicle for showcasing Jewish-style humor as well as family life and values. The play centers around Sarah, a young, single Jewish woman with strong family ties who is dating a non-Jewish man. Not wanting to disappoint her very traditional, “old school” Jewish parents, she hires a male escort who has a Jewish-sounding last name to portray her boyfriend, … a handsome, successful Jewish doctor, every Jewish Mother’s dream, … to escort her to family functions. To her dismay, as both Sarah and her family start to fall in love with the escort, she discovers that he also is not Jewish! The ensuing complications spin a hilarious web of entangled relationships as she tries to resolve the situation without hurting anyone. As zany complications escalate, the outcome becomes increasingly unpredictable.

For tickets, call 480-392-8290 or visit slctinfo.com.

Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix Business & Professionals Groups will host an informative discussion with Michael EVE HAROW VISITS Levine, downtown developer, as he shares THE VALLEY about saving the historic Beth Hebrew Synagogue. The event is held on Nov. 9 from Eve Harow, radio personality, Israel tour Michael Levine 5:30-7 pm at Beth Hebrew Synagogue at guide and advocate will be speaking in the 333 E. Portland St. in Phoenix.

Valley Nov. 10-12. On Nov. 10 starting at 5:15 “Depending on who you talk to, Michael Levine is either a pm with Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat followed by a community visionary, a rabble-rouser or an irritant. One thing is for sure: dinner at Makor at 13402 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, no one is more responsible for the renaissance of the warehouse Eve will speak on the topic of Israel Ancient and Modern: How district than Michael,” said Adam Goodman, B&P chair. “He they Connect to Each Other, and How They Connect to You. fulfills his vision with tenacity, chutzpah and passion. Come The following day at Makor starting at 9 am with Shacharit/ hear his story and learn where his creativity is taking him next.” morning services and Shabbat, Eve will address The Land of The Beth Hebrew Synagogue was built in 1955. It is where Modern Miracles: The Good News Coming out of the Middle famed Hollywood director Steven Spielberg became a bar East Today. mitzvah. The congregants eventually migrated elsewhere in On Nov. 12 at 11:30 am at the Valley of the Sun Jewish the Valley and the historic building fell into disrepair. Fearing Community Center at 12701 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, it would be purchased and demolished, Levine purchased the Eve will be speaking about Judea and Samaria – Why They property himself and set about its restoration.

Matter.

The cost to attend for professionals is $18 and $10 “Having lived over half my life in Israel, raising 7 very for students. Costs includes appetizers, cocktails and different children there and sending them to the army, has complimentary valet parking. Dietary laws observed. Event given me tremendous insight into the depth of our philosophy sponsored by R.O.I. Properties and Lane & Nach, PC. and commitment to the future of our people,” says Eve. “My 80 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

PREVIEWS tour guiding is a constant juxtaposition between the past and present; the Tanach messages that are still relevant today about leadership, social justice and kindness; the very modern ways in which we impact the world. Learning our history while stands where it happened is a very fulfilling experience, along with meeting Eve Harow the tremendous variety of people who make up this small country both in the field and the radio studio.”

For more information on the events, contact office@ mymakor.org or rothstein.arthur@gmail.com.

an overall healthy aging perspective that includes lifestyle tips and general medical information.

Carlene Motto, Chief Marketing Officer at Belmont Village, will moderate the discussion and the Q&A session for attendees.

There is no entrance fee but seating is limited. Please register at the Alzheimer’s Association at vosjcc.org/alzheimers.

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST ALZHEIMERS DISEASE

Fighting Back Against Alzheimer’s is a special public event held Nov. 16 from 1 to 3 pm at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus at 12701 N. Scottsdale Road in NEW EXHIBIT AT THE MIM Scottsdale. Three experts with decades of combined experience EXPLORES ANCIENT TREASURES and knowledge will be presenting the latest information on research, clinical trials and changes in supportive care that Ancient Musical Treasures from Central China: Harmony of can offer hope to those affected by the disease. “We believe the Ancients from the Henan Museum presents extraordinary that we are on the threshold of a disease-modifying therapy musical and archaeological treasures spanning nine thousand for Alzheimer’s disease. These therapies are being developed years of Chinese music and history. The exhibit opens Nov. 10 through a series of ground-breaking research studies focused at the Musical Instrument Museum at 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. in on persons at high risk to develop Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Phoenix.

William Burke, event speaker and Director of the Stead Family Presented in partnership with the prestigious Henan Memory Center, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute. “These studies Museum, MIM’s exhibition explores the harmony between focus on preventing the illness before symptoms can begin. music, people, heaven, and earth through more than sixty The goal of these projects is to meet the mission of Banner extremely rare instruments and artworks on Alzheimer’s Institute: Ending Alzheimer’s display for the first time in the United States. disease without losing another generation.”

Ancient flutes and drums harken back to the Belmont Village, a leader in using dawn of Chinese civilization, giving us a glimpse University-led research to create of the musical life of an early agrarian society. therapeutic programs, has developed a Grand racks of bronze bells evoke elaborate whole brain fitness lifestyle that engages rituals performed during the formative years of people at all cognitive levels. “We design Chinese culture. Lively ceramic figures illustrate our activities and programs with the the joyful mixing of cultures during the time belief that every person has something of the legendary Silk Road. Elegant silk strings to contribute,” said speaker Beverly entertain gatherings of refined music lovers and Sanborn, LCSW, vice president of program inspire poetic contemplation. development for Belmont Village. “No In addition to a collection of exquisite musical matter the level of brain function, we firmly instruments, the exhibition also features beautiful believe that everyone has value and can music-related artworks made of materials such as enjoy happiness.” ceramic and jade.

Many of these instruments and Dr. Edward Perrin, medical director at artworks were excavated from tombs of nobility.

Lora Primary Care, will join the discussion Dr. William Burke For more information, visit mim.org. to talk about Alzheimer’s prevention from ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 81

NOVEMBER CALENDAR Nov. 1

Lunch & Chair Yoga at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale at noon. Enjoy lunch and ground your mind and body with yoga expert Cindy Golding.

Perfect for all levels and doshas, chair yoga is a great way to relax from head to toe without the stress of getting out of your chair. $5 suggested donation. For reservations, contact 602-4927670 or chani@sosaz.org.

Nov. 1, 8 & 15 Single Awareness at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale at 6:30 pm. This series is intended for all single Jews over age 21. Topics include Dating Yourself: Knowing You, You’re Still Single? Oy Vey or OK and Is G-D Your Wingman or Wingwoman. Before and after the sessions, you’ll be able to meet and mingle with a diverse group of local Jewish singles in an upbeat, safe environment. Free. For more information, visit projectjewishlove.com.

Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 JCC Jewish Study Group at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale from 11 am-12:30 pm.

Explore a variety of non-political Jewish topics, including people, history, current events, laws, culture, humor, food and Israel. Free. For more information, contact 602-375-3660 or vosjcc. org.

Nov. 2 JFCS Hosts Memory Café. See page 80.

Nov. 4 Schmooze Havdalah & Dessert Social with AVIV of Arizona at private home in Central Phoenix at 7 pm. For additional details and for RSVP link, visit Facebook.com/azschmooze.

Nov. 5 Impossible Dreamers Film & Discussion at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale from 4-6 pm. Join 3-time Emmy-winning television editor and filmmaker Eric Goldfarb for a special screening of his film “Impossible Dreamers,” documenting the lives of senior athletes, including legendary golfer Gary Player. Discussion 82 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

follows the movie. J Members: $10; Guests: $15. Register at vosjcc.org/dreamers.

information, visit tucsonjcc.org.

Nov. 14 & 15-18 Desert Gathering Jewish Music Fest. See page 18.

“Beau Jest.” See Page 80.

Nov. 5, 12, 19 & 26

Nov. 15-Dec. 31

Yoga at Lululemon at the Quarter at Lululemon, 15257 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale at 10:30 am. Classes are located in the courtyard at the Scottsdale Quarter, behind True Foods. Bring a yoga mat, water and dress for a beautiful, flowing outdoor practice. All levels welcome. Free. For more information, contact 480-481-7015 or healthandfitness@vosjcc.org.

“Newsies” at Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 7:30 pm Tues-Sat; 2 pm Sat-Sun. A terrific show for the whole family! Packed with show-stopping choreography and a Tony Award winning score, Newsies is an extravagant, highenergy celebration of song and dance! For tickets, contact 602-254-2151 or phoenixtheatre.com.

Nov. 16 Nov. 9 ADL Torch of Liberty Award Dinner at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, 5402 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale from 6-9 pm. Honorees include Paul Luna, Steven Berger, Daniel Johnson and Lawrence Robinson. To register, visit adl.org.

Downtown Developer. See page 80.

Volunteer Orientation at Beth El Congregation, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix from 4-6:30 pm.

Volunteer orientation for assisting homebound adults through Duet Arizona. RSVP to volunteer@ duetaz.org

Nov. 10-12 Eve Harow Visits the Valley. See Page 80.

Nov. 11 Freedom to Rock at Lusso Fine Motorcars, 9024 E. Bahia Dr., Scottsdale from 7-11 pm. Tribute to American Military Heroes and the ’80s, promising a magical evening of fine automobiles, libations, comedy, live auctions and entertainment.

Benefits Helping Hands for Freedom. For more information, visit helpinghandsforfreedom.org.

Nov. 12 Pet Hanukkah Photos at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road, Tucson from 10 am-1 pm. Take a holiday photo with your furry friend. $10. Register at tucsonjcc.org/event/ pet-hanukkah-photos.

Ballet Tucson: Sole Impressions New Works Performance at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road, Tucson from 2-4 pm. Cheer the next generation of dance makers at the Tucson J with engaging new works from our professional company. $25-$30. For ticket

Fighting Back Against Alzheimer’s. See page 81.

A Taste of Limmud. See page 76.

Nov. 18 Comedy Night features “You’re Funny, but You Don’t Look Jewish” at Temple Kol Ami, 15030 N. 64th St., Scottsdale from 7:30-9 pm. An evening with Italian, African American, Indian and Vietnamese American Jewish stand-up comedians! $18-$25. For information, visit templekolami.org.

Nov. 19 & 30 Celebration of Heritage Concert Series at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road, Tucson. Nov. 19 at 2 pm Celebrating Spanish, Latin and Baroque-Contemporary Music; Nov. 30 at 7 pm Celebration America’s History. $10. For more information, visit tucsonjcc.org

Nov. 20 Brandeis National Committee-Arizona Speaker Series at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale from 12:30-2 pm. Meet an author who is either from Arizona, resides in Arizona, or uses Arizona as a locale for their books. Register with Merrill Kalman at 480-296-3355 or visit vosjcc.org.

Dec. 2 Heritage Award presented to the Sendrows and Siefers. See page 75.

In a New York State of Mind. See page 74.

Have a special event coming up?

Pomelo at the Orchard is the perfect place for your next private party.

The private dining rooms inside Pomelo at the Orchard as well as the beautiful Orchard Lawn and Barn can accommodate events as small as 12 guests or as large as 300.

Whether it’s your next corporate event, baby shower or even wedding...

Let our team take care of you!

Originally an old citrus farm in the early 1900s, Pomelo is the site of the original home of the Wasser family!

A hub of Arizona history, Pomelo at the Orchard is a location that will surely wow your guests!

-Pomelo Team

Book your party now by calling

Pomelo at the Orchard, 7100 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020

602-633-2600 or emailing Linda Schnitzer at Linda@lucisuc.com

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017 83

“Experience The Springs difference”

The Springs of Scottsdale is a community where you don’t have to worry about chores or cooking or even transportation. It includes recently remodeled apartments with one of the largest square footage in town. You will meet new people during our many activities that will become lifelong friends.

Experience The Springs difference today.

There are great holiday deals so please call and ask for details or better yet, stop in for a tour anytime seven days a week.

3212 N. Miller Rd. • Scottsdale, AZ • 85251

480-941-9026 www.thespringsofscottsdale.com

84 NOVEMBER 2017 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE