Jewish Community News

Jewish Community

ISRAEL AT 75, FIFTY YEARS AFTER YOM KIPPUR WAR, EARTHQUAKE IN MOROCCO, SECURING JEWISH COMMUNITIES IN THE DESERT AND AROUND THE WORLD, LOOKING FORWARD TO 5784

The Jewish Federation of the Desert is looking forward to the coming year in many different ways. A new Jewish security alliance for Southern California. This new digital JCN will provide space to tell the stories of our community. In the mean time enjoy a few photographs from our recent mission to Israel.

Israeli independent food distribution project for Rosh Hashanah.

In a recent eblast I shared a few stories of our allocations in the Ramat HaNegev area. We are making an impact as well as friends.

More to come in the followings weeks.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2023-2024

JEWISH FEDERATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT, Arnie Gillman

VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER, Ron Langus

SECRETARY, Stephanie Ross

IMMEDIATE PAST CO-PRESIDENTS

Jackie Cohen

Cora Ginsberg

ALLOCATIONS CHAIR, Lori Fritz

BOARD:

Sheri Borax

Wendy Brooks

Barry Fisher

Carol Fragen

Alan Gitlin

Bobbi Holland

Robert Jacobs

Barry Kaiman

Fran Kaufman

Margie Kulp

Dan Weisberg

Alan Potash CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

GATES OF REPENTANCE

I recently came across a Hasidic teaching in our Gates of Repentance High Holy Day prayer book that strikes me as particularly relevant for our times.

It states: “Keep two truths in your pocket, and take out according to the need of the moment, Let one be: ‘For my sake the world was created.’ And let the other be: ‘I am dust and ashes.’”

During this time here in America, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and deplet-ed in the face of our challenges. We feel overcome by current happenings in our nation as though we were “dust and ashes.”

We are witness nearly every day in our media to acts of racism, anti-Semitism, disregard and disrespect for fellow human beings, bizarre con-spiracy notions and untruths as well as indifference on the part of many to the need for stricter gun controls and arms regulation.

The High Holy Days come as an opportunity to recognize that we have the ability to effect change—to realize that we are partners with God in Tikkun Olam and recognize that the world was created so that we might participate in its re-pair and improvement.

The message of the High Holy Days is found in the Torah Reading for Yom Kippur Morning, Deuteronomy 30:19—“Choose life, therefore, that you and your descendants may live…”

In the coming year, let us look for ways in which we may help create greater harmony, understanding and truth into our lives and the lives of others, starting with ourselves and our community.

As Jews, our synagogues and our Federation offer these opportunities. Let us make the most of these and fully participate in the New Year 5784.

Rabbi Zionts

MY JOURNEY IN COLLABORATING WITH OTHERS IN CREATING GREATER SOCIETAL INCLUSION

BY MIKE ROSENKRANTZ

I always knew that I would work helping others as that is where my passion lies. I strongly believe in the concept of Tikkun Olam, in Judaism the concept of “repairing the world.” This is not in the sense of thinking that I can, on my own, make significant societal

change but I can do my utmost in bringing positive energy into the world by providing opportunities to those who were not born into having access, choices, and privilege.

EMBRACING CHALLENGES SOCAL ADAPTIVE SPORTS (PALMS TO PINES PARASPORTS)

It is importer to turn challenges into opportunities. In May 2020, I became the Co-Founder of SoCal Adaptive Sports. As the fist Board President, now Executive Director, and with the help of many in communicating and implementing a growing organization that works throughout southern California, we have been successful.

“Our mission is to enable people with disability to participate inclusively throughout society by creation greater equity and inclusion through developing, planning and implementation competitive and recreational sports and other opportunities. We envision a world in which everyBODY has equitable access to leading a fulfilling life”

Volunteering for Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) for the Government of India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment In India, Wheelchair Athletes Worldwide (WAW) in New Delhi and Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

On a practical level, we are engaged in the following:

• Implementing our school-based program, Sports for everyBODY, with the Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), and providing summer school programs for the eastern part of the Coachella Valley.

• Conducting a youth adapted sports camp with the City of Riverside and sports events in Palm Desert, San Diego, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Santa Clarita, and Pasadena.

• A hiking program in collaboration with Friends of the Desert Mountains and Desert Recreation District Adaptive.

• Collaborating once a month with CV Alzheimer’s and recently started providing sports at Desert ARC in both Palm Desert and Yucca Valley.

• Celebration of World Disability Day at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 2021, 2022, and will also take place in 2023.

• We connected with the staff of the Berger Foundation Ice plex.

• We attended plays at the McCallum Theatre and Firebirds game.

• We are in negotiations with Special Olympics on bringing this program back to the Coachella Valley.

This work has provided a voice to talk to others about leveling the playing field and working on creating greater societal inclusion. Leading a fulfilling life and leaving something to better humanity is what we all want, no matter who we are and what our abilities enable us to do.

TEMPLE SINAI’S AVI LEVINE COMMUNITY RELIGIOUS SCHOOL ESTABLISHED IN 1976, LONGEST OPERATING RELIGIOUS SCHOOL IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

Temple Sinai’s Community Religious School founded in 1976, and after 47 years of educating the future generations, is the longest operating Jewish religious school in the Coachella Valley.

Our school welcomes all children, regardless of their families’ temple affiliation.

We are excited to share that our 2023-2024 academic school year will begin on:

Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 9:30 AM.

Our school engages in educating future generations through immersion of Jewish traditions and customs. Students are exposed to the richness of Jewish practice, history, thought, and prayer, creating a framework for life-long Jewish learning.

Holidays and celebrations are integrated with the general course of study.

Jewish values are also incorporated into the curriculum and studied at every age.

Our hands-on lessons promote social growth and interpersonal bonding between the students, shaping a strong future of individuals who are deeply engaged in Judaism.

We are striving for our students to see themselves as an integral part of our local and worldwide Jewish community for years to come.

Students are encouraged to think more analytically about how our history relates to today, and how biblical studies can be connected to modern literature, art, law, entrepreneurship, community, and social action.

We concentrate our education efforts not only teaching about the history and traditions of Judaism, but also discussing how we can better our world.

To learn more please contact Talia Lizemer-Hawley: 760.568.9699 or email Educator@TempleSinaiPD.org

CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Case Management…a vital service that has the power to dramatically improve the quality of life of those who take advantage of it. And, yet, its two-word identity tells you little about what it is and the effect it can have on a person’s life.

Case Management is a person-to-person discipline; a relationship between a Case Manager and his or her clients. People seek out the assistance of a Case Manager when they are in need of solutions to problems they’re not able to fix on their own. For instance, rents have risen steadily over the past few years, often surpassing the financial capacity of seniors on a fixed income. Many seniors have turned to our Case Managers for help in locating and securing affordable housing. Additionally, a Case Manager is able to connect a client with local supplemental food programs, such as our Meals on Wheels program. Many seniors, most especially those without access to the internet, are unaware of the resources available to them in Riverside County. Our Case Managers are able to facilitate the delivery of a variety of resources, including In-Home Care, utility assistance, counseling, transportation and more.

Our Case Management services are free to Coachella Valley residents, age 60+ and available in English and Spanish. To reach as many folks as possible, our Case

Managers have regularly scheduled weekly or monthly “office hours” at seniors centers and select affordable housing complexes throughout the Valley. Case Managers perform a detailed intake assessment with each new client to identify and prioritize issues. Then, in partnership with their clients, a Case Plan is developed to outline goals for both the Case Manager and client along with the timeline to achieve them. It is intentionally personal and fully customized for each client.

This article is not only about the meaning and significance of Case Management but also about the extraordinary people who choose it as their life’s work. Case Managers are more than problem solvers. They’re compassionate and judgement free listeners. They’re facilitators, connectors and the people who really mean it when they say, “Everything’s going to be okay.” One of our Case Managers knew early on she wanted to be of service to people. A first generation American, she was often the connection between her family and the English-speaking world she grew up in. It instilled an ongoing respect for those brave enough to ask for help and a lifelong passion for making things right.

Our goal is to help our clients live well as they age in place. If you or someone you know could benefit from a helping hand, contact our Case Managers at 760323-5689, ext. 106.

TRIBUTE CARDS DONATIONS

HONORARIUM TRIBUTES IN APPRECIATION FOR:

• Lynda & Trevor Bailey, Congratulations on the birth of your grandson, Aiden Engdahl, from Rabbi Yankel & Rochel Kreiman

• Miriam Bent, Mazel tov on David & Jenny’s marriage, from Harriet Goldberg & Michael Depper, and Geri & Don Shaevel

• Suzanne & Jeff Feder, Congratulations on your 60th Anniversary, from Ed & Nancy Last

• Arnie Gillman, In honor of becoming Board President of Jewish Federation of the Desert, from Carol & Bob Friedman

• Arnie & Sue Gillman, Happy 50th Anniversary, from Rabbi Yankel & Rochel Kreiman

REFUAH SHLEIMAH GET WELL:

• Bill Amplo, Wishing you a speedy recovery, from Rabbi Yankel & Rochel Kreiman

• Mr. Mike Erman, In hopes for a complete & speedy recovery, from MarnieMiller & Joe Noren

• Leenie Kaplan, Our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery, from Gail & Bob Scadron

• Sue Langus, Wishing you a speedy recovery, from Rabbi Yankel &

• Peggy Greenbaum, Best wishes for a wonderful birthday, from Cora Ginsberg

• Peggy & Jim Greenbaum, Mazel tov on your milestone birthdays, from Barbara Platt & Norm Lewis, and Monroe & Rella Rifkin

• Bobbi Holland, Best wishes for a special birthday, from Cora Ginsberg

• Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Kaplan, Mazel tov on your great-grandchild, Brooke Alexa, from Eunice & Jerry Meister

• Reva Levy, Thank you for a wonderful 4th of July celebration, from Cora Ginsberg

• Howard Schor, Congratulations on your wonderful birthday, from Cora Ginsberg

Rochel Kreiman

• Karen Lee, Sending our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery, from Gail & Bob Scadron

• Norm Lewis, Wishing you a speedy recovery, from Rabbi Yankel & Rochel Kreiman

• Celia Norian, Wishing you a speedy recovery, from Rabbi Yankel & Rochel Kreiman

MEMORIAM TRIBUTES CONDOLENCES SENT TO:

• Rochelle Adelman, In memory of Tim Abramson, from George Jacobs

• Leslie Behar & Sons, In loving memory of Jerome Behar, from Dan Weisberg & David Klingenberger

• Mr. & Mrs. Mel Berks, Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved brother, Michael, from Gail & Bob Scadron

• John Cohen, My deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved, Ann, from Cora Ginsberg

• Family of Arthur Friedman, Our sincere condolences, from Elaine & Ted Stein

• Dr. Elliott Garber, In memory of Betty Garber, from Lita Widran & Deborah Levin

• Mr. Howard Goss, In memory of your beloved sister, Lois Shapiro, from Libby & Buddy Hoffman and Gail & Bob Scadron

• Mrs. Barbara Hanig & Family, Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved husband, Jim, from Gail & Bob Scadron

• Sharri Hauber, With our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband, Ed, from Cousins Gail & Bob Scadron

• Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Hecktman, In memory of your beloved brother, Jerold, from Eunice & Jerry Meister, Marnie Miller & Joe Noren, and Gail & Bob Scadron

• Roberta Hirsch Family, In loving memory of Joel Hirsch, from Murray & Barbara Beck, Bob & Carol Friedman, Arnie & Susan Gillman, Harvey & Rochelle Goldstein, Mel & Marcia Sarowitz, Howard & Shelley

Speyer, and Ben & Evelyn Weissbach

• Family of Anne Holland, Our sincere condolences, from Elaine & Ted Stein

• Greg Meidel, My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved mother, from Cora Ginsberg

• David & Larry Katz, In memory of your beloved mother and my friend, Barbara, from Marnie Miller

• Family of Sue Leitner, Our condolences to you, from Rabbi Yankel & Rochel Kreiman

• Mr. David Levitz, In memory of your beloved father, Bob, from Marnie Miller & Joe Noren

• Helen Lewis and Family, With our deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband, Jim, from Ruth & Mal Kaufman, Eunice & Jerry Meister, and Gail & Bob Scadron

• Mr. Edward Schwartz, Our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your beloved, Irma, from Ruth & Mal Kaufman and Eunice & Jerry Meister

• Marlene Tuch & Family, In memory of my cousin, Gerald Tuch, from David & Sandy Silberstein

• Family of Sandra Weiss, Our sincere condolences, from Eunice & Jerry Meister

• Lynne Williams, Our thoughts are with you at this time, from Suzanne & Jeff Feder and Wilma Finmark

• Mr. & Mrs. Anatoly Zaborenko, In memory of Mikhail Salganik, from Lita Widran & Deborah Levin

HAWAII RELIEF DONATIONS

*Angel Family *Elaine Leib *Maxine Marcellin *Howard and Sharon Miller *Donna and John Mollan

*Jay Jarvis *Barry Fisher *Kenneth Hailpern *Alane Moss *Robert Schuster *Linda Wexler *Caroline Weintraub *Louis Silberman *Deborah Dreyfuss

*Cheryl Goldberg *Lois Bergman *Alan and Michele Krapf *Howard Speyer *Harvey Goldstein *Judy Bied *Alan Douglas *Ralph Goldstein *Ira Helf *Barbara Price *Fran Kaufman *Stephanie Ross * Dan Weisberg

THANK YOU!

Sending tributes and memorials is a meaningful way to honor loved ones.

EXCITING ARRAY OF JBC AUTHORS COMING THIS YEAR

For the second year the Jewish Federation of the Desert in partnership with the Jewish Book Council are excited to share with you the lineup of author presentations. We have a full lineup of both in person and virtual presentations. Unless otherwise noted all in person presentations will be held in the Jewish Federation building. Most of these books are currently in our library and can be checked out to read.

Note: A few books/authors will be presented twice, appearing as part of our educational series/Holocaust programing and Women’s Philanthropy events.

(VIRTUAL) Eti Elboim will present her book, “The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz” on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 3:00 pm.

(IN PERSON) Miriam Ruth Black will discuss her book “Shayna” on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 10:00 am in the Federation building.

(VIRTUAL)Jonathan Freedland will present his book, “The Escape Artist” on Monday, November 13, 2023, at 3:00 pm.

On Sunday, December 3, 2023, we have created a day we are calling a Feast of Jewish Learning with five IN PERSON author presentations. These authors are some of most interesting and welll respected writers today. All presentations will be in our building, starting at 10:00 am.

10:00 am Andrew Lawler’s presentation of “Under Jerusalem: the Buried History of the World’s Most Contested City”

1:30 pm Philip Slayton’s presentation, “Antisemitism: An Ancient Hatred in the Age of Identity Politics”

3:00 pm, Michael Strassfeld’s presentation of “Judaism Disrupted”

4:30 pm Benyamin Cohen’s presentation of “The Einstein Effect; How the World’s Favorite Genius Got into Our Cars, Our Bathrooms, and Our Minds”

5:30 pm Refreshments, followed by Joel Chasnoff,

who willl do two presentations, first on his book co-written with Benji Lovett, “Israel 201,” then a comedian’s look at lsrael today (more about Joel and his presentations in futureJCNs).

Programming continues in the new year with ...

(VIRTUAL), Fayne Frey willl present her book, “The Skincare Hoax: How You’re Being Tricked into Buy-in Lotions, and Wrinkle Cream” on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 10:00 am.

(VIRTUAL) Omer Bartovwill present his book, “The Butterfly and the Axe” on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 3:30 pm.

(IN PERSON) Deborah Applegate will present her book, “Madam: the Biography of Polly Adler, icon of the Jazz Age,” on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 10:00 am.

(VIRTUAL) Sarah Bimbach will present her book, A Daughter’s Kaddish” on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 10:00am.

(IN PERSON) Rachel Shteir will present her book “Betty Friedan” on Wednesday, April 31, 2024, at 10:00 am.

(VIRTUAL) Oren Kessler will present his book, “Palestine 1936: The Great Revolt and the Roots of the Middle East Conflict” on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 10:00 am.

(IN PERSON) Joseph Posnanski will present his book, “Why We Love Baseball: a History in 50 Moments,” on Wednesday, April 18, at 12:00 noon.

(IN PERSON) B.A. Van Sise, will speak about his book, “Invited to Life; Finding Hope After the Holocaust” as part of our community’s Yom HaShoah Commemoration on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 3:00 pm.

BETH SHALOM, PALM DESERT

(Member, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism) Ken Hailpern, Spiritual Leader 42600 Cook Street, Second Floor, Palm Desert, CA 92211 / 760-200-3636.

IN-PERSON Shabbat Morning Services: 9:45 am, followed by light Kiddush lunch. Saturday, October 7: Shemini Atzeret service at 9:45 am, including Yizkor Memorial Service. For information, email info@congregationbethshalom.net or call (760) 200-3636. www.CongregationBethShalom.net

CHABAD OF PALM SPRINGS & DESERT COMMUNITIES

Rabbi Yonason Denebeim & Rabbi Arik Denebeim

250 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264 www.chabadpalmsprings.com 760-3250774. Check website or call to confirm times of Shabbat and holiday services.

CHABAD OF PALM DESERT

Rabbi Mendy Friedman

Chabad LQ offers weekly Torah studies, home visitations, Kosher meals, Shabbat Services, Women’s Circle, Youth activities, Holiday programs and more.

CONGREGATION HAR-EL, a Contemporary Reform Congregation (Member, Union for Reform Judaism), offering year-round services, Torah study, youth and adult classes and events. Membership open for residents and nonresidents.

Sun City Palm Desert the first and third Fridays at 7:15 pm. Information: Nadine Brinhendler, 707-332-3947.

TEMPLE HAR SHALOM, IDYLLWILD

www.templeharshalomidyllwild.org

Email: templeharshalomofidyllwild@gmail.com. Shabbat Candle Lighting on Fridays at 6:00 pm on Zoom. 1st Friday with Rabbi Malka Drucker; 2nd Friday with Rabbi Ilana Grinblat; 3rd Friday with Kerry Abram; 4th Friday with Rabbi Ilana Grinblat. Shabbat Book Study with Rabbi Malka Drucker on Zoom Saturdays 4:00-5:00 pm. Check our website for current info including Torah Study with Rabbi Ilana one Saturday morning per month. For more information and for Zoom link call 951-468-0004.

TEMPLE ISAIAH, PALM SPRINGS

Call for information: 760-651-2424. www.chabadpd.com

760-969-2158

760-969-2153

CHABAD OF RANCHO MIRAGE

Rabbi Shimon Posner & Rabbi Benny Lew www.chabadrm.com

Weekly Shabbat Services start at 10 am, followed by a sit down lunch/kiddush. Check online for weekday and Friday schedule of services Text 760-770-7785 or e-mail: info@ chabadrm.com to be added to our mailing list. All programs and events are updated on our website. Kids Hebrew School 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM on designated Sundays throughout the school year. Check our schedule online Info: chabadrm.com/ckids or Chaya Posner: chaya@chabadrm.com or 760-272-1923.

CHABAD OF SUN CITY PALM DESERT

Rabbi Yonason Denebeim. Call 760-848-8250 or e-mail: info@ chabadsuncity.com for schedule. Contact Rebbetzin Sussie Denebeim to receive weekly “Chabad in Sun City Newsletter” with listing of all services and activities: sussiedenebeim@gmail.com.

CHABAD OF LA QUINTA

Rabbi Moshe Katz

50620 Eisenhower Drive, Ste. G103, La Quinta, CA 92253. 760-709-2431. Email: chabadlaquinta@ gmail.com.

Rabbi Richard Zionts, Ph.D.; Cantor Joseph Gole, D.Mus. harelurjpd@gmail.com 760-779-1691. Website: harelurjpd.org. Shabbat Eve Zoom Services are conducted weekly at 5 PM. Rabbi Richard Zionts shares a D’var Torah on a timely topic based on our timeless tradition. Cantor Joseph Gole provides inspiring melodies and insights from our Shabbat Eve liturgy. Attendees are encouraged to click on the Zoom presentation early for a conversation with clergy and congregants. Har-El welcomes visitors from out of state as well as those in California and the Coachella Valley. Rabbi Zionts holds Torah Study on Zoom every Saturday morning at 11 AM. For a Zoom link, contact harelurjpd@gmail.com.

DESERT OUTREACH SYNAGOGUE, RANCHO MIRAGE

Rabbi Dr. Jules King; Rabbi Rachel Axelrad, Rabbi Andrew Bentley, Cantor Lori Reisman Patterson. 760-449-0111. Mailing address: P.O. Box 982, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. Shabbat services held on the second Fridays at Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert, 72425 Via Vail, Rancho Mirage. On second Saturdays: 10:30-11:30 am Torah study on Zoom with Rabbi Axelrad. Beit Sefer Religious School begins again o October 8th and is held Saturday mornings (from 9:45 AM to noon. B’nei Mitzvah classes for Children with Arava Talve. “Talkin’ Torah”: See listing on Community Calendar. Check website for most current information: www.Desert-Outreach-Synagogue. com.or www.my-dos.org

OR HAMIDBAR

Rabbi David Lazar rabbi@orhamidbar.org

Kabbalat Shabbat Service - Fridays 6:30 pm; Shabbat prayer and study - Saturdays 10:30 am. ToraTeachings on Zoom - Wednesdays at 11 am. For more information of in-person dates and Zoom links visit orhamidbar.org

SUN CITY JEWISH SERVICES, PALM DESERT

Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Emert, Cantorial Soloist Alan Scott. In person services in Speaker’s Hall in the Sunset View Clubhouse (second clubhouse) in

Rabbi Steven Rosenberg. (rabbisteven. rosenberg@gmail.com). Cantor Ken Cohen or Soloist Dr. Sarah Sela join Rabbi on the bima most weeks. 332 West Alejo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262, 760-325-2281. Email: temple@templeisaiahps.com; www.templeisaiahps.com.

Shabbat services Friday evenings at 7:30 pm, preceded by Wine and Cheese ‘Happy Hour’ from 7:00-7:30 pm and Oneg following. Saturday morning torah study, “Nosh and Drash,” begins at 10:30 am. All services also streamed online. To access any activity, go to Temple Isaiah’s website and click on link to desired service or program. Shabbat afternoon Bereavement Group resuming after High Holidays. Check with Temple Office.

TEMPLE SINAI, PALM DESERT (Member, Union for Reform Judaism)

Rabbi David Novak rabbi@templesinai.org 73-251 Hovley Lane West, Palm Desert, CA 92260. www.templesinaipd.org 760-568-9699. Go to templesinaipd.org for access information. Shabbat services are in-person and online on Livestream at www.templesinaipd.org. Friday evening services 5:30 pm, preceded by preservice Oneg at 5:00 pm. Saturday morning Torah study 8:45 am; Shabbat morning services 10 am. Temple Sinai’s Avi Levine Religious School 9:30 - 12:00 AM on designated Sundays throughout the school year. Contact Talia Lizemer-Hawley, Community Educator, for more information, educator@templesinaipd.org

BIKUR CHOLIM

A project of Chabad of Palm Springs & Desert Communities (Community Outreach) www. BikurCholimPS.com Rabbi Yankel Kreiman760-325-8076, and Rabbi Mendy

JFS PREPARES FUTURE PROVIDERS

Frida Gopar-Garcia expects to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Health Science from California State University, Sacramento, in May 2024. She’s currently a Health Career Connection (HCC) intern working with the JFS Case Management program to engage with and offer clients needed resources, presenting Frida with a unique opportunity to hear of community needs directly from residents. Frida has already been an active community member, volunteering for several agencies.

Her internship plan includes the goals of learning more about available, local social benefits while also strengthening her public speaking and communication skills. To help with the latter, Frida engaged with the Let’s Do Lunch social engagement program, where she had the chance of working directly with senior clients.

Interns who work with JFS are able to engage with all the agency’s departments, offering a comprehensive look into association management and social service provision.

“Frida has been a fantastic addition to our team, and we hope that her time here is exactly what she needs to further her studies and prepare herself for a career helping others,” says JFS Executive Director, Kraig Johnson. Thank you, Frida!

CAFÉ EUROPA

For over a decade, Jewish Family Service of the Desert has conducted the Café Europa program, offering education and support to our local Holocaust survivors. Made possible through the generous support of the Jewish Federation of the Desert, Café Europa has proved to be a meaningful opportunity for our precious survivors. Much like our local Café Europa members, children of Holocaust survivors have varied and unique stories and needs. In response, Café Europa 2.0 has been launched.

Café Europa 2.0 is a program series designed by children of Holocaust survivors to offer important education and support to “the second generation.” The series will mirror the current Café Europa format of education coupled with an opportunity to engage and interact, but it will be different in an important way:

Café Europa 2.0 programming will be “open to the public,” but it will also feature a private socialization opportunity for second generation participants.

Series programming will largely be made possible through the Federation’s connection to the Jewish Book Council, offering connections to noted authors such as Eti Elboim, Jonathon Freedland, Omer Bartov, Sarah Birnbach, and others.

“JFS is proud to collaborate with the Federation to offer high quality programming and support for our local Holocaust survivors and their families. Café Europa 2.0 promises to be another example of what can be done when our agencies engage directly with one another, delivering benefits where they’re needed most,” states JFS Executive Director, Kraig Johnson. “Working with the Federation makes this possible.”

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF PROGRAMS

OCTOBER 2023

MONDAYS:

Har-El offers three classes with Rabbi Zionts on Zoom on Mondays for residents and non-residents: 10:30 AM—Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class; 1:00 PM—Conversion to Judaism; 4:00 PM—Youth Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparation. Individual Zoom Sessions will be offered for beginning students who require extra preparation for group study. For registration and additional information, email: harelurjpd@ gmail.com or call Rabbi Zionts at (760) 668-9943.

TUESDAYS:

4:00 pm Temple Sinai weekly class on ZOOM, “Torah in Translation” where participants join Rabbi David Novak in reading the Torah in various English translations. Contact rabbi for ZOOM information.

5:00-6:45 pm Chabad Rancho Mirage’s popular and weekly BBQ begins again for the season, October 8th)

7:00 pm – Chabad of Palm Springs/Sun City: Tanya, a class for women, with Sussie Denebeim. Call 760-848-8250 for more information.

WEDNESDAYS:

7:00 pm Chabad of Palm Springs/Sun City: ‘Ask the Rabbi’: A Weekly Open Q & A with Rabbi Yonason Denebeim

7:00 pm Chabad of Rancho Mirage Tanya Class led by Rabbi Shimon Posner. For men and women. Hosted each week in Rancho Mirage and also available on Zoom.

8:00 pm – Temple Isaiah “Judaism 2.0 with Rabbi Steven Rosenberg. Online course on ZOOM: Judaism 2.0: “Jewish Observance in a Contemporary World.” To participate, email Rabbi at rabbisteven.rosenberg@gmail.com.

THURSDAYS:

11:45 am Rabbi David Novak of Temple Sinai hosts a weekly “Lunch ‘n’ Learn” in Temple Sinai’s Goodman Chapel.

YOUTH AND TEENS:

Chabad of Rancho Mirage offers programs for children 3 through High School. Ckids Club for children 3-13 offers monthly programs. Teen is for teens in high school who meet weekly for events, discussion and participation in humanitarian projects. For more information on kids’ club events, or to register, visit us on the web www.chabadrm.com/ckids.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

2:00-5:00 pm Temple Isaiah Sukkot BBQ. Check website: templeisaiahps.com for details and to make reservations. $25 per person.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3

5:00-6:45 pm Chabad Rancho Mirage’s popular and weekly BBQ begins again for the season with “BBQ in the Sukkah.” Check their website (www.chabadrm.com) for convenient reservations/order form.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

3:30 pm Har-El Book Review on Zoom. Joan Moyer reviews “The Letters Project” by Eleanor Reissa. See ad page 15 for Zoom link.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18

12:30 pm Har-El. Har-El Goes to the Movies, screening and discussion following for Israeli film “Footnote.” See ad page 15 for film details and reservations. (Reservation deadline: October 11).

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

10:30 am Beth Shalom Brunch and Bingo. Members $25 per person. Non-members $35 per person. Includes brunch and 7 bingo games. Daubers $1. Prizes and Opportunity Drawings. Paid reservation deadline: Tuesday, October 17. Information: 760-200-3636,

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

11:30 am Sabra Hadassah Woman of Valor Luncheon honoring Nancy Singer at Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage. $75. Sponsorship opportunities available. Call 760-289-7987 for details. See ad page 16.

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE DESERT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

2023 / 2024

OCTOBER 16, 2023

JBC Eti Elboim:

“The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz”

NOVEMBER 27, 2023

Cabaret for a Cause Event

NOVEMBER 5, 2023

Defiant Requiem

NOVEMBER 8, 2023

JBC Miriam Ruth Black: “Shayna”

JANUARY 8, 2024

JBC Fayne Frey:

“The Skincare Hoax”

FEBRUARY 7, 2024

Jewish Federation Main Event

DECEMBER 3, 2023

Feast of Jewish Learning

JBC 5 authors/6 books

JANUARY 22, 2024

Women Philanthropy Lion of Judah Event

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Deborah Applegate: “Madam: The Biography of Polly Adler, Icon of the Jazz Age

DECEMBER 11, 2023

Card \ Game Day

FEBRUARY 5, 2024

JBC Omer Bartov: “The Butterfly and the Axe”

MARCH 6, 2024

JBC Sarah Bimbach: “A Daughter’s Kaddish”

MARCH 18, 2024

Women’s Philanthropy Pomegranate Event

APRIL 14, 2024

JBC Oren Kessler: “Palestine 1936: The Great Revolt and the Roots of the Middle East Conflict”

MARCH 26, 2024

Federation Day at Tamarisk Country Club

MAY 5, 2024

Yom HaShoah; Holocaust Remembrance

APRIL 3, 2024

JBC Rachel Shteir: “Betty Friedan”

CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES