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JUNE 4, 2021 | SIVAN 24, 5781 | VOLUME 73, NUMBER 20 $1.50 Talking about Local synagogues introduce new rabbis Israel, even among this summer NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER Jews, isn’t easy everal synagogues across Greater Phoenix are ready NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER Sto introduce new clergy to their congregations this summer. andice Gimbel has a lot to say about Israel, but she After a year in transition, Congregation Or Tzion will Cisn’t offering many thoughts on social media or in welcome its new spiritual leader, Rabbi Andy Green, in July. large gatherings these days. “I’m excited to be joining such a robust and powerful “Everything I say can and will be used against me,” and meaning-seeking community,” said Green. she said. There was a time when she could talk to her The most important thing a rabbi can be is “present neighbors, her friends and even her brothers about and listening,” he said, so he plans to spend his early Israel. But not anymore. months in Scottsdale getting to know the community and “It wasn’t long ago when we would talk about Or Tzion members. the vibe of the country, and we were talking about “I love sharing Torah but I also realize that every person Washington. And then the conversation expanded,” she connects and relates to Judaism in different ways,” he said. said. “There’s a very cynical assumption that everybody “I’m not interested in imposing myself as much as being assumes somebody else is biased.” in relationship with the members — and future members Gimbel’s struggle reflects a lot of what local — of our community.” Jewish leaders feel when speaking about Israel to As a college freshman, Green became aware of how their congregations and in other Jewish spaces. For many Jewish learning opportunities he had compared to them, too, addressing the topic in a time of intense his peers and was “somewhat thrust into Jewish communal polarization is tricky. leadership.” He was president of the Jewish Student Union Rabbi John A. Linder, Temple Solel’s senior rabbi, and later became president of the campus Hillel. But it said he feels like he is walking a tightrope whenever he wasn’t until long after he graduated from UCLA that he talks about Israel — that he has to preface whatever he realized he wanted to be a rabbi. says with an explicit caveat: “Rabbi John Linder, lover “I worked in different contexts — I was in management of Israel.” in an industrial supply company and was involved in public Clockwise from top left: Rabbi Andy Green and family, Rabbi “The tightrope is where I want to listen to Arabs that policy and doing different things — but in my heart and in Cookie Lea Olshein, Rabbi James Simon and Rabbi Jeffrey Lipschultz PHOTOS COURTESY OF RABBI ANDY GREEN, RABBI COOKIE LEA OLSHEIN, are being discriminated against,” he said. “Although I the back of my mind, Judaism SEE RABBIS, PAGE 3 RABBI JAMES SIMON AND RABBI JEFFREY LIPSCHULTZ am conscious of walking a tightrope, I will not, for the sake of fear of ruffling feathers, remove myself from the arena.” Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley Rabbi A fond farewell Herschel “Brodie” Aberson said, he too, is keenly Temple Chai held a drive-thru goodbye for Rabbi aware of the parameters of what is, and what is not, Mari Chernow before she moves to Los Angeles next considered “safe” to say. month. To see more community photos, go to p. 26. It’s disturbing that expressing concern for others — without saying PHOTO BY JOEL ZOLONDEK any one is particularly evil or SEE ISRAEL, PAGE 2

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NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL ISRAEL Jewish leaders urge Biden to fill key Israeli woman makes history as she IDF seeks to fast-track revolutionary positions on anti-Semitism summits Mount Everest approach to lessening future rocket fire HEADLINES ISRAEL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 wrong — could be perceived as a betrayal, he said. “I believe Jews have a right to self- determination of their own land. I would never deny that to another people,” he said. “If a rabbi can’t say we need to actually try and cultivate empathy for not just ourselves but the other, then what’s the point of being a community leader? What’s the point of being a spiritual leader?” Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, president and dean at Valley Beit Midrash, said the 2021 Phoenix Arizona Jewish community needs more local Jewish leaders willing to talk about Jewish News Israel in a nuanced way. The American Jewish relationship to “JERUSALEM _ OLD AND NEW _ EVENING _ NOAM CHEN_IMOT” BY ISRAEL_PHOTO_GALLERY IS LICENSED UNDER CC BY-ND 2.0 Israel has become almost completely Print Dates intertwined with American Jewish for decades,” he said. But that norm has background of the conflict, considering partisan politics, he said. broken down over time. various perspectives.” January 8 August 6* “People expect bandwagoning,” he said. “I don’t believe it’s solely because She said that Israel is a “beautiful, joyful, “There’s a conservative bandwagoning of the difference of views in terms of inspiring and sometimes frustrating place January 22 August 20 and there’s a progressive bandwagoning. Israeli policies,” he said. “Some of it and her politics do not map out easily on February 5 August 27 And if you stray from that, you are in has to do with polarization here in the the American political landscape.” trouble. It is fierce and relentless.” United States.” Sharfman is a Zionist to her core and February 19 September 3 A recent survey by the Pew Research Jason Greenblatt, former White House is “deeply aware” of the role Israel has March 5 September 10 Center found a growing political Envoy to the Middle East during the played in her identify as a Jew. “I am divergence of the American-Jewish Trump administration, did not directly able, with pride, to share Israel’s many March 12 September 24 population. While 71% of Jews are address questions about partisanship, but accomplishments and to share, with pain March 19 October 1 Democrats or lean Democratic, 75% said “social media, strident activism and (but hope), the areas in which she falls of Orthodox Jews are Republican or cancel culture pose significant challenges short,” she said. “It is simply honest March 26 October 15** lean Republican. to some when it comes to talking about discussion, akin to a family member who April 2 November 5 Orthodox Jews are becoming “as Israel in public spaces.” may, at times, fall short of expectations, solidly Republican as non-Orthodox Congregation Kehillah Rabbi Bonnie but yet we still are a family and try to April 16 November 19 Jews are solidly Democratic,” the Sharfman talks about Israel in a variety learn from one another and make each May 7 December 3 survey found. of ways within her congregation: other healthier.” Scott Lasensky, former Middle East “I talk about Israel frequently from Democratic state Rep. Alma Hernandez May 21 December 17 adviser to the Obama administration, the bimah and always have, so it’s not a (LD-3 ), who describes herself as an June 4 said the American Jewish community as a new thing for my congregation to hear unapologetic Zionist, said talking about whole is still broadly supportive of Israel about Israel from me; it is challenging Israel has never been easy, especially July 9 *Best of Magazine and its decisions around security. to explore serious issues in the limited “being a progressive, being a person of **Annual Directory “There’s a strong norm of deference time allocated for teaching from the color and being in a lot of the circles that to Israel, of solidarity with Israel. It’s a bimah during services, so I offer classes sometimes these comments and issues are WWW.JEWISHAZ.COM baseline norm in American Jewish life to explore in more depth the history and SEE ISRAEL, PAGE 12

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2 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES RABBIS “He has been there for 10 years and happiest times of their lives, as well as CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 built the congregation up in many ways the darkest. that I hope to only build upon,” Olshein “Knowing how important those was always the rhythm by which I lived said. She is passionate about social justice moments of transition are, having my life.” and interfaith work, and is a Rukin experienced some of them myself, having One Friday, he found himself thinking Rabbinic Fellowship with 18Doors, a caring clergy person to walk that about what the evening would bring. At A Jewish Cemetery that cares which focuses on empowering interfaith path with Jewishly is very important,” the time, he ran “an independent Friday about the Jewish Community and multi-faith couples. Olshein said. evening service potluck” in the condo he Olshein’s first move will be to help Rabbi James Simon starts in July as shared with a roommate. bring the congregation back together Temple Chai’s interim rabbi following “I was humming a melody,” he said. in person in a safe way. She hopes to the departure of Rabbi Mari Chernow. “I was in the warehouse, walking in my “create a wonderful feel as people start “Part of my job is to be a non-anxious steel-toe shoes. And I realized that even to re-emerge from COVID,” and remind presence,” he said. “I am there to help though my body was one place, my spirit congregants that Temple Emanuel “is still them to literally recommit the future of was somewhere else.” He soon started their home.” their congregation.” rabbinical school. Olshein was a resident rabbinic scholar Simon was a rabbi for about 40 In August 2015, he became the years before he began working as an assistant rabbi at Congregation Beth El with Congregation Ner Tamid in the Las interim rabbi. In the past 10 years, he in Voorhees, New Jersey and then the Vegas area, where she also led worship has helped numerous congregations associate rabbi. and lifecycle events. across the country transition after a During the pandemic, he and his wife “But I missed the deeper relationships decided they wanted to be closer to with congregants,” she said. rabbi’s departure. • Jewish Owned and Operated Even though every congregation family. His parents live in Los Angeles Before her time in Nevada, she was the • Sidewalks at Every Grave and his in-laws live in Las Vegas. rabbi at Temple Israel of West Palm Beach is unique, they have a few things in “That’s one of the things that led us to common, he said. • Caring Professional Sta Congregation Or Tzion. And I have to "I'M REALLY EXCITED “There’s always some amount of • Intermarried Families Welcome tell you that just from the first preliminary anxiety about the future,” he said. conversations, it felt like such an amazing TO CREATE AS MANY He always meets with as many fit,” he said. congregants as possible, individually and Being a spiritual leader during the RELATIONSHIPS AS I in small groups, to give them a chance (480) 585-6060 pandemic was hard on many, including CAN, AS QUICKLY AS to share their feelings about the changes Green, but he said he learned some that are happening. 24210 N. 68th Street, Phoenix lessons he will bring to Or Tzion. I CAN, AS DEEPLY AS “I am there actually, to help them to (o Pinnacle Peak Rd) “We plan for the future, but we never process that grief and to process their know what it will bring. And it teaches us I CAN SO THAT I CAN worry, and to reassure them that we are mtsinaicemetery.com both to seize this moment and to realize GET TO KNOW THE going to get through this challenging the blessing of today,” he said. time,” he said. Everybody’s in different spaces, and CONGREGATION AND During his year as interim rabbi, he’ll facing different challenges, both in be doing “all the rabbinic things” that terms of the pandemic and also just in THEY CAN GET TO Chernow did to provide continuity, while different phases of life, he said. He hopes KNOW ME." working with the search committee to to be present for anyone who struggles help find a new permanent senior rabbi. to find their place and meaning, and Simon said he finds meaning in helping to translate the voice and wisdom of congregations move forward during biblical ancestors. in Florida for eight years, and before that challenging times. Green joins Or Tzion after Rabbi worked as a cantor and associate rabbi “I have always enjoyed the people I’ve Micah Caplan’s death a year ago. Green in Austin, Texas. But she wasn’t always met, and I’m still in touch with a few of didn’t know Caplan personally, but a rabbi. them,” he said. knows his parents, who helped Green She spent 11 years as a civil litigation Rabbi Jeffrey Lipschultz will start at prepare for job interviews at the end of his attorney in Las Vegas. Congregation Beth Emeth July 1. rabbinic studies. She was prompted to return to an active Lipschultz describes securing his new @ Arizona’s Only Jewish “His parents belong to synagogues Jewish life after both of her parents passed position as “kismet.” Funeral Home that my wife was the youth director at away within four months of each other. At the very beginning of his rabbinical in L.A. And I was in their home doing “I found here in Las Vegas the most career in 2001, he was interested in being @ Arizona’s Only Member of a mock interview,” Green said. “I’m amazing and enveloping and supportive Beth Emeth’s rabbi, but was told he the Jewish Funeral Directors familiar with his family, and have many, community that really created space for wasn’t seasoned enough. of America many acquaintances and colleagues who me to learn and grow and to participate. “I had very little experience as a rabbi,” have warm and loving memories and And 50 people told me I should be a he said. “I said the kaddish too fast.” @ Arizona’s Only Jewish Owned experiences with him, whose lives were rabbi,” she said. But now, “boy, have I been seasoned.” & Operated Funeral Home so enriched by him.” Initially, she laughed. After all, she was Lipschultz has been the staff rabbi for Green isn’t the only rabbi filling happy being a lawyer. But then she started Madrona Hospice & Palliative Care @ Arizona’s Only Funeral Home big shoes. to look into it and realized she had some since 2019. And before that, he was the Endorsed by the Entire Rabbi Cookie Lea Olshein starts at transferable skills, like writing, advocating rabbi of several different congregations Rabbinical Council Temple Emanuel of Tempe June 1, and even preaching. around the country. He moved to following the resignation of her friend “Preaching has a lot of similar Arizona from Rock Island, Illinois and and classmate, Rabbi Dean Shapiro. characteristics to making an argument in then returned to the state in which he “I’m really excited to create as many front of a judge. I often make a joke that grew up in 2019. Beth Emeth will be his relationships as I can, as quickly as I can, I have much better clients now,” she said. fourth congregation. as deeply as I can so that I can get to Her job as a civil litigation attorney was “I really missed leading a congregation,” know the congregation and they can get primarily about disputes involving money, he said. “I have a year’s worth of sermons to know me,” she said. and she wasn’t certain that was the path bursting to get out.” Shapiro announced last October that she wanted to follow for life. Lipschultz will replace Tracee Rosen, after a dozen years with the congregation Becoming a rabbi has given her the who Lipschultz said has been “very he would be leaving. privilege of working with people in the helpful” in the transition. JN

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JUNE 4, 2021 3 HEADLINES

LOCAL Jewish ‘weather buff’ hopeful, praying for a wet monsoon season NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER

aniel Stein Kokin was excited to experience makes him feel “at home” in the Jewish prayer community whether Dfirsthand the heavy winds, flash flooding book, and helps him to grapple with his own monsoon season and afternoon and evening thunderstorms, concerns and feelings — including his concern variation is responding which define the monsoon season, when he about climate change and Arizona’s drought. to climate change. There "Phoenix Arizona Lightning Thunderstorm Lightning Strikes" moved to Phoenix in the summer of 2019. Marvin Percha, a meteorologist for the is also a lot of natural STRIKING PHOTOGRAPHY BY BO INSOGNA IS LICENSED UNDER CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 But he’s been disappointed. National Weather Service in Phoenix, said variation with the southwest monsoon, since He based his “Prayer for the Southwest “I’ve now spent the better part of two he understands Stein Kokin’s concern and it depends on larger wind patterns. Monsoon” loosely on Tefillat ha-Geshem summers in Arizona and they both have disappointment over the recent lackluster During late spring and early summer, the (prayer for rain) and other traditional texts. featured very meager monsoons,” he said. monsoon seasons. wind direction in Arizona is from west to east, The opening verse is as follows: He wrote a prayer specifically to be read on “Most of the state is in extreme drought but during the monsoon the wind direction “Today we do not thirst: Shabbat Chukat, June 19, which falls right at right now,” he said. “Without those summer changes from east to southeast, bringing Canal and pipe flow forever full, in morning the beginning of monsoon season. rains, it definitely leads to drier conditions tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico sun sparkle backyard pools. “It just so happens that this Torah portion, and higher fire danger levels.” Rain also and from the Tropical Eastern Pacific. But from no cistern can the cactus sip, for parshah Chukat, features lots of water-related brings clouds, which help to temper the The odds are tilted toward a wetter Ponderosa Pine no faucet drips, issues concerning the Israelites who, of course, summer heat. than normal monsoon season this year, As drought has dried soil and spring, and are at that point wandering in the desert,” Stein Kokin “definitely saw a real dud” of Percha said. flora and fauna pine for drink. Stein Kokin said. “So you have this nice a monsoon season last year, Percha said. Last Stein Kokin moved to Phoenix from Los And as we behold the parched landscape, connection of desert and water issues that very summer was the hottest and driest on record Angeles, where he grew up. He identifies as a can we not but meditate and think: much speak to the situation that we experience in Arizona. “weather buff” and said he’s been fascinated That our desires and demands have here in Arizona.” Conversely, the wettest monsoon season on by weather since he was a kid. When he brought us to the brink?” A Jewish studies scholar, Stein Kokin began record was 1984, with more than 9 inches of first learned about the greenhouse effect in Stein Kokin will share and discuss writing what he calls “liturgical texts” a few rain, and the last “good one,” Percha said, was third grade, he was so traumatized he had his prayer during a virtual Valley Beit years ago. He is also married to Rabbi Nitzan in 2018, which saw rainfall near an average of a nightmare about it, he said. “My head Midrash presentation June 17, and will Stein Kokin of Beth El Congregation. 2.7 inches. is literally in the clouds, because I’m often recite it again at Beth El Congregation on Writing and experimenting with liturgy There is not a consensus in the scientific looking up at the clouds.” June 19th. JN DON’T MISS OUT! Place your ad in the Jewish News BEST OF… Healthcare Magazine This year, we focus on the best healthcare the area has to o€ er, from doctors and nurses to pharmacies and hospitals.

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4 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES

LOCAL Rabbi Tracee Rosen to retire from the pulpit LEISAH WOLDOFF | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

s Rabbi Tracee Rosen Awas unloading boxes after arriving in Arizona in 2010, her new neighbor informed her that a local Reform congregation, Temple Gan Elohim, was looking for a rabbi. She and her family had relocated to Greater Phoenix to be closer to her mother-in-law, moving from Salt Lake City, where she served for six years as the rabbi of Utah’s largest synagogue. Her family attended Shabbat services there that Friday night and soon after, Rosen accepted an offer to become the congregation’s spiritual leader, a role she continued until the congregation closed in 2016. When it closed, Gan Elohim was housed at Beth Emeth Congregation, a PHOTO COURTESY OF RABBI TRACEE ROSEN Conservative congregation in the West Valley, and Rosen was also University) at age 35, after a career in leading Saturday morning services for banking. She earned her smicha in 2000 Beth Emeth members. By the next from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic year, she was Beth Emeth’s spiritual Studies, a Conservative seminary, and after leader. Now, after a year of leading the completing a three-year apprenticeship at congregation through a pandemic, she has Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, California, announced that she plans to retire from she became the rabbi of Salt Lake City’s the pulpit. Congregation Kol Ami. “This year of seclusion has given us all a That congregation was a result of a lot of time to think about our priorities,” merger between a Reform synagogue and she said. “I looked at how my time was a Conservative synagogue so she needed being spent and what I had energy for and to serve members from both backgrounds what I didn’t have energy for.” and levels of observances. She plans to refocus on her family as Rosen and her wife, who have one well as continue teaching. Now that she’s child, plan to remain in Greater Phoenix grown comfortable with online teaching, and she plans to continue her work she’d like to increase her online presence teaching classes for the Women’s Jewish The and has also “threatened to write a book” Learning Center and serving on the grants based on one of her classes, “Hidden committee for the Jewish Community Secrets of the Ten Commandments.” Foundation of Greater Phoenix, as well as She was also recently appointed to continue her work as a hospital chaplain Fabulous s serve on the Rabbinical Assembly for Jewish Family & Children’s Service. ’5th 0 Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, “One of the things that I love about Thursday, June 10 • 3:00pm which sets the halachic policy for the this community is the friendship and Conservative movement. collegiality among the rabbis in this Dust o your poodle skirts & saddle shoes and join us During her past decade or so in Greater community,” she said. “That’s been a for music of the ’€‚s! Swing to the hits of yesteryear, Phoenix, Rosen served two years as the source of great strength and support that including a few favorites from the musical, “Grease.” director of a Phoenix-based Florence we’ve been able to offer each other this ADERS’ C RE HO 20 IC 0 E Melton School of Adult Jewish Studies past year and all the previous years.” Enjoy ’€‚s-themed hors d’oeuvres and refreshing 2 program, was active in the Phoenix Rosen said one of the things she 2 N E Board of Rabbis, taught Jewish studies enjoyed most as a pulpit rabbi was the beverages during this fun, socially distanced event. D P L A C and Hebrew classes at Pardes Jewish Day relationships she had with people through To RSVP, please call 602.635.2602. School in Scottsdale for six years and the years. taught classes for the Women’s Jewish “It’s such an amazing honor to be Learning Center in Scottsdale. invited into people’s lives” during CARF-ACCREDITED INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING Teaching adults was what she originally these important lifecycle events such 909 East Northern Avenue • Phoenix, AZ envisioned doing when she enrolled as births, b’nai mitzvah, weddings and in rabbinical school at the University funerals, and “being able to share that LaSienaSeniorLiving.com • 602.635.2602 of Judaism (now American Jewish with people.” JN

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JUNE 4, 2021 5 HEADLINES

LOCAL You should know … Morgan Singer NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER

organ Singer wasn’t planning to be interacting with customers and the Ma stay-at-home mom. challenges of traveling with babies. She lost her job as an executive assistant on her last day of maternity leave early last How does the need for baby gear year — and then the pandemic happened. complicate travel? Singer was looking for a way to When my daughter was 3 months old, make some income and sought out that was the first and only time we went BabyQuip, a company that cleans and on a plane — right before everything rents baby gear for families on the got shut down. And it was super easy to go. The company has independent travel with her. I didn’t bring a stroller; quality providers that deliver and set I didn’t bring a car seat or a crib because up insured baby equipment to private my sister had all of those things. But had residences, vacation rentals, hotels that not been the case, it would have been and airports. incredibly stressful to bring all of those “I had heard of them because they things by myself — because my husband

were on ‘Shark Tank’ a couple years ago. wasn’t coming with me — and then worry Morgan Singer stands with her daughter and husband on Mother’s Day 2021. PHOTO BY ANDREA ARKOW And then a local influencer that I follow about transportation and fitting luggage on Instagram, @whatlolalikes, talked and everything like that. picked up their traveling, and we expect Do you have prior customer service about its services when she was going on We went on a couple of road trips as it to be consistent as we are seeing travel experience? vacation. So I thought I would look into well over the past year. And we kind of increase. I don’t have an idea, since I am I have years of experience doing customer it,” she said. “And I was interested in had to pick and choose what we could so new on the rental side, what to expect service. I’ve done so many different things renting gear myself last summer.” bring, and even then our whole car was each month yet. and I started off in customer service after She joined the company in October filled with items for my daughter. college. Customer service has always sort 2020 as a provider in Gilbert, where she What have you learned about being a of been a part of all the different roles that lives with her husband, 18-month-old What has business been like? business owner so far? I’ve had, whether it’s when I’ve worked daughter and two stepsons. They have When I joined the company, they only We don’t call ourselves franchises, in HR, recruitment, compliance and then another baby due in September. As far as could bring me onto the cleaning side — but that’s the best way to describe what more recently as an executive assistant. she knows, she is the only local BabyQuip due to COVID, no one was traveling at each individual business owner is. I provider who is Jewish. the time. Parents just don’t have time to am in Gilbert, but we have more than What has stuck with you so far from your Singer grew up a member of Temple clean car seats that get really yucky and three providers in Phoenix. Considering interactions with customers? Chai and will send her daughter this fall gross, and when you have another little this is my first time being a business I love BabyQuip because it brings people to the East Valley Jewish Community one on the way and you want to reuse owner, I think it’s such a great place together. I love seeing grandparents’ Center. “Judaism is important to me and your gear or even resell it, it’s just a great to start because they provide so much faces when they are so happy at the ease raising my children in a Jewish home,” service to have. information and resources, you’re of obtaining gear for their grandkids they she said. She hopes to connect with I was able to join the rental side of the really not on your own. There’s a lot have not seen in over a year. Jewish customers as well. business in March. And business has been of people in the community you can I love making travel and visits easy Preparing for a busy travel season — very busy because people are traveling connect with, and you can work with for everyone and keeping families Phoenix Aviation Department reported again. I started to get orders right away. other local providers if you want to. But together, creating memories and a 1,023.2% jump in airline passenger I don’t know what the summer will be I’m learning the value of continuing celebrating holidays. JN volume at Sky Harbor in April, compared like in Arizona. Since it is hot here I’m to put the work in and following up to the same time last year — Singer spoke not sure how often people are going to with customers and providing excellent To rent equipment from Morgan Singer, visit to Jewish News about her business, be traveling. But I do feel like people have customer service. tinyurl.com/4rhdnjyb.

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6 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM Musical Instrument Museum

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JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JUNE 4, 2021 7 HEADLINES

LOCAL Arizonans eager for return of summer vacations canceled by COVID-19

NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER usan Finks had such a great family the ministry of tourism.” Svacation during the COVID-19 If that doesn’t work out, they will likely pandemic that she’s planning another one again head to California. for this month. She’s doing her best to be flexible, but “We’re going to take a virtual Caribbean she can’t help but think of it in terms of the cruise,” she said. The family will board a numbers of summers lost before her son goes virtual ship in early June from either Florida to sleep-away camp. or Louisiana. How does one take a virtual “My hope is that soon, we’ll be able to cruise? By watching Caribbean-themed start enjoying travel and all of the benefits of movies and eating cruise-themed food, travel. I think it’s great for adults, it’s great she explained. for kids,” she said. “They’re really good sports,” Finks said of Meanwhile, Madelyn Shulman is definitely her 19- and 22-year-old sons. “I’m surprised going to Israel this summer with her husband that they were on board about it last year, as Jim Stevenson. The couple were married well as this year.” last October. Finks and her family aren’t ready for an “As soon as we heard about the vaccine in-person vacation yet. “We have some rollout in Israel and how extensive it was, I logistical issues,” and, besides, she isn’t said, ‘Oh, that’s where we should go,’” she “itching” to get away. said. “If you’re going to book something you Susan Finks and her family have high tea in honor of their would-have-been in-person visit Some of those who are ready to plunge should book something where you’re pretty to London. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN FINKS back into travel are already preparing for big sure things will be open.” adventures in coming months. Shulman has been to Israel a number of For Doran Arik Miller, the hardest thing times, but her last visit was 20 years ago. It about the pandemic was not being able will be Stevenson’s first time there. to travel. “It’ll be fun going with someone who’s “I recognize I’m fairly privileged to be never been,” she said. able to say that,” she said. “I really crave Before COVID, Shulman would go those opportunities to get out of my normal on one big trip every year. She’s been to routine of school drop off, work and making Hong Kong, Italy, China — “I want to go dinner. It’s fun to just do something new everywhere,” she said. and different.” She’s needed a vacation for a long time, Before COVID, she and her family traveled she said. “a lot” as a family, but sometimes traveling “But it’s not a question of do I need a was a way to have time to herself, too. vacation — it’s that I’m at a point in my life “I think in 2019 I was somewhere every where travel is important.” month — and it was great and I loved it,” she Shulman is a fan of group tours, and will said. “I was definitely not one of the people be going to Israel with Gate 1 Travel. who found that during COVID it was really Finks, on the other hand, imagined a nice to slow down.” travel company for her family’s virtual trip to The pandemic canceled her family’s plans New York and England. She made up mock to spend a month in Israel last summer. boarding passes, movie and show tickets. “I was really excited about introducing my That virtual travel stemmed from the child to this big piece of my family history,” cancellation of her son’s high school Doran Arik Miller in Southern California in September 2017. PHOTO COURTESY OF DORAN ARIK MILLER she said. Instead, Miller and her family graduation trip. She made themed dinners, drove to California for a week to escape the ranging from a mock hot dog cart in the desert heat. front yard to high tea, and watched movies “We had to get out of the heat; we had to related to each locale including, ”Hamilton,” get out of the house. We’ve been home for “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and so long, and we just felt like we needed to “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” For go somewhere else,” she said. the days they would have been traveling, While there’s a chance she’ll be going to they watched airplane-themed movies like Israel this summer, “it is not going to be the “Top Gun” and “The Terminal.” family trip that I thought it was going to be.” “I asked my oldest son one day, ‘Why are At this point, the pandemic is still thwarting you going along with this?’ And he said, Miller’s summer planning, which leaves her ‘You’re cooking and we’re having family summer travel agenda murky. night. What’s not to like?’” she said. Miller is on the Jewish National Fund Her youngest son appreciated her efforts Desert States board of directors and is to do something in honor of his graduation, hoping to chair a trip for emerging leaders. she said, even something pretty original. He “I’m hopeful that happens,” she said. was most interested in seeing New York’s “It was supposed to be the beginning of Broadway shows, so once Broadway is back July; we’ve pushed the date back as we’re in full force they will take an in-person Jim Stevenson and Madelyn Shulman stand under the chupah on Oct.18, 2020 with Jonathan awaiting further guidance from Israel and do-over trip. JN and Jeremy Shulman holding the poles. PHOTO COURTESY OF MADELYN SHULMAN

8 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES

LOCAL Orthodox Phoenix teen writes book about faith SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR

den Levi doesn’t think of herself as a She also loves taekwondo and has a “But it’s straight-up fun.” Ewriter, and she’s not planning to make third-degree black belt. She has been She took months researching the topic, it a career. But in April, the 17-year-old training with her mother since she was reading widely and asking teachers and junior at Shearim Torah High School for 2 years old. rabbis for help in defining terms and Girls published a book and is selling it on But writing? In general, she’s not getting some historical perspective. She Amazon. that interested. asked these experts to read her words “Spiritual Sunshine” is about “It was more that I wanted to write to ensure she was presenting things emunah (faith) — from a teen’s about this topic, so I did. It wasn’t that accurately, and she got some feedback perspective. The topic is big, complicated I was coming from a place of loving from fellow teens to ensure the book is and seemed to Levi to be exclusively writing,” she said. readable and fun. the province of adults. She searched Levi’s mother encouraged her to write Rabbi Raphael Landesman, head of nearly in vain for something written the book after listening to her daughter school at Shearim, has read a large part by a young person, finding only one opine on the topic for some time. Levi of the book and thinks it’s good. Eden Levi poses with her new book. PHOTO BY EDEN LEVI small volume. She suspected she could demurred, thinking she couldn’t do it. Levi is someone who feels strongly write something that would be of Still, a year later she completed her first about sharing things that are important, right now. I’m not kidding.” value to other teens who harbored book. Using the Fiverr app, she was able he said, and struggling with one’s Landesman acknowledged that Levi’s similar questions. to get assistance designing, printing and understanding of faith and belief matters light tone and use of slang lend the book a Since the book’s release, she’s been binding an actual book — complete with to her. unique angle when talking about a serious receiving emails from teens asking for cover art — giving her a product she could “She wanted to make it accessible for subject, but that doesn’t lessen its impact. advice and she was even invited to speak at sell on Amazon. teens who might view it as a heavy thing, He looks forward to hearing how kids a high school in Chicago. But she doesn’t Three sections make up the structure but she knows it’s an important and who read it are inspired and able to gain claim to be an expert — just someone on of the book. The first is focused on blessed part of one’s life,” he said. a new understanding of faith. a journey who wants to learn all she can defining various aspects and levels of While the book delves into deep issues, “She’s very open about herself and her and share it. emunah. A section on various ways to she keeps her language light, accessible struggles and what she’s dealt with and Levi is interested in poetry, art and apply faith to one’s life follows. The and filled with lots of LOLs and slang. that adds to the light and to the accessible music and plays piano, guitar and even a third section, Levi’s favorite, is filled with She also offers her readers encouragement feeling,” he said. bit of the Native American flute. “I just faith-filled poetry and stories. “It’s just along the way: “Dude, you are literally Chana Weisman, 16 and a junior like crazy creativity and self-expression — like a fun game, a chill and visually fun doing fantastic so far. I am just so and the outdoors,” she said. vibe that also poses challenges,” she said. pumped that you actually are reading SEE BOOK, PAGE 12

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JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JUNE 4, 2021 9 INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES SUMMIT FREE LOCAL SETTING YOUR KIDS UP FOR SUCCESS June 7, 8, 9, 2021 FAWZYA KHOSTI, AN EXECUTIVE FUNCTION COACH, AND RADIO SHOW HOST OF FOCUS ON SUCCESS Muslim market in Tucson offers IS HOSTING THIS FREE ONLINE SUMMIT FOCUS ON SUCCESS IS BROADCAST LIVE EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 9 AM PACIFIC TIME ON THE VOICEAMERICA EMPOWERMENT CHANNEL. WWW.VOICEAMERICA.COM/SHOW/4000/FOCUS-ON-SUCCESS kosher food and conversation NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021

4:00PM-5:00PM FAWZYA KHOSTI How Executive Function Manifests in ucked between a dance school and a Everyday Life and Tips to Help Your T60’s retro lounge on a quiet street in Child Succeed. Tucson, sits a small Middle Eastern and 5:00PM-6:00PM DR. SARAH BALD African foods store. But Al Basha Grocery Recognizing Common Mental Health Issues. isn’t just a place to get kosher meats and Does Your Child need Therapy? hard-to-find ingredients. TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2021 “It provides an opportunity for people 4:00PM-5:00PM to see each other as real people, and have CLARISSA ABIJAOUDE AND JESSICA KASTEN a normal interaction with people who Nurturing Diverse Learners ordinarily might not interact in their day- Throughout Their Educational Journey. to-day lives,” said Jesse Davis, a regular Al 5:00PM-6:00PM Basha shopper. DR. BRETT ANDERSEN Navigating the Public Ghufran Almusawi and her husband Educational System. Anas Elazrag, both Muslims, opened Al

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2021 Basha in July 2019 with the intention of 4:00PM-5:00PM creating a “melting pot,” Almusawi said. DR. MARK SHELLEY AND KENT SHELLEY “Serving kosher in our store was one of The Importance of Parental the ways that we can bring the communities Relationships and How They Impact Children together,” she said. “We just want to offer 5:00PM-6:00PM services to everybody; we want to make Al Basha Grocery in Tucson sells a wide variety of kosher foods. MATTHEW HUFFHINES PHOTO BY YISRAEL BERNSTEIN Tips for Parents to everybody feel welcome.” Help Children Improve And she regularly witnesses dialogue Sigafus said that kind of person-to- responses and those showing support Communication Skills. between the Muslim and Jewish customers person conversation is beneficial, no matter for unity. REGISTER AT who come in. how much exposure somebody has already “What both religions teach is peace,” EXECUTIVEFUNCTIONCOACHAZ.COM “I see a lot of customers interacting had to different cultures. Almusawi said. “We’re welcoming of with each other, especially if they have Elazrag, a doctor, came to Tucson in everybody. We don’t want to make questions,” she said. “Sometimes the 2008 from Sudan. He decided to open anybody feel uncomfortable and anybody customers will jump in and answer as a Al Basha after he had a poor shopping is welcome to shop. And if there are way of them showing, ‘Hey, we accept you, experience, Almusawi said. any items that are missing that they you’re welcome here.’” Her husband wasn’t convinced existing are looking for, we’re always willing to Al Basha caught Davis’ eye before it even local markets had what people really needed bring it in.” opened, with its big sign advertising halal or that they could make all customers Al Basha is in Yisrael Bernstein’s regular and kosher foods. feel comfortable. shopping rotation. He usually makes an “A halal, kosher store — somebody Almusawi, an Iraqi-American, grew up “east side loop” on Fridays gathering food who’s actually trying to reach out to both in Michigan and was already familiar with for several Chabad rabbis. He stops at Al markets and both communities? That’s the grocery business. Basha, Trader Joe’s and then Costco. It pretty striking,” he said. “They were “My dad was in the grocery world and can take up to six hours, depending on definitely reaching out a hand.” he was always so happy to see his customers who joins him. Davis appreciated the gesture and has and was welcoming. He didn’t really He discovered Al Basha a couple of years been shopping at Al Basha about three look at a customer as being somebody ago “on a lark,” figuring that if they sold times a month since it opened. other than a human that he’s providing a halal food they might also have kosher “They’re super friendly and helpful,” he service for. He didn’t look at race, color, items, “and sure enough, they did.” said. He’ll often get recommendations on religion, none of that. And I kind of grew He got to be very friendly with Almusawi products and spices to use in recipes. up following that. And fortunately, my and she began making sure the store carried Davis’ favorite thing to buy at Al Basha is husband’s the same way.” his favorites: corned beef, pastrami and hot pomegranate molasses, which he described Almusawi said she’s seen fewer Jewish dogs. With his long beard, his black hat as “a sort of finisher” for meat, giving it a customers since the recent violence and his long coat, he always feels welcome. “sweet, tangy flavor.” between Hamas and Israel. “I really do. It makes my whole Shabbat Evelyn Sigafus looks forward to Al “I just don’t think they feel comfortable weekend,” Bernstein said. Basha’s tea selection when she goes a few coming in,” she said. “I’ve had people Al Basha is “not going to save the times a year for kosher deli meats and come in and say, ‘How could you do this? world,” said Davis, but it’s those little holiday food ingredients. How could you sell this right now? And bridge-building exchanges that can. Sigafus appreciates the store’s efforts I’m just like, ‘OK, this company (kosher “We can’t just reduce each other to what SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS both to meet the need for kosher foods and food supplier) in California has nothing we see on television,” he said. “For all the where all your friends can see! to foster dialogue and relationships between to do with it, we’re just one business differences that we might have, maybe we the Jewish and Muslim communities. supporting another.’” just have more in common. And you get a Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Births, “One time I was in there and the woman The pushback comes from both chance to see that in a really human context Engagements, Weddings there did not have other customers, so we worlds — some Muslims don’t want to — you’re shopping for what you’re going had a wonderful conversation about kosher support the store because it supports the to put on your family’s table.” JN Milestone announcements are an added bene t for subscribers. products, keeping kosher, halal, what I Jewish community, and some Jews don’t For subscription details, personally do, and how I cope and how want to support the store because it is Almusawi and Elazrag opened their second contact [email protected]. she copes, and we had a wonderful little owned by Muslims. location, Al Basha Market, last month at chitchat time,” Sigafus said. She tries to focus on the positive 3421 N 1st Ave in Tucson.

10 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES

LOCAL What is IHRA anyway and why all the fuss?

NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER

eorge Kalman survived the Holocaust What endorsing or adopting the Gand spent the last years of his life definition actually means, however, varies working to ensure Arizona’s public from helping Jews feel supported to schools are required to educate children using it as a tool “for hunting speech,” about it. Stern said. A bill mandating just that idea failed Beginning in 2010, some American PHOTO BY LOBROART/SHUTTERSTOCK VIA JNS.ORG to pass last year, and its prospects remain Jewish organizations began a push to use uncertain as the state legislature’s session the IHRA definition to counter certain resolution to adopt the IHRA definition and ‘may be expressed’ to me is not comes to an end — and as this newspaper speech on college campuses, including earlier this year to share with the student a definition. If a student asks me goes to print — in part, because defining Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against government. But the effort tapered off. about IHRA, I will tell them that I do antisemitism is not clear-cut. Israel campaigns. “The reality with the pandemic is that not understand what it says.” “I would like to have some definition, The definition, Stern said, was never it just became hard to communicate with Earlier in the legislative session, because otherwise we don’t know what intended to be used as a campus hate people, and more importantly, people Republican Sen. Paul Boyer (LD-20) we are talking about,” Kalman told speech code. Expressing pro-BDS communicating back,” said Michelle was trying to amend the Holocaust Jewish News last month. “It’s very hard sentiments, while troubling, is not Blumenberg, outgoing executive director education bill with the same language. to explain.” necessarily anti-Semitic under the IHRA of the university’s Hillel Foundation. “I Beller said adding an amendment to Agreeing on a definition of antisemitism definition, he said. think that will be on the agenda in the Holocaust education, which also includes — and how to use it — is messy. It’s a According to the American Jewish fall, perhaps.” teaching about other genocides, threatens debate that has touched college campuses Committee, 28 student governments The state’s government is also assurances made to the interfaith and state legislatures across the country, of colleges and universities have passed running into hiccups with IHRA. coalition built to ensure the bill’s including in Arizona, where Kalman, 86, legislation endorsing the definition. A proposed amendment adding the broad support. passed away on May 25. “In most, if not all cases, the adoption definition to Arizona’s long-awaited “The second that you make it about is tied to BDS issues,” said Richard Holocaust education bill has stalled a specific religious group, then other What is IHRA? Hirschhaut, Los Angeles Director of the legislation. groups want that representation as well,” The International Holocaust the AJC. Last year, a Senate bill would have he said. Remembrance Alliance, or IHRA adopted the IHRA definition as well as (pronounced “Ira”) created a definition IHRA in Arizona added new antisemitism language to the IHRA in national politics of antisemitism in 2016: “A certain That’s what happened at Arizona State criminal code. When the bill didn’t pass The controversy over IHRA looks perception of Jews, which may be expressed University when the student government both chambers, a couple of legislators different on the national stage. In as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and passed a resolution in September 2020 pushed to amend the Holocaust October 2020, Politico first reported the physical manifestations of antisemitism that condemned antisemitism and called education bill. The amendment would U.S. Department of State was planning are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish for institutional representation for Jewish have codified the IHRA definition to label three global human rights groups individuals and/or their property, toward students. It also recommended the into Arizona law, directing state — Amnesty International, Human Rights Jewish community institutions and university administration adopt the IHRA officials to consider the definition when Watch, and Oxfam — as antisemitic under religious facilities.” definition as ASU’s official definition of investigating and tracking crime and the auspices of the IHRA definition of That definition is accompanied by antisemitism. discrimination. antisemitism. The plan was to declare 11 examples intent on making it more “Every year there comes a time where “They were trying to modify the that it is U.S. policy not to support such accessible, especially when it comes to a resolution comes up, namely the BDS criminal statute,” said Michael Beller, groups, including financially, and urge explaining anti-Israel speech. movement resolution, that just seeks co-founder of Arizona Teaching the other governments to cease their support. Two examples are: “denying the Jewish to exclude students on campus,” said Holocaust, an initiative founded with That didn’t end up happening. A State people their right to self-determination, Cameron Decker, who finished a two- the purpose of passing a bill in the Department spokesperson did not tell e.g., by claiming that the existence of a year term as student senator in May. He state legislature to mandate Holocaust Jewish News what stalled those plans, State of Israel is a racist endeavor,” and and a coalition of other students wanted education in Arizona. but said the Biden-Harris Administration “applying double standards by requiring to pass a resolution to show support for The pandemic stopped the legislation, categorically condemns antisemitism of it a behavior not expected or demanded Jewish students. and when Rep. Alma Hernandez (LD-3 and is not considering designations of of any other democratic nation.” There wasn’t debate or discussion ) reintroduced the Holocaust education organizations as being antisemitic. about the IHRA language in the student bill this year, the IHRA definition was Bills have also been introduced in Controversial applications senate, he said. A Jewish student had not included. Congress seeking to codify the IHRA IHRA’s definition is almost identical to authored the majority of the resolution However, some lawmakers are definition into U.S. law, further prompting one drafted in 2004 for the European with the input of other Jewish students reportedly pushing against a vote on debate on the national stage as Jewish Monitoring Centre on Racism and and leaders on campus, and “we were the bill until language is added to the groups choose whether to support those Xenophobia. Antisemitism expert all in agreement,” said Decker, who is Holocaust education bill, or another one, efforts and/or to endorse them. Kenneth Stern helped to draft that not Jewish. mandating the State Board of Education The AJC and Hillel International are definition, which was “created primarily ASU’s administration has not adopted require instruction about the Holocaust among the 51 members of the Conference so that European data collectors the language, however. That is in and its causes, including the IHRA of Presidents of Major American Jewish could know what to include and line with most universities as “only a definition of antisemitism. Organization that have endorsed exclude. That way antisemitism could handful of university administrations Kalman told Jewish News he was the definition. be monitored better over time and have acted on student legislation,” not familiar with the IHRA definition “It provides a common lexicon across borders.” said Mark Rotenberg, vice president of and did not find it helpful. “Searching and vocabulary for understanding And it has now been adopted by university initiatives and legal affairs for the web about the IHRA definition antisemitism, for recognizing dozens of countries, including the United Hillel International. did not help me,” Kalman said. “What antisemitism, and where Jew-hatred fits States, as well as private and public Some students with University of I found were examples, explanations institutions. Arizona Hillel were working on a draft and double talk: ‘certain perception,’ SEE IHRA, PAGE 12

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JUNE 4, 2021 11 HEADLINES

ISRAEL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 not welcomed in.” two-thirds of Jews over age 64. among Israel’s various populations. Gimbel has been a member of several But, just because talking about Yanklowitz said the old ways about Hernandez said everybody is entitled area synagogues. She feels knowing the Israel isn’t easy doesn’t mean those thinking about Israel and framing a to their own opinions. ins and outs of Israel is definitely part of conversations shouldn’t happen. dialogue about Israel don’t work anymore. “But, at the end of the day, what’s a rabbi’s job description, because Israel “I know people are a little scared to “We’re going to have to get to critical important is that we all support each is a “very essential part of our identity.” say things,” she said. “ Every time I post But Aberson noted he didn’t learn a something I have many people reach out great deal about Israel outside of a biblical to me privately saying, ‘I agree with you. "THERE'S A CONSERVATIVE BANDWAGONING context during rabbinical school. Thank you so much for doing that. Thank “I don’t know a lot of rabbinical you for standing up and using your voice.’ AND THERE'S A PROGRESSIVE schools that have extensive programs And my response is always, ‘Great, but I BANDWAGONING. AND IF YOU STRAY in the history of Israel or the Israeli- also can’t be the only one.’” Palestinian conflict,” he said. “It’s an There are increasingly pluralistic FROM THAT, YOU ARE IN TROUBLE." interesting aspect that we would assume attitudes about Israel and what defines a religious leader in the United States a legitimate Israeli defense versus a would have to speak out about what is provocation. Overall, younger American thinking about a next model, beyond other as a community. That we see each essentially a social political conflict in Jews are less attached to Israel than the models we’ve been engaging in,” other as humans, and see each other another part of the world.” older generations, according to Pew. he said. “Part of the assumption in as members of the Jewish community, There’s an assumption from the outset, About half of Jewish adults under 30 the new model is going to have to regardless of what our beliefs are.” that everybody, as a Jew, has some long describe themselves as emotionally be, there is no security for anyone Where those conversations should history with Israel, he said. But that isn’t connected to Israel, compared with about without successful coexistence” happen is up for debate as well. a given. JN

BOOK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 at Shearim, was wowed by the book. “I think once people hear about the book is just one step to do that. just not as a full-time job.” Levi makes a difficult topic easy to book, people will buy it — and they “I want teenagers to be able to take She’s OK not knowing what she’ll do understand for teens, she said. “I thought should,” she said. “If you ever met Eden what I learned that really helped me — I after college. She wants to help people it was amazing.” you would buy it just because she’s want to share that,” she said. so she thinks maybe something in a Weisman doesn’t have a favorite so amazing.” As far as writing a second book, healing profession. Her musical aptitude chapter, but she especially appreciates might lead her to be a professional the exercises Levi included. Listing musician. She knows that she doesn’t what one is grateful for or identifying a "SHE WANTED TO MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE FOR need to decide that now. And in the difficult circumstance and then meantime, “I don’t need to wait until attempting to find the good in it TEENS WHO MIGHT VIEW IT AS A HEAVY I’m older to start helping people,” makes the idea of faith “more than she said. just a nice thought,” she said. THING, BUT SHE KNOWS IT'S AN IMPORTANT That’s what she feels she’s doing Exercises like these encourage the AND BLESSED PART OF ONE'S LIFE." already with her book by letting kids reader to apply what they’ve just know faith is for everyone: learned, which make the “Just remember that emunah is just as lessons stick. Levi praised her teachers and advisers she’s open to the idea, “because I’m much for the cool as it is for the uncool. Teens get overlooked when it comes to as “awesome people who have taught me going to keep learning,” she said. Emunah is just as much for the trendy as complex issues, Weisman said, but they everything,” she said. She feels blessed “And how I see things will change it is for the nerdy.” JN have needs and will be able to identify and wants others to have the same and I’ll have different perspectives, so with Levi’s struggles. learning opportunities she’s had. The I probably will write another book — The book is available on amazon.com.

IHRA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 in the larger scheme of hate and bigotry,” climate and figure out what steps are federal, state or local government or applications of the IHRA definition: Hirschhaut said, but noted the AJC does necessary to address antisemitism on institution adopting any one definition the Nexus document and the Jerusalem not have a desire to see the definition their campus.” of antisemitism. “It’s a complicated Declaration. Critics contend, however, codified into law. But other groups, including Americans issue, there are obviously a lot of opinions that these definitions would allow Rotenberg agreed the definition for Peace Now, the Workers Circle, about it among the Jewish community, anti-Zionists to advocate for the provides a useful framework for J Street, the New Israel Fund and among scholars, among activist elimination of Israel without being understanding antisemitism in T’ruah, have spoken out against IHRA’s groups,” he said. No one definition accused of antisemitism. today’s world. definition and its potentially overly- should be taken as the “end-all be-all,” Stern said the debate over the IHRA “Many people hear the word broad applications. he said. definition highlights a debate inside the antisemitism, they imagine Nazis, “IHRA should not be adopted and He also fears the definition could Jewish community: “Are certain views and they imagine Hitler, and they enacted as policy on the federal level or be used to label people or groups as required to be considered inside the imagine concentration camps, any other level,” said Hadar Susskind, antisemites when they are not, as almost Jewish tent?” but they’re less able to appreciate the president and CEO of APN. He fears it happened with Oxfam and others, Adopting or endorsing a definition many different faces of antisemitism will “shut down any criticism of Israeli he said. has become a “symbolic issue,” Stern in 2021,” he said. But Hillel is not policy” by immediately equating that said. “The insanity of it, to me, is insisting or campaigning to have with antisemitism. ‘Insanity’ that everybody’s talking about how every university in America adopt the Logan Bayroff, vice president of In recent weeks, progressive groups to use a definition of antisemitism, IHRA definition, he noted. “Each communications at J Street, said have introduced two other definitions as opposed to how to really combat university needs to examine its campus the group has concerns about any in response to the vague language and antisemitism.” JN

12 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM OPINION Editorials Antisemitism in America little more than a year ago, just The recurring story of the search for vilification and increased threat to the to promote the passage of an antisemitism Abefore COVID-19 overtook our Jews to pummel and exact revenge recalls safety of Jews, prompted the leaders of 16 hate-crime law, similar to the anti-Asian lives, we were lamenting the troubling the worst of history’s antisemitic terror. of the nation’s most prominent law firms hate bill that President Biden signed on rise of antisemitism in the United States. The attacks, as they mushroomed across to join together last week in a statement May 20. Reps Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) We were nervous. We were concerned. the country, once again raised fear that the “to publicly denounce anti-Semitism and and David Kustoff (R-Tenn.) introduced We were slowly being shaken from our U.S. is no longer the exceptional nation the demonization of Jews pervading the just such a bill last week, which has “it can’t happen here” attitudes, as we as a home for Jews. press, social media, and the streets of this legislative language closely mirroring experienced the tension and read reports We once held out hope that attacks country.” The law firm leaders declared that of the anti-Asian hate bill. This from the American Jewish Committee and against Jews were an aberration. Recent that “we stand against the pernicious legislation against antisemitism is focused others of the rise of antisemitic events and events have disabused us of that dream. and violent attacks against Jews in this and clear, and is very different from the the disturbing statistics. Even though Jews According to the Jewish community’s country. We are horrified by the vitriolic watered down resolution introduced comprise less than 3% of the American Secure Community Network, antisemitic hate being spewed … on social media. We in the House in 2019. Although the population, the majority of religiously incidents, including vandalism and are disheartened and alarmed by the lack 2019 resolution was first introduced based hate crimes targeted Jewish people or physical attacks, have increased 80% over of urgency in denouncing these escalating to condemn antisemitic comments by Jewish institutions. the last month. The numbers are scary; the and offensive attacks of Jews.” Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), it was then Those reports, and stories of Jews attacks terrifying. Fortunately, leaders in both political neutered to condemn all forms of bigotry being attacked in broad daylight in major In New York City, 29-year-old Joseph parties are beginning to realize how serious — making it as relatively meaningless metropolitan areas around the country, Borgen was beaten by a group of people the threat has become. Prodded by major as the reflexive, offensive rejoinder that were so disturbing that they prompted shouting antisemitic slurs as he lay on Jewish organizations, the White House “All Lives Matter.” a March 2020 probing piece by Gary the ground in the middle of the street. recently arranged two off-the-record Any meaningful legislative effort to Rosenblatt in The Atlantic, entitled “Is It A 20-year-old professional soccer player meetings with Jewish organizational deal with antisemitism must stay focused Still Safe to Be a Jew in America?” in New York said he was threatened leaders. And while Congressional leaders on antisemitism. The issue is deadly Then came the pandemic and forced by men holding knives who asked from both parties have denounced serious. We join those who insist that it be isolation. Things seemed to quiet down if he was Jewish and told him they antisemitism in clear and convincing addressed directly and clearly. If members and attention was diverted with increased would kill him if his answer was yes. In terms, their words are not enough. They of congress are serious about the bill, focus on serious racial issues that were Hallandale Beach, Florida, a man shouted must act. they should join in a bipartisan effort to playing out. But that was followed by antisemitic epithets at a rabbi and later For starters, Congressional leaders must get it passed, rather than using the issue the buildup to the deadly confrontation emptied a bag of human feces outside the lobby the administration to nominate as another weapon in their incessant between Israel and Hamas during rabbi’s synagogue. and then back the appointment of a culture wars. Operation Guardian of the Walls. And But the violence is not limited to cities State Department ambassador-at-large Antisemitism is hateful and corrosive. all of a sudden, the ugly scourge of of large, visible Jewish communities. to monitor and combat antisemitism. It is a unique problem which deserves antisemitism is upon us, again. This time, Vandals in Tucson, Arizona, hurled a And the Biden team needs to fill the focused attention. It must not be with a more ominous vengeance. large object through the glass door of position of Jewish liaison to the White homogenized and lumped together with How else does one explain what was a synagogue. In Anchorage, Alaska, House. These two positions are more other forms of hate. We call upon our on the minds of the men who got out of surveillance footage shows a man placing than symbolic. They identify departmental leaders in government to acknowledge cars while waving Palestinian flags and ran antisemitic stickers on the doors and and White House personnel who can that reality and to take targeted steps toward the tables of a sushi restaurant in walls of the Alaska Jewish Museum and help address poisonous antisemitism to stem the flow of hate that has been Los Angeles shouting to diners, “Who’s a gay bar. and other issues of serious concern to pouring down on our people. Jewish?” and proceeded to beat patrons Recognition of the significant rise in our community. We must do everything we can to make who identified themselves as Jews. antisemitism in the U.S., and the related But the real need is for the administration it safe to be a Jew in America. JN Commentary Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia need support

ANN WHEAT

une is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. loved one is physically present, yet the couch in the family room, standing at JAlzheimer’s & When a loved one has Alzheimer’s psychologically absent. the kitchen counter or riding in the car. Brain Awareness disease or dementia, we mourn that To manage the experience, she suggests We promote Boss’ concepts in our free Month — an annual profound loss, yet there’s no public “both/and” thinking. She encourages support groups at Duet, and we offer a reminder that ceremony to mark emotional voids. us to practice carrying contradicting free video discussion series featuring her Alzheimer’s disease “Society” does not acknowledge our thoughts, simultaneously. We must titled “Finding Meaning and Hope.” and other dementias are a major public grief. We are left to lament alone. reconcile that our loved one is both here Consistent feedback proves the efficacy health issue. In fact, according to the In her book, “Loving Someone and not here, and make peace with the of her groundbreaking outlook. Ninety Alzheimer’s Association, more than Who Has Dementia,” Dr. Pauline “good enough” relationship we have. seven percent of caregivers say this 50 million people worldwide are living Boss addresses this very issue. She has While we bemoan the loss of our give- program reduced their stress, helping to with Alzheimer’s disease or dementias, coined the term “ambiguous loss” to and-take relationship, we can embrace the including the six million in the U.S. describe the sensation of when your moments we are together, just sitting on SEE WHEAT, PAGE 14

A NOTE ON OPINION We are a diverse community. The views expressed in the signed opinion columns and letters to the editor published in the Jewish News are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the officers and boards of the Jewish Community Foundation, Mid-Atlantic Media or the staff of the Jewish News. Letters must respond to content published by the Jewish News and should be a maximum of 200 words. They may be edited for space and clarity. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters and op-ed submissions should be sent to [email protected].

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JUNE 4, 2021 13 OPINION

WHEAT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 keep them from becoming dementia’s birthday with a rare form of dementia. meaning and hope in our lives. camaraderie. We do not have to stand second casualty. By the time she died, our father had It’s universal to grapple with guilt alone, together. We can stand together. Recognizing the value of our series, the been diagnosed with Lewy body and grief. Boss lays out guideposts Boss calls this a psychological family — a Arizona Department of Health Services dementia, and shortly after, our mother for us to manage these paralyzing family of our heart and mind that has has brought the program to county developed Alzheimer’s. emotions. Rather than duel with guilt, our backs as we share the journey. At health departments throughout our state. Many times our family’s 15-year journey we can normalize it. And we can Duet, we aim to partner with you along Arizona ranks first in the nation in new with dementia brought my siblings and acknowledge our grief, while dwelling your journey, helping you allow a little incidences of Alzheimer’s. me to our knees. Boss never minimizes on gratitude. sunshine to break through. JN Many of us at Duet have experienced how excruciating our circumstances We wonder if we can make it yet caregiving and dementia in our own are. Rather, she challenges us to view another day. We do. Ann Wheat is the executive director of Duet. More lives. My sister, a brilliant landscape the experience through a different lens, Commiserating with others who info about Duet support groups can be found out architect, was diagnosed on her 50th and provides the tools to restore “get it” in support groups, we establish at duetaz.org or by calling 602-274-5022.

The pandemic introduced a new type of summer slump

AMY HUMMELL

he past school how to avoid the slump and how to crisis yet, new studies suggest that some other through glass doors. Tyear has tested keep students from regressing in their students might have lost a full year of A Gesher parent said the printer everyone. We have academics over the summer. But when learning due to COVID. became a lifeline for her family learned much COVID hit and teaching went online, But there are options for improving because her child could not quite about education, a different kind of learning loss started the situation, from summer classes grasp the concept of transferring technology and to emerge. The pandemic did not just and tutoring to online enrichment information from a worksheet ourselves. While force schools to remain remote, it also programs and accessible education online to a separate screen or Word more people prompted some students to leave the software. document. When their printer wasn’t get vaccinated and consider taking public school system and opt for private Then we have students with learning working, her child’s teacher arranged for a long-awaited summer vacation, schools, homeschooling and “pandemic challenges, another group grappling with a parent pick-up of the packets with the there is something else to consider — pods” where several families chose to COVID. While daily struggles already printed materials — it was as simple as the summer slump. quarantine together. existed for these students, COVID driving up to the school so the teacher The gap of time between students’ last Unfortunately, moving schools or brought a new set of challenges. could place the packet in the backseat day of school in the early summer and staying home was not an option for Hope Kirsch, education attorney or trunk. when they start again the next fall, is what everyone. Lower income schools were of Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch, PLLC, While ZOOM quickly became education researchers have called the not able to switch to remote learning said when the schools first closed, everyone’s friend, Gesher teachers summer slump. Standardized tests show and the families in those districts lacked the phones at their office were quiet. learned ways to keep their students students losing a step in their academic basic needs, like high-speed internet and It seemed everyone was willing to engaged and then shared new ideas as achievement, so researchers created conducive learning environments with take it in stride and do the best they well as free resources with the teachers studies that have tried to identify why this quiet spaces and minimal distractions. could. Many people remember the and staff at the Jewish day schools. Since gap or learning loss is happening as well Some older students simply chose to drop stories of teachers going the extra mile everyone was getting used to Google as what it means. out of school. delivering packets of materials to their Each year we learn a bit more about Though this has not been labeled a students’ homes and waving to each SEE HUMMELL, PAGE 15 Spending the day in Navajo Nation

TALIA HOFFER AND ELLIE SIMS

hursday, April the Navajo Nation, COVID hit especially to a chapter house to meet with local remained. Then the wind blew the fire T29th, we hard. When the first surge hit nationally, officials, we noticed houses were sparse into the second building. The roof had the honor of the Navajo Nation experienced higher and modest in size. Horses, sheep, cows completely collapsed and took down the visiting the Navajo rates of death and spread of disease than and dogs were given ample space to live interior, which we presumed must have Nation in Northern many other areas, partially due to the lack freely. It was one of the most beautiful been stunning. Only a gorgeous interior Arizona along with six Arizona Jews for of personal protective equipment and and natural sights we had witnessed. could match the architectural beauty of Justice volunteers. general supplies. All that we saw resonated with our the remaining exterior. We started early in the morning — it A year later, however, they are one Judaism — we are told to protect our We began unloading the numerous was around 5 a.m. when we retrieved our of the highest vaccinated populations animals and land, which we hadn’t supplies donated by our generous rented van, recited a quick bracha and in the country and are quickly recovering internalized until now. Our suburban community members. There were hit the road. from COVID, according to one houses were not under attack, our canned goods, masks, cleaning The team was sitting shoulder to representative we met. domesticated dogs would be just fine. and office supplies. They were for shoulder, which would have felt like a The reservation was filled with positive But that’s not what the Torah means — utilization within the offices of the hardship, but because half of our van was messages of recovery and encouraged it means to protect places like this, so official Navajo governance, as well filled with donations, we could deal with vaccinations. We saw many artistic signs the vibrancy and love might flourish for as for distribution throughout the a little discomfort. It gave us a greater that read, “First dose protects me, second future centuries. community. The area is a massive food sense of purpose knowing that we were dose protects you,” and “Stay home, Arriving at the Nation’s chapter house, desert, with vastly limited options for accompanied not only by our closest protect our elders.” one particular structure stood out — a groceries. That is not unique to this co-workers, but also life-saving supplies Our drive through the reservation was singed building. The chapter president land, but the lack of access to food was for a community in need. characterized by vast natural scenes. The shared with us that an arsonist had burned The pandemic has hurt us all, but for land exuded a radiant beauty. As we drove another structure, and no remnants SEE HOFFER, PAGE 15

14 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM RELIGIOUS LIFE

TORAH STUDY SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING JUNE 4 - 7:17 P.M. Dramatic bookends JUNE 11 - 7:20 P.M. PARSHAH SH’LACH LECHA emotional meaning. The powerful division. They demarcate space and, SHABBAT ENDS NUMBERS 13:1-15:41 imagery of this passage has resonated for symbolically, time. Walls signal here and JUNE 5 - 8:19 P.M. millennia; the image of two men carrying there, inside and outside, before and after. RABBI DEAN SHAPIRO JUNE 12 - 8:22 P.M. a cluster of grapes, symbolic of Israel’s In the parshah, the Hebrews could have produce, is to this day the logo of the entered the land but did not do so. With he parshah and nation’s ministry of tourism. no boundary signaling before and after, Find area congregations at jewishaz.com, where THaftorah of The Torah’s expansive description of their journey was not yet complete. They you can also find our 2021 Community Directory. Sh'lach Lecha tell of the Promised Land is enticing, but it were unable to arrive. In the Haftorah, the arrival, rejection provides too many options. When every by contrast, the city wall signifies an end and eventual return of the Hebrews to the choice is possible, it is hard to make to their travels, and the commencement Promised Land. At first, they are denied any. No wonder the 10 scouts felt small. of a new phase of life. gates of Jericho become the gateway to entry when 10 scouts bring a terrified They were not small compared to the But walls keep out. How can this wall the Promised Land, and a symbolic rite report, and the people doubt God’s inhabitants; they were small compared signal entrance? of passage for the Hebrews. commitment to them. Decades later, their to the wide-open space. They knew they This wall is pierced by gates (Joshua Further, Rahab ties a rope to her descendants craft a plan, and place their were no match for it, that they were 2:5, 7) and a window (verses 15, 21). window to allow the two scouts passage. trust in the prostitute Rahab. They are unable to inhabit it fully. Gates and windows both beckon and Ropes symbolize ascension — in this case, granted entry. This week’s Haftorah, by contrast, is bar. “Gates stand between here and the ultimate aliyah. Moses, newly arrived somewhere set in a city: Jericho. More specifically, there, between the known and the Human beings need to mark transitions: between wandering and settling down, it takes place in a brothel, and features unknown.” (The Book of Symbols, before/after, inside/outside, living/ dead. Without them, we feel unsettled, sends 12 chieftains to reconnoiter the the constructed elements of urban life: Taschen) When we pass through a gate, incomplete. But God, who is all things land. They explore the entire expanse, houses, rooftops, windows, walls, gates. we are aware of leaving one space and at all times, experiences no such binaries south to north and in between. They find These create a very different setting, with entering another — and, with rites of and feels no such need. Rahab, herself an a place of oversized bounty: enormous different metaphoric meanings. passage, we become aware of leaving one “in-betweener,” understands this deeply grapes, pomegranates and figs and, in a Built elements indicate choice. Someone phase of life and entering another. Gates when she describes God as “the only God timeless phrase that connotes ceaseless decided to place the wall here, not there. make us conscious of transition. in heaven above and on earth below” — fecundity, nourishment and sweetness, Someone chose to build the gate there, When the Patriarch Jacob dreamt at that is, as the ultimate Transcender of a land “flowing with milk and honey.” not here. The built environment signifies Beth El, he saw a ladder rising to Heaven. Division. (Joshua 2:11) JN (Numbers 13:27) a mastery over the land — something He identified that place as “Sha’ar In the Torah, the settings of scenes missing in this parshah. HaShamayim” — the gateway to Heaven. Rabbi Dean Shapiro was the spiritual leader of convey rich metaphoric, symbolic and More specifically, walls symbolize (Genesis 28:17) In our Haftorah, the Temple Emanuel of Tempe.

HUMMELL HOFFER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Classroom, they then learned KAMI, Outside of school, our Gesher families particularly prominent here. experiences we have had with Arizona which offers free materials so a teacher found the importance of taking a break The Navajo Nation was extremely Jews for Justice. While we constantly can create appropriate and individualized from all the screen time. They found generous in hosting our organization. It work on our advocacy, the opportunity curriculum. experiences outside, drove to cooler was lovely to hear from their perspective we had to show up and work on our As soon as the schools opened, Kirsch destinations in the summer — perhaps how vaccination rollout is going, how action was so meaningful. said the calls started. She heard from parents staying in their car the entire time — their community is still recovering and It is vital that we continue to have the who were told by school administrators while playing the Billboard Game, singing how their spirituality and community are conversations we’ve been having about or special education teachers they could songs and taking pictures. bringing them through it all. injustice in Arizona and throughout the not implement individual education plan While we all need a break from online This reminded us very much of the country, as well as showing up for our services, including the related services learning after this school year, it does not Jewish community’s connection to community and providing the necessary of occupational therapy, speech and mean that our students can stop learning healing and communal welfare. We both support and kindness, which we are so physical therapy due to COVID. This for two months. As we head into summer, pray for the healing of not just ourselves, privileged to do. The relationships we’ve was in direct violation of state laws in there are many organizations offering not just our immediate families, but for created with our native community has special education. fee-based courses as well as school our larger communities and the world as allowed us to work towards stronger Kirsch told families to keep a log districts providing free courses to brush a whole. allyship and communal support, and we tracking missed learning through up on skills. We then discussed how we can see the importance of this firsthand as the winter so they could review in Raising Special Kids has a comprehensive continue to work with each other, and our communities have both been under the spring. Since then, many of the list of sports camps, art camps and how important it is that marginalized attack for centuries. public schools sent letters to families academic-focused camps in its Raising communities work together to achieve We want to thank our donors who sharing the child’s progress, what Arizona Kids magazine. our goals, rather than fighting among funded this meaningful trip, community was missing and offering academic And then there are free online sites like ourselves for limited resources. It is members who provided us with donations support even over the summer. “Kids Kahn Academy or Master Classes that essential that we look at ourselves as part and the Navajo Nation for hosting us. It are resilient, but there will be a gap to cover a multitude of subjects. Review of a larger community of people who are was a life-changing experience to see the close. Summer learning can only help,” your options and know that some online fighting for justice. work they are doing, the conditions of said Kirsch. learning can still be a good opportunity From the reservation, we began to indigenous land and the holiness of the The pandemic seemed to expose for your child to grow while you get a make our trek back to Phoenix. While space we were in. JN problems that had long existed within chance to take a break. You have the this felt like a long, difficult trip, it school systems. It also amplified the power to close the gap and stop the reminded us that many people have to Talia Hoffer, 17, advocates for indigenous rights and importance of everyday learning. The make trips like this every day for school environmental justice. Ellie Sims, 17, is extremely summer slump. JN passionate about youth civic engagement and classroom is a critical space for all students and work. empowering all voices. The two were accompanied and where professional educators work Amy Hummell is the executive director of Gesher This trip to the Navajo Nation was by six fellow organizers from Arizona Jews for on core subjects as well as socialization. Disability Resources. one of the most eye-opening and unique Justice.

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JUNE 4, 2021 15 SPECIAL SECTION

SENIOR LIFESTYLE ‘As Mama Told Us’ kicks off four-part series on Holocaust

NICOLE RAZ | STAFF WRITER

ore than a decade ago, Ettie MZilber set out to tell her mother’s story of surviving the Holocaust. “I had no intention of writing a book or publishing a book,” she said. “I just wanted this for my family, for my kids and for my grandchildren.” Her mother, born Zlata Santocki Sidrer in Lithuania, was a teenager when the Russian occupation of the country began in 1940. “It became a little dangerous and frightening, but nothing compared to one year later when the Nazis came in,” Zilber said. Her mom and dad met in the ghetto, where Sidrer witnessed Ettie Zilber’s mother, Zlata Santocki Sidrer, second from right, is pictured with her family massacres, imprisonment, hunger and around 1940. PHOTO COURTESY OF ETTIE ZILBER slave labor before being transported to the Stutthof concentration camp near the Baltic port of Gdansk, Poland. Zilber wrote her mother’s survival story and what it was like growing up the daughter of survivors in “A Holocaust Memoir of Love & Resilience: Mama’s Survival from Lithuania to America” (Amsterdam Ettie Zilber’s book was published in 2019 and is available on Amazon. PHOTO COURTESY OF ETTIE ZILBER Publishers, 2019). Beginning this month, she will present a four-part virtual series on her family’s story through the Jewish Center, said she approached Family & Children’s Service Senior Enrichment Center Zilber after learning about her in Phoenix. presentations on social media. “There’s always something new to hear if you’re “I felt that this would be interested, so I hope that anybody who is interested in a very important program to learning will attend,” Zilber said. offer to my senior participants, Zilber and her sister interviewed their mom in 2007 especially those that can relate but never had the opportunity to interview their father to the Holocaust,” she said. because he died of cancer when he was young. “I was Zilber hopes that those who determined to get my mother’s story while she was still have heard her speak about her family’s history have gained alive,” Zilber said, and she’s also determined to tell it. Ettie Zilber’s father, Liova Sidrer, is pictured with his parents around 1932 in Lithuania. During her time as an educator and head of school, some empathy. “Large numbers PHOTO COURTESY OF ETTIE ZILBER she shared her family’s story with students. don’t touch people’s hearts or different military with a different army. So everybody “I think it’s important for every kid to know minds,” Zilber said, but personal stories do. had a different experience and a different timespan of their heritage. So that’s first and foremost,” she As part of her journey in learning and recording her liberation,” Zilber said. said. Her other goal is to educate the public about family’s history, she reflected on how it shaped her She titled her second presentation, “From Liberation the history of the Holocaust as survivors age and own experience. and Loss, to Love, Laughter and Lemonade.” pass away. “Not only me, but my cohort of children of survivors, Next, she’ll present about the impact of the Holocaust Making sure that history is known is important now we all have certain behaviors and certain thoughts of on survivors. “There is no one experience for every more than ever as antisemitism is on the rise, Zilber things that we actually never experienced ourselves,” survivor,” she said. “But there is a spectrum of said. A survey by Pew Research Center released in May she said. experiences that most survivors had, so I will try to give found that 53% of American Jews say that, as a Jewish Being the daughter of Holocaust survivors who a little summary from the literature of the impact with person in the U.S., they personally feel less safe than experienced hunger, for example, she grew up with a some examples from my own family.” they did five years ago. distinct relationship with food. And finally, she will present about the impact of the After her book was published, she also began getting “In my home, food was a focal point. Leaving food Holocaust on the second generation. invitations to speak all over the world. The pandemic on your plate was not an option. Being a picky eater was Brauner said each presentation has an important canceled those visits, but she’s still been speaking with not an option,” she said. message. The first one will lay the foundation to global audiences via Zoom. The first presentation in the series is June 23 at 1 p.m. understand all those that suffered in that time period, “In the last two years, I must have given over 60 via Zoom. Titled “As Mama Told Us,” the event will she said. presentations, including to a school in Lithuania. Zoom focus on the details of the war. JN has become a bit of a blessing in that respect, because I The second presentation will be about the postwar years could give many more presentations than I ever could — from the moment of liberation until her family’s arrival To register for the free series, visit jfcsaz.org/cse, or contact Jennifer possibly travel to,” she said. in America. Brauner at [email protected] or 602-343-0192. Book available Jennifer Brauner, director of JFCS’ Senior Enrichment “Everybody was liberated in a different place, by a for purchase at getbook.at/Zilber.

16 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JUNE 4, 2021 17 SPECIAL SECTION

SENIOR LIFESTYLE ‘Never too late to mount a comeback,’ says Chandler senior SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR

y the time Neal Bendesky had his confidence. He talks about dining at a Bbar mitzvah, he knew that as much pizzeria where one of his sons worked, as he loved sports, he was better suited and when Bendesky asked for a third slice to sports management than as an athlete of pizza, his son advised him to have a on the field of play. And while that saved salad instead. “Technically, I was hearing him from the injuries prone to athletes, the advice, but I didn’t listen,” he tells decades of working in a high-profile his audience. career in marketing and sales for a variety Then there’s the story that stays with of university and professional sports teams him most. It happened after he had still came with a physical cost. already begun his transformation but was By the time he turned 53 in 2014, he still quite big. He was standing outside weighed 450 pounds. Years of traveling, his workout studio in Chandler wearing sitting at a desk and stress had taken a a large, red pullover when a little boy toll. While talking to his doctor in Florida, looked at him and asked if was Santa he learned that he had some circulation Claus. Ultimately, the incident gave him issues and was on a dangerous path in more motivation on his journey, he said. terms of his overall health. “And bottom He knows very well how daunting it can line is, they told me that I was technically be to walk into a workout class initially morbidly obese,” he said. — seeing younger and fitter people doing Hearing those words said aloud difficult athletic moves is intimidating and alarmed him. He was already struggling makes people feel they can never catch up, with chronic fatigue and couldn’t be as he tells his listeners. He reassures people active with his kids as he wanted, but the that “it’s not about being the best,” he doctor’s warning made him wonder if he said. “It’s about finding your best self.” would die of a stroke or a heart attack. Now 63, he advises fellow seniors, “I felt there was a clock going in my “it’s not about age at all — it’s about head — my wellness clock,” he said. “And your attitude.” it clicked that it was up to me. It’s now Bendesky compares his old attitude to or never.” a flat tire. “If you don’t fix it, you don’t Still, it wasn’t until he moved to go very far,” he said. “Just as with Jewish Chandler the following year to work culture, it’s attitude and gratitude, and if for the Arizona Rattlers, a professional you live in those two words, you can have indoor American football team, that he your own journey and be successful.” was struck with the realization that as He also tells audiences about having someone promoting athletes on the field, been addicted to food, and learning it was time to start living the part. He was about nutrition as well as exercise. “It’s Neal Bendesky running PHOTO COURTESY OF NEAL BENDESKY determined to acquire his motivation to never too late to figure out the value of live a healthier life, and he had what he nutrition,” he said. Better nutrition is the calls his “accountability moment” at the key to having more energy for your life, Orangetheory Fitness in South Chandler. “JUST AS WITH JEWISH CULTURE, for your family and for your career. And Bendesky’s weight loss goal of about no matter someone’s age, he said, these 200 pounds was much larger than what IT’S ATTITUDE AND GRATITUDE, lessons are worth learning and can make most people are looking to lose when anyone’s life better. they join a gym, but he believes that AND IF YOU LIVE IN THOSE TWO “It’s never too late to mount a shouldn’t make a difference. With the comeback,” he said. right motivation, he said, no goal is too WORDS, YOU CAN HAVE YOUR OWN When COVID-19 struck and its big, pointing to the 14 half marathons restrictions kept him from the gym, he he’s run over the course of his journey. JOURNEY AND BE SUCCESSFUL.” turned to the Orangetheory’s Zoom Having achieved his target weight, he workouts. “I’m at an age, where I wasn’t calls himself “the 199 Guy.” supposed to go anywhere, so I had to find He also is a motivational speaker, something to keep me going,” he said. He promoting Orangetheory and describing set up an area in his family room where his personal journey for various audiences. he could do the 30-50 minute workouts. It’s work that comes naturally to him, he Although it wasn’t the same, “the heart said, since his father sang in a barbershop and intent was there,” he said, “and it quartet with him and his two brothers. really did carry me through.” They would perform at bar mitzvahs and Now that he’s able to go back to the weddings, where Bendesky developed a gym every day, he feels as if he barely lost taste for the stage. a step. It’s not any old gym, he said. It’s a He has a few go-to stories he shares place that has helped him reach a pinnacle with audiences, even a few that he of good health, physically and mentally. described as embarrassing. He tells how “I might have had my best years from a he felt in meetings as a representative professional standpoint,” he said, “but of sports teams. As sharp as he might I feel like I’ve added another 30 years have felt mentally, physically he didn’t to my life based on the program I do look the part, which undermined his Neal Bendesky with his wife and two sons PHOTO COURTESY OF NEAL BENDESKY every day.” JN

18 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM SPECIAL SECTION

SENIOR LIFESTYLE Cactus ORT chapter hosts June auction in first event since COVID SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR president, but still does most of the work, But she also liked ORT’s she joked. Her official title is vice president mission of setting kids up for llen Tuckman is currently gathering of fundraising and meeting facilitator; success through education Eitems for Cactus ORT’s auction on Michele Gusdorff is publicity chair; — especially since she was a June 6. Among them are a set of luggage, Robin Balon is head of programming; teacher. And while she started a Waterford decanter, a one-week stay at a and Tuckman’s husband, David off in Scottsdale’s chapter, she Ellen Tuckman is pictured with items for Cactus ORT’s virtual auction on June 6. PHOTO BY DAVID TUCKMAN Caribbean hotel, restaurant and museum Tuckman, is treasurer. The chapter has soon transferred to Cactus in certificates and jewelry. The money raised 40 members. Phoenix when another friend invited her. Terre Foreman, president of Hadassah at the Zoom auction will be sent directly Over the years, four other local The members of Cactus were in their 40s Valley of the Sun, also belongs to ORT. to ORT America, the organization’s ORT chapters closed due to declining like she was, and at that time, Scottsdale’s “It has a long record of supporting national office. membership. Cactus is the only one still members were still having babies. education which I like,” Foreman said, ORT’s mission is to impact the lives standing in Greater Phoenix, and its There was even a time when she was via email. “It’s also nice to support and of young people through education and youngest member is in her 60s. able to see firsthand the results of the be involved with groups of like-minded to create opportunities for self-sufficient But it wasn’t always so. organization’s actions. Preparing for a women.” futures. Its network includes schools, Tuckman heard of ORT through family trip to Prague, she asked ORT’s national Foreman suspects this is more true colleges and international programs with but she only joined after moving to office for the address of its school for women of her generation than for more than 300,000 students in more than Phoenix, and even then it was a bit of a program there. The ORT teacher was younger women. “I was taught that you 30 countries. lark. A neighbor invited her to a meeting out sick the day she visited, but she still don’t need to be super active in them all The June auction has significance for and because she wanted to meet people knocked on the door and got a tour and but to join and support if you agree with the Cactus chapter beyond the money it and get involved in the community, she video presentation, not to mention tea the mission,” she said. hopes to raise for schools. It will be the went. But maybe the most important and cookies. It was nice to see where the Tuckman suggested many younger first time the chapter has held any event reason, she said, was “I had a ride to the funds she raises go, she said. people are just too busy to join since before the COVID-19 pandemic meeting.” ORT’s membership also generally organizations. And she can understand began. Instead of going online as other And she was curious. At the first overlaps with that of Hadassah and why they might not want to join a group organizations did, Cactus members have meeting everyone was assigned a role and Brandeis National Committee, of retired people. She recalled going to a stayed in touch only through telephone she became the secretary. “I just came to Tuckman said. They all share the B’nai B’rith meeting as a young woman conversations and email. find out about it and we all got stuck with same difficulty in attracting new and Tuckman, 78, is no longer Cactus’ a job,” she said. younger members. SEE ORT, PAGE 27

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JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JUNE 4, 2021 19 SPECIAL SECTION ASK ME ABOUT SENIOR LIFESTYLE Who is ready for the REVERSE Roaring ‘20s? MORTGAGES BOB ROTH uring the isolated people show up to the hospital Dpandemic, we sicker and stay longer. AT YOUR HOME have collectively My question is, can our shared increased awareness experience of isolation and loneliness OR ON THE PHONE of what the experts be the impetus to address these perils in their fields had on routinely experienced by seniors? WITH ALL THE FACTS their radar all along. Working from home and blank social ABOUT THIS LOAN The epidemiologists were predicting this calendars forced us to be creative in pandemic. Public health experts have reaching out and connecting with friends, been bracing for problems caused by family and co-workers. Many report underfunded infrastructure. And health that in some cases these new routines care experts have long known that social produced more consistent contact within 70+ determinants of health, such as gainful these social circles. It is vital to continue to NO NEED TO employment and stable housing, have an reach out and nurture those relationships overwhelming effect on well-being. that have become the silver lining of STRUGGLE In home care, we are all too familiar with the pandemic. the epidemic of loneliness experienced by We should encourage seniors and seniors, and the pandemic shined a huge young people to collaborate to elevate spotlight on it. technology skills. We know that they were Older adults are more likely to live life lines during the pandemic, and these alone in the United States than most skills will continue to be important in other places in the world. Forty-three the future. percent of Americans over 60 identify as As our world opens up for vaccinated lonely and nearly 30% of Americans over people, we should take an older adult to 65 live by themselves. lunch. These social connections are more Isolation and loneliness are often important than most people realize. As linked, but they are not the same. we age, having close ties to others and Isolation is an objective state of not participating in meaningful activities are having much contact with the world, associated with keeping the mind sharp which is what many experienced during and memories strong. the pandemic. Loneliness is subjective. It After worrying about our health for the past 16 months, it is great to is the feeling that the contact you have is I can help your friends and family experience know that rekindling relationships, not enough. especially for seniors, is exactly what the Both isolation and loneliness are thought the life changing bene ts of a Reverse doctor ordered. to prompt a heightened inflammatory People talk about the potential for a Mortgage. Let their equity work for them! response which can increase a person’s repeat of the Roaring ‘20s decade that risk for a myriad of medical conditions followed another global pandemic a including dementia, depression, high century ago. Who is not ready for a time • Eliminate monthly mortgage payments* blood pressure and stroke. of jubilation and connection after the Research published by AARP and • Enjoy the SECURITY of keeping your home loneliness of the past year? JN Stanford University found that social * Property Tax and Insurance Must be Maintained isolation adds nearly $7 billion a year Bob Roth is the managing partner of Cypress to the cost of Medicare, in part because HomeCare Solutions. GIVE ME A CALL 602-616-3663 Quality Of Life Mortgage by Access Buyers Security Mortgage [email protected] NMLS #181999

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20 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM SPECIAL SECTION

SENIOR LIFESTYLE Preventing falls and improving balance DEBORAH LAVINSKY are designed to improve those three areas. trips and falls. They want to be close to us • Lift all ten toes at the same time, Walking, weight-bearing exercise, swimming and are often underfoot. One of my clients hold for five seconds then firmly press hat do former and stationary bikes are also great ways to fell over her golden retriever on her stairs your toes down into the floor. When WArizona Governor improve physical conditioning. and broke her hip. Another was walking her this feels easy try doing alternating Rose Mofford, actor Gary The following are all risk factors for a fall: dogs and got tangled in their leashes, fell feet. Feel the stretch into your shins, Coleman, writer Kurt • Having fallen in the past year. and broke her wrist. Building awareness of inner thighs and pelvic floor. Do these Vonnegut and songwriter • Poor strength, vision, balance, posture or where your pets are when you are moving 5-10 times. Leonard Cohen all have in common? Sadly, foot health. about can help you stay upright. Make sure • With feet parallel and hip distance apart, they all died from a fall. • Health concerns such as stroke, their bedding, food bowls and toys are not gently lift your heels off the floor, then According to the Centers for Disease Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, in your common walking paths. lower down with control. Practice this Control and Prevention, one out of every dementia, traumatic brain injuries. Shoes are another controllable factor. 5-10 times. three adults aged 65 years or older in the • Taking medications such as sedatives and Sneakers are often inflexible like cement • Stand with both feet together with arms United States will suffer a fall. Ninety-five opiates. boots and make it difficult to feel what your at your sides like a candlestick. Turn percent of those falls cause hip fractures. • Footwear. feet are doing. Flip-flops cause excessive toe your head slowly to each side, stopping With our beautiful Arizona climate, many • Home hazards. gripping and offer no arch or ankle support. midway. Try doing this by closing your falls happen on hiking trails. Slipping on • Pets. High heels and details like bows, straps and eyes or one eye at a time for more loose gravel, losing your footing, misjudging Let’s look at a few factors you can ties can also contribute to falls. Wearing challenge. This improves your vestibular the steepness, becoming dehydrated and easily control. just socks can cause you to slip and fall. (inner ear balance) system. dizzy frequently occur. Falls can happen To create a safer environment in your Alternate your footwear and choose softer, outdoors and in your home. home, eliminate slippery throw rugs and more flexible sneakers with non-skid soles. • Stand tall and place heel to toe moving My prevention philosophy is simple to loose electrical cords, improve lighting, Here are a few easy moves that will have forward a few steps then backwards. remember: strong, steady and straight. move furniture out of the way of common lasting results for your balance. Practice Observe your balance shifting in Strong means doing weight bearing and pathways, don’t walk on freshly washed these barefoot on a firm surface 10 minutes each direction. resistance exercise regularly. Steady means floors, reduce floor level clutter and a day and you will see improvement very Preventing a fall can mean the difference practicing your balance. Straight means mark uneven surfaces with bright tape — quickly. Be sure to have a sturdy chair back, between living independently or moving strengthening your back muscles for especially steps with low contrast tile/carpet. a hiking pole or railing to help you balance. into a care facility. Let’s keep you healthy tall posture. COLOR:Kids and Right dog toys click can also swatch, cause falls. and Add find• Standing and with replace your feet with under yourcorrect hips, colorand upright. JN Health experts tell us to maintain a night lights along nighttime pathways. identify the ball under your big toes, regular exercise program in order to increase Installing grab bars and hand rails can help baby toes and heels as your “tripod” foot. Deborah Lavinsky, NCPT® is the owner of strength, balance and coordination. Exercise Phoenix Pilates and Rossiter Center, a keep you upright. Lightly lift the arches and gently press nationally certified pilates teacher and classes like Buff Bones, a medically-endorsed We love our precious pets but your toes down into the floor. Do this licensed Buff Bones® instructor. Her website is bone health and balance program or Tai Chi unfortunately, they are a common cause of 5-10 times. phoenixpilatesandrossitercenter.com

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JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JUNE 4, 2021 21 LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

THEATER Phoenix Theatre Company opens season telling a Jewish woman’s story

SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR

n Wednesday, June 2, the Phoenix Theatre connected to it right away,” McFadzen said. OCompany begins its 102nd season — indoors Earlier in her career, McFadzen had been in “And and in person — with a production of “Becoming Dr. Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Ruth.” The one-woman show tells the life story of the Anne Frank,” for which she researched the Holocaust famous Jewish sex therapist and Holocaust survivor, as well as the cultural and religious aspects of Judaism. Dr. Ruth Westheimer. “It was a powerful story for young people, but a The show opens with Westheimer, played by Debra K. difficult play to do,” she said, “because when young Stevens, on the floor of her apartment surrounded by a people are uncomfortable they tend to act out, so we chaotic array of boxes as she prepares to move. Quickly had to stop and talk about it with the kids when those Stevens breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly with moments came up.” the audience, which she does for the next 90 minutes. She also thinks “Becoming Dr. Ruth” is an important “Being alone on stage and talking for an hour and a half is play to do now with so many survivors passing away. a real test of endurance for my first show after COVID,” Debra K. Stevens stars as Dr. Ruth Westheimer in “Becoming Dr. Ruth” “There’s a lot of revisionism right now in the world,” Stevens joked. opening at The Phoenix Theatre Company June 2. she said. “Telling this story is important so people Sifting through her things as she packs, Westheimer is PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY remember.” reminded of the people and milestones that mattered most The theme for the theatre’s season is resilience and both to her. In this way, she is able to recount her remarkable McFadzen and Stevens said this show encapsulates that and varied life story. Highlights of her tale include idea well. “Dr. Ruth doesn’t consider herself a survivor fleeing from Nazi Germany on the Kindertransport; of the Holocaust but an orphan of the Holocaust,” living in Jerusalem and serving as a sniper in the McFadzen said. Haganah, a paramilitary organization that existed before “If somebody can be about resilience, it’s Dr. Ruth,” 1948; arriving in the United States as a single mother; said Stevens. and becoming a world-famous sex therapist hosting Barnard said that everyone at the theatre is a highly-rated and controversial radio show called “unbelievably grateful to welcome audiences back into “Sexually Speaking.” our home. The last year brought countless creative and Jodi Weiss, Stevens’ understudy, is Jewish and was financial challenges, but we weathered them and have able to ensure that some of the props being used were come out stronger.” culturally appropriate to the real Westheimer. For Debra K. Stevens performs for a technical rehearsal of “Becoming McFadzen and Stevens are both employees of Dr. Ruth.” PHOTO BY KATE MCFADZEN example, Weiss noticed a menorah on the set that she Childsplay Theatre Company in Tempe, which means argued should have been a Chanukah menorah. When play a real person — especially one still living.” they perform and teach throughout Greater Phoenix. she explained why this detail mattered, the director She has also reached out to Jewish friends who have Both are happy to be back on a real stage in front of a was convinced. Weiss also helped with pronunciations helped her understand Judaism on a personal level. They live audience after the past year of Zoom readings, online of Hebrew words and phrases like “tikkun olam.” have included her in religious celebrations, offering a programming, drive-in theater performed in library However, given Westheimer’s years of living in so “little bit of a peak into the Jewish tradition,” she said. parking lots and recording four one-person shows that many countries and speaking so many languages, “I want to be as respectful and honest as a little gentile they’ve offered to schools for free. Weiss admitted trying to mimic an accent so distinctive girl can be.” “It’s wonderful to be fully vaccinated now,” said will be tricky. Katie McFadzen, the show’s director, is also not Jewish Stevens, “and having actual faces with lights in the Stevens, who is not Jewish, is excited to portray but has always been fascinated by Judaism. She, too, has theater is going to feel amazing.” Westheimer. She hopes she can “capture her essence” learned a lot from her Jewish friends. “Becoming Dr. Ruth” will be on The Phoenix Theatre without turning her into a caricature. To prepare for the When Michael Barnard, producing artistic director Company’s main stage starting June 2 and will run part, she diligently researched Westheimer by watching at The Phoenix Theatre Company, first sent Stevens through June 27. her documentary, reading articles and listening to many and her the script as a “perfect possibility for the two of To ensure safety, face masks will be required and episodes of her radio show. “You have to read a lot,” them,” neither had heard of the show. But when they temperatures will be checked before entering. However, Stevens said, “because there’s an obligation when you did their first read through, “we both felt incredibly seating will not be socially distanced. JN

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22 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

FILM FESTIVAL

Jewish and Israeli films spotlighted in Sedona festival STEVE CARR

eil Friedman likes to think of his National Public Radio host Martin “We have seen a growing number diagnosed with autism and includes Ncompany, Menemsha Films, an Goldsmith’s book about his Jewish of phenomenal Jewish films submitted footage from Phoenix coordinated exclusive distributor of Jewish and Israeli parents who fled Nazi Germany. Both to our festival,” said Pat Schweiss, the through Southwest Autism Research & films, like a Jewish book club. were talented musicians but under the festival’s executive director. “These Resource Center and First Place. “Every film we release is something that 1935 Nuremberg Laws, they were only are truly moving, powerful and timely More than half of the nearly 180 films interests me and grows my knowledge of able to perform as members of the Jewish films that provide insight on a range of in this year’s lineup are documentary, my cultural history,” Friedman said. He Cultural Federation, a bizarre propaganda topics. Given the current state of affairs narrative and animated shorts. That looks at the films the company produces organization fully controlled by the Reich in the world and in Israel, in particular, group is complemented by full- as “cultural education,” which he hopes Chamber of Culture. these films are incredibly important and length narratives, documentaries and to share with others. The film brings to life the reality relevant as a means of healing and creating special events. “My business is a big version of a Jewish of their beautiful and painful love peace. We are deeply honored to include As a result of the ongoing pandemic, book club,” he said. the number of evening events will be Several of Menemsha’s films will limited and theater capacity will be be screened at this year’s Sedona "GIVEN THE CURRENT STATE OF around 60% to allow social distancing. International Film Festival June 12-20. Masks will be required in lobbies but can Friedman’s company has set a record be removed once patrons are seated in the of discovering and representing five AFFAIRS IN THE WORLD AND IN theaters at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, Academy Award nominees five years in a Sedona Performing Arts Center, Harkins row. Among the company’s most recent ISRAEL, IN PARTICULAR, THESE FILMS 6 Theaters and in the Enchantment releases is “Asia,” which won nine Israeli Resort ballroom converted into a theater. Oscars including best picture. ARE INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT AND As part of the festival’s effort to ensure Starring Shira Haas, the Golden Globe the health and safety of patrons, staff and and Emmy Award-nominated star of RELEVANT AS A MEANS OF HEALING volunteers, pass holders and individual “Unorthodox,” Asia, played by Alena ticket buyers will be able to choose their Yiv, is the single mother of 17-year-old AND CREATING PEACE." seats. Staggered start times will allow Vika, played by Haas, whose deteriorating filmgoers to move directly to their seats when the doors open. health leads Asia to finally find her voice story using edited archive material, a vast selection in our festival as we truly All Access Passes and ticket packages as a mother and to embrace and cherish including re-enactments of conversations believe the world needs to see, hear and their time together. “Asia” will screen Goldsmith, who plays himself in experience these stories.” also are available at sedonafilmfestival. Friday, June 18 at 10 a.m. at the Sedona the film, had with his father as preparation Others scheduled for screening are com. Passes and ticket packages range Performing Arts Center at Sedona Red for the book. His father is played by “Back to Maracanã,” “Broken Mirrors,” in price from $165 for a 12-film ticket Rock High School. Bruno Ganz, his last part before he died “A Starry Sky Above the Roman Ghetto,” package to Gold Passes starting at $625 “This is a remarkable film,” Friedman in 2019. It will screen Sunday, June 13 “Sublet,” “The Unorthodox,” “Here and Platinum Passes from $1,325. Film said. “I look at 250 films a year to find at 10 a.m. in an Enchantment Resort We Are,” “Enchantment,” “The Sign Festival members receive discounts on 15 or 20 that we want to release. If I’ve ballroom converted into a theater and Painter” and “Thou Shalt Not Hate.” all packages. done my job the right way, those 15 at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 10 in the “In a Different Key,” a film focusing Individual tickets will be $15 and go films will play in 150 film festivals in Harkins 1 Theater. on autism and the winner of best on sale on June 7. JN North America.” “Asia” and “Winter Journey” are documentary at the Sonoma International Another Menemsha-distributed film For the complete schedule of films and descriptions, among ten Jewish-themed or Israeli- Film Festival and Oxford Film Festival will visit sedonafilmfestival.com. in this year’s Sedona lineup is “Winter produced films in this year’s festival from also be screened at this year’s festival. The Journey,” a German film based on a number of distributors. film follows the story of the first person Steve Carr owns the Kur Carr Group.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MENEMSHA FILMS JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JUNE 4, 2021 23 CALENDAR Featured Event MONDAY, JUNE 14 Paris in Springtime: 9:30 a.m. Join Hadassah Tikvah West Valley, Jewish Family & Children’s Service Center for Senior Enrichment and Karen Rudel, founder of Sight Seekers Delight, for a virtual experience of Jewish Paris. Rudel will lead a tour of the city’s Museum Carnavalet, the Shoah Memorial, Jewish neighborhoods and synagogues. Cost: $10. For more information and to register, visit events.hadassah.org/SpringtimeinParis.

“Paris - Eiffel Tower” “PARIS - EIFFEL TOWER” BY MARIO GIAMBATTISTA IS LICENSED UNDER CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Events complete stranger’s message that Mike’s dad Company. The restaurant is a 4-minute walk Judaism and those which separated themselves had contacted her from “the other side,” it from the theater. Dinner and show included in from Jewish life. Among the subjects covered FRIDAY, JUNE 4 kicked off a chain of events that entirely changed the ticket price. Cost: $80 for MPJCC members, are: Karites, the Shabbatai Zvi movement, Neutral Splish Splash Tot Shabbat: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Mike’s family’s perspective on life, death, and the $90 for non-members. For more information Karta, JewBu’s, New Age Judaism, and more. Celebrate Shabbat while staying cool by the transcendent nature of love. Join Mike online for a and to register, visit jewishphoenix.regfox.com/ Cost: $40. For more information and to register, Martin Pear JCC splash pad. We will sing virtual book talk. He’ll share his remarkable quest, summer-outings-with-the-j. visit bjephoenix.org/course-events/2021/06/07/ songs, story time, a craft and splash. Children as his skeptical mindset gets challenged and counter-cultural-sects-in-judaism. As Mama Told Us: 1-2 p.m. Dr. Ettie Zilber will under 3 must wear a rubber pant over their eventually overruled through an extraordinary present the first of a four-part monthly series MONDAYS, APRIL 12-AUG 23 swim diaper. Cost: Free. Registration required journey, leading to something that would forever based on her book, “A Holocaust Memoir of Love Semichas Chaver Chabad: 8 p.m. Over the at playdatesbydesign.com/event-details/ change his understanding of reality. Cost: $10 for splish-splash-shabbat. & Resilience: Mama’s Survival from Lithuania next six months the Semichas Chaver Chabad MPJCC members, $15 for non-members. For more to USA.” Mama recorded her testimony so her Program will be studying some of the most MONDAY, JUNE 14 information and to register, visit jewishphoenix. descendants would know about her suffering common melochos of Shabbos with practical Shabbat Dinner to go: 10-11 a.m. Smile on Seniors regfox.com/meet-the-authors-series. and survival between 1941-1950: the massacres, application. The classes will be at the at Chabad will provide a pre-packaged Shabbat meal THURSDAY, JUNE 17 the ghetto in Lithuania, to the concentration of Arizona and will entail an in-depth text- including a chicken entree dinner, chicken soup Praying for the Monsoon: 1-2 p.m. The summer camp, the death march through Poland, and based study of the background and underlying and a matzah ball and dessert, ready for pickup months typically supply a significant portion of reunification with survivors. Cost: Free. For more principals of the halacha. The topics that will be on Friday morning. Cost: $5 minimum suggested Arizona’s annual rainfall, but in recent years have information and to register, visit jfcsaz.org/cse, covered are: Melaben (cleaning), Boneh Bekeilim donation. To order, visit.smileonseniorsaz.com or been bone dry. As Monsoon season arrives, it’s or contact Jennifer Brauner at (opening packages), Borer (sorting), and Sechita call 602-492-7670. tempting to pray for rain. But can we do so as [email protected] or 602-343-0192. (squeezing). Cost: Free. To register, contact Rabbi FRIDAYS MAY 1-JULY 28 Jews? And if we did, what would it look like? Join THURSDAY, JUNE 24 Dovber Dechter at [email protected] or PJ Library is fundraising with Lee Laa Lou Jewish Dr. Daniel Stein Kokin as he virtually presents his Newark Minutemen: 5 p.m. This book, based at 347 410 0785. Educational Stickers. Looking for some fun “Tefillat ha-Monsoon,” and explores the halachic, on a true story of forbidden love and unholy TUESDAYS educational activities to do with your kids? We literary and identity issues raised by this new heroism, is set against the backdrop of an Keep Calm and Play Mahjong: 6:30-8:30 p.m. got you covered. Receive 10% off of the entire prayer. Cost: $18. For more information and to America ripped apart by the Great Depression Play mahjong from home with myjongg.net. store by using the code PJPHX10. PJ Library in register, visitvalleybeitmidrash.org/event/praying- and on the brink of war. In this dangerous time Cost: Free. To join a table, email Nicole at Phoenix will receive 20% back of total sales! for-the-monsoon-an-arizona-liturgical-adventure. of star-spangled fascism, a romance forms [email protected]. Shop here: leelaalou.com/discount.pjphx10 between the Jewish boxer, Yael and the daughter Is your metabolism broken?: Noon-1 p.m. In Maintaining an Upbeat Attitude: 7 p.m. A class of the enemy, Krista. Join author Leslie Barry as Virtual Meetings, this virtual class, learn what the metabolism exclusively for people in their 20s and 30s, learn she discusses her bestselling historical romance is, how it’s affected by low calorie diets and how Jewish Mysticism can help with your attitude Lectures & Classes “Newark Minutemen” which is soon to be a what you can do with your nutrition and with Rabbi Shlomy Levertov online. Cost: Free. motion picture. Cost: $10 for MPJCC members, FRIDAY, JUNE 4 lifestyle to support a healthy metabolism Tune in at: JewishParadiseValley.com/YJPclass. 10 a.m.-noon. PHA board member $15 for non-members. For more information Survivor Story: for long term weight loss. Cost: Free. For For more information, visit chabadaz.com. and Holocaust survivor Rise Stillman will share her more information and to register, visit apm. and to register, visit jewishphoenix.regfox.com/ story. RSVP by emailing Tony Rusco at activecommunities.com/valleyofthesunjcc/ meet-the-authors-series. TUESDAYS, APRIL 6-JUNE 22 [email protected]. Why We Do What We Do: History, Customs and Activity_Search/j-nutrition-talks-series-1/1755. MONDAYS Laws: 10 a.m. An online 11-week class exploring MONDAY, JUNE 7 Partners in Torah: 7:30 p.m. Join a growing TUESDAY, JUNE 22 Jewish history, customs and laws. No class May 18. What does God do all day?: 1-2 p.m. Explore a group of inspired learners with Project The Four Books That Changed Jewish History: Cost: $110. For more information and to register, number of rabbinic stories that imagine God’s Inspire. Cost: Free. Tune in at: us04web.zoom. 1-2 p.m. In this virtual Valley Beit Midrash class, visit evjcc.org/obm. daily schedule and nightlife in this virtual Valley forget everything we’ve been told about what us/j/3940479736#success, password is 613. Beit Midrash class. These narratives are playful it means to be Jewish and delve into the four For more information, email Robin Meyerson at TUESDAYS, MAY 11 - JULY 6 and quirky but beneath the whimsical surface books which forever made, and changed Jewish [email protected]. Growing with the Garden Gals from Keep they address profound theological questions Phoenix Beautiful: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.: An history; The Bible — where our story begins; Ethics of Our Fathers: 7 p.m. Learn with about how the world operates and how each 8-week series of learning with Master Gardeners, The Talmud — when we are told to question Rabbi Zalman Levertov online. Tune in at: bit. of us ought to use the hours of each day. Cost: Gail La Tour and Mary Lu Nunley from Keep everything; The Guide for the Perplexed — the ly/2Y0wdgv. Cost: Free. For more information, $18. For more information and to register, visit Phoenix Beautiful. Classes held virtually at book which told to be rational, and The Zohar visit chabadaz.com. valleybeitmidrash.org/upcoming-events. — the book which revealed God’s secret. In this Mountain View Community Garden. Cost: Quotable Quotes by our Sages: 7 p.m. Learn Free. For more information and to register, visit TUESDAY, JUNE 8 class we will learn about the unique revolution with Rabbi Shlomy Levertov online. Tune in at: jfcsaz.org/cse, or contact Jennifer Brauner at: Jewish Folksongs Volume III: 10 a.m. The YIVO offered by each book, unravel what it has meant JewishParadiseValley.com/class. Cost: Free. For Institute for Jewish Research is pleased to to be Jewish over time and perhaps even come [email protected] or 602-343-0192 with more information, visit chabadaz.com. announce its upcoming program, Joel Engel: to question what being Jewish means for each questions. Jewish Folksongs Volume III. This is a performance one of us. Cost: $18. For more information and MONDAYS, JUNE 7-14 TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS, MAY 25 - JUNE 24 of Joel Engel’s Jewish Folksongs Volume III (c. to register, visit valleybeitmidrash.org/event/ That Magic of Shtisel: 10:30 a.m. People Ballroom Dancing: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dance 1920) including 10 Jewish folksongs, dances, and the-four-books-that-changed-jewish-history. worldwide have been captivated by this Israeli instructor Gabby Burrell will be teaching the Chasidic nigunim in virtuosic piano arrangements. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23 series on Netflix about a fictional ultra Orthodox foxtrot and single step swing with an added The event will premiere on Facebook and Becoming Dr. Ruth: Dinner at 5:30 p.m., Show family in Jerusalem. Now that Season 3 is on the bonus dance at the end. All levels welcome. The YouTube on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, 1:00pm (ET). at 7:30 p.m. Becoming Dr. Ruth chronicles the air, its time for another round of discussions. If you class is in-person at the Marin Pear JCC Fitness This collection of 10 pieces will be performed by life of noted psychologist Dr. Ruth Westheimer have any questions about Shtisel for Risa Brumer, Studio. Due to social distancing you must sign pianist Thomas Kotcheff. Cost: Free. For more from her early years fleeing Nazi Germany to her please submit them to [email protected]. up as a couple. Cost: $200 for MPJCC members, information and to register, visit time spent as a sniper in Jerusalem and beyond. Cost: $20. For more information and to register, $250 for non-members. For more information yivo.org/Engel-Volume-III. This illuminating one-woman show is a humorous visit bjephoenix.org/course-events/2021/06/07/ and to register, visit apm.activecommunities.com/ that-magic-of-shtisel. THURSDAY, JUNE 10 and heartfelt portrait detailing her incredible valleyofthesunjcc/Activity_Search/1757. Love, Dad: 5 p.m. When author Mike Anthony’s journey to become a pioneer in the psychology of MONDAYS, JUNE 7-28 WEDNESDAYS father unexpectedly died, his family was left human sexuality and the world’s most famous sex Counter Cultural Sects in Judaism: 12:15 p.m. This Happiness Hour: 11:30 a.m. An online class taught shocked and utterly devastated. However, when therapist. We will enjoy a group dinner at Forno virtual course will cover and explore some of most by Rabbi Pinchas Allouche that delves into texts a phone call came out of the blue delivering a 301 before the show at The Phoenix Theatre interesting counterculture movements within and references culled from our traditions to

24 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM CALENDAR address a relevant topic and draw uplifting life Mindfulness Gatherings: Noon. Hosted by lessons from it. For more information or to join, Hospice of the Valley via Zoom. Cost: Free. To visit cbtvirtualworld.com. join by phone dial 1-253-215-8782, meeting ID 486 920 2119#, to get the Zoom link or for further The Thirteen Petalled Rose: 1 p.m. An online Kabbalah class that studies “The Thirteen questions contact Gill Hamilton at REACH HIGHLY EDUCATED, AFFLUENT READERS IN THE VALLEY Petalled Rose” by Rabbi Adin Even-Israel [email protected] or 602-748-3692. Steinsaltz, focusing on the many foundational and Jewish Life and Tradition: 1 p.m. Rabbi Laibel transformational concepts of Kaballah and Jewish Bloter will be returning for a new series called Target over Jewish readers Mysticism and applying them to everyday life. For Jewish Life and Tradition. The first class is on 42,500 more information or to join, visit Tuesday, May 25 at 1 pm and will continue on cbtvirtualworld.com. each fourth Tuesday of the month. with a mix of print and digital. JACS: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Virtual support group for THURSDAYS, APRIL 8 - JUNE 24 Print | Digital | Jewish alcoholics, addicts and their friends and The Life and Philosophy of Rambam family on the first and third Wednesdays of the (Maimonides): 10 a.m. An online 11-week class month. Cost: Free. For more information, email exploring lessons by one of Judaism’s greatest [email protected] or call 602-692-1004. rabbis. Cost: $110. For more information and to Upcoming Special Sections register, visit evjcc.org/obm. Torah Study with Chabad: Noon. Take a weekly journey to the soul of Torah online with Rabbi SUNDAYS Yossi Levertov. Cost: Free. For more information, Soul Study: 7:15 a.m. An online class exploring the visit chabadaz,com secrets of the Tanya and Jewish mysticism, taught Senior Lifestyle by Rabbi Pinchas Allouche. Cost: Free. Torah Study with Temple Beth Shalom of the July 9 West Valley: 11 a.m. - noon. TBS of the West Anxiety in the Modern World: 6 p.m. Learn the Valley’s weekly virtual study group explores that secrets of the Torah for living stress-free in the From home health aides week’s portion and studies different perspectives current environment in a virtual class with Rabbi and debates the merits of various arguments. Boruch, with Chabad of Oro Valley. Cost: Free. to financial planners, Intended for adults, Torah study is open to Tune in using this link: zoom.us/j/736434666. For independent living faciliti es students of all levels. The goal is to achieve an more information, visit chabadaz.com. to nursing homes, this is the understanding of what the text is and what it can teach us in the contemporary world. Fore more Seniors perfect venue to showcase information, contact the TBS office at how your business can (623) 977-3240. MONDAYS help older Jewish residents Lunch & Learn: 12:15 PM. Grab some food and Dance Fusion with Michele Dionisio: 11 a.m.-noon. learn online with Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin. Cost: Presented by JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. navigate reti rement. Free. Tune in on Zoom by emailing info@ Cost: Free. For more information, ChabadTucson.com. For more information, visit visit jfcsaz.org/cse. ChabadTucson.com. Featured Presentation: 12:30 p.m. Join Smile on History of the Jews: 11:00 AM Learn the Jewish Seniors Mondays and Wednesdays to learn from journey from Genesis to Moshiach online with a variety of presenters about topical issues, like Rabbi Ephraim Zimmerman. Cost: Free. Tune Q&As with medical professionals, entertainers and Home Design in here: zoom.us/j/736434666. For more lectures. Cost: Free. For full details visit sosaz.org/ information, visit chabadaz.com. virtual or email Rabbi Levi Levertov & Real Estate WEDNESDAYS, MARCH 31-JUNE 30 at [email protected]. July 9 Scottsdale Society of Women Writers: 6 p.m. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: 1-2:30 Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives p.m. In a seven week series that begins April 5, members access to events of interest, a format learn how to use mindfulness techniques to help Whether you’re in the for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network relieve anxiety, depression and pain. Cost: Free. business of repair and with other women writers and authors, and more. For more information and to register, contact renovati on or buying The group meets virtually on the last Wednesday [email protected] or call Jennifer Brauner at of each month with a professional speaker 602-343-0192. and selling homes, presentation. Cost: Free for members, and free for TUESDAYS Jewish News readers first and second-time guests. RSVP is required to Brain Games with Friends: 2-3 p.m. Challenge get the Zoom information. To RSVP and for more need your services. your brains while having fun. Experts believe that information, text or email Patricia Brooks at active learning helps maintain brain health by 480-250-5556 or at [email protected]. preventing loss of cognitive skills such as memory, THURSDAYS reasoning and judgment. For more information or Storytime at Modern Milk: 9:30 a.m. Bring your to register, visit vosjcc.org/j-at-home-adults. babies, toddlers and preschoolers to our weekly Movie Discussion Group: 11 a.m. Join Smile on all ages in-person storytime. We will integrate Seniors on the third Tuesday of every month favorite children’s books and songs while giving hosted by Issy Lifshitz. Cost: Free. For full details parents new ideas for play. Modern Milk is and the movie of the month visit sosaz.org/virtual Summer Cool located at 13802 N Scottsdale Rd STE 163. Cost: or email Rabbi Levi Levertov at [email protected]. $5. For more information and to register, visit July 9 Because of Shavuot, May’s event will be May 20 modernmilk.com/after-baby. instead of May 18. A look at ways for 10:30 a.m. Learn about the Ladies Torah & Tea: WEDNESDAYS families to stay cool this women of the Torah with Mrs. Leah Levertov Chair Yoga with Zoe: 11-11:45 a.m. A guided class online. Cost: Free. Tune in at: ourjewishcenter. summer from staycati ons in yoga without having to get down on the floor. com/virtual. For more information, visit Presented by JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. and getaways to safe chabadaz.com. Cost: Free. For more information, indoor acti viti es. Talmud - Maakos: 11 a.m. Learn with Rabbi visit jfcsaz.org/cse. Shlomy Levertov. Cost: Free. Tune in at: THURSDAYS JewishParadiseValley.com/YJPclass. For more In the Kitchen with Benita: 12:30 p.m. Join Smile information, visit chabadaz.com. on Seniors on the fourth Thursday of every month The Science of Everything: 4 p.m. Explore the for some delicious cooking or baking fun! Cost: most fundamental work of Chassidut: the Tanya, Free. For full details visit sosaz.org/virtual or email with Rabbi Boruch. Cost: Free. Tune in at: zoom. Rabbi Levi Levertov at [email protected]. JEWISHAZ.COM us/j/736434666. For more information, visit FRIDAYS chabadaz.com. Musical Friday: 12:30 p.m. Join Smile on Seniors Teen Discussions: 7-8:30 p.m. Learn with on the first Friday of every month for a musical Contact your sales consultant to schedule Rabbi Tzvi Rimler online, Cost: Free. Tune in at presentation. Cost: Free. For full details visit sosaz. cteen.clickmeeting.com/east-valley. For more org/virtual or email Rabbi Levi Levertov your advertising at [email protected] information, visit chabadaz.com. at [email protected]. JN

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JUNE 4, 2021 25 COMMUNITY

Little graduates The school year comes to a close On Friday, May 21, amid a power outage, Martin Pear Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley’s religious school celebrated the end of the year in person on May 23, 2021. PHOTO BY MICHELE MILLMAN Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood Center graduates gathered in limited pods to celebrate dressed in their caps and gowns. PHOTO BY ERIKA FARR

Farewell Rabbi Chernow! Hundreds of Temple Chai members took the opportunity to say goodbye to Rabbi Mari Chernow, their longtime rabbi, on Sunday, May 23, 2021. HOTO BY JOEL ZOLONDEK

Brandeis book club The Phoenix chapter of the Brandeis National Committee read “The Gown,” about the embroidery on Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown, for their virtual book club. PHOTO BY ELLEN TUCKMAN

This COMMUNITY page features photos of community members around the Valley and the world. Submit photos and details each Baby University week to [email protected] by 10 a.m. Monday. Expectant parents gather together to memorialize their participation in the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix’s Baby University. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINDA FELDMAN

26 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM ORT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 Lori Beth Guttman, 63, passed away on and finding only older women — she felt behind the group, and once in-person January 23, 2021, at her home in Scottsdale. like she didn’t belong. events can be held safely, she thinks the She was born on May 15, 1957 in Detroit. It’s hard to find potential new members, social aspect will keep the chapter going. Lori was born and raised in Oak Park, Michigan For now, she’s not making many Tuckman said. She remembered that in and graduated from Oak Park High School. years past, there were annual events where demands on members’ time. She hopes to every Jewish organization could pass raise around $2,000 in June’s auction. In She met Jerry Guttman through a mutual out information to many people at one a normal year, the annual auction brings friend and they married in October 1991. They time. Now it’s all word of mouth and the in around $4,000. “But considering it’s relocated to Scottsdale in 1996. Lori was a internet. Tuckman’s daughter created a on Zoom, this year, $2,000 would be beloved wife, mother, nana, daughter, sister and friend. She had Facebook page for the chapter and her really good,” she said. She’s excited to see everyone for the a caring heart and love for all animals. Lori enjoyed travel. She son encouraged her to do the auction on loved to laugh and make others smile and feel special. Lori would Zoom rather than via email, which was first time in more than a year, even though her initial idea. it will only be on a computer screen. help others and expect nothing in return. Lori’s greatest pleasure “We hope people will participate — the “I’m technologically hampered,” she was to cook and have friends and family over for holiday dinners, more the merrier,” she said. “We’re trying said. “It makes it hard to get exposure.” but she especially treasured the time she spent with her family, to keep together and we welcome anyone While her chapter “is hanging on by its friends and especially her grandchildren. She was loved and her of any age to join us.” JN teeth,” she said, she’s still optimistic that snarky wit and wonderful sarcasm will be deeply missed. She will it probably has at least another 10 years. For a complete list of auction items, email Ellen be forever in our hearts, and always our inspiration. We love you Many people like the educational aspect Tuckman at [email protected]. forever Lori. She is survived by her husband, Jerry L. Guttman; her sons, MILESTONES Adam Wasserman (Nicole), Jake Guttman (Melanie); her step- daughter, Casey Elliott (Kurt); her four grandchildren, Ryker, BAT MITZVAH Sadie, Levi and Davis; her mother, Eleanor Factor; her two ALIYA JAYE MELHADO brothers, David Factor (Deborah) and Gary Factor (Bobby); and Aliya Jaye Melhado becomes a bat mitzvah on June 5, 2021, at Congregation numerous relatives and friends. Kehillah. She is the daughter of Debbie and Marc Melhado of Phoenix. A student at Explorer Middle School, Aliya (Ally) enjoys art, writing and animation. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Factor. She is resting at Paradise Memorial Park in Scottsdale. BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT Memorial contributions may be made in Lori’s name to the SHILOH MEIR BALSAM Arizona Humane Society. www.azhumane.org Shiloh Meir Balsam was born May 8, 2021. He is the son of Raina and Ezra Balsam of Scottsdale. With a heavy heart, we share the sad news that our mother, Grandparents are Robin and Charlie Marcia Ben-Ora, died of natural causes on Tuesday, May 11, Meyerson of Scottsdale; and Gila and which would have been our father’s 90th birthday. Avi Balsam of Los Angeles. Marcia was born and grew up in Minneapolis. She met our dad, Shiloh has two siblings, Dvir, 2 and Avi Ben-Ora, at the Hillel House while they were students at the Noam, 1. JN University of Minnesota. They married in 1954 and were able to celebrate their anniversary in fine style for over 60 years. They spent 40 years in Phoenix and remembered those years fondly. Our mom loved her children, Eve, Dan and Miriam, but her six perfect grandchildren, Naomi, Carmi, Rebecca, Kelden, Fiona and Jeremy, could do no wrong. She welcomed her children’s spouses, Avi, Carolina and Cliff; and her grandchildren’s spouses, Ryan and Chaney, into the family with open arms. She was also happy to meet Rebecca’s boyfriend, Danny. Marcia is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Lois Mirviss and Sy Johnson, who will remember her with love. A private funeral will take place. She will be buried next to our dad, who died four years ago, whom we still miss every day. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

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JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JUNE 4, 2021 27 Demystifying Law Enforcement’s Fight Against Extremism Join our Live Zoom Q&A Tuesday, June 15 at 12 noon Go to jewishaz.com to register

How does law enforcement balance public safety with fi rst amendment rights in light of the rise in antisemitism and extremism? Join FBI Special Agent Dan Johnson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Voit for a discussion with Jewish News’ Managing Editor Shannon Levitt about walking this tightrope while not amplifi ying voices of hate. Brought to you in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix.

Submit your questions ahead of time to [email protected], then tune in to our Live Zoom Q&A on June 15 at 12 noon.

SPONSORED BY:

28 JUNE 4, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM