HEADLINES | 4 SPECIAL SECTION | B1

COLORS OF INCLUSION SENIOR LIFESTYLE Gesher brings back b’nai Volunteering at Hospice of the mitzvah classes, and gets Valley, women's heart health, help from young volunteers coping with crisis and more

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 | SHEVAT 12, 5780 | VOLUME 72, NUMBER 10 $1.50 Federation launches Phoenix mayor to speak to Jewish women’s professional women’s organization NICK ENQUIST | CONTRIBUTING WRITER group, FUSE Society hoenix Mayor Kate Gallego back at what we’ve been able ELLEN O’BRIEN | STAFF WRITER Pwill speak to the National to accomplish and also hear Council of Jewish Women of from different groups around USE Society, the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix’s Arizona’s at their next meet- what policies still need to be Fnewest group, is filling the gap in professional development ing on Feb. 18 to discuss pursued.” programs for women. her agenda for women and She added that she was excited “Programs for professional women almost always include how families. to speak at the NCJWAZ’s to balance family life and your career, how to be a woman in “I am looking forward to a meeting because the organiza- the business world, things like that. That’s valid, and it’s very robust conversation with the tion “has a strong history of important, but that is not what we wanted this to be,” said Jaime women in attendance and I making positive change for Fox, development associate at the Jewish Federation of Greater suspect topics could vary from vulnerable populations in our Phoenix. “This group gets the same topics, the same opportuni- reproductive health, to civic state and the organization is ties that men’s leadership and business panels would showcase. engagement, and the upcom- personally relevant to me as a This is career-focused events and networking.” ing election,” Gallego said. “In Jewish woman.” FUSE is a collaboration between the Federation and Fennemore March, I will have completed Gallego hails from Craig, P.C., a regional law firm with offices in Phoenix. Fox credits one year in office as mayor and Albuquerque, New Mexico, Courtney Beller, the director and vice chair of business litigation it is always exciting to look SEE MAYOR, PAGE 3 Mayor Kate Gallego PHOTO COURTESY OF NCJWAZ.ORG at Fennemore Craig, with making FUSE a reality. “There was nothing really focused on helping women in the Jewish community succeed professionally,” Beller said. “I felt like there was a really big need and it didn’t exist, so I wanted to take it on as a challenge to myself.” Heart-healthy and The group will hold a wine, nosh and networking event at heartwarming a private home on Feb. 18, featuring a short presentation by Eli Follick walks us through recipes that are perfect for a Beller and Rabbi Elana Kanter. The event will emphasize how candlelit moment but won’t hurt your waistline. Go to page volunteering for leadership positions outside of work can help 13 for more. ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/

SEE FUSE, PAGE 2

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NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL ISRAEL US House passes Jews in China face spread Israeli-American backpacker Never Again Education Act of deadly coronavirus freed from Russian prison HEADLINES

FUSE Professionals Group hosts events CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 for professionals and is open to advance one’s career. both men and women, Fox says “I’m hoping that people will it’s still difficult to attract as many take away that there are a lot of women as men to those events. tools in our Jewish toolbox for At a recent meeting hosted by the how to approach challenges and group’s Real Estate & Finance be brave and take on new oppor- committee, only seven out of 80 tunities,” Beller said. “I also am attendees were women. really hoping that part of the “How do we bring women in?” 2020 Phoenix takeaway is that women put so Fox said. “I think FUSE will be a much pressure on themselves to way to bridge some of the gaps and Jewish News be perfect all the time, and a lot have some crossover and lead into of the time we feel these doubts other groups.” Print Dates or fears or concerns and think For Beller, the name ‘FUSE’ that we’re the only one that have evokes both the idea of fusion January 10 August 7 them and that they’re impossible between collaborators and the January 24 August 28** to overcome. And that’s just The FUSE Society’s first panel event featured Lucia Schnitzer, action of lighting a fuse and February 7 September 4 totally not true.” Janice Dinner, Courtney Beller and Hilla Sferruzza. “spurring to action something in FUSE’s inaugural event in PHOTO COURTESY OF JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER PHOENIX the community.” She encourages February 21 September 11 September was a panel discus- “One of the things that everybody women at all stages of their career March 6 September 18 sion at Fennemore Craig featuring Janice really seemed to want was ongoing consider joining FUSE. March 20 September 25 Dinner, senior associate general counsel events that would be a little bit more “Anybody that is looking to take their March 27 October 2 for Banner Health; Lucia Schnitzer, intimate and that would allow the role in their professional or business life April 3 October 16 founder of Luci’s Urban Concepts; and women that were coming to get to know to the next level, if you are looking for Hilla Sferruzza, executive VP and CFO each other better,” Beller said. “Which opportunities to get great advice on how April 17 November 6 of Meritage Homes. According to Fox, makes perfect sense, because a big part to be a better leader, how to build your May 1 November 20 the Federation received a lot of positive of it is building out your relationship book of business, how to make other May 15 December 4 feedback from the first event. base so that we can share job opportuni- meaningful relationships - this is the June 5 December 18 “From what I’ve seen from our ties and contacts and all that stuff with group for you,” Beller said. “This group previous panel in September, and now each other.” is to help elevate people in their career so June 5* hearing the feedback from women, this is Going forward, the group plans to hold they can get to the next level.” JN June 19 *Best of Magazine exactly what they’re looking for,” Fox said. an annual panel event each September July 3 **Annual Directory Beller and Fox also used the feed- and smaller gatherings, like the one in To learn more about FUSE Society or to register for back they received to plan the February February, quarterly. Network & Nosh on Feb. 18, contact professionals@ WWW.JEWISHAZ.COM gathering. While the Federation’s Business & jewishphoenix.org.

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2 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES MAYOR have a dedicated rape crisis center. Facilities CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 declared as rape crisis centers have full staffs of specialists and care workers dedicated where she had her bat mitzvah. Gallego is to supporting sexual assault survivors and Phoenix’s 61st mayor and was elected in a addressing sexual trauma. Tamarkin said that special election to succeeded the previous the NCJWAZ has been in the forefront of mayor, Greg Stanton, in March of last year. helping develop the center with the mayor. She received a bachelor’s degree in environ- The development of the rape crisis center mental science from Harvard University and is a top priority for NCJWAZ, Tamarkin said. a Master of Business Administration from In addition to the mayor’s office, the social the Wharton School of the University of action organization is collaborating with Pennsylvania. Secretary of State Katie Hobbs along with Prior to the election, Gallego served on the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Phoenix City Council from 2014 to 2018. Violence. She was the only female mayor of one of the “It’s an enigma that no rape crisis centers 10 largest U.S. cities when she took office with a full comprehensive staff exist in the scottsdale • tempe • peoria and at 38 she is the youngest mayor of one fifth largest city, let alone in the entire state of the 10 largest cities in the U.S. of Arizona,” Tamarkin said. 602 753 9366 • gpjff.org It was on the campaign trail that Gallego “We know that victims of assault and rape first met Civia Tamarkin, who would later need the most comprehensive care,” Gallego become the president of the NCJWAZ in added. “A comprehensive rape crisis center May 2019. Tamarkin praised Gallego’s would provide wrap around services such as commitment to women’s issues and added social workers and counseling on top of the that the mayor understood the struggles that medical care they need at any time of the families endure. day, every day. While the center is still in the “Nationally, NCJW has worked to early planning stages, there is great support improve lives and secure the rights of to see this effort through.”

"IT'S AN ENIGMA THAT NO RAPE CRISIS CENTERS WITH A FULL COMPREHENSIVE STAFF EXIST IN THE FIFTH LARGEST CITY, LET ALONE IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF ARIZONA." women, children and families,” Tamarkin The upcoming speaking engagement is said. “That is an agenda that involves a wide one of many events where the NCJWAZ spectrum of issues and causes. Kate Gallego has featured local Arizonan politicians. Last is an incredibly smart and effective mayor October, the organization held a panel and she is someone who truly understands focused on gun violence in Arizona that A Jewish Cemetery that cares the intersectionality of all the issues that featured several advocates for gun safety, about the Jewish Community affect daily life.” including state Rep. Jennifer Longdon. Gallego added that as a young single On Tuesday, Jan. 21, NCJWAZ hosted mom, she felt that she was in a position to a panel called “How Are We Gonna Get It bring forth policy from a new perspective. Done?” featuring House Minority Leader Shortly after her win, she worked to bring Charlene R. Fernandez, House Minority private, portable nursing stations to Phoenix Whip Rep. Athena Salman, state Sen. Lela Sky Harbor International Airport from the Alston and Senate Minority Whip Lisa company Mamava. These pods give mothers Otondo. The four legislators discussed • Jewish Owned and Operated a private area for nursing without the need their agenda on issues such as gun violence, • Sidewalks at Every Grave for extended construction. reproductive rights and public education. • Jewish Owned and Operated • Caring Professional Staff Tamarkin noted that some of the other For Tamarkin, the push for these events • Intermarried• Paved Sidewalks Families Throughout –Welcome issues Gallego focused on were environmen- provides an invaluable service. No Need to Ever Walk on a Grave • Intermarried Families Welcome tal sustainability, education and reproductive “We noticed a void in the public’s educa- (480) 585-6060 rights. One of the subjects Tamarkin hopes tion and we feel that it is an important part • Beautiful Open-Air Pavilion for Services the mayor will go into more detail about of our agenda to create opportunities for 24210• Caring N.and 68thProfessional Street, Staff Phoenix are the early developmental plans to build everyone to learn,” Tamarkin said. “It may (off Pinnacle Peak Rd) Arizona’s first comprehensive rape crisis sound redundant, but we are committed to mtsinaicemetery.com(480) 585-6060 center. advocacy for women and families and that www.mtsinaicemetery.com Although Arizona does have resources for starts with educating who we can about e-mail: [email protected] sexual assault survivors, the state does not issues specific to Arizona.” JN 24210 N. 68th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85054 JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS (off Pinnacle Peak Rd) FEBRUARY 7, 2020 3 HEADLINES 41st LOCAL Anniversary Special! Gesher brings back bar and bat mitzvah classes Save 20% on complete AVIVA LEE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER pair of glasses with this coupon offer good thru 31 March 2020 We are... We can... – Not in every shopping center – Often remember your name, – Not on every corner & always greet you with a smile – Never part of a large chain of stores – Treat you like family – Not the “biggest, cheapest, or fastest” – Take extra time – Not giving out beepers – Special order just for you –Offer the highest quality, best service, Participants enjoy the reboot of Gesher's b'nai mitzvah classes. PHOTO BY AVIVA LEE honest, reasonable values & most beautiful selection of eyewear bar or bat mitzvah is not the first The Women’s Learning Institute, was Amomentous ritual in the life of a teaching the class on the first day, 32nd St. & Camelback • Biltmore Plaza Jew, but it is, perhaps, the first personal encouraging everyone to repeat her 602-957-1716 and individual ritual a child gets to enunciation of the barucha recited at TAGER choose. For some, however, this choice the bima. Kanter maintained eye contact Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. carries with it unusual challenges that with the students and was encouraging to Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. OPTICAL others never face. Now, Gesher Disability those who had trouble with the recitation. Resources, which helps children with Her enthusiasm was contagious. special needs confront such challenges, Adult volunteers walked around CONGREGATION KEHILLAH’S has relaunched bar and bat mitzvah classes the room providing nonverbal NEXT FABULOUS for the first time since 2002. encouragement while the lesson went TRIP TO ISRAEL The Gesher B’nai Mitzvah program on. They included Esther Grabowsky, a OCT 19 - NOV 2, 2020 began this month in the Sylvia Plotkin special needs educator; Gesher Executive SMALL GROUP/CUSTOM ITINERARY Judaica Museum at Congregation Beth Director Amy Hummell; Haberkorn Israel, where a group of dedicated volun- Religious School Director Stacy teers — Zac Daitch, Emma Dickenson, Rosenthal; and Jill Wilson, Gesher Jonah Feldman, Adam Schwartz, Steven director of education and programs. Ugol and Ryan Winston — offered Outside, volunteers also invited students The only thing better than visiting Israel is smiles and words of advice to their to tie-dye fabric, letting them choose visiting Israel with Rabbi Sharfman and friends! student charges. the colors themselves. After students If you’re interested -- from “just curious” to “ready to pack Ugol, who attended similar classes finished the tie-dye project, they returned RIGHT NOW!” -- email us so we to complete his own bar mitzvah, told to the museum and awaited Kanter’s can get you the full details. the Gesher students, “It takes a lot of closing remarks. She congratulated the 602-369-7667 perseverance.” students on their achievements of the day, https://congregationkehillah.org/ “I want to tell them they can do every- while explaining that the newly tie-dyed watch-this-space-for-future-trips-to-israel/ thing they set their mind to — no goal is fabric was going to be transformed into a too high. Just keep trying and you will get traditional tallit gadol, to be worn at there,” Ugol said. “It makes me feel so good the bima. to be part of their big day in some small way. Kanter asked if everyone would again Be heard. They are amazing people who work really recite the barucha that had been practiced hard to do things others find easy.” earlier. The attendees and their parents In 10 classes, Gesher’s program covers agreed it was a good first day. Email your everything from learning prayers and “When the larger Jewish community letters to making tzitzit to practicing Hebrew makes it possible, people with disabilities the editor. names and reading from the Torah in the can live full, nourishing Jewish lives,” sanctuary. At the end of the program, in Kanter said afterward. “It takes planning September, students will become b’nai and effort, but it’s more than doable, mitzvah together. and we are lucky to have a community Rabbi Elana Kanter, director of resource like Gesher to take the lead.” JN [email protected]

4 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES

LOCAL Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival crammed with comedy, drama, docs SUSAN C. INGRAM | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Singer and Jerry Mittelman and their session, enabling filmgoers to watch all “We’re also showing a film on infertility,” film-selection committee, the breadth of five episodes of the popular Israeli mini- he added, “and the staging of that one is f you aren’t excited about the 24th Annual the festival’s offerings series “Autonomies” important because we’re showing it on a IGreater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival run- is no accident. They (from the creators of Saturday night for the first time ever.” ning Feb. 9-23, you should be. This year, start screening films “Shtisel) in two con- Asked to pick any favorites, Singer and festival curators bring together 50 films, soon after the festival secutive screenings. Mittelman couldn’t pick just one. including 32 features and 18 shorts, in a ends, voting on films The dystopian drama “All the films that we selected we feel are schedule that spans two weeks and three throughout the year. imagines a not-too- very high quality,” Singer said. “The range theater locations. Some features are paired But Singer and distant future with of subject matter and tone are so different with shorts, or you can catch a program of Mittelman said Israel separated into that I’ve always said to people, ‘Go on to all short films, including the top three picks although the process secular and haredi the site (gpjff.org). Look at the trailers, see from the Israel Student Filmmaker Contest is a long and exacting states. what appeals to you.’” and a film by Valley resident Connor Griffin. one, it is nevertheless From the future “And we emphasize this,” Mittelman There are musically themed films like a “labor of love.” to the past, the fest is added. “We are not a Holocaust film “Crescendo,” a drama about a con- “It’s a lot of hard showing “Gentleman’s festival, we are not an Israeli film festival, we ductor struggling to bring together an work by a great group Scene from 'Crescendo' PHOTO COURTESY OF GPJFF.ORG Agreement,” star- are not a Yiddish film festival, and we’re not Israeli-Palestinian youth orchestra, and of volunteers to meet ring Gregory Peck a religious film festival. This is everyman’s the documentary “Fiddler: A Miracle of a need that, really, you can see on the audi- as a writer who goes “undercover” to festival, with a Jewish theme.” Miracles,” about everyone’s favorite shtetl ence, on their faces,” Singer said. “That they personally experience anti-Semitism. Last year’s attendance at the film festival musical. Other selections run the gamut really enjoy this, really look forward to it. We “It is selling very well,” Mittelman said was about 12,000 and the co-execs are from rom-coms, family sagas and heart- start getting communications, emails, very of the 1947 film. “We think that there are shooting for 15,000 this year. Films are warming historicals to politically fraught early about when will the films be listed, and some people who would like to see it again, scheduled from Feb. 9-23 at three theaters: dramas and searing documentaries. Even when will the box office be open. It’s truly and there are other people who have never the Harkins Theatres Shea 14 in Scottsdale, Billy Crystal makes an appearance in a dra- meeting a need in the community.” seen it because they weren’t born when it the Harkins Theatres Park West 14 in matic role in “Standing Up, Falling Down.” New to the festival this year, in addition was out. And the topic is very relevant to Peoria and the Harkins Theatres Tempe For festival co-executive directors Barry to the short films, is a “binge-watching” today’s world.” Marketplace 16 in Tempe. JN

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JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 7, 2020 5 HEADLINES

NATIONAL Trump’s Mideast peace plan draws mixed reactions ELLEN O’BRIEN | STAFF WRITER “offers challenging steps to both parties, as well AND JACKSON RICHMAN | JNS.ORG as the prospect of great achievements. If this plan can be fully implemented, it will change ewish and Israel-related groups expressed the face of the Middle East for centuries to Jmixed reactions to the Trump administra- come.” tion’s release of its long-awaited peace plan The Anti-Defamation League affirmed its on Jan. 28. record as “a staunch supporter of the Jewish “We appreciate the efforts of President and democratic state of Israel living with secu- Trump and his administration to work in rity and at peace with its neighbors.” consultation with the leaders of the two major In a statement, it said that “for decades, Israeli political parties to set forth ideas to ADL has been a strong advocate for Israeli- resolve the conflict in a way that recognizes our Palestinian negotiations leading to a two-state ally’s critical security needs,” said the American solution that ensures a secure, equitable and Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in a lasting peace for both parties. Moreover, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House following statement. “Indeed, both Israeli political lead- we long have supported the United States’ the unveiling of the U.S. Middle East peace plan on Jan. 28, 2020. PHOTO BY KOBI GIDEON/GPO VIA JNS.ORG ers view this framework as the basis to restart involvement in addressing the conflict and negotiations with the Palestinians.” have encouraged the U.S. to play a construc- recognizing and accepting Israel as a Jewish the proposal, exhibiting skepticism from the Its leadership said “we have long believed tive diplomatic role with the parties, believing state, a prerequisite for any serious negotiation get-go. that direct Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy is that American support and facilitation can help that might ensue.” “Trump claims his plan is ‘win-win for both essential to create a durable peace and lasting Israelis and Palestinians take the risks necessary EMET founder and president Sarah Stern sides,’ but he’s ignored one side. This is a green two-state agreement that effectively addresses for peace. And so, we currently are studying said, “I really do believe that this is a good light for Israeli annexation of the West Bank, an the concerns of both sides.” the Israeli-Palestinian peace plan released today plan,” citing that it gives Israel control over intentional undermining of a viable two-state At the same time, AIPAC bemoaned that by the White House and carefully considering the Jordan Valley and other land crucial for its solution & another example of Trump using “the Palestinian leadership has continually its implications.” border security, while giving the Palestinians Israel to further his domestic political agenda,” refused direct talks with Israel for the last But ultimately, it said, “the two parties must “billions of dollars people want to invest in tweeted JDCA executive director Halie Soifer. several years.” engage together on a settlement of the conflict, their economy to give hope to their children J Street did not hold back in its denuncia- “It is now essential that Palestinians forego and so we hope that this might prompt both for a better future.” tion, writing: “It is absolutely clear that the the path of violence, boycotts and the crimi- sides to resume negotiations toward a two-state American Jewish Congress president Jack ‘plan’ released today by the Trump admin- nalization of differences at international solution that leads to a lasting and just peace.” Rosen said in a statement that the president, as istration stands zero chance of serving as the forums and return to peace talks with Israel,” Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chair- well as his senior adviser and son-in-law Jared basis for renewed diplomacy to resolve the continued the pro-Israel lobby. “We were man of the Conference of Presidents of Major Kushner, deserves credit for constructing a Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Instead, it is the encouraged to see that the ambassadors from American Jewish Organizations, declared Jan. plan that holds the best interests of Israelis and logical culmination of repeated bad-faith steps Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates 28 a “historic day,” saying he was encouraged Palestinians in mind. “What the Palestinian this administration has taken to validate the attended the announcement, and we call on by the proceedings. people need most is the chance for economic agenda of the Israeli right, prevent the achieve- the Arab states to play a constructive role in “We saw the U.S.-Israel relationship in its growth, opportunity and self-sufficiency, and ment of a viable, negotiated two-state solution urging the Palestinians to resume negotiations full expression — a great moment of oppor- the economic component of the peace plan and ensure that Israel’s illegal occupation of with Israelis.” tunity for Palestinians and Israelis, as well as will facilitate investment, trade and coopera- Palestinian territory in the West Bank becomes AIPAC called for “Palestinians to rejoin the region,” he said. “Hopefully, the Arab tion,” he said. “An important part of this will permanent. Israelis at the negotiating table,” adding that states will support this initiative, and it will be be cooperation with neighboring Arab states, “The timing of this announcement, coin- “a lasting, genuine peace will inevitably require backed by European and other countries that and some of them are already on board.” ciding with the formal indictment of Prime agreement between the parties themselves and want to see stability and peace in the Middle ‘He’s ignored one side’ Minister Netanyahu and the impeachment trial tough compromises from both sides.” East. We look forward to meaningful nego- NORPAC national president Ben Chouake of President Trump, only underscores that it is ‘A moment of opportunity for the region’ tiations, and in the interim, the beginning of said that while the plan is “fair and generous,” a cynical political maneuver entirely lacking in The Republican Jewish Coalition approved implementation.” it won’t be accepted by Palestinian leadership. diplomatic credibility. Coming in the midst of the proposal. B’nai B’rith International, the Endowment “Unfortunately, the history of Arab leader- an Israeli election campaign, this is an attempt The organization’s national chairman, for Middle East Truth (EMET) and the ship making peace with Israel turns out to be to hand the prime minister a political gift and former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), said American Jewish Congress also expressed short-lived. King Abdullah I Bin Al Hussein of a distraction from the very serious charges he in a statement that it creates a “realistic path” optimism for the initiative. Jordan, Anwar Sadat of Egypt, King Faisal of is facing.” for the Palestinians to have a state while not “This proposal provides a pathway to Iraq all of whom tried to have peace with Israel StandWithUs offered a neutral, yet hope- compromising on “the requirements that the achieve a lasting peaceful resolution of this were assassinated,” he said. “So this is a high ful, assessment. “As the U.S. administration Palestinians reject terrorism, stop inciting vio- conflict that is well-grounded in a reality that bar to overcome especially for President Abbas presents a new peace plan, we know that it is lence, stop their indecent ‘pay for slay’ program includes Israel’s vital security needs,” B’nai who is years overstaying his electoral mandate ultimately up to Israeli and Palestinian leaders that pays terrorists for their crimes, and end B’rith International CEO Daniel Mariaschin and has little influence over that mandate.” to resolve their conflict through direct negotia- corruption and human-rights abuses.” said. “It should be clear to the Palestinians Meanwhile, J Street and the Jewish tions,” said SWU co-founder and CEO Roz Coleman continued to remark that the plan that this plan will not allow them to run from Democratic Council of America criticized Rothstein in a statement. “We firmly respect

6 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES the right of Israelis to decide what they need Council for Jewish Women Arizona, argued in any peace agreement and urge Palestinian that the proposed plan fails to take Palestinian leaders to finally engage in good faith. We hope concerns into consideration. this will be a step towards a better future for “The National Council for Jewish Women both peoples.” supports an equitable two state solution that ‘A radical departure’ calls for a democratic Jewish state side by side Local reactions were similarly divided on the with a Palestinian state,” Tamarkin said. “The Trump administration’s plan. Trump-Netanyahu plan is not that. This is Susan Bondy, regional council chair of the a one-sided plan that is a green light for the - save the date - annexation of the West Bank. It strips citizen- Israeli American Council in Arizona, praised second annual the plan for offering a new vision for Israeli- ship from hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Palestinian peace. citizens of Israel without their input and against “I think it’s brilliant,” Bondy said. “Not their will. It calls for a Palestinian capital in an everybody agrees with every little aspect of it, area outside of the large municipal boundaries of Israel. This is a plan that works under the KLEZMER but what I love about this plan is that it’s a start- ing point. If you don’t like it, give us a coun- guise of peace to actually undermine it.” terproposal. There are ways to compromise.” Dr. Victor Peskin, associate professor at the Arizona State University School of Politics FEST “This time there are several Arab states that and Global Studies, noted that the plan breaks are actually supporting the process and the MARCH 15, 2020 || 12-5 PM proposal,” Bondy continued. “The whole many of the precedents set by the Camp David process is brilliant, getting so many Arab states Accords. East Valley JCC to support it, eliminating the issue of the Golan “It’s a radical departure from previous 908 N. Alma School Rd, Chandler Heights beforehand, offering to give them so U.S.-brokered attempts to reach a lasting and TICKETS: evjcc.org/klezmerfest much money to develop their economy. What equitable peace plan,” Peskin said. “It’s one- Tickets: $15 adults, $5 children ages 12 and younger Trump has tried to do is eliminate as many of sided, and its chances of success are limited the potential problems as possible. I’m very and minimal, I believe. I don’t see that the PRESENTED BY THE EAST VALLEY JCC AND THE CITY OF CHANDLER anxious to see how it turns out.” Palestinian Authority will approve of this plan Civia Tamarkin, president of the National or enter into negotiations anytime soon.” JN

20TH ANNIVERSARY

Join Us in 2020 to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the JNF Breakfast for Israel, Arizona’s Largest Gathering of Israel Supporters! Thursday, February 27, 2020 7:30 – 9:00 am ∙ JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Matti Friedman Award-Winning Author, Journalist, and New York Times Op-Ed Contributor

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EVENT CHAIRS Pam Meyer ∙ David Shapiro ∙ Josh Kay

For more information: E-mail [email protected] or Call 480.447.8100

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JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 7, 2020 7 HEADLINES

LOCAL Community concert presents Ellen Allard STACIA FRIEDMAN | CONTRIBUTING WRITER to present the concert, we are able to keep include: “Shofar Blast,” “Sufganiyot” ticket prices low.” and “For Trees.” During her concerts, llen Allard, the reigning “Queen of The rare joint venture demonstrates she typically includes personal anecdotes EJewish Children’s Music,” is bringing how popular Allard, who lives in that reflect her passion for Jewish music. her joyful celebration of song to Temple Brookline, Massachusetts, is in the Jewish Though her main work is in the field Chai this week for a performance hosted community. An award-winning children’s of music, Allard is a Certified Holistic by multiple synagogues. recording artist, composer, performer and Health Coach and integrates what she “This beautiful Havdalah concert was early childhood music educator, Allard is learned about body-mind-spirit into her organized in collaboration with the entire acclaimed for lively and captivating con- work as a musician. The mother of two Phoenix Jewish community,” said Temple certs during which she moves seamlessly and grandmother of five is also certified Chai cantor Ross Wolman. Rabbis, cantors from guitar to accordion, banjo and uku- to teach yoga to children and works that and soloists from six Phoenix synagogues lele, while getting everyone to sing along. into her concerts as well. will join Ellen onstage, along with a youth Many children are already familiar In addition to the community choir. Participating congregations include with Allard’s songs, which they learn in concert on Saturday evening, Allard will Temple Chai, Congregation Beth Israel, Hebrew school. However, the concert is be artist-in-residence at Temple Chai for Congregation Or Tzion, Temple Kol not just a children’s program. Allard even the weekend, presenting Tot Shabbat PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLENALLARD.COM Ami, Temple Solel of Paradise Valley and gets adult audiences engaged. at 5 p.m., Festive Nosh 5:30 p.m. Beth El Phoenix. Allard has presented music workshops and Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:15 p.m. on of Greater Phoenix and the Betts Family. “This is not a fundraiser,” said Wolman. at educational conferences for over 35 Friday, Feb 7. “I have sung with Ellen many times “We haven’t had a joint community years, sharing her 14 recordings and Tickets for the Feb. 8 concert are over the years,” said Wolman, who looks concert since Debbie Friedman was seven songbooks. Many of her composi- $12 for adults ($15 at the door), $7 for forward to a high-energy concert, and here several years ago. We invited Ellen tions are sung in schools, synagogues and children 4 to 17 ($10 at the door) and anticipates more of them in the future. Allard for the benefit of the entire Jewish summer camps throughout the world and free for children under 4. “Holding community-wide concerts is community, especially our youngest are taught to cantorial students enrolled Event sponsors include Carole and Alan a growing trend in the Phoenix Jewish members. By six synagogues uniting at Hebrew Union College. Her top hits Zeichick, the Bureau of Jewish Education community.” JN

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8 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES LOCAL Broken A/C? Roof Repairs? Menachem Mendel Academy launches Home Upgrades? fundraising campaign ELLEN O’BRIEN | STAFF WRITER INTEREST-FREE enachem Mendel Academy is launch- According to Ben-Shabat, a number of LOANS Ming a campaign to raise funds and commitments made by donors unexpect- for these needs... awareness ahead of the school’s third year. edly fell through, making the fundraising “What that will allow us to do is basically necessary. and so much more! to finish this year and segue into next year, “A few of our key donors hit very hard to really help get us a running start into the spots with their own financial situations — upcoming school year,” said Chaya Mushka crazy things like having a million dollars Ben-Shabat, co-founder and CEO of MMA. stolen, things that were completely beyond MMA has set a fundraising goal of the breadth of what you would ever expect Students in the multi-age girls’ classroom take a $450,000 for the 36-hour campaign that — that prevented them from being able to break from their lesson plan to do an arts and crafts launched this week. fulfill their financial commitments to us as a activity. PHOTO BY ELLEN O’BRIEN INTEREST-FREE LOANS SINCE 1950 “It was going to be tight to begin with, school,” Ben-Shabat said. “So that really put as is the case with any startup, but we had a us in a hard spot.” accomplish, because that’s what makes good plan, we had our budget for the year, The 2019-2020 academic year is MMA’s us different,” Ben-Shabat said. “I feel (602) 230-7983 we had funding in place,” said Ben-Shabat second in operation. Beyond raising funds, like the people in the community, the [email protected] Greater Phoenix community and the before the campaign launched on Tuesday. Ben-Shabat says, the goal of the campaign is www.jewishfreeloan.org “This is a campaign that we would have run to raise awareness about the school’s mission global community, are all in agreement regardless of whether or not we had hit our to revolutionize education. that the educational system needs a revo- lution. And when we can connect the right Don’t need help with home repairs, but interested financial setback this year. So now it’s just a “It’s not just about the money, but in a loan for something else? Please visit our little bit more time sensitive than we would about the awareness of who we are as people with the right message, that’s when website or contact us at the JFL offi ce. have liked for it to be.” a school and what it is that we want to SEE MMA, PAGE 17

LOCAL

Local teen advocates for mandatory PHOENIX, AZ, IS SEEKING: SR CLASS A SURFACE DESIGNER: Holocaust education To develop & design digital sculptures of learners in the inquiry process.” ELLEN O’BRIEN | STAFF WRITER electric powersports veh & semi-truck int & ext. World Wars I and II are among 11 top- Req’s Bachelor’s degree in auto product design or ics that can be covered in seventh grade, Scottsdale teenager is speaking related + 5 yrs exp in Class A surface designing. while human rights and genocide is one up about Holocaust education in A of 14 possible topics in eighth grade. The MECHANICAL DESIGN Arizona. eighth grade standards note that “in addi- /CHASSIS ENGINEER: Steven Ugol, a homeschooler on the tion to the study of the Holocaust, other To lead chassis analysis, design, validation autism spectrum, made it his junior — genocides should be studied.” & release. Req’s Masters in mech eng or related and now senior — year project to ask “As of 2019, Arizona does not require + 5 yrs exp in auto industry mechanical, design the Arizona State Board of Education to the Holocaust be taught, it’s just a sug- or prod dev or closely related. Travel req’d. make Holocaust education mandatory. gestion,” Steven told the board. “For “The goal is for kids across the state of high schoolers like me, the facts of the HYDROGEN STATION ELECTRICAL Arizona to learn about the Holocaust,” Holocaust and the radical ideology & VALIDATION ENGINEER: Steven said. behind it are very important to know.” Engineer & design electrical system for He spoke at two Arizona State Board Holocaust education is important to refueling station. Req’s Masters in elec eng of Education meetings, in August and him, Steven said, “because my grandpar- Steven Ugol holds up a “No Place for Hate” + 3 yrs exp. Travel req’d. December 2019, and is now preparing magnet from the Anti-Defamation League. ents are Jewish and I felt a connection.” for his third presentation. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAR UGOL Steven was close with his SEND TECHNICAL RESUME TO ATTN: “It makes me feel proud,” Steven said. grandmother, Frances Ugol, who vol- The current Arizona History and seventh (and eighth) grade. [Local edu- unteered as a teenager to help Jewish HR, NIKOLA MOTOR CO., Social Science Standards, adopted by the cational agencies] should identify topical immigrants arriving in Philadelphia. 4141 E BROADWAY ROAD, state Board of Education in 2018, state: emphases to allow for depth of study PHOENIX, AZ 85040 “There are many topics to pursue in needed to effectively engage student/ SEE TEEN, PAGE 17

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 7, 2020 9 OPINION Editorials The Trump plan hen it comes to the Israeli- they have supported the ineffective and process. Instead, it as seen as an advocate settlements and branded Israel’s Arab citi- WPalestinian conflict, the word uninspired leadership of Mahmoud with an agenda, and little sympathy for zens and Jewish supporters of Palestinian “peace” has largely lost its meaning. Abbas, whose term as president expired Palestinian concerns. That negativity rights a fifth column. Nonetheless, we hope that the Peace to a decade ago. With outdated leadership was brought into sharp focus by the But even with these challenges, and Prosperity Plan that President Donald and what appears to be complacent vic- recent degrading public pronouncement the many complaints critics have about Trump unveiled on Jan. 28 with Prime timhood, it is hard to get excited about of presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner the plan, it has at least two objectives Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his side the likelihood of meaningful Palestinian who, while touting the plan, opined that that offer hope: the call for a two-state will move the parties toward a mutually efforts toward peace. “Palestinians have never done anything solution (albeit much different than the beneficial negotiated resolution, and structure traditionally discussed) and that the prosperity component succeeds the promise of $50 billion to benefit the as well. Palestinians over 10 years , if they embrace But the path ahead will be difficult, THE TRUMP PLAN IS A NEWLY DEFINED PROPOSAL and follow the plan. starting with the challenge of getting FOR THE RESTART OF A PROCESS THAT HAS BEEN We don’t think that anyone sees the both sides to the same negotiating table. Trump plan as a program that can be And even if that can be accomplished, SILENT FOR TOO LONG. implemented as written. More realisti- there are many reasons for concern – with cally, it is a newly defined proposal for blame shared by all of the players. Here the restart of a process that has been are a few issues: And then there is the United States right in their sad, pathetic lives.” silent for too long. There are potentially The Palestinians have shown no inter- which, under the Trump administration, Finally, Israel has contributed to the significant upsides for all participants in a est in meaningful engagement. Indeed, has tilted significantly in Israel’s favor, current stalemate, with leadership moving successful pursuit of the plan’s objectives. since the unsurprising failure of the Kerry emboldening the aggressive Israeli right increasingly to the right, in an effort to And nothing to be gained from failure. initiative in 2014, the Palestinians have and frustrating more centrist Palestinians. follow or stay ahead of the country’s over- We encourage the Palestinians to join essentially done nothing to pursue reso- While there may be clear justifications for all rightward shift. Thus, Netanyahu’s the dialogue, and we encourage Israel lution. Thus, instead of working to find recent U.S. actions, the United States is government took the two-state solu- to engage meaningfully and to exercise potential compromises and agreement, not seen as a neutral, honest broker in the tion off the table, continued building restraint. The world is watching. JN

An unsatisfying process s we go to press on the eve of Senate impeachment trial. “I mean, the According to Alexander, “I think what he Democrats to take shortcuts, and the AWednesday’s expected Senate vote question for me was: Do I need more did is a long way from treason, bribery, resulting articles of impeachment were for acquittal of President Donald Trump evidence to conclude that the president high crimes and misdemeanors … I don’t not fully developed. in his impeachment trial, we can’t help did what he did? And I concluded no.” think it’s the kind of inappropriate action Even so, certain underlying facts were but reflect on the deeply unsatisfying There seems to be no question that that the framers would expect the Senate established, and the Democrat stumbles process that has been the singular focus Trump did what the House said he did. to substitute its judgment for the people don’t excuse the intellectual dishonesty for so many members of Congress and the He withheld $400 million in military in picking a president.” of the many vocal Republicans who press, even as it has been largely ignored defended the president’s actions and by a significant segment of the American sought to justify Trump’s “perfect” call, public. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO QUESTION THAT TRUMP as if the very facts laid out in the call notes This third impeachment of a president and by those who heard the call never in American history, like the trials of Bill DID WHAT THE HOUSE SAID HE DID. actually happened. Such obfuscation is Clinton and Andrew Johnson, proved insulting. that guilt of high crimes and misde- But we will move on. Starting with this meanors is in the eye of the beholder, aid to Ukraine in an effort to get a The Trump impeachment effort was week’s Iowa caucuses, the country’s focus and disturbingly subject to crass political “favor” from that country’s president to unimpressive from start to finish. House will shift to the presidential race, and the calculation. announce an investigation of Trump’s Democrats rushed the process, with one American people will decide who should “If you have eight witnesses who say political rivals. But the House managers eye on the clock, seeking to wrap it up be their president. We encourage active someone left the scene of an accident, were not able to convince enough sena- before the presidential campaign season participation in the election process, and why do you need nine?” Sen. Lamar tors that such action justifies a president’s got underway. That approach caused hope that, come November, an unprec- Alexander (R-Tenn.) said, to explain why removal from office. problems. Time constraints and the edented number of Americans will make he opposed calling witnesses during the There is justification for that conclusion. fear of drawn-out court battles caused their voices heard. JN

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].

10 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM OPINION Commentary Lessons from Kobe Bryant

PINCHAS ALLOUCHE

ews of Kobe Bryant’s sudden death on dedicated to “providing pure friendship was reading today the many eulogies and Do we need to lose a loved one before we NSunday, Jan. 26, sent a wave of shock to for children with special needs” — to play obituaries that have been written thus far can truly find him or her? Must “beloved millions of people worldwide. basketball with these children, to fortify their on Kobe. husband or wife, father or mother, brother Sports stars, politicians and fans of all spirit, to give them hope and to beg them to But I dare ask: What happened to all of or sister,” become a posthumous annotation, backgrounds have also voiced their grief and “never stop dreaming and believing.” This the criticism? What about the tumultuous or can we announce it throughout his or her condolences as they spoke about the tremen- is one of many examples that demonstrate relationship he once had with his teammate, lifetime as well? dous influence that Kobe had on their lives. Kobe’s kindness and sensitivity, far away from Shaquille O’Neal? And what about his brush Let us not wait for death to direct our But as many continue to mourn the passing the limelight, to countless individuals in need. with the law in 2003, his mistakes and his attention to the light and goodness in people. of this larger-than-life basketball legend, I am sure that, as time goes by, Kobe’s failures? Of this, we hear little. And if we may currently find ourselves in a allow me to suggest three lessons we ought unique combination of basketball-prodigy The reason, I believe, is telling: No, Kobe tenuous relationship with relatives or friends, to draw from this tragedy and from Kobe’s who inspired a generation along with the did not suddenly change upon his passing let us make up with them, today, and not life and legacy: myriads of good deeds he did for goodness’ and magically become a saint. Rather, it is with their tombstones, someday in the 1. You only own what you give sake alone, will stand, bright and tall, as his we — and our perspective — that changed. distant future. From the moment Kobe Bryant rose to eternal legacy. During a person’s lifetime, we sometimes 3. What matters now is now the center stage of the basketball world, he And the lesson to us all is clear: Our get lost in the details of life and fail to see the Kobe Bryant died at the young age of 41. never ceased to dazzle and inspire fans across physical gains are temporary; our material- big picture in people and in situations. In Yet we are in awe at how much he managed the globe. istic achievements are fleeting; our worldly my rabbinic capacity, I am, at times, deeply to accomplish in such a short period of time. His unique talents and athletic abilities and accomplishments are short-term. Ultimately, astounded how people sever ties and end One wonders how much more he could have his elevated basketball IQ were extraordinary. the only true and lasting possessions we pos- friendships because of such banal stupidities. achieved in life. But his years went by too fast. But they weren’t the only reason behind the sess are our spiritual ones. Like the charity we But when death strikes, a greater, more But this sentiment is true, not only as we profound admiration of his fans. For more give; or like the time we take to heal a broken wholesome picture emerges. We then begin look back at the life of Kobe. It seems that life than his marvels on the court, it was his mar- heart; or like the kindness we demonstrate to see, albeit a little too late, the bright side of is always eluding us. When children graduate vels off the court that captivated our minds toward people in need. the person and the beautiful life he or she led. from school, they are convinced that life is still and won our hearts. In the profound words of my dear mentor, Our focus then shifts to the many good deeds way ahead of them. “We first have to graduate Rabbi Reuven and Chani Mintz, the world scholar, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz: “We the deceased accomplished with wisdom and high school, go to college, get a degree and a directors of Chabad of Newport Beach, only truly forever own, what we give.” grace, generosity and love. well-paying job for life to really begin,” they shared with me how Kobe would visit 2. Time for a change of perspective So, here is the question: Do people need their Friendship Circle — an organization The thought struck me, once again, as I to die in order for us to appreciate them? SEE ALLOUCHE, PAGE 12

Safeguarding our Jewish community through community relations

PAUL ROCKOWER

ue to rising religious intolerance and coalitions among our faith and ethnic combat anti-Semitism. One clear takeaway Externally, the JCRC helps communicate Dthe difficulties of an emotionally community partners, as well as with law from this program is that our community issues of concern, including anti-Semitism, charged election year, we need to expect enforcement and security agencies. In roles complement each other’s work. to our faith and community partners real challenges here in Greater Phoenix, doing so, we help safeguard the Jewish There cannot be a successful fight throughout the Valley, as we concurrently both inside the Jewish community and in community. against anti-Semitism — and all forms work to understand areas of concern for other communities of faith, ethnicity and Communal public diplomacy is how of intolerance and extremism — without our partner communities and where the sexual identity. the Jewish community communicates partnership, and this includes the JCRC’s resources of the Jewish community might We are still recovering from last year’s its policies, culture and values for advo- communal public diplomacy outreach, be of assistance to mitigate their biggest ugly attacks upon Jewish communities in cacy, interfaith outreach and community the ADL’s longstanding fight against challenges. We build a coalition of faith houses of worship and public spaces. Our bridge-building. Soft power is how we anti-Semitism, ASU Hillel’s leadership and ethnic community partners so that partners in different faith and ethnic com- use our values, resources and institutions in empowering the next generation of everyone is supported in times of need. munities also bore the brunt of violent to strengthen civil society as a means to Jewish student leadership and the Jewish The value of this work became appar- intolerance and xenophobic attacks. protect the long-term security of the Jewish Federation’s role to serve as a focal point ent following the attacks in New Zealand Despite all this, we will weather these people. in emergency situations. The JCRC acts against the Muslim community, the attack turbulent storms and emerge with stronger Back in December, I sat on a panel at a as a force multiplier to bridge all of our at the Chabad synagogue in Poway, ties to our neighbors. Valley Beit Midrash program on communal partners’ efforts into different spaces and California, and the shooting in Halle, At the Jewish Community Relations responses to anti-Semitism with colleagues communicate these efforts across different Germany. Council of Greater Phoenix, we use com- from the Anti-Defamation League, Jewish communities. In short, we all have our Following the horrific attacks against munal public diplomacy and soft power to Federation and ASU Hillel. We each out- respective roles to play that enhances the two mosques in New Zealand, the JCRC build stronger relations and more robust lined how our missions connect together to work of all partners in the community. SEE ROCKOWER, PAGE 12

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 7, 2020 11 RELIGIOUS LIFE

TORAH STUDY SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING FEB. 7 - 5:47 P.M. Time to get moving FEB. 14 - 5:54 P.M. PARSHAT BESHALACH in the paralysis engendered by the idolatrous not even the greatest or most powerful of SHABBAT ENDS EXODUS 13:17 – 17:16 Horus Temple and exceedingly close to the the idols, who renders humans powerless FEB. 8 - 6:44 P.M. domain of the master-god of the North (Baal). and awaits human gifts of propitiation and RABBI SHLOMO RISKIN Idolatry, you see, enervates its adherents, prayers. God is rather non-material Spirit, FEB. 15 - 6:50 P.M. renders them powerless before the gods whom best described as Love (the four-letter name hapters 14 they created in their own image; these gods JHVH), Compassion, Freely-giving Grace, Cand 15 of the are simply more powerful creatures, filled with Long-suffering, Loving-Kindness and Truth Find area congregations at jewishaz.com, where Book of Exodus foibles and failings of mortal beings — only on (Ex. 34:6) who created human beings in His you can also find our 2020 Community Directory. are among the a grander scale. It is these gods who rule the image, empowers them to act in history as most significant world; the only thing that the human being can His partners, expects them to develop His from the Hebrew word ve’anvehu. What does in the Bible from hope to do is to bribe or propitiate the gods to Divine traits of character and charges them to this word mean? Some commentaries suggest a theological perspective, defining for us the treat them kindly. bring freedom and security to all the families it means “I will glorify Him” either by building fundamental difference between monothe- Moses is still at the beginning of his career; of the Earth. Him a Temple (Targum, naveh), or by sing- ism and idolatry. The first opens with God’s he has much more to learn about Jewish theol- The Israelites are learning this lesson as they ing His praises (Rashi) or by beautifying His instructions that the Israelites: “Turn back and ogy. Hence he tells the nation, frightened by stand at the gateway to freedom (pi-herut) commandments (a sukkah). But the Midrash encamp in front of Pi-hahirot [the gateway to the specter of pursuing Egyptians behind them and nationhood witnessing the splitting of Mekhilta renders the text as two words, Ani the Temple of Horus] between Migdal and the and a raging sea in front of them, “Stand still the Re(e)d Sea. They dare not stand still and ve’hu, I will act together with Him, I will be sea, before the Baal [master] of the North…. and you shall see the salvation of the Lord… silent waiting for a deus ex machina to extricate God’s partner in achieving freedom for the by the [Reed/Red] Sea” (Ex. 14:1). The Lord will do battle for you and you shall them from a seemingly impossible situation. Israelites. Rashi explained it best: When Moses How strange that the description of their remain silent” (Ex. 14:13-14). Remember herut derives from the Hebrew told the Israelites to “stand still and watch the resting place — which will become a sacred God then steps in, countermanding Moses’s aharayut, responsibility. Freedom demands salvation of the Lord; God will do battle for shrine marking the most wondrous miracle of comforting words. “Why do you cry out in taking responsibility. you, you remain silent,” and Moses prayed to the Exodus, the splitting of the Sea — is asso- prayer at Me?” God asks, meaning: I, the omni- They must initiate the action. God to “Bask him up,” Rashi interprets “this ciated with two major idols, Horus and Baal present Lord of the Universe, empowered you And so God commands them to “move is not time for a lengthy prayer, when the Zephon; to add insult to injury, the very same by creating you in My image; I expect people forward,” to jump into the waters, risking Israelites are in difficult straits. Speak to the description is repeated only eight verses later! to act, to journey forward, to take responsibil- their lives for freedom; only then will they children of Israel and tell them to get moving!” I would argue that the Bible is here con- ity for human — Jewish — destiny. Now that truly deserve to live as free human beings God is telling the Israelites: “When you were trasting two different attitudes, one that is they are at the cusp, or gateway to freedom, under God. Our Sages maintain that indeed still slaves I did the plagues to win the first stage representative of idolatry and the other that let the Israelites move ahead, either in fighting they learned this lesson at the sea, when they of your freedom. Now that you are free, take refers to God’s miracles. The Israelites have just the Egyptians who came to force them back sang out: “This is my God, ve’anvehu” (Ex. responsibility, and get moving. I am your God, left Egyptian enslavement, but the slave men- into Egyptian enslavement or by jumping into 15:2); even a maidservant at the sea saw what and you must act together with me for your tality has not yet left the Hebrew psyche. They the Reed Sea. the later prophets did not see” (Rashi ad loc redemption.” JN are just at Pi-Hahirot, literally at the gateway God wants Moses and all of Israel to citing the Mekhilta). to freedom (herut), but they are still engulfed understand that He is not another idol, Apparently, their lesson is to be understood Shlomo Riskin is the chief rabbi of Efrat, Israel.

ALLOUCHE ROCKOWER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 think to themselves. of life is unnecessary or unimportant. But worked with partners like the Jewish lighting Chanukah menorahs to stand in But when those goals are finally achieved, we ought to treat every day as if it were the Federation and ADL Arizona to issue a joint solidarity with the Jewish community, as many believe that life has still not really begun. most important, and perhaps, the last day of statement and help drive support from the well as a letter of support from nearly two And they impatiently wait to reach the years our lives. Jewish community to show solidarity with dozen faith leaders published in the Arizona after their retirement to begin to explore and Every day is filled with infinite treasures that the Phoenix Muslim community. Republic, condemning anti-Semitic attacks enjoy all that they have always wanted. And will never return. Every moment is filled with Six weeks later, when a gunman attacked on the Jewish community. then, life too also ends way too fast. opportunities that beg to be actualized. Every the Chabad synagogue in Poway, immedi- This year will challenge our Jewish com- In the words of Rabbi Steinsaltz: “We devote hour holds within it blessings that impatiently ately the very first people to reach out to munity. The JCRC will continue to help so much time to the ‘before’ and ‘after’ that we wait to be unleashed. Yet, too many times, we the JCRC to express their support for the quarterback rapid responses on behalf of no longer have time to experience the thing are shackled by the troubles of our past or the Jewish community were from the Phoenix the Jewish community in times of crisis. itself. When we are in the ‘before’ stage, we fears of our future that we become compla- Muslim community. Furthermore, this Meanwhile we will continue to build coali- think about what will be; in the ‘after’ stage, we cent, and forget that our most important day expression of solidarity was repeated fol- tions with civil society, media partners and think about how things were. Either way, there of our lives may just be … today. lowing the Yom Kippur shooting in Halle, different faith and ethnic communities, as is nothing to make us hold on to the present… For, as the late Lubavitcher Rebbe once with similar outreach offered. well as strengthen ties with area law enforce- But the focal point of our thinking is not life for asked, “If we wait until we find the meaning More recently, in the wake of the attacks ment. When we face threats, our voices will the sake of tomorrow, but rather life for the sake of life, will there be enough life left to live on Jewish communities in New York and be heard and we will not stand alone. JN of today. What matters now is what is now.” meaningfully?” JN New Jersey, we helped coordinate another The lesson is clear: If we wish to live life fully, Phoenix-area Jewish community joint state- Paul Rockower is the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater we too must learn to cherish each and every Rabbi Pinchas Allouche is the spiritual leader of ment — and received letters of support Phoenix. He can be reached at paul.rockower@ moment of life, fully and unreservedly. This Congregation Beth Tefillah in Scottsdale. This from a variety of faith communities. This jcrcphoenix.org. For more information on the JCRC, does not mean that preparing for the phases article originally appeared in The Times of Israel. included notes that churches here were visit jcrcphoenix.org.

12 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM Senio Lifestyl

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 7, 2020 B1 SPECIAL SECTION

SENIOR LIFESTYLE February is Heart Health Month

BOB ROTH

hen I was Heart health and gender bias have died from heart disease and stroke health, looking essentially at the breast and Wworking If my 20-year-old self could see me since 1985. One out every three women reproductive system to the exclusion of the on my latest now — living in the Valley of the Sun, are at risk of developing heart disease, rest of the body. Aging Today where it is bathing suit season 10 months with the trend approaching one out of As the backbone of the family, women tend column, it of the year, and surrounded by women ... every two. Are you blown away by that to address their own health last or ignore occurred to me Wait, let me explain. statistic? Women, when you are in line at important warning signs of heart disease. that I wished I am married to the most amazing the ladies room for a concert or sporting Whether working outside the home or in I could write woman with three daughters. I work in event, either you, the person in front of the home, they tend to put their own health again about an office with all women and work in a you or the person behind you is at risk of issues on the back burner. I see this often with women and field dominated by women. So in honor developing heart disease. As our society family caregivers, especially those caring for heart disease — that’s how important it of Heart Health Month, I dedicate this becomes increasingly sedentary, the risk aging parents. is for women to have all the right informa- discussion of women’s heart health to looks more like a coin toss: Heads you’re Women who exhibit symptoms of a heart tion. The more women know, the better my Valentine sweethearts and the strong, at risk, tails you’re not. attack tend to underestimate the severity of the chance they’ll be able to recognize capable women in my life and in our The fuel that has added to this inferno their symptoms, not wanting to complain it and correct it. I last wrote about the community at large. of cardiac disease in women is the lack about seemingly minor aches and pains. It subject in January 2018, and I decided And I must give a special shout-out of recognition of risk both by women is not uncommon for women to minimize the message is so vital that I would run to Dr. Martha Gulati, the division themselves and by the medical community. nagging symptoms in order not to appear that same column again for Hearth chief of cardiology at the University of Heart disease will kill one in three “hysterical,” a tendency with a long his- Health Month 2020, dispelling the vast Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, women worldwide, yet breast cancer, tory. In fact, the word “hysterical” comes amount of misinformation about heart who provided me with the facts to with a death rate of one in 30, is more from the Greek hysterika, meaning uterus. disease and its symptoms in women. empower women to advocate for their on our radar. Dr. Nanette Wenger, a pio- So it is not surprising that women would I’ll be back next month with a own cardiac health. neer of cardiac research in women, called underreport symptoms to shed this negative new column. In the U.S., more women than men this the “bikini” approach to women’s female stereotype. Sec ity F Y Today, A Bright Fut e T   With a charitable gift annuity, you make a gift of cash or appreciated assets to support the causes you care about.

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B2 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM SPECIAL SECTION

Women’s symptoms of a heart attack • Smoking whole lot harder. Compared with men, can be more subtle than a man’s. • High-blood pressure more women die from the initial heart They don’t necessarily present as that attack. For those men and women who chest-crushing pain that describes a • High cholesterol survive the initial heart attack, more textbook heart attack in men. And • Diabetes women die within one year of the it’s no wonder — the patients described • Physical inactivity/poor fitness heart attack. Twice as many women in textbooks were men! Before the • Metabolic syndrome than men end up disabled as a result of heart disease. early 1990s, women were routinely • Obesity excluded from most major cardiology Remember, heart disease is prevent- trials. • Stress, depression, anxiety able. The cardiology community is Women should be aware of the • Sleep apnea still in the infancy of its campaign to subtle signs of heart disease, such as • Sleep deprivation really educate women. Women need to shortness of breath, jaw pain, back advocate for their own heart health by pain, nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbances Additionally, emerging research knowing their risks and taking charge or fatigue. If activities that are the nor- shows that for women who develop of their destiny through action and mal for you suddenly become difficult, diabetes or high-blood pressure during education. I lost my mother to heart disease. you could have heart disease and you pregnancy, heart disease is a long-term She was the matriarch of my family and need to see your doctor and clearly threat. Also at higher risk: mothers the inspiration to devote my career to express your concerns. whose babies were born too small or caring for our aging adult population. Certain factors put women at greater too soon. Researchers believe preg- On Feb. 7, join me and wear red to sup- risk of getting heart disease. There are nancy can mimic the stressors of age. port the American Heart Association’s modifiable and non-modifiable risk Pregnancy could be a woman’s first Go Red for Women Day. I will proudly factors. Non-modifiable risk factors free stress test. don my red on this day in memory of are age, family history and race/ethnic- Even with the inclusion of women my beloved mother and in celebration ity. We obviously can’t change those, in cardiac research, heart disease is of the amazing women in my life. JN but it is important to know about how still considered a man’s disease. Heart these risks affect us. We can affect the disease usually affects women about Bob Roth is managing partner of Cypress modifiable risk factors, which include: 10 years later than men, but it hits a HomeCare Solutions. ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/ CHINNAPONG

Experience an Extraordinary Lifestyle at Maravilla Scottsdale Those seeking daily opportunities for wellness, socializing, lifelong learning and to fully experience the engaging lifestyle they love, find it at Maravilla Scottsdale. Here, residents enjoy gourmet dining, resort-style amenities, recreational, educational and social activities, plus the freedom from day-to-day home maintenance. Whether it is utilizing the community’s outstanding amenities, participating in a fun-filled outing or simply relaxing at home, residents find everything they need to live life to the fullest. For example, those dedicated to health and wellness enjoy the variety of fitness classes from Zumba™, yoga and tai chi, to aqua aerobics and balance training. And, continued learning is easily accessible through interactive wellness workshops and lectures with the Phoenix Art Museum. Located in North Scottsdale, adjacent to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort and the TPC Scottsdale golf course, the community’s convenient location further enhances residents’ on-the-go lifestyles. Residents can pop out for a round or two with friends and enjoy all that these courses have to oˆer. The community’s maintenance-free lifestyle give residents the opportunity to pursue their hobbies and interests. Residents can create their own masterpiece at one of the many art classes and display their pieces at the resident art gallery. Those looking to explore Arizona’s many trails enjoy the camaraderie of the community’s hiking club. Games of bocce ball and volleyball in the indoor pool bring opportunities to create new friendships. All of this is complimented by a full continuum of care featuring independent living, assisted living and memory care. What’s more, the community’s quality care and services are backed by a 3-year accreditation from CARF, The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. CARF evaluators commended the community for its programmatic and recreational aspects, “top-notch” dining services, individualized and person-centered care philosophy and family-like environment among residents and staˆ.

To learn more about Maravilla Scottsdale’s engaging and supportive lifestyle, attend a Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, February 11 at 11:30am. To RSVP, please call 480.447.2381 or visit MaravillaScottsdale.com.

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 7, 2020 B3 SPECIAL SECTION

SENIOR LIFESTYLE Shabbat Blessings volunteers explain draw of hospice work LAURIE KLINE AND JEFF LEWIS

Ed. note: Recently, we sent a query to they are by the connection to Judaism blessings recited and creating the oppor- I went through the process, recited the Hospice of the Valley asking if there might and the comfort it brings. I feel honored tunity for spiritual connection in their blessings, wished the patient a Shabbat be a volunteer in the Shabbat Blessings and privileged to share this tradition of home setting can help bring some peace Shalom. He immediately said back to me, program interested in writing an article our faith. and comfort, if only for a moment. “Shabbat Shalom.” This was a powerful about their experience serving Jewish I decided to get involved with Hospice How Hospice of the Valley addresses and emotional moment for me and taught patients and families at such a difficult of the Valley when my grandmother was cultural/religious needs of Jewish me so much about those so-called non- time of life. Two of the volunteers responded dying. Every team member who came patients: Hospice of the Valley and Kivel responsive patients. quickly with individual heartfelt takes on to us was so caring and comforting and Campus of Care offer Jewish families and Another time, the patient was alive their unique and vital roles, so we decided brought so much calm to our situation. patients something beyond traditional when I called the inpatient care home as to publish both. I wanted to be that person for others. hospice services. The families and patients I left work, but by the time I arrived 30 The benefits I see: Hospice of the have an opportunity to experience minutes later, the patient had died. I still 10 years of volunteering Valley’s Shabbat Blessings program in Shabbat during an extremely stressful performed the Shabbat rituals with the Why I volunteer with Hospice of collaboration with Kivel Campus of Care and sad time. This spiritual connection family with their loved one in the room. the Valley: At the end of a long work offers Jewish patients and families a time is a unique way to service these patients Afterwards, the family reminisced and week, it is very rewarding to pause and to connect spiritually, no matter what reli- beyond meeting their physical needs. shared some heartfelt memories with me. sit with a patient and family to spend gious path brought them to this moment. A few compelling stories: My favor- It was a deeply beautiful moment that I these moments helping them. I receive As death nears, I see the families draw ite story to recall was my very first visit, will never forget. Most often, patients are so much more than I give. I take away comfort from this connection, even at a which was actually the program’s first in a deep sleep, but one time a patient precious memories and personal growth most difficult time. Often times, the near visit. I was told the patient was non- enthusiastically and purposefully recited from each visit. These moments are very death experience is foreign to them — responsive and the family was not in the the blessings with me and I could tell this special and meaningful to the patients they are not sure what to expect or what building, but since I was already there, I brought him great joy. and families; therefore, these moments lies ahead in the next days or weeks, and decided to continue with the visit any- I have been asked if I am a rabbi, I become very special to me, as well. I can this can create distress. Having familiar way. Not sure I was even being heard, have been asked why I would do this, feel their gratitude. I can see how touched

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B4 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM SPECIAL SECTION and I have been met with tears of grati- for those seeking it as they struggled tude from the families. Each experience to survive a special hell surrounded by is unique and woven into the fabric of barbed wire. If someone is actually pray- what makes this such a rewarding and ing in those circumstances, could it hurt meaningful opportunity for me. to pray in my life? —Laurie Kline Sabbath offers comfort and solace from the crazy and painful events which some- times seem to overwhelm life. A time out Why Shabbat Blessings? to reflect and be grateful. A time for me I am not a learned Jew. I was once told to give thanks and more thanks and then that the Torah can be simply summed more thanks for too many things to list up in The Golden Rule and that seemed here. It is hoping to help create that feel- easier to memorize and remember. ing of comfort for those in need that I like Hospice of the Valley’s Shabbat most about sharing Shabbat Blessings. Blessings program combines two focal Ancient prayers and digital music to feed points of importance to me in a very the soul seem to go a long way. special manner. It allows me to honor Two years ago, I was diagnosed with my religion and remember my family by my own cancer. There were a few times facilitating a simple Sabbath service. I during my nine weeks of radiation when know religion is not for everybody these I was asked to visit Eckstein, or Sherman days. I believe there can be tremendous House to share Shabbat Blessings. So I comfort for those wishing to participate. went. Eagerly. I prayed for the hospice There is the power of prayer and the patient and then the family. Silently, I power of community. prayed for my own health as well. My background in cancer is colored I believe in God and I believe in prayers. by the fact I have lost some of the most I am always humbled to be in the pres- important people in my life to breast can- ence of true and heartfelt prayers and the cer, melanoma and glioblastoma. When people who pray them. you lose more people to cancer than you I believe the prayers of Shabbat can remember, you seek comfort and Blessings at Hospice are way past, “Please solace where you can find it. Sometimes, let so and so get better.” I think they are for me, that is in prayer. more like, “Dear God, please be merciful BELMONT VILLAGE IS My background in Judaism is col- and gentle.” At least they were for me OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS ored by the fact I am from a family of when my own father was in his final days Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Holocaust survivors, and some that of hospice care 27 years ago. Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss ended up in Auschwitz and Sobibor. My In closing, I will tell you I am selfish. deep appreciation for Judaism came as a I do not go to Shabbat Blessings just for result of the work I did for The Shoah the hospice patient and their family. I Foundation, first as a volunteer and then also go for myself; to find that comfort as an interviewer. It was while studying and solace in urgent and powerful prayer. and collecting survivor testimonies I was “Under the shadow of thy wing shall be constantly amazed at stories of unwaver- my refuge.” I read it somewhere and it ing faith in a seemingly absent God who was easy to memorize and remember. JN could still provide comfort and solace —Jeff Lewis

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SENIOR LIFESTYLE THE 1ST ANNUAL Red Dress Event Distress tolerance skills February 18th, 4:00pm - 7:00pm useful for crises MARCY SHOEMAKER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

tm LivGenerations Pinnacle Peak veryone has times in their life when it relax them. The rationale for this exercise RSVP to 480.485.4000 Eseems difficult or impossible to change is that relaxed muscles require less oxygen, or manage a situation. What is considered resulting in a slower heartbeat. a crisis to one person may be manageable Engaging in activities is important during to another. crisis or difficult situations because if you Standing in a long line in the supermar- distract your mind you’ll concentrate less Join us to support our local Heart Association for Heart ket, being stuck in traffic or having a fight on the stressful situation. You can call a Healthy Month! Enjoy entertainment, drinks, desserts, with a spouse or friend may be considered friend, read a book, watch a movie, take a a crisis to one person, while having chronic walk, cook a meal or listen to music. hors d’oeuvres, and raffle prizes! All donations will health problems, losing your job or making It is also helpful to contribute to the health care decisions for a loved one may welfare of others. You could help a friend, support The American Heart Association! be a crisis to another. neighbor or family member or get involved All types of crises are good times to use with volunteer work. It has been proven what are known as distress tolerance skills, that helping others has the added benefit of 23733 N Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85255 which help manage emotions. These skills distracting us while reducing stress. are used to aid individuals in coping and There are activities that prevent us from livgenerationspinnaclepeak.com | surviving during a crisis and tolerating concentrating on stressful or crisis situa- short-term or long-term physical and/or tions. We can: emotional pain. INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE 1. Practice meditation or deep breathing. There are a number of distress tolerance skills that may be helpful during crisis. 2. Use our phones and look at images that The first skill involves using temperature. make us happy. Some people like looking It is not unusual to feel hot when you are at cute puppies or kittens, while others like upset or anxious. To reduce your body’s viewing beach scenes. temperature, you can use various forms of 3. Take a break from stimulus. Some peo- cold. This can include: ple prefer to not deal with the problem 1. Splashing cold water on your face for a time. Sometimes we need a break before we can tackle a problem. 2. Holding an ice cube on your face or under your chin 4. Use mindfulness tools, like coloring books or sudoku puzzles, crosswords 3. Blowing air conditioning or a fan on or a colorful jigsaw. your face 5. Simply relax. For some, this may Another way to reduce distress is to involve taking a hot bath or shower, engage in exercise. Though you can choose while for others this may involve listen- Live an extraordinary life with the exercise that is best for you, the more ing to music and dancing in the living intense the exercise, the greater the chance room. our care and compassion. that you will feel more in control of the situation. It’s all about choosing the technique that A fast run or a walk would be good is best for you. You may want to experi- choices. In the summer, you could jump in ment with different strategies so that when WE’VE REINVENTED SENIOR LIVING. the pool and then swim a few laps. If you you enter a crisis situation, you will know like to shop, walk around the mall intensely what to do. Experimenting with different COME FIND OUT WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE! a few times. techniques is helpful. A technique known as paired muscle Most of all, it is important to take an relaxation has proven helpful during dif- active role in your self-care during a crisis ficult situations. This involves tightening so that you can reduce the stress and make 3212 N Miller Road and relaxing muscles in your body. rational decisions. JN Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Start at the top of your body. First tighten your jaw and then relax it. Then tighten Marcy Shoemaker, Psy.D., is a staff psychologist 480.941.9026 your fists and relax them. Tighten your at Abramson Center. This article originally ran in thespringsofscottsdale.com TOUR TODAY! stomach and relax it. Tighten your legs and the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent, a Jewish News- relax them and then tighten your feet and a liated publication.

B6 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM With so many things to do, we suggest getting an early start on your want-to-do list. There’s a lot to do at Maravilla Scottsdale Senior Living Community — clubs, events, socializing, and more. So, go ahead and make your want-to-do list. But please don’t include a bunch of chores. We’ll take care of most of those for you. We invite you to see all that Maravilla has to oer (including assisted living services if needed) at a complimentary lunch and tour or our upcoming event.

Lunch & Learn | Tuesday, February 11th • 11:30am Join us for a complimentary lunch and learn about our engaging lifestyle and supportive assisted living & memory care services. Take a tour, make a friend, and ask lots of questions. Seating is limited. To RSVP, please call 480.447.2381.

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B8 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM SPECIAL SECTION

SWEETHEART DINING & GIFTS When you’re in love and hungry ELI FOLLICK | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Later on, dates revolved around dinners lights were low in the restaurant. As we Over the years, we had two boys, together. I grew up in New York City and sat across from each other, I could see moved several times and worked at several here has been more poetry and songs there were plenty of restaurants to choose the glow of the candle reflected in her different jobs. She never stopped being Twritten about romance, love and from. As I grew up and moved through beautiful eyes. It was that night that I special to me and we had many romantic sweethearts than any other subject. It is college, I always chose the most romantic knew I wanted to marry her. dinners together. The best ones were at not hard to understand why two people restaurant I could find. We both finished college and I pro- home, preplanned and alone. I added fall under the spell of romance. Personally I especially remember taking my future posed on the steps of her home after surprise gifts to the events and that often speaking, I have vibrant memories of my wife, Ellen, to a date including a concert returning from another wonderful date. set the tone for the evening. On our 10th first loves going back to grade school. at Carnegie Hall and a dinner at the She said yes and it was all I could do anniversary, I gave her the diamond ring I I remember Rita from first grade. I Russian Tea Room. We were shown to a to leave her as I returned to my home. could not afford when we were engaged. couldn’t bring myself to talk to her but in booth toward the back. A glowing candle I don’t know if my feet touched the She never took it off her delicate finger. choosing games, when it was my turn to was in the middle of the table and the ground as I went on my way. The years took their toll and we were pick the next player, I always picked her. both overweight, and subject to the medi- It must have been obvious to everyone cal conditions that age visits upon most of but I was smitten. I still remember how THE YEARS TOOK THEIR TOLL AND WE us. As we faced our problems, we knew we I felt inside my head and body. It was had to make some changes. At first, it was wonderful! WERE BOTH OVERWEIGHT, AND SUBJECT TO awkward, but we persevered and began I began dating in high school and can to enjoy a more plant-based healthy diet. remember sharing popcorn in the movie THE MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT AGE VISITS Here are two of our favorite healthy theater with a girl who said yes when UPON MOST OF US. recipes that became some of our go-to I offered to take her out. I don’t remember meals. the movie, but I remember her.

Place the pineapples in the skillet and cook for ELLEN’S GLAZED PINEAPPLE about 2 minutes on either side until sizzling. 2 tablespoons low-sugar pineapple Place 2 rings on a dessert plate, drizzle juice pan juice over the pineapple and top with 1 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or sugar teaspoon low-fat sour cream and a sprinkling substitute) of chopped nuts. 2 teaspoons olive oil ¼ teaspoon rum extract There are many ways to show you love 8 pineapple rings, fresh or canned, someone. Eating together and sharing the drained gift of health is but one way. It all proves 4 teaspoons low-fat sour cream that being sweethearts can last forever ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/ 1 tablespoon chopped macadamia nuts and is even better when you both can be (walnuts or pecans also work) healthy. JN ELLEN’S RATATOUILLE Saute all vegetables and seasonings in olive In a nonstick skillet, over medium heat, Eli Follick is a recovered Type 2 diabetic and a certified lifestyle trainer. He is dedicated to helping 2 medium eggplants, peeled and cubed oil until softened. Add tomato sauce, cover combine juice, brown sugar or sugar substitute, people make healthier choices. 2 yellow squash, peeled and sliced and simmer for about 30 minutes. Serve with olive oil and rum extract. Whisk to combine. 2 green squash, peeled and sliced a small fresh salad. I like a raw carrot/kale/ 1 green pepper, 1 red pepper, both spinach salad with this dish. seeded and sliced 1large sweet onion, peeled and sliced Due to the low calorie count, you can 1 small (8 ounces) package of button have second portions of this meal without mushrooms, washed, stemmed putting on pounds. All of the ingredients and sliced are healthy and full of vitamins, minerals, 2 sticks of celery sliced antioxidants and fiber. Eating this is like 2 plum tomatoes, sliced doing your whole body a big favor. 1 jar/can (about 10-14 ounces) low salt, For Ellen, a meal was never done until no sugar tomato sauce (spaghetti dessert was served. Healthy deserts were sauce is fine) hard to come by. She never faltered as we 2 teaspoons salt tried one thing after another. 1 teaspoon pepper Fresh fruit was OK, but it was not 2-3 shakes parsley, basil, and Italian desert in her mind. Finally, we tried some- seasoning each thing that we both agreed did the trick.

2 teaspoons olive oil ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 7, 2020 13 LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

BOOKS Reviews: ‘Live a Little’ and ‘The Topeka School’

JESSE BERNSTEIN | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“Live a Little” reading, then, is that the plot is “The Topeka School” Jonathan is known for his Howard Jacobson delivered along a track of per- Ben Lerner talent to reach young, disaf- Hogarth fectly-laid sentences, a book’s Farrar, Strauss and Giroux fected men when they seem worth of surprising, clever, poi- beyond hope. here is little that actually gnant and downright beautiful arly on in “The Topeka In between the Jonathan, Thappens in the course of sentences. ESchool,” a new novel Jane and Adam chapters, Howard Jacobson’s “Live a Shimi’s dying mother’s by Ben Lerner, two Jewish there are italicized inter- Little.” wheelchairs and bedpans are psychologists have a dis- ludes following Darren For Beryl Dusinberry and the “hardware of infirmity.” In cussion about American Eberheart, who is at the Shimi Carmelli, two 90-some- a memory, his brother Ephraim children and the Holocaust. periphery of the Gordons’ thing Londoners, similarly is “the rascal, the urchin, the The elder of the two, a memories. Darren’s mother well-versed in the oddities and wily schmoozer.” Holocaust survivor, pur- is a nurse, and Darren humiliations that are part and Beryl, when Shimi pleads posefully contradicts himself himself is a social outcast parcel of spending so much in making his point about with her to recall the long-ago PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMAZON.COM and a patient of Jonathan’s time on Earth, life has already happened (or drama of her life, says, “You’re asking me the simultaneously over- — Dr. J, in his experience. so they believe). to piece together what I never fully grasped privileged and impoverished souls of At the beginning of the book, there is Shimi spends his days reading the for- because I never chose to grasp it. Forgetting American boys: “America is adolescence an allusion to a small but shattering act tunes of uninterested diners at the Chinese isn’t always involuntary.” without end,” he says. “In a word, they of violence committed by Darren, to be restaurant he lives above, and Beryl, whose This could keep going, but then I’d simply are overfed; in a word, they are starving.” revealed much later on; by the time you powers of recollection are fading just as her have to transcribe the whole book. The younger psychologist, Jonathan, get there, it’s one of the least interesting desire to use them grows, busies herself by One gets a sense of Jacobson’s absolute who narrates the chapter, sees where the things about him. That he ends his story stitching, writing and bumping around her control of his writing. There’s not a page of conversation is headed. If he points out where he does should be obvious from stately home, antagonizing her immigrant fat, not a chapter ending wasted, nary a line the contradiction, the elder, Klaus, will early on. caretakers. that doesn’t fit snugly into the one that fol- smile and return to his favorite quotation: What makes “The Topeka School” a Shimi is quiet, childless, lonesome, Jewish, lows. Every conversation is parry and thrust, “The opposite of a truth ... is a falsehood; novel about Jewishness (and especially devoted at a soul level to cartomancy and and ends just when it should. It’s not unlike but the opposite of a profound truth ... Jewishness in America) is Lerner’s phrenology and mostly healthy which, with- reading a stage play. may be another profound truth.” focus on forms. It is the mission of the out much competition, makes him a hot Occasionally, that quality works against To read “The Topeka School” is to read Jewish intellectual — from Einstein to commodity among the widows of North him. a novel undeniably about Jewishness, and Freud, from Marx to Levi-Strauss to London; Beryl is a firecracker, of uncommon Beryl’s repartee with Euphoria, her Ugandan also about something completely differ- Wittgenstein — to show that what the wit and bluntness, highly educated, sustained caretaker, and Nastya the “Moldovan tart,” as ent. Take your pick. It could be about the dominant culture believes to be organic by irony and scarred by a lifetime of disap- she puts it, are little comic treats that bridge coarsening of American speech. Imperial actually had to be created, and what pointing lovers. As far as she knows, she’s the weightier sections, and serve the story decline. The utter smugness and ultimate appears to be objective is often just the had four sons, and as far as she’s concerned, well. But Beryl never fails to come out on top wrongness of ’90s political discourse. opposite. Even Abraham knew that idols they’re not her concern. with a perfect zinger to button up the section, The literal and metaphysical triumph of weren’t repositories of holiness, but only The novel begins by alternating between typically mocking her caretakers’ home coun- a certain sort of masculinity. The belief stone. Shimi chapters and Beryl chapters as Jacobson tries, and by the end, it feels a bit like Snappy that one’s own happiness can only come Over and over again, all of the Gordon tallies up the indignities particular to their Answers To Stupid Questions. with a brutal cost, at some later date. family members see the forms around respective experiences of aging. They’re And Jacobson cannot help but write the The ways in which the behaviors of our them, see the types over the particular, brought together by a funeral, and as they characters that he likes as ridiculously fluent parents are passed on to us, consciously or see the outlines that contain the content. begin to find the ways in which their lives in the work of European thinkers and art- not. On and on. But there’s that darned They all, in their own way, make it their intersect, so to do their chapters. The things ists. Debussy! Borodin! Holbein! Eliot! It old religion of ours, which suffuses the mission to show people that the things that were once the unspoken major plot can verge into self-parody — Beryl names whole novel. that feel calcified and inevitable can in points of their own lives, as they understood one of her sons after a character from Greek The novel has a plot and it doesn’t. fact be changed. What made Jews intoler- them, turn into conversation. Monologues mythology, because he was “eaten alive by his In Topeka, Kansas, Adam Gordon is a able to the Nazis, Adam imagines Klaus become dialogue. own mother.” high school debater with aspirations for saying, were “their notions of relativity.” You know what happens next. After initial Regardless. The richness of “Live a Little” a national championship. Totalitarians cannot brook contradiction friction, they fall in love, and they are married. is such that it begs a reread. For myself, His mother, Jane, and his father, or nuance. Shimi and Beryl, who had closed themselves at least, there will be a time when Shimi’s Jonathan, are psychologists at The At risk of inflating my own conclusions, off to the idea that they would ever find true laments about the need to rearrange social Foundation, a little island of lefty intellec- I’ll say this. A profound truth: Judaism is lovers in this life, find that they have much left interactions such that a bathroom is never tuals from the coast. Jane is a celebrated about an absolute certainty in God and to give each other, more than they had ever too far will read differently. Ditto with his and feminist writer whose book about rela- the Torah. A profound truth: Judaism is imagined possible. It’s a lovely story. Beryl’s exasperation in the face of changing tionships causes women to thank her in about total uncertainty. JN If the ending was ever in doubt, this would social norms. the street, and men — stylized in her be a “spoiler.” But it is not, so. But more than anything itself, it’s those mind as “the Men” — to threaten her Jesse Bernstein is the books editor at the Jewish What makes “Live a Little” worth damned sentences. with death and rape over the phone. Exponent, a Jewish News-affiliated publication.

14 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 7, 2020 15 LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

FOOD Winter dinner, Mediterranean-style KERI WHITE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

s winter entrenches in earnest, I am constantly devising ways to lift my mood. It is somewhere between a braise and a roast; it’s not super-liquidy, but it’s plenty One way is through hosting — having (select) people around is happy-making moist and falling apart when served. Afor me, and it usually involves cooking. The couscous is a snap and can be tweaked to your preference. I liked the color This dinner came together as a result of a semi-impromptu gathering of friends. I combo and the Middle Eastern flavors that I put together here; the dill and chives say semi-impromptu because the lamb takes about 5 hours to cook, so it does require complemented the pomegranates beautifully, but you can use whatever ingredients a bit of notice. you like — or serve the couscous plain. But after the holiday season, there tends to be a social lull, so that’s a great time I had a trusted friend bring the veggies — a garlicky version of green beans almon- to throw a party. Maybe not the first week, but by mid-January, people are looking dine — and it was a bit of lily gilding because the lamb was plenty rich. A simple green for activity. We planned this the night before, and ended up with a dinner for 10. salad or some steamed greens would have probably married better, but no complaints. The lamb is a low-stress preparation; once you throw everything in the pan and For dessert, we had assorted cookies and chocolates, but fresh fruit or sorbet would cover it, you essentially ignore it for 5 or 6 hours and you really can’t overcook it. have punctuated this repast well.

MEDITERRANEAN LAMB Serves 10

The olives in this dish add tremendous flavor. I used Spanish-style pitted olives filled with pimentos.

1 large lamb shoulder, about 5 Coat the lamb with salt, pepper and garlic. pounds (if smaller, use 2) Top it with rosemary, olives with juice and 1 large onion, chopped lemon wedges. Some of these may roll 2 tablespoons kosher salt down into the bottom of pan; this is fine. 2 teaspoons ground black pepper Pour the wine and water over the lamb. ¼ cup chopped garlic Cover it tightly with foil and roast it in the 5 stalks rosemary oven for 5 hours. Check the lamb about 1 pint pimento-stuffed olives with midway through cooking to ensure that about ¼ cup juice there is sufficient liquid in the pan. You 1 lemon cut in quarters are not looking for a lot of liquid, but you 1½ cups red wine don’t want it to be dried out. There should 1½ cups water be about a minimum of an inch depth. COLORFUL ISRAELI COUSCOUS The lamb is done when it is falling off the Serves 8 Heat your oven to 300 degrees. In a large bone and easily pulls apart with a fork. roasting pan, place the chopped onions. Pull it apart and serve it with some of the I used toum, that glorious Lebanese condiment, to keep the couscous from Place the lamb on top. cooking liquid and the olives. sticking together, but if that is not readily available, you can use olive oil, may- onnaise, broth or make your own toum by pureeing garlic, oil, salt and lemon. The herb selection is cook’s choice, and you can tweak it to your preference with other ingredients as well, depending on the rest of your menu. Toasted walnuts? Feta cheese? Cooked chicken? Chickpeas? The sky’s the limit.

1 tablespoon oil In a large pot, heat the oil and sauté the onions 3 cups Israeli couscous until fragrant. Add the salt, pepper and couscous, 1 onion, chopped and allow it to coat. A few pinches of salt, generous Add the broth and bring it to a boil. Cover, grinding of fresh pepper lower the heat and cook until the liquid is 4½ cups broth absorbed. Taste the couscous. If it is still hard ½ cup toum (or mayonnaise, salad in the middle, add some more broth and cook dressing, olive oil, broth, etc.) it until it is soft in the middle. ½ cup chopped fresh dill Remove the couscous from the heat, add ½ cup chopped fresh chives the toum, stir to coat and add dill, chives and ½ cup pomegranate seeds pomegranate. Save the remaining herbs and seeds as garnish. When ready to serve, sprinkle the remaining herbs and pomegranates atop the couscous. JN ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/UNPICT IMAGES / GETTY ISTOCK

16 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES MMA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 the magic happens.” “Ultimately, our goal would be to have The school — named for the Lubavitcher high school for both,” Ben-Shabat said. Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel For the current academic year, MMA REACH HIGHLY EDUCATED, AFFLUENT READERS IN THE VALLEY Schneerson — has a unique curriculum also hired a new principal, Rabbi Yoseph focused on personalized lesson plans, hands- Wernick, and expanded to a new campus Website Print E-Blast Social Media on learning and fully integrated Judaic and in Phoenix with 10 classrooms, a gym, Page Views Readership Subscribers Followers secular studies. a multipurpose space and a science lab. 40,000 15,000 4,500 7,152 Above all, MMA’s goal is to instill its stu- The school is considering another dents with five core values: Torah, life skills, change in location for the 2020-2021 holistic happiness, world-class academics academic year. Upcoming Special Sections and goodness and kindness. “We’re right now looking for a perma- “We graduate and we figured out how to nent location,” Ben-Shabat said. “There’s do long division math, and we can remember no rush, and the facility is amazing. But Wonderful when Columbus sailed the ocean blue. But it’s not our permanent location. If we do we know how to solve a problem?” Ben- could just pick it up and move it into Weddings Shabat said. “Do we know how to balance a different part of town that’s more February 21 our bank account? Do we know how to man- convenient for the Jewish community, age our time? Do we have emotional healthy we would.” From venues to dress boundaries? These are all the skills that If the fundraising doesn’t succeed, boutiques, jewelers to we need to actually thrive in today’s MMA could be forced to close. But caterers, everything a world, but who teaches them? So at our Ben-Shabat doesn’t even consider that couple needs to make school, those are part of the core curriculum. an option. their special day And that’s what the global shift is all about.” “If we didn’t believe that it could perfect. When the school opened in 2018, it actually be done, we never would have offered education for boys grades 1-6 and been dumb or crazy enough to tackle finished the school year with 12 students. this mission,” Ben-Shabat said. “It’s This year, MMA expanded to grades 1-8 not just another business venture for us. for boys and 1-6 for girls and began with If it were just a business venture, we Camp & School 30 students. would have never gone into educa- Guide Next year, Ben-Shabat plans to open a tion. This is something that we believe kindergarten and to expand by one grade we must do. This is something that February 21 for both boys and girls. must be done.” JN Parents are making decisions for next summer TEEN and next year now! CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Showcase your offerings The front rooms of the Ugol family’s Steven’s mom and teacher. “When we get to Jewish News readers. spacious Scottsdale home are decorated there, I try to fade into the background.” with baseball gear from the offseason Char hopes that her son will have a minor league baseball players who have chance to witness the entire process of a tutored Steven, and with Holocaust edu- bill becoming law. cation posters and pamphlets and letters “It’d be good for him to be up in the gal- Home Design/ from Ashton Skinner, education director ley and see the votes and what the efforts of Real Estate and associate director of operations at the this group has done,” she said. February 21 Anti-Defamation League Arizona, and A mandatory Holocaust education Kathy Hoffman, state superintendent of bill sponsored by Rep. Alma Hernandez Whether you’re in the public instruction. was introduced to the Arizona House of business of repair and The letter from Hoffman “made me Representatives on Jan. 22 and read in the renovation or buying and feel very grateful, because they want to House Committee on Education on Jan. 27. selling homes, showcase allow some Holocaust education in public The bill, HB2682, would require your company to readers schools,” Steven said. the Board of Education to “include a throughout the region. Steven has also met with legislators requirement that pupils be taught and attended events at the Arizona State about the Holocaust and other genocides Capitol, including a Holocaust educa- at least twice between the seventh and 12th tion stakeholder meeting held by Rep. grades.” JEWISHAZ.COM “It’s a really long journey to finishing Michelle Udall on Jan. 14 and the open- Contact your sales consultant to schedule ing of “In Broad Daylight: Holocaust by my project about the Holocaust,” Steven Bullets” on Jan. 16. said. “It takes a lot of effort and good your advertising at 602-870-9470, ext. 2, “I’m just his driver,” said Char Ugol, sportsmanship to finish the project.” JN [email protected]

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 7, 2020 17 PROMOTERS WANTED! LIFESTYLE & CULTURE Average Pay $19.38-$27.33 per hour TV Baths for Less is looking for Series examines death of AMIA prosecutor

people to work at Arizona SELAH MAYA ZIGHELBOIM | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Mills in Tempe, Superstition isman: The Prosecutor, the Springs Center in Mesa, “NPresident and the Spy” begins with a series of images and sounds: An and Chandler Fashion aerial view of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Square Mall and Documents. A dark hallway and, then, a phone call. home show events. “I’m at my son’s house. I came and he’s dead,” a woman’s voice says in Spanish. www.bathsforless.com The disjointed and uneasy feeling that defines the initial scene pervades through • Hourly plus commission much of “Nisman,” a true crime docu- (demo bonus plus % of sale) mentary series from Netflix that explores • Part and full-time the mysterious death of Jewish Argentine lawyer Alberto Nisman. • Benefits for full-time Nisman served as special prosecutor • Retirees welcome in charge of the investigation into the 1994 bombing of the Asociación Mutual • Paid training Israelita Argentina, a Jewish community • Flexible schedule center in Buenos Aires. The bombing left 85 dead and hundreds wounded. A Netflix series examines the mysterious death of Alberto Nisman, the special prosecutor who was Call Steve at 480-298-3688 It remains the worst terrorist attack in investigating a bombing at a Jewish community center in Argentina. NETFLIX TRAILER SCREENSHOT Argentine history. to set up an interview. Nisman spent years investigating the death, Nisman’s investigation into Argentina’s former ex-spy chief who attack and, on Jan. 19, 2015, was sup- AMIA and the events that occurred in the worked with Nisman on the case, among posed to present his findings. He had days leading up to Nisman’s death. The others. SEE apparently found that Iran was behind last two episodes look more closely at the As the documentary peels away each the attack and that former Argentine scene of Nisman’s death and follow up on layer, there is always a sense that there 20/20 President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner what has happened since. is still something else there, some more IN helped cover it up. Just a few days The end result is that the series traces information lurking around the corner, before, he had formally accused her of over the same timeline multiple times, another deception yet to be revealed. And the cover up. each time adding a greater depth of there always is. 2020 But the day before his presentation, he information. What is, at first, presented Nisman’s death is a heavy case and cer- Get Focused At died. His mother found him that night in a way that seems like fact is revealed tainly worthy of a six-part documentary, in his home, dead from a gunshot wound later to be a cover up, putting the with each episode clocking in at about an to the head. viewer through the same roller coaster hour. The series will leave viewers with The death was quickly ruled a sui- that people at the time may have a wealth of information and questions, Mon 8am–8pm • Tues–Fri 8am–5pm cide, but skepticism and controversy experienced. rather than concrete answers. abounded. Did Nisman really commit The series’ level of depth and research is As far as Netflix goes, the density in 602-788-8080 suicide, just before he was supposed to astounding. Told in Spanish with English “Nisman” does not lend itself to being 20819 N Cave Creek Road present the findings of an investigation subtitles, it draws on a deep well of infor- particularly binge-worthy. The story is Suite 102 • Phoenix, AZ 85024 he had spent so much time on? Or was mation, looking at television footage, far too complex to stream in a day. That www.newmaneyecenter.com he murdered? newspaper clips, phone call recordings complexity, combined with the subtitles, It’s a case that has torn at the fabric of and documents. It sometimes cuts away means that viewers can never take their Argentina. It also attracted international to a graphic of a timeline, a much-needed eyes off the screen. It may also mean that attention. But while many may have heard element that helps in the telling of this viewers may find themselves occasionally Be heard. about Nisman’s death and the AMIA extremely dense and complex story. rewinding to make sure they understood bombing, few know the full extent of the Most fascinating of all, the documen- something correctly. case’s complexity. tary features interviews with a range Overall, it’s a comprehensive tell- Email your “Nisman” dives straight into the of people who knew Nisman, worked ing of an important story. Netflix gave letters to complexity, peeling apart layer after with him or investigated the case. Those this history its true-crime documentary the editor. layer of scandal, misdirections and interviews include Viviana Fein, a makeover. Hopefully, more people will confusion. prosecutor who investigated Nisman’s learn about it as a result. JN The first episode explains the AMIA death; Diego Angel Lagomarsino, bombing and the basic background. The Nisman’s employee who claims he Selah Maya Zighelboim is managing editor of the next few episodes delve into the details gave him the gun that ended his life; Baltimore Jewish Times, a Jewish News-affiliated [email protected] of the initial investigation into Nisman’s and Antonio “Jaime” Stiuso, publication.

18 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

COMEDY Sheba Mason: Like father, like daughter?

MATT SILVER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

heba Mason is a comedian with a mother, Ginger Reiter, recounted to the unpaid child support; on the other, Sfamous father from whom she’s been Chicago Tribune in 2017 that during there’s a father who was one of the estranged nearly all her life, but that their relationship, Mason would leave most beloved Jewish comics of his era. hasn’t stopped her from following in his suits and ties in her closet, but unbe- One might think that a tricky emotional shuffling footsteps. One of her go-to lines knownst to her, there were women all dilemma to navigate. is: “Jackie Mason is a great comedian, but over Miami Beach who had Mason’s suits “Actually, it’s not really tricky. I’m his I wish I was the child of a better looking and ties in their closets. daughter, you know?” said Sheba, 34. “It’s comedian — like Woody Allen … or Rosie Instead of getting mad, Reiter distilled my heritage. So I feel absolutely comfortable Sheba Mason performing a stand-up set at the O’Donnell.” the material from her nearly decade-long using his name. I mean, why not? If I play legendary Caroline’s in New York City For years, the elder Mason refused to relationship with the Tony-winner and a synagogue, I say, ‘They couldn’t afford (COURTESY OF SHEBA MASON) acknowledge publicly that he was Sheba’s turned it into a musical comedy, which Jackie Mason, so they hired me.’” father. Once a court-ordered paternity her daughter would reprise years later Born in Miami, Florida, and raised in she recalled. “I just fell in love with the test determined it more than 99% certain as “Both Sides of a Famous Love Affair: Boca Raton, Sheba inherited a lot of her whole scene of comedy, comedians and that the Borscht Belt icon was the father, The Jackie Mason Musical,” a show that father’s comedic tics. their attitudes about everything. And I his attempts to avoid paying child support brought Sheba Mason a successful three- “His syntax and stuff is so funny. I don’t loved being alone onstage and not having were scuttled. But the stance was always year off-Broadway run and jump-started know if it’s a Jewish thing, but people to rely on anyone else — it was my writing untenable for the simple fact that Sheba her burgeoning stand-up career. have told me that I kind of have a little and my personality.” resembles her famous father quite a bit, But the underlying story of Sheba bit of that,” she said. As for her mother, who started the not least in the halting delivery that aids Mason’s relationship to her father and to Sheba found a love of stand-up after onstage tradition of talking about Jackie her comedy. comedy is anything but by-the-numbers. moving to New York to be an actress. Mason, Reiter went on to marry a South Though Jackie Mason has never been On one hand, there’s a father who “I said to myself, ‘Why am I working so Florida cantor. mistaken for the world’s sexiest man, disavowed her for much of her life and hard trying to get cast as an actress when I Sheba joked, “She likes Jews, what can women were drawn to him. Sheba’s compelled her mother to sue him for can be onstage every night on my own?’” I tell you?” JN Camps & Schools 2020

Camp & School Guide: Weekly Readership: 15,000 March 20 & April 3 | Summer Camps May 1 Page Views: 40,000 E-News Subscribers: 4,500 Social Media Followers: 7,152

CALL NOW TO RECEIVE SPECIAL DISCOUNTS. RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY! Contact Jodi Lipson at 602-639-5866 to schedule your advertising. [email protected] • jewishaz.com

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 7, 2020 19 CALENDAR information, contact Harriet Colan at Speaker: Phoenix Art Museum docent John 480-481-7033 or [email protected]. Frankenstein. Subject: “Mountains, Water, Clouds and Dreamscapes.” Terrific Tuesdays. Suggested Featured Event Hope for Today: 3:30-4:30 p.m., Temple Chai donation: $4. For more information or to register, Small Sanctuary, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. email [email protected]. SATURDAY, FEB. 8 Spiritual program of recovery for those who suffer Community Concert with Ellen Allard: from the debilitating effects of chronic pain and WEDNESDAYS, FEB. 12 AND MARCH 11 6 p.m., Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, chronic illness, based on the Twelve Steps of AA. Duet Volunteer Orientation: 5-7:30 p.m., Duet For more information, contact [email protected]. office, 10000 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix. Orientation Phoenix. Havdalah and concert with area for volutneers to provide services to home bound WEDNESDAYS rabbis, cantors, soloists and community youth adults. Bring a drivers license for ID. To RSVP, ‘The Valley News’: 10-11:30 a.m., Martin Pear JCC, choir. Tickets: $12 for adults, $7 for children visit duetaz.org/volunteer or call Will Everett 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. The class 602-274-5022. ages 4 to 17 and free for children under 4. focuses on current events and is led by Dr. Michael Order ticekts by noon on Friday, Feb. 7. Epner. No registration required. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12 A Look at Mental Health: Mindfulness To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/EllenAllardPhx. Jewish Study Group: Nosh & Knowledge: 11 a.m.- PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLENALLARD.COM Meditation: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Martin Pear JCC, 12:30 p.m., Martin Pear JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Practice Road, Scottsdale. Explore a variety of non-political mindfulness meditation with Terri Kaiser. Events MONDAY, FEB. 10 Jewish topics, including people, history, current Arizona Refugee Lobbying Day 2020: 9:30 a.m.- Mindfulness meditation is the awareness that FRIDAY-SUNDAY, FEB. 7-9 events, laws, culture, humor, food and Israel. comes from paying attention on purpose and 3:30 p.m., Arizona State Capitol Senate Building, Each participant reads a section of a select article Classic Rock Gymnastics Invitational: 8 a.m.- 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix. Join the Arizona being totally present without judgement. Cost: $10 10 p.m., Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. 3rd followed by spirited discussion. No extensive for members, $15 for guests. For more information Jews for Justice in educating legislators about knowledge of Judaism required, group limited to St., Phoenix. Hosted by the Arizona Sunrays refugee resettlement and gaining legislative or to register, visit vosjcc.org/programs. Gymnastics & Dance Center. A rock ‘n roll 40 participants. To register, contact Bob Kalish at support for the Refugee Welcoming Bill. Food will THURSDAYS, FEB. 13, 20 AND 27 AND MARCH 5 themed gymnastics competition featuring 602-375-3660 or [email protected]. be provided for all attendees. To register or for The Lord is My Shepard: 10:30-11:30 a.m., more than 2,600 competitors from across the more information, visit https://bit.ly/388yTep. THURSDAYS Beth Emeth Synagogue, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., U.S., female gymnasts of all levels, live bands The Life and Tragedy of King David: 9 a.m., East Sun City West. How the most well known psalm and entertainment, and shopping. Admission: Sisterhood Card Party: 10 a.m. Sponsored by Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood. Play in the Bible can be a source of hope, strength $26 per day for adults, $10 per day for children, Learn about the life and tragedy of King David. & healing for all of us. Four sessions, no long- $60 weekend pass for adults and $25 for mahjong, canasta, bridge and Scrabble, with a gift Taught by Rabbi Michael Beyo, Open Beit Midrash basket raffle and bake sale. Cost: $35, lunch buffet term commitment required. Admission: free for children. Military and senior discounts. For series. Free, registration required. To register, visit members, $10/session for non-members. For more information and specific meet schedule, included. For reservations or more information, evjcc.org/open-beit-midrash. contact Geri at 480-305-0123. more information, call 623-584-7210 or email visit classicrockinvitational.com. THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH [email protected]. 13th Anniversary Gala: Legacy of Learning: 30th Annual Phoenix Chinese Week Festival: Mature Mavens Dinner: 5-7 p.m. For current 6:30-9 p.m., Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central THURSDAY, FEB. 13 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday- schedule of restaurants or to reserve a seat, call Ave., Phoenix. 13th Anniversary Gala for the Talmudic Heroes: 10 a.m., East Valley JCC, 908 Sunday, Margaret T. Hance Park East, 1202 N. Bunnye at 602-371-3744. Shearim Torah High School for Girls. Honoree: N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Taught by Rabbi Third St., Phoenix. Presented by Phoenix Sister Mr. Yehoshua Bedrick. Parents of the Year: Rabbi THIRD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH Michael Beyo, Open Beit Midrash series. Cost: $20 Cities, Inc. and the Phoenix Chinese Week Jordan and Mrs. Risa Brumer. $125 per person. Jewish War Veterans: 10 a.m., Arizona State per class. Registration required. To register, visit Committee. A festival featuring dragon and RSVP by January 31. For more information, visit Veterans Home, 4141 N. S. Herrera Way, Phoenix. evjcc.org/open-beit-midrash. lion dances, martial arts, cultural performances Scottsdale Post 210 welcomes all Jewish veterans shearimhighschool.org/events. Eat Well, Live Well, Age Well: 1-2 p.m., Martin and demonstrations, children’s activities, to its monthly meetings. Refreshments served at Pear JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. mahjong, a Chinese costume photo SUNDAY AND MONDAY, FEB. 16 AND 17 9:30 a.m. Call 602-256-0658 for more information. booth, Chinese cuisine, a beer garden and The Soul Conference: 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, 8:30 Patricia Greenberg, author of “Eat Well, Live Well, SUNDAY, FEB. 9 more. Free. For more information, visit a.m.-6 p.m. on Monday, Congregation Beth Age Well,” shares research and tips on nutrition, Healing Handiwork: 1-4 p.m., Temple Chai Small PhoenixChineseWeek.org. Tefillah, 6529 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. A day of staying active and challenging the brain. Her chevruta learning, featuring speakers Rabbi Simon Sanctuary, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. For book will be available for purchase. Cost: $5 for SUNDAY, FEB. 9 Jacobson, Meni Even-Israel, Rabbi Arthur Kurzweil, more information, contact Nona at nona.siegel@ members, $10 for guests. To register, visit vosjcc. Zaidy Lipskier Library Opening: 2:30 p.m., and Rabbi Pinchas Allouche. Food and beverages gmail.com or 602-326-8851. No charge. org/agewell. Chabad Edelman Jewish Center, 16830 E. Ave. provided throughout the conference, learning MONDAYS, FEB. 10 AND 24 Lessons from 53 Years of Social Justice Activism: of the Fountains, Fountain Hills. The Zaidy materials complimentary with registration. Cost: Living through Loss: 4:30-6 p.m., Temple Chai 1-2 p.m., Temple Solel, Lipskier Library is opening as the first Judaic $500. Fore more information, email Small Sanctuary, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. 6805 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley. Speaker: lending library in Fountain Hills. The event will [email protected]. To register, No charge, but donations are welcome. Rabbi Michael Lerner. Suggested donation: $18. feature will feature refreshments, a balloon visit bethtefillahaz.org. storytelling show for the children, an interactive MONDAY, FEB. 10 Register at VBMTorah.org. community art mural, free prizes and souvenirs, Meetings, Lectures & Classes Dirty Jews: Gender and Vulgarity in Jewish Interfaith Series: 11 a.m., East Valley JCC, a Silent Art Auction benefiting the library, and Comedy: 1-2 p.m., Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Dan Hoegler MONDAYS Road, Phoenix. Speaker: Shaina Hammerman. the opportunity to become a library member. Mahjong Mondays: 5-7 p.m., East Valley JCC, 908 presents “Lutheran Church and Nazi German: The Free and open to the community. For more Suggested donation: $18. Register at Theology that Enabled Cooperation.” Cost: $20. N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Every Monday, VBMTorah.org. information, visit Jewishfountainhills.com. except on Jewish or legal holidays. No RSVP is Includes a kosher lunch, registration required. For Israeli Movie Series: 3 p.m., East Valley JCC, necessary. This free program is intended for players Ignite the Organizer in You: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Martin more information, visit evjcc.org/events. 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Screening with prior experience. Be sure to bring a current Pear JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Memory and Family History in Post-War of “Remember Baghdad,” a documentary mahjong card and a set if you have one. For more Danielle Worth, author of “Ignite the Organizer in Germany: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Burton Barr Central about the untold story of Iraqi Jews, Iraq’s first information, visit evjcc.org or call 480-897-0588 You,” demonstrates how understanding matters of Library, 1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Lecture by wave of refugees. Suggested donation: $5. For the mind and heart can lead to transformation of Dr. Bjorn Krondorfer, Director of the Crystal Bridge at The J: 12:30-3 p.m., Martin any space. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for guests. more information, call 480-897-0588 or email Pear JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Martin-Springer Institute at NAU. A personalized To register, visit vosjcc.org/organize. [email protected]. Duplicate bridge with light refreshments served talk on the effects of the Holocaust and war on German society, family and German Experience Immortal Melodies: 7 p.m., all day. Director: Maddy Bloom. Sanctioned Bro-Mitzvahs: The Black-Jewish Dialogue on TV: Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Game 0-499 Masters Points. Cost: $10. For more 7-8:30 p.m., Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th post-war generations. For more information, email [email protected] or visit First annual fundraiser for Arizona Jews for information, contact Harriet Colan at St., Scottsdale. Speaker: Shaina Hammerman. holocaustbybulletsaz.com. Justice. A night of song, remembrance and 480-481-7033 or [email protected]. Suggested donation: $18. Register at hope featuring Hannah Creviston, clinical TUESDAYS VBMTorah.org. Revolutionary Love: 7-8:30 p.m., Temple Chai, associate professor of piano pedagogy at Let’s Knit: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Martin Pear JCC, 12701 TUESDAY, FEB. 11 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Speaker: Rabbi Arizona State University. To RSVP, email N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Knit, crochet, learn Museum @ the EVJCC: 10-11:30 a.m., East Michael Lerner. Suggested donation: $18. Register [email protected]. or help others with a project or pattern. For more Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. at VBMTorah.org.

20 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM CALENDAR

Book Discussion: 7 p.m., Cutler Plotkin Jewish your own jewelry collections, including care, THURSDAYS AND SUNDAYS, FEB.9-APRIL 26 MONDAYS, FEB. 10-FEB. 17 Heritage Center, 122 E. Culver St., Phoenix. Discuss documentation, auctions and other collecting The Little Mermaid Jr. rehearsals: 4:30-7:30 Belly Dance for Fun with Michelle Dionisio: 10-11 “Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean” by Edward sources. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for guests. For p.m. on Thursdays, 1-3:30 p.m. on Sundays, a.m., Temple Beth Shalom & JCC of the Northwest Kritzler. Discussion led by Dr. Stan Mirvis. Free. To more information or to register, visit Thunderbird Adventist Academy, 7410 E. Sutton Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Learn belly RSVP, call 602-241-7870 or email [email protected]. vosjcc.org/programs. Drive, Scottsdale. Professional musical theatre dancing and veil work with music from Greece, staff teach acting technique, choreography and SATURDAY, FEB. 15 JACS: Support Group for Jewish Alcoholics, Turkey and Egypt. Six week session. Cost: $45. To singing for a complete theatrical production with Wheelchair Ballroom Dance Clinic: noon-1:30 Addicts, and their Friends and Family: 7:30 p.m. register, visit jfcsaz.org/creativeaging. For more performances on April 23, 25 and 26. Led by p.m., Ability360 Sports and Fitness Center, 5031 Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, information, contact Janet Rees at 480-599-7198 Brenda and Ken Goodenberger. Open to grades E. Washington St., Phoenix. Cheryl Angelelli and Scottsdale. For more information, call the Shalom or [email protected]. K-12. Register by Feb. 8, spaces limited. Cost: Tamerlan Gadirov will lead the clinic along with Center at 602- 971-1234 or email $300 for members of the Martin Pear JCC, $350 THURSDAYS, FEB. 13, 20 AND 27 AND MARCH 5 professional dancers from the Fred Astaire Dance [email protected]. Studios of Arizona. Free, but space is limited. For for non-members. To register, visit vosjcc.org/ Story Telling with Kim Porter: 10 a.m.-noon, more information or to register, visit Family littlemermaidjr. Temple Beth Shalom & JCC of the Northwest ability360.com. Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Exercises MONDAYS Shabbat facilitated by writer Kim Porter to explore and craft SUNDAY, FEB. 16 Breakfast Babies: 9-10:30 a.m., The Brunch stories and learn performance skills. Eight week Tu B’Shevat Seder and Singles Event: Noon, Café, 15507 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 100, FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH 6:30-8 p.m., Beth Emeth session. Cost: $100. To register, visit jfcsaz.org/ private home. Join CHULENTwest to learn how Scottsdale. A fun-filled morning gathering for First Fridays: Synagogue, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. creativeaging. For more information, contact Janet different Jewish cultures around the world parents and grandparents with babies or toddlers. Begins Nov. 1. Traditional Friday night services with Rees at 480-599-7198 or celebrated the holiday. Free. To RSVP, contact Complimentary coffee and a chocolate-covered a twist; each month a special aspect, theme or [email protected]. Hershl at 602-710-5007 or [email protected]. strawberry with the purchase of any meal. prayer from the Shabbat evening liturgy is focused Includes a story time picture book reading. Call THURSDAY, FEB. 13 MONDAY, FEB. 17 on. Questions about the service, and Jewish 480-398-7174 or visit brunchcafe.com for more Tu Bishvat Celebration with Keep Phoenix The Pious Werewolf: Confronting Monstrosity prayer in general, will be answered to help each information. Beautiful: 1 p.m., Center for Senior Enrichment in Medieval Jewish Thought: 1-2 p.m., private person. No fee, open to everyone, Jewish and at The Palazzo, 6250 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix. Plant residence. Speaker: Professor David Shyovitz. Baby dance classes: 9:15-9:45 a.m., Arizona non-Jewish alike. For beginners and experienced Suggested donation: $18. Register at Sunrays Gymnastics & Dance Center, 15801 N. members. For more information, call 623-584- a palo verde tree and celebrate with traditional VBMTorah.org. 32nd St., Phoenix. For babies who are walking 7210 or email [email protected]. foods. Register no later than Feb. 7. For more up to age 2 ½. This baby dance class is a fun information, call 602-943-2198. Till Death Do Us Part: Family Life and the Afterlife FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH introduction to music, movement and dancing. in Jewish Thought: 7-8:30 p.m., Congregation Kavana Café: 8:45 a.m., Congregation Or FRIDAY, FEB. 14 Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Speaker: Babies will dance to the music while using all kinds Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. This is an Broadway Babies: 1-2 p.m., Center for Senior Professor David Shyovitz. Suggested donation: of different props and toys. Parent/grandparent informal opportunity to learn with Rabbi Micah Enrichment at The Palazzo, 6250 N. 19th Ave., $18. Register at VBMTorah.org. participation is required. Free. Advanced Caplan prior to Saturday-morning services. Phoenix. A group of older adults sings and dances TUESDAY, FEB. 18 registration not required, limited to first 20 A light breakfast will be served. For more to Broadway tunes. Drinks and light snacks will Arts & Culture @ the EVJCC: 10-11:30 a.m., East children who arrive. Call information, visit congregationortzion.org or call be provided. RSVP by Feb. 7. Free. To RSVP, email Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. 602-992-5790 or visit arizonasunrays.com for 480-342-8858. [email protected] or call 602-943-2198. Musician Dr. Michael Steingart presents klezmer more information. EVERY SATURDAY music. Terrific Tuesdays. Suggested donation: $4. THURSDAYS Torah Express: Noon, Congregation Or Tzion, International Holocaust For more information or to register, email Baby dance classes: 9:30-10 a.m., Arizona Sunrays 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. On Shabbat Remembrance Day [email protected]. Gymnastics & Dance Center, 15801 N. 32nd St., mornings, during the congregation’s Kiddush WEDNESDAYS, FEB. 12 AND 19 11 a.m.- Phoenix. For babies who are walking up to age 2 Let’s Appreciate Art: Art All Around Us: lunch, join Rabbi Micah Caplan and other Heroes of the Holocaust: 4:30-7 p.m., East Valley noon, Martin Pear JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., ½. This baby dance class is a fun introduction to Jewish professionals and teachers from the JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. A three- Scottsdale. A special visual presentation led by music, movement and dancing. Babies will dance community for an in-depth study of the Torah part workshop that will examine the non-Jews Lori Kirkegaard, a docent from the Phoenix Art to the music while using all kinds of different props portion of the week. No RSVP required. For more who risked their lives to try to help and save the Museum. Featuring “Charles James: An Artist and toys. Parent/grandparent participation is information, visit congregationortzion.org or call lives of Jews during the Holocaust. Taught by Beyond Fashion.” For more information, contact required. Free. Advanced registration not required, 480-342-8858. Harriet Colan at 480-481-7033 or limited to first 20 children who arrive. Call Marty Brounstein. Series cost: $40. To register, visit [email protected]. 602-992-5790 or visit arizonasunrays.com for Seniors evjcc.org/holocaustworkshop. more information. Shalom Hadassah Meeting: noon-3 p.m., Stone TUESDAYS WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12 and Barrel Restaurant, 25379 S.E. J Robson Blvd, MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS Duende: 11 a.m.-noon, Center for Senior Generations After Descendants Forum: Teaching Sun Lakes. Lunch and a hands-on craft event. To Baby gym classes: 9-9:30 a.m., Arizona Sunrays Enrichment at The Palazzo, 6250 N. 19th Ave., Students in Germany about the Holocaust: 11 a.m.- reserve a seat, call Marsha Levine at 480-802-8911. Gymnastics & Dance Center, 15801 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. A creative aging Flamenco class for 12:30 p.m., East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Phoenix. Parents (and grandparents) are invited to older adults, geared toward the absolute beginner Road, Chandler. Speaker: Dr. Ettie Zilber, who was FUSE Society: 4:45 p.m., private residence. bring in their babies, ages 6 months to 18 months. student with little to no experience with flamenco Networking event for Jewish women professionals born in a displaced persons camp in Germany and This parent-child class uses tumbling mats, dance. Participants also practice hand clapping and entrepreneurs. Speakers: recently returned to Germany to teach German balance beams, parallel bars and trampolines. and sing the songs that accompany the dancing. youth in four schools about the Holocaust. Rabbi Elana Kanter and Courtney Beller. Cost: $18, Work on strength, balancing and coordination Taught by Angela Ramirez. Free. To RSVP, email Refreshments will be served. Reservations include wine and nosh. Register by Feb. 16. For with your baby. Free. This is a “drop in” class; [email protected] or call 602-943-2198. required. To register, call 480-897-0588. registration information, email advanced registration is not required. Call 602- [email protected]. 992-5790 or visit arizonasunrays.com for more WEDNESDAYS Painting with Nancy: 9:30 a.m., Center for Arts 6:30-8 information. A City for Women, Children & Families: Senior Enrichment at The Palazzo, 6250 N. 19th p.m., Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. MONDAY, FEB. 10 WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS Ave., Phoenix. Free. For more information, call A conversation with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego Brandeis Concert: 1:00 pm, Palo Cristi Church, Baby gym classes: 9:30-10 a.m., Arizona Sunrays 602-943-2198. sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Gymnastics & Dance Center, 3923 E. Indian School 3535 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley. Brandeis Women Arizona and Temple Chai. Free. Road, Phoenix. Parents (and grandparents) are Yiddish Club with Arnie: 1 p.m., Center for National Committee presents the fourth & WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19 invited to bring in their babies, ages 6 months Senior Enrichment at The Palazzo, 6250 N. 19th final concert of the BNC Roz Fischer Concert & Collecting Bling: Fabulous Jewels and the to 18 months. This parent-child class uses Ave., Phoenix. Free. For more information, call Conversation series. American-Armenian Pianist Women Who Wore Them: 10-11:30 a.m., Martin tumbling mats, balance beams, parallel bars and 602-943-2198. Tavit Tashjian will perform Beethoven’s Moonlight Pear JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. Art trampolines. Work on strength, balancing and FRIDAYS Sonata as part of a love-themed Valentine’s and jewelry historian Jan Krulick-Belin discusses coordination with your baby. Free. This is a “drop Taste of Shabbat: 11 a.m., Center for Senior Day solo recital. Admission: $7 at the door, no some of the great jewelry collections belonging to in” class; advanced registration is not required. Enrichment at The Palazzo, 6250 N. 19th Ave., reservations required Refreshments provided. For royals, aristocrats, divas, socialites and Hollywood Call 602-992-5790 or visit arizonasunrays.com for Phoenix. Free. For more information, call more information, contact Joan Sitver at starlets. Learn what you need to know about more information. 602-943-2198. 602-818-4264 or [email protected]. JN

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 7, 2020 21 COMMUNITY

Barrow Ball Rededication Harriet and Jack Friedland are pictured with Dr. Jack and Ruth Roseff Poles (left) were honored on Jan. 17 for the Roseff family’s donation of the Beth Ami Temple ark in 1985. The ark has continuously Tahnia McKeever, ball co-chairman, at the held the temple’s three Torahs ever since, including its very special Holocaust Torah. The Poles are pictured with their daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and Barrow Neurological Institute 2020 Barrow Grand Dan Klausner, and Rabbi Allison Lawton and Temple President Bob Unferth. PHOTO COURTESY OF BETH AMI TEMPLE Ball on Jan. 18. PHOTO BY JARED PLATT

Day of memory Cantor Jonathan Angress and guitarist Carlo Fierens performed the music of Italian-Jewish composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco at a concert organized by Beth El Phoenix and the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

PHOTO BY JOEL ZOLONDEK

Alumni retreat The Women’s Leadership Institute held its second annual Alumni Retreat at the Spirit of the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ on Jan. 19 and 20 where leaders throughout the Jewish community gathered together. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Breathing room Around 30 people attended a meditation retreat at Temple Chai on Jan. 26. Valley Beit Midrash sponsored the event, with sessions led by Mindy Ribner, Rabbi Sarah Leah Grafstein and Rabbi Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks. PHOTO BY HERSHL WEBERMAN

This COMMUNITY page features photos of community members around the Valley and the world. Submit photos and details each Composer legacies Arizona State University professor Hannah Creviston debuted “Voices Silenced: Piano Music of week to [email protected] by 10 a.m. Monday. Composers Killed in the Holocaust,” a lecture-recital on Jan. 26 at the East Valley JCC. PHOTO BY LEISAH WOLDOFF

22 FEBRUARY 7, 2020 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM COMMUNITY BRIEFS OBITUARIES Holocaust memoir released by of solving challenges in their communi- Scottsdale writer ties,” said AnnMaura Connolly, president Millard Roy Seldin of Paradise Valley, AZ and Omaha, Nebraska passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Jan. 24, 2020 at the Scottsdale resident Mirla Geclewicz Raz of Voices for National Service. “After age of 93 years. released her new book, “The Birds Sang college, he co-founded a nonprofit that He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Aug. 8, 1926. Served two-years Eulogies: A Memoir.” It tells of Anna helps children enter kindergarten pre- in the U.S. Navy during WWII, trained as a radio gunner and was in and Danny Geslewitz, who survived the pared to succeed. Jumpstart is fueled by flight school when the war ended. Holocaust and began new lives in the U.S. national service, and over the last 25 years, In 1947, he began a homebuilding career with his father, Ben Seldin, The book launched at the Scottsdale the organization has trained over 50,000 forming Seldin and Seldin before graduating from the University of Civic Center Library during its seventh college students and community volun- Iowa. Millard was the founding member of the Omaha real estate annual local author book sale on Feb. 1, teers who have provided language, literacy business, which included many entities merged into the Seldin Development and Management Company. He co-founded Hawkeye Bank in Iowa. In 1990, he and will be available again at the Burton and social-emotional support to 123,000 also co-founded Southwest Value Partners in Scottsdale, AZ, while maintaining real estate and Barr Library in Phoenix on Feb. 16. At preschoolers from under-served communi- business interests in Omaha. Millard worked closely with his son, Scott, until recently at Seldin 1 p.m. on Feb. 16, Raz will participate ties. The Jumpstart AmeriCorps members Real Estate, the operating company for the family office of Kent Circle Partners. in an author panel titled “We Tell the have earned over $200 million in service He served on the Council Bluffs Planning Board, was president of Council Bluffs Industrial Stories of the Holocaust We Never Saw” scholarships. After he was elected to the Foundation, active in the Omaha Home Builders Association, National Home Builders with other authors who are descendants Arizona State House, Representative Association, and Urban Land Institute. of Holocaust survivors. Lieberman introduced legislation to Millard had a deep affection for racehorses and continued to be active in horse breeding and the racing industry. He became a minority partner in the Phoenix Suns NBA and Phoenix In the 1990s, Raz decided to record her establish a John McCain Public Service Mercury WNBA professional basketball teams. He was a consummate student, philanthropist parents talking about their experiences Scholarship Fund to provide additional and medical advocate who was always helping others. In 2013, Millard made a donation to during the Holocaust. Upon retirement, state scholarship support to AmeriCorps Barrow Neurological Foundation in honor of his wife, Beverly. The gift was used to form the Raz decided to transcribe their videotapes members who serve in Arizona and con- Beverly and Millard Seldin Family Disc and Spinal Regeneration Lab. for the family. This eventually lead to the tinue their education in state. This will He is most celebrated for the love and devotion he showed in caring for his family and friends. memoir’s creation. make national service a viable option for Millard is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Beverly. Survived by sons Scott (Beth) Paradise Raz is on the board of the Phoenix more Arizonans.” Valley, AZ, Derry (Wendy) St. Louis, MO, daughter Traci Moser (David) Paradise Valley, AZ, cousin Joan Holocaust Association and is co-chair of “I’ve seen in my own life the incredible Frentz Santa Rosa, CA and forever remembered by six grandchildren, Ariana, Ben, Marina, Grayson, Aaron and Grant. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews and devoted family and friends. its education committee. A retired speech impact service has in opening up whole pathologist, she is also the author of the new worlds to people,” said Lieberman. A Celebration of Millard ’s life was held Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020 at Congregation Beth Israel, Scottsdale, AZ. “Help Me Talk Right” book series. “Both the impact you have in terms of In memory of Millard, donations may be sent to Barrow Neurological Foundation, Phoenix, AZ, Jewish “Birds Sang Eulogies: A Memoir” is the service you do and the impact that Federation of Greater Phoenix, AZ or Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, Georgetown, KY. available on Amazon.com. All proceeds it has on the person doing the service in from the book’s purchase go to the terms of just expanding their horizons. Phoenix Holocaust Association and I was proud to introduce a bill with a , 97, of Phoenix passed away on Jan. 14, 2020, in Phoenix. the United States Holocaust Memorial simple goal: Connect responsibility with Doris Lillian Lazar Museum. opportunity. If signed into law, this legis- Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 22, 1922, Doris had been lation will make college more affordable married to her “favorite dance partner,” Sid, nine days shy of 75 years. She is survived by her daughter, Shelly (Lazar) Flexer, of Sherman Oaks, AZ state rep honored for Arizona students who serve in an California; son Stuart of Phoenix; son-in-law Allen Flexer of Sherman Oaks; Voices for National Service, a coalition AmeriCorps program. I’m honored to daughter-in-law Susan “Chu” Lazar of Phoenix; grandchildren Ivy (Flexer) of national service programs and state receive this prestigious award from Voices Lundeen, Flinn and Jennifer Flexer, Francis and Johanna Tan and Anna commissions committed to expanding for National Service.” and Benjamin Altman; and Mom Mom’s nine special great-grandchildren. opportunities for Americans, is honoring Voices for National Service is a diverse She was an elegant woman who loved her family, Jewish culture and traditions, enjoyed being state Rep. Aaron Lieberman (D-AZ) for coalition of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps out anywhere froelich, read novels, played bingo, watched “Dancing With the Stars” and the his bill last session (HB2321) to establish programs, state service commissions and Hallmark Channel. Pancakes, pizza and ice cream top her favorite treats! a Sen. John McCain Service Scholarship individuals who strive for Americans of for AmeriCorps participants, which made all ages and backgrounds to have the erices in .A. were for family members. n lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Smile on Seniors AZ, 2110 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85016 (sosaz.org). it out of the House but was held in the opportunity to serve and volunteer in Senate. He’s trying again this year but their communities. Founded in 2003, with a Republican sponsor. Voices for National Service has built CEMETERY LOTS FOR SALE (2) Estelle Gracer, age 93, died peacefully Lieberman will receive the State bipartisan support. in Walnut Creek, California, surrounded Leadership Award from VNS. The award Other 2020 VNS honorees include Phoenix Memorial Park by her loving family. Estelle lived 40 will be formally presented to him at the Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Glenn years in Phoenix, moving there in 200 W. Beardsley Road, 1971 with her husband, Martin, and 17th annual Friends of National Service Thompson (R-PA) and Donna Shalala daughter, Lea. Awards in Washington, D.C., on Feb. (D-FL), Sens. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Phoenix, AZ 85027 She was active in the Sylvia Plotkin 11, 2020. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Rick Scott Garden of Shalom • Unit # 1 Judaica Museum, Charter 100 and “Representative Lieberman is a vocal (R-FL), Gov. Gavin Newsom and CNN’s Brandeis Women. Estelle became a advocate for placing citizens at the center Fareed Zakaria. JN Lot # 28A • Spaces 3 & 4 SD fashion designer in her 50s, producing unique garments sold throughout the $6,500.00 country. SHARE YOUR She enjoyed her last hurrah in California CALL TED (602) 400-7169 close to her children, grandchildren, ENGAGEMENT, WEDDING, BIRTH, BAR/BAT-MITZVAH great-grandchildren and great-great ANNOUNCEMENT AND ANY OTHER SIMCHA ON BOTH grandson. She is survived by Richard JEWISHAZ.COM AND THE WEEKLY JEWISH NEWS... (Alice) Gracer; James (Rabbi Judy WWW.JEWISHAZ.COM Shanks) Gracer; Lea (Les Adler) Gracer; FOR FREE. JEWISHAZ.COM and the next three generations.

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