Staycations Maccabiah Father's

June/july 2013

The Jewish Lifestyle Magazine For Arizona

Staycations As Summer Heats Up, Arizonans Seek Cool Escapes Maccabiah 15 Arizonans Bound for Jewish Olympics in July Father’s Day Sons Follow Dads’ Example of Service Teresa Strasser Charismatic TV Host Brings Her Bold Humor to Arizona Comprehensive Cardiovascular Services, Prevention, Diagnosis, & Treatment Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona

4 Valley Locations... We are always here for you.

Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona exempliﬁ es Heart Care at its Best! The Cardiologists at Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona are leaders in cardiovascular diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and education. The Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona physicians provide the highest level of cardiovascular care to patients through their expertise, with over 25 years experience treating cardiovascular disease in Arizona.

Our practice is committed to spreading the word about the risks of heart disease and early detection. Heart disease can be prevented or controlled. The risk factors include: high blood pressure, smoking, high blood cholesterol, overweight, diabetes, inactivity and a family history of early heart disease.

Coronary Angiography & Intervention • Peripheral & Carotid Angiography & Intervention ECHO & Peripheral Vascular Testing • Treadmill & Nuclear Stress Testing • Cholesterol Screening Holter Monitoring • Pacemakers • Electrophysiology Studies • EECP • Transcranial Doppler Studies

NATHAN LAUFER, M.D. ADAM BRODSKY, M.D. ALAN GROSSMAN, M.D. PARMINDER SINGH, M.D. ASHISH SADHU, M.D. JASON KLEIN, M.D. REBECCA ALLISON, M.D. STUART BILIACK, M.D. Medical Director Interventional Cardiology Noninvasive Cardiology Interventional Cardiology Electrophysiology Noninvasive Cardiology Interventional Cardiology Noninvasive Cardiology

West Valley • 9305 W. Thomas Rd. • Suite 270 • Phoenix, AZ 85037 Sun City •10615 W. Thunderbird Blvd. • Suite 175 • Sun City, AZ 85351 Downtown • 1331 N. 7th St. • Suite 375 • Phoenix, AZ 85006 Desert Ridge • 20940 N. Tatum Blvd. • Suite 325 • Phoenix, AZ 85050 602.307.0070 • www.heartcenteraz.com Pinnacle Nissan in North Scottsdale Arizona’s Premier Nissan dealership.

Nissan Innovation. Reinventing the way you drive, now and in the future. Great selection, low prices, and a hassle-free purchase experience. PRESENT THIS AD OIL CHANGE TO RECEIVE. . . SPECIAL Receive an additional $500 off Keep your vehicle operating at any new vehicle purchase. peak performance. • Make your best deal, then present this ad. • Up to 5 quarts non-synthetic oil. Plus tax 95 and shop $ $ With supplies 500 OFF 14 Coupon Plus tax and hazardous waste fees. Coupon not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Shop supplies additional. Coupon does not apply to prior purchases. Valid only at Pinnacle Nissan. Call, click or visit today!

7601 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. • Scottsdale 480-240-3574 www.PinnacleNissan.com

PINN_AZ_Jewish_Life_Print_Ad.indd 1 3/15/13 2:35 PM Table of Contents June/July 2013/ Sivan-Av 5773 | Volume 1/Issue 10 [Cover Story] 30 Teresa Strasser: “The List” host is talented, hot and funny [Focus] UPFRONT 8 New center melds ancient & modern wisdom BUSINESS 11 Bobby Lieb offers real estate reflections 12 Attorney to CEO COMMUNITY 35 Caring more than a slogan for Kate Gallego 36 Final resting place for all Jews ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 38 Check out locals for summer reading 40 Jewelry artist weaves wire into dreams HEALTH/BEAUTY/FITNESS 41 A Torah View of Yoga 42 Running for Health 44 Arizonans bound for Jewish Olympics FOOD 46 Chef’s Corner by Lisa Glickman 30 48 Want Dessert? Two kosher options 50 Where Do Jewish People Eat? FAMILY 54 Sons follow fathers lead SENIORS 58 Pueblo Norte feels like home SINGLES 64 Dating is a meet market 65 Traveling solo HISTORY 66 In 1880s fashion was torture [Staycations/Special Section 13-27] Elegant resorts – 10 of them – offer cool off-season deals, Create great vacation photos, The Canyon is Grand, Prescott offers theater and festivals galore 13 [Columns] 28 Fashionista by Kira Brown 52 Traditions: Rabbis on kashrut 53 To Life by Amy Hirschberg Lederman 56 Family Time by Debra Rich Gettleman 60 Life on the Other Side by Anne Kleinberg 28 62 An American in Israel by Mylan Tanzer [Connect] 68 Happenings Cover photo: Teresa Strasser at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Photo by Carl Schultz

4 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE Come join the worry-free club of residents at Arté Resort Living.

Worry-Free. From utilities, to housekeeping, to meals, we take care of it all! Stress-Free. LuxurySenior Living Your monthly expenses become one flat cost, and your Our carefree lifestyle features all-inclusive rent savings grow! with meals, housekeeping and so much more!

Independent Living Schedule your Assisted Living Winter Rentals FREE meal & tour 24-hr Concierge Sports Lounge CALL TODAY Elegant Dining Spacious Homes with (480) 451-1800 Designer Upgrades

Premier Sponsor of the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center in Scottsdale 11415 N. 114th St. ◆ Scottsdale, AZ www.ArteResortLiving.com

Arte_JCC_halfpage.indd 4 4/18/13 11:51 AM Editor’s Letter

When I was growing up in Michigan, our fore the heat set in. Sometimes friends and I would get up while family had a summer ritual. it was still dark and ride out to the edge of a huge meadow to The Friday before my dad’s two-week gallop into the sunrise as soon as the sun peaked over the hori- vacation began, he would arrive home early zon. By afternoon, I’d be reading a good book – stretched out from work and we would pile into the car on the back of my half-Arabian mare, Shy Anne. She’d graze in and head west – invariably west. the shade of an old apple orchard and I’d lie on her back facing Sometimes we’d visit the Rocky Moun- backwards so I could prop my book up on her rump. Occasion- tains, sometimes we’d swing south and ally something would startle Shy, she’d jump and I’d tumble into explore the great Southwest, other years the long grass. But I’d grab an apple off one of the trees (even if we’d get all the way to the Pacific Coast. I it was still a bit green), crawl back on Shy and keep reading as I fell in love with all the western part of the chewed the juicy fruit. United States has to offer. It’s probably no surprise that when I Nowadays, the saddle I climb onto for an early morning ride went off to college, I headed west – to Colorado, though any of is on my bicycle. And when I stretch out to read a lazy summer the western states I’d visited as a kid would have done just fine. afternoon away, I’m more likely to be lying on a lawn chair and I remember one year we visited the Grand Canyon. enjoying a cold drink along with my book. I was awestruck by the immensity of the place. Our stories on staycations (featuring many of the places I Wide open natural vistas have always stirred had to travel a long way to see as a kid) and summer reading something spiritual in me. That same summer, took me back to many of those fine memories. I we visited a reservation in the Southwest; I hope they either inspire you to similar fond remi- still have a picture of me, about age 8, stand- niscences or inspire you to head out and make new ing with some of the boys in all their ceremonial memories with your family. finery after they performed a tribal dance. When I got a bit older, I spent most of my summer on my horse. I’d get up early to ride be-

Your Letters

To the editor: Just a note to congratulate you on another really good issue families. We’re aware that Sun City is usually thought of as a of Arizona Jewish Life. You and your staff do excellent work re- place for retirees only, so we really appreciate your spotlighting porting on interesting stories and interesting people. I also want our youth program. We firmly believe the work we’re doing to to thank you for the article about our new group, Generations bring Judaism alive to these young people will forever enrich After – Descendants of Holocaust Survivors in Greater Phoenix. their lives. Congratulations to your staff on the outstanding It’s so refreshing to see a story that not only reads well but also work Arizona Jewish Life is doing. I wish you great success. accurately captures the facts. Kudos and keep up the good work! Elissa Rose Janice Friebaum Religious School Program Director Scottsale Temple Beth Shalom

To the editor: To the Editor: The wonderful articles/stories are conducive to reading to I have been very impressed, thus far, with your new the end because of the format. Each story/article is completed publication. The articles are pertinent, informative and the before another is started. I appreciate not having to turn to the magazine style is an added plus. end pages of the magazine for the end of each story. In that way I am a practicing general dentist who regularly lectures on I can read several articles at one time and pick up where I left dental health and diabetes. I do presentations at PV Hospital, off, like a book, when I pick up the magazine later. as well as the Mayo Clinic. I have been in practice for over 30 Thank you for making the readings more enjoyable. years here in the Valley and am active member of the Jewish AnnRita Edelberg community. Scottsdale Over 20 million people in the U.S. alone have diabetes, and over 6 million of those are undiagnosed. I think it would benefit To the editor: the Jewish community if they were informed of the many dental Just saw a copy of the fabulous article about our religious complications of diabetes, as most of these are easily preventable. school at Temple Beth Shalom. Thanks so much for helping For example, periodontal disease is the sixth leading complica- us get the word out that there is a quality religious school and tion of diabetes. congregation on the west side of town, eager to reach out and Pnina Levine, DDS provide both education and warm Judaic inclusion to young Phoenix 6 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE THE JEWISH LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR ARIZONA

Publishers ™ Robert Philip and Cindy Saltzman

Advertising and Editorial Director Cindy Saltzman Win a Family Lifetime Editor-In-Chief Deborah Moon Membership to the new Associate Editor Janet Arnold Butterfly Wonderland

Advertising Sales [email protected] (602)538-2955l Butterflies are free Art Director at least for one lucky family! Jeannie Bauer Arizona Jewish LIfe

Copy Editors is pleased to announce a writing contest. Susan Moon Elizabeth Schwartz Children up to age 12 are Online Content Editor invited to send us Kira Brown a short essay or poem Columnists about why you love butterflies. Kira Brown, Ellen Gerst, Debra Rich Gettleman, Lisa Glickman, Anne Kleinberg, Amy Hirshberg Lederman, A. Noshman and Mylan Tanzer

Contributing Writers David M. Brown, Michelle Talsma Everson, Mark Gluckman, Melissa Hirschl, Amy R. Kaufman, Carine Nadel, 1st prize: Elizabeth Schwartz, Masada Siegel, Ole Thienhaus, M.D., and Eileen R. W arshaw, Ph.D. A lifetime family membership to Butterfly Wonderland How to reach us: 602-538-AZJL (2955) Submission deadline: June 28, 2013 [email protected] [email protected] Entries to: [email protected] [email protected] Submissions up to 200 words Please include a photo of yourself with your entry if possible

A Prince Hal Production (TGMR18)

The content and opinions in Arizona Jewish Life do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers, staff or contractors. Articles and columns are for informational purposes only and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, Arizona Jewish Life, and its agents, publishers, employees and contractors will not be held responsible for the misuse of any information contained herein. The publishers reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. Publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement of products or services. www.butterflywonderland.com

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 7 [UPFRONT] The Best of Ancient and Modern Wisdom The Center for Emotional Health will provide cutting-edge treatment

Dr. Charles L. Raison and Dr. Ole J. Thienhaus (right) discuss the creation of a new Center for Emotional Health at the University of Arizona College of Medicine south campus. Photo by Deborah Moon

8 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE By Deborah Moon sychiatrists at the University of Arizona are looking to the past to create a Center Wisdom of midrash of Excellence able to promote future The human body has three kings: brain, emotional health. heart and liver. – Midrash haNe’elam From hyperthermia treatment for depressive conditions reminiscent of ancient cultures’ (Midrash Ruth heHadash) 1:8b sweat lodges to midrashic insights on the interrela- By Ole J. Thienhaus, M.D., FACPsych Ptionship of mind, body and soul, the new center will The view that mind and body are separate spheres is not rooted in antiquity. It certain- draw on the wisdom of the ages. ly has never been espoused in the Jewish tradition. Much of the traditional Jewish law, Creating a Center for Emotional Health is an halachah, can be understood as a set of behavioral, often physical, precepts whose opportunity “to think holistically about treatment meaning is aimed at spiritual ends. An example is the laws of kashrut, which specify and research,” according to Charles L. Raison, M.D., in great detail what we can eat. The laws of kashrut are not based on nutritional or hygienic concerns. Rather they are meant to introduce into the mundane act of eating what psychologists today would call mindfulness: In whatever we do, we ought to be aware of the grandeur, the holiness, of life and the creator who gave it to us. The concept of mind/body unity fell somewhat by the wayside as modern medicine was introduced in the Western world. And obviously, nobody should dismiss the scientific method that has served us well in advancing human health. Much of modern medicine is built on the Cartesian concept of the dichotomy between mind and body, and it has made gigantic strides in diagnosis and treatment. Throughout Western medicine, however, we have also become painfully aware of the limitations of an approach that all too often equates treatment with the repair of defective parts (“symptom remission,” in medical language). What we see currently is an acceptance that a new paradigm can usefully complement the conventional models in areas where our progress in medical discovery has slowed down. If we can go back to our original appreciation that body and mind – “Many people have benefited from and spirit, if we want to add a transcendental perspective – are closely interrelated, then some of the newer thinking in medicine and public pharmacological (treatments) … but health should have considerable appeal. One prime area where this applies is psychiatry. In that spirit, we are developing, at the University it has become clear all ways we treat of Arizona, a Center for Emotional Health. This new center provides have more limitations than we were diagnostic and treatment services that integrate biological and psychological approaches, addressing ailments of mind and body alike. The aware of even 10 years ago.” clinician-scientists who staff the center seek to combine our established access to the resources of modern scientific medicine with select alter- – Dr. Charles Raison native, yet evidence-based, interventions. As our ancestors knew, there is no license to mistreat your body and expect that your mind and soul will be well. Whether this thinking relates who with other members of the psychiatry faculty at to the design of an omniscient god, or is based on traditional insights, matters less the University of Arizona is helping Department of than that it has served Jews well through the centuries. Psychiatry Chair Ole J. Thienhaus, M.D., devel- The health care professional who trains at our institution is introduced to the op what is envisioned as a Center of Excellence. interprofessional team approach to patients’ problems. No longer do various pro- “We are all committed to the process of creating fessionals work in isolation from each other, communicating by mail or messenger. a cutting-edge treatment and research center for Just as the mind and the body rely on each other’s equilibrium to assure health, so emotional disorders and psychiatric disease. Ole as the physician and the social worker, the nurse and the pharmacist, must align their the chair is spearheading that effort.” interventions for the best outcome for the patient. “Many people have benefited from pharmacolog- What we do not widely share with our trainees and students is that the thinking ical (treatments) … but it has become clear all ways that informs our new paradigm goes back to an ancient, venerable tradition. That we treat have more limitations than we were aware thinking is available to us in innumerable midrashic and halachic sources. The of even 10 years ago,” says Raison. “Mental disorders Rambam (Maimonides) summarized the traditional wisdom as follows: “Emotional have shot up. … We have the chance to be at the experiences cause marked changes in the body which are clear and visible to all and forefront of treating mental disorders.” bear witness in clear testimony … The physician should have both technical knowl- This summer the Child and Adolescent Services edge and skill as well as understand the patient’s personality and lifestyle.” (Moses will be the first portion of the Center for Emotional Maimonides. The Preservation of Youth: Essays on Health. Translated by Hirsch L. Health to open on the University of Arizona’s south Gordon. New York, Philosophical Library, 1958) n campus in Tucson, with the full center slated to open Ole J. Thienhaus, M.D., chairs the Department of Psychiatry at the University of in 2014. “We will seek a designation as a Center of Arizona College of Medicine. Excellence from the Arizona Board of Regents,” says Thienhaus, noting that a Center of Excellence ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 9 MARK of EXCELLENCE by ABOR criteria has implications for governance and budget man- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ + + + + + ★ ★ AWARD WINNER + + ★ ★ + + agement. When it earns the designation, the Center for Emotional ★ ★ + ★ ★ + ★ ★ + ★ ★ +

★

★ Health will join other 10 other Centers of Excellence in the UofA

★

★ College of Medicine.

★ ★

★

★ ★

★

★ ★ + ★ ★ “Population studies in this country and elsewhere suggest that an integrated approach to health maintenance – prevention and treatment – is a promising way to achieve better public health results and, ultimately, to flatten the cost curve that is bedeviling modern medicine in the industrialized world,” notes Thienhaus. Born in Germany just south of the Danish border, Thienhaus graduated medical school and emigrated to the United States in 1980 for residency training in psychiatry at the University of Cin- cinnati. He established close connections with faculty at the He- brew Union College. He and his wife converted to Judaism when their son was born. In 1996 the family relocated to Nevada, where he taught Hebrew in Sunday School at Temple Sinai in Reno and Call me directly for assistance published a book titled, Jewish-Christian Dialogue – The Example of with your next vehicle purchase! Gilbert Crispin. He enjoys studying midrashic literature, especially the commentaries collected in Midrash Rabbah. He shares his Leonard Smith ★ Internet Manager views on how the wisdom of midrash will influence the center in story on page 9. Ofﬁ ce: Cell: 480-991-8300 480-213-8072 Like Thienhaus, Raison also feels the past has much to offer in Email: [email protected] terms of understanding emotional health. Humans evolved in an environment very different from the modern world, he notes. 8585 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. • Scottsdale AZ 85260 “We need to explore ways to tap into therapeutic modalities of the ancient world that we have lost,” says Raison. For example, depression is a primary area of research for Raison. In his research he is investigating the benefits of hyperthermia to alleviate symptoms of depression. “Every indigent culture discovered sweat lodges,” he says. “It EARLY BIRD probably had to do with the fact that skin that is heated helps people feel happy. Hyperthermic treatment is an example of something SPECIAL we have retrieved from the past.” Running also reduces depression, says Raison, noting that run- Order High Holiday Tickets ning with minimal shoes may enhance that benefit, since it is more similar to the barefoot running our ancestors did. before June 30th. Another bit of wisdom Raison hopes to use at the new center is Save 40% a secularized version of Buddhism called cognitively based compassion training. He previously used CBCT while on the faculty Single: $125 $75 at Emory University, where the compassionate meditation without Family: $250 $150 religious overtones was developed to treat traumatized kids and at-risk kids. The basic idea of this ancient practice, says Raison, is “to rigor- Beth Ami Temple ously train oneself to reconceptualize the social world around you as a place of opportunity … as a place of win-win situations … and to see “one’s own well-being as being inextricably linked to well-being of others, of the community.” Raison emphasizes advancements in modern medicine are “Plan for the Holidays now! important, and some patients may need medications, but the new September 4th will be here center will offer options – a view also key to Thienhaus’ original sooner than you think!” proposal to create the center. “On the South Tucson campus … we are setting up the go-to place for (Pima) County residents who want to know that their www.bethamitemple.org health problems are evaluated promptly, in a competent manner and by a team that can address both physical and psychosocial compo- 602-956-0805 nents with equal expertise,” Thienhaus wrote. “To this end, we are (ticket cost can be applied to membership) removing the organizational and spatial boundaries between our primary care services … and behavioral health services.” n 10 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE [Business] Real Estate Reflections Bobby Lieb talks about his successful career and gives his thoughts about the current state of the local industry

By Michelle Talsma Everson He believes that his Jewish faith helps many of his clients to f you’re looking for a home in central Phoenix, residential relate to him on a personal level. “I love North central Phoenix real estate expert Bobby Lieb is the professional to consult. because it’s home to an eclectic mix of people, including a large With decades of real estate experience, Lieb is currently an Jewish population,” he says. associate broker and head of the HomeSmart Elite Group. Given his experience, how is the local real estate market look- Some of the accomplishments he’s most proud of include being ing to him? Inamed HomeSmart’s top performing agent in 2011 – out of 4,500 He says: “Recent press has been good for real estate; homes agents in the globally recognized company – and selling the most are going up in value by 20 to 25%. They’re still not quite at their homes in the company in 2012. peak though; there are more competitive sales and more buyers Lieb says that he got his start in the business world when he than sellers, which leads to bidding wars. Also, appraisals are a and his father – longtime Valley businessman Herb Lieb – ran the big concern; homes are being appraised at higher prices, but they Jockey Club. Managing the exclusive nightclub gave him a solid might still not be as high as they were.” set of business skills and base of future clients. After his stint with Lieb adds that consumers are more confident buying homes the Jockey Club, he gained experience with commercial real estate, now since the values have gone up. “This is the busiest I’ve ever went back into the nightclub industry for a few years, and then been,” he says. pursued a residential real estate career full time. For those looking to go into real estate, he advises, “Find your “In 1993 I begin working with Mark Moskowitz [another Val- niche – whether it be a type of real estate or area you’re selling in. ley real estate professional]; I had a lot of contacts and he had the It’s hard work; I hardly take any time off. But, it’s a great career real estate knowledge,” Lieb explains. “The career move into real and the rewards of making your own schedule and having time estate made sense for with family are well worth it.” me. ... I was able to be To learn more about Lieb, visit centralphx.com. n with my family and I’m a ‘people person’ too.” So begin his impres- sive career. From the late ’90s through 2011 Maintenance tiMe? Lieb worked with The Realty Executives and garnered an ample list of accolades, including being named one of FRee cHanGe the Valley’s top agents. OIL For First Time In 2011, he made the Customers Only move to HomeSmart, C&R Tire & Auto which he describes as Repair Locations “the largest real estate company in the South- west.” There, he helped to form the HomeSmart Elite Group, which consists of hundreds c&R tire & auto Repair Locations of independent real estate agents, many of whom came to the Anthem - 42215 N. Vision Way (3 blocks So. of Walmart).. (623) 551-6255 group because of Lieb’s leadership. Over the past three years, Lieb Happy/Deer Valley Area - 2010 West Parkside Lane ...... (623) 580-0455 says that he has sold nearly 300 homes, totaling more than $100 Phoenix - 17225 N Tatum Blvd Open Sunday 9-6 ...... (602) 867-7466 million in sales. Phoenix - 17434 N Cave Creek Rd Open Sunday 9-6 ...... (602) 493-5258 Scottsdale - 9580 E Raintree Rd Open Sunday 10-4 ...... (480) 657-6656 Lieb says that one of the keys to his success has been consistency; in recent years, as the economy took a dive and many Realtors specialized in short sales or foreclosures, he made sure to still keep www.candrtire.com his “regular base” of customers in addition to branching out into For More Service Specials other areas. He also notes that the north central Phoenix area has always been his home base and that he excels in a niche mar- * Limit one coupon per purchase. Not good on prior purchases. ket – selling and settling property issues for those going through Cash value .001¢. Up to 5 quarts of 5W30 Kendal semi-synthetic oil. divorces. In addition, he knows his way around the high-end and Max Value $29.99. Plus waste disposal fee. luxury home market as well. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 11 [BUSINESS] Attorney to CEO Harriet Bernick transitions from a successful law career to CEO of Biltmore Loan and Jewelry

By Michelle Talsma Everson stuck with her. n today’s workplace, no matter So how did she go from an attor- the industry, it’s rare for a person ney to CEO? It’s all about communi- to remain in the same field for ty connections, she explains. his or her entire career. In fact, “I would see the owners of the many will have success in two or business around town and at events; Imore career branches – bringing with we are a part of the same professional them a plethora of diverse experiences and social circles,” Bernick says. “They and achievements that benefit each said that if I was ever ready to leave position they’re in. This is the case law practice, let them know. I always with Harriet Bernick, a successful really wanted to work in a business Valley-based attorney recently hired and, even though we knew each other, as the CEO of Biltmore Loan and it was an extensive interview.” Jewelry. “We are extremely pleased to have During her law career, Bernick Harriet join our team,” says David spent more than 20 years practicing Goldstein, president of Biltmore law, with a heavy emphasis on un- Loan. “We are delighted with her derstanding regulatory practices and addition to Biltmore Loan due to statutes. She worked at the State Bar her two decades of experience as an of Arizona in the lawyer regulation attorney, particularly her regulatory division; spent time as an assistant experience at the State Bar, her wealth U.S. attorney; was a legal advisor for of knowledge about jewelry and other public affairs for the U.S. attorney for high-end goods, her drive to excel, as the district of Arizona; and served as BILTMORE LOAN: 7025 N. Scottsdale Road, well as her commitment and compas- a federal prosecutor specializing in vi- Suite 105. Scottsdale sion to help others.” olent crimes and sexual abuse. While biltmoreloanandjewelry.com In her free time, Bernick, a wife many may not see how this experience 480-845-0929 and mother of two teen boys, remains translates to the business world, in the active in the local Jewish community. case of Biltmore Loan – an upscale She has been a member of the Valley collateral lender – Bernick’s expertise in regulations and statutes of the Sun Jewish Community Center board; spent two years make it a perfect fit. working with the Jewish Community Association Women’s “Biltmore Loan is in a highly regulated industry,” Bernick ex- Philanthropy; and has been a member of the Jewish Community plains. “It’s a business run on statutes; with my law background, Foundation Education Council. I’m uniquely qualified to make appropriate decisions on virtually “My Jewish faith has given me a moral compass and guiding everything. Before, they might have had to consult a lawyer principles to live by, like how to treat people with dignity and about certain things, and now, because of my legal training, I feel always be respectful, kind and honest,” she says when asked how equipped to make some of the harder decisions. Until now, I’d her faith is incorporated into her professional life. sometime forget how great that legal training is.” While Bernick emphasizes that a major part of her job is to Biltmore Loan and Jewelry is the go-to destination for “peo- make sure the business “remains compliant in the highly regu- ple who want to sell jewelry, sell diamonds, or obtain loans on lated industry,” she also hopes to see Biltmore Loan and Jewelry valuables,” according to the company’s website, biltmoreloanand- grow and open new locations in the near future. jewelry.com. And while Bernick’s law background helps her And, as she gains her footing in her new position, she adds in her new position, so does her other area of expertise, which that she plans on becoming even more involved in local Jewish includes previous experience owning her own jewelry business. causes as well. Bernick explains that she and her twin sister spent their To learn more about Biltmore Loan, visit biltmoreloanand- childhood looking for and purchasing jewelry with their mom. jewelry.com. n This experience turned into a jewelry business she started with her sister, along with extensive classes and research of jewelry, Michelle Talsma Everson is freelance writer and editor who loves to tell gems, pearls and the like. While she no longer owns her own the stories of the interesting people who call the Valley home. She can jewelry business, the knowledge and enjoyment of the industry be reached at [email protected]. 12 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE Special Section Summertime and the leisuring is easy

[Inside] RESORTS:

Check out these cool summer deals at: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale...... page 14 at Troon North

The Westin La Paloma...... page 16 By David M. Brown Hotel Palomar Phoenix ...... page 18 un Sum-Vacations: In the Arizona JW Marriott Camelback Inn...... page 18 desert, world-class resorts are open Royal Palms Resort...... page 20 and others...... page 20 at prices that would have closed the front door to you and your family Photograph your next vacation like a pro... page 22 just a few months ago. All of the The Canyon is Grand...... page 24 attractions that draw people during high season Explore Prescott’s theater options ...... page 26 to Phoenix and Tucson – world-class tourna- Head North to escape the heat...... page 27 Fment golfers, jetsetters and mild-climate fol- lowers with brazenly deep pockets – are available at extraordinarily vernal values. Once, luxury resorts at this level closed in central and southern Arizona for the summer months. Fortunately the cool spas, pools, slides lagoons – and the equally cool kitchens – are now open when the Southwest warms up. Get away this summer to Arizona without getting too far from home – or too far off budget. Continued on page 14

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 13 [STAYCATION]

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Summertime Continued from page 13 Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North In the bouldered foothills of Pinnacle Peak, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North often experiences summer temperatures as much as 10 degrees cooler than those in the lower Valley. On 40 acres of sublime high desert, the perennial AAA Five Diamond Award-winning property includes 210 rooms, suites and villas. This summer families can select the Very Important Kids package, including a $100 credit with every two paid consecutive nights. Through Aug. 31, this includes a special snack mix turndown amenity, a complimentary in- room family movie and one poolside smoothie for up to two children per room. Adults will enjoy Talavera, a contemporary American steakhouse, or Proof, an American canteen, featuring comfort food from the 50 states, both under Executive Chef Mel Mecinas. When parents dine, children aged 5-12 are invited to a “Pajama Jam” movie night featuring a movie and dinner. Every Saturday afternoon, Proof hosts an old-fashioned ice cream social. Here, too, adults can participate in a complimentary beer tasting, and the family can enjoy themed dinners Saturday nights. Families can stay at the 14 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE Instead of crowds, chaos and a charge for everything...

This summer, why not treat yourself? Luxuriously appointed casitas • Drinks and complimentary treats served poolside World-class cuisine from casual to upscale dining • Amazing setting with incredible sunset views Complimentary Kids For All Seasons program • Summer events and activities for all ages

So indulge and celebrate summer at Four Seasons Resort RATES FROM Scottsdale. No lines, no stress, just the peaceful joy of luxuriously long days and relaxed evenings. $139 FOR RESERVATIONS per night* Call (480) 513-5039 or visit fourseasons.com/scottsdale

“Best Staycation” *Rates start at $139 per night Sunday through Thursday, weekend rates vary. Based on availability, exclusive of taxes. Cannot be combined with any other offer or - Phoenix Magazine promotion. Other restrictions may apply. Valid through 8-30-2013. [STAYCATION]

The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa

The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa Be among the first this summer to experience the new level of luxury delivered by Tucson’s Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa after an extensive $30 million property-wide rejuvenation. Enjoy the redesigned rooms and suites, re-imagined pool areas, recently refreshed Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and Executive Chef Russell Michel’s new pool for complimentary weekly “Dive-In” movies every Saturday seasonal American Continental culinary options. night through summer, accompanied by a themed buffet available Through Sept. 7 guests can enjoy deeply discounted rates and at an additional cost. the amenities that have made The Westin La Paloma Resort, “With our summer price point, value and luxury combine to grandly sited in view of the Santa Catalina Mountains, one of the make the Four Seasons choice simple,” says Regional Vice Pres- Southwest’s great destination resorts. Nearby are shopping, dining, ident and General Manager Vince Parrotta. “Our service comes attractions and outdoor adventure opportunities. with a smile, and best of all, we will personalize it to meet the needs Each guest party receives a complimentary Passport to Savings of you and your family and friends.” (fourseasons.com/scottsdale) booklet, with vouchers for more than $200 in savings for resort 16 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE WORLdWId E LOCATIOn S : AFRICA ASIA EuROPE LATIn AMERICA MI ddLE EAST nORTh AMERICA

Rediscover Summer.

Step out of the ordinary this summer and into a destination like no other at JW Marriott Camelback Inn. Experience our Signature Summer Package and use your $100 daily resort credit to enhance your stay by getting pampered at the spa, playing a round of championship golf, dining at one of five restaurants, sipping hand-crafted cocktails, enjoying live entertainment nightly or looking for the perfect find at our boutiques. Enjoy endless recreation all summer long including swimming, hiking, biking and more. Our enchanting haven of Southwestern charm awaits.

SIgnATuRE SuMMER PACKAgE – FROM $199 InCLudES A $100 dAILy RESORT CREdIT

For more information or to make a reservation, visit camelbackinn.com or call 800-582-2169. Please use rate code P50 when booking.

©2013 Marriott International. Offer is valid from May 5–September 30, 2013. Resort credit can not be applied to room rate, tax or resort fee and may not be redeemed for cash. Limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Tax is additional. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Blackout dates may apply. Advance reservations required. Other restrictions apply. Rate is per room, per night and based on availability at the time of reservations. [STAYCATION]

Hotel Palomar Phoenix amenities. Offers include discounts on Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa services, La Paloma Country Club golf and tennis lessons, “Hotel Palomar is a unique alternative to the typical Scott- bottles of wine from AZuL, Kids Club adventures and more. sdale resort scene,” says General Manager Jim Hollister. “With At poolside – the resort has five – guests will be treated to so much happening in downtown Phoenix, everything is within complimentary chilled goodies and fun activities for the family walking distance of the hotel, and if you just want to relax, you such as face painting, limbo contests and Slidewinder races down don’t have to leave the hotel.” (hotelpalomar-phoenix.com) the 177-foot waterslide. “Guests taking advantage of our summer program will be among the first to experience the exciting updates to the resort’s JW Marriott Camelback Inn rooms and amenities,” says General Manager Jonathan Litvack. “While there are so many new details on property to enjoy, the Resort & Spa amazing views and ideal location remain unchanged and as spec- In All the World, Only One: For 67 years, the 125-acre Camel- tacular as ever.” (WestinLaPaloma.com/Summer) back Inn has been the only one for many of the world’s famous. Dwight D. Eisenhower frequently visited, and other guests include Robert Young, Clark Gable, Bette Davis, Cary Grant, J.C. Penney Hotel Palomar Phoenix and Jimmy Stewart. Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Phoenix at CityScape is an urban retreat The resort features 453 oversized adobe-style casita guest rooms that is only steps away from downtown’s shopping, dining and and suites with refrigerators, microwaves, wet bars, mini-bars, entertainment. The 242-guest rooms/suites property offers superb private entrances, garden patios and balconies. Deluxe suites at in-house entertainment and dining as well. Camelback Inn even include private swimming pools. Hotel Palomar guests can enjoy the third-floor outdoor pool The property also offers 36 holes of championship golf, six and lounge with views of the city skyline, a hosted evening wine tennis courts, three pools, seven restaurants and lounges and the hour daily 5-6 pm, and complimentary use of the adjacent Gold’s superlative 32,000-square-foot Southwestern-inspired Spa at Gym Elite. In addition, the hotel is pet friendly. Camelback Inn. Staycation options this summer include the $102 and a This summer book the Signature Summer Package, which Round of Brew, featuring deluxe accommodations and four beers includes a $100 daily resort credit to spend on spa, golf and dining at the hotel’s Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, through Sept. or the Summer Swedish Package, with an overnight stay in a guest 8; Laugh Like a Local, with discounted rooms and two tickets casita, a one-hour Swedish massage and the nightly $100 resort to Stand Up Live, through Dec. 31; and Downtown Discovery credit. Both are available through Sept. 30. Family Package, with deluxe accommodations, two Welcome “Cooling spa treatments, amazing popovers in BLT Steak or Kids Packs and a choice of two children’s tickets to the Chil- tableside guacamole in Rita’s Kitchen, hand-crafted cocktails and dren’s Museum of Phoenix or the Arizona Science Center, also live entertainment nightly make a staycation at the Camelback Inn through Dec. 31. like no other,” says Jim Rose, the Inn’s general manager. 18 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE Thrills and Chills Here

STAYCATIONS TO BLOW YOU AWAY Check our Night on the Town website Downtown Discovery throughout Game Night the summer Urban Eats for additional Vintage Sweet Life specials Cars Park Free

2 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

P: (480) 478-1730 | F: (602) 253-6747

hotelpalomar-phoenix.com

PPX_013_0501_PalPhxAd_JewishLife_7.375x4.937.indd 1 5/8/13 11:31 AM

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 19 [STAYCATION]

JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa Royal Palms Resort and Spa In 1929, Cunard Steamship executive and financier Delos Cooke, About 10 miles north of downtown Scottsdale – and as much nephew of J.P. Morgan, built the 3,500-square-foot Spanish Re- as 10 degrees cooler – the resort comprises 160 guest casitas and vival villa, now the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, for his wife — “El 61 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, seven restaurants and Vernadero,” their winter haven in Phoenix/Scottsdale. a lounge, two championship Jay Morrish-designed golf courses, A Destination Hotels & Resorts property, the 65-acre resort eight tennis courts including three classic clay surfaces, five pre- celebrated its multimillion-dollar restoration in summer 1997, mier cushion courts and a full-service Waldorf Astoria Spa. incorporating at its center the Cooke’s original home. With 119 “We look forward to welcoming the local community to our custom-appointed casitas, suites and guestrooms, the Alvadora special desert hideaway,” says Stephen Ast, The Boulders manag- Spa, and Cervantes Bistro and T. Cook’s under Executive Chef ing director. “Summer is the perfect time to play world-class golf Todd Sicolo, the Royal Palms offers an outstanding summer expe- and relax at our Waldorf Astoria Spa, thanks to our value-added rience for individuals, couples and families. packages.” (TheBoulders.com). Enjoy a number of getaways this summer. “Simply Romantic” includes two nights of accommodations; dinner-for-two credit in Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa Cervantes Bistro; access to an evening summer poolside gather- Just a few minutes from the Loop 101, the Hyatt Regency Scotts- ing event for two; and a complimentary upgrade at booking. And, dale Resort & Spa is a perfect family getaway. the Surprise & Delight includes two nights of accommodations; In addition, the Hyatt features gondola boat rides and the $100 in resort credits per stay including a $50 spa credit and a $50 holistically inspired Spa Avania. On campus are five restaurants Cabana Cafe credit (restrictions for both). including Noh, serving sushi and sashimi. And, at Center Stage Bar, In addition, summer guests can experience a “Manor of Taste” there’s live nightly entertainment. with a spa poolside treatments such as a Cool Stone Foot Mas- The family will enjoy the Hyatt’s 2.5-acre water park with 10 sage, Cool Stone Reflexology, Cucumber Eye Treatment and Scalp pools, the new three-story, high-speed waterslide and the sandy Massage and a Natural Hot Yoga session on Saturday mornings. beach. (scottsdale.hyatt.com) “This summer brings many exciting enhancements to Royal Palms, so it’s a wonderful time to visit the property,” says General The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Manager Steve Benson. “Our new Chef McCabe will be offering Want a getaway in the Old Pueblo hills? Northwest of Tucson, in Chef Demos and Tastings as he explores tempting culinary spe- a Tortolita Mountains canyon, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain cials for the autumn menu. The exciting culinary options, coupled features adventure programming, five restaurants, a 17,000-square- with the Alvadora Spa offerings, magnify the sense of romance foot destination spa, 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf and enchantment of Royal Palms.” and three swimming pools – one with a 235-foot water slide. In addition, children aged 5-12 can enjoy The Dove Mountain Other resorts Rangers program. Dove Mountain features 253 guest rooms and 31 suites The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort including The Ritz-Carlton Suite Casitas in Wild Burro Canyon A Place to Chill: The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, Care- – a village within the resort. (ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain). free, has been an extraordinary desert hideaway for almost 30 years. 20 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE Royal Palms Resort and Spa

The Scottsdale Plaza Resort For 37 years, The Scottsdale Plaza Resort has been one of the Southwest’s premiere hospitality destinations. In summer it’s a hometown resort – a getaway for couples, families and friends. Minutes from downtown Scottsdale, the 40-acre campus features 404 guest rooms – including 180 suites as large as 3,100 square feet in the Executive Lodge. The award-winning Remington’s Restaurant & Lounge serves contemporary cuisine indoors or on an outdoor patio with views of landmark Camelback Mountain. Garden Court has contemporary casual dining in a courtyard setting, and J.D.’s Lounge is a sports pub with an extensive imported beer list, light dining and snacks. Both Remington’s Lounge and J.D.’s have live entertainment. (scottsdaleplaza.com) Fairmont Scottsdale The Fairmont Scottsdale is super cool this summer. Celebrating 25 years of luxury, the AAA Five Diamond getaway offers stay- cationers 649 guest rooms, including 69 Fairmont Gold rooms and suites, five pools, the Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa, tennis, golf, award-winning cuisine and activities. Poolside, 200-foot water slides are lined by shady cabanas. In addition, enjoy Dive-In movies and the Techno Glo Party weekend nights at the resort’s 6,000-square-foot water oasis, Sonoran Splash. During the day, the new Zip Line delivers a 300-foot thrill ride across the Princess lagoon. Adults can sample any of the 240 tequilas at Richard Sandoval’s La Hacienda, escape for a day to the spa or enjoy a meal at Michael Mina’s Four Diamond Bourbon Steak. (scottsdaleprincess.com) n David M. Brown (azwriter.com) is a Valley-based freelancer. JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 21 [STAYCATION] Photograph your next vacation like a pro

By Mark Gluckman ontrary to popular belief, good vacation photographs are difficult to shoot. It is wrong to believe that snapping 500 digital images on a two-week vacation will produce a National Geographic documentary. Rich travel photography includes the nuance of portraits, the grandeur of landscape, Cthe speed of photojournalism and the eye and wonder of a child. One well-framed 11 x 14 photo speaks louder than scores of “How I Spent My Vacation” snapshots. A professional photographer thinks a 10% shooting average is terrific. Those are not great shots, they are acceptable images. If I get five outstanding shots out of 500 images, I am overwhelmed. To come back from a trip with photos more interesting than Aunt Jewel pointing to the Wailing Wall, you must learn some basic rules. Follow these guidelines on your next vacation, and I guarantee you will return from your next holiday with better images than you ever thought possible. Have a Theme – Give Yourself a Direction What kind of photos do you want to bring home? Do landscapes give you a thrill? Are cathedrals your passion? When I travel for pleasure, I get an idea of what I want to document before I leave. This trip I want to return with the faces of France or the Moorish mosques of Spain or the food stalls of Hong Kong. If you focus on one subject, your shooting will be very structured, less scattered – time and energy will not be wasted. In the United States, whether on assignment or vacationing, my passion is rural post offices. There is a post office in every town and hunting to find that one jewel has given me much joy over the years. Even on days when I have not felt like shooting, I know that if I do not stop at that next small town, I may miss the best rural post The photos included were not taken with any special lighting or office in the United States. Find something that you like and seek it lenses. All were shot with standard features found on almost all out whenever you travel: synagogues, old schools, police stations and digital cameras. Above: Bilbao, Spain – Simple reflections from a cemeteries are just a few examples. Give yourself a photo goal while bridge over the Nervión River. Left: Bus Girl (Hong Kong) – Last photo on vacation. I took in Hong Kong from a taxi to the airport. A city bus passed, so I could only get off two frames.

It’s Not the Camera, It’s the Photographer Even today’s simplest point-and-shoot digital cameras are more sophisticated than professional cameras were 20 years ago. The competition is so great in photography that all manufacturers are wooing customers with low prices and amazing quality. Do not be intimidated by your lack of equipment or other form of abundance! You are the creator. Henri Cartier-Bresson, one of the finest photojournalists in history, was known to use only one lens when he shot, and it was not a zoom lens! Know Your Equipment The only way to become a good photographer is to know your equipment intimately. Do not bring new equipment on your vaca- 22 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE tion unless you are completely familiar with it. Let me repeat that: Do not bring new equipment on your vacation! Your manu- als are your bibles, so take them with you. They will be a great comfort. Read them on the plane to familiarize yourself with those little buttons that do what? There is nothing worse than missing a great shot, because you didn’t know what each button did. Bring extra batteries! Today’s mega-function cameras eat batteries because of all the internal electronics (zoom, flash, autofocus, etc.). It’s Digital – Shoot Wildly The old mantra was “Film is your cheapest commodity.” Well digital is even cheaper. I’m still using the same card I bought five years ago. The old rule of thumb was to shoot one roll of film a day (36 exposures) while on vacation – now, how about 100 images? This is a very simple premise. The more you Above top left: Mom and Son, Takhli, Thailand – Just a mom checking the fever of her son. shoot, the better you get – and the greater Above left: Mary Kay, Oaxaca, Mexico – The ubiquity of Mary Kay. Above right: Lexi, Siracusa, your odds are of returning with outstanding Italy - Shot inside a church with available light. images. The more you practice the piano, the better you become – the same with photography. I have yet to meet anyone who felt he or she took too many of photos with no labels or negatives. Well folks, that’s what some of photos. There was always that one missed shot or one captured at the your computer desktops are now! You should be able to pull any im- wrong angle. You may never be in that location again, so shoot a lot. age from four years ago in less than five minutes if you’ve organized Think black and white while shooting. There are some scenes that are them correctly from the start. There are scores of great programs more dramatic without color. Never shoot in the b/w mode, but rather that help organize shots. convert them in an editing program when you return home. Be Unique in Your Shooting The Garbage Pail (OK, the Delete Button) Is Your Best Friend The great scenic and historic shots have been done by everyone. We Photos are not sacrosanct. If an image is rotten, delete it. As simple cannot possibly take photos as beautiful as the postcard shots. The as this may sound, it is the most difficult thing for most people to do. photographers who take those photos live there and can wait and Dump the garbage! At least 30% of your photos should be tossed on wait and wait for the perfect lighting or sky or weather. Don’t be the first edit, and that’s not including the shots you delete on the spot. too proud to buy those postcards for your album. Tell your friends You always want to improve your skills, and if you keep only the best, you took them. It’s not that you should not photograph the same you have a basis of comparison for your next trip. I don’t care if you subjects, just look for a new perspective. You have seen the postcards. think they are not taking up any physical room on your computer, Ask yourself, “Where was the photographer standing?” Go for a they are still junk. Six months after your vacation, go over your photos different angle; try to capture an interesting mood. and edit them again. The novelty of the trip has worn off, and you Do not let the weather hamper your shooting. Each condition can be very objective. On a two-week vacation, shooting 100 images can add something to your pictures. Grey days give a different feel- a day totals 1,400 shots. It would not be unheard of to have only 200 ing than sunny ones, and wind creates a different aura than stillness. photos of that vacation after two years of editing. Remember, pros Some wonderful – actually astonishing – photos have been created consider 10% a great shooting average. That 10% is not great photos when the photographer’s mood or the weather seems dismal. Use it but acceptable ones. Your friends and relatives would rather see 50 ... remember all your emotions are compressed on a vacation. When great shots instead of 250 mediocre ones. Also, they will not dread you’re happy, it is euphoric, when you’re down ... watch out! Contin- coming over to your house after a vacation if they know they will ue to shoot if you feel down; you will bring a different slant to that be seeing some quality work. “Oh no, not Bob and Emily’s vacation day and don’t assume the photos will be dreadful. photos again ... I’m getting a migraine!” Rewarding travel photography takes effort. Reread this a few times, find the things that grab you and use them. Start to get an Organize Your Images Promptly idea of what you want to capture on film on your next trip. Follow One of the more painful processes after returning home is organiz- the rules. Photography is a combination of technology (camera) and ing your photo files. Do this immediately: set up folders, change the art. Watch for those moments that say something and most of all ... names of your images and so forth. Remember years past when that have fun! n drawer you had in the kitchen or den was overflowing with hundreds ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 23 [STAYCATION] The Canyon is a Grand place for vacations and life-cycle events

Rabbi Dovi Shapiro of the Flagstaff Chabad Center lights a menorah at the Grand Canyon during Hanukah. Photo by Tomer Kalansky

By Melissa Hirschl Scenic Overlooks ummer in the city is CONTACTS: Ride the shuttle bus to explore nine always an invitation to Congregation Heichal Baoranim awe-inspiring overlooks along the sev- escape. What better place 2609 N. Patterson Blvd., Flagstaff en-mile Hermit Road. Or drive along the to marvel at nature, take 928-527-8747 | heichalbaoranim.org 25-mile Desert View Drive as you wind in mesmerizing scenery around the Colorado River for more awe- and view sweeping vistas Chabad Flagstaff some scenery. than the Grand Canyon? Just an 1254 W. University Ave., Flagstaff hour from Flagstaff to the South 928-255-5756 | jewishflagstaff.com One-Day Rafting Rim, the Canyon offers visitors a Excursions plethora of potential adventures Grand Canyon info: Limited time? The Canyon’s one-day S Park information: nps.gov/grca such as hiking, bird watching, rafting trips will give you a sampling of fossil walks, day and evening park Raft trips: oars.com/grandcanyon the Canyon’s grandeur combined with programs, train rides, mule rides and Camping at Munds Park: 928-286-1309 the thrill of one of nature’s most exciting much more. Even a one-day trip can rides. Accompanied by an experienced and be an enthralling adventure. knowledgeable native Hualapi river guide, The perfect kick-off for your visit you begin your adventure soaking up the is watching an appropriately titled scenery of the Hualapai Indian Reservation movie: “Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder.” Shown at the along Diamond Creek. As you enter the waters of the Colorado Grand Canyon Visitor Center, the movie is only 20 minutes River, currents whisk you to the shore for a short hike to Traver- long and starts on the hour and half hour. tine Falls. Have your waterproof camera ready to capture all the 24 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE beauty! After 10 miles, a picnic lunch awaits along the riverbank. the perfect summer retreat at 6,700 feet! It’s ideally located as a The last leg of your journey takes things down a notch or two, jumping off point for visits to the Canyon, Sedona, Oak Creek affording ample opportunity for pictures of wildlife as the raft Canyon, Petrified Forest, Meteor Crater and numerous hiking ride becomes more leisurely. A helicopter ride rounds out the trails. trip (weather permitting), and then it’s just a short bus ride back to Peach Springs. THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSION Jews were raised in the wilderness with water and earth, so what Hiking better place to complement Judaism than the Canyon and sur- To experience unbeatable and spectacular views, the South Kaibab rounding areas? These two Flagstaff congregations offer unique Trail delivers a knockout punch. Rated as difficult, it is a steep and and custom-tailored sojourns to the Canyon as well as “meals on rugged 1.8-mile round trip, but is known to be worth the exertion. wheels.” Within a half mile you will reach the aptly named Oooh Ahh Point, 600 feet below. This hike in not recommended for children as it has Chabad of Flagstaff steep drop-offs. Rabbi Dovi Shapiro of the Flagstaff Chabad Center says many If you are leaning toward a more leisurely stroll at one level, check people from all over the world and the United States contact out the Rim Trail – 12 mostly paved miles that won’t leave you them throughout the year to arrange for Shabbat dinner visits panting. This is the perfect introduction to the canyon with no com- while touring the Canyon and nearby parks. “They come to our promise on scenery. If you want to alternate hiking and riding the home for a delicious dinner of soup, fish, salad and desserts,” he shuttle bus, there are several shuttles stops along the way to experi- says, “as well as singing and a discussion of the current Torah ence overlooks and switch between foot and motorized transport. portion. In addition they can join us for services at 10 am on Nearby Camping Saturday morning. “People are always amazed to find a vibrant For those who want to maximize the outdoor experience, check community in Flagstaff, and it is a great treat to have a spiritual out Munds Park. This all-inclusive camping venue just south experience while on vacation.” The center also provides takeout of Flagstaff provides delightfully cool weather, as well as the meals for those wanting to keep kosher while on the road. Res- tree-studded scenery Flagstaff is famous for. They accommodate ervations are necessary and donations are welcome. campers, recreational vehicles and seasonal residents, making it Congregation Heichal Baoranim For 40 years, this Reform Flagstaff congregation has been serving the needs of Reform Jews as well as Conservative, Orthodox and all others. They pride themselves on being an eclectic mix and welcome visitors from around the world. Spiritual leader Rabbi Nina Perlmutter has a multifaceted background in Jewish eco-theology and is a strong advocate for the interconnectedness among nature, conservation and Jewish spirituality. Throughout the year she leads groups of various sizes to the Canyon for retreats, hikes, Jewish meditation packages and river rides. In addition, she performs life-cycle events such as weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs at the Canyon. “I know of no other place that can so quickly bring us to the source of our ancestors, using earth, air and water to connect to God,” she says. n

Melissa Hirschl is a Gilbert-based freelance writer as well as a multi-media artist. She has written for a variety of publications in the Phoenix area as well as New York. She has a husband and two young adult children, all of whom are active outdoor enthusiasts.

Rabbi Nina Perlmutter of Congregation Heichal Baoranim leads a tour of Shoshone Point at the Grand Canyon.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 25 [STAYCATION] Explore Prescott’s theater options

By Janet Arnold hat’s a nice Jewish boy from New York doing in a small town like Prescott? Producing, directing, selecting plays and directors, hiring musicians, coaching foreign accents, teaching fight choreography, setting up classes for students, raising money and, oh, adding a whole new second stage to a community facility. And that’s when he’s notW on stage. Jon Meyer does all this and more in his position as executive director of Prescott Center for the Arts. Since 2009 Jon has been expanding the PCA’s offerings in both quantity and quality. He was surprised to find that the PCA was often “dark” (no offerings) for three to four weeks at a time. He believed the theater, housed in perhaps the oldest Catholic church in the state, had such potential that he added programming. One of the first shows he produced was Beau Jest, a staple for every Jewish theater in America. Although the full-time Jewish population in Prescott is only about 1,000, Jon took a chance that the show would resonate with a broader audience. He was right. Jon has increased programming many times over in Prescott. The main stage, which seats 194, is now rarely dark; when it is, it’s often because the company needs a larger setting for a production. Prescott Center for the Arts Executive Director Jon Meyer The PCA produces six main-stage shows, two family-oriented performs as Val Skolsky, one of the writers in Neil Simon’s shows with young actors, and a variety of concerts and special comedy “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.” events. Jon has added teen summer stock musicals and a tween program of summer stock, Jr. WHAT: The Producers Jon is proudest of his Young Playwright’s Festival, started in WHERE: Prescott Center for the Arts, 2011. The second year he included Sedona, and the third year will 208 N Marina St., Prescott encompass Flagstaff as well. He has garnered great community WHEN: 7:30 pm June 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29; support, including a 2013 grant from the Jewish Community and 2 pm June 16 and 23 Foundation of Prescott this year. Jon plans to take the Festival COST: $18-$22 for show; add meal at Murphy’s ($30 for statewide in the next few years. dinner; $20 for lunch); Special rates available Stage Too, a second stage at PCA that opened in mid-May, at Marriott Spring Hill Suites will allow him to expand offerings to include small shows with RESERVATIONS: For show/dinner/hotel, call 928-445-3286 some edgier content, thereby expanding PCA’s reach and appeal. The PCA found a building right next to their main stage and renovated it for theater. It can be a black box small theater in several configurations: traditional, in the round and thrust, with chairs Company in 1990 in their production of “Milk and Honey” as on three sides. It can also be used as rehearsal space or set up as a well as nearly five years of singing in the Arizona Opera Chorus. cabaret. Jon hopes to start offering improvisational classes, leading “My love for theater and performing has always been there adding to an Improv Troupe, and hopes to add cabarets and open-mike balance to my life – kind of like a spiritual renewal,” Stanley com- nights. Six shows already are slated for the new space. ments. He’s having great fun in rehearsals for “The Producers”, in “Prescott is blessed with retired professionals from all over the which he plays a variety of characters. Originally from Brooklyn, country,” Jon reflects. “And we have many talented folks who have Stanley can’t help noticing the slower pace in Prescott. “In my moved over from Los Angeles, adding to an extremely rich pool of practice, many of the local retirees would show up an hour before actors and theater artisans.” For their upcoming production of “The their appointment, and we both loved to talk and kibbitz. It made Producers”, they have 40 community volunteer actors on stage. practicing dentistry less stressful!” Among those in the cast is Stanley Sweet, a dentist who Another Jewish cast member in the loony Mel Brooks musical formerly lived in Phoenix and moved to Prescott in 2004. He re- is Arlene Minuskin, who moved to Prescott 13 years ago from members fondly his appearance with the Arizona Jewish Theatre Glendale, CA, with her husband. While they weren’t ready 26 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE Head north to escape the heat

By Janet Arnold Looking for cooler climes this summer? Why not travel to Some of their favorite restaurants northern Arizona? Daytime temperatures are gen- are Papa’s Italian, Iron Spring and erally 10-15 degrees lower than Phoenix, but Prescott Station. They also enjoy the morning and evening temperatures often offerings from the Jewish Foundation require the donning of a light sweater such as performances by Itzhak Perl- or jacket. Ah! man and Neil Sedaka. Prescott is about 90 minutes Some families determine they’re from the Valley and 3½ hours ready to give up big city life and set from Tucson. The first capital of down new roots in the area. Greg Arizona, Prescott activities of- Raskin’s family has been in the jewel- ten involve the Courthouse Square ry business in Prescott for more than 50 around the old courthouse. Prescott years.Raskin Jewelry is on the square near the historic Hotel (pronounced PRESScut to those in the know) is touted as being St. Michael and the Hassayampa Inn, built in 1927. one of the finest places to retire in the United States. There’s Sedona, northeast of Prescott, boasts a beautiful syna- an emphasis on arts and culture – with a healthy side dose of gogue occupied by the Jewish Community of Sedona and the cowboy bars as well. Verde Valley. The view of the famous red rocks from the pan- Temple B’rith Shalom adds the Jewish connection, and there oramic windows is awe inspiring and helps to create a spiritual is also a very active Jewish Community Foundation of Greater feeling as soon as one enters. The community here also has an Prescott. (brithshalom-az.org, 928-708-0018) The Jewish com- active community foundation that brings in arts and cultural munities of all of northern Arizona, including Sedona, Verde Val- programming. ley, Flagstaff and surrounds, often collaborate on major events. Tina and David Robbins have a home in The Village at Oak Many Phoenix residents have second homes in Prescott. Dr. Creek, just a few miles south of Sedona. They enjoy the vari- Bruce Mallin was brought up in Prescott, and he and his wife, ous hiking trails and their favorite restaurant, Red Chopsticks, Risa, still maintain a home there. He has fond memories of look- which Tina asserts is “the best Chinese restaurant in the state!” ing forward to the annual Frontier Days Parade and the rodeo, They are members of the Sedona congregation and appreciate which is the world’s oldest. “Our children and grandchildren al- the friendly feelings of camaraderie they have there. ways plan to be in Prescott over the 4th of July. The flags and Now that David Frazer has pretty much retired, he and his bunting are a sure sign that Prescott is America’s hometown.” wife, Marilyn, spend a lot of time at their home in Sedona. Da- Judy and Marty Solomon built their Prescott home in 1998 vid says the list of things to do is endless. “Great hiking, terrific and try to get up most weekends and for the better part of galleries, Chamber Music Sedona, Red Rocks Music Festival in the summer. According to Judy, “We absolutely love being up late August, Sedona Film Festival, some excellent restaurants there. There is something so special about the relaxing atmo- and spectacular views of the famous red rocks. We are also sphere.” The Solomons enjoy meeting and befriending some of fortunate to have the Jewish Community of Sedona and the the many artists from the area, with the Krieger-Marcusen Gal- Verde Valley led by Rabbi Alicia Magal.” lery in the Courthouse Square being one of their favorite haunts. jcsvv.org, 928-204-1286 For more information: visit-prescott.com | visitsedona.com. to completely retire, they were ready for a slower pace and an says. “This was Mel Brooks’ way of thumbing his nose at Hitler opportunity for Arlene to explore her passions in photography and the Nazis. He’s saying that in spite of Hitler, the Jews are still and theater. “The Producers” marks Arlene’s 12th show with the here – we survived!” PCA. She is also involved in the gallery there and is a member of Based on the 1967 movie of the same name, “The Producers” the Sisterhood at Temple B’rith Shalom. Her husband, Harold, is the story of shyster-type theatrical producer, Max Bialystock, is a survivor of the Holocaust. His father fought with the Jewish who meets Leo Bloom, a timid accountant. Together they concoct partisans in Russia. Harold translated his mother’s diary from the a surefire way to make their millions by bilking their Broadway in- original Yiddish and has published a book titled My Children, vestors. To make their plan a success, the show must be a complete My Heroes: Memoirs of a Holocaust Mother (holocaust-memoirs. flop. They choose “Springtime for Hitler”. What could possibly go webnode.com). Arlene and Harold regularly speak to schools in wrong? Prescott and the Valley about Harold’s experiences and have cre- PCA has partnered with Murphy’s Restaurant and Marriott ated an endowment at the Jewish Studies Department at Arizona Spring Hill Suites to put together a great package for out-of-towners State University in memory of his mother. who want a complete mini-escape from the southern Arizona heat. So how do they feel about Arlene being in a play that has Both venues are within walking distance of the theater. The art gallery Hitler as one of its comic elements? “I look at it this way,” Arlene and gift shop are open one hour prior to curtain. n ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 27 [fashion]

Take cover this summer By Kira Brown As summer creeps up and the cringe factor of donning a bathing suit for a poolside afternoon starts to badger the back of my mind, I realize that summer should not be just about stripping down. It should be about covering up, too. Summer fun often means more time in the harsh summer sun, and at every age, it’s prudent to protect our skin from its harmful rays. Covering up doesn’t have to mean being frumpy or unstylish with a bright white zinc-painted nose! In fact, just the opposite can be true with some care- fully chosen sun-blocking products that amplify your summer style.

Wrap It Up Swim covers are a must! My swimwear strategy is this: I purchase solid-colored suits when necessary (every few years usually) and invest in new covers each summer. Covers, stylish wraps and even swim- suit-covering jumpsuits can be worn by the pool and beach, for casual dining and even to summer bar- becues and parties. And they make a great outfit to keep cool when lounging around the house on hot summer days. Becca Swim, one of my favorite swimwear design- ers for bodies of all types and ages, offers adorable swim covers, wraps and jumpsuits to wrap it up this summer. beccaswim.com

28 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE Bright Eyes One of my favorite summer pastimes is to catch up on the latest and classic books. But wearing contacts near the sand and fumbling with clunky readers or glasses isn’t always the most fashionable or practical choice. But the sun readers by Eyebobs are both chic and sleek for beach or poolside reading with 100% UV protection for your precious eyes. Eyebobs, for both men and women, come in a wide selection of funky (not clunky!) frames and colors. eyebobs.com

The Root of Sun Protection One place that often gets missed when applying thick sunscreens or sprays is the top of our head! The scalp is a delicate area and is exposed to the sun a lot, even during the normal course of a day. MoniMay Sun Shadz and other pow- Hats Off to Summer Hats der-form products are a great Or rather, hats on for summer for the en- way to protect your scalp tire family with a protective sun hat. Sun while offering hair styling ben- hats are a must and offer the delicate efits, as well. Sun Shadz is the skin on your face, head and ears protec- first sun protection blend that tion from the sun’s harmful rays. Sun hats is patented specifically for the come in a wide variety of colors, fabrics hair and scalp. It is the first and functions to mix and match with any all-natural, micronized miner- summer outfit. What I look for in a sun hat al powder formula that offers is whether it’s packable. Shopping on coo- a solution to greasy or alcohol-based sunscreens. Just a quick lio.com, I look for hats that pack well, even swipe of the powdery brush and that’s it! Another great way to just for my summer pool bag, so my hat use a powder sun protectant is to brush it on your children’s will last and not crumple and bend. heads and faces before school or the beach, especially if they dislike sunscreen creams and sprays. monimay.com

Kira Brown is a certified personal stylist and fashion writer. Kira has interviewed many fashion icons including Tim Gunn, jeweler Neil Lane, international makeup artist Jem- ma Kidd and Ken Downing of Neiman Marcus. Kira also offers virtual style consulta- tions for women and men. Contact her at [email protected]. [Cover]

She’s talented, hot and funny – and now she hosts “The List,” a trendy cable show produced in Phoenix

By Deborah Moon

he’s an Emmy Award-winning writer, Emmy-nominated TV host and a best-selling author, but look up Teresa Strasser on urbandictionary.com and you’ll see she’s the “hot Jewish broad on the Adam Carolla show.” Now she has brought her incom- parable wry wit and poignant perceptions to Phoenix, where her syndicated cable show, “The List,” uses that very thing to look at daily consumer issues and the hottest news trends. On her official bio on The List website, Teresa says of lists: “You are either angry that the thing you love isn’t on the list, or you’re validated because your thing is on the list. Either way, it’s always something to talk about.” Teresa began her TV career in 1997 as a writer on “Win Ben Stein’s Money,” for which she won her Emmy. After S writing for “While You Were Out,” she stepped in as host for the final 50 episodes after host Anna Bocci left the show; Teresa earned an Emmy nomination for her work on that home makeover show. She became co-host of Adam Carolla’s radio show and podcasts in 2006. In our Q&A with Teresa, she calls Adam Carolla “a genius.” Can that possibly be because of his complimentary comments about her LA Times best-selling book, Exploiting My Baby: Because It’s Exploiting Me? He wrote: “Teresa’s pain is your gain. The toll pregnancy and birth have taken on her marriage, career, psyche and cervix are all laid bare for your info-tainment. Her neurotic neonatal journey will make you laugh and cry.” According to her bio, Teresa’s other TV credits include creating and writing the pilot for a potential ABC series “Mother Teresa” based on her book Exploiting My Baby, and writing for ABC’s “The Chair,” “It’s Your Chance of a Lifetime” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” Teresa Strasser She’s been a host on flop sweat every time numerous shows including I stood in front of the “Tips from the Set,” “My camera. It was relentless. Parents Are Gonna Love I kept telling myself, “self, You,” “TV Watercooler,” you are a Semite. You “How to Get the Guy,” and should be able to handle “Lover’s Lounge.” the desert.” After which Teresa grew up in south- I would just silently ern California as the daugh- cry into a Rita’s frozen ter of a single mom, whom custard. Teresa has described in her Can you tell us about columns as being not always your current TV show, reliable. After studying jour- The List (airs in Phoenix nalism at New York Universi- on Channel 15 at 4:30 ty, she returned to California pm Monday-Friday)? where she honed her journal- The show is little pop istic talents writing for the culture, some humor, Los Angeles Times and the some news. It’s pretty Los Angeles Jewish Journal. much a half hour to fill She has earned three Los you in on all the things Angeles Press Club Awards you need to know so you and a Simon Rockower don’t seem like a total Award (from the American knob when interacting Jewish Press Association). with people. Trust me, Rob Eshman, editor of before this gig, I wouldn’t Los Angeles Jewish Journal, have been able to talk notes: “Teresa is a natural viral videos and Psy and storyteller, and an honest one. Popping Tags, but now She’s fearless in her self-re- I feel better in the loop. flection, and she manages to We are like a quick digest balance very difficult truths for busy people. with very sharp humor.” Which of the TV shows Regarding Teresa as a you’ve been involved person and a journalist, he with was the most fun? adds: “You can ask Teresa The most rewarding? what’s up, and always get a Obviously, my favorite raw, honest, funny, insightful Being involved with Temple show is the one I’m on answer. She has rare talents right now! You hear that, as a performer and a writer – Solel changed my life here. bosses? To be totally she’s funny, fearless and hon- sincere, Scripps, which est, and she also cares deeply – Teresa Strasser produces this show, about the craft of writing.” did something totally When we reached out to unheard of in the world Teresa, she proved to be every of television when they bit as funny, friendly and open as we had been told. hired me. Despite knowing I was pregnant, they Here is our question and answer session with moved me out here from Los Angeles, launched Phoenix’s new cable television series host. a show with me when I was 38 weeks pregnant, paid maternity leave so I could be with my little When and why did you move to Phoenix? one and created an amazing work environment I moved to Phoenix in July to co-host a new for a mom of two. I was working so close to my syndicated news magazine show called “The List,” due date, I was pretty much crowning when we which tapes at KNXV. At the time, I was seven premiered. I mean, this is truly family friendly. months pregnant, and I questioned my own sanity about I also loved hosting TLC’s “While You Were the move. It was so hot my earrings would burn my ears, and Out” and “The Adam Carolla Show” – one because it was I was covered in Albert Brooks-from-”Broadcast News”-style fun making over the rumpus rooms of America and the other ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 31 [Cover]

She has rare talents as a performer and a writer – she’s funny, fearless and honest. – Rob Eshman, editor of Los Angeles Jewish Journal

32 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE There’s an obscure law passed federally in 1987 which requires I answer thusly: my proudest accomplishment is being a mom to my two gorgeous sons. – Teresa Strasser

because working live for four hours a day with a genius like Carolla is a real privilege. You seem equally accomplished as a writer and TV personality. Do you see yourself as more one than the other, or do they complement each other? The truth is I’m far better at writing than anything else. However, that career involves lots of isolation, angst and second-guessing, things that come naturally to me, but that I should avoid in heavy amounts. In television, I often write the bulk of what I say, so it’s a career path that uses my skill set while also allowing me to wear false eyelashes and concealer and heels. You’ve won an Emmy, three Los Angeles Press Club Awards and a Simon Rockower Award from the American Jewish Press Association. Which accomplishment are you most proud of? There’s an obscure law passed federally in 1987 which requires Top: Daniel Wachinski and Teresa I answer thusly: my proudest accomplishment is being a mom Strasser on their wedding day in Las to my two gorgeous sons. But let’s face it, Emmy-winning writer Vegas in 2008. Above: Teresa Strasser will be in my obituary, so that’s pretty sweet. Wait, so will mom with sons Nathaniel and Drew. of two. Wait, this is getting really dark. Wait, now I need a drink. Wait, I don’t want to end up in Tent City. Wait, make it a Xanax, and I’ll catch the public transportation.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 33 [Cover]

Teresa Strasser moved to Phoenix to begin co-hosting “The List” when she was 38 weeks pregnant.

Wait – did I mention I had a VBAC here in Phoe- nix? For those who don’t know, that means vaginal birth after cesarean – turns out, this is a great city for VBAC-supportive hospitals and doctors. I love my doctor, Kathleen Schwartz – and all the nurses at Scottsdale Healthcare. It felt like a major accomplishment to give birth the old-fashioned way, especially at my age (42). Wait, why did I admit that? Before you married Daniel Wachinski in 2008, you won at least one award for your singles writing. Do you have any advice for Arizona singles? Join The Village (health club) or check out OHSO (eatery and nanobrewery) in Arcadia – I see lots of single folks at both those places. And get a cute dog. Are you involved in any Jewish congregation or organization in Arizona? This is no exaggeration. Being involved with Temple Solel changed my life here. I showed up pregnant with Dating Site List no friends, and within just a few weeks of joining, I Teresa Strasser says one of her favorite lists made the best mom friends I’ve ever had. That sounds from “The List” is niche dating sites: cheesy and incredible, but it’s true. The new rabbi “You’ve heard of Match.com, eHarmony there, Rabbi Ilana Mills, also moved from LA around the same and OKCupid, but what if your requirements time I did and also has little boys. I feel very at home there, and are a little more specific? It’s love week here it’s a real comfort. on the List and we took a look as some dat- Do you celebrate Shabbat or any of the holidays at home? ing websites for the pickier partner. Through my toddler. He brings tzedakah to school every Friday Niche online dating is what’s trending. and loves singing his Shabbat songs. Having kids brings you With 40 million singles across America, back to your faith in the most beautiful ways. many have turned their search for love to the What Jewish values/traditions do you hope to pass on to your web. And the explosion of dating websites sons Nathaniel, 3½, and Drew, almost 1? means you can find exactly what you want. Obviously, Purim is always fun for kids. This year Nate made Forget tall, dark and handsome, if you his own menorah, and every couple weeks he explains that he want tall, taller and Yao Ming, you can aim wants it to be Hanukah again. I love having Shabbat dinner – or high with niche websites such as datetall- as they call it at Temple – Tot Shabbat. Eating and communal people.com, tallpassions, tallsingles or even singing, two things that make a Jew a Jew. theTallStreetJournal.com. But that’s only Do you plan a sequel to your LA Times best-selling book, one niche. Exploiting My Baby? Exploiting My Toddler? Here’s a list of a few others we found: You’ve written seriously and humorously about mental FarmersDatingSite.com illness and anorexia. Do you want to share your thoughts PokerSingles.com on either of these? DarwinDating.com Well, as an Ashkenazi Jew, I come by my neuroses honestly, TheUglyBugBall.com right? All I can say is that therapy is a life-changer, and if you Meet-An-Inmate.com find you have an eating disorder, 12-step programs or any recov- singleArtistDating.com ery-based support group can save your life. Saved mine. Fitness-singles.com Is there anything else you would like to share with readers of FindYourFacemate.com Arizona Jewish Life? Niche websites aren’t just trending. Initially I moved here because a TV show was willing to employ They are helping you find love.” me pregnant. Now I’m madly in love with the families I’ve met here. This is a paradise. Even in July. n 34 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE [Community] Kate Gallego: Caring is more than a campaign slogan

By Janet Arnold nything to help an important cause. Kate Gallego has always been devoted to social justice, caring for the environment and helping her fellow citizens. So, when shortly after 9/11, a friend invited Kate to an event to raise money for the Red Cross and first responders, sheA made sure to be there. The gimmick for the event was a date auction – and Kate put in a bid on a guy who a fellow sophomore at Harvard had told her was “a good guy.” Before she knew it, the bids were out of her range. But the auctioneer looked at her and said “Kate, you bid early. Wouldn’t you like to put in a final bid?” She admitted it was tempting, but she just didn’t have enough money. The date candidate smiled and quipped, “She’s cute. I’ll put in the rest myself!”

Photo by Tomas Karmelo

8, an area that covers a large geographic part of the city, including the airport, Chase Field and some areas reaching Camelback Road (gallego4Phoenix.com). Her work record exemplifies her passions. While working at SRP, Kate developed a renewable energy program for businesses that wanted to operate using clean energy. She was instrumental in helping to secure millions of dollars in grants for solar and other cutting-edge technologies. Kate is well aware of the similarities between Arizona and Israel in terms of climate-related industries, information security and clean technology. She’s eager to strengthen relations with Phoenix’s sister City, Ramat Photo courtesy of Kate and Ruben Gallego Gan, and beyond. As the longest serving chair of the Phoenix Environmental That was the beginning of Kate Widland’s relationship with Quality Commission, Kate led the efforts to create a more walk- Ruben Gallego, whom she married in 2010 after both had grad- able, vibrant city and to improve access to transportation options. uated from Harvard, after Ruben had served two tours of duty She serves as the vice chair of PlanPHX, the 10-year plan and with the Marine Corps and after Kate had earned her MBA from community conversation about the future of Phoenix, and she is a University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance. member of the Central City Village Planning Commission. Kate grew up in Albuquerque, NM. Her parents had experi- Phoenix’s City elections are nonpartisan. The eight city districts enced one blizzard too many in the Chicago area and sat down are split in two, with half (the even-numbered districts) being with a wooden puzzle of the United States. They thought about elected in 2013 for a four-year term, and the other half, as well as each piece and tossed each away until they got down to the state the mayor’s position, up for election in 2015. The primary election of New Mexico. Seemed as good a place as any – there wouldn’t be this year is on Tuesday, Aug. 27. From the primary the two top any snow (that would stick!) for sure. Kate grew up in the relatively vote-getters will go on to the general election Nov. 5. If, however, small Jewish community where “everyone was required to go to one person receives 50% plus 1 of the votes in August, he or she everyone else’s bar and bat mitzvahs. And they all used the same will move into the position automatically. To check to see which caterer!” Her family’s values were clear: “Everyone needs the com- city district you reside in and to find out more about elections, go munity to care for them at some time or another. Our daily lives to phoenix.gov/election. are impacted by forces around us – sometimes beyond our control. For the Gallego family, the varied election years work well. We need collective action to attend to community problems.” Ruben is currently a member of the Arizona House of Representa- Kate is now running for Phoenix City Council from District tives, with his re-election coming up in 2014. n ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 35 [Community] Mt. Sinai offers final resting place for all Jews

By Amy R. Kaufman n Jewish tradition, the cemetery is not a place of death but Ia place of life, where people honor their cherished ones and come to visit, sometimes leaving a small stone on the headstone as a sign of love. Many Jews long to be buried in a Jewish cemetery, not in the Jewish section of a sec- ular cemetery. Mt. Sinai, a Jewish cemetery that serves the entire Valley of the Sun, is endowed with unique features that make this possible for every Jew. “Mt. Sinai honors the traditions and wishes of families from all branches of Judaism,” says Sandy Rife, general manager, who has lived in the Valley for almost 35 years and is known for her volunteer work in the Jewish community. “Our mission from the beginning was to be able to accommodate anyone in the Valley who is Jewish, from the most observant all the way through the scale to those who are unaffiliated with anything Jewish, but

Mt. Sinai’s open-air, covered pavilion that seats 200 enables funeral services to be held at the cemetery.

36 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE were born Jewish.” This consecrated burial ground in the Sonoran Desert encompasses several distinct sections, each with its own criteria and regulations. “These sections are separated not just by a hedge, but in some cases by the roadway that winds through the cemetery,” says Sandy. Founded in 2005, the cemetery is owned and operated by Jews and is closed on Shabbat and all the major Jewish holidays. All the graves face toward Jerusalem. In accordance with the Jewish custom of rinsing one’s hands upon leaving a cemetery, three hand-washing stations are dispersed across the grounds of Mt. Sinai. “There are two assets that I think set us apart from all the other cemeteries, certainly in this area and around the country,” says Sandy. “The first and the most important, I feel, is that we have sidewalks in front of every grave. This gives the utmost respect and dignity to the deceased. No one needs to walk on a grave in this cemetery. “The second thing we have is an open-air, covered pavilion CASA CAESAREA that seats 200 … so the funeral service can take place in the same locale as the burial. Usually the service is done at the mortuary, and then you have a procession of cars to the ceme- Boutique tery. Also, the sidewalk access to the graves makes it very easy to move from the pavilion to the grave for the lowering. Those two Bed & Breakfast features really do set us apart.” One of the mitzvot (commandments) incumbent upon a Golf Residence, Caesarea, Israel Jew at the time of burial is to cover the lowered coffin with dirt. After the first three mounds of dirt have been placed on the ~ coffin, the shovel is laid down and the next person continues the Casa Caesarea is an oasis on the green, process. offering luxury suites, gourmet meals “We always have dirt at the gravesite, as is the mitzvah,” says Sandy. “Shoveling dirt is considered the ultimate mitzvah that and spectacular views - all in a totally people can perform, because you do it with the understanding private setting. that the deceased person can never repay you. … If the family wants to stay until the grave is covered completely by my staff, Close to the beach, antiquities and harbor. they can do that.” At the funeral home, which is separate from Available for short or extended stays. the cemetery, “differences may come in the preparation of the body or the casket they choose,” she says, “but at our cemetery, ~ we prepare the grave and perform the burial the same way for Anne Kleinberg – Author & Proprietor everybody.” Sandy says preplanning “is not everyone’s favorite subject,” but the benefits far outweigh the discomfort of making arrangements at the time of need. “I believe preplanning is as important a security to your family as a will,” she says. “No one should ever really leave this burden to someone else to do or to their children. As someone is dying – whether it’s a protracted illness or whether it’s sudden – if they have preplanned, such an enormous weight has been lifted off their shoulders. … It’s a much more difficult and emotional process to purchase a grave at the time someone has died. That’s why I tell people it’s a gift. It’s a gift you give each other.” Families often thank her for “nudging” them to preplan, San- dy says. “These people have been able to choose for themselves where they want to be buried and how they want to be buried, and they know the traditional customs of Jewish burial will be carried out in the proper way.” The peace of mind this brings is expressed in one of her favorite passages from the Talmud: “He has peace who looks to the welfare of his family … when he is with them and when he is away.” n www.casacaesarea.com Amy R. Kaufman is a journalist, book editor and publisher.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 37 [Arts & Entertainment] Read Local This summer check out Arizona’s Jewish authors By Janet Arnold Marcia Fine rowing up as an only child in a small town, Mar- While her books have a wide variety of themes, they are all cia Fine found that her best friend was a good based on Jewish people and situations. “I think of the Jewish book. Reading was always an integral part of people as ‘marbled rye bread,’ ” says Marcia. “They have such rich her life, so it was no surprise that she went on to and varied backgrounds and stories to tell. They are definitely earn a master’s degree in English and to become not white bread!” an English teacher. But her love of the written word didn’t stop Marcia plans to attend the Jewish Book Council Network there. Conference in June where she will present her book, The Blind GAbout 13 years ago, while planning her daughter’s wedding, Eye, to more than 100 JCC Book Fair representatives, with the Marcia kept running into situations that could be disastrous to hope of being invited to speak at some of their events during some. But Marcia chose to see the lighter side of each occur- the year. The book has already received honorable mention at rence and shared her viewpoints with her friends. They all urged the Southwestern Book Festival. “I have two minutes to present her to put her thoughts down on paper. The result was her first my book, with the hope of receiving a no-fee invite,” she laughs. book, entitled Gossip.com. Marcia had such fun with the process “But it can give you an opportunity to see new places and reach – and the book actually sold – so she continued. A consummate new people, which is something I really love.” fan of the great satirists, Marcia wrote two more satirical come- Marciafine.com dies to complete her trilogy: Boomerang: When Life Comes Back to Bite You is her second book in the Jean Rubin series, and Stressed in Scottsdale is the conclusion. A Scottsdale resident since 1976, Marcia says it was easy to come up with the title of the third book. She was at a luncheon when a woman came up and said, “I’m all stressed out!” Marcia asked why and the response was, “I got a massage and they didn’t have the right oil!” She loves the efficiency and ease of her iPad to write. Marcia finds that she entertains herself when writing. “The fact that others are entertained as well is a great bonus!” she adds. Marcia turned to stories her grandmother shared with her and began work on Paper Children: An Immigrant’s Legacy. The story encompasses the lives of three generations of Jewish women, starting from the early 1900s. She feels so fortunate to have had the time to talk with her grandmother, even record some of her stories. She encourages others to do the same. “I give talks all over the country about why your family history matters,” she explains. “Stories aren’t being passed down much anymore. Numerous studies have shown that individuals are more secure and confident and have a greater sense of self if they understand who they are and where they came from.” Marcia then turned to a different type of historical fiction. Arizona boasts a number of Jewish authors. Here are just a She traveled to Portugal to add details and depth to her next few of them to help with your summer reading choices: novel, The Blind Eye: A Sephardic Journey. The novel begins in 1492 with the expulsion of the Jews from Spain and follows my Fellner Dominy, an Arizonan for more than 30 years, them to Portugal and beyond, weaving historical events among has written two award-winning books for teens. OyMG is the stories of two families that are generations apart. aA sizzling teen romance, with surprising secrets, and even some Her latest book is still a work in progress, but that didn’t matzah ball soup in a funny yet heartfelt story about an out- stop Paris Lamb from garnering a first prize from the Arizona spoken girl who must learn to speak out for herself. Her second Authors Association. The book deals with anti-Semitism in book is Audition & Subtraction, wherein best friends Tatum America in the 1950s and ’60s, a subject Marcia believes is still and Lori are used to doing everything together – even a clari- under the radar in most people’s minds. “My family name was net/flute duet for District Honor Band auditions. But all that Blumenthal. My dad was a musician in the South. There were changes when Michael transfers to their middle school and into places he wasn’t allowed to play, so he used the name “Blue” to their band. be able to make a living and play alongside his contemporaries.” Amy holds an MFA in playwriting from ASU and has also 38 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE written plays and a children’s opera. She loves to speak to classes usan Brooks is the founder and 30+ year owner of the Tempe about the writing process and is currently working on a new favorite Cookies from Home. Her earlier book, Serves You young adult novel. SRight!, outlines Susan’s Service Enthusiasm principles, which amydominy.com she often teaches and reinforces through public speaking en- gagements. She challenges her audiences to “renew their spirit ancy Kravetz has written a detailed family history, entitled and better serve both their external and internal customers.” Remember Me to the Little Ones, filled with lovely stories and Susan sold the company three years ago and recently com- Nphotographs dating back to Ostryna at the crossroads of Grodna pleted her second book, Outrageous, Courageous, and Highly to Vilna, in what was “usually” Poland. The family Contagious … Ignite the Bold and Brave in Your Life … Your World photographs start with 1895, and copies of early is Ready! The title definitely says it all! documents are equally fascinating. The quality servesyourightnews.blogspot.com of this book should inspire people doing family genealogy to publish their work in some form as a legacy for their family and heirs. The book can New Frontiers: Jewish Pioneers in the Arizona be purchased at Beth El Synagogue in Phoenix Territory is hot off the press and available with the proceeds donated to the congregation. at Azjhs.org (click on Centennial Book tab at top right). Based on the current exhibit at the [email protected] Arizona Jewish Historical Society in Phoenix, this unique 64-page, color publication includes isa Mallin, the former executive director of original history, photographs and documents the Arizona Jewish Historical Society from the AZJHS archives. Rin Phoenix, collected stories from friends and relatives across the country for her book, Tapestry: A Collection of ucson resident Amy Weintraub, has been Stories Woven by Jewish Women. bringing together yoga and mental health The book has beautiful illustra- careT for more than two decades, using concepts tions and a wide variety of styles from her first book, Yoga for Depression, to train ther- of vignettes. Among the Arizona apists and yoga teachers “to use breathing exercises, Jewish women represented are simple mantras, meditation, and yoga nidra (yogic Linda Aarons, Vicki Cabot, Barbara sleep) in clinical settings.” Mark Dreyfuss, Judi Gottschalk, Her new book, Yoga Skills for Therapists: Effec- Roberta Lewis, Ann Polunsky and tive Practices for Mood Management, offers mental many others. The book is available at health professionals yoga-based techniques for The Jewish Collection in Scottsdale. helping clients manage their moods. Amy began her thejewishcollection.com own recovery from depression in 1989 when she began a daily yoga practice. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in writing and arilyn Frazer and her husband David literature from the Bennington Writing Seminars, Bennington split their time between the Valley and Sedona. Marilyn College, and travels around the country speaking and giving Mhas two books to her credit so far. When Angels Call Your Name workshops in Life Force Yoga. was a finalist in the 2012 New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards yogafordepression.com Contest. It is a moving collection of true stories of “people who experienced incredible, miraculous and amazing events, told in anni Lee Simner, a writer of young adult fantasies, also resides their own words.” in Tucson. She recently completed her post-apocalyptic fairy Marilyn’s first book was The Relationship Trap, which was a taleJ trilogy Bones of Faerie. The series is a “dark fairy-tale twist finalist in the 2009 Indie Book Award from the Independent on apocalyptic fiction – as familiar as a nightmare, yet altogether Book Publishers Association. In this book, Marilyn, who holds unique.” The first book is called Bones of Faerie, the second is Fa- an M.A. in psychological counseling with an advanced degree in erie Winter and the much-awaited conclusion is Faerie After. She marriage and family counseling, uses true stories to show how also traveled to Iceland to research Iceland’s medieval sagas, on women recover and rebound from negative relationships. which she based Thief Eyes, a contemporary fantasy. In addition, Marilynfrazer.com Janni has written four books for younger children, including Secret of the Three Treasures and her Phantom Rider Trilogy. avid Frazer’s new book, Ethical Meltdown: The Need to simner.com Recover our Vanishing Values, came out last October. With Dthe use of major news stories as illustrations, David discuss- The Jewish Book Council Network site lists many books of es what he sees as “an epidemic of unethical behavior that is Jewish interest. reaching staggering proportions … in almost every walk of life.” jewishbookcouncil.org n David, a retired founder of the law firm of Frazer, Ryan, Gold- berg and Arnold, believes he has some ways we can reverse this loss of values. ethical-meltdown.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 39 [Arts & Entertainment] Jewelry artist weaves wire into beautiful dreams Story by Melissa Hirschl; Photos by Audrey Hirschl cottsdale resident Cheryl Senkfor is more than just a jewelry artist – she is a literal dream weaver. A designer of woven wire jewelry, her talent for wearable art springs from a profound mystical Sexperience she had in 2003. Senkfor, the owner of Woven Angel, has been an artist since childhood, pursuing mosaics, clay, ceramics and needlepoint until a brain hemorrhage sideswiped her with such a ferocious force that doctors were sure it would be fatal. Not only did she miraculously survive, she gained spiritual insight that would put her creative life on a whole new track. She was in an intensive care unit for eight days. “After three days, I heard and envisioned three angels on my deathbed,” Senkfor recalls. “They told me I would survive and that I would touch many through my creativity. They said it would be my mission, and that I would do it through my jewelry. Because they told me I need to touch as many people as I could, I knew I needed to make every piece lives, the result is an unbreakable chain that myself.” symbolizes strength that withstands all Through the intervention of angels, fate obstacles. or divine providence, Senkfor amazingly did Senkfor attributes her continual stream survive this terrifying and frightening ordeal. of inspiration to her dreams. “Every night I As she regained her health, Senkfor intuitively feel the angels are channeling ideas into me,” knew it was her mission in life to design imag- she says. “The next day I’ll experiment and inative jewelry that resonated from her heart. see what works and what doesn’t. I’ll look at “I always loved jewelry and art, and gravi- something and know instinctively that I can tated to what was unusual and handmade,” she knit it.” says. As the years went by, she developed an While many of her distinctive pieces are affinity for fiber knitting, a talent that became created solely from wire, she also wire-wraps her gateway into a new adventure after her stones such as agate and dramatizes them illness. “I wanted something smaller and jew- with colorful, eye-catching gemstones, as she elry oriented,” she says.” A seminar on Viking does in her “Tree of Life” pendants. knitting, a rare wire technique from the 1800s, “I am a spiritual Jew, and I carry out many of became the ideal catalyst for her new creative the Jewish traditions into my daily life.” she direction. “The technique involves looping says. of fine-gauge wire to produce the tubular “Since my ordeal, my faith in Judaism and strands that I incorporate into my jewelry,” she myself as a woman is much stronger. That is explains. why I created my Tree of Life pendant neck- For eight hours a day, Senkfor crafts one- lace. I feel life has many cycles and twists of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets and earrings and turns that one must follow. I created my using 14k gold-filled silver, copper or bronze trees with many leaves, which represent to Cheryl Senkfor: 216-272-1697 wire. Some are created with Swarovski crystals me the many changes people go through in [email protected] and embedded pearls for extra allure. A their lives.” wovenangel.com popular signature piece is her “Circle of Life” Senkfor is a frequent exhibitor at art necklace. The individual circles represent an shows around the Phoenix area and is avail- individual life; by linking together the different able to make custom pieces. n 40 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE [Health | Beauty | Fitness] ] Yoga Through the Lens of the Torah

“According to this rabbinic legend, while a human baby is inside the womb, an angel whispers the entire Torah, everything a baby will need to know when it goes out into the world.”

By Carine Nadel Rabbi Judi Ahavah Del Bourgo of Har Zion Congregation in Scottsdale loves sharing her knowledge about the Torah and her passion for yoga. She enjoys this so much that she has begun a class that combines both spiritual aspects of her life. It all started for the rabbi while teaching elementary school in New York in 1999. Battling job stress, food allergies, major digestion issues and a close friend coming to the end of her life, Del Bourgo decided to go to a yoga retreat at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Massachusetts one summer. There she fell in love with what she learned and was inspired to create her own version, which includes words of the Torah. “I’m not the first person to do this; in fact there is a Jewish Yoga Alliance! It is literally about ‘breath of life’ being a gift. There is an easy and natural connection between the two,” says Del Bourgo. Rabbi Judi Ahavah Del Bourgo leads Torah and Yoga “One day while taking a yoga class, we were in happy baby pose,” classes, for both those in chairs and on mats. she says. “Enjoying the pose, but always open to ways to ‘translate’ things into a Jewish language for myself, I could not help but think Har Zion Congregation: 6140 E Thunderbird Road, Scottsdale of a Midrash (rabbinic legend) about the human experience inside harzion.org | 480-991-0720 the womb. According to this rabbinic legend, while a human baby is inside the womb, an angel whispers the entire Torah, everything a baby will need to know when it goes out into the world. Then, “For me, I’m in very good shape, but I was very surprised to find just before the baby is born, the angel touches the space just above that it was great exercise. I’ve always exercised, but some of the poses the baby’s lip and the baby forgets everything. That angel stays with were a challenge. And this is a good thing. I love listening to the us throughout our lives and beyond, but your job in this life is to chants. I would definitely say that it’s a wonderful experience that I remember all we were taught from Torah.” plan on continuing whenever I have the opportunity.” While not an accredited yoga teacher, Del Bourgo guides her The class is free, but donations are accepted. Held in a large room 50-minute class with yoga stretches, breathing and poses while of the synagogue, Del Bourgo hopes others will join and reap the playing Hebrew chanting to encourage talking about the topic of benefits. More adult classes are planned for August and October. the class and how it brings the two cultures together. Del Bourgo includes her Torah and Yoga class in the religious During the High Holy Days, Del Bourgo even includes “a school and says the students love the lessons. “I’ve even taught it in child’s pose” as part of the choreography of the service. “Today summer camps and the teens really enjoy it.” often only clergy do it, but anyone is invited (even encouraged) to Del Bourgo holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education bend our knees, kneel to the ground and lower our foreheads as we and general science from the State University of New York at New sing: “Va’anachnu korim u’mishtachavim u’modim lifnei Melech Paltz and a master’s degree in leadership in math education from Malchei Hamlachim (We bend, we bow, and we acknowledge in Bank Street College of Education in Manhattan. She received her the presence of the Sovereign of Sovereigns).” rabbinic ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in “The day I shared this Midrash in class a woman approached me Los Angeles. afterwards and told me she had heard an Eastern teacher share a Before teaching elementary school in the Catskill Mountain similar story. She was so glad to learn the story’s roots were actually region in New York, she worked with elders and hospice patients. in Judaism! I was delighted to witness another Jew, like myself, As a Jew whose involvement in Judaism has been reawakened by connecting deeper to our rich tradition through the lens of what is inspiring teachers, Del Bourgo knows the power of meaningful and such a natural part of our 21st century American lives today.” engaging experiences. Following in the footsteps of her mentors, she Currently participants in the adult class are all in the 40-plus age enjoys helping all Jews deepen their sense of wonder and understand- range. One participant, Bracha Etgar, says that for her this started ing of how God and holiness are present in their everyday lives. n out of sheer curiosity stemming from her daughter’s love of yoga. Carine Nadel is a freelance writer who recently relocated to the Valley. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 41 [Health | Beauty | Fitness] Running for Health Son’s diagnosis of Crohn’s disease spurred Robin Brody to start running for CCFA’s Team Challenge By Janet Arnold on’t wear horizontal stripes,” her mother would say. “They emphasize your big hips.” It’s hard to believe that Robin Brody would ever have worried about that. Her trim, athletic body is no doubt the Denvy of many women of all ages. Robin started running at age 54 and has run five full marathons in the past eight years. But what keeps her running is not something anyone would envy. In the fall of 2006 Robin and her husband, Barry, took their son Jeff to the University of Miami for college. Not long after that, Robin answered the phone to hear Jeff say, “Mom, I think I’m going to die and I’m not kidding.” Barry jumped on a red eye. Jeff, who had always been healthy, had been vomiting and bleeding severely for days. Fellow students took him to the ER, but no diagnosis was made. After another call and flight, Jeff received a diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease. Barry called Robin and said, “I think there’s a support organization in town – go find them!” Crohn’s, an incurable digestive disease, is CCFA: 602-734-1392 | ccfa.org among the inflammatory bowel diseases that affect Above left: Robin Brody and her team run to raise funds for the Crohn’s and Colitis at least 1.4 million Americans, including 150,000 Foundation of America. Above right: Mark Curtis, long-time news anchor at NBC children. Other IBDs are ulcerated colitis and irri- affiliate, KPNX Channel 12. The Jewish TV personality served as emcee for the day table bowel syndrome. Unofficially, these are often and was able to announce the April 27 walk raised $100,000 for the Crohn’s and referred to as “Jewish diseases,” because Ashkenazi Colitis Foundation of America. Photo by Paul Kaplan Jews are disproportionately affected. The disease is named for Dr. Burrill Bernard into the equation. Up to 75% of patients require surgery, often Crohn, of German Jewish parentage, who trained at Mount Sinai requiring the removal of portions of their intestines. Hospital before gastroenterology even existed as a specialty. In So, when Robin Brody heard her son’s diagnosis, she wasted no 1930 he encountered his case “Number One,” and in 1932 he time finding the Southwest chapter of CCFA, and she has been published the seminal paper on the “new” disease, which was soon forever grateful. Jeff received a variety of treatments until he was called by his name. put on Humira, a drug that combats auto-immune diseases and Though research suggests a genetic basis, it has yet to identify is a relatively new treatment for Crohn’s. Treatment enabled him the specific mutated gene for the disease. According to The Crohn’s to graduate from the University of Miami. Currently in remission Advocate, a publication from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and living in California, he is a production assistant at Lakeshore of America, a relative of someone with Crohn’s is 10 times more Productions. likely to get the disease, and 30 times more likely if it’s a sibling. But CCFA staff know such diseases affect not only the patient Crohn’s can affect the GI tract anywhere from the mouth to but all those around him. The support organization provides edu- the anus. It is often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35, and cational programs, runs support groups and fundraises for research. is found equally in males and females. Difficult to diagnose, the It also provides Camp Oasis for those aged 7-17, with sites across disease often takes up to three years for proper diagnosis. A variety the country. Those from Arizona attend Roundup River Ranch in of medications are used to try to control symptoms, but many have Gypsum, CO. The Southwest chapter has raised funds to send 17 significant side effects. Patients use trial and error to judge which children this year. medication works for them. Diet and physical activity also enter While many nonprofits hold an occasional walk or run to 42 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE Ask for Gary Kravetz, Fleet Director

RIGHT HONDA’s Fleet and Internet Department welcomes different buying clubs like Costco, Sam’s, all credit unions, Police and Fire Departments, Motorola, Intel, etc., so please call or email to see if your company is an approved organization.

The buying process for our ﬂ eet and internet department is done at your speed. Our Fleet and Internet Managers will use their 15 years of experience to help answer all of your questions. This is a stress and hassle-free buying program and we are benefit their organization, CCFA focuses on these events almost proud to help serve the local exclusively. Team Challenge is CCFA’s endurance training and companies of Scottsdale and the sorrounding areas. Contact fundraising program. Whether or not you have any background in us today to get started. running, Team Challenge will put you on a custom weekly training program run by professional coaches. Steve McGinnis, the South- west Chapter’s endurance manager, emphasized that if walking is your comfort level, they’re happy to work with you on that as well. 7875 E Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd Scottsdale, Arizona The program prepares you to participate in half-marathons (13.1 480.778.2510 miles) held across the country. righthonda.com While you get in shape, you also learn to fundraise through sample solicitation letters and the help of the team, who quickly become “family.” Not ready for a half-marathon? CCFA also sponsors “Take Steps – Be Heard” for Crohn’s and Colitis. The non-competitive walking route is generally about 2 miles, and participants are encouraged to put together teams to help raise both awareness and funding. A recent walk at Kiwanis Park in Tempe was organized by local walk manager Megan Livengood, who is responsible for Tucson, Albuquerque and Las Vegas, as well. In Robin’s case, the fundraising meshed perfectly with her de- sire to keep fit while doing all she could to help her son. Because of recent ankle injuries she shifted to a race walk, but she’s nearly as fast as before. Labeling herself a “professional nonprofit volunteer,” Robin also hosts a variety of smaller events in the community, such as a Painting Party she organized at Carrie Curran Art Studios in Scottsdale in May. She credits CCFA with saving her from abso- lute devastation. “Talking to others who have similar situations, being able to confide, listen, hug and work together – it’s been exactly what I needed to get through all this,” she says. Robin set a goal to raise $50,000, but she’s already raised that much for multiple nonprofits from her charitable running, and she’s not ready to stop. She explains: “I am thrilled to mentor people to push themselves to be successful with our program. I always tell them that I measure my success by their success. It is so exciting to cross the finish line with them and share that joy of accomplishment and victory. I just hope my limbs can hang in there!” She recently went on a week-long ski vacation with her family and managed quite well, so it looks like she’ll be hanging in there for many years. And now she can wear all the horizontal stripes she wants. n ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 43 [Health | Beauty | Fitness] Jewish Olympics 15 Arizonans bound for 19th Maccabiah Games

By Deborah Moon ore than 9,000 athletes from 72 countries are expected to participate in the 19th Maccabiah Games in Israel July 18-30, including 11 athletes, three coaches and a mem- Mber of the medical staff from Arizona. The Maccabiah Games began in 1932 in what was then British-ruled Palestine. Held every four years in Israel, the Maccabiah Games now are the third-largest international sporting event after the Olympics and the World University Games. The Maccabiah Games are intended not only to encourage athletic excellence but also to foster a sense of Jewish a limited number of ‘extra’ visas/passes for a few belonging and pride among the more Jewish Poles to attend the Maccabiah along participants. with the country’s delegation of athletes a week The Arizona contingent will prior to the ship sailing. My grandmother Naomi include soccer player Dan Indech, was one of approximately 20 young Poles to take whose grandmother attended the this fortuitous opportunity to make the trip out of first Maccabiah Games in Tel Aviv Poland to Palestine. The story has it that none of in 1932. the 20 returned to Poland and as a result, escaped Indech describes that fortuitous the Holocaust.” circumstance: “The British Mandate Indech first participated in the Maccabiah games that was occupying Palestine issued in 1989 as a member of the Maccabi Canada’s Open Futsal team. Since immigrating to the United States, he has played on several Maccabi USA Masters soccer teams including the Masters 35+ soccer team at Maccabiah in Israel in 2009; This year he will play on the masters 45+ soccer team. “Maccabiah is an unbelievably intoxicating spiritual and sporting experience,” says Indech. “Words simply cannot describe it. I have made incredible friends and have wonderful memories that I will cherish for life. I tell everyone that inquires that one must experience it firsthand to appreciate it.” Indech will be joined on this year’s masters soccer men’s 45+ team, by fellow Arizonan Adam Zweiback. Indech has been the assistant coach to Adam Zweiback for the Phoenix JCC Maccabi boys soccer team for the past five years. Zweiback says, “I’m totally committed to the Maccabi movement. I coached the Phoenix U-16 boys soccer team in the JCC Maccabi games for the last five summers. Took the boys (including my SOCCER: Arizonans Adam Zweiback, left, oldest two sons) to San Diego, San Francisco, and Dan Indech at the Pan Am Maccabi Omaha, Israel, and Memphis. This summer Games in Sao Paolo, Brazil, in 2011. I’ll be in Israel playing on the over-45 men’s TRIATHALON: Gabriel Wasserman soccer team at the International Maccabi VOLLEYBALL: Chanele Czopp Games, so I won’t be in Austin with the TAEKWONDO: Rachel Meyer (red helmet) Phoenix delegation. However, my son Noah 44 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE will be playing on the U-16 basketball team.” Open women’s basketball coach Jamie Shadian says, “My favorite aspect of the games four years ago was getting to share in the experience of my players who were visiting Israel for the first time, or falling in love with the country for the first time, or discovering their relationship with Judaism. I look forward to sharing similar experiences with my players this summer.” Arizona Eye Those experiences are exactly what some of the young Arizona SPECIALISTS athletes are looking forward to. Call to schedule Chanele Czopp, who will compete on the girls’ juniors volley- 480.994.5012 ball team, says: “I’m looking forward to getting to know all of the www.azeyemd.com USA team as well as Jewish youth from all across the world! I can’t wait to share this experience of a lifetime in Israel playing the sport LASIK & PRK – Cataracts – Oculoplastics & Cornea I love.” Glaucoma – Macular Degeneration – Diabetic Retinopathy Tucson high school student Rachel Meyer will compete in Dry Eyes – Routine Exam – Contact Lenses taekwondo. “I am very excited to go because I have never been to Israel before, so it will be very culturally enriching,” says Meyer, who has medaled at USA Taekwondo nationals in the past and did well at US Open this year. “I also have always dreamed of being able to represent Team USA on a world stage! While in Israel and at the Games, I look forward to meeting new people from all around the world.” 7245 East Osborn Rd., #4 300 East Osborn Rd., Suite 100 Visit our newly 7245 EastScottsdale, Osborn Arizona Rd., 85251 #4, Scottsdale,Phoenix, Arizona Arizona 85012 85251 remodeled optical 480.994.5012 602.254.7255 shop in Scottsdale! ARIZONAN MACCABIANS ATHLETES: – (Optical480.994.5012 Shop) – (Optical– (Optical Shop) Shop) –

Chanele Czopp, Juniors Girls’ Volleyball, Scottsdale 4915 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 114 13555 W. McDowell Rd., Suite 102 5620 W. Thunderbird Rd., #H-3 Gilbert, Arizona 85234 Goodyear, Arizona 85395 Glendale, Arizona 85306 Lee Glickstein, Open Triathlon, Phoenix 480.830.0120 300 East Osborn623.209.0020 Rd., Suite 100 602.547.2002 Daniel Indech, Masters Men’s 45+ Soccer, Scottsdale Phoenix, Arizona 85012, 602.254.7255 (Optical Shop) Laurence Kaye, Masters Squash, Tucson Jacob Lille, Juniors Golf, Paradise Valley Visit our other locations in Gilbert, Glendale and Goodyear Rabbi John Linder, Masters Ice Hockey, Paradise Valley Rachel Meyer, Open Taekwondo, Tucson Joseph Schwartz, Open Men’s Softball, Tucson Anna Sherman, Juniors Girls’ Soccer, Phoenix Gabriel Wasserman, Open Triathlon, Scottsdale Adam Zweiback, Masters Men’s 45+Soccer, Phoenix COACHES: Paul Rubin, Masters Men’s Softball, Scottsdale

Daniel Schayes, Masters Men’s Basketball, Paradise Valley Jamie Shadian, Open Women’s Basketball, Flagstaff

Free Blood Pressure Check MEDICAL STAFF: Robert Washington, Masters Men’s 45+ Soccer, Scottsdale PHOENIX BILTMORE AREA 3931 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ. 85018 A junior at Arizona State University, Gabriel Wasserman competes with the ASU triathlon team. “One of the reasons I’m See a Doctor Today so excited to experience the Maccabiah Games in Israel is because of the nature of the experience,” he says. “There is something very (602) 687 – 7858

special about being in a fully Jewish environment. I’ve had like experiences being a counselor at Ramah, and those are some of Walk-in Or my most precious memories – so I can’t wait to see what this trip to Israel has in store. Also, being an athlete is a core part of me, Appointment and some of my most incredible experiences have been of pushing myself to the limit on race day and testing my boundaries physi- Open 7 days cally. To be in an environment where both Judaism and athleticism 8am-8pm are not just part of the experience but integral to the experience has me more excited for the Maccabiah Games than I could have Insurance imagined. Or Self-Pay I am positive that this experience will last a lifetime.” For more information on the games, visit maccabiusa.com. n ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 45 [Food] CHEF’S CORNER Two dinner options you can cook at home to feel like you’re in Paris

By Lisa Glickman What’s happening over summer vacation? Most of us ask friends would love to visit like spicy Jamaica, romantic northern Italy and family this question assuming there must be a reservation or lusty South America. Chiles, cilantro and lime remind us of pending to an exotic destination resort. However, in this econo- sunny Mexico; warm curry, garam masala and mustard seeds al- my, an extended luxury vacation might not be in the budget. low us to visit India; and pungent fish sauce, soy and kaffir lime Fortunately there is often much to do right in your own leaves evoke thoughts of Vietnam or Thailand. hometown. Sometimes we take for granted the beauty our own With just a handful of out-of-the-ordinary ingredients and city has to offer, so remember that discovering local attractions a little technique, many of these dishes are prepared easily in may allow you to see their city through a different lens. Of your own home. You could even put on some background music course you will have to cook your own meals, but now is the like Bob Marley, Bollywood themes or Brazilian jazz to get your time to get creative with some great staycation recipes. culinary juices flowing! Staycations are a great way to save some cash, but no one said Inspired by a trip to Paris last year, I created this succulent you have to eat the same boring meals. Think back to some of duck a l’orange. Bathed in a flavorful sweet and slightly sour your favorite foods eaten while on vacation and look for recipes sauce and garnished with fresh orange segments and candied online. You may find recipes from famous theme parks or luxuri- orange rind, it brought to mind memories of a fine French ous hotels that you can make in your own kitchen. restaurant along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. I borrowed Food and flavors can transport us just about anywhere we the recipe from the classic French technique as described by An- want to go. Create a themed meal using recipes from a place you thony Bourdain in his Les Halles Cookbook. When recreating this classic dish, I simply followed the recipe for perfect moist and tender meat, beautifully crispy skin and luscious sauce. Serve along with crispy new potatoes, first blanched, then fried in the excess duck fat and a simple steamed vegetable. C’est magnifique! For a great vegetarian meal option, imagine yourself lodging somewhere in the French countryside with a chilled bowl of creamy vichyssoise made with sweet, subtle leeks, hearty potatoes and a hint of white pepper. For dessert serve these light and airy profiteroles in a pool of bittersweet chocolate, then filled with store-bought salted caramel ice cream and drizzled with warm caramel sauce. The vichyssoise can be made early in the day and chilled, and although this dessert may look complicated, the bat- ter for the profiteroles, or cream puffs, actually only takes a few minutes to put together; once mastered it is also a great recipe to use with a savory filling for an eye-catching hors d’oeuvre. As a dessert, profiteroles are delectable with any ice cream, pastry cream or flavored whipped cream. Truly a pièce de résistance. n

Lisa Glickman is a private chef and teacher. She has appeared on the Cooking Channel’s “The Perfect Three.” She can be reached at [email protected].

46 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE Duck a l’orange Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine sauce. Continue to simmer the sauce until 1 fresh duck, trimmed of excess fat the vinegar and sugar and bring to a boil. Spin reduced by half, and then pour it through a Kosher salt and freshly ground black the pan around a bit to keep the sugar from strainer into a small saucepan. Taste sauce pepper hardening on the sides of the pan. Continue to and adjust seasonings. Bring sauce to a boil ½ orange, cut into 4 pieces cook until the sugar has completely dissolved and whisk in the margarine, candied orange 1 lemon, cut into 6 pieces and the liquid has the consistency of a light zest, orange and lemon juice. ½ cup red wine vinegar caramel. Remove from the heat and stir in the Carve the duck just like a chicken (but expect ¼ cup sugar chicken stock. Be very careful – this mixture is less meat) and arrange on a platter surround- 2 cups chicken stock dangerously hot. Return to heat and simmer ed with the orange segments. Pour some of 3 ounces Grand Marnier for 45 minutes. the sauce over and around it and serve the 2 tablespoons margarine Turn oven up to 375 degrees. Raise duck from rest on the side. Serves two. the bottom of the roasting pan by using a rack Confited zest of 2 oranges (recipe follows) to allow the fat to gather on the bottom of the Citrus zest confit Juice of ½ lemon pan. (Keep the fat after roasting the duck … it Rind of 2 oranges Juice of ½ orange makes the best sautéed potatoes!) Cook the 1 cup water 2 oranges, peeled and segmented duck in the oven for another hour and a half ⅓ cup sugar Preheat oven to 250 degrees. After thoroughly until the skin is deep golden brown. Turn the Use a vegetable peeler to peel orange without washing the inside of the duck and removing pan occasionally to avoid uneven cooking. getting any of the white pith and thinly julienne the giblets, season the duck inside and out When your duck has finished roasting, remove slices or use a canneleur, a tool that makes with salt and pepper. Cut off the wings tips, it from the oven and set it aside on a carving nice strips of zest. place the 4 orange pieces and 6 lemon pieces board to rest. Pour the grease from the pan Combine the water and sugar in a small inside the bird and then truss with kitchen into another bowl for sautéing your potatoes, saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the strips string. and place roasting pan on stove. Turn heat to of zest and reduce liquid to a simmer. Reduce Place the duck in a roasting pan and cook medium high and add Grand Marnier. Watch the liquid in half until it resembles a light for 30 minutes to tighten the skin. Remove out: it could flame up and singe your eyelash- syrup. Remove from the heat and allow to cool from the oven and allow duck to cool to room es! Scrape up all the drippings on the bottom completely. Strain the zest. Store extra in an temperature. of the pan and pour it all into the simmering airtight container.

Crème vichyssoise degrees. Combine butter, water and salt in a 2 medium leeks (white and pale 2-quart heavy saucepan and bring to a boil green parts only), halved length- over high heat. Reduce heat and add flour all wise and coarsely chopped (2½ at once. Stir and cook until mixture pulls away cups) from the side of pan and forms a ball. Place in 1 tablespoon unsalted butter the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle 1 medium shallot, finely chopped blade attachment and allow to cool slightly. 2 russet potatoes (bakers), peeled, Turn to medium high speed and add eggs, diced and reserved in 2 cups cold one at a time, until each is fully incorporated. water Transfer mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a 1 teaspoon kosher salt large round tip and pipe onto baking sheet 1 cup whole milk making mounds about 2 inches in diameter 1 cup half and half and placing them about 1 inch apart. Wet ½ cup heavy whipping cream finger and tap down pointed tops of each ¼ easpoon white pepper profiterole. Bake about 20 to 25 minute until Chopped chives for garnish puffed and golden. Remove from oven and Wash leeks in a bowl of cold water. Profiteroles with bittersweet choco- cool on a rack. Drain well. Melt butter in a 6-quart late sauce, salted caramel ice cream heavy-bottomed pot over low heat. and warm caramel syrup For the chocolate sauce: Add leeks and shallot, cover and cook, Place chocolate and cream in a micro- stirring occasionally until softened, Profiteroles: wave-proof bowl and heat on high for 20-sec- about 10 minutes. Add potatoes, with ¾ stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter ond intervals until chocolate is melted and water and salt; simmer, covered, until ¾ cup water cream is incorporated. potatoes are tender, 30 to 40 minutes. ¼ teaspoon salt For the caramel sauce: Add milk and half and half and bring ¾ cup all-purpose flour Cook sugar in a dry heavy saucepan over me- just to a boil, stirring, then remove 3 large eggs dium heat stirring with a fork until melted and from heat. Puree mixture in a blender Store-bought salted caramel ice cream pale golden in color. Cook the caramel without until very smooth, then strain through Chocolate sauce: stirring, swirling the pan until deep golden a fine strainer pressing firmly on the 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips brown. Remove the pan from the heat. Care- solids (or use a Vitamix). Stir in cream ¼ cup heavy cream fully pour cream into hot sugar. It will bubble and white pepper. Allow soup to chill in Caramel sauce: vigorously. Return mixture to heat and stir until a ceramic bowl in the refrigerator until ⅔ cup sugar sugar is completely dissolved. Add butter and a ready to serve. Taste and season with ½ cup heavy cream pinch of salt if desired. salt just before serving. Garnish with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter To serve, place a pool of chocolate sauce on a freshly chopped chives. Serves four. plate. Using a serrated knife, split profiteroles For the profiteroles: and fill with a scoop of salted caramel ice Line a large baking sheet with parchment cream. Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve paper or a Silpat mat. Preheat oven to 425 immediately.ARIZON AS ervesJEWISH six. LIF E | JUNE/JULY 2013 47 [Food]

Phoenix offers two kosher options Want Dessert? that ship straight to your door By Janet Arnold he demographics of Arizona have evolved so much over cember holidays, when, after mailing out 1.4 million brochures, the last few decades that Arizona can now boast a num- the lion’s share of their business is done. Always looking out for ber of kosher restaurants. But perhaps more surprising their employees, their southeast Phoenix facility enjoys a “quiet isT that the Valley also has two kosher dessert enterprises – both room,” with low lighting, several massage chairs and quiet music, with long-standing ties to the community. to give some relief from the hectic pace of the holiday rush. Fairytale Brownies is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The Everything is done on site, from baking to packaging to pre- business has come a long way since David Kravetz and his paring for mailing. One of their latest acquisitions is a machine business partner, Eileen Spitalny, first sold the brownies at street that can personalize tins, boxes and cards to include even photos, fairs. They now run a multi-million dollar business with the making the gifts as personal as can be. majority of sales done through catalogues. There are 12 types of David, his parents, Dr. Robert and Nancy Kravetz, and his brownies that are certified kosher, all natural and with no trans two brothers came to Phoenix in 1962 and joined Beth El fats, hydrogenated oils, preservatives or artificial colors. The Congregation, located in central Phoenix where David grew up. brownies come in a variety of sizes and include sugar-free, bite- In high school, he was very active in BBYO, serving as chapter size “Magic Morsels.” They’ve expanded their line to include godol (president) and attending an international convention. six flavors of cookies and their newest addition, four flavors of David and Eileen, both long-time Phoenix residents, are Fairytale bars, made with a dark brown sugar base for those very involved in the Greater Phoenix community and believe in times when you want a little break from chocolate. giving back. In 2011 all of their team members, i.e., employees, Fairytale Brownies has about 40 year-round employees, but worked together with Kaboom!, a non-profit that builds play- adds seasonal employees in the summer to gear up for the De- grounds around the country. They helped construct a playground for homeless children in Phoenix and the company matches Fairytale Brownies: brownies.com customers’ contributions toward future playgrounds. Cookies from Home: cookiesfromhome.com

Right: David Kravetz shows off some of Fairytale Brownies’ dozen varieties of brownies, which are very hard not to sample, which he reveals on the facing page. Far right:Corey Meiteen makes Cookies from Home with all natural ingredients. Opposite page right: Corey’s healthy habits also come out when he rides his bicycle 10 to 12 hours a week.

48 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE ookies from Home was founded 30 years ago by Susan and Barry Brooks and purchased in 2010 by Corey Meiteen, who moved to the CValley from Toronto about eight years ago. One of the first actions Corey took after buying the company was to make sure the cookies were supervised and desig- nated kosher. Having been a part of the Conservative Jewish community in Toronto, he wanted to make sure that he could serve all residents of the Jewish and general communities. In addition to a wide variety of cookies, Corey now has 13 types of brownies and an array of packaging. Corey has redesigned his offerings to make sure they are made of organic and healthy ingredients and has added both vegan and gluten-free cookies. He spends 10 to 12 hours a week on his bicycle and values a healthy lifestyle. and if you’re apprehensive about a medical procedure, or nervous Reformulating his products to be all natural is reflective of this about signing those new mortgage papers, nothing says ‘calm’ value. like fresh-baked cookies hot out of the oven. It makes for a very Cookies from Home’s business is split pretty evenly between inviting atmosphere.” local and catalogue sales. A new concept Corey has added is Corey believes in being involved in the Jewish community. ready-to-bake, pre-formed cookie dough. Business customers can His children, Harry and Chelsea, attended Pardes Jewish Day receive a free loan of a compact oven with the minimum purchase School, and Chelsea became a bat mitzvah through Congrega- of four cases per month, shipped on a bi-weekly basis to bake tion Beth Israel. Cookies from Home participated in a spring fresh on site for customers and employees. “The aroma fills the air, fundraiser with the Phoenix Hebrew Academy. n

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 49 [Food] Where do JEWISH PEOPLE EAT? By A. Noshman ’m at a dinner party in Cave Creek, watching the sunset from a beautiful patio, nibbling on appetizers and wait- ing for the chicken to finish on the grill. Throughout dinner, we are talking about great meals we have had in the past and will have in the future. Talking about food Iwhile eating is a distinctly American trait. Add passion to the discussion, and you have a distinctly Jewish American trait. My friends convince me to try a restaurant they love called Local Bistro. It’s a European-themed pasta, pizza, steak and wine establishment near Grayhawk. It’s not my neck of the woods, but I do see Jewish people in there I know. A quick glance of the menu entices me to stay. Oh, but I wish I hadn’t. To be fair, I went back a few times because even the best restaurants can have off nights, and I did find something to savor on each visit. Here’s what I had over the course of a few visits. French daiquiri $10 Silver rum, lime, mint, crème de casis and prosecco A champagne flute arrives holding a cool crimson drink that I couldn’t wait to try. It turned out to be a refreshing, semi- Local Bistro $$$ sweet drink with a hint of mint that made it quite refreshing, and I 20581 North Hayden Road might add, effective. Scotssdale, AZ 85255 480-302-6050 Regina $13 Wood-fired pizza with tomato, mozzarella di bufala d.o.p., basil Who doesn’t love wood-fired pizza? It looked beautiful, but don’t judge a pizza by its cover, judge it Salmon scampi with spaghetti $18 This was a daily special by its crust. This thing was chewy, that our server described as small pieces of fresh salmon dry and bland. Wood-fired pizza over spaghetti. It sounded great, but when it was presented I is supposed to have a crunch, a crisp, a hint of wood smoke – and realized it wasn’t appropriately named. It should have been called this one had none of it. There was no tomato (just a hint of a salmon and caper scampi. I think you know where this is going. sauce), a wisp of cheese and scattered basil. Let’s put it this way, a I am not a caper guy. I can do a few, but this dish was liberally wood-fired pizza went uneaten. Again … feh. doused with capers through and through. The salmon was nice, 50 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE the noodles were homemade, I think, pleasantly thick and cooked al dente, but the overpowering serving of capers wiped out all the other flavors. There are caper lovers out there I know, so don’t let this discourage you. It just wasn’t for me.

Sautéed spinach $5 This was a delicious side dish prepared in an herbed butter. Rosemary was certainly present and complement- ed the spinach, and the dish was topped with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan. This was delightful. Gelato and chocolate chip cookie (ice cream sandwich) $7.50 Chocolate chip cookie outside, gelato inside, caramel sauce, mint Absolutely, bar none, the best thing on the menu. The outer cookie shell was crisp despite soaking in the gelato and caramel sauce. Abe’s of Scottsdale Deli and Restaurant belongs How they did that I do not know, but the chocolaty crispness to a very different delicatessen era, the glamorous playing off the soft creamy richness of the gelato was pure genius. This ice cream sandwich was made with skill and love. There was age of 1930s Times Square delis where Broadway a hint of caramel sauce and a mint leaf. I’d like to say something about mint. So many people treat this as a garnish that they performers ducked out between shows for a pastrami quickly brush aside. The mint is there to be eaten. Try taking on rye. Abe’s of Scottsdale is pleased to open this fall small bites of the leaf in between large bites of your creamy frozen dessert. You will see what I mean. This is a must have. in the Acacia Creek Village Shopping Center at the

Troublemaker (red wine) $9 My server asked about my wine southwest corner of Scottsdale Road and Gold Dust preferences, which are: full-bodied red, like a cab, grapy, (although Avenue behind California Pizza Kitchen. I am a sucker for a crisp cold pinot grigio). She brought me what she called one of their more popular wines and poured from a premeasured carafe into a huge wine glass, which my brain knows helps the wine aerate, but my eyes see a serving that looks very small. It’s a blended red wine that was smooth but fairly nonde- script. I did have two of them, however.

Beef carpaccio $12 Avocado, heart of palm, mustard aioli A very lovely plate of raw beef arrived quickly. The beef was tasty and thinly sliced, but the accompanying greens were extremely bitter. Where the mustard aioli was hiding I do not know. Was it a dressing on the greens? Was it a dip that never arrived? I couldn’t tell. All in all, the dish was … feh.

NY strip au poivre $29 Brandy peppercorn sauce, frites At first I thought it odd that this steak was served by itself on such a large plate, until I realized it really was the best way to deliver a pool of the delicious brandy peppercorn sauce. The steak was tender and grilled to a perfect medium rare, and the sauce was out of this world. I went with the mashed potatoes, which turned out to be a great choice and the perfect vehicle for absorbing the sauce. I must also say the steak was a nice size and thickly cut. Throughout my visits a few more drinks were 10050 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 127 had, and in total I spent about $150. Though the portions were ample, there simply wasn’t Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 anything but the dessert that really made me go “yum.” Perhaps the Local Bistro is for the locals. TEL: (480) 699-5700 n It’s certainly not worth the drive. www.abesdeliscottsdale.com Contact A. Noshman at [email protected]

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 51 [Traditions] Why is kashrut relevant today?

Rabbi Reuven Mann Young Israel of Phoenix

Kashrut is one of the most misunderstood ability to master his primal instincts. The laws of kashrut are aspects of Judaism. Religion is generally more relevant now than ever. Much societal devastation is associated with personal holiness and traceable to loss of control over the sexual instinct, which has proper behavior toward others. Why would produced disease, unwanted children, abortion and broken G-d care what we eat? The common belief homes. At the same time the greatest threat to health is bad is prohibited foods are “unclean” and nutrition and obesity. Modern man who lives in the midst of injurious to one’s health. This explanation has achieved a abundance desperately needs to learn how to subdue his widespread following as evidenced by the fact kosher food instincts and redirect his energies toward higher goals. has become a multi-million dollar industry in America and the bulk of the consumers are not Jews. But in my opinion, kashrut is to train us to control our instincts. We should not live as animals and gratify whatever Rabbi Arthur Lavinsky desires we have. Thus, before eating we must check to see Beth El Congregation, if the food is kosher. We thus cultivate the virtue of restraint Phoenix and learn that we can’t always have what we want. Maimon- ides, in his famous legal code, combined the laws of kashrut Kashrut is one of the defining pillars of with those of forbidden sexual relations and titled the section, traditional Jewish life. While many have “The Book of Holiness.” Holiness, for him consisted in man’s endeavored to link our dietary laws to various health benefits (e.g. avoiding pork products because of trichinosis), the main reason for keeping kosher is to fulfill God’s will. The observance of kashrut is one of those mitzvot that refines the Jewish soul and encourages us to be mindful of Party of oNE? our relationship with the Almighty each and every day and at every single meal. Whether we are at home, at a business luncheon across town, or traveling the world, we need food to sustain ourselves. Therefore, a Jew who observes kashrut will go to great lengths to make sure that the food that s/he SINGLE * DIVorCED * WIDoWED eats meets certain ritual standards. That observance may we want to hear from you! vary from one religious movement and one Jew to the next. Therefore, while “eating out” at a non-kosher restaurant, one Jew may simply ascertain that all of the food is intrinsically kosher (to pork, shellfish or forbidden meat), while another may restrict him/herself to salad, fruit or a pre-packaged fILL out our oNLINE SurVEy kosher airline meal. In order for us to get to know you better, Additionally, if we as Jews are supposed to mindful of what and provide you with the resources and articles of we put into our mouths, we should also be meticulous about interest to you, take a moment and fill out our brief what comes out of our mouths. We should strive for – “Ko- confidential online survey at sher in-Kosher out.” www.azjewishlife.com/singles

52 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE [To Life] Bathing in the Waters of Paradise By Amy Hirshberg Lederman he first time I saw a mikvah, I had no idea what it was. My college roommate took me to a small building behind her synagogue that looked like a dilapi- dated storage unit. We entered a dimly lit area where a small, green-tiled pool dominated the shabby room. It was hardlyT appealing, and I was shocked when she told me that Jew- ish women immersed themselves in it before they got married. “My mother told me that the rain waters that fill it are like the mystical waters of Eden,” she told me as we left. A decade later I read the Ritual Bath, a mystery by Faye Kell- erman. I was intrigued by her descriptions of Orthodox women who went after dark to bathe in the sacred waters. But not for a single moment did I imagine that I would do the same. Several years later I made a life-altering decision: I decided to leave my law practice and pursue my passion for Jewish learning. I wanted to do something special, something spiritually significant, to elevate my choice into something more than just a career change. That’s when it hit me. I would begin my journey into Jewish learning by preparing myself in a very Jewish way: I would study the texts about mikvah and I would go. To this day, that first step stands out as one of the highlights in my quest to find ways to live a meaningful Jewish life. Traditionally, mikvah was a thoroughly private practice, one that Jewish women didn’t talk about “in mixed company.” But along with other traditional Jewish rituals that are being fingernails, and removing all jewelry, makeup or anything that is a barrier between a woman and the mikvah waters. It gives a Mikvah is an equal-opportunity mitzvah woman the opportunity to luxuriate in being “squeaky clean” and offers a time to focus on the miracles of being a woman. that can be experienced by any Jewish Traditionally, the mikvah is used by both men and women woman willing to learn about and engage for various purposes including conversions, kashering utensils and purifying oneself after coming into contact with a ritually in this meaningful tradition. unclean person or item. Today, Jewish women are reclaiming the mikvah experience redefined today, there is renewed interest in mikvah observance to celebrate important lifecycle events and provide meaningful as modern Jewish women discuss, explore and participate in the rituals in times of loss, tragedy and sickness. Women also go to mikvah experience. the mikvah to mark the onset of menopause, the end of a mar- The laws of family purity, or taharat ha mishpacha, date back riage, a trip to Israel and, in my own case, a change in careers. to Biblical times. There are a lot of misconceptions about these Arizona has several mikvahs in both the Tucson and Phoenix laws, which have been viewed as primitive and demeaning to areas that offer comfortable and welcoming environments. Best women. But traditional views of mikvah reflect a positive lens by of all, mikvah is an equal-opportunity mitzvah that can be expe- which to view Jewish women and the Jewish family. rienced by any Jewish woman willing to learn about and engage Leviticus 18:19 and 20:18 prohibit marital relations during a in this meaningful tradition. n woman’s menstrual cycle and for seven “spotless” days thereafter. A woman goes to the mikvah to become spiritually pure, not Amy Hirshberg Lederman is an author, Jewish physically clean, as those who misunderstand the ritual suggest. educator, public speaker and attorney. Her If we understand menstruation as a reflection of a woman’s columns have won awards from the American unique potential to create life, then we can appreciate a ritual Jewish Press Association, The Arizona that honors the renewal of a woman’s capacity to conceive. Newspapers Association and the Arizona Press Mikvah attendance requires conscious, vigorous prepara- Club for excellence in commentary. Visit her tion including bathing, washing and combing the hair, cutting website at amyhirshberglederman.com. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 53 [Family] Dor l’Dor: Generation to Generation By Elizabeth Schwartz ne of Judaism’s core teachings centers on the passing of knowledge and values to the next generation. In celebration of Father’s Day, Arizona Jewish Life spoke to three fathers Owho have instilled the importance of being Jewish communal leaders to their sons.

Murray & Adam Goodman Murray Goodman is as close to a Phoenix native as you’re likely to meet in a city full of transplants. Goodman has lived here since the age of 14 when his family relocated to the Sun Belt from Philadel- phia. As a teen, “my whole life centered on the Jewish Community Center,” Murray recalls. That association has continued throughout Left: Adam and Murray Goodman. Top: Bryan and Ted Kort. Murray’s adult life. In his mid-30s, Murray became president of Above: Lee and Gary Weiss. the JCC, a volunteer position. He continued serving as the center’s president and as chair of various committees for the next 15 years. Murray was active in the JCC’s campaign to raise $26 million to same mission: community building.” By combining the JCC and feder- build a new facility, which opened in 2003 and serves approximately ation, fundraising and programming redundancies have been elimi- 100,000 Jews in the Phoenix area. nated, and the JCA operates more efficiently than its predecessors. “All Through Murray’s example, his son, Adam, has also assumed a things flow from our mission statement: ‘To strengthen and sustain a leadership role with the JCC, serving three two-year terms on the vibrant, inclusive community that enriches lives through Jewish values, JCC’s board from 2003-09. “Like my father – probably because of innovation and stewardship,’ ” says Adam. “Innovation is important; my father – I also grew up at the JCC,” Adam explains. Beginning we’re not thinking about things the same old way. We’re being very in 2009 with the national economic downturn, both the Jewish Fed- creative and clever about what we can do in our own community, and eration and the JCC in Phoenix began to struggle financially. “I was we’re also being responsible for the resources we have.” asked to be part of a committee to help merge the two and figure Both Murray and Adam engage with the wider Jewish community out what the new organization would look like,” says Adam. “After a through the JCC, now the JCA. “Once you start spending time there, year of very interesting meetings, we created the Jewish Community you realize it’s not just a recreational facility,” says Murray. “There’s a Association.” The JCA operates the JCC and continues the feder- reason it’s called a community center; it’s an apt description.” ation’s role as the fundraiser for Jewish institutions in the Phoenix For Adam, being involved in growing the Jewish community was area. Adam now sits on the JCA board. inevitable. “My dad is a role model and leads the way by example; any- As Adam sees it, the new institution “gets more minds on the body would aspire to live the life dedicated to community that he has.” 54 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE Murray is pleased that the Jewish culture and values he treasures have become equally important to his children. “I think my kids always got a sense that we felt we had an obligation to sustain the values and culture of Judaism.” But he also appreciates the innovations Adam and his generation are implementing at the JCA. “I admire that Adam and his generation are becoming change agents,” he says. The Goodmans’ generational commitment to Jewish leadership continues with Adam’s own son. “He very clearly and proudly identifies as a Jew, not so much religiously or even culturally, but it’s  an important part of his identity,” says Adam. “As he matures and develops and understands it deeper, I hope and expect he’ll accept  responsibility for becoming a leader in the community as well.” Ted & Bryan Kort Like the Goodmans, Ted Kort began his Jewish leadership as a member of the JCC board. Today he is the Arizona regional director of the Jewish National Fund, a position he has held since 1998. Ted also served on the board of the Jewish Federation in Phoenix, before it merged with the JCC to become the JCA. Unlike the JCA, which directs its energies locally, the JNF’s mission focuses on fundraising for environmental and infrastructure projects that benefit people in Israel. “We develop cities to draw people to the Negev,” Ted explains. “Our current project is a medical center in the Arava. There are 3,000 people in these small surround- ing communities, and their only medical help is a 40-year-old clinic. We’re building a state-of-the-art, 3,200-square-foot medical center that will treat serious illnesses and injuries.” Eight years ago Ted’s son Bryan was asked to be on the grant committee of the Jewish Community Foundation. After that modest beginning, Bryan took a seat on the JCF board and today chairs the board. “JCF’s main role is to give money to existing organizations,” he explains. “We also help people set up trusts and endowment funds through JCF, to fund the causes they care about. Our grants serve organizations both in Arizona and Israel.” Ted grew up in Phoenix; his family belonged to Beth El, where he became a bar mitzvah. “My parents weren’t that involved in Jewish community,” he remembers. “My primary connection to Judaism is Israel. I remember going to shul to celebrate when Israel became a  state in 1948. Once I went to Israel, it became central to my life, and it’s still the strongest Jewish connection I have.” Bryan’s communal involvement is a family legacy of volunteerism  and philanthropy that extends from his parents to his maternal grandfather. “My parents have always been examples of giving and helping others. Both my father and my mother volunteered all through my  childhood. Now I see myself following in their footsteps as a Jewish volunteer. It goes back to my grandfather, mom’s father, who was very active at the JCC. He definitely taught me the importance of being  involved in communal life.” For Bryan, that involvement stems from one basic tenet: doing the right thing by helping others. “It’s all about community. It’s not about myself or even JCF as an organization; it’s about the future of our community.” These community values are Bryan’s legacy to his own children.  “I want them to have a foundation and source of Jewish identity and knowledge to understand why we do this work.” As they move  through Jewish communal life, people often ask Ted if he’s related  to Bryan, and vice versa. “I have a sense of pride when that happens,  because they always have positive things to say about my dad,” says  Bryan. Ted agrees. “People will say, ‘I know your son,’ and there’s Continued on page 57 ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 55 [Family Time] Debra Rich Gettleman with her father, Lewis Rich, on her Father’s Day wedding day. By Debra Rich Gettleman used to buy my dad so many Father’s Day cards each year – funny ones, poignant ones, ones that made fun of me, my sister, my mom. You name it, I sent it. I even remember a lot of them. There was one with a bunch of swans in a row and a single, scruffy white duckling at the end of the line. It read, “From Iyour non-conformist child.” There was one about the dad who was mistaken for an ATM. But my all-time fave was the one with the Mark Twain quote, “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man My son, Levi Rich, was named after my father, Lewis Rich. A had learned in seven years.” few months ago I realized why I’d held onto the ring for all these I hid them all over my house and waited with anticipation for years. Somewhere deep inside I must have known that the ring had my dad to pour his cereal and find a card cascading out of the box a rightful owner and that my job was merely to pass it along to him with his Corn Flakes, tumbling out of the overflowing medicine one day. Levi will become a bar mitzvah this coming October. At cabinet when he reached for his vitamins, or stuck on the wind- 13 he has the humor, thoughtfulness and compassion that infused shield of his car as he pulled out of the garage to head to work. my father’s personality. He truly is a chip off the old block, so to I’m not sure he ever really appreciated my efforts. I think more speak. than anything he focused on the cash outlay it must’ve cost to I took the ring to our family jeweler a few weeks ago to have the purchase all those Hallmark-sponsored professions of adulation. shank strengthened and have it polished up. I wanted the “L.R.” to He was, after all, a practical man. But for me, Father’s Day was the gleam brightly. I even added a small sapphire stud to it, the single one time each year I could at least attempt to tell him how much I remainder from a pair I’d gotten as a bat mitzvah present so many valued his support and love – and how I’d be lost without him. years ago. I’d always wondered why I’d been gifted those sapphire I didn’t realize how true that was until my father passed away studs since my birthstone was emeralds, and why I’d mysteriously 13 years ago from melanoma. At the time I was pregnant with my lost one of them and managed to hold onto the other for all this first son, Levi. Not a day goes by that I don’t lament the fact that time. But suddenly, it all seemed to make sense. Levi’s birthstone my dad never got to meet either of my boys, or that my boys didn’t was sapphire. Of course. The ring and the stone were meant to be have the chance to know the man who shaped my soul and created together and were meant to go to him. the woman I’ve ultimately become. Plus for my dad, who spent Maybe to some of you this sounds silly or “woo-woo” or just countless hours perfecting my layup and teaching me how to throw a little too “out there” for reality. But to me, the ring represents a a spiral pass, two raucous little imps like mine would’ve been the passing of past to present, of father to daughter to son. It is a true gift of a lifetime. reminder that we are all a product of those who came before and Once when I was invited to a 1950s sock-hop costume party, that our lives represent the goodness, sacrifice and devotion of those my dad lent me his chunky, old bar mitzvah ring to wear on a chain we have loved and who have loved us. around my neck. His initials, “L.R.” stood out proudly in white So to my son I say, “You are a blessing. It is with great joy and gold over the smooth yellow gold of the base. I never gave it back. pride that I hand down to you this beautiful ring that was given to I can’t honestly explain that, unless to say that somehow I knew my beloved father on the day he became a bar mitzvah.” And to my it would be mine all too soon and that I simply wasn’t willing to father I say, “While your presence is felt keenly in all that I do and risk losing it in some post-funeral negotiation with my sister. The all the moments of my life, you are deeply missed and longed for as ring remained with me for the next 30 years. It traveled with me as I wander through this life without you. Your blessed memory com- I ventured away from my hometown of Chicago and made my way forts and strengthens us all as we walk our own paths and discover to Los Angeles. It stuck close when I left the glitter and glitz of LA our own journey’s way.” to come here to Arizona. I never lost sight of it, never allowed it out I thought about giving my son the ring this Father’s Day. But of my possession, never even confessed its existence to my mother maybe I’ll wear it one more time and hold onto it until his actual or sister. Since it was all that I had to hold onto, I would never risk bar mitzvah. It’s not that I’m not ready to having to share it or give it up entirely. Maybe that was wrong. part with it or anything. It just that ... well Maybe that was selfish. But both my mom and my sister have a ... I might have a sock hop to attend over plethora of fatherly mementos. This is pretty much it for me. the summer, and I wouldn’t want to miss the I wear it each year on Passover and Rosh Hashana. The rest opportunity to wear it just one more time. n of the year I keep it tucked away in a special drawer with a few embroidered handkerchiefs and my grandpa’s old cufflinks. The ring Debra Rich Gettleman is a mother and blogger makes me feel close to my dad, almost like he’s still around. I’ve based in the Phoenix area. For more of her work, never considered giving it up. Until now. visit unmotherlyinsights.com. 56 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE Dor’l Dor Continued from page 55 always something good that follows. It’s so rewarding for both of us to have a family that’s involved. It’s one of the best things that has happened to us.” Finally Assisted Living Lee & Gary Weiss in Luxury Lee and Gary Weiss have crossed paths with both the Korts and the Goodmans in their Jewish leadership circles. “There’s a lot of overlap,” o s says Gary, who served as a board member of the Phoenix JCC from ur parent’ 1999-2012, including board chair in 2006-07. He also worked with Adam Goodman on the committee that created the JCA. Gary is also home actively involved with JACS, Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Depen- dent and Significant Others. “It’s like a combination of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon,” Gary explains. “We provide support for openInG soon families coping with addictions of all kinds.” Brand new | Individual suites | All kosher Gary’s father, Lee, has served on the boards of the Jewish Federa- Over 5000 sq ft of living space tion, JCF and Congregation Kol Ami, where he was president for two years. Most recently he has become a board member of the Jewish Beautiful back yard | Outside covered patio Genetic Diseases Center. Each suite has its own bathroom Lee’s father provided a strong example of Jewish communal values. and outside access. “As a young man, my father always instilled in us the importance of …………………………… giving back. Not all families were as fortunate as we were to live the lifestyle that he and my mom provided for us. He tried to teach us – www.ourparentshomeaz.com my sister and brother and I – that it’s a Jewish person’s responsibility (site coming soon) to see to it that those in the Jewish community are provided for if they can’t provide for themselves.” 480-247-9778 | [email protected] When Lee moved his family to Phoenix from the suburbs of 6101 E. Voltaire Ave | Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Chicago 33 years ago, it didn’t take long for him to become swept up in the vibrant Jewish community. Lee remembers, “When we first moved here, one of the men in the community asked me to lunch and, not knowing much about my background, asked if I’d be open to giving to the federation. I said, ‘Not only am I open to it, I’ve always done it where I came from, and I want to continue it here.’ ” The lessons Gary absorbed from his parents and grandparents Happy became the foundation of his involvement. “My father and grandfather and father-in-law used to say that it’s your responsibility as a Jew in the community to support those in need. A rabbi once said to me, as a ‘If you can’t afford $180 a year, you can come to my house for Shabbat dinner every Friday for a year, and that should save you $180, and that will be your start.’ I always liked that example. I want to be part Lark. of something that’s bigger than myself. I want to be passionate about something that is not self-centered, but that still gives me a lot of personal self-fulfillment.” A caring, friendly environment combined with personal Because both Lee and Gary worked as financial advisors (Lee is attention goes a long way toward ensuring the quality of life for now retired), the philanthropic aspects of Jewish involvement were our residents. Our work providing the independence residents a natural first step for both. But today Lee says he’s learned from want and the support they need contributes to improved his son that “there’s a lot more to giving than just the financial end. health and longevity. Gary spends much of his time on all these boards. I’ve also given of If you have a loved who might benefit from personalized my time, but it seems like he took that example and magnified into attention and care in an uplifting environment, call or visit a much larger extent than I ever did. We couldn’t be more proud of Freedom Inn Scottsdale today. what he’s done and continues to do in the community.” Gary is passing on his family’s legacy to his own five children. His Personalized Assisted Living oldest son, Jonah, is currently working with his temple youth group, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Temple Chai Temple Youth, as well as the North American Federa- 15436 North 64th Street tion of Temple Youth. “Jonah also received an award from the JCF for Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 team leadership,” Gary brags proudly. “It’s for kids who’ve been good (480) 948-6950 examples in their community of service in 2012. My wife and I try Your story continues here… www.brookdaleliving.com to instill a sense of tikkun olam in all our kids, but I think Jonah has ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office. 52400-RES01-1212 BC really taken our example.” n ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 57 [Seniors] Pueblo Norte Feels Like Home Scottsdale retirement village is known for friendliness of both residents and staff

By Carine Nadel entertainment and events for both the independent and the ueblo Norte Retirement Village in Scottsdale prides itself assisted-care sections. “My goal is to make sure I have five areas on what the residents describe as the feeling that when of interest covered: spiritual, social, cultural, physical and edu- you come here, “You are truly coming home.” Kath- cational. I’m very proud of the fitness program that’s been built, leen Weber, director of sales and marketing, is proud to and it’s very popular! Besides the usual gym, we have Zumba, show off the three-decade-old campus and its neatly manicured water-based exercise classes, a hiking and walking group and so Pgrounds, which include a putting green, an Olympic-sized pool, much more – and each one is full! Besides that, everyone loves the a community dining facility and café, a popular gym and many entertainment we bring in – music, movies, discussions and pre- other amenities. sentations on art and so much more! I like to take a survey among The campus houses its own medical care unit, which includes the residents, and we plan day trips as well as vacations. Recently, long- and short-term care; Pueblo Norte also has a relationship I booked an extended trip of nine days to Canada at Lake Louise. with more than 15 hospice programs. “We like to explain our We regularly plan trips to the markets, malls, lunches and dinners. services as ‘continuing care,’ ” explains Weber. “We have indepen- We go to the symphony and theaters too.” Presently, 237 people call Pueblo Norte home; about 10-15% are Jewish. Resi- dents Arlene and Beryl Dusky say that Smith and Human Resource’s Director Harve Kimmel (who facilitates the Jewish Life activities) do a great job of making sure their religious needs are met. “Linda Feldman and others, who are active at a local Hadassah, come in and hold a Shabbat twice a month. At Passover, we had our own seder and they make sure to have something for the High Holy Days as well,” says Arlene. Kimmel says that while their kitchen is not equipped to offer kosher meals, a local provider brings in items in for holidays. “We’re thrilled that we have a relationship with Rabbi Levi Levertov and his Smiles on Seniors of Arizona by Chabad to help us with holiday presentations and discus- A villa at Pueblo Norte Retirement Village. Photo courtesy of Pueblo Norte sion groups. For the High Holy Days, we are thankful that Beth Tefilah, an Ortho- Pueblo Norte: 7090 E. Mescal St., Scottsdale | 480-948-3990 | pueblonorteretirement.com dox Sephardic synagogue, shares this time with our residents. “Since most residents traditionally have dent-living units that range from a one-bedroom apartment of the first and second night of Passover with their families, we hold about 670 square feet up to a deluxe apartment of almost 1,400 our seder on the third night. I’ve led the ceremony in the past, but square feet. We offer Life Care estate programs, which allows peo- Beryl has also done a great job.” ple to start in the villas and takes them to assisted- and long-term While there are no formal Friday night or Saturday morning care when or if needed. We have dining options, and, for those services, Smith and Weber say they are always willing to have a who don’t want to buy in, we have a rental plan as well.” bus take a group if there’s enough interest. “Most of our residents Weber wants everyone to know that they take great pride in go with family members or even still drive themselves.” Other making sure that the units are remodeled frequently. “I personally events scheduled have been trips to the Jewish museum in down- like to go in and gut the units and make sure the entire place is up town Phoenix, Jewish films and entertainment. to date and as new as possible for each person as they arrive.” The Dulskys, who have been residents for about a year and Activities/Life Enrichment Director Jo Smith, who has a half, jumped right into the lifestyle. Beryl says, “I came here been with Pueblo Norte for 21 years, says she schedules classes, kicking and screaming at first, but I think this is the best thing we 58 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE ever did.” They are on the hospitality committee and not only do they enjoy the Jewish activities, they love the fitness center, walking trails, games and other social outings. Before making their choice, the couple considered eight other communities. Beryl adds, “This is the one. I love the layout, the staff is superb and it just feels like home.” Gene Walker, who is on the activities committee and founded the Heads Up Men’s Club, has lived on the campus for a year. “I was widowed after my wife’s long illness and had moved in with my daughter for a bit. She took me to see three other places, but as soon as I saw the landscaping and facilities here and how Kathleen welcomed me without an appointment, I decided right then and there that this would make the perfect new home for me. I moved in three weeks later. I’m always busy and using the gym and walking trails. The staff is just fantastic. I love it here.” Spring is more Notes: withwonderful friends, K at Pueblo Norte. NA Y Lawn mowing NA M

or garden-growing? NA C NA

Feeling the heat Colors or cool by the pool? Staying at home or staying social?

nstead of worrying about home Jo Smith, Gene Walker, Beryl and Arlene Dulsky, Kathleen Weber, Martha Jane McGarey and Jean and Ken Lewin taking advantage of the grounds at Pueblo Norte. Photo by Imaintenance, what’s for dinner, or Carine Nadel getting to appointments, our residents De:Ae:Date: mdk/eaj Rnd~Ver: jm 04.29.2013 r01•vA enjoy Five Star living with friends, Another activities committee member, Martha Jane McGarey, agrees with Walker. A exceptional care, and a calendar of resident for almost a year and a half, McGarey looked at six other places, but loved Pueblo Norte because it fit her active lifestyle. opportunities to experience spring For couple Jean and Ken Lewin, after touring 35 other senior communities, it was in full bloom. important for them to have an apartment that wasn’t small. Ken says, “I didn’t want to live in a small box. We’re active people and we love the exercise classes, the doctors here are ALL TO SCHEDULE great and they’re right here!” C Jean agrees, “I’m always taking Zumba or on the putting green. In fact, I’m missing my A LUNCH & TOUR! tai chi class right now!” The Dulskys summed up their neighbors’ feelings and advice about the place they call

home, “What brought us here was the staff, the amenities and that once here, all of our PUEBLO NORTE CANTON, 1017 MA TURNPIKE 02021 STREET, • (P) 781.828.9290 • (F) 781.828.9419 • WWW.TRIADADVERTISING.COM needs are truly being met. Jo is always asking us what we’d like to do and then actually SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY putting it on the activities schedule.” Job#:Size:Publication: PUEB130402 Client: 2.35x9.938 Pueblo Norte Smith says one reason everyone mentions the wonderful staff is because the employees are truly like family. “I’ve been here for 21 years, Harve has been with us since 1988, our 7090 East Mescal Street cleaning staff have all been here over 15 years. Some of the others have been here since Scottsdale, AZ 85254 we opened in 1984! That says something about how all of us feel about Pueblo Norte and 480-948-3990 everyone who lives here. We love them and they love us. Many similar communities can www.PuebloNorteRetirement.com only dream of having the same people working for them for such an extended period of Pet ©2013 Five Star Quality Care, Inc. time.” Friendly Kimmel adds, “For those of the Jewish faith, it’s important to have havurah – the get- INDEPENDENT LIVING ting together and being with one another – whether daily, weekly or once a month. And ASSISTED LIVING for everyone here, this is part of the nature of Pueblo Norte.” LONG-TERM NURSING And those who live here have this piece of advice: “Look around, see what’s out there, ORTHOPEDIC/MEDICAL REHAB that way when you arrive here, you will realize that you truly saved the best for last.” n ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 59 [Israel] Life on the Other Side The Balsamic Polemic by Anne Kleinberg

The author samples vinegar in New York. Who knew gelato pops came in so many flavors?

o maybe polemic is a bit of overkill. Is balsamic battle in a food tour. You want balsamic? I’ll give you balsamic! How better? about white balsamic vinegar with oregano for a start? And to Here’s the thing … my raison d’etre for endors- think that we in the Levant could win this war. We can’t even ing Israel as a culinary haven has always been the touch it! balsamic vinegar story. It goes something like this: Don’t get me wrong – we do have great food in Israel. Really. “I came to this country 20 years ago and what a gastronomic Fresh, abundant and delicious. But can it compare to what I wasteland! I had to drive to Tel Aviv, to the most expensive mall found in the New York? No! Sin the country, to an esoteric boutique grocery, in order to pay My participation in the Foods of NY foodie tour, specifically a fortune for a bottle of balsamic vinegar. But now? OMG – “The Original Greenwich Village Food and Culture Walking there are six different brands on my local grocery shelf! That’s Tour,” (foodsofny.com) once again opened my eyes to how progress!” fabulous and varied the foods of New York can be. From pizza Forget it. I am so over that argument. I just came back from to cannolis and everything in between I was in hog heaven (just New York (my first and always homeland) where I participated an expression, no pork products eaten – I promise). I shelpped

Why can’t at least one place in Israel make corned beef as we know it from the real New York Jewish delicatessens?

60 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE Everything You Need to Feel at Home

Sephrah and Johns Pizza served up hot and fresh.

AN AWARD-WINNING MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY through the Village, learning and noshing all the way. S. 46th Place at Ray Rd, Phoenix And besides that amazing food tour? Tons of fabulous restaurants, eateries, stop-in shops for quick bites. Oh my god – even a chopped salad place! Choose your ingredients and they chop it up before your eyes and scoop in all into a large plastic bowl and you’re off. How about a charming grilled sandwich place that you can get almost anything you want smooshed between two pieces of bread, your choice of cheese added in and all that toasted to oozy deliciousness. INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES Can we talk desserts? I’m not complaining about what W. Ocotillo Road, Chandler we have here, but c’mon guys – get creative. Practically every restaurant in Israel now has a version of the exploding, la- va-like chocolate cake – warm chocolate cake that oozes out a chocolatey syrup as soon as you put your fork into it. Can we move on already? Give me a good old-fashioned chocolate layer cake with real chocolate buttercream any day over these ersatz creations. INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES And tell me please, why can’t at least one place in Israel East Northern Avenue, Phoenix make pastrami the way it should be made? Corned beef as we know it from the real New York Jewish delicatessens? Don’t think so. So I guess I’ll keep living in Israel, because I love it here, but will always consider New York the #1 place Call today to schedule lunch and a personal tour! for food experiences. n

Anne Kleinberg, author of Menopause in Man- Ask how you can beneﬁt from a Commission for the Accreditation of hattan and several cookbooks, left a cushy life in CARF accredited retirement community! Rehabilitation Facilities Manhattan to begin a new one in Israel. Now she’s opened a boutique bed and breakfast in her home on the golf course in Caesarea. For details, visit SRGseniorliving.com annekleinberg.com and casacaesarea.com.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 61 [An American in Israel] Boston bombing elicits sense of connection and shared fate

By Mylan Tanzer that this was an isolated incident and to see if the immediate hen word of the Boston Marathon bombing hit American response would be similar to ours. Because compared the news, it riveted me and a majority of Israelis to to Israel, the United States still has relatively little experience in the TV and Internet. Beyond the fact that it was dealing with terror. Even though we haven’t found all the answers, clearly an important story and one that needed we’ve developed successful security strategies, some of which are to be understood, the fact it occurred in the United States, in a considered controversial, but lives are saved and democratic checks locationW that many Israelis have visited, made the concern more and balances oversee all of this. pronounced. On a psychological level, after suffering so much terror, we have What made the first moments of the Boston bombing most figured out how to live with this contradiction: Something terrible dramatic for us is our empathy with the citizens of the country that could happen at any moment, and there’s no reason to let fear Israel is closest to and the understanding that arises from our very dictate how you live. extensive and tragic experience being victimized by this exact kind This response is perhaps best described in the book Burning of savage and cowardly brutality. This was the first manifestation Land by senior NPR reporter, Greg Myre, and his wife, Jennifer after the news broke – the connection and shared fate that Israelis Griffin, when they write: “We were consistently amazed at how feel with Americans. quickly Israelis returned to places that had been bombed. The Obviously we were anxious to know who the murderers were police, the rescue teams and the cleanup crews restored a bomb and their motivations, but in the immediate aftermath of the at- site to an outward semblance of normality within hours of an tack, the information most sought was the extent of the casualties attack. Debris was swept out. Hoses washed away blood from the and how the situation was being handled medically and psycholog- sidewalk. Shattered windows were replaced. The yellow police tape ically. From our experience, these questions are the keys to gaining came down. The next day, Israelis placed flowers and candles at the a semblance of control in an otherwise anarchic and horrific scene. By the time those flowers wilted, the street tended to be as situation. Getting this early handle on the destruction allows the busy as ever.” situation to quickly transition from one of carnage, to mourning For Israelis, combating terror is not just a security question. It’s while investigating and then to defiant rebuilding. a social, cultural and psychological issue, and the whole country is It was clear from the initial response in Boston that everyone required to play its role. It’s often measured in symbolic acts, like involved knew what they were doing. A Jerusalem Post editorial going back to the cafe or restaurant that was attacked. In 2002 two days after the attack stated: “Judging from afar here in Israel, alone, more than 50 suicide bombings were perpetrated against the reaction in the U.S. to the atrocious violence carried out this Israel, and population-wise, Israel is not much larger than Mas- week during the Boston Marathon is exemplary. While vowing, as sachusetts. In a sense, Israel endured the equivalent of a Boston President Obama did, to ‘find out who did this’ and make sure they Marathon bombing every week for a year. After almost every blast, ‘feel the full weight of justice,’ Americans, as Israelis do in similar cell phone frequencies are taxed to the limit as everyone calls fami- circumstances, seem determined not to give in to fear and despair ly, relatives and friends to make sure they are all right. In a country as the perpetrators of this heinous crime would have them do.” where it sometimes seems that everyone knows everyone, Israelis Not only did we feel a close psychological connection to this know they might be connected in some way to the victims. But reaction, there was a very real practical connection between Amer- this also helps us cope with this tragic and bizarre reality. ica and Israel that came to the fore. Though American prepared- In McGill University Professor Gil Troy’s blog entitled “Amer- ness for attacks is part of the legacy of Sept. 11, Israel has helped ica and Israel: Targeted by Totalitarian Terrorists, United in Love Americans respond to such violence. During the waves of attacks of Life,” the strong American-Israeli connection becomes even by Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Fatah-affiliated al-Aksa Martyrs Bri- closer at the time of a disaster to which Israelis can relate so per- gades and other terrorist groups starting in the late 1990s, Israeli sonally. He writes: “But as we in Israel knew long before the trail doctors gained unique experience dealing with the injuries caused reached to Chechnya and Dagestan, this kind of terrorist crime is by bombs packed with nails, ball bearings and scrap metal such as an intensely international event – and involves us directly. We are the ones that went off at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. proud – and should be – that the Israeli fingerprints on this event Israeli triage expertise, gained on the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, were all positive … And we are appalled – and should be – that in Haifa and elsewhere during the second intifada, was shared with Gaza, members of Hamas, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad danced in Massachusetts General Hospital, one of several medical centers the streets and distributed celebratory candies – as they also did on that treated victims of the Boston bombings. Israeli physicians also 9/11. It may not be politically correct to say it, but there is a moral helped set up the hospital’s disaster team to better prepare it for difference between us and our enemies. I know of no Palestinians responding to such attacks. or anti-Zionists who denounced that despicable Gazan spectacle, Due to the deep feeling of sympathy and almost vicarious pain, when some of their bloodthirsty brothers delighted in the deaths many of us anxiously followed every move and report in the hope of Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell and Lu Lingzi.” 62 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE [An Israeli In America]

Besides the deep personal identification we felt with the victims of the Boston bombing, the fate Israelis and Americans share as the victims of terror and de-legitimization became apparent with the supporters of terror drunk in the joy of striking at the heart of the free world. While the casualty count paled in comparison Israel celebrates Earth Day to America’s murder rate, or even to the Texas fertilizer plant explosion, the psychological effect of the bombing, and the ensuing By Natalie Nahome and unfathomable lockdown of Boston, will be manipulated by In 1970 American Senator Gaylord Nelson called for terrorists as a victory. a day of protest and learning on April 22, as a response to As Chemi Shalev wrote in Ha’aretz, “This was terrorism’s great what he felt was a looming environmental catastrophe. victory, its spectacular triumph, its abhorrently glorious day in the Over 20 million people participated in that event. This sun. Never, in the history of violence aimed at innocent civilians, year on April 22 the world celebrated the 43rd “Earth have the lives of so many been disrupted so much by the relatively Day.” amateurish actions of so few.” Communities, governments, groups and organizations As we know, these “victories” by terrorists become pyrrhic all over the world declared their concern toward planet victories in the end due to the resilience of people like Americans Earth’s well-being and called for awareness and action. and Israelis who love life and fight for democracy. While these Israel celebrated Earth Day as well. For the last few are perceived as weaknesses that terrorists try to exploit, they are years, as a symbolic act of saving energy and raising actually the reason we emerge stronger after every attack and that awareness, cities have shut down their electric power terror has achieved nothing. completely for a few hours. Jerusalem decided to join to Finally, the American-Israeli connection is prominent in the this initiative and shut down the Western Wall lights and sick justification used by today’s totalitarians, the Jihadists and the city lights for a whole day. Islamic nations and regimes that back them, who lump both of our Public live band shows in Tel Aviv got their neces- nations together as a two-headed ogre. These fringe ideologies of sary electricity from an alternative energy supplier – for hatred have come in from the cold by astonishingly and success- instance, the whole audience might pedal on bicycles to fully striking a nerve with many Western intellectual forces and create electricity. In Haifa the science museum tried to co-opting the United Nations. demonstrate global warming to the public by creating a Troy continues in his blog, “Israel’s and the Jewish people’s water vapor cloud. In the south the day was marked by involvement runs deeper. In explaining what prompted these two sending up an air balloon to see the amazing landscape brothers to turn to terror, we see how anti-Americanism festers in and view that needs to be conserved. In other parts of the same totalitarian swamps that breed today’s anti-Semitism and the country, energy-efficient lightbulbs were given away. anti-Zionism. Among radical Leftists as well as Islamists, prejudice Schools all over the country participated in a recycling against Israel and the U.S. seems to be the last legitimate bigotry, competition that caused students to become excited and the only hatred acceptable to air in polite circles. Both anti-Amer- want to take part in the cause. icanism and anti-Zionism transcend anger at specific policies, Being a state that needed to invent solutions nonstop which could dissipate. Instead, they express an enduring, irrational since the day it was established, Israel had to develop hatred, repudiating each country’s essence. “ ecological and environmental inventions that work all The unshakable bond between America and Israel is felt by year long. For example, to save water a smart drip system Israelis in times of calm and prosperity, and even more so in times is installed and small holes are strategically placed along when our common enemies strike at our freedom, openness, irrigation pipes to deliver water directly to each plant. tolerance and acceptance. One can only hope that the necessary They can also measure the hourly water flow quantity. conclusions will be drawn from this tragedy as they have been Combined with a solar irrigation computer, they can set drawn from so many tragedies in Israel so that future attacks can the exact amount of water they want to use during the be avoided as much as possible. If these steps are taken, and in most efficient hour of the day. Another example is the so- a country as vast with so many soft targets it is not easy, and if lar heater, which is being used almost in every household Americans have no illusions regarding what we are all up against in Israel to save electricity. and what must be done, then terror against America will be futile. Let’s make a decision to keep “Earth” clean and save This column is dedicated to the memory of my late older broth- our resources all year long! n .1954-2013 ,ל”ז er, Marc Tanzer

Mylan Tanzer is a Portland native who moved to Israel in 1981. He was the founding CEO of the first Israeli cable and satellite sports channel. Since 2005, he has launched, managed and consulted for channels and companies in Israel and Europe. Tanzer lives in Tel Aviv with his wife Natalie Nahome is an Israeli Shlicha and five children. He can be reached at (emissary) to the Jewish community . [email protected].

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 63 [Singles] Looking for Love Dating is a meet market By Ellen Gerst Marketing and dating – they’re not so different! After all, aren’t both of these about expectations. In this way, you always have a clearly communicating with another person in an attempt to forge a relationship? great bottom line or result. Let me review the 12 most persuasive words used in marketing – discovery, easy, guarantee, health, caring, money, new, proven, results, safety, savings and Safety you – and illustrate how they apply to dating. Safety is important, especially when dating via the Internet. Rather than being afraid to Discovery pant feel seen and heard. These behaviors can date, a better approach is to remain aware of Discovery is the most fun of all in the include courteousness, respect, laughter (with danger and take the necessary precautions. dating process. It provides an opportunity to another or at yourself ) and active listening. increase your sphere of knowledge. Although Save dating can be nerve wracking, it’s also Money Everyone loves a bargain! Be mindful of fascinating to learn about different ideas and It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money to another’s purse; it’s easy to be a cheap date, hear about varied experiences. And dating have fun on a date. You can go on a picnic, and this will be appreciated. Also, save the via the Internet gives you the opportunity take a walk, visit a mall or go to a free street gory details of your life until you’ve made it to connect with someone you might never fair. Sometimes planning a robust activity past the first couple of dates. have encountered in your normal walk of for a first meeting is less tension filled than life. In this way, you get to discover unknown sitting across a table while struggling to fill You territory – especially if you have to travel to in the silences. Walking, looking around Finally! Dating allows you to learn about get together. and doing something will give you ample another, but it’s also one of the best forums fodder for conversation. It also gives you an to learn about yourself. When you see your- Easy in-depth peek into a person’s personality; self reflected in another’s eye, you learn how Most people like experiences to be sans for example, by their stride, you can observe you’re projecting your personality. If you stress and complications. Allow dating to the pace at which a person walks through aren’t receiving the response you’re hoping be easy and enjoyable by incorporating the life. Keep your eyes and ears open, because for, it may be time to re-examine your body following behaviors into your style: make actions often foretell more than words. language. Check to see if your words and straightforward arrangements to meet; be actions are in sync. New emotionally honest with dates; remain open There you have it – the similarities of the to hearing about different ideas without New is always exciting! Maybe you’re a first- words important in a marketing campaign judgment; go with the flow; and leave your date junkie, meaning you like the excitement and how they may be applied to dating. This grandiose expectations at home. of meeting new people all the time. Another is not to say that dating is a meat market way to approach dating is to find ways to where the participants are only out to sell Guarantee make every date (with the same person) new themselves. I prefer to think of it more as Although there aren’t any guarantees in life, or innovative. a meet market or a venue where you can you can make a promise to simply enjoy encounter a diverse group of people in your Proven yourself – in life and on a date. search for the one with whom you can find Most everyone likes a tried-and-true a special connection. Remember, dating is Health approach. Discover if your date has had a numbers game. In any situation, self-preservation is always a previous relationships and the cause for their The more people big motivator. Incorporate healthy behaviors demise. you meet, the better into your life, which includes claiming some chance you have of Results “me” time. So, even if your date is not a good discovering those match, remember that you still got dressed A lot of people are just interested in the bot- with whom you have up and out of the house, saw a movie, had a tom line – or what is in it for him or her. The a base upon which nice dinner and so on. best way to approach dating is without great to build a relationship. n Caring Caring and being the recipient of caring be- Ellen Gerst is a relationship coach, author and workshop leader. Visit LNGerst. haviors while on a date makes each partici- com. To ask Ellen a question to be answered in a future column, email her at 64 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE [email protected] [Singles] Traveling Solo By Masada Siegel he phone rang and rang. After the third try, it was They taught me how to travel on the cheap, and we met count- exceptionally clear to me that I was being flaked on less travelers from the bars to the back alleyways of the old city of – in other words, stood up. She was a friend of a friend Jerusalem. and had given me a number to contact her in Israel, so I started to see the world in a completely different way. I bond- we could make plans to meet up. I should have known better, but ed with these complete strangers who had now turned into my beingT the optimist, I took her at her word. friends. It was one of the best decisions I ever made to take a risk I stared at the phone on the counter in Tel Aviv, Israel, and and go it alone. wondered about my next move. Should I stay here in the safety of I fine-tuned trusting my instincts: when they hitchhiked, I took a city I knew with family, or should I have an adventure, albeit on the bus and met them at the next location. When they stayed in my own, without a plan? places that seemed a bit scary to me from a safety perspective, I Nervous was an understatement, but I really wanted to travel tried it out and then booked myself into another location where I and see more of Israel. So with an impish grin on my face, I felt more secure. All the while they accepted my differences, and I figured I would go it alone and find her in Tiberius where we had learned to trust myself in all types of new and interesting situations. planned to meet. As they were returning to London and I was figuring out my It was a completely crazy concept to find someone in a city of next steps, little did I know this was only the beginning of a beau- thousands of people, especially when I had no clue where she was tiful friendship that would span continents and generations. staying. But I grabbed my belongings and headed for the Tel Aviv bus station. Modern Orthodox invited I was scared, completely unprepared. I had no guidebook, no Internet, no phone, no nothing and no idea where I to experience adventure in Oregon would sleep that night. Modern Orthodox young professionals ages 26-42 are invited to Oregon June I was simultaneously excited and petrified. I promised 26-July 1 for Portland’s third MoDox Outdoor Adventure Shabbaton. myself that if I was uncomfortable or it was too overwhelm- The first Shabbaton in 2011 drew 56 participants, with 74 ing, I would take the bus back to Tel Aviv. young adults turning out in 2012. This year’s event includes a tour of Nike Taking a risk to travel solo with no plans opened up the World Headquarters, where organizer Jodi Berris works; skiing on Mt. Hood’s glacier; Alpine slide; mountain biking; brewery and bran- world to me in ways I could never have imagined. dy distillery tours and tastings; hikes; soccer tournament; visits to the Oregon The bus stopped in Nazareth, and the windows shim- coast and Columbia River Gorge; Portland mered with sunlight bursting through clouds of dust. Just nightlife; and, of course, a Shabbat program and kosher meals. like a mirage, five backpackers boarded. I smiled and said The low registration fee of $99 until June 5, $199 until June 15, and $299 hi, and they sat down all around me and started to ask me thereafter (if space is available) includes meals, most questions about where I had been and where I was going. activities and home hospitality with Orthodox host families. These five Australians were nurses and physical thera- For registration and a detailed itinerary, visit portlandjewishevents.com. pists. They lived to travel – literally – living in London and For more information, contact Jodi at [email protected] or 248-760-0743. working for a few months saving all their money and then traveling for a few months. I was fascinated. They asked me how I happened to be traveling solo, and once they heard my Over the next several years, we met up again in London, story, they immediately said, “Why don’t you travel with us?” New York City, Sydney, Melbourne, Frankfurt and Scottsdale. The first night I found myself sharing a room with nine other Our families have met here in Scottsdale and in Sydney, and people sleeping in a crusader castle; the next day, we went hiking Justin has become one of my closest friends on the planet. and exploring, picking up more people as we went along on our Call it fate, call it destiny, call it whatever you like, but one adventure. of the greatest lessons I have learned is call your own shots. The third day I was wandering with my new friends, and I When people disappoint you or are unreliable, go it alone – bumped into the woman I was supposed to meet. She was with whether it is to the movies or to another city on vacation. two other people hiking up the path we were walking down. There are a lot of amazing wonderful I was so happy to see her – and even happier that she never people out there, and you never know who called! The people she was traveling with appeared dull, clearly might sit down next to you – especially if she was not reliable and here I had met the most fantastic friendly you are traveling solo. n group of people on a bus! I spent the next two weeks traveling all over Israel with my Masada Siegel is the author of Window Dress- Aussie friends. I bonded the most with Justin and Sue. We had ings, available at masadasiegelauthor.com. countless conversations about our beliefs, experiences, countries and worldviews. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 65 [History]

1880s’ undergarments were fashionable torture

By Eileen R. Warshaw, Ph.D. “You can always spy the wealthy ladies. They have the tiny middles, walk as if on tip toes and are always breathless to see me.” – Eadweard Muybridge, a Victorian era photographer. The wealthy ladies that Mr. Muy- bridge was speaking about were the society women of the 1880s, and the appearance he was describing was caused by the fashion of the day, the corset. The wealthy woman of the Victorian era was expected to have a waist of not more than 20 inches on her wedding day. The bride’s social status was represented by the woman’s figure, and so to attain the desired “hourglass” form, girls as young as 4 years old were fitted into undergarments called Ferris, tiny corsets that when laced up the back would over the years conform bone growth to the willowy shape so desired.

Adult society women of the period wore on an average more than 20 pounds of clothing, and to maintain their waists, seldom consumed over 800 calories each day. Their undergarments were designed to constrict. The corset of the 1880s was made from seven to 13 individual pieces. The gusseted, rein- forced-stitched corset made from strong twill cotton used up to 16 vertical rows of whalebone shaped to constrict the natural body form. The corset hooked with steel hooks at the 66 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE front and was then laced up the back with rawhide and ribbon laces. Women of lesser wealth would wear the same design of garment, but with wooden stays replacing the expensive whalebone. Because the dress bodices of the time were lengthening, the actual dress bodice was also boned in sections to give additional contour to the body. This lengthened bodice made it difficult to breathe and to take a step longer than six inches, making it appear that the wearer was walking on tip toes and constantly short of breath. Maternity did not release a woman from the corset. Corsets worn during pregnancy were laced up on each side of the garment and adjusted as the pregnancy progressed. Wearing the corset required the assistance of another person: a personal maid or a willing spouse who would pull and tug at the lacing, reducing the normal circumference of the waist from 25 or 27 inches to the desired 20 inches. The corset was functional in that it prevented the wearer from performing the everyday household chores; thus the status symbol of a tiny waist equated to wealth. As uncomfortable as the corset was to wear, there were many other “proper” undergarments expected to be worn. The well- OPENING SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 dressed woman would begin her dressing ritual with a simple sheath gown of cotton or linen that was slipped over the head and over which the corset would be placed; then came a lightweight full slip or corset cover, a petticoat and open-crotch pantaloons. The full wire-circle bustle of the Civil War era gave way to a wire or horsehair bustle that tied around the waist and sat astride the woman’s hips; then at least one, and as many as four, additional petticoats were worn. Finally knitted stockings were worn with high-top, laced boots. Women of poorer classes, especially of the rural population, who were required to work long hours wore the corset only for special occasions and opted for a chemise-type undergarment with or without the pantaloons and bustle. After 1900 the wasp waist became less acute and corsets became straighter. The corset of 1900 achieved a long, slim silhou- An exhibit ette with a monobossom or “pigeon front” appearance. The corset started just above the waist and fitted well down the thighs. They that often had elastic gusset inserts that were supposed to increase the celebrates comfort level. As ever, fashion won out and to match the new longer slimmer dress styles of the early 1900s, corsets increased in the lives length and almost reached the knees, making sitting down quite of the difficult. Corset ads became the centerfolds of the Victorian era, and Jewish newspapers were careful not to publish risqué drawings in fear of pioneers losing ad revenues from more conservative advertisers. An 1890s window display of women’s undergarments in the Levy department store in Tucson made front page news in the Citizen news- paper, and demonstrations of protest by local residents followed. World War I put women to work, and the subsequent blending of society made the corset and the heavy, cumbersome undergarments obsolete. For the first time since the corset was invented in the 1400s, women all over the world could easily take a deep breath, and forcing women’s bodies into unnatural positions to gain social status ended. n

Eileen R. Warshaw, Ph.D., is the executive director of the Jewish History Museum in Tucson.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 67 [Happenings | Faces]

1 2 GOLF FUNDRAISER – Congregation Beth 1I srael’s 10th Anniversary Kahn Classic attracted 76 golfers for a round of golf May 5 at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale. From left, Craig Sacks, Steve Bandler, Rabbi Stephen Kahn and Ari Schur were among those whose golfing raised $40,000 for CBI youth programming.

IMPROV FUNDRAISER – All Rights 2Reserved, a teen improv troupe, held a Red Nose Day show on April 21, where they 4 were “funny to make some money.” The show netted $200, which the teens split between Lost Our Home Pet Foundation, a no-kill shelter (lostourhome.org), and Friendship Circle, a Chabad-sponsored program offering friendship and fun to those with special needs (fcaz.org). Performers were, from 3 left, Elliott McVeigh, Alexandra Schuler, Samantha Redmond, Tamara Statman, Danya Sherman, Branda Statman, (and standing at right) Rebecca Klein, Corey Khazanovich and Jack McCabe. Maya Miggins, Becca Sturm, Hannah Pearlmutter HALL OF FAMER – Fred Cohen (12) blocks Iowa’s Bill and Alyssa Sturm cool off at the water slide. 3Logan’s shot during the 1956 NCAA semifinal, which Temple lost 83-76. Many years later, Cohen, a long-time Tucson BOOK LAUNCH – Rodney and Sasha resident, has been inducted into the Philadelphia Jewish 6Glassman and Jeremy Jackrabbit join the Sports Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held May 20. Cohen Stanton family – Phoenix First Lady Nicole, son played with the great Si Green at Duquesne then transferred Trevor and Mayor Greg Stanton – a the Earth Day to Temple University in Philadelphia where he teamed with launch of the Glassman’s latest book Jeremy All-Americans Hal Lear and Guy Rogers. Their 1956 team went Jackrabbit Recycles the Can. More than 250 to the NCAA Final Four, and along the way Cohen scored the game-winning people turned out April 27 to hear the mayor and his wife read the new book basket against Holy Cross and Hall of Famer Tom Heinsohn in Madison which was later distributed free to more than 50,000 kindergarteners in Square Garden. In round two against the University of Connecticut, Cohen Maricopa and Pima Counties. Photo by Tina Greggo, Greggo Photography Inc. snared 34 rebounds, an NCAA record that still stands. Cohen went on to graduate Yale Law School and had a distinguished law career as a professor SOS APPRECIATION – Smile on Seniors hosted an appreciation luncheon then activist and author in the area of correctional mental health law. 7for volunteers, friends of SOS and supporters on April 21. This group of supporters enjoy the gathering that SOS organized to thank every individual HILLEL FUNDRAISER – The Arizona State University Hillel annual and organization who contributes their valuable time and financial support 4fundraiser April 18 at the Arizona Historical Society Museum drew about to better the lives of the Jewish seniors in Arizona and create this great 250 supporters. A group of Hillel students make the official ASU Sun Devils community. pitchfork sign with their hands. At left, David and Marilyn Frazer established the Joan Frazer Memorial Award for the Arts at Hillel, giving annual BETH TEFILLAH’S GOT TALENT – More than 150 people attended “Beth scholarships to students creating artistic projects with Jewish influences. 8Tefillah’s Got Talent” at the VOSJCC on May 5. Chana Pantiliat and New Hillel Executive Director (as of July 1) Debbie Yunker Kail meets Board Nina Allouche, both 5, dancing the “Princess Ballet” and Zachary Etzioni, President Rachel Passon, right. Photos by Mike Ruggiero 8 playing “The Juggler” on the piano were among 28 children performers from the age of 4 to 17. Performers played the piano, violin, flute and drums; JEWISH JAMBOREE – Annual Jewish Jamboree Spring Picnic held April sang and rapped; danced; and demonstrated martial arts and a gymnastics. 528 at Jackpot Ranch was sponsored by Heichal Baoranim of Flagstaff, The finale was Michele Cohen who played Chopin and Bach with a Brazilian B’rith Shalom of Prescott and the Jewish Community of Sedona and the twist. The event was sponsored by Levi’s Catering. Verde Valley. Rabbi Akiva (aka Rabbi Alicia Magal) taught the kids about the history of Lag B’Omer while the kids re-enacted ancient times armed with TUCSON ISRAEL FEST – Security ensured that the thousands of bows and arrows, concealing their pursuit of Jewish study from the Romans. 9participants who turned out for the April 21 Israel Festival in Tucson

68 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE 5 7 8 6 9

10 could enjoy all of the educational and fun opportunities to learn about Israel. The festival was preceded by an education program for all the Hebrew and Jewish schools in Tucson. One popular stop was the technology pavilion, which highlighted Israel’s 12 amazing innovative contribution to the world. The kids’ activity area featured 11 different Israel-related crafts, scientific hands on experiences, face painting, Abrams, and (not pictured) Seymour Rife. About 100 folks turned out to inflatables, bungee jumping and rock climbing. The festival also included a support the work of the center and to donate used jeans to Jewish Family virtual musical tour of Israel, Krav Maga/Israel self-defense classes, a Shuk and Children’s Services. “Our goal is to make sure that every Jewish person Market Place and parade. of child-bearing age in our community is aware of the importance of being screened for these tragic, usually fatal Jewish genetic diseases,” said JGDC MODERN MILLIE – Beth Israel Rebbetzin Michele Kahn, right, and founder Andi Minkoff, pictured between event speaker Randy Gold, and her 10Jennifer Alexander starred in “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, May husband, Sherman Minkoff, right. Founder of Atlanta Jewish Gene Screen, 9-12 at Dorrance Auditorium at Phoenix Country Day School. The play was Randy shared his family’s very personal story of having a child with one of directed by Beth Israel member David Hock and presented by Scottsdale the tragic diseases for which JGDC screens. Music Theater. YOM HA’ATZMAUT – The Israel at 65 Celebration held April 28 at WHAT’S IN YOUR GENES? The Jewish Genetic Diseases Center 12the Valley of the Sun JCC featured music and booths, including this 11held a luncheon at Ancala Country Club May 2. Chairpersons jewelry booth where Shira Zerner, left, and Rabbi Sarah Leah Grafstein, Michelle Abrams and Susan Silver organized a fashion show with models right, contemplate Israeli jewelry offered by Shari Finkelstein and her the community and clothes from Scottsdale Jean Company. From left, the husband Michael through his business Dreaming Drusy. Other booths models are Dr. Sami Schwartz, Temple Solel Cantorial Soloist Todd Herzog, featured information on Israel related programming. Hundreds of visitors Cantor Melissa Berman of Congregation Or Chadash, Helen Pressman, enjoyed a concert by the Maccabeats, an acapella singing group from Holly Packer, Diva Galan, Emily Thaler, Alli Roth, Thelma Gross, Michelle Yeshiva University. Photo by Janet Arnold n

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2013 69 [Happenings] June/July CALENDAR Summers become a bit quieter in Arizona, as folks June 30-July 28 seek out activities to avoid the heat! Check out all Summer movie series hosted by Congregation Anshei the deals for Stavcations at local resorts, take in a Israel in Tucson. Free. These showings include popcorn Diamondbacks Game, stroll through the Musical and lemonade as well as post-film discussions. At Instrument Museum or the new Butterfly Wonderland 7 pm at Anshei Israel, 5550 E. 5th St. at Craycroft, or head to northern Arizona. Many of the temples and Tucson, 520-745-5550, caiaz.org synagogues and all of the JCCs offer summer camps June 30: “Driving Miss Daisy”: Based on the Pulitzer for kids. Lots of cool movies listed below. Prize-winning play by Alfred Uhry, Driving Miss Daisy affectionately covers the 25-year relationship between June 6-23 a wealthy, strong-willed Southern Jewish matron “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson”, written by Alex (Jessica Tandy) and her equally indomitable black Timbers with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, is chauffeur, Hoke (Morgan Freeman). a “verbally, sexually, politically and culturally charged July 7: “Yentl”: Barbra Streisand’s directorial debut, new musical.” The story of America’s first political Yentl, is a musical adaptation of a story by the beloved maverick. For adults only. Times and prices vary. At Jewish writer Isaac Bashevis Singer. Yentl (Streisand) Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. is a young woman who wants nothing more than to 602-254-2151 or phoenixtheatre.com study religious scripture. She is denied that possibility because she is a woman. June 9 July 14: “School Ties”: This tale of anti-Semitism at June 20 a 1950s prep school stars Brendan Fraser as David Red Cross Blood Drive. Blood supplies run low in the The Haunted Smile: The Story of Jewish Comedians in Greene, a working-class Jewish quarterback from summer and are often needed the most. Donate from America, by Lawrence Epstein, is this month’s book to Scranton, PA, who is offered a senior year scholarship 9 am to 2 pm at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 be discussed at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society to a prestigious New England academy. E. 5th St., Tucson. Schedule an apt. with Margo Gray in Phoenix. The Haunted Smile “offers us a deep July 21: “The Chosen”: Set in the Brooklyn of the 520-298-8831, caiaz.org and subtle understanding of how Jewish culture and 1940s, The Chosen elucidates the friendship between American openness gave birth to a new style of enter- two young Jews of differing factions. Daniel Saunders June 12 and July 17 tainment.” 7 pm at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage (Robby Benson) is Hassidic, while Reuven Malter (Bar- Remaining movies in Hadassah Center, 122 E. Culver, Phoenix; azjhs.org. Free. RSVP: ry Miller) is a Zionist. Though separated ideologically, /JCC summer movie series: 602-241-7870 or [email protected] the boys find a common bond through their love of June 12: “Annie Hall”, the quintessential Woody Allen stickball. Based on the novel by Chaim Potok. movie, and one of the all-time great comedies, June 20-26 July 28: “Everything is Illuminated”: A young man will be shown at the Valley of the Sun JCC, The Israeli Scouts (Tzofim) are coming to Arizona to takes a strange and unexpectedly funny journey in co-sponsored by Hadassah, sing and dance their way into your hearts! This is an search of a family heroine in this screen adaptation July 17: “Funny Girl”, starring Barbra Streisand and energetic group of talented teen ambassadors from of the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer. Jonathan Omar Sharif, is the award-winning musical featuring Israel. Free. (Elijah Wood) has become obsessed with a woman such great songs as “People,” “Second Hand Rose” June 20 7 pm Temple Solel, he’s never met: The woman who saved the life of his and many more. 6805 E. McDonald Dr, Paradise Valley, 480-991-7414 grandfather during World War II. $7 per movie for members, $10 for nonmembers. June 23 11 am Temple Beth Shalom, 6:30 pm at 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 12202 N. 101 Ave., Sun City, 623-977-3240 July 4 – Happy Birthday U.S.A. RSVP 480-483-7121 Ext.1230 vosjcc.org June 23 4:30 pm Temple Chai,4 Fireworks abound 645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, 602-971-1234 June 13-29 June 24 7 pm Congregation Or Chadash, JULY 15-16 “The Producers” by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan 9096 E. Bahia Dr., Scottsdale, 480-342-8858 Tisha B’Av – Both the First Temple (423 BCE) and the is playing on stage at the Prescott Center for the Arts. June 25 1 pm Az Jewish Historical Society, Second Temple (69CE) were destroyed on the 9th Recommended for adults. Prices vary. Options to 122 E. Culver St, Phoenix, 602-241-7870 of Av. In more modern times, the Jews were expelled add dinner and an overnight stay. 928-445-3286 or June 25 7 pm Har Zion Congregation from England on this date in 1290, and likewise with pca-az.net 6140 E Thunderbird Road, Scottsdale, 480-991-0720 the expulsion from Spain in 1492. Finally, Germany June 26 7 pm Jewish Community of Sedona & Verde declared war on Russia also on Tisha B’Av in 1914, an Valley 100 Meadowlark Dr., Sedona, 928-204-1286 June 16 act that catapulted the world into World War I. The day The Scouts also plan to be in Tucson, but dates weren’t Father’s Day is commemorated with fasting. available by press time. Contact the Tucson JCC: 520-299-3000 June 18 To have your events included in calendar “The Land was Theirs” is a fascinating documentary June 25-30 about Farmingdale, NJ, one of many Jewish farming listings, email Arizona Jewish Life Associate communities in the United States established with the “SISTER ACT” features original music by eight-time Editor Janet Arnold at janet.arnold@azjew- Oscar winner Alan Menken and tells the story of a help of the Jewish Agricultural Society. Spanning more ishlife.com. Events can also be added to our than 50 years, the history of Farmingdale provides wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when a perspective on the pressures, problems and satis- she witnesses a crime. The cops hide her in the last online calendar; go to azjewishlife.com and factions of rural Jewish life. 7 pm at the Cutler-Plotkin place anyone would think to look – a convent! Prices click on “Add an Event” on the bottom right and times vary. This is the final show of the 2012-13 Jewish Heritage Center, 122 E. Culver, Phoenix; azjhs. of the homepage. org. Free. RSVP: 602-241-7870 or [email protected] Broadway series. At ASU Gammage on ASU main campus in Tempe. 480-965-3434 or asugammage.com

70 JUNE/JULY 2013 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE Come join our

Jewish Life™ Directory Network the local interactive online directory website for local organizations, congregations and businesses. iNCLuDes: Your own mini-website, photos and blogging capabilities Link* to your website for increased exposure and to increase traffic Connect* locally or connect nationally with Jewish communities around the country * Can be updated all year long * Also coming soon: the inaugural Arizona Jewish Life Resource Guide

arizona jewish life ContaCt your sales representative For Further inFormation [email protected] | (602)538-2955 Your Tickets to Paradise. Come Experience our $30 Million Dollar Resort-Wide Rejuvenation!

Save Big this Summer with Rates from $99* plus Resort-Wide Discounts! (a $200 Value)

Book your Summer Getaway at The Westin La Paloma at special Summer Rates to get your Passport To Summer Savings ticket book. You’ll receive resort-wide savings on everything from Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf, to Red Door Spa treatments, to Fine dining at AZUL — while the kids have a blast in our newly renovated freeform pool with 177 foot waterslide and exciting activities all summer long!

Call 888.627.7201 or visit westinlapalomaresort.com/ajlsum

Promotional code: ajlsum * Subject to availability. Offer valid for stays between May 19 – Sept 7.