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CYBERSTALKER SENIOR LIFESTYLE ARRESTED Shemer Art Center’s After year of harassment, exhibit celebrates man stands trial local artist

JANUARY 8, 2021 | TEVET 24, 5781 | VOLUME 73, NUMBER 8 $1.50 Harvey Dietrich, Jewish community members philanthropist, cautiously optimistic in initial phase of COVID-19 vaccines ‘last Jewish SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR s 2020 drew to a close, Pam Moreno, a therapist cowboy,’ dies of Afor Jewish Family & Children’s Service’s senior programs, found herself looking forward to a much brighter 2021. After discovering she qualified for Phase 1A of the ELLENCOVID-19 O’BRIEN | STAFF WRITER COVID-19 vaccination program, she drove to Chandler arvey Dietrich, a pioneering cattle rancher and a and what appeared to be a football field-sized space Hdriving force for the Jewish community in Arizona, with several rows of cars. The Army National Guard died Dec. 25. He was 85. and various fire departments were assisting as cars Dietrich’s longtime friend, Jerry Lewkowitz, approached the injection stations. She was surprised by described him as “a cowboy rancher and a gentleman.” the orderly nature of the event. Twenty-five minutes “He was a very special guy in so many respects,” after she pulled into line, she was vaccinated and on Lewkowitz said. “He was a good friend in that if you her way home. It was no more painful than a flu shot, want to talk to him, you could, and if he agreed or she said. disagreed, he was the same person.” “Everything was so organized,” she said. “I didn’t Dietrich began working at a meat-packing plant at age even get out of my car.” 15, after his family moved from Boston to Los Angeles. Everyone involved — whether on the giving or At 19, he was promoted to cattle buyer and in 1959, receiving end — was excited and the atmosphere was he moved to Phoenix, where he rose through the ranks joyous, Moreno said. of the cattle industry. After nearly a year of dealing with COVID, as well as A tenacious entrepreneur, Dietrich helped launch the current surge in infections and hospitalizations, she Sun Land Beef Co., which revolutionized the beef feels hopeful for the first time. industry and became one of the largest beef production In Maricopa County alone, nursing homes and companies in the West. After he sold his stake in Sun assisted-living facilities were Lana Susskind-Wilder after receiving her first COVID-19 vaccination Land Beef in 1997, Dietrich devoted himself full-time hit hard. Since March, more SEE VACCINES, PAGE 3 in December. PHOTO BY CHRIS FORD to ranching, which he began as a side business in 1972. Today, his 770,000-acre Diamond A Ranch in Seligman is the largest in Arizona. Minecraft realm becomes “He was basically a self-made man,” said Larry Bell, executive director of the Arizona Jewish Historical venue for Jewish learning Society. “He worked as hard as anybody I’ve ever seen, Congregation Beth Israel’s youth advisor, Erik Rendelman, and you could never go five or 10 minutes without his uses Minecraft to engage students in unique and fun cell phone ringing with something to do with the cattle Jewish lessons. To read more, go to p. 5. and the price of feed and the fall PHOTO BY ERIK RENDELMAN roundup or whatever — he would SEE DIETRICH, PAGE 2

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NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL ISRAEL House passes bipartisan bill to elevate Azeri Jewish grandmaster wins chess North American olim join 3,000-plus status of US envoy on anti-Semitism championship and $60,000 others who arrived in Israel in 2020 HEADLINES DIETRICH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 always have something business-wise going on.” His legacy in the beef industry includes his fight to remove chemicals, artificial drugs and GMOs from being used in cattle feed and beef production, instead seeking to feed cows a more natural diet. “We keep looking for a better way to make food safer, better, higher quality,” Dietrich said in a video produced by the AZJHS for the 2019 Heritage Award Gala. “That’s a great mission. You help a lot of people.” Dietrich earned numerous awards for his work as a cattleman and a philanthropist. In 2014, the Arizona National Livestock Show honored him as the Arizona Pioneer Stockman; in 2015, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma 2021 Phoenix City honored Dietrich with the Chester A. Reynolds Award for “unwavering commitment to Western principles.” Harvey and Marnie Dietrich supported numerous community Jewish News organizations over the years, including the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, the T-Gen Cancer Research Institute, the Jewish National Print Dates Fund, Hillsdale College, the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival and the Phoenix Art Museum. Harvey also served on the board of directors of AZJHS and Kivel Campus of Care. January 8 August 6* “They’re incredible people in the sense that they value their January 22 August 20 community and they give back to their community,” said Phyllis February 5 August 27 Epner, a friend of the Dietrichs. Harvey Dietrich PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARIZONA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY AZJHS honored Harvey and his wife Marnie with the 2019 February 19 September 3 Jerry Lewkowitz Heritage Award. Israel presided over the funeral service at Beth El Cemetery on “He was very important as a community philanthropist and Wednesday, Dec. 30. March 5 September 10 supporter,” Bell said. Yet “he was a very quiet and humble guy “Harvey was indeed a man who was larger than life, a man March 12 September 24 who didn’t really desire or demand a lot of recognition for his with an insatiable passion for life itself, an unparalleled work philanthropy.” ethic well into his 80s and a commitment, especially as he grew March 19 October 1 Dietrich’s generosity extended to his friends and colleagues, in wisdom and in years, to learning from his own life,” Kahn March 26 October 15** as well. While he wasn’t able to attend many meetings of the said in his eulogy. AZJHS board of directors, he always brought lunch when he did. “He possessed knowledge and wisdom, even if others didn’t April 2 November 5 “He was giving,” Lewkowitz said. “He was a generous guy.” always like hearing it,” Kahn added. “Harvey required a strong April 16 November 19 In the AZJHS 2019 Heritage Award Gala video presentation, personality to do what he did, with persistence and a commitment Dietrich spoke about the importance of standing up to anti- to the convictions of his own aspirations.” May 7 December 3 Semitism, of doing the right thing and of giving gifts that improve Ultimately, Dietrich’s legacy is inextricable from his love of May 21 December 17 the lives of others. ranching, and his pioneering role in the beef industry in the “The most important thing, for me and the way I look at things, United States. June 4 it’s what you leave in people’s hearts,” Dietrich said. “And the “He was the last of the line,” Bell said. “There were others July 9 *Best of Magazine quality of life, if you have that opportunity to change people’s before him, like Eli Grouskay and Aubrey Grouskay and others as **Annual Directory lives, is extremely important.” well, that were in that business ... I don’t know that there’s any Dietrich is survived by his wife, Marnie, and his two children, that are following him, though. So he may also be remembered WWW.JEWISHAZ.COM Lisa and Steve. Rabbi Stephen Kahn of Congregation Beth as the last Jewish cowboy, although time will tell.” JN

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2 JANUARY 8, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES VACCINE for her staff members, who are at risk at the Beatitudes Campus, received a CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 when visiting community members. The surprise call at 1 p.m. on Dec. 28, telling good news, she said, is that the majority her if she came to the office at 3:30 p.m., than 9,400 residents and staff were of them are anxious to get vaccinated. she’d receive the vaccine. Kraver only had infected and more than 1,400 people The unknown, however, casts a shadow one moment of trepidation: “I’d sure like died. for her. to know the ingredients because I have a Due in large part to that record, A Jewish Cemetery that cares “We’re just kind of rolling the dice few allergies,” she said. “But when they Phase 1A includes front-line health care about the Jewish Community and praying that we’re going in the called me I was all up for it.” workers and long-term care facility staff right direction,” she said. “This is virgin and residents. Following on their heels She arrived promptly and two hours territory for everybody.” in Phase 1B are those over the age of 75. later she was vaccinated with the Moderna Lana Susskind-Wilder, a Jewish This next phase will also include those vaccine. She will have a second injection neuropsychologist, was vaccinated the working in child care and education Jan. 26. first week vaccines were available in as well as public safety employees and Her husband has been in the nursing Phoenix. She found the process efficient. is set to start in mid- to late January, facility at Beatitudes for nine months The majority of her clients are seniors according to Arizona Department of due to dementia and various physical who are still waiting to find out when Health Services (ADHS). ailments. Kraver, along with six other they will be vaccinated. However, she’s ADHS faced criticism in the last two Beatitudes residents with a partner in weeks about a slower than optimal rollout witnessed no resentment that health care nursing care, are the only ones allowed and continued confusion about when to workers are first in line. to visit as designated caretakers. All seven expect the vaccine and where to go to “They know what people are doing for were vaccinated. receive it. Despite these concerns, many them and recognize why it’s important “I got a little nervous, but I was • Jewish Owned and Operated people — though not all — are giving and are supportive,” she said. “The excited,” Kraver said. “I feel fine — • Sidewalks at Every Grave the department the benefit of the doubt. response is more, ‘Thank god, you got maybe my arm’s a little bit sore.” Rabbi Mindie Snyder, rabbi and yours — I’m excited to get mine.’” Her 42nd wedding anniversary was • Caring Professional Sta chaplain for Sun Health Jan. 1, and the vaccine is • Intermarried Families Welcome Communities, received finally offering a bright her vaccine Dec. 30 in an "WITH MY HUSBAND IN spot in what was a difficult “orderly and expedient” year. process. She was vaccinated THE NURSING CENTER FOR “With my husband in (480) 585-6060 in the first phase due to the nursing center for nine 24210 N. 68th Street, Phoenix her work with a vulnerable NINE MONTHS AND WITH months and with dementia senior population. DEMENTIA AND ALL THE and all the conditions he (o Pinnacle Peak Rd) “I’m doing this for them is living with — I want to and I’m doing this for the CONDITIONS HE IS LIVING WITH get back to going every mtsinaicemetery.com community at large,” she day and holding his hand,” said about receiving the — I WANT TO GET BACK TO she said. “I’m very hopeful vaccine. “This is bigger GOING EVERY DAY AND that things will get better.” than myself.” Bernie Aronson, 86, Rabbinically, she added, HOLDING HIS HAND." described himself as a “great vaccinations are important believer in vaccinations of in that they protect life. all kinds.” “This is a very big deal,” “I have 30-plus years of borrowed she said. “We understand whoever saves Susskind-Wilder regularly sees patients time,” he said, referring to the fact one life is considered as if they saved an face-to-face, easily spending more than that both of his parents died in their entire world.” an hour doing a neurological assessment. 50s. “When I’m allowed to have the In terms of the rollout, she is under no While she wears PPE during the exam, vaccination, I’m going to get it.” illusion that it will be quick or that even she finds herself wondering if, having when the pace picks up the problem of had the virus a few months ago, she still His only concern now is whether COVID will go away. There is a “huge has immunity. The idea of the vaccine enough people will take the vaccine to scientific and logistics effort,” she said, brought her some relief. “I never had reach herd immunity. @ Arizona’s Only Jewish behind the “life-saving intervention.” a moment of questioning if I would “That’s where you need political and Funeral Home On the day she was vaccinated, she take it.” religious leadership,” he said. “I was ministered to someone with COVID who “I’m hesitant to be too optimistic,” she brought up that you help your neighbor.” @ Arizona’s Only Member of was feeling its effects. Even though the added. “Until we get to herd immunity, He also remembered as a child, if the Jewish Funeral Directors person didn’t go to the hospital, they felt we’ll continue to be at risk, and I hope someone had the measles, a public health of America very isolated. “For people who think it’s we don’t get to a place where we take the official would put a quarantine sign on not a big deal,” she said, “that’s the part attitude with people who don’t want to the door. “People respected that,” he @ Arizona’s Only Jewish Owned that concerns me.” take it: You’re on your own. I have hope said. “We’ve moved away from civic & Operated Funeral Home Still, with the vaccine finally here, that over time other people will become responsibility and acceptance and now she asked, “How can you be other more comfortable, and that’s how we’ll we think we have the freedom to say no. @ Arizona’s Only Funeral Home than hopeful?” all get back to normal.” That’s anarchy.” Endorsed by the Entire Others are less sanguine. “I’m just glad we’re getting it when “I haven’t the slightest idea where I am Rabbinical Council “There are still so many unanswered we are,” said Crystal Tang, director of on the list,” said Melvin Selbst, 93. “I’ll questions,” said Monica McCullough, therapeutic respiration at Kivel Campus of probably be last.” Madrona Hospice & Palliative Care’s Care. She expects to be vaccinated in the Selbst, another resident at Beatitudes nursing director. middle of January — timing that makes in the independent living section, has no In early December, McCullough sense to her. doubt that when it’s his turn, “I’ll take worried about how the vaccine would But Marlene Waterman, an 84-year-old it any time they want to give it to me. I be rolled out, who would be prioritized resident in Kivel’s assisted-living facility, have no concerns at all.” and whether those decisions would be was hoping she’d already be celebrating “When you get older, you’re always met with acceptance or anger. But by her first injection of the vaccine. “It’s not looking for hope,” he added. JN the end of December, she’d received the coming soon enough,” she said. vaccine and is now anticipating vaccines Barbara Kraver who lives independently Additional reporting by Kathleen Stinson.

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 8, 2021 3 HEADLINES

LOCAL BJE’s 2021 Passages series kicks off with tech guru Tiffany Shlain

SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR

iffany Shlain, author of “24/6: The time with screens in order to live well will share methods for TPower of Unplugging” (Simon & is increasing exponentially during the people to approach Schuster, 2019), will kick off the Bureau pandemic. People were “burned out” their partners, their of Jewish Education’s 2021 Passages before COVID-19 and now that they families and their lecture series on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. do “absolutely everything on a screen,” colleagues to get them Originally scheduled to speak at taking one day off a week is even more on board with the the Martin Pear Jewish Community essential for mental health and real concept. Center last March, Shlain was forced to connection, she said. And she insists The biggest benefit postpone her event due to the worsening it’s achievable. for Shlain — typical in coronavirus pandemic. Her talk, as well as Even Shlain’s 17-year-old daughter said that she is immersed all presentations in this year’s series, will her family’s technology Shabbats are the in social media, work be virtual on Zoom. one consistent thing during the course of emails and being online Shlain plans to speak about her book, the pandemic. They serve as a comfort as most of the day — is Tiffany Shlain PHOTO BY JULIE HERMELIN recently released in paperback, which well as a respite. that the façade can fall emphasizes the importance of taking one “They’re a break from the stress of the from the 24/7 mentality. She emphasized Zoom and virtual meetings. day off every week from technology — pandemic news and the election news that people aren’t built for that stress “I’ve probably done more talks in the what she terms “technology Shabbats.” and a break from everything going on,” all day every day no matter how much last nine months than I even did before, “It’s a wonderful social way to kick off said Shlain. “And they replenish and they’ve been convinced they should be. but they’re all virtual so I can actually do this day,” Shlain said. “So much of the rejuvenate us.” One day away from it all helps to refresh more of them, and the demand is so much value is in the actual quiet of Shabbat Shlain is not religious but rather a minds and spirits. higher,” she said. and the time for reflection and true self-described cultural Jew. Her Judaism “I get my soul back and my mind She also works remotely and gave up connection with the people in your lives is no less important to her for that and back,” she said. her film studio space in San Francisco. She right in front of you instead of the ones is reflected in many aspects of her work Shlain is grateful for the opportunity to enjoys the flexibility it allows her, but she on the screen.” in film and writing. “I love the culture, I speak to the BJE. She feels the urgency misses the human interaction too. Myra Shindler, BJE’s executive director, love the history, I love the wrestling with to share what she called, “this ancient “There’s nothing that replaces being in a is excited about Shlain’s upcoming ideas and humor and the food and the practice that’s simple and free and rooted room with other people and experiencing presentation. rituals,” she said. in deep ancient wisdom.” something together, but I have been Before the pandemic, Shindler would For the blonde and blue-eyed filmmaker She explained that technology Shabbats doing a lot of experimenting with how often see parents when they picked up and author, “revealing” her Judaism have been used in Jewish schools and to bring that online.” their children from school — talking on is always a choice. While she doesn’t camps, but Shabbat is not only for Jews. Shlain will expand on all of these topics their phone rather than to their children. write or make films exclusively about However, it’s especially available to and take questions and answers also. “Wouldn’t it be nice to have a ‘tech her religion, she’s comfortable mixing it Jews, including those who previously BJE’s series features five more speakers Shabbat’ as Tiffany calls it, where we with her more secular interests, especially saw Shabbat as simply a fun dinner to over the course of the next three months: are present for the people around us?” technology, which is how she came to have with family and friends once every Eugene Kontorovich, Rahel Musleah, Shindler asked. write and speak about the importance of month or so. Naftali Aklum, Robyn Helzner and Pre-pandemic, silencing one’s cell technology Shabbats. The pandemic increased interest in Malka Simkovich. The final event is phone for an entire day might have been Shlain and her family turn off their cell her book and talks, and she will share March 7. a heavy lift for a society besotted with phones, laptops and other technology how it also gave her the impetus to Shindler isn’t worried that the series social media and instant messaging. Now, for an entire day, and they’ve been doing think about the virtual world differently being exclusively virtual will take away with social distancing guidelines in effect, that almost every week for ten years. And and more expansively. Corporations from it. “Shlain, as well as all our speakers, people are more dependent than ever on she’s found it’s not nearly as difficult as and organizations started consulting are so animated and passionate about technology both socially and for work, one might think. with her about developing digital their topics, the Passages series will and the idea seems simply unattainable. “It’s not a fast, a detox or a punishment,” wellness programs during the pandemic. translate well virtually,” she said. JN And yet, Shlain, a technology junkie Shlain insisted. Instead, it’s all in the way She is attempting to transfer her ideas herself, said the interest in managing the idea is presented, and in her talk she on this topic into the new realm of Tickets are available at bjephoenix.org. MARILYN KOSS By starting the year interest-free! Realtor* Specializing in Active Adult Communities in the Southeast Valley [email protected] 480.332.2151 Mobile

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LOCAL Minecraft becomes vehicle for Jewish learning at CBI SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR multiple players, online logins and the capabil- they created, Reyna Sypes ity for kids to develop pro-gaming ideas they — another regular — added rik Rendelman, youth advisor at see on YouTube. There’s also a Minecraft nine permanent cats to the ECongregation Beth Israel, tried many realm — a 10-person club where people can menorah. She’s already A Minecraft virtual synagogue things to entice kids back into community log into CBI’s unique Minecraft world that’s thinking about ways to PHOTO BY ERIK RENDELMAN and engage them in Jewish learning once the always online. make creative Purim costumes in CBI’s realm. about 10 or 20 can play at one time. coronavirus pandemic shut down the syna- Rendelman hosts Minecraft Mondays for At present there are 15 regular participants, “Youth groups haven’t thought of this gogue’s regular, in-person activities. And he his youth group every week. They save all but Minecraft Mondays only began a few before, and I wonder how much the pandemic was aided initially by the simple relief kids felt their work “in their little Minecraft world, weeks ago so expectations for growth are high. and everything that’s happened in 2020 has led just getting on Zoom together while they were and their friends can log on at a different time Before Chanukah, several kids told Rendelman to things people would have otherwise waited stuck at home. and come to it and we can all sort of do things they were hoping to get the game as a gift. to do,” he said. “We tried to do hybrid, all ages program- together,” he said. “So it’s growing, and it’s growing fast,” Rendelman hopes eventually to create a ming, niche programming and we really ran Getting their Minecraft world up and run- Rendelman said. virtual version of an entire Jewish life cycle the gamut on how to innovate programming ning only took a weekend. “We built a tiny The community aspect is what Ethan which would even include a virtual service in the middle of a pandemic,” he said. little synagogue and tried to approximate all Leventhal likes about playing. “We have a big with a rabbi. The possibilities are endless and But as the months wore on, he sensed their of the different things that you need: a little town in here, and it’s very helpful for new play- exciting, but his ultimate goal is always get- Zoom fatigue and knew it was time to shake Torah, an ark and an actual space that if enough ers starting out to get resources and stuff,” he ting kids enthusiastic and drawing them into things up. people logged online we could have a minyan said. “I’ve learned how important it is to have the community. And he suspects it will outlast Something of a gamer himself, Rendelman or we could hold a Shabbat.” that good community so that other people can the pandemic. realized Minecraft — a game he enjoys with “With Minecraft, you can really make what- join and have fun.” “It’s a very simple premise, but it’s turned his friends and knows well — might be just ever you want and do whatever you want,” Rendelman is recommending Minecraft for out to be a very interesting opportunity,” he the thing he and his colleagues needed to said Eli Shapiro, one of Rendelman’s regular all Jewish youth groups, and cost is one of its said. “It’s going to go well beyond COVID.” re-engage young people. participants. “That’s the whole purpose of attractions. For basically the same cost as many “It’s really a fun thing to do during this “This was where the magic started for me,” the game — you can make a synagogue, and in-person events, a youth director can choose stupid COVID time,” Shapiro said summing he said. “I can come up with Jewish content you can make a menorah.” During Chanukah to charge participants, make it part of their up the benefit of Minecraft Mondays without to weave into their Minecraft world — I get members lit candles every night on the membership or keep it free. mincing words. “I can’t go to school and to put on my Jewish educator hat.” Minecraft menorah. Another benefit is that a director can host an hang out with people on Minecraft, so I do The game has a number of useful features: With a nod to the fantasy part of the world unlimited number of students. However, only that here.” JN

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LOCAL Arrest of ‘First Amendment auditor’ no surprise to Chauncey Hollingberry is pictured wearing a Jewish community Guy Fawkes mask in a video filmed outside of ELLEN O’BRIEN | STAFF WRITER Congregation Or Tzion and uploaded to YouTube on Feb. 18, 2020. SCREENSHOT VIA YOUTUBE n a Saturday morning in December Hollingberry’s arrest targeted an anony- Department for their swift reaction to the O2019, a strange scene was captured mous employee of the Arizona Attorney incident at Beth El, and for their role in on video outside Beth El Congregation General’s Office, referred to as Victim informing synagogues and other commu- in Phoenix: A man in a Guy Fawkes mask K in court documents. It began follow- nity partners how best to react — which, stood on a sidewalk holding a camera and ing an “audit” of the AGO in July 2018, he said, is not to react at all. shouted, “Allahu Akbar!” The 43-minute when Hollingberry was cited for tres- “This is just the beauty of what the Jewish video, uploaded to YouTube on Dec. 14, passing, and the footage he uploaded to Advisory Board in the police department 2019, garnered more than 5,000 views YouTube was taken down due to a privacy really is meant to do,” Levertov said. “It’s since that day and prompted an aware- complaint from Victim K and another a two-way street and it really played to ness campaign for the Greater Phoenix AGO employee. its strengths.” Jewish community about how to respond From November 2018 until January Jeremy Marwil, a member of to harassment. 2020, Hollingberry repeatedly called, left Congregation Or Tzion, encountered Josh Offenhartz, a lawyer and member messages, visited the AGO to complain Hollingberry in February when he arrived of Beth El, wasn’t at the shul the day of the about its no filming policy and encouraged for services one morning. He approached video. But when he heard about it, he did a his viewers to harass Victim K by email him and filmed for 20 or 30 seconds, “deep dive” into Chauncey Hollingberry’s bombing her workplace and mailing her he said, just to tell him that he wouldn’t channel to find out if he posed a serious marijuana, tampons and sex toys. be intimidated. threat to the community. As he watched His actions escalated at the beginning “I’m not going to win an argument,” Hollingberry’s videos, however, it became of 2020. On Jan. 20, he posted a video in Marwil said, “but you can at least go up to clear to him that what the community was which he displayed level-five body armor, him and say, ‘Hey, I know what you are, I dealing with was a provocateur who would adding, “There’s a reason why I’m saying know what you’re doing, we don’t appreci- eventually push things too far. that, but I won’t go into it now, and then ate it,’ and at least you know what you’re And indeed, just a month after also let’s see, I think tomorrow I’m going dealing with.” Hollingberry appeared outside Or Tzion, to go to the gun range.” He also posted a Both Offenhartz and Marwil posted he was arrested for cyberstalking. poll to his YouTube channel in February about Hollingberry and the incidents at “You could see it coming from his asking viewers if he should “audit a syna- Beth El and Or Tzion on social media Happy New Year! videos: He’s antagonistic, he pushes the gogue on the public sidewalk with body in an attempt to educate and warn other boundary of what is legal and appropriate armour [sic], an AR-15 assault rifle and members of the community. Make 2021 your as far as invading somebody’s space legally, a camera.” “I thought it was important to get the recording them, etc.,” Offenhartz said. “If Hollingberry was charged with stalking word out, I thought it was important to best year yet... you look through some of his stuff, it was in a criminal complaint filed on March stand up and say, ‘This guy’s out there. only a matter of time before something like 13 by the FBI, which concluded that He’s not scaring me. You should be aware this happened.” Hollingberry used electronic means to of him.’” Offenhartz said. “And I think that We can help YOU Within months of his visit to Beth El, “engage in a course of conduct targeting at least in a small social media circle we were and a subsequent video filmed outside Victim K with the intent to harass, intimi- able to spread that word.” create successful Congregation Or Tzion in February, date or place her under surveillance, and in In spite of the bizarre nature of the Hollingberry, the man behind the videos, doing so, has placed her in reasonable fear incidents and the temporary scare, neither habits! would find himself arrested following a of death or of serious bodily injury causing thought that Hollingberry was ultimately pattern of harassment and stalking that substantial emotional distress.” He was dangerous, or that his intent at the syna- Text or call extended to government employees, arrested the same day. gogues went beyond getting a reaction for 480-648-1122 reporters, teachers and family members. Magistrate Judge Deborah Fine upheld a his videos. to schedule your FREE Hollingberry refers to himself as a detention order for Hollingberry during a “Let’s just say he was still around,” “First Amendment auditor.” Such “audi- preliminary hearing and detention hearing Marwil said. “Everybody would say, ‘OK, phone consultation and tors” represent a “growing movement” on March 20, ruling that he should remain there’s the crazy guy doing his crazy stuff fi nd out if executive of “individuals who specifically film on detained until trial due to the threat he again.’ I think the community would have function coaching public property and police stations to test posed to his victims and the risk that he learned that.” is right for you. the rights to film in a public space,” accord- might flee. Hollingberry’s trial was initially Levertov also noted that while ing to First Amendment Watch at New scheduled for Dec. 1, 2020, but delayed Hollingberry’s actions were certainly FAWZYA KHOSTI, York University. until Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. provocative and motivated by some form EXECUTIVE FUNCTION COACH, LLC Rabbi Levi Levertov, chair of the Jewish Now that he’s incarcerated, “I hope that of anti-Semitism, it’s unlikely that any Advisory Board and chaplain for the Mr. Hollingberry gets the support and the similar harassment will come from the First ExecutiveFunctionCoachAZ.com Phoenix Police Department, worked with treatment that I think he visibly needs,” Amendment auditing community. the police after the incident at Beth El to Offenhartz said. “When you start searching or going raise awareness about Hollingberry and his Overall, the experience of Hollingberry’s around on YouTube and looking at dif- tactics. After a few months, he stopped fol- “audits” left the Jewish community better ferent videos, you realize this is not a lowing up on Hollingberry’s activities, but prepared to handle similar situations in the typical First Amendment audit,” Levertov he wasn’t surprised to learn about his arrest. future, Levertov said. said. “It’s not usually a private institu- “I followed him and many people fol- “It was educational for us,” he said. “I tion. It’s usually government buildings, lowed him for a month or two, listening to think we learned a lot from it, let’s put it police departments, which is, I guess, some Fawzya Khosti his threats or not,” Levertov said. that way.” sort of comfort. [A synagogue] is not a C.HT., M.A.Ed./C.I., Ed.D. (abd) The harassment campaign that ended in Levertov praised the Phoenix Police typical target.” JN

6 JANUARY 8, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES

LOCAL College students find ways to deepen Jewish identity despite COVID-19 restrictions ISABELLA SCHNEIDER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

n the campuses of Arizona State University Oand Northern Arizona University, Jewish students generally counted on social gather- ings to grow and affirm their Jewish identity. $1,000.00 OFF Midweek dinners, Shabbat with friends, Israel A Full Bathroom or Kitchen Remodel programs, social justice initiatives and listen- Valid through 01.31.2021 ing to motivational speeches by local rabbis and other leaders were all common ways to reach out to one another on large campuses FARI DESIGNS & REMODELING LLC where Jewish students otherwise could Chana Tiechtel with students Hanna Griffin and Emily Singer at one of Chabad’s midweek dinners. feel anonymous. PHOTO BY SHMUEL TIECHTEL www.faridesigns.com Then came the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, abruptly sending students home Zoe Tselos, a senior and president of Chabad 480-522-8564 without time for goodbyes. Summer’s anxiety at ASU, was glad she was able to enjoy Jewish INTERIOR DESIGNER & GENERAL CONTRACTOR worsened when state and local guidelines for events during her senior year, she said, despite the fall semester seemed fluid, and students the abnormalities of the semester. KOSHER KITCHENS • BATHS • WHOLE-HOUSE REMODELING • ADDITIONS were uncertain about what they would face The members of Hillel at NAU were not • 28 Years Experience when — and if — they returned to campus. able to meet in the same way. The college’s When students did return to ASU and NAU, guidelines said that no clubs could meet in • Award Winning Design & Construction Team there were drastic changes: no sporting events, person — in any capacity. • All Five-Star Google Reviews ubiquitous masks, social distancing and remote Still, Rachel Krell, Hillel at NAU’s president, classes — even while on campus. would not let these obstacles deter her from Call Today For Complimentary Consultation Still, for Jewish leaders and rabbis, Jewish her goal of connecting students and ensuring Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 299160 life on campus is an essential part of the college her peers felt cared for. experience. They looked for ways to reinforce Krell landed on the solution of interac- personal connections with students and to keep tive Zoom meetings held every other week. the Jewish student community together despite What ensued was a group of Jewish students AUCTION OF RARE AND IMPORTANT JUDAICA social distancing restrictions. in Flagstaff getting training from the Anti- INCLUDING: “There’s a saying — Kol Yisrael arevim zeh Defamation League, writing letters to Israeli Elizabeth Taylor’s Personal Menorahs bazeh — which means all Jews are responsible soldiers and virtual game nights, among Alan Dershowitz’s Collection of Dreyfus Affair Ephemera for one another,” said Rabbi Shmuel Tiechtel, other things. director of Rohr Chabad House at ASU. “This “I joined Hillel and wanted to become Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s passport semester we had to reinvent our programs and the president because of the connections,” Letters by Jewish Mobster Meyer Lansky figure out how to be responsible for the well- Krell said. “We’ve become very close to the A collection of Boris Shapiro paintings being of our students.” members that we have. As a community, we’re A Collection of Important Judaica from an American Collector Last summer, Tiechtel said, the prospect very tight-knit and will continue to build these including rare menorahs, spice towers, Kiddush cups, mezuzahs, of basing an entire Chabad experience in the relationships next semester.” virtual world sounded unachievable since Risa Brumer attributed Jewish Arizonans Torah ornaments and Esther scrolls students claimed it was hard to feel connected on Campus successes this semester at ASU to on Zoom. Some kind of workaround was flexibility and setting reasonable goals. needed — something that would allow groups As the guidelines shifted over the course of Jewish students to see each other safely in of the fall, it was Brumer, JAC’s co-director, person and have a Chabad experience that and her team who figured out what wasn’t wasn’t on a screen. working, then invested more deeply in what Tiechtel put together a group of student was. They increased online programming and leaders — Chabad Cares Ambassadors. With required RSVPs and symptom screening for guidance from ASU’s director of student ser- Shabbat and other in-person events to moni- vices, Tiechtel said he was able to spend the tor the amount of students who showed up. last eight months working out a way to create “I really thrive on face-to-face interactions meaningful Chabad experiences while working with students,” Brumer said. “It’s the best to keep everyone safe. part of my job, but it was also really special What emerged from their brainstorming to FaceTime and Zoom with students who SUNDAY sessions were socially-distanced outdoor events couldn’t come in person.” with misting machines to keep everyone cool Although cases are now rising leading to JANUARY 24, 2021 • 12 NOON in warmer months, and newly donated heat- more uncertainty for next semester, Brumer ers to warm students up since the weather said the craziness of the fall resulted in PHONE, ORDER AND INTERNET BIDDING ALL AVAILABLE. turned colder. some good. Email us for a catalog: [email protected] The events allowed students “to come to “We were able to reevaluate our priorities a loving, caring, close-knit community where and our mission,” Brumer said. “The people Call for more information: 516-295-2931 no one felt alone,” Tiechtel said. “They could I’ve met are so much more open to establishing connect, grow and learn about being Jewish.” real and authentic relationships.” JN WWW.JGREENSTEIN.COM

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 8, 2021 7 HEADLINES You should know ... Blake Flayton

SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR

lake Flayton started campaigning for making calls for Mark Kelly in Arizona and Americans and Americans of color and all BDemocrats when he was still a student at Joe Biden. I was very committed to seeing people in the struggle against oppression, Chaparral High School in Scottsdale. In 2016, Democrats win, and I still am very committed whether it be racism or any type of discrimina- he knocked on doors for Hillary Clinton, to Democratic politics. tion or bigotry, are not part of this very radical and in 2018, he worked for local Democratic movement. There’s a much stronger force and candidates Aaron Lieberman and Kelly Butler. What happened to give you pause about a much stronger front, that is looking toward a He represented his school at the High School campus political work? future that is centered around dialogue realistic Democrats of America Summit in Washington, The breaking point was an incident on cam- policy and practical progressivism — abolish- D.C., where he fell in love with the city and pus where a girl in a dorm room was caught ing private prisons, chokeholds and qualified decided George Washington University would on Snapchat while intoxicated, saying, “Yo, immunity; legalizing marijuana nationwide and be a perfect fit for a political future. we’re going to bomb Israel, you Jewish pieces decriminalizing drugs; and funding inner city Growing up in Scottsdale, he followed “the of s**t.” public schools better. usual routine” for a Jewish kid in Greater It caused this uproar on campus — this Those are the types of policy initiatives that Phoenix — attending Temple Chai’s preschool explosion of debate. At first, condemnation of are really effective at reaching across the aisle PHOTO COURTESY OF BLAKE FLAYTON and Hebrew school followed by classes at the incident from all organizations across the and bettering society. These are things that Hebrew High. His Jewish identity is essential political spectrum was very nice to hear. But we all agree on, because as liberal-minded, to him, and that, coupled with his passion for then this debate started about anti-Zionism progressive-minded people, we all want to I did not think that she was going to email Democratic politics, helped him understand and anti-Semitism — how does Israel factor come together around policies that will make back at all. I sent her this stream-of-conscious- his place in the world. into all of this, who should be allowed to hate society better. ness email that was not edited and was all over But at GW he became painfully aware that Israel without saying we hate Jews — it created What we don’t agree on, and unfortunately the place. I woke up the next morning and she his insistence on wearing his Jewishness openly this horrible campus environment. what is now becoming the face of racial justice, emailed to say, “This is amazing that you’re occasionally clashed with the preconceptions I knew I had to write about this, and I wrote is this view that says there needs to be a violent brave enough to put these stories out there, of some of the more extremist elements of about all of the things that I experienced not disruption of the “system,” and taking down of and would you consider turning this into an his progressive coalition. The tendency to flirt only during that week, but also throughout all the people who are perceived to be in power. op-ed in the New York Times?” with anti-Zionist ideas and anti-Semitic tropes my entire time at GW. That kind of radical populism, more often wasn’t the exclusive domain of Republicans as I have been accused of terrible things by than not, places Jewish people into the pow- Have your politics changed in light of what he once thought. fellow progressives, because I refuse to say that erful and protected category, which is why you’ve witnessed among fellow progressives? Eventually the dissonance led to frustration Israel is the source of all evil in the world. I felt anti-Semitism seems to flourish. It’s really my purpose to remain active in the and became the impetus for a burgeoning excluded and isolated from specific progressive I like Bernie Sanders and think Bernie progressive movement in the Democratic writing career. organizations and groups, because I was pro- Sanders is an inspiring person, but as soon Party. But in order to do that, we have to make After emailing his thoughts on the anti- Israel and didn’t really want to apologize for as the primary was between Joe Biden and sure that it doesn’t turn into the British Labour Semitism he experienced to then-New York being pro-Israel. I wore my Jewishness openly Bernie Sanders, I did not hesitate to work Party, and cause 40% of the Jews in America Times columnist Bari Weiss one night on a in these conversations. for Joe Biden. Bernie’s supporters, especially to want to emigrate, which is what happened whim, she encouraged him to write his first his younger supporters on college campuses, with Jeremy Corbyn when he ran for prime column for the paper in late 2019. You take issue with some of the extreme ascribe to this really problematic ideology that minister in 2017. Now 20, he’s also written for Jewish elements of progressive groups? says that certain people can’t be involved in publications such as Jewish Journal in Los I am an advocate for things like criminal justice social justice movements, and it places a lot of Can you imagine a time when you don’t feel Angeles, The Forward and Tablet Magazine. reform and police reform and standing up for rules and red tape on how we’re supposed to at home anymore in the Democratic Party? In December he was part of a Zoom webinar Black Americans in regards to everything that work to make our country better. Being politically homeless is something really panel hosted by Hillel at Home initiative about Black Lives Matter advocates for on paper. common in Jewish history. Actually, it’s the anti-Semitism on college campuses. It was However, the attitude that some prominent What made you decide to go public about rule and not the exception for us to be politi- moderated by Weiss. BLM activists were expressing — specifically this? cally homeless, because so often as our political While the coronavirus pandemic ensures that about the falsehood that Israel has something What sealed the deal was the DC Dyke March. parties polarize there is no room for us. I unfor- his college classes will continue to be virtual to do with training American police officers to They made the decision to ban all displays of tunately see a reality in which that happens, but next semester, Flayton is taking the opportunity be racist towards Black people — really rubbed the Star of David if it looked at all like the right now I’m devoting all of my energy and to move to Brooklyn, New York, where he me the wrong way. Star of David on the Israeli flag. That is a very time to trying to prevent it. hopes to learn about minority communities There are a lot of problems in this way of popular flag of choice among queer dudes, living side by side, write and keep his hand in thinking about race that puts everybody at a myself included, to wear a rainbow flag with the Now you’re moving to New York. What do progressive politics where he hopes his voice certain power position in society. That sort of Star of David in the middle. It was not allowed you hope to find there? will make a difference. thinking often puts Jewish people at a place because it was nationalistic iconography and it I‘m moving to Crown Heights, because it has of immense privilege and immense whiteness, made Palestinians feel unsafe. a really rich Jewish history. And there’s also How much of your time do you spend on and that’s super problematic because then No other nationalist iconography or symbol a lot of really interesting inter-community politics? we feel a little bit excluded from the fight for was specifically condemned nor disallowed. dynamics that have happened and are hap- My freshman and sophomore year of col- social justice, and that creates an environment The rage, the embarrassment and the confu- pening in Brooklyn right now, specifically in lege were so politically active — every single where people can say anything they want about sion and mortification that I felt was ridiculous. the Crown Heights area. I figured that there weekend was spent at a protest, at a rally, at an Israel, Jews and Jewish organizations — no It incited something in me, because these types would be a lot to lot to learn and a lot to event. I did a lot of work for the [Elizabeth] matter how offensive or over-the-line or off- of sentiments in queer progressive spaces are write about. Warren campaign. I was very active in protest- putting it is. just getting a lot worse. Anti-Semitism is not confined to one com- ing the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh. A lot It is framed as punching up or as speaking munity and it’s not confined to just one side of of different political opportunities presented truth to power. And that is how anti-Semitism How did you come to be published on the the political spectrum. Racism is not confined themselves freshman year, and I got really infects these progressive movements. If the New York Times opinion page? to one community or one side of the political involved in progressive liberal circles and was Jews are framed as powerful, then speaking I finished “How to Fight Anti-Semitism” by spectrum. very active on social media advocating for ill of them and demonizing them is seen as Bari Weiss during all of this craziness at GW There are initiatives bringing leaders of the progressive policies. speaking truth to power. with the Snapchat video and the whole rigma- Jewish and [non-Jewish] Black communities In 2020, I was hired as a senior organizing role. My op-ed started off as an email to her to the table to talk about shared values and fellow for the Jewish Democratic Council Extreme views aside, are you still invested in explaining everything I had experienced and shared ideas and shared goals for their specific of America. From June to November, I was progressive politics? saying thank you for writing this book that neighborhoods and communities. That’s working upwards of three to four hours a day The vast majority of [non-Jewish] Black really spoke to me. great because it’s the only way forward. JN

8 JANUARY 8, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES

LOCAL Scottsdale congregation featured in Israeli museum exhibit

ELLEN O’BRIEN | STAFF WRITER Congregation Kehillah’s entry for Beit Hatfutsot’s Com.unity website SCREENSHOT n a page splashed with pictures of Purim also growing and deepening the bonds within Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Ocostumes and pride parades, challah the community. Hatfutsot. museum strives to make visitors’ experience bakes and seders, shofars and tallit and syna- “Kehillah, in a lot of ways, was my dream, “Basically, it celebrates optimism and cre- in the museum feel personal. gogues old and new, is one with familiar faces my vision. But at this point — as we talked ativity and continuity of the Jewish people,” “The museum doesn’t talk at them, it talks and a familiar name: Congregation Kehillah. about this last Shabbat with the congregation Lusky said. with them, and they can find themselves The Scottsdale synagogue is one of hundreds — it’s not just my dream, my vision anymore,” For Beit Hatfutsot, the Com.unity Project there,” Lusky said. of communities that have so far contributed Sharfman said. “It started off with that but it’s marks the culmination of an idea that staff For Sharfman, who normally organizes an to the Com.unity Project, an exhibit and now merged with those of everybody who initially conceived around two years ago, but annual trip to Israel for congregants and other database organized by the Museum of the is part of the community, and it’s becoming weren’t able to implement until this year. interested members of the community, Beit Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot to showcase something much richer and more vibrant than And the opening of the core exhibit in Hatfutsot is a frequent stop. the diversity of Judaism around the world. I could have imagined on my own.” January signals the conclusion of an even “It’s a really great place for American In putting together Kehillah’s contribu- Each photo on the homepage of the Com. longer journey, started nearly a decade ago, Jews to do a lot of learning about Jewish tion to the project, Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman unity Project comes with a story and a dozen to renovate and rebrand the museum “with a communities around the world, including sought to highlight the vibrancy and diversity more photos of a Jewish community some- new story, a new approach, a new narrative,” their own,” Sharfman said. The Com.unity of the congregation and both traditional and where in the world: Buenos Aires, Argentina; Lusky said. Project in particular, with its focus on not just nontraditional ways that members express their Serrastretta, Italy; Dubai, United Arab A guiding idea behind the new history synagogues but Jewish communities of all Judaism and live their values. Emirates; San Diego, California; Be’er Sheva, exhibit, Lusky said, is for visitors to look back kinds, “is just very uplifting in terms of looking “Kehillah means community, and it’s a Israel; Johannesburg, South Africa. In addition on what they saw in the museum and, instead at the diversity and the dynamics of American true community,” Sharfman said. “It’s a to the online version, visitors to Beit Hatfutsot of saying “oy vey,” to say “hallelujah.” Jewish life.” synagogue, yes, and we offer all the services will soon be able to explore and experience “We’re celebrating culture, we’re celebrat- Sharfman hopes to be able to lead a trip to a traditional synagogue offers. But we are a these communities through an interactive ing continuity,” Lusky said. “There were Israel in fall of 2021. When she does, she’s community also in terms of our connectivity interface featured in the museum’s new core pogroms, there was anti-Semitism — there looking forward to seeing the new exhibit, and being with one another.” exhibit, which opens in January. still is. Of course there are hard moments and including Kehillah’s contribution to the It was also a good opportunity, Sharfman The mosaic of Jewish life that the project hard parts and they’re not hidden — they’re Com.unity Project. JN said, to reflect on Kehillah’s history. She is offers is emblematic of the museum’s mis- part of the story. But what is highlighted is the proud to see that the relatively young congre- sion, said Ronit Lusky, director of educational optimism in today.” For more information or to view the Com.unity gation stayed true to its original values, while exhibits and international partnerships at the In addition to creativity and realism, the Project, visit com-unity.bh.org.il.

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JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 8, 2021 9 HEADLINES

LOCAL On the Move: Personnel news from Hillel at ASU, Congregation NefeshSoul and Women of Reform Judaism ELLEN O’BRIEN | STAFF WRITER

Hillel at ASU executive director wins Eight Hillel staff members at different really appreciate even just people taking Hillel International award for excellence stages of their career are awarded the the time to complete the application and Hillel International recognized Hillel at honor each year. While finding out who to work toward recognizing me.” ASU Executive Director Debbie Yunker won and celebrating the award winners at The virtual version of the award was Kail with the Richard M. Joel Exemplar the annual Hillel conference is normally also a nice way to win because it gave her of Excellence Award this year at Global a special moment, Yunker Kail said, it a chance to avoid the spotlight. And at the Assembly 2020, the organization’s annual wasn’t even on her mind as the fall semes- end of a difficult year, she said, everyone conference, on Dec. 15. The award is ter came to a close. deserves a little recognition. Yunker Kail was surprised and pleased “I think it’s important for the spotlight offered to those who “embody Hillel’s to learn that she was a winner of the to be on our whole team,” Yunker Kail culture of excellence,” the organization Exemplar of Excellence Award on a said. “Certainly I’m often the face of said, and this year recognized those who Zoom call disguised as a staff meeting. ASU Hillel, but I know that it’s really a created “innovative Jewish experiences and When her assistant director told her that team effort to accomplish all that we do meaningful connections” in the midst of the she needed to organize an extra staff for students. COVID-19 pandemic. meeting, Yunker Kail went ahead and “This has been a hard year for every- “There is absolutely no one more prepared an agenda, only to have Hillel one and so I think everyone deserves deserving of this award,” Hillel at ASU CEO Adam Lehman “Zoom-bomb” the recognition for getting through this year, staff's statement read. “For the past eight call and deliver the news. whether it was leading an organization years, Debbie has fearlessly led the team “It felt really special to win, honestly, or just getting through your day-to-day at ASU Hillel. Under her leadership, ASU particularly because you have to be nomi- life and how it’s changed,” she added. Debbie Yunker Kail PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBBIE YUNKER KAIL Hillel has had immense growth in fund- nated by someone else and to know that The award “is just a fun extra boost, but raising as well as doubling in staff size, people think that highly of me is really everyone deserves a little recognition for building size and student engagement.” meaningful,” Yunker Kail said. “And I making it through 2020.”

Amber Caulkins becomes new year as the chair of the ritual committee. people,” Caulkins said. president of Congregation “I love the Jewish community, and As president, Caulkins hopes that she can NefeshSoul board of directors I like to be involved in organizational keep finding ways to help current members This month, Congregation NefeshSoul development,” Caulkins said, adding that deepen their relationships in the community welcomed incoming board president the role “allows me to still stay involved while also opening up the congregation to Amber Caulkins. in that area but to do it in a volunteer others who, like her, might be looking for Caulkins is a high school English teacher capacity.” the right fit. who spent ten years working in the nonprofit While Caulkins grew up in Arizona, she “One of the things that is, to me, really sector. Prior to moving to Arizona in 2018, and her family only recently returned to the important about this community is that she led an effort to establish an international area from the East Coast. A year and a half it’s relationship focused,” Caulkins said. network of inclusive and welcoming ago, while searching for a congregation to “We have great programs and all of those mikva’ot at Mayyim Hayyim, a Jewish join in Greater Phoenix, her family found things, but it’s the relationships and the organization in Newton, Massachusetts. NefeshSoul. way that people form close relationships Since joining Congregation NefeshSoul “We just really immediately connected with one another that I think really makes a year and a half ago, she also served for a with the music and the rabbi and the it special.”

Amber Caulkins PHOTO COURTESY OF AMBER CAULKINS CBI member Wendy Black named and see what they’re doing,’” Black said. with her knowledge and compassion.” regional programming chair of She shared some of her ideas with WRJ As programming chair for the Pacific Women of Reform Judaism leaders, and after Pacific District President district, Black has already assembled an Wendy Black, a member of Congregation Cher Krichmar began her two-year term impressive array of plans, from new ways Beth Israel, was named the new chair of in October, she offered Black the position. to approach holidays such as Tu B’Shevat, the Programming Committee for the Black happily said yes. Purim and Passover to a social action Women of Reform Judaism Pacific District She traces her passion for sisterhood project that looks at senior homelessness, in November. In the last month, she stayed to her time as co-president of the then- “The Bubbe Project” that connects busy rethinking how to engage members Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood and the grandmothers with grandchildren virtually of sisterhoods in 13 states from Alaska and social action committee in the same year. or in person and a program called the Hawaii to Arizona and Idaho. While Congregation Beth Israel no longer Ruth Bader Ginsburg Jewish Leadership “This is really the time to have vibrant, has a sisterhood chapter, during the initial Initiative designed to mentor girls ages 12 dynamic programming, because our minds stages of the coronavirus pandemic, she through 17 with leadership potential. have to keep going — and away from found the WRJ again and rejoined. She “We’re given an opportunity right now what’s going on in the world, if possible,” now considers the programming chair to to really feel connected with each other,” Black said. “We still have to be growing be a “dream job.” Black said. “This has been hard, but this is educationally and spiritually. We still need CBI congratulated Black for her new the upside: We’re connecting in a way we to have some fun.” role in an email to congregants on Nov. 19. just haven’t been able to before, because Black’s path to chairing the programming “Wendy is a doting and devoted there’s more and more programming.” committee began innocuously enough, grandmother, partner, mother and friend,” Any Reform Jewish woman can join with an informational WRJ Zoom call in Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin said. “She is an WRJ independently of a synagogue or

Wendy Black PHOTO COURTESY OF WENDY BLACK May. “I thought, ‘OK, I’ll just drop in avid learner who enhances our community WRJ-affiliated Sisterhood. JN

10 JANUARY 8, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM OPINION Editorials Marriage progress in Israel? t first glance, the headlines were travel has been more difficult. As a marriages were reported by Israel’s long-simmering battle over civil marriage Aheartening: “In first, Israel recognizes result, many Israelis were forced to Kan Bet public radio, the Population to Israel’s Supreme Court, where the legal three civil marriages performed online” delay their planned weddings. But three Authority backtracked and claimed that issue should be decided. and “Couples marry online … beat lack couples discovered that they could its acceptance of the Utah marriages was Over the past several years, there have of civil marriages in Israel.” marry online, via Zoom, through the a mistake. been efforts in Israel through a coalition But the marriages the headlines of Reform, Conservative, Modern reported were not the result of some Orthodox and secular Israelis to address major change in Israeli law or religious the desire for a civil marriage alternative custom. Rather, they were in reaction in Israel, as well as authorization for to the recent recognition by Israel’s THREE COUPLES DISCOVERED consenting Jewish Israelis to be married in Population and Immigration Authority of a non-Orthodox ceremony. Those efforts three civil marriages, mostly by accident. THAT THEY COULD MARRY ONLINE, have gained little traction, since they fell Under current law, Israel only allows victim to Israel’s familiar politically driven marriage between members of the VIA ZOOM, THROUGH THE coalition politics, which have ceded same faith, and only in accordance with control of the rabbinate to haredi parties. applicable religious law. For Jewish STATE OF UTAH. The haredi rabbinate has no interest in couples that marry in Israel, that means empowering non-Orthodox solutions to that their marriages must be conducted under the auspices of the haredi-controlled personal status issues. rabbinate. Civil marriage is not available. The three internet marriage cases For many years, thousands of frustrated state of Utah. They followed through, Meanwhile, Interior Minister Aryeh present an interesting opportunity Israelis — particularly those with non- and submitted their documentation — Deri, of the haredi Shas party, has sought to address the issue of civil marriage Orthodox or secular inclination — marriage certifications from the state to control the issue. He has ordered the through the courts, rather than through traveled to Cyprus (or elsewhere) to be of Utah — to Israel’s Population and Population Authority to stop processing the frustrating and tone deaf political married in a civil ceremony, and returned Immigration Authority, which recognized similar applications immediately. While process. That would be a good thing — to Israel with certified documentation of the unions. there are no plans announced to reverse because, after all, marriage choices by a state-authorized marriage, which was The three Israeli couples — including the three marriage certifications, it consenting adults is, in the first instance, then recognized and accepted by Israel. one lesbian couple — discovered quite is still possible that the “mistake” by a legal question, rather than a political or During the pandemic, international a loophole. When the online civil the Population Authority will lead the religious one. JN Cautiously optimistic ast month, with the first rollout According to reports, the process of lack of trust in the medical establishment, for shady dealings. And the pandemic is Lof COVID-19 vaccines, we saw actually getting the vaccine to people and fraud. Polls indicate that more no exception. One episode of particular the beginning of the end of the has been a challenge. Since there is no than 40% of Americans do not plan embarrassment to the Jewish community pandemic. We were happy to see front- national distribution plan, the vaccine to get the vaccine. While it is difficult took place in New York, where ParCare line health care workers and the elderly delivery burden has shifted to state and to deal with stubborn anti-vaxxers, a Community Health Network, a network get the vaccine, and are encouraged by local governments, whose resources concentrated education program in other of health clinics owned by a Chasidic public efforts to encourage all segments Jewish leader from Brooklyn, is being of the population to get vaccinated. investigated for improperly obtaining Vaccines offer the prospect of a “return doses of the coronavirus vaccine and to normal,” and we celebrate the fact distributing them in contravention of that the potential cure was achieved in A CONCENTRATED EDUCATION New York State guidelines. While many record time. who received the misdirected doses did Israel has emerged as a success story in PROGRAM IN HESITANT COMMUNITIES not know of the alleged underlying the vaccine rollout process. The Jewish COULD HELP CHANGE PERCEPTIONS improprieties, they did have to know state began vaccinations on Dec. 19 that the opportunity they were given and has already inoculated more than AND INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF was inconsistent with state guidelines, 12% of its population, the highest per which should have been reason to capita rate in the world. Prime Minister THE VALUE OF THE VACCINE. inquire further. Benjamin Netanyahu deserves credit In the weeks ahead, we hope that for negotiating early in the pandemic the process will regularize, that a to secure vaccines, and Israel has shown workable national distribution plan will remarkable efficiency in distributing the develop, that orderly inoculation will vaccine through the country’s national are already stretched by the surging hesitant communities could help change proceed and that everyone who wants health care system. coronavirus. As a result, how people perceptions and increase understanding the vaccine will get it. As that process Here in the United States, the rollout receive the vaccine and even who can of the value of the vaccine. We encourage unfolds, we must be patient and vigilant. has been messier. Of the announced receive it varies from state to state and those efforts. Continue to wear masks, avoid crowds goal of vaccinating 20 million people by adds to confusion. But we’re not sure what to do about and observe social distancing guidelines. the end of 2020, only about 20% have At least two other factors affect coronavirus vaccine scams. Public Working together, we can help achieve received the vaccine. distribution efforts: misinformation and vulnerability is routinely fertile ground universal immunization. JN

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

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 8, 2021 11 OPINION Commentary A trauma-informed approach to COVID is essential

DR. BETSY STONE

he announcement tunnel is simply too far off, too unreliable. Grief and more difficult to form attachments, empowerment. Tof COVID vac- unites us in increased hopelessness. whether to people or organizations. I am As I look at these principles, I recall that cines should have been We are also approaching the one-year worried that we will try to “return” to our I wrote an article on them at the beginning cause for celebration anniversary of COVID. It “should” be previous lives without mourning this time, of COVID. While these principles could and relief. It was the time for the unveiling, a way in which we what we’ve lost and what we’ve learned. inform our work in April, we need them first sign that we might mark time from the sharp pain of loss to an For many of us, leaving our homes and even more now, as we enter this next actually beat this virus, understanding of the permanence of death. returning to communal spaces will be stage of COVID. How are you providing come out of our homes, regain social Our grief resurges, accentuating the passage enormously difficult. It’s harder to regain opportunities for individuals to process contacts and rebuild the economy. It was of time and status. trust that’s lost than it is to trust innocently. what we’ve lived through, our losses, our a sign of hope that our Jewish institutions Therapists know about anniversary We’ve lost trust in our society, in our trains sorrows? What is your institution creating might survive this endless crisis, and that the reactions, our bodies’ way of reminding and planes and grocery stores and — most to comfort people? To make them feel safe? country might turn the corner. It should us that once, in this season, bad things importantly — other people. Rebuilding Each step of COVID-19 has brought have made us all happy, hopeful, optimistic. happened. We know grief in our kishkes, that trust will take work on many levels. trauma to us. We have learned new What I’m seeing and feeling is actually even when we don’t know it in our heads. Work between individuals, work within behaviors. We have spent 2020 adapting quite different. While some of us are relieved If adults are experiencing this level of organizations, work across society. And and readapting. It’s been exhausting. We and anticipating a return to a more open grief, how much more so for our children? If we’ve got to begin thinking about it now. are worn, our clergy is worn, our Jewish life, I think that many have slipped deeper we have learned that our government can’t Trauma-informed care teaches us that we professionals are worn. I often describe into sorrow. help us or protect us, what do our teens and cannot simply put the past behind us. That’s resilience as a rubber band. It returns to Whether it is because of the darkness young adults now know about their futures? wishful thinking. We need to re-enter the its original shape after we stretch it, but and cold of winter, the increasing death I am worried about our kids. Not about world in intentional, conscious ways. Our repeated or continuous stretching decreases toll, the realization that 2021 will be their education, although that matters a lot. institutions must plan for gentle entry, for the elasticity. After a long stretch, it cannot a continuation of 2020, the ongoing I am more worried about their emotional processing time, for inefficiency and tears, recover its original shape. political chaos and inaction, the pain of lives, about the feelings that roil around in for intense separation anxiety, from both We have been changed, deeply loneliness or all of the above, what I’m them. I am worried about what they have parents and children. and permanently, in ways we cannot seeing and hearing is a community that is seen as their parents lose faith in government The five basic principles of trauma- yet articulate. more troubled and more worried. and community. informed care are: safety, choice, It’s as though the light at the end of the I am worried that our grief makes it more collaboration, trustworthiness and SEE STONE, PAGE 13 Zoom can’t be the formula for a post-pandemic Jewish future

JONATHAN S. TOBIN | JNS.ORG

fter a horrible the old cliché held that you can’t be a good them in the past. The organizational persuasive now that the traumas of 2020 Ayear of pan- Jew on a desert island because you need and philanthropic world has also learned have increased the susceptibility of many demic, poverty and others to perform mitzvot, it’s equally that virtual events, informational lectures people to such tactics. polarization, will true that for all of the herculean efforts and symposiums, as well as virtual Yet fear of the virus won’t soon the coronavirus vac- expended on connecting with people fundraising “galas,” can enable them disappear, even if a critical mass of the cine soon return the during the past year, real communities to provide far more programming for population is given the vaccine and Jewish world to a aren’t virtual. content-hungry members and consumers a certain degree of “herd immunity” semblance of normalcy? That’s the ques- Synagogues, organizations and than they previously undertook. Equally is created. tion without a clear answer as 2021 begins philanthropies have all had to reinvent important, these online gatherings are It’s true that a lot of people can’t wait amid another surge of coronavirus cases, themselves in one way or another since generally attracting far bigger audiences to return to their old lives and the way as well as the first rounds of vaccina- the first lockdowns in March. And, as watching on home computers, tablets they previously lived. But the impact of tions that will hopefully put an end to is characteristic of Jewish culture, many and phones while costing a small fraction the months spent under lockdown and the plague. are sounding an optimistic tone and of what it took to put on programs the constant drumbeat of information The American Jewish world that will talking about how they turned lemons that required people to actually attend about the perils of going about unmasked emerge from the crisis understands into lemonade. Some think the lessons in person. or without social distancing will have a that back to pre-pandemic business as they learned about how to wrangle the Nor will the Jewish world be likely disproportionate impact on both the very usual isn’t an option or even something Internet, Zoom meetings and services, to quickly abandon online events even young and the old. they want to do. Some believe that webinars and even YouTube videos after the pandemic has been quelled by For children, experiencing the new their recently acquired dexterity with instead of relying solely on in-person mass vaccinations. normal of the pandemic is likely to be technology is a formula to better help gatherings — as was the case with most of It’s a given that a certain percentage of one of the formative experiences of them survive the challenges that were them before the virus struck — has helped Jews — both haredim and secular believers their lives. Much like those who grew facing them before being sent home to them become more user-friendly and able in New Age theories — will listen to the up in the Great Depression, and who wait out the pandemic. Yet even amid the to reach constituents in ways they’d never misinformation spread by the anti-vaxxer carried the fear of poverty and want sometimes forced optimism we’re hearing previously contemplated. movement. Even before the current crisis, with them for the rest of their lives even from Jewish leaders, they also know that Indeed, the brave new world of Zoom it was a factor in reviving the spread of after they achieved affluence, fear of even their new skills are no substitute for Jewish life is sometimes described as measles — a disease that had already contagion will remain with those directly engaging those they are supposed an improvement. Some, though clearly been wiped out by scientific advances. youngsters who were forced to shelter to serve. not all, non-Orthodox synagogues If anything, the conspiracy theories and at home lest they infect or be infected by Jewish life, whether religious or claim that more people often log in for lies that duped many people into refusing organizational, is inherently communal. If services than showed up in person for other vaccines will become even more SEE TOBIN, PAGE 13

12 JANUARY 8, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM RELIGIOUS LIFE

TORAH STUDY SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING JAN. 8 - 5:20 P.M. We will be proud of our names JAN. 15 - 5:26 P.M. PARSHAH SHEMOT What is in a name? Is it just an additional koiach or “strength” to strive SHABBAT ENDS EXODUS 1:1-17 outer expression, an external method toward our individual purpose. JAN. 9 - 6:18 P.M. of identification? In old Jewish custom, when one — G-d RABBI DOV LEVERTOV JAN. 16 - 6:24 P.M. You probably know someone who, forbid — fainted, someone would whisper as their life progressed, didn’t identify the person’s Jewish name into his ear. he gabai at with their given name or nickname and One’s name is directly connected to their the synagogue swapped it out for one they liked better. soul, by reciting his or her name, they Find area congregations at jewishaz.com, where T you can also find our 2021 Community Directory. approached Mr. Sometime between fourth and sixth were calling the soul back into the body. Goldfein to give grades, my cousin did just that, changing In other words, our Jewish name him the honor of from the more childish nickname Dovi is directly connected to our soul, the an aliyah at the Torah. to his complete name Dovber, to express vibrancy and purpose of our being alive pride, like that expressed in a Jewish “What is your Jewish name?” he asked. more maturity. and our personal life mission. name, is the answer to the equalizing and Traditionally, we are called up by our Is that all a name is, an identification, Our sages tell us that our forefathers minimizing of Hitler’s numbers — may Jewish name. And Goldfein replied, which one can swap out based on how were redeemed from Egyptian exile by his memory be cursed. “Rachel Ben Moshe.” The gabai — they’d like to be represented? merit of three things: They didn’t change As we await the arrival of Moshiach thinking he heard wrong — asked again. In the opening words of the Torah their Jewish names, clothing or language. and the era of world peace, it is not He received the same reply. portion, Rashi teaches that G-d counted As much as they assimilated into the enough to be Jewish at home and blend “Rachel is a female name, perhaps you each of the children of Jacob by their indi- Egyptian culture and way of life, they in on the streets. We need to feel strong can tell me the Jewish name that your vidual names to express his love for them. remained different, constantly connected Jewish pride, to be proud of our Jewish parents chose at your bris?” he delicately When counting by number, we express to G-d and awaiting the redemption. names, to be proud to be recognized in asked Goldfein. how each thing is equal, not noticing Upon arrival in America from war-torn the world as a Jew. Almost whispering, Goldfein individual differences and qualities. Europe, the Chabad Rebbe understood So, to suggest a Jewish pride action, let responded, “I have been going through However, when counting by name, the pulse of the waning Jewish life in us strengthen ourselves in the mitzvah of some financial troubles — everything is each person’s individuality is accounted America. In the 1950s he began a cam- ensuring a kosher mezuzah scroll on our now in my wife’s name.” for, thus highlighting how we are all paign of Jewish pride — through outdoor front doorpost, visible to all, and show Shemot, the name of this week’s Torah different, with different strengths and Jewish parades and events — to turn the how proud we are to be Jewish. JN portion, translates to “name.” As the qualities, yet still united. Rashi is teach- tide away from the assimilation rampantly opening verse states, “And these are the ing that when G-d counts us and shows affecting the Jewish community. Rabbi Dov Levertov is director of the Chabad of names of the children of Israel.” his love for us as an individual, it gives us The Rebbe understood that Jewish Phoenix.

STONE TOBIN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

There is trauma in the potential release COVID-19. The assumption that these have transitioned so much of the efforts education, where online efforts are a poor from this nightmare. The trauma of visiting children will be quick to embrace the to reflect the new reality? substitute for traditional schooling, this graves, of return to public spaces. The old paradigm of Jewish life may be To some extent, that might be true. also applies to those tasked with building trauma of reestablishing relationships and misplaced. But as is the case with the rest of the a connection to the broader Jewish new habits. The trauma of empty chairs. Equally affected are the elderly who economy and other sectors, including community or inculcating the principles We know that the risk of suicide increases as were, unlike the kids, the principal education and the arts, it may be a case of faith or peoplehood. Indeed, for all people begin to feel a bit better from deep sufferers during the pandemic. Anyone of the rich getting richer and the poor of the often unfair abuse that has been depression. Will we see a surge of increased who assumes that older people, who getting poorer. directed at Orthodox institutions that depression, suicidal thoughts? have had it drilled into them that they If you are a potential consumer of have not relied exclusively on Zoom as And we’ve learned important lessons. Who are the major target of the disease, will religious or Jewish content stuck at home, have the non-Orthodox, no one doubts are our true friends? Some relationships have soon be venturing out to be part of then you have a lot more choices now the power that gathering together has deepened and some sidelined. Kids have crowds or attending indoor events or than you might have had a year ago. But had on their ability to continue to inspire gotten closer to their siblings and parents. services even if masked and inoculated is that also means that if you want to watch their constituents. Some of our kids are happier in virtual probably mistaken. a religious service from home, your local The notion that other sectors of the school. Families have been strengthened That’s particularly significant for Jewish synagogue is now competing against large and families have been torn apart. institutions. Not only does the Jewish institutions from around the world. The Jewish world can ignore those lessons So what is next? population skew older than most other same is true for other sorts of activities, while boasting of their new technological I hope we can be actively intentional demographic groups. Older people including philanthropic groups. Small skills is wrong. At some point — whether in the ways we reopen. Camps will not were and still are the backbone of non- local groups are at a disadvantage in our it is on a more limited scale or not simply be places of joy, but also places Orthodox Jewish organizational life and brave new Zoom world, and it would — synagogues, groups and other of loss. Our kids will return to camps, constituted the overwhelming majority be shortsighted to ignore that fact or to institutions must bring Jews back schools, synagogues changed. We will all be of those who were likely to show up for expect that the impact on their futures into the same room with each other. The processing this horrible year for the rest of any sort of event or discussion, as well as won’t be significant. business of building and maintaining our lives, inevitably altered. Any reopening services. That will impact attendance at Yet as much as technology threatens a community will have to involve a must include an awareness that we are not in-person events in the Jewish world for to be as important to teaching and large amount of virtual programming the same people we were. years to come. organizing as other skills, it would going forward. Yet real communities The ground hasn’t been solid for a All that means that the Zoom paradigm be equally foolish to imagine that are not Facebook groups, listservs or year. It’s not going to be solid again we’ve gotten used to in the last 10 these virtual skills can replace the impact Zoom gatherings. Without people- soon. And, even then, it will be new and months is likely to become something of in-person services and gatherings. to-people contact, the values that link different ground. JN of a permanent aspect of synagogue and It also can’t replace efforts like the generations are lost. The greatest organizational life. kosher-food delivery, visits to senior Jewish challenge for 2021 will be in Betsy S. Stone, Ph.D., is a retired psychologist who But will a Jewish world and synagogues homes and to hospitals, Jewish currently teaches as an adjunct lecturer at Hebrew remembering that. JN Union College-JIR. She is a regular contributor to that operate primarily in cyberspace with holiday packages and other hands-on eJewish Philanthropy, where this piece was first the instant access and mobility that implies charitable work. Jonathan S. Tobin is editor in chief of JNS where published. be enough to sustain the institutions that Just as has been proven largely true of this piece was first published.

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 8, 2021 13 SPECIAL SECTION

SENIOR LIFESTYLE

Beth Ames Swartz PHOTO BY JOHN ROTHSCHILD Beth Ames Swartz's "Israel Revisited" series is among her best-known work and was The "Israel Revisited" series was created using fire, earth, acrylic, on display at the Jewish Museum in New York for two years. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHEMER ARTS CENTER variegated gold leaf and mixed media on layered paper. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHEMER ARTS CENTER Scottsdale artist celebrated by Shemer Arts Center

JAYLYN FAHEY | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

eth Ames Swartz, 84, was honored more classes and exhibit space, Her latest work, the subject of Shemer’s must be able to transcend the pain. And Brecently at the Fifth Anniversary Eckstein said. exhibit, is the result of a three-year study we must be able to transcend the anger Shemer Honors Event. The Shemer Arts “She’s taught me a lot about the creative in Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, and rage because underneath there are Center celebrated her for a successful process,” said Eckstein of Swartz, who was titled “Purification of the Heart.” only two real forces: love and fear,” Swartz 60-year artistic career, as well as being featured in the Jewish News’ Best of Arts “If you could say I had a brand, said. “As we heal ourselves we hope to someone who encourages and assists & Culture magazine two years ago. “She’s it would be the sacredness of all heal the planet.” aspiring artists. very sensitive and thoughtful. This award life,” she said. “My art deals with The series was part of an exhibit at “When we start determining our is much-deserved. She’s a revered Arizona respect for one another. All life is the Jewish Museum in New York for artists every year, we get a lot of feedback artist who is internationally known. And sacred and we need to treat each other two years. from the community, and Beth’s name she paints with all her heart.” with love and compassion.” Along with the Shemer award in 2020, came up several times,” said Shonna Growing up in New York with parents After completing her “Air, Earth and Swartz celebrated 20 years of her Artist’s James, president and executive director who were scientists, Swartz couldn’t Water” series inspired by her explorations Breakfast Club. of the Shemer Arts Center. “This year, imagine her life without art. Her family of the natural world, Swartz turned to a Twenty years ago, she called together we chose Beth because of her length valued the intellect above everything, and series using both fire and earth to find the a group of six local artists to discuss their of career, her tremendous successes Swartz said she was often referred to as beauty that can come from destruction. work over breakfast. Considering that and having so many exhibitions and “the emotional one” in the family. In traveling to Israel while making artists generally work in solitude, Swartz’s collections all over the world.” As a little girl, her mother gave her “Israel Revisited,” Swartz sought to goal was creating a community where Swartz is well-known in Greater a paint set. “It became the pipeline to highlight her Jewish heritage — and the people could exchange ideas and support Phoenix for being a mentor to my sanity,” Swartz said. Swartz grew up notion of tikkun olam. one another, so the group started meeting artists and for embracing the artistic in a household where “mitzvah doing” “We need to learn to treat each other once a month. community with her “generous heart,” and living an ethical life were highly better and with compassion and love,” “It just evolved,” she said. “It doesn’t said Flo Eckstein, who calls Shemer valued principles. Swartz said. necessarily have to be breakfast. It can be “a jewel in the city of Phoenix.” Swartz attended the High School of While in Israel, she found 10 sacred a lunch, it can be a dinner, it can be no The money raised in the current Music & Art in Manhattan, graduated places to represent biblical women food. A lot depends on the people that I Shemer capital campaign from Cornell University and earned a symbolizing the Shekhinah. She developed ask to do the event — I like to cater to will go toward expanding the existing master’s degree from New York University a profound interest in Kabbalah while their needs.” space in order to make room for before starting her life as an artist and developing the work. Beginning as a loosely planned — as she’s sometimes been labeled — Matthew Baigell, a professor of art get-together, the meetings got more an eco-feminist. history, wrote about Swartz in his 2020 structured as time passed. It became yet ENGINEER III After graduation, she had an artistic book “Jewish Identity in American Art.” another way for her to nurture the artistic FT position in Phoenix, AZ breakthrough on a trip down the Colorado “The combination of feminist and community of Greater Phoenix. River with her husband. She felt a bond Kabbalist lines of thought are manifested in These two celebratory moments in an ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE CO. with the earth, visualizing faces and bodies Swartz’s work ‘Israel Revisited,’” he wrote. otherwise difficult year gave her a sense popping out of the ground. Swartz had “This work is, to my knowledge, among Duties: ensures safety & reliability of transmission of gratitude: “We need to celebrate the her sketchbooks and painted her way the first, if not the first, contemporary, sys by conducting pwr ow, transient stability, synchronicity in life.” through the trip. large-scale feminist project in which the short circuit, & other pwr sys analyses. Utilizes As for being honored by Shemer, “I paint to understand life and try to Jewish subject matter is derived from the sys sim sftwr such as GE PSLF & CAPE to plan the Swartz said, “It felt very good to understand how the universe works,” Bible and Kabbalah, and, as such, it is expansion of the pwr sys in the planning horizon be recognized.” Swartz said. among the most historically significant & maint acceptable lvls of sys rel. Shemer held its awards ceremony Swartz uses words as well as symbols Jewish American artworks of the 1980s.” virtually this year due to the pandemic, Drug test & bkgd check req. Min. Req.: BS in in her work that represent philosophical To create “Israel Revisited,” Swartz and drew 110 attendees. elect engineering or rel & 5 yrs exp Or alt MS and religious concepts. Various aspects destroyed and burned rice paper marked The center will feature Swartz’s new in elect engineering or rel & 3 yrs exp. of Judaism find their way into her work, with color and metallic pigment, then artwork in an exhibition that runs through but so do other religious traditions: buried it before creating scrolls with the Submit resume to: [email protected] Feb. 18, 2021. JN Include Job Code: JN300 Buddhism, Native American religions remains using the earth itself as a pigment. and Christianity. “In order for humanity to survive, we Additional reporting by Shannon Levitt

14 JANUARY 8, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM SPECIAL SECTION

SENIOR LIFESTYLE Remember the power of touch, even during the pandemic

BOB ROTH

find myself reminded during For those who are riding out the pandemic in isola- seemingly routine practices can move the skin and save Ithe COVID-19 pandemic of tion, this information is not meant to rub salt into the it from being deprived of stimulation. a silly riddle from my boyhood: festering wound of being physically distant. You can still Stretching, taking baths, using warm moist heat packs What do men do standing up, engage in self-care to mimic physical touch and have can also simulate touch. women do sitting down and a many of the same benefits. I am heartbroken thinking of our isolated elderly who dog does on three legs? Your hint It is empowering to bolster your connection with your have not been able to hug their children and grand- is that Dr. Anthony Fauci said it physical self. Here are a few instructions for self-massage: children. I treasure the memories I have of visiting my may never come back. Granny, at least once a week. • Massage your upper back. Take a tennis ball and The answer is the handshake. Our visits began and ended with a long embrace, and place it in the bottom of a sock. Flip it over your We must acknowledge the possibility that future every time Granny said, “You give the best hugs.” shoulder and lean back against the wall, with the ball generations may be stumped by this riddle. And sadly, And I was thinking the same about her. JN I also recognize that as a society we are experiencing situated in the section between the shoulder blade touch deprivation. and spine. Move your back around, with squats or hip Bob Roth is the managing partner of Cypress HomeCare Solutions. In times of strife, a pat on the hand or a gentle hug can adjustments, and the ball will follow. Deep breaths communicate the sentiment, “I feel your pain, I see you will also add massage, because it widens the rib cage. and I understand what you are going through,” better • Massage your feet. The feet support your entire than words alone. In the present state of uncertainty, body, so keeping them in good shape helps you the closeness we crave is the pandemic’s forbidden fruit. maintain balance and posture. Roll a tennis ball under The healing power of physical touch can be measured. your foot putting pressure on the ball when it meets Doctors have found through laboratory tests such as the arch. Keep a ball under your desk so that you can MRIs, that there are evident changes in the patterns of roll out your foot when you jump on your computer. brain activity during touch. • Massage your neck. Interlock your fingers and use A great big bear hug can increase hormones associ- your thumbs in circular motions. Use a good body ated with pleasure such as endorphins and oxytocin and decrease stress hormones such a cortisol. Physical touch lotion or massage oil so that your touch stays light. can help elevate mood, enhance your ability to fight In addition, use a loofah, long-handled brush or infection and even help you sleep better. soaps with exfoliants in them when you shower. These ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS / SEB_RA

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JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 8, 2021 15 LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

FITNESS

Lauren Saks teaches a virtual Thanksgiving class. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAUREN SAKS Flexibility was key when it came to business of fitness in 2020

SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR

lli Goozh had no way of knowing Nicole Garber, MPJCC’s adult program next year will bring. quality, the ability to see an instructor’s Athe strange way 2020 would play director. “Alli Goozh is a breath of fresh It was another kind of life change entire body throughout and, most out when she took a chance and left a air and provides a safe space to learn that gave Lauren Saks the impetus to importantly, great personality. corporate career in pharmaceutical and and grow.” be flexible in her fitness business. She “The very first class I did from the medical device sales in October 2019 to Goozh was also featured as a delivered her first baby the week things second I turned on the camera — I loved launch a life coaching business. trendsetter last fall in Arizona Foothills began to shut down in Greater Phoenix, it,” she said. She describes herself as “a She saw making such a significant life Magazine online. and by the time she was ready to return high-energy instructor,” which she says change as a first step toward realizing “It’s like building a whole new business to work after maternity leave, the world is critical to online fitness. another years-long dream: opening and attracting a whole different pool of was different. “Sometimes I feel like a cartoon when her own barre studio — though she potential clients because anyone with any Pre-pandemic, Saks was the group I’m teaching virtually, because you have didn’t know how quickly that would internet anywhere can connect,” she said. fitness and studio team lead for a big box to have about 30% more energy than you happen. Instead, she focused on teaching For her clients who are road warriors, gym in Greater Phoenix. But people were would in a normal class — you have to empowerment workshops for her new being virtual has been especially helpful. initially not required to wear masks in the get that energy through a teeny tiny little business while she taught barre classes One client told Goozh that while she was gym, and even those who did wear masks screen,” Saks said. “You have to be over on the side and waited for a time traveling across the country in her RV, she often didn’t wear them correctly. the top in your visual cues, your verbal when adding a studio would make took time out to log in to Goozh’s barre Saks’ job was managing all of the group cues and your energy level.” financial sense. class, while another told her of doing the fitness programs. The idea of a bunch of One of the most rewarding pieces of Early in the course of her career same from a remote cabin. people working out in a closed room, virtual fitness for her is the sheer gratitude transition, the coronavirus pandemic At present, the state allows in-person breathing very heavily with no masks on her students have for the opportunity. She struck. But Goozh found a silver lining. classes as well. The class capacity is limited made her more than a little nervous, given makes it a social time as well, logging in The owner of a local barre studio who also to 25% which means no more than five she had a new baby with a developing early to chat with people before starting worked in health care no longer had the people. “I was worried the clients would immune system and her parents are in the workout. She calls students by name time or resources to operate her studio. see that as a detriment, but they’re the high-risk demographic. and encourages them to keep their In one fell swoop, Goozh finally had actually enjoying that they’re getting “I couldn’t risk bringing something cameras on so she can help them with her barre studio and simultaneously saved a lot more one-on-one attention and home to my baby that he could pass on form and technique. a business. Rebarre North in Scottsdale personalized focus,” she said. to my parents,” she said. “I couldn’t But she’s aware from earlier experiences allowed Goozh to merge her two new Wearing a mask while exercising isn’t fathom it.” teaching women-only classes that often businesses into one overall wellness center ideal, but only one client decided not to Saks resigned and turned to the internet people value modesty — especially a — one that had to be exclusively virtual return. The others said it’s not as bad as instead. She spent time researching number of her Jewish women students. for several months. they thought. Goozh also made changes what would be most effective and The virtual world of fitness gave her more “People just keep encouraging me to to accommodate people, like lowering engaging for an audience. She scrolled of an opportunity to accommodate those reach out and let people know I exist,” the temperature because masks can make through Facebook watching several preferences. Goozh said. Still, since starting her new people feel uncomfortably warm. fitness classes picking and choosing Even when in-person exercise classes business, it’s been “a mixed bag.” “I have a video on Instagram about what would work for her and her become safe again, Saks said she will But her willingness to adapt to new what kind of mask to wear and how to followers. Soon she was offering live continue teaching virtually as well. circumstances is helping her slowly wear it,” she said. She also encourages classes on her website. She also has an “I surprisingly love teaching virtual build a following, and she’s seeing her students to take breaks. on-demand section of her website for fitness,” she said. “I actually resisted some success. “Thankfully, barre — even though you their convenience. it for quite some time. I would say, In November, Goozh led a body can work up a sweat and get your heart “I did a lot of research, and I know ‘I’m not teaching virtually, I love positive workshop for Martin Pear Jewish rate up — it’s not like intense interval more about audio visual than I ever teaching the people. I’m not doing it.’ Community Center’s Embody Love training,” she said. thought I would know,” she said. Before But I will definitely continue teaching Workshop event. “Now, more than ever, With one dream finally realized, she uploads videos she ensures they meet in person and virtually once this we all need some positive vibes,” said Goozh looks forward to what her criteria of good sound and visual is over.” JN

16 JANUARY 8, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

TV Trouble in mind: Shtisel, Season 3 REACH HIGHLY EDUCATED, AFFLUENT READERS IN THE VALLEY Target over Jewish readers DAVID HOLZEL | CONTRIBUTING WRITER 42,500 with a mix of print and digital. wo Jews, three problems. That’s the Tmathematics behind “Shtisel,” the run- Print | Digital | away hit Israeli dramedy about a family of haredi Orthodox Jews. In 2020, the show’s creators and cast faced down a worldwide Upcoming Special Sections pandemic to shoot a third season, coming PHOTO BY OHAD ROMANO FOR NETFLIX to Netflix in the spring. And oy, the problems! The tsuris this Yossele meets the girl, whose name is Shira, Jerusalem family faces was manifest in the and a shy chemistry ignites between them. Camp & Season 3 opener, which a paying audience There, at a table in the hotel lobby, he sings School Guide previewed online during Chanukah. The to her. She confesses that she goes to the Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center in New Ramot Forest “when I’m scared.” January 22 York City, which staged a pre-COVID in- “Describing yourself as being scared takes person talk with the stars of “Shtisel” in courage,” Yossele tells her. Showcase your 2019, sponsored the Dec. 17 preview, which He’s smitten. “We had an amazing con- educati onal and camp included a virtual panel discussion with the nection,” he tells his parents the next day. off erings to Jewish families show’s actors. “I love her.” It’s been five and a half years since pro- Very. Big. Problem. looking for the perfect fi t duction of the second season wrapped. Are On “Shtisel,” the problems expand expo- for their children during the characters older and wiser now? Having nentially. There are so many of them in that these diffi cult ti mes. watched episode 1, I can say that the answers first episode that there wasn’t any room for are “yes” (four years of “Shtisel” time have Ruchami’s problems. Played by Shira Haas, passed) and “I don’t think so.” Everybody Ruchami sits behind a desk in the Talmud loves “Shtisel” not because the family spends Torah’s office in her brief scenes with each episode learning Gemara or reading Shulem, her grandfather. Psalms. It’s because they’re busy exercising Since becoming an international phenom- Home Design their human foibles. enon, there has been clamor for more from Yes, people plan and God laughs. “God, TV’s favorite halachically observant family. & Real Estate what do you want from your Jews?” Rabbi So what took Season 3 so long? January 22 Shulem Shtisel, the patriarch, cries out dur- “It could have been much longer.” ing the episode. But sometimes people just That’s “Shtisel” co-creator and writer Whether you’re in the run off the rails all by themselves. Ori Elon speaking during the virtual panel Shulem (Doval’e Glickman) provides a discussion. For Elon, the characters weren’t business of repair and proof text. The day starts off badly at the packed away in mothballs during the hiatus. renovati on or buying cheder where Shulem is principal. One of the “I always feel the Shtisel family is living and selling homes, boys has stolen from a teacher and Shulem their own lives without me. I imagine them Jewish News readers goes to the classroom to chastise the boy. sitting around the table without me,” he said. need your services. Instead of being humbled, the little stinker For the actors, playing a character is like defies Shulem, who gives the kid a smack riding a bicycle. in the face. “It was great to come back to him,” Problems ensue. Glickman said, of Shulem. “I know him.” Akiva (Michael Aloni), the son, the artist, “The majority of the work of getting to is still painting. The show’s own McDreamy know the character we did eight years ago,” Senior Lifestyle is now a father himself, now married to Libbi Riskin said. “Even if you haven’t met them February 5 (Hadas Yaron). for five years, it doesn’t matter.” But there are money problems. And being Eventually, the questioning from From home health aides three days away from eviction for not paying SiriusXM’s Jessica Shaw reached answers to fi nancial planners, the rent isn’t Akiva’s worst problem. that the cast wouldn’t give. The audience And Yossele, Lipa and Giti’s son, who was treated to polite responses to variations independent living will turn 19 on Purim, would rather learn of “So what’s going to happen this season?” faciliti es to nursing homes, Torah than have a coffee with the girl the They boiled down to, “I can’t tell you. You’ll this is the perfect venue matchmaker has set him up with. have to watch the show.” to showcase how your Problems. Riskin delivered the most succinct reply. business can help older But iron-willed Giti (Neta Riskin) perse- She pursed her lips and shook her head no. veres and Yossele (Gal Fishel) agrees to the It was dinnertime on the East Coast, nearly Jewish residents navigate meeting, if for nothing else than to keep the midnight in Israel. Despite the late hour, the these challenging ti mes. family peace. Driving his son to the appoint- Israeli actors each lit a menorah. ment, Lipa (Zohar Strauss) has some fatherly The yoke of Torah requires one set of advice in favor of rushing into marriage: obligations. The necessity of promoting a JEWISHAZ.COM “The less girls you meet, the less you’ll have TV show another. The cast of “Shtisel” is to compare them to and the happier you’ll familiar with both. JN be in life.” Contact your sales consultant to schedule David Holzel is the editor of Washington Jewish Or as Shulem notes elsewhere: “When life Week, a Jewish News-affiliated publication where your advertising at [email protected] hands you lemonade, take it.” this article first appeared.

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 8, 2021 17 LIFESTYLE & CULTURE FILM

‘Wonder Woman 1984’ soars, then

stumblesSOPHIE PANZER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Gal Gadot as Diana Prince in “Wonder Woman 1984” COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT

ans of Israeli actor Gal Gadot had something big detail and her commitment to continuity between compelling, as his motivations stem from a deep Fto look forward to this Christmas when Warner the two Wonder Woman films. She takes the fish-out- emotional vulnerability that has to do with his young Bros. Entertainment released “Wonder Woman 1984,” of-water comedy that served as the source of the first son, Lucian Perez’s Alistair. the long-awaited sequel to director Patty Jenkins’ movie’s charm and reapplies it to Steve’s miraculous The two villains together, however, are just chaotic, wildly successful “Wonder Woman,” for streaming on — and kind of creepy — arrival in the ’80s. Diana’s and their competing backstories and character arcs are HBO Max. confusion at restrictive Victorian women’s fashion in the main reason the film runs a whopping 2 hours and The film picks up some 70 years after the end of the London department store provided plenty of laughs, 32 minutes. “Wonder Woman,” with our undercover Amazon and Chris Pine imbues Steve with pure, hilarious joy Despite the length, many key plot points feel protagonist working a day job as archaeologist Diana at things like escalators, fanny packs and the latest in glossed-over. Prince and thwarting criminals anonymously in her spare aviation technology. Audiences get a hint of this problem when Diana time. Despite her success, she is still mourning the death Fans of the first film may notice the visual parallels enters her flat for the first time. Jenkins seems to have of her pilot boyfriend, Steve Trevor, after he sacrificed Jenkins creates; in the original, Diana’s shiny armor is anticipated a burning question raised by the time gap himself to protect humanity from a deadly weapon a literal bright spot in the muted grays and browns of between World War I and 1984: What was this superhero during their escapades in World War I. Europe’s smog-smothered cities, besieged towns, muddy doing to stop the atrocities of World War II and the While working at the Smithsonian in Washington, trenches and pallid soldiers. The striking color contrast Holocaust? She answers with a long zoom-in of an old D.C., Diana meets new colleague Barbara Minerva, a represents her perseverance and hope, even when all photograph of Diana alongside men in striped prison social outsider played to awkward perfection by Kristen seems lost. uniforms, suggesting she played some role in liberating Wiig. When the museum is asked to identify a mysterious In 1984, which Jenkins interprets as an age of glorified concentration camps, but we never get more information artifact, Barbara and Diana are drawn into a greedy greed, Diana’s timeless, minimalist outfits in white and than that. businessman’s plot to grant everyone in the world their navy are meant to be a tasteful alternative to the neon This vagueness continues when Steve magically deepest desires. pink leg warmers and aqua workout suits that the masses returns. The mechanism of his reanimation is given The first half of the film is full of everything that have embraced. This time, her visual presence advocates a short but far from satisfactory explanation, and the for moderation in the face of excess. made the first movie delightful and groundbreaking. audience is expected to run with it despite the multiple The opening scenes on the Amazonian island of The plot starts to get shaky as the film develops its troubling questions it raises. The origin of the wishing Themyscira, where Lilly Aspell’s young Diana is two villains: Wiig’s Barbara, who later becomes the stone is equally vague, and the consequences of wishes participating in an epic test of strength and skill, are bloodthirsty Cheetah, and Pedro Pascal’s Max Lord, gone amok happen so quickly it’s hard to process the perfect in every way. Jenkins’ use of slow-motion the con man desperate for success as his pyramid scheme world’s descent into chaos. once again avoids the cliché that plagues action collapses. Their insecurities drive them to embrace the The movie is ultimately worth a watch for the movies because it highlights the strength and agility power of an ancient, powerful stone that grants wishes breathtaking visuals and action sequences alone, but of the Amazons without overly sexualizing them, while exacting a terrible price. fans of the first film will feel some storytelling magic which is rare for women’s bodies on screen. Gadot’s Wiig channels her comedic chops to make the is missing. JN battle scenes throughout the film are also beautifully motivations of insecure Barbara ring true to anyone choreographed. who has ever been jealous of a more beautiful, popular Sophie Panzer is a staff writer for Jewish Exponent, a Jewish Jenkins is to be commended for her attention to friend who appears to have it all. Pascal’s Max is also News-affiliated publication.

18 JANUARY 8, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM COMMUNITY

Chanukah celebrations Hillel at Arizona State University PHOTO COURTESY OF HILLEL AT ASU

Hillel’s interns Temple Chai Chanukah singalong Hillel Jewish Student Center at ASU celebrates its 2020 interns. PHOTO COURTESY OF HILLEL AT ASU Cantor Ross Wolman leads a Chanukah singalong in Temple Chai’s parking lot to an audience in their cars. PHOTO BY JOEL ZOLONDEK

Chanukah car parade Chanukah menorah Chabad of Arizona’s annual menorah parade took at capitol place Monday night fulfilling the obligation to publicize the Chanukah miracle. This year’s run Chabad of Arizona’s annual menorah parade ended added over three miles (heading east) and included at the capitol where a menorah was lit. about 85 cars. PHOTO BY HERSHL WEBERMAN PHOTO BY HERSHL WEBERMAN

Raising funds for students Hillel at ASU celebrates its donors who raised over $20,000 for all that it does to help Jewish students on campus. PHOTO COURTESY OF HILLEL AT ASU Enjoying sufganiyot Phoenix police enjoy sufganiyot This COMMUNITY page features photos of community members at Chanukah courtesy of Chabad around the Valley and the world. Submit photos and details each of Arizona. PHOTO BY HERSHL WEBERMAN week to [email protected] by 10 a.m. Monday.

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 8, 2021 19 CALENDAR

THURSDAYS, JAN. 14-FEB. 4 philosophy not only impacted today’s world, The Ethical Life: 6:30 p.m. A Bureau of Jewish but his intellect, scholarship and wisdom will be Featured Event Education course taught by Rabbi A. Nitzan felt for generations to come. Cost: $98. For more MONDAY, JAN. 11 Stein Kokin. Grapple with today’s most pressing information or to register, visit bjephoenix.org/ ethical dilemmas with a curriculum from the courses/available-courses. Sherman Minkoff Lecture: Jewish Theological Seminary. Cost: $72. For more The Creation Story and information or to register, visit bjephoenix.org/ Humanity’s Homework: courses/available-courses. Seniors MONDAY, JAN. 11 4-5:30 p.m. A virtual event taught by Rabbi THURSDAYS, JAN. 14-MARCH 25 Carl Reiner “Dispatches in Quarantine”: 1:30- Dr. Sid Schwarz and hosted by Valley Beit Israel and the Middle East Through the Lens 2:30 p.m. In his last interview prior to his passing Midrash. Many Jews do not take the biblical of Ever-Changing Events in the US, Israel this summer, Carl Reiner shares his wit and account of creation very seriously, yet the and the Middle East: 12:30-2 p.m. A Bureau of wisdom in his iconic way. Presented by the JFCS passages reveal profound truths about how Jewish Phoenix course taught by Meir Jolovitz. Center for Senior Enrichment in cooperation with we understand God, humanity and humanity’s An examination of the implications of the Silver Screen Studios, followed by a Q & A with responsibility to the planet. RSVP to receive election and current events. Cost: $130. For more Silver Screen founder, Tiffany Woolf. Free. For Zoom link. Cost: $18. For more information information or to register, visit bjephoenix.org/ more information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse. or to register, visit valleybeitmidrash.org/ courses/available-courses. upcoming-events. Rabbi Dr. Sid Schwarz PHOTO BY MICHAEL BROCHSTEIN TUESDAY, JAN. 12 FRIDAY, JAN. 15 Hip Historian Marshall Shore: 11 a.m.-noon. This Breaking the Silence: Reminiscences of a Hidden week, historian Marshall Shore will be exploring Events $18. For more information or to register, visit Child: 10 a.m.-noon. A virtual seminar with 1952 with a concentration on Arizona. Free. For valleybeitmidrash.org/upcoming-events. MONDAY, JAN. 25 Holocaust survivor Paul Schwarzbart, hosted by more information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse. Anti-Semitism in Comparative Perspective: the Arizona Jewish Historical Society. To RSVP, Ethnomusicology in Africa: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Katie Recent Trends and Research Frontiers: 7:50 TUESDAYS, JAN. 12-26 contact Tony Fusco at [email protected]. Palmer from the Musical Instrument Museum a.m.-4 p.m. The Lowe Family Research Workshop, Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Mahjong (MIM) presents the fascinating study of music hosted by the Center for Jewish Studies at Arizona Online: 1-2:15 p.m. A series for those with a TUESDAYS, JAN. 19-FEB. 2 and world cultures known as ethnomusicology. State University, brings together leading scholars mahjong card and a basic understanding of the Writing Your Jewish Life: 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This interactive session will focus on sounds from from around the globe to discuss the frontiers game who would like to learn more. In four virtual A Bureau of Jewish Education course by Linda Africa. Free. For more information, in the study of anti-Semitism and to debate sessions, Donna Miller-Small will teach how to Pressman. Explore some of the best methods visit jfcsaz.org/cse. critical factors that influence where and when pass tiles and pick the right hand, as well as how to to access your story and life journey. Learn to ethnoreligious groups, and Jews in particular, are strategize and play a more defensive game. Cost: express yourself in words in a way that you will be likely to be targeted and viewed with prejudice. $60 for members of the Martin Pear JCC, $75 for proud to have others read. Cost: $48. For more TUESDAYS, JAN. 12-FEB. 2 For more information, visit jewishstudies.asu.edu. nonmembers. For more information or to register, information or to register, visit bjephoenix.org/ Wise Aging: 7-8:15 p.m. A Bureau of Jewish visit vosjcc.org. courses/available-courses. Education course taught by Linda Levin. Wise Aging is designed specifically to meet the social, emotional and spiritual needs of Jewish seekers Virtual Meetings, Lectures & TUESDAYS, JAN. 12-MAY 25 TUESDAYS, JAN. 19-FEB. 9 7-9 p.m. Learn the basics entering second adulthood. Explore the tools Classes Introduction to Judaism: What We Do and Why We Do It: 10-11 a.m. A FRIDAY, JAN. 8 of Judaism with Rabbi Stein Kokin. For more Bureau of Jewish Education course taught by and resources to age wisely through the lens of information or to register, visit bethelphoenix.com/ Finding Meaning After Terror: Bosnian: 10 a.m.- Rabbi Laibel Blotner. Discover the rite and reason Jewish wisdom. Learn positive ways to navigate adult-education. noon. A virtual seminar hosted by the Arizona behind the Jewish rituals. Cost: $60. For more a meaningful transition to the next chapter on Jewish Historical Society with Bosnian genocide information or to register, visit bjephoenix.org/ life’s journey. Cost: $68. For more information survivor Esad Boskailo. Part of the Surviving WEDNESDAYS, JAN. 13-FEB. 17 courses/available-courses. or to register, visit bjephoenix.org/courses/ Humanity (Reframing America) Seminar Series Christianity for All, Marketed by Paul, Who available-courses. Brilliantly Planned Judaism’s Fall: 10-11:10 a.m. featuring survivors of terrorism, acts against WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20 A Bureau of Jewish Education course taught by humanity and other forms of genocide. The series Temple Solel Lunch and Learn with Mitzvah THURSDAY, JAN. 14 Marcie Lee. Experience through the Christian draws comparisons of survival to the Holocaust. Maven Danny Siegel: Noon. Join Temple Solel for Phoenix Art Museum looks at The Grand Canyon: Bible’s narrative why the idea that Jews and Free. For more information or to register, contact the book launch of “Radiance” and interview with 11 a.m.-noon. A Phoenix Art Museum docent offers Christians should simply respect each other has Tony Fusco at [email protected]. author Danny Siegel. Rabbi Debbie Stiel will lead a a new look at the Grand Canyon and architect/ not gone smoothly and why there is so much discussion with Siegel concerning his writings and designer Mary Colter. Ms. Colter was one of the recent promise for positive change. Please bring a SUNDAY, JAN. 10 mitzvah work. The talk will include some teaching, very few female American architects in her day Christian Bible. Cost: $102. For more information A Rabbi Reads the Qur’an: 10 a.m. An introduction some text about Jewish values and reading and designed many landmark buildings and or to register, visit bjephoenix.org/courses/ to the Qur’an with Rabbi David Klatzker, paying poetry with an opportunity for comments and spaces for the Fred Harvey Company and the available-courses. special attention to how it relates to Jews, Torah questions from guests. To RSVP, email Santa Fe Railroad, notably in Grand Canyon and Jewish tradition. Participants should purchase National Park. Presented by JFCS Center for The Crown: Battles of Israelite Kings and Queens: [email protected] a copy of M.A.S. Abdel Haleem’s translation of The Senior Enrichment. Free. For more information, 11:20 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A Bureau of Jewish Education visit jfcsaz.org/cse. Qur’an, available in paperback or on Kindle and course taught by Marcie Lee. Meet the Biblical JACS: Support Group for Jewish Alcoholics, Nook. For more information, email Rabbi Klatzker crowned subjects in the Books of Kings. Cost: Addicts and their Friends and Family: 7:30 p.m. For more information, email FRIDAYS, JAN. 15-MARCH 5 at [email protected] or $102. For more information or to register, visit [email protected]. No charge. Wise Aging: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. A Bureau of Jewish visit otaz.org/quran. bjephoenix.org/courses/available-courses. Education course taught by Nan Pollinger. Wise Israeli Sovereignty in the Biblical Heartland: At the Heart of Three-Part Jewish Art: 12:40- THURSDAY, JAN. 21 Aging is designed specifically to meet the social, Moral and Legal Implications: 3-4:30 p.m. The 1:15 p.m. A Bureau of Jewish Education course The Habitability of Our Nearest Exoplanet emotional and spiritual needs of Jewish seekers Friends of Israel, Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation taught by Marcie Lee. See examples of culturally Neighbor and What Does It Mean to You: 1-2 entering second adulthood. Explore the tools present Jake Bennett, National State Legislative diverse artists— Non-Jewish artists on Jewish p.m. A virtual presentation hosted by Professor and resources to age wisely through the lens of Director for the Israel American Coalition on Zoom. subjects, Jewish artists on Jewish subjects, and Evgenya Shkolnik, co-hosted by Valley Beit Jewish wisdom. Learn positive ways to navigate RSVP required to receive Zoom link. Free. To RSVP, Jewish artists on the secular world—who have the Midrash and Congregation Beth Israel. Exoplanets a meaningful transition to the next chapter on email [email protected]. creation of Jewish art in common. Cost: $102. For are everywhere, and in fact, outnumber the life’s journey. Cost: $130. For more information more information or to register, visit bjephoenix. stars in our galaxy. Of these, billions of them or to register, visit bjephoenix.org/courses/ MONDAYS, JAN. 11-25 org/courses/available-courses. are potentially habitable, including our nearest available-courses. Still Traveling: Sensational Seville: Noon-1:15 p.m. neighbor, ‘Proxima b’, which lies only 4 lightyears An event series hosted by the East Valley JCC in THURSDAY, JAN. 14 away. We will learn about the discovery Proxima TUESDAY, JAN. 19 partnership with The Osher Marin JCC. Join guide The Soul of a Stranger: Reading God and Torah b and its potential to host life as we know it, and Mamaloshen - Yiddish Club: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. James Sokol on a virtual tour of Seville. On Jan. from a Transgender Perspective: 1-2 p.m. A virtual discuss its relevance to us here on Earth. RSVP Share the warmth and humor of Yiddish with 11, tour the Seville Cathedral and Giralda; on Jan. event presented by Dr. Joy Ladin, co-hosted by for Zoom link. Cost: $18. For more information Rabbi Laibel Blotner. Presented by JFCS Center 18, visit Barrio Santa Cruz and Jewish Seville; and Valley Beit Midrash and Temple Chai. Reading or to register, visit valleybeitmidrash.org/ for Senior Enrichment. Free. For more information on Jan. 25, take a trip to modern Seville. $15 per some of the best-known Torah stories through upcoming-events. or to register, visit jfcsaz.org/cse. session. For more information or to register, visit the lens of transgender experience, Joy Ladin evjcc.org/event/still-traveling-sensational-seville. will explore fundamental questions about how MONDAYS, JAN. 25-MARCH 1 TUESDAY, JAN. 26 religious texts, traditions, and the understanding The Writings and Wisdom of Rabbi Lord American Photographer Edward S. Curtis: 11 TUESDAY, JAN. 12 of God can be enriched by transgender Jonathan Sacks z’l: 12:15-1:30 p.m. A Bureau a.m.-noon. Jane Przelica offers an interactive Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi: Interreligious perspectives, and how the Torah and trans lives of Jewish Education course taught by Andre presentation on “The Shadow Catcher: American Pioneer: 1-2 p.m. A virtual event presented by can illuminate one another. RSVP for Zoom link. Ivory. Rabbi Sacks, who passed away recently, Photographer Edwards S. Curtis.” Presented by Rabbi Or Rose. Co-hosted by Valley Beit Midrash Cost: $18. For more information or to register, visit possessed a world of wisdom which crossed JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. Free. For and Ruach Hamidbar. RSVP for Zoom link. Cost: valleybeitmidrash.org/upcoming-events. denominational lines. His books, writings and more information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse.

20 JANUARY 8, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM CALENDAR Iconic cattleman, entrepreneur and philanthropist Arts composed and written by Jews and African- Harvey Dietrich passed away on Dec. 24, 2020, Americans from the 1910s to the 1950s. Cost: $10 SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JAN. 9-10 in Phoenix due to COVID-19. Harvey was born per concert. For more information or to register, The Fabulous Five in Concert: A free online on Nov. 16, 1934, to Simon and Anne Dietrich in visit evjcc.org/klezmer2020. concert hosted by the Arizona Jewish Historical Boston, Massachusetts. The family lived in Boston Society featuring the Fabulous Five, which brings “Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutations”: 2 until Harvey was 8 years old. Simon’s health together the musical talents of the husband-and- p.m. Martin Pear JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, wife duo, Paolo Alderighi and Stephanie Trick, and problems drove the family west, first to Phoenix We3 (Nicole Pesce, Renee Patrick and Suzanne Scottsdale. Part of the Martin Pear JCC’s Movies and then to Los Angeles. with a Message documentary film series. Hosted Lansford). Free. For more information or to Simon was involved in the meat business in Boston register, visit azjhs.org/musical-concerts. in partnership with Congregation Beth Tefillah. Watch “Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutations” and that is where he found work in L.A. By the and join filmmaker Andrew Goldberg for a Q&A. FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JAN. 15-17 time he was 15, Harvey was in the meat business Virtual option available. Cost: $10-$20. For Documentary Film Screening: “Golda”: A too as a self-professed city kid in his first summer job. His employer’s son screening of “Golda” hosted by the Arizona more information or to register, visit vosjcc.org/ picked him up at 3 a.m. for a 13-hour work day at a packing plant. After movies2021. Jewish Historical Society. Guests can watch the finishing high school, Harvey went to Pierce Agriculture College. During this film any time between Jan. 15-17. Free. For more time, Harvey worked for Globe Meat Packing owned by Victor Katz and the information or to register, visit azjhs.org/golda. SUNDAY, JAN. 31 Musicians of the Symphony at The J: 2-3 p.m. Krassen Brothers. Lou Krassen quickly saw Harvey’s potential, and started taking him on buying trips. Soon after that, Harvey got his first full-time job SUNDAY, JAN. 24 Martin Pear JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Second Annual Klezmer Fest: Jewish/Black Scottsdale. An afternoon of music with violinist as a cattle buyer with Bernie Fineman, an independent Los Angeles meat Music: 1 p.m. The second annual Klezmer Fest, Leslie Frey Anderegg, cellist Yeil Park and violist packer. hosted by the East Valley JCC, will feature four live Mark Dix. Cost: $30 for MPJCC members, $45 for virtual concerts by Yale Strom and Hot Pstromi. nonmembers. For more information or to register, In 1959, Harvey and his first wife, Sheila, moved to Phoenix to replace a On Jan. 24, the group will perform melodies visit vosjcc.org. JN noted Jewish cowboy who bought cattle in Arizona for the company he worked for. That was when Harvey began making enough money to start MILESTONES his own side businesses, including owning cattle and launching Sun Land Beef Co. BAT MITZVAH During his 15 years with Sun Land, Harvey put together the Ralph’s California REBECCA ALLISON Grown Beef Program, the first program of its kind. When customers Rebecca Allison becomes a bat mitzvah on Jan. 9, 2021, at Congregation complained about toughness of the beef, Sun Land hired scientists to study Kehillah. She is the daughter of Scarlett and Allen Allison of Phoenix. cows and feed. That led to a change in the cattle being used and Holsteins For her mitzvah project, Rebecca is making masks for nursing homes and came on the scene as a beef breed, which changed the whole beef industry. gathering blankets, clothing and other necessary items for homeless shelters. Over the years, Harvey created Cholla Livestock, and ran his cattle operation A student at Explorer Middle School, Rebecca enjoys guitar, violin, piano, on his acquired Diamond A Ranch, largest ranch in Arizona, stretching more

PHOTO BY ALLISON FAMILY singing, painting and taking care of animals. than 750,000 acres from Seligman to the north edge of the Grand Canyon. Harvey was dubbed with several monikers during his lifetime ranging from “Hard-Hearted Harvey” when he was a cattle buyer to “Arizona’s Last BAT MITZVAH Jewish Cowboy” in a 2012 article. But the best was just plain “Harvey.” ABIGAIL FAYE COHEN Everyone in the cattle business knew exactly who you were talking about. Abigail Faye Cohen becomes a bat mitzvah on Jan. 16, 2021, at Temple There were also those Harveyisms. Perhaps the best one was, “Always have Chai. She is the daughter of Teri and Daniel Cohen of Phoenix. a Plan A, B, C, and D. D is, don’t run out of money.” Grandparents are Jane Kaskel and of Tucson; and Brenda and Herbert Cohen of Rockville, Maryland. Over the years, Harvey was honored in many ways, including being inducted For her mitzvah project, Abigail is working with family and friends to create in to the Arizona National Livestock Show’s Pioneer Hall of Fame. In 2015 he received the coveted Chester A. Reynolds Award from the National PHOTO BY COHEN FAMILY a “mushroom” garden out of wooden spools for the playground at Temple Chai Early Childhood Center. Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Some of the criteria for the award A student at Explorer Middle School, Abigail enjoys longboarding, watching Twitch and included honesty, humility, integrity and an unwavering commitment to spending time with family and friends. Western ideals and values. Making the award even more special was the presentation by longtime friend Gerald Timmerman. Gerald noted that Harvey was the kind of man BAR MITZVAH who did business on his word. A rare breed in today’s world. MAXWELL IAN COHEN Harvey was never afraid to take on any challenge and believed in always Maxwell Ian Cohen becomes a bar mitzvah on Jan. 16, 2021, at Temple doing what was right. He led the charge to educate the beef industry and Chai. He is the son of Teri and Daniel Cohen of Phoenix. the consuming public about the dangers of ractopamine, a controversial Grandparents are Jane Kaskel and of Tucson; and Brenda and Herbert livestock feed additive that is banned in many nations around the world. As Cohen of Rockville, Maryland. Harvey was quoted, “I am in the meat business, not the chemical business.” For his mitzvah project, Maxwell is working with family and friends to create In 2019 Harvey was appointed to the Arizona Beef Council by Gov. Doug PHOTO BY YOSOWITZ FAMILY a “mushroom” garden out of wooden spools for the playground at Temple Chai Early Childhood Center. Ducey. A student at Explorer Middle School, Maxwell enjoys flag football, basketball and spending One thing kept under his cowboy hat, a little known side to Harvey and time with family and friends. his wife Marnie: They were tremendous philanthropists. One of their most cherished honors was from the Arizona Jewish Historical Society. In receiving that award, Harvey made a statement that defined him and his life’s work. BAR MITZVAH The couple also were strong supporters of the Jewish National Fund, the BLAKE VAUGHN YOSOWITZ Jewish community and many hospitals. Blake Vaughn Yosowitz becomes a bar mitzvah on Jan. 16, 2021, at Temple “The most important thing for me, and the way I look at things, is what you Emanuel of Tempe. He is the son of Amy and Rob Yosowitz of Tempe. leave in people’s hearts and the quality of life, if you have that opportunity Grandparents are Marsha and Kenny Dobin of Silver Spring, Maryland; to change people’s lives, is extremely important,” Harvey said. and Nancy Levy and Gerald Yosowitz of Orange Village, Ohio; and the late Vivian Yosowitz. Harvey is survived by his wife Marnie in Phoenix; and his son and daughter from his first marriage, Steven and Lisa. A memorial service for Harvey will PHOTO BY YOSOWITZ FAMILY For his mitzvah project, Blake worked with religious school friends to collect gently used and new sports equipment for the Boys & Girls Club and be held at a time in the future when it is safe for people to gather. Sunshine Acres and held a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club. Donations in Harvey’s memory may be made at Jewish National Fund, JNF. A student at Kyrene Middle School, Blake enjoys video games, YouTube, basketball, baseball, ORG and the Arizona Jewish Historical Society azjhs.org/azjhs. cross country, football, sports statistics and time with friends. JN

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 8, 2021 21 Karl Hermann, age 59, beloved and devoted Zera C. Lipetz, 99 1/2, passed away best friend and husband of 27 years to Sharlene peacefully on Dec. 18, 2020. She was Hermann (Lubline). Loving father of Brandon and Carli Hermann. Dearest son of the late Don and Ruth a “Woman of Valor,” beloved mother, Hermann. Loving son in law to the late Edward and grandmother, great-grandmother, Frieda Lubline. Dear brother of Sheldon Hermann sister, aunt and great-aunt, and (Cheryl), Larry Hermann (Laurie) and sister-in law devoted daughter and wife. Helen Hermann. Cherished uncle of Joey Hermann (Amber), Evan Lubline, (Caitlin), Marc Lubline Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on (Kailey), Mitchell Lubline and Barry Lubline (Olga). Dear brother-in-law June 3, 1921, Zera was a gracious, of Stuart Lubline (Jodi) and the late Michael Lubline (Randi) and the late warm, kind soul who was admired and Jerry Gold. treasured by all who knew her. For a Karl was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Raised in Garrettsville, Ohio. He tiny woman, she had a big presence. In graduated from Garfield High School in Garrettsville in 1979. He worked Zera’s long life, she relished the highs for the family business, Hermann’s Pickle Company. He moved out to and met the lows with grace, resilience Phoenix in 1988. Karl was an incredible husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend to many. He was an amazing man and a tendency to deny what she did not wish to acknowledge. who will be remembered by all who had the honor of knowing him. A loving niece called her “a firecracker” and that she was! She Let’s remember all the beautiful memories shared with Karl. He will be knew what she wanted and let you know it. missed dearly. Zera had three children with her first husband, Samuel Jacob Karl passed away at his home in Chandler, AZ on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. Goldberg, who died in 1968. She married her second love, Funeral services were held in Chandler, AZ at The Valley of the Sun Irving Lipetz, in 1974, and joined him in Louisville, Kentucky. Mortuary and Cemetery on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020. Upon his death, in December of 2012, Zera moved to Scottsdale If you would like to make a donation in honor of Karl to Hospice of the to be near family. For a time, the family enjoyed having four Valley, we would greatly appreciate it. Hospice was a huge help caring generations in the same community. for Karl the last two weeks of his life. They were absolutely amazing and I can’t even begin to say how grateful we are for all the nurses, CNAs and Donations in Zera’s memory may be made to Hospice of the social workers who cared for him. Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 or The New Shul, If you like to make a donation, please visit hov.org and scroll down to 7825 E. Paradise Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 or to a charity of “Make a Charitable donation” and you may make it in Karl’s honor. your choice. Graveside services were held in Louisville, Kentucky. Thank you all so much. For a complete obituary, go to meyerfuneral.com.

Sol Moretsky died on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, in Phoenix at the Stanford J. Stoneman, 88, beloved father, grandfather, great- age of 85. A businessman, philanthropist and leader of the Jewish grandfather, brother, son, friend and more, passed away peacefully on community, Sol was born on Nov. 11, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, Dec. 29, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. to Ben Moretsky of Kansas City, Missouri, and Elizabeth Saulles of Stan was born in 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Harry and Millie Bucharest, Romania. Always a hard worker with an entrepreneurial Stoneman. After relocating to Phoenix from Cleveland, Stanford soon spirit, Sol started numerous businesses in Detroit including the met his wife, Edie, whom he married in 1955. They spent 65 loving, Michigan franchise of Mr. Softee Ice Cream before settling into interesting and adventurous years together. He was an adoring father a career in real estate and construction. He formed Haverhill Realty and Pontiac to Wendie, Cindi and Mark (Lisa); grandfather to David (Shira), Taylor, Nathan, Logan and Construction Company, building fast food chain stores in the 1960s. In the 1970s Sol Merin (Alex); great-grandfather to three, with one more due in January 2021; brother; focused on building luxury custom homes and eventually shopping center ownership uncle; and cousin. He was also a great friend to so many. and management of the Redford Oaks Shopping Center (formerly “7 Grand”). After moving to Phoenix in 1981, Sol continued to operate Redford Oaks while establishing Stan’s life was filled with fun and travel throughout the years, both with groups of friends and his multigenerational family. He had special memories of rafting in the Grand Canyon, himself in the realty and construction business in the Valley of the Sun. fishing in Oregon, partying in Catalina, traveling through the Amazon and Aruba, driving Over the past four decades, Sol was a passionate volunteer leader in the Jewish his motor home to Cabo, cruising and having adventures in Alaska, touring China, community. He held numerous leadership positions on several boards including embracing Israel, and so many more. serving as president of the board of directors of Kivel Campus of Care, a board When not on land, Stan loved being in Coronado on his boat. My Buddy IV Ever was his member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and president of Congregation fourth boat, and his very favorite one. He loved having friends and family aboard, enjoying Beth Israel. Sol was also appointed by Gov. Jane Hull to the state’s Council on Aging. cocktails and listening to music. Taking his boat out on the ocean was his greatest delight. As president of the board of directors of Congregation Beth Israel from 2005 to 2007, Stan was a great athlete and sports fan, and especially loved watching basketball. He was Sol oversaw the efforts toward Congregation Beth Israel’s purchasing the 52-acre a big fan of the Phoenix Suns, and had season tickets for years. He also enjoyed bowling, Camp Daisy & Harry Stein property in Prescott from the federal government. Through fishing, skiing and racquetball. Sol’s love, commitment and determination, hundreds of Camp Stein campers received scholarships as result of Sol’s tireless efforts throughout the years. Sol and his wife Rita Stan graduated from Arizona State University (when it was Tempe Teacher’s College) with were honored at the CBI Gala in 2015 and he was named a lifetime member of the a degree in accounting. He was a very hard worker, and became a successful accountant CBI board of directors. with his own practice. At age 50, he told his wife he wanted to retire. Her comment was, “You’re too young to retire.” So he went back to work. When he turned 70, he told her Sol is survived by his wife Rita Moretsky, daughter Lesa (Tim) Moretsky-Jordan, son again he wanted to retire, and this time she let him. But Stan still kept up with business, Scott Moretsky, stepdaughter Jamie (Robert) Eisenfeld Jennings and stepson Dr. and continued to be a consultant to his son. Steven Eisenfeld, and brothers Dr. Robert (Barbara) Moretsky and Dr. Sanford (Barbara) Moretsky. He was the grandfather of Elayna Jordan, Jacob Jordan, Michael (Sarah) He loved life and most of all, his family. He loved people and people loved him. He was a Moretsky, Brynn Sheckell and Quinn Eisenfeld. great judge of character and a trusted friend. He wanted most of all to be surrounded by family — and he was. We will hold dear forever the great memories and fond recollections Funeral services have been held. that he left for all those lucky enough to know him. We will drink a toast to our beloved Donations may be made in Sol’s memory to Congregation Beth Israel to benefit husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. We will miss you so very much, Camp Daisy & Harry Stein. Arrangements by Sinai Mortuary. but you built a tower of love and will never be forgotten.

22 JANUARY 8, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM Sherman Ray “Sherm” Bendalin (1941 - 2020)

On Jan. 27, 2020, Sherman, my devoted So as not to disappoint him, I allowed and caring husband of 45 years, left us a some space between his passing and the little earlier than expected, perhaps to look printing of this obituary. for a room with a view in Mission Beach, Sherman was preceded in death by his California. He was 78. parents, Howard Bendalin and Bessie Sherman was a native Arizonan, the (Bromberg) Bendalin, and his daughter firstborn son of Howard Bendalin, Karrie Bendalin. He is survived by me, a Lithuanian immigrant, and Bessie Evey, brother Marshall Bendalin of (Bromberg) Bendalin, a role that he carried Houston, Texas (wife Barbara and children proudly through all that he did in his life. Ken (Susan), Liz Shoss (Robb) and Kathy He was a graduate of North Phoenix High Gorman), sister Bernice Green of Rancho School, Class of 1959, and of Dartmouth Palos Verdes, California (husband Michael College (Hanover, New Hampshire), and children Suzanne Giles and Michelle Class of 1963. While at Dartmouth, he Green) and sister Harriet Escalada of participated in the ROTC program and Nogales, Arizona (husband Joe and completed four years on the rowing team. children Anna York (Greg), Joe Jr. (Dani) Sherman served as a lieutenant in the and Helen), 13 grandnieces and United States Army Corps of Engineers, grandnephews and numerous cousins, most residing in El Paso, Texas. primarily in Korea, from 1964 to 1966. neighborhood of Phoenix, and our Because of the pandemic, plans are Following a brief stint as a banker in annual summer exodus to Mission Beach. being made for a private unveiling service Manhattan, he continued his education at Together with our Phoenix, high school (placing the tombstone on the grave) in The University of Arizona College of Law. and college friends, and locals Mark, Ben March 2021. In Sherman’s memory, please His Class of 1969 came to be known as and Lynne, we hosted an annual beach consider a donation to Hospice of the the “Carpenter Class”; Sherman was very party at Lifeguard Station 21. Sherman’s Valley (HOV.org), Arizona Humane Society proud of their creation of the Carpenter’s annual wish was to be the first one to see (AZHumane.org) or Congregation Beth Scholarship Fund for deserving second- the elusive green flash at sunset. year law students. Israel (CBIAZ.org). Although Sherman was often spotted in a There are not enough words to express Sherman practiced law for many crisp oxford shirt and khakis, he was really my gratitude toward my neighbors, decades, with a focus on representing a tie-dye-T-shirt-and-jeans sort of guy friends and family who came forth with an claimants before the Social Security who would gladly give you that shirt off outpouring of help, gifts and gentle words. Administration, and served on numerous his back. Throughout my years with him, I I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention boards and committees. Highlights from heard countless stories from others about the teams of caregivers and staff from his professional life include: board of how Sherman helped them, never wanting both Hospice of the Valley (Barb Hansen, directors and president of the Phoenix acknowledgement for having done so. Erin Butler, La’Quesha (“Q”) Klines and South Community Mental Health Center, Other “Shermabilia”: “Proud Mary” was Dr. John Williams), Ryan House (Brianna co-chair of the State Bar of Arizona Section his favorite dancing song; he loved giraffes, and Sandra) and Home Instead (Cathy on Mental Health and Elder Law, longtime and collected hundreds of them; he loved Rommes, Kailey Bright and Collins Atitu) member of the National Organization of Oreo cookies; he cherished his pets, which who provided strength, love and support Social Security Claimants Representatives included many dogs and cats; he practiced throughout Sherman’s decline. (NOSSCR), president of Temple Beth sustainability before it was a common Israel from 1987 to 1989, and board of term; his favorite color was Dartmouth And now that I have your attention … there trustees of the Union of American Hebrew green; he read two-three books per week; are four angels, Andy Broder (nephew), Congregations (UAHC) from 1996 to 1999. some of his favorite movies were “My Fair Andi Opheim, Heidi Bran and Dana Bjornsen, who have protected me, hugged During our high school years, Sherman Lady,” “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” me and guided me through Sherman’s and I met through BBYO. Thank heavens “Chicago” and “Apocalypse Now”; his passing and throughout the pandemic, 24 our paths crossed again in December of favorite local haunts were Fifth Avenue hours a day. I am eternally grateful for their 1974, and that rekindled my high school Café, Phoenix City Grill and Comedor love and care. crush. He was a BMOC then, and to this Guadalajara; his favorite beer was the first day, he still remains my BMOC. Sherman one he drank each year after breaking the Everyone who remembers Sherman is embraced me, my daughter Karrie, and fast at the end of Yom Kippur. asked to celebrate his life in their own way. my dog, Pasta Fazool. He quickly adopted One of Sherman’s favorite observations Raising a glass filled with your favorite wine Karrie as his very own child. As a family, of me, his loving wife, was, “I’m always or a cold beer would be quite appropriate. we enjoyed both our home in the Willo on time … no matter how long it takes.” To be continued …

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SPECIAL SECTION | 14 Make a charitable donation to Jewish News and CAMP & SCHOOL GUIDE | 18 CHANUKAH help support Jewish community journalism. GIFT GUIDE CAMP: DESTINATION Fun gift ideas for Camp plans for next the holiday summer in light of COVID-19 Recent gifts helped support the kind of reporting that has consistently won the paper many honors, including multiple awards from NOVEMBER 20, 2020 | KISLEV 4, 5781 | VOLUME 73, NUMBER 5 the American Jewish Press Association, and the kind of critical community coverage that Jewish community $1.50 reacts to historic Synagogues work to limit you’ve come to expect from the Jewish News. community spread Arizona election ELLEN O’BRIEN | | STAFF WRITER ELLEN O’BRIEN STAFF WRITER ith COVID-19 cases rising in Maricopa County and wo weeks after Election Day, with President-elect Joe Biden Wreports of new positive cases in the Jewish community Tprojected to win in Arizona and Mark Kelly poised to become of Greater Phoenix, synagogues are tightening restrictions Arizona’s second Democratic senator, Democrats in the state are and even closing their doors to limit the spread of the disease. With Jewish residents spread out across claiming victory while Trump supporters launched protests in Two synagogues, Congregation Beth Israel and front of the Maricopa County election office, and lawsuits were Congregation Or Tzion, closed in recent weeks, citing the filed and dismissed. increasing number of COVID-19 infections. Since mid- Arizona, Jewish News helps create a sense of Election officials, workers and volunteers, meanwhile, are October, the number of confirmed cases per day in Maricopa defending the election process and celebrating high voter turn- County has risen steadily, surpassing 2,800 cases on Nov. 9. out. And rabbis in the Jewish community of Greater Phoenix are Both synagogues reopened in September for the High community by providing information readers calling for healing and unity, and searching for common ground Holidays. CBI’s first in-person service was held on Rosh after the divisiveness of this election cycle. Hashanah with 60 members in attendance; after the High For those involved in the election process, whether it was Holidays, attendance fell to around 30 people, and Friday can use to connect more deeply with our informing voters, advising poll observers or canvassing for a evening services moved outside. Speaking to the Jewish candidate, it was a long campaign season. News last month about CBI’s decision to reopen, Rabbi Ahead of Election Day, voters were bombarded with outreach Stephen Kahn said that CBI heritage. Your generous gift helps to efforts and reminders to vote, all of which helped produce record Congregants at Ahavas Torah attended services would stay open “as long as the voter turnout: In Maricopa County, over 2 million ballots were when it opened on May 20. The shul closed again on SEE COVID, PAGE 3 Thursday, June 11, and reopened Friday, July 17. cast, representing just over 80% of eligible voters. support local news coverage. Temple Chai’s civic engagement initiative was one of many PHOTO COURTESY OF AHAVAS TORAH outreach campaigns. Since July, volunteers were busy participating in phone banks that focused both on the Temple Chai community itself and on reaching marginalized communities where people Time for some self-care were less likely to vote. For Kaylie Medansky, director of teen, Talya Kalman holds up a miniature pumpkin she painted during Hillel at ASU's Wellness Wednesday We are a 501(c)(3) organization, so your community and social action programs event. To read more, go to p. 7. contributions are tax-deductible. Whether SEE ELECTION, PAGE 2 PHOTO BY ABDULLAH ZIA

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