BestJewish Women Of
upfront_cvr-7.indd 1 1/21/16 12:51 PM What does the Federation do? We help people.
Your donation to the Federation fosters Jewish education, inspires young Jewish adults, cares for Jewish seniors and forges ties with Israel. Together we make an , amazing difference in people s�� lives by
... taking care of Jews in need, building community, creating vibrant Jewish life, and inventing the future.
... increasing understanding and support of Israel- through education, experiential connections and providing a community voice.
... engaging with young adult Jews and enabling them to define Jewish family in ways they find meaningful.
... helping older adults remain active, healthy, and living independently in their communities longer.
That’s it. That’s what we do. WE HELP PEOPLE.
Give today. Create tomorrow.
Helping Jews in need and building vibrant Jewish communities here, in Israel and throughout the world.
480.634.4900 x1299 | jewishphoenix.org/donate Jewish News
upfront_cvr-7.indd 2 1/21/16 12:52 PM xW[a pviviqa fKWN ',av va SvK mc' A woman of valor, who is worthy of her?
Her value is far beyond pearls. (Proverbs 31:10)
Gail Baer and Brooke Levy With profound gratitude for the blessings of your leadership and all that you do for Congregation Beth Israel.
WE ARE SO PROUD AND BLESSED BY YOU
With Admiration and Love, Rabbi Stephen Kahn Rabbi Rony Keller Cathy Rabinovitch, Executive Director BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 1
upfront_cvr-7.indd 3 1/21/16 12:56 PM 14
Features
In every generation by Rabbi Bonnie Koppell ...... 6
30 Woman of valor by Marilyn Hawkes ...... 14
Bonds of sisterhood In the by Leisah Woldoff ...... 30 spotlight
Blazing their own trail 10 Gail Baer by Salvatore Caputo ...... 44 12 Shelley Cohn
20 Shternie Deitsch
22 Rabbi Elana Kanter 44 Women in photos 24 Cindy The year in review Landesman ...... 53 26 Brooke Levy
34 Kaylie Marsh
36 Talyah Sands
40 Judy Schaffert
42 Beth Jo Zeitzer Cover designed by Derek Tazioli
2 Jewish News
upfront_cvr-7.indd 4 1/22/16 11:15 AM Preserving the Past, Enriching the Present,
Ensuring the Future
PreservingSince 1972, the the Past, Staff EnrichingJewish theCommunity Present, EnsuringFoundation the Futurehas been PUBLISHER Jaime Stern the most trusted, MANAGING EDITOR For more independentthan 40 years, resourcethe Jewish Leisah Woldoff Community Foundati on has helped individualsfor achieve Jewish their philanthropy charitable ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR in Greater Phoenix. Salvatore Caputo goals, and organizati ons secure their fi nancial future. SPECIAL CONTENT EDITOR We help individuals and families achieve their charitable goals, Jennifer Goldberg Thanks toand you, help the otherFoundati organizations on has awarded secure moretheir thanfinancial $48 millionfuture. in CONTRIBUTING WRITER grants to Jewish and non-Jewish organizati ons since 2002. Marilyn Hawkes Thanks to you, the Foundation has awarded more than $45 million in grants to Jewish and non-Jewish organizations since ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES You don’t have to be wealthy to work with us. Susan Breakstone 2002. • Simplify and direct your charitable giving with a donor advised fund Susan Kabat You don’t have to be wealthy to work with us. Deb Karel • Support the causes you care about—Jewish and secular PUBLIC NOTICES COORDINATOR • Ensure the futureSimplify by creatiand direct ng an your endowment—now charitable giving or with through a donor your advised will Derek Tazioli or trust fund • Parti cipate in teen philanthropy acti viti es ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Julie Goggin Support the causes you care about—Jewish and secular Call today to let us make your philanthropy work for you. GRAPHICS PRODUCTION MANAGER Becky Globokar Ensure the future by creating an endowment—now or through GRAPHIC DESIGNER 12701 N. Scott sdaleyour Road,will or Suite trust 202 Jeannie Quiggle Scott sdale, AZ 85254 • 480.699.1717 Participate in teen philanthropy activities SUBSCRIPTIONS ADMINISTRATOR www.jcfphoenix.org Stephanie Shink Building a permanentCall source today of to fi nancial let us makesupport your for a philanthropy vibrant, enduring work Jewish for you.community.
EDITORIAL DEADLINE Noon Tuesday 9 days prior to publication Building a permanent source of financial support for a vibrant, enduring Jewish community. ADVERTISING DEADLINE 11 a.m. Friday 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Suite 202 • Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 1 week prior to publication P | 480.699.1717 F| 480.699.1807 www.jcfphoenix.org
1430 E. Missouri Ave., Suite B225 Phoenix, AZ 85014 Phone: 602-870-9470 Fax: 602-870-0426 jewishaz.com
Photograph by Jacqueline Byers ©2016. Phoenix Jewish News, LLC. (ISSN 1070-5848) is published weekly, with additional issues in February and ® September, by Phoenix Jewish News, The World’s Only Global Musical Instrument Museum Inc., dba Jewish News. A subscription is $48 per year, payable in advance to Jewish News, 1430 E. Missouri Ave., Suite Ranked the #16 Museum in the United States B225, Phoenix, AZ 85014, telephone —2015 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 602-870-9470. Periodicals postage paid at Phoenix, Arizona. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Jewish News, 1430 E. Missouri Ave., Suite B225, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Vol. 68 No. 23 • February 2016 MIM.org | 480.478.6000 | Open Daily 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 3
upfront_cvr-7.indd 5 1/25/16 7:30 AM From the editor
ow, she’s great!” It’s been a common refrain in the THE PROMISE “WJewish News o ce the past several OF A LIFETIME months, as we’ve worked on our Best of Jewish Phoenix: Jewish Women special issue. ARTFULLY CURATED AMIDST The women featured in these pages make an FIVE DIAMOND LUXURY immeasurable contribution to the Valley Jewish community: They teach children and adults; they Every unforgettable moment draped in splendor and romance, a breathtaking raise and give money for worthy causes; they backdrop for the start of forever. give their talents and their time to organizations; and they lead synagogues and businesses. They inspired us with their energy, their values, their dedication and their commitment to tzedakah and tikkun olam, and we hope that you are similarly inspired when you read their stories. We’d like to thank all the readers who took the time to participate in the Best of Jewish Phoenix: Jewish Women nomination process; we wish we had the time and space to feature every one of the nominees, as they were all wonderful suggestions. From all of us at Jewish News, we wish you the best in 2016.
The Phoenician 6000 East Camelback Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 Jennifer Goldberg Special Content Editor
4 Jewish News
upfront_cvr-7.indd 6 1/21/16 12:58 PM A picture is worth a thousand words
Make each life-changing event count www.kenbrownstudio.com
Capture It Forever • Heirloom Photography: Prints & Albums Ken Brown Photography 480-225-2299
[email protected] shoots latest my for on FB Photography Brown See Ken
Ultimately, it’s your experience that matters.
To be sure, we’re proud of our 27 years Savor fine dining every day. of experience in senior living. And feel assured that assisted living But, to us, what really matters is your services are always available if needed. experience at our communities. We invite you to experience Maravilla We do everything with that idea clearly Scottsdale for yourself at a complimentary in mind. So, go ahead, enjoy yourself lunch and tour. with great social opportunities and amenities. Please call 480.447.2381 to schedule.
7325 E. Princess Blvd. Experience Maravilla for Scottsdale, AZ • 480.447.2381 yourself at a personal tour.
RESORT RETIREMENT LIVING MaravillaScottsdale.com Call now to schedule.
Casitas | Courtyard Residences | Independent & Assisted Living | Memory Care
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 5
upfront_cvr-7.indd 7 1/22/16 10:05 AM In every generation by rabbi bonnie koppell
rom the earliest partnership of Abraham and Sarah, the Jewish community has been blessed by strong women Fleaders. In every generation, women example to those who would wish have provided examples of wisdom, to accelerate their own studies. When her husband, Rabbi Meir, prayed for the demise courage and compassion. As we of some hooligans plaguing their neighborhood, Beruriah celebrate the accomplishments of reminded him that it is not the death of sinners that we seek, but, rather, that they should cease from sin women in our own community, we are (Brachot 10a). She chides Rabbi Yossi when he asks her humbled by the role models who have for directions, pointing out that he could have asked the same question in fewer words and upheld the rabbinic provided the foundation on which we principle not to overly engage in conversation with women (Eruvin 53b). stand. When their sons die, it is Beruriah who fi nds a gentle way to inform her husband, appealing to his sense of honor that she must return to the owner a treasure that had been Deborah is one of seven women whom the tradition names given to her to guard. Only then does she show him the as a neviah (prophetess). Leadership during the period of bodies of their beloved children. Scholarship, compassion, the Judges arose organically, by acclamation of the people. keen feminist wit: These are the legacy of Beruriah. Deborah was the fi fth of these judges; she presided over 40 Moving through history, it was not uncommon for years of peace. women to support their families through various business In addition to adjudicating disputes from her offi ce enterprises, allowing their husbands to focus on prayer under a tree, Deborah was sought out as a military leader. and learning. Gluckel, born in Hamburg, Germany, in The Israelites were plagued by attacks, and the great 1646, left a unique memoir that off ers insight into the general of the day, Barak, refused to go to battle without lives of women in her generation. She was married to her. Deborah brought together a coalition of 10,000 Chayim at the age of 14, and gave birth to 14 children troops, and victory was achieved, supported by the actions during their 30-year marriage. An active partner in of Yael, whose role Deborah celebrates in her famous managing the family jewelry business, Gluckel was song. In an age when self-esteem is still a challenge for involved in every aspect of the work while simultaneously many women, how inspiring it is to read Deborah’s honest running her household and ensuring appropriate matches assessment of the challenging security environment, as she for the children. sings in her famous song: “Until I arose, a mother in Israel” When Chayim passed away in 1689, eight of the (Judges 5:7). Wisdom, strength, confi dence: These are children were still unmarried. Gluckel carried on, Deborah’s legacy. undertaking travel far and wide in order to care for her The Talmud is dominated by the teachings of men, with family. Her memoir includes heartfelt prayers that her rare and notable exceptions. Beruriah is one of these. The children be pious and studious. daughter of one famous rabbi and the wife of another, Unfortunately, Gluckel lost everything at the hands Beruriah is recognized as a scholar in her own right. In of her second husband. Gluckel processed her feelings Pesachim 62b, we read of her amazing feat of learning through a now-famous diary, detailing her own spiritual 300 laws from 300 teachers in one day! She is touted as an journey, the history of her family and community,
6 Jewish News
rabbi koppell.indd 6 1/22/16 10:37 AM Wisdom, strength, confidence: ‘These are Deborah’s legacy.’
lessons learned with regard to household management, the death of her husband and her efforts to sustain the family following his loss. The Memoirs of Gluckel of Hameln offer a unique, firsthand perspective on daily life during this challenging time of transition from the kehilla to a more contemporary voluntary model of communal affiliation. She shares her personal story against the backdrop of war, persecution, massacres and expulsions, as well as the hysteria surrounding Shabbtai Tzvi, the false messiah. Resilience, perseverance, dedication to family welfare: These are the legacy of Gluckel of Hameln. The first female rabbi to be ordained in the United States was Rabbi Sally Priesand in 1972, yet Regina Jonas, who died in Auschwitz in 1944, preceded her by 30 years. Jonas was born in Berlin in 1902. She experienced a calling to the rabbinate from an early age, never veering from her passion for Jewish learning. Her final thesis, submitted for graduation from the Hochshule für die Wissenschaft des Judentums, was on the subject of “May a Woman Hold a Rabbinic Office?” She grounded her argument in an analysis of traditional sources, operating within the framework of Halacha (Jewish law). It was not The judge and prophetess Deborah, as imagined in an engraving by artist Gus- until 1935 that she fulfilled her tave Doré. Photo courtesy of Wikiart
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 7
rabbi koppell.indd 7 1/22/16 10:38 AM Pictured, from left: 19th-century Austrian-Jewish feminist Bertha Pappenheim dresses up as Gluckel of Hameln; Rabbi Regina Jonas in a photo presumed to have been taken sometime after 1939; and Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. Pappeheim and Meir photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons; Regina Jonas photo courtesy of Stiftung Neue Synagoge Berlin-Centrum Judaicum, Berlin
dream of ordination. addition to serving in the Knesset, Golda was the foreign Jonas focused on pastoral care. As the Nazis rose to minister under David Ben-Gurion. She served as prime power, she took on a more prominent role in synagogue minister from 1969 to 1974. life, preaching sermons and advocating on behalf of Meir famously said of the Egyptian president, “I have the community. She continued her rabbinic work in given instructions that I be informed every time one of our Thereisenstadt, and a handwritten copy of her 24 lecture soldiers is killed, even if it is in the middle of the night. topics, “Lectures of the One and Only Woman Rabbi, When President Nasser leaves instructions that he is to Regina Jonas,” survives in the museum there. be awakened in the middle of the night if an Egyptian Regina Jonas was unknown until her work was soldier is killed, there will be peace.” She noted that peace rediscovered in 1991 by Dr. Katharina von Kellenbach will come “when the Arabs love their children more than of St. Mary’s College. Trailblazing, spiritual leadership, they hate us.” Golda Meir sent armies into battle, wryly claiming our place in history: These are the legacy of Rabbi remarking that Israel’s secret weapon was “no alternative.” Regina Jonas. Yet, she never lost her humanity, observing that “when Born in 1898 in Kiev, Ukraine, Golda Meir rose to peace comes, we will perhaps in time be able to forgive become the fourth prime minister of Israel, and is still the the Arabs for killing our sons, but it will be harder for us first and only woman to hold that office. Known for her to forgive them for having forced us to kill their sons.” straight talk and her iron will, Golda, as she is universally Zionism, political leadership, empathy: These are the known, was a fierce military leader who never forgot the legacy of Prime Minister Golda Meir. humanity of the enemy. This is but a brief walk through history, highlighting Golda was raised in an intellectual environment in the contributions of women leaders in every generation, a Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was a committed labor Zionist proud tradition that continues in our own generation, in who insisted on moving to Palestine as a condition of her our own community. How blessed we are by the inspiring marriage to Morris Meyerson in 1917. Her leadership examples of those who have gone before us. May we draw ability was instantly evident, and she quickly rose in the strength from this humbling legacy of service. ranks of government. Meir undertook massive fundraising for the nascent state in the United States, and was one of Rabbi Bonnie Koppell of Temple Chai in Phoenixis the first 24 signatories of Israel’s Declaration of Independence. In female rabbi to serve as a U.S. military chaplain.
8 Jewish News
rabbi koppell.indd 8 1/25/16 7:46 AM Bankers Trust serves the mortgage lending needs of the Phoenix community with a local loan expert providing timely, responsive service in the manner you deserve. Contact Laurie Segal, voted 2015 Five Star Mortgage Professional, today for your mortgage needs.
Laurie Segal Vice President Mortgage Loan Officer/Manager NMLS ID#: 767565 Office: (602) 224-2022 SCOTTSDALE Cell: (602) 418-2578 [email protected] Distinctive Residential Settings BankersTrust.com/LSegal Chef-Prepared Dining and Bistro Premier Health and Wellness Programs Award-Winning Assisted Living & Memory Care NMLS ID: 440379 Therapy and Rehabilitation Services The Community Built for Life.® belmontvillage.com BankersTrust.com Directed Care License AL8622C © 2016 Belmont Village, L.P.
JewishNews_1_2016_cards.indd 1 12/2/15 12:36 PM
“Experience The Springs difference”
3212 N. Miller Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251 • 480-941-9026 www.thespringsofscottsdale.com
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 9
rabbi koppell.indd 9 1/21/16 1:04 PM Gail Baer by salvatore caputo photo by ken brown photography
Ask Gail Baer whether, as a woman, thank me for being out in front where their young daughters can see that being a leader in a community she had to overcome any “traditional” is very possible and very good and normal for a young barriers to become a successful leader, woman.” and she’ll demur. Raised as a member of a Reform shul in Washington, she says she was a member of its youth group and “My mom created a sense of normal in our home that celebrated her bat mitzvah and confi rmation there. She may not have been traditional at the time,” she says. went to Cornell University, earning a bachelor’s degree “Soviet Jewry was a big issue at that time, and she really in industrial engineering. That background led her vaulted very deep into that issue.” to a consulting career, mostly in the IT (information When she was growing up in Bethesda, Maryland, Baer technology) area. recalls, her mother took her to Sunday demonstrations Upon moving to the Valley 10 years ago with her outside the Soviet Embassy in Washington, D.C., pressing husband, Michael, and their children, David, Rachel and for freedom of movement for Soviet Jews and an end to Amy, she says, “I had the opportunity to help launch the restrictions placed on their communal and religious life in consulting practice at Grant Thornton.” She also headed the USSR. up community relations for the audit, tax and advisory “So when you’re 6 and 7 years old and you see your fi rm, which was new to the Valley. In the course of her mother doing that and you grow up with that – that was community-relations work, she developed a relationship my sense of what I was supposed to do.” with United Way. It should be no surprise then that she consistently has In April 2011, she joined Valley of the Sun United Way taken leadership roles, and today works as vice president as a development offi cer for new partnerships, moving of major gifts for Valley of the Sun United Way and is up to director of major gifts in January 2013 and to her president of Congregation Beth Israel. current position in March 2014. “I didn’t realize until I became president of Beth Israel “I think that what United Way does and their mission how pivotal and infl uential a role like that is to … young is very closely tied to not only who I am but also to who girls and women,” she says. “I’ve had several mothers the Jewish people are in terms of making sure that we all take care of each other and that everyone should have a roof over their head, good food to eat and access to a good education,” she says. “Those are all good community values. They’re also good Jewish values. So, for me, I get to not only work that, but also to live that every day. So it was a very natural transition.” She has also served on the board of the Jewish Community Foundation, and is active currently in the American Israel Public Aff airs Committee. “I get asked a lot, ‘How do you do it all? How do you fi t it all in?’ I think that when you have things that you love to do, it doesn’t really feel like work and that’s especially the beauty of being involved in a Jewish community that you love so much.”
10 Jewish News
baer, gail.indd 10 1/21/16 1:05 PM Gail Baer
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 11
baer, gail.indd 11 1/21/16 1:07 PM Shelley Cohn
12 Jewish News
Cohn, Shelley.indd 12 1/21/16 1:08 PM Shelley Cohn by jennifer goldberg photo by ken brown photography
people who are interested in investing in the community,” she Since 2006, the Governor’s Arts says); and a board member for Childsplay. Awards, an annual event designed to An interest in horticulture was the impetus for her involvement with the Desert Botanical Garden; after she highlight people and organizations who retired, she enrolled in their desert landscaping school. She have made signifi cant contributions to is the vice president of the board of the DBG, but she’s not averse to getting her hands dirty; once a week, she acts as a the cultural community in Arizona, horticulture aide, doing gardening work around the park. has given a special arts advocacy award. “I think women are accustomed to getting their hands dirty,” she says, and she’s not talking about gardening. She The name of the award is the Shelley, feels that women succeed as leaders because they “know all and its namesake, Shelley Cohn, who of the elements that go into making a project successful. It’s not only the high-level thinking and the concepts but it for 21 years was the executive director is the actual relationship building, communication and the of the Arizona Commission on the implementation strategies that make something successful. It’s not just having a good idea; it’s knowing the ways to get it Arts, has spent more than three accomplished.” decades serving the community. Cohn, who shares her life with her partner of 36 years, Mollie Trivers, has forged her career and community service Arizona isn’t too far from New Mexico, where Cohn grew path on the principle of pursuing one’s passions. up an only child in the only Jewish family in her small town. “I often had either young women, young professionals It was after she announced to her parents that she wanted to or people wanting to change their career path come to me become a nun that they moved to El Paso, Texas, where there when I was at the Arizona Commission on the Arts, and the was a bigger Jewish community. foundation of my advice is always follow your passions. Do the “They were very strongly connected to being Jewish and things that bring you joy and pleasure.” they wanted me to have that,” Cohn says. Case in point: When the namesake of the Shelley Award It was there that her Jewish identity began to crystallize; told her parents she wanted to work in arts administration, leadership roles in BBG during high school led to time at the “they did not have a clue what I was talking about, and they Brandeis Camp Institute in California during college, and wondered if I was ever going to have a paycheck,” she says. after graduating from Washington University in St. Louis, she “But I believed in the content, and I am a strong proponent spent a year and a half in Ofakim, Israel, teaching English to that if you believe in something, that’s the something that you children. should follow.” Cohn sees Judaism as “a way of life,” she says. “It is a culture and it is a commitment to others and leaving the world a better place.” She chose Arizona State University for graduate school and became involved there in Hillel, a relationship that continues to this day; she has served on the board and is currently the chair of Hillel’s Life and Legacy fundraising program. “Hillel was important to me in college, it was important to me in graduate school, and I really believe in giving back,” she says. Hillel is far from the only organization that benefi ts from Cohn’s involvement; though she offi cially retired in 2005, she gives her time to a number of local nonprofi ts. Cohn is the vice chair of the Arizona Community Foundation (“I just believe so strongly in being a tool for
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 13
Cohn, Shelley.indd 13 1/21/16 1:09 PM by Marilyn Hawkes Woman of valor
here is a line of text in Pirke Avot (1:15), “Say little and do much,” that accurately describes the actions of TSheila Schwartz, a longtime member of the Phoenix Jewish community. Behind the scenes, Schwartz’s quiet generosity has helped build, strengthen and sustain Jewish life in the Valley for more than five decades.
Sheila moved to Phoenix in 1959 to marry Jess Schwartz education is through the Jewish Community Foundation, after meeting him on a blind date in New York. “His where in 2005, she established the Jewish Day School mother and sister knew my mother,” she says. “I followed Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for Jewish day him to Arizona, and we got married very shortly after school students above and beyond the Jewish Tuition that.” Organization scholarships. “It’s in a position now to grant As a young couple, the Schwartzes became involved with more than $30,000 a year as an endowment for support Beth Joseph Congregation and sent their three children, of Jewish day school education,” according to Richard Frank, Abby and Lesley, to Phoenix Hebrew Academy. Kasper, president and chief executive officer of the Jewish After Jess’ death in 1996, Sheila founded the Jess Schwartz Community Foundation. Jewish Community High School, which opened in 2001 “Our community is blessed to count Sheila Schwartz and closed in 2012. among its leaders and as its ‘go-to’ hostess for virtually Jewish education and Jewish continuity remain a every Jewish organization. Sheila’s vision has been priority for Schwartz, says Rabbi David Rebibo, founder instrumental in shaping the future for Jewish children of Phoenix Hebrew Academy and Schwartz’s friend and in the Valley, and her consistent philanthropic support rabbi for close to 50 years. “For Sheila, Jewish education has been crucial to fulfilling our mission at the Jewish is the means to enforce and enrich and provide sustenance Community Foundation,” Kasper says. and inspiration for the whole gamut of Jewish continuity,” But Schwartz’s Jewish philanthropy doesn’t end with Rebibo says. education, says Rebibo. “She is especially sensitive to Another way Schwartz contributes to Valley Jewish Jewish education as a priority, but over the years, I’ve seen
14 Jewish News
women and giving-sheila.indd 14 1/22/16 10:52 AM Our community is blessed to count ‘Sheila Schwartz among its leaders and as its ‘go-to’ hostess for virtually every Jewish organization.’ Richard Kasper
her involved with practically every Jewish organization,” he says. “She’s a community person.” And Schwartz’s support for the Jewish community is legendary. She has been a past leader of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, serving on the federation and Women’s Philanthropy boards and was awarded the federation’s Medal of Honor in 2010 for her dedication to the community. She received the Jewish National Fund’s Tree of Life award in 2003 and was honored by Arizona Jewish Historical Society in 2013 for her continued Scribe Ron Sieger of Los Angeles puts the fi nishing support of the Jewish community in Arizona. touches on a Torah at Beth Joseph Congregation Schwartz also supports a wide variety of Jewish written in 2012 in honor of Schwartz, right, and her organizations, including Jewish Free Loan, Valley Beit family. At top left is Rabbi David Rebibo of Beth Joseph Congregation. Photo by Mark Gluckman Midrash, Moishe House and the Jewish Studies program at Arizona State University, to name a few. As someone who has benefited from Schwartz’s guidance, Todd Herzog, Temple Solel’s cantorial soloist and founder of Desert Gathering Jewish Music Fest, says and many have taken her lead. But some in the younger Schwartz gave him strong support when he was trying generation are taking a somewhat different approach, and to launch his fledgling festival in 2013. “She’s someone are leaning away from the traditional federation model who has such strong principles and vision and is willing of giving. “I feel that it’s unfortunate, but they’re not to go out on a limb to support something that she sees as worthwhile,” Herzog says. But at the same time, Schwartz suggested Herzog also raise funds on his own. “She would say, ‘OK, go out and see what you can do and then let’s touch base in two weeks and, if you need me, I’m here for you.’ It’s kind of like tough love in a way,” Herzog says. “She’s especially encouraging of younger people getting involved in philanthropic efforts.” In that regard, Schwartz been a strong role model,
Schwartz, right, hosts a 2014 graduation celebration for the participants of the Jewish Arizonans on Campus Maimonides Leaders Fellowship program. Photo courtesy of Rabbi Jordan Brumer
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 15
women and giving-sheila.indd 15 1/22/16 10:45 AM comfortable with the leadership at the moment so they’ve stepped out with giving circles and they’re doing their own thing,” Schwartz says. “The community doesn’t lose out because everything stays in the community. They didn’t take their marbles and go home.” As for the future of Jewish philanthropy, Schwartz has a positive outlook because of organizations Above: Schwartz, left, shovels the first pile such as B’nai Tzedek, an arm of the Jewish Community of dirt in a groundbreaking ceremony for Foundation that teaches teens the importance of tikkun the Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High olam and giving. “Hopefully, they’ve been taught and have School in 2001. Photo by Mark Gluckman learned to feel good about giving,” she says. One of Schwartz’s current concerns for the Phoenix Jewish community revolves around Jewish students’ lack Below: Schwartz dances at the 2010 bat of preparation for the anti-Semitism they encounter on mitzvah of her granddaughter Jaclyn. college campuses. “They have no clue,” she says. “They’re Photo courtesy of Lesley Schwartz Hammer ignorant of their heritage and it’s impossible for them to defend themselves verbally. They don’t have the
16 Jewish News
women and giving-sheila.indd 16 1/25/16 7:52 AM Schwartz signs her Jewish Commu- nity Foundation Endowment Book of Life in 1998, surrounded by, from left, her son-in-law, Eli Hammer; daugh- ter, Lesley Hammer; son, Frank; and daughter, Stephanie. Photo courtesy of Jewish Community Foundation
equipment.” Several organizations, including AIPAC and Schwartz’s personal assistant of 13 years, Janice Caracciolo. BBYO are implementing programs to educate high school “Sheila reads a lot, and when she sees something that students, Schwartz says, but she would like to see more hits her here,” she says, pointing at her heart, “she tells effort made in that area. me to contact them and says, ‘See how I can help.’ She’s Outside of the Jewish community, Schwartz supports an absolutely amazing person and mentor. I can’t imagine many secular organizations, including the Phoenix learning more from anyone else about how to be kind Symphony, Arizona Opera, Chrysalis Program Chai, to people and what’s really important in the world,” Singleton Moms, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Barrow Caracciolo says. Neurological Institute and the list goes on, according to When a request for a donation comes in, Schwartz saves each one, Caracciolo says. “At a particular time during the year, she goes through them and gives to almost all of them. She can’t bear to watch people do without. Her favorite expression is, ‘It’s not going to change my life, but it’s going to help somebody else.’ ”
Over the years, I’ve seen her involved ‘with practically every Jewish organization… She’s a community person.’ Schwartz smiles with pianist Jeffrey Siegel, who pro- vided the entertainment when she was honored by the Rabbi David Rebibo Arizona Jewish Historical Society in 2013. Photo courtesy of AZJHS
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 17
women and giving-sheila.indd 17 1/21/16 1:15 PM Gas, food and home prices ARIZONA’S LEADER IN MUSICAL THEATRE have all gone up since the 1990s. Know what hasn’t? Your
Subscription
SHOW SPONSORED BY: FEB 26 - APR 3 Featuring the beloved songs “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “Sunrise, Sunset” and “If I Were a Rich Man” 623.776.8400 | AZBROADWAY.ORG
BestJewish Women Of
Help us to continue to provide the only place to read unbiased and accurate Jewish community news by subscribing to Jewish News today. Call 602-870-9470, ext. 4000, or visit us online at jewishaz.com and click subscribe.
18 Jewish News
women and giving-sheila.indd 18 1/21/16 1:16 PM N O DA I LY RESORT FEE FREE WIFI
• Best Restaurant View at Dusk (Orange Sky) by AZCentral
• Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in Phoenix (Orange Sky) by Arizona Republic
• Best Place to Catch a Sunset in Scottsdale (Degree 270) by Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Award of Excellence (Orange Sky) by Wine Spectator
• Best Casino (Talking Stick Resort) by Phoenix Magazine
101 & TALKING STICK WAY | SCOTTSDALE 480.850.7777 | TALKINGSTICKRESORT.COM Delivering home Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
& community- 10823-5_TSR_Accolades_JewishNews_Ad.indd 1 12/9/15 11:59 AM based services, JOB #: 10823-5_TSR_Accolades_JewishNews_Ad · Client: Talking Stick Resort · Agency: RIESTER ALL HOSPICESTrim: na · Bleed: na · Live: 4.75" x 4.75" · Color: CMYK supporting Pub: Jewish News · Insertion Date: 12/08/2015 · Contact: Bill Robbins · [email protected] family caregivers, ARE NOT protecting elders. THE SAME Hospice of the Valley offers more than care at the end of life. Dementia care. Honoring 602-264-4357 military veterans. Pet therapy. Grief support. aaaphx.org YOU HAVE A CHOICE. 602.530.6900 • HOV.ORG The Area Agency is accred- ited through the Council on Accreditation (COA). You can be assured that our pro- grams and services are deliv-
ered at the highest possible Choose Hospice of the Valley. Not for profit. For comfort. standards and are among the Lin Sue Cooney, director of community engagement. best in the nation! Funding provided by donations designated for marketing.
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 19
women and giving-sheila.indd 19 1/21/16 1:17 PM Shternie Deitsch by leisah woldoff photo by ken brown photography
“If you look at any angle of woman preschool class full of children who only spoke Italian. “It was total immersion,” she says. “It was an amazing experience.” from a Jewish lens, through a Torah She was supposed to stay for a year, but after her father was lens, we’re very powerful,” says killed in an automobile accident, she returned home to help her mother (who was injured in the accident) care for her younger Shternie Deitsch, co-director of siblings, and taught second grade. Chabad of the East Valley and director The following year, at age 20, she met her husband. They were both raised in Chabad-Lubavitch families and shared the of the Chandler Jewish Preschool. Lubavitcher Rebbe’s philosophy that “the point in being in this world was to make a positive diff erence and to recognize “I wish more women knew the power of who they were.” the inherent value in every single person and in every single Deitsch’s role in the East Valley Jewish community mitzvah.” They both knew they wanted to become Chabad exemplifi es a powerful force. Women in her community call emissaries and soon after they married, they moved to Arizona. her a role model, a mentor, a friend, a “visionary leader,” “a They arrived in Chandler with their infant daughter fi ve wise and knowledgeable teacher,” “a beacon of light.” days before Rosh Hashanah “with two suitcases and no place In addition to her role as preschool and camp director, to live,” she says. Chabad of Arizona placed an ad in a local she teaches adult education classes, leads groups for women newspaper before their arrival to announce 1997 High Holiday and teen girls and works with her husband, Rabbi Mendy services at Chandler’s Windmill Inn. Deitsch, to run Chabad of the East Valley. “We had no idea what to expect,” Deitsch says. Seventy-fi ve Shternie Deitsch grew up in Morristown, New Jersey, people attended the service. After the holiday, the Deitsches where she was the second oldest of eight children and her held a meeting to learn what members of the local Jewish father, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Lipskier, was a teacher at the community wanted. Shabbat services was fi rst on the list, so town’s rabbinical college. She attended a day school on the the Deitsches rented the boardroom at the Windmill Inn yeshiva grounds, which had “a typical little schoolhouse type to hold services. “We take our cue from the needs of the of feeling.” community,” the rebbetzin says. For six months, Rabbi Deitsch After attending high school in New York for her junior walked the four miles to the hotel from their apartment. “As it and senior years, as well as a year in seminary, she headed to was getting warmer, we realized that wasn’t going to work” and Milan, Italy, to teach preschool and study. the couple bought a house and held services – and shortly after When she landed in Milan, she didn’t speak any Italian, the move, Hebrew school – in their home. “We’d take down the but asked a friend to teach her everything she’d need to know paintings and hang up blackboards. We had class in the dining for her fi rst day as a preschool teacher the following day. room and one class in the kitchen,” she says. “It just grew from “I said, OK, tell me everything that I need to say. ... and I there.” wrote everything down.” The next day she walked into the In August 2013, the center dedicated its new Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, a 15,900-square-foot facility in Chandler that houses a sanctuary/social hall, classrooms, the Chandler Jewish Preschool, offi ces, a kosher kitchen and a library named in memory of Shternie Deitsch’s father. In fall 2014, an eruv was constructed, and a mikvah is being planned. “There’s defi nitely a sign of growth,” she says. “Now we have members of the community give some of the classes, which is beautiful.” Today, the couple have nine children, ages 2-18, and a core of about 160 families involved in Chabad of the East Valley programming. One of their fi rst Hebrew school students now has two children enrolled in the preschool. “We’ve kind of come full circle,” Deitsch says. 20 Jewish News
deitch, shternie.indd 20 1/21/16 1:18 PM Shternie Deitsch
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 21
deitch, shternie.indd 21 1/21/16 1:18 PM Rabbi Elana Kanter
2210 Jewish News
kanter, rabbi elana.indd 22 1/21/16 1:19 PM Rabbi Elana Kanter by jennifer goldberg photo by ken brown photography
know the people who are coming over and they may not The Women’s Jewish Learning know the people who are coming over, but we’ll sit down, Center in Scottsdale isn’t just an we’ll break bread together” – and the value of being a part of the community. award-winning, nationally recognized “Pretty much anything that the shul was doing, they were institution: It’s also the fulfi llment of doing,” she says. It’s something Kanter can relate to; her father was a a lifelong dream. Conservative rabbi, and “living life in community and contributing to community was sort of very much woven It’s the realized dream of Rabbi Elana Kanter, who says, in the fabric of our life,” she says. From her mother, she “before I knew that women could be rabbis, when people learned “the informal spiritual parts of Judaism, about asked me, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ I appreciating every single day and every single minute, and would say, ‘I’d like to teach Talmud to women.’ ” the importance of our relationships with the people we When the Jewish Theological Seminary opened its doors love.” to women in 1984, Kanter was in the fi rst class, but she That knack for fostering relationships is one of many always kept the dream of teaching women in particular. And skills Kanter sees women bringing to Jewish communal life. in 2010, she founded the WJLC. “Sometimes, some of the most collaborative undertakings “I turned 50,” she says, “and I said, ‘[the dream] has been of the community come because two women heads of there for a long time; if not now, when?’” agencies are very much oriented toward working together,” The organization off ers “dynamic and innovative Torah she says. study” toward its three stated goals: for individual women To women who are looking to become more involved in to grow intellectually and spiritually, for Jewish women’s the Jewish community, Kanter gives the following advice: organizations to enhance Jewish literacy of members, and “Don’t give up. If you don’t fi nd it on the fi rst try, if you for the Greater Phoenix Jewish community to strengthen don’t fi nd it on the second try, just persist, because there and expand the presence of women in Jewish communal is a place for you, and you will be a blessing to the Jewish leadership. Since 2012, the WJLC has made the annual community if you can just fi nd that place.” Slingshot guide, a publication of innovative and inspiring But no matter where or how a woman gets involved, projects and programs in the North American Jewish Kanter believes that more female participation can only community. benefi t the community. “There’s a diff erent dynamic around the table when it’s “We desperately need more women bringing their only women,” Kanter says, “and so that makes it a special skills, their presence, their strengths, their talents, their environment for some women, a safer environment. That’s perspectives to these organizations,” she says, “and to the been wonderful.” extent that that increases, I think the Jewish community The WJLC is not the only place where Kanter teaches: will be the stronger for it.” The New Shul, which she founded with her husband, Rabbi Michael Wasserman, will celebrate its 13th birthday this year. “That’s another little dream come true,” she says. The New Shul is “deeply traditional, but also fi ercely egalitarian,” she says. “We’re not huge, 150 families, but we have a very beautiful community of people. We’re able to pray with intensity and learn with intensity.” With two rabbis as parents, Kanter and Wasserman’s three adult children grew up heavily involved in synagogue life, which Kanter says taught them about welcoming the stranger into their home – “Our kids know that they may
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 23
kanter, rabbi elana.indd 23 1/22/16 10:50 AM Cindy Landesman
2410 Jewish News
landesman, cindy.indd 24 1/21/16 1:21 PM Cindy Landesman by jennifer goldberg photo by ken brown photography
Women today have a lot to keep With she and her husband both so heavily involved in the community, Landesman must perform a balancing act to give them busy, from families and jobs her children the attention they need. to homes and community service. “It’s just part of their life, that this is what we do: that we give, that we teach,” she says. “And I try to balance that with Cindy Landesman understands; being there for them and them knowing that I’m there.” as the wife of Rabbi Raphael One way that Landesman blends community life with family life is through her Shabbat table, which nearly always Landesman of the Phoenix has guests around it. Community Kollel and the mother “We try to stay connected to a lot of people in the community, and that’s really a nice way to do it. [Her of eight children ages 3-18, her children] see our home is open and inviting to people, and calendar stays pretty full. that’s also a form of giving and connecting. We balance that with what we give them inside the home internally. We very But despite women’s packed schedules, the director much try to make sure that they feel valued and appreciated of the Kollel’s Women’s Division says that the value of in the home and feel like we’re making a lot of time for women’s Jewish learning can’t be underestimated. them.” “Jewish education for women brings an energy and a Landesman says she heard a term recently: “joyously vitality to anyone’s life,” she says. “The more you delve Jewish.” into the wisdom of Torah and Torah values, it’s really “I thought it was very good,” she says. “I feel it’s important enriching and it has so much wisdom for our lives.” that whatever aspect of the Jewish community that women Landesman grew up in an observant home where her fi nd themselves involved in, that feeling of vitality and parents cared very much about education, both secular strength and adding to the vibrancy of their community is and Jewish. She was trained as a speech therapist and was really important. working in that fi eld when the Women’s Division of the “Whatever it is that you’re doing in the Jewish realm, it Kollel was founded more than 11 years ago. should be with a light feeling, it should be with joy. It’s there, “They realized that there was a greater need for and it can be accessed and it’s really, I feel like it’s important women’s learning, and so they asked me to head it,” she for everybody.” says. “I really wanted to focus on education and giving classes and providing opportunities for women just to come and learn at all levels and from all backgrounds. Whatever people wanted, I was available.” The Women’s Division off ers classes on Torah, Shabbat and Jewish holidays, among other topics. The lessons learned in the classes “can translate very practically into your life: What does that mean for me? How can it make me a better person?” Landesman says. Landesman also takes women on trips to Israel through a joint project of the Kollel and the Jewish Renaissance Women’s Project. Known as “Birthright for moms,” the trip is intended to educate and strengthen the Jewish identity of the participants. But it’s not just the adult women of the Jewish community Landesman teaches; she’s also the ninth-, 10th- and 12th-grade teacher at the Shearim Torah High School for Girls, which is run by her husband.
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 25
landesman, cindy.indd 25 1/21/16 1:21 PM Brooke Levy
26 Jewish News
levy, Brooke.indd 26 1/21/16 1:22 PM Brooke Levy by leisah woldoff photo by ken brown photography
Make it Right’s project in Kansas City, which involved From an early age, Brooke Levy converting the historic Bancroft Elementary School into watched her parents and grandparents aff ordable green apartments. “I just love Make it Right’s whole idea of all-green, really volunteer and knew that was a tradition aff ordable housing with green materials,” Levy says. “They’re she wanted to continue. “I think it was on the forefront to build aff ordable housing.” On a local level, Levy is fi nding projects and organizations just ingrained in me from a very early that speak to her passions. age.” She recently served as fundraising chair for an American Girl Doll and Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation Levy grew up in Englewood, Colorado, which is just outside fashion show that raised more than $60,000 for the Emily of Denver. She met her husband, James, while living in New Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, a library that gives York City, and they moved to Scottsdale in 2008. The couple families of sick children access to free pediatric health have two children, Harlow, 5, and Jett, 1, and are members of information that is accurate and easy to understand. Congregation Beth Israel, where her husband serves on the This project gave Levy an opportunity to get her 5-year- board, and Congregation Or Tzion. old daughter involved in philanthropic work. In addition to She is a co-trustee of the Dreiseszun Family Foundation, modeling in the fashion show, Harlow ran “a hot chocolate “something my grandfather started many, many years ago,” stand with a girlfriend to build that idea of giving back and she says. “He led the way for us, showed us how to give of our that it’s not just about a fashion show.” time, and we are fortunate enough to be in the position where She’s also a member of Barrow Beyond, a group that we also can help fi nancially.” supports the mission of Barrow Neurological Institute. Her grandfather, Sherman Dreiseszun, was a developer and At Congregation Beth Israel, she’s chaired the Chanen banker in Kansas City who built shopping centers and his Preschool fundraiser for the past three years; one of the company is credited with the construction of Kansas City’s projects she helped raise money for was a new playground. two tallest buildings – the Town Pavilion and One Kansas She also is starting a congregation mishloach manot program City Place. for Purim that will be a fundraiser for the congregation’s As Dreiseszun’s descendants moved to other areas of the religious school. “I’m really excited about it,” she says. “I love country, the foundation’s philanthropy spread to those cities. the whole idea behind mishloach manot.” Levy’s sister, Erica Fisher, started a charity in Los Angeles, What lesson does she want to pass down to her children? Present Now, which is dedicated to supporting babies, “To be mindful of what’s around them and who’s around children and teens entering and living in transitional and crisis them and how you can make the littlest diff erence in domestic violence shelters. The nonprofi t’s Presents Program someone’s day. ... provides “presents” consisting of necessary and specialty items “I just want them to be good human beings that care for the children entering these shelters. about the world and want to give back.” “I’m so proud of her, and it’s so nice to be able to work on something together,” says Levy, who serves on the planning committee for the organization. Levy also serves on the board of Make it Right, a nonprofi t founded by actor Brad Pitt that builds homes, buildings and communities for people in need. All of the projects are LEED Platinum-certifi ed and Cradle to Cradle inspired, meeting the highest standards of green building. The organization began as an eff ort to rebuild safe, sustainable homes in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward after Hurricane Katrina, according to the website, makeitright.org. The Dreiseszun Family Foundation became involved with
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 27
levy, Brooke.indd 27 1/22/16 10:55 AM Mazel tov to Shelley Cohn A Jewish Cemetery that cares Chair of Hillel’s about the Jewish Community Life and Legacy Campaign A Jewish Cemetery that cares about the Jewish Community Don’t procrastinate. and all the women honored Have the conversation. this year. Don’t Don’t procrastinate. leave the burden. Give Have the gift the of conversation. Preplanning. Thank you for paving the way. Don’t leave the burden. Traditional Jewish Burials Caring Give Professional the gift Staff of Preplanning. Lead. Learn. Intermarried Families Welcome Innovate. 24210 N. 68th Street Engage. Phoenix, AZ 85054 24210(off N. Pinnacle 68th PeakStreet, Road) Phoenix, AZ 85054 (480)(off 585-6060 Pinnacle Peak Rd) 480 967 7563 • hillelasu.org mtsinaicemetery.com (480) 585-6060 • mtsinaicemetery.com Congratulations
Shelley!
– Your Desert Botanical Garden Family
1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008 480 941.1225 | dbg.org
Shelley Cohn (on the right) with her partner Mollie Trivers at Desert Botanical Garden.
28 Jewish News
women and sisterhood.indd 28 1/21/16 1:24 PM Scottsdale Being a Gastroenterology Girl Scout means Associates Janet R Reiser MD Board Certifi ed in Internal Medicine fun, friendship, and life skills and Gastroenterology Patient’s Choice Award 2014-2015 chesed, tzedakah, and tikkun olam Most On-time Doctor 2015 vitals.com Read reviews at patientfusion.com 480.646.8444 www.scottsdalegi.com Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council supports every girl as she grows in her faith, celebrates her 3301 N. Miller Rd., Ste. 138 culture and develops the courage, confidence, and Scottsdale, AZ 85251 character needed to make the world a better place. Gastroenterology and Hepatology MCD 1/2pg. Jewish News 2-16.qxp_Layout 1 1/7/16 3:23 PM Page 1 for more info: 602.452.7000 or girlscoutsaz.org Colon Cancer Screening
BE APPRECIATED McDowell Village inspires BE RESPECTED you to live the way you BE INCLUDED want...... assisted and BELONG independent living, while you continue your valued Picture Yourself Here! tradition of family. Call us today for a tour and see what SENIOR LIVING was meant to be. 480.359.3059
Senior Living
8300 E. McDowell Road Scottsdale, AZ www.mcdowellvillage.com
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 29
women and sisterhood.indd 29 1/21/16 1:26 PM by leisah woldoff Bonds of sisterhood n an era in which Victorian social conventions limited most women to the private sphere of home and family, the founding of the Reform movement’s National Federation of Temple Sister- hoods in 1913 was monumental for Jewish women because it Iincreased their responsibilities within Judaism and the synagogue, according to the Jewish Women’s Archive (JWA).
This is around the same time that Jewish women were starting other organizations such as Hadassah, The Zionist Women’s Organi- zation of America, founded in New York in 1912 by Henrietta Szold. Largely under Szold’s leadership, “Hadassah created the infrastruc- ture for a modern medical system in Palestine that would serve both Jews and Arabs,” according to JWA. Locally, Jewish women formed the Phoenix section of the Nation- al Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) in 1914 to help disadvantaged Jews in the Valley, an effort that eventually led to the development of Jewish Family & Children’s Service. NCJW, along with B’nai B’rith, also raised money that helped build Phoenix’s first synagogue at 122 E. Culver St., which now houses the CutlerPlotkin Jewish Heritage Center, and laid the foundation for other organizations, such as Hadassah and the Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood. The Valley’s first Hadassah chapter was started in 1940, with Women hold a poster encouraging female mem- Pearl Newmark (a former co-owner and editor of Jewish News) as its bers of the United Jewish Welfare Fund to attend a meeting for the UJWF’s Jewish Women United founding president. Today, there are four local chapters, including Day in 1955. two in the East Valley and one in the West Valley, that join approxi- Photo courtesy of the Pearl and Cecil Newmark Memorial Archives at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society
30 Jewish News
women and sisterhood.indd 30 1/22/16 11:00 AM
S Sisterhood presidents from Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa synagogues plan the annual All Sisterhood Tea in 1964. From left are Mrs. Joseph Lagman of Temple Beth Israel, Mrs. Louis Rosenberg of Beth El Congre- gation, Mrs. David Kalish of Beth Hebrew Congregation, Mrs. Milton Guren of Temple Beth Sholom of Mesa, Mrs. Hy Eisenstein of Temple Emanuel of Scottsdale and Mrs. David Beit- man of Har Zion Congregation in Scottsdale. (Note: The original caption identified women only by their husbands’ names.) Photos courtesy of the Pearl and Cecil Newmark Memorial Archives at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society
mately 330,000 members, associates and supporters from around the world in Hadassah’s mission of “connecting and empowering Jewish women to effect change,” according to hadassah.org. In addition to effecting change, women’s groups have another role – they provide an opportunity for women to build relationships with each other. In a Jewish community such as Phoenix, this role is especially valuable, as Phoenix’s growth brings many newcomers each year. On these pages are photographs of women participating in Valley women’s groups through the years. And although things have changed in our society today – in more ways than the fashions pictured here – the need for female bond- ing is still the same. Several local synagogues still have Sisterhoods – or Women’s League or Eshet Chayil or Kol Isha or Jewish Women’s Circle – and the presence of women’s groups such as Hadassah and NCJW continues to help strengthen communities – here, in Israel and around the world. Other
Above: The first meeting of the Phoenix Jewish Women’s Federation was held in 1958 at the Outpost restaurant. From left are Fay Gross, Bernice Siegel, Fran Kulish and Dorothy Pickelner. Left: Members of the Phoenix chapter of the Brandeis National Committee hold a tea at the home of Mrs. David Bush in 1954.
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 31
women and sisterhood.indd 31 1/22/16 11:00 AM Sorting through books for a 1969 Brandeis Women’s Book Sale are Hy Flegenheimer and Judy Silver, standing, Shyrle Schaffer, seated left, and Edith Mitchell, seated right. Photos courtesy of the Pearl and Cecil Newmark Memorial Archives at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society
longtime national women’s organizations in the Valley include Brandeis National Com- mittee, Jewish Women International and NA’A MAT USA. The Valley’s Jewish community also benefits from more recently developed pro- gramming by and for women. For instance, the Women’s Jewish Learn- ing Center, founded in 2010 by Rabbi Elana Kanter, provides opportunities for women of all backgrounds and Jewish affiliations to engage in deep Jewish learning and develop leadership skills. The organization, based in Scottsdale, has been recognized nationally in the “Slingshot: A Resource Guide to Jew-
The women of B’nai B’rith are shown here marching in support of Soviet Jews who were not allowed to practice Judaism in the Soviet Union in the early 1980s. B’nai B’rith is a Jewish philanthropy dedicated to promoting Jew- ish human rights in the United States and internationally.
32 Jewish News
women and sisterhood.indd 32 1/22/16 11:04 AM The Beth Israel Sisterhood planning com- mittee prepares for a fiesta. Pictured are Mrs. Ted Pozil, Mrs. N.E. Garber, Mrs. Jarvis Weiss and Mrs. Max Shoob. Photos courtesy of the Pearl and Cecil Newmark Memorial Archives at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society
ish Innovation.” Major Jewish institutions such as the Jew- ish Federation of Greater Phoenix also have programming specifically geared to women – its Women’s Philanthropy division develops programs for women with a goal “to educate, outreach, fundraise and build Jewish commu- nity,” according to jewishphoenix.org. Whether it’s raising funds for hospitals in Israel (Hadassah), social services and pro- grams for women in children in Israel and America (NA’AMAT USA), residential treatment centers in America and Israel (JWI) or advocating for issues that effect women, children and families (NCJW), Jew- ish women’s groups continue to play a vital role in strengthening communities through- out the world.
Above: Jewish community members dress up for a costume fashion show benefiting the Hadassah women’s organization in October 1960. From left to right are Edie Stoneman, Bill Freeman, Chuck Metches, Don Fann and Dianne Brown.
Right: Women gather for a Beth El Sister- hood Membership Tea.
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 33
women and sisterhood.indd 33 1/22/16 11:04 AM Kaylie Marsh by marilyn hawkes photo by ken brown photography
Kaylie Marsh says she’s the luckiest and staff and logistics director. “I’ve always loved kids. I was initially hooked on Camp person in the world: “I get to do what Swift because of the hands-on experience other than baby- I love every single day.” As executive sitting,” Marsh says. “I never really had the opportunity to make a diff erence in a kid’s life and at Camp Swift you see it director of the Camp Swift Youth right away, within minutes after a camper gets off the bus.” Foundation, a local nonprofi t that Helping others and giving back to the community comes naturally to Marsh, whose mother has been a volunteer on provides educational and leadership the Maricopa County Foster Care Review Board for more opportunities for underprivileged than 20 years. “Her work there really motivated me, and my parents always taught me and my siblings to follow our youth, Marsh administers the passion and do what we love. This is what I love.” foundation’s many endeavors, which In addition to her position at Camp Swift, Marsh works part time as the assistant youth adviser for TCTY, teaches include summer camp in Prescott and classes in the Temple Chai religious school and helps out at a popular after-school program. All regional NFTY events. Marsh also serves as the 20s liaison on the leadership team Camp Swift activities are staff ed by for Schmooze, a new activity-based Jewish group for people Valley Jewish teens. in their 30s and 40s with a focus on community service. As Camp Swift executive director, Marsh serves as a role After graduating from Phoenix Country Day School, Marsh model not only for the children the organization helps, but attended University of Colorado, Boulder, and then continued also for the Jewish teen volunteers. “They see that (Camp at University of Colorado, Denver, where she earned a master Swift) is clearly my passion and that I’m responding to their of public administration degree with a certifi cate in nonprofi t text messages at 10 p.m., but beyond that, it’s being open management. “Then, I had a wonderful opportunity to come with the teens to an appropriate degree,” she says. back (to Arizona) and get my dream job.” For Marsh, there are many rewards that come with the Marsh fi rst served as Camp Swift Youth Foundation’s job, but watching how the experience positively aff ects the interim executive director before becoming executive teens is high on the list. “Once they have gone through director in June 2015. a session of camp, they take on a sense of responsibility While growing up at Temple Chai and participating in in all areas of their lives,” she says. “There’s more of an Temple Chai Temple Youth (TCTY) and North American understanding of the world around them and how lucky they Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) activities, Marsh had are to have the things they have.” her fi rst taste of Camp Swift volunteering as a counselor in Many of the teens who volunteer at Camp Swift are high school and then in summers during college as a unit head profoundly aff ected by the experience, Marsh says. Some have gone on to become teachers and doctors and they often attribute their career choice to their involvement with Camp Swift. “I’m a product of it,” she says. People often tell Marsh that Camp Swift is one of the best-kept secrets in the Jewish community. “I don’t want it to be a secret,” she says. “Our new tagline, ‘Fun is Just the Start’, symbolizes yes, camp is fun, but it’s so much more that that. We’re developing leaders and strong community members.” On a personal level, Marsh’s work at Camp Swift provides her the opportunity to engage in tikkun olam. “It’s a value I was raised with,” she says. “It’s my responsibility to help create the community that I’m a part of, and in doing that, I give back.”
34 Jewish News
marsh, kaylie.indd 34 1/21/16 1:29 PM Kaylie Marsh
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 35
marsh, kaylie.indd 35 1/21/16 1:31 PM Talyah Sands
3610 Jewish News
sands, talyah.indd 36 1/21/16 1:32 PM Talyah Sands by marilyn hawkes photo by ken brown photography
Talyah Sands feels fortunate to be part National Fund’s leadership program for young adults.) After learning about the organization’s diverse eff orts toward of a generation of women who grew up making Israel a stronger and more vibrant country, she signed with so many options both personally on to plan the group’s kickoff event and became board chair. “I felt like JNF was the best way I could contribute to ensure and professionally. “You can be who that we have a homeland that is strong and thriving,” she says. you want and have the career you Now in her second year as board chair, Sands is pleased at the success and growth of the organization, which boasts want,” she says. more than 80 members in their 20s and 30s. It has been a busy couple of years for Sands, who is also in For Sands, 26, that career path led her into the public her second year as a fellow of Valley Beit Midrash’s Start Me health arena. Born and raised in Scottsdale, Sands attended Up! fellowship program for young Jewish leaders. She enjoys University of Michigan where she earned a bachelor’s degree the group’s monthly educational opportunities to examine in psychosocial health with a minor in gender and health, and Jewish values and learn about leadership and community continued on for a master of public health degree. building with VBM president and dean Rabbi Dr. Shmuly While searching for an internship during graduate school, Yanklowitz and guest lecturers. Sands landed a position in tobacco control and alcohol Each Start Me Up! participant must develop an initiative to management. “I was tasked with working on the campus create innovative programs that will enrich the greater Jewish smoking policy,” she says. “I realized then that I was really community. Sands is working on her initiative in concert with passionate about addiction and tobacco control as a public another Start Me Up! participant, Erin Searle, director of health issue.” NowGen programs for Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. After graduating, Sands secured a tailor-made job at the “We’re trying to form something that we can give back to American Lung Association in Arizona as a program manager the community to really encourage and promote young adult for the organization’s Smoke-Free Multi-Family Housing engagement and leadership on boards and in our community Program, working with apartment managers to adopt smoke- institutions,” she says. free policies on their properties. Once adopted, the American Sands is a committed leader not only in the Jewish Lung Association provides technical assistance to help those community, but also in the greater community through her properties implement the policies. “It’s a movement that’s work as a public health professional. “When I think about my been sweeping the nation and we have a lot of growth in our career and what I’m doing with my life, I can’t really imagine smoke-free policies here in Arizona,” she says. ... doing something where I wasn’t giving back or helping In addition to her work with the American Lung people,” she says. “That’s a really important factor for me in Association, Sands served as a Youth Activism Fellow work or in whatever I’m doing.” of the American Legacy Foundation, which enabled her to participate in tobacco-control training and leadership development. While Sands has passion for her work, she also has an affi nity for Jewish causes. Growing up at Temple Chai, she participated in confi rmation, Hebrew High and North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY). She also traveled to Israel during high school with NFTY in Israel. As a young professional moving back to the Valley after college in 2012, Sands wanted to fi nd her place in the Jewish community. “It was time to fi gure out what Judaism meant to me and how I wanted to practice,” she says. In the summer of 2014, a friend invited her to attend an informal JNFuture planning meeting. (JNFuture is Jewish
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 37
sands, talyah.indd 37 1/22/16 11:05 AM A KIVEL COMMUNITY Call For Your Free Tour Dedicated 602-314-4005 10031 E. Desert Cove Ave. Scottsdale, Az 85260 Connected
ASSISTED LIVING with Involved Style and Dignity
• Private Suites with private bathrooms Committed • High-quality meals • Daily Activities • Housekeeping and Laundry • Hospice and Respite Care Enthusiastic • Medication Management and Administration • Located near Scottsdale HealthCare - Shea Successful
BUYING? SELLING? LOCAL? LONG DISTANCE? These women are what make Let me be your our community “KOSHER CONNECTION” the best it can “I’ll treat you like family, because you are!” be.
(602) 385-9449-Direct • (602) 430-3158-Mobile Congratulations [email protected] to all www.AmyRosenthal.com Amy Rosenthal the honorees.
The Phoenix Community Kollel wishes Cindy Landesman a heart-felt Mazel Tov.
As the Kollel’s Director of Women’s Division she truly deserves such an honor.
38 Jewish News
schaffert, judy.indd 38 1/21/16 1:34 PM ' H G O A woman of valor,X who can fi nd? Her worth is far Nabove jewels The heartZ of her husband trusts in her And Knothing shall he lack She renders himT good and not evil All the days of her lifev She opens her hand to the needy And[ extends her hand to the poor SheS is robed in strength and dignity AndA cheerfully faces whatever may come Shei opens her mouth with wisdom YHer tongue is guided by kindness She tends to the affairs of her householdSvK And eats not the breadmc' of idleness R q ,Her children come forward fand bless her Her husband too andW he praises her Many women have done superblyC But you surpass them all Charm is mdeceitful and beauty is vain But a God-fearing woman is much to be praised Experience Place before her the fruit of her hands(Proverbs Wherever31:10) people gather,With her deeds profound speak her praise. gratitude to matters. Judy Schaffert Let us show for dedicated service to Jewish Tuition Organization you why.
By any measure, 27 years of experience in senior living is a lot. And through the years, Mazal Tov to our we’ve helped many people find a lifestyle perfectly suited to them. Our secret? We listen. And we’ve congregants found that every person’s need or desire to move is incredibly unique. We’ve created equally unique places to live with great social opportunities, fine Judy Schaffert dining, accredited care services, and more. All with you in mind. Come see how good it feels to have experience on your side. Please call La Siena today Beth Jo Zeitzer to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour. for their commitment and dedication to our Independent & community. Assisted Living 909 East Northern Avenue 6805 E. McDonald Drive Phoenix, AZ • 602.635.2602 Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 www.templesolel.org SRGseniorliving.com
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 39
schaffert, judy.indd 39 1/21/16 1:34 PM Judy Schaffert
4010 Jewish News
schaffert, judy.indd 40 1/21/16 1:37 PM Judy Schaffert by salvatore caputo photo by ken brown photography
New Jersey, where they went to a “Conservadox” shul. Judy Schaff ert believes in making “When there’s something that needs to get done, I can’t a diff erence and that making a sit around and say, ‘No. Really, I can’t do that.’ So I have in a couple, three instances stepped up,” she says self- diff erence starts close to home. “My deprecatingly. “My mom died in May and I feel like I have heart is really with the congregation, to rededicate myself to the things that are most important. When she was ill, my mantra for her was, ‘If it gives you joy, congregational participation and do it.’ And I don’t think that necessarily means being self- leadership. I have done a number of indulgent. ... I share a love of music, so I’ve continued with the choir at Solel, and when I’ve been fortunate enough to things in the larger community, but sub for Todd [Herzog, Solel’s cantorial soloist] or step in and I’m most at home with my temple.” share the bimah with Todd when the rabbis have not been around, that gives me joy. It’s something I can do that many She is a stalwart of Temple Solel, where she’s been other people can’t do, and it’s important for us to know our president, co-founder of the Tour de Solel fundraising bike strengths and to say, ‘Can my strengths provide something ride, a participant and writer for Purim spiels and a choir to the community?’” member, as well as having served on Solel’s membership What brought her to the Valley? committee and currently chairing its ritual committee. “Love. I came here for love,” she says. “I met my husband Occasionally, she leads a Torah study or co-leads a service. [Michael] in law school and he wanted to live here, and I Every Yom Kippur afternoon, she says, she leads a study thought, ‘Well, I’ve got to try this and see if it works.’ So session while the rabbis lead a children’s service. I’ve brought three Jews in. My husband became Jewish and Some of her diff erence-making eff orts in the larger Jewish we had two sons – increased the team.” community, outside of her work at Temple Solel, include As a lawyer, she’s been in public service through her having been president of the Jewish Tuition Organization, career. “I started out with the Attorney General’s Offi ce and president of the former Jess Schwartz high school and having I’ve been with the State Supreme Court for 21-plus years.” served on the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix board. At the court, she acts “like a legal triage nurse,” looking “I blame it on Les Wexner,” she says of her community at petitions to analyze and summarize them and to make involvement. He founded the Wexner Heritage Program, recommendations on whether the court should hear each which aims to develop Jewish leadership, and she particular case. participated in a Phoenix cohort of the program back in the Why is all of her work so public spirited? mid-1990s. “If you have a gift, then it’s a good idea to fi gure out how “He said, ‘Go forth and do good.’ It’s kind of hard when you can share it,” she says. “So, my husband says, ‘Go off and someone has provided you with, basically, a free adult Jewish do your pillar-of-the-community thing.’ He’s very funny.” education to say, ‘No. I don’t think I’m going to do anything with this.’ ” But that’s only part of it, because in order to qualify for the program, she had to be “in some kind of leadership or leadership potential role.” “I do come from people who would say, ‘What’s good for the Jewish people?’ and ‘That’s all very well and good, but stop complaining,’ ” she says. “Complaining was never something that was encouraged or tolerated. ... Responsibility is the watchword of Judaism, and that was defi nitely inculcated in us.” Her mother was a fi rst-grade teacher and her father was a social worker when she was growing up in West Orange,
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 41
schaffert, judy.indd 41 1/25/16 7:59 AM Beth Jo Zeitzer by marilyn hawkes photo by ken brown photography
Beth Jo Zeitzer is the kind of mom 2013, AZ Business Magazine named her one of the “50 Most Infl uential Women in Arizona Business.” who enjoys having her children’s friends Today, Zeitzer serves as chair of the Jewish Community congregate at the house. As the mother Foundation, an organization that resonates strongly with her. “The Jewish Community Foundation provides of three boys – Benjamin, 19, Reuben, continuity within the Jewish community, whether it’s here 18, and Aaron, 16 – she and husband in the immediate community, regionally, domestically or internationally,” she says. “You can customize the way you Adam Nach have plenty of experience want to be involved and the way you want to give. It’s true providing snacks and cooking l’dor v’dor, taking care of the generations.” Raised in Central Phoenix, Zeitzer spent her breakfasts. “I love being able to have undergraduate years at University of Arizona and received everybody over and have a comfortable her law degree from University of San Diego School of Law. She met her husband at Hebrew High, but they didn’t start place for the kids,” she says. dating until college. “We’ve always been strong advocates of Hebrew High,” she adds. They were married after Zeitzer’s While her children were growing up, Zeitzer also fi rst year of law school, close to 29 years ago. stayed “close to their environment” by volunteering with After moving back to the Valley in 1990, Zeitzer practiced organizations that were meaningful to them, including BBYO, law in private practice for three years before becoming Camp Swift and B’nai Tzedek. The boys attended The King corporate counsel for Del Webb. She eventually became the David School, where Zeitzer led many parent activities and company’s director of commercial properties. helped raise money for the school. In 2003, she started ROI Properties. Zeitzer says she’s Over the years, Zeitzer, who is president and owner of always been drawn to real estate. “I love the challenge of ROI Properties, a full-service real estate brokerage that fi guring out what makes a property tick,” she says. “It’s like a also provides property management and real state advisory puzzle for me.” services, has had an active role in the Jewish Federation of Though no longer practicing law, Zeitzer spends more Greater Phoenix, serving on the Executive Women’s Board time in court now than she did before. “Many of the sales we and taking the reins as president of the now-defunct Jewish work on need court approval,” she says. “For me, real estate Business and Professional Women. She has volunteered with has always been a driver, yet the legal piece is embedded in Jewish National Fund, Arizona Jewish Historical Society, everything we do.” Jewish Free Loan and Birthright Israel, as well as many other Working in the male-dominated world of commercial Jewish and secular organizations. real estate, Zeitzer says she’s one of very few women of Zeitzer has also taken an active leadership role in her generation who have chosen this career path, but sees professional organizations, including Arizona Commercial younger women closing the gap. Real Estate Women and Arizona Trustee Association. In ”I think women bring a unique perspective – the ability to understand the relationships and how things come together,” she says. “We’re used to juggling so many balls that we’re really good at making things happen.” Along the way, Zeitzer has had several infl uential mentors, including her parents, as well as many businesswomen. “These are people who understand how business works and how to make things happen, but they also understand the inner personal side.” In turn, Zeitzer serves as a mentor to many young businesswomen and the occasional businessman. “I mentor maybe fi ve people at a time,” she says. “I really enjoy fi guring out how to help that next generation achieve their goals.”
42 Jewish News
beth jo zeitzer.indd 42 1/22/16 11:07 AM Beth Jo Zeitzer
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 43
beth jo zeitzer.indd 43 1/21/16 1:39 PM Blazing their own trails by Salvatore Caputo here are 10 million businesses owned by women in the United States, a Tmilestone reached in 2015, according to the National Women’s Business Council. In fact, women-owned businesses are the Gelie Akhenblit fastest-growing segment of the small-business Founder/CEO community. NetworkingPhoenix Launched: 2008 • networkingphoenix.com Women-owned firms made up 36.2 Why did you start Networking Phoenix? I percent of all nonfarm businesses in 2012, the started attending a lot of networking events to meet others who might inspire me. I realized there was a huge latest year for which statistics are available. need in the market for a calendar that housed all of the local networking events. Soon after quitting my corpo- rate job, I created the fi rst version of our online calendar. That figure was up 29.6 percent from 2007. Those busi- Originally, it was just intended to be used by me and my nesses brought in $1.6 trillion in receipts and the 10.6 per- networking friends – I wasn’t even sure others would like cent of women-owned firms that have employees employed it. What stemmed from a hobby and an idea, eight years 8.9 million people in the U.S. in 2012. (Just for clarification, later, is a national company. women-owned businesses include firms that are at least 50 Advice: My advice to anyone who wants to venture percent owned by a woman.) out on their own is to go for it. With all the resources As Amanda Brown, the executive director of the NWBC, available to business owners and startups, there’s almost said in a statement for Small Business Week, “The economic no reason not to try it. There are resources all over the impact of women entrepreneurs is a topic that cannot afford Internet, and our local entrepreneurial ecosystem has to fly under the radar. Women entrepreneurs are significant gotten a major boost since the days that I launched. Pas- contributors to our economy.” sion, strong vision and determination are all factors that As the short profiles collected on the next few pages will yield you great results. show, Jewish women in the Valley have started some very On work-life balance: Delegate to others. In interesting enterprises, in networking, publishing, retail and business and personal life, if there’s a task that doesn’t other industries. require my attention, then I’ll delegate it. That gives me Their reasons for starting a business are varied, but most more time to do the things that I need to do for myself often you’ll hear them express their desire to just go for it (i.e. get to the gym). It’s important to rest and recharge and make their ideas bear financial fruit by being their own and that’s something I learned the hard way. Eight years boss. Others enjoy working out of their own home and hav- into running my own company, I’m very selfi sh with my ing a flexible, if quite often, hectic schedule. personal time and that’s something I’ve learned not to We asked the women four questions: apologize about. 1. When and why did you start your business? On being Jewish in business: In business, it’s all 2. What advice would you give other women interested in about the people and how you treat them. My philosophy starting a business? is that everyone needs to be treated with respect and kind- 3. How do you balance your business and your life? ness; diffi cult situations need to be dealt with in an ethical 4. What influence does being Jewish have on your busi- manner. Much of my innate thought process comes from ness? being Jewish and I believe that one of the reasons I’ve Their answers follow. found my success is because of how I treat people. 44 Jewish News
women and business.indd 44 1/22/16 11:09 AM Let us celebrate the honored women of the Valley
These women are what make our community the best it can be.
Congratulations
DermatologyDermatology & Aesthetics & Aesthetics Center Center to all Dermatology & Aesthetics Center the women. As a leader in Phoenix and Scott sdale for cosmeti c, As a leader in Phoenix and Scottsdale for cosmetic, surgical and surgical and medical dermatologic care, Clear medicalDermatology dermatologic & Aestheti care, Clear cs Center Dermatology is dedicated & Aesthetics to Center is As a leader in Phoenix and Scottsdale for cosmetic, surgical and medical dermatologicdedicated providingcare, Clear to our providing Dermatology pati ents our patientswith & theAesthetics Aswith amost leader the advancedmost Centerin Phoenix advanced iscare and careScottsdale in a for cosmetic, surgical and professin a professionalional and caring and environment. caring environment.medical dermatologic care, Clear Dermatology & Aesthetics Center is dedicated to providing our patients with the most advanceddedicated to care providing in a our patients with the most advanced care in a Dr. Brenda LaTowsky, a board-certified dermatologist and her professional and caringDr. environment. Brenda LaTowsky, a board-certiprofess fi ionaled dermatologist and caring environment. experienced physician assistant, Katie Worsham, offer a full-service and her experienced physician assistant, Kati e Worsham, dermatology practice providing a wideDr. rangeBrenda of LaTowsky, treatments. a board These-certified dermatologist and her Dr. Brenda LaTowsky, offa boarder a full-service-certified dermatologistdermatology practi and herce providing include medical and surgical procedures,experienced skin cancer physician diagnosis assistant and, Katie Worsham, offer a full experienced physiciana assistant wide range, Katie of treatments. Worsham, Theseofferdermatology ainclude full-service practice medical providing a wide range of treatments. These treatment, advanced therapy for psoriasis, acne, acne scarring and dermatology practice andproviding surgical a wideprocedures, range ofskin treatments. cancerinclude diagnosis medical These and and surgical procedures, skin cancer diagnosis and other skin conditions and popular cosmetic procedures such as treatment, advanced therapy fortreatment, psoriasis, advanced acne, therapy for psoriasis, acne, acne scarring include medical and surgicalBotox®, Kybella™, procedures, Sculptra skin®, Microneedling cancer diagnosis and more. and acne scarring and other skin conditiother skinons conditions and popular and popular cosmetic procedures such as treatment, advanced therapy for psoriasis, acne, acne scarring® and cosmeti c procedures such as Botox®,Botox , Kybella™, Kybell™, Sculptra ® , Microneedling and more. other skin conditions and popular cosmetic procedures such as PleaseSculptra®, contact Microneedling us at: and more. Botox®, Kybella™, Sculptra®, Microneedling and more. Thompson Medical Plaza Please contact us at: 20201Please Scottsdale contact usHealthcare at: Dr. SuiteThompson 260 Scottsdale, Medical PlazaAZ, 85255
Office:Thompson 480-398 Medical-1550 Fax: Plaza 480-398-155202011 Scottsdale Healthcare Dr. Suite 260 Scottsdale, AZ, 85255 Please contact us at: web: 20201 Cleardermatology.net Scott sdale Healthcare Office:Dr. Suite 480 260 - 398 - 1550 Fax: 480-398-1551 Scott sdale, AZ 85255 web:Cleardermatology.net Thompson Medical Plaza 20201 Scottsdale HealthcareOffi ce: 480-398-1550 Dr. Suite 260 Fax:Scottsdale, 480-398-1551 AZ, 85255 web: cleardermatology.net Office: 480-398-1550 Fax: 480-398-1551 web:Cleardermatology.net BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 45
women and business.indd 45 1/21/16 1:41 PM Tamara Bickley Owner/Certifi ed professional Deborah Lavinsky makeup artist PMA-CPT/Owner Makeup Artistry by Tamara BellaBody Pilates Launched: 2012 • tamaramakeupart.com Launched: 2013 • bellabodypilates.com
Why did you start Makeup Artistry by Ta- Why did you start BellaBody Pilates? I didn’t mara? Makeup is my passion. For years I’d said, “I want expect that BellaBody Pilates would be more than part- to do makeup for commercials, ads and photo shoots.” time as I was working full-time as a fi nancial adviser. I Then one day, I literally woke up, drove to the Arizona was interested in learning how to perform mat Pilates Corporation Commission and applied for an LLC. I exercises that I could do at home in addition to the private started building my makeup kit and website. When all of equipment classes that I was taking. Student teaching was the business pieces were in place, I put myself out there part of the training and I loved it, acquired clients and my to do makeup whenever and however I could. practice snowballed. One thing led to another and I opened Advice: There’s a lot to say about starting a business, BellaBody Pilates studio in August 2014. After 18 years but what discourages many women is rejection and pro- in fi nancial services, I retired in December 2014 to devote fessional visibility. Embrace rejection because it’s a learn- myself to BellaBody Pilates and haven’t looked back. ing tool and motivator. Join and be active on multiple Advice: Women have a tendency to overanalyze, get forms of social media and professional sites that pertain advice, “shop” and procrastinate, aka “paralysis by analy- to your industry. Social media is a wonderful and free sis.” There are abundant free resources to jump-start one’s way to advertise and have total control of your brand. entrepreneurial process: the Arizona Corporation Commis- On work-life balance: Women are busy with life and sion website has steps to follow for incorporation, SCORE. families. To successfully own a business, consider the busi- org has business planning templates and Arizona Small ness another part of your life, not a separate entity. I spend Business Development Center off ers business classes. Take countless hours educating myself on how to improve and a chance on yourself, get out there and pursue your dream. stay current in my industry. I’ve sacrifi ced many week- On work-life balance: I work vampire hours. I start ends, family time and friend get-togethers for my business. teaching most days at 6 a.m., have a small break midday, If I don’t, neither my business nor I will continue to grow. and then fi nish my teaching at 7 p.m. It’s very diffi cult to If your business is your passion, you’ll naturally gravitate balance right now as I am still building my business. I take toward what calls you, and fi nd the balance. vacation time during the slower times of the year spending On being Jewish in business: I’m proud to have done quality time with my husband, children and baby grandson. makeup for many local bat mitzvah girls and their moth- On being Jewish in business: Tzedakah has always ers. When mothers seek a makeup artist for their bar/bat been an important aspect of my Jewish life. I host monthly mitzvah events, they feel comfortable knowing that as a free classes and request donations go to an important cause. Jewish mother, I’m familiar with what they’re experienc- November was Boxer Luv Rescue; January is for Baby So- ing. I’ve been the mother of a bat mitzvah. I understand nya Ahava/CDKL5, who has a rare seizure disorder. I also how special, yet hectic, the day is. I know how to commu- donate lots of Pilates and barre class packages for charitable nicate with teen girls and how to achieve the makeup looks silent auctions. I do not work on Shabbat and our holidays, they want while making their mothers happy. introducing the concept of rest to my clients.
46 Jewish News
women and business.indd 46 1/21/16 1:43 PM Dr. Alyssa S. Levin Orthodontist Leslie Levy North Valley Orthodontics Owner Launched: 2010 • northvalleysmiles.com Leslie Levy Fine Art Why did you start North Valley Orthodontics? I Launched: 1977 • leslielevy.com had a vision and a dream. That vision was creating beauti- ful smiles in a very personal and caring environment. In Why did you start Leslie Levy Fine Art? I the post-recession era, opportunities to join or buy an have always had a special interest in art. When my existing orthodontic practice were sparse. So, this deter- children started school I began taking art classes. mined Canadian set out to create an opportunity that Eventually, people started asking to purchase my would fulfi ll her dream. It was really as simple as that. paintings. When I lived in Maryland, I organized Advice: Surround yourself with quality people. I do a successful art exhibition featuring various local not think, even for a second, that the success of my busi- artists, so after moving to Arizona in 1976, I ness is mine alone. I sought out positive mentors to help thought it might be fun to open a small art gal- guide me, and I hired an incredible team. I challenge my lery. staff to be critical thinkers and I empower them to make Advice: I would suggest that you fi rst take a decisions. Not only is my day less stressful knowing I do few business classes at a community college. Im- not have to oversee their every move, but their loyalty in portant classes should include sales and market- return is truly humbling. ing techniques and basic accounting principles. On work-life balance: I still struggle with this To learn as much as you can about a particular part. I think “balance” is diff erent for everyone. For me, type of business, I would advise that you work for it means enriching my life with meaningful friendships. an existing company. This will help you to gain I also make it a point to schedule time away from the knowledge that will prove valuable when you open offi ce. This helps to improve my focus in the short term, your own business. with my reward being the experience of a new culture or On work-life balance: That is a constant exhilarating change of scenery. struggle. When you own your own business, On being Jewish in business: I am passionate about there is always something that needs to be done. serving my community beyond the offi ce walls. First, tze- Be prepared to work on weekends. Operating a dakah: I choose to help local schools and PTAs provide for retail business is especially diffi cult. For 32 years, today’s youth that which might not be possible otherwise; my art gallery was open seven days a week and iPads for classrooms, health/fi tness and arts programs are Thursday evenings as well. I now operate my art some of the larger projects that come to mind. Second, gallery as an online business from home. It has tikkun olam: I dedicate time almost monthly for team com- its own challenges because customers contact munity service. Everyone rotates researching and coor- us 24/7. I do believe that it is important to take dinating something that resonates personally. This past time away from your business just for fun. Make year, we helped MASK stage a drunk-driving accident sure to plan trips, even if it’s to local destinations. at Pinnacle High School, took Build-A-Bears to Phoenix Pretend that you’re a tourist. Visit museums and Children’s Hospital, and played games with residents at festivals. Also, be sure to take at least one or two Palos Verdes Senior Living, to name a few. vacations out of town each year.
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 47
women and business.indd 47 1/21/16 1:44 PM Linda F. Radke Publisher Misty Guerriero Five Star Publications Navon Launched: 1985 • fi vestarpublications.com
Founder/Owner Why did you start Five Star Publications? I am a former teacher and also the former owner of a Vintage by Misty household employment agency. I have always been a Launched: 2009 • vintagebymisty.com pioneer in the fi elds I pursued. It was when I had my domestic employment agency that I wrote my fi rst three Why did you start Vintage by Misty? I’ve books. “The Domestic Screening Kit,” “Nannies, Maids had a decades-long love aff air with vintage fashion & More: The Complete Guide for Hiring Household and I simply wanted to share my passion. Arizona Help” and “The Options Directory of Child and Senior shoppers have become accustomed to strip mall Care Services.” During the fi ve years of owning and culture and I wanted to change that by off ering operating Domestic Consultants Inc., I screened more something diff erent. Vintage by Misty advocates than 5,000 household applicants and placed more than for personal style versus fast fashion. 1,000 candidates as nannies, maids, butlers, live-in Advice: My advice to other women is to always couples and more. I took the expertise I collected over support one another no matter how small the those years and created books to help share the knowl- endeavor. Put integrity at the front line and things edge about fi nding and keeping household help. One will fall into place. day, my husband commented on my passion for pub- On work-life balance: Balancing life and lishing and marketing. He wanted to know if I sold my business requires a lifetime of practice and pa- agency, whether I would want to pursue publishing and tience. I have a husband and young daughter, so I marketing books full time. The answer was, “YES!” I make sure to prioritize family fi rst. I have a won- sold my agency and the rest is history. derful support system, so my business has really Advice: Follow your passion, listen to your gut and become a family aff air. surround yourself with a talented and experienced team. On being Jewish in business: A large part of On work-life balance: I was blessed to be able to Judaism revolves around treating others with kind- run my business from my home. This allowed me to bal- ness. It involves helping and protecting people. ance work with time with my children, husband and dog. These “commandments of kindness” extend On being Jewish in business: My goal is to always to business ethics and even inanimate objects. treat others the way I want to be treated and I try very Remembering these core values is very much a sur- hard to extend that philosophy to my business as well. vival tactic in the world we live in today. They will Also, I was raised by parents who although they did not truly set you apart from the rest. Everyone who have much, had very giving hearts. Tzedakah was not shops Vintage by Misty (whether a new or exist- taught to us, it was shown to us. I feel strongly about ing customer) is consistently treated with the same giving back by providing books to underprivileged level of empathy and respect. In life and business, children or donating a portion of a book’s proceeds to a it’s compassion that counts. worthy cause. Many of my authors do the same.
48 Jewish News
women and business.indd 48 1/21/16 1:44 PM Improving Gourmet Artisan Popcorn your Custom Favors ● Gifts ● Special Event Catering company’s Free Shipping image just Use coupon code: JNEWS got easier
Call 480-406-8935 Diverse markets to www.KettleHeroes.com spread your marketing dollars: • Weekly print newspaper • Annual community directory • Annual gloss magazine • 24/6 active website • Thrice weekly online news updates Contact your account executive or call 602-870-9470 today
www.jewishaz.com “Get yourself a teacher, acquire for yourself a partner, and judge others with favor” (Pirkei Avot 1:6)
Mazal tov to Rabbi Elana Kanter from The New Shul and The Women’s Jewish Learning Center
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 49
women and business.indd 49 1/21/16 1:46 PM Pam Raphael Sheri Sender Owner/Operator Owner AZ POPS Launched: 2011 • azpops.com The Wing Counter Launched: 2015 • thewingcounter.com Why did you start AZ POPS? We moved our fam- ily back to Phoenix to be close to family. My husband Why did you start The Wing Counter? My had been working on the Popsicle idea for a while. Our husband and I have been in the franchise business for pops are quite amazing and we knew we had a great idea over 25 years. We own nine Subway restaurants across and an amazing product. Phoenix is the most perfect the Valley that have been an incredible blessing to us. place for Popsicles – long Popsicle season! I had a hard We recently realized that we weren’t able to grow our time fi nding a job in preschool administration here in business with Subway, yet we have amazing, hard-work- Phoenix and other preschool positions just didn’t make ing and loyal employees that we want to continue to good fi nancial sense at the time for our family. For the motivate. We want to give them the ability to improve fi rst four years, we rented a kitchen and sold at farmer’s themselves and move up in our company. So with that markets, wholesale, special orders and events. Even in mind, we decided to start our own business, which though I worked more than 40 hours a week, it gave me has been challenging and extremely rewarding for us, as the fl exibility to take care of our family while earning an well. income. Our youngest child was just 5 at the time. Find a passion and go for it. Ask a lot of Advice: If your kids are still young, incorporate your Advice: kids in what you do. Answer their questions and explain questions. Surround yourself with people who are money to them: what things cost, how much you make, smarter than you, and soak it all up. why you make some of your decisions. They become so On work-life balance: I’m in business with my smart! Be resourceful. Ask lots of questions. When you husband and our girls are extremely supportive of that. make a mistake, let it go. Just say to yourself, “I won’t do A lot of our conversations are around family values, that again!” Be respectful and expect respect. business and how to “show up” for ourselves and others. On work-life balance: Ha ha ha! Still working on Business for me is about helping to develop skills in my that! We have eaten lots of picnic take-out dinners as employees to empower them to be better individuals, a family in the kitchen and have had my kids do home- which I also do with my girls. work in kitchen. I try not to force my kids to work too On being Jewish in business: Being Jewish has much, but we do have a family business and there are given me a foundation of morals and values that I times working is just part of being part of our family. believe in. It is a way of life for me that permeates all We need their help and they now take a lot of pride in areas of my life. It is about family (which includes my our family having this business. I hire staff and let them employees) and giving back. I serve on the board at do their job. I do my best to be home in the evenings. our synagogue and the coming-year board of EO, the On being Jewish in business: I am aware to buy entrepreneur organization I’ve been a member of for items with a heksher. Even though we only offi cially kosher our kitchen for Passover with the Phoenix Vaad the past seven years. Judaism has guided me on how to heksher, our kitchen and product is kosher all year round. respect and treat others and, most importantly, on how We are very family friendly and welcome all types of to help shape the amazing young women my daughters people. Shalom bayit. have become.
50 Jewish News
women and business.indd 50 1/21/16 1:47 PM Karl’s Quality Bakery 111 East Dunlap Avenue, Suite #13 Compassionate, Quality Pet Care Phoenix, Arizona 85020 (602) 997-7849 We now see exotics too www.KarlsQualityBakery.com Wellness Plans available
529 E. Maryland Ave. Fresh goods baked daily Phoenix Custom baked goods 602-279-7366 Classes www.EastMarylandAH.com
Proudly featuring
50% O Vaccines with this ad (Once per pet) Exam required • New clients only
BURNING SUNS ENTERTAINMENT ...... VIDEO PRODUCTION • GRAPHIC DESIGN • PHOTOGRAPHY ...... for ...... Corporate Events • Advertising • Training Programs Websites • YouTube® • Anything you can imagine! What’s your story?
www.burningsuns.com [email protected] (703) 801-7603
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 51
women and business.indd 51 1/21/16 1:47 PM Free Adjustments TAGER OPTICAL 37 years experience worth seeing GLASSES & CONTACT LENSES SINAI • Dior • Cazal • Rayban • Maui Jim MORTUARY ESTABLISHED 1971
BILTMORE PLAZA @ Arizona’s Only Jewish 32nd St. & Camelback • 602-957-1716 Funeral Home Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. @ Arizona’s Only Member of the Jewish Funeral Directors of America @ Arizona’s Only Jewish Owned We Are & Operated Funeral Home
@ Arizona’s Only Funeral Home Care. Endorsed by the Entire Rabbinical Council
• Short-Term Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing • Specialty Therapy Programs JONATHAN PERLMAN & Services 3rd Generation Jewish Funeral Director • Private Suites Reserve your room today! 480-860-6396 (602) 248-0030
4538 NORTH SIXTEENTH STREET PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85016
WWW.SINAIMORTUARY.NET Joint Commission Accredited EMAIL: [email protected] 480.860.6396 LifeCareCenterOfScottsdale.com | 9494 E. Becker Ln. 68131
52 Jewish News
women in pictures.indd 52 1/21/16 1:49 PM 2015 was a great year for women in the Greater Phoenix Jewish community. Here are WOMEN a few snapshots from the pages of the Jewish News that illustrate the contribution that women make to life in the in Valley. PH OTOS
Token of thanks Susan Farber, left, and Cindy Saperstein, new members of the JNF Sapphire So- ciety, show off the pins they received as part of their membership. Photo courtesy of Deb Rochford
Crossing paths Debbie Yunker Kail, left, executive director of Hillel at ASU, ran into members of Phoenix’s Honeymoon Israel trip while she was leading a Birthright Israel trip. Also pictured are Hon- eymoon Israel trip leader Erin Searle, center, and participant Amanda Garcia, right. Photo courtesy of Debbie Yunker Kail
Class reunion The women of the Bureau of Jewish Education’s Winter 2015 Jewish Baby University reunited with the newest additions to their families. In front, from left, are Lisa and Ethan Gulinson, Lauren and Natalie Evan and Becca and Jacob Solomon. In back, from left, are Maya and Emma Axt; Amy, Kody and Kelsey Limmer; Justine and Avi Simon, Stacy and Brody Kaplan; and Cori and Bryce Nestler. Not pictured are Jamie and Natalie Blaine and Tracey and Ari Sayet.
Photo courtesy of Linda Feldman
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 53
women in pictures.indd 53 1/25/16 8:03 AM Lunching for charity Jewish Family & Children’s Service’s Brighter Tomorrow Luncheon, held Feb. 27 at the Arizona Biltmore, drew 460 people and raised $280,000 for JFCS programs. Pictured, from left, are attendees Ruth Cooper, JFCS director of fund development Carrol Gottfried andPhoto Sue courtesy Adatto. of JFCS
Baking buddies Challah Bake co-chairs were Suzanne Ungar, left, and Randi Jablin, right. Also pictured, from left, are Shabbat Project co-chair Robin Meyerson; Jean Grossman of the Harold and Jean Grossman Family Foundation, which sponsored the event; and Shabbat Project co-chair Mim Bottner. Photo by Joel Zolondek
Where’s your Jewish News? Local members of the Jewish Federations of North America Heart to Heart Women’s Journey to Israel mis- sion show off the Jewish News on their trip. Standing, from left, are Cyndi Rosenthal, Jeanette Wachs, Jackie Schenkein, Susan Silver, Shari Kanefsky,Photo courtesy Esther of Sandy Schon, Rife Sandy Rife and Michele Wiltchik. Getting creative Jennifer Jalowiec, left, and Young Jewish Phoenix (YJP) board members Gabby Richman and Carly Fig- man display the items they made at Pinspiration, a ladies’ night event hosted on June 11 by YJP, a pro- gram of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix’s NOWGen initiative. Photo courtesy of YJP
Charity trekkers From left, Stefanie Hymovitch, Julie Hymovitch and Brenda Fox stop for a photo during the Susan G. Komen 3-Day breast cancer walk in San Diego. Photo courtesy of Julie Hymovitch
54 Jewish News
women in pictures.indd 54 1/21/16 2:47 PM Wine women The Sisters of Solel group enjoy an evening out at Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen in Scottsdale. Attendees sampled three types of wine paired with appetizers. Photo courtesy of Adina Zarchan
Fashion plates The Shalom Chapter of Hadassah hosted a High Tea and Fashion Show for members and guests. Attendees wore We love learning hats and gloves and enjoyed tea and snacks while models From left, Sandy Adler, Rabbi Elana Kanter and
showed off outfits from Chico’s. Suzanne Swift spearhead the inaugural LimmudAZ. Photo courtesy of Doris Codkind Photo by Joel Zolondek
Local fashionistas About 150 people attended Congregation Beth Tefillah’s March 22 fashion show. The event included modest fashions modeled by community members, a boutique and a musi- Brunch bunch cal performance. Pictured, from left, are Esther Allouche, About 185 women attended the April 26 Phoenix Kollel Michele Czopp, Yvonne Zenati and Tami Remen. Women’s Division brunch. The event celebrated 10 years Photo courtesy of Esther Allouche of dedication and learning throughout the Valley; Cindy Landesman, the director of the women’sPhoto courtesydivision, of wasEsther the Bronsteyn guest of honor.
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 55
women in pictures.indd 55 1/21/16 2:48 PM With Admiration and Respect to all of this Year’s Honorees and their Families Congregation Beth Israel shares a Yasher Koach and a Special Mazel Tov to:
Gail Baer Shelley Cohn Shternie Deitsch Rabbi Elana Kanter Cindy Landesman Brooke Levy Kaylie Marsh Talyah Sands Judy Schaffert Beth Jo Zeitzer
May You continue to Go From Strength to Strength
Rabbi Stephen Kahn Rabbi Rony Keller Cathy Rabinovitch, Executive Director Gail Baer, President 56 Jewish News
women in pictures.indd 56 1/21/16 2:31 PM Meal preparation • Shopping • Laundry • Personal care • Transportation • Medication reminders . . .
It’s Personal
Call us today for your FREE in-home care assessment plan 602.264.8009 • www.cypresshomecare.com
Dementia and Alzheimer’s care specialists
Serving the Valley since 1994 Jewish family owned and operated
BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2016 57
women in pictures.indd 57 1/21/16 2:32 PM SIMPLY MAGICAL The “#1 Hotel in the Southwest” is only a short drive away...
SELECT YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS. WE’LL PROVIDE THE DAILY RESORT CREDIT OF $70 - $125 Experience a luxurious L’Auberge de Sedona getaway on your terms. Explore, relax, indulge, connect and rejuvenate in a private creekside enclave just a short drive from Phoenix. Apply your daily resort credit towards world-class dining at Cress on Oak Creek, Etch Kitchen + Bar and the Spa at L’Auberge. Book now - December 31, 2016. L’Auberge de Sedona was recently named the “#1 Hotel in the Southwest” by Condé Nast Readers Choice Awards 2015.
For reservations or more information please call 855.434.6776 or visit www.lauberge.com/jewish-news-2016 58 Jewish News An IMH Financial Corporation Property
women in pictures.indd 58 1/22/16 10:15 AM