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JANUARY 22, 2021 | SHEVAT 9, 5781 | VOLUME 73, NUMBER 9 $1.50 Experts talk about Rabbis hail vaccine for COVID-19, implications encourage its use SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR AND HEATHER ROBINSON | JNS.ORG of social media or Rabbi Reuven Mann, the question of whether to Fget vaccinated against COVID-19 has a simple answer: crackdown “Everyone must get the vaccine as this will protect him and TOBY TABACHNICK | CONTRIBUTING WRITER the people he comes in contact with.” Mann, the founder of Congregation Torat Emet in he man who stormed the Tree of Life synagogue Phoenix, has been in Israel since the COVID-19 pandemic Tbuilding on Oct. 27, 2018, murdering 11 congregants began. He and his wife received the first injection of the in the midst of Shabbat prayer, was an active user of the social Pfizer vaccine at the end of December. media site Gab. His Gab bio said, “jews are the children of “According to Judaism one must do everything possible to satan,” and his banner image was an unambiguous reference protect one’s life and insure one’s health,” he said, via email. to a white supremacist meme. His final post, just prior to “We must be grateful to G-d for enabling us to obtain this the massacre, read: “Screw your optics, I’m going in.” life-saving treatment as well as to the scientific community In the months following the Pittsburgh shooting, many that was involved in producing this remedy.” pundits and the ADL urged social media companies to As the U.S. government launched the largest vaccine better police racist, violent and anti-Semitic accounts and distribution program in the country’s history, most rabbis clarify terms of service to make hateful content harder to seem united in support of the rollout to battle the corona- find online — and to prevent such content from being virus pandemic, and stress that vaccination is consistent with monetized. The profligation of extremist activism online Judaism’s highest value: preserving life. worried experts about radicalization, as researchers made Two Orthodox rabbinical bodies, the Orthodox Union and connections between violent words and violent actions. the Rabbinical Council of America, issued a joint statement “There are 24/7 rallies online,” Jonathan Greenblatt, that there’s a Torah obligation to receive the vaccine as soon as CEO and national director of the ADL said one year after it’s available. the Pittsburgh shooting. “With just a few clicks, you can The vaccines can even be viewed in light of the recent literally find what was previously unspeakable. Social media Torah portion about Joseph and his brothers and “the has become a breeding ground for bigotry.” paradox of God’s omnipotent involvement in human affairs versus the necessity and reality of human effort, action and Sami Wilder, a third-year medical student at the Mayo Clinic College Following the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, which left five people of Medicine and Science, receives the COVID-19 vaccine. dead, the social media giants took serious steps against achievement,” according to SEE VACCINE, PAGE 3 PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMI WILDER accounts they deemed potentially dangerous. Twitter suspended more than 70,000 accounts linked to the QAnon conspiracy theory, whose followers believe Donald Challenge Island gives kids Trump is secretly saving the world from a cabal of Satanic pedophiles and cannibals, and who traffic in anti-Semitic chance to prove their mettle tropes. Adherents of QAnon were numerous among the On a recent field trip, Jessica Nathan set up a series of mob that stormed the Capitol. STEAM-based challenges for students of Freedom Academy Trump was permanently suspended from Twitter “due in Scottsdale. To read more, go to p. 15. to the risk of further incitement PHOTO BY JESSICA NATHAN of violence,” Twitter announced. SEE SOCIAL, PAGE 2

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ISRAEL INTERNATIONAL ISRAEL Israelis over the age of 40 now eligible New study shows hope in battle against Amid COVID-19 pandemic, Tel Aviv to receive COVID-19 vaccine anti-Semitism, though concerns remain marathon to go digital HEADLINES

SOCIAL Telegram was up 146%. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “That’s a problem,” Blee said. “These Other platforms, including Facebook places are slippery. and Instagram, also suspended Trump’s And Telegram and accounts, as well as the accounts of some Signal are very much of his associates. open to hosting these In the wake of the suspensions, many far- kinds of very violent right voices moved to the platform Parler white supremacist until Apple, Google and Amazon removed conversations.” Parler from their platforms too. On the other hand, Shutting down social media accounts and Blee said, when more sites, though, does not necessarily halt the open sites close down, A screenshot of President Donald Trump’s deleted Twitter account spread of violent rhetoric, anti-Semitism or there is usually some other hateful ideologies, according to some threat: Jews held a stranglehold over the 2021 Phoenix law enforcement experts. attrition. economy and were ruining the lives of white “When you limit these types of accounts, “For one thing, some people will not farmers, was kind of the message there.” Jewish News what happens is the folks who are using want to gravitate from the level of what These days, the existential threat is more these various platforms to communicate was being expressed on Facebook or even commonly framed as white genocide or will simply jump to another platform,” Parler, to the next step toward violence,” “the Great Replacement Theory — that Print Dates said Shawn Brokos, director of community she said. “And you are also going to lose whites will become the minority and lose security for the Jewish Federation of Greater some people because, as you get into power,” Blee said. January 8 August 6* Pittsburgh. “We see that all the time in law some of these, they become more and The next precursor to racially motivated enforcement.” She analogized tracking more difficult to access and require more violence is identifying a person or group January 22 August 20 extremists to a game of “whack-a-mole.” technological knowledge.” responsible, she continued. February 5 August 27 Kathleen Blee, a professor of sociology Another downside to moving users off “In the Pittsburgh shooting, the threat at the University of Pittsburgh who has mainstream platforms is that it reifies some was white genocide and the target was February 19 September 3 researched white supremacy and is a of their false beliefs. “For these racially George Soros — so there you have an March 5 September 10 member of one of the three congregations motivated violent extremists, there is amplification by politicians of the same attacked during the shooting at the Tree of this inherent belief that there is a Zionist message that’s being spread on Gab and by March 12 September 24 Life building, agreed there are “downsides” government that is trying to control other white supremacists online.” March 19 October 1 to moving people off of sites where people everybody and that the Jews are behind a To white supremacists, “George Soros” understand that they are being monitored, lot of that,” Brokos said. signifies “Jews,” Blee said, “and they all March 26 October 15** which can have some moderating effect. In fact, that ideology may have motivated understand that. George Soros is to white April 2 November 5 “It’s moving people into these end-to- the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter. supremacists what Rothschild was a couple end encrypted — and really the cesspool of “What seems to have happened with decades ago. Probably most of these people April 16 November 19 the internet — sites that are just vehicles for him very much fits the pattern we see in couldn’t tell you who George Soros is — May 7 December 3 the most horrific white supremacist, violent, other kinds of racially motivated violence,” just an image that stands in for Jews writ anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant views,” Blee said Blee. “First, there’s a sense of some large, Jewish control.” May 21 December 17 said. “So, that’s a problem, obviously. And enormous existential threat out there. If After identifying the threat and the target, June 4 it’s hard to monitor what individuals are you think of the 1980s and ’90s, when the third stage is a “sense of urgency,” doing on them — it’s not hard to monitor the white supremacists became significant Blee said. July 9 *Best of Magazine them in the aggregate, but it is hard to pin in this country, the existential threat was “That’s the final trigger. ‘You can’t just **Annual Directory anything to an individual user.” banking and farm foreclosures — it was wait around and mobilize yourself for the As of last week, use of apps favored by the beginning of the militia movement and threat, you have to act now’ -- that’s the WWW.JEWISHAZ.COM extremists had skyrocketed, Blee said. really the resurgence of anti-Semitism in a message …. It’s pernicious in any form. Users on Signal had increased 677% and very public way. That was the existential When it’s happening on the internet

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2 JANUARY 22, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES all over the place, when it’s amplified The ADL also condoned Trump’s have inflicted harm on our society by in public, when there is an echoing of ban from social media, calling it an permitting content that spreads racism, hate what’s happening on places like Gab and “excellent step.” and violence,” she continued. what’s showing on TV, that’s particularly “Social media platforms must choose “Whether you consider it the catalyst or dangerous.” which side of history they want to be on — Shutting down Trump’s use of social are they with the domestic terrorists that we just a conduit, the fact is that social media media “as a megaphone” in the days after saw at the Capitol on January 6th, or with drives radicalization. It’s a font of conspiracy the Jan. 6 riots and before the inauguration America’s families, leaders and advocates theories, a slow-burning acid weakening was particularly important, Blee said. who want to safeguard our democracy and our foundations post after post, tweet after “I think in the short run, that protect its children. It is a simple choice,” tweet, like after like.” JN outweighs everything,” she said. “He was said Tammy Gillies, regional director for clearly providing an accelerant to these ADL of Arizona. Toby Tabachnick is editor of the Pittsburgh Jewish @ Arizona’s Only Jewish conversations and actions.” “Many of these social media platforms Chronicle, a Jewish News-affiliated publication. Funeral Home

VACCINE @ Arizona’s Only Member of CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the Jewish Funeral Directors of America Rabbi Yisroel Isaacs, leader of Beth Joseph “But I must also take the time to listen, possible opportunity,” he said, via email. Congregation and member of the Orthodox with empathy and real concern, to those who In addition to caring about older @ Arizona’s Only Jewish Owned Rabbinical Council of Greater Phoenix, resist that obligation.” people and wanting “to do the right thing,” & Operated Funeral Home via email. Several praised the decision to prioritize said Wildes, the young people with whom he The vaccine is a combination of human the vaccination of essential workers in health works “want to go to work, to play sports, @ Arizona’s Only Funeral Home skill and talent and God’s blessing, care, agriculture, education, law enforce- to date, to socialize, and if the vaccine is Endorsed by the Entire he said. ment, transportation, firefighting, food going to allow that, they are going to be Rabbinical Council “Protecting oneself is a mitzvah; protect- distribution and sanitation. flocking to it.” ing one’s community is a mitzvah. Vaccines “Both the government’s guidelines As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout begins, allow us to do both,” agreed Rabbi Dr. and Jewish law as I interpret it would authorities hope that enough Americans will Shmuly Yanklowitz, the president and dean have us save as many lives as possible,” take the vaccines to achieve herd immunity. of Valley Beit Midrash, via email. “One said Rabbi Elliot Dorff, professor of phi- While the exact threshold is unknown, should recite two blessings of gratitude at losophy at American Jewish University experts estimate that between 75% and 85% of the first vaccination shot — shehechiyanu in Los Angeles. “I presume … non- Americans will need to be vaccinated for that to and ha’tov v’ha’meitiv; and one at the second health-care essential workers will get the be achieved. vaccination shot — gomel.” vaccine before the elderly and those By some recent polls, as high a propor- Other rabbis echoed Yanklowitz’s point with medical conditions because people tion as half of all Americans said they have about preserving and protecting life — both who stock grocery shelves and do other reservations about taking the vaccine, and that of the individual and of others. essential things to enable us to live more than one poll reported conflicted “You can overturn virtually every law in need to be protected to do their jobs views about sectors of the Jewish public the Torah to save life, and there’s no question in the name of the communal good. … agreeing to get the vaccine, both in America that vaccination is overwhelmingly life-sav- People can die of starvation as much as and Israel. ing,” said Danny Schiff, a Reform rabbi and from COVID-19.” Some Orthodox health professionals foundation scholar at the Jewish Federation From both a “purely ethical” and utilitar- and communal leaders worry that a vocal of Greater Pittsburgh. “Vaccination does two ian perspective, “you vaccinate most the minority of their community won’t heed things — it preserves your life and others. vulnerable first — the elderly in nursing their guidance. They point to skepticism Judaism wants to preserve the well-being of homes,” said Rabbi David Wolpe, the reli- regarding the vaccine in the overall popu- A Jewish Cemetery that cares the individual, and the idea is we also have a gious leader of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, lation because of anti-vaccine sentiments, about the Jewish Community responsibility to each other.” a Conservative synagogue. Wolpe can see the as well as nervousness with the speed at Rabbi Mindie Snyder, rabbi and argument, too, for prioritizing “front-line which the vaccines were developed and the chaplain for Sun Health Communities, workers who are forced out of their homes politicization of the virus. emphasized the point as well. Rabbinically, day after day.” Isaacs agreed, saying he has very lit- she said, vaccinations are important in that In Isaacs’ view, because the vaccine they protect life. belongs to the federal government, they tle direct contact with what he terms “This is a very big deal,” she said. “We are the correct arbiter of how it should be “a small but highly vocal group or fringe understand whoever saves one life is consid- distributed as long as “the criteria are fair and group in the Orthodox community that is ered as if they saved an entire world.” not discriminatory.” opposed to vaccines in general and this vac- There is less agreement on prioritization He shied away, however, from a personal cine in particular.” He noted, however, that and making the vaccine mandatory. recommendation. “Rabbis taking positions its views on the vaccine are from an adoption Rabbi Jeremy Schneider believes it on medical issues — or physicians taking of a general anti-vaxxer platform “rather than should be mandatory. Schneider, spiri- positions on rabbinic issues — is like mixing one based on Jewish tradition.” tual leader of Temple Kol Ami and past milchigs with fleishigs — dairy with meat,” Mann is more concerned that people may • Jewish Owned and Operated let their guard down and stop wearing masks president of the Greater Phoenix Board he said. • Sidewalks at Every Grave of Rabbis, pointed out that despite his Rabbi Mark Wildes, the founder of because the vaccine makes them feel the dan- personal belief, individuals have the Manhattan Jewish Experience who works ger is past. But although “this has been a long • Caring Professional Sta power to decide whether they will with Jewish singles in their 20s and season of suffering for many people due to • Intermarried Families Welcome take the vaccine. 30s in New York, thinks that younger the devastation wrought by this pandemic,” “My job is to teach the moral and Americans will respond positively to oppor- he hopes people will stay vigilent. Jewish position on the science,” tunities to get the vaccine. Still, he’s focused on the “light Schneider said, via email. The government Rabbi Jordan Brumer agreed. Brumer, the at the end of the tunnel” the vaccines (480) 585-6060 and other institutions have the power director of Jewish Arizonans on Campus, is bring after nearly a year of darkness of enforcement, and he leaves the ulti- excited about the possibility of the vaccine and disease. 24210 N. 68th Street, Phoenix mate responsibility to them. However, bringing an end to the pandemic as well as “Let us hope that with mass immunizations (o Pinnacle Peak Rd) he plans to set a personal example the hope it brings to the college students he the dark clouds which hover above us will soon for his congregants by taking the works with. “We are encouraging all of our dissipate and we will emerge as a more wise and mtsinaicemetery.com vaccine when he is able. students to receive the vaccine at the first compassionate society.” JN

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LOCAL Temple Chai joins Synagogue Vegan Challenge HILARY DANINHIRSCH | CONTRIBUTING WRITER raditional Jewish cuisine often conjures up a lot of great questions and are clearly Timages of brisket, pastrami on rye, lox and interested. One person was uncomfortable bagels, kreplach and chopped liver. It is not and did not want the synagogue to push often that tofu, eggless challah, smoked seitan a vegan agenda — so there is that feeling or gefilte “fish” made with chickpeas and too. It’s not going to be everybody’s cup vegetables find their way onto the Shabbat of tea. But for those who are interested, it’s table. But Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, been fantastic.” president and dean of Valley Beit Midrash, Yanklowitz acknowledged there is a huge hopes to change that meaty menu — at least nostalgia that centers around classic Jewish for some. foods. The challenge, he said, is not about Enter the Synagogue Vegan Challenge, taking away beloved foods but exposing an initiative co-sponsored by Shamayim, people to healthy alternatives. And on the an organization devoted to Jewish animal educational front, this challenge can extend advocacy, funded by the VegFund, that into broader educational campaigns beyond encourages synagogues to promote veganism the year. for one year through food and programming. “Food justice is about animal welfare, This year, Temple Chai is taking part environmental responsibility, human health, along with seven Jewish institutions across worker rights, hunger and poverty, about fair the country. trade. We think food is so central to Jewish The initiative was the brainchild of thought and practice that this is a launch to a Yanklowitz, who has been vegan himself for much broader arena of learning and activism,” a decade. He co-founded the national Jewish he said. vegan movement with actor Mayim Bialik and In 2017, Temple Beth Sholom of the East singer Matisyahu. Valley was among the first participants in the Despite there being a robust Jewish vegan challenge, hosting two events per month. movement, said Yanklowitz, he and his Members created a vegan latke recipe for co-founders realized Jewish institutions were the synagogue’s Chanukah party that year. not adapting to those needs. “We also have a family of Mexican origin, and “The idea is to give grants to synagogues she always makes churros and sufganiyot; she who are going to provide more vegan options adapted them and made them vegan. It was and vegan food programs, such as education, awesome,” said Helen Jaffa, vice president of films, cooking demonstrations, conversation membership for TBSEV, who recommended groups, book clubs and exposing people to the challenge. food justice,” he said. Though not everyone was on board, Jaffa The challenge begins each fall, and felt that the challenge was well worth it, and participating Jewish institutions are given for those who were interested, it was a positive Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz speaks at a Vegan Synagogue Challenge event at Temple Beth $2,500 for the food budget. experience. “I think we educated more Sholom of the East Valley in 2017. PHOTO COURTESY OF RABBI DR. SHMULY YANKLOWITZ “We have a number of people who are people. Although I heard some grumbling, very active in environmental issues and individuals would come up to me and say, are very passionate about it,” said Rabbi ‘I’m eating more plant-based now.’ I don’t Mari Chernow. “They inspired us and think anyone went vegan, but I had some pushed us to take on this challenge. We’re friends, already vegetarian, move more in that in it for environmental, animal cruelty and direction. If people are eating one less meal health reasons.” with meat, that is making a huge impact.” Chernow added that they are not imposing Chernow said Temple Chai “values a vegan diet on the congregation but are experimentation” and hopes people are excited to offer the opportunity to those who open to hearing about the challenge. “We are interested in learning about veganism. are not looking for the whole congregation Due to COVID-19, participating to change the way they eat but to learn as synagogues moved programming online. much as possible and try something out and Recently, Temple Chai showed the film see how it goes,” she said. “The Game Changers” via Zoom, which was And that is Yanklowitz’s intention. attended by about 35 people, and hosted a Jewish institutions that embrace veganism panel discussion about the movie and its push will help the whole community move toward for plant-based eating. deeper ethical consumption practices, he said, And as COVID precludes food preparation though he is under no illusion that this will in the temple’s kitchen, Chernow said that transform the entire Jewish community to they are encouraging people to cook on veganism. Nonetheless, Yanklowitz hopes their own and are providing resources and to change the minds of at least some people. recipes. Some cooking classes will be in the “We think that once people learn more mix. There is a plan to teach congregants to about the environmental impact of factory make a vegan challah. farming, the human health impact, and the The challenge at Temple Chai has been met suffering of animals, more people will choose with enthusiasm. vegan options, especially once they see how “The feedback on this last event was tasty the food can be. We think it’s a win-win extraordinary,” Chernow said. “They asked for everyone,” he said. JN Vegan challahs PHOTO BY RABBI MARI CHERNOW

4 JANUARY 22, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES

LOCAL Jewish heritage is focus of EVJCC’s genealogy class HILARY DANINHIRSCH | CONTRIBUTING WRITER have done has become a family heirloom. It is full of details, pictures, narrative, documents tudying genealogy is a way of holding a and more.” Smirror up to the past, and for a growing Though the EVJCC held other genealogy number of people it is a fascinating — yet classes and workshops in the past, this is the time-consuming — hobby. Capitalizing on the first one taught by the Daughters of Jacob. Lee A slide from “Finding your Family” at the EVJCC PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA LEE zeitgeist, the East Valley Jewish Community and Walker were originally scheduled to teach Center is hosting “Finding your Family,” a six- a session at the Klezmer Fest last March, but language barriers. puzzle, but a hundred times better,” said Lee. week class running Jan. 6-Feb. 10, via Zoom. the event was canceled due to the pandemic. “Sometimes, the governments would not let “And it’s relaxing and something to do during This course is not a run-of-the-mill genealogy The six-week class introduces attendees to the kids have the father’s last name because they COVID. With the stresses of our world today, class, however. Its primary focus is connecting available tools for researching their Jewish were trying to limit the Jewish population,” it’s a healthy escape and a way to work on participants to their Jewish heritage. Lee said. something that is not mindless.” family histories. Lee and Walker teach students Rabbi Michael Beyo, CEO of EVJCC, has And if a family went through the Holocaust, And having a multitude of websites available how to use the tools, but ultimately the goal is been passionate about genealogy for years. He the process is even more difficult. Not only are on the internet in addition to DNA testing, to let people take the lead in their own story. found some assistance recently when he met records sometimes unavailable, but Lee said makes the process easier. Lee has been interested in genealogy for sisters Elizabeth (Lisa) Lee and Loretta (Lorrie) that the stories can be emotionally difficult to “In a modern world, where we are connected most of her life. “It seems in every family, there Walker, who, though not Jewish themselves, sift through. with others through pixels on a screen, we specialize in helping people trace their Jewish is somebody who keeps the stories; it’s just who Still, she values “preserving history for the realize how much we need to know our history ancestry with their company, Daughters of I am,” she said. next generation so they can see the courage of and memory to establish a sense of self,” Jacob Genealogy. The sisters put together a She became intrigued by Jewish family the people in front of them,” she said. said Beyo. family book for Beyo, and although he had research when she took on the project for Beyo. With so many genealogy resources on In a way, Beyo added, Judaism is obsessed already completed extensive research on his Though research on any family tree can be the internet, people can easily be with history, memory and genealogy. own, the research done by Lee and Walker tricky, particularly if not starting out with a lot overwhelmed. The class led by Lee and “We play ‘Jewish geography’ as soon as we filled in several gaps. of information, Jewish genealogy in particular Walker tries to pare down available information meet another person,” he said. “We have a “What they were able to provide us was presents unique challenges. into digestible bites. deep-rooted need to be part of something additional information which I was not aware “Jewish research is more difficult because Perhaps it’s the effect of having been bigger that has meaning and value. Family of, but also documented confirmation of the borders change so much over the years, shuttered indoors for almost a year, but the histories are one way in a disconnected and some of our earlier speculations,” said Beyo. and records aren’t good,” said Lee. genealogy hobby is taking off. moral relativist world to give meaning to who “The final research and packaging which they Other challenges include name changes and “It’s fun. It’s a mystery; it’s like a jigsaw we are.” JN

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 22, 2021 5 HEADLINES

LOCAL ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ features ‘Jewish princess’ from Phoenix SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR

t wasn’t supposed to go that way. telling them or what their parents stand I Joey Jay, the 30-year-old Phoenix- for, but I know equality is right,” he area contestant on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” said. “I’m a humanitarian and it’s just so Season 13, unexpectedly found himself important for these kids to know what’s on the chopping block in the opening right and wrong.” moments of the show. People in the Phoenix area are proud Previous seasons began with of Jay’s success. introductions, funny interludes between “I’ve been watching ‘Drag Race’ for contestants, a challenge and a runway years,” said Deb Behrendt, one of the walk. Only then came elimination. But on chairs of AZ Jews for Pride. “I am proud Jan. 1, Jay and fellow contestant Kandy that Joey Jay hails from Phoenix and Muse barely had time for introductions is Jewish. I just feel like a proud mom when RuPaul appeared, saying they watching Joey Jay slay!” would lip-sync before the judges and the Behrendt’s co-chair, Cantor Ross loser would be eliminated. Wolman of Temple Chai, appreciates “RuPaul is right there and then you’re that Jay has chosen to highlight lip-syncing for your life,” said Jay, who Jewish identity. describes his drag persona as a “Jewish That identity is very important to Jay, princess.” “It was the scariest moment whose family in Los Angeles is “very of my life.” Jewish,” he said. “Whenever I go visit Later, in the show’s individual them, we’re just throwing Yiddish at confessional, Jay laughed about possible each other all day long and laughing and “plot twists,” though as of press time Joey Jay out of and in drag. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEY JAY it’s so fun.” Jay was very close to his late it was unclear how the drama would grandmother, an Orthodox Jew, and play out. But Jay’s recent tweet, “S13 is end — to save money for a condo and His “boy hair” has drawn ire from attended virtual services at his mother’s basically just gay Saw,” seems ominous. mark time while building a drag career. other drag queens, but it’s something synagogue for the High Holidays last “It was so much and all of us were He started auditioning for “RuPaul’s he feels strongly about — and a topic he year. “It’s really nice because a lot of so taken by it, but tomorrow’s a new Drag Race” just a month after was planning to address on the show after people have their preferred pronouns and day,” he explained. “This is going to be starting drag. his runway appearance. But he wasn’t it’s very LGBT-friendly,” he said. lovely TV.” “Let me tell you, the audition process expecting to be in front of the judges One regret, however, is missing out Season 13 had other surprises thanks is very lengthy and it takes a lot of time right away. Depending on how things play on a bar mitzvah. Growing up, Jay was a to COVID-19 — including the show’s and long days — very stressful, long out, he realizes “my plan could definitely competitive figure skater and the family 12-day quarantine. days,” Jay said. go down the drain.” couldn’t afford both ice skating and a bar “Twelve days of self-isolation in a hotel His first two attempts weren’t Talking honestly and publicly about mitzvah. Jay’s grandmother advised that room, you kind of go a little crazy,” successful, and he hopes no one ever sees things that matter comes naturally to a bar mitzvah could be put off, but there Jay said. his first audition tape: “If it surfaces, it’s Jay: His social media accounts are full of was an expiration date on ice skating. Jay’s drag career began just four years not good,” he said jokingly. support for causes like Black Lives Matter. Even though Jay is “more lax” ago — and as a part-time gig at that. By But the third time was the charm. “When you get in drag you are a religiously than his grandmother, missing day, he worked as an account manager Winning a coveted place on the show so political statement — you’re not just in out on a bar mitzvah still rankles. at an educational software company in quickly isn’t the only unique thing about drag to put a wig on,” he said. “It’s your “To this day, I have not had a chance to Mesa. He only did drag on Friday nights Jay’s drag career. For one, his drag name duty to educate people about Stonewall get my bar mitzvah,” he said. “But it’s on because of his work schedule. is rather low-key. Born Joey Jadryev, and Marsha P. Johnson.” my bucket list because I know if I don’t “I really value and cherish sleep,” he he didn’t feel a more flamboyant name Given that many of the show’s fans I’m going to have guilt for all eternity for said. “It was just really hard to function would suit him. For another, Jay usually are young and impressionable, Jay said my grandmother.” JN sports his own short hair rather than an he feels a responsibility to provide a efficiently when the next day I had to sell.” elaborate wig, which is more the norm in perspective they might not otherwise get. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on The But the job was always a means to an the drag community. “Who knows what their parents are CW Network, MTV, MTV2, PopTV and Logo.

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6 JANUARY 22, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES

LOCAL

Temple Emanuel’s Racial Justice Study Group was inspired by the killing of George Floyd and the protests that followed in its wake. PHOTO BY HARRINGTON HARRIS Temple Emanuel group focuses on racial justice SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR

ackers breaking into the virtual funeral synagogues in Greater Phoenix, Castillejo said, Hservice of Vice Mayor Calvin C. Goode but with only a few members of color, RJSG to yell racist epithets on Jan. 12; the election helps her find allies “who I can talk to as a of two Georgia Democratic senators — one person of color who’s also a Jew.” Jewish and one Black; and a violent insurrec- The bonus to having “a safe space in the tion at the nation’s Capitol weren’t on the Jewish community,” she said, is that it puts official agenda of the Temple Emanuel Racial the majority-white group more at ease for Justice Study Group. what can be “difficult conversations.” When But Sally Oscherwitz, RJSG member, wasn’t the group brought up the topic of Jews of surprised that it was all anyone wanted to color, one Black member advised: “If you see talk about when the group met virtually last a Black person in temple, don’t assume that Thursday evening. they’re the help or the janitor, or that they’re After all, RJSG was formed in the tumul- lost or confused and that they need your help.” tuous days following the murder of George Other than formal assignments, discus- 42nd Floyd, when Oscherwitz called Rabbi Dean sions sometimes start more casually when one Shapiro of Temple Emanuel of Tempe and person relates a personal experience and the Anniversary asked: “What are we going to do about this?” group unpacks it. One member shared a story In answer, Shapiro, Oscherwitz and others concerning a Black employee he managed in formed RJSG to provide a safe space to discuss New York who was sometimes late to work. Special! the charged topic of racism openly and without When he finally pulled him aside to warn him Please stop by and say hi to Bruce. While you’re recrimination. about his tardiness, the Black employee had to here, meet Vince and Tara who will be carrying The group’s leaders took time to find per- explain to him, the white employer, that driv- on Bruce’s legacy of excellent customer care. tinent articles, podcasts and websites, make ing to his job in Manhattan, he had to build in reading assignments and develop talking time to be pulled over by the police, which he points. Since its first formal meeting in often was, and sometimes it took more time Save 20% on complete October, the group finished Ta-Nehisi Coates’ than he allotted. book “Between the World and Me.” That story stays with Oscherwitz. She didn’t pair of glasses The group has discussed “difficult topics” have a clear understanding of systemic racism with this coupon like the racist tropes of the angry Black woman, before, she said. Considering the hurdles one offer good thru March 31 2021 the absent Black father and Black-on-Black Black man faced and how those problems crime, as well as reasons people of color might would adversely affect his career trajectory See Our Newest Arrivals From: be suspicious of the COVID-19 vaccine based opened her eyes. Christian Dior • Jimmy Choo • Silhouette • Maui Jim Sunglasses on historic wrongs such as the Tuskegee “Even though awareness seems like a small syphilis study. thing, it’s a big thing,” Oscherwitz said. Sometimes discussion on bigger issues “When people are aware, they’re more com- We are... We can... – Not in every shopping center – Often remember your name, and always transitions into something as basic as explain- passionate, they’re more understanding and – Not on every corner greet you with a smile ing the difference between the terms “Black,” more liable to teach others.” – Never part of a large chain of stores – Treat you like family “African American” and “person of color.” RJSG also encourages its members to – Not the “biggest, cheapest, or fastest” – Take extra time Taking the time to explain why those terms support Black-owned businesses. They’ve – Not like any other optical – Special order just for you are not interchangeable rather than glossing donated to the NAACP legal fund and the – Offer the highest quality, best service, over basic misunderstandings is significant, said legal defense of Kenneth Walker, Breonna honest, reasonable values & most Chris Castillejo, a Latinx member. Taylor’s boyfriend. beautiful selection of eyewear “The way we get talking, we go into all “We don’t expect that our one little group these other places that we didn’t know we were will change the world,” Oscherwitz said, “but 32nd St. & Camelback • Biltmore Plaza going to go,” she said. if we could just change our community, that 602-957-1716 JN TAGER Conversational dynamism is only one goal. would be a start.” Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Making people feel like allies is another. Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (extended hours upon request) Temple Emanuel is one of the more diverse Additional reporting by Ellen O’Brien. OPTICAL

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 22, 2021 7 HEADLINES

LOCAL You should know ... Sarah Ventre SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR

arah Ventre is fascinated by people’s asked if we could stay in touch. I kept universality to it that I Sreligious beliefs and the profound following up and eventually he invited hadn’t quite understood impact they have on their lives and me to a Fourth of July celebration in the before. identity. Her recent podcast “Unfinished: community. That’s the first time I went I definitely knew Short Creek,” which tells the stories for a visit. what it meant to be a of members and ex-members of the It was nothing like what I expected. minority religion, where Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ There were more people who were open people don’t understand of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) on the to talking. There were a lot of stories in what you believe, and border of Arizona and Utah, was named the community that were not being told, also where your beliefs one of 2020’s best podcasts by The New and I felt very compelled to tell them. It are misrepresented or Yorker and The Atlantic, giving her a was a fascinating place that is typically misstated or taken out national profile. only talked about in a very particular way. of context frequently. But for all her work on the project, Being a religious minority Ventre didn’t start out on the religion What attracted you to the community? and then working in a beat. In college she covered music for It’s a microcosm of what’s happening in Sarah Ventre does research in a library in St. George, Utah, near community that was a very Phoenix New Times and after graduation America. They’re dealing with a lot of the Short Creek. PHOTO BY JOHN DELORE different religious minority did the same for NPR’s “All Songs same issues that we’re dealing with across a companion for them in a really awful in some ways did give me insight into Considered” in Washington, D.C. It the country. year, knowing that people connected the community. wasn’t until she was back in Phoenix I had a really complicated relationship with it and felt so strongly about it is a working as a producer and news reporter with my mom, who left me, and although really incredible honor. We’re really proud for KJZZ, the local NPR station, that she we’re in touch now, I was interested Did being Jewish create difficulties in of the thing that we made. To know found the story she would focus on for in a place where people had fractured covering members of FLDS? other people connected with it and saw more than four years. relationships with their family members, Jewish cultural norms, and the cultural themselves in it or felt strongly about it In 2016, Ventre covered the trial of how they dealt with that and how they norms that I grew up with, are in some is amazing. the U.S. Department of Justice against repaired and rebuilt relationships. ways very different from the cultural two towns on the Arizona and Utah This community was so much about norms in Short Creek, and there were What do people in Short Creek think of border — the Short Creek community belief and faith and resiliency and things that I struggled with. the podcast? — for religious discrimination. A few coming back from difficult circumstances Jews are often really straightforward I’ve heard from some people who were years earlier, FLDS made headlines with a very deep, important connection and open about talking about things — in the show that they were really happy thanks to its leader and self-proclaimed to family. even difficult things. In Short Creek there to hear it and that they thought it was a prophet, Warren Jeffs, currently serving were a lot of things that were said in a way really excellent deep dive portrayal of the a life sentence for child sexual assault. In one episode about hidden identities, that felt coded or that had subtext that community and that we got things that But his arrest didn’t end the troubles you mention hesitating at times to let I sometimes miss, or there was a certain other people hadn’t gotten before. of the polygamous church and its people know you’re Jewish. Why is that? way that people would express that they We did hear from one or two people divided community. There were times in public school that I were upset about something without who felt like it wasn’t quite right, who Ventre and her co-host, Ash Sanders, was reminded I was a minority in ways saying outright that they were upset felt like the way we describe things wasn’t don’t focus on scandal or look to score that didn’t feel good. My mom would about it, and it took me a long time to exactly fair and we didn’t get everything points on the show. They take the time have to call the school district and explain catch onto it. I still don’t feel like I catch in the way we should. It is to be expected to tell a nuanced story of an insular why having a standardized district-wide it every time. in a community that is divided and as and seemingly byzantine community. test on Yom Kippur was a problem, and Even though I grew up in Phoenix complex as that community that not Ventre even lived in Short Creek for there was some casual anti-Semitism. and was only a six-hour drive from Short everyone is going to love it. three months in order to get to know Sometimes kids just say things to get a Creek, it felt like a very different culture the people she covered and understand rise out of you, but there were times when to be immersing myself in. But I was able What are you working on next? their routines. the things said were anti-Semitic in nature to understand a lot of aspects of it, in I’m helping produce someone else’s Sanders grew up in the LDS Church, and that felt really awful. I remember some ways, better than Ash was. show, and I’m really excited about it. but Ventre was raised with a strong Jewish growing up and really feeling like, even It’s a really interesting investigative story. identity — one she developed as an active though I had a strong Jewish identity, I also want to continue working in Why did you spend three months in the member at Temple Emanuel in Tempe. that once people knew I was Jewish, insular religious communities. There home of one of the former leaders? She even described celebrating Selichot sometimes they treated me differently, is a lot of rich storytelling to be done I had always wanted to spend a lot of time while living at the former prophet’s house asked me different kinds of questions or in those communities and it’s such a there. And it was my idea to live there. I in a bonus episode. Ventre spoke with they were careful about how they talked challenge because it’s very easy to other have been reporting on Short Creek since Jewish News about how being a part of to me about certain things. It felt like those communities, or to be really a religious minority helped her bring a I had to make a decision if and when I 2016, and every time I went I felt like I sensationalist in the way that you present complicated story to light. was going to tell someone I’m Jewish, couldn’t get everything I needed in that the information. knowing that it might change the way short of a time. There were things I was I tried really hard to be mindful of that. How did you get involved with this they see me. And it took me a long time missing. The best way for me to truly I’m hoping that I’m able to continue to story? to unpack that — I still have to unpack understand it would be to spend as much work in religious communities, because In 2016, I helped cover the towns’ that sometimes. time there as possible. religion is such an interesting and rich trial for KJZZ, and I had always been I was doing a kind of mini-ethnography. way in which to tell stories — whether really interested in this community and How did that experience affect your There’s value placed on really spending someone is religious or not or whether interested in religion reporting. interaction with residents of Short time with people and learning in an they’re spiritual or not. Everybody Between court sessions, I interviewed Creek? ethnographic context. believes in something. And understanding one of the witnesses who was ex-FLDS. It was interesting being in a place where what people believe and why they I had so many questions for him, and it my identity is very different from the How does it feel to get so much praise believe it and how that drives the way they was clear that I wasn’t going to be able people that I’m spending time with. for the podcast? live their life is an incredible way to look to ask him everything all at once, so I That experience has an aspect of Knowing that people listened and it was at humanity. JN

8 JANUARY 22, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES

NATIONAL

Rabbi Jonathan Crane (lower left) discusses Jewish food ethics on an interfaith panel COURTESY OF CREATUREKIND Our assisted living is Panel discusses ethical eating, pandemic accredited for SOPHIE PANZER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER two reasons. hile working on an essay about of COVID-19 since March. Dahlan-Taylor said that the Islamic WJudaic ethics in a pandemic, Rabbi The panelists agreed that grave festival of Eid al-Adha, which is often You. And Jonathan Crane came across an ancient humanitarian and animal welfare concerns celebrated with an entire community source that caught him off guard. emerged because of the disconnect participating in and sharing a sacrifice, your family. The small vignette in the Babylonian between humans and their food. offers an opportunity for people to reflect Talmud spoke of a great third-century “We currently rely on a system on their obligations to each other as Because having the sage who declared a fast after hearing that works based on distancing humans and to non-human animals. confidence & peace of mind of a pestilence spreading among pigs, and concealment,” said Magfirah Carter said the pandemic made him maintaining that the disease could spread Dahlan-Taylor, an instructor of reflect more critically about how his eating of accreditation to humans because of similarities between philosophy and world religions at Craven habits aligned with his Christian ethics. is important. the two species’ organs. Community College. He acknowledged that changing eating The vignette surprised Crane, a scholar habits, which often follow centuries-old That’s why La Siena is accredited in bioethics and Jewish thought at HUMANITARIAN AND traditions, could be challenging. by CARF International, Emory University Center for Ethics, for He advised leaders to start conversations several reasons. ANIMAL WELFARE by inviting people to tell stories about an independent organization “First, there is concern about the CONCERNS EMERGED why they choose to eat the way they do. that sets exceedingly high spillover effect of diseases crossing species Once people started thinking critically standards for care & service. long before germ theory took hold BECAUSE OF THE about their habits, it would become easier among naturalists and scientists in the DISCONNECT to see how food choices can be changed We think you’ll find that late 19th century,” he said. “Second, this to align more closely with religious values. our accreditation is only one concern about zoonotic diseases is found BETWEEN HUMANS Crane said the vignette from the of the many reasons to in religious resources, and not in medical AND THEIR FOOD. Talmud illustrated the interconnectedness or public health instructions, or in secular of food systems in the ancient world. Even take a good look at La Siena. essays on farming.” though Jews did not eat pigs, they were Rev. Christopher Carter, assistant Crane spoke about the ancient sage’s still impacted by others’ choices to do so professor, assistant chair and department urgent response to a disease among and had to grapple with uncomfortable Please call diversity officer of theology and religious animals as part of “Animals, Religion, and conversations that arose as a result. studies at University of San Diego, .. today Public Health: An Interfaith Webinar.” “Who am I, to talk about your dietary said the hazardous conditions facing to schedule your The Jan. 13 virtual event explored how patterns? Yet, this is precisely one of religious perspectives could be used meat processing workers at Tyson the points of these sources and our personalized tour. to address the flaws the pandemic has food plants showed how even when conversation today: your eating practices revealed in the food industry and to food corporations take pride in their inexorably impact me, and everyone else, prevent future outbreaks. essential status during the pandemic, and vice versa,” he said. Moderator Rev. Aline Silva noted that the essential labor and humanity of their He added that the laws of kashrut the crowded, filthy conditions of factory employees is often rendered invisible by primed Jews to think about righteous INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING ADERS’ C farms contributed to the emergence systemic racism. RE HO 20 IC 0 E eating and communal values. Jewish 2 of drug-resistant superbugs, and that So, what is to be done? and non-Jewish communities alike, he scientists had discovered that swine and Dan McKanan, Ralph Waldo Emerson 2 noted, could identify their core values and N E bird flu evolved on farms. Unitarian Universalist senior lecturer at D P L A C choose to eat in ways that uphold them. She reminded viewers of the hazardous Harvard Divinity School, argued that The event was organized by 909 E. Northern Avenue working conditions facing workers while food is traditionally treated as an CreatureKind, Jewish Initiative For in meat processing plants, many of individual choice, meaningful change Phoenix, AZ whom are poor, Black and brown or could only be achieved if it was considered Animals, Shamayim Jewish Animal 602.635.2602 a communal act with ramifications for Advocacy and Unitarian Universalist immigrants without other employment LaSienaSeniorLiving.com options. According to the Food and others. His fellow panelists agreed, citing Animal Ministry. JN

traditions from their own faith that EQUAL HOUSING Environmental Reporting Network, more Sophie Panzer is a staff writer for Jewish Exponent, OPPORTUNITY than 200 meatpacking workers have died illustrated this point. a Jewish News-affiliated publication.

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 22, 2021 9 HEADLINES

NATIONAL How did American Jewish names come to be? JESSE BERNSTEIN | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

here is a story typically told about the a rebuke to the Ellis Island story — be of a much more recent vintage. Jewish surnames, she’s also able to Tmanner in which Jewish names and “Fermaglich” represents a relative’s own What Fermaglich found in her research shed some light on their first names. naming practices developed in the United adjustment to an even more unwieldy was that it was frequently Jews themselves Many (though not all) American Jews States, especially as it regards surnames. Polish Jewish name. who, uncoerced, chose to adopt surnames have a separate Hebrew name, one that Unscrupulous Ellis Island immigration Fermaglich is a historian of Jewish that sanded down the sharper, more might only be used within the walls of agents, the conventional wisdom goes, studies at Michigan State University, obviously Jewish edges into softer a synagogue or some other religious saw a jumbled mass of unpronounceable where she’s taught since 2001. In 2018, American nubs. context. Though this may appear to Jewish surnames and, with the stroke of Fermaglich published “A Rosenberg by Entry into the marketplace and higher be another development of American a pen, made sure that the names never Any Other Name: A History of Jewish education could be made easier for assimilation, Fermaglich said, the practice made the journey with their bearers. Name Changing in America,” seeking Jewish men and women without a name of maintaining a second name for religious Names that ended in -wicz became -witz, to complicate the typical conception of so obviously Semitic. And entering into purposes predates American Jewry. What -ski became -sky, Meir became Meyer. American Jewish naming practices. the social circles of non-Jewish Americans changed in the U.S., she noted, was that Ethnic specificity, wiped out in the name For starters, Fermaglich noted, the could be a much smoother exercise, many the mutating role of women in religious of enforced assimilation. surnames that Jews changed as they came Jewish immigrants and their descendants contexts sparked questions about the According to Kirsten Fermaglich, to America from Europe were often fairly found, by adopting their names. In this utility of having a Hebrew name. one of the few scholars in the world to new — most Jews didn’t start using last way, name changes became a route to But secular, English first names, like devote serious study to American Jewish names until the 19th century, when the middle-class respectability for Jews who surnames, were often chosen as another naming practices, the real yarn is quite a development of modern states began desperately sought it. manner of assimilation, Fermaglich said. bit knottier, and quite a bit longer. Just to require the practice. And though One doesn’t need to be a scholar Mendel, Menachem and Lev became for starters, she challenges the timeline of some countries were fairly permissive of American Jewry to infer that this Milton, Morris and Louis over a few that commonly told story. in allowing Jews to choose their own practice was not without controversy generations. What happened, however, “It’s important to me not to see name surnames, restrictions were quickly among American Jews, who argued was that the speed of anti-Semitism was changing as completely a product of the applied in order to mark certain names as bitterly about how much was too much such that these seemingly innocuous immigration process,” Fermaglich said. Jewish. So the precious surnames of the when it came to pragmatic assimilation. names soon became marked as Jewish “Because actually, for a lot of Jews, it Ellis Island story may not have been held Fermaglich, according to The Jewish names, imperiling their originally happens as a product of American anti- so preciously or for so long. Standard, unearthed letters to the editor designated purpose. What was meant Semitism, rather than as a product of Some of those names, like Cohen in both general and Jewish magazines that to be the absence of ethnicity instead natural immigration and whatever people and Levy, predate the widespread use featured fiery back-and-forth between became a clear sign of it. JN think of as Americanization.” of surnames, as they served a religious American Jews on the subject. Even her own name, Fermaglich function, but your Feinsteins, Goldbergs Though Fermaglich’s research is Jesse Bernstein is a staff writer for Jewish recently told The Jewish Standard, is and Horowitzs, for example, are likely to focused on the development of American Exponent, a Jewish News-affiliated publication.

Kirsten Fermaglich’s 2018 book, “A Rosenberg by Any Other Name: A History of Jewish Name Changing in America,” complicates the story of Ellis Island name changes. Emigrants landing at Ellis Island, New York. PHOTOS.COM / GETTY IMAGES PLUS COURTESY OF NYU PRESS

10 JANUARY 22, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM HEADLINES

NATIONAL Jamie Geller partners with Aish Global for new media initiative

TOBY KLEIN GREENWALD

osher Queen” Jamie Geller is “Ktaking on a new challenge. The author of seven bestselling cookbooks and the founder and CEO of Kosher Network International (KNi), Geller is partnering with Aish Global to create a new media network. The partnership was announced on Chanukah during a live candle lighting ceremony and concert viewed by over 100,000 people at the Aish World Center across from the Kotel. Geller — whose personality-driven KNi, the parent company of jamiegeller. com and @jewlishbyjamie, draws millions of followers through a strong social media presence with thousands of recipes and viral how-to videos — attributes much of her success to her upbringing. “I have such gratitude for my background. There were so many successes that came out of it,” she said. “I grew up in a very healthy, robust, well- attended Conservative synagogue. I had a strong background in [Jewish] education, and Zionism was preached and adopted Jamie Geller lights the menorah with her daughter at the Aish World Center during the Facebook Live announcement of the partnership. there; there was a huge love for Israel.” PHOTO BY TODD ROSENBLATT After attending New York University, Geller worked at CNN and HBO. and a tremendous cook; they called him is to connect 3 million Jews around the society and I think there was value for “I was on the sets of TV shows, on ‘Chefu,’ not ‘Dad,’ which means ‘chef’ world to their Jewish identity “through the culture in the society at that time. I film sets, met celebrities,” she said. in Romanian. My parents emigrated from cutting-edge, quality, professional and learned a lot from that experience.” “My mother was so nervous that after Transylvania to Pennsylvania in 1964. commercially viable Jewish entertainment Working on those projects gave her everything she did — sending me to a “Then my husband taught me how and edutainment,” Geller said. “The insight that she’d use later. Jewish school and shul and Camp Ramah to cook. He’s a dream, he worked in programs will be stratified — covering a “When I became religious, I was crying, in the Poconos my whole Jewish life — I catering, his whole family cooked. To this diverse range of topics.” wondering, ‘Why did I waste 10 years of would meet a non-Jewish guy.” day, he’s my sous chef.” The visionary and architect of the plan, my life? How would this be relevant to me She needn’t have worried. While she was on maternity leave said Geller, was Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits, now?’ But it has been the most relevant “I went to singles events run by from HBO, Geller wrote a cookbook the rosh yeshiva of the Aish HaTorah professional experience, for everything Rebbetzin [Esther] Jungreis and to the at her husband’s urging. “It became an Yeshiva in Jerusalem. I have done. That career and specific Aish New York Monday parshah class, autobiography — how I married, made “We hope to reach Jews who are professional experience and expertise has where they would try to make the parshas mistakes in the kitchen — and I needed so far living without any Judaism in opened every single door.” relevant to your life,” she recalled. “I recipes, so I wrote those after I wrote their lives. Maybe they’re Jewish by Now, the Gellers don’t even have a TV loved it and it moved me, and I went to an the book.” birth, maybe they identify, maybe not,” in their home. “But I do keep my ear Aish Discovery Shabbaton, and it was 20 That book was “Quick & Kosher — Geller explained. “Aish is not looking to the ground and make sure that I’m years to this year, on Parshat Miketz, that Recipes From the Bride Who Knew for ownership. They have a spirit of informed and watch elements of whatever I decided I wanted to become shomer Nothing.” collaboration and inclusion and the goal is is trending in streaming programming,” Shabbos. I knew all the davening, so I was “I had called a Jewish publisher but they to find, to help, to support and to partner Geller said. “I often go outside of comfortable in Hebrew, from school.” declined a meeting with me because they with the talent that is out there.” the Jewish world to my network of After a decade-long career as an award- were already committed to a different “We see the enthusiasm for the [Netflix contacts when it comes to production winning TV producer and marketing cookbook author, so I called Feldheim series] ‘Unorthodox,’ which wasn’t ‘sold’ and marketing.” executive, Geller’s second career as Publishers and said, ‘I’m a producer at to Jewish audiences,” she added. “It all She will surely do some of that in her celebrity chef was somewhat unexpected HBO, can I have a meeting?’ and I got starts with quality content. … People will new role with Aish. The organization — especially given that before she was it. They printed 10,000 copies and they come if the content is compelling, creative is looking forward to having Geller married, she used her oven in Manhattan sold out in a few weeks. It’s now in its and entertaining.” onboard. for storage. seventh printing, and has been translated Geller knows a little bit about “This is an initiative for and by the “We were newlyweds and my husband to Hebrew.” compelling content. Before she started Jewish people,” said Aish CEO Rabbi said, ‘What’s for dinner?’ and I said, ‘I Now, many books and 1 billion video KNi, Geller worked on some big hits, Steven Burg. This isn’t about building don’t know. You tell me!”’ Geller said. views later, Geller is known for being including “Sex in the City” and “The up Aish. This is about building and “My grandparents on both sides were able to connect with a Jewish audience Sopranos.” improving the world.” JN amazing chefs. One was a proprietor — which is precisely why Aish Global “Regarding “Sex in the City,” I was a of his own unbelievable restaurant. My pulled her in and made her their chief single girl living in Manhattan. It certainly Toby Klein Greenwald is an award-winning grandmother had a natural gift. On the media and marketing officer. The goal of wasn’t my life, but it spoke to so many, it journalist, theater director and editor-in-chief of other side, my grandfather was a butcher the partnership, over the next 10 years, had its finger on the pulse of culture and WholeFamily.com.

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 22, 2021 11 OPINION Editorials A brief delay of an impeachment trial is a good thing

n apocryphal story has George out of office is better than if the trial had impeachment. There is no place in our were afraid to vote for impeachment AWashington explaining to Thomas been hurried. Emotions will have cooled. democracy for such intimidation, and it because they feared for their families’ Jefferson that a bicameral Congress is the Additional time will enable senators must be addressed. With their orchestrated safety to come forward. And we join superior model because the Senate will be to consider things more thoughtfully, attack, malevolent messaging, displayed conservative columnist Jennifer Rubin, the “saucer” where the “hot tea” from with a clear understanding of Trump’s weaponry and execution scaffolding, who wrote in The Washington Post: “If the more politically tempestuous House these complaints about fear are legitimate, of Representatives can “cool.” Although lawmakers committed a gross dereliction saucers have largely gone the way of knee of duty by not coming forward with the breaches and powdered wigs, the analogy information and by casting votes contrary fits the current impeachment process that to their oaths. And if they really were Congress is considering. THE FACT THAT THE SENATE cowed into voting with the mob, they Despite criticism that it moved too fast, WILL NOT TAKE UP THE CHARGE should consider leaving public life.” the House did the right thing in acting There must be a full accounting for quickly to consider and pass an article of AGAINST TRUMP UNTIL AFTER HE IS the attempted coup and Trump’s role impeachment charging former President in it. This is a pivotal moment in our Donald Trump with “incitement of OUT OF OFFICE IS BETTER THAN IF nation’s history, and Congress has insurrection” for his role in the deadly the responsibility to address it fully. Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Ten Republicans THE TRIAL HAD BEEN HURRIED. Many worry that President Biden, with joined Democrats in the 232 to 197 significant issues already on his plate, vote. Just days earlier, all of those voting shouldn’t be distracted by the past, and experienced the insurrection firsthand needs Congress fully focused on his — from under their desks or from safe healing agenda. We disagree. While we locations where they were sheltered — as actions, their implications and the need the white supremacists who attacked want the new president to hit the ground people died nearby. for possible punishment. the Capitol are a clear danger. And it is running, the Senate should be able to This is the hot tea of impeachment that We are troubled by the concern for troubling that law enforcement appears conduct all of its legislative duties even as the House will hand to the Senate. The the safety of Republican legislators who to have been slow to recognize the full it fulfills its constitutional responsibility to fact that the Senate will not take up the opposed Trump’s contentions of election threat of right-wing terrorism. conduct an impeachment trial. If they’re charge against Trump until after he is fraud and conspiracy, and voted for his We call upon any Republicans who not up to the job, they should resign. JN

Sheldon Adelson’s legacy

n the worlds of philanthropic and wrote last week. “Adelson proved his the Zionist Organization of America, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Ipolitical giving, Sheldon Adelson was ability to bankroll candidates, campaigns among others. He was also seen as one and Israeli-American Council, and a generational figure. He was a man and causes of his liking.” of the driving forces behind some of active in AIPAC, until it recommended of extraordinary wealth who invested Adelson’s influence — and his access to Trump’s pro-Israel policies, including the flexibility on the Palestinians, which heavily in causes in which he believed, the centers of power — gave him a voice move of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, Adelson opposed. and he never faltered under the scrutiny in his other great cause, the State of Israel, recognition of the Golan Heights and Adelson was joined in his philanthropy or criticism of some of his choices. Quite by his wife, Miriam, a physician, who simply, the man described broadly as “the is expected to carry on his support of casino magnate” put his money where his numerous Israeli educational, social mouth was, and made a difference. WHILE ADELSON WAS BEST and political programs and a wide When he died last week at age 87, variety of charitable organizations and the causes Adelson was best known for KNOWN FOR HIS POLITICAL ACTIVITY, programs in the United States. And while — the presidency of Donald Trump, HIS FAMILY FOUNDATION'S INVOLVEMENT Adelson was best known for his political the Republican Party and the Israel of activity, his Adelson Family Foundation’s Benjamin Netanyahu — were all at a IN PROGRAMS PROMOTING EDUCATION involvement in programs promoting delicate inflection point. education and health care could be With a reported net worth of $35 AND HEALTH CARE COULD BE AMONG among his most lasting legacy. billion — a fortune built on an empire of One doesn’t have to agree with casinos and resort hotels — Adelson was HIS MOST LASTING LEGACY. everything that Adelson did or supported a major force in the Republican Party, in order to appreciate the magnitude having supported prominent Republicans of his impact. Adelson’s example of like President George W. Bush, Mitt and particularly the Greater Israel vision the U.S. exit from the Iran nuclear deal. commitment and activism, and the Romney and Newt Gingrich, and was of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Adelson was also a major supporter of good that has come from so many of the largest single backer of the Trump He was a major backer of Netanyahu the Jewish identity-building phenomenon the causes he supported, reminds us campaign in 2016, and again in 2020. and his Likud Party, bankrolled the pro- Taglit-Birthright Israel — the program of the difference each of us can make, “Few have wielded so much influence Netanyahu newspaper Israel Hayom, responsible for more than 600,000 particularly in this time of turmoil inside the Republican Party without and was the most significant funder of young Jews visiting Israel over the past and uncertainty. having run for office,” Time magazine the Republican Jewish Coalition and two decades — along with Yad Vashem, May his memory be a blessing. JN

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

12 JANUARY 22, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM OPINION Commentary Honoring my Catholic roots in Israel

NATASHA PEREIRA | JNS.ORG childhood and adolescence in comfort. Master of Laws and Doctor of Juridical Excited to build and embrace a We could also reach for and achieve Science, Yehonatan delved into the permanent Jewish identity, I began the t may seem opportunities that were never opened to local Jewish community as a way to challenging conversion process. My Icounterintuitive, my parents. In 2013, my sister became feel closer to his home. I accompanied conversion was a seismic event in my but my aliyah the first person in our family to receive a him during these events, gaining my life. It pushed me to new limits of self- journey would not master’s degree. In 2018, I became the first substantial exposure to Judaism, reflection and showed me how much the have been possible first person to attend and graduate from its culture, traditions, religion and people in my life loved me. My parents without my Catholic law school. history. I was fascinated. I was moved. I and sister supported me, adjusting their upbringing. My sister and I operated in a life was enamored. usual lifestyles so that there would now The daughter paved by parents’ efforts, but we were When Yehonatan went back to Israel, I be room for my Jewish one. If one life- of Portuguese and also instilled with their values of missed him but I also missed the vibrant changing event was not enough, I then Italian immigrants, determination, optimism and hard work. Jewish community he had introduced decided to move to Israel. I am a first-generation American. Like It is these tenets that supported my me to. Although lacking my Jewish Although I am still coming to terms many, my parents came to the United with how rapidly my life has changed, States in pursuit of the American Dream. HAD YOU TOLD ME 10 YEARS AGO THAT I believe my path honors my parents’ Leaving small agrarian communities immigration legacy. My mother and father in Western Europe, they arrived in I WOULD BE CONVERTING TO JUDAISM fought for a life where their children could the United States with their respective AND MOVING TO ISRAEL, I WOULD HAVE pursue their truths and be happy. families to make a new home in Boston’s That freedom has led me here to Israel. North End. LAUGHED AT YOUR WILD IMAGINATION. It has allowed me to make what Natan They didn’t know anyone. They didn’t Sharansky calls an “aliyah of choice” — an speak English. They didn’t know how this decision to come to Israel and start a new liaison, I continued to participate in aliyah that is done not because I wish to gamble to move across the world would chapter of my life. the Charlottesville Jewish community, escape the place I am from but is done for materialize in the end. Yet, despite these Had you told me 10 years ago that always finding a warm welcome and deep ideological purposes. hurdles, the promise of a better life fueled I would be converting to Judaism and learning at the local Chabad House. Like all new olim during this them to make this new American life work. moving to Israel, I would have laughed This Jewish community was no longer surreal COVID-19 era, it was not the And so, they did. My grandparents, at your wild imagination. But as I a group I tagged along to join, but easiest aliyah experience. Government parents and their siblings worked disembarked from the United Airlines something that fed my soul. I would get offices were closed, most documents tirelessly in restaurants and bakeries to plane last week with Nefesh B’Nefesh and goosebumps when people sang “Shalom had to be sent by snail mail, and an construct better lives for themselves and touched down in Tel Aviv, that is exactly Aleichem,” I felt a harmony between my influx of immigration interest caused future generations. what I have done. worldview and the principles espoused new documentation requirements. My sister and I are the personification This unexpected trajectory was put in my Torah lessons, and I felt a deep But like my conversion, I often shy of my family’s American Dream. As a into motion when I met my fiancé, admiration for the resilience and courage away from the easy path. With the result of their sacrifices and conviction, Yehonatan, at the University of Virginia of the Jewish people. A special and we were able to experience and enjoy our School of Law. As an Israeli pursuing his unexpected awakening was happening. SEE PEREIRA, PAGE 14 We must do more to protect essential workers

DORIT SASSON

ith the threat store environments, it’s even more support and of being in this together their obligations and dangers. Wof a renewed necessary to require closer monitoring. may help limit increases in loneliness.” There are some essential workers coronavirus Establishing a “good neighbor policy” I look forward to seeing what will be who feel that at the end of the day, outbreak, essential triage system of checking in on each other revealed in future studies of companies all companies really only care about is workers are even is what’s needed right now to create a that decide to implement such “good increased efficiency and revenue. Even more needed on the sense of community. This cost-effective, neighbor policies.” as we’re hoping for favorable outcomes front lines. Every easy-to-implement strategy begins with Our government needs a better with the vaccine rollout, our human day, our essential management asking their employees understanding of these essential workers supply chain is breaking and crumbling. employees risk their daily, “Are you OK? Is there anything — from retail to medical establishments We are not talking about keeping up lives to protect ours. Our nation has a you need?” and particularly those in customer-facing with the supply chain of toilet paper responsibility to protect the health and Embracing the notion that we’re all roles and the risks they face. Emerging or wipes. If anything, after a renewed financial stability of these heroes and in this together will, I hope, create a research shows that these workers are outbreak globally with more than 1 their families. stronger sense of community, especially five times as likely to test positive as million reported deaths worldwide, this As the wife of an essential worker, I in retail and medical environments where their colleagues in other positions, pandemic will have taught us the fragility deeply understand the risks that these workers may be trapped in their feelings which raises the question of whether of the human supply chain. essential workers face every day. They of loneliness due to the stress and fear of essential workers potentially exposed to Our essential workers are the heart of are trapped in what I refer to as a potentially being exposed to the disease. COVID-19 can manage coronavirus- our global economy, and without them, “psychological malaise” stemming But all too often, these vulnerable workers related health impacts in their own lives. our retail, grocery and hospital systems from fear of exposure. They are asking end up “playing it safe” for fear of losing Already, many of them are at an economic would not exist. Since our essential themselves, “Have I already been exposed their jobs. disadvantage — generally earning lower workers risk their lives every day to to the disease? Will I need to take a Establishing an “I’ve got your back” wages and carrying less health-related protect others, our nation and individual COVID test? Is it possible that I could die community-wide system could be great insurance. Because of their high risk of companies should speak up and show from complications? What will this mean news for mental health, as research exposure, our country should regard them how much they matter. JN for my family? For my job?” demonstrates an increase in mental health COVID-19 essential workers similar Dorit Sasson is a certified SEO content strategist Because it’s difficult to adequately issues. Recent case studies have shown to trained military professionals and and writing coach. Her new memoir is “Sand and measure the risks, especially in grocery that “the feeling of increased social offer a benefits package that represents Steel: The Spiritual Journey Home.”

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 22, 2021 13 RELIGIOUS LIFE

TORAH STUDY SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING JAN. 22 - 5:32 P.M. Be true to yourself JAN. 29 - 5:39 P.M. PARSHAH BO surroundings. That should not change The sages tell us that those who went SHABBAT ENDS EXODUS 10:1-13:16 who they are. Even as they develop and out of Egypt are those who were not JAN. 23 - 6:31 P.M. grow, hopefully becoming better people, afraid to live as a Jew and did not change. RABBI GAVRIEL GOETZ JAN. 30 - 6:37 P.M. they can stay true to themselves. They You may be surprised to know that will simply be improving and building not all the Jews came out of Egypt. The ransitions of on their past. others passed away during the plague of any kind are When the Jewish people faced dramatic darkness so the Egyptians should not see Find area congregations at jewishaz.com, where T you can also find our 2020 Community Directory. difficult, and we change, they also stayed true to themselves the Jews dying. Why? These Jews were must consider the in amazing ways. During their greatest not true to themselves and got pulled best way to make transition, from slavery in Egypt to into the Egyptian culture and wanted to it through them while still being true to freedom, they stayed true to themselves stay in Egypt. yeshiva during these times in his uniform. who we are. and served the creator who made them I would like to share a personal example Rabbi Kulefsky made sure to remain One big transition for any young into a nation. of someone who was always true to himself when he was on the army base person happens when they leave home The sages in the Talmud tell us of the himself: my rebbe, Rabbi Yakov Moshe too. He always had piles of books of to go to college or even abroad to Israel. merit of the righteous women who were Kulefsky, of blessed memory, was always Sefarim/Judaica next to his bed and I sought advice from the high school in that generation, [the children of] Israel true to himself. He was in the U.S. would try find any light left on in order seniors in our school about how they are were redeemed from Egypt (B. Talmud Army during World War II. He had to study late into the night. May he preparing to face the big transition that Sotah 11b). The women never changed. been drafted near the end of the war serve as an example for us to persevere will happen when they graduate. They They always believed and did what was while he was attending Yeshiva Torah and always be true to ourselves and answered that they will need to be true to necessary to build the Jewish home, the Vada’as and was stationed in the our Judaism. themselves no matter what happens. That Talmud explains. United States. As we go through changes and is a good answer for all of us. “And there they became a nation” On days off he was allowed to go back transitions in life and the world, we Jews These students learned values from Minor Pesikta, Devarim (Ki Tavo). The to yeshiva, but he always had to wear his must know what our values are and be their families growing up. A young Israelites were distinct in their clothing, uniform. This rule applied even during true to who we are and our history. Let’s person going to Israel might worry their food and language. All of it was different Shabbos and the holidays. He could stay true to ourselves. JN environment could change who they are, from the Egyptians. They were identified often be found studying during his time but they will still have their relationships and known as a separate nation, apart off in the yeshiva study hall wearing his Rabbi Gavriel Goetz is head of school at Yeshiva and be the same person no matter the new from the Egyptians. uniform. He even taught classes in the High School of Arizona.

YATOM and the importance of working PEREIRA within the Jewish community CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

JESSIELYN HIRSCHL Knowing that this network was not only information, it is the core group of like-minded perseverance and determination inherited focused on adopting and fostering, but that it individuals that keeps us wanting to come back from my family, I have worked very ’ve known I wanted was rooted in Judaism was an immediate draw and explore more. It is the Jewish connection hard to be where I am today, and this Ito adopt for as long for us. Ultimately, we believe it is the reason we that sets the stage for a safe environment, resolve makes me confident in the as I can remember. were finally ready to start doing the research where there is no question, worry or doubt decisions that I’ve made. From a young age and move forward with our journey. that cannot be shared. Each person or couple in I am currently in isolation in my new it was something I No other programs seemed to align with our this group is in a different stage in their journey. apartment in Tel Aviv. While staring at voiced to my parents values of building a Jewish home. Especially My husband and I appreciate this set-up. the same walls day in and out can be and friends. When I considering that many children available for Since we are at the very beginning of our dreary, my fiancé’s friends and family have met my husband we spoke about it often, but adoption or fostering are not Jewish, we journey, we are not only able to learn from bombarded me with food and desserts — we found it hard to do the research. Welcoming needed support in figuring out how to go the professionals who are available to teach us, making it clear that the sense of Jewish a child into your home is, after all, a huge about this process and welcome a child while but we are also able to learn from those in the community I felt back in the United States endeavor. Each time we would get interested, not turning our backs on our core values. group who are further along in the process or is very much alive and well here, too. we would soon become overwhelmed by the This program offered the community we so who have already welcomed a child into their Naturally, my journey to make a life in amount of information on the internet. desperately needed when taking such a big step. home. These are our biggest cheerleaders who, Israel is not yet complete. I am grateful and honored to have been offered a How would we pick an agency? How would My husband and I are about halfway whether they know it or not, are giving us the litigation position at a British law firm. we know when we’re ready? Would we even through the program now and our eyes confidence to succeed. Of course, this opportunity comes with be accepted? For so many reasons we put it have truly been opened. There is so much to Whether it be adoption, fostering or its own challenge as I will need to study off, until we heard about the YATOM Family learn, and this program has given us a great another milestone in your life, the importance for my solicitor’s qualifying exam. Yet, like Fellowship Program. foundation to better understand what we need of looking within the Jewish community for everything beforehand, I truly believe that YATOM: The Jewish Foster & to consider before taking the big step. Our support is imperative. YATOM not only shares with hard work and determination I will Adoption Network is inspired by the Torah cohort meets every other month and we not the tools and resources one needs to enter the commandment to love and protect vulnerable only get the opportunity to check in with one surpass this obstacle, thus taking another world of adoption and fostering, but they build step closer to building a viable and happy children. This organization works to advocate another and learn about our journeys, we also a support system rooted in Judaism. for the needs of orphans, children needing life here in Israel. hear from dedicated professionals. This experience has continued to prove to temporary homes and adoptive families. The Since 1948, the ability for every Jew to To date we have heard from the executive us something that we have valued for most of program specifically strives to motivate and come to Israel is truly a blessing. While director of a local adoption agency, studied our lives: You can always count on the Jewish support Jewish families and individuals in their I’m new to this yearning for “home,” I’m the Jewish commentary on the importance community to help and support you. When journey of adopting and/or fostering children. so glad that I’m finally here and eagerly of adoption and fostering with Rabbi looking for a place to start, always start within While the program is based in Arizona, Yanklowitz and learned about the different await to see what my future holds. In the Jewish community. JN having been founded by Rabbi Dr. Shmuly stages of child development from a the meantime, I am excited to be an Israeli-in-training. JN Yanklowitz, it is open to Jewish families and developmental pediatrician. Jessielyn Hirschl and her husband, Jared Hirschl, individuals throughout the country. Through all of the great speakers and are part of YATOM’s Family Fellowship fifth cohort. Natasha Pereira made aliyah on Dec. 30, 2020.

14 JANUARY 22, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM SPECIAL SECTION

CAMP & SCHOOL GUIDE Scottsdale woman brings Challenge Island to Northeast Valley Jessica Nathan teaches a lesson with SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR Challenge Island PHOTO BY JESSICA NATHAN

essica Nathan didn’t plan for a teaching The mainstays of the program are the Jcareer. Growing up Jewish in Bogota, thematic island sessions that lend the program Colombia, Nathan moved to the United States its name. One session consists of eight or for school, earning a master’s degree in social more classes focused on a unique destination. work. That was the path she assumed she “We take the kiddos on an imaginary would stay on. Eventually, she grew restless journey to Tel Aviv where they learn about and looked for a change. Israel,” she said, explaining one recent After moving from city to city, she finally session. For that destination, Nathan teaches settled in Scottsdale where she stumbled on facts about geography, clothing, music and Challenge Island. The educational enrichment art. Then she turns to weather patterns and program spoke to her, and she felt inspired by what the implications are for the nation’s a new sense of mission. water resources. The students even discuss the Nathan loved the concept immediately, basics of how to build an irrigation system. calling it the “most well-rounded educational “Through that process you’re learning program” she’s encountered. Both her earlier about the engineering of building an career in social work and her transition to irrigation system and the science behind it,” educator were inspired by her own Jewish she said. “But we also talked about culture education and its emphasis on community. and geography so they come out learning Challenge Island was developed by a Jewish about a lot of different topics.” educator, Sharon Duke Estroff, while she was One local parent, Jennifer Flores, gave still teaching second grade in Atlanta. That also the program high marks and said her two proved a draw for Nathan. Along with being children enjoyed the destination themes. founder and CEO of Challenge Island, Estroff Now her youngest, who “loved learning that is a syndicated Jewish parenting columnist engineers are creative,” has added it to her list and author. She franchised her educational of possible careers. enrichment program in 2003. Nathan’s There are also shorter “island getaways” territory is now Northeast Maricopa County. that can be part of private events or parties The STEAM-based program is not directed as well as school workshops or in-school at Jewish kids, but “there’s a little bit of field trips. Judaism sprinkled in,” in terms of additional While each session has a different theme, programming ideas around the Jewish “at the center of it is really science, technology, holidays, explained Nathan. engineering, arts and math,” Nathan said. But it isn’t just that or the focus on science “That’s the core of what we do with kiddos.” and technology that Nathan finds compelling. Challenge Island is academic, but Nathan “It is a mindset” students learn that will lead said another important aspect is social. The SUMMER 2021 them to successful futures, she said. kids work in groups to solve challenges. The program’s central idea is that by They communicate, problem solve, acquire REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! enriching a school’s current classes with a leadership skills, and the hope is that this STEAM curriculum it will help them develop will bolster them emotionally as well Camp Daisy and Harry Stein is Arizona’s only residential Jewish summer camp! important skills geared towards the future. as academically. Challenge Island emphasizes collaboration, Nathan didn’t start offering Challenge tion beth critical thinking and flexibility and uses project- ga is Island until after the coronavirus re ra g e n l o ’s based learning. pandemic began. c The program is taught in after-school “I knew that I was going to have a bit classes, but it also extends to camps and offers of an uphill climb,” she said. She remains private lessons for small groups. It presents undaunted though, because Challenge Island challenges that students must meet with moved quickly with virtual sessions. whatever resources they have at hand. “There’s a million virtual offerings, but Before COVID-19, some of those resources there’s nothing like Challenge Island,” would be provided in person. Now that the Nathan said. “After a challenge you’ve program is virtual, students have to get creative learned 20 different things, and there’s not with whatever they can find at home. a lot of programs than can offer that.” JN For more information, contact: [email protected] “It’s a really cool life lesson,” Nathan said. or call 480-951-0323 • www.campstein.org “It’s not just teaching words in a class, but To learn more, visit: challenge-island.com/ something they carry with them after.” phoenix-northeast-valley/

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 22, 2021 15 SPECIAL SECTION Educatiion Pr th E ogr ut am CAMP & SCHOOL GUIDE Yo CBI’s musical dinosaur makes happy FREE Pre-K Jewish YEP! Class starting on January 24th memories CBI Chanukah drive-in event with David the Dino Pre-K Meets SHANNON LEVITT | MANAGING EDITOR PHOTO COURTESY OF CANTOR SETH ETTINGER Once a Month on Sunday Mornings antor Seth Ettinger of Congregation Beth same time he was keeping them connected to CIsrael spends his days leading people of all Shabbat and Jewish music, he was also using K-8th ages in song. Talking about music, creating the opportunity to learn more about their Grade music and helping others find meaning in musical tastes in order to write songs that music animates him. As a cantor, it’s all an would genuinely appeal to them. K-8 Meets Two Sundays a integral part of his life. After three months of virtual research, he was Month during But the role music plays in memory and ready to write. He wrote songs incorporating the school year connection — especially for children — moves elements of secular rock ’n’ roll, country and him on a deeply personal level. hip hop. He wanted to expose them to every Currently all sessions are via Zoom. Exciting Leadership Training Program for post Some of the earliest Jewish memories kids type of music. “At the root, no type of music B’nai Mitzvah with Rabbi and Ian Shore! have is the happiness that comes from music should be taboo,” he said. “All music and all and songs they hear and sing during Shabbat, musical genres could be sacred.” Ettinger said. After arriving at CBI three years “Recording original songs, and mixing ago, he felt that although the kids were singing in genres like hip hop was especially fun a lot of songs, they weren’t participating in because we were able to mimic some of the Shabbat as fully as he suspected they could. improvisation we do when we perform for Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman • Administrator, Renee Joffe Along with Erik Rendelman, CBI youth kids in person,” Rendelman added. “David 602-369-7667 • congregationkehillah.org [email protected] advisor, Ettinger began experimenting. They the Dino is here to stay at CBI.” 5858 E Dynamite Blvd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 focused on the energy levels of songs to create Ettinger kept the lyrics simple so kids can an upbeat atmosphere. They hoped to take the remember and sing them after listening to kids on an emotional journey that wouldn’t the songs once or twice. “I loved the idea of overwhelm them. bringing the silliness and fun of a CBI Tot “When kids actually have an avenue to get Shabbat into the kitchens, cars and bedrooms their giggles out without being told to be of our students,” said Rendelman. quiet, it’s very empowering for a toddler,” The “Shabbam Jam!” album that was Ettinger said. “Knowing that they won’t be the product of these efforts makes Shabbat reprimanded or put down for wanting to accessible to kids any time they need it, be how they are shows someone is actually Ettinger said. listening to them.” Additionally, “the happiness associated with Rendelman agreed that the key is energy. these songs will be at the core of their Jewish “Being able to come together with families identity,” he said. every Friday morning to share a sweet, rowdy An extra benefit, according to Ettinger, is the Shabbat together in our chapel was such a break parents get while their kids are dancing vital part of our community,” Rendelman and singing. But he was quick to point out that said, via email. parents can easily join their children singing and Honing in on the lyrics of the popular dancing should they feel inspired. Shabbat song, “There’s a Dinosaur Knocking But the kids are the focus. “The music at My Door,” Ettinger created a mascot of ‘Shabbam Jam!’ gets kids to move and kids could relate to — David the Shabbat find balance through the gradual increasing Dinosaur — which made what was happening and decreasing of energy through rhythms in the Shabbat service real and tangible for the that match their heartbeat and breathing,” kids. It was a way of “hooking kids into the Ettinger said. Seeking experience,” Ettinger said. To get the word out to parents in Greater Full-Time Child Accompanied by his band, the Shabbam Jam Phoenix and beyond, he created a social media Care Provider Crew, David encourages the kids to sing, dance campaign about the album and the community and enjoy Shabbat. has responded. “We’re coming together as a in Scottsdale. Kids responded positively and CBI’s Tot community to put out this body of musical Sign-up for Shabbat services were packed, Ettinger said. work for our kids that need it,” he said. Then came COVID-19 which put it all David the Dino and the Shabbam Crew are We would like an attentive and our weekly on hold. preparing for CBI’s Tu B’Shevat’s Zoom event experienced person to watch our Once the pandemic meant kids would be on Jan. 29. Ettinger is looking forward to the three-month old daughter during e-newsletter! consigned to watching services on Zoom, event and grateful to the many people who the work day. COVID caution Ettinger decided he would have to get creative. helped him bring the project to fruition. JN during o
hours is required. Kids wanted the Shabbat experience they jewishaz.com/ loved, and Ettinger wanted to give it to them. “Shabbam Jam!” is available on Spotify, iTunes and For more information, please contact: He began holding daily song sessions for 30 Amazon Music. All proceeds from the album go to [email protected] enewsletter minutes with his pre-schoolers virtually. At the Chanen Preschool.

16 JANUARY 22, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM SPECIAL SECTION

HOME DESIGN & REAL ESTATE Your home office can be your haven

BARBARA KAPLAN

t is 10 p.m. and II am dressed in casual, loose- fitting clothes. Yet, I am working in my office — home office, that is. I’m happy that I don’t have to leave an office building to go home. As I write this, I’m feeling comfortable, safe and relaxed. I’m not concerned about being alone in an office building or wondering what is happening with my family at home. Because I enjoy my work, there is no stress and I am not concerned about the time or my surroundings. I carefully selected everything to be sure that I could function easily and be more focused and productive. I paid attention to how the space is laid out, the colors, the comfort of the chairs, style of the furniture and accessories. When I talk on the phone, I can look out my window or at something that I have ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS / KATARZYNABIALASIEWICZ chosen that makes me happy. and my favorite knick-knacks that make need a reminder to work. lamps, floor lamps and over-head Many people today have home offices. me smile or practice aromatherapy. Hopefully, you have a separate lighting directed on the work area. Even if it isn’t a complete working Whether your home office is only for room, rather than having to share a You can also create some ambient office, Zoom meetings with professionals telecommuting or for a full-time business, space in a room that is also used for lighting to create a feeling of relaxation. and certain computer accessories may it is an opportunity for you to support another purpose. It is ideal to have a mix of lighting require the need for a separate room. your needs and express your personality. Providing some sort of designated area all switched separately to illuminate Laptops and cell phones make it easy to The more you tailor your space for you, is really important, especially if you can your office. work in any room of the house. Everyone the more likely you will enjoy being there close a door to it. You can use a closet or It’s also very important to watch should decide on what they need to while you work and the less tired you’ll space under a staircase. Just mirror the your posture and be comfortable as you present their image and brand while be when your workday ends. wall in front of you to give it the reflection work. Be sure your flat-panel monitor teleconferencing. When your office is designed for your of the larger space behind you. Choosing is positioned at the right height for you One of the best things about a home comfort as well as for functionality, the right location in your home can be as and wear blue light lenses to reduce eye office is not having to play by the rules. it will impact your performance and important as the space itself. stress and strain. No one is dictating the decor in your productivity. Don’t skimp on bringing in In a home office you can choose the In your home office, you can have all work space or how it has to be furnished the best tools. Remember that this is an lighting you want. Let in as much daylight this and more. Remember, rooms have or what can or cannot be displayed. investment in you. and fresh air as you can. no feelings, you do. JN What I enjoy most about my home office The best location for your office is as Be aware that the average bedroom is the sense of well-being it provides. I can far away from your bedroom and living lighting is a fixture in the center of Barbara Kaplan offers personal interior design guidance, ideas and solutions for free in her monthly have candles on my desk, a small water space as possible. It’s best not to have the room, and that will do you no Zoom class. Email [email protected] fountain flowing beside me, my favorite a view of your office as you go about good when lighting work areas. to claim a seat or visit: BarbaraKaplan.com & music playing, surrounded with my plants your daily life at home. You don’t Consider task lighting such as desk YourZoomRoom.com. One of the top 50 Realtors in Phoenix/Scottsdale as voted by Phoenix Magazine! All Real Estate Agents BUYING? SELLING? Are Not Alike! LOCAL? LONG DISTANCE? Full service Real Estate needs, Let me be your including property management “KOSHER CONNECTION” I will make your next real estate transaction Toby Weinstein pleasant, productive, and profitable. “I’ll treat you like family, because you are!” Broker Associate

Amy Rosenthal Bus (480) 948-5554 • Cell (602) 228-0265 602-430-3158 [email protected] [email protected] www.AmyRosenthal.com 7077 E. Marilyn Rd., Bldg. 4, Ste 130 Scottsdale, AZ

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 22, 2021 17 LIFESTYLE & CULTURE FOOD Celebrating Tu B’Shevat with Israel’s seven species

JENNIFER STARRETT | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

elebrating Tu B’Shevat — the new year for trees — One tradition surrounding this special — though and dates (honey) hold a special significance because Cwith dishes made up of the seven species of Israel is underrated — holiday, is to use and enjoy the seven of their connection to the Land of Israel, and because a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday. During this special species of Israel. This is a biblical reference to the first they provide the necessary combined nutrients for life. time of year we can taste nature’s delicious bounty of fruits of the season which were the only acceptable The following two recipes combine the seven species first fruits and nuts. While we get outside and plant trees, offerings in the Temple. in unique ways making them perfect additions to any we can pack a picnic basket filled with natural offerings. Wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives (oil) Tu B’Shevat celebration.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNIFER STARRETT SEVEN SPECIES SALAD SEVEN SPECIES MUFFINS

You might see the word “salad” and think the recipe will be boring, but Combining sweet fruit and honey with two flours make these muffins a it is anything but. Each bite is full of sweet fruit with the crunchy texture of great breakfast option or an afternoon snack. They are light, easy to make nuts, seeds and cucumbers. It’s packed to the brim with goodness. and full of unique flavors. The homemade fig dressing ties all of the flavors together perfectly, so You might want to make a double batch — these go quickly in my house. you have something colorful on your table that’s also delicious and healthy. INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS ½ cup honey Salad: 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ cup pearled barley ½ cup unsweetened applesauce ½ cup wheat quinoa ¼ cup extra-light olive oil ¼ cup golden raisins 2 eggs ¼ cup dates, depitted 100 grams (3.5 ounces) dates - depitted 4 ounces. freshly, washed arugula 80 grams (2.8 ounces) dried figs 1 cucumber 80 grams (2.8 ounces) raisins ¼ cup pistachios 80 grams (2.8 ounces) pomegranate seeds 3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds ¾ cup barley flour Dressing: ¾ cup whole wheat all-purpose flour 1 ½ tablespoons fig jam 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar ½ teaspoon salt

Cook and cool the barley and quinoa as directed on the package, or use Heat oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. pre-cooked grains. Roughly chop the dates and figs — about ¼-inch pieces. While grains are cooking, make the dressing by adding together the fig Mix honey, vanilla, applesauce, oil and eggs in a large bowl. Stir in the jam, olive oil and balsamic vinegar and whisk until thoroughly combined. chopped dates, chopped figs and raisins. Wash, peel and chop the cucumber and set aside. Mix the flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl. Chop the depitted dates and set aside. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients and mix well to combine. Gently In a large bowl, combine the cooked barley, quinoa and arugula. Gently mix fold in the pomegranate seeds. to combine. Add the chopped cucumber, chopped dates, raisins, pistachios Pour the batter evenly into the greased muffin tin and bake for about 20 and pomegranate seeds and gently toss to combine. minutes until toothpick comes out clean. JN Once the salad is evenly tossed, add the dressing (to taste — you probably won’t need all of it) 1 tablespoon at a time. Gently toss and enjoy. Jennifer Starrett is an events and marketing consultant. For more of her recipes for Tu B’Shevat as well as other ideas for making the holiday special, visit jewphx.com.

18 JANUARY 22, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

FILM

A cheer squad in The Villages

COURTESY OF MAGNOLIA PICTURES. Paradise eluded in ‘Some Kind of Heaven’

SOPHIE PANZER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER vastly different approaches to retirement strain their last time anything this dreamily colorful hit screens was relationship. Anne, an athlete, takes naturally to days full when “La La Land” was released back in 2017. n the opening scenes of “Some Kind of Heaven,” of activities and dominates the pickleball court. Reggie, The juxtaposition between the manicured golf courses Iviewers are treated to the well-choreographed dance on the other hand, turns to illegal and recreational drugs and the pained looks on the subjects’ faces never lets that is life in a Florida retirement community. as he pursues a vague sense of spirituality. Anne’s nerves you forget something is off. It’s as if Oppenheim is A parade of golf carts zoom along in formation. A fray as she struggles to make herself heard in her marriage challenging the viewer to distinguish between the synchronized swimming group splashes merrily in a and contends with Reggie’s increasingly severe delusions, constructed beauty of a fake-historic town square and the pool. Later, an instructor leads a line of women in a which soon yield dangerous consequences. genuine beauty of the hopes and joys of its pedestrians. baton-twirling routine. The message is clear: Everyone Barbara is a widowed Bostonian who moved to The At certain points, the portrayal of The Villages appears has a place here. Villages with her husband before he passed away. Despite cloistered to the point of being oversimplified. The shots So what happens to those who can’t find theirs? the fact that she is surrounded by seemingly infinite are scrubbed clean of any references to politics, with no The documentary is produced by The New York Times clubs and opportunities to socialize, she feels lonely lawn signs indicating the political divisions of the past and Darren Aronofsky, the director behind “Black Swan” and homesick. four years. According to Business Insider, Republicans and “Pi.” It is the feature directorial debut of Lance Oppenheim captures Barbara’s precise and peculiar outnumber Democrats two to one in this community, Oppenheim, a 24-year-old filmmaker whose Instagram sadness at being alone in multiple crowded rooms; she and it has not been spared election-related turmoil account fairly screams “nice Jewish boy.” In interviews is always a few beats behind at tambourine class or a few and controversy. with various outlets, Oppenheim said he headed to The steps out of line when she goes dancing. She is also the Sweeping this reality under the rug in order to create Villages retirement community in central Florida and only character who works full time, and the dreariness of a more universal narrative arc is the easier, if not most showed up to as many clubs and events as he could to working a desk while being surrounded by the trappings accurate or satisfying, storytelling choice. It would have find his subjects and their stories. of wealth and leisure are evident on her face. been interesting to hear from a resident whose political, The community, founded by Jewish developer Harold Dennis is not technically a resident of The Villages; racial or cultural background added another layer to their Schwartz, markets itself as a Disneyland for seniors, and he’s a van-dweller fleeing a California DUI fine and sense of alienation from their neighbors. one retiree likens the beautiful grounds, social activities hoping to shack up with a wealthy lady friend. He Nevertheless, this intriguing, surreal documentary and robust dating scene to being in college again. showers at the pool and frequents bars and dances as packs incredibly layered and nuanced stories into 83 While there’s nothing wrong with older adults keeping he searches for someone to offer him financial security. minutes. The fact that Oppenheim was able to gain the active and socially engaged in their later years, the Having lived most of his 81 years as a drifter, he still trust of these retirees, who are separated from him by so residents of The Villages live in a bubble. Most of them dreads sacrificing his freedom for the comfort he craves many years, and portray their stories with such warmth embrace the insularity and predictability. Others, after as he ages. Although his gold-digging comes off as reveals a level of empathy that is a pleasure to watch coughing up quite a bit of money, find they have flown slimy, his vulnerability is sobering — a reminder of the unfold on screen. into a gilded cage. dire straits that await those who don’t, or can’t, plan for “Some Kind of Heaven” is available on iTunes, Google The film, which screened virtually at the Gershman their futures while they still have time. Play, Amazon Video and other platforms. JN Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival Jan. 10-13, follows the The cinematography is gorgeous and intimate, full of lives of four residents. surprisingly strong and coordinated bodies in motion, Sophie Panzer is a staff writer for Jewish Exponent, a Jewish News- Anne and Reggie are a married couple whose swaying palm trees and cerulean swimming pools. The affiliated publication.

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 22, 2021 19 LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

BOOKS Nostalgia’s role, unmet potential

JESSE BERNSTEIN | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Pastrami as religion “Jewish continuity” above nearly all else. “But if we reorient where we look for American Jewish “Beyond the Synagogue: Jewish Nostalgia religion and reconsider how we define it,” she as Religious Practice” writes, “then we start to find a lot more of it.” Rachel B. Gross Gross uses the framework of “lived religion,” NYU Press expanding the definition of religious activity beyond what “official” religion allows. Rather Rachel B. Gross, a professor of Jewish studies than accepting religion as prescriptively defined by at San Francisco State University, is willing to bet official texts and dictates of traditional institutions, that you don’t see your purchase of a scarf from the Gross uses a descriptive approach that “helps us National Museum of American Jewish History gift to take seriously the structures, commitments and shop as religious practice. Ditto for a kosher-style activities that shape everyday life,” she writes. pastrami sandwich scarfed down at Hymie’s, an Gross’ assessment of the way institutional afternoon spent on a Jewish genealogical website Judaism dismisses activities that aren’t officially or a historical tour of Congregation Mikveh Israel. Jewish is well-argued and comprehensive, and her These activities, as we typically understand claim that this is partially due to an understanding them, are Jewish cultural practices, distinct from of nostalgia as feminine and therefore unserious religious practices that take place in synagogues deserves greater study. But it’s difficult to accept or around the Shabbos dinner table. They are her larger argument. expressions of nostalgia, in many cases, rather than I write for a Jewish newspaper, and read about spiritual exercises. Judaism and Jewish people more than any other But Gross argues in her provocative new subject, but that doesn’t make me religious. book that this distinction between “religious” Likewise, it makes me feel a bit sad to consider and “cultural” is false. The widely shared that a preference for bagels and ancestry.com could experience of American Jewish nostalgia is, constitute a connection to the infinite. she says, the expression of understanding If powerful sectors of institutional Judaism are between Jews living and dead, i.e., religion, not properly valuing cultural practice, as Gross and create networks of sacred meaning. To view charges, it makes sense to argue for the intrinsic nostalgia as merely “a wishful affection or sentimental value of such practices rather than argue that they longing for an irrevocable past,” Gross writes, is should be recategorized as religious. Non-religious a mistake. It is in a Hymie’s booth, she argues, connections to Judaism should be encouraged digging into that pastrami sandwich, where and nurtured, but we don’t need to radically American Jews practice religion today. reorient our communal understanding of those Jewish communal leaders, philanthropists and connections in order to see their worth. academics have sounded the alarm at the decline Whether you buy the larger argument, Gross’ “Beyond the Synagogue: Jewish Nostalgia as Religious Practice” of traditional religious practice, Gross says, giving book challenges prevailing orthodoxies of COURTESY OF NYU PRESS rise to a fundraising structure that privileges American Jewish life with respect and purpose.

Different days, same weak result overflowing with ideas, had trouble deciding which to include. In trying to take a bite out of every cake, “Tonight is Already Tomorrow” “Tonight is Already Tomorrow” ends up without a Lia Levi; translated by Clarissa Botsford distinctive flavor. Europa Editions At times, Levi appears most interested in the character of Alessandro, the brilliant little boy set to “Tonight is Already Tomorrow” is a translated change the fortunes of the Jewish Rimon family. In work published by Europa Editions and written by a the chapters about him, you can see the outline of an prominent Italian novelist about a mid-century child interesting book, with grand machinations of history prodigy. If that sounds a bit like one of Elena Ferrante’s and familial strife seen through the eyes of a precocious little boy. But Levi finds so many other characters Neapolitan novels, I’ll admit that my interest in to inhabit that we don’t spend as much time with Ferrante led me to this new Europa novel by Lia Levi. Alessandro as we’d like. In such a short book, far too But unlike Ferrante’s popular books, Levi’s “Tonight much real estate is occupied by far-flung cousins and is Already Tomorrow” is kind of a drag. other minor characters. The writer’s powers of description are impeccable, There are ideas for five interesting novels in even in translation, and her sense of the dramatic is on “Tonight is Already Tomorrow.” Unfortunately, Levi full display in her tale of a Genoan Jewish family caught didn’t even end up with one. JN up in the gears of Italy’s fascist turn. But confusion reigns in this short novel, which introduces characters Jesse Bernstein is a staff writer for Jewish Exponent, a Jewish and plot lines that are quickly dropped, as if Levi, News-affiliated publication.

“Tonight is Already Tomorrow,” by Lia Levi. Translated by Clarissa Botsford COURTESY OF EUROPA EDITIONS

20 JANUARY 22, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM CALENDAR

by Linda Pressman. Explore some of the best methods to access your story and life journey. Learn to express yourself in words in Featured Event a way that you will be proud to have others read. Cost: $48. For more information or MONDAY, JAN. 25 to register, visit bjephoenix.org/courses/ Anti-Semitism in Comparative Perspective: available-courses. Recent Trends and Research Frontiers: TUESDAYS, JAN. 19-FEB. 9 What We Do and Why We Do It: 10-11 a.m. 7:50 a.m.-4 p.m. The Lowe Family Research Workshop, hosted by A Bureau of Jewish Education course taught the Center for Jewish Studies at Arizona State University, brings by Rabbi Laibel Blotner. Discover the rite together leading scholars from around the globe to discuss the and reason behind the Jewish rituals. Cost: frontiers in the study of anti-Semitism and to debate critical factors $60. For more information or to register, visit that influence where and when ethnoreligious groups, and Jews in bjephoenix.org/courses/available-courses. particular, are likely to be targeted and viewed with prejudice. For more information, visit jewishstudies.asu.edu. Anti-Semitic graffitti PHOTO BY A XYX VIA FLICKR WEDNESDAYS JACS: Support Group for Jewish Alcoholics, Addicts and their Friends and Family: Events WEDNESDAYS of the Martin Pear JCC, $75 for nonmembers. 7:30 p.m. For more information, email Wednesday BINGO: 11 a.m.-noon. Play bingo For more information or to register, [email protected]. No charge. SUNDAY, JAN. 24 with J members. Upon registration, a bingo visit vosjcc.org. Beth El Social Action Donation Drive: card will be emailed to you with further MONDAY, JAN. 25 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Beth El invites the Jewish instructions. Free for members, $5 for guests. Jewish Debates about Marital Intimacy: community to bring warm clothing items like TUESDAYS, JAN. 12-MAY 25 For more information, visit Introduction to Judaism: 7-9 p.m. Learn the Noon-1 p.m. A virtual event taught by Noam sweaters, coats and even blankets, and staff vosjcc.org/j-at-home-adults. Zion and hosted by Valley Beit Midrash. This will remove them from the trunk of the car. basics of Judaism with Rabbi Stein Kokin. class will explore the two-millenium Jewish Items must be in good condition. Drive into For more information or to register, visit Happiness Hour: 11:30 a.m. An online class bethelphoenix.com/adult-education. debate on marital intimacy, from espionage Beth El’s parking lot at 1118 W Glendale Ave, taught by Rabbi Pinchas Allouche that delves in the Talmudic bedroom to the contentious Phoenix. into texts and references culled from our ultra-Orthodox division of today. RSVP for traditions to address a relevant topic and WEDNESDAYS, JAN. 13-FEB. 17 Zoom link. Cost: $18. For more information draw uplifting life lessons from it. For more Christianity for All, Marketed by Paul, Who or to register, visit valleybeitmidrash.org/ Virtual Meetings, Lectures & information or to join, visit cbtvirtualworld. Brilliantly Planned Judaism’s Fall: 10-11:10 Classes com. a.m. A Bureau of Jewish Education course upcoming-events. SATURDAYS taught by Marcie Lee. Experience through the Saturday Mindfulness Gatherings: 9:30 a.m. The Thirteen Petalled Rose: 1 p.m. An online Christian Bible’s narrative why the idea that MONDAYS, JAN. 25-MARCH 1 Hosted by Hospice of the Valley. Join via Kabbalah class that studies “The Thirteen Jews and Christians should simply respect The Writings and Wisdom of Rabbi Lord Zoom. For more information and event link, Petalled Rose” by Rabbi Adin Even-Israel each other has not gone smoothly and why Jonathan Sacks z’l: 12:15-1:30 p.m. A Bureau visit vosjcc.org/j-at-home-adults. Steinsaltz, focusing on the many foundational there is so much recent promise for positive of Jewish Education course taught by Andre and transformational concepts of Kaballah change. Please bring a Christian Bible. Cost: Ivory. Rabbi Sacks, who passed away recently, and Jewish Mysticism and applying them to $102. For more information or to register, visit SUNDAYS possessed a world of wisdom which crossed everyday life. bjephoenix.org/courses/available-courses. Soul Study: 7:15 a.m. An online class denominational lines. His books, writings and For more information or to join, visit philosophy not only impacted today’s world, exploring the secrets of the Tanya and Jewish The Crown: Battles of Israelite Kings and cbtvirtualworld.com. but his intellect, scholarship and wisdom will mysticism, taught by Rabbi Queens: 11:20 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A Bureau of be felt for generations to come. Cost: $98. Pinchas Allouche. J Social Hour by the Pool: 5-7 p.m. Martin Jewish Education course taught by Marcie For more information or to register, visit Pear JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Lee. Meet the Biblical crowned subjects in Code of Jewish Law: 9 a.m. With Rabbi Scottsdale. Enjoy live music and a special the Books of Kings. Cost: $102. For more bjephoenix.org/courses/available-courses. Zalman Levertov. For more information, happy hour menu from Milk + Honey while information or to register, visit bjephoenix. visit chabadaz.com. relaxing with friends by the pool. Space is org/courses/available-courses. TUESDAY, JAN. 26 limited, and social distancing will be enforced. Music to Your Mouth: Bubbles and Ballads: MONDAYS For more information, At the Heart of Three-Part Jewish Art: 5:30-7 p.m. Martin Pear JCC, 12701 N. Virtual Knitting Club: 1-3 p.m. Knit, crochet, visit vosjcc.org. 12:40-1:15 p.m. A Bureau of Jewish Education Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Part of the spin, weave, sew and stitch together over course taught by Marcie Lee. See examples of Martin Pear JCC’s Music to Your Mouth tasting culturally diverse artists— Non-Jewish artists Zoom. For link, email Nicole Garber at THURSDAYS series. Sommelier Nadia will help guide a on Jewish subjects, Jewish artists on Jewish [email protected] Brain Games with Friends: 2-3 p.m. tasting of American sparkling, French brut, Challenge your brains while having fun. subjects, and Jewish artists on the secular Italian prosecco, Spanish cava,and fizzy A Taste of Shabbat: 6:30 p.m. A journey Experts believe that active learning helps world—who have the creation of Jewish art rosé. A performance by local singer Julie through the Shabbat meal course by course, maintain brain health by preventing loss of in common. Cost: $102. For more information Immerman will follow the tasting. Cost: or to register, visit bjephoenix.org/courses/ with a cooking demonstration led by a cognitive skills such as memory, reasoning $25 for members of the MPJCC, $36 for available-courses. different Project Inspire branch each week. and judgment. For more information or to nonmembers. For more information or to For more information, visit register, visit vosjcc.org/j-at-home-adults. register, vosjcc.org/tastings2021. projectinspireaz.com. THURSDAYS, JAN. 14-FEB. 4 The Ethical Life: 6:30 p.m. A Bureau of MONDAYS, JAN. 11-25 FRIDAY, JAN. 29 MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS Jewish Education course taught by Rabbi A. Still Traveling: Sensational Seville: Noon-1:15 A Child of Holocaust Survivors: Our Parent’s Learning to Trust in God: 7:30 p.m. With Nitzan Stein Kokin. Grapple with today’s most p.m. An event series hosted by the East Valley Stories: 10 a.m.-noon. A virtual seminar with Rabbi Yossi Friedman of Chabad of Phoenix/ pressing ethical dilemmas with a curriculum JCC in partnership with The Osher Marin JCC. William Steen hosted by the Arizona Jewish Anthem. For more information, visit from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Cost: Join guide James Sokol on a virtual tour of Historical Society. To RSVP, contact Tony chabadaz.com. Seville. On Jan. 11, tour the Seville Cathedral $72. For more information or to register, visit Fusco at [email protected]. and Giralda; on Jan. 18, visit Barrio Santa Cruz bjephoenix.org/courses/available-courses. TUESDAYS and Jewish Seville; and on Jan. 25, take a trip 39 Ways to Repair the World!: 10 a.m. In to modern Seville. $15 per session. For more THURSDAYS, JAN. 14-MARCH 25 FRIDAYS, JAN. 29-FEB. 26 celebration of Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz’s information or to register, visit evjcc.org/ Israel and the Middle East Through the Lens Racism in America: The Democracy We 39th birthday, he will teach one of the 39 event/still-traveling-sensational-seville. of Ever-Changing Events in the US, Israel Created & the Struggle to fulfill the Vision: melachot each week for 39 weeks through and the Middle East: 12:30-2 p.m. A Bureau 10-11:30 a.m. A Bureau of Jewish Education April 8. Each session will be between 15-20 TUESDAYS, JAN. 12-26 of Jewish Phoenix course taught by Meir course taught by Jay Roth. This class will minutes long. Suggested donation: $18. For Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Mahjong Jolovitz. An examination of the implications explore the roots of racism and white more information, visit valleybeitmidrash.org/ Online: 1-2:15 p.m. A series for those with a of the election and current events. Cost: $130. supremacy beginning with the European event/39-ways-to-repair-the-world. Mahjong card and a basic understanding of For more information or to register, visit era of colonialism and how those concepts the game who would like to learn more. In bjephoenix.org/courses/available-courses. continue to endure to today. Cost: $90. Keep Calm and Play Mahjong from Home!: four virtual sessions, Donna Miller-Small will For more information or to register, visit 7-9 p.m. Play mahjong from home with teach how to pass tiles and pick the right TUESDAYS, JAN. 19-FEB. 2 bjephoenix.org/courses/available-courses. myjongg.net. To join a table, email Nicole at hand, as well as how to strategize and play a Writing Your Jewish Life: 11:15 a.m.-12:30 [email protected] by Monday at 1 p.m. more defensive game. Cost: $60 for members p.m. A Bureau of Jewish Education course SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 22

JEWISHAZ.COM JEWISH NEWS JANUARY 22, 2021 21 CALENDAR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 Shabbat the lens of Jewish wisdom. Learn positive ways to navigate a meaningful transition to FRIDAYS the next chapter on life’s journey. Cost: $130. Shabbat at Beth El: 11-11:45 a.m. Celebrate For more information or to register, visit Shabbat with songs, blessings and REACH HIGHLY EDUCATED, AFFLUENT READERS IN THE VALLEY bjephoenix.org/courses/available-courses. inspirational teachings. Rabbi Stein Kokin from Beth El Congregation will lead us the first Friday of every month. Special TUESDAY, JAN. 26 Target over 42,500 Jewish readers guests will be welcoming Shabbat during American Photographer Edward S. Curtis: the remainder of the month. For more 11 a.m.-noon. Jane Przelica offers an with a mix of print and digital. information or to join, visit interactive presentation on “The Shadow bethelphoenix.com. Catcher: American Photographer Edwards S. Print | Digital | Curtis.” Presented by JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. Free. For more information, Seniors visit jfcsaz.org/cse. Upcoming Special Sections MONDAYS Dance Fusion with Michele Dionisio: 11 a.m.- Arts noon. Presented by JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. Free. For more information, SUNDAY, JAN. 24 visit jfcsaz.org/cse. Second Annual Klezmer Fest: Jewish/ Senior Lifestyle Black Music: 1 p.m. The second annual February 5 Klezmer Fest, hosted by the East Valley WEDNESDAYS JCC, will feature four live virtual concerts Chair Yoga with Zoe: 11-11:45 a.m. A guided by Yale Strom and Hot Pstromi. On Jan. 24, From home health aides class in yoga without having to get down the group will perform melodies composed to fi nancial planners, on the floor. Presented by JFCS Center and written by Jews and African-Americans for Senior Enrichment. Free. For more from the 1910s to the 1950s. Cost: $10 per independent living information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse. concert. For more information or to register, faciliti es to nursing homes, visit evjcc.org/klezmer2020. TUESDAYS, JAN. 12-FEB. 2 this is the perfect venue Wise Aging: 7-8:15 p.m. A Bureau of Jewish Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutations: 2 to showcase how your Education course taught by Linda Levin. p.m. Martin Pear JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Wise Aging is designed specifically to Road, Scottsdale. Part of the Martin Pear business can help older meet the social, emotional and spiritual JCC’s Movies with a Message documentary Jewish residents navigate needs of Jewish seekers entering second film series. Hosted in partnership with adulthood. Explore the tools and resources Congregation Beth Tefillah. Watch “Viral: these challenging ti mes. to age wisely through the lens of Jewish Antisemitism in Four Mutations” and join wisdom. Learn positive ways to navigate a filmmaker Andrew Goldberg for a Q&A. meaningful transition to the next chapter Virtual option available. Cost: $10-20. For on life’s journey. Cost: $68. For more more information or to register, visit information or to register, visit vosjcc.org/movies2021. Wonderful bjephoenix.org/courses/available-courses. SUNDAY, JAN. 31 Weddings FRIDAYS, JAN. 15-MARCH 5 Musicians of the Symphony at The J: 2-3 Wise Aging: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. A Bureau p.m. Martin Pear JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale February 19 of Jewish Education course taught by Road, Scottsdale. An afternoon of music Nan Pollinger. Wise Aging is designed with violinist Leslie Frey Anderegg, cellist Showcase your specifically to meet the social, emotional Yeil Park and violist Mark Dix. Cost: $30 for services to help and spiritual needs of Jewish seekers MPJCC members, $45 for nonmembers. For entering second adulthood. Explore the more information or to register, visit couples planning tools and resources to age wisely through vosjcc.org. JN their nupti als during this unique and MILESTONES uncertain ti me. BAT MITZVAH

BELLA PATRICIA BROWN Bella Patricia Brown becomes a bat mitzvah on Feb. 13, 2021, at Congregation Or Tzion. She is the daughter of Risa and Mike Brown of Scottsdale. Home Design Grandparents are Barbara and Barry Zemel of Paradise Valley. & Real Estate For her mitzvah project, Bella is baking and selling brownies and cookies and donating the proceeds to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. February 19 PHOTO COURTESY OF BROWN FAMILY A student at Desert Shadows Middle School, Bella enjoys dancing, singing, painting, baking and guitar. Whether you’re in the business of repair and BAR MITZVAH renovati on or buying and selling homes, BENJAMIN WILSON CHERNY Benjamin Wilson Cherny becomes a bar mitzvah on Feb. 20, 2021, Jewish News readers at Temple Solel. He is the son of Stephanie and Andrei Cherny of need your services. Phoenix. Grandparents are Shelley Heyman and Larry Fleischman of Tucson; and Helena and Pavel Cerny of Valley Village, California. For his mitzvah project, Ben started the Send Happiness Project to JEWISHAZ.COM PHOTO COURTESY OF CHERNY FAMILY spread happiness and keep connections strong during the pandemic. He built a website and included a tracker and map to show how far happiness has spread at SendHappiness.world. Contact your sales consultant to schedule A student at BASIS Phoenix, Ben enjoys coding games, swimming, hiking and your advertising at [email protected] biking around the neighborhood with his friends. He loves animals, especially his pet fish Brian.

22 JANUARY 22, 2021 JEWISH NEWS JEWISHAZ.COM MILESTONES Claire Arlene Schonwetter, age 94, of North Scottsdale, ENGAGEMENT Arizona, passed in her sleep Jan. 6, 2021. JACQUELYN DANIELLE NULL AND MICHAEL BLAINE JOHNSON She was born Sept. 29, 1926, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Oscar Karen Blucher of Wichita, Kansas, and Kevin Johnson of Emporia, Kansas, announce the engagement of their son and Jennie (Berman) Tolchinsky. She was married to her husband, Michael Blaine Johnson of Phoenix to Jacquelyn Danielle Seymour Schonwetter, for 40 years. Claire was a graduate of Null of Phoenix. Bismarck High School and the University of Minnesota. She Parents of the bride-to-be are Lynn and Tom Null. Parents received a master’s degree in speech pathology from Arizona of the groom-to-be are Karen Blucher and Kevin Johnson. Jacquelyn and Michael both graduated from the University State University, and worked for the Arizona school system as of Kansas. a speech pathologist for many years, until her retirement. She PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHSON FAMILY The wedding will take place on March 21, 2021, at the was a Lion of Judah and contributed to many charities. McDowell Mountain Golf Club. It will be an outdoors, socially distanced ceremony and reception. The ceremony will be livestreamed. She is survived by her husband, Seymour; her sister, Anita Greenstein of Minnesota; her son, Tom Rothstein of California; and her daughter, Nancy Judson of Washington. Also surviving OBITUARIES are her stepchildren, Stuart (Regina) Schonwetter of California, IRMA E. GOTTLIEB Barbara Schonwetter and Michael (Roxanne) Schonwetter, both Irma E. Gottlieb, nee Glahs, 100, died on Dec. 22, 2020. of Minnesota. She had eight grandchildren and many nieces She was the beloved wife of Erich, z’l, for 68 years; devoted mother to Evelyn Simon and nephews. She was preceded by her parents; sisters, Sylvia (Danny) and Bernice Kirchler (Mel, z’l); loving grandmother to Jeffrey (Becky) and Leslie (Brad), and “super Nini” to great-grandchildren Sophia and Colby. Baker and Beatrice Reisman, both of Minnesota; and son, Jim She will be remembered lovingly by all for her words of wisdom, gentle kindness, Rothstein of Arizona. her warm smile and for making everyone she came in contact with feel special Claire was the most wonderful woman and will be so greatly and appreciated. Contributions in her memory are suggested to Congregation Kehillah, 21001 N. missed. Tatum Blvd., Suite 1630 #439, Phoenix, AZ 85050 Funeral service noon MST, Sunday, Jan. 10th, via Zoom. For Zoom link, send an email to [email protected]. BARBARA P WOLIN Barbara P. Wolin, 76, died on Jan. 14, 2021. She was born in Chicago and lived Memorials preferred to the donor’s favorite charity. in Glendale. Funeral arrangements by Hodroff-Epstein Memorial Chapel, She is survived by her brother, Charles Wolin (Judy Fink). Services were held at Hebrew Memorial Park in Clinton Township, Michigan. (612) 871-1234 (Jeff) Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel. JN

On Dec. 19, 2020, David Shcolnik, loving husband On Dec. 31, 2020, David Sussman died in and father of four, passed away at age 88. Scottsdale, Arizona at the age of 89 from Dave grew up in South Bend, Indiana, with his complications related to COVID-19. parents, Harry and Esther Shcolnik, and his five David, beloved husband, father and grandfather, younger brothers and sisters: Marleen Hunt (Doug), is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Susanne Bob Shcolnik (Linda), Linda Ratcliffe (Bob), Mike (Greene); his children, Carol (Rick) Burdick, Ron Shcolnik (Noreen) and Janet Rees (Tom). He was (Fran) Sussman and Steve (Andrea) Sussman; a star football and baseball player in high school and grandchildren Jake, Jordan, Hallie, Noah, Leah, Sophia and attended Indiana University and Notre Dame. and Zachary. He met Bonnie, the love of his life and wife of 68 David was born on Aug. 14, 1931, in Columbus, Ohio. After years, in South Bend. They moved to Arizona in the ‘60s, raised four attending Ohio State University, he graduated in 1955 from children, and enjoyed the AZ life. Ohio Northern University with a degree in pharmaceutical He loved spending time with family, had a passion for photography, science. He was a proud member of Rho Pi Phi pharmacy loved his pugs, and was an avid reader. Dave was an early adopter fraternity and Alpha Epislon Pi social fraternity. David enjoyed of technology who could figure out any computer challenge and a lengthy career as a pharmacist working in retail pharmacies, always had the most current technology. He was also known for his hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, David volunteered grilling skills, most famous for his stuffed cheeseburgers, a tradition his time twice, relieving active military personnel on Israeli that will carry on. He was kind, loving and full of knowledge; he army bases. would help anyone who asked. David married Susanne in 1956, and they truly spent the next He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Esther, and his almost 65 years as each other’s best friend. They raised their young sister, Marleen. children in Columbus, Ohio, before moving to Phoenix in 1972. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; four children, Marilynn, Richard In 2001, David and Susanne relocated to Palm Beach County, (Caren), Steve (Angela) and Barb (Jaime); brothers and sisters Bob, Florida, and then returned to the Phoenix area in 2017. David was Linda, Mike (Noreen) and Janet (Tom); six grandchildren and two a devoted man who took great pride in his family. Judaism was an great-grandchildren (with one more on the way); several cousins, especially important aspect of his life, and he was very active in the nephews and nieces. synagogues he belonged to in Ohio, Arizona and Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to AZ pug rescue The family asks that donations in memory of David be sent to the @ aparn.org. charity of your choice.

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