Arizona Jewish Life April 2015 Vol. 3/Issue 7

MARCH 2015 APRIL 2015

The Jewish Lifestyle Magazine For Arizona

Tucson Mayor

FOCUS ON:

Homes • Real Estate • Israel

Jonathan Rothschild

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 3

Inside

April 2015/ Nissan-Omer 5775 | Volume 3/Issue 7

Features COVER STORY Tucson’s Mayor Jonathan Rothschild & Tikkun Olam…..…….……………………… 28 UPFRONT Treasures evaluated at Judaica Jackpot..........…………………………………………10 BUSINESS Ins & Outs....................................................…………………………………………..12 FOOD Chef’s Corner: No-bake desserts……………………………………………………………24 WDJPE? Posh..............................………………………………………………………….26 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Shabbat keeps director focused.........……………………………………………………42 Jews on Downton “Abbey”…………………………………………………………………….44 Books & Brandeis………..........……………………………………………………………..45 SENIORS JFCS enriches lives of North Central seniors ….............……………………………..46 We are a People of Memory….………….…………………………………………………..49 YOM HASHOAH Kim Klett teaches human rights ….............………………………………………………51

14

Homes Designing Women …………….………………………………………………………………..14 Home is where the art is ……………………………………………………………………..18 Personality affects real estate decisions…………………………………………………20 All about cottages, Israeli-style........………………………………………………………22 Featured Properties…………………………..………………………………………………. 23

JKids Purim Fun………………………….………………………………………………………………33 Jenny Millinger updates classic tale.………………………………………………………34 Teens experience Tikkun Olam…………..………………………………………………….36 Hebrew High Care-a-Van…..........…………………………………………………………..36 Beware of detergent pods…………………………………………………………………….38 Pardes dedicated campus………..………..………………………………………………..38 Events for kids, teens, families…………………..………………………………………….41

28

JLiving/Focus on Israel 53 Developing elite Israeli engineers 54 From Startup Nation to Brain Nation 56 Q&A with Israel Center Directors 56 Celebrate Israel’s Independence 57 Israeli students perform in Phoenix 58 BGU and ASU sign research agreement 59 Federation campaign kickoff 60 Federation Notes: A month of remembrance 60 Igniting enthusiasm 61 Gift supports career services 62 Faces & Places 64 Previews 65 Calendar

Columns 18 To Life by Amy Hirshberg Lederman 24 Chef’s Corner by Lucia Schnitzer 26 Where do Jewish people eat? By A. Noshman 38 Family Time by Debra Rich Gettleman

4 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

38 COVER PHOTO: Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild

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Check out our NEW Website!

www.AzJewishLife Join us in welcoming Debra Rich Gettleman, our new social media diva, by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter! You’ll stay up to date on news, views and all the Jews that’s fit to print.

6 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

It’s It’s not manna from heaven, but this It’s not not manna manna from from heaven, heaven, but but this this It’s not manna from heaven, but this Passover, provide something just as Passover, provide something just as crucial Passover, provide something just as crucial crucial Passover, provide something just as crucial to the survival of the Israeli people. to the survival of the Israeli people. to the survival of the Israeli people. to the survival of the Israeli people.

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So this year, while you recount the story of the Jews’ redemption from slavery, your gift will to lives. this year, you story the from your gift Magen Adom Israel’s nationalthe paramedic has the medical supplies it needs to save save David lives. So So this ensures year, while while you recount recount the story of of organization the Jews’ Jews’ redemption redemption from slavery, slavery, your gift will will help modern-day Israelis survive the threats they face today. help modern-day Israelis survive the threats they face today. to save lives. So this year,survive while you the Jews’ redemption from slavery, your gift will help modern-day Israelis therecount threats the theystory face of today.

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April is a season of new beginnings and celebrating new beginnings in years, centuries and millennia past.

When Passover begins the evening of April 3, we celebrate freedom and the birth of a people more than 3,000 years ago.

Their passage to current times has been marked with exceedingly dark chapters. The persecution the Jewish people endured during 2,000 years without a homeland culminated in the Holocaust. On April 15, we remember the 6 million Jews who died because of baseless hatred. Yet from the ashes of that destruction a new nation arose. And on Yom Ha’atzmaut, April 22, we celebrate the birth of the modern nation founded so Jews around the world would have a place to call home. That nation has not come into being without a price, and we remember that the day before with a solemn ceremony to recall those who have died defending the Jewish state over the past 67 years.

April is also a season of secular beginnings. Flowers bloom as a new season begins.

At Arizona Jewish Life, we are also focused on new beginnings.

We have a new, redesigned website (AZjewishlife.com) that we hope will engage our current and future readers in new ways. We also have a new social media diva, Debra Rich Gettleman, who has already begun to bring meaningful interactions to Facebook and Twitter.

Spring is also a time when many consider either refreshing or reinventing their current house or finding a new place to call home. Check out our Home and Real Estate section for some tips about how to refresh your home life.

Our cover story also looks at how a city can find new beginnings under the leadership of a mayor motivated by tikkun olam. Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild has brought new jobs, renewed faith in city government and early literacy programs designed to launch a new generation of productive and happy citizens.

So as you sit down to your seder table this year, remember to reflect on all the wonderful beginnings that have touched your life.

Letters from Readers Dear Editor:

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Pre-register online at: jewishgeneticsphx.org 8 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

The article “Through surgery Asher Goldberg gains hearing stolen by genetics” which appeared in the March 2015 issue of Arizona Jewish Life reminds us that Jewish people, like all ethnic groups, are vulnerable to genetic diseases.

As executive director of the Jewish Genetic Diseases Center of Greater Phoenix, I was especially pleased to see the informative and lucid description of the mode of inheritance of recessive genetic diseases. As the article pointed out, Jews of Ashkenazi/Eastern European descent are disproportionately inclined to be carriers of a number of these diseases, many of them very severe and even fatal.

The center provides carrier testing at two events each year to allow young Jewish adults to learn if they are carriers and at risk for having affected children. The testing, which includes genetic education and counseling, is provided free for those who have insurance and is heavily subsidized for those who do not have insurance. At our coming April 19 Screening Event, participants will be tested for carrier status for an expanded panel of 38 Jewish genetic diseases, a significant increase from the 18 disease panel that we had previously provided.

The mission of the center is to create awareness regarding these diseases and to make available educational opportunities as well as to provide affordable carrier testing. We very much appreciate the help of AJL in helping us to make our community aware of Jewish genetic diseases and the opportunity that the center offers to spare our community from the suffering and heartbreak that can result from these diseases.

Jacqui Breger Executive Director Jewish Genetic Diseases Center of Greater Phoenix

THE JEWISH LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR ARIZONA

Publishers Robert Philip and Cindy Saltzman Advertising and Editorial Director Cindy Saltzman Editor-In-Chief Deborah Moon Associate Editor Janet Arnold Contributing Editor Leni Reiss Social Media Editor Debra Rich Gettleman Webmaster Karl Knelson Advertising Sales advertise@azjewishlife.com 602-538-2955 Art Director Philip Nerat Copy Editor Susan Moon Columnists Amy Hirshberg Lederman, A. Noshman, Lucia Schnitzer and Stuart Wachs Contributing Writers Daryl Egnal, Michael Fox, Melissa Hirschl and Teddy Weinberg

For your complimentary subscription, go to www.azjewishlife.com and click on subscriptions How to reach us: 602-538-AZJL (2955) Advertise@azjewishlife.com Editor1@azjewishlife.com Publisher@azjewishlife.com

A Prince Hal Production (TGMR18) The content and opinions in Arizona Jewish Life do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers, staff or contractors. Articles and columns are for informational purposes only and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, Arizona Jewish Life, and its agents, publishers, employees and contractors will not be held responsible for the misuse of any information contained herein. The publishers reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. Publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement of products or services.

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 9

[UPFRONT]

Treasures evaluated at inaugural Judaica Jackpot Story and photos by Leni Reiss

The first ever Judaica Appraisal Fair, hosted by Scottsdale’s J. Levine Auction & Appraisal in conjunction with Arizona Jewish Life, was an unqualified success.

Each time slot was filled, from 5 to 8 pm, as a trio of expert appraisers shared their expertise with guests who had signed up to learn the history/provenance of their prized possessions. Others in the crowd enjoyed complimentary wine and delectable appetizers from LaBella restaurant, while they socialized and listened in on the detailed verbal assessments of antiques, heirlooms and other items.

Jewish Life publishers Robert Philip and Cindy Saltzman and staff members were on hand to welcome everyone.

Among the treasures: a Persian dagger with the Star of David on its handle; prayer books printed in 1931; an engraved and personalized sword worn by a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and a leather scroll with Hebrew lettering relating “The Story of Esther,” which one rabbi in attendance observed was definitely the oldest of its kind he ever had seen. Other treasures included two watercolor pages from an Aramaic prayer book dating back to the 1500s and a Herbert Meyers’ signed and stamped silver mezuzah from the 1920s. Perhaps most chilling were official papers and an authentic yellow star from World War II. Not unexpectedly, there was a plethora of mezuzot, menorahs and Kiddush cups that might not be particularly valuable monetarily but were precious to the owners, who happily shared their stories.

On a personal note: When my husband and I moved to Phoenix some 50 years ago, I asked my mother if I could take with me

“All of our appraisers commented on the scope of wonderful treasures we saw.”

Josh Levine appraising

Anita Alop with scroll

– Josh Levine

AZJL Publisher Robert Philip & collector Larry Cutler 10 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

from New York the Shabbat candlesticks that I had grown up with and always had assumed my maternal grandparents had carried with them in steerage from “The Old Country.” My mother burst out laughing and told me that in fact she had purchased them herself – in Woolworth’s!

Barbara Ganz with Felix Fabian artwork

WHERE EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Emily Garber, Jewish genealogist

They remain to this day one of my cherished “heirlooms.”

The crowd also took advantage of the opportunity to chat with and learn from rabbis Yaacov Ashin and Don Bacharach representing the Phoenix Community Kollel; author Marty Brounstein; and Arizona Jewish Historical Society representatives Emily Garber, a genealogist, and Jeffrey Schesnol – and to ooh and ahh over an elaborate display by collector extraordinaire Larry Cutler. His rarities included a copy of The International Jew: The World’s Foremost Problem, signed by Henry Ford and published in 1920 in Dearborn, MI; an ancient Israeli shekel; and a document signed by George Washington, among many other unique pieces.

Calling the evening “a fantastic event,” Josh Levine says, “All of our appraisers commented on the scope of wonderful treasures we saw.” Josh called in an outside expert to do further testing on the leather scroll to determine its exact age after the event. Anticipation was hight that it might be from the 15th or 16th century. Outside experts sadly determined it was a much more recent creation.

J. Levine Auction House holds weekly auctions at 11 am on Thursday mornings and has specialty auctions on a regular basis. Specialty auctions in April include Luxury Handbag and Accessories on April 2 and a Photography and Print Auction on April 16.

For more information on the Judaica, some of which may be available for purchase in the future, or to submit items for appraisal, call the auction house at 480-448-2236.

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The JCC is supported in part by the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 11

Life & Legacy partners announced

The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix, in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, has selected the following 12 Community Partners for the inaugural Life & Legacy program: Arizona Jewish Historical Society; Congregation Or Tzion; East Valley JCC; Hillel at ASU; Jewish Community Association of Greater Phoenix; Jewish Family & Children’s Service; Jewish Free Loan; Jewish Genetic Diseases Center of Greater Phoenix; Pardes Jewish Day School; Temple Chai; Temple Emanuel of Tempe; and Temple Kol Ami. The Life & Legacy Task Force, co-chaired by Mark Sklar and Jonathan Hoffer, received 12 completed applications and was pleased to accept all 12 organizations into the program, says JCF Life & Legacy Program Director Rachel Rabinovich.

The partners’ first formal training session, “Writing Your Legacy Plan,” on March 18 was facilitated by National Life & Legacy Director Arlene D. Schiff.

In her role at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation she provides training and support to communities across North America to secure meaningful afterlifetime legacy gifts. She is currently working with 23 communities across the country.

Life & Legacy is the newest initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, which is investing $20 million dollars nationally to secure the future of vibrant Jewish communities through legacy giving. In its first two years, Life & Legacy secured almost 3,000 legacy commitments from 14 participating communities, with an estimated value of more than $107 million.

A highlight of the program is the unrestricted incentive grant the Jewish Community Foundation will award all participating organizations based on meeting legacy commitment benchmarks.

480-699-1717 | rrabinovich@jcfphoenix.org

Attorney Doug Passon turns attention to filmmaking

Attorney and award-winning filmmaker Doug Passon recently left his position of over 12 years at the Office of the Federal Defender to focus on his film-production/creative-consultancy firm, D Major Films.

Doug specializes in helping attorneys incorporate powerful and persuasive moving pictures and storytelling into the litigation process. As long as Doug can remember, there were only two career paths for him: lawyer or filmmaker. About 10 years ago, he started combining his passions by producing short documentary films to use in his cases. As president and creative director of D Major Films, he not only produces these films for other lawyers to use in civil and criminal litigation, but also writes and teaches nationally about how lawyers can use story techniques to better represent their clients.

Doug also has his “passion” projects outside of the law. His last film, the feature-length documentary “Road to Eden,” premiered at the VOSJCC, had a sold-out encore screening at the 2014 Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival and is still playing at festivals and congregations across the country.

Doug serves on the executive board of the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival. He lives in Scottsdale where he and his wife, Rachel, are active members of Congregation Or Tzion.

480-326-0677 | doug@dmajorfilms.com | dmajorfilms.com | roadtoedenfilm.com

Estate planning firm renamed Morris Hall, PLLC

The law firm of Morris, Hall & Kinghorn, PLLC, the largest estate-planning law firm in Arizona and New Mexico, announces that the firm name has changed to Morris Hall, PLLC. “We have a new name and a new look, but the firm’s dedication and focus remain Dan Morris, left, and the same,” says Senior Partner Dan R. Theron M. Hall Jr. Morris. “We continue to devote our practice to estate planning and helping people preserve their legacies for the ones that they love.”

Morris Hall has offices throughout Arizona and New Mexico, including Tucson, Oro Valley, Phoenix, Mesa, Arrowhead, Prescott, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, Carefree, Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las Cruces. With 45 years’ experience, the firm’s sole commitment to estate-planning matters has helped tens of thousands of families meet their long-term estate and financial goals. The firm is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, the national premier organization of legal professionals concentrating on estate planning. The AAEPA’s comprehensive training, educational programs and state-of-the-art estate-planning techniques foster excellence among its members while helping them deliver the highestquality estate-planning services to their clients. Morris Hall, PLLC, is also a member of Wealth Counsel and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

602-249-1328 | morristrust.com

12 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Shearim Torah High School adds three to board

The Shearim Torah High School for Girls has added three new members to its board of directors. Joining the board of Arizona’s only Jewish High School for Girls are Eddie Pantiliat, partner at the law offices of Hymson Goldstein & Pantiliat; Jared Elias, human resources executive; and Bayla Neuwirth, community volunteer. The three will help govern the board of the eight-yearold high school for Orthodox girls in Phoenix.

Each of the new board members has a strong commitment to Jewish education. They will join seven other members of the board including Arlene Glazer (president), Richard Lopchinsky, Susan Heller, Lori Brown, Aileen Becker and Paul Block. The school is led by Rabbi Raphael Landesman, who has served as head of school since its founding in 2006.

Shearim has a current enrollment of 31 students. Its mission is to impart to its students the knowledge, strength of character and life skills that will empower them to successfully engage in all aspects of their lives as committed Jewish women. Shearim has been fully accredited since 2011, and in 2013 it received a National Honor Society Charter.

602-324-3406 | shearimhighschool.org

Jacqui Breger new executive director of JGD

Jewish Genetic Diseases Center of Greater Phoenix is proud to announce the appointment of Jacqui Breger as its new executive director. Jacqui will be responsible for taking the center to the next level by enhancing the understanding of the center’s mission, which is to raise awareness in the Greater Phoenix community regarding Jewish genetic diseases and to make available educational opportunities about these often tragic disorders. Jacqui has the equivalent of an M.B.A. in marketing from the University of Cape Town, South

Africa, with additional majors in business strategy, economics, financial accounting and statistics. Jacqui has experience in many varied aspects of business management, marketing, fundraising, human resources, financial accounting, graphic design, web development and event management. As a marketing professional with almost 20 years of experience in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, as well as substantial involvement within the Jewish community, Jacqui brings a wealth of experience and extensive expertise to this position. Her most recent position was marketing director of Tesseract School. Jacqui is passionate about working within the Jewish community, saving lives and helping organizations grow and flourish. She is creative and driven and is excited to collaborate with the entire Jewish community toward community development. Jacqui is married to attorney Kevin Breger, and they have three daughters – Chloe, Francki and Racquayla.

480-668-3347, info@jewishgeneticsphx.org

Sara Taetle Schwindt new executive director of Or Chadash-Tucson

Sara Taetle Schwindt recently joined Congregation Or Chadash-Tucson, a Reform temple, as executive director.

A native of the Tucson Jewish community, Sara completed her bachelor’s degree in music education at the University of Michigan. She then returned home to teach at Marana High School for three years and earn her master’s degree in choral conducting at the University of Arizona. For the last five years, Sara lived in the Boston area, where she taught K-8 music at the Rashi School, a Jewish day school.

Immediately before coming to Congregation Or Chadash, Sara directed the religious-education program at North Parish Unitarian Universalist congregation in North Andover, MA. In this position, she oversaw the budget, hired and supervised the religious-education staff, managed volunteers, and developed an online and social-media presence that contributed to a 13% year-over-year increase in program enrollment and a significant increase in congregational membership and engagement among families with young children. During this time, Sara’s husband, Joel, completed his Ph.D. at Brandeis University. Sara and Joel are the proud parents of 3-year-old Hannah.

Sara is excited to be joining the Or Chadash staff at a time when "the synagogue is undergoing exciting changes and taking strides forward to realize its vision and become a long-term fixture in the Jewish community of Tucson." execdir@orchadash-tucson.org | 520-512-8500

OdySea Aquarium breaks ground

Scottsdale’s long awaited OdySea Aquarium officially broke ground on March 5 with founders Amram Knishinsky, PhD, and Martin Pollack officiating. More than 400 people attended including dignitaries Photo Credit: Courtesy of OdySea Aquarium from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the City of Scottsdale.

Pictured are, from left: Jim Brandt, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.; Greg Crane, representing the investors; Bernie Deutsch, Deutsch Architecture Group; Martin Pollack, CFO OdySea Aquarium; Amram Knishinsky, CEO OdySea Aquarium; Gene Laws, member of SRPMIC representing the landowners; and Martin Harvier, SRPMIC vice president.

The OdySea Aquarium is slated to open July 2016. It will be the Southwest’s largest aquarium and will offer unrivaled marine adventures with an unparalleled high-tech oceanic educational journey like no other in the industry. The 14-acre attraction with a three-level facility, will span more than 200,000 square feet and will boast a revolutionary design feature that moves visitors to each level via an acrylic tunnel to view fascinating and unique marine life. A SeaTREK experience will allow guests to descend deep into the “ocean” where they will be completely surrounded by sea life.

480-951-2100 | odyseaaquarium.com

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www.azmoneyguy.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 13

Designing Women Wise words from a talented trio

Homes

& Real Estate

By Leni Reiss

Barbara Kaplan, CEO of Design Dimensions, acknowledges with a smile that she might well be described as the Valley’s “Grande Dame” of design. Raised in a home where antiques were collected and treasured, Barbara grew up with an appreciation of the impact on people’s lives of their surroundings. She used that knowledge to forge a successful career.

Barbara Kaplan INSIDE 14 Design wisdom 18 Art makes the home 20 Personality and buying a home 22 Cottages, Israeli-style 23 Featured properties

14 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

We talked to Barbara, in business here for more than 30 years, and Michele Wiltchik of Michele Wiltchik Interiors and Suzanne Siegel of Pasadena Ave. The latter two, relative newcomers to the field, share Barbara’s dedication to superior interior design and are making their own marks in the local market.

Following is input from Barbara, Michele and Suzanne on the challenges of their profession. While each of the three has unique skills, on one aspect of their field they all firmly agree: a finished product must reflect the individual client’s needs, tastes, wants, desires – and budgets.

Barbara, who maintains that her inspiration comes from her clients, says that every new project is a new challenge. She doesn’t believe in trends. “What’s in today is out tomorrow,” she finds, “so why make yourself into what you aren’t. True interior design is really interior – it is in you.” Knowing that trends typically are temporary, she suggests using a color on one wall perhaps – or an accessory piece – to transform a space for a short period of time. Actually, she notes, one big trend is “not decorating forever – not to be locked in!”

Michele Wiltchik

Technology is one new aspect of design, she continues. “It used to be that people built offices to house their technology – now technology goes with us from room to room.” Clients have options, she says. They no longer need to sit in one room on one chair to access their computer. This, she says, might free up a room – or at least an area – to use for other purposes. “This actually can influence changes in lifestyle,” she finds. “Your home needs to change as you change. Make yourself more important than the room,” she advises, adding that “everyone can use help to define themselves within an environment that best reflects them.”

Michele Wiltchik segued to interior décor from another field. As a human resources director for both Hilton Hotels

and Prudential Financial, she traveled extensively and says she became inspired by the works of top designers worldwide. “But ultimately I wanted to use the creative side of my brain, and what I am doing now is filling that need.” She started working on projects with friends, “who encouraged me to go for it – to do it professionally.”

For the past seven years that is what Michele has been doing, using her home as her office, with most of her time spent in clients’ homes. She recognizes that many people can’t do the whole house at one time, “so we prioritize and plan, and eventually get the job done.” Michele finds that some people “really want to hold on – forever – to some of what they have.”

She welcomes the challenge of unifying the old and the new, the antique and the modern.

Several of Michele’s clients now are opting for a modern,

(602) 317-3205 ernestogarciadesign.com

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 15

Suzanne Siegel clean, linear look throughout. White leather is popular “especially when children are grown and out of the house,” as is pendant lighting, handblown colorful glass and large sculptural pieces.

Michele is enthusiastic about choices available for kitchens and bathrooms, referring to materials such as stone, glass and stainless steel. Having traveled in Japan, she says she has ready access to merchandise produced there including faucets, toilets and sinks. “They are 10 years ahead of us technologically,” she says.

The goal is to leave each project with a unique twist that “won’t be replicated at the neighbor’s,” says Suzanne Siegel. She and her longtime

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One of Suzanne most gratifying challenges, she says, is to transform a space with color. “Color is underestimated. It can enhance and energize and has inherent value that

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We see the whole picture and can unify the design of the home. We see details that clients aren’t necessarily aware of.

–Suzanne Siegel doesn’t break the bank. For example, a beautiful new white kitchen lacks warmth.

Paint and window treatments are critical to make it a welcoming community space.”

The value of working with a designer, Suzanne suggests, is that “We see the whole picture and can unify the design of the home. We see details that clients aren’t necessarily aware of. And we help stretch the dollars with access to many resources at greatly reduced cost. Often we can cut the middle man out.

“And creativity counts,” she adds, citing examples: “We’ve used matchbox cars as drawer pulls for a boy’s room; transformed old pictures frames into mirrors; turned an old dresser into a charging station for electronics; and designed Lucite wall boxes to show off a teen’s favorite shoes.”

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www.AZJewishLife.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 17

Homes

& Real Estate

To Life

Home is where the art is!

By Amy Hirshberg Lederman

Passover is my favorite Jewish holiday for the very simple reason that it is the holiday where we are commanded to ask questions. In addition to having the chance to celebrate together with family and friends, it is a time when, as Jews, we cultivate our curiosity by telling the Passover story and by engaging our minds with questions.

One of the contemporary questions that we have asked at our seder is this: If you were forced to leave your home in the middle of the night and flee to safety, what would you bring?

For each person, that answer is different, depending on what you cherish most. For some, it is family albums and heirlooms, for others it is computers and legal documents. There is no correct answer, just as there is not a single answer to the question: What do you value most about your home?

I love the home my family has created. We moved into our house with our 2-year-old son, Josh, when I was seven months pregnant with my daughter, Lauren. It was 105 degrees that smoldering July day in Tucson almost 28 years ago, and we have remained here ever since. Our home contains a lifetime of

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memories, milestones, stains and artifacts that reflect, more than anything I could capture in words, what our family is like and what we have devoted our time and energy to as we raised our family.

Early on my husband and I began to create rituals for our family. Some were secular, like bath and story time before bed or having special mom and me/dad and me “date nights” with the kids. Others were Jewish-oriented, like buying Shabbat cookies every Friday afternoon and having seders in our back yard in a tent where we sat on pillows and blankets. These rituals grew as we did, and we continue to this day to find new ways to celebrate the holidays using Jewish stories, art, music and food.

But one of the things I treasure most is that we created a sacred, special place in our home for Jewish art. When our kids were little, we devoted a shelf to items they created. From tzedakah boxes decorated with stickers to macaroni menorahs that glittered, we proudly displayed these pieces and used them

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for the holidays. Our shelf grew to an entire cabinet, with beautiful Jewish pieces we acquired from our travels to Israel and abroad. Today, I have more menorahs than shoes (which is saying a lot), and much of the art on our walls has a Jewish theme or is by a Jewish artist.

There is a lovely concept in Judaism called Hiddur Mitzvah that encourages us to elevate the performance of Jewish rituals and mitzvoth by using beautiful ritual items. The idea is that in order to capture the fullness of performing the mitzvah itself, for example, lighting holiday candles or saying the Kiddush over wine, we should experience it in all of its glory, beauty and splendor. The beauty and importance of the action is matched by the quality of the “tools” we use to perform the act. So having lovely candlesticks, perhaps passed down from a parent or grandparent, or using a special wine cup rather than a paper cup to say the Kiddish, actually raises the act to an even higher level of observance.

Hiddur Mitzvah is a win-win proposition. It encourages us to try out Jewish rituals as a family that we might not otherwise do, engages and strengthens our family bonds, and inspires us to bring beauty and meaning into our homes with Jewish values as the foundation.

Amy Hirshberg Lederman has written more than 300 columns and essays that have been published nationwide. amyhirshberglederman.com

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Tel Aviv University research finds personality traits affect home-buying decisions Distributed by American Friends of Tel Aviv University

Do you consider yourself a conscientious person? Then sign up for a fixed-rate mortgage. Neurotic? You'll probably opt for home ownership over renting.

According to a new study published in the Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics, personality traits are strong indicators of real-estate decisions. The research,

by Dr. Danny Ben-Shahar of Tel Aviv University's Faculty of Management and doctoral candidate Roni Golan of the Technion Institute of Technology, finds a correlation between personality and individual real estate choices, and a follow-up study by the same team finds an identical link between local personality types in America and statewide real estate trends.

"This research falls within the scope of a much larger discussion in the social sciences in general, and in economics in particular, about what constitutes decision-making: the rational view versus that affected by emotional and cognitive biases," says Dr. Ben-Shahar. "My work shows that people in the real estate framework act 'irrationally,' as economists say, and not according to traditional economic assumptions."

The "Big Five" and home ownership In their first study, the researchers administered a widely used personality assessment test called the "Big Five" to a diverse sample of 1,138 respondents. The test asks takers to rate themselves on a scale from 1 to 5 on questions that measure standard personality traits: Openness (artistic, curious, imaginative), Conscientiousness (efficient, organized), Extroversion (sociable, outgoing, energetic), Agreeableness, (forgiving, undemanding) and Neuroticism (tense, discontented).

Once the researchers established the personality types of the respondents, they asked five questions about their real estate preferences – such as the type and duration of a mortgage, whether to rent or buy, and whether to invest in real estate or stocks. The findings were controlled for a series of variables including, among others, level of education, homeownership, age, gender and income.

The results showed a clear link between personality and real estate decisions. Neurotic people, for example, prefer homeownership over renting. When they do buy, they opt for a mortgage with a lower "loan-to-value" ratio, which means the loan amount is low compared to the price of the home.

"It turns out, not surprisingly to psychologists and behavioral

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economists perhaps, that there are very significant correlations between personality traits and preferences in real estate," says Dr. Ben-Shahar.

State-by-state In the follow-up study, Dr. Ben-Shahar examined the results of the Big Five personality test with respect to a much larger sample of 1.6 million Americans. By matching predominant "personality types" of U.S. states with housing data from the U.S. Census and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the team found that here, too, personality was associated with real estate choices. The so-called "personality" of a state was defined by previous studies in which researchers averaged the responses of individuals on the Big Five test for each state.

The neurotic state of New York, for example, tended to choose lower loan-to-value ratios on mortgages, whereas states with relatively high marks for openness, like South Carolina, leaned toward a relatively greater share of fixed-rate mortgages. Vermont, on the other hand, scored relatively highly on openness and tended to choose lower LTVs. "While not every state's real estate profile lined up exactly with its predominant personality, we saw the macro level reflect trends detected at the micro level," says Dr. Ben-Shahar.

Dr. Ben-Shahar is currently working on other models of nonrational decision making in the real estate market.

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www.cbzhomes.com/agent/tnoga 22 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

All about cottages, Israeli-style

By Teddy Weinberger

When we first moved to Israel in the summer of 1997, it took awhile before I got used to referring to where I live as a “house.” We had made aliyah from Miami, and there we clearly had your standard-definition house: a large unattached structure with spacious front and backyards. In Givat Ze'ev, we moved in to what's called a “cottage,” which in American terms is a small attached or semidetached duplex, but which Israelis unselfconsciously also call a “bayit,” meaning a house. (It's only fair to say at this point that while cottage yards are similarly small, our backyard is jam-packed with seven kinds of fruit trees.)

Our address is 2/4 Mishol Ha'Admonit, that is, the fourth cottage of the second building on Peony Lane (which consists of just three other such structures). Built in the early 1980s, ours were the earliest cottages in Givat Ze'ev. Originally, all the cottages were very small, but the economics of housing prices in Givat Ze'ev suggests that as people's housing needs increase, they choose to build additions to their cottages.

As a result, when we moved into our cottage it had already been increased from 90 to 140 square meters (about 1,000 to 1,500 square feet) and to five bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms. We made the bedroom on the ground floor into a study/guest room and moved our personal stuff upstairs. Since we assumed that every house has to have a family room, we put the girls in the old “master” bedroom, managed to squeeze the three boys into one small bedroom (thankfully we have a bunk bed) and left our sofa bed to preside over the family room. After we woke up to the fact that we were now living in a Givat Ze'ev cottage, we ditched the sofa bed and big-brother Nathan got his own room.

When we first moved to Givat Ze'ev, only the lucky elite were privileged enough to own “villas,” two-story Americantype houses (attached or semidetached). I say lucky because the pioneers in this area, who began life down the road at the small Givon settlement, were awarded villa rights in Givat Ze'ev. However, a funny thing has happened over the last decade: some of our friends moved from cottages to villas.

Our children and our visiting parents have noticed this and have lobbied for our doing the same. Sarah and I have resisted for several reasons, a main one being a hidden family secret: our children have gained tremendously from rooming with each other. Our children have learned – sometimes the very hard way – about the need to compromise and work together in human relationships. And there is nothing like the shared intimacy of the soft bedtime conversation between roommates. It's interesting to note that despite complaining about the size of our cottage, our kids have never complained about having to room with a sibling. So while it's true that kilo per kilo Ezra and Elie must hold the longevity record for two human beings on a bunk bed, for now were are staying put.

Because of our villa-owning friends, it has again become difficult for me to call our cottage a “house.” Yet now I have absolutely no problem calling our cottage a bayit, because bayit also means home.

Teddy Weinberger is a freelance columnist living in Israel.

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 23

[ food]

Healthy No-Bake Desserts

Corner

When the temperature rises outside, who wants to be inside preheating the oven? Not I! For a sweet ending to your warmweather meal, look to these amazing no-bake desserts. They can even be made dairy and/or gluten free. There is some prep work required, but the taste and texture of the cheesecake is creamy and unmistakably sinful. The avocado truffles are easy and delicious, and they’re loaded with antioxidants, potassium and fiber.

As the heat soars, you might want to whip up a batch of coconut whipped cream that I shared a recipe for in my December 2013 column. In addition to using it to garnish the strawberry cheesecake below, you can use your whipped coconut cream in your coffee, on pancakes, on ice cream, on mixed berries or anywhere you would use traditional whipped cream.

Look for coconut milk that comes in a BPA-free can (such as Native Forest Organic coconut milk in a BPA-free can – it’s kosher).

Step 1: Take a “full fat” can of organic coconut milk and place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Step 2: Scoop out the thickened coconut cream, leaving the coconut water for drinking or other recipes.

Step 3: Add a little cinnamon, vanilla and sugar (or sugar substitute) to the cream in a mixing bowl then whip it until it begins to thicken. Place in refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight to firm up.

So step away from the oven and cool off while making these delicious and refreshing desserts.

By Lucia Schnitzer

Dark Chocolate Avocado Truffles Ingredients 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped ⅓ cup mashed avocado (about 1 small avocado) ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of salt 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, for rolling (optional) Combine the chocolate, vanilla extract and pinch of salt over a double boiler and melt until completely smooth, stirring as needed.

Mash the avocado with a fork until no lumps are visible, and then stir it into the melted chocolate mixture until smooth and thickened.

Place in the fridge to set for 20 minutes, or until slightly firm to the touch.

Once the mixture has been chilled and is slightly firm, use a tablespoon to scoop the chocolate into 12 balls. Place them on a pan lined with parchment paper, and roll the balls between the palms of your hand to create a smooth surface.

Place the 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder in small bowl and roll each truffle into the cocoa to coat. Serve at room temperature, but store in the fridge for a lasting shelf life.

Note: You can also roll these truffles in ground nuts, shredded coconut or sprinkles.

Lucia Schnitzer and her husband, Ken, own Luci’s Healthy Marketplace in Phoenix. The local coffee shop and marketplace opened in 2009 in Lucia’s honor after her successful battle with breast cancer. She successfully manages her career, her growing family (four children), her personal well-being and the countless demands of the day.

24 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Ingredients 1 graham cracker crust, baked and chilled* 2 cups raw cashews, soaked in water for 4-6 hours ¾ cup honey ¾ cup coconut oil Juice of 1 lemon, about ¼ cup 1 pound fresh or frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend until light and fluffy.

Pour into baked crust. Freeze at least 2-4 hours until set.

Serve frozen or chilled.

Add a dollop of coconut whipped cream and garnish with berries if desired *Use a store-bought crust, a recipe of your choice or the kosher for Passover recipe given below.

Passover “Graham Cracker” Crust Ingredients 4 tablespoons melted butter (for dairy free, use 5 tablespoons coconut oil) 2 tablespoons honey 1½ cups almond flour, firmly packed ½ teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Stir together all ingredients until combined.

Using your hands, spread mixture into a greased 9-inch pie plate and pack down firmly.

Bake for 12-16 minutes until golden brown.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 25

Where do

JEWISH PEOPLE

EAT?

By A. Noshman

I call it adventure eating. A love for trying something you’ve never tasted before. That’s me, an adventure eater. I can’t fathom why people pass up food they have never tried. I knew a guy who ate hamburgers for every meal, and he was a happy man. Me, I want to put a fork in my mouth, have my eyes glaze over and say, “I’ve never tasted anything like that before.”

Posh is adventure eating. You don’t really know what you are going to get, but you do have some measure of control. The “menu” is simply a list of items, and you cross off what you don’t want to eat. I nixed pork, shellfish, dairy, and because this is the Passover edition, bread. I left on beef, lamb, vegetables, fish and fruit. They want to know what temperature you like your meat and fish, and I chose medium rare. You are also asked if you are willing to eat raw meat or raw fish. Yes I am! The last choice you make is how much you want to spend. Posh is a bit posh as far as prices go. I chose the six-course option for $75. My server, who walked me through the whole process, let me know that the portions are small, that I wasn’t going to leave stuffed, but that I was going to leave very happy.

While I waited for the first course, I looked around at a smartly designed restaurant with the kitchen in the middle of the room. You could sit at the counter surrounding the kitchen or at a nearby table and still watch the chef at work.

With torches and tools, he handcrafted every diner’s specific preferences. The table next to me discussed bar mitzvah receptions and Herb Drinkwater, Scottsdale’s former mayor whom they thought was Jewish. The diners at Posh are very posh themselves, a good-looking crowd all on a similar mission, to eat something special.

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get me warmed up for what was about to come. This unexpected treat was smoky, salty and earthy. I was delighted to have it and wished there was more. This made me worry a bit: What if I really liked something and there were only a few bites? I’ll be honest – I had to look up sea beans. They are seeds from fruits that have fallen into streams and been carried to the ocean where they are collected. I loved it.

Arugula Salad

Arugula Salad (First Course)

A beautiful salad arrived along with an explanation of its ingredients: arugula, red and white beets, grapefruit, caraway seeds, olive oil and fennel seed dressing. This was very fresh, again very earthy and with marvelous flavor. The hint of caraway was a delightful addition. I liked this salad so much that it prompted me to ask my server about ordering it specifically if I were to come back and dine again. Basically he said, “You can’t.”

Everything is seasonal and it may not be back again for months or even a year. I’m obviously struggling with this concept. It sort of goes against human eating nature – we return to restaurants to order what we loved. Then I reminded myself of the adventure, that’s truly why I was here. So, I let it go and focused on the next thing.

Loup de Mer (Second Course)

Smoked Sturgeon

Smoked Sturgeon (a gift from the chef)

A small slice of smoked sturgeon served with pickled sea bean and fennel was placed before me. My server explained it was to 26 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

This was my first hot dish. A handsomely delivered, blackened piece of sea bass sitting atop a bed of sautéed cabbage with a dollop of mustard seed swimming nearby arrived. The fish was delicate and delicious with a well-seasoned and crispy skin.

The cabbage had been sautéed in wine, and you could mix the mustard seed in with bites as you went along. This was incredibly rich and flavorful, and I found myself wishing this had been an entire meal, but at the same time, realizing that if this had been an entire meal, it would be overwhelming because the flavor was so rich and intense.

Seared Ahi Tuna (Third Course)

Two heavenly seasoned slices of seared ahi tuna served on charred bok choy drizzled with sesame oil was placed before me, and I got busy. Then I remembered to take a picture, so I had to put it back together for the shot. This is the hazard of being a food writer when you are dining alone, and there’s no one with you to remind you to take a picture first. This course was simply delicious. The fish, as with all of the ingredients so far, was very fresh and the cabbage had been sautéed in wine. There was a little bit of heat in this dish. I’m not sure if it was in the seasoning or the pickled ginger, but it was a wonderful addition.

Kosher Vegetarian Italian restaurant and pizzeria

New York Strip (Fourth Course)

By now, I’m starting to lose track of which course is coming.

Then, a perfectly cooked, medium-rare plate of New York strip was served with mushrooms and a demi-glace. I loved the seasoning and the sear on the steak. It was very good, but this particular dish didn’t have the pop of the others. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I had it. But each dish that preceded it raised the bar, and, though this was delicious, it seemed ordinary by comparison.

New Zealand Lamb Chop (Fifth Course)

A dish featuring New Zealand lamb, roasted fennel, pine nuts and demi-glace came next, and it was a delightful way to end with a true flavor burst. The lamb chop was cooked to perfection and very tasty. The demi-glace was similar to the NY strip, but oh, that roasted fennel with its caramelized skin was out of this world and a perfect complement to the flavorful lamb. The chop was small but not tiny, which I appreciated. I am not a fan of pine nuts, but in this dish, they were great. Had I known they were coming, I would have probably asked for them to be held, so I’m glad I didn’t know. I would have missed the adventure.

This was awesome.

Rum-Braised Pineapple (Sixth and Final Course)

A concoction of rum, pineapple, coconut and dairy-free lychee sorbet finished off the meal. This was very creative given my no-dairy, no-bread or crust restriction. As I ate it, I could detect cinnamon and allspice combining with the sweet of the lychee and the sour of the pineapple. The coconut was a lovely touch.

It was tricky to cut the pineapple in the bowl, but I have never missed a bite of anything in my life and soon this was all gone.

Posh is a little odd to drive to because it’s part of an office complex attached to a parking garage. Just follow your nose to the best-smelling parking garage you will ever encounter. This is an adventure eater’s paradise, and conversely, a hamburger at every meal lover’s worst nightmare. You can’t be in a rush – it takes about 10 minutes from the time you finish a course until the next one comes. Posh opened in 2008 and has been improvising ever since. See you there!

Contact A. Noshman at a.noshman@azjewishlife.com

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6505 N. 7th Street • Suite 105 • Phoenix, AZ 85014 www.LaBellaPizzeriaAndRestaurant.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 27

[COVER STORY]

Tucson Mayor

Jonathan Rothschild: Tikkun olam drives him to lead

By Deborah Moon

A young reader reads with the mayor as part of the mayor’s early literacy program.

28 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

As he begins his fourth year as Tucson mayor, Jonathan Rothschild calls his commitment to social

action a central force in his efforts to improve the lives of residents of Arizona’s second-largest city.

“Tikkun olam, repair of the world – if you are going to do the kind of work I’m doing now, you have to have that as a core value,” says Jonathan, who was born in Tucson in 1955 to Lowell and Anne Rothschild. At that time, the area’s population was only about 50,000.

Now with 10 times that number within the city and with more than a million people in the entire valley, Jonathan says Tucson has changed dramatically during his lifetime. When he took office in 2011, he says the city was still reeling from the devastation of the Great Recession that began in 2008.

His efforts to aid the city’s economic recovery (as listed on his official website, mayorrothschild.com) include: “[T]he mayor helped settle the long-standing Rio Nuevo dispute, opening a new era of downtown redevelopment. He codified and increased incentives for Tucson businesses. And, he led efforts to pass a $100 million road improvement bond, the first in the city for many years.”

Prior to running for office he spent 30 years practicing law (the last 10 as managing partner of the law firm Mesch, Clark & Rothschild) and was very active in nonprofit organizations. He served as president of both Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging and Temple Emanu-el (30 years after his father served as president of that Reform congregation). He chaired the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, a post he resigned when he started his election campaign.

“I decided after 2004 that I wanted to do more than have

opinions about civic matters,” he says of his decision to move into the political realm.

So he located the local Democratic headquarters and started to help other people with their political campaigns, including Gabby Giffords’ Congressional campaign.

“I began to respect people who hold office and decided the place I could contribute the most was in my own city,” Jonathan says, noting the timing was right because Tucson’s three-term mayor had decided not to run again.

His decision to run for office seemed both surprising and appropriate.

His father calls it an interesting turn. “He was an amazing partner in our law firm,” says his father, adding “Social justice appears to be part of his vision. … His mother, Anne, and I are very proud of him.”

JFSA President and CEO Stuart Mellan marvels: “A guy in the peak of his professional career set that aside to perform public service. I think he did it for all the right reasons – he felt he could give leadership that could help our community.”

Stuart has known Jonathan for 19 years and says he has seen his leadership skills in action across the Jewish community. “He really looks at the big picture and is very skillful at helping bring people together,” says Stuart. “When he was president of Temple and Handmaker, he was always working to bring institutions and people together. … He listens really well. I could see he was well-equipped to run for office.”

Relatively unknown in the general community when he took office, Jonathan sent out a flyer introducing himself to the community and asking people what they would like to see him work on. The more than 4,000 responses fell into four categories: creating jobs, restoring trust in city government, promoting conservation (including harnessing solar power) and rebuilding the local safety net.

“I decided after 2004 that I wanted to do more than have opinions about civic matters.”

Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and Sinaloa, Mexico, Governor Mario López Valdez present a program in 2012.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 29

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild on “The Buckmaster Show,” which airs on KVOI AM 1030 at noon Monday-Friday.

While the economy is improving, he says “people would like to see the recovery be stronger and accelerated. He says his primary goal as mayor is “improving the economy of our community.”

Bringing business and good jobs to the community also provides the tax base to provide needed core services, including restoring the safety net.

In addition to working on those four core areas, Jonathan has also focused on education, which he considers a key component to enhance the community and – Jewish Federation the lives of people who live here.

Jonathan says early literacy and CEO Stuart Mellan dropout prevention programs are especially important. reading with certificates and prizes for “Last year we recruited 600 new literacy participating children up to grade 12. volunteers,” he says, of a partnership The mayor also believes that “Teach the between his office and the Literacy Parent, Reach the Child” is very effective Connects program called Reading program in improving literacy. Helping Seed. Each volunteer worked with mothers with their literacy skills enables three struggling readers in kindergarten them to help their own children. through third grade. “We got 1,500 kids As a published poet, Jonathan has up to grade-level reading.” perhaps more of an understanding of The Mayor’s Summer Reading the importance of literacy than do many Challenge encouraged summer politicians. His book The Last Clubhouse

Eulogy was published in 2009

by Jacks Press. It includes poems he wrote during a selfdescribed “poetry writing binge” from 2002 to 2009.

Stuart says not many people know that their “tough, nononsense” mayor is a poet. “He is a man of many dimensions,” says Stuart.

One of the six sections of the book addresses social issues, says Jonathan. And while one of his regrets of being mayor is that he no longer has the focused time he needs to write poetry, he now has plenty of time to focus on social issues.

In his pursuit of social justice, Jonathan sometimes enlists the aid of the JCRC that he chaired before becoming mayor. JCRC Director Brian Davis says the council has worked with the mayor’s office on poverty and migrant issues. On April 24, the mayor will moderate a leaders’ forum held at the JCC that will focus on poverty issues and solutions.

Last summer when large numbers of asylum seekers from Central America

“When he was president of Temple (Emanu-el) and Handmaker (Services for the Aging), he was always working to bring institutions and people together. …

He listens really well.”

30 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

community of being closely were left at the bus station in tied to Sonora – the state to our Tucson, Brian says the mayor south. It’s not just a state next asked the JCRC to take the to you, it’s a relationship. People lead in providing them with have family on both sides of the services. “We worked closely border.” with Catholic Social Services He has participated in a to provide aid,” says Brian. series of mayoral visits to In turn, Jonathan meets Mexico to help improve annually with the Jewish relations and foster economic Latino Dialogue, a yearlong development between Arizona program for high school and Mexico. students that culminates in a Now he hopes to create trip to Washington, D.C. Jonathan and Karen Rothschild ties with another country “It’s a great group,” says with which Tucson has Jonathan. “It brings folks from commonalities – Israel. two different backgrounds and cultures together to get to The mayor will head up a know each other. Then they go community leadership trip to to D.C. and meet our Congress Israel July 12-20. About 25 people.” business, civic and nonprofit leaders have signed up for the The Latino community is another area Jonathan focuses trip.

“Tucson is a desert on. “Forty-three percent of community and technology the city is Hispanic,” he notes. a color version for Jewish (3.6 x 4.93), please. And, YES, they just finally paid again…so will be in is one aofcheck our strengths,” he “Some families have Life beenmagazine here says, noting the similarities to 300 years, and some families Israel. “A lot of things we do arrived three weeks ago. … We here are parallel to what they are 60 miles from the border, Rothschild family wedding: From left, Nathan and Jennifer Rothschild, Tanya Miller do in Israel. I hope to make so there is a long history in our and Isaac Rothschild (the newlyweds), and Karen, Jonathan and Molly Rothschild.

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“Remembrance of the Holocaust is essential to our common history and guiding our future. It is a blessing that Tucson has a museum space that is dedicated to this memory, so that all of our children can learn and never forget.”

–Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild

The Holocaust History Center Expansion at the Jewish History Museum Coming to Tucson in Winter 2015/2016 For information on how you can support the expansion program, please contact director@jewishhistorymuseum.org

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 31

Mayor Johnathan Rothschild and kids announce literary initiative.

connections we can bring back and work on together.”

The trip will also be a personally meaningful experience for Jonathan.

Though his wife and three children have all visited the Jewish homeland, he has never been there. He says his wife hasn’t been since she was in her late teens, and she is eager to return.

In 1883, Charles Moses Strauss became Tucson’s first Jewish mayor. Four of Tucson’s last seven mayors were Jewish. To Jonathan, this rich history shows that “This is a very active and politically and socially involved Jewish community.”

His own family members are among those active in both the Jewish and general communities. Jonathan’s father, Lowell, is a past president and current board member of the Tucson Airport Authority and a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of Arizona College of Law. He is a past president of Temple Emanu-el and has been very involved with Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging. In addition, he was a member of the University of Arizona Foundation, the Arizona Board of Medical Examiners and the Jewish Community Foundation. This past year, at the age of 87, he agreed to serve on the board of the Jewish Federation. Anne has been involved with The Assistance League of Tucson.

Jonathan’s wife, Karen, served on the University of Arizona Hillel board and is currently involved with the Holocaust History Center of the Jewish History Museum in Tucson.

She is the daughter of Holocaust survivors Regina and Sam Spiegel, who were very involved at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum while their health allowed. “My mother had been speaking in the Washington, D.C., area since before the museum, and then my father joined her after he retired,” Karen says.

Regina and Sam were selected by the museum to be part of a delegation that attended the opening of a Holocaust museum in Dresden, Germany. Regina also spoke to soldiers at Fort Huachuca as part of a program to increase sensitivity and tolerance.

“My mother's story was so powerful because she stressed how it was small acts of kindness by individuals that helped her survive, and that she did not hold hate in her heart because then she felt that would have given the Nazis a victory,” says Karen.

Jonathan and Karen’s three adult children all participated on Birthright Israel trips. Isaac and Nathan were also able to accompany Karen’s parents on a March of the Living Trip to Poland.

Their older son, Isaac, is an active volunteer in the Tucson community, donating his time and talent to Wills for Heroes, where he prepares wills for Tucson firefighters and police officers. He serves on the board of Arts of All, whose programs are designed to provide a quality art focus for children, youth and adults with and without disabilities. He is also on the board of the Tucson JCC and is involved in the young men’s group of the Jewish federation.

Son Nathan recently graduated from law school and returned to Tucson to practice law. Nathan is also involved in a community leadership group in Tucson.

Daughter Molly is currently in Washington, D.C., working on social justice issues with Avodah: the Jewish Service Corps.

Says proud patriarch Lowell, “We are part of the fabric of this community.”

Jonathan himself plans to continue to uphold the family tradition of social action and tikkun olam. He recently announced he will run for re-election as Tucson’s mayor in November 2015.

“Tucson is a desert community and technology is one of our strengths. A lot of things we do here are parallel to what they do in Israel. I hope to make connections we can bring back and work on together.”

32 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

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Kids

The Three Javelinas.

Photo by Tim Trumble

Jenny Millinger updates classic tale for Childsplay knew she really wanted to be more involved in the artistic end of things. After all, she'd loved theater since she played a pilgrim in You may already have a copy of The Three Javelinas on your her kindergarten Thanksgiving play. child's book shelf. Written in 1992 by Tucson author Susan She dabbled in performing through her preteen years, but Lowell and filled with glorious illustrations by Jim Harris, it was by high school realized she loved all the production aspects named a "One Book AZ" for children of the art: directing, designing, dramaturgy. a few years ago, designating it as a She devoured scripts to the point of creating a suggested read for every 3- to 8-year"Dramaturgy degree in English literature" at old in the state. Building on the original Scripps College in California, where she read, story of the three little pigs, this story dissected, discussed and reviewed hundreds is set in the American Southwest and of classic and contemporary scripts. She also explores sibling relationships as well as spent six months in London at the Academy of life lessons on "preparation, teamwork Dramatic Arts, where she continued her script and common sense." analysis work.

When Jenny Millinger, Childsplay's Plus, she loved teaching. David Saar, the director of strategic initiatives, read the founding artistic director of Childsplay, knows book and its sequel, Josefina Javelina, creative excellence – and knew that Jenny had she could envision an exciting play a perfect combination of interests and abilities for Arizona children that would to help the company increase and expand its incorporate a familiar fable, yet give it a outreach. Jenny is now in charge of all the contemporary, local flavor. She met the educational outreach programming the company Choreographer/Actor author and was granted the rights to offers.

Molly LaJoie portrays develop the two stories into a cohesive Josefina the Ballerina "Childsplay is such a wonderful and inspiring theatrical experience that has turned place to work," Jenny says. "By devoting our into "a 90-minute Broadway musical," Jenny says with a laugh. energies to 'strikingly original theater,' we strive to keep up with The particular job Jenny holds at the award-winning theater the rapidly changing audience. Children today see the world company was created especially for her. Twelve years ago she much differently than children of just 10 years ago, for example, started out as their development director. While she enjoyed that and Childsplay insists on keeping up and showing respect for position and was able to bring in some sizeable donations, she the child's world and points of view."

By Janet Arnold

34 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Childsplay performs in the arena of "Theatre for Young Audiences," with adult professional actors. Over their 35+ years they have developed an ensemble of some of the most talented and creative theater artists in the Valley, a number of whom have been with the company almost since it was founded. David knows how to nurture his company members, allowing them freedom to pursue outside acting and teaching opportunities when possible. When Jenny wanted to create a script from the books, David encouraged her to do so, even though she had not had a script produced prior to this.

"I talked to Susan Lowell and explained we would need to make changes and 'fill in the story,' and she enthusiastically endorsed the project," Jenny explains. "We brought in Todd Hulet, a wonderful composer who understood the best in tonality and rhythms that exemplify the Southwest.

We wanted to be sure to celebrate the best of living in the Southwest visually, textually and musically."

Jenny wrote the lyrics to the songs as well as the script.

"No pun goes unturned," she says laughing.

The traditional story has been changed a bit – and Jenny Millinger includes segments from the second book in which Josephina wants to be a ballerina. She "packs up her concertina and leaves her favorite little cantina to go to Pasadena to visit her cousin Angelina." And of course the former big, bad wolf is now an Arizona coyote.

Jenny grew up in the greater Phoenix area, attending the Valley Jewish Day School and Phoenix Hebrew Academy. She grew up at Har Zion Congregation, and when that shul closed she became a member at Congregation Beth El. "In talking about my play to Rabbi (Arthur) Lavinsky the other day, I reminded him that javelinas are not from the pig family, but rather are peccaries – and I assured him that this whole play is about NOT eating pork!"

The Three Javelinas Javelina is pronounced have-a-LEE-na WHEN: April 19-May 24, Saturdays (1 and 4 pm) and Sundays (1 pm) WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W Rio Salado Pkwy.

TICKETS: $12-$25 from childsplayaz.org

The Three Javelinas Gala WHAT: Hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, silent auction, live music, cork pull, performance of “The Three Javelinas” WHEN: May 2, 5:30 pm WHY: Fundraiser for the theater TICKETS: $100 CONTACT: jweiss@childsplayaz.org | 480-921-5761

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Kids Teens experience tikkun olam in action

Fifty teens from the Greater Phoenix Jewish Community Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program participated in a Tikkun Olam tour on Feb. 21. The concept was to have the teens experience firsthand some of the places and people their donated dollars will reach. They stopped at the Valley of the Sun JCC to see Kids Enjoying Exercise Now, an organization that allows kids with special needs to play sports with teen volunteers. The teens helped to sort bundles of clothes for needy campers of Camp Swift, learned about the Arizona foster care program and wrapped gifts for children in the program.

Samantha Quen, the communications co-chair of the Youth Philanthropy Board, wrote the following report on the tour: “Our final stop of the day was perhaps the most challenging, yet took place TIKKUN OLAM IN ACTION – Rachel at a local Safeway. In small Raben, Alexis Quen, Alyssa Unell and teams, we took the food Samantha Quen take the food stamp stamp challenge, spending challenge at Safeway. $20 on four days’ worth of nutritious food for teens who have aged out of the foster care system. We were shopping for teens from the JFCS Teens in Transition program. Each team was led by members of the Youth Philanthropy Board.

We truly had to be strategic in our thinking and shopping.

We also knew that we were not allowed to purchase ramen noodles; they might be cheap, but they have no nutritional value and won’t be helpful. On Monday morning, $160 worth of carefully selected groceries were delivered to the JFCS Real World Job Development Center. From this wonderful servicelearning activity, we discovered the difficulties of sustaining a balanced diet while on food stamps.”

Samantha is a junior at Horizon High School and a member of Temple Chai.

480-699-1717, jcfphoenix.org

36 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Teens help out with a gardening project during last year’s Hebrew High Care-a-van.

HEBREW HIGH CARE-A-VAN

Incoming 9th-12th grade students interested in tikkun olam and a travel adventure with other teens, are invited to apply for the Hebrew High Care-a-van; applications are due May 4. The Hebrew High Care-a-van is a 15-day summer excursion ( June 8-22) that brings together Jewish high school students from across the Valley of the Sun for meaningful Jewish education, socialization and spirituality. The group of 30-35 teens will volunteer in projects in each of the communities visited in Colorado, Nevada, Utah and California. For more information, call 480-634-8050 or visit bjephoenix.org/HHCare15.pdf.

Mountain Region BBYO members at the BBYO International Convention 2015.

TEENS PLAN FOR FUTURE

Mountain Region BBYO, with members from Arizona, Nevada and Utah, sent 37 teens, pictured here, to Atlanta Feb. 12-16 for the BBYO International Convention 2015. IC began 90 years ago to provide a setting for individuals across the Jewish community to learn, lead and work together to ensure a strong Jewish future, spearheaded by the next generation.

Twenty-seven teens from greater Phoenix joined more than 2,200 Jewish teens and 1,100 educators, professionals and philanthropists from 20 countries. IC 2015 also hosted the Coalition of Jewish Teens. Teen leadership from five major youth movements (BBYO, NCSY, NFTY, USY and Young Judaea) met for 24 hours to plan ways Jewish teens everywhere can work across organizational borders to build a stronger, united Jewish community. They drafted a mission statement: “We, the Coalition of Jewish Teens, stand united to shape the Jewish future through shared Jewish values.� bbyo.org, 480-634-4900

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 37

Family Time

Kids

Family Time

Bad things can come in small packages Protect tots from the invasion of the detergent pods

By Debra Rich Gettleman

They’re bright. They’re squishy. They look like something designed to touch, play with or even eat … to a toddler. But they’re deadly and you’re probably keeping them easily accessible to your children. Meet the newest danger in the kitchen and laundry room: dishwasher and laundry detergent pods.

They first showed up on supermarket shelves in 2012 in the United States. They make filling the dishwasher and washing machine even easier, which for busy parents is a good thing. But they’ve been linked to minor skin and eye complications, ventilator-dependent respiratory failure and even death.

A new study examined data from the National Poison Data System, which collects information from all U.S. poison control centers, and found more than 17,000 phone calls made to PCCs for pediatric exposure to laundry pods from January of 2012 to December 2013. Not surprisingly, exposure was highest among 1- to 2-year-olds. The most common route of exposure was ingestion, although ocular and dermal exposures were also commonly cited.

The most disturbing piece of information from the recent study is that in 42.3% of reported exposure cases, the pods were stored within sight of the children. As a parent, it’s hard to know all the dangers lurking around the house. Open toilet seats used to freak me out because my husband, a pediatrician, had seen more than one newly ambulatory, top-heavy toddler tip into a toilet and not make it out alive. Locked up cabinets, pool fences, doggie door screens – they all work in conjunction with attentive caregivers to ensure the safety of little ones.

But there will always be new dangers that appear with product innovation.

With our rapidly changing health-care

Debra Rich Gettleman is a mother and blogger based in the Phoenix area.

For more of her work, visit unmotherlyinsights.com.

38 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

system, busy pediatricians may not always ask families about the presence of perilous pods in the home. Beginning in April of 2013, packaging warnings and opaque wrappers have helped to lessen toddlers’ exposure. The authors of the study, published in the magazine Pediatrics (2014;134[6]:1127-1135) are calling for international safety standards for laundry pod packaging and labeling as well as voluntary product safety standards, public education and potential product reformulating to lower the severity of exposure complications.

Until that happens though, keep your cabinets locked and hide the brightly colored, liquid-filled capsules from curious kids and innocent pets – or don’t use them at all. This is one case where bad things can and do come in small packages.

Pardes dedicates campus

On Feb. 22 about 1,000 people from the Phoenix/Scottsdale Jewish community came together to celebrate the future of Pardes Jewish Day School at the school’s Campus Dedication and Concert in the Park.

Chaired by Pardes parents Rachel Hoffer and Elisa Pinkus, the event featured a special concert by the well-known a cappella group, the Maccabeats. Prior to the concert, attendees had the opportunity to visit classrooms, tour the campus and enjoy special activities that were fun for the whole family. Additionally, the community came together for a campus dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony where they mounted and dedicated a mezuzah at the entrance to the brand new middle school building.

Pardes Jewish Day School relocated to the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus in July 2014 and recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion at 12753 N Scottsdale Road.

For more information about the K-8 school, contact Bethany Spector, director of admissions and marketing, at 480-991-9141 or bspector@pardesschool.org

Pardes students listen to the Maccabeats.

Staff and students cut the ribbon at the campus dedication of Pardes Jewish Day School.

Face painting added to the festive air of the event.

Photos by Joel Zolondek

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Club J at the Valley of the Sun JCC Provides afterschool programming ranging from sports to cooking and crafts to Israeli culture and more for those in K-8. Transportation from near-by schools available. 12701 N Scottsdale Road. 480-4837121 ext. 1275 | vosjcc.org | youth@vosjcc.org

J-Care Afterschool Program at the Tucson JCC Includes activities, help with homework or teens can hang in the Youth Lounge. Bus transportation from schools available for K-12.

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J-Care at the J – East Valley JCC Pick-ups from seven area schools, homework club, cooking, dance, sports, community service projects and much more! EVJCC, 908 N Alma School Road in Chandler. Brandon Welner at 480-897-0588 | welnerb@evjcc.org

April 8

Chocolate Seder: Why is this night different than all other nights? Join us with your family and find out as we offer our chocolate rendition of a traditional Passover seder. 5 pm at the VOS JCC, 12701 N Scottsdale Road. $5 per child member; $10 per child nonmember. 480-483-7121 | vosjcc.org

April 11 Kids Night Out at the Valley of the Sun JCC: Rockin' Sock Hop: For ages 4-12. Activities include Elvis impersonator, soap box races, dance competition, old-fashioned soda bar, hopscotch, marbles, wheel barrow races, hula hoop competition and record making craft; Movie: Back to the Future; Food: Veggie burgers and fries, milkshakes, popcorn. 6-11pm; no overnight option this month.

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April 15

Girl Power Spa: Join us for an awesome Zumba class followed by smoothies and a spa day where we will make our own mud masks and sugar scrubs. 4 pm at the VOS JCC, 12701 N Scottsdale Road. $25 per child member, $40 per child nonmember. 480-483-7121 | vosjcc.org

April 18 Parents’ Night Out Party at the Tucson JCC: Mystery Hunt. Parents can enjoy a night to themselves while the J-Care staff provides a fun-filled evening for their children. PNOPs include dinner, snack, games, dessert, field trip for ages 8+ and a movie with popcorn. 6-10 pm at 3800 E River Road in Tucson. Members $20 for first child, siblings $15. Non-members add $5. Aimee Gillard at 520299-3000 ext. 256 | agillard@tucsonjcc.org

Jeremy Jackrabbit Saves Every Drop book launch at the Arizona Science Center (600 E Washington) at 10am. Join authors Sasha and Rodney Glassman for the launch of the fourth book in the Jeremy Jackrabbit series, illustrated by local children. Following a reading of the new book, the young artists will be available to sign the pages they illustrated. Co-hosted by the Phoenix Public Library.

Tweens On The Town for grades 5-9. 6-10 pm at the Tucson JCC, 3800 E River Road. Spend your Saturday night hanging with new and old friends! Each event includes dinner and a trip to a fun location around Tucson. $20 members/$25 nonmembers. Lindsay Migdal at 520-299-3000 ext. 175 | lmigdal@ tucsonjcc.org Camp Swift Annual Carnival is a fun and free way to introduce Camp Swift to future campers and counselors. Teens in grades 7-12 are paired up with economically disadvantaged kindergarten and first graders, and are invited to play carnival games, get their faces painted, jump in a bouncehouse, and eat lots of freshly prepared barbecue food! 10:30-11:45 am info session; 122:30 pm carnival at Foothills Community Center, 17835 N. 44th St. in Phoenix. Kaylie@campswift.org

New Family Program at Tucson JCC The Tucson JCC has launched a new Shabbat program, Shabbat & Me, for families with young children. The free class is offered each Friday at 10 am at the Tucson J or at a location “on the go.” The program reaches beyond the Tucson J membership and invites all to participate in the universal benefits of Shabbat, viewed as an opportunity to regularly take stock of your family’s priorities and focus on the theme of wellness.

Families are invited to gather either at the J or “on the go” and join Jewish Culture Specialist Julie Zorn, for singing, blessings, challah and juice, and a craft. The J will work with local partners around the community to remind families how important it is to set aside special time for each other and to recognize the importance of rest, without the use of electronics or other modern-day interruptions.

“Over the past couple of years, I have watched the Tucson J really focus on its commitment to teaching the value of wellness to its members and beyond,” says Julie. “Shabbat is the day of rest, and so celebrating this weekly holiday is directly in line with the emphasis of taking a pause from life’s daily demands and the mission of The J. Julie has been an employee of The J since the early ’90s.

April offerings: April 3: Shabbat on the Go, at Whole Foods, 5555 E River Road April 17: Shabbat Candles at the Tucson J April 24: Israeli Flags at the Tucson J Tucson JCC: 3800 E River Road | 520-299-3000, ext. 236 | jzorn@tucsonjcc.org

April 19 J-Serve Day is the International Day of Jewish Youth Service. Since 2005, J-Serve has been a part of Youth Service America's Global Youth Service Day weekend. J-Serve provides teens with the opportunity to fulfill the Jewish values of gemilut chasidim, acts of loving kindness; tzedakah, just and charitable giving; and tikkum olam, the responsibility to repair the world. Choose a service site that interests you from various locations around the Valley and spend the afternoon helping organizations in need.

Meet other Jewish teens and help to build community. Open to all 6- to 12-graders.

Local sponsor is BBYO. lcharnofsky@bbyo.org

May 3 Kids in the Kitchen visits Italy with La Bella Cucina, featuring "pasta, pizza and pesto too" at noon at the Chabad of the East Valley, 875 N McClintock Dr. in Chandler. Grades 1-6. Bring a sack lunch. $12. 480-855-4333 | chabadcenter.com

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 41

[arts ]

Shabbat keeps Orthodox director focused actor," he admits. But as the director and often the producer, he can set the rehearsal schedule. He arranges for the How does one maintain his orthodoxy Actors’ Equity day off to be Saturday, in a non-Orthodox world? Not just rather than the more traditional generally speaking in terms of being an Monday. "And I think everyone's Orthodox Jew in a secular America, but better off that I'm in shul praying on specifically in the world of theater, where an opening Friday night rather than Friday night openings are the norm and being a nervous wreck pacing in the full-day Saturday rehearsals are a given. audience," he adds with a grin.

Todd Salovey, associate artistic director Todd also credits his Jewish at San Diego Repertory Theatre, moved studies with increasing his capacity from Conservative to Orthodox Judaism to understand scripts. "I was always while in graduate school. He has found good with visuals and emotions, but that not only can he manage the two I have found that studying complex realms, but that he actually thrives Talmudic passages every day increases because of the juxtaposition. my capacity to delve deeper into the "Theater is such a demanding and various theater texts. I'm able to hear stressful business," says Todd. "By plays in a different, more meaningful celebrating Shabbat with prayer, study, way." great company and great food, I find In addition to his other duties at San myself reinvigorated each week. I feel Diego Rep and his outside directing, renewed, refreshed and excited for the Todd teaches a variety of highly rated work that lies ahead. I often come up Todd Salovey theater classes at the University of with my best ideas and insights at the end California at San Diego, ranging of Shabbat." from undergraduate acting classes to Todd is directing “A Weekend with graduate-level directing seminars. And somehow Todd also Pablo Picasso” for Arizona Theatre Company, which plays in manages to find time to helm the Lipinsky Family San Diego Tucson April 4-26 and then in Phoenix April 30-May 17. He Jewish Arts Festival each year. The 2015 festival starts May has been working with the playwright/actor Herbert Siguenza 24 and runs through mid-July with 10 shows scheduled. The on this production for about five years. program, now in its 22nd year, includes music, art, dance and "Herb had been in residency with us at San Diego Rep and came to us with an idea. He had first seen an old book of photos theater performed throughout the city of San Diego.

"I had started out saying I would do the festival for one year," of Picasso when he was 5 years old in a dentist's waiting room Todd recalls. "That was 1994 and I'm still doing it!" Todd says with his mother. He looked through the photos, which depicted he loves putting the festival together and seeing the sense of Picasso in his 70s engaged in a wide variety of activities, from pride and excitement it creates toward excellence in Jewish arts painting to dancing to playing with children, and Herb declared within the Jewish community. He's particularly pleased with the to his mother at that time that he 'wanted to be that man.' He new work development that goes into each festival and enjoys also mentioned that – by the way – he also painted like Picasso! unveiling the premiers to a receptive audience.

He was back in a week with the first scene, and we've been "Plus, because I am so involved in the Jewish community, I developing it since." have great 'ins' for group sales," Todd admits with a laugh.

The show has had six major productions in the last few years, Todd is currently busily working on details for the upcoming premiering at the prestigious Alley Theatre in Houston, and 2015 festival. The full schedule should be available on the San Herb hopes to continue doing the show until he's at least as old Diego Rep website (sdrep.org) when this April issue appears. as Picasso was in the original photos.

Todd is married to Diane Boomer, who was a theater lighting "Each time we do the show, we dig a little deeper and come up with wonderful discoveries," says Todd. "The ultimate goal, of designer when they met. She is now an administrator at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Their son, Aryeh, attends a yeshiva course, is to find the truth." Todd has worked alongside Herb as in Mevaseret, outside of Jerusalem, and their daughter, Leah, is editor, dramaturge and director since the show's inception.

Todd has had to miss many opening nights in his 25-year now a sophomore at Yale after two years of study in Jerusalem. theatrical career. "I probably couldn't be in this business as an

By Janet Arnold

42 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

In the Arizona premier of “A Weekend with Pablo Picasso,” actor and artist Herbert Siguenza creates six new masterpieces live on stage during each performance. Siguenza wrote the piece based on Picasso's writings. The ATC website says the play provides an in-depth look at the artist as "He rages, dances, takes a bath, admonishes, philosophizes scolds and paints, right in front of you."

A Weekend with Picasso

Arizona Theatre Company: arizonatheatre.org Tucson, April 4-26: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S Scott Ave. | 520-622-2823 Phoenix, April 30-May 17: Herberger Theater Center, 222 E Monroe | 602-256-6995 Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival May 24 through mid-July, sdrep.org

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[arts ]

Jews receive a mixed welcome at “Downton Abbey” expatriates of the pre-Revolution regime who insult Atticus over their shoulders as they walk away.

Jewish characters finally joined the impeccably attired throng Now Atticus is of the right class and has parents of means, at “Downton Abbey,” and it’s not an altogether happy day. and those are the credentials that matter in Downton’s rarefied While Lord and Lady Grantham welcome the new arrivals world. But his perpetually unsmiling father, Lord Sinderby, is with exquisite manners and the perfectly calibrated amount less sanguine about his son’s involvement with a shiksa, and the of modest warmth, series creator and writer Julian Fellowes utterance of the epithet stamps him as intolerant and cinches is a good deal less hospitable. Fellowes has devised a nuclear our dislike. family of cardboard cutouts that fit There are certainly valid arguments unflattering Jewish stereotypes and against intermarriage, and Fellowes could generate viewer antipathy. have written an impassioned monologue Before we rush to judgment or for Lord Sinderby that expressed the leap to conclusions, however, we costs and worth of Jewish identity, and should allow for the possibility that the weight and meaning of traditions the uncomplimentary presentation and rituals. Instead, Lord Sinderby has of the Aldridge family in Season 5 a couple of angry lines that leave the is merely a teaser for Season 6 (and impression that he prizes money and beyond, given the series’ extraordinary influence above all else. popularity in the colonies). It’s not a While much is made of Lord stretch to imagine Fellowes using the Sinderby’s family values, namely Aldridges as a means of exposing and his hatred of divorce, it’s presented examining British anti-Semitism as as evidence of his inflexibility and “Downtown Abbey” rolls into the late anachronism rather than allegiance 1920s and early 1930s. to vows and moral behavior. As for As everyone knows, PBS’ hit Lady Sinderby, she is totally gracious Masterpiece series has long featured a and agreeable, but in an unwaveringly Lady Rose and Atticus Aldridge. character with Jewish ancestry. Lady superficial way.

Photo by Nick Briggs/Carnival Grantham, aka Lady Cora Crawley, To keep things in perspective, Film & Television Limited 2014 for Masterpiece is the American-born daughter of “Downton Abbey” is an upstairs/ the late Isidore Levinson. Cora is downstairs soap opera that is generally Episcopalian, like her mother, but she doesn’t view Jews as “the more concerned with the romantic complications of its female other,” needless to say. characters (Lady Rose, in particular) than with the big picture of I must reveal a spoiler or two at this point, namely that Lord class-conscious Britain.

Grantham’s niece, Rose, doesn’t see Jews as different, either. That In the last episode of the season, Lord Sinderby is revealed to is, not when they’re as hunky as Atticus Aldridge, a squarebe a major hypocrite with a child by a mistress. In the context jawed banker’s son who chivalrously shelters Rose with his of "Downton Abbey," this feels more like a critique of the upper umbrella in one of the least-inspired meet-cutes in the annals of class's proclivity for moral double standards than yet another television. dagger at a chilly Jewish character. Any doubts are extinguished One could trace Rose’s open-mindedness to last season’s when the sequence ends with the humbling and humanization color-blind liaison with a black jazz singer, and her naive of Lord Sinderby as a man who can admit his fallibilities and modernity to her fight with Lord Grantham over bringing a accept Rose in the bargain. wireless into the sacred realm of Downton Abbey.

I find the series most interesting, though, when it invokes and But Atticus (played by Matt Barber) is so bland, so reflects the changes in British society after World War I (and assimilated and so devoid of personality that he wouldn’t register evokes contemporary parallels). Julian Fellowes has introduced as Jewish if he didn’t tell us. In other words, Rose is smitten a story arc that’s tailor-made for illuminating anti-Semitism with an Englishmen of her status and breeding, and whose between the wars. On those grounds, I’m already anticipating Jewishness is incidental rather than fundamental.

Season 6, which begins in January.

In fact, the moment when he confides that he’s descended Michael Fox is San Francisco-based film critic and journalist. from Jews who left Odessa after particularly brutal pogroms doesn’t belong to him but to his listeners – bitter, broke Russian

By Michael Fox

44 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

BOOKS & BRANDEIS

25 years of literary events

By Melissa Hirschl

Five notable authors enchanted guests at a festive cocktail party, as well as at a book and author luncheon the next day.

Both major literary events were sponsored by the Brandeis National Committee, Phoenix Chapter.

Carol Kern and Merrill Kalman

On March 15 a spacious and dazzling home overlooking the sloping hills of Paradise Valley provided the ideal backdrop for a sleek fundraising cocktail party and major literary event. Cochaired by members Sue Karp and Janice Lipman, the event provided approximately 125 guests with the rare opportunity to socialize with top-selling authors Anita Diamant, Greg Iles, Cary Elwes, Chris Tomlinson and Garth Stein, who were delighted to sign books as well. The Sunday night soiree, followed by an exclusive dinner, was a prelude to the organization’s Book and Author Luncheon the following day at the Phoenician, where attendees not only enjoyed a sumptuous lunch but also heard authors discuss their books. The luncheon was chaired by Merrill Kalman and Carol Kern, who created the event in 1991.

Celebrating the silver anniversary of these two literary happenings, funds raised went to support the Anita Diamant, author of The Boston Girl organization’s “Sustaining

National Pres. of Brandeis Barbara Sanders with her husband, Joe.

the Mind” campaign, a charity that that empowers research for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Lou Gehrig’s, as well as other neurological conditions such as autism and epilepsy.

“We had a $3 million goal, and we are almost there,” says National Executive Committee President Barbara Sanders. She notes that the Phoenix event is the biggest chapter fundraiser.

“Last year we raised over $55,000 with the cocktail party and luncheon. This is a premier event; we think of it as a win-win.

We give members study groups and amazing events like this, and our members give us donations to help Brandeis.”

BNC chapters both benefit from and support Brandeis University, a renowned private research university in Massachusetts.

For more information on the local Brandeis chapter, contact Merrill Kalman at mskbflo@aol.com or Carol Kern at: cak571@ aol.com.

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Seniors

Seniors enjoy Israeli dancers, create misloch manot baskets and eat hamantaschen at the Purim celebration at the JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment.

JFCS enriches lives of North Central seniors

By Janet Arnold

Jewish living in the Valley has followed several geographic shifts, mirroring the general population migrations. One need only look at the location of "North" High School on Thomas Road – now considered to be nearly downtown – to see how things have shifted.

During the 1960s-1990s, a large segment of the Phoenix Jewish population lived in North Central and the Encanto areas, and the hub of the community was the Phoenix Jewish Community Center on Maryland and 19th avenues. There was a bustling senior department that provided kosher lunches and social opportunities for the many seniors who lived in the nearby apartments and homes.

The JCC closed in 1996. Programs were distributed around the Valley as best they could be while funds were raised to build the existing Valley of the Sun JCC in Scottsdale.

Sandy Reischfeld worked with the seniors while they were still at the JCC and moved with them to the next location – part of a strip mall behind the Christown Shopping Center on Montebello. But about four years later "light rail happened," and the senior center became a light rail station.

"We knew we had to move but had no idea where. We needed to stay in the area to be accessible to the seniors who had come 46 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

to rely on us for sustenance – both actual and spiritual," Sandy explains. They were fortunate to establish a relationship with Beth El Congregation on Glendale Avenue and remained there until their move four years ago to Brookdale Christown, formerly (and familiarly) known as Chris Ridge Village, located on 19th Avenue, a few blocks from the original JCC location.

In the meantime, the JCC turned over control of the program to Jewish Family and Children's Services, determining that JFCS was in a better position to continue and grow the program.

It is now named the JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment.

The current population at this Brookdale site is more than 55% Jewish. It seemed like a natural when Ellie Schwartzberg, VP of older adult programs and Jewish community services at JFCS, contacted them about moving their programming to the facility. "Chris Ridge was very open to the idea and welcomed us with open arms. We're very proud of this unique partnership," Ellie says. She mentioned that more than 20 individuals from the former program have now moved to Chris Ridge because the senior center is located there. Funding for the center is provided

by Jewish Family and Children's Service, Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and Area Agency on Aging.

While the center is nonsectarian and open to all, Jewish values are maintained and a special emphasis is placed on Shabbat

and Jewish holiday programming. For Purim, for example, Rabbi Micah Caplan presented an interactive Megillah reading and residents enjoyed watching Israeli dancing, as well. Sandy is also proud of the large memorial board featuring individual memorial plaques; the board now hangs in the public hallway. "We began putting plaques on this (board) years ago. I'm so glad we were able to bring it with us and display it. It has great meaning to so many people," she says.

Sandy believes this location is a real win-win. "We have access to all the facilities here and have space to offer

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Tami Simmons has recently come on board to help with programming classes for the more than 100 seniors who participate. "Tami is a real find," Sandy remarks. "She has a wide range of friends and contacts who are happy to provide quality programming for our folks here." Tami is a native Arizonan who has long been involved with the Jewish community. She programs two to three classes four days a week from 10 am-2 pm. Classes range from the physical, such as exercise, yoga and Zumba, to crafts

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and cooking and often involve bringing in guest speakers and entertainers.

"It's important to me that the classes be meaningful," Tami explains. "There's no point in just doing busy work. We want the participants to be engaged and excited about their choices."

There is also a computer lab with a number of computers that were donated by JFCS. Tami calls on her friends and others she knows to provide the guidance and teaching.

The center is also in charge of the lovely gift shop at the facility. The shop carries everything from daily necessities to fun gift items and includes some Judaica, as well. "We know how important the shop is to the residents, and it's a nice revenue stream for the program," Sandy says. "But it is difficult for us to find the volunteers we need to run it."

In addition to needing volunteers for the shop, the center is also looking for fun programming ideas to bring in for the residents. Currently, on just one day, the schedule can include such offerings as basic chair exercise, Wii bowling, beginning Spanish, music and movement, computer help, stretch class and an open creative art studio for beading, crocheting and painting.

Teachers receive a stipend.

The programs are open to everyone over 55, or younger if disabled, whether or not they live at the facility and whether or not they are Jewish.

"JFCS is open to all and we are anxious to get the word out that everyone is welcome here," Sandy says.

JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment: 6250 N 19th Ave., Phoenix 85015 | 602-943-2198 | sandy.reischfeld@jfcsaz.org

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Seniors

Phoenix Holocaust Survivors Association

We Are a People of Memory have passed the centenarian mark. "Those of us in the second and third generations feel a responsibility to keep the stories After completing “Schindler’s List” in 1994, Steven Spielberg alive in keeping with our mantra of 'Never Again,' " Monique was inspired to found the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History explains. She originally became involved by doing interviews for Foundation with the goal of capturing video testimonies the Shoah oral history project when it began in 1994. "I then from Holocaust survivors before their stories would be lost became vice president in charge of tolerance programs and now forever. Spielberg's celebrity and visibility helped bring to light I'm president." She quickly adds, "But I couldn't do it without numerous stories that had never been told; in turn, these stories the other wonderful members of the group. Everyone is so helped to embolden and inspire many in both the Jewish and dedicated to the cause." general communities to become more involved in the history PHSA offers assistance to survivors for tasks such as and exploration of the Holocaust. transportation to and from doctors and dentists, and help with Back in 1984, the seeds of an organization that had already taxes, as well as providing a comfortable, relaxed social setting been planted in the Valley blossomed into the Phoenix for people to meet and stay in touch. The monthly Cafe Europa Holocaust Survivors Association, an organization through which program offers a kosher meal at either Beth El or the JCC survivors and their families could meet, discuss, laugh and cry along with a speaker or entertainment. Programs are always on common ground. The PHSA celebrated its 30th Anniversary free to survivors, with a minimal fee to family and guests. The in October at Beth El Congregation in Phoenix with more than next Cafe Europa gathering will be May 17 at 4:30 pm at the 120 people in attendance, who gathered for food and music and Valley of the Sun JCC in Scottsdale. Cantor Baruch Koritan and enjoyed the fact that they Ruth Dubinbaumhad spent another great Generations After hosts April 26 book discussion Koritan will year as a group with a very provide musical Join Generations After at 2 pm, April 26, for a discussion of the book special bond. About 30 entertainment.

After Long Silence by Helen Fremont, who was raised as a Roman survivors attended and Monique is proud Catholic. It wasn’t until she was an adult practicing law in Boston that each received a gift. of their outreach she discovered her parents were Jewish Holocaust survivors living "Our survivors are to the general invented lives. Not even their names were their own. In this powerful getting older, of course," public.

"Perhaps memoir, Fremont delves into the secrets that held her family in a bond of says Monique Mendel, the most important silence for more than four decades, recounting with heartbreaking clarity the daughter of survivors service we have for a remarkable tale of survival, as vivid as fiction but with the resonance and president of the the public is our of truth. organization. Most local Speakers Bureau.

Generations After was started in 2013 to serve as an additional survivors were born We have about resource to the descendants of Holocaust survivors. The book between 1921 and 31, 15-20 speakers discussion is at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N placing them solidly in who provide Scottsdale Road. RSVP to: phx2g3g@gmail.com their 80s, though some age-appropriate

By Janet Arnold

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 49

invites the entire community to our annual

Yom HaShoah Commemoration “We are a People of Memory” Keynote Speaker Scottsdale Mayor

Jim Lane

• Procession of Survivors • Jewish War Veterans Honor Guard • Lighting of Memorial Candles

Sunday, April 19th, 2015 at 3 pm Congregation Beth Israel 10460 North 56th Street Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 For more information visit: www.phoenixphsa.org

Program assistance from the Bureau of Jewish Education, Generations After and a grant from the Jewish Community Foundation

programs to everyone from junior high school students to civic organizations." PHSA also assists at the Holocaust Education daylong program for educators held each spring, sponsored by the Bureau of Jewish Education, and partners with many organizations throughout the Valley.

On Thursday, April 16, the actual date of Yom HaShoah, PHSA hosts the annual Reading of Remembrance, when names of those murdered in the Holocaust will be read. Volunteers will read the names from 8 am until 3 pm at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus. To participate, call Joan Sitver at 602971-0012.

In honor of Yom HaShoah, the international day of remembrance for those who perished in the Holocaust, PHSA will hold its annual Yom HaShoah commemoration event, "We Are a People of Memory," on April 19 at 3 pm at Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 N 56 St. in Scottsdale. Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane will give the keynote address.

More than 50 Holocaust survivors will participate in the processional. Each will carry a candle as they enter the sanctuary.

Cantor Jamie Shpall of CBI is coordinating the music, including an adult choir and a children's choir. The Jewish War Veterans Honor Guard will present the colors, and Professor John Liffiton of Scottsdale Community College will receive the Shofar Zakhor Award for outstanding contributions to the teaching of the Holocaust and Genocide Awareness. In addition, Holocaust survivors George Kalman and Helen Handler will speak. A Hebrew High student (to be announced) who receives The Bronkesh Award for the most outstanding 2015 Holocaust paper will read his or her essay. Dr. Anna Scherzer, the daughter of partisans, will sing the Partisan song, "Zog Nit Keymol."

PHSA invites the community to gather to watch this inspiring tribute to those 6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust and to those Jewish survivors who lived through it.

The program is funded by the Bureau of Jewish Education, the Greater Phoenix Jewish Community Foundation and Generations After, a program founded in 2013 for the descendents of survivors. There is no charge to attend. For further information, call 602-788-7003 or e‑mail phoenixsurvivors@gmail.com

PHSA members also will participate in Genocide Awareness Week at Scottsdale Community College, April 13-18. Among the participants are PHSA members Helen Handler, Oskar Knoblauch, Harold Minuskin, Janice Friebaum and Kim Klett (See story page 51).

All events are open to the public and free (see schedule at scottsdalecc.edu/genocide). In addition to the programs during the week, the exhibit, Hélène Berr, A Stolen Life, will be on display in the Student Center Lobby through May 15. SCC is located at 9000 E Chaparral Road in Scottsdale.

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www.AZJewishLife.com 50 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

[yom Hashoah ]

Kim Klett teaches importance of human rights

By Melissa Hirschl

“Human rights matter no matter who you are.” That is the driving philosophy of Kim Klett, an English teacher at Mesa's Dobson High Kim Klett School.

Inspired by an Arizona State University class in Holocaust literature and history in 1999, she felt compelled to share her newfound knowledge and insights with her students. She envisioned an educational atmosphere that would not only ignite the students’ imaginations, but also engage them on a variety of intellectual levels. Klett took a leap of faith and started the wheels spinning on her dream – to teach her students about a monumental watershed moment in the history of the world: the Holocaust.

Now after 24 years of teaching and in her 14th year of teaching about the Holocaust, she acknowledges the vital impact of the class she took at ASU. “That course has taken me on a totally different track in teaching and started the ball rolling,” she says. “Before this class the only books I read on the Holocaust were The Diary of Ann Frank and Night by Eli Wiesel.”

To receive the green light from the district for her proposed class, Klett submerged herself in research, wrote papers and read all that she could. She recalls relying heavily on Images from the Holocaust, a chronological anthology of Kristallnacht, the ghettos, camps and the eventual liberation of prisoners. Soon after, a plethora of other books, journals and articles were incorporated into her selfcreated curriculum. “I bought tons of books, used the library, Internet and websites such as the one from Israel's Holocaust museum, Yad Vashem,” she says. “In addition I worked with historians, authors and lecturers.”

Klett's students use critical analysis to analyze the deep complexities of the Holocaust, including aspects of peer pressure and conformity. They also gain keen insights into the historical, social, religious, political and economic factors involved.

To provide depth and variety, Klett uses both literature and

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film in her class. Students read Survival in Auschwitz by survivor and author Primo Levi and see Spielberg’s “The Last Days” – documented testimonies of Holocaust survivors, bystanders, eyewitness, liberators and rescuers. “Life in a Jar” is a film shown about the courageous Irena Sendler, a Polish-Catholic woman who saved Jewish children and adults from the Warsaw Ghetto.

To demonstrate the early historical stages of anti-Semitism, Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice is also dissected, highlighting Shylock's famous speech where he eloquently reminds the prejudiced Venetians of the Jews’ shared humanity. “Some of my students think Hitler was the first person that hated Jews,” says Klett. “I educate them on the history of anti-Semitism that began thousands of years ago with the concept of blood libel, for example.”

Navigating such a grim and painful episode in world history is never easy, but Klett's students tackle the subject with the same drive and commitment to learning that she possesses. Through papers and presentations, they immerse themselves in areas of the Holocaust that resonate with them, such as the Nuremberg trials, a particular rescuer or displaced persons camps. “One year one girl even did a talk on Muslim rescuers,” says Klett.

To extend the boundaries of the classroom and provide a more colorful experience, every spring the class benefits from trips to the Los Angeles Museum of Tolerance and the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust.

“Ms. Klett brings passion to teaching about the Holocaust,” says student Heather Benson. “Not only does she pick a variety of literature to engage students, but she provides many opportunities to meet survivors. I leave her class inspired and

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with a new perspective.”

Students get a powerful boost in their quest for Holocaust information from the local Anti-Defamation League. Because Dobson is considered a “No Place for Hate” school, they have access to a peer-training program provided to students. Through the World of Difference program, teams of kids who are trained by the ADL go into freshman classrooms every quarter and provide activities. “As a sponsor, I set up the schedules with the teachers, put the teams together (and) handle problems, practice sessions and meetings with kids,” explains Klett. “We started with 20 kids in training and now we are up to 60. The peer trainers impact about 800 kids a year.”

In 2003 Klett received a powerful teaching tool that would prove to benefit her students greatly: a coveted fellowship from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. “They paid for a weeklong trip where every day we had extensive training,” she explains. “In addition to bringing in historians and authors, we went behind the scenes to view artifacts such as a model of the ghettos constructed by an actual resident, suitcases and a uniform from Auschwitz. Professionally, it was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

In 2006 Klett became a member of the Regional Education Corps for the USHMM and learned how to develop workshops for high school teachers around the country who were eager to initiate their own programs. Armed with the guidelines and materials provided by the museum, she has led workshops in Texas, California, Nevada, Washington, D.C., and Arkansas.

“It's exciting to work with teachers who are anxious to teach the topic,” she says.

In the classroom, Klett goes to great lengths to make sure the Holocaust is not taught in isolation. “Once Darfur started happening I realized the connection,” she says. “I realized I did a disservice by not teaching current events. I now start with a book on Darfur, so they can see what is happening now, then I segue into the Holocaust. The kids make really interesting connections between the two events. After they finish the Darfur book, I have them write letters to elected officials to find out what we're doing about it. I want them to become active about what is going on.” In addition, Klett formed a STAND (Students Taking Action in Darfur) chapter at her school.

With the World of Difference program, Klett initiated a yearly Genocide Awareness Day, an all-day event with different speakers every hour. “We try to represent different genocides, as well, such as Darfur and Rwanda,” she says. To dramatize the students' commitment to human rights, they created a Pledge Wall in the hallway where their painted handprints symbolize their commitment to not hate.

Klett says she feels very gratified by the advances her students have made. “They write letters or tell people like their parents – it's an eye-opener to them that they have a voice to spread awareness. You never know how many people those people will tell. Some kids take it to next level: one went to Uganda, and that's very rewarding. Some become teachers and teach this topic, as well. What they are learning expands into community in so many ways.”

Developing an elite group of Israeli engineers

By Darryl Egnal

Israeli engineers are highly sought after in Israel and abroad. The high-tech capabilities within the country are renowned globally, and major corporations are opening research and development operations throughout Israel. Engineers of every type are succeeding in almost every part of the globe, and yet the country is not producing enough engineers. An elite academic program in Israel aims to change the status quo.

Amit Avidov imagines herself as an aeronautical engineer who flies airplanes. This dream is one she plans to achieve in Israel through the Anières Elite Academy program, a special program launched by three educational institutions – Naale Elite Academy,

g n i v Li Focus

ISRAEL

Some of the international students who started the year in the Naale Elite Academy part of the Anières program: (L-R): Mersedes Voscoboinik, Argentina; Ezequiel Glocer, Argentina; Ira Lotman, Anières Elite Academy project manager; Amit Avidov, USA; Luis Wainstein, Brazil; Yuliana Mosheeva, Germany and Marta Piperno, Italy (front center). Photo by Darryl Egnal

World ORT and the Center for Pre-University Education at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa.

The Israeli-born 14-year-old grew up in Skokie, IL. She is one of about 60 international and Israeli students who were awarded science and technology scholarships to attend high school and university in Israel. The program continues until the students successfully complete university-level engineering studies. Choices include aeronautical engineering, robotics, computer science, and mechanical and chemical engineering.

“It’s kind of scary because everything is planned out for the next eight years, but I have no doubt I want to be here,” says Avidov. “My parents are Israeli and we were here every summer. And every summer, I told them I’m not going back, that I’m going to school here and now I’m exactly where I want to be. I’m debating (between) between robotics and aeronautics, but I’ve just started and have a long way to go before I have to decide.

“I am more interested in aeronautics though, probably because I’ve wanted to be a pilot in the Israeli Air Force since I was a kid. But I’m a girl, so I probably have a smaller chance than the boys to become a pilot. You have to be really high up there for that, ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 53

which is one of the other reasons why I’m at Anières – it’s a great quality education. Besides, aeronautics is cool and I really love planes.”

First steps to advanced degrees The Anières Elite Academy program addresses the need for a long-term approach to help teenagers achieve an advanced academic degree in engineering. During the first stage of the program, students live and study at the WIZO Nahalal Youth Village in northern Israel; the foreign students will study under the auspices of Naale, a well-established program that enables young Jews from the diaspora to complete high school in Israel.

Part of their high school curriculum will involve enrichment classes in physics, biotechnology, aeronautics and robotics at the Technion.

The Naale scholarship will cover all costs relating to the regular high school program (tuition, food, accommodation and other expenses), while the World ORT scholarship will cover any Technion courses the students have to complete during high school and thereafter, as well as educational field trips. The academic staff of Nahalal School and World ORT provides students with extra tutoring sessions.

“This is the second year of the Anières program,” says Ira Lotman, Anières Elite Academy project manager. “We launched it in September 2013 with the first group of 20 students from the FSU. They have now joined the Israeli students in 10th grade, bringing the number up to 55 this year. In 9th grade, we have 33 students from the FSU and the West, who have taken their first steps to becoming engineers.

“The 10th grade students have all integrated very well on the program. Their Hebrew is improving daily, and while some have difficulties in some subjects because of all the terms in high-level Hebrew, they’re all managing well,” Lotman says.

High caliber of students The selection process for the Anières program is extremely stringent, and the academic and intellectual level of the students is very high. Naale Elite Academy handled the first stage of recruiting the students, including interviewing and screening them.

“Naale Elite Academy has a comprehensive testing process to ensure that only students who will be able to cope with all aspects of being away from their parents are accepted. The tests determine academic ability, maturity, independence levels and psychological aptitude, to name a few,” says Yeshayahu Yechieli, director and co-founder of Naale Elite Academy.

“Students who plan to attend the Anières program go through even more rigorous testing once they’ve been approved by Naale.

This testing is conducted by the Technion’s Pre-University Education Center and ensures that these students will be the best of the best,” he says.

Darryl Egnal is a South African Israeli living and working in Tel Aviv as freelance journalist, editor and photographer. She has edited and published magazines, brochures and other publications over the past few decades.

Since arriving in Israel nearly six years ago, she has written and edited many articles on various topics including education, the environment, travel and tourism, and Aliyah. darrylegnal.com

From Startup Nation to Brain Nation: Israel’s BrainTech rewards researchers BrainTech 2015, a global conference to explore ways in which brain technology will change the human landscape, was held in Tel Aviv March 11-12.

The conference was organized by Israel’s brain initiative, Israel Brain Technologies, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance Israel’s neurotechnology industry by accelerating neuro-innovation and fostering international collaboration.

President Shimon Peres, whose vision of turning Israel into a worldwide braintech hub – from “Startup Nation” to “Brain Nation” – inspired the creation of Israel Brain Technologies, laid out his vision for the future of brain technology during a “fireside chat” at the conference. “We have in Israel right now over a hundred companies that are dealing with the brain, we have brain faculties in every university,” said President Peres.

“This is only the beginning. We are a startup in the brain.”

Two major neuroscience prizes were awarded during the BrainTech 2015 Conference. The prizes acknowledge the work of neuroscientists and mathematicians whose research advance our understanding of the human brain as well as solutions, treatments and cures for various brain-related ailments.

Dr. Ami Citri of Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences received the $100,000 Adelis Brain Research Award for outstanding work in the field of experience-dependent plasticity and its impact on diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. The Citri lab develops unique multi-disciplinary approaches to studying the encoding of experiences in the brain and has developed a system to study the basis of selective attention, which was recognized by the Adelis Award. A main focus in the lab is to understand how the experience of drugs of abuse are encoded in the brain and lead to addiction.

The $100,000 Mathematical Neuroscience Prize was awarded to Prof. Nancy Kopell of Boston University for her work in mathematical analysis of the nervous system functions, and to Prof. Bard Ermentrout from the University of Pittsburgh for his classic work in mathematical biology. Each received a $100,000 prize.

“Brain-related illness such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, brain trauma and others know no borders, and neither can their cures,” said IBL Chair Dr. Rafi Gidron. “By the same token, creativity, invention, innovation and imagination also know no borders and therefore, initiatives seeking the next big thing in brain technology should by definition be global endeavors.”

Naale: elite-academy.org 54 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

FREE! Everyone is Welcome!

FREE! Everyone is Welcome!

FREE!

SPEND THE DAY WITH US! Begin with a FREE Israeli breakfast at 11am, followed by a

Everyone is Welcome! day of music and celebration, with activites for everyone – children, friends and families.

Yom Haatzmaut Celebration at the JCC Yom Haatzmaut Celebration at the JCC Yom Haatzmaut Celebration at the JCC

SPEND THE DAY WITH US! Begin with a FREE Israeli breakfast at 11am, followed by a day of music and celebration, with activites for everyone – children, friends and families.

SPEND THE DAY WITH US! Begin with a FREE Israeli breakfast at 11am, followed by a day of music and celebration, with activites for everyone – children, friends and families.

Pack a Great attitude, Hearty appetite, Casual clothes, and your love for Israel!

Yehudie and the Gefilte Fish - “White and Blue Grass Music” | DJ Solara | Traditional Israeli “Shakshouka” Breakfast

Pack a Great attitude, Hearty appetite, Performing/Alternative Clown Show | The first Phoenix Open Backgammon Tournament | Israeli Give-aways Gal, Erez and Blue & White Kids - One Time Performance | 60’s Fashion Show | Kids craft zone | Bounce House Casual and your loveand for Israel!movie | Shaved ice, Popcorn and Cotton Candy Israeli Styleclothes, Zumba Class | Folk Dancing “Borecas”

Balloon Children’s andand Activities Yehudie Artist and the| Gefilte FishMusic - “White Blue Grass Music” | DJ Solara | Traditional Israeli “Shakshouka” Breakfast Performing/Alternative Clown Show | The first Phoenix Open Backgammon Tournament | Israeli Give-aways Gal, Erez and Blue & White Kids - One Time Performance | 60’s Fashion Show | Kids craft zone | Bounce House Israeli Style Zumba Class | Folk Dancing and “Borecas” movie | Shaved ice, Popcorn and Cotton Candy Pack Great attitude, appetite, Balloon a Artist | Children’s MusicHearty and Activities

Musical Performance Taking you From Israel tofor Broadway Casual clothes, and your love Israel! by the Beit Zvi Theater Group!

Beit- Zvi Theater Group willMusic” perform| “It’s a long way from Ramat Gan“Shakshouka” to Broadway” Breakfast – a short Yehudie and the Gefilte Fish “White and Blue Grass DJ Solara | Traditional Israeli musical journey starting with the establishment of the state of Israel through today, from Performing/Alternative Clown Show | The first Phoenix Open Backgammon Tournament | Israeli Give-awayspioneer songs musicals which came to Fashion us from Broadway.

Their program – Israeli Gal, Erez and Blue & White Kidsto- famous One Time Performance | 60’s Show | Kids craft zone includes | Bounce Housefolk songs, songs from famous musicals, medleys combining original Israeli songs with American hits, Israeli Style Zumba Class | Folk Dancing and “Borecas” movie | Shaved ice, Popcorn and Cotton Candy Beatles, Medley, peace songs and Balloon Artist | Children’s Music and Activities Beit ZviYiddish Theater Group will perform “It’smore! a long way from Ramat Gan to Broadway” – a short musical journey starting with the establishment of the state of Israel through today, from pioneer songs to famous musicals which came to us from Broadway. Their program includes – Israeli folk songs, songs from famous musicals, medleys combining original Israeli songs with American hits, A R I Z O N A Beatles, Yiddish Medley, peace songs and more!

Musical Performance Taking you From Israel to Broadway by the Beit Zvi Theater Group!

Musical Performance Taking you From Israel to Broadway by the Beit Zvi Theater Group!

Beit Zvi Theater Group will perform “It’s a long way from Ramat Gan to Broadway” – a short

Ina LevIne JewIsh CommunIty Campus 12701 north scottsdale Rd of| Israel vosjcc.org | jewishphoenix.org musical journey starting with the establishment of the state through today, from pioneer A R I Z O N A

to Edry famous musicals which came to us from Broadway.

Their program includes – Israeli folk For questions, contactsongs Shahar at shahare@vosjcc.org, 480.483.7121 x1109, facebook.com/IsraelCenterPhoenix songs, songs from famous musicals, medleys combining original Israeli songs with American hits, Beatles, Yiddish Medley, peace songs and more!

Ina LevIne JewIsh CommunIty Campus 12701 north scottsdale Rd | vosjcc.org | jewishphoenix.org For questions, contact Shahar Edry at shahare@vosjcc.org, 480.483.7121 x1109, facebook.com/IsraelCenterPhoenix A R I Z O N A

Ina LevIne JewIsh CommunIty Campus 12701 north scottsdale Rd | vosjcc.org | jewishphoenix.org For questions, contact Shahar Edry at shahare@vosjcc.org, 480.483.7121 x1109, facebook.com/IsraelCenterPhoenix ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 55

Q&A with Arizona’s Israel Center Directors Tucson’s Weintraub Israel Center

Oshrat Barel, WIC Director and Community Shlicha Where are you from in Israel?

Northeast – a city called Beit Shean.

When did you become Tucson's shlicha?

I came with my family, my husband and three daughters August 2013 and its twoyear term with an option to do third year, so I will be here until August 2016.

Why do you enjoy your job? and/or Why do you think it is important?

I enjoy to meet new and different people every day, to get to see Israel from their eyes, to allow people to explore and understand. I encourage them to travel to Israel, meet with Israelis who we host in our community and connect people from Tucson with Israelis through all kind of different programs.

What is the most successful Israel program you have done so far?

School to school connections. Last year we established 18 new connections between kindergarten, day school classes, religious school class and Hebrew High classes with students in Israel. Almost 300 kids from Tucson now have a friend in Israel!

What upcoming program or project are you most excited to share with the community?

This is the second year we are holding Tucson celebrates Israel week – a full week of events all over Tucson. April 26 will be the biggest event Israel 67 celebration at the JCC (see story this page).

520-647-8457 | obarel@jfsa.org

Israel Center at the Valley of the Sun JCC Shahar Edry, Israel Center Director Where are you from in Israel?

I was born in Erad, near Masada, and grew up in the Ben Shemen Youth Village between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

When did you become Israel Center Director?

I’ve been here about three years.

Why do you enjoy your job? and/or Why do you think it is important?

I don’t look at it as a job, it is part of my life. I do it for my people – Israelis and Jews and I even get paid for it.

Putting together events to celebrate Israeli holidays and working closely with the Israeli community to integrate them with this big Jewish community is the most beautiful thing. A lot of Israelis who come here think American Jews don’t care about us. I start a relationship. Now Israelis are involved and live in the community.

What is the most successful Israel program you have done so far?

During the summer’s war in Gaza, we held a Rally for Israel. It was successful because it attracted 1,100 people including from secular to Orthodox, Christians and Israelis – When Israel needs them, they show up.

What upcoming program or project are you most excited to share with the community?

Our April 21 ceremony for fallen soldiers. And our huge community celebration Arpil 26 for Israel Independence Day (see story this page).

480-483-7121 ext. 1109 | shahare@vosjcc.org.

56 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Celebrate Israel’s Indepen Tucson plans full week of Israel-related events Yom Ha'aztmaut, Israeli Independence Day, falls on April 23 this year. The occasion of Israel's 67th birthday is cause for much joy and celebration in Jewish communities throughout the world.

In the Tucson Jewish community, the Weintraub Israel Center has been busily coordinating with various organizations around the city to create an entire week of Israel-related events. The Tucson JCC, 3800 E River Road, is being transformed into a sea of blue and white in preparation for the festivities. On April 19 the Nancy Spielberg documentary “Above and Beyond” will be shown at 7 pm at the Tucson J; co-sponsored by the Tucson International Jewish Film Festival. The movie tells the story of a group of North American World War II pilots who volunteered to fight for Israel in the 1948 War of Independence.

April 20 a program honoring Israel is set for 6 pm at Congregation Chofetz Chayim, 5150 E Fifth St. An Israeli Music Concert will be presented at 5 pm at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E Fifth St. on April 21. The following day, April 22, the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona Council is presenting Misha Galperin, CEO and president of Jewish Agency International Development at 4:30 pm. The Tucson Hebrew Academy, 3888 E River Road, is hosting a birthday party for Israel on April 23 at 8 am and that evening there is a Yom Ha'aztmaut party at the home of the Weintraub Israel Center's shlicha, Oshrat Barel.

On April 24, Temple Emanu-El will host an Israeli dinner at 5:30 pm at 225 N Country Club Road, followed

by Shabbat Rocks services at 6:30 pm. Israel will also be honored at Congregation Chaverim's services that night at 5901 E Second St. Shabbat services at 9 am on April 25 at both Congregation Bet Shalom, 3881 E River Road, and Congregation Anshei Israel will be Israel Solidarity services.

The week culminates with the Israel 67 Celebration held 4-7 pm at the Tucson JCC on April 26 with Israeli food, music and fun for the whole family. It is free and open to all. Todd Rockoff, President and CEO of the J says, "Whether you come for the food, the hand-crafted Judaica, the entertainment or the family fun, we know it will be a great time celebrating Israel!"

ndence on Yom Ha’atzmaut One final event being held on April 28 is a program featuring Dennis Prager, nationally syndicated radio host, columnist and author, held in cooperation with Christians United for Israel (CUFI) .

There will also be a Memorial observance for Yom Hazikaron, a day of remembrance for the men, women, boys and girls who have lost their lives due to war or terrorism. As part of WIC's Partnership2gether, four teens from the Partnership region of Kiryat Malachi and Hof Ashkelon, areas hit hardest by rocket fire during last summer's Operation Protective Edge, have collaborated with teens from Tucson Hebrew High to plan this moving ceremony, which takes place April 21at 6:30 pm at the Tucson JCC. As the sun sets on the evening of Yom Hazikaron in Israel, the country turns to the celebration of Yom Ha'atzmaut.

Twelve torches are lit on Mount Herzl symbolizing the 12 tribes of ancient Israel. These torches are lit by people who have committed to the betterment of Israel on a national or international level. Tucson is proud to emulate this respected tradition for the second year. "For me, the 12 Torches Ceremony is the most special part of the celebration," says Oshrat. Tucson organizations, businesses and individuals who promote local connections to Israel will receive the honors to light the torches.

For specifics on any of the above programs, contact the Weintraub Israel Center at 520-577-9393 or email israelcenter@ jfsa.org.

in the Valley The Valley’s Israel Center, led by director Shahar Edry, is hosting a joyous party for Israel’s 67th birthday with the theme of Peace, Love and Zionism. The Israel 67 Celebration is being held 11 am-3 pm on April 26 at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 11270 N Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale.

The festivities begin with an Israeli breakfast followed by an afternoon of music and celebration with activities for all ages.

“We’re hoping the Jewish community comes out in force to celebrate and show their support for Israel – now more than ever,” says Shahar. The event is free.

The Israel Center is also holding a Memorial Service for Yom Hazikaron on April 21 to honor the fallen soldiers of Israel and the victims of terrorists attack. The ceremony will take place at 7 pm at the Ina Levine Campus.

For more information, contact Shahar at 480-634-4900, ext.

1109 or shahare@vosjcc.org.

Israeli performing arts students to perform in Phoenix As part of the 10th anniversary of the Phoenix-Ramat Gan sister city connection, the Israeli city is sending a performing arts delegation to Phoenix to perform at three April events.

The city of Phoenix joined the Sister City movement in 1972 with the creation of Phoenix Sister Cities. As a nonprofit organization seeking to develop understanding and better relationships with designated cities around the world, PSC signed its first Sister City linkage with Hermosillo, Mexico in 1976. Since then, Phoenix has linked with Himeji, Japan (1976); Taipei, Taiwan (1979); Chengdu, China (1987); Ennis, Ireland (1988); Grenoble, France (1990); Calgary, Canada (1997); Catania, Italy (2001); Ramat-Gan, Israel (2005); and Prague, Czech Republic (2013).

Ramat Gan is sending a large delegation from Beit Zvi College of Performing Arts (Israel's Julliard equivalent) to perform at Mayor Greg Stanton's International Gala, April 23 at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix . Tickets are available for $130.

The students will also give a concert entitled "From Ramat-Gan to Broadway ... and Beyond" on April 25 at Memorial Hall, Steele Indian School Park at Third Street and Indian School Road. VIP TIX are $36; students with ID are $10; and general admission is $18. Community support is welcome! The Beit Zvi young professionals will be participating in the Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration on April 26 at the Valley of the Sun JCC in Scottsdale as well.

PSC exists "to create people-to-people relationships between the residents of Phoenix and its sister cities through commercial, educational, cultural and artistic exchange programs and events that create and sustain global, longterm, international partnerships and business opportunities for the citizens of Phoenix." Rabbi Robert Kravitz serves as the Ramat Gan Committee Chair on the Board of Directors of Sister Cities.

Phoenix Sister Cities also offers internships during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Applicants should be college students with interests in non-profit agencies, event planning, international business, communications, cultural diversity, economics, art, tourism, web design, government and public relations.

Available internships include: assistant to the president/vice president, website and newsletter editor, assistant to the youth and education programs manager.

Interns may be eligible for stipends and/or credit depending on college policy and number of hours worked. To purchase tickets to an event or to access an intern application, visit phoenixsistercities.org.

ISRAEL 67 celebration Sunday, April 26 | 4-7 PM

Tucson JCC | Free Music, food & fun for the entire family!

Info: jfsa.org

Jewish Federation OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 57

BGU and ASU sign joint research agreement Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Arizona State University have expanded their partnership with a new joint research agreement.

The expanded collaboration will establish new research initiatives as well as student exchanges. The two universities will collaborate in a number of areas, including cyber security, homeland security, nanotechnology, robotics, community medicine, remote sensing, and sustainability.

While the project is focusing on the topics above, it is also open to other topics and types of cooperation.

“ASU and BGU are two universities that are growing along similar lines – from the natural desert environment in which they are based to their vision, strive for excellence, innovation, and community action,” says Professor Dan Blumberg, BGU’s vice president and dean for research and development and an alumnus of ASU. “The purpose of the project is to create a platform upon which to cultivate collaborations between researchers that could open up new research opportunities.”

“We are interested in building a comprehensive and long-term collaboration which will lead in future both to joint research studies and joint courses,” Blumberg adds.

ASU already has an ongoing overseas study program with BGU. “ASU and BGU share many commonalities: innovation,

similar geographic environments, locations in important urban centers, diverse student bodies, and complicated socioeconomic environments,” says Professor Sethuraman (Panch) Panchanathan, senior vice president of ASU’s Global Office of Knowledge Enterprise Development. “Most importantly, we share a deep mutual commitment to understanding society’s biggest challenges at the local and global levels and developing next-level solutions.”

Although ASU has worked with BGU for a number of years, this engagement “has now risen to a much higher level,” says Stephen Feinson, ASU associate vice president of knowledge enterprise development.

“We’re excited about the expansion of our relationship with Arizona State University,” says Philip Gomperts, regional director of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. “This new collaboration will hopefully yield innovations and breakthroughs in a number of areas as we continue to work together.”

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Federation 2015 Annual Campaign Kickoff Speakers focus on meeting challenges locally and globally

By Janet Arnold

An enthusiastic crowd of about 200 people from across the himself as a force for shaping the future. An original resident of Greater Phoenix area came together for the 2015 Annual the Moishe House, Jonny helps to lead his age group in getting Campaign Kickoff for the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix involved in the Jewish community in ways that are meaningful on Feb. 26 in the warm and inviting sanctuary of Temple Chai to them. He is working with the NowGen department to in northeast Phoenix. create imaginative events and causes that resonate with the Keynote speaker of the evening was Gil Tamary, Washington 20-somethings. "YOLO Engagement" speaks to the Now Gen’s bureau chief for Israel's Channel 10 News. He was both view of life as "You Only Live Once," he explains. By engaging entertaining and insightful as he discussed the challenges Jews this age group in social events, they have found that donations face with anti-Semitism rising worldwide and Israeli’s creativity to Jewish causes have increased organically. The local Moishe coping with challenges at home. With the recent anti-Semitic House, which is part of an international movement that includes violence in France, he said that about 50,000 of France’s 500,000 75 houses in 17 countries, houses four young men and plans Jews have requested information about making aliyah. about 10 events per month that are open to the community.

Life is likewise difficult for the 20,000 Jews in Iran, 20,000 Events range from large Shabbat dinners and holiday parties to in Turkey and nearly 1 small Torah study sessions. million in the former Soviet Barry Markson spoke about the Union. On a somber note, recently compiled Senior Needs Study, he spoke about current U.S.which showed that the majority of Israel political challenges, seniors would like to remain in their in particular the Israelis’ own homes as independently as concerns about U.S. policy possible for as long as they can. To toward Iran, which he said that end, the study identified three they fear will put Israel in areas that would help make it easier jeopardy over time. for seniors to attain their wishes. The He also reflected on first involves the need for a database how creativity and a knack of senior resources available via phone for doing the “impossible” and Internet. The second component enabled Israel to develop is transportation, because the current the Iron Dome in just three city dial-a-rides are inadequate. The years. The inventor used third element is socialization; seniors parts from an old remote want to be around other people, and control car that he bought at the federation hopes to create another Toys R Us. "Don't tell us we senior center. can't do it," he said.

The last of the speakers was Jared “What struck me Hirschl, a student at Arizona State about Gil’s message is the University, speaking about Israel ingenuity of the Jewish advocacy on campus. He pointed out people, especially in Israel that anti-Israel groups have increased 2015 Campaign Co-chairs Don and Esther Schon with dramatically in the past two years. where they took the “itFederation President and CEO Stuart Wachs. can’t-be-done” attitude as a He also said repeatedly that students challenge and created one of "don't care about the conflict – they the most innovative defense care about themselves." Once we systems in the world, the Iron Dome, which saved thousands of accept this fact, he said, it's up to us to educate and persuade lives during the war last summer,” said Stuart Wachs, president the students as to why they should love Israel – by illuminating and CEO of the federation. all the positive and inclusive attributes of the country. By 2015 Campaign Co-chairs Esther and Don Schon unveiled connecting students to aspects of the county they can directly the campaign's new video emphasizing this year's theme: Give relate to, we will be able to build their overall connection to today. Create tomorrow.

Israel.

Three dynamic speakers engaged the audience with their The 2014 annual campaign brought in $3,030,000 with perspectives and assessments of the three core impact areas the $2,047,000 allocated to core impact areas, school partners, federation will focus on for this year: Now Generation, Senior strategic partners, federation community programs, and Israel Services and Israel Advocacy. and overseas.

Jonny Basha, at just 24 years old, has already distinguished ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 59

FEDERATION NOTES

A month of celebration and remembrance

By Stuart Wachs

During April we celebrate Passover, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut. While these are very different holidays, they are connected. They remind us of the persecution Jews have faced for millennia, they tell the story of the Jews surviving and thriving by coming together as a community, and they celebrate the vibrancy of Jewish life.

Today, Jews all over the world still can relate to – and still are experiencing – these connections. One only need recall the recent war against Hamas in Israel, widespread anti-Semitism in Europe and on U.S. college campuses, the atrocities committed

by ISIS and other terrorist groups worldwide, the deplorable conditions in Ukraine, and Iran’s nuclear threat to Israel and the free world.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix provides advocacy, funds and support for Jews around the world in good times and bad. We serve those in need, help build vibrant Jewish communities and enrich Jewish life.

The federation campaign funds these important initiatives.

Through the support of our local Jewish community, the federation was able to help our international partners, the Joint Distribution Committee and the Jewish Agency for Israel, in providing emergency services to Jews in Ukraine and to provide counseling and emergency services to southern Israelis during the war this past summer. This past February, I was blessed to visit some of the family programs that are helping to create a thriving Jewish community in Berlin – programs made possible by your support of the federation.

Through a strong federation, we can build community in

IGNITING ENTHUSIASM

so many other ways. In the Valley, we provide core funding to local Jewish organizations and schools. The federation played a critical role in making it possible for Pardes Jewish Day School to move onto the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, an enormous benefit for the school, campus and community. The federation also assisted in transitioning leadership at Hillel and in supporting its new executive director, Debbie Yunker Kale.

This new leadership has expanded Hillel’s reach and impact.

So as you observe Passover, remember on Yom Hazikaron and celebrate on Yom Ha’atzmaut, please help sustain and build vibrant Jewish communities, support Israel and take care of Jews in need here and throughout the world through a generous gift to your federation campaign.

For information about the federation’s annual campaign, its goals and past allocations, please visit jewishphoenix.org/ about-us/community-funding and make your contribution at jewishphoenix.org/donate. Give Today. Create Tomorrow.

Stuart Wachs is president and CEO of the Jewish Community Association of Greater Phoenix, parent organization of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.

Guests at the 2015 Ignition! Luncheon, March 18 at the Valley of the Sun JCC, were inspired by keynote speaker Dr. Yarden Fanta-Vagenshtein, pictured with event co-chairs Benee HiltonSpiegel and Elizabeth Feldman. Dr. Fanta-Vagenshtein is the first Ethiopian woman to earn a PhD in Israel and is currently a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard. Presented by Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, Ignition! drew a large crowd including sisters Janis Harris and Nancy Hollenberg. Photos

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Stuart Wachs

Blank Foundation announces gift to support JFCS Career Services The Arthur M. Blank Foundation in Atlanta, recently announced a $500,000 endowment gift to the Jewish Community Foundation for the purposes of funding half the annual cost of JFCS’ Jewish Career Services Program. The gift was made in honor of Arthur Blank’s brother, Michael Blank and his wife, Carmen.

In 2011, during the height of the recession, Michael Blank envisioned a service to help Jewish individuals in Phoenix who had lost their jobs and were experiencing a financial crisis. With initial gifts of $75,000 from the Arthur M. Blank Foundation and $25,000 from the Jewish Community Foundation, Jewish Career Services was established at JFCS to help newly unemployed Jews, particularly those in the hardest hit sectors such as real estate, engineering and information technology. The program’s main objective was not to provide a handout – but to give each individual the tools they needed to enhance their employability and secure gainful employment.

Michael Blank continued to financially support the JFCS Jewish Career Services through the Jewish Community Foundation over the next three years, which has resulted in more than 209 individuals receiving career coaching, resume assistance and help with their job search. The need and demand for these services has remained steady, particularly among those ages 40-60 who have been unsuccessful finding employment on their own. More than 40% of those receiving services have found employment at case closure, and those who are still job seeking report they are more prepared and confident they will find greater opportunities for employment.

Since the Jewish Community Foundation manages JFCS’ endowment funds, the grant to the JCF made perfect sense: the Foundation manages money using their financial management expertise and JFCS provides the program expertise.

602-279-7655 | info@jfcsaz.org | jfcsaz.org

What does the Federation do?

We help people.

Your gift to the Federation fosters Jewish education, inspires young Jewish adults, cares for Jewish seniors and forges ties with Israel.

Your gift helps the most vulnerable individuals and families among us—children, single parents, those with special needs and the elderly— here, in Israel and in 70 countries throughout the world.

That’s it. That’s what we do.

We help people.

Give today. Create tomorrow.

Helping Jews in need and building vibrant Jewish communities here, in Israel and throughout the world.

480.634.4900 x1299 | jewishphoenix.org/donate

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FACES & PLACES

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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – Theodore Bikel receives the inaugural Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award at the 2015 Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival held in February. Janet Arnold, Arizona Jewish Life associate editor and Film Festival board member, presents the award. The Arizona premier of the film “Theodore Bikel: In the Shoes of Sholom Aleichem” played to two sold out houses at Camelview Theatre in Scottsdale. Theo produced the documentary, which shows his ties with Aleichem, the great Yiddish writer and creator of the Tevye stories that serve as the foundation for “Fiddler on the Roof.” Theo has played the part of Tevye more than 2,000 times. The over-all film festival saw attendance increase 25% this year. gpjff.org

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GRAND SLAM AWARD – On Feb. 18, the Arizona Diamondbacks presented a $76,000 check to the Tucson JCC as recipients of their 2015 Grand Slam Award. The funds were given in support of a play structure for an indoor play area for children ages 2-7. Pictured here with some of the JCC preschoolers are: (from left) Tucson JCC Board Chair Barney Holtzman and president and CEO Todd Rockoff, with D-backs representatives Derrick Hall, president and CEO; Shelley Duncan, minor league manager; and former players who are now special assistants to the president, Luis Gonzalez and J. J. Putz. The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation have awarded 38 Grand Slam Awards totaling more than $3.5 million since 2002. The Tucson J has been undergoing major renovations and the indoor play area is expected to be a “crown jewel.” The JCC is located at 3800 E River Road in Tucson. tucsonjcc.org

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BLAZING SADDLES –Alexa Cohn, 25, rides Afires Style to a Championship in Arabian Country English Pleasure at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show in February. Cohn is a member of Temple Solel.

GLOBAL CONCERN –Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz, rear, welcomes, from left, Rabbis Pinchas Allouche, Jeremy Schneider and Arthur Levinsky, along with Professor Anna Cichopek-Gajraj of Arizona State University.

The professor facilitated a panel, featuring the three rabbis, on the subject of “Rising Global Anti-Semitism.” Valley Beit Midrash sponsored the event at Temple Kol Ami. Among the good-sized number of attentive attendees were Fred and Sandy Goldenson. Photos by Leni Reiss

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FACES & PLACES

DELI-cious– Jane Hepner and Leonard Silk at Harkins Camelview to see “Deli Man,” the delightful documentary tracing the evolution and traditions of New York’s Jewish delicatessens. Photo by Leni Reiss INSPIRING INNOVATION– The American Technion Society held "An Evening of Innovation and Inspiration" at the home of Sandy and Harvey Belfer. From left are American Technion Society's Western Region Director Diana Stein Judovits, Rich Goldman, Captain (ret.)

Derek Herrera and Leslie Goldman. More than 100 Phoenicians attended to learn about the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and how the myriad innovations and scientific breakthroughs there are impacting lives. Captain Herrera was shot and paralyzed while on deployment in Afghanistan two years ago. His dream to walk again was made possible when he started using the ReWalk exoskeleton, developed by Technion graduate, Amit Gofer.

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JEWISH CABARET– An all Jewish Barbershop Quartet, called "Jew and Improved," sings at Congregation Shomrei Torah Cantors Cabaret in celebration of Jewish Music Month. The quartet, all seniors at Horizon High School in Scottsdale, are from left Eli Bliman, Adam Ziff, Jordan Canning and Alex Wolvos.

STUARTS IN BERLIN– Stuart Mellan, top, and Stuart Wachs, bottom, visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in the center of Berlin. The German Holocaust Memorial remembers the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Located between the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz, the memorial consists of the Field of Stelae designed by Peter Eisenman and the subterranean information center. Stuart Mellan and Stuart Wachs, CEOs of Arizona’s two Jewish Federations, participated in a federation mission to Germany.

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Yiddish maven– Syracuse University Jewish studies professor Ken Frieden (not pictured) spoke on “American Cinema and the Yiddish Tradition,” Feb. 23 at the Cutler Plotkin Judaica Heritage Center. Ilene Singer right, assistant director at ASU’s Center for Jewish Studies, where Frieden also spoke, and staff member Dawn Beeson, welcome guests at the Jewish Heritage Center. This year’s Albert & Liese Eckstein scholar-in-Residence, Frieden showed clips from Yiddish movies including “The Dybbuk,” referenced films including “Hester Street,” “Yentl,” and “A Serious Man,” and voiced his appreciation for being away from Syracuse in the winter. Photo by Leni Reiss

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PURIM SCROLL – Rabbi Arthur Abrams, shown here holding an antique Megillah estimated to be more than 150 years old, and Cantorial Soloist Pam Beitman accompanied by guitarist Bob Johnson lead this year’s Beth Ami Temple Purim celebration. The parchment scroll is a gift from Sharon Young of Sun City. It dates back several generations of her family to at least her great grandfather in Russia who was a Hebrew scholar. Sharon discovered the scroll in a drawer of furniture, handed-down through the generations. After the service, a wide assortment of hamantaschen was enjoyed by the congregation. A congregation of active Jewish adults, Beth Ami holds services every other Friday night at 3535 E Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley. bethamitemple.org ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 63

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PREVIEWS Tots campaign; and the first national honorary chairman of the Epilepsy Foundation of America. He serves on the National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped; Special Olympics; and the Los Angeles Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival for Children. His efforts have been recognized by many prestigious organizations including B’nai B’rith. He received the United Nations Peace Prize and Women in Film’s Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award, which was presented to both Henry and his wife, Stacey, for their tireless efforts and devotion to the “improvement of the human condition.” Henry also received the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Artes et des Lettres, the French Government’s highest honor.

For 74 years, Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern Arizona has helped people of all religious and ethnic origins meet their full potential by restoring well-being, cultivating self-sufficiency and strengthening family life through quality social and behavioral health services. While not a faithbased organization, the agency’s staff and board members are guided by the Jewish values of healing the world (tikkun olam) with loving kindness (chesed) through just and charitable deeds (tzedakah).

For tickets and sponsorship information, go to jfcstucson.org or call Patty Varela at 520-795-0300, ext. 2238.

Chai Tech – Calling all techno-nerds The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix is creating a new networking group to reach out to those working in the technology fields. Chai Tech will have its kick-off event on April 30 at 6:30 pm at Toasted Cork, 4301 N Civic Center Plaza in Scottsdale.

"We're looking for Jewish professionals of any age who work with technology in some capacity," says chair Jon Basha. "Everyone from specialized developers who work in data centers to college grads (or dropouts) writing code for a startup, to people who studied Computer science or IT, to someone who uses salesforce to collect customer information for their company, to someone who orders bulk on Amazon for their business, to a nontechnical person who manages technology folks."

Henry Winkler headlines Celebration of Caring The Jewish Family and Children's Services of Southern Arizona's fifth annual Celebration of Caring is “An Evening with Henry Winkler” presented by The Jim Click Automotive Team and Mel and Enid Zuckerman. The benefit begins with a reception at 5:30 pm and dinner at 7 pm, April 14, at The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa in Tucson. KGUN 9 anchor Stella Inger will emcee the event.

Henry is an actor, author, producer and director. He was born to GermanJewish immigrant parents who came to the United States in 1939, narrowly escaping the Holocaust. He attained a bachelor's degree from Emerson College in 1967 and a master of fine arts degree from the Yale School of Drama in 1970. He received an honorary Ph.D. in Hebrew Literature in 1978 from Emerson College. After appearing in numerous commercials and in the movie “The Lords of Flatbush” in 1974, he was cast as Arthur Fonzarelli in the long-running sitcom "Happy Days." After 10 years as Fonzie, Henry moved into directing and producing and re-invented himself as an actor in the 1990s and 2000s in such shows as “The Practice” and “Arrested Development.”

In addition, Henry is a well-accomplished author of children's books, having sold more than 2 million copies of his series Hank Zipzer, the World's Greatest Underachiever, based on his own early struggles with dyslexia.

His associations include honorary chairman of United Friends of the Children; founding member of the Children’s Action Network; co-host of the annual Cerebral Palsy Telethon; national chairman of the annual Toys for 64 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

According to Jon the group will be "hosting a variety of events to discuss technology trends and opportunities in the field and to be 'plugged in' to the Jewish tech community." The events will include social gatherings, panel discussions, outings, happy hours and "some surprises too."

Federation's Business and Professionals Division has two other active networks: the Cardozo Society for legal professionals and the Real Estate and Finance Division. The B & P Division is chaired by Eliot Kaplan, a partner at Squire Patton Boggs, an international legal practice, and is staffed by Amanda Garcia, development associate at the federation. They foresaw a clear need for an additional group to accommodate those in technology, which is generally recognized as the fastest growing industry in the world. By establishing kindred networking groups Federation hopes to grow both active involvement as well as donations.

RSVP for the Chai Tech kickoff event to 480-634-4900, ext. 1202, or agarcia@jewishphoenix.org.

Mimuna celebration: Experience Moroccan tradition April 12 The majority of American Jews have Ashkenazic roots, meaning their ancestors came from countries such as France, Germany, Eastern Europe and Russia. But a significant number of Jews are Sephardic, with roots from Spain, Portugal, North Africa and the Middle East. Each geographic group has its own customs, traditions and, of course, foods! (See Arizona Jewish Life, March 2015 for Sephardic Passover dishes for example.)

Mimuna (or Mimouna) is a traditional celebration of Moroccan Jews and one

april calendar of Israel's most festive holidays; in fact, it became a national holiday in Israel in 1966. Held on the night after the last day of Passover, Jews of Morocco create fancy sweet treats as a symbol of friendship, hospitality and care for the community. The holiday is generally celebrated with outdoor parties, picnics and barbecues. Moroccan homes are opened to the community with tables decorated with sweets, jams, flour with five fava beans, fish and wheat, symbolizing happiness, peace, fertility and the end of Passover. The main dish is mofletta (mufleta), a thin crepe made from water, flour and oil and is generally eaten warm, spread with butter, honey, syrup or jam. Fruits, especially oranges, apples, almonds and nuts are also eaten. Zaben (white almond nougat) marozia (fried raisins with nuts) and mazun (fruit jam) feature prominently, as does mint tea.

The Weintraub Israel Center and Temple Emanu-El in Tucson present Mimuna 5775, Israeli-Moroccan Family Party on April 12, 12:30-2 pm at Temple Emanu-El, 225 N Country Club Road in Tucson. The current WIC shilcha, Oshrat Barel, is from Morocco, which adds to the fun and authenticity of the festivities.

The afternoon will include Moroccan music, henna tattoos, belly dancing, making Moroccan cookies, plus a lunch of pizza, salad and Moroccan treats: mufleta, sfinge, homemade cookies and marmalades, topped off with mint tea. $10 Temple and JCC members, $12 nonmembers, $5 students in advance; $12 at the door. Children under 13 free. Call 520-327-4501 for tickets. templeemanueltucson.org

Try a Tri: Family Triathalon at the Tucson JCC Focused on introducing multi-sport to the next generation, the Tucson Jewish Community Center and Tucson Medical Center will present a fun triathlon for the whole family on April 19 7:3011:30 am at the J, 3800 E River Road in Tucson.

A noncompetitive, participatory style triathlon, this event will let young people get their feet wet in multi-sport. Unlike most other kids’ tris, adult mentors like a parent, friend or coach can register for the event to swim, bike and run with their youth. Multiple distances are available to reach the widest range of participants. Mentors are encouraged to help their youth choose the appropriate distance for their age and ability.

Younger children, who must be accompanied by their mentor, (about ages 3-6) can enter a shorter distance triathlon: 25 yard swim/.5 mile bike/.25 mile run. School-age children (about ages 5-12) can choose a mid-distance: 50 yard swim/3 mile bike/.5 mile run. Older children, teens or adults (recommended over age 12) can choose the Super Sprint distance: 200 yard serpentine swim/5 mile bike/1 mile run. All adults who wish to bike or run in the event must register.

This is a participatory event; no timing, no age group awards, just good, healthy fun. All participants will receive a swim cap, an event t-shirt, a ‘dog tag’ metal of participation and the cheering-on from family and friends. The intent is for everyone to enjoy a healthy day together and leave with a smile.

Prices range from $25 to $75, for individual, mentor or family registration.

Tu Nidito Children and Family Services is the official beneficiary of the event with $5 of each registration fee going to support their services, dedicated to supporting children impacted by serious medical conditions and death.

To register and learn more, visit tucsonjcc.org or call 520-299-3000.

April 3 Passover begins at sundown. First seder tonight. Passover (Pesach) is the eight-day observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Check our online calendar for community seders near you. azjewishlife.com

April 3-4 Chompie’s 27th Annual Passover Dinner available to dine in at PV Mall, Chandler and Scottsdale locations from 5 pm to close. Reservations recommended. 'To go' available all eight nights of Passover. chompies.com/news

April 4 Second night seders are offered for the community by many temples and synagogues. Check our online calendar to see if a congregation near you is still accepting reservations. azjewishlife.com The Secular Humanist Jewish Circle invites the community to share their Passover Seder at 11:30 am for sign-in and socializing. Seder starts at noon followed by lunch at Atria Campana Del Rio, 1550 E River Road in Tucson. $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Reduced cost for children under 18. RSVP to Becky, 520-296-3762, schulmb@aol.com, or Susan, 520-577-7718, srubinaz@comcast.net by April 2.

Congregation Chaverim 2nd night Passover Seder at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N Alvernon Way in Tucson at 6:30 pm. Includes all seder items and desserts from Beyond Bread. (This is not a dinner). $18 per person, $10 children under 13, kids 5 and under free. RSVP by April 2 to 520-3201015.

April 4-26 A Weekend with Picasso. See page 42

April 7 Hope for Today is a spiritual program of recovery for those who suffer from the debilitating effects of chronic pain and chronic illness, based on the Twelve Steps of AA. Offered each Tuesday in April at 3:30 pm by the Deutsch Family Shalom Center at the house at Temple Chai, 4645 E Marilyn Road, off south parking lot. No charge. cpa-az@cox.net

April 10 Fountain Hills' Congregation Beth Hagivot monthly Shabbat services at 7:30 pm at Fountains Methodist Church, 15300 N Fountain Hills Blvd. A caring Reform community. bethhagivot.com

April 12 Mimuna Concert, see page 64

April 14 Resistance: The Untold Stories of Jewish Partisans. Documentary film, 7 pm at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, 122 E Culver in Phoenix, sponsored by the Arizona Jewish Historical Society. Free, but RSVPs required: 602-241-7870 or lbell@azjhs.org Henry Winkler at JFCS Tucson. See page 64

April 15 Brandeis Phoenix Kisses and Wishes Luncheon features a fashion show from ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | APRIL 2015 65

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Kiss Me Kate plus a boutique of arts and crafts by Brandeis members. 11 am at McCormick Club Golf, 7505 McCormick Parkway in Scottsdale. $45 members/$55 nonmembers. RSVP by April 10 to Nan Waldman: 602-996-5639 or nanlarry@cox.net

April 16 Yom Hashoah is a day to memorialize those who perished in the Holocaust. See page 49 Lessons for Jewish Business Leaders, networking event

by Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, featuring business leaders Anthony Wanger, president and founder of IO data center; Tammy Weinbaum, senior VP and general manager at American Express; and Craig Weiss, chairman of Njoy USA. 5:30 pm at Biltmore Commerce Center, 3200 E Camelback Road in Phoenix. $36 professionals, $18 students. Beer, wine and kosher hors d’oeuvres. Register: 480-6344900 ext. 1202 or agarcia@jewishphoenix.org

April 17 Spring Musicale: Sharon Friendly and keyboardist Debbie Offenhaus­er, perform country music to show tunes and opera. Follows Desert Foothills Jewish Com­munity Association’s Shabbat services, 7:30 pm in north Scottsdale. First attendance is free; membership $60 per year. RSVP: 480-585-4437 or dfjca. org Temple Havurat Emet monthly service celebrates the b’nai mitzvah of the 2015 adult class. 7:30 pm at the Lecky Center of the Robson Library, 9330 E Riggs Road, Sun Lakes. 480-802-5676, templehavuratemet.org

April 19 Yom Hashoah Commemoration at 3 pm. See page 49 Holocaust Remembrance at 2 pm at Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, 100 Meadowlark Dr. in Sedona. Held in conjunction Temple Heichal Baoranim of Flagstaff and the Martin-Springer Institute of Northern Arizona University. 928-2041286, jcsvv.org Jewish Genetic Diseases Screening 10 am-3 pm at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Road. Pre-registration required at jewishgeneticsphx.org. Testing is free for Jewish individuals, age 18-45, with health insurance. If no insurance, subsidies are available. 480-668-3347 or info@jewishgeneticsphx.org Whose Jerusalem? A talk on the Holy City in Judaism, Christianity and Islam with Rabbi Dr. Reuven Firestone. Presented by Valley Beit Midrash at 7 pm at Temple Kol Ami, 15030 N 64 St. in Scottsdale. $18 suggested donation. 602-445-3112, valleybeitmidrash.org 66 APRIL 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

APRIL calendar Jewish Marriage University, 2 full-day sessions of marriage preparation for engaged and serious couples and married couples, too. Also May 3. 9:30 am-3:30 pm at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Road. Additional class for interfaith couples on April 29, 6:30-8:30 pm. $85 includes breakfast and lunch. 480-6348050, lfeldman@bjephoenix.org Family Triathalon at Tucson JCC - See page 65

April 19-May 24 The Three Javelinas by Childsplay, see pg. 34

April 21 Yom Hazikaron is Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers of Israel and victims of terrorist attacks.

Israel Center at the VOS JCC Yom Hazikaron service.

See page 57 Israeli Music Concert at 5 pm at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E Fifth St. in Tucson.Come listen to Israeli favorites, discover new ones, and participate in an Israeli music sing-a-long as we show our support of Israel. Featuring CAI’s Adult and Youth Choirs led

by Cantorial Soloist Nichole Chorny. Free. caiaz.org Weintraub Israel Center Yom Hazikaron service at Tucson JCC. See page 56

April 23 Bringing Heaven Down To Earth, a book by Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, will be discussed with the author at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society at 7 pm at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, 122 E Culver in Phoenix. Free, but RSVP required: 602241-7870, azjhs.org Jewish Baby University for expectant parents. Learn preparation for childbirth, care of newborn, Jewish rituals and parenting skills for raising Jewish children. Six Thursday evenings, 6:30-9 pm at Temple Solel, 6805 E McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley. $115.

480-634-8050, lfeldman@bjephoenix.org

April 25 Israel Solidarity Shabbat. 9 am at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E Fifth St. in Tucson.

Join us as we show our solidarity in honor and celebration of Tucson Celebrates Israel 67. Two high school students from Kiryat Malakhi, Israel will speak about their experiences. caiaz.org Simchat Shabbat, an inclusive service for all Jews and their families, sponsored by the Council for Jews with Special Needs. Noon at Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 N 56th St., Scottsdale. Free. 480-629-5343, cjsn.org

From Ramat-Gan to Broadway ... and Beyond concert by Israeli students. See page 57 Casino Night at Temple Kol Ami to benefit the Early Childhood Center. 6:30 pm at 15030 N 64 St. in Scottsdale. $40 includes dinner, entertainment and silent auction. Call Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center at 480-951-5825.

April 26 Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration at the VOS JCC. See page 57 Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration at the Tucson JCC See page 56 Beth Ami Temple’s Annual Concert features Broadway and Hollywood Jewish composers performed by cantorial soloist Baruch Koritan, accompanied by his wife Ruth Dubinbaum-Koritan. 4 pm at the Palo Cristi Presbyterian Church, 3535 E Lincoln Dr. in Paradise Valley. $20 in advance or $25 at door. RSVP to Donna Horwitz: 602-997-5623 or azhorwitzs@cox.net Phoenix Community Kollel Women's Division honors Cindy Landesman for 10 years of devoted service to the community at their Spice of Life luncheon. 10 am at the Pardes Jewish Day School Social Hall on the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12753 N Scottsdale Road. Guest speaker is Aliza Bulow. $54.

RSVP: programming@aztorah.com

April 28 Fore the Kids Golf Tournament to benefit scholarships at the VOSJCC at Gainey Ranch Golf Club, 7600 Gainey Club Dr. in Scottsdale. Registration and lunch at 11:30 am; shotgun start at 1:15 pm. A 100-player, best-ball foursome scramble. Golfers of all abilities are welcome. $250 per person or $900 per foursome. To register call 480-483-7121 ext.

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April 30 Launch event for Chai Tech networking group of Federation. See page 64

May 3 Putting God Second: How to Save Religion from Itself, a talk by Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman, sponsored by Valley Beit Midrash. 7 pm at Temple Chai, 4645 E Marilyn in Phoenix. $18 suggested donation. 602445-3112, valleybeitmidrash.org

ADDING EVENTS:

To obtain a password to enter event on our online calendar, go to the bottom right of our home page and under “Quick Links,” click on Calendar Access Request.

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