Arizona Jewish Life Nov 2016 Vol. 5 / Issue 2

NOVEMBER 2016

CHARITABLE GIVING Creating a stronger community SENIORS Inspired, healthy and fit

ETHAN ZOHN Surviving and Winning ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 1

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March 2017 • Arizona Biltmore Hotel Register 17, at jnf.org/AZBREAKFAST17 Register at jnf.org/AZBREAKFAST17 “The Empowerment of Tomorrow” Ronald Lauder “The Empowerment of Tomorrow” JNF Chairman of the Board, former U.S. Ambassador to Austria, Ronald Lauder President of the World Jewish Congress

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jnf.org 800.JNF.0099 ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 5

6 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

strategic thinking about wealth Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management has been helping ultra-high net worth individuals, their families and foundations plan for and grow their wealth for decades.

Based in New York City, the Family Wealth Group at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management is a specialized team of interdisciplinary strategic advisors providing a full range of family office services to meet the complex needs of the UHNW marketplace. These services include financial & investment planning, estate & family succession planning, philanthropic advisory and administrative services.

The Family Wealth Group is headed by Robert Stolar, a Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor. Drawing on three decades of investment & financial planning experience, Robert has earned various distinctions within the wealth advisory community, including recognition by Barron’s as one of the top 100 advisors in the country for 2015.

Robert Stolar

Managing Director Private Wealth Advisor 522 Fifth Avenue, 10th Floor New York, NY 10036 212-296-6704 robert.stolar@morganstanley.com Source: Barron’s “Top 100 Financial Advisors,” April 20, 2015. Barron’s “Top 100 Financial Advisors” bases its ratings on qualitative criteria: professionals with a minimum of seven years of financial services experience, acceptable compliance records, client retention reports, customer satisfaction, and more. Finwancial Advisors are quantitatively rated based on varying types of revenues and assets advised by the financial professional, with weightings associated for each. Because individual client portfolio performance varies and is typically unaudited, this rating focuses on customer satisfaction and quality of advice. The rating may not be representative of any one client’s experience because it reflects a sample of all of the experiences of the Financial Advisor’s clients. The rating is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pays a fee to Barron’s in exchange for the rating. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved. © 2015 Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, a division of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC. Member SIPC. CRC1179133 04/15 8225582 PWM001 04/15 ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 7

Arizona Jewish Life • November 2016 • Tishrei- Cheshvan 5777 • Volume 5 / Issue 2

26

FEATURES

COLUMNS

COVER STORY

Chef’s Corner by Lucia Schnitzer A Taste of Arizona by A. Noshman Family Time by Debra Rich Gettleman To Life! by Amy Hirshberg Lederman

54 56 82 88

The importance of giving Dan Shufelt lends a helping hand for foster children Shongolulu: Helping endangered species one step at a time Helping animals in Arizona Spending your retirement LivinGift crowdfunding Brenda Landau and her son: connected through community Benée Hilton-Spiegel and her girls: doing good from the heart Planned Giving/Financial Planning Directory

22

Ethan Zohn: Surviving and winning

38

JEWS WITH ATTITUDE Flying Spark: Turning pests into protein

14

BUSINESS

46

Ins & Outs Connecting nature with LEGO bricks at the Phoenix Zoo

16 20

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Lynn Rae Lowe: Revealing layers of symbolism in the alef-bet Jennifer Cafarella teaches dance from the heart Laura Silverman: traveling the world with Cirque du Soleil Hidden in the Hills celebrates 20 years

38

44 46 50 52

FOOD Chef’s Corner: Blessings from the underground Taste of Arizona: Chestnut Fine Foods & Provisions

54 56

HOME & LIFESTYLE

64

Four easy care gardening décor and gift trends Chances for Children: changing lives, making families

58 60

JKIDS & TEENS TOO Local educator’s innovative workbooks put Hebrew in Your Hands Third graders share their thoughts on Thanksgiving JTO hosts Family Fun Day at the JCC Family Time: I’ve been saved!

Kids & teens events calendar

84 ON THE COVER

Ethan Zohn Photo courtesy of Ethan Zohn

76 78 80 82 82

ISRAEL Shared Vision, Shared Values at the IAC conference University of Arizona hosting Modern Israel Conference

8 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

84 87

CHARITABLE GIVING & FINANCIAL PLANNING

24 26 27 28 29 30 30 34

SPECIAL SECTION: SENIORS Meir Jolovitz from A to Z: ardent 64 activist/zealous Zionist Senior dental care in the 21st century 67 So many things to do at 68 Maravilla Scottsdale Senior exercise & nutrition myths 70 Education presentation on Alzheimer’s disease 71 Going Above and Beyond for seniors 72 Senior ponders giving options 73 Senior calendar 74

JLIVING To Life! This Thanksgiving, dish up 88 the gratitude The Shabbat Project and Great AZ 90 Challah Bake Cory Shapiro: Helping Jews to Schmooze 92 Federation notes 93 Faces & Places 94 Previews 96 Calendar 98

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A rizo n a J ewi s h Li fe • E l u l 57 76 - T i s h r e i 57 7 7 • Vo l u m e 5 / I s s u e 1

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ADVE RTI S I N G AN D E D ITO R IAL D I R EC TO R Cindy Saltzman

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CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Nancy Ben-Asher Ozeri Leni Reiss WEBMASTER Karl Knelson A RT D I R E C TO R Philip Nerat GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tamara Kopper C O LU M N I S T S Debra Rich Gettleman Amy Hirshberg Lederman A Noshman Lucia Schnitzer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr.Kevin B. Cebr ynski Susan Kern-Fleischer Deborah Moon Melinda Myers Carine Nadel Rabbi Jeremy Schneider Masada Seigel Anita Terlizzi

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UPCOMING ISSUES December 2016: Hanukkah Gif t Guide & Explore Arizona Januar y 2017: Education and Health & Fitness

P U B L I C AT I O N A N D D E A D L I N E S Arizona Jewish Life magazine is distributed on the f irst of the month.

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A Prince Hal Production ( TGMR18) 2016-2017 MediaPort LLC All rights reserved 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.

10 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Join today & pay nothing until 2017!*

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With so many things to do, we suggest getting an early start on your want-to-do list.

There’s a lot to do at Maravilla Scottsdale Senior Living Community — clubs, events, socializing, and more.

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Visit TryTheJ.com or call 480.420.0268 Valley of the Sun JCC - 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd. Corner of Sweetwater & Scottsdale Rd. *Pay no membership dues until January 2017. $150 initiation fee applies.

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 11

As a young girl, growing up in Portland, OR, I decided one day that I would go around our neighborhood and collect money for “poor people.” I never really thought it through as to which organization, or to whom, the money would go. I just knew that I needed to help. So, as I knocked on doors, neighbors would give me change – and a smile. When I knocked on the Weil’s front door (who were family friends), Mr. Weil invited me in and asked me if I would be willing to donate the money to an organization that he was involved with that helped children who were mentally challenged. Before I had a chance to answer, he said that he would also put an article about what I did in the local paper. That sealed the deal! Fame for an 8-year-old is pretty heady stuff.

Robert Philip

Clearly, my donation was not the highest form of tzedakah (which is given anonymously), but I did feel good afterward and that feeling stayed with me.

There are many forms of “giving back” whether by donating monetarily or volunteering to a charity or cause that you believe in, or by “paying it forward” by helping a stranger pay for groceries at the checkout line or feeding a stray animal.

Charity and tzedakah are important tenants of Judaism. Many would say the foundation of Judaism. (Please see Rabbi Schneider’s thoughtful insights on “The importance of giving” on page 22).

Cindy Saltzman

Giving to help the elderly in our community and to develop resources for our seniors, is also explored in this issue. Now is probably the best time to be a senior, in terms of healthcare, social agencies and the ability to live longer, healthier and more active lives.

This November issue is packed full of interesting people, events and ideas. We hope you enjoy it and in some way, through these pages, are inspired to give back and become involved.

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Jews With Attitude

Processed fruit fly larvae can be used as a meat substitute in hamburgers or chicken nuggets, made into a protein powder for use in cooking or pressed to extract a milk-like fluid (which is similar to almond milk).

Flying Spark: Turning pests into protein

By Nancy Ben-Asher Ozeri

The human race faces a serious conundrum. It is estimated that by 2040, we will need to feed more than 9 billion people and there is a growing concern about sustainability and availability of animal-based protein sources. While some companies are looking into edible insects like crickets, Yoram Yerushalmi and his partners at Israeli startup Flying Spark propose fruit fly larvae as a more nutritional, sustainable and affordable option to meat.

Yoram acknowledges that the “ew” factor may color the reaction of some to his proposal, but his arguments really make sense.

As a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Arizona, Yoram 14 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

spent almost six years studying the metamorphosis of fruit flies – a natural continuation of his Ph.D. in insect physiology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. So when Israeli entrepreneur Eran Gronich approached him about launching a startup to produce insects for food, Yoram drew on his UA research to recommend the humble fruit fly as a superior form of protein.

“Crickets are hard to farm on a large scale,” says Yoram, CTO of Flying Spark. He states that when cricket farmers have tried to scale up their operations, the colony collapses and is unstable. “It’s like trying to farm rhinos and elephants. It’s really difficult.”

The Mediterranean fruit fly, on the other hand, is already

being raised in factories for sterile insect technique (SIT) pest between cheese and tofu. “The animal itself seems to be very management, to reduce the use of chemical insecticides against flexible,” Yoram says. They are now looking into uses for the medflies. In other words, the ability to mass produce hundreds oil that is separated out to make low-fat protein powder. Fun of tons of non-GMO fruit flies has already been proven. fact: fruit fly larvae have about 10% fat; which is relatively easy With a shorter lifecycle than other insects, it takes just to extract because it’s not integrated into the muscle, as it is in one week from the time the female fruit fly lays an egg until vertebrates. the final larval stage, when Flying Spark harvests the larvae.

In informal taste tests at showcases and conferences, the Crickets take four to eight weeks to reach the same stage. reactions have been positive. “People usually like the idea and This means less time is needed to carry out experiments – the flavor. It’s a unique flavor. It has some sharpness to it. It’s shortening the research and development cycle. Unlike crickets, very unique and distinguished. But it’s not too pronounced,” flies have a pupal stage, which means that the larvae bear no says Yoram. He noted that people on the both the west and east resemblance to adult flies. “So I’m coast, especially those in their 20s not talking about a buzzing fly. and 30s, are the most interested in I’m talking about the larvae, which insects as alternative meat products. looks like a grain of rice. It is very The sustainability and minimal small, no eyes, no antennas, no ecological footprint of the fruit fly wings,” says Yoram, who now lives are big selling points. in Tivon, near Haifa.

Flying Spark has already started He explains that the fruit fly drawing international attention. eats only fruit, with no hormones, Last year, Yoram and Eran spent antibiotics or pesticides. They can four months at the prestigious actually be raised on fruit scraps, MassChallenge Boston Accelerator turning garbage into protein. for startups. Flying Spark was one Locusts and hoppers, on the of just 200 companies selected out other hand, eat grass. “So instead of the 2,300 that applied for the of growing grass for cows, you program. Two of the mentors they grow grass for locusts or hoppers, worked with decided to invest in that does very little to change the the company. When they returned ecological footprint,” says Yoram. to Israel, they formed partnerships The flies are raised on trays, which with BioBee, the only company are stackable. “We can minimize in the Middle East that farms the amount of land we are using Mediterranean fruit flies, and for farming. So, sustainability wise, Strauss, one of the three major food flies are better than any other insect. companies in Israel. They received The crickets, hoppers and moths all funding to join Israel’s first foodneed a lot of space – not compared tech incubator, the Kitchen Hub, Yoram Yerushalmi is the CTO of Flying Spark. to cows, pigs or chickens, of course, for two years. Ironically, Israel is not but compared to flies. You cannot their target market, because fruit stack them, because it makes it hard to tend to them when you flies are not kosher. But, Yoram says, “The fact that Strauss, farm them.” which is actually a very conservative food company in Israel, Another plus – fruit flies are self-cleaning. “They purge has joined us and supports the startup, gives future investors the gut just before they pupate, so everything that is in there, some kind of comfort zone.” which, to begin with, is just fruit, is purged out of the gut,” he One of the challenges Flying Spark faces is the issue of says. The larvae then crawl out of the fruit where they were regulation. Yoram says they are working with both the Federal living for the last week, and fall off the trays into a tank of Drug Administration in the United States and the European water.

Food Safety Authority to clarify how they will regulate insects After the larvae are extracted from the water they are for human consumption. “The subject is not clear yet,” says boiled and ready for processing. They can be used as a meat Yoram. substitute in hamburgers or chicken nuggets, pressed to extract If they can overcome this hurdle, and a few others (including a milk-like fluid (which Yoram says is similar to almond milk), the “ew” factor), Flying Spark and the lowly Mediterranean processed into protein powder or dried for use in cooking. fruit fly may just hold the key to a sustainable, nutrient-packed So far, Flying Spark has used fly powder to make pasta, source of protein that could help solve the food security issues pastries, cookies, bread and crackers. The larvae have also been facing our planet in the decades to come. processed into a substance that has a consistency somewhere For more information, visit theflyingspark.com.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 15

BIZ

INS & OUTS

Sandy Rife

Jennifer Gale, founder of Project Jewish Love

Sandy Rife honored with Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland award Sandy Rife of Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix was honored by The Jewish Federations of North America’s National Women’s Philanthropy with its prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/ Friedland Award. The award was announced at the 2016 International Lion of Judah Conference held Sept. 11-13 in Washington, D.C. The prestigious, internationally recognized KipnisWilson/Friedland Award is given to Lions of Judah who have demonstrated the highest ideals of leadership and involvement.

Winners are chosen by their communities as “women of valor” with a lifetime of commitment to the Jewish world.

Rife moved with her family to the Valley in 1978 and quickly became active in the local Jewish community. She has held numerous leadership positions within women’s philanthropy and the federation itself. In addition, Rife has held leadership positions with the Jewish Community Foundation, a day school and the Bureau of Jewish Education In 2016, Rife received the Golda Meir Award in recognition of her leadership in the Federation’s Women’s Campaign.

Her commitment as a Lion is embodied in her Lion of Judah endowment.

More than 1,300 Jewish women from the United States, Canada, Israel, Mexico and the United Kingdom attended the conference to discuss the influence of the individual and the collective. The Lions of Judah are philanthropic Jewish women of all ages, uniting as an international sisterhood of global advocates who care deeply about the Jewish future. jewishphoenix.org.

Project Jewish Love launches personal pages To deliver upon multiple requests and to stay current in this online climate, projectjewishlove.com has launched a nationwide, online personal profile directory to attract single Jews over the age of 40.

16 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

National Merit Scholarship Program

The purpose of letting others know you’re single and available is to connect to them. PJL feels it is important to create direct communications using real contact information.

When an individual decides to post a profile page, they will have control over what they want to write within their profile. PJL doesn’t force answers to multiple questions or try to place individuals in “boxes.”

Profile makers will have the option of using their real names (individuals do not have to use their last name or phone number, but can if they like), email and photo of themselves, or if they like the beach – they can post a picture of their favorite beach.

Participants have the freedom to represent themselves as unique individuals.

Compared to other dating sites, PJL will not display fake profiles or allow non-members to display full profiles that obstruct the ability to connect to available singles.

PJL also doesn’t use algorithms to match users and doesn’t promote users based on monthly payment plans, or the number of times they’ve logged onto the site.

The PJL model is one that is designed to encourage singles to spend time writing a quality personal statement and read others’ profiles in full detail. projectjewishlove.com.

SUSD students named in 2017 National Merit Scholarship program Twenty-two seniors who attend Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) high schools (Arcadia, Chaparral, Desert Mountain and Saguaro) have been named semifinalists in the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The students became semifinalists by taking the 2015 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) last October. About 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools nationwide took the test, which served as an initial screening of program entrants.

Additionally, 63 other SUSD seniors have received letters of commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program in recognition of their outstanding academic promise. These

Stu Turgel

Phoenix Suns Charities and JFCS

students also took the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2015. Although commended students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some of these students become candidates for special scholarships sponsored by the organization’s business sponsors in the spring and summer of 2017.

“We are gratified that these outstanding Scottsdale students are being recognized for the hard work they are investing in their high school careers,” said Dr. Steve Nance, SUSD assistant superintendent of educational services. “It is a privilege for our teachers and schools to play an integral role in student success, now and in the future.”

These SUSD student semifinalists are among 16,000 academically talented students nationwide who will now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million that will be offered next spring. Finalists will be announced in February 2017. Winners will be announced in four parts, beginning in April 2017. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of all U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. Arizona has 284 semifinalists this year. susd.org.

Stu Turgel launches the Phoenix File On Oct. 25, Stu Turgel launched a new radio show called The Phoenix File. He is the producer and host of this new show, which features a traditional online blog and a weekly radio broadcast. The content of the show and blog covers commentaries and conversations about the people, programs and issues impacting the quality of life in the Greater Phoenix area. The Phoenix File airs every Tuesday night from 6:30-7pm.

Stu retired in 2013 as the President and CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix but still provides management consulting to charitable organizations. Prior to his retirement, he had spent four decades working in the nonprofit sector specializing in philanthropy and marketing communications.

The Phoenix File can be heard live at radiophoenix.org or with

Rabbi Mindie Snyder

the TuneIn Radio app on computers and mobile devices. More information on The Phoenix File’s radio show and online blog can be found at thephoenixfile.net.

Phoenix Suns Charities give grant to JFCS In September, Phoenix Suns Charities Manager Jennie Patel and Executive Director Sarah Krahenbuhl visited Tucson to present the grant check to Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona’s President & CEO Carlos Hernández and Philanthropy Officer Alisa Shorr.

The $8,000 grant will help fund the Healing Garden Project.

This project will create a more welcoming patio at the entrance to the clinic where there is now just gravel and a lonely ocotillo.

The transformed space will include plants, seating and a brick pathway and be a special place for children and families to enjoy together before and after therapy sessions.

Additionally, each of our childhood trauma therapy offices located on the ground floor has a large window that looks out onto an individual patio box neglected for too long. These patio boxes, which are very visible and run the entire length of our building, will be filled with colorful plants for children and their families to enjoy during trauma therapy sessions.

At least 400 children (ages 3-18) will benefit. Many of them have been sexually, physically and emotionally abused or the victim of a crime. Without intervention, they are more vulnerable to negative outcomes such as dropping out of school, substance abuse and delinquency. JFCS offers early intervention by highly qualified licensed therapists at no cost for as long as needed to address trauma.

Children exposed to these traumas see their world as a frightening place. A very important part of therapy is creating an environment at the clinic that is friendly and welcoming. These patios filled with plants and flowers will create a more healing environment that helps reduce anger, anxiety and stress. jfcstucson.org.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 17

BIZ

INS & OUTS

Rabbi Yehuda Weiss

Federation Nowgen

Congregation Lev Shalom installs Rabbi Mindie Snyder Congregation Lev Shalom in Flagstaff, formerly Heichal Baoranim/Temple in the Pines, held an installation of Rabbi Mindie Snyder on Oct. 21. Religious and civic leaders joined the synagogue for this special event held at Thornager’s banquet facility. The installation occurred during the holiday of Sukkot.

Throughout Sukkot, it is customary to welcome others, not only from the Jewish tradition, but from different religious and cultural traditions.

Rabbi Snyder brings over thirty years of experience in arts, health and human services and is an award-winning artist, designer, therapist and community organizer. She has been a program innovator, organizational executive, consultant to corporations, state and national agencies and a requested media spokesperson for issues of aging, end of life, at risk youth and families, among other social and public health issues. She has attended to the creative, psychological and spiritual needs of people across the lifespan, building bridges between cultural and religious boundaries in rural and urban environments.

Rabbi Snyder resides in Flagstaff and is looking forward to getting to know the Flagstaff community and contributing to its growth, its peace and its inspiration.

JAC brings Emet Bucharian Outreach Program to AZ Jewish Arizonans on Campus (JAC) announced the hiring of a familiar face to the JAC team. Rabbi Yehuda Weiss, who formerly worked for JAC from 2012-2014 at ASU’s campus, has joined the JAC team as the Director of EMET Bucharian Outreach Program.

EMET is a multifaceted educational and outreach organization whose mission is to spread the beauty and relevance of Judaism and Torah to young adults yearning to discover and connect to their heritage. Hundreds of students attend weekly classes and lectures, Shabbatons, and special events, which are sprinkled throughout the New York area where EMET currently runs its programs.

18 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix

“Seeing the tremendous success EMET had in New York, we wanted to bring that same incredible program and make it available to those in Arizona,” said Rabbi Weiss. “JAC has spent the last decade successfully running those programs in Arizona, and so the natural choice was to partner with them and expand the already wide-ranging umbrella of JAC to include another demographic of Jews thirsting for Jewish connection.”

Rabbi Weiss plans on running trips to Europe and Israel for young professionals under 30, as well as weekend retreats specifically for young married couples within their first 15 years of marriage. Additionally, EMET will offer bi-monthly classes for young couples that address skills necessary to have a happy and successful marriage and a Maimonides program specifically for the young professionals under 30 in the Russian and Buchairan community. Any young Russian and Bucharian men or women who want to stay connected with their Jewish roots and continue to grow as Jews, and people are welcome to contact Rabbi Weiss for more information at rabbiweiss@myjac.org.

Federation NowGen Giving Circle makes 2016 grants The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix NowGen Giving Circle made its 2016 funding grants at the end of August. Nearly $27,000 was allocated to programs within the Valley of the Sun, throughout the nation and in Israel.

The circle received more than 35 applications, which were evaluated. Seven Valley agencies received and four Israel agencies were awarded grants based on their impact among young Jews.

New this year, is a $12,000 award for One Happy Camper, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Foundation for Jewish Camp through an incentive grant. The program provides incentive grants for first-time campers to attend Jewish summer camp.

“While we continued our support of multiple organizations, we felt compelled to strengthen Jewish life by giving children who would otherwise be unable to attend Jewish summer camp. By creating relationships and memories they will carry for the rest

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of their lives, we have a greater positive impact on the next Jewish generation,” said Ben Ellis, circle member.

Other awarded grants include: $4,000 to Machshava Tova in Israel to help women gain the skills necessary to join technology industry in Israel; $200 per couple up to $5,000 for all new couples who attend programs and become engaged in the jLive Jewlyweds program run by Risa Brumer; $3,000 for Friendship Circle’s new Jewish Experiential Learning Program for adults with developmental disabilities and $3,000 to fund the Council For Jews With Special Needs prom.

“We are thrilled and grateful to be awarded a NowGen grant for the second year in a row,” said Amy Hummell, executive director of CJSN. “This grant will help us engage more young adults with disabilities and provide a fun and meaningful experience for them. It will be one heck of a dance!”

The NowGen Giving Circle is comprised of eleven young Jewish adults who want to give in a meaningful way. Members contribute a minimum of $500 and meet monthly. The federation provides funding and guidance to the circle.

For more information about the NowGen Giving Circle, contact Erin Searle, esearle@ jewishphoenix.org.

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Business

Standing near the entrance, the 68,827-piece peacock gives you a peek of some of the amazing sculptures waiting inside.

Connecting nature with LEGO bricks at the Phoenix Zoo

By Mala Blomquist

You expect to find animals at a zoo, but what about animals constructed from LEGO bricks? From now through Jan. 2 you can supplement your everyday zoo encounters with the striking artwork that comprises “Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks” at the Phoenix Zoo. Nature Connects features 27 animal and flora sculptures created by New York-based artist Sean Kenney whose awardwinning works have been featured in venues around the globe for more than 10 years.

Kenney, who started out as a graphic designer, has been making LEGO sculptures, portraits and other creations for the past dozen years. He has also written children’s books with photographs of the colorful block creations, including instructions for several of the models found within the pages.

You don’t have to be a LEGO fan to appreciate the sculptures that are tucked in among the exhibits at the Phoenix Zoo. From a distance, you meet a grazing zebra, the imposing silhouette of a rhinoceros, and the towering likeness of a dodo bird, but as you get closer, all the individual bricks become more obvious and you understand the careful engineering behind each creature.

“I’m excited to bring ‘Nature Connects’ to the Phoenix Zoo,” Kenney says. “Everyone can get something out of the exhibit; whether it’s an educational message about conservation and ecosystems, an appreciation for the beauty of nature, or the fun of seeing giant, larger-than-life sculptures built with millions of LEGO bricks.”

Several sculptures in “Nature Connects” highlight animals 20 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

that are endangered, threatened or vulnerable.

The goal is to help guests understand the vital This mother polar bear and her cubs connections between weigh more than 625 pounds. animal conservation and the community. Each sculpture is surrounded by custom plantings designed by the zoo’s horticulturists. Guests will see a hatchling sea turtle, a vanishing rhinoceros, a jeweled chameleon, a crouching snow leopard and many, many more stunning sculptures. One of the most elaborate pieces in the exhibit is a life-size polar bear mother and her cubs made with more than 133,000 pieces and weighing over 625 pounds.

The stunning peacock is the second-largest piece in “Nature Connects.” This piece is nearly 7 feet wide and 5 feet tall. The 68,827-piece creature is the most visually intricate and timeconsuming sculpture Kenney has ever designed.

The sculptures will be visible to Phoenix Zoo guests during a daytime visit and will be included with general zoo admission.

Some sculptures will also be placed on trails that are part of the annual holiday light show; ZooLights.

The Phoenix Zoo is the only zoo in the Valley accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As one of the largest nonprofit zoos in the country, the Phoenix Zoo relies solely on the support of guests, donors and sponsors.

Home to more than 1,400 animals and many endangered and threatened species, the zoo provides experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world.

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Charitable & Financial Planning Tzedakah, commonly translated as charity, literally means justice. Unlike the common American view of charity as a benevolent act, Judaism considers it an obligation to provide food, clothing and shelter to those in need.

Our Charitable Giving section provides a variety of ways to fulfill this obligation. Whether you choose to donate to an organization or a cause, with your time or your money, we have ideas that will help you be a tzaddik (righteous person).

22 The importance of giving

24 Dan Shufelt lends a helping hand

26 Shongolulu: Helping endangered species 27 Helping Animals in Arizona 28 Spending your retirement 29 LivinGift crowdfunding

30 Brenda Landau and her son

30 Benée Hilton-Spiegel and her girls 34 Charitable Giving /Financial Planning Directory

22 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

The importance of giving

W

e asked Rabbi Jeremy Schneider, the spiritual leader of Temple Kol Ami in Scottsdale and president of the Greater Phoenix Board of Rabbis, to answer questions regarding giving and Judaism.

WHY IS THE ACT OF GIVING SO IMPORTANT IN JUDAISM?

The obligation of giving comes from the Torah: “Tzedek, tzedek you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20). Hundreds of years later, the Talmud taught: “Tzedakah is equal to all the other commandments combined” (Bava Batra 9b). From Judaism’s perspective, therefore, one who gives tzedakah is acting justly; one who doesn’t, unjustly. And Jewish law views this lack of justice as not only meanspirited but also illegal. Thus, throughout history, whenever Jewish communities were self-governing, Jews were assessed tzedakah just as everyone today is assessed a tax.

By way of “too much information,” let me add: the Torah legislated that Jews give 10% of their earnings to the poor every third year (Deuteronomy 26:12), and an additional percentage of their income annually (Leviticus 19:9-10). Hundreds of years later, after the Temple was destroyed and the annual tithe levied upon each Jew for the support of the priests and Levites was suspended, the Talmud ordered that Jews were to give at least 10% of their annual net earnings to tzedakah (Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Laws Concerning Gifts to the Poor, 7:5)

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DOING TZEDAKAH AND GIVING TO A CHARITY?

Our tradition has built an edifice of law and practice and tradition to express this notion of giving and taking. It is called tzedakah, which is often translated as “charity.” The truth, though, is that it is not charity. Charity comes from the word meaning “affection” or “love.” Now, while there may be affection and love in tzedakah – the word tzedakah comes from the Hebrew word that means “righteousness.”

Doing tzedakah is engaging in a righteous act, whether we are feeling charitable or not.

HOW HAS THE CULTURE OF GIVING IN JUDAISM CHANGED FROM THE PAST TO PRESENT DAY? ARE THERE DIFFERENT TRENDS (I.E., SYNAGOGUES, JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS, ISRAEL, SOVIET JEWS, DARFUR, ABUSED CHILDREN, FOOD BANKS)?

Sure there are different trends – look at Jewish federations! And with the internet, etc., we tend to give directly to those causes we choose – it’s true not just with Jewish life.

THE FIRST STO SERVING THE GREATER PHOENIX JEWISH COMMUNITY Rabbi Jeremy Schneider

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE WHO AREN’T FINANCIALLY ABLE TO GIVE?

Give of the heart. The true gifts of our hearts, what I call the three Ss: soulfulness, supportiveness and being surrounded by community.

Those who suffer understand the importance of being understood. They need others to be soulful; soulful of their own blessings, soulful of their gifts, soulful of the words they utter and soulful that though misery may love company, those in pain need respect and love to give them strength to break out. That is the tzedakah of the heart.

Maimonides tells us, “If a poor person requests money from you, and you have nothing to give him, speak to him consolingly.”

This is like the story of a beggar who asked a man for money. The man had no money to give to the beggar, so he said to the beggar, “Brother, I have nothing to give you.” The beggar thanked the man. The man asked, “Why did you thank me? I have given you nothing?” The beggar responded, “You called me brother.”

We need to be supportive even if we are sometimes disinclined to be, for we don’t know how the tzedakah from our heart will change a life. There is the story from the Talmud about Rabbi Tarfon, who was the wealthiest rabbi of the Talmudic era and, interestingly enough, not in the habit of giving substantially to the poor. The Talmud tells the story this way: One time, Rabbi Akiva asked him: “Would you like me to be your agent in buying a town or two?” “Certainly,” replied Rabbi Tarfon. Rabbi Tarfon then brought 4,000 gold dinars, which Rabbi Akiva took and distributed to the poor. Sometime later, Rabbi Tarfon sought out Rabbi Akiva and asked him: “Where are the towns that you bought for me?” Rabbi Akiva took him by the hand and brought him to the school that the money had built. A student quoted a verse from Psalms that says, “Happy is the one who gives freely to the poor; his tzedakah lasts forever.” Rabbi Akiva said: “This is the property which I bought for you.” Rabbi Tarfon hugged Rabbi Akiva and said: “You are my teacher and my leader, a real rabbi to me.”

I love that story. Rabbi Akiva was gentle, he was loving, he was respectful and instead of telling Tarfon what he needed to do, he led him to a place that changed the lives of so many for so many generations and changed Tarfon’s life as well.

And, finally, the tzedakah of the heart which is expressed in community. When we suffer, we have an instinctive need to feel protected and warmed and told that we are loved. I am amazed at some of the letters of appreciation that we get at the temple because of the efforts of our front office, our staff, our tzedakah projects and so forth. It is incredible to know how much the gifts of our hearts bring comfort and joy.

Tzedakah is not limited to the giving of money, although that is certainly part of it. Our real tzedakah is the gift that comes from the need we feel deep inside to want to give a gift, no matter how small or how insignificant we may think it is.

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 23

Charitable

& Financial Planning

Dan Shufelt lends a helping hand for foster children

By Nancy Ben-Asher Ozeri

W

A child looks at the clothing available through Arizona Helping Hands for foster children.

24 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

hen a child is placed in foster care, the transition can be overwhelming and scary. Something as simple as a having their own bed to sleep in can help a foster placement feel more like home.

That’s where Arizona Helping Hands steps in. The Scottsdale Airpark-based non-profit has provided more than 3,300 beds and cribs to children in foster homes since 2013, when they launched the Helping Hands for Foster Kids program to fill this unmet need.

“We’re giving these kids a safe haven to sleep on, and a little spot of comfort in what has been a very disruptive time,” says President and CEO Dan Shufelt. “There are children in the foster care system who are sleeping on grandma’s sofa or an air mattress, or crawling into bed with a grandparent because they don’t have a bed or a crib to sleep on.”

Referred to as “the care barn” by some in the Arizona foster care system, the organization also provides bedding, clothing, diapers, books, personal care packs, birthday gifts, backpacks, school supplies and holiday gifts for foster children, who often arrive at their placement homes with only the clothes on their backs. Although licensed foster families receive a stipend from the state, 40% of foster children are placed with family or friends who have agreed to take them in rather than see them turned over to strangers. These kinship families are typically unlicensed and therefore receive no support from the government.

“Many people don’t know that. The grandmother who just took in her three grandchildren and is living on social security receives no governmental stipend for caring for those kids, unless she goes through the licensing process. Many of those individuals choose not to, because they don’t want the state budding into their home life, and so they bear the entire economic cost of raising those children on their own,” Dan says.

With 19,000 children in foster care throughout the state, the need for essential items is constant. Dan says there is currently a two-week waiting period for beds.

Fortunately, thanks to a recent $10,000 grant from the Scottsdale Charro Foundation, AHH can buy a lot more beds.

The Charros are an all-volunteer, nonprofit group of business and civic leaders who support youth sports, education and charitable causes. As the Charros website states, they award grants to organizations that “share our passion to strengthen our communities and build a better future for our children.”

Dan notes that AHH is grateful for the support received from the Jewish community. As one example, the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix B’nai Tzedek Senior-Freshmen Youth Philanthropy Board awarded AHH a $1,800 grant – 18% of their available funds. He says that JCF President and CEO Richard Kasper arranged for AHH to use space on the Ina

A child sits on one of the more than 3,300 beds provided to children in foster care from Arizona Helping Hands since 2013.

President and CEO of Arizona Helping Hands, Dan Shufelt, holds one of the children that his company helps.

Levine Jewish Community Campus for a bicycle build project, enabling a local company to donate 200 bicycles to children in foster care.

The largest source of funding for AHH is individual donations through the state of Arizona’s charitable tax credit program. In May 2016, the Arizona legislature created a separate tax credit program to support organizations that provide services for children in foster care. A married couple can donate up to $1,000 a year ($500 for single taxpayers) to Qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organization, like AHH, and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state taxes. This is separate from the other tax credits (Contributions to Qualifying Charitable Organizations, Public School Tax Credit and Private School Tuition Tax Credit). For more information on Arizona state tax credits, visit azdor.gov/TaxCredits.aspx or consult with a tax advisor. AHH also has a webpage with information about the tax credit at azfostertaxcredit.org.

“Arizona Helping Hands is actually a point of entry for families in foster care. When children are placed in foster care,

“We’re giving these kids a safe haven to sleep on, and a little spot of comfort in what has been a very disruptive time.”

– Dan Shufelt

we are the first resource that is mentioned by many, to come get help with those essential needs, to get the safety and comfort level of your house improved,” says Dan. He has the vision to expand their facility into a full-service foster care resource center, where foster families can access other agencies. “The future of foster care, I hope, is the creation of an Arizona Helping Hands resource center, to bring under one roof our warehouse, with all the basic needs to cover these families, together with all these ancillary support services that can truly address the 360-degree needs of these families and kids,” he says.

He would love to be able to tell a new foster parent, “While you’re here picking up your basic needs, if you go four doors down this way, you can meet with Arizona Friends of Foster Children, who will assist you with getting your children enrolled in extracurricular activities. And, as a family friend, since you’re not a licensed foster home, if you want to learn more about licensing you can go four doors down this way and talk to a licensing agent. If you’re having a problem with the Department of Child Safety, I’ve got someone here from the Ombudsman’s Office of DCS who can help you address issues and work together with your case worker.”

A steering committee is working on a feasibility study and Dan says they hope to start a capital campaign for the resource center in 2017. Several organizations have already expressed interest in being involved.

For more information about Arizona Helping Hands, visit azhelpinghands.org or facebook.com/azhelpinghands.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 25

Charitable

& Financial Planning

Shongolulu: Helping endangered species one step at a time

By Mala Blomquist

A Million Feet Marching

I

Socks left to right: Men’s Tiger, Women’s Lion t’s hard to catch Oz Laniado and Waves, Men’s Rhino Fat Stripe, Women’s Cheetah Adam Schechter these days. The Pattern, Men’s Lion Pattern, Women’s Elephant co-founders of Shongolulu are busy Spots and Men’s Rhino Pattern spreading the word about endangered animals through fashion accessories including it’s getting the people involved and excited socks, scarves, hats and, most recently, and passionate about it,” says Adam. underwear.

The Global March for Elephants and The vision originated during a vacation Rhinos happens every year in 130 cities in Mexico where Oz saw a person selling around the world. Adam’s goal for the future bracelets on the beach with a “Save the is, “to become a national sponsor of the Rhinos” message. He didn’t want to purchase march and be in cities all over the country; to the bracelet, because he knew he would never The founders of Shongolulu. Pictured from left: make it a big event that draws hundreds of Ursula Cohen, Sheldon Cohen, Oz Laniado, wear it, but it did make him curious about thousands of people, who will become more Dale Gross and Adam Schechter. rhinos, so he researched and found out about active in their community and stand up for their plight, and about other endangered endangered animals and the environment.” species like elephants and tigers.

Their decision to partner with Wildlife Alliance stems from the He got to thinking about what could be made with quality, that fact that they are a “nonprofit organization doing most of their people would actually want to wear – and if people wore it, in turn, work out of Cambodia and Southeast Asia, protecting animals and they would expose the message. “The pilot was with shoelaces and habitats there,” states Adam. Oz adds, “They are fighting against then socks, because of the million feet marching. Socks are fun and the illegal trade of animal parts and ivory. They actually have an people like socks. Socks say a lot about the person. Socks make army on the ground fighting against poachers.” you wild – at this point I cannot wear black socks anymore. I just One goal for Shongolulu that Oz has is, “to open a production can’t.” explains Oz. The comment “million feet marching” refers facility in South Africa to create jobs for the local people there. to the company’s name and logo, derived from the Zulu word for When you provide jobs, you start a movement, you reduce the millipede, “shongololo.” amount of poachers. People will have other places to work. If you As explained on their website, in “The Legend of the offer good working conditions, they can avoid the need to hunt.”

Shongolulu” “…What appears like a simple pair of feet is actually Oz also shares a darker consequence of the illegal animal trade a million feet marching together with the ultimate goal of creating – terrorism. “Thirty percent of the Boko Haram in Africa get their coexistence between humans and animals.” Adam explains further, money from the illegal trade of ivory or animal parts, so it is [also] “People will be able to show their friends and family how they supporting that horrible mission,” he says. are saving wildlife by wearing socks and hats and scarves that Shongolulu provides the ability to get involved with the cause feature endangered animals. And then tell the story of this legend effortlessly, “Without you paying attention, even. You are going of Shongolulu and how it’s all about the coexistence of man and to buy [the accessories] because it is the best product in the animal and giving back to the environment.” market, [therefore] you are going to get involved because you Through their online sales at shongolulu.com and at community love the product,” Says Oz. “What’s leading me personally to events, they are not only “saving wildlife with style,” as Oz puts it, this project, as the most dominant species on our planet, it is our but also truly making a difference. privilege, but also our responsibility, to take care of the others; Shongolulu has sponsored two events, including the coordinated tikkun olam, in a way.”

March Against Extinction/ Global March for Elephants and “When you ask where I see Shongolulu going,” shares Adam, Rhinos in Los Angeles on Sept. 24. 100% of the money raised “my first vision is that we will have nonprofit partners on every during raffle ticket sales went to their nonprofit partner, Wildlife continent around the world, so when we talk about our efforts Alliance. “When it comes to events within the community, profit is to save endangered species worldwide, we can actually make that not the priority. When we are out there… it’s grassroots activism, kind of impact.” He would also like to see, at the Global March 26 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

for Elephants and Rhinos, “500,000 people wearing our socks so that our catch phrase of ‘a million feet marching’ is actually a reality.”

You can “save wildlife with style” by shopping at shongolulu.com. Ten percent of every online sale goes to Wildlife Alliance (wildlifealliance.org).

HELPING ANIMALS IN ARIZONA There are many organizations in our state that assist animals in need. Here are a few: ARIZONA ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE & SPCA

aawl.org The state’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter. Provides pet adoptions, affordable veterinary services, volunteer opportunities, humane education and expertise in animal welfare.

ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY

Azhumane.org Their mission is to improve the lives of animals, alleviate their suffering, and elevate their status in society.

COCONINO HUMANE ASSOCIATION

coconinohumane.org Operates a shelter that will give aid to unwanted, abandoned and mistreated animals in Flagstaff and across northern Arizona.

COCHISE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY

cochisecountyhumanesociety.org Provides financial assistance to residents of Cochise County enabling them to care for their companion animals.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ARIZONA

humanesocietycentralaz.org Serves Gila County and also collaborates with animal rescue organizations to bring animals together with lost families and to place animals in the best possible homes.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF SEDONA

humanesocietyofsedona.org A nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of pets in the community and beyond. Serving the Verde Valley since 1966.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA

hssaz.org The oldest and largest nonprofit in southern Arizona, serving pets and the people who love them.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF YUMA

hsoyuma.com Their mission is to reduce the number of homeless pets through rescue, adoption and spay and neuter programs.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 27

Charitable

& Financial Planning

Spending your retirement

By Deborah Moon

Y

For generations the Jewish Community Foundation has helped families build legacies and support the causes closest to their hearts.

Establishing a fund is easy, and can be done with lifetime giving or from your estate. Options range from donor advised funds to named permanent endowment funds.

Contributions to your fund are professionally invested and managed. They grow tax free, enabling you to donate even more to your favorite charities.

ou’ve followed your financial adviser’s advice on how much you need to save and how to invest it, and now you are retiring. The question is, what do you need to be aware of as you shift from saving to spending your investments?

“There is a huge psychological shift in retirement,” says Kim Rosenberg, financial planner and investment advisor at Rosenbaum Financial (RosenbaumFinancial.com). “When you are not retired, you are trained to save for your retirement. When you decide not to get income from work anymore, it’s a huge psychological shift. People don’t know how to spend in retirement.

It’s a new time and new transition.”

With today’s rapidly evolving medical breakthroughs, Kim advises retirees to plan to live to 100 unless they have immediate health issues.

Kim has identified four risks retirees face and has suggestions on how to counter them.

RISK ONE: Running out of money. Think about your O values and goals and what you want to do in retirement.

N Figure out a spending plan based on fixed costs and special E goals such as travel, activities with grandchildren or a new car. The third most expensive cost in retirement is health care – you need to decide how you will pay for health problems or long-term care before you need it.

T RISK TWO: Spending from wrong source at the wrong W time. For most people it is best to delay taking Social O Security benefits until age 70 when you will get the

maximum amount per month (up to 32% more than if you started at age 62). It ensures you have more money later in life when your other investments are declining.

Also consider your tax burden when deciding which funds to withdraw – you have already paid taxes on regular investments, so you will only pay capital gains on those; on traditional IRAs and 401Ks, you will pay income taxes on withdrawals.

Let us start building your legacy for you.

T H R E E

Building a permanent source of financial support for a vibrant, enduring Jewish community.

12701 N Scottsdale Road, Suite 202 Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 P | 480.699.1717 F | 480.699.1807 www.jcfphoenix.org 28 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

F O U R

RISK THREE: Prepare for inflation. The funds for your day-to-day living expenses should come from conservative investments. Other funds should be designated to grow enough to pay for the increased costs 30 years from now – in other words, investments that will fight the inflation of the future. Invest some of your savings in long-term investments such as the stock market that will grow over time.

RISK FOUR: Stock market swings. You can’t assume you can take same amount from stock investments every year – sometimes the market is up and sometimes it is down (statistically, the market is down 30% of the time). Plan how much you will need a year in advance and designate liquidity for that amount as you plan your investments.

Revisit your strategy every year to decide how much is appropriate to take based on market factors.

LivinGift crowdfunding supports social progress through revolving free loans

Now you can .

DOUBLE YOUR COMPASSION

for Arizona children and families in need

I

sraeli startup LivinGift is a new crowdfunding platform that allows contributors to provide zero-interest loans for ventures that have a positive social impact.

Eligible ventures must fulfill two simple criteria: the venture must improve the lives of people or communities, and have a sustainable economic model and a fixed income. As long as it meets those criteria, it doesn’t matter if the venture’s creator is a nonprofit or for-profit company or a non-governmental organization.

“We decided to create this platform to encourage the social progress and solve problems like the credit crunch.

Indeed, banks hardly fund social impact enterprises because they see them as a high-risk investment,” Shiry Eden, LivinGift founder, said in an interview with The Times of Israel.

When the platform launched in late September, it featured two ventures in Israel – Israeli Finance Institute and Safe Together – but may expand to projects around the world in the future. A business or company may only launch a single campaign at a time through the LivinGift platform. Every campaign remains on the site for 45 days.

Safe Together (Batuch Yachad) is a cooperative that provides fair and direct employment of security guards and medics. Its donation page notes: “The time has come to bring social justice to the security guard and medic sector.”

All projects are reviewed by the LivinGift’s public advisory council, headed by Professor Meir Heth, a former chairman of the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange, Bank Leumi Le-Israel Ltd. and Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The advisory council checks all the projects to understand if they are legitimate enterprises or not.

For more information, visit the website or email office@livingift.org.

Starting in 2016, Arizona doubled the dollars you can give to a Qualified Charitable Organization.

Individuals now can contribute up to $400 and couples filing joint returns can contribute up to $800 – and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their Arizona state tax return.

You pay less in taxes and help provide: • Support for domestic violence victims & their kids • GED classes and job skills training for foster care teens • Counseling & in-home care for older adults living alone • Trauma services for children who have suffered serious neglect or abuse

You can help heal lives and take the CREDIT To learn more or to donate, visit

JFCSAZ.org/TAXCREDIT ARIZONA

CHARITABLE TAX

Healing Lives. Whatever It Takes.

T jfcsaz.org | 602-279-7655

CREDIT JFCS is a Qualifying Charitable Organization

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 29

Charitable

& Financial Planning

Brenda Landau and her son: connected through community

By Mala Blomquist

B

people coming to shower at our renda Landau has come house, my parents put one of full circle in her career the neighborhood kids through with her current position Pima Community College, kids as legacy officer at the Jewish who didn’t have money came Community Foundation of over and had breakfast at our Southern Arizona. Throughout house – my parents would have her employment history, she given away literally anything has held positions in education, they had to help other people,” interfaith, outreach, social justice, Brenda remembers. philanthropy and campaign.

She grew up in an interfaith “I have worked with young family, but felt that she didn’t people all the way through older “fit in” with the Jewish culture. people and tried to connect That was until she entered people, and now I can feel like I high school and met Hannah am working to help the future of Adelman. “She brought me the community.” she reflects.

From left to right: Melissa Landau (Matt’s wife), Matt Landau, Brenda Landau and her husband, Steve Landau. to my Judaism. I was already Her sense of giving back to somebody who cared a lot about the community was ingrained making the world a better place…but she brought me to my in her as a child. “I didn’t realize we didn’t have money because Judaism,” says Brenda. Hannah also was Brenda’s second chance we were constantly giving everything away. We had homeless

Benée Hilton-Spiegel and her girls: doing good from the heart

By Mala Blomquist

F

True to her word, Shari took her to or Benée Hilton-Spiegel, the one of those young women’s forums. road to tzedakah began as a “It was intoxicating to see all these student at the University of incredibly beautifully dressed woman Arizona. “When I would come home talking about taking care of other for the weekend, I would go to this people. I learned tikkun olam from that salon that my friend owned and get my moment, and from age 22 until today, it nails done or my hair cut,” she explains. has become very important to my family During these visits, she would talk to and me.” the other women in the salon. One of Shari also took her to New York City to these women was Fran Sachs. attend the Jewish Federations of North “Fran and Al Sachs are the most America International Lion of Judah generous, kind and fun people, and Conference. “I saw what the federation the first people to talk to me about does and also the power of what women tikkun olam – repairing the world,” says working together can accomplish,” says Benée. At home, her mother was happy Benée. to help in the Jewish community, but Another mentor, who helped Benée she was not involved with organized From left to right: Eva Hilton, Benée Hilton-Spiegel and Shari Hilton. see into the spiritual side of Judaism, is philanthropic work.

Mim Bottner. “Mim told me that ‘giving The woman that Benée considers her always feels good’ and she also taught me the spiritual way to bake “true mentor” is Shari Kanefsky. They also met at the same salon challah,” Benée shares. where she met Fran. Shari said that when Benée graduated from Benée’s mentors read like a who’s who of women in college, she would take her to the young women’s forum program philanthropy in the Valley, and she herself has been involved through the federation.

30 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

bat mitzvah teacher. “I had my bat mitzvah when I was 15. ‘You are our blessing’ Hannah would say to me.”

As a teen, Brenda got involved in youth groups, “There were always these conventions and events that would come up and I couldn’t afford to go to them, but there were always scholarships available, so somehow or other I was always going to everything I ever wanted.”

Then in 1998, her father was dying and they were discussing his end-of-life wishes. He expressed that if anyone wanted to give something, to have them give to a Jewish scholarship fund.

“Because,” he told Brenda, “that is what made you who you are.”

“I started thinking about it and realized that really was what, in large part, made me who I am,” she says, “and I think that’s how I fell into giving back, to and through Jewish organizations, not just with a Jewish lens.”

Giving back is an integral part of her job as a legacy officer, “I particularly like the feeling of knowing the community is being insured for the future, but I also like being able to talk to people, to hear what brought them to where they are, how they became philanthropic and help them define what they want – what they care about.”

This passion for preserving the community was not lost on her son Matt, 27. When he was a teen he was very involved, even leading the congregation’s kids in a jog-a-thon for five years that resulted in their first capital campaign gift of over $25,000, but

Your Donation Will Make a Difference Again and Again.

Your support provides interest-free loans to Jewish Arizonans all year long.

There are many ways to support the work of JFL. • Tribute Cards • Tax Credit Contributions • Legacy Gifts • Named Loan Funds • General Donations

www.jewishfreeloan.org (602) 230-7983 All donations are tax deductible.

with numerous organizations in a leadership, chair or board position; most recently as past chairman of the board and current leadership chairman of Cortney’s Place, a day program for adults with special needs. Benée’s friend Cindy Carpenter founded Cortney’s Place when her disabled daughter, Cortney, turned 22 and was getting ready to age out of the school system and there was no place for her to go.

It was at Cortney’s Place that both of Benée’s daughters, Shari, 24, and Eva, 20, would share their time as teenagers. “Throughout high school, I always volunteered my time by spending the day or afternoon with students at Cortney’s Place,” explains Shari.

She was also a peer assistant in the special needs classroom at Chaparral High School and the treasurer of the school’s Best Buddies chapter, which helps intellectually and developmentally disabled students form meaningful friendships with their peers.

Eva echoes a similar story of her service time in high school.

She explains, “I started a club in high school called Cortney’s Club to help high school students understand all about adults with special needs. We had monthly visits [to Cortney’s Place], where we interacted with the students. We also participated in the annual Miracle League softball game.”

When asked what their earliest memory of performing service work was, the girls’ answers were identical. When they were younger, they participated with Cortney and her sister, Chelsea, in the Emily Anderson Fashion Show. This event benefits the Emily Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, which is a resource library for families that contains pediatric health information that is accurate, easy to understand and free of charge.

Help ensure that Hillel can continue to build the future leaders of our community.

480 967 7563 • hillelasu.org

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 31

Charitable

FEDERATION

MATTERS YOUR YEAR-END GIFT

MATTERS

GIVE TODAY. CREATE TOMORROW.

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

480.481.1757 | jewishphoenix.org/donate 32 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

& Financial Planning

he admits he was nervous about getting too involved. “When I was younger, I was always hesitant about joining another youth group or taking on more volunteer projects,” he says. “As I began to make it towards the end of college, I truly understood that she was not pushing me for my own self-betterment and future career, but for her love of our community and for humanity.”

Matt currently works as the director of leadership development at the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, in addition to working part-time at Congregation Or Chadash in Tucson. At the synagogue, he has worked as an aide to special needs students, taught the eighth grade comparative religions class and co-taught the seventh grade youth philanthropy program.

“I believe that every value and lesson my mother taught me throughout the years has led me to where I am today,” shares Matt. “My mother started teaching us the values of tzedakah and tikkun olam at a very early age. I watched her serve the Jewish community and the respect that everyone had for her because of the way she gives of herself, for the betterment of the community.”

Brenda admits that she has a spot for anyone who has a need.

“The worst thing that ever happened to my bank account was when the checkout machines came up with those ‘would you like to contribute to…’ whatever cause they are supporting that week.

I go through the line and it asks me if I would like to contribute, and then I forgot something and have to go through the line – and I’ll hit ‘yes’ again.”

Luckily for all of us, not only will Brenda strengthen the community by hitting “yes” at the checkout, but she will continue, as legacy officer, to assist individuals in leaving a legacy for the community for many years to come.

“The Hilton and Carpenter girls strutted the runway for over five years at this event,” Shari recalls. “My mother made sure we knew why we were there and how important it was to raise money for such an amazing cause. Phoenix Children’s Hospital is where Cortney spent the first month of her life, as she had many complications after her birth.”

Eva also recalled an early memory, “At my day school, King David, we used to visit the elderly at Kivel [Campus of Care], an elderly care facility in Phoenix. My mother came with us each and every time. She loved interacting with people. In Judaism, this is called performing acts of love and kindness, gemilut chasadim.”

“There is no one more dedicated and motivated to help the community than my mother,” says Eva. “If she could be on the committee for every nonprofit or volunteer event, she would be. Philanthropy, I believe, is her calling and she thrives on it. I am so proud of her and everything she does.” Shari agrees with her sister, “She is so passionate about everything she does. She is extremely generous with her time in serving the community in any capacity she can.” Both of the girls shared the same sentiment, “My mother told me that whatever I choose to get involved with needs to make my heart feel good.”

Fortunately for all of us, what makes these women’s hearts feel good is also making the people that they serve, mentor and assist feel good, which makes our community a better place.

Second Annual Modern Israel Conference

December 4-5, 2016 | The University of Arizona Conference Cost: $100/Individual • $150/Two Individuals Dinner Cost: $50/Individual

Prof. Yoram Peri,

Prof. Dan Ben-David,

Prof. Joel Peters,

Israel and the World: The Search for Legitimacy & Friendship

The (Fatal) Decline of the Israeli Left

Prof. Aomar Boum,

Prof. Shibley Telhami,

Israel at 70: Options for the Future

Israel at a Crossroads: The View from 30,000 Feet

Peculiar Ties: The Cultural & Political Capital of North African Judaism in Israel Prof. Elie Rekhess,

The Arabs in Israel: Reconsidering the “1948 Paradigm”

Shifting Public Attitudes on Coexistence and Peace Prof. Ilan Troen,

Israel and the Land of Israel

Prof. Asher Susser,

Prof. Anita Shapira,

Keynote Address: Israel 2016: Vision and Reality

Today Israel faces the daunting task of balancing its unity and diversity. The issues Israel faces today as a nation and as individuals call for a careful assessment of its changing society and politics. This conference brings together a team of acclaimed historians and social scientists from Israel and the United States to address in an informed fashion the present state of Israeli society and the choices Israelis face as they look to their future as a Jewish and democratic state.

Partners

The Arizona Daily Wildcat

For more information, call (520) 626-5758 or visit judaic.arizona.edu/IsraelConference2016 ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 33

PLANNED GIVING/FINANCIAL PLANNING DIRECTORY Anti-Defamation League - Arizona

Brandeis National Committee

602-274-0991 • arizona.adl.org

PO Box 13755, Scottsdale

3200 N Central Ave. #2120, Phoenix

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the

world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

We are a 501c3 which supports Brandeis University through donations to the library, scholarships to worthy students

which is doing research on Alzheimer’s disease and other

neurodegenerative diseases. We also have a defined giving

Weizmann Institute of Science

plan.

909-913-1307 • weizmann-usa.org

Chabad of Arizona Tuition Organization

The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science has enabled countless individuals and families to

have an immediate impact on groundbreaking science that

will improve our world. By establishing a new scientist fund, a scholarship, or a research fund, American Committee

donors can become partners in the search for answers to humanity’s greatest challenges.

2110 E Lincoln Drive, Phoenix

602-944-2753 • jewisheducstionaz.com We are the first STO serving the Phoenix Jewish community, to help give children in need the Jewish education they

deserve, at no additional financial cost to you. In two easy

steps, you can give back by visiting jewisheducationaz.com

WeizInst_SMOCK ad-3.604x 4.937 NEW_Layout 1 6/11/15 2:46 PM and utilizing the tuition tax credit for Jewish education.

Culture In The

Valley SPONSORED BY

BRANDEIS PHOENIX CHAPTER

Third Mondays (October –April)

12:30 -2:30 pm Valley of the Sun JCC

(open to the community)

For details: contact Merrill Kalman mskbflo@aol.com

Author presentations and Concerts are $5 each

480-359-7262 • brandeisphoenix.com

and contributions to the “Sustaining the Mind” program

American Committee for the

ARIZONA AUTHORS SPEAKERS SERIES

Phoenix Chapter

CONCERTS & CONVERSATIONS Second Mondays

(November 14, December 12, January 9, February 13)

1:00 pm Palo Cristi Church 36th Street and Lincoln Drive For details: contact Joan Sitver joansitver@aol.com Our commitment to these programs reflect the values of Brandeis University: academic excellence, social justice, nonsectarianism and service to community

34 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Where wonders never cease.

Improving health and medicine. Protecting our planet. Fighting cancer.

Advancing technology.

Enriching education. It’s all in a day’s work at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.

While our breakthroughs in the past are numerous, it’s what we’re doing today and planning for tomorrow, that makes our Institute strong.

At Weizmann, hundreds of the world’s top scientists, fueled by curiosity and fertile imaginations, collaborate to help solve humanity’s greatest challenges.

For information visit WEIZMANN-USA.ORG or contact Andy Weissman: 909.913.1307, a.weissman@acwis.org The world needs our research.

We need your support.

Page 1

PLANNED GIVING/FINANCIAL PLANNING DIRECTORY Chandler Center for the Arts

Higley Center for the Performing Arts

480-782-2674 • chandlercenter.org

480-279-7193 • higleycenter.org

250 N Arizona Ave., Chandler

You may choose to support: performance programs (dance, plays, concerts, etc.), special fundraising events (Evenings for the Arts, Eat Your Art Out Chandler), endowment fund, education & outreach (Theatre Kidz, Camp Kidz, Vision Kidz, Youth Advisory Council) or planned giving.

Council For Jews With Special Needs 12701 N Scottsdale Road #205, Scottsdale 480-629-5343 • cjsn.org

4132 E Pecos Road, Gilbert

Higley Center hosts an acclaimed series of nationally touring artists and entertainers as well as community rentals. It is also home to student events and meetings of the Higley Unified School District, which, thanks to our generous community, built the facility with bond funds. Funding for operations and staffing comes from rental income, donations and sponsorships by community members and businesses, as well as ticket sales.

Foothills Academy

7191 E Ashler Hills, Scottsdale

480-488-5583 • foothillsacademy.com

Founded in 1985, Council For Jews With Special Needs supports individuals with special needs and their families in the Jewish community to lead fuller lives. Donations received (Tax ID# 86-0626273) allow agency’s programs and services to be available at little to no cost.

Foothills Academy is a small college prep charter school serving grades K-12; part of the northeast Valley community for the last 23 years. Strong college placement record, science fair participation, STEAM classes; all in a highly personalized setting. Charitable giving and financial planning areas: technology infrastructure, high school STEAM lab development and facilities upgrades. We are a 501c3 corporation.

WANTED

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS FROM THE CJSN MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD

WANDER. WONDER. “JAILBREAK”

Joel Hanania

MARTY

“THE KID”

KELLER

“RATTLESNAKE’ RUSTLIN”

RAUN MELMED

THANK YOU

Explore Arizona December 2016 Wander No More

azjewishlife.com

A successful annual fundraiser for the Council For Jews With Special Needs because of these men.

REWARD

Make a tax-deductible donation (tax id# 86-0626273) in honor of Joel, Marty or Raun by visiting our website www.cjsn.org, click on the Donation button, and follow the PayPal Link.

We will ensure your message reaches those cowpokes.

Happy Trails!

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 35

PLANNED GIVING/FINANCIAL PLANNING DIRECTORY

Hillel at Arizona State University

Jewish Free Loan

480-967-7563 • hillelasu.org

602-230-7983 • jewishfreeloan.org

1012 S Mill Ave., Tempe

3443 N Central Ave. #707, Phoenix

The mission of Hillel at Arizona State University is to enrich

Jewish Free Loan provides interest-free loans and financial

that they may enrich the Jewish people, Israel and the world.

Arizonans. Loan programs include, but are not limited

Jewish Community Foundation

training, Jewish summer camp & Israel experiences, Jewish

the lives of Jewish undergraduate and graduate students, so

of Greater Phoenix

12701 N Scottsdale Road #202, Scottsdale 480-699-1717 • jcfphoenix.org

literacy workshops to enhance the quality of life of Jewish to: senior care needs, adoption/IVF, education/vocational

education, debt consolidation, small business and emergency needs. Confidentiality assured.

Jewish Genetic Diseases

You can create a meaningful charitable gift plan – ranging

Center of Greater Phoenix

by working with Foundation staff. Establishing a fund is

480-668-3347 • jewishgeneticsphx.org

from donor-advised funds to permanent-endowment funds easy, and can be done with lifetime giving from your estate.

Contributions to your fund are professionally invested and managed and grow tax-free.

Jewish Family & Children’s Service 4747 N Seventh St. #100, Phoenix 602-279-7655 • jfcsaz.org

JFCS strives to increase self-sufficiency and strengthen

families through quality medical, behavioral health and

social services. We provide counseling, emergency financial assistance, holiday giving, older adult and senior services,

mental health education, Jewish career services, resources,

and has the only Jewish senior enrichment center in Phoenix.

Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix 12701 N Scottsdale Road #201, Scottsdale 480-481-7002 • jewishphoenix.org

The Federation has a variety of ways to give, including one-

12701 N Scottsdale Road #201, Scottsdale

Our “Legacy Gene Pool” offers programs and recognition for those who make a lasting planned gift to the Jewish Genetic Diseases Center of Greater Phoenix. We also work closely

with the Jewish Community Foundation to assist our donors in achieving their charitable giving goals.

Jewish National Fund

8698 E San Alberto Drive #B, Scottsdale 480-447-8100 ext. 981 • jnflegacy.org

JNF Planned Giving opportunities give you a generous

return and the benefit of tax savings, plus recognition in

Israel. JNF’s charitable gift annuities enable you to transfer

your cash or appreciated property to JNF in exchange for our promise to pay you fixed income for the rest of your life.

Jewish Tuition Organization

12701 N Scottsdale Road #100M, Scottsdale 480-634-4926 • jtophoenix.org

time and recurring donations, tribute gifts, planned giving,

The Jewish Tuition Organization ( JTO) is a student tuition

choose to give, your generosity will help Jews in need and

to students attending Jewish day schools, with funds raised

the world.

dollar tax credit is available to individuals, C-Corps, S-Corps

special campaigns and sponsorship. No matter which way you

organization (STO) that provides need-based scholarships

build vibrant Jewish communities here, in Israel and around

through the Arizona private school tax credit. The dollar-for-

36 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

and insurance companies with an Arizona tax liability.

520-299-3000 • tucsonjcc.org/support

845 N Park Ave. #420, Tucson

The Tucson International Jewish Film Festival, through the

The Arizona Center for Judaic Studies 520-626-5758 • judaic.arizona.edu

magic and power of cinema, promotes the preservation of

Online giving is available on our website.

January, the film festival presents more than 20 international

Tucson Jewish Community Center

3,000 attendees. Please consider supporting the film festival

3800 E River Road, Tucson

520-299-3000 • tucsonjcc.org/support

Jewish culture and encourages cultural diversity. Each year in and national films and documentaries, attracting more than and The J's arts and cultural programs.

Valley of the Sun Jewish

Open to all, the Tucson JCC serves the greater Tucson

Community Center

enriching programs. We create community, based on Jewish

480-481-7002 • vosjcc.org

services in a safe and secure environment – for all people of

The J has a variety of ways to give, including one-time

and receive, scholarships funded through charitable giving.

sponsorship. We also accept car, boat and RV donations. No

Tucson Jewish Community Center

help enrich lives through quality programs and by assuring

community and is a 501c3 nonprofit agency offering vital, values, by providing the highest quality programs and

all ages. Approximately 30% of our membership qualify for,

3800 E River Road, Tucson

12701 N Scottsdale Road #201, Scottsdale

and recurring donations, tribute gifts, planned giving and

matter which way you choose to give, your generosity will there is a place for the community to gather.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS WHO SUPPORT ADL’S SAFE AND INCLUSIVE SCHOOL INITIATIVE.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 37

ETHAN ZOHN: SURVIVING AND WINNING

By Nancy Ben - Asher Ozeri and Deborah Moon Photos cour tesy of Ethan Zohn

ALTHOUGH MANY PEOPLE REMEMBER ETHAN ZOHN

as the winner of “Survivor: Africa” from 2002, the philanthropist, sports analyst and nonprofit entrepreneur is so much more than a reality TV star.

And he attributes his success, primarily, to the Jewish values he learned in his youth.

“The Jewish community was a huge part of my upbringing. The values I learned growing up, I personally believe, helped me do well on the show Survivor, helped me do well in my professional life and also helped me get through and overcome challenges like cancer,” Ethan says.

He will share how these values shaped his life choices as the keynote speaker for the Jewish National Fund Arizona Women for Israel Luncheon on Dec. 7, from 11 am to 1 pm at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix.

“Ethan’s love for Israel and some of his life experiences correlate to our motto for this year: ‘Meeting the challenges, overcoming obstacles and building the dream,’ which Israel exemplifies. Ethan has had to overcome some challenges and he has found a way to build dreams,” says Shirli Borenstein, who co-chairs the luncheon with Pam Meyer. “We hope that his charisma and energy will bring inspiration to the women who are coming together to support Israel and share their love for Israel.”

The $1 million Survivor prize money enabled him to cofound Grassroot Soccer, a nonprofit that trains former professional soccer players and coaches to teach African children about HIV/AIDS prevention and other health issues. His connections with Judaism, soccer and AIDS victims in Zimbabwe all coalesced to turn his desire to help into reality.

38 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

“PEOPLE THINK THERE ARE UNLIMITED PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO CAN DONATE THEIR STEM CELLS TO SAVE A LIFE, BUT IT’S NOT NECESSARILY THE CASE. ANY ETHNIC DIVERSITY DECREASES YOUR CHANCE OF FINDING A MATCH.” – ETHAN ZOHN

„ In 2008, Ethan dribbled a soccer ball from Boston to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic.

ARIZONA ARIZONA JEWISH JEWISH LIFE LIFE | NOVEMBER | OCTOBER 2016 39

ETHAN ZOHN “Judaism was a huge part of my upbringing,” says Ethan, who was born in Lexington, MA, where he attended Temple Emunah. “I didn’t love Hebrew school, but I enjoyed the other stuff,” including USY events, competing in soccer at the JCC Maccabi Games in Detroit the summer of his junior year in high school, and service projects such as gift drives at Hanukkah and honoring a Russian boy at his bar mitzvah.

He became a bar mitzvah at the Conservative congregation where his father, Aaron, was vice president. Just a year later, in 1988, his father died of colon cancer and Ethan just wanted to retreat into his room. He says his mother, Rochelle, and older brothers, Lenard and Lee (all of whom still live in Massachusetts) and his soccer friends all helped him cope with the loss. But he says the embrace of his Jewish community was vital.

“The Jewish community reached out to me,” he says.

“I went to minyan every day for the first year. The support and sense of community from the Jewish people in my life reinforced all the values we live by as Jews.”

Those values and connections have resurfaced at important times throughout his life.

After graduating from Vassar College, his professional soccer career took him to Zimbabwe, where he played for the Highlanders FC; he was one of only two white players in the 18-team league. Shortly after he arrived in Zimbabwe, he stayed with a white Jewish family and quickly became integrated into the small Orthodox community, where mothers “lined up to set me up with their daughters.” He enjoyed frequent invitations to Shabbat 40 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

dinners and attended the small town’s one shul frequently.

He also witnessed firsthand “how HIV and AIDS destroy communities.” He saw a teammate die a horrible death – ostracized and alone.

“I saw AIDS was a huge problem, but I didn’t know what to do; I did nothing at the time,” he says.

“Fast forward a few years to Survivor in Kenya,” Ethan says. After one challenge during filming, he

THE JNF WAY: MEETING THE CHALLENGES, OVERCOMING OBSTACLES AND BUILDING THE DREAM WHAT

Jewish National Fund Arizona Women for Israel Luncheon.

Dietary laws observed.

WHO

Wedding Photo by Regina Fleming Clockwise above: Ethan Zohn and Lisa Heywood tied the knot in July 2016; Ethan during chemotherapy battling Hodgkin lymphoma; Ethan and his father Aaron, z"l, at Ethan's bar mitzvah.

started to play soccer with a bunch of local children in a hospital parking lot. “I found out later they all had HIV. … To be on a silly little reality TV show and have that experience – it made me think that if I won, I would use the money to do good.”

He did win and “had my 15 minutes of fame.”

And he reconnected with three of his soccer friends from Zimbabwe, Methembe Ndlovu, Kirk Friedrich and Dr. Tommy Clark, who was just finishing his medical school residency.

“Four soccer dudes who didn’t know what we were doing came up with the concept,” says Ethan. “Soccer players are the heroes of this community. Dr. Tommy Clark had written a one-page ethics paper in medical school about using soccer players to teach children (about AIDS prevention).”

With Ethan’s $1-million prize money, the four launched the program at one school in Zimbabwe in 2003, with a carefully developed curriculum to train soccer players and coaches to teach life skills and AIDS prevention to Africa’s youth. Nike became one of the first corporate sponsors, and now “We’re in 50 countries and we’ve graduated 1.8 million people from the program.”

Over the past 13 years, Grassroot Soccer has expanded to include malaria, gender-based violence, drugs and alcohol. There are specialized programs, like an all-girls track that addresses sexual health and pregnancy, too. “When kids graduate, hopefully, they’re better equipped to make healthy decisions in life,” says Ethan.

Grassroots Soccer also provides professional development for the former athletes who teach the curriculum, giving them tools to further their lives in terms of their own education or job opportunities. “They are between the ages of 18 and 25. After their time working with Grassroot Soccer, about 70 percent go on to get employed with an employable skill or they go back into

Ethan Zohn, keynote speaker WHEN

Wednesday, Dec. 7 11 am – 1 pm WHERE

Chateau Luxe 1175 E. Lone Cactus Dr. Phoenix TICKETS

$54/per person with a $180 minimum donation to the JNF Campaign REGISTRATION

By Nov. 21 jnf.org/AZWFI2016 or lnouri@jnf.org or 480-447-8100, ext. 932 SPONSORSHIPS

Deb Rochford, executive vice president, JNF Desert States & Southwest Region, drochford@jnf.org or 480-447-8100, ext. 980

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 41

ETHAN ZOHN “THE JEWISH COMMUNITY WAS A HUGE PART OF MY UPBRINGING. THE VALUES I LEARNED GROWING UP, I PERSONALLY BELIEVE, HELPED ME DO WELL ON THE SHOW “SURVIVOR,” IN MY PROFESSIONAL LIFE AND ALSO HELPED ME GET THROUGH AND OVERCOME CHALLENGES LIKE CANCER,” - ETHAN ZOHN

some educational or certificate program,” says Ethan.

In 2008, to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic and funds to help Grassroot Soccer battle the spread of the disease, Ethan embarked on a 550-mile journey from Boston to Washington, D.C., dribbling a soccer ball the entire route, breaking a world record in the process. Then he created the Grassroot Soccer Endurance Team, which helped 200 athletes compete in the New York, Boston and Los Angeles Marathons to raise funds for more than 20,000 children to go through the program.

Soon Ethan was facing his own battle for survival. He was diagnosed with a rare form of Hodgkin lymphoma and received an autologous stem cell transplant, using cells from his own blood. Just 10 months later he captained the GRS Marathon Team and finished the 2010 NYC Marathon in just under four hours.

“On Survivor you push your body to the absolute limit and then push it some more,” says Ethan of one lesson his experience on reality TV had reinforced. From Survivor and his days as a professional athlete, Ethan says, “I knew how far I could push my body. I knew the body is pretty remarkable.”

After a 20-month remission, the cancer returned. But Ethan ran in the 2011 NYC Marathon while undergoing chemotherapy. This time, doctors decided he needed an allogeneic stem cell transplant from a matching donor. Fortunately for Ethan, one of his brothers was a match. However, knowing that siblings have only a 25% chance of being a donor match, Ethan says he now encourages everyone to “get swabbed and get on the Gift of Life registry,” which helps find lifesaving matches for people needing bone marrow or stem cell transplants. “People think there are unlimited people out there who can donate their stem cells to save a life, but it’s not necessarily the case. Any ethnic diversity decreases your chance of finding a match.”

He also encourages people to participate in the many fundraising events that enable cancer research to progress.

Ethan says he can personally speak to what that money means to those battling cancer. “In the 20 months I was in remission, a new drug emerged for a select group of people in my situation,” he says, adding if his cancer had returned earlier, “I might not be here. The fact is that there are new drugs in the pipeline and they are saving lives.”

He feels the skills he learned growing up Jewish have played a role in his success in both Survivor and his survival of cancer.

“I believe they helped me win Survivor and they helped me through my hardest moments with cancer,” says Ethan. He attributes his win on Survivor to competing selflessly as part of a community with honesty and a moral compass.

He reconnected even more with his Jewish roots after he was selected to participate in the ROI Summit in Jerusalem in the summer of 2013. The annual summit sponsored by the Schusterman Family Foundation brings together young change-makers to connect and create to transform Jewish life.

“It was a really exciting experience for me,” says Ethan, noting it had a much greater impact on him than his first trip to Israel in 1997 as a member of the USA Maccabi Soccer team, during which sports, not Judaism, was his personal focus. “This second trip was very transformational. We visited the Wall and it resonated. … I feel more connected to my faith and religion.”

The trip was transformational in another way as well. Following the summit, Ethan was joined by his non-Jewish girlfriend, Lisa Heywood, and the two rented a car and toured the Jewish state for 10 days. While they were in Jerusalem, he made sure he found a tour guide who could make Judaism come alive. “I told him, ‘Listen, you need to sell her on Judaism. We need to get her to turn the corner.’

He did a good job,” says Ethan. Apparently so – Lisa embraced Judaism, joined the tribe and the couple married in July.

The newlyweds moved out of New York City to a small cottage in the woods of New Hampshire.

Ethan says they are committed to living off the grid as much as possible. Although it’s not exactly a repeat of Survivor, he’s excited about the new challenge.

“The way I play the game is the way I live my life,” says Ethan, noting that Jewish values continue to carry him on his journey.

42 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

I read about it in WANDER NO MORE

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 43

Lynn Rae Lowe: Revealing layers of symbolism in the alef-bet

By Nancy Ben-Asher Ozeri

Lynn Rae Lowe’s exhibit at the Tucson Jewish Community Center is much more than a collection of beautifully depicted Hebrew letters paying homage to 12 iconic Jewish artists of the 20th century. “Illuminations: Aleph to Tav” is a fitting celebration of the Tucson artist’s 70th birthday, bringing together a multi-layered expression of her vision, knowledge, spirit and artistry. It’s tempting to call this a culmination of her journey, but that’s not entirely accurate. For Lynn Rae, the journey is perpetual, so let’s call it a significant milestone instead.

“It’s the result of my years of study and passion for ancient wisdom that’s prompted me to use my artistic gifts to reveal layers and dimensions connected to the Hebrew alphabet,” says Lynn Rae, summing up her inspiration for the show.

This part of Lynn Rae’s journey began when her father died 10 years ago. Her cousin, a Hassidic rabbi in the Detroit suburb of Southfield, offered to study with her once a week for 11 months to honor her father’s memory. He said that she could ask any question she wanted.

Lynn Rae grew up in a Reform Jewish home, where her mother integrated teachings of Buddhism and yoga. “I had this great ecumenical

“When I was a child I dreamt about a city that had white paths, white stones and was on a hill.

And it wasn’t Yerushalayim [ Jerusalem] when I saw it, but as soon as I came to Tsefat, I realized that it was the city of my dreams.

When I realized it was also the city where the kabbalists [ Jewish mystics] lived, … I felt that I was reconnecting with knowledge that I already knew.”

– Lynn Rae Lowe

background, which led me, eventually, into metaphysics, astrology, numerology, palmistry and tarot. So I asked my cousin questions about how this esoteric knowledge was seen within the Jewish lens and through halachah, and through Midrash and through actually the Torah,” says Lynne Rae. At the end of the 11 months, she was inspired to continue studying, so her cousin told her it was time to visit Israel. While they were in Jerusalem, she felt a pull to visit the northern town of Safed (Tsefat) and went to spend a week there.

“When I was a child I dreamt about a city that had white paths, white stones and was on a hill. And it wasn’t Yerushalayim [ Jerusalem] when I saw it, but as soon as I came to Tsefat, 44 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

I realized that it was the city of my dreams. When I realized it was also the city where the kabbalists [ Jewish mystics] lived, … I felt that I was reconnecting with knowledge that I already knew,” Lynn Rae recalls.

As she began studying the Hebrew alphabet (known in Hebrew as the alef-bet) for her bat mitzvah at the age of 67, Lynn Rae discovered that she could use her artwork to open up the world of Jewish mysticism, which so many consider unfathomable, through the symbolism of the alefbet.

“I want to leave a legacy of understanding something that I feel is inspirational. I believe it’s creative wisdom. … I wanted to create something that people would be able to access; a visual key to let you open up a door or go through a gate, so that you could take a personal journey, not as dogma, but just as an expansive way to see the richness of the Jewish alphabet,” says Lynn Rae. When she started exploring the potential scope of this exhibit, Lynn Rae realized that it might take longer than the 18 months she had to fully realize the legacy she envisioned. So she scaled back her expectations a little bit. “This show is merely the beginning – for me as well as, hopefully, for the people who see this exhibit – of what this potential, creative knowledge can do in making our lives richer, fuller, more meaningful and connected, using symbols.”

In preparation, Lynn Rae went back to Israel for three weeks this past August and September to study with a sofer stam (Torah scribe) and return to Safed. While she was there, she identified her own symbol from the alef-bet.

“In Israel, the biggest thing I was aware of was that I was seeing things differently. At some point I realized that this is my 70th birthday and the symbol for 70 is [the Hebrew letter] ayin, [which means] eye.” Making the bridge between “eye” and its synonym “I,” Lynn Rae notes the connection “from seeing to self. That number 70 is resonating with me.”

She wanted to show the various

ways in which the Hebrew alphabet is an esoteric science through its connection to numbers, the four elements (earth, air, fire and water), colors, music, the names of the letters and more. She chose 12 Jewish artists of the 20th century whose styles she felt would best depict those characteristics, and created a set of Hebrew letters in each of their styles. For example, she used comicbook type illustrations inspired by Roy Lichtenstein to portray the alef-bet as words.

The master artists represented in her exploration of the alef-bet are Jim Dine (colors), Audrey Flack (the beginning of wisdom), Adolph Gottlieb (planetary glyphics, celestrial otiyot [letters]), Keith Haring (graphical alef-bet), Franz Klein (etymology), Ida Kohlmeyer (traditional symbols), Roy Lichtenstein (alef-bet as words), Morris Louis (vowels), Louise Nevelson (parts make the whole), Jules Olitski (gematria, numbers as letters) and Mark Rothko (spiritual resonance). The show includes bronzes, metal sculptures, paintings with mixed media, 2D and a sampling of her Judaica as well.

“I don’t think anyone is more excited than I am (except, perhaps, the artist herself ) to see this show installed. In the 18 months that Lynn Rae and I have been planning this show, she has traveled down numerous avenues – artistic, philosophical, religious – in order to create the exhibit that she envisions. I can think of few times when I have seen an artist pour so much heart and soul into a project,” says the Tucson J’s Director of Arts and Culture Lynn Davis.

“Illuminations: Aleph to Tav” runs from Nov. 23, 2016 – Jan. 29, 2017 in the Tucson JCC Fine Art Gallery. A series of events are planned with Lynn Rae, including a free Brown Bag Lunch and Artist’s Talk on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 11:30–1 pm; Aleph Bet Day for children on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 1 pm, with yoga and Hebrew letter bracelets ($2 per child); and an artist’s reception from 2-4 pm on the same day. In addition, Lynn Rae is available to meet with small groups on Dec. 7, 14, and 21, from 1–3 pm by reservation – call 520-299-7900.

The Tucson JCC Fine Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday 9 am – 9 pm, Friday and Sunday 9 am – 6 pm. Closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays. 3800 E River Road, Tucson. For more information, visit tucsonjcc.org or LynnRaeLowe.com or follow Lynn Rae Lowe on Facebook.

Lynn Rae Lowe ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 45

Jennifer Cafarella teaches dance from the heart

By Carine Nadel

Jennifer Cafarella is passionate about her life: As a dancer, teacher, mother and business owner. When speaking with her, you can hear that passion for her school, the Ballet Theatre of Phoenix, and her professional company and for showing others how to include the art in their own lives.

“I started my formal ballet training with the Nina Marlow School of Ballet and The School of Ballet Arizona. I graduated from the prestigious Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Massachusetts. From there, I spent a year at SUNY Purchase before joining Ballet de Cali in Colombia. I have since danced with Northern Ballet Theater [in New Hampshire], Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre [in Massachusetts] and Portland Ballet [in Maine]. I used my evenings to obtain a BS in business administration from Rivier College, an MFA in dance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Along the way, I also acquired a power Pilates certification and American Ballet Theatre teacher certifications, which empowered and educated me to develop my own teaching methods,” says Jennifer.

Jennifer has also been on the faculties of Scottsdale School of Ballet, Paula Carr Dance Academy, Arizona School for the Arts, Mesa Community College and The School of Ballet Arizona. Her work life is about seeking constant education for herself and her faculty to better develop her student dancers from the inside out.

As artistic director for the Convergence Ballet Company, Jennifer is proud to relate that this is 46 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

a professional contemporary ballet company that has a paid summer season.

“Dancers from all over the country come to participate in the five-week season. As part of our Jewish heritage promotes, we donate (a mitzvah) each season, $2 of every ticket sale to a worthy organization. This year’s benefactor was Ballet Program for School Children, a nonprofit that brings free ballet classes to Title One schools. Some of our past recipients were Crisis Nursery, St. Mary's Food Bank and Phoenix Children's Hospital,” says Jennifer.

For Jennifer, pride comes with the fact that “we are the only other professional, paid ballet company besides Ballet Arizona, in Phoenix.”

“Our mission is to provide excellent classical ballet instruction that - Jennifer Cafarella trains the whole dancer in order to help students understand themselves, not only as an artist and performer, but also as a person. We individually nurture each student, helping them reach their utmost potential as a dancer – that is based on each student’s individual physical, intellectual and emotional

“Our mission is to provide excellent classical ballet instruction that trains the whole dancer in order to help students understand themselves not only as an artist and performer, but also as a person.”

The students perform a reverence to the teachers, Jennifer Cafarella, left, and Belinda DePasquale after class. Photo scourtesy of Frauke Wohlers.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 47

needs,” she explains.

Jennifer doesn’t just “talk the talk.” Her 12-year-old twins, who are currently preparing for their b’not mitzvah at Temple Kol Ami, take dance classes at least twice a week at her school.

“For them, it’s what we all do. I still take class with my adult students. It’s another way for us to spend time together.”

Those interested in enrolling in the Ballet Theatre of Phoenix need to call and set up a placement class time. “Everyone over three is encouraged to join us. Ideally we like to keep class size at about 10. The placement class is to make sure we have the right fit for you and/or your child,” says Jennifer.

While Jennifer seems to deftly glide from home to dance life, she does admit that “There is some mom guilt. Trying to organize school drop-offs, pick-ups, doing my administration time and teaching classes. Some days are a bit of a challenge.

But, this is the life I love. It’s okay that we have a very untraditional

Jennifer Cafarella, director of Ballet Theatre of Phoenix, corrects alignment on a student.

48 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

schedule. I have a wonderful nanny that helps me a lot. I think most women carry some guilt about having it all. This is what I love, so it makes me happy and if mom’s happy, we all have a good life.”

For more information on Ballet Theatre of Phoenix, or to sign up for classes, call 602-957-3364 or visit ballettheatreofphx.org.

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 49

Laura Silverman: traveling the world with Cirque du Soleil

By Mala Blomquist

Prior to 2012, Laura Silverman’s travel experience had been limited to the United States and Canada. But now she can boast that she has been to 40 countries as publicist traveling with the world-famous Cirque du Soleil.

Before she joined Cirque du Soleil, she was living in Chicago and working for a public relations firm that just happened to have Cirque as one of their clients. She became the lead account supervisor for Cirque and promoted the shows “Kooza,” “Banana Shpeel,” “Alegria,” “Dralion,” “Quidam” and “OVO” in Chicago and surrounding cities.

Then in 2012, she had the opportunity to travel around the world with Cirque and work on “Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour.” Having worked with the Cirque shows in Chicago she felt she knew the shows but traveling with one was a completely different experience. “It’s amazing to see the creative teamwork develop, and be there with all the technicians and insiders. It gives you a different point of view,” explains Laura. She also had two weeks off during the tour between engagements in China and South Korea. She traveled through China, Cambodia and explored Beijing. She even hiked through a forest in the middle of the night and ended up camping on the Great Wall of China. That trip was amazing, but she admits a special moment was, “The first time I went to Europe and we were in Paris, and I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time.”

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When the Michael Jackson tour ended in 2012, Laura transitioned over to “Kooza,” which was ironic because it was the first Cirque show that Laura had ever worked on when she was in Chicago.

Since Laura is traveling so much, it is impossible for her to be home for most of the Jewish holidays so she will search on Google for services when she arrives at a city. “Two years ago I was in Warsaw for the holidays, and I know that they have a large Jewish community, but the service was quite small with only about 50 people,” says Laura. She also has fond memories of a Passover seder with six other Jews in West Virginia while traveling with the Michael Jackson tour.

A chilling reminder of her Jewish heritage happened when Cirque performed at the Festhalle Frankfurt in Germany.

From this arena in 1938, Jewish citizens were transported to Nazi concentration camps. “It was really chilling to have a performance where Hitler had been and given speeches,” Laura explains of the gorgeous, but haunting, arena.

Presently, Laura is touring with the brand new Cirque du Soleil show “TORUK – The First Flight.” This arena show (meaning it was made to be performed in large arenas rather than under a circus tent) is inspired by the James Cameron film “Avatar.” This show was more than five years in the making and is currently on its global tour, which started in November 2015. “This show is incredibly different from any other show.

This show has an English storyteller – it is a prequel to ‘Avatar’ – and has many new elements including large-scale puppets

and 40 projectors to change the landscape of the arena,” Laura explains.

Laura’s schedule with this show consists of either riding on a charter bus or flying every Sunday night after the last performance in a city, taking Monday and Tuesday off and then back at it on Wednesday. “It’s very easy to be in the present, and hard to look ahead to the next few weeks,” says Laura. Chances are, if she could tell her non-traveling self four years ago the adventures and experiences that lay ahead of her, she probably wouldn’t have believed it.

Cirque du Soleil presents “TORUK – The First Flight” Nov. 16-20

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E Jefferson St., Phoenix Tickets start at $35. cirquedusoleil.com/toruk

Letters Home

New York Gypsy All Stars

Christmas with Clay Aiken

Saturday, November 12 3pm & 7:30pm

Saturday, November 19 · 7:30pm

Friday, December 16 · 7:30pm

Full season listing

ChandlerCenter.org · 480.782.2680 ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 51

Hidden in the Hills celebrates 20 years

By Susan Kern-Fleischer

"Agave Chanukiah" Notecard by Judith Rothenstein-Putzer

Arizona’s largest and longest-running artist studio tour and sale, Hidden in the Hills, celebrates its 20th year during the last two weekends of November: Nov. 18-20 and Nov. 25-27. A signature event of the non-profit Sonoran Arts League, HITH features 188 artists in 47 studio locations throughout the scenic Desert Foothills communities of Cave Creek, Carefree and north Scottsdale.

The free, self-guided studio tour offers seasoned collectors and art enthusiasts a rare chance to observe artists at work in their private studios, which are open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm during the six-day tour. Each studio has one or more guest artists who also display and sell their work. All HITH artists are Sonoran Arts League members and several come from different parts of the state to participate in the annual event. Many artists also demonstrate during the tour.

One such artist is Studio #29 host Bela Fidel, a talented painter who works in oils and encaustic (hot wax). Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil to Polish and Russian parents, Bela moved to Israel at the age of 21 to study at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She arrived in 1965 and two years later experienced her first war – The Six Day War. “The weeks leading up to the war were tense and life had a surreal feeling. It could start at any moment and we went about our routine with dread and trepidation,” Bela says.

When the war broke out, she was off-campus visiting a cousin in Jerusalem. She was stuck in a small building with a small shelter, leaving no room to stretch comfortably. Later, in 1975, she experienced the Yom Kippur War, which was much longer and left her with free time on her hands, since the company she was working for could not conduct normal business.

“I volunteered my services to the postal service, where they had set up a very large room for foreign correspondents sending articles to their countries. I typed articles in languages I never knew existed.

This work helped me not to think of the war and how our lives had been shaken to their foundations,” she said.

She began painting in 1965. “Until then I had had no interest in art, let alone creating it. It took me at least a decade to realize that art had become a permanent part of me, and essential to my happiness and wholeness,” she says.

Although she very much enjoys painting with oils, she finds encaustic more conducive to playfulness. “It’s so much more versatile and I can’t resist seeing what else it can do,” Bela says.

“Once you start to heat the wax, surprises and accidents happen, taking you in a new direction,” she says.

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Bela, who keeps a kosher home with her writer/lyricist husband, Stan, has been a long-time participant in HITH and a studio host for 10 years.

She credits her curiosity with pushing her to regularly explore new mediums. Visitors to her studio will see new mixed media pieces, which she began delving into about four months ago. In addition, she will exhibit a new “Transitions” series of abstract expressionist pieces in oils and a new “Patterns” series in Encaustics.

When she’s not working on her own art, Bela is involved in efforts to improve domestic and wild animals’ lives everywhere and currently volunteers for the Foothills Animal Rescue.

Morrie Farbman out in the field.

Bela Fidel works on encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting in her studio.

“I have two passions and they are both first,” she says of her painting and work as an animal advocate. “My love and concern for wildlife led me to create a series in oils called ‘Endangered, Threatened and Exploited Species.’”

Creative use of alcohol

“My first attempt needed something more, and that’s when I came up with the concept of highlighting the negative space with black pen and ink,” Judith says. “I’m really focusing on the components of the images. If the piece turns outs representational, that’s fine and if it becomes abstract, that’s fine too.”

Describing her subject matter as very eclectic, Judith says she will photograph “anything and everything that catches my eye.”

During HITH, she will exhibit her vibrant alcohol transfers with pen and ink, including a number of Judaica pieces, as well as “wearable art” necklaces (small pieces of artwork framed in upcycled belt buckles) and note cards. She also will

Guests to Bela’s studio also will be able to see the stunning works of Scottsdale artist Judith Rothenstein-Putzer, who put a new spin to her photography by creating alcohol transfers with pen and ink.

The process involves printing an original photograph onto a transparency which is then transferred on to alcohol-soaked printmaking paper. Depending upon the concentration of alcohol and the type of printmaking paper, the results vary from the softness of watercolor to the boldness of acrylics. When the transfer is completed, Judith enhances the negative space with pen and ink, making the image more vibrant and alive.

Judith discovered her passion for photography while attending Brooklyn College. She went on to graduate studies in occupational therapy at Columbia University. She moved to Arizona 16 years ago and began taking art workshops in Scottsdale and Phoenix. After taking a printmaking class and learning the transfer process seven years ago, she modified the process to create her own custom technique.

Judith Rothenstein-Putzer working on a piece in her studio.

demonstrate her pen and ink technique daily during the event.

First responder finds peace in photography

Up the road a bit at Studio #36, Morrie Farbman will exhibit his evocative landscape and street photography. For Morrie, photography has been a lifetime passion ever since he got his first 35 mm camera at age 17. He started out shooting street photography during the hippie era of the late 1960s, until his career took him into public safety, where he served for 25 years as a fire chief in a suburb north of Chicago and as executive director of the Cook County 911 system.

“Most of my life was spent in the chaos of responding to emergencies in service to the public,” Morrie, a Reform Jew, says. “That required a lot of training and preparation for the unknown, often thinking ahead or remembering a past event.

When I am behind the camera there is only that moment, no past, no future, only that fraction of a second.”

A Desert Hills resident, Morrie continues to find peace and serenity behind the camera. During HITH, he will exhibit stirring photographs of scenic landscapes and slice-of-life shots that he captured during his travels throughout the Southwest and abroad.

For tour details, call 480-575-6624 or visit hiddeninthehills. org.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 53

BLESSINGS FROM THE UNDERGROUND

By Lucia Schnitzer Photo by Matthew Strauss

CORNER

AUTUMN SALAD The leaves are turning, the weather is changing and the harvest air is whistling aromas of “pumpkin spice and everything nice.” This is my favorite time of year, especially here in Arizona. With all the continuing entertaining that still awaits us, I wanted to share this beautiful, colorful and tasty dish, which will leave your family and guests oohing and ahhing over how beautiful this dish is and how amazing it tastes. These weird looking but beautiful root vegetables have been around for millions of years, and were part of the first steps of intentional farming by hungry nomads around 10,000 years ago. For modern cooking, we can do so much more with these vegetables: mash them, slice them to delicate crisp chips, roast them and grill them. Venture out and try cooking with parsnips and root celery and my favorite, beets.

May this new season bring you abundant blessings, like these root vegetables have done for many years, and may you take this opportune time to give back to those less fortunate: tikkun olam, making this world a better place for all.

Ingredients: Serves: 6 2 large red beets 1 medium butternut squash 1 pound Brussels sprouts olive oil for roasting vegetables 2 cups black rice 3 1/2 cups water 1 bay leaf 2 strips orange peel 7 tablespoons blood orange olive oil, divided 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons sea salt + more to taste 3 sprigs basil Edible flowers for garnish (optional)

Lucia Schnitzer and her husband, Ken, own Pomelo (a full-service restaurant), Luci’s at The Orchard and Splurge (a candy and ice cream shop), all at The Orchard Phx, 7100 N 12th Street, Phoenix. They also own Luci’s Healthy Marketplace, 1590 E Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, which they opened in 2009 in Lucia’s honor after her successful battle with breast cancer.

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FOR MODERN COOKING, WE CAN DO SO MUCH MORE WITH THESE VEGETABLES: MASH THEM, SLICE THEM TO DELICATE CRISP CHIPS, ROAST THEM AND GRILL THEM. VENTURE OUT AND TRY COOKING WITH PARSNIPS AND ROOT CELERY AND MY FAVORITE, BEETS. Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees with a large cast iron skillet on the bottom rack.

Rinse and scrub the beets well and wrap in aluminum foil.

Place them in the preheated skillet and place back in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour or until softened.

When cool enough to handle peel the skin off of the beets and cut them into small cubes. Set aside until ready to use.

Peel the butternut squash and discard the seeds. Cut into small cubes and transfer to a large baking sheet. Drizzle with enough olive oil to coat the squash and season with a pinch of sea salt. Spread them on the baking sheet, preferably so that the cubes do not touch. Roast in the preheated oven for about 35 to 45 minutes, until the pieces start to soften and caramelize around the edges.

Meanwhile, rinse and dry the Brussels sprouts and trim the ends. Half them lengthwise and transfer to a bowl. Drizzle them with enough oil to coat and season with sea salt. Toss carefully and transfer to a baking sheet, cut side down for a

nice, golden brown roast. Place in the oven and after about 15 minutes, give them a gentle toss so they brown all over. Cook another 10 to 15 minutes until done to your liking.

Combine the black rice, water, orange peel and bay leaf in a pot. Bring to a simmer and cover with a tight lid. Cook for 30 minutes until all water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to sit covered for 10 minutes.

Transfer the rice to a mixing bowl and discard the bay leaf and orange peel. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons of blood orange olive oil and fluff with a fork. Transfer to a serving tray and top with the roasted butternut squash cubes, roasted red beets and Brussels sprouts.

In a small jar combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of blood orange olive oil, the lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt. Shake to combine, taste and adjust seasonings until you are happy.

Drizzle the blood orange vinaigrette over the butternut squash, beets and Brussels sprouts. Top with fresh basil and edible flowers (optional). Serve warm.

Michelle Dudash, RDN, Cordon Bleu-Certified Chef

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 55

FOOD

RESTAURANT REVIEW

taste of

Arizona

Fun fusion + friendly atmosphere = Chestnut

By A. Noshman

Sometimes the best way to describe something is to say what it’s not. Chestnut Fine Foods & Provisions is not a corporate designed, focus grouped, themed concept restaurant or copy of any place I’ve ever seen.

It is so mom and pop (actually daughter and mom) it oozes family-run friendliness and a rare devil-may-care attitude for whatever they want to try. For instance, have you ever heard of a restaurant that is only open for breakfast and lunch, but now opens three nights a week for Asian fusion?

Here’s more proof of their refreshingly unscripted style. I asked a staff member why the restaurant is called Chestnut and he replied, “When the owner bought this place, it was called Chestnut Lane and she liked the sound of Chestnut so she kept it.” And now for my favorite... I followed up by asking why they chose a bicycle as a logo and he said, “The owner likes bicycles.” This sole ownership attitude of “we do what we want to do because that’s what we want to do” charmed me to no end. It used to be a bank on the corner of 44th Street and Camelback, but now the vault 56 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

serves as a walk in freezer. A better use, if you ask me.

It’s no surprise that this little gem sits in the Arcadia neighborhood. Some of my most favorite people grew up here, and they also have that creative spirit and rugged individualism reflected in this restaurant. The interior is well-worn, like most of my friends, and includes a boutique filled with chachkies for sale. Part of the restaurant’s name is “Fine Food and Provisions.” I guess the chachkies are the provisions.

Both breakfast and lunch are served all day until 3 pm. You order from the counter and they bring the food to your table (fast casual service). Three nights a week, however, fast casual is dropped and full service takes its place. I did not know of the Asian fusion dining when I began my journey and was delighted to rethink my approach to the restaurant and come back later to experience everything. Asian small plates and noodle soups are offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings only, and the restaurant is renamed Water Chestnut for the night. Over the course of a few visits, here is what I had:

Bao Steamed Bun

THIS MONTH’S RESTAURANT

Chestnut Fine Foods & Provisions

$$ 4350 E Camelback Road Bldg. I-100, Phoenix 602-708-7679 chestnutaz.com

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

Flash Fried Beef Potstickers $5

(no restaurant description) Three hot, golden brown, handmade potstickers arrived on a little dish with a side of sauce and I couldn’t wait to dig in.

Crispy, delicious, freshly made, are the first sensations and flavors. The dipping sauce is nicely done with a hint of vinegar, soy and salt. Wish there were more at this price.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Short Rib Hash $12

(short rib, caramelized onions, mixed bell peppers and potatoes served with two over-easy eggs, gluten free) I was pleasantly surprised to find short rib hash and, as a fan of short ribs since childhood, knew this was for me. The meat was tender and pulled so it could be gathered on your fork along with bites of egg and potato all at the same time. I loved all the blended flavors held together by the egg yolk, and also enjoyed eating each ingredient by itself at times. Who doesn’t love caramelized onions for breakfast?

Chicken Salad Sandwich $9

(hand-pulled poached chicken, lightly dressed and served on country white bread) This sandwich was simply delightful. The chicken was tender and tasty, and the bread was fresh, with an excellent crust. It was lightly dressed as described, not oily, not wet with mayonnaise, but rather a fresh hint of lime juice that really brought out the flavors of the chicken and the bread. As if this wasn’t enough, it was served with a side of house-made salted sweet potato chips that were addicting.

Chocolate Chip Cookie $1.25 Pecan Bar $3

(no restaurant description;, it’s all under glass and your eyes do the communicating) There’s a dessert case where you place your order and I passed on it the first time I went. That was a mistake and here is why.

I assumed they were brought in from some bakery but no, they are made at Chestnut and I didn’t know that until I tried them – and then had to ask. The cookie was soft and creamy, and one of the best I’ve had – though I wish it was three bites larger. The pecan bar was to die for, and huge for it’s $3 price tag. Crunchy pecans on a fabulous crust, as good as you will find anywhere. It was their delicious baked goods that made me want to come back later for Asian fusion because these people certainly know their way around dough, and I had my eye on some noodle dishes.

Egg Rolls $5

(no restaurant description) How can anyone resist egg rolls? With that rationalization, and armed with the fact they were vegetarian, I placed my order. Like the potstickers, three golden brown egg rolls arrived but with a delightful surprise, house made plum sauce. The egg rolls were crunchy, hot, made to order and oh, that plum sauce.

You could taste the real fruit. A must have.

Bao Steamed Bun (Roast Duck) $10

(no restaurant description) I was expecting more of a traditional bao which is a sealed steamed bun with the meat inside, and this looked more like a taco. A pleasant twist, and this must be the fusion part, because it also had a jalapeño on top. The bao, though labeled steamed, was not served as a hot sandwich, another surprise, but it totally worked. The duck was tender and had a nice flavor and was topped with coleslaw, Sriracha sauce and that jalapeño. Truth be told, I picked off the jalapeño because the Sriracha added enough heat.

Ramen $10

(no restaurant description) Ordering the soup was made easy on the step-by-step menu.

First, pick your broth; second, pick your noodle and third, pick anything else you want in your bowl. I went with vegetable broth with carrots and scallions, house-made ramen noodles, cabbage and katsu chicken.

A steaming bowl of beautiful soup arrived with the chicken served on the side to keep it crisp. Katsu is sort of an egg batter, a sweet coating applied to the chicken and then fried.

The noodles were a bit thicker than I was used to, but that only made it heartier. Everything blended well and it is fun to eat the noodles with chopsticks and the soup with a Chinese style spoon.

Chestnut Fine Foods & Provisions is a terrific treasure that you can easily stumble upon. Parking is a challenge, as it is with all Arcadia restaurants, but worth the effort. If, like me, you are not a fan of the corporate, “Hello, my name is Ashley and I’ll be your server,” then you’ve found a home for breakfast, lunch and maybe a little noodle at night.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 57

Home & Lifestyle

Photo courtesy of Gardener's Supply Co. 58 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Four easy care gardening décor and gift trends

By Melinda Myers

Dress up your home for Thanksgiving or give gifts that keep giving throughout the year with these low-maintenance gardening trends. Just add a little fun, classic beauty or style to make it even more memorable now and throughout the year.

Terrariums

These mini greenhouses continue to grow in popularity and are perfect for new or timid gardeners. Just plant a few small tropical plants, moisten the soil, close the lid and you have a selfcontained growing chamber. Show off your green thumb with a modern, classic or vintage style vessel.

Use the gazebo tabletop terrarium, classic bell jar or another mini garden as a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dining table or buffet. Or create a miniature garden in a glass to give as a hostess gift.

When the party is over, it’s a great memento of a fun gathering.

Succulents

Growing succulents is another low-maintenance garden trend that is perfect for busy gardeners.

Just place them in a sunny window and water whenever the soil is dry. It’s truly as easy as that.

The small scale cacti and succulents provide a multitude of opportunities for incorporating into your celebrations. You won’t need much space to enjoy the subtle colors and dramatic form of these drought tolerant plants. Just select containers that complement, but don’t overpower their charm.

Another idea is to dress up the table by making them into place cards for your guests. Simply add a name to the decorative pot. Or display them all together in a copper plant tray, terra cotta saucer or other shallow container to use as a centerpiece throughout the evening. When dinner is over, each guest can pick their own plant to take home.

Air Plants

Unique and amazing air plants are all the rage and could certainly be described as the definitive easy-care plant. Many are native to rain forests where they grow in the canopy of trees, gathering water and nutrients that pass by. No soil is needed for these versatile plants. Just hang them in a bright location and soak in tepid non-softened water once every week or two.

Display them in an open terrarium, shell or other decorative container. They make great centerpieces or stunning displays.

Pothos, Philodendron and Ivy

These plants have long been low-maintenance favorites of the indoor garden. This year, consider dressing them up with artificial flowers and greens. Or display them in unique containers, baskets or hangers. Go retro and macramé a colorful hanger for your favorite hanging basket. Or place the pot in an earthy woven basket, sleek plastic pot or classic round copper wire globe hanging basket. Add some fairy lights for a bit more sparkle.

Make Thanksgiving and Hannukah bright and memorable with the help of these lowmaintenance garden trends and plants. You, your family and friends will enjoy their beauty, charm and easy-care nature throughout the new year ahead.

Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts “The Great Courses How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone” DVD set and the nationally syndicated “Melinda’s Garden Moment” TV and radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Visit melindamyers.com for more gardening videos and tips.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 59

H&L

Andrew Sosnowitz with Caleb during one of his visits to Haiti.

Chances for Children: Changing lives, making families

By Mala Blomquist

Laura Sosnowitz had always wanted to adopt a child to be a little brother or sister to her son Blake, but knew that international adoption was a lengthy process. She never really thought it would become a reality, until she met Kathi and Craig Juntunen at a charity event.

The Juntunens made their first trip to Haiti in 2005. That trip changed their perspective on life, and they left Haiti knowing that they needed to do something for these children so impacted by poverty. They adopted three children but knew that alone was not enough, so they created Chances for Children.

Since then the organization has grown to include a crèche (adoption orphanage), pediatric medical clinic, agricultural and feeding programs, clean water systems, a vocational program for young adults, empowerment programs for women and more.

Laura and her husband, Andrew, talked to the Juntunens 60 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

and learned more about their organization and international adoption. Before the event, they had read Craig’s book Both Ends Burning: My Story of Adopting Three Children from Haiti.

By the end of the evening, Laura was thinking, “We can do this – we can really adopt a child!”

Their fate was sealed when they first saw a picture of Caleb, then just 6 months old. “I knew that he was the one,” says Laura. And five months after their “match” Andrew was on a plane to visit Caleb in the crèche, located in the small village of Lamerdelle, east of Port au Prince.

Although Laura never ventured to Haiti, Andrew made the trip a total of four times, mostly to work through the Haitian government’s red tape, including visits to the embassy to sign paperwork. On Andrew’s second trip, he helped build a new Chances for Children orphanage in Kenscoff, a mountainous area 15 miles east of Port au Prince.

During these trips to Haiti Andrew would Skype with Laura

Blake and Caleb Sosnowitz are brothers and best friends.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 61

and Blake, “We were able to see Caleb and interact with him,” and they were always sending him pictures of his new family.

Laura and Andrew never worried about leaving Caleb in the orphanage because, “we knew that he was in a safe place, being cared for until we could get him to Arizona.”

Then on May 30, 2013, Andrew brought 2-year-old Caleb home. And even though there are four years separating Blake and Caleb, they bonded from the start. Blake even commented, “Look, mom, he’s my twin – I’m just a little taller than him!”

Since his arrival in Arizona, Caleb has thrived. He attended preschool at Temple Chai and has embraced both of his cultures, telling people he is a, “Haiti Jew.” Laura and Andrew would love to take him to Haiti when he gets a little older, possibly to meet his family that remains in the country.

“His mother’s wish was for him to go to school and have an education,” explains Laura. So they send pictures to Chances for Children for them to share with his biological mother.

Another way that the Sosnowitz family connects Caleb to his Haitian background is by attending the annual Night of Hope that Chances for Children hosts. This year, the fundraising event will be held at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess on Nov. 11-12. During this weekend, families who have adopted through the organization join for an evening of dining and dancing, followed by a day of cultural classes for the children. The biggest treat is that some of the caregivers travel on temporary visas from Haiti to reconnect with the children that they loved like their own and cared for at the orphanage.

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62 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Laura enjoys watching the children interact with these women, and realizes that Caleb would not be the loving and smart child he is today without their influence. “You see the children react when the women start speaking to them in French and Creole, and you know that they recognize their first languages and their first caregivers.”

Although Laura and Andrew would like to return to Haiti someday with Caleb, they have no plans for further adoptions.

“Our family feels complete,” she says and she is grateful to Chances for Children for making them feel that way.

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 63

Meir Jolovitz from A to Z: ardent activist/zealous Zionist

By Leni Reiss

SPECIAL SECTION

SENIORS Seniors are living more vibrant, busy lives than ever before. They want to take charge of their health, housing options and how to spend their free time. We hope you find the information on the following pages helpful.

64 Meir Jolovitz 67 Senior dental care in the 21st century 68 Maravilla Scottsdale 70 Senior exercise & nutrition myths 71 Educational presentation on Alzheimer’s disease 72 Going Above and Beyond for Seniors 74 Senior Calendar

64 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

F

or inspiration, Meir Jolovitz doesn’t have to look farther than his late mother and father. He explains that his father survived an unprecedented 13 camps and his mother also endured the Holocaust and war years. “They never stopped talking about their experiences,” he says, “and they always told me how fortunate I was. That is how I was raised.”

Post-liberation, his parents, both born in Poland, met in early 1946 on a boat (meant for 90 passengers but carrying more than 900) headed to Palestine. The British captured the refugees in the waters not far from shore and imprisoned them for almost two months. The pair wed soon after their release, and Meir and two of his siblings were born in the Jewish state.

A younger brother was born 15 years later in America, after the family had spent years in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) where Meir learned English. Distant relatives had touted the country as a land of opportunity, but yet another family member enticed them to Canton, OH where the family ultimately made their home.

“Not religious but very proud of Israel,” Meir experienced what he calls “a life change,” when, as a sophomore majoring in art at Ohio’s Bowling Green State University, he heard a visiting lecturer, a U.N. representative, “trash Israel” in a political science class of 300 students.

Meir couldn’t hold back. “I eviscerated him,” he says, “when no one else stood up to make the case for the Jewish state. It was on me.” A professor who heard Meir that day encouraged him to change his major and he came to Arizona State University in Tempe to do just that. He went on to earn a master’s degree in political theory and international relations, eventually defending his thesis, “The Politics of Terrorism in the Middle East: A study of ideology, strategy and tactics.”

Word got out in the Valley about this ardent activist/zealous Zionist on the ASU campus and Meir was found to be a “perfect fit” to join the faculty, on a part-time basis, of Hebrew High, more formally known as the Phoenix High School of Jewish Studies. His twice-weekly “all Israelrelated” classes, over a six-year period, were a big success, he recalls, and classrooms were packed as he espoused a “hard-core, militant, big proZionist message.” He says his was not a “typical Jewish American liberal view.” His lectures emphasized his belief that American Jews were not doing enough to perpetuate Jewish survival and that they had failed to rally around the Jews of Europe during World War II. Meanwhile, Meir was teaching a political science course at ASU with the goal of earning a doctorate in international relations. Additionally, he was hired by the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix as the “tough, pro-Israel” inaugural staff professional to head the nascent local Community Relations Committee. His was the voice of the Valley on behalf of Israel, reaching out to both Jewish and non-Jewish groups to make Israel’s case. Meir recalls dealing with and documenting a spate of anti-Semitic incidents within the Jewish community.

He went on to serve as full-time director of Judaic studies and adult education for the Jewish Community Center in Phoenix.

And then, in the late 1970s, at an ROTC-sponsored event at ASU, Meir met, listened to and was inspired by Meir Kahane, the controversial AmericanIsraeli Orthodox rabbi who headed the New York-based Jewish Defense League.

“I already liked what I knew about him, but I saw that he embodied and championed the philosophy I was raised with: ‘Never again.’”

In early 1981, “because [Kahane] continued to reinforce my parents’ message that I had an obligation to the Jewish people,” Meir moved to New York with his wife, whom he had met in Tempe. He was named JDL’s national chairman, to “encourage Jewish pride and identity,” and, not surprisingly, to teach and practice self-defense skills.

The latter came especially easily to Meir, a committed bodybuilder, wrestler and health enthusiast.

“Once we started our family,” he remembers, “we decided we wanted to raise our children in Israel,” so their next move, about three years later, was to the Jewish state, with a 6-month-old daughter in tow. In 1990, his mentor, Kahane was assassinated by an Arab gunman in New York.

When Meir had visited Israel throughout his adult life, he noticed the lack of an American-style gym. He seized the opportunity – and Samson’s Gym was born in the very heart of Jerusalem. It was “a phenomenal success” from the very beginning and “magical, most of the time.” Business thrived, there was no war – and his family grew to include two sabra sons. “The gym took on a life of its own, becoming the largest facility of its kind in the Middle East,” he says, and Samson’s Gym T-shirts, according to a Jerusalem Post article at the time, were the most popular tourist gift for purchase.

Meanwhile, Meir had remained in touch with Don Sher, a former JCC executive here in the Valley, who also had made aliyah. “Don told me about an opportunity that sounded really good; administrator and sports and fitness director at Brooklyn’s Sephardic Community Center.” With the gym “practically running on its own,” the

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SRGseniorliving.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 65

SENIORS

Meir with a copy of a Jan. 24, 1946 newspaper article listing the 910 refugees captured by the British as they were illegally attempting to reach Palestine. Among the passengers on the ship, the Enzie Sereni, were his parents. They subsequently were imprisoned.

“When no one else stood up to make the case for the Jewish state.

It was on me.”

– Meir Jolovitz

66 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Jolovitz family came back to the states. It was about this time that he and his wife “divorced amicably.” Meir went on to become SCC associate director. After a two-year stint as national executive director of the Zionist Organization of America, he returned to the SCC to oversee a $63 million expansion and “remained there as executive director for seven great years.”

A self-described “workaholic who doesn’t sleep much,” Meir decided some years ago that “it was time to do something I really wanted to do and haven’t had time for: writing and lecturing.”

Now, at age 65, he has settled into a cozy and eclectically decorated northeast Valley home, and is doing just that. He also is on staff at the Bureau of Jewish Education, teaching classes on Israel and the Middle East. His goal: to get the pro-Israel message out, to both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences. He wants to convey to others his deep appreciation for life and freedom.

That, he says, is his mantra and raison d’etre.

“And, when all is said and done,” Meir says, “nothing is more important in my life than affiliating with organizations and movements about the defense of the Jewish people.”

SENIORS

Senior dental care in the 21st century

By Dr. Kevin B. Cebrynski

Avenir Senior Living Your Memory Care Solutions With three locations in the greater Phoenix area, specialized memory care is never far from home.

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850 South Pennington Drive Chandler, AZ 85224 480-718-9055 • ChandlerMemoryCare.com

W

ith the ever growing senior population, dental care is more and more important. Medical advances in care and medications have us living longer but often at the price of your teeth. Many of the medications we take today for cardiac and neurologic issues, dry our mouth out. A dry mouth is a direct path to decay.

TO START WITH, TALK TO YOUR PHYSICIAN about the side effects of the medication you are prescribed. Make sure you tell your dentist what you are taking and update the office when they have changed. Next, it is often needed to add a medication to increase your saliva and prescription toothpaste to help combat decay.

ANOTHER FACTOR THAT COMES UP WITH living longer is more broken teeth and worn down teeth. A simple fact is the longer you live, the more wear and tear you put on your teeth. Just like a car needs repair and maintenance, so do your teeth. More frequent hygiene appointments and often spending money on repairs is in the future for older patients.

THE UPSIDE ABOUT LIVING LONGER AND healthier is advances in dental technology. Mainly dental implants have become routine in the specialty office. They are very successful and will possibly last your lifetime. Today they are titanium, but look for ceramic dental implants in the near future.

Dr. Cebrynski has been practicing both fixed and removable prosthodontics in Scottsdale for more than 19 years and has performed thousands of procedures to improve smiles. Cebrynski Rehabilitative Dentistry is a specialty dental practice located in Scottsdale.

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 67

SENIORS

CENTER FOR SENIOR ENRICHMENT The only Jewish senior center in the Phoenix area, the CSE offers education, health and wellness programs, holiday programs, nutritious lunches, exercise, entertainment, and a wide variety of ever-changing activities.

Transportation available $4.00 lunch Jewish programming, services Luncheons & parties Onsite library Computer lab Heated pool & fitness center Tuesday - Friday 9:30am to 2:30pm

Brain Games Writer’s Group Total Wellness Entertainers Zumba Group Discussion Happy Hour Water Aerobics ...and more!

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Maravilla Scottsdale’s entrance

So many things to do at Maravilla Scottsdale

F

or many residents of Maravilla Scottsdale, an award-winning senior living community located in north Scottsdale, retirement doesn’t mean slowing down. Here, extraordinary amenities, services and programs encourage on-the-go residents to enjoy the engaging lifestyle they love, while offering new daily opportunities for socializing, continued learning and connectivity.

Inside dining room

Connections In Home Care is proud to provide reliable, kindhearted in-home caregivers to older adults and the physically challenged within our community.

Whether you or your loved ones need assistance a few hours a day or up to 24-hour care, we can help! Call anytime for a free in-home assessment or to find out how we can help:

(602) 708-8626

Locally owned and operated by Eric & Denise Kaye Connections In Home Care, LLC 3420 E. Shea Blvd. • Suite 200 • Phoenix • AZ 85028 www.chcaz.com

68 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Take, for example, Bob and Patti Plack. As residents of Maravilla Scottsdale, their love of staying active is enhanced by regular hikes at popular Arizona destinations, as well as daily walks through the community and adjacent Scottsdale Fairmont Princess resort. Add to that Maravilla’s community activity calendar that is bursting with fitness and recreational sessions, including yoga, Zumba, water aerobics, table games and more. Plus, Maravilla Scottsdale’s resort-style amenities – including the indoor, heated saltwater swimming pool, fitness center and putting green – add to their healthy and energetic lifestyle.

“We’ve always lived an active lifestyle,” says Patti, “Now that we live at Maravilla Scottsdale it’s even fuller. We plan our day around the activities calendar.”

Neighboring the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort and Tournament Players Club Stadium Course, Maravilla offers a blend of independent living casitas and courtyard homes, as well as assisted living and memory care residences.

Independent living residents can select from an assortment of spacious floor plans ranging from casitas with private garages to courtyard residences, each thoughtfully designed with contemporary, custom features.

Residents enjoy maintenance-free, resort-style living with housekeeping and linen services provided, allowing them time to relish their own interests and take advantage of the community’s multiple dining venues, library, Internet lounge, theater and a spacious clubhouse with fitness center, indoor swimming pool, spa and more.

“The community is pristine and we love the dining room meal service. The transportation service and underground parking is a plus,” Bob says, “I simply cannot say enough good things about Maravilla Scottsdale.”

To learn more about Maravilla Scottsdale, visit maravillascottsdale.com.

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Since 1963 we’ve been serving the Jewish and greater Tucson community’s seniors. We’re pleased to announce that we are currently filled to capacity. If you or a loved one have ever thought about living here at Handmaker, we urge you to put your name on our growing waiting list now. You’ll be glad you did.

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 69

SENIORS

Senior exercise & nutrition myths

By Anita Terlizzi I WEIGH TOO MUCH TO EXERCISE.

The following are answers to some common misconceptions regarding exercise and nutrition for seniors.

WHEN PEOPLE REACH a size that is overwhelming, the thought of exercise just seems too far fetched. However, being extremely overweight is one of the best reasons to exercise. As we age, our metabolism slows down so you may have put on some unwanted pounds that make it seem difficult to get up and get active. When you exercise, you can increase your metabolism and start shedding those extra pounds. Start out slow with a gentle walk, water aerobics or strength exercises you can do from a chair.

I’M JUST TOO OLD TO START NOW.

NOT TRUE. You can start an exercise routine at any age. Even in your 90s. You are never too old to perform some sort of physical activity to better your health.

Research indicates that inactivity can cause seniors to lose their independence. It can actually lead to more illness, doctor visits and use of medication.

SENIORS DON’T HAVE MUCH OF AN APPETITE, SO WE CAN SAFELY SKIP MEALS.

I WILL GET HURT IF I LIFT WEIGHTS.

STRENGTH TRAINING is the best way to increase your metabolism, strengthen your bones and build muscle, so don’t believe this myth. Start with dumbbells weighing as little as two pounds. You can even perform body weight exercises until you feel ready to graduate to dumbbells or resistance bands.

I’M SICK, SO I SHOULDN’T EXERCISE.

Anita Terlizzi (a.k.a. MissFit) is a certified personal trainer by the American Council on Exercise and a nutrition coach. She has an exercise video called “Sit Down and Shape Up.” For more information, visit missfit4u.com.

ON THE CONTRARY, if you have chronic health problems, such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease exercise is almost certainly a good idea.

Check with your doctor first, but exercise can be good or better than the medicine you are taking.

I’M DISABLED. I CAN’T EXERCISE SITTING DOWN.

BEING CHAIR BOUND presents some challenges, but it is important that you lift light weights, stretch and do chair aerobics to increase your range of motion and promote cardiovascular health. You will also notice an increase in energy and positive mood change.

EXERCISE WILL HURT MY JOINTS.

IF YOU’RE IN CHRONIC PAIN from arthritis, then exercise may seem too painful. Here’s a counterintuitive fact: studies show exercise helps with arthritis pain. One study of people aged 60 with knee arthritis found that those who exercised more had less pain and better joint function.

EXERCISE PUTS ME AT RISK OF FALLING.

REGULAR EXERCISE, by building strength and stamina, prevents loss of bone mass and improves balance. Exercise actually reduces the risk of falling.

70 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

THERE ARE MANY DRAWBACKS to skipping meals. For starters, it can wreak havoc on your blood sugar level, which leads to many negative health problems. Also, when you skip meals, you can further decrease your appetite and you will find that you are fueling your body less and less, leading to malnutrition. Start your day off right. For breakfast, instead of your standard tea and toast, add eggs and a chicken sausage link. Start fueling your body so you can physically and mentally be at your best!

SENIORS DON’T NEED THAT MUCH PROTEIN IN THEIR DAILY DIET.

AS PEOPLE AGE, it’s easy for them to lose significant amounts of muscle. In fact, we start losing muscle in our 30s, up to 15% in our 60s and 70s, and 30% thereafter! Eating a sufficient amount of protein can help slow down the process of muscle loss.

Unfortunately, exercise by itself is not enough to maintain and build muscle. The more protein you eat equals the more muscle your body makes. If you aren’t getting enough protein, there really isn’t much for your body to work with. To find out what you need, multiply your weight in pounds by 0.36 (current guidelines for any age adult), the resulting number will give you how many grams of protein you need per day.

SENIORS DON’T REQUIRE THE SAME NUTRIENTS AS YOUNGER ADULTS.

WHILE IT IS TRUE seniors require fewer calories, they need just as many nutrients, if not more. Their bodies do not absorb or process nutrients as they did when they were younger. As we grow older, we actually need increased calcium and vitamin B12 to support healthy bones and tissue.

SENIORS

Educational presentation on Alzheimer’s disease features Dr. Marwan Sabbagh

D

r. Marwan Sabbagh, of the Barrow Neurological Institute, will be the featured speaker for a twopart educational presentation, “What Can be Done to Reduce the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease?” sponsored by Belmont Village Senior Living Scottsdale and the Barrow Neurological Institute.

The event will be held at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale on Jan. 6 and Jan. 13, 2017.

Dr. Sabbagh is a leading investigator for many prominent national Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment trials, including Alzheimer immunotherapy studies. He has authored and co-authored more than 250 medical and scientific articles on Alzheimer’s research. He also has authored, The Alzheimer’s Answer, which features a forward by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

Dr. Sabbagh will translate current ideas into practical information that people can use to determine their individual risk of memory impairment. He will discuss factors for assessing Alzheimer’s risk and how you can help to keep your brain and body healthy, alongside the latest information on Alzheimer’s and Alzheimer’s prevention.

He will also teach individuals to develop a prevention strategy. Participants will be able to sample a recipe selected by Chef Travis Vierthaler from Belmont Village Senior Living Scottsdale.

After his presentation, Dr. Sabbagh will be signing his most recent book, The Alzheimer’s Prevention Cookbook: 100 Recipes to Better Brain Health. This full-color cookbook and health guide delivers a dietary plan that empowers readers to think – and cook – in a way that can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss. The book features an overview of brain science and the latest in evidencebased research, as well as 100 brain-boosting recipes.

Marwan Sabbagh, M.D., boardcertified neurologist and geriatric neurologist, is the new director of the Memory Disorders Center and professor of neurology at the Barrow Neurological Institute. Dr. Sabbagh has dedicated his entire career to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Sabbagh is associate director of the Arizona Alzheimer’s Disease Core Center and a research professor of neurology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

BALSAMIC ROASTED VEGETABLES This recipe is a beautiful medley of roasted vegetables.

You’ll find lots of different flavor profiles, such as bitterness from the rutabaga, earthiness from the parsnips, and sweetness from the onions, as well as a.variety of textures, like hearty and firm carrots, yielding zucchini, and meaty mushrooms. The balsamic vinegar adds a little acidity and helps the vegetables develop rich, flavorful caramelization.

Parsnips are a particularly brain-healthy root vegetable: it’s an excellent source of vitamin C and folic acid. It is also a good source of riboflavin, niacin, and vitamins Bs and E. MAKES 6 TO 8 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 carrots. peeled and cut on the diagonal into 1/2-inch pieces 2 parsnips, peeled and cut on the diagonal into 1/2-inch pieces 1/2 medium rutabaga (about 4 ounces), peeled and cut into l/4-inch chunks 6 pearl onions, peeled, or 1 medium red onion, cut into 8 wedges Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 Japanese eggplants, cut lengthwise in half. and then crosswise in half 1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise in half, and then crosswise in thirds 1 medium yellow summer squash, cut lengthwise in half. and then crosswise in thirds 1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and diced large 3 portobello mushrooms,stems removed, caps cut in half 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

INGREDIENTS

Place a large roasting pan in the oven and preheat the oven to 500°F. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and vinegar. In a large bowl, toss the carrots, parsnips, rutabaga, and onions. Whisk the olive oil-vinegar mixture tO recombine, drizzle 1 tablespoon over the vegetables, and sprinkle with sale and pepper. Toss well to coat. Transfer the vegetables tO the hot roast­ing pan, distributing them in an even layer. Roast, uncovered, for 8 tO 10 minutes, or until the veg­etables have softened and can be pierced with a fork. Stir the vegetables occasionally while roasting.

In the now-empty bowl, toss the eggplants, zucchini, summer squash, romato, and mushrooms. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil-vinegar mix­ture, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss well to coat. Add this vegetable mixture to the roasting pan and roast for about 20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.

Stir the thyme into the roasted vegetables. Trans­fer to a large serving bowl and serve right away.

Recipes courtesy of Dr. Marwan Sabbagh and Dignity Health.

Obtained by Belmont Village Senior Living.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 71

SENIORS

Going Above and Beyond for seniors

I

n Hebrew, a “Woman of Valor” is “Eshet Chayil.” It has become Jewish custom for a husband to recite this poem to his wife at the end of the week, and to think about and be thankful for all that she has done for him and their family throughout the past week. It is written as follows: “A Woman of Valor – seek her out, for she is to be valued above rubies.” Susanne Schaeffer Malkin is such a woman.

Susanne created Above and Beyond Senior Placement Service after working with Adult Protective Services and seeing that there was a great need for better elderly care. Susanne’s education in social work and ongoing training has been focused exclusively on seniors and their care needs for more than 22 years. Susanne is the only licensed certified trainer in Arizona for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Susanne’s services are also used by numerous neurologists and surgeons from the Mayo Clinic and Kindred Hospital, and she extends her services to many nonprofits free of charge.

Above and Beyond, which Susanne founded in 1994, specializes in customizing a search criteria for the needs of aging parents. Whether a family is seeking assisted living, full-time nursing care or an independent senior community, Susanne and her team can help them pinpoint the best care options for their loved one. The compassionate staff at Above and Beyond understand that this can be a very stressful and difficult

72 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

“A woman of valor – seek her out, for she is to be valued above rubies.”

Top: Susanne visits with some of her clients.

Above: Founder of Above and Beyond Senior Placement Services, Susanne Schaeffer Malkin.

decision, and they strive to make this transition as easy as possible.

Above and Beyond’s placement experts pride themselves on the ability to match aging adults with facilities that best meet their care needs. They work with all levels of care, from assisted living to full, around-the-clock care for conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Above and Beyond advisors conduct tours of assisted-living facilities and private-care homes that they work with and guide their clients every step of the way. Above and Beyond Senior Placement Service team members are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, call 602-329-5743 or visit assistedlivingaboveandbeyond.com.

SENIORS

Senior ponders giving options Dear Helen:

Jewish life and history, from the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education to the University of I’m a senior and believe strongly in putting my money where Oregon Holocaust Studies Program. Contact each of them to my mouth is, so I avoid shopping in certain stores, try to take know what your choices are before you commit too much too public transportation and generally live frugally by utilizing soon. Then, determine what your reasonable expectation of a thrift stores and farmer’s markets. But I have family money donation would be. A long illness can wipe out even healthy that came to me through relatives who survived the Shoah. I bank accounts. When you feel certain what you can honestly try not to think of it as “mine” for daily living, which I feel a deliver, go back to each possible recipient. Lay out a plan responsibility to pay for myself with my earnings and savings. that would work within each context. In your synagogue, for I have no heirs who will really need the money, so I decided example, there may be an alternate endowment fund, most to donate a healthy percentage of likely for Talmud Torah. Ask if the intent the assets that will survive me to my A NOSH OF of your donation could be met within that synagogue in my will. I filled out a context. Then work with the synagogue JEWISH WISDOM: legacy donor form a year or so ago library/Talmud Torah folks to round out their specifying that the money was to be Shoah collection of materials, and have a used for Holocaust education. Last section of the library named for your deceased week I got a call saying (much, much ancestors. Set up an annual reading program more politely and very sincerely): for TT students and fund that now, with “Thanks for the donation in your the remainder of the legacy to support the will. Is there a chance you could program into the future. give us money now? Also, we aren’t sure we can honor the specificity of your donation, so would you mind donating your bequest to the general I live on a fixed income. Each year there endowment?” I said I could not is a fundraising auction I attend to support contribute anything now, and that I ongoing temple operations. The ticket price wanted to sleep on the endowment is high (for me), plus I contribute through issue. Two weeks later I still feel bidding and donations. After the meal there are rounds unsatisfied by the request. A general endowment can pay for of additional donations implicitly required that set tables everything from the janitor to the utility bill. I want something competing for the most desirable dessert, or pledging additional very different and specific. Perhaps I should set up the program money for the school and preschool programs. It’s simply out while I am alive to see it manifest. Ideas? of my league to give more. How can I explain that without shaming myself as poor?

Retiree

Don’t shame the old; you’ll be among them if you're lucky.

Dear Helen:

Donor

Dear Donor:

Giving a large tzedakah donation, which is how I interpret your question, is a luxury for many people. When it comes as a lump bequest, measured in thousands or many thousands of dollars, the recipient should not only say a sincere thank you but also attempt to honor the donor’s request. It’s totally legit for your synagogue to ask if you could give some of the money now –and totally legit for you to say no if it doesn’t meet your current lifestyle or budget priorities. What sounds most important to you, the Shoah education component, is what you should focus on.

Beyond your shul are many organizations devoted to

Dear Retiree:

If you sit with people you know, who organize a table together, tell them upfront and remind them quietly when you start the meal that you can donate $x toward dessert and $y for school donations, but that’s your limit. Kind people won’t shame you.

HELEN

Helen is a member of Temple Beth Israel, where she studies and speaks on Torah. She claims to have black belts in schmoozing, problem solving and chutzpah.

She’s a writer and an artist (kabbalahglass.com). Please email your questions to helen@yourjewishfairygodmother.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 73

S E N I O R C A L E N DA R T H R O U G H O U T N OV E M B E R

CENTER FOR SENIOR ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES. The Jewish Family and Children’s Service’s Center for Senior Enrichment at Palazzo, 6250 N 19th Ave. is the only Jewish senior center in the Phoenix area. Everyone is welcome! The Center offers education, health and wellness programs, holiday programs, nutritious lunches, exercise, entertainment, and a wide variety of ever-changing activities. jfcsaz.org.

N O V. 1 , 8 , 1 5 , 2 2 & 2 9

LET’S KNIT at Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale from 1:30-3:30 pm. Share the pleasure of knitting and crocheting. Help others with projects and patterns. Can’t knit? We’ll teach you. No reservations required. For more information, contact Harriet at 480-481-7033 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.

N O V. 2

IT’S NOT JUST LUNCH from noon-1:30pm at Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Great speakers and a different topic each month with a full kosher lunch. $5 suggested donation. A collaboration with Smile On Seniors. For more information and to register, contact Chani at 602-492-7670 or chani@ sosaz.org.

LET’S TALK CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION GROUP from 2-3:30pm at Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Bill Adler leads stimulating discussion each month on current events. Bring your ideas to share with the group. For more information, contact Harriet at 480-481-7033 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.

N O V. 3

LET’S BE STRONG & SINGLE from 10-11 am at Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.

This informative workshop helps middle-age, newly single women find confidence and begin the next fabulous chapter of their lives.

Presented by Reverse Cinderella and A+ Resumes & Career Coaching.

Free. Reservations recommended. For more information, contact Harriet at 480-481-7033 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.

practice standing and balancing poses but always with the chair to hold onto. We won’t be getting up and down off of the floor. Classes are $7 per class or $25 for four. Classes will run through December.

Register at northwestjewish@jfsa.org or call 520-505-4161.

NOV. 9, 16, 23 & 30

GENTLE CHAIR YOGA at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E 5th St., Tucson from 9:30-10:30 am. Focus is on increased balance, strength and flexibility in a supportive group setting. Meditation and deep relaxation at end of each class leaves participants with positive healing energy and uplifted spirits. Dress comfortably. Members of Women’s League: $6 per class; non-members $8 per class. Contact Evelyn at 520-885-4102 or esigafus@aol.com.

NOV. 17

DISCUSSION WITH THE RABBI from 11 am-noon at Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.

Join Rabbi Levi Levertov for a stimulating discussion on Judaism. A collaboration with Smile On Seniors. Reservations recommended.

Contact Chani at 602-492-7670 or chani@sosaz.org.

LET’S EAT MATURE MAVENS DINNER at 5 pm at Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.

Meet for dinner, socialize and make new friends. Dinner is separate checks. Please contact Bunnye at 602-371-3744 for current schedule of restaurants and to reserve your place.

NOV. 18

BUILT STRONG – ORTHO LECTURE SERIES from 10-11:30 am at Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E River Road, Tucson.

Free lecture with shoulder, elbow and hand specialists presented by Tucson Orthopedic Institute and the Tucson J. Learn about common orthopedic injuries that cause joint pain in the upper extremities, and treatment options to help you return to an active lifestyle. See how physical therapy plays a role in strengthening and rehabilitating your joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. tucsonjcc.org.

NOV. 20

N O V. 4

JEWISH WAR VETERAN POST 210 MEETING at 10 am at State Veterans Home, 4141 N S Herrera Way, Phoenix. Refreshments at 9:30 am, free to all members and guests. The speaker for November will be Jan Krulick-Belin, a museum curator. Jan has written a book based on love letters written to her mother, during WWII, by her father, and given to her by her mother a year before her mother’s death. Call 602-248-1550 for more information.

N O V. 7, 1 4 , 2 1 & 2 8

LET’S APPRECIATE ART from 11 am-noon at Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.

Share the world of art with docent Rona Kasen from the Phoenix Art Museum. For more information, contact Harriet at 480-481-7033 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.

SENIOR SHABBAT LUNCHEON at 11 am at Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E River Road, Tucson. Enjoy music, a Shabbat lunch and a featured program. Get into the spirit of Shabbat and enjoy the friendship and fellowship of others. $15 per person; please pay more if you can, less if you can’t. Advance registration required.

RSVP to Andrea Wright at 520-299-3000 or awright@tucsonjcc.org.

CRYSTAL BRIDGE – SUPERVISED PLAY at Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale from 9-11:30 am; Crystal Bridge – Duplicate Games from 12:30-4pm.

Supervised-bid play and learn with ACBL-accredited teacher and certified director Maddy Bloom. $10 per player. For information and reservations, contact Harriet at 480-481-7033 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.

CHAIR YOGA WITH A JEWISH FLAIR from 10-11 am at Jewish Federation Northwest, 190 W Magee Road #162, Oro Valley.

Bonnie Golden, longtime yoga instructor offers yoga classes. Chair Yoga is for those who would like a mostly sitting practice of yoga stretches, breath work and meditation introduction. We will also 74 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

NOV. 21

NOV. 22

SCHMOOZE & PASTRY WITH CHANI from 11 am-noon at Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Enjoy homemade pastries and stimulating conversation with Chani. A collaboration with Smile On Seniors. For more information and to register, contact Chani at 602-492-7670 or chani@ sosaz.org.

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 75

JKids & Teens too

Ester Vider, owner of Hebrew in Your Hands

INSIDE 76 Hebrew in your hands 78 Third graders share their thoughts on Thanksgiving 80 JTO hosts family fun day at the JCC 82 I've been saved 82 Kids and Teens calendar 76 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Local educator’s innovative workbooks put Hebrew in your hands

By Nancy Ben-Asher Ozeri

It’s no secret that children learn best when they are physically and actively engaged with a subject. As a teacher, while Ester Vider was homeschooling her two children, she searched for ways to make learning Hebrew more tactile, fun and memorable.

Growing up in the United States with an Israeli mother, her children spoke Hebrew, but learning to read and write her native language presented new challenges for them.

So Ester invented a series of original workbooks that children can assemble, color and decorate to learn Hebrew letters and simple words, Jewish holidays and general Jewish knowledge.

“I wanted them to learn Hebrew and I wanted it to be fun and hands-on and somewhat crafty, and also to be a bridge to more activities, to spark something beyond the knowledge of the words,” says Ester, who holds a master’s degree in educational research and evaluation from Tel Aviv University. “In all of my years as an educator, I was looking for learning by understanding and doing, not by memorizing.”

A friend saw one of her workbooks and loved the idea, so Ester made her a copy. She shared the concept with other friends and teachers, receiving an enthusiastic response that encouraged her to launch Hebrew in Your Hands.

Each consumable workbook contains perforated letter-size pages, printed on one side with black-and-white line drawings.

Following simple origami instructions that are included in the workbook, children tear out, cut and fold each individual page into a 3 x 4 inch mini-booklet, which they can color, decorate and read.

“Because the child is cutting, folding and coloring, they develop ownership and pride.

It’s theirs; there’s only one like it in the whole world. This increases the likelihood of them going back to use it, read it and show it to people, therefore immersing themselves more in the learning,” says Ester, who has lived in Tucson since 2006.

The books are so small, they can be stored in a shoebox. Ester encourages students to decorate their own shoebox libraries – “My Hebrew Books” stickers are included.

The Little Book of Aleph-Bet workbook includes a mini-book for each Hebrew letter. The Little Book of Jewish Holidays contains 12 mini-books and The Little Book of Jewish Knowledge has 10. Each mini-book addresses one topic (e.g., The Little Book of Israel), using line drawings, Hebrew words with English translation and transliteration. They are cute and fun to fold.

Hebrew in Your Hands is currently being used in the religious schools at Tucson

Congregations Anshei Israel, Bet Shalom and Or Chadash.

The workbooks can be incorporated into the curriculum or added as enrichment activities to do in class or take home.

Although the tiny books were designed with younger children in mind, Ester says they’re a hit with teens as well. “The beauty of it is that anybody who wants to learn something about Judaism and Hebrew can learn from them. Initially, I thought it would be for ages 4-8, but I’ve seen a lot of teenagers really liking them, playing with them at community events. I didn’t anticipate that.”

Hebrew in Your Hands has a double meaning, according to Ester. The mini-books are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, so literally, you hold Hebrew in your hands. The process of creating them gives the student a sense of control, so your learning is in your hands as well.

Ester also incorporates her hands-on educational philosophy into the Jewish cooking class she teaches at Temple EmanuEl. “It is so much fun because we talk about what the holidays mean, but they are also doing something, they are creating Jewish food. Then they go home and talk about it, and they do it again,” says Ester, who grew up in Aseret, a small moshav (agricultural community) just north of Tucson’s Partnership2Gether region of Hof Ashkelon.

Locally, Hebrew in Your Hands workbooks are available through the Temple Emanu-El gift shop in Tucson. You can also order them from info@hebrewinyourhands.com or 520665-8921. For more information, visit hebrewinyourhands.com.

Ballerina Dreams • Open Enrollment • Small Class Sizes • Nurturing Environment • Renowned Facility • Effective Curriculum • Ages 3-Adult

2326 E. Indian School Rd. • 602.957.3364

www.ballettheatreofphx.com Workbook options available through Hebrew In Your Hands ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 77

JKids & Teens too

Third graders share their thoughts on Thanksgiving

In anticipation of celebrating Thanksgiving,

just about everyone’s favorite secular holiday, we asked some third graders at Pardes Jewish Day School in Scottsdale to tell us what they are thankful for, and also what they most enjoy at the traditional holiday feast. Following are their answers, compiled by Leni Reiss.

IKE RUSH

I’m thankful for my family. My older brother just went to the army. I’m proud of him.

My younger brother is a year old and I play with him. He’s like a baby bully. I’m thankful for writing, math and reading. For Thanksgiving, my mom makes chicken and turkey because some people don’t like turkey.

I love Mom’s brownies and carrot cake.

RAFAEL YOSEF

ELIANA KLEIN

I am thankful for all living things, especially dogs.

My grandparents have two dogs, Oliver and Rascal. I want a dog too – I might get one for my birthday. At Thanksgiving, I like the drumstick. My mom saves it for me. Sometimes we have brisket plus turkey.

78 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

I’m thankful that I’m not homeless. I have a brother and two sisters and we play hide and seek and stuff. I’m happy to live in America.

I like my friends at Pardes. I like the turkey on Thanksgiving and sometimes we have noodles – and sometimes we go to a restaurant.

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SADIE AZULAY

I’m thankful that my mom lets us gets lots of pets. We have guinea pigs and a hamster named Lulu. Abba lets us have lots of hot dogs when he cooks for us. I’m a very picky eater. Last year at Thanksgiving we had butter shaped like a turkey and I put lots of it on the bread. I like corn and bell peppers. I never tasted cranberry sauce.

LEEZA ZACH

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I’m thankful for Mom and Dad, and my big sister, Rose, goes to Pardes too. I have the best teachers. We have family dinners and talk about our day.

We go on lots of trips.

On Thanksgiving, my mom makes the best mashed potatoes. I help Mom make apple pie. It’s an easy recipe.

I like the cranberry sauce that comes in a can.

LEVI SHEPHARD

I am thankful to celebrate with my mom and dad, grandparents, aunt, uncles and cousins. They all live in Arizona. One time my grandparents took us on a surprise trip to Disneyland. My bubbe makes really good matzah ball soup, but we don’t have it on Thanksgiving. I like cranberry sauce.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 79

JKids & Teens too

JTO hosts Family Fun Day at the JCC

The Jewish Tuition Organization ( JTO) will host a Family Fun Day on Nov. 13 from noon to 4 pm at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus at 12701 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. The family event will have inflatables generously provided by Simon Kreisberger of The Play Factory, activities, carnival games, music by JMan Entertainment and a demonstration of the Israeli art of self-defense by East Valley Krav Maga. Admission is free and open to the community.

Lunch is available for purchase.

The event will also provide an opportunity to discover Jewish day schools and information on JTO Jewish day school scholarships. In addition, if eligible families register at one of the day schools represented during Family Fun Day, they may be awarded one of the available Discovery Day School grants.

These grants are for families with need-based qualifications and will be awarded after the event, but the grants are only eligible to those who register at Family Fun Day. The six schools supported by the JTO will be at the event to answer questions and provide information. The schools participating are Desert Jewish Academy, Chandler (grades K-6), Pardes Jewish Day School, Scottsdale (grades K-8), Phoenix Hebrew Academy, Phoenix (grades K-8), Torah Day School, Phoenix (grades K-8), Shearim Torah High School for Girls, Phoenix and Yeshiva High School of Phoenix. Family Fun Day provides a perfect opportunity for families to learn 80 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

more about the offerings of these Valley Jewish day schools and speak with representatives from each school. “Whether your children are currently attending preschool and you’re looking for a day school to start your child’s educational career, or you currently have a child or children attending another school and you’re interested in switching schools, please come out, enjoy the day and learn more about our schools,” says JTO Executive Director Linda Zell. “This will be a wonderful family day, regardless of your educational interests,” continues Zell.

The JTO is a student tuition organization (STO) that provides need-based scholarships to students who attend one of six area Jewish day schools. Need-based scholarships are available to any eligible child attending one of the JTO participating day schools. “The JTO’s goal is to provide any child who wants to attend a Jewish day school the ability to do so. We don’t want our affiliated schools to turn away any child regardless of the family’s ability to pay for a Jewish education,” says Zell.

Funds raised by the JTO come from the Arizona private school tuition tax credit, a dollar-for-dollar tax credit available to both individuals and corporations. All JTO scholarships are need-based and more than 90 percent of funds raised are distributed through scholarships. For more information call 480-634-4926 or visit jtophoenix.org.

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 81

JKids & Teens too [Family Time]

I’ve been saved!

By Debra Rich Gettleman

Look, I’m Jewish. I have no identity problems. I’m not selfloathing (at least not for my religious preferences). I was raised Conservative with one set of Orthodox grandparents. We keep kosher, fervently observe all Jewish holidays and celebrate Shabbat every week.

But I have to confess something. I find tremendous comfort in Christian rock music. Whenever I say that out loud, my Jewish friends, family and colleagues are shocked and dismayed.

“You’re kidding, right?” is the most frequent response I encounter. But it’s the truth and I’m not afraid to say it.

Sure, there are plenty of songs to which I don’t relate. I check out at the explicit Jesus references and any talk about “our father who died for our sins.” But most of it is completely aligned with our own Jewish spiritual philosophy. Songs about “hanging on,” “believing,” “never giving up,” I can’t see those as heretical or anti-Jewish in any way.

My affinity for Christian music bothers my family – a lot.

I try to play it in the car sometimes when I’m shuffling the kids to and from clubs, appointments and Hebrew school.

I think the positive, uplifting messages will seep into their subconscious and improve long-term coping skills as they inevitably meet with obstacles and disappointments in life.

That’s all well and good until an unsuspected reference to our savior and king surfaces. Then the jig is up. “Mom, will you stop with the Christian music. It’s just weird, OK?” Then they inevitably remind me of my 2007 trip to Sedona when they were seven and almost four. It was New Year’s Eve and I was driving with the boys to meet some friends for the holiday. It was cold and snowy but I had plenty of daylight and I knew it was a relatively short trip. Of course, once it started to get dark, I realized I’d been driving for over three hours and that I might have made a bum turn or taken a wrong exit.

When I finally found a safe spot to pull over, I was slightly

hysterical and began sobbing into the steering wheel. As we sat there in the cold car somewhere on the side of a road, me weeping and the boys growing ever more anxious, there was a sudden tapping on my window. I looked up and saw the kindly countenance of a woman motioning to me to roll down the window. I did so and she asked me if I was okay. I admitted between whimpers that I was not. “I’m trying to get to Sedona,” I sniffled. “But we’re lost, and I have no idea where we are.”

She took my hands into hers and said, “May I pray to Jesus with you?” My boys watched with wide eyes as I emphatically said, “Yes!” Then she offered up a prayer to the big guy, asking for him to help us find our way and to protect us on our journey. She pointed me towards a neighboring town which I later learned was Strawberry and with renewed hope and vitality I set out to find our path to salvation.

I was able to get us turned around and back on the road and managed to successfully make it to our cabin in the woods, just slightly late for dinner. But the more people I told about my redemption tale, the more I was met with uncertain stares and stifled laughter. “What?” I asked friends and family, who I could tell were holding themselves back from full-throttled chortling at my experience. “I got where I needed to go. That’s all I’m sayin’.”

As we move ever closer to the holiday season this year, I encourage all to count blessings, believe in miracles and stay open to inspiration, from wherever it may come.

Debra Rich Gettleman is a mother, blogger, actor and playwright. For more of her work, visit unmotherlyinsights.com

Kids & Teen

EVENTS November

Ongoing:

CLUB J AT THE VALLEY OF THE SUN JCC

Provides after-school programming ranging from sports to cooking and crafts to Israeli culture and more for those in K-8. Transportation from nearby schools available. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-634-4949 or youth@vosjcc.org, vosjcc.org.

J CARE AT THE EAST VALLEY JCC

Parent drop-off or bus transportation from area schools for grades K-7. Includes homework club, cooking, Israeli culture, dance, sports, 82 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

gymnastics and more. Early pick-ups from Kyrene schools on Wednesday early dismissals. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N Alma School Road, Chandler. Contact Jeff at 480-897-0588 or hastj@evjcc.org, evjcc.org.

J-CARE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM AT THE TUCSON JCC

Includes a variety of activities, Homework Hangout program (help from education specialists), arts, sports or teens can hang in the Youth Lounge.

Bus transportation from schools available for K-12. Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E River Road, Tucson. Contact Scott at 520-2993000 ext. 192 or szorn@tucsonjcc.org, tucsonjcc.org.

Nov. 1

STORYTIME IN THE NORTHWEST WITH PJ LIBRARY at 10 am at the Jewish Federation Northwest, 190 W Magee Road #162, Oro Valley. Storytime featuring PJ Library books followed by snacks. We have guest readers and guitar players, seasonal crafts, outdoor play and more!

Meet other Jewish parents, grandparents and caretakers. For newborn through age 5, but all ages and abilities are welcome. 520-505-4161 or northwestjewish@jfsa.org.

Nov. 2 & 30

STORYTIME FOR TOTS! Bring your tots, ages 2-5, for story time, featuring fun education on butterflies, caterpillars and more! Included with admission: $19.95 adults, $17.95 ages 13-17, $12.95 ages 3-12, ages 2 and under free. 10 am. Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-800-3000 or butterflywonderland.com.

Nov. 4

TOT SHABBAT at 5:45-8 pm at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550

E 5th St., Tucson. Special Kabbalat Shabbat Service for young families to welcome the Sabbath with stories and songs, followed by kid-friendly Shabbat dinner. $25 per family (2 adults & up to 4 children). Additional adults $10 per person. RSVP to Kim, 520-745-5550 ext. 224 or edasst@ caiaz.org.

Nov. 4, 11, 18 & 25

KID’S NIGHT OUT – Friends-giving for grades K-5 at the Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 6-10 pm. Parents, enjoy the night out while the kids make their own dinner, play games and make some feathered friends crafts. $30 non-members, $20 for members. 480634-4949 or youth@vosjcc.org.

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT at Xtreme Gymnastics, 15821 N 79th St. #3, Scottsdale from 6-10 pm. Leave your kids for a fun-filled Saturday evening of gymnastics fun, games and group activities while you go out and have a lively time of your own! For ages 3-12; open to non-members. $24/ individual, $58/family. Reservations required. 480-596-3543 or xtreme@ xtremegymnastics.com.

TWEEN’S NIGHT OUT – Cracker Jax at the Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 6-10 pm. 6th through 8th graders start the evening in The J’s Teen Lounge for Havdalah and mixers, then hop in the vans for an evening of fun at Cracker Jax. All entry costs are included and a snack is provided upon return to The J by 9:35 pm. $50 non-members, $40 members. 480-634-4949 or youth@vosjcc.org.

Nov. 13

SUPER SUNDAY IN THE HALLWAY – Giving Thanks at the Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N Scottsdale Road from 10 am-3 pm. Familyfriendly open house with PJ Library story time, games, bounce house and personalized turkey centerpiece craft making. 480-634-4949 or youth@ vosjcc.org.

MOMMY & ME ROCK SHABBAT at Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center, 15030 N 64th St., Scottsdale from 9-10:30 am.

Teacher-led class for moms and their children ages infant to 2 years.

Moms connect and share experiences while their children learn and grow.

Classes are just $5 per class (or $35 for a 10-class pass) for Temple Kol Ami members. Non-members pay $10 per class (or $75 for a 10- class pass). For registration or information contact 480-951-5825 or tkaecc@ templekolami.org.

FAMILY YOGA at the Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N Scottsdale Road.

Nov. 6

Nov.18

BABIES AND BAGELS CLUB Noah’s Ark Adventure from 10-11:30 am at TRAK Ranch, 3250 E Allen Road, Tucson. Learn all about animals hands-on at this amazing ranch that has horses, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, and help Noah pack the ark. Activities, snacks. $8 fee per adult and child. Space is limited; RSVP to Mila, 520-327-4501 or mila@ templeemanueltucson.org.

Nov. 7, 14, 21 & 28

PARENT-TOT CLASS for ages up to 24 months and their parent(s).

Participants sign songs, make art projects, read stories, have a snack and share parenting advice. Free. 9-11 am at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E 5th St., Tucson. 520-745-5550 ext. 229 or lynne@caiaz.org.

Nov. 11

SHABBAT ROCKS! Service & Family Shabbat Dinner at Temple Emanu-El, 225 N Country Club Road, Tucson from 5:30-8 pm. Shabbat dinner at 5:30 pm of kosher chicken and sides (vegetarian upon request).

Then an energetic, musical Shabbat service for the whole family at 6:30 pm, featuring the Avanim Rock Band, followed by dessert oneg. All are welcome; please RSVP for the dinner. Diner is $12/adults, under 13 free.

520-327-4501 or mila@templeemanueltucson.org.

Nov. 12

K’TON TIME at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E 5th St., Tucson

from 10:30-11 am. This fun & lively 20-minute service led by Gabby Erbst includes songs, prayers, stories & games; playground time for kids & schmoozing time for parents; kid-friendly kiddush. Geared to families with kids ages 1 to 6, but every family is welcome! 520-745-5550 or rabbi@ caiaz.org.

Fun yoga poses, animated breathing and soothing techniques awaken your inner-child in this light-hearted class for adults and children ages 5 and up from 12:30-1:30 pm. Adults without children and all levels are welcome.

Members are free. 480-481-7015 or healthandfitness@vosjcc.org.

JTO HOSTS FAMILY FUN DAY AT THE JCC See Page 80.

SHABBAT STAY and Play/Shabbat on the Go features singing and

blessings in the art gallery, a special lunch discount for participating parents and children and play space fun immediately following. 10 am at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E River Road, Tucson. Free.

520-299-3000 ext. 236 or tucsonjcc.org.

“RHYTHM AND RUACH” Family Shabbat Service & Dinner at

Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E 5th St., Tucson from 5:45-8:30 pm.

Service begins with a “drum circle” – instruments are supplied, you bring the rhythm! Percussion instruments will be available for all who wish to participate. Then Shabbat dinner, followed by Open Lounge in the Youth Center with games and fun. $25 per family (2 adults & up to 4 children).

Additional adults $10 per person. RSVP to Kim, 520-745-5550 ext. 224 or edasst@caiaz.org.

Nov. 25-27; ongoing in Dec.

WINTER WONDERLAND begins at Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale. Kick off the holiday season with their tranquil blue, white and silver decor. Every Saturday and Sunday, and every day from December 19 through 23, 7-foot tall living angels with expansive wings add an ethereal aura to the conservatory from 10am-4pm, while musical groups Nouveau Papillon, the Scottsdale String Quartet and harpist Adrienne Bridgewater fill the air with the serene sounds of the season from 11am-3pm. Included with admission: $19.95 adults, $17.95 ages 13-17, $12.95 ages 3-12, ages 2 and under free. Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-800-3000 or butterflywonderland.com.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 83

[Israel]

Shared Vision, Shared Values at the IAC conference

Arizona Jewish Life Publisher Cindy Saltzman was among the 2,100 activists and leaders who descended on Washington, DC, Sept. 24-26 for the Israeli-America Council’s sold out national conference. Israeli and Jewish Americans gathered for three energizing days of inspiring lectures, workshops, panels and activities presented by 180 thought leaders from across the nation, Israel and around the world.

“U.S. & Israel: Shared Vision. Shared Values” was the theme of one evening that included an Ambassadors Fireside Chat with three of Israel’s most distinguished diplomats – former UN Ambassador Ron Prosor, former UN Ambassador and the current Director General of the Foreign Ministry Dore Gold, and former U.S. Ambassador and the current Deputy Minister for Diplomacy Michael Oren.

1 Cindy Saltzman with Jonathan S. Kessler, Director of Strategic Initiatives, AIPAC.

1

2 Tamir Pinkus outside the conference in Washington, DC with Jonathan Grunin, Los Angeles Fellow at AIPAC

2 84 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

3

4

“We are seeing a revolutionary change in Israel’s foreign relations,” said Oren, citing growing relationships in East Asia, Africa and the Arab world. “We enhance life around the world because our message is that we are the same – we represent the same values, the same liberties, the same freedoms.”

The week after the conference, the Jerusalem Post recognized Adam Milstein, IAC co-founder and chair, as one of the 50 most influential Jewish figures who have made an impact in the world over the last year, and have the potential to effect change in years to come. Launched in 2007, IAC is now active in more than 27 states, we are the fastest-growing Jewish organization in America.

“This award is a testament to the historic accomplishments of the Israeli-American community in recent years,” said Milstein.

3 Arizona Jewish Life magazine’s Publisher, Cindy Saltzman (far left) was joined by the Phoenix contingent at the conference including (from left) Stuart Wachs, Ronny Urman, Sigal Nini Urman, Susan Bondy and Shahar Edry.

4 Stuart Wachs (left), President & CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, Alon Ben-David, an Israeli television and print journalist and Shahar Edry , IAC Arizona Regional Director.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 85

[Israel]

7 7 On Sept. 25, Senator Charles Schumer addressed the crowd stating the “U.S. should never use the UN as a forum to put pressure on Israel.”

8 Tamir Pinkus (right) with Galia Albin, CEO of Almedia Holdings.

5

6

5 Adam Milstein (left), co-founder and National Chairman of the Israeli American Council participates in a discussion with Sheldon G. Adelson, founding chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation.

6 Former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani.

8 86 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

University of Arizona hosting Modern Israel Conference

The Second Annual Modern Israel Conference will be held Dec. 4-5 at The University of Arizona. The title for this year’s conference is Balancing Unity and Diversity – Israel’s Changing Society and Politics.

Guest speakers slated for Sunday, Dec. 4 include the following professors: Dan Ben-David (Tel Aviv University), Aomar Boum (UCLA) and Elie Rekhess (Northwestern University). The speakers for Monday, Dec. 5 include professors: Joel Peters (Virginia Tech University), Shibley Telhami (University of Maryland), Ilan Troen (Brandeis University), Yoram Peri (University of Maryland) and Asher Susser (University of Arizona).

There will be a dinner and a lecture by Professor Anita Shapira (Prof. Emerita, Tel Aviv University) as part of The Shaol & Louis Pozez Memorial Lectureship Series at 7 pm on Monday, Dec. 5.

Since Israel’s founding in 1948, the country has changed in almost every respect. The relationship between the Palestinian-Arab minority and the state has undergone profound changes as well. On the one hand, the Arab population has been integrated into all walks of Israeli life. But on the other hand, the relationship has also become more nationally antagonistic, as Israel remains in conflict with its Arab citizens’ Palestinian brethren in the West Bank and Gaza.

Initially isolated in a very hostile Middle Eastern neighborhood, Israel now has peace treaties with some of its Arab neighbors and common interests with others. It also has close ties with a few of the non-Arab states of the region. In the international arena, it had close ties with France in the early years, which were replaced by an intimate alliance with the US since the mid-1960s. Though it faced a very hostile

Shibley Telhami

Aomar Boum

Anita Shapira

Soviet Union in the Cold War, Israel today has amicable relations with Russia, and it has also developed a network of critically important political and economic relationships with India, China and Japan.

This conference will take place in the Grand Ballroom of the Student Union at the University of Arizona, 1303 E University Blvd., Tucson and the conference dinner will be at the Tucson Marriott University Park, 880 E 2nd St., Tucson.

The conference runs from 9 am-3 pm on Dec. 4 and from 9 am-4 pm on Dec. 5; with dinner and keynote address at 7 pm. The cost of tickets range from $50-$150 with a discount for students. For more information or to register online, visit judaic.arizona.edu/IsraelConference2016.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 87

J

TO LIFE!

This Thanksgiving, dish up the gratitude!

By Amy Hirshberg Lederman

g n i v i L

INSIDE

88 This Thanksgiving, Dish Up the Gratitude!

90 The Shabbat Project and Great Challah Bake

92 Cory Shapiro: Helping Jews to Schmooze

94 Faces and Places 96 Previews 88 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

My husband, Ray, was diagnosed with diabetes in 1962, when he was 12 years old. Back in those days, it was a big ordeal to manage juvenile diabetes. There were no glucometers, insulin pumps or disposable syringes to ease the way or help parents keep their children’s blood sugar under control. And when, in 1985, Ray was diagnosed with celiac disease (unknown then but now commonly referred to as gluten intolerance), the monitoring of foods became all the more difficult because of his diabetes.

I always wondered how I would have handled it, if it had been me. What if I had been saddled with diabetes as I was just beginning to fight off pimples and adolescent insecurities? How would I have felt if, after having been denied sugar for so many years, I could no longer eat pasta, bagels or cake? I’m pretty sure I would have ranted a lot, at least to close friends. And I know I would have wanted recognition for being “such a good sport” when others ordered pizza and I was stuck eating a rice cake with cheese.

But not Ray. He just managed to find ways to work around each challenge and never lost sight of the fact that he still was one lucky man.

Ray’s approach to life was inspiring. His acceptance of his life, in the face of struggles, fears, losses and even death, was born from the belief that we are not entitled to anything but that we should remain grateful for all that we have. He was a man who exemplified what it means to live in gratitude.

During the course of Ray’s illness and since his death, I have tried to cultivate this approach to life. It is a daily discipline – of heart, mind and even of the words I use. But living in gratitude has helped me put my life back on track by guiding me to focus on all that I have now, not what I’ve lost or no longer have. And it works… most of the time.

When it doesn’t, I accept that my sadness or sense of loss needs to be recognized, too. So I hold it for a while and when I’m ready, I let it go again until the next time.

But these moments are less frequent and intense as the days roll into months and soon, years.

Gratitude is the appreciation for what we have that is good in our lives. From the moment we wake up in the morning, we have things to be grateful for. A good night’s rest in a warm bed, waking up in a safe place, a job to go to or a family to feed. Simple things that we often overlook and take for granted.

In Hebrew, the word for gratitude is hakarat hatov, which means “recognition of the good,” especially of the good things that others have done for us. Hakarat hatov is meant to make us feel good about ourselves. It requires us to stop, look around and remember the times in our lives when others were there for us because they cared or appreciated us. When we recognize that a parent has worked hard to help us go to college or that a boss has given us a bonus because he values our work, we feel worthy, valued and loved. Simply put, cultivating gratitude is one way to become a happier person.

But the essence of gratitude lies within our attitude. So much of whether we feel grateful for things is based on our attitudes about life.

Everyone experiences difficult times. Poor health, failed relationships, financial stresses or family strife can make it very hard to feel upbeat and grateful. While we

can’t always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we feel about it and how we respond. As my father says: “When things are tough, you can have a good attitude or a bad one for the same nickel.”

Gratitude requires us to make the choice to be conscious of what we have, rather than what we lack. It asks us to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. One way to develop gratitude is to take time each day to acknowledge what we have that is good in our life at that very moment. Then, and this is the hard part, to say it aloud – to ourselves and to others to whom we are grateful. It may be as simple as acknowledging that we appreciate a colleague or teacher, or a friend or child for calling to check in. Through this conscious and articulated awareness of the blessings in our life, we cultivate gratitude and often, joy.

This Thanksgiving, consider serving a big dish of gratitude with your turkey and stuffing. Take the gratitude challenge and spend time during the meal sharing something for which you are grateful. Your family will leave feeling filled up – not only from the pumpkin pie but from the good feelings and happiness that gratitude provides.

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

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 89

JLiving

Photo taken at the 2015 Great AZ Challah Bake at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center.

The Shabbat Project and Great AZ Challah Bake

By Mala Blomquist

The concept is simple: Jews from all walks of life, from across the spectrum – religious, secular and traditional, young and old, from all corners of the world – unite to experience one full Shabbat together, in full accordance with Jewish law.

The Shabbat Project is a global, grassroots movement that brings Jews from across the world together around the shared heritage of Shabbat. The initiative was originally introduced in South Africa in 2013, and during that time, Jews were brought together in unprecedented ways.

90 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

It provides an opportunity to rejuvenate family and community life, restore Jewish pride and identity, and strengthen Jewish unity across the globe. The Shabbat Project is about creating a new Jewish future based on Jewish unity, pride and values.

This year, the Shabbat Project will be held on Nov. 11-12.

There will be more than 2 million Jews participating in 75 countries around the world. In the Valley, there are many organizations holding services, dinner or lunch in honor of

YOUR YOURDOWNTOWN DOWNTOWNPHOENIX PHOENIXCONGREGATION CONGREGATION

the Shabbat Project, either in their location or individual homes. There is a listing of Shabbat Project event partners at shabbatprojectaz.com.

Your Downtown Phoenix Congregation MEETS AT CUTLER PLOTKIN JEWISH HERITAGE CENTER 122 E. Culver St. Phoenix, AZ 85004

SPIRITUAL Cultural

Educational

The Great AZ Challah Bake

An event that precedes The Shabbat Project is The Great AZ Challah Bake. For more than a hundred generations, Jewish women throughout the world have fulfilled this beautiful and Arizona Jewish Life ad_Layout 1 8/20/2016 8:51 AM Page 1 life-transforming mitzvah of making challah.

During this annual event, more than 500,000 Jewish women and girls will come together worldwide to make challah and Ancestral Ethical learn about the special message behind this Shabbat bread. The Communal event began two years ago in the Valley, “Last year we had over 1,000 women participate in the Challah Bake at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center. The first year, we had 600.”

Shabbatand andHoliday Holiday Shabbat creative services, services. Customized says Esther Bronsteyn, Program Administrator for Phoenix creative Weddings, Baby Namings, Bar/ Custom Weddings, Baby Namings, Community Kollel.

Bat Mitzvahs, and Memorials Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and Memorials Nancy Nachman shared about her experience at the Challah performed by Ceremonial Leader.

Bake, “The spiritual ritual of hundreds of women coming SPECIAL together in one night to bake challah together moved us November 11 AdultSample B’nai Mitzvah Women’s Clothing Sale SHABBAT Jeffrey Schesnol beyond words. It is something we do every year now, and it 70-90% off. All sizes.

Jeffrey Schesnol, FESTIVE IISHJ Ordained Makrikh & IISHJ & AHA Officiant, Sundays,9 May 15thHANUKKAH & 22th helps us remember the magic of Shabbos in our own homes.”

December YOUTH SHABBAT AHA Endorsed Celebrant Ceremonial Leader & Endorsed Celebrant 10:00AM—3:00PM Ceremonial & Spiritual Leader The Great AZ Challah Bake for women and girls, ages nine and up, happens Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Ina Levine Jewish Or Adam Congregation Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. www.oradam.com | www.oradam.com | oradaminfo@gmail.com oradaminfo@gmail.com | 480.865.4710 480.663.7788 Doors open at 6 pm and the event begins at 6:45 pm. Register online at shabbatprojectaz.com/great-az-challah-bake or by calling 602-433-0300 ext. 105.

There is also a Mega Challah Bake event planned in Tucson on Nov. 10 at 7 pm. The Tucson Jewish Community Center (the Tucson J) will partner with Chabad Tucson for the Mega Challah Bake at the Tucson J Ballroom, 3800 E. River Road, Tucson. This is the third year that the two organizations will collaborate to bring a part of the grassroots Shabbos Project to Tucson.

The evening provides an opportunity for a multi-generational “Mark Field and his team helped to pay off several of my group of women and girls to learn to make, knead and braid credit cards and helped me into a great mortgage. I would challah, the traditional bread of Jewish holiday and ritual. More use their services again and will refer friends and neighbors.” than 300 women are expected to attend.

— Ellen Fisher, Retired US Government employee Baking challah is a time-honored mitzvah, or blessing, dating back to the Jewish Matriarchs. Traditionally, a woman makes “I pride myself on honest and blessings while preparing the dough, and these are believed ethical mortgage practices, to bring joy into our homes and into the lives of friends and leading to many repeat and family. The Tucson J has recently launched a Shabbat initiative that encourages families to learn about and incorporate referral clients.” — Mark Field Sabbath observances in their homes.

The event is open to women and girls, ages nine and up.

Early Bird tickets are $18 at MegaChallahTucson.com. After MARK FIELD November 1, tickets are $25. Sponsorship of a full table is $225 Senior Loan Officer (9 tickets) and enables those who may not have the means to GENEVA FINANCIAL NMLS# 965030 NMLS 42056 / AZ BK-0910215 US Navy Veteran participate as well. Register at MegaChallahTucson.com.

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602-241-2500 ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | NOVEMBER 2016 91

JLiving

Cory Shapiro: Schmooze fun at spring training in March.

By Masada Siegel

Helping Jews to Schmooze

If you asked me to describe Cory Shapiro in one word, I would say he’s akin to a “mayor” of the young Jewish event world. He knows everyone, continues to meet new people and is always organizing events that blossom into organizations where hundreds if not thousands of lives are affected.

Cory, who works at Arizona State University as the assistant director of leadership and development for the Office of University Housing, leads the recruitment, training and professional development efforts for both student staff and professional staff in his department. He spent the last 14 years working professionally for housing departments and his graduate degrees focus on student development.

“I really enjoy working at a university that values innovation and provides so many opportunities to make a difference for our students. I’ve always been involved in Jewish life, though not always as an organizer or a leader,” he says, with a smile.

Originally from Toronto, Cory moved with his family to Scottsdale as an infant.

“I grew up as an active member of Temple Solel and as a leader for its youth group and the Southwest Federation of Temple Youth. I attended Hebrew High, went to Jewish summer camps and eventually became a staff member at the Greene Family Camp [in Bruceville, TX], participated in Hillel at The University of Arizona, and was a religious school teacher 92 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

and youth group advisor at a synagogue in Tucson. When I moved to Columbus, OH, I helped lead the Reform services at Hillel as a graduate student and was involved in several synagogues. Upon returning to Phoenix, I craved a Jewish experience, which I was able to create with my friends.”

When he returned home to the Phoenix Jewish community in 2006, several of his friends were looking for a Jewish experience. They decided to host Shabbat potluck dinners with a mini-service.

Cory explains, “We each invited a few friends and had a great time, so one month after another, we hosted a larger and larger Shabbat potluck, which we eventually called ShabbatLuck.

ShabbatLuck’s mission was to provide the Greater Phoenix area with a Shabbat potluck experience for Jewish young adults in their 20s and 30s. ShabbatLuck held large dinners with more than 100 attendees, smaller dinners in individual homes and specialty events in partnership with other organizations. Over 4,000 people attended 200 of our events from 2007 through 2013.”

Cory also realized that it was difficult to find a connection to a synagogue as a young adult, so he worked with more than 25 synagogues over a five-year span to get hundreds of High Holiday tickets into the hands of young adults in the area, in exchange for a donation and possible future involvement

FEDERATION NOTES

Connecting with our Jewish Homeland in their community.

This became known as the Cool Shul Campaign, which under the leadership of NowGen has evolved into the Congregation Connection program.

Cory did not stop with his efforts to unite the young Jewish Cory Shapiro, founder of Schmooze. community.

“During the summer of 2015, one of my friends and I realized that now that we are in our 30s there are fewer opportunities to meet other Jewish community members our age. We decided to create an experience where singles could meet other singles, couples meet other couples, and young families meet other young families. Thus, Schmooze was started as a Jewish social organization to bring together singles and couples in their 30s and 40s, as well as young families in their 20s through 40s. We kicked off the organization with The Big Schmooze in October 2015, when 61 singles and couples came together at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society, followed by our Young Families Kick-Off with 25 families at Cactus Park in November 2015. We have now hosted 24 events, as of the end of October 2016. We are in the planning stages of The Big Schmooze II,” Cory says.

Schmooze functions are arranged by a group of 12 volunteers and they are always looking for more assistance.

Cory grins, “Schmooze events are important, as we are one of the bridges from the organizations that focus on the 20s and the synagogues that often have an active focus towards young families. Many of our members are not members of synagogues or want to expand their social circles beyond their synagogues. I enjoy helping to facilitating the ‘schmoozing’ and relationships between community members, whether singles, couples or young families.”

During the last few years, Cory has been a part of the Anti-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute, Valley Beit Midrash’s Start Me Up! Fellowship, a participant in the Germany Close Up program (through Action Reconciliation Service for Peace), a past board member for Young Jewish Phoenix (NowGen), and a current board member for the Phoenix Jewish Genetic Diseases Center and AVIV of Arizona.

As if he is not busy enough, he laughs as he says, “I enjoy getting to know community members and I am always up for partnering with different organizations on an event or initiative.”

For more information on Schmooze visit azschmooze.com or contact them at info@azschmooze.com.

By Stuart Wachs One of the core areas of focus for the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix is Israel. Whether this is funding programs and services in Israel through our incredible partners the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), helping to bring people to Israel or providing local programs and services through our core impact area of Israel advocacy. We want to help everyone explore and understand Israel with all of its complexities and challenges. We want to celebrate Israel for its amazing success.

Engaging around Israel, after all, is not just about the tragedies, risks and threats, but also about the beauty of both the land and the people. It’s about connecting to our Jewish homeland.

Locally, we have partnered with the Israeli American Council to deliver Israel-related programs and events. At the recent national conference in Washington, DC, IAC CEO Shoham Nicolet highlighted our federation and community in his speech for engaging our local Israelis with our Jewish community. The federation is thrilled to expand our partnership with the launch of a regional IAC office here in Phoenix to bring increased resources and programming into our community. A recent example is the Etanim program, which launched last month.

It brings together Israeli-American and Jewish-American high school students and mentors them in the areas of entrepreneurship, innovation and Israel.

The federation is honored to bring Israel’s Ambassador to the United Stated Ron Dermer here for a very special presentation on Nov. 3. He will speak on current events and the challenges and opportunities facing Israel. He also provides an Israeli perspective on US-Israel relations. Incredibly, Ambassador Dermer is not the only key Israeli leader the federation will bring to the Valley. On March 1, 2017, the federation will present Mega Israel, featuring former Prime Minister Ehud Barak.

The federation also works to bring Israel to the Arizona State University campus through our support of Hillel and Jewish Arizonans on Campus (JAC) and the federation-funded Israel education position. Federation NowGen also connects Israel to our community’s young Jewish adults through federation funding and collaborative partnerships, including Moishe House, JNFuture, the federation-supported JDC Entwine program and our own programming.

We believe strongly that being a partner and convener of community organizations focusing on support of, engagement with and love of Israel is critical. We are your federation and we are committed to building vibrancy in our local community and creating a passion for Israel. It is through our community’s generosity that we are able to support, engage, enlighten and enrich the communities we serve. Thank you.

Stuart Wachs is president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.

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FACES & PLACES

NOW YOU’RE COOKING! – On Sept. 20, over 60 women enjoyed Cooking for the King, presented by the Phoenix Kollel Women’s Division at the Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale. The event featured a wonderful cooking demo with Chef Renee Rousso Chernin and participants sampled delicious Rosh Hashanah recipes. Pictured: Nechama Ashin, Esther Bronestyn, Dina Bacharach, Chef Renee Rousso Chernin (holding one of her cookbooks), Cindy Landesman, Bayla Neuwirth and Mimi Gonsky.

LEADING THE WAY – Participants in The Conversation: Jewish in America in September at Maryland’s Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center included several Arizonans. From left, Phoenician Leni Reiss, Arizona Jewish Life contributing editor; Tucsonian Helaine Levy, executive director of Diamond Family Philanthropies; and Phoenix native, New York-based Eden Pearlstein, a rapper/poet, educator and editor. Another Phoenix native who now calls New York home is Lilach Shafir, who served as event facilitator. Lilach is the director of international education and Jewish involvement for American Jewish World Service. The Conversation, an invitation-only annual meeting, brings together American Jews who are leaders or emerging leaders in their fields.

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RENAISSANCE WOMEN – Shoshana Putney from Phoenix participated in the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Leadership Conference, from Sept. 18-20, in College Park, MD. The conference, held in collaboration with Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, gathered Jewish women from across the world to hone their leadership skills and create a global Jewish women’s movement. The annual conference was launched in 2013 with 65 participants from the U.S., Canada and Mexico; and has grown to include some 300 people from nine countries, including Australia, Cuba, Greece, Israel, Panama, Russia, Spain, South Africa and the U.S., this year. Pictured: Shoshana Putney with JWRP founding director Lori Palatnik. Photo by Shlomo Cohen

FACES & PLACES

WARM WELCOME – NowGen Shalom Phoenix hosted a newcomers brunch at the home of NowGen Board Chair Rachel Hoffer.

Twenty guests who were new to Phoenix or the Jewish community received gift bags that included the Arizona Jewish Life 2016-2017 Resource Guide. Sitting: Stephanie Frost, Rachel Hoffer, Ashleigh Schufeldt, Madeline Dolgin, A.J. Frost, Eric Calderon and Ari Porter.

Standing: Lily Behboodi, Leila Mikal, Jason Shender, Ross Goldberg, Steven Sckolnik, Josh Morgenstern, Ashley Morris, Alissa Mroz, Mitch Cohen and Jamie Cohen. Photo by Stacey Cohen

WOMEN’S WORK – Nearly 100 women attended the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix’s inaugural Ladies First event on Sept.

29. Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Ilana Lowery (Moderator), HMA Public Relations Vice President and General Manager Abbie Fink, Co-founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center and CEO and Co-founder of DRA and First Place Arizona Denise Resnik and Arizona State University Global Launch Managing Director Julia Rosen shared how they balance career and philanthropic commitments and how their Jewish background influences their decision to devote time to the community. Photo by Daniel Spiegelman

CELEBRATING LIFE & LEGACY – On Sept. 22, the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix celebrated the first anniversary of the Life & Legacy program with representatives of the 12 community partner organizations, volunteers, donors who signed declarations of commitment through the program and signers of the Endowment Book of Life. Award-winning author and Arizona Jewish Life columnist Amy Hirshberg Lederman was the keynote speaker. Pictured: JCF Board Chair Beth Jo Zeitzer, JCF Life & Legacy Program Director Rachel Rabinovich, JCF Life & Legacy Task Force Co-Chair and Board Member Jonathan Hoffer; JCF President and CEO Richard Kasper, Amy Hirshberg Lederman and Life & Legacy National Director Arlene Schiff. Photo by Ken Brown COURTROOM DRAMA – Randi and Alan Jablin were among audience members at a matinee showing of “Denial,” the true story based on Deborah Lipstadt’s book, History on Trial: My Day in Court With a Holocaust Denier.

Photo by Leni Reiss

HERZLIA REUNION – Phoenix alumni of the Herzlia Jewish day school in Cape Town, South Africa held their first ever reunion on Sept. 27 at the home of Linda and Howard Zell in Scottsdale. They met with Herzlia Director of Finance and Administration Dave Ginsberg, who was in town for a conference. Pictured: Howard Zell, Linda Zell, Efrem Miller, Raun Melmed, Dave Ginsberg, Pete Baron, Irene Baron and Louis Shaban.

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FEDERATION NOTES WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY MITZVAH DAY

Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix has organized a Mitzvah Day on Nov. 6 from 9 am-noon to help some of its strategic partners. Strategic Partners of Federation are key partners who receive an annual core allocation for their organization. Mitzvah Day is open to all women in the Jewish community for a hands-on day of service while learning about the important work of many of federation’s strategic partners.

There are several locations to participate including the East Valley Jewish Community Center, Bureau of Jewish Education, Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Valley Beit Midrash and Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center.

Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Breakfast provided at each site – dietary laws observed. For information contact womensphilanthropy@ jewishphoenix.org or 480-481-1752.

PREVIEWS per organization. Organizations must demonstrate a compelling reason why the Jewish Community Foundation would consider funding the project at a higher level.

Projects must: •Demonstrate a significant impact on established community need(s) •Provide measurable benefit(s) to the population served •Include a plan for sustainability • Include measurable outcomes • Be ready to implement within the funding cycle (April 2016-April 2017) • Serve the greater Phoenix Jewish community As in prior grant cycles, LOI’s for grants less than $25,000 are welcome and do not require prequalification.

For other information, review “information for prospective grant applicants” or the “grantmaking” section of the website at jcfphoenix.org.

Q&A WITH MICHAEL POLLACK

The Federation of Greater Phoenix’s Business and Professionals Division: Real Estate and Finance will host a KICK-OFF KOSHER question and answer session with HOT DOG DAY Michael Pollack. Michael is a real Beth Emeth Congregation’s Men’s estate developer, philanthropist and Michael Pollack Club will host their Kick-Off Kosher entertainer. He will be sharing stories Hot Dog Day on Nov. 6, from from his 43 years in real estate Nov. 11 am-2 pm at Beth Emeth Congregation, 13702 W 10 at the Biltmore Financial Center, 2398 E Camelback Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. The event is open to the public Road #180, Phoenix.

The event begins with networking and all are welcome. and refreshments at 6 pm; program will begin at 6:30 pm.

Another hot dog day was added due to the popularity of the Tickets are $36 for professionals and $18 for students. spring hot dog affair. Nov. 6 was chosen because all of the Register at jewishphoenix.org or contact 480-481-1754. football teams are off that day, so as not to interfere with game viewing.

The menu will be a 1/4 Pound Hebrew National hot dog, can of soda, a bag of chips and condiments – all for $5.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time or at the door. For further information, please call Sandy at 623-584-7210 weekdays (Mon-Fri) between the hours of 9 am and noon.

Payment can be made by cash or checks payable to Beth Emeth Men’s Club.

REQUEST FOR LETTERS OF INTENT DEADLINE The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix is accepting letters of intent in excess of $25,000 for projects serving the Greater Phoenix Jewish community. One award at a higher level may be awarded. LOI's are due by 4 pm on Nov. 7 Pre-qualification is required. Contact Sheryl Quen (info@ jcfphoenix.org) before submitting a request in excess of $25,000. This does not change the limit of one LOI 96 NOVEMBER 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR BELLE LATCHMAN AWARD The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix is now accepting applications for its 2016 Belle Latchman Community Service Award.

This award is given in memory of Belle Latchman, who was deeply involved in many important causes in both the Jewish and general communities. She was the first woman president of the federation and chair of its women’s campaign. She was the recipient of many honors, including the federation’s Medal of Honor.

The award is presented in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the enhancement of the quality of life in the Greater Phoenix area by a local nonprofit Jewish organization, agency, institution or committee.

Contributions should involve innovative, constructive forms of service which perpetuate Jewish values. Programs of

any size, including those done within an organization, as well as those which involve the community at large, are considered.

The award will be presented at the federation’s donor appreciation and awards brunch on Dec. 11.

Applications are due by Tuesday Nov. 15. Application form and information is available at jewishphoenix.org/ bellelatchman.

For further information, call 480-481-1755 or email esearle@jewishphoenix.org.

MARA LIASSON DELIVERS A POST-ELECTION ANALYSIS Scheduled just one week after the most controversial presidential election ever, NPR National Political Correspondent, Mara Liasson will present her analysis that is sure to be astute and intriguing.

The Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona invites the entire community to this free event as it kicks off its annual 2017 Better Together Campaign. The presentation will be on Nov. 16 at 7 pm at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E Fifth St., Tucson.

Mara can regularly be heard on NPR’s All Things Considered and Morning Edition.

Her awardwinning reports range from politics to policy focusing on the White House and Congress and the political trends beyond the Beltway.

Each election year, Mara provides key coverage of Mara Liasson the candidates and issues in both presidential and congressional races. During her tenure, she has covered seven presidential elections.

Before her current assignment, Mara was NPR’s White House correspondent for all eight years of the Clinton administration. She received the White House Correspondents’ Association’s Merriman Smith Award for daily news coverage for 1994, 1995 and 1997.

To register for this free event, visit jfsa.org.

Letters to the Editor Arizona Jewish Life received the following letter and comments regarding articles that appeared in our October 2016 magazine:

Federation Notes: Why federation?

Beyond funding Dear Editor, As board president of the Jewish Tuition Organization ( JTO), I want to clarify a point made by Steven Schwarz in his recent article titled "Federation Notes – Why Federation? Beyond funding."

The theme of the article is Federation's role "beyond funding."

Although no claim is made that Federation funds the JTO, it needs to be added, and emphasized, that the JTO does not receive financial support from the Jewish Federation. The JTO is a separate 501(c)(3) that operates on its own, independent of Federation.

Federation played a role in what became the modern-day JTO, but the two organizations have been separate for a decade. In 2000, the Federation created a 501(c)(3) student tuition organization (STO) known as the Jewish Community Day School Scholarship Fund. In 2006, Linda Zell (the current JTO Executive Director) was hired to run the scholarship program full-time, and the program separated from the Federation to become the Jewish Tuition Organization, independent of Jewish Federation’s management and funding.

The JTO raises funds through the Arizona private school tax credit program, from both individuals and corporations. More than 90 percent of the funds raised by the JTO are given to students at six Jewish day schools through need-based scholarships: $3.2 million for the 20162017 school year, a remarkable achievement by Linda Zell, and a tribute to JTO's donors.

Of course, beyond funding, the JTO welcomes any substantive support that Federation might provide to help JTO continue the growth of its scholarship program.

Shalom, Fred Wabnik JTO Board President

Millard Seldin: Going Strong at 90 We are so grateful for the generosity of the Seldin Family. Their gift has been used in a meaningful way.

Jill Kessler Head of School Pardes Jewish Day School What a wonderful inspirational person Millard is for family and friends. We have enjoyed our friendship with Millard and Beverly for many years. It is always wonderful to travel from NE to visit the family in AZ. Butch & Mary Lindley Millard and Bev are a generous, loving, kind and supportive couple who have always been there for our family. We are fortunate to consider all of their children and grandchildren our good friends. We love and appreciate all the Seldins!

David and Stacey Arkules

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NOVEMBER CALENDAR Through Nov. 20 A Palette of Fiber Arts at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E River Road, Tucson.

View the eclectic work of the Tucson Handweavers and Spinners Guild. Works on display include tapestry, soft sculpture, wearables and household items. Gallery hours vary. Free.

520-299-3000, tucsonjcc.org or thsg.org.

Nov. 1 Birdies, Bites and Brew at 6:30-9 pm at Topgolf Scottsdale, 9500 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale.

Fundraiser for ASU Hillel with kosher bites, golf play, shuffleboard, pool, schmoozing and a 50/50 raffle. hillelasu.org.

Nov. 3 They Only Spoke it When They Didn’t Want Us to Understand at 2 pm at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E River Road, Tucson.

Leon H. Gildin shares his life-long passion for mameloshn, the language of our Ashkenazi ancestors. Gildin traces the history and evolution of Yiddish from vernacular, to literature, to poetry, to its enduring influence on American culture, politics and society. He will also touch on the challenges and nuances of treating Yiddish in translation. $5. 520-299-3000 or ldavis@ tucsonjcc.org.

Talmudic Women as Social Critics from 7-9 pm at Temple Kol Ami, 15030 N 64th St., Scottsdale.

Join us for an opportunity to hear from one of the leading voices in Jewish feminism as Valley Beit Midrash presents Professor Tova Hartman. $18.

480-951-9660 or templekolami.org.

Nov. 5 Noa performs at 8 pm at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E Second St., Scottsdale. The Israeli-American singer/ songwriter/percussionist will bring her distinctive musical style to the Valley. $25-$49.

480-499-8587 or scottsdaleperformingarts.org.

Nov. 6 Women’s Philanthropy Mitzvah Day. See page 96.

Schmooze Young Families (20s-40s) visit the Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix. Meet in front of the zoo at 10 am or call Serene if you arrive later. E-mail info@azschmooze.com for contact phone number. Meet at noon at the Plaza to join other members for lunch. For additional details and to RSVP, visit Facebook. com/azschmooze.

4th Annual Desert Gathering Jewish Music Fest from noon-5 pm at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Road, Phoenix. Festival features a rich diversity of Jewish musical performances. Free general admission with advance reservation; $75 for VIP package. 480425-0700 or desertgatheringaz.org.

Nov. 7 Request for Letters of Intent Deadline.

See page 96.

Nov. 7, 14, 21 & 28 Beginner’s Tai Chi at Temple Beth Shalom of the East Valley, 3400 N Dobson Road, Chandler at 2:30 pm. Open to the general public; no experience required. 480-897-3636 or taichi@ tbsev.org.

Nov. 10 Mega Challah Bake. See page 90 Q&A with Michael Pollack. See page 96.

ADL Torch of Liberty Award Dinner will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N 3rd St., Phoenix. The Anti-Defamation League will honor SRP for its service to the community.

602-274-0901 or adl.org/aztorch2016.

Nov. 11-12 The Shabbat Project. See page 90.

Nov. 12 2016 Heritage Award will be presented to Arizona Diamondbacks President & CEO Derrick Hall.

Proceeds from this event will go towards the ongoing restoration of the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center. The event will be held at the Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. Food and cocktail reception at 5:30 pm; award ceremony at 8 pm. $180. 602-241-7870 or azjhs.org.

Divas on Broadway at 7:30 pm at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E Second St., Scottsdale. Spend an evening with two great voices, Ethel Merman and Barbra Streisand, performed by voice impersonator Paulette Rockir. pauletterockir.com.

Documentary Film Screening of “The Muses of Bashevis Singer” at 7-9 pm at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, 122 E Culver St., Phoenix.

Free. Please RSVP to lbell@azjhs.org or call 602241-7870.

Nov. 16 Mara Liasson Delivers a Post-Election Analysis.

See page 97.

Nov. 16-20 Cirque du Soleil presents “TORUK – The First Flight.” See page 51.

Nov. 18 ShabbatLuck (Shabbat potluck dinner) for Schmooze Singles & Couples (30s & 40s).

Temple Chai, 4645 E Marilyn Road, Phoenix.

Event starts at 7:30 pm though feel free to join Temple Chai for services at 6:15 pm. For additional details and for the RSVP link, visit Facebook.com/azsschmooze.

Nov. 18-20 & 25-27 Hidden in the Hills. See page 52.

Nov. 19 VOS JCC Gala Honoring Bill Levine at the Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E Missouri Ave., Phoenix. Join the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center for a special evening honoring community leader and philanthropist Bill Levine. The evening will include a performance by Urban Electra and a live auction followed by a special appearance by Jason Alexander. 6:30 pm cocktail hour 7:30 pm dinner/entertainment (dietary laws observed), $500; $250 for ages 40 and under. vosjcc.org/levineevening.

Nov. 20 Self-Defense at noon-2 pm at Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Learn life-saving defensive techniques and how to incorporate safety into your daily routine. $25 for JCC members; $40 for non-members. 480-481-7015 or healthandfitness@vosjcc.org.

Nov. 23-Jan. 29

Nov. 15

Illuminations: Aleph to Tav. See page 44

Application Deadline for Belle Latchman Award.

See page 96.

Nov. 24

Enlightment Series with Rabbi Israel Becker is a multi-session class covering current issues with Kick-Off Kosher Hot Dog Day. See page 96. enduring questions. 10-11:30 am at Southwest Torah Institute, 5150 E 5th St., Tucson. $290.

520-747-7780 or tucsontorah.com.

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Tree of Life is a multi-session class for women only exploring Ramban’s piece A Letter for the Ages. 6:30 pm Tues, or 10 am Thur. Nov. 17 at Southwest Torah Institute, 5150 E 5th St., Tucson. $290. 520-747-7780 or tucsontorah.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dec. 4-5 The Second Annual Modern Israel Conference.

See pages 51.

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