SEPTEMBER 2015
The Jewish Lifestyle Magazine For Arizona
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4 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
In Israel, the siren you have to worry about is the one you haven’t heard yet.
Last summer, no one was expecting Operation Protective Edge. But when rockets started flying, Magen David Adom paramedics were ready to rescue injured Israelis every day thanks to donors like you. As we welcome the new year with reports of continued sporadic rocket fire, we don’t know when the next major attack will come, but we do know now is the time to prepare.
Help provide MDA with medical supplies for the next emergency and make a gift today. Thank you and shanah tovah. AFMDA Western Region 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450 Los Angeles, CA 90048 Toll-Free: 800.323.2371 western@afmda.org
www.afmda.org ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 5
Inside
September 2015/ Elul 5775-Tishrei 5776 | Volume 3/Issue 10
30
32
51
Happy New Year! From all of us to all of you, have a wonderful, prosperous and joy-filled new year! The team at Arizona Jewish Life Magazine
Features COVER STORY Danny Zelisko: Arizona’s Music Man….…………….32 UPFRONT Family necessity creates kid carrier for all……..…12 BUSINESS Ins & Outs………………………………………….……….14 ISRAEL Pomegranates packed with biblical history ……..34 70 great pomegranate recipes……………………….38 In Israel, the New Year is in the fall ….……………..45 Israel’s GreenWall opens future to edible landscaping………………………………………………. 56 Tel Aviv researcher finds “Fountain of Youth”…… 65 FOOD Chef’s Corner: Harvest Sukkot treats…....…………52 NW Nosh: Portland Feast chef Amanda Cohen…...………………………………………………….54 HOME & GARDEN Wine Cellars add ambiance …….…………………….51 Wall gardens keep house cool……..…………………56 Aluminyze your art for lasting look…………………..60 SENIORS This volunteer is cooking up ideas…....…………….68
SOS Smiles on Seniors………………………………….70 Rejuvenated skin through technology………….…..74
Arts & Entertainment “Arizona Lady” and “Brundibar” at Arizona Opera………………………………………………………..16 Hershey Felder is Irving Berlin………………………..20 Art is freedom for Lisa Mishler…….………………….24 Red Rocks Music Fest this month……………………28 Tucson J seeks sculptors……….………………………29 Featured events from our A&E advertisers………..30
High Holy Days Reasons to love the pomegranate…….…………….38 How do I eat a pomegranate…………………………..40 A musician and a mensch ……………………………..42 10 ways to be a mensch in the new year….……….44 New Year in the Fall………………………………..…….45 Cooking with honey for a sweet new year…..……..46
JKids JKids & Teens Events…………..………………………62 Impact fellowship changes lives of five teens.….63 US Teen pregnancy rate is scary…………………… 66 Rosh Hashanah fun sheet ……………………………67
JLiving Casino Night and making a difference...…………76 Federation Notes……………………………………….78 Previews ……………………….…………………………79 FACES & PLACES …….………………………………..80 Calendar …….…………………………………………..82
Columns 44 To Life by Amy Hirshberg Lederman 46 Chef’s Corner by Lucia Schnitzer 54 A Taste of Arizona by A. Noshman
COVER PHOTO: Concert promoter and collector Danny Zelisko. Photo by Molho Photography CORRECTIONS: • An interview with Board of Rabbis President Jeremy Schneider in the Arizona Jewish Life Resource Guide 2015-2016 contained contradictory information about the board’s recent grant to create the first Jewish Community Relations Council in the area in almost a decade. The grant was provided by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix. • A photograph introducing the Israel section of the Resource Guide incorrectly identified the Arizona group. The photo was of couples participating in the Honeymoon Israel trip pictured with Rabbi Jeremy Schneider, who was in Israel at the same time. Rabbi Schneider had performed either the marriage ceremony or baby naming ceremony for the couples in the picture. 6 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
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The world will never forget the fate-fi lled day when four young men from Liverpool, England walked onto the stage of the Ed Sullivan show in 1964. The bright stage lights and the squeals from the crowd rained down on the smiling group, and that grainy black and white image was pinned as a moment of transformation in music history. The introduction of stem cell research onto the world stage was not fi lled with as much fanfare. There were no screaming fans or standing ovations when the fi rst stem cell therapy was conducted in the form of a bone marrow transplant in 1956. The long hours that scientists spent diligently researching and studying cells in laboratories across the world were not recorded in the pages of Life Magazine. Even in 2012, when the two scientists who discovered the application of stem cells as the building blocks for human life won a Nobel Prize, the response was limited mostly to the medical community. The introduction of stem cell research to the world community may seem dwarfed in comparison to that of the Beatles or Elvis Presley, but its impact on the healthcare and medical in-
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As Arizona Jewish Life continues to grow and expand its reach across the state, we are growing internally too. As we head into the New Year, we have decided it is also time to expand our editorial staff enable us to enhance our outreach to Arizona’s Jewish community and helping bring the diverse elements of that community closer together. With the departure of part-time Associate Editor Janet Arnold (see page 14 for her new position as a senior concierge in the community), we decided to add a full-time editor. We are delighted to have found Rhona Melsky, who began her tenure as Arizona Jewish Life Editor on Aug. 24. Rhona not only has impeccable credentials in journalism (see her bio on page 14), she also has the Jewish background to engage the community. Growing up in New York City, she attended a small Conservative synagogue. At Queen’s College, City University of New York, she studied Yiddish for three years. But don’t try speaking to her in Yiddish; she jokes that conversing in Yiddish is not a skill she has retained. Rhona is looking forward to building relationships with all of the state’s Jewish organizations. She also will continue our mission to engage the unaffiliated community by sharing stories of Jewish people doing incredible things. I’ve had a wonderful time getting to know the diverse mix of people and organizations in Arizona. From baseball to horses, I’ve found Arizona’s Jews are involved in many different worlds. I look forward to seeing the fresh perspective Rhona will bring to our coverage. Meanwhile I’m pleased to share this month’s stellar issue. Our cover feature on concert-promoter extraordinaire Danny Zelisko is a wonderful complement to our Arts & Entertainment section with its preview of the wonderful music, theater and art that Arizonans can feast on in the coming season. Speaking of feasting, our coverage of the High Holy Days explores the symbolism of the healthy pomegranate and offers recipes for using honey in your holiday menu. We also reflect on using holiday introspection to be more of a mensch. I’m also excited about our JKids & Teens section this month. I connected with five amazing teens who recently returned from a summer in Israel thanks to an Impact grant from the Schwartz Hammer family. The teens spoke eloquently of their life-changing experiences at the Jewish National Fund’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Be sure to read how their connection to the land and people of Israel flourished. For the younger set, we included a Rosh Hashanah activity page from “The Famous Abba.” Let us know if you’d like to see more of these games and puzzles for kids to connect them with the cycle of the Jewish year. May you have a sweet new year!
THE JEWISH LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR ARIZONA
Publishers Robert Philip and Cindy Saltzman Advertising and Editorial Director Cindy Saltzman Editor-In-Chief Deborah Moon Associate Editor Janet Arnold Contributing Editor Leni Reiss Social Media Editor Debra Rich Gettleman Webmaster Karl Knelson Advertising Sales advertise@azjewishlife.com 602-538-2955 Art Director Philip Nerat Copy Editor Susan Moon Columnists Amy Hirshberg Lederman, A. Noshman, Lucia Schnitzer and Stuart Wachs Contributing Writers Karin Kloosterman, Deborah Muller, Viva Sarah Press, C.J. Shane and Teddy Weinberg How to reach us: 602-538-AZJL (2955) Advertise@azjewishlife.com Editor1@azjewishlife.com Publisher@azjewishlife.com
A Prince Hal Production (TGMR18) The content and opinions in Arizona Jewish Life do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers, staff or contractors. Articles and columns are for informational purposes only and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, Arizona Jewish Life, and its agents, publishers, employees and contractors will not be held responsible for the misuse of any information contained herein. The publishers reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. Publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement of products or services.
Proud members of:
Happy New Year 5776! The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix honors these individuals who have generously committed to include our community in their estate plans through our LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Hannah Adelman * Phil Adelman * Tami & Steve Adelman Lawrence Bell & Tracey Leonard Tricia & Andy Beran * Dorothy & Michael Blaire Kimberly & Aaron Blau Rabbi Mari Chernow & Kara Thieleman Shelley Cohn Marnie & Harvey Dietrich Dolly & Steve Draizin Diana & Mark Feldman* Regina Fischer Marilyn & Ken Fuller Hirsch T. Goffman Steven M. Goldstein * David A. Goodell Naomi W. Goodell Aviva & Tomas Gorny Deeann Griebel Barbara Harel & Ronald Blau Rachel & Jonathan Hoffer * Stephanie & Frank Jacobson * Dena Morris Kaufman * Carol & Allan Kern Jill & Daniel Kessler Barry Kipnis Randi Kipnis Michelle & Bryan Kort
Lauren & Simon Kreisberger * Kimberly & Norm Kur * Andrea & Jerry Lewkowitz * Barbara Lewkowitz & Geoffrey Gonsher Irene Metz Andi Minkoff* Sherman Minkoff, MD* Linda & Les Moskowitz Ilana Myerson Beth Olson Felicia & Glenn Pahnke
Plotkin Family (Albert, Sylvia, Janis & Debra)
Heather & Mitchell Ross The Honorable David & Rosemary Schapira Rabbi Martin & Roberta Scharf Dr. Janet K. Scheer * Susan & Jeffrey Schesnol Esther & Don Schon * Susan & Mark Sendrow Judy & Allen Silberman Rabbi Dean Shapiro Paul E. Stander * Susan A. Stander * Karen & Steve Tepper Donna Troisi Bonni J. Wright Carole & Alan Zeichick Anonymous (8)
List as of 8/10/15, * Indicates donor has made a legacy commitment to more than one partner organization.
HOW WILL YOU ASSURE YOUR JEWISH TOMORROWS?
LIFE & LEGACY PARTNERS: Arizona Jewish Historical Society Jewish Free Loan Congregation Or Tzion Jewish Genetic Diseases Center East Valley Jewish Community Center Pardes Jewish Day School Hillel at ASU Temple Chai Jewish Community Association Temple Emanuel of Tempe Jewish Family & Children’s Service Temple Kol Ami
LEARN MORE AT JCFPHOENIX.ORG/LIFE-LEGACY LIFE & LEGACY program and the LIFE & LEGACY logo are trademarks of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. All rights reserved.
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December 6-7, 2015 • The University of Arizona Former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Itamar Rabinovich, renowned Israeli scholar Prof. Asher Susser and several other international experts will address the political, economic and military challenges facing Israel within it Middle Eastern context. The region has been overtaken in recent years by the rather disappointing outcome of the so-called “Arab Spring” as national conflicts, sectarian civil wars and serious economic challenges rock the Middle East. Shiite Iran and its proxies battle for regional hegemony against their Sunni Arab neighbors. Iran’s nuclear program has increased political tensions and threatens to further destabilize the region. In the emerging new balance of power between Shi’is and Sunnis, ISIS fighters continue to spread their influence and ideology, as they dismember the old Arab state order in the process. This conference will explore how Israel deals with these new regional realities, while it faces vexing internal social, political, and economic challenges. What are the contours of the internal Israeli debate on Iran? What is the impact of the disintegration of states in the region on Israel’s security doctrine? How does Israel deal with radical non-state actors that are filling the void and who also seek its demise? How do the significant changes in the market for Middle Eastern resources (declining demand for Arab oil in the US and Israel’s discovery of huge reservoirs of natural gas in the Mediterranean) impact upon Israel’s regional stature? The conference speakers will discuss the current situation and offer insights into what Israel and its neighbors might do next, actions that will have a great impact on US policies in the region.
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Upfront
Pinki and Isadore Lifshitz behind their grandkids, from left: Max (12), Colin (9), Simon (9), Owen (6), Nikki (8), Ginger (5) and Dylan (12). Not pictured: granddaughter Phoebe.
One family’s active lifestyle spawns creative kid carrier for all of Arizona and Arizona State University. Their youngest son, Bryan, graduated with When Issy and Pinki Lifshitz came a BFA from the University of Arizona and to the United States from South Africa runs a successful media company here in in 1980, they were looking for a better Phoenix. “Bryan’s the one with the business life for themselves and their three boys, brain,” says Issy. He holds the position of Wayne, Jonathan and Bryan. Now, 35 chief marketing officer of their Piggyback years later, it doesn’t get much better Rider company. than this. The Piggyback Rider was actually a fluke Issy and Pinki are living the good life invention Jonathan created in 2009 when in Arizona. Their three grown sons all he got tired of carrying his kids on his back. have adoring wives and have provided Jonathan is described by his father as “the the couple with a busload of grandchiltinkerer.” He bought an old army surplus dren. But the good life for the Lifshitz backpack and together with some PVC pipe family isn’t your typical life of retired rest and climbing rope built a crude version of and relaxation. Besides taking an active the Piggyback Rider, which allowed his role in family life, Chabad and numerkids to have a more active role in traveling ous Jewish community organizations, the around with their father. Lifshitz family is following their entreEven in its initial incarnation, the PigAdult Orange Grey carrier preneurial dream with the invention and gyback Rider got parents talking. “They development of the Piggyback Rider, a would ask Jonathan what it was, and there one-of-a-kind standing child carrier for kids aged 2 to 7. was immediate consumer interest in it,” says Issy. Jonathan and Issy and Pinki are real examples of living the American Wayne worked together with a backpack designer to create a Dream. They first landed in Irvine, CA, where Issy worked in more sophisticated product. Since the initial improvised rider, the diamond business for many years. Their eldest son, Wayne, it’s gone through numerous incarnations and now is a sleek, graduated from UC Berkley with a master’s degree in public lightweight backpack with a sturdy standing bar and plenty of health and now is the COO of a multimillion dollar social safety features. change group in Bethesda, MD. Middle son, Jonathan, studied When Issy heard about the project, he thought it was a good neuroscience at UCLA and now heads the traumatic brain inidea. “So many families end up broken up over money after the jury group at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Barrows, University parents die,” he explains. “I didn’t want that happening to my By Debra Rich Gettleman
12 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
family.” Issy declares, “I want one dollar in my bank account at “they can use the Piggyback Rider. We’ve found that 40 to 50% the end of my life. I want to see my kids use their inheritance of parents with challenged children can use the rider.” now.” So Issy determined that he would finance the new busiPinki and Issy have only been here in Arizona for two years, ness and ordered their first 300 units to take to market. but they’ve been warmly welcomed into the Jewish community. The business grew quickly and the team had to move it out of “The Jewish community here in Phoenix is much more cohesive Issy’s garage and into a warehouse almost immediately. than the one in Irvine,” says Pinki. “Jewish people here seem “We’ve modified the rider quite a happier about being Jewish.” She jokes bit,” says Issy. “We’ve learned a lot of that she found a mah jongg group almost hard lessons along the way. If anyone instantly, and Issy smiles as he talks about says it’s been smooth sailing, well, it meeting his Jewish neighbor shortly after hasn’t.” moving in and putting up their mezuzah. Now with product endorsements Regarding Jewish values, Jonathan’s from multiple child safety organizawife, Carrie, says: “We all live by the valtions, the Piggyback Rider has sold ues in the Torah – respect, kindness, carmore than 7,000 units to happy parents ing. With the business we ask how we can around the globe. help more people. It’s more than how the “We run the entire business ourbusiness can help us. It’s how we can help selves,” Issy says. “Wayne is the CEO, everyone.” and Jonathan is the CIO (chief inBoth Pinki and Issy were raised in novation officer). Bryan is the chief Orthodox families who were prominent marketing officer and I’m the CFO members of the South African com(chief financial officer). But we couldn’t munity. Issy’s parents and grandparents do it without the support of our wives, started a well-known Yiddish school in Pinki, Michelle, Carrie and Eva.” South Africa. While they raised their boys Pinki says that she considers her in a Jewish environment here in the states, daughters-in-law to be her actual all three ended up marrying Catholic daughters, and that is how she thinks women. “We’re a proud blended family,” of them and refers to them. Pinki says. Bryan’s wife, Michelle, insists Between wrangling kids and managshe makes the best matzah balls. But she Dr Jonathan Lifshitz and son Owen ing to maintain controlled chaos in the concedes that Carrie takes the title for next room, Carrie and Michelle add a best brisket. The families observe Shabbat few comments during the interview. together and all of the Jewish holidays. “I The Piggyback Rider claims to improve don’t fill orders or answer calls on Shabparent/child bonding by allowing children bat,” says Issy, “and no money is deposited to be closer to their parents’ faces and that day. We want to follow through with able to converse while walking, hiking or our Jewish values.” traveling. As far as working together as a fam“Your hands are free,” says Pinki. “Kids ily, Issy says, “There’s definitely a learning can pick fruit or communicate with parcurve. The boys have backgrounds in both ents while they’re on their backs. It’s more the corporate world and academia. Pinki interactive.” and I have always worked for ourselves. So Issy adds, “Kids are not on iPads. There we all bring different perspectives to the are no batteries here. No electronics. table.” Issy handles all the phone calls and We’re very proud of that.” customer service. “If one customer is unThe Piggyback Rider has expanded happy, it bothers me,” he says. into areas the Lifshitz family didn’t ex“Some days are hard,” Issy says candidly. pect. They’ve built an alliance with The “But more days are an absolute pleasure.” Wounded Warrior project, because, as When will the Lifshitz clan consider the Issy explains, “After rehab, the Piggyback Piggyback Rider an unmitigated success? Rider makes it easier for wounded soldiers “When we get to the point where people to adapt to carrying their kids. It helps are calling us for the product instead of us them bond.” having to generate each and every sale. My The Piggyback Rider is wonderful goal for the Piggyback Rider is to have it Dr. Carrie Lifshitz and Colin for all those parents who have problems reach a point where my kids can all draw transporting their kids. “We work with their own paychecks from the business.” many challenged children. Our slogan is ‘We sell smiles,’ ” Pinki With the Piggyback Rider selling worldwide with distribution says, with a large smile of her own. in Canada, the UK, Europe, Estonia, Singapore, Australia and Many parents with challenged children find the Piggyback Japan, the Lifshitz family is well on their way to meeting that Rider to be a miraculous aid in carrying their kids. “As long as a goal. child is strong enough to stand or walk up stairs,” Issy explains, ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 13
Arizona Jewish Life hires Editor Rhona Melsky
Arizona Jewish Life magazine has expanded its editorial team and hired Rhona Melsky as editor. Born in New York City, where her family attended a Conservative synagogue, Rhona is a long-time journalist and writer/editor who honed her skills at trade publications in that city directly after college. While attending Queens College, City University of New York, she studied Yiddish for three years. She began her career as a desk/copy editor at Lebhar-Friedman in New York working on a variety of the company’s publications. She next worked as a copy editor and then special projects editor at DM News, also in New York City, whose offices were a mere 10 blocks from the World Trade Center. Having witnessed the 9/11 tragedy firsthand, she was interviewed by her manager and quoted in the publication. Rhona then worked as a reporter for community newspapers in New Jersey, covering everything from the police blotter, local government and education to restaurant reviews and the arts. Rhona and her husband, a special education teacher, moved to Arizona in 2003 (she also lived in Scottsdale during her high school years and attended Saguaro High School and went to services occasionally at Congregation Har Zion). Her career in Arizona has included stints as a project editor at The Arizona Republic and as a copywriter for various companies. She most recently worked as a remote consultant using her editorial skills for Dun & Bradstreet based in Shorts Hills, NJ. She and her husband reside in Mesa and are very involved with animal rescue and advocacy, both serving on the advisory board of Gilbert-based Wildhorse Ranch Rescue. They share their lives with six rescued dogs and a rescued mustang. A trained opera singer, you can sometimes find Rhona singing with her ’80s band on weekends, with her husband behind her on drums. A long-time vegan, she also loves to ski, travel and laugh. Rhona is excited to bring her experience as a journalist to Arizona Jewish Life, and help it grow within the community and beyond. editor@azjewishlife.com | 480-888-5374
Janet Arnold new JFCS senior concierge
Janet Arnold has been hired by Jewish Family & Children's Service as the new concierge to the senior Jewish community. The position was created after an extensive survey of needs and wishes of the senior community and was conducted by Janice Friebaum on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. The half-time position is funded by a grant from the federation. Janet is available to find the answers to questions dealing with anything from socialization, classes and programs, to housing and transportation and beyond. Janet has lived in the Valley since 1957 and has been actively involved in the local Jewish community all of her life. She previously served as president of the Greater Phoenix Region of Women's American ORT (now ORT America), as the director of early childhood education at the Phoenix JCC, and as the founding producing director of the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company. During the 24-year life of the theatre, Janet produced more than 80 main stage shows and 60 children's shows, touching the lives of tens of thousands throughout Arizona. She is also a past president of the International Association for Jewish Theatre, a network including Jewish theater artists from around the globe. For the past few years, Janet has been a writer and associate editor for Arizona Jewish Life magazine and a freelance theater actor and director. She sits on the boards of the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival and the Arizona Jewish Historical Society. janet.arnold@jfcsaz.org | 480-599-7198
14 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
Robyn Dafoe Named Vice President for Clinical Services at JFCS of Southern Arizona
Robyn Dafoe was named vice president for Clinical Services at Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern Arizona in June. Previously she was the director for Quality Management and Utilization Management at Pantano Behavioral Health Services, where she worked for the past 10 years. Dafoe also has worked for Child Protective Services, Arizona’s Children’s Home and the Arizona Long Term Care System. “Robyn brings a tremendous amount of experience as both a clinician and an administrator of mental health services to children and families,” said JFCS President and CEO Carlos A. Hernández. “Her experience will help JFCS move toward expanding the breadth and array of clinical services to both the Jewish community and the general community.” JFCS of Southern Arizona is a nonprofit agency that has provided expert social and behavioral health services to the Jewish and greater Tucson community for 74 years. JFCS helps children, adolescents, adults and seniors of all religious and ethnic origins meet their full potential by restoring wellbeing, cultivating self-sufficiency and strengthening family life. The agency’s staff and board are guided by the Jewish traditions of healing the world (tikkun olam) with loving kindness (chesed) through just and charitable deeds (tzedakah). jfcstucson.org | 520-795-0300
Brenda Landau Joins JCF of Southern Arizona as a Legacy Officer
Brenda Landau joined the legacy team at the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona (JCF) as a legacy officer in June. Brenda was most recently the senior vice president for the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona for seven years. Prior to that she served as the director of education for Congregation Or Chadash for eight years, and director of interfaith and family programming at the Tucson Jewish Community Center for two years. “With the addition of Brenda to our legacy team at the foundation, we will continue to provide a high level of support for our donors, potential donors and their professional advisors,” said JCF Chief Executive Officer Tracy Salkowitz. Founded in 1975, the JCF of Southern Arizona is an independent organization that is an affiliated agency of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona. The foundation’s legacy team provides expert support for individuals and families interested in supporting what they care about through donoradvised funds and endowment funds, and organizations interested in establishing custodial funds for long-term support. jcftucson.org | 520-577-0388
Jeffrey Schesnol earns Madrikh certification
Jeffrey Schesnol has completed three years of Madrikh (Jewish studies certified para-rabbi) preparation at the International Institute for Secular & Humanistic Judaism and is invested as a endorsed celebrant by the American Humanist Association. He serves as the endorsed celebrant and ceremonial leader of Or Adam Congregation, Phoenix's only exclusively cultural, spiritual, ethical and ancestral Jewish congregation that celebrates human potential and responsibility emanating from Jewish experience. Jeffrey officiates and co-officiates at customized weddings, baby namings, bar/bat mitzvahs and memorial ceremonies for interfaith, intercultural and same-sex couples, Jewish or not. Or Adam offers adult bar/bat mitzvahs and affirmation ceremonies for those who are adopted into Judaism. Adoption (instead of conversion) classes are taught by Jeffrey and include eight sessions of two hours each. Jeffrey teaches Hebrew language and comparative religion in the Or Adam Sunday School which holds K-8 classes the fourth Sunday morning of the month. He is the ceremonial leader of Or Adam's Shabbat services, celebrated the second Friday night of the month, and he leads all Jewish holiday celebrations. Classes and services are held at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center in downtown Phoenix. Jeffrey is a current board member and past president of the Society for Humanistic Judaism, the national organization that assures access to 28 member congregations throughout the country, and is also the president of Or Adam. jeffrey@pobox.com | 602-824-9038 | or info@oradam.org 480-663-7788
TIKKUN OLAM repairing the world
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Tax Credit jfcsaz.org/taxcredit (602) 279 -7655
New Retail Vision at OdySea in the Desert
The Shops at OdySea in the Desert are slated to open July 2016, offering a unique and entertaining shopping experience showcasing the local Arizona culture and cuisine in a very distinctive way. Located at the OdySea in the Desert Entertainment complex at the Salt River PimaMaricopa Indian Community in Scottsdale, The Shops will offer an open air marketplace comprised of 78,000 square feet of innovative “themed” restaurants and individual retail offerings all centered in a bustling European-styled courtyard with lively stage performances and 360-degree visibility from a multitude of surrounding attractions including Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea Mirror Maze, the OdySea Aquarium, Fliteshop (indoor sky diving facility), the AZ Skywheel, and Aquatic Oasis, a flagship water destination. According to founder Amram Knishinsky, Ph.D., “It was important for us to offer an authentic venue to further enhance the entertaining experience here at OdySea in the Desert. My inspiration came from visiting Europe where I was intrigued with the local artisans showcasing the uniqueness of their area. I’m always inclined to make a purchase when I know it is local.” OdySea in the Desert is located at 9500 East Via de Ventura in Scottsdale (101 Freeway and Via de Ventura.) 480-951-2100 ext. 202.
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Phone: 480.951.0079 800.687.3800 Fax: 480.998.2883 www.todddesbergffec.com Alan Horwitz and Todd Desberg operate under First Financial Equity Corporation. Securities and Investment Advisory services offered through First Financial Equity Corporation. Member FINRA/SIPC
ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 15
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Inside 16 Arizona Opera 20 Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin 24 Tucson Artist Lisa Mishler 28 Red Rocks Music Fest 29 Calling all Sculptors 30 Featured Events 16 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
Arizona Opera Presents “Arizona Lady” and “Brundibar” By Janet Arnold
It's no secret that when a recession hits, the arts get hit first and recover last. Some Arizona companies simply could not weather the downturn. But through careful strategic planning and significant fundraising, the Arizona Opera is alive and well and developing creative programming to increase its base for the future. Arizona Opera recently announced the public phase of Arizona Bold, a new artistic initiative to build a stronger statewide community by presenting works that focus on Arizona's history and wealth of natural, cultural and economic diversity. In September 2014, Arizona Opera announced the initiative, along with a corresponding four-year capital campaign to raise $5 million, specifically designated for community-based works. Well over $3 million has been raised already, and the company hopes to raise the remaining dollars over the next three seasons. Arizona Opera's 2015-16 season will open with an Arizona Bold presentation, “Arizona Lady,” the U.S. opera company premiere of Emmerich Kálmán's comic operetta set on an Arizona cattle ranch. Jewish-Hungarian composer Kalman fled Europe to escape
Arizona Opera’s 2015-16 season will open with an Arizona Bold presentation, “Arizona Lady,” the U.S. opera company premiere of Emmerich Kálmán’s comic operetta set on an Arizona cattle ranch. Nazi persecution and ended up in California and Arizona. He particularly loved the Tucson area and wrote this piece in 1953 in homage to the Southwest. The story revolves around leading lady Lona Farrell, whose hopes and dreams ride on the back of a horse named Arizona Lady winning the Kentucky Derby. Set on a historic ranch in Tucson and reminiscent of the greatest GoldenAge Hollywood musical comedies, “Arizona Lady” is full of lively, upbeat music, cheerful, soaring arias and a wacky libretto that is "sure to make you smile as bright as the Arizona sun," says Board of Directors Chair Robert Tancer. Arizona Opera will be the first major U.S. opera house to perform “Arizona Lady.” The piece recently received international attention after the Komische Oper Berlin presented a new production in December 2014. In Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona Opera will host free Community Festivals in advance of the opera, with public lectures, films, events and performances designed to explore the themes of this important work. "The fabric of Arizona is so rich, comprised of many different cultures and backgrounds,” says Arizona Opera General Director Ryan Taylor. “Arizona Bold seeks to expand the perception of
Celebrate with the Stars! Broadway: The Big Band Years Saturday, November 14, 8 p.m.
Classics from Broadway’s best and the Great American Songbook performed by the musicians and singers of The Curtain Up! Orchestra, conducted by Musical Director Keith Levenson.
Jean-Yves Thibaudet Sunday, November 15, 7:30 p.m.
Thibaudet captivates audiences around the globe with his thrilling performances, profound artistry, poetic musicality and dazzling technical prowess.
The Capitol Steps Mock the Vote
Friday, November 27, 8 p.m. Saturday, November 28, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Always irreverent and fresh from the headlines, the D.C. comedy troupe’s unique blend of sharp political satire set to popular music.
The Legendary
Count Basie Orchestra® Directed by Scotty Barnhart
Saturday, December 19, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Celebrating its 80th anniversary, this high-octane group continues to uphold the legacy of Basie’s “Kansas City Swing.”
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Pinchas Zukerman, Principal Guest Conductor and Violin Soloist Saturday, January 16, 8 p.m.
Performances of Arizona Lady:
Tucson: Oct. 10 at 7:30 pm; Oct. 11 at 2 pm at the Tucson Music Hall, 260 S Church Ave., 520-293-4336 Phoenix: Oct. 16 and 17 at 7:30, Oct. 18 at 2 pm at Symphony Hall, 75 N 2nd St., 602-266-7464 Prices vary. azopera.org
One of the world’s great orchestras. A part of the 2015-16 Discovery Series.
Season Sponsor
ScottsdalePerformingArts.org | 480-499-TKTS (8587) ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 17
Coming Soon to MIM Music Theater Simone Dinnerstein Sat., Sep. 26 | 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $32.50–$37.50
The classical pianist will perform a program featuring works by Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, and Philip Lasser.
Lera Lynn
Tue., Sep. 29 | 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $24.50–$29.50 Singer-songwriter Lera Lynn's, sophomore album The Avenues, continues to receive praise and critical acclaim from many sources for its classic Americana blend of country and folk.
David Bromberg
Sun., Oct. 18 | 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $42.50–$47.50 A prolific session musician and gifted multi-instrumentalist with a passion for blues, folk, country, bluegrass, and rock 'n' roll.
our art form by presenting stories worth singing that are of particular interest to our diverse communities. Though we are all individuals with our own histories, we are unified as we sit in that darkened theater, sharing the same human experience." “Arizona Lady's” cast is led by Angela Fout (Lona Farrell), whose "soaring spinto voice takes a high C easily, trills beautifully and handles coloratura like a dream" (Post and Courier). Robert Orth, featured in 2013's “H.M.S. Pinafore,” returns as Sheriff Harry Sullivan. Octavio Moreno, who starred in last season's smash mariachi opera, “Cruzar la Cara de la Luna,” takes the role of rancher Lopez Ibañez. This opera is performed in German, English and Spanish with English supertitles (at the top of the stage). The original libretto was by Alfred Grunwald and Gustave Beer; the new English/Spanish translation is by Kathleen Kelly and Alberto "Tito" Rios, Arizona's poet laureate.
REDISCOVERED VOICES – “BRUNDIBAR” In a concerted effort to reach out to more individuals, Arizona Opera is providing a wide variety of programming under the umbrella title of Rediscovered Voices Festival. Many of these offerings highlight music from the 1920s and ’30s that had been suppressed for political reasons in Europe. Though all of the offerings are intriguing and attractive to music lovers, of particular interest to the greater Jewish community will be the presentation of the opera “Brundibar” on Sept. 20 at the Tucson JCC and on Sept. 27 at the Valley of the Sun JCC. “Brundibar” is a one-act children's opera that premiered in the Theresienstadt concentration camp. The Arizona Opera production of the piece will be sung in conjunction with members of the world-renowned Phoenix Boys Choir. With support from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix, all listed festival events are free to the public. A listing of all of the free festival events follows:
PHOENIX EVENTS Brown Bag Lunch Recital Sept. 17, 12:15-12:45 pm Bring a bagged lunch and listen to opera highlights. Arizona Opera Center • 1636 N Central Ave., Phoenix
The Music & Stories of the West 2015 Concert Series sponsored in part by:
“Brundibár” by Hans Krása
To Purchase Tickets: • Order online at MIM.org | Call 480.478.6000 • Visit MIM’s Ticket Office at 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050
MUSIC
THEATER
Located in the Musical Instrument Museum
18 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
Sept. 24, 11 am Free concert and lecture with composer Craig Bohmler Scottsdale Museum of the West • 3830 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale
Join MIMphx
Sept. 27, 1 pm One-act children’s opera that premiered in the Theresienstadt concentration camp Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center • 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
Coffee @ Kerr Sept. 30, 10:30 am Free lecture discussion open to the community Kerr Cultural Center • 6110 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
The Music & Stories of Jewish Composers Oct. 7, 7 pm Free concert and lecture about Jewish refugee composers Congregation Beth Israel •10406 N 56th St., Scottsdale
Arizona Opera Book Club Meeting Oct. 12, 7 pm Discussion of Sandra Day O’Conner’s Lazy B: Growing Up on a Cattle Ranch in the Southwest Changing Hands Bookstore • 300 W Camelback Road, Phoenix
Film Festival: “Calamity Jane” Oct. 13, 7 pm Film about the life of Calamity Jane in the American West Arizona Opera Center 1636 N Central Ave., Phoenix
Film Festival: Cowgirls: Portrait of American Ranch Women Oct. 15, 7 pm Film celebrating women who pioneered the Western frontier Arizona Opera Center 1636 N Central Ave., Phoenix
TUCSON EVENTS “Brundibár” by Hans Krása Sept. 20, 3 pm One-act children’s opera that premiered in the Thresiendstadt concentration camp Tucson Jewish Community Center • 3800 E River Road, Tucson
The Music & Stories of Jewish Composers Sept. 26, 2 pm Free concert and lecture about Jewish refugee composers Tucson Museum of Art • 140 N Main Ave., Tucson Say Hello to Opera Sept. 30, 3 pm University of Arizona vocal arts students sing arias from “Arizona Lady” Oro Valley Library • 1305 W Naranja Dr., Oro Valley
!
Film Festival: “The Brothers Warner” Sept. 30, 7 pm Film about filmmakers Harry, Albert, Sam and Jack Warner Tucson Jewish Community Center • 3800 E River Road, Tucson
Brown Bag Lunch Recital Oct. 2, noon Bring a bagged lunch and listen to arias from “Arizona Lady” Grace St. Paul Episcopal Church • 2331 E Adams St, Tucson
Arizona Opera Book Club Meeting Oct. 5, 7 pm Discussion of Sandra Day O’Conner’s Lazy B: Growing Up on a Cattle Ranch in the Southwest Antigone Books • 411 N 4th Ave., Tucson
Translation with Alberto “Tito” Rios Oct. 6, 7 pm Arizona poet laureate Albert “Tito” Rios discusses the art of translation The University of Arizona Poetry Center • 1508 E Helen St., Tucson
Student Night at the Opera Oct. 8 Lecture begins at 6 pm Performance begins at 7 pm Tucson Music Hall • 260 S Church Ave., Tucson Registration is required for Student Night performances. Visit azopera.org to register. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 19
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nt Entertainme
Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin. Photos by 88 Productions
Hershey Felder becomes Irving Berlin on stage in Tucson and Phoenix By Janet Arnold
20 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
"A shtetl with washing machines" is how Hershey Felder affectionately describes the Montreal of the 1970s he grew up in. "It was a strong, close-knit Jewish community." Hershey, who will be performing his one-man show of Irving Berlin for Arizona Theatre Company this month, loved the warm blanket of protection he felt as a young boy. A first-generation Canadian, his parents came from Hungary and Poland. "I was a typical Montreal Jewish boy – a mama's boy, but with responsibilities," he says with a grin. "Among those responsibilities was to serve your community, to take care of those around you." He attended the Hebrew Academy Day School, which he likened to a modern Orthodox yeshiva. Some classes mixed boys and girls, others were separate. "I am fluent in English, French, Hebrew and Yiddish," he says, not trying to impress, but rather showing gratitude for the education he received. Hershey "demanded" piano lessons around the age of 6 – and received them. And thus his musical career began. He is now internationally recognized and revered as a pianist, actor, playwright, composer, director and producer. After attending McGill University in Montreal, Hershey spent some time at Steven Spielberg's Shoah Foundation helping to interview and catalogue the oral histories of Holocaust survivors. Shortly thereafter he began crafting the first of several one-man shows that he would end up touring around the globe. The first was “George Gershwin Alone,” which he performed to stellar reviews on Broadway at the Helen Hayes Theatre, in the West End of London at the Duchess Theatre and in regional theaters throughout North America and Europe. "I love both music and storytelling," Hershey explains. "Creating the Gershwin piece gave me the freedom and joy of combining these two elements and sharing them in a creative fashion with the audience." Returning to the States in 1996, Hershey met and fell in love with Kim Campbell, who would go on to become Canada's only female prime minister. They married the following year. For a time they were at Harvard, she as a professor of practice at the Kennedy School for Government, while he was a scholar-in-residence in the Music School and performing “George Gershwin Alone” at the university's American Repertory Theatre. The show went on to be the highest-grossing of any booked-in production in the theater's history. Borrowing on the great success of his Gershwin show, Hershey then created and performed similar types of shows on the great classic composers Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt, as well as honoring another American composer with his “Maestro Bernstein” show. In addition to his theatrical performances, Hershey's compositions and recordings include “Aliyah, Concerto for Piano and Orchestra;” “Fairytale,” a musical; Les Anges de Paris, Suite for Violin and Piano;” “Song Settings;” “Saltimbanques for Piano and Orchestra;” “Etudes Thematiques for Piano;” and “An American Story for Actor and Orchestra.” As a director, Hershey premiered Mona Golabek in “The Pianist of Willesden Lane” at the Geffen Playhouse in
Purchase tickets at asukerr.com or 480.596.2660
Meena’s Dream
Friday, November 6 at 7:30 p.m.
solo theatre
Ying Quartet:
Musical Dim Sum
Thursday, November 19 at 6 p.m. dining experience with classical music African, world music
Kinobe and Jaja
Thursday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. classical music
Ang Li, pianist
Friday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m. classical guitar
Grammy winner
Jason Vieaux
Tuesday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m.
6110 N. Scottsdale Rd. (off Rose Lane) Scottsdale, AZ 85253 asukerr.com Senior, military and group discounts available. Student tickets are just $10 with ID. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 21
2012; he recently produced and created scenic design for Taylor Hackford’s “Louis and Keely ‘Live’ ” at the Sahara. He now has a production company busy working on several projects and even getting involved with movies. "I love the collaborative process," he says. "Even in the one-person shows, I'm only the front man. I couldn't do it without everyone else." Hershey is looking forward to bringing Irving Berlin to life on stage at Arizona Theatre Company in both Tucson and Phoenix in the coming weeks. At the Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston where he performed earlier this summer, he received rave reviews from both critics and audiences. During the show, he invites the audience to sing along at times – and of course they are very familiar with the melodies and lyrics of the iconic Berlin. As the famous Jerome Kern is reported saying, "Irving Berlin has no place in American music. He IS American music." Hershey not only sings the songs, he also captures the personality and spirit of Berlin. Hae mixes things up a bit by including impressions of other characters in Berlin's life, helping to round out the scenario. According to the July 11, 2015, review in the Boston
Globe, "Felder maintains a clear narrative line in tracing the songwriter’s path, from his arrival in the United States as a young boy, part of a family of Jewish immigrants from Russia who moved to the Lower East Side, to a stint as a singing waiter, to sudden fame in 1911 ... when his 'Alexander’s Ragtime Band’ became a hit." Audiences will be treated to snippets and full renditions of many of Berlin's standards, such as “Always,” “What’ll I Do?,” “Blue Skies,” “There's No Business Like Show Business,” “Puttin' on the Ritz,” “Cheek to Cheek," and of course “White Christmas” and “God Bless America.” It's the kind of show that is bound to stir nostalgia and warm the patriotic fervor while delighting audiences with familiar tunes all wrapped up in an engaging personality. Hershey has performed for Arizona Theatre Company in the past having performed “George Gershwin Alone” to standing ovations several years ago. He has nearly 5,000 stage appearances to his credit and is always working on new pieces. "Of course it's a lot of hard work, but it's also a lot of fun,” he says. “And as long as it continues to be fun, I'll continue to perform!"
HERSHEY FELDER as IRVING BERLIN Presented by Arizona Theatre Company TUCSON: Sept. 16-Oct. 4 Temple of Music and Art • 330 S Scott Ave. in downtown Tucson • 530-622-2823 PHOENIX: Oct. 8-25 Herberger Theater Center • 222 E Monroe in downtown Phoenix • 602-256-6995 Times and prices vary • www.arizonatheatre.org
22 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
2015-16 CELEBRATE 10 YEARS WITH US
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2015-16 PERFORMIN OCT 1 Direct From Beijing: The National Circus & Acrobats of the People's Republic of China OCT 14 Zoltán Mága: From Budapest With Love OCT 15 Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club: “Adios” Tour OCT 18 Taylor Davis Live In Concert
2
OCT 22 Bach Goldberg Variations
Having sold over 4 million tickets in 35 countries, The Australian Pink Floyd Show is rightfully hailed as one of the leading concert performances currently operating; The Times described them as “The Gold Standard.”
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The annual season kickoff festival will take on the atmosphere of a Latin street party this year, featuring Los Lonely Boys, great food, amazing lowriders, and artist demonstrations on the Shadow Walk; this feast-for-your-senses festival will satisfy your art cravings in every way. Don’t miss it!
OCT 24 The David Grisman Sextet OCT 27 The Moth OCT 30 Jeff Daniels and the Ben Daniels Band
S E A S O N K I C KO F F F E S T I VA L Mesa Arts Center welcomes Ballet Hispanico for their Arizona premier of an evening length masterpiece of CARMEN.maquia by Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, a Picasso-inspired contemporary take on Bizet's beloved classic. Under artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro, Ballet Hispanico melds it's Latino roots with an eclectic, sleekly modern style that has made it one "of the best contemporary ensembles" The New York Times. Ballet Hispanico's diverse program promises to "whisk us away to contemporary dance's hottest spot" The Washington Post.
B A L L E T H I S PA N I C O
NOV 5 Youssou N'Dour
TICKETS ON SALE m e s a a r t s c e n t e r.
Enjoy world-class jazz events a performance of Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis in the intimate Piper Theater (Sept. 25), and the Arizona Premiere of “Swing Symphony” with special guest The Phoenix Symphony (Sept. 26).
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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 23
Arts
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Tucson artist Lisa Mishler loves freedom in art By C.J. Shane
nt Entertainme
She didn’t really like art when she was a child, yet Tucsonan Lisa Mishler evolved into a prize-winning artist whose artwork is exhibited nationally and internationally. “I disliked art in my younger years,” Lisa says. “It was way too structured in art class. I always admired artists, but I didn’t think I could do art because my experience in school was bad.” More important to her development as an artist were Lisa’s parents and her childhood spent in Washington, D.C. Lisa was born only one month after her parents, Polish Holocaust survivors Sol and Luba Kotz, arrived in the United States to make a new home. “As a child we had a park behind our home in D.C. I would climb trees and chase bugs, find turtles and Indian arrowheads. I would collect rocks and pebbles and play in nature. The colors of fall were electric.” Not surprisingly, Lisa would later write that her art expresses that human/natural world interaction. Growing up in our nation’s capital also meant that Lisa was exposed to some great art and architecture. “I would take a public bus by myself to the zoo almost weekly. My first visit to an art museum was in D.C. I was totally in awe.” Regarding her parents, “My father was wonderful with color and design. He had a great eye for beauty. My mother’s taste was more understated but beautiful.” Her father’s work took the Kotz family to Los Angeles for a brief period. Then they relocated again, this time to Arizona. “Moving to the West from D.C. was a culture shock,” Lisa says. “I didn’t much care for it. I missed how green D.C. was.” Eventually she came to appreciate the desert’s beauty. Lisa married husband Chuck, a native Oregonian, and they started a family in Arizona.
They have two grown children and three grandchildren, and they share their home with two dogs, Winston and Gemini. Lisa has lived in Tucson now for 40 years. Lisa worked in interior design and commercial photography for many years. But the paintbrush beckoned, and at the age of 48, she began painting. She started with watercolors, but soon turned to acrylic on canvas and encaustic. “I love to experiment and try new ways to express myself,” Lisa says of her art. Encaustic is one of those new ways. “Encaustic is painting with (hot) beeswax and Damar resin crystals. It is an ancient art form that is approximately 4000 years old.” She especially loves the luminosity of encaustic. Birds are a frequent image in Lisa’s works, even the more abstract pieces. “Ravens have a spiritual significance for me. They occur to me in my dreams. I fly with them out of harm’s way and they nurture me. In the Torah, Elijah was kept alive because G-d sent ravens to carry food to him (Kings: 17.4-6).” Before she began painting, Lisa often took time to photograph Lisa Mishler birds. Of her abstracts, Lisa says they are a way of “expressing my deepest inner feelings and finding a new way of seeing.” This viewpoint served her well early in 2015 when she had a solo exhibit at the Tucson Jewish Community Center. The exhibit, titled “L’Chayim – To Life,” featured passages from her father’s World War II-era memoir paired with Lisa’s artistic interpretations of his words. Both Sol and Luba Kotz served in the Polish partisan army during World War II. Luba was a nurse who smuggled Jewish orphans from war zones. Sol served in both the Polish partisan and Russian armies. Sol and Luba were separated in the war, but were reunited in 1946 in a fortuitous encounter at a rail station. Lisa’s painting “Bashert – Meant to
LISA MISHLER: lisamishler.com 24 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
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Be” is based on that reunion. The exhibit was first suggested to Lisa by Rabbi Stephanie Aaron of Tucson’s Congregation Chaverim. Initially Lisa said no. “I was too close, not detached at all. I felt a lot of pain and anguish in my mother. One of my first memories as a child was of her crying and saying, ‘I miss my family.’ I grew up with nightmares of the Holocaust. Mom died in 1972, and in 1994 my father died. I didn’t want to relive it.” Sol’s memoir was written in 1972. “My dad wanted to leave a record for us of what took place with him and our mom. My mother didn’t like to talk about it. Despite the violence, she still loved humanity.” Developing a body of work for the exhibit was emotionally charged for Lisa. “It meant more than I can say. I finally understood as an adult all that they had gone through and how courageous they were. They were heroes.”
Lisa recently published a book based on this exhibit, also titled “L’Chayim – To Life.” The book includes her paintings along with passages from her father’s memoir. Rabbi Aaron contributed commentary. “I feel (my parents’) story is timely,” Lisa says. “We must stop fighting and hating. I feel that tolerance and love is the solution.” Lisa, who frequently teaches art classes in Tucson, is experimenting again by including her photographic images in paintings. “Many of the images are very dreamlike with many layers,” she says. Something must be clicking because Lisa’s artwork “Red” was recently shown digitally in the Louvre. C.J. Shane is an artist, writer and publisher of SonoranArtsNetwork.net. Learn about her artwork and writings at CJShane.com
SEPT 9 - OCT 4
THE MUSICAL
26 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
A TRULY ‘KILLER’ MUSICAL SPECTACULAR
OPENS OCTOBER 16, 2015 One Hand, One Heart
OPENS NOVEMBER 27, 2015 God Bless Us Everyone!
OPENS JANUARY 15, 2016 Know That I Loved You
OPENS FEBRUARY 26, 2016 Tradition!
OPENS APRIL 15, 2016 It’s Always A Business Doing Pleasure With You!
OPENS MAY 27, 2016 Nothin’ But A Good Time
OPENS JULY 15, 2016 This Is How A Dream Comes True
OPENS AUGUST 26, 2016 The Boys Are Back In Town
$15 OFF the purchase of a regular priced ticket in Season 11!* *Some restrictions and exclusions apply to performance date and seating location. Use Code AJLMAG.
• Graffiti Gold: Sept. 14 • Man in Black: Oct. 26 • Menopause: Sept. 24-27, Oct. 1-4 • Early Rock & Roll: Nov. 2 and many more!
7701 W. PARADISE LN. | PEORIA, AZ 85382 | 623.776.8400 | AZBROADWAY.ORG ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 27
presents
James
and the
Giant Peach a musical adventure live on stage! 525 N. First St. | Phoenix
October 9 thru 25, 2015 Call or Click for Tickets 602.253.8188 x2 | VYT.com
Book by Timothy Allen McDonald Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul Based on the book James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl and presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI).
Fall Workshops Begin
September 19th, 2015
51 0 2 6 201
Registration is NOW OPEN!
Upcoming Productions
James and the Giant Peach October 9 – 25, 2015 A Winnie -The-Pooh Christmas Tail December 4 – 23, 2015 Pinocchio February 5 – 21, 2016 Pinkalicious April 8 – 24, 2016 Disney’s The Little Mermaid® June 10 – 26, 2016 /valleyyouththeatre
@VYTPhoenix
Save Money Now by becoming a Season Subscriber ! Call or Click for Tickets 602.253.8188 x2 | VYT.com 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
Nokuthula Ngwenyama
Red Rocks Music Fest in Phoenix and Sedona The 15th Annual Red Rocks Music Festival will be held in Phoenix and Sedona Sept. 2-6, bringing the best in international chamber music to Arizona. Led by Israeliborn Moshe Bukshpan, the festival “educates, engages and challenges audiences through a unique collaboration of musicians from leading Arizona performing arts organizations and world-acclaimed artists.” Two public performances will be held in Phoenix at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center. On Sept. 2 the program is titled “Folklore in Music” including Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet, Bartok’s “Contrasts” and Klezmer arrangements. Musicians featured will be Nikola Djurica, clarinet; David Ehrlich and Steven Moeckel, violins; Nokuthula Ngwenyama, viola; Thomas Landschoot, cello and Teresa Ehrlich, piano. The program on Sept. 3 is “Classical Meets Jazz” featuring music such as CM von Weber’s Clarinet Quintet, Bruch’s Trio, Prokofiev’s Overture on Hebrew Themes and Paul Schoenfield’s Trio. Musicians for this performance are Nikola Djurica, clarinet; Steven Moeckel and David Ehrlich, violins; Nokuthula Ngwenyama, viola; Jan Simiz, cello and Teresa Ehrlich, piano. The Heritage Center is located at 122 E Culver in downtown Phoenix. Both concerts are at 7:30 pm. The programs will be reprised in Sedona. “Classical Meets Jazz” will be on Sept. 5 at 7 pm and “Folklore in Music” will be Sept. 6 at 3 pm. Both performances will be held at the Sedona Creative Life Center, 333 Schnebly Hill Road. Tickets are $28 for each, or $48 for both. redrocksmusicfestival.com
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND ARIZONA WOMEN FOR ISRAEL
Annual Luncheon Tuesday, November 10, 2015 Phoenix Art Museum
Calling all sculptors The Tucson Jewish Community Center (the Tucson J) announces a call to artists for the Seventh Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, which will be displayed from March 13, 2016, to March 1, 2017. The 2016 exhibition will comprise as many as 20 sculptures displayed throughout The J’s sculpture garden. The juror for the exhibit will be Moira Geoffrion, art department head emerita of the University of Arizona. In 2009 the Tucson J established a sculpture garden on its campus with a fourfold purpose: to craft a public space that celebrates the appreciation of sculpture; to create an atmosphere of tranquility; to promote educational opportunities; and to enhance community fellowship. In addition to The J’s permanent collection and long-term loans of sculpture, an annual juried sculpture exhibition is held to present works by local, national and international sculptors. The landscaped garden showcases outdoor sculpture, offers views of the surrounding mountain ranges and provides a meditative environment within the city limits. Arts and cultural programming are not new to The J: art classes, early childhood education programs, an art gallery featuring temporary exhibitions of local artists and an extraordinarily popular annual film festival are just some of the programs the Tucson J hosts. This opportunity is open to all artists. Application deadline is Sept. 30, 2015, at 5 pm. Information regarding eligibility, criteria and applications can be found at tucsonjcc.org/arts/sculpture-garden; additional information is available at 520-299-3000. Visit tucsonjcc.org to view the sculpture garden and sculptures in the permanent collection. To see the works in person, visit The J at 3800 E River Road in Tucson.
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM - Program KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Jessica Abo Celebrity Journalist
EVENT CHAIRS: Judy Bassett & Kim Kotzin
RSVP by October 30, 2015 at jnf.org/azwfi or contact Kaci Garrison at kgarrison@jnf.org or 480.447.8100 x967 jnf.org • 800.JNF.0099 ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 29
Arts&
ment n i a t r Ente
Featured
ARIZONA BROADWAY THEATRE
Fiddler on the Roof One of the shows from the upcoming season is a returning favorite that everyone has been asking for – Fiddler on the Roof. Fiddler will be onstage Feb. 26-April 3, 2016. azbroadway.org | 623-776-8400
from o Adve
Arizona Opera
Arizona Lady This season opener starring Angela Fout will be onstage Oct. 10 & 11 at Tucson Music Hall and Oct.16-18 at Symphony Hall in Phoenix. azopera.org/azlady | 602-266-7464 or 520-293-4336
ASU KERR CULTURAL CENTER, A DIVISION OF ASU GAMMAGE
Nicole Pesce & Friends Stunning virtuoso pianist Nicole Pesce will present a program of jazz, blues and swing with selections from the Great American Songbook to kick off the 2015-2016 Jazz in Concert Series at 7:30 pm, Jan. 6. Co-presented by Jazz in AZ and ASU Kerr Cultural Center. 480-596-2660 | asukerr.com
BISBEE VISITOR CENTER
Bisbee After 5 On the second Saturday of every month, the streets come alive with art in historic Bisbee for the Bisbee After 5 Artwalk! This free, self-guided tour of the town’s art galleries, shops and public art is paired with live music, food and special events. bisbeeafter5.com
BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND
Celebration of Honey This adults-only event 5:30-7:30 pm, Sept. 19. will feature scrumptious honey-filled foods and desserts by Eat Me Gourmet Catering in Scottsdale, presentations by resident beekeeper Emily Brown and honey tastings. RSVP required. 480-800-3000 ext. 206. | butterflywonderland.com
Desert Foothills Theater
Deconstructing Broadway Sirius/XM radio's Broadway host Seth Rudetsky brings his hilarious one-man show to the Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center for one night only. Oct. 25 at 7:30 pm. dftheater.org 30 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
d Events
our A&E ertisers
MESA ART CENTER
Ballet Hispanico Mesa Arts Center hosts Live from Lincoln Center’s filming of Ballet Hispanico as part of an international movie release 7:30 pm, Sept. 16 and 18, at Ikeda Theater. Under artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro, Ballet Hispanico melds its Latino roots with an eclectic, sleeky modern style.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM
MIMFest This weekend festival is slated for Nov. 7 & 8, with tickets on sale Sept. 3. Tickets, artist information, and schedule are available online. MIM.org | 480-478-6000
PHOENIX THEATRE
Wizard of Oz Based upon the Classical Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co., this show was originally adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Prepare to go over the rainbow with the entire family this holiday season, Nov. 18- Dec. 27. 602-254-2151 | phoenixtheatre.com
SCOTTSDALE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and violinist Pinchas Zukerman At 8 pm, Jan. 16 in the Virginia G. Piper Theater, enjoy a performance by the internationally acclaimed London-based Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Pinchas Zukerman as principal guest conductor and violin soloist. ScottsdalePerformingArts.org | 480-499-TKTS (8587).
THEATER WORKS
Man of La Mancha Oct. 9-25 at Gyder Theater, enjoy this remarkable, poignant and moving story of the “mad” knight Don Quixote and his “Impossible Dream” of honor, justice and love. TheaterWorks.org | 623-815-7930 ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 31
Cover
“One of the first exposures I got to anything Jewish was when he (Sandy Koufax) wouldn’t pitch on Yom Kippur in the World Series.” ~ Danny
32 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
Danny Zelisko: Arizona’s Own Music Man By Deborah Moon
Concert promoter and collector extraordinaire Danny Zelisko has been uniting performers, venues and audiences in Arizona since 1974. His penchant for ensuring a
successful, fun event for all involved landed him in the Arizona Music Hall of Fame in 2004. His celebrity connections sound like a who’s who of the music world. The thousands of entertainers he has worked with over the past four decades include household names such as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, The Eagles, Bette Midler, Arlo Guthrie, Roger Waters (of the original Pink Floyd), Tina Turner, Tim McGraw, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Cher, Barbra Streisand and James Brown. He’s booked the rock shows at the Arizona State Fair for 30 years, starting with a performance by The Police. He’s friends with actor George Lopez; Jewish comedian Lewis Black; Frank Zappa’s son, rock guitarist Dweezil Zappa; Stephen Stills, of Crosby Stills and Nash; and a host of other famous folk. “It sounds like name dropping, but it all happens,” says Danny. “I’m
friends with talented people. They are somebody to call and ask for advice or offer advice. For the most part they are all genuine, real people; they care about you.” As impressive as that roster of entertainers sounds, Danny’s Jewish friends, some of whom are also part of his showbiz world, are just as important to him. Starting with his discovery he was Jewish thanks to his high school pals, Jewish friends have played important roles during vital moments throughout his life – including educating him on the art of concert promotion, financing his first production company, introducing him to his wife, sharing Passover seders and authentic “Jewish meals,” and supporting him in his successful battle against cancer. Growing up on the north side of Chicago, Danny says he didn’t realize he was Jewish until he was in high school and his Jewish friends told him that if his grandmother was Jewish, his mother was Jewish and so was he. Danny says he promptly went home and told his Catholic dad he wasn’t going to church anymore, he was going to synagogue instead. “It turned into a good bit around the house,” says Danny. “Dad didn’t know what to make of it.” Though Danny did stop attending church, he didn’t make it to synagogue. Years later Danny asked his then elderly grandmother why she hadn’t passed on her rich heritage to her daughter and grandson. “She said it was ‘not what we did then,’ ” says Danny. “I’ve learned that with the anti-Semitism in the ’20s and ’30s, many people
I love the last half century. I have a ‘Danny Hall of Fame’ that is incredible. ~ Danny
ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 33
Danny, Jackson Browne and Little Steven
When people think of Phoenix (concerts), they think of me. It’s amazing how networking works.
didn’t wear it on their sleeve. … It’s unfortunate. I don’t do anything religious, but I’m proud of being Jewish. It is one of the things that make me who I am.” After graduating from high school, Danny went to California, where he learned the concert promotion business at the feet of Bill Graham. Born Wulfgang Grajonca, in 1941 at age 10 he became one of about 1,400 children rescued from Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe who were sent directly to America. After changing his name to sound more American, Bill grew up and “created the concert promotion business” in the 1960s, says Danny. “I met him in 1972 and over 15 years we developed a relationship such that he would trust me with his biggest band – The Grateful Dead,” says Danny, who promoted the band’s August 1987 Phoenix concert, which drew 17,000 people. Their friendship started when Danny moved to California after high school graduation. He turned up at an Allman Brothers concert Bill was promoting. On the advice of the show’s road manager, the 17-year-old helped out and started to unpack equipment. “Bill Graham picked me up by the shirt and said, ‘You’ve got chutzpah kid,’ ” recalls Danny. “I followed him around the rest of the night.” The two remained close friends until Bill’s death in a helicopter crash at age 60 in 1991. Now Danny sits on the board of the Bill Graham Foundation, a charity that provides grants for music, the arts and education, as well as social work, environmental protection, and spiritual and compassionate projects. Danny also donated the proceeds from an auction of some of his very extensive music and sports memorabilia collection to the foundation. This spring Danny attended the opening of the Skirball Cultural Center exhibit "Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution." “Bill was a tough man, but he loved me and I loved him,” says Danny. In acknowledgement of that longstanding love, Danny sports part of Bill’s birth name on his license plate. After two years of learning the ropes from Bill, Danny wanted to start his own promotions business and picked Arizona because he figured it had less competition than
Shep, Danny, Steven and Alice
Dennis Hopper with Danny
34 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
California or Chicago. He turned to the father of one of his Jewish high school buddies to seek funding. Larry Kobald, son of Buddy and Ruth Kobald, and Danny went to many concerts in Buddy’s station wagon emblazoned with a picture of a bottle of Dad’s Root Beer. Dad’s Root Beer was started by Ruth’s father Louis Belman, who left Russia just before the Russian Revolution and moved to Chicago. Danny says Buddy told him he only invests in people who invest in themselves, so Danny persuaded his mom and dad, Lorraine and John, to invest in his career, too. “My dad put in some money and Buddy put in some money,” says Danny. Those funds enabled him to put on his first shows in Arizona in June 1974: Jazz-fusion artists Mahavishnu Orchestra at the Tucson Music Hall and Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters in Phoenix. “By the late ’70s and ’80s, I’d become a big concert promoter,” says Danny. Now, “when people think of Phoenix, they think of me. It’s amazing how networking works.” “My brother Jimmy was writing for the Illinois Entertainer in the ’70s, and introduced me to two more important Jewish friends, Fred Ordower and Arny Granat, who respectively ran and owned Jam Productions in Chicago,” says Danny. Both men helped Danny as his career progressed and helped him grow his company, Evening Star Productions. At the same time he also became good friends with talent manager Shep Gordon, the subject of the 2013 documentary “Supermensch.” Danny not only co-owns a home with Shep in Hawaii, he also says Shep is “like a brother.” He’s met many people Shep manages, including Alice Cooper. “I love Alice Cooper and Shep; they are like family,” says Danny. His friendship with Shep also expanded Danny’s family. Shep introduced him to his employees, including Melanie Wicker. “I was doing (promotion for) the Eagles and Bette Midler the last weekend of the millennium,” Danny says. “Melanie introduced me to her sister Leslie.” Leslie and Danny married five months later. Arny served as Danny’s best man. The new millennium brought many other changes to Danny’s life. In 2000 SFX began buying many of the country’s biggest promoters, including Bill Graham Presents. In 2001 Danny’s
James Taylor and Danny
Kris Kristoferson, Barbra Streisand and Danny
Evening Star Productions also joined SFX and Danny became president of the Southwest office of SFX. More changes were in store in 2003-4. SFX was sold to Clear Channel. Danny was inducted into the Arizona Music Hall of Fame. And he played perhaps the best golf game of his life. Unfortunately, that wonderful golf game was caused by a pain that slowed his normally hurried swing. “I was golfing at Pebble Beach. The pain slowed my golf swing and made me a better golfer. When I swung it really hurt. I didn’t want to know what was wrong because I went 2 under (par) on two holes,” he jokes. When he did go to the doctor a month later, he learned he had colon cancer. Danny went to the Mayo Clinic, where the tumor was removed. On his 49th birthday, he started chemotherapy, which he says was worse than the surgery. “But the alternative was dying, and who wants to die when you are 49?” he says. “Since then it’s been a wild ride. … I made sure every month I went somewhere special and had fun. … I’ve done thousands of shows since then.” He hopes hearing his experience encourages other people to listen to their bodies. “Get checked if you don’t feel normal,” he urges. “So many of my friends ignored pain and they’ve died.” The travel bug Danny nurtured while recovering from cancer has lived on. He spends a week or so in Hawaii four or five times a year. Another place Danny would like to visit is Israel, preferably
Danny’s daughter, Danielle, and Bon Jovi ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 35
with someone who knows the country. He has many friends who have told him he needs to visit. “The way my friends say it, is like I would say ‘you’ve Danny with wife Leslie got to hear this Photo by Sammy Hagar band,’ about The Beatles,” he explains of his desire to visit. “I’m not even close to well-read about the country, but I am enamored with the persistence and positive attitude of the people.” Travel seems to run in the family. His daughter, Danielle, 27, is an avid traveler. “My daughter quit her job (as a social worker in Illinois) to traipse around Asia,” says Danny. “Last year she went to the Ukraine where my grandparents are from. She didn’t find any relatives, but she said she saw a lot of people who looked like our family.” It’s clear that for Danny life has continued and so has his career as a promoter. After Clear Channel spun the entertainment division and all of its promoters and venues into what is now Live Nation in 2006, Danny served as president and then chair of Live Nation Southwest. In 2011 he left to once again become an independent promoter operating as Danny Zelisko Presents.
Since then he has brought big-name acts to Phoenix, Las Vegas and Albuquerque. His upcoming fall shows (see box) include a Sept. 19 performance by Lewis Black, who Danny has known since the 1990s. “He’s fabulous,” says Danny. “Lewis is a really special guy. He’s super intelligent and super funny and very excitable.” He was also one of the first people to call when he heard Danny had stage 3 colon cancer. “He’s a real mensch,” says Danny. Looking back at life, Danny says, “I’m really happy I came along when I did. I got to do all this incredible stuff. ... The ’50s was a great time to come around. Life revolved around music.” The music that came out of the 1960s, especially the songs of The Beatles, has timeless appeal. “It was a great decade. All the groups that came out of that decade set the musical agenda for all of us. Everybody still watches those bands.” Danny laments that changing trends in the music world – increasingly homogenized radio stations, record companies that barely exist, groups becoming famous briefly on YouTube – have created an environment where new bands don’t have the longevity and impact of those from earlier decades. “A lot of the great bands are still around, but we have to replace them; we need more bands coming up the pike,” says Danny. “Fortunately we are still here and can share what we felt and heard and continue the legacy of these artists … to inspire kids to create music people like.” In addition to inspiring and entertaining today’s audiences,
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Danny also hopes to share his extensive music and sports memorabilia collection with future generations. He’d like to either create an exhibit space or find a museum that might be interested the posters, guitars, pictures, T‑shirts, personal letters and other items he has collected that provide a window to musical and sports happenings of the past half century. His collection includes letters he has received from baseball players since he was a kid. “My brother Jimmy had heart disease – he died when he was 30,” says Danny. “He got me into writing letters to ball players. I met Ernie Banks when he played for the Cubs. We’ve been friends for 50 years.” When a statue of Ernie was dedicated at Wrigley Field, he invited Danny to join him at the dedication. “I sat with him and Hank Aaron.” “I’m a huge Sandy Koufax fan,” adds Danny, noting he has plenty of memorabilia, like signed balls, photos and a jersey that hangs in Alice Cooper’stown in Phoenix, to support that claim. “One of the first exposures I got to anything Jewish was when he wouldn’t pitch on Yom Kippur in the World Series.” For now his collection is divided among his home, his office and a secure storage area. “I love the last half century. I have a ‘Danny Hall of Fame’ that is incredible,” he says. “I’d love to put it up.” During more than four decades in the music world, Danny has learned the Jewish community and the entertainment world have a lot in common in terms of a feeling of kinship. “There are so many Jewish people in the business. It’s a close-knit fraternity,” says Danny.
FEATURED FALL PERFORMANCES BY DANNY ZELISKO PRESENTS Of the many shows already on the calendar for the remainder of the year, here are a few highlights: The Australian Pink Floyd Show with Led Zeppelin 2
Sept. 2: Doors open 6:30 pm; Show begins 7:30 pm at Mesa Arts Center, Mesa
Lewis Black: The Rant is Due Part Deux Sept. 19: Doors open 7 pm; Show begins 8 pm at Comerica Theatre, Phoenix
Zappa Plays Zappa Oct. 4: Doors open 7 pm; Show begins 8 pm at Talking Stick Golf Club, Scottsdale
Gregg Allman Oct. 9: Doors open 7 pm; Show begins 8 pm at Pearl Concert Theater, Las Vegas, NV
Arizona State Fair Starting Oct. 15, acts booked by DZP include Bret Michaels, Jackson Browne, Jane’s Addiction, Rick Springfield, Jason Derulo and many more
What does the Federation do? We help people.
This month is a time for us as Jews to be introspective as individuals, reaching out for forgiveness and refocusing on how we want to live our lives differently. At the Federation, we are also taking the time to pause and look at all we have accomplished and how we can improve our role in building vibrant Jewish communities and taking care of those in need. In the spirit of the holidays, we apologize to those we may have offended, thank those who supported us and invite those who are not yet involved to join us in enriching lives by helping Jews in need and by building vibrant Jewish communities in the Valley, in Israel and in 70 countries around the world.
Give today. Create tomorrow.
Judas Priest and Mastodon Oct 17: Doors open 7 pm; Show begins 8 pm at Pearl Concert Theater, Las Vegas, NV
Jeff Daniels Oct. 30: Doors open 7 pm; Show begins 8 pm at Mesa Arts Center
John Prine and Kris Kristofferson Oct. 30: Doors open 7 pm; Show begins 8 pm at Pearl Concert Theater, Las Vegas, NV
Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons Dec 4-5: Doors open 7 pm, Show begins 8 pm at Celebrity Theater, Phoenix
480.634.4900 x1299 | jewishphoenix.org/donate
dannyzeliskopresents.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 37
High Holy Days Erev Rosh Hashanah
Sept. 13
Rosh Hashanah Sept. 14-15
Kol Nidre (Erev Yom Kippur) Sept. 22
Yom Kippur Sept. 23
Erev Sukkot Sept. 27
Top 10 great reasons to love the pomegranate Pomegranates (rimonim in Hebrew) add color and symbolism to Rosh Hashanah tables worldwide
Here’s why you should try one
By Viva Sarah Press
Pomegranate season is underway. Markets are teeming with this glorious red fruit, supermarket shelves are packed with pomegranate juices, and cosmetic stores are promoting pomegranate oil-infused creams. The fruit-with-a-crown is one of the ritual foods for the Rosh Hashana holiday. It is understood to be the fruit that grew in the Garden of Eden and which biblical scouts brought to Moses to show the fertility of the promised land. It is also said to have 613 seeds – corresponding to the 613 mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah. The pomegranate is a fun-to-eat but messy treat packing a tart and sweet taste. And this beautiful fruit is celebrated for its medicinal powers. ISRAEL21c gives you 10 great reasons to add pomegranates to your shopping list:
1. Pomegranates are good for you
The pomegranate is known as a superfood. Its jewel-like seeds (arils) have been used for medicinal purposes for millennia. Packed with powerful antioxidants and vitamins, this ruby-red fruit has been shown to be a cure-all for just about any ailment. It helps stomach upsets, menopausal hot flashes, hemorrhoids, conjunctivitis, osteoarthritis, lowers blood pressure, stimulates the immune system, wards off the flu, reduces inflammation, reduces risk of heart disease and lowers cholesterol. “The peel is good for the heart and blood vessels; the white membrane is good for stopping diarrhea and good for wounds and ulcers of the mouth and throat. The fruit also strengthens the brain, cleanses the body and blood from toxins, and is very good at expelling worms from the intestines,” Merav Altman-Adler, who practices classic Chinese medicine, tells ISRAEL21c.
2. Pomegranate juice is heart-healthy
“The most important new issue is the cardiovascular protection of pomegranate,” says Prof. Michael Aviram, head of the Lipid Research Laboratory of Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center and one of Israel’s top pomegranate researchers. Sukkot Pomegranate juice packs a high antioxidant potency punch and protects against heart Sept. 28-Oct. 4 attack and stroke. According to new research coming out of Aviram’s lab and an article he co-authored in Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal in April 2013, this royal red juice has an even higher concentration of antioxidants than other sources of dietary Shemini Atzeret/ antioxidants such as red wine, grape juice, blueberry juice, cranberry juice and green tea.
Simchat Torah Oct. 5-6
Visit AZJewishLife.com/calendar for holiday service times and locations in Arizona. 38 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
3. Pomegranates help combat prostate cancer, diabetes
A Technion-Israel Institute of Technology study led by Aviram showed that the antioxidants found in pomegranate juice may be especially beneficial to diabetes patients. Researchers found that drinking pomegranate juice reduced the uptake of oxidized “bad” LDL cholesterol by immune cells, which is a major contributing factor
Ze’ev Wiesman of the plant oil biotechnology lab led the team that improved the genetic makeup of the new pomegranates — Narda, Rotem and Nitzan. Wiesman says they taste better, are more vivid in color, and ripen earlier – as was the case this season, when Israeli pomegranates hit the global market in July 2013, three weeks earlier than usual.
6. Peeling pomegranates can be stain-free
to atherosclerosis. “Pomegranate at low dosages is also good for diabetics as the pomegranate sugar is not free (and harmful) but it is attached to the pomegranate’s unique phenolic antioxidants,” Aviram tells ISRAEL21c. Two other recent studies by British and American researchers show that components in pomegranate juice help prevent prostate cancer metastasis. But Aviram warns that while the fruit juice is beneficial, “Pomegranate is not a magic bullet” in curing diseases.
Two Israeli companies have found revolutionary ways of extracting the fruit’s seeds and oils so they can be used commercially in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Juran Technologies of Rishon Lezion uses its ArilSystem to extract a whopping 600-1,800 kilograms of pomegranate seeds in just one hour. The ArilSystem can also remove the tough peel and inner membranes of the fruit, important for the beverage industry since the tannins in pomegranate membranes add a bitter taste to the juice. “Pomegranate is an evolving product worldwide,” Juran CEO and Marketing Director Avner Galili, told ISRAEL21c in an earlier interview. “We believe the only way to keep the pomegranate sector profitable is by industrializing it — freshcutting, juicing, drying and freezing.” Caesarea-based Hefestus uses water and sound-wave technology to separate the pomegranate peel and its paper-thin membrane from the arils. To achieve optimal long-lasting shelf life, Hefestus packs the fruit in sealed trays using its patented Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technology.
Punicic acid is a rare omega-5 conjugated fatty acid that has been shown to improve skin tone and elasticity. “Every day our faces are exposed to harmful sun rays and pollutants. The pomegranate extracts help keep the skin healthy.”
7. Pomegranates keep you young
Chinese herbology cites pomegranate juice as a longevity treatment. And thanks to the pomegranate’s antioxidant extracts, modern science and the cosmetics industry agree that topical application of products containing the ruby red fruit can keep wrinkles at bay. Pomegranate-tinged antiaging creams, massage oils, masques and toners are readily available. 4. Pomegranates make Shavit – an Israeli company specializing dessert wine in all-natural beauty products – produces The Rimon Winery in Israel is one a line of pomegranate-infused products of the world’s top producers of this that are exported around the world. crimson dessert wine. Father-and-son duo “Pomegranate oil is a rich source of punicic Gabi and Avi Nahmias, from Moshav acid and this is a very strong antioxidant Kerem Ben Zimra in the Upper Galilee, that helps fight wrinkles,” Aliza Shavit, a developed a new strain of pomegranate pharmacist by training and co-founder of for winemaking. In 2003, they produced the company, tells ISRAEL21c. just 2,000 bottles of pomegranate wine Punicic acid is a rare omega-5 conjugated –Aliza Shavit, Pharmacist to test the market. Today, they ship more fatty acid that has been shown to improve than 720,000 bottles across the globe. skin tone and elasticity. “Every day our faces are exposed to harmful sun rays and 5. There are different pollutants,” Shavit says. “The pomegranate extracts help keep the pomegranate varieties skin healthy.” Israelis have innovated different varieties of pomegranates. Rimonest – a company funded by the Technion and led Some are sweeter; others keep longer. According to the by head researcher Dr. Ephraim Lansky has also developed a Agricultural Ministry, the 2013 crop is expected to yield some line of products for the functional food, functional beverage, 60,000 tons of fruit. Of that, 14,000 tons of pomegranates will nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors. be used by the domestic market and the rest will be exported, mostly to Europe. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev horticultural researchers have introduced three types of pomegranates to the market. Prof. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 39
High Holy Days 8. Pomegranates are packed with religious history and symbolism
The pomegranate has enjoyed celebrity status for millennia. Widely believed to have originated in Persia (modern-day Iran), the fruit is mentioned in ancient Babylonian texts, the Bible, the Homeric Hymns and the Quran. Pomegranates appear in Greek mythology, Egyptian papyrus, Tang Dynasty characters, and ancient Armenian texts. The Greeks called pomegranates the “fruit of the dead,” relating to the story of Hades tricking Persephone into eating its seeds in order to keep
How to eat a pomegranate
Pomegranates add a splash of color, texture and flavor to many dishes. Photo by Anne Kleinberg
The fruit-with-a-crown is one of the ritual foods for the Rosh Hashana holiday. Photo by Anne Kleinberg
her as his wife. Ancient Egyptians saw the pomegranate as a symbol of prosperity and ambition. In Judaism, it symbolizes fruitfulness, and in Hinduism it represents prosperity and fertility.
9. Pomegranates are beautiful
Pomegranates are a favorite theme in visual and literary arts. King Solomon, in the Song of Songs, cites the fruit in one of the most famous love poems: “Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.” Thanks to their all-religions symbolism, pomegranates can be found in artworks throughout the centuries. Famous paintings include Early Renaissance Italian painter Sandro Botticelli’s Madonna of the Pomegranate (ca. 1487) and French painter William-Adolphe Bouquereau’s Girl with a Pomegranate, 1875. Want a modern take on pomegranates? Stop by any of Israel’s crafts markets and you’ll be inundated with pomegranate-themed ceramics, woodwork, clay, photography and drawings.
10. They taste great!
Pomegranates would hardly enjoy such celebrity status if they tasted as bitter as their peel. But crack open this pink-red-purplish fruit and dig in. A bit tart but sweet too, pomegranates are a tasty and nutritious snack. And if you’re not a fan of purple-tinged fingers, you can always stop by a fresh juice stand or order pomegranate ice cream. Enjoy! This article provided by israel21c.org. 40 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
Now that you know why you want to wrestle with this amazing fruit, check out recipes to enjoy the hard-earned nuggets of flavor in Jewish Life columnist Anne Kleinberg’s book Pomegranates: 70 Celebratory Recipes. Published by Ten Speed Press (Sept. 1, 2004), the book is available on amazon.com in paperback or kindle editions. Whether an integral part of a dish's composition or adding a bit of color and surprise as a garnish, pomegranates bring beauty and stimulating flavor. Pomegranates offers the natural and cultural history of the pomegranate throughout the world; gives tips on how to buy, eat and use this delectable fruit; and then dishes up a comprehensive collection of 70 pomegranate recipes. Anne Kleinberg, who is also the author of Menopause in Manhattan and several other cookbooks, left a cushy life in Manhattan to begin a new one in Israel. Now she’s opened a boutique bed and breakfast in her home on the golf course in Caesarea (casacaesarea.com).
Merkaz Ha-Iyr moves
One of the Valley’s new progressive synagogues has moved to a larger, inspiring space. Merkaz Ha-Iyr, which means “Center of the City,” has a new home in North Central Phoenix at the Shadow Rock campus at 12861 N Eighth Ave., just south of Thunderbird Road, nestled against North Mountain. “We have the wonderful problem of growth and we are excited to have found a beautiful and spiritual space,” says Merkaz President Staci Mayer. The congregation had been meeting in a church at Central and Northern Avenues in Phoenix. The new home is ideal for members’ continued desire to experience Arizona’s magnificent natural setting. As part of Merkaz's organic approach to Judaism and traditions, the campus has many indoor and outdoor spaces that are perfect for services, holiday celebrations, child and adult education, and the teen "Jewth" group. The inspirational new space will add to the camp-like, once monthly Friday night Shabbat services. Limud, the religious school, teaches Hebrew and Jewish values for youth ages 4-13 years. Rabbi Erica Burech, spiritual leader of Merkaz, described Merkaz as a special community. “During Hanukkah the kids love the competitive menorah contest, and most members participate and enjoy a beautiful outdoor Pesach seder under the stars. Our events are meaningful and fun, and it shows in the high numbers of participants.” The Shul is inclusive and receptive to all. High Holiday services will be held under the stars at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center in downtown Phoenix. For information, call 480-414-5213 or visit congregationmerkaz.org.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Temple Beth Sholom of the
East Valley is the only Conservative Synagogue in the East Valley and is a member of the USCJ. In existence for 60 years, we offer a friendly, warm, and supportive environment. We welcome interfaith families and partners in interfaith relationships to all services and events at our inclusive community. We welcome YOU to TBS, where Ruach comes Alive! TBS is located at
3400 N Dobson Rd. Chandler, AZ 85224
480.897.3636
For more information, please visit www.tbsev.org or find us on
Join our
DYNAMIC Clergy
DESERT FOOTHILLS JEWISH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Non-affiliated Jewish organization serving 250+ active adults in greater Scottsdale and North Phoenix since 1998. Contact us to learn more about our
High Holiday Services at Monterra (Westworld)
Rabbi Arthur Lavinsky, Hazzan Avinoam Sharon and Cantor Sam Goldman For Slichot, Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre & Yom Kippur Services are musically rich and spiritually moving. We offer fun-filled Family and Youth Services too.
(Conducted by Rabbi Robert Kravitz and Cantorial Soloist Sharon Friendly) And our: • Monthly services with • Spring Fling Party an Oneg Shabbat • Second Night • Fall Picnic Passover Seder • Chanukah Party • Havurah Interest Groups
Tickets are $95/per person $125/per couple for more information contact Arlene
480-585-4437 or dfjca.org
For membership information and tickets For the High Holy Days call Anne Schafer, Executive Director
BETH EL CONGREGATION 1118 W Glendale Ave • Phoenix
(602) 944-3359 www.bethelphoenix.com
ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 41
High Holy Days
Music Man and Mensch: Lan Qiu Photo courtesy of Lan Qiu
By Deborah Muller
The Jewish tunes most familiar around the globe undoubtedly are the catchy “If I Were a Rich Man” from “Fiddler on the Roof ” or the folksy wedding staple “Hava Nagila.” But to generations of Jewish people worldwide, the “Kol Nidre,” with its haunting melody, is the song that most resonates as it brings to mind years of tradition with only the first few notes. At Paradise Valley’s Beth Ami Temple, Lan Qiu is the musician helping bring forth this wellspring of memory. For the sixth straight year, the Phoenix Symphony violinist will accompany Beth Ami’s cantorial soloist Pam Beitman during the somber evening Yom Kippur services held on Sept. 22 at 7:30 pm.
Lan understands the importance music plays in connecting people to religion. “It is very difficult to imagine worshiping God without music,” Lan says. “Music is a ladder set up on the Earth, and the top of it reaches to heaven. It heals, comforts and inspires.” Though not Jewish, the violinist understands the profound connection the Jewish people have with music and believes that music is an extraordinary gift from God, to be used as a tool to praise and worship. “As a classical musician, I greatly admire the most accomplished musicians in the world, many of whom are Jewish,” explains Lan. “Music is a universal language that allows me to freely express my feelings and speak my words without any barriers. Playing “Kol Nidre” is one of the examples.”
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“Lan is a man of faith. He is gracious and very hospitable. He is dedicated to his music, which is of course a significant part of his life. His music expresses the spirit of life, and he approaches his music with great love and devotion.”
Lan has played in the Phoenix Symphony’s first violin section since 2003, and from 1996 to 2000 was a member of the China National Symphony Orchestra, one of the country’s most highly regarded orchestras. He has toured and performed in most countries in Europe, Asia and North America. After earning his American citizenship, Lan was honored to play the National Anthem at Chase Field for the Diamondbacks in 2010. A man who has traveled around the world and played in such esteemed professional orchestras, Lan feels right at home on the bimah at Beth Ami Temple, a sentiment echoed by the –Rabbi Abrams temple’s Rabbi Arthur Abrams. “Lan is devoted to the temple, and he has always been available to us,” says Rabbi Abrams. Indeed, the violinist and his wife were invited to play for a fundraising concert just a week after coming back from their honeymoon in 2013. Though both of the musicians were exhausted after their wedding, they took their violins on their honeymoon in Hawaii to prepare for the concert. “Lan is a man of faith. He is gracious and very hospitable. He
is dedicated to his music, which is of course a significant part of his life,” Rabbi Abrams says. “His music expresses the spirit of life, and he approaches his music with great love and devotion.” The friendship Lan has formed with the temple’s rabbi and members grew organically from a professional to a personal level, giving the Qiu family a feeling of love and acceptance by the small boutique temple, which comprises mainly active adults. Last year Lan and his wife, violinist Joy Pan, along with their two children, became honorary members of Beth Ami Temple. “The meaning of honorary membership goes far beyond a nice certificate,” says Lan. “For us, it symbolizes friendship, acceptance, love and a deep bond.” Beth Ami Temple holds services at 3535 E Lincoln Dr. in Paradise Valley. 602-956-0805 | bethamitemple.org
Erev Rosh Hashanah Sept 13-5:00PM-$60 Kol Nidre Yom Kippur Sept 22-7:00PM-$60 Yom Kippur Memorial Sept 23-3:30PM-Free
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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 43
High Holy Days
To Life
Rosh Hashanah:
By Amy Hirshberg Lederman
One New Year’s Eve when I was 6 years old, I stayed up way past my bedtime and, crouched behind the living room door, I looked on as my parents celebrated late into the night with friends. I watched silently as they twirled to the music of Tony Bennett, drank champagne from crystal glasses and toasted “Happy New Year!” when the clock struck 12:01. From my youthful vantage point, the night seemed magical. As Americans, we wish each other a happy new year on New Year’s Eve and toast to a year of good health, friendship and success. Yet when the Jewish New Year rolls around, we wish each other something quite different. At Rosh Hashanah we say “L’shanah Tova!” – may you have a good new year, not a happy one. Why the difference? Although Judaism values joy and happiness as an important part of spiritual wholeness, we seek something more as the foundation of our new year. To be a good, kind and caring person – to be a mensch – is what the Jewish New Year is all about. What Rosh Hashanah inspires is a message of hope that this year we will raise our spiritual awareness and become better
Hillel at ASU
A Warm and Welcoming Place to Celebrate the High Holidays
Rosh Hashanah
Sun. 9/13 6:00 Dinner at Hillel ($10 students, $20 non-students) RSVP after September 9, add $5
8:00 Evening Services Mon. 9/14 10:00 Morning Services
Yom Kippur
Tue. 9/22 6:00 Kol Nidre Services Wed. 9/23 10:00 Morning Services 5:00 Afternoon Services 7:00 Break-the-Fast
L’shanah tovah!
480 967 7563 hillelasu.org 44 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
Ten Ways To Be a Mensch
individuals. This will be a year where we make the world a better place for our family, friends and community. But Jewish tradition does not provide a single rule, definition or value that defines what it means to be a good person. It understands the complexity of being human and that life is complicated and challenging. Being human is messy, not messianic. The beauty of Judaism is that it provides us with a system, a framework of values that can help us in the daily choices we make in our efforts to be good. It gives us tools that we can apply to the many complex situations and relationships we encounter. Where do we find the tools to help us become better people? In the wisdom of the texts that are the blueprint for Jewish living found in the Torah and the Talmud. If there is a Torah Top 10 on how to be a mensch, it would be the following: • Love your neighbor as yourself. (Leviticus 19:18) • Do not do to others what is hateful unto you. (Talmud, Shabbat 31a) • Do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed. (Leviticus 19:16) • Justice, justice you shall pursue. (Deuteronomy 16:20) • Do not separate yourself from the community. (Pirkei Avot 2:5) • Do what is fair and good in the eyes of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 6:18) • Do not hate your brother in your heart. (Leviticus 19:17) • The world stands on three things: Torah study, service of God and acts of loving kindness. (Pirkei Avot 1:2) • He has told you what is good and what the Lord requires of you: to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8) • You shall be holy, for I, the Lord God, am holy. (Leviticus 19:2) To better understand and use our “mensch tool kit,” we need to learn more about what each of these sayings really means and how we can apply them to our daily life. Studying what Jewish wisdom teaches us about loving others, pursuing justice, helping the needy, engaging with our community and living a compassionate life is a meaningful way to walk the path of mensch-hood. This year when someone wishes you L’shana Tova, remember that within those two words lies a deeper, more profound meaning. For in those words is the hope that this year will be a year of learning, opportunity and commitment to becoming a good (or better) person and the knowledge that the world will be enriched by your efforts. Amy Hirshberg Lederman has written more than 300 columns and essays that have been published nationwide. amyhirshberglederman.com
New Yearin theFall
By Teddy Weinberger
What does it mean to live in a country where the New Year is Rosh Hashanah rather than Jan. 1? Of course, if you are Jewish and care about Jewish traditions, Rosh Hashanah in Israel will provide you with a powerful sense of "group feeling" that comes from living in the only country in the world where Judaism is the majority culture. I would argue, though, that one doesn't have to be a religious Jew or even Jewish at all to reap some of the benefits from living in a country where the New Year is in early fall rather than winter. One of the great things about Rosh Hashanah is that it makes sense of one's experience of the rhythm of the year. Whether you are a student or the parent of a student, or whether you are in the work world, there is a sense of something finished at the end of summer and something beginning again in September. And the change in seasons from summer to fall underscores one's experience of an ending and a beginning (OK, all right, for those who live in cities like Miami as I did before making aliyah, where summer ends in early November, you can just go on to my next point). Part of Rosh Hashanah's power, then, lies in the fact that at the exact time when we are predisposed toward ritualizing a new beginning, we have the Jewish New Year. A major aspect of living in Israel during the fall holiday period is the very fact that the three weeks between Rosh Hashanah and Simchat Torah is a culturally recognized period. (Indeed, while the school year in Israel begins on Sept. 1, the university and work year do not begin until "after the holidays," aharay ha-hagim, a phrase that starts to come into play in August and is designed to put off any major professional decision for two months – until after Simchat Torah). In America, with the exception of children attending day school, the Jewish holidays are experienced as interruptions of one's work life or school life. Your classmates and work colleagues are doing their everyday thing, and you know that you will have to play catch-up after each holiday. In other words, whereas the holidays abroad are experienced as a disruption of one's regular life, in Israel during this time school and work are experienced as disruptions of the holiday period. A key difference between experiencing the New Year in Israel as Rosh Hashanah and experiencing it in America as Jan. 1 pertains to the ritualization of the process of turning over a new leaf in one's life. In America people speak about this as making a New Year's resolution, but because this is not anchored in ritual, it hardly packs any meaning. You don't have to be religious to understand that ritual has a function in human society – any sociologist and anthropologist will tell you as much. Ritual has a way of concentrating one's attention and underscoring the significance of what one is doing. In Israel, it is hard to escape from some kind of ritualization of the New Year. Phrases such as "may the curses of this past year disappear and the blessings of the New Year begin" are alive in the culture throughout this period. That is, one may come across phrases like this in advertisements for dishwashers, in holiday
greeting cards from one's employer and on late-night radio talk shows. Special symbolic foods for the New Year abound at our local supermarkets – pomegranates, beets, leeks, carrots, sesame, pumpkin, and apples and honey – encouraging one to treat this period with special attention. A family Rosh Hashanah meal, using some or all of the symbolic foods, serves to ritualize the day for most Israelis. Rosh Hashanah reflections facilitated by ritual are more anchored in Israeli culture than are New Year's resolutions in American culture, and hence, one is more apt to experience Rosh Hashanah as a new start than one does Jan. 1. At the risk of going off topic, I’ll close by noting one other key difference between counting down to Rosh Hashanah in Israel and counting down to Jan. 1 in America. In America, the primary countdown in December is not toward Jan. 1 but toward Christmas. There are spiritual and emotional benefits for a Jew to live in a country whose culture counts down to Rosh Hashanah. Shana Tova. Teddy Weinberger, PhD, writes from Givat Ze’ev, a suburb of Jerusalem just over the Green Line. He and his wife, Sarah Jane Ross, made aliyah in 1997 with their five children. Teddy is director of development for Meaningful, a company that works with Israeli nonprofit organizations.
Young Israel for the High Holidays
Join
Lively, Engaging & Inclusive Services
ROSH NAH HASHA 5 Sept. 13-1
• Traditional services blended with contemporary messages • Hebrew-English prayer books provided • Warm and welcoming environment • With Junior Congregation
YOM KIPPUR 3 Sept. 22-2
Reserve Your Seats Today! Services will be held at the
New Young Israel Grand Sanctuary 6232 North 7th Street, Phoenix For seat reservations and/or further information
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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 45
High Holy Days/Food
Dip the Apple in “Liquid Gold”
Corner
Hashem created a beautiful, complex yet simple world that gives us many natural remedies, honey being one of those. Honey is known for many healing properties for the whole body and contains a treasure chest of hidden nutritional and medicinal value that has been used since the early days of the Egyptians. The sweet golden liquid from the beehive, a popular Rosh Hashanah staple, is loaded with antibacterial and antifungal properties that can lead us to a much healthier new year. Here are seven reasons to continue using honey throughout the year: Alleviates Allergies: Anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to soothe coughs have led to the belief it can also reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. All-Natural Energy Drink: Honey is an excellent source of allnatural energy at just 17 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon. Boosts Memory: The sweet nectar is loaded with antioxidants that may help prevent cellular damage and loss within the brain. Cough Suppressant: A persistent cough that won’t go away can
By Lucia Schnitzer
easily be remedied with two teaspoons of honey. Sleep Aid: Similar to sugar, honey can cause a rise in insulin and release serotonin, a neurotransmitter that improves mood and happiness. The body converts serotonin into melatonin, a chemical compound that regulates the length and quality of sleep. Treats Dandruff: Applying honey diluted with 10 percent warm water to problem areas and leaving it on for three hours before rinsing leads to itch relief. Treats Wounds and Burns: Honey is a natural antibiotic that can act both internally and externally. Mānuka honey, which you can find in most health food stores, is used topically as well as ingested for this purpose. This Rosh Hashanah as you dip your apple into honey, let this simple yet complex component bring you all the health this new year may bring you. Shanah tovah u’metuka. Next year in Jerusalem!
Lucia Schnitzer and her husband, Ken, own Luci’s Healthy Marketplace in Phoenix. The local coffee shop and marketplace opened in 2009 in Lucia’s honor after her successful battle with breast cancer. She successfully manages her career, her growing family (four children), her personal well-being and the countless demands of the day. 46 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
Brussels Sprouts with Candied Walnuts, Apples and Honey Ingredients For the Brussels sprouts: 1 pound (about 2 cups) Brussels sprouts, halved or quartered depending on the size ½ Granny Smith apple, peeled and cut into ¼-inch cubes 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon butter 1 teaspoon salt Juice of half a lemon For the candied walnuts: ¼ cup walnut halves 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons honey 1 sprig of rosemary, leaves removed and roughly chopped Directions For the walnuts: Melt the butter in a sauté pan over low heat. Add the walnuts and stir frequently for 3-4 minutes. Once they start to brown, add the rosemary and cook for 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and add the honey and salt. Stir to combine and set aside to cool. For the Brussels sprouts: Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sprouts and roast until starting to brown, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes. Add the teaspoon of butter and the diced apple. Season with salt. Cook another 3-5 minutes. The sprouts and apples should be tender but not too soft. Add the candied walnuts and juice of half a lemon. Drizzle with a little extra honey if you like it a bit on the sweeter side. The flavor should be a little salty, a little sweet and balanced with the lemon. Optional: Add pomegranates to this delicious side dish.
¼ cup applesauce 2 teaspoons grated orange zest 1 cup orange juice Directions Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Cover the bottom of a 9" round baking pan with parchment paper, then spray the inside of the pan lightly with baking spray. Stir together the flour mix, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Set aside. Separate the eggs. In one bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. In another bowl, combine egg yolks, sugar, honey, oil, applesauce and orange zest. Using a whisk or hand beater, add the flour mixture and orange juice to the wet mixture slowly. When mixed thoroughly, fold the egg whites carefully into the batter, stirring just until ingredients are fully combined. Pour batter into pan and bake in the preheated oven for 4550 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake's center comes out with just a few crumbs on it. Remove from oven and allow to cool before carefully removing from pan and placing onto a cooling rack. *Note: If you use a different GF flour mix, you may need to add additional baking powder and xanthan gum.
Gluten-Free Honey Cake Ingredients 3 cups *Pamela’s ultimate baking and pancake mix (gluten free) 1½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon salt 4 eggs 3/4 cup turbinado sugar or white sugar 1 cup honey ¼ cup vegetable oil ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 47
Taste of Arizona A
By A. Noshman
Durant’s $$$$
2611 N Central Ave., Phoenix 602-264-5967 | durantsaz.com
Don and Charlie’s
7501 E Camelback Road, Scottsdale 480-990-0900 donandcharlies.com
I love new restaurants, new twists on food and the sensational Durant’s Night Sauce, and he smiles knowingly. The relish tray experience of tasting something delicious for the first time. I also is made up of fresh celery, green onion, radish slices, carrots and love new artists and new music. My standard snarky remark to olives. These simple vegetables are merely vehicles for bringing friends who have their car radios permanently tuned to classic the blessed Night Sauce into my mouth. Night Sauce is Durant’s rock is “Hey, you know they’ve made new music?” steak sauce, and it is wonderful. The thing is, as a purist, I would So why is it I feel summoned never put steak sauce on my steak, so to revisit two restaurants I’ve I had to find another way to eat this been to countless times? Is it the delicious red, tangy condiment. My retrospection of the upcoming mouth is watering as I write. High Holy Days, the Throwback Fatman’s Special, Thursdays and the Do You $17.95 Remember When’s on Facebook, or Roasted beef shoulder in mushroom is it that hardwired need for comfort Madeira sauce, choice of soup or salad, only filled by tastes and memories of and choice of mashed potatoes, French our childhood? Maybe it is a little of fries or sautéed vegetables. all that; I just know I wasn’t in the Served medium rare as requested, a mood for new, I just wanted to go generous portion of beef sits swimming back and savor. in a rich sauce, and the aroma begs you Durant’s opened its doors in Roast Beef to dig in. It is tender with a nice char, 1955 on Central Avenue and has and the Madeira sauce has been deeply remained in the same location ever reduced and is complex and flavorful. since. Its “humble entrance” is a back I chose the salad with a lovely French garlic vinaigrette and door through the kitchen. Yes, you enter through the kitchen. passed on the soup of the day, which was cream of cauliflower. You feel the heat, smell the food and nod to the chef as you pass It’s a heavy lunch and I skipped through to the dining room. dessert. Today, I’m having lunch Don and Charlies has been and I’m seated in the red a Scottsdale fixture since velvet-wallpapered dining 1981. It’s a special-occasion room where the movers restaurant, and I can hear and shakers of politics and choruses of “Happy Birthday” business have been doing throughout the evening. The deals all these years. I’m restaurant is ordained with seated next to what they memorabilia, mostly from call the “The Governor’s Chicago, on every square Table,” and while reading the inch of wall space. Sadly, she’s menu, I hear a familiar voice. showing her age with matching Sure enough, there’s former green duct tape on some of the Gov. Jan Brewer discussing green upholstered booths. The the outcome of the latest customers, however, are not presidential debate. Soon her deterred from their celebrations. discussion turns to whispers, Prime Rib It’s Sunday evening and the and I refocus on what’s for place is full. lunch. Oh, if these walls The main reason I’m here is could scream. for the chopped liver appetizer. I know. This isn’t for everybody, The section of the menu called “The Fatman’s Special” is my and I’m not saying you should try it if you don’t like chopped favorite, but my waiter tells me that today there’s a new item, liver. What I am saying is if you love chopped liver, you’ve got to not on the menu, and he recommends beef shoulder roast in try this. Now that I’ve given the review away, let’s go ahead and a mushroom Madeira sauce. I take his advice but ask him for dive in further. a favor. I ask for the relish tray they serve at dinnertime with 48 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
Chopped Liver Appetizer, $6.95
What I’m about to describe you can’t believe you get for the price. Mind you, it used to be free, but those days are long gone. What you do get is a plate with silky smooth chopped liver, chopped onions, diced hard-boiled egg, marinated shredded carrots and sweet peppers. As if that weren’t enough, there’s a basket of some of the best rye bread I’ve ever had, along with crispy bagel chips. The chopped liver is light, flavorful and has
a perfect texture. It’s fun to build your own little open-faced sandwich, varying the ingredients and start all over again. There’s plenty of bread, and they will bring you more if you like. This is a must-have.
Prime Rib Regular Cut, $33.95
12 oz. I order mine medium rare with a baked potato, and the skin is salted and peppered. The meal comes with coleslaw served like a salad before the meal. The slaw is good, tangy, served in a vinaigrette, but I only eat a few bites as I have already consumed half a loaf of bread and chopped liver. The prime rib is served exactly as ordered, and it looks larger than 12 oz. It is very tender and rests in some au jus. I dip pieces from time to time in raw horseradish, and I’m in heaven. Again I skip dessert because I think it is an actual crime to eat both a chopped liver appetizer and dessert. I guess sometimes you just want to go home, and food is a great way to do that. It’s funny how we become attached. You know how sometimes you can’t get past that one item on a menu, and you end up always ordering the same thing? This happens to me. Maybe even more so around this time of year as the cycle of life renews. It’s good to start over.
Cole Slaw
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Fax: 602-277-5760 Email: SegalsOneStop@gmail.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 49
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Wine cellars become focal point of homes By Deborah Moon Photos by Baxter Imaging 50 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
Steve Farber says he has been into wine “since before I was legally allowed to drink.” “When my parents let me taste a glass of Chablis when I was about 11, it was not sweet Manischewitz – it was crisp and drinkable – and I’ve been into wine ever since,” he adds. Steve and his wife, Susan, have long enjoyed wines from California and Washington State. But when they visited Israel on a federation mission about 10 years ago, they discovered the joy of Israeli wines during a visit to a vineyard. After another federation mission, they decided to set up their own trips to Israel to see different parts of the country and also to visit more vineyards. “What organization will take you to six or seven vineyards?” asks Steve. They now have taken friends on three trips they planned and have another in the works for next year. “We’ve been to about 10 vineyards and tasted 50 to 60 different wines from Israel,” says Steve. He says his favorite is Wild Carignan, which is a grape that grows in the wild and produces a very tasty, unusual wine. After each trip the couple ships a case or two of wine home. They also purchase Israeli wines from a distributor in New York. Combined with their stock of California and Washington wines, they have an extensive assortment of wine. So when they bought a new house last year, they decided the alcove intended as a tech center would be much more useful as a wine cellar. “I’m not a major collector, I’m a drinker. It’s nice to have a wine cellar so you can get good wine and hold onto it for a while before you drink it.” Their interior designer recommended they contact Innovative Wine Cellar Designs. Innovative Wine owners Sandy and Marlene Horwitz have been creating custom wine cellars for residential and commercial wine enthusiasts since 2001. They have showrooms in Scottsdale, Tucson, Las Vegas and Albuquerque and have designed wine cellars around the country. The company’s wine cellars are designed to each customer’s specifications. “The Farbers had specific storage and capacity needs,” says Sandy. “They wanted to be able to use it as a butler’s pantry to keep foods cool before a party, and they wanted cabinets for dishes. I think we nailed it for them. They were a pleasure to work with.” “Innovative Wines worked with us a bunch. It was easy getting it all worked out,” says Steve. “They had some new features for the wine cellar that we liked a lot.” Steve especially likes the wine racks in which bottles lay lengthwise, making the label visible instead of just displaying the end of the bottle. “I think it looks much nicer, and it’s easier to follow what you have.” Since the alcove does not get direct sunlight, which can damage wines, they chose glass doors instead of wood for the cellar (which Steve notes is NOT in the cellar). “Lighting was very important for us, and they handled that nicely also,” says Steve. “We also wanted a countertop, so when we have a party my wife can store salads there since it’s cool (the wine is stored at a constant 55º). Innovate Wines was able to include that.” ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 51
The couple often entertain friends, including those they know through their involvement with Jewish National Fund, where Susan in on the board, AIPAC and Congregation Or Tzion. “When we tour the house, we make sure people see the wine cellar,” says Steve. “I love showing it off. It’s beautiful and adds to the ambiance.” When Sandy first opened Innovative Wine Cellars, he said the trend was to make the cellars look like a stone cellar
The couple often entertain friends, including those they know through their involvement with Jewish National Fund, where Susan in on the board, AIPAC and Congregation Or Tzion.
Steve and Susan Faber show off their Israeli wine collection
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with wood racks. But in the past five or six years he has seen a trend toward contemporary structures that are a focal point of the home and that feature metal and glass to create that ambiance Steve found so appealing. For the Farber’s cellar, Sandy suggested wine racks made with stainless steel rods and mahogany. Unlike the Farbers, Sandy says his interest in wines in primarily as a collector. His own cellar has three distinct sections. One is for wines his wife enjoys and drinks; another is for guests to pick out any bottle to accompany dinner; and
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the third is for wines “nobody touches – expensive wines I’m keeping for years.” Organization is his forte. In addition to keeping his own belongings organized, Sandy used to own a California Closets franchise to help others organize their clothes and belongings. When he sold that, he launched Innovative Wine Cellar Designs to bring beauty and order to a different aspect of homes and businesses. He drew on his relationships with builders, architects and interior designers and soon grew the new company to the nation’s leading designer and builder of custom wine cellars.
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The garden that climbs walls and feeds you “The future is edible landscaping,” predicts CEO of Israel’s GreenWall
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By Karin Kloosterman Israel21c
Israeli gardening prophet Guy Barness sees two ways that people will grow food in the not-so-distant future: “Outside the cities at big farms like they do today, and the other way, which is not so common right now, will be urban agriculture, in cities. “There won’t be a lot of places in the city to grow food, so people will do it on walls everywhere to save space,” Barness, the founder and director of GreenWall, tells ISRAEL21c. GreenWall, founded in 2009 in Ramot Hashovim, builds gravity-defying vertical gardens that climb walls in or outside the home or office. GreenWall can do ornamental as well as edible gardens. High-profile clients including Apple, Google, Intel and Facebook already work with GreenWall, says Barness, and the company has installed about a hundred living walls in Israel. Homeowners can also buy wall gardens of only a few square yards in size; the price starts at $800. Visitors to the World Expo 2015 in Milan in May saw a 1,200-square-foot GreenWall outside Israel’s pavilion growing wheat, rice and corn in keeping with the expo’s theme, “Feeding the world.” The pavilion showed off the inventions of several Israeli agro-tech companies. Incubating your live lunch Vertical gardens, an idea that has already taken off in America, can enhance bare walls, built structures and fences, and can increase the overall beauty and interior design of homes and office buildings. Environmentalists say that vertical and city gardens are an answer to the global water, energy and food crises. Vertical
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incorporate technical knowhow from Israeli drip-irrigation gardens use up to 90 percent less water than do traditional pioneer Netafim; and GreenWall has developed its monitors, gardens, and growing food in place saves on the enormous sensors and controls in cooperation with Israeli watershipping costs in terms of fuel and greenhouse gases. The walls monitoring company Galcon. have an insulating effect, buffering indoor temperatures by Even European companies that have built vertical gardens of as much as 50 degrees F. Plus, plants clean and circulate stale their own are making serious inquires to indoor air. “If you add plants Barness. “Five years ago, when I came with Barness says: “If you add plants to the this idea of saving water to the Europeans, walls of the buildings they will reduce noise, to the walls of the well, they just laughed at me. They have decrease carbon dioxide emissions and reduce your heating or cooling costs and the buildings they will reduce those water fountains that run all day long outside in the villages and cities,” he says. temperatures inside.” “Now things have shifted and they are The client doesn’t need to have a green noise, decrease carbon talking about saving water. The Americans thumb, but if a section fails to thrive or if the are, too.” owner wants to refresh or change the design, dioxide emissions and As an Israeli, this line of work is GreenWall will plant new components. reduce your heating or common sense for Barness, an agronomist. The living walls offer many ecological “Here, we don’t have a lot of space and we cooling costs and the advantages. certainly don’t have a lot of water.” temperatures inside.” Vertical gardens are not unique to In many ways Israel has been ahead of ~ Israeli gardening prophet GreenWall. In fact, Barness says the world the curve since it was founded in 1948. At Guy Barness an early age, Israel developed water and market for such products has grown rapidly seed technologies so it could grow food in to $100 million. But while anyone can find the desert. What GreenWall does is just online instructions for building vertical the next logical step as more and more people move to cities and gardens using found materials like shipping pallets, GreenWall want to grow their own food. offers some innovations. Barness sums up: “The future is edible landscaping. I mean First, the company incubates the “look and see” wall at its landscaping you can eat.” farm before installing it on the customer’s location. The systems
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Durable images, lasting memories By Deb Moon
Aluminyze will print your family photos or their stock art on aluminum plates for an art display that is extremely durable: no need to worry about water damage to these images.
“Kids really absorb the art around them and it becomes a part of who they are,” says Shani Posner, director of marketing for Aluminyze, which infuses photographs or artwork into a sheet of aluminum for a durable, rich image. Aluminyze preserves images much better than photography paper or canvas. Infused in metal, the images are vibrant, bright and seem to have a depth that is hard to match. The metal photos are waterproof and tear and stain resistant. For Shani, an observant mother of three who works in her Crown Heights neighborhood, choosing artwork for her home is an important decision that has subtle impact on her three children and is part of their immersion in Jewish culture. The family lives in a Chabad community in Brooklyn, and she works for a company founded by Orthodox Jews. She wants that Jewish atmosphere to fill her home as well. Aluminyze offers a library of “Ready Art,” that can be
printed with a silver or white surfaces and glossy or matte finish. Type “Jewish” into the ready art search and find images of Israel, holiday symbols and foods, and Judaica of all sorts that can set the tone in any room. Shani says many of the images Aluminyze prints are milestones such as an upsherin, a bar or bat mitzvah, a wedding, or other special occasion. “Celebrating family is an important part of Jewish culture,” says Shani. So she has one wall of family milestones embossed on her company’s waterproof, scratch-resistant aluminum sheets. She says when children see their pictures on the walls, “They know they are important to us.” Aluminize.com
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Club J at the Valley of the Sun JCC Provides afterschool programming ranging from sports to cooking and crafts to Israeli culture and more for those in K-8. Transportation from nearby schools available. 12701 N Scottsdale Road. 480-483-7121 ext. 1275, vosjcc.org
J-Care Afterschool Program at the Tucson JCC
juice. All ages welcome. Fridays 10-11 am at the Tucson JCC, 3800 E River Road. Sept 4: Shabbat Candle Holders; Sept 11: Apples and Honey serving dish; Sept. 18: Shabbat on the Go at Ben's Bells at Main Gate Square; Sept. 25: Sukkot fall mobile. Contact Julie Zorn at 520-299-3000 ext. 236 or jzorn@tucsonjcc.org
SEPT. 16
Auditions for Alice in Wonderland, Jr. at the Ina Levine
tucsonjcc.org
Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Sponsored by Arts and Sol Performing Arts Program. K-3 grades at 4-6 pm; 4-10 grades at 6-8:30 pm. Rehearsals are weekly on Wednesdays. Performances Jan. 21-24. Contact 480540-9208 or renee@artsandsolprogram.com
J-Care at the J – East Valley JCC
SEPT. 19
Includes a variety of activities, help with homework or teens can hang in the Youth lounge. Bus transportation from schools available for K-12. 3800 E River Road, 520-299-3000, jzorn@tucsonjcc.org,
Pick-ups from area schools for grades K-6. Includes homework club, cooking, Israeli culture, dance, sports and much more. Early pickups from Kyrene on Wednesday early dismissals. EVJCC, 908 N Alma School Road in Chandler. 480-897-0588 or hastj@evjcc.org, evjcc.org
MIMKids New this year at the Musical Instrument Museum is the Junior Museum Guide Program. Students will learn about cultures from around the world, participate in music making, and discover the wide world of music. Junior Guides will train to lead tours while exploring MIM’s unique galleries and exhibits. Participants who complete all four classes will have the opportunity to lead group tours for Family Weekend on Oct. 17 and 18. For grades 6-12, $40 for 4 classes: Sept. 19 and 26; Oct. 3 and 10 at 3:30-5 pm. Returning classes for children from birth to 5 years begin Sept. 2 and are on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and for kids 6-10 on Saturdays; times vary MIM, 4725 E Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. $12 per class, or 4 for $40. Reservations required: Katherine Palmer at 480-245-6962 or programs@MIM.org
SEPT. 4, 11, 18 & 25
Shabbat and Me: A free Shabbat enrichment program with singing, storytelling, crafts plus blessings with challah and grape 62 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
Kids' Night Out, 6-10 pm at the Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N Scottsdale Road. The J’s fun-filled kids’ night out allows parents to enjoy special time while their children have a fun evening with friends enjoying dinner, games, a movie and build-your-own sundaes. Grades K-5. Members: $20; Nonmembers: $30. Contact 480-483-7121 ext. 1275 or youth@vosjcc.org. Parents' Night Out: Parents can relax and enjoy a night off while the J-Care staff provides a fun themed evening for children grades PreK-5. Includes special-themed programs, dinner, snack, games, a movie and more! 48-hour advance reservation required. Tucson JCC, 3800 E River Road in Tucson. JCC members: first child $20, each additional sibling $15; NonJCC members: first child $25, each additional sibling $20. Contact Aimee at 520-299-3000 ext. 256 or agillard@tucsonjcc.org. Parents' Night Out: Parents Night Out at the East Valley JCC gives parents the opportunity to take a well-deserved break! With our experienced staff, parents feel confident that their kids will have a great time in a safe and fun environment. Includes games, crafts and a variety of activities. 6-11 pm. $25 for first child, $15 for sibling. Nonmembers welcome. EVJCC, 908 Alma School Road in Chandler. Contact 480-897-0588 or bayers@evjcc.org
Arizona teens who spent the summer at the Alexander Muss High School in Israel on an Impact fellowship grant are, from left, Madeline Stull, Reuben Nach, Madyssen Zarin, Gabriel Friedland and Rachael Weinstein.
Five Arizona teens thrive with AMHSI/JNF Schwartz Hammer IMPACT Fellowship By Deborah Moon
Five Arizona teens spent the summer before their senior year exploring Israel and 4,000 years of Jewish history at the Alexander Muss High School in Israel. AMHSI, which is now a part of Jewish National Fund, is an accredited English-language, semester-abroad program for high school students where the land of Israel becomes a living classroom. Madeline Stull, Reuben Nach, Madyssen Zarin, Gabriel Friedland and Rachael Weinstein received the first Schwartz/Hammer AMHSI/JNF IMPACT Fellowships to attend the school’s six-week summer program. This was the first year of the three-year fellowship created by a generous donation of $150,000 from the Schwartz-Hammer Foundation. "The Schwartz-Hammer AMHSI Impact Fellowship will have a lasting impact on the Valley's Jewish community and our future leadership by developing a deep-rooted connection between Arizona Jewish youth, Israel and the Jewish people,” says Shelia Schwartz. “I am excited that this dream has now become a reality as JNF and AMHSI continue to work towards
ensuring that Israel education is an option for all Arizona Jewish teens." The Schwartz-Hammer AMHSI Impact Fellowship is the first of its kind and will be a part of the JNF-AMHSI Impact Fund, a network of merit fellowships for high school students to form their own sense of Jewish peoplehood as the next generation of Jewish leaders. Over three summers, the fellowship will provide a total of 15 Arizona high school Jewish teens with an opportunity to attend the AMHSI six-week summer session all expenses paid – from tuition to housing costs to trip costs to airfare – with the expectation that these fellows will return to make an impact on their communities. This fellowship is open to Arizona residents entering their senior year of high school at the time of travel. The applications for the 2016 Schwartz/Hammer AMHSI/JNF IMPACT Fellowship Fund are due by Jan. 1, 2016. For more information on the Impact Fellowship, visit amhsi.org/impact-fund or contact drochford@jnf.org or 480-447-8100, ext. 980. For information about AMHSI, visit amhsi.org. In addition to receiving the Impact Fellowship, Madeline ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 63
Stull is also a StandWithUs-MZ Teen Intern. The daughter Rebecca: One moment that gives me goosebumps is when of Wendy Stull, Madeline attends Horizon High School in we stopped at an overlook of Jerusalem. Looking over this Scottsdale. historical and emotional place, we all sang “Yerushalayim Shel The MZ Teens program is a high school leadership program ZahaV.” Singing about the gorgeous city as we gazed upon it is that prepares students for the challenges they may face regarding something that I will always remember. Another highlight was Israel in college and in their communities. Students participate that I had the unique opportunity to ride and train with a horse in a yearlong program and receive guidance and funding to run while I was in Israel (I have a horse at home). Being able to run programming in their high schools and youth groups. in the field atop an Israeli horse while the sun sets – there are no Reuben Zeitzer Nach lives in Phoenix and attends Sunnyslope words that describe that feeling. High School. He is a member of Temple Solel and the New Gabriel: I think the highlight of my summer was my Shul. realization about Israel. Before my trip, I knew almost nothing Rachael Ilyssa Weinstein attends Ironwood Ridge High about my people's connection to the land and the relevance it School in Oro Valley. The daughter of Brenda and Ivan plays on my life today. Weinstein, she attends Congregation Anshei Israel. Madyssen: My highlight of the summer was attending the Gabriel Friedland attends Desert Mountain High School Knafayim Shel Krembo benefit concert. The proceeds went to in Scottsdale. Gabe and his parents, Steven and Vivian, are the youth movement that pairs kids with disabilities with other affiliated with Congregation Or Tzion. children their age. Together they partake in activities ranging Madyssen Lorraine Zarin attends from large group events to one-onUniversity High School in Tucson. She one bonding. and her parents, Ira and Patricia, belong to What most surprised you about Congregation Anshei Israel. Israel? Whether they had heard about the Madeline: This was my third scholarship from a relative, youth group, time going to Israel, but what Hebrew High or JNF, all of the teens say surprises me every time is the laidapplying for this amazing opportunity was back and friendly culture. too good to pass up. Reuben noted that Reuben: The difficulty and previous summers have been devoted to amount of time the process basketball, but he wasn’t going to waste of creating a Jewish state such an awesome opportunity. Madyssen took surprised me the most. says she wanted to have an experience Rachel: Children have a lot of that mirrored the life of a student or even freedom. When you go into town citizen of Israel as opposed to a tourist. or really anywhere, the children All of the teens plan to return to Israel, are allowed to be on their own. some as early as next year. Gabriel says, In America, people baby their “I'm 110% sure I'll return to Israel very children and are overly cautious, soon, my family is already planning a trip whereas in Israel there are just for next summer.” Madyssen is already young kids by themselves in big planning to make Aliyah: “The details cities. Very surprising. ~ Rachel Weinstein are definitely still being worked out, but Madyssen: Although I have assuming all goes as planned, next year I been there before, I was still in awe will be joining Garin Tzabar. With the help about the personality of the people. of this lone soldier program, I will make Aliyah and serve two To me, they just seem real. They understand what real issues are, years in the army.” Rachel says she plans to return more than like the need for safety, the sanctity of life and the importance of once: “Israel is somewhere I will always want to visit again and community. again.” Do you feel closer to Israel now? Following are the teens’ replies (edited for brevity and clarity) Madeline: Yes, definitely. to some of the other questions we posed to them at the end of Reuben: Before, I had a strong connection with Judaism, yet their journey. I did not have much of a connection with Israel. Now I know What was the highlight of the summer? how hard the Jewish people worked to receive their own state. Madeline: My highlight was definitely Masada. Although a Seeing all the work that was put into making a Jewish state truly cliché answer, mine is for a different reason. Alexander Muss bolstered my connection with Israel. emphasizes education to enrich the experience. I truly believe Rachel: I feel way closer to Israel now. I lived here, I was Masada is a perfect example of how the education makes the immersed in the culture and society. My perspective has experience much more meaningful. definitely changed, and I appreciated both things here and Reuben: Wow! That's hard to choose. However two things at home differently now. Israel feels personal now, not just experiences stood out: climbing Masada and spending Shabbat a place I visited, but a home where I lived. in Jerusalem. Shabbat in Jerusalem was a blast. From dancing Gabriel: Before my trip I didn't have a great understanding for like crazy at the Western Wall to roaming the Shuk, I could not what Israel meant. Now I understand that on spiritual, historical think of a better way to spend Shabbat. and modern levels, Israel is a truly incredible place.
“You learn about the past while living in the present. The whole country is your classroom, and once you come here, your life will never be the same.”
64 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
Madyssen: I absolutely feel closer to Israel, the people and the Jewish religion. Is there anything you want to share with your classmates in Arizona about the Jewish state? Madeline: Many aspects of the Jewish state are misconstrued and misinformed in America. I urge my classmates to thoroughly educate themselves before creating an opinion on the topic. Rachel: I am excited to share my new and acquired knowledge both from the classroom and from living here. Being a part of a society really makes it personal. Israel is a personal place for me, and I'm excited to share that with the people back home. Gabriel: I plan on sharing my newfound passion for the state of Israel with my classmates. It is unfortunate how many misconceptions there are about Israel today, and I hope I can educate people as to the truth behind accusations against Israel. Madyssen: The biggest piece of knowledge that I would like to share with my classmates is the notion that Israel has much more to it than turbulence. Israel might not be perfect, but politics aside, there are still innocent people with hopes and dreams. There are still people who want to live in peace and mothers raising their children. Israel has done many great things for the region and the world. Do you plan to encourage other students to apply for next summer? Reuben: I will encourage every Jewish person of the required age that I know to apply. It was such a great experience. There is no reason not to apply! Rachel: Anyone who doesn't apply for this experience is crazy. It's six weeks of Jewish history combined with modern living. You learn about the past while living in the present. The whole country is your classroom, and once you come here, your life will never be the same. Gabriel: I will of course encourage students to apply. If anyone wants to make the most of their summer, Israel is the place to do it. Madyssen: I definitely encourage other students to apply. I could not have imagined a better way to spend my summer. Not only did I learn about Jewish history, spend six weeks traveling, gain a great addition for college applications and make tons of friends, but I found myself and figured out how I want to spend the rest of my life. Gabriel had some final thoughts that wrapped up the whole experience: “I would like to add something that became apparent to me while we were learning about modern-day Israel. ‘We came to build the land and be built by the land.’ This quote was used by the first settlers of modern Israel to show that by working in Israel, they will improve themselves. There is something completely different about the people here than back home, and this quote allowed me to figure it out. People in Israel work a lot harder for the same things than people do in the United States, whether it be security or water conservation, Israelis always work hard and grow from these challenges. Along with the natural beauty of Israel, I have seen the beauty of the Israeli people.”
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info@nageelawest.org 801-613-1JEW facebook.com/nageelawest ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 65
U.S. Teen pregnancy rate is scary By Debra Rich Gettleman
Ever read anything so shocking that you had to run to the Internet (or your husband the pediatrician) to make sure you didn’t just dream it? That’s pretty much what happened the other day when I causually perused my hubby’s new issue of Contemporary Pediatrics. Did you know that the United States has the highest teen birth rate of all developed countries – and not by a little? At 31.3 births for every thousand females aged 15-19, the U.S. easily leads the United Kingdom (21.8), Australia (18.7) and France (9.6). This is not a race we should be proud about winning. Even scarier than the sheer numbers is the fact that according to the Center for Disease Control nearly one in five births to adolescent girls aged 15-19 in this country are repeat births. That means that 86% of teen births are repeats. Yikes! Are we doing something wrong? I was under the misguided impression that we were raising a whole generation of teens who understood the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases and the risk of teen pregnancy. On a positive note, even though the U.S. teen birth rate is 1.5 times as high as the second-highest-ranking United Kingdom’s and twice as high as Canada’s, we can claim that our teen pregnancy rate is lower than any rate we’ve recorded in history. From 2012 to 2013, births to teenage girls dropped significantly according to the annual report “Health, United States, 2014” released by the National Center for Health Statistics. For years the country’s sex educators have insisted on perpetuating the message of safe sex. But in a surprising turnaround, the American College of Pediatricians is now strongly endorsing the message of abstinence until marriage. Dr. Diane Foley, M.D., who is president and CEO of The Life Network, was interviewed by Contemporary Pediatrics. In the article, she is quoted as saying the abstinence education message is based on more than 25 recently published studies that show adolescents who have had sexual risk avoidance education are much more likely to delay the onset of sexual activity. Foley explains that the current push for abstinence education is based on the CDC’s youth behavior risk surveys that consider five areas of behavior risk including drugs, alcohol, smoking, violence and sexual activity. The abstinence education message is clear and in sync with the CDC message to adolescents: the only way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and unwelcome pregnancies is to abstain from sexual activity until one is in a mutual monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner. But Foley also acknowledges the arguments against sexual risk avoidance education and reassures parents that while abstinence is a lifestyle choice that the ACP encourages, it is not considered a contraceptive choice, and contraception is discussed as a viable way to reduce certain sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. 66 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
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Seniors
Cooking up ideas as a volunteer On a 1996 trip to the former Soviet Union to teach women how to start a business, Janie Kuznitsky presented four women with espresso machines, coffee beans and accessories and trained the women to lead seminars enhanced by the experience of great coffee. By Leni Reiss
Look in the dictionary for the word “volunteer.” It would make good sense to see a picture there of Janie Kuznitsky. The New Jersey native moved to the Valley some 11 years ago from Chicago with her husband, Jeff, who had recently retired. Their plan was to live near her two daughters and a gaggle of grandchildren. Janie had experienced a taste of volunteering “in a previous life in Pittsburgh.” Saying she “never really cooked, but liked a good challenge,” she volunteered to prepare 400 cream puffs for a YMHA fundraiser. (Speaking from personal experience, I can attest to the fact that Janie has since become a superb cook.) Unfortunately, the cream puff event was cancelled. It had been set for the fateful day of the assassination
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of Martin Luther King Jr. Undaunted, Janie invited a houseful of friends to her home to watch the news and eat the cream puffs. She agreed to revisit the Janie Kuznitsky looks over recipes to cook with recipe for the participants in the Real World Job Development rescheduled event, program created by Jewish Family and Children’s Services. which proved so successful that the powers that be invited her to chair an upcoming gala for 1,500 guests. The experience, she recalls, effectively launched her career as a “professional volunteer.” Retired from an accomplished Chicago-based life as a businesswoman, with a resume including managerial posts with Williams-Sonoma and Gloria Jeans coffee, Janie learned about Project Kesher, a grassroots volunteer organization dedicated to working with Jewish women in the former Soviet Union “to identify their roots.” She was so impressed that she signed on to organize a Passover seder in the FSU. Throughout the late ’90s she made several additional trips there; with the assistance of an interpreter, she taught a class in “the democratic foundation of group formation.” One year she brought with her four espresso machines, coffee beans and accessories “to train women to lead seminars on their own – and enhance the experience with great coffees,” she says. “We helped more than 350 women to start businesses and gain financial independence.” Once she and Jeff settled into their Cave Creek home in 2004, Janie attended a Jewish Family & Children’s Service luncheon in the Valley and recalls being “totally turned on” by a speaker describing a project to benefit foster kids. “We heard about misuse of food stamps by young people who were aging out of Children’s Protective Services foster care and group homes where all too often their dinner was mac and cheese. The speaker talked about the need to teach how to purchase and prepare nutritious foods – and that’s when I raised my hand,” Janie says. “On the spot I volunteered to start a cooking program – to teach what to buy – and what do with the food once it was bought. “Jeffrey totally supported my plan,” Janie says. “And (he) welcomed the opportunity to underwrite the program, starting with an electric frying pan, a tabletop grill and a countertop oven – and of course the cost of the food.” At the outset only a refrigerator and a microwave were available in the room at the agency building at 23rd Avenue and Dunlap. With the help of some friends, Janie organized a “kitchen shower” at a private
home. Working off of a “wish list,” more than 80 attendees contributed three vans full of kitchen equipment, “from wooden spoons to Cuisinarts,” to furnish kitchens for the young adults as they move into their own apartments. At the first meeting of Janie’s cooking class, the main course was a meat chili, “because part of my goal was – and is – stretching dollars, and chili can work with tacos or mix with noodles – and more.” Salads are a very big deal, she says, recalling the time she introduced zucchini and had to convince class members that it wasn’t a cucumber gone bad! As the project progresses, Janie encourages participants to come up with menus “to buy in” to the program. They are prompted to consider nutritional values (with the occasional exception of a special calorie-loaded dessert) while also learning basic rules of etiquette and socialization. To date, Janie says, there has been no Jewish participant, but class members are well aware they are beneficiaries of a JFCS-based project. “I have brought in menorahs, candles, chocolate gelt and dreidels, and we made latkes at Hanukkah,” she says. She calls it a “stunning moment” when classmates of different ethnicities and color share a family game and compete in good fun for chocolate gelt. More recently Janie lent her expertise to the design and setup for the extravagant Las Vegas-themed décor for the 2014 JCC Gala, with a commitment to do the same this coming year, especially because her son-in-law, Gary Weiss, is being honored. She serves as president of the Grandparents Club at Congregation Beth Israel, coordinating events for grandparents and grandchildren – and has co-chaired the Temple Chai gala with her daughter, Debbie Berkowitz. A loyal member of Brandeis Women, she belongs to a book group and has chaired publicity efforts for various book and author events. And she presently is exploring efforts on behalf of young victims of sexual and slave labor. A committed volunteer, Janie Kuznitsky is many things to many people. But beneath it all, perhaps she’s just a girl who can’t say no!
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SRGseniorliving.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 69
Seniors
Sending Out a Signal:
SOS Smiles on Seniors
Rabbi Levi captivates his audience at a Shabbat dinner.
Together they worked on checking off one item at a time. Rabbi Levi already had a great rapport with many seniors at a The recent Valley Jewish Federation study on needs of variety of living facilities where he regularly visits and presents our senior population confirmed what many already knew: Shabbat and holiday talks. He arranged with the various it is imperative that the Jewish community provide services, activities directors to bring seniors via their vans. A talented opportunities and care for our burgeoning graphics and media maven, he publicized senior population. the events through Facebook, e-mail and Enter Smile on Seniors, a national mail, encouraging others to attend as program developed by the Chabad and well. administered locally by Rabbi Levi and Chabad already had the center Chani Levertov. The dynamic young available at 2110 E Lincoln Dr. in the couple created the Valley program in middle of north Phoenix, convenient to 2009; in a relatively short time, they have many. Add to that the fact that Chani touched the lives of thousands of seniors is a fabulous cook, and she reached out in a personal and meaningful way. to the general population to find a large "I'm a dreamer, "Chani admits. "I like cadre of volunteers who were more than to think big and then try to figure out happy to help. At a recent dinner, she ways to attain those goals. Sometimes had help from Susan Levy of Simply Levi looks bewildered, but he's happy to Scrumptious Kosher Catering, Tzipi let me try and gets on board as well." Koehler of International Cuisine and at One such dream was to offer a monthly – Chani Levertov least a dozen other volunteers to assist Shabbat dinner for seniors. The logistics with the cooking and serving of a savory were daunting. Who would cook? Who four-course dinner, including everything would serve? Who would come – and how would they get there? from matzah ball soup to tasty desserts. A highlight was the How could costs be covered? presentation of six individual birthday cakes for each of the six By Janet Arnold
“I’m a dreamer. I like to think big and then try to figure out ways to attain those goals. Sometimes Levi looks bewildered, but he’s happy to let me try and gets on board as well.”
Continued on Page 72
Smile on Seniors: Rabbi Levi and Chani Levertov, 602-492-7670, sosaz.org 70 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
SOS September Events Shabbat Dinner - Sept. 4 at 4:45 pm Come celebrate Shabbat like never before! Enjoy a four-course, home-cooked Shabbat dinner in a warm and loving atmosphere with friends and family. Chabad Center, 2110 E Lincoln Dr., Phoenix Suggested minimum donation $5 It’s Not Just Lunch - Sept. 7 at noon Join us for a scrumptious lunch plus an activity you won’t want to miss. This is where food and fun come together to create the unforgettable. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Suggested donation $5
Shofar Factory - Sept. 8 at 1:30 pm Come join us for an exciting and handson workshop, in which you will learn and experience firsthand the way a shofar is made, from start to finish. Now you can really toot your own horn! Chabad Center, 2110 E Lincoln Dr., Phoenix This program is open to all organized communities, seniors, volunteers and their families. Sukkot Holiday Festival - Sept. 30 at 10:30 am Come join us in our large sukkah and celebrate with friends and family! Enjoy snacks and the opportunity to fulfill the special mitzvoth performed on the Sukkot holiday. Chabad Center, 2110 E Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
To make a reservation for any of these events or to volunteer to help, call 602-492-7670 or e-mail chani@sosaz.org.
ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 71
participants who had birthdays that month. With an option of vanilla or chocolate, each cake was delivered with a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday." Levi and Chani greet each person by name. SOS has a basket by the door and a $5 suggested donation for the dinner, but no one asks you or requires you to contribute. That's because Levi and Chani spend a great deal of their time finding those in the community who are willing and eager to help and support the dinners with both their time and their financial contributions. They seek out underwriters for each dinner and heartily acknowledge and thank each person involved. Levi is part of the large Levertov family, in which the patriarch, Rabbi Zalman, has long been established as head of the Chabad Center on Lincoln. Of the seven children, five are back in Arizona, and each runs a Chabad program somewhere in the Valley. Levi
Rabbi Levi and daughter dress up for Purim
and Chani came back from the East Coast in 2009 to establish a Chabad in the downtown Phoenix area. But they soon discovered that downtown didn't have the anticipated needs and so they started exploring options. Six years ago they decided to start offering Smile on Seniors programming. For their first Shabbat dinner they had about 60 RSVPs, "and then about 40 of them cancelled that day!" Chani says. But again, Chani likes to dream big and was not deterred. "The program has grown from a handful of people being served in the foyer of the Chabad Center, to using one-fourth of the sanctuary, to today where we serve over 200 people and take over the entire synagogue!" She admits it's a bit of a trick to have everything back in order and set up for Shabbat services the next morning, but you can tell by the glint in her eye that she's already thinking about how they can accommodate even more guests. Monthly Shabbat dinners
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make friendly phone calls to are just one of SOS's seniors. many programs. Levi Chani is also part of a large is a regular at places Chabad family, where she is in such as the Center for the older half of nine children. Senior Enrichment at She grew up in Binghamton, Brookdale Christown, New York, where her parents as well as Pueblo Norte, still run a Chabad Center that Sierra Pointe, Andara, serves over 450 students at the The Terraces, La Siena, State University of New York. The Stratford, Pueblo "The thing I treasure most is that Norte, Maravilla, Kivel each of the nine of us felt like he and Westminster among or she was the only child, always others – and the list receiving individual attention continues to grow. He from our parents," she says. offers chaplaincy services She and Levi were introduced as well, and endears through her uncle, and "it was himself to the seniors love at first sight." The young with his jovial personality, Rabbi Levi and Chani Levertov with their children. couple are parents to Mendel, 6, poignant stories and and Mushka, 4. his warm, somewhat The couple couldn't be happier mischievous smile. The duo also offers a monthly lunch program that Chani with their work. As Rabbi Levi says, "Seniors are the ones we need to look up to for advice and counsel. Their life experiences hopes to expand this year, as well as a weekly "Sip and can help us tremendously for our future if we would just listen. Schmooze" at the Starbucks at 32nd Street and Lincoln Drive It's our imperative to continue to give our growing senior in Phoenix. They provide training – including CPR and first aid population the opportunities to be engaged and involved in our – for volunteers to make "friendly visits," providing nonmedical, community and in our beautiful traditions. It's our turn to be socializing visits to seniors who live alone and may not have there for them – they have already laid the groundwork for us." family nearby. They also arrange for "phone buddies" who will
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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 73
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Tel Aviv University researcher harnesses pulsed electric fields to rejuvenate skin
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Americans spend more than $10 billion a year on products and surgery in their quest to find a "fountain of youth," with little permanent success. Botulinum toxin — notably Botox — which smooths lines and wrinkles to rejuvenate the aging face has been the number one nonsurgical procedure in the United States since 2000. But injections of this toxic bacterium are only a temporary solution and carry many risks, some neurological. A team of Tel Aviv University and Harvard Medical School researchers has now devised a non-invasive technique that harnesses pulsed electric fields to generate new skin tissue growth. According to their research, the novel noninvasive tissue stimulation technique, using microsecond-pulsed, high-voltage, nonthermal electric fields, produces scarless skin rejuvenation and may revolutionize the treatment of degenerative skin diseases. The study, published recently in Scientific Reports, was led by Dr. Alexander Golberg of TAU's Porter School of Environmental Studies and the Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Burns Hospital in Boston, in collaboration with Dr. William J. Austen Jr. from the Department of Plastic Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and Dr. Martin L. Publication:
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Yarmush at the Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Shriners Burns Hospital in Boston, along with other prominent researchers. An (effective) shock to the system "Pulsed electrical field technology has many advantages, which have already proved effective — for example, in food preservation, tumor removal and wound disinfection," says Dr. Golberg. "Our new application may jumpstart the secretion of new collagen and capillaries in problematic skin areas. Considering that, in the modern era of aging populations and climate change, degenerative skin diseases affect one in three adults over the age of 60, this has the potential to be a healthcare game changer." Current therapies to rejuvenate skin use various physical and chemical methods to affect cells and the extracellular matrix, but they induce unsightly scarring. Pulsed electric fields, however, affect only the cell membrane itself, preserving the extracellular matrix architecture and releasing multiple growth factors to spark new cell and tissue growth. By inducing nanoscale defects on the cell membranes, electric fields cause the death of a small number of cells in affected areas. The released growth factors increase the metabolism of the remaining cells, generating new tissue. "We have identified in rats the specific pulsed electric field parameters that lead to prominent proliferation of the epidermis, formation of microvasculature, and secretion of new collagen at treated areas without scarring," says Dr. Golberg. "Our results suggest that pulsed electric fields can improve skin function and potentially serve as a novel noninvasive skin therapy for multiple degenerative skin diseases." The researchers are currently developing a low-cost device for use in clinical trials in order to test the safety and efficacy of the technology in humans. American Friends of Tel Aviv University (aftau. org) supports Israel's most influential, most comprehensive, and most sought-after center of higher learning, Tel Aviv University (TAU). A leader in the pan-disciplinary approach to education, TAU is internationally recognized for the scope and groundbreaking nature of its research and scholarship — attracting world-class faculty and consistently producing cutting-edge work with profound implications for the future.
ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 75
David Kline, Laurie Kline, Lee Weiss, Jill Weiss, Scott Weiss, Andi Weiss and Debbie Berkowitz want Gary Weiss (far right) to be honored at a party to remember.
Gary Weiss to receive Irv Shuman Make a Difference Award Family rallies to ensure Casino Night is an award presentation and fundraiser to remember By Janet Arnold
g n i Liv Inside 76 Gary Weiss receives Irv Shuman Award 78 Federation Notes 79 Previews 80 Faces & Places 82 Calendar
76 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
Casino Night 2015 at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center takes on a western flair under starlit skies at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus on Oct. 17. The community is invited to bring out their jeans, boots and hats and join in the J's fundraiser, which includes a poker tournament, blackjack and roulette. The evening includes dinner buffet, drinks, dancing and $100 in casino cash as well as a live auction and raffle drawings. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Irv Shuman Make a Difference Award to this year's recipient, Gary Weiss. Gary’s community involvement began in 1997 with the formation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix’s Young Leadership Division. He was on its inaugural board and served as the vice president of community service. When planning began for the Valley of The Sun JCC campus in 1999, Weiss was asked to serve on the board. He held various board positions over the next 14 years, including chair in 2006-2007. It was during his tenure that the International 2006 Greater Phoenix JCC Maccabi Games were held here, marking one of Gary's proudest moments as a community volunteer. In 2007 Gary received the JFGP’s Sy Clark Award for Outstanding Young Leadership. Gary also became one of the inaugural board members of the Jewish Community Association, serving on the task force that created the JCA, which combined some of the roles of the federation and VOSJCC. It was through his community involvement that Gary met his wife, Debbie Berkowitz. The couple has been very active in supporting Jewish life – the VOSJCC, federation, Jewish National Fund, Temple Chai and Camp Swift are among their favorite causes. Their children, Jonah, Abrie, Brett, Seth and Evan, are involved in the community as well and carry forward their family’s belief that it is each individual's responsibility to contribute to a strong, vibrant Jewish community. The Irv Shuman award was established in 2010 and is presented each year to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of tzedakah: someone who demonstrates commitment, passion, service and leadership within the Jewish community. Irv Shuman
was a man of exceptional values who lived for causes, including the well-being of Israel and the furtherance of Jewish education as well as the arts. He was named VOSJCC’s Man of the Year, and he was a recipient of the Jewish Federation’s highest award, The Medal of Honor. Supporting over 100 charities, Irv was tireless, deeply committed and passionate. This year's event is also special because it's a "Family Affair." “When we learned that our brother was receiving this award, we thought it would be fun to chair the event – to show our support of him and the place he is so passionate about,” says Scott Weiss. “We’re very proud of him and have always admired his dedication to The J.” Joining Scott and his wife, Andi, as co-chairs are Gary's sister, Laurie, and her husband, David Kline. The Klines are charter members of the JCC, and their three children attended preschool and summer camps at the J. “We have always been proud of how involved Gary was with the community, even as a father with two young sons at home. The JCC always was and is a big part of his life,” says Laurie. "We were honored to step in behind the scenes to rally behind Gary and to help make the event a success for him and the community.” Tickets are $150 per person, or $75 for those under 30 or preschool parents. Cocktails begin at 6 pm on the soccer fields just east of the main JCC building on the campus at 12701 N Scottsdale Road. Proceeds support scholarships and programming at The J. For more information, call 480-483-7121 or visit jcccasinonight.org.
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for an evening of fun featuring casino games, live auction, food & more. Proceeds support the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center. 2015 Irv Shuman Award will be presented to GAry WeISS Event Co-chairs: Andi and Scott Weiss & Laurie and David Kline
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12701 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254 480.483.7121 | vosjcc.org
ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 77
FEDERATION NOTES
Holidays great time to reflect on accomplishments and look toward future improvement By Stuart Wachs
What does the Federation do? We help people. Looking to the New Year, we are energized by the increased number of NOWGen members who are engaging within the community. They give tremendous hope to us and to the community and that is why Federation is embracing this generation and allowing them to guide us. Your gift to the Federation’s annual campaign, provides support to crucial programs for our community’s young men and women. Through the campaign, you invest in them and you invest in strength of our community, now and in the future.
Give today. Create tomorrow.
Helping Jews in need and building vibrant Jewish communities here, in Israel and throughout the world. 480.634.4900 x1299 | jewishphoenix.org/donate
This month we celebrate the Jewish New Year and Yom Kippur, two very important Jewish holidays. It is a time for us to be introspective as individuals – reaching out for forgiveness and refocusing how we want to live our lives differently. At the federation, we are also taking time to reflect on all that we have accomplished to determine how we can improve our role in building vibrant Jewish communities and taking care of those in need. In the spirit of the holidays, I am taking this opportunity on behalf of the federation to apologize to anyone who may have felt negatively impacted by our organization. The leadership team, board and I are focused on achieving our mission through positive and enriching stewardship within our community. This is always the guiding force behind our decisions and actions. I also thank all who have supported our mission of enriching lives in the communities we serve. This year, your support allowed us to significantly advance our cores areas of impact: • We hired a senior director of NOWGen programs to significantly expand the engagement of our community’s young Jewish men and women. • We funded the senior concierge position to help connect our community’s seniors to vital services that will maintain their independence and quality of life. • We worked with ASU Hillel, JAC and BBYO to engage our community’s youth as advocates for Israel and look forward to the impact these students will make in the coming year. • We funded seven School Partners and seven Strategic Partners, as well as provided nearly a half-million dollars in support of our overseas partners, JDC and JAFI, work that Chief Development Officer Marty Haberer and Campaign Chairs Don and Esther Schon were able to see firsthand during the JFNA Directors & Chairmen Mission this summer. I invite you, in the spirit of the New Year and a new beginning, to give generously and to help us reach our annual campaign goal of a half-million-dollar increase over last year, which will expand our impact in all of the communities we serve. Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim – may you be inscribed and sealed for a good year. Stuart Wachs is president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.
78 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
PREVIEWS
The right care. Right Now. Educational program on Ashkenazi Jewish genetic diseases
The Jewish Genetic Diseases Center of Greater Phoenix is presenting Gary Frohlich speaking on "Our Heritage and Our Health – Facts about Genetic Conditions among the Ashkenazim." The program will be held at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, at 6:30 pm on Sept. 9 and repeated at the East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N Alma School Road in Chandler, at 6:30 pm on Sept. 10. Gary is a graduate of New York University where he earned his bachelor's degree in Biology in 1972. He was awarded a scholarship from the National Foundation March of Dimes to attend graduate school in Human Genetics and Genetics Counseling, earning his master’s degree from Rutgers University in 1973. In June 2005 Gary accepted the position of patient care liaison with Genzyme Therapeutics and is currently working with patients and families who are afflicted with the most common Ashkenazi Jewish disorder, Gaucher disease. Gary has been a genetic counselor for more than 35 years and has seen over 26,000 couples for genetic counseling. He is a published author of both scientific articles and pamphlets on Ashkenazi Jewish diseases. The program is a biology lesson, a history lesson on the founder effect and a genetic primer. The purpose is to provide up-to-date information on the genetic conditions that occur more frequently in Jews of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) descent. Each of these disorders can be devastating, not only to those affected, but to the families involved. The program is provided through the Jewish Genetic Diseases Center of Greater Phoenix, whose mission is to provide awareness, education and knowledge to the Greater Phoenix community regarding Jewish genetic diseases prevalent in those of Ashkenazi descent as well as the risks and options associated with these diseases. 480-668-3347 | info@jewishgeneticsphx.org
Hadassah hosts talk on sex trafficking Sept. 1 Hadassah Valley of the Sun will host a talk with Leah Rogers and Detective Christina Decoulfe in regards to sex trafficking. Rogers was a victim of sex trafficking who turned her life around and is determined to save other women by educating the community. The talk will be at 6:45 pm Sept. 1, at Temple Chai, 4645 E Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Rogers has shared her story with CBS News and through social media in a video that has gone viral. Her autobiography called Game Over takes the reader through a riveting journey that will not soon be forgotten. Decoufle, who was instrumental in helping turn Roger’s life around, is a member of the Vice Enforcement Unit with the Phoenix Police Department. Decoufle is an expert in the area of Domestic Human Traffcking and works with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in identifying and rescuing juveniles who are victims of sex trafficking. She is a member of the FBI’s Human Trafficking Task Force and the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators. RSVP to Susi Stone at susido@aol.com or 480-659-0680.
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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 79
J
Living
FACES & PLACES
CARDOZO SOCIETY: The affinity group for legal professionals hosted a June 10 talk on Important Developments in AttorneyPrivilege presentation. Presenters Kathleen Brody and Mark Harrison, attorneys with Osborn Maledon P.A., are joined by Perkins Coie partners Cardozo chair Raphael Avraham and Business & Professional Chair Eliot Kaplan. More than 40 attorneys attended the presentation hosted by the Cardozo Society, part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix’s Business & Professionals Groups.
SENIORS AND CAMPERS: Campers from the Valley of the Sun JCC Camp Shemesh visited the Jewish Family & Children’s Service Senior Center on June 16 to share their enthusiasm and love of music.
HONEYMOON ISRAEL: Twenty couples from the Valley’s Jewish community explored Israel with an 11-day trip called Honeymoon Israel. All 20 couples are under 40 and married within the last five years.
SHEARIM TORAH HIGH SCHOOL: Class of 2015 graduates, from left, Allie Kaplan, Maya Zilcha, Rachel Landesman, Raina Meyerson and Rachel Uvaydov are all headed to Israel for a year of yeshiva study. Read the graduation speeches of these observant teenage girls on our website at azjewishlife.com/ shearim-torah-high-schoolgraduates-share-inspiration/
80 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
FACES & PLACES EAST VALLEY JCC SUMMER CAMP: Third- to fifth-grade girls dance their hearts out at the JCC Rock Show in July. CARING TEENS: Sixteen teens from the Valley's Hebrew High participated in the 14th annual Care-a-Van June 8-22 traveling throughout the west performing mitzvoth along the way. Here Ava DiBella and Morgan Wagner glean carrots at Food Share, a Ventura County food bank that provides fresh vegetables to senior adult centers. Hebrew High is sponsored by the Bureau of Jewish Education.
STOP IRAN NOW RALLY: Susan and Steven Farber were among several hundred Valley residents who attended a Stop Iran Now rally July 22 at the Valley of the Sun JCC. Photo by Leni Reiss
WARM WELCOME: Journalist, educator and political analyst Peter Beinart is welcomed by New Shul co-rabbis Rabbis Elana Kanter and Michael Wasserman at a late-June event at their place of worship. The evening was co-sponsored by Temple Solel. Photo by Leni Reiss
TEA TIME: Lea Gracer of Sedona, standing, and her mother, Estelle Gracer, longtime former Valley resident and noted designer who has relocated to Walnut Hills, CA, greet guests at a tea at Changing Hands bookstore in June. Photo by Leni Reiss
ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 81
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR Through SEPT. 20 Lucky Stiff, a zany, offbeat and very funny musical murder mystery farc. At Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W Paradise Lane, Peoria. azbroadway.org
SEPT.1 Hadassah VOS talk on sex trafficking. See page 79
SEPT. 2-6 Red Rocks Music Festival in Phoenix and Sedona. See page 28
SEPT. 3, 10, 17, 24 Moral Choice and the Holocaust, 4-week class taught by Prof. Mark Stern, PhD, through Minderful Center. 9:10-10:40 am at The Springs of Scottsdale. $60. Register at 480-619-9993 or minderful.com
SEPT. 5 “The Making of a Mensch,” a project of Character Day 2015, a global day to engage Jewish and secular communities around the world in different perspectives and teachings around character development, screens at Congregation Kehillah. 7:30 pm includes dessert. RSVP: info@ congregationkehillah.org or 602-369-7667
SEPT. 8 Hava Nagila (The Movie), documentary showing at 7 pm at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, 122 E Culver in Phoenix. Presented by Arizona Jewish Historical Society. Free. RSVP to 602-241-7870 or lbell@azjhs.org
SEPT. 9 & 10 Talk on Ashkenazi genetic diseases. See page 79
SEPT. 9 - OCT. 4 Chicago, the musical, by the great team of Kander and Ebb, plays at Phoenix Theatre, 100 E McDowell Road in Phoenix. Use Code "Jewish Life" by Sept. 14 for special $49 price! 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
SEPT. 10 A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs by David Lehman. Book discussion led by AZJHS President Mark Sendrow, at 7 pm at Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, 122 E Culver in Phoenix. Free. RSVP to 602-241-7870 or lbell@azjhs.org.
SEPT. 10-20 The Complete Works of Willam Shakespeare presented by three actors in a way you’ve never seen before. Desert Foothiills Theater. dftheater.org or 480-488-1981
SEPT. 10-27 Young Frankenstein, the musical. Based on Mel Brooks’ classic film spoof of Mary Shelly’s novels of bringing the dead back to life. At the Prescott Center for the Arts, 208 N Marina in Prescott. 928-445-3286, pca-az.net 82 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
SEPT. 11 Mesa Arts Center 2015 Season Kick-Off: Celebrate a major milestone in 2015-16: the 10th season of entertainment and education at One E Main St., Mesa. Free Season Kickoff Festival 6-11 pm. 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter. com
SEPT. 22 Erev Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre)
SEPT. 23 Yom Kippur
SEPT. 24
Meet the Author: Karnit Goldwasser, author of The Way to You and wife of kidnapped Israeli soldier Ehud Goldwasser, shares her ordeal and Happy New Year! Erev Rosh Hashanah struggle to bring her husband home. Sponsored SEPT. 14 and 15 by the Valley Israel Center at 7:30 pm at the ValRosh Hashanah ley of the Sun JCC. $10. Registration required: Be sure to check our online calendar for times shahare@vosjcc.org. See page 19. and locations of services throughout the state. The Music & Stories of Jewish Composers preSept. 15 sented by Arizona Opera in Phoenix. Learn how stem cell therapy can help treat your See page 19 lung disease. Seminar at 4 pm at the Scottsdale Lung Institute Clinic, 8377 E Hartford Dr., Suite SEPT. 26 120, Scottsdale. See the facility, meet the The Music & Stories of Jewish Composers predoctor and set up a free consultation. 855-434- sented by Arizona Opera in Tucson. See page 19 9235 or lunginstitute.com/JewishLife Simone Dinnerstein, classical pianist at 7:30 SEPT. 16-OCT. 4 pm at the Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin, presented by Mayo Blvd in Phoenix. $32.50-$37.50. Arizona Theatre Co. in Tucson. See page 22 480-478-6000, mim.org
SEPT. 13
SEPT. 18 Jewish Family & Children's Services of Southern Arizona, in collaboration with UA Arizona Center on Aging, presents the Mel Sherman Institute on Mental Health lecture series. "Helping Seniors Achieve and Maintain their Best Health as they Age”. 1-3 pm at the Tucson JCC, 3800 E River Road in Tucson. Free, but RSVPs requested: jfcstucson.org/aging or 520-795-0300 ext. 2222. Desert Foothills Jewish Community Association Shabbat Services followed by film "From Philadelphia to the Front," tracing the experiences of six Philadelphia Jewish-American WWII veterans. First attendance free; membership $60/year. RSVP for location: Arlene 480-5854437, dfjca.org
SEPT. 19 Lewis Black at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix. See page 37
SEPT. 20 Brundibár presented by Arizona Opera in Tucson. see page 18 Fact and Fiction, Myth and Metaphor: How Secular Humanistic Judaism Deals with Traditional Jewish Texts/Sources. Practicing lawyer and rabbinical student Jeremy Kridel addresses questions at 2 pm at the Dusenberry-River Library, 5605 E River Road in Tucson Free but RSVPs requested: Susan, 577-7718, srubinaz@comcast.net This year’s Congregation Chofetz Chayim/ Women’s Academy for Jewish Studies annual community-wide brunch and book presentation A World After This, a 91-year saga of love and surviving the Holocaust. 11 am at 5150 E Fifth St., Tucson. $25 for book/brunch. 520-5917680.
SEPT. 27 Brundibár presented by Arizona Opera in Scottsdale. See page 18 Sukkot at the Lake - Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix’s Israel Center for a fun family picnic with all-you-can-eat barbeque, live music, kid zone, water activities. $15. 11 am-4 pm at Saguaro Lake. RSVP: shahare@vosjcc.org
SEPT. 27 Erev Sukkot
SEPT. 30 The Brothers Warner, film presented by Arizona Opera in Tucson. See page 23
OCT. 1 Grandparent-Grandchild Connection - Join the Jewish Community Foundation and author Jerry Witkovsky for an intergenerational conversation. At 7 pm at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Road. $10. includes copy of book The Grandest Love: Inspiring the Grandparent-Grandchild Connection. RSVP to 480-699-1717 or jcfphoenix.org
OCT. 4 Erev Shemini Atzeret Sukkot Ends
ADDING EVENTS:
To obtain a password to enter an event on our online calendar, go to the bottom right of our home page (AZJewishLife.com) and under “Quick Links,” click on Calendar Access Request.
ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2015 83
L’shanah Tovah!
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