Arizona Jewish Life March 2016 Vol. 4 / Issue 6 by JewishLifeMagazine

MARCH 2016

WANDER NO MORE

REAL ESTATE

Tips for Success in Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market

CAMPS Fun Experiences & Friendships for Life!

Wall Street Journal Foreign Correspondent

Bret Stephens

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Inside

Features

March 2016 /Adar I-Adar II 5776 | Volume 4/Issue 6

COVER STORY Bret Stephens: “The Middle East doesn’t leave us alone”……………………………… 32 JNF Annual Arizona Breakfast for Israel……………………………………………………… 37 JEWS WITH ATTITUDE Marney Curly …………………………………………………………………………………………14 BUSINESS Ins & Outs………………………………………….………………………………………….………16 FOOD Chef’s Corner: What the wild things eat…....…………………………………………….….38 A Taste of Arizona: Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails……………………………….………….40 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Igudesman & Joo blend classical music and comedy ……………………………..…….62 Blockbuster authors to benefit Brandeis …………………………………………………... 65 Fresh approach to ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ at ABT ………………………………….…………67 Israeli mandolinist Avi Avital at Musical Instrument Museum ………………………...68 SENIORS Sheila Groman: Quilted works of art .……………………………………...…………………69 Haifa team IDs activity of proteins linked to memory loss ………………………………72 AN AMERICAN IN ISRAEL NGO legislation – needed protection or vindictive control?……………………………. 74

Home & Real Estate

Vibrant is the new beige……………………………….………………………………………….18 Decluttering your home may improve chances of selling and bring you joy…………22 Local experts offer advice and anecdotes for success ………………………..…………24 Jeff Fagin: Mastering real estate investment …………………………………….…………26 Spring care essential for citrus …………………………………………………….…………..28

JKids & Teens too: Focus on Camps

Kids grow in many ways at summer camp………………………………………………….42 Growing up with Camp Shemesh at Valley of the Sun JCC………………….……….…46 Time traveling with Tucson’s Camp J.............………………………………………………48 Family Time: What makes camp memorable……………………….……………………..50 To Life: Jewish roots in nature…………………………………………………………….……52 Should America widen the tent of Jewish camping? .....................................…...54 Camp directory……………………………………….……………………………………………56 Kids & Teen events……………………………………..………………………….……………..60

JLiving

Honoring a leader and visionary……………………….………………………………………76 Munich ’72 ………………………………………………….…………………………………….. 78 Super Purim Sheet ……………………………………………………………………………….79 Entebbe mission hero shares his extraordinary experience ……………………….….80 Young Adults: Artists 4 Israel bring splash of color and dialog to ASU ……………. 82 Federation Notes…………………..………………………………………………………………84 Faces & Places ………….…………………………………………………………………………85 Previews ……………………….…………………………………………………………………… 88 Calendar …….………………..…………………………………………………………………….89

Columns

38 Chef’s Corner by Lucia Schnitzer 40 A Taste of Arizona by A. Noshman 50 Family Time by Debra Rich Gettleman 52 To Life by Amy Hirshberg Lederman COVER PHOTO: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bret Stephens to speak at JNF Breakfast For Israel

Corrections: A February article about an app that exposes athletes to the symptoms of concussion listed the wrong congregational affiliation for one of the app's creators. Dr. Hirsch Handmaker currently is a member of Congregation Beth Israel. An article in the February issue about Lisa and Larry Rogoff entitled "A couple in their (design) element" misidentified Lisa in one sentence. Lisa was the person who made the burlap curtain in the couple's western-themed guestroom. 8 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

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THE JEWISH LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR ARIZONA

Publishers Robert Philip and Cindy Saltzman Advertising and Editorial Director Cindy Saltzman Editor-in-Chief Nancy Ben-Asher Ozeri Editor Deborah Moon Contributing Editor Leni Reiss Social Media Editor Debra Rich Gettleman Webmaster Karl Knelson Sales Manager Leslie Goldman advertise@azjewishlife.com 602-570-8859 Art Director Philip Nerat Columnists Debra Rich Gettleman, Amy Hirshberg Lederman, A. Noshman, Lucia Schnitzer, Mylan Tanzer Contributing Writers Mala Blomquist, Rich Geller, Debra Rich Gettleman, Melissa Hirschl, Robin Loeb, Ori Parnaby, Elizabeth Schwartz, Faith Schwartz, Masada Siegel, Teddy Weinberger How to reach us: 602-538-AZJL (2955) advertise@azjewishlife.com editor@azjewishlife.com publisher@azjewishlife.com

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

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Letters from Readers

More kudos to Stanley Feldman For almost four years, I’ve watched from the sidelines as Arizona Jewish Life magazine has evolved into a vital, vibrant publication for our community. I’m delighted to join as editor-in-chief of this growing enterprise. I grew up in Tucson in the ’60s and ’70s in a family rooted in strong Jewish values. My world revolved around my family, synagogue, Jewish youth group and playing tenor sax in the high school jazz band. After earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Northwestern University, I moved to Israel, where I worked as an editor and writer, even getting a chance to play foreign correspondent during Operation Desert Storm. Since returning to Southern Arizona in 2002, I found myself woven again into the fabric of the Jewish community. My articles in the Arizona Jewish Post have won two first-place Simon Rockower Awards for Excellence in Jewish Journalism (sometimes nicknamed the Jewish Pulitzer). Speaking of Pulitzers … our cover story focuses on a Pulitzer Prize-winning foreign correspondent. Bret Stephens has traveled the globe for the Wall Street Journal, and Israel holds a special place in his heart, too. He has some very thoughtful insights about what the future may hold for U.S. relations with Israel and its neighbors. Closer to home, our special section on camps is packed with information to help parents choose a summer option to keep kids entertained and active. And if a change of home is in your future, check out valuable tips for buying and selling in our special real estate section. Looking a little down the road, in April our Passover section will of course feature Pesach foods, and this year we invite you to share your holiday favorites – both traditional classics and contemporary adaptations. Please send your favorite recipe and a brief description of why it’s a staple or new addition to your family’s seder table or Pesach lunchbox to editor@azjewishlife. com. To be considered for inclusion in our Passover section next month, your entry must be submitted by March 11. There will be prizes involved; for more details check our website azjewishlife.com. I didn’t mean for my first letter to be all about me ... but just wanted to introduce myself and explain why I’m exhilarated beyond words to be editing this magazine. I love our tag line, “Wander No More.” Why? Because it fits; I’m home. As editor, my goal is for every Jew in Arizona to have a voice in the pages of this magazine. This is where we can learn about each other, about ourselves and about the community in which we live. We are changing the conversation about Jewish Arizona. Please join us: Email me (editor@azjewishlife.com), leave a comment on our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Thank you for the brief feature article about Stanley Feldman (“From chief justice to community advocate,” February 2016). The dozens of feature articles that have been written about Stanley over the last 40 years always fail to hit three important points. First, many, if not most, lawyers in Arizona will readily agree that Stanley is the most brilliant among us. Quantifying brilliance can take pages of commentary, but if anyone takes the time to read the myriad of Supreme Court opinions that Stanley authored during his 20 years on the bench, the legal magnificence is overwhelming. In addition, throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Stanley was one of the best trial lawyers in the United States, taking on the hardest cases and causes, and making the work look simple. Second, Stanley was simply the greatest Arizona Supreme Court justice that Arizona will ever have. He joined an Arizona Supreme Court that had never distinguished itself at a national level and immediately elevated it to one of the top Supreme Courts in the country. When you read his opinions, it is as if a brilliant Jewish scholar was guiding his pen. Third, and this is simply never mentioned because it is only known within Arizona’s small trial lawyer community, is the fact that for the last 10 years, Stanley has quietly co-chaired (with David Abney and Jojene Mills) the amicus curiae committee of the Arizona Association for Justice. This means that when there is an important consumer rights legal issue that is heading towards the Arizona Supreme Court (or an appellate division), Stanley happily volunteers his time to co-author “friend of the court” legal briefs, supporting the positions important to the consumers of Arizona. This is incredibly time-consuming, complex work, which requires a complete understanding of the record from the trial court below the appellate level courts. I have had the pleasure of listening to Stanley deliver his amicus curiae committee reports for the last 10 years at our AZAJ board meetings, wherein he routinely reports on at least 10 cases at a time. His knowledge of the law, and his ability to explain the issues, is not going to be matched in my lifetime; and we have some pretty brilliant lawyers who are members of the Arizona Association for Justice. I have simply had the pleasure of becoming Stanley and Norma’s friend over the years, just because I have been lucky enough to be a trial lawyer in Tucson for the last 21 years. Stanley’s work as a trial lawyer and Supreme Court justice has, by far, done more to improve the safety of Arizona’s citizens, as well as their access to justice, than anyone. Thank you, Stanley, and keep up the great work for another 20 years. Douglas B. Levy Tucson

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Jews With Attitude

Curly

Marney

By Debra Rich Gettleman

“It feels empowering to have someone in your chair completely unaware of how fabulous their hair can look until you show them how to overcome challenges.”

Marney Curly isn’t her real name. Her real name is Marney Schoenfeld. But her gorgeous auburn mane so perfectly defines her that she’s actually listed in her husband’s contacts as “Marney Curly.” “When we first met,” explains Marney, “he had not asked what my last name was, but entered my phone number into his cell – phone based on my hair’s uniqueness.” One might think that having such stunning tresses would have made a young woman pretty full of herself. But Marney confesses that she spent the better part of her youth chained to a hairdryer and tugging at her natural curls so she could fit in and look like everyone else. “My entire childhood was ruled and ruined due to my hair being different,” Marney says. “Having grown up in Michigan with a great deal of humidity, I had very few good hair days. All of my friends either had hair that dried perfectly straight, or went the perm route to achieve what I was so called ‘blessed’ with.” Marney’s obsession with hair led her to spend many weekends of her teen years as the stylist for her friends on the b’nai mitzvah circuit. “I would have sleepovers at friends’ houses and ask their mothers if I could blow dry their hair in the morning.” 14 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Marney

After studying communications and international studies, Marney graduated from Ohio State University in 1998. She moved to Phoenix and began working for the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. Her three prior trips to Israel, and a semester of study in Tel Aviv, Schoenfeld all led Marney to embrace her Jewish identity. At the federation, one of her co-workers convinced her to start wearing her hair curly after having spent the last 20 years of her life straightening it. This was a pivotal shift for Marney. After three years at her job, Marney says, “I realized I could no longer sit in a cubicle all day. I wanted to do something fun and creative that involved helping others look and feel better about themselves.” Marney finally pursued her dream of becoming a professional hair stylist and started cosmetology school at Scott Cole Academy in Scottsdale. “I knew immediately,” says Marney, “That I had made the best decision of my life.” She trained as an assistant at Rolf ’s Salon and after several years joined Zolton’s Salon and Day Spa. “Zolton’s was exactly what I was looking for in a salon,” says Marney, “It’s trendy, diverse, energetic and a wonderful group of people with many different product lines.” Marney Schoenfeld

Marney continued to study and attend hair shows and was thrilled to be singled out by Lorraine Massey, author of Curly Girl and the creator of Diva Curl products, to be her model during a hair demonstration in front of a room full of professional colleagues. This experience encouraged Marney to overcome her stage fright and shortly afterward she began appearing on Channel 3’s “Morning Makeover” segment, where she helps transform women by giving them dramatic cuts and color corrections. Marney grew up in a Jewish home where holidays were celebrated and she now belongs to Temple Kol Ami where her 2 1/2 year old daughter, Sydney, attends preschool. Regarding her daughter, Marney proudly announces, “She has the cutest curly hair you’ve ever seen. We get stopped everywhere we go and people say ‘Oh, I see where you got your hair from!’” Marney is committed to learning as much as she can about how to best style and manage her clients’ curly ringlets. She even made it her mission to travel to Manhattan to have her hair cut at the Ouidad Salon, known for cutting and styling curly hair with specific techniques. She learned as much as she could and came back to Zolton’s, where she has been building a curlyhaired clientele base ever since. “My hope and vision are to continue educating my clients with all the knowledge I have learned over the years.” Marney proclaims. “It feels empowering to have someone in your chair completely unaware of how fabulous their hair can look until you introduce them to the right product, or show them how to overcome challenges. It also feels so great to be doing what you are truly passionate about.” WeizInst_SMOCK ad-3.604x 4.937 NEW_Layout 1 6/11/15 2:46 PM Page 1

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BEN J. HIMMELSTEIN NAMED PARTNER OF FRUITKIN LAW FIRM

The Frutkin Law Firm announced the addition of Ben J. Himmelstein as one of the firm’s newest partners. For more than a decade, he has helped his clients navigate a wide range of disputes, including business divorces and dissolutions, fiduciary breaches, business torts, sales contracts, buy-sell agreements, noncompete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements, as well as other commercial disputes. Ben received an AV Preeminent rating from MartindaleHubbell and was named one of the Southwest’s Rising Stars by Super Lawyers for the last five years in a row. He is listed as one of Arizona’s Finest Lawyers and is a Lead Counsel Rated Attorney. Ben is a former board chair of the Arizona Small Business Association. He is past president and a founding member of the Arizona Jewish Lawyers Association and helped launch Jewish Phoenix Networking. frutkinlaw.com

ROSI VOGEL APPOINTED BANNER UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER DIABETES PROGRAM COORDINATOR

In Dec. 2015, the Diabetes Prevention and Education Center at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson hired Rosi Vogel as diabetes program coordinator. The Center offers a variety of free wellness workshops focused on cooking, fitness, weight loss and overall health for people with and without diabetes. For more information on the workshops, visit uahealth.com/diabetescenter. Rosi is president of the board of directors of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Southern Arizona branch and serves on the board of the Tucson Father’s Day Council. She has volunteered in the diabetes community for the last 13 years as an advocate, mentor and presenter. For the past four years, Rosi worked at the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona with B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy, Senior Task Force, Jewish Community Relations Council and as campaign coordinator. She is active in the Sisterhood at Congregation Or Chadash and co-owner of Benjamin Vogel, Architect LLC. bannerhealth. com

RACHEL OBER LAUNCHES YOUNG AT ART

Art instructor Rachel Ober recently opened Rachel’s Young at Art Studio in Scottsdale. Rachel earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Arizona. Shortly after graduating, she moved to southern California and started teaching art at a studio, where she discovered her passion for working with children. She began studying child development and spent the next three years teaching preschool in Hermosa and Venice Beach. While teaching, Rachel observed how much children learn through artistic exploration and how powerful a role art can play in child development. She decided to move back to her hometown of 16 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Scottsdale and open an art studio that enables children to explore and develop at their own unique pace based on their individual interests. She has already established collaborations with the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix’s NOWGen, Congregation Or Tzion, Congregation Beth Israel, Temple Chai, Pardes Jewish Day School and Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center. 480-621-6155 | rachel@rachelsyoungatart.com | facebook.com/ rachelsyoungatart | rachelsyoungatart.com

GREGG OSTRO JOINS JNF PHOENIX BOARD

Jewish National Fund welcomes Gregg Ostro to its Phoenix board of directors. For nearly a decade, Gregg has been a supporter of JNF. As a proud Jewish American he believes that building a strong infrastructure in Israel is imperative to its survival and for the land and people of Israel to thrive. JNF Desert States Executive Director Deb Rochford says she is “looking forward to working with Gregg and the Phoenix board to elevate our efforts in the community, and to show how JNF is bettering the lives of Israelis.” Gregg says, “JNF does remarkable work, from community building to water management and conservation to helping those with special needs. Those efforts need to be amplified across America.” Ostro owns GO Media Companies, a full-service business communications company, and co-founded the Integrity Summit with former Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo. 480-447-8100 | 520-485-7916 | jnf.org/arizona

HADASSAH VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER HONORS DIANE ZEIDMAN

Diane Zeidman was recently presented with the 2015 leadership award by the Hadassah Valley of the Sun chapter. A full-time resident of Fountain Hills, AZ, Diane is a life member of Hadassah and currently serves as treasurer of Hadassah’s HVOS Chapter. 480-998-1880 | chapter.HVOS@ hadassah.org | hadassahvalleyofthesun.org

CONGREGATION OR CHADASH RELIGIOUS SCHOOL EARNS ACCREDITATION

Congregation Or Chadash in Tucson has earned accreditation for its religious school from the Association of Reform Jewish Educators. Or Chadash is the only religious school in Arizona accredited by the national association and, with 400 families, is one of the smallest congregations in the country to achieve this recognition for educational excellence, according to Director of Education Rina Liebeskind. The religious school provides Jewish education and b’nai mitzvah preparation for students ages 3 to 14, along with a Madrichim program that trains high school students as teacher aides. Innovative programs include a partnership with third through sixth-grade students at a school in Kiryat Malachi–Hof Ashkelon in Israel. Fifth-grade students plan a mystery wedding as part of the life cycle curriculum. Sixth and seventh graders learn about philanthropy by raising money at the Purim carnival and contributing towards the fund from their b’nai mitzvah gifts. 520-512-8500 | education@orchadash-tucson.org | orchadash-tucson.org

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SCHMOOZE AND AVIV FORM PARTNERSHIP ALLIANCE

AVIV of Arizona and Schmooze recently formed a partnership alliance with the goal of expanding their outreach in the Phoenix area Jewish community. AVIV of Arizona, the valley’s original LBGT Jewish religious and social organization, will provide religious services and social events to younger and more inclusive individuals, couples and families with promotion from the Schmooze organization. Schmooze, which brings together Jewish singles, couples and families in their 30s and 40s through social events, will receive assistance from AVIV. In addition to promoting Schmooze events, AVIV will serve as the fiduciary agent for grants received by Schmooze. Participants from both organizations will also take part in some joint social events. Members of the Schmooze leadership team will serve on the AVIV board of directors. Likewise, members of AVIV’s board of directors will participate in the Schmooze leadership team’s planning sessions. The leaders of both organizations see this as a “win-win” partnership. 480-382-8481 | avivaz.com info@azschmooze.com | azschmooze.com

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES OFFER KOSHER MEALS, SHABBAT OBSERVANCE AND SPECIAL KIDS PRICE

The chefs of Regent Seven Seas Cruises have worked with Gourmet Kosher to provide up to 70 kosher meal options, prepared with USDA certified glatt kosher meats, Grade A produce and ingredients, in facilities that are under strict rabbinical supervision and daily USDA inspection. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer free, unlimited shore excursions. On its Alaska cruises, these may include whale watching, sailing near the Hubbard Glacier and reliving the adventure of the Gold Rush in Skagway. Other amenities included in the cruise fare are roundtrip air, gourmet meals, fine wines and spirits, WiFi and more. With a limited time special promotion, kids sale for only $999. Aboard an all-suite and all-balcony ship guests enjoy specialized programming, from lectures by an onboard Alaska expert to children’s activities through the Club Mariner Youth Program. With highly personalized service, guests can choose to dine on exquisite kosher meals and observe the Sabbath. rssc.com

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SINGLE? SINGLE?

SINGLE? Meet Arizona’s Top Matchmaker Meet Arizona’s Top SINGLE ? Matchmaker Meet Arizona’s Top Matchmaker SINGLE SINGLE Meet Arizona’s Top?? Matchmaker Meet Arizona’s Top Matchmaker

Karen Stein, Matchmaker Karen Stein, Matchmaker

The Sizzle Factor The Sizzle Factor

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HOME & REAL ESTATE

Vibrant

beige

is the new

By Debra Rich Gettleman

18 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

the only name you need to know for Tucson real estate. Since 1980.

Madeline Friedman, CRS VICE PRESIDENT

888-296-1956 TucsonHomeFinder@AOL.com

Limitless Energy and Expertise!

Over the years, I painted every inch of my home to match my family’s personality and my own whimsical nature. One of my friends once

proclaimed with a slight tone of horror that my house felt like a ride at Disneyland. I was elated by the comment and thanked her profusely. Another friend once warned her children not to stand still for too long in Mrs. Gettleman’s home for fear that I might pull out a palette and paint them. We replaced the pale wooden planks in the kitchen with aquamarine concrete floors and added a river rock “stream” running all the way from the courtyard to the pool. The tasteful terra cotta plant pots were tinged with bright primary colors. I crafted mosaics throughout the house and hung curtains made out of scuba wetsuit scraps in my office. I even did the unthinkable and painted vibrant blue and white stripes over the kitchen cabinets which had languished for years in a maple au naturel state of ordinary.

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a last-home seller, my 34 years of local real estate experience will make your transactions pleasant and worry-free. I work closely with every client, as if conducting my own personal transaction. My only goal is to make sure you are a satisfied and happy customer.

Full-Service Property Management

Toby

Weinstein

(602) 228-0265 tobyre4u@aol.com

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 19

HOME & REAL ESTATE

One by one visitors and guests proclaimed that I would never be able to sell my home, that I had destroyed the typical Tuscan tone of my tasteful and elegant living space. But more often than not, their shock and dismay were replaced with delight and determination to color and style their own homes with their own sense of childlike wonder and unique personalities. At first, most people’s reaction reminded me of Mr. Pumbean’s critics in the 1977 children’s book The Big Orange Splot, (whose character, Mr. Plumbean, lives on a neat street where all the houses look the same, except his). “Plumbean has popped his cork, flipped his wig, blown his stack, and dropped his stopper.” But after a while, a few glasses of lemonade and some soul-searching conversation, everyone who left vowed to live differently, and one by one my neighbors and friends set about to changing their own homes to fit their dreams. The time has come to put my creativity to the test. We’re selling our home and have refused to mute its personality and dull its vibrant character. A rather conservative interior designer recently toured our home and looked as if she might collapse in panic as she turned the corner from the maize and azure living room into the ocean blue and agate of the kitchen. My realtor revived her by suggesting she duck down the street to the perfectly plain, cookie-cutter house for sale a few doors down. I’m proud of my home. It has been my creative canvas for 15 years. We still have the fancy appliances, state-of-the-art technology and luxury comforts of modern living. But we have something more than that, and hopefully, there’s someone out there who will appreciate our unique personality and quirky sense of expression. 20 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

NEW LOCATION

two plates full Functional art, gifts and accessories NEW LOCATION OPENING MARCH

10337 N. Scottsdale Rd

( SE corner Scottsdale and Shea just East of J. Levine)

480.443.3241

www.twoplatesfull.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 21

HOME & REAL ESTATE

Decluttering your home may improve chances of selling and bring you joy By Ori Parnaby

Whether you’re getting your home ready to put on the market or simply want to simplify your space, eliminating clutter can dramatically change the way your home looks and feels. However, we often don’t know where to start, and years of accumulated stuff filling up our space can feel overwhelming. The reality is that getting organized isn’t that complicated. Contrary to popular belief, organized people aren’t born with a “clean gene” and cluttered people can learn how to get organized. It just takes some time, energy and the willingness to make a change. It might feel like there’s a lot of pressure to get organized. There are shows and books and articles all dedicated to helping us change. The KonMari method, which was created by Marie Kondo and emphasizes decluttering to inspire a joyful life, has motivated many people to simplify. But here’s the truth: if you are happy with how things are, you don’t need to change. The main reasons to get organized are to find what you need when you need it and to feel good about your space. If you are trying 22 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

to sell your home, organizing can also enhance its appeal to prospective buyers.But generally, people are not at peace with clutter; it increases stress and anxiety. And we lose a lot of time trying to find things. When people can’t find what they are looking for, they often buy a replacement for it and then they’re stuck with two. Staying on top of the clutter becomes a job in itself. If you are overwhelmed by the disorder and don’t feel happy in your space, it may be time for a change. Do you want more time to do the things you love? Do you want to feel free? It’s our job to live our best lives. If you aren’t doing that, is disorganization playing a part? If so, do you care enough to do something about it? Getting organized can be stressful, but the end result is so worth the effort. Here’s the problem: our possessions become emotionally charged and saying goodbye to the things that don’t serve us becomes an emotional decision rather than a logical one. We keep items that don’t enhance our lives because they either remind us of a better time, or are wrapped up in hopes for better times ahead. Our stuff makes us nostalgic, regretful, guilty,

anxious, worried, hopeful and so much more. Being willing to declutter entails asking yourself some difficult questions. Do you love it? Does it work? Do you use it? If not, why not and why are you keeping it? And, as Kondo would say, does it spark joy in you? If you are willing to explore your reasons for keeping something, it makes it easier to part with it. If it doesn’t serve your life, set it free. Clutter is a series of delayed decisions. Every time we pick something up and don’t make a decision about whether or not it is serving us, or where it should live, we contribute to the chaos. This adds up very quickly to create a messy, cluttered environment. Stay on top of it by making quick decisions. When you get the mail, for example, put junk mail straight into the recycling bin and place the items that need to be dealt with together in a safe location. Organizing should be a methodical process. Focus on each step and complete it before moving on to the next. Here are some ideas for going through your space and making a change. Relocate: Take everything out of the space you are working on that belongs elsewhere. You’ll be able to really see what you’re dealing with. And the other side of that is to bring into that space all of the items that belong there. Sort: Go through what is left in the space to figure out what you need, what you can give away, recycle or throw out. Ask yourself with each item: Does it work? Do I really love it? Do I need it? Is it serving me? Does it spark joy in me? Also, ask yourself how difficult would it be to replace the item if you decide that you need it down the line. Sort papers with purpose: Sort papers into four piles: To Read, To Do, To File and To Shred. Have a bag next to you for anything that can be recycled. Don’t spend any time dealing with the items; just sort. Once you are done, you can attend to the individual piles. Categorize: Put things together that belong together. In other words, office supplies together, photos with photos, books with books, etc. Put away: Find a place in your space where you want to store your things. Put all the books together on the bookshelf, photos in a box or in albums. If you need containers, buy them, but first decide what will go in them and buy only those that will be useful. If you don’t know what you plan to put in it, don’t buy it. Maintain: Take a few minutes each day to keep order in your new space. Put things away, go through your mail and tidy up. A big part of getting organized is staying organized. Keep in mind, it’s no good getting organized and decluttering if you’re just going to buy more stuff. The more belongings you have, the more time you spend dealing with them and the more energy you expend to maintain your space. An enormous part of the solution to clutter is cutting back on consumerism to begin with. Before you buy something, ask yourself if it will really enhance your life. I truly believe that anyone can learn how to get organized. It simply takes a new way of looking at your life and your things. If you can change your mindset, you can change the way your space feels. Ori Parnaby is the Tucson Jewish community concierge and has been a professional organizer for many years. While she now puts most of her time and energy into serving the community, she still loves getting organized and helping others do the same.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 23

HOME & REAL ESTATE

Local experts offer advice and anecdotes for success in Arizona’s real estate market

What should I do to prepare my home for selling?

The best thing to do is to scope out the competition. Visit other homes that are for sale, so you can see what you’re up against. Make sure your home looks decent. It should be clean, in good repair and have no offensive odors. For staging, keep furnishings, decor and personal stuff to a minimum. Madeline Friedman Vice President Long Realty Company, Tucson Phone: 888-296-1956 Mobile: 520-907-4141 tucsonhomefinder@aol.com tucsonazhomes.com Start packing and work with a trusted Realtor. Tidy up and fix those little things that have been bugging you, like a sticking door or cracked window. If those little things annoyed you they will annoy a prospective buyer. And you might have to fix them in the end to close the sale, anyway. Your home must look inviting from the street. First impressions are what will help get buyers out of their cars and into your home. Mark J. Friedman Realtor Realty Executives, Scottsdale Phone: 602-370-3939 mark@mjfriedman.com mjfriedman.com

24 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

What should buyers be aware of in the current market?

The Greater Phoenix real estate marketplace consists of numerous “pockets.” Know the market, whether you are looking for commercial or residential opportunities. Urban infill areas are really the rage right now. Prices are continuing to appreciate significantly, with high buyer demand and low supply. As a buyer in a high-demand area, with properties that are priced right, know that your offer may be one of several. Don’t let that scare you away, though. Negotiating creatively and purposefully will ensure that you can secure a meaningful deal. In many suburban areas, you may have more negotiability at this time. Know the product available, comparable sales, comparable listings and the motivations of the seller, to craft your best deal in any submarket.

Beth Jo Zeitzer, Esq. President/Designated Broker R.O.I. Properties Phone: 602-319-1326 bjz@roiproperties.com roiproperties.com

What types of properties are the best investment in today’s economy?

The best real estate investment in today’s economy depends greatly on the individual investor, their desired return, time frame and financial threshold. Just saying you desire a 10% return, for example, is not enough information to determine the best investment. Selecting a model that suits your growth goals is crucial. • Purchasing with intent to carry the property long term while collecting a monthly payment (income stream) and realizing appreciation down the line. This “buy and hold” model works best for investors looking to achieve an income stream and capitalize on long-term capital gains. Ask your accountant. • Purchasing with the intent of doing minor rehab work on

a property – such as paint, carpet/flooring, kitchen and minor outdoor decor – to bring it up to today’s market conditions. This goal would be best served by a conventional ‘fix and flip’ model. • Purchasing with the intent of completely remodeling the property. This long-term ‘fix & flip’ model is best suited for a financially competent investor. This may work for you if you’re looking for a potentially larger return and are willing to acquire a property and increase its value by adding square footage and fully updating it to today’s standards through a total remodel. These investments generally require a longer time frame than the traditional ‘fix & flip” as permits are generally needed, but do offer a higher return potential. Working with a broker who understands these different models is essential to your success as an investor. Your broker should listen to your specific needs to determine the best course for you to achieve a profit. Leon Gavartin Associate Broker The Mitchell Group, Realty Executives Phone: 480-725-0145 Mobile: 602-329-1918 lgavartin@mitchellgroupaz.com mitchellgroupaz.com

Despite the best planning, things don’t always go as intended. What’s the funniest thing that happened at an open house?

I was working at an open house and the owners cautioned me about letting their black cat escape when the back door was opened. Sure enough, the first group that came through had a couple of young children. While playing with the cat, one of them opened the back door and the cat ran out. We searched frantically for the cat, who hopped the back fence. I was just about ready to call the owners and tell them the awful news, when I opened the front door to let someone in and saw the cat sitting outside. I coaxed it back inside. About 10 minutes later the owners returned and I was very glad that I didn’t have to tell them that their precious cat was gone. Toby Weinstein West USA Realty Phone: 602-228-0265 tobyre4u@aol.com

Find Out Why WE Sell Homes FASTER and for MORE MONEY ES

5A RLY

HLY

HIG

Silverleaf Lot | $1,150,000

R PG

Grayhawk | $1,200,000 Shirley and Ron Goldman

3 BD/2.5 BA/3,744 SF Approved plans for a custom home 21379 N. 102nd St. #1408, Scottsdale 8333 E. Feathersong Ln., Scottsdale

TE RA

EPA

A SIT

Gainey Ranch | $1,499,900 4 BD/4.5 BA/4,104 SF 9940 N. 78TH Pl, Scottsdale

5.4

D IN

L SO

Pinnacle Vista Estates | $4,250,000 5 BD/8 BA/8,918 SF 11386 E. Hedgehog Pl, Scottsdale

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“We have known Andrew and David since we built our Grayhawk home nearly 20 years ago. We wanted to sell but didn’t want the stress of having it sit on the market. We couldn’t have been happier with the representation and our experience. Andrew and David’s team is amazing! They handled every detail from bringing us a cash buyer to arranging moving, cleaning, storage, and even finding us the perfect rental. Thank you so much! We highly recommend working with this team!” Shirley and Ron Goldman 7223 E. Tailfeather Dr. | $529,500 SOLD IN 1 DAY!

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HOME & REAL ESTATE

Jeff Fagin:

Mastering real estate investment Story and photos by Melissa Hirsch

Is your mind a blueprint for success, mediocrity or failure? Do you want a steady cash flow every month? These are the kinds of questions Phoenix real estate investor Jeff Fagin poses to potential investors in his free weekly seminar, “Tuesday Morning with Jeff.” The attendees are all ages, but they share one common denominator: a burning desire to be successful through real estate investing or business acquisitions. On a typical Tuesday morning, the excitement in the room was palpable thanks to Fagin’s high energy, humor and quest to turn around attendees’ internal dialogues about money. Co-founder and chairman of the Two Percent Club, Fagin has been immersed in the world of sales, personal empowerment and real estate ever since he graduated college. Aligning himself with some of the best known names in the world of finance, he has taught thousands to reap financial rewards by becoming masters of their own fate and the real estate game as well. “Most people only know how to make money from working,” says Fagin. “Or they play the stock market, invest or buy bonds. What they don’t know is how to get a steady stream of income coming in from real estate investing, which is what my wife and I have been doing since 1980.” According to Fagin, his weekly seminar is for people who want to excel at money management and create financial freedom. “My audience is people who are dedicated to lifelong learning,” he says. “People network, put together deals and discuss how to manage their money better.” When discussing real estate, he stresses how to create a positive cash flow. “If you own several homes, it’s like owning several businesses,” he explains. “I want people to take personal responsibility for their financial lives. You can earn 15% or better renting homes; you are not going to find those rates in the bank.” Fagin also delivers a free daily 20-minute recorded call for his attendees called “The Jeff Fagin Street Smart Success Call.” He has produced almost 500 of them to date, and participants can listen to them any time. “I call these calls my morning shot of motivation,” says Fagin. “I stress that the money will always come with the right attitude.” Attendee Jennifer Simas says of the class; “I’m a real estate investor, and I’ve been participating in this class since September. It’s not only positive and motivational, but life-changing. He is a very captivating speaker and I think it’s very generous of him to do it for free.” Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Fagin is a self-described “entrepreneur from day one.” The untimely death of his father when Fagin was only one year old left his family in a financial tailspin. As he grew older, his mother increasingly relied on him to tackle the daily challenges of her children’s clothing store. “I was soon doing payroll, taxes, inventory, sales and marketing,” Fagin explains. This scenario set the stage for his lucrative career. His business savvy, coupled with a business degree in hand after college landed him a coveted position at Xerox Corporation, a company legendary for producing highly skilled sales people. 26 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

One of the most significant influences in Fagin’s life is childhood friend T. Harv Eker, who teaches the psychology of wealth. Eker is the author of Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, a book Fagin uses in his weekly classes. In 2003, Eker offered Fagin a position as chief operating officer of Peak Potential Training, his business and personal training company. Fagin says he was delighted to accept. The only caveat was that he had to be in California 25 days a month for a little over a year. “I considered it a blessing to work with such a charismatic person,” says Fagin. “Harv is a genius when it comes to teaching business entrepreneurs how to make money. He has taught people how to create what he calls ‘the inner game’ – a mindset of attitudes and character traits. It’s also a blueprint for their lives.” In 2009 Fagin started his own wealth development company called Caliber, which bought foreclosed homes and sold them to real estate investors. The company identified foreclosed real estate at low prices at auctions and sold them to Canadian investors. “They were flying down here by the plane loads,” says Fagin. “We were cherry picking houses. Sometimes all we had to do was bring in a really good cleanup crew and landscaping crew. Also, for months every second week, I’d fly to San Diego and rent an office. I would be in a different city every day selling rental real estate to investors from all over southern California. It was like the circus coming to town and then packing up.” If you are interested in learning more about Fagin’s approach to real estate investment and personal success, you can join him Tuesday mornings from 8-9:30 am at the Renters Warehouse, 7227 N 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020. For more information, contact Jeff Fagin at jeff@cloudincomeproperties.com.

Executive Real Estate Services Mark J. Friedman, Realtor®

602-370-3939

mark@mjfriedman.com 23415 North Scottsdale Road Suite 101 Scottsdale, AZ. 85255

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HOME & REAL ESTATE

citrus

Spring care essential for Story and photo by Faith Schwartz

When life gives you lemons…make lemonade. Good advice for Arizona gardeners growing citrus. “Technically, we’re famous for it. It is one of the ‘5 Cs’ of Arizona: Cattle, Copper, Citrus, Cotton and Climate,” says Peter Warren, an urban horticulture agent specializing in entomology, pest management and environmental horticulture at The University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension in Pima County. Warren says he receives about a dozen questions a month from the public about citrus, via phone calls and emails. “Traditionally it’s been grown here a lot. It’s a favorite backyard plant. Especially for folks who’ve moved here from elsewhere, to be able to grow citrus and eat grown fruit is a big deal,” says Warren. Citrus fruits are also among Israel’s most prominent agricultural branches. One of the more well-known fruits from Israel is the citron. Popularly known by its Hebrew name, the etrog is one of the “four species” associated with the festival of Sukkot. Not just popular in Israel…citrus is very popular in Arizona, too. “Because citrus is sensitive to frost and freezing, places like Maricopa County and Yuma are ideal for growing citrus,” says Warren. He says citrus thrives in places with lower elevations 28 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

and higher temperatures. Citrus can even do well in Tucson, which can be cooler than Yuma or Maricopa County, as long as trees are covered during freezes. But while our warm temperatures are ideal for citrus, our soil may not be. “These desert soils. There’s not a lot in there for a non-native plant,” says Warren. That means not a lot of nutrients. And without nutrients – most likely, no fruit. “If you just watered a citrus tree, it wouldn’t do well,” says Warren. That’s why fertilizing is key, and this is an important time of year to do that. Warren suggests fertilizing three times a year if your tree is in the ground, monthly if you have it in a container. The optimum times to fertilize your citrus: • January/February • March/April/May/June (for oranges, tangerines and grapefruit) or • August/September (for lemons and limes) Warren says to make sure the fertilizer you use has nitrogen, which is very scarce in our desert soil and the most mobile element in a complete fertilizer. Based on how much nitrogen is in the fertilizer and the size of the tree, you can do the math to figure out how much to use. Conveniently, the math homework was already done for us.

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To find out exactly how much fertilizer you need for your citrus tree – minus the math – head to The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension’s website, for a simple citrus fertilization chart: extension.arizona.edu/pubs/citrus-fertilization-chartarizona If you don’t have a citrus tree, but you’re interested in planting one, try this link for a few tips on what to consider: extension.arizona.edu/pubs/low-desert-citrus-varieties If you live in a slightly cooler climate, like Tucson, Warren recommends covering your tree with a frost cover when temperatures dip. And make sure your citrus tree gets enough water. “Citrus trees do best when they get water from a drip irrigation system every 7 to 10 days in the summer, down to a depth of 36 inches. In the spring and fall, change the schedule to water every 10 to 14 days and in winter, back it off to 14 to 21 days. A soil probe will help determine how deep the water is reaching,” says Warren. Overall, citrus trees are great plants to grow, says Warren. “It’s a great thing, I think, because people don’t always have edible trees. That’s a nice reason to have a tree; not only does it give you shade, but you can eat the fruit, too.” Faith Schwartz has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and is an information specialist with The University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension, sharing the science of the College of Agriculture with the people of Arizona.

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Cover

Bret Stephens:

“The Middle East doesn’t leave us alone” By Nancy Ben-Asher Ozeri

Bret Stephens with soldiers from the Afghan Armed Forces in Helmand Province, Afghanistan

32 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

“Most Americans entertain a fantasy that we can walk away from the travails of the Middle East and that those travails won’t pursue us here at home. I would argue that the last few years have shown that, as appealing as that might be in theory, in reality the Middle East doesn’t leave us alone,” says Bret Stephens.

Stephens is the foreign affairs columnist and deputy editorial page editor of the Wall Street Journal. He will share more of his insights March 25 at the Jewish National Fund’s Arizona Breakfast for Israel, where he will be the keynote speaker. In a telephone interview with Arizona Jewish Life, he elaborated on his perceptions of the Middle East and worldwide radicalism. “It doesn’t leave us alone, because if you allow a group like ISIS to seize and hold territory, you will find yourself being attacked from Paris to San Bernardino,” says Stephens, whose “Global View” column won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 2013. “It doesn’t leave us alone, because if you allow a crisis of the kind that we have in Libya or Syria to fester it creates the tidal wave of refugees, the humanitarian catastrophe and the

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 33

civilizational challenge that you now have throughout Europe. It doesn’t leave us alone, because we do care about the fate of our allies there. We do care about the fate of Israel. Israel now finds itself in the eye of a geopolitical hurricane.” As Stephens puts it, the United States must make a strategic, as well as ideological, decision to remain involved in the dramas of the Middle East, while knowing that there is inevitably a limit to what we can do to resolve them in a satisfying and durable way. Stephens has worn many hats at the Journal, which he joined as an op-ed editor in 1998. In addition to foreign affairs commentator, he is currently responsible for the paper’s international opinion pages and a member of the paper’s editorial board. He is also a regular panelist on the Journal Editorial Report, a weekly political talk show broadcast on Fox News Channel. His ties to Israel run deep, as both a journalist and a Jew. At the age of 28, he was appointed editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post, a daily English newspaper; he held that post from 2002 to 2004. Over the years, he has interviewed every Israeli prime minister since Shimon Peres. The most memorable interview was with Ariel Sharon in 2001. Stephens was working for the Wall Street Journal in Europe and was sent to interview Sharon, who had just assumed leadership of the Likud. They spent

over two hours talking, first going over maps, which Stephens describes as a signature thing that Sharon liked to do. “I just listened to war stories from Sharon about the ’73 campaign and crossing the Suez. For a young, 27-year-old reporter, it was an unforgettable experience. Even then he was a legend,” he says. Stephens also feels a close connection to JNF, which he says has always been dear to his family. “What the organization has done to turn a ‘deserted and desertified’ country into the agricultural exporter it has become, and the model of environmental stewardship it has become, has always been to me a central part of the inspiration of Israel,” he says. So after his father passed away, his family found it fitting to dedicate a forest in his memory. Last January, while in Israel as a speaker at a Ministry of Economics conference, he went to JNF’s American Independence Park on the southwestern slopes of the Judean Hills, for an official dedication. “In Tel Aviv, where I spoke, there was something approaching a hurricane. The sun came out in that stretch of field near the airport. Then as we came toward the hills where there is a large JNF forest that has the memorials for my great-grandmother and my father, it became very cold and started to snow. In a single day in January in Israel, we had three different climactic events in the space of about 40 miles or so.” His job has taken him to cover fascinating stories in all

On the road to Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2014, as the U.S. Marines withdrew and transferred control to Afghan Armed Forces. 34 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Bret Stephens tours the construction site of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum with Wall Street Journal colleagues (from left) Paul Gigot, Stephens, Dorothy Rabinowitz, Eric Gibson and Dan Henninger.

“The United States must make a strategic, as well as ideological, decision to remain involved in the dramas of the Middle East, while knowing

that there is inevitably a limit to what we can do to resolve them in a satisfying and durable way.” – Bret Stephens

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 35

Bret Stephens (right) with his mentor, Professor Leon Kass, at the University of Chicago Professional Achievement Award ceremony in 2014.

corners of the globe. One assignment that Stephens found particularly riveting was in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world. “One of the essential civilizational dramas was playing out in front of me,” says Stephens, referring to what he called an ideological battle between the traditional Islam of Java and radical Islam imported from the Arabian Peninsula. “I remember interviewing Abdurrahman Wahid, a former president of Indonesia and head of the largest Muslim social movement in the world. He was openly pro-Israel. And at the same time, you saw the Salafists, the Jihadists and the Muslim Brotherhood trying to redefine Islam in a much more violent and radical direction.” Stephens also saw that radical side of Islam play out when he interviewed Ismail Abu Shanab, a founder and senior leader of Hamas in Gaza, in the summer of 2000, shortly after the collapse of IsraeliPalestinian negotiations at the Camp David Summit. During the interview, Abu Shanab’s infant daughter crawled into the living room where they were meeting. He picked her up and said, “She is Hamas.” “It was just heartbreaking that this child, who is just as innocent as a child can be, is already being enrolled in that

kind of fanaticism and militancy. It was the kind of comment that you don’t easily forget,” says Stephens. “Indoctrination begins as soon as these children are sentient beings, and that’s why you have these 13-year-old kids, 16-year-old girls, deciding on a lark to take a knife and go and try to kill a Jew.” Although he has received many awards for his writing and insights, Stephens says the one that meant the most to him was the Professional Achievement Award from the University of Chicago, his alma mater, in 2014. He was honored to accept the award alongside his mentor, Professor Leon Kass, and Senator Bernie Sanders, among others. “It’s an honor from people who are infinitely better than I am, so that one really meant something to me. I was flabbergasted by that.” If you are interested in hearing more of Stephens’ discerning analysis of what the future may hold for the United States and the Middle East, you can find details about the Arizona Breakfast for Israel at jnf.org/about-jnf/events/2015/annualarizona-breakfast-for.html.

“Israel now finds itself in the eye of a geopolitical hurricane.” - Bret Stephens

36 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Annual Arizona Breakfast for Israel WHO: Keynote speaker Bret Stephens, Wall Street Journal foreign affairs columnist and deputy editorial page editor EVENT CHAIRS: Sasha and Rodney Glassman, Lisa and Jeff Geyser WHEN: 7:30-9 am, Friday, March 25 WHERE: Arizona Biltmore Hotel, Phoenix WHY: Jewish National Fund, Arizona Region TICKETS: Free RSVP: Required by March 10 to Kaci Garrison at kgarrison@jnf.org or 480-447-8100, ext. 967 CHILDCARE: Free, provided on request INFORMATION: jnf.org/about-jnfevents/2015/ annual-arizona-breakfast-for.html

75th Anniversary Kickoff & Awards Celebration MARCH 9 | 7 pm

Guest speaker | Rabbi Ed Feinstein Renowned lecturer and award-winning author shares his thoughts on the impact of community

Be Well, Stay Well. . . Here’s How! Join us and learn how to optimize your health through nutrition, exercise, pain and stress management and navigating the health care maze.

Medal of Honor recipient | Bob Silver Exemplary leader to the Federation and the community

Sunday, March 20 from 9:30am to 3pm at the VOSJCC NCJW is proud to present our first ever

Women’s Wellness Day

in partnership with the Valley of the Sun JCC, Jewish Free Loan Association, Bureau of Jewish Education and The Women’s Jewish Learning Center. Cost: $25 per person Boxed Lunch Included Reservations: BJEphoenix.org, Click NCJW tab

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Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd. Open to the Community Complimentary Event | Casual Attire Dessert reception follows program Dietary Laws Observed Please RSVP by March 7 480.634.4900 x 1136 or jewishphoenix.org There is no solicitation of funds at this event

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 37

Food

WHAT THE WILD THINGS EAT

CORNER

By Lucia Schnitzer Photos by Matthew Strauss

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. 38 38 MARCH MARCH 2016 2016| |ARIZONA ARIZONAJEWISH JEWISHLIFE LIFE

Sleep away camp – that annual rite of summer – will be here before you know it, along with all the preparations for getting your child there. For our children, leaving the comfort of their home and familiar friends can cause anxiety, but the results can lead to lifelong memories, friends and increased independence. To help ease the jitters, make this fun and easy campfire dessert together, and you’ll be amazed at how delicious it is. And remember also to enjoy this time for yourself as you wave your camper off into the wild.... She’ll be OK!

Campfire Brownie Orange Treats Ingredients: At least 1 orange per camper Brownie or cake mix (and any wet ingredients required for the mix) Frosting Heavy-duty foil wrap Note: Brownie mix will yield approximately 8-10 desserts. Cake mix will yield about 12-16.

Directions: 1. Mix cake mix according to the instructions on box; put to the side (do not bake). 2. Slice the top third of each orange; leave the top pieces to the side (you need them in the next step). Scoop the fruit out of the bottom 2/3 of the fruit, so that you have an empty shell.

3. Fill each orange shell 2/3 full with cake batter, recap with the top piece, secure the two pieces together with toothpicks and wrap in foil. The foil-wrapped, hollowed-out oranges will act as mini-ovens, baking the brownie or cake mix while protecting it from the scorching affects of direct heat. 4. Cook in the campfire for 20 minutes; shift frequently.

5. Let the cakes cool off, then frost liberally with chocolate fudge frosting. These orange cakes can also be grilled (15-20 minutes on medium heat) or baked in an oven (45 minutes at 350 degrees). Also, the mix can be prepared without eggs. If packing the ingredients for your own camping trip, put the proper measurements for water and oil in a water bottle. And when ready to make, just pour liquids into dry cake mix.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 39

Food

Taste of A

Arizona

Okra Cookhouse serves up inventive comfort food

Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails $$ 5813 N 7th St. Phoenix, AZ 85014 602-296-4147 okraaz.com

Grilled Okra and Quark

By A. Noshman

It was the name that drew me, the aroma of heavenly cooking that floated me toward the door, and the intimate space that indicated something special was about to happen. Honestly, I didn’t know much about this place except that my brother liked it, and he hates vegetables, and that the good people of Crudo were behind it. Being hungry and in the neighborhood sealed the deal and I pulled over and parked under the sign, only to discover with a quick phone call that the restaurant is around the back. Sometimes you have to seek the gems. To me, okra connotes southern cooking, which means comfort food, and cocktails, well, cocktails are just comforting no matter what. The restaurant is delightfully small and modern chic which sort of belies the name, I thought. I took a seat at the bar, for the best light to take pictures, and because I knew I was 40 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

starting with a drink. I had scoped out the menu on the internet and had a good idea of what I wanted for my first visit. Here’s what I had:

Milk was a Bad Choice $10

(brown butter washed Hamilton Jamaican pot still rum, banana syrup, Crow’s Dairy goat’s milk, Mi Casa bitters) Like the name of the restaurant, the name of this drink also enticed me (so clever), plus I love banana and rum. It was delivered in the cutest miniature old fashioned milk bottle with a banana chip precariously perched on the rim; loved it. Fun to drink and, unlike most specialty cocktails, it was potent. I wished the straw was edible because I just wasn’t done when the drink was gone.

idea and build to what you’re really eating. Served in a bowl and swimming in the richest (I don’t mean fattening, I mean dark and flavorful) chicken broth is a beautiful medley of fresh vegetables (soffritto) and shredded farm fresh chicken with dumplings. The chicken is seductive, uncommonly delicious, and the parsley and vegetables give it an Italian twist. The dumplings were firm, I prefer softer, but they were a nice respite from the wonderfully intense flavors of the soup. I am not a doctor, but this may have medicinal powers.

Canned Biscuit Donut with Salted Caramel

Grilled Okra and Quark $6

It is rare to find grilled okra; mostly it is served fried or as a cooked vegetable side. Here it is presented as an appetizer in all its charred glory. A small plate of stacked okra fingers arrives with a beautiful splash of quark goat cheese. Since there is no description on the menu, I am going to wing it here and tell you that quark is made from fresh milk and a process of adding crème fraiche or buttermilk and letting it sit overnight. It has the texture of sour cream and however it is they do it, they’ve got it right. It is very much a part of their farm-fresh style of cooking. The mildly tangy quark compliments the sweet caramelization of the charred fresh okra. I figured since the restaurant’s name has okra in it, this one had to be tried. Excellent!

Canned Biscuit Donut with Salted Caramel $4 There was no other description on the menu but that, and that is all that needs to be said. Served fried and hot, salted and soaking in caramel, this dessert does what it is supposed to do, and the fork never rested until every bite was gone. Don’t share this with anyone, it will ruin a relationship. Best if you each order your own. Since a couple of poultry dishes on the menu looked enticing, I had to plan a second trip.

Fried Chicken Skins and Honey Hot Sauce $7

Though I could hear my mother’s voice in my head saying, “Don’t do it,” I did. A well-presented small plate arrived with a pyramid of crispy, golden brown morsels. Glazed with a honey hot sauce, you could sense a small bit of sweet heat on your tongue. They also offer a variety of their hot sauces to spice things up even more. Once you start nibbling these decadent pieces, it is hard to stop. For your cardiologist’s sake, share these with someone but don’t skip this unique dish.

Fried Chicken Skins and Honey Hot Sauce

Chocolate, Bourbon, Pecan Pie $7

(homemade pies by Pie Snob) They had me at bourbon. Who doesn’t love desserts with a liquor base? This pie has a light crust with a lovely chunky filling, and you can taste each chocolate nugget and piece of pecan almost separately. Add the bourbon and it’s not just a slice of pie, it’s a slice of heaven. Share this one; it’s rich. Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails has a great bar and an open kitchen that enhances the whole restaurant experience. The menu is inventive and different, and the people are enthusiastic and want to share what they are doing with you. I have the feeling that everything there is delicious, and it is going to take a few more return trips to discover it all. Explorers, and you know who you are, go find this one, call when you get there if you don’t see it, treasures are hidden around the back.

Two Wash Hen, Dumplings and Soffritto $20 Two Wash is a 5-acre cage-free chicken ranch in New River, AZ, and is in perfect keeping with Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails’ dedication to farm fresh. Calling this dish a bowl of chicken soup is an understatement, but let’s begin with that

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 41

Kids grow in many ways at

summer camp By Rich Geller

Kids &Teens too

A child-friendly resource for parents

The calendar may insist that it’s still winter, but summer will be here before you know it. It’s not too early to start thinking about how your kids are going to spend their summer. If you’re considering summer camp, those slots are filling up fast, so start looking now to find the right camp for your child, one that will provide a fun, exciting summer while building skills and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

For generations of children, attending summer camp has become a rite of passage as American as apple pie, and Jewish children are no exception. The benefits of camp are self-evident. Campers can discover new passions, develop skills, gain confidence and create lifelong friendships. For some children, sleep-away camp may be the first time they have been away from home for an extended period of time. This separation is healthy and helps build self-confidence and a sense of independence. For city kids, camp puts them in touch with nature in a way they may never have experienced before. For many of us, our memories of camp consist primarily of making lanyards or singing songs around the campfire. That type of camping experience is still popular, but in recent years there has been an explosion in the number of specialized camps that cater to a specific skill or interest. Examples include computer camp, science and math camp, Lego camp and, hey, remember that one time at band camp? If you decide to send your children to a Jewish summer camp, there are a plethora of regional options. Jewish summer camps help strengthen the bonds of the community by bringing Jewish kids together in a fun and healthy environment. A 21-page report from the Foundation for Jewish Camp in 2011 concluded: “What do children bring home with them from a stay at Jewish overnight camp? The analysis indicates that they bring, first of all, an increased inclination to practice Jewish behaviors in their lives, from Shabbat candle lighting to using Jewish websites, and to appreciate the value of Jewish 42 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Keeping it cool at Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center's new splash pad. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 43

charity. Secondly, they bring an increased inclination to value and seek out the experience of Jewish community. These acquisitions will enrich the lives of campers now and in their adult future.” Jewish day camps can also provide an enriching experience for your child. Day camps at synagogues have the additional benefit of deepening the connections among children that have been forged during the year in Hebrew school. Jewish camps allow children the opportunity to experience and express their Judaism in a new way. At camp, children discover Judaism isn’t just services and Hebrew school. Summer is also a time to explore new activities or become more proficient at a budding skill, with locales ranging from equestrian to aquatic. Sports enthusiasts have myriad options that include both multisport explorations and single-sport skill-building. Google “sports

camps” and you’ll likely find hundreds of local options in seconds. Those who attend a camp near water can experience exhilarating new activities such as waterskiing, wakeboarding and sailing. Camps with a ropes course, zip-line or climbing wall help kids hone strength and endurance. Classic camp sports such as archery, softball, basketball, tennis and soccer give campers the opportunity to test themselves and discover new skills. Campers can also pursue, or discover, their passion for music, fine arts and performing arts at both day camps and sleep away camps. The possibilities are limited only by their own imaginations. If your child dreams of becoming a veterinarian or simply loves caring for animals, there’s a camp for that, too! Animal lovers can learn to respect and care for dogs and cats, or they can become advocates for endangered species. Some zoos have day camps that introduce campers to animals and habitats from around the world,

Camp Nageela West encourages campers to try new activities.

KIDS CAMPS June and July Camp/Workshop

Explore fun musical adventures with Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear

Songwriting Summer Workshop What goes into writing a hit song? Develop

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1700 East Elliot Road Tempe, Arizona 85284 suite #11 on the NW corner of Elliot and McClintock. 44 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Surprises abound at Camp Nageela West.

while a camp offered through your local Humane Society plants the seed of empathy, creating future animal advocates, adopters and donors. The best summer camps not only help children become better people, but also show them that they can make a difference, maybe even change the world. Tikkun olam or “repair of the world” can be practiced every day, even if it is something as simple as making a new friend. No matter the camp experience you choose, one thing is certain: the sky’s the limit!

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 45

Kids & Teens too

Hillary Goodman and a camper on the blue team during Camp Shemesh Color Wars.

Growing up with Camp Shemesh at Valley of the Sun JCC By Nancy Ben-Asher Ozeri

Hillary Goodman first walked through the doors of Camp Shemesh as a kindergartener, and she never left. When she aged out of being a camper, Hillary continued her summers as a CIT, counselor and then supervisor. This year, as the new summer day camp manager, she can’t wait to make sure other campers find the same joy she experienced at camp year after year. When Hillary talks about camp, her smile even beams through the telephone. “Shemesh has a family atmosphere and I always know that I have a place here. I know that there 46 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

are people here who love me and people who make me laugh and smile,” Hillary says with exuberance. “I remember as a kid watching my counselors dress up and participating in all the activities. I remember as a CIT, and as a counselor, making sure that all the kids have the most fun, making sure that there are always smiles, always fun, always dancing and laughter.” Camp Shemesh is the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center’s summer camp for grades K-8. It is open to nonmembers, with discounts for members and Early Bird registration before March 31. Financial aid is available and applications are due by March 28.

Hillary Goodman loving life as a camper at Camp Shemesh.

Shemesh offers traditional day camp settings, broken out by age group. Activities include sports, swimming, arts and crafts, drama, music and weekly field trips. Older campers participate in community service projects as well. In addition, there are week-long specialty camps that focus on sports, science, computer programming, Legos, performing arts, cooking and art. There

Hillary Goodman as a budding artist.

are also four one-week sessions of Camp Ometz for children with special needs. All campers celebrate Shabbat every Friday and get a daily taste of Israeli and Jewish culture. For those interested in exploring deeper intoJewish traditions, heritage and Hebrew language, The J’s new Ivrit Hebrew Camp brings an Israeli twist to traditional summer camp activities. “It focuses on all the things that

make us Jewish and all the things that people want to learn about our Jewish culture,” says Hillary. Interested in learning more? Returning and prospective campers are invited to an ice cream social on March 6 at 2 pm. For details about Camp Shemesh, visit vosjcc. org or contact Hillary at 480-886-7967 or Hillaryg@vosjcc.org.

ORME SUMMER CAMP We invite ages 11-17

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Traditional Camp Session I - July 10-16 Session II - July 17-23

Come explore unique locations around Arizona! Packed with fun activities, campfires and s’mores, this is a camp not to be missed!

Horsemanship Camp Session I - July 24-30 Session II - July 31 - August 6

Are you a horse crazy kid? This camp is for all level riders looking to sharpen their riding skills. Riders may bring their own horse or one will be provided. Beginners to Advanced welcome!

Carvan Adventure Camp July 24-30 Travel across the Arizona desert to the beautiful coast of California. Participants will spend the week camping at Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach, CA exploring tide pools, studying marine biology, surfing and more!

The Orme School 1000 Orme Road Mayer, AZ 86333

928.632.7601 www.OrmeSchool.org ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 47

Kids & Teens too

with

Time

traveling

Dressing up for the weekly theme is part of the fun at Camp J

Tucson’s Camp J By Nancy Ben-Asher Ozeri

From preschool through 12th grade, campers can travel through time this summer at the Tucson Jewish Community Center’s Camp J. Each week is based on a different era, starting with Jurassic Week and ending with Into the Future, with stops in Ancient Egypt, Royal Renaissance, Groovy ’60s/’70s and more. “Our goal is for kids to have a camp experience that involves personal growth, independence, friendship-making, community service projects and the Jewish values that we instill in our program throughout,” says Camp J Director L. Scott Zorn, who also serves as The J’s director of Children, Youth and Family Engagement. “Everything we do, whether it’s music, art or whatever thematic programs we’re doing, we’re connecting into that time period, so kids can learn about history and have fun at the same time.” Judaic programming includes a day with the Israel Scouts Friendship Caravan and dressing up as Biblical characters during the week focused on Israel: Land of Milk and Honey. Campers also enjoy Jewish and Israeli cultural activities with counselors from Israel. A week centered around the Olympics, from Greece to Brazil, 48 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

culminates with a three-day Maccabiah, Camp J’s version of the games. Wild West week will feature a field trip to Old Tucson for Arizona Heritage Day. Scott says that the Camp J staff has actively helped plan this year’s celebration of the various cultures that contribute to the history of Southern Arizona. This year Camp J is introducing a series of half-day specialty camps that include tennis, robotics, photography, aerospace, pottery, nutrition, martial arts, performing arts, Bricks4Kids Lego and Parkour by Playformance. Specialty camps can be supplemented with Camp Sababa, an afternoon program of traditional camp activities, for a full day at The J. Camp J is well known for its unique inclusion program for children and teens with special needs. Campers are paired with trained advocates, who enable them to integrate into the traditional camp program and participate in all activities, as appropriate. In operation for 15 years and primarily funded by the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities, the inclusion program usually accepts 30-31 campers, which Scott says represents about 15% of the kids on their waiting list. He is excited that this year increased funding from DDD will allow another three to four campers to join the program. Other Camp J highlights include swimming, field trips, overnights and a week of sleep-away camp at the Shalom

School of Rock offers camps for rockers age 7-18! Whether you are a total beginner or are

Campers enjoy parachute games at the Tucson J gym.

Institute in Malibu, CA. The camp takes advantage of The J’s recently renovated facilities, which include a brand new indoor playscape, kosher demonstration kitchen, full-size gym, junior Olympic pool, splash park, art studio, youth lounge and more. All campers gather together on Friday afternoons to welcome Shabbat with a camp-wide lunch and party that ties into that week’s theme. Camp J is open to all – you do not need to be a member of The J to attend. However, members may enjoy discounted rates, Early Bird pricing (if you register before April 1) and scholarships. A 5% sibling credit, which can be applied to future activity fees, is also available for families with more than one child attending the same camp session. For details, rates and registration, visit tucsonjcc.org, call 520-299-3000 ext.1601, or email camp@tucsonjcc.org.

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 49

Kids & Teens too

What makes camp memorable

Family Time

This is my interview with Levi, who attends a camp associated with the Union of Reform Judaism in California, and an anonymous person, we’ll call him Joe, who attends a Jewish sports camp in North Carolina.

By Debra Rich Gettleman

My two boys couldn’t be more different. Levi, my 15-year-old, is serious, thoughtful, spiritual and a true “old soul.” He loves Judaism, cooking, and the arts and has declared that he plans to What is the best part of camp? become a rabbi, which fits his compassionate Joe: Having fun and getting to be part of a great nature and intellectual approach to everything. community. The community at camp is always so Levi loves being the center of attention and exmagical and welcomes you with open arms. It is presses great dismay if ever I write an article or bleepin’ summer camp! (He said “bleepin,’” by the blog post about anyone, or anything, other than way.) him. Eli, my 12-year-old, on the other hand, is Levi: I would have to say it’s a tie between three a shy, emotionally volatile prankster who insists things; the fantastic experiences like Shabbat and on having fun at all times and finds the thought going trailblazing, the exquisite settings, the trees, of me writing about him to be completely rethe sunsets and, of course, the marvelous people. pugnant. It’s a dilemma, because I enjoy writing Levi Gettleman and “Joe” about my family and it’s hard to be censored by Do you have a favorite activity? 25%. But that being the case, I thought it might Joe: Gaga - easiest question so far. Gaga is a sube fun to talk to a couple of campers to get their perspective on per fun game. You go into a gaga pit which is like a circular area the Jewish overnight camp experience. that’s not too big. They throw the ball in. You let it bounce three

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times and then you run up and hit it with your hands. Your goal is to hit someone with the ball, either below the hips or knees. If you are the last man standing, you win. If you are out, you lose. If you lose, you do not win. If you win, you do not lose. Levi: When I was younger, I enjoyed the pool and sports. As I get older, I enjoy the specific session themed programming, like Judaism through nature and trailblazing. I’m also looking forward to our Judaism through art themed program this coming summer. I especially love the Jewish experiences like having an intimate Shabbat morning service by the creek or at sunrise, or just being able to join with all my friends as an entire camp for a meaningful Shabbat shira (song session).

What is your favorite meal at summer camp?

Joe: At my first camp, I made my custom spaghetti taco, which was spaghetti put into a quesadilla along with chips and cheese. If the pasta is hot enough, the cheese should melt, making a delicious meal. At my current camp, I think my favorite meal might be the fried chicken. But I never actually tasted it because I keep kosher and wanted to have s’mores for dessert, which are dairy. Levi: Pass. No, I’m kidding, I’ll answer. Off the record, the food isn’t great. But there are a few meals that everyone looks forward to. Shabbat breakfast is composed of coffee cake and cinnamon rolls. Those are pretty good. Burrito bar for lunch is always yummy.

Why is it important to go to a Jewish camp?

Joe: It’s important to go to a Jewish camp because you get to

learn more about your religion and practice it while, like most camps, you get to meet new people and have fun, which helps your social skills. Levi: At a Jewish camp, not only do you have great opportunities to meet new, cool, Jewish people and new rabbis, and learn from them, you have programming where you get to build and strengthen your Jewish identity. You have opportunities to study with different rabbis and to work on developing opinions about Judaism and G-d.

What is your favorite camp tradition?

Joe: Every year I play basketball. ’Nuff said. Levi: Of all of the many camp traditions, making me pick one seems like a crime. But I’d have to say, it would either be one of three things: Rishonim vs. Hagigah Frisbee game, the Shabbat shira and Israeli dancing, or the Rishonim new trail ceremony and Hagigah festival, where the Hagigah campers showcase the art they’ve been working on all summer. There you have it. What is great and memorable about Jewish overnight camp. Please be clear that any resemblance between these characters and persons living in my home is entirely coincidental. Debra Rich Gettleman is a mother and blogger based in the Phoenix area. For more of her work, visit unmotherlyinsights.com.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 51

Kids & Teens too

By Amy Hirshberg Lederman

Jewish roots in nature

On a hot August day in 1959, I sat cramped in the back seat of our Thunderbird among suitcases, pillows and my annoying 13-year-old brother for what seemed like the longest trip of my life. Amid melting crayons, half-eaten sandwiches and bouts of carsickness, I whined for most of the eight hours it took to get to our destination. But the moment we drove up to our little cabin, nestled among pine trees and within walking distance of Cape Cod Bay, my attitude changed. For the next two weeks, I spent every waking moment running up and down the sand dunes, building castles on the beach and finding all sorts of magical things, like starfish and sea glass, in the sand at low tide. Most of us have memories of a special place in nature that we hold dear: a mountain where we hiked or camped, a summer cabin on a lake, a beach where we played with our children or grandchildren. As children, we often appreciate the majesty of the natural world even before we can articulate the concept. As adults, many of us find something in nature that inspires deep, spiritual feelings and emotions – moving us toward a closer understanding of what God is or might mean to us. I once read a quote by the great American architect Frank Lloyd Wright that expresses my feelings about the connection between God and nature: “Nature is the body of God and it’s the closest we’re going to get to the Creator in this life.” Being in nature is, in a sense, like inhabiting the essence of God. So it is easy to understand why so many of us feel spiritually alive when we are surrounded by natural beauty. I have heard many Jews claim they are “not religious,” then describe with poetic proficiency their radiant feelings about nature. Captivated by the fragile shoots that produce intricately designed orchid flowers or entranced by the stillness of a night sky painted with stars, they relate to feeling “spiritual” but not Jewish. When you witness a beautiful sunset or a hummingbird flitting across your back porch, do you connect that image to Judaism? When you think of being Jewish, do you relate it to first buds peeping through the soil or the rising of the harvest moon? It is so easy to disconnect the awe-filled feelings we have in nature from being and feeling Jewish. Yet if we glean anything from the Bible about the human experience of God, it is that Judaism and our relationship to God is deeply and indelibly rooted in nature. Biblical man’s first encounter with God was through the natural world, the Garden of Eden being the epitome of all that 52 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

To Life

is beautiful on earth. We are placed in the Garden and given a Divine purpose for living that is directly linked to nature. In Genesis 1:28, God blesses man with these words: “... Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it; have dominion over ... every living thing ... .” One chapter later, God places man in the Garden of Eden “to cultivate it and to guard it.” From the very beginning, we are given the inherently complex task of having complete control over the earth and are required to treat it with a deep sense of fiduciary responsibility. But it doesn’t stop there. The essence of God, as Creator of the world, is expressed in numerous ways within Judaism. Jewish blessings, sacred texts and liturgy are replete with examples acknowledging the connection between nature and God. The Ha Motzi, the blessing we say over bread and before eating a meal, praises God for bringing bread from the earth. The Kiddush we recite on Shabbat celebrates God’s works of creation, praising God as Creator of the fruit of the vine. Images in the Psalms reinforce a joyous relationship between man, nature and God, like these words from Psalm 96: “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad, let the sea roar and the fullness thereof; let the field be joyful and all that is therein; then shall the trees of the forest rejoice before the Lord … .” The Jewish calendar continuously commemorates and reinforces the connection between God and nature. We are commanded weekly to refrain from our own labors and rest on Shabbat, the day we acknowledge that the Creator of all also rested. Holidays such as Sukkot, which commemorates the fall harvest, and Tu B’Shevat, the new year for trees, link nature to our annual cycle of festivals. The sabbatical year (or Shmita in Hebrew) requires us to give the land a rest from planting every seven years, while the Yovel commands a redistribution of the land every 50 years. All of these work to establish a continuing consciousness and intricate relationship among God, nature and the Jewish people. For some, a synagogue is essential to feel the presence of God. But for many Jews who struggle to feel that connection, the world we live in is as holy a place to acknowledge God’s presence. The Talmudic rabbis knew this when they wrote: “No spot on earth is devoid of the Presence.”

Amy Hirshberg Lederman is an author, Jewish educator, public speaker and attorney. Her columns have won awards from the American Jewish Press Association for excellence in commentary. Visit her website at amyhirshberglederman.com.

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www.Robots-4-U.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 53

Kids & Teens too

By Teddy Weinberger

Should America

WIDEN

the tent of Jewish camping?

Since 1993 the Jewish Agency has been running a network of summer camps in the former Soviet Union. The agency describes these camps as “a cultural lifeline to Jewish identity.” These summer camps in the FSU are supported by several RussianJewish philanthropists and by Jewish federations in cities such as Phoenix, Tucson, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland and St. Louis. The camps are free and (according to the Jewish Agency’s

54 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

website) are designed “to provide children and youth ages 7-17 with a compelling and fun introduction to Jewish heritage through an up-close and personal experience, including exciting Israel-centered programs and interaction with young, creative counselors from the FSU and Israel.” Now here’s where this story gets interesting: Many (and perhaps a majority) of the children attending the summer camps have neither Jewish parents nor Jewish grandparents; these campers receive their free summer camping experience because they were fortunate enough to have had a single Jewish greatgrandparent. Why? Because a little-known rule of Israel’s Law of Return states that minors may make aliyah if they immigrate with one parent who has at least one Jewish grandparent. Yes, to a significant extent in the FSU, the American Jewish community is supporting Jewish camping for non-Jews. The Jewish Agency’s philosophy for this is as follows: Judaism was persecuted for 70 years in the FSU. The great assimilation that took place, therefore, was a kind of forced assimilation, and so it’s only fitting to try to redress this situation by reaching out to non-Jewish families who have some affinity to Judaism. I’m fine with all of this. However, I’m just wondering if the time has come for American Jews to target their own young families who, though not Jewish, would be eligible to make aliyah under the Law of Return. You see it turns out that there is literally a generation gap between the families who are targeted for Jewish outreach in the FSU and the families who are targeted for outreach in the United States. In America, outreach generally targets intermarried couples and their children; in the FSU, outreach extends another generation to target not only the children of intermarried couples but their grandchildren, as well. Were American Jews to start supporting programs for this extra generation, the Jewish community’s target audience would jump significantly. I contacted a well-respected sociologist, Professor Steven M. Cohen, to get approximate numbers. He replied that if Jewish outreach extended forward one generation – as it does in the FSU – we would be talking about moving from a target audience of six-plus million to an audience of almost nine million.

Our sages teach us that Jewish charity starts at home, in one’s own community. With so many Americans struggling financially, many non-Jewish families with one spouse “eligible for return” might welcome a chance to send their children to free Jewish summer camp. What if this coming spring, Americans would read in advertisements in their local newspapers that any parent with at least one Jewish grandparent could send their children to a free summer camp sponsored by the local Jewish community? My hunch is that thousands of families whom heretofore had had absolutely no contact with the organized Jewish community would come out of the woodwork to take advantage of this opportunity. And if the campers came back clamoring for more of what they experienced during the summer (more Hebrew songs, more Jewish food, more Shabbat services), encouraging their parents to explore a neighborhood synagogue or Jewish community center, that would be wonderful. But even if this does not happen, the camping experience in and of itself, with its emphasis on Jewish ethics and values, would make the children better Americans – to the benefit of us all. Teddy Weinberger, Ph.D., 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. His in-laws live in Scottsdale for most of the year.

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Solel Preschool

will be offering camp for children infant-3rd grade this summer!

For the younger kids (3mo-5yrs)

our CAMP KATAN theme will be “Around the World in 50 Days” with fun activities from various countries and continents from Brazil to Italy! We will have several special visitors throughout the summer, including Magician Matt Lemm, The Singing Cowboy Gary (with his horse Dusty) and The Fantastic Fire Department!

For older children (entering 1st-3rd grade) our CAMP GADOL will offer different themed camps each week including Building, Sports, Cooking “MadScience” and Drama! We will venture out on field trips throughout the summer.

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12701 N. Scottsdale Rd. Corner of Sweetwater & Scottsdale Rd. *New members only. Other exclusions may apply.

and ask for Karen Aland, our camp director. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 55

Camp Directory RESIDENTIAL CAMPS B’nai B’rith Camp

Devil’s Lake, Oregon Coast 503-452-3443 • bbcamp.org

BB Camp offers arts and crafts, dance, Jewish enrichment, Israeli culture, Shabbat celebrations, high-ropes course, climbing tower and zip line, out-of-camp trips, wakeboarding, kayaking and hydrotubing for grades 2-11. Specialty programs include Outdoor Jewish Adventure for 11th graders and Kehila, inclusion for children with special needs. JCC affiliated and ACA accredited.

Camp Nageela West

3511 Verde Valley School Road, Sedona, AZ 801-613-1539 • nageelawest.org

Camp Nageela West is a small camp offering an industry-high staff/ camper ratio. We focus on activity diversity, encouraging campers to ‘try new stuff.’ High energy level, intense Jewish pride, crafts, sports, water sports, extreme outdoors program, drama and music. 3-week sessions for campers in grades 3-10.

Friendly Pines Camp

933 E Friendly Pines Road, Prescott, AZ 888-281-CAMP • friendlypines.com

Nestled in the cool pines near Prescott, Friendly Pines Camp offers more than 30 activities. Low camper/staff ratios. Carefully screened and selected staff. ACA accredited. Turning childhood moments into life’s rich memories for 76 summers.

Rein Teen Tours/Rein Community Service

Locations in US, Canada, Europe, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Australia & New Zealand 800-831-1313 • reinteentours.com or reincommunityservice.com

Activity-oriented travel programs for ages 13-17. Trips range in length from 2 to 6 weeks with travel throughout the Continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Europe, and Australia & New Zealand. Also offering 2- to 4-week community service volunteer programs in locations such as Hawaii, California, Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Amazon, the Galapagos Islands and Tour & Service (a hybrid teen tour and community service program). Australia/New Zealand Adventure is a 26-day program with activities, sites and culture, including 20 hours of community service. Golf & Service @ Project California in Santa Barbara includes hands-on instruction, play time on courses and community service credit through volunteering as a mentor at The First Tee Program.

The Orme School Summer Camp 1000 E Orme School Road. Mayer, AZ 928-632-7601 • ormeschool.org

Are your ready for the challenge? Camp provides new experiences in a supportive environment for ages 11-17. Whether your child desires to improve their horsemanship skills, develop their confidence through traditional skills such as archery, swimming and sports, or embark on an epic cross-country caravan to the shores of California, a summer at Orme will be the most incredible summer of their life!

56 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

DAY CAMPS/PROGRAMS Arizona Music Academy

1700 E Elliot Road #11, Tempe 480-705-0875 • arizonamusicacademy.com

Children’s Musical Adventure for ages 3-6. Join Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear as they take in the sights and sounds across the US! There will be fun songs, games, crafts, beginning musical concepts and keyboard skills. These age-appropriate activities will provide opportunities for hands-on learning and collaborative play. Songwriters Workshop for ages 10-13 and 14-18. This 3-day (M-W-F) workshop provides every student with an immersive, hands-on experience with lyric writing, song structuring, melody development and one-on-one collaboration with a musician, songwriter and audio engineer, William Bradford. Music experience recommended, but not required.

Arizona Sunrays

3110 E Thunderbird Rd., Phoenix 602-992-5790 • arizonasunrays.com

Arizona Sunrays SUPERCAMP is a gymnastics-based camp for boys and girls ages 3-13, offered all year long during school closures. At SUPERCAMP children will participate in gymnastics, Ninja Zone, sports, zip line, bounce house, yoga, dance and optional swim lessons. Half day, full day and extended care options available.

Arizona Sunrays Dance

13832 N 32nd St., #162, Phoenix 602-992-5790 • arizonasunrays.com

Dance camp for boys and girls ages 5-16. Dance, tumbling, photo shoots, acting, modeling and more. Four themed weeks offered: Rockstar for ages 8-16, (June 27-July1), Broadway Divas and Dudes for ages 5-10 (July 11-15), I Love the 80s for ages 8-16 (July 25-29) and New York, New York for ages 8-16 (Aug 1-5).

Desert Foothills Theater Various locations 480-488-1981 • dftheater.org

An award-winning theater located in North Scottsdale, offers various theater camps and musical camps for kids ages 5-19, for young artists of all skill levels, from novice to advanced. Creative Kids for ages 5-7 (June 6-17 and July 11-22). Musical Revue Camps I-III for ages 8-14 (Rock N’ Roll “Elvis” Style, June 6-10; Beauty and The Beast, July 1115; Motown Mayhem, July 18-22). Advanced Musical Theatre Camp for ages 8-14 (June 20-July 1). Advanced Acting Camp for ages 13-19 (July 25-Aug. 5). Cost $225-$249.

Foothills Academy

4720 E Lone Mountain Road, Scottsdale 480-215-4460 • foothillsacademy.com

Camp Genius covers a broad range of fun and exciting STEM topics for students entering grades 1-8. Participants will engage in handson activities, experiments, and investigations that support the development of math, science and engineering skills. The week of activities will include Crazy Chemistry, Bumble Biology, Wacky Physics, Paleontology, Space Explorations, Oceanography, Robotics and Video Game Creation. 9 am-3 pm, June 13-17 and June 20-24. Cost is $245; lunch and snacks need to be provided by parents.

Mathnasium Summer Success

480-739-1652 Mathnasium of Arcadia, 4730 E Indian School Road #107, Phoenix mathnasium.com/arcadia Mathnasium of Scottsdale, 10810 E Via Linda #115, Scottsdale mathnasium.com/scottsdale Mathnasium of North Scottsdale, 20945 N Pima Road #105, Scottsdale mathnasium.com/northscottsdale Mathnasium of Paradise Valley (opening Spring 2016), 4611 E Cactus Road, Phoenix mathnasium.com/paradisevalley

At Mathnasium, we make math make sense! Whether your child started out far behind or already ahead in math, Mathnasium will help them leap ahead because we know that any child can be successful in math – it’s a matter of teaching it in a way that makes sense to them. For grades 2-high school.

Phoenix Center for the Arts Summer Camp 1202 N 3rd St., Phoenix 602-254-3100 • phoenixcenterforthearts.org

Does your child need something AWESOME to do over the long, hot summer? Phoenix Center for the Arts offers two-week camp sessions for grades K-6, so your child can dance, sing, draw, and dramatize the summer away! Each session culminates in a fun performance for family and friends. Lunch is provided.

Camp Nageela West

Op en I No nclu to A n-M din ll em g be rs

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 57

Robots-4-U

Various locations 855-740-1199 • robots-4-u.com

Half-day, week-long camps teach children basic design, building, programming and mechanics. Students use exclusive robot kits for all of the robotic camps. These robotic kits are made up of plastic, metal, and specially synthesized materials and connect with snap and lock components, plus nuts and bolts. Camps include Robotics, Dynamic Arts and Once Upon a Time Preschool Robotics programs. Camps utilize STEM and STEAM curricula.

School of Rock

13610 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480-483-7625 • schoolofrock.com/musiccamps

Through workshops, clinics and private instruction, our comprehensive camp experience is designed to hone music performance and ensemble skills in a creative and fun environment.

Scottsdale Artists’ School Youth & Teen Academy 3720 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale 480-990-1422 • scottsdaleartschool.org

This summer, students ages 6-18 will embark on a true artists’ journey while exploring the fundamentals of fine art. Young artists will work in the areas of painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed-media. Uniquely themed sessions run May 31-Aug. 4, 9 am-3 pm (M-F) and are open to artists of all levels.

Camp Kol Ami

You can be a

They were KIDS!

KID TOO!

Spring & Summer

APRIL 8 - 24, 2016 (602) 253.8188 | www.vyt.com 525 North First Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 58 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

/valleyyouththeatre @VYTPhoenix VYTPHOENIX

vytphoenix

memorable experiences for campers of all ages. All programs and activities are designed at the highest level of quality and excitement. Enjoy swim, splash park, indoor playspace, studio, field trips, friendships and more. Weekly themes. Shabbat programming. Open to all.

Solel Preschool/ Temple Solel

6805 E McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley 480-991-4545 solelpreschool.org

Solel will be offering day camp for children infant-grade 3 this summer. Our Katan camp (3 months to 5 years) will be filled with fun age-appropriate activities and several special visitors. Our Gadol camp (entering grades 1-3) will offer different themed camps each week. For more information call and ask for Karen, our camp director.

Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center

12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480-634-4949 • shemeshatthej.org

Shemesh Summer Day Camp offers a fun and enriching summer for campers in grades K-8 (LIT for older kids). Includes traditional, sports and specialty camps, IT, arts, science, cooking, dance and cheer, Lego, performance and new this year, Ivrit Hebrew Camp. All camps include T-shirt, snacks and weekly field trips at no additional cost. Before- and after-care options are available.

Camp Nageela West

Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center 15030 N 64th St., Scottsdale 480-951-5825 • templekolami.org

Join us for an exciting nine-week summer program at Camp Kol Ami. Campers will enjoy “splashing” in our beautiful new splash pad. Children will also love participating in fun weekly themes and specials such as Art, Creative Movement, Music, Drama, Spanish and Shabbat.

Tucson Jewish Community Center 3800 E River Road, Tucson 520-299-3000 • tucsonjcc.org

Summer Camp J offers up to 10 weeks of safe, enriching and

Valley Youth Theater 525 N 1st St., Phoenix 602-253-8188 • vyt.com

The magic of musical theater comes to life at VYT summer camps! Join the fun as students explore the many aspects of theater in these month-long summer camps. Students ages 5-16 will receive valuable performance training from professional instructors in acting, singing and choreography to understanding lighting, sound cues and blocking movements, both on stage and off. Actors will showcase their work on the last day of camp for friends and family. One 4-week camp option for ages 5-6 (June 6-July 1) and two 4-week camp options for ages 7-16 (June 6-July 1 and July 11-Aug 5).

Splash into summer at

Camp Kol Ami

n! u s e 9 weeks of incredible fun in th Weekly themes and special activities Art • Spanish • Science • Music Cooking • Shabbat • Sports • Drama

Daily water play in our beautiful New Splash Pad!

Infants through Pre-Kindergarten

• Exceptionally nuturing and loving environment • Small class ratios • Full day and half day hours available

480.951.5825

www.templekolami.org/early-childhood-center ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 59

Kids & Teen

EVENTS March ONGOING: Club J at the Valley of the Sun JCC

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

J Care at the East Valley JCC Parent drop-off or bus transportation from area schools for grades K-7. Includes homework club, cooking, Israeli culture, dance, sports, gymnastics and more. Early pick-ups from Kyrene schools on Wednesday early dismissals. East Valley JCC 908 N Alma School Road, Chandler. Contact Jeff at 480-897-0588 or hastj@ evjcc.org, evjcc.org

J-Care After-School Program at the Tucson JCC Includes a variety of activities, Homework Hangout (help from education specialists), arts, sports or teens can hang in the Youth Lounge. Bus transportation from schools available for K-12. Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E River Road, Tucson. Contact Scott at 520-299-3000 ext. 192 or szorn@tucsonjcc.org, tucsonjcc. org

March 5 Parents Night Out gives parents the opportunity to take a well-deserved break! Experienced JCC staff leads games, crafts and more. Separate movies for younger and older children. 6-11 pm. $25 for first child, $15 for sibling. Nonmembers welcome. East Valley JCC, 908 N Alma School Road, Chandler. Contact Jeff at 480-897-0588 or hastj@evjcc.org

March 6 Family Yoga & PJ Library Story Time from 12:30-1:30 pm at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Age-appropriate yoga poses, animated breathing and soothing techniques for adults and children ages 5 and up. Story time immediately follows. Information and registration 480-483-7121 60 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

ext. 1281 or healthandfitness@vosjcc.org Passages Lecture Series: Elana Jagoda: “Zum Gali Gali” and More Family Concert at 4 pm at Ina Levine JCC, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $18, children free. 480634-8050 or bjephoenix.org

March 7-11 or 14-18 Spring Break Camps at the Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Art, sports, games field trips and more for grades K-5. 8:30 am-3:30 pm with extended day options available. Members: $50/day, $225/week; Nonmembers: $65/ day, $305/week. Contact 480-634-4949 or youth@vosjcc.org

Spring Camp at the East Valley JCC, 908 N Alma School Road, Chandler.

Camp activities, field trips and more for grades K-8. 9 am-3:30 pm. $175/week, $40/extra days (March 21 and 25). Send completed registration to Jeff at hastj@evjcc. org or 480-897-0588

March 14-18, 21-25 & March 28-April 1 Spring Break at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E River Road, Tucson. Daily field trips, lunch options, sports, activities and more for grades K-8. 9 am-4 pm; pre/post care for grades K-5.

Members: $44-$49/day; Nonmembers: $55-$60/day. Contact Aimee at 520-2993000 ext. 255 or agillard@tucsonjcc.org

March 19 Kids Night Out – March Madness for grades K-5. 6-11 pm at the Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Parents can enjoy a night out while their children have fun. Even if your child isn’t a big basketball fan, there will be games, the movie “Space Jam” and more. Members: $25; nonmembers: $35. Contact 480-6344949 or youth@vosjcc.org Parent’s Night Out Party from 6-10 pm allows parents to enjoy a night off while the J-Care staff provides a fun 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, Tucson. Members: first child $20, each additional sibling $15; nonmembers: first child $25, each additional sibling $20. Contact Aimee at 520-299-3000 ext. 256 or agillard@ tucsonjcc.org

March 25 & 30 School’s Out Day @ The J for grades K-8. Features activities, sports, art, games and more. 8:30 am-3:30 pm; extended am and pm times available. $45-$65 (depending on membership). Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N Scottsdale Road. 480634-4949 or youth@vosjcc.org

Doctors Express is now Phoenix Urgent Care Same Great Providers Same Great Medical Care Same Great Location and Hours

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602-687-7898

Fax: 602-687-9276 help@phoenixurgentcare.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 61

Arts & Entertainment

Igudesman & Joo blend classical music and comedy By Elizabeth Schwartz

Hyung-ki Joo (piano) and Aleksey Igudesman (violin) bring out the silly side of the classics. Photos by Julia Wesely 62 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

WHO:

Igudesman and Joo

WHAT:

And Now Mozart

IN MESA:

7:30 pm, Tuesday, March 22, Mesa Arts Center, 480-644.6500, boxoffice. mesaartscenter.com

IN TUCSON: 7:00 pm,

Wednesday, March 23, Centennial Hall, 520-621-3364, uapresents.org/joo

Classical music has had a difficult time shedding the widely held perception that it is stuffy and pompous. Judging solely from visuals, this assessment is understandable; after all, what other art form requires its practitioners to wear white ties and tails when they perform? But this viewpoint is outdated, and no better proof is required than the classical music comedy duo Igudesman & Joo, who blow in to Arizona with their subversive, slapstick and topsy-turvy takes on both classical and popular hits. They’ll perform “And Now Mozart” at the Mesa Arts Center on March 22 and at Centennial Hall in Tucson on March 23. Igudesman & Joo first gained a following over a decade ago, via YouTube videos of their first show, “A Little Nightmare Music” (the title is a comic nod to Mozart’s famous “A Little Night Music”). Russian-born violinist Aleksey Igudesman and British-born Korean pianist Hyung-ki Joo have since gone on to worldwide fame, performing all over Europe, Asia and North America. Their brand of comedy combines the musical pranks of PDQ Bach and Victor Borge with the physical absurdist comedy of Monty Python. Their shows can start with Rachmaninoff or Liszt and find their way through martial arts, movie classics, rock, hip hop, folk, heavy metal, disco and step dancing. Sketches from their concert shows shredding the classical canon have gone viral on YouTube, with some 40 million views. The New York Times wrote, “Their blend of classical music and comedy, laced with pop culture references and a wholly novel take on the word slapstick, is fueled by genuine, dazzling virtuosity. It’s that final ingredient that adds a dose of magic to their routine – and proves infectious to other musicians.” Born in 1973 in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), at age 6

Aleksey and his family fled the Soviet Union’s anti-Semitic culture for Bremerhaven, a city in northern Germany. “Being Jewish wasn’t hard in the Soviet Union, it was impossible,” Aleksey recalls. When Aleksey’s older half-brother, Leon, a child from his father’s first marriage, left the Soviet Union in 1978, life for the rest of the family became intolerable. “Leon is a real Jew from both sides of the family,” Aleksey explains, referring to the fact that his own mother is not Jewish. “When he left, suddenly my father had problems at work.” The late Samuel Igudesman was the concertmaster of the Leningrad Opera Theatre and a member of the prestigious Rimsky-Korsakov String Quartet. “He was told he couldn’t tour internationally,” says Aleksey, which interfered with Samuel’s ability to provide for his family and his opportunities to grow artistically. “In the Soviet Union, my father was also told parents were always responsible for their kids’ decisions, so my older brother leaving was used as a means to punish our family.” Like most Jewish Soviet émigrés, Aleksey and his family were not allowed to practice their religion in the Soviet Union. For them, being Jewish was a societal, rather than a spiritual, identity. Today, Aleksey locates his Jewishness in the strong connection he sees between his Jewish roots and his career as a musical comedian. And Alexsey’s screwball sense of humor, like his love for the violin, came to him from Samuel. “He was very much an entertainer and loved to make people laugh,” says Aleksey. “When he was in Russia, my father traveled a lot by train; it was normal to have an overnight ride and drink vodka all night. Once he made a bet that he could tell jokes all the night through without repeating himself once, and he won.” ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 63

Jews and humor seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. “The more we suffer, the funnier we are,” Aleksey declares. “I think it’s about survival. In order to overcome the horrible things our people have gone through, you have to be able to laugh; otherwise you are screwed. Survivors – not just of the Holocaust but other terrible situations – say two things brought them through difficult times: music and humor. Both have an incredibly strong therapeutic power.” Although Aleksey has no interest in religious practice, he has

a strong spiritual bent. “God is all about creation,” he explains. “When humans are creating something, this is the highest form of being true to ourselves, to God. I don’t need the rituals of Judaism. My religious rituals are within music and art. Am I proud of my heritage? Yes, one hundred percent. But when I’m asked if I’m Jewish, I say, ‘I’m a mensch.’ If we pride ourselves on having this heritage, we should always say we are human beings first and we support each other.”

Mixed Media Art with an Edge

Carolyn Hansen Sato Theme-Based Sculptor

Firebird Rises, Bronze and Carnelian, 25” H

Judy Bruce

Jameswbruce1@gmail.com www.Judybruceart.com 480-437-9995

La Quinta Art Festival #1 in the Nation March 3 - 6, 2016 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA

Soul Art by Carolyn

www.soulartbycarolynsato.com cssoulart@gmail.com 480-241-9373

Arts & Entertainment

LINDA HIRSHMAN

By Melissa Hirschl

STEVE MARTINI

BARBARA (B.A.) SHAPIRO

Blockbuster authors to benefit Brandeis

A literary event extraordinaire, the Brandeis National Committee Phoenix Chapter Book and Author Luncheon will take place on March 14. Co-chairs Sara Leopold and Marcy Strauss have joyfully collaborated to produce an affair to remember with blockbuster authors such as Paula McLain, Steve Martini, Linda Hirshman, Ed Tarkington and Barbara (B.A.) Shapiro. Attendees will have a rare opportunity to not only meet some of their favorite authors but also hear them discuss various dynamics of the writing process – motivations, inspiration and lessons learned. Lunch will be provided, as well as opportunities to purchase books and have them autographed. Shopping time with skilled artisans and vendors will add to the allure as well, from fun and funky to sophisticated and stylish bags, ceramics, glassware, gourmet products and more. For those who want a more in-depth experience there is also a “Bookmark Donor cocktail reception” with the authors at a private residence the night before. Dinner with the authors, for donors at higher levels, follows the cocktail reception. “Sara and I are thrilled to be the co-chairs of this wonderful event now in its 26th year,” says Strauss. “Working with over 100 volunteers, utilizing their special skills and interests and building on the past, we’re hoping this year’s event will be better than ever. Again this year, proceeds will be donated to the Sustaining the Mind Fund at Brandeis University, where they will be used for medical research and scholarships in the areas of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. All this is possible because long-time member Carol Kern originated the event in 1990 and is currently the event advisor.” The following is a sampling of the work of several authors who will be speaking at the luncheon.

STEVE MARTINI

The author of 17 books, Martini describes The Enemy Inside as a political thriller with a considerable portion set in scenic Switzerland. A story of international banking, offshore bank accounts and tax scandals, it is based on a story that unfolded in the news about two years ago. “My book involves powerful people who get caught up in this international story,” explains Martini. “It is a tightly written and timely story that teaches the reader a lot about the banking industry.” After a successful 25-year career as a journalist for the Los Angeles Daily Journal, Martini turned his energy to the legal field, pursuing a law degree. When leaving the paper, he wanted to try his hand at fiction; it took four years to finish his first book, The Simeon Chamber. His second book, Compelling Evidence was picked up by the New York Times Bestseller List. “I attribute my success to one essential factor; hard work,” he says. “You have to do a lot of research, but I enjoy technical and local research. Writing gives you a certain freedom, but certain risks are involved. You have to not only work hard but stick with it. I’ve been writing full time for over 20 years.”

LINDA HIRSHMAN

A lawyer, law professor and retired professor of philosophy and women’s studies at Brandeis University, Hirshman is the author of Sisters-in-Law, How Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World. Her fifth non-fiction book is a riveting read of two larger-thanlife female legal heroines. The book chronicles not only the two judge’s similarities and differences, but also their unwavering commitment to women’s rights. “This book,” writes Hirshman, ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 65

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“tells the story of how together, at the pinnacle of legal power, the two made women equal under the law.” Hirshman had always thought of Ginsburg as the“great feminist heroine,” so she was surprised to find out that a lot of decisions were made when O’Connor sat alone on the bench, before Ginsburg came along. Another surprise was finding out how much of a romantic Ginsburg was. “One Valentine’s Day she had a dinner for all her law clerks who had married each other. At the end, they got fortune cookies with love poems in them.” Writing full time, the author relates it takes her approximately four years to write her books. Law plays a role in all of them, but in her latest book it plays a larger role. “I got the idea for the book from my training, plus watching these two women my whole professional life,” she says. “I thought that it would be an interesting story; I had thought they might be best friends, but they are not. They do have an ‘affectionate alliance’ though.” According to Hirshman, the biggest thrill she gets from writing is when people say a book changed their lives or helped them. Her advice for aspiring writers: “Be sure you have a gift for it. It’s a hard way to make a living, and so you should genuinely love it and be good at it.”

BARBARA (B.A.) SHAPIRO

The author of The New York Times bestseller, The Art Forger, Shapiro will be discussing her latest thriller, The Muralist, a fiction/biography hybrid involving art, historical narrative and romance. Shapiro thrives on writing literary thrillers intertwined with history and romance, as well as tales of psychological suspense. Her current book is the story of a young woman working in the art division of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. The heroine keeps company with abstract expressionist artists of the time such as Rothko, Pollack, Krasner and de Kooning. She tries desperately to get her family to the United States from Nazi-occupied France, encountering numerous roadblocks. “I had an uncle who was a Holocaust survivor who escaped,” explains Shapiro. “We traced back his family from Poland to Auschwitz, and it had an incredible effect on me. When I learned more about this period I wanted to write about people like Eleanor Roosevelt and also [Secretary of State Breckenridge] Long, who had a hand in denying the Jewish refugees safety here.” To hear these riveting tales and more, tickets for both the Book and Author luncheon and the Bookmark Donor cocktail party can be purchased at brandeisphoenix.com.

WHAT: WHY:

Book and Author Luncheon

Brandeis National Committee Phoenix Chapter WHEN: 9 am – 3 pm, Monday, March 14 WHERE: J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, Phoenix TICKETS: brandeisphoenix.com

Arts & Entertainment

Fresh approach to ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ at ABT

By Debra Rich Gettleman

Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria is on a mission to offer a total entertainment experience, combining quality dining with professional theater. “Fiddler on the Roof ” is back and continues onstage now through April 3. The brainchild of Broadway legends, including Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince, “Fiddler on the Roof ” received nine Tony Awards and is a musical theater staple around the globe. According to Marketing Manager Kat Barnes, “Fiddler” is the most popular show in ABT’s Rhonda Rae Busch • Grandma Tzeitel Jason Simon • Tevye history. It follows the story of Tevye, the milkman, on his touching journey to protect his daughters and his way of life in an ever-changing world. “I’ve done this show eight times over the past 30 years,” says director Seth Reines. “Every time I come back to it I find new things.” This is the first time he’s approached the play since losing both of his parents and he says that colors his view of the show, the characters and their often conflicted relationships. “This show keeps being done because it speaks to each generation differently,” Seth says. “We keep facing the same issues: pogroms, ghettos, reservations, pockets of poverty around the world. Bobby Underwood • Lazar It’s still happening. Human conditions really haven’t changed that much.” “Fiddler on the Roof ” opened on Broadway in 1964 and was the first musical to surpass 3,000 performances. It remains Broadway’s 16th longest-running Seth Reines • Director show in history. The ABT production takes a slightly darker approach this time around. Seth says, “The original production added things WHEN: Tuesday – Sunday, through April 3 to lighten up the story. But it’s WHERE: Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 a rather dark tale.” Seth’s design W Paradise Lane, Peoria and production team have FOR TICKETS: 623-776-8400 or created a more abstract design azbroadway.org. with some very original qualities to define the Anatevka shtetl. Kat Bailes • Golde While neither of the designers are

Fiddler on the Roof

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 67

Jewish, Seth believes their fresh approach and the research they did allow them to develop their unusual treatment of the set. Seth directed one production in Salt Lake City several years ago with an almost entirely Mormon cast. “But they had so much in common with the characters: the sense of family, bonds, tradition. Every culture has faced the horror of being driven out of their homes,” he says. Seth attended the University of Georgia, where his father taught, and he was the president of Hillel on campus. Today he sees himself as ethnically Jewish although not very observant. But he is keenly aware of his Jewish identity. He recalls showing a film to his non-Jewish college classmates about the plight of Russian Jews. After the viewing, he was shocked to learn that everyone insisted the film was pure propaganda. As he sat in the classroom with his head in his hands, his professor told him, “Don’t ever forget who you are, because they will never let you.” When Seth was asked which of ABT’s shows he might like to direct this season, he unequivocally chose “Fiddler.” “You don’t have to be Jewish to direct this show,” Seth says, “but it doesn’t hurt.” He reminded the folks divvying up shows, “If your director doesn’t know what a mezuzah is, you’ve got the wrong director.” Don’t miss this exciting, fresh production of a classic. While the costumes may be traditional, and the story line unchanged, this is “Fiddler” like you’ve never seen it before. “And the final moments of the show will be like nothing you have ever seen,” Seth says.

ISRAELI MANDOLINIST AVI AVITAL AT MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM

Acknowledged by the New York Times for his “exquisitely sensitive playing,” mandolinist Avi Avital is the first mandolin player to receive a GRAMMY nomination in the category “Best Instrumental Soloist” (2010) for his recording of Avner Dorman’s “Mandolin Concerto” (Metropolis Ensemble/Andrew Cyr). He has won numerous competitions and awards, including Germany’s ECHO Prize for his 2008 recording with the David Orlowsky Trio and the AVIV Competition (2007), the preeminent national competition for Israeli soloists. Avital will perform “Between Worlds” on Friday, March 4, 7:30 pm at the Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. For tickets, call 480-4786000 or visit mim.org.

Saturday, March 5 · 7:30pm March 8 - 13 · Foyer

Ticket Includes Dinner! Discounts for Tables of 8 Tues. March 8 . . . . . . . . . . . 7pm Wed. March 9 . . . . . . . . . . . 7pm Thurs. March 10 SOLD OUT . . . . 7pm Fri. March 11 (limited seats left) 7:30pm Sat. March 12 (limited seats left) 2pm Sat. March 12 . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm Sun. March 13 (limited seats left) 2pm Sun. March 13 SOLD OUT . . . 6:30pm

Friday, March 4 · 7:30pm

Friday, March 18 · 7:30pm

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Friday, April 1 · 7:30pm @ChandlerArts

4 8 0 . 7 8 2 . 2 6 8 0 · w w w. C h a n d l e r C e n t e r. o r g 68 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Seniors

Sheila Groman: Quilted works of art

By Masada Siegel

Sheila Groman dreams in color and, by the looks of it, the images that float around in her head are fantastical; filled with creativity, color and design. She turns her visions into works of fiber art, also known as quilts, and has been quilting since 1974. Art has always been an avenue for expression for Groman and talent seems to run in her family, as three of her four grandparents were tailors or seamstresses. Sheila, who grew up in Southern California, says, “I was always surrounded by people who could do wonderful things with needles. My family excelled in stitching with an artistic bent.” As a young child, she sewed one outfit for her doll and was hooked. She eventually started taking her drawings and turning them into quilts that she made for family and friends. With a twinkle in her eye and a huge smile, Sheila explains about her evolution in quilting. “I began quilting in my early 30s, not 1930s,” she giggles. “I was self-motivated and originally used scraps from garments, curtains, clothing I had sewn for myself and my mom. My inspiration often comes from nature, as I love the beauty of nature and am inspired by it. Ideas, strangely,

Sheila Groman enjoys both the excitement of designing quilts and the serenity of creative stitchery.

sometimes appear in my dreams. That is pure serendipity when it occurs.” She takes notice of her surroundings, wherever that may be and turns images she sees into works of art. Upon moving to Scottsdale in 1995 when her husband, Larry, retired, the natural beauty of Arizona began to inspire Sheila and many of her quilts feature desert landscapes. Also, her love of Judaism has been inspirational and is splashed out with the use of rich fabrics in her fiber art. Her quilt entitled, “This Year in Jerusalem of Gold” was stolen from a museum exhibit. Sheila explains, “It was of the famous landmarks of Jerusalem, stolen from a museum exhibit. It had been our son’s bar mitzvah gift. I created another original design of Jerusalem quilt for him to replace the stolen one. Then nine-and-a-half years later it was recovered, so there are now two Jerusalem quilts.” A busy Mom with a love for Judaism, she tried to maximize her time. While waiting for her younger son during Sunday school classes in Chestnut Hill, MA, she would design and sew. “Judaism is important to me and I enjoy combining Jewish themes in my fiber art. Some are: ‘Children of Israel,’ inspired from our Tanach, illustrating a number of symbols of ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 69

Silk and Satin

70 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Judaism; ‘Festival of Lights,’ which depicts the Hanukkiah all aglow on the eighth night; ‘Harmony,’ which is a crazy quilt philosophically illustrating important areas of my life; and ‘Hexagon Star,’ which is another award-winning crazy quilt of a Magen David.” Her interest in quilting and being a fiber artist has driven her to take classes with masters in her field, such as Jean Ray Laury and Jinny Beyer. She also enjoys sharing her work in a variety of capacities from donations to charitable organizations to gifts for people she loves. “I really enjoy the excitement of designing creative pieces. Then, in a different way, I enjoy the serenity of doing creative stitchery as in my fabric embellishment on crazy quilts.” Sheila explains, “‘Crazy’ is a style that comes from the time of Queen Victoria. Women would use leftover scraps of material from their ornate ball gowns to create quilts. The fabrics were plush and the women would also embroider on them.” One of her crazy quilts, “Silk and Satin,” is currently on display at the Phoenix Airport. It earned 1st place ribbons at both the Vermont Quilt Festival and the Arizona Quilters Guild in 2015. She continues, “For 10 or 15 years, my quilts have been juried into Sky Harbor art exhibits and shown in large display cases. After my first

Grand Canyon Adventure

quilt was exhibited there, they contacted me, as well as a number of other artists, for submissions to their next exhibit.” Sheila shares her work in a variety of ways, both on display and by donating over 50 quilts to shelters for victims of domestic abuse for women and children, as well as to Hadassah in Lowell, MA, in Sun City West, and two for Hadassah in Phoenix. She has also donated them to the Jewish National Fund in Boston, as well to Phoenix’s Jewish Family & Children’s Service. Her works have been exhibited nationwide and awarded over 100 ribbons, including outstanding accomplishment, viewers’ choice, exceptional merit and judge’s choice. Her quilts are included in private collections and public buildings and have been displayed in her four museum exhibits. Sheila has also been commissioned to create quilts for people of all walks of life: from the chancellor emeritus of Brandeis University, Dr. Abram Leon Sacher, to new mothers. Often people ask her to use specific fabrics or themes. Later this year, in the fall of 2016, her quilts will be on display at Temple Solel in Paradise Valley. So, if your dreams are not as colorful as Sheila’s, you might want to take a look and be inspired.

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Seniors

Haifa team IDs activity of proteins linked to memory loss Using this discovery, University of Haifa scientists will attempt to develop drugs delaying the onset of cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. By Viva Sarah Press

A new study by University of Haifa scientists has identified activity of brain proteins associated with memory impairments in Alzheimer’s disease, and has also found that “repairing” this activity leads to an improvement in memory.

“In the study, we found that the nerve cells in the mouse models of Alzheimer’s face a type of metabolic stress. When a cell faces such metabolic stress, it is logical that it will reduce its activity level in order to survive. The problem is that this stress is chronic and leads to impairment of cognitive functioning,” says research student Yifat Segev, who undertook the study together with Dr. Iliana Barrera and additional colleagues from Prof. Kobi Rosenblum’s lab at the Sagol Department of Neurobiology at the University of Haifa. Researchers from the medical school in Bergen, Norway also took part in the study. The researchers hope that a new startup they

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have founded on the basis of the findings will enable the development of a drug that will delay the onset of cognitive symptoms. A previous study by Segev at the laboratory for research of molecular and cellular mechanisms, directed by Rosenblum, found a connection between a genetic condition known to be a risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer’s and premature aging as manifested in ongoing metabolic stress. In the present study, Segev and Bererra reach an even deeper understanding of the abnormality of the process and, in particular, finds that “repairing” the process improves the ability to create new memories. “In previous studies, we showed that it is possible to improve long-term memory by regulating the course of the PKR protein and the eIF2 in models in young and healthy animals. Then we found a connection between eIF2 and cognitive impairment in the context of Alzheimer’s. Now, we have not only deepened our understanding of these processes, but we have also managed to show that it is possible to cause a cognitive improvement in an Alzheimer’s model,” says Rosenblum. “I hope that the new start-up we established on the basis of these findings will enable a drug to be found that can delay the onset of cognitive symptoms in dementia patients and in people with various cognitive impairments.” The study was recently published in the Journal of Neuroscience. Reprinted with permission from Israel21c.org.

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 73

An American in Israel

NGO legislation – needed protection or vindictive control? By Mylan Tanzer

After a stormy session in February the Knesset passed in its first reading, by a 50-43 majority, the controversial “Law for the Transparency of NGOs.” It still must be brought to two additional votes, but it appears to be on the fast track to being enacted into law. Referred to in the media as the “NGO law,” it was initiated by Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked. It would compel NGOs that receive funding from foreign governments, or NGOs associated with foreign governments, to reveal which governments (or NGOs on their behalf ), are contributing to Israeli NGOs and the amount being allocated. I believe it was F. Scott Fitzgerald who once said: “The test of superior intelligence is to hold two totally divergent opinions at the same time.” It seems particularly apropos to this topic. Foreign governments support numerous NGOs, which are active in Israel and the West Bank, that propagate slander against Israel. The incessant incitement and false accusations from entities supposedly dedicated to human rights are creating strategic damage; some control is needed. On the other hand, many legitimately claim this NGO bill is another link in the Netanyahu government’s chain of delegitimization around human rights organizations as well as political opposition to Netanyahu and Likud. The original NGO law is undoubtedly an initiative of the far-right elements of the coalition. But its current form should not be automatically discounted because of its “place of birth.” Doctor Ronen Shuval of the controversial right-wing NGO Im Tirzu (the name taken from Herzl’s famous saying “Im Tirzu ain zo agada – If you will it, it is not a dream”) makes the case for the law: “Imagine what would happen if Israel decided to intervene in the affairs of European democracies. … Imagine what would happen if Israel decided to make available funding to organizations operating in Spain for Catalan or Basque independence. … Democratic nations do not behave in this way towards other democracies. If they want to exert their influence, there are many legitimate ways to do so. Creating and funding organizations that strive to undermine the will of the majority in a friendly country is not one of them. For years, European nations have tried to undermine Israeli democracy. They have become the main financiers … (of ) those who labor day and night to brand IDF soldiers as war criminals, who brand Israel as an apartheid state, who campaign for boycott and sanctions,

who organize Israel Apartheid Week on campuses. …There is no greater contempt for democracy than to trample the values and the election results of another democracy like Israel.” That is only half the story, however. Gilad Grossman is the spokesman for the human rights NGO Yesh Din (there is a law), which works throughout the West Bank collecting information on human rights violations and bringing them to the attention of the public. He writes, “(T)he law is shameful, not only because it constitutes a continuation of incitement by the government and the extreme right-wing against human rights organizations, but also because it differentiates between organizations identified with the left to those identified with the right.” Here Grossman is referring to the fact that the proposed law only requires government funding be revealed. Private donations can remain anonymous. Most right-wing NGOs receive their funding primarily from private donations. Grossman continues: “It is a sad day for democracy because with this law, which was supported also by the Kulanu party (a more moderate, social-oriented centrist party in the coalition), and similarly put forward by Tzipi Livni (justice minister in previous government, now an opposition leader), permanently locks into Israeli society the concept that human rights organizations are agents of foreign countries. This is a lie meant to discourage Israeli citizens from acting on their beliefs. … Human rights activists operate out of belief and it doesn’t matter if funding comes from Europe, America, Australia or Israeli citizens.” While still controversial, the bill has become somewhat less so than the original version on two issues. The first was Netanyahu’s insistence to remove the obligation that in the Knesset or at official events, all NGO activists must wear a badge identifying the NGO for which they work. The second issue was the Kulanu party’s demand that sources of funding must be revealed only if an NGO receives more than 50% of its budget from foreign governments. This modification was adopted despite Netanyahu’s opposition. So is the NGO law a vital and overdue bill that will limit and perhaps stop the modern-day blood libel from throughout the Western World? Or is it a right-wing government yet again forcefully changing the political balance and imposing its ideology on Israel through legislation by virtue of its slim majority? Like every complex question, the answer is never clear cut. There is little doubt that these human rights NGOs have

The incessant incitement and false accusations from entities supposedly dedicated to human rights are creating strategic damage; some control is needed.

74 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

brought much of this on themselves. It is not coincidental that as this bill was being drafted, the Shovrim Shtika (breaking the silence) NGO, made up of IDF soldiers who claim to have witnessed human rights violations against Palestinians, were appearing in international forums claiming alleged transgressions by soldiers. Some of the claims have been vehemently denied by other soldiers present at these incidents and remain unproven. The majority of sane, centrist Israelis (who remain the majority for now), traditionally have grudgingly respected Shovrim Shtika. They are combat soldiers who have earned the right to criticize and expose injustices they have witnessed personally. Until recently, they were allowed into schools to address students. But speaking to foreign audiences, often in events sponsored by organizations dedicated to the delegitimization of Israel, has caused this and similar NGOs such as Yesh Gvul (there is a limit) and Btzelem (the image of humanity) to lose most of their credibility in the eyes of previously sympathetic Israelis like myself. There is no justification to play into the hands of those who would agitate against Israel even if every settlement were dismantled and the entire West Bank became Judenrien. For such organizations, the problem is the very existence of Israel, and Israelis who willingly or naively strengthen these groups should be condemned and scrutinized. Recently, Israel Broadcast Authority reporter Eliran Tal revealed documents that prove foreign governments and hostile international organizations purchase testimony against Israel and the IDF. Perhaps Israel’s most respected journalist, Dan Margalit, wrote, “If the Israeli NGOs were funded from abroad but were active only in Israel, then their claim that they are seeking to make Israel and the IDF better places would be credible. But if they limited their activity to Israel, then they would not get such generous funding from abroad.” But Margalit and fellow journalist Ben Caspit are not convinced that the NGO law is necessarily the right step. Caspit writes: “Let’s talk about Shovrim Shtika. I have spoken and written many times against them. They and their sister NGOs can drive you crazy, but that is democracy. It’s hard but that’s the point … They exaggerate, they blow things out of proportion. But let’s not forget that that there are many Israelis that believe that the settlements cause damage to Israel and these NGOs are useful, as long as they focus on activity within Israel and are not ‘informants’ abroad … They are our compass.” Margalit is less understanding of the activists but opposes the law for pragmatic reasons. “If these NGOs were smart, they would achieve less, but what they would say would have much more credibility. But they apparently are not so smart and prefer to act repulsively in order to get international support. …We should try to convince them, even if they do not want to listen, without limiting their activity in Israel. In any case, most of their sources of funding are now in the public domain anyway.” Will misguided idealists be convinced of their poor judgment and that their cause will be better served if their criticism is kept in-house and articulated to people who can make the difference

without enacting the NGO law? Or do those embittered and hostile people with an axe to grind and willing to cater to whatever views the international community will bankroll make the NGO law a necessity? I try to distinguish between the legitimate criticism raised against these NGOs and the systematic and ongoing incitement of right-wing politicians and organizations against them. Over recent months, a disturbing series of developments support the belief that the NGO law is indeed another provocative gesture on the part of the coalition to capitalize on the ever-increasing tensions between Israel and the Palestinians for populist political gain. These include the proposed “Law of Nationality,” the newly proposed “Impeachment Law” allowing the Knesset to strip an MK of his seat if 90 members support the measure, the unjustified criticism in the coalition as well as blood-curdling incitement reminiscent of the pre-Rabin assassination (this time directed against President Reuven Rivlin) and more recently the smear campaign against some leftwing activists as traitors by Im Tirzu. The recent video posted online by Im Tirzu against left-wing activists was not only abhorrent, it illustrated how incitement, 20 years after the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, is once again a tool employed by the far right. Caspit was one of the first prominent journalists to bring Im Tirzu into the limelight after the 2006 Gaza Campaign. In one of its first actions, Im Tirzu importantly revealed how the New Israel Fund and other organizations supplied material to the infamous Goldstone Report. But Caspit no longer has any praise for Im Tirzu. Since its work exposing the Goldstone sources, Im Tirzu has become a crazed mutation – extreme, endlessly inciting, hateful. It supports designating and labeling any organization that gets foreign funding while at the same time hiding the sources of its own funding. The ADL did not coincidentally issue a stinging criticism of these videos: “After one of the smeared leftists will be assassinated, these characters from Im Tirzu will say we didn’t mean it. The truth is that they are right. It succeeded in the case of Rabin. Why should it fail now? This excuse always works.” It is hard to say what the implications of the NGO law will be. If it succeeds in making it more difficult to slander and foment against Israel, then it will be a successful law. But it appears that these activities on the part of the left-wing NGOs is not the primary reason for this bill. If my concerns are correct, then the long-term damage to Israel will be even greater than the damage caused by the left-wing Israeli NGOs collaborating with those who would be thrilled at the prospect of a Middle East without Israel. But if the Im Tirzu’s of Israel prevail, then there will eventually be no Israel, at least as we know it, in the Middle East. Now that is ironic.

A disturbing series of developments support the belief that this is another provocative gesture by the coalition to capitalize on tensions for political gain.

Mylan Tanzer is an American native who moved to Israel in 1981. He was the founding CEO of the first Israeli cable and satellite sports channel. Since 2005, he has launched, managed, and consulted for channels and companies in Israel and Europe. Tanzer lives in Tel Aviv with his wife and five children. He can be reached at mylantanz@gmail.com. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 75

g n i v i L

Bob Silver 76 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Honoring a leader and visionary By Nancy Ben-Asher Ozeri

On March 9, the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix will award Bob Silver the 2016 Medal of Honor in recognition of his exceptional leadership and ongoing dedication to the Jewish community. An Arizona native, Bob was raised in Phoenix. When he was growing up, his parents, Judy and Warren Silver, were very involved in both the Jewish and broader Phoenix communities, which informed his own commitment. “I just always viewed it as a continuation of the work that they started.” Bob’s leadership roles began with the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center. As board chair he was instrumental in moving The J to the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus in 2002 and he organized and directed the launch of The J in its new building. He currently serves as vice-chair of The J. Bob and his wife Sara own Silverware, a software consulting company that provides business systems for mid-market companies. They have two sons who are in their early 20s. In 2006 Bob co-chaired the JCC Maccabi games in Phoenix. “It was a tremendous event and really rallied the community around,” he says. “It was great fun and a great deal of pride to be part of that. We had so many people participating, pitching in and helping out. It was a nice event for the community.”

As federation board chair in 2010, Bob steered the organization through a financial crisis that rocked the nonprofit world. “During the difficult times of the recession, Bob put his life on hold for a year or two to keep things going in every aspect of the federation,” says JFGP President and CEO Stuart Wachs. “With blood, sweat and tears he kept the fabric of the federation going and made sure that meaningful funds kept going out to the community. He did it all for one reason – because of his deep care and commitment to the Jewish community.” Bob was among the leaders who helped restructure the JFGP and The J, bringing both under the umbrella of the Jewish Community Association. It’s his goal to ensure a vibrant, cohesive Jewish community, with strong Jewish organizations and synagogues. Bob’s impact stretches beyond the Jewish community. He serves on the board of the Arizona Foundation for the Handicapped, which provides services for adults and children with developmental disabilities. His vision for the future is to stay involved so that he can aid the next generational change in leadership. “I hope to be there to help the next generation implement their vision,” he says. “I’m just doing what my parents taught me and following the example they set for me,” says Bob. “And, hopefully, I’m setting an example for my kids.”

75th Anniversary Kickoff and Awards Ceremony WHO: Featuring Rabbi Ed Feinstein, author and lecturer WHEN: 7 pm, Wednesday, March 9 WHERE: Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Road WHY: Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix TICKETS: Complimentary, but registration required at jewishphoenix.org Dessert reception follows program. Dietary laws observed.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 77

JLiving

Munich ’72 Photos by Elena and Jim Thornton

Rabbi Shlomo Levertov, Chabad of Paradise Valley

Dan Alon shares his first-hand account of the terrorist attack on the Israeli delegation at the 1972 Munich Olympcs.

Richard Quen, Sheryl Quen of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix, Zachary Quen and Marc Ginsberg

Michal Meyer, Miriam Litzman and Elaine Kates

Championship fencer Dan Alon was one of five Israeli athletes who survived an assault by Palestinian terrorists on Israel’s Olympic delegation at the 1972 games in Munich. For more than 30 years he dealt with the aftermath and trauma of that night in silence. He never even discussed it with his wife and children. After Steven Spielberg’s film “Munich” was released in 2005, people began to ask him questions, and he decided it was time to speak up. He shared his first-person account of the deadly attack and his daring escape at an event hosted by Chabad of Paradise Valley at the Camelback Golf Club in Paradise Valley on Jan. 24. After the presentation, Alon signed copies of his book, Munich Memoir: Dan Alon's Untold Story of Survival. Rabbi Zalman Levertov, Chabad of Phoenix, and Sid Rosen

78 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 79

A I

I E

Brought to you by:

____ grace after the meal

____ bread

Check your answers at: www.thefamousabba.com/PURIM

____ washing hands

____ wine

O S

www.thefamousabba.com

WORD FIND

Find the bold italic words on this sheet. The unused letters spell a secret message!

The following four mitzvot are performed on Purim: 1) Se'uda: to participate in a festive meal during the daytime on Purim; 2) Megillat Esther: one should listen to the reading of Megillat Ester both at night and during the day. It is necessary to hear every single word or one has not fulfilled his obligation; 3) Mishloach Manot: it is obligatory for all adult men and women to send a gift which consists of at least two different foods to another person on Purim day. The foods must be edible and may be a combination of food and drink; and 4) Matanot La'evyonim: each person should give charity to a minimum of two people in need on Purim day. The charity can be money, food, drink, or clothing. The value of the gift should at least equal the cost for the recipient to purchase a basic meal.

In Parshat Z'car we read that Amalek attacked the Jewish people in Rephidim. Moshe told Yehoshua to pick men and go fight them. Moshe, Aharon and Hur went on top of a hill and when Moshe lifted his hands the Jewish people defeated Amalek. HaShem said to remember what Amalek did.

At a Purim meal, in which order do we say blessings on the following:

blessings

Share your favorite Purim costume that you ever wore.

purim in REVIEW

ACROSS 2. ‫( שמחה‬9:18) 4. ‫( עבד‬4:11) 6. ‫( בית‬1:22) 8. ‫( עץ‬9:25)

DOWN 1. ‫( חדש‬8:12) 3. ‫( איש‬1:8) 5. ‫( טוב‬10:3) 7. ‫( לפני‬1:16)

Complete the crossword by translating each Hebrew word into English. For help, use the reference 1 from Megillat Esther.

CROSSWORD

Kindness: When you deliver Megillat Esther, do it with a smile!

good trait OF THE DAY

In Shushan, the Jews won the battle today. Nowadays, Purim is celebrated in Jerusalem and in all cities that were walled at the time of Yehoshua’s conquest of Israel.

what date AM I?

VESSELS

TORAH

NMAHA HASVIT

PURPLE

MARBLE

‫ג‬ +‫ו‬

‫י‬ ‫ק י‬ x‫ה– ס– ה‬ ‫ה‬ 80

weekly chinuch podcast - over 100 posted! CHINUCH + Parsha < 5 minutes www.thefamousabba.com/podcasts

400 300 200 100 90

‫א ב ג ד ה ו ז ח ט י כ ל מ נ ס ע פ צ ק ר ש ת‬

‫קן כ‬ ‫צט‬ + ‫ ל‬x ‫צח – ב‬

A Purim custom...

gematria

• Your best friend did not give you Mishloach Manot. • The reader of Megillat Esther misread a line.

Can you judge these situations favorably?

you be the judge

WOOL COUCHES

Which one is different? (Hint: King Achashverosh's 180 day party)

spot the difference

(Hint: People in Megillat Esther)

(scramble) IAMDROECH MANUMCHE

WORD CMRLESAB

STEREH AROSHAVECHSH

___ Hear the Torah read ___ Daven Ma'ariv (the evening prayer) ___ Listen to Megillat Esther ___ Eat a daytime Se'uda (festive meal)

In which order are the following completed on Purim:

historical timeline

SUPER PURIM SHEET 14 ADAR 2 5776 PURIM

‫' תשע"ו‬

JLiving

Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin of Chabad Tucson, former IDF commando Sassy Reuven, Marlyne Freedman and Oshrat Barel of the Weintraub Israel Center on Jan. 24 at Chabad Tucson. Photo by Yvette Critchfield

Entebbe mission hero shares his extraordinary experience By Nancy Ben-Asher Ozeri

Sassy Reuven shared his riveting first-hand account of one of the most daring hostage rescue missions of all times with audiences in Tucson and Scottsdale on Jan. 24 and 25. He was one of the first soldiers on the ground on July 4, 1976, for Operation Entebbe (also known as Operation Thunderbolt and Operation Yonatan), when Israel Defense Force commandos stormed Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, freeing 106 hostages taken captive a week earlier when their airplane was hijacked. Forty years later, Sassy is traveling around the world with his inspirational tale of real-life heroism. As an introduction to Sassy’s presentation at Chabad of Tucson, local resident Marlyne Freedman told the harrowing story of her brother, who was on the hijacked Air France plane with his wife and son, traveling to Europe after a family visit 80 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

to Israel. They were among the hostages released before the dramatic rescue, as the terrorists set free all but the Israeli passengers. The incident changed Marlyne’s life. “It made me realize that Israel could not give up those prisoners [demanded by the hijackers in exchange for the hostages], because if they did, it would be suicide for Israel,” she says. “There would be one, and another and another. And I really felt that if my brother had died, he would have had to die because Israel had to live.” Sassy was a first sergeant heading a platoon on the border with Syria in the Golan Heights when he was recruited for this top secret mission. His unit was assigned the task of neutralizing Ugandan soldiers and securing the roof of the new terminal, so that other units could safely carry out their tasks of lighting the runway, securing the perimeter of the airstrip, destroying Ugandan Air Force jets on the ground and raiding the old terminal where the hostages were held. According to Sassy, after they arrived at the IDF base near

Yonatan Netanyahu, the only soldier to lose his life while leading the raid on the old terminal. Te two hadn’t previously connected – they were in separate units – but they spent hours in very close quarters. Sassy also spent some of the flight sleeping on the floor, under the black Mercedes sedan. When they landed, he was the second man to jump out of the plane. As they deplaned, they put on white hats, so they’d be able to recognize each other in the dark. He was one of three soldiers who led his team in a spearhead formation as they ran to the new terminal and headed upstairs to secure the roof. While he was on the mission, Sassy says his mother was worried because she didn’t hear from him for several days. “She told my brother, ‘Listen, Eli, for the past two days Sassy didn’t call. Is it possible he went to Entebbe?’ He said, ‘Mom, relax. They only take the best of the best.’” After their return and debriefing, the soldiers were given a day off to rest before returning to their posts. Instead of a hero’s welcome or a ticker-tape parade, Sassy unceremoniously hitchhiked home – a common mode of transportation for IDF soldiers back then. By chance, friends from his parents’ neighborhood in Be’er Sheva were driving back from Tel Aviv, saw him by the side of the highway still in uniform, with all of his gear, and stopped to pick him up. As he climbed into the back of their pickup truck, his neighbor opened the little window between the cab and the truck bed and said, “Sassy, what do you think of those heroes?” Rabbi Yossi Levertov of Chabad of Scottsdale and Sassy Reuven on Jan. 25 at Chabad of Scottsdale. Photo by Cindy Saltzman

Petach Tikvah, they had less than one day to prepare and only spent about 10 minutes training with an outline of the new terminal marked out in tape on a field. But, given their backgrounds, that was all these soldiers needed. “For two and a half years we were training day in and day out. We were very well trained in many aspects of ground force missions, as well as hostage situations. This was just to get us into the mood,” says Sassy, who now lives in Calabasas, CA, where he owns a construction development company. During their final briefing, before leaving the Air Force base at Sharm el-Sheikh, commander Dan Shomron said, “You are going to bring the morale back to our country and to Jews all over the world. You are going to bring the Jews back home.” Sassy said he felt a heavy weight on his shoulders, but at the same time, he felt privileged to go and bring Jews back to safety, back to Israel. The logistics and intelligence preparations involved in transporting 212 soldiers – with a flying command center, mobile hospital and even a black Mercedes sedan as a Trojan horse – from Israel to Uganda, undetected, would be impressive even with today’s far more sophisticated technology. But considering the limitations of the 1970s, they are simply staggering. For example, they were given a 3 x 5 cm aerial snapshot as their only visual reference to a foreign location they had never seen, where they would be landing at night. In retrospect, Sassy learned that one-third of the intelligence they had was missing. But they managed to pull it off anyway. Sassy spent part of the seven-hour plane ride sitting next to

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 81

Living

YOUNG ADULTS

Students spray painted the flip side of the mural throughout the day.

Artists 4 Israel painted Arizona State University’s mascot, Sparky, on one side of the mural (below left), while more than 200 students spray painted the flip side throughout the day.

Artists 4 Israel bring splash of color and dialog to ASU

On Feb. 3, over 200 students expressed their individual artistry by spray painting an interactive mural smack in the middle of the Arizona State University Tempe campus. Hillel Jewish Student Center brought Artists 4 Israel to work with students and encourage them to create the double-sided 24-by-8-foot mural. According to Hillel Director Debbie Yunker Kail, these internationally recognized graffiti artists partner with free artists all over the world, utilizing the power of art to beautify the land, uplift the people and enhance the reputation of 82 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Israel through creative humanitarian projects and radical hasbara (information) initiatives. With the motto “Educate, Elevate, Spray Paint,” they teach participants to create their own spray-painted messages, while sharing personal stories about how they came to love and support Israel. For more information about Artists 4 Israel, and to see striking samples of their work, visit artists4israel.org.

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TOURNAMENT CHAIR - JONATHAN HARRIS ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 83

FEDERATION NOTES

Protect your world

In gratitude of women

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In recognition of Women’s History Month, let’s take this opportunity to honor the amazing women in the Jewish community who proudly take their place in shaping our world. When I hear the well-known words from Pirkei Avot – “you are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it” (2:21) – my mind is immediately drawn to the significant role of women in our community. In my role as director of Women’s Philanthropy for the Jewish Federation, I am privileged to have a unique view of the women within the federation and within organizations throughout the Greater Phoenix Jewish community. Jewish women are doers who not only accept responsibilities, but embrace them. We are the original “change agents,” working to better the lives of our families, ourselves, our communities and our world. Within society, women have a broad spectrum of roles and opportunities, but today more than at any other time, those choices also come with the challenge of creating balance and meaning in our lives. This challenge sometimes pulls us in many directions, weighing and measuring each commitment, each philanthropic decision, an extra night of meetings or series of phone calls, emails, volunteer assignments, creating strategic plans, chairing boards. As a federation, we are truly blessed with women who have taken on that challenge in a most positive way – through their involvement in our community as leaders, staff, volunteers, mentors and participants. They enrich all of our lives by making a difference, whether in an everyday or extraordinary way. The generosity of their time, their giving, their talents, their spirituality, truly places them in the unbroken chain of Jewish women throughout our history, from the matriarchs to today. To these women, we owe our respect and gratitude for continuing this special legacy. Indeed, “you are not obligated to complete the work,” but how fortunate is the Greater Phoenix Jewish community that so many women are here to step up and start it. Thank you. Robin Loeb is director of Women’s Philanthropy and major donors for the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and has been with the organization for more than 25 years.

Living

FACES & PLACES

BEN HECHT SHOW—Playwright/actor James Sherman brought the late Hollywood/ Broadway writer Ben Hecht to life in a one-man show produced by Janet Arnold. Two performances at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society on Jan. 23 and 24 delighted attentive audiences. Sherman, above, is flanked by Jeffrey Schesnol and Arnold. Also pictured, on right, are Gail Fisher and Mel Kessler, who sponsored the performances. Photos by Leni Reiss

CHILI CHAMPIONS – Winners of Temple Beth Shalom’s Chili Cook-Off on Jan. 24 are all smiles as they receive their awards. The Sun City congregation congratulates (from left) Jane Berris, best vegetarian; Hannah Press, best kid’s; Irene Smith, spiciest; and Scott Justensen, best meat and grand champion.

BATTLE FOR SOUL OF ISLAM – Dr. Zudhi Jasser, founder and president of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, stands between Beth Ami Temple’s Rabbi Art Abrams and Palo Cristi Presbyterian Church’s Pastor Linda Worsnop after delivering his lecture on “The Battle for the Soul of Islam” to a capacity crowd at the temple’s first Speakers Series event on Jan. 24. Over 120 people filled the shared temple/church space to hear Dr. Jasser’s take on the radicalization of Islam and what modern-day moderate Muslims can do to reform the religion. Photo by Deborah Muller TU B’SHVAT WINE AND ART – The Kollel Women’s Division celebrated Tu B’Shvat with an evening of fruit, wine, art and inspiration on Jan. 24. Temi Glazer, Rachel Richmond and Rivky Gruenenbaum were among those who expressed their creativity with naturethemed adult coloring books. Photo by Dina Bacharach

CASINO NIGHT – More than 200 people turned out for an elegant evening to benefit Congregation Anshei Israel’s Preschool/ Kindergarten on Jan. 23. The gaming tables were held open for an extra hour because guests were having so much fun. Event Cochairs Nicole Zuckerman-Morris (far left) and Avi Erbst (far right), pictured here with Parent Action Committee Chair Debra Lyttle and PK Director Lynne Falkow-Strauss, planned a wonderful event with fabulous raffle prizes, food, drinks and music. Each PK class hand painted wooden chairs for the raffle. Everyone went home a winner! Photo credit: Omer Kreso Photography

GUYS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN – Good buddies, from left, Roy Shemesh, Jonny Basha and Blaine Light enjoy a night of fun and games at Talking Stick Casino on Jan. 30. Photo by Leni Reiss

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 85

FACES & PLACES GRANDDAUGHTER OF NAZI - Jennifer Teege, author of the bestselling memoir My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me: A Black Woman Discovers Her Family’s Nazi Past, spoke in Scottsdale on Jan. 30 to an enthusiastic audience at Congregation Beth Israel. The program was sponsored by Generations After to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Pictured from left: Fern Asallas, Sandra Barckholtz, Generations After Chair Janice Friebaum, Teege, Sheryl Bronkesh, Joan Nieman, Jeffrey Nieman and Phoenix Holocaust Survivors’ Association President Monique Mendel. Photo by Molly Maw Photography

TRAVELING MAN – Investigative reporter and travel guru Peter Greenberg regaled a sizeable audience at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus on Jan. 24 with suggestions and observations about “Jewish Travel in Uncertain Times.” The event was one in the Bureau of Jewish Education’s Passages speaker series. Photo by Leni Reiss

MISSION FOR HUMANITY – Larry Bell (above center) welcomes Bogumil Horchem, honorary consul of the Phoenix Consulate of the Republic of Poland (left) and Los Angeles-based Mariusz Brymora, consulate general of the Republic of Poland, to the opening reception on Sunday, Jan. 31 at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society of “The World Knew: Jan Karski’s Mission for Humanity.” The exhibit, which runs through March 31, serves as a reminder that not all Poles hated the Jews, and there were many, like Karski, who made valiant efforts to help them. Karski, who died in 2000, is recognized by Yad Vashem as a Righteous Among the Nations. Photo by Leni Reiss

ISRAEL TRIP REUNION – While in Tucson to speak on “Israel Beyond the Headlines: Reality vs. Myth,” Leah Garber, vice president of the Jewish Community Center Association, reconnected with staff from the Tucson J who were in Israel in Nov. 2015 on a JCC Israel seminar. From left: Director of Communications Sue DeBenedette, Early Childhood Education lead teacher Lisa Delyria, Membership Relations Associate Christina Pugh, Early Childhood teacher Abbey Gettinger, Director of Arts and Culture Lynn Davis, Garber, President and CEO Todd Rockoff, Chief Operating Officer Denise Wolf, Shlicha and Director of Weintraub Israel Center Oshrat Barel. 86 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

LIMMUD AZ CHALLENGES, INSPIRES, ENTERTAINS – Several hundred locals were joined by “Limmudniks” from cities nationwide to share in the excitement and enthusiasm of the second Limmud AZ on Jan. 31. Building on the strength of last year’s inaugural event, it was held again in Arizona State University’s Student Union. Limmud offers volunteer-led, cross-communal, multigenerational and transformational Jewish experiences. Local coordinators Sandy Adler, Suzanne Swift and Elana Kanter report that plans are already underway for a third Limmud on Feb. 12, 2017. Clockwise from top left: Jim Hall, Adina Zarhan and Shelly Reiss work the registration table.Valley residents Stu Turgel and Shelley Cohn visit during the lunch break. Author/educator Joanne Gilbert tells inspiring true stories about female heroism during the Nazi occupation of Poland from her book, Women of Valor. Artist Morrine Maltzman (center) works with Julie Schoen (left) and Annie Meigs to create shimmering mosaic hamsas. Photos by Leni Reiss

FACES & PLACES

PREVIEWS YOUR DOWNTOWN PHOENIX CONGREGATION

SPIRITUAL Cultural

Ancestral

VETERANS SUPER BOWL PARTY – Scottsdale Post 210 of the Jewish War Veterans hosted a Super Bowl 50 Party for residents of the Arizona State Veterans Home in Phoenix on Feb. 7. About 50 residents attended the party, which was held in the Freedom Hall meeting room. Admissions Coordinator Kristin Fray and several members of the staff helped representatives of Post 210 put together an enjoyable evening for all. Pizza and soda were served, and guests played bingo for prizes during half time. From left: Linda Kopff, Jeff Kopff, Michael Chambers, Barbara & Bernie Kaplan, Steven Troy, Bel Brody and Susan Conwiser. Photo by Jerry Kopff PAM AT THE J – Phoenix Art Museum docent Barbara Siegel, right, visits with audience member Elain Katz at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center following Siegel’s wellattended presentation on “Scandals, Vandals and DaVinci” on Feb. 7. Photo by Leni Reiss

SPECIAL IN UNIFORM – Fifty women attended the Sapphire Society of Jewish National Fund’s major donor appreciation luncheon on Feb. 4 at Paradise Valley Country Club. Keynote speaker Lt. Col. (Res.) Tiran Attia, director of the JNF partner program Special in Uniform, shared information about this initiative to integrate young men and women with disabilities into the Israel Defense Forces. The luncheon was co-chaired by Renee Resler (left) and Carol Knoppow, pictured with Tiran.

Educational

Communal

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JLiving

PREVIEWS

ISRAELI AUTHOR SHARES STORY

On Sunday, March 6 at 3 pm, Friends of Israel Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation and the East Valley Jewish Community Center will present Yamit Armbrister, author of One Moroccan Woman, Between Egypt to Canaan and The Daughter of Ouzel. The Israeli Department of Education recently added One Moroccan Women to the list of most recommended books for high school students. Inspired by actual events from 1951, One Moroccan Woman is the story of Tamar Ben Zaken who is forced, due to strife between Moroccan Jews and Muslims, to emigrate to Israel under very challenging circumstances. Armbrister will review the Moroccan situation from which Tamar fled and describe the challenges she and her family faced arriving in Israel in the early 1950s. She will also compare Tamar’s experience to those of Jews making aliyah in more recent times. She will share stories that were passed down within the family, which were beyond the scope of the book. The event is free and open to the public. Chapel Center, 9240 E Sun Lakes Blvd N, Sun Lakes. Light refreshments will be served. sunlakesjewishcongregation.org.

THIS IS JEWISH FOOD? WHO KNEW?

Chef and author Amelia Saltsman. Photo by Patricia Williams

The Tucson Jewish Community Center is partnering with the Tucson Festival of Books to welcome author and chef Amelia Saltsman for a special cooking demonstration and tasting in The Tucson J’s new demonstration kitchen from 2 to 4 pm on Friday, March 11 at 3800 E River Road, Tucson. Tickets are $15 for the demonstration and tasting or $35 with a signed cookbook, The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen. The tasting menu includes savory matzoh brei with smoked salmon, Iraqi charoset and chocolate salted almond meringues. Call The J

for reservations by March 7 at 520-299-3000 or tucsonjcc.org. Seating is limited. There’s more! On Sunday, March 14, Saltsman joins local culinary all-star Janos Wilder and other Tucson Festival of Books cookbook authors to create a one-of-a-kind dinner at Wilder’s new Carriage House. This special dinner is a fundraiser for The J. Please contact Wilder for more information at janos@janos.com.

CHIEF RABBI ISRAEL MEIR LAU: LIFE AND LEADERSHIP CELEBRATION

Hear the remarkable story of the everyday heroes who inspired a child survivor of Buchenwald to rise to become the chief rabbi of Israel. Rabbi Lau has met with six U.S. presidents, three popes, Queen Elizabeth II, the Dalai Lama and many other world leaders, sharing his vision of empowerment and dignity with communities across the globe. Monday, March 14 marks the chief rabbi’s first visit to Arizona for an unforgettable gathering of inspiration, community, and honor. The event is hosted by Ahavas Torah: The Scottsdale Torah Center with a VIP reception at 6 pm ($250) and program starting at 7:30 pm ($54), at Chateau Luxe, 1175 E Lone Cactus Dr., Phoenix. For tickets contact 480-467-4593 or rabbilauaz.com.

COHON AWARD PRESENTATION

On Friday, March 18, Rabbi Abraham Cooper will officially be presented the 2015 Cohon Award at 7:30 pm, at Temple Emanu-el, 225 N Country Club Road, Tucson. As associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Rabbi Cooper champions the cause of klal Yisrael, the global Jewish community. You’ll see his name as one of those who negotiates with heads of state on behalf of the Jewish people. He also designs exhibits, like the UNESCO exhibit of Jewish history, values and connection to the land, which recently opened at the Vatican, commemorating 50 years of positive Catholic-Jewish relations. templeemanueltucson.org or cohonaward.com.

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MARCH CALENDAR

NCJW EVENT PROMOTES WOMEN’S HEALTH

The National Council of Jewish Women Arizona Section (NCJW) will host a women’s wellness workshop, “Be Well, Stay Well … Here’s How!” on Sunday, March 20 from 9:30 am to 3 pm at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. The event features sessions on nutrition and fitness, pain and stress management, communicating effectively with doctors, advocating for your insurance rights, as well as the Jewish perspective on taking care of the body, mind and spirit. $25 per person includes a healthy box lunch. Reservations required by March 11: 480-502-6996, ncjwclaire@cox.net or BJEphoenix.org (click on NCJW tab).

FILM FESTIVAL TO SCREEN “BODY & SOUL: THE STATE OF THE JEWISH NATION”

The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival and Bureau of Jewish Education will co-host a community screening of the documentary film “Body and Soul: The State of the Jewish Nation” on Sunday, March 20, at 7 pm at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Gloria Z. Greenfield’s documentary presents a comprehensive examination of the broad and deep connections between the Jewish people and the land of Israel. World-renowned historians, archaeologists, political scientists, religious leaders and international law and media experts trace the evocative evolution of the 3,000-year-old relationship between Jews and our homeland. A question-and-answer session will take place immediately after the film. Tickets are $11 in advance and $13 at the door. bjephoenix.org or 480-634-8050.

TO LIFE, L’CHAIM GALA TO ACKNOWLEDGE JOAN AND MORTON SITVER

Beth El Congregation presents the To Life, L’Chaim Gala honoring Joan and Morton Sitver for their many years of dedicated support of Beth El and the greater Jewish community. The gala dinner and dance will take place on Sunday, April 10, at 5:30 pm at Beth El Congregation, 1118 W Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Joan serves on the boards of the Bureau of Jewish Education, Phoenix Holocaust Survivors’ Association, and the Beth El Women’s League. Mort is a retired U.S. magistrate judge, who volunteers weekly at ICM Food and Clothing Bank. Reservations are due by March 25. Call Anne Schafer at 602-944-3359 ext. 109 or visit bethelphoenix.com/events/gala-fundraiser.

MARLEE MATLIN HEADLINES JFCS 75TH ANNIVERSARY

Award-winning actress and social activist Marlee Matlin will be the keynote speaker for Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona’s 75th Anniversary Celebration of Caring. She will speak to the theme of “Live Generously: Healing the World, One Person at a Time,” which reflects the work of JFCS. The event will also honor the pioneer families and past board presidents whose individual and collective vision created and sustained JFCS as a valuable counseling and community services resource for Tucson and Southern Arizona. Though Matlin lost her hearing when she was 18 months old, she never let her challenges dictate her future or deter her dreams. At 21, she became the youngest recipient of the Best Actress Oscar for her debut performance in “Children of a Lesser God.” In 2007, she starred on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. In 2011, as a finalist on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice, she raised a record $1 million dollars for charity in one day. Matlin guest stars on the Peabody Award-winning ABC Family series “Switched at Birth.” In the fall of 2015, Matlin made

another first with her Broadway debut in the revival of “Spring Awakening.” The 75th anniversary celebration takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 10 at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, 3800 E Sunrise Dr., Tucson. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call 520-795-0300, ext. 2238, or visit jfcstucson. org/donate/celebration-of-caring.

Through March 31

March 5

Exhibit: “The World Knew: Jan Karski’s Mission for Humanity” at the Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, 122 E Culver St., Phoenix. 602-241-7870 or azjhs.org

Read it & Meet book discussion at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E 5th St., Tucson. The book selection is The Unamericans by Molly Antopol. Discussion at 12 noon - 1:30 pm. 520-887-8358 or caiaz.org

Through April 3 “Fiddler on the Roof” at Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400 or azbroadway.org

March 3-6 Learning weekend with Rabbi Dr. Simcha Raphael. 7 pm March 3: Exploring Jewish Views of the Afterlife at Temple Solel, 6805 E McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley; 7 pm March 4: Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night – Moses’s Death in Torah and Midrash at Temple Chai, 4645 E Marilyn Road, Phoenix; and 10-11:30 am March 6: Jacob’s Deathbed Wisdom – Practical Guidelines for Conscious Living and Dying. $18 suggested donation. 602-445-3112 or valleybeitmidrash.org

March 4 Women’s Philanthropy Ignition! luncheon. 11 am at the Scottsdale Hilton Resort, 6333 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join guest speaker Jane Weitzman, executive vice president of Stuart Weitzman, for an inspirational afternoon as the renowned fashion industry leader and philanthropist shares her insights on making a difference worldwide. $65. jewishphoenix.org/ignition Israeli mandolinist Avi Avital at Musical Instrument Museum. See page 68

March 4-5

Johnny Mathis 60th Anniversary Concert 7pm at Celebrity Theatre, 440 N 32nd St., Phoenix. Tickets $39-$133. 602-267-1600 or celebritytheatre.com

March 6 Schmooze Singles Hike and Brunch. Meet at 9 am at the Gateway Loop, 18333 N Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, for a 4.5-mile moderate hike. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Brunch will follow at Wildflower Bread Company, 15640 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale (Frank Lloyd Wright and the 101). RSVP at facebook.com/azschmooze Israeli author Yamit Armbrister. See page 88.

March 7 Stories of Elijah the Prophet: From the Hebrew Bible to the Shtetls of Eastern Europe. Join Rabbi Stephanie Aaron and Handmaker residents to hear some colorful stories about Elijah the Prophet. 1-2 pm. Free and open to all. Café at Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging, 2221 N Rosemont Blvd., Tucson. RSVP to Nanci Levy at nlevy@handmaker.org

March 8 Panel – Spiritual Perspectives on Death, Dying and The Afterlife at 7-9 pm features facilitator Rabbi John Linder and panelists Sandy Rife, Rabbi Pinchas Allouche and Rabbi Micah Caplan. $18 suggested donation. Congregation Or Tzion, 9096 E Bahia Dr., Scottsdale. 602445-3112 or valleybeitmidrash.org

Hillel at ASU sponsors Hillel Shabbat across the valley. During this Shabbat, students or other Hillel representatives will speak to March 8-13 local congregations about Jewish “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding” an life on the ASU campus and their Off-Broadway show staged as a involvement in Hillel. Participatfestive celebration with audience ing congregations are: Beth El participation. Times vary. Ticket Congregation, Congregation Beth prices $60-$74. Chandler Center Israel, Congregation Beth Tefillah, for the Arts, 250 N Arizona Ave., Temple Emanuel of Tempe, Temple Chandler. 480-782-2683 or Kol Ami, Congregation Kehillah, chandlercenter.org Temple Solel, Congregation Or Tzion March 9 and The New Shul. For more information, contact Steve Goldstein, Jewish Federation of Greater PhoeSteve.Goldstein@sackstierney.com nix’s 75th Anniversary Kickoff and Awards Celebration. See page 76. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | MARCH 2016 89

MARCH CALENDAR March 9 & 16 Not Your Grandchildren’s Purim from 7-9 pm at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E Fifth St, Tucson. Rabbis Robert Eisen and Ruven Barkan will delve into what Purim is really about and why it is so important to reclaim its form and function as adults. It’s not all hamantaschen and groggers! $18 for two-week series plus non-perishable food donation to Community Food Bank. RSVP by March 7. 520-745-5550 or caiaz.org

March 11 This is Jewish Food? Who Knew? Cooking demonstration and book signing with Amelia Saltsman. See page 88.

March 11-14 Scottsdale Arts Festival, a weekend-long celebration of creativity with 170 jury-selected artists. 10 am-6 pm on Friday and Saturday and 10 am-5 pm on Sunday at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and Civic Center Park. scottsdaleartsfestival. org

March 12 Invest in Yourself! Health and Wellness Expo at Black Mountain Elementary School, 33606 N 60th St., Scottsdale. Features inflatables, stage performance, activities for the whole family, face painting, interactive booths and super heroes. 9 am-2 pm. Free. 602-996-6300 or shapeupus.org Simchat Shabbat Special Needs Services for those with disabilities and their families. Sponsored by the Council For Jews with Special Needs. Free. 12 noon -12:45 pm at Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 N 56th St., Scottsdale. 480-629-5343 or sherri@cjsn.org

March 12-13 Tucson Festival of Books will take place on the beautiful University of Arizona campus. Admission and parking are free. 9:30 am-5:30 pm. tucsonfestivalofbooks.org

March 13 Hadassah Mah Jongg Tournament at Skyline Country Club, 5200 E Saint Andrews Dr., Tucson. There will be prizes for the top three scorers, plus each round winner is awarded a prize! Check-in 9:30 am, play begins 10 am sharp, prizes awarded at 2:30 pm. $40 includes game and lunch; checks only. Registration mandatory by March 4. Contact Phyllis Harris, 520-707-5519 or montague1@ comcast.net Cactus Kosher Hot Dog Day hosted by Beth Emeth Congregation Men’s Club at Beth Emeth Congregation, 13702 W Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. Open to the public. 11 am-2 pm. $5 for a quarter-pound Hebrew National hot dog, can of soda, chips and condiments. 623-584-7210 Spring Fling carnival and vendor fair from 11 am-2 pm at Beth El Congregation, 1118 W Glendale Ave. Phoenix. Rides, games, kosher food and shopping. Buy your wristband to enjoy all of the activities, in90 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

cluding lunch, by March 10. Only individual tickets, not wristbands, will be for sale at the event. Each wristband is $20. 602-944-3359 or bethelphoenix.com Passages lecture series: Nancy Spielberg: Above and Beyond the film and producer’s comments on the WWII pilots who helped create the Israeli Air Force. 6:30 pm at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $18. 480-634-8050 or bjephoenix.org

March 14 Brandeis National Committee, Phoenix Chapter, Book and Author Luncheon. See page 63. Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau: Life and Leadership Celebration. See page 88. March 15 Leon Gildin Lecture at the Virginia Piper Creative Writer’s House at Arizona State University Temp campus. The author of The Poems of H. Leivick and Others: Yiddish Poetry in Translation will discuss Yiddish, the poets, where their poetry came from and read some of the translations at 1:30 pm. 480-965-6018 or piper.asu.edu “Sharing America: The Future of Muslim-Jewish Relations” VBM film screening and talk with Rabbi Yehuda Sarna. 7 pm at Congregation Or Tzion, 9096 E Bahia Dr., Scottsdale. $18 suggested donation. 602-445-3112 or valleybeitmidrash.org

March 17 VBM Learning Series at The New Shul, 7825 E Paradise Lane, Scottsdale. Participants will study Jewish texts in-depth using hevruta (partner) study as well as group setting. 7:30-9 pm. $18 suggested donation. Register at valleybeitmidrash.org

March 18 Family Shabbat service and dinner at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E 5th St., Tucson. 5:45-8:30 pm. $25 per family (2 adults and up to 4 children); $10 per person. RSVP by March 14. 520-7455550 ext. 224 or edasst@caiaz.org Cohon Award presentation. See page 88.

March 19 Hadassah Shabbat Zachor the annual commemoration Shabbat for the founding of Hadassah, 104 years ago. At Congregation Young Israel, 2443 E 4th St., Tucson. Services: 9:30 am-12:30 pm. Sponsored by Desert-Mountain Region President, Cathy Olswing. RSVP to her if you plan to attend colswing@hadassah.org Targum Shlishi helps discern how to apply Torah in our world today with regard to important and critical issues. This month’s topic: gun control and Jewish law. Free. 12 noon pm at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E Fifth St, Tucson. 520-7455550 or rabbi@caiaz.org

Wilmot Road, Tucson. Presented by Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona. Open to all. Free. Light refreshments served. 520-7950300 ext. 2213 or jfcstucson.org/ethical-will

March 23 Purim Palooza – party and Megillah reading. Free fun, food and drinks beginning at 5:05 pm. Come dressed in costume and enjoy bounce houses, carnival games, prizes, street artists, popcorn and cotton candy for the kids; hurricanes and beer for those 21 and up. Pasta dinner with sides at 5:55 pm; Megillah reading at 6:36 pm; costume parade and hamantaschen. “After Party” 7:30-9 pm with DJ and ice cream bar. Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E Fifth St, Tucson. 520-745-5550 or caiaz. org

March 24 Purim Party at Chofetz Chayim, 5150 E 5th St., Tucson. Fun for everyone starts at 5 pm. 520-7477780 or tucsontorah.org Chai Tech 2016 business and social networking event at the offices of Weiss Brown, 6263 N Scottsdale Road, #340, Scottsdale from 5:30-8 pm. Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix Business & Professionals Groups for an evening of networking for Jewish professionals and students in the information and technology fields. $18 professional; $10 student. Register by March 18 at jewishphoenix.org

March 25 Jewish National Fund Annual Breakfast for Israel. See page 37. JNFuture Shabbat in the Desert at David and Gladys Wright’s house, 5225 E Camelback Road, Phoenix. 5 pm VIP cocktail hour and tour; 6 pm Shabbat program and dinner. $36-$72. RSVP by March 15 at jnf.org/shabbatinthedesert or contact Leila Nouri at lnouri@jnf.org, 480-447-8100 ext. 932 Shabbat Under the Stars at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E Fifth St, Tucson. Intimate Shabbat service in the Rabbi Arthur Oleisky Courtyard. 5:45-6:45 pm. 520-745-5550 ext. 230 or caiaz. org

March 29 Jewish Patagonia bus trip co-sponsored by Hadassah and Jewish Federation Northwest. For more information, call the Jewish Federation Northwest at 520-505-4161 VBM Learning Series at Temple Solel, 6805 E McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley. Participants will study Jewish texts in-depth using hevruta (partner) study as well as group setting. 7:30-9 pm. $18 ggested donation. Register at valleybeitmidrash.org

March 20 “Body & Soul: The State of the Jewish Nation” See page 89. “Be Well, Stay Well … Here’s How!” See page 89.

March 22 Ethical Will Writing Workshop 9 am-12 pm at TMC Senior Services/El Dorado Medical Center, 1400 N

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.

Passover RECIPE CONTEST

Share your favorite Pesach dishes – and enter our contest to win prizes! From traditional classics to contemporary fusion, send us your family’s prize recipe and a brief description of why it’s a staple or a new addition to your seder table or Pesach lunchbox.

Submit entries to editor@azjewishlife.com

Entries must be received by March 11 to be considered for inclusion in the Passover section of our April magazine.

More details at azjewishlife.com

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strategic thinking about wealth Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management has been helping ultra-high net worth individuals, their families and foundations plan for and grow their wealth for decades. Based in New York City, the Family Wealth Group at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management is a specialized team of interdisciplinary strategic advisors providing a full range of family office services to meet the complex needs of the UHNW marketplace. These services include financial & investment planning, estate & family succession planning, philanthropic advisory and administrative services. The Family Wealth Group is headed by Robert Stolar, a Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor. Drawing on three decades of investment & financial planning experience, Robert has earned various distinctions within the wealth advisory community, including recognition by Barron’s as one of the top 100 advisors in the country for 2015. Robert Stolar

Managing Director Private Wealth Advisor 522 Fifth Avenue, 10th Floor New York, NY 10036 212-296-6704 robert.stolar@morganstanley.com Source: Barron’s “Top 100 Financial Advisors,” April 20, 2015. Barron’s “Top 100 Financial Advisors” bases its ratings on qualitative criteria: professionals with a minimum of seven years of financial services experience, acceptable compliance records, client retention reports, customer satisfaction, and more. Finwancial Advisors are quantitatively rated based on varying types of revenues and assets advised by the financial professional, with weightings associated for each. Because individual client portfolio performance varies and is typically unaudited, this rating focuses on customer satisfaction and quality of advice. The rating may not be representative of any one client’s experience because it reflects a sample of all of the experiences of the Financial Advisor’s clients. The rating is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pays a fee to Barron’s in exchange for the rating. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved. © 2015 Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, a division of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC. Member SIPC. CRC1179133 04/15 8225582 PWM001 04/15 92 MARCH 2016 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE