Arizona Jewish Life June 2015 Vol. 3/Issue 9 by JewishLifeMagazine

may 2015 JUNE/JULY 2015

The Jewish Lifestyle Magazine For Arizona

Introducing our new

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Summer fun & Staycations

Sam Fox

His Dining Concepts Take Restaurants to New Heights

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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 ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 3

Inside

June-July 2015/ Sivan-Av 5775 | Volume 3/Issue 9

Features COVER STORY Sam Fox expands dining concepts…..…….………………………………………………24 UPFRONT Phlashmob unites educators..........…………………………………………………………8 BUSINESS Ins & Outs....................................................…………………………………………. 10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Mentalist follows rich tradition……………………………………………………………..22 FOOD Chef’s Corner: Fruit sushi…………………………………………………………………….38 A Taste of Arizona: Bluewater Grill …………………………………………………………40 SENIORS Finding solutions for seniors’ needs ….............………………………………………..51 Senior has a Friendly approach to music….………….………………………………….53

Staycations/Summer Fun Relaxation and summer fun close to home …..…………………………………………12 Summer Run/Wine and Music Fest ……………………………………………………….16 Shabbat among the Red Rocks……….…………………………………………………….16 High flying at the Phoenician..………………………………………………………………18 Staycations Directory…………………..……………………………………………………. 20

Home & Garden Designed for living …..………………………………………………………………………...30 Beth Surdut bringing art home …………………………………………………………....34

JKids Party with a Princess…………………………………………………………………………..43 Teen Alex Stoken earns highest awards….……………………………………………….45 Pitcher’s record strikeouts benefit more than her team..…………………………….46 For Dad with love……………………………….……………………………………………….48 Events for kids, teens, families…………………..………………………………………….49 Israeli Scouts to perform………..………..………………………………………………….50

JLiving Temple Chai finds new cantor….……………………………………………………………57 Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut………..…………………………………………….59 Federation Notes: My Story…………………………………………………………………..60 Tucson J leaders picked for national program………………………………………….60 Federation allocates funds…………………………………………………………………..61 Faces & Places…………………………………………………………………………………..61 Previews …………………………………………………………………………………………..65 Calendar…………………………………………………………………………………………..66

Columns 38 Chef’s Corner by Lucia Schnitzer 40 A Taste of Arizona by A. Noshman COVER PHOTO: Sam Fox

4 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Vaccines and Stem Cells: Weapons Against Lung Disease By David Ebner Every fall, the billboards and television commercials urging you to get a flu shot start to creep into the national narrative. Many people have reservations about the flu vaccine; some state it causes headaches and even engages flu-like symptoms. However, the statistics strongly support the flu vaccination over trying to tough it out, especially for the elderly. The CDC estimates that, in people over 50, there is a 77 percent reduction in hospitalization for flu symptoms when vaccinated. Why not give yourself the best possible chance to be healthy? During flu season, most people agree with this logic and get a flu shot. The benefits are even more compelling for those suffering from a lung disease like COPD. The coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue that come along with the flu are everyday symptoms for those with lung disease, and the possibility of contracting the flu can turn these already harsh symptoms into something potentially fatal like pneumonia or respiratory failure. That’s why the

CDC recommends that people with these conditions get the flu shot yearly. Most pulmonologists will also urge their patients with lung disease to get a flu shot, but this has led patients to ask about other options to protect and improve their lung function. If a shot can vaccinate them from the flu, what can be done about lung disease? New options are emerging, and some have discovered stem cells as the answer. Just like the flu vaccine, stem cell therapy offers the possibility of improving lives through effective management and treatment of debilitating conditions. Stem cells have become a buzzword in the news over the past few years. However, much of the talk is about fetal stem cells; few people are talking about adult, autologous stem cells that are present in all of our bodies. As our body’s repair system, these cells live in blood, bone marrow and fat tissue. They naturally respond to injury or illness; however, stem cells don’t move quickly, hence our bodies don’t instantly heal when we get sick. Autologous stem cell therapy can expedite this natural healing process.

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A clinic called the Lung Institute (lunginstitute.com) is working to change this. They treat lung diseases with stem cells from the patient’s own body. In essence, they extract the cells through a minimally invasive procedure, isolate them and then reintroduce them to the lungs after giving the patient natural growth factors that promote cell replication. This quickens healing by directing the cells— and their healing properties—toward the diseased area. The result is healthier tissue growing in place of damaged tissue, and although this doesn’t cure the disease, it acts like the annual flu vaccine by slowing further degeneration and bringing a normal life back within reach. We are in the midst of a fight to eradicate the flu just like the measles and polio of yesteryear. In the past, when the medical field banded together to tackle these diseases head-on, they were able to develop a vaccine. With the advancements in medical research today, the question of whether this can be done for lung disease is forthcoming, and by the looks of it, stem cells could play a starring role.

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The next generation of COPD treatment is here. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 5

"How goodly are your tents, O Jacob" (Numbers 24:5). “There is an underlying message here. The strength of the Jewish people lies in their homes. Homes, not individuals, are the basic building blocks of a nation. Much more so than individuals create homes, homes nurture individuals.” ~ Rabbi Shaul Rosenblatt (on Aish.com), author of Finding Light in the Darkness

What does the Federation do? We help people. Your gift to the Federation fosters Jewish education, inspires young Jewish adults, cares for Jewish seniors and forges ties with Israel. Your gift helps the most vulnerable individuals and families among us—children, single parents, those with special needs and the elderly— here, in Israel and in 70 countries throughout the world. That’s it. That’s what we do. We help people.

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6 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Home holds a central place in Jewish life. Jewish homes, along with the cherished family members, happenings and items within, create and maintain Jewish identities. For many Jewish adults, their earliest memories are from home – Passover seders, Hanukkah celebrations, Shabbat dinners. How appropriate, then, that this month we introduce our new Home and Garden section. Many Americans consider a candlelight dinner the ultimate escape from the rush of modern society – a rare opportunity for a leisurely meal with meaningful conversation. But in Jewish homes, that escape occurs every Friday evening as families gather around the table for Shabbat dinner. This summer, you can stay close to home as you relax and enjoy our state’s beauty and diversity. Our Staycations and Summer Fun coverage in this double issue ( June/July) offers plenty of ideas to help you make the most of the season. Want to stay cool close to home this summer? Read on. You can roll up some fruit sushi for a fun treat at home. For a new experience dining out, check out our cover story. Restaurateur extraordinaire Sam Fox has such a diverse array of concepts for dining out, you’re sure to find one that will tickle your palate. To stay up to date on the local Jewish community over the summer, be sure to visit our revamped website (AZJewishLife.com) and sign up for our weekly e-newsletter – just click on “Newsletter Sign Up” on the top bar of the home page. We’ll send you weekly updates on coming events and features to keep your summer fun and active. (Heads up to organizations and congregations – remember to post your events on our online calendar.) And Debra Rich Gettleman, our social media diva, will keep our Facebook page rocking with funny and thought-provoking Jewish issues and trends. In August be sure to watch for our Annual Resource Guide. It’s full of all the Jewish organizations, congregations and businesses across the state. I keep my copy on my desk all year long as a quick reference to resources in the state. But now, I plan to take a deep breath, kick back and enjoy some summer fun.

THE JEWISH LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR ARIZONA

Publishers Robert Philip and Cindy Saltzman Advertising and Editorial Director Cindy Saltzman Editor-In-Chief Deborah Moon Associate Editor Janet Arnold Contributing Editor Leni Reiss Social Media Editor Debra Rich Gettleman Webmaster Karl Knelson Advertising Sales advertise@azjewishlife.com 602-538-2955 Art Director Philip Nerat Copy Editor Susan Moon Columnists A. Noshman and Lucia Schnitzer Contributing Writers Debra Rich Gettleman, Melissa Hirschl, Rachel Hoffer and Masada Siegel How to reach us: 602-538-AZJL (2955) Advertise@azjewishlife.com Editor1@azjewishlife.com Publisher@azjewishlife.com

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

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[UPFRONT]

Phlashmob unites educators to create learning app By Janet Arnold

Education is a hotly debated topic in the United States. Recent state budgetary decisions in Arizona have many concerned that we will never be able to pull up from the bottom of the list in providing quality education for our children, teens and young adults. However, funding is not the only obstacle to education. A variety of learning tools for educators and students can aid our long-running battle to improve, intensify and add quality to the educational experience. "Teachers and students need as many different kinds of tools to learning as possible," says Norm Kur, co-founder and CEO of Phlashmob, Inc. "We're very excited to be introducing the ThinkAgain app, which we firmly believe can help to make a positive difference in the way people learn." Phlashmob is the company Kur and his uncle, Norman Franklin, established to create, promote and distribute the ThinkAgain app. They came up with the name as a play on the term "flashmob," which generally connotes a coming together of many likeminded people for a common purpose. In this case, it signifies that the content of the app is acquired from many different educational sources that come together to improve academic success and outcomes through the ThinkAgain format. The ThinkAgain concept was developed by Franklin, who lives in Sacramento and is co-founder and vice president of Phlashmob. He is also the founder of Interactive Television Corp. and the inventor of the Jeopardy Challenger device, which allows television viewers to play along with the game show’s contestants. Norm Kur In addition, his work with a charter school and community college led to a keen understanding of the challenges facing students and faculty alike. Franklin has also developed programs that help advance health care education, including direct investment in schools and clinical internships for health care students. Franklin explains his impetus to create the educational app. "When I was working with Jeopardy! as the inventor of the Jeopardy Challenger scorekeeper, I saw how teachers were using my product and the familiar game show format as part of their school day. Jeopardy’s unique format of answer followed by correct question is perfect for an entertainment quiz program, but I wondered if a question could be formatted differently to be a learning opportunity rather than just telling a student he or she is right or wrong. ThinkAgain has evolved in many ways since the beginning of the idea, but the thing that has kept me going was that every time I described the idea of a question 8 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

format where the student was told to 'think again,' everyone loved it. A very small flame was kept alive because so many people believed in the value of the idea itself." Here's how it works: The ThinkAgain app is designed to deliver study questions, each of which includes an engaging learning moment when an additional bit of information is revealed. If the student chooses an answer that is incorrect, she or he is given a hint or a little more information so that the student can rethink the question and come up with the correct answer. "It's a much more in-depth way of looking at a question than just being told ‘you're right or wrong.’ It's a way of keeping the student engaged in the question or problem to solve," says Kur. The app currently works on smart phones and tablets, making it accessible to the majority of today's students. The initial program is geared to high school students, but the Norm/Norman duo foresees similar apps designed for professional licensing examinations, certification examinations, vocational education and job training. A unique aspect of Phlashmob that differentiates it from other educational resources is the way the information is accumulated. With the sincere belief that active classroom teachers are the best-suited for creating questions that accurately reflect what students are learning, Phlashmob reaches out to teachers across the county, acting as a curator for original content. Teachers are compensated on a per question basis to contribute to the company's study and test questions in basic high school education disciplines such as English, history, math and so on. "We know how undervalued today's teachers are," Kur explains. "We want to give them a chance to earn extra money while contributing to a great additional learning tool. We think it's a win-win." Each ThinkAgain course has a detailed course outline allowing students to easily personalize the study process to meet their own academic or vocational needs. Recognizing that subject matter can be taught in many different ways, the app also provides the ability for schools and teachers to modify, add or subtract questions to tailor-make a suitable program for a particular school or class. "And everything is aligned with accepted educational standards," Kur says. ThinkAgain contains a "Test Conditions" mode in which each question is presented in standard test fashion without the ThinkAgain learning options. In addition, the Test Conditions mode includes conventional assessment metrics of the number

and percentage of correct answers. ThinkAgain also helps students control and manage how and when they study, as all activity is tracked and recorded on the student dashboard. "Another of the positive aspects of this product is that students can use it just about wherever or whenever they want," Kur says. "It's clear that today's students are attached to cell phones and tablets. We're giving them an educational tool they can carry with them at all times." Kur, who grew up in Tempe, has put his career as a forensic accountant and economist on hold and is putting all his efforts into this new business. He and his wife, Kimberly, who works at the Arizona Community Foundation, are active members at Congregation Or Tzion in Scottsdale. Their son Brian is a 7th-grader at Basis Phoenix, busily preparing for his October bar mitzvah. Their son Ethan is a 4th-grader at Sonoran Sky Elementary. Kur has gotten into the rhythm of being the primary family chauffeur, arranging his schedule to meet the demands of a busy foursome. Phlashmob has created a $10,000 Kickstarter campaign to help with funding in the initial phases. Kur points out, "Our mission is to build a community of the very best teachers to create our study questions, so we are asking for support to pay enough teachers to complete at least one great ThinkAgain course." A variety of rewards are given in return for contributions, the top one being naming rights to a course for the full $10,000.

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Artists open Creating Spot

Artists Bobby Harr and Cheryl Senkfor recently opened The Creating Spot in Scottsdale. It's a contemporary studio where adults of all ages can sign up to create original pieces of art including jewelry, fused glass and fiber arts. In addition to the classes and workshops that will be taught by Cheryl, Bobby and other local artists, there is a gallery space where original works of art can be purchased. The space is also available for hosting events such as birthdays, bachelorette parties, team building, book clubs and more. Both Bobby and Cheryl are longtime members of the Valley Jewish community. Cheryl concentrates on personally designed, knitted jewelry using pure silver, gold and copper wire. Bobby creates fused and kiln-formed glass Judaica and art objects. He will be offering a fused glass mezuzah workshop and will also have his mezuzot and menorahs for sale in the mini gallery. Stop by their studio at 7127 E Sixth Ave. in Scottsdale. 480-272-6004 | thecreatingspot.com

McDowell in Phoenix. Since then it has been in a number of locations, most recently at the Camelback Colonnade, where it has been for the last 15 years. This month the iconic deli is moving from the Camelback location to a new stand-alone building at 4433 N 16th St. in Phoenix, just two blocks south of Camelback. The modern 6,600-square-foot restaurant was built from the ground up and features an inviting wraparound patio that is perfect for outside dining. This new location includes four microbrews on tap, Josh Garcia seasonal wines, homemade pies a la mode and real ice cream milkshakes. The new location will also be open for weekend breakfast, Saturdays and Sundays, 7-11 am. Miracle Mile will enhance their to-go service at the new location with a walk-up window for take away orders and online ordering. The entire Garcia family is excited to welcome customers to their new "home" and look forward to serving the Valley community for many years to come. miraclemiledeli.com

Rabbi Schneider new board president

Miracle Mile Deli moves

For the past 66 years, Miracle Mile Deli has served the Valley’s finest and freshest East Coast favorites under three generations of one family. Josh Garcia, son of current owners Jill and George Garcia, and grandson of Jack Grodzinsky, the original owner, is now running the day-to-day operations. The original deli was located on the "Miracle Mile" at 16th Street and

At its May meeting, the Board of Rabbis of Greater Phoenix elected a slate of officers for a two-year term. Officers are: president, Rabbi Jeremy Schneider; vice president, Rabbi Dr. Robert Kravitz; secretary, Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman; treasurer, Rabbi Micah Caplan; and immediate past president, Rabbi Rony Keller

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The Board of Rabbis is committed to fostering Klal Yisrael and providing leadership to the community. Members of the Board of Rabbis are ordained rabbis who maintain membership in recognized national rabbinical organizations that adhere to professional ethical codes. Board of Rabbis community projects include local sponsorship of The Melton Program and the Community Tikkun Leil Shavuot, A Night of Jewish Learning, which was held on May 21. phoenixbor@gmail.com

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Anne Lowe retires from JFSA’s NW Division

Anne Lowe retired April 2 after nearly nine years working for the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona. In that time she was able to coalesce the Jewish population of the northwest suburbs of Tucson into a cohesive Jewish community, even though there is no synagogue in that 11-ZIP-code area, which includes Oro Valley, Marana, Catalina, SaddleBrooke and Avra Valley. The federation Northwest office continues to function and a new Northwest Division director is being sought. There are ongoing mah jongg games, book club groups, Rosh Hodesh gatherings and other events. Anne retired primarily because her husband is teaching in Singapore for a semester, and she wanted to join him. She told Arizona Jewish Life that she has attended the United Hebrew Congregation's Shabbat dinner and service; it is a congregation of about 150 families that have been together in Singapore for 22 years. No synagogue yet, but they just hired Rabbi Nathan Alfred of London to head their "Progressive Congregation." She also has attended services at Maghain Avoth (Shield of our Fathers) Orthodox synagogue, which has been there since 1878. She has plans to visit another Orthodox synagogue, Chesed-El. The area’s Jewish community started when Baghdadi Jews settled in Singapore during the silk trade years of the early 1800s. Anne and her husband will return to Tucson in the fall.

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Andre Ivory serves Scottsdale and Sun City Jewish groups

The Valley Jewish community welcomes a new communal professional who is taking on dual positions – one in Scottsdale and the other in Sun City. But coming from Los Angeles, the distances aren't daunting to Andre Ivory. Andre is a dynamic Jewish educator with 17 years of dedicated service to the Jewish community. Specializing in experiential Jewish education, Andre has served congregations and Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, Toronto and Phoenix. Andre’s commitment to the Jewish community is driven by his love for the values of Torah, Avodah and G’milut Chasadim. Every day, Andre strives to impart these values on the adults and children he instructs. Andre serves as outreach coordinator for the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix and came into that position in August of 2014. He serves as coordinator of the BJE’s program for Jewish young professionals called ACT, a service learning project aimed at connecting young Jews with their basic Jewish values. ACT is an acronym for Action, Connect and Think, the focus of the volunteer project. ACT aims to promote Jewish communal volunteerism, connecting our community through volunteerism while contemplating how social action fits into our Jewish lives. Andre also teaches classes for BJE. In addition to his service with BJE, he proudly serves as religious school director at Temple Beth Shalom in Sun City, coming on board there in fall of 2014. ACT: bjephoenix.org | andre.ivory@gmail.com

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Staycations

Waterfall at Canyon Suites

Beauty, relaxation & summer fun are close to home By Masada Siegel

A gorgeous waterfall greeted me as it cascaded down from a mountain filled with saguaro cacti. The water was mesmerizing. I shook my head in disbelief, not only at the beauty but also at the location. No standing in airport lines, no invasive and uncomfortable pat downs – only a smiling, happy person to greet me at the entrance. I was embarking on a staycation at the Canyon Suites, an exclusive 60-room boutique hotel located at The Phoenician, Arizona’s only Forbes Five Star/AAA Five Diamond hotel. The warm welcome was extended not only with a smile but with chocolate prepared by the executive chef. The five-star treatment continued throughout out the weekend with a therapeutic bath, turndown service, and in room coffee Talking Sticks Orange Sky Patio 12 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

and tea service. In the evening, an “Hour of Joy” during which complimentary wines and small plates from a new region each month are presented to guests. The Canyon Suites presents the best of all worlds, a boutique hotel with hypoallergenic rooms, a dog-friendly program and the use of all the amenities of the Phoenician hotel, from the spa to the swimming pool and slide. We took advantage of the amazing amenities and even enjoyed a meal at Il Terrazzo, the Phoenician’s award-winning Italian restaurant, for dinner one evening. Sunday morning the food festival continued with a scrumptious brunch at the hotel. The relaxation was ongoing as we chilled out in the swimming pool after a sleep-inducing meditation class. While it is always sad when a vacation ends, the best part is we left relaxed, happy and ready to tackle the 20-minute journey home. Another fantastic hotel

worth enjoying is the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale. Walk into the lobby, and the vacation sensation sinks in immediately – and the views are beautiful. As a treat for the locals, rates are reduced in summer and staycation opportunities include a “Kids for All Seasons” program, which features a variety of daily programming. The entire family can head to the pool for complimentary “DiveIn” movies, running every Saturday night through the summer. The resort also has a summer spa happy hour where guests can choose two 25-minute mini services for the special rate of $129, or three mini services for $179. Or try your hand at “Chef for a Day,” where you spend an evening with Mel, the resort’s executive chef, and plan a special meal and receive a personalized, signed menu and a chef ’s jacket embroidered with your name and the Four Seasons logo. The experience concludes with a private dinner in Talavera, the resort’s signature steakhouse. Finally, if you are looking for a little romance on your staycation, try the Celestial Picnic, where you dine with a picnic

basket under the stars with a bottle of champagne or wine and listen to an astronomer pointing out the highlights of the Milky Way. If you are looking for a little more excitement on your staycation and want endless choices of food without leaving the property, check out the Talking Stick Resort. It has more than 400 guest rooms, 12 restaurants and lounges, four pools and a spa. And then there’s the enormous casino with more than 700 slot machines, The Four Seasons blackjack, keno and threecard poker. This summer the resort also features its Summer Concert Series. Bands include The Steve Miller Band, 311 and Whitesnake. They will perform at the resort's pool stage, which accommodates up to 4,500 fans. Now if staying at a resort isn’t in the cards, despite the summer heat there are a few places that are pretty cool and indoors! The Musical Instruments Museum displays more than 6,000 instruments at a time, which have been collected from about 200 of the world’s countries and territories. Walking through the halls is like traveling throughout the world, because most

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14 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

displays are enhanced by state-of-the-art audio and video technologies allowing you to see the instrument, hear their sounds and observe them being played in their original locations. It’s even an interactive museum as visitors can check out their musical abilities and play instruments from around the world in the Experience Gallery. This spectacular museum also caters to the contemporary music lover, where visitors can see instruments from music legends such as John Lennon, Taylor Swift, Elvis Presley and Carlos Santana to name a few. Another wonderful, living exhibit to spend time in this summer is Butterfly Wonderland. This highly innovative, indoor rainforest environment features the largest butterfly pavilion in the United States. After viewing a 3D movie, which will delight, visitors walk into a 10,000-foot lush rainforest environment filled with thousands of floating, colorful butterflies, sure to induce a smile. There are lots of tropical plants, waterfalls, a koi pond and many locations to take fabulous photos. The butterflies inside the conservatory are imported from butterfly farmers from exotic locations such as Costa Rica, Malaysia, Ecuador, Thailand and the Philippines. A great way to heat up your summer while you chill out is to investigate The Hall of Flame Fire Museum and the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes located in Phoenix. The air-conditioned museum comprises fire history exhibits, hosting more than 70 fully restored pieces of fire apparatus that date from 1725 to 1969. Most of the exhibits are American, but there are also items from England, France, Austria, Germany and Japan. The Hall of Flame sponsors the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, which honors firefighters who have died in the line of duty or who have been decorated for heroism. There is also a gallery dedicated to the history of wild-land firefighting in the United States. The museum contains a wide variety of engines, ladder wagons, parade carriages, hose wagons an aerial ladder wagon and

steam-powered engines. Also on exhibit are lithographs, engravings, prints and paintings. There is a fine display of more than 100 insurance fire marks from all over the world. It’s a historical museum with interactive components that make it both an educational and experiential place to take the whole family for an afternoon of fun. Finally, if being outdoors is the best way to cool down, check out Big Surf. The waterpark has been around since 1969 and is filled with 2.5 million gallons of water. As well as a place to enjoy the water, it has been a destination for many concerts from musicians such as Pink Floyd, Elton John, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Beach Boys, Chicago, Sting and Rod Stewart. Big Surf Waterpark There are slides for all ages – more than 3,000 feet to slip, slide and slosh on. For the little ones there are smaller slides; daredevil kids’ need for speed will be satisfied as they zoom down much larger slides. Visitors can rent rafts, boogie boards and surfboards. Big Surf caters to groups and birthday parties, and if you buy online you can save 10%. Enjoy your summer. Surf ’s up! Masada Siegel is an award-winning journalist and photographer. Follow her on Facebook or on twitter @masadasiegel.

FEEL MORE THAN JUST THE WARMTH OF THE SUN As the temperatures rise, so does the fun at The Phoenician—your ultimate summer destination. Take advantage of our exceptional seasonal rate, and while you’re here, discover The Phoenician’s signature family-friendly offerings, including: • 7 Spacious Pools and 165-Foot Water Slide • Interactive “Sprayground,” SURGE • Dive-In Movies and Glo at the Pho Neon Pool Parties • Animal Encounters • Memorial Day, Father’s Day, 4th of July and Labor Day Weekend Celebrations Presented by Infiniti on Camelback • Complimentary, Covered Self-Parking • $40-$30-$20 Culinary Countdown Summer Dining Series

RATES STARTING AT

$159

PER NIGHT *

Book your summer escape today! Valid May 25 – September 7, 2015. Call 800-888-8234 and ask for rate plan SUMMER, or visit thephoenician.com/offers.

6000 East Camelback Road | Scottsdale, AZ 85251 800.888.8234 | thephoenician.com *Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. Some restrictions may apply. Basic room rate does not include $29 resort charge imposed per room per night, and state/local taxes.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 15

Run with the Roosters on July 12 Who wants to run in the summer in Tucson? More than 400 people do every year! So states Steve Landau, who heads the company Everyone Runs in Tucson. Along with his wife, Brenda, whose day job is with the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, Steve offers up the "Run with the Roosters" run each summer. This year's event is July 12, starting at 5:05 am or the first sign of light, and consists of a Kinney Road 5-mile run and walk at Old Tucson. As always, the run includes customized finisher tech shirts (quality performance running shirts), free Mexican breakfast, free photos, slip 'n' slide and snow cones. Rooster trophy awards are given to overall top finishers and age-group winners in five-year groups (that is ages 10-14, 15-19 on up through all participating ages)! A portion of the proceeds benefit Tucson veterans’ assistance organizations, local schools and other nonprofits. Register at everyoneruns.net.

Tilted Earth Wine & Music Fest returns June 19-20

The second annual Tilted Earth Wine & Music Festival is slated for June 19 and 20 at Riverfront Park in Cottonwood. The vibrant festival returns this year with an expanded twoday line up of well-known folk and acoustic rock entertainment like Rusted Root, Robert Earl Keen and The Lone Bellow. Wine lovers can enjoy vino from 17 Northern Arizona wineries, along with cuisine from eight gourmet food trucks from the Phoenix Street Food Coalition, including The Rocket Woodfired Pizza (see our cover story on Sam Fox), The Affogato Truck, Sandra

Dee’s Creole Kitchen and Burgers Amore. Vendors such as Backstage Gastropub, Chocolita exotic raw chocolate and Local Juicery will sell a variety of other fare. The event will also include an expanded selection of kids and family activities including a rock climbing wall, bounce house, teen gaming tent and a simulated archaeological dig hosted by Verde Valley Archaeology all at no charge. Kids crafting supplies will be provided by Verde River Valley Nature Organization for a small charge. Event hours run from 4 pm to midnight with music between 5 and 11 pm, which will allow event goers to enjoy the festival among the trees in the cooler evening hours. “We’re excited to bring back the Tilted Earth Wine and Music Festival for the second year,” said Eric Glomski, winemaker and founder of Page Springs Cellars. “Last year was incredibly successful and we were able to gather some good feedback on how to make this year even better. The expansion of the festival across two days and the adjustment in hours will allow those coming from the Valley to plan an extended, more enjoyable weekend.” Last year the event raised $10,000 for a local children’s nonprofit with a silent auction. This year, the festival hopes to double that amount, with 100% of the proceeds from this year’s auction benefitting Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, Prescott Creeks and the Verde Valley Humane Society. Adult admission can be purchased online at TiltedEarthFestival.com for $45. Youth tickets (13-20) are $20 and children 12 and under are free. Adult admission includes a reusable Govino wine glass and five free tastings. Additional tastings will be available for purchase, as will bottles from all wineries. Those who wish to take home their purchases may also store their wines in a state-of-the-art refrigeration truck, courtesy of the Tilted Earth Festival.

Shabbat among the Red Rocks Rabbi Alicia Magal welcomes visitors to join Shabbat services Friday evenings all summer long.

Photo courtesy of Arizona State Parks Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley sits among the Red Rocks of Sedona. Red Rock State Park is about 15 minutes away and is open seven days a week from 8 am to 5 pm. 16 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Planning to take a short car trip for a cool weekend in Red Rock country? Be sure to stop by the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley at 100 Meadowlark Drive in Sedona. Rabbi Alicia Magal and the congregation welcome visitors for Friday night Shabbat services June 19 through Labor Day weekend at 5:30 pm. Tours of the synagogue are available Monday-Friday, 10 am-2 pm. Or drive up to celebrate the 4th of July then spend the July 5 with the congregation at their picnic sponsored by the JCSVV Men’s Club. Enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad and all the trimmings at 11 am at the JCSVV. Open to the public and free, although donations are accepted. There will be a raffle for half of the donations. Everyone is welcome! For more information, call 928204-1286 between 10 am and 2 pm or visit jcsvv.org.

Where memories

are made

This year, do summer right. • Luxuriously appointed casitas • Drinks and complimentary treats served poolside • World-class cuisine, from casual to upscale dining • Amazing setting with incredible sunset views • Summer BBQ Series • Complimentary Kids For All Seasons program • Summer events and activities for all ages

RATES FROM

$179 per night*

Cherished time with family and friends, luxuriously long days and relaxed evenings—it’s time to unwind, indulge and celebrate summer at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale.

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 480.513.5039 or visit fourseasons.com/scottsdale *Rates start at $179 per night Sunday through Thursday; weekend rates vary during season. Based on availability, exclusive of taxes. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Other restrictions may apply. Valid through 9-3-2015. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 17

Guy Bittner encourages high flying at the Phoenician Guy proudly shares that in the late 1960s, his father was one of the founders of Ben Gurion University, now called BenGurion University of the Negev. The Phoenician Resort on Camelback Road in Guy's wife, Rada, was born and raised in Latvia. But in 1993 Scottsdale features magnificent luxury with exquisite furnishings she came to Israel through a program called Na'ale, which and decorative touches, a carefully manicured 27-hole had just begun the prior year. This life-changing program is championship golf course, crystal-clear pools and a variety of sponsored by the Israeli Ministry of Education and the Sochnut restaurants – all nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain. ( Jewish Agency for Israel) and enables Jewish teenagers from But no matter how ornate or elaborate the buildings and the diaspora to attend the top Israeli high schools and earn a grounds are, they wouldn't attract the numbers and caliber of diploma. It is a competitive people they do if they process with a full scholarship weren't also staffed by as the "prize." More than experienced professionals 15,000 teenagers have come and employees whose to Israel without their parents every working moment to be educated and graduate is geared to making from Israeli high schools. your stay at this resort a About 90% of the teens memorable occasion. have remained in Israel, with Overseeing the 1,000+ about 60% of the parents employees as resort immigrating, as well. Rada's manager of the property parents chose to stay in their since December 2014 home country. is Guy Bittner. Guy "The life of a hotelier is came most recently from hardest on the spouse," Guy Seattle, where for 10 acknowledges. "We've done years he served as director a lot of moving around. Rada of operations and hotel says she knows that about manager at The Fairmont the time we become very Olympic Hotel, which comfortable with a location received Fairmont's Hotel and friends, that's about the of the Year award in 2012. time we'll be moving. And Prior to that, Guy was things are a bit different now director of operations at that we have our boys, Ariel, the Fairmont Orchid in who is 9, and Dorel, who is 5. Hawaii for six years and Ariel got pretty teary at the had also spent 10 years in thought of leaving his friends leadership positions at the this time." Fairmont Chateau Lake Guy and his family have Louis and the Fairmont connected with the local Israeli Winnipeg. community and are at least But his real roots are prepared for the climate here in Beersheva, Israel, the Phoenician Resort Manager Guy Bittner shows off Archimedes, the eaglein the Valley, since it is pretty largest city in the Negev owl in the Phoenician’s bird of prey program, which both entertains guests similar to that of Israel. desert in the southern and scares away pesky birds from the resort’s outside dining areas. Guy is very pleased with part of the country. "My the way things are going at his siblings and I like to think that we were each born in a capital,” new location so far. "We've had a record 2015 already. With the he says with a smile. “My brother was born in Jerusalem, the Super Bowl and all the other major events in the Valley, we've capital of Israel; my sister was born in New York, the year my had great numbers coming through. Things aren't quite back to father was on sabbatical. While New York is not actually a prerecession standards, but they're on their way." Guy believes capital, its reputation and offering are such that it's like a capital. in training all his employees to give their guests "eye-level, And I was born in Beersheva, often called the capital of the welcoming" service to encourage them to come back again. Negev."

By Janet Arnold

18 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

America’s

The Phoenician also makes sure to give back to the community through various charitable events. For a recent Kentucky Derby party, for example, they partnered with After the Homestretch AZ. This is a nonprofit group whose mission is to protect former racehorses through reconditioning, retraining and rehoming. A portion of the event's proceeds were donated to the group. Another way the resort staff show they care is by the solution they chose to take care of a general nuisance. The Phoenician’s guests enjoy eating outdoors, of course, but were bothered by hundreds of pesky birds hoping to pick up some tasty morsels. Enter the Phoenician's tame bird of prey program, introducing controlled natural predators to the scene. The birds – a red tail hawk, a Eurasian eagle-owl, a Barbary Falcon, an African Augur buzzard and others – were all born and raised in captivity for educational purposes. They perch on the arms of Master Falconer Robby Sinkler and his trained staff as they stroll around the property. Though they are tethered and therefore unable to attack the scavenger birds, the little birds don't realize that and quickly make their way back to the trees. The Phoenician houses the exotic birds in a specially built aviary next to its golf course. Many of the feathered creatures take part in regular Friday and Saturday night shows for the guests. The resort's South American King Vulture, Zopilote Rey, reenacts the "Flight of the Phoenix" while the magnificent Arizona setting sun casts an array of light and shadow on the nearby Camelback Mountain.

LARGEST fire museum!

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Staycations Directory Big Surf Waterpark 1500 N McClintock Dr./Hayden Road, Tempe, AZ 85281 480-994-2297 BigSurfFun.com

Big Surf Waterpark is America’s Original Waterpark, featuring Waikiki Beach, the 3rd largest wave pool in the world. Big Surf offers refreshing excitement for the whole family with over 3,000 feet of thrilling water slides!

Butterfly Wonderland

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

10600 E Crescent Moon Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85262 480-513-5039 .fourseasons.com/scottsdale

Escape to Sonoran Desert luxury this summer at the AAA Five-Diamond Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, with weekday rates beginning at $179 per night, June 1-Aug. 31, 2015.

Hall of Flame Fire Museum

9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 480- 800-3000 butterflywonderland.com

Join us for a fun adventure, Fear Factors for Families, 6-8 pm June 11, as “Deb’s Dragons” will scare, amaze and educate visitors with tarantulas, snakes and more! Audience participation encouraged! $10 (adult) $5 (children).

6101 E Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85008 602-275-3473 hallofflame.org

Wet and Wild Fire Safety Program; Saturday Birthday Program; Story Hour Tour of Museum. Please contact Curator of Education Mark Moorhead.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Danny Zelisko Presents dannyzeliskopresents.com

Danny Zelisko has been bringing concerts to the Valley since 1974. He founded and ran the legendary concert promoting firm Evening Star Productions, producing thousands of live events in every venue in the Southwest.

7301 E Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 480-312-2312 therailroadpark.com

All Aboard! Take a train or carousel ride, visit exhibits and shops, and enjoy hand-dipped ice cream while you stroll through this unique theme park in Scottsdale! And check out our free Sunday night concerts!

The Musical Instrument Museum 4725 E Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85050 480-478-6000 MIM.org

Ranked Phoenix’s number one attraction on TripAdvisor, MIM offers an immersive experience with fun programs, special exhibitions, monthly cultural celebrations, and concerts in its acoustically superb theater. Memberships now available!

Out of Africa Wildlife Park 3505 W SR 260 Camp Verde, AZ 86322 928-567-2840 outofafricapark.com

A place where family and friends gather to experience oneness with animals and each other during safaris, tours, walks, observations, and shows of wildby-nature animals in their own, natural splendor. Tickets available online.

The Phoenician

6000 E Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 800-888-8234 thephoenician.com

For information on birthday parties and group events, please call our event coordinator Joe Shannon directly at 480-392-9112 Follow us for exclusive offers, specials & discounts to keep cool all summer long! www.BigSurfFun.com BigSurfAZ

@BigSurfAZ

BigSurfAZ

1500 N. McClintock Dr./Hayden Rd. | Tempe, AZ 85281 480-994-2297 20 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Explore Arizona's premier AAA Five Diamond resort destination, The Phoenician. Offering a diverse collection of signature programs and experiences, the 250-acre property features family-friendly luxury at the base of Camelback Mountain.

Talking Stick Resort

9800 E Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 480-850-7777 talkingstickresort.com

Talking Stick Resort offers luxury accommodations, world-class entertainment, exciting casino gaming, fine and casual dining options, spa services and more. Play in style at this AAA Four Diamond property and enjoy Scottsdale’s 24-7 entertainment destination. (Includes summer fun/staycations advertisers in this issue of Arizona Jewish Life.)

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 21

A&E

Mentalist draws on rich tradition of Jewish magicians By Janet Arnold

There is a long tradition of Jews as magicians, illusionists and mentalists. The most famous of the 19th and early 20th centuries was Harry Houdini, a rabbi's son born Erik Weisz. Israeli psychic Uri Geller became famous in the 1970s for bending spoons, presumably by merely looking at them. Most people are familiar with David Copperfield (David Seth Kotkin), who continues to draw audiences for his shows where he can make an elephant “disappear.” This past January, PBS' American Masters featured a program about Ricky Jay (Richard Jay Potash), who amazes with his sleight-of-hand magic. Others include Abraham Hurwitz, named New York City’s “Official Magician” by former Mayor La Guardia, and Max Maven (Philip Goldstein), an innovator of mentalism and host of a variety of TV shows abroad. Not to be outdone, Arizona can boast its very own Jewish mentalist: Brett Barry. "My roots are in magic and there is some crossover," Brett explains. "But, although we're often lumped together, mentalists are quite different than magicians, in that we mentalists don't use tricks. We use techniques and skills that are

both inborn and developed." By age 8, Brett was fascinated with magic. He grew up in Beverly Hills, and his father would regularly take him and his brother to the local magic store at the original Farmer's Market in Los Angeles. He and his brother put together a group called the Hocus Pocus Brothers and would entertain for neighborhood birthday parties. And he would listen to the stories of Papa Dave, his grandfather Dave Barry, who started as a Borscht Belt comic and performed with all the greats of his day, including Milton Berle, Frank Sinatra, Shecky Greene and Don Rickles. Brett graduated from Emerson College in Boston with a speech and communications degree and was involved in radio programming. His first job out of college was as personal assistant to Norman Lear, the famous TV producer/director. "The job wasn't as great as it sounds, though," he admits. He also spent some time in a coveted position in a mailroom of a large talent agency, but he found himself disillusioned with what he saw of show biz. Reality led Brett to a career in real estate, at which he has achieved great success for the last 25 years. But as his 50th

Brett Barry: phoenixmentalist.com | 623-282-4864 | brett@phoenixmentalist.com 22 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

birthday approached last month, he was excited and eager to turn the page to the next chapter of his life, to his real passion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; performing as a mentalist. "It's a giving thing," he says. "I am able to give a sense of wonder to the audience, something we don't get a lot of these days. I'm able to give them smiles and make them happy. It's a great feeling." As his bookings increase, Brett foresees giving up real estate completely within a year or two. "My real estate career has actually reinforced some of my mentalist skills," he explains. To be a mentalist you have to be able to read people well, noting body language, speech rhythms and such. There's personality profiling that comes into play. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working so closely with people in real estate helped to hone my observation skills. Plus I learned how to close the deal, an important aspect of the business side of this work." He restarted his performing career in 2006 when a friend saw him bend a coin and asked him to perform for a company holiday party. It was then he realized how much he enjoyed performing and bringing joy to so many. "I love being Brett performing in 1977 able to recreate myself. And I'm lucky that while there are at least 100 magicians in town, there are only a couple of people who can do the types of things I do (as a mentalist)." Members from both branches of Brett's family tree come from Brett performing at an event hosted Minsk. Brett grew by Larry Fitzgerald and AZ Cardinals up in a Conservative Jewish home in LA, becoming a bar mitzvah at Temple Beth Am with the well-known Rabbi Jacob Pressman. He married his wife, Lise, who converted to Judaism, in 1992. His work brought him to Scottsdale, where the family, including daughters Tira, 16, and Lindis, 18, each became a bat mitzvah at Har Zion Congregation. "I love that I am carrying on the long tradition of Jews being involved in magic and the mystical arts," he says. Brett is concentrating mostly on corporate events at this time. His performances range from the "strolling magician" type to parlor style to full-stage entertainment. "I even did my first bar mitzvah in April," he says with a smile. He finds that word of mouth is his best agent and proudly points out that he is the #1 rated local magician/mentalist on the online review site Yelp. And we doubt there's any way he could have magically manipulated that!

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 23

Fox’s clever concepts Sam Fox loves to conceptualize great dining experiences By Janet Arnold

Sam Fox never dreamed he would be where he is today. Certainly not when he was a young kid going through the booths at his parents' deli in Chicago, looking for spare change that slipped out of customers' pockets. And not when he would bus tables or run errands for tips while folks enjoyed their afterdinner coffee at his family’s diner in Tucson. He did know, however, that he loved the restaurant business. "You learn so much about life, so much about people, when you're in this business," Sam says while sitting in his offices above The Henry, one of his newer Fox Restaurant Concepts, on East Camelback Road in Phoenix. He's dressed casually, in an open collar shirt and jeans, as is his staff. Through his panoramic wall of windows, he can watch the traffic on Camelback as cars turn south into The Henry or north 24 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

into The Flower Child, the newest of his concepts. The offices are open and airy, with comfy couches throughout and big screen monitors flashing. There's a feeling of comfort and camaraderie emanating from the receptionist in the offices upstairs to the waitstaff downstairs. At 10 am the patio section of The Henry is filled with mini-meetings and coffee klatches, while an indoor secluded room has several folks with laptops open, appearing to use the space as their virtual offices. This atmosphere isn't created by happenstance. It's all part of the "concept." And the concept is all Sam Fox. In fact, there are 15 different restaurant concepts that are all Sam Fox. He is the 46-year-old dreamer, creator and inventive genius behind the restaurant empire he has built, which now spans 44 locations in eight states – with more to come. In his humble, unassuming way, he is quick to point out that while he comes up with all of the creative elements of the concept, it is his staff and workers

who carry out the ideas and bring them to fruition. Sam's family came to Tucson from Chicago when he was just 5. His father opened The Hungry Fox, which still exists under different ownership. "It was truly a mom-and-pop place," he recalls. His family joined Temple Emanu-El where Sam became a bar mitzvah. He was active in BBYO when he was a teen at Sabino High School and was a member of AEPi when he attended the University of Arizona. The irony is not lost on Sam that although he didn't graduate, in April he received the UA Executive of the Year award from the UA's Eller College of Management. "I dropped out to open a restaurant, Gilligan's Bar & Grill, before I was 21," he says with a smile. This award puts him in the company of such distinguished individuals and fellow awardees as former Gov. Janet Napolitano, former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. "(Sam) has earned an outstanding reputation as a creative visionary, savvy entrepreneur and philanthropist, values we share here at the Eller College,” says Eller College Dean Jeffrey Schatzberg. “It is only fitting that we honor him as Executive of the Year." The UA award is only one of many recognition awards Sam has received. In 2014 he was named to Nation's Restaurant News' Power List of the 50 most influential people in restaurants; he received the 2014 Richard Melman Innovator of the Year Award from Restaurant Hospitality; in 2015 he was named as a James Beard semi-finalist in the Outstanding Restaurateur category for the sixth time. Also, in March of 2015, Sam was named Restaurateur of the Year by the Arizona

Culinary Hall of Fame, presented by the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and Scottsdale League for the Arts. Sam is understandably proud of the recognition he and his restaurants receive, but holds fast to his strong belief that while awards are nice, "that isn't why we do it." He knows that people have a choice as to how they're going to spend their discretionary dollars. "It's our job to encourage, entice and then appreciate the fact that they like to come through our doors." Early on Sam knew he loved food and the creative aspects of the restaurant business, but he also knew he didn't have a handle on the requisite business practices. "My dad was a great guy and had a great restaurant, but I could see he wasn't a great businessman,” says Sam. “Actually, watching him alerted me to some of the possible stumbling blocks, and in some ways, made me an even more astute business person myself." He read everything he could find on running a business. Though college wasn't for him, he spent his time seeking advice from others and educating himself. When he realized he had little interest in some areas, he started building his team to create a strong foundation for his creative ideas. In 1998 Sam opened the first Fox Restaurant Concept, Wildflower American Cuisine, which still flourishes on Oracle Road in Tucson, offering a variety of seasonal dishes that change regularly and their famous "artfully shaken martinis." In 2001 he moved to Phoenix to expand the business and to be closer to his wife's family, since his own parents had moved to Florida. Things kept growing. Sam loves to discover potential restaurant sites and personally works with architects for both exterior and interior design. "I even like to choose the fabric for the upholstery. It's

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 25

[ cover story]

Chef Christopher Cristiano, Sam Fox and Dr. Andrew Weil discuss the latest menu items at True Foods in Phoenix. The recipes are based on Dr. Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet. which he developed as part of his integrative health philosophy.

that attention to every little detail that can really make the difference," he says. He comes up with the overall concept including the name, attitude, atmosphere and menu. "For example, when I thought of Flower Child, I just kept emphasizing the word ‘happy,’ ” he says. “It needed to have a happy feel about it from the minute you walk in." The official tagline is "Flower Child's fundamental promise is to serve happy food for a healthy world." For his True Food Kitchens, the first of which opened in Phoenix in 2008, Sam partnered with an old friend, Dr. Andrew Weil. "Andy was from Tucson also, and he wanted to get into the business. He talked to me about a menu based on the principles of his anti-inflammatory diet. We spent a year developing this particular concept." They now have 10 locations spanning six states, each designed to reflect the local character of the region in an upscale, green and sustainable environment. Several of the restaurants, like True Food, focus on healthy options and sustainable practices. True Food uses as much locally raised produce as possible, gluten-free options are available at Sauce and sustainable seafood is served at Little Cleo's. Flower Child's website notes, "We work with ranchers who respect, protect and love their animals – and our food supply. Our proteins are all raised naturally, without additives. Our organic produce is guided by the wisdom of the Environmental Working Group." "We want to give options," Sam explains. "Plus I feel a responsibility to the environment as well as to our customers." Some of Sam's ideas are on a slightly smaller – though no less clever – scale. His Juby True, for example, is a friendly little 26 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

“I find ideas for concepts everywhere I look. It’s part art and part science.” ~ Sam Fox

walk-up juice stand that follows the same philosophy as True Food Kitchen, "proving that nutrition can exist in harmony in a glass as well as on a plate." He's branched off to a mobile concept with The Rocket, a modified cargo shipping container that has been transformed into a massive pizzeria on wheels. He borrowed the pizza dough recipe from North Italia, another of his popular concepts, and serves salads. The Rocket is available for private parties and charity events, as well. Speaking of charity events, Sam is well-respected as an active

philanthropist. He's been an avid supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs since his company began. He’s also a life member of the Thunderbirds (active members become life members at age 45). As part of its mission to promote Phoenix, 79 years ago the Thunderbirds created what has become the renowned Phoenix Open golf tournament, now a major charity event. He was the honorary chair for the American Heart Association's Heart Ball in 2013, and he lends support to organizations such as notMYkid and UMOM New Day Centers. "In addition to our big charities, though, I take just as much pride at being able to give a $25 gift certificate to the neighborhood child who comes in for his Little League team," he confides. "Feels good." In addition, each restaurant has the autonomy to develop its own charitable giving process. For Earth Day in April, for example, Flower Child donated its proceeds to three local charities: Audubon Arizona, Phoenix Arcadia Rotary Club and Arcadia High School's new campus garden. Sam's wife, Emily, and their children, Noah, 10, and Chloe, 8, understand the life of a restaurateur. The kids often come by the office and The Henry after school and just hang out. "The other day I had Chloe shadow one of the hostesses,” says Sam. “I could see her wanting to start out in the business that way. Noah's helped out, too. I'd love them to go into the business. You can learn so many important life lessons.” How would Sam feel if his children chose to follow his route and drop out of school? "Not an option!" he says grinning. "Fortunately Emily was the student, so she gives those study skills to the kids, and I add in the entrepreneurial spirit. It's a great combination." Sam tries to spend as much time as possible with his family, even though his business often takes him across the country. "I was able to coach Noah in flag football, and we spend lots of time having meals together, sometimes at a Fox restaurant and sometimes others,” he says. “My children have already developed very sophisticated palettes. They're great to take out to eat. Noah will even eat oysters and beef tartare.” The family spends as much of the summer as they can in Coronado, CA. Sam is very happy that this summer he'll be

Fox Restaurant Concepts: 15 concepts 44 restaurants | 8 states The Arrogant Butcher Seafood, steaks, draft beer, wine and cocktails, comfort food. Iconic downtown Phoenix landmark, at CityScape. thearrogantbutcher.com

Blanco Tacos + Tequila Modern Mexican fare in a casual-chic setting. blancotacostequila.com

Culinary Dropout Gastro pub "rebel child" with relaxed, soulful ambiance, live music. culinarydropout.com

Flower Child Happy food for a healthy world. iamaflowerchild.com

The Greene House Farm-fresh seasonal ingredients, inspired by the California lifestyle and craftsman-style charm. thegreenehouseaz.com

The Henry The 15th concept created in the past 15 years. Scratchmade American fare that is both comfortable and refined. thehenryrestaurant.com

Juby True Friendly walk-up juice stand. jubytrue.com

Little Cleo's Seafood Legend Vintage '40s charm with fresh ocean fare. littlecleos.com

North Italia Handmade pizza, pasta and fresh flavors from the garden, farm and sea. northitaliarestaurant.com

Olive & Ivy Mediterranean elegance blended with California chic. oliveandivyrestaurant.com

The Rocket Neapolitan-style pizza and salads from a gourmet van. rentourrocket.com

Sauce Pizza and Wine Fast, fresh Italian with nine Arizona locations. saucepizzaandwine.com

True Food Kitchen Nutrition-forward menu based on the principles of Dr. Andrew Weil's anti-inflammatory diet. truefoodkitchen.com

Wildflower American Cuisine Fox’s first restaurant, Wildflower serves seasonally changing American cuisine. foxrc.com/restaurants/wildflower-american-cuisine

Zinburger Energetic, modern and fun. Centered on gourmet burgers and hand-dipped milkshakes, as well as wine and beer. zinburgeraz.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 27

[ cover story]

Sam Fox receives the Executive of the Year Award from the UA’s Eller College.

opening three new restaurants in nearby Manhattan Beach and Newport Beach. "That'll be easy," he says. "Last year I had to go to Houston, Atlanta, Austin and other high humidity places in the summer. It'll be great to be able to stay along the West Coast and be close

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~ Sam Fox

to the family this summer." Summer at Fox Restaurant Concepts promises new offerings on a regular basis. There will be cooking demonstrations at True Food, as well as community dinners at North Italia, where a chef explains the various components as diners eat in

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a communal setting. The summer also kicks off their annual giving campaign called Feed the Soul, where $1 from each kid item sold will be donated to the No Kid Hungry charity. And watch for clever promotions like the recent Yard Sale at The Yard, where Little Cleo's is housed. Though the recent recession hit Arizona particularly hard, Fox Restaurant Concepts was able to maintain during that time. "In fact, we doubled down," Sam says. "We were able to get some great deals on leases and properties, and we stuck to what we do well – giving the customer a great experience." He kept developing new concepts and opening restaurants across several states. Having just opened another Flower Child in Scottsdale, Sam's not sure what new idea will pop up next. "I find ideas for concepts everywhere I look," he says. "It's part art and part science. I probably enjoy the art a little more – that's the coming up with the concept itself, designing the physical setting and creating the ambience. The science deals more with running the business, though I also have fun with the part of the science that includes things like developing new recipes." In fact, Sam coauthored a cookbook called True Food with Andrew Weil in 2012; the book became a New York Times bestseller, containing "freshly imagined recipes that are both inviting and easy to make." Whatever he comes up with, chances are good it will be another novel concept that endears itself to the public.

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Designed for Living ranging from traditional to contemporary or eclectic, he says that for each project When Anne Dament and Keith Swart he is guided by the client’s personality bought the home of the late western artist and lifestyle. It is important to listen James Reynolds, they needed to make a attentively: “Every word matters. … few changes. For Reynolds, art was the We converse about how they live in the focus of the rooms. There were plenty of spaces, what they need those spaces to large, bright, open spaces for his work. provide for them. It’s important to know But for Anne and Keith, comfortable how a person wants to feel in a room.” times spent with family, friends and their His artistic ability plays a role at this four dogs were the priority. stage, too. “Anne and I moved here from San “I normally walk through the home Francisco and love to have friends and with them and as we talk, I take notes family stay with us,” says Keith. “So, with and sketch,” says Ernesto. “Sketching that in mind, we wanted the great room is crucial because I’m providing them to have a hotel lobby feel where people with immediate feedback, so they can could sit on a comfortable sofa and watch visualize, in the very spaces, what is my TV or sit in a chair and read a book. Of interpretation of their needs.” course, all of this assumes you are able to Keith says Ernesto clearly understood persuade one of the dogs to share their the couple and did an outstanding space with you.” job of “capturing our desire for soft The couple had a vision for the design, contemporary design with a comfortable flow and function of the home, but casual lifestyle. Keith says that “Anne did a after eight months, great job of telling “Anne informed Ernesto exactly me I had reached what we wanted the horizons of and how we wanted my interior design the house to feel,” capability and says Keith. “He was Ernesto was taking able to translate over.” her ideas and A member of feelings into colors, the American furniture, draperies Society of Interior and fixtures that Designers, Ernesto fit our style and Garcia had already needs perfectly. won 10 design And, he did it all awards in seven while keeping in years when he met mind that in our the couple. This house, dogs rule! Ernesto Garcia project garnered All fabrics, flooring, him another first etcetera were place – this time the 2014 ASID Design chosen to be as dog friendly as possible.” Excellence Singular Space Residential The result is a great room serving many category. purposes, yet where the diverse elements Much of the focus was on the home’s harmonize into a unified whole. great room. “The great room was too “I love to create a harmonious dialogue compartmentalized by brick walls, an between very dissimilar furnishings and enclosed small kitchen and other complex surfaces,” says Ernesto. “As you step partitions that needed to be opened up into the great room, all its functions are in order to achieve the breadth desired instantly understood.” by clients. The main design premises Those distinct areas include a U-shaped became ‘Open, simplify and emphasize as sectional, which offers a place to curl up needed.’ ” and watch TV, flowing around a large While Ernesto is a master of designs By Deborah Moon

H& G

ome arden

30 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

As you step into the great room, all its functions are instantly understood: in the foreground a U-shaped sectional to curl up and watch TV, a four-chair seating in the middle, the kitchen/bar counter in the background and breakfast nook to the side corner. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 31

Ernesto Garcia, ASID, works with many Jewish clients who ask him design spaces or furnishings to display menorahs, beautifully framed ketubahs and “beautiful heirlooms of Shabbat silver.”

marble-top cocktail table, which serves as an easy-to-clean vast surface to spread laptops, iPads, paperwork, snacks, drinks or even dinner. The four-chair conversational area provides more individualized seating designed for visiting while having drinks and appetizers before dinner. Ernesto used a round rug to define this conversational space. “I selected a lighter color to create an island effect against the dark Brazilian walnut floor in the middle of this very vast space. The short loop was also selected to contrast textures with the deep shag rug under the sectional. When you step on it, you get a sensory cue that tells you that you are in a

“I normally walk through the home with them and as we talk, I take notes and sketch. Sketching is crucial because I’m providing them with immediate feedback, so they can visualize, in the very spaces, what is my interpretation of their needs.” Ernesto Garcia

Before After 32 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

different space within the larger space.” Keith says the couple spend at least half of their time in the great room, much of it on the sofa: “Almost no activity is off limits! And if we're there, so are the dogs – three Jack Russell terriers and an Australian shepherd/schnauzer mix. Although we do occasionally use the fourchair area for reading or working, it is used most often when we have guests. It's the ideal spot for cocktails or conversation.” The ASID judges must have agreed since they selected it as the top Singular Space of 2014.

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Q&A with Beth Surdut: Bringing art home

Jewish artist Beth Surdut moved to Tucson in March. In addition to her unique tallit and chuppah

designs, she uses paintings, drawings and stories to translate and integrate nature and world cultures. Her stained glass and mural paintings bring light and nature into homes and public spaces. Whether framed or installed, Beth says her art is “for the home.” An image can morph into a variety of pieces with an idea that started out as stained glass becoming a painting on silk that becomes a textile that becomes a garment, a tile mural, table linens, carving and so on. In the following Q&A she shares her inspirations, her Jewish roots and her range of artistic adventures.

What was your Jewish involvement growing up?

I grew up in Rhode Island. I walked from home and Quaker school to my Reform temple for Hebrew and Sunday school, read from the Torah at my bat mitzvah and began my association with the National Federation of Temple Youth. In between two summers in Israel, my rabbi encouraged me to attend federation leadership and arts institutes in upstate New York. Many years passed and many adventures happened before Hebrew College hired me to write articles, primarily about tzedakah. Soon after, I painted a chuppah, but it took me wandering in the American desert to create my first tallit. The connection between exotic locales, critters and prayer shawls is not immediately obvious, especially considering the mostly bad rap Raven gets in the Torah, but just as there is a prayer available for everything from the sighting of a rainbow to a storm, and 613 mitzvot represented by 613 seeds in a pomegranate, the beautiful realities and mysteries of life are all intertwined if we practice the art of paying “Whether attention.

Describe the work you have done with stained glass and mural paintings for homes and public spaces.

Not long out of college, where I majored in religious studies and fine art, I took a community night class for the basics of working with stained glass. It became my livelihood for many years. I designed for public places and private spaces, including 24 windows for a Middle Eastern palace and numerous private homes. in a Perhaps my three visits to the major Gauguin exhibit at the National Gallery called me to the home or a public What brought you to Tucson? tropics. Designing a lush tropical floral window For the last six years, the many layered palette a hotel in Key West and making trips to venue, art affects the for of the high desert has been my teacher, and Jamaica had shown me how insistently gorgeous now it’s the Sonoran desert. I moved from quality of our lives.” tropical islands can be. I packed a bag of clothes, a Santa Fe, NM, to Tucson in March 2015. bag of dyes and silks, and moved to the Hawaiian The 2012 Tucson Festival of Books was my ~ Beth Surdut Islands, where world travelers bought my introduction. A year later – after literally paintings. jumping up and down in my studio when I got I was invited to design environments as large as an entire the news – I returned to accept the book festival Literary Award Hawaiian shirt exhibit at the American Textile History Museum for Nonfiction for Listening to Raven, my book-in-progress of and as intimate as a condo foyer turned into a faux aquarium. illustrations of that iconic bird interspersed with collected true The latter featured my ocean-themed paintings set into niches stories and personal essays. and walls I painted to mimic ambient light playing off water. In 2014 I gave a presentation on “The Modern Tallit” at the Using mostly house paint, I transformed a covered concrete JCC here. During that visit, Arizona Illustrated featured me in outdoor space into a bamboo forest. The owner requested the two separate shows – as a tallit maker and raven specialist – and image of a classic seaplane flying in over the mountains. You that carried over into a radio piece on Arizona Spotlight. With could almost hear propellers whirring and a voice calling, “Da that exposure, I collected more fabulous raven stories and gained Plane!” new tallit clients. And I realized that there were pollinators and Back on the mainland after six years, I landed in a lizards that I could study only here. quintessential Massachusetts town during a winter with snowfall

Beth Surdut: bethsurdut.com 34 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Beth transformed this covered outdoor space into a bamboo forest.

the highest ever in recorded history. I warmed viewers with painted visions of verdant jungles. I do have a penchant for custom projects. If someone has an idea for something beautiful, especially inspired by nature or myth, do come to me and we will see what we can create. Some of my best work has been generated by "what if " and "could you possibly..."

Where else have your journeys taken you?

Prior to Raven calling me to the Southwest, I spent three years paddling with alligators on the designated wild and scenic Myakka River on Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gulf Coast, where human interactions with paradise informed my paintings and essays. Ever drawn to wild places grand and intimate, I have hung from a rope in the feathery greenness of a mountain fern forest, piloted a small plane through the lava reds of sunset, climbed a mountain to bathe in a holy Hindu spring, and kayaked amidst seals and dolphins. As an adult, living in Hawaii and enjoying long sojourns in Indonesia, the West Indies and Australia nurtured my relationship with the mysteries and nuances of tropical and oceanic realms. My focus is illustrating, through art and writing, the creatures and habitats with which we share this world of wonders.

Why do you work in so many mediums?

I have always been a professional artist, adding mediums as curiosity beckoned. Known as a glass designer and colorist, I stymied some of my collectors when I turned my hand to intricate drawings of

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ravens, hummingbirds and insects, so detailed that they have been exhibited at the New York State Museum along with international scientific illustrators. That was a surprise – I thought I was just paying attention to form, structure and personality of each being. I tend to learn the basic mechanics of a medium and then create an individual approach and style. Just as people recognize my voice when they hear my commentaries and interviews for public radio, they recognize my “hand” in the paintings and one-of-a-kind wearable art I create for women and men. One of the clearest descriptions of my creativity and purpose was written by former New Mexico State Land Commissioner Ray Powell in a letter to the mayor of Santa Fe: “By using her outstanding art and literary talents, Beth connects with people of all ages in a very positive and constructive manner. Her love of nature and our local community come through strongly in her work. She calls herself a ‘visual storyteller’ and in my estimation she does great justice to the natural world we call home.”

How do you view the role of art?

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Fine art has always had a function: as beauty, as political or personal statement, therapy, expression, information, or as a platform for questioning and dialogue. My fine craft includes a full-length cape in the New Zealand Wearable Art Awards runway show, and printed table linens designed for museums and Bloomingdales, and that Tucson Botanical Gardens currently carries. Whether in a home or a public venue, art affects the quality of our lives. Look what history remembers – war, art and invention: goodness and evil. Every one of those elements led me to creating custom prayer shawls, tallit or tallis, depending when and where you learned Hebrew. When my Russian-born grandfather was 18 years old, his two brothers, studying to be Torah scribes, were murdered by Cossacks. My paternal grandfather came to America in 1905 and fathered three sons. My decision to become a designer and painter of prayer shawls, wedding canopies, Torah covers and healing scarves is, in part, a way to say Kaddish for these family members, along with my mother and my father, each time I handletter a prayer in Hebrew. Tallitot add more colors to my spiritual palette than I ever imagined.

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[ food]

Have a ball or a roll with fruit sushi

Corner Who says sushi has to be made with seaweed, vegetables and fish? Not here! This summer have a ball with these fun, easy and colorful fruit snacks that you and your family can enjoy making and eating. Prepare a raspberry dip or other fruit variation to dip your fruit

By Lucia Schnitzer

sushi in, and shave some cantaloupe to mimic ginger for the side. Challenge yourself and roll your favorite fruit in sticky rice using a rolling mat and garnished with sesame seeds or toasted coconut. Make sashimi topped with a piece of sweet mango and garnished with a blackberry. It’s truly endless what fruits and spreads you can combine. Just remember to have fun and pass the chopsticks!

Sushi Roll-Ups

Strawberry and Kiwi Sushi Balls ½ cup sushi rice 1½ cups coconut milk 2 tablespoons sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup strawberries, hulled 2 kiwi fruit, peeled 4 fresh mint leaves Put the rice, coconut milk, sugar and vanilla in a small saucepan over high heat. Once boiling, simmer on the lowest heat for 12 to 15 minutes or until tender. Let cool.

4 all-fruit, fruit roll-ups 2-3 bananas (no mushy or hard ones) ¼ cup shredded, unsweetened coconut Peel bananas and cut off the tips. Peel plastic from fruit roll-ups and lay flat. Place banana on roll-up. Roll the fruit leather tightly around the banana. The fruit roll-up should be sticky so it will seal itself and wrap around the banana. Cut each rolled banana into 4-6 pieces. Optional: Dip both ends in shredded coconut.

Slice the strawberries and kiwi fruits as thinly as possible with a sharp knife. Set them aside. Using 12-inch square pieces of plastic wrap, spread strawberry or kiwi slices in the middle of each square, leaving a 3- to 4-inch perimeter around edge. Top the strawberries (or kiwi) at the center with 1½ tablespoons of cooked rice. Close the plastic wrap, and form a ball. Twist the plastic wrap to tighten around the fruit and rice. Carefully unwrap the plastic wrap from the sushi ball. Garnish with mint or strawberries.

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 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

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1 large banana, peeled ¼ cup peanut butter OR Nutella or a chocolate spread 1/8 cup coconut flakes Chocolate chips Cut the banana into eight pieces about 2 inches long. Using an apple corer, remove the middle of each banana slice. Fill the hollowed-out banana slices with peanut butter or chocolate spread. Sprinkle with coconut and top with chocolate chips.

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Taste of Arizona A

Bluewater Grill $$$ 1720 E Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-277-3474

By A Noshman

It’s no secret that desert dwellers love the water. There are more boats per capita in Arizona than any other U.S. state. We also love our seafood. Beginning as kids with fish sticks from TV dinners and school cafeterias, all the way up to sushi and caviar, these marine marvels satisfy hunger and our yearning for exotic tropical beaches. Over the past 20 years, Arizona has developed from a “don’t order the fish” area to a “delectable ocean and stream fare all over” kind of place. For everyone who drives the 51, there’s a familiar neon sign sticking out near Camelback Road marking the location of the Bluewater Grill. Oldtimers may remember it as the Fish Market, and it’s the same ownership. The family has a small chain of California restaurants, with one of them, the Bluewater Grill, in Phoenix. There is quite a range of fish house restaurants, from corporate low-price chains all the way up to five-star pricey experiences. In the middle, there is Bluewater Grill, which is decorated like a wharfside restaurant yet is smack dab in the middle of Phoenix. The hostess welcomes you to choose a seat at the bar or at a booth in the dining areas. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and readily answer questions about the menu. The fresh catch is well marked on the menu and sits among their signature dishes and starters. Best of all, a warm loaf of French bread and butter arrives before they even take your drink order. Over the course of a couple of visits, here’s what I had:

Fire Grilled Artichoke $8.25

(Split, and served with pesto aioli) I love everything about artichokes. From the careful peeling of each leaf to get to the heart of the matter, to the increasing tenderness from the outside in, you can’t beat this fully interactive food. Served warm, this marinated, steamed and then charred artichoke makes a great appetizer. The aioli was fresh and complemented the smokiness of the artichoke. 40 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Albacore Tuna Melt Albacore Tuna Melt $11.75

(Tuna salad with cheddar cheese on toasted wheat bread with your choice of one side) Those of you, who like me are always in search of the ultimate tuna melt, can’t resist ordering it when you see it. I asked for sourdough instead of wheat and chose coleslaw as my side. Much to my delight, the cheese had a slight golden crust to it, meaning the tuna and cheese had been baked before the sandwich was grilled, a wonderful detail that was not lost on me. Bottom line, it’s good! What really stood out though was the coleslaw. Everyone knows that coleslaw can either be too heavy on the mayo or too heavy on the vinegar. This was neither, which allowed the fresh ingredients to really stand out. I Seared Tuna can’t remember ever seeing parsley in coleslaw and was surprised at how delicious it was; it was part of the reason it tasted so fresh. Coleslaw is a must try at the Bluewater Grill.

Seared Ahi Tuna $13.50

Ask them to hold the pancetta (Roasted tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, lemon aioli, kaiware sprouts) This was heaven on a plate. Perfectly seared slices of fresh tuna on a bed of roasted and crispy vegetables, all with an Asian drizzle and sesame seeds. My server offered chopsticks and a side of soy and wasabi, which I accepted, though it wasn’t necessary at all to embellish this appetizer. The tuna was rare with a nice crust, and it was an ample

portion that could easily be shared by two. This is highly recommended.

Snapper, Pacific Rockfish $19.75

Choice of two sides I like snapper. It has a mild flavor, is firm, and grills or sautés nicely. Bluewater Grill’s version is highly seasoned and pan cooked. For sides I chose the seasoned vegetables (a squash medley) and skin-on Yukon gold cheddar mashed potatoes. The fish was nicely done but, caution again, highly seasoned. Not that it was spicy, just that I would have liked to have tasted more of the fish. The mashed potatoes were awesome, and the vegetables were very nice. It came with a lemon butter sauce on the side for dipping that I used occasionally.

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There is no description offered on the menu, so I asked my server about it. Her eyes sort of rolled back in her head when she said, “coffee ice cream on an Oreo cookie crust with chocolate chunks throughout, topped with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauce, and it’s pretty big.” She had me at coffee ice cream, so I ordered it and a cup of coffee. Let me begin by saying I have already made plans to bring a friend and go back soon for another slice. It’s like every flavor and texture of every ice cream treat you ever loved was on a plate in front of you. Though not gourmet like a creme brulee, this slice of ice cream pie was an ultimate dessert. The cup of coffee was a great complement, and I highly recommend you stop by at least for this dessert. I do love my fish dinners, and Bluewater Grill is a moderately priced restaurant with good service and good food. The dessert was out of this world, and you can’t beat the location. The next time you’re driving on the 51 and you see the Bluewater Grill sign out of the corner of your eye, pull over and feed your ocean-loving sole (pun intended).

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ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 41

Kids

& Teens too

A child friendly resource for parents

Weekly field trips | Daily snacks T-shirt | Swimming every day Traditional, Sports & Specialty Camps Cool “theme” each week All-camp sleepover | Color Wars

Campers grades K-8 & Counselors-in-Training (CIT) ages 14-16

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Sign up today! ShemeshAtTheJ.org For more info contact the Youth Department Youth@vosjcc.org 480.483.7121 x1277 | vosjcc.org 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

42 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

E I LOV T PA CAM JCC! THE

s s e c n i r p a h t i w y t r a P ! r e m m u s this

By Janet Arnold

Sara Bernstein is a Jewish American Princess. On a regular basis, she dons her princess costume and wig, flashes her warm and sparkly smile, and makes little girls’ dreams come true. Oh, she's not a JAP kind of princess – she's the best kind of princess there can be, in the tradition of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and all the derivations through the current and wildly popular Frozenesque princesses. Sara has established Storybook Entertainment to provide a variety of princess parties for birthdays or group gatherings. Sara seemed destined for a creative, performing life. Her earliest recollection of singing on stage was when she was about 3. Her mother, Gail Glazer, was the musical director of many productions, and she would regularly find a role for her precocious and talented daughter. Growing up in a Conservative Jewish home in Pennsylvania and Maryland, Sara participated in Kadimah and USY and had a particular affinity for Camp Harlan in the Poconos, where she spent five summers. "Camp really helped form my Jewish cultural world," Sara recalls. "I clearly remember learning what a ‘mensch’ is and how to live your life with mensch-like behaviors." Sara attended Northwestern University studying musical theater production and stayed in the Chicago area for a

while. She met and married Ira Bernstein, and they moved to Maryland where she was an elementary school music teacher for three years. "In those early years I would do a lot of dinner theater,” she says. “I'd go from teaching all day to waiting tables and performing. I didn't need sleep then!" she adds with a laugh. Ira was able to get a job transfer to the Phoenix area and Sara planned to go to Arizona State University for a master’s, but she happened onto a job with Arizona Theatre Company as its education manager. "It was a dream job," she recalls. In the five years she was with ATC, the education department under the direction of Samantha Wyer grew from one part-time employee to three full-timers. The number of children they reached grew tenfold. "We actually took Shakespeare to the Navajo Nation," she says proudly. While at ATC, Sara had their first son, Dylan. She wanted to spend more time at home and left ATC. But the lure of the stage is strong. Sara began directing for local community theaters such as Desert Foothills Theatre and the Scottsdale children's theater, Greasepaint. She also charmed audiences as Tzeitle, the oldest daughter in "Fiddler on the Roof," in 2007 for the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company and again as the Narrator in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in 2013 for DFT.

Storybook Entertainment: 480-254-3994 | storybookentertaimentaz@gmail.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 43

Kids

While she certainly has both the vocal and acting "chops" to venture into the professional theaters in town, she says that currently, "My job is my business and my family. I just don't have the time for those long rehearsal and performance schedules." She admits she does need sleep now. The family holds a membership at Congregation Or Tzion in Scottsdale. Last year she was at a birthday party with Dylan, who is now 6, and her younger son, Aaron, now 3. A relative of the birthday girl had dressed as a princess and the youngsters squealed with delight. Sara immediately starting thinking about the talented actresses she knew and how she could put together a professional company to provide these types of princess parties with even more detail and panache. And Storybook Entertainment was born. She's developing the business in several directions, offering not only a princess visit, but also calling on her colleagues to create original stories to be performed for those wanting more than the traditional meet and greet. "Our princesses also do face painting and lead crafts. I am willing to provide a variety of characters, but we do insist that they are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;face characters,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (meaning) you can see their faces. I had a request for a dinosaur once, and while we provided it, some of the kids actually cried because they were 44 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

afraid. We've done Spiderman, but other than that, we make sure faces are visible. The kids may be shy at first, but at least they won't cry!" Sara is happy to provide the superheroes on request, but there hasn't been a big demand so far. A superhero party geared more to boys includes an obstacle course, mask-making and/or a scavenger hunt. "We are going to be developing Luke and Leia, with the Star Wars movie coming out next year!" Sara's company can also provide other aspects of party planning, including decorations, photo backdrops, party favors and such. "If we don't do it ourselves, we have lots of folks we can recommend. We don't provide cakes, for example, but know great people who do!" She feels good (mensch-like!) about providing even occasional work to local actors. She's proud that she uses local costume designers to create the (adjustable) costumes and employs a local wig master as well. Summer is a slow time for big birthday parties, so Sara is contacting local day camps and other summer programs. "Our plays are perfect for a summer day camp," she says. "We have three 25-minute-long original stories we can perform with four characters â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the kids love them!"

Photo by: Stephanie Heymann Photography

Alex Stoken

Teen earns highest awards By Janet Arnold

Alex Stoken graduated from Mountain Pointe High School in Ahwatukee last month. This young man has already achieved a long and distinguished resume. He not only graduated with a Diploma of Distinction from the STEM Academy as valedictorian, he also amassed numerous prestigious awards from both his high school and outside agencies. His school, part of the Tempe Union High School District, awarded Alex the Joe Seleh Golf Sportsmanship Award twice; he was namedÂ Scholar Athlete of the Year and received a Community Service Letter all four years. He received an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award from the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair and was recognized for his Outstanding Research by the ASM Materials Education Foundation. Alex is a National Merit Finalist, a National AP Scholar and a Coca-Cola Scholar. There are many more titles we could list, but perhaps most importantly, Alex is also a mensch. Son of Alan and Jodi Stoken, Alan was born in Arizona in 1997 and began his education at the East Valley JCC, where he attended daycare, preschool and kindergarten. The family belonged to Temple Emanuel of Tempe where Alex went to religious school and became a bar mitzvah. That is where he heard about B'nai Tzedak, the teen philanthropy department of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix. Director Andrea Cohen spoke to the bar mitzvah class and

Mazel Tov to the Pardes Class of 2015 It has been an honor to be your teachers. We have loved watching you grow. -The faculty and staff of Pardes Jewish Day School

Front Row (L to R): Samantha Wiener, Jagat Khalsa, Madeleine Roth, Eliava Birdt, Marcy Sterling, Paige Bressler, Emma Dabill Middle Row (L to R): Maya Kogan, Maiya Falach, Daniel Levinthal, Drew Tyler, Noah Silver, Gabe Coven, Bradley Greenberg Back Row (L to R): Leah Malayeva, Joseph Campanelli-Blanco, Mattan Sayada, Ethan Weisman, Bradley Gordon, Yehuda Zadikov, Joshua Kades Not Pictured: Emily Bachus

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 45

parents about the program. Alex "jumped right on board and loved it from the beginning; Andrea is a great mentor for the kids, " Jodi says. Alex established his own fund with gift money from his bar mitzvah and became active in the organization, serving as a member of the Youth Philanthropy Board all four years. He also was a member of the Jewish Community Foundation Grants Committee this year, helping to allocate $200,000 to local and Israel-based organizations. Although school and related activities have kept him from getting more than causally involved in other Jewish teen organizations, Alex found that B'nai Tzedek was a program where he really wanted to play a role. He explains, "I think my interest in B'nai Tzedek came from two places. One, from Andrea's presentation at temple, and two from some of the things my family was involved in. Through my mom's work at the Child Crisis Center, I was able to see the amazing impact of nonprofits and, as I learned from my parents and grandparents, (that) these nonprofits couldn't function without the generosity of philanthropists. B'nai Tzedek seemed like the perfect way to get involved and contribute to these causes." There are a couple other accolades deserving of mention. Alex is one of 12 Arizona students named a Flinn Scholar. This highly competitive, merit-based award from the Flinn Foundation includes a four-year full scholarship to an Arizona University, including not only tuition, but also room and board. In addition, the scholars will travel to China for a three-week study program after their freshman year and are given the opportunity to study overseas again later. Flinn scholars are often provided internships and meetings with noted professionals in their chosen field, as well. Alex has chosen to attend the University of Arizona Honors College to study physics. In addition, Alex has been named one of just three students selected from Arizona (and the only one from Maricopa County) as a U.S. Presidential Scholar. “Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards and commit themselves to excellence,” says Anne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education. “These scholars are poised to make their mark on our nation in every field imaginable. ... Their academic and artistic achievements reflect a sense of purpose that we should seek to instill in all students to prepare them for college, careers, civic responsibilities and the challenges of today’s job market.” The 2015 ceremony is June 21 in Washington, DC, when each honoree receives a Presidential Scholar Medallion. Alex is aware of the responsibilities that go along with the award. “I've always wanted to make a difference in my community, and this is a sort of acknowledgement that I've been able to truly impact the people around me," he says. "To be able to represent Mountain Pointe and Arizona as one of this year's scholars is one of the most exciting opportunities I've ever had.”

46 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Pitching again

T Statman raises money and aware By Debra Rich Gettleman

The phone rang as I was walking into the gym. It was an unfamiliar number. “Debra?” The voice on the other end spoke softly but deliberately. “This is Doctor Palmer.” I remember thinking it odd for my dermatologist to be phoning me directly. “I got the lab report back. It’s melanoma.” I felt myself stagger a bit. Melanoma? How can that be? I never go into the sun without layers of protection. I almost always wear a hat. I eat carefully, exercise, do all the right things. Especially since losing my father to melanoma just a few short years earlier, I was hyper-vigilant to put it mildly. Plus I was still in my 30s and six months’ pregnant with my second child. No, this was not possible. Being pregnant with melanoma is a double whammy. Because your body is in such a heightened state of growth and new cell development, the cancer cells can be overly aggressive and reproduce even faster than normal. Surgery was scheduled immediately and a large chunk of my upper right arm was removed to ensure clean margins. I was lucky they were able to get all of it, and I was spared any chemo or radiation treatments. Now all I have to remember the event is a thick 3-inch scar and slight indentation where the old tissue used to be. I’ve seen my dermatologist routinely every four months ever since. So when my editor told me about Tamara “T” Statman, I

nst skin cancer

eness with every strike she throws jumped at the chance to do the interview. T Statman is a 17-year-old softball star at Horizon High School. She recently set the record of 1,000 strikeouts from the newly established 43-foot pitching distance. She’s smart, outgoing, beautiful and deeply committed to giving back to her family, her school and her community. When I ask T about her new pitching record, she humbly brushes it off saying, “It’s about the team. You can get as many strikeouts as you want and still lose the game.” T plays club team softball in Alabama in the summer and high school ball here at Horizon in the spring. She’ll be playing for the University of Arizona come fall while she enjoys her full academic scholarship. T is truly a well-rounded, popular, thoughtful young woman. She also plays on the varsity golf team and holds a third-degree black belt in tae kwon do. But keeping her body and mind in shape isn’t all T’s about. “I want to give back to the community,” she tells me. “That’s why I started T K’s for Skin Cancer, where people can pledge as little

“I want to give back to the community. That’s why Istarted T K’s for Skin Cancer, where people can pledge as little as 5 cents per strikeout.”

T’s family belongs to Chabad of North Phoenix, and she definitely believes her Judaism informs her social consciousness. “So much of being Jewish is about charity and family and community,” T says. She volunteers at Chabad for a program called Friendship Circle, which works with special-needs kids, teens and adults. She is also trying to learn Hebrew online from several Orthodox colleagues she met at a National Council of Youth Sports event. “Sometimes it’s hard.” T reveals. “Softball games are on Friday nights.” She also played last year on Yom Kippur. “You do what you’ve got to do. I didn’t drink anything until I got on the field. Then right after the game I went to synagogue. I do what I can, what I can control.” I ask T what she thinks is the most valuable lesson learned from participating in team sports. “It teaches you how to get along with 16 other personalities,” she comments tactfully. “There’s always drama. You just choose to ignore it.” T is also proud of her past participation in Junior State of America’s mock congress. She helped author a bill outlawing the use of handheld devices while driving that is now headed to the Arizona State Legislature. Her political aspirations are leading her toward a political science major at U of A. But she’s not abandoning her athletic interests, and she plans to minor in sports management and communications. Is T interested in playing pro softball? She doesn’t see that in her future. Although she does confide, “If softball is part of the Olympics in 2020 in Japan, I’m definitely trying out.” Follow T on Twitter @TStatman and on Instagram @theonlyrealT.

~ T. Statman

as 5 cents per strikeout.” All the proceeds go to the Arizona Skin Cancer Foundation. T K’s for Skin Cancer campaign is in its third season and raises money for and awareness about skin cancer throughout the community. T’s father has battled skin cancer several times, and T is adamant about “checking the skin you’re in,” the Arizona Skin Cancer Foundation slogan she advances in her fundraising campaign. She goes to the dermatologist twice a year for skin checks and has made long sleeves part of her signature uniform. “Arizona has the highest rate of skin cancer,” she explains. “I’ve always gone to the dermatologist and am always cautious about my skin.” She smiles and adds, “I want to look 30 when I’m 50.” She seems perplexed that so many of her classmates still spend hours tanning and spring breaks in Mexico and Mission Beach trying to get “super dark.” T K’s for Skin Cancer was developed with Dr. Richard Averitte, the head of the Arizona Skin Cancer Foundation. “Most of the money raised goes to treating melanoma patients,” Dr. Averitte explains on T’s promotional video. “Every melanoma patient we get that is uninsured will cost at a minimum $20 to 25,000.” Any additional funds go to education and research.

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An Arizona Tradition...Turning childhood moments in life’s rich memories. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 47

Kids

For Dad with

We invited input from some second- and third-graders at Pardes Jewish Day School in Scottsdale and Tucson Hebrew Academy as to what a perfect gift would be for their dads on Fathers’ Day – and to tell us a little about the man of the house. Arizona Jewish Life Contributing Editor Leni Reiss created the questions and interviewed and photographed the children at Pardes. Tucson Hebrew Academy Community Relations Director Julee Dawson photographed the Tucson students and passed on their responses to us. Here are the students’ lightly edited and totally delightful responses.

PARDES JEWISH DAY SCHOOL Second-Graders Ari Kreisberger/Dad: Simon

First of all I would give him a big hug. Then I’d give him some Under Armour shirts. He loves wine, so I would get him a real fancy bottle. My dad lets me and my brother do fun stuff like mountain climbing.

Love

Samantha Sonder/Dad: Matt

My dad grew up in New York and he’s a Yankees fan, so I’d get him a new team cap or jersey. New golf clubs would be good, too. He likes things I make for him like a picture frame and paper flowers. He is very funny. He makes up jokes and we laugh about them all the time. Jacqueline Ozer/Dad: Steve

My dad is a doctor, so maybe I’d get a book about doctor stuff and maybe a new tennis racquet and balls. On weekends our family watches movies together and has snacks. My dad is a pretty good guitar player. He is in a band with other doctors. Usually they play in bars, so I don’t get to see them.

TUCSON HEBREW ACADEMY

Leah Sacks/Dad: Josh

My dad likes basketball so maybe a new ball. He’s kind of a sports guy. He’s a big Diamondbacks fan so maybe some team clothes. The whole family goes to games. My dad is really funny. He tells jokes and makes funny noises and faces. Jacob Maskin/Dad: Erik

Maybe I’d get him some books. He likes books better than TV! He usually reads to me at night. He also loves chocolate. I could get him a lot of chocolate. Every year my mom, my sister and I make my dad a special present.

Third-graders

Second-graders Zev Greenberg/Dad: Aaron

He wants an iWatch (Apple Watch). If he got one for Fathers’ Day, it would make him very excited. My dad is always looking out for us. He always does nice things for us.

Casey Berk/Dad: Bill

My dad needs a trailer hitch for his new truck so he can pull his boat. Dad always makes me feel better when I'm not happy.

Nate Spierer/Dad: David

I think my dad would like a picture of his family – me, my sister and my mom – and our two dogs, Lola and Roscoe – so he could look at it when we aren’t around. He loves to spend time with us and his friends. He likes kale and spinach and lots of salads and turkey burgers. He likes to be healthy. 48 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Celeste Bergantino/Dad: J.R.

I always give him a special picture of the two of us. My dad is always there to teach me so I learn things the right way.

Third-graders Lariela Citron/Dad: Dov

I would like to give my father Lego Super Star Destroyer. I like to play with my dad when he lets me splash him in the pool and chase him around. The best thing about my dad is that when he is busy with work if we want him to stop working he will stop and pay attention to us.

Aidan Goldberg/Dad: Jeffery

My dad is fun to be around. He makes jokes that make me laugh. My dad would consider spending time with us on Fathersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day as present enough.

Halle Hirshman/Dad: Conrad

I would like to make my dad a beaded key chain. On Fathersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day I want to spend the day with him doing whatever he would like to do.

Kids & Teen

EVENTS June

June 7 Tucson J-Family Diamondbacks Game versus New York

Mets; Game Time: 1:10 pm (depart the J at 10:15 am, return by 6:30 pm). $36 includes coach bus transportation, admission to the game and snacks on the bus. Great seats. Contact Scott Zorn, 520299-3000, ext. 192

June 7-July 5 McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park free summer concerts. Bring a blanket or chairs to enjoy your favorite local bands, ranging from Motown to country to British. Sundays at 7:30 pm at 7301 E Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. 480-312-2312, therailroadpark.com

.June 17 Kulanu at the Diamondbacks. Departing from Camp

Kulanu, 1118 W Glendale Ave., Phoenix, at 5:30 pm. Free for registered campers; $15 for others. Includes transportation and supervision to, at and from the game. Boys and girls going into 1st grade and older are welcome. RSVP: info@campkulanu.com

June 20 and July 18 Dive & Dine Movie, Dinner and Havdalah, a Tucson JCC annual summertime favorite! Enjoy a movie, dinner and night of swimming with family and friends at the beautiful outdoor pool area. Members: Adults $6, Children $5; Non-Members: $8; 2 & under are free. 3800 E River Road in Tucson. Check the JCC FYI Hotline at 299-3000, ext. 347, for movie titles and possible changes due to weather. or contact Scott at 520-299-3000, ext. 160, or szorn@tucsonjcc.org

June 21 Happy Father's Day!

June 21 Beat It! Family Drumming Workshop for Dads and Kidsand Moms, Too! 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. $12 per person. Catch the rhythm and learn the basics of African, Latin and pop-music hand drumming with master instructor Frank Thompson. Bring your own drum or use one of ours. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix. 480-478-6000, mim.org

CAMPS

Many local summer camps offer one-week sessions, so there's still time to sign up!

East Valley JCC: (Chandler). Summer to Remember offers themed weeks through July 24. info@evjcc.org, 480-897-0588 Tucson JCC: Camp J 365 has one-and two-week sessions

through July 31. camp@tucsonjcc.org, 520-299-3000, ext. 192

Valley of the Sun JCC:

(Scottsdale). Camp Shemesh has weekly offerings through Aug. 7. youth@vosjcc.org, 480-483-7121, ext. 1275

MIM Summer Camp: Around the World weekly offerings are: Asia-June 1-5; Africa-June 8-12; Latin America-June 15-19; USAJune 22-26; $250/week or $240/week when two or more weeks are paid in advance. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix. 480-478-6000, mim.org Mini Gan Izzy Summer Camp June 8-July 31. Chabad of the East Valley, 875 N McClintock Dr. in Chandler, for preschoolers 2-5. 480-855-4333 or info@ chabadcenter.com

Camp Kulanu: Day camp for preschool through junior high. June 22- July 31. Housed at Beth El. Congregation Beth El, 1118 W Glendale Ave in Phoenix. 602-730-4564, campkulanu.com

Tell Dad you love him! ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 49

Kids

Experience Israel with Israeli Scout Caravan

Israeli Scouts perform during their 2014 visit to Arizona.

The annual Israeli Scout Caravan will bring 10 energetic teenagers to Arizona this summer to share their love of Israel with free entertaining shows across Arizona. The Israeli Scouts will be in the Valley June 9-18 and in the Tucson area June 19. While staying in the greater Phoenix area, the Scouts will perform nine shows including one in Prescott. The Scouts sing, dance and interact with the audience. They sing in Hebrew, English and Yiddish. The free shows last an hour and are free of politics. Each year the shows are well attended by people of all faiths and by Boy and Girl Scouts throughout the Valley. Families interested in serving as hosts for the teens during their Valley stay can gain an even greater appreciation for the Scouts enthusiasm. “This hosting relationship goes beyond simply providing food and a bed, the host families become true surrogate families to the Scouts during their stay,” says Steve 50 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

ISRAELI SCOUTS VALLEY SCHEDULE June 9, 7 pm: Beth El Congregation, 1118 W Glendale Ave., Phoenix June 10, 7 pm: Congregation Or Tzion, 9096 E Bahia Dr. #106, Scottsdale June 11, 6:30 pm: Capital Market, 120 W Gurley St., 2nd Floor, Prescott; (RSVP: Bob Casden at rcasden@ cableone.net or Juanita at 928-7080018) June 13, 7 pm: Open Door Fellowship Church, 8301 N 19th Ave., Phoenix June 14, 11 am: Temple Beth Shalom, 12202 N 101st Ave., Sun City June 14, 4:30 pm: Temple Chai, 4645 E Marilyn Road, Scottsdale June 15, 1 pm: LDS Stake Center, 777 E Elliot Road, Gilbert June 15, 7 pm: Temple Solel, 6805 E McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley June 16, 7 pm: Jewish Historical Society, 122 E Culver, Phoenix; (RSVP required: 602 241-7870)

Rosenbaum, chair of Arizona Friends of Israel Scouts. “This personal contact combined with the opportunity for the Israel Scouts to teach one on one about Israel is invaluable, and the relationships forged can last a lifetime. These 10 individuals will forever be remembered by their host family. They are incredible.” Steve says that often families who host a Scout plan their first family trip to Israel. “It is a great opportunity for the Scouts and their families to host in return,” says Steve. Host families must have children ages 10 or older and be able to provide a separate bed for each Scout. Families are asked to attend most public shows and be willing to drive to a central meeting place each morning. “Your children should also be involved,” says Steve. “They are the Scouts adopted siblings. Nothing makes a Scout happier than seeing ‘their family’s face’ in the audience. Scouts often involve a family member in the shows. Families interested in hosting a Scout should contact Ellen Rosenbaum at 480-216-4282.

Seniors

Solutions for seniors when aging is an issue By Leni Reiss

For clients from as far away as London, from cities across the U.S. and throughout the Valley of the Sun, Nanean Fann has helped families find care and living environments for their elderly parents. In a classic example of identifying a need and filling it, Elderchoice, the business Nanean founded some 25 years ago, came about when she came to the sad realization that her mother, Sylvia Mutchnik, no longer could live alone. “The best answer was not for her to live with me,” Nanean recalls. “For one thing,” Nanean says, “there wouldn’t be enough socialization for her – despite family and loving grandchildren.” Fully aware of what to expect as her mother aged, and with the determination of a loving daughter, she set out on a journey to find the best fit. To that end Nanean arranged for her mother to move into a local assisted-living facility, and then Nanean accepted a position there as marketing director. She says she

then was able “to keep an eye on Mom while learning the inside scoop on care of the elderly.” The next step for Nanean was to attend Nanean and Jodie Fann. night school at Phoenix Photo by Leni Reiss College and study gerontology, “to learn the specific challenges of aging – and hone in on cues for working on issues with this unique population.” Nanean soon became a resource for friends. “Wherever I was, people were asking my advice about the challenges they were facing with elderly parents,” she recalls. “I realized there was an industry just waiting for me.” She began to explore the Valley, checking out available options and acquiring a “log of communities” and pursuing numerous interviews, visitations and evaluations. A name, Elderchoice, was selected, a brochure and materials

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 51

Seniors were developed, references were obtained and Elderchoice was born – dedicated in loving memory of Nanean’s mother, who passed away at age 90 in 2003. Nanean takes great pride in her ability as a matchmaker “to put pieces of the puzzle together” and provide “suitable and confident recommendations” for each client, while continuing to monitor competence and skill levels of all her recommendations. She says it is not unusual for families to “postpone the inevitable,” but the time does come when decisions must be made, “and then we can expedite the process of planning a next step.” Socialization is a major factor, she says. Even if the parent is in good health, he or she often feels alone and lonely. A perfect placement offers them the opportunity to be with people – and provides onsite additional services when and if they become necessary. There is no fee to the client. Nanean is paid by the facility. With a business that continues to exceed her wildest expectations, and a prodigious and sometimes overwhelming workload, it was fortuitous that Jodi (Sherman) her eldest of three daughters with husband Al, joined the enterprise in 2006. With a big smile, Nanean notes that Jodi “will be well-prepared when it comes time to find a place for me!” Jodi chimes in. “She’ll always be my mentor,” she says with pride. “My mom is a great communicator and is so good at what she does.” Issues that the mother /daughter team deal with include the

following: Finances: There is huge range of costs and fees. More money doesn’t necessarily mean the best fit. Location: Ideally and when possible it is best to be near family members. Staff ratio and quality: Elderchoice monitors competency and skill levels at all communities and homes they recommend. Food: This can be a nonissue or a significant issue. For example, seniors might complain about necessarily restricted diets. Pets: It used to be the case that animals were a no-no. Facilities typically have become animal-friendly. Transportation: While seniors are loath to give up their cars, this becomes less of an issue because at many locales busses are provided to go to events, shopping malls and doctor appointments. With a plan in place for Jodi eventually to assume the helm at Elderchoice, she says she “hears her mother’s voice in my ear, leading me on the right business path.” Jodi is enthusiastic about the local upsurge of available group homes: smaller facilities that provide 24/7 quality care when needed. “When they are good, they are great,” she says. For additional information on independent or assisted living, specialized care facilities or group homes, contact Nanean Fann, 480-513-1661or elderchoicefall@msn.com; or Jodi Sherman, 602-410-0525; elderchoicesherman@cox.net.

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A Friendly approach to music Broadway show tunes and cantorial music roll off senior’s tongue By Melissa Hirschl

Music makes the world go round for Scottsdale virtuosa Sharon Friendly. The classically trained performer has been singing professionally for most of her life and relishes every opportunity to belt out a tune. “I love the challenge of performing and making people laugh or cry,” says the Toronto native, who has been entertaining audiences since her teen years. At the youthful age of 72, Friendly exudes vitality and passion, two attributes that fueled her sparkling career. “I've been a singer for a thousand years,” she says with a laugh. “I've performed in nightclubs, retirement centers, veterans’ homes, military shows, cruise ships and private parties.” As if a continual carousel ride of singing engagements weren’t enough to keep her life humming, Friendly is also the cantorial soloist at Scottsdale

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Desert Foothills Jewish Community Association. “I am the ‘crying cantor,’ ” she says. “You could put a million dollars on the table and say don't cry, and I'd lose it. As soon as the Yizkor music starts, it just gets in my heart and soul, and I lose it. When we sing 'We Remember Them,' it really gets to me. It's an honor and a privilege that I've been able to do something that my father had always wanted me to do and (had) never seen me do it. He was very against me being in show business, but he eventually came around.” Friendly had an epiphany at age 8 when she heard Mario Lanza, “The Great Caruso,” perform. She knew at that moment her life's ambition was to be a singer. Throughout her high school years, she threw herself into performing in plays, orchestra and variety shows. At 16 she turned to Broadway and pop music and won a talent contest called Ken Sobel's Amateur Hour singing “Wouldn't It Be Loverly” from “My Fair Lady.” When a manager wanted to send her all over the world, her protective parents rejected the idea. “So instead, I got married at 18 and went from the frying pan into the fire,” she says. “My husband was very threatened by my singing and made me stop.” After the divorce she reunited with her true love – singing. She delighted in performing for American troops in Thailand, Okinawa, Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines. Friendly entertained extensively – singing pop music, ballads and Broadway songs in restaurants, hotels and anywhere else her manager thought was appropriate. “I never had it in my soul to create the songs; I always felt I could interpret someone else's words better than my own,” she says. Her band, aptly named “Let's Get Friendly,” traveled with her, including a base, saxophone, drums and occasionally a banjo band. In the early '80s, Friendly decided to strike out in a challenging new direction: She became the host of a cable show, also called “Let's Get Friendly.” “I was the host, and I talked about anything that interested me and I picked my own guests,” she explains. “Cable networks were just learning at that time, 54 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

and I was on a learning curve with them. I hosted a lot of people and learned a lot. I had authors, a couple of minor movie stars. I loved learning about people, and I still do. People trusted me and opened up about all sorts of things they would not normally do.” The magnitude of the '94 California earthquake (6.9) was a game changer for the singer's career. Emotionally shaken, she decided to head for a place not famous for fault lines ... Arizona. Soon her love for singing sprang back to life, and she expanded into private parties, while joining “The Class Act,” a group of five seniors who performed at libraries, RV parks and care facilities. Fourteen years ago, Friendly reinvented herself once again, seizing a unique opportunity to be part of a traveling theater group. The show, called “The Gift,” was put on by Chase Manhattan Bank and included a kaleidoscope of ethnicity: a Muslim,

In the early ‘80s, Friendly decided to strike out in a challenging new direction: She became the host of a cable show, also called “Let’s Get Friendly.” a Jew, a Mexican woman and man, a Native American boy torn between the reservation and the big city, an angry young black man, an older black man, a Caucasian man, a gay man and a woman. “I was one of the women and dressed as a cantor, even before I became one,” says Friendly. “It was a special show to show how people are discriminated against. We told our stories of how skin color and religion affected us, and we performed at Chase facilities in New York, Tempe, Delaware, Florida.” In 2007 talent and glamour took center stage in Friendly's life, as she entered the Ms. Senior Arizona competition, winning second runner up. The event involved modeling a gown, telling her philosophy of life and performing a talent, which was

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singing “Don't Rain on My Parade.” The prize was a Mexico River cruise and a pageant ring. “I also got to represent Arizona at a lot of functions and parades,” she says. “When you have your banner, everyone wants a picture of you,” she says with a laugh. “Since the event, I've been in the Parada de Sol Parade, Fiesta Bowl Parade, Prescott Frontier Days and Veterans Day Parade.” Friendly is a true “muse for all seasons.” As if her resume weren’t colorful enough, 10 years ago she added another highlight – jewelry designing. “A friend kept showing up with gorgeous necklaces I admired,” she says. “I asked to learn how to create them, and soon my business, Leave No Stone Unturned, was born. When you are a performer, you are creative in many different parts of your life.” The singer now sells her jewelry at boutiques such as Ritzy Rags in Scottsdale and at home parties. She also creates distinctive bridal jewelry. “I love color and the challenge of creating,” she says. The artist's creations consist of earrings, bracelets and necklaces made from stones such as turquoise, adventurine, chalcedony, carnelian, pearls, coral and quartz. As a paid instructor as well, her classes include materials and are enjoyed at resorts, cruises and anyplace that teaches crafts. Crochet beading is her specialty, but she can also teach basic beading classes. Presently Friendly is singing with a group called The Cameo Club, consisting of seniors who have been in the Ms. Senior America Pageant. They perform at veterans homes, care facilities and resorts. She also teaches singing at her home. Sharon Friendly: 602-505-4194 | LNSunturned.com

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Dedicated search finds cantor who fits Temple Chai By Debra Rich Gettleman

g n i Liv Inside 57 A new cantor for Temple Chai 59 Israel celebrations draw thousands 60 Federation notes 60 Continental leadership program 61 Valley allocates 2015 funds 61 Faces & Places 64 Previews

It takes an average of 25 days to fill a leadership. We also had several cantorial job opening in this country. That increas- soloists, scholars-in-residence and visites to 45 days when you look at highering cantors lead our worship. Our High salaried positions. In Temple Chai’s case, Holiday services for the past two years it’s taken more than two years to find were led by Cantor Sharona Feller and the right person to fill the role of cantor. then Cantorial Soloist Allan Naplan.” Why? It’s mostly because Temple Chai Temple leadership was always eager to was not willing to settle for anything less gain congregant feedback after various than the perfect prayer partner, spiritual candidates sang on the bimah. The inforleader and musical guide. And they had mation garnered helped the leadership to figure out what that was before they clarify what the congregation wanted and could even look needed in a fullfor who fit the time cantor. description. “Formal “Music is one feedback from of the cornercongregants was stones of our requested after culture,” explains a candidate for Temple Chai Sethe full-time nior Rabbi Mari cantor position Chernow. “We visited Temple take communal Chai,” says Blyn. prayer seriously “However, the and just love to clergy and lay sing together.” leadership at Over the Temple Chai is past two years, always happy to Temple Chai speak with any has taken the congregant about opportunity to issues, concerns “try on” different or just to provide musical styles feedback.” and personalities So while there through a combiwas no formal nation of musical feedback proCantor Ross Wolman guest artists, cancess regarding torial soloists and itinerant clergy, well-respected song leaders from across congregants shared their views inforthe country. “It took us two years,” says mally after those visits. Those opinions Rabbi Chernow, “because we were comhelped inform the leadership and cantor mitted to doing this right.” search committee members as they went “We’ve been fortunate,” says Temple through a visioning process to create Chai President Debbie Blyn. “We’ve had the job description they ultimately put our outstanding and dedicated Cantor forward to the American Conference of Emerita Sharona Feller, who provided Cantors, an affiliate of the Union for Reguidance, spirituality and hands-on form Judaism. ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 57

The process was drawn out, because “We didn’t find a candidate who fully met our needs and could be a clergy partner for our rabbis,” explains Blyn. Temple Chai is thrilled to have found that partner in Cantor Ross Wolman, who takes the cantorial helm this July. Cantor Wolman has been assistant cantor at Congregation B’nai Yehoshua Beth Elohim in Deerfield, IL, for the past four years. Prior to that he was the cantor at Sukkat Shalom in Wilmette, IL, and also enjoyed stints in his hometown of Lancaster, PA, as well as leading services in Maryland, Israel and Ukraine. Cantor Wolman was seeking a vibrant, welcoming community, “where I could fuel my passion for ritual and prayer, learning and

Sukkot at Moishe House

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58 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Cantor Ross Wolman and family

teaching, social action, Hebrew and more.” He was also searching for the right environment to raise his family, which consists of his wife, Malka, whom he calls “the love of my life,” his 2½-year-old, boy-girl twins, Bina and Aviv, and his 1-year-old son Eliyahu (Elie.) “I was impressed with Temple Chai’s dedication to learning and nourishing an individual’s spiritual journey through prayer, study and healing,” he says. The cantor search process for Temple Chai “is a very interactive process,” explains Blyn. “We’ve had cantors before and fully understand their role in a synagogue. In addition, we have experienced rabbis who know what they need and want in a clergy partner. This year, we worked with our search committee to articulate what skills and style would best fit Temple Chai. Our senior rabbi, Mari Chernow, was integral to this process.” But all of the research, clarity and articulation can only get you so far. There’s a certain amount of chemistry involved and, as a member of the cantor search committee, I can attest that everyone who met Cantor Wolman was wowed by his warmth, thoughtfulness and passion. Rabbi Chernow concurs. “From the very first interview with Cantor Wolman and all the way through his recent house-hunting visit, we have just loved getting to know him. His passions match ours – participatory prayer, expansive innovation, Israel and the Hebrew language, singing with kids and adults of all ages.” At the same time, Rabbi Chernow is grateful to have the additional skill set Cantor Wolman will bring to the Temple Chai clergy team. “He will round out our team, bringing tremendous professionalism and creativity. We are truly delighted to welcome him to Phoenix and to Temple Chai.”

Israel celebrations draw thousands

Israel Center Director Shahar Edry and Jewish Community Association of Greater Phoenix President and CEO Stuart Wachs have fun in the photo booth sponsored by Arizona Jewish Life.

Itay and Ariel Barboy pause with their parents Polina and Sergey. The family moved to the Valley from Israel three years ago.

Yom Ha’atzmaut in the Valley

Israel's 67th birthday was celebrated in a big way at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus on April 26. Several thousand people of all ages enjoyed a free, traditional Israeli breakfast of shakshouka, (eggs poached in a tomato and vegetable sauce), pita and hummus, tabouli salad and other delectable Mediterranean fare prepared by Levi Catering. Yehudi and the Gefilte Fish, a popular local band, played through most

of the event, and booths were set up providing a wide-array of activities for the children. In the afternoon there was a concert by Israeli students from Ramat Gan, who were visiting as part of the City of Phoenix Sister City program. Arizona Jewish Life sponsored a fun photo booth for all. The event was coordinated by Shahar Edry and the Israel Center.

Yom Hazikaron speaker personalizes challenges of a nation By Melissa Hirschl

“Grief cuts through all society – all levels of race, gender and income.” These sobering words were delivered by Israeli reserve soldier and guest speaker Chen Ben-Lulu at the Valley of the Sun JCC's Yom Hazikaron memorial service April 21. According to Israel Center Director Shahar Edry, 23,000 soldiers have died since the country's founding. “Everyone in Israel knows someone who has been killed or injured, either through war or terrorist attacks,” he says. …

READ THE FULL STORY AT:

azjewishlife.com/with-one-heart-jews-remember-israels-fallen/ ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 59

FEDERATION NOTES

Federation Impact: My Story By Rachel Hoffer

For the first half of my life, I was unaware that I was a recipient of federation dollars. I spent every day after school at the JCC tennis center or gym and many weekends at its pool. I attended Hebrew High and Camp Ramah, and I went to Israel while in high school. More recently, as a Start-Me-Up fellow, I developed a leadership adventure program for teens. In my mind none of these activities had anything to do with federation. I was wrong. The JCC, BJE, scholarships to both camps and the Israel trip, and the Start-Me-Up fellowship are all part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. In addition to my strong family involvement and amazing parents, these experiences shaped who I am today. As a parent, I believe strongly in helping my children understand the importance of tzedakah. I want my family to call Israel their second home. As I think about my goals for my family, I realize many are fulfilled by the federation. I love that federation helped move Pardes ( Jewish Day School) to the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus. I love that federation creates a strong presence with the Israel Center, bringing Israel’s unique culture to our community and strengthening our younger generation’s Jewish identity through education and personal connection to Israel. I love that federation is a hub of Jewish engagement and giving, supporting more than 20 agencies in the Valley, and others in Israel and in over 70 other countries throughout the world. In October my husband, Jonathan, and I went on our first mission to Israel. Those seven days were life-changing. We saw federation’s impact firsthand, from being touched by the amazing families at the Ethiopian Absorption Center who were learning how to live in their new home to being mesmerized by a young woman providing pre-military education to teenage girls in the Israeli periphery. We saw that federation matters. Jonathan and I realized that while we have never personally designated funds to these groups, they are supported by federation dollars and they are such worthy causes – causes we may not have known about, but that are so important. And while we cannot vet every Jewish agency in the world, I know that when we give to the federation, our gift is improving the quality of life of Jews in need in our community, in Israel and throughout the world. Through federation, we can make a difference in this community and in Jewish communities around the world. Come find your seat at the table. Rachel Hoffer is major gifts co-chair of the 2015 Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. Rachel Hoffer 60 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Tucson JCC’s Susan Frank and Julie Zorn selected to participate in continental leadership program The Tucson Jewish Community Center’s Susan Frank and Julie Zorn have been chosen to participate in LEAP (Leadership Enrichment and Advancement Program), a Jewish Community Center Association continental leadership program meant to enhance leadership skills and allow participants to advance professionally within the field. They are two of only 22 selected nationally from nine JCCs participating in JCC Association’s Talent Management pilot program. Susan and Julie participated in the first LEAP Summit in March in Orlando, FL. “We are honored to be a part of the Talent Management Pilot Julie Zorn and thrilled to have both Susan and Julie taking part in LEAP,” says Tucson J President and CEO Todd Rockoff. “We can already see the positive results since their return from the first seminar. As they learn, the rest of the team learns alongside of them, and in the end the community benefits.” Susan is the Tucson J’s director of health and wellness; she says the first LEAP Summit exceeded her expectations. “It has already changed the way I work with my colleagues and staff. LEAP will change how I work currently and will be a key part of my development as a JCC professional." Susan Frank Julie, the J’s Jewish culture specialist, agrees. "Taking part in LEAP has been the single most valuable experience in my professional career so far,” she says. “The program teaches that we are really at our best when we lead from our strengths." JCCA developed the Talent Management program to aid JCCs in recruiting, identifying and retaining the best employees, who will then lead the JCCs to continued success. The program launched in September with nine JCCs participating in the pilot. “JCC Association is investing in Talent Management and the growth and development of JCC staff, which is very important for the ongoing health of our JCCs,” says Joy BrandRichardson, JCCA associate vice president. “We understand that we can provide critical assistance to JCCs and staff by identifying leadership ability and providing ongoing support and education to capitalize on it.” LEAP participants will continue through the year with distance-learning projects and webinars to enhance their leadership skills. Lynn Davis, the Tucson J’s director of arts and culture, says, “Opportunities such as LEAP are an invaluable way to connect with JCC colleagues from around the country and gain a better sense of the Tucson J’s place within the nationwide JCC movement. I know that Susan and Julie will benefit from this experience in ways that they can’t yet imagine, and that they will inspire all of us with the new things they learn.”

Valley Federation allocates 2015 funds The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix announced $2.1 million in allocations for the 2015 campaign, nearly a 12% increase over last year’s allocations of $1.8 million. This year, nearly $1.7 million was committed to local Jewish programs and services and $445,400 was committed to Israel and overseas. “We are so grateful to annual campaign donors for making it possible to have more funds available to help Jews in need and to build vibrant Jewish communities in the Valley, Israel and throughout the world,” said Don Schon, co-chair of the 2015 Annual Campaign. The federation realigned its program funding to focus on three core areas that will significantly impact the community and assure its continued vibrancy: serving seniors, engaging young Jewish adults and advocating for Israel. Senior services received $65,000, including money to create a community concierge position to help develop a central database of community resources and to connect seniors with them. The position will be part of Jewish Family & Children's Service. Programs reaching the Now Gen population received $55,000, including Honeymoon Israel and Moishe House in Scottsdale, the most successful Moishe House in the country. Advocacy for Israel received $60,000 to help counteract antiIsrael sentiment on Arizona State University campuses and to develop a strong relationship between students and Israel. The federation’s role in building collaboration was key in initiating a joint program submitted by Jewish Arizonans on Campus and Hillel. Federation programs, including the Israel Center, PJ Library and NOWGen programs received $267,570. School partners received a total of $157,085, each receiving $165 per student enrolled. Of the seven partner schools, Pardes and Torah Jewish day school received additional funding because of their increased enrollment. Internationally, the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee each were among the organizations funded to help Jews in need in Israel and elsewhere overseas. “The federation takes its role as stewards of the community’s charitable money very seriously. There are so many incredible Jewish organizations doing great work in the Phoenix area. The Community Planning Commission spent countless hours evaluating each grant request before determining how to best allocate our limited dollars to ensure funding for our strong partners and for new programs focusing on our impact areas,” said CPC chair Barry Markson. “More than 40 volunteers participated in the allocation decision process this year representing every part of the Valley and the Jewish community. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated individuals who give their time and skill to the federation and the community.” Detailed allocation information can be found at jewishphoenix.org/funding.

Living

FACES & PLACES

BUREAU OF JEWISH EDUCATION honored Aaron Scholar for 31 years of leading the organization. About 400 people turned out for the dessert reception at the Hilton Scottsdale on May 4. Myra Shindler, director of BJE's Hebrew High, left, and Elaine Hirsch who runs the BJE Library flank Scholar. Photo by Mark Gluckman

VALLEY BEIT MIDRASH – Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, left, welcomes Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman from Israel. Hartman spoke about "Putting God Second: How to save religion from itself " to 300 people at Temple Chai on May 3.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 61

Living

FACES & PLACES CHAI TECH LAUNCH – Dozens of technology, information and engineering professionals gathered to celebrate the launch of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix’s newest Business & Professionals Group, Chai Tech. Photos by Daniel Spiegelman Photography Chai Tech Chair Jonny Basha, Lauren Hendeles and Beth Magerman Steve Cords, Sarah Katz, Idan Shtayer, Avi Wolf and Rachel Mervis

PHONE-A-THON – Seventy volunteers gathered to raise more than $86,000 for the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix’s 2015 Annual Campaign Phone-A-Thon Co-chairs Susan Farber and Gail Ober

Federation staff Amanda Garcia and Robin Loeb celebrate a job well-done 62 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Moishe House had the most volunteers of a Federationfunded organization and won a $500 incentive grant. From left: Adam Dobrusin, Avi Wolf, Jonny Basha, Federation President & CEO Stuart Wachs, Blaine Light and Jared Light. MAKING DEALS – Butterfly Wonderland Owner Amram Knishinsky, Salt River Devco Asset Manager Jeff Roberts and Talking Stick Marketing Manager Blessing McAnlis Vasquez spoke at the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix Business & Professionals’ Cuttingedge Development event on ins and outs of developing on Native lands.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM – At 6 foot-7 inches, Asleep at the Wheel founder and frontman Ray Benson has been described as "the biggest Jew in country!" The country western swing band appeared at the MIM to a soldout crowd May 25. MIM presents an eclectic mix of musical genres in their concert hall inside the museum.

CONGREGATION BETH TEFILLAH – Ladies from Congregation Beth Tefillah hike Squaw Peak Mountain, meditate and tour the purifying waters of the Mikvah on April 19.

JEWISH FREE LOAN celebrated 65 years of providing interestfree loans to those in need in the Jewish community on May 6 at Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale. JFL board members from left are Ira Shapiro, incoming executive vice president; Larry Moffitt, incoming president; Barrett Silver, outgoing president; and Ron Blau, past president and current board member. Selma Fiel, below, was honored for her years of devotion to JFL by Barrett Silver and JFL Executive Director Tina Sheinbein. Photos by Joel Zolondek

BETH AMI TEMPLE – Cantor Baruch Koritan of Temple Beth Shalom in Sun City sings a show tune medley at Beth Ami Temple’s annual spring concert of Broadway and Hollywood songs in Paradise Valley. Photo by Arnold Schwartz ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2015 63

Living

FACES & PLACES

ASU HILLEL – Mat Sherman, Randy Burke, Steven Mills running Hillel's gift of life bone marrow drive on the Arizona State University campus. More than 100 swabs were collected.

ASU Hillel – Hillel students at Arizona State University meet with Holocaust survivor George Kalman in honor of Yom HaShoah.

BETH AMI’S YOM HASHOAH service on was a powerful tribute to the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. The large crowd included 102-year-old survivor Abe Meth, center, as well as many teenagers and young adults.

THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL DIVISION of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix had 100 attendees at its "Corner Office" program on April 16. From left standing: Adam Goodman, event moderator; Eliot Kaplan, B&P chair; Steven Schwarz, federation board chair; with panelists (seated) Anthony Wanger, president of IO; Tammy Weinbaum, senior VP/general manager at American Express; and Craig Weiss, chair, Njoy.

SHABBAT BRASILEIRO – Michele Cohen, Esther Allouche and Ana Perlow were among the 100 people at Beth Tefillah's Shabbat Brasileiro on April 24 as part of the congregation’s program Jewish Communities Around the World. 64 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

PHOENIX KOLLEL Women's Division annual Spice of Life brunch honoring Cindy Landesman for her 10 years of devoted service attracted more than 180 women.

Living

Two humanist groups sponsor nationally known Jewish atheist author Phil Zuckerman, nationally known author of Living the Secular Life will speak in Tucson on June 21 at the DuVal Auditorium, 1501 N Campbell Ave. His afternoon lecture, "Secularism and Phil Zuckerman Individualism" sponsored by the Secular Humanist Jewish Circle, will start at 1 pm. Phil will talk how “being non-religious is strongly correlated with individualism and why secular individuals have fewer friends and weaker social bonds when compared to their religious peers.” He will focus on the “costs of secular individualism and how this relates to Jewish identity and being part of a Jewish humanist community.” His morning lecture, "The Rise of the Nones: Causes and Consequences of rising irreligion in the USA," is sponsored by Free Thought Arizona and will start at 10 am at the same location. Phil will discuss how “more and more Americans are walking away from religion and how atheism and agnosticism are on the rise. Why is this happening and what does it mean for American culture?” Phil Zuckerman is a PhD professor of sociology and secular studies at Pitzer College in Claremont, CA. In 2011 Phil founded the first Secular Studies department in the nation. He is the author of several books, including Living the Secular Life (Penguin, 2014), Faith No More (Oxford, 2011), and Society Without God (NYU, 2008). He has also edited several volumes, including Atheism and Secularity (Praeger, 2010), and The Social Theory of W.E.B. Du Bois (Pine Forge, 2004). His books have been translated and published in Danish, Farsi, Turkish, Chinese, Korean and Italian. Phil writes a regular blog for Psychology Today titled “The Secular Life,” and he also writes for the Huffington Post. He lives in Claremont with his wife and three children. The Secular Humanist Jewish Circle is organized to meet the needs of cultural, humanist and secular Jews (as well as their nonJewish family members/partners) in the greater Tucson community. SHJC is affiliated with the Society for Humanistic Judaism. The mission of Free Thought Arizona is to offer an ethical alternative to religious and paranormal worldviews, protect civil liberties, defend reason and increase scientific literacy in Arizona. Both programs are free, however please RSVP as space is limited: Susan, 520-577-7718, srubinaz@comcast.net. secularhumanistjewishcircle.org | freethought-az.org

Summer Film Festival set in Scottsdale

Desert Foothills Jewish Community Association is presenting a Summer Film Festival with three documentaries being shown monthly immediately following Shabbat services. June 19 - Geto: The Historic Jewish Ghetto of Venice July 17 - Resistance: Untold Stories of Jewish Partisans Aug. 21 - Women Unchained, dealing with obtaining a Get, a Jewish divorce. Open to all. First attendance is free. Membership in the group is $60 per year. Call to RSVP and for the address of the north Scottsdale location: Arlene 480-585-4437. dfjca.org

PREVIEWS

AZYentas plan Summer Chai Jewish singles event

One blonde, one brunette, one married, one looking. As best friends, Nancy Silverman and Shari Jaffe-Zee are constantly talking about the joys and difficulties of married life versus single life, and what it takes to find a partner and maintain a lifelong union. Both grew up in Jewish homes and married Yenta Nancy Jewish men. Nancy has been married for nearly 25 years, and Shari is now single again. Nancy is constantly trying to find a nice Jewish man for Shari. They thought about how much easier it would be, not only for Shari but for the hundreds of other Jewish singles in Phoenix, if there were a Yenta Event Coordinator – and that’s how AZYentas was born. Their events will bring Jewish singles together like lox and bagels. The inaugural event is Summer Chai Jewish Singles Happy Hour on June 18 at the Blue Martini on High Street (see calendar page 66). azyentas@gmail.com | Facebook page: AZYentas Yenta Shari

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summer CALENDAR

in Attorney-Client Privilege. $18 includes kosher breakfast at 7:15 am, seminar at 8 am, at Perkins Coie, 2901 N Central Ave., Ste. 2000. RSVP: Amanda Garcia at 480-634-4900, ext. 1202, or agarcia@jewishphoenix.org

June 1

June 11

Music of World War II with guest speaker Dr. Sheldon Winkler. Sponsored by Hadassah Valley of the Sun Chapter. 10 am at Temple Chai, 4645 E Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Free. RSVP: Froma Goldberg, 480-563-2221 or froma24@ yahoo.com

Ladies Night at Pinspiration, 5410 E High St., Ste. 105, in north Phoenix. Sponsored by NowGen, for those 20-40. 6 pm to make custom monogrammed mugs. $12. Register at jewishphoenix.webconnex.com/pinspiration or contact erins@vosjcc.org

June 2

June 15-July 13

Music of World War II with guest speaker Dr. Sheldon Winkler. Sponsored by Hadassah Valley of the Sun Chapter. 6:45 pm at Pueblo Norte Auditorium, 7090 E Mescal St., Scottsdale. Free. RSVP: Elaine Goldenthal, 480-905-1188 or elaine.hadassah@gmail.com

Gnosticism, a five-session class taught by Rabbi David Rosenberg from Beth Emeth Congregation. Explore the origins of these early teachings that formed in Judaism and Kabalistic writings. Mondays at 1 pm at Beth Emeth, 13702 W Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. Open to all. Free to members, $3 per class for nonmembers. 623-584-7210, bethemethaz.org

June 3 and 17 JACS - Support Group for Jewish alcoholics, addicts, and their family and friends. 7:30 pm at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 2nd floor Conference Room,12701 N Scottsdale Road. Free. 602-971-1234

June 4 and 11 The Arab War Against Israel-Why is there still a war after 68 years? 2-session class sponsored by Bureau of Jewish Education and Israel Center of Greater Phoenix. Taught by Meir Jolovitz. 7 pm at Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Road. $32. Register: 480634-8050

June 6 Pool Party and BBQ for LGBT communities of Tucson and Valley. Sponsored by AVIV and Tucson's LGBT Jewish communities. 5 pm in Phoenix. Optional trip to Heard Museum's new exhibit "Super Heroes: Art! Action! Adventure!" Car pools are being organized. Tucson: Ed Leven 520-577-9393, ext. 128. Phoenix: 480-3828481

June 9 Birobidzhan! Birobidzhan! Free documentary film showing by the Arizona Jewish Historical Society. 7 pm at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, 122 E Culver St. in Phoenix. RSVP: 602-241-7870 or lbell@azjhs.org

June 10 Cardozo Society, the group for legal professionals sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, presents a continuing legal education seminar on Important Developments 66 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

June 18 People of the Book Group discusses The Imposter Bride by Nancy Richler. Sponsored by the Deutsch Family Shalom Center. 2 pm at Temple Chai, 4645 E Marilyn Road in Phoenix. Free. RSVP to Sharona at 602-971-1234, ext. 280. AzJHS Book Discussion on My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel by Ari Shalit. Led by Arizona Jewish Historical Society Executive Director Larry Bell. Free. RSVP: 602-2417870 or lbell@azjhs.org Jewish Singles Happy Hour Social Event. Join us for our inaugural Summer Chai Event at Blue Martini, 5455 E High St, Ste. 101, in north Phoenix. 5-8 pm. $18 (ages 21 and over) paid on Facebook page via PayPal. Facebook: AZYentas and the Summer Chai Event. azyentas@ gmail.com

Art Works by Richard Zelens at the Tucson JCC Art Gallery, 3800 E River Road. Richard Zelens’ career in the arts has taken him from dance, to costume design, to painting, to ceramics and beyond. His show features large format works on canvas as well as painted silk scarves. Free. 520-299-3000, ext. 106

June 21

Temple Brith Shalom Men’s Club Pancake Breakfast at 10 am at the temple in Prescott. Everyone is welcome, $10 per person. RSVP to 928-708-0018. Phil Zuckerman speaks in Tucson See page 65

June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19 Summer Movie Series at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E Fifth St. in Tucson. Free. Enjoy a movie, popcorn and lemonade and the pleasure of spending a few, cool moments in the shadow of each other’s presence. Stay after each showing for a casual discussion of the film. June 28: The Book Thief; July 5: Jakob the Liar; July 12: Pleasantville; July 19: Snow in August. Information: Michelle at 520-745-5550, ext. 225, or caiaz.org

July 4 HAPPY BIRTHDAY U.S.A.!

July 5 Picnic at Jewish Community of Sedona and Verde Valley, see page 16

July 31-Sept. 17 Jewish Touches of Whimsy in Paper Art & Calligraphy by Anne Lowe and Stitching Jewishly by the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework, Tucson Chapter. At the Tucson JCC Art Gallery, 3800 E River Road. Free. Artists’ Reception: Aug. 2.

ONGOING June 19 AVIV Outreach Shabbat. 6:30 pm at Pueblo Norte Senior Center, 7090 E Mescal St. in Scottsdale. Pueblo Norte Jewish residents are invited to join AVIV, the Valley's Jewish LGBT organization for Shabbat services. 480-3828481, avivaz.com Desert Foothills Jewish Community Association's first of three monthly films. See page 65 An Intimate Evening with Art Garfunkle. 7:30 pm at Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W Congress. $45$110. 520-624-1515, foxinfo@foxtucson.com

June 19-July 29

The Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix is offering a wide variety of classes for June and July. Classes range from music and art to discussions of Israel, Islam, Kabbalah and more. Call 480-634-8050 or visit bjephoenix. org

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.

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Upcoming Auctions Sova Estate Auction

Featuring Asian imports from the 1950s & 1960s

Thurs., June 11 at 11 am

Antiques On-The-Go Show Appraisal Fair

Bring up to 3 items for a free pre-auction verbal assessment of antiques, heirlooms and other items. Reservations requested.

Wed., June 17, 10 am to 4 pm

Summer Catalog Auction

Fine art, period furniture, decorative accessories, jewelry and more.

Wed., July 29 • 6 to 9 pm

Forgers' Secrets Revealed: Watch Experts Create a Fake Painting! Featuring Curtis Dowling & Andy Smith, co-stars of Complimentary appetizers & drinks will be served. Free, but please RSVP by July 28.

68 JUNE/JULY 2015 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Thurs., July 30 at 11 am