Arizona Jewish Life is the only lifestyle magazine for and about the Jewish community of Arizona.

JAN • FEB 2022

10

TIKKUN OLAM

BOBBY LIEB

CLAIRE NAIMAN

CHANGE MAKERS UNSUNG HEROES

LENI REISS

RYAN SUAREZ

INFLUENCERS

ANDI MINKOFF

NATHAN MINTZ

NEW RECIPIENT RICHARD BELKIN

NEW RECIPIENT NEW RECIPIENT SANDY ADLER

Plus STEVE & ELLEN ROSENBAUM

ACTIVELY SENIOR

EDUCATION TODAY JAY BYCER

! w o n r e t s i g Re Create Your Own Jewish Adventure!

A VIRTUAL DAY OF JEWISH LEARNING

Sunday, February 6, 2022 | 9:45am - 2:00pm Enjoy the excitement of Jewish learning with Limmud AZ from the comfort of your home this year!

You will still be able to choose your own Jewish adventure by selecting sessions with presenters from across the country, including distinguished authors from the Jewish Book Council, ASU Jewish Studies professors, and local clergy and thought leaders. Topics include: “Opening Session with Elana Kanter” ELANA KANTER | Rabbi, director of the Women’s Jewish Learning Center, co-rabbi at The New Shul, founder of the Women’s Leadership Institute and Limmud AZ “The True Story of the Mossad’s Fake Diving Resort” RAFFI BERG | Middle East editor of the BBC News website “Throwing Sheyd — Lessons from the Jewish Supernatural” HERSCHEL "BRODIE" ABERSON | Rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley “From the Greco-Roman Symposium to Maxwell House Coffee: The Invention of the Passover Seder” ANDY GREEN | Rabbi at Congregation Or Tzion Like us on Facebook facebook.com/limmudaz

Registration is now open! Early bird registration only $18.

Visit www.limmudaz.org to register now!

www.limmudaz.org | info@limmudaz.org

AZ JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS ALL FREE OF CHARGE AND ARE OPEN TO ALL.

EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS AZJHS has had over 100 schools, 6,000 students, and 15,0000 participants take part in community educational programming.

MONTHLY DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES

EXHIBITSONLINE & IN-GALLERY

SUMMER MUSIC CONCERTS

GENEALOGY

BOOK DISCUSSIONS

ARIZONA UPSTANDERS

SURVIVING HUMANITY

HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR SERIES

OUR PARENT’S STORIES

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PROGRAMS PLEASE VISIT AZJHS.ORG Thanks to grants, memberships, donations, and sponsorships, we can provide all our educational programs and events FREE to the public. If you are not yet a member, please visit www.azjhs.org

122 E. Culver St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 www.azjhs.org • 602.241.7870

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CO N TE N TS

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TIKKUN OLAM Arizona Jewish Life January/February 2022 Tevet-Shevat-Adar 5782 Volume 9/Issue 5

CHANGE MAKERS UNSUNG HEROES

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28

40

INFLUENCERS

FEATURES COVER STORY Tikkun Olam Top 10 28

BUSINESS Biz Ins & Outs 12 FOOD Foods that boost your immunity 40 FRONT & CENTER 2022 Tucson International Jewish Film Festival The 26th Annual Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival Artists to transform desert with Arizona Fine Art EXPO Mostly Kosher is coming to Chandler

44 46 52 56

NATURE Protecting a citrus tree from the cold

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ISRAEL Magdala Stone and other rare artifacts on view in Galilee

JLIVING AFMDA Celebrates 20 years of leadership in Phoenix Antisemitism Here and Now: Challenges and Opportunities 6

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

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AZJHS and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church

host a special film screening

JWV event welcomes administrator for homeless veterans

EDUCATION

TODAY

Limmud AZ Online presents a day of virtual learning Getting closer to closing the digital divide – for good Kim Klett: On the forefront of Holocaust education Speaking for others and yourself K-12 Education’s Crisis of Relevance What is a doula?

88 89

14 16 20 22 24 26

AC TIVELY SENIOR My Mom Has Dementia and I Have Her Jewish Faith Gloria Brown delivers handmade happiness Volunteers needed to help deliver mobile meals It’s Life at The Palazzo Enhanced support for families living with dementia Sam Baker looks forward to publishing his latest book

and turning 10 Making Alzheimer’s just a memory Health & Wellness Shopping Guide

JAN • FEB 2022

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10

TIKKUN OLAM

BOBBY LIEB

CL AIRE NAIMAN

CHANGE MAKERS UNSUNG HEROES

LENI REISS

RYAN SUAREZ

INFLUENCERS

ANDI MINKOFF

NATHAN MINTZ

NEW RECIPIENT RICHARD BELKIN

NEW RECIPIENT NEW RECIPIENT SANDY ADLER

Plus STEVE & ELLEN ROSENBAUM

ACTIVELY SENIOR

EDUCATION TODAY JAY BYCER

COVER

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 7

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE 8

CINDY SALTZMAN Publisher

They are safe, but are we?

The hostage nightmare that took place at Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville.

TX, this past Saturday could easily have ended in tragedy. Fortunately, it did not. As we all exhaled with a collective sigh of relief, I couldn’t help but think that though tragedy was averted, we were still experiencing a kind of tragedy of our souls.

This past year, at an ever-increasing frequency and with elevated violence, Jews have been attacked physically, spiritually and emotionally. It’s as if the world has gotten used to seeing open hunting season on the Jews; “Oh, it’s the Jews again, now who are they ticking off?”

After all we have been blamed for anything and everything under the sun for thousands of years.

But this was different. As I watched the synagogue siege unfold, I cringed to hear the television commentators awkwardly point out that Jews shouldn’t be attacked this time because Jews weren’t responsible for imprisoning terrorist Aafia Siddiqui, so why should the “hostage taker” (as he was euphemistically called) inside the synagogue be blaming the Jews.

Without realizing it, these commentators naively demonstrated how the antisemitic narrative that has infiltrated our lives is somehow justified. Because if the Jews weren’t to blame this time, the conclusion is that it is “ kind of” understandable why Jews were attacked all of the other times.

But there is no justification or excuse for Jews to be attacked anywhere in the world, just as there is no justification to attack any minority anywhere in the world for just being alive. And alive we are.

Later, after the hostages were saved, I just shook my head, when FBI Special agent, Mathew Desarno stated that this entire “incident was not specifically related to the Jewish community, but we are continuing to work to find the motive.” Talk about a misread. Any 8 year old Jewish child should be able to help you out, FBI Special Agent. It’s called antisemitism.

May 2022 be a year of peace for all.

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JAN/FEB 2022

Arizona Jewish Life • Tevet-Shevat-Adar 5782 • Volume 9/Issue 5

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

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Tamara Zach and Meghan Shapiro elected to JFCS Governance Board

The state’s largest woman-owned law firm, Rose Law Group pc, is pleased to announce a new Space Law practice.

This revolutionary new practice is a first for Arizona and it will involve assisting clients in the space and satellite arena.

As part of the division, Rose Law Group pc represents the MILO Institute, a non-profit research collaborative led by ASU with support from Lockheed Martin.

The MILO Institute is working to make deep space missions more affordable and accessible by using a new cost-sharing model that will allow its members to participate at a fraction of the total mission cost.

Jordan R. Rose, founder and president of Rose Law Group pc, says she is excited for the challenges and legal opportunities that will come out of this new practice area.

“It has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with the esteemed MILO Institute in the field of space law,” said Jordan Rose, founder and partner at Rose Law Group.

“We are working hard to make their dream of affordable deep space travel a reality for all.”

Rose Law Group will be assisting their space law clients with a wide range of complex legal issues involved with the domestic and international satellite and space industry.

These issues can involve regulatory, transactional, data security, privacy, liability and legislative affairs. roselawgroup.com

Tamara Zach and Meghan Shapiro have been elected to serve a three-year term on the Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) Governance Board.

“The foundation of our organization is to improve and strengthen the Valley community by offering integrated health services,” said JFCS president and CEO Dr. Lorrie Henderson. “Adding Meghan and Tamara to the Governance Board means a heightened focus on improving the physical and behavioral health of the individuals we serve.”

The role of the Governance Board is to carry out JFCS’ mission to strengthen the community by providing quality behavioral health and social services to people of all faiths and all ages, in accordance with a Jewish value system that cares for all humanity.

Tamara is a Pediatric Neurology director for Banner Health Medical Center and an Attending for Banner Pediatric Specialists at the Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of Arizona.

Meghan is Chief Operations Officer of Hospital Operations for Laboratory Sciences of Arizona/Sonora Quest Laboratories. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on the board of directors for the American Heart Association of Greater Phoenix. jfcsaz.org

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Morgan Abraham

Jennifer Starrett

Morgan Abraham appointed to Arizona House of Representatives In December, the Pima County Board of Supervisors appointed real estate investor and U.S. Army Reserve officer Morgan Abraham to fill the vacancy in the Arizona House of Representatives left by Stephanie Stahl-Hamilton, who was appointed to fill a Senate vacancy.

Morgan, also a Democrat, will represent Legislative District 10, which includes both Tucson and unincorporated areas around the city. Under state law, the two new representatives appointed had to be Democrats because they replaced Democratic lawmakers. Their appointment will begin during the House’s next legislative session starting in January 2022.

Morgan is a Center for Jewish Philanthropy Board of Trustees member. He joined the Board of Trustees for the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona in 2019. When the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona and Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona merged governance structures into a single board in May 2021, Morgan joined as one of the inaugural members. Over the years, he has shown a steadfast commitment to our Southern Arizona Jewish community, including participation in JFSA’s Young Men’s Group.

Of his time in the House of Representatives, Abraham says, “I’m looking forward to working with other state legislators to pass legislation that fights antisemitism and protect Israel.”

Morgan formerly served as head of the city of Tucson’s Metropolitan Housing Commission. He works currently as a real estate investor and has made news in 2018 for buying the dilapidated Spanish Trail Motel in Tucson and turning it into affordable apartments with business partner Kevin Volk.

He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Arizona. azleg.gov

Jennifer Starrett takes on the role of Content Manager Jennifer Starrett has been an active member of the Phoenix Jewish community since her youth. For the past six years, she has worked as a marketing and event consultant – helping plan, execute and market Jewish events and promote organizations in our local community. She created JewPHX.com as an online platform helping to promote Jewish life in Phoenix.

In October 2021, Jennifer began a full-time position with the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and the Jewish Community Foundation as the content manager for a soon-tobe-launched Community Web Portal. In this new role, Jennifer will manage this virtual platform that will be a comprehensive space for people looking to connect to Jewish life here in our community.

JewishPhoenix.com will include an extensive home page for every organization in our community, lifestyle articles and Jewish content, and an easy-to-use and customizable calendar of events.

Outside of her work life, Jennifer is an active member of the Phoenix Jewish community serving on numerous boards throughout the past decade in a variety of leadership roles.

Currently, Jennifer is serving as co-president of the Martin Pear JCC’s Early Childhood Center’s Parent Teacher Group and helped create and run TribeNet, a networking group for Jewish business professionals in collaboration with Alyssa Belanger of The Event Genies.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 13

EDUCATION TODAY SPECIAL SECTION "No one is so poor as an ignorant person. ~ Hebrew proverb

Limmud AZ Online Presents a

Day of Virtual Learning

T

he annual day-long event of Jewish learning featuring presenters from all walks of Jewish life who speak on a wide range of topics will return again this year in a virtual format. Last year, due to the pandemic, the event was held virtually instead of in person at Arizona State University, and it was very successful. This year’s event will take place on Feb. 6 from 9:45 am to 2 pm.

Limmud means “to learn” and is an international movement that began in Great Britain in 1980. Today, there are Limmud communities in 40 countries, including Israel, and more than 20 cities in North America. The various communities create Limmud events that are unique to their community, but all are asked to subscribe to the core Limmud values. The day of learning is divided into individual sessions with a wide variety of subjects.

Last year, Limmud North America was created to offer support to the United States and Canada groups that had to

LIMMUD AZ ONLINE WHEN Feb. 6, 2022 • 9:45 am-2 pm COST $18 for everyone through Feb. 5; $36 on Feb. 6 INFORMATION Visit limmudaz.org or contact info@limmudaz.org Please note that after purchasing a ticket, you will receive an invitation from Emamo so you can preregister for individual Limmud AZ sessions. This will allow you to get a unique link for each session.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

rely on Limmud.org out of London to start their chapters and for support in the past.

Because the event is online, there are speakers from other cities (and countries) who people in Arizona may not usually get a chance to hear speak.

“We have a partnership with the Jewish Book Council,

so we are featuring speakers from the council. We’re also part of Limmud North America now and we have a speaker (representing that organization),” says Limmud AZ Cochairperson Meghan Dorn Jalowiec. “We also have a number of local clergy as well as local lay people presenting.”

Here is an example of just a few of the presenters:

RABBI HERSCHEL “BRODIE” ABERSON

Throwing Sheyd – Lessons from the Jewish Supernatural Rabbi Herschel “Brodie” Aberson currently serves as Rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley. When he is not leading services or teaching, Rabbi Brodie enjoys spending time with his cats Genevieve and Tanith or finding new board and role-playing games to learn and play with friends and congregants.

RABBI ELANA KANTER Opening keynote speaker

Rabbi Elana Kanter, Director of the Women’s Leadership Institute and founding co-chair of Limmud AZ, is a graduate of Barnard College and a member of the first class of women rabbis of the Jewish Theological Seminary. She was ordained in 1989.

In 1998, Rabbi Kanter received the Covenant Award for Exceptional Jewish Educators for her work in Adult Jewish Learning.

RAFFI BERG

The True Story of the Mossad’s Fake Diving Resort

Raffi Berg is the Middle East editor of the BBC News website. A journalist for nearly 30 years, he has a particular interest in events in Israel, from where he has reported extensively in times of war and peace. He graduated in modern and medieval history from the London School of Economics and was a student of Jewish and Israel studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Raffi’s book Red Sea Spies: The True Story of Mossad’s Fake Diving Resort is his literary debut, written in collaboration with the Mossad commander behind the epic operation to spirit Ethiopian Jews to Israel. The book inspired the Netflix movie The Red Sea Diving Resort, starring “Captain America” Chris Evans. Here Raffi Berg lifts the lid on the true story of how Israeli secret agents set up a hotel in Sudan in the early 1980s, acting as staff by day and people smugglers by night – all under the noses of the Sudanese authorities and guests.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 15

EDUCATION TODAY SPECIAL SECTION

Getting closer to closing the digital divide – for good

By Ilana Lowery

N

o one knows how the Covid-19 pandemic – or the various iterations of it – will impact inperson school going forward, but one thing is certain, at-home learning for students and teachers is here to stay.

We are in the age of distance learning, and that means teaching through the digital divide will continue to impact communities across our state.

In Arizona, roughly 336,000 students and 4,800 teachers lack adequate internet access. Up to 220,600 students and 1,500 teachers are without the technology and devices at home to support distance learning. About 56% of the students who lack access are Black, Latino or Native American.

There is a persistent gap between students who have high-speed internet and adequate devices at home and those who do not, a gap that perpetuates educational and economic inequality at a time when accessing the internet at home is as important as having electricity and running water.

"Many of our students do not have access to Wi-Fi or technology. Lack of technology only adds to the stress for us and our families as we continue to try and support each other as we maintain a quality of education the best we can for our students,” said Tina, an elementary school teacher in El Mirage, who didn’t want to give her last name.

Access to robust home broadband service, appropriate 16

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

and reliable learning devices and digital citizenship tools that keep families and teachers connected are essential to the future of education. The next step to closing the digital divide is the recent investment in broadband infrastructure that families and businesses can afford and ensuring that digital training and resources are available to those who need them.

"Given the global pandemic, and the switch to distance learning, it is imperative to provide essential tools and resources to all our students, closing the digital divide and increasing their chances for success,” said Lupita Hightower, superintendent of the Tolleson Elementary School District.

Fortunately, President Biden recently signed into law the historic and long overdue $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the largest investment in generations in America's roads, bridges, ports, and water and energy systems. Included in this new, bipartisan law is $65 billion to help ensure that everyone in America is connected to high-speed internet, a monumental step toward one of Common Sense's top priorities: closing the digital divide once and for all.

It is too soon to tell how much money will flow into Arizona from the infrastructure dollars, but more than $217 million has been requested for equipment, such as computers, tablets and hotspots, and services, such as internet connection.

This new law represents the single-largest investment ever made toward closing the digital divide and ensure that every home and business has access to broadband connectivity that is critical to thrive in today's economy, in school, and in society.

Here is a breakdown for you to see exactly what it does for kids and families' ability to go online and why it is so important. The broadband section of the new infrastructure law accomplishes four key goals to close the digital divide.

• Deploys high-speed internet to communities that lack it; • Helps lower-income Americans afford internet service and devices; • Establishes "digital inclusion" programs to help internet users take full advantage of online services; and • Empowers consumers to protect themselves from exploitative and discriminatory business practices.

According to Drew Garner, Common Sense Media’s state broadband policy fellow, the infrastructure law create a first-of-its-kind digital inclusion program.

“One of the most exciting components of the new law is the Digital Equity Act, which provides nearly $3 billion to create and support digital inclusion programs,” he said.

Digital inclusion refers to providing internet users with the skills, knowledge and technology they need to take full advantage of everything the internet has to offer,” Garner added.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 17

“Along with access and affordability, a lack of digital EDUCATION inclusion is one of the leading drivers of the digital TODAY divide. The infrastructure law SPECIAL recognizes this fact and, for SECTION the first time ever, provides funding for digital inclusion activities. This is an enormous show of support for a previously underappreciated problem,” he said.

In addition, the infrastructure law will deploy high-speed internet to communities that lack it.

The largest portion of the law is a $42 billion program dedicated to the creation and expansion of highspeed internet networks. This money is prioritized for rural areas and states that rank low in terms of internet access, ensuring that it will be spent connecting our least connected communities. It also prioritizes existing state projects and thereby supercharges the work that communities are already doing to build the networks of the future.

The law also includes a $1 billion program to fund the construction of middle-mile infrastructure, which will make it easier to build last-mile connections and provide redundancy to our networks so that they have fewer single points of failure. (In case you don't already know, "middle

mile" is the highway compared to the neighborhood streets of "last mile." The more middle mile, the easier it is to connect dispersed communities.)

The infrastructure law makes internet access more affordable, too. The second-largest broadband portion of the law provides $14 billion to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) (formerly the Emergency Broadband Benefit [EBB]). The ACP helps lower-income consumers by providing up to $30/month for internet service and a one-time $100 to help purchase a device.

According to Garner, this $14 billion investment quadruples the size of the original EBB and demonstrates that Congress truly recognizes affordability as one of the leading causes of the digital divide. Moreover, the law also requires the FCC and companies that provide internet service (ISPs) to advertise the ACP to help ensure that as many eligible people as possible apply for the benefit, he said.

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Ilana Lowery is the Arizona director at Common Sense Media. Common Sense Media is a national nonprofit organization based in San Francisco that works to improve the media and education landscape for kids, families and schools. They focus on helping kids, educators and parents thrive in a world of media and technology.

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EDUCATION TODAY SPECIAL SECTION

Kim Klett:

On the forefront of Holocaust education

By Mala Blomquist

O

n July 9, 2021, Governor Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2241, requiring that all Arizona students receive education on the Holocaust and other genocides during their K-12 education at least twice between seventh and 12th grade.

But long before that requirement was mandated, Kim Klett taught Holocaust Literature at Dobson High School in Mesa. “I started teaching my class in 2001,” says Kim. “When I was preparing for it, there was only one other semester-long class at the high school level in the state, and that was in Cottonwood. Pete Fredlake taught a semester-long class there, and he helped me with ideas and to put together some of the curriculum.”

In 2003, Kim received an extraordinary opportunity, a fellowship from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. The Museum Teacher Fellowship Program has a very competitive application process. The museum only accepts up to 15 teachers a year; there have only been eight other teachers selected from Arizona since the program began in the late 1990s.

“Honestly, it’s the best thing professionally that has ever happened to me,” says Kim. Kim traveled to Washington, D.C. to learn alongside historians and scholars and tour the museum after hours. Now, she’s a mentor to other teacher fellows.

This year she has three teachers she is working with, two in Arizona and one in Texas. “I’m here to give them 20

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Kim Klett recorded a virtual tour of the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center.

support and answer questions along the way,” says Kim. Kim is also a teacher trainer for the Echoes & Reflections professional development program. Echoes & Reflections provides free professional learning opportunities and classroom content to equip educators to teach about the Holocaust effectively. She has also developed a curriculum in conjunction with videos of survivors produced by the Phoenix Holocaust Association. In addition, along with three other teachers, Kim developed a curriculum for the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center. Recently, the museum honored Kim with the 2021 Educator of the Year award.

Years ago, she had worked with Sol Davis, the previous executive director of the museum, on some programming and lessons surrounding the artifacts and exhibitions at the museum. Building on that initial programming, Kim gathered a group of other teaching fellows from USHHM, and the four of them took materials and books that the museum had produced on local survivors and put together several lesson plans.

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“We wrote ID cards for each of the survivors, like what the USHHM does when you walk in and your handed a card of someone (from the Holocaust),” says Kim. “We made those specific to the Tucson museum and their survivors and wrote some curriculum for teachers whether they’re visiting with their students or just want to use the incredible stories from Southern Arizona survivors.”

She also held a three-hour training session in November with area teachers. This way, teachers could get a taste of what they would see when visiting the museum with their students and things to consider if they’re going to use the lesson plans. They will also be holding another training session at the end of January.

The curriculum is available on the museum’s Resources for Educators web page and is posted on the Arizona Department of Education’s Holocaust and Genocide Education Resources web page under “Lessons.”

Kim is also on a national committee of teachers who live in states where Holocaust education is mandated.

Continued on next page ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 21

EDUCATION TODAY SPECIAL SECTION

This past summer, the teachers met in South Carolina to discuss what it means for educators as far as mandates go because many states do not have funding for it or clear parameters on what’s needed as far as teacher training.

“I applaud the teachers who are signing up with the Arizona Department of Education and Echoes & Reflections training that ran throughout the year,” says Kim. “Teachers took their own time to show up, and I am happy because they’re taking that initiative and to make sure they’re doing it correctly and covering the things that they need to.

There’s nothing that says that anybody has to do that. But it’s fun to see what they do after they’ve gone through training; they come up with some great ideas for lessons.”

One example was in November last year, Chaparral High School presented “I Never Saw Another Butterfly,” a Holocaust-related play that was supplemented by presentations from Holocaust survivors and a mini-museum of Terezin, the concentration camp featured in the play. The idea for the production was initiated by the mother of a Chaparral student, Adena Astrowsky, a third-generation descendant who wrote a book about her grandmother’s survival story.

Despite being in her 30th year at Dobson High School, the excitement and passion in palpable in Kim’s voice when she talks about teaching – whether it is to other educators or her students. “I’m so glad I get to do this because it’s fun and rewarding. I think it opens people’s eyes and our students benefit because they have teachers who are trained and know how to handle a sensitive topic like this,” she says. “And the kids are honestly interested and ask the best questions. They’re just soaking it up because they want to know, and they’re interested in this history.”

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Speaking for Others and Yourself

By Amy Hummell

J

ewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month ( JDAIM) was formed in 2009 when the Jewish Special Education International Consortium got together for their annual meeting. Two of the members presented the idea of selecting a specific month for all communities to raise awareness and share resources on the topic of disability. Becca Hornstein, co-founder of the Council For Jews With Special Needs (today Gesher Disability Resources), served on the consortium and helped prove the need for worldwide inclusion and understanding. It was working in Arizona, so she knew it could work everywhere. The goal – Jews of all ages with any disability could participate in the mainstream of Jewish life.

This was very important to Becca. When she first arrived in Phoenix in 1983 and called looking for a religious school her son with autism could attend, none of the synagogues were able to accommodate. “Because of

my son’s disability, my family was excluded from participation in Jewish life,” says Becca. So she set out to find available resources for her son and other families, increasing awareness while challenging the status quo. People lined up, and the programming began to flow.

In 1989, CJSN helped Jewish children adapt to and enjoy Jewish camp. In 2001, the agency opened its first residential home for individuals with disabilities; 2007 Simchat Shabbat was created in partnership with Congregation Beth Israel; 2008 came a special needs Shabbat in a box; 2010 was the first b’nai mitzvah for adults; 2014 education professionals assisted with testing for students in Jewish day schools who required aides as an accommodation. All these community services brought about the desire to change the name of the agency to more widely reflect the mission, so in 2017, Gesher Disability Resources (Gesher) was unveiled along with Gesher Model Seder and a Special Needs Community Dance for adults. “Providing essential resources for inclusion isn’t about strategic plans and annual budgets,” says Becca. “This is about acknowledging the value and dignity of every member of ‘k’lal Yisorel’ and our obligation to accommodate their special needs in our Jewish communities.”

In reality, it costs money to provide specific programming and services. Continuing the growth trajectory, Gesher has taken another chance with an opportunity to increase revenue for programming while employing individuals with disabilities. In October of last year, Gesher Disability

Resources acquired Damon Brooks Associates (DBA), a disability-focused speakers bureau. This acquisition fulfills Gesher’s mission to support individuals with special needs and their families in the Jewish community to lead fuller lives while allowing Gesher to expand nationally.

What is a speaker’s bureau? As defined by Wikipedia, a speakers bureau is “a collection of speakers who talk about a particular subject, or a company which operates to facilitate speakers for clients requiring motivational speakers, celebrity appearances, conference facilitators, or keynote speakers.”

The speaker bureau team initiates the introduction between speaker and client, supporting both parties throughout the booking and logistics process as well as negotiating the fee and commission costs. For more than 30 years, DBA professional speakers have been working throughout the United States, providing insight into their world and training about living with a disability.

“When I started Damon Brooks Associates, the goal was to break down barriers that existed against those with a disability. There is still work to do, but I’m excited to help with the transition to the next chapter of DBA under the direction and leadership of Gesher,” says Marc Goldman, founder of Damon Brooks Associates.

While only some of the speakers on the DBA roster are Jewish, Goldman decided selling his company to a Jewishbased group was good for business and his soul. His Judaism is personal but also very important to him. One of the big decisions Gesher’s board of directors made was to take Goldman’s California sole proprietorship, and with the help of local attorneys at Lane & Nach P.C., change DBA to an Arizona nonprofit LLC. This allows clients to look at the dollars spent on a speaker in a different light – as the fees employ an individual with a disability – while the commission lets disability programming through Gesher remain at little to no cost for the disability community.

From JDAIM to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, DEI is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals. Many companies view DEI programs as key to building strong teams of engaged employees.

To inquire about a professional speaker for February JDAIM, Diversity Month in April, and Disability Month in October, call Gesher at 480-629-5343. You can meet the current book of speakers by visiting damonbrooks.com/ speakers/.

Amy Hummell is the executive director for Gesher Disability Resources in Scottsdale.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 23

EDUCATION TODAY SPECIAL SECTION

K-12 Education’s Crisis of Relevance

By Michael C. Johnson

Michael C. Johnson

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T

he extent that we can assure that every American child receives a relevant and contemporary education today will dictate the health of our economy, our global standing and the general welfare of our society for the remainder of this century. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer such a guarantee, not while the American system of education is in crisis; what I term “a crisis of relevance.” Based on my professional experience, hundreds of observations and scores of conversations with educators and students alike, I believe this crisis is rooted in four areas.

An over-reliance on antiquated assumptions and practices. When one visits a traditional neighborhood K-12 school, they are quickly struck by the familiarity of the place. It doesn’t matter whether the visitor is a recent graduate or hasn’t had the reason or opportunity to step inside a school building for several decades; a sense of habitual and common experiences will be obvious.

Students are divided into groups based primarily on their age. These groupings will commonly consist of 30 (+/-) students in the presence of one adult - the skilled content specialist, the keeper of wisdom. These settings are frequently organized by rows of student seating, facing in a common direction - the teacher. And it is the teacher who is talking, dispensing information with the expectation that the students will absorb it and retain it long enough to regurgitate it on an upcoming assessment successfully.

This description of teacher-dominated classrooms is as accurate today as 50, 75, or 100 years ago. We rely on what is familiar, on what worked for us. Within this comfort of familiarity, teachers today continue to teach as they were taught.

We fool ourselves into believing that because some of the tools have changed, we are offering a contemporary and meaningful educational experience. Blackboards and chalk have been replaced with whiteboards and dry erase markers. Slide rules are out. Calculators are in.

Electronic tablets are the new pencil. But, despite these new devices available to students and their teachers, which we label “progress,” schools look remarkably as they have historically, and the instructional strategies being used remain virtually unchanged.

The biggest issue is that the students sitting in these classrooms are not 20th century learners. We teach in very traditional ways to a population of students, the post-millennial generation, who are not traditional.

They value experiences, individuality, uniqueness and an entrepreneurial spirit. They tend to look forward, rather than focus on the past. The disconnect between the content and methodology of what is taught, and the true interests, needs and learning styles of these 21st century learners contribute to a lack of relevance; the state of being able to derive personal meaning and connection with the experiences they are required to participate

in. When students cannot find that person-to-content connection, their genuine engagement, a key element for learning, suffers.

Not only do today’s kids have different learning preferences, but they will also inherit a totally different and rapidly changing world. 21st century learning outcomes must accompany this fluid reality. How can the education system possibly believe they are adequately preparing students with the skills they’ll need in the future when futurists tell us that 70-80% of the current jobs in our economy will disappear in the next 20 years?

While there will be new jobs, we don’t know what they’ll be, what problems they will address or the technologies they’ll deploy. The truth is that a complete education for today’s students is more than memorizing facts.

In its 2015 “New Vision for Education” report, the World Trade Organization cited sixteen specific traits, skills and competencies all students need to develop for a successful experience in our complex and diverse global economy.

FOUNDATIONAL LITERACIES: how students apply core skills to everyday tasks.

• Language literacy • Numeracy literacy • Scientific literacy • Information technology literacy • Cultural and civic literacy COMPETENCIES: how students approach complex challenges.

• Critical thinking/problem solving • Creativity • Communication • Collaboration CHARACTER QUALITIES: how students approach their changing environment.

• Curiosity • Initiative • Persistence/grit • Adaptability • Leadership • Social/cultural awareness While our traditional education system might get a passing score on the Foundational Literacies, it is woefully deficient in the other two categories. There’s a lot of work ahead to fully realize these expectations.

Standards play an important role in any organization.

They define the values, expectations and aspirations of the enterprise. In the world of education, standards offer clear and definable expectations of what students must experience and be accountable for. However, the current operational climate of standardization is stifling our

best intentions. This standardized education system has evolved to value efficiency over efficacy. It is characterized by a “one size fits all” approach to teaching and learning. While done in the spirit of offering equitable opportunities for children, standardization stands in the way of achieving equity: providing each child the unique resources they require to be successful. Standardization has de-personalized the educational experience for many of our children, including measuring their achievement against the artificial, and often biased, industry-produced standardized tests and assessments. If we are all to be treated identically, if “one size fits all” and I don’t fit, how can I, the learner, find the experience relevant?

Children are, by their very nature, curious creatures.

Curiosity is a driving force in their desire and ability to propel themselves forward, to try new things, to explore and wonder. These are some of the underlying characteristics of intrinsic motivation. Yet, as they enter school and advance through the system, students realize that what interests them is secondary as their curiosity and intrinsic motivation are overlooked. The system dictates what they should learn and care about. Gradually, the reason to achieve is devolved to the acquisition of a letter grade - a bragging right for some, a reason to quit for others. A relevant and contemporary education cannot be achieved by ignoring the interests, the curiosity and the fundamental, intensely personal reasons why children choose to learn.

I have not intended this piece to be anything other than a wake-up call by identifying and describing what is contributing to a “crisis of relevance” in our nation’s schools: a set of circumstances that, if left unchecked, will diminish the assurance of a relevant and contemporary education for all children, regardless of their circumstances or zip code. Instead, my true and honest intention is to offer hope through a call to action. If we can recognize the problem, we can confront the obstacles that stand in the way of achieving the desired outcome; giving kids the chance to be active participants in their learning and to find relevance in this experience called “school.”

Addressing this crisis will require vision, courage and commitment from school, district and community leaders.

They will need to look past what they think they know, past long-standing traditions, or the comfort of their own experience; relying instead on what they hear from their constituents – paying special attention to what students communicate as their needs and aspirations.

At the time of his retirement in July 2017, Michael C. Johnson had served students over a 35 year career in public education: 14 years as a performing arts teacher and 21 years as a building administrator. As a speaker, author and education advocate, Johnson publishes weekly articles at theeducationkidsdeserve.com. His 2017 book, The Education Kids Deserve, is available from Amazon or his website.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 25

EDUCATION TODAY SPECIAL SECTION

What is a doula?

Mimi Wilhelm, certified birth and postpartum doula, explains

M im

By Cindy Saltzman

lm li he iW

to learn that ancient societies had their version of a doula centuries ago.

Experiencing childbirth with a doula seems to be a very positive experience for new mothers and their families. But there are also many misconceptions about what a doula does and doesn’t do. Thankfully, Mimi was willing to sit down with me to discuss the “doula experience.”

Cindy Saltzman: What inspired you to become a certified birth and postpartum doula?

M

imi Wilhelm is one of those women you can’t help but look at with awe. She is a rebbetzin (her husband is Rabbi Motti Wilhelm of Chabad of Oregon), mother of seven children, director of The Gan-Portland Jewish Preschool; she teaches Hebrew classes, runs a Mommy and Me group, runs marathons and just recently became a certified birth doula and also a certified postpartum doula. I am sure I left something out, but you get the idea. Mimi Wilhelm is a force.

According to DONA International (the leader in evidence-based doula training, certification and continuing education), a doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.

I have been fascinated with the doula experience ever since my daughter mentioned that she was looking for a doula when she was pregnant with her son a couple of years ago. Although partnering with a doula for childbirth has become very popular in recent years, I was surprised 26

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Mimi Wilhelm: I have worked with young families for the last 15 years. As the director at The Gan Preschool, I have had the opportunity to support many families as they begin to raise their young children. I have also run a mommy and me group for over 10 years, so I have helped support moms shortly after giving birth, providing community and information. Having seven children of my own has given me a lot of hands-on experience of what birth is like and what the first few weeks after are like emotionally and physically for the moms and families.

Through all these experiences, I have seen a need for women and their families to have more support. It’s a new experience for many families without a lot of training. It’s a transformational time for families. Most often, it’s an incredibly positive experience and a time when many things change drastically for a person and family. Having support during that time is critical for many people, and always makes the transition easier.

As a person who is involved in creating community and supporting young families, I felt that I could make an impact in our community by educating families on what a doula can provide, and being the person to be there for women during childbirth and following.

I have always been drawn to caring for young children and new moms, and I feel that with the gifts Hashem has given me in this area, this is one of my missions in my part of tikkun olam.

Who can most benefit from having a doula as part of their birth journey and why?

Everyone can benefit. Having someone who is trained

and very knowledgeable in this area, and there to support and advocate for the birthing person is beneficial in making the birth and postpartum experience more positive.

Often the doula is the person that can help build trust between all the members of the birthing team, and help the birthing person’s wishes be met as best as possible.

Additionally, having a doula postpartum helps a family have added support while the birthing person heals and everyone is short on sleep!

It’s truly a game changer for families taking a time that can be incredibly stressful and making it a joyful experience.

What is the biggest misconception about doulas?

That you only need one if you don’t have a supportive partner or only if it’s your first birth. Every woman deserves to have a doula if she wants one!

Another big misconception is that doulas are only for people who want a natural birth. The truth is that a doula is there to support and advocate for whatever the birthing person’s wishes are and to help the birthing person gain access to information. The doula does her best to learn what makes the birthing person most comfortable and what the birthing person’s wishes are and is there to support her and help her get her needs met. A birth doula is there to support any type of birth!

What do you enjoy the most about being a doula?

I love supporting moms and families during this beautiful time. I feel that it is an honor to be a part of the birth and be allowed to hold and care for a newborn. I feel that birth and bringing life into the world is a very spiritual experience and one that I feel very connected to. I have so much experience and knowledge in this area, and I feel that I have a duty to share, teach and support others.

We find a reference to doulas in the Torah! We learn about Shifra and Puah, Moshe’s mother Yocheved and his sister Miriam who were doulas for the women in Egypt, assisting them in childbirth. My Hebrew name is Miriam, and just like the Miriam in the Torah, I feel that it is my

duty to help women at this special time.

Why do you think the “doula movement” has gained so much popularity recently?

I think that more people realize how helpful it can be.

Studies have shown that it has improved infant mortality rate overall, and in doula attended births the mothers and babies have been healthier. Other benefits have been fewer complications during birth, a birth with fewer interventions and overall satisfaction by the birthing person.

Mimi running her first 10k.

Has COVID-19 affected how you practice?

Due to COVID, many families have been unable to have grandparents or other family members help out as they would at a non-COVID time, and therefore, the need for doulas has been much higher.

What are the top 5 questions that should be asked when hiring a doula?

The most important thing is to feel like you connect well with your doula. You are allowing someone into an intimate space, and you must trust and feel like you connect well with the person you choose.

My top 5 suggestions for questions to ask a doula you are thinking of using are: 1. What is your availability?

2. What is your doula style?

3. What experience do you have in this field?

4. D o you have experience with home birth/ c-section/ natural birth etc. (insert your particular desire here)?

5. W hat do you offer in terms of pre/post visits, questions, etc.?

It is important to note that a doula provides physical and emotional support, but any medical advice is out of the scope of practice for a doula.

Mimi is a DONA International certified birth and postpartum doula with a passion for working with all parts of the Jewish community. For more information, email Mimi at mimiwilhelm@gmail.com.

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10 ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE COVER STORY

TIKKUN OLAM

Welcome to our annual Tikkun Olam Top 10 issue.

This year we asked friends, coworkers and family members to give us some insight into the honorees.

They all responded enthusiastically and did a wonderful job. We hope you enjoy reading about these incredible community members who make giving back a central theme in their life.

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BOBBY LIEB

CLAIRE NAIMAN

LENI REISS

RICHARD BELKIN

ANDI MINKOFF

RYAN SUAREZ

SANDY ADLER

NATHAN MINTZ

STEVE & ELLEN ROSENBAUM

JAY BYCER

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SANDY ADLER

By Michelle Adler

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amily is the core of Sandy’s personal compass – and it’s this passion for connectivity that fuel’s her embrace of the Jewish community in Greater Phoenix. Daughter, mom, grandma and businesswoman extraordinaire, Sandy Adler does it all. In between those moments, she gives her all to her clients via her real estate team, THE ADLERS at Arizona Best Real Estate.

Home buyers and sellers, as well as investors, all turn to Sandy for her professionalism and personal touch. The PHOENIX 50 Top Agents recently listed Sandy as a Top Agent 2021.

Sandy is passionate about her local community and invested her time as a proud member of Scottsdale Leadership XXVI. There she made wonderful connections and learned about many of Scottsdale’s unique elements and surprise details.

It is Sandy’s love for the Jewish community, her chosen family, that has solidified her commitment to tikkun olam. From being a founding member of the Valley of the Sun Jewish Book and Cultural Arts Fair, to her volunteering with Smile on Seniors (S.O.S), Sandy’s pride and belief in the collabora-

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tive efforts of our community are clearly evident. Sandy has also brought Limmud AZ to life in the Valley and continues to be a part of its leadership team. Alongside her dear friends Suzanne Swift and Rabbi Elana Kanter, she has worked nonstop to provide topnotch creative programming for our Jewish community. When the pandemic halted life as we knew it, Sandy and the Limmud AZ leadership team reimagined the experience and continued producing a wonderful educative journey for participants.

In her spare time, you can find Sandy laughing while playing canasta with her friends, enjoying a good glass of wine, vacationing with her family, attending concerts, theatre, and the Arizona Speaker Series, and most importantly, playing with her grandchildren Edison, Cassidy and Shiloh. Sandy’s kids, Robert and Michelle, Jeffrey, and Dayna, are all very proud of her accomplishments and look forward to her future endeavors.

So when you see her, please stop and say “Hi!” – she’ll greet you like family.

MICHELLE ADLER Michelle is Sandy’s daughter-in-law and works alongside her in real estate.

E

veryone needs an editor.

And Leni Reiss was mine.

She was my first editor at Jewish News, who became a trusted mentor, a treasured friend.

She has a nose for news, a way with words, the uncanny ability to sniff out a good story and make it come alive. She generously took me under her wing, helping me hone my skills, deftly editing my copy, making it better.

Leni’s a proud native New Yorker who arrived in Phoenix in the dead of summer 1961 with a husband and new baby. The lonely stay-ahome mom found her way to the Jewish community, where its warm welcome made Phoenix home. Her communal work led her to Jewish News in 1976, where then owners Cecil and Pearl Newmark hired her as a part-time reporter.

It was a dream come true, a fantasy, as she tells it in an Arizona Jewish Historical Society oral history.

It was the start of an immensely satisfying career in Jewish journalism, that led to her serving as JN managing editor and her byline appearing in a host of other publications, including this one.

(In fact, when Arizona Jewish Life started, Leni immediately reached out and offered her assistance to the “new kids on the block.”)

Her accomplishments are impressive, the award-winning stories, the professional accolades, the budding journalists and young leaders she has mentored, and the vast circle of admiring colleagues, friends, family, a few who generously shared a few words with me.

Anecdotes flooded my inbox, Leni reporting from Beirut during the 1982 Lebanon war, wrangling an interview with Sammy Davis Jr. en route on El Al; the mad dash to

the White House to meet President George H. W. Bush, when her flight was delayed, luggage lost.

Adoring adjectives flashed on my screen: intrepid, upbeat, adventurous, ebullient, wise, witty, charming, smart, thoughtful, kind, generous, grateful, loyal, loving. My favorite is from her husband of more than 60 years: best.

She’s a dreamer but also a doer, with a deep commitment to Jewish life and a conviction that keeping her readers informed and engaged is key to its continuity. Her hard work is more than a job; it’s a calling, infused by her sense of wonder and gratitude for the opportunity to make the world a little better place.

Gary Rosenblatt, her esteemed colleague and dear friend, observes that that is what Jewish journalism is all about, “transmitting the story of a people — one that goes back thousands of years and will carry us to the future.

“We’re blessed,” he writes,” to have had Leni telling that story.”

VICKI CABOT A writer and editor, Vicki has been recognized for excellence by the American Jewish Press Association, Arizona Press Club and Arizona Press Women.

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LENI REISS

By Vicki Cabot

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RYAN SUAREZ

By David Graizbord

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yan Suarez, from Sierra Vista, AZ, graduated with academic distinction from the University of Arizona with a B.A. in Judaic Studies Studies in December of 2021. During his years at the UofA, Ryan richly earned his reputation a “a gem” (to quote one of our Hebrew instructors) because of his highly developed and unfailing derech eretz, his intellectual curiosity, his articulateness, and his sheer intelligence. These attributes motivated the Judaic Studies faculty to unanimously nominate Ryan for

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campus-wide recognition, and to award to him the Department’s Irving Silverman Prize for Academic Excellence in Judaic Studies.

Ryan understands that in order to “mend the world” one must first examine and understand it; so too, that for him and his fellow Jews, knowing Jewish civilization well from within is a prerequisite for action in and beyond the Jewish community.

DAVID GRAIZBORD David Graizbord is Associate Professor and Acting Director of the Arizona Center for Judaic Studies. He is a historian of Jewish Identity in Late Medieval, Early Modern, and Modern times. His last book, The New Zionists: Young American Jews, Jewish National Identity, and Israel, was issued in paperback by Rowman & Littlefield in November of 2021.

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laire Naiman, a native of Tucson, graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University in 2020 with a B.A. in International studies and a Certificate in Hebrew Studies. Along the way, she participated in the University of Arizona’s study abroad program, “Arizona in Israel,” where she completed two courses in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Afula with academic distinction: “Human Rights in Israel,” taught by Prof.

Leonard Hammer, and “Jewish Civilization,” taught by Prof. David Graizbord. For the latter course, Claire researched and delivered an outstanding oral presentation on the socioeconomic and cultural challenges facing Jews of Ethiopian extraction in Israeli society.

Today, Claire is back home in Tucson. She is the Springboard Fellow at the University of Arizona’s Hillel Foundation,

where she designs and executes student-centered programming that highlights and promotes Jewish cultural diversity and inclusion. Recently, Claire took part in Judaic Studies’ Sally and Ralph Duchin Campus Lecture Series when she interviewed Rabbi Micha Odenheimer, the founder and director of the Israeli human rights organization, Tevel be-Tzedek (World in Justice). Stay tuned for the posting of the video of that interview in the UA/Judaic Studies website.

DAVID GRAIZBORD David Graizbord is Associate Professor and Acting Director of the Arizona Center for Judaic Studies. He is a historian of Jewish Identity in Late Medieval, Early Modern, and Modern times. His last book, The New Zionists: Young American Jews, Jewish National Identity, and Israel, was issued in paperback by Rowman & Littlefield in November of 2021.

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CLAIRE NAIMAN

By David Graizbord

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BOBBY LIEB

By Mala Blomquist

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obby Lieb has been a familiar face in Phoenix for decades. He and his wife, MaryAnn Ortiz Lieb, have been married for 35 years and met at the Jockey Club where he was the owner’s son, and she was the disc jockey. They are a force.

Although Bobby and I didn’t meet until I worked with MaryAnn at Raising Arizona Kids magazine, Bobby and I knew many of the same people. My father (and I, starting as a gift wrapper and working up to sales) worked at Leonard’s Luggage, a business owned by Malcolm Straus, who worked with Herb Lieb (Bobby’s dad) to open another Jockey Club at Central and Camelback.

After the Jockey Club closed, Bobby decided to try his hand at real estate, and as the saying goes, the rest is history. Although he has been the top-selling Realtor in North Central Phoenix since 2001 and ranked as HomeSmart’s #1 Top Performing Realtor every year since he joined them in 2011, he still answers his phone for his clients – day or night.

In 2014, after hearing that a HomeSmart agent’s wife had been involved in an attempted carjacking incident and was in critical

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condition in the hospital with head trauma, Bobby played a prominent role in creating the HomeSmart We Care for Others charity. This charity helps HomeSmart’s real estate agents in times of illness, injuries, or other medical setbacks they’ve suffered. Bobby has raised more than $65,000 for this cause.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, Bobby implemented safety protocols for working with his clients. Having been in the business, Bobby wanted to help struggling restaurants, so he donated more than $20,000 from HomeSmart Charities to Bobby-Q, Miracle Mile Deli and a local Subway franchise.

And after hearing that thousands of people in the state are suffering from homelessness, Bobby began contributing $50 to the Arizona Housing Fund for every home he sells.

Even with his success, Bobby still lives by the advice given to him by his father … “at the end of the day, family is the most important thing.”

Bobby checks in daily with his adult children, Sean and Juliann, who live in Phoenix. Bobby and MaryAnn took in another kid, Jesse Milleson, more than 10 years ago, and he currently lives in New York.

Although I’m not related by blood, and I don’t talk to them daily, I know that Bobby, or MaryAnn, will pick up the phone anytime I call.

A

t the beginning of Covid two years ago, Nathan felt a great loss at no longer being in school in person. Like many young people, he struggled to make sense of his new “normal”, and he had to figure out his purpose in life. While he was already dedicated to working with different philanthropic organizations, something was still missing. One day Nathan reached out to a local Rabbi to discuss how he could explore and become active with his Jewish faith. Up until this point, Nathan was not active in Judaism. On his own, Nathan started attending synagogue and ultimately became a leader with C-Teen. He suddenly found new opportunities and connections that he never knew were there. There were no Jewish organizations on his high school campus, so he started to think of ways he could fill this void.

With a mission to bring diversity to his school, and to bring opportunities to other Jewish students, Nathan set out to create a Kosher Food Club on campus. The purpose of this club, is to bring Jewish and non Jewish students together to learn about the food and culture of Jewish Heritage. After recruiting a teacher to sponsor the club, Nathan created a proposal which he submitted to the Glendale Union High School District. Within just a few weeks, the district approved the club.

Rabbi Tzvi of Chabad said, “Nathan is Responsible, and well thought out, he exemplifies true Leadership qualities and has helped his peers learn more about their Judaism. Most teenagers are concerned about how many likes they got on their Instagram post. But Nathan is worried about representing Judaism at his public high school.”

Nathan is also an active member with boys team charity (btc) North Valley. This organizations mission is to give back to the community through philanthropic work. Through btc, Nathan has volunteered with many amazing non profit organizations including Home Fur Good, Packages from Home, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Jaydie Lynn King Foundation. For the Class of 2022 senior project, as President Nathan was instrumental in selecting the project, creating a proposal for the philanthropy and getting the class members to complete the project. For this years project, Home Fur Good was selected as the philanthropy and the members created a sensory garden, painted and replaced the fencing, and created an agility course.

This project had great meaning for Nathan as he has a great love for animals and always enjoyed volunteering with this organization.

ALLISON MINTZ Allison Mintz is has been an online University faculty member and an adult education specialist. She is also Nathan’s proud mother.

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NATHAN MINTZ

By Allison Mintz

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STEVE & ELLEN ROSENBAUM

By Leni Reiss

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ew York’s loss was Arizona’s gain – big time – when Steve and Ellen Rosenbaum packed up and headed west just before the millennium. Granted, they were leaving their first-born, Andrew (single at the time and embarking on a career as a veterinarian), but they would now be close to daughter Ruth (Plotkin), son-in-law, Ed, and their growing family.

The Rosenbaums, both retired educators in the New York City school system and ardent Zionists, settled into their Scottsdale home and within a short period of time did what they wanted to but never had time for – volunteer on behalf of Israel. They had, however, taken their then school-aged kids to Israel for Steve’s year-long sabbatical leave of absence, and the four Rosenbaums spent a spectacular and inspiring year in the Jewish state.

Eitan Ben Ami, at the time the Israeli shaliach (emissary) here, met the couple shortly after they arrived in the Valley. They bonded immediately and Eitan set them on the path, beginning with their leadership of the Israel Independence Day celebrations attended by thousands each year.

They also took on chairmanships of events benefitting American Friends of Magen David Adom and

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headed the volunteer committee for the Phoenix-based 2006 Maccabi Games.

Longtime supporters of Gesher Disability Resources (formerly Council for Jews with Special Needs), they co-chaired “Best of Broadway/West of Broadway,” one of the organization’s most successful fundraisers.

But Arizona Friends of Israeli Scouts (Tzofim) is the organization that they simply loved. For many years, Steve and Ellen and their committee arranged for the local scheduling, care and feeding of some dozen young Israelis and their guides on goodwill missions, singing and dancing their way into the hearts of audiences throughout the United States. This responsibility involved arranging for housing and transportation, booking and attending all performances, fundraising and generally being available for surrogate parenting as well as any and all issues that arose.

Due in good part to their efforts, Phoenix/Scottsdale was often the highlight of the tour for the Israeli contingent, several of whom have remained in touch through the years.

On a personal note, my husband Barry and I are the proud owners of an autographed copy of A Brooklyn Life, written by Steve and “Dedicated to my wife, Ellen, my great love, my rock, my best friend and my partner in my journey through life.” We take pride in our close relationship with the Rosenbaums, a special pair who are well deserving of this honor and recognition.

LENI REISS is former managing editor of Jewish News of Greater Phoenix and present contributing editor for Arizona Jewish Life.

J

ay Bycer is a complete personal and professional Jew. He and his family are totally immersed in synagogue life and Jay has served on the boards of a dozen Jewish organizations. Over the years that Jay and his wife, Karen, have been involved in Jewish communal life, the community has grown from about 40,000 Jews to approximately 100,000. The growth experiences they have been integral in supporting has enabled their service that includes extensive fundraising, founding new organizations, partnering with groups encompassing local, national, and international associations engaging in Jewish education, culture, music, and commitment to supporting Israel.

Jay served on AFMDA’s National Board of Directors for several years, where he traveled the country to help other chapters create similar programs for their communities as he had helped lead in Arizona such as Partners for Life (Federation’s Belle Latchman Award) and the Judaic Cultural Orchestra. (Jay is being honored for his work with AFMDA on Jan. 30; see American Friends of Magen David Adom Celebrates 20 Years of Leadership in Phoenix on page ??? for more information.)

Jay has indicated it has been effortless to commit to Arizona Jewish communal life because it is not as steeped in multi-generational establishment affiliations as older traditional communities such as the one he left in Philadelphia. In addition, Arizona afforded the Bycers welcoming access for volunteerism not as accessible in institutionalized societies in Eastern establishments.

Professionally, Jay was the founder of Market Solutions Group, a national marketing research and consulting firm, and Bycer Management Group. His career brought him and his family to Arizona in the late 1970s from Philadelphia, living in the Phoenix area for almost 40 years, with his wife Karen and their two grown boys and three grandchildren.

He has worked in key marketing positions in the financial, real estate and publishing industries. He is a member of congregations Beth El, Or Tzion, and Temple B’rith Shalom in Prescott.

Jay has endeavored tirelessly to overcome serious illnesses that have affected himself and many of his relatives. Yet, he never complains and optimistically accepts the responsibilities of family caregiver while continuing his commitments to Jewish communal life like the true mensch he is.

RABBI JEFFREY SCHESNOL The ceremonial and spiritual leader of Or Adam Congregation for Humanistic Judaism and associate director of the Arizona Jewish Historical Society.

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By Rabbi Jeffrey Schesnol

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ANDI MINKOFF

By Shannon Levitt

S

ince the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the word “testing” has generally called to mind a painful nasal swab, fears of a positive result and possible quarantine. But long before COVID, Andi Minkoff and her late husband, Sherman, realized what a very different kind of testing could offer their Jewish community and made an impassioned case for genetic testing -- something that could benefit Ashkenazi Jews, a community susceptible to a number of deadly genetic diseases.

When the human genome was mapped two decades ago, the couple recognized that a new field of prevention and care had suddenly opened, and they proposed to their havurah that members educate the Jewish community about testing to avoid the crushing reality of having a child with a genetic disorder Still, people hesitated and the Minkoffs decided to act on their own to educate and encourage people to get tested. They began by creating informational packets for rabbis and physicians with a small grant from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix.

That was the extent of their work until they discovered the prohibitive expense of the tests, often costing thousands of dollars. They realized they had created a scary situation for people who now knew what could happen but didn’t have the

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means to test.

So, the Minkoffs took the next logical step and created a path to provide the testing. They worked with Jewish Family & Children’s Service, the Council for Jews with Special Needs (now Gesher Disability Resources) and Dr. Kirk Aleck, a local geneticist. They started raising money.

What started at the Minkoff’s kitchen table soon became the Jewish Genetic Diseases Center of Greater Phoenix. In 2019, it became Minkoff Center for Jewish Genetics.

The center began testing for only four diseases: Tay-Sachs, Canavan, cystic fibrosis and familial dysautonomia. It now screens for more than 100.

Andi Minkoff and her husband made a perfect team. Sherman was a cardiologist and could develop the medical side of the program while Andi had the organizational and fundraising background. She was so practiced at fundraising she even taught seminars on the topic. Both were also deeply involved in Greater Phoenix’s Jewish community for decades.

When the couple started down the genetic testing road all those years ago, they had already had their children and had no close personal relationship with anyone who had a Jewish genetic disease. But they saw their community missing an opportunity, and instead of waiting for someone else to act, they took the responsibility upon themselves.

They decided if they could reduce suffering, heartbreak and loss, there was no time to lose.

SHANNON LEVITT Shannon Levitt is a freelance writer in Greater Phoenix.

T

ucson resident Richard “Dick” Belkin can’t be pinned down to just one career. Over the years, he has made his claim to fame in the entertainment industry with both his business acumen and his creative chops.

For his multiple talents and his service to Tucson’s Jewish community, Belkin was honored by Tucson Hebrew Academy (THA) during its 2021 Tikkun Olam Celebration in November. Though not from Tucson, Belkin has more than made his mark there having served as board chair of the Tucson Jewish Community Center, board chair of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, board president for THA and as a board trustee for Tucson’s Jewish Community Foundation.

Belkin began his long and storied career after earning a master’s degree in television and radio broadcasting from Syracuse University. But before he could really get his feet wet in entertainment, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in his 20s.

That was where he got his start as a writer and entertainer, first as a journalist with the Army newspaper and then as a comedy writer and performer who would go on to tour Europe entertaining the troops.

Following his Army service days, Belkin spent 40 years immersed in entertainment, where he was comfortable wearing many hats. He did everything from directing and producing to performing. Before turning to advertising and leadership roles, he played Captain Six on a children’s television program in Schenectady, New York. Later, he became vice president of Lee Enterprises, which owned television stations from West Virginia to Hawaii.

Still, Belkin never lost his creative edge. In the last few years he has written and published four children’s books. His second, “Coronado Dog Surfing Olympics,” was inspired by an actual bulldog he witnessed atop a surfboard in Coronado, California, where he and his wife, Sherry, spend part of every year. He knew instinctively that it would be a perfect plot for a children’s book. He waited two years to put pen to paper, but once he did, it only took him an hour or so to write it, he told the Coronado Eagle & Journal in 2016.

Belkin became an investor in “Come From Away,” a Tony awardwinning musical about the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks. Belkin had a business operating the observation tower at the World Trade Center in New York until that fateful day.

Belkin and his wife are also celebrated fundraisers.

SHANNON LEVITT Shannon Levitt is a freelance writer in Greater Phoenix.

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By Shannon Levitt

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FOOD

W

ith the ongoing pandemic, not to mention cold and flu season, it’s more important than ever to take care of our health. We all know that getting enough sleep, lowering anxiety, exercising and getting outside is all good for our immune system, but what we eat can also boost our immune system and increase our chances of staying well.

Foods that boost your immunity

By Mala Blomquist

Immunity boosting foods have a positive effect on our gut microbiome and can be the first line of defense against illness and disease.

Try the following recipes for a happy gut!

PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY OVERNIGHT OATS Recipe courtesy FitLiving Eats

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Protein-rich peanut butter, fiber-packed oats and chia seeds that are loaded with healthy fats make for a perfectly balanced breakfast that will keep you full for hours. Also, the oat base is made extra creamy with plain kefir – a probioticrich yogurt that is tangy and thick. You can buy either whole milk or dairy-free kefir made from almond milk or cashew milk depending on your preference.

INGREDIENTS 2 bananas 2 cups old-fashioned oats 1/4 cup chia seeds 2 cups plain kefir 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice) 1/4 cup maple syrup, optional 2 cups strawberries, chopped 1/4 cup peanut butter

INSTRUCTIONS To make the oat base, mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl. Add the oats, chia seeds kefir, almond milk and maple syrup (if using). Whisk to combine.

Make the strawberry puree by adding the strawberries into a blender and blend until smooth.

To assemble, divide the oat base evenly among four 16-ounce mason jars.

Top each with one tablespoon of peanut butter. Equally distribute the strawberry puree to finish the overnight oats.

Screw on the lid and store in the refrigerator for up to four days.

This healthy chicken pesto pasta recipe is easy to make thanks to convenience ingredients like rotisserie chicken and store-bought pesto. The addition of fresh asparagus brightens up the look and flavors of this easy one-pot dinner. Fresh basil, if you have it on hand, is a nice finishing touch.

Asparagus works as a prebiotic. It contains high levels of the indigestible fiber inulin, which feeds healthy bacteria like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Asparagus also has high levels of B vitamins and inflammation-fighting antioxidants.

INGREDIENTS 8 ounces whole-wheat penne 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast 1 (7 ounce) container refrigerated basil pesto 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup) Small fresh basil leaves for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS Cook pasta in a large pot according to package directions. Add asparagus to the pot during the final 2 minutes of cooking time. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.

Return the pasta mixture to the pot; stir in chicken, pesto, salt and pepper.

Stir in the reserved cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish; sprinkle with Parmesan and garnish with basil, if desired. Serve immediately.

ONE-POT CHICKEN PESTO PASTA WITH ASPARAGUS Recipe courtesy Eating Well

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FOOD The savory glaze is the perfect accent for this broiled fish and makes an easy dinner. Brush it on before and after broiling, and it’s absolutely stunning.

Aspergillus oryzae is the main probiotic strain found in miso. Research shows that the probiotics in this condiment may help reduce symptoms linked to digestive problems including inflammatory bowel disease. Also, salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation in your body.

INGREDIENTS 1 to 1 1/2 pounds high quality skin-on salmon fillets, wild caught if possible Freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons light or yellow miso 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos) 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar (or maple syrup) 1/4 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Optional garnish: Sliced green onions, sesame seeds

MISO GLAZED SALMON

Recipe courtesy A Couple Cooks

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INSTRUCTIONS Let salmon rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the miso glaze: Whisk the miso, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, Sriracha and kosher salt together in a small bowl until smooth (the miso may have a few lumps depending on its texture, which is okay).

Preheat the broiler to high. Place a large sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and brush it with olive oil. Pat each piece of salmon dry and place it on the foil skin side down. Brush salmon liberally with the glaze (1 to 2 tablespoons).

Broil about 4 to 5 minutes for very thin salmon or 7 to 10 minutes for 1-inch thick salmon, until just tender and pink at the center (the internal temperature should be between 125 to 130F in the center). Brush with more of the glaze and serve.

CRISPY AND CHEWY SESAME SHIITAKE Recipe courtesy It Doesn’t Take Like Chicken

It may sound surprising, but the chewy texture of shiitake mushrooms means that, when cooked and seasoned in the right way, they can make a good substitute for meat. This recipe uses them as a stand-in for sesame chicken. Pair it with a serving of rice and you have yourself a complete meal.

Shiitake mushrooms boast polysaccharides, terpenoids, sterols, and lipids, some of which have immune-boosting, cholesterol-lowering and anticancer effects.

FOR THE SHIITAKE: 2 cups dried shiitakes (12-16 mushrooms) Boiling water (to soak the mushrooms) 1/4 cup cornstarch 2 tablespoons light oil (such as canola or peanut), plus more if needed FOR THE SESAME SAUCE: 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 cloves garlic , minced 1 inch piece of ginger , minced 2 teaspoons sriracha or other hot sauce (optional) 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon cornstarch FOR GARNISH: 2 green onion , thinly sliced 2 teaspoons sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS Cover the mushrooms in boiling water, and put something on top to keep them submerged. Soak for around 40 minutes until tender. Drain the mushrooms. If you wish you can save the liquid to use as a mushroom broth. Now squeeze out the excess water from the mushrooms. Don’t mush them to death, but just lightly squeeze them and shake off the water so they are on the drier side.

Slice them into nice thick slices, about 1/2 inch.

Toss them in the cornstarch so they are evenly coated and shake off the excess.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Make sure the oil is nice and hot before adding in the mushrooms so that they fry, and not just soak up the oil. Fry the mushrooms until they are lightly golden on all sides, and no white cornstarch remains.

In the meantime make the sauce by adding all of the ingredients to a small sauce pan. Cook the sauce for about 2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Add in the fried shiitakes and toss to coat.

Serve immediately over rice or in any way that you desire, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

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FRONT & CENTER

2022 Tucson International Jewish Film Festival Featuring independent and international films, the 2022 Tucson International Jewish Film Festival runs virtually from January 6-February 20 with 12 full-length films (more than any year prior!), a mini-series, six shorts, and eight post-film programs that include conversations with film makers.

In its 31st year, the festival is one of the country’s longest-running Jewish film festivals, one of Arizona’s longest running film fests, and one of Tucson’s premier cultural events. We proudly present this opportunity to celebrate Jewish culture and diversity and provide a glimpse of Jewish lives that are worlds away and yet, remarkably familiar.

Covid-19 has been devastating for the arts in many ways…leading to postponements, cancellations, and the closing of art venues. Yet, it has inspired ingenious alternative ways of bringing arts into the homes of audiences. Again this year, we struggled with the decision to promote and offer our 2022 Festival as a virtual event. We believe it is our ethical obligation to protect our community, and hope that more will join us from the comfort of their homes. Participating in our film festival is a great way for folks to help support a local nonprofit, with all the money going into providing scholarships to our essential services (like childcare) and to helping us keep Tucson healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually during another year of the pandemic.

ON BROADWAY Opening film Musical documentary USA. 2020 82 mins. English An all-star cast tells the inside story of the Broadway theater coming back from the brink thanks to innovative ideas, new attention to inclusion, and a sometimes-uneasy balance between art and commerce. Legends of the stage and screen, 44

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such as Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen, take us backstage of groundbreaking shows, from “A Chorus Line” to “Hamilton.”

Iconic performances by Lin Manual Miranda, among others, lead us on a hurly burly ride through Times Square, once again the main street of American show business.

SUBLET Drama. Israel 2020 91 mins. Hebrew with English subtitles After suffering a personal tragedy, a New York Times travel writer arrives in Tel Aviv on assignment. The energy of the city and an unexpected close relationship with a younger man bring him back to life. Directed by prominent Israeli director, Eytan Fox. SKY RAIDER Drama Israel 2019 103 mins. Hebrew with English subtitles A heartwarming, Israeli adventure film for the entire family.

Yotam and his high school classmate, Noa, find a vintage WWII aircraft used during the Israeli War of Independence. After a chance encounter, an unusual friendship develops between the teens and Morris, an 80-year-old curmudgeon. Against all odds, they team up to rebuild the plane.

HERE WE ARE Drama Israel 2020 92 mins. Hebrew with English subtitles Aharon has devoted his life to raising his son, Uri, in a life of gentle routine, sheltered from the real world. But Uri is autistic and, as he grows into a young adult, the time has come for him to live in a specialized home. On their way to the residence, Aharon, feeling that his son is not ready for this gut-wrenching step, changes his mind and hits the road with Uri. Or is it in fact Aharon who is not ready to be separated from his son?

THOU SHALL NOT HATE Drama Italy 2021 96 mins. Italian with English subtitles A surgeon and son of a Holocaust survivor who lives in Trieste, refuses to help a victim of a traffic accident when he finds the Nazi emblem tattooed on the victim’s body. Consumed with guilt, he begins to doubt his refusal to treat the victim - did he do the right thing?

TIGER WITHIN Drama USA 2020 98 mins. English A surgeon and son of a Holocaust survivor who lives in Trieste,

refuses to help a victim of a traffic accident when he finds the Nazi emblem tattooed on the victim’s body. Consumed with guilt, he begins to doubt his refusal to treat the victim - did he do the right thing?

SHORT FILMS Animated shorts Israel 2020 6 mins. Hebrew with English subtitles In this nostalgic winner of the French Annecy International Animated Film Festival, a Jewish boy and an Arab girl bond over their love of movies at a famed 1930s Jerusalem cinematheque.

SHOOTING LIFE Drama Israel 2018 87 mins. Hebrew with English subtitles Sderot, a town close to the Gaza border, is tense with a feeling of imminent danger from missile attacks and frequent air raids, and the locals pay the emotional price. Igal Gazit, an unemployed film director from Tel Aviv, moves to Sderot and begins teaching at the high school. To help his students come to terms with the constant stress and danger under which they’re living, he encourages them to make movies about their own experiences.

CHEWDAISM: A TASTE OF JEWISH MONTREAL Delectable documentary Canada 2018 62 mins. English This documentary follows Montrealers, Jamie and Eli, as they explore the roots of the city’s Jewish community by sampling the offerings of classical Jewish eateries. Over a twenty-four hour period, they share tales and meals with various guests and discover the story of their own mixed-up heritages, as well as the history of the community over the past 100 years.

MY NAME IS SARA Drama based on a true story Poland 2019 111 mins. Polish, Russian, Ukranian and English with English subtitles Sara is a 13-year-old Polish Jew fleeing Nazi persecution who finds refuge as a servant for a Ukrainian farmer and his wife.

The family is battered on all sides, as multiple occupiers take over their country. As Sara discovers the dark secrets of her employers’ marriage, she must struggle to protect her greatest secret - that of her true identity.

LABYRINTH OF PEACE, EDPISODES 1-2 Mini-series based on true events Switzerland 2020 50 mins. Swiss and German with English subtitles It’s 1945, and the war is over, but its repercussions are not, especially for thousands of displaced Jewish children. This gripping series follows a group of these refugee children, who are temporarily housed in a small Swiss village under difficult conditions. At the same time, Switzerland, while neutral during the war, becomes a hub for Nazi war criminals, trying to smuggle their assets, including money and valuables looted from Jews.

The protagonists must grapple with issues of morality and ethics, as they try to decide where their loyalties should lie.

LABYRINTH OF PEACE, EDPISODES 4-6 Mini-series based on true events Switzerland 2020 50 mins. Swiss and German with English subtitles It’s 1945, and the war is over, but its repercussions are not, especially for thousands of displaced Jewish children. This gripping series follows a group of these refugee children, who are temporarily housed in a small Swiss village under difficult conditions. At the same time, Switzerland, while neutral during the war, becomes a hub for Nazi war criminals, trying to smuggle their assets, including money and valuables looted from Jews. The protagonists must grapple with issues of morality and ethics, as they try to decide where their loyalties should lie.

NEIGHBORS Drama based on true events Switzerland and France. 2021 124 mins. Kurdish with English subtitles In a Syrian Kurdish village during the bloody conflict in Syria in the 1970s, Sero and his uncle act as the Shabbat goyim for their Jewish next door neighbors: an old couple and their daughter, Hannah. Desperate to leave Syria, Hannah and her family are unable to do so, because, as Jews, they have been stripped of their citizenship. This story follows the lives of both families as they are caught up in the civil war in Syria, which eventually finds Sero in an Iraqi refugee camp. Hannah never stops searching for him.

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FRONT & CENTER

The 26th Annual Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival

Streams Virtually Over 18 Days

F WHAT The 26th Annual Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival WHE: Feb. 10-27, 2022 tickets available beginning Jan. 17 WHERE Virtually

TICKET PRICES

(EACH TICKET IS GOOD FOR ONE

HOUSEHOLD) $13 per individual household film ticket $65 per household 6-pack of tickets $225 per household Festival Pass.

Viewers will have 3 days to watch each film, with the ability to pause, rewind and even switch devices within the home.

INFORMATION: For more information or to purchase tickets, go to gpjff.org.

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or more than a quarter of a century, the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival (GPJFF) has celebrated Jewish culture through film, bringing an exciting lineup of films to Arizona, honoring Jewish traditions and heritage. From Feb. 10 through Feb. 27, the 26th Annual Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival will screen films showcasing the best of Jewish life, history and heritage. Due to ongoing health and safety concerns, the film festival will once again be held virtually.

Currently the longest-running film festival in the Valley, the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival celebrates its 26th year by presenting more great films that make our festival even bigger and better – almost 3,400 minutes of Jewish cinema from dozens of different countries! Rejoice in this popular annual event with more than 30 feature-length and short films ranging from defiance and revenge, to fun and adventure, and to laughter and love, with something for everyone and stories that engage both mind and heart. Via just about any device, computer or Smart TV, the audience can travel from the beaches and shuks of Israel to the back lots and sound stages of Hollywood; from a tropical farm in Brazil to the witness stand of the United States Supreme Court; from the limestone hills of the island of Majorca to multiple villages and towns of wartime Europe.

Using innovative technology, the virtual festival allows participants to easily build a flexible customized plan to see every film. Post-film interviews with filmmakers and experts on a film’s subjects will be held seamlessly after many screenings. In addition, a variety of international short films will play before many of the screenings.

For more information on the Festival or to purchase tickets starting January 17, visit gpjff.org. You can also follow the Festival on Twitter at @GPJFF or on Facebook at facebook.com/ GreaterPhxJewishFilmFest.

PERSIAN LESSONS (Opening Film) Holocaust Drama - (Russia/Germany/Belarus), 2020, 127 minutes, German, French, Persian, English, and Italian w/ English subtitles A Jewish man in a German concentration camp pretends to have a mother from Belgium and a father from Iran. To stay alive, he convinces a Nazi who wants to learn Persian, that he speaks the language fluently, but one false move could expose his lie.

PERSIAN LESSONS

200 METERS Drama - (Palestinian Territories), 2020, 96 mins., Arabic & Hebrew, w/ English subtitles A 200-meter distance becomes a 200-kilometer odyssey when a Palestinian man, desperate to see his son after an accident, attempts to smuggle himself over the Israeli border wall.

LEAVING PARADISE Documentary - (USA), 2020 mins., 86 minutes, Portuguese, Spanish & Hebrew, w/ English subtitles Cleo fulfilled his dream to leave the big city with his wife and 15 children to establish a family commune on a farm in Brazil, but exploring their family roots leads the children to discover their surprising Jewish heritage, which undermines the existence of the communal paradise.

LEAVING PARADISE

THE RAFT Family Adventure Drama - (Israel), 2020, 90 mins., Hebrew w/ English subtitles Due to travel restrictions, four devoted youths decide to secretly build a raft and sail to the soccer championship game in Cyprus in what will become the adventure of their lifetime.

A TREE OF LIFE Documentary - (USA), 2021, 80 mins., English This documentary about the 2018 attack on Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue creates a very personal portrait of the victims, victims’ families, and the survivors of the deadliest attack of Jewish people on American soil.

THE RAFT

PAUL NEWMAN: BEHIND BLUE EYES

PAUL NEWMAN, BEHIND BLUE EYES Biopic - (France), 2021, 52 minutes, English & French w/ English subtitles Discover the life and personality of Paul Newman -- the actor, the family man, and the philanthropist hiding behind his famous blue eyes, while uncovering the depth of the man who hid behind the magnetism of his gaze.

XUETA ISLAND Documentary - (Spain), 2021, 63 mins., Catalan and Spanish w/ English subtitles Explore the fascinating legacy of the Xuetas: a unique group of families on the Spanish island of Majorca who are believed to be descendants of the island’s Inquisition-era Jewish population.

Forced to renounce their Judaism by the Catholic Church at the beginning of the 15th century, this group has reawakened their complex Jewish ties.

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26 TH A N N UA L J E WI SH FIL M FE ST IVAL

WET DOG

TIGER WITHIN Drama - (USA), 2020, 90 mins., English Ed Asner stars in this tender story about the unlikely friendship between a Holocaust survivor and a homeless teen runaway, sparking larger questions about fear, forgiveness and healing.

WET DOG Drama - (Germany), 2020, 103 mins.,German w/ English subtitles This film set in a largely Muslim neighborhood in Berlin, tells the story of 16-year old Iranian, Solheil, who is caught between hiding his Jewish identity and saving his friendships.

PLAN A Holocaust Drama - (Germany/Israel), 2021, 109 mins., English In 1945, to exact revenge, a group of Jewish Holocaust survivors planned to poison the water system in Germany. This true story tells of the dangerous and bold secret operation which was called Plan A.

A CRIME ON THE 200 METERS BAYOU

A CRIME ON THE BAYOU Documentary - (USA), 2021, 89 mins., English In this true story, a black teenager bravely challenges the most powerful white supremacist in 1960s Louisiana with the help of a young Jewish attorney. Systemic racism meets its match in decisive courtroom battles, including the United States Supreme Court, and a lifelong friendship is born.

LABYRINTH OF PEACE (Centerpiece Series- view all six episodes) Historical Drama Series - (Switzerland), 2020. Six 60-minute episodes, Swiss German & French with English subtitles This limited-run historical drama series takes place in 1945 immediately after war-torn Europe has been reduced to rubble and 30 million people are displaced and uprooted. At the heart of this ravaged continent lies Switzerland. This small neutral country, which has been all but spared by the war, becomes a hub for Nazi war criminals, Allied Secret Services and Holocaust survivors.

THE ART DEALER

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CARL LAEMMLE Documentary - (USA), 2019, 91 mins., English Carl Laemmle is the extraordinary life story of the GermanAmerican immigrant, an early cinema pioneer who founded Universal Pictures. By the time of his death in 1939, he saved over 300 Jewish refugee families from Nazi Germany.

THE ART DEALER Historical Thriller - (France), 2015, 95 mins, French w/ English subtitles A Jewish woman embarks on a journey to recover family paintings stolen by the Nazis, but during her investigation discovers that some family secrets are best kept hidden.

STARRY NIGHT ABOVE THE ROMAN GHETTO Drama - (Italy), 2021, 100 mins., Italian w/ English subtitles The modern-day discovery of a letter and a photograph sparks Sofia, a student, to probe the history of Rome’s Jewish ghetto and the fate of a little girl in this Italian drama interlacing past and present.

MY DEAREST ENEMY Drama - (Israel), 2019, 100 mins., Hebrew & Arabic, w/ English subtitles A friendship between Alice, a Muslim woman, and Maya, a Jewish woman, becomes impossible when Alice’s old lover returns to her life, bringing with him the reality of the conflict between their people.

THE NEW JEW (Part 1 & 2) Documentary - (Israel), 2021, 2 45-min. episodes, Hebrew & English w/ English subtitles This episodic documentary about “new” Jews presented by Guri Alfi, Israel’s popular comedian, will likely enlighten, entertain and annoy viewers in different ways, but it presents a varied and interesting portrait of American-Jewish life.

1618 Historical Drama - (Portugal), 90 min., Portuguese w/ English subtitles 1618 is based on a true story: the visitation of the Inquisition to the city of Oporto, Portugal in 1618. At the time, the entire population was ordered to denounce heresies under pain of excommunication. In a city where a large part of the population had Jewish ancestry, over one hundred New Christians were imprisoned, causing terror in the community, mass emigration and the near total destruction of the city’s economy. With his family and community in danger, António Álvares decides to outline an escape plan while the Inquisition continues the persecution of Portuguese Jews.

THE ADVENTURES OF SAUL BELLOW Biopic - (USA & Israel), 2021, 85 mins., English This film examines one of America’s greatest writers Saul Bellow’s influence on American literature, explores Bellow as a public figure, and looks at how he dealt with key issues of his time, including race, gender, and the Jewish-American immigrant experience.

ANTISEMITISM Documentary - (France/Canada/Israel), 2020, 121 mins., French w/ English subtitles This substantive film traces the origins of antisemitism in France from the Middle Ages to the Dreyfus Affair. Combining personal and collective narratives, Antisemitism showcases how the depiction of «the Jew» in society established an ideology of hate that eventually led to the Holocaust and the current wave of anti-Jewish sentiment.

MY DEAREST ENEMY

1618

THE ADVENTURES OF SAUL BELLOW

ANTISEMITISM ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 49

26 TH A N N UA L J E WI SH FIL M FE ST IVAL

BETRAYED Historical Thriller - (Norway), 2020, 126 mins., Norwegian w/ English subtitles This true story illustrates how the Holocaust wasn’t just perpetrated by the Nazis, but by hundreds of willing collaborators and citizens, by shining a light on Norway’s relatively unknown dark past. The film follows the Jewish Braude family’s experiences when they are arrested and deported.

BETRAYED

THE GOOD TRAITOR

LANSKY

STILL A REVOLUTIONARY:ALBERT EINSTEIN 50

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

THE GOOD TRAITOR Historical Drama - (Denmark), 115 mins., Italian w/ English subtitles The Good Traitor is a period drama centering on the life of diplomat Henrik Kauffmann, who was the Danish ambassador posted to Washington in 1939. When World War II started and the Nazi›s occupied Denmark on April 9th, 1940, Kauffmann declared himself to be the only true representative of the free Danish people in opposition to the Nazis.

LANSKY Biopic - (USA), 2021, 119 mins., English When aging gangster Meyer Lansky (played by Harvey Keitel) is investigated one last time by the Feds, who suspect he has stashed away millions of dollars, Lansky spins a dizzying tale, revealing the untold truth about his life as the notorious boss of Murder Inc. and the National Crime Syndicate.

LOVE & MAZEL TOV Romantic Comedy - (Germany), 2020, 88 mins., German w/ English subtitles A warm-hearted love story, Love and Mazel Tov follows the romance between Anne, a Jewish bookstore owner, and Daniel, who pretends to be Jewish to attract her. After becoming a couple, their friends have an inkling that his web of lies will be discovered. How will Anne feel when she finds out he isn’t Jewish after all?

SHALOM TAIWAN Comedy - (Argentina), 2019, 85 mins., Spanish, English & Taiwanese w/ English subtitles The severe financial problems of a Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires forces its enterprising rabbi to embark on a humorous and heartwarming journey to the Far East on a quest to secure donations.

STILL A REVOLUTIONARY: ALBERT EINSTEIN Documentary - (USA), 2020, 80 mins., English Albert Einstein was a world-renowned celebrity and greeted like a rock star. He was also an outspoken social and political activist on issues ranging from women’s rights and racism to immigration and nuclear arms control. Using rarely-seen archival footage and illuminating interviews, this documentary goes beyond the legend to tell the true story of the famous savant.

THE PIANIST FROM RAMALLAH Documentary - (Israel), 2020, 60 mins., Arabic and Russian w/ English subtitles Based on a true story, Muhammad “Misha” Alsheikh is a 16-year old pianist with extraordinary talent and capable of overcoming seemingly insurmountable barriers. The son of a Palestinian father and Russian mother, he works with an IsraeliJewish teacher in his quest to fulfill his dreams.

TANGO SHALOM Comedy - (USA), 2021, 115 mins., English A tango dancer asks a rabbi to enter a dance competition, but there’s one big problem -- he’s not allowed to touch her due to his Orthodox beliefs. However, since the prize money will save his school from bankruptcy, they work together to develop a plan to enter the competition without sacrificing his faith.

WE WERE THE OTHERS Documentary - (Israel), 2019, 54 mins., Hebrew with English subtitles We Were the Others tells the story of six gay men that were born in the days of the establishment of the State of Israel.

Their stories serve as the film›s background for the depiction of the clandestine and undocumented lives of homosexuals in Israel during the 1960-70s when homosexuality was considered illegal and a mental illness.

THE PIANIST FROM RAMALLAH

TANGO SHALOM

LOVE IT WAS NOT Holocaust Documentary - (Israel), 2020, 83 mins., Hebrew, German and English with English subtitles The impossible and tragic love story between Helena Citron, a young Jewish prisoner in Auschwitz, and the Austrian SS officer Franz Wunsch. Thirty years later, a letter arrives from his wife, forcing Helena to make an impossible decision.

NEIGHBOURS (Closing Film) Drama - (Switzerland), 2021, 124 mins., Kurdish, Arabic & Hebrew w/ English subtitles With a fine sense of humor and satire, a six-year old Kurdish boy, Sero, experiences his first year in an Arab school in a little village on the Syrian-Turkish border. Set in the early 1980s, Sero loves his family as well as his Jewish neighbors, but his little world is about to be radically changed by absurd nationalism.

LOVE IT WAS NOT

NEIGHBORS ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 51

FRONT & CENTER

Artists to Transform Desert with Arizona Fine Art EXPO

By Jessica Gonzalez Artists from throughout Arizona, the Western United States and even the world will transform the desert of North Scottsdale into Arizona’s premier venue for collecting fine art during the 10-week Arizona Fine Art EXPO beginning Friday, Jan. 14.

Attendees can meet the artists, watch them in action and learn about their journey, inspiration and techniques at one of the 124 patron-friendly studios featured during the event.

The Arizona Fine Art EXPO runs from 10 am to 6 pm daily through Sunday, March 27, under the “festive white tents” at 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, on the southwest corner of Scottsdale and Jomax Roads, next to MacDonald’s Ranch.

Season passes cost $12; season passes for seniors and military are $10, and children under 12 are free. Parking is free.

Throughout the 10-week event, patrons can enjoy watching artisans sketch in pencil, charcoal and pastels; sculpt and fire clay; chisel, carve and shape stone; scratch and etch on porcelain and clay board; and saw and carve wood sculptures. Artists will also paint in all media; stain and etch gourds; design lost wax casting; design and create jewelry; and assemble mosaics.

Art is for sale during the event, named Arizona’s “Best Place to Buy Art” two years in a row by Phoenix Magazine, and commissions are welcomed.

Three of the artists featured in this year’s event include jewelry artist Zac Kothrade; painter, illustrator and sculptor Monte Moore; and fused glass artist Laverne Thorpe.

Zac Kothrade 52

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

Monte Moore

Laverne Thrope

RING AQUA COSMIC

Z

EARRINGS

ZAC KOTHRADE

ac enjoys creating jewelry to compliment the human figure. His designs use bold, simple lines to highlight the interplay between jewelry and the elegance of the human form.

Originally a wildland firefighter, Zac was finishing his final year of a bachelor’s degree program in parks and recreation at Northern Arizona University when a chance metalsmithing class changed his life.

He fell in love with the medium and began pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in fine arts. While working as a bench jeweler, Zac always desired to be more creative with his skills. So, after six years as a repair jeweler, he ICICLE CUFF

founded Zac Karen Jewelry. This will be his fifth year with a studio at the Arizona Fine Art EXPO. Zac’s experience as a bench jeweler taught him to design pieces that are high quality and comfortable, simple yet elegant. His work is designed to be durable and wearable, with earrings that are light and pieces that have finished edges to ensure they won’t wear out or be uncomfortable.

“My pieces include a lot of organic lines that I witness in nature, in the growth of a tree branch or the line of a river or horizon,” says Zac. “I like the random patterns found in the creative process of nature.”

PENDANT AMETHYST ORBIT

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 53

MONTE MOORE

A

FRONT & CENTER

professional illustrator and artist for nearly 30 years, Monte is the exclusive artist for The Mandalorian Collection for Thomas Kinkade Studios. His day job includes watching every episode of the Disney+ show multiple times.

Viewing the first time to enjoy the show and take notes, a second time to watch for the most iconic scenes or images from the episode and again while he’s painting.

Monte creates a 22-inch by 31-inch size painting for each episode of The Mandalorian.

He’s currently painting his way through Season 2.

Born in Phoenix, Monte grew up on a 30,000-acre cattle ranch in Idaho. He spent summers working with his dad on the ranch and acquired his love of art from his mom, who is a fine artist herself.

His interests and artwork range from the highly realistic westerns he’s best known for

by Arizona Fine Art EXPO patrons to pop culture paintings, graphic novels, custom automotive work and even sculpture.

Top left: On the Trail 20x30 Mixed Media Watercolor.

Masters of the West Buffalo Bill Cody tribute on Bison Skull - finished with turquoise, feathers, buffalo nickel accents and fur.

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Indomitable Private Commission on Elk Hide Drum.

Small Shaman with fabric

LAVERNE THORPE Lady with Adinkra Symbols

Untitled

African Woman

A

fused-glass artist, Laverne creates vibrant glass sculptures with bright primary colors. According to Laverne, she designs her pieces to make herself happy and make other people smile.

Laverne’s work ranges in size from wearable pendants the size of a quarter to large standing sculptures more than five feet tall.

She has been an artist her entire adult life, beginning with ceramics before moving into jewelry design and eventually finding her current passion for glasswork.

Since 2009, Laverne has been passionate about stopping human trafficking. She took a life-changing trip to Ghana, where she met children rescued from labor slavery. As a result, she now donates 25% of all her glass sales to agencies fighting human trafficking.

For more details about the Arizona Fine Art EXPO and its participating artists, call 480-837-7163 or visit ArizonaFineArtEXPO.com.

Medium Mask

Jessica Gonzalez is a public relations and social media specialist.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 55

FRONT & CENTER

MOSTLY KOSHER When: Saturday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 pm Where: Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: $22-$38 adults $15 youth Information: chandlercenter.org/ events/mostly-kosher

56

Mostly Kosher

is coming to Chandler

M

ostly Kosher, the LA-based Klezmer-Rock Band sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard before – and that’s exactly the way it should be! They will be performing their signature blend of Jewish cultural music, jazz, Latin, rock and folk for a concert the whole family will enjoy at the Chandler Center for the Arts on Jan. 29 at 7:30 pm.

Mostly Kosher’s mainstage show is an immersive cultural experience that lays the drawbridge down, invites the listener in to share a few l’chaims, and then sends them home with a goodie bag of melodies, memories and the desire to hora through the night.

The set includes reconstructed Klezmer and Yiddish music, the cultural expressions of Jewish people, crossed with rock, Latin, jazz and folk. In response to the poetry and folk music of Judaic roots, the show includes an

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

original repertoire resounding with themes of social justice, human dignity and mutual understanding.

The band is a fixture at renowned Southern California stages such as the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, Skirball Cultural Center, Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center and The Torrance Center for Performing Arts (TOCA). They have also graced the stage of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for a live television broadcast to over half a million viewers in 2015 and once again in 2017. Frontman Leeav Sofer, was also named one of Jewish Journal’s “30 under 30.”

Mostly Kosher also had the honor of being the first Jewish music ensemble at the Disney parks and performs an annual two-month residency at Disney California Adventure Park, completing season four in January 2020.

Staying true to giving back to the community, Mostly Kosher are teaching artists for Urban Voices Project, performing and educating in underserved areas in and around Southern California including prisons, community clinics and shelters serving men and women suffering from homelessness. Mostly Kosher is also mentor ensemble to the Jewish Youth Orchestra, a project of the Jewish Federation of San Gabriel Valley, offering performance opportunities and ongoing workshops for middle school and high school musicians.

For more information on the band, visit mostlykosher.com.

With love and gratitude, we remember Janet Arnold Rees z"l Actress, Artist, Producer, Volunteer Associate Editor, Arizona Jewish Life Community Builder Founder of the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company Senior Concierge and Creative Aging Coordinator for Jewish Family & Children's Service Teacher Mother, Grandmother, Mentor, Wife, Friend

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 57

Dr. Mirissa Price

ACTIVELY SENIOR My Mom Has Dementia, And I Have Her Jewish Faith

By Dr. Mirissa Price

I

wish I had more time. These six words sit with me every day and night as I watch my mother decline into dementia. At age 29, I never thought I would have to help my mom get dressed in the morning. I never thought I would have to cook for her and remind her to take her pills, or go driving through the streets of Tucson looking for a blonde woman who went wandering away when I wasn’t looking.

I never thought I would lose my mom so young.

I never thought I wouldn’t have time to have her see me get a first job, fall in love, or have children. I never thought I wouldn’t have time.

My mom’s Hebrew name is Sarah, named after one of the four matriarchs of Israel. In Jewish Law, my faith, my culture, my heritage and place in this world come from my mother. With a father who is Lutheran, she is quite

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literally the woman who gifted me with the Jewish faith.

She is the reason I went to Hebrew Day School, became Bat Mitzvah, and visited Israel for the first time. She is the reason that, no matter how far I travel from home, I feel at home walking into a Rabbi’s house or Chabad home on Shabbat and sharing a meal and prayers with my extended Jewish ‘family.’

And so I never imagined I would lose my Ima – not in physical presence but in emotional presence – so very soon.

In watching her decline into adult childhood, as we as a family describe it, I came to realize that I was mourning a loss. Fortunately, the very Jewish faith my mother gifted me has offered me strength in its mourning practices.

Mourning in Judaism centers on respecting the dead (kavod ha-met) and comforting the living (nihum avelim). While my mother is far from dead, the version of her I grew up with has died. The woman who I could turn to for safety and reassurance is no longer complete, and the New York Jewish sarcasm that once filled our home has been replaced by innocent joy over musical toys.

While I still have my mother to hug, my Ima has, in her own sense, died.

Walking through a traditional moment of mourning has connected me even more to my faith – and through that to my mother. At the first acknowledgement of her dementia, I engaged in keriyah, tearing of the clothing over my heart. I sat shiva quietly, honoring the memory of the mother I once had and reflecting on what I still have of her presence. While we kept her illness quiet, so that others did not take part in the shiva process, I did speak to close friends who delivered their own version of se-udat havra-ah. And I took part in shloshim. I took part in thirty days to reflect on the gift of an incredible mother that God gifted me. While I did not continue with avelut or the mourner’s Kaddish, reserving those practices for my mother’s physical death, I took the tradition to heart of returning to life.

As a unique strength to Jewish mourning traditions, after completing the final day of mourning, family is not permitted to continue the formal process. Other than recitation of Kaddish, and other moments Mirissa and her mother, Sarah. of prayer throughout the year, life returns to a new normal. In

grieving my mother’s mental decline, having an end point to grief, a point in which I stopped mourning what I lost and returned to gratitude for what God has given me has been instrumental in maintaining my faith. It has opened my eyes to what I still have: the impact of a mother on a child.

Perhaps I should have realized the power of a mother on a Jewish child the day I learned Jewish faith descends in a matriarchal line. When I was scared, sad, or even joyful, I would turn to my mother. I would seek her comfort and reassurance, even into my twenties. She provided me a sense of safety in this world. She was home. And that home, in a spiritual sense, has stayed a part of me as much God is a part of me. I know exactly what my mother would have said when I called her with news, good or bad. I know exactly how her hug would have felt, back when she knew who she was hugging.

Those memories, that knowledge will never leave me.

They sit in my heart as a part of me. In fact, you could say, my whole life, I have been gathering gifts from my mother, starting with Judaism and ending with a sense of safety in this world that I can now find internally because I allowed myself to mourn in a traditional Jewish format the partial loss of my mother. Because I am Jewish, because I mourn in a Jewish way, show gratitude in a Jewish spirit, and respect my mother in Jewish faith, I can never truly lose my Ima as a part of me.

In Judaism, rather than turn against God after the death of a loved one, we stand up every day and reaffirm our faith in God despite this loss. Since sitting shiva for the mother I once knew, I stand taller in gratitude and faith. With Judaism as I guide, my mom, along with Hashem, is always with me.

Originally Published on Aish.com Dr. Mirissa Price is a Pediatric Dentist with her DMD from Harvard School of Dental Medicine and her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Harvard-Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Price is an author, improv comedian, and life coach with ForTheLoveOf. Coach. With a love of nature, Dr. Price moved to Nashville, TN, where she currently resides with her two dogs. You can contact Dr. Price through her website asmileblooms.com or mirissaprice.wordpress.com, and her email mdpricesmiles@gmail. com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 59

ACTIVELY SENIOR

Gloria Brown delivers handmade happiness

By Mala Blomquist

K

nitting Without Borders was started in 2010

by Loredana Delucchi of New York. Since its inception, has donated thousands of handmade teddy bears to orphanages, schools, remote villages and hospitals across the world to children undergoing medical tests or treatments. Her friends, family and coworkers picked up their knitting needles and crochet hooks to help fulfill Loredana’s dream of bringing joy to needy children. People traveled with bears in their suitcases to many destinations, including physicians from N.Y.U. Langone Medical Center as they visited medical clinics in far-to-reach areas.

Gloria Brown, a retired nurse from New Jersey who moved to Sedona two years ago, first discovered Knitting Without Borders while attending a Women of Reform Judaism convention in 2016. “At the end of the programming for the day, we would meet in the cocktail lounge or the lobby of the hotel where we were staying, and a group would make these bears,” she says. “My first one was very long because I didn’t properly count my rows.”

When she moved to Arizona, Gloria wanted to continue being involved with Knitting Without Borders, so she began recruiting volunteers to knit or crochet teddy bears. But when COVID hit, she got word that they would be closing down operations on the East Coast. “I said, ‘No, you can’t do that.

I’m just getting it started here!’” remembers Gloria. So she emailed the knitters in New York, New Jersey and Maryland and told them to send their bears to her.

From November 2019 to today, Gloria has overseen the delivery of more than 1,800 bears. Bears have been delivered to the Sanctuary of Verde Valley (a domestic violence shelter), CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program of Yavapai County, Lasting Indigenous Family Enrichment (L.I.F.E.) Program and Native Americans for Community Action (N.A.C.A.) in Flagstaff and Arizona Department of Child Safety, and all the fire stations in the Verde Valley, to name a few.

One of the more unique places she donates bears is the Hanger Clinic. The clinic makes prosthetics and orthotics for adults and children. Marla Simon, a certified peer visitor with Hanger, spends much of her time assisting children and 60

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

adults who have amputations with individual support. When she saw the bears, she asked Gloria about the possibility of making bears with either a left or right-sided “above paw” amputation. Marla herself has a below-the-knee amputation due to an infection in her left leg. The idea of creating special bears for these children became an exciting and popular activity for the bear artists, who responded with many uniquely crafted versions that were donated to the clinic.

Currently, Gloria is focusing on donating bears to refugees. In May 2021, she donated 100 bears to the Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Clarkdale for their backpacks for refugee children through the Lutheran Social Services in Phoenix, and 158 bears to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) for their Welcome Center in Phoenix that is a 24/7 shelter to house asylum-seeking families released from detention. In July 2021, she coordinated the delivery of 50 bears to Casa Alitas in Tucson, a shelter for asylum seekers that provides shelter, food and clothing before leaving for their permanent homes.

Gloria receives her bears from “bear artists” in New

Bears, bears and more bears everywhere. Inset; Gloria delivers more bears.

York, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, California, Arizona, and recruits are starting in Nebraska, South Carolina, Louisiana and Nevada.

She is awaiting a shipment from an old acquaintance. “I had a girl from my temple in Westfield, NJ. She was becoming a bat mitzvah and she taught herself how to crochet, and made three teddy bears for her project,” says Gloria. “I got an email from her and now she’s a freshman engineering student at Cornell, and she made three bears that she’s going to send to me.” The girl hadn’t made any since her bat mitzvah, and Gloria suggested that she get her friends in college to all start making bears.

Gloria is a member of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley Synagogue, and as part of its interfaith outreach, began working with The Church of the Red Rocks’ Hope House. Hope House assists homeless families with children in the Sedona-Oak Creek Unified School District so that the children can remain in school. Gloria met a woman through this project that is also a CASA volunteer, so another connection for donations was made.

Even with the pandemic, she finds places to donate through word of mouth. Her family teases her that there isn’t anyone the outgoing Gloria meets who isn’t an instant friend.

“I wake up every morning, and there has to be something during the day that makes that day a special day, something that I’m doing good for something,” says Gloria.

“I just fell in love with the idea of crafting safe knitted and crocheted little bears that are hypo-allergenic, washable and safe for children.”

If you are interested in becoming a bear artist, please contact Gloria at knittingwithoutbordersarizona@gmail.com.

For more information on the project, visit knittingwithoutborders.jigsy.com.

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palazzohc.com

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Schedule a tour with a lifestyle specialist today!

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 61

ACTIVELY SENIOR

Volunteers Needed to Help Deliver Mobile Meals

By Nanci Levy

From left to right: Volunteer Bill Pozez, Rabbi Yossie Shemtov of Chabad Tucson and Handmaker Executive Chef Claire Wilmouth load up a car with kosher meals made at Handmaker to be delivered to members of the Tucson community through their partnership with Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona.

R

ecently members of the Southern Arizona community who ordered kosher meals from Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona not only received a delicious kosher meal prepared in Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging’s kitchen, but some even had their meal delivered by none other than Rabbi Yossie Shemtov of Chabad Tucson!

Rabbi Shemtov says that “the chefs at Handmaker are working really hard to get these meals together, and I am grateful that I get to deliver them to members of our community who need help during these tough times.”

Rabbi Shemtov has been delivering meals as part of a partnership with Chabad Tucson, Handmaker and Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona. He picks up the meals at Handmaker to deliver on Tuesday mornings, and he usually has other volunteers deliver meals the rest of the week.

Recently, he has been looking for a few more “righteous community members to make sure that these meals get delivered to those in need.”

Those interested in volunteering to pick up meals from Handmaker one or more mornings a week and deliver them to nearby community members can sign up on the Mobile Meals website at mobilemealssoaz.org. If you have any questions, please contact Mobile Meals at 520-622-1600, and ask to speak with Claire.

Handmaker is also pleased to share the news that after more than 50 years of serving hot meals to homebound elderly and low-income adults in and around Pima County, Mobile Meals will now have a place of its own. They have recently purchased a building on Tucson’s south side, once home to the El Indio Mexican Food Restaurant at 3355 S. Sixth Ave. Mobile Meals will soon operate its own kitchen to prepare meals for the community. Handmaker will continue to prepare and provide all of the kosher meals.

If you or someone you know is in need of kosher meals delivered to their home at little or no cost to them, they can sign up for this meal delivery program by calling Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona at 520-622-1600.

Nanci Levy is the Community Outreach Coordinator for Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging in Tucson.

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A Jewish Cemetery that cares about the Jewish Community

Jewish Owned and Operated Sidewalks at Every Grave Caring and Professional Staff Intermarried Families Welcome

(480) 585-6060 Mt. Sinai Cemetery www.mtsinaicemetery.com e-mail: info@mtsinaicemetery.com 24210 N. 68th Street (off Pinnacle Peak Road) • Phoenix, AZ 85054

Preplanning is truly the greatest gift one can give to their family.

ACTIVELY SENIOR

Luxury Accommodations, Legendary Amenities:

It’s Life at The Palazzo

LOBBY

W

hen you’re young, you may find yourself cramming everything you can into each minute of your day. Yet, as you age and enter retirement, you get to enjoy one of life’s greatest gifts: a slower pace. And while your calendar might be clearer than it once was, this is actually an incredible thing.

Why? It gives you a chance to try all the things you always thought about doing or wanted to do – without having to balance them with going to work, raising young children, and so on.

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This is why, at The Palazzo, we place such a high value on the lifestyle we offer our community members.

Whether we’re making accommodations to ensure a great visit with your grandkids or partnering with local organizations to offer a revolving lineup of musical, educational, recreational or other programming, we want you to find something you enjoy, and we want you to have access to it every day.

Many of our most memorable programs and gatherings take place on our recently renovated

1B1B LIVING ROOM

BILLARD AREA

BAR

SALON

Main Street, the central hub of the community. The area features a large-scale Cinema Room for movie screenings, virtual museum tours, lectures and similar enrichment activities. It’s also the site of numerous special events, including one held recently where older adults from across the Valley came together in a successful attempt to break a bingo-related world record.

Among the other standouts at the impressive, expansive entertainment center is a new, state-of-the-art fitness center. From flamenco dancing lessons to chair yoga, Zumba, tai chi and water aerobics classes, the center offers a wide variety of activities aimed at older adults of all abilities and skill levels.

And while The Palazzo’s programming focuses on areas of interest to residents, it also has plenty to offer visitors and family members. There’s an all-ages playroom for visiting grandkids to enjoy. A temperaturecontrolled wine cellar, a billiard room, a heated pool, a spa and a café cater to residents and loved ones alike.

The Palazzo’s new onsite Italian restaurant, Valentino, serves as a great spot for a family dinner or a date night, while its expansive grounds and scenic surroundings offer an ideal backdrop for an open-air stroll afterward.

While The Palazzo prides itself on providing a high quality of life for all residents, we also recognize that you may have different interests and abilities than those of your neighbors. That’s why we also offer programming aimed specifically at our independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care residents.

In December, for example, we hosted everything from Beer & Bowling and Ice Cream and Board Game Socials to Hannukah crafts, Christmas cookiedecorating and Poker. It’s a crazy, jam-packed calendar, but you have the option of doing as much – or as little – as you like.

If recent years have taught us anything, it’s that there’s true power in connectivity. That’s why, whenever possible, we plan outings, gatherings and events that encourage in-person interactions. Yet, when circumstances beyond our control call for quarantining and similar actions, we adjust the plan. We enhance our in-room programming and then increase our in-person activities as rules and county guidelines permit. We prioritize health and safety, but we recognize the pivotal role face-to-face time plays, too.

For the first time in a long time, you may have free time. Our goal is to help you find enriching, fulfilling and rewarding ways to fill it. For more about life at The Palazzo or to view a full lineup of upcoming events, visit PalazzoHC.com.

Interested in independent living services? Move in by Jan. 31, 2022 and lock in your rent through 2024!

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 65

ACTIVELY SENIOR

Modeling an innovative approach to comprehensive care, the Dementia Care and Education campus is located at 3811. N. 44th St. in Phoenix.

Enhanced Support for Families Living with Dementia

By Gillian Hamilton, MD, Ph.D. and Maribeth Gallagher, DNP, FAAN 66

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

I

t may come as no surprise that the incidence of Alzheimer’s (and other dementias) is extremely high in Arizona, one of the top 10 states with large elderly populations. By 2025, more than 200,000 cases will be diagnosed in our state. Whether it’s a family member, friend or colleague, many of us will be touched by this challenging condition.

There has never been a more critical time to expand services to care for these patients and support stressed family caregivers. With the support of our community, Hospice of the Valley is opening a Dementia Care and Education Campus in Central Phoenix to enhance quality of life for patients and families, inspire careers in dementia care, and help build a workforce for the future.

Scheduled to open in phases, beginning in late January, this innovative community resource is an extension of our dementia care programs. Comprehensive support is provided to people with all stages of the condition, well before they need hospice services. They will receive individualized care that engages the senses, eases anxiety and creates moments of joy. Vital education and resources are brought together in one place to help families navigate

the dementia journey with comfort and dignity.

We invite our community to explore the campus and utilize all it has to offer.

From specialized care and education about best practices to caregiver support and volunteer opportunities, there is much to learn and experience.

The campus includes an intergenerational Adult Day Club that provides stimulating programs and respite for caregivers, and spurs meaningful interaction with preschoolers in the adjoining Child Center.

The Community Education Center offers workshops and labs for healthcare professionals, first responders and medical students, as well as family caregivers. Adjoining the Education Center is a Memory Café where people with dementia and their care partners can relax and share experiences with others in similar situations. The Garden Courtyard, a dementia-friendly green space in the heart of the campus, allows for safe walks, quiet reflection and exploration. The small Assisted Living Center provides superb care to residents living with any stage of dementia,

Hospice of the Valley Dementia Educator Michelle Bales uses a mechanical pet to bring joy to her patient living with dementia.

while the Hospice Inpatient Care Home serves those with more advanced stages.

Every day, we see the physical and emotional difficulties that families encounter while caring for a loved one with dementia. This campus will model the highest standard of specialized, compassionate care to help families-- not just live with dementia-- but live well with dementia.

The campus is located at 3811 N. 44th St. in Phoenix. For more information call 602-636-6363, email DementiaCampus@hov.org or visit the Dementia page of hov.org.

Gillian Hamilton, MD, Ph.D. is Hospice of the Valley’s medical director and Maribeth Gallagher, DNP, FAAN is the dementia program director at Hospice of the Valley.

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ACTIVELY SENIOR

Sam Baker

looks forward to publishing his latest book and turning 100

By Mala Blomquist

A

t 99, Sam Baker is well into his latest career as a children’s book author. His first book, published in 2018, The Silly Adventures of Petunia and Herman the Worm, was based on a bedtime story he would make up for his children Sally and Michael.

Sam was working for the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, stationed at Cape Canaveral, and once a month, he would have to travel to inspect the tracking devices. While he was gone, his wife would read the children bedtime stories. When Sam returned, the kids would not let Sam read a book; he had to tell them a story.

One of the kid’s favorites was based on a true story from Sam’s childhood. Sam’s father was a farmer, and when he was about 10, he would collect caterpillars (he would call worms) off the dill plants in the garden. He would put them in a box and feed them, and then when they emerged as swallowtail butterflies, he would take them outside, and they would fly away.

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This story became one of his children’s favorites. “I told it to the children, and they learned it well, and both would correct me when I made a mistake. They would not let me pick up from the previous night’s story. I had to start at the beginning every time,” remembers Sam. “When my granddaughter was born, my son called and said, ‘Now you have a computer, put it on paper.’

So I did, and it laid in my desk for a number of years. Finally, both children said, ‘It’s time to publish a book.’ So I got an illustrator friend of Sally’s, Ann Hess, she did a great job, and we Sam Baker with his published it.” second children’s He admits his whole aim in book, Oscar the writing children’s books is to Mouse. foster the need for imagination he believes is lacking in children today and get children reading. “If I could get one person to learn to read, I succeed because children who can read will succeed.”

Sam grew up in a small town, Clarksdale, MS, during the depression and enjoyed listening to the “Fibber McGee and Molly” radio show. He remembers that they had a closet with all this junk in it, and when they opened the door, you would hear all these sounds. He would imagine all of the items spilling out of the closet.

Growing up, Sam’s family was well off. His father owned a large cotton plantation and his mother ran a store that carried supplies for the local farmers. But, when the depression came, they lost everything. He remembers seeing his mother cry for the first time when the attorney told her that they no longer owned their home. But she told him that the family wasn’t leaving and agreed to a sum of $25 a month until it was paid off.

“She lived until she paid it all,” says Sam. “She died at 52 of colon cancer. Thirty days after I joined the Marine Corps.”

Sam initially visited Arizona when his daughter, Sally, needed an operation. He suggested to his wife that they drive around. They liked what they saw and returned for several years until they decided to buy a home in Stonegate, where they lived for 20 years until Janet passed away. Sam admits to becoming a hermit for a time and then decided to make the move to the Vi senior community in Scottsdale. That was almost eight years ago.

“I was up in age, and I didn’t want the children to have to decide, ‘Where are we going to put dad when he is no longer able to take care of himself ?’ So, I solved that for

them,” says Sam. In 2020, with the help of a friend and author, Sally started a crowd-funded campaign via Canva to help Sam launch his second book, Oscar the Mouse, during COVID. The successful campaign led to an outpouring of donations, allowing Sam to reach his $4,000 goal. In September 2020, Oscar the Mouse was released.

The inspiration for this story was based on a pet rat that someone gave Sam when he was a child – except he decided to change Oscar from a rat to a mouse. “Rats have a bad name, but she was so nice and clean, always grooming herself,” says Sam. “My mother wouldn’t let me keep her in the house, so I had to build a cage outside. I took her to school one day inside my shirt, and she poked her head out somebody saw. And that was the end of that. I had to take her home.”

Many of the themes in Sam’s books – kindness, acceptance of those different from you, and the desire to bring peace – all reflect his Jewish values. The Silly Adventures of Petunia and Herman the Worm is based on unconditional love; Oscar The Mouse features inclusivity and acceptance. These concepts were something he learned from his parents, and they guided his actions his

Sam, 7 years old, with sister Alma.

entire life, and impacted how he raised his children.

In addition to his writing, he enjoys the amenities the Vi offers. He belongs to a Tuesday morning breakfast club that has met for 26 years, they are currently meeting on Zoom, but he looks forward to meeting in person again. Sam exercises and plays bridge and has been told that he plays his hand beautifully, but his bidding stinks. “The person in charge is a bridge professional and she says, ‘No guns allowed,’ so I’m safe there,” he jokes.

He is currently working on another children’s book and a novel that will take place a year after the Civil War about a young man living in Ohio along the Little Miami River. “I wake up at night, and I can’t go back to sleep, so I think of stories,” says Sam. He hopes to release the novel this summer in June or July, ahead of his 100th birthday on Aug. 26. “See, I’m optimistic that I’m going to live that long.”

To order Sam’s books, visit sambakerbooks.com.

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ACTIVELY SENIOR

Making Alzheimer’s Just a Memory An in-depth look at Alzheimer’s and work to find a cure Courtesy Family Features

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A

lthough the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down, the rapid development of multiple vaccines has spurred hope that treatments – or even potential cures – may be found for other devastating conditions. One such candidate is Alzheimer’s Disease.

UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S The Alzheimer’s Association defines the disease as a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. While some degree of memory loss is common with age, Alzheimer’s symptoms are significant enough to affect a person’s daily life and typically only grow worse over time.

Early signs of Alzheimer’s include trouble remembering new information, solving problems or completing familiar tasks.

As the disease progresses, disorientation, confusion, significant memory loss and changes in mood or behavior may become apparent. Physical symptoms may include difficulty speaking, swallowing or walking.

IMPACT OF ALZHEIMER’S Among people aged 65 and older, 1 in 9 (11.3%) has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, meaning more than 6 million Americans live with it. Worldwide, the World Health Organization estimates there are nearly 50 million people

living with dementia, and Alzheimer’s likely accounts for 60-70% of those. By 2050, this number could rise as high as 13 million. Less commonly noted are the numbers of early-onset (under 65 years old) Alzheimer’s patients within those figures. Up to 9% of global Alzheimer’s cases are believed to be early onset, according to the World Health Organization.

According to a Harvard School of Public Health survey, Alzheimer’s is second only to cancer among America’s most feared diseases. However, data from the Alzheimer’s Association shows Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, a rate higher than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

Beyond the personal impact for those battling the disease and their loved ones, Alzheimer’s Disease also takes a significant economic toll. The Alzheimer’s Association predicts that in 2021, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $355 billion. By 2050, these costs could exceed $1 trillion if no permanent treatment or cure for Alzheimer’s is found. At the same time, more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, an estimated 15.3 billion hours of care, valued at nearly $257 billion.

TREATMENT OPTIONS While there hasn’t been enough significant progress in discovering a treatment or cure in the more than 100 years since Alzheimer’s was first identified in 1906, early diagnosis and treatment may improve the quality of life for patients. The disease affects each patient differently, so therapies vary widely depending on how far it has progressed and which symptoms are most prevalent.

Some therapeutic approaches can address symptoms like sleep disruption and behavior while medication may be beneficial for treating other symptoms.

Founded in 2016 by Milton “Todd” Ault III, Alzamend Neuro, a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has been actively seeking a cure for Alzheimer’s and concentrates on researching and funding novel products for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. With two products currently in development, the company aims to bring these potential therapies to market at a reasonable cost as quickly as possible.

Ault’s stepfather is currently battling Alzheimer’s, his mother-in-law died from the disease and he has three other family members suffering through it.

“Even though work has been done to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, to me it hasn’t been a full-court press,” said Ault, whose many personal encounters with Alzheimer’s have further fueled his passion to find a cure. “While there are no profound treatments today for Alzheimer’s disease, we believe we can change that.”

PRACTICAL WAYS TO FAST-TRACK A CURE Ault believes recent advancements in vaccines and medical technology, combined with these five approaches, can help advance the search for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

• Encourage public-private partnerships

The collaboration of government agencies and private industries was integral to the COVID-19 vaccine development. The cross-industry partnerships enabled a vaccine to get to market in less than one year despite detractors. Ault believes this model can be replicated for other diseases and conditions.

• Diversify the search

Because of its complexity, a cure for Alzheimer’s will require expertise from a broad range of organizations including health and defense, biopharmaceutical firms, academic experts and those involved in Operation Warp Speed, the federal effort that supported multiple COVID-19 vaccine candidates simultaneously to expedite development.

• Share standards and data

Focusing on a shared goal is vital to succeeding. This means looking for ways to share standards and collaborate with colleagues and competitors regardless of proprietary data, patents and other limitations.

• Become the catalyst for a cure

When political will and government funding are insufficient or unable to drive change, the private sector can inspire action.

“The progress we are making is a result of the private investment dollars we secured and the way we have applied strategy and tenacity that comes from a successful business record,” Ault said.

• Learning from past successes

Aside from the result, there is a great deal to learn from the successful development of past drugs and vaccines.

Social awareness and cultural demand are potential ways to stimulate faster production and approvals between public and private entities.

To learn more about treatments and therapies in development visit alzamend.com.

Milton “Todd” Ault III, founder of Alzamend Neuro

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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S SHOPPING GUIDE

W

ellness is the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving.

To understand the significance of wellness, it’s important to understand how it's linked to health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as being “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Several key areas of your lifestyle are considered dimensions of overall Wellness. They include: social connectedness, exercise, nutrition, sleep and mindfulness.

Each one has an impact on your physical and mental health. By making simple and healthy choices on a daily basis, you will be well on your way towards reducing stress, having positive social interactions and achieving optimal wellness.

Start with small changes within each dimension and take it one day at a time – you don’t have to run a marathon or go on a restrictive diet to implement wellness into your everyday life!

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MIND STEPPING STONE! THE SERENITY LAMP - A good night’s sleep is essential to maintaining high levels of energy throughout the day. That’s why Amethyst is a must-have crystal for those struggling with sleep problems. The Serenity Lamp eases tension before bed, encouraging you to relax more and sleep deeper. $39.95 • consciousitems.com IN THE POCKET JEWISH WISDOM EIGHT BALL Searching for answers in a confusing, hectic world? Give it over to the ages.

Imbued with the vast wisdom of Jewish Heritage, this clever take on the Magic 8 ball gets to the heart of any questions you have. $34.00 • manhattanfruitier.com

LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE THINGS ARE LOOKING UP OPTIMISM ON DECK - Based on Deepika Chopra’s scientific findings as the self-proclaimed “Optimism Doctor”, these cards contain lovely uplifting and inspiring affirmations as well as journal prompts to use.

These are great for those less into the woo-woo aspect and more into the self-betterment side. $40.00 • revolve.com

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I AM YOUR FATHER! JEWDAI STAR WARS MOUSEPAD Mousepad is any laptop’s dream companion. It’s a great opportunity to breathe some color into a cubicle, workspace, or home office. The neoprene construction with a non-slip rubber bottom will prevent any mishaps. $19.99 • freshfitdesigns.ocm

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

WUNDERLUST! THE BUCKET LIST - A valuable reference and a wonderful gift for digital nomads, recent grads, sabbatical planners, and adventuresome retirees, fair warning: you might just find your travel bucket list getting much, much longer. $35.00 • anthropologie.com

SEE THE LIGHT WHITE SAGE SMUDGE STICK - Smudging with the smoke of white sage smudge sticks is ideal for cleansing negative energy, attracting positive energy and light when emotionally or spiritually tired or lacking motivation, ridding yourself of other people’s negative emotional energy (stress, anger, envy, anxiety, or bad intentions), and rejuvenation and renewal to start fresh. $5.00 ea. • thedeeproosapothecary.com

SLEEP LIKE A BABY Calm - The Calm app has been gaining notoriety because of its famous bedtime stories where you can have the like of Harry Styles and Tom Hardy lulling you into sleep. It features mindfulness music and timers for a more personalised approach, as well as guided meditations for all areas of life if you’re new to meditating. $69.99 yr • calm.com

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS RISE & SHINE - Sparkly strawberries.

Bedazzled bagels. Rhinestoned olives. Tiny, tiny daisies. This glittering smorgasbord is truly the breakfast of champions. It’s just like the old saying: all that glitters is...a truly delightful brunch puzzle. $36.00 • pieceworkpuzzles.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 75

GOLD STANDARD BALTINESTER JEWLERY & JUDAICA - This exquisite 18K gold Mezuzah pendant has been created in the shape of a Torah scroll. The body of the scroll has the highlights of Ancient Jerusalem city engraved. The top and bottom parts of the scroll have a row of glittering diamonds each. $4650.00 • amazon.com

SUIT UP! FRENCH TERRY JOGGER - Go ahead and retire those old, shapeless sweatpants you like to hibernate in. Our Softest French Terry joggers, now made in eco-friendly TENCEL™ fabric, have that lightweight, super soft feel you love, and are built in a chic silhouette you’ll be happy to wear out in public. Pair them with The Softest French Terry Pullover for an effortless outfit perfect for those cozy, casual days. $80.00 • summersalt.com

LIP SYNCH BOBBI BROWN EXTRA LIP TINT - This combines the hydration of your go-to balm with the lush color of your favorite lip tint, powered by a blend of six natural oils. (Bare Nude shown). $32.00 bobbibrowncosmetics.com 76

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

HOOKED ON A FEELING ALETHA HEALTH’S HIP HOOK - If you haven't been able to workout or be active because of joint/muscle pain then you need to check out! Hip Hook is the world’s first tool designed to specifically release tension in the psoas and iliacus muscles. Just a few minutes a day with the Hip Hook can provide long-term pain relief to the lower back, hips, tailbone, knees, and feet. $159.00 • alethahealth.com

NOSE GAY NOLITA BOND NO. 9 - This is the most perfect scent ever.

The freesia and jasmine is intoxicating, but the tangerine tapers the floral scent down enough to not make it overpowering. $370 (100ml) bondno9.com

BO

BEST FOOT FORWARD BYRIVER ACUPRESSURE FOOT MASSAGE This foot acupuncture massage tool will help to relieve lower back pain; migraine; foot pain due to plantar fasciitis, arthritis, neuropathy. $27.99 • amazon.com

ODY THE HEAT IS ON! MICROWAVE HEATING PAD - This microwave rice pack is ideal for men and women! The reusable heat pack is the perfect gift. This cotton fabric is a lovely dark yellow (mustard) floral pattern. $15.95+ • etsy.com (Sehosas)

NAILED IT! Bed of Nails started the global acupressure mat movement back in 2009. Their round nail plates have 42 non-toxic recyclable nails that stimulate more points with less pressure, making the experience invigorating rather than painful. The eco-friendly mats, pillows and straps come in a variety of colors $40 to $180 • bedofnails.org

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LOG ON SHIITAKE MUSHROOM LOG KIT If you’re shiitake-wacky like we are, you can never get enough of their meaty texture and earthy, smoky flavor. Grow your own with Howard Berk and Todd Pittard's mushroom log kit. $30.00 • uncommongoods.com

LET THEM EAT CAKE! LUSCIOUS LEMON CHEESECAKE Capture the sunny refreshment of lemon in exquisite bites of indulgance. Each slice is a vanilla graham crust and pillowy lemon cheesecake on layer of lemon danish filling.

2lbs. 12 oz. $39.00 wisconsincheeseman.com.com

FAN MAIL DYSON PURE COOL PURIFYING FAN TP01 - Create a healthier indoor environment with this purifying tower fan. Air Multiplier technology circulates purified air throughout the whole room and has a 360° filtration system that uses activated carbon to remove gases and odors as well as a HEPA filter to capture 99.97% pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. $329.99 • bestbuy.com 78

HEARTFELT WILDFLOWER TZEDAKAH BOX Tzedakah is the practice of giving charity, one of the most fundamental aspects of Judaism. The wild flower tzedakah box is meant to hold coins and dollars to be donated once filled.

Made from stainless steel, this box has a trapezoidal shape. All around the base are golden flowers and vines growing. Available in both silver and gold pewter accents. $215.00 • questcollection.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

SOUL GREEN THUMB AEROGARDEN HARVEST ELITE SLIM - Garden yearround with the soil-free AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim. This countertop system lets you quickly grow fresh herbs with ease, all in the comfort of your home, no matter the season. Sets up in minutes and lets you start harvesting in no time. $89.99 • bedbathandbeyond.com

LIGHT MY WAY BEESWAX AROMATHERAPY CANDLE REJUVENATION- Sweet Orange + Clove Bud is a spicy, uplifting medley that revives and restores inner strength.

Pure beeswax aromatherapy candle with essential oils, hand poured into a signature beehive glass. Perfect for a gift, this candle is colorfully packaged in a sturdy cardboard tube and comes complete with a matchbook. $14.95 • eartheasy.com PUT THE KETTLE ON STAGG EKG ELECTRIC KETTLE - Whether you're a world brewing champion or a brewing beginner, Stagg EKG will be your countertop partner in the pursuit of a ridiculously good cup of coffee. With variable temperature control, 1200 watts for a quick heat time, and a world of features for ultimate control, this is the pour-over kettle perfected. $189.00 • fellowproducts.com ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 79

Nature

Protecting a citrus tree from the cold

N

o matter where you live in the Valley or Tucson, chances are you have citrus trees in your neighborhood. Citrus is part of “Arizona’s Five C’s” along with copper, cattle, cotton and climate. Arizona’s most popular agricultural citrus include grapefruit, lemons, limes and oranges. Early irrigation efforts in the 1860s, such as the reconstruction of the Hohokam Canals, made citrus growth possible in Arizona’s harsh desert climate.

Citrus trees are not particularly cold hardy and even though we don’t get freezing temperatures too often, it is prudent for homeowners to take precautions.

Citrus trees are most likely to survive cold temperatures if planted in the proper location. The USDA has divided the United States into eleven plant hardiness zones based on 10°F average annual minimum temperature ranges. Zones 2 through 10 are further subdivided (a and b). In Arizona, citrus may be safely grown in zone 10a, where average annual minimum temperatures range from 30 to 35ºF, and in zone 9b, where average annual minimum temperatures range from 25 to 30ºF. These areas include the Valley, parts of Maricopa County, the slopes surrounding Tucson, and some areas of Pinal County.

Differences in elevation, slope of the land, degree of urbanization (presence of concrete and asphalt), and other factors affect the number of frost-free days in any particular location. Take temperature readings in your location and 80

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compare them to the temperature reported in the news. Use this information to predict the impact of forecasted freezes.

Your location may be several degrees warmer or colder than the temperature reported on the news.

The great majority of the cold events in Arizona are frosts, which occur when conditions are calm and clear, and an inversion exists. Frosts are also more likely when the air is dry. Dry air is subject to high day-to-night fluctuations.

During a frost, sub-freezing temperatures rarely last more than a few hours or drop below 20°F. Attempts to protect citrus from frost are often successful.

The homeowner can take some cold protection strategies prior to the first frost or freeze. These include selecting the proper citrus tree variety and rootstock for the location, selecting the proper planting site, and allowing the tree to acclimate to the cold.

Sometimes, despite the gardener’s best efforts, a tree will be damaged by frost. Cold-damaged fruit will appear watersoaked on the inside, sometimes without exterior evidence of damage. One to two weeks later, the rind will separate from the segments and the fruit will become soft and puffy.

Finally, the segments will dry and the fruit will become pithy. Damaged fruit may often be juiced if harvested quickly after the frost. Fruit in the warmer interior of the tree are likely to be less damaged than those on the outside.

Occasionally, leaves are not killed by a freeze, but only damaged. These leaves need not be removed, and will continue to function. Leaves that are killed during a freeze will fall off the tree, or may be removed.

It is best to wait to determine the extent of the damage to branches and trunks before pruning, since it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between dead wood and living wood.

Prune out the dead wood after the spring growth flush shows the extent of the damage. If trees must be pruned sooner than the growth flush, because damaged trees are unsightly, go back and remove additional dead wood throughout the season.

Make pruning cuts in live wood, just below the point where the frost-damaged wood begins. Simply scrape the bark with a knife; live wood will be green just under the bark, while dead wood will be brown. After pruning, paint any bark newly exposed to the sun with white water based paint (latex) or whitewash, to prevent sunburn and eventual disease.

If the entire tree is damaged by frost or freeze, the variety may die, leaving only the rootstock. The appearance of leaves that are distinctly different from the variety, or fruit that is uncharacteristically seedy, rough or sour will often indicate that the variety has died and only the rootstock remains. In this case, it is best to remove the entire tree and replant.

Tree care information was provided courtesy of the University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Cooperative Extension.

Whenfrostim, thefolwingsra arecomnd.

COVER THE TREE: Small trees may be covered with blankets, quilts or burlap sacks.

This strategy conserves heat accumulated during the day.

PROVIDE ADDITIONAL HEAT: A heat source, such as a string of old-style Christmas lights or a shop light with an incandescent light bulb, can be placed in the canopy of smaller or medium-sized trees. This strategy works best on trees that have been covered. Be careful not to allow the light to come in contact with water.

MAINTAIN SOIL MOISTURE: When the soil around the tree is kept moist, it will not radiate as much heat to the atmosphere at night. This is much more effective if the ground is bare around the tree.

SPRAY THE TREE CANOPY WITH WATER: Trees should be sprinkled with water throughout the frost. As the water freezes around the leaves and branches, it will liberate enough heat to maintain the tissue temperature at 32°F. This strategy will only be successful if the water flows continuously throughout the frost, and remains flowing until the air temperature is above 37°F. Only the leaves that are sprinkled will not suffer frweeze damage, although there could be wsome limb breakage due to accumulation of ice.

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ISRAEL

Dr. Einat Ambar Armon, curator of the Sanhedrin Trail exhibition on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, presenting the Magdala Stone.

PHOTO BY YAIR AMITZUR/ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY

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Magdala Stone

and other rare artifacts on view in Galilee

By Abigail Klein Leichman

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

The Sanhedrin Trail exhibition at Yigal Allon Center includes ancient artifacts from the five sites where the Great Sanhedrin was headquartered over time.

PHOTO BY DR. EINAT AMBAR ARMON/ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY

A

n oil lamp with the symbol of the seven-branch menorah; a stone from the Second Temple; inscriptions that incorporate the words “Shalom,” “Shabbat” and the names of the sages Shimon, Jacob and Hoshaya.

These are among 150 rare ancient artifacts on view

in the Israel Antiquities Authority’s new exhibition, the Sanhedrin Trail, at the Yigal Allon Center on the Sea of Galilee at Kibbutz Ginosar near the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret).

The new exhibition includes items from the Mishnaic and Talmudic periods including the 2,000-year-old Magdala Stone bearing depictions of the Second Temple that stood in Jerusalem from 516 BCE to 70 CE. The stone was discovered in IAA excavations in 2009 in Migdal – believed to be the hometown of Jesus’ mother, Mary – in the center of a synagogue from the Second Temple period.

While the stone was being studied by experts, a replica was displayed at the archeological site of Migdal. Now, for the first time, the original stone is exhibited.

IAA researchers believe this stone was used as a table on which to open the Torah for public readings.

The carvings depicting the Jerusalem Temple and its vessels were likely made by an artist who saw the Temple in person.

“The Sanhedrin Trail exhibition is unique not only because of the fascinating finds on display, but also because it provides a glimpse into the ‘behind the scenes’ of how the artifacts were found,” said Eli Escozido, director of the IAA. All explanations appear in English, Hebrew and Arabic.

Escozido noted that the exhibit complements the Sanhedrin Trail hiking path inaugurated in 2017.

Stretching from Tiberias to Beit She‘arim National Park in the Lower Galilee, this interactive “smart” trail takes hikers back in history to the Second Temple period when the Great Sanhedrin – the supreme Jewish authority of sages – was active in the Galilee.

“The exhibition shows

the people who found the artifacts in excavations and the various activities that were conducted during the preparation of the Sanhedrin Trail,” said Escozido. “Visiting the exhibition and walking along the Sanhedrin Trail complement each other as a two-way road that allows us to travel in time into our own history and heritage.”

The artifacts in the exhibition, many on display for the first time, reflect the flourishing of Galilee settlements in the Roman and Byzantine eras, when the Mishnah and Talmud – collections of oral Jewish law and lore – were being compiled in writing for the first time.

The exhibition includes an oil lamp with the symbol of the sevenbranch Temple menorah, a hoard of silver and bronze coins, bronze and pottery figurines and jewelry.

Article courtesy of ISRAEL21c

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BARRY & BARBARA ZEMEL

LIVING

American Friends of Magen David Adom

Celebrates 20 Years of Leadership in Phoenix

T

he Phoenix chapter of American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) is honoring Jay Bycer and his wife, Karen, and Barbara Zemel and her husband, Barry, who together have helped raise $1 million over the last 20 years from the Phoenix community for Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s paramedic and Red Cross service organization.

The musical celebration will take place on Jan. 30, at Congregation Beth El Phoenix.

Acoustic artist Todd Herzog will perform an array of soulful, spiritual songs in both Hebrew and English. Prof. Eilat Shinar, M.D., director of the Blood Services Division for Magen David Adom, will be the guest speaker.

“There would be no Arizona chapter today without the Bycers and Zemels,” says Catherine Reed, chief executive officer of AFMDA. “We are grateful for their dedicated and tireless efforts for 20 years on behalf of Magen David Adom and its 30,000 EMTs and paramedics. They are role models who practice the mitzvah of

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tzedakah on a daily basis and are so deserving of this honor.”

The Bycers and Zemels are longtime friends. In 2001, while Jay was serving as chair for a dinner honoring Irving and Frances Horn, z”l, parents of honoree Barbara Zemel, the Bycers became inspired by the Horns’ work to help Magen David Adom. Thus began Jay’s and Barbara’s journey to continue their efforts on behalf of MDA. “On my many visits to Israel, I saw firsthand how important MDA is to the people of Israel,” says Jay Bycer. “I visited the blood center, the national dispatch center, and rode along in ambulances. How could you not be inspired to support their JAY & KAREN efforts? Magen David Adom is an example to the world in how BYCER to preserve life.”

Jay and Barbara led educational and fundraising events, creating award-winning programs, such as Partners for Life (Federation’s Belle Latchman Award), where more than 1,000 children in grades K-8 were taught what MDA does to help their Israeli brothers and sisters. They also created the Judaic Cultural Orchestra, and through six concerts raised some $250,000. In total, they raised $1 million, including sending four ambulances to Israel, one of them being the Murray and Sabina Zemel Ambulance.

One of Jay’s greatest pleasures was serving on AFMDA’s National Board of Directors for several years, where he was asked to travel the country to help other chapters create similar programs for their communities.

“The things I am most proud of in my service to MDA have been creating two award-winning programs for our community,” he says.

“For the past 20 years, I have poured my heart and soul into Arizona friends of MDA,” says Barbara Zemel. “I think my greatest and proudest achievement was helping to create the Judaic Cultural Orchestra, which produced six amazing concerts with Jewish themes that were so well received by our Phoenix community and raised thousands of dollars for MDA.” Barbara and Barry Zemel have been involved in the Jewish community their entire lives. Barbara assumed a number of leadership positions over the years with the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, Brandeis

National Committee, and Arizona State University’s (ASU) Hillel. She was a teacher in Congregation Beth El’s pre-school, and a youth group advisor and board vice president. She left teaching to launch a successful 10-year career in retail, founding one of the first food and gift basket companies, The Basket Case. Barbara is currently on the board of the Arizona Jewish Historical Society, and Barry is on its committee for the New Hope and Humanity Building.

Barry was president of ASU’s Hillel and served on the boards of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, the Jewish Community Foundation, the Jewish Community Center, and was president of the Arizona Jewish Theater Company. He continues his long-term career as a real estate investor.

The Zemels are also proud of their philanthropic support for Jewish and non-Jewish causes, such as their sponsorship of a medical outreach van for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. In recognition of their many civic and philanthropic endeavors, they have been honored by the Jewish Federation, Jewish Free Loan, East Valley JCC and American Jewish Committee. They have two children and eight grandchildren.

Karen and Jay Bycer are also involved community leaders. Managing the Jewish community demographic study in 1983, and helping with the 2001 study, provided Jay with insight into the needs of the community. This prompted him to serve on numerous boards, including the Arizona Jewish Historical Society, Bureau of Jewish Education, Congregation Beth El, Jewish Free Loan, Jewish Tuition Organization, ASU Hillel and Israel Bonds. Jay founded and was president of Market Solutions Group before retiring in 1996. He also taught for many years at Rio Salado College.

Karen has spent her life volunteering for many Jewish organizations in the community, including Hadassah, ORT, National Council of Jewish Women and Brandies National Committee. The Bycer’s have two sons and four grandchildren.

For their philanthropic and civic commitment, the Bycers have been honored with the Jewish Free Loan’s Presidents Award, Jewish Educators Assembly’s Keter Torah Award, Jewish Arizonans on Campus Annual Leader Award, and were recognized on AFMDA’s 70th Anniversary Scroll of Distinguished Leaders. They have also endowed Holocaust collections of books, videos and other materials for the Prescott and Chino Valley Libraries.

“I am proud that I raised the community’s awareness of MDA and all its important work in Israel and around the world. I am so appreciative that MDA has recognized our efforts with this prestigious honor,” says Zemel.

For ticket and sponsorship information, visit afmda.org/az.

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 85

LIVING

Antisemitism Here And Now: Challenges and

Opportunities with StandWithUs

I

t’s been only 80 years since the Holocaust, and sadly, antisemitism has manifested once again and in increasingly virulent forms. The threats are numerous, including physical violence against Jews. It is evident on college campuses, high schools, communities, social media and even Congress. Unfortunately, one of the biggest challenges we face today is lack of knowledge about this threat, and how to combat it effectively.

Recognizing the critical need for education and action regarding the global rise of antisemitism, community activists Mindy Franklin, Lynn Kahn and Chana Anderson are hosting StandWithUs (SWU) at a community-wide event on March 27 at Congregation Beth Tefillah in Scottsdale at 7 pm. The event is titled “Antisemitism Here and Now: Challenges and Opportunities” features Roz Rothstein, co-founder and CEO of StandWithUs and Carly Gammill, director of SWU’s Center for Combating Antisemitism. They will discuss recent manifestations of anti-Jewish bigotry in the community, on campuses and high schools. In addition, they will address different forms of

antisemitism and review ways people can get involved. A Q&A will follow with Roz and Carly.

“Roz delivered a message of defiance and hope at our weekly world-speaker series and it is my privilege to invite you to meet her and Carly Gammill,” states Rabbi Allouche.

Watch an enlightening interview by Congregation Beth Tefillah’s Rabbi Allouche with Roz Rothstein about how SWU is responding​to the new forms of antisemitism​ and what you can do HERE. StandWithUs, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, is an international nonprofit and nonpartisan education organization that combats antisemitism and supports Israel. SWU empowers and inspires students and communities with leadership training and educational programs. It informs through social media, print and digital materials, films, weekly newsletters and missions to Israel.

Event organizers Mindy, Lynn and Chana are clear that, “with the current rise of antisemitism here in our community and across Arizona, evident in our cultural,

ANTISEMITISM HERE AND NOW: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES WHEN: Sunday, March 27 at 7 pm WHERE: Congregation Beth Tefillah 6529 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale COST: The event is free. Registration is preferred, but not required.

ROZ ROTHSTEIN 86

REGISTRATION: RSVP by March 23 at swuandtbt.paperform.co

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

social and political arenas, the time is now for all Jews to band together to combat the narrative of anti-Jewish bigotry. Being passive, disregarding hateful words or actions, or hiding one’s religious identity will not make it disappear. It’s time for all Jews to become ‹Jewish Proud & Jewish Strong› and stand up as a unified force against any and all incidents of antisemitism!”

AZJL profiled StandWithUs on the cover of the April 2018 issue. It included an in-depth interview with Roz about the inception of the organization, its rapid gwrowth and discussed its mission of “education.”

Also covered was the impact it is making in Arizona, primarily with students. For example, SWU runs a college Emerson Fellowship and the Kenneth Leventhal High School Internship. Both programs select and train student leaders to expose antisemitism when they see it, and educate and inspire their peers about Israel in their schools and communities.

Roz Rothstein, a daughter of Holocaust survivors, was twice named by the Jewish Daily Forward as one of the “50 most influential Jews in America” and twice by the Jerusalem Post as one of the “50 most influential Jews in the world.”

She states, “Now, more than ever before, the work of StandWithUs is needed to educate and inspire people about Israel, and to fight antisemitism. We are proud of our efforts and growth during these last 20 years. We are thrilled that Mindy, Lynn and Chana are taking proactive steps to fight rising antisemitism, and thank Arizona Jewish Life for their coverage of this critical issue. We look forward to building strong bridges with the Arizona community.”

In addition to being the director of CCA, Carly Gammill serves the StandWithUs Saidoff Legal Department as Counsel for Litigation Strategy. She is a seasoned constitutional litigator with extensive experience handling matters involving free speech and religious liberties and fighting antisemitism, including anti-Israel, antisemitic campaigns on campuses, in court, and at the United Nations. Carly›s work in combating antisemitism derives in part from her background in the educational field, as well as from a deep personal conviction that the world – including people of all races and religions – cannot afford to stand by silently while the Jewish people are targeted, marginalized, demonized, and harmed.

“As a Christian, I am proud to be counted within the tent of those who love Israel and the Jewish people,» states Carly. “At StandWithUs, we are in the business of drawing red lines and helping communities and students stand up to anti-Jewish bigotry. This is a time to be clear and strong and grow our network of people of good faith who are opposed to hate in any form.”

ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 87

LIVING

Shared Legacies:

The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 6 pm doors open at 5:30 pm WHERE: Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 1401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix TICKETS: Free admission no RSVP required INFORMATION: azjhs.org and pilgrimrestphx.org

The Arizona Jewish Historical Society and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Host a

Special Film Screening

P

eople of all faiths are invited to join the Arizona Jewish Historical Society and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church for a special free screening of “Shared Legacies: The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance” on Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 6 pm. This exciting new documentary film highlights the important alliance between African-Americans and JewishAmericans that helped propel the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. The screening will also include a short panel discussion on the history of Jewish and African-American relations and how our communities have evolved since the 1960s.

This event is a continuation of previous collaborations between the Arizona Jewish Historical Society and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church to promote dialogue and understanding between our two communities, as well as people of all races and religions.

Screening rights for this film have been sponsored by Judith Dobbs, Toby and Abbey Goldberg, Barry Kipnis, Ilene Lashinsky, Joan and Sam Weissman, and the Rachel 88

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE

and Arnold Smith Family Foundation.

“Shared Legacies: The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance” showcases the modern alliance between African-Americans and Jewish Americans that dates to the NAACP founding in 1909. Since then, both groups have endured segregation and racism, from the codified bigotry of southern Jim Crow laws, to blatant bias in real estate, employment, higher education and politics.

Common cause was found in the turbulent ‘60s Civil Rights era, as Jewish leaders backed Dr. King’s efforts at racial equality and harmony. Yet, the relationship has frayed in recent years, as a once-mighty bond of support and respect has seemingly faded, been forgotten, or ignored.

With divisive seeds of hate taking root anew in the American landscape, a new generation affirms their pledge to actively promote the values of social justice. This powerful, inspiring story of unity, empathy and partnership validates the ubiquity of the human experience, and how freedom and equality for all can be achieved only when people come together.

Jewish War Veterans Event Welcomes Administrator for Homeless Veterans

O

n Sunday morning, Jan. 16, the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Copper State Post 619 welcomes speaker Joselyn Wilkinson. She serves as the Homeless Veteran Program Administrator for the State of Arizona and the Arizona Department of Veteran Services.

Arizona is in the top three fastest-growing states in the country. However, with this growth, accompanied by inflation, comes an increase in rental properties and a significant lack of affordable housing. Joselyn explains that “Currently, Maricopa County is at a 97% occupancy rate, and we are short 250,000 housing units in the county.”

“In addition,” she continues, “one of the top barriers we face in the housing crisis is race equity. Our job is to analyze data to discover racial disparities and barriers with people of color being housed.” Learn how all of these housing problems are being addressed on a state level.

The January meeting will take place in the Poolside Card Room at the Oakwood Country Club in Sun Lakes at 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd. Look for a sign on your left as you head towards the main clubhouse.

Bagels, lox, coffee and “meet and greet” start at 9:30 am, and the meeting begins at 10 am. There is no charge, but to partake in the food, a reservation is required by Friday, Jan. 14 at 5 pm by contacting Joyce Spartonos (preferably by email) at joytoyspartonos@aol. com or 480-802-4902.

Jewish War Veterans is the oldest active national veteran organization in continuous operation in America, with more than 400 posts around the country.

Members and nonveterans represent a wide range of

religious affiliations. Support is provided to Arizona veterans of all religions and beliefs.

JWV Post 619 members participate in philanthropic activities to help Jewish and non-Jewish veterans.

During the past 25 years, Post 619 has led a wide range of fundraising activities, including selling poppies at supermarkets and the Mesa Market Place, and most recently, an online auction, “A Hand Up 4 Vets.”

Money raised from these activities enables the post to fund events for veterans such as dinners at the U.S. Veterans Home and the VA Hospital, and pizza parties at MANA House. The post also has refurbished rooms at the Arizona State Veteran Home. Its mission is to support hospitalized, homeless and at-risk veterans.

For more information, visit CopperstatePost619.com.

Meetings feature speakers focused on supporting veterans.

For additional information about JWV activities or membership, please contact Jr. Vice Commander, Elliott Reiss at 480-802-3281 or ElliottBarb@q.com.

Joselyn Wilkinson

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Philip Roger Roy Presents

THE HIT NEW YORK COMEDY When the family travels home for a winter visit, Steve is thrown together with all his dysfunctional kin in a riotous seasonal celebration. We attend a family dinner at Grandma’s where, if you’re under 55 you still sit at the children’s table, and 35 over-fed people share one toilet!

From the creator of My Mother’s Italian My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy, we bring you a new show for the winter season.

Starring Peter Fogel

DEC. 29 JAN. 30, 2022

“Hysterically Funny!

Non-Stop Laughs All The Way!” - Regis Philbin, Live With Regis & Kelly

“A Funny Look At Family Relationships!

An Entire Family Wrapped Up In A One-Man Show!”

- WCBS TV

“As Heartwarming As Comfort Food.

Everyone Can Relate to This!”

- Martha Stewart Living Radio Wed 7pm, Thur 2 & 7pm, Fri 8pm, Sat 2 & 8pm, Sun 2pm

Box Office: 602-252-8497

• Groups (12+): 1-888-264-1788 HerbergerTheater.org or PlayhouseInfo.com 222 E. Monroe, Phoenix, AZ 85004 THEATER COVID PROTOCOLS OBSERVED