EDUCATION PROFILES

ARIZONA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY 122 E. Culver St., Phoenix 602-241-7870 azjhs.org

The Arizona Jewish Historical Society preserves and celebrates the rich heritage of Arizona’s Jewish communities, educates the public about Jewish contributions to Arizona and American life, and promotes awareness of our state’s diverse history through arts, culture, and educational programming. Holocaust productions in collaboration with the Phoenix Holocaust Association and the Bureau of Jewish Education.

Educational programs include online and in-museum exhibitions, a monthly documentary films series, book discussions, genealogy seminars, lectures, speaker’s bureau, and bookstore. Contact Dr. Lawrence Bell, Ph.D., Executive Director at lbell@azjhs.org. Holocaust education features online and inperson programs related to making an educational and emotional connection to the Holocaust that includes “Holocaust Survivor Discussions,” “Surviving Humanity,” and “Journey Through the Holocaust.” Contact Anthony D. Fusco Jr., M.Ed., M.S., Education Coordinator at afusco@azjhs.org.

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY JEWISH STUDIES PO Box 874302, Tempe 480-965-8094 jewishstudies.asu.edu Hava Tirosh-Samuelson, Director

Our unique academic program and research center hybrid serves as an intellectual resource for all aspects of the Jewish experience, from philosophical and political viewpoints to the study of Judaism. Through undergraduate and graduate courses, research conferences, public lectures and more, we’re committed to fostering critical inquiry and scholarly entrepreneurship as we disseminate accurate information about Jewish culture and enhance the quality of Jewish life in the Phoenix metropolitan area and around the world. Come learn with us today and help create a better tomorrow for the Jewish community.

Jewish Studies combines renowned instruction and community outreach to enhance your knowledge of all facets of Jewish life. Our interdisciplinary, cross-cultural program fosters critical inquiry and can be customized to fit your individual interests. We offer generous scholarships to our students, and encourage you to pursue a concurrent major in liberal arts and sciences to complement your Jewish studies and academic interests. With a degree in Jewish studies, you’ll become a global citizen with an in-depth knowledge of Judaism and the Jewish experience. As you broaden your perspective of Jewish history, religion and culture, you’ll develop a comprehensive skill set for a professional career. From critical and analytical thinking to persuasive writing and public speaking, you’ll become a master learner prepared to tackle any challenge. Come learn with us!

JEWISH EDUCATION TAX CREDIT ORGANIZATION 3718 E. River Road, Suite 100, Tucson 520-647-8442 jetco.org

JETCO, the Jewish Education Tax Credit Organization, makes it easy for you to support Jewish education in Southern Arizona. It’s simple!

Your investment comes right back in the form of a dollar-fordollar tax credit on your state taxes, but even more importantly, in the continuity of the Jewish people. Every Arizona tax payer may contribute, both individuals as well as corporations. Participation in JETCO assures that finances are not a barrier for any family wishing to provide their child a Jewish education in a Jewish learning environment. Take charge of your Arizona tax dollars, and invest in the future of Jewish civilization – what a huge mitzvah!

For tax year 2020, an individual may contribute up to $1,183 when filing as single, head-of-household, or married filing separately. Married couples filing jointly may contribute up to $2,365. Participants have many options to facilitate their contribution: monthly or annually, in person or online, or sending a check in the mail made out to JETCO. Partial contributions are welcomed for those who don’t qualify for or aren’t able to contribute the full amount, and we’re happy to make special arrangements to facilitate your ease in participation.

Businesses can take advantage of the Arizona Private School Tax Credit, too. C corporations and S corporations filing a 120S corporate income tax return in Arizona are eligible.

For more information or to participate online, visit jetco.org. Your call is welcome at 520-647-8442. Todah Rabah – thank you for helping grow the next generation of the Jewish people!

JEWISH TUITION ORGANIZATION 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480-634-4926 jtophoenix.org

The Jewish Tuition Organization (JTO) is a student tuition organization (STO) that makes it possible for children to attend six affiliated Phoenix area Jewish day schools through scholarships. The JTO scholarships are funded through the dollar-for-dollar Arizona private school tuition tax credit. The tax credit is available to both individuals and corporations. Approximately 94 percent of the funds raised are distributed through scholarships.

“Supporting the JTO by taking advantage of Arizona’s private school tax credit makes a real difference in a child’s Jewish day school education; it impacts their whole life and ultimately that of the community,” says JTO Executive Director Linda Zell. “Without a JTO scholarship, many of our students would not be able to attend Jewish day school and receive the education that is so important to them and their families,” adds Zell. The JTO is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and can accept non-credit charitable donations.

While the JTO has enjoyed an increase in support during the past decade, the impact on the economy due to the recent health crisis is a cause for concern for all charities. “Taking the credit benefits the children in our community to a great extent, if supporters aren’t able to take the credit, it’s going to affect us pretty harshly,” cautions Zell. “It’s more important than ever for our community to rally and support Jewish education for our students.” Individuals have three choices when they support the JTO; they can recommend their funds go to the general fund for need-based scholarships, one of the school funds for need-based scholarships at a particular school, or support a specific student. All corporate support will provide need-based scholarships through the general fund or a school fund to low-income families. “We see our students as future leaders of our Jewish community. When you support a child today, you secure the future of our Jewish community,” explains Zell.

NOTICE: A school tuition organization cannot award, restrict or reserve scholarships solely on the basis of donor recommendation. A taxpayer may not claim a tax credit if the taxpayer agrees to swap donations with another taxpayer to benefit either taxpayer’s own dependent. Consult your tax advisor for specific tax advice.

MINKOFF CENTER FOR JEWISH GENETICS 12701 N. Scottsdale Road #201N, Scottsdale 480-668-3347 GetScreenedAZ.org

For more than fifteen years the Minkoff Center for Jewish Genetics has worked to increase awareness regarding genetic disorders that are more prevalent in the Jewish community and the critical importance of carrier testing for these disorders. We offer events and screenings throughout the year that highlight Jewish genetic diseases and your individual carrier status.

We currently have two screening programs: • Our recessive gene mutation (prenatal) screening is for individuals or couples that are planning to have (more) children. It is recommended that anyone between the ages of 18- 45 gets screened. We provide screening for both Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews, Jews by Choice and non-Jewish partners. If both partners are carriers for the same disease, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy, that they could have an affected child! We are committed to doing all that we can to spare Jewish families from the heartbreak caused by these diseases. • Our BRCA Hereditary Cancer screening and referral program is for the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 founder mutations. Our mission is to bring awareness to the fact that 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jews are carriers of the BRCA gene mutation even without any family history of cancer! This is nearly 10 times the rate of the general population, making Jewish families more susceptible to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. If found to be BRCA positive, one has a higher likelihood of developing breast or ovarian cancer during their lifetime. We test both men and women over the age of 25.

The Minkoff Center for Jewish Genetics is able to provide affordable genetic counseling and screening through the community’s philanthropic support. We are grateful for the support we have received that makes our work possible.

Visit our website for more information regarding your genetic risks and options and to register for your screening kit. Together we can help achieve our vision of a Jewish community free of genetic diseases.

PARDES JEWISH DAY SCHOOL 12753 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480-991-9141 • pardesschool.org admissions@pardesschool.org Peter Gordon, Head of School

Pardes Jewish Day School is an inclusive, independent Jewish day school providing a dynamic K-8 secular and Jewish education in a welcoming environment that values each child’s strengths. Our program combines a competitive academic curriculum with Project Based Learning, a teaching method that engages students actively in learning through inquiry, investigation, creation and demonstration. As a school that embraces 21st century learning, Pardes teachers implement Project Based Learning in the classroom to enhance student motivation while building success skills such as critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills.

Technology is integrated into multifaceted, hands-on learning experiences emphasizing real-life problem solving, elevated thinking and opportunities for acceleration. At Pardes, children aren’t just students – they are artists, athletes, actors and musicians whose talents are nurtured and encouraged to shine. The result is motivated students who, upon graduation, are accepted to the area’s finest high schools.

We are committed to igniting our students’ curiosity to instill life-long learning and to find meaningful ways to bring Judaism into contemporary life.

Pardes embraces the Responsive Classroom program, an evidenced-based approach that recognizes the positive correlation between academic success and social-emotional learning. Responsive Classroom empowers teachers to create safe, engaging communities in which students are taught the core social and emotional competencies: cooperation, empathy, assertiveness, responsibility and self-control. Our Lower School classrooms incorporate Morning Meetings into their daily schedule, creating a strong classroom community and setting students up for academic success. Middle School advisories adopt the Responsive Advisory meeting structure, a safe space for teachers to support students as they explore and develop their sense of self and make meaningful connections with their peers, teachers and community.

If you think you can’t afford a world-class private Jewish Day School education, THINK AGAIN. Financial assistance options are available for families at all income levels. Also, a variety of payment options are available, enabling families to find a method that works best for them.

TEMPLE KOL AMI EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 15030 N. 64th St., Scottsdale 480-951-5825 templekolami.org

Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center is a developmental preschool where children engage in hands on fun learning experiences that interest and challenge them. Our program is specifically designed to help each child grow emotionally, socially, intellectually and physically within a Judaic and secular framework. Infants through Pre-Kindergarten learn to grow and develop a positive self-image and strong sense of Jewish identity using a comprehensive, multi-sensory approach and developmentally age appropriate curriculum.

Highly qualified educators teach classes with small student to teachers ratios. There are typically 2 teachers to 13 students in each classroom. The ratio in our two infant rooms is 2 teachers to 9 babies. In addition to the core curriculum, children participate in Hebrew, Music, Science, Spanish and Shabbat.

Our goal is to continue to offer an excellent early childhood program while prioritizing the health and safety of our children and staff. We follow all guidelines of the CDC, Arizona Department of Health Services, and the Maricopa Department of Public Health with strict policies and procedures based on these experts.

“We want all of our students to develop a healthy self- esteem, critical independent thinking skills and most of all, a genuine love of learning because when they have these building blocks, they go on to do extraordinary things in their lives”, notes Debbie Glassman, Director of Early Childhood.

TUCSON HEBREW ACADEMY 3888 E. River Road, Tucson 520-529-3888 admissions@thaaz.org thaaz.org

Founded in 1973, Tucson Hebrew Academy is Southern Arizona’s premier Jewish day school, providing an outstanding educational experience for students in grade K-8.

Taking a Challenge Based Learning approach, our students are provided with the educational framework that allows them to develop skills imperative for success in the 21st century. Our students are guided through a process that facilitates creative and critical thinking, collaboration, and the use of tools and technology. With these skills, our students become proficient and competitive in this ever-changing, more connected world. In conjunction with our effective educational approach, THA offers small class sizes and a 1:7 ratio of faculty to students on a beautiful, safe, and secure campus adjacent to the JCC in the lush Sonoran Desert foothills of northcentral Tucson.

Jewish values and pride in our heritage and traditions are embedded in our program and foster an ethical learning community that inspires students to become responsible, active, compassionate citizens and leaders. The joy and pride of living Judaism thrive here through traditional and innovative celebrations of our traditions and heritage, study of text, history, modern Hebrew and Jewish culture. Our students develop a strong moral compass, deep understanding of their roots, and the tools and motivation for living a Jewish life and contributing to Jewish civilization.

Our outstanding program is enhanced by our fine and performing arts program, our athletics program, our STEAM and maker-space studies, and advanced mathematics. Students are also able to take part in our after-school offerings of Robotics, Piano, Strings Club, Chess Club, Art Club, Co-ed Football, Girls’ Volleyball, Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball, and Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer.

In this whole-child approach to education, our students thrive to become well-rounded, engaged individuals, with a skill set that prepares them for their future. Upon graduation, our students are accepted to the top high schools in Tucson.

Generous tuition assistance is available to support our families at all income levels – no child is ever denied a THA education due to financial constraints.

The Tucson Hebrew Academy: Enriching experiences. A lifetime of value.