18 minute read
Resident camps
SHEMESH CAMPS @ THE J
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480-634-4949 mpjcc.org/shemesh
TUCSON JCC YOUTH SPORTS
3800 E. River Road, Tucson 520-299-3000 tucsonjcc.org/children-families/youth-sports
B’NAI B’RITH CAMP
503-496-7444 bbcamp.org
RESIDENT CAMPS CAMP DAISY & HARRY STEIN
Prescott, AZ Mail: Congregation Beth Israel 10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale 480-951-0323 campstein.org
CAMP NAGEELA WEST
9421 Granville Ave., Las Vegas, NV 844-NAGEELA nageelawest.org
CAMP SOLOMON SCHECHTER
Zach Duitch, Executive Director Mail: 117 East Louisa St. #110 Seattle, WA 206-447-1967 info@campschechter.org campschechter.org
Camp Solomon Schechter has a 68-year tradition of fun, friendship, and Jewish education immersion in the Pacific Northwest. Camp creates a unique, welcoming, and spiritual community for youth entering 1st-12th grades. Schechter’s spectacular 175-acre wooded facility located near Olympia WA features a private lake, river, miles of hiking trails in pristine forests and wetlands, and outdoor adventure courses (ropes course, zip line, giant swing and climbing tower). At Schechter, Judaism and joy are truly one!
URJ CAMP KALSMAN
14724 184th St. NE, Arlington, WA 425-284-4484 campkalsman@urj.org campkalsman.org
WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE CAMPS
3663 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 213-835-2196 wbtcamps.org
Register today!
Where Judaism and Joy Are One!
ARIZONA CENTER FOR NATURE CONSERVATION/ PHOENIX ZOO
455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix 602-286-3800 phoenixzoo.org Gabby Hebert, Director of Education
The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/ Phoenix Zoo seeks to advance the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats while providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. All of our educational programs are reflective of this mission and we design programs specifically for school audiences to align with Arizona State Academic Standards.
This past year, we’ve successfully introduced a range of new or modified programs to support teachers in virtual, in-person and hybrid classrooms. Our new self-paced curriculum, Project Orangutan, uses problem-based learning to address our mission in cross-curricular lessons.
With a focus on wildlife conservation, general biology, environmental education and ecology, all of our programs incorporate interactive and learner-centered elements. Many of our virtual and in-person programs include live ambassador animals, providing a unique and impactful learning experience.
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.
Educational programs include online and in-museum exhibitions, a monthly documentary films series, book discussions, genealogy seminars, lectures, speaker’s bureau, and live musical concerts. The society also offers a series of Holocaust education seminars, featuring survivors of the Holocaust, children of survivors, and survivors of other atrocities and acts of inhumanity. Contact Dr. Lawrence Bell, Ph.D., Executive Director at lbell@azjhs.org for more information about programs and activities.
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY JEWISH STUDIES
Lisa Kaplan, Assistant Director PO Box 874302, Tempe 480-965-8094 jewishstudies.asu.edu lisa.kaplan@asu.edu
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.
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 a student’s individual interests. We offer generous scholarships to ASU students that enroll in our classes. With course work in Jewish studies, students can become global citizens with an in-depth knowledge of Judaism and the Jewish experience. In addition, through our Community outreach we offer a wide array of learning opportunities to the community. These programs take place on evenings and Sundays and usually are 1-2 hours in length. They are currently offered both in person and via Zoom. Come learn with us!
THE GREGORY SCHOOL
Dr. Julie A. Sherrill, Head of School 3231 N. Craycroft Road, Tucson 520-327-6395 gregoryschool.org
The Gregory School, as a diverse learning community, challenges and supports students in grades 5-12 to achieve excellence in character, scholarship, leadership and innovation and prepares them to make a positive impact in the world through pursuing their passions, appreciating and creating beauty, and solving problems. We cultivate a mindset of innovation, open-minded inquiry, divergent thinking and purposeful action. As innovators, our students develop the creativity, ingenuity, inventiveness, and originality of thought to tackle and resolve the challenges facing our world.
A Gregory School Education is personalized and student focused. The Gregory School students are active participants in their own education, learning and practicing self advocacy, discovering and pursuing their passions, and participating meaningfully as members of our supportive learning community. Our 9:1 student:teacher ratio and average class sizes of under 15 result in more personal attention, more mentoring, and more feedback on student work. Students also benefit from more opportunities for classroom participation, more leadership opportunities, and greater comfort and security in class. Our students graduate with the mastery of subject content and the skills in analysis, critical and creative thinking, self advocacy, collaboration, and written and oral communication vital for success in college and beyond.
The Gregory School Entrepreneurial Institute: Working closely with a group of successful alumni, faculty developed a curriculum that incorporates the steps and processes involved in taking an invention or product (potentially created in our MIT FabLab) to market. As a culmination of their work here, students in grades 11 and 12 may apply for this program.
The Gregory School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest, and the MIT FabLab Network.
The Gregory School believes in educating the whole child (intellectual, physical, emotional, social, spiritual, aesthetic). To this end, students can and do play multiple sports, perform in musical theater and write for the school paper, participate in community service, and take a full academic load to boot. This is a well-rounded education.
JEWISH EDUCATION TAX CREDIT ORGANIZATION
3718 E. River Road #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-for-dollar tax credit on your state taxes, but even more importantly, in the continuity of the Jewish people. Every Arizona taxpayer may contribute, both as 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 2021, an individual may contribute up to $1,219 when filing as single, head-of-household, or married filing separately. Married couples filing jointly may contribute up to $2,435. 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.
When you support the JTO through Arizona’s private school tax credit, you are the hero in a child’s Jewish day school education; you impact that child’s whole life and ultimately the Jewish community,” says JTO Executive Director Linda Zell. “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 without the generosity of our community,” adds Zell. The JTO is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and can accept non-credit charitable donations.
Many charities share the financial challenges that the recent health and financial crisis have brought to the community, JTO is not an exception. “We are very grateful for the support that continues to come in from our families and corporations. So many people expressed that they were doing the best they could this year – even if it wasn’t the same as in the past, because our students’ education was important to them,” stated Zell. 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 who is not their dependent. All corporate support will provide needbased scholarships through the general fund or a school fund to low-income families. “Our students are the future leaders of our Jewish community. When you support a child today, you secure the future of our Jewish community and you make THE difference,” 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 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 comprehensive academic curriculum with a focus on 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.
Technology is integrated into multifaceted, hands-on learning experiences emphasizing real-life problem solving and elevated thinking. 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.
Our inclusive Pardes community embraces students from diverse Jewish backgrounds. 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 ageappropriate 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 BOTANICAL GARDENS
Classes & Programs 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson 520-326-9686 tucsonbotanical.org/classes-programs/ education1@tucsonbotanical.org Katie Rogerson, Director of Education & Public Engagement
The Gardens is committed to providing quality lifelong learning opportunities for all ages. We offer a collection of certificate programs as well as Community Classes that range in topic from Gardening, Wellness, Art, Nature and Ecology.
We have predominantly moved to online experiences over the past year in response to the pandemic. We are seeing a slow return to “in person” visits by school field trip groups. We do expect to re-open our Butterfly Magic greenhouse on October 1.
The Gardens’ diverse plant life provides an ideal platform for strengthening connections between school curricula and the natural world. Self-guided visits to the Gardens are scheduled year-round. Independently explore our 17 themed gardens during your trip. Discounted rates are available. Please refer to field trip guidelines for more information.
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.
Our students are provided with the educational framework that allows them to develop skills that are imperative for success in the 21st century. They 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 north-central 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 afterschool 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.
STANDWITHUS P.O. Box 341069, Los Angeles, CA 310-836-6140 standwithus.com Roz Rothstein, Co-founder and CEO
StandWithUs (SWU) is an international nonprofit and nonpartisan Israel education organization that inspires and educates people of all ages and backgrounds, challenges misinformation and fights antisemitism. It empowers and energizes students and communities with leadership training and educational programs on hundreds of college campuses, high schools, and middle schools. StandWithUs informs through social media, print and digital materials, films, conferences, weekly newsletters and missions to Israel.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization has programs on five continents with chapters and offices throughout the U.S., in Israel, the UK, Canada and Brazil.
For the last nine years, SWU has received the highest possible ratings from Charity Navigator (four stars) and Guidestar (Platinum).
StandWithUs founded the Kenneth Leventhal High School Internship and the Emerson Fellowship on campuses in five countries, including a prestigious Fellowship in Israel. The programs select, train, inspire and empower student leaders around the world for a full year to run educational programs about Israel, and to combat anti-Israel rhetoric and antisemitism on their campuses and communities.
The SWU Saidoff Legal Department has handled over 1,000 inquiries and incidents from students, professors and community members. Working together with the legal department, the Center for Combating Antisemitism has also created downloadable materials and offers a reward program for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of perpetrators of antisemitic acts.
Tune into standwithus.tv with more than 100 different programs, including bi-monthly interviews with people who make the headlines. And, don't forget to take a Virtual Tour of Israel with StandWithUs Discover!
THE ARIZONA CENTER FOR JUDAIC STUDIES
J. Edward Wright, Director 845 N. Park Ave. #420, Tucson 520-626-5758 judaic.arizona.edu
The Arizona Center for Judaic Studies’ mission is to contribute to the overall goals of The University of Arizona by promoting advanced scholarship, by translating faculty research into dynamic undergraduate instruction, and by contributing to the community through educational outreach and professional advising. We seek to transmit, interpret and critique Jewish historical, religious, and cultural traditions for the benefit of present and future generations.
Our expertise in Judaic languages, history, religion, and culture provide a deep understanding of Jews and Judaism on their own terms through time and across cultures.
Highlights of our program include: Prof. Gil Ribak is a Recipient of the Marie S. Curie FRIAS COFUND Senior Fellowship (FCFP) & the Gerda Henkel Foundation and Professors David Graizbord and Leonard Hammer won a course development grant from the Israel Institute in Washington, D.C.
(virtual conference) FEBRUARY 6, 2022 Limmud AZ 2022 info@limmudaz.org www.limmudaz.org Save the Date 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Details to follow soon!
