PLACES: ARIZONA

AMAZING Arizona By: Moshe Ney

Vacations vary in many areas: excitement, climate, culture, etc. The list really can go on and on. But what if you could visit a place that was multi-climate, multi-culture, and with a lot of exciting things to do? Both from a standpoint of natural beauty and a standpoint of nice locals with many different stripes and types? Come to sunny Arizona and experience the nice climate variety that it has to offer. Deserts, forests, mountain ranges, and more. And the local attractions aren’t too bad either.

There is so much to see and do in Arizona that we can’t absolutely cover everything. But we can cover the exciting stuff. That includes:

• Basic info about Arizona • Phoenix and Local Attractions • Tucson and Local Attractions • Grand Canyon • Hotels • Jewish Amenities

OK then! Let’s get on our way! You’re bound to be blown away by amazing Arizona.

Basic Info About Arizona

Here is some basic info you should know about Arizona

• Arizona has a population of 7,151,502 and has a land area of 113,990 mi2. Those dimensions measure approximately 400 mi long X 310 mi wide. • The weather in Arizona during the Summer is HOT! And extremely. Average high temperatures in the Phoenix area can reach well over 104°F, sometimes over 110°, and sometimes hotter! (The highest ever recorded in one area of Arizona was 128° in the year 1994.) And, while you may not have to worry about this during midwinter (the average high in Phoenix during the winter is approximately 65°), just make sure you:

• Drink a lot all the time • Do NOT leave anything or certainly anyone in your car in any hot weather (it gets as hot as an oven on self-clean in there!) • Put on sunscreen • Don’t stay out for too long if you don’t have to • Rent a car with an automatic starter so you can start your car remotely to get the A/C running before you get in

• Arizona borders the states of New Mexico, Utah, California, and Nevada. It also borders Mexico. • Arizona has no Daylight Savings Time (talk about cancel culture). • Arizona is home to Grand Canyon National Park. • Arizona is home to a chain of stores called Eegee’s (the Arizonian equivalent of 7-Eleven). • 27% of Arizona is Native American Reservations. • Arizona has more mountains than Switzerland.

If you’re planning your midwinter getaway, Arizona should definitely be one of your choices for a nice little getaway from the hustle and bustle of the East Coast and make many memories to take home afterward.

Phoenix and Surrounding Areas

Welcome to Phoenix, the capital of Arizona. This wonderful city is located literally smack in the middle of the state, and that’s very convenient for all your local travel. Many of the cities surrounding Phoenix are only 20-30 minutes driving distance so you have a lot within your grasp to explore locally.

Some of these cities include:

• Glendale • Tempe • Scottsdale • Mesa • Gilbert • Chandler

All these places and more contain some awesome attractions, both city-like and natural. Fun for everyone of all ages and sizes with flavors to satisfy everyone’s pallet.

What are some of the places that you’ll visit in Phoenix today?

Local Attractions

Here is a list of some of the various attractions that Phoenix and its surrounding areas have to offer.

Arizona Boardwalk

9500 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ www.azboardwalk.com (480) 951-2100 Whether with family or friends, the Arizona Boardwalk is a must-visit when you come here for midwinter or any other time. The Boardwalk is located in Scottsdale, less than a half-hour drive from nearby Phoenix. It’s also located

on a huge piece of Native American territory. The Salt River Pima –Maricopa Indian Community to be exact. But don’t worry. They don’t drive around with spears and warpaint like in the good old days! This massive attraction actually has numerous attractions within that are more than enough to keep you and everyone else engaged for hours on end. Here is what Arizona Boardwalk has in store for you.

Odysea Aquarium

www.odyseaaquarium.com Please try not to miss this! For those of you who love the ocean and all that’s in it, Odysea Aquarium has such a massive array of things to see and do that it can be its own article. This up-todate and super cool place has so many exhibits of underwater life and more for everyone to enjoy and be simply stunned by its beauty. There are a lot of interactive activities here as well. As I said, you don’t want to miss this.

Butterfly Wonderland

www.butterflywonderland.com This is a very good place for nature lovers looking forward to major outdoor beauty. As the largest butterfly conservatory in the United States, Butterfly Wonderland will never cease to amaze you with the plethora of colorful wildlife within its confines. And it’s not just limited to butterflies! The Butterfly Wonderland is an entire experience of its manmade rainforest, reptile exhibit, and honeybee exhibit. It also has a 3D theater featuring “Flight of the Butterflies”, a movie of the life cycle of the butterfly in a 3D you-canalmost-touch-it-and-feel-it experience. And the Butterfly Emergence Gallery will have you wide-eyed with fascination as you watch butterflies emerging from the chrysalis. Check out their website for full details. Open daily from 9 AM-5 PM.

The Science of Ripley’s

Believe It or Not!® This one is for the science lovers and needs no major explanation. Get a load of all the wacky exhibits that this museum has to offer and come away baffled and amazed. For a limited time only starting February 9, 2022.

Laser + Mirror Maze

www.odyseamirrormaze.com Ready for some fun-filled obstacle course action? The Laser + Mirror Maze obstacle course is something you should try out. Pick your maze. Mirrors or lasers. You’ll love it. Located right next to the Odysea Aquarium.

Surprise Your Eyes

www.surpriseyoureye.com Love optical illusions? Want to roll with laughter over everyone’s reactions on Facebook, Instagram, and beyond when you post your hilariously unbelievable pics of you doing the crazy things to the backdrop of some crazy illusionary scenery? Do it all today at Surprise Your Eyes pop-up art gallery. Put yourself into the craziest scenes and positions and wow yourself and your friends with the pics you’ll take of yourself and show off afterward. As they say themselves: “Step into the illusion!” Just walk into the frame and tell your friends to start snapping. You’ll laugh at the hilarious results.

Pangaea-Land of the Dinosaurs

www.pangaealandofthedinosaurs.com This place is made especially for our paleontology travelers who want to have some light fun with the subject. Pangaea-Land of the Dinosaurs is full of interactive activities and events for everyone to enjoy. Ranging from various dino exhibits to their awesome arcade, and even activities for your kids to try out as well. Like etching, excavation, and dino building! Make to check them out while you’re by the boardwalk.

VR Xtreme

www.vrxtremeaz.com Anyone remembers the show “VR Troopers” from the mid-1990s when people were starting up an obsession with the newly found invention of virtual reality? Well, at VR Xtreme, you can take that obsession to whole new levels that the ‘90s never dreamed of! Here, you don’t just have fun. You immerse yourself into the experience! Let your senses be taken over by the actionpacked games that only VR Xtreme has to offer. Only open on weekends from 11AM-6PM so grab it while you can when you’re out on Sunday morning with family and friends. See website for full details.

Castles N’ Coasters

9445 N Metro Pkwy E, Phoenix, AZ www.castlesncoasters. com (602) 997-7575 Imagine a midwinter vacation where you can have a load of outdoor fun and in short sleeves (pending the weather stays above 65°). Well, you can! At Castles N’ Coasters amusement park, located 15 minutes driving distance from the Phoenix Community Kollel (more on that later in Jewish Amenities). Get a load of all the various roller coasters, bumper cars, and more that will have you, your friends, and your family exhilaratingly happy that you might even come back again for more! Ride the Desert Storm and make a full 360 as you scream your way around it. Don’t forget the Go-Karts and Bumper Boats while you’re at it. Oh, and did I mention that the Skydive water tower ride will make your life flash before your very eyes? And you absolutely must check out the Arcade and the XD Dark Ride for more fun yet to come. Get to Castles N’ Coasters now to make it all happen! See website or call for full details of hours and pricing.

The Phoenix Police Museum

Historic City Hall 17 S 2nd Ave, Phoenix, AZ www.phxpdmuseum.org (602) 534-7278 If you’re the history-loving type, then The Phoenix Police Museum is exactly what you are looking for. Be fascinated by over 130 years of police history in Phoenix, how policing has evolved over the years, and so much more. Check out all the exhibits, including weapons, cars, equipment, uniforms, etc.; absolutely free! That’s right. FREE admission! Open weekdays from 9 AM-3 PM. See website for full details.

Phoenix Zoo

455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ www.phoenixzoo.org (602) 286-3800 What vacation is complete without visiting a local zoo? But this is not just any regular zoo. The Phoenix Zoo is loaded with activities to keep everyone busy the whole time during its 9-5 hours of operation. Check out their vast array of wildlife from all across the spectrum, and their water play and playground areas for your little guys. And they even have live camel rides too for a limited time! There’s a lot more here like safaris,

daily animal presentations, and so much more. Check out their website for details.

There is definitely a lot more to do in good old Phoenix, but we gotta continue our Arizonian expedition. Let’s head on down to Tucson!

Tucson and Surrounding Areas

Welcome to Tucson! Nice and warm here in the winter. Average highs midwinter are around 70°F. Enjoy the weather! (Lows go down to around 40°F, so bundle up at night). While urban, Tucson still has a very natural beauty to it that you can really appreciate.

Let’s see some of the exciting stuff that Tucson has to offer.

Pima Air & Space Museum

6000 E Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ www.pimaair.org (520) 574-0462 Take your fascination of air and space to whole new levels. At Pima Air & Space Museum, there are over 300 air & spacecraft on display that encompasses 80 acres of exhibits. Get up close and personal with a whole array of aircraft that this place has to offer. Not just from the outside, but from the inside too. Sit in those cockpits and feel the thrill of flying even while still being on the ground. Be wowed by pristinely refashioned and preserved history of the US Airforce and beyond. Open daily 9-5.

Trail Dust Town

6541 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ www.traildusttown.com (520) 296-4551 Howdy partner! Wanna go back in time and do it Old Western style? You found the right place for that at Trail Dust Town. Yeah, it’s light fun, but relaxing and enjoyable. There is a little bit of action too with their shooting stunt shows going on every Sunday between 7 PM and 8 PM. And don’t forget to check out their shooting gallery as well to try out your marksmanship skills. The lighter stuff includes a train ride through Old Western scenes, a Ferris wheel, and a carousel. (Panning for gold is another activity that is currently unavailable). There are an array of shops and services throughout the area that will make for some good memories to take home.

Tucson Botanical Gardens

2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ www.tucsonbotanical.org (520) 326-9686 This place has a dozen public gardens on more than 5 acres of land for your personal relaxation. A good place to go if you ever want to have a business meeting in a very relaxed outdoor atmosphere. See website for more details.

Reid Park Zoo

3400 E Zoo Ct, Tucson, AZ www.reidparkzoo.org (520) 791-3204 Another Arizonian zoo adventure. This zoo has an expansive range of exotic animals ranging from the African Wild Dog to the Squirrel Monkey, to the Andean Bear…the list goes on and on. Fun and exciting for all ages and stages.

If you’re done with Tucson, you better not be done with Arizona, as the best part is yet to come:

The Grand Canyon!

The Grand Canyon

This is perhaps the biggest reason why people come to visit Arizona. To come and see Hashem’s artwork (as it were) in all its glory. The most talented man could never have even imagined creating something so stunning and breathtaking as the Grand Canyon.

According to Wikipedia, The Grand Canyon is “277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,093 feet or 1,857 meters).”

No words can do justice to all the scenery you’ll see when you get there. Just have your camera ready to snap at everything you’ll see when you get there. (Getting there will be discussed a little bit later in this section. Stay tuned!)

Most of this natural Heaven-sent beauty can be viewed when you go to Grand Canyon National Park. Let’s see what’s in store for you today.

Grand Canyon National Park

According to Wikipedia, this sprawling national park “covers 1,217,262 acres (1,901.972 sq mi; 4,926.08 km2) of unincorporated area in Coconino and Mohave counties,” and “received more than 6,000,000 recreational visitors in 2017, which is the second-highest count of all American national parks after Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’re absolutely going to love this place!

3 6 5 1 1 Y N , K O O R

Getting to the Canyon

Before we discuss the highlights of this place, let’s talk about how you’ll get there.

There are only two options for getting to the canyon: by car, or by train.

B N Y L

By Car

Assuming you’re coming from Phoenix, the drive to Grand Canyon Village and the South Rim of the canyon takes around 3 ½ hours on I-17 North. (Driving from Tucson is not an option because you will be in the car for at least 6 hours; easiest drive is from Phoenix).

By Train

If you’re opting for a more relaxing traveling experience to the Grand Canyon that includes scenery, comfort, in-house entertainment on wheels, and more, then I suggest you make use of the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, AZ. Located outside the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel (see more about that later in Hotels/Lodging), the railway is hands-down the most relaxing, serene, and pleasantly awesome way to get the canyon hassle-free.

If the train is your thing, you are going to want to spend the night in Williams. (Sorry, no options for minyanim there yet. Hope you can bring on along! More on minyanim and more in Jewish Amenities). The drive from Phoenix to Williams takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes. Take I-17 North to Exit 163 to I-40 West to reach your destination.

After arriving at your destination, spend the night at the hotel to rest up for your major trip the next morning. But be on time! Trains depart promptly at 9:30 AM and you don’t want to miss it.

Before your morning departure, there’s some light entertainment to start off your journey with a smile. A little wild west skit takes place right in front of the railway station outside the hotel with the town sheriff squaring off against some local bandits, guns and all! Check it out and laugh before you depart.

The train is very comfortable, sporting very nice seats and isles. The ride itself is 2 hours and 15 minutes each way, so take your time in enjoying the scenery.

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(516) 887-9500 habanahutstation.com

Grand Canyon Railway with some small explanations. (For full details about the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel, please visit their website at https://www.thetrain. com/ ).

Pullman Class

Like an airplane, there are different levels of comfort based on how much you pay. The Grand Canyon Railroad is no different. The most affordable of these is the Pullman Class car, which is a renovated original from 1923. This car is situated at the front of the train and usually costs $67 a ticket per adult. The joke here about this car is that the AC is 40/40. 40 MPH with 40 windows open!

Coach Class

These cars are from the 1950s with nice, cushioned seats, wide windows, and heating during the cooler months. Prices for this car are $82 per adult.

First Class

It just gets better and better! If you’re paying for this, you’re getting exactly what you pay for. Here, in First Class, the seats are wider, the windows are bigger, and there are even complimentary snacks and beverages in the morning and afternoon (check for Rabbinic supervision before you buy). Prices here start at $159 per adult.

Observation Dome

Now, this is a real scenic ride if I say so myself! The observation car is built with a dome sporting many windows so you can take your view of Arizona to whole new levels that will make for even greater memories. Enjoy your ride as you take in the gorgeous scenery from all angles and let your spirits soar! Prices here start at $189 per adult.

Luxury Dome

Now, this is journeying to the Grand Canyon in class! This car is the nicest of all of them. It’s not just the dome. It’s also the lounge down below, the bar service, and so much more. Enjoy yourself on the nostalgically flavored yet comfortable furniture in the lounge as you enjoy reading the rest of this Mochers issue or any other reading material. Also, a good place to chill with your friends who joined you for the vacation. But get ready to spend! Prices for this one start at $226, adults only! (No kids on this one. Other cars have reduced rates for kids. See website for details). This is the top of the line in luxury travel. Also exclusively for adults, where you get private bar service, a lot of room to lounge around and relax, and even the chance to step outside and view the natural beauty as it whizzes past you as you take it all in from the rear deck of this car. Enjoy fresh fruits and coffee in the morning! (Remember that for kashrus, the fruit must be only uncut fruit). Also for those who want to spend, this car also starts at $226 per rider.

As mentioned earlier, there is in-house entertainment onboard including cowboys singing real Western Country Music (just watch out for kol isha as there may be female singers as well), and bandits who will hold you at gunpoint demanding your valuables. (Don’t worry. They’re all professional actors and will not actually take your stuff).

Whichever car you’re in, just sit back and relax because that’s exactly why you came here. Just chill! You should arrive at your grand destination of Grand Canyon National Park at around 11:45 AM. From the time you depart the train, you have around 3 hours to enjoy the Grand Canyon. The returning train departs at 3:30 PM and gets back to Williams at 5:15 PM.

Now that you’re here, let’s show you some of the highlights of Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon Village. This is where the train pulls in upon arrival. The headquarters of the park is located over here together with a lot of other scenic spots that are a must-see while you are here. According to Wikipedia, Grand Canyon Village “is wholly focused on accommodating tourists visiting the canyon. Its origins trace back to the railroad completed from Williams to the canyon’s South Rim by the Santa Fe Railroad in 1901. Many of the structures in use today date from that period. The village contains numerous landmark buildings, and its historic core is a National Historic Landmark District, designated for its outstanding implementation of town design.” There are several landmarks that are within walking distance from the train depot. Just plan wisely so you don’t miss your train. If you came by car then you may have a little more time to explore.

Photo courtesy of @grandcanyonrailway

Photo courtesy of @grandcanyonrailway

Photo courtesy of @grandcanyonrailway

Scenic Spots Nearby. Since some of you may come with the train and have limited time, here are some of the spots along the canyon’s South Rim that you can enjoy and photograph while you are visiting. The places mentioned here follow each other and are being measured in time that it would take to walk (not drive). All in all, it should take you around 1 hour and 15 minutes of walking to see the beauty that cannot be put into words. Just remember to add some time for stopping to see the sights before heading back and make sure that you have enough time to get back to Grand Canyon Village and get ready to get back on the returning train. The walk back may be at least an hour from the last destination. Plan wisely so you don’t miss your train. There are also shuttle bus tours to take you around the South Rim, but it is beyond the scope of this article. Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/ planyourvisit/shuttle-buses.htm for further details on those.

Bright Angel Trailhead. This trail is located between 10-15 minutes away from the train depot. The views here are absolutely stunning! Thousands of visitors have what to say about this place. Look at their reviews and their photos on Google Maps. You’re not going to want to miss this one. Hermit Road. Walk another 13 minutes west and your gonna hit this road which you’ll be staying on for most of your trip. Hermit Road, besides being an awesome lookout station, is going to bring you to some unbelievable lookouts throughout the canyon. Be on the lookout for signs with info about the places you’re seeing so you can come away with more understanding. Trail View Point. Here is where you get a bird’s eye view of a massive portion of the canyon. This is located around 12 minutes from Hermit Road. Maricopa Point. Continue another 20 minutes or so to this awesome spot. Here you get unbelievable rim views of the canyon, and an old copper & uranium mine. Powell Point. Continue on the road running parallel to Hermit Road to get to this next scenic destination. Here you have sweeping views of the canyon, as well as a commemorative memorial to the 1869 and 1871–1872 crews who explored the canyon. Hopi Point. This is a South Rim overlook with unobstructed canyon vistas. It’s also a popular stop for sunrise and sunset viewing. But, no matter what time you’re there, make sure to take in the view and let it settle in your memory.

At this point, you probably should make your way back so you can make the train back to Williams. Once again, your total walk time including getting back to the station should be around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio. If long hikes aren’t your thing, then you can stay put in the awesome Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio and take in the beauty from there. You can get some awesome shots from this place. There is also a gift shop on premises should you want to bring back some souvenirs for your friends back on the East Coast.

The Grand Canyon is so vast that it really should be an article on its own. We’ll have to hold it here for now. But be brave and try out the rest of it someday and just keep wowing yourself with its beauty that can never ever be properly described.

Now, let’s see some hotels!

Hotels and Lodging

A busy Mocher like yourself is going to want to retire for the night in real class befitting his lifestyle. Here are some luxury hotels that you may want to try out.

Phoenix Hotels

Arizona Biltmore

A Waldorf Astoria Resort 2400 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ www.arizonabiltmore.com (602) 955-6600 This is for a real Mochers’ experience. Get ready to spend for this one because it can easily be $400 a night! But it’s well worth it and has the greatest reviews from its visitors. This 4-Star hotel is really going to make your vacation worthwhile. Located on a 12-minute drive from the Phoenix Community Kollel, the Arizona Biltmore will ensure that you sleep like a king at night with its luxurious vibe. There are suites, villas, and even cottages. And their amenities are out of this world. Check out their website today for more details and see it all for yourself. (Viewer discretion is advised for some pages. Make sure your filter is working).

Tucson Hotels

Lodge On the Desert

306 N Alvernon Way Tucson, AZ www.lodgeonthedesert.com (520) 320-2000 This nice 3-Star hotel is located just a 5-minute drive from Congregation Chofetz Chaim in Tucson. Rooms can be around $300 a night. Most rooms have fireplaces and are pretty cozy. Check their special offers as well. See website for full details.

Grand Canyon Hotels

Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel

235 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ www.thetrain.com (928) 635-4010 As mentioned earlier, this is one of the better options if you want to calmly travel to the

Grand Canyon without having to drive. Many room and suite options are available for groups of all sizes. See website for full details.

Grand Canyon Lodging

(On-Premises) www.grandcanyonlodges.com/lodging There are several hotels on the premises of Grand Canyon National Park should you decide that you want to stay overnight. Search well before making your final decision. Many times, a 2-Star hotel may be better than a 5-Star over here.

(There is a full list of hotels close by to shuls in Phoenix at the Phoenix Community Kollel website at https:// www.aztorah.com/vacation-rentals-andhotels.)

Jewish Amenities

Of course, our Yiddishkeit always comes with us wherever we go. For that reason, we are also including some shuls and Jewish necessities while you vacation here in Arizona. Just so you should know, Arizona has some nice and small, yet established Jewish communities, mainly in Phoenix and in Tucson. Take advantage of these unbelievably sincere communities and take back that spark of sincerity with you when you return to the East Coast. You’ll really be amazed. Here are some of the places you should know about and visit. (This is merely a sampling of shuls, specifically located in the Phoenix area. A more extensive list and their websites can be found on the Phoenix Community Kollel website listed below. The website also has listings for Tucson as well, including restaurants and other Kosher amenities. Check it out now for more details).

Shuls, Yeshivos, Kollelim, & More!

Phoenix Community Kollel

6741 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ www.aztorah.com (602) 433-0300 Since the year 2000, the Phoenix Community Kollel has been “spreading rays of holy Torah sunshine” for all to see and feel. (I can’t take credit for that last line, but thanks to Yerachmiel Begun for being the inspiration for it!) For the last 20 years, the Kollel has welcomed many talented yungeleit into its walls who have reshaped the religious landscape of the Jewish community of Phoenix. For an uplifting Torah atmosphere with an inviting vibe while you are on vacation, the Phoenix Community Kollel should be on your list of places to visit and enjoy. And, if this article itself wasn’t informative enough, the Kollel’s website has a full list of frum shuls and Kosher amenities available throughout Phoenix and its surrounding areas. Check out their website today for full details.

Beth Joseph Congregation of Greater Phoenix

515 E Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ www.phoenixbethjoseph.org (602) 277-8858 Nice and beautiful shul in Phoenix with daily Shacharis at 6:30 AM and Mincha and Maariv around the Shekiah. Sunday Shacharis at 7:45 AM, Shabbos Shacharis at 8:45 AM. See their website for further info.

Chabad Lubavitch of Arizona

2110 East Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, AZ www.chabadaz.com (602) 944-2753 What good Jewish community would be complete without a good old and friendly Chabad center? Phoenix is no different. Come join them every day for Shacharis at 7:00 AM, Sunday Shacharis at 8:00 AM, and Shabbos at 9:30. Never a dull moment in Chabad! Check out the website for full details.

Ohr Hatorah

6741 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ www.ohrhatorahphoenix.org (480) 359-5572 A nice, small, homey minyan headed by Rav Shafir Roizman, a talmid of Yeshivas Chaim Berlin and other yeshivos. The minyan prides itself for being warm and inviting, allowing all types of Yidden to take refuge in its confines and imbue them with a sense of getting close to Hashem and His Torah. Minyanim times are not listed. Reach out to them via their website or call for more info.

Yeshiva High School of Arizona

7045 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ www.azyeshiva.org (602) 266-1213 This is a very successful boys’ yeshiva out here in good old Arizona. It’s small, but the boys love it and their parents and Rebbeim couldn’t be prouder of them. And it’s not just for the community. It’s for their visitors too. Come on and drop in while you’re on vacation midwinter and join them for Shacharis at 7:30 AM during the week and 8:00 AM on Sundays. Mincha throughout the week is 1:40 PM, Sunday at 1:00. Check out their website for all the action going on in the yeshiva today!

Mikvah Chaya Mushka. (Located in Chabad Lubavitch of Arizona). Just in case your wife needs this, or if you as a man are stringent about immersing before Shacharis and on Erev Shabbos, this mikvah is located on the premises of the Chabad center in Phoenix and is utilized by the broader Frum community. For women’s appointments, please call or text 48 hours in advance: (602)509-7430. See the following link for more details: https://www.chabadaz.com/templates/ articlecco_cdo/aid/1283218/jewish/ Appointments.htm. As of the writing of this article, it is unclear as to whether the mikvah can be open in the mornings to men. Please reach out to the mikvah via the following link: https://www.chabadaz. com/templates/articlecco_cdo/ aid/5095406/jewish/Contact-Us.htm. Or contact the Chabad center at (602)9442753 or email them at info@chabadaz. com.

Groceries and Restaurants

Every great Jewish vacation needs to have Kosher food of the highest standard. Phoenix has a bunch of these, believe it or not. Here are some listed below. (The author takes no responsibility for any changes in Kashrus status that may occur as of the writing of this article. Due diligence should be done to see the exact Kashrus status of each store, including who the Rav Hamachshir is and what stringencies and leniencies the providers hold by).

Imperial Market & Deli

737 E Glendale Ave, Phoenix, AZ www.imperialkosher.com (602) 285-6999 Now, this is not simply a supermarket. It is also your one-stopshop for all of your Kosher and Judaica needs in Phoenix. Besides food, Imperial Market & Deli also hosts a selection of many Judaica necessities such as yarmulkas, tzitzis, and more. They also have a delicious Shabbos takeout menu should you not want to cook for Shabbos while you’re vacationing. Cholov Yisroel, Pas Yisroel, and Glatt Kosher all under one roof! Check out their bakery as well for their vast selection of cakes, challos, and other pastries. COVID-19 restrictions may still be in place. Call ahead or send an email for more information. See website for menus, directions, and other useful info.

Milk+Honey Espresso Bar & Eatery

12701 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ www.milkandhoneyjcc.com (480) 566-9020 A nice and upscale eat-in establishment providing mainly dairy dishes all hours of the day. The menu is just too diverse and extensive to list here in Mochers. But you can get just about anything there in style for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their ingredients are mainly cholov stam, but they do have separate ingredients to accommodate those who keep cholov Yisroel. You must tell them that you keep cholov Yisroel where applicable so that you don’t mess yourself over. They have a nice fleishig and exotic Shabbos takeout menu as well. Check out their website for all of their exotic and tasty dishes that will make your mouth water.

Kitchen18

10211 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ www.thekitchen18.com (480) 284-6001 A real nice fleishig hangout for you and your friends while you’re on vacation. Under the supervision of Chabad of Scottsdale, Kitchen18 is the place to go for a nice, up-to-date atmosphere and very, very good food hot off the grill. Check out their extensive menu of meat and fish entrées, as well as their beverages and desserts. You are bound to walk away very satisfied. Shabbos takeout is available here as well. See website for more details.

LaBella Pizzeria and Restaurant

6505 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ www.labellakosher.com (602) 354-7002 Now, this is pizza in style…Arizonian style. LaBella Pizzeria and Restaurant has a very awesome menu of both traditional American and Mexican foods. Don’t miss out on it while you’re in Phoenix. Check them out today! See website for more details.

There are definitely many, many more places from where these came from. Look for “kosher stores” when searching Google maps for places like these near Phoenix.

Well, that’s all for now for good old amazing Arizona. Check out and see how amazing it really is. You will be simply dazzled! And it may be more amazing than you ever realized.