Arizona is home to not just one, but two of the longest-running Jewish film festivals in the country – and both are marking milestones this year. The Tucson International Jewish Film Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary from Jan. 14-23, while the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival holds its 20th annual event from Feb. 14-28. Both…
Ruth Weintraub has mastered the art of keeping her Jewish past at bay. But now, evicted from her beloved Berlin apartment of 35 years and placed in ugly, unwelcoming public housing, she opts to stop struggling. Jonas is nearly half a century younger and less skilled at evading the future (and his girlfriend). So he…
As a high school student in the 1990s, Lucia Puenzo was fascinated and mystified by an open secret: Hundreds of Nazi war criminals found refuge in her native Argentina. “I was intrigued that so many families knew what was going on because they had a German man on their block or somewhere in their neighborhood,”…
One could compile a very long list of movies whose enjoyment is enhanced by watching them with someone you love. “The Farewell Party” is the rare film that should be seen with someone you trust with your life. Israeli filmmakers Tal Granit and Sharon Maymon set their funny, sensitive and ultimately moving tale among a…
The 11th Annual West Valley Jewish Film Festival will be held on Jan. 30 and 31 and Feb. 1 at Beth Emeth Congregation, 13702 W Meeker Road, Sun City West. The festival has a musical theme this year. There will be moments of recollection, gratitude, joy and warmth. The three films to be shown are…
January 14 – 23, 2016 Tickets at tucsonjewishfilmfestival.com Celebrating 25 years. In memory of Robert Polinsky. TWO Festival Kick-offs Sunday, Jan. 10, 3:00 pm, $5 Encore screening of The Best of Men (UK, 2012, 90 min., English) In 1944, Ludwig Guttmann,a talented neurologist and German Jewish refugee, revolutionized the way Great Britain treated soldiers with…
SCHEDULE: Apples From the Desert Arizona Premiere Drama/Romance – (Israel) 96 minutes, Hebrew, w/ English subtitles Screenings: Peoria – Mon. Feb. 22, 7 pm Scottsdale – Sun. Feb 28, 3 pm Rebecca Abravanel is living a cloistered existence with her strictly religious parents in Jerusalem. Unhappy with the restrictive traditions, she secretly breaks taboos, attending dance…
Wendy Mendelson is a rock star. Well, sort of. Mendelson, founder of The Mendelson Law Firm in Scottsdale, is a criminal defense attorney who is a rising star in her field. She has a mean singing voice, too. Her journey has included some intriguing stops along the way, leading her to the line of work…
“It’s not a trivial statement to say that the situation in Israel, on almost every level, is way more complicated than outsiders can even begin to appreciate,” Conrad Prusak said, after returning from his first visit to Israel. “The diversity, the cultural points of view, the political points of view – there are so many,…
VOS JCC promotes Shahar Edry After three years as the Israel Center Director, Shahar Edry now has an expanded role in the community. The Valley of the Sun JCC and the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix promoted Shahar effective Nov. 18. Shahar now is also the senior director of youth, camp and family programs. “Three…
