Community is the primary organizing structure of Jewish life. Wherever Jews have lived, they have built synagogues, established communal organizations and communal governance systems.
The discovery of gold in Arizona brought many new residents to the state from 1862 to 1864. Most of them came from California, and they included many Jewish businessmen.
Beginning in the 1880s, people from the East Coast arrived in Arizona in hopes of a cure for their tuberculosis. During the mining boom in Tombstone in 1881, the first organized Jewish community in the state emerged with Samuel Blace as its president.
A B’nai B’rith lodge was established in Tucson in 1882. From about the time of Arizona’s statehood in 1912, an increasing number of Jewish professionals emerged, mainly in law and medicine. The Jewish population grew rapidly after World War II, and synagogues and temples existed in Tucson, Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale. The first Jewish Community Center opened in Phoenix in 1945 in a small house on North Fourth Street.
Membership in a Jewish community has always demanded a sense of shared destiny, manifested in the obligation to care for other members of the community, as well as in the joy of partaking in others’ celebrations.
As community and individual needs shifted in subsequent decades, some organizations faded while others evolved, and new groups arose to meet the needs of 21st century America. Following are the organizations that today meet the needs of Jews living in Arizona.
FLAGSTAFF
MOLLY BLANK JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
930 W. University Ave., Flagstaff
928-255-5756
jewishflagstaff.com
PRESCOTT
JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER PRESCOTT
PO Box 2684, Prescott
928-771-3737
jcfgp.org
TUCSON
BRANDEIS NATIONAL COMMITTEE – TUCSON CHAPTER
3825 N. Oracle Road, Tucson
520-747-3224
tucsonbnc.org
CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF TUCSON HEADQUARTERS
2443 E. Fourth St., Tucson
520-975-4489
chabadtucson.com
HADASSAH SOUTHERN ARIZONA
520-481-3934
facebook.com/hadassahsouthernarizona
JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA
The Harvey and Deanna Evenchik Center for Jewish Philanthropy
3718 E. River Road #118, Tucson
520-577-0388
jcftucson.org
JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL
3718 E. River Road #100, Tucson
520-577-9393
JEWISH FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICES OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA
4301 E Fifth St., Tucson
520-795-0300
jfcstucson.org
JEWISH FEDERATION OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA
3718 E. River Road #100, Tucson
520-577-9393
jfsa.org
JEWISH TUCSON
3718 E. River Road, Tucson
520-577-9393
jewishtucson.org
JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE USA
Freidman-Paul Post 201
520-517-4848
THE FREE LOAN AT THE JEWISH FEDERATION
3718 E. River Road, Tucson
Mail: 6890 E. Sunrise Dr. #120-310, Tucson
520-297-5360
thefreeloan.org
TUCSON JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
3800 E. River Road, Tucson
520-299-3000
tucsonjcc.org
VALLEYWIDE AND NATIONAL
ADL ARIZONA
Marc Lerner, Regional Board Chair
Tammy Gillies, Interim Regional Director
Keisha A. McKinnor, Assistant Regional Director
Cathy Lee, Assistant Education Director
602-274-0991
arizona.adl.org
Twitter: @ADLArizona
ADL is the world’s leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. We offer education programs like WORDS to ACTION: an interactive workshop to empower and equip Jewish students with constructive, effective responses to anti-Semitism and anti-Israel in their lives. Customized community or campus programs are available.
AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (AIPAC)
602-277-3318
aipac.org
AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE
602-539-2895
ajc.org
ARIZONA JEWISH RUSSIAN PROGRAMS
6636 N. 10th Ave., Phoenix
602-577-6131
arizonarussianprograms.com
ARIZONA JEWS FOR JUSTICE
arizonajewsforjustice.org
ARIZONA KOSHER PANTRY
Yecheskel Friedman, President & Founder
Elchonon Gross, Chairman & Founder
7118 N. Seventh St., Phoenix
602-492-4989
azkosherpantry.org
[email protected]
Arizona’s first kosher food pantry, The Kosher Food Pantry is a part of a national food-pantry network called Feeding America. Open M-F to meet emergency food needs, and Sundays by appointment. Also offers Tomchei Shabbos (“Support of the Sabbath”) a Sabbath pantry aiding the sick and needy in their difficult times to enjoy the Sabbath and Jewish Holidays. Shabbat baskets may include fresh fruits and vegetables, challah, wine/grape juice, fish, chicken and other basic essentials that enable families to enjoy two Shabbat meals per week. A more extensive package is distributed on holidays.
ASSOCIATION OF CRYPTO-JEWS OF THE AMERICAS
Mailing address: 1900 W. Chandler Blvd. #15355, Chandler
602-518-0229
cryptojew.org
B’NAI B’RITH INTERNATIONAL
1120 20th St. NW #300N, Washington, DC
202-857-6600
bnaibrith.org
BRANDEIS NATIONAL COMMITTEE – PHOENIX CHAPTER
PO Box 13775, Scottsdale
480-359-7262
brandeisphoenix.org
BUREAU OF JEWISH EDUCATION OF GREATER PHOENIX
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #206, Scottsdale
480-634-8050
bjephoenix.org
CHABAD OF ARIZONA
Rabbi Zalman Levertov, Regional Director
Rabbi Mendy Levertov, Friendship Circle
Rabbi Levi Levertov, Smile on Seniors
2110 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
602-944-2753
chabadaz.com
[email protected]
Dedicated to providing, an open door environment for strengthening and enhancing Jewish values and identity to all people, regardless of background, color, philosophy or level of commitment. Chabad serves individuals and families looking for a non-judgmental, accepting, personalized Jewish experience. Our state-wide network includes: 20 Jewish community centers, 3 centers on college campuses, 5 summer camps, 3 preschools, 11 Hebrew schools, C-Teens, Friendship Circle, Smile On Seniors, Jewish Recovery Fellowship and JPhoenix Young Professionals.
DEUTSCH FAMILY SHALOM CENTER
Temple Chai
4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix
602-971-1234 ext. 211
templechai.com
EAST VALLEY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
Rabbi Michael Beyo, CEO
Hadassah Baldinger, Assistant Executive Director
Pam Morris, Early Childhood Director
908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler
480-897-0588
evjcc.org
[email protected]
The East Valley JCC offers social, cultural and educational programs for youth, teens, adults and seniors; camps; and an accredited preschool for ages infant-pre-K. Programming includes arts and Israel cultural programs. No membership fee.
EZRAS CHOLIM OF ARIZONA
Yecheskel Friedman, President & Founder
Elchonon Gross, Chairman & Founder
7118 N. Seventh St., Phoenix
602-492-4989
ezrascholim.com
[email protected]
Ezras Cholim offers warm kosher meals to patients and caregivers at hospitals, treatment centers, or at home. Rehab and hospice support services available, including visitation, transportation and meal delivery. Also offers patient advocacy for those in hospitals, nursing facilities and in the home. Ezras Cholim is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and is an indispensable part of the Phoenix community life. We need your support. We are seeking monthly contributions and volunteers.
GESHER DISABILITY RESOURCES
Amy Hummell, Executive Director
Jill Wilson, Director, Education and Programs
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #205, Scottsdale
480-629-5343
gesherdr.org
[email protected]
Gesher Disability Resources serves children and adults affected by a disability through inclusion assistance in the classroom, resource referral, residential support and social groups. Founded in 1985 as the Council For Jews With Special Needs, more than 3000 community members benefit from the agency’s events and services each year. Gesher is a Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) eligible for Arizona’s dollar-for-dollar Tax Credit Program (tax id 86-0626273; QCO Code 20748).
GREATER PHOENIX JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
Jerry Mittelman, Co-Executive Director
Barry Singer, Co-Executive Director
6501 E. Greenway Pkwy. #103, PMB 234, Scottsdale
602-753-9366
gpjff.org
Twenty-five years ago, the all-volunteer Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival was formed with the mission to present international films with Jewish themes to the Greater Phoenix area. In 2021, the Festival will be held virtually in the comfort and safety of your own homes – reserved seats guaranteed! The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival continues to help increase the sense of community among Jews in the Valley and raise awareness of the rich variety of Jewish culture to all filmgoers. In addition to the 2021 virtual festival, Feb. 14-28, complimentary films are currently offered to senior communities, as well as to traditional filmgoers. Presenting virtual special reduced-rate and complimentary screenings throughout the year is one of the Festival’s aims.
HADASSAH TIKVAH-WEST VALLEY CHAPTER
Serving: Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Sun City Grand and Surprise
623-363-1210
facebook.com/TikvahWestValley
HADASSAH VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER
8370 E. Via de Ventura #K-150, Scottsdale
480-998-1880
facebook.com/HadassahHVOS
ISRAELI AMERICAN COUNCIL – IAC ARIZONA
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-483-7121 ext. 1109
israeliamerican.org/arizona
JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER PHOENIX
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #202, Scottsdale
480-699-1717
jcfphoenix.org
JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL OF GREATER PHOENIX
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #203, Scottsdale
480-481-7149
jcrcphoenix.org
JEWISH FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICE – PHOENIX
Kathy Rood
Adm. Offices, 4747 N. Seventh St. #100, Phoenix
Jewish Community & Older Adult Services, 2017 N. Seventh St., Phoenix
602-452-4627
jfcsaz.org
Jewish Family & Children’s Service helps to increase self-sufficiency and strengthen families through quality medical, behavioral health and social services. We provide counseling, emergency financial assistance, holiday giving, older adult services, mental health education programs, Jewish career services, resource information & referrals, Holocaust survivor services, hospital chaplaincy and facilitate the only Jewish Senior Center in Phoenix. The JFCS Memory Café provides social and creative programming for those with changes in their thinking and memory, along with their care partners.
JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER PHOENIX
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #201, Scottsdale
480-634-4900
jewishphoenix.org
JEWISH FREE LOAN
Ellen Friedman Sacks, Executive Director
Ora Zutler, Board President
3443 N. Central Ave. #707, Phoenix
602-230-7983
jewishfreeloan.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
JFL provides interest-free loans to enhance the quality of life of Jewish Arizonans. Loan programs include, but are not limited to, adoption/IVF, senior care services, special needs/disability assistance, education expenses, student loan debt retirement, Jewish summer camp and Israel experiences, medical/dental needs, debt consolidation, funeral/burial pre-arrangement, small business expenses and emergency needs. Confidentiality assured.
JEWISH LABOR COMMITTEE
140 W. 31st St., 2nd floor
New York, NY
212-477-0707
jewishlaborcommittee.org
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND: ARIZONA
5010 E. Shea Blvd. #230, Scottsdale
480-447-8100
jnf.org
JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE USA
Department of Southwest
Copper State Post 619
Scottsdale Post 210
Valley of the Sun Post 194
jwvsw.org
JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL
1129 20th St. NW #801, Washington, DC
800-343-2823
jwi.org
JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE FOR POLITCAL AFFAIRS (JAC)
847-433-5999
jacpac.org
LIMMUD AZ
10632 N. Scottsdale Road #B-584, Scottsdale
limmudaz.org
In Hebrew, Limmud means “learning.” Limmud offers a day of Jewish learning annually that is divided into individual sessions. Multiple programs, different presenters and a variety of topics are offered during each session. For 2021, the Limmud AZ Day of Jewish Learning will be presented virtually on Sunday, February 21, 2021.
MARTIN PEAR JCC IN THE VALLEY OF THE SUN
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-483-7121
vosjcc.org
MAZON: A JEWISH RESPONSE TO HUNGER
10850 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 400
Los Angeles, CA
800-813-0557
mazon.org
MINKOFF CENTER FOR JEWISH GENETICS
Wendy Carriere, Executive Director
Carol Abrams, Board President
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #201N, Scottsdale
480-668-3347
GetScreenedAZ.org
[email protected]
We provide prenatal genetic screening for those of child-bearing age (18-45). Screening results for couples help to identify genetic risks and may provide options available to them so that they go on to have healthy children. We also provide screening and referral services regarding hereditary cancers, specifically the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 founder gene mutations associated with inherited breast and ovarian cancers found in the Jewish community. Men and women age 25 and over are welcome to register.
NA’AMAT USA
21515 Vanowen St. #102, Canoga Park, CA
844-777-5222
naamat.org
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN
ncjwaz.org
ORT AMERICA
75 Maiden Lane, 10th Floor
New York, NY
800-519-2678
ortamerica.org
PHOENIX HOLOCAUST ASSOCIATION
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #122, Scottsdale
480-792-6736
phxha.com
PROJECT INSPIRE ARIZONA
projectinspireaz.com
VALLEY BEIT MIDRASH
4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix
602-445-3112
valleybeitmidrash.org
JEWISH MEDIA
ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE MAGAZINE
Cindy Saltzman, Publisher
Mala Blomquist, Editor-in-Chief
602-538-2955
advertise@ azjewishlife.com
[email protected]
azjewishlife.com
Arizona Jewish Life magazine features engaging content that celebrates the vitality, diversity, challenges and accomplishments of our community. In addition to feature stories and columns, we provide a resource for local organizations to share their news. Jewish organizations in Arizona are invited to share their events and programs by sending information to editor@ azjewishlife.com. Advertising options are available on the website and in our free weekly e-newsletter, as well as the magazine. To receive The Weekly, sign up at azjewishlife.com/ newsletter-sign-me-up.
JEWISH TAX CREDIT ORGANIZATIONS
CHABAD TUITION ORGANIZATION
2110 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
602-944-2753
jewisheducationaz.com
[email protected]
Jewish education is more than just an alternative to public school. Jewish education raises Jewish children who know who and what they are, so that they become proud knowledgeable adults. Jewish education is the secret of Jewish survival. Donate today and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona taxes. Be the one who instills a sense of Jewish pride in the next generation.
EAST VALLEY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
Rabbi Michael Beyo, CEO
Hadassah Baldinger, Associate Executive Director
908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler
480-897-0588
jcctaxcredit.org
[email protected]
The vision of the EVJCC is to create a strong, connected community through Jewish values and education. Donate today to the East Valley Tax Credit Fund and you will help provide: scholarships for families in need in our Early Childhood Learning Center; scholarships for at-risk kids for our summer camp; childcare for families in need during fall, winter and spring school breaks; kosher food assistance to inbound elderly individuals; kosher food assistance to families in need and monthly tikkun olam projects that help homeless people and families in need.
GESHER DISABILITY RESOURCES
Amy Hummell, Executive Director
Jill Wilson, Director, Education and Programs
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #205, Scottsdale
480-629-5343
gesherdr.org
[email protected]
Gesher Disability Resources serves children and adults affected by a disability through inclusion assistance in the classroom, resource referral, residential support and social groups. Founded in 1985 as the Council For Jews With Special Needs, more than 3000 community members benefit from the agency’s events and services each year. Gesher is a Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) eligible for Arizona’s dollar-for-dollar Tax Credit Program (tax id 86-0626273; QCO Code 20748).
JEWISH EDUCATION TAX CREDIT ORGANIZATION
3718 E. River Road #100, Tucson
520-647-8442
jetco.org
[email protected]
JETCO is a school tax credit organization that makes it easy to support Jewish education through personal or corporate tax credit contributions, with no out-of-pocket expense! JETCO participants receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on Arizona State income taxes and simultaneously help students receive an excellent Jewish and secular education. Do a mitzvah – ensure our future – contribute to JETCO!
JEWISH FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICE
Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Program
Mara Samudrala, Annual Campaign Manager
4747 N. Seventh Street #100, Phoenix
602-567-8392
jfcsaz.org/taxcredit
[email protected]
Tax credit dollars at Jewish Family & Children’s Service are used to assist low income children and families. Of the nearly 42,000 individuals served across the Valley, 97% are low income or working poor. Programs include counseling, older adult care management, domestic violence victim assistance, job development for at-risk youth and Jewish social services. The tax credit limits are $400 (single filer) and $800 (married filing jointly) when filing your Arizona state income tax return.
JEWISH FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICES OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA
4301 E Fifth St., Tucson
520-795-0300
jfcstucson.org
JEWISH FREE LOAN
Ellen Friedman Sacks, Executive Director
Ora Zutler, Board President
3443 N. Central Ave. #707, Phoenix
602-230-7983
jewishfreeloan.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
JFL provides interest-free loans to enhance the quality of life of Jewish Arizonans. Loan programs include, but are not limited to, adoption/IVF, senior care services, special needs/disability assistance, education expenses, student loan debt retirement, Jewish summer camp and Israel experiences, medical/dental needs, debt consolidation, funeral/burial pre-arrangement, small business expenses and emergency needs. Confidentiality assured.
JEWISH TUITION ORGANIZATION
Linda Zell, Executive Director
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #100M, Scottsdale
480-634-4926
jtophoenix.org
[email protected]
The Jewish Tuition Organization (JTO) is a student tuition organization (STO) that provides scholarships with funds raised through the dollar-for-dollar Arizona private school tax credit. The JTO supports students in our community who attend one of six Jewish day schools in the Phoenix area. The dollar-for-dollar tax credit is available to individuals, C-Corps, S-Corps and Insurance companies with an Arizona tax liability.
KIVEL CAMPUS OF CARE
3040 N. 36th St., Phoenix
602-443-8000
kivelcare.org
The Kivel Campus of Care has been serving the housing needs of the low income, frail, Jewish Elderly for over 60 years. Kivel provides a quality environment, a Jewish atmosphere, food programs, High Holiday and Sabbath services, activities, social interaction, an Assisted Living program and a Memory Care program. Kivel’s goal is to ensure that the low income Jewish Elderly have a home in which they can enjoy the later years of their lives.
STATE TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS
jewishtaxcredit.org
Arizona taxpayers can redirect their state tax liability to support the work of local Jewish nonprofits. You may contribute to one or more qualified organizations through multiple dollar-for-dollar tax credit programs.
