Unity of body, mind and spirit is an ancient concept manifested in many cultures. In Judaism, an ideal conduit between the two can be found in Jewish-themed yoga (sometimes referred to as Aleph Bet yoga), which integrates spiritual approaches to physical and spiritual well-being. In this mystical modality, Hebrew letters have deep spiritual meaning, and…
Book-adoring Phoenix denizens who crave a warm, inviting ambiance to explore their favorite pastime, take heart. A touch of intoxication awaits at the Valley’s two Changing Hands bookstores, one in Tempe (Guadalupe and McClintock) and one in Phoenix (Camelback and Third Avenue). Touting itself as being a socially responsible bookstore and gathering place, each store’s…
Rabbi Levi Levertov of the Chabad Jewish Center of Phoenix knows a great thing when he sees one –and he saw one in Scottsdale resident Avie Guttman. The two met about a year ago and soon realized they could team up to make a lasting and powerful impact on the local Jewish senior community. As…
Pens move and thoughts flow the fourth Saturday of every month at Congregation NefeshSoul in Chandler when Susan Price leads “Journaling for Spiritual Growth.” The class gives participants a chance to explore the myriad benefits associated with writing from the heart, while seeking new heights in self-discovery. They also mine experiences, hopes, dreams and Jewish…
Andre Ivory has had a fire in his soul for Judaism since his teens. That fire, coupled with an intense curiosity, set him on a course of self-discovery that dramatically altered his life. Since converting at age 20 and becoming a bar mitzvah at age 33, Ivory has fine-tuned his passion for Judaism into a…
Broadway show tunes and cantorial music roll off senior’s tongue Music makes the world go round for Scottsdale virtuosa Sharon Friendly. The classically trained performer has been singing professionally for most of her life and relishes every opportunity to belt out a tune. “I love the challenge of performing and making people laugh or cry,”…
“Grief cuts through all society – all levels of race, gender and income.” These sobering words were delivered by Israeli reserve soldier and guest speaker Chen Ben-Lulu at the Valley of the Sun JCC’s Yom Hazikaron memorial service April 21. According to Israel Center Director Shahar Edry, 23,000 soldiers have died since the country’s founding….
Yom Hazikaron speaker personalizes challenges of a nation CAPTION: Speaking at the Yom Hazikaron service at the Valley of the Sun JCC, Chen Ben-Lulu shares his story of being injured during Operation Protective Edge. Photo by Tal Peri “Grief cuts through all society – all levels of race, gender and income” Those sobering words were…
Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho is quoted as saying, “The power of storytelling is exactly this: to bridge the gap where everything has crumbled.” Tempe resident Caleb Winebrenner could not agree more. Steeped in drama and theater since high school, the seventh-grade English and drama teacher is also a performance artist – a storyteller who draws…
Five notable authors enchanted guests at a festive cocktail party, as well as at a book and author luncheon the next day. Both major literary events were sponsored by the Brandeis National Committee, Phoenix Chapter. On March 15 a spacious and dazzling home overlooking the sloping hills of Paradise Valley provided the ideal backdrop for…
