The Jewish people have treasured books and learning for millennia. Even our central prayer, the Shema, includes the instruction: “Take these words which I command you this day and teach them faithfully to your children.”
The Jews of Arizona have taken this task to heart. Since the founding of the Phoenix Hebrew Academy in 1965, opportunities for Jewish education have blossomed along with the growth of the Jewish community. In the Valley and Tucson there are six day schools, two high schools and Hebrew and religious schools are spread across the state.
Informal education is widely available too. Youth groups and camps, both day and overnight, immerse youth in Jewish life. At Jewish camp, children experience a range of activities from arts to sports all in a Jewish setting. Jewish values, culture and traditions permeate the campers’ days through song, food, art and dance.
Programs such as PJ Library reinforce the link between schools and parents, while also engaging families who have no other connection to the Jewish community. On the following pages, you will find the resources you need to ensure your family can enjoy the sweetness of Jewish life available in our communities.
EDUCATION RESOURCES
BJE’S JEWISH COMMUNITY LIBRARY
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #206, Scottsdale
480-634-8050
bjephoenix.org
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.
JEWISH EDUCATION TAX CREDIT ORGANIZATION
3718 E. River Road, 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 a child 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
Scott Sheldon, Annual Campaign Manager
4747 N. Seventh St. #100, Phoenix
602-567-8327
jfcsaz.org/ways-to-give/az-charitable-tax-credit
[email protected]
Tax credit dollars at Jewish Family & Children’s Service are used to assist low income children and families. Of the nearly 48,000 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 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 need-based scholarships with funds raised through the Arizona private school tax credit. The JTO supports students in our community from various backgrounds and cultures 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.
PJ LIBRARY – PHOENIX
Marcy Lewis, Director
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-481-7112
vosjcc.org/pjlibrary
[email protected]
Provides free age-appropriate children’s books about Jewish holidays and values such as being kind and repairing the world as well and monthly story time and events to engage and network families. A project of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and programmed in partnership with the Valley of the Sun JCC.
PJ LIBRARY
pjlibrary.org
Prescott: 928-717-0016
Southern Arizona: 520-577-9393 ext. 138
PRESCHOOLS
TUCSON
ESTHER B. FELDMAN PRESCHOOL/KINDERGARTEN
Congregation Anshei Israel
5550 E. Fifth St., Tucson
520-745-5550 ext. 229
caiaz.org
STRAUSS ECE AND KINDERGARTEN
Temple Emanu-El
225 N. Country Club Road, Tucson
520-325-0390
straussece.com
TUCSON JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
3800 E. River Road, Tucson
520-299-3000 ext. 115
tucsonjcc.org
TUCSON JEWISH MONTESSORI
5150 E. Fifth St., Tucson
520-790-2784
tjmontessori.org
THE VALLEY
ALEPH BET PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN
Chabad of Arizona
2110 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
602-944-2580
alephbetaz.com
BETH EL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AND PRESCHOOL
Beth El Congregation
1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
602-944-2464
bethelphoenix.com
CHANDLER JEWISH PRESCHOOL
Pollack Chabad Center
875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler
480-855-4333
chandlerjewishpreschool.com
CHANEN PRESCHOOL
Congregation Beth Israel
10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale
480-951-3398
cbiaz.org
EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER AT THE EAST VALLEY JCC
908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler
480-897-0588
evjcc.org
EMUNAH MONTESSORI ACADEMY
1340 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix
480-316-2022
PHOENIX HEBREW ACADEMY PRESCHOOL
515 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix
602-277-7479
phoenixhebrewacademy.org
TEMPLE KOL AMI EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
15030 N 64th St., Scottsdale
480-951-5825
templekolami.org
Temple Kol Ami’s Early Childhood Center (ECC) is a play-based school where children learn hands-on via experiences that interest and challenge them. The core curriculum includes Art, Body Movement, Hebrew, Music, Literacy Links, Science and Spanish.
THE SOLEL PRESCHOOL
Temple Solel
6805 E McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley
480-991-4545
solelprechool.org
TEMPLE CHAI’S EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix
602-923-3619
templechai.com
TORAH DAY SCHOOL OF PHOENIX
1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
602-374-3062
torahdayschoolofphoenix.org
VALLEY OF THE SUN JCC EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Rachel Wallach, Director
Jessica Knight, Co-Director
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #201, Scottsdale
480-659-7769
vosjcc.org/earlychildhood
[email protected]
The J’s Early Childhood Center nurtures each child’s natural curiosity, intelligence and interests, while developing their Jewish identity. Young minds and bodies grow through art, music, movement and learning. Parents have entrusted us with their children for more than 50 years. We are nationally accredited by NAEYC and serve children age 6 weeks to pre-K. We also offer gym and swim programs as well as parenting and social programs for families and adults.
YAD B’ YAD CHILDREN’S CENTER
Temple Emanuel of Tempe
5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe
480-249-4557
emanueloftempe.org
DAY SCHOOLS
TUCSON
TUCSON HEBREW ACADEMY
Jon Ben-Asher, Head of School
Rabbi Billy Lewkowicz, Director of Judaic and Hebrew Studies
Gabrielle Erbst, Director of Admissions, Director of Support Services
3888 E. River Road, Tucson
520-529-3888
thaaz.org
[email protected]
Tucson Hebrew Academy is our community’s K-8 Jewish day school, providing exemplary education through stimulating, rigorous academics, inspired Jewish values, and an engaged, supportive community. From the early years through comprehensive high school prep, children thrive in THA’s uniquely enriching educational community and culture. For over forty-five years, our tradition of excellence produces highly skilled, critical and creative thinking students with a strong moral compass and deep understanding of their Jewish identity, well-prepared for the challenges to come.
THE VALLEY
DESERT JEWISH ACADEMY
3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler
480-390-0971
desertja.org
MENACHEM MENDEL ACADEMY
Chaya Mushka Ben-Shabbat, Founder
Alicia Vallee, Administrative Director
Shmuel Gruys, Marketing Specialist
11802 N.74 th Pl., Scottsdale
480-909-6942
MenachemMendalAcademy.com
[email protected]
Menachem Mendel Academy proudly serves Jewish children of all backgrounds and affiliations. We are based firmly on the best principles of Jewish education, but in a way that reaches the inner soul of each child and brings out their unique light. In addition to academic and Jewish studies, we will also include a strong emphasis on personal development. Our mission is to help our students learn and master the critically important, yet often underestimated life skills that are required to thrive in today’s environment. But most importantly, we do all of this while having so much FUN that the kids don’t even realize how much they’re learning!
PARDES JEWISH DAY SCHOOL
Peter Gordon, Head of School
Bethany Spector, Director of Admissions
12753 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-991-9141
pardesschool.org
[email protected]
Celebrating 25 years of academic excellence. Independent, private K-8 co-educational day school. Rigorous secular education with an integrated Jewish education. Experienced and dedicated faculty; low teacher-student ratio; focus on 21st century learning. Beautifully renovated campus with new Makerspace opening for this school year; art, physical education, music and Spanish offered. After-school enrichment activities, morning/after-care available. Daily Kosher lunch program. Member of the Mountain Valley Athletics League. Accredited. A partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.
PHOENIX HEBREW ACADEMY PRESCHOOL
515 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix
602-277-7479
phoenixhebrewacademy.org
SHEARIM TORAH HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
715 E. Sierra Vista Dr., Phoenix
602-324-3406
shearimhighschool.org
TORAH DAY SCHOOL OF PHOENIX
1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
602-374-3062
torahdayschoolofphoenix.org
YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL OF ARIZONA
7045 N. 12th St., Phoenix
602-266-1213
azyeshiva.org
YOUTH GROUPS & PROGRAMS
Arizona NCSY/JSU
6748 N. 10th Place, Phoenix
201-362-2074
arizona.ncsy.org
BBYO
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #203, Scottsdale
480-481-1789
bbyo.org
[email protected]
BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. The youth-led, staff-supervised model allows for leadership development and identity-enriching programming. There are active chapters throughout Phoenix, utilizing the Valley of the Sun JCC and East Valley JCC. BBYO is open to grades 8-12. Weekly programming spans topics of Judaic education, creativity, athletics, social and much more.
BBYO TUCSON
3800 E. River Road, Tucson
520-299-3000 ext. 175
bbyo.org
B’NAI TZEDEK YOUTH PHILANTHROPY PROGRAM
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #202, Scottsdale
480-699-1717
jcfphoenix.org
CTEEN PHOENIX
2110 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
602-944-2753
chabadaz.com
FAR WEST UNITED SYNAGOGUE YOUTH
818-986-0907
farwestusy.org
GIRL SCOUTS – ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL (GSACPC)
Tamara Woodbury, CEO
119 E. Coronado Road, Phoenix
602-452-7040
girlscoutsaz.org
[email protected]
Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success. We’re the best leadership development organization for girls, and believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world. Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience girls uncover and develop their potential through activities in STEM, business, and the outdoors. In partnership with more than 10,000 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves 21,000 girls in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona.
J TEEN CONNECT AZ OF GREATER PHOENIX
480-481-7111
[email protected]
The information hub for all things Jewish teen! We work to engage teens so they connect, have fun, become leaders, find jobs, travel, learn, do mitzvahs and more!
JCC MACCABI GAMES
Alexa Wollach, Maccabi Games Delegation Head
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #201, Scottsdale
vosjcc.org/youthsports
[email protected]
The JCC Maccabi Games are for teens ages 13-16. The Games are held annually, where athletes explore their Jewish heritage through sports competitions, community service, team building, sportsmanship and more.
NFTY SOUTHWEST
Flagstaff, Prescott, Tucson and Valleywide
southwest.nfty.org
SWIFT YOUTH FOUNDATION
16099 N. 82nd St. #B2A, Scottsdale
480-443-5645
swiftyouth.org
VALLEY OF THE SUN JCC CLUB J
Tami Simmons, Sr. Mgr. Youth Services
12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-481-7075
vosjcc.org/clubj
[email protected]
Club J is a licensed K-5 afterschool program. Experienced, caring counselors and teachers provide quality classes, homework help and sports. Most importantly, we provide a safe, enriching place to unwind after school and during School’s Out Days.
VALLEY OF THE SUN JCC YOUTH SPORTS
Alex Sachs, Sports & Recreation Director
12701 N Scottsdale Road #201, Scottsdale
480-481-7016
vosjcc.org/youthsports
[email protected]
With two state-of-the-art gymnasiums, soccer fields, pool and recreational leagues that improve skill, confidence and encourage sportsmanship, The J is the place for your young athlete! We offer the Jeff Berkowitz Basketball League for boys and girls K-8; JCC RUSH Recreational Soccer League for boys and girls ages 4-8.
VALLEY OF THE SUN JCC J SWIM
Debbie Meek, Aquatics Director
12701 N Scottsdale Road #201, Scottsdale
480-481-7035
vosjcc.org/aquatics
[email protected]
J Swim offers an array of programs for infants through teens. J Swim Academy helps children and infants as young as six months learn to swim in a happy, safe environment. The year-round program advances from J Babies to J Squad (pre-team). J Swim Club is a year-round USA Swimming-affiliated competitive swim team for all levels of swimmers ages 5-18. J Swim also includes J Water Polo.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDY PROGRAMS
PHOENIX HIGH SCHOOL OF JEWISH STUDIES (HEBREW HIGH)
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #206, Scottsdale
480-634-8050
bjephoenix.org
TUCSON HEBREW HIGH
3718 E. River Road, Tucson
520-577-9393
tucsonhebrewhigh.org
SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES
GESHER DISABILITY RESOURCES
(formerly Council For Jews With Special Needs)
Amy Hummell, Executive Director
Jill Wilson, Director, Education and Programs
Deborah Weiner, Student Support Specialist
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #205, Scottsdale
480-629-5343
gesherdr.org
[email protected]
Formed in 1985, the agency was created to meet the special needs of children and adults with disabilities who were unable to participate in typical activities of Jewish life in greater Phoenix. Programs include social groups, classroom observation, resource educators, summer camp inclusion specialists, teacher training, student tutoring, educational forums on disability related topics, monthly Simchat Shabbat services and two Jewish homes for adults with developmental disabilities.
THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
Chabad of Arizona
2110 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
602-861-1600
fcaz.org
TUCSON JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
3800 E. River Road, Tucson
520-299-3000 ext. 172
tucsonjcc.org/special
DAY CAMPS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
Many of the congregations that have preschools also have preschool summer day camps. See our Congregations and Preschools listings.
ARIZONA SUNRAYS GYMNASTICS – DANCE – NINJA ZONE
15801 N. 32nd St. Phoenix
602-992-5790
3923 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix
602-992-5791
arizonasunrays.com
[email protected]
More than 28 years providing the highest quality children’s programming in the Valley, Arizona Sunrays is the place for safe, fun learning! Arizona Sunrays Safety Certified, experienced and caring staff teaches kids and adults to have fun while working hard to reach beyond their potential. Classes are offered seven days a week, babies to adults, beginner to advanced. Cafe and large viewing areas, too!
BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND
Amram Knishinsky, PhD, Founder & CEO
Ran Knishinsky, Chief Marketing Officer
9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
480-800-3000
butterflywonderland.com
[email protected]
Butterfly Wonderland, featuring the largest butterfly conservatory in the country with over 3,000 fluttering butterflies, transports guests of all ages to the rainforest by immersing them in the world of butterflies and other rainforest animals. Live exhibits connect people to nature through a sensory experience that educates, entertains, and provides a refuge from the outside world. Learn about Monarch migration in a captivating 3D movie, observe live chrysalis as they emerge naturally into beautiful butterflies, get up close to unique reptiles that inhabit rainforests across the world, and so much more.
DOLPHINARIS ARIZONA
9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
480-407-5154
dolphinaris-arizona.com
Dolphinaris Arizona amazes, educates, and empower guests, encouraging them to become stewards of the oceans and its inhabitants. Meet dolphins from dry land or in the water. Share a handshake, dolphin kiss and more. You can even become a dolphin trainer for a day, with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our world-class dolphin care. A great thing to do with kids, and an amazing adventure for adults!
CAMP: DESTINATION
3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler
campdestination.org
CAMP GAN ISRAEL
Chabad of Arizona
2110 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
602-944-2753
cgiofphoenix.com
CAMP KULANU
1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
Mail: 1228 E. McLellan Blvd., Phoenix
602-730-4564
campkulanu.com
CAMP RIMON
East Valley Jewish Community Center
908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler
480-897-0588
evjcc.org
CAMP SIMCHA
Congregation Beth Israel
10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale
480-951-3398
cbiaz.org
ODYSEA AQUARIUM
Amram Knishinsky, PhD, Founder & CEO
Ran Knishinsky, Chief Marketing Officer
9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
480-291-8000
odyseaaquarium.com
[email protected]
OdySea Aquarium, located in Scottsdale, is one of America’s newest aquarium and was recently voted Kids Best Indoor Entertainment. This multi-level, state-of-the-art facility holds more than 2 million gallons of water and offers educational, interactive, and entertaining experience for guests of all ages. From sharks, sea turtles, and penguins to otters and rays, there are more than 370 species of animals that call OdySea Aquarium home. Highlight experiences in the Aquarium include SeaTREK™ underwater ocean walking, a giant submerged escalator that descends into the deep ocean, a 3D movie, and OdySea Voyager, the world’s only rotating aquarium experience.
TUCSON JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
3800 E. River Road, Tucson
520-299-3000
tucsonjcc.org
VALLEY OF THE SUN JCC SHEMESH CAMPS
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #201, Scottsdale
480-481-7074
vosjcc.org/camps
[email protected]
Shemesh Holiday Camps @ The J: The J offers a fun, safe and enriching environment while your child is out of school. Shemesh Summer Camp: In addition to traditional summer day camp activities such as field trips, swimming, arts & crafts and sports focused on fun, The J provides a variety of specialty camps ranging from sports and arts to engineering and theater. There is also a CIT program for grades 9 & 10.
RESIDENT CAMPS
BBYO SUMMER EXPERIENCES
Various locations
480-481-1788
bbyo.org/summer
B’NAI B’RITH CAMP
Michelle Koplan, Executive Director
Ben Charlton, Camp Director
503-452-3443
bbcamp.org
[email protected]
Located on the beautiful
Oregon coast, B’nai B’rith (BB) Camp is a vibrant and inclusive Jewish camp serving the Pacific Northwest since 1921. BB Camp has been a home away from home for generations of campers of different ages, backgrounds, denominations and abilities. Our unique culture is built on sharing fun experiences in a welcoming environment that inspires all campers to grow and develop enduring Jewish identities.
CAMP DAISY & HARRY STEIN
Congregation Beth Israel
10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale
480-951-0323
campstein.org
CAMP NAGEELA WEST
1000 Sugarpine Road, Big Bear, CA
801-613-1JEW (1539)
nageelawest.org
URJ CAMP NEWMAN
711 Grand Ave. #280, San Rafael, CA
415-392-7080
campnewman.org
WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE CAMPS
11495 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA
213-835-2196
wbtcamps.org
