Modern Israel Symposium to be held Dec. 6-7
Leading Israeli scholars including former Israeli ambassador Dr. Itamar Rabinovich, Prof. Asher Susser and several other international experts will come together Dec. 6-7 for a symposium entitled “Israel’s Place in the Changing Middle East” at the University of Arizona. They will address the political, economic and military challenges facing Israel within its Middle Eastern context.
In recent years, the region has been overtaken by the rather disappointing outcome of the so-called “Arab Spring” as national conflicts, sectarian civil wars and serious economic challenges rock the Middle East. Shi’ite Iran and its proxies battle for regional hegemony against their Sunni Arab neighbors. Iran’s nuclear program has increased political tensions and threatens to further destabilize the region. In the emerging new balance of power between Shi’ites and Sunnis, ISIS fighters continue to spread their influence and ideology, as they dismember the old Arab state order in the process.
The symposium will explore how Israel deals with these new regional realities, all while facing vexing internal social, political and economic challenges. What are the contours of the internal Israeli debate on Iran? What is the impact of the disintegration of states in the region on Israel’s security doctrine? How does Israel deal with radical non-state actors who are filling the void and who also seek its demise? The speakers will discuss the current situation and offer insights into what Israel and its neighbors might do next, future developments that will have a great impact on U.S. policies in the region.
This symposium will take place in the Grand Ballroom of the Student Union at the University of Arizona. Registration is required: uafoundation.org/NetCommunity/events/2015sbsmodernisraelsymposiumdinner
Zach Braff headlines Nov. 12 MEGA event
Actor, director, screenwriter and producer Zach Braff headlines the MEGA Event of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix on Nov. 12 at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix.
Braff is perhaps best known for his role as Dr. John “JD” Dorian on the hit television series “Scrubs,” which spanned 10 seasons. He was nominated for three Golden Globes and an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on the show.
In 2004, Braff made his directorial debut with “Garden State,” which he also wrote, starred in and produced. It was nominated for the Sundance Grand Jury Prize in the drama category.
Braff’s critically acclaimed dramedy “Wish I Was Here” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014. Unable to secure traditional funding to make his film, Braff turned to his fans to produce the story of a father who struggles to keep his children in a Jewish day school and his journey of self-discovery.
Braff is currently directing a light-hearted remake of “Going in Style” with a star-studded cast including Alan Arkin, Michael Cane and Morgan Freedman. The movie is set for release in 2016.
On Nov. 12, MEGA guests co-direct the fun, interactive evening. They are invited to ask questions of Braff covering a variety of topics, including his Jewish upbringing, his journey from Jersey to Hollywood, transitioning from acting to directing, his view of life and more.
Braff replaces Jeffrey Tambor, who was originally scheduled to headline the MEGA Event.
Maytal & Etzion, the duo that took Israel’s reality television show, The Voice, by storm also will perform.
Reserved seats for MEGA are $100 per person for Downtown Seats and $75 per person for Uptown Seats. A portion of each reservation supports the Federation’s 2015 annual campaign to help Jews in need and to build vibrant Jewish communities in Greater Phoenix, Israel and in 70 countries around the world.
All seats are assigned and must be reserved by Nov. 6. For more information and to RSVP, call 480-634-4900 ext. 1213 or visit megaevent2015.org.
Deena Goldstein awarded solo exhibit at Temple Solel
A unique exhibition of work from Scottsdale artist Deena Goldstein will be on display at Temple Solel in Paradise Valley through Nov. 30. The exhibit features 20 works by Deena, including an eclectic collection of digital, multimedia Giclee, acrylic and reclaimed materials.
An artist’s reception took place Sept. 27 at Congregation Temple Solel, where close to 100 attendees listened to Deena’s presentation about her work, her inspirations and her process.
This exhibit was chosen by a juried selection from the Temple Solel Art Showcase Committee. A portion of the proceeds from pieces sold will benefit the temple’s art scholarship initiative.
Deena’s work embraces an eclectic collection of subject matter born of her inspirational view of life’s journey. She describes her work as free flowing, outside the box and truly from the heart. She is inspired by her father’s love for “all things western” and by her own love of life. A painter for more than 30 years, Deena’s art ranges from whimsical children’s book illustrations to graphite realism. Much of her work today is created in a digital format, which gives her the opportunity to mix multiple mediums into a single piece.
deenagoldstein.com | sunshinekids@q.com
Hear how shipwreck inspires Holocaust film Nov. 3
In 2008 when former Phoenician Stephanie Silverman Houser sold her technology-based public relations firm to sail around the world, she never dreamed she would instead be stranded on an island when her sailboat was struck by lightning. By the end of that trip, Stephanie began developing a film about the Holocaust.
The resulting short film is based on a book by Henry Oertelt, An Unbroken Chain: My Journey through the Nazi Holocaust. Stephanie will share the story of what happened on that boat and how it led to her produce the short film “Becoming Henry.”
Dr. Corey Samuels, an associate producer of “Becoming Henry,” is the granddaughter of Henry Oertelt and participates in events to promote the film and keep Henry’s story alive. Corey and Stephanie will be answering questions the evening of the presentation.
In light of the recent anti-Semitic incidents at some of the United States most prestigious Universities and around the world, this presentation will be a timely and engaging topic.
Hadassah Valley of the Sun and Congregation Beth Israel invite you to attend this free Nov. 3 presentation at Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 N.56th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85253.
This will be the last time this film will be shown privately before being released to the public. Registration opens at 6:45 pm and the program begins promptly at 7 pm. RSVP to Linda at Congregation Beth Israel at linda@cbiaz.org or 480-951-0323; or Susi at Hadassah Valley of the Sun at susido@aol.com or 508-423-9069.
Jewish artists “Hidden in the Hills”
Sonoran Arts League’s 19th annual Hidden in the Hills” Artist Studio Tour and Sale will feature at least three Jewish artists.
Bela Fidel, an oils and encaustic artist, took at least a decade to realize that art was a permanent part of her being, and essential to her happiness and wholeness. She also works in mixed media (collage, cold wax and many other materials).
Photographer Morrie Farbman spent most of his professional career in public safety, but his passion was for photography. He takes every opportunity to pick up the camera and focus his attention on the peace and serenity of nature and landscape photography. Morrie strives to create images that capture a moment that provokes emotion and stirs the imagination.
Judith Rothenstein-Putzer has been working with alcohol transfers enhanced with pen and ink as a spin off her love of photography. This mixed media technique is a hybrid between printmaking and photography that yields one-of-a kind images of the world around her.
The “Hidden in the Hills” Studio Tour Nov. 20-22 and Nov. 27-29 presents nearly 180 artists. Attendees can visit 44 working artists, along with their guest artists, from 10 am to 5 pm to purchase original artwork direct from the artists in this free self-guided tour throughout the picturesque Sonoran Foothills of Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale.
480-575-6624 | info@sonoranartsleague.org | sonoranartsleague.org
