May brings us commemorations and celebrations – Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Day of Remembrance), Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day).
Through May 17
Caretakers & Art Makers features the work of Barbara Brandel at the Tucson Jewsih Community Center, 3800 E River Road, Tucson. Barbara’s work reflects a life-long interest in fiber arts and indigenous textiles. Her paintings pay homage to artisans around the world and her painted collages, containing recycled world maps and stamps, speak to the similarities and uniqueness of us all. Free and open to the public. Contact
520-299-3000 etx. 106 or tucsonjcc.org.
May 1
Spring Concert Featuring Todd Herzog at Beth Ami Temple (located inside Palo Cristi Church), 3535 E Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley from 3-5 pm. The singer-songwriter bridges the gap between religion and spirituality. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. bethamitemple.org.
May 1, 8, 15 & 22
Aqua Zumba at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E River Road, Tucson, every Sunday at 11 am. Perfect for those looking to make a splash by adding low-impact, high-energy aquatic exercise to their fitness routine. $40 members, $48 non-members. 520-299-3000 or tucsonjcc.org.
May 2
Women’s Study Group meets noon-1 pm at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E 5th St., Tucson. Rabbi Robert Eisen leads these monthly group sessions using The Five Books of Miriam: A Woman’s Commentary on the Torah as the core for discussion. Free. Bring your own dairy lunch; beverages and dessert provided. 520-745-5550 ext. 230 or rabbi@caiaz.org.
May 2, 9, 16 & 23
Open Mah Jongg Play at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E 5th St., Tucson. All levels welcome (men, too). Come join the fun! 10 am-noon. Free. caiaz.org.
May 3
Jewish Baby University for expectant parents meets 6:30-9 pm every Tuesday for six weeks at Temple Chai, 4645 E Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Learn the newest delivery techniques, care of the newborn and mother, selecting a pediatrician, and breast- and bottle-feeding. Jewish rituals and traditions associated with childbirth and newborns and Jewish parenting will also be taught. Interfaith couples are encouraged to attend. $120/couple. Contact Linda Feldman, 480-634-8050 or lindaf@bjephoenix.org.
May 3, 10, 17, 23 & 31
Talmud on Tuesday from 6-7 pm at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E 5th St., Tucson. Learn about the law and lore in the “sea of Talmud” with Rabbi Robert Eisen as we dig deep into the “who, what, where, when, why and how” of living Judaism. Free. 520-745-5550 or rabbi@caiaz.org.
May 4
Yom HaShoah Commemoration in Flagstaff. See page 81.
May 4, 11, 18 & 25
Weekday Torah Study Group from 11 am-noon at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E 5th St., Tucson. Informal and lively study discussion led by Rabbi Robert Eisen. 520-745-5550 or rabbi@caiaz.org.
May 6
Trauma Training for Volunteers presented by Jewish Family & Children’s Service – Aleinu Division at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 8:30 am breakfast, 9 am-noon workshops with presenters from the Scottsdale Police Department. $35. Three continuing education credits available. RSVP to Jayne Plotkin at 602-567-8334 or jayne.plotkin@jfcsaz.org.
May 8
CAI Men’s Club Breakfast at 9:30-11:30 am at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E 5th St., Tucson. Everyone welcome. Come for the fellowship… come for the breakfast! Free for club members, $4 guests. Contact Lew Crane 520-400-9930 or catsfan1997@cox.net.
May 9
Yom Hazikaron Ceremony in Tucson. See page 81.
May 10
Israeli Cooking and Pastry Workshops. See page 81.
Yom Hazikaron in the Valley. See page 81.
May 11
Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona 70th Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration. See page 81.
May 12
12 Torches Ceremony. See page 81.
Hadassah Expo. See page 81.
Yom Hazikaron in Flagstaff. See page 81.
May 13
Child Abuse Prevention Discussion and Luncheon. See page 81.
May 15
Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration. See page 81.
Schmooze Young Families (for parents in their 20s-40s with young children) goes to the Phoenix Zoo. Meet in front of the zoo at 9 am and then meet at 11 am at the Plaza for lunch. For additional details and to RSVP, visit Facebook.com/azschmooze or info@schmooze.com.
BookTalk features Paper Love by Sarah Wildman. This is the story of looking for the woman Sarah Wildman’s grandfather left behind. With its recounting of sometimes frustrating, exhausting and contentious research efforts, the book is ultimately a memorial to one Holocaust victim’s fate. 3-4:30 pm at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Sponsored by Generations After. Event is free, but please RSVP to phoenixhsa.org/book-talk.
Israeli Celebrity Chef Dinner. See page 81.
May 21
End of Life Issues from a Secular Perspective. See page 81.
Schmooze Singles Cosmic Bowling for those in their 30s and 40s. Starts at 9 pm. For location, other details, and to RSVP, visit Facebook.com/azschmooze.
May 25
Lag B’Omer BBQ Party & Concert in honor of Israel’s 68th anniversary at 6 pm. BBQ dinner, board games, and concert featuring CAI’s Adult Choir, directed by cantorial soloist Nichole Chorny. Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E 5th St., Tucson. $6.80 per person. RSVP by May 23 to Kim at 520-745-5550 ext. 224 or edasst@caiaz.org.
Schmooze Singles and Couples Pool Party for those in their 30s and 40s, in conjunction with AVIV of Arizona. 5:30-8 pm at a private home in Central Phoenix. For additional details and to RSVP, visit Facebook.com/azschmooze.
May 27-June 19
Rock of Ages features more than 25 hits from the 80s including “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Here I Go Again,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” and many more. Call for times and prices. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400 or azbroadway.org.
May 31
Phoenix Community Kollel Piano Concert. See page 81.
