The Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center will open a new exhibit Jan. 31 of the Jan Karski exhibit entitled, “The World Knew: Jan Karski’s Mission for Humanity.” It will open at 6:30 pm so as to not conflict with the Limmud, which concludes at 5 pm that Sunday. Michael Berenbaum will speak at 7 pm following the opening reception, at which guests may socialize with beverages and appetizers. You are invited to attend. There is no charge for the opening reception.
Our Jan 31-March 31 exhibit details the life and actions of a Polish resistance member and courier during World War II who gained first-hand information about Nazi atrocities against Jews and brought that information to the West. In particular, Karski was smuggled into the Warsaw Ghetto as well as a transit/labor camp to witness what was taking place and was then smuggled to London, where he met with British FM Anthony Eden and also later FDR in Washington. It is a tragic story of a man who was witness to the Holocaust and who was largely disregarded by the world. The exhibit also celebrates other Polish righteous gentiles who saved Jews during WWII. It is being co-sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland and the AZ Jewish Historical Society.
The opening reception on Jan. 31 at 6:30 pm will feature Michael Berenbaum, former director of the USHMM, who will speak about Jan Karski. He was Karski’s friend, wrote the preface of Karski’s books and delivered the Kaddish at Karski’s funeral. On Tues. Feb. 9 at 7 pm we will hold the Arizona premiere screening of a documentary film, “Jan Karski and the Lords of Humanity.” On February 11 at 7pm, in cooperation with Or Adam Congregation, we are co-sponsoring an author presentation: Two Among the Rightous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust by Marty Brounstein. On February 18 at 7 pm we will hold a book discussion of Jan Karski’s Story of a Secret State, originally published in 1944. The discussion is being led by the AZJHS president Mark Sendrow, who is a former student of Karski’s at Georgetown Univ. We have also organized a live concert of music by Chopin on March 15 performed by the Rice Brothers in an effort to help foster better relations between Poles and Jews.
The exhibit will run January 31 through March 31. Admission is $5 (AZJHS members, students, survivors, and active duty military free). Special arrangements for groups.
Arizona Jewish Historical Society
CUTLER PLOTKIN Jewish Heritage Center
122 E. Culver St. | Phoenix, AZ 85004 602-241-7870
A fascinating and beautiful exhibit. Dresses worn by famous people achieve their own level of celebrity; picture Marilyn Monroe keeping her white skirt under control above a ventilation grate in “Bus Stop.” Ceramic artist Miriam Mladinov captured the unique garment in her own way — a ceramic version designed for wall display. A solo exhibition of original ceramic and collage pieces by Mladinov will fill the visitor center art gallery at Boyce Thompson Arboretum during February; iconic garments that pay homage to historical figures from Samson and Delilah, Frida Kahlo and Isadora Duncan – to characters from Shakespeare. Items on exhibit range from 10-20 pounds; and in price from $800 – $2,800. Meet the artist at her gallery opening reception Feb. 6 from 1:00-3:00 PM.
Created by Miriam Mladinov, who graduated in theater design from the Art Academy in Rome and has designed sets and costumes for plays, operas and ballets in the U.S., Israel and her native Croatia.
At the Boyce Thompson Arboretum – located near Highway 60, milepost #223, 3 miles before Superior, 55 miles due east of Phoenix. The drive takes about two hours from Tucson via highway 79 North through Florence to highway 60 — then turn right and continue east another twelve miles.
http://cals.arizona.edu/bta/mirjanamladinov.html
Pickup Basketball
Sundays, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28
Early Play: 7:30-10 a.m. & Late Play: 9 a.m. – noon
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
The J has pickup basketball games Sunday mornings for ages 18+. Gather your friends and family for a great game of organized pickup. See you on the court! Free to J members; $10 for non-members. Information and registration: 480.483.7121 ext. 1283 or sports@vosjcc.org.
CAI’s Men’s Club welcomes everyone for “World Wide Wrap,” an annual event that unites men, women and children in learning about wearing tefillin and in prayer in cities around the world.
9:00am (Epstein Chapel) daven and “wrap” with us
9:30am bagels and coffee
10:00am Rabbi Robert Eisen will present, “Mr. Manners Comes to Shul: The Etiquette of a Prayerful Experience.”
This will be a wonderful learning opportunity for all!
Back by popular demand, Schmooze Young Families is excited to once again host a fun afternoon at the park! Couples with children, single parents, foster parents, etc. are all welcome. While we will have some Kosher pizza and drinks, we welcome you to bring a snack to share with others. This event will take place at the Cactus Park location at the northeast corner of Cactus and Scottsdale Road.
You can RSVP for this event and see more details through the Facebook event page or Meetup event page.
This Schmooze event is being generously sponsored by the Dana Cheryl Beitscher Charitable Foundation.
Let’s Appreciate Art
Mon., Feb. 8 – 11 a.m. – noon
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Share the world of art with docents from the Phoenix Art Museum. This month, explore Scandals, Vandals and Da Vinci. For more information, contact Harriet at 480.483.7121 ext. 1213 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.
Crystal Bridge – Duplicate Games
Mondays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 – Noon-3:30 p.m.
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Regular sanctioned ACBL duplicate games for players with less than 500 master points. Led by ACBL-certified director Maddy Bloom. Enjoy light refreshments and a friendly atmosphere. $9 per player. For information and reservations, contact Harriet at 480.483.7121 ext. 1213 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.
Tea & Talk with Chani
Tues., Feb. 9 – 11 a.m.
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Enjoy homemade pastries and stimulating conversation with Chani. A collaboration with SOS. For more information and to register, contact Chani at 602.492.7670 or chani@sosaz.org.
Let’s Knit
Tuesdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 – 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Share the pleasure of knitting and crocheting. Help others with projects and patterns. Can’t knit? We’ll teach you. No reservations required. For more information, contact Harriet at 480.483.7121 ext. 1213 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.
Feb. 9 at 7 pm the Arizona Jewish Historical Society will hold the Arizona premiere screening of a documentary film, “Jan Karski and the Lords of Humanity.”