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
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.”
What do Jews Believe about Life After Death?
Join Rabbi Helen Cohn and Handmaker residents in an exploration of biblical and rabbinic texts about the after life.
in the Café at Handmaker
Monday, March 7
1-2pm – in the Café at Handmaker
Stories of Elijah the Prophet: From the Hebrew Bible to the Shtetls of Eastern Europe.
Join Rabbi Stephanie Aaron and Handmaker residents to hear some colorful stories of Elijah the Prophet.
Sunday, April 10
3:30-5pm – in the Great Room at Handmaker
What I believe
Join Rabbi Robert Eisen, Rabbi Thomas Louchheim, and Rabbi Joseph Shemtov for a lively discussion exploring their beliefs from each of the Conservative, Reform and Orthodox Jewish perspectives.
Light refreshments are included. Contact Nanci Levy at 322-3632 or nlevy@handmaker.org for more information and to RSVP.
This adult education series provides our community an opportunity to share what we know and to learn about/from others. Each week offers a different keynote speaker, followed by refreshments & socializing.
“What We Need to Know About … Islam, Mormonism & Catholicism” with keynote speakers:
Feb. 10 – Dr. Watheq Alobaidi, Muslim Community Center of Tucson presents “What is Islam?”
Feb. 17 – President Cole Thies, Mormon Church, Tucson Stake presents “Mormons: A Bird’s Eye View”
Feb. 24 – Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson presents “Brothers and Sisters in Faith”
RSVP needed by Feb. 8.