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 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.
Tues., Feb. 16 – 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Biltmore Financial Center – 2398 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 180 – Phoenix 85016
Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix Business & Professional Groups for its 2016 Economic Outlook featuring Elliott Pollack. Jewish real estate and finance professionals network and learn about the state of business in the Valley, economic trends and more. Includes appetizes and cocktails. $18 for professionals; $10 for students. Register by Feb. 12 at jewishphoenix.org.
Join other Schmooze Singles (30-49) for free line dancing lessons followed by live music and dancing! Food and drinks are available for purchase. This is one Two-Step Twosday you won’t want to miss!
More information can be found on the Facebook event page or Meetup event page.
NowGen Happy Hour
Wed., Feb. 17 – 6-8 p.m.
Macayo’s Scottsdale – 11107 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix’s NowGen for young Jewish adults. Engage, network and have fun with Movies, Music and Margaritas, presented in partnership with the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival! The first 25 people to register receive a free ticket to the 7 p.m. screening of Rock in the Red Zone. Free, but registration appreciated: jewishphoenix.org/nowgen.
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.
Congregation Anshei Israel presents the third annual “Wisdom of Jewish Tucson” adult education series on Wednesdays, February 10, 17 & 24, 7:00 – 9:00pm. The program this year provides an opportunity for greater understanding and for interfaith conversations. It also allows the sharing of what we know and to learn about / from others regarding their faith, traditions and what they teach about peace, compassion and respect for fellow human beings. The more we know about our friends and neighbors, the more comfortable we will be with ourselves. Open to the community, each week offers a different keynote speaker, followed by refreshments and socializing.
This year’s topic: “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?”
A well-known scholar of Islamic jurisprudence, Imam Alobaidi will discuss the pillars of Islam, its Abrahamic foundation, the teachings of the Quran, and the importance of being kind and compassionate to our family, friends and neighbors of all faiths.
Feb. 17 – President Cole Thies, Mormon Church, Tucson Stake presents “Mormons: A Bird’s Eye View”
With the Church since 1990 and having served in several positions, President Thies currently oversees several wards (congregations) in east Tucson. In his presentation, he will outline the basic doctrines, history and organization of the Church, as well as explain daily life for its members and how being a Mormon influences one’s world view.
Feb. 24 – Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson presents “Brothers and Sisters in Faith”
Very involved in community life, youth programs and education, and social action, Bishop Kicanas is the seventh and current Bishop of Tucson. In his presentation, he will discuss our common roots and the ways that we share faith in God.
3-week series: $18 per person PLUS food donation for the Community Food Bank. Reservations needed by Feb. 8. Visit www.caiaz.org or call Michelle at 745-5550, ext. 225.
For more information about the program or CAI, call Rabbi Robert Eisen at 745-5550. Congregation Anshei Israel, located at 5550 E. 5th Street is the largest Conservative synagogue in Tucson, continuing to serve Southern Arizona since 1930.