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.
Yoga Training Program with Joseph Lauricella, ERYT 500
Yoga Immersion-“The Yoga Practice”
Journey into the wonderful world of yoga! This program is designed to educate while transforming body and mind. Build a solid foundation for your personal practice and create a powerful shift in your life. Completion of this 4 week intensive allows students to put these 40 hours of training towards becoming a nationally Registered Yoga Teacher.
February 20 – March 13
Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm
$450/$395 members
Yoga Instructors are Welcome!
Go to www.TucsonJCC.org to sign up
Or call 520-299-3000 x 251 if you have questions.
Family Yoga & PJ Library Story Time
Sun., Feb. 21 – 12:30-1:30 p.m. yoga followed by storytime
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Age-appropriate yoga poses, animated breathing and soothing techniques awaken the inner-child of all participants in this light-hearted class for adults and children ages 5 and up. Open to adults without children and levels are welcome. PJ Library story time immediately follows. Members are free. Information and registration: 480.483.7121 ext. 1281 or healthandfitness@vosjcc.org.
Yoga Inversions & Backbends
Sun., Feb. 21 – 2-4 p.m.
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Unlock your energy and confidence! Explore inverted poses and backbends in a safe, supported way. Members: $25; Non-members: $35. Information and registration: 480.483.7121 ext. 1281 or healthandfitness@vosjcc.org.
Consider Yourself Challenged Fundraiser
FREE February event at the Tucson J on February 21 challenges Tucson to give, get active, and get inspired. Proceeds benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation.
Mark your calendars for Feb. 21 at the Tucson Jewish Community Center for the Consider Yourself Challenged event, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF,) Tucson Medical Center (TMC,) Hanger Clinic, TriSports.com, The University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics Department and the Tucson J will present a very special event designed to challenge you to give, get active, and get INSPIRED! This event is FREE to the public.
Bring your family and meet many of the inspiring athletes who will share their passion and will to overcome obstacles. Adaptive athletes from the University of Arizona will be there to share with you the specialized equipment that they need to play basketball, run a race, play quad rugby, hand-cycle, and race chair. Hanger clinic will be on hand with many of the prosthetics physically challenged people use to get on a bike, go for a run, and so much more. One of the event’s stated goals is to inspire able-bodied and physically challenged athletes alike to get active and get involved in sport.
All proceeds, primarily from raffle ticket sales and donations, for this event will benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation and be earmarked for the Tucson area challenged athlete 2016 grant requests to buy the equipment they need to participate.
Nathanial Miller, a student at the University of Arizona and a beneficiary of the CAF program says, “My thoughts of Challenged Athletes Foundation and UA adaptive athletics? Quite simply, if it were not for these two organizations, I would not be in Arizona about to complete a Bachelor of Architecture degree. CAF has allowed me to excel in the sport that has brought me to U of A, and the adaptive athletics program has supported me financially and otherwise. I have seen no student-focused facility with a fully dedicated and compassionate staff like this anywhere in my life.”
Highlights include interaction with adaptive athletes and their equipment and moving videos that will inspire both challenged and able-bodied athletes to reach new athletic/fitness goals. TMC and the Tucson J will be on hand to sign up families for their 2nd annual Family Tri which will be held on Sunday, April 17. Cyclists should be on hand to learn about some of the amazing Challenged Athlete Foundation Rides in California that help raise money and awareness for CAF. NCAA and NBA Hall of Fame Member Bill Walton is a regular on the San Francisco to San Diego ride and a spokesperson for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome! There will be an optional raffle for some exciting baskets provided by TriSports.com, TMC Wellness, Hanger Clinic and the Tucson J.
Presented by the Tucson J, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Tucson Medical Center, the Hanger Clinic and the Department of Adaptive Athletics at the University of Arizona.
About the Challenged Athletes Foundation: It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. For more information visit www.challengedathletes.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.