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
“Why We Keep Going Back to Auschwitz-Birkenau: The Confluence of the
Jewish, Buddhist and Human Experience”
A Lecture by Reverend Francisco Genkoji “Paco” Lugoviña and Reb Shir Yaakov Feit
Thursday, February 25 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
At the Tucson J
Tucson, Arizona – January 22, 2016 – The Tucson Jewish Community Center is pleased to present a joint lecture by Reverend Francisco Genkoji “Paco” Lugoviña and Reb Shir Yaakov Feit on February 25 from 6 – 9 p.m. This lecture is free and open to all.
The lecture, presented by both speakers, will explore the confluence of Jewish, Buddhist and the human experience in song, story and silence.
For the last 25 years, people from 100’s of countries around the world have been making a pilgrimage, sponsored by the Zen Peacemakers, to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. The retreats, started by Roshi Bernie Glassman, are based on the foundational tenets of the Zen Peacemaker Order: Not Knowing, Bearing Witness, and Loving Action.
These retreats are an opportunity to connect with a place where the extremes of human experience were present. Even in Auschwitz, there were many moments of kindness in the midst of horrendous situations and horrific conditions. Participants experience the Place as Teacher. From observation and non-judgment, the hollowed grounds have become a place to reconnect with lost parts of ourselves, and of humanity — in all its beauty as well as with all of its ugliness.
About Reverend Francisco Genkoji “Paco” Lugoviña
Rev. Francisco Genkoji “Paco” Lugoviña is an ordained Buddhist priest in the Zen Peacemaker Order (descended from the Soto Zen Lineage of Japan); is a member of the Zen Peacemaker Circles and Peacemaker International; and is the founder of the Hudson River Peacemaker Center-House of One People in Yonkers, New York.
In his public life, Francisco Lugoviña has been committed to the Charter School movement for the past 15 years as founding member of the Board of Trustees of Family Life Academy Charter School and the John Lavelle Preparatory Academy Charter School. He served as chairperson for both institutions and is credited with being a visionary and developer of the successful schools. Mr. Lugoviña has guided the development of other charter schools – including the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Preparatory Charter School. For more information visit www.pacozen.com, www.zenpeacemakers.org.
About Reb Shir Yaakov Feit
Shir Yaakov is a singer, composer, designer, producer, teacher and dad. He engages Jewish, multi-faith, and non-affiliated people around the world, building spiritual communities, facilitating and inspiring communal music, and helping people connect with their inner wisdom and truth. He works in formal and informal educational settings as a spiritual leader, teacher and musician.
In 2014, Shir started Kol Hai: Hudson Valley Jewish Renewal, an intentional community in New York’s Hudson Valley. Kol Hai’s Shabbat and Holiday gatherings draw upon Shir’s extensive experience as a musician, and reflect his unique ability to blend ancient and emerging wisdom to create a spiritual cultural Judaism that is contemporary, alive and innovative.
Shir has recorded and released four albums of original music and co-founded and performs with The Darshan Project. He served as Creative and Music Director of Romemu, New York City’s largest Renewal synagogue; Director of Engagement at ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal; ritual consultant for Eden Village Camp; visiting faculty at AJR-NY, the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and JTS; a member of the Zen Peacemaker Order; and a Rabbinic Student in the ALEPH Ordination Program. shiryaakov.com
About the Tucson JCC
Tucson JCC (The Tucson J) employs more than 200 people on its 110,000 square foot campus. For more than 60 years the The Tucson J has provided a warm and welcoming environment for various groups from the entire community. There are boundless opportunities to balance your physical, mental, and emotional self. The J has something for everyone including a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center; cultural arts programs; early childhood education enrichment programs; a wide variety of adult classes; and a sculpture garden and rotating art gallery showcasing the work of local and national artists. The J is also a catering and event rental facility.
Phone: 520-299-3000 I 520-529 0373, www.tucsonjcc.org
Jewish Family & Children’s Service hosts the Better Tomorrow Luncheon form 11:45-1:15 on Feb. 26 at the Arizona Biltmore.
For more information visit jfcsaz.org or call 602-279-7655.
Join us as Jordan Wiley-Hill, storyteller and founder/director of The Mindfulness Education Exchange, guides participants in how to deepen their relationship with the service, raise their prayer experience, and develop practices and understandings for everyday life.
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.
Kids Night Out & Overnight – Luau
Sat., Feb. 27 – 6-11 p.m.
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
The J’s fun-filled kids nights allow parents to enjoy special time while their children experience Hawaii! Kids have fun with luau arts, activities, limbo contest and the movie Lilo & Stitch! Grades K-5. M: $25; NM: $35 for 11 p.m. pick up |M: $50 and NM: $60 for overnight with breakfast. For more information, contact 480.483.7121 ext. 1275 or youth@vosjcc.org.
Trivia Night Benefiting the VOSJCC ECC
Sat., Feb. 27 – 7 p.m.
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Test your trivia knowledge with a little friendly competition and prizes. The evening includes cocktails, dinner, desert, raffles and live and silent auctions to the benefit the early childhood programs of the VOSJCC. For reservations and information, visit vosjcc.org/trivia night.
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.