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
This interactive and upbeat Shabbat celebration for families incorporates fun-spirited melodies and family-themed activities. We’ll share Shabbat dinner, followed by Open Lounge in the Youth Center with games and fun. Come celebrate Shabbat with ruach (spirit) and your congregational family! Dinner $25 per family (two adults & up to 4 children) and/or adults (13+) $10 per person. RSVP needed by Feb. 29.
Come celebrate Shabbat with like-minded Humanistic Jews. Everyone is welcome to Or Adam’s intimate, participatory celebrations.
Special guest: Dr. Lawrence Bell, Executive Director, AZ Jewish Historical Society will lead a discussion on ”Origins of Modern Jewish Politics: A Discussion of the Jewish Political Response to Modernity.”
Feb. 20 topic: The Environment … Judaism and Ecology
Mar. 19 topic: Gun Control & Jewish Law
We are taught to read the Torah Portion of the week, each week, twice: In/From the Torah text (Shnayim Mikra), and again in translation (Targum Shlishi) to ensure that we understand both the form and the function of Torah – what it teaches, and how it can be applied. The discussion will follow the Kiddush helping us to discern exactly how we can apply Torah in our world today with regard to important/critical issues. Topics will be introduced through texts, case studies (where appropriate) and opportunities for discussion.
Kids Night Out – March Madness
Sat., March 19 – 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 have fun! Even if your child isn’t a big basketball fan, there will be plenty of fun with games, food and the movie Space Jam! Jerseys encouraged! Grades K-5. M: $25; NM: $35. For more information, contact 480.634.4949 or youth@vosjcc.org.
Pickup Basketball
Sundays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27
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.
Crystal Bridge – Supervised Play
Mondays, March 7, 14, 21 and 28 – 9-11:30 a.m.
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Supervised-bid play and learn with ACBL-accredited teacher and certified director Maddy Bloom. Earn master points in a friendly atmosphere. Games include mini-lesson, light refreshments and incentives for returning players. $10 per player. For information and reservations, contact Harriet at 480.483.7121 ext. 1213 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.
Let’s Appreciate Art
Mon., March 21 – 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 National Mall – Washington DC. For more information, contact Harriet at 480.483.7121 ext. 1213 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.
Crystal Bridge – Duplicate Games
Mondays, March 7, 14, 21 and 28 – 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.
Today, ethical wills, also called legacy letters, are written by men and women of every age, ethnicity, faith tradition, economic circumstance and educational level.
Ethical wills began as a Jewish oral tradition and have been a part of Jewish culture for centuries. Traditionally, the purpose of an ethical will was to pass on values such as the importance of charity (tzedakah) from one generation to the next.
The ethical will process is a different experience, undertaken with a different goal in mind, than developing medical directives and living wills, with which people are typically more familiar.
“Writing an ethical will is an opportunity to examine our lives, to notice what we hold as precious and meaningful at the core of our beings. What are the values that we have treasured in our living? Who are the people who have shown us the way? How have our mistakes shaped and enlivened us? What are the great questions we have asked in our lives? What are the answers we have discovered? Writing an ethical will is a process of life review, celebration and legacy,” said Rabbi Aaron
Please note that JFCS will videotape this workshop and use some of the footage in an online curriculum or other uses related to the topic.