Calendar

May
19
Tue
Southwest Premiere of New Documentary “The Return” @ Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center
May 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival and Generations After are excited to co-host the Southwest premiere of the new documentary film, “The Return”, at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Historical Society on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at 7:00pm.

“The Return” is the fascinating story of four young Polish women who were raised Catholic, only to discover in their teens they were actually Jewish. Alongside the film’s quartet of dynamic twentysomethings, Zucker invites audiences to explore a tiny but growing sector of young Poles attempting to pioneer an authentic Jewish identity with little knowledge of their long-buried ancestry in a country still regarded as a “Jewish graveyard.”

Before World War II, Poland was the epicenter of European Jewry and home to 3.5 million Jews. In the aftermath of the Holocaust and through the fall of communism in 1989, only an estimated 20,000 Jews remain.

The Return’s award-winning director Adam Zucker will be present at the premiere and conduct a post-film question and answer session with the audience.

More information at www.gpjff.org. Phone orders only: 602-753-9366

Nov
13
Fri
Scholar-in-Residence Gil Hoffman at CAI @ Congregation Anshei Israel
Nov 13 @ 5:45 pm – 9:00 pm

Friday, Nov. 13: Service 5:45pm, Shabbat Dinner 6:45pm, Presentation 7:45pm; and Saturday, Nov. 14: Shabbat Service D’var Torah 9:00am, Presentation (in lieu of Torah Study) 3:30pm

Gil Hoffman is the chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post. Well-connected to Israeli and Palestinian leaders, Hoffman has interviewed every major figure across the Israeli political spectrum, has been interviewed by top media on six continents and is a regular analyst on CNN, Al-Jazeera and other news outlets. Called “the most optimistic man in Israel” by Israel Television, Hoffman’s writing and TV appearances provide a behind the scenes look at both the intrigue and humor in the Israeli political arena.

His visit will include a Shabbat dinner and presentation, and delivering the Shabbat morning D’var Torah and an afternoon presentation on Saturday. *RSVP & fee required by Nov. 9 for Shabbat dinner only – CAI members: adults $14, children $8; guests: adults $20, children $12.

Friday, Nov. 13

5:45pm         Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Service

6:45pm         Shabbat Dinner*

7:45pm         Gil Hoffman presents, “Behind the Scenes in Israeli Politics and the Battle over the Future of the Jewish-Democratic State”

Saturday, Nov. 14

9:00am         Shabbat Service – Gil Hoffman presents D’var Torah, “Peace Politics and Plutonium: An insider’s look at the Mayhem in the Middle East”

3:30pm         Gil Hoffman presents, “Red States, Blue States and the Jewish State: The view from Jerusalem on Obama’s relationship with Israel”

4:30pm         Mincha, followed at 5:00pm by Seudah Shlesheet (Third Meal), Ma’ariv and Havdallah

Aug
14
Sun
Belakovskaia Chess Academy for Children – Fall 2016 Semester @ Tucson Jewish Community Center
Aug 14 @ 12:00 pm

WELCOME TO BELAKOVSKAIA CHESS ACADEMY – a Unique Fast-Learning Chess Program for Children in the Southwest U.S.

THE UNIQUE TRAINING PROGRAM IS DESIGNED BY ANJELINA BELAKOVSKAIA – A 3-TIME U.S. WOMEN’S CHESS CHAMPION, WOMAN INTERNATIONAL GRANDMASTER, WORLD CHAMPION AMONG STUDENTS (USSR TEAM) AND LEADER OF THE US OLYMPIC CHESS TEAM

My philosophy is to challenge kids through fast pace, very creative, yet highly organized and logical experience, that broadens their horizons, amazes them at what they are capable of and sets them off to explore and compete.

My goal is to help students develop critical thinking skills that they can utilize on the chess board and beyond, simultaneously preparing them to the States and National competitions.

Chess and Academic Achievements: Numerous studies have proven the benefit of chess in boosting academic achievements – http://www.psmcd.net/otherfiles/BenefitsOfChessInEdScreen2.pdf – and I strongly believe in it from my own experience – most of my students are taking Advanced Math, Reading and other subjects.

Schedule: 16 Weeks –
FALL 1 (8 weeks): Aug 14, 21, 28, Sep 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct 2
Break (1 week)
FALL 2 (8 weeks): Oct 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, __, Dec 4, 11

Each class is limited to 10 students.

OUR PHOTO ALBUMS & MEDIA COVERAGE:
1st Individual and Family Team Chess Tournament in Tucson
PBS / Arizona Public Media (05/27/2014): “US Chess Champion: Game Can Expand Kids Skills
UA@Work: “National Champion Teaches Students How Business Is Like Chess
Chess and Science Festival and All-Girls Chess Tournament at Flandrau Science Center – video
Find updates at: https://www.facebook.com/BelakovskaiaChessAcademy

Aug
28
Tue
Jewish Sparks workshop: “High Holidays and a Whole New You” @ East Valley JCC
Aug 28 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Spark your Jewish journey, create meaningful Jewish experiences and illuminate your understanding of the basics of Judaism.

Join us for a new free EVJCC workshop for adults that explores ways to enhance your Jewish cultural connection through music, food and hands-on activities that boost your understanding of each month’s topic.

Drop in for one or come to all! All workshops are held at 7 p.m. the East Valley JCC. Free to attend, with an $18 suggested donation. To register, email [email protected].

For a full schedule of upcoming topics, visit bit.ly/JewishSparks.

 

Nov
26
Tue
Children and Youth Cooking Workshop @ Tucson Jewish Community Center
Nov 26 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Come have fun preparing, cooking, and eating while getting an opportunity to learn kitchen fundamentals. This is truly a delicious class! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, your kids will learn how to make a kosher side and may be able to help you in the kitchen this year! * Ages 5-12.

For advertising information, please contact [email protected].