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

Dec
5
Sat
“Latkes & Vodkas” at CAI @ Congregation Anshei Israel
Dec 5 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Enjoy a variety of gourmet latkes and toppings, five different martini samplers & decadent dessert bar. Non-alcoholic beverages and a beer & wine cash bar available. Must be 21+. $18 per person with paid RSVP by Dec. 2; $25 per person at the door.

Dec
8
Tue
Community Haukkah Party at CAI @ Congregation Anshei Israel
Dec 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Join us on the 3rd Night of Hanukkah to celebrate the “Festival of Lights.” Enjoy dinner with latkes, pasta, salad & ice cream; candle lighting; crafts; a skit called “The 8 Candles” with CAI’s Junior USYers; a concert and sing-a-long with CAI’s Adult & Youth Choirs led by Cantorial Soloist Nichole Chorny; and more.

Dec
13
Sun
Greatest Hanukkah on Earth!XVII – Making Miracles @ Temple Emanu-El
Dec 13 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Celebrate the miracle of lights with the torch lighting of our giant menorah, then a Hanukkah spectacular with music, songs, dance, skits, hilarious parodies, stories and more. For the finale we all light our own menorahs together. The Greatest Hanukkah on Earth! show is free and open to all. Following, the Temple Men’s Club caters a scrumptious kosher Hanukkah dinner with brisket and latkes, salads and desserts. Dinner of $25 for Temple members, $29 for non-members, $8 for kids 4-12, free for kids 3 & under; prepaid reservations required.

Jan
23
Sat
“Casino Night” at Cong. Anshei Israel @ Congregation Anshei Israel
Jan 23 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

This fundraiser for CAI’s Esther B. Feldman Preschool/Kindergarten will be an evening of excitement and entertainment. Fun-filled & for adults only, the evening includes: casino gambling (for fun & entertainment), hors d’oeuvres & dessert, a cash bar, live music & dancing, and raffle prizes (a Canyon Ranch Spa Retreat, a Rocky Point Vacation Getaway, an Autographed UofA Basketball and Tickets to a PAC-12 Game, and much more). Cocktail attire requested.

Apr
21
Thu
Sweet Tomatoes “Fun-Raiser” @ Sweet Tomatoes
Apr 21 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where are you taking your family for your last bit of hametz before Passover? Meet us at Sweet Tomatoes (6202 E. Broadway at Wilmot) for Fun-Raiser Night! Sweet Tomatoes will donate 15% of sales generated by Congregation Anshei Israel when diners present a special flyer. Flyers are available in CAI’s administrative office and on our website www.caiaz.org. Each flyer is good for everyone in your party … bring your friends and family! (Certain restrictions apply.)

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

Apr
23
Sun
8th Annual JFCS of Southern Arizona Celebration of Caring honoring KATHRYN UNGER @ Tucson Country Club
Apr 23 @ 5:30 pm – 8:15 pm

Please join us in honoring Kathryn Unger for her community leadership, and more than two decades of support for JFCS of Southern Arizona.

With a passion for “Tikkun Olam” (repairing the world) and “Tzedakah” (acts of kindness and justice), Kathy has selflessly dedicated her time and energy to support Jewish organizations, and the under-served diverse populations of our community. She is the Past Chair of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona Board of Directors, and has served on the Boards of Directors of JFCS of Southern Arizona and the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona.

The speaker for the event is CNN analyst and author David Gregory, a sought-after speaker on politics, world affairs, and now faith since the release of his book “How’s Your Faith? An Unlikely Spiritual Journey.” Over the last 25 years, David Gregory’s career in journalism has taken him across the country and around the world. He is a CNN political analyst, and host of his podcast which features interviews with newsmakers and thought leaders. During his 20 years at NBC News, David served as the moderator of Meet the Press for six years, and was chief White House correspondent during the presidency of George W. Bush. In his book, David writes about his life and quest to deepen his faith.

The emcee is Stella Inger, an Anchor with KGUN 9 in Tucson.

Event steering committee members include:

Barbara Befferman Danes
Heather Caine, Chair
Fred Fruchthendler
Carole Levi
Eric Mellan
Jill Rosenzweig
Betty Anne Sarver
Liz Weiner-Schulman

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].