There’s no place like home… there’s no place like CAI! This “Wizard of Oz”-themed event will allow current synagogue members to see old friends after the summer break and make new ones, as well as let those interested in learning more about CAI get acquainted. Clergy, school directors, staff and affiliate group representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the synagogue, its services, schools, programs and gift shop. Learn about our award-winning Preschool/Kindergarten, Religious School & USY programs and ask about our FREE membership program that includes High Holy Days tickets.
Lunch is included and there will be fun activities for all ages (Witch’s jumping castle, Glinda the Good Witch “bubble” balls (requested $1 donation to benefit USY), Twister (get it?), and more. Watch “The Wizard of Oz,” get silly with props in our rainbow backdrop (bring your camera!), and play our CAI/OZ Trivia Contest… you could win a great prize!
IT’S ALL FREE, but we ask that attendees participate in our Mitzvah Project to benefit HOPE Animal Shelter (friends of Toto!). EACH PERSON: PLEASE BRING AS YOUR ADMISSION TO THE EVENT
- Authority, Trader Joe’s, Fancy Feast or Kirkland brands dry or canned dog/cat food, or;
- Dog/cat toys, or;
- Laundry detergent, bleach or dish soap
RSVP by August 12 and be entered in a raffle; winner will be drawn at the party.
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 Sept. 12.
For the Summer, Schmooze Young Families (20s-40s) is making a monthly stop at different Phoenix area splash pads for some nice cool fun outdoors! In September, we’ll stop by the new and exciting splash pad at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center in Scottsdale. Be on the lookout for the Schmooze sign to gather with other Schmooze members. To reserve your space, please RSVP at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/53KJ57F.
You can find more details and RSVP (to let us know if we should be on the lookout for you) through the Facebook event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/1314558858561882) or Meetup event page (https://www.meetup.com/azschmooze/events/233720303).
The evening includes a wine, cheese and dessert reception; Havdallah program “Areshet S’fateinu … May the Words of our Lips … Translating Prayer into Song”; the changing of the Torah covers and a moment to honor our Minyan; followed by the opening service to the High Holy Days, Selihot, at 10:00pm. No charge; however, reservations are requested by Sept. 19.
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
Please join Schmooze to celebrate the start to summer with a pool party and a BBQ on Saturday, June 3. The event will be hosted at a private home near Central Avenue and Thomas Road. Note that we will not be having children in attendance at this event due to no fencing around the pool. This event is in partnership with AVIV of Arizona (http://www.avivaz.com). While there is no cost to attend, participants are asked to bring something to grill or a side dish. Schmooze and AVIV will provide burger buns, some side dishes, soft drinks, and water.
Parking information and a specific address will be e-mailed to everyone who RSVP’s through the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/527X3TP.
We look forward to introducing you to other singles and couples in their 30s & 40s as well as to our AVIV of Arizona friends for this fun-filled afternoon/evening!
For the Summer, Schmooze Young Families (20s-40s) is making a monthly stop at different Phoenix area splash pads for some nice cool fun outdoors! We’re kicking this off in June with a visit to the fun splash pad at the Scottsdale Quarter. Be on the lookout for the Schmooze sign to gather with other Schmooze members.
You can find more details and RSVP (to let us know if we should be on the lookout for you) through the Facebook event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/170019726860078).
“Special Needs” – “Disability” – “Inclusion” – so many ways to describe individuals in our community who have differences. Come hear what those words mean to a mother of a young adult, a disability agency, and an individual. Rabbi Nate Crane will moderate a panel through which these speakers can tell their stories sharing what support means to them in both the secular and Jewish communities. Learn how best to help in various situations and get involved in a way that makes sense to you.
Panelists Amy DL Hummell of Gesher Disability Resources, Sharon Landay, and Barton. Facilitated by Rabbi Crane of Congregation Or Tzion and Hagigah.
Piazzolla- the Genius of Tango
Elmira Darvarova, Grammy Award Nominated Concert Violinist, Howard Wall, French Horn, New York Philharmonic and Thomas Weaver, Concert Pianist.
Tickets: General Admission: $36, Child, (under 14) admission: $14.
![Jews on the Move: Geography of Jewish Survival](https://azjewishlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/vbm-photo-300x200.png)
They call us “wandering Jews.” But, in the US, As roughly 90% of all Jews now reside in either Israel or North America, it can be ar21st century in the US, it can be argued that the Jewish people have at last achieved a level of demographic stability. Yet, a closer look at the demographic trends in the U.S., reveals that within this population concentration, Jewish inter-regional migration rates are on the increase.
Join Michael Weil, economist and one of the Forward’s 50 most influential Jews in America to learn more about how modern Jewish geography relates to our survival.
Thursday, November 9, 2023, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
ORGANIZED BY Valley Beit Midrash
PRICE $18.00 free for VBM Members