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.
Let’s Knit
Tuesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 – 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Share the pleasure of knitting and crocheting. Help others with projects and patterns. Can’t knit? We’ll teach you. No reservations required. For more information, contact Harriet at 480.483.7121 ext. 1213 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.