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
NEW! “So You Think You Can Dance?” Bring the whole family for our Simhat Torah celebration, starting with appetizers, Caesar salad, deli platters, fruit & more (alcohol will be offered). At 6:13pm, share in CAI’s traditional Hakafot as we celebrate with Israeli singing and dancing, and refreshments (there will be a children’s holiday-related activity in another room). Get a guided tour from Creation to Mt. Sinai as the Torah is completely unrolled to encircle all who attend! THERE IS NO CHARGE TO ATTEND DINNER; however, reservations are required by Oct. 2.
The celebration continues with a festive service geared toward families with children. At 9:30am, the Sifrey Torah are taken out of the Ark. The children parade behind, then go up on the Bimah and are blessed.
NEW! In the Cantor Falkow Lounge, we offer a special program for children to include stories, singing, seriously silly snacks and shenanigans with Rabbi Ruven Barkan. We’ll then rejoin the congregation, followed by lunch in the Rabbi Breger Hall (a potato bar with Russet & sweet potatoes & lots of toppings, an array of salads, & sweets). THERE IS NO CHARGE TO ATTEND LUNCH; however, reservations are required by Oct. 2
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
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.
Even if your loved ones are not buried in CAI’s Cemetery, you are encouraged to participate in the service and pay your respects to your dearly departed. The 30-minute service includes a special booklet of prayers.
Jewish Family & Children’s Service presents its Monday Movie Matinee featuring the 1979 film, “The Frisco Kid” starring Gene Wilder and Harrison Ford.
The event will take place on April 9 at 12:30 p.m. at the Bureau of Jewish Education on the Ina Levine Jewish Community Center Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
Also starring Ramon Bieri, Val Bisoglio and George DiCenzo, this Robert Aldrich-directed film follows a Polish rabbi who wanders through the Old West on his way to lead a synagogue in San Francisco.
Max McQueen, former film critic for the East Valley Tribune, will host a discussion session following the film.
There is no charge but RSVPs are required; please send to [email protected]. The matinee is open to senior adults (60+).
“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.