Calendar

May
18
Mon
Sit and Be Fit Chair Yoga – Temple Chai @ Temple Chai, Small Sanctuary
May 18 @ 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm

For all ages and abilities.

Living through Loss Bereavement Group – Shalom Center, Temple Chai @ Shalom Center, Temple Chai, in the House
May 18 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
May
19
Tue
Talmud on Tuesday @ Congregation Anshei Israel
May 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Learn about the law and lore in the “sea” of Talmud with Rabbi Robert Eisen as we dig deep into the “who, what, where, when, why and how” of living Judaism.

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

Jewish History Course
May 19 @ 7:30 pm
May
20
Wed
Mindfulness Matters
May 20 @ 8:30 am

Everyone Welcome! Sponsored by Jewish Family & Children’s Service and Hospice of the Valley

3 CEUs provided

Fee: $35 (scholarships available)

Registration & Complimentary Breakfast
8:30 am

Call 602-567-8334 with questions about registration

Torah Studies @ Jewish Learning Center
May 20 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

What is Torah Studies?

Torah Studies is a weekly text-based Torah study program offered in 275 cities on six continents. Torah Studies was founded in 2004 to provide instructors with well-researched, in-depth classes on the weekly Torah portion. Torah Studies enables students of all backgrounds to gain a true appreciation of cardinal Jewish beliefs and practices.

The Torah Studies Experience

In each session, the Torah Studies student encounters a multi-sensory learning experience including a mix of Jewish texts, discussions, learning activities, illustrative anecdotes, visual aids, and digital multimedia. Jewish texts are weaved together to deepen the student’s understanding of a profound new Torah insight. Lessons focus on contemporary topics of Jewish interest, including personal, social, political, and economical issues. Student textbooks contain readings carefully selected from the entire gamut of Jewish literature including traditional and modern sources. The Torah Studies instructor acts as the guide-on-the-side, rather than the sage-on-the-stage, utilizing modern pedagogic techniques to revolutionize a tradition of classical Jewish learning.

Kibbutz-style Shavuot
May 20 @ 7:00 pm

The Valley Israel Center is hosting Shavuot at the  VOS JCC at 7 pm on May 20. 12701 N Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale.

Those attending are asked to dress in white and to bring their “bikkurim” (first fruits), another important symbol of Shavuot. These crops are barley, dates, figs, grapes, olives, pomegranates and wheat. Modern versions of the bikkurim may include other crops now grown in Israel or other Jewish communities around the world. The celebration will be an Israeli Kibbutz style.

480-634-4900, ext. 1109, shahare@vosjcc.org

 

May
21
Thu
Young Jewish Phoenix Happy Hour
May 21 @ 6:00 pm

Join Young Jewish Phoenix, a project of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix for their monthly happy hour. Happy Hours will be on the 3rd Thursday of each month with locations changing monthly. For more info on happy hour locations please email info@youngjewishphoenix.org or erins@vosjcc.org

YJP is aimed at engaging Jewish young adults in their 20’s-40’s.

Jewish Baby Univ.
May 21 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Jewish Baby University for expectant parents. Learn preparation for childbirth, care of newborn, Jewish rituals and parenting skills for raising Jewish children. 6 Thursday evenings, 6:30-9 pm at Temple Solel, 6805 E McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley. $115. 480-634-8050, lfeldman@bjephoenix.org

For advertising information, please contact advertise@azjewishlife.com.