The author of the internationally bestselling memoir, My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me: A Black Woman Discovers Her Family’s Nazi Past will speak in Scottsdale on Jan. 30 at 7:30 pm in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
When Jennifer Teege, a German-Nigerian woman, randomly picked up a library book from the shelf, her whole life – her whole sense of self – changed forever. Recognizing photos of her mother and grandmother in the book, she discovered a horrifying fact they had kept from her: her grandfather was Amon Goeth, the vicious Nazi commandant so chillingly depicted by Ralph Fiennes in Schindler’s List – a man known and despised the world over.
Although she was placed in an orphanage and then adopted at a young age, as a child Jennifer Teege had some contact with her biological mother and grandmother. Yet neither revealed their family legacy. At age 38, Teege began to learn the scope of her grandfather’s crimes – he was known as the Nazi “butcher of Plaszów concentration camp”. She realized that if her grandfather had met her – a black woman – he would have killed her.
Teege’s Arizona visit is sponsored by Generations After, a program of the Phoenix Holocaust Survivors’ Association, and the Martin Springer Institute at Northern Arizona University where she will also speak on Jan. 28.
Her Valley appearance will be held at Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 N 56th St., Scottsdale.
Seating is limited. Tickets are available at phoenixhsa.org or by calling 480-792-6736. General tickets are $10; tickets for students and members of Generations After, PHSA and CBI are $7.
There is no charge for Holocaust survivors, but reservations are required.
Teege’s Arizona presentations will be conducted on stage in conversation with Dr. Bjorn Krondorfer, director of NAU’s Martin Springer Institute and son of a German World War II soldier, and Janice Friebaum, chair of Generations After and daughter of a Holocaust survivor.
NefeshSoul Music & Arts Presents Susan Colin in Concert.
Sundays, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
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.
The 11th Annual West Valley Jewish Film Festival will be held on Jan. 30 and 31 and Feb. 1 at Beth Emeth Congregation, 13702 W Meeker Road, Sun City West. The festival has a musical theme this year. There will be moments of recollection, gratitude, joy and warmth.
The three films to be shown are “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker,” “Orchestra of Exiles” and “Flory’s Flame.”
Tickets for each film are $10 if purchased at the door. Tickets bought in advance are $9 per film or three films for $25.
“Orchestra of Exiles”
Sunday, Jan. 31, 6:30 pm
In three years, Bronislaw Huberman, a world-renowned violinist, transformed himself into a humanitarian racing against time.
During World War II, he helped save Europe’s premier Jewish musicians from obliteration by the Nazis. His tale is told by Itzhak Perlman, Zubin Mehta, Pinchas Zukerman, Joshua Bell and others.
It is a suspenseful chronicle with a joyous ending.
A brief commentary on each film will precede its screening, and complimentary refreshments will be served after each screening.
For additional information, call 623 584-7210.
Crystal Bridge – Duplicate Games
Mondays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 – 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.
The 11th Annual West Valley Jewish Film Festival will be held on Jan. 30 and 31 and Feb. 1 at Beth Emeth Congregation, 13702 W Meeker Road, Sun City West. The festival has a musical theme this year. There will be moments of recollection, gratitude, joy and warmth.
The three films to be shown are “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker,” “Orchestra of Exiles” and “Flory’s Flame.”
Tickets for each film are $10 if purchased at the door. Tickets bought in advance are $9 per film or three films for $25.
“Flory’s Flame”
Monday, Feb. 1, 7 pm
This compelling film introduces us to 90-year-old Flory Jagoda, a renowned Sephardic composer. Flory was born in Sarajevo and was the only member of her musical family to survive the Holocaust. Her roots go back to the Spanish Inquisition, and her lyrics and melodies have been passed down through generations. Her life has been a triumph of personal and musical success, and we join her as she entertains dignitaries at the sold-out 2013 Celebration Concert at the U.S. Library of Congress.
A brief commentary on each film will precede its screening, and complimentary refreshments will be served after each screening.
For additional information, call 623 584-7210.
Let’s Move On – Exploring Relocation & Transition
Tues., Feb. 2 – Noon-1:30 p.m.
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Explore a different topic regarding relocation, transition and senior living on the first Tuesday of each month. Sponsored by Atria Senior Living and James Wexler Realty Group. Free. Reservations recommended. For more information, contact Harriet at 480.483.7121 ext. 1213 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.
Let’s Knit
Tuesdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 – 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.