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.
The community is invited to Jewish Free Loan’s 65th Anniversary Annual Meeting on May 6 at Chaparral Suites, 5001 N Scottsdale Road.
The evening begins with hors d’oeuvres and desserts at 6 pm, with the program at 6:30 pm.
Selma Fiel, JFL’s first Executive Director, will be honored with the Presidents’ Award.
Also on the agenda of the meeting is the announcement of this year’s new Named Loan Fund donors, Randi and Alan Jablin, Talia and Mitch Katz, Cheryl and David Senkfor, Leonard Senkfor and Randy and Steve Weiss.
There will also be special recognition of out-going board president Barrett Silver and of recently-retired development director Terri Swirnoff.
Cost is $36, rsvp at 602-230-7983 or jewishfreeloan.org
Israel; Meting the Challenges Ahead – a 2-part session – April 29 & May 6 – 7-8:30 pm at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. Co-sponsored by the Bureau of Jewish Education and the Israel Center.
Featuring: Meir Jolovitz, former National Exec. Director of Zionist Organization of America and Director of the Sephardic Community Center in Brooklyn. And Andre Ivory, Outreach Director of the BJE
$22. – RSVP to 480-634-8050
Lag B’Omer is the 33rd Day in the Counting of the Omer, the days between Passover and Shavuot, which are considered somber, mourning days. On Lag B’Omer however, Jews are allowed to get married and to celebrate. It’s also a day many 3 years old boys will receive their first hair cuts. Some customs include picnics and bon fires.
Dig with Dad -Get your hands dirty with Dad!
Come to the Valley of the Sun JCC 4:30-5:30 pm and plant some beautiful flowers in a pot decorated by you and Dad, just in time for Mother’s Day.
Members $30 per Dad and child pair; non-members $40. Add $15 for each additional child.
At the VOS JCC, 12701 N Scottsdale Road. 480-483-7121, vosjcc.org
Girls Night Out: Wine & Italian Cucina
Grab your gal pals for an evening of culinary instruction and wine Italiano style.
At 5:30 pm at Allstate Appliance Showroom, 15250 N Hayden Road in Scottsdale. Sponsored by the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center.
Renowned Chef Carmella Dodge will show you how to create mouth-watering dishes including caponata and crostini, Tuscan chicken and pasta with butternut squash puree. Plenty to eat!
$35 for VOSJCC members; $50 for non-members. Register at vosjcc.org/girlsnightout.
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
Shabbat and Me is a new, free Shabbat enrichment program with singing, storytelling, crafts and blessings with challah and juice.
Offered three Fridays in May, 10-11am at the Tucson JCC, 3800 E River Road plus one Shabbat on the Go:
May 1, Shabbat Vases;
May 8, Shabbat on the Go at Mildred and Dildred, 2905 E Skyline Dr.;
May 15, kippahs;
May 22: Spice bags.
RSVP to Julie Zorn at 520-299-3000, ext. 236 or jzorn@tucsonjcc.org
Early Shabbat Service followed by cookie oneg, geared to families with children 2-10, but everyone is welcome!
At 6 pm with Rabbi Stephanie Aaron at Congregation Chaverim, 5901 E Second St. in Tucson,
520-320-1015, chaverim.net
Shabbat Yeladim is a free Shabbat program for Jewish children ages 3-7, sponsored by Ahwatukee’s NefeshSoul Jewish Community.
Held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, 10-11 am the Valley Unitarian Universalist Campus, 6400 W Del Rio St in Chandler.
Contact Rabbi Susan Schanerman at rabbi@NefeshSoul.org or nefeshsoul.org for more information.