Shabbat rocks downtown! As part of our Monsoon Membership Madness, join Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon, the Armon Bizman Band and soloist Lindsey O’Shea at the Jewish History Museum for an innovative, inspirational expression of Shabbat. Dessert oneg follows. Free and open to all.
Simchat Shabbat Special Needs Services
Nine Years of Accessible Services!
Council For Jews With Special Needs (CJSN), a nonprofit agency devoted to providing programs, services, and resources to help those in the Jewish Community with disabilities, and their families, is pleased to announce the dates for the 2016 Summer Simchat Shabbat Season.
SATURDAY, JUNE 25th and AUGUST 13th, 2016 at Temple Emanuel of Tempe
– click here for more 2015-2016 season dates & locations
All services begin at noon and last approximately 45 minutes. The general public is encouraged to join the services.
The first Simchat Shabbat service took place at Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in 2007. The goal was to have a place where adults with special needs and their families could worship together. The service was created in partnership with CBI including specially designed prayer books that were funded through a generous community grant. With the success of the school year, summer services were added at Temple Emanuel of Tempe. In 2008, Simchat Shabbat won the esteemed Belle Latchman Community Service Award for Best Project Enhancing the Quality of Jewish Life.
“Nine years in, and it is still the most joyous service you will ever attend,” said Stacy Rosenthal, co-creator of Simchat Shabbat. “Everyone is welcome and no one is turned away. The only rule, it is a “no shush” service and a place where God hears all prayers.”
Simchat Shabbat reservations are not required, but appreciated. Please call the CJSN offices at (480) 629-5343 or send an e-mail to sherri@cjsn.org, to let us know when you will be joining us, how many in your party, or for any questions.
Council Information:
Council For Jews With Special Needs (CJSN)
Amy DL Hummell, Executive Director
(480) 629-5343
Temple Kol Ami will hold a family-friendly Open House Saturday, August 13 featuring guided tours, free pizza dinner, bounce house, splashpad … and even “Pokemon Go.”
Temple Kol Ami just so happens to have a Pokestop on its grounds, a designated area where “Pokemon Go” players collect items to use in the game. The Temple will be using lures to attract rare Pokemon to the area during the Open House.
“At Temple Kol Ami our slogan is ‘where innovation meets tradition,’ so I think it’s perfect that we’re using this technology at our new member open house. I have four kids myself, and I finally downloaded the game so we can play together. I’ve been surprised at how much fun it is and appreciate how it encourages us all to be active together,” said Rabbi Jeremy Schneider.
The Open House will go from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. It is free and open to all in the Jewish Community looking for a new shul. Temple Kol Ami is offering a special, limited time promotion for non-members and previous members who wish to rejoin. New members who join before September 15 receive six months of free membership.
“Our temple has always had a reputation for being kid-friendly and education-centric. One of our goals for this open house is to shine a light on our outstanding Early Childhood Center and its many enrichment programs. So I’m hoping that families with young children will appreciate the relevancy of how we’re using ‘Pokemon Go’ and jump at the chance to catch a rare game character while they check out our programs and get to know each other. It’s clear that this game is bringing together all sorts of people all over the world. So why not use it as a tool for social engagement in the Jewish community?,” said Nancy Drapin, Executive Director.
Though the August 13 open house is family-centric, Temple Kol Ami will hold an additional new member open house geared towards adults on Sunday, September 11.
Feeling shy? Don’t be. Feel free to reach out to Temple Kol Ami’s Executive Director Nancy Drapin at nancyd@templekolami.org or 480-951-9660. Nancy will personally introduce you to our congregation and help make you feel welcome.
Start the day off right on August 14th with a round of Top Golf and Schmooze friends! This event is for all Schmooze singles and couples (30s & 40s). The cost is $25 plus a one-time lifetime membership ($5). Schmooze will be covering the appetizers! To reserve your space, please RSVP at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6T7PQ7T.
You can find more details on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/events/139278659843430) or Meetup page (https://www.meetup.com/azschmooze/events/233055250).
WELCOME TO BELAKOVSKAIA CHESS ACADEMY – a Unique Fast-Learning Chess Program for Children in the Southwest U.S.
THE UNIQUE TRAINING PROGRAM IS DESIGNED BY ANJELINA BELAKOVSKAIA – A 3-TIME U.S. WOMEN’S CHESS CHAMPION, WOMAN INTERNATIONAL GRANDMASTER, WORLD CHAMPION AMONG STUDENTS (USSR TEAM) AND LEADER OF THE US OLYMPIC CHESS TEAM
My philosophy is to challenge kids through fast pace, very creative, yet highly organized and logical experience, that broadens their horizons, amazes them at what they are capable of and sets them off to explore and compete.
My goal is to help students develop critical thinking skills that they can utilize on the chess board and beyond, simultaneously preparing them to the States and National competitions.
Chess and Academic Achievements: Numerous studies have proven the benefit of chess in boosting academic achievements – http://www.psmcd.net/otherfiles/BenefitsOfChessInEdScreen2.pdf – and I strongly believe in it from my own experience – most of my students are taking Advanced Math, Reading and other subjects.
Schedule: 16 Weeks –
FALL 1 (8 weeks): Aug 14, 21, 28, Sep 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct 2
Break (1 week)
FALL 2 (8 weeks): Oct 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, __, Dec 4, 11
Each class is limited to 10 students.
OUR PHOTO ALBUMS & MEDIA COVERAGE:
1st Individual and Family Team Chess Tournament in Tucson
PBS / Arizona Public Media (05/27/2014): “US Chess Champion: Game Can Expand Kids Skills”
UA@Work: “National Champion Teaches Students How Business Is Like Chess”
Chess and Science Festival and All-Girls Chess Tournament at Flandrau Science Center – video
Find updates at: https://www.facebook.com/BelakovskaiaChessAcademy
All are welcome to Beth El’s Tisha B’Av Mincha service and observance.
Beginners’ Tai Chi: NEW CLASS 2:30 – 4 p.m. Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley Social Hall, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. Open to the general public; no experience required. Repeats every Monday through Dec. 19 except Sept. 5, Oct. 3, 10. Free. Information: taichi@tbsev.org
The Talmud is an extensive compilation of teachings and opinions of thousands of rabbis over the centuries, covering matters of Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, history, customs, and more. We are currently studying Tractate Megillah. Learn about the law and lore in the Talmud with Rabbi Robert Eisen as we dig deep into living Judaism. Open to all. No charge to attend.
Join us for friendly competition and fun at our Mahj Meetup. All skill levels are welcome. Mahj Experts are on hand to help with the beginners. Bring your 2016 Mah Jongg League Card and a set if you have one. Snacks are provided.
Join NowGen for the August Happy Hour at Salut Kitchen Bar in Tempe! They’ve got a full drink menu for us and the following drink specials!
$5 Glasgow’s -Bombay gin, muddled strawberry, basil, and mint, and fresh lemonade
$5 Moscow mules- Vodka, ginger beer, and lime