DOLLARS & SEN$E: FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR WOMEN
Dollars & Sen$e: Financial Literacy for Women is slated for 2-4:30 pm April 3 at The New Shul, 7825 E Paradise Lane Scottsdale. This informative, interactive and free workshop is co-sponsored by Jewish Free Loan, the National Council of Jewish Women and the Women’s Jewish Learning Center.
To reserve your spot, contact Jewish Free Loan at 602-230-7983 or info@jewishfreeloan.org.
“IS IT KOSHER?” SUPERMARKET TOUR
The Kosher Information Bureau’s Rabbinic Administrator Rabbi Eliezer Eidlitz returns to Tucson 4:30-6 pm April 3 for the “Is It Kosher?” Supermarket Tour at Albertsons, 6600 E Grant Road at East Tanque Verde Road. Co-sponsored by Congregation Chofetz Chayim, the Southwest Torah Institute and Albertsons, attendees will learn what foods and beverages are kosher for Passover and year-round, and what foods don’t need kosher certification. Rabbi Eidlitz has been directing the Kosher Information Bureau (kosherquest.org) for more than 30 years and is the author of Is It Kosher? an encyclopedia of kosher foods, facts and fallacies. He is a consultant to many supermarkets, manufacturers, journalists and consumers.
“This is an opportunity that the kosher food consumer does not want to miss,” says Rabbi Israel Becker of Congregation Chofetz Chayim and the Southwest Torah Institute. “Rabbi Eidlitz is one of the most knowledgeable people about kosher ingredients on the planet. He’s also personable, approachable and entertaining. We have timed this event right before Passover when Jews are especially kosher-conscious. We appreciate that Albertsons is attuned to the needs of their kosher consumers, and is further educating them by helping to bring Rabbi Eidlitz to Tucson.”
The in-store walking tour is free. For more information, contact Rabbi Becker at 520-747-7780.
DINNER AND THEATER EVENT FOR JEWISH SINGLES
A new calendar of events including social functions, cultural activities and entertainment is now available for Jewish singles ages 40 and up. The first event was a dinner and performance of “Becoming Dr. Ruth.” March events included a weeknight dinner, a concert and dinner, and a happy hour.
April begins with a dinner and theater event April 3 at the Arizona Center and the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix. It will start with a dinner at Corner Bakery Café in the Arizona Center, followed by Arizona Theatre Company’s performance of John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” at the Herberger. Attendees may go to the dinner, the performance or both. There will be special ticket prices for the performance.
For complete details on this event and other upcoming events, contact singles@centurylink.net.
STRONGER RESPONDERS – STRONGER COMMUNITIES
Firefighters Beyond Borders invites police, fire, EMS, medical and legal personnel, dispatch, clergy, emergency management, educators, and mental and behavioral health providers to attend a conference with their Israeli professional counterparts. Stronger Responders – Stronger Communities Recognizing Trauma and Building Resilience will take place 8 am-3 pm April 6, at the Tucson JCC, 3800 E River Road, Tucson.
Keynote speaker is Yotam Dagan, director of community programming for NATAL (Israel Trauma Center for Victims of Terror and War). As a former Navy Seal commander in the Israel Defense Forces, a clinical psychologist and a hostage negotiator, Yotam has helped soldiers build mental and professional capacity, develop skills and care for their own well-being. He heads a team of therapists, consultants, local government and security establishments on resilience-building and trauma-focused interventions. Yotam holds a B.A. in psychology, and an M.A. in clinical psychology from the University of Haifa, and an M.A. in public administration from the JFK School of Government at Harvard University. He is on the board of directors of POPPA (Police Officers Providing Peer Assistance), a NYC-based nonprofit.
There is no charge for this event, but advance registration is required at tucsonfirefoundation@gmail.com. Firefighters Beyond Borders is a program of the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation in partnership with the Weintraub Israel Center and the Tucson Jewish Community Center.
LEGACY OF LIFE DINNER
Shearim Torah High School for Girls will hold its annual fundraising benefit dinner at 6:30 pm April 6, at the Phoenix Art Museum. This year’s event will honor Bayla Neuwirth and Susan Heller for their outstanding service to the school and the community.
Bayla Neuwirth is a member of the Shearim board of directors and currently serves as secretary. Bayla believes that reading great literature is a key to academic and career success and has provided funding for a library at Shearim’s new building. She is also a member of the Phoenix Chevra Kadisha (burial society) at Mt. Sinai Mortuary, participates in a weekly Tehillim (Psalms) group, and is co-creator of Tomchei Shabbos of Phoenix, an organization that provides food for needy families for Shabbos and Yom Tov.
Susan Heller has been devoted to the growth of Jewish organizations in Phoenix with a particular focus on Jewish education. She has served on the board of directors for Shearim for four years; has served as secretary and is currently fundraising chair. She has also been a preschool director with Congregation Beth Israel and was the founder and principal of Gan Yeladeem Preschool and Day School, which became Gan Yeladeem: The Looking Glass School, a public charter school that taught Hebrew as a second language.
The Legacy of Life event will also honor Jamie and Karen Kaplan as Shearim’s Parents of the Year. The Kaplans are ongoing supporters of Shearim, where their daughter Allie graduated with the Class of 2015 and their daughter Emily is a sophomore. Jamie is also vice president of operations for Ahavas Torah. Karen travelled to Israel with the Jewish Women Renaissance Project and has helped plan events for Shearim, the Kollel, JWRP and Ahavas Torah. Jamie was instrumental in finding the new property for Shearim Torah High School for Girls.
During the Legacy of Life event there will be a raffle for a San Diego vacation, other raffle prizes and an art auction. Tickets are $125 and are available from Shearim, 602-324-3406 or shearimhighschool.org/rsvpfordinner.
ADOPT-A-ROADWAY
Help clean up the roadways around the Tucson Jewish Community Center on April 10. Meet at the JCC parking lot, 3800 E River Road, Tucson at 8:30 am and join other like-minded environmentalists in this mitzvah opportunity. Usually ends around 10:30 am. For more information, call Mike Jacobson 520-748-7333.
MUSIC AND MESSAGE TOUR
Join AZ Everything Jewish for a night of music and caring with pianist Marvin Goldstein, vocalist Vanessa Joy and special guest Nati Rom, for two shows on April 12. Rom is the founder of the Lev HaOlam Package Project, which works against the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement by marketing handmade goods from settlements in the West Bank. The shows will be 6:30-8:30 pm and 9-11 pm at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.
Preregistration is required as seating is limited. Complete the online form at azeverythingjewish.com/tour or call 602-730-6149.
TRIATHLON FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Focused on introducing multi-sport to the next generation, the Tucson Jewish Community Center and Tucson Medical Center will present the second annual Family Tri on April 17 from 7:30 to 11:30 am. Multiple distances are available and mentors are encouraged to help their youth choose the appropriate distance for their age and ability. All proceeds benefit the Shyann Kindness Project.
More than 100 families participated in the 2015 Family Tri with ages ranging from 3-93. “The Tucson Family Triathlon is an excellent option for families to spend time together in an active way,” says Debbie Claggett, whose three kids are triathlon devotees. “Whether they have participated in a triathlon before or it’s their very first time, everyone is made to feel welcome, and kids and adults alike have a fantastic time! Our whole family participated last year, either racing or volunteering, and we all had a blast! From kids to adults, everyone who crosses that finish line, or helps by encouraging someone else to cross, feels a sense of accomplishment, and what a powerful experience to share as a family.”
The run and swim leg of the race will be on the Tucson J campus and the bike ride for longer distances will run along the Rillito River Park trail.
Prices range from $25-$75, for individual, mentor or family registration. April 10 is the last day to register online. To learn more, visit tucsonjcc.org or call 520-299-3000.
HADASSAH SOUTHERN ARIZONA LUNCHEON
Be inspired as Talya Fanger-Vexler tells her story of what happened after she was injured in a motorcycle accident at the age of 22. She revisits the past three pain-filled years and her ultimate decision to have her foot amputated. Share the emotions of her journey, including the Jewish burial of her foot. Her positive attitude will definitely move you.
Lunch is April 17 with check-in at 11:30 am; lunch starts promptly at noon. Country Club of La Cholla, 8700 N La Cholla Blvd., Tucson. Choice of salmon or vegetarian pasta lunch, with sides, dessert and beverage. $18 for members, $20 for nonmembers. For more information, call Ruth 520-579-3768. RSVP and payment required by April 8.
VALLEY BEIT MIDRASH SPEAKER SERIES
Join Valley Beit Midrash in April for the final speaker events of the season. A suggested donation of $18 is the cost for all speakers and registration is available at valleybeitmidrash.org.
April 5: Is Forgiveness Necessary for Interpersonal Reconciliation: Lessons from Talmudic Stories featuring Professor Joel Gereboff. 7 pm at Temple Kol Ami, 15030 N 64th St., Scottsdale.
April 6: What’s So Divine About Divine Law? Featuring Professor Christine Hayes. 7 pm at Congregation Or Tzion, 9096 E Bahia Drive, Scottsdale.
April 10: Sharing America: The Future of Muslim-Jewish Relations (film and talk) featuring Rabbi Yehuda Sarna. 6 pm at Congregation Or Tzion, 9096 E Bahia Drive, Scottsdale.
April 12: Seven Steps Toward A Less Violent World: A View From Science & Torah. 7 pm at Tempe Chai, 4645 E Marilyn Road, Phoenix.
April 17: Spiritual Activism: Leadership in the 21st Century featuring Rabbi Avi Weiss. 7 pm at Tempe Chai, 4645 E Marilyn Road, Phoenix. PJ Library will host an activity table for families with small children at this event.
SPRING CONCERT FEATURES TODD HERZOG
Bridging the gap between religion and spirituality, singer-song writer Todd Herzog will be the featured artist performing at Beth Ami Temple’s Spring Concert 3-5 pm May 1 at 3535 E Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley .
In addition to being a cantorial soloist at Temple Solel in Paradise Valley, Todd is an award-winning singer and the founder of the Desert Gathering Jewish Music Fest, now in its fourth year. Todd has many musical achievements. His music and voice have been featured in many films and television shows, and his song “You And I” reached number two on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Charts. Todd has worked with top songwriters and performers, including Burt Bacharach and Dave Koz, yet he continues to impact the Jewish community both in town and beyond. He travels around the country performing his uplifting songs at services and artist-in-residence weekends.
For further information and to order advance tickets, contact azhorwitzs@cox.net or 602-997-5623 or Blossom Osofsky, at blossomso@cox.net or 480-657-0888.
JEWISH BABY UNIVERSITY
Is someone you know expecting a baby? Tell them to sign up for the Bureau of Jewish Education’s Jewish Baby University for Expectant Parents at Temple Chai, 4645 E Marilyn Road, Phoenix. The class will meet 6:30-9 pm every Tuesday starting May 3 for six weeks.
Participants will learn the newest delivery techniques, care of the newborn and mother, selecting a pediatrician, and breast- and bottle-feeding. Jewish rituals and traditions associated with childbirth and newborns and Jewish parenting will also be taught.
Interfaith couples are encouraged to attend. Cost is $120 per couple.
Call Linda Feldman at the BJE at 480-634-8050 or lindaf@bjephoenix.org or go to bjephoenix.org and click on Jewish Family Experiences.
JEWISH FREE LOAN’S ANNUAL MEETING
On Tuesday, May 3, at 6:30 pm Jewish Free Loan will convene its Annual Meeting at Congregation Beth Israel located at 10460 North 56th Street, Scottsdale. During the meeting, attendees will hear from keynote speaker Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, President and Dean of Valley Beit Midrash, who is a Jewish Free Loan Borrower. He will share his insights on the work of Jewish Free Loan and how he was personally impacted by the interest-free loan he received. As part of the evening, The Stockroom will be honored with the 2016 President’s Award in recognition of their dedication to and support of the Phoenix Jewish community. In addition, Jewish Free Loan will install the 2016-2017 Board of Directors and recognize our newest named loan fund donors and legacy society members.
This event is open to the public. The cost is $18/person, which includes a dairy dessert reception (dietary laws observed). Register online by April 26, at jewishfreeloan.org or by calling the JFL office at (602) 230-7983.
