Scottsdale will be featured at the OU Savitsky Home Relocation Fair
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SHABBAT SHIRA
Prescott temple cantorial soloist debuts 10 original compositions for 'Shabbat of Song'
Community marks JNF-USA milestone with solidarity and hope
BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR
More than 600 members of Greater Phoenix’s Jewish community and its supporters came together at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on Jan. 21 for the annual Breakfast for Israel, presented by Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA), and to celebrate the organization’s quasquicentennial.
As co-chairs Peter and Logan Ax, alongside Daniel and Sherry Charous, welcomed guests, they emphasized the significance of the milestone. “Since its creation in 1901, JNF-USA has been the heartbeat of the land and people of Israel,” said Logan Ax. “It is inspiring to see this room filled with such dedicated partners as we work together to ensure that the next century of this legacy is even stronger than the last.”
Logan Ax shared that she is not Jewish but was raised in an Episcopalian home where all faiths and people were honored, and she was taught responsibility to show up for others, especially during challenging times.
“Since Oct. 7, that responsibility has felt very real to me. Not abstract, not political, just human,” she said. “My support for Israel comes from a belief in resilience, in democracy and in the right of people to live with dignity and security.”
She also said that she’s struck by the strength of those who stand with Israel, both Jewish and non-Jewish; people who understand that showing up doesn’t require sharing the same background.
Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival kicks off 30th anniversary with U.S. premiere of “Heaven and Earth”
An audience of 800 filled every seat at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday evening, Feb. 12, for the opening night of the 30th Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival (GPJFF).
Selling out in mere days, this year’s kick-off event graced the Valley’s Jewish film-loving community with a rare treat: The United States premiere of Israeli film “Heaven and Earth,” with special appearances from lead actress Hila Saada and director Ruby Doaniass.
“Our opening night film, ‘Heaven and Earth,’ is a powerful way to begin this anniversary season,” said GPJFF Co-Executive Director Tali Brosh. “We are thrilled to present the U.S. premiere of the film and excited to welcome our special guests for this evening.”
After the showing, Saada and Doaniass joined the film’s co-screenwriter Rinat Levy Tangi on stage for a discussion about the making of the movie and the powerful subject matter it addresses, moderated by Israeli television host Assi Azar.
Artists in action
Arizona Fine Art EXPO features 124 working studios where guests have a chance to meet the artists and see them in action. See page 8.
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Her husband, Peter Ax, called himself an “Oct. 8 Jew.” Not because his Jewish identity suddenly appeared, but because he said something inside of him broke open and woke up. “I realized, with an intensity I could no longer ignore, how
JOSH BOOTZIN | STAFF WRITER
An audience of 800 fills the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts for opening night of the 30th Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival. COURTESY OF JEWISH NEWS
deeply Israel mattered to me and how profoundly Judaism had been the anchor of my life long before I ever had the words to define it,” he said.
Even though he wasn’t given consistent exposure to a synagogue, ritual or regular practice, he explained that Judaism had been there for him throughout his life and was where he found comfort, belonging and stability.
Judaism was there when his father died when he was 10, when his family moved from Long Island to Tucson, when he was beaten up in high school for saying Nazis should not be allowed to march in Skokie, Illinois, and when he found out he was going to be a father.
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that he reached out to Silverman, and the two became friends.
Meyers was so captivated by the essays that he reached out to Silverman, and the two became friends.
about her Judaism with her fellow council members and speaking out for her rights
She already has some practice at
about her Judaism with her fellow council members and speaking out for her rights
“One time, I was in class and someone called me the R-word and I told him not to. The teacher was in the hallway and another student repeated the word,” she said. Rather than letting the situation go, she told her theater teacher, who was able
She already has some practice at
“One time, I was in class and someone called me the R-word and I told him not to. The teacher was in the hallway and another student repeated the word,” she said. Rather than letting the situation go, she told her theater teacher, who was able
“If someone has a disability, saying the R-word is like saying the F-word,”
“If someone has a disability, saying the R-word is like saying the F-word,” Stern said.
While performing in the musical “Hairspray,” she had another occasion to tangle with the offensive word, which
“Becoming an Oct. 8 Jew wasn’t something I chose,” he said. “It was something that rose up from inside of me, something I couldn’t control, something I couldn’t stop. And three months later, in January of 2024, I found myself on a plane headed to Israel on a mission of support.”
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“My colleagues as federal judges around the country who were not Jewish, who had never been to Israel before, reached out with text messages and calls to tell us that they stood by us, that they stood with the Jewish people and that they stood up for the only Jewish state in the world,” he said.
That’s how Stern first learned of the open council seat, but there’s no doubt she earned her position, Meyers said.
That’s how Stern first learned of the open council seat, but there’s no doubt she earned her position, Meyers said.
To become a council member, Stern had to apply and demonstrate that she had something valuable to contribute, he said.
While performing in the musical “Hairspray,” she had another occasion to tangle with the offensive word, which
“That’s really bad and my friend said it on stage. I was not OK with that, so I went to the director and told her it was a bad word for people with disabilities, but she wouldn’t take it out,” Stern said.
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In Israel, he saw projects supporting irrigation, community development, agriculture, creating bomb shelters, programs for young people and those with disabilities. “JNF isn’t just planting trees,” he said. “They’re planting the future. They’re building the physical and emotional backbone of a country that has endured more in its 77 years than many nations have in centuries.”
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That prompted an idea for Altman — to start bringing federal judges from around the country to Israel.
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The keynote address at this year’s Breakfast for Israel was delivered by Judge Roy Altman. Appointed in 2019, at the age of 36, Altman became the youngest federal District Court Judge in the country and the youngest federal judge ever appointed in the Southern District of Florida.
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He described that in the days after the Hamas attack in Israel on Oct. 7, something amazing happened.
“She’s on the council because she deserves to be on the council,” he said.
To become a council member, Stern had to apply and demonstrate that she had something valuable to contribute, he said.
Stern is creating a life and career as a member of her community, which makes her a great addition.
“She’s on the council because she deserves to be on the council,” he said. Stern is creating a life and career as a member of her community, which makes her a great addition.
His first trip was in March 2024, followed by trips in September and March 2025. He is taking 23 more judges on a trip next month, and he said he’s raised enough money “to take every federal judge in America, whoever wants to go, forever.”
He added, “In the last two and a half years, we’ve taken 10% of the entire active federal judiciary in the United States.” He is also adding trips in the fall to take state Supreme Court justices. He said that most of the judges are not Jewish and come from varied Christian backgrounds.
Stern graduated from McClintock High School in Tempe last year and now attends Glendale Community College, with a focus on dance. She is a regular performer at Detour Company Theatre, a Scottsdale theatre company for adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.
Stern graduated from McClintock High School in Tempe last year and now attends Glendale Community College, with a focus on dance. She is a regular performer at Detour Company Theatre, a Scottsdale theatre company for adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.
In fact, when Stern attended her first council meeting in January, she couldn’t wait to tell people of her involvement with Detour and share information about its upcoming shows.
In fact, when Stern attended her first council meeting in January, she couldn’t wait to tell people of her involvement with Detour and share information about its upcoming shows.
Altman said one of the most profound events that happened on the first trip was when they were at the site of the Supernova music festival, where more than 350 people were murdered on Oct. 7. The site has poles with a photo of each victim and a description of their life.
“There’s no question that she is going to thrive,” Meyers said. “She’s very gregarious and passionate about the things that matter to her.”
“That’s really bad and my friend said it on stage. I was not OK with that, so I went to the director and told her it was a bad word for people with disabilities, but she wouldn’t take it out,” Stern said.
She let her mother know about the conflict and they were able to convince the director of the need to remove the
She let her mother know about the conflict and they were able to convince the director of the need to remove the
“My friend Al was next to me when I told the director and he gave me the biggest hug ever and said that he loved me so much,” Stern said. Sadly, Al died in a car crash on Oct. 24, 2021.
When the judges stepped off the bus, he said they were overwhelmed by the sobs of a woman close by who was lying at the site where her son had been murdered. It was his birthday, and as family members tried to help her up, she just dug her nails into the dirt and wailed louder.
Heart Can’t Even Believe It: A Story of Science, Love and Down Syndrome,” Silverman’s book about her daughter. When Gesher’s speakers’ bureau, Damon Brooks & Associates, was asked to find a speaker about Down syndrome for an event this spring, Hummell first asked Silverman to speak, thinking Stern might be too young.
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Heart Can’t Even Believe It: A Story of Science, Love and Down Syndrome,” Silverman’s book about her daughter. When Gesher’s speakers’ bureau, Damon Brooks & Associates, was asked to find a speaker about Down syndrome for an event this spring, Hummell first asked Silverman to speak, thinking Stern might be too young.
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They decided instead that Stern should tell her own story; it’s a real bonus that she is not afraid of public speaking.
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“That was hard; it’s very hard to get emotions out and I was very, very upset,” she said.
“My friend Al was next to me when I told the director and he gave me the biggest hug ever and said that he loved me so much,” Stern said. Sadly, Al died in a car crash on Oct. 24, 2021.
“That was hard; it’s very hard to get emotions out and I was very, very upset,” she said.
On the recent anniversary of his death, Stern made a cake and took it to the crash site.
“I don’t know how I did it without crying. I’m so proud of myself,” she said.
On the recent anniversary of his death, Stern made a cake and took it to the crash site.
Altman saw the judges standing in shock and tried to motion for them to move on.
“I don’t know how I did it without crying. I’m so proud of myself,” she said.
Amy Hummell, executive director of Gesher Disability Resources, agreed that Stern is a good fit for ADDPC because of her ability to self-advocate.
As he walked, he came to a clearing and thought he heard music. He looked up and saw about 50 women in a giant circle, and they gestured for him to join them.
“There’s no question that she is going to thrive,” Meyers said. “She’s very gregarious and passionate about the things that matter to her.”
Stern looks forward to sharing insights
Stern looks forward to sharing insights
Hummell co-hosted a book event with Meyers a few years ago for “My
Amy Hummell, executive director of Gesher Disability Resources, agreed that Stern is a good fit for ADDPC because of her ability to self-advocate.
Hummell co-hosted a book event with Meyers a few years ago for “My
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They decided instead that Stern should tell her own story; it’s a real bonus that she is not afraid of public speaking.
“It’s not the same when someone tries to tell a person’s story for them,” Hummell said.
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“It’s not the same when someone tries to tell a person’s story for them,” Hummell said.
Additionally, helping people with disabilities find jobs was one of the reasons for acquiring the bureau. Unemployment in the disability community is upwards of 75% and of that percentage, 75% are ready, willing and able to work — but haven’t been given the opportunity, Hummell said.
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Additionally, helping people with disabilities find jobs was one of the reasons for acquiring the bureau. Unemployment in the disability community is upwards of 75% and of that percentage, 75% are ready, willing and able to work — but haven’t been given the opportunity, Hummell said.
“People have it in them to speak up but don’t know how, and often they’re not cheered on. Sophie has family support
“People have it in them to speak up but don’t know how, and often they’re not cheered on. Sophie has family support
Sophie Stern at her high
Sophie Stern at her high school graduation
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Jewish National Fund-USA Breakfast for Israel Co-Chairs, from left to right, Peter Ax, Logan Ax, Shari Charous and Dr. Daniel Charous. COURTESY OF KANE PHOTOGRAPHY
Judge Roy Altman was the keynote speaker for the annual Breakfast for Israel presented by Jewish National Fund-USA. COURTESY OF KANE PHOTOGRAPHY
Azar previously worked with Saada in his series “The Baker and the Beauty” on Amazon Prime, and he has made a name for himself as an Israeli television host.
Doaniass, a director and screenwriter currently living in San Diego, California, best known for directing comedy series, made his feature film directing debut with “Heaven and Earth.”
“Sitcoms taught me a lot about rhythm and timing,” Doaniass shared. “Comedy forces you to be precise. If a character doesn’t feel right, the joke doesn’t work. Moving into drama was the natural step for me, because it’s the same, but instead of chasing laughter, you’re chasing truth. I always wanted to explore the place where laughter ends.”
“Heaven and Earth” was co-screenwriter Rinat Levy Tangi’s first screenplay. She shared that she gained inspiration from her own experience of becoming a mother 10 years ago.
“I had so many extreme emotions, and I didn’t know how to express them, so I started to write and give those emotions a voice,” she said.
Featured in “The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem” on Netflix and “The Baker and the Beauty,” Saada was recently awarded Best Actress at the 2025 Israeli National Film Awards for her portrayal of Maya Berger in “Heaven and Earth.”
Azar asked Saada how she approached this role, which explores themes of grief and depression, after also working in comedy in recent years.
“When I read the script, I was in shock,” Saada said. “It’s a really dramatic role, and I wanted to do it.”
She said she ignored all the other people auditioning for the role and told Doaniass that the role was hers before being cast.
“I’m very excited to be here,” Saada told the audience. “This is the first time we’re screening out of Israel, and we’re all super excited.”
Many audience members chimed in to the discussion, sharing personal stories that related to the film and directing questions to the Israeli guests, cultivating a lively discussion that ranged from collective
“And that’s when I noticed that these other judges, they didn’t just stay back where we were. They had been following me the whole time and now they interspersed themselves along the circle too,” he said.
As the group locked arms, Altman said they began singing “Hatikvah,” the national anthem of the State of Israel.
“These 50 women had left whatever they were doing on a Thursday in Tel Aviv and rented a bus and taken it two hours south by Gaza, in the middle of an active war, to hug one another in a giant circle and sing a song, not about vengeance or hatred, but of hope,” he said.
Altman shared another poignant moment when they visited the excavated
sorrow to bursts of laughter.
The 30th anniversary of the GPJFF will feature 27 films, including two groups of short films, spread across three theaters, and will run until March 1.
“Stepping into this role on this 30th anniversary is incredibly meaningful, and we’re proud to carry forward a festival that has brought the community together through film for three decades,” said co-executive director Virginie Polster.
The oldest film festival in the Greater Phoenix area, GPJFF was made possible thanks to the hard work of 23 board members, 45 year-round volunteers and many community sponsors.
Before its inclusion in the festival, each film undergoes a rigorous screening process.
A team of five executive screeners watched and rated around 140 potential films, and once a film got a pass from at least four of the five, it moved along to three other committees.
Around 35-40 films typically make it to the last stage, when the executive committee decides on the final lineup. They’re careful to include a variety of genres to interest as many viewers as possible.
Assistant executive director David Adatto has been involved for the last decade, while his wife, Sue Adatto, served as co-executive director for the previous four years. Adatto praised the festival for providing a spotlight
site around the Pool of Siloam that was discovered in 2004. For Christians, this is the site linked to the biblical narrative of Jesus restoring sight to the blind man. For Jews, it is considered the mikvah used for spiritual purification before entering the Second Temple. An ancient road connects the pool to the Temple Mount.
As the judges walked toward the pool, several got on their hands and knees to touch the ground where Jesus was believed to have walked. As Altman was walking, something caught his eye.
“I got down on my hands and knees too, and I pulled out my iPhone and turned on the flashlight. And there was a little ancient coin with a menorah imprinted on it,” he said. “I looked over at this judge on the
for Jewish film while also creating an atmosphere for any film enthusiast, Jewish or not, to attend and enjoy.
“It’s called the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival, but you don’t have to be Jewish to go to this festival,” Adatto said. “Last year was really a big turning point for us. The festival is more well known. We have a lot of people coming from across the country and from outside the country.”
Films are scheduled to be shown this year at Harkins Shea in Scottsdale, Harkins Chandler Fashion and Harkins Arrowhead in Peoria. While showings were centered in Scottsdale in past years, the festival expanded the number of films shown in Chandler and Peoria this year.
Tickets are $16.50 per film, but those interested in viewing multiple films can buy a six-ticket pack for $94, a 10-ticket pack for $150 or a festival pass for $336.
Many of the showings feature guest speakers, from directors and producers to the actors themselves.
On drawing Israeli guests for opening night, Adatto said: “It feels good, especially when you have some people from the movie industry trying to blacklist the Jewish film industry. It’s art. You’re not going to blacklist an artist. It’s not right.” JN
For more information, visit gpjff.org.
same stone, also on his hands and knees, and we instantly recognized that we were sitting on a stone that contained our joint national and religious heritage.”
Altman said when the judges return home, they go back to their community and talk about how they were transformed by what they saw on the trips, and people listen.
“The last thing the judges tell me about why the trips are so transformational is that in Israel we see that our joint heritage, Jews and Christians, is part of the same family,” he said. “That we come from the same place, in the same land, at the same time.” JN
For more information, visit jnf.org.
Israeli film icons participate in an audience Q&A after the U.S. premiere of “Heaven and Earth.” From left to right, Rinat Levy Tangi, Ruby Doaniass, Hila Saada and Assi Azar.
COURTESY OF JEWISH NEWS
Savitsky Fair highlights Scottsdale among 50 Orthodox communities
MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tiffany and Moish Lehrer began seriously considering relocating their family of six. The Los Angeles–based couple — she, a teacher originally from New Jersey, and he, a marketing consultant originally from Montreal, Quebec — wanted to be closer to family, and Moish’s remote position enabled him to work from anywhere. With two children entering sixth and fourth grade, and twins starting second grade, the Lehrers felt the timing was right.
“We were initially looking into Phoenix, but my father had moved to West Hartford, Connecticut, and he encouraged us to explore it at the Orthodox Union’s (OU) Savitsky Home Relocation Fair,” said Tiffany. “I was already very familiar with the fair, as I had previously researched communities on the fair website.”
Launched in 2008 by former OU President Steve Savitsky, the biennial fair is geared toward singles and families
of all ages and showcases communities featuring the amenities of an Orthodox Jewish lifestyle. This year’s fair will take place on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, and registration is free.
The Lehrers attended the fair in 2019 and, like Tiffany’s father, fell in love with West Hartford. Although they were contemplating Phoenix, Connecticut won, and they have been calling it home for the past four years.
Dr. Ariella Friedman served as a representative for Scottsdale at the same fair the Lehrers attended in 2019. She also participated in the 2024 and 2025 fairs.
“My husband and I actually attended the fair in person in 2015, when we knew we would be moving to Scottsdale, and it was helpful in learning about the local amenities,” she said.
The fair used to be held in person in the New York Metropolitan area, but shifted to a virtual form in 2022, enabling access to participants worldwide. The platform also gives families with young children the
freedom to participate without worrying about childcare and offers discretion for those wishing to discuss sensitive matters, such as family members with special needs or recent unemployment.
before and after the event to ensure participants get the most out of the experience.
Esther
The Salvation of Israel at the Hands of Esther
Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center
~ with orchestra, soloists, and chorus ~ A work from 1774, lost and recently discovered.
To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit our website at: www.arizonabachfestival.org.
Arizona’s premiere of Lidarti’s Oratorio, Esther is supported, in part by:
The 2026 fair will feature 50 communities from 20 U.S. states, including Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Nebraska and Oregon, as well as four communities in Israel: Carmei Hanadiv, Carmei Gat, Har Nof and Sderot. Seven sponsors, including realtors and financial institutions, will also lead sessions and host booths.
Arizona Bach Festival Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center Purim –March 1, 2026 at 3:00 pm
“What I enjoy most about the fair is sharing with others all that we have going on and connecting prospective families with infrastructure that helps them envision what life would be like here,” said Friedman. “Scottsdale has so much to offer, in terms of job opportunities, culture, quality of life and a developed and growing Jewish infrastructure.”
Friedman has served as membership chair for Congregation Beth Tefillah (CBT) in Scottsdale for almost 10 years, so she’s seen the interest that people across the country have in relocating to Arizona, specifically Scottsdale. She’s also been involved in building Jewish educational infrastructure for as long as she’s been in the Valley, first with the Nefesh after-school religious studies program at CBT and the before-school davening program at Pardes Jewish Day School, to more recently being one of the founders and board president of Arizona Jewish Academy, a private Jewish high school.
“In many ways, we act as a matchmaker, connecting people looking to move with communities eager to expand,” she said. “When our communities thrive, we all share in that success. We want to facilitate connections. Our support extends beyond the fair; it is always available to those considering relocation and the communities eager to grow.”
OU Senior Director of the Savitsky Communal Growth and SPIRIT Retiree Initiatives Rebbetzin Judi Steinig oversees the fair and works closely with exhibitors
Participants may join the nine-hour virtual fair for as little or as long as they like. Attendees will enter a venue featuring moving escalators, a central lobby linking to an expo hall, an auditorium and avatars representing the full spectrum of
Highlights of the fair will include short community introduction videos, downloadable e-brochures, discussion groups and private meetings with community representatives before, during and after the event. Those unable to attend live may access all sessions on demand at ou.org/fair, which also features up-to-date information on each community.
To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit our website at: www.arizonabachfestival.org.
Esther, performed in Hebrew (with translations projected) ~ with orchestra, soloists, and chorus ~ A work from 1774, lost and recently discovered. An Arizona Premiere! Arizona Bach Festival presents the Arizona premiere of Lidarti’s Oratorio Esther
“The fair is a great, low-stakes opportunity to get to know a community enough to preliminarily evaluate if it might be a good fit and determine if a visit would be worthwhile to explore further,” said Friedman. “It opens people’s eyes to all that is going on in our community. I also appreciate learning about other Jewish communities nationally, seeing the Jewish infrastructure offered there and seeing how we can learn from others to build and benefit our community.” JN For more information, visit savitskyfair26.ou.org.
Arizona’s premiere of Lidarti’s Oratorio, Esther is supported, in part by:
The Salvation of Israel at the Hands of Esther
Scottsdale is one of the cities being represented at the Orthodox Union’s Savitsky Home Relocation Fair. COURTESY
Prescott congregation debuts 10 original compositions for Shabbat Shira
JOSH BOOTZIN | STAFF WRITER
T
hough Temple B’rith Shalom’s (TBS) weekly Shabbat services are often highlighted by music, singing and harmony, the more than 100 in attendance for Shabbat Shira service on Jan. 30 were treated to the very first performances of 10 original melodies, all composed by cantorial soloist Jessica Dreifuss.
In recent years, TBS in Prescott has honored the music of Debbie Friedman and other well-known Jewish musicians for Shabbat Shira, or “Shabbat of Song.”
However, Rabbi Dr. Susan Schanerman shared that “debuting 10 original compositions arranged for band and choir all composed by our cantorial soloist, was one of the most special Shabbatot ever held at Temple B’rith Shalom.”
“Music has a special ability to touch people’s souls in a way the spoken word often can’t,” Dreifuss said. “I wanted to express myself through my music and share that with my beloved Temple B’rith Shalom congregation.”
Dreifuss said the congregation “really
enjoyed the service and loved the songs, clapping and singing along. Many people mentioned to me how much the music touched them and made them emotional. People left feeling uplifted, joyful and inspired.”
Sustaining a deep passion for music throughout her life, Dreifuss developed an interest in the piano when she was just 4 years old and composed her first song at 8 years old.
Her teacher encouraged her to develop her musical talents, and those efforts led to first place in a Washington statewide composition competition in sixth, seventh and 12th grades.
“Composing has always been a way for me to express myself and my emotions,” she said. “While most people choose to journal, I go to the piano and play to suddenly realize several hours have passed.”
Dreifuss has a degree in voice performance, experience teaching voice and piano lessons, and a background in
operatic and musical theater. She needed two years to write and edit the 10 songs she debuted at the Shabbat Shira service. She shared that each song developed differently from the others. Some started with a simple melody, others
with a chord progression. Some took a long time to transfer from her mind to the page, while others materialized in a matter of minutes.
“It is hard for me to put into words how I write my music because I feel it is a gift
The Temple B’rith Shalom choir accompanied Jessica Dreifuss on Shabbat Shira. COURTESY OF TEMPLE B’RITH SHALOM
that has been given to me by God,” she said. “I hear the melodies in my mind and instantly feel called to go to the piano.”
After Dreifuss has an idea of a song’s melody and chords, she begins to test how it sounds with various instrument combinations.
In addition to piano, the MazelTones band at TBS has a cello, flute, guitars and French horn available, along with the musicians to play them, so Dreifuss wrote her compositions with those instruments in mind.
Dreifuss’ 10 songs include: “L’chu N’ranana,” “L’cha Dodi,” “Shalom Aleichem,” “Ahavat Olam,” “Mi Chamocha,” “Hashkiveinu,” “V’shamru,” “Shalom Rav,” “Mi Shebeirach” and “Adon Olam.”
The instrumentation for each song differed based on the message of the lyrics and the mood Dreifuss wanted to convey to the congregation.
For example, the service opened with “L’chu N’ranana,” welcoming Shabbat by singing joyfully to God. Dreifuss composed an upbeat, happy tune that transitions from a minor key to a major key with the merging of a three-part choir with the band.
Dreifuss also said she often sees images in her mind when she’s writing.
“’Hashkiveinu’ is our prayer for a shelter of peace. I start this song off with an octave jump as if it is a blanket covering us or a rainbow of light on us,” she explained. “This song is also in a major key with beautiful chord resolutions to bring us comfort and allow the beautiful words of the Hashkiveinu prayer to touch our souls through music.”
Another one Dreifuss finds easy to visualize is “L’cha Dodi.” Her version is upbeat yet gentle, written for the choir to accompany piano and guitar. “I can picture us greeting the Sabbath bride, and it just feels like the perfect way to say, ‘Shabbat is here,’” she said.
When asked which one was her favorite, Dreifuss struggled to choose, sharing that “each song is special to me in its own unique way.”
One of the first songs she wrote was “Mi Chamocha,” which she described
as having a “fun syncopated rhythm that makes me want to get up out of my seat and dance.” The joyful rendition includes a flute part and is simple enough for listeners to sing along.
“While there is a lot of beautiful Jewish music available, I noticed not all of it is easy for most people to learn who might not have a music background,” Dreifuss said. “When writing my music, I wanted to write music that could feel accessible and singable for anyone. We should be able to sing together as a community, regardless of ability, and there is something so sacred and powerful in that.”
With that in mind, each of Dreifuss’ songs can be adjusted to whatever instrumentation a congregation has available.
“Music is so important in Jewish prayer and Jewish life,” said Schanerman. “Singing together as a congregation is such a special feature of Temple B’rith Shalom. Supporting our much-beloved cantorial soloist in her musical endeavors made TBS so proud on Shabbat Shira. What a wonderful evening.”
Dreifuss praised Schanerman for encouraging and inspiring her to pursue her passion for music, as well as TBS’s choir and band for their weeks of practice to perfect the new songs. “It was an incredibly moving and uplifting night that I will never forget.” JN
For more information on Jessica Dreifuss’ music, contact her at office@brithshalom-az.org.
Cantorial soloist Jessica Dreifuss speaks before Shabbat Shira. COURTESY OF TEMPLE B’RITH SHALOM
Temple B’rith Shalom Cantorial Soloist Jessica Dreifuss is joined by a band to perform her original music. COURTESY OF TEMPLE B’RITH SHALOM
Arizona Fine Art EXPO showcases Jewish artists through March
SUE KERN-FLEISCHER | SPECIAL TO JEWISH NEWS
Celebrating its 22nd year, the Arizona Fine Art EXPO is open daily through Sunday, March 29 under the white tents at Scottsdale and Jomax Roads in North Scottsdale. Ora Tamir and Bobby Harr are two of 90 local and nationally renowned artists participating in the show. The immersive event features 124 working studios within a 44,000-square-foot space, where guests have a chance to meet the artists, see them in action and learn about their inspiration and techniques.
Israeli artist finds peace in painting
Ora Tamir is internationally renowned for her surrealistic paintings that capture the fantastical, adventurous, evocative and sometimes serious stories and images that exist in her mind’s eye. But when people ask her about the meaning of her paintings, she turns the question back to them, asking what they see and feel.
“I don’t interfere with someone’s interpretation of my paintings or try to explain any meaning,” Tamir said. “Everyone creates their own story as they identify with symbols
and connect in their own personal way. If a painting does something for your soul, there’s a reason for it.”
Tamir was born on a kibbutz, surrounded by the stark beauty of the Israeli desert.
When she was young, she would spend hours gazing at masterpieces in Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
“It became my art class — my favorite playground. I collected art books and studied the masters, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Vincent van Gogh,” she said.
Years later, after completing a two-year service in the Israel Defense Forces, she traveled to New York. It was there that she discovered the work of Salvador Dalí for the first time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was a pivotal moment that sealed her path into surrealism.
A Tel Aviv resident, she prefers to paint in solitude, with no sounds or distractions, but the past few years have been challenging. Since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched its attacks against Israel, she has been awakened — sometimes up to three times a night — from alarms on her phone app that alert
her to seek shelter in her safe room.
“It has been a long war, and people are tired,” Tamir said. “It has also been alarming to see such a sharp rise in antisemitism.”
The Oct. 7 attacks and following violence affected her so much, she could not paint for a year.
“It is hard to process the brutality, barbarism and hate that came at us after years of trying to have peace. I grew up listening to my mother, a Holocaust survivor, and her stories of Auschwitz. I adored my father, who was among the founders of Israel. I grew up believing in ‘never again.’ I did not think that antisemitism would rear its ugly head again. It was a hard time grasping the horrors, the evil,” Tamir said. “I’ve always wanted to believe in goodness, that we can have peace. The only thing that got me out of a depression was forcing myself to paint again — it worked.”
Glass artist finds joy in creating new designs
When Bobby Harr was growing up in Ohio, he was discouraged from exploring his creativity. In fact, his art teacher in junior high school was “emphatic” when she told him he would never be an artist.
As a teen, his parents encouraged him to pursue a stable career path.
“I was like most Jewish guys, I was supposed to be a doctor or lawyer,” he joked.
He spent most of his career in retail management, and cherished opportunities to be creative. Then, at 48, he was ready to try
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creating art again.
“I knew there was an artist in me somewhere, and I gave myself permission to figure it out,” he said. “I tried three or four mediums until I stumbled across a blown glass workshop that changed my life. We made glass balls with a piece of fused glass inside, and I was intrigued by the fused glass,” he said.
Fused glass is an ancient technique that involves cutting flat sheets of glass, layering it and firing it in a kiln for several hours at 1,400 to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Even though fused glass had been around for more than 4,000 years, when I became interested in it, there were almost no classes. After that first workshop, I went home and ordered a kiln, glass, VHS tapes and books, and I taught myself.”
Now, 28 years later, Harr creates contemporary, colorful fused and kiln-formed art objects and glass art Judaica. He has exhibited his work throughout the country, including the Jewish Museum in New York City and the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
Harr uses dichroic glass that changes colors as light moves across it. His vibrant designs range from decorative squares and abstract curved glass wall art to Judaica, including the chai, Torah scroll, mezuzah and his best-seller, the Tree of Life.
“For over half of the people who have purchased my work, it is their first piece of Judaic art that they have,” Harr said.
Affectionately called the “Mashugana Mezuzah-Maker” by his friends, Harr enjoys experimenting and recently added candle and ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arrangement) holders to his collection along with new martini glass and coffee cup designs for his decorative squares.
“The average Jewish home in the U.S. does not have Jewish art … they have religious ceremonial items. I create colorful, fun pieces that provide an emotional, cultural connection in a creative way. My hope is that my glass art brings people joy,” he said. JN
For more information, visit ArizonaFineArtEXPO.com.
Susan Kern-Fleischer is a freelance writer residing in Phoenix who likes to share inspirational artists’ stories.
Glass artist Bobby Harr at the Arizona Fine Art EXPO. COURTESY OF JULES GALLATIG
Painter Ora Tamir at the Arizona Fine Art EXPO. COURTESY OF JULES GALLATIG
Learn to combat antisemitism from community leaders at annual ADL conference
JOSH BOOTZIN | STAFF WRITER
The Anti-Defamation League’s Desert Region (ADL) is hosting its second conference on antisemitism and hate on Feb. 27, bringing together community, political and business leaders of various faiths and expertise to discuss how to fight together against extremism.
“As we continue to move forward, there are new and challenging issues, just as is always true in life, but ADL is finding innovative ways to address those issues and to meet the moment,” said ADL Deputy Regional Director Sarah Kader. “We really encourage folks to come and join us and to learn together.”
The one-day event, “Rising Above Together,” is scheduled to take place on Friday, Feb. 27, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., hosted in partnership with Arizona State University at Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU.
“We know that campuses have been a place with rising antisemitism, just like in the entire country, and we’re very grateful that Arizona State University really stepped up and is our partner in this program,” Kader said.
Given last year’s conference’s proximity to Oct. 7, many students were still struggling on campus, so Kader said the curriculum focused on providing students and families with resources and tools to help them move forward.
“As we enter upon our second annual conference, ADL is really meeting the moment,” Kader said. “We are growing the program, expanding and looking forward as we continue to fight antisemitism and hate.”
Fresh off convening the Advisory Council on Jewish American Affairs in November 2025 with ADL’s help and encouragement, Governor Katie Hobbs will serve as the morning’s first speaker.
“We’re so thankful for her leadership and that she will be there to help start off the conference,” Kader said.
Leaders from various sectors are expected to attend, including law enforcement, interfaith, elected officials, corporate leaders, academics and students.
To keep up with advances in technology, the conference will feature a panel discussion on antisemitism and extremism found on AI platforms.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt will also appear for a discussion with ASU President Michael Crow.
“President Crow has been a leader in the United States on creating a safe environment for Jewish students, so we’re very excited to have Jonathan and President Crow in conversation to talk about what that looks like,” Kader said.
Parents for Peace, an anti-hate organization that works to prevent radicalization, will hold a plenary for the entire audience, led by reformed extremists.
“A former Neo-Nazi and a former radical Islamist will be talking about their experience and how they came to find another way forward,” Kader said.
Special guest speakers also include Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Phoenix Police Chief Matthew Giordano, state Rep. Alma Hernandez and Rabbi Dr. Schmuly Yanklowitz.
ADL has promised to hand out two awards to local difference makers this year: The inaugural Community Champion
Award to Steve Hilton of the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center, and the Campus Champion Award to Rabbi Shmuel Tiechtel, founding executive director of Chabad at ASU.
“We have a really packed day. We encourage people to come early, stay for the whole day, have breakfast and lunch with us, meet other folks that care about these issues and have those tough
“The goal of this conference is to bring the Jewish community together with the non-Jewish community. We can’t keep having conversations about antisemitism just within the Jewish community,” Kader said. “We want everyone there to learn, to be together and to look towards the future where we can hopefully fight antisemitism together.”
conversations,” Kader said.
Spots are filling up, so Kader encouraged anyone interested in attending to register as early as possible. General admission tickets cost $36, but students can attend for free. JN
For more information, visit adl.org/ risingabovetogether.
Peace activist and educator Loay Alshareef spoke at ADL Desert’s “Rising Above Together” conference in 2025.
See the good. Seize the challenge.
I’ll never forget that moment and its invaluable lesson. It was late afternoon in 2001.
I was visiting a Jerusalem hospital when I suddenly bumped into my dear mentor, world scholar Rabbi Adin EvenIsrael Steinsaltz, in the hospital’s elevator.
“Good afternoon, Rabbi!” I greeted him. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m going to study the Talmud,” he replied immediately.
“To study the Talmud? In this hospital? Are there no better places to study?” I retorted.
His wise response still reverberates in my mind: “Well, the doctors here have to connect me to a dialysis machine for a few hours, and in the meantime, I’ll study the Talmud.”
OPINION
Commentary
At that moment, I learned that Rabbi Steinsaltz suffered from a genetic condition called Gaucher disease, which required him to be connected to a dialysis machine each and every month for approximately three hours. Apparently, he followed this monthly routine from a very young age. But what stunned me most was not the fact that he had never shared this with me or with his close students. Rather, it was the idea that Rabbi Steinsaltz never saw this repetitive treatment — which was undoubtedly painful and, in many ways, debilitating — as a challenge. For this giant of a man, it was an opportunity to study the Talmud for three hours without interruption.
And it taught me an invaluable lesson for life: We all face challenges, big or small. We all suffer from diseases, physical or mental. We all endure pain, temporary or permanent. But it is the way we choose to address them that makes all the difference.
My dear mentor approached his monthly medical treatment as a golden opportunity
to study the Talmud in quietude. Yes, he could have seen it as an aching, disruptive and frustrating nuisance. But he chose to see it differently, with positivity and joy. And this compelled me to ask: Can we not also follow his shining example when faced with our personal challenges?
When the Israelites left Egypt, they carried with them cedar trees to eventually build a Tabernacle for G-d in the desert. These trees had been planted in Egypt by their forefather Jacob some 300 years earlier. But why did Jacob plant these trees in Egypt for his descendants? Weren’t there enough trees in Egypt?
The answer is poignant: Jacob knew that his descendants would suffer greatly in Egypt as slaves to Pharaoh. And so, he planted trees for them that stood as a reminder that one day they would be freed. “Don’t despair,” these trees were whispering to Jacob’s descendants. “Soon you will leave this land; soon G-d will reclaim you as His people; soon you will build a home in which you and I will dwell together.” These trees gave a nation of
tormented slaves something to hold on to, and they provided them with the will to live on even during their darkest moments. This was the vision of Jacob and of all the great leaders of history. Beyond moments of crisis, they saw blooming buds of blessing. In every pain, they found gain. And in every suffering, they planted trees that served as a reminder that freedom and joy were soon to come.
As the late Lubavitcher Rebbe once quipped: “Imagine if you could open your eyes and see only the good in every person, the positive in every circumstance and the opportunity in every challenge.”
May this marvelous imagination become our reality, now and forever.
Amen. JN
As a Zionist, I want Congress to have more Ritchie Torreses and fewer Rashida Tlaibs. Doesn’t AIPAC?
NEAL URWITZ | JTA
In New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, AIPAC just put a strident antiIsrael voice on the path to Congress. But hey, at least it alienated one of America’s two major political parties in the process.
This hurts me to say. I’m a fervent Zionist. I’ve been writing in support of Israel for over 20 years. I started my career interning at AIPAC. I’d thought the organization was hated precisely because it was so effective. Yet after its performance in New Jersey’s 11th district — coming after years of making it harder for Democrats like me to keep the party on board with Israel — I have to wonder if AIPAC is still the right standard-bearer for pro-Israel Americans. At a minimum, it must dramatically rethink its strategy.
AIPAC decided it wanted to take down former congressman and Assistant Secretary of State Tom Malinowski. The rationale for doing so was that he’d said he would consider conditioning aid to Israel based on whether the Jewish state was following through on commitments to the United States. So AIPAC spent $2
million through a subsidiary to release misleading ads implying Malinowski voted in favor of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s current abuses.
Malinowski, who appeared headed to a win, just conceded the race to hard-core progressive Analilia Mejia. The same Mejia who went to a CAIR event and said Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
That’s right: AIPAC decided that the best way to support the U.S.-Israel relationship is to put someone in Congress who will try to drive the allies apart.
Worse yet, AIPAC has now forced Democrats to take one of two positions on Israel when they run for office. They can either support Israel in exactly the manner that AIPAC tells them, not daring to speak obvious truths like “sometimes allies have to tell each other when they’re making a mistake” or provide any nuance; or they can cast AIPAC (and by extension, Israel) as the enemy.
The likely outcome of AIPAC’s approach, then, will be more and more rabidly anti-Israel candidates winning
Democratic primaries.
As a diehard Zionist, I’m not eager for a Congress with fewer Ritchie Torreses and more Rashida Tlaibs. Yet that’s the likely outcome of AIPAC’s approach to Democratic politics.
What has me most concerned, however, was that this was all foreseeable. Advocates, myself included, repeatedly tried to warn AIPAC that what ended up happening was the most likely outcome of their actions. Never mind that AIPAC spent $2 million — money that the pro-Israel movement will need to spend in, say, Michigan’s Senate race, where proud Israel advocate Rep. Haley Stevens is running against Abdul El-Sayed, an anti-Zionist who had the chutzpah to fundraise off of the Oct. 7 massacre — to “achieve” this outcome.
Given the magnitude — and, frankly, stupidity — of this blunder, I am concerned that AIPAC is no longer up to the task of generating support for Israel among the Democrats who are overwhelming favorites to win the House of
Representatives in 2026. It appears to no longer understand the internal battles within the Democratic Party, how proIsrael Democrats need to argue their case to appeal to primary voters, or the outright necessity for Democratic politicians to present themselves as not beholden to any pressure organization or donor.
AIPAC needs to start a “Democratic Future” project that studies how best to appeal to Democratic voters in a new era when “Jews in the Democratic Party will align the Party with Israel” is no longer a viable strategy. At a bare minimum, AIPAC needs to reassign every political analyst and consultant on its team who advocated for and executed its strategy in NJ-11. It needs to let its supporters know that it’s doing so, too.
Crow isn’t kosher, but it’s time for AIPAC to eat some anyhow. JN
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.
Rabbi Pinchas Allouche is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Tefillah in Scottsdale.
Find area congregations at JewishAZ.com, where you can also find our 2026 Community Directory.
Rabbi Pinchas Allouche COURTESY OF RABBI PINCHAS ALLOUCHE
W
ell folks, it’s official. After riding the high of one of the wildest real estate markets Phoenix has ever seen, the tides have been turning — and we’ve found ourselves in a buyer’s market. But economists suggest it won’t last forever! Before you panic, breathe. This isn’t a crash. It’s not 2008. This is a natural, healthy shift in the real estate cycle. And while it might feel like someone changed the rules mid-game, a buyer’s market doesn’t spell doom. In
fact, it opens up a whole new world of opportunity — for both buyers and sellers. Yep, you read that right. Sellers too.
So, what is a buyer’s market?
A buyer’s market happens when there are more homes for sale than there are buyers actively looking. Think: supply exceeds demand. This gives buyers more leverage, more negotiating power, more choices and a little more breathing room (finally!).
In Phoenix, we’re seeing it firsthand. According to Zillow, the median home price is $402,796 as of February 2026. Over 58.9% of homes are selling below list price, while only 16.7% are selling above. Translation? Buyers are calling more of the shots.
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Buyers: You’ve got the ball
Jewish News Special Section
In Phoenix, it’s still a buyer’s market
Incentives are on the table
If you’ve spent the last couple of years getting outbid, waiving inspections or crying into your coffee after losing your fifth dream home — this is your comeback season. Gone are the days of 15-minute showings and “best and final offers” before you’ve even parked your car. With homes sitting on the market longer (median 24 days to pending), you actually have time to make informed decisions and compare homes. Imagine that!
Negotiation power is back
Buyers are getting repairs, closing cost credits and rate buydowns. It’s not just about price anymore, it’s about value and you’ve got leverage to shape the deal.
Want a home warranty? Interested in a seller-paid rate buydown? This is your market. Sellers are motivated, and that creates opportunity, especially in northwest Phoenix near the new TSMC chip manufacturing plant, where new jobs and infrastructure are fueling long-term growth and demand. Buyers looking to get in early in this developing tech corridor could find major upside potential.
Sellers: Don’t worry, you’re not out of the game
Yes, the market has shifted. But it hasn’t disappeared. Homes are still selling. You just need a stronger strategy, sharper pricing and a little more flexibility. This is
SEE MARKET, PAGE 12
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not the market to “see what happens” with an aggressive price tag. With a sale-to-list price ratio sitting at 0.989, overpricing your home means it will likely sit, and eventually sell for less. First impressions matter. Don’t let your listing go stale.
Make your home irresistible Buyers have options. So, you need to stand out. Think clean, staged, decluttered and professionally photographed. This isn’t fluff, it’s essential marketing.
Be willing to play ball
Seller concessions are back. Covering part of the buyer’s closing costs or buying down their interest rate isn’t giving away the farm — it’s what gets deals done in this market. And frankly, it might still net you more than waiting and reducing your price later.
A healthy market is a balanced one
Let’s be real, Phoenix’s market was running hot for a long time. The kind of hot that breaks thermometers. Now, we’re seeing it level out. And that’s not a bad thing. It’s actually ... normal.
Sustainable, even.
Buyers are feeling empowered again, and sellers are getting a much-needed reality check. And when both sides have to negotiate, communicate and work together, that’s when real estate starts looking a little less like roulette and a little more like a smart investment.
This buyer’s market isn’t a dead end, it’s a detour. A pause. A correction. Sellers who price smart and present well are still closing strong. Buyers who’ve been waiting on the sidelines are finally getting their shot. And for those working with the right agent, you’ll navigate it like a pro.
Whether you’re considering buying, selling or just trying to make sense of what’s next, the current Phoenix market offers opportunities — you just need the right strategy to take advantage of them. JN
participates in the NowGen Leadership Advancement Series and attends Congregation Beth Tefillah. She also engages with local Olami and Chabad groups and is a long-time supporter of Friendship Circle. She can be reached at ophirgross.azrealtor@gmail.com.
Featured Event
SUNDAY, MARCH 1
For Purim: Arizona Bach Festival Presents Lidarti’s Oratorio “Esther”
3 p.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the Arizona Bach Festival for the Baroque Hebrew oratorio, “Esther (The Salvation of Israel at the hands of Esther).” Complete with orchestra, soloists and chorus, Lidarti’s oratorio, “Esther” is performed in Hebrew, with an English translation both projected and in the program. A work from 1774, lost and recently discovered, this is an Arizona premiere. For more information, visit arizonabachfestival.org.
Events
FRIDAY, FEB. 20
Community Luncheon and Agency Update:
1 p.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join Gesher Disability Resources for their annual lunch with guest speaker and comedy storyteller Pamela Schuller. For more information, visit gesherdr.org.
SATURDAY, FEB. 21
Israeli Wine Tasting with Havdalah: 7-8:30 p.m. Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Join Or Tzion and discover kosher wines and learn about Israeli wineries from the “Israeli Wine Girl,” Jodi Nestel. $36 per person. For more information, visit otaz.org/wine.
SUNDAY, FEB. 22
Community Day at Valley of the Sun J: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road. Join the VOSJ for a Superhero 5K, benefiting childhood brain cancer research, activities and entertainment. For more information, visit valleyofthesunj.org.
JWV Post 619 Meeting & Coffee Drive: 9:30 a.m. Oakwood Country Club, Ballroom A, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes. Join Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619 for a presentation by Michelle Jameson, executive director for U.S. Vets-Phoenix. Bring donations of ground coffee to be distributed to veterans. For more information, contact Arthur Uram at 702-8844175 or uramarthur@gmail.com.
Pop-Up Kosher Jewish Deli: 12-4 p.m. Chabad of Fountain Hills, 16830 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills. Join Chabad for pastrami or corned beef sandwiches, potato salad or coleslaw and a pickle. To guarantee availability, pre-order by Feb. 20. For more information, visit jewishfountainhills.com/deli.
The Nightingale of Iran: Persian Jewish Music from My Family Tradition: 4:30 p.m. Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Join vocalist/composer, anthropologist and awardwinning podcast-creator, Dr. Galeet Dardasht, as she offers an interactive musical program exploring her family’s Judeo-Persian musical tradition. Part of the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix’s Passages series. Cost: $25/$36. For more information, visit bjephoenix.org/programs/passages.
MONDAY, FEB. 23
Book & Author 2026: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale. Join Brandeis National Committee Phoenix Chapter for its annual event featuring five New York Times bestselling authors giving presentations, book signings and a boutique. For more information, visit brandeisphoenix.org/ba2026.
Yiddish-Kite Club: 10 a,m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Join the EVJCC for a morning
of Purim-related Yiddish presented by Yiddish maven Sandra Bernoff. Cost: Free; registration required. For more information, visit evjcc.org/yiddish.
TUESDAY, FEB. 24
Arizona Jewish Academy Student Visiting Day: 8:30 a.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Current 8th-grade students are invited to spend the day at Arizona Jewish Academy and meet students, faculty and administration. For more information, visit azjewishacademy.org.
Galveston: The Ellis Island of the West: 10 a.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Join the EVJCC for a presentation by travel journalist Dan Fellner on a mostly forgotten but pivotal chapter in Jewish-American history: The Galveston Movement. For more information, visit evjcc.org/ event/tuesdays-at-the-j-dan-fellner.
Jewish Teen Resume Workshop: From Experience to Impact: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus. Join the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix’s Hebrew High and Jewish Free Loan for a resume workshop for teens and their parents presented by Elizabeth Tirkas, director of Career Integration in the ASU Futures Center. For more information, visit jewishphoenix.com/go/jewish-teenresume-workshop-from-experience-to-impact.
THURSDAY, FEB. 26
What Animals Teach Us About Families: 1-2 p.m. Online via Zoom. Join Valley Beit Midrash for a virtual presentation by professor Beth Berkowitz, author of “What Animals Teach Us About Families: Kinship and Species in the Bible and Rabbinic Literature.” For more information, visit valleybeitmidrash.org.
JNFuture Night in the Negev: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Address provided upon registration. Join Jewish National Fund-USA for an evening for young professionals to learn about proIsrael philanthropy. For more information, visit events.jnf.org/e/nightnegev.
THURSDAY, FEB. 26 AND MARCH 5
Lecture Series: “Contemporary Jewish Philosophers”: 1-2:30 p.m. Online and in person at Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join Arizona State University Jewish Studies for a presentation by Hava Tirosh-Samuelson on “Zalman SchachterShalomi: Jewish Spiritual Renewal” on Feb. 26 and “Jonathan Sacks: “Jewish Morality in a Fragmented World” on March 5. For more information, visit jewishstudies.asu.edu/Philosophy.
SUNDAY, MARCH 1
Community Day: 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the VOSJ for a day of activities for all ages celebrating our community. For more information, visit valleyofthesunj.org.
CBI Family Purim Carnival: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. CBI Bandler Park, Shea Boulevard and 56th Street, Phoenix. Join CBI for Purim spiel, rides, booths, games and food trucks. For more information, visit cbiaz.shulcloud.com/event/purim-carnival.
Temple Emanuel’s 50th Golden Jubilee Purim Carnival: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Temple Emanuel of Tempe, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Join Temple Emanuel for games, BBQ lunch, DJ, bounce houses, activities, vendors and more. For more information, visit emanueloftempe.org/event/ JubileePurimCarnival.
Families with Littles Purim Event: 4-5 p.m. Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Join Or Tzion for the Purim story, activities, hamentashen decorating and grogger making. For more information, visit otaz.org/littlespurim.
MONDAY, MARCH 2
“Oh God, Not Another Purim Spiel!”: 6:30-9 p.m. Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Join Beth El for “Oh God, Not Another Purim Spiel!,” written by Steve Winkelman, followed by a dairy potluck meal and a Megillah reading. For more information, visit bethelphoenix.com/event/purim.
TUESDAY, MARCH 3
Purim for Seniors: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join Smile On Seniors for a reading of the story of Esther, hamentashen and an interactive Purim video presentation. Cost: Free; RSVP required. For more information, visit sosaz.org/purim.
Purim Jamboree: 5:30 p.m. Foothills Club West Community Center, 16414 S. 14th Ave., Phoenix. Join Chabad of Ahwatukee for a Megillah reading, dinner buffet and drum circle. For more information, visit chabadahwatukee/jamboree.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
UNITE: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Private home; address provided upon registration. Join the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix for an evening of Jewish connection for young leaders (21-45) featuring actor, advocate and podcast host Jonah Platt in conversation with entrepreneur and podcast host Matt Gottesman. For more information, visit phoenixcjp. org/unite.
Meetings, Lectures & Classes
SUNDAYS
Chassidus Class: 9 a.m. Online. Learn about the Chasidic movement with Rabbi Yossi Friedman. Use this link: ChabadAZ.com/LiveClass. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.
Jewish War Veterans Post 210: 10 a.m. the first Sunday of the month in Central Phoenix. Any veterans, friends of veterans or if you just want to meet a vet, all are welcome. For more information, contact Michael at c365michael@ yahoo.com.
MONDAYS
Modern Zionism and Israel Today: 10-11:30 a.m. March 2, 9 and 23. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Join TBSWV Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan for a historical overview with guided discussion. Cost: $20 for members; $35 for nonmembers. Registration deadline is Feb. 25. For more information, visit tbsaz.org.
Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework, Desert Cactus Chapter: 10 a.m. The Oasis at Sagewood, 4555 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. The guild meets the third Monday of the month, adjusted when necessary to accommodate Jewish holidays. For more information, visit pomegranateguild.org.
Mahjong: 1:30-3:30 p.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Come play mahjong each week. For all levels. Cost: Free; registration required at evjcc.org/mahjong.
Torah & Tea: 7:30 p.m. Online. Learn with Rabbi Yossie Shemtov. Cost: Free. For more information, visit Facebook.com/ChabadTucson.
Single Parent Zoom: 8 p.m. First and third Monday of every month. Join The Bureau of Jewish Education’s Family University single parents’ group for those looking to form friendships and build their support system with likeminded people. For more information or to register, visit bjephoenix.org/family-university.
TUESDAYS
Let’s Knit: 1:30 p.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Share the pleasure of knitting, crocheting, etc. outside the social hall in the campus. Can’t knit? They will teach you! Every level welcome. Cost: Free. For more information, visit vosjcc.org.
Grief Support Group: 4 p.m. Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. All are welcome to this support group for anyone experiencing grief or any kind of loss. Cost: Free. For more information, call 623-584-7210 weekdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS
My Baby and Me: 9-10 a.m. Temple Chai Early Childhood Center, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Join Temple Chai ECC for a weekly gathering for families with babies up to 12 months. Cost: Free. For more information, visit tcaz.shulcloud.com/event/my-baby-andme-playgroup.html.
Lunch & Learn: 12 p.m. Online. Grab some food and learn with Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin. Use this link: Facebook.com/ChabadTucson. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadtucson.com.
Torah Study with Chabad: 12 p.m. Online. Take a weekly journey of Torah with Rabbi Yossi Levertov. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.
CALENDAR
JACS: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Online. Zoom support group for Jewish alcoholics, addicts and their friends and family on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Cost: Free. For more information, email jacsarizona@gmail. com or call 602-692-1004.
THURSDAYS
American Judaism through Film: 10-11:30 a.m. March 5, 12 and 19. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Join TBSWV Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan for this interfaith series. Participants will be asked to watch one film each week in advance. Class sessions will include guided discussion, close analysis and selected clips that highlight key moments and themes. Cost: $20 for members; $35 for nonmembers. Registration deadline is March 2. For more information, visit tbsaz.org.
Ladies Torah & Tea: 10:30 a.m. Online. Learn about the women of the Torah with Mrs. Leah Levertov. Use this link: ourjewishcenter.com/ virtual. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.
Torah Study with Hazzan Lev Ettelson: 11 a.m. Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. Join Hazzan Ettelson for a discussion of the weekly Torah portion. For more information, call 623584-7210 weekdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mindfulness Gatherings: 12 p.m. Online. Hosted by Hospice of the Valley via Zoom. Cost: Free. To join by phone, dial 1-253-215-8782, meeting ID 486 920 2119#, to get the Zoom link or for further questions contact Gill Hamilton at ghamilton@hov.org or 602-748-3692.
Weekly Mahjong: 1-3 p.m. Temple Solel, 6805 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley. Join Temple Solel each Thursday afternoon for mahjong. Lessons available for beginners. Cost: Free. RSVP via email to dottiebefore@gmail.com so they know how many tables to set up.
Torah Portion Class: 7 p.m. Online or in person. Chabad Lubavitch of Fountain Hills, 16830 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills. Join Rabbi Mendy Lipskier for a discussion of the weekly parshah and gain new insights to the Torah. For more information, visit jewishfountainhills.com.
Teen Discussions: 7-8:30 p.m. Online. Learn with Rabbi Tzvi Rimler. Use this link: cteen. clickmeeting.com/east-valley. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.
SATURDAYS
Saturday Mindfulness Gatherings: 9:30 a.m. Online. Hosted by Hospice of the Valley. To join by phone, dial 1-253-215-8782, meeting ID 486 920 2119#. To get the Zoom link or for more information, contact Gill Hamilton at ghamilton@hov.org or 602-748-3692.
Book Discussion: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Online. Join Or Adam Congregation for Humanistic Judaism on the third Saturday of every month for a book discussion. For more information and to register, contact oradaminfo@gmail.com.
FRIDAYS
Tot Shabbat: 9:30 a.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix monthly for music, parachute play, crafts and a family Shabbat experience. For more information, visit bjephoenix. org.
Welcome Shabbat: 11-11:30 a.m. Online. Celebrate Shabbat with the JFCS Virtual Center for Senior Enrichment. Each week a different guest
host will lead the program with song and celebration. Cost: Free. For more information, visit jfcsaz.org/cse.
Shabbat at Beth El: 5:45 p.m. on Zoom; 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale. Ave., Phoenix or livestreaming at tinyurl.com/beclivestream. Celebrate Shabbat with songs, blessings and teachings with Rabbi Stein-Kokin and Cantor Sarah Bollt. For more information or to join, visit bethelphoenix.com.
Erev Shabbat Service: 5:30 p.m. Online. Rabbi Alicia Magal will lead a service livestreamed for members of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley. Cost: Free. For more information and to obtain the Zoom link, visit jcsvv.org/contact.
Shabbat Service: 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Oneg at 5 p.m. Temple B’rith Shalom, 2077 Brohner Way, Prescott. Join Temple B’rith Shalom for a musical and spiritual Shabbat service. For more information, visit brithshalom-az.org.
Shabbat Services: 5:30 p.m. nosh, 6:15 p.m. service; morning service has varying dates and times. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. For more information, contact Joan Neer at jneer@templechai.com.
Pre-Shabbat Kiddush Club: 6 p.m. Online. Say Kiddush with Rabbi Mendy Levertov. Cost: Free. Use this link: ourjewishcenter.com/virtual. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.
Shabbat Services: 6 p.m.; 9:30 a.m.; followed by a light Kiddush lunch. Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. For more information call 623-584-7210 or visit bethemethaz.org.
Shabbat Services: 6 p.m.; 9:30 a.m. Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Services are also live streamed at otaz.org/ livestream. For more information about services, events and membership, visit congregationortzion.org or call 480-342-8858.
First Friday Shabbat Services: 6:15 p.m.; Oneg at 7:15 p.m. Valley Unitarian Universalist, 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler. Join Congregation NefeshSoul for Friday night services the first Friday of each month in the sanctuary building of Valley Unitarian Universalist. For more information, contact Jim Hoffman at 480-329-3316.
Shabbat Services: 6:15 p.m.; 10 a.m. Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale. Services held in the Goldsmith Sanctuary. Participants must pre-register by Thursday at 5 p.m. Priority will be given to members first and then guests. If there are more requests than available seats a lottery system will be used. For more information or to make a reservation, visit cbiaz.org/shabbat-services.
Kabbalat Shabbat and/or Shabbat morning service: 6:30 p.m.; 10 a.m.; dates vary. Congregation Kehillah, 5858 E. Dynamite Blvd., Cave Creek. Join Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman and cantorial soloists Erica Erman and Scott Leader either in person or via Zoom. For safety reasons, please register ahead of time. For dates, visit congregationkehillah.org/event/. Register by emailing info@congregationkehillah.org.
Shabbat Services: 7 p.m. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Services are followed by an Oneg. Services are live-streamed on YouTube. For more information and to get the YouTube link, visit tbsaz.org or call 623-977-3240.
Shabbat Services in Sun Lakes: 7-9 p.m. Sun Lakes Chapel, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. North, Sun Lakes. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation
conducts Reform Shabbat services on the second Friday of each month. New members welcome. For more information, call 480-612-4413 or 480-580-1592.
Shabbat Services with Beth Ami Temple: 7 p.m. Services held at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, 4027 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley. Join Beth Ami Temple Rabbi Alison Lawton and Cantorial Soloist Michael Robbins as they lead Shabbat services twice a month. For more information, visit bethamitemple.org.
Third Friday Shabbat: 7-9 p.m. Group meets at a North Scottsdale location. The Desert Foothills Jewish Community Association hosts a Shabbat service followed by a program. Contact 602-487-5718 for more information. JN
Sherry Roberta Cohen
Sherry was born in Chicago, Illinois, on Nov. 8, 1937. She lived with her parents, Wilma and Nate Cole, her grandparents, Charles and Louise Tauber, and two younger siblings, Vanessa and Marvin. She was the proud mother of Lance, Matt, Rachel and Nat, and the adored grandmother and great-grandmother of Andy, Stephanie, Joseph, Charlee, Kait, Elyse, Weston and Anastasia. She had a lot of love to give and was predeceased by partners Paul Mided, Elliot Mara, Lew Nevins, Jack Schultz, Seymour Adler and Arnold Cohen. Her laughter was infectious and resonated with all who were lucky enough to hear it. Sherry’s commitment to her religion was paralleled only by her dedication to her family and her community. She loved hosting holidays and her table was always open to those with nowhere else to go. She was deeply curious and caring; no meal was complete without pondering death or world events. Her passion for learning was lifelong and showed through her impactful careers as a social worker and a preschool teacher. Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew her.
Ruth Fishman Friedman In Loving Memory
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our beloved Ruth, who departed this life on Jan. 31, 2026, in Sun Lakes. She was just shy of her 96th birthday.
Ruth was born on Feb. 20, 1930, in Newark, New Jersey, to Ada and Manny Fishman. Her brother Joe was her very favorite person. Then she met and married Justin (Jeff) Friedman in 1955, and they created a beautiful partnership. Beth was adopted in 1960 and became the apple of her parents’ eye. Ruth and Jeff retired to Arizona in 1999 and enjoyed retirement to the fullest.
Ruth had a way of making friends everywhere she went, many to be kept throughout her lifetime. She was able to touch the hearts of many with her kindness, generosity and great sense of humor. Even as her health declined, she could be found leading the sing-alongs, dancing in the conga line and playing Rummikub whenever there was a game. Her sense of style was well known.
Ruth loved to travel, first with her husband Justin, and later with her daughter Beth and son-inlaw Tim, who she thought of as her son. Many adventures were experienced with this merry trio. She especially enjoyed the Mediterranean cruise they went on for Jeff’s 75th birthday, and the trip they took to Ireland. The Jersey shore was still their favorite place to visit together with the kids, grandkids and eventually, her great-grandkids. Any opportunity for the family to be together was cherished.
Cemetery Plot for Sale @ Mt. Sinai Cemetery in Phoenix (Solomon Section)
Please text 310 403-9339 if interested.
Ruth is survived by her daughter Beth Hopkins (Tim); grandchildren TJ and Danielle Hopkins, and Kevin and Erin Hopkins; great-grandchildren Tre, Chase, Adriana, Crew, Kira and Hailey; nieces Caren Oberstein (Steven) and Lisa Tane (Josh). She also had many close relatives and friends in Arizona and New Jersey. She was predeceased by her husband Jeff, who left us in 2002; and her brother Joe Fishman and sister-in-law Anita.
Ruth is a member of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation. A memorial service will be held on 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Robson Assisted Living Building, 9504 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, in the Theater Room.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association or the Arizona Humane Society.
Ruth’s warmth, laughter, love and light will remain in our hearts forever. She is leaving this place better than she found it.
Shabbat
Individuals will be recognized for influencing the future of the Greater Phoenix area through their professional and personal achievements. Nominees must be 18 to 50 years of age and reside in the Valley. Judges will consider: a nominee’s professional success; community involvement; and commitment to the Jewish community. Nominees must identify as Jewish. Nominations are now open at
Make a nomination today for the 2026 class of 18 Under 50 award! Nomination deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Any nominations received after that date cannot be considered