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Martin-Springer Institute welcomes Yeshiva High School undergoes community to celebrate 25th anniversary major expansion JOSH BOOTZIN | STAFF WRITER
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ince 2010, when it was founded by Rabbi Gavriel Goetz and Rabbi Yossie Semel, Yeshiva High School of Arizona has provided Jewish young men from across the Valley with a place for learning, community and personal and professional development. “We get our kids ready for the future in both their Jewish life and their professional life,” Goetz said. Boasting a state-of-the-art dual curriculum in both general knowledge and Torah studies, the only thing holding the school back over the last 16 years has been adequate space to host more students, programs and community events. The school found its current home on 12th Street in Phoenix in 2018, and until now, it was just that — a home. The house was repurposed so that bedrooms became classrooms and the largest room became a sanctuary, but according to Goetz, “We knew we were going to grow out of it, that we would need more space for the students.” The sanctuary was too small for large gatherings; there was no space for a dining room to host Shabbat dinners and limited classroom space inhibited growth of the student body, so over the last four years, the school has been raising funds for a major expansion. “We’re adding a big dining room so we can all have Shabbos together, with the students, the rebbe, the teachers and the families,” Goetz said. The expansion extends both the left and right sides of the school, as well as the back. Some of the original house will remain, but once construction is finished, the school will have a much larger sanctuary, larger classrooms and an upstairs dormitory for students to stay overnight. SEE EXPANSION, PAGE 2
The opening of “Through the Eyes of Youth: Life and Death in the Będzin Ghetto” in 2014 with Martin-Springer Institute founder Doris Springer, in pink. COURTESY OF MARTIN-SPRINGER INSTITUTE
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he Martin-Springer Institute (MSI) at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Flagstaff is kicking off a yearlong lineup of events on Sept. 27 to celebrate 25 years of Holocaust education, dialogue, presentations, trainings and special events, all aimed at applying lessons from the past to address modern conflicts. SEE ANNIVERSARY, PAGE 3
AI and estate planning Estate planning attorney Mark Bregman explains his love-hate relationship with Claude and how AI is reshaping estate planning. See page 9. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK BREGMAN
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about her Judaism with her fellow council members and speaking out for her rights and beliefs. about her Judaism with her fellow council SOPHIE said JonSTERN Meyers, director of ADDPC. She already has some practice at CONTINUED FROM 1 members and speaking out for her rights “Our hope is PAGE to create and promote advocating for herself. beliefs. opportunities for people to be embraced, and “One time, I was in class and someone said Jon Meyers, director of ADDPC. She already has some practice at become part of the community and find called me the R-word “Our hope is to create and promote advocating for herself.and I told him not equitable opportunities wherever they to. The teacher was in the hallway and opportunities for people to be embraced, “One time, I was in class and someone might live,” he said. another student repeated the word,” she become part of the community and find called me the R-word and I told him not Meyers first came to know Stern said. Rather than letting the situation go, equitable opportunities wherever they to. The teacher was in the hallway and through her mother, Amy Silverman, who she told her theater teacher, who was able might live,” he said. another student repeated the word,” she read her personal essays about raising a to intervene. Meyers first came to know Stern Rather than letting the situation go, daughter with Down syndrome on KJZZ, said. “If someone has a disability, saying through her mother, Amy Silverman, who she her theater teacher, who was able National Public Radio’s Phoenix affiliate the told R-word is like saying the F-word,” read her personal essays about raising a to intervene. station. said. daughter with Down syndrome on KJZZ, Stern “If someone has a disability, saying Meyers was so captivated by the essays While performing in the musical National Public Radio’s Phoenix affiliate the R-word is like saying the F-word,” that he reached out to Silverman, and the “Hairspray,” she had another occasion station. Stern said. two became friends. to tangle with the offensive word, which Meyers was so captivated by the essays While performing in the musical That’s how Stern first learned of the appears in the script. that he reached out to Silverman, and the “Hairspray,” she had another occasion Sophie Stern at her high school graduation in 2022 open dormitory council seat, there’s no doubt COURTESY OF SOPHIE STERN Randy Blair, left, and Rabbi Gavriel Goetz, right, in the second-floor The but all-purpose/dining room in the new Yeshiva High School building. “That’s really bad and my friend said two became friends. to tangle with the offensive word, which of the new Yeshiva High School building. OF JEWISH NEWS COURTESY OF JEWISH NEWS sheCOURTESY earned her position, Meyers said. it on stage. I was not OK with that, so I That’s how Stern first learned of the Heart Can’t Even It: A Story of in the script. Sophie Stern at her highBelieve school graduation in 2022 To become a council member, Stern appears to the director and told her it was Science, open council seat, but there’s no doubt went COURTESY OF SOPHIE STERN Love and Down Syndrome,” “That’s really bad and my friend said to apply and demonstrate that she had a badforword safety,for so people with thewith new disabilities, school even had adding two more outdoor Meyers floodlights EXPANSION she earned her position, said. inspected book about her daughter. it on stage. I was not OK with that, so I Silverman’s valuable to contribute, he said. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 but she wouldn’t take it out,” said. Heart Can’t Even Believe It: A Story of year beginning in late August, the school to besomething able to use the backyard amenities To become a council member, Stern went to the director and toldStern When Gesher’s speakers’ bureau, Damon her it was “She’s on the council because she She let mother about the Science, Love and Down Syndrome,” has relocated to aher different shulknow in Glendale after dark as apply well. had to and demonstrate that she had Brooks & Associates, was asked to find a bad word for people with disabilities, Silverman’s book about deserves to be on council,” said. her daughter. The current capacity of 50 students is conflict and they were able to convince for the time being. The new building willthe have all-new he air something valuable to contribute, he said. but she wouldn’t take it out,” Stern said. a speaker about Down syndrome for an Stern is creating alighting, life anddrinking career as a “We When Gesher’s speakers’ bureau, Damon expected to more than double. the director of the need to remove the are doing as much as we can as conditioning, electrical, “She’s on the council because she She let her mother know about the event this spring, Hummell first asked member of her community, which makes “The whole thing is designed to maximize fountains Brooks & Associates, was asked find word from the script. fast as we can,” said Blair. “We’re very and bathrooms, including four deserves to be on the council,” he said. conflict and they were able to convince Silverman to speak, thinking Sternto might herstalls a great addition. light and space for the students,” Goetz shower a speaker about Down syndrome for an “My friend Al was next to me when conscientious of the timeline and budget.” within the upstairs dormitory Stern is creating a life and career as a the director of the need to remove the be too young. Stern graduated from McClintock said. “Before, we were cramped, and this area. The I told the director and he gave me the event this spring, Hummell first asked Students have been able to visit the site dormitory will allow students to member of her community, which makes word from the script. They decided instead that Stern should High School in Tempe year and now is really going to help expand the school so stay overnight biggest and and saidsome that even he loved Silverman during the lasthug fewever months, on addition. Shabbat or iflast their parents to speak, thinking Stern might her a great “My friend Al was next to me when tell her own story; it’s a real bonus that attends Glendale Community College, that we can reach more people.” me so much,” Stern said. Sadly, Al died started building a treehouse next to the are too busy to pick them up every day. be too young. Stern graduated from McClintock I told the director and he gave me the she is not afraid of public speaking. focus on dance. She Greater is a regular Though the sanctuary is mostly new, it in a with car crash Oct. 24, 2021. building extraon materials. “Ifwith theyaSchool live elsewhere in last the They decided instead that Stern should High in Tempe year and now biggest hug ever and said that he loved “It’s not the same when someone performer atcould Detour Company Theatre, “They’re was important to both the students and the Phoenix “That was hard; it’s very hard to get so excited to get in here,” area, they stay here overnight tell own story; it’s a real bonus that attends Glendale Community College, me so much,” Stern said. Sadly, Al died tries her to tell a person’s story for them,” a Scottsdale theatre company for adults contractor to retain much of the feeling of to learn emotions out and I was very, very upset,” Goetz said. “As soon as this is ready for us, and study,” Goetz said. “Parents she is not afraid of public speaking. with a focus on dance. She is a regular in a car crash on Oct. 24, 2021. Hummell said. with intellectual, developmental and the previous one. she said. we’re going to barge right back in.” tell me all the time that they have long “It’s not the same when someone performer at Detour Company Theatre, “That was hard; it’s very hard to get Additionally, helping people with “It was really beautiful before, with a lot hoursphysical On the recent of his death, tries estimated theanniversary project would cost it’s disabilities. hardtheatre for them.” to tell a person’s story for them,” aand Scottsdale company for adultsGoetz emotions out and I was very, very upset,” disabilities jobs was one of the reasons In fact, when her first of warmth in the room,” said Randy Blair, Stern made a cake andhetook it to the Hummell find a total of $3.5 million. So far, has raised Construction beganStern latedevelopmental inattended the 2025-26 said. with intellectual, and she said. for acquiring the bureau. Unemployment superintendent at Redden Construction. council in January, she couldn’t site. $2.5 crash million from donors, matchers and school year. meeting helping people with physical disabilities. On the recent anniversary of his death, in Additionally, the disability community is upwards The new sanctuary will mimic the old wait toworked tell people ofus hertoinvolvement with “I don’t knowand how I did it without disabilities community members, he has a number “Randy with ensure the find jobs one of the reasons In fact, when Stern attended her first Stern made a cake and took it to the of 75% and of that was percentage, 75% are one’s exposed tongue-and-groove ceiling, students Detour and classrooms share information about its crying. I’mthe so proud of myself,” she said. for acquiring the bureau. of ideas to raise last million. had their until the very Unemployment council meeting in January, she couldn’t crash site. *Best of Magazine willing and able to work — but adding extra space for the ark. Keeping the last day,” upcoming Hummell, executive director of ready, BlairAmy could not share an expected Goetz shows. said. “The plan was to try in the disability community is upwards wait to tell people of her involvement with *AnnualtheDirectory “I don’t know how I did it without haven’t been given opportunity, same look as before was more expensive, “There’s question she is going Gesherdate, Disability Resources, agreed completion but with wall finishes and that over theno summer, butthat unforeseen **Annual Directory to finish Detour and share information about its crying. I’m so proud of myself,” she said. of 75% and of that percentage, 75% are but all parties felt it was worth extra things tocame thrive,” is a good fit for on ADDPC because Hummell said. **Best of Magazine tilingStern the upstairs bathrooms the agenda up.” Meyers said. “She’s very *Bestthe of Magazine upcoming shows. Amy Hummell, executive director of ready, willing and able to work — but cost. “People have it in them to speak up but gregarious and issues passionate of her abilityconstruction to self-advocate. Most unforeseen came about from the for this month, continues “There’s no question that she is going Gesher Disability Resources, agreed that haven’t been given the opportunity, **Annualhouse, Directoryhaving In addition to some of the original don’t know how, and often they’re not things that matter to her.” Hummell co-hosted a book event to remodel the old building, and along. JN WWW.JEWISHAZ.COM to thrive,” Meyers said. “She’s very Stern is a good fit for ADDPC because Hummell said. the basketball court and sports field in the school codes cheered on. Sophie has family support Stern prevent looks forward sharing insights with Meyers a few years ago for “MyWWW.JEWISHAZ.COM studentstofrom moving “People have it in them to speak up but gregarious and passionate about the of her ability to self-advocate. backyard will not be touched. Blair’s team is back in until the project is complete and For more information, visit azyeshiva.org. don’t know how, and often they’re not things that matter to her.” Hummell co-hosted a book event WWW.JEWISHAZ.COM OFFICE HOURS has family support Stern looks forward to sharing insights with Meyers a few years ago for “My cheered on. Sophie HEADLINES ...........................................2 SOPHIE STERN
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The anniversary series, titled “Beyond Boundaries: Engaging the Wounded World,” will address both student and public audiences, capturing various themes of the Holocaust and how the historical tragedy relates to today’s crises. MSI director Björn Krondorfer pointed out how fitting the title of the series was, considering the many societal tragedies and human rights violations occurring around the world. “It seems quite appropriate for these days,” Krondorfer said, “where we’re wounding each other and not listening to one another.” MSI was founded by Ralph Martin and Doris Springer in 2000, to honor Springer’s family’s improbable survival as well as the memory, history and legacy of the Holocaust. Springer, who passed away in August 2022, was born in December 1926 in Be˛dzin, Poland, and she survived the Holocaust at a women’s labor camp before moving to America in 1950. Though Springer’s family was separated during the Holocaust, ever y family member survived, which she always said was a miracle. Springer and Martin, her second husband, lived in Flagstaff for many years before founding the MSI at NAU in 2000. Though Springer’s personal reason for founding the institute was to honor her family, both she and Martin wanted it to be something much grander. “Ralph also wanted this educational, public, academic and scholarly work we do to expand beyond the Holocaust and to look at communities where awareness needs to be raised for other kinds of grave injustices,” Krondorfer said. Throughout its 25 years, the MSI has dedicated itself at different times to K-12 education, hosting a variety of public and private events and emphasizing different areas of Holocaust education. However, when Krondorfer joined in 2012, “I let the university and the community know that I would like to focus on university students and internationalizing what we do, going beyond Flagstaff, and we have been successful in doing that,” he said. “One of our strengths is working with students and faculty on one-to-threeyear projects where they get hands-on experience creating a booklet, exhibit or other material that can test the judgment of the public — that’s not just an internal paper that we keep and eventually throw away.” One of those successful projects was “Through the Eyes of Youth: Life and Death in the Be˛dzin Ghetto,” an exhibit on Bedzin Jewish youth’s experiences leading up to, and during, the Holocaust. The exhibit traveled to all three South African Holocaust museums, and it was JEWISHAZ.COM
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“Through the Eyes of Youth: Life and Death in the Będzin Ghetto” on exhibit at a former deportation location in Sosnowiec, Poland. COURTESY OF MARTIN-SPRINGER INSTITUTE
“ONE OF OUR STRENGTHS IS WORKING WITH STUDENTS AND FACULTY ON ONE-TO-THREE-YEAR PROJECTS WHERE THEY GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE CREATING A BOOKLET, EXHIBIT OR OTHER MATERIAL THAT CAN TEST THE JUDGMENT OF THE PUBLIC — THAT’S NOT JUST AN INTERNAL PAPER THAT WE KEEP AND EVENTUALLY THROW AWAY.” BJÖRN KRONDORFER
translated into Polish and displayed at the soccer stadium in Sosnowiec, an industrial town bordering Be˛dzin that served as the regional deportation launch point for Jews to Auschwitz. The institute also led a trip to Be˛dzin for 20 middle school and high school teachers across Arizona, where they retraced Springer’s steps and those of a male survivor from Sosnowiec. “We took them to each of the places that (Springer) talked about, for them to realize how different it is to read the text and to see it in a three-dimensional space in front of them,” Krondorfer said. “In some places, there’s nothing left, and other places, everything’s still intact like it was in the 1940s.” MSI has also led teacher training on best practices in Holocaust and genocide education since its conception. Soon, with the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center opening in Phoenix, MSI staff will plan to coordinate so that the two organizations don’t duplicate work. The 25th anniversary celebrations kick off with an opening event on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. After a short reception, to which all are welcome, the event will move into the Cline Library Assembly Hall for a 25-minute program with a few guest speakers, followed by a screening of “My Underground Mother,” a new documentary by New York journalist and filmmaker Marisa Fox. The documentar y details Fox’s mother’s survival journey, which was similar to Spingers in that they were both from the same region and both survived a women’s labor camp.
Spots are limited, so guests should RSVP ahead of time. For those who can’t make it to the Sunday night program, the film will also be shown at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre in Sedona the following day. “It’s a very powerful and unusual film,” Krondorfer said. Other 25th anniversar y events, scheduled through Spring 2027, include guest presentations, panels and poetry readings. Three events are yet to be confirmed, including one on interreligious dialogue, one exhibit opening and a student trip to the Museo del Holocausto Guatemala in Guatemala City, founded in 2016 by the France-based organization Yahad-In Unum, to learn about how the Holocaust is presented in Latin America. Beyond this year, Krondorfer’s plans for the future of the MSI revolve around the distant target year of 2045, when 100 years will have passed since the end of the Holocaust and World War II. He expects to have retired by that time, but he still finds it important to start paying attention now to how children of the future can best learn about the Holocaust after the last of the survivors have passed. “(The Holocaust) may not have the same immediacy of attention and interest that we expect today,” he said. “What is it that needs to be taught in 2045 to students who are so far removed from the event that still feels near and dear to my generation and other generations, the children and grandchildren of survivors?” JN For more information, visit in.nau.edu/ martin-springer.
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A journey of learning leads Karolyn Benger to historic ordination MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR
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or six years, Karolyn Benger balanced family, community involvement and intensive Jewish study. Now, after completing the four-year rabbinical program at Yeshivat Maharat in New York — following two years in its precursor Beit Midrash program — she is preparing to begin a new chapter of service as director of education and community engagement at the East Valley Jewish Community Center (EVJCC) in Chandler. Founded in 2009 by Rabba Sara Hurwitz and Rabbi Avi Weiss, Maharat was the first yeshiva in North America to ordain women, and Benger’s ordination makes her the first woman in Arizona and the 101st woman globally to graduate from the program. “It’s been quite the journey,” she said. “The main reason I did this was the learning itself. Just the ability to learn and to have that knowledge … and I absolutely treasured the opportunity that Maharat gave me.” Maharat’s program also provided an opportunity she deeply valued: the chance for women to become involved in serious Torah study.
“There are very few places where women can come together and engage in deep Torah study,” she said. “It was so meaningful, and I loved every minute of it.” She began the Beit Midrash program during the year Maharat began using Zoom, a change that coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from attending retreats and graduation, or an occasional “pop-in” visit, she completed her coursework entirely online. Her achievement is not simply personal, however. She sees her role as filling a need within both the Orthodox and broader Jewish communities. For Orthodox women who pursue rabbinical education, even the question of what to call themselves can be complicated. Maharat allows participants to choose the title that best fits their professional responsibilities. This can include: Maharat, rabbi, rabba and rabbanit. Benger chose rabbanit, mostly because the decision carries personal significance. She is married to Rabbi Michael Beyo, CEO of the EVJCC, and for years she
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Description: Mt Sinai is looking for a Family Sales Counselor. The position requires meeting with families or individuals who wish to make end of life arrangements. Familiarity with Jewish customs is helpful; being motivated, having compassion, and an attention to detail are essential. Phone work, follow-up, and building connections with clients is the key to success. Mt Sinai is a Jewish cemetery located in north Phoenix. Our small, dedicated staff has created a very positive company culture and pleasant workplace. Being a team player is important for this rapidly expanding business
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could have been referred to as rebbetzin, rabbanit in Hebrew, simply because of her marriage. But she deliberately avoided using it. “I’ve never ever gone by that title because I felt like I hadn’t earned it myself with knowledge,” she said. Now, after six years of study, the title feels different. “Now I have the title rabbanit,” she said. “Yes, I could have had it before, but now I feel like it’s really mine.” Benger also believes a recognized title matters in her extensive interfaith work (she serves on the board of Arizona Interfaith Movement). As someone who regularly represents Judaism outside the Jewish community, she found that people often needed to understand her background and authority. “Representing Orthodox Judaism was lacking, and I couldn’t do so without the title,” she said. The role of an Orthodox woman in rabbinical leadership remains relatively new, and she expects the broader Or thodox community to continue debating and wrestling with the concept. But she distinguishes between institutional resistance and what she sees happening at the grassroots level. “I think the concept itself receives pushback from the broader Orthodox community,” she said. “But what they don’t necessarily know is how many connections, relationships and bridges have been and are currently being built within the broader Orthodox community.” She has already experienced evidence that women may seek out a female Orthodox religious leader for questions they might not feel comfortable bringing to a male rabbi. She received two such questions shortly after her ordination. “It’s not that I’m only here for the women,” she said. “I’m here for men too, just like male rabbis are also for women. It just creates space that didn’t exist before and maybe is needed.” With her new position with the EVJCC, she plans to reach out to Jews throughout the East Valley, including those who may live farther from established Jewish institutions. “I’m looking forward to teaching because that’s my passion and that’s what I love,” she said. “I’ll be teaching and I’ll be doing programming and hopefully not just on site but going out further into the East Valley.” The goal, she said, is to meet people where they are. “I think what will be the most rewarding thing is if I can inspire people to feel stronger and lean into their Jewish
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Rabbanit Karolyn Benger at her graduation from Yeshivat Maharat. COURTESY OF SHULAMIT PHOTO+VIDEO
identity with pride and joy,” said Benger. Throughout the six-year process, her husband was right by her side, encouraging her every step of the way. “He was so incredibly supportive,” she said. “I cannot express how grateful I am to have had his support.” Beyo also became a valuable study partner and sounding board, helping her explore different interpretations and perspectives in Jewish texts. “He was always there for me,” she said. “He would learn with me and was an incredible resource.” Her family has also grown accustomed to a household where Jewish learning is a daily part of life. She joked that she and her husband occasionally compare answers to their children’s questions about Jewish law and practice. While her children have their own ambitions, neither appears to be following immediately in their parents’ rabbinical footsteps. During her years of study, she had to pull back from some community activities because she could not do everything. Now, she is eager to become involved again. Benger describes the opportunity not simply as a new job, but as a chance to return to a community she already feels deeply connected to. “I get to join or rejoin … a community that I already love so very much,” she said. For someone who spent six years preparing for this moment, the next chapter is finally within reach. “I’m really eager and excited to get back in,” she said. And while the title rabbanit may represent a milestone, for her it is the learning, and what she can do with that learning, that matters most. JN For more information on Yeshivat Maharat, visit yeshivatmaharat.org; for the East Valley Jewish Community Center, visit evjcc.org.
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American Friends of LIBI: Helping Americans support the welfare of IDF soldiers JOSH BOOTZIN | STAFF WRITER
W
ith so many different organizations to choose from that support all manner of initiatives in Israel, potential donors from the United States often struggle to know which nonprofit to trust with their gifts. “Donors are looking for a direct link to Israel without too many pass-throughs,” said Phyllis Kaminsky, Greater Phoenix Jewish community member and co-founder of the Jewish Women’s Conservative Forum (JWCF). “I’m happy to give, and I do give, but I want to know where the money goes and how much, and I would prefer it go directly to what I am supporting.” After years of research and spreading donations across different nonprofits, Kaminsky came across American Friends of LIBI in 2024. LIBI (L’maan Bitachon Israel, for the security of Israel) was founded in 1980 by Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Rafael Eitan to support the non-military welfare needs of IDF soldiers.
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American Friends of LIBI (AFL) was then established in 2002, during the Second Intifada as a direct means for U.S. donors to support IDF soldiers. “IDF soldiers are the driving force behind American Friends of LIBI,” said AFL board chair Zvi Alon. “Every chance I get, I share their unwavering dedication to the State of Israel and how, as American friends, we directly help fulfill the growing needs, from housing for lone soldiers to physical and mental health care and higher education, which ensures a soldier’s future and Israel’s future.” AFL is one of two organizations authorized by the IDF and Israel Ministry of Defense to collect donations in the U.S. in support of the welfare needs of IDF soldiers. Led by volunteers, it provides financial aid to active-duty and wounded soldiers, reservists and bereaved families that have been affected by war and political turmoil, including those affected in the aftermath of Oct. 7. “American Friends of LIBI carries forward a vision of hope for every soldier and family in Israel, and I am honored to lead the effort,” Alon said. AFL focuses on seven core areas of support: housing, healing programs and flights for lone soldiers; PTSD support, financial grants and rehab services for wounded soldiers; medical supplies and equipment for field hospitals; financial assistance for soldiers seeking higher education and professional training; emotional and financial assistance for bereaved families; construction of medical facilities, clubhouses, sports facilities and houses of worship; and donors can request their gifts to support specific IDF units. Kaminsky said she feels “ver y comfortable” with the organization, having been founded by Begin, whom
A plane draws a heart in the sky for “LIBI,” which means heart in Hebrew.
she admired, and she appreciates that her donations are reaching lone soldiers and those with PTSD. She also appreciates that the Israel Ministr y of Defense recognizes the organization. Through her involvement in the Jewish community, Kaminsky said she is finding that many would-be American Jewish nonprofit donors are increasingly worried about whether their money is going to organizational overhead or reaching its intended destination. “The most important thing to a lot of people in this country when they’re asked to contribute is where their money is going and how long it takes to get there,” Kaminsky said. “This organization can answer those questions.” AFL’s efficient, volunteer-led operations guarantee that between 90% and 100% of each gift reaches the recipients, well above the generally considered industry benchmark of 75% in the nonprofit sector. For this reason, Kaminsky has influenced other members of her community to research AFL and donate. “A lot of these other organizations are very powerful, and they have very large staff working for them on fundraising, programming and outreach, and all this costs money,” she said. “I think it’s almost
COURTESY OF MARGIE CHACHKIN/AMERICAN FRIENDS OF LIBI
out of control, and it has confused a lot of donors since Oct. 7 who are ready to give anything to help Israel and the soldiers.” Despite its assurances about the percentage of each donation that reaches its intended destination, AFL cannot share certain details about how the money is being used. “When you’re dealing with the IDF, there’s a lot of national security issues involved, and they can’t reveal certain things about military operations,” Kaminsky explained. “I wouldn’t want them to.” Though AFL provides updates every few months, Kaminsky admitted more information would help to inspire more donors. “I think it would be a very good idea if they would publicize to their supporters what happens to the money and how it is used,” she said. “We need more information about how our money, our donations and our contributions are being used, and organizations need to have more direct lines to the people in the field that we are trying to help,” she said. Nevertheless, Kaminsky feels that AFL has “filled a gap” for her by providing a reputable channel to donate directly to those in need in Israel. JN For more information, visit friendsoflibi.org.
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Unfolding: Reflections on the Lessons of the High Holy Days
When Judaism Began: Understanding Ezra and Nehemiah
Messiah: The Zionist Nobody Wants
Rabbi Karyn Kedar
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Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 10:00 - 11:00 am PT
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Unlocking Meaning in the Words of the Siddur
Dr. Jonnie Schnytzer
Rabbi Elie Kaunfer Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 1:00 - 2:00 pm PT
Chair: Chair: Chair:Chair: Chair: Chair: Chair: Dr.Chair: Dr. Jacqueline Jacqueline Chair: Dr. Jacqueline Dr.Dr. Jacqueline Jacqueline Dr. Dr. Jacqueline Jacqueline Dr. Jacqueline Dr. Jacqueline Founding Founding Founding Chair: Founding Chair: Founding Chair: Founding Founding Chair: Founding Chair: Chair: Chair: Founding Chair: Chair: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Carole Treasurer: Carole Treasurer: Carole Zeichick Zeichick Carole Carole Zeichick Carole Carole Zeichick Zeichick Carole Zeichick Zeichick Carole Secretary: Zeichick Secretary: Zeichick Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: PastPast Past Chair: Chair: Past Past Chair: Past Past Chair: Chair: Chair: Past Chair: Past Chair: Stan Stan Hammerman Stan Hammerman Stan Hammerman Stan Stan Hammerman Stan Hammerman Hammerman Stan Hammerman Stan Hammerman Hammerman r.ary Gary Dr. Friedlander Gary Friedlander Dr.Dr. Gary Friedlander Gary Dr. Dr. Gary Friedlander Gary Friedlander Dr. Friedlander Gary Friedlander Dr.Schenkein Gary Friedlander Schenkein Friedlander Schenkein Schenkein Schenkein Schenkein Schenkein Schenkein Schenkein Steve Steve Shobin Steve Shobin Steve Steve Shobin Steve Steve Shobin Shobin Steve Shobin Shobin Steve Shobin Shobin Dr. Dr. Noah Noah Dr.SnyderNoah Dr. SnyderDr. Noah SnyderNoah Dr. Dr. Noah Noah SnyderDr. SnyderNoah SnyderSnyderDr. Noah SnyderSnyderDavid David Lieberman David Lieberman David David Lieberman David David Lieberman Lieberman David Lieberman Lieberman David Lieberman Lieberman Proto-Zionism: The Talmudic Tale The Role of God The Parable of the Chair: Dr. Jacqueline Founding Chair: Treasurer: Carole Zeichick Mackler Secretary: Past Chair: Mackler Mackler Mackler Mackler Mackler Mackler Mackler Mackler Judaism’s Umbilical of the Toasty Heels: and of Humans in Good Samaritan: Stan Hammerman Dr. Gary Friedlander Schenkein Steve Shobin Dr. Noah SnyderDavid Lieberman Connection to the A Debate over the Third Era of Antisemitic vs. Mackler Historically Accurate Interpretations
Can Our People Heal? The Urgent Need to Address Jewish Collective Trauma
Professor Amy-Jill Levine
Rabbi Igal Harmelin
Shanah Shanah Shanah Shanah Shanah Shanah Shanah Shanah Tovah Tovah Tovah Tovah Tovah Tovah Tovah from Tovah from from from from from Rabbi from Rabbi from Rabbi Rabbi Rabbi Rabbi Rabbi Shmuly Shmuly Rabbi Shmuly Shmuly Shmuly Shmuly Shmuly Shmuly and and and and and and and and Shanah Tovah from Rabbi Shmuly and the the the the the VBM the VBM VBM the VBM the VBM VBM Board Board VBM Board VBM Board Board Board Board &Board &Staff!! &Staff!! && Staff!! &Staff!! Staff!! &Staff!! &Staff!! Staff!! the VBM Board & Staff!! Land of Israel
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Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 1:00 - 2:00 pm PT
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Thursday, Thursday, Monday, Nov. 12, 2026 Nov. 19, 2026 Nov. 23, 2026 10:00 - happy 11:00 ama 1:00 -love. 2:00 pm MT Valley Valley Valley Beit Beit Valley Valley Midrash Beit Valley Valley Midrash Beit Midrash Beit Valley wishes Beit Beit Midrash Valley Midrash wishes Beit Midrash Midrash wishes everyone Beit Midrash wishes everyone wishes Midrash everyone wishes wishes everyone awishes everyone shana aeveryone everyone wishes shana a shana everyone tovah, a atovah, shana everyone shana aatovah, a shana shana happy atovah, tovah, happy shana aatovah, tovah, happy shana new a atovah, happy new a year anew tovah, happy happy year new fiMT year new happy lled fianew lled new year happy with fi year lled with new year year fijoy lled fiwith new lled joy year fifiand lled with lled joy with and year filove. with lled with and joy love. joy filled and with We joy joy and We with and invite and love. joy love. We invite and love. joy love. We invite We and love. invite We We invite love. invite invite We We invite invite 1:00 - 2:00 pm MT
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Nietzsche & Members faff taff mbers Staff Members Members Staff Members Staff Members Members Members taff Members Contemporary Jewish
The Magic Jews Weren’t Supposed to Use: A Short History of Amulets, Bowls, and Banned Rituals Dr. Kristine Henriksen Garroway Monday, Dec. 21, 2026 1:00 - 2:00 pm MT
Philosophy
Genesis in the Age of AI: A New Story of Consciousness
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Fantastic Flora: What do kabbalists think about trees?
The Lovers’ Dance: Movement and Seduction in the Song of Songs
Dr. Daniel Rynhold
Marina Zilbergerts Thursday, Jan. 7, 2027 1:00 - 2:00 pm MT
Rick Sopher and Abdulla Galadari
Dr. Jonnie Schnytzer
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Monday, Dec. 28, 2026 1:00 - 2:00 pm MT
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Dr. Andrew Porwancher
Rabbi Jane Kanarek, Ph.D.
Monday, Feb. 8, 2027 7:00 - 8:00 pm MT
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History
in the Cairo Genizah
Women and American Jewish Thought
Dr. Golan Moskowitz
Dr. Richard Sarason
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Thursday, Feb. 18, 2027 1:00 - 2:00 pm MT
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SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
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RELIGIOUS LIFE TORAH STUDY
Letting your mind wander RABBI ANDY GREEN PARSHAH SUKKOT: LEVITICUS 22:26-23:44
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y mother visited recently and wanted to cook something, but realized we didn’t have a particular Rabbi Andy Green COURTESY OF RABBI ANDY GREEN ingredient. My wife tapped a few buttons on her phone, and less than 10 minutes later, it was on our doorstep. Honestly, it boggles the mind. It took less time than it would have for any of us to simply drive to the grocery store and back, even without leaving the car. When I visited the Jews of Ethiopia earlier this year, I brought bottles of kosher wine. After months of waiting without proper wine for kiddush, the community was so grateful to receive it. Now, they could ration it to celebrate Shabbat and festivals, making the blessings over proper wine. New technologies have given us immediate gratification. It’s a blessing, but it comes at a cost. Adapting to the habit of receiving something on demand has led
to higher expectations of physical comfort, emotional coddling and entertainment at our fingertips at ever y moment. Your shower is like your synagogue sanctuary because it’s where you have your best, most creative ideas. After all, we don’t scroll on our phones there. God built us with minds meant to wander, including during worship. Daydreaming is safe at synagogue. That’s one of the reasons rabbis spend so much time calling pages. So, when you read the comment in the margins of the prayer book and let your mind recall the past or imagine a future or think about someone else in the room or about God, you know that when you want to return, you won’t be lost and another page number will be announced just for you. Allow yourself to enter that state of consciousness that only becomes active when you’re not focused on anything in particular. Sometimes that’s uncomfortable; we call that discomfort boredom. But boredom is actually very healthy because it leads us to explore our biggest questions about our meaning and purpose in this world. Getting bored is the first step
toward connecting with our deepest, truest self and the piece of God within you — as you’re created in the Divine image. Less than a month ago, a survey of U.S. adults found that 82% report that they feel like their lives run on ‘autopilot’ — moving through each day without really registering it. It’s because part of what happens when we let our minds wander is that our brains build a sense of identity and personal history. We begin to craft our own story; we register the fullness of our day. But when we’re too busy to let our minds rest, when we look to our phone for a distraction whenever we’re not entertained, the day passes us by, and life risks passing us by. I checked my phone the other day. Most smartphones have settings; if you’re brave enough to confront it, you can see exactly how many minutes, how many hours you were on your phone and also how many times you picked it up, how many times your attention turned away from the world in front of you and towards the computer in your pocket. One day earlier this month, I picked up my phone 182 times. We can all do better. Whether we lock our devices
SUKKOT CANDLE LIGHTING SEPTEMBER 25 - 6:02 P.M. SEPTEMBER 26 - 6:56 P.M. SUKKOT ENDS SEPTEMBER 27 - 6:54 P.M. Find area congregations at jewishaz.com, where you can also find our 2026 Community Directory.
away for family meals, for Shabbat or create other guardrails for ourselves, these are steps in the right direction. When we allow ourselves to really be bored, when we let our minds register and process our lives, the ordinary things that have become boring become less so. Our jobs, families, relationships and our communities — it’s all more engaging when we choose to be fully present! The holiday of Sukkot reminds us to find joy, invite guests, be fully embodied as we shake the lulav and etrog, and step away from our normal comforts and crutches to be more present and live lives of greater meaning. As we step into the sukkah this week, let’s leave our phones behind and truly find joy by turning to Heaven, to tradition and to one another. JN Rabbi Andy Green is the senior rabbi of Congregation Or Tzion and the president of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Phoenix.
OPINION
Commentary
Remembering Paul Reichenbach, who helped shape generations of young Reform Jews RABBI JEFFREY K. SALKIN | JTA
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eave it to Paul Reichenbach to leave this world on the morning of the second day of Rosh Hashanah — with its Torah portion telling Abraham that it would be impossible to count his descendants, as impossible as counting the stars and the grains of sand. So, too, with Paul, who spent over 40 years helping to create Reform camp programs (what some believe to be the crown jewel of the movement), helping countless youngsters embrace their Jewish identities and recruiting and managing staff who themselves would go on to teach and transform. Reichenbach, who died Sept. 13 at the age of 74 after a brief battle with ALS, was legendary in the Reform movement. Starting in 1975, he served on the staff of the youth programs of the Union for Reform Judaism (formerly Union of American Hebrew Congregations), serving as the co-director of the URJ/
UAHC Youth Division. At the time of his retirement in 2019, he had been one of its longest-serving professionals. His resume was as large as his appetite — not only for food, but for experiences and life. He had been the co-director of the URJ Kutz Camp-Institute in Warwick, New York, the Reform movement’s teen leadership camp. (It closed in 2019.) He oversaw the URJ’s network of 18 North American camps. For years, he was the voice of the Reform movement, literally: He was the deep-voiced announcer at Reform movement biennials. So, how many young people (and by extension, their families) did Paul influence? According to the URJ website, its youth programs — summer camps, Israel programs and NFTY: The Reform Youth Movement — engage more than 20,000 youth, teens and young adults each year. That would be hundreds of thousands of distinct youth experiences over the
course of one man’s professional life. And then consider that many of those young people would go on and have their own children and grandchildren, who might have similar experiences. Imagine the number of those young people who became Jewish professionals — rabbis, cantors, educators, camp directors, Hillel directors, federation personnel, Jewish community center workers. And the gift of that mentorship did not end with the Reform movement. It embraced the entire Jewish world. Those whom he taught, taught others, creating a ripple effect — what we might call the immortality of influence. We also know that programs that Paul helped create, design and nurture actually work. Amy L. Sales and Leonard Saxe of Brandeis University’s Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies conducted the 2000 field study behind “How Goodly
Are Thy Tents: Summer Camps as Jewish Socializing Experiences.” They spent time at 20 Jewish residential camps across the country, observing daily life, meals and Sabbath rituals. They confirmed what we always sensed: Camp’s immersive, round-the-clock environment lets Jewish education and identity-formation happen informally and experientially — through communal living, shared ritual, music and peer culture — in a way that classroom-based supplementary schooling cannot. That was the impetus behind the creation of the Foundation for Jewish Camp, which supports and funds such camping programs. JN This article has been edited for space. To read it in its entirety, visit jewishaz.com. 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.
A NOTE ON OPINION
We are a diverse community. The views expressed in these opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the views of the officers and boards of the Jewish Community Foundation, Center for Jewish Philanthropy, Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, Cleveland Jewish Publication Company or the staff of Jewish News. Letters must respond to content published by Jewish News and should be a maximum of 200 words. They may be edited for space and clarity. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters and op-ed submissions should be sent to editor@jewishaz.com 8
SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
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SPECIAL SECTION ESTATE PLANNING/WEALTH MANAGEMENT
How AI Is reshaping estate planning MARK BREGMAN | SPECIAL TO JEWISH NEWS
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’m a recent convert to artificial intelligence, and I admit I’m still exploring its boundaries. I have a love-hate relationship with my new “friend” Claude, who insists on calling me Morrie. Several of my colleagues now use AI to generate polished spreadsheets and illustrations that make estate planning easier to understand, sharpen their presentations and speed up research that used to take much longer. But there’s a snake in this garden of Eden: AI gets things wrong. Sometimes badly. As I climbed the learning curve, I noticed a pattern — AI seemed terrific when it agreed with me and oddly stubborn when it didn’t. At first, I dismissed it with some disdain. Then I realized the problem usually wasn’t AI — it was me. I learned to ask a question, look critically at the answer and refine it with a follow-up. More than once, the response began with some version of “Morrie, you’re right, I didn’t look in the right place” because I didn’t ask the question well the first time. Since then, AI has made me a better chess player and a better bridge player. It’s told me how long to cook a roast, grill a burger or boil an egg. It’s helped me configure my word processor, fix a running toilet and solve the daily Wordle.
What does any of this have to do with estate planning? AI is very good at finding and organizing information. What it can’t do is exercise professional judgment. My colleagues and I have been comparing notes on a growing trend: clients running their estate plans through AI, then coming back to tell us what we supposedly got wrong. We’ve developed a working theory about why that happens. Used one way, AI is a genuine asset: as a sounding board that sharpens your own thinking on a subject you already understand, refined through back-and-forth questioning. Used another way — as a substitute for a professional’s judgment, experience and personal knowledge of your situation — it puts you in a tough spot. You’re left choosing between trusting the advisor you hired or a generic internet summary that, without the knowledge or experience to spot what’s missing or what exceptions may apply, gives you no reliable way to use the information for your benefit. This isn’t a new problem; estate planning lawyers have competed with “generic” solutions for decades. There used to be fill-in-theblank forms sold at stationery stores. Then the internet made forms even easier to find. Financial planners and others began pitch-
ing clients on skipping “expensive” lawyers altogether, offering their own form files or routing clients to attorneys who churned out simple wills, trusts and powers of attorney for a low flat fee — often without ever sitting down with the client to understand their actual situation. Then came LegalZoom and similar services, promising a complete estate plan in exchange for filling out an online questionnaire. Do those forms work? Sometimes, the way a broken clock is right twice a day. But in plenty of foreseeable situations, they fall short of what the person actually needs. Can AI draft a will, trust or power of attorney? Absolutely, but only if someone feeds it every variable that experienced estate planning lawyers have learned actually matters. The real value an estate planning lawyer provides starts with asking the right questions, then building the plan around your answers using years of accumulated judgment. Knowing what to ask — and what to ask next — is the most important part of the job. It’s usually pretty easy for me to tell when a client has brought AI into the conversation. Some are quite sophisticated about it, pressing me on why I structured something a certain way or why I didn’t cite a particular
statute. Others simply present AI’s conclusions as their own. Either way, I welcome it, it’s a chance to explain my reasoning. I’ve long believed that my clients teach me about their families, and I teach them about the law. AI hasn’t changed that; if anything, it’s made those conversations richer and helped me tailor documents even more precisely to each client’s life. Like any powerful tool, AI can be a real benefit when used responsibly. But treated as a replacement for the judgment of an experienced professional, it can quietly lead you toward a plan that doesn’t hold up, and you may not find out until it’s too late to fix. Bring the same care when using an AI platform that you’d bring to choosing a professional and season the conversation with a healthy dose of skepticism. Have you tried using AI to research an estate planning question? Talk to your estate planning attorney about it at your next review. A five-minute conversation now could save your family real headaches later. JN Mark Bregman has been an estate planning attorney for more than 40 years. For more information, contact 602-254-6008 or info@ DBFWCLegal.com or visit DBFWCLegal.com.
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SPECIAL SECTION ESTATE PLANNING/WEALTH MANAGEMENT
COURTESY OF PUWADON SANG-NGERN/PEXELS
Making a gift while planning ahead MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR
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he law defines a “gift” as any transfer to an individual, either directly or indirectly, where full consideration is not received in return. Parents giving gifts to children before they die has both advantages and disadvantages. An immediate advantage is helping children with major expenses such as education, buying a home or starting a business. Not only can parents experience the enjoyment and fulfillment of seeing their children benefit, but the gift can teach financial responsibility and provide guidance on building wealth. By removing the asset from the parents’ estate, the gift could potentially reduce estate taxes. In 2026, an individual may give up to $19,000, and couples up to $38,000, to any person without triggering gift tax or using one’s lifetime exclusions. Gifts may be provided to an unlimited number of individuals. For 2026, the federal lifetime gift and estate tax exemption is $15 million per individual and $30 million for married couples. Gifts exceeding the annual exclusion require each individual to file Form 709, gift tax returns, which adds an
administrative burden for the parents. Gifts in the form of tuition or medical expenses are not subject to gift tax if made directly to the educational or medical institution, and there is no cap. Gifts to 529 plans differ. One limitation cited about 529 plans is that funds can only be used at eligible educational institutions for qualified higher education expenses. But with the recent expansion of approved uses for 529 plans, what was already a flexible savings option has grown into an even broader option for educational savings. According to Invest529, in addition to covering the cost of expenses at colleges and universities, in 2019, Congress established a lifetime limit of $10,000 from a 529 plan that can be used without any penalties or tax consequences to repay a qualified student loan of the beneficiary or a qualified student loan of the beneficiary’s sibling, including federal and most private loans. Before these changes, withdrawals for student loan payments would have been subject to income taxes and other penalties. Setting up a 529 plan is an investment decision, so you must consider both the benefits and drawbacks, along with alternative ways to accomplish the same goal. Many independent sources provide
IN 2026, AN INDIVIDUAL MAY GIVE UP TO $19,000, AND COUPLES UP TO $38,000, TO ANY PERSON WITHOUT TRIGGERING GIFT TAX OR USING ONE’S LIFETIME EXCLUSIONS. GIFTS MAY BE PROVIDED TO AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS. 10
SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
JEWISH NEWS
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SPECIAL SECTION ESTATE PLANNING/WEALTH MANAGEMENT information on 529 plans. Consider consulting a trusted tax professional or financial planner before investing in a 529 plan. Parents’ giving can also help children save for retirement. According to Fidelity Investments, a minor can contribute to a custodial Roth IRA if they have earned income during the year. Eligible income can include formal employment income or self-employment income. Activities like babysitting, pet sitting or mowing lawns can qualify a minor for Roth IRA contributions. Note that in some cases, self-employment taxes (Medicare and Social Security) may apply, so it’s advisable to consult with a tax professional. The 2026 maximum annual contribution is $7,500, or the total of a child’s earned income for the year — whichever is less. For example, if your daughter earned $2,000 from a summer job, you could contribute up to $2,000 to a Roth IRA in her name. (Keep in mind, an adult cannot contribute more than the minor’s earned income, so if the adult contributes $2,000, neither the minor nor another adult can contribute more that tax year.) Keep in mind that all gifts must be reported at fair market value; an appraisal or other formal valuation may be required. Selling property to children for less than
full market value can be considered a gift and require filing a gift tax return as well. When considering a gift of cash or property, parents should note that the lifetime estate and gift exemption includes assets passed to heirs at death, as well as gifts made during life that exceed the annual exclusion amount. Experts recommend that parents who want to limit the use of gifted funds place them in an irrevocable trust, which can restrict how and when beneficiaries can access them. In general, a gift that retains too many incidents of ownership is not considered a gift. Working with an attorney is recommended when creating trusts that benefit children to ensure that trust provisions function as intended. For parents considering a lifetime gift, the decision involves more than simply determining how much to give. The timing, type of gift and tax consequences can all affect both the giver and the recipient. With careful planning and guidance from qualified financial, tax and legal professionals, parents can make gifts that provide meaningful support to their children while also fitting into their broader estate and financial plans. JN
Planning for Incapacity and Death Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney
kiermanlaw.com kiermanlaw.com
This article incorporated reporting from Martha Sorohan with Cleveland Jewish News.
A DV E RT O R I A L
Why a Strong Stock Market May Not Feel Like a Strong Economy Angus Schaal, CFP®, Senior Managing Director, and Amy Bush, CFA, Chief Investment Officer Angus: People use “economy” and “market” interchangeably. How are they different? Amy: The economy describes how people and businesses earn, spend, invest, and trade. GDP measures U.S. output; real GDP adjusts for inflation. Since 2000, real GDP growth has averaged 2.2% annually. The market is forward-looking. Investors value companies based on expected earnings rather than current conditions. Markets can rise amid bad news when investors anticipate improvement. Over the five years ending August 31, 2026, the S&P 500 gained 82%, despite falling 19.4% in 2022, equal to a 12.7% annualized return. Innovation, productivity, policy, and corporate profits contributed. Angus: Why don’t those returns resonate with everyone? Amy: Inflation is straining household budgets. Stockholders may benefit from rising markets, while people whose wages lag food, housing, and insurance costs may feel worse off. Conditions differ depending on income, savings, and investments. Persistent price pressures help explain why the Federal Reserve voted unanimously in September to raise its benchmark rate by one-quarter of a percentage point. Angus: How are the economy and market connected? Amy: Interest rates, labor, and material costs affect economic cycles and corporate profits. Piper Sandler estimates that macroeconomic trends explain approximately 70% of stock movements. A great company is not always a great investment at every price or point in the cycle. The “wealth effect” is another connection. When investments and home values rise, people spend more, supporting growth. The economy and market influence each other, but they are not the same. Tandem Wealth Advisors helps individuals and families look beyond headlines and make informed decisions as part of a long-term financial plan. Learn more at tandemwealth.com.
Amy Bush, CFA
Angus Schaal, CFP®
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Tandem offers: An experienced team that cares about each individual client and their unique needs 1850 N Central Ave Suite 330 Phoenix, AZ 85004
www.tandemwealth.com/nextlevel Tel: 602-635-3600 ext. 1
Tandem Wealth Advisors | www.tandemwealth.com Sources: S&P Dow Jones Indices; Piper Sandler, August 30, 2026; Federal Reserve, September 16, 2026. Returns include reinvested dividends. An index cannot be invested in directly. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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Tandem Wealth is an investment adviser registered with the SEC, using Charles Schwab & Co as custodian for client accounts.
JEWISH NEWS
SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
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SPECIAL SECTION ESTATE PLANNING/WEALTH MANAGEMENT
The AI boom: The right question for investors C. ANGUS SCHAAL, CFP® | SPECIAL TO JEWISH NEWS
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any investors today are asking whether the AI boom represents a bubble. While that question generates headlines, it may not be the most useful question for long-term investors. History suggests that transformative technologies often follow a familiar C. Angus Schaal COURTESY OF TANDEM WEALTH ADVISORS pattern. Railroads, electricity, automobiles, the internet and smartphones all produced periods of extraordinary investment, enthusiasm and, in some cases, speculation. Some companies failed, some valuations proved excessive, but the underlying technologies permanently changed the economy. Artificial intelligence appears likely to follow a similar path. The challenge for investors is not determining the exact day enthusiasm peaks. Few investors successfully identify market tops in real time. The more important task is distinguishing between a technology that
creates lasting economic value and one that does not. Today, AI is already reshaping software, semiconductors, cloud computing, data centers, cybersecurity, industrial automation and healthcare. Corporate investment in AI infrastructure continues to grow, and many businesses are only beginning to incorporate these technologies into their operations. At the same time, periods of rapid innovation often create valuation excesses. Some companies will ultimately justify their valuations. Others will not. This has been true throughout every major technological revolution. For that reason, we believe investors should avoid two common mistakes: First, becoming so fearful of a potential bubble that they avoid the opportunity entirely. Second, abandoning diversification and risk management in pursuit of the hottest stocks or newest themes. Our view remains that the most prudent approach is to participate in the AI-driven transformation of the economy while maintaining a disciplined portfolio structure.
“OUR VIEW REMAINS THAT THE MOST PRUDENT APPROACH IS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE AI-DRIVEN TRANSFORMATION OF THE ECONOMY WHILE MAINTAINING A DISCIPLINED PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE.” This means owning businesses with durable competitive advantages, strong balance sheets, growing cash flows and reasonable long-term prospects, rather than attempting to speculate on every new development. One of the reasons we have discussed technology exposure with many clients recently is that a significant portion of global earnings growth is currently being generated by companies involved in semiconductors, digital infrastructure, software, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. A portfolio that is materially underweight in these areas may face challenges keeping pace with long-term economic and earnings growth. That does not mean every AI-related company will be successful. It does mean that ignoring one of the most important technological shifts in decades carries its own risks.
Ultimately, we believe the question is not whether AI enthusiasm eventually cools. Every major investment cycle eventually does. The more important question is whether artificial intelligence will continue to create economic value, productivity gains and earnings growth over the next decade. At this stage, the evidence suggests the answer is yes. As portfolio managers, our objective is not to predict the exact timing of a future peak. Our objective is to ensure client portfolios are positioned to participate in long-term opportunities while remaining diversified enough to withstand whatever surprises the future may bring. JN C. Angus Schaal, CFP® is the senior managing director at Tandem Wealth Advisors in Phoenix. For more information, visit tandemwealth.com.
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Partners with PJ Wisdom wine Rachel Rapoport,and director of community partnerships at PJ
Tashlich Workingtime together Membersof ofthe Congregation Or Tzion in Scottsdale cast their sins away during tashlich at Scottsdale’s Chaparral Park. COURTESY CONGREGATION OR TZION Members Board of Rabbis of Greater Phoenix gathered to prepare for the High Holidays at Temple Chai in Scottsdale with OF visiting scholar, Rabbi Dan Medwin, fourth from left. COURTESYOFRABBIANDYGREEN
Lunch and learning
Secrets of the stage
From left to right, Terri Rimer, Janet Lottman and Vicki Diamond connected over lunch and learned how to stay one step ahead of fraud at the recent Smile on Seniors event “It’s Not Just Lunch and Fraud Prevention” on Sept. 2 held at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus in COURTESY OF SMILE ON SENIORS Scottsdale.
Participants in the Brandeis Phoenix Adult Summer Camp were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts.
Library, spoke at PJ spoke Librarywith Partner Day and at the Ina Levine David Weiner, farthe left, Steven Ellen Weiss Jewishtheir Community Campus on Aug.at27. The eventfor gathered about philanthropic endeavors the Center Jewish Jewish professionals inPhoenix’s the community who work withWisdom children. Philanthropy of Greater Ben-Gurion Society & COURTESY OF JEWISH NEWS Wine event on Sept. 1. COURTESY OF THE CENTER FOR JEWISH PHILANTHROPY OF GREATER PHOENIX
COURTESY OF BRANDEIS NATIONAL COMMITTEE PHOENIX CHAPTER
Nailed it!
Being better humans
On Sept. 2, community members Susan and Steve Kaufman volunteered on Arizona Jews for Justice’s (AJJ) “Let’s Be Rabbi Gavriel Goetz, far left, and YeshivaBetter High Humans” School of bus Arizona extra materials from the with students Brandon use Nahsonhoya, AJJ’s outreach construction going on at the high schoolcoordinator to build a tree COURTESY YESHIVA110 HIGHpeople SCHOOL OF ARIZONA (nothouse. pictured). They served moreOFthan with food, water and essential resources. COURTESY OF ARIZONA JEWS FOR JUSTICE
This COMMUNITY page features photos of community members This COMMUNITY page features photos of community members around the Valley and the world. Submit around the Valley and the world. Submit photos and details each photos and details each week to Game night Preparing for the new year week to editor@jewishaz.com by 10 a.m. From left to right, Helene Finke, David Finke, Ettie Zilber, Norm Karson and Marc Staman joined the editor@jewishaz.com byMonday. 10 a.m. Monday. The Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley (JCSVV) held an Elul workshop for members and guests on Sunday, Aug. 30, led by Phoenix Holocaust Association for a members-only game night in July. COURTESY OF PHOENIX HOLOCAUST ASSOCIATION Rabbi Alicia Magal, standing. COURTESY OF MERI THOMASON JEWISHAZ.COM
JEWISH NEWS
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER25, 4, 2026
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CALENDAR
Featured Event Community Sukkah Hop: 4:30 p.m. Locations provided upon RSVP. Join Chabad for an evening “hopping” from sukkah to sukkah and enjoying drinks, appetizers and family fun. For more information, visit chabadaz.com/hop. Events FRIDAY, SEPT. 25 Celebrate Sukkot Under the Stars: 6 p.m. Chabad of Downtown Phoenix, 1515 W. Palm Lane, Phoenix. Join Chabad for dinner and songs in the sukkah. RSVP required. For more information, visit jewishdowntownphoenix.com Sukkot & Shabbat Dinner: 6-8:30 p.m. Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Join Or Tzion for dinner, games, shaking the lulav and more. Cost: $36 adults, $20 ages under 10, free for ages under 5. For more information, visit otaz.org/sukkot. Sukkot Under the Stars: 6 p.m. Address provided upon RSVP. Join Chabad of Moon Valley for a service and Shabbat dinner. For more information, visit jewishmoonvalley.com/events. SATURDAY, SEPT. 26 YJP Sukkot Dinner Under the Stars: 7:45 p.m. Location provided upon RSVP. Join Chabad of Paradise Valley for a cocktail hour followed by a buffet in the sukkah for adults in their 20s and 30s. Cost: $25 per person. For more information, visit jewishparadisevalley.com. SUNDAY, SEPT. 27 LEGO in the Sukkah: A Family Celebration: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Location provided upon RSVP. Join Chabad of Moon Valley for an interactive LEGO experience and community lunch. For more information, visit jewishmoonvalley.com/events. Rainbows in the Sukkah: 2-4 p.m. Location provided upon registration. Join AZ Jews for Pride to tie-dye T-shirts in the sukkah in preparation for the Phoenix Pride Parade on Oct. 11. For more information, visit phoenixcjp.regfox.com/ az-jews-for-pride-2026. Simchas Beis Hashoeiva Concert: 7:30 p.m. Chabad of Arizona, 2110 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix. Join Chabad for a concert featuring Berel Faiden. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com.
Kitchen’s mobile pizza truck. For more information, visit sosaz.org/sukkah. Soups, Salads & Sushi in the Sukkah: 4:30-6 p.m. Chabad of Downtown Phoenix, 1515 W. Palm Lane, Phoenix. Join Chabad for a Sukkot party with soup, salads and sushi. For more information, visit jewishdowntownphoenix.com. TUESDAY, SEPT. 29 Can We Be Different and Still Be One? The Message of Sukkot: 10 a.m. East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Join the EVJCC and Rabbi Levi Minsky for a discussion of this ancient holiday to uncover timeless lessons about individuality, belonging and what truly brings people together. Cost: Free; registration required. For more information, visit evjcc.org. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30 Coffee with Rabbi: In the Sukkah!: 10 a.m. Location provided upon RSVP. Join Chabad of Moon Valley for conversation and coffee in the sukkah. For more information, visit jewishmoonvalley.com/events. Cereal in the Sukkah: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Chabad of Arizona, 2110 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix. Join Chabad and Aleph Bet Preschool & Kindergarten for a special Sukkot morning for young Jewish families featuring a cereal bar, pancake bar, hot chocolate, entertainment, lulav shake and an edible sukkah activity. For more information, visit alephbetaz.com/sukkah. Gather under the Sukkah with Women IN Philanthropy and Women’s Leadership Institute: 5:30-7 p.m. Location provided upon registration. Join the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix’s Women IN Philanthropy and Women’s Leadership Institute Executive Director Rabbi Emily Langowitz for a discussion in the sukkah with appetizers and drinks. Cost: $36 per person. For more information, visit phoenixcjp.regfox.com/ wip-in-the-sukkah-2026-wip-3001-6.
MONDAY, SEPT. 28 Sukkah Party for Seniors: 11 a.m. Smile On Seniors, 2110 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix. Join SOS in the sukkah and enjoy pizza from Brad’s
Sukkot Under the Stars: 5:45 p.m. Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Join Beth El for a family-themed Yom Tov service and a bring-your-own dairy or pareve dinner. For more information, visit bethelphoenix. com/event/sukkot.
MT. SINAI CEMETERY
Meetings, Lectures & Classes
Complete Companion Burial Package for 2 including Upright Granite Monument in Solomon Section
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.
Current price approx. $19,000
Asking price $12,500 Call or Text Allan 602-620-4321 14
SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
Jewish War Veterans Post 210: 10 a.m. on 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 Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework, Desert Cactus Chapter: 10 a.m. The Oasis at Sagewood, 4555 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix.
The guild meets on 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. Living Through Loss: 4:30-6 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month. Online via Zoom. Join the Deutsch Family Shalom Center at Temple Chai for a Jewish bereavement support group. For more information, contact shalomcenter@templechai.com or 602-9711234, ext. 253. 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 like-minded 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! All levels 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-and-me-playgroup.html. Torah Study with Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Online. Weekly study group explores that week’s portion and studies different perspectives and debates the merits of various arguments. Intended for adults, Torah study is open to students of all levels. For more information, contact the TBS office at 623-977-3240. Happiness Hour: 11:30 a.m. Online. Class taught by Rabbi Pinchas Allouche that delves into texts and references culled from our traditions to address a relevant topic. For more information, visit BethTefillahAZ.org. Grief Support Group: 5-6 p.m. Online via Zoom. Therapist Susan Charney MSW, LCSW, leads a grief support group every first and third Wednesday of the month virtually for individuals experiencing the loss of an adult child or sibling. In lieu of any fees for these sessions, donations to Temple Solel are appreciated. For more information, contact susancharneycounseling@gmail.com.
JEWISH NEWS
COURTESY OF CHABAD OF ARIZONA
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30
History of the Jews: 7 p.m. Online. Learn the Jewish journey from Genesis to Moshiach with Rabbi Ephraim Zimmerman. Use this link: zoom.us/j/736434666. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com. 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 Contemporary American Judaism: 10-11:30 a.m. Sept. 17, 24 and Oct. 1. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Join TBSWV Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan for this discussion on how American Judaism has changed over the past half a century and where it is headed next. Cost: $20 for members; $35 for nonmembers. Registration deadline is Sept. 1. For more information, visit tbsaz.org. The Science of Everything: 11 a.m. Online. Explore the most fundamental work of Chassidut: the Tanya, with Rabbi Boruch. Use this link: zoom.us/j/736434666. Cost: Free. For more information, visit chabadaz.com. Torah Study with Rabbi Lev Ettelson: 11 a.m. Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. Join Rabbi 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 1-253-2158782, 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 JEWISHAZ.COM
CALENDAR discussion. For more information and to register, contact oradaminfo@gmail.com.
Shabbat 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. Shabbat Morning Service: 10 a.m. Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join Congregation Shomrei Torah for a traditional/egalitarian service led by Hazzan Bernard Savitz with kiddush following service. Zoom available. For more information, visit cstaz.org or contact 602-376-4392. 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/bec-livestream. 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, visit bethemethaz.org. Shabbat Services: 6 p.m.; 9:30 a.m. Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Services are also livestreamed 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.
more information, call 480612-4413 or 480-580-1592. Shabbat Services with Beth Ami Temple: 7 p.m. Services held at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, 4027 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise
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
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. JN
h^W^ ^ƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ KǁŶĞƌƐŚŝƉ͕ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ŝƌĐƵůĂƚŝŽŶ 1. WƵďůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ dŝƚůĞ͗ :ĞǁŝƐŚ EĞǁƐ 2. WƵďůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ EƵŵďĞƌ͗ ϭϬϳϬͲϱϴϰϴ 3. &ŝůŝŶŐ ĂƚĞ͗ 9/17/2026 4. /ƐƐƵĞ &ƌĞƋƵĞŶĐLJ͗ sĂƌŝĞƐ 5. EƵŵďĞƌ ŽĨ /ƐƐƵĞƐ WƵďůŝƐŚĞĚ ŶŶƵĂůůLJ͗ Ϯϴ 6. ŶŶƵĂů ^ƵďƐĐƌŝƉƚŝŽŶ WƌŝĐĞ͗ Ψ60.00 7. ŽŵƉůĞƚĞ DĂŝůŝŶŐ ĚĚƌĞƐƐ ŽĨ <ŶŽǁŶ KĨĨŝĐĞ ŽĨ WƵďůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ͗ ϭϮϳϬϭ E ^ĐŽƚƚƐĚĂůĞ ZĚ͕ ^ƚĞ ϮϬϭ͕ ^ĐŽƚƚƐĚĂůĞ͕ ϴϱϮϱϰͲϱϰϱϱ 8. ŽŵƉůĞƚĞ DĂŝůŝŶŐ ĚĚƌĞƐƐ ŽĨ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ KĨĨŝĐĞ ŽĨ WƵďůŝƐŚĞƌ͗ ϭϮϳϬϭ E ^ĐŽƚƚƐĚĂůĞ ZĚ͕ ^ƚĞ ϮϬϭ͕ ^ĐŽƚƚƐĚĂůĞ͕ ϴϱϮϱϰͲϱϰϱϱ 9. &Ƶůů EĂŵĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŽŵƉůĞƚĞ DĂŝůŝŶŐ ĚĚƌĞƐƐĞƐ ŽĨ WƵďůŝƐŚĞƌ ĂŶĚ DĂŶĂŐŝŶŐ ĚŝƚŽƌ͗ Ă͘ WƵďůŝƐŚĞƌ͗ :ĞǁŝƐŚ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ &ŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ 'ƌĞĂƚĞƌ WŚŽĞŶŝdž͕ ϭϮϳϬϭ E ^ĐŽƚƚƐĚĂůĞ ZĚ͕ ^ƚĞ ϮϬϭ͕ ^ĐŽƚƚƐĚĂůĞ͕ ϴϱϮϱϰͲϱϰϱϱ ď͘ DĂŶĂŐŝŶŐ ĚŝƚŽƌ͗ DĂůĂ ůŽŵƋƵŝƐƚ͕ ϭϮϳϬϭ E ^ĐŽƚƚƐĚĂůĞ ZĚ͕ ^ƚĞ ϮϬϭ͕ ^ĐŽƚƚƐĚĂůĞ͕ ϴϱϮϱϰͲϱϰϱϱ 10. KǁŶĞƌ͗ :ĞǁŝƐŚ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ &ŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ 'ƌĞĂƚĞƌ WŚŽĞŶŝdž ;ƵŶĚĞƌ ŶĂŵĞ ŽĨ WŚŽĞŶŝdž :ĞǁŝƐŚ EĞǁƐ >> Ϳ ϭϮϳϬϭ E ^ĐŽƚƚƐĚĂůĞ ZĚ͕ ^ƚĞ ϮϬϭ͕ ^ĐŽƚƚƐĚĂůĞ͕ ϴϱϮϱϰͲϱϰϱϱ 11. <ŶŽǁŶ ŽŶĚŚŽůĚĞƌƐ͕ DŽƌƚŐĂŐĞĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ KƚŚĞƌ ^ĞĐƵƌŝƚLJ ,ŽůĚĞƌƐ KǁŶŝŶŐ Žƌ ,ŽůĚŝŶŐ ϭ WĞƌĐĞŶƚ Žƌ DŽƌĞ ŽĨ dŽƚĂů ŵŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ŽŶĚƐ͕ DŽƌƚŐĂŐĞƐ͕ Žƌ KƚŚĞƌ ^ĞĐƵƌŝƚŝĞƐ͗ EŽŶĞ 12. dĂdž ^ƚĂƚƵƐ͗ ,ĂƐ ŶŽƚ ĐŚĂŶŐĞĚ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ƉƌĞĐĞĚŝŶŐ ϭϮ ŵŽŶƚŚƐ 13. WƵďůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ dŝƚůĞ͗ :ĞǁŝƐŚ EĞǁƐ 14. /ƐƐƵĞ ĂƚĞ ĨŽƌ ŝƌĐƵůĂƚŝŽŶ ĂƚĂ ĞůŽǁ͗ ϵͬ04/2026 15. džƚĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ EĂƚƵƌĞ ŽĨ ŝƌĐƵůĂƚŝŽŶ͗ ǀĞƌĂŐĞ EŽ͘ ŽƉŝĞƐ ĂĐŚ /ƐƐƵĞ ƵƌŝŶŐ WƌĞĐĞĚŝŶŐ ϭϮ DŽŶƚŚƐ͖ EŽ͘ ŽƉŝĞƐ ŽĨ ^ŝŶŐůĞ /ƐƐƵĞ WƵďůŝƐŚĞĚ EĞĂƌĞƐƚ ƚŽ &ŝůŝŶŐ ĂƚĞ͘ a. dŽƚĂů EƵŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ŽƉŝĞƐ ;ŶĞƚ ƉƌĞƐƐ ƌƵŶͿ͗ 1,793͖ ϭ͕716 b. ϭͿ DĂŝůĞĚ KƵƚƐŝĚĞͲ ŽƵŶƚLJ WĂŝĚ ^ƵďƐĐƌŝƉƚŝŽŶƐ ^ƚĂƚĞĚ ŽŶ W^ &Žƌŵ ϯϱϰϭ͗ ϭ02͖ ϭ08 2) DĂŝůĞĚ /ŶͲ ŽƵŶƚLJ WĂŝĚ ^ƵďƐĐƌŝƉƚŝŽŶƐ ^ƚĂƚĞĚ ŽŶ W^ &Žƌŵ ϯϱϰϭ͗ ϭ͕691͖ ϭ,608 3) WĂŝĚ ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚŝŽŶ KƵƚƐŝĚĞ ƚŚĞ DĂŝůƐ /ŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ^ĂůĞƐ dŚƌŽƵŐŚ ĞĂůĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ĂƌƌŝĞƌƐ͕ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ sĞŶĚŽƌƐ͕ ŽƵŶƚĞƌ ^ĂůĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ KƚŚĞƌ WĂŝĚ ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚŝŽŶ KƵƚƐŝĚĞ h^W^͗ Ϭ͖ Ϭ 4) WĂŝĚ ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚŝŽŶ ďLJ KƚŚĞƌ ůĂƐƐĞƐ ŽĨ DĂŝů dŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ h^W^͗ Ϭ͕ Ϭ c. dŽƚĂů WĂŝĚ ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚŝŽŶ͗ 1,793͖ ϭ͕716 d. ϭͿ &ƌĞĞ Žƌ EŽŵŝŶĂů ZĂƚĞ KƵƚƐŝĚĞͲ ŽƵŶƚLJ ŽƉŝĞƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞĚ ŽŶ W^ &Žƌŵ ϯϱϰϭ͗ Ϭ͖ Ϭ 2) &ƌĞĞ Žƌ EŽŵŝŶĂů ZĂƚĞ /ŶͲ ŽƵŶƚLJ ŽƉŝĞƐ ŽŶ W^ &Žƌŵ ϯϱϰϭ͗ Ϭ͖ Ϭ 3) &ƌĞĞ Žƌ EŽŵŝŶĂů ZĂƚĞ ŽƉŝĞƐ DĂŝůĞĚ Ăƚ KƚŚĞƌ ůĂƐƐĞƐ ŽĨ DĂŝů dŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ h^W^͗ Ϭ͕ Ϭ 4) &ƌĞĞ Žƌ EŽŵŝŶĂů ZĂƚĞ ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚŝŽŶ KƵƚƐŝĚĞ ƚŚĞ DĂŝů͗ Ϭ͖ Ϭ e. dŽƚĂů &ƌĞĞ Žƌ EŽŵŝŶĂů ZĂƚĞ ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚŝŽŶ͗ Ϭ͖ Ϭ f. dŽƚĂů ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚŝŽŶ͗ 1,793; 1,716 g. ŽƉŝĞƐ EŽƚ ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚĞĚ͗ 4͖ Ϭ h. dŽƚĂů͗ 1,793; 1,716 i. WĞƌĐĞŶƚ WĂŝĚ͗ ϭϬϬй͖ ϭϬϬй ϭϲ͘ ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐ ŽƉLJ ŝƌĐƵůĂƚŝŽŶ͘ a. WĂŝĚ ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐ ŽƉŝĞƐ͗ Ϭ͖ Ϭ b. dŽƚĂů WƌŝŶƚ ŽƉŝĞƐ н WĂŝĚ ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐ ŽƉŝĞƐ͗ 1,793; 1,716 c. dŽƚĂů WƌŝŶƚ ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚŝŽŶ н WĂŝĚ ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐ ŽƉŝĞƐ͗ 1,793; 1,716 d. WĞƌĐĞŶƚ WĂŝĚ͗ ϭϬϬй͖ ϭϬϬй / ĐĞƌƚŝĨLJ ƚŚĂƚ ϱϬй ŽĨ Ăůů ŵLJ ĚŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚĞĚ ĐŽƉŝĞƐ ;ĞůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŝŶƚͿ ĂƌĞ ƉĂŝĚ ĂďŽǀĞ Ă ŶŽŵŝŶĂů ƉƌŝĐĞ͘ 17. WƵďůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ^ƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ KǁŶĞƌƐŚŝƉ ĨŽƌ Ă ZĞƋƵĞƐƚŽƌ WƵďůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ ŝƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ĂŶĚ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƉƌŝŶƚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ 09/25/2026 ŝƐƐƵĞ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ƉƵďůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ͘ 18. / ĐĞƌƚŝĨLJ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚŝƐ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ ŝƐ ƚƌƵĞ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞ͗ Richard Solomon, Associate Publisher, 9/17/2026
MILESTONES ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT DANNY MARKS AND ANNA OLIVER Danny Marks of Phoenix and Anna Oliver of Scottsdale announce their engagement. Parents of the bride-to-be are Ruthie Shulman Oliver of Scottsdale; and Austin Oliver of Scottsdale. Parents of the groom-to-be are Linda Laev of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Jeffrey Marks of Tucson. The couple are planning a fall 2027 wedding and celebration, date and location to be determined. JN WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT LAURA HELEN BRESLOW AND DR. LAUREN DANIEL STEGMAN Laura Helen Breslow and Dr. Lauren Daniel Stegman will be married at the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix on Nov. 29, 2026. The bride’s parents are John and Sonia Breslow of the Republic of Cypress and her son is David Weigel. The groom’s parents are Dr. Cary and Shirley Stegman of Scottsdale and his children are Noah, Jenna and Seth Stegman. Laura is a philanthropist and mother. Lauren is a radiation oncologist at Palo Verde Cancer Specialists and Phoenix CyberKnife. The couple met on Jdate. They will honeymoon at Joshua Tree National Park in California and reside in Scottsdale. JN BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT EMILIA ROSE OKH Emilia Rose Okh was born on June 29, 2026, at Jacobs Medical Center at UC San Diego Health in La Jolla, California. She is the daughter of Lyndsi and Nathan Okh of San Diego, California. Grandparents are Randi and Alan Jablin of Scottsdale; Stella and Roman Okh of Fremont, California; and Lisa and Dave Sherman of Chandler. JN JEWISHAZ.COM
Frances Frazin Frances “Fran” Frazin (née Geller), 90, of Phoenix, passed away at home on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. Born on July 2, 1936, she recently celebrated her 90th birthday with all her children and many of her extended family. Fran was born to the late Sol and Esther Geller and was preceded in death by her siblings, Dinah and Earl and by her beloved husband of almost 58 years, Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Frazin. She and Larry met on a blind date arranged by her father, beginning a partnership that would last more than half a century. Fran moved to Phoenix in 1952 from Chicago. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern California and her master’s degree from Arizona State University. She taught at several educational institutions after graduating. Fran dedicated her life to community service, Jewish leadership and her family. She served as national vice president of Jewish Women International, and as president of both the Phoenix chapter and the Greater Phoenix Council of Jewish Women International. She served as chairman of the Bureau of Jewish Education and on the national commissions of both the Anti-Defamation League and Hillel. She was the first woman to serve as president of Congregation Beth Israel and was deeply committed to Camp Pearlstein/Stein. Along with Larry, they were among the families who were instrumental in securing the land on which the camp sits. Her civic involvement extended well beyond her congregation. She was a member of the Valley of the Sun Reproductive Health Coalition, the American Association of University Women, the Kivel Auxiliary, the Phoenix City Club and volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital and Phoenix Baptist Hospital, where she also served as chaplain of the Maricopa County Medical Society Alliance. She was appointed to the Arizona Commission on Appellate and Supreme Court Appointments and represented her community as an NGO participant at the United Nations Third World Conference on Women in Nairobi, Kenya in 1985. She was a three-time participant in the Arizona Women’s Town Hall, in 1986, 1987 and 1988. Fran’s leadership and generosity were widely recognized. She was the first woman to receive the “Woman of the Year” award from the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, was named “Woman Who Cares” by Jewish News of Greater Phoenix and received the “Amdur Volunteer Woman of the Year” award from Congregation Beth Israel for outstanding volunteer service to her congregation. In addition to being passionate about her community involvement, Fran was also passionate about her family, travel, knitting and baking poppy seed cookies. Fran is survived by her five children, affectionately known to her as “SILBA”: Susan, Ira, Lynn, Barbara and Alan, and their spouses Steve, Marc and Chana. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren: Ben and Hayden (children of Susan); Ruben and Lila (children of Ira and Steve); Jonah, Marcy and Solomon (children of Lynn and Marc); Sedona and Josh (children of Barbara); and Yehudah, Shalom Yitzchak, Bracha and Ma’ayan (children of Alan and Chana). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fran’s name to the Congregation Beth Israel Frazin Family Fund and Hillel at Arizona State University.
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SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
15
“Best of ” magazine 2026
Honoring Jewish Women Who Inspire Our Community
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The Jewish News is proud to present our annual “Best of ” magazine, a special edition dedicated to celebrating the remarkable Jewish women who strengthen, inspire, and lead our community. This highly anticipated publication will spotlight influential women making a difference in business, healthcare, education, philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, arts, community service, and beyond.
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