HEADLINES | 10
CAMPS | 15
GET HAPPY
NEW CAMP FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Michael Feinstein celebrates Judy Garland’s 100th birthday with a special performance
There’s a new Jewish summer camp for ages 3-5 in Scottsdale
MARCH 18, 2022 | ADAR II 15, 5782 | VOLUME 74, NUMBER 14
Local indie filmmaker’s work is finally being viewed ELLEN BRAUNSTEIN
A
fter 17 years, Seth Landau’s independent movies are finally being distributed worldwide and this Arizona filmmaker promises viewers laughter, suspense and a little Jewish introspection. A wild comedy “Take Out” (2005) and a psychological thriller “Bryan Loves You” (2008) are now available on major streaming platforms and remastered HD for their 2022 releases. “Bryan Loves You” will also be out on Blu-ray. “Take Out” is about a crusading newspaper reporter who takes down the fast-food industry. “Bryan Loves You” tackles the story of a cult and works as both a cautionary tale and classic horror film. “Take Out” is shot entirely around metro Phoenix and features historic and iconic Arizona locations, including Dilly’s Deli, substituting as Shalom Bagel for the film. The 90-minute feature had a budget of only $13,000. Landau, 45, said that “being the writer, director and co-lead, my Jewishness is interwoven throughout that comedy.” There’s a scene in “Take Out,” featured in the trailer, where Landau’s character is flipping through a Jewish newspaper and interacting with his cousin (Brent Taylor), who doesn’t believe he is half Jewish. “My mom doesn’t believe in it. My dad says Jews are all cheap money grubbers. I hate Jews,” his cousin said while the two wait at the deli counter at Shalom Bagel. “Then I say, ‘Where are we? What restaurant? Shalom Bagel,’ his cousin replies. ‘You took us here,’ Landau shot back. ‘Shalom. Hebrew. SEE FILMMAKER, PAGE 2 Bagels. Jewish.”
$1.50
Consul General of Israel has ‘productive’ visit to Arizona MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR
O
n Friday, March 4, Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Southwest, Dr. Hillel Newman was headed back to Los Angeles after a short visit to Arizona. The Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles covers the entire Southwest region of the United States and is an official office of the government of Israel. Its many departments work hand in hand to strengthen the bonds between Israel and the Southwest. While Newman was in Arizona, he visited the State Capitol at the invitation of House Speaker Russell “Rusty” Bowers. “He invited me to address the joint session of the two houses, which was wonderful,” said Newman. “I also gave a tribute to the speaker for his friendship with Israel.” Newman presented Bowers with a plaque as official recognition of his friendship to the State of Israel. Newman was a featured speaker at an event held on March 3 hosted by the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (PCFR) at the Phoenix Country Club. Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, moderated the discussion. “We at the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations were thrilled to host Dr. Newman for a reception and program to talk about ‘The Changing Landscape in the Middle East,’” said Tina Waddington, executive director at PCFR. “Our members and guests were treated to a great presentation by Dr. Newman on ArizonaSEE CONSUL GENERAL, PAGE 3
Consul General of Israel, Dr. Hillel Newman, left, meets with Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. COURTESY OF THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF ISRAEL
Sabbath mode kitchen appliances Many appliance manufacturers have created a “Sabbath mode,” also known as Shabbos mode or Shabbat mode. The Shabbos Keeper allows for the opening and closing of the oven as many times as needed to keep food warm on Friday night and Shabbos day. See page 18. COURTESY OF GE APPLIANCES
KEEP YOUR EYE ON jewishaz.com
NATIONAL
NY State releases new guidelines for private schools — and yeshivas push back
INTERNATIONAL A new kind of gap year: Israel allows young Argentine Jews to play in its pro soccer league
ISRAEL
Zelensky says Jerusalem could serve as potential site for negotiation with Russia