HEADLINES | 4
SPECIAL SECTION | 21
COMMUNITY
BAR & BAT MITZVAH
How a Phoenix business owner is promoting healing through art
The ultimate ‘hybrid’ bar and bat mitzvah planning checklist
APRIL 8, 2022 | NISAN 7, 5782 | VOLUME 74, NUMBER 17
$1.50
Carefree and Cave Teva Community spells success for Creek see dynamic people with autism Jewish growth ELLEN BRAUNSTEIN
NADINE BUBECK
T
he most often repeated comment Ora Kurland hears is, “I thought I was the only Jewish person in Cave Creek.” However, soon that comment might not be as commonplace. In fact, there’s a booming of Jewish life happening in Cave Creek and Carefree. According to Kurland, Jewish life in Cave Creek and Carefree was an oxymoron a few years ago. Now, there’s an impressive growth of Jewish community happening in the area. “It’s important to form a strong sense of comfort and unity in our area, which has a large population of non-Jewish residents,” said Kurland. Kurland is the founder and leader of the Jewish Social Group of Cave Creek and Carefree. For now, they don’t even have a website; however, their mailing list has 250 names on it. “Group members love knowing who their Jewish neighbors are. It’s important socially and the quality of holiday and Shabbat celebrations is improved when you can share them with friends,” said Kurland. “In addition, there are many unaffiliated Jews in the area. For some, our group is their only Jewish connection.” Their mission is simple: developing and growing the Jewish community in their geographic area. They hold an array of holiday-based events — like hamantaschen baking and a Rosh Hashanah luncheon — but try to focus on the social side of things. For example, they have a book club and organize outings, such as touring the Arizona Jewish Historical Society and Queen Creek Olive Mill during Chanukah. “Our planning meetings are held every six months and open to all members of the group,” said Kurland. “Also, all our events have a tzedakah component; a worthy SEE CAVE CREEK, PAGE 2
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hen Jake Reisman, 26, spelled the words “camp makes my heart sing,” his mother, Sara, knew her nonspeaking, autistic son would love a retreat center and residential community that she and other Jews were opening at a former Jewish overnight camp site in Prescott. Ten years in the planning, Teva Community was founded by a group of friends in their 50s and 60s who have nostalgic memories of their beloved Camp Teva, renamed Camp Lebeau in 1978. The summer camp run by the Phoenix Jewish Community Center closed in the late 1980s and was reopened as the YMCA’s Camp Anytown. Abandoned for 10 years, the 35-acre wooded site with a lodge and bunkhouses is on its way to becoming a supported living community for adults with autism who communicate their thoughts and desires alternatively through letterboards, keyboards, computer tablets and other devices. And that’s not everyone Teva Community will serve. The educational and multipurpose retreat center will be offered SEE TEVA, PAGE 3
From left to right, Nate Stein, Jake Reisman, Lisa Stein, Maya Reisman, Shar Brandhagen, Sara Reisman and Jeri Reisman with dog Eris. COURTESY OF TEVA COMMUNITY
Chag atis adeesdzá bééhániih sameach to one and all Flagstaff-based publishing house Salina Bookshelf, Inc. prints an annual calendar that includes Passover — in Navajo. See page 12. COURTESY OF SALINA BOOKSHELF
KEEP YOUR EYE ON jewishaz.com
NATIONAL
2022 Grammys: Zelensky’s video address and other Jewish moments
INTERNATIONAL Hungary’s Orban wins 4th term, declaring victory over enemies including Soros and Zelensky
ISRAEL
Deni Avdija draws Stars of David on his sneakers as violence surges in Israel