HEADLINES | 7
SPECIAL SECTION | 17
LAUREN’S LIBRARY
THE COST OF WAITING
Mim and Mel Bottner are building a library in Israel in memory of their daughter.
It might be time to put your fear aside and buy a home.
AUGUST 19, 2022 | AV 22, 5782 | VOLUME 74, NUMBER 24
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Temple B’rith Shalom welcomes Phoenix rabbi to Prescott SHANNON LEVITT
T
he weeks leading up to the Jewish High Holidays can sometimes feel like a mad dash to the finish line for synagogues and their rabbis. But that’s not always the case. For instance, Rabbi Susan Schanerman, Prescott’s Temple B’rith Shalom’s new rabbi, said she feels “prepared and calm” when it comes to leading her congregation into the new year. Rabbi Nina Perlmutter, a self-described “loyal and long-term member of B’rith Shalom,” is very glad to hear it. She understands the stress of the season well, given that she’s the part-time rabbi of Congregation Lev Shalom in Flagstaff — though, she’s careful to add, in this job, “part-time” is a misnomer because “you’re always on call.” And she’s been helping out in Prescott with lifecycle events and conversion programs while B’rith Shalom was between rabbis. “I’d rather have her here for this if she’s willing, and I know she’s willing,” Perlmutter said. This time of year is significant for all Jews, especially those who feel alienated or just curious, Perlmutter said. After all, some Jews only come to the synagogue for High Holiday services, so it’s important they have a positive experience when they show up. From her recent conversations and years-long acquaintance with Schanerman, she believes Prescott’s new rabbi is more than capable of providing it. Trudy Steinhauer, temple president, said she, too, is excited about the upcoming festivities and has high hopes for the new rabbi. “This is an exciting time, a time for growth, building strong ties with congregants and ensuring a loving and compassionate home for anyone
YAEP delegates from Arizona, Italy and Mexico visited the Grand Canyon. COURTESY OF YAEP
Arizona, Israeli students swap cultures in exchange program MALA BLOMQUIST | MANAGING EDITOR
I
n June, Gabriela Evans and Alex Park spent two weeks living with host families and immersed in the culture of Ramat Gan, Israel. Then in July, they swapped roles as their Arizona families became hosts and welcomed Israelis Amir Dornai and Mika
Bing to Phoenix. Gabriela, Alex, Amir and Mika all participated in the Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program (YAEP), where students live with host families and learn what it’s like to be a teen living in a different country. For Gabriela, who is not Jewish, this was her first time SEE EXCHANGE PROGRAM, PAGE 3
In the land of Oz Puppet master Frank Oz’s parents carved wooden marionettes that were hidden for decades. COURTESY OF CJM/JASON MADELLA
SEE TEMPLE B’RITH SHALOM, PAGE 2
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Detroit’s last synagogue, now turning 100, Dutch city renames square it had named for mayor who betrayed Jews to Nazis hopes to be a beacon of the city’s Jewish communal future
ISRAEL
Svika Pick, Eurovision-winning singer who coaxed Israel into the world of pop, dies at 72