Fall 2011 • Volume 9, Issue 5Center LineValley of the Sun Jewish Community Center

Inside this Issue:NEW ECC Website Launch pg. 5

Kids Club at the JCC pg. 8

From Mud to Glory pg. 10

Gala For Good pg. 12

Purim at the J pg. 19

Community Events pg. 23

Your JCC Magazine

January 8, 2012 | 11 am - 3 pm

& Going Green DayJoin Us...

Active Adult Brunch | Find out about new programs | Participate in group fitness classes | Family fun Activities: Bouncies, Face Painting, Green Activities, Farmers Market | Receive discounts on most classes & memberships

Special businesses and organizations will be on-hand to answer all of your questions regarding green energy. Be sure to stop by at these company booths:Allied Waste • Green Choice Solar • Farmers Market • Lighting Unlimited • Evos • Finnachoiro

Program Launch

alettes fora g r e e n e r d a y

Sunday January 8 | Time: 11 am - 3 pm1st Annual Showing with Silent Auction Featuring works from local artists

New this year...

www.vosjcc.org 3

Contents

In this Issue

Your JCC StaffAccountingBarbara Carrington ext. 1204 Marcia Fiedler ext. 1209Lisa Stark ext. 1209

AdultErin Searle ext. 1205

AdministrationHarriet Colan ext. 1213Joyce Horowitz ext. 1226Steve Rosenberg ext. 1202Debbie Siebels ext. 1210

DevelopmentAlisa Chatinsky ext. 1203

Early ChildhoodDeena Boone ext. 1705Dani Hibert ext. 1706

Fitness & Aquatics Amy Abernethy ext. 1214Lisa Robins ext. 1281Dae Williams ext. 1278

Israel CenterTamar Faber ext. 1109

MarketingNicole La Cour ext. 1286Lili Zrihen ext. 1122

MembershipSusan Ference ext. 1291 Cynthia Lupiloff ext. 1290Lisa Owens ext. 1287

Programming Suzanne Swift ext. 1201

Sports & RecreationMark Rosenberg ext. 1283Ally Rothwell ext. 1283Alex Sachs ext. 1703

Youth & Camp Rebecca Carter ext. 1275 Mitch Cohen ext. 1277Deborah Sheinbein ext. 1276

JCC Centerline is published three times per year by the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center.

Design & Art Direction: Nicole La Cour

Send Address Changes to: Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 203 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Volume 9, Issue 5 | Fall 2011

Departments 4 Letter from the

Executive Director

5 ECC’s New Website

7 Jr. Suns & the JCC

14 Ask Nurse Linda

16 Grown Up Camp

in Israel

23 Threads of Jewish Life

24 The Vision to Invest

25 Hanukkah

28 J Perks

30 Annual Meeting Recap

31 Tributes

Features 8 Kids Club at the JCC

10 From Mud to Glory

12 Gala for Good

19 Purim at the J

20 Spotlight on the J

22 Members of the Month

Course Listings 6 Youth

15 Adults

16 Israel Center

17 Fitness & Group Fitness

18 Aquatics

27 Bookfair

480.483.7121

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Dear Friends,I am excited by several different endeavors that are taking place in the next few months…First, there is our 10th Annual Jewish Book & Cultural Arts Fair on November 2 - 13 with a community

program co-sponsored with Valley Beit Midrash bringing Rabbi Irving “Yitz” Greenberg to Temple Chai. As part of our “Going Green” initiative, we are going solar…for hot water, to heat the locker room showers, the water in the bathrooms, to eventually to heat the pool and for electricity. As a fringe benefit covered parking will be available in most of the parking lot and as a bonus, we will be offering at least four charging stations for electric cars.This is in addition the recycling efforts being made on the campus over the past 9 months, the upgrading of our A/C and heating controls to be more energy efficient, and the lighting controls that we have installed in our atrium and in all the bathrooms (yes, the lights do go out – after a while)Join us at a Going Green day at the JCC to coincide with our Program Launch on Jan. 8th. Meet green vendors and participate in the farmers market that will be outside.As you may know, the JCC is working with the Federation to create and become part of the Jewish Community Association of Greater Phoenix. We are starting the “Campaign to Fulfill the Dream” – to make the campus almost self-sustaining through the establishment of a fund… thus enabling the JCC to continue to provide the same great service to our members and to the community. We began about a year ago to invest our time and energy and resources into our Threads of Jewish Life project. We see building Jewish community as the major role of the JCC. In order to better serve our members and the community-at-large we are creating links between different groups and the JCC all aligned to the basic concept of building Jewish community: a) by working with a consortium of the variety of Jewish organizations that work with youth – to create the Jewish Youth Alliance to provide ongoing community-wide youth programming; b) to create “JScene”, a Young Adult initiative, to work with existing organizations to engage Jews in their 20’s-40’s in ways to foster their sense of Jewish Identity and c) to continue to publish the Jewish LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) AZ brochure listing all the adult Jewish education programs that we can. It is exciting to be here at such a transformative moment in the life of our Jewish community. Come join us.See you at the J

Steve Rosenberg Executive Director

letter from the executive director

welcome new members

Kelli & Jeff AbrahamsonKen Adelson Philip & Lauren Allsopp Susie Alvarez & Izzy HeathMarilyn Anderson Jennifer Arnett Audrey Arougheti Rick Baldwin Elisabeth Ballen Josh Bankhead Elliott Barkan Cassandra Barry Ryan Barry Patricia Barry Linda Batts Martin & Barbara Baumgarten Stacey Beck & Francine KurtzCarey Bell Melissa Berman Buzz & Beverly Berschler Sumona & Sanjoy Bhattacharya Jerry Bien-Willner & Robyn KesselAnn Bierman Jared & Jamie Black Dave & Jameela BlumbergLauren BonimeJaclyn Boyd Barry Braunstein Joel & Nancy Breshin Claudia BruaRaymond & Angela Bryk Steven & Ruth BuchzeigerGavin & Lauren CainDaniel CaineBenjamin CaldarelliGail CampbellDan ChesinDumitru & Corina CiucaKaren CohenLaura CohenShoham & Ortal CohenFrancis & Nancy CohenWoody & Rachel CollinsTami & Kelly CondronIlan & Keren CookeJared CooperNathaniel CooperJames CowdenLauren & Travis CritesChristina CruzNoah CurhanLisa & Carl DanielsLewis DavisOctavio DelgadoKate DelneroAndrea DemarPatrick DenicolaJeff DevorkinClark DiepholzLawrence DrewsenDave DunatovJennifer EarlSarah Elkus Sidnee Factor Dean Fadeley Tanner Fadeley Suzanne Feinberg Jason Feldman & Tiffany BrimhallReesa Fern Diane Fine Margo Fink Seth & Andrea Fisher Christine Flaherty Voiginie & Marc Flimon Seth Fox Samantha Franklin & David VentolaMiriam Freedman Mara Friedman Michelle & Martel FullerJoseph & Amanda GarciaGreg & Elizabeth GeenenTraci & Alan GellmanTim GerckeMelissa GlickmanRichard GoldbergCarol & Theodore GoldbergJames & Melinda GoldmanSue GoldsandGeofry GormanMichael GottfriedJeffrey & Leslie GouldJerry & Avie GuttmanAshley HallArreta Hamrick

Rick & Tracy HarrisSam HarrisJo HartkeSharon & Bernie HawesGeorge HeilerMarge HeineMichael & Shakiera HelenicAdam HelsingerCeleste & Dave HenselDeborah HoffmanSharon HoodJudy HubbardBodil HughesMike HulsMichelle HultnegretteYisrael IsaacsSteven Jackson Jason Jacoby Laura Jensen Robin Kaplan Sandi Katz Lois Kaufman Glory & Don Kaufman Kyle & David Kean Irene Keipert Mitchell Kellman Joel Kellman Scott & Kara Kerman Danny & Esther Khazoom Alex Kier Rina & Thomas KimMindy Kimball & Luana BelloliLloyd & Audrey KirschValarie KleinEthan KornetskyAmir & Michelle KovacsPeter & Robin KrautRakhi & Peter KreymermanShira KronickJoan KuraschBrock LabertewBarry LainofBen LaneyLaurie LangfordTiffany LarumEstelle LazelleLinda May LefkoTerri LeonJeff & Jenni LevineCorey & Jenna LewisIrene LewisDoug LobackAlan LockeRachael LoveTerry LubarBenjamin MalinHeather MalinJoseph & Marjorie MangoneEvie ManoffCheryl MarcusAnne & Mark MariniJennifer & Ben MaseloffKenneth & Lori MatlickCharles & Sandy MatlinTeresa McCully Joshua McGinley Bhaskar & Prameela MekaRobert MilnerMichael & Selma MizelMary Moore Fran Musselman Andrew & Ross Nemeth Glen Netter Joe & Denise NorberDavid Norman James & Diane Ogden Joanna O’Neal & John ReynoldsGary Ost David & Rose OwenBrittany & Chris ParkerRegina & Alana PegheeSam Peltz Zakary PerrinTatiana Petrenko Holly Priddy Rabbi Eli & Shoshana Putney Ron RachlinNatalya & Boris Ratner Erin & Josh RawitchTim & Alina ReganStan Regen Bunnie & Carlton RichieQuinn RoachBarry Rosenblatt &

Marianne GarrisonRon RosensonMichael Rosenthal FamilyPatti RosichanYakov & Angela RossLauren & Zachary RothMatt RozenShaina RozenPriscilla SachsJoalis SachsSeymour SacksSharon SammartinoCyndi SamsillMicah SandysEric & Raquel Scharf AndersonDaniel SchembriDana & Isaac SchibelJeremy & Rachel SchneiderLeila SchnitzerDenise SchubertAdam SchulgasserMarjorie & Jim SchulteBeverly & Norman SchuminskyMadalyn ScipioneMina & Steven SeoJanet ShalwitzRabbi Ayala ShoshamAndrew SierkaAnn & Howard SilvermanAdam SimonsShirley SkollMichelle & Linda SobraneAndrew & Ashley SongAlec SoultanianMike SpencerLena SpinelliMiriam SpinnerJohn & Beverly StampSheri StanfordMatthew & Svetlana SteinwayJerald & Marilyn Steisel M.D.Bryan StephensDeb SternElana StiefelNicole StokesSusi StoneJonathan & Cheryl StrausbergRandy StroudKarie & Matt StultzTom SylvesterJohn TamburinoWilliam Templeton Trevor TenneyJ T Thomas Vanessa TorresPeter Tran & Carol GunrnieriAdam & Luisa TrenkAndrea & Aaron VakneenPaul Van LakeArvin & Cecile VelardeKitty V’MarieBarbara VorcheimerNiko & Filia VulajMark & Lisa WagyGershon & Barbara WaintraubRhoda Waisel Kaitlin & Jacob WalkerLisa Wallace Tom WatsonStephanie Weden & Dror DarelSam WeidenbaumLaura & Cliff WeigelRicardo & Lorena Weis Scott Weiss Mike White Justin WhittentonBarry & Deborah WissConstance WolfSalpi Wolper Tom & Debby WolvosAprilan Woolworth Holly Wunder Robyn & Brianna YoungVictoria ZimmermanAlexander ZiomekBeth ZoneraichRay & Joan Zuckerman

2011-12 Board of DirectorsExecutive DirectorSteve RosenbergChairmanDavid TinkelmanVice ChairmanRichard KasperTreasurerMatthew SonderSecretarySandy AdlerBoard of DirectorsDr. Michael FeinbergBeneé Hilton-SpiegelIrwin KanefskyJoel KramerKimberly Kur

Stephanie MahrerMarcia MintzDiane OzerElisa PinkusJohn RawiczAndrew SchwartzRudy TroisiGary WeissEx OfficioRobert SilverImmediate Past ChairmanDavid GoldmanPast ChairmanAllan BandlerMathis BeckerJack Brown*

Dr. Morris Brown*Ron BookbinderHerbert Cowan*Jules Firetag*David FrazerMilton Friedman*Dr. William FriedmanScott GoldenMurray GoodmanRobert Gottschalk*Michael GreenbaumGary JaburgIrwin KanefskyElliott KonickEd KorrickElanie KortJoel Kramer

Lanny LahrSam LandermanHarrison LevyDr. Sam MasonHerman Miller*Joel MillerLeonard MillerMartin PollackDr. Seymour RifeHarry Rosenzweig*Richard RubinRobert SilverMeyer TurkenGary WeissJerry Wisotsky*Jay Zweig* of blessed memory

www.vosjcc.org 5

Announcing the ECC’s NEW WebsiteThe JCC’s Early Childhood Center is excited to announce the launch of its new school website, Activit-e. One of our goals was to improve communication between the ECC and our parents. The result is Activit-e, a customized and effective community information tool.Activit-e is a full, simple to use, solution that enables school staff and parents to communicate on-line while granting access to all school items of interest from one spot. For example, parents are able to access school policy and event notices, calendar of events, forms, newsletters, messages from the staff or other parents, as well as curriculum changes and photo galleries of pictures regularly taken during class. This effort has helped the school ‘go green’ by limiting the need to send out numerous paper announcements.Activit-e.com is comprised of three major components: an online communication platform, original content and a commercial channel. The online communication platform creates a community amongst the school’s parents, teachers, faculty and the students and also helps parents to know about their child’s day, making after school dialogues that much easier. Only registered parents and school staff have access to the website. The state-of-the-art user interface makes it easy for even the computer

challenged to participate, create and share content on a daily basis.The maker of Activit-e, microSteps, develops scholastic games and educational materials that are designed to enhance the

school’s educational programs. Materials and games are age appropriate and help instill cultural values, enhance development and promote

school skills. The games change regularly and reflect the season or the holiday of the time period; all have educational value. The e-commerce channel features discounted products and services that would be of interest to parents, teachers and students. MicroSteps transfers a portion of the revenues generated by online sales to the schools.As a result of ‘going green’ and the effort to provide prompt communication, Activit-e has improved every aspect of communication between families, teachers and staff.

workshops • safety programs • parenting lounge & more!

Parenting Center - Scottsdale Parenting Group at the JCCThe JCC is delighted to have partnered with the Scottsdale Parenting Group. SPG has served the community for over 20 years by providing parent education.

Ages of children in class descriptions overlap. Enroll in the class that is best suited to your child’s developmental stage. Topics are examples and may change based on the composition and needs of the individual class. To register call: 480.659.7769.

the Parenting Place Check out our

NEW Parenting Place

playground in the

West Promenade!

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Youth

For more information, contact Deborah Sheinbein or Mitch Cohen at ext. 1276 or 1277.

Take advantage of 2011 camp rates when you sign up for Summer Camp 2012 by January 8.

Early Bird 2012

Join us for fun activities at Shemesh and Kochavim Day

Camps! Many new and exciting programs have been added for this summer. You won’t want to

miss out on the fun!

Visit www.vosjcc.org. A full on-line catalog of all

2012 camp activities will be available in December.

For additional information, call our camp offices at

480.634.4949 and 480.659.7769.

Peter PanDon’t Miss the VOSJCC Youth Theatre Production of Disney’s

Performance Dates: February 4 & 5Contact the Youth Services department at ext. 1275 for show details and pricing.

Mismatch Veterans Day CampNovember 11, 2011Min. 20. Register by November 9.

M: $25/day NM: $40/dayCode: YH002AM Care: M:$8 NM:$10 Codes: YH002AM/YH002PM

Welcome to the Jungle Winter Break CampDecember 19 - 30Register by December 16. Min. 10 required for each day.

M: $50/day NM: $70/dayM: $230/week NM: $280/weekCode: Wk 1: YH003/ YH003am/pmCode: Wk 2: YH005/ YH005am/pmLate registration fee:$10 after Nov. 25.

Join a new & improved team!

The VOSJCC’s Jr Suns

Available to young athletes grades Pre K - 8

Starting December 6Our VOSJCC Jr. Suns program is back by popular demand. See what the excitement is all about and watch your children grow while learning sportsmanship on and off the courts. Sign up now and enter to win great prizes!• 12 week program | Starts December 6• 2012 Season Rates: $95 $18/members

$145 $75/non members• Register by November 25A special thanks to the Fiesta Bowl Charities Grant.

Shemesh Day Camp Reunion at the Purim Carnival Sunday, March 4, 2012

www.vosjcc.org 7

Rebekah is the new Program Director for the Mountain Region of BBYO and works with teens in Arizona, Utah and Nevada. Rebekah is responsible for regional programming for over 400 teens as well as supervising a volunteer staff of 40 advisors. Mountain Region currently consists of nineteen teen chapters across Phoenix, Tucson, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Rebekah is originally from Tampa, Florida and has lived in

NYC for the past six years. Prior to joining the BBYO staff team in Mountain Region, Rebekah was the regional director for Big Apple Region BBYO. A graduate of the Universities of Florida with a degree in Religion and Jewish Education, Rebekah is also a recent graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business with a Masters in Business Administration and Non-Profit Management through the BBYO Professional Development Institute. Rebekah and her husband Harry are very excited to be living in Scottsdale and enjoying the Arizona lifestyle. Rebekah can be reached at rrubenstein@bbyo.org or at 480.634.4900 ext. 1127.

For many years the JCC has partnered with the Phoenix Suns to help create a youth basketball league, known as the Jr. Suns Basketball League. The JCC is proud to host one of these Valley-wide leagues. The leagues help promote teamwork, friendship, basketball skills, community building and overall fun.The Jr. Suns league is available to young athletes from grades Pre-K - 8. Divisions are broken up by age to make for the most balanced play amongst groups. The league is set up to help develop skills by teaching game fundamentals and knowledge to help players progress to the next level. Although the games can be competitive

and exhilarating, the main focus is to learn the game and enjoy playing basketball. The real core of the program is the great volunteers who coach every team. These coaches show up every week to pass along their knowledge of basketball, either because their child is on the team or because they just love the game. Without these phenomenal volunteers this program would not be able to run. The next Jr. Suns season will be running from December to March with a great number of participants and an overall fun atmosphere. We will be offering a special one time fee thank to the Fiesta Bowl Charities. Prices for the Jr. Suns league this next season will be significantly reduced for all participants. For more information on how to get involved either as a volunteer or to sign your child up please contact the Sports and Recreation Office.

Jr Suns & the JCC

Kids Club Ages 3 Months - 5 YearsAttend a class, exercise or enjoy a massage while your children are cared for in a secure, loving environment.Hours (2 hour maximum) | Sunday: 8 am - 5 pm Mon - Thurs: 8 am - 2 pm & 3:30 - 8 pmFriday: 8 am - 2 pm | Saturday: 9 am - 2 pmFor reservations call 480.483.7121, ext. 1262 or email kidsclub@vosjcc.orgM: $4 per child/session NM: $6 per child/session

Free. Drop-in fun | Kids ages 5 - 10 Saturday & Sunday: 9 am - NoonStop by to play a game, create a work of art and see your friends.

welcome Rebekah Rubenstein

VOSJCC Offers Safe & Nurturing Place for Your KidsThe Valley of the Sun JCC provides several childcare solutions for today’s busy moms and dads. In addition to its world-class Early Childhood Center preschool, the J offers opportunities for afterschool programming for grades K - 5, childcare for children (ages 3 months – 5 years) while parents work out and or attend a class, as well as a fun Saturday/Sunday hang out for children age 5-10.These programs designed specifically for kids, provides parents with peace of mind, knowing that their children are in a safe and nurturing place, and provides youngsters with a fun, stimulating and familiar space to spend their free time.Families looking for the perfect solution to afterschool and childcare needs should consider a visit to the Valley of the Sun JCC and check out Club J, Kids Club and Kids Zone.

For more information contact the JCC Welcome Desk at 480-483-7121 Ext. 1230.

Club J Drop-offGrades: K - 5 Mon – Thurs: 3 - 6 pm | Fridays: 3 - 5 pmMust have current immunizations and blue cards on file prior to dropping off. Must call Club J at least two hours prior to drop off. Parents/guardians are not required to remain in building. Fees must be paid on the day of services used. M/NM: $20/day

For more information call:Sports & Recreation Department: Mark Rosenberg at ext. 1283 or e-mail markr@vosjcc.org

Winter Break Snowboarding/SkiingMon. Dec. 26 | Fri. Dec. 30 | Grades 6 - 10Come ski with us at Big Bear, CA for 5 days and 4 nights. Trip includes transportation, housing, 3 meals a day, lift tickets and ski/snowboard rentals. Co-sponsored by the JCC Youth and BBYO Teen Connection. Min. of 10 required.

M: $650 NM: $750 Code: YHSS Includes rentals.M: $550 NM: $650 Code: YHSS1 Rentals not included.

BBYO Connect Turkey BowlNovember 20 | 3 - 5 pm | Grades 6 - 8Join all of your Teen Connection friends for a pre-Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowl. Food, music, bowling and fun!Code: BBY08 Price: $15

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A blissful little yellow room located on the west side of the enormous facility is a place where children can play, babies can nap and parents can rest assured that their children are being care for by professional and caring staff.

Weather you already have children, are planning on having children or are just thinking about it, good childcare is hard to find these days. Many parents find it difficult to drop their children off with people they don’t know. They fear their child will not get enough personal attention, or that they will have separation anxiety when they leave their child. While all of that may be true, it isn’t the childcare facility, it is the people working inside of it.

What if there was a place where you could drop your children off while you go for a relaxing swim? How about work out for a couple of hours without having to wonder how your child is doing? Or simply meet a friend at the Café to catch up on old times while your child is busy playing with hundreds of toys in a wonderful yellow room? Well parents, there is. It is called Kids Club.

Kids Club at the JCC

Since the Valley of The Sun Jewish Community Center opened in 2002, Kids Club has been up and running. It is located on the west side of the building next to the studios. You can’t miss it, it is a little yellow room with a plasma screen and enough toys to fill up a storage room. Walking in there for the first time may be intimidating because of the massive amounts of action going on. First, there may be a group of girls playing with the extensive collection of Barbie dolls in one area, and there may be a group of boys playing with spaceships, cars, or bouncy balls in another corner. There also may be a baby being swung quietly asleep while one of the staff sings them a soft lullaby. But the main attraction of Kids Club is the large play structure; compete with mats, a big slide and a net bridge to climb across. If the boys and girls are really lucky, they may even be able to pick out a Disney movie to watch while they play. Not only does Kids Club have every Disney movie ever made, they also have toddler shows such as Thomas, Blue’s Clues, and Baby Einstein for the younger viewers.

www.vosjcc.org 9

Kids Club at the JCCHave you ever wanted to just go work out, but had nowhere to send your kids while you do so? This is what Kids Club is for; those days when the babysitter canceled, or your spouse has a meeting and cannot watch the kids. Laura Perry, 25, has been working in Kids Club for three years. “Kids Club is a safe and fun environment where kids can play while their parents can ‘take a break’ from life,” she says with a genuine smile. As the only staff member who works here every day, she is the face you will see if you come Monday through Friday. She is warm, fun, absolutely loves children, and is pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education.

Stacie Wittenberg, mother of two children has been coming to Kids Club for five years now. Her son, Max, age 5, and her daughter Lucy, age 3, come in every weekend while Stacie goes to work out. “It’s nice that the kids have a fun and safe environment to play in while I work out,” she says. Mothers like Stacie know how hard it is to get time to do all the things they would like to do without their kids.

To have a place like Kids Club is an amazing thing. Not only are the staff friendly, kind and love kids, but they also get a chance to be a kid, playing with the children in fun environment. Whether your kids love SpongeBob, The Little Mermaid, Barbie’s or toy trucks, there is something for every child in Kids Club. The great thing about Kids Club are the hours. You no longer need to feel limited for when you can work out. They are open every day. So if you’re tired of not being able to work out or just want to relax for an hour, then come into Kids Club. The staff will show you around, meet your kids and tell you all about it. You will walk in overwhelmed not only by the toys, movie collections and humongous play structure, but by how your children will run in to play.

Kids Club is much more than a room where you just drop off your kids and leave. It is like a home away from home for your children while you go and do everything you need to. If Kids Club sounds like your kind of place, then stop by and we’ll show you around. For more information on Kids Club please contact Deborah Sheinbein, Youth & Camping Co-Director at 480-483-7121, ext. 1276.

Your Destination for Quality Childcare Story & Photos by: Alyssa L. Colan

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Local Scottsdale/Cave Creek resident and

Paradise Valley Community College student

Max Gerston has been riding and racing

motorcycles since he was 5 years old. His father

bought him his first bike for his fifth birthday.

After trying all the traditional team sports, his

focus and love stayed with riding motorcycles. At

a young age, Max quickly moved up to an 85cc

motorcycle and was competing in the Sportsman

class in national events against older riders on

full size motorcycles. When he won first place in

the class it raised a few eyebrows and things took

off from there.

From Mud to Glory

He came through the ranks and eventually won 1st place in the pro class in a statewide off-road series. Max came back to defend 1st place the next year and has now moved on to different regional series. One of the events took place in Texas and was a qualifier race for an international event called the ISDE (International Six Day Enduro). This is often referred to as the Olympics of motorcycle racing. A different country hosts the event each year and teams from all over the world send their best riders to compete. Max had a great qualifier race and got selected to represent the United States in the 2011 running of the ISDE in Kotka, Finland. After an unbelievable amount of preparation, fund raising, T-shirt sales, training and practice, Max, his Dad Marshall and Mother Erin headed off to Finland with 25 other racers from all over the country to compete against the worlds best off-road racers.

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This was the 86th running of the ISDE and it turned out to be one of the toughest. Several things that make this event unique are, the riders have to race a grueling course of approximately 200 – 250 miles per day, everyday for six days in a row. Additionally they have to do all the work on the motorcycle by themselves. No one else is allowed to touch the bike (besides adding fuel and some other fluids) besides the racer. If that’s not bad enough, each racer has to reach numerous check points throughout the course at predetermined times throughout the day. If you are lucky enough to reach all your checks on time, then when you get back to pits at the end of the day, you only have 15 minutes in the evening and 10 minutes in the morning to do all the work on the motorcycle including changing the tires by hand. Several veteran ISDE racers who attended this year’s event said that it was one of the toughest ISDE events ever. It started to rain the day before the event and never stopped. The whole course turned to mud and ruts which makes the course

incredibly more difficult. Max had to endure the elements while trying to figure out the format and take on a different course each day – in the mud and rain.

And endure he did. In six full days of grueling racing, Max managed to keep his motorcycle running, changed tires, stay on the course and arrived at every checkpoint exactly on his minute everyday. He was one of only a few Americans who “stayed on his minute” for the entire event. At the end of the event, Max was the highest placing American in his class and 10th overall in his class against some of the best off-road racers in the world. He ended up with a Silver Medal in his first ISDE. An incredible accomplishment for sure.

Congratulations Max!

Story & Photos by: Marshall GerstonThe Story of an Off-Road Champion

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80 Years & Going Strong!

Once upon a time there was a beautiful and young maiden from Indianapolis. Little did she know that she met her knight-in-shining armor at the age of 13 at an AZA dance. There was a cute, confident young man named Alfie, who was bowled over by her charm and knew that it was bashert that they spend their lives together. This past year, Fran and Al Sachs celebrated both their 60th wedding anniversary and 80th birthdays…The rest, they say, is history!

Spending their teen years at the Indianapolis Jewish Community Center, the Sachs’ said it was the center of their

lives. “All Jewish activies for us took place at the JCC. We swam, danced, played basketball and went to our AZA and BBG meetings. On weekends it was so crowded with kids of all ages, from all neighborhoods, one couldn’t walk through the halls,” said Al.

All through high school they were sweethearts and both went off to college. Unfortunately, in his senior year, Al’s father died suddenly and he was called home to take over the family business. However, soon after leaving school, Al was drafted and Fran joined him in Detroit where he served his two-year tour of duty. Following his civil service and as their family grew, Al worked in the life insurance business as an agency manager. After a few years working in Indianapolis, Al was promoted as an agency manager of a larger group in New York.

Although successful, Al decided he did not like working in the New York environment and both Fran and Al disliked living there. In this unhappy state, “they ate themselves silly;” in ten months, Fran gained 35 pounds, Al gained 50. Al’s secretary told him about Weight Watchers, a new weight loss program. They tried it and it worked. Al asked his company to transfer him back to Indianapolis and was so impressed with the Weight Watchers program, he and Fran bought the Indiana territory and started a franchise. It was an instant success. So much so that Al had to quit the insurance business

www.vosjcc.org 13

80 Years & Going Strong!Join us to celebrate

Fran & Al Sachs

as they receive the

Irv Shuman Award

for Philanthropy

& Green Choice Solar as

the JCC Community Partner

Benefitting JCC Youth Programs & Scholarships

Sunday, February 12, 2012 5:30 pm

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort

and help Fran run Weight Watchers full time. Working side-by-side 24/7 for the next 15 years, Al and Fran built one of the most successful franchises in the country. They retired in 1981, moved to Phoenix and their son Gary took over the business.

Al and Fran raised four beautiful children—sons Nate and Gary, daughters Stacey and Lisa. All of their children are currently living in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, as well as 11 of their 13 grandchildren.

Soon after relocating to Phoenix, Fran met Shari Kanefsky, Benée Hilton and Maddie Roth, who were instrumental in involving Fran in the Jewish Federation, where she became a board member and served for many years. Both Al and Fran were very active as board members of Temple Solel. While on the Temple board, they donated the money to rebuild and redecorate the main sanctuary, as well as assist the Temple retire their mortgage. Al also became involved in the JCC as a board member. Al and Fran shared their love of art by donating a magnificent, handmade, religious tapestry, which now hangs on the walls of the JCC. They also made a significant donation to the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus upon its inception.

From early on, the Sachs’ gave to our community and continue to do so. Another one of their favorite charities is the Jewish Credit Union (now Jewish Free Loan) where, in honor of their adopted daughter Stacey, they created the Al and Fran Sachs Adoption Fund, which they fund annually.

Over the past 60 years there were plenty of ups and downs—primarily Al’s health issues. “My poor health is the main reason we all live in Phoenix today,” adding the that the support he receives from family and friends is the best that he could ask for. In their years here in the Valley of the Sun, the Sachs family has donated over $3 million to a plethora of Jewish organizations and they say, “It is just the beginning.” For the couple that has grown together, shared and given so much over the years, Al summed it up perfectly, “I’m the luckiest guy…no, I am the most blessed guy in the world.”

It is our community that is truly blessed for the abundance that the Sachs share.

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Ask Nurse Linda By: Linda Esrick

Dear Nurse Linda: My elderly mother refuses to drink much water. Her doctor said to watch for signs of dehydration. What is the most common sign? What else can she consume besides water?A: Dehydration is a common concern for many people especially over the age of 65. As we age, our desire to drink is decreased. It is important to share with mom how important drinking fluids are to keep her from having health problems. Water flushes the toxins from our bodies. If not, dehydration can lead to frequent urinary tract infections, which is a larger problem among women. One of the first signs of dehydration is dark urine and sometimes a strong odor. Some people may also experience chronic constipation. As we age, we tend to ignore our bodies and continue to think we are younger. As dehydration accelerates, it is followed by a significant decrease in urine or no output within eight hours. You will be able to spot symptoms in her skin turgor, which will not be as elastic as normal and tends to sag more, as well as dry lips. Be alert that many medications that are prescribed to the elderly lead to dehydration so be aware of the medications mom is taking and what side effects might occur.In addition to water, mom may drink juice, green tea (hot or cold). Many fruits and vegetables have a high water content such as strawberries, apples, honeydew, cucumbers and celery that are nutritious and enjoyable snacks.

Dear Nurse Linda:I am a big believer in proper nutrition. I am very conscience of what my family eats. Now that my mother has passed away, my father does not eat as well and seems not to care about his nutritional needs. What’s a loving daughter to do? A: Good nutrition is crucial to overall health and well-being. Your father is very typical of many adults who do not understand the great importance a nutrient rich diet plays in their overall health. To start with, as we age, eating healthy has many mental and physical benefits. Good nutrition in seniors assists in providing

Linda graduated from University of South Florida in 1976 with her baccalaureate in nursing and a minor degree in special education, working in numerous specialty units during her nursing career such as NICU, pediatrics, medical surgery and orthopedics. She also worked with seniors in several nationally recognized nursing facilities.

Linda started Affordable Home Care Solutions in 1998. Having worked as a Licensed Registered Nurse with thousands of individuals over her 30+ year career.

mental acuteness, ability to fight off illness and disease, increased energy levels, stronger immune system, quicker recovery times and a more effective management of chronic health problems. On the other hand, malnutrition can lead to a weak immune system, which increases the risk of infection; impaired wound healing and muscle weakness, which often leads to falls and fractures. I suggest making a smoothie with milk, juice or soy milk as its base. Adding protein powder will help boost the nutritional value. Dad can add his favorite fruits—strawberries, pineapple, blueberries or bananas. For convenience you can get big bags of frozen fruit. I have numerous clients who say they feel 20 years younger and have eliminated many of their health problems. Remember, we are what we eat. Try making a smoothie for dad and show him how easy it is to use the blender. Try to have foods that are easy to prepare such as bags of cut chicken in the freezer and vegetables that he can stir fry. If cooking is easy, many elderly will prepare their own meals.

Dear Nurse Linda:My ever so helpful sister-in-law, who is not in the medical profession, “diagnosed” me as lactose intolerant. What does this mean? A: Lactose intolerance means that the body cannot easily digest lactose, a type of natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. It is a condition that causes discomfort in the upper abdomen, resulting in bloating, gas and diarrhea. Lactose intolerance is the result of a deficiency in an enzyme (lactase) that breaks down the sugar known as lactose that is found in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance most often occurs within 30 to 90 minutes of consuming dairy. Choosing a diet that limits these foods will eliminate your symptoms. You can also buy an over the counter medication that helps break down the lactose so you can occasionally have the ice cream you love so much or the cheese you like in your omelet. There are wonderful dairy-free alternatives now offered in most grocery stores—soy milk, rice milk, almond milk, soy cheese and more. Ask your grocer to show you these alternatives next time you visit the grocery or health food store.

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Life Can Be Beautiful…an often used phrase..but in the Kaminsky home, the phrase goes “Life Is Beautiful”. We have been blessed to enjoy fifty years together and during that time raised five children and enjoyed many grandchildren and great grandchildren. With good health, what more can one ask for?

In our case, our life has been enhanced with good friends. Ten years ago, a chance meeting with the first Jewish Book Fair committee gave us the opportunity to work with a wonderful group creating the first

Life Can Be Beautiful By: Phyllis Kaminsky

Adults Don’t miss out on these fabulous programs.

Let’s Talk – A Current Events Discussion Group with LeeWednesdays | 1:30 - 3 pmNov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan 4

Sit & Knit @ the JCC Tuesdays | 1 - 3 pm Do a mitzvah—make a cap for those in need! Free. Reservations required. Min. 4.Date CodeNovember ACK3December ACK4

Mature Mavens DinnerThird Thursday of the Month | 5:30 pmMeet for dinner and socialize. Reservations required.

Date Location CodeNov. 17 Miracle Mile Deli ACS4

JBoomerz Happy Hour - Ages 45 - 62Thursday, November 17 | 6 pmSkeptical Chymist 15688 N. Pima RoadM/NM: $5 First drink on the J. Code: ACB3

Active Adult Hanukkah LuncheonThursday, December 15 | 11 am - 1 pmCelebrate Hanukkah with our annual luncheon while enjoying the Klezmer band.M: $10 NM: $12 Code: ACS5

JCC Book Club3rd Wednesday of the Month | 1 - 2:30 pmNovember 16 | Bending Toward the Sun Leslie Gilbert Lurie | Code: ACBK3Dec. 21 | The Tea Roses Jennifer DonnellyCode: ACBK4 Free. Reservations required.

Brown Bag Lecture SeriesThursdays | Noon - 1 pmFun and educational programs! Learn something new each time. Feel free to bring a dairy lunch.Dec. 1 | Balance and Preventing Falls, John BlilieM: $3 NM: $5 Code: ACP3

Mah Jongg TournamentThursday, January 26 | 9:30 am - 3:30 pmM: $40 NM: $55 Includes lunch. Reservations required.Early Bird Rate: $5 off if you register by Jan. 9Code: AE026

Open PlayIf you already have a set up card game, then come play at the JCC in Room 216 or 215 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. If you are looking to set up a game, stop by the card room on Mondays at 1pm to meet new people to play with.

Cultural Event for the JCC. From there, we went to volunteering for most events, started a current events discussion group (Let’s Talk) and now head the JCC Volunteer Program. Tzedekah Kaminsky style.Prior to moving here thirty-five years ago from Chicago, our interests included Little League, PTA and Brownies. But in addition, we discovered an organization named Open Hearts for Retarded Children. The main thrust was in fund raising to aid in the research and education of handicapped children, but our contribution was in putting on annual home talent shows that enabled the members to flex their vocal chords, do a Rogers/Astair imitation while entertaining a generous audience. We discovered doing for others made us happy and fulfilled..and with G-d’s help, we would like to continue to do what ever we can toward that endeavor.

Stephen Breyer: Making Our Democracy WorkSunday, Dec. 11, 5:30 pm | Linda Greenhouse, Moderator M:$8 NM:$12 Code: AE022

92nd St. Y Live from NYC Presents

Bad Cactus Brass BandSunday, January 22 | 3 - 5 pm Powered by tuba, drums, trumpets, saxophones and trombones, the Bad Cactus Brass Band brings a Mardi Gras energy. M: $18 NM: $20 Code: AEJA3

The Seven Concepts of Highly Educated Jews Nov. 1 - Dec. 13 | 7 weeks | Tues, Noon - 1 pm Designed to explore the keys to living an inspired Jewish life. Instructor: Rabbi Yisroel IsaacsM: $25* NM: $36* Code: ACJEC3

Hubris or Humility: A Jewish Perspective on Self-Image November 10 - December 22 | 6 weeksThursdays | 6:30 - 7:30 pm This course will look at Torah-based insights on both practical and theoretical aspects of self image. Topics include: How self-confidence fits in with humility; how connecting with our soul or inner-self can improve our self-esteem; fascinating references to self-image in ancient Jewish sources.Instructor: Rabbi Yisroel IsaacsM: $25* NM: $36* Code: ACJEC4*Rates reduced thanks to an anonymous donor

Please be sure to make reservations for all of these events.

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Grown Up Camp In Israel: Sar-ElFor the past two summers I have participated in the most rewarding volunteer work ever, in my favorite place - Israel. I traveled to Israel to be a Sar-El volunteer, where I spent three weeks working alongside Israeli soldiers and other volunteers from all of the world – Spain,

Ukraine, Prague, Italy, Holland, Zimbabwe, and Hong Kong. My fellow volunteers were Jewish as well as Christian. We lived among soldiers on a specific army base. This past summer I was put on a transportation base, Mishmar HaNegev 559, near Be’er Sheva. On the base, the sort of jobs we had were:• Updated equipment for the reservists• Painted numbers on bumpers and ladders of trucks that carried tankers. • Emptied out the storage areas of the trucks that contained fire

extinguishers, jacks, chains and shackles, and water jugs. • Sorted flak jackets by size and made sure they were in “working” order. • Worked in the kitchen.We worked Sunday afternoon to Thursday afternoon, with our work day typically ending at 4:30. After dinner, one of many meals we shared amongst soldiers, we had an evening program that consisted of learning Israeli history, Hebrew, army ranks, or the Israeli society. During the second week of the program we had a full day field trip. We went to the Air Force Museum, grabbed lunch at a mall in Arad, swam in

the waterfalls of Ein Gedi, and then topped off this fabulous day at the Dead Sea. On the third week, we had a half day trip to Sderot, Magen David Adom and a beautiful memorial site. Both summers I went to Israel with my eighteen year old daughter, Mollie. She was placed on a tank training base near Eilat, called Shizafon, where she conducted inventory, sorted supplies, and had an all around great time socializing with the soldiers who were her same age and the other volunteers as well. Since she loved it so much, we decided to return to Israel and volunteer more with Sar-El. The soldiers that are on the base are thrilled that we are there to volunteer. They cannot believe we would fly at our own expense to help them out. Whenever a soldier would ask my daughter why she was spending her precious summers in Israel on an army base, she’d reply, “Because I love Israel”. And that’s the beauty of Sar-El. It is a wonderful experience to share with friends and family, but you can even travel alone and you will make friends there in an instant. It is an amazing feeling to be surrounded by people who love Israel just as much as you do. Go to the website www.sar-el.org. There is a video that was put together by people I worked with in 2010. And if you have any questions feel free to call 480.563.0006 or email me at sueadatto@cox.net.

Don’t Let Your Hebrew Get RustyStarting January 2012 | Date TBA

Don’t Let Your Hebrew Get Rusty - A monthly workshop for intermediate conversation Hebrew speakers. If you are having some difficulty finding opportunities to practice your Hebrew skills —this is the workshop for you. This free workshop will provide an opportunity for those who want to maintain their Hebrew skills while practicing and speaking Hebrew with others on a similar level. If you are interested in participating please contact the Israel Center at 480.483.7121 ext. 1109. Or by email at tamarf@vosjcc.org.

Save-The-DateJNF Tu Bishvat Community Festival

January 29, 2012Yom Hazikaron | April 25, 2012Yom Ha’atzmaut | April 29, 2012

Israel Program FairJanuary 5, 2012 | 6:30 pm

If you are a teenager or the parent of a teenager seeking more information on programs in Israel, be sure to attend the Israel Program Fair. Past program participants will be available to offer first-hand testimonials and staff will assist you in learning more about the options that are right for you.Co-sponsored by the Israel Center and the Bureau of Jewish Education

The Israel Center is a project of the Valley of the Sun JCC and Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and serves as the central community resource center for Israel-related activities and programs. For more information on how you can support Israel or get involved with Israel programs please call 480.483.7121, ext. 1109 or by email at tamarf@vosjcc.org.

Story & Photos by: Sue Adatto

www.vosjcc.org 17

Personal Training Members only. Private Sessions60 minutes Fee Code1 $63 SW0502 3 $193 SW05036 $363 SW050430 minutes Fee Code1 $39 SW05263 $110 SW05276 $200 SW0528

Buddy Sessions60 minutes Fee Per Person Code1 $47.50 SW05083 $136.50 SW05096 $262 SW051030 minutes Fee Per Person Code1 $24 SW05603 $68 SW05616 $131 SW0562

Small Group Sessions(min. 3/max. 5)60 minutes Fee Per Group Code8 $800 SW06612 $1,150 SW067

Teen Personal Training 19 years or younger. Members only.Private Sessions60 minutes Fee Code1 $42 SW05123 $126 SW05136 $252 SW0514

30 minutes Fee Code1 $21 SW05343 $63 SW05356 $126 SW0536

Buddy Teen Sessions60 minutes Fee Per Person Code1 $40 SW05163 $120 SW05176 $240 SW051830 minutes Fee Per Person Code1 $20 SW05303 $60 SW05316 $120 SW0532Yoga Personal TrainingCandle Light, Hip Hop, or Restorative Yoga. 20 years or older.

Private Sessions60 minutes Fee Code1 $63 SW0056Y3 $184 SW0053Y6 $346 SW0052Y

Fitness & Group FitnessBuddy Sessions60 minutes Fee Per Person Code1 $48 SW0057Y3 $136 SW0058Y6 $262 SW0059YGroup ClassesTotal Body 360 Private Training30 minutes M NM Codes1 $37 $50 SW00255 $175 $235 SW002660 minutes M NM Codes1 $63 $85 SW00285 $300 $405 SW0029TRX30-minute, full-body, functional training workout. Register at the Welcome Desk.Sessions M: NM: Code1 session $15 $20 SW0048A6 sessions $72 $110 SW0048C12 sessions $120 $195 SW0048C

Pilates Group Training This is a 55-minute, small group training method in which each participant uses a SCOTT Pilates Reformer to develop core control, flexibility, balance, coordination and strength.New Training StructureGroup Classes | 1 - 5 participants 4 consecutive weeks Reserve your reformer and purchase your classes for 4 weeks of training, which will enhance your training and performance results.M: $80 NM: $100 Code: SW0019 One class per week, same day and time

M: $150 NM: $170 Code: SW0020 Two classes per week, same day and time

M: $195 NM: $225 Code: SW0021 Three classes per week, same days and times Member Exclusive! JCC members only! M: $ 230 Code: SW0022Unlimited classes per week, same days and times

Drop-In Rate: M: $30 NM: $40

Private Pilates Reformer Training60 minutes Sessions M NM Code1 Session $63 $90 SW00563 pack $184 $270 SW005310 pack $346 $540 SW0052

Junior Private/ Duet Reformer, 360 Tower, Dance & Sports Specific TrainingJunior Private | Under 18 | 1 Session M: $59 NM: $79 Code: SW0065 Junior Duet (2 participants) | Under 18 | 1 SessionM: $40/pp NM: 79/pp Code: SW0066

For full class descriptions please refer to the Fall 2011 Program Guide.

For information call: Fitness: Dae Williams ext. 1278 or e-mail dwilliams@jewishphoenix.org Group Fitness: Lisa Robins ext. 1281 or e-mail lisar@vosjcc.org

BeWell is a personalized, health-coaching program that enables our fitness trainers to support you in the attainment of your fitness goals. The program offers a com-prehensive fitness and postural assessment, goal achievement strategies and development of a plan designed to meet individual needs. Free to members. Call to schedule.

BeWell is an online program offering an array of tools to help you optimize your fitness, dietary and wellness goals. Meal and exercise planners keep participants on track and the health profile helps to identify potential risk factors or obstacles to optimal health. Free to members. Visit https://vosjcc.livepurewellness.com

Sports ClubsJCC Cycle ClubSunday Mornings | 7 am | JCC parking lotMeet at the JCC for early Sunday rides. This club was developed by our members looking to improve their technique, while sharing their passion and dedication for cycling. Free to Members

Adult BalletNovember 3 - January 12 Thursdays 5 pm Tone, trim and get into shape while learning the art and movement of Ballet. This class is designed to challenge the beginner through experienced dancers while utilizing basic ballet and creative movements.For Teen to AdultDancer Workout - ballet and contemporary techniques. M: $90 NM: $100 Code: SW0033A

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Camelback Coaching Elite Masters Teen/AdultWhat better way to spend your lunch hour than with an aquatic work out.Mon, Wed, Fri: Noon - 1 pmM: $50 NM: $75 To register, call Anne Wilson, 480.363.3867

Competitive Swim LessonsWork with one of our technique coaches to see how far the proper stroke can take you. Sessions M NM Code6 $150 $215 SA00PCST6

Aquatics Personal TrainingParticipate in high intensity swimming, weight training and cardiovascular testing.Sessions M NM Code6 $330 $426 SA00APT30 minute sessionsSessions M NM Code6 $180 $252 SA00APT1

Deep Water AerobicsFocus on cardio conditioning, improved flexibility, strength, endurance and balance. Sunday - Friday: 8 - 9 amM: Free Code: SA0002

Shallow Water AerobicsClass offers strength training and cardiovascular benefits with zero gravity impact. Buoyant equipment provided. Daily: 9 - 10 amM: Free Code: SA0002

Modified HydrotherapyHydrotherapy and hydrothermal (heat) is used to tone the body, stimulate digestion, circulation and the immune system bringing relief from pain. Sessions M NM Code6 - 60 min $379 $420 SA00HT6 - 30 min $180 $252 SA00HT2

Pre & Post Workout StretchProgram benefits athletes and enhances specific training regimens. Members only.

Sessions Duration M Code6 15 min $95 SA00S156 30 min $180 SA00S30

100 Mile ClubTracking cards provided. Aquatics staff will log your swim distance after each workout. Reach the 100-mile mark and receive a Club t-shirt. Registration is required. Members only. Free Code: SA100MC

Swim Lessons - All AgesLessons are available for children and adults year-round in our heated pool.

Private Swim Lessons30 minute sessions Sessions M Code1 $32 SA00173 $85 SA00406 $155 SA0041Semi-Private LessonsPriced per group 30 minute sessions. 3 people maxSessions M Code1 $55 SA00183 $145 SA00446 $275 SA0045

Valley of the Sun Swim Academy 1-2-3 Swim SafeTM Brought to you by Aquatic Concepts®

Group Swim Lessons Saturdays & Sundays • 6 Months - 12 yearsThis new, innovative program brought to you by Aquatic ConceptsTM will provide your children with the foundation for swim-ming while making them “swim safe.” Group classes are limited to no more than four children per instructor, ensuring that each swimmer is given individual focus. Level One Beginning Swimmers: Frogs, Gobies, Puffers & Stingrays Sat 10 - 10:30 am SA00GS1A | Sun 10 - 10:30 am SA00GS1A1

Level Two Advanced Swimmers: Tiger Barbs, Seals, Dolphins, & Sharks: Sat 10:30 - 11 am SA00GS2B | Sun 10:30 - 11 am SA00GS2B2

Water Babies Saturdays & Sundays • 6 Months - 3 yearsWater Babies is a unique parent/tot program that focuses on safety, motor skill development and swimming. The class consists of up to five swimmers and their parents. The child learns through song, parent/tot interaction, games and one-on-one time with the instructor. Sat 11:30 am - Noon SA00GS3A | Sun 10:30 - 11 am SA00GS3A3

M: $99 per month: 1 time per week • $189 per month: 2 times per week | NM: $199 per month: 1 time per week • $378 per month: 2 times per week Pre-registration is required. Ages 6 months to 36 months may participate. Inquire at the Welcome Desk.

Now Offering Swim Lessons All Year! For class listings, call 480.483.7121 ext. 1278.

Swim Neptune - JCC SharksA developmental & Competitive Swim Team Program | Ages 5 - 18 For more information call Helen at 480.695.0667

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Purim is said to be one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. The story of Purim is told in the Book of Esther, or the Megillah. The story explains how one woman, Esther, saved the Jews from being persecuted in the land of Persia. The holiday is celebrated every year on the 14th of Adar on the Hebrew calendar. During the holiday celebration, Jews are instructed to curse Ha-man, the villain and cheer for Mordecai and Esther, the heroes of the story. During the holiday of Purim we usually eat hamantaschen, which are triangle shaped cookies with filling inside them. They rep-resent Haman’s hat. During Purim it is customary to hold carnivals and festivals in celebration of the holiday.This year, the JCC is bringing back the Community-Wide Purim Carnival. The Carnival will take place on Sunday, March 4, 2012. A committee has been working very hard on planning this year’s event. For this year’s carnival, synagogues are able to sign up to create their very own booth! We are hoping that synagogues will get creative and design some really great booths that will add to the fun and festivity of the carnival! Sponsorships are also available for businesses and other organizations for a moderate fee.The carnival is going to have booths, bounce houses, music, food and prizes. We are very excited to bring the community together

Purim at the J

for this larger than life Purim Carnival! We hope to see many of you and your families at the carnival on March 4. If you are interested in volunteering, or if your organization wants more information on the carnival booths, please contact Suzanne Swift at 480.483.7121 ext. 1201 or suzannes@vosjcc.org.Since Purim is a celebratory holiday, we will also be celebrating the Shemesh Day Camp Reunion! Any camper who has attended Shemesh in the past is welcome to come and party with their friends at the reunion! It is bound to be lots of fun, just like camp! Stay tuned for specials and more details! Save-the-Date Ad Lo Yoda | Saturday Eve., March 3 A community event for young adults (21 - 40’s). The event will be called Ad Lo Yoda, which refers to not knowing the difference between the evil Haman and the blessed Mordechai on the holiday of Purim. Attendees must be over 21 to attend and the first drink will be on the house! For more information please contact Erin Searle at 480.483.7121 x1205 or erins@vosjcc.org.We hope you will join us for these community celebrations in March. See you there!

Community Carnival

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Spotlight on the JMembership Appreciation Wine Tasting & JazzOn Saturday, September 10, the JCC hosted a Membership Appreciation evening of wine tasting accompanied by a jazz concert, while children participated in a fun Sit ‘N Split night with the youth department. This event celebrated our members. Jeremy and His All-Stars provided the entertainment for the evening. Guests enjoyed the smooth jazz sounds of the band, while noshing on snacks and drinking wine. Over 100 members joined us! While the adults were mingling, the children were treated to ice cream sundaes, fun arts & crafts, sports activities, a movie, and time to jump the night away in the bounce house. We look forward to seeing more members out at future Membership Appreciation events.

JCC Team Think PinkOn Sunday October 9, 2011 over 25 members of the Jewish Community Center joined together as the JCC Think Pink Team in the annual breast cancer walk for the Susan G. Komen Race for The Cure.The day began with a parade for survivors who marched along grouped together by their years of recovery. Harriet Colan a five-year breast cancer survivor said, “This is such an amazing experience for me. It feels like they created this day just for us!”There were over 30 vendors including Jamba Juice, Wildflower Bread Company and Ford Motor Company’s Warrior’s in Pink giving away free samples and bags filled with goodies for both survivors and race participants.The 3.1 mile walk took the JCC Team a little over an hour (as we joined over 30,000 other race participants).Every race, this year’s included is always a remarkable experience and hope you will join our team next year as we Race for the Cure!

Annual Meeting HighlightsNearly 100 friends of the J attended the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center annual meeting on Monday, September 12. The outgoing chair, David Goldman shared how meaningful and fulfilling his term was in office as he passed the gavel to incoming chair, David Tinkelman. Three board members’ terms had expired and were acknowledged for their years of hard work—• Adam Brooks• Ron Cohen• Scott Weinflash

Diane Ozer was elected to the current board. In addition, the following individuals were honored for their volunteer commitment to the JCC—

• Bev & Lee Zoloto – Concierge Volunteers• Dina Mandelbaum & Diane Ozer – 2010-11 PTG Co-Chairs• Perry Buckman – Youth Sports • Eddie Pantiliat – Jeff Berkowitz Memorial Coach of the Year

Many of the center directors had an opportunity to share about the growth in their programs, well-attended events and other good news. You can download a copy of the annual report at www.vosjcc.org.

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For more information contact Alisa Chatinsky at ext. 1203.

Help ensure financial stability and continuity for the future of our Jewish community with your annual gift.

Habonim SocietyPlatinum $7,500 - $9,999Donna & Joel Kramer FamilyDottie & Murray GoodmanKathy & David Tinkelman FamilyDebra Berkowitz, Gary Weiss & Family

Gold $4,000 - $7,499Jean & Harold* Grossman FoundationSuzanne & Steven Hilton FamilyFran & Al SachsPenny & Robert Sarver & FamilySara, Bob, Adam & Jeffrey SilverBenée Hilton-Spiegel & Jay Spiegel Families

Silver $2,000 - $3,999Sandy & Edward AdlerTiffani & Dan Bachus FamilyCindy & Adam Brooks & FamilyThe Crystal Family FoundationLewis Davis & Marcy Cooney Amanda & Brian Donarski & FamilyAlison, Michael, Nora, Sadie & Joshua FeinbergBrenda, Jim, Megan & Courtney FriedHelen & Steve Gubin

Scholarship Society $10,000 +Judith & Robert* Gottschalk & FamilyBarbara & Barry Zemel

Anita & Jerome GutkinSusan & Jonathan Harris FamilyShari & Irwin KanefskyElaine & Ted KortKimberly & Norman Kur & FamilyKaren & Frank LewkowitzStephanie, Jeff, Ethan & Ella MindlinMintz-Delgado FamilyColette & Benjamin Myers FamilyKaren, Rob, Arielle & Maia NagleDiane, Steve, Danny & Jackie OzerElisa, Jonathan & Hailey PinkusJennifer & John Rawicz & FamilyStacy, Bill, Samantha & Gabrielle RichmanJulia Rosen & Rich Kasper FamilyLeiba & Danny SchwartzJess & Sheila Schwartz Family FoundationMarie & Leonard* SiegelShannon, Matthew, Zachary & Samantha SonderSuzanne & Richard Swift & FamilyMary & Larry Trachtenberg Irit, Jonathan & Maya TrattDonna & Rudy Troisi & FamilyNancy Waldman & Andrew Filipowicz & Family

Gayle & Jay WeissJill & Lee WeissAnn & Ted Zinman

Matanah Society $600 - $1,999Vicki & Howard CabotMandy & James DaitchStephanie & Adam GoodmanPeg & Neil HillerEsther Sue & Robert KaratzElaine & Michael KatesTrudy & Mark KleinSue Jaffee & Neil Kurn Julee Landau ShahonSondra & William MyersGail & Jeff ObstfeldMorton ScultSharon & Garry Shuster

Laura, Scott, David & Josh Weinflash

Supporting the JWith Your Annual Gift

* of blessed memory

Societies of Significance | As of October, 2011

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Julie Marks

Julie has been a charter member of the JCC since 2002. She is a busy mom of three active boys. As busy as Julie is, she never fails to make fitness a priority in her life. “I try to make every minute count when I am working out and I do this by making sure I have a balance between cardio and strength

training”, she explains.After she had her third child, she felt extremely weak and had a lot of pain in her neck and back, so Julie turned to the JCC Fitness Department for guidance. Knowing that she needed to make a change, she met with trainer Lisa Robins and started working with a customized training plan that would strengthen her core. Julie explains, “I worked with Lisa at least three times a week and within two months, I felt much stronger.” She incorporates Pilates training with Gaby into her weekly fitness regime. “Gaby really gets me to step out of my comfort zone and has me doing things I never thought I could do.”Julie’s future fitness goals are to continue to have fun with her workouts and stay focused. She believes that fitness should be enjoyable, not a chore.Congratulations Julie!

Wendy & Maury Gralnek

Congratulations to Wendy and Maury! They have been members of the JCC for the last two and a half years. Wendy and Maury are avid water aerobics participants and also stay active through pilates and spinning classes. The Gralneks enjoy coming to the JCC to work out because they love everything they

do here. The deep water aerobics classes keep them busy three days a week and Wendy does a spin class twice a week because she finds it to be therapeutic. In addition, she swims an hour each day after aerobics while Maury does shallow water aerobics and takes a pilates reformer class once a week. Wendy just completed her first 100 miles, this past summer for our 100 Mile Club and is currently working on her second 100 miles. They both maintain their current exercise routine since they love to cook and eat! Their motto is, ‘If we exercise enough, we can really indulge.” Wendy and Maury love exercising at the JCC because they find it relaxing and have made some wonderful friends. Say hello to them if you’re at the pool!Congratulations Wendy & Maury!

Dana MacDonough

Dana and her family have been members of the JCC for ten years now. Dana and her three daughters, Elizabeth (22), Katie (20), and Julie (17), are almost daily users of the fitness center and enjoy living healthy, active lifestyles. They turn to the Valley of the Sun JCC to keep

them fit and strong. All four women have all recently taken to swimming laps in the pool and love the change in exercise from the gym. Elizabeth is a recent graduate of UC-Davis with a B.S. in Genetics. She has recently moved back to the Valley to pursue a career in medicine. Katie is starting her third year at Stanford University where she studies International Relations. Julie is a senior at Chaparral High School and is currently working on college applications. They are all members of Temple Chai, and view the JCC as an extension of their Jewish family.Congratulations Dana & family!

Membersjuly august

september october

of the Month

Rob Nagle

Rob and Karen have been members at the JCC since it first opened its doors in 2002. He stays motivated by pursuing realistic running goals. Too aggressive a goal risks failure, injury, or both! Modest goals allow for positive reinforcement and the incentive each day to get up early and head out the

door, positive results will come. Rob has learned first hand what will happen if he stop exercising (dramatic weight gain) and he has no intention of ever letting that happen again. Knowing he can gain weight has motivated him to continue to strengthen his core and legs as he pursue the ultimate marathon runner’s goal: a BQ (Boston Qualifier) time.He enjoys working out with his personal trainer Sam Berk. He had always “discounted” the value of personal training, but working with a trainer gives every workout focus. The time they spend together is more efficient than working alone and the results speak for themselves! Rob believes that most rewarding part of working with his trainer has been the satisfaction that through hard work, he has converted previously out-of-reach goals into everyday attainable results.Congratulations Rob!

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Valley Beit Midrash at the JCCEvolving Halakhah: Traditional Jewish Law in a Postmodern Era Wednesdays | Noon | Begins November 9We will use Rabbi Dr. Moshe Zemer’s book Evolving Halakhah: A Progressive Approach to Traditional Jewish Law as our guide through various areas of Jewish law and consider its meaning for our lives today. Free. Open to the public.

Hadassah, VOSJCC & The Women’s Jewish Learning Center Series An educational lecture series with Rabbi Elana Kanter, Director of the Women’s Jewish Learning Center. Co-sponsored by the JCC and Hadassah Valley of the Sun. M: $20 MM: $25Sunday, December 11 | 10 am Where Do People Go When They Die? Talking to Your Children and Grandchildren about DeathMust register and pay Hadassah | Mail check to: Hadassah Valley of the Sun | PO Box 1721 Gilbert, AZ 85299-1721 | Call 480.998.1880 or for more information chapter.hvos@hadassah.org.

Women’s Jewish Learning Center November 10 & 17 | Thursdays, 1 pm | Venue TBADistance Learning – Lovers and Cynics Songs of Songs and EcclesiastesNov. 22 & 29 | Dec. 6 & 13 | Wednesdays, 11 am | Venue TBATalk of the Talmud

The Jewish Enrichment Center and the JCC are proud to announce NEW classes at the JCCThe Seven Concepts of Highly Educated Jews Nov. 1 - Dec. 13 | 7 weeks | Tues, Noon - 1 pm Designed to explore the keys to living an inspired Jewish life. Classes include: Secrets of the Hebrew Letters, Shabbat: a Glimpse at Eternity, Prayer: If G-d Knows What We Need, Why Ask? And more!Instructor: Rabbi Eli Putney M: $25* NM: $36* Code: ACJEC3

Hubris or Humility: A Jewish Perspective on Self-Image November 10 - December 22 | 6 weeks | Thursdays | 6:30 - 7:30 pm This course will look at Torah-based insights on both practical and theo-retical aspects of self image. Topics include: How self-confidence fits in with humility; how connecting with our soul or inner-self can improve our self-esteem; fascinating references to self-image in ancient Jewish sources.Instructor: Rabbi Yisroel Isaacs M: $25* NM: $36* Code: ACJEC4*Rates reduced thanks to an anonymous donor

Threads of Jewish Life has been developed to tie our community together by integrating Valley-wide Jewish programming, information and resources. From holiday celebrations to community-wide events,

Threads of Jewish Life promises to weave together those values that we have in common, no matter who we are or where we are from. Programs take place at the JCC, unless otherwise noted.

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Community Read & Coffee TalkSharon Pomerantz | Rich BoyFriday, November 11 | 11 amJoin the book discussion with the author and enjoy coffee and snacks. Winner of the National Jewish Book Award for Outstanding Debut Fiction, Rich Boy traces Robert Vishniak, the favored son of Oxford Circle, a working-

class Jewish neighborhood in 1970s Philadelphia. Handsome and clever, Robert glides into the cloistered universities of New England, where scions of unimaginable wealth and influence stand shoulder to shoulder with scholarship paupers like himself who wash dishes for book money. The doors that open there lead Robert to the highest circles of Manhattan society during the heart of the Reagan boom where everything Robert has learned about women, through seduction and heartbreak, pays off. For a brief moment he has it all—but the world in which he finds himself is not the world from which he comes, and a chance encounter with a beautiful girl from the old neighborhood—and the forgotten life she reawakens—threatens to unravel his carefully constructed new identity.

Co-sponsored by Brandeis National Committee.

JCC Partners with Valley Beit MidrashWe are pleased to announce that the JCC has become an official partner with Valley Beit Midrash, a collaborative adult education program, that brings new, exciting and relevant Jewish learning to the Greater Phoenix Jewish community in a diverse, welcoming, engaging and pluralistic setting.

This partnership illustrates and reflects our Threads of Jewish Life theme which ties together the values and traditions we have in common.

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Attention Members: Please remember that talking on your cell phone and driving through our parking lot can mean an accident waiting to happen.

Let’s make our parking lot a

CELL FREE ZONE!

Leadership comes in all shapes and forms. One way you can show your foresight is to invest to help others less fortunate. The Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center Scholarship Society is the premiere annual giving group created to support the children, youth and families of the JCC. Imagine being a single mother struggling to make ends meet. Sometimes the choice is between paying rent or providing your child a safe environment. The thought of leaving your child home alone for the summer is devastating. You know the risks of a latch-key child.

The Vision to Invest the Courage to LeadFortunately, there is the outstanding summer camp at the JCC and generous supporters willing to help give your child a summer of fun activities in a welcoming Jewish environment. The JCC Scholarship Society was created for donors willing to make a minimum $10,000 gift annually to support children’s scholarships. All tax-deductible donations will be used for infants, toddlers or preschoolers; afterschool or summer and holiday camp programs for kindergarten through eighth grades. Watch our children participate in Shabbat services…singing, dancing and enjoying their Jewish heritage. Something every child should have the opportunity to participate.Your investment provides children a safe and nurturing environment in which to thrive. Become a member of the prestigious Scholarship Society and help make a difference in the future. As a Scholarship Society member, you will be highlighted on the JCC Wall of Honor and have VIP access to the Ina Levine Community Campus, as well as all the privileges bestowed on Habonim members.

Small Children On-Board

For more informaion, call Alisa Chatinsky at ext. 1203 or email, alisac@vosjcc.org

Save the Date

Trivia Night“Free to Be You and Me”Saturday, January 21, 2012Trivia Night is a don’t miss. The evening will feature cocktails, dessert, raffles, a live auction, a silent auction and of course, a trivia competition between tables of friends. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Valley of the Sun Early Childhood Center. Adults only fundraiser.Tickets on sale soon.For more information or to register, call the ECC at 480-659-7769

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Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah, come light the Menorah…This year for Hanukkah, the active adults will be treated to a Hanukkah luncheon with a Klezmer band performance. Hanukkah music paired with delicious latkes is always a great holiday treat! The youth department is doing a Pancakes ‘N Latkes Character Breakfast in celebration of the Festival of Lights! Hanukkah, while not the biggest, most important holiday in Judaism, it certainly teaches us important lessons on staying true to who we are and standing up for what we believe in. Today, we are able to celebrate the joy of Hanukkah with friends and family, while remembering the lessons of this special holiday. While we do not need to search for oil to last for eight nights, we should find it within ourselves to search for the determination and strength to live life in a meaningful way. Wishing our community a beautiful and illuminating Hanukkah and holiday season.

Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah By Erin Searle

Tuesday, December 20: (first night of Hanukkah) Candle Lighting

Wednesday, December 21: Latkes | 7 - 9:30 am & 4 - 5:50 pm

Thursday, December 22: Dreidel games

Friday, December 23: Early candle lighting | 4:30 pm*

Monday, December 26: Story time

Tuesday, December 27: Obstacle course & candle lighting

Wednesday December 28: Israeli Hanukkah with Tamar - serving sufganiyot (jelly donuts)*Programming begins at 4:45 pm unless otherwise noted. Candle lighting at 5 pm

Pancakes ‘N Latkes Holiday Character Breakfast

Sunday, December 25 | 9 - 11 amJoin us and your friends for breakfast. See some of your favorite, loveable characters as we all enjoy breakfast together. Register by December 16, fees for ages 3+.M: $25 family of 4 NM: $40 family of 4Day of Registration: $10 additionalAdditional Person M: $3/NM: $5Code: YF500

Hanukkah in the Hallway

Active Adult Hanukkah LuncheonThursday, December 15 | 11 am - 1 pmJoin us as we celebrate Hanukkah with our annual luncheon while enjoying Klezmer music. Lunch and latkes will be served!M: $10 NM: $12 Code: ACS5

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Watch for updates about the 2012 Mega Event:jewishphoenix.org - and - facebook.com/jewishphoenix

we are federation... we are community. | celebrating 70 years of caring.

2012 mega event

thursday, march 1st | 7:00 pm

arizona biltmore | frank lloyd wright ballroom

SAVE THE DATE

featuringdavid brooks • New York Times Columnist • Best-selling author • Commentator for PBS and NPR

“David Brooks has a gift for bringing audiences face to face with the spirit of our times with humor, insight and quiet passion.”

Save the date Texas Hold’em Poker is Back!

April 1, 2012

www.vosjcc.org 27

Book & Cultural Arts CommitteeCommittee Co-Chairs: Sandy Adler and Sylvia Gotlib

Anita Baranovsky Margo Bremen Cheryl CanningJill DavisEvelyn EttelsonJan FinemanJudy FriedmanBonnie HoffmanJacqueline Jackson

Phyllis Kaminsky Cissie LilienBeverly MorickAdrienne PrinceShelly ReissHope Slepian Sheryl SocoloffShari WarshaverWilma Weiss

Committee Members

Comedy at the J | Shawn Pelofsky Thursday, Nov. 3 | 7 pm

Author Luncheon | Ellen FeldmanNext to Love: A Novel Friday, Nov. 4 | 11 am

Girls Night Out: Margaritas, Munchies and Mystery! Karen Bergreen | Following Polly: A NovelThursday, Nov. 10 | 7 pm

Women’s Symposium | Iris Krasnow The Secret Lives of Wives: Women Share What It Really Takes To Stay Married | Sunday, Nov. 6 | 8:30 am

Danyelle Freeman Try This: Traveling the Globe Without Leaving the Table Monday, Nov. 7 | Dinner, 6 pm | Lecture, 7 pm

Mitchell Bard | The Arab Lobby: The Invisible Alliance That Undermines America’s Interests in the Middle East Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 7 pm

Community Read & Coffee TalkSharon Pomerantz | Rich BoyFriday, Nov. 11 | 11 am

Business Breakfast Barry Libert | Social Nation Friday, Dec. 2 | 7:30 am

Tom Fields-Meyer | Following Ezra: What One Father Learned About Gumby, Otters, Autism, and Love from His Extraordinary Son Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012 | 1:30 pm

David Levinson | Everyone Helps, Everyone Wins: How Absolutely Anyone Can Pitch In, Help Out, Give Back and Make the World A Better Place Monday, February 13, 2012 7 pm

The PJ Library® Program Presents: A Unique Pajama Party! Sunday, November 13 | 3 - 4:30 pm | Ages 3 - 8

Donors & PatronsScribe • Don & Char Dreyfus • Evelyn & Phil Ettelson • Judy & Paul Friedman • Marilyn Gerber• Lois & David Goldman• Shari & Irwin Kanefsky• Joyce & Bruce Lefco• Cissie & Larney Lilien • Irene Lubin• Irene B. Metz • Melissa Redleaf, MD -

Paradise Pediatrics• Hope & Eric Slepian• Linda & Howard ZellDonation • Susan & Michael Alpern• Joanne & Dennis Burech• Sophia Chemirs• Sheila & Lawrence Groman• Jane Neeley

Publisher • Barbara & David Adelson• Jill Davis & Yale Bernstein• Sylvia & Michael Gotlib• Barbara & Barry Zemel• Medwise Consulting Partners Scholar• Sandy & Ed Adler • Anita & Sergio BaranovskyNovelist• Margo Bremen • JoAnn & Jeffrey Kovan • Adrienne & Gary Prince • Shelly & Marty Reiss • Fran & Al Sachs • Suzanne Swift • Gayle Weiss

JCC Program Director: Suzanne Swift Adult Services & Cultural Arts: Erin Searle

2011 - Fabulous authors, topics & events

Valley of the Sun JCC

Culture, Comedy & CuisineNovember 2 - 13, 2011

Jewish Book & Cultural Arts Fair

The New Era: Humanity Comes of Age Wednesday, Nov. 2 | 7 pm | Temple Chai

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Community Program Presented by Valley Beit Midrash

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Our JCC Membership JUST GOT BETTER! We know that it is hard to improve on a good thing, but we’ve added more value to your JCC membership. As a thank you to our members, the VOSJCC is pleased to present these discounts and special offers from participating local businesses in our community. To take advantage of these discounts, show your valid JCC membership card at the time of purchase.

For more information on how to become a J Perks Member call Lisa Owens at

480.483.7121 ext. 1287 or e-mail at, lisao@vosjcc.org

JPERKS Avy Merovitz

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Thank You to Our Corporate Sponsors

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Good evening. This has been a hard weekend for our community – in recent days we have lost too many of our leaders. Long-time JCC volunteer, Dr Murray Vinnik; former JCC board member Arnold Smith; Jewish Community Foundation board member Daniel Pollack; and Robert Gottschalk have all passed away in recent days.As many in this room know, Bob Gottschalk was a true believer in the JCC movement – he was a past president, a long-time board member, and a former employee of the JCC when it was in its old location on Maryland Avenue. I was looking back at some of the stories about Bob in the Jewish News and the line that says so much was his quote in the article about his being honored with the Irv Shuman award at the JCC’s ‘Gala for Good.’ Recalling that Irv Shuman had guided Bob to find his passion in Jewish life, Bob was quoted as saying, “For me, it’s always been the J.” Bob and I met for the first time just over one month ago – I have known Judi for a few years now and she serves on the Board of Trustees of Valley Beit Midrash, but with all the trips to Houston for treatments and the recovery time, Bob and I were not able to find time to get together until August 3rd of this year. And, true to form, Bob wanted to talk about the JCC.And so, in the short time I have, and in Bob’s memory, I would like to offer a short teaching that will also stand as a blessing for our Valley of the Sun JCC. I like to think of the first Jewish Community Center as the Tabernacle that was built in the desert as a central location for Jewish life. Think about it: the funds for the building were raised from donations from the community; there was an emphasis both on the functionality of the structure, but also on the aesthetics of the building; it was in the very center of the camp – both geographically, and spiritually; and it was a place of gathering at critical junctures during the Jewish people’s sojourn in the desert. Towards the middle of the book of Exodus, the Torah tells us that G-d commanded the Jewish people to “asu li mikdash” – “to make for me a sanctuary.” And G-d, in the guise of Frank Lloyd Wright, then proceeds to describe the construction of the tabernacle. At the end of chapter 25, after all the building instructions are outlined, G-d says to Moshe, “And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the ark-cover…”By the end of the book of Exodus, the tabernacle has been built according to the directions laid out earlier on in the book, but there is a problem. As the Torah states at the end of chapter 40, “Then the cloud covered the tabernacle, and the glory of G-d filled the tabernacle. And Moshe was not able to enter into the tabernacle…”The money had been raised, the plans had been laid out, the constructions followed the plan, and so why was it that Moshe was unable to enter into the tabernacle?

Opening Benediction from Rabbi Darren Kleinberg at the 2011 JCC Annual meeting

It takes until the book of Numbers to discover the answer to this question.In the early chapters of the book of Numbers, two critical things take place: the first is the census, and the second is the offerings on behalf of the tribes. In the census we have the simple but profound message that every member of the Jewish people counts. And, while in the Torah the census may have been limited to a certain class of people, we understand the lesson for today. We have to count everyone. In the sacrifices from each of the tribes we learn the additional lesson that everyone has something to offer and we have to welcome and accept their gifts whatever they are. Put simply, the early chapters of the book of Numbers teach us that a central gathering place for the community – in this case the Tabernacle – must be one that acknowledges and welcomes everyone. And so, it should be no surprise that, immediately after the last of the offering sis presented, the Torah tells us that, “Moshe went into the tabernacle that he might speak with G-d, then he heard the voice speak to him from above the ark-cover.” It is only when the tabernacle becomes a place that the entire community is a part of that Moshe can enter, that it can become a space for profound Jewish experiences.And this is what a JCC is and should be. And it is this that I know Bob saw as the role of the JCC.If a JCC is going to be a successful, flourishing center for Jewish life that allows people to enter as Moshe was able to enter into the tabernacle, then it must acknowledge and welcome all members of our community. This is what it means to be a Jewish Community Center – where the word Community has the broadest, most expansive definition. I am gratified that these are values that are not alien to our Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center. I offer these words not because the people do not understand them, but precisely because you understand the importance of these values and constantly look for new ways to act upon them and instill them into the fabric of this institution.Because Bob was a part of this family, and because of our sadness due to the loss of Murray Vinnik, Arnold Smith, and Daniel Pollack, we are all in mourning and it would be inappropriate to offer the blessing of shehechiyanu which is said at times of celebration – instead, I want to ask that we all take a moment to reflect on their memory, on the things that each of them has given to this community over the years and on the values that were so important to them, of acknowledging and welcoming the entire Jewish community as part of the life-blood of this institution so that, like Moshe and the tabernacle, we can enter into this building and have profound Jewish experiences. Please join me in a moment of silence…May their memory be for a blessing…

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TributesOn September 10th the JCC lost a great friend, Bob Gottschalk. His family and friends started the Robert J. Gottschalk Memorial Fund to honor him and his lifelong service to the JCC.

Judy AckermanIan & Wendy AckermanAndrea AndersonChick ArnoldJanet ArnoldSara AstrichMathis & Barbara BeckerJudy BeechenBarry & Sharon BriskmanZachary & Nancy BrooksAllan & Sharon BulmanHoward & Vicki CabotChris & Danna CauthernCBIZ MHM, LLCBen & Ilene CelnikerAlisa ChatinskyTom & Anne CurzonCraig & Ellen DeanTim & Keri Eckstein Timothy Eckstein

Anita EhrenfriedDavid EhrenfriedMichael & Karen EpleyRick & DeeDee FriedlanderAlan & Elaine GoldmanDavid & Naomi GoodellMurray & Dorothy GoodmanAlbert & Anna Gottschalk Hirsch & June GottschalkIrving & Reesa GottschalkChristopher & Renee HamillKevin & Terri HealyDavid & Elaine HirschJoyce HorowitzMichael & Julie House & FamilyJeffrey & Marion IsaacsMimi JaffeBrooke Toles Johnson, First Things FirstIrwin & Shari Kanefsky

Michael & Elaine KatesMarcia KernMartha KinardElliott & Wendy KonickBrian & Michelle KortNeal & Sue KurnBeverly LachmanMark & Sue LandyAvrum & Dannette LankHarvey & Saralyn LasnerBart LasnerScott & Laura Ziff LentinBill & Susan LevineMarianne LiasHerb & Seema ListonDan LutchanskyBen Lytle Andrew & Marla MayerRochille McConnellLen & Phyllis Miller

Sherman & Andi MinkoffAdam Nach & FamilySteve & Fran NovakoffEsther & Lias NussbaumRon Ober & Gail GordonRosemary PyeMark ReagenSeymour & Sandy RifeGary & Laurie RingelIrving & Ricki RollingherDavid & Sue RosenBarry & Willa SchneiderBrian & Michelle SchneiderMark & Judy SearleJoel & Mary ShapiroIrwin & Tina SheinbeinMartin & Linda ShultzMatthew & Judith SillsRobert & Sara SilverPatrick Stalnaker

Errol & Berry SweetNancy ThomadsenStuart & Maxine TinkelmanUnivita

Jane harrisonL. Ben LytleHugh LytleMark Raegan

Edie WadeSamuel & Corinne WarsawskyDavid & Sharon Wax Family FundGerald & Caryll WebnerHelene WeinraubJerry & Elaine WeissHoward & Sharyn WeissJay & Gayle WeissGary & Debra Berkowitz WeissKenneth & Freya WinsbergTed & Ann ZinmanDavid & Lynda Ziskin

To: Mrs. Rosalie DisnerIn memory of your beloved Mother Alice Elaine & David Zack

To: Andrew & Linda Schwartz & FamilyIn memory of your beloved Father Shari & Irwin Kanefsky

To: Herb RigbergHappy Birthday Wishes Matt Rigberg

To: The Family of Joseph LustgartenOur deepest sympathy on the passing of Joseph Lustgarten The JCC Staff

To: David & Cindy LorschIn memory of your beloved Mother Daniel Greenlee

To: Mrs. Margo Bremen & FamilyIn memory of Barry Michael Bremen, beloved Husband, Father & Grandfather Ed & Sandy Adler; Scott Pasternoster; Adrienne & Gary Prince; George & Cindy Rubin; Suzanne & Richard Swift

To: Noel BremenIn memory of Barry Michael Bremen Horowitz Family Foundation

To: Phyllis & Lee KaminskyHappy 50th AnniversarySuzanne & Richard Swift

To: Mrs. Cookie HolmanIn memory of your beloved Husband Bob Shari & Irwin Kanefsky

To: Joanne Fink & FamilyIn memory of your beloved Husband & Father, Andy Trattner Shari & Irwin Kanefsky

To: Jill Davis & Yael Bernstein In memory of your beloved Brother Sandy & Ed Adler

To: Elisa & Jonathan Pinkus & FamilyIn loving memory of Edward Gluck Marcia Mintz & Liz Delgado Family, Shannon & Matthew Sonder

To: Raley SegalIn honor of your Special Birthday Elaine & Joel Bernick

To: Dina Mandelbaum & Diane OzerIn honor of receiving the JCC Kavod Award Alison & Michael Feinberg

To: Roz VinnikIn memory of your beloved Husband Murray Suzanne & Richard Swift & Family, Beverly & Lee Zoloto

To: Gayle SimonIn memory of your beloved Husband Ronnie Beverly & Lee Zoloto

To: Ronee & Tracy SteinerIn memory of your beloved Father Suzanne & Richard Swift & Family

To: Randi Sherman & FamilyIn memory of your beloved Mother Phyllis Shari & Irwin Kanefsky, Phyllis & Len Miller, Gary & Debra Berkowitz Weiss,

To: Nancy BerenIn honor of your special birthday Dr. Ray & Marilyn Steinberg

To: Irwin KanefskyBest wishes for a speedy recovery Michele Shoresman & Gary Bilow

To: Mr. & Mrs. Ralph HenigIn memory of your beloved Sister Marilyn Shari & Irwin Kanefsky

To: Geoff BlumWishing you a speedy recovery Susan & Steve Ference

To: Jackie & Bryan WollheimMazal Tov on the birth of your daughter Whitney Dylan Cindy & Adam Brooks , Dr. Jeffrey & Mara Greenberg

To: Orli & Geoffrey KaplanMazal Tov on the birth of your son Mason Levy Cindy & Adam Brooks, Suzanne & Richard Swift & Family, Gary & Debra Berkowitz Weiss

To: Stacey & David ArkulesIn memory of your beloved Father Bernard “Bud” Shari & Irwin Kanefsky, Phyllis & Len Miller

To: Lisa Owens & FamilyIn memory of your beloved Mother Bonita Levine The Delgado Family, Cynthia & Marty Friedman, Rich Kasper & Sue Rosen Family, Cynthia & Steve Lupiloff, Shannon & Matt Sonder, Donna & Rudy Troisi, Gary & Debra Berkowitz Weiss

To: Ilene Rasker & Family In memory of your beloved Husband Stanley Shari & Irwin Kanefsky

Refer a FriendRefer a friend to join the J and get a FREE month.

*Some exclusions apply. Dues credit will be equal to referred members’ dues rate or current member rate, whichever is less.

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