Jewish Sisterhood, a group for single and married Jewish women in their 20s and 30s who live in the Greater Phoenix area, was started by Lauren Fogel in March.
"I wanted to create a group and social environment where women could connect with each other and form friendships within the Jewish community," Fogel told Jewish News. "Since many of my friends are both in their 20s and 30s, I wanted to start a group where women from both age ranges could come together."
Fogel said Jewish Sisterhood is what her mother would call "hamish." "It is not a clique, and it is not exclusive," she said. "Different women tend to attend different events based on their interests. I try to accommodate everyone and am open to suggestions for events. I like to mix things up; there is usually something for everyone."
The group started with an e-mail list of about 25 women and has grown to include more than 100 members. About 10-40 women have attended each event, depending on the venue.
Past events included a book club, a wine and cheese party, belly-dancing and a viewing of "Sex and the City" at a local movie theater.
A scrapbooking event at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at a private home, is almost full. E-mail Lauren at jewishsisterhood@gmail.com.
ShabbatLuck, a group of young adults who meet for a monthly potluck Shabbat dinner, has reached its 100-person capacity for this month's dinner (tonight, Friday, July 25). A waiting list was set up in case of cancellations.
The group, which started in January 2007 with four friends who each invited a few friends, organizes one large Shabbat dinner every third month; the other two months the dinners are held as smaller gatherings in homes.
July's dinner is being held at a community center in Scottsdale, with funding from the Dana Cheryl Beitscher Charitable Foundation.
The Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center's board of directors is seeking members of the community to join its board. The board has 20 slots open to community members, according to Gary Jaburg, board chairman. Leadership opportunities range from membership and program committees to special events and fundraising.
"It is the community's JCC, and it is up to the community to lead and support the JCC," said Moises Paz, JCC president and CEO, in a press release. "The Nominating Committee is looking for committed individuals who can bring their heart and soul into the organization."
The VOSJCC is located on the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus at 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 203, Scottsdale.
