Communal convergence

Editorial

A superb convergence of events took place this week.

On Sunday, the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus was dedicated with the affixing of mezuzot to the doorposts of its entrance. Following was the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.

Later that day, in the campus social hall, Ben Yehuda Mall opened for two days of business, selling Israeli merchandise to eager shoppers. On Tuesday the mall moved to the Tri-City Jewish Community Center in Tempe.

The number of people volunteering at and participating in these events was staggering: An estimated 400 at the dedication, 600 at the federation annual meeting; more than 10,000 campus visitors Sunday and Monday, drawn largely by the Ben Yehuda Mall; and 1,000 at the Ben Yehuda Mall at the Tri-City JCC.

People flocked to the Scottsdale Road and Sweetwater Drive campus from Glendale, Chandler, Central Phoenix and Scottsdale, and to the Tri-City JCC from throughout the East Valley.

Multiple generations congregated - couples, parents with children, grandparents with grandchildren. Orthodox and Reform, Hasidic and Humanistic, religious and secular - Valley Jews united with the common goal of supporting Israel by buying Israeli merchandise at a time of dire economic need.

The argument has been made that the Valley Jewish community is comprised of island groups divided by self-interest. What happened this week belies that assessment. In truth, we united to celebrate the culmination of our communal gathering place, and also to reach out to our Israeli brothers and sisters.

The challenge is whether we will stay united or retreat to where we were before. We have so many reasons to come together over and over again - for education, culture, entertainment, fitness, friendship and food - involving ourselves fully and enthusiastically in Scottsdale, Phoenix, the East Valley, the West Valley and beyond.

Pick the 'Best of Jewish Phoenix'

Jewish News is preparing the first-ever Best of Jewish Phoenix, a chance for readers to recommend their preferred places to eat, shop and be entertained. The winning recommendations will be published in the Visitors' Guide, Dec. 13. Please complete the full-page entry form, and return it to us by mail or fax by Nov. 13.

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