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September 19, 2003/Elul 22 5763, Vol. 55, No. 56
Light unto the community
FLORENCE ECKSTEIN
Publisher
It started out as an experiment, 15 years ago. Any way you look at it, it's been a success, every year since then.
And while ours was one of the first American Jewish newspapers to launch an annual directory - a comprehensive manual to what's available in our community, plus concise information on Jewish traditions - guidebooks are now an integral element for dozens of newspapers like ours across the nation.
We design our full-color, magazine format directory with the needs of both lifelong Valley residents and newcomers in mind. We've learned that readers keep it readily accessible in their homes and businesses, next to their phone book, on their desk, or on a table with other frequently consulted resources.
"Communication, collaboration, community" is the theme of our Community Directory 2004, which will be mailed next week to 9,000 subscriber households throughout the Valley.
Directory Editor Leisah Namm led our staff in choosing cover art for this year's directory. We're confident readers will delight in our choice, a representation of "Stand in the Light Where I Can See You." The original is an oil painting by local artist Deborah Harris, selected to represent the organized Jewish community's call to unaffiliated Jews in the Valley.
(A profile of Harris, a professional artist, longtime Jewish community leader and founding president of The Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School, appears on page 18 of this issue.)
The 80-page directory includes hundreds of listings of community congregations, professional agencies and volunteer organizations, arranged for easy reference.
Categories include Religious Life; Community Life; Education; Kids & Teens; Lifecycle; Seniors; Health & Fitness; Celebrations; Arts, Culture & Judaica; and Israel & Abroad.
A September 2003-September 2004 calendar, spanning the Jewish year 5764, gives dates for all Jewish holidays, as well as weekly Shabbat candlighting times and Torah portions.
Merchandise and Services and Etc. Marketplace listings offer information on local merchants and professionals eager to do business with Jewish News readers.
Newcomers to the Valley will find resources to help them settle in their homes and neighborhoods, as well as find their way into the Jewish community.
A copy of the directory will be mailed to every new subscriber in the coming year. Copies will also be available on newsstands, in bookstores, in newcomer welcome packages, at community events, and through selected merchants and Realtors.
The directory listings are posted on the Internet at Jewish News' Web site, www.jewishaz.com.
Each $36 one-year subscription to the weekly Jewish News of Greater Phoenix includes a copy of the directory. Individual directory copies are $6, plus $4 handling and mailing.
For subscription and single-copy purchase, call Jodi Lieberman at 602-870-9470, ext. 226.
Contact the writer at flo_eckstein@jewishaz.com.
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