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November 26, 2004/Kislev 13 5765, Vol. 57, No. 13
Fountain Hills synagogue celebrates first bat mitzvah
LEISAH NAMM
Managing Editor
Fountain Hills' only synagogue celebrated its first bat mitzvah last week, a milestone for the 18-month-old congregation.
Sarah Smith, daughter of Loraine and David Smith, became a bat mitzvah on Nov. 20 at Congregation Beth Hagivot, signifying a growth synagogue leaders hope to see continue.
This represents a "stepping stone to becoming a full congregation," said member Stephen Diamond. The community celebrated its first baby-naming ceremony in the spring.
The congregation started with 13 families and in the past 18 months, has grown to 86 member units, or 155 individuals, said membership chairman Jon Geller. The growth is "definitely satisfying," he said.
In May 2003, the congregation held its first Friday night service, led by a layperson, and monthly services continued through September. Since October 2003, Beth Hagivot has held Shabbat services led by Cantor Howard Tabaknek twice a month in the town's community center; members travel to Fountain Hills from Scottsdale, Rio Verde, Payson and Mesa to attend. Tabaknek also led High Holiday services. Although the synagogue isn't formally affiliated with any national organization, it follows the Reform tradition, Diamond said.
Initially, the congregation borrowed a Torah from Temple Beth Israel in Phoenix, but in April, members Martin and Terry Brown donated a Torah and a bimah cover. Other members donated a cutting board, challah cover and electric Shabbat candles (the community center doesn't allow open flames).
One of the synagogue's goals is to reach out to young families, Geller said. Tabaknek provides bar/bat mitzvah training to members and there's talk of a religious school and other programs. Adult education classes are being discussed and the social action committee helped raise 500 pounds of food for Vista Del Camino during a Yom Kippur food drive.
Annual dues are $325 per family, plus a one-time $100 sign-up fee. Individual membership is $125 individuals, plus a $75 sign-up fee.
Future events include a Shabbat service at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, and a presentation about Jewish artists by NAU professor, art historian and artist Judith Brandstadter at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Both will be held at the Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 N. La Montana Drive.
Call 480-837-7926.
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