|
|
December 11, 1998/ 22 Kislev 5759, Vol. 51, No. 12
Northeast Valley group formed to fill voids
DANE D'ANTUONO
Staff Writer
What started out as a sentimental discussion between three women - all Arizona transplants concerned with how to celebrate the High Holidays - has evolved into a new association for Jewish residents of the Valley's Northeastern outskirts.
Jewish residents in and around North Scottsdale, Carefree and Cave Creek have organized the Desert Foothills Jewish Community Association. The group will provide a vehicle for Jewish neighbors to socialize and offer a means of spiritual expression as well, says Arnold Rosenthal, the association's treasurer.
A Hanukkah celebration is planned as the group's first event at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, at the Century Bank Community Meeting Room, 34525 N. Scottsdale Road. The cover fee is $10 per person.
The association's roots can be traced to three women - Sylvia Blechman, Nancy Blum and Andrea Korff - who call themselves the "Mitzvah Makers." Blechman, a Scottsdale resident who moved here a year ago from the San Francisco Bay area, said that while chatting one day, the three came up with the idea to hire a rabbi and cantor to hold High Holiday services at the activity center in the Del Webb community of Terra Vita, bordering Cave Creek. About 160 people attended the services.
A survey handed out by area resident Sam Summer, asking participants whether they would like other spiritual, cultural and social services in that neighborhood, generated 93 responses and showed overwhelmingly that the people wanted more, said Summer, who went on to found the association.
Rosenthal, who moved to Arizona from Pittsburgh in 1993 with his wife, Gail, to retire, noted that although the Cave Creek and Carefree areas have many Jewish residents, there are no synagogues nearby.
He said a number of the Jewish residents are "empty nesters" who were committed members of Jewish synagogues in other states.
"We all went through Hebrew school, (donated) money, ... took part in the men's clubs," Rosenthal explained. "It makes it difficult because we are all from other areas of the country, and we don't have any long-term ties to local congregations."
In addition, he said, many are not interested in spending "a couple thousand dollars" to join a congregation: "We've already been there and done that." He said many people don't need a full-service synagogue, but "we want the benefits of socializing with other Jews."
The non-denominational association is in its very early stages. However, the group plans to hold monthly meetings on the third Friday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in Century Bank's community meeting room.
Currently, there are no fees to be a member. But Rosen-thal says there may be a nominal fee charged in the future. Prospective plans include finding a charity to which members will devote time and energy.
Rosenthal jokes, "It's really just an excuse to get together and meet our neighbors." For more information, call Sam Summer at 488-1540.
|
