December 2021

Pathfinder
December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782

Hanukkah—Growing Each Night in Light and Faith
In a way, Hanukkah is a strange holiday.
I believe faith is part of what makes us human. It is a basic
Think about it: Hanukkah is almost universally attitude of trust that always goes beyond the available
loved, yet few Jews can say much about the evidence, but without which we would do nothing great.
history of the holiday. We don’t talk much Without faith in one another we could not risk the
about the details of the story. Compare this to vulnerability of love. Without faith in the future, we could
Passover. We spend hours around a seder not choose to have a child. Without faith in the
table recounting the Passover story and its many meanings. intelligibility of the universe we would not do science.
And how many myriad prayers do we offer during the High Without faith in our fellow citizens, we could not have a
Holy Days to focus our attention on the many lessons of that free society.
season?! Undergirding them all, in the West, is faith in God who
But on Hanukkah we say a few prayers, maybe sing a song or created the universe in love, who made every human
two, and we are done! Okay, perhaps we recall Mattathias being regardless of color, creed or class, in His image, who
slaying the Jewish idolator in Modiin or Judah Maccabee lifts us when we fall, forgives us when we fail and asks us
fighting the Syrian Greeks for three years or the Talmudic tale to place love at the center of our moral world: love of
of a little bit of oil found in the Temple that miraculously neighbor, love of stranger, love of God….
lasted for eight days. But we don’t go into any great depth of Without faith in God, the universe slowly becomes
learning, philosophizing or retelling for a holiday that is so meaningless. Life ceases to have an objective purpose.
popular. Human life is no longer sacred, nor are our promises,
I think this is partly because, in truth, it was a very duties and responsibilities. Cultures that lose their
complicated historical time. There were various Priestly Jews religious faith eventually become individualistic and
vying for the right to be the High Priest. Jews were fighting relativist. People become self-seeking and self-sustaining.
among themselves to decide how much their community At first this is experienced as a great liberation, but
should Hellenize. And King Antiochus allowed freedom of ultimately it leads to a breakdown of trust, and without
religion and then prohibited it. Also, we need to remember trust, societies suffer entropy: a loss of energy and order,
that the Books of Maccabees were not included in our Bible. leading to decline and decay….
So most Jews do not know the stories in those books. Faith is understood in the living and proved in the doing.
So Hanukkah is a hugely popular holiday, even though it is We encounter the Divine presence in prayer and ritual,
based on just a tiny bit of the historical story! Why? I think it story and song. These lift us beyond ourselves toward the
is because we love that this is a story about perseverance and infinite Thou at the heart of being, who teaches us to see
commitment. As it comes down to us, this is a story of good His trace in the face of the human other, leading us to acts
and right overcoming might and power. It is about people of lovingkindness that make gentle the life of this world.
who had faith in the importance of their faith. They fought to Faith is the bond of loyalty and listening that binds us to
keep that faith, and they prevailed. God and through him to humanity. Faith is life lived in the
Whatever else may have been going on historically in Israel in light of love.
that period around 168 BCE, we celebrate that those It turns out we don’t really need to know the details of the
Maccabees were willing to risk all they had to keep Judaism historical Hellenistic Israel for Hanukkah to be meaningful.
alive. They remind us that our religion matters and that, just While based in a historical battle, Hanukkah’s significance
as the light grows night after night during Hanukkah, so too today really centers around its championing of faith. Faith’s
we should nurture our connection to God, faith and Judaism light and hope shines through the Hanukkah candles, prayers,
year after year. songs, and the story of our people’s willingness to hold fast to
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z"l, wrote a final credo about faith our way of life. I think that is why this holiday is so beloved today.
before he stepped down as Chief Rabbi of Great Britain. I Chag Urim Sameach! Happy Holiday of Lights!
think it sums up well the power of faith. He wrote:
Rabbi Debbie S. Stiel

THE MISSION OF TEMPLE SOLEL IS TO BE A VIBRANT, INCLUSIVE AND
ENGAGED REFORM COMMUNITY, GROUNDED IN RELATIONSHIPS AND DEEDS,

AND ELEVATED BY SHABBAT AND TORAH.

2 December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782
Liam Julien Resnick, son of Jill Edwards and James Resnick, will become a bar mitzvah on

Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 10:30 am. Liam attends Mission Montessori and enjoys go-kart racing,
karate, trampoline tricks, video games, dogs, and cars. For his mitzvah project, Liam is raising funds
for #TeamSeas, a movement started by two of Liam’s favorite YouTubers, Mr. Beast and Mark Rober,
to raise $30 million to remove 30 million pounds of plastic and trash from oceans, rivers and beaches
by January 1, 2022. All funds raised go directly to two nonprofits, Ocean Conservancy and The Ocean
Cleanup, who will each take on half of the cleanup goal. Liam is asking his fellow congregants to do
the following three things: Donate to #TeamSeas at https://teamseas.org; stop using disposable
water bottles (you can buy a reusable bottle here and pull a pound of trash from the Ocean:
www.4ocean.com/collections/drinkware/); plan an outing with friends or family to clean up local
waterways (e.g., Lake Pleasant, Salt River, Saguaro Lake).

Aaliyah Brianne Minkin, daughter of Ronald Minkin, will become a bat mitzvah on Saturday, December

11, 2021 at 10:30 am. Aaliyah attends Rancho Solano Preparatory School and enjoys swimming competitively (for
the past 7 years), playing volleyball and soccer, music, and art. For her mitzvah project, Aaliyah worked with Landen
Lucas Foundation to raise funds for Sports for Life scholarships for kids.

Grace Eliza Kisner, daughter of Angela and Jeremy Kisner, will become a bat mitzvah on Saturday,

December 11, 2021 at 4:00 pm. Grace attends Cocopah Middle School and enjoys dog sitting, horse jumping
with her horse Kingston, and hanging with friends. For her mitzvah project, Grace volunteered at an animal
shelter/rescue.

View Shabbat and B’nai Mitzvah Services by visiting templesolel.org and selecting
the “Click here to watch our Streaming services” link at the beginning of each service.

December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782 3

The Importance of Light

When a concept is central to a culture or Sinai, he is said to have had to wear a veil because he is
a religion, we tend to have a lot of words to glowing with God’s light to the point that it was difficult to
describe it. Just as the Yupik culture in the look directly at him.
Arctic has 99 different words to describe sea
ice formations, we Jews have a whole bunch We are very much aware that the world can
of ways of referring to light. This month, we “Darkness cannot drive sometimes be a dark and scary place. There
celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah. Each is division among people, a global
night we add to the light on the Hanukkiah. out the darkness; only pandemic, racism, terrorism and fear that
But light is not reserved just for Hanukkah. light can do that.” pervades our society. But there is also hope.
Light is an essential component of many of ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We are instructed to display the Hanukkiah
the things that make us uniquely Jewish. in the window during Hanukkah. This is a
way of showing our Jewish pride. But it is
We light the candles for Shabbat each week. We have the also a way for us to share God’s light with the world. We can
Ner Tamid, the eternal light, that burns over the Torah ark do this literally with our candles, and we can also share our
in our sanctuary. We express our gratitude for the morning light by being kind to one another, by making the best
light in the Yotzeir Or prayer. The Jewish people is said to decisions we can for ourselves and our families and by taking
be an ‘or l’goyim,’ a light unto the nations. Our mystical responsibility for bringing goodness into the world.
tradition, Kabbalah, refers to gathering up the ‘holy sparks’
that we each represent and rebuilding the world in the May we all experience light and fulfillment during this
process of Tikkun Olam. God is first represented to Moses holiday season.
in the burning bush, and when Moses comes down from
Todd Herzog

Cantorial Soloist

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS DECEMBER CLOSURES:
December 24—Closed
 Pnina Levine and Alan Gold December 31—Closed
 Michael and Kristina Horowitz and

children Orion and Cosmo
 Laura Breslow and son David Breslow Weigel
 Jeff Lipsman and Barbara Jackson

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Leonard and Robin Balon .................... 39 yrs Eliot and Doris Minsker ....................... 64 yrs
Steve and Lisa Banen .......................... 33 yrs Neil and Vicki Motzkin ......................... 36 yrs
Dan and Dania Bloom ........................... 1 yrs Jeff and Patsy Parker ........................... 28 yrs
Robert and Eve Danoff ........................ 24 yrs Marty and Rollie Rosen ....................... 60 yrs
Steve and Nanci Fisher........................ 48 yrs A. Bruce and Barbara Schimberg ......... 37 yrs
Alan and Vicki Givant .......................... 58 yrs Fred and Arleen Schwartz.................... 58 yrs
Len and Ellie Harris.............................. 68 yrs Adam and Jodi Stone ........................... 14 yrs
Aaron and Mara Kurasch..................... 21 yrs Ira and Myrna Wechter ....................... 53 yrs

4 December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782

What To Do With Those Toddler Tantrums

E motionally, tantrums are part of the life  Seek—act interested in something far away. Look and
squint and then ask, “Do you see that coyote?” After
of a toddler parent. Tantrums have many looking around for a minute or two, you may decide
causes. The child has no control over their that was really not what you saw. It is highly effective
environment but they want to be because it takes a child’s mind off the tantrum.
independent. A toddler has limited abilities to
communicate their feeling with words, so a tantrum is the  Play a game like “I Spy”. A game is a great distraction
next best thing. from the tantrum and fun for your child.
Here are some strategies to help prevent tantrums:
 The “fearsome four” (fatigue, hunger, overstimulation,  Be consistent and calm. Try not to react to when your
and boredom) can be avoided by adapting a child’s child is carrying on. Keep repeating the same words
schedule. Avoid scheduling an outing before naptime and don’t give in to your toddler’s demands. You
and make sure you leave the house with snacks, toys, should repeat the rule over and over: “We always
and a full tummy. wash our hands before eating. We always wash our
 Give a choice whenever possible. (Do you want milk or hands before eating.”
juice?) This helps a toddler feel more in control.
 Don’t say “maybe.” This is yes in toddler language. Yes  Hold them. When none of these ideas are working, a
or no are the only answers available. firm, gentle hug can help calm the anger and
 Cut down on saying no. Setting clear limits and frustration.
childproofing your house will help.
Once a tantrum starts a parent can try some of these Try to make a habit of “catching your child doing
tantrum-taming strategies. Most distraction methods work something good.” Do your best to focus on the positive.
best if used when a child starts to lose their composure. It Go easy on yourself. Remember as parents, ‘We do the
is tough to calm a child down once they are having a full- best we know and when we know better we do better’.
blown screaming fit. Here are some toddler temper
tantrum distraction suggestions to try: Happenings at The Solel Preschool
 Make your child laugh. Laughter releases feel good
endorphins and stifles stress-causing chemicals. It is  December 1: Hanukkah Holiday room (in the courtyard)
really easy—just do something silly.  December 3: Tot Shabbat
 Talk softly in a gentle, soothing voice. Say something  December 20-31: No School – Winter break
understanding and calming like “I understand you are
mad. I get mad sometimes too. Want to walk and talk Mary Ann Bloom
about it?”
Director of Early Childhood Education

Thank You! COVID Impact on Upcoming Events:

Thank you, Temple Solel community, for your Please remember that all of our events are
generous giving to help create a happy Thanksgiving subject to change/possible cancellation due to
for Saving Amy families. Your gifts of food, supplies, COVID infection rates. Temple Solel takes COVID-
19 precautions and protections very seriously and
and cash/gift cards were truly appreciated. our teams continue to meet as benchmarks and
research change and adapt over time. We
appreciate your patience and flexibility!

December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782 5

Meet the Teacher: Andrea Eisen

I am Andrea Eisen and I am currently Over my long career as a Jewish educator I have worked
with every age group from preschool to teaching adults,
teaching grades 8/9, One on One Hebrew on but it is clear to me that working with the teens has been
Zoom and I am also the Madrichim program the most rewarding age group. The teens in grades 8-12
coordinator at Temple Solel. I am fairly new that help in our Raker Religious School on Sundays are
to the Temple Solel community as my extraordinary individuals and working with them and
husband and I just moved here six years ago, teaching them truly feeds my soul and gives me hope for
but I have been so embraced by the Solel community that the future of Jewish education. I have had a most
it feels like I have always been here. rewarding career as a Jewish Educator and I am very
Before moving here, my husband and I lived in Connecticut grateful to have found Temple Solel and its wonderful
for thirty-one years and I taught at Temple Israel in professional staff along with the warm community of
Westport for twenty of those years. I was also the families as a part of that journey!
Assistant Director of Education at Temple Israel and I had The strong connection I had with the children and families
the opportunity to develop the Madrichim program there I taught at Temple Israel made my departure very
and work with teens on Community service projects. bittersweet and I was torn about leaving after receiving an
When we decided to move to Scottsdale our Rabbi at enormous outpouring from students and parents who
Temple Israel, Rabbi Michael Friedman, said “Scottsdale? wanted me to know how much I had given to them over
You have to join Temple Solel in Paradise Valley!” We the years. Who gets to have such a beautiful gift from their
arrived on Erev Yom Kippur of 2015/5776. After services career? I know that I have been blessed to have
we went to introduce ourselves to Rabbi Linder and he experienced it. What I am beginning to feel now at Temple
welcomed us and said “Hello Eisens!” as if he had been Solel is that kind of connection is happening again and I am
waiting for us all along. I began working as a Religious so grateful to this community for giving that gift to me. I
School teacher the following school year and since then look forward to being an Educator at Solel for years to
have grown to love the children and families I have met come.
along the way as an educator here. I never thought I would
find the kind of communal embrace I found at Temple Andrea Eissen
Israel, but Rabbi Friedman was so right! Temple Solel was
the perfect fit for me and my husband Rich.

We Need to Know…

Please inform the Temple Solel office when a
family member or friend is in the hospital. Too

often we find out about illnesses, crises
and hospitalizations long after they
occur. This is a missed opportunity
for visits from the rabbi and calls
from the Caring Community as
well as other assistance offered
by the temple. We need your help
in order to offer ours.

If you’d like to let us know about a member
that is ill, has a surgery date coming up, or is
experiencing any other health-related issue that
the rabbis should know about, please call the
temple office at 480.991.7414 or email
[email protected] and

6 December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782

Temple Solel Book Club December Zoom Events

Greetings, Fellow Book Lovers! Jewish Meditation
October’s discussion of The Covered Wife, very provocative Tuesdays, December 7 & 21
read, knocked our socks off. Great job by Harriet Achtman
for leading the conversation. Yasher koach, too, to Steve 10:00-10:30 am
Slogoff for guiding us through The Tunnel in November.
We continue to meet on Zoom at 6:00 pm on the dates with Rabbi John Linder
listed below. I hope for more togetherness, eventually
even a potluck, later when the pandemic subsides Lunch and Learn
sufficiently. Meanwhile, please do get vaccinated or Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00 pm
boosted if you haven't done so already to enable in-person
meetings. December 1—Rabbi John Linder
On December 21, we will tackle a thoroughly readable non- December 15—Cantorial Soloist Todd Herzog
fiction book by a terrific writer, Sarah Hurwitz, Here All
Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper See eNUZ for links to all events listed.
Connection to Life--in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to
Look There). Hurwitz was a White House speechwriter I  MAH JONGG
from 2009 to 2017, starting out as a senior speechwriter PURCHASE MAH JONGG CARDS FOR 2022
for President Barack Obama and then serving as head
speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. Sarah worked Hadassah is selling 2022 Mah Jongg cards. The cards cost
with Mrs. Obama to craft widely-acclaimed addresses and $9 for the standard size and $10 for the large ones. Checks
traveled with her across America and to five continents. In must be made payable to Hadassah. A current address
this deeply personal book, Hurwitz describes her own needs to be on your check. Please mail checks to Sheryl
adult discovery of the wisdom and values Judaism has Socoloff, 12193 E. Paradise Dr., Scottsdale, 85259. The
always offered, but she had never really grasped. deadline for placing orders is January 29, 2022. Include
January will have no book club meeting. I encourage you your phone number and email and indicate that you want
to enjoy your personal reads, but on February 15 we will email confirmation of your order.
come roaring back with The Lake on Fire by Rosellen
Brown. Kirkus Review describes the novel as “[a] Any questions? Contact Sheryl Socoloff
transporting drama of class and love, steeped in period [email protected] or 480.277.1454
feeling, written with beauty and conviction.” It is an
impoverished immigrant’s tale told in the time of the
Chicago Columbian Exposition of 1893. There’s family
conflict, love, devotion, thievery, and a lot of excellent
writing, according to the reviews. Phoenix and Scottsdale
have copies of the book available.
Thanks to all the book club members who have stepped up
to lead discussions. You, too, can spread your wings by
leading the book club discussion for December, February,
or beyond. We'll be glad to provide pointers or support if
asked. To volunteer, to receive the Zoom links for our
virtual meetings, or to be removed from the mailing list,
send an email to [email protected].
Upcoming book club dates: January-no meeting, February
15, March 15, April 19, May 17, and June 21 (tentative).
Happy reading!

Judy Schaffert

December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782 7

Thank You! “Jerusalem Miracles”
Volunteer Recognition at Torah Study

Volunteers are an essential part of Temple Solel. We would like This fall, we had fun exploring the sacred sites of Israel.
to thank the following volunteers for their time and efforts: We visited Hebron, Bethel, and Beersheba—places where
the spirit of the Jewish people began, and where Jews
Birthday Calls Beth Sennett continue to thrive today. And last month, our virtual tour
Arlene Bonime Lisa Trotta concluded in Jerusalem, a city where adherents of diverse
Knitting for a Purpose Nancy Weinstein religions have always gathered, from the Canaanites and
Arlene Bonime Gail Zucker Jebusites to the descendants of Abraham and beyond.
Carol Brillman Office Assistance Perhaps it’s the multicultural history of Jerusalem that
Jill Loebel Cheryl McMullin prompted the prophet Isaiah to see it as the site where the
Beverly Nathan Yahrzeit Notices messianic era will begin. In the Hebrew Bible, we read: “In
Alli Nilsson Cynthia Marcus days to come, the mountain of the Lord’s Temple shall
Margie Rahilly stand firm, and all the nations will beat their swords into
Linda Ribnik plowshares, and they will never again know war” (Is. 2:1-
4). Remarkably, Isaiah’s vision includes “all the nations,”
Would you like to volunteer at some point in the future? implying that every culture on earth plays a vital role in
We’d love to have you! Email [email protected], and we’ll manifesting the world to come. While our human minds
add you to our volunteer email list for upcoming opportunities. tend to imagine worst case scenarios, Isaiah encourages us
to imagine the best case scenario – a future where every
Caring Community News individual is appreciated for their unique contributions to
the common good.
A long overdue thank you to Sharon and Stewart Is Isaiah’s vision too grand? For Jews, it is simply part of
Levine, Rae and Frank Rader, Phil and Marilyn our daily work. For thousands of years, we have dreamt of
Hawkes, Susan Wine and Bob Ransom, and Bob the impossible and then achieved it. Miracles are
Cohen and me for preparing and delivering meals to imprinted in our DNA. On Hanukkah, we say, “Nes gadol
those in need. The Caring Community delivered 53 haya sham—a great miracle happened there,” referring to
round challahs and honey to new members who the time when a bit of oil lasted for eight days in the
joined from July 2020 to August 2021. Thanks to Temple of Jerusalem. Likewise today, as we travel around
Phylis and Gary Bolno, Rae and Frank Rader, Jennet Israel, we find many sites that carry the Jewish spirit of the
Kirkpatrick and Dan Silverman, Joan and Jordana land, sacred sights that awaken the Jewish spirit within our
Matlock, Jeff and Patsy Parker, Susan Wine and Bob own souls. In Israel, great miracles happen every day.
Ransom, Dottie Braun-Cohen and Bob Cohen, Tobee Torah Study meets virtually every Saturday morning at
and Natalie Waxenberg, and Sandy and Al Barkov for 9:00 am. See eNUZ for Zoom link and info. Please join us!
delivering these gifts in time for the High Holy Days.
A huge thank you to Susan Wine for covering for me Matthew Kozinets
while I recovered from surgery.
As we continue to open up from the pandemic, we
are planning an event for members to get
reacquainted sometime in January, 2022. The Caring
Community welcomes new members, so if you like
to cook, are comfortable writing get well wishes,
and want to be a part of a warm, active, community
please contact me at [email protected]. As
always if you are in need of assistance please let us
know.

Dottie Braun-Cohen

Coordinator

8 December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782

Those We Have Lost in the Past Year…

Have you lost a loved one in the past year
and would like to have their name read
each week during the Friday night Erev
Shabbat Service? Please send your request
via email to [email protected] and
we will add them to the list.

December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782 9

Fun times at the solel preschool

10 December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782

Meditations for Each Night of Hanukkah

FREEDOM–First Night: We kindle these Hanukkah Lights in memory of the dedication and courage of the Maccabees. They
willingly sacrificed their lives for the freedom to worship God as their hearts and minds dictated. As we kindle these
candles, we rededicate ourselves to work for the equal rights of all people, and for the realization of a society of democracy
and freedom.
FAMILY–Second Night: Tonight, as we celebrate Hanukkah together, we are conscious of our precious gift of family. So
often we take one another for granted, forgetting to express our love and devotion. As we kindle these festive lights, let us
rededicate ourselves to sharing our interests and time with one another. Like the Maccabees of old, let us share both our
troubles and our joys, united by our family bonds.
STUDY–Third Night: As the Maccabees courageously fought to preserve our faith, we too are duty-bound to sustain our
heritage by deepening our understanding of it. Study opens our minds and fortifies us against tyranny. Learning secures our
freedom. As we kindle these candles, we rededicate ourselves to the study of our tradition.
HOPE–Fourth Night: Ours are times when many people live in fear and great despair. Like the Maccabees, we need to build
our lives on the hope that ultimately truth will triumph over superstition, trust over suspicion, concern over selfishness. As
we kindle these Hanukkah lights, may our hearts be lifted by our tradition’s sense of confidence, optimism and hope.
RIGHTEOUSNESS–Fifth Night: Our tradition tells us that during the Maccabean war for freedom, all Jews— children and
adults—contributed generously toward the cause of defeating the oppressor. There are still many people afflicted by
sickness, hunger, ignorance, and prejudice. Tonight, like our ancestors, we put aside gifts of charity in order that we too,
may help to bring an end to oppression.
PEACE–Sixth Night: The candles of Hanukkah remind us of our chosen mission as Jews. One of our foremost tasks is to
secure peace in our troubled world. When we end disagreements through mutual understanding, when we seek to mend
hurt and wounded feelings, we make shalom a living idea. As we kindle our Hanukkah candles, we rededicate ourselves to
the pursuit of peace.
HUMANITY–Seventh Night: Humanity is founded upon whole-hearted respect for the precious liberty and freedom of all
people; it is an important teaching of our tradition. As we kindle these lights, we rededicate ourselves to caring for
humanity and to respect for all people which alone can bring dignity to all God’s children.
FAITH–Eighth Night: Throughout the centuries, the Menorah has been a symbol of our Jewish Faith. Tonight, as we kindle
all the candles of our Hanukkah Menorah, we rededicate ourselves to the living of a more meaningful Jewish life. We pray
that throughout this coming year we may fulfill the ideals of freedom, family, study, hope, tzedakah, shalom, humanity,
and faith.

December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782 11

UPCOMING SPEAKERS & TOPICS Temple Solel Endowment Foundation

Thursday, December 2, 1:00-2:00 pm Securing Our Future | December 2021
Mindy Weisel As my parents planted for me,
so do I plant for my children.
“How Heschel Taught Me To Be An Artist” Talmud Ta’anit 23a
Monday, December 6, 1:00-2:00 pm
Rabbi Julia Watts Belser Along with fundraising and stewardship of the investment
“Disability and the Politics of Healing” portfolio, one of the Temple Solel Endowment
Monday, December 13, 1:00-2:00 pm Foundation’s (“Foundation”) primary goals is to create
Jonnie Schnytzer more awareness amongst congregants by providing
“Knowing Life Through Death” information about the Foundation’s activities that include
Monday, December 20, 1:00-2:00 pm various methods of current and planned giving and how
Rabbi Yoni Rosenweig one can benefit from these charitable techniques.
It is of utmost importance to understand why the
“Is A Person Obligated To Receive Medical Assistance?” Foundation exists and the benefits it will bring to you and
All current offerings are virtual unless noted otherwise on your families L’dor V’dor.
the website. Classes cost $18 per person, per session, and Temple Solel congregants are deeply involved in the life of
you must register to attend. Learn more and register at the congregation with a strong commitment to its mission
and its traditions. Their generosity of spirit, resources and
www.valleybeitmidrash.org. time reflect their belief in the strength of Temple Solel.
And the Temple plays a special role in our members’ lives
LIVE STREAM REMINDER and life cycle moments, from birth, naming ceremonies,
b’nai mitzvah, weddings to memorials.
Temple Solel records/live streams Friday Night and While dues and contributions support the daily operation
Shabbat Morning Services to accommodate family and of the Temple, a strong endowment fund will help sustain
friends of our community who may be unable to attend in and grow the many services and programs provided by
person. While the camera is primarily focused on the Temple Solel. Planned gifts are “forever gifts” as only
Bimah and other areas at the front of the sanctuary, income from the Temple Solel Endowment Fund is
others in attendance may be seen on the live stream and typically distributed.
recorded. If you have any reservations about your image The Foundation held to its mandate made in 2012 of no
being streamed or recorded for others to view, please let distributions until the investable assets reached $1 million,
someone know so that we may attempt to seat you in an which we have well surpassed to a current $1.7M. This
area less likely to be on the live stream and recording. year the Foundation contributed $30,000 to Temple Solel
Please note, however, that we are unable to guarantee In conclusion, the “Why” can be summed up simply by
that your image will not appear. We apologize for any ensuring the future of Temple Solel into perpetuity.
inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Furthermore, congregants can benefit from their
contributions as an efficient tax and estate planning tool.
–by Nelson Lerner, Endowment Board Member
For those interested in participating in or contributing to
this worthy endeavor, either with a current or a legacy gift,
please contact Robert Siamon, President of the
Foundation, at [email protected].

May I assist you in making
an Endowment gift?

Contact Robert Siamon via email to
[email protected]

12 December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782

Contributions We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Temple Solel by remembering and
honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.

Annual Campaign  In memory of Donald Neuman Jim Waxenberg Youth Fund
Barbara Neuman
 In memory of  In loving memory of
Mr. Emanuel M. Kraus  In memory of Eva McFliker Jim Waxenberg
Ms. Terry Kraus Barrie and Bellarri Adleman Bob Cohen and
Brent Adleman and Dottie Braun‑Cohen
Cantorial Soloist Todd Herzog’s Chris Turbyfill
Discretionary Fund Levine Youth Group Fund
 In memory of Charles Brillman
 In appreciation for the wonderful Carol Brillman  In loving memory of
High Holiday services Michael Danoff
Bob Cohen and Dottie  In memory of Jordan Jae Lipsman Hal Lefton
Braun‑Cohen Jeff Lipsman
Rabbi Linder’s
 Thank you for the beautiful music  In memory of Myn Becker Discretionary Fund
for Kyla’s Bat Mitzvah Judy Gold
Scott and Marlene Tucker  In appreciation for the wonderful
 In memory of Robert Joseph High Holiday services
 In memory of Armando Martin, Larry and Fern Kane Bob Cohen and
beloved cousin Dottie Braun‑Cohen
Bonnie Miller and Family  In memory of Irene Schwartz
Leslie Schwartz  In honor of our baby naming
Caring Community Fund Jaron and Amanda Gressel
 In memory of Michael Bell and
 A huge thank you to Sandi and Al Morris Lasik  Thank you for your mentorship
Barkov, Dottie Braun‑Cohen and Lois, Jared, Taylor and Vija Bell and partnership, Rabbi Linder!
Bob Cohen and Susan Wine and Matthew Jozoff
Bob Ransom for all your help.  In memory of Gertrude Lewis
Carol Brillman Marvin and Barbara Chassin  To Rabbi Linder, Rabbi Stiel and
Todd Herzog—thank you for the
 In loving memory of my brother,  In memory of Josephine Levine beautiful holiday services
Bill Straka Michael and Judy Schaffert Ruvane and Clara Grossman
Jane Marks
 In memory of Mickie Zatulove  A donation was made by
 A donation was made by Paul Zatulove Scott and Marlene Tucker
Steve and Jeanne Winograd
 In memory of Beatrice B. Perlo  We really enjoyed the High
 In memory of Jennie Bonime Philip and Gloria Cowen Holiday Services
Arlene Bonime Shirma Revelson and
 In memory of Walter Seligman Daughter, Robin
Endowment Fund Ralph and Leslie Seligmann
 In honor of Rabbi John Linder
 In memory of Philip Alpert  In memory of Leopold Breen and Gary and Nancy Levy
Arnie Alpert Lillian N. Breen
Sander and Linda Wiener  Paul and Marnee Solon - thinking
 In memory of Harlan and Gayla of you both
Crossman  In memory of Reba Ginsburg Scott and Marlene Tucker
Avery Crossman Ted and Sharon Gordon
 In honor of Rabbi John Linder
General Fund High Holidays Décor Fund Seymour and Sonia Levinthal

 A donation was made by  A donation was made by  In memory of Philip Alpert
Laura Kuster Fran Garner Arnie Alpert
Leon Gavartin Lauren Garner
 In memory of Gregg Alpert
 In honor of Bella Kazen’s birthday Jane and Bob Podall Brian and Laura Magee
Ruth LeGrand Library Fund
 In honor of founding member,
 In memory of Hyman Cohen  In memory of Michael Danoff Mr. Charles S. Kranzberg, of
Al and Rita Cohen Peter Pishko Temple Solel
Joyce Kranzberg

December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782 13

Contributions (Cont’d)

 In honor of founding member,  Happy Birthday Rabbi Stiel!  In honor of our anniversary
Jacqueline R. Kranzberg Lugo, of Russ and Jane Greene Brent Adleman and
Temple Solel Chris Turbyfill
Joyce Kranzberg  Thank you so very much for the
wonderful service and making  In honor of our anniversary
 In memory of Michael Danoff Kyla’s Bat Mitzvah special Charlie Stern and
Margo Danoff Scott and Marlene Tucker Reva Steinberg

 In memory of Joel Birnbaum, Social Action Fund  In honor of our anniversary
Dorothy Birnbaum, Abraham Rick and Laura Bistrow
Birnbaum, Allen Stone, M.D.,  A donation was made by
Harry Stone and Selma Stone Frank and Becky Weinberg Temple Solel Hardship
Phyllis Stone Howard and Judith Rosen Relief Fund
Josh and Marina Rudin
Rabbi Stiel’s Lauren Gorman  In honor of Rabbi Debbie Stiel’s
Discretionary Fund Marvin and Karen Leff Installation
Saramae Teich Neil and Peggy Trachtenberg
 In appreciation for the wonderful Scott and Marlene Tucker
High Holiday services Donations received after
Bob Cohen and Dottie Sponsor a Stream October 31, 2021 will be printed in
Braun‑Cohen Temple Events Fund
the next issue of the Pathfinder.
 A donation was made by  On behalf of Barbara Gressel and
Richard Harte Gary Wigoda
Jaron and Amanda Gressel

From the Union for Reform Judaism Want to Learn More About Judaism?

Jewish & New-ish: A Supportive Online The Union for Reform Judaism will be offering a 15
Space for Those Who Have Recently week Introduction to Judaism Class in Phoenix from
(0-5 Years) Converted to Judaism January through May, 2022. It will be hosted this
spring by Temple Chai. Rabbi Stiel will be one of the
Thursdays, December 9, January 13, instructors. The class is on Tuesday nights from 7-
February 10, 8-9 PM ET; 9pm and is appropriate for those considering
conversion and for Jews and non-Jews who want to
Plan to attend 1, 2 or all 3 free sessions learn more about Judaism.
Have you converted to Judaism in the past five years? The cost is $280 for those who are not affiliated with
Join an online gathering where you can make a URJ congregation and $200 for those who are
connections, process your experiences, and continue affiliated. The class will be taught in-person. To find
your learning through a Reform Jewish lens. Ask out more or to register go to: https://
questions without fear, share triumphs and challenges reformjudaism.org/learning/judaism-classes/
in a nurturing environment, and continue to explore introduction-to-judaism (and type in Phoenix).
your journey with Judaism in a community of care.
Facilitated by Sue Bojdak (she/her) and Yanira
Quiñones (she/her). Live captioning and/or ASL
interpretation available with 2 weeks advance request.
Contact [email protected].

14 December 2021 / Kislev - Tevet 5782

Ybikeh Berkovics Yahrzeits
Richard Bernstein
Rosalyn Bloom Kaddish will be recited on Erev Shabbat on the following dates:
Raymond Cohen
Harold Colb December 3, 2021 December 17, 2021
Mary Crossman
Joshua Eisen Larry Hall Sam Litwin David Allweiss Robert Hawkes Susan Robbins
Sam Engel Jean Horne Marci Mainus Roslyn Altschul Elsie Heinle Eric Roseman
Belle Epstein Max Horne Jacob Mishlove Dora Bakalar Sara Holtzman Sophie Rutman-Clayman
Ruth Feinstein Burton Isaacson Ruben Nadler David Barrett Leo Kastner Gary Shapiro
Pauline Feldman David Jacobson Leah Nagel Mina Bentur Esther Kezele Goldie Siegel
Ruth Fields Stanley Joseph Matta Pereploytchikov Gloria Burke Benjamin Klein Frances Sokolov
Freida Friefield Ben Kane Harry Raznick Howard Covinsky Peter Kokalis Gerald Traister
Harry Galst Michael Katz Florence Rigberg Joseph Denmark Doris Leff Edward Usem
Aviva Gross Irving Kauff Belle Robinson Mona Ehrenreich Harry Lewis Irene Waxenberg
Allan Gurovitsch Mortimer Keats Frances Rudinger Evelyn Feffer Calvin Lieberman Bernie Weinberg
Rose Haber Betty Klein Milton Schultz Yetta Fessler Joseph McFliker Albert Wilkins
Alger Klein Morris Seeskin Arlene Fiel Jennie Millman Bessie Wolfe
Ann Leavitt Jacob Meyer Swersky Virginia Glascock William Nathan Benjamin Wolfe
Betty Levie Audrey Wallack Leonard Glazier Lester Ostrov
Peter Libby Helene Weinberger Estelle Green Josef Pruzhansky
Shirley Lipman Goldie Ziegelman Friedman

December 10, 2021 December 24, 2021

Milton Ackerman Kate Kahn Harry Rosenblum Joel Birnbaum Sandra Harte Morris Rifkin
Lillian Alpert Sarah Kaplan Arthur Ruble Selma Bodell Evalyn Heavenrich Julie Rosenbloom
Benjamin Altwarg John Lawful Simon Scheuer Charlotte Bollyn Edna Hoffman Maurice Rosenblum
Melissa Barron Lillian Leopold Joan Schrift Edith Brossman Ida Kassie Lillie Rosenthal
Marvin Bendau Mildred Lerman Ethel Schwartz Anna Brustin Freda Keats Rubin Sabin
David Busker Jeanne Levinsky Manuel Shindel Hilda Buchman William Kranz Eleanor Schultz
Myron Cohen Sarah Levy Cynthia Shultz Mary Ann Cawker-Flood Ida Lamden Sarah Seltzer
Edwin Cooperstein Larry Lipsman Hope Rose Shykind Ruth Charnie William LeGrand Florence Sennett
Udell Duboe Rose Lishinsky Joseph Smulyan Allan Cohan Ben Lerman Lillian Shapiro
Rose Duboe Joseph Micflikier Norman Sobel Eve Donsky Calvin Lieberman Harry Traister
Helen Elkin Michael Miller Joel Sukenic Stephen Field Harry Lishinsky Robert Ullman
Leonard Fisher Betty Mink Philip Wain Jacob Fishman Robert Mahler Sonya Ullman
Jack Frank Jerome Moses Joseph Weissman Shirley Freedland Louis Meyers Mollie Wechter
Leonard Furman Jack Moses Marvin Wolf Gail Gash Floyd Parker Gloria Weisman
Charles Gartell Judith Prowda Leon Zinn Frances Gometz Rita Pashkow
Harold Geller Isaac Rigberg Cary Zucker
Edward Gottlieb Jean Rosen

December 31, 2021

Mort Balon Jill D’Anne Goldberg Mira Neimark
Norman Berns Phil Gorman Joyce Oppenheim
Anita Breit James Harris Louis Palitz
Sarah Brody Mearle Harrison Polly Pass
Hannah Busch Ralph Henig Charles Raker
Dana Dickman Morry Howard Sarah Reinherz
Adam Donnenfield Solomon Isaac Ada Rosenblum
Dolores Elam Phillip Kottle Abe Rudberg
Selma Fink Ida Kozinets Ruth Schwartz
Chester Freund Erwin Lanson Maurice Targove
Morris Friedman Zelda Lasky Sophie Turk
Eugenia Gavartin Louis Lippin Miriam Waldbaum
Harry Ginsburg Austin Matlock Martin Winkler
Sylvia Ginsburg Phillip Moss Murray Wlody
Joseph Glash Robert Murray

6805 E. McDonald Drive NON PROFIT
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE
480.991.7414 phone
480.951.0829 fax PAID
SCOTTSDALE AZ
The Solel Preschool PERMIT NO. 24
480.991.4545
Current Resident or
Issued monthly
Volume 21 - Issue 5

Visit our website - Dated Material -
via this QR Code

Temple Solel PATHFINDER
Gift Shop News Published by and for the members of Temple Solel
December 2021
Our Gift Shop is one of the best-kept
secrets in the valley. Come and see what Rabbi John A. Linder [email protected] x.122 Rabbi
we have toPolefafesre—niotetemtshcahtadnugee with the Rabbi Debbie Stiel [email protected] x.131 Rabbi
Jewish holitdoaCysovaindd-1s9e,atshoensG.ift Todd Herzog [email protected] x.136 Cantorial Soloist
We have BaSrhaonpdisBcaltoMseidtz.vSathaypresents, Rabbi Maynard W. Bell Rabbi Emeritus
amazing taltluitnoet dfrotomeINsrUaZelaantddifferent
price points, anodurmwuechbsmiteo,re. Executive Committee & Trustees
Don’t forgwetwbwab.tyemgifptlse,swoeledld.oinrg presents Rae Rader .............................................................................................................. President
anhnaedveedejvaeenwndeallorfbyovtehertaoledyuemGhttiiofeafustielltstSemhyosoosenuzpgwzriwufethzsiveal.lenhr.yWweanatlsaond Doreen Feldberg.......................................................................... Immediate Past President
The Gift Shroepopiseonpfeonr sbeuvseinraelstsi.mes during Eve Danoff ............................................................................................................. Secretary
the week. PleaseTchaallntkhse! temple office at Phil Hawkes ........................................................................................................... Treasurer
480.991.7414 before you stop in so that Lauren Brown ..............................................................................Vice President - Education
we may be able to assist you. Larry Cohen .............................................................. Vice President - Facilities and Security
Howard Rosen ....................................................................... Vice President - Development
Madelaine Berg ...................................................................... Vice President - Membership

Trustees Risa Jacobson Robert Lipson
Phylis Bolno Jennet Kirkpatrick Laura Miller
Dottie Braun-Cohen Becky Lieberman Eric Mininberg
Stephanie Cherny

Return Policy Administrative Staff

The temple will cheerfully accept any Peter Pishko [email protected] x.124 Executive Director
returns for store credit only. Tobee Waxenberg [email protected] x.123 Director of Raker Rel. School
Thank You! Elis Legler [email protected] x.121 Raker Religious School Coord.
Noni Clark [email protected] x.125
Torah Portions/Candle Lighting Times Joan Giannini [email protected] x.127 Controller
Mary Ann Bloom [email protected] x.162 Office Manager
December 3 / Mikeitz / Gen. 41:1-44:17 / 5:02 pm Linda Irish [email protected] x.163 Director of Early Childhood Ed.
December 10 / Vayigash / Gen. 44:18-47-27 / 5:03 pm Sonya Placencia [email protected] x.135 Assistant Preschool Director
December 17 / Va-y’chi / Gen. 47:28-50:26 / 5:05 pm Alberto Mena [email protected] x.129 Preschool Billing & Office Asst.
December 24 / Sh’mot / Exodus 1:1-6:1 / 5:08 pm Vojo Stanisic [email protected] x.129 Facility Manager
December 31 / Va-eira / Exodus 6:2-9:35 / 5:13 pm
Custodian