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  • Kindness Joy and Courage course | Tbswvaz

    Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley offers something for everyone, including the weekly study of Torah with Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, a four-week class on Kabbalah, or an interfaith study open to Jewish and non-Jewish members of the West Valley, or a Scholar-in-residence speaker on the Holocaust. Temple Beth Shalom hosts “Kindness, Courage and Joy” course in October A three-part course led by Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan will focus on kindness, courage and joy. The course will be from 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 16 and 23 at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave. in Sun City. Over the past two years, Rabbi Kaplan has discussed the topic of character development and the role that it plays in spirituality, especially Jewish spirituality. He will discuss kindness, courage and joy in this new course. Kindness: A quality of being generous, helpful and caring about others. It involves acts of compassion, empathy, and consideration, and leads to positive emotional and social outcomes. Courage: The ability to control fear and to be willing to deal with something that is unpleasant, difficult, or dangerous. Courage is not just about facing fear, but also involves perseverance, integrity and the willingness to act in accordance with one’s values. Joy: The emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. Joy is the state of being that allows one to experience feelings of intense, long-lasting happiness and contentment of life. Rabbi Kaplan will help us look at each of these phenomena and discuss how understanding what they are can be the first step towards deepening our commitment to becoming fully human. “Part of this process is changing how we look at the world and part is changing how we react to the world. Taken together, we can achieve greater joy not by buying more things or even traveling to more places but by being kinder, more courageous people,” he said. People of all backgrounds are invited to learn with us about character traits. Registration deadline is noon Oct. 6. Cost is $20 for TBS members; $35 non-members or one coupon. To register, buy coupon books, call the Temple Office at 623.977.3240 (Monday through Thursday; 9 am-3 p.m.) More information: templebethshalomaz@gmail.com or tbsaz.org .

  • History of Antisemitism course | Tbswvaz

    Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley offers something for everyone, including the weekly study of Torah with Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, a four-week class on Kabbalah, or an interfaith study open to Jewish and non-Jewish members of the West Valley, or a Scholar-in-residence speaker on the Holocaust. Temple Beth Shalom hosts “History of Antisemitism” course in October “History of Antisemitism,” a three-part course led by Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, will look at the phenomenon of antisemitism. The course will be from 10-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Oct. 6, 13 and 20 at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave. in Sun City. Antisemitism is the prejudice against or hatred of Jewish people and was the foundation of the Holocaust. But it did not begin or end with the Holocaust. Antisemitism has existed for thousands of years. It has often taken the form of systemic discrimination and persecution of Jews. It has repeatedly led to serious and deadly violence against Jewish people. “We had all hoped that antisemitism had declined to negligible levels only to find in the last few years that it has revived itself with a vengeance. Much, if not most antisemitism today expresses itself as hostility towards the existence of the State of Israel. Nevertheless, there is considerable and growing hostility toward Jewish people living throughout the United States – including all parts of Arizona,” Rabbi Kaplan said. The spiritual leader of TBSWV, Rabbi Kaplan has lived in Israel, has studied thererecently, and has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. People of all backgrounds are invited to learn with us about this pernicious hatred. Registration deadline is noon Oct. 1. Cost is $20 for TBS members; $35 non-membersor one coupon. To register, buy coupon books, and pay call the Temple Office at 623-977-3240 (Monday through Thursday; 9 am-3 p.m.) More information: templebethshalomaz@gmail.com or tbsaz.org .

  • Kindness Joy and Courage course | Tbswvaz

    Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley offers something for everyone, including the weekly study of Torah with Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, a four-week class on Kabbalah, or an interfaith study open to Jewish and non-Jewish members of the West Valley, or a Scholar-in-residence speaker on the Holocaust. Temple Beth Shalom hosts “Kindness, Courage and Joy” course in October A three-part course led by Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan will focus on kindness, courage and joy. The course will be from 10-11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Oct. 9, 16 and 23 at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave. in Sun City. Over the past two years, Rabbi Kaplan has discussed the topic of character development and the role that it plays in spirituality, especially Jewish spirituality. He will discuss kindness, courage and joy in this new course. Kindness: A quality of being generous, helpful and caring about others. It involves acts of compassion, empathy, and consideration, and leads to positive emotional and social outcomes. Courage: The ability to control fear and to be willing to deal with something that is unpleasant, difficult, or dangerous. Courage is not just about facing fear, but also involves perseverance, integrity and the willingness to act in accordance with one’s values. Joy: The emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. Joy is the state of being that allows one to experience feelings of intense, long-lasting happiness and contentment of life. Rabbi Kaplan will help us look at each of these phenomena and discuss how understanding what they are can be the first step towards deepening our commitment to becoming fully human. “Part of this process is changing how we look at the world and part is changing how we react to the world. Taken together, we can achieve greater joy not by buying more things or even traveling to more places but by being kinder, more courageous people,” he said. People of all backgrounds are invited to learn with us about character traits. Registration deadline is noon Oct. 6. Cost is $20 for TBS members; $35 non-members or one coupon. To register, buy coupon books, call the Temple Office at 623.977.3240 (Monday through Thursday; 9 am-3 p.m.) More information: templebethshalomaz@gmail.com or tbsaz.org .

  • Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley | Jewish Reform Synagogue | 12201 N 101st Ave, Sun City, AZ, USA

    Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12201 N. 101st Ave. in Sun City, Arizona is a caring Jewish Reform Synagogue led by Rabbi Dana Kaplan. We connect to people in a meaningful, generous and mature manner with as much warmth and kindness as possible. Welcome to Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Come as you are. Discover who you are. We are a caring and compassionate Reform Jewish congregation. We connect to people in a meaningful, generous and mature manner with as much warmth and kindness as possible. We serve the entire West Valley, including all the Sun Cities, Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Surprise, Tolleson, Tonopah, Youngtown and Waddell. Watch Friday Aug 22nd Shabbat Service on YouTube You're Invited: Sundae Funday Open House Sign up for "Forgiveness and Letting Go" course Register for High Holy Days course Rabbi Kaplan's High Holy Days 5786 message Non-members can join our High Holy Days services Join Our Ancient Biblical Interpretations Study Group Learn How to Read Hebrew Register for “History of Antisemitism” course in October See how you can help with our Community campaigns Learn about Kindness, Joy and Course in October course Stand in Solidarity with Israel: How you can help PRAY WITH US Join us for Friday evening Shabbat services and monthly Saturday morning services. Read More EVENTS Come celebrate Jewish holidays with us and join the fun with special events like hoedowns. Read More EDUCATION Learn with us through our adult education, religious school and scholar-in-residence programs. Read More About Become a Member Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley invites EVERYONE — Individuals, couples, and families — to be a part of our congregation. Fill Out TBS New Member Application Learn More Donations Through our portal, you can make a donation in honor of a Yahrzeit, an anniversary, birthday or another special occasion. Your support is greatly appreciated. Donate Now

  • History of Antisemitism course | Tbswvaz

    Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley offers something for everyone, including the weekly study of Torah with Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, a four-week class on Kabbalah, or an interfaith study open to Jewish and non-Jewish members of the West Valley, or a Scholar-in-residence speaker on the Holocaust. Temple Beth Shalom hosts “History of Antisemitism” course in October “History of Antisemitism,” a three-part course led by Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, will look at the phenomenon of antisemitism. The course will be from 10-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Oct. 6, 13 and 20 at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave. in Sun City. Antisemitism is the prejudice against or hatred of Jewish people and was the foundation of the Holocaust. But it did not begin or end with the Holocaust. Antisemitism has existed for thousands of years. It has often taken the form of systemic discrimination and persecution of Jews. It has repeatedly led to serious and deadly violence against Jewish people. “We had all hoped that antisemitism had declined to negligible levels only to find in the last few years that it has revived itself with a vengeance. Much, if not most antisemitism today expresses itself as hostility towards the existence of the State of Israel. Nevertheless, there is considerable and growing hostility toward Jewish people living throughout the United States – including all parts of Arizona,” Rabbi Kaplan said. The spiritual leader of TBSWV, Rabbi Kaplan has lived in Israel, has studied thererecently, and has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. People of all backgrounds are invited to learn with us about this pernicious hatred. Registration deadline is noon Oct. 1. Cost is $20 for TBS members; $35 non-membersor one coupon. To register, buy coupon books, and pay call the Temple Office at 623-977-3240 (Monday through Thursday; 9 am-3 p.m.) More information: templebethshalomaz@gmail.com or tbsaz.org .

  • Community Projects | Tbswvaz

    From canned goods to cereal, Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley members make donations as part of the "Can Do" monthly campaign to benefit the Valley View Community Food Bank. Drop off your donations in the Temple lobby. Community Projects From canned goods to cereal, Temple members make donations as part of the "Can Do" monthly campaign to benefit the Valley View Community Food Bank. Temple members are also collecting pop tabs from aluminum cans for the Ronald McDonald House. Drop off your donations in the Temple lobby.

  • Prayer | Tbswvaz

    Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's weekly Friday Shabbat service using the Reform Mishkan T’filah prayer book is led by Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and Cantor Baruch Koritan. One Saturday morning a month, a small group meet for an informal participatory Shabbat service lead by Rabbi Kaplan. Prayer Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's weekly Friday Shabbat service using the Reform Mishkan T’filah prayer book provides our worshipers with an opportunity to set aside sacred time for engaging with God through prayer and reflection – spoken and sung – and the reading of the Torah. Led by Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and Cantor Baruch Koritan, our members are afforded the opportunity to participate in the service through reading prayers, blessing the lighting of the Shabbat candles, reciting the blessings before and after the reading of the Torah, or carrying the Torah during the Torah service. Services begin at 7 p.m. throughout the year. One Saturday morning a month, a small group meets at a member’s home for an informal participatory Shabbat service lead by Rabbi Kaplan. A guitarist sometimes accompanies Rabbi Kaplan during services. The service includes an abbreviated Shabbat liturgy, readings, and singing, followed by a potluck brunch and socializing. Watch Aug 22nd Shabbat Service

  • Friday Shabbat Se... | Tbswvaz

    Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley celebrates Shabbat every Friday night with a joyous service at about 7 p.m. to about 8:15 p.m., led by Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and Cantor Baruch Koritan, followed by a Oneg. Most prayers are in English so a worshiper with minimal Hebrew can participate actively. Friday Night Shabbat Services Watch Friday Aug 22nd Shabbat Service Watch previous Friday Evening Shabbat services on Temple Beth Shalom's YouTube channel. Join us via Zoom or sign up to attend services at the Temple by calling 623.977.3240. We celebrate Shabbat every Friday night with a joyous service at about 7 p.m. which runs to about 8:15 p.m., followed by an Oneg. Our Shabbat services are led by Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and Cantor Baruch Koritan. Most of the prayers we read are in English so a worshiper with minimal Hebrew should be able to participate actively. Many of the prayers that are sung are in Hebrew and our prayer book provides transliterations of 100% of them. The services are snappy and upbeat. We want to pray to God with reverence and sincerity but we also want to mix in a little bit of levity and humor. We read the Torah every Friday night. Sometimes the rabbi reads a short excerpt and simultaneously translates it into English, while at other times he attempts to chant and summarizes the biblical story after finishing. We have a Torah processional preceding the reading and the rabbi likes to give one of our two smaller Torahs to children to carry around the sanctuary. The rabbi speaks extemporaneously from notes rather than reading from a prepared text. He likes to come down from the bimah to better communicate and interact with all of us in the pews. Sometimes he engages us extensively in discussion and other times he delivers remarks stressing a particular point about Judaism and connecting it to the contemporary world. We sing Debbie Friedman’s Misheberach song every Friday night as part of our regular prayers for healing. Some of us may believe God can heal us and others may believe that marshaling the combined spiritual power of many people can create miracles. Either way, we want to focus our thoughts and bring forth our emotions in a determined effort to bring healing and wholeness to our friends and family, our community and nation, and ourselves as well.

  • High Holy Days 5786 | Tbswvaz

    Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's service guide provides access to the music and teachings of our service. Our prayer book, Mishkan T’filah, can also be accessed by clicking the button on the web page. High Holy Days 5786 Join Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley for uplifting High Holy Days services Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley is welcoming non-members to participate in its beautiful High Holy Days services. Cost to attend all services will be $250 per person, and tickets are required for all events. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Reservations can be made by calling the Temple office at 623.977.3240 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tickets can be purchased online by going to the Temple's Zeffy account . Call the Temple office to learn how to make an online purchase. High Holy Days services will be conducted by Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and Cantor Baruch Koritan. Rosh Hashanah starts on Sept. 22 and commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates on Oct. 2 in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement. For security reasons, tickets must be presented for admittance to all services and are non-transferrable. Doors will be locked 15 minutes after services begin. 2025/5786 High Holy Day Services Schedule Join us for the uplifting and beautiful High Holy Days services conducted by Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and Cantor Baruch Koritan at Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Tickets are required for all events. Available for Non-Member Guests Tickets for 2025 High Holy Day Services are available to non-members. Contact the Temple office at 623.977.3240 from 9:30 a.m.– 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday to arrange to purchase non-member tickets, which cost $250 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Questions? Email the Temple office at templebethshalomaz@gmail.com . 2025 High Holy Days Services Schedule * Ending times are approximate Saturday, Sept. 13 Pre-Selichot Oneg and Discussion: 5-6 p.m. Service: 6-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 Erev Rosh Hashanah: 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 Rosh Hashanah Morning Service: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 Tashlich service in the TBS Biblical Gardens: 5 p.m. Potluck dinner: 5:30 p.m (Call the Temple at 623.977.3240 to register.) Shabbat service: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1 Kol Nidre: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 Yom Kippur Morning Service: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Yizkor Service: 1-1:45 p.m. Yom Kippur Afternoon Service: 4:30-5:15 p.m. Neilah (Concluding) Service: 5:15-6:30 p.m. Sisterhood Break the Fast meal : Immediately following services. (Call the Temple office to purchase tickets by Thursday, Sept. 25.) For security reasons, tickets must be presented for admittance to all services and are non-transferrable. Doors will be locked 15 minutes after services begin.

  • Sisterhood Break the Fast | Tbswvaz

    Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's service guide provides access to the music and teachings of our service. Our prayer book, Mishkan T’filah, can also be accessed by clicking the button on the web page. Sisterhood Break the Fast The Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Sisterhood is hosting the Break the Fast meal following Yom Kippur Day services on Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave, Sun City. The menu includes noodle kugel, egg salad, tuna salad, bagels and cream cheese, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, pastries, coffee, juice and tea. Cost is $20 per person, and there is no charge for children 12 or younger. The deadline to make reservations is 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 . Send checks to the Temple made out to TBS Sisterhood, or call the Temple office at 623.977.3240 or templebethshalomaz@gmail.com . Online reservations and payment can be made on the Temple’s Zeffy form . More information about Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley’s High Holy Days services is available at tbsaz.org . 2025/5786 High Holy Day Services Schedule Join us for the uplifting and beautiful High Holy Days services conducted by Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and Cantor Baruch Koritan at Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Tickets are required for all events. Available for Non-Member Guests Tickets for 2025 High Holy Day Services are available to non-members. Contact the Temple office at 623.977.3240 from 9:30 a.m.– 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday to arrange to purchase non-member tickets, which cost $250 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Questions? Email the Temple office at templebethshalomaz@gmail.com . 2025 High Holy Days Services Schedule * Ending times are approximate Saturday, Sept. 13 Pre-Selichot Oneg and Discussion: 5 p.m. Service: 6-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 Erev Rosh Hashanah: 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 Rosh Hashanah Morning Service: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 Tashlich service in the TBS Biblical Gardens: 5 p.m. Potluck dinner: 5:30 p.m (Call the Temple at 623.977.3240 to register.) Shabbat service: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1 Kol Nidre: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 Yom Kippur Morning Service: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Yizkor Service: 3:30-4:15 p.m. Yom Kippur Afternoon Service and Neilah (Concluding) Service: 4:30-6:15 p.m. Sisterhood Break the Fast meal: Immediately following services. (Call the Temple office to purchase tickets by Thursday, Sept. 25.) For security reasons, tickets must be presented for admittance to all services and are non-transferrable. Doors will be locked 15 minutes after services begin.

  • In the News | Tbswvaz

    Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley is a Reform Jewish congregation serving the West Valley, all the Sun Cities, and Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Surprise and Tolleson, Tonopah, Waddell and Youngtown. Everyone is invited to join our congregation. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley in the News Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley and Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan are featured regularly in the news media. Here are examples of the coverage: Jewish News (10.16.24) West Valley synagogue hosts interfaith service to commemorate Oct. 7 Sun City West Independent (10.9.24) Religious leaders lead interfaith service in Sun City showing solidarity with Israel Sun City West Independent (10.9.24) Temple Beth Shalom holds fundraiser for residents Sun City Independent (10.3.24) Sun City temple hosts western BBQ, hoedown Sun City Independent (9.17.24) Sun City Temple invites non-members to High Holy Days services Jewish News (9.17.24) High Holy Day Services around the Valley and northern Arizona Jewish News (9.11.24) Antisemitism, Israel and taking action figure in this year's High Holiday sermons Sun City Independent (9.11.24) Sun City temple offers interfaith course Sun City Independent (9.5.24) Sun City temple hosts open house ice cream social Sun City Independent (8.12.24) Sun City temple offer High Holy Days classes Sun City Independent (8.8.24) Sun City temple slates interfaith class Jewish News (11.28.23) Sun City synagogue quadruples its “Little Jewish schoolhouse Jewish News (11.29.23) Retired entertainment attorney shares his love of television through teaching Jewish News (10.23.23) Interfaith prayer service in the West Valley draws tears and prayers for peace

  • Events | Tbswvaz

    Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's Chanukah celebrations go on for several nights at the Temple and into the communities. Our special events celebrating Jewish culture like the Klezmer Band Jewish Folk Music concert draw visitors from all over the Phoenix area. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Has Something for Everyone! Come join in the fun! Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's Chanukah celebrations go on for several nights at the Temple and into the communities. Our special events like the Klezmer Band Jewish Folk Music concert draw visitors and annual Golf Classic from all over the Phoenix area. These are a few examples of the Temple's joyous events. Aug. 25-Sept. 15: High Holy Days course Aug. 28-Sept. 11:Forgiveness and Letting Go" course Sept. 3: Ongoing Weekly Ancient Biblical Interpretations Study Group Sept. 14: Sundae Funday Open House Oct. 7-Dec. 23: Learn How to Read Hebrew For everyone’s safety, PLEASE, no backpacks or purses will be allowed at events at Temple Beth Shalom. You can utilize a clear purse or clear plastic bag. Otherwise, please leave your items in your car. There will be a security guard onsite. “Forgiveness and Letting Go" will be led by Rabbi Kaplan from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Aug. 28, and Sept. 4 and 11. One of the main goals of the Jewish High Holy Days is to forgive people who have wronged us. Participants will look at the processes of forgiveness and letting go in different circumstances. Cost is $20 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Registration deadline is noon Aug. 20. MORE DETAILS "High Holy Days" will be led by TBSWV Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan from 10-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Aug. 25, Sept. 8 and 15. Discussions will cover major themes of these holy days, sample prayers, some of the major traditions and what participants hope to accomplish emotionally during the High Holy Days and beyond. Cost is $20 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Registration deadline is noon Aug. 20. MORE DETAILS “Ancient Biblical Interpretation” is a new weekly study group, which will be led by Rabbi Kaplan and meet weekly from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays beginning Sept. 3. Cost is $20 per person per month for Temple members and $35 for non-members. Payment is required at the beginning of each month. Registration deadline is Sept. 3. MORE DETAILS Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley is hosting its free Sundae Funday Open House from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. Make your own sundaes with a variety of ice cream and toppings! Guests will have a chance to meet Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and Temple leadership to learn about the Temple's High Holy Days services and many activities . MORE DETAILS "ALEF – BET: Beginning Hebrew for Adults" will be presented by TBSWV Board Vice President Mariane Anderson. The course will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays: Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28; Nov. 4,11,18 and 25 and Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23. The cost for the 12-week course is $35 per month, which includes all course materials. Registration deadline is Oct. 1. MORE DETAILS

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