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Social Action ​ For over 150 years, Reform Judaism in America has placed emphasis on social justice, based on our ancient mandate of tzedek, tzedek tirdof - “justice, justice shall you pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20). ​ Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's Social Action Committee provides us with a vehicle for working together as a community to try to help the lives of at least a few people. Therefore, it is a very important Mitzvah that we should all participate in. ​ We have been supporters of the Valley View Community Food Bank (VVCFB) in Sun City since it was founded in 2007. While donating food is always a necessity for the growing number of residents of the West Valley who are food insecure, we support the VVCFB in other ways as well. For a full year during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, in each week of the month, a quarter of our members pledged to financially support the VVCFB due to the exceptionally higher demand for services from this invaluable social service agency. ​ In 2022 and 2023, we have featured the “Item of the Month” program. Our members are asked to bring a specific item to Friday Shabbat services that changes every month. We bring canned fruit, pasta and rice, canned meats, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and – lest we forget that almost everyone needs a pet – we also bring pet food one month.

Third Annual Golf Classic on March 3, 2024 Join us for Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley' s Third Annual Golf Classic Four-Person Scramble on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Willowcreek Golf Club , 10600 W Boswell Blvd., in Sun City. ​ This will be a fun outing for golfers of all abilities. There will be an awards party after with no-host wine and beer, and free appetizers. ​ First P lace in the Men's Division wins $50 cash per golfer and First Place in t he Co-Ed Division wins $50 cash per golfer. Other awards will go to the Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin and Longest Putt. ( PGA an d LPGA members are not allowed to participate in Golf Classic.) ​ Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Wa rm Up begins at 10:45 a.m. Shotgun (limit of 72 players) will be at noon. The $125 entrance fee includes a golf cart, bucket range balls, the awards ceremony and one drink ticket. Extras include Mulligan Package at event, 6 Mulligans for $25; Mulligan at event, $5 each; and raffle tickets, $5 each or five for $20. ​ RSVP deadline is Feb. 23, 2024. If you have questions, contact Glen Zelkind at 303.514.2895 or GZelkind@aol.com or call the Temple office at 623.974.324 0. ​ How to Si gn U p Players: You can print the form below, fill it out then drop it off at TBS or mail it with your check (your entrance fee) payable to Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, Golf — Temple Beth Shalom, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351. Players: You also can pay and register through this Zeffy online form . Tee Sponsorships: Tee sponsors will be recognized on signs and in the award ceremony progr am. You can mail a check and your sponsorship information to the Temple. Y ou also can pay and complete sponsorship information in a Zeffy online form . Cost is Par ($100 and includes quarter-page advertisement in the TBS Shofar monthly newsletter for 3 months), Birdie ($250 and includes half-page advertisement in the TBS Shofar monthly newsletter for 6 months) and Eagle ($500 and includes full-page advertisement in the TBS Shofar monthly newsletter for 12 months).

Hy Mandell Biblical Garden Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's Biblical Garden were created by member Hy Mandell. ​ The Garden has trees and plants which are noted in the Bible. Trees include fig trees, a large carob, almond, citron, henna, acacia, olive trees, Aleppo pines, pomegranate and frankincense. Plants include a rose garden, myrtle bushes, cassia bushes, cedar, rosemary, agave and aloe. ​ In addition, there is an arbor with rose bushes and a Jacob’s ladder. A slate path leads around the Garden with “stepping stones” covered with stain glass art work created by congregants. ​ A highlight of the Garden is that each tree or plant also has a plaque labeling the plant plus the Biblical reference in English and Hebrew. ​ A geniza vault was added by Hy to the Garden for the proper burial of older, unusable books and artifacts. Adjacent to the Garden is the Sukkah frame. Every Sukkot, the Brotherhood places palm fronds on the top of the Sukkah and the religious school students decorate it. ​ The Garden was used by the religious school for gatherings. Their students added plants to the herb garden. ​ Over the years, the Garden has been maintained by members of the congregation. Pam Katz is the Garden's “Guardian.” She helps with the tree trimming, raking and handiwork by fellow congregants.

Caring Committee Dr. Jack Pearlman and Phyllis Jacobs started our Caring Committee over 20 years ago. The Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Caring Committee specializes in building connections with our congregants and their immediate family members during times of health crisis and beyond. Our congregants live in Arizona while most of our family members are scattered around the world. We do not wish any member to feel alone or afraid during any time of stress. Our professional Caring Committee Team is personal, physical, spiritual and loving. We have been dedicated for many, many years to our congregation. We reach out via telephone calls, visits and prayers. We are available to all at-risk congregants at any time of the day or night. Our Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan is also on OUR team. Prayers have marvelous healing powers. The close contact and gentle embraces we provide will help on your road to recovery.

Adult Education Lifelong learning is a cornerstone of Reform Judaism. At Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, we provide a variety of opportunities to assist our members in finding educational offerings that meet the varying needs of our members. Whether it be the weekly study of Torah with Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, a four-week class on Kabbalah, a participative program to enable learners to identify the meaning of God on a personal level, or an interfaith study of “Rabbi Jesus” open to Jewish and non-Jewish members of the West Valley, or a scholar-in-residence who spoke on the theft of art from the Jews of France during the Holocaust, we offer something for everyone. The Adult Education Committee and Rabbi Kaplan are developing course offerings through May 2024. For most months, there will be two courses on Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons, and there will be a few "extras" added here and there. We will also be introducing a new weekly study group for the serious learner which will focus on God. All our courses are open to TBS members and non-members, whether the non-member is Jewish or a member of another religion.

Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Brochure

Celebrating Hanukkah with Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Temple Beth Shalom hosts Hanukkah celebrations There are many ways to celebrate Hanukkah with Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley. Lights, Latkes and Laughter ​ Join in the fun at Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley’s “Lights, Latkes and Laughter” event celebrating Hanukkah at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8. A potluck dinner will be hosted by the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave. in Sun City. Latkes and brisket will be provided. Participants are asked to bring a dessert or side dish. There will be a charge of $5 per person with children under 12 admitted free. After dinner, there will be a lighting of the menorah outside. Cantor Baruch Koritan and the Temple Beth Shalom Choir will lead the congregation in singing Hanukkah songs as part of Friday Shabbat services. "We want to welcome everyone into our Temple and to celebrate Hanukkah together no matter what people's background is," said Temple Beth Shalom Rabbi Dana Kaplan. Reservations are needed by calling the Temple office at 623.977.3240 by Dec. 5. ​ Sisterhood Hanukkah L unch and Party Temple Beth Shalom Sisterhood will host a Hanukkah lunch and party at noon Monday, Dec. 11, at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave. in Sun City. ​ Joanne Gorelick will sing Hanukkah music. She will be accompanied on the piano by Daisy Anderson. Attendees are invited to bring their unique menorahs. ​ Reservations are required by Wednesday, Dec. 6. Cost is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. Call the office for reservations at 623.977.3240. Visit tbsaz.org for more information. Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Events 5:30 p.m. Thursday Dec. 7: Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan lights the first Hanukkah candle on the menorah outside the Temple. There will be songs and light refreshments afterwards. Friends and family welcome! 5:20 p.m. Monday Dec. 11: Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan will lead the Hanukkah menorah lighting at the Sonoran Plaza located at 19753 N. Remington Dr. in The Grand.

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. Drop off your donations in the Temple lobby.

Edith Mattal Library The TBS library has a significant collection of non-fiction Judaica and quite a lot of fiction by Jewish authors or with Jewish themes. ​ The Mattal Trust Fund purchased a group of 2021 and 2022 National Jewish Book Award (NJBA) winners for the library at Temple Beth Shalom. The library is open when the office is open, or when there are other open meetings or services. Come in to browse the shelves and take home a book or three to read.

Donations A donation to Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley is a wonderful way to celebrate a special event; to honor the life of a loved one; or simply to express appreciation for the benefits Temple Beth Shalom brings to your life. Temple Beth Shalom is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and donations are 100% deductible. How to Donate Pay by check Donations can be made by mailing a check to Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351. ​ Pay online You can make donations to Temple Beth Shalom online by using the Temple's Zeffy account and fill out the online form . You can use your credit card or make a direct debit (ACH) from a bank account. The Temple receives 100% of the Zeffy donation transactions. Zeffy is free to nonprofit groups, thanks to voluntary donations. When you fill out a Zeffy form, you’ll see a suggested voluntary donation amount to Zeffy for the convenience of making donations online. You can change the amount by choosing "other" then type in an amount, including $0 if you'd rather not make a voluntary contribution. View this how-to video to learn more . Thank you for your support of Temple Beth Shalom.

Stand in Solidarity with Israel How You Can Help Israel Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley is taking donations in support of Israel. Please make checks payable to Temple Beth Shalom. You can drop off your donation or mail it to Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351. Your donation is tax-deductible and 100% of your donation will be sent to the following charitable organizations: J FNA 2023 Israel Emergency Fund, Friends of the IDF Emergency Campaign and the Magen David Adom Emergency Medical Fund. Hundreds of people of different faiths joined Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley members to stand in solidarity with Israel during an interfaith prayer service on Oct. 17 in the Sun City synagogue’s sanctuary. The Interfaith Solidarity Service is available for viewing on YouTube. They prayed for Israel and her people, the safe return of the hostages, safety of the Israel Defense Forces, healing of those innocent Israelis and tourists wounded in body and soul, and the comfort of grieving loved ones. Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan said: “We want to build a large unified interfaith community in the West Valley that will support Israel in its time of need. The religious leaders gathering together are very different in their religious views and political opinions, and we want to concentrate on the need for prayer in response to the terrible atrocities that Hamas committed against innocent Israeli civilians, foreign tourists, students and agricultural workers.” Along with Rabbi Kaplan, Temple Beth Shalom Cantor Baruch Koritan and Board President Steve Bold participated in the interfaith prayer service. Several people described their personal connections to Israel, including Barbara Gabriella Sodos, granddaughter of Temple Beth Shalom member Jan Sodos. Barbara, who lives in Holon, Israel, shared how her boyfriend was called up as a reserve senior medical officer and will be a first responder after troops go in on foot. Clergy from neighboring communities shared prayers and statements, including First Presbyterian Church in Sun City, Peace Lutheran Church of Peoria, Grace Bible Church in Sun City, Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, Unity Spiritual Center in Sun City, Advent Episcopal Church in Sun City West, Sun Health Communities, Soka Gakkai International Nichiren Buddist community in Phoenix, First United Methodist Church of Sun City and Avista hospice and at the Palazzo Senior Living Center.

Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Mem ber Testimonials Marlene and Jonathan Green We recently moved to Arizona, and knew we wanted to sink new roots into the Jewish community in the West Valley. We visited Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, met the Rabbi, attended services, and immediately felt the warmth and welcoming of the congregation. We were impressed that Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan came over to our home to welcome us and ask about our history and interests. We joined, and found the congregation very inviting. We have enjoyed some of the adult education programs. I've gotten involved in the treasury function, the Outreach Committee, and Marlene is co-chairing the Social Action Committee. We are very happy with our decision to join, and feel our efforts to contribute to the congregation are well-received and appreciated. Gloria and Steve Bold Steve and I were snowbirds for 3 years, until our daughter told us she was expecting our first grandchild. So we bought a place in Sun City and quit the back & forth to the East Coast. We were sad to leave our temple in Rehoboth, Delaware! ​ We had gone with our daughter to their synagogue in Scottsdale. It was too big for us & a long drive. We decided to try Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley since it was nearby. We felt welcomed and liked those we met. The next week, several people recognized us and we told them we were looking for a synagogue! After attending services several times, we knew we had found our new home. Friendships have grown & both of us are getting involved. We are a close community of committed Jews. It has made a huge difference in our life. We love Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and look forward to many more years at Temple Beth Shalom. Julie Ponce I’m originally from Puebla, Mexico. I started attending my very much beloved Temple Beth Shalom in 2019. Since then, I have always felt welcomed by every member. ​ Temple Beth Shalom has a profound meaning for me; it means family, friends, wonderful Shabbat celebrations, happy Onegs, and a marvelous Rabbi who is always there to offer emotional support when I need it. ​ I have found my home at Temple Beth Shalom! Steve Siegel and Robert Koch Before we joined Temple Beth Shalom we started Shul shopping around the Phoenix area. There were so many choices to choose from. It became overwhelming. None of the other congregations felt right to us. Plus most were on the other side of town and as many of you know it’s a schlep. ​ After talking with then president Jan Sodos and the temple educator, Elissa Rose, they gave us the highlights of the temple and this wonderful community. So we began attending services and we decided to join. We then joined the Brotherhood and started attend Torah study with Rabbi Sheldon Moss. This was the community we needed and wanted to be a part of. Then something struck us. We were reading a message from Mary Gill Savoren in the Shofar that said: “We (TBS) have always welcomed individuals and families of varying Jewish lifestyles. We are particularly sensitive to the need for inclusion of both traditional and non-traditional family structures.” The message rang home to us. We want to thank the members of Temple Beth Shalom for opening their arms and welcoming Bob and I into your family.