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The Radically Changing Middle East Temple Beth Shalom presents "The Radically Changing Middle East" course Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley will offer a course, “The Radically Changing Middle East,” in February at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave. in Sun City. The course, led by Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, will discuss what’s happening in Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Gaza and the world. The course will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Feb. 6, 13 and 20. “Events in the Middle East are taking place at such a rapid rate that it is difficult to keep track of everything that’s happening. The last year and a half have seen such rapid changes and so many surprises that are completely unprecedented not only in the Middle East but anywhere in the world.” Rabbi Kaplan said. This short series will survey each country or region or territory bordering Israel including Iran, which is a bit further away and provide analysis as to what is actually going on among the various interest groups. “An unknown number of hostages are still being held by Hamas in Gaza and various governments and non- governmental groups are busy planning additional initiatives which are sure to continue to shake up the Middle East and the entire world, " Rabbi Kaplan said. Much has happened in the last several weeks and it is anticipated that there will be additional surprises by the time that the series starts. The course costs $20 for Temple members and $35 for non-members. To register and pay the fee, call the Temple office at 623.977.3240 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday by Feb. 4.

The Radically Changing Middle East Temple Beth Shalom presents "The Radically Changing Middle East" course Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley will offer a course, “The Radically Changing Middle East,” in February at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave. in Sun City. The course, led by Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, will discuss what’s happening in Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Gaza and the world. The course will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Feb. 6, 13 and 20. “Events in the Middle East are taking place at such a rapid rate that it is difficult to keep track of everything that’s happening. The last year and a half have seen such rapid changes and so many surprises that are completely unprecedented not only in the Middle East but anywhere in the world.” Rabbi Kaplan said. This short series will survey each country or region or territory bordering Israel including Iran, which is a bit further away and provide analysis as to what is actually going on among the various interest groups. “An unknown number of hostages are still being held by Hamas in Gaza and various governments and non- governmental groups are busy planning additional initiatives which are sure to continue to shake up the Middle East and the entire world, " Rabbi Kaplan said. Much has happened in the last several weeks and it is anticipated that there will be additional surprises by the time that the series starts. The course costs $20 for Temple members and $35 for non-members. To register and pay the fee, call the Temple office at 623.977.3240 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday by Feb. 4.

America's Four Gods Temple Beth Shalom hosts interfaith "America's Four Gods" course Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley will present “America’s Four Gods”, an interactive, interfaith three-week program led by Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and past TBS President Fay Henning-Bryant, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Feb. 3, 10 and 17 at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave. in Sun City. The course is based on the book, “America’s Four Gods: What We Say About God — And What That Says About Us,” written by Paul Froese and Christopher Bader. The authors developed a self-administered survey enabling each participant to answer questions to provide them feedback about how they conceive of God and the role God plays in their daily lives. Individual survey results are private. Through discussion led by Rabbi Kaplan and Henning-Bryant, participants will address why knowing what an individual believes about God is important, and an explanation of the four Gods. Americans worship one of four distinct types of God: benevolent, authoritative, distant or critical. Participants will discuss the impact that their personal beliefs in one of the four Gods may have on the world today. Advance registration and payment is required by noon Jan. 29. Cost is $20 for Temple Beth Shalom members and $35 for non-members. Contact the Temple Beth Shalom office at 623-977-3240 to register.

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.

TBS Book Club The TBS Book Club meets by Zoom the third Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. Most books are Jewish-related fiction and non-fiction, but not always. As a special project in October 2022, the TBS Book Club had a “Golda-thon” where everyone participating discussed a book about or by Golda Meir. To join the book club, contact Pam Katz at pam@katzct.com .

Torah Discussion on Zoom Torah discussions are on hiaitus in July and will resume on Aug. 6. Torah discussions are held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Wednesday on Zoom. Known as the "people of the book", Jews value education, and the value of education is strongly embedded in Jewish culture. New participants are always welcome to our free and lively study of the weekly portion of the Torah. Our discussions are led by Rabbi Kaplan as well as volunteers. Each week, we address essential questions from the Parsha and debate the opinions of Jewish interpreters throughout the ages. With each session we ask two basic questions: "What do es the Torah portion say about the controversial topic of the week?” and “What meaning can this portion have for us?” Please contact the TBS office to register for the discussions if you have not previously done so. Phone 623.977.3240 or email templebethshalomaz@gmail.com a nd a copy of the weekly text will be emailed to you.

Service Guide Our service guide provides constant access to the music and teachings of our service. Our prayer book, Mishkan T’filah, can also be accessed by clicking the button. Follow the entire service or select individual parts of service by clicking on the links. View Our Shabbat Prayer Book Here Watch a Recent Shabbat Service

Saturday Morning Shabbat Service Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley w ill present its first monthly informal Saturday Morning Shabbat service and discussion at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23. It will be followed by a potluck Kiddush brunch. It is the first in a series of monthly Saturday Shabbat services, including April 13 and May 18. For more information, visit tbsaz.org.

Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Brochure

Archived Shofar Monthly Newsletters Here are archived issues of Shofar, Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's monthly newsletter. 2025 Jan. 2025 2024 Dec. 2024 Nov. 2024 Oct. 2024 Sept. 2024 Aug. 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 J anuary 2024 2023 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 2022 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022

Scholar-In-Residence Professor Rabbi David Frankel from the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem was Temple Beth Shalom's Scholar-in-Residence in November 2022. He spoke about "How Can We Cope with Evil and Suffering?" He is an internationally known scholar, and teaches M.A. and rabbinical students at the Schechter Institute. He is the author of "The Murmuring Stories of the Priestly School" and "Land of Canaan and the Destiny of Israel." Helen Schwartz , who has lectured and written about stolen French art by the Nazis during World War II, spoke at Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley in April 2023. Helen, a retired Indiana University English professor, has written several books, including her historical thriller, “Thieves of Paris.” She has lectured at universities, community centers, synagogues and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.