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Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's Bar and Bat Mitzvah program for children is a multi-year program based on a commitment by parents and the child to engage in worship and study resulting in a public demonstration of what the child has learned about Judaism, our prayers, and basic Hebrew. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Confirmation About While providing a course of study for a child to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah after age 13 is a basic religious education program at TBS, like many other Reform congregations we also recognize that many of our adult members never had the opportunity to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah as a child. Our program for children is a multi-year program based on a commitment by the parents and the child to engage in worship and study that results in a public demonstration to the congregation of what the child has learned about Judaism, our prayers, and basic Hebrew in order to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. However, the commitment does not end there: it extends for another two years of a different type of learning in order to prepare the youth for Confirmation. The adult B'nai Mitzvah program is a one-year program of concentrated study similar to that of the children, but with different texts and individual study. This one-year program culminates with a service at which time each adult who completes the program becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, Cantor Baruch Koritan and Temple Beth Shalom proudly open their arms to all in the West Valley who may be interested in Jewish approaches to spirituality and community. We are a caring and compassionate Reform Jewish congregation. Rabbi Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Clergy Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and Temple Beth Shalom proudly open their arms to all in the West Valley who may be interested in Jewish approaches to spirituality and community. Rabbi Kaplan is focused on building our temple family through an inclusive, open-door approach that views the congregation as an extension of our relationship circles. He believes that creating a spiritual family is multi-generational, as our children and grandchildren are an integral part of sustaining our spiritual growth. Rabbi Kaplan is always willing to sit over coffee, go for a walk, or meet at the Temple with anyone from the community. We welcome you to come visit at one of our warm Friday night services, which is the highlight of the week, or join us for one of our other social, educational, or service events. These times together not only provide opportunities to make new friends and find emotional support, but they can also help us learn to utilize Judaism in a way to build a life of meaning. Before arriving at Temple Beth Shalom, Rabbi Kaplan was the interim rabbi of the Springhill Avenue Temple in Mobile, Alabama. During his time in Mobile, he was also a teacher in the Department of Theology at Spring Hill College. Prior to 2015, he was the rabbi of the United Congregation of Israelites in Kingston, Jamaica, becoming the first rabbi to serve the country in 33 years. He has also previously led congregations in Albany, Georgia, and Cape Town, South Africa. Rabbi Kaplan is the author and editor of several books, including most recently A Life of Meaning: Embracing Reform Judaism’s Sacred Path. Published by CCAR Press – the official publisher for the entire Reform movement – it is a collection of short, entertaining articles by a broad range of the most important Reform rabbinic thinkers active today. The book provides a range of perspectives on modern Judaism, describing theological and practical ways to find purpose in life, both as individuals and as a community. Along with his time as our rabbi, Rabbi Kaplan continues to be involved in various programs, lectures, and conferences in order to understand the history and theology of Reform Judaism and to discuss ways to make Judaism a vibrant religious form of spirituality for the twenty-first century. As a new resident of Arizona, he also hopes to cycle and hike in and on the many mountains in the Greater Phoenix area. Rabbi Kaplan looks forward to meeting each and every congregant, as well as those who might be interested in becoming a part of our community. You can contact him through the Temple office by phone or email him directly at tbsazrabbi@gmail.com . Check out Rabbi Kaplan's website: danakaplan.com. Cantor Baruch Koritan Baruch Koritan has served as Cantor at Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley in Sun City since 1992. Also, he is a composer and has been invited to perform his new liturgical settings at workshops and conventions of American Conference of Cantors and Guild of Temple Musicians (ACC/GTM) and Cantors Assembly in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. He is a protégé of Cantor Stephen Richards, and began his cantorial career performing a Shabbat service with Rabbi Albert Plotkin in Phoenix. Baruch’s singing career began as a child in Workman Circle schools and music festivals at University of Pennsylvania. Later he attended New Hope Academy of the Arts, Philadelphia Institute of Music, Temple University, Scottsdale Community College, University of Madrid, and U. S. Marine Corps Reserve (Honorable Discharge). In 1999, Cantor Howard Tabaknek commissioned him to write an Erev Shabbat Service for Temple Beth Israel, Scottsdale, AZ. He released a CD, “Shalom to You,” in 2000, featuring many of his own songs and those of the Diaspora in five languages. A former runner-up in the Liberace Piano Competition, he also played piano for the album. His own original cover art for the CD was purchased for TBS and welcomes all into its lobby. Baruch has been on the faculty of Bureau of Jewish Education, Scottsdale, since 2006. He also maintains a private voice studio and is a member of National Association of Teachers of Singing. Watch a video of Cantor Koritan singing “Shalom Aleichem.” You can contact him through the Temple office by phone or email him directly at baruchkoritan@gmail.com .

Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's Torah discussions are held 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. Our discussions are led by Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan as well as volunteers. Torah Discussion on Zoom Torah discussions are held from 11 a.m. to 12 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.

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Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley offers chavurah groups of like-minded Jews who assemble for the purposes of sharing communal activities, experiences such as lifecycle events, or Jewish learning. Call the Temple office at 623.977.3240 for more information. Chavurah Are you interested in joining a Chavurah? What is a chavaruh? Small groups with like interests. It is only open to Temple Beth Shalom members and their spouses or guests. Temple Beth Shalom is looking for help in creating Chavaruh groups. Here are some suggestions, but feel free to add to this list: * The Lunch Bunch * Let's Go to the Movies * Grandparents Bragging Rights * New Yorkers or Clevanders (or wherever else in the desert) * Travel Club * Let's Play Games: Poker Club, Mah Jongg Group, Bridge, Canasta, Pinochle, etc. * Knitting Group * Cooking Together * Let's Talk Yiddish * Let's Laugh If you're interested or have suggestions, please contact Ellyn Ventura at eventura@dreamvacations.com or 602.595.9303. Please leave a message if it goes to voice mail. Let's socialize!!! 

Contact Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's synagogue administrator Helene Fox at 623.977.3240 or tbsazfinances@gmail.com. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City, AZ. 85351 Welcome to Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Contact Us Please feel free to call our synagogue administrator Patti Weiner at 623.977.3240 or templebethshalomaz@gmail.com Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley 12202 N. 101st Ave. Sun City, AZ. 85351 Shabbat Services Congregants set aside sacred time for engaging with God through prayer and reflection – spoken and sung – and the reading of the Torah. Every Friday: 7 p.m. Once a Month, October-May on Saturdays: 10:30 a.m.

Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's Caring Committee team is personal, physical, spiritual and loving. We specialize in building connections with our congregants and their immediate family members during times of health crisis. We are available to all at-risk congregants at any time. 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.

Become a Member Fill Out TBS New Member Application We invite EVERYONE – Individuals, couples, and families – to be a part of our congregation. At Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, we celebrate Shabbat together, study Torah together, volunteer for social action projects together, and connect to Israel through food, wine, and folklore. We are a Reform Jewish congregation serving the entire West Valley, all the Sun Cities, and Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Surprise and Tolleson, Tonopah, Waddell and Youngtown. Whether you are single or partnered, were born Jewish, are a Jew-by-Choice, in an interfaith family or are thinking about or interested in Judaism … there is a place for you to join our temple family. Worship with our rabbi and our cantor as we celebrate Shabbat with inspiring Friday night services at 7 p.m. Following services, we flock to the social hall for an Oneg. Join us for our monthly Saturday morning informal Shabbat with guitar service and a potluck brunch in a member’s home. With great joy we celebrate the holidays of the Jewish calendar from Sukkot to Chanukah and Purim to Passover. Come and visit … and stay! We’d love to hear from you! There’s a place here that only you can fill. Join Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and Temple volunteers for the weekly Torah Study on Zoom. Contact the Temple office at 623.977.3240 for more information. Watch videos of F riday Evening Shabbat s ervices on Temple Beth Shalom's YouTube channel .

Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley's Social Action Committee provides members with a vehicle for working together as a community to try to help the lives of others. It is a very important Mitzvah that we should all participate in. To be a devoted Reform Jew is to make the world a better place. 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.

At Temple Beth Shalom, we celebrate Jewish religious holidays like Passover with meaningful rituals. We also commemorate national holidays like Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Thanksgiving. On Christmas Eve, we sometimes go out to a Chinese restaurant in Jewish fashion. TEMPLE BETH SHALOM OF THE WEST VALLEY's INTERFAITH SERVICE COMMEMORATES HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY More than 175 people from different faiths joined in prayer during the Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Service at Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley on April 24 to commemorate the 6 million Jews and others who were murdered during the Holocaust in Nazi Germany. Six yahrzeit candles were lit in memory of those who perished. Keynote speaker and TBS member Nancy Urbach spoke about how her family in Nashville, Tennessee had rescued 200 family and friends from Nazi Germany in the late 1930s until the American Consulate had to shut down. TBS members Minia Kalish, Shirley Beaser and Monica Arum each spoke about their parents who had survived the Holocaust. Temple Beth Shalom Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan and Cantor Baruch Koritan led the interfaith service. Clergy from many faiths shared prayers and messages, including Senior Pastor Bill Bjork, Grace Bible Church in Sun City; Pastor Greg Emery, Faith Presbyterian Church in Sun City; Rabbi Jeff Lipschultz; Rev. Julie O'Brien, Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria; Father David Halm, St. John Vianney Church in Goodyear; Rabbi Mindie Snyder, Pastor James Rausch, First Presbyterian Church in Peoria and Bruce Scott, The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry Mobilization Director.

At Temple Beth Shalom, we celebrate Jewish religious holidays like Passover with meaningful rituals. We also commemorate national holidays like Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Thanksgiving. On Christmas Eve, we sometimes go out to a Chinese restaurant in Jewish fashion. How to Make Braided Challah Challah in a Bag Recipe 1 cup warm water 1 TBS Instant Dry Yeast 1/3 cup sugar 3 TBS vegetable oil 1 egg 1 tsp salt 3 cups flour plus another 1/2 cup as needed Glaze with 1 beaten egg (you can add honey and vanilla 1 tsp each) Beat the egg, add water, oil and mix well. Then add sugar and salt and mix again. Add the yeast to the flour in the bag, and mix it. Pour liquid mixture into the gallon bag with the flour and yeast. Seal the bag, mix and knead it until well combined. Add extra flour if needed. Knead for 5 – 8 minutes. Place bag on flat surface, let rise until doubled in size – should take 1-2 hours. To quick rise, place a cup of hot water in a microwave along with the dough in the bag (DO NOT TURN ON THE MICROWAVE.) Punch down the dough. Empty the dough onto a floured surface and knead again, adding more flour as needed (adding raisins if desired), dough will be soft, divide into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 1 inch thick, about 8 – 10 inches long. Braid the dough, tucking ends under, then place on a parchment lined or well-greased baking sheet. Allow to sit for 15 - 30 minutes to rise again. Dough is ready when you push your finger into dough and a divot remains. Preheat oven to 350 F. Beat egg (add honey and/or vanilla if desired) and brush over all surfaces of braided loaf. Sprinkle toppings on the dough, suggestions: poppyseeds, everything but bagel mix, za’atar, sesame seeds. Bake in 350 F oven for 30-45 minutes until golden brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Internal temp when done is 190 - 200 F.

Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley offers many educational opportunities for all ages, including adult education, Torah study, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation, Religious School and Scholars-in-Residence. Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley offers many educational opportunities for all ages, including: Adult Education : We offer a variety of educational opportunities, such as a series about Judaism and humor. Torah Studies : During weekly Torah study sessions on Zoom, participants have a lively study of the weekly portion of the Torah. Religious School: We have a very small school which allows us to provide individual attention. Bar or Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation : We have a multi-year program for children to learn about Judaism, our prayers and basic Hebrew. Scholar-in Residence : Our Scholar-in-Residence have included Rabbi David Frankel from the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem. Jewish education is the teaching and transmission of the knowledge, ideas, practices, and character traits of the Jewish religion and has been valued since the birth of Judaism. In the Hebrew Bible, Abraham is lauded for instructing his offspring in God's ways. The act of study can serve as a transformative experience for us, changing the ways that we understand and interact with the world. On the third day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt, God descended in a cloud upon Mount Sinai in view of the entire Children of Israel. According to The Book of Exodus chapter 19, God began speaking directly to the people, uttering the first two of the Ten Commandments. This marked the beginning of God’s giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. The word “Torah” means the Five Books of Moses but in a broader sense it symbolizes all of the efforts of Jewish education. Torah is a framework and tradition that helps us make sense of our lives and build our own individual system of faith that can make our lives laden with spiritual significance. But for any of this to make sense and therefore provide personal as well as communal meaning, we need to study it in order to understand Torah and then be able to integrate it into our lives and absorb it into our very essence — our souls. Education