Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation news and events

Suzy Ziegler

The Jewish people have a rich history in many parts of the world. Wherever we have traveled and resided, we have always tried to become a part of the culture without losing our identity. The two most famous segments of Jewish culture from the Diaspora are the Ashkenazi and the Sephardi.

When dispersed Jews went north from Israel, they went into Europe, Eastern Europe and Russia – Ashkenazi. Others went northwest to the Iberian Peninsula and south to northern Africa – Sephardi. In each case, traditions evolved with the environment, food with the local products and language developed, incorporating local dialects which became Yiddish or Ladino.

Please join us on January 15 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel Center as we meet two rebbitzens (rabbis’ wives), one Sephardi and one Ashkenasi, and learn about the family traditions that each follows, including raising children, food, holidays and much more with Sandy Wiener, wife of Rabbi Irwin Wiener of Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation and Yvonne Garcia, wife of Rabbi Joseph Garcia, a leading Sephardi Rabbi here in Phoenix. A rich discussion on how we differ and how we are the same will be part of the program.

Dues are now $30 and donations for Toys from the Heart are always welcome as well.

The Card Party is Tuesday, February 3. The cost is still only $25 for lunch, festive basket raffles and a day’s worth of fun and games. Reservations must be received by January 23. Donations of restaurant gift certificates or bottles of wine are needed. Please contact Barbara at 219-8341 for more information.

Mah Jongg cards are available from Sisterhood. The cost is $9 for large print and $8 for small print. Checks should be mailed to Anita at 24530 E. Saddletree Drive, Sun Lakes 85248 by January 15.

Don’t forget Sisterhood Shabbat will take place at regular services on Friday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you there.