JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment

08/17/2026

Celebrate, Create & Connect: Intergenerational Jewish Holiday Craft Series

Join us for a heartwarming series of intergenerational Jewish holiday programs brought to you by the JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment in partnership with the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework.

Each session invites children, adults, and skilled Pomegranate Guild artists to come together and explore a Jewish holiday through beautiful, hands-on needlepoint projects. You'll create meaningful, keepsake pieces while connecting across generations and passing down the art and heritage of Judaic needlecraft, one stitch at a time.

No prior experience needed, just curiosity, creativity, and a love for celebrating Jewish traditions in a warm, welcoming space.

The Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework aims to pass needlework traditions to other generations by sharing the knowledge and techniques to create handcrafted items for Jewish ritual and cultural use, while sharing our joy in being Jewish.

What's included:
Holiday-themed fabric craft project
All materials covered in the registration fee
Guidance from experienced Judaic needlework artists
Intergenerational collaboration and connection
Open to ages 7 and up, adults and children welcome!
Program Sessions:
📅 November 15 — Hanukkah pouch for dreidel and gelt
📅 February 28 — Purim masks and groggers
📅 March 28 — Passover afikomen cover
$15 per person, per session — register for one or a few!

When registering, please indicate the number of adults and children attending so we can prepare materials for everyone.
Click on the link to register:

Join us for a heartwarming series of intergenerational Jewish holiday programs brought to you by the JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment in partnership with the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework.Each session invites children, adults, and skilled Pomegranate Guild artists to come together and expl...

07/28/2026

🌿 Discover the Benefits of Beginner’s Tai Chi with Master Ping Wei! 🌿Looking for a gentle and effective way to improve your balance, build strength, and support your overall well-being? Join us this August and September for a 6-week Beginner’s Tai Chi Series led by renowned Tai Chi Master Ping Wei.

Tai Chi is a time-honored practice enjoyed by millions around the world. Especially beneficial for older adults, Tai Chi has been shown to help improve balance, increase strength, and reduce the risk of falls—making it a wonderful practice for lifelong wellness.

With more than 40 years of experience, Master Ping Wei has been teaching at Paradise Valley Community College since 2005. His beginner-friendly approach focuses on proper body alignment, structural integrity, and balance, helping students build confidence and develop the foundational skills to continue practicing independently or with a group.

✨ Beginner’s Tai Chi Series Details
📅 Thursdays | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
📍 Beth El Congregation
1118 West Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021
Class Dates:
• August 6
• August 13
• August 20
• August 27
• September 3
• September 17
(No class on September 10)

Whether you’re looking to improve mobility, increase confidence, reduce stress, or try something new in a welcoming environment, this class is a wonderful place to begin.

🌟 Space is limited—register today and take the first step toward better balance, strength, and wellness!
Learn more and register here:

Tai Chi, as a martial art, is a modality used widely by seniors to improve their balance and to increase their strength. It has been investigated by leading medical research organizations for its efficacy to prevent falls in seniors. Ping Wei is a Tai Chi master with over 40 years of experience. He....

07/22/2026

🎶💃 Music, dancing, and cake… that’s what we call a party! 🎂🎉

Today, Carlos E Rivas had 50 of our friends at Kivel Campus of Care dancing, singing, laughing, and celebrating together. The energy was contagious, and before long, everyone was on their feet—including the staff! ❤️

There’s nothing better than seeing so many smiling faces enjoying great music, delicious cake, and wonderful company. Thank you, Carlos, for bringing so much joy to our day! 🎵✨

07/20/2026

What a fantastic afternoon! Today, the participants of Stage & Story: A Readers Theatre Series with Breona Conrad took the stage for their performance of Clue. The audience was captivated as each actor embraced their role with enthusiasm and talent. Their hard work and dedication shone through in every scene. A flawless performance and the perfect way to spend a Monday afternoon!

07/16/2026

Join JFCS Creative Aging for an exciting lineup of fall classes in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley!

✨ Dance, paint, sing, drum, create, read, move, and connect through:
🎨 Watercolor
💃 Line Dancing
🧘 Tai Chi
🥁 Drumming
🎭 Readers Theatre
🎶 Chorus
💎 Beading
📚 Book Club
…and so much more!

Whether you’re trying something new or returning to a favorite hobby, you’ll find a welcoming community waiting for you.

🍁 Registration is now open, and many classes have limited space. Reserve your spot today!

👉 www.jfcsclasses.org

Come for the class. Leave with new friendships. 💙

07/13/2026

We’re excited to participate in the Jewish News Readers’ Choice Contest 2026, and we need your help to become a finalist!

If you’ve enjoyed our programs or believe in the impact we make for older adults in our community, we’d be honored if you would nominate the JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment in these categories:

✨ Senior Activities
✨ Senior Center
✨ Senior Programming

🗳️ It’s quick and easy! Click the link below and submit your nominations:
readerschoice.phoenixcjp.org

📅 Nominations are open through July 31.

Every nomination brings us one step closer to the final voting round. Thank you for supporting our mission to help older adults stay connected, active, and engaged. 💙

2026 edition Hey there, Arizona aficionados! It’s time for the most electrifying event this side of the Grand Canyon – the Jewish News Readers’ Choice Contest! Get ready to cast your vote for the best…

07/07/2026

Seven years ago, I created a virtual senior program on Zoom, hoping to build connection and bring meaningful experiences to older adults from the comfort of their homes.

Soon after, Karen Reb Rudel, owner of Sight Seeker's Paris, reached out from Paris and began offering virtual tours to our community. Over the years, Karen and Stephanie curated an incredible menu of experiences that created lasting connections for participants who had once traveled to Paris—or who had always dreamed of visiting but never had the opportunity.

This past week, I had the privilege of meeting both Karen and Stephanie in person and exploring the Jewish Ghetto, synagogues, and the Shoah Museum together. What began as a virtual partnership evolved into a deeply meaningful, real-life experience.

It was a full-circle moment and one I will never forget. Thank you, Karen and Stephanie, for sharing your knowledge, passion, and love of Paris with so many of us over the years. 🇫🇷✨

06/11/2026

Today, 15 participants joined us in Central Phoenix for our first Tai Chi class. It’s wonderful to see more seniors connecting through enriching programs that support health, wellness, and community.

Thank you to Congregation Beth El Phoenix for partnering with us to make this opportunity possible!

🌿

06/09/2026

📚 Great minds, great books, and great conversation—Book Club with Duane Roen is off to a fantastic start!

Today, participants gathered for our very first discussion, exploring the timeless themes of Antigone and sharing thoughtful insights and perspectives. It was a wonderful beginning to what promises to be an engaging summer of reading and conversation.

We’re continuing in July and August with new books and lively discussions that foster learning, connection, and community.

✨ It’s not too late to join us! Whether you’re a lifelong reader or simply enjoy meaningful conversation, we’d love to have you be part of the group.

Register today and turn the page with us!

https://app.getoccasion.com/p/n/jJDbRV9q/v5

05/27/2026

I’m truly humbled and honored to be recognized among the 18 Under 50 professionals in our community. This recognition is incredibly meaningful, but the real inspiration comes from the seniors we have the privilege of serving every day through JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. ❤️

Our programs are about so much more than activities — they create connection, purpose, movement, creativity, and belonging. They remind us that healthy aging means caring for both the mind and body while building community and friendships at every stage of life.

The impact is best expressed by the participants themselves:

“These programs give me something to look forward to and a chance to connect with others so I’m not so alone.”

“The Zoom classes became incredibly valuable during Covid and continue to help people who can’t drive or attend in person. The programs are diverse, welcoming, and wonderful.”

“I looked forward to every class — and to the friendships I found there.”

I share this recognition with the incredible JFCS team, volunteers, community partners, and especially the participants who inspire us daily with their resilience, energy, and spirit.

Thank you to everyone who believes in the importance of supporting older adults and creating opportunities for seniors to thrive, stay connected, and live vibrant lives. I am deeply grateful to be part of this work and this community. 💙

Last year, Jewish News launched its inaugural “18 Under 50” section, recognizing young professionals and community members making a meaningful impact across the Valley’s Jewish community. Following the overwhelming response