Founded in 1996, The Deutsch Family Shalom Center is a resource center promoting healing, wholeness, and community, peace of mind, body and spirit, drawing on the wisdom of Jewish tradition. The center is run by Temple Chai in Phoenix and provides a variety of programs and events to help support the needs of our local community.
Elisa Lanes Caring Community
The Elisa Lanes Caring Community, a project of the Deutsch Family Shalom Center, exists to ensure, as much as humanly possible, that members of Temple Chai know that they are loved and supported in times of joy and sorrow. Through our cadre of trained volunteers, our community offers a listening ear and an open heart.
Healing Resources
Contact us for books and materials on the themes of healing, wellness, and spirituality.
Mussar
Classes offered at a variety of levels exploring ancient wisdom to enhance personal growth with regard to middot/character traits, such as generosity, kindness, compassion, order, and humility. Interested in spiritual growth? This class is for you.
People of the Book Group
Sharona Silverman, founding Director of The Shalom Center, facilitates this monthly discussion of books on Jewish themes. Meetings are usually held the 3rd Thursday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 pm. If you love to read, you will enjoy the stimulating conversation and companionship of other book lovers.
Cooking With Kavannah
Crafting healthy meals to provide to congregants when life becomes so full that home-cooked meals are challenging. A warm meal fills our bodies and our souls. Let us know if you’d like to help prepare meals, or if you or someone you know would appreciate receiving a meal.
Healing Quilts
Gorgeous, simple to make quilts, imbued with healing energy, to bring comfort to congregants who are ill. These quilts are heirloom quality treasures. Crafty? We’d love to have you support this meaningful project.
MiSheberach Tapestries
Individualized tapestry squares unite to become fantastic tapestries used in healing rituals. The quilts are a focal point of the Yom Kippur Healing Service and a highlight of our High Holiday experience.
Living Through Loss
Drop-in grief support group for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Maimonides wrote that “when you pour out your heart, it feels lighter.” Living Through Loss is a lifeline right when we need it most. This group is facilitated by Harriet Frost, a certified bereavement counselor. 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
JACS (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent, and Supporters)
A safe and anonymous place for addicts and their loved ones to grow emotionally and spiritually. Offers Jewish perspectives on the 12-steps. 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month on Zoom and in person. For further information and the Zoom link, please contact JACSarizona@gmail.com.
Wise Aging
Meeting monthly, this group is a safe place to discuss the challenges of aging. The group, under the direction of Rabbi Bonnie Koppell, explores relevant articles in the media along with reading the book, Getting Good at Getting Older, by Richard Siegel and Rabbi Laura Geller. Join us to share the joys and challenges of entering elder-hood.
Thinking About Hard Questions
Programs held throughout the year, creating opportunities for challenging conversations about quality of life and end of life wishes. We have explored the book Finish Strong by Barbara Coombs Lee, and presented a number of plays designed to stimulate our thinking about this important topic.
Socialize while Distancing
Under the direction of Harriet Frost, this drop-in group provides an opportunity to connect with others for friendship, support and caring. When we are longing for connection, Socialize While Distancing is there. Meeting every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. on zoom, join us to see a smiling face and experience a warm welcome.
For further information on all of the Shalom Center programs and offerings, please contact the Shalom Center Coordinator, Chi Isiogu, at shalomcenter@templechai.com or 602-971-1234.
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