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Our Authors
Elizabeth George, Marjan Kamali, Madeline Martin, Matthew Quirk, Tracy Sierra
| See the Author page of our website for Author bios and news | | | | | |
Hello to our wonderful Brandeis members,
Our 2025–2026 season is off to a spectacular start!
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Study Groups are already in full swing, thanks to the leadership of Study Group VP Carol Kadet and her dedicated team.
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Book & Author is moving along beautifully, with a wonderful turnout at the Author Reveal and Volunteer Sign-Up held on Friday, October 17. A big thank you goes to Book & Author VPs Patti Grossman, Ileen Herberg and Brina Pepper, as well as Volunteer Committee Chairs Laurie Burns, Terriann Kleiner and Kathleen Witkin, for making this event such a success. We’re all looking forward to the Book & Author events on February 22 and 23!
| We also had a sensational Welcome Back Fiesta at Aunt Chilada’s, thanks to the hard work of Event Planning VPs Wendy Cohen, Ellen Kirschenbaum and Marilyn Pomerantz, along with their Event Chairs, Carrol Gottfried and Pearle Marr. See photos below. | |
Looking ahead, December will bring not one but two exciting events in a single week:
Game Day on December 4 and Theatre Night on December 6. Game Day chairs are Terriann Kleiner, Jan Lebovitz, Ruth Lerner and Linda Ullman. Theatre Night is chaired by Bev Gordon, Carol Kadet and Lissa Miller. Details for both events are below.
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Looking ahead to next year, don’t forget to mark your calendars for University on Wheels, taking place on Friday, January 9, 2026 and chaired by Helen Abrams, Elaine Howard and Sue Karp. Registration details to follow.
For details and updates on these programs and other chapter happenings, please visit brandeisphoenix.org.
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Looking forward to seeing all of you in the coming months.
Stephanie and Joyce
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The 2025-2026 year has begun with fun activities for all to enjoy.
Listed below are the major events planned through February - additional events are planned for the spring.
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All our events contribute to supporting Brandeis University.
We hope you’ll take advantage by saving the dates and joining the fun!
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Join us for a day of fun!
Thursday, December 4 • 10:30 am ~ 3:30 pm
Congregation Or Tzion, Scottsdale
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Mah Jongg, Canasta, Mexican Train, Bridge and other games
Lunch will be catered by Culinary by Julie
| | | Registration details are coming to your inbox soon! | | |
Terriann Kleiner • Jan Lebovitz • Ruth Lerner • Linda Ullman
Game Day Event Chairs
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Theatre, Lite Bites, Beverages, Silent Auction
Saturday, December 6 • 6:30 pm
Theatre Artists Studio, Scottsdale
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Theatre Night returns to Brandeis Phoenix after a 9-year hiatus! On December 6, we
will take over the Theatre Artists Studio for their production of The Madwoman of
Chaillot, by Jean Giraudoux, adapted by Maurice Valency. A Lite Bites reception of
appetizers and beverages precedes curtain call, along with a pre-holiday silent auction.
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Based on The Madwoman of Chaillot, the musical, Dear World, was performed on
Broadway starring Angela Lansbury. She received the Tony Award for Best Leading
Actress in a Musical as the Countess Aurelia in 1969.
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The play can be described as, “When the world is not going right, sometimes it takes a
good madwoman and her zany friends to clean up the mess.”
| | Theatre Arts Magazine described the play as "one part fantasy, two parts reason." | | |
The New York Drama Critics Circle hailed the original production (70 years ago) as
"one of the most interesting aperitif and rewarding plays to have been written within the
last twenty years...pure gold, with no base metal" and having "an enveloping and
irresistible humor."
| | General Admission $40 • Designated Seating $54 | | |
Bev Gordon • Carol Kadet • Lissa Miller
Theatre Night Event Chairs
| | Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement | | | |
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Friday, January 9, 2026
Breakfast and Program
9:00 ~ 11:30 am
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Orange Tree Golf Club
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This year our featured speaker is Professor Michael Heller. He is a Musicologist and Associate Professor in the Brandeis Music Department.
- His talk will examine jazz musicians' engagement with the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s.
- Musical examples will include Louis Armstrong, Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Charles Mingus, Dave Brubeck, John Coltrane, and others.
- Watch your inbox for more information, coming soon!
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What is University on Wheels?
Each January we are honored to host a visiting Brandeis professor for our
annual University on Wheels event. It is a wonderful learning opportunity, since the topics are
quite varied, as well as a wonderful opportunity to socialize with your Brandeis friends!
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Helen Abrams • Elaine Howard • Sue Karp
University On Wheels Event Chairs
suekarp1@me.com • 480-225-7250
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Book & Author 2026
Monday, February 23, 2026
Luncheon • Authors • Boutiques
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Sunday, February 22, 2026
Bookmark Donor Cocktail Reception &
Donor Dinner with the Authors
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Table Captains at
Book & Author
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You can be a Table Captain!
It's not too early to be thinking about being a Table Captain at the Book & Author Luncheon
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What does it mean to be a Table Captain?
Table Captains gather their friends together to form one or more tables of 10 at the event and inform the committee chairs below that they are doing so.
One table can have two co-Captains.
Your friends register and pay for the luncheon on their own. During registration, they will enter your name in the box that asks about seating.
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Table Captains will have a ribbon attached to their name badge, allowing them to enter the ballroom early, in order to put down place cards for each person at their table(s).
In appreciation of those becoming Table Captains, we will invite you to a Table Captain Brunch in January 2026.
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Hillary Kaminsky • Ellen Kirschenbaum • Ruth Lerner • Susie Sacks • Linda Ullman
Table Captain Committee Chairs
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If you would like to be a Table Captain or would like more information,
contact Hillary at hillary.kaminsky@gmail.com
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Volunteers are needed before, during and after the event -
If you were unable to attend the Author Reveal and Volunteer Sign Up meeting, it’s not too late!
To learn more or to volunteer, contact the Volunteer Committee chairs:
Laurie Burns • Terriann Kleiner • Kathleen Witkin
phxbavol@gmail.com
| | Photos from the Author Reveal/Volunteer Sign Up Meeting | | |
Our Author committee has been working tirelessly to bring in exciting authors for this event.
Thank you to all the volunteers who came to the Author Reveal and Volunteer Signup Meeting on October 17.
There was great energy and enthusiasm in the room for this year’s event!
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Patti Grossman • Ileen Herberg • Brina Pepper
Event Vice Presidents
phxbookandauthor@gmail.com
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Everyone enjoyed beautiful weather and a fun, relaxed evening!
Thank you to Carrol Gottfried and Pearle Marr, the Event Chairs, and to Wendy Cohen, Ellen Kirschenbaum and Marilyn Pomerantz, our Event VPs
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Spotlight on Study Groups
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More than 600 members have registered and are currently enjoying Study Groups. Our new groups are getting great reviews. While many groups have filled and are not accepting members, there are many that are available. So if you want to join, please don’t hesitate. You are assured a great experience! | | | | If you haven’t already joined or renewed your membership, please do so. Our chapter’s Study Groups are for the benefit and enjoyment of current BNC members. | | | |
PING Headquarters Tours
3 Dates: November 7, 14, 21
8:30 - 10:30 am
2201 W Peoria Ave • Phoenix
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On November 7, 14 and 21, the Men of Brandeis will be touring the PING Golf manufacturing facility in the West Valley, just east of I-17. PING limits the number of participants to seven, thus the reason for three separate dates.
PING is a major manufacturer of all things golf, especially golf clubs. The tour takes us through the production facilities and we will learn about the history of PING. We will watch each step in the club-making process. The tour also includes the Gold Putter Vault. After the tour, the groups will have lunch.
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More information:
Discover how Karsten Solheim’s determination to make the game of golf easier led to the creation of the putter that went ‘PING’ and hear about its role in revolutionizing the golf equipment industry.
| On this one-mile walking tour, you’ll gain insights into PING’s fascinating history that began in the Solheim family’s Redwood City, California garage in 1959 and continues today on the 50-acre campus that’s home to more than 800 employees who design, engineer and custom build the highest performing golf products in the world. Watch as PING’s dedicated craftsman custom build golf equipment for golfers of every skill level, from tour pros to everyday players. You’ll even see what goes into making PING’s industry-leading golf bags and come away with a greater appreciation for the quality that goes into every product carrying the PING name. | Throughout it all, you’ll feel the sense of pride inspired by the legacy of Karsten Solheim that is instilled in all the workers. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for golfers who love PING. | | |
Guests (men and women) are welcome for a $5.00 guest fee.
ALL participants must RSVP to the facilitator in advance in order to attend.
For additional information or to RSVP, contact the facilitator:
Leith Baletin • lbaletin@gmail.com
480-874-9434
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If Walls Could Talk
This study group visited the Hermosa Inn and Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn
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Mitzvah Mavens at Gesher Disability Resources in Scottsdale | | | Phishing Scams and Zoom Attacks | | | |
PayPal Phishing Scams and Zoom Attacks:
How to Stay Safe
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Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals are making their phishing emails seem more real than ever. Even though the email they send comes from a real PayPal email address, this is actually a scam. They create a genuine PayPal account and use it to send you a fake payment invoice. Continue reading about the scam and tips on how to avoid it here.
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Zoom Attacks: One of the easiest approaches is to avoid attacks is by installing Zoom’s app and simply use it in the browser where possible. Running Zoom in the browser limits its functionality, including not allowing remote control of your system. Zoom gives you this option when you attempt to join a meeting without opening the app. More information here.
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Game Day
Thursday, December 4
Registration details to follow
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Theatre Night
Saturday, December 6
Lite Bites Reception • Silent Auction
Theatre Artists Studio
Register
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University on Wheels
Friday, January 9, 2026
Registration details to follow
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Book & Author 2026 Events
Monday, February 23
Luncheon • Authors • Boutiques
Westin Kierland Resort, Scottsdale
preceded by
Sunday, February 22
Bookmark Donor Cocktail Reception and
Donor Dinner with the Authors
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Watch for the Invitation in early January
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Annual Meeting
Wednesday, March 18
Details to follow
| | | See photos and slideshows from our 2024-2025 events here | | |
Membership Milestones since our last issue
- Congratulations to Judy Levine on becoming a great-grandmother
- Congratulations to Andrew Tievsky on the birth of his granddaughter, Chloe Lain. Proud parents are Dana Tievsky and Brett Jeske.
- Best wishes to Debbie Gordon for a speedy recovery
- Best wishes to Irene Lubin for a speedy recovery
- Best wishes to Hannah Meyerson for a speedy recovery
- Best wishes to Phyllis Stone for a speedy recovery
- Best wishes to Gail Vinik for a speedy recovery
- Our sincere condolences to the family of Adelle Abrahams on her passing
- Our sincere condolences to Susan Berger on the passing of her husband, Harris
- Our sincere condolences to Shirley and Brian Brener on the passing of their granddaughter, Kylie Kupperman
- Our sincere condolences to Sheila Cohen on the passing of her husband, Jay
- Our sincere condolences to Paula Eckstein on the passing of her husband, George
- Our sincere condolences to the family of life member Bobbi Eller on her passing
- Our sincere condolences to the family of Barbara Frank on her passing
- Our sincere condolences to Carol Kadet on the passing of her brother, Michael Barker
- Our sincere condolences to Laurie Kessler on the passing of her husband, Stuart
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We welcome our new members:
Barbara Apfel, Shoshana Beran, Bruce Berey, Felice Block, Harvey Bock, Maris Bock, Lawrence Brown, Bruce Clancy, Madeleine Cohen-Khani, Janice Conn, Steven Cooper, Linda Corderman, Ellen Dean, Francine Dobkin, Lisa Duncan, Tim Duncan, Jennifer Eckstein, Debby Eisen, Susan Fairchild, Merle Fajans, Michael Fajans, Steven Fleischmann, Judy Garber, Mark Garber, Karyn Gerber, Iva Hirsch, Larry Hirsch, Gina Kaeser, Michelle Kaplan, Kathy Kimmel, Ilene Kuretzky, Martin Kuretzky, Eli Lawrence, Marcia Lawrence, Jill Leibsker, Michelle Lester, Sharon Lichtenstein, Gary Londer, Randall Marmor, Jesse Messing, Lisa Miller, Susan Miller, Wayne Miller, Les Moskowitz, Linda Moskowitz, Barbara Neulight, Lynne Prywitch, Majorie Rothstein, Robert Scott, Earl Secore, Herman Segal, Maureen Shayman, Mark Sidebottom, Dan Silverman, Suzy Somers, Sunny Weisbaum, Debra Weisberg, Elliot Wernick, Robert Wilson, Sallie Wilson, Sara Wolf
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To report life-cycle events here, please contact:
Marilyn Reinfeld • mkr1227@cox.net • 480-620-5601
| | We apologize for any errors or omissions. For inclusion in future bulletins, please contact Marilyn Reinfeld. | | |
Chapter Roster
To report a change in email address, phone number (cell or landline) or mailing address, please contact:
Carol Kadet • carolkadet@gmail.com
She will update our membership roster and ensure that you receive Chapter mailings and information.
| | A Social for New and Prospective Members | |
We hold socials several times throughout the year to welcome new and prospective members
Our next social will be:
Monday, January 12 • 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
| | Membership Committee Meetings | |
Our next Membership Committee meeting will be Monday, January 19 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm via Zoom.
If you are interested in learning more about membership or are interested in joining the committee,
please contact the Membership VPs.
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Name Tags
Would you prefer not to wear the stick-on name tags used at Chapter functions?
We are offering personalized, magnetic BNC name tags for $18.00, including shipping. You can get your name tag by filling out the order form and mailing it to the listed address.
Order Form
Note: Replacement magnetic backs for existing name tags are available; contact the Chapter at info@brandeisphoenix.org
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Community Service is a fundamental part of the mission of BNC. Throughout the year, we collect items for various non-profits in the greater Phoenix area, and your support is much appreciated.
Additionally, our Mitzvah Mavens Study Group provides participatory activities for our members to volunteer directly with specific agencies.
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New Veterans Center
This year Community Outreach will be supporting the newly-created M.D. Hawkins Veterans Center in central Phoenix. The Center includes a small transitional housing unit, counseling services, day center activities, and food and snacks for drop-in vets. At this time, we will be focusing on helping to provide snacks for them. Next time you are at the grocery store, please consider picking up:
- Individually wrapped peanut butter crackers or Goldfish crackers
- Granola bars
- Individual cookie packages or pretzels or popcorn
- Any easy “Grab & Go” snack would be appreciated
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For the Homeless
Empty, clean prescription bottles are still being collected and used by our friends at Nourish, along with your gifts of personal care items.
- When you travel, please consider taking the “freebies” at the hotels or onboard airlines/cruises to donate.
- When you visit a dentist, please ask for extra samples of toothbrushes/toothpaste/floss for donation.
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We will be collecting your donations at all Brandeis big events!
We are very grateful for your kindness and compassion.
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Contact our Community Outreach co-chairs,
Debbie and Gale, for pick-up of any of these items.
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Knit A Mitzvah
Do you Knit? Do you Crochet?
Help us make Scarves, Newborn Baby Caps,
Lap Blankets and Chemo Caps
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We donate newborn baby caps and lap
blankets to Honor Health Medical
Center, scarves to Sojourner Center
and chemo caps to
Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.
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For more information, please contact:
Ronee Siegel
ronees@aol.com 917-273-0393
Joan Davis
davis6j@gmail.com 602–499-8357
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Mitzvah Mavens
Participants in this study group volunteer at a variety of Valley non-profit organizations. We meet at the specific locations of the organizations on various dates, lending helping hands as needed. If there are activities that can be done at home, participants will be notified.
| | | Mitzvah Mavens Facilitators: | | BNC Engineering the Future Campaign | | | Judy Levine | Paula Eckstein | In memory of her husband, George | | | | Georgia Heller | Sheila Cohen | In memory of her husband, Jay | | Harriet Schwartz | Carol Kadet | In memory of her brother, Michael Barker | | | |
To make a donation online using a credit card, click here
In order to include your online tributes in the bulletin, please email the details -
Fund, Donor(s), Recipient(s) and Occasion only - to Beth Messer at bethmae721@gmail.com
For future inclusions, please notify Beth Messer
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‘An exciting time to do important things’: Brandeis launches plan to reinvent liberal arts education
Washington, D.C., event details plan to fortify career paths for Brandeis grads,
provides roadmap for other institutions
More
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More about the BNC Engineering the Future Campaign
See what's happening on the Brandeis campus here
and in the Brandeis Magazine
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Did you miss one of Brandeis'
virtual events and would like to access a recording of it?
Visit the on-demand Virtual Event Library
| | General Chapter Information | | Founded in 1948, Brandeis National Committee is dedicated to providing philanthropic support to Brandeis University, a distinguished liberal arts and research university founded by the American Jewish community. Its membership is connected to the University through fundraising and through activities that reflect the values on which the University was founded: academic excellence, social justice, nonsectarianism and service to the community. | | The Phoenix Chapter Bulletin is published 4 times a year. Our next issue will come out in January. | |
Presidents: Stephanie Klopper and Joyce Steinberg
Editor: Donna Germuska • Assistant Editor: Ronee Siegel
Layout: Sara Leopold
bncphxbulletin@gmail.com
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