On a beautiful, Arizona winter evening, the Phoenix Zoo transformed into a dazzling spectacle of lights and laughter as more than 500 members of the Jewish community gathered for a special night at ZooLights. The event, organized by the Center for Jewish Philanthropy, brought together families, friends, and community members to celebrate the holiday season in a vibrant display of unity and joy.
The Jewish Community Area tucked away in the back of the zoo at The Desert Tents event space was a flutter of activity throughout the evening as people enjoyed entertainment, participated in projects and activities and met up with friends and family. From the moment visitors stepped through the entrance, they were greeted by our community volunteers under the warm glow of millions of twinkling lights leading to our secure and private area for the evening of festivities.
Guests of all ages enjoyed face painting from the talented entertainers from Storybook Entertainment. Special thank you to the East Valley JCC Early Learning Center and Temple Kol Ami for sponsoring this activity which helped transform faces into works of art.
Miss Marcy from PJ Library provided fun scratch art and books to enjoy in the CJP tent which also held the kosher snack table provided in thanks to our generous sponsors Congregation Beth Israel, East Valley JCC, Gesher Disability Resources, and Temple Solel. And our youngest PJ Library fans enjoyed a story time by the one-and-only Miss Marcy sponsored by the East Valley JCC.
The photo booth provided by Picture This AZ! was busy all night as friends and family captured the fun of the evening thanks to the support from our sponsors Congregation Kehillah, Jewish Tuition Organization, and Valley of the Sun JCC.
Rachel Ober of Rachel’s Young At Art Studio provided guests the opportunity to create friendship bracelets or color a winter-themed picture during the evening. This Craft Tent was sponsored by Chanen Preschool, East Valley JCC, and The Solel Preschool where those in attendance had the opportunity to participate in a community art project (more details on this exciting initiative to come!).
The sound for the evening in the Entertainment Tent was provided by Event Smart Productions, who played music throughout the evening and helped create a fun, lively atmosphere in The Desert Tents. At 7PM, those in our area gathered together for a community-wide Havdalah ceremony and songs led by Rabbi Aviva Funke from the Bureau of Jewish Education. Next, ventriloquist Chuck Field entertained the audience with his comedic genius thanks to the sponsorship of Pardes Jewish Day School. Later in the evening, Cantor Seth Ettinger from Congregation Beth Israel and Cantor Ross Wolman from Temple Chai put on an unforgettable musical performance featuring soul-stirring melodies sponsored by Limmud AZ.
Throughout the evening, guests embarked on a fun selfie scavenger hunt around the Zoo and our Jewish Community Area at The Desert Tents, capturing moments with friends, and we are grateful to our sponsors for this activity, Hillel at ASU and Jewish Free Loan.
The success of the event can be measured by the smiles on the faces of those in attendance. Families and friends shared their experiences, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to come together in such a magical setting. Many spoke of the positive impact that events like these have on the community, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.
This year’s Jewish Community Night at ZooLights was a resounding success, bringing together our community to celebrate the holiday season in a unique and memorable way. As the lights faded and the night came to a close, the sense of unity and community spirit continued to shine brightly, leaving everyone with cherished memories of a magical evening under the twinkling lights at the Phoenix Zoo.
Click here to check out more of the photos captured that night.
Save the date for the Third Annual Jewish Community Night at ZooLights which will take place on December 14, 2024. Email engagement@phoenixcjp.org for ways to get involved including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities.
