Jewish Festivals, Plays, Dances

Social Life in Phoenix

At the end of World War II, Phoenix saw an influx of people to the area and especially in the Jewish community. With that came the need for entertainment, dances, music, and festivals. On any weekend you could see the advertisements for dances or parties and the committees were always looking for the next big gathering. 

CLICK HERE: JWV Benefit Dance Is Charted - The Phoenix Jewish News, November, 3, 1950
CLICK HERE: David Kaun has Dance Band - The Phoenix Jewish News, November 3, 1950
CLICK HERE: Sisterhood prepares for Fund-Raining Event - The Phoenix Jewish News, January 11, 1952

CLICK HERE: B’nai B’rith Groups to hold Jan 15 Donor Dinner-Dance, The Phoenix Jewish News, December 30, 1955
DOWNLOAD: Play bill for "Belle, Book and Sandal" 

1. Costume party at Beth Hebrew

2. Beth Hebrew New Year's Eve Party

3. "Bell Book and Sandel" show presented by B'nai B'rith

4. Couples dancing at the Jewish Community Center adult dance

5. Rehearsals for the upcoming "The Gottke Game" at Temple Beth Israel 

6. JCC adults dressed in Calypso costumes accompanied with drums

7. Cast of the "Showboat" play in 1958

8. The Beth El Sisterhood donor diner dance

9. Members rehearsing for a Brandeis skit

10. Haverim Dancers with Miriam Root and Norman Barer

Sources: You Tube, MrMemories, TbirdsOf1965, DjeasyPromoTV, fishamdchips billy, NRRArchives

Unless credited with prior ownership and copyright - all displayed imagery, documents, brochures, books, materials, recordings, video, broadcasts, and promotional materials of every form and description, whether in written, analog, digital, film or electronic form, prepared by Arizona Jewish Historical Society shall remain the copyrighted property works of Arizona Jewish Historical Society. Any unauthorized use of that information or materials may violate copyright, trademark and other laws. Any rights not expressly granted are reserved.

AZJHS is deeply grateful to all our donors and sponsors for their generous support and gifts throughout the year. Because of you, we are able to continue providing to the public at no cost our many programs, events and exhibits.

Mid Century Exhibit Key

(Please choose from the links below to enter the exhibit room of your choice.)

1. Exhibit Entrance

   1. Welcome to Mid-Century Jewish Life in Phoenix

2. Featurette

   1. Korricks Department Store

3. Social Life in Phoenix

   1. Social Calendar

   2. Purim Carnival and Queen Esther

   3. Jewish Festivals, Plays, Dances

   4. Fashion & Jewelry

4. Community Enrichment

   1. Kivel Nursing Home

   2. Jewish Community Center

   3. Youth Organizations

   4. Social Services

5. Religious Life

   1. Temple Beth Israel

   2. Beth El Congregation

   3. Beth Hebrew

   4. Har Zion, Temple Beth Shalom, Beth Joseph, Temple Shalom, and Temple Beth Sholom

   5. Rabbi Albert Plotkin and Sylvia Plotkin

6. Jewish Engagement in Civil Rights

   1. Camelback Inn

   2. Establishment of the State of Israel

   3. Civil Rights

7. Activities Corner

   1. The Poodle Skirt

   2. Paper Dolls

If you have Mid-Century Photos or Documents from 1945-1975 and would like to add to our photographic and informational collection, please fill out the below and submit. Our Special Collections Curator will be in contact with you. Thank you.

Elvis Presley - STUCK ON YOU In STEREO - 1960
(Source: You Tube, TbirdsOf1965)

The Original Stroll - February 1958
(Source: You Tube, MrMemories)