Kosher and Jewish Life in Phoenix

Phoenix is the capital of the southwestern U.S. state of Arizona, and anchor of a sprawling, multicity metropolitan area known as the Valley of the Sun. The area is known for high-end resorts, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses and vibrant nightclubs, but the city's biggest attraction may be the sunshine and winter warmth. With 1,445,631 people (as of the 2010 U.S. Census), Phoenix is the most populous state capital in the United States. Settled in 1867 as an agricultural community near the confluence of the Salt and Gila Rivers, Phoenix incorporated as a city in 1881. The city has numerous performing arts venues, most of which are located in and around downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale. Dozens of museums exist throughout the valley. The downtown Phoenix art scene has developed in the past decade. The tourist industry is the longest running of today's top industries in Phoenix. With more than 61,000 hotel rooms in over 500 hotels and 40 resorts, greater Phoenix sees over 16 million visitors each year. One of the biggest attractions to the Phoenix area is golf, with over 100 golf courses. In addition to the sites of interest in the city, there are many attractions near Phoenix.