Ruth Rotkowitz, the daughter of Holocaust survivors from Austria, will be the featured speaker at the Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Sisterhood luncheon noon Monday, May 20, at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave.

Rotkowitz is a member of the Phoenix Holocaust Association, an organization dedicated to preserving the memory of the Shoah. Her understanding of the Holocaust and the impact on survivors and their descendants is addressed in much of her fiction, nonfiction and poetry, which has been published in literary journals and anthologies.

She leads book talks about Holocaust-related books and programs in the Phoenix area where she lives with her husband. At the Sisterhood luncheon, she will introduce her newly published novel, “Escaping the Whale.”

Rotkowitz holds a master of arts degree and a bachelor of arts degree in English, and has taught English on both the college and high school levels.

There will be a 50/50 raffle during the event. Reservations are required by May 14 by calling the Temple office at 623-977-3240. Cost is $12 for members and $15 for non-members.

Visit tbsaz.org or ruthswhale.com for more information.