Handmaker Plays Host to Community Events

Women prepare care packages for the wives of IDF soldiers at Tucson Torah Center's Oct. 20 event at Handmaker. (Photo: Nanci Levy)

“I haven’t been here since my grandmother lived here” is a comment frequently shared by visitors attending Handmaker’s recent community events. When they look around, they are usually amazed at how much Handmaker has changed since their last visit. What began as a 40-bed non-profit nursing home over 60… Read more »

Bar Mitzvah: Eithan Moss

Eithan Samuel Moss will celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Kol Ami Synagogue. He is the son of Kol Ami Executive Director Sean Moss and Kerry Moss. Eithan attends Sonoran Science Academy.  Whether he’s working toward his Eagle Scout rank, tending to his tomato… Read more »

New Tucson Jewish Free Loan Director Aims to ‘Get More Loans Onto the Streets’

Photo of Kerry MossKerry Moss

Kerry Moss, executive director of the Tucson Jewish Free Loan, wants to help more people.  The Free Loan serves people of all faiths across Southern Arizona, as it has since its founding in 1947, providing interest-free loans of up to $7,500 for a variety of needs, such as home… Read more »

Bar Mitzvah: Nathan Jacob Goldstein

Nathan Jacob Goldstein will celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah on November 15, 2025, at Kol Ami Synagogue. He is the son of Adam and Dana Goldstein. Nathan attends Orange Grove Middle School. His hobbies include baseball, football, golfing, skiing, and following his favorite teams. Nathan also likes spending time… Read more »

Of Blessed Memory: Donald Novitt

Donald S. Novitt, born on July 30, 1947, in New York City, passed away on November 5, 2025 in Tucson. He was a devoted husband to Morleen, a loving father to Lisa (Rick), and proud “Pa” of Mia and Ruby, who brought him endless joy. Don was a successful… Read more »

Oct. 7 Spurred Tucson Volunteer’s Urge to Support, Protect Jewish Community

Kameron Norwood and Sara Cash Norwood with their daughters. (Photo: Kristin Bendigo Photography)

Over the past two years, Kameron Norwood, 36, has woven himself into the fabric of Tucson’s Jewish community. He’s in his second year of Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona’s two-year Young Men’s Group leadership program, and he and his wife, Sara Cash Norwood, have hosted several YMG and JPSA events at… Read more »

JPSA Dinner on Antisemitism Informative and Emotional for Community

Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona Director of Public Affairs Carina Bien-Willner, left, moderates a discussion with Israeli singer-songwriter Linor Ein Gedy (center) and antisemitism expert Rachel Fish, Ph.D., Oct. 26, 2025.

For many weeks after Oct. 7, Israeli singer-songwriter Linor Ein Gedy could find no comfort in music.  “Music has always been my source of strength, of solace, and my way to channel my emotions. It wasn’t only my livelihood. It was my way to turn pain into beauty, and I was scared that I lost that,”… Read more »

Hygiene pantry at JFCS opens as SNAP recipients face delays, reductions

Jewish Family & Children's Services of Southern Arizona has launched a hygiene pantry to help those facing cuts in SNAP benefits.

Last week, with cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits looming for one million Arizonans, Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Arizona opened a hygiene pantry. The pantry, located at the organization’s building at 4301 E. Fifth Street, aims to provide essential items such as toothpaste, diapers and feminine… Read more »