Connections Speaker Tessa Veksler: ‘Nothing Is More Urgent’ Than Jewish Advocacy

March 13, 2026 / Phyllis Braun, AJP Feature Writer

Keynote speaker Tessa Veksler was thrilled to arrive at the Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona Women’s Philanthropy Connections brunch on March 8 and find a mirror emblazoned with her hashtag: #werenotgoinganywhere.  Inside, more than 250 women were equally jazzed to hear from Veksler, a passionate Jewish and Zionist activist who came to national attention when she faced down antisemitism as the student body president of the University of California, Santa Barbara. While “We’re not going anywhere” is one of Veksler’s… Read more »

JFCS of Southern Arizona Names Kseniya DeLano President & CEO
March 24, 2026 / Viviane Lovato, JFCS Development Associate
Kseniya DeLano

Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona (JFCS) has named Kseniya DeLano as the agency’s president and chief executive officer, effective April 6.   DeLano joined JFCS in 2024 as the agency’s finance director and most recently served as chief administrative officer.   “As a member of JFCS’ senior leadership team, Kseniya has already demonstrated a deep commitment to the agency’s mission and its impact on the community,” said… Read more »

Of Blessed Memory: Hirsch Handmaker
March 24, 2026 /

Dr. Hirsch Handmaker, a devoted physician, lifelong learner, and beloved father and grandfather, passed away March 9, 2026, surrounded by the enduring love of his family. His life was defined by intellectual curiosity, compassion for others, and deep devotion to the people he loved. Born July 2, 1940, in… Read more »

Yom HaShoah Commemoration to Honor Holocaust Survivor Legacies, Community Commitment to Memory and Education
March 24, 2026 / Lori Shepherd, TJMHC Executive Director

All are invited to be a part of Southern Arizona’s annual Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) commemoration on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. This year’s event, titled ”The Legacy We Leave Behind,” will be held in the Paul and Alice Baker Ballroom at the Tucson Jewish Community Center.   The commemoration is a collaborative effort presented by the Tucson… Read more »

Tucson Hebrew Academy Spanish Program Expands Curriculum
March 24, 2026 /
Tucson Hebrew Academy Spanish Teacher Miguel Montemayor reviews vocabulary with a student (Photo courtesy THA)

This fall, Tucson Hebrew Academy launched a full-fledged Spanish program, expanding on what was formerly a middle school elective.  On a recent Wednesday, eight students from the fifth, seventh, and eighth grades engaged in a spirited game of Pictionary, reinforcing their vocabulary lessons on food and restaurants as they… Read more »

Farfel as a Teaching Tool
March 23, 2026 / Judith Manelis, Special to the AJP
Judith Manelis with Farfel (Photo: Steve Shawl)

Who knew when I named my new dog Farfel seven years ago, that I would become a Judaic studies teacher to my non-Jewish neighbors? All I knew was that I wanted a dog to replace the female Yorkshire Terrier that I had lost 20 years earlier. Her name was… Read more »

At Handmaker, Passover Prep Begins Early
March 23, 2026 / Nanci Levy, Handmaker Community Outreach Coordinator

Handmaker has been providing kosher meals to its residents and the community for over 60 years, and the Passover holiday is no exception. At Handmaker, observing Passover is a huge endeavor that requires the cooperation of staff, residents, and family members. The days and weeks leading up to Passover are full of preparation for the holiday, keeping Handmaker Executive Chef Claire Ferguson and… Read more »

Bar Mitzvah: Gabriel Levin
March 23, 2026 /

Gabriel Levin, son of David Levin, will celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah on March 28 at Kol Ami Synagogue. Gabe attends Orange Grove Middle School. He is a Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast and movie lover. His hobbies include Legos, tennis, art, cooking, and gardening. For his mitzvah project, he… Read more »

‘Shul of Rock’ Band for Teens and ‘Sabra Singers’ Youth Choir Open to Community
March 17, 2026 / Phyllis Braun, AJP Feature Writer
The Shul of Rock band, part of the Shirei Simcha project started by Kol Ami Cantor Jen Benrey, rehearses on Feb. 12, 2026, led by Benrey (standing, with guitar) and Chris Tackett (seated, in red shirt). (Photo courtesy Kol Ami)

Cantor Jen Benrey of Kol Ami Synagogue has started a teen band, the “Shul of Rock,” for students in grades 7-12, and a junior youth choir, “Sabra Singers,” for students in grades 2-6. Both are open to Jewish kids from across Southern Arizona. The band and choir are the… Read more »