Dedicated to the Memory of my father, Louis Manelis My father was an emotional man who cried easily and was known in the family as a softy. He was exceptionally hard working and good hearted to a fault … attentive and solicitous of my grandmother who lived a few blocks away, and generous to those in need, Jew and gentile alike. Admirable qualities to be sure. But as loving and caring as he was to me and to others, my… Read more »
‘Cherry Baum,’ Novel of Jewish Holy Woman in Modern Toronto, Is UA Grad’s Latest
Leora Freedman, the author of four novels and numerous short stories that explore aspects of the Jewish experience, lives in Toronto. But back in the day, she was a student at the University of Arizona, graduating from the creative writing program with a Master of Fine Arts in 1985… Read more »
Strobel-Baldwin Engagement
Ariel Fawn Strobel and Lee Randy Baldwin, both of Tucson, have announced their engagement. Ariel is the daughter of Tammy and Alan Strobel. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Ariel is a fine artist specializing in illustration, painting, and ceramics… Read more »
Birth: Ayla Leora Tanne
A daughter, Ayla Leora Tanne, was born Dec. 24, 2025 to Cantor Bryce Megdal and Marc Tanne of Ridgefield, Connecticut. Grandparents are Ron Megdal and Dr. Sharon B. Megdal of Tucson, Dr. Susan Tanne Oliner and Andy Oliner of West Orange, New Jersey, and Dr. Robert Tanne and Meredith… Read more »
Bar Mitzvah: Rafael Valdez Salomon
Rafael Valdez Salomon will celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah on June 13, 2026 at Kol Ami Synagogue. He is the son of Shay and Nigel. Rafael is an avid reader, left wing on his soccer team and green belt black stripe in Aikido. He enjoys acting in community… Read more »
Of Blessed Memory: Murray Leipzig
Murray Leipzig aka Moshe David ben Shrage Fival v. Ettka Zipa aka MDL, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026, before Shabbat. Murray lived eighty-one tremendous years full of accomplishment both professionally and personally. Murray grew up in Syracuse, New York. He lived and worked in hospital and medical… Read more »
TJMHC Explores Multifaith Outreach Initiatives
Local faith leaders gathered at TJMHC on April 24, 2026, to discuss immigration and border issues in Southern Arizona. Photo: Lynn Davis
On April 24, the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center hosted a half-day convening on immigration and border issues for local congregational clergy.… Read more »
Southern Arizona’s Jewish-Latino Teen Coalition Lobbies for Gun Violence Prevention
From left: Fernanda Lagunas-Pachecho, Antonella Bonillas-Cruz, Kyla Chacon, Ezra Mandel, Abby Jeck, Razin Smith, Rep. Dan Goldman, Matthew Meislin, Nathanial Hirshman, Liam Sagar, Joaquin Lopez, Natalia Alejandro, and Jacqui Hoffman on Capitol Hill
For the students in this year’s Jewish Latino Teen Coalition, active shooter lockdown drills have long been a fact of life. “I’m not sure about preschool, necessarily, but I can 100% say elementary school,” says Ezra Mandel, a junior at Catalina Foothills High School who was one of the… Read more »
Reflecting on the Greatest Athletic Achievement of the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games as We Look Ahead to the Summer Games
(Photo courtesy Tucson J) As we approach summer and I begin finalizing registrations and swag for the 2026 Team Tucson delegation headed to the Toronto 2026 JCC Maccabi Games, where they’ll compete alongside nearly 400 athletes, I cannot help but reflect fondly on last summer. I could hardly contain my excitement to host… Read more »
MORE HEADLINES
- Bat Mitzvah: Addison Richman
- UA’s Gil Ribak Promoted to Full Professor, Wins Faculty Award
- THA Honors Leighton Jeffy with Teacher Excellence Award
- Annual Dr. Sam Goldfein Memorial Award Honors UA Graduate Lujan
- Handmaker Healthcare Fair Highlights Resources for Older Adults in Our Community
- Bat Mitzvah: Zaida Olive Phelps
- Southern Arizona ‘Pulse’ Survey Reveals Gaps in Jewish Connections
- Bat Mitzvah: Rosalind Kose
- Bat Mitzvah: Vivian Hanley
