Do you know the difference between a Jewish pessimist and a Jewish optimist? The Jewish pessimist says, “Things can’t possibly get any worse.” The Jewish optimist says, “Sure they can!” The 5784 year often felt that way to Jews everywhere. Last year is gone, and as a Sephardic prayer-poem for Rosh HaShanah has it, “Let the old year and its curses end!” As a rabbi, I’d normally not say that; every year is a combination of good and bad for… Read more »
Bar Mitzvah: Michael Green
Michael Green celebrated becoming a Bar Mitzvah on October 19, 2024, at Kol Ami. He is the son of Robin and Dale Green. Michael has been a dynamo since the day he was born when the pediatrician stated that Michael was the most active newborn he had ever seen.… Read more »
Inside Project Isaiah and the Community Food Bank’s Impact
Each fall, the Southern Arizona Jewish community comes together to donate non-perishable food items, filling bins across local synagogues and Jewish agencies for the Project Isaiah High Holiday food drive. These contributions are then delivered to the Community Food Bank (CFB), where they are distributed throughout Southern Arizona to… Read more »
Of Blessed Memory: William Abel
William “Bill” Abel, 95, of Tucson, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on September 22, 2024, after a long and fulfilling life. Bill was born in 1928 in Monticello, N.Y. of Louis Alexander “Alex” and Anna Abel who were dairy farmers and had a butcher shop in Lake Huntington,… Read more »
Songs, Prayers, and Solidarity Mark Tucson Commemoration of Oct. 7
Locked in a safe room for 13 hours, singer-songwriter Micha Biton and his family barely survived the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks on Israel. More than 20 of their friends in Moshav Netiv Ha’asara, the Israeli community closest to the Gaza border, were killed. Along with his songs, Biton… Read more »
Even Through a Window, Birding Offers Connection to Natural World
Birds are wild animals that are accessible to everyone, everywhere,” says Dan Weisz. The Tucson native rediscovered his love of birding, or birdwatching, when he retired eleven years ago from a career as a public school administrator. Exploring new or bygone pursuits in retirement reminds Weisz of being in… Read more »
At 100 and 99, Murray and Honey Manson are Going Strong
It probably wasn’t his old jogging habit that helped Murray Manson reach age 100 in August. That just ruined his knees, he says. Murray, who now walks with a cane, attributes his longevity to luck. His wife, Honey, suspects it may have something to do with eating a healthier… Read more »
Chopped: Cooking, Cooperation, Competition, Creativity, Connection … and New Faces
The only thing more bitter than the cacao, was the sting of defeat after the judges’ final ruling. In a dazzling display of teamwork and efficiency under pressure, several teams of four students each took on the challenge of preparing a three-course meal, while racing the clock, in the… Read more »
High Holiday Sermons Mix Concerns over Israel and Antisemitism with Strength, Comfort, and Hope
The Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, also known as the Days of Awe, combine the ancient themes of repentance and renewal with the highest attendance most synagogues see all year. For rabbis, this makes writing High Holiday sermons a weighty task, and this year… Read more »
MORE HEADLINES
- Of Blessed Memory: Barbara Soble
- High Holiday Services in our Southern Arizona Community
- Tucson Teens Bring Home Medals from Detroit JCC Maccabi Games®
- Tessa Minardi and Benny Louchheim are Wed
- JFCS to Hold LEAH Workshop to Raise Awareness About Elder Mistreatment
- Tucson J Leaders Collaborate with Kedem JCC in Moldova and Qiryat Bialik JCC in Israel
- Blending Tradition, Tzedakah, and Coffee Klatch, Craft Groups Connect Local Jewish Women
- From Student to Staff: THA Alumna Returns as New Director of Admissions
- Nolan Levy Born
