Louis Manelis

Dad, I Hardly Knew You

June 17, 2026 / Judith Manelis, Special to the AJP

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 father… Read more »

Handmaker Volunteers Shine
June 23, 2026 / Nanci Levy, Handmaker Community Outreach Coordinator
(L-R): Renee Pourrier, Diana Coleman, and Keri Gall at Handmaker’s Rubin Assisted Living (Photo courtesy Nanci Levy)

For years, Handmaker has been fortunate to have an extensive roster of dedicated volunteers. They come to spend time with residents, play games, assist attendees during Shabbat services, and most importantly, build meaningful connections and friendships. Following the pandemic, Handmaker was grateful to welcome back many familiar faces, including… Read more »

Incoming UA Hillel Director is Arizona Native and Alum
June 23, 2026 /

The University of Arizona Hillel has appointed a new executive director, Shoshi Lipschultz, who will start in July. Eric Natter, president of the UA Hillel board of directors, announced the appointment last month. An Arizona native and University of Arizona alum, Lipschultz returns to Tucson… Read more »

ECE at Tucson J Promotes Kindergarten Readiness
June 23, 2026 / Joline Riddle, Senior Director of Early Childhood Education at the Tucson J
Children in the early childhood education program at the Tucson Jewish Community Center roll dough that will be baked into matzah.

For many families, the transition to kindergarten is both exciting and filled with questions about whether a child is truly ready for the next step. While academic skills are important, research continues to show that social-emotional development, independence, communication, and self-confidence play an equally significant role in a successful… Read more »

‘Cherry Baum,’ Novel of Jewish Holy Woman in Modern Toronto, Is UA Grad’s Latest
June 22, 2026 / Phyllis Braun, AJP Feature Writer

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
June 16, 2026 /

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
June 15, 2026 /

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 »

Of Blessed Memory: Murray Leipzig
June 8, 2026 /
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
June 3, 2026 / Lynn Davis, Deputy Director, Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center
Local faith leaders gathered at TJMHC on April 24, 2026 to discuss immigration and border issues in Southern ArizonaLocal 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 »