The Pulse survey revealed that a majority of Jewish individuals in Soutthern Arizona are engaging with the Jewish community in some capacity, but there is opportunity to deepen engagement.

Southern Arizona ‘Pulse’ Survey Reveals Gaps in Jewish Connections

May 13, 2026 /

Most Jews in Southern Arizona say their Jewishness is meaningful to them. They have Jewish friends. They know where to find Jewish life if they look for it. Nearly half say they want to be more involved than they currently are.   And only one in three says they feel connected to the local Jewish community.  That is the picture that emerges from a 2025 community “pulse” study Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona presented on April 16 to about 30 professional… Read more »

Of Blessed Memory: Stanley Lehman
May 21, 2026 /

Stanley Lehman peacefully said his final goodbye on May 11, 2026, surrounded by family and encircled with love. He was born Oct. 13, 1929, in Brooklyn, NY, and moved his family to Tucson in 1970 with the hope of improving the health of his beloved wife Renaye (Ricki). They… Read more »

Zamru to Bring Spirit, Song, and Community to Tucson
May 19, 2026 / Nancy Ozeri, Special to the AJP

On June 12-13, Tucson will welcome a unique blend of music, spirituality, and Israeli creativity as the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center’s Zamru Ensemble arrives for a musicians-in-residence Shabbat. The weekend promises an immersive experience of prayer, learning, and musical connection, rooted in a program that has become a powerful source… Read more »

Bat Mitzvah: Zaida Olive Phelps
May 18, 2026 /

Zaida Olive Phelps celebrated becoming a Bat Mitzvah on May 16, 2026, at Congregation Anshei Israel. She is the daughter of Scott and Kala Weinstein-Phelps. Zaida attends Rincon Vista Middle School, where she is an active member of the band and on the principal’s honor roll. She enjoys spending… Read more »

Life Review
May 13, 2026 / Judith Manelis, Special to the AJP
Judith Manelis

Some years ago, while working in Jewish communal service, I decided to go back to school and get a social work degree. I had worked for many years as a journalist and public relations executive, and later, as the executive director of a national agency. Although I had reached… Read more »

Farewell from Southern Arizona’s Senior Community Shlicha
May 11, 2026 / Yuval Malka, Weintraub Israel Center
Nitay Bar, left, and Yuval Malka listen to speakers at their lehitraot party on May 6, 2026. (Photo: Phyllis Braun/AJP)

I’m sitting down to write my final communication as Southern Arizona’s senior community shlicha, and I honestly can’t believe the time has come. It feels like only yesterday that Nitay and I arrived here, but looking back at everything we’ve been through together, it also feels like a whole… Read more »

High School Baseball Star Looking Forward to Future at UA
May 7, 2026 / Michael Murra, Special to the AJP

Benjamin Ball, an 18-year-old senior outfielder at Hamilton High School in Chandler, starts each day by wrapping tefillin with his father. He wears his Star of David necklace on and off the baseball diamond and says the Shema before each game. Ball, the fifth-rated Arizona high school senior baseball… Read more »

Bat Mitzvah: Rosalind Kose
April 30, 2026 /

Rosalind Kose will celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah on May 2, 2026, at Kol Ami Synagogue. She is the daughter of Frank Kose and Dara Oseran. Rosalind attends Emily Gray Middle School. Her hobbies include dancing, cooking, artistic design, and creating art projects. She also likes to explore nature… Read more »

Bat Mitzvah: Vivian Hanley
April 30, 2026 /

Vivian Hanley will celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah on May 2, 2026, at Kol Ami Synagogue. She is the daughter of Todd and Rebecca Hanley. Vivian attends Dodge Middle School. She is an athlete who plays soccer year-round and recently helped her Dodge Middle School team win the… Read more »