Congregation Anshei Israel will celebrate its 80th anniversary on Sunday, Feb. 13, with a “White House” dinner event (a tongue-in-cheek play on the synagogue being a large white building).
CAI received its charter in April 1930. It was originally located in a small adobe building at 526 South Stone Avenue in Tucson, two lots north of the original site of Temple Emanu-El, which recently celebrated its 100th year. In 1951, having outgrown those surroundings, CAI moved to a new site on 6th Street and Martin; and in 1969, relocated to its present location on 5th Street and Craycroft.
“Through the generations, Congregation Anshei Israel has been many things to many people … a house of prayer, remembrance, learning, celebration and a welcoming place for all. On Feb. 13, we will proudly look back at some of the highlights of our rich history of the past eight decades,” says Madeline Friedman, president of CAI’s board of trustees.
The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, appetizers and a silent auction, followed by a short program, including “All the Presidents’ Wives,” a spoof of “All the Presidents’ Men” performed by spouses of synagogue past presidents. Dinner will be provided by Blue House Catering. The cost of the event is $50 per person. As part of the anniversary celebration, a journal/synagogue membership directory with an expanded business section is being published. For more information and to RSVP by Feb. 2, call 745-5550.
