Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will receive the 2013 Jewish Heritage Award at the Jewish History Museum’s annual brunch and silent auction on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The event will take place at the Tucson Marriott University Park, 880 E. Second Street.
The award is presented by the Jewish History Museum to an individual who has made a profound difference in the Tucson Jewish community. “Gabby personifies the dedication of Jewish community members who want to improve life for all, both Jewish and non-Jewish,” says Eileen Warshaw, executive director of the museum. “She incorporates Jewish values such as compassion, caring and social justice.” Giffords will attend the brunch to accept the award.
Her father, Spencer Giffords, became a Bar Mitzvah in the building that now houses the Jewish History Museum. Built in 1910 as the first home of Temple Emanu-El, it was known for many years as the Stone Avenue Temple. In 2010, at the building’s centennial celebration, Giffords spoke at the opening of a 100-year-old time capsule that had been placed under the building’s cornerstone. “To keep our traditions, and our history and our culture alive,” she said, “it takes all of us” (AJP, Oct. 29, 2010).
Tickets for the brunch are $75. Reservations are required by Oct. 30. Table sponsorships are available. For more information, visit www.jewish historymuseum.org or contact the museum at 670-9073 or jhmtucson@gmail.com.
