News

In focus 1.12.18

The Tucson Hebrew Academy sixth grade math team, from left: Aidan Goldberg, Liam Parnaby, Alexis Mata (teacher), Lariella Citron, Ben Gerber, Mika Gisches, and Halle Hirshman (Courtesy Tucson Hebrew Academy)

THA students earn spot in state math competition

Tucson Hebrew Academy sixth grade students participated in a MathLeague.org competition held at University High School on Tuesday, Nov. 29 and won big. The team won second place school, and one student won third place overall. The students will go on to represent THA at the state competition this spring.

 

 

 

 

 

Helen Rib, left, receives her Hadassah Southern Arizona Woman of the Year pin and certificate from Linda Kunsberg, the 2016 Woman of the Year, on Dec. 3 at Skyline Country Club.
(Cathy Olswing)

Hadassah Southern Arizona names Woman of the Year

Helen Rib was named Hadassah Southern Arizona Woman of the Year at a brunch on Sunday, Dec. 3. Born in the Bronx, New York, Rib graduated from Hunter College with a degree in Hebrew and education. She has lived in Maine, New York and Maryland and taught Hebrew and religious school to every grade and to adults. She moved to Tucson in 2005 and has been active with Congregation Anshei Israel and Tucson Hebrew Academy as well as serving on the Hadassah Southern Arizona board for several years as recording secretary. Including her mother, Rib’s family boasts five generations of Hadassah life members; two of her daughters, a granddaughter and great-granddaughter all attended the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cantor Janece Cohen and her father, Seneca Erman, at left, celebrate Hanukkah with members of the Congregation Or Chadash Sisterhood and residents of Villa Hermosa, Dec. 13.

COC Sisterhood celebrates Hanukkah with Villa Hermosa

On Wednesday, Dec. 13, members of the Congregation Or Chadash Sisterhood celebrated Hanukkah with Jewish residents of Villa Hermosa, a senior living community. The Sisterhood provided food and Villa Hermosa’s chef made latkes. All joined in singing Hanukkah songs and the residents opened gifts provided by the Sisterhood. Cantor Janece Cohen and Nancy Lappit, Sisterhood vice president of programming, coordinated the event.

Marty Johnston, left, and Stephanie Roberts with their Community Appreciation Awards at the Islamic Center of Tucson on Dec. 13.
[Courtesy Marty Johnston)

Islamic Center honors members of Jewish community

Marty Johnston and Stephanie Roberts received Community Appreciation Awards from the Islamic Center of Tucson on Wednesday, Dec. 13. The awards were given at the Third Annual Gathering for Unity, in recognition of their creation of a fundraising campaign that collected over $14, 000 to replace copies of the Quran that were desecrated by a vandal, repair damage due to vandalism and purchase an upgraded security system to prevent future attacks. Roberts is president of Congregation Anshei Israel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trudy Dykstra and Tatum Connors enjoy the dance competition at the Tucson Jewish Community Center’s Taglit New Year’s Eve celebration, Dec. 29. [Allie London/TJCC)

Special needs community enjoys New Year’s Eve at J

Members of Tucson’s young adult special needs community joined the Tucson Jewish Community Center’s Taglit Day Program for a New Year’s Eve celebration on Friday, Dec. 29. Participants included members of Arts for All and Danville Services. Along with a dance competition featuring the music of DJ Travis, activities included group singing, interactive games, a photo booth and refreshments. The Tucson J organizes quarterly events for the special needs community.