Lifecycles | Obituaries | Post-Its

Of Blessed Memory: Rabbi Arthur Oleisky

Rabbi Arthur Oleisky

It is with a heavy heart that we share that Rabbi Emeritus Arthur Oleisky passed away on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.

Rabbi Sara Metz of Congregation Anshei Israel shared the following message with us:

We are sad to inform you of the passing of Rabbi Arthur Oleisky this Shabbat morning. Rabbi Oleisky was a visionary leader of Congregation Anshei Israel from 1970-1999, always leading with his heart and love for our community.

This past week we read of Avram and Sarai’s journey to Canaan, where they made a covenant with God and grew into their new names as Avraham and Sarah. Following the example of our honored ancestors, Rabbi Oleisky along with his wife, Betejoy, embodied the value of Hachnasat Orchim, welcoming in countless people to Anshei Israel, Judaism, and to God.

Rabbi Oleisky’s legacy continues through his students’ and community members’ engagement with and commitment to Judaism, Israel, and his beloved Camp Ramah. May his memory be a blessing.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, October 18 at 1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary at Congregation Anshei Israel (5550 East 5th Street, Tucson, AZ 85711) and on Zoom (click below):
Meeting ID: 894 7977 6109
Password: 5550

It will be followed by interment at Evergreen Cemetery in the CAI section (3015 North Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705) and on Zoom (click below):
Viewneral ID: 953 1896 3387
Password: 359289

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Rabbi Arthur Oleisky Endowment Fund for Excellence in Jewish Education and Youth Activities at Congregation Anshei Israel (caiaz.org).

May Rabbi Oleisky’s family and all those who loved him be comforted with all the mourners of Zion and know no further sorrow.