For more than a decade, the Mitch Dorson Scholar-in-Residence Fund has stood as a living expression of the belief that Jewish learning should be engaging, accessible, and meaningful. Established in 2012, the fund brings a visiting scholar or artist to Tucson to offer a popular exploration of Jewish life — one that sparks curiosity, fosters connection, and leaves a lasting impression.
That vision reflects the spirit of Mitch Dorson, a beloved Jewish educator who dedicated his career to guiding students both inside and beyond the classroom. He served as Director of Education at Temple Emanu-El, taught B’nai Mitzvah students at Congregation Or Chadash, and inspired high school students at Catalina Foothills High School and Green Fields Country Day School.
This year’s Dorson Scholar-in-Residence reflects that spirit in a particularly joyful way. From Feb. 20–22, Kol Ami Synagogue will welcome Dan Nichols, a nationally recognized Jewish musician whose work has shaped Jewish communal life for more than 25 years.
“The goal of the Dorson Scholar-in-Residence Fund has always been to enrich the Jewish experiences in our community,” said Jim Whitehill, a member of Kol Ami and the Dorson scholar-in-residence committee. “Dan Nichols’ music does exactly that — it creates a sense of connection that feels true to what this fund was meant to support.”
A product of the URJ Jewish camping movement, Dan Nichols has spent decades traveling to Jewish summer camps across North America, helping generations of young Jews experience Judaism as something sung, shared, and deeply felt.
Classically trained, Nichols founded the Jewish rock band Eighteen in 1995. Since then, Nichols and Eighteen have released 13 albums that blend soulful prayer, contemporary melodies, and enduring Jewish values, resonating across generations.
During his time in Tucson, Nichols will lead a series of musical experiences designed to engage the heart as much as the mind. Except for Sunday’s religious school programming, all events are open to the entire Jewish community.
In bringing Dan Nichols to Tucson, the Dorson Scholar-in-Residence Fund does exactly what it was created to do: honor a beloved teacher by creating experiences that inspire learning, deepen connection, and strengthen community. For those who knew Mitch Dorson, this weekend is a living reminder of his impact. For those who did not, it is an invitation to experience the kind of Jewish life he devoted himself to nurturing.
Dorson Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Dan Nichols
All programs take place at Kol Ami Synagogue (225 N Country Club Rd).
- Friday, February 20 | 6:30 pm
Shabbat Evening Service
- Saturday, February 21 | 10:00 am
Shabbat Morning Service
- Saturday, February 21 | 4:30 pm
All-Ages Community Concert. Register at https://katucson.shulcloud.com/event/dan-nichols-concert
- Sunday, February 22 | 9:30 am
Meet-and-Learn Experiences – exclusive to Kol Ami religious school students.
