This past Yom Kippur, tragedy struck the University of Arizona campus when beloved professor Thomas Meixner was senselessly murdered by a former graduate student. The shooting occurred very near the UArizona Hillel building, while 25 students, six staff, and a guest rabbi were participating in Hillel’s afternoon Yom Kippur… Read more »
Gaylor Lee Kasle, 81, passed away on October 3, 2022, in Phoenix with his loving wife Barbara by his side. Gaylor was born March 2, 1941, in Flint, Michigan to Sidney and Lee Kasle. He attended Short Ridge High School in Indianapolis where he made many lifelong friends. Upon… Read more »
Jerome (Jerry) Harvey Kramer, age 94 of Tucson, AZ, passed away peacefully on Sept 22nd in the loving presence of his wife, Mary. Jerry was born July 28, 1928, and raised in Milwaukee, WI. He began his career in sales, working for Universal and Columbia Pictures before going into… Read more »
Today’s 24-hour news cycle has allowed the world to witness war crimes, almost in real time. Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the world has seen many unspeakable acts unfolding before us almost daily on the screens of our televisions, tablets, and telephones. As we witness this… Read more »
With the Jewish New Year of 5783 just around the corner, Handmaker staff, volunteers and residents have been busy preparing for the holidays logistically, as well as spiritually. Handmaker’s wonderful Executive Chef, Claire Ferguson, has planned some delicious festive meals for residents for the holidays, beginning on Erev Rosh… Read more »
The sense of community and energy was palpable as more than 270 community members of all ages gathered on Friday, September 9 (13 Elul 5782) at the Tucson J for a communal Shabbat dinner and celebration. Guests lit candles as they arrived, before joining Shabbat services led by Congregations… Read more »
An incredible evening of music, family, and community will take place at the Fox Tucson Theatre on Sunday, October 23rd at 4 pm. Featuring four generations of the talented Ronstadt family and a special welcome by Linda Ronstadt, “The Ronstadt Family in Concert” will benefit Jewish Family & Children’s Services of… Read more »
With our strategic plan set and our big-picture goals of doubling staff, tripling revenue, and quintupling student engagement by 2027, University of Arizona Hillel is taking a targeted approach to training and equipping our staff, board, and student leaders to use Jewish values, innovative approaches and best practices in… Read more »
Amy Hirshberg Lederman, guest speaker at upcoming JPSA Advanced Gifts/Summit dinner Amy Hirshberg Lederman will be a guest speaker at Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona’s (JPSA’s) Campaign Summit & Advanced Gifts Dinner, October 25, 2022, details are forthcoming. It’s that time of year again. Backpacks and school binders tumble off the shelves at Target, crossing guards in bright orange vests… Read more »
Rosh HaShanah begins the evening of September 25. Yom Kippur begins the evening of October 4. Southern Arizona’s congregations welcome you to celebrate the High Holy Days and hope each of you find a congregation in the Southern Arizona Jewish community that will help you greet the New Year… Read more »
Through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (ADHS) recently awarded nearly $500,000 to five Southern Arizona Jewish organizations for security infrastructure upgrades. The five organization awardees are Congregation Chofetz Chayim, Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging, Hillel Foundation at University of Arizona, the… Read more »
It has been one year since you died. Every day we miss you. We miss your smile, your laugh, your kindness, your caring for everyone. We fondly remember your wisdom, your laughter, and your love for people and for critters. We are grateful you were in our lives for… Read more »
Sawyer Belle Sevy will become a Bat Mitzvah on September 17, 2022 This service will take place at the beautiful 3C ranch in Oracle, Ariz. Sawyer will be surrounded by friends and family and the service will be lead by friend and mentor Marjorie Hochberg. Sawyer is the daughter… Read more »
Donna Moser, Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award Recipient Donna Moser, a Lion of Judah member for 23 years, will be honored with the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award at the 2022 International Lion of Judah Conference, December 11-13, in Phoenix. The award commemorates the contributions of the founders of the Lion of Judah, Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland (of… Read more »
Frances June Simmons, born in the Bronx, N.Y. on June 15, 1933, passed away August 22, 2022 in Tucson, Ariz., with her family by her side. June was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Laurence J. Simmons; devoted mother of Ronald E. Simmons of Phoenix,… Read more »
Anne Hameroff, JPSA Co-Chair Following up on last week’s announcement of a new Interim CEO, Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA) announced today that Anne Hameroff has accepted re-appointment as Board of Trustees Co-Chair, a position she will hold until May 2023. Hameroff will continue to work alongside C0-Chair Bruce Ash to help… Read more »
Along with the sweetness of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, there comes the opportunity for reflection and renewal. In the spirit of the season, the Tucson J is elated to welcome renowned political speechwriter and author Sarah Hurwitz to campus for two community events Sunday, September 18. Sarah’s… Read more »
Matthew Meislin is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on September 3rd, 2022, at Kol Ami. Matthew is the son of Justin and Georgina Meislin and the grandson of Harvey and Lori Meislin. Matthew is in 8th grade at Orange Grove Middle School, where he enjoys playing… Read more »
Our community is stronger when we gather in celebration, in prayer, in song, and when we make motzi together. The entire Tucson Jewish community is invited to join with many of Tucson’s congregations and educational institutions for a communal Shabbat experience on Friday, September 9 (13 Elul 5782) from… Read more »
Meet Miriam Ruth Black, author of Shayna, at the Tucson Jewish Museum (TJMHC) on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 6pm, at a program presented in partnership with the Tucson Jewish Community Center (with a virtual event to be scheduled at a later date). Miriam Ruth Black won the Midwest Independent… Read more »
