Posts By PHYLLIS BRAUN - AJP Executive Editor

A boy in soldier’s clothes

I have no idea what it’s like to send your son off to the army. And before I moved to Israel, I didn’t much think about it. Of course, my oldest child is not even 9, but still, any mother will tell you that time passes quickly when you are… Read more »

Ties that bind

Last night, underneath a full moon, within the sacred space of our kibbutz mikveh, ten women gathered to acknowledge our friend who will be bringing a new life into our community in a few short weeks. Debbie’s due at the end of August and it’s become somewhat of a… Read more »

Confidentially Yours: Working the dating scene… at work

Dear Avi and Adele: I’d like to go out with a girl I work with. She’s great and we enjoy the time we’ve spent together. Is this a good idea? -Workin’ it at Work   Dear Workin’ It: Yes and no. Your work may have a policy about company dating, which is… Read more »

Confidentially Yours: Should I travel with my girlfriend?

Dear Avi and Adele: My girlfriend and I have been dating for 9 months and have begun discussing taking a vacation together. I’m overdue for a getaway, but not sure I’m prepared to travel with her. How do I know if we’re ready for this big step? – Got… Read more »

Care-A-Van takes social action on the road

Hebrew High Care-A-Van participants (L-R) Michelle Jafee, Hila Lamdan, Emma Goldblatt and Sarah Robins in downtown Denver.

This summer I took part in the 10th annual Care-A-Van trip organized by Hebrew High in Phoenix. I heard about the Care-A-Van opportunity from Sharon Glassberg, director of Tucson’s Hebrew High. From June 13 to 29, we visited 18 different cities in seven different states: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado,… Read more »

Despite price, Gilad’s freedom brings joy

I am writing this several days after Gilad Shalit was released, Muammar Gadhafi was killed and the Jewish people worldwide have celebrated Simchat Torah, which marks the end of Torah readings for one year and the start of Torah readings for the new year. First there was darkness, the… Read more »

Care plan webinar for National Family Caregivers Month

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, the nonprofit National Private Duty Association will host a free consumer education web conference, “Creating a Care Plan for Your Parents,” on Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. EST. The live, interactive program will provide advice on how family caregivers can work with… Read more »

Does your parents’ driving drive you crazy?

Fran Donnellan

It’s probably one of the most important yet dreaded conversations you can have with an aging parent, and it often begins something like this: “You should NOT be driving.” Not surprisingly, the conversation usually goes downhill from there. In this column, I’ll outline some information and suggestions to help… Read more »

Tucson relatives trace passion for philanthropy to 101-year-old matriarch

Lillian Silverman at her 100th birthday party with her grandson from Tucson, Jeff Jacobson, and his wife, Rachel, and son, Sam, in 2010. (Courtesy Alan Jacobson)

On July 4, 2011, the Brooklyn borough president proclaimed the day “Lillian Silverman, 101st Birthday Celebration Day.” The Arizona Jewish Post learned of this energetic senior’s special recognition through her family, many of whom reside in Tucson. From children through great-grandchildren, three generations have inherited Lillian Rudnick Silverman’s generous… Read more »

Haunting novel spins untold tale of Jewish pioneers

Anna Solomon’s debut novel, “The Little Bride,” opens with Minna Losk, a poor Jewish girl in Odessa, submitting to a humiliating examination in order to immigrate to the United States as a mail-order bride. The scene is so powerfully written, I was instantly captivated, avid to learn more of… Read more »

Art masters interpret ‘Flight’ in exhibit at JCC

Untitled 1968 lithograph by Marc Chagall

“Flight: Mid-Century Masters Interpret the Escape for Survival,” an art exhibit that includes pieces by Marc Chagall and Joan Miró, is on display at the Tucson Jewish Community Center until Dec. 4. The exhibit is presented by the International Rescue Committee in Tucson, in partnership with the JCC. The… Read more »

Tucson newlyweds began as pre-teen pals

Zachary and Stacey Singer first met in B’nai Mitzvah class at Congregation Anshei Israel. (Photos: Kadie Pangburm of Pangbum Photography)

Stacey Leigh Borin, daughter of Tom and Sara Borin, and Zachary Jonathan Singer, son of Steve and Shelley Singer, all of Tucson, were married on March 27, 2011 at the Hilton El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort with Rabbi Robert Eisen and Cantor Ivor Lichterman of Congregation Anshei Israel… Read more »

Ex-surgeon general will address CHAI Circle

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., the 17th surgeon general of the United States, will be the keynote speaker at the seventh annual CHAI Circle (Cancer, Healing and Inspiration) retreat. The retreat will take place on Sunday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Canyon Ranch, 8600 E. Rockcliff… Read more »

‘Clean comic,’ writer for Seinfeld, to perform

Temple Emanu-El Women of Reform Judaism will present an evening with comedian Keith Barany on Saturday, Nov. 5. Barany calls himself a “clean comic” who proves that comedians can be tasteful and hilarious without being corny; his website is pg-comedy.com. He currently contributes to “The Jimmy Kimmel Show,” was… Read more »

Hanukkah ‘Hot Looks’ on tap

The Young Women’s Cabinet of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona will present “Hot Looks for Hanukkah” at Fringe at La Encantada on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. Fringe managing director Jessica Baylon and staff will share make-up application tips and hairstyle techniques. The event will… Read more »

JCF seminar to cover Medicare, Social Security, disability

The Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona will present a “Medicare, Social Security and Disability Seminar” on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Tucson Jewish Community Center. Speakers are Janet Davis, an income, estate and gift tax financial planner; Brian Clymer, an attorney who represents… Read more »

SHJC talk to explore Mussar approach to ethics

Nan Rubin

The Secular Humanist Jewish Circle will sponsor a lecture by Nan Rubin on “Mussar, an Ethical Approach to Daily Life” on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Dusenberry-River Library, 5605 East River Road (Craycroft and River). Rubin, a licensed clinical social worker, has been engaged… Read more »

Jewish women can build homes — literally

Nancy Mellan

As Jewish wom­en, we come from a tradition that honors our role in home, family and community. In the Eshet Chayil Shabbat blessing recited by husbands to their wives, we are honored: “A good woman, who can find. She reaches her hand out to those in need. She is… Read more »