“Israel is forever changed after the attacks on October 7, 2023. What does the future hold for Israel and the Jewish people throughout the world?” asks Rabbi Sara Metz of Congregation Anshei Israel. Join Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization Dr. Yizhar Hess to discuss the roles American… Read more »
For the final event in the 2024-2025 Beth and Mike Kasser Patron of the Arts Signature Events Series, the Tucson J in partnership with Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra (SASO), is proud to present Peter Boyer’s Ellis Island: The Dream of America on Sunday, May 11 at 3pm and Monday,… Read more »
“Israel is held to a uniquely harsh standard by the world, facing relentless criticism and misinformation in the media. When other nations take military action for their security, they are met with understanding — yet when Israel does the same, it is vilified”, says Rabbi Sara Metz of Congregation… Read more »
In 2015, Miriam Ruth Black saw a news report about Syrian refugees trudging across Europe, seeking safety. She noticed a little boy among the crowd. “I thought, ‘There’s my dad,’” says Black, whose father was orphaned in a Ukrainian pogrom at age 4. “I saw my father as he… Read more »
After Colton Zuckerman, a freshman at The Gregory School in Tucson, was diagnosed with leukemia in October, his family decided to encourage blood donations across the country. “Our goal is, by the end of this, to have put 10 times the volume back in the blood bank than what… Read more »
Marc Blitzstein (1905–1964) was a groundbreaking American composer whose work reflected both his commitment to social justice and his rich musical heritage. Known for his versatility, Blitzstein made significant contributions to both the classical and musical theater worlds, with works that conveyed a deep sense of purpose and cultural… Read more »
Acclaimed songstress Neshama Carlebach is coming to the Tucson J, Saturday, March 1 from 7:30-9:00 pm. The performance, titled BELIEVE, is part of the 2024-2025 Beth and Mike Kasser Patron of the Arts Signature Event Series and presented in loving memory of Ray Lederman. Neshama, daughter of the… Read more »
Jay Baruch, M.D., was an English major in college before he went to medical school. This may have made him, in his own words, “a very neurotic medical student,” but it also gave him an unusual skill set. Amid the organized chaos of life as an emergency room physician,… Read more »
The Hebrew word “chesed” is often translated as “loving-kindness” or simply “goodness.” The Tucson Jewish community’s Day of Chesed on Jan. 20 will offer many ways to do good in our community, from a clothing swap to visiting with Handmaker residents. The Day of Chesed is organized by Levia… Read more »
Wicked, the movie based on the Broadway musical, based on the book by Gregory Maguire, has brought the musical back to mainstream popularity. To date, the movie has grossed over $350 million domestically and is once again shining a spotlight on a stage that has been profoundly influenced over… Read more »
Opening the curtain on its 34th year, the Tucson J International Film Festival starts on January 8, with in-person screenings and special events for select films through January 19, with most films streaming virtually from January 17 through January 31 for the Greater Tucson area. This year screenings will… Read more »
Hosting the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games and Access in Tucson this summer will be a true community effort. More than 1,000 volunteers, 350 host families, and up to 100 local athletes ages 12-17 will be recruited to join staff members of the Tucson Jewish Community Center in creating a… Read more »
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect the change of the event’s date to December 14. On November 2, 2024, The New York Times released a front-page article, “A Whisperer to the Stars on the Middle East Conflict” by Nicole Sperling. She wrote, “Since Oct. 7 of… Read more »
For the Afghan survivors impacted by combat that Jewish Family & Childrens Services (JFCS) serves, art is a powerful tool for healing—helping express through creativity what cannot be said with words. Annie Kunz, program supervisor, explains, “The mental and physical tolls of combat are complex and are compounded by… Read more »
The Tucson Jewish Community Center (Tucson J) presents the exhibition Au Naturel by the Sonoran Plein Air Painters, on exhibition from October 31 to December 1, 2024. As part of its Fine Art Gallery Season, the Tucson J is hosting an opening art reception on Sunday, November 3 from… Read more »
LEAH (Let’s End Abusive Households) is a crucial program operated by JFCS of Southern Arizona, dedicated to supporting Jewish survivors of interpersonal violence. This initiative addresses a critical need within the Jewish community, offering compassionate assistance and resources to those who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault, and other… Read more »
“There is a dire and urgent need to get as many hostages out of Gaza as swiftly as humanly possible,” says Avi Mayer, a top pro-Israel commentator. “The majority of Israelis feel at this point there is almost no cost too high to bring back those hostages who are… Read more »
At the Tucson J, we believe a strong community is made of people who are deeply connected to each other, inspired to lead Jewish lives of meaning for themselves, and have the tools to lead them. Arts, culture, and community programming is intentionally designed to be both mirrors and… Read more »
Beth Shalom Temple Center (BSTC) in Green Valley, AZ, south of Tucson, will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a Gala event on November 9. This milestone marks three decades of fostering community and faith and highlights the remarkable contributions of its congregants and leaders. This year, BSTC will honor… Read more »
Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center announces the speakers and dates for the 2024 Lakin Lecture Series on Antisemitism. This four-part annual series continues to tackle the tough topics that permeate today’s headlines and weigh heavily on Jewish communities’ hearts and minds. This year’s lectures explore the throughline of… Read more »
