News

County launches garden emissions voucher program

To cut down on pollution created by gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, has created the “Cut Down Pollution” program. “Our region exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s health standard for ground-level ozone on… Read more »

Pick from a plethora of fun-filled community Purim festivities

Kenny Mirman and Marlene Burns celebrate Purim at Chabad Oro Valley. (Photo courtesy Chabad Oro Valley)

A full array of Southern Arizona Purim parties will ensure that this most fun holiday of the Jewish calendar is action-packed. Take your pick from a string of family-friendly events, submitted by area synagogues and agencies. Friday, March 6 6 p.m.: Purim Shabbat Early Shabbat tot and child-friendly service;… Read more »

Handmaker lecture to explore community’s future from a rabbinic perspective

Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging continues its annual Three Rabbis Lecture Panel next month, exploring “The Future of the Tucson Jewish Community.” Rabbi Yossie Shemtov of Orthodox Congregation Young Israel, Rabbi Robert Eisen of Conservative Congregation Anshei Israel, and Rabbi Thomas Louchheim of Reform Congregation Or Chadash will… Read more »

Bet Shalom’s midbar (desert) farm project goes to the chickens

Volunteers pitch in with chores at Congregation Bet Shalom’s Tu B’Shevat Farm Festival Feb. 9. (Courtesy Cong. Bet Shalom)

Congregation Bet Shalom’s first Tu B’shevat Farm Festival brought about 80 community members of all ages together, including congregants, University of Arizona Hillel Foundation students, youngsters, and young adults connected to local farms and outdoor education programs. “The Midbar Project is a way for our people to connect with… Read more »

UArizona researchers join team studying viability of vertical farming

Leafy greens being grown under red and blue light wavelengths, which supports efficient chlorophyll absorption. (Photo courtesy University of Arizona)

A rapidly growing global population, ecosystem degradation, changing climate conditions, and water and land scarcity all contribute to the need for integrated and innovative food production technologies. Researchers at the University of Arizona are testing a vertical farming approach. Fueled in part by a $2.7 million grant from the… Read more »

From AI to Ultratooth: How dental innovations help your oral health

The practice of dentistry looks much different than it did at the turn of the century. Technological advancements are making trips to the dentist quicker, less painful, and more reliable, while other product developments are enabling better oral self-care. “These new technologies are having a huge impact on how… Read more »

Five tips to get the most out of a dental visit

Many people would just as soon avoid scheduling a dental appointment unless an unbearable toothache lands them reluctantly in the dentist’s chair. Fear of pain is one reason for procrastination, but it’s not the only factor. People worry a routine checkup could reveal the need for expensive, major work.… Read more »

Obituary: John Schiro

John Schiro

John “Jack” Schiro died Dec. 29, 2019. A graduate of Cincinnati Country Day School, University of Cincinnati and attendee at Tulane University, Mr. Schiro pursued a career in marketing and sales for several well-known companies, obtaining top honors in his profession. Survivors include his sister, Caren Schiro of Tucson;… Read more »

Obituary: Marla Edelstein

Marla Edelstein

Marla Beth Edelstein, 70, died Jan. 30, 2020 after a battle with cancer. Mrs. Edelstein was born in Philadelphia on March 28, 1949 to Shirley and Jules Mechanic. She graduated from Northeast High School and Temple University, where she received her bachelor of science and master’s degrees in education… Read more »

New York City’s latest tactic to combat anti-Semitism: An ad campaign featuring diverse Jewish New Yorkers

Marquis Hollie hopes the campaign can increase awareness of diversity in the community and bring Jews together. (NYC Commission on Human Rights)

NEW YORK (JTA) — New York City is hoping that a new ad campaign will make Jewish New Yorkers feel comfortable despite a recent spate of anti-Semitic attacks. The campaign, launched Wednesday by the city’s Commission on Human Rights, consists of four ads each featuring a photograph of a… Read more »

U of Illinois student government president vetoes divestment resolution

(JTA) — The president of the University of Illinois student government vetoed a resolution passed by the body last week that supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel. At a cabinet meeting Sunday, Connor Josellis said the remarks made Wednesday evening during discussion of the resolution and… Read more »

Bernie Sanders releases new ‘proud to be Jewish’ video

(JTA) — Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has released a new campaign video in which he says he is “very proud to be Jewish” and that he looks forward to “becoming the first Jewish president in the history of this country.” The two minute and 40 second video also… Read more »