News

THA’s Hagigat HaSefer – Receiving the first Siddur

Over the last week of March, at the Tucson Hebrew Academy (THA), we honored our 1st and 2nd graders by celebrating Hagigat HaSefer (the celebration of the book). During Hagigat HaSefer, our young students received their very first Siddur (prayer book), signaling the beginning of a lifelong love of… Read more »

Wyatt Earp’s Jewish connection and more included in a new documentary

When Josephine Marcus ran away from home in 1880, it is hard to imagine just how shocked her California-based parents must have felt. Teenage Josephine dreamt of becoming an actress and a dancer. These weren’t exactly the plans made by her Jewish immigrant family and Hollywood didn’t yet exist.… Read more »

JFSA and JCF rebrand as Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona

After more than two years of planning and collaboration, the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona (JFSA) and the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona (JCF) have integrated into a single operating entity. The new organization shall be known as the Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA).    “As JPSA, we… Read more »

Tucson Jewish Museum announces new director

Lori Shepherd

After an extensive and rigorous search, the Board of Directors of the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center is pleased to announce that Lori Shepherd has accepted the position of Executive Director, effective March 16, 2022. Lori is the former Executive Director of the El Paso Holocaust Museum &… Read more »

My Single, Senior, Challenging, Meaningful Life

My birthday this year came and went with no bouquet of roses gifted to me by a special man and nary a sweet nothing whispered in my ear. It’s just not fair, I silently reproached the universe.  Why are there so many more women than men over 60 looking… Read more »

Student crafted, staff supported: How to enable doing Jewish

Sure, it’s UA Hillel’s mission to help students create a vibrant, diverse, meaningful and empowered Jewish community on campus, but how does that really work? How does our mission come to life? Typically, student-directed ideas surface, and staff helps to curate experiences that meet their needs. A few examples:… Read more »

JFCS to provide free e-books of “To Tell Our Stories: Holocaust Survivors of Southern Arizona” to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The first volume of “To Tell Our Stories: Holocaust Survivors of Southern Arizona,” published in 2015 by Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern Arizona (JFCS), is now available in a free e-book format on Smashwords. A free e-book version of volume two, which was first published in 2018,… Read more »

Handmaker celebrates Tu b’shevat Seder

Last month, Handmaker was honored to be one of the organizations included in a philanthropic event called Mitzvah Fair. The Fair was put together by students from the Kol Ami Religious School (Legacy Synagogues, Or Chadash, and Temple Emanu-el of Tucson), and Congregation Anshei Israel’s Religious School before Winter… Read more »

Of Blessed Memory : Ruthann Pozez

Ruthann Kornbleet Pozez passed away with her family by her side on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022. Ruthann was born July 13, 1926 in Kansas City, Kansas. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 61 years, Louis Pozez, her brothers, Seymour and Lawrence Kornbleet, and her parents, Hy and… Read more »

JCF introduces the new Impact Investment Pool

The Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona (JCF) is pleased to introduce the Impact Pool, a new investment pool option designed to increase the impact of your philanthropic funds through social impact investing and philanthropic stewardship. The role of the Impact Pool is threefold: To invest in a socially… Read more »

Enjoying the arts at THA!

Tucson Hebrew Academy (THA) develops students who are highly skilled, creative thinkers with a spirited love of learning. This month, students exhibited that love of learning through their love of the arts. Music Lower School students at THA learn music fundamentals which allow them to pursue their music interests… Read more »

Tucson J presents the 31st Annual Tucson International Jewish Film Festival

The J’s Tucson International Jewish Film Festival has returned featuring 12 full-length films, six shorts, a mini-series, and eight post-film programs. Beginning Jan. 6 and running through Feb. 20, the Festival showcases an ample selection of independent and international films that celebrate Jewish culture and diversity and provide a… Read more »