Phyllis Gold already had been retired three years from her position as executive director of Satori Inc., where she ran a local K-1 private school and a charter school for grades 2-8, when she agreed to become director of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona’s Northwest Division. Now, after… Read more »
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With new health and safety measures, Tucson J reopening many programs
After a nine-week closure, the Tucson Jewish Community Center announced plans this week to reopen its facility in early June. The J is following guidelines set forth by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state of Arizona, as well as advice from a recently formed medical… Read more »
Felicia’s Farm honors memory of founder’s wife by feeding hungry Tucsonans
Showing kindness to others is the best feeling in the world. So says David Cutler, founder of Felicia’s Farm in central Tucson. All of the farm’s fresh produce and eggs are donated to organizations that provide for people who might otherwise go hungry. Staff and volunteers regularly reap the benefits… Read more »
Phoenix Jewish News to host COVID-19 webinar with state Reps. Alma Hernandez and Aaron Lieberman
On Tuesday, May 26 at 2 p.m., state Reps. Hernandez and Aaron Lieberman will speak with Phoenix Jewish News Managing Editor Shannon Levitt in a conversation moderated by JN General Manager Rich Solomon about COVID-19, how it’s affected Phoenix and Arizona, and what’s next as we look ahead to… Read more »
AJP delivery delayed to Saturday, May 16
Due to a trucking mishap, the May 15 issue of the AJP will be delivered on Saturday, May 16. We regret the inconvenience. In the meantime, browse the site or read the digital replica here.… Read more »
Retiring JFSA CEO Mellan fostered cohesive, diverse community
Contemplative, compassionate, collaborative: these are some of the words friends and colleagues use to describe Stuart Mellan, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, who is retiring at the end of this month after more than a quarter century leading the organization. The coronavirus pandemic and… Read more »
Social welfare calls bolster community bonds
As part of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona and Jewish Community Foundation response to the coronavirus pandemic, staff and volunteers have made more than 1,300 social welfare phone calls to members of the community. The project is ongoing. “It started with my desire to reach out to donors of… Read more »
Tucson J virtual programs can help adults, kids stay active and sharp during pandemic
The Tucson Jewish Community Center has been offering a variety of virtual classes and programs at www.tucsonjcc.org to help people stay physically fit, mentally sharp, and spiritually focused while the facility is closed as a preventative measure due to the coronavirus. “You can stay active in your own home! Here… Read more »
Rattlesnake bites on the rise — watch where you step, warns UArizona poison center
Warm weather may lead to more outdoor activities, but be aware of rattlesnakes, cautions the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center located in the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. So far this year, 36 rattlesnake bites have been reported to AzPDIC. Twenty-four of those bites occurred in April, up… Read more »
UArizona, with state funds, begins COVID-19 antibody tests
The University of Arizona has started analyzing blood samples from hundreds of thousands of Arizonans to determine who has developed antibodies against the virus that causes COVID-19. The state of Arizona is providing $3.5 million to test 250,000 health care workers and first responders throughout Arizona. To lay the foundation… Read more »
Tucson Pops plans virtual Mother’s Day concert
Maestro Laszlo Veres isn’t allowing the cancellation of the spring season of Tucson Pops Concerts to get in the way of his celebrating Mother’s Day. Traditionally, the orchestra performs ‘My Yiddishe Momme” each year as part of the special concert celebrating mothers. The poignant piece written in the early 1900s… Read more »
COVID-19 antibody testing slots available in Pima County
The University of Arizona – State of Arizona’s COVID-19 antibody testing initiative has additional testing slots now available in Pima County for health care workers, first responders, and members of the general public. The testing will determine if an individual has developed antibodies against the virus that causes COVID-19.… Read more »
Set a pretty table to make any meal special
While sheltering in place due to the coronavirus, we may not be able to dine at our favorite restaurants, but we can still make our meals, whether they are home-cooked or takeout, look special, says Monica Barker of Tiger Lily Table Rentals in Tucson. “Don’t save Granny’s china for… Read more »
Retiring soon, CAI’s Rabbi Eisen lauded as humble, effective
Rabbi Robert Eisen, who will retire at the end of June after 21 years as Congregation Anshei Israel’s spiritual leader, “doesn’t like to toot his own horn,” says Dan Jurkowitz, president of the CAI board of trustees and a lifelong member of the congregation. Quietly, however, the rabbi does much,… Read more »
Tucson Hebrew Academy makes fast switch to online learning
Gov. Doug Ducey announced the closure of Arizona schools on Sunday, March 15 to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. On March 16, Tucson Hebrew Academy was ready with online learning, says Head of School Laurence Kutler, Ph.D. ”We were prepared two weeks before it happened,” Kutler says, explaining that THA… Read more »
Tucson J plans virtual day of learning
The Tucson Jewish Community Center will present a virtual Yom Limmud, a day that celebrates Jewish learning, on Sunday, May 17. “While we cannot be together in person due to the current health crisis, we must create opportunities to gather virtually as a Jewish community,” says Jennifer Selco, the J’s… Read more »
UArizona students find strength in virtual community
For students, the University of Arizona experience has been turned upside down during this COVID-19 era. The university has switched to online classes and all in-person activities have been canceled or postponed until further notice. Many students have felt the impact of social distancing and have been struggling with school… Read more »
Synagogues offer plethora of online worship, study, connection opportunities
The state of Arizona has suspended all in-person worship services, classes, and other programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many local synagogues halting live events in advance of the governor’s March 30 stay-at-home order. Local congregations have migrated programs to digital spaces, including Shabbat services for non-Orthodox congregations.… Read more »
Tucsonan Zucker brings business savvy to new White Mountains venture
Imagine you are planning to open a wine bar in Arizona on April 1 and the day before, the government shut down all of the state’s bars and restaurants, due to the coronavirus pandemic. It sounds like a really bad April Fool’s Day joke. But it was no joke… Read more »
JFSA and JCF pandemic relief continues community focus via Free Loan, TIHAN
Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona together with local families created a pandemic relief fund to provide resources to help the community during these challenging times. To date, more than $300,000 has been raised for pandemic relief efforts. The… Read more »