News

Uncovering the story of my Doda Anutza: Unsung heroine of WWII

Hanna Druckman, called Doda Anutza by her family

One Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago, I got a phone call from my mother’s cousin, Tzippi, who lives in South Florida and is in her late seventies. “Sha’ron,” she asked, “I know you were close with Doda . Did she ever tell you what she did… Read more »

University of Arizona Hillel Foundation names Jessica Emerson McCormick executive director

Jessica Emerson McCormick, Incoming Executive Director of the University of Arizona Hillel Foundation

The Board of Directors of the University of Arizona Hillel Foundation is delighted to welcome native Tucsonan Jessica Emerson McCormick—who has worked in Jewish organizations, municipal government, and as a writer—as Executive Director of the University of Arizona Hillel Foundation. Jessica will start on July 1, 2021, succeeding Michelle… Read more »

Southern Arizona Jewish community invests in security and combats anti-Semitism

Security director Chelsea Guiterrez at JFSA’s November 17 event honoring Stu and Nancy Mellan

The Southern Arizona Jewish community continues to adopt a strong stance against anti-Semitism and act boldly to prevent attacks against our institutions and constituents. Community leadership continues to advance this priority in both funding and action in 2021. Recent History of Our Program In March 2019, the Jewish Federation… Read more »

Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging under new ownership

The sale of Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging to MED Healthcare Partners was finalized on January 26, 2021. The name of the organization will not change with the sale, nor will its commitment to quality care for the elderly in our community. The Handmaker Board, with the support… Read more »

Handmaker residents celebrate Purim

Sarah Segal got into the spirit of Purim during the Zoom Megillah reading at Handmaker on Erev Purim.

Despite COVID restriction adjustments, Handmaker residents had fun celebrating Purim this year! Rabbi and Chani Shemtov and Rabbi and Feigi Ceitlin provided beautiful Mishloach Manot for our residents at Handmaker. Many residents also enjoyed listening to the Megillah Esther on Zoom on Erev Purim, read by Mel Cohen, Dan… Read more »

Introducing Arizona Jewish Post-Its

We are delighted to introduce Arizona Jewish Post-Its, a hub for stories from Arizona Jewish life. From lifecycle events to local happenings, this content is submitted and written by community members like you. Share and be heard on our community bulletin board! Check out the first edition of Post-Its.… Read more »

JTA: Arizona Jewish Post shuts down after 75 years

(JTA) — The Arizona Jewish Post, a 75-year-old community publication covering the Jewish population of Tucson and southern Arizona, announced it would cease operations effective March 1. The Jewish Community Federation of Southern Arizona, which owns and operates the Post, announced the closure in an email to subscribers this week. The… Read more »

Two JHM programs to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

The Jewish History Museum/Holocaust History Center will mark Holocaust Remembrance Day and the liberation of Auschwitz with two online programs next week. “We Are Still Here: The Testimony of Margot Heuman, Auschwitz Survivor” screens the testimony of a Southern Arizona resident, newly recorded in the Holocaust History Center in… Read more »

Pastor, former Tucson mayor discuss African American-Jewish relations, fixing inequities

Jonathan Rothschild, left, and Pastor D. Grady Scott

Although the African American community faces many challenges, such as gaining better access to healthcare and education, for Pastor B. Grady Scott of Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Tucson, the number one issue is overrepresentation in jails and prisons. Scott and former Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild presented “African… Read more »

Examining justice: Introducing the Tzedek Project

What is justice? Equity? Fair treatment? The blindfolded woman holding the scales? What would the perfect world, filled with justice,  look like? Deuteronomy 16:20 tells us: “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof l’maan tichyeh.” Justice, justice you shall pursue, that you may live… In the months of 2021, we will explore many… Read more »

JFSA Tucson Maimonides Society wishes the community a happy, healthy 2021

The Tucson Maimonides Society is a fellowship of healthcare professionals who are dedicated to educational, social and philanthropic activities under the auspices of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona. ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY Jacob Pinnas, M.D.* Retired   Leonard Schultz, M.D.* Retired   Howard J. Schwartz, M.D.* Retired   ANESTHESIOLOGY… Read more »

AJP gets new intern; JFSA/JCF hires marketing coordinator

Quinn McVeigh is the Arizona Jewish Post’s intern for spring 2021. McVeigh is a junior at the University of Arizona majoring in journalism and environmental studies with a minor in natural resources. His interest in interning with the AJP stems from his high school years, when he had meaningful… Read more »

CAI to present StandWithUs virtual workshop for teens on anti-Semitism

Nichole Chorny

Congregation Anshei Israel will present a workshop for high school students about anti-Semitism led by StandWithUs on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 11:15 a.m. on Zoom. Teens attending will include high school madrichim (teacher’s aides) from CAI and Or Chadash/Temple Emanu-El, plus members of CAI USY and BBYO, but all Jewish… Read more »

Human rights lawyer appointed as new Jewish History Museum director

Gugulethu Moyo, executive director of the Jewish History Museum/Holocaust History Center in Tucson (Photo courtesy Moyo)

Gugulethu Moyo, the new executive director of Tucson’s Jewish History Museum/Holocaust History Center, comes to the job with a unique set of qualifications, encompassing both her career as an international human rights lawyer and her personal Jewish journey. In November, the museum’s board of directors unanimously approved her appointment… Read more »

Amid pandemic, Project Isaiah and Mitzvah Magic continue to help needy Tucsonans

Community Food Bank team members load provide food supplies at the emergency food distribution center it operated at Kino Sports Complex for nine months. On Jan. 7, the food bank moved drive-up distribution to its building at 3003 S. Country Club Road. Project Isaiah, the Jewish community's annual anti-hunger campaign, benefits the Community Food Bank. (Photo courtesy Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona)

Through Project Isaiah and Mitzvah Magic, two longstanding programs organized by the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona and community partners, members of the Tucson Jewish community have helped put food on the table and meet other needs for local families this fall, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.… Read more »

Tucson International Jewish Film Festival’s ‘Feeding Our Souls’ documents local shul’s farm project

A Congregation Bet Shalom member shows off eggs laid by the shul's chickens, in the short film 'Feeding Our Souls." (Courtesy Tucson International Jewish Film Festival)

Congregation Bet Shalom members young and old — but mostly young — are featured in a short film, “Feeding Our Souls,” that will debut as part of the Tucson International Jewish Film Festival. But the chickens are definitely the stars. Raising chickens has been a central part of the… Read more »

Woman of the Wall founder Anat Hoffman to give talk for COC Sisterhood

Anat Hoffman

Congregation Or Chadash Sisterhood will host Anat Hoffman, executive director of the Israel Religious Action Center and founder of Women of the Wall, via Zoom on Sunday, Jan. 24, at 11 a.m. Hoffman will present “If You See Something — Say Something,” which she calls “an invitation to speak… Read more »

Tucson Jewish community members honored among 40 Under 40

Melissa Zimmerman

Melissa Zimmerman, LMSW, CCTP, BHP, vice president of clinical services at Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona; Isaac Rothschild, a managing partner at Mesch Clark Rothschild; and Robin Glicksman, DBH, LMSW, chief clinical officer at Escalera Health, are among those honored recently as “40 Under 40” by… Read more »

Business briefs from AJP, JCF/JFSA, Tucson J and CCC

Eric Jabloner has joined the Arizona Jewish Post as an ad sales representative contractor, selling digital advertising. Jabloner grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, and attended the University of Arizona, receiving a B.A. in drama production in 1979. He worked as a scenic artist for the Arizona Opera Company and the… Read more »

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