The J is thrilled to be part of the rolling world premiere of theatre dybbuk’s “Dracula (Annotated).” This production, with its blend of artistry, history, and provocation, offers a rare opportunity to engage audiences on multiple levels. From the outset, our goal has been to create a month of… Read more »
Jewish Family & Children's Services of Southern Arizona President and CEO Carlos A. Hernández, center, with Step Up to Kindness supporters Eleanor and Don Jeck. As the new school year begins, Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona’s Step Up to Kindness program is preparing to launch its fourth year of transforming young lives through empathy, compassion, and emotional resilience. This evidence-based program continues to make a meaningful impact at both Homer Davis… Read more »
The role of a doula is traditionally associated with birth. Anita Kellman guides people at the other end of their journeys, as a certified end-of-life doula. Kellman provides physical, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families, whether that means running errands, facilitating conversations or sitting vigil. Caring… Read more »
Robert G. Varady’s father, László Weisz (“Laci,” pronounced “Lutzee,” to family and friends), cultivated a reputation as a raconteur. Varady grew up on Laci’s stories of business prowess in pre-war Budapest and survival during World War II – all of which Laci attributed to his quick wit, connections, and… Read more »
In recognition of Drowning Impact Awareness Month, Tucson Medical Center and the Tucson Jewish Community Center are partnering to host the annual Community Water Safety Day on Sunday, Aug. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. The free event, hosted at the Tucson J, is designed to promote water safety… Read more »
Shamsedin Zamani, pictured with his four children, spoke at Tucson’s World Refugee Day program on June 20, 2025. His daughters wore traditional Afghan attire. (Photo: Dana Narter)
Longtime Tucsonans Dana Narter and her husband, Ed Baruch, were volunteers with the refugee resettlement program at Jewish Family & Children’s Services for several years. She wrote about one of her first experiences with the program for the AJP in July 2022. In 2023, JFCS asked if Narter and… Read more »
With full hearts, we remember the life of Alvin “Al” Lightman, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of August 7, 2025, at the remarkable age of 103. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Al lived a long and meaningful life defined by service, devotion,… Read more »
Dr. Jack R. Cole died Aug. 2, 2025, at the age of 95, surrounded by his family and friends. Dr. Cole retired from the University of Arizona after 60 years of service. He was Dean Emeritus from the College of Pharmacy and served as the provost of the university.… Read more »
Doug Levy stands outside his downtown Tucson office on July 31, 2025. Posters cover the holes created by rocks thrown through the window. (Photo: Facebook) Tucsonan Doug Levy and his wife, Nanci, returned from vacation last week to discover that a rock had been thrown through the window of his downtown Tucson office, where he displays a large menorah. Levy initially dismissed the vandalism as the act of “some random kid,” but when more rocks… Read more »
Marshall Rubin passed away suddenly on July 28, 2025. His passing was swift and unexpected. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 16, 1939, Marshall lived a life marked by compassion, commitment, and deep love for his family and community. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years,… Read more »
Holocaust survivor Andrew Schot, left, with his son Andy, speaks to members of the Southern Arizona Jewish Genealogical Society at the Tucson Jewish Museum and Holocaust Center, July 13, 2025. About 40 people gathered on Sunday, July 13, 2025, for the first field trip ever sponsored by the Southern Arizona Jewish Genealogical Society. The event featured a private tour of the Tucson Jewish Museum and Holocaust Center led by Davya Cohen, a museum docent and SAJGS board member. Following… Read more »
Yael Shapiro On July 27, close to 1000 teenagers arrived in Tucson, Arizona, for a week of sports. The JCC Maccabi Games, an annual sports competition for young Jews, attracts teens from around the world. While the experience focuses on athletics, the sense of Jewish community that can be found here… Read more »
Dancer Beth Geschuit of Memphis pauses during a Tucson JCC Maccabi Games and Access "JCC Cares" project at the Tucson Jewish Community Center to display her dazzling collection of Maccabi Games trading pins, July 30, 2025. (Photo: Phyllis Braun) “JCC Cares” service projects have long been a cornerstone of the JCC Maccabi Games, reinforcing the value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), one of the six core Maccabi values. For the games in Tucson this year, the Tucson Jewish Community Center partnered with two other local nonprofits, Ben’s… Read more »
Maria E., a swimmer with Team Ukraine at the Tucson JCC Maccabi Games, cruised into first place in the girls 16-18 200-meter freestyle heat on Tuesday. Maria, 16, is competing in her third Maccabi Games and was unfazed by Tucson’s desert heat, having participated in Houston in 2024 and… Read more »
Teens dance to music from Artifex at the Tucson JCC Maccabi Games & Access Opening Ceremony, July 28, 2025. (Photo: Tom Spitz) Mariachis played in the lobby of the Tucson Convention Center arena Monday night, welcoming participants and spectators to the Opening Ceremony of the Tucson JCC Maccabi Games® & Access. The Maccabi Games are a weeklong Olympic-style athletic competition for teens, celebrating Jewish identity and connection. Tucson last hosted the… Read more »
Judith Manelis danced ballet as a child. I was never much of an athlete. Whether it was softball, basketball, volleyball, or swimming, the situation was the same. I played every activity, but nothing well. In volleyball, I couldn’t serve; in basketball, I couldn’t make a basket; in softball, I couldn’t get a hit or catch a… Read more »
Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona Deputy Security Director Paul Patterson describes the OODA Loop decision-making tool at a July 17 community security briefing. (Photo: Phyllis Braun) “One of our main goals is to always make sure that nobody’s afraid to be Jewish,” Paul Patterson, Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona deputy community security director, told the audience at a JPSA security briefing, “Situational Awareness: See Something, Say Something,” on July 17. “Our security initiatives do everything… Read more »
Jane Levine Myerson, 77, of Oro Valley, AZ, formerly of Kingston, NY, passed away at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 56 years, Randolph Myerson, and four children — Ilana (Brett), Ethan, Jeremy (Noel), and Ben (Kelly) — and… Read more »
Mazel tov to OOROO founder and CEO Jeff Artzi on the opening of a new OOROO Auto location at Wetmore and 1st (behind Starbucks, at 765 E. Wetmore Road) on Aug. 1. Award-winning OOROO provides complete car care services at their shops and with their mobile services. For more… Read more »
Carlos A. Hernández As President Trump signed the Budget Reconciliation Bill into law on July 4, Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona is preparing for what could be significant changes to how the organization serves those most in need in the community. The legislation will cut federal Medicaid spending by… Read more »
