Post-Its

After Lobbying in D.C., Jewish Latino Teen Coalition Cohort Petitions to do More

Each spring, Tucson’s Jewish Latino Teen Coalition (JLTC) heads to Washington, D.C., to lobby lawmakers on a topic they’ve chosen and spent months researching. JLTC convenes 10 to 12 high school sophomores and juniors annually to foster multicultural understanding and political advocacy. Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona and U.S.… Read more »

Bat Mitzvah: Livia Aronson

Livia Aronson will celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah on October 26th at Kol Ami Synagogue on Country Club Rd. She is the daughter of Randy Aronson & Geren Thurston. She attends Cross Middle School, where she is a member of the National Junior High School Honor Society, a clarinet… Read more »

New TJMHC Exhibit Explores the Complexities of Witnessing Violence

On Wednesday, October 23, Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center (TJMHC) hosted an opening reception of the Allen & Marianne Langer Contemporary Human Rights Exhibit. The new exhibit is titled Witnessing Violence: Help or Harm?  Witnessing Violence examines the uses and abuses of images from violent atrocities, particularly as… Read more »

Art as Healing: Afghan Refugees Find Solace Through Creative Expression

For the Afghan survivors impacted by combat that Jewish Family & Childrens Services (JFCS) serves, art is a powerful tool for healing—helping express through creativity what cannot be said with words. Annie Kunz, program supervisor, explains, “The mental and physical tolls of combat are complex and are compounded by… Read more »

Bar Mitzvah: Michael Green

Michael Green celebrated becoming a Bar Mitzvah on October 19, 2024, at Kol Ami. He is the son of Robin and Dale Green. Michael has been a dynamo since the day he was born when the pediatrician stated that Michael was the most active newborn he had ever seen.… Read more »

Inside Project Isaiah and the Community Food Bank’s Impact

Each fall, the Southern Arizona Jewish community comes together to donate non-perishable food items, filling bins across local synagogues and Jewish agencies for the Project Isaiah High Holiday food drive. These contributions are then delivered to the Community Food Bank (CFB), where they are distributed throughout Southern Arizona to… Read more »

Of Blessed Memory: William Abel

William “Bill” Abel, 95, of Tucson, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on September 22, 2024, after a long and fulfilling life. Bill was born in 1928 in Monticello, N.Y. of Louis Alexander “Alex” and Anna Abel who were dairy farmers and had a butcher shop in Lake Huntington,… Read more »

Rabbi’s Corner: Let the New Year and Its Blessings Begin!

Do you know the difference between a Jewish pessimist and a Jewish optimist? The Jewish pessimist says, “Things can’t possibly get any worse.” The Jewish optimist says, “Sure they can!” The 5784 year often felt that way to Jews everywhere.  Last year is gone, and as a Sephardic prayer-poem… Read more »

Songs, Prayers, and Solidarity Mark Tucson Commemoration of Oct. 7

Locked in a safe room for 13 hours, singer-songwriter Micha Biton and his family barely survived the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks on Israel. More than 20 of their friends in Moshav Netiv Ha’asara, the Israeli community closest to the Gaza border, were killed. Along with his songs, Biton… Read more »

Even Through a Window, Birding Offers Connection to Natural World

Birds are wild animals that are accessible to everyone, everywhere,” says Dan Weisz. The Tucson native rediscovered his love of birding, or birdwatching, when he retired eleven years ago from a career as a public school administrator. Exploring new or bygone pursuits in retirement reminds Weisz of being in… Read more »

At 100 and 99, Murray and Honey Manson are Going Strong

It probably wasn’t his old jogging habit that helped Murray Manson reach age 100 in August. That just ruined his knees, he says. Murray, who now walks with a cane, attributes his longevity to luck. His wife, Honey, suspects it may have something to do with eating a healthier… Read more »

Of Blessed Memory: Barbara Soble

Barbara Soble (nee Becker) passed away on September 29, 2024. She was born in Natick, Mass. and moved to Tucson in 1958. She was a member of the Jewish community during her early years. She owned a needlepoint store and clothing store until her retirement. After retirement, Barbara was… Read more »

High Holiday Services in our Southern Arizona Community

Rosh HaShanah begins the evening of October 2. Yom Kippur begins the evening of October 11.           Please click the links below for High Holy Days congregational information: Congregation Chofetz Chayim (Orthodox) (520) 747-7780 The Shul of Tucson (Orthodox) (520) 975-4489 Tucson Torah Center (Orthodox) Congregation… Read more »

Tucson Teens Bring Home Medals from Detroit JCC Maccabi Games®

This summer, ten teen athletes from Tucson made their way to Detroit for an unforgettable week of competition at the JCC Maccabi Games®—an Olympic-style event that blends high-energy sports with personal growth and community building. These young athletes didn’t just represent Tucson; they left their mark, returning home with… Read more »

Tessa Minardi and Benny Louchheim are Wed

Mazel Tov to Rabbi Thomas and Marcia Louchheim on the wedding of their youngest son, Benny, to Tessa Minardi. Benny and Tessa were married on Sunday, September 15, in Saratoga Springs, New York. Emeritus Rabbi Louchheim of Kol Ami Synagogue officiated at the blessed ceremony. Tessa and Benny met… Read more »

JFCS to Hold LEAH Workshop to Raise Awareness About Elder Mistreatment

LEAH (Let’s End Abusive Households) is a crucial program operated by JFCS of Southern Arizona, dedicated to supporting Jewish survivors of interpersonal violence. This initiative addresses a critical need within the Jewish community, offering compassionate assistance and resources to those who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault, and other… Read more »

Blending Tradition, Tzedakah, and Coffee Klatch, Craft Groups Connect Local Jewish Women

Friendship is the common denominator for three Jewish handicraft groups in Tucson. The Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework, the longest-running of the three, is part of a national organization dedicated to passing Jewish needlework traditions to future generations. Members use various techniques, from embroidery to beading to needlepoint, to… Read more »