Post-Its

Nonprofit Security Grant Program Awards Funding to Five Southern Arizona Jewish Organizations

Through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (ADHS) recently awarded nearly $500,000 to five Southern Arizona Jewish organizations for security infrastructure upgrades. The five organization awardees are Congregation Chofetz Chayim, Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging, Hillel Foundation at University of Arizona, the… Read more »

In Memoriam: Hildreth Garb

It has been one year since you died. Every day we miss you. We miss your smile, your laugh, your kindness, your caring for everyone. We fondly remember your wisdom, your laughter, and your love for people and for critters. We are grateful you were in our lives for… Read more »

Bat Mitzvah: Sawyer Sevy

Sawyer Belle Sevy will become a Bat Mitzvah on September 17, 2022 This service will take place at the beautiful 3C ranch in Oracle, Ariz. Sawyer will be surrounded by friends and family and the service will be lead by friend and mentor Marjorie Hochberg. Sawyer is the daughter… Read more »

Longtime Lion Donna Moser to Receive Prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award

Donna Moser, Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award Recipient

Donna Moser, a Lion of Judah member for 23 years, will be honored with the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award at the 2022 International Lion of Judah Conference, December 11-13, in Phoenix. The award commemorates the contributions of the founders of the Lion of Judah, Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland (of… Read more »

Of Blessed Memory: June Simmons

Frances June Simmons, born in the Bronx, N.Y. on June 15, 1933, passed away August 22, 2022 in Tucson, Ariz., with her family by her side. June was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Laurence J. Simmons; devoted mother of Ronald E. Simmons of Phoenix,… Read more »

JPSA Announces Co-Chair and New Board Members

Anne Hameroff, JPSA Co-Chair

Following up on last week’s announcement of a new Interim CEO, Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA) announced today that Anne Hameroff has accepted re-appointment as Board of Trustees Co-Chair, a position she will hold until May 2023. Hameroff will continue to work alongside C0-Chair Bruce Ash to help… Read more »

A Conversation for the New Year: Tucson J Welcomes Speechwriter and Author Sarah Hurwitz to Campus

Along with the sweetness of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, there comes the opportunity for reflection and renewal. In the spirit of the season, the Tucson J is elated to welcome renowned political speechwriter and author Sarah Hurwitz to campus for two community events Sunday, September 18. Sarah’s… Read more »

Bar Mitzvah: Matthew Meislin

Matthew Meislin is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on September 3rd, 2022, at Kol Ami. Matthew is the son of Justin and Georgina Meislin and the grandson of Harvey and Lori Meislin. Matthew is in 8th grade at Orange Grove Middle School, where he enjoys playing… Read more »

You’re Invited to Celebrate Shabbat Together

Our community is stronger when we gather in celebration, in prayer, in song, and when we make motzi together. The entire Tucson Jewish community is invited to join with many of Tucson’s congregations and educational institutions for a communal Shabbat experience on Friday, September 9 (13 Elul 5782) from… Read more »

Book Talk: Meet the Award-Winning Author of Shayna

Meet Miriam Ruth Black, author of Shayna, at the Tucson Jewish Museum (TJMHC) on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 6pm, at a program presented in partnership with the Tucson Jewish Community Center (with a virtual event to be scheduled at a later date). Miriam Ruth Black won the Midwest Independent… Read more »

Rich Neighborhood Renovations at Handmaker

Residents in the Rich Long Term Care Neighborhood at Handmaker have been enjoying watching the transformation of their home over the last few months as the unit goes through a major renovation. Handmaker’s Administrator, Steve Hunt, has been doing his best to ensure that the work gets done, while… Read more »

New Year: New Mission, Vision, and Value Statements at THA

For many, the start of the school year represents a fresh new beginning—a time of goals, reunions, and renewed enthusiasm. For Tucson Hebrew Academy (THA), embarking on its 49th school year, it is an exciting time to look forward to a future of progress, strength, and growth. It is… Read more »

Creating Access Points at UArizona Hillel

The words “egalitarian” and “pluralistic” don’t mean much to most of the students we see at UArizona Hillel, but the concepts are at the heart of our mission: to help students build a vibrant, diverse, meaningful, and empowered Jewish community on campus. How do you create a truly egalitarian… Read more »

JPSA Announces Interim CEO

Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA) has announced that Chief Development Officer Emily Richman will also now serve as  Interim CEO. She will maintain her duties as CDO during this time with additional support from both her colleagues and members of the Board of Trustees. “Even in her short… Read more »

Of Blessed Memory: Gail Kushner

Gail Kushner (Jampole) passed away July 28, 2022, at age 86. Formerly of Tucson, AZ, Shorewood, WI, she was born in Brooklyn, NY. Beloved wife of the late Gordon L. Goodman, to whom she was married for 32 years, and the late Arthur Kushner, Gail was the former spouse… Read more »

Of Blessed Memory: Dinah Taub

Dinah Taub was born on February 27, 1931, in Chicago to Sol and Esther Geller. She is a long time Tucson resident having moved here in 1958 with her husband, Marvin. She died peacefully surrounded by her family in Tucson on July 31, 2022, after a recent diagnosis of… Read more »

Of Blessed Memory: Bill Sampson

William (Bill) Sampson, born April 28, 1948, passed away July 20, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. Born in Chicago, Bill came to Tucson with his parents, Walter and Charlene (Shafer), and Sister Judy in 1965. Bill achieved Master’s degrees in both Music (French Horn – Performance) and Physical Education. He… Read more »

Shaped by Tucson, Bringing Her Whole Self to the Rabbinate

Rabbi Kleinman

Growing up in Tucson, Alanna “Lonnie” Kleinman did not know any female rabbis or any religious leaders who identified as LGTBQ. Now Kleinman is joining a much more diverse rabbinate, one that more fully reflects the fullness of Jewish communities. On May 22, almost 50 years after Rabbi Sally… Read more »

Award Winning Care at Handmaker

This spring, Handmaker learned that they had received two Arizona Daily Star’s Reader’s Choice awards for 2021; one for Best Skilled Nursing/Rehab Facility and one for Best Continuing Care Retirement Community. As the community outreach coordinator at Handmaker for nearly seven years, this does not surprise me. My office… Read more »

Summer: Hillel’s Busiest Season?

Just what do the dedicated staff at University of Arizona Hillel do all summer? In some ways, it’s our busiest season. We hate it when the students are away, but we use every moment of the time to prepare for their return. This summer we’re particularly busy, with three… Read more »