Adar was a busy month at Tucson Hebrew Academy (THA)! THA, together with the JCC and Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA) collected food for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona in the Chai (18) days leading to Purim! Mishloach Manot : משלוח מנות , also called a Purim basket, is a… Read more »
Purim is a Jewish holiday that is all about fun, celebration, a good story and of course, hamantashen! Handmaker residents got plenty of all of that this year. The celebrations began the Tuesday before Purim, when a bus loaded with the Tucson Hebrew Academy (THA) 8th grade class arrived… Read more »
Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona (JFCS) will present a free Zoom workshop, “Love Should Not Hurt: Teen Dating Abuse 101,” On Tuesday, March 29th, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Teen dating violence can be physical, emotional, or sexual. Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing, possessiveness,… Read more »
The Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA) is pleased to announce Together in Jewish Learning on Tuesday, April 5th at the J and via Zoom, with keynote speaker Aaron Henne. Henne is the Artistic Director of theater dybbuk, an arts and education organization whose work illuminates universal human experience… Read more »
Dr. Jill Ellen Rosenzweig passed away suddenly on March 19, 2022. Jill was born in Boston, MA and grew up in Waban, MA. She attended Simmons College for her B.A., New York Teachers College for her M.A., and the University of Arizona for her PhD in special education. Jill… Read more »
Ellison Lily Teitel was born February 24 to Rachel and Jonathan Teitel in Jersey City, New Jersey. Her grandparents are Lee and the late Earl Surwit of Tucson, and Michael Teitel of New York City.… Read more »
After more than two years of planning and collaboration, the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona (JFSA) and the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona (JCF) have integrated into a single operating entity. The new organization shall be known as the Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA). “As JPSA, we… Read more »
Lori Shepherd After an extensive and rigorous search, the Board of Directors of the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center is pleased to announce that Lori Shepherd has accepted the position of Executive Director, effective March 16, 2022. Lori is the former Executive Director of the El Paso Holocaust Museum &… Read more »
Angela Salmon has been leading seniors on adventures in the Tucson community for more than ten years with the Handmaker Adventure Bus program. This innovative program is designed for people experiencing the early stages of diminished memory capacity, and as a respite option for caregivers. Bi-weekly social and cultural… Read more »
Tucson Hebrew Academy (THA) launched a schoolwide “Stop and Read” or STAR program on February 14th, which will allow the entire school to read together once a week. Students are reading a book of their choice in their homeroom classrooms for 15 minutes on Fridays before heading to Kabbalat… Read more »
When I arrived at UArizona Hillel in July, I knew that the students, staff, board, and community were excited to meet me. Part of welcoming any new leader is understanding her vision. But at the same time that folks are excited for change, pace-of-change is a critical consideration and… Read more »
The Tucson chapter of the Brandeis National Committee is celebrating their 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Book & Author Event on March 3. The festivities begin at 9:30 am at Skyline Country Club. The program will feature four best-selling authors: Frank Figliuzzi served with the FBI for 25 years, rising… Read more »
Harold B. Shapiro, the oldest son of Janis (Bramson) and Hyman B. Shapiro, was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Jan 8, 1936, and died on Feb 3, 2022, at the age of 86. A member of the Jewish War Veterans, having served in the U.S. Marines during the… Read more »
In honor of Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month this February, the Tucson Jewish Community Center (JCC) will introduce the Eight Guiding Principles of Inclusion through an interactive exhibit housed throughout the J. The exhibit begins Feb. 20 and is on display through the end of the month.… Read more »
Sally Duchin, age 88, of Tucson, Arizona passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. “I’ll remember Sally as a tremendous force for good, and I’ll always admire her for her deep commitment to Jewish education,” said Ed Wright, the Director of the Arizona Center for Judaic Studies. “She and… Read more »
Ivy Chava Preble-Gaitz was born Jan. 16, 2022, to Ryan and Celia Preble-Gaitz of Tucson. Her grandparents are Ronald and Mayra Gaitz (Houston), Kathleen Bryerton (Tucson), and John Preble (Tucson). Ivy joins her big sister, Sage.… Read more »
Dr. Michael and Rachael Fleischman of Troy, Michigan welcomed Jacob William Fleischman on Jan. 14, 2022. He is the little brother to Alaina and Jameson. The proud Gaga is Shelley Heyman, Tucson, AZ.… Read more »
On Friday, January 14, Tucson Hebrew Academy (THA) students celebrated both MLK Day and Tu B’Shvat (which were both on Monday, January 17th this year) with a morning of volunteering and celebrating at Felicia’s Farm. Students started the day with prayer and learned about Felicia’s Farm. Upon arrival, each… Read more »
Welcome to the world, Talia Ellie Sharpe, born January 25, 2022, in Tucson, AZ. Talia was born to Lexy and Jeremy Sharpe. Talia’s grandparents are Neal and Felice Brooks, and Robert (Bobby) Z”L and Deborah Sharpe. She joins her big brother, Robbie.… Read more »
The recent commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day gave us the opportunity to remember the 6 million Jews and millions of others murdered by the Nazis and to reaffirm our commitment to education, community building, and advocacy. Once again, we declared, “Never again!” What You Do Matters: Lessons from… Read more »
