Special Sections

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 »

THA 8th Graders Go to Israel!

After two consecutive years of having to cancel their trip to Israel due to Covid, Tucson Hebrew Academy (THA) has resumed the trip this year, and their 8th graders are having a blast! They arrived in Israel on Erev Yom HaZikaron (the eve of Israel’s Memorial Day) and joined… Read more »

My Single, Senior, Challenging, Meaningful Life

My birthday this year came and went with no bouquet of roses gifted to me by a special man and nary a sweet nothing whispered in my ear. It’s just not fair, I silently reproached the universe.  Why are there so many more women than men over 60 looking… Read more »

From their table to yours: Passover recipes from community members

Congregation Or Chadash 2017 Religious School Model Seder

Passover may look different this year, but it is still an essential time for us to come together with family and friends (whether in person or via Zoom) to share the story of our deliverance from Egypt. Four community members offer their favorite recipes to help flavor your Passover… Read more »

Moses & Passover (Cartoon)

When Moses led the Jewish People out of Egypt on the night of Passover, G-d had delivered them by a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm. He led them in the way they should go, and gave Moses the Torah, with the Ten Commandments, to set the Jewish… 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 »

Telemedicine pioneer Ronald Weinstein gets lifetime achievement award

  Ronald Weinstein, M.D., director of the national award-winning Arizona Telemedicine Program and a professor of pathology, was recognized with a lifetime achievement award by the Phoenix Business Journal at the 2020 Health Care Heroes virtual event Nov. 9. An international pioneer in the field of telemedicine, Weinstein founded… Read more »

With real-life travel curtailed, Tucsonan’s Jewish travel podcast is unique opportunity

A travel group (minus leader and photographer Tom Price) on tour in Fez, Morocco, once a major center of Jewish life. (Photo courtesy Tom Price)

International travelers seeking new and exciting experiences can depart today from Tucson, or anywhere, at no cost, with no passport, and with no travel restrictions. All that’s required is an Internet connection, a digital device, some curiosity, and one’s attention for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. “Around… Read more »

‘Taste of Tucson’ cookbook includes recipes from renowned local chefs

Local food columnist and photographer Jackie Alpers’ cookbook, “Taste of Tucson: Sonoran-Style Recipes Inspired by the Rich Culture of Southern Arizona,” is replete with recipes from well-known local chefs such as Suzana Davila of Café Poca Cosa and The Little One, and Carlotta Flores of El Charro Café. Published… Read more »

JDC Hanukkah candle-lightings on Facebook to connect Jews worldwide

As a way to connect Jews during the pandemic’s second wave, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee will unite on Facebook with different Jewish communities worldwide through a Hanukkah candle-lighting video each night of the holiday at 5 p.m. EST. The holiday begins on the night of Dec. 10.… Read more »

Drive-in Hanukkah events are planned around the Tucson metro area

Updated 12.7: The Dec. 13 concert planned by Congregation Or Chadash, Temple Emanu-El and the Tucson Jewish Community Center has been canceled. An email from Temple Emanu-el read, in part, “Due to the rise in Covid cases in Pima County, and new county restrictions for gatherings, we have made… Read more »

Surprise package adds to CHAI Circle 16th annual retreat, held online

Members of CHAI Circle, a support group facilitated by Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona for women in the Jewish community with a history of cancer, received a surprise self-care package as part of the group's 16th annual retreat, held via Zoom on Nov. 8. (Photo courtesy Jewish Family & Children's Services of Southern Arizona)

CHAI Circle held its 16th annual retreat, “A Day of Connecting and Self-Care,” on Sunday, Nov. 8 through Zoom, with 33 participants.  With CHAI  standing for “Cancer, Healing, and Inspiration,” the circle is a support group for women with cancer in the Jewish community, whether they are newly diagnosed… Read more »

High Holiday profiles: Local environmentalists’ passion stems from Jewish roots, family

A view of the Arizona Desert Laboratory from atop Tumamoc Hill, with the sprawl of Tucson beyond it. (Photo Paul Mirocha)

The year 2020 has brought us face-to-face with many significant obstacles, from the global coronavirus pandemic to issues of racial injustice. Among the challenges that we are confronting is climate change, which forces us to ask ourselves, “How will we leave the environment for future generations?” In time for… Read more »