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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
The only thing more bitter than the cacao, was the sting of defeat after the judges’ final ruling. In a dazzling display of teamwork and efficiency under pressure, several teams of four students each took on the challenge of preparing a three-course meal, while racing the clock, in the… Read more »
The Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, also known as the Days of Awe, combine the ancient themes of repentance and renewal with the highest attendance most synagogues see all year. For rabbis, this makes writing High Holiday sermons a weighty task, and this year… Read more »
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 »
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 »
One of the most incredible things about the Tucson J is that it does not stand out here in the Sonoran Desert alone – it is part of global network of community centers united in shared mission and vision, each of them serving the unique needs of their local… Read more »
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 »
It’s a special day when a THA Lion returns to campus to further our school mission of providing an exceptional educational experience in an inclusive environment steeped in Jewish values. The journey from student to faculty member truly exemplifies the lifelong impact of a THA education. It is with… Read more »
Nolan Richard Levy was born August 25 in Denver to Alli and Nathan Levy. Nolan’s grandparents are Helaine and Yoram Levy of Tucson, and Mary and Richard Stover of Denver.… Read more »
“There is a dire and urgent need to get as many hostages out of Gaza as swiftly as humanly possible,” says Avi Mayer, a top pro-Israel commentator. “The majority of Israelis feel at this point there is almost no cost too high to bring back those hostages who are… Read more »
Jewish women across America have long embraced mah jongg, the Chinese tile game, and the Southern Arizona Jewish community is no exception. Joseph Babcock, a businessman who traveled to China after World War I, introduced mah jongg to the U.S. in the 1920s and it quickly became a fad.… Read more »
As anti-Israel protests heat up again on college campuses across the U.S., Jewish groups at the University of Arizona are focused on helping students take pride in their Jewish identities. Classes began at the UA on Aug. 26, and the first week of the semester was peaceful. “The administration… Read more »
A son, Judah Levi Langert, was born August 9, 2024, to Sarah Langert in Phoenix. His grandparents are Richard and Peggy Langert of Tucson.… Read more »
At the Tucson J, we believe a strong community is made of people who are deeply connected to each other, inspired to lead Jewish lives of meaning for themselves, and have the tools to lead them. Arts, culture, and community programming is intentionally designed to be both mirrors and… Read more »
