May marks the end of the school year for most kids in Arizona, but it shouldn’t mean a break from reading. Most libraries in the state offer summer reading programs to keep kids entertained and their brains engaged, so that their learning skills remain sharp, avoiding the dreaded “summer slide.” With more than 200 public…
ONGOING: Club J at the Valley of the Sun JCC Provides after-school programming ranging from sports to cooking and crafts to Israeli culture and more for those in K-8. Transportation from nearby schools available. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-634-4949 or [email protected], vosjcc.org. J Care at the East…
Story and photo by Leah Merrall For the average college student in the U.S., the years from age 18 to 22 are spent studying, partying and getting ready to join the workforce. For the average Israeli, age 18 means it’s time to join the Israel Defense Forces for mandatory army service. While the average American…
I arrived in Tucson on July 3, 1976, with nothing but a backpack, post-college dreams and a lot of sand in my shoes. The three months it took me to hitch-hike from Oberlin, OH to Tucson really took a beating on my hiking boots and the slim savings I had. My plan was simple: to…
Former United States Ambassador to Israel Dennis Ross addressed the history of the U.S. relationship with Israel and explored possible future trajectories in a lecture hosted by The Arizona Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Arizona on April 6. Ross spoke at the Jeffrey Plevan Memorial Lecture, endowed by Betsy and Ken Plevan…
As we head into summer, things slow down some for many of us—we take summer vacations or head to cooler climates. Even work tends to slow down a little. It is a time when we can all take a breath, enjoy our blessings and pause to take stock of where were are, rejuvenate and embrace…
May brings us commemorations and celebrations – Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Day of Remembrance), Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). Through May 17 Caretakers & Art Makers features the work of Barbara Brandel at the Tucson Jewsih Community Center, 3800 E River Road, Tucson. Barbara’s work reflects a life-long interest in…
YOM HASHOAH IN FLAGSTAFF A community gathering to remember and honor victims of the Holocaust will be held on Wednesday, May 4, at 7 pm at Coconino High School, 2801 N Izabel St., Flagstaff. The free event features survivors and their families, Arizona Mountain Chorale, Flagstaff Youth Chorale and Theatrikids. Sponsored by Heichal Baoranim, Jewish…
By Tracy Salkowitz Taking a trip to Israel as CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona is both challenging and invigorating. My most recent visit, organized by the Weintraub Israel Center earlier this year, was fabulous. I traveled with 43 other Tucsonans on the WIC’s first Israel Experience – Boarding Pass Trip to…
Sabras seem drawn to Arizona for the many opportunities our communities offer. When they talk about a warm, welcoming environment, they don’t just mean the summer heat. They bring with them that “start-up nation” mindset that Israel has become so well known for, and aren’t afraid to pursue new ventures of all kinds. Please meet…
