Tucson J Program Guide Aug-Dec 2017 PG_Summer17_rev3aa | Page 18
Great Debates in Jewish History
Wednesdays
November 1 - December6
7 – 8:30 pm
Explore six of the biggest debates
that rocked the Jewish world in
a new six-week adult education
course from the Jewish Learning
Institute. Presented by Rabbi Yehuda
Ceitlin, we will learn how faith and reason were balanced,
whether Judaism was better practiced hidden or public, the
Chassidic movement and its opponents and more. Enroll at
ChabadTucson.com/GreatDebates. Price includes student
textbook.
$99 members and non-members
Jewish Heritage Center
Celebrate the Festival of Lights at The J!
December 12 – December 20, 5 pm
Each night during Hanukah, we will light the menorah,
sing songs, and enjoy a delicious pre-dinner Hanukkah treat
at the entrance to The J. All are welcome! Visit tucsonjcc.org
for specific times each night.
Free and open to the public
Main Entrance of The J
To Tell Our Stories: Holocaust Survivors of
Southern Arizona
Sunday, December 10, 11 am - Noon
Members of the Tucson community will share dramatic and
poignant accounts of their persecution at the hands of the
Nazis, and of perseverance and survival. Learn how the book
evolved, and how local schools are using the book in their
curriculum. Copies of the book will be available for purchase,
with proceeds to benefit the Holocaust Program at Jewish
Family & Children’s Services.
Free and open to the public
Jewish Heritage Center
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
FOR YOUNG ADULTS!
This fall the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona and The
Tucson J will collaborate to create programs that engage
community members ages 21 through 45. Please join us!
Fall Harvest Feast In the Sukkah
Monday, October 9, 6–8 pm
Iron Chef Latke Competition
Saturday, December 16, 6–9 pm
Additional details to follow. Contact Jennifer Selco or Barbara
Fenig with questions about other opportunities for young
adults to connect with one another.
18 | TUCSON J
UPCOMING JEWISH HOLIDAY
CELEBRATIONS
These snapshots provide basic information about each
upcoming holiday. Want more information?
Contact Jennifer Selco at [email protected]
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year celebrated in the
seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, Tishrei. Jews often eat
apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year. Rosh Hashanah
begins the ten day period known as the Yamim Noraim, the days
of awe. During this period, we reflect on ways that we have
missed the mark over the past year and aim to return to our best
selves. Wishing you and your family a Shanah Tovah U’Metukah, a
good and sweet new year!
Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement. The day is spent
reflecting on our mistakes over the past year and how we will
strive to do better in the New Year. On this day we do not eat or
drink and we are encouraged to help feed those less fortunate
than us. On a deeper level, Yom Kippur is an opportunity for us
to reconnect with ourselves and our communities.
Sukkot, the Festival of Booths, is the one Jewish holiday during
which we are commanded to be joyous. During Sukkot we
remember the wandering in the desert after leaving Egypt. We
also celebrate the fall agricultural harvest. Did you know that
Sukkot is one of three pilgrimage festivals, and in ancient days,
was one of the times when people made their way to Jerusalem?
Shemini Atzeret begins after the seventh day of Sukkot.
Traditionally, this is the day the Jews leave their sukkahs and
return to their homes. The holiday also marks the end of the
annual cycle of weekly Torah reading. Simchat Torah, taking
place the day after Shemini Atzeret in America marks the start
of the new annual Torah reading. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret
and Simchat Torah are celebrated on the same day.
Simchat Torah means “joy of Torah” and on this holiday we
celebrate the beginning of the Torah reading cycle. Simchat
Torah is also a celebration of Jewish learning. Oft