At the Federation and Foundation, a very busy summer is transforming itself into an even busier fall. From ongoing pandemic relief efforts, to continued progress with our community visioning process, to a re-imagining of events in a socially distanced landscape, our team is energized and prepared for the new, the next, and the now.

Your support for the Federation and your legacy plans with the Foundation make possible these efforts and the critical support we provide for each Jewish agency and countless individuals and families in need in Southern Arizona and around the world.

As we approach the Jewish High Holidays at a time that will be remarkably different from many years before, we are afforded the opportunity to find the silver lining therein. I hope you will take a moment to choose, with intention, a new tradition that you will initiate this year and carry forward for years to come. Together, we can create new sacred practices, celebrate our longstanding traditions, and play an active role in creating the "next normal" that will carry our community forward.
Grants to Support Individuals and Families Impacted by Coronavirus Pandemic
  • $20,000 to Jewish Family & Children's Services for the most vulnerable populations. This is the second grant provided to JFCS.

  • $5,000 to purchase personal protective equipment for the Tohono O'odham Nation. We have provided 2,000 fabric masks for both adults and children and 400 bottles of hand sanitizer.
Investments in Local Jewish Agencies
Federation staff member Ari Slater provides PPE to Jewish History Museum Executive Director Sol Davis
In addition to the funds dedicated to providing starter packages of personal protective equipment for each agency, over $70,000 has been recently approved to support the needs associated with safely re-opening our Jewish community agencies.

To assist with the impacts of COVID-19 on Jewish community facilities and programs, our Pandemic Relief Fund has set aside funds for each agency, and Federation and Foundation are working through the agency executives to distribute those funds as each approaches re-opening.
Feedback from Recipients of Aid Provided by Jewish Family & Children's Services, Sponsored by the Jewish Community Pandemic Relief Fund

Anonymous Thank You 1:
"I am a credentialed Behavioral Health Specialist who experienced housing instability as the result of serious illness/order of protection from stalking in another state . I am now residing in a local homeless shelter. I have severe food allergies and my EBT quickly goes to Kosher, organic foods that help my body to heal. Denise and Kathy provide food assistance including delivering some hygiene supplies as we are limited at the shelter. They both have been so compassionate and thoughtful. My former therapist, Ashley, was extremely instrumental in helping me navigate PTSD and panic symptoms which have increased in the shelter.

Since the moment I walked into [Jewish Family & Children's Services] pre-COVID-19, and did my intake...I have been treated with respect, dignity and the highest level of customer service I've ever seen from a similarly situated agency.

(As a former mid management and direct service provider in multiple states, I set the bar very high.) As a person of color it is healing on yet another level to be treated so impeccably.

Thank you and all your staff for providing life changing and highly impactful services during this unprecedented crisis."

Anonymous Thank You 2:
"How can I really thank you all? I have come to you for various types of help through the past many years.

I don't know how I would have made it without your love and support!

Debbie, Sophie, Denise, and Kathy have all gone out of their way to check on me and help me out! When there is no family within 2,000+ miles - the support you have provided me with is priceless! I never thought I'd be in this position so everything you've done is beyond appreciated!"
TONIGHT JCF's COVID in Our Community Series: The Housing and Eviction Crisis
With the continuing pandemic, housing insecurity is rapidly growing and becoming a local and national crisis. The eviction rate is predicted to skyrocket and the ripple effect of losing housing will affect all areas of people’s lives. Local organizations are working diligently on mitigating this impending crisis. In this changing climate, learn from the experts on the ground on what we can expect, what effective prevention looks like, and the best practices we can follow to support their work and make an impact now.
*This event is for Foundation fund holders only. Our regular fund holders' forums help donors become more informed, thoughtful philanthropists. Learn more about our strategic giving tools by contacting our team at (520) 577-0388.
This year, we will all experience the High Holidays, a Jewish time of reflection and re-orientation, in an entirely new way. Whether at synagogue or in our own quiet moments, each year we make time to examine the year that was, and thoughtfully consider who we want to be in the year ahead. Although the world around us and our practices for the High Holidays have evolved from generation to generation, the underlying ritual of reflection, repentance, and renewal, remains. In this unusual pandemic year, we will still find a way to center ourselves and return to a place of focus, strength, and wholeness -- even if we can't physically sit alongside our community in solidarity as we look inwardly. The experience of the High Holidays is different, but the "feel"can be preserved in the innovative offerings from various synagogues and Jewish organizations. Consider this year the unique opportunities that exist around us, as many shift their practices online, the ability to try, "taste," or consider an experience you might not have had access to before, or to sample several distinct experiences which may propel your journey meaningfully.

If you would like to participate in High Holiday offerings in Southern Arizona, please review this New Year's Message from Tucson's Congregations and the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona that was sent out earlier this week via email.

If you are interested in other well-known High Holiday offerings from around the country, here are three that you may want to explore:

  1. IKAR's High Holy Days: Tune into the online services from IKAR Los Angeles, a diverse, dynamic, welcoming holy community.
  2. Central Synagogues' Live Stream: Experience the High Holidays online with Central synagogue in New York City, an inclusive congregation that has become completely virtual in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  3. B'nai Jeshrun's Waze to the Light: Take a spiritual approach with B'nai Jeshrun in New York City, a joyful, musical, loving community.