News - Chabad Lubavitch of Tucson

Matzah for the Mayor

Friday, March 22, 2013 - 3:36 PM

Chabad rabbis have presented Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild with hand-made Shmura Matzah for Passover which begins Monday night, March 25.

Meeting at City Hall on Thursday, the rabbis updated the Mayor about their holiday plans to help Jews in Southern Arizona celebrate the holiday of freedom.

(Learn more about Shmura Matzah here)

Rabbi Yossie Shemtov and Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin of Chabad of Tucson are expecting some 150 people at their communal seder, held at Cong. Young Israel.

Rabbi Yossi Winner of Chabad at the University of Arizona will be hosting Jewish students on campus on both nights of Passover.

Rabbi Ephraim Zimmerman of the new branch - Chabad of Oro Valley will be holding his first public seder a the Hilton El Conquistador.

And Rabbi Rami Bigelman of Chabad on River Road, who was not present, will be hosting a seder as well.

Mayor Rothschild thanked the rabbis for their visit and for sharing with him some Torah thoughts about freedom and liberty.

President Proclaims Education Day

Friday, March 22, 2013 - 2:44 PM

U.S. President Barack Obama signed a proclamation declaring March 22, 2013 – the 111th anniversary of the birth of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson – Education and Sharing Day, USA.

Issued while he was making his first trip to Israel as president, the proclamation stated that the day "recalls the memory of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who taught generations of young men and women the importance of education and good character."

The president continued that the Rebbe's work "strengthened ties between people around the world, and his legacy continues to inspire the service, charity, and goodwill he championed in life."

"As we reflect on the example he and so many others have set," he wrote, "let each of us strive to better realize the values we share."

Emphasizing the importance of education to American society, the president said that: "We also know that learning does not stop when students leave the classroom. Whether at the dinner table or on the field, it is our task as parents, teachers, and mentors to make sure our children grow up practicing the values we preach."

Rabbi Yossie Shemtov, Regional Director of Chabad of Tucson, has noted that the Rebbe saw Education Day U.S.A. as a chance to shine the spotlight on an area that deserves more of our time and resources: Education."

"By education he didn't not merely mean the acquisition of knowledge or career training, but to the building of character, with an emphasis on moral and ethical values," Rabbi Shemtov said.

+ The full Proclamation

+ History of Education Day

Blogger will be Passover guest

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 - 11:36 PM

Blogger and photographer Sheva Givre is returning to her native city of Tucson to present a personal perspective on the holiday of Passover and its message of freedom.

The University of Arizona alum will be the guest speaker at Chabad of Tucson's community seder on the first night of Passover on Monday, March 25 at Cong. Young Israel.

A survivor of leukemia, Givre has her fair share of challenges. After a lengthy wait, she finally gave birth to three children - one of which has Down syndrome.

Her upbeat outlook on life, which she openly showcases on her blog My Shtub, has been an inspiration for many in the Orthodox Jewish community in Baltimore, MD, where she lives with her husband and children.

"When I had my daughter and when i was diagnosed with the big "C" I decided I was going to share my struggles, joys and fears. Why do it alone when there is an entire community willing to do be there with you every step of the way?"

Her message to fellow parents is "stop sweating the small stuff" and "have fun." "Just enjoy your kids, play with them and listen to them! They are amazing little people living under the same roof, enjoy them!"

At the seder in Tucson, Givre will be speaking about conquering adversity and overcoming personal challenges. "Passover is as much about breaking out of our boundaries and concerns as it is about our freedom from Egypt."

Leading the seder will be Rabbi Yossie Shemtov and Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin. All ages are welcome, regardless of affiliation or background.

The traditional yet casual evening will be complete with hand-baked Matzah, 4 cups of wine, songs and a delicious 4-course dinner in a warm atmosphere.

Adults, $36; children, $15. RSVP at 881-7956 or at www.ChabadTucson.com/rsvp

Additional seders by Chabad in Southern Arizona will be held for students at Chabad at the University of Arizona and for Northwest residents by Chabad of Oro Valley.