Holidays and Community

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

Throughout the year during Beit Midrash and on other days, religious school families can gather with the greater synagogue community to celebrate holidays and special Shabbat services. All major holiday events are kid friendly. Some highlights include: 

• “Tot to Ten and Beyond” Shabbat: Once a month join in for an early, rockin’ family Shabbat service. Open to all!
• Rosh Hashanah on Mt Lemmon and Tashlich at Ft. Lowell Park: Music filled and wonderful services under the trees followed by a picnic. Children’s music and crafts during the main service.
• Sukkot Under the Stars: A dairy veggie potluck in our sukkah.
• Simchat Torah: The Great Torah Unfurling: Celebrate the completion of our cycle of Torah readings and immediately begin the cycle again. Stand inside the scroll as we unroll an entire Sefer Torah!
• Rocking Purim: A joyous and zany Purim celebration and costume party.
• Passover at Mission Garden: A wonderful seder set in this beautiful Tucson treasure.

SOCIAL GATHERINGS and SOCIAL ACTION

Several times a year there are opportunities to gather with other families in greater Tucson. These events are intended to be casual and fun but do have intentional elements built in to help you get to know other families and make connections to everyday Jewish life of all flavors. Members are welcome also to suggest social gatherings as they feel inspired. Examples include: 

• Project Isaiah Jewish Community High Holy Day Food Drive to benefit Community Food Bank
• MLK Day volunteer project
• Butterfly Trail of Remembrance
• Havdalah on the Farm
• Fall apple picking for Rosh Hashanah

MUSSAR YOGA FOR ADULTS AND TEENS (During Beit Midrash)

Join our own Joey DeLaRosa for a relaxing and engaging class of Mussar Yoga. Joey leads an hour long class which ends in some discussion of the Mussar middot (traits of the soul) of the day. 

NEW (and OLD!) FAMILY CONNECTIONS

Sometimes it can feel intimidating to become part of a new community. Sometimes long-time families who haven’t been a part of synagogue activities in a while can also feel out of touch. We are here to meet you where you are and welcome you with warmth! We would love to take you to coffee and get to know you! Additionally, we can pair your family with another family of children of similar ages for connection and community. Contact the Education Director (education@chaverim.net) to connect. 

VOLUNTEERING

We happily welcome and encourage parent/guardian and grandparent volunteers to help with art activities and community events! Please contact the Education Coordinator (educationdirector@chaverim.net) for opportunities.