“For everything there is a season, and a time for every experience under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die... a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…” —Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
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Birth
Baby Naming
Brit Milah
Shalom Baby
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Youth
Consecration
B’nei Mitzvah
Confirmation
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Adults
Wedding
Conversion
Jewish Lifelong Learning
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End of Life
Cemetery/Funerals
Chevra Kadisha
Yahrzeits
Birth
Baby Naming
Jewish babies are given Hebrew names shortly after they are born. A brief ceremony is performed, which often includes friends and family members of the new baby. If you want to schedule a baby naming ceremony, please complete our form.
Brit Milah
We are happy to connect you with resources for your child’s brit milah (circumcision & naming ceremony). Contact us to speak one of our clergy.
Shalom Baby
Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona presents Shalom Baby, which celebrates the birth or adoption of new babies and welcomes them to the Jewish Community by delivering a Shalom Baby box. If you, or someone you know, has birthed or adopted a baby within the past six months, Shalom Baby would like to welcome them to Tucson’s Jewish community. Let us know about your bundle of joy, and we will get your information to JPSA.
Youth
Consecration
The beginning of a child’s Jewish education is a celebration for our community. On every Simchat Torah, the congregation gathers to celebrate the Torah reading cycle and acknowledge our children’s entry into formal Jewish education. At Kol Ami, this occurs when students enter 3rd Grade and begin Hebrew School.
B’nei Mitzvah
At Kol Ami, the B’nei Mitzvah process starts in the Kol Ami Religious School (or prior in the Strauss Early Childhood Education Center). The process accelerates in middle school through meetings with our clergy team. During the months before the Bar, Bat, or B Mitzvah, our clergy is committed to devoting time to each student. Students will learn the Torah, Haftarah, and the significance of becoming a B’nei Mitzvah. After months of effort, students will conduct a beautiful Shabbat morning ceremony. More information can be found on the Religious School page.
Confirmation
Our students reaffirm their commitment to Judaism and the Jewish community in their tenth-grade year. Once a week, confirmation students meet with our clergy to discuss their Jewish identity, the role Judaism plays in their lives, Jewish views on hot topics, God, and spirituality.
Adults
Conversion
Are you interested in exploring Judaism? Our Rabbi offers counseling with our Introduction to Judaism class. The class is offered to anyone interested in conversion or learning more about Judaism.
Wedding
Weddings are wonderful simchas (joyous occasions), and the Rabbi delights in working with couples. We can help couples understand and plan everything in the ceremony, from the ketubah (the marriage document) to the chuppah (the marriage canopy), to the prayers and vows, and the glass breaking at the end. Weddings can be scheduled at Kol Ami or any other appropriate venue in town on days other than Shabbat, High Holy Days, or other significant days on the Jewish calendar.
Jewish Lifelong Learning
The Jewish Lifelong Learning program provides vibrant and meaningful learning experiences to meet the community's diverse needs. Classes are open to everyone with an interest in learning. Information and class listings can be found on the JLL page.
End of Life
Cemetery
Kol Ami’s has sections in two local cemeteries. If you are interested in purchasing a plot, contact us.
Funerals
Kol Ami is a caring community dedicated to supporting one another. As the end of life draws near, our clergy are available to guide, provide support, and be with those dying and their loved ones. Our clergy are available to officiate funerals, shiva minyans, memorial services, and unveilings. If you have had a recent death in the family, don't hesitate to contact the office, and we will have the clergy reach out to you as quickly as possible.
Chevra Kadisha
Volunteers are requested for the sacred work of tahara, the ritual washing of the bodies after death. If you are interested in fulfilling this sacred task, please contact the Sacred Living Committee or our clergy team. To learn more about this sacred process, read Chevra Kadisha, or Jewish Burial Society.
Yahrzeits
Kaddish can be recited on the Yahrzeit (anniversary of death) of your loved one at Shabbat services. Yahrzeit reminders will be sent to members before the specific Shabbat when the yahrzeit is observed.
