Classes & Series for Jews in Tucson, AZ

By the mid-80's it became apparent that Chofetz Chayim was drawing students from the extended community to its classes and programs. Rabbi Becker wanted the message to go out to the community that all Jews could attend classes regardless of affiliation. The Southwest Torah Institute was established as the umbrella for Jewish learning and educational programs, in affiliation with the Congregation, but open to all members of the Jewish community, regardless of synagogue membership.

Women's Programs

From the time of the Becker's Arrival in 1979, Esther Becker had served as the Rebbetzen of the Congregation assisting the Rabbi in all aspects of the growth of the Congregation, and worked simultaneously as a computer programmer / systems analyst. In 1997, Chofetz Chayim applied for a grant from both the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona and the Jewish Community Foundation to establish a fully operational, educational program geared specifically for women. With both grants approved, indicating solid community support for the idea, Esther decided to leave the world of computer programming and take on the leadership of this program.

Children's Programs

At Chofetz Chayim, children have the opportunity to study and develop a personal relationship with Rabbi and Esther Becker. This turns into a lifetime relationship because students who have studied with Rabbi, often remain in contact and look back fondly. As one student put it, "Studying with RIB and preparing for my Bar Mitzvah was the greatest times of my life."