Shavua Tov
On this Labor Day weekend, I want to pause and honor the remarkable staff of the Tucson J—the women and men whose tireless work brings our mission to life every single day. In every classroom, at every program, in the wellness center and on the sports fields, in administration and operations—our J team works on behalf of this community with dedication, passion, and heart.
Labor Day in America is a celebration of workers, of the dignity of labor, and of the collective contributions that sustain our society. In Jewish tradition, work itself is sacred. The Torah commands, “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:9–10). The message is clear: work is not merely a necessity—it is a holy endeavor. We elevate the work of our hands when it is done in service of community, of one another, and of a higher purpose.
Our sages also remind us that no one person carries the burden of community alone: “A community is too heavy for anyone to carry alone” (Deuteronomy 1:10). The staff of the Tucson J, working alongside our board, donors, and volunteers, embody this teaching every day. Together, we create the “town square” of Jewish life in Southern Arizona—where everyone belongs, and some people join.
On this Labor Day weekend, we celebrate not just the idea of labor, but the sacred work of building community. To our staff: thank you. Your labor is holy, your commitment inspiring, and your impact immeasurable.
As we mark this moment, I am reminded of the Hebrew song Al Kol Eilah—which asks for blessing and protection over all that we build and sustain together—and the American folk anthem If I Had a Hammer by Peter, Paul, and Mary—which calls for justice, freedom, and love between our brothers and sisters. Both remind us that labor is not only about individual effort, but about standing together, side by side, to create a better world.
This Labor Day, may we honor those who labor on behalf of our community, may we uplift the dignity of work, and may we continue to carry our sacred tasks together.
Cochenu b’Achduteynu | כחינו באחדותינו | Our strength is in our unity.
Am Yisrael Chai | עם ישראל חי
Bring them Home Now I מחזירים אותם הביתה עכשיו
Todd Rockoff
President + CEO, Tucson J
