Shavua Tov
One of the great leaders of our people, David Ben-Gurion, championed a principle called Mamlachtiut the idea that our national interest must rise above individual and partisan divides. It teaches us that while debate and difference are part of Jewish life, our shared responsibility for the future of our people must always come first.
Here at the Tucson J, we live Mamlachtiut in deeply local and profoundly meaningful ways. When donors, board members, volunteers, and staff come together, we are demonstrating that Jewish community isn’t built by one voice or one institution it is built in partnership.
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, of blessed memory, reminded us:
“We are united not because we are the same, but because we share the same story and the same responsibility.”
Every day at the J, we choose that responsibility:
* When a child learns their first Hebrew song in our Early Childhood Department
* When hundreds gather for programs that celebrate Jewish joy, culture, learning, and connection
* When we stand together in support of Israel and Jews around the world
These moments are not isolated. They are stitched together to form the fabric of a strong and vibrant Jewish future one we build with and for each other.
Our sacred work is bigger than any single agenda or role. It is about belonging. It is about dignity. It is about one community, united in purpose, holding tight to hope, and shaping the future we all deserve.
As Pete Seeger once sang in the timeless American folk anthem If I had a Hammer:
“It’s the hammer of justice,
It’s the bell of freedom,
It’s the song about love between my brothers and my sisters,
All over this land.”
This is what partnership looks like justice, freedom, and love made real.
And in the words of the beloved Hebrew song Hinei Ma Tov :
Hineh ma tov u’ma na’im, shevet achim gam yachad
How good and pleasant it is when we dwell together as one.
As we look ahead to another year of vision, action, and impact, may we continue to lead with the spirit of Mamlachtiut placing our collective future above all divides and may the work of our hands bring strength, joy, and blessing to the entire Jewish people.
Thank you for your service, your generosity, and your steadfast faith in what we can achieve together.
With gratitude and in partnership,
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
