From the Desk of Michael Gadarian | Chief Financial Officer
As we begin a new school year at the Tucson J, I read and reflected on this week’s Torah portion, Re’eh, from Deuteronomy, which begins with the words, “See, I set before you today blessing and curse.” While this passage speaks of choices, it also reminds us that every new beginning offers an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the values that define who we are.
Like many in our community, I have a long history with the Tucson J. I spent countless hours here growing up, especially on the basketball court. One of my earliest memories after having to hang up my sneakers came years later, when I returned to the J while living on the East Coast in my mid-twenties.
In 2007, my father was honored in our J’s Ballroom as Man of the Year by our community partners at the Jewish Community Foundation. During his remarks, he shared a lesson that has stayed with me ever since. He questioned why he was receiving the award because, to him, he was simply trying to do the right thing in his everyday work and life. There was not much to contemplate beyond that. You simply do what is right.
As I’ve reflected on those words over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how closely they align with the message of Re’eh. The Torah reminds us that we are presented with choices every day. Our hope is that we become people whose values are so deeply rooted that choosing kindness, integrity, responsibility, and compassion becomes second nature.
This week marks another exciting beginning for our J. Our youngest learners once again filled our Early Childhood Education classrooms, while many of our older children returned to school and came back each afternoon to our JCare after school program. There, familiar faces, caring staff, and meaningful experiences help make the Tucson J feel like home. Across our campus, a new season begins with fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and strengthen the connections that make our community so special.
As CFO, I often think about stewardship, not only of our financial resources, but of the trust that families place in us every day. The greatest investment we make is in our people and in the values we live together. Every welcoming smile, every encouraging word, and every act of kindness helps shape the culture of our J and the lives of those we serve.
May this new school year be filled with curiosity, friendship, growth, and joy. And may this Shabbat inspire all of us to continue choosing the path that strengthens our community; not because it is the easiest choice, but because it is simply the right one.
How we care for ourselves, how we care for others, and how we contribute to the world around us reflect the kind of people and community we want to be. Every day, people choose to show up at the Tucson J to nurture their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness; learn something new; and find joy and connection. We are proud to be a place where those choices make an impact on an individual level, and where personal responsibility can grow into collective responsibility. Just as importantly, the J chooses to show up—for our members, our families, our teens and children, and for the broader Tucson community. Our work is rooted in the belief that the choices we make together can help create a stronger, more connected Jewish community. This week, we’re excited to share a few of the ways our community is choosing to show up.
We welcomed Early Childhood Education and JCare kids back for another school year filled with fun, learning, and memories. ECE students explored their classrooms, ventured out around the J, and celebrated their first Shabbat in the ECE open space on brand new carpeting! In JCare, participants learned about the Jewish value of kehilla (community), decorated name tags and art portfolios that will be used throughout the year, baked chocolate chip cookies, and played ice breakers!
We recently began a new partnership with Intuitive Training and are thrilled to have kicked off two class series that support post-partum families during a time of life where it often feels hard to “show up” for yourself. Learn more about Stroller Strength and Like a Mother (including a free pop-up!) here.
In Sports + Recreation, we celebrated the “Squad Team” and “Aces” who took first and second place in our summer Co-ed Volleyball League championship game! There are more leagues, lessons, and clinics for both youth and adults throughout the fall—what will you choose to try?
All week long, nine Tucson J teens competed in the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games + Access, joining thousands of other Jewish teens in Toronto. Just like last year’s Games hosted here in Tucson, it was an unforgettable and truly meaningful experience. Our teens showed up with their best foot forward and we couldn’t be more proud! Check out the closing video here and stay tuned for an article about our amazing Maccabi teens coming soon!
As we move into Shabbat, may we take a moment to reflect on the choices we make, the responsibilities we share, and the kind of community we are building together. ShabbatShalom.
Reminders, Resources + Learning
Each week we share resources for more learning:
This week’s resources:
- The Politics of Freedom by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
- Seeds of Peace by Rachel Farbiarz (My Jewish Learning)
- Be Yourself by Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson (My Jewish Learning)
Last week’s resources:
- The Afterlife of Our Actions by Rabbi Dr. Eliezer B. Diamond z”l (Jewish Theological Seminary)
- The Divine Ownership Of Wealth by Jeffrey Dekro (My Jewish Learning)
Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.