Shavua Tov
We just celebrated Tu B’Av, the Jewish holiday often called our “Day of Love.” In ancient times, Tu B’Av was a day of joy, matchmaking, and new beginnings — a celebration of the connections that sustain us. At the Tucson J, we strive to create that same atmosphere every day: a place filled with happiness, love, and gratitude, where people come together to build community and share in life’s milestones.
In the spirit of Tu B’Av, I want to express my deep affection and appreciation for this remarkable community. Over the past months, you have stepped up in extraordinary ways to ensure that we could host an incredibly successful JCC Maccabi Games and Access. You welcomed delegations from across North America, Israel, Ukraine, and Moldova with open hearts and open homes. You volunteered, you cheered, you gave — of your time, resources, and spirit.
As the town square of our community, the Tucson J is a place where everyone belongs and some people join. The town square is a place you can get to from anywhere — and a place from which you can go anywhere. It is where friendships form, dreams take root, and our shared Jewish future is strengthened.
Our sages teach:
“Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh” — All of Israel is responsible for one another.(Talmud, Shevuot 39a)
This is the heart of Tu B’Av and the spirit of the Maccabi Games — showing up for one another with love, kindness, and commitment.
As I reflect on these past weeks, two songs come to mind. From Broadway, You’ll Never Walk Alone from Carousel, with its promise that when we walk together, hope and courage light the way. And from our Jewish songbook, Erev Shel Shoshanim(Evening of Roses), whose words speak of beauty, love, and the hope that what is planted together will blossom for years to come — just like the seeds of friendship, unity, and Jewish pride we’ve nurtured here.
Our joy and love will be full once again when our hostages are home, when those who are alive can begin healing, and when those who are not can be laid to rest with the dignity of a proper burial.
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
