Shavua Tov
At the Tucson J, we often say that we are more than a building we are a community in motion, constantly learning, growing, and adapting together. In Jewish tradition, this is not simply a value; it is a mindset. The Rabbis call it Gishat Tzmicha, a growth mindset, the belief that every person and every community can learn, stretch, and become something greater than we were yesterday. We are stronger when we are together and have one another to lean on. This is said beautifully in the song Lean on Me by Bill Withers, it contains a message of interdependence and relational growth.
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l taught that:
“The world we build tomorrow is born in the stories we tell our children today.”
Embedded in that teaching is a profound truth: growth does not happen alone. It happens in relationship. It happens when we are willing to meet one another with curiosity, humility, and generosity of spirit.
This is why the Jewish community has always placed such extraordinary value on gathering, partnering, and learning across difference. The JCC Association Statement of Principles reminds us that the interaction between diverse groups of Jews is not optional it is critical for the well-being and vitality of the Jewish people. When we encounter one another across backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and practices, we discover not only who we are, but who we might yet become.
At the Tucson J, we try to live this every day.
• When a preschool parent volunteers their very valuable time
• When our teens gather with peers from across the globe at the JCC Maccabi Games® + Access
• When members celebrate Shabbat, play pickleball, create art, or simply sit together over coffee
We practice peoplehood.
We build bridges.
We grow community.
And we do so with a spirit of optimism and hope.
In the Sondheim masterpiece No One is Alone the Jewish value of Areivut, shared responsibility is highlighted, it underscores interdependence and communal strength.
Jewish tradition teaches that every encounter can be sacred, every relationship can be a catalyst for growth, and every person is a potential teacher. This is the heart of our mission at the Tucson J, to inspire Jewish life, strengthen Jewish community, and create space where all of us can grow, together.
As we move forward, let us embrace a growth mindset not only as individuals, but as a community. Let us meet one another with openness. Let us choose curiosity over certainty, belonging over division, and hope over fear.
Enjoy this beautiful modern Israel song Shevat Achim Va’achayot, celebrating units, difference and shared responsibility.
Together we can continue to build a Tucson J, and a Jewish community, that is vibrant, resilient, and filled with possibility.
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
