From the Desk of Rabbi Norm Roman | Beth Shalom Temple Center of Green Valley ⋆ JCC Tucson

From the Desk of Rabbi Norm Roman | Beth Shalom Temple Center of Green Valley

May 29, 2026

From the Desk of Rabbi Norm Roman | Beth Shalom Temple Center of Green Valley

This week’s Torah portion, Nasso, teaches that hearing the Divine voice is not about where God is, rather whether or not we have positioned ourselves to listen—meaning, wisdom, and connection emerge when we make ourselves present and attentive. Our hope is that the Tucson J is a place where people can come to “tune in.”

The opening days of Camp J are filled with a different kind of noise: laughter, nervous introductions, Shabbat songs, and the energy of children discovering a new community and trying new things. But beneath all that activity lies something quieter and more lasting. Summer camp offers a powerful setting for the kind of listening we are taught about in Nasso. Removed from the routines of every day life, camp creates space for children to discover new strengths, build meaningful friendships, develop a deeper sense of belonging, and come closer to themselves and one another. As we welcomed over 350 campers to the J this week, we are proud to be a place where these discoveries unfold and honored to be part of it.

With Cass Johnson, Director of Camp + Youth, at the helm, this first week was full of time in the pool, theater with our new Shlichim (emissary) Yuval, pickleball, cooking, water games, a field trip to the zoo, an overnight at the J, a concert, Shabbat with Tyler and Zach on the guitar, and so much more. We are excited for the summer ahead and grateful for the community of parents who send their children to spend this important time with us!

With an emphasis on the commandments and the mitzvot that since ancient times have guided us as a people, this week’s double Torah portion, Behar-Bechukotai, brings us to the heart of sacred responsibility—toward the land, toward one another, and toward the values that sustain community. At the Tucson J, our work to enrich lives, build community, and foster Jewish connection is deeply rooted in these very principles. Just as Sinai represents a space where the sacred and the everyday converge, we strive to create a space where all people of all ages can find meaning, wellness, and a sense of belonging.

Over the last two weeks, Camp J staff have been busy in team training preparing for our biggest summer ever—with more kiddos and even more fun coming up Tuesday! Among many other activities, the team heard from a behavioral specialist Stephanie Buchler to ensure our campers have the most positive experience—big feelings and all, participated in a water safety training, and did plenty of team bonding. On Tuesday, campers met their counselors and connected with the kids they’ll be spending time with all summer and on Wednesday our DPS campers did the same! As we ramped up for Camp, JCare wound down with time in the PlaySpace and their last cooking project of the year — chocolate covered pretzel bark!

Off campus, Todd Rockoff, President + CEO traveled to Austin to speak at the farewell celebration honoring Rabbi Daniel Septimus for his years of leadership as President + CEO of Shalom Austin. As Rabbi Septimus transitions to become the JCC Association’s inaugural Executive Director of the Center of Jewish Peoplehood, the occasion was a reminder that the work of building Jewish community extends far beyond any one city or institution. We are proud to celebrate leaders who strengthen the bonds that connect Jewish communities across North America and wish Rabbi Septimus every success in this exciting new chapter.

From the joyful beginnings of summer camp to the relationships and stories that connect Jewish communities across North America, this week reminded us that belonging is built through presence, attention, and shared purpose. May we carry that spirit into Shabbat and the week ahead.