Whether through a swimming lesson, an art class, or simply a smile, each day the Tucson J staff brightens the lives of our members and guests. We are proud of the variety of skills and stories that our staff bring to their work, and celebrate this each week through our Facebook and Instagram “Staff Spotlight” series.
Continue reading on for a preview of our latest spotlights, and check out the full posts at all @tucsonjcc accounts!
Jennifer Greenberg | Jewish Culture + Curriculum Coordinator
Q: Tell us about your role here at the Tucson J!
A: Shalom! In my role, I educate children and staff about Jewish culture, including Jewish holidays, Hebrew language, Israel, and the Sheva Lenses. In addition, I oversee the Early Childhood Education curriculum, ensuring that our teachers uphold the high standards of our program and provide engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences for every child. My goal is to support both educators and students in creating a rich, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Q: Why is it important that our ECE program is guided by Jewish values?
A: Jewish values are central to our ECE program because children are the next generation (L’Dor V’Dor-generation to generation). By nurturing their identity, ethics, and compassion, we help them build strong communities and inspire them to care for future generations.
Q: What is your favorite Jewish holiday to celebrate in the classroom?
A: My favorite holiday tradition is celebrating Shabbat each week with all the classrooms. I love seeing the children joyfully sing, clap, and participate in the service, and hearing them greet one another with “Shabbat Shalom” throughout the J.
Q: What does community mean to you?
A: Community (Kehilah) is at the heart of our experience at the J’s ECE. Our community is warm, welcoming, and inclusive, and every individual plays an important role in creating a strong sense of belonging and connection.
