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Total Wellness at the J Podcast Episodes
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NEWSLETTERS
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From the Desk of Jennifer Lorch Selco | Sr. Director of Jewish Life + Engagement
Shavuah Tov 15 Tishrei 5787
From the Desk of Rachael Mitchell | Sr. Director of Marketing, Communications + PR
From the Desk of Zach Glicksman | Chief Operating Officer
From the Desk of Jennifer Lorch Selco | Sr. Director of Jewish Life + Engagement
J Stories
From the JCC Pool to the National Stage: Diego’s Special Olympics Journey
Q+A: Autumn Ball, Owner, Southwest Endurance Training
Growth + Progress at the J: Fall 2026 Development Update
J Stories | The Arroyo Family
J Stories | The Contento Family
J Stories | Marlene and Blaine
Mission Moments
Growth + Progress at the J: Fall 2026 Development Update
5 Ways to bring meaning and joy into the Jewish New Year
J Stories | The Arroyo Family
Wellness A to Z at the Tucson J
Rosh Hashanah Resources, Recipes, and Crafts from PJ Library of Southern Arizona
Supporting the Tucson J through Qualified Charitable Distribution
Fitness + Wellness
From the JCC Pool to the National Stage: Diego’s Special Olympics Journey
Q+A: Autumn Ball, Owner, Southwest Endurance Training
Q+A: Tess Ajax, Intuitive Training
Wellness A to Z at the Tucson J
Q+A: Sam Thomas + Dominique McBryde
Water Safety Tips from the Tucson J
Arts + Culture
Q+A: Artist Tracy Ann Holmes
Rosh Hashanah Resources, Recipes, and Crafts from PJ Library of Southern Arizona
Collage and Culture: Bringing Jewish Artist Alex Woz to Tucson
Celebrating Pride Month at the Tucson J
Q+A: Robert Feldman, Artist
Q+A: Colored Pencil Society of America District Chapter 212
Children + Youth
J Stories | The Arroyo Family
J Stories | The Contento Family
Q+A: Tess Ajax, Intuitive Training
How the Sheva Framework Shapes Early Childhood at the Tucson J
Rosh Hashanah Resources, Recipes, and Crafts from PJ Library of Southern Arizona
JCare afterschool program offers safe and fun afternoons for Tucson students
news articles
Storytelling event spotlights Tucson’s IDD community
Aug 26, 2026
Four Tucson storytellers with intellectual and developmental disabilities will share personal stories of bravery at a new public event.
Youth Group Scene Thriving in Tucson
Aug 26, 2026
Jewish youth groups foster a sense of belonging, giving teens a safe place to explore their identity through shared cultural traditions, social activities, and leadership opportunities.
Jewish Early Childhood Centers as a Gateway into Jewish Life
Aug 26, 2026
Jewish ECE can be a child’s first Jewish classroom, and this experience may very well just be a family’s first entry into Jewish community.
Tucson Arts Groups to get $621,000 in state arts funding
Aug 29, 2026
Arts funding included in state budget for fiscal year 2027.
AZPM and Tucson Spotlight present “In Our Words: Brave”
August 6, 2026
A collaborative storytelling effort to highlight the experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Sam thomas returns to tucson for 5th annual youth clinic
August 6, 2026
Former Arizona women’s basketball star Sam Thomas is returning to Tucson to host her annual youth basketball clinic.
How the Sheva Framework Shapes Early Childhood at the Tucson J
July 22, 2026
Throughout each day, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in the Tucson Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood Education program discover the world around them through play, curiosity, and connection…
ECE at Tucson J Promotes Kindergarten Readiness
June 23, 2026
For many families, the transition to kindergarten is both exciting and filled with questions about whether a child is truly ready for the next step…
Reflecting on the Greatest Athletic Achievement of the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games as We Look Ahead to the Summer Games
May 21, 2026
As we approach summer and I begin finalizing registrations and swag for the 2026 Team Tucson delegation…
Farewell from Southern Arizona’s Senior Community Shlicha
May 11, 2026
I’m sitting down to write my final communication as Southern Arizona’s senior community shlicha..
Centenarians share their secrets to a long life at annual event
May 1, 2026
The annual event, held at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, was a celebration of those born in 1926 and before.
‘All You Need is Love: A Tikkun Leil Shavuot Experience’ Communal Gathering Planned
April 20, 2026
Each year, as the holiday of Shavuot approaches, Jewish communities around the world prepare to revisit a defining moment…
10 Kids Camps to know about in Tucson this summer
April 1, 2026
From farm-to-table adventures to poolside play…
Helping children grow with confidence, curiosity, & joy
March 16, 2026
The Tucson J’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program was recently named the 2025 Best of Tucson’s Best Daycare…
What collective Jewish Leadership Looks Like
March 10, 2026
What does it look like when Jewish institutions actually lead together? At the Tucson JCC, it looks like synagogues bringing their congregations to the J for a community-wide Shabbat and diverse…
Partners Tucson: Building Community, One Conversation at a Time
February 23, 2026
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, of blessed memory, once wrote, “I believe that the challenge for our time is to open a series of windows so that the world can illuminate our…
Want to take inclusion from principle to practice? The JCC movement shows what’s possible
February 6, 2026
The Jewish community’s ability to build a vibrant and successful future depends directly on its commitment to inclusion….
Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. pays visit to Tucson Jewish community
February 1, 2026
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Dr. Michael Leiter visited the Tucson Jewish Community Center Sunday afternoon…
Virtual Screenings, Space Fiddlers and More at the Tucson J International Film Festival
January 9, 2026
In this slow post-holiday movie season, a film buff road trip may be in order. The Tucson J International Film Festival kicks off this week at the Tucson Jewish Community Center and other area venues, and continues through Sunday, January 18.
4 The Weekend: Fun in and around the Old Pueblo
January 8, 2026
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Old Pueblo? We have you covered with some exciting events happening around town.
Stories on Screen: The Tucson J International Film Festival returns for its 35th year with films, discussions and cultural events.
January 8, 2026
Ten days, 19 events and countless stories: It’s time for the 35th annual Tucson J International Film Festival.
Learning doesn’t stop on break; Tucson summer applications start to open
January 1, 2026
As students enjoy winter break, Tucson summer camp applications are opening now…
Jewish Film Festival to Feature Special Program and ‘A Lot of Jewish Joy’
December 22, 2025
The Tucson J International Film Festival began in 1991, making it one of the longest-running Jewish film festivals in the country.
Z3@Tucson Brings Community Together to Talk about Israel, Jewish Life, and Jewish Peoplehood
November 25, 2025
Tucson hosted its first Z3@ experience on November 2, bringing together community members to explore Israel, identity, and Jewish unity through a framework that emphasizes dialogue across religious and political lines.
Tennis program at Tucson JCC empowers children with autism through sport
November 16, 2025
A newly relaunched tennis clinic at the Tucson Jewish Community Center is serving up more than forehands and volleys — it’s building social connection, confidence, and motor skills for children with autism.
Holiday Happenings: Make sure these events are on your holiday calendars
November 13, 2025
Run or walk for fun along the Rillito River Path because the Tucson Jewish Community Center welcomes runners and walkers of all ages to participate in the Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run.
Tucson J’s Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run Celebrates its Ninth Year
October 21, 2025
For the ninth year, people of all ages and abilities are invited to hit the trail with the Tucson J, kicking off the season of light with movement and community for the annual Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run on Sunday, Dec. 7…
From recreation to renewal: The role of Z3 in the evolution of JCCs as centers for Jewish belonging
September 25, 2025
Jewish community centers have served as central pillars of Jewish life in North America for more than a century…
Tucson J will host Z3@Tucson: Building Our Shared Future
September 19, 2025
The Z3 Conference, an initiative of the Oshman Family JCC, brings Jews from across the political and religious spectrum together to explore Israel, Zionism, identity, and the future of Jewish life…
The Importance of Creativity for Older Adults in Southern Arizona
September 2025
“The arts allow people to experience abilities, not disabilities,” said Linda Travis, PsyD, director of Healthy Aging at the Tucson Jewish Community Center (the J). “And this is really the case for older adults.”
Q&A on Dealing with Members with Cognitive Issues
September 9, 2025
With one in five people being over 65 years of age in Tucson, Arizona, it’s essential health and wellness centers dedicate and focus on the needs of this population.
Tucson J gears up for an artful autumn
September 4, 2025
This fall, the Tucson Jewish Community Center, aka the Tucson J, will host a variety of special events to usher in the 2025-26 arts season.
Labor Day at the J! Jewish Community Center invites community to join the fun for free
September 1, 2025
For more than 10 years the Tucson Jewish Community Center (JCC) has been opening their doors to all community members for free on Labor Day.
On the stage, and beyond with theatre dybbuk at the Tucson J
August 26, 2025
The J is thrilled to be part of the rolling world premiere of theatre dybbuk’s “Dracula (Annotated).”
Foothills Jewish Community Center and TMC promote water safety
August 24, 2025
The Jewish Community Center and the Tucson Medical Center have teamed up to find fun ways to keep people safe while staying cool in the pool.
TMC, Tucson J Partner for Community Water Safety Day on Aug. 24
August 15, 2025
In recognition of Drowning Impact Awareness Month, Tucson Medical Center and the Tucson Jewish Community Center are partnering to host the annual Community Water Safety Day on Sunday, Aug. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m…
INTERVIEW: Josh Shenker – Tucson Jewish Community Center
August 8, 2025
Josh Shenker joined the show to recap the recent Macabbi Games, an Olympic-style event for Jewish teens that was held in Tucson for the first time in 25 years.
Former U of A star Sam Thomas hosts 4th annual youth basketball camp
August 10, 2025
Former Arizona Women’s Basketball star Sam Thomas returned to Tucson Sunday, inspiring young athletes at her 4th Annual Sam Thomas Hoop Group Camp…
Teenage sports news reporters capture Maccabi Games in the Foothills
August 4, 2025
This past week the Tucson Jewish Community Center in the Foothills was alive with the sounds of teenagers playing sports. There to capture the sights and sounds of the games were the Star Reporters who featured athletes at the JCC from all over the world.
Beyond Sports at the Maccabi Games: JCC Cares and Star Reporters
August 1, 2025
“JCC Cares” service projects have long been a cornerstone of the JCC Maccabi Games, reinforcing the value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), one of the six core Maccabi values.
Swimmers Dive Into Friendly Competition at Tucson JCC Maccabi Games
July 31, 2025
Maria E., a swimmer with Team Ukraine at the Tucson JCC Maccabi Games, cruised into first place in the girls 16-18 200-meter freestyle heat on Tuesday.
Maccabi Games Opening Ceremony a High-Energy Spectacle
July 30, 2025
Mariachis played in the lobby of the Tucson Convention Center arena Monday night, welcoming participants and spectators to the Opening Ceremony of the Tucson JCC Maccabi Games® & Access.
JCC Maccabi Games put Tucson on display, connects teens around the globe
July 30, 2025
Global connections are being formed, and in some cases renewed, as the JCC Maccabi Games — being hosted in Tucson — give local teen athletes the chance to meet new people from other American cities and countries abroad…
Jewish families host hundreds of teens from around the world for Maccabi Games
July 29, 2025
On Monday hundreds of teens and families were at the Tucson Convention Center for the Maccabi Games opening ceremony. The center was loud with applause for several teams from across the world.
JCC Maccabi Campus Games readies for tip-off
July 28, 2025
Athletes aren’t the only ones rushing toward the finish line. With just a week remaining until the start of the JCC Maccabi Campus Games, organizers are eagerly completing the final touches on what will be this year’s largest in-person Jewish youth sporting event worldwide.
2025 JCC Maccabi Games kick off with opening ceremony in Tucson
July 28, 2025
For the first time in 25 years, Tucson is hosting the JCC Maccabi Games.
It’s an Olympic-style competition for Jewish teens.
Jewish teen athletes converge in Tucson for Olympic-style games
July 28, 2025
Jewish teen athletes from the United States, Canada, Israel, Ukraine and Moldova have converged in the Old Pueblo to compete in Olympic-style events in baseball, basketball, co-ed flag football, soccer, volleyball, dance, golf, swimming and tennis…
Disabled teens, young adults compete in Tucson’s JCC Maccabi Games
July 27, 2025
The JCC Maccabi Games has made its way back to Tucson for the first time in 25 years…
JCC Games set to take place in Tucson and Pittsburgh
July 24, 2025
At a time when Jewish identity around the world—especially in the United States—has been challenged more than ever, the 43rd JCC Maccabi Games come at a very welcome time.
After Iran war forces Maccabiah delay, JCC Maccabi Games welcome teens from US delegation
July 23, 2025
Cooper Lee, a 14-year-old swimmer from San Francisco, was set to be one of the more than 500 Jewish American athletes to compete in the 22nd Maccabiah Games…
Kadimah BBG: My Heart And Home
July 23, 2025
When I arrived at Tucson’s Fall Kickoff in August 2024, I was terrified. I had just started 8th grade and was hoping to build my confidence and meet new people. I hadn’t experienced being part of a strong Jewish community since I moved to Tucson
Tucson Jewish Community Center hosting Olympic-style games, bringing together different countries
July 21, 2025
On Sunday July 27, the Tucson Jewish Community Center in the Foothills will kick off the Maccabi Games, a week-long sporting event that brings teens from around the globe together for a celebration of sports and culture.
‘Sculpt’ Event to Launch Tucson J Fine Art Gallery Season
July 21, 2025
To kick off the 2025-2026 Fine Art Gallery Season and celebrate the introduction of new works to the Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden, the Tucson J proudly presents Sculpt: Sculpting the Season, An Evening of Art, Intention & Renewal on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 4-6pm.
Tucson to host 2025 JCC Maccabi Games
July 7, 2025
TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – In a few weeks, Tucson will host the JCC Maccabi Games.
Hundreds of Jewish athletes will travel to the Old Pueblo to compete in the celebration of competition and community.
Tucson J hosts kids’ basketball clinic led by Phoenix Mercury star
June 25, 2025
The Tucson Jewish Community Center will host Sam Thomas, former University of Arizona (UA) women’s basketball and Phoenix Mercury star, for the 4th Annual Sam Thomas Hoop Group basketball clinic for children and teenagers on Sunday, August 10.
Tucson J Hosts 4th Annual Sam Thomas Hoop Group Basketball Clinic for Kids and Teens in August
June 23, 2025
The Tucson Jewish Community Center is proud to host former UA Women’s Basketball & Phoenix Mercury star, Sam Thomas, for the 4th Annual Sam Thomas Hoop Group basketball clinic for children and teenagers on Sunday, August 10.
Young Leaders, Handmaker Residents Bond as Volunteers ‘B’Yachad,’ Together
June 6, 2025
Volunteering is rejuvenating and “good for the soul,” said David DiCosola, one of 18 volunteers from Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona’s Young Leadership Division who joined Handmaker residents on Sunday, June 1, for a service and learning program.
SASO, Tucson JCC bringing ‘Ellis Island’ to stage
May 5, 2025
Tucson Jewish Community Center and Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra to perform Peter Boyer’s “Ellis Island: The Dream of America” this weekend…
A Salute to Tucson’s Centenarians as they ‘flip the script on aging’
May 2, 2025
This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” aimed to perpetuate a narrative that growing older is a positive in life—with these amazing 32 …
JCC Maccabi Games® Return – BizTUCSON
April 4, 2025
With an estimated $4 million-plus impact, the games are a boon for the region as the “Tucson J” marks 70 years…
The Tucson J Presents Peter Boyer’s “Ellis Island: The Dream of America” in Partnership with SASO
February 25, 2025
For the final event in the 2024-2025 Beth and Mike Kasser Patron of the Arts Signature Events Series, the Tucson J in partnership with Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra (SASO), is proud to present…
Tucson J’s Acclaimed Disabilities Program Rooted in Summer Camp Experiment
February 24, 2025
The Tucson Jewish Community Center’s Taglit day program for young adults with developmental disabilities is flourishing, with 41 participants…
Tucson to Host Major International Event
February 11, 2025
TUCSON, Ariz. – The Tucson Jewish Community Center is preparing to host the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games, an event anticipated to draw over 1,000 visitors and generate more than $4 million in economic impact for Southern Arizona. Seven organizations, including the Diamond Foundation and Rancho Sahuarita, have joined as presenting sponsors.
Day of Chesed Planned for Tucson Jewish Community
January 14, 2025
The Hebrew word “chesed” is often translated as “loving-kindness” or simply “goodness.” The Tucson Jewish community’s Day of Chesed on Jan. 20 will offer many ways to do good in our community…
A Jewish Perspective: Tucson J film festival works to educate
January 09, 2025
Often, film festivals aren’t just merely for entertainment. They are meant to educate and share experiences. In its 34th year, the Tucson J International Film Festival explores Jewish culture…
Post-Oct. 7 ‘Surge’ of Interest in Jewish Life Rings True in Tucson, AZ Jewish Post
December 18, 2024
Chip Rosenfeld says Oct. 7, 2023, was “a watershed moment” that inspired him to get more involved in Tucson’s Jewish community.
The Tucson J International Film Festival is Back for its 34th Year this January
December 17, 2024
The Tucson J International Film Festival starts on January 8, with in-person screenings and special events for select films through January 19.
Scam Alert: Advice for Older Adults on Keeping Money, Data Safe
December 11, 2024
“Even the smartest of us can get played,” says Levia Nahary. “Anyone can be deceived,” says Rabbi Dr. Bennett Blum. Both Nahary and Blum are talking about…
New Data Shows PJ Library in Southern Arizona Increases Jewish Family Engagement
November 26, 2024
Nineteen years ago, Harold Grinspoon started PJ Library by sending books to families raising Jewish children in Massachusetts with the goal of sharing…
The Z3 Conference Inspires Hope and Action as a Platform for Israel Engagement in Tucson
November 26, 2024
For ten years, the Z3 Project – which began at the Oshman Family JCC as a conference and has now grown to include Leadership Labs and a think tank – has…
Tucson’s 2025 JCC Maccabi Games ® Expected to Have Lasting Impact
November 18, 2024
Tucson’s 2025 JCC Maccabi Games ® Expected to Have Lasting Impact … Local teens proudly represent the Tucson delegation during opening…
The Tucson J is Proud to Bring Hen Mazzig to Tucson
November 8, 2024
On November 2, 2024, The New York Times released a front-page article, “A Whisperer to the Stars on the Middle East Conflict” by Nicole Sperling.
Tucson Teens Bring Home Medals from Detroit JCC Maccabi Games®
September 24, 2024
This summer, ten teen athletes from Tucson made their way to Detroit for an unforgettable week of competition at the JCC Maccabi Games®—an Olympic-style event that blends high-energy sports with…
Mah Jongg Still Clicks with Local Jewish Community
September 11, 2024
Jewish women across America have long embraced mah jongg, the Chinese tile game, and the Southern Arizona Jewish community is no exception.
The 2024-2025 Beth + Mike Kasser Patron of Arts Signature Series Kicks off in time for the New Year with “Return, with Saul Kaye: A Pre-Rosh Hashanah Concert” at the Tucson J
August 27, 2024
At the Tucson J, we believe a strong community is made of people who are deeply connected to each other, inspired to lead Jewish lives of meaning for themselves, and have the tools to lead them.
Community in Unity featuring Rabbi Sharon Brous
July 23, 2024
Jewish Family & Children’s Services and Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center are proud to present a very special event, Community in Unity featuring Rabbi Sharon Brous…
Master Gardener Lev Metz Helps Students, Community Cultivate Sonoran Desert
May 31, 2024
Growing up in Los Angeles, Lev Metz preferred hands-on activities such as building the family sukkah to sitting in synagogue.
Planning for the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games ® is “Warming Up”
May 22, 2024
The Tucson J is thrilled to officially announce Tucson as a host site for the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games ® — the world’s largest in-person Jewish youth sporting…
USA Swimming Foundation Awards $780,000 in 2024 Learn-to-Swim Grant Funding for Swim Lesson Providers
April 10, 2024
The USA Swimming Foundation, the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming, today announced its initial round of 2024 Learn-to-Swim Grant program funding.
Butterfly Trail Tour on Jan. 28 Invites Tucsonans to Choose Hope Over Hate
January 18, 2024
Remembrance and hope, in Hebrew zikaron v’tikvah, are the themes of the Butterfly Project, an international effort to teach social justice through the lessons of the Holocaust.
January 11, 2024