66 Ways to J

New season, new possibilities, endless community!

At the Tucson J, every day offers an opportunity to live your best life! With programs designed for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and a supportive community to cheer you on along the way, take a leap and see who you’ll become when you try something new or reconnect with something tried and true! With 10,000 community members and over 200 programs, the J is here for you. We made a list of 66 things to do at the J in 2026, what will you explore?

1. From yoga to strength + conditioning, try out a Group Fitness Class — 70 classes are offered every week! 
 

2. Attend an Arts, Culture, and Community special event like a lecture, concert, or panel discussion! 
 

3. Learn, play, and grow in our Early Childhood Education program for children 6-weeks through Pre-K. 
 

4. Enjoy private, semi-private, or group tennis or pickleball lessons for all ages or adult group clinics with our Sarver Tennis Center pros. 
 

5. Celebrate a loved one’s or your own special occasion through our facility rental offerings. 
 

6. Find connection and movement for yourself or loved one with early/mild stage of dementia in Movement/Arts Immersion Group Classes or Parkinson’s Exercise Wellness Program. 
 

7. Stroll through the Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden, one of the largest public sculpture gardens in Southern Arizona or check out the latest show in the Fine Art Gallery.  
 

8. Improve your swimming skills with 1:1 swim lessons for infants to adults. 
 

9. Learn a new language in a Spanish or Hebrew class. 
 

10. Utilize JPlay babysitting to get your workout in while your kids have fun in the J’s many kid-friendly spaces! 
 

11. Completely personalize your workout routine by working with one of our experienced personal trainers. 
 

12. Celebrate the Jewish holidays through meaningful family programming. 
 

13. For ages 3 and up, dive into sports and build fine motor skills in PeeWee Sports including gymnastics, tennis, pickleball, basketball, tee ball, soccer, and dance. 
 

14. Spark your creativity in an art class or workshop. 
 

15. Enjoy a delicious kosher meal at Cafe at the J. 
 

16. Spend the summer making memories at Summer Camp J or join us for Winter Camp for a fun-filled holiday break! 
 

17. Hit the basketball, tennis, or pickleball court for drop-in open play! 
 

18. Invite your friends to join you at the J with a Guest Pass. 
 

19. Learn more about socialization and wellbeing for aging individuals in Aging and Social Connections: Let’s Get Together and Talk! 
 

20. Take a spin class with one of our energetic instructors or enjoy a ride on your own in our cycling room. 
 

21. Make friends while you exercise in Masters Swim Club. 
 

22. Play the cross-cultural table game—Mah Jongg or play your cards in Canasta.  
 

23. Find belonging at a JPride event. 
 

24. Serve a lob or drive on the racquet ball court. 
 

25. Catch up on some alone time or fit in a date night while your child enjoys Parents’ Night Out at the J. 
 

26. Enjoy some friendly competition in our Men’s Basketball League. 
 

27. Become a champion in our Co-ed Volleyball League! 
 

28. Swim laps in our year-round heated pool or get your sun in on the deck any day of the week! 
 

29. Tickle the keys in piano lessons for all ages!  
 

30. Enjoy a safe and fun afterschool program at JCare for kids in grades K-5. 
 

31. Make a difference for your community when you sign up to volunteer! 
 

32. Train in your favorite sport alongside an incredible coach in small-group or private lessons for volleyball, basketball, football or tennis for youth of all ages. 
 

33. Meet other Jewish families at PJ Library events. 

34. Hit the mountain biking trail with other bike-loving middle and high schoolers in our National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) program.  
 

35. Foster leadership and Jewish connection in the BBYO youth group.  
 

36. Celebrate a birthday at the J with our easy-for-parents Birthday Party service! 
 

37. Feel good and make an impact with a monthly, annual, or legacy donation to the J.  
 

38. Check out J Wellness Collective offerings for a self-care moment.  
 

39. Give back at Blood, Food, or Clothing Drives.  
 

40. Tend to a plot at the Shay-Shay Community Garden. 
 

41. Grab a cup of special J blend coffee or useful sundries and J swag at the DPS JShop and support our Disability Program Services participants as they learn vocational skills. 
 

42. Join a club and explore current events in conversation, study a book, sing Israeli songs or get the support you need as a widower. 
 

43. Make the most of our free Wi-Fi to work, study, or browse. 
 

44. Watch a film during the Tucson J International Film Festival in January. 
 

45. Improve your safety skills and join an American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification course.  
 

46. Not into swimming laps? Join an Aqua Fit class to enjoy a pool workout! 
 

47. Play chess with fellow enthusiasts of all ages! 
 

48. Relax in our jacuzzi, steam room, or sauna. 
 

49. Go for a walk or run on a treadmill to your favorite music. 
 

50. Challenge yourself by lifting heavier during your next workout. 
 

51. Love to dance? Zumba or Barre might be the perfect workout for you!  
 

52. Enroll in a Toddler + Me swim class with your little one.  
 

53. Get in that lunch hour exercise at Noon Hoops.  
 

54. Fight Osteoporosis with Bone Health Template Training. 
 

55. Celebrate Shabbat with our annual Community Shabbat or with young adults who gather monthly. 
 

56. Have fun while school is out at School Days Out at the J. 
 

57. Become a Weekend Warrior or Lady Who Lifts in these specialized fitness training programs. 
 

58. Build your basketball skills and find camaraderie in our youth leagues and clinics, or middle school club team!  
 

59. Get competitive when you join our youth club swim team, the Stingrays (and Stingrays Pups for the littlest swimmers)! 
 

60. Compete in the JCC Maccabi Games, the world’s largest Jewish teen sporting event. 
 

61. Explore movement and music in a youth dance class— and celebrate everything you learned at the recital!  
 

62. Learn sportsmanship and skills in Youth Volleyball Clinics.  
 

63. Join our Junior Development Program for competitive tennis players looking for comprehensive tennis strategy and training or hone your skills in our elite TOP (Tennis Optimization Player) Team. 
 

64. Build strength, speed, and endurance at Speed School, designed for middle and high school athletes! 
 

65. Find a meaningful and mission-driven career by joining our team!  
 

66. Play, climb, and slide at the PlaySpace or our wheelchair accessible outdoor playground! 

PJ Library Book Picks for Hanukkah

Woman holds a picture book and reads to children.

From the desk of Mary Ellen Loebl, PJ Library Coordinator

Mary Ellen Loebl

There are so many wonderful PJ Library Hanukkah stories—over 90, in fact! And truly, Hanukkah books in general abound. With so many choices, it can be hard to pick favorites, but here are a few we especially love at the J.

Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights because it commemorates the miracle of a single cruse of oil—enough for one day—burning for eight full nights in the Temple in Jerusalem. It’s a 2,000-year-old reminder that light can triumph over darkness. Books like Gracie’s Night, Hanukkah Cookies with Sprinkles, and The Trees of the Dancing Goats beautifully capture that message, showing little ones how kindness and hope can shine during challenging times.

PJ Library also has a long-standing tradition of introducing children to Jewish life and celebrations from all around the world—and sometimes with a lot of humor along the way! You’ll find this spirit in stories like Hanukkah in Alaska, Hanukkah in Little Havana, Hanukkah Upside Down, and Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas.

Of course, we also cherish our time-honored classics, brand-new favorites, sturdy board books for tiny hands, and wonderfully silly tales—like adventures with talking potato families who celebrate the MACCA-bees (yes, bees!), retellings of old stories in modern voices, an alligator serving latkes from a food truck, Dreidel the Parakeet, and so many more.

Come explore a whole world of Hanukkah magic through stories—there’s truly something for every reader!

Explore PJ Library’s Hanukkah books at pjlibrary.org/books by sorting the list by holiday. See a title that catches your eye? Email pjlibrary@tucsonjcc.org to check if we have an extra copy available.

PJ Library Favorites for Hanukkah

Hanukkah Upside Down
Written by Elissa Brent Weissman
Illustrated by Omer Hoffmann

Noah lives in New York. Nora lives in New Zealand. Which cousin will have the world’s best Hanukkah? Jewish communities around the world have unique and special ways to celebrate the holiday, but the joy of Hanukkah is universal.

Hanukkah in Alaska
Written by Barbara Brown
Illustrated by Stacey Schueett

Hanukkah in Alaska is unlike anywhere else — less daylight, more snow, and one very unexpected guest!

Hanukkah in Little Havana
Written by Julie Anna Blank
Illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera

This year, Hanukkah starts with a surprise — a road trip to Miami to spend the holiday with Nonna and Nonno in Little Havana. The oranges, latkes, and buñuelos are delicious, but sweetest of all is getting to share the holiday with loved ones.

Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas
Written by Pamela Ehrenberg
Illustrated by Anjan Sarkar

Sadie’s family has both Jewish and Indian background, so at Hanukkah they eat dosas, traditional Indian pancakes. But they get locked out just before their Hanukkah party! Who will save the day?

Hanukkah Cookies with Sprinkles
Written by David Adler
Illustrated by Jeff Ebbeler

Sara and her family are getting ready for Hanukkah — which means delicious foods, including cookies! But then she notices one man who doesn’t seem to eat much at all, let alone Hanukkah treats. Sara decides to try and help.

Gracie’s Night
Written by Lynn Taylor Gordon
Illustrated by Laura Brown

Gracie and her papa have lots of love — but only a little money. Gracie manages to get her papa a beautiful Hanukkah gift anyway — but then she sees someone who could use a little generosity even more than her papa. What she does next transforms Hanukkah for all of them

The Trees of the Dancing Goats
Written by Patricia Polacco
Illustrated by Patricia Polacco

During a scarlet fever epidemic in Michigan, the members of a Jewish family help make Christmas special for their very sick neighbors.

Antlers with Candles
By Chris Barash
Illustrated by Melissa Iwai

Everything looks new when seen from a child’s perspective, including menorahs, dreidels, and latkes. But family togetherness is something everyone understands.

Dreidel Day
By Amalia Hoffman
Illustrated by Amalia Hoffman

During Hanukkah, every day is a dreidel day! Little ones will love counting along with the kitty in this book as the holiday progresses from 1 to 8.

 

You’re My Little Latke!
By Nicola Edwards
Illustrated by Natalie Marshall

Hanukkah is full of sweet treats and fun traditions, but best of all is sharing it with our little ones. Kids will love the playful cut-outs in this book, and parents will love the opportunity to remind them just how much they are cherished.

Find additional holiday resources, activities, and book information at pjlibrary.org.
 
Interested in getting involved with PJ Library? Learn more about how children aged birth to twelve can get free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture here. Connect with Mary Ellen with questions, concerns, and recommendations.

*all book synopses from pjlibrary.org

ACEing Autism Brings Inclusive Sports to the Tucson Community

An adult helps a child play tennis.

This fall, the Tucson J was proud to once again host ACEing Autism, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping children with autism grow, develop, and benefit from social connections and fitness through affordable tennis programming. 


ACEing Autism held a successful six-week clinic for participants ages 5-18+ at the J. The program relied on dedicated Tucson volunteers who paired up with participants to lead the clinic. This year, many of the volunteers were made up of faculty and students from the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences department at the University of Arizona. 


Families, participants, and volunteers alike found meaningful connection and movement throughout the ACEing Autism experience. Keep reading to explore their final thoughts on the program. 

“We love ACEing Autism tennis!  

  

This fall of 2025, we were excited to have ACEing Autism back in Tucson. My child started his tennis journey back in 2022, and I still remember clearly when I first enrolled him in this program. I was surprised by the professional attitude towards identifying goals and the practical-based outcome, which proves that tennis can offer many benefits for children with autism—physically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.  

  

Tennis helps with hand-eye coordination, balance, and overall body control. It also supports communication: Coaches often use clear, repetitive language and visual cues—ideal for children who are speech delayed. Surprisingly, my child builds his confidence step by step through each time attending ACEing, from feeling anxious and escaping in the beginning, to improving focus on the ball and self-regulation in the team movements; from feeling super upset from failing to hit the ball, to patiently engaging with peers, keeps staying in the group, and loudly encouraging everyone: “let’s do it! Try it again!” 

  

Compared with other large groups, loud and fast speed sports activities, ACEing Autism gracefully works well for my child! Tennis has predictable routines (point and direction). It allows individualized instruction—one child per coach or small ratios. The game’s structure can be easily adapted (larger balls, slower pace, shorter courts). Everyone is understandable and compassionate, without having misunderstandings of our kids’ behaviors from other regular players.  

  

The ending cheers are always our favorite part, and my child enjoys the joyful expression: “We Love Tennis!”


Jing, Parent

“ACEing autism is really beneficial not only to develop leadership skills for volunteers but also to increase their involvement in the community. I think it’s doing a great job benefiting the autism community since the program has been absent for a few years. I’m glad that ACEing Autism is back and can’t wait to see it expand in the Tucson area.” 


Morgan, High School Program Director

“I really love being out here and making sports more accessible for all kids. I am super grateful to be a part of this experience. Thank you for everyone who contributes and comes out to support ACEing Autism.” 


Allie, Volunteer

“ACEing Autism has been great for the kids. They’re able to interact with each other and interact with the volunteers. They gain social communication skills and work on their tennis at the same time, which is amazing.” 


Ashley, Volunteer

“My son absolutely loved this program. Although he can struggle when asked to try new things, the exceptional level of support at ACEing Autism made him feel safe and open to discovering and developing new competencies—I could tell he didn’t mind if things didn’t come out perfect on the first try. Program volunteers were deeply caring and fully present, meeting our kiddos wherever they were and allowing them to explore at their own pace. Someone recently asked him if he likes sports, and he said, ‘I play tennis.’ He would not have said that five weeks ago.”


Rachel, Parent

“ACEing Autism is a really wonderful opportunity for children with autism to have communication opportunities with other individuals, whether it’s other players or adult volunteers. It’s also a really wonderful opportunity for volunteers to familiarize themselves and develop their skills through working with individuals from the community. It’s a great way to connect and build team bonding opportunities as well.” 


Alicia, Volunteer 

“Since starting ACEing Autism, I have grown more connected to the Tucson community. Being a student at U of A, university life is just one bubble, but volunteering and participating in other organizations off campus allows me to feel more connected to Tucson as a community.  


In addition to this, ACEing Autism has definitely helped me develop stronger skills when working with those who are on the spectrum. These are skills I can use as a future clinician as a speech language pathologist to better care for my patients. I feel like ACEing Autism is definitely beneficial to those in the autism community because I’ve seen firsthand how this specific program promotes positive interaction among those within the community that otherwise, they wouldn’t get. One athlete I worked with has become more confident in his ability to do certain tasks and has also strengthened his communication skills through the program. ACEing Autism also provides a fun exercise environment to those who otherwise wouldn’t choose to participate in exercise.” 


Camila, Volunteer 

“My son, 6, participated in ACEing Autism in Autumn 2025. We were so impressed with the volunteers, organizers, and leaders. My son learned tennis skills, made friends, and was even able to take his new skills home to play with our family dog! We are so grateful to the entire team for their dedication and fun. Providing opportunities where an Autistic child can be their own person and feel comfortable is a hard thing to find, but at ACEing Autism we not only felt we belonged, we felt a part of a team.”


Lisa, Parent

“As an out-of-state student at the University of Arizona, ACEing Autism has allowed me to feel more connected to the Tucson community. It has served as a great learning experience to get to understand the autism community better and work with individuals with all sorts of different needs.  


I have enjoyed seeing the participants get more confident and comfortable on the court during each clinic. I particularly love seeing the kids get excited when we play games such as Red-Light Green-Light, which also serves as an awesome way for both the volunteers and participants to socialize. I love how this program makes sports more accessible to children with autism, and I cannot wait to see the program flourish and expand further within the Tucson area.” 


Ari, Program Director 

Building a Dementia-Friendly Community at the Tucson J

SUpporting People Living With Early/Mild Stage Dementia

At the Tucson J, we value inclusivity and strive to maintain a welcoming space for all, including Tucson’s aging community and people with dementia. Being part of the J community, you may meet individuals with dementia in the halls, in a group fitness class, or in other programming. About 10% of adults aged 65 and older live with dementia, so there’s a good chance you know someone–or even have a close friend or family member–who could benefit from extra kindness and understanding as they navigate the symptoms of this common condition. 


This tip sheet offers guidance to help you communicate with people with dementia and foster a dementia-friendly environment for our community, and in your life outside the J, too! 

OVERALL COMMUNICATION TIPS:

  • Speak at a slower pace than normal and use simpler sentences
  • Maintain eye contact when speaking.
  • Be patient and allow time for them to respond.
  • Do not interrupt them, even to help them find a word – as it can break the pattern of communication.
  • Make sure your body language is open and relaxed.
  • Actively listen to the person’s words.
  • Avoid arguing or correcting.
  • Validate their feelings and emotions.
    • “That does sound tough, I am sorry to hear that.”
    • “I hope you start to feel better.”
    • “That sounds very interesting, thank you for sharing!”
  • Avoid questions that require short-term memory recall.
    • Do not ask questions about what they had for breakfast or did earlier that day or week.
    • Stick to questions that use long-term memory like their favorite music, family members, if they like hot weather or cold weather, etc.
  • Give a person choices instead of asking an open-ended question

HOW CAN I MAKE THE PERSON FEEL WELCOME?

  • Speak in-front of the person, face-to-face
  • Keep a positive and friendly attitude
  • Keep an empathetic mindset-try to imagine yourself in their shoes
  • Be patient
  • Smile

WHAT IF I HAVE SOMEONE WITH DEMENTIA IN MY CLASS OR PROGRAM?

  • Pay attention to how the person communicates with yourself/others
  • Pay attention to how the person moves
  • Consider that the person may have trouble with balance
  • Consider how the person may follow instruction

WHAT IF THE PERSON BEGINS TO FEEL AGITATED?

  • Stay calm and collected
  • Do not raise your voice
  • Listen to the person’s concerns/feelings
  • Offer alternative activities.

EASY CONVERSATION STARTERS:

  • “Hello (try to use their name)! Good to see you (this morning, afternoon, evening). I am doing good today, (explain your day to them).”
  • “What kind of music do you like to listen to?”
  • “What do you like to do for fun?”
  • “What would you like to do today?”
  • It is important to explain how you are doing/how your day is going instead of asking the person with dementia because short-term memory recall is difficult.

CONVERSATION REDIRECTION TIPS:

  • “That is so awesome, thank you for telling me about that, but I do need to head to my class.”
  • “I have really enjoyed talking with you today, but I do need to head to the locker rooms.”
  • “Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I do need to meet with my trainer, but I will talk with you again later.”
The Sephardic Foundation on Aging
Group Fitness Class Schedule

Tucson J Frequently Asked Questions  

From the desk of Sylvia Ahumada, Membership Manager

You have questions, and we have answers! With so much to see and do, member and guest questions change often, but there are some that we are happy to answer time and time again.  

 

Keep reading to explore some of our most-asked questions and get the answers you are looking for!

What is the Tucson J? What do you offer? 

The Tucson J is a non-profit community center that serves over 9,000 members and many more guests in our 110,000 square-foot facility. Alongside our comprehensive fitness and wellness offerings, we also have year-round childcare programs, including a holistic early childhood education program and summer and winter camps for kids.  

 

Our programs range from arts and culture, sports and wellness, children and family, and healthy aging. Amenities and programs include:  

  • A state-of-the-art Fitness and Wellness Center 
  • A full-court gymnasium 
  • A year-round junior-Olympic-sized heated swimming pool 
  • An outdoor splashpad and indoor play space for kids 
  • Six tennis courts and three pickleball courts at the Sarver Tennis Center 
  • Indoor racquetball and squash courts  
  • Tucson’s only public-access sculpture garden 
  • An indoor Fine Art Gallery 
  • Arts + culture events, classes, and workshops 
  • An Early Childhood Education program for infants through pre-k 
  • Summer and Winter Camp J 
  • Afterschool program for school-aged children 
  • Sports leagues and lessons for kids and adults 
  • And so much more!  

 

 

Do I have to be Jewish to be a member of the J? 

No, at the Tucson J, everyone belongs! Guided by Jewish values, we welcome and invite people of all backgrounds to enjoy our facilities and offerings — that is what makes the J so special!  

  

 

How can I learn more about my Jewish background? 

Tucson has a strong Jewish community that we are proud to be a part of. Throughout the year, we host a variety of Jewish arts and culture events, like our Tucson J International Film Festival or Community Shabbat, which bring our community closer together.  


If you are looking for other ways to get involved in the community or in need of additional resources, we have strong partnerships with Jewish organizations across Tucson. Please contact Tucson J Senior Director of Jewish Living + Engagement, Jennifer Lorch Selco, at jselco@tucsonjcc.org to learn more.  

 

 

What’s Challah? 

Challah is a type of braided bread typically eaten on Shabbat and many of the major Jewish holidays. At the Tucson J, you will see that we sell challah at the Welcome and Wellness Desks at the end of each week, making it easy for families to get a loaf for Shabbat.  


Shabbat is a day of rest, beginning at sundown on Friday and ending on Saturday evening. It is an opportunity to reflect and reconnect with ourselves and others. At Shabbat dinner, we say Ha’Motzi, the blessing for challah, and share the bread with each another.  

  

 

Do you offer financial assistance for rent or utilities? 

No, the Tucson J does not offer rent or utility assistance, but our partners at Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern Arizona do. Please reach out to them at jefa@jfcstucson.org.  

  

 

I want to join the Tucson J but don’t have the financial means. Do you offer scholarships? 

Yes, we offer financial aid based on need and financial circumstances. Financial assistance can cover up to 75% of fees and can be applied to membership or childcare program costs.  


Click here to apply for assistance and learn more about the process.  

 

For additional questions, please reach out to info@tucsonjcc.org, call 520.299.3000, or stop by the Welcome or Wellness Desks during open hours.  

Support the Tucson J: 10 Benefits of Making a Tax Credit Donation 

From the desk of Caron M. Mitchell, CPA + Tucson J Board Chair

Caron Mitchell

If you have been looking for the right moment to donate to the Tucson J, now is the time! As a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) through the Arizona state tax credit program, the Tucson J offers an incredible benefit when you donate — the entire amount back to you in the form of a tax credit.  

 

What exactly does this mean? You can support scholarships to the Tucson J’s award-winning childcare programs including Early Childhood Education, Camp J, and JCare afterschool program., and help families in need at no cost to you! 

 

This program is not only incredibly beneficial for the QCOs it supports, but is also just as beneficial to you, the donor. Keep reading to learn how your tax credit donation to the J helps make a difference and why it’s a smart choice for you, too! 

Available Tax Benefits

Dollar-for-Dollar Tax Reduction

The credit offers a direct, dollar-for-dollar reduction of your Arizona state income tax liability, unlike a deduction which only reduces your taxable income.

Maximum Credit Limits

Individuals can claim up to $495 and married couples filing jointly can claim up to $987 (for the 2025 tax year) as a credit for QCO contributions.

Stackable with Other Credits

The QCO tax credit is stackable with other popular Arizona tax credits, such as the Public School Credit, Foster Families Credit, or the Private School Tuition Organization Credit.

Tax Flexibility

Avoid Federal Tax Uncertainty

With all the tax changes from recent federal legislation, there are new limits and thresholds that apply to non-tax credit charitable contributions. There have been no changes to the Arizona programs, allowing you to be confident in the benefits you receive. 

No Itemizing Required

You do not need to itemize deductions on your tax return to claim the Arizona state tax credit.

Extended Deadline

Contributions made between January 1st and the tax filing deadline (typically April 15th) of the following year can still be claimed on the prior tax year’s return.

Carryforward Provision

If your credit amount is more than your current year’s state tax liability, the unused portion can be carried forward for up to five consecutive years.

Direct Community Impact (Your Tax Dollars at Work)

Empowerment of Choice

You get to choose a certified QCO to receive your tax dollars, giving you control over where a portion of your state taxes are allocated. 

Support for Basic Needs

Donations go to QCOs that provide immediate basic needs—such as food, clothing, shelter, or medical care—to low-income Arizonans, the chronically ill, or those receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). 

Community Impact

Your donation remains local, directly funding vital services for vulnerable residents in our Tucson community at virtually no net cost to you. 

Learn more about donating to the Tucson J here. For questions or more information, please contact Fran Katz, chief development officer of the Tucson J, at fkatz@tucsonjcc.org 
Make a Donation Today

About Caron M. Mitchell, CPA 


A Tucson native, Caron graduated from Eller College at the University of Arizona Cum Laude in 1998 with a degree in Accounting. She has assisted clients with their small business, trust, and individual tax compliance and planning needs for over 20 years. In 2020, she received her Six Sigma Black Belt, enabling her to add business process design and improvement to the firm’s services. 

 

Passionate about her community, she has served as Treasurer for the Tucson Jewish Community Center, and Chair of the JCC’s Finance Committee and is the current board chair. Outside of work, she loves cooking, games, and her cats (they are likely to make an appearance onscreen during meetings). 

 

This message is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, and/or legal counsel before making any decisions. 

Balancing It All: Resources for Parents at the Tucson J

Between work, family commitments, school drop-off and pick-up, and the many extracurricular activities that kids and teens are involved in, life as a parent is busy. We understand — it can be difficult to find time for yourself during the week, but at the Tucson J, we know that self-care is important. Taking even a few minutes each week to prioritize your own wellness goals helps ensure you have the energy and focus to take care of the rest!  


Busy parents, keep reading to learn more about how you can maximize your time and fill up your own cup for a little more ease and a lot less stress.  

Utilize your Drop-Off/Pick-Up Time 

Accomplish two things at once when you plan your workout in conjunction with morning drop-off or afternoon pick-up. Whether your kids are in our Early Childhood Education program or here for JCare after school, the Fitness + Wellness Center, Sarver Tennis Center, and Aquatics Center hours are open and ready for you!  

 

Click below to see amenity hours: 

Fitness + Wellness Center + Desk + Pool

Monday - Thursday
5am - 9pm
Friday
5am - 6pm
Saturday - Sunday
6am - 6pm

Welcome Desk

Monday - Thursday
7am - 9pm
Friday
7am - 6pm
Saturday - Sunday
8am - 6pm

April 1st - October 31st

Monday - Thursday
5:30am - 9pm
Friday
5:30am - 6pm
Saturday - Sunday
6am - 6pm

November 1st - March 31st

Monday - Thursday
6:30am - 9pm
Friday
6:30am - 6pm
Saturday - Sunday
7am - 6pm

3800 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718

Monday - Friday
7am-6pm

Didn’t time it quite right? Scroll down to learn more about JPlay!  

adults exercise on large doorframe-like equipment

*Tip* Socialize and Exercise 

Outside of exercise, fostering meaningful friendships is one of the most important things we can do to benefit our health and longevity. So why not combine the two?  


Working out with a friend maximizes your valuable time. Here are just a few ideas to get going: 

  • Chat with a friend while walking on the treadmills 
adults play pickleball outside on a pickleball court

JCare, JClub and more!

The school schedule is not designed for working parents. The J can help! During the school year, we offer our JCare afterschool program for kids from 2-6pm. 


JCare provides structured activities and homework time for kids in grades kindergarten through fifth, with fun activities such as cooking, art, and outdoor play time. For middle-schoolers, we offer JClub, which provides tweens with a safe, quiet place to hang out, along with access to our Fitness Center.  


Don’t forget about School Days Out and Camp J for those times when school is not in session, and Parents’ Night Out for a perfect, and oh-so-affordable date night your kids will actually look forward to.  

JPlay

Whether you’re going for a swim in the pool, to dance in a Zumba class, or meet up for a tennis match, let your children have fun while being cared for in our JPlay space. Another way the Tucson J offers flexibility for all schedules, JPlay is a childcare option open select hours during the week for kids ages 3 months to fifth grade. 


Our friendly, trained staff have fun and age-appropriate activities, toys, and games to keep kids of all ages occupied and happy.  


Bonus: we’re now offering 25% off the first month for any new or existing member who signs up! Please note, reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted.  

Holistic Wellness

Self-care should be holistic. While it’s easy to focus on bodily health when we’re strapped for time, the J offers a number of programs designed to support your mind and spirit. Find a moment each week to quiet your mind with a quick peruse through the Fine Art Gallery to enjoy the latest show on view, or enjoy a lap around our beautiful Jill Rosenzweig Sculpture Garden. Try something new with an art workshop or language class.  

 

Many of our special events even offer childcare for free (email us to inquire or let us know you’re in need – we’re here for you!).  

We want to make it easy to take care of YOU— not just on a special occasion, but each and every week. When you dedicate time to yourself, you become a better parent, friend, partner, and person. Let us support you so that the whole family can thrive!

 

For questions about any of these programs, please contact info@tucsonjcc.org. 

Growth + Progress at the J: Fall Development Update

Dear Chevre (Friends),

As we move through the holidays and embark on a new Jewish year, we are reflecting on the remarkable—and truly historic—summer we had here at the Tucson J. After a fun-filled season of Camp J and many sun-soaked days at the pool, we had the incredible honor of hosting the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access for the first time in 25 years, a feat we accomplished with support from the whole community and more than two years of planning and preparation.  

 

Over 880 Jewish teen athletes from around the globe, including 73 Tucson teens, joined us to celebrate Jewish values, make lasting memories and connections, and gain a greater sense of Jewish identity and Peoplehood. Four local teens participated in the Access Games for the first non-pilot year. Two hundred families opened their homes and their hearts to host visiting athletes, hundreds more volunteers gave their time to help bring the experience to life, and thousands of spectators joined in the magic of The Games. We are especially grateful for the donors and sponsors whose generosity made JCC Maccabi possible and our community partners who shared their spaces, resources, and talents to contribute to the tremendous success of the event.  

 

While the competition may have ended, the impact of the 2025 Games will continue for years to come. Maccabi was a powerful reminder of what our community can accomplish when united in shared purpose and passion, and we’re just getting started.  

 

With the arrival of fall, we welcomed new and returning Early Childhood Education students back to school before diving right into arts and culture season with an incredible lineup of special events including the annual Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden opening, and a thought-provoking artist-in-residence with Aaron Henne, Artistic Director of the nationally recognized California-based group, theatre dybbuk. The residency blends performance, storytelling, and community engagement around themes of Jewish identity, othering, and cultural memory.  

 

Participants in our Healthy Aging programs and Disability Program Services department continue to thrive at the J, with new opportunities that speak to their unique needs. The DPS JShop launched in September as the first phase of JJobs, a new work-readiness program that offers participants the opportunity to build confidence, independence, and job skills through 2-4-month internships in the J’s Building Services, Early Childhood Education, Jewish Living and Engagement, and Health and Wellness departments. In October, we added additional Dementia Friendly group fitness classes and restructured our Parkinson’s Wellness Exercise program after hearing important feedback. Fitness + Wellness expands with new offerings all the time, the highest quality specialty programs, and a sense of community you won’t find anywhere else.  


The J is proud to be a place where so many come to practice wellness, engage in the arts, and learn new things—and we are humbled by your belief in our mission and the work we do. The generosity of our community makes this impactful work possible; behind the scenes, we have been developing an endowment fund with an initial goal of reaching $1 million. With a $500,000 dollar-for-dollar match we are thrilled to announce we are at $773,000 toward our $1 million goal, which will help to ensure a bright and sustainable future for the J.  


An exciting year lies ahead! Read on to learn about what happened at the J this summer, and what we’re looking forward to next.  


Thank you for being part of our community, 

Fran Katz,
Chief Development Officer

While many places in Tucson slow down when it gets hot, the Tucson J is a summer hub for people of all ages, bustling with year-round Early Childhood Education learners and Camp J campers, families beating the heat in the pool and PlaySpace, and people of all ages enjoying our state-of-the-art Fitness + Wellness Center. This summer, we welcomed thousands of guests to our beautiful campus for the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games and were proud to not only host this extraordinary celebration of Jewish Peoplehood and identity but deliver the outstanding service and experience we’re known for. We continued the momentum right into fall with a robust schedule of Sports + Rec offerings and new art and language classes, reminding our community that back-to-school style beginnings can be for anyone! Additionally, this quarter we:  

 

  • welcomed 131 new members, accounting for 1,835 member units that include 4,578 individuals, with an additional 4,066 insurance-based member units and 4,933 individuals

  • hosted hundreds of individuals and families for Labor Day at the J, where they enjoyed an all-ages racquet sports social, free group fitness classes, the pool and bounce houses, refreshments in the Fine Art Gallery, personalized tours by our talented Member Relations tours team (resulting in over 40 joins that day alone), and more!

     

  • completed the renovations in the Allen z”l + Marianne Langer Jewish Heritage Center, including the new garage door that opens into the Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden making the room more functional for a variety of events. We also began the expansion of our pool-side accessible playground with support from the George J. O’Leary Foundation.

     

  • gathered the newly elected Tucson J Board for their annual leadership summit, where they engaged in learning with Janet S. Elam, consultant for the JCC Association of North America.

     

  • used the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games and Access as a launch-point to begin work on a new 5-year strategic plan.
     
  • hired Armando Alvarez to build capacity in our Rentals department so more community members can gather, honor, and celebrate in our multi-functional spaces.  
newsletter graphic with the words Fitness and wellness on a teal background

People come to the J to live well. Our Fitness + Wellness programs are a core part of our work and a staple in the lives of so many of our community members. We pride ourselves on innovative programming that meets the needs of our diverse community—from expanded PeeWee Sports offerings to the continued evolution of our Healthy Aging programs, the J is here to help you thrive at every age and stage. Some highlights and successes from the third quarter of our year include:  

 

  • a busy season at the Aquatics center with nearly 40 kids enrolled in JRays Swim School, 87 swimmers on the Stingrays Swim Team, and 46 adults taking it to the next level in Masters Swim (which recently expanded to add evening sessions!)
     
  • a fun and educational fourth annual Community Water Safety Day with TMC and a variety of community partners
     
  • welcoming four-legged friends to the pool for our inaugural Dogs Only Swim for an extra-cute community engagement opportunity before our annual draining and deep cleaning 

  • bringing local basketball legend, Sam Thomas, back for the 4th annual Sam Thomas Hoop Group clinic, this year joined by fellow former UA player and current coach, Dominic McBryde. Now with a new 15-18 age group, this year’s clinic served 69 kids ages 6-18 with skills and drills, games, a Q+A, and the appearance of special guest, current Arizona women’s basketball coach, Becky Burke.  

  • nearly 150 kids and adults participating in Basketball programs at the J, 64 participating in Volleyball, and 113 of our littlest movers and shakers participating in PeeWee Sports (including our new Pickleball option)  

  • the continued evolution of our Healthy Aging programs, including the Parkinson’s Exercise Wellness program which switched to a monthly drop-in structure to better accommodate the needs of our participants, new Dementia-friendly group exercise classes, and restructured support groups for families that will resume in the Spring 

  • over 100 community members joining us for the No Falls Fair, a partnership with TMC Health 

  • the return of the ACEing Autism tennis program this fall, which engages youth and teens with autism as well as volunteers from our community, after a hiatus in 2024  

  • revamping TOP Prep Tennis and Tucson Jays Middle School Club Basketball to include Speed School high-performance sports training with Coach Clive, elevating all three programs  

 At the Tucson J, we believe that arts and culture are essential threads in the fabric of community life and a means to realize our mission to cultivate and enrich Jewish identity, ensure Jewish continuity, foster wellness and broaden communal harmony. Through Jewish and Israel education infused in our Camp and Childcare programs, to the many PJ Library gatherings that brought families together, this summer offered many ways for our community to engage, reflect, and connect. It was also a season of creativity and planning, with a hum of activity behind the scenes as we prepared for a dynamic and inspiring fall season. Moving into the final quarter of 2025, the impact we have is demonstrated in the success and progress we’ve made including:
 

  • over 200 community members joining us for the annual Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden opening, SCULPT, which this year, tied to the Rosh Hashanah holiday and invited participants to engage with the art on a deeper level through guided prompts and reflections
     
  • 684 kids enrolled in PJ Library, another 127 in PJ Our Way, and a summer full of events like Splash Bash, Growing with the Grands, Family Yoga in Your PJ’s, and a very special Tu B’Av gathering, engaging hundreds of families in Jewish joy, pride, and learning   
  • the rollout of new art classes and workshops including 2D/3D mixed-media drop-in sessions, and a wide variety of ceramics and clay classes for all levels
     
  • 97 people enrolled in Spanish classes July-September, and more students joining as Hebrew classes return later in October
     
  • joining organizations from across the Tucson Jewish community to plan Walk Together, commemorating two years since October 7; we received a JCCA Mithabrim Grant for the event

  • more on the horizon including the remainder of the Artist Residency with theatre dybbuk, culminating in two performances of Dracula (Annotated), the hosting of the first Z3@Tucson event, and the 35th Annual Tucson J International Film Festival in January

  • sending Chloe Loos, Director of Arts + Culture, to Israel for the first time for a professional development trip with the Reform Alumni for Israel to learn about Jewish Peoplehood, Israel engagement, and responding to our community in this critical moment  

Our Children + Youth programs foster a love of learning and emphasize the value of community, guided by the belief that children are capable, competent, unique, and important. We are proud to have served more children than ever in Camp J this summer, deepened our work around teen engagement through JCC Maccabi, and embarked on another school year serving children in our Early Childhood Education and JCare afterschool programs.  As we reflect on the last quarter, we’re proud to share that we:  

 

  • have 235 children ages 6 months to 5 years enrolled in Early Childhood Education at the J, including in two classrooms at THA

  • ECE families celebrated the start of a new school year together with our annual Welcome Dinners, which are picnic-style in the Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden

  • introduced a new ECE tradition: Monday Havdalah in our PJ’s! And enjoyed Rosh Hashanah learning, crafting, and celebrating together

  • ended the busiest Camp J ever with over 500 campers, and began the school year with 122 kids enrolled in the JCare afterschool program  

  • engaged 73 local teens, our largest delegation in Tucson J history, in the 2025 JCC Maccabi and Access Games, including four who participated in Access 

  • have 71 members in BBYO, many of whom also participated in JCC Maccabi this year and are already signing on for the 2026 Games in Toronto 

  • hired Caitlin Jacob as the new Director of Afterschool Programming 

  • facilitated professional development opportunities for teachers including in-service and Quality First training, as well as an art training on process-based lessons with Demaris Weitzel, and an Employee Wellness training through Pima County that focused on physical and mental well-being   

  • received a JPSA Security Grant for ECE security at THA and a grant from the Tucson Federal Credit Union for ECE supplies  

 

At the J, we don’t just include—we uplift. Our Disability Program Services community is helping redefine what belonging looks like, making the J stronger, more vibrant, and more inclusive with every step forward. After a wonderful summer full of field trips, time spent at the Tucson J’s pool, and monthly concerts from local musicians, we began fall with much anticipated new vocational opportunities. Recent developments in Disability Program Services includes:  

  • serving 28 middle and high school students in our camp program, Summer Taglit, in addition to 38 participants in Taglit and 38 participants in Arts for All  

  • the grand opening of the DPS JShop, phase one of JJobs, our new pilot work-readiness program that provides participants the opportunity to build confidence, independence, and job skills through 2-4-month internships in the J’s Building Services, Early Childhood Education, Jewish Living and Engagement, and Health and Wellness departments.  The JShop is a retail store staffed by JJobs interns and shoppable by the whole community! Customers can purchase the newest J merch as well as useful items like sunscreen, water bottles, goggles, and more.  JJobs is funded by community grants.

  • field trips to El Jefe Cat Cafe, Lucky Strike Bowling, Top Golf, Funtastics, Bookman’s, This N’ That Creative Studio, and more  

  • hiring Martha Watson as the new Compliance Manager and McKenna Czerny as our new Program Specialist  

  • receiving grants from the Dennis Schuman Charitable Foundation for security, the AZ Commission on the Arts for Arts for All, and the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation for the DPS Culinary Project 

A Week of Unity Ends with a Ribbon of Hope

consulate
group during consulate visit

A Week of Unity Ends with a Ribbon of Hope: Yellow Ribbon Ceremony Concludes 2025 JCC Maccabi Games in Tucson

The 2025 JCC Maccabi Games and Access in Tucson came to a powerful and emotional close with a moving Yellow Ribbon Ceremony that honored the hostages still held in Gaza and highlighted the Games’ spirit of unity, resilience, and global Jewish peoplehood.  

 

This year’s Games were especially meaningful as the J welcomed the largest-ever delegation of Israeli athletes and coaches—100 strong—from communities across Israel. This included teens and adult chaperones from the Gaza Envelope and northern Israel, many of whom were directly impacted by or displaced following the October 7th attacks. Athletes from Bat Yam, Ramat Gan, and Kiryat Ono, areas recently affected by Iranian missile strikes, also proudly represented their communities. 

 

Several North American JCC delegations integrated members of their Israeli sister cities into their teams, a beautiful reflection of the Games’ mission to build lasting connections and shared experiences for teens across the globe. 

 

On the final day of the Games, the Tucson J community hosted a Yellow Ribbon Ceremony with special guest, Yael Eini, Consul for Public Diplomacy and Culture for the Consulate of Israel. The ceremony brought together the international athletes from Israel and Ukraine, their host families, and community members for a heartfelt tribute to the hostages still held in Gaza and reminder of the strength of Jewish solidarity. 

 

Tucson J President and CEO, Todd Rockoff, opened the evening with words of welcome, sharing the broader purpose and impact of the Games. Yuval Malka, the Sr. Israel Community of Tucson, also addressed the audience, warmly welcoming the athletes and thanking all the families and volunteers who helped make the week so meaningful. 

 

The introduction was followed by a video about the JCC Maccabi Yellow Ribbon Campaign to set the tone, then three Israeli athletes—Shira Oren, Ariel Cohen, and Lihi Sabag—shared the campaign’s pledge with the audience: 

"It is such an honor to win a JCC Maccabi medal. While we’ve been in Tucson all week celebrating our Jewish peoplehood and our love of sports, it’s important that we acknowledge those members of the Jewish people that are not free to do so, kept from their families as hostages still in Gaza. At JCC Maccabi, we turn anguish into action—driven by our values, our midot. Each yellow-ribbon medal is more than a symbol. It’s a vow. A cry for the return of those taken. A dedication to all the hostages who remain in Gaza. We are thinking of them every day and we pray that they are returned home soon." 

Following the reading, athlete Ela Simtov had the honor of awarding the yellow ribbon gold medal to Consul Eini, symbolizing our collective remembrance, hope, and action, and our enduring commitment to those who remain captive.   


Yellow Ribbons were also awarded throughout the Games; as teen athletes took gold medals in their sports, many of them had the opportunity to recite the campaign’s pledge, with the hope that at next year’s Games, the hostages will have been safely returned.  


As the sun set on an unforgettable week of competition, connection, and community, the Yellow Ribbon Ceremony served as a poignant reminder: The JCC Maccabi Games are not only about medals and sportsmanship, but about the values, history, and stories, that unite us across place and time.  

8 Ways for kids and adults to make the most of the back-to-school season at the Tucson J

This fall, join us for a variety of member favorites and NEW programs for kids and adults! Whether you’re looking to move, create, or learn, do it with us at the Tucson J! 

 

Read on to explore some ideas to get you started, but for a complete list of programs, click here. 

Learn a new language 

It is never too late to learn something new! Our Spanish and Hebrew language classes are taught by talented instructors who work to ensure that all learners can succeed. Whether you have some experience or are starting fresh, our progressive levels meet all participants where they are at– find the right class for you today! 

Join a basketball league 

Bring out your competitive edge, meet new people, and most importantly, have fun! Year-round, the Tucson J offers basketball leagues for kids and adults. This fall, join our Men’s Basketball League or Men’s 3v3 Basketball League, and enroll your child in one of our kid’s leagues: Lil Ballers for ages 3-5; Mighty Mites for ages 6 to 8; All-Stars for ages 9 to 11; and for middle schoolers, check out the Tucson Jays, a competitive club team that competes in local tournaments! 

nine men playing basketball in an indoor gymnasium

Explore your creativity in an art class 

From ceramics to charm making, mixed-media to polymer clay, there is no shortage of art classes to choose from this season at the J! Structured around the message that everyone is an artist, our classes are led by supportive, knowledgeable instructors who will guide you every step of the way. So, join us to get messy, feel inspired, and maybe even make a new friend!  

art class table with watercolor supplies and paintings

Discover a new fitness routine

Each day offers a new opportunity and we’re here to cheer you on! If you’ve been thinking about getting back in the gym, trying a group fitness class, or just switching things up, there is no better time than today. At the J, achieve your fitness goals working with one of our experienced personal trainers; get in a pool workout with our Masters Swim Club; schedule a tennis lesson with one of our tennis pros; or try one of our many small training groups, like JXT or Ladies Who Lift.  

Enroll in a youth dance class

The J is excited to announce our revamped youth dance program. Beginning in September, our dance classes will run on semester–long terms, offering dancers a structured season of learning and preparing them for a special recital in December! This fall, we will be offering ballet, hip hop, and “Sample of Dance” classes for kids three to eleven years old.  

Improve your sports performance at Speed School 

At our redesigned Speed School, Coach Clive Roberts, a former NCAA Division One coach, works with young athletes to improve their speed, agility, and strength, reducing injuries and helping them be their best! 

Make a splash with the Stingrays 

Did you know that the Tucson J has a USA Swimming Club Swim Team for kids? The Tucson Stingrays, for kids ages 4 to 18, has six practice groups that are each based on age, ability, and skill level. While the group focuses on building teamwork, work ethic, and skills, there is plenty of emphasis on fun, sportsmanship, and supporting excellence in every swimmer! 

Find the right childcare option for your family

Full-time, part-time, after-school, or the occasional date night, the Tucson J has childcare options for every family and lifestyle. Our Early Childhood Education program, for infants through pre-k, provides a caring and safe atmosphere to learn, play, and grow alongside our supportive staff. For kindergarteners through fifth graders, JCare offers fun and educational programming Monday through Friday from 2-6pm, with buses picking up from select schools. 


Our JClub program, for sixth through eighth grade students, provides less structure and more independence for tweens and teens. They can work on homework, explore the pool and fitness center, or simply relax in our new youth lounge area.  


Additionally, check out our School Days Out and Parents Night Out programs. Offered when local schools are closed, School Days Out includes fun field trips around Tucson, or games, arts and crafts, cooking, or swimming around the J. Once a month, enjoy a date night or time alone on our Parents Night Out while your child has a fun evening at the J.  

Your new favorite hobby is awaiting you at the J! This fall, join us to learn, move, and create your way. Not sure where to begin? Stop by the J or contact info@tucsonjcc.org. We can’t wait to see what you will get up to! 
Explore our programs