When it came time for Antar Davidson and his family to decide which Tucson preschool to send their children to, they chose the Tucson J’s early childhood education program over others because, in Antar’s words “it really represented much more of a community, as well as a place that we were dropping my daughter. And that was very much affirmed in our experience here.”  

Antar continued, saying that a “Jewish identity and education serve as almost an anchor for us in the world… so it was a great opportunity to combine an early childhood education program with that social anchoring that I feel is very important.” 

The J’s ECE Program is designed to provide a safe, nurturing extension of family and community in a developmentally appropriate class environment. The program is based around the Sheva Framework, seven core principles of early care and education based on Jewish lenses tied to universal values, such as storytelling, kindness, and self-confidence. 

Alongside connecting to the Jewish calendar and culture, Antar said that “above all, my children have learned the value of kindness. One of the things that has always stood out to me about the J and the teachers in the ECE program and everyone involved is kindness – always at the forefront. That’s at the heart of a lot of what Judaism is… and both of my daughters who were here have come out as extremely kind and caring people.” 

While kindness is a certainly a Jewish value, it is a value everyone wants for their child. “We all have similar visions of peace and happiness and education for our children,” said Antar, “and [the Tucson J] has been a real strong physical place for that.” 

The Tucson J is a community space that welcomes everyone, regardless of background or affiliation – roughly 70% of children who attend the ECE program are not Jewish. When asked why this space is so inviting for everyone, Antar elaborated, “inclusion and diversity are a very strong Jewish element that really speak to the foundation of kindness that makes up the J… The concept of a ‘Light unto the nations’ means that it’s not just that we should enjoy ourselves, we’re supposed to build that for the world… and I think that’s a beautiful thing.” 

Antar’s oldest daughter is now in kindergarten, and he said with a smile, “wow, she is off to it. She’s doing amazing. The launch that she got from here, the preparation that she got from here, is unmatched. She really hit the ground running in a new school, and I think that can really credit the constant peace that [the J] represents for the kids.”  

While Antar’s young family has benefited greatly from the J, he was quick to recognize the impact that the J has for everybody it serves. “This is such a powerful generational tool for people to hold on to and engage in different ways. That’s really what people need.” 

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Tucson J relies on community support and donations to fund its outstanding programs, scholarships for award-winning childcare, and state-of-the-art facilities.  

“It’s a place where the community convenes from all the various streams and means of expression. And everyone can find place here, find belonging here,” he continued. “When you give to the J, you’re giving to a place that everyone can benefit from. It’s something that has a widespread and multi-generational impact. A source of comfort and a source of wellness.”