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Arts, Culture + Community

The Tucson J believes in the power of arts and culture as a shared language. Through signature programs, art gallery receptions and artist talks, the expansive outdoor Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden, art and language classes, lectures, and so much more, we use the unique voices and mediums of visual art, film, dance, theater, musical performance, and intellectual conversation to amplify and give new perspective to the most important questions that we face as a community. Arts, culture, and community programming is designed to be both mirrors and windows – mirrors that reflect our unique experience and how we see ourselves as part of a larger community, and windows, where people are inspired to learn about those who have a different Jewish experience. 

Featured Events + Signature Programs

2026-2027 Signature Series: Arts flourish at the j

At the Tucson J, we believe a strong community is made of people who are deeply connected to each other, inspired to lead meaningful Jewish lives, and have the tools to guide them. When we gather, learn, and enjoy culturally rich experiences together, we have the opportunity to deepen our connection with each other and to the global Jewish community, and to build allyship across the Jewish community and with the broader community. 

This special event series is generously sponsored by Paula Jacobi and Todd Wiener and supported by the Tucson J’s Patrons of the Arts Society. 

Experience a unique musical performance celebrating Jewish tradition and innovation as internationally acclaimed shofar soloist Bar Tzemach joins pianist Jascha Nemtsov and the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra and Chorus for an unforgettable afternoon of music. The program will showcase both the Shofar and French horn in Jewish music, including classical pieces, traditional melodies, and Klezmer. The Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will perform a selection of music from their Midwinter Lights show.

Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door 

The program will last approximately 90 minutes. 

Tickets are non-refundable. 

This program is part of the 2026-2027 Signature Series, which is generously funded by Paula Jacobi and Todd Weiner and supported by Patrons of the Arts and arts with additional support from Principal Insurance Group and Oley Sheremata + Sarah Singer. 

Art, Music + Language Classes

Explore your creativity at the Tucson J! 

Are you an artist, musician, or creative person interested in teaching a class at the Tucson J? Connect with Chloe Loos to get started.

Whether you’re painting your first masterpiece, brushing up on your Spanish, or learning to play your favorite song on the piano, our experienced instructors create a welcoming, supportive environment for all ages and levels. Come create, play, and grow with us!

October 12th, 2026 – October 26th, 2026
Monday
Celebrate the art of making in this two-part clay workshop led by experienced ceramic artist, Noa Gidon Solodar. During the first session, participants will be introduced to foundational hand-building techniques and create their own ceramic sculpture while exploring form, texture, and creative expression. An optional second session offers the opportunity to learn glazing techniques and...
November 3rd, 2026 – December 15th, 2026
Tuesday
Six-week session Tuesdays, November 3 through December 15 (no class on November 24). 6:30-7:45pm Prerequisites: Students read, write and are comfortable conversing in Hebrew. Learning objectives: By participating in this class, students will advance their conversation skills and be exposed to different genres of Israeli literature, such as articles, poems, clips and short stories. $81/...
November 4th, 2026 – December 16th, 2026
Wednesday
Six-week session Wednesdays, November 4, 11, 18, December 2, 9, 16 7:15-8:30pm Prerequisites: Students should know how to read. Learning objectives: By participating in this class, students will learn and further develop basic conversation skills and vocabulary. $81/ member; $99/ guest
November 4th, 2026 – December 16th, 2026
Wednesday
Six-week session Wednesdays, November 4, 11, 18, December 2, 9, 16 5:45pm-7:00pm Prerequisites: A curiosity for Hebrew! Learning objectives: By participating in this class, students will learn how to read Hebrew. There will also be exposure to basic Hebrew vocabulary. $81/ member; $99/ guest
November 5th, 2026 – December 17th, 2026
Thursday
Six-week session Thursdays, November 5, 12, 19, December 3, 10, 17 5:45pm-7:00pm Prerequisites: Students should know how to read and speak Hebrew and be comfortable with basic conversational skills. Learning objectives: By participating in this class, students will advance their conversation skills and be exposed to different genres of Israeli literature, such as articles, poems,...
November 6th, 2026
Friday
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh challah baking… come make your own! This beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop, led by Director of Teen Engagement Davis Hubbell, will guide you through the full process of challah baking, from mixing and kneading to braiding your own beautiful loaf. Whether you’re brand new to baking or just challah-curious,...
November 22nd, 2026 – December 20th, 2026
Sunday
NOTE: There are two separate sessions: you’re welcome to attend one or both. The first session is Nov 22 2-5pm and the second is Dec 20 10am-1pm. Unlock your creativity in this lively, 3-hour writing workshop! Guided by instructor Kim Waltman, you’ll explore hands-on writing exercises designed to spark ideas, experiment with setting and sensory...
January 6th, 2027 – February 10th, 2027
Wednesday
Six-week session Wednesdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10 5:45pm-7:00pm Prerequisites: A curiosity for Hebrew! Learning objectives: By participating in this class, students will learn how to read Hebrew. There will also be exposure to basic Hebrew vocabulary. $81/ member; $99/ guest
January 6th, 2027 – February 10th, 2027
Wednesday
Six-week session Wednesdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10 7:15-8:30pm Prerequisites: Students should know how to read. Learning objectives: By participating in this class, students will learn and further develop basic conversation skills and vocabulary. $81/ member; $99/ guest
January 7th, 2027 – February 11th, 2027
Thursday
Six-week session Thursdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11 5:45pm-7:00pm Prerequisites: Students should know how to read and speak Hebrew and be comfortable with basic conversational skills. Learning objectives: By participating in this class, students will advance their conversation skills and be exposed to different genres of Israeli literature, such as articles, poems,...
February 17th, 2027 – March 24th, 2027
Wednesday
Six-week session Wednesdays, February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24 5:45pm-7:00pm Prerequisites: A curiosity for Hebrew! Learning objectives: By participating in this class, students will learn how to read Hebrew. There will also be exposure to basic Hebrew vocabulary. $81/ member; $99/ guest
February 17th, 2027 – March 24th, 2027
Wednesday
Six-week session Wednesdays, February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24 7:15-8:30pm Prerequisites: Students should know how to read. Learning objectives: By participating in this class, students will learn and further develop basic conversation skills and vocabulary. $81/ member; $99/ guest
February 18th, 2027 – March 25th, 2027
Thursday
Six-week session Thursdays, February 18, 25, Mar 4, 11, 18, 25 5:45pm-7:00pm Prerequisites: Students should know how to read and speak Hebrew and be comfortable with basic conversational skills. Learning objectives: By participating in this class, students will advance their conversation skills and be exposed to different genres of Israeli literature, such as articles, poems,...

Clubs, Groups + Games

Looking to connect, share, and have some fun? Our clubs, groups and games are all about building community and enjoying meaningful moments together. Whether you’re strategizing over a lively game of Mah Jongg or diving into thought-provoking reads with our Book Club, there’s a place for you here. With a wide range of offerings, there’s always something new to discover, and a welcoming group to discover it with. 

September 4th, 2024 – December 29th, 2027
Wednesday
Join the Eastside Chess Club at the Tucson J The group meets on Wednesdays, 5pm-8:30pm Pricing for adults is as follows: Free for Tucson J members/ $2 for guests
July 9th, 2025 – December 29th, 2027
Wednesday
Join the Eastside Chess Club at the Tucson J The group meets on Wednesdays, 5pm-8:30pm Pricing for youth (17 and younger) is as follows: Free for Tucson J members/ $1 for guests
July 11th, 2025 – December 31st, 2027
Friday
Crack, bam, dot! Fridays from 1:30 to 3:30pm Join us at the Tucson J for Mahj open play. Registration is free but requested. The Gift Shop at Cogregation Anshei Israel (5550 E. 5th Street) has 2024 Mah Jongg cards for sale at $14 (standard size) and $15 (large print). For more information, call (520) 349-3347...
July 15th, 2025 – December 28th, 2027
Tuesday
Crack, bam, dot! Tuesdays from 10am to Noon Join us at the Tucson J for Mahj open play. Registration is free but requested. The Gift Shop at Congregation Anshei Israel (5550 E. 5th Street) has 2024 Mah Jongg cards for sale at $14 (standard size) and $15 (large print). For more information, call (520) 349-3347...
August 12th, 2026 – December 29th, 2027
Wednesday
Wednesdays 1-4pm At the Tucson J All are welcome!
August 13th, 2026 – December 30th, 2027
Thursday
Join us at the J for Dominoes! All are welcome. Thursdays, 10am-12pm
September 2nd, 2026 – May 5th, 2027
Wednesday
Join us September through May, on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 10 – 11:30 at the Tucson J. Below are the books for September 2026 through May 2027. September – Feels Like Home by Linda Ronstadt and Lawrence Downes October – Will be added once discussed at the meetings November – Will be...
October 19th, 2026 – October 29th, 2026
Monday, Thursday
Crack, bam, dot! Make new friends and learn to play American Mah Jongg from an experienced teacher in a fun, interactive atmosphere. This 4-session class focuses on interpreting the card and learning the official National Mah Jongg League rules. Instruction will include handouts, as we learn and play through a clearly structured series of lessons....
November 2nd, 2026 – November 12th, 2026
Monday, Thursday
Crack, bam, dot! Make new friends and learn strategies for American Mah Jongg from an experienced teacher in a fun, interactive atmosphere. This 4-session class focuses on sharpening your mahj skills, so knowledge of how to play or having taken the introductory course is a requirement. Instruction will include handouts, as we learn and play...
December 7th, 2026 – December 17th, 2026
Monday, Thursday
Crack, bam, dot! Make new friends and learn strategies for American Mah Jongg from an experienced teacher in a fun, interactive atmosphere. This 4-session class focuses on sharpening your mahj skills, so knowledge of how to play or having taken the introductory course is a requirement. Instruction will include handouts, as we learn and play...

Galleries Gardens + Memorials

Explore our spaces where art, nature, and community come together to inspire. At the Tucson J, our galleries showcase the vibrant work of local and national artists, reflecting diverse stories and culture. Outside, our peaceful gardens offer a place to pause, reflect, and connect with nature. Together, these spaces hold more than beauty—they hold memories. Whether you’re attending an exhibit, strolling through the Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, every visit becomes a part of something meaningful. 

What is JPride?

JPride

“Belonging saves lives.” — Dr. Harrietta Wimms, founder of Jews of Color Mishpacha Project

JPride is an initiative that responds to the needs for community and belonging among LGBTQ+ Jews.

JPride aims to help LGBTQ+ Jews connect and build joyful community through fun activities such as games, film screenings, DIY art projects, and LGBTQ+-themed Jewish learning.

All LGBTQ+ Jews and allies can freely participate in JPride events and activities. No one is the “wrong” kind of Jewish or the “wrong” kind of LGBTQ to join the fun. If you show up, you belong.

For more information about JPride, please email Chloe Loos.

No offerings are available at this time.

People

Michael Twitty 

Rabbi Sandra Lawson 

Rabbi Koach Baruch Frazier 

 

Organizations

Keshet: Keshet works for the full equality of LGBTQ Jews and our families in Jewish life.

University of Arizona Hillel

 

Learning

SVARA: A Traditionally Radical Yeshiva

 

Practice

Shabbat and Havdalah Guide for BIMPOC and BIMPOC LGBTQIA+ Jews

 

Special

Reflections on Trans Students and Sports from a Trans Jewish Athlete

Let Them Play: A Collection of articles about trans kids and youth sports

 

Healthy Aging

Tucson J Healthy Aging Resources

Tucson J International Film Festival

One of the country’s longest running film festivals, the Tucson J International Film Festival is a multi-week celebration showcasing Jewish films from around the world. Featuring a diverse range of genres, themes, languages, and perspectives, the Festival invites audiences of all backgrounds to experience the power of storytelling through a Jewish lens. 

Jewish Holidays + Resources

Celebrate the richness of Jewish life all year long with the Tucson J. This space offers guidance, inspiration, and connection around meaningful moments on the Jewish calendar. Whether you’re exploring cultural traditions or deepening your understanding, you’ll find supportive tools and content to help you engage in a way that’s right for you and your family.

Weintraub Israel Center

The Tucson J is home to the Weintraub Israel Center, a joint project with the Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona that is dedicated to bringing a little piece of Israel to Tucson. From cultural programs to community conversations, the Weintraub Israel Center is Tucson’s resource for all things Israeli.

PJ Library + PJ Our Way

PJ Library + PJ Our Way

PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families raising Jewish children from birth through 8 years old.

PJ Our Way is the next chapter of PJ Library for kids ages 9-12. It is available free of charge throughout the U.S. and Canada to families raising Jewish children. 

PJ Library for Grandparents – Great News! Grandparents can receive the gift of PJ Library, too (for free!). Grandparents must have a grandchild with a current PJ Library subscription.

BBYO

Open to all Jewish teens in grades 8-12, we are the biggest Jewish teen movement in North America. With more than 600 chapters worldwide, Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA) and B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG) offer a space to be active leaders. There’s also time for teens to have fun and gain friendships that last a lifetime.

Café at the J

The Tucson J is home to one of the only kosher restaurants in Tucson! Swing by for a delicious dairy  meal, prepared under Orthodox supervision by Rabbi Billy. We also offer a variety of options to make it easier to feed your family healthy meals on the go. Most meals are $9 per person or less!

Meet the Team

Jennifer Selco

Jennifer Lorch Selco
(she/her)

Senior Director of Jewish Living + Engagement

520.299.3000 - EXT 7106

Chloe Loos

Chloe Loos
(she/her)

Director of Arts and Culture

520.299.3000

Mary Ellen Loebl

Mary Ellen Loebl
(she/her)

PJ Library Coordinator

520.299.3000 - EXT 7245

Suzette Joffroy

Suzette Joffroy
(she/her)

PJ Library Parent Connector
Davis Hubbell

Davis Hubbell
(he/him)

Director of Teen Engagement

520.299.3000 - EXT 6147

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Mallory Sussman

PJ Library Parent Connector