Shavua Tov
Hinei Ma Tov, how wonderful it is to gather here together. In just 49 days, the Tucson J and our entire Jewish Community will proudly welcome over 1,000 Jewish teens, coaches, and delegation heads from across the globe for the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games. This moment — the culmination of months of planning and years of vision — is more than a celebration of athleticism and spirit. It is an embodiment of something far deeper and more enduring: Jewish Peoplehood — Amiut Yehudit.
Jewish Peoplehood is the invisible thread that binds us across geography, language, ideology, and time. It is what connects a teen in Tucson with a peer from Moldova, New York, or Israel. It is the shared sense of history, responsibility, and destiny that has sustained us through exile, return, triumph, and struggle. And it is what calls upon us today to come together in common purpose.
At a time when the Jewish world is facing increasing challenges — from rising antisemitism to the heartbreak of ongoing conflict and division — the importance of nurturing a strong, resilient, and unified Jewish identity has never been greater. The JCC Maccabi Games are not only a showcase of athletic excellence; they are a living commitment to Jewish continuity, pride, and solidarity. I am reminded of the teaching of Rabbi Nachman of Breslev Kol Ha’aolam Kulo gesher Tzar Me’od – The whole world is a narrow bridge, and the main thing is not to be afraid.
By hosting the Games here in Tucson, our community is making a powerful statement: that we believe in the next generation, that we are committed to klal Yisrael, and that we embrace our role as part of a global Jewish family. It is an investment not only in this summer, but in the future of our people.
Let us approach these next 49 days with Kavanah, great intention — just as our ancestors counted the days from Passover to Sinai — preparing to receive and celebrate the beauty of what it means to be one people, united in heart and spirit.
It is not too late to get involved, consider joining the effort by becoming a volunteer or host family! You can register HERE.
Thank you for your support, your leadership, and your partnership in making this extraordinary moment possible.
Cochenu b’Achduteynu | כחינו באחדותינו | Our strength is in our unity.
Am Yisrael Chai | עם ישראל חי
Bring them Home Now I מחזירים אותם הביתה עכשיו
Todd Rockoff
President + CEO, Tucson J
