Shavua Tov
A little more than a month ago, we gathered as a community to host the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games here in Tucson. At our Opening Ceremonies, we paused in sacred memory to honor the Munich 11—the eleven Israeli athletes and coaches murdered during the 1972 Olympic Games. On September 5, we marked 53 years since that act of terror shook the Jewish world and reminded us of both the vulnerability and resilience of our people.
The words of Pirkei Avot 2:16 remind us:
“It is not upon you to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”
Their memory calls us to continue the work of building Jewish community, fostering life, and affirming joy—even in the face of loss. Just as we did together this summer, we commit ourselves to carrying forward the spirit of Jewish peoplehood, unity, and strength.
Songs often give voice to what our hearts cannot fully express. From our own tradition, Ani Maamin – I Believe has carried Jews through moments of darkness and triumph alike. And from the American folk tradition, Blowin in the Wind by Bob Dylan asks timeless questions of peace, justice, and freedom. Together, these songs remind us that resilience and hope are woven into our story as both Jews and Americans.
As we reflect on Munich and all who have been taken from us unjustly, we also hold in our hearts the hostages who have been in Gaza for the past 701 days. We pray for those who are alive to come home soon and begin their healing. We pray, too, that those who are no longer living receive proper burial, so that their families may find some measure of comfort.
May their memory, and our prayers, strengthen our resolve to build a safer, more compassionate, and more unified Jewish future.
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
