Shavua Tov
I write to you filled with gratitude and hope.
In January, the Tucson J Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan that builds on our past success while boldly embracing the opportunities ahead. Appropriately titled Kadima B’Yachad: Forward Together, this plan reflects not only where we are going, but how we intend to get there: as one community.
We are deeply grateful to Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona for their generous grant support that helped make this important work possible. Their partnership reflects a powerful truth our shared success as a community is based on collaboration, not fragmentation. When we work together, we are not giving up power; we are gaining strength.
Our plan is built around six strategic pillars:
Enhance the JCC’s role as the heart of Jewish Tucson, ensuring every Jew feels welcome and finds connection here.
Invest in new marketing capabilities to expand awareness of the JCC and drive increased membership and participation.
Drive growth in programming for school-age youth, especially JCare and Camp, through innovative new offerings and meaningful collaborations.
Revitalize our fitness, wellness, and sports/recreation offerings to meet the evolving interests of active adults.
Develop a stronger, more agile technology infrastructure that advances user experience, supports staff productivity, and expands our reach.
Explore campus enhancements that make the JCC an even more attractive CENTER for the community and create capacity for future growth.
The Psalmist reminds us, “Hinei mah tov u’mah na’im, shevet achim gam yachad” “How good and how pleasant it is when we dwell together in unity”. This verse captures our aspiration. The J is not simply a facility. It is a gathering place of belonging, strength, and shared purpose.
Rabbi Shai Held teaches, “Hope is the refusal to give up on the possibility of transformation.” That spirit animates this moment. We are not standing still. We are moving forward with intention, with courage, and with one another.
As we look ahead, I feel a great deal of hope for our collective future. Hope rooted in our history. Hope strengthened by partnership. Hope energized by the extraordinary people who make up this community donors, leaders, board members, staff, and families.
When I think about the spirit of this moment, I hear the message of Yad B’Yad hand in hand a reminder that our greatest strength comes when we walk forward together. Our future depends on that togetherness. And in the language of American folk tradition, it echoes the simple, enduring truth of Lean on Me that we are strongest when we support one another. Kadima forward. B’Yachad together. Thank you for your partnership, your belief, and your commitment to the Tucson J. I look ahead with deep hope and confidence in what we will build side by side.
Kadima: forward.
B’Yachad: together.
Thank you for your leadership, your generosity, and your belief in the Tucson J. The best chapters of our story are still ahead.
With gratitude and hope
Cochenu b’Achduteynu | כחינו באחדותינו | Our strength is in our unity.
Am Yisrael Chai | עם ישראל חי
Todd Rockoff
President + CEO, Tucson J
