Shavua Tov
As the sun sets this tomorrow evening, we usher in the holiday of Shavuot, a moment on the Jewish calendar that commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Tradition teaches that every soul—past, present, and future—stood together at Sinai. It was a moment of extraordinary unity, where the Jewish people, diverse in identity and voice, received a shared covenant that continues to shape our lives.
That image—of standing together at Sinai—has always moved me. Because it speaks to something essential, something we strive to embody every day here at the Tucson J. I can’t help but hear the words of Bob Dylan “Come Gather ‘round people wherever you roam” Indeed after receiving the Torah, The Times They are A Changin.
It is customary to study throughout the evening until morning on Shavuot and I am proud that in partnership with agencies and synagogues throughout the community we will be continuing the tradition at the J with this years Proudly Jewish Together at Sinai: A community Shavuot Experience. It is not too late to Sign Up. This program is made possible with a grant from The Yale and Elinor Palchick Family Foundation held at the Jewish Community Foundation.
That moment reminds us of a powerful truth: we can stand together, unified, without needing to be uniform.
This ideal lives vibrantly within the work we do at Tucson J and across the entire Jewish community. Our programs, partnerships, and relationships reflect the belief that strong and enduring Jewish communities are built by respecting and supporting diverse Jewish opinions, beliefs, and practices, as beautifully expressed in the JCC Association Statement of Principles.
The J is a space where children learn, seniors connect, athletes train, artists create, and Jewish life thrives—not in one way, but in many. And just as we once stood together at Sinai, we continue to stand together today—synagogues, community organizations, and individuals alike—each bringing our own voice to the chorus of Jewish life.
As we celebrate Shavuot, may we be inspired by that ancient moment of collective purpose to continue building a community rooted in respect, inclusion, and shared commitment. When one is a part of a community You’ll Never Walk Alone, as sung in the Broadway musical Carousel.
Just as we once stood at Sinai, today we continue to stand—with our synagogues, agencies, and all of you—side by side, building something meaningful and lasting.
Chag Sameach
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
