Shavua Tov,
Yesterday we gathered to celebrate the 4th of July—a time to honor the birth of our nation and the enduring promise of liberty and justice for all—we reflect with gratitude on the unique and meaningful relationship between the American experiment and the Jewish experience.
From the very beginning, the Jewish community has found a home and a haven in the United States. In 1790, President George Washington, in his letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island, affirmed what remains among the most powerful expressions of religious freedom in American history:
“For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.”
And perhaps even more enduring is his wish for our people:
“May the children of the stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.”
These words can be found in the song One Last Time from the musical Hamilton, this version is sung by Chris Jackson and Staff Sgt. Ian McEuen
These words remind us that the ideals of freedom, safety, and dignity are not just American values—they are deeply Jewish values. They are at the heart of our story as a people and the work we continue to do every day at the Tucson J.
The Jewish Community Center movement, rooted in the mid-19th century with the creation of the Hebrew Young Men’s Literary Association in Baltimore in 1854, has long embodied the American Jewish journey—supporting immigrants, nurturing identity, and helping individuals find belonging and purpose in a new land. From those beginnings to today’s vibrant and inclusive JCCs, including our own in Tucson, we have continued the sacred work of building community and strengthening Jewish life.
At the Tucson J, we are proud to carry that legacy forward. Our mission—to cultivate and enrich Jewish identity, ensure Jewish continuity, foster wellness, and broaden communal harmony—is deeply aligned with the ideals this holiday celebrates. We believe in a nation and a community where everyone can thrive, contribute, and feel at home.
This year, we have the extraordinary honor of hosting the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games + Access, from July 27 to August 1—welcoming 1,000 Jewish teen athletes from around the world for a week of spirited competition, friendship, and Jewish connection. With almost 300 host families, thousands of volunteers, and 75 local athletes participating, the Games will not only leave a lasting legacy of Jewish pride but will also generate more than $4.5 million in economic impact for our city.
Since their inception in 1982, the JCC Maccabi Games have touched the lives of over 130,000 Jewish youth. They are a powerful expression of what it means to be Jewish, American, and connected to a global people—uniting teens through sportsmanship, service, and shared values.
As we continue to enjoy this holiday weekend, we are reminded of the wisdom of our tradition, which teaches in Pirkei Avot 2:6:
“In a place where there are no people, strive to be a person.”
בִּמְקוֹם שֶׁאֵין אֲנָשִׁים, הִשְׁתַּדֵּל לִהְיוֹת אִישׁ
These words call each of us to take responsibility, to show up for one another, and to lead with courage and compassion. They echo the American spirit of active citizenship and the Jewish imperative of moral action.
On behalf of the Tucson J, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful, safe, and meaningful remainder of the holiday weekend. May we continue to celebrate our freedoms, embrace our responsibilities, and build a future of strength and unity—together.
Enjoy this beautiful version of America the Beautiful by the incomparable Ray Charles.
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
