Shavua Tov
As I begin my message tonight, I am holding in my heart the families of Sarah Milgrim and Yoron Lischinsky. These two young people were senselessly murdered exiting an AJC event last week. May their memories be for an eternal blessing.
As we approach Memorial Day on Monday, I want to take a moment to reflect on the profound meaning of this day for our community and our country. Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. Among them are countless Jewish Americans who proudly wore the uniform, standing for freedom, justice, and the values we hold dear.
The JCC Movement, through the Jewish Welfare Board (JWB), has a proud legacy of supporting Jewish service members and chaplains in the U.S. military for over a century. The JWB, a founding organization of the Jewish Community Centers movement, continues to ensure that Jewish men and women in uniform are connected to their heritage and community wherever they serve. This sacred mission is one we share with great pride, especially on days like Memorial Day, when we pause to acknowledge the sacrifices made in defense of our shared ideals. Please take a moment to listen to the powerful Song of Service composed and performed by Daniel Mendelson.
When I had the honor of visiting in Israel in January 2024, I had the chance to visit the World War II museum in Jerusalem, if you know of a Jewish service person who served during WW II, you can add their name to the registry HERE.
In a meaningful convergence of calendars, this Sunday evening and Monday also marks Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, on the Hebrew calendar. This day commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967, and it reminds us of the deep and enduring bond between the Jewish people and the State of Israel. As a J, we are committed not only to remembering the past but also to building a future grounded in strong Jewish identity and support for Israel. Enjoy this beautiful version of Naomi Shemer’s Yerushalayim Shel Zahav sung my Shiri Maimon.
At the Tucson J, we honor these twin pillars—our dedication to Jewish life in America and our connection to Israel. We are grateful to each of you—our board members, leaders, and donors—for ensuring that the J’s mission continues to thrive in our community.
As we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and celebrate the eternal city of Jerusalem, may we be inspired to lead with purpose, compassion, and commitment.
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
