Programming is one way that we build community at The J.
Programming also enables us to communicate and interpret
Jewish culture and values in a way that is meaningful and
accessible for everyone. Our 2018 programming highlights
included:
• Children and families in the Early Childhood program, camp
or J-Care participated in Shabbat and holiday programming,
discoverCATCH, Sheva and Sukkot Picnic in the fall. We were
proud to collaborate with Health & Wellness Department on
the holiday series fun runs!
• BBYO continues to be a program to give Jewish teens in
grades 8-12 a space to be active leaders, while leaving time
for them to have fun, and gain meaningful experiences with a
lasting connection to the Jewish people.
• For adults, classes and clubs were a way to maintain or build
cultural connections and interact with like-minded members
of the community. In 2018, expanded our art, language, and
music class offerings, in addition to cooking workshops and
other enrichment favorites. Special events such as ongoing
Celebration of Heritage concerts, book readings, and lectures,
have enabled us to partner with different community groups
and agencies, which in turn, helped us broaden our reach.
• In partnership with the Jewish Federation of Southern
Arizona we engaged young adults (ages 21 – 45) through a
variety of social and social action based experiences.
• JPride continued to cultivate and create community among
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and their allies
through enriching programming that fosters a welcoming and
inclusive environment in the Jewish Community. Highlights
of 2018 included the 90s themed Purim party, Passover Seder,
talking about JPRIDE at GLBT Chamber of Commerce
Breakfast, and Christmas Eve Chinese Dinner.
• The 27th annual Tucson International Jewish Film Festival
engaged 3,000+ movie-goers people of all ages with films
rooted in Jewish values.
• In collaboration with lay leaders, we organized opportunities
to be part of meaningful tikkun olam efforts, helping to make
our world a better place.
2018 was an exciting year with a lot of growth in participation,
and we look forward to what 2019 will bring. May we continue
to go from strength to strength.