J Life Magazine - Jan-March 2018 JLifejan2018_web | Page 2
Letter from the CEO
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
of the work we are doing. For example, in April
we gathered a group of volunteers who painted
and landscaped transitional housing units at
the Pio Decimo Center. And over the holidays we
did a pick-a-gift project where members of The J
collected and wrapped 100 gifts to be given out
this holiday.
As the calendar turns to 2018 I am filled with
excitement and hope about all that is happening
here at OUR J!
OUR J is ever expanding. Our facility has grown,
our membership has grown, and our programming
continues to evolve and grow.
Last year, The J adopted a new service pledge
to guide our promise of excellence: We create
community based on Jewish Values by providing
the highest quality programs and services in a safe
and secure environment for ALL people of ALL ages.
Todd Rockoff
Chief Executive
Officer/President
(520) 299–1904 or
[email protected]
During 2017, we worked every day to fulfill that
pledge by creating a welcoming environment
that builds a sense of community through new
activities and opportunities for engagement. Our
dedication and continued effort has resulted in a
surge of interest in OUR J, including requests for
financial support to participate in our summer and
winter youth camps and our childhood education
program. Meeting the needs of ALL people takes a
community effort and we are leading the way.
We have a collective responsibility to care for our
neighbors, to educate our children and to build
a community that reflects our values. Together,
we feed the hungry, we teach the young, and we
strengthen the mind, body and spirit.
OUR J is a place that is founded on principles that
live inside Jewish ethics and values, we live the
values of kavod (respect), tikkun olam (repair the
world) and tzedakah (justice).
We successfully launched our Tikkun Olam
initiative whereby we focus on using the power
of our collective staff and membership to make a
difference in the community. We are proud
OUR J is committed to partnering with agencies
and organizations from the Jewish and the General
community – along with synagogues – to build a
healthier and stronger Tucson. We actively seek
out and invite all people to join us in our collective
effort to grow and strengthen our community.
OUR J is like a tent open on all four sides, we
welcome all people to come in, to participate, and
to be a part of the community at The J.
I encourage you to take part in the good and
important work that is in front of us. Volunteer for
one of our Tikkun Olam projects, give to OUR J by
participating, making a donation or volunteering
for one of our many committees or projects.
It’s a place where we can all Live Up to our
goals, Live Up to our dreams, and Live Up to our
aspirations — small or large.
Our tradition teaches that one who is wise is the
one who learns from everyone. I want to hear from
all of you with your ideas and thoughts about how
we can be the best J that we can be! I promise you
that we are listening.
All of us will always have a place in OUR J.
Please feel free to call me at 520-299-1904 or write
me at [email protected].
J STAR AWARD FOR STAFF EXCELLENCE
Sponsor
AUGUST: SEPTEMBER:
MIKE MALONE,
FITNESS CENTER COORDINATOR ADRIAN MAIURI
LEAD TEACHER, J-CARE
OCTOBER:
DALE GREEN,
DIRECTOR OF BUILDING SERVICES
IN THIS ISSUE
LETTER FROM THE CEO...............................................................................................................................2
TUCSON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE.....................................................................3
WELCOME NEW STAFF/TRIBUTES............................................................................................................4
UPCOMING JEWISH LIFE & LEARNING EVENTS...................................................................................5
95: HENRY KOFFLER ART............................................................................................................................6
A PEEK INSIDE THE TUCSON J’S SCULPTURE GARDEN....................................................................7
BUILDING BRIDGES: THE J & THE HACIENDA AT THE RIVER...........................................................8
WATERCOLOR FUN AT THE J.....................................................................................................................9
SUGAR: WHY DOES IT GET A BAD RAP?.............................................................................................. 10
TAGLIT: COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING................................................................................................ 11
HOURS OF OPERATION............................................................................................................................ 12
HOLIDAY HOURS......................................................................................................................................... 12
2 October 2017 | J Life Magazine
The Tucson Jewish Community Center is a beneficiary agency of
the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona and Jewish Community
Foundation of Southern Arizona. The Tucson J is a member of
the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America.
J Life is published four times annually by the Tucson J.