All are invited to join The Tucson Jewish Community Center (the J or the Tucson J) for Dara Horn, “Setting Our Minds Toward the New Year” on Sunday, September 10 at 6:30pm. The acclaimed National Book Award Winner and author of six books including, People Love Dead Jews will be in conversation with Jennifer Selco, the Tucson J’s Sr. Director of Jewish Living + Engagement. In perfect time for Rosh Hashanah reflection, the conversation will explore questions like: What does it mean to be part of a global people who seek to actively remember the past and who endeavor to ensure a strong future? In spite of ignorance and indifference to antisemitism, how can we proudly live fulfilling Jewish lives? How might our Judaism shape who we are and who we want to be in the New Year? For people who are not Jewish, this multifaceted event is an opportunity to delve into the significance of understanding and supporting our Jewish neighbors more deeply from an internationally known expert on the topic.
The special event initiates a season of four Signature Arts, Culture, + Community Programs that span through February, each program provides an opportunity to reflect on communal stories from the past, interwoven with our personal memories and hopes for what the future of Jewish Peoplehood can be. Everyone belongs at the Tucson J, and the series was intentionally designed to reflect the diversity within our local and global communities. With the goal of deepening engagement and creating ongoing dialogue, a Season Pass for all four events can be purchased.
“Dara Horn’s ability to explore the depth of Jewish identity and history aligns perfectly with the spirit of renewal and reflection that Rosh Hashanah embodies. We are honored and excited to provide our community with the opportunity to engage in this timely and meaningful conversation and grateful for the support of donors, staff, and many other stakeholders in the community who are helping to make a robust and inspiring forthcoming season of arts, culture, and community events not only possible, but accessible,” said Todd Rockoff, Tucson J President + CEO.
October 15, the J will welcome Amanda Berman, Founder and Executive Director of Zioness for a dialogue with Rockoff exploring the intersection of progressive values and Zionism presented by the Weintraub Israel Center, a partnership between the Tucson J and Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona. November 12, International Ladino singer/songwriter and activist Sarah Aroeste will bring her audience along on a musical journey highlighting the Sephardic experience from past to present. The Making Music Happen Community Grant Initiative is made possible by a generous grant from the Pertzik Fund for Arts and Culture at JCC Association of North America and is supported from Robert and Toni Bader Charitable Foundation. The final program of the signature series, on February 1, will feature Dr. Keren R. McGinity who will present, “Jewish Intermarriage: An Opportunity for Communal Conversations and Inclusion,” a lecture and Q+A that will dismantle old assumptions, explain how intermarriage is an opportunity (not a threat), and provide a path forward for a strong Jewish future.
“The Tucson J believes in the power of arts and culture as a shared language. Our programming is designed to be both mirrors and windows – mirrors that reflect our unique experience and how we see ourselves as part of a larger community, and windows through which people are inspired to learn about the Jewish experience or those who have a different Jewish experience. We’d love for you to join us for this season’s Signature Events series, each event aiming to amplify and give new perspective to the most important questions that we face as a community,” said Selco.
The Tucson J is proud that the series is being funded not only by local donors including Patrons of the Arts, but also by national grant funds. As arts season continues, stay tuned for details about the annual Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden Opening on Sunday, October 22 and the Tucson J International Film Festival, running in January 2024.
Learn more about Dara Horn here.
Learn more about the Signature Program Series and season passes here.
