At the Tucson J, we believe a strong community is made of people who are deeply connected to each other, inspired to lead Jewish lives of meaning for themselves, and have the tools to lead them. Arts, culture, and community programming is intentionally 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 through windows, where people peer through new worlds to learn about those who have a different Jewish experience. When we gather, learn, and enjoy culturally rich experiences together, we have the opportunity to deepen our connection with each other and to the global Jewish community, and to build allyship across the Jewish community and with the broader community.
The Tucson J is proud to present the 2024-2025 Beth and Mike Kasser Patron of the Arts Signature Series. Through renowned speakers and talented musicians, we embrace the opportunity to celebrate Jewish pride and to explore relevant topics and challenges facing our local and global community. The 2024-2025 lineup includes five experiences. Individual tickets and series passes are available. All are welcome!
The series begins in perfect time to welcome the Jewish New Year with Return, with Saul Kaye: A Pre-Rosh Hashanah Concert with Songs, Stories, and How to Get Ready for the Season of Teshuva (Return) on Sunday, September 29 from 6:30-8pm.
In preparation for the Jewish New Year, join in community and be uplifted by the musical tunes shared by Saul Kaye. At the end of the experience, we hope you’ll feel more ready to end the year 5784 and welcome 5785 with a renewed spirit. We also hope you will leave having reconnected with old friends and meeting someone new!
Saul Kaye is an international touring artist pioneering a new genre of music: Jewish Blues. Through beautiful music and an amazing ability to read the energy of the room, he has helped to bring many people to the Shabbat experience who otherwise have not found their connection to Judaism.
“Creativity is not merely the role of artists and innovators; it resides within each of us. It is our responsibility to encourage and cultivate this spirit across all aspects of our organization. By creating spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and exploration, we can inspire one another to envision paths that may not yet exist. This is essential for our growth and sustainability as we strive to engage new generations of Jews, cultivate allyship in the broader public, and build a vibrant community where everyone belongs. This year’s line-up of events reflects the J’s commitment to that spirit and we cannot think of a better way to welcome Rosh Hashanah,” said Todd Rockoff, Tucson J President + CEO.
The season continues with four more events. We invite you to be present and join us for an event or events that speak to most to you.
- Intermarriage, with Dr. Keren R. McGinity: An Opportunity for Communal Conversations and Inclusion | Sun, Nov 3, 6:30-8pm. Looking at change over time and gender roles, Dr. Keren R. McGinity, Interfaith Specialist for United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, dismantles old assumptions, explains how intermarriage is an opportunity (not a threat), and provides a path forward for a strong Jewish future. Come learn about quantitative and qualitative research that illuminates the importance of egalitarianism, interfaith inclusion, and Jewish engagement. Q & A follows presentation.
- A Conversation with Hen Mazzig, Social Media Activist and Author | Sat, Dec 7, 6:30-8:30pm. Partake in a community Havdalah (a brief, often musical ritual that ends Shabbat on Saturday night) followed by conversation with Hen Mazzig, a Tel Aviv Institute Fellow, writer, speaker, and prominent voice on social media. Hen will share about a variety of topics including the story of his family’s experience escaping Iraq and Tunisia, military service as a humanitarian officer in the West Bank, the work being done to promote LGBTQ+ equality in Israel and around the world, what it means to be a progressive Zionist, and more!
- Neshama Carlebach: Believe, an evening of song and spirit | Sat, Mar 1, 6:30-9pm. Havdalah, followed by an evening filled with song and spirit featuring Neshama Carlebach and her family. Carlebach is an award-winning singer, songwriter and educator who has performed and taught in cities around the world. As the first then-Orthodox woman of her generation to perform for a mixed-gender audience, Neshama is a strong advocate for religious pluralism and human rights. Since her debut album, Soul, in 1996, she has released 10 records, each showcasing her vocal range, power, versatility, and her unique blend of various genres including classic Hebrew folk songs, contemporary pop music, jazz and gospel.
- Peter Boyer’s Ellis Island: Dream of America | Sun, May 11 at 3pm + Mon, May 12 at 7pm. The Tucson J, in partnership with Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra (SASO), is proud to present Peter Boyer”s Ellis Island: Dream of America, a Grammy-nominated contemporary classical work celebrating the historic American immigrant experience. Using texts from the Ellis Island Oral History Project and historic Ellis Island images in combination with an original orchestral score, Ellis Island features first-hand stories of immigrants dramatically interpreted. Over 40 percent of the U.S. population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island, and immigration remains at the forefront of global news. Ellis Island captures the emotions, elation, and uncertainties of America’s epic immigrant experience.
“Philanthropy plays a crucial role in helping the J provide culturally rich experiences for the Tucson community. We are incredibly grateful to Beth and Mike Kasser and all of the J’s Patrons of the Arts for enabling us bring world-renowned, thought-provoking and relevant talent to Tucson and Southern Arizona,” said Jennifer Selco, Tucson J Senior Director of Jewish Living and Engagement.
Learn more and purchase tickets and season passes for the 2025 Beth and Mike Kasser Signature Series at tucsonjcc.org.
