The Z3 Conference, an initiative of the Oshman Family JCC, brings Jews from across the political and religious spectrum together to explore Israel, Zionism, identity, and the future of Jewish life. The conference will celebrate 10 years this fall. For several years, Todd Rockoff, Tucson J President and CEO, has attended the conference in Palo Alto, California. Four years ago, Todd and Jennifer Lorch Selco, the J’s Senior Director of Jewish Living and Engagement, participated in the Z3 Leadership Lab to learn more in-depth about what Z3 is and what Z3 might look like in the Tucson community. Deeply inspired by the conference’s operating principles of “Unity, Not Uniformity; Engaging as Equal Partners; and Diversity of Voices,” the J leaned in to the idea of Z3 as a framework for thinking about how to bring people together to learn about Jewish peoplehood and help people lead Jewish lives of meaning.
For the past three years, the J sent delegations that included professional staff and lay leadership to the conference to better understand the Z3 framework and to help animate the J’s work to foster Jewish peoplehood and Israel engagement.
“Attending the Z3 Conference was one of the most thought-provoking and inspiring experiences I’ve had. As a prior attendee, I continue to be impressed by how the conference creates a space for honest, respectful, and deeply necessary conversations. ‘Unity, Not Uniformity’ is not just a catchphrase — the speakers, panels, and breakout sessions are always intellectually rich and emotionally resonant. I left feeling more connected, more informed, and more hopeful about the future. The Z3 Project isn’t just a conference — it’s a movement I’m proud to be part of,” said Tucson J Board Member Lauren Talkington.
After the 2024 conference last November, the J brought together the three previous delegations to reflect on their Z3 experience and to consider how the J might continue to animate Z3 in Tucson. This year, the Tucson J is proud to be one of nine organizations introducing Z3@ to their home communities. Z3@ is a platform to bring the conference beyond Palo Alto, built by individual JCCs and shaped by the questions and voices that matter most locally.
On Nov. 2, 2025, the day before the 30th yahrzeit of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination and in proximity to the date of the Balfour Declaration, the Tucson J will host its inaugural Z3@ conference presented in partnership with the Weintraub Israel Center. The Tucson conference is titled “Building Our Shared Future” and will bring together voices from across the Jewish world to explore unity, identity, and our shared future.
Attendees will engage with fellow leaders, thinkers, and community members, including Dr. David Hazony, the Director and Senior Fellow of the Z3 Institute; Amy Albertson, the Z3 Lead Communications Strategist and prominent social media influencer; Dr. David Graizbord, the Director of the Arizona Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Arizona; Todd Rockoff, Tucson J President and CEO; and Yuval Malka, Senior Community Shlicha, and Daniella Ironi, Junior Community Shlicha at the Weintraub Israel Center at Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona.
“Now is an especially important time to host Z3@Tucson,” Selco said. “We will enjoy meaningful and difficult conversations, explore diverse perspectives, and imagine together what the future of Jewish peoplehood might hold.”
The conference will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a light breakfast and several sessions held throughout the morning. Childcare is available upon request.
To learn more about the event and register, visit https://tucsonj.regfox.com/z3-tucson—building-our-shared-future-
This program is supported by the JCC Association of North America and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.
