J Life - July-Sept 2018 JLife_July-Sept2018_joomag | Page 12

Get Involved at The J!
by Jennifer Selco
Director of Jewish Life & Learning
When I was a teen, I was privileged to participate on a youth
trip to Eastern Europe and Israel. Recently I came across
some photos that I had taken while in Eastern Europe. What
stands out the most of the pictures from Prague, Warsaw, and
Krakow is that in each of the cities were the town squares.
Memories of the beautiful architecture, cobblestone, souvenir
shops, peddlers selling bread sticks, people dancing, and cafes
immediately come to mind. Regardless of the city, the town
squares were a place where everyone came together. The J is our
community’s town square. Just like the town squares of Eastern
Europe, there is something for everyone, and we even have a
cafe! There are many ways to be part of The J community. Pick
and choose what works for you!
• Children and families in the Early Childhood program,
camp or J-Care engage in Shabbat and holiday programming,
Discover CATCH, and other Jewish activities. Parents are
always invited to join us as we bring in Shabbat on Fridays.
• BBYO is 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. Contact Katie Spector for additional information.
• For adults, classes and clubs offer a way to maintain or build
cultural connections and interact with like-minded members
of the community. Check out the program guide to see our
offerings.
• In partnership with the Jewish Federation of Southern
Arizona we engage young adults (ages 21 – 45) through a
variety of experiences.
12  July - Sept 2018 | J Life Magazine 
• JPride cultivates and creates community among lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and their allies through
enriching programming that fosters a welcoming and inclusive
environment in the Jewish Community.
• We partner with community agencies to diversify our
programming and engage. Join us at the Taste of Judaism series
in August, come hear Cal Yosef Murray (former football player
at Ohio State University) tell his story about connecting with
Jewish values, and register early to participate in A Day at the
Zoo (with PJ Library and PJ OurWay)!
• Help make our world a better place by participating in The J’s
tikun olam efforts.
• Take a leisurely stroll through The J’s Sculpture Garden.
Brochures highlighting pieces in the 2018-2019 show are
available at the entrance to the garden.
• Set and meet your fitness goals! Head into the Jewish New
Year on Plan to run in our first Honey Family Fun Run on
Sunday, September 9.