As we gather for Shabbat to read Parshat Yitro, we reflect on its timeless wisdom and its relevance to our lives in Tucson. The story of Yitro, Moshe’s father-in-law, and the giving of the Ten Commandments offer profound lessons for our community.
In the halls of Tucson Hebrew Academy and throughout our community, we often feel overwhelmed by our responsibilities. Like Moshe, who struggled to judge all disputes alone, we can feel the weight of our duties. Yitro’s wisdom reminds us of the importance of delegation and shared responsibility.
Yitro’s advice, ” לֹא־טוֹב הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה עֹשֶׂה ” (This thing that you are doing is not good), speaks to all who try to shoulder every burden alone. True leadership isn’t about doing everything ourselves, but about empowering others and working together.
We can learn from this by creating systems of support and shared responsibility. By involving more people in decision-making processes and distributing tasks, we not only lighten our individual loads but also strengthen our community bonds. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and investment in our shared future.
The Ten Commandments, or דִּבְּרוֹת (dibrot), provide an ethical framework that transcends time and culture. In today’s complex world, they offer clarity and direction, reminding us of our responsibilities to God and our fellow humans. Each commandment is a dugma ishit – a personal example of how we can create a more just, compassionate world.
For students at Tucson Hebrew Academy, internalizing these commandments can shape their character and guide their interactions. In our wider Tucson community, these universal ethical guidelines can foster mutual respect and harmony among diverse groups.
The story of Yitro is not just ancient history. It’s a lesson in balancing responsibility and humility. It challenges us to create systems that support our communities while also seeking personal growth and a stronger moral compass. In our own daily lives, in our homes, in Tucson, and in the world, let us heed the lessons of Yitro and strive to live our lives with intention and integrity.
As we move forward, inspired by our ancestors’ wisdom, let’s create a more just, compassionate, and united Tucson, honoring our legacy and paving the way for future generations.
In Yitro, we learn about the value of working together and allowing our individual strengths and contributions to shine, which in turn uplifts our whole community. This week, and every day at the J, we see this in action with each member of our community bringing their unique gifts, perspectives, strengths, and identities to our shared table.
As we celebrated Tu Bishvat, the New Year/Birthday of the Trees and a time we often think about Tikkun Olam (heal the world), we remember our individual responsibility to treat our Earth, our selves, and one another with great care — and that small acts can add up to make a big difference for us all! Kids in Early Childhood Education and JCare participated in Tu Bishvat Seders, with a special appearance from Honi the Circle Maker (otherwise known as, Corey Cravens, Director of Afterschool Programming).
On Wednesday, we were proud to pass the mic to Dr. Mary Gendron who joined the J’s Director of Healthy Aging, Linda Travis and community members to share her expertise on Women’s Heart Health in honor of American Heart Month. The presentation was powerful and empowering as Dr. Gendron shared her personal story as a heart attack survivor in addition to crucial information and resources!
Our Taglit program was joined by friends from the Beacon Group for their annual Friendship Concert on Thursday. Participants dazzled on stage in song, delighting the audience with tunes from around the world from Japan, to Africa, Brazil, Australia and more! Music Therapist, Sierra Norris, who works regularly with both groups coordinated the show.
And last but not least, we wished yasher koach (may your strength increase) to Davis Hubbell, Director of Teen Engagement, who has been accepted to the JCC Association Merrin Teen Professional Fellowship! Davis will join 13 professionals from across the country for the 12-month program where they’ll gain valuable leadership and management skills, strengthen their networks, and deepen their Jewish knowledge.
Whether your strength this week was in your expertise or experience, or you lead by leaning on someone else, know that you have a community who appreciates and stands beside you! Shabbat Shalom.
| Reminders, Resources + LearningEach week we share resources for more learning: This week’s resources: Parshat Yitro: The Ten Commandments, Beyond the Two Tablets? by Leah Jones (BimBam) What are the Ten Commandments? (My Jewish Learning) Last week’s resources: The Story of Nachshon, by Rabbi Jonah Pesner (BimBam) Beshalach: Protected by God, Edited by Nina Litvak & Salvador Litvak (the Accidental Talmudist) Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests. |
| CHALLAH ORDERSMembers can pre-order challah for $6 each week in advance of Shabbat. Orders must be made by 10pm on Monday. Orders may be picked up from 5am-6pm at the Front Desk and/or Sports + Wellness Desk on Thursday and Friday. If you have a child/dependent in one of the J’s childcare programs or Taglit, we can send your Challah order home with them. Contact Member Services at membership@tucsonjcc.org or mark the boxes on our online order form to set up a standing order or to purchase a new 10 pass for weekly challah at a discounted rate of $55. |