| Shavuah Tov אין מילים this past week has been another heavy one, I am once again left without words. It is still with a heavy heart that I write to you today, grappling with profound sadness and anger over the tragic loss of Shiri Bibas and her young sons, Kfir and Ariel. Their story—one of unimaginable suffering—has pierced the soul of our global Jewish community. Over the past 505 days since the barbaric attack on October 7, 2023, we have borne witness to unspeakable grief but also to the unyielding strength of our people. Here, we feel an unbreakable connection to Israel because Am Yisrael Chai—the Jewish people are one people. The pain endured by one family reverberates through us all, reminding us of our shared destiny and resilience. Yet even in this darkness, we hold fast to hope. Judaism teaches us that hope is not passive; it is an active commitment to building a better future, rooted in faith and community. In the shadow of the heartbreaking tragedy of the Bibas family and so many others stories, we find ourselves grappling with profound grief and searching for meaning amidst the pain. Their story—one of unimaginable loss—reminds us of the fragility of life and the strength of our shared humanity. As we mourn, we must also seek pathways to resilience and hope. At the J, we believe in the transformative power of community and music as forces for healing. Music has a unique ability to express what words often cannot—it creates empathy, fosters connection, and inspires hope even in our darkest moments. Through shared melodies and collective action, we can honor those we’ve lost by amplifying love over hate and unity over division. Next week as we conclude Shabbat, please join us for an Evening of song and spirit with Neshama Carlbach. We will come together to share an evening of song and togetherness, hope to see you there. Enjoy this beautiful and meaningful song by Neshama Invincible spirit. Our community’s strength lies in its unwavering commitment to each other. Whether it is supporting our friends and family in Israel or standing together here at home, we embody the values of compassion and resilience. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l taught, hope requires courage—the courage to work together to make things better. Let us channel our emotions into purpose. Together, through music, storytelling, and shared experiences, we can build a future where love triumphs over despair and where every act of kindness becomes a tribute to those we have lost. The J has always tried to be a beacon of togetherness—a place where we come to heal, connect, and rebuild. In these challenging times, our purpose is clearer than ever: We create community based on Jewish Values by providing the highest quality programs and services in a safe and secure environment for all people of all ages. We seek to foster unity and provide solace while inspiring action. Together, we must channel our grief into resilience, ensuring that the memories of those we have lost fuel our determination to create a brighter tomorrow. I am honored to share the beautiful poem of hope by Hannah Senesh Eli, Eli sung by Ofra Haza. Let us honor their lives by redoubling our efforts to strengthen our community and support one another. May we find comfort in faith, courage in adversity, and hope in the promise of renewal. Oseh Shalom by Debbie Friedman z”l asks that there be peace amongst Israel and our people. Cochenu b’Achduteynu | כחינו באחדותינו | Our strength is in our unity. Am Yisrael Chai | עם ישראל חי Bring them Home Now I מחזירים אותם הביתה עכשיו Todd Rockoff President + CEO, Tucson J |
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