| Shavua Tov בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹֽמֶר. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the counting of the Omer. הַיּוֹם שְׁמוֹנָה יָמִים שֶׁהֵם שָׁבֽוּעַ אֶחָד וְיוֹם אֶחָד לָעֹֽמֶר Today is eight days, which is one week and one day of the Omer. As we conclude the joyful celebrations of Passover and embark on the journey of counting the Omer, I want to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this tradition and its relevance to our work at the J. The second week of counting the Omer focuses on the beautiful interplay between Chesed (kindness) and Gevurah (strength or boundaries). In our Jewish tradition, these two attributes are often seen as complementary forces. Chesed inspires us to show love and compassion, while Gevurah provides the structure and discipline necessary to sustain those acts of kindness. At the J, we strive to embody these values every day. Our programs and services are designed to foster a warm and inclusive community (Chesed), all while ensuring a respectful environment that upholds the boundaries necessary for personal growth and communal harmony (Gevurah). This synergy allows us to support one another effectively, ensuring that we can reach out to those in need while nurturing a strong and vibrant community. As we move forward, let us remember that our efforts are strengthened by this beautiful balance. Each act of kindness fueled by our community’s strength creates a ripple effect, enhancing the impact we can have on the lives of those we serve. Enjoy the beautiful version of Ahavat Olam sung by Ben, Henry and Jonah Platt. This week we begin to observe and celebrate the Yamim. As we approach the sacred observances of Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron, followed shortly by the joyful celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, I want to take a moment to reflect on the profound significance of these days in our collective memory and identity. Yom HaShoah is a day of remembrance, a time to honor the memories of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. It is a solemn occasion that calls us to reflect on the pain, suffering, and resilience of our people. It reminds us not only of the atrocities faced during this dark chapter in history but also of the importance of bearing witness and ensuring that such horrors are never repeated. Our community will observe Yom Hashoah on Sunday April 27 at 2pm with the program Liberation: Life After Loss a collaboration between Tucson Jewish Museum and Holocaust Center , JFCS, JPSA and The J. Following this, Yom HaZikaron serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who defended our homeland, Israel, and those who have fallen in the pursuit of peace and security. It invites us to recognize the bravery and commitment of those who have given their lives for our shared values and the existence of our nation. Join us on Tuesday April 29 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm by registering for Honoring our Fallen Heroes, Living in their light organized by the The Weintraub Israel Center, a partnership between JPSA and The J . In contrast, Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrates the establishment of the State of Israel and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people. It is a day filled with joy, reflecting on our achievements, our culture, and the vibrant community we continue to build together. This years celebration is called Building Our Future Together with music from the legendary Banai Family, organized by the Weintraub Israel Center, a partnership between JPSA and The Tucson J. This juxtaposition of sorrow and joy within such a brief period embodies the complexity of our history and our ongoing journey. It teaches us that both emotions coexist in our hearts and are integral parts of our narrative as a people. As a people, we hold the bitter and the sweet, enjoy Al Kol Eleh with Koolulam. As a community we are entrusted not only to remember our past but also to embrace our present and future with hope and determination. We hold both sorrow and joy in our tradition, understanding that they together shape our identity and strengthen our commitment to one another. 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  |