From the Desk of Jennifer Lorch Selco | Sr. Director of Jewish Living + Engagement
This week’s Torah portion is Vayeshev. In our story, Joseph is looking for his brothers. He runs into a man who asks him what Joseph is seeking. Joseph explains that he is looking for his brothers and the man directs him to Dotan, where Joseph will eventually meet up with his brothers. This one small interaction by an unnamed man in our text, sets into motion the dramatic saga of the Joseph story.
Rabbi Jack Moline, in Torah Text for Teens: A Commentary on the Torah (edited by Jeffrey Salkin) shares that even the smallest of our actions has potential to make a huge difference. We know that there are many ups and downs in the Joseph story. And Joseph being in Egypt, is what sets up the story of Exodus and the redemption of and becoming a Jewish people.
So, whether you’re at the J, the supermarket or elsewhere, remember: a small act of kindness – a wave and hello, a smile, or holding the door for the person next to you – can not only brighten someone’s day, one small act can cause a positive ripple effect.
The message of kindness we encounter in Vayeshev was especially resonant this week at the Tucson as we approached Hanukkah and celebrated together with our community. In the portion, one small moment sets in motion a story that will eventually lead to the shaping of the Jewish people. It’s a powerful reminder that even the smallest act can make a big difference. Hanukkah, too, teaches us the significance of a single spark—one night’s worth of oil that ignites eight days of light. Just as the Maccabees discovered, and just as Joseph’s story reveals, small beginnings can grow into tremendous sources of strength, resilience, and hope. Here at the J, every smile, every milestone, every shared moment of learning or celebration, adds its own light to our collective story. We shine brightly, together.
We began the week on Sunday with our 9th Annual Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run. As the largest run in HHCR history, over 460 runners, walkers, and wheelers joined in the fun for a super sweet and memorable morning. We are grateful for every participant, our crew of volunteers, and the partners and sponsors who helped make it happen! Check out more photos from the day here on Facebook and race results here.
PJ Library took the Hanukkah spirit off campus, visiting our friends in the Northwest Tucson Jewish Community for a Hanukkah Extravaganza complete with sparkly snow globe and fruit loop menorah crafts, songs, and of course plenty of stories. Here at the J, our senior leadership team also dove into the world of PJ Library with a Hanukkah book text study!
Last night, the Tucson J team gathered together for our annual Staff Holiday Celebration. This year’s theme was Y2J featuring 2000’s-themed tunes and team trivia. The party began with a reflection from Tucson J president + CEO, Todd Rockoff, who shared about the meaningful work we accomplished together this year, with each member of our extraordinary team contributing their heart and talent. Following Todd’s talk, we congratulated the recipients of this year’s Tucson J Longevity Awards, which celebrate employees on their tenure from 5 to 35 years! Read about a couple of the recipients here and here.
As we head into Shabbat and begin Hanukkah on Sunday evening, may we carry forward the reminder that even the smallest acts—of kindness, joy, or connection—can brighten our entire community. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Urim Sameach!
Reminders, Resources + Learning
Each week we share resources for more learning:
This week’s resources:
- Before The Law: Creating Real Systems Of Justice by Aliza Mazor (My Jewish Learning)
- Judah, Tamar, and the Indomitable Flame of Chanukah by Jonah S.C. Muskat-Brown (Chabad.org)
Last week’s resources:
- When Jacob Met Esau: Facing Our Fears by Gordon Tucker (Jewish Theological Seminary)
- Why the Angel Asks Jacob His Name by Rabbi Neal J. Loevinger (My Jewish Learning
Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.
