From the Desk of Chloe Loos | Director of Arts + Culture
Miketz: When the Waiting Ends
Parashat Miketz, Hebrew for “at the end,” opens with the phrase “Vayehi miketz shenatayim yamim” (and it came to pass at the end of two years). For Joseph, it represents the end of two years of being forgotten, imprisoned, and waiting.
This feels different this year. It has been two years since October 7, 2023. Two years of unforgettable names, grief too heavy to shake, and relentless waiting. As of this writing, we are still waiting for one more hostage, Ran Gvili, to come home. Just when we see the light at the end of the long, dark tunnel and begin to push through, we are pulled back down; this time, by the horrific attack at Bondi Beach. We have been living in a time of profound tension, where the boundaries of hurt and hope blur together so tightly we can barely pull them apart. It is not hard to imagine how Joseph felt.
Miketz reminds us that endings are never just endings, but thresholds over which we step toward a new beginning. Joseph’s rise was sudden, but it was not accidental. He steps into his power grounded in all that came before, his faith, and himself. His redemption does not erase the pain that came before it, but illuminates meaning that could only emerge after that long wait in darkness.
We read this parasha around Hanukkah, the season of hidden light and miracles. Survival, endurance, and hope often happen quietly. This could look like patience and calm, providing for others while carrying our own struggles (like Joseph feeding the nations while still carrying the scars of imprisonment), or just faith that the darkness will not last forever.
Now, we stand at our own miketz and wonder: what’s next? What truths, responsibilities, or courage will this turning demand of us, spiritually, communally, and humanly? Miketz does not offer closure, but movement. Waiting is never wasted. Hidden work is happening, both within us and through currents of the world around us (whether you see that as the guiding hand of Hashem or the natural process of life). Even now, the story is still unfolding.
May this turning illuminate the unseen and bring life, hope, and renewal. May the memories of those lost at Bondi, and all those lost over these past two years, be a blessing. May they light our path and help push back the darkness as we step forward, together, across the threshold.
In parsha Miketz, Joseph rises to leadership not through power alone, but through his ability to interpret dreams and respond with foresight, compassion, and responsibility for the collective good. He teaches us that strong communities are built when we prepare wisely in times of plenty, remain attentive in moments of uncertainty, and care for one another with intention. As the lights of Hanukkahcontinue to glow, we are reminded that hope is sustained not by grand gestures, but by small, steady acts of courage and connection. Here at the J, our mission lives at this intersection—bringing people together, strengthening bonds across generations, and creating spaces where learning, wellness, culture, and community can thrive, even in complex times. This week at the J offered many opportunities to see this parallel in action!
Last Friday, BBYO hosted its 3rd annual Global Shabbat at the Tucson Jewish History Museum and Holocaust Center. With 40+ people in attendance, the event continues to grow, bringing together BBYO teens, parents, rabbi, and alumni for a fun and meaningful Shabbat celebration. On Sunday, BBYO celebrated the first day of Hanukkah for a Better Together program at Handmaker Home for the Aging. The intergenerational group played dreidel, learned about the holiday through trivia, made candles, and sang songs.
Back at the J, Sunday was filled with music, and movement with end-of-semester Dance and Pianorecitals. Students shined brightly with pride for the new skills they learned, and parents, family, and friends were thrilled to cheer them on! Sunday also brought the conclusion of the Fall Men’s Basketball League and Co-ed Volleyball League with two exciting Championship Games. Mazel Tov to all of the youth and adults who participated in these programs this season—we’re grateful you choose to work hard, build community, and have fun here at the J!
It was a meaningful week as we continued with joyful, delicious, fun, and caring Hanukkah traditions. Members stopped by the welcome and wellness desks to enjoy latkes and sufganiyot for Membership Appreciation week—but the deliciousness didn’t stop there! Kids in Early Childhood Education and JCaretook to the kitchen to make latkes and learn about the miracle of the oil. JCare also participated in a lively dreidel tournament that lasted all week long. Tucson J staff got in on the more modern Hanukkah tradition of caring for the elderly by taking time out of their monthly leadership meeting to make holiday cards for those living at Handmaker, spreading light and joy beyond campus and into the hearts of community members who matter most.
As we slow down for Shabbat, celebrate the last nights of Hanukkah, and make our way to 2026, we invite you to consider how you will move forward, carrying light, care, courage, and connection with you in the year ahead. Shabbat Shalom.
Reminders, Resources + Learning
Each week we share resources for more learning:
- Don’t Just Stand There — Do Something! by Rabbi Rabbi Neal J. Loevinger (My Jewish Learning)
- The Author of Our Lives by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Last 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)
Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.