Shavua Tov
As we begin this new week together, our hearts are filled with gratitude and awe. With the return of Ron Gvilli z”l, we mark a moment that many of us have prayed for and longed for: for the first time in more than 120 weeks, there are no Israeli hostages being held in Gaza. This is a sacred threshold, and it is fitting that we pause together to acknowledge it.
In moments like these, Jewish tradition gives us words to hold our joy and our relief. I invite us, wherever we are, to join in the blessing of Shehecheyanu, giving thanks for reaching this moment, for sustaining us, and for allowing us to arrive here. We do so with the melody and spirit of Debbie Friedman z”l, whose 15th yahrzeit was honored this Shabbat morning, and whose music continues to lift our souls and bind our community together.
Tomorrow night we will being the celebration of Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees, we are invited to pause and notice the beauty that surrounds us and the responsibility we share to nurture it.
Here at the Tucson J, we are truly blessed to live and gather in an extraordinary place. From the soft glow of sunrise to the east, to the fiery colors of sunset to the west, the mountains that hold us feel both grounding and inspiring. Whether you are walking the perimeter of our campus, taking a quiet moment outdoors, or simply lifting your eyes to the horizon, the natural beauty of Tucson is always present.
One of my favorite places to take this all in is the Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden. Sitting on a bench there, surrounded by thoughtful and beautiful art, nature and creativity meet in a way that feels deeply Jewish rooted, reflective, and hopeful.
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks taught us:
“Optimism is the belief that things will get better. Hope is the belief that, together, we can make things better.”
Tu B’Shevat reminds us that growth does not happen overnight. Trees grow slowly, strengthened by deep roots, sustained by care, and shaped by community. So too does our J and the relationships that make it thrive among staff, leaders, donors, board members, and the entire community who call the Tucson J home.
As we begin this week, I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the beauty in your own life and the joy we find in community. Perhaps listen to the gentle spirit of Etz Chaim by the Portnoy Brothers reminding us that the Torah and life itself is a tree of life. Or, in another familiar voice, What a Wonderful World, this version by Michael Buble a song that invites us to slow down, notice the trees, the skies, and the people around us, and remember just how much goodness surrounds us when we choose to see it.
May this Tu B’Shevat renew our sense of gratitude, deepen our connection to one another, and inspire us to continue growing—together.
With appreciation and hope,
Cochenu b’Achduteynu | כחינו באחדותינו | Our strength is in our unity.
Am Yisrael Chai | עם ישראל חי
Todd Rockoff
President + CEO, Tucson J
