From the Desk of Jennifer Lorch Selco | Sr. Director of Jewish Living + Engagement
In this week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim (Hebrew for “rules”), the Israelites are at Sinai in the middle of Revelation as they receive rules and laws around how to live Jewishly. We find ourselves reading a variety of “shalls” and “shall nots” and read the Torah’s first mention of our responsibility to protect the stranger. “You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger: you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 23:9). We also learn the details about the holidays of Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot. Finally, Moses ascends Mt Sinai for a one-on-one meeting with God, leaving Aaron in charge.
In Beresheet (Genesis) and the first part of Shemot (Exodus) the text reads as a dramatic narrative, sharing important stories that help shape who we are as a people. Now, we find ourselves reading tangible ways to live within an ethical framework.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, of blessed memory, notes, “Hence the remarkable project of the Torah: to translate historical experience into detailed legislation, so that the Israelites would live what they had learned on a daily basis, weaving it into the very texture of their social life. In Parshat Mishpatim, vision becomes detail, and narrative becomes law (Lessons in Leadership, page 90).”
The structure and framework for Jewish life is one that encourages ethical and joyful behaviors. We are encouraged to think about how our actions impact others. Our historical experiences are meant to shape the people we are.
Parshat Mishpatim teaches us that Jewish life is not meant to be passive—we are not mere witnesses to our story. Instead, we are called to live it. The memories of Egypt, the experience of receiving Torah, and the rhythms of our sacred holidays are meant to shape how we treat one another, especially the stranger. Jewish living is active, transforming memory into responsibility and faith into daily action.
Shabbat Shalom!
As we reflect on Parshat Mishpatim and its call to build a just and caring society, we are reminded that community does not happen by accident—it is created through intention, sacred listening, and the shared responsibility of uplifting one another. At the Tucson J, that commitment comes to life in the ways we gather, support each other, and create spaces where every individual is welcomed and valued.
We ended last week with over 400 people gathering to celebrate Shabbat together with a collaborative Tot Shabbat experience, services led by various congregations and a delicious communal dinner. We are also excited to share that since August 2025, over 50 PJ Library and PJ Our Way families have hosted their own Get Togethers through the Harold Grinspoon Foundation where they have celebrated Shabbat and other Jewish holidays with Jewish friends and family.
Love of Reading Month continued this week with a special visit to Early Childhood Education students from local children’s book author Cindy Sadowsky. Kids and parents enjoyed hearing Brody’s Hibernation Tale and The Me Tree in the ECE open space and learning about the author.
On Thursday, artist Russell Kahn hosted an Oil Pastel workshop where participants experimented with color, light, and composition. Catch Russell’s work on display in the Fine Art Gallery through February 22 and don’t miss the opening of the next show, Rhapsody in Hue with Colored Pencil Society of America’s Phoenix Chapter.
Also on Thursday, we celebrated another graduation of Disability Program Services JJobs JShop interns! Kyle, Tyler, and Hannah completed 48 hours of training in the JShop that included learning about customer service, sales, and inventory management. Join us in wishing them a Mazel Tov Gadol (big congratulations) and stay tuned for information about the next phase of JJobs—a coffee cart!
All week, every week, our community stays active, weaving wellness, care, and community into their daily lives through programs like Healthy Aging, Racquet Sports, Spanish class, and so much more. We’re proud to transform Jewish values into vibrant, everyday life and grateful to do it alongside you—our partners in this meaningful work. Shabbat Shalom.
Reminders, Resources + Learning
Each week we share resources for more learning:
This week’s resources:
- Critiquing Our Leadership by Rabbi Neal J. Loevinger (My Jewish Learning)
- Loving the Stranger by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Last week’s resources:
- How Do We Meet At Sinai? by Rabbi Amelia Wolf (Jewish Theological Seminary)
- Wisdom From The Margins By Rabbi Shimon Felix (My Jewish Learning)
Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.