Shavua Tov
As we continue our journey of counting the Omer, we arrive in the third week Netzach, the quality of endurance. Tonight, we mark the third day of this week, Tiferet she’b’Netzach—compassion within endurance.
Endurance is often understood as strength, persistence, or the ability to push forward despite obstacles. But our tradition teaches that true endurance is not rigid or self-focused. Healthy endurance, directed toward developing our best qualities and refining those that need growth, must be guided by compassion.
Compassion within endurance reflects one of the most beautiful human capacities: an enduring commitment to help another grow. It reminds us that perseverance is not simply about holding on, it is about holding space for others. Endurance without compassion can become self-serving or even harmful. But when infused with compassion, it becomes a force for healing, connection, and transformation.
Our sages remind us:
“The world is built on chesed (lovingkindness)” (Psalm 89:3).
Endurance, when rooted in this lovingkindness, becomes something sacred an ongoing act of building a better world, one relationship at a time.
This is where the concept of hitlamdut learning through non-judgmental curiosity becomes so powerful. When we approach others and the situations we encounter with openness rather than judgment, we create space for growth, both in ourselves and in those around us. Hitlamdut invites us to ask: What can I learn here? What might I not yet understand? It shifts endurance from stubborn persistence into compassionate presence.
In our community, this means showing up for one another not only when it is easy, but especially when it is challenging. It means extending patience, empathy, and curiosity to our colleagues, to our neighbors, and to those who may be struggling or feel unseen.
This theme echoes beautifully in both Jewish and broader cultural expressions. The Hebrew song Olam Chesed Yibaneh. Directly rooted in the verse you’re using “the world is built on lovingkindness.” Perfect thematic alignment with compassionate endurance.
From Broadway, No One is Alone from Into the Woods. A beautiful reflection on shared struggle and responsibility to care for one another. It emphasizes that endurance is not solitary it’s communal and compassionate.
As we move through this week of Netzach, may we strengthen not just our capacity to persevere, but our willingness to do so with compassion and curiosity. May we continue to build a community where endurance is expressed through kindness, where growth is nurtured with care, and where every individual feels supported on their journey.
Together we are not only sustaining Jewish life; we are strengthening it. Through our shared commitment, we are creating a more vibrant, compassionate, and resilient Jewish community for today and for generations to come.
בּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹֽמֶר
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, who sanctifies us with mitzvot, and commands us concerning the counting of the Omer
הַיּוֹם אַרְבָּעָה וְעֶשְׂרִים יוֹם, שֶׁהֵם שְׁלוֹשָׁה שָׁבוּעוֹת וּשְׁלוֹשָׁה יָמִים לָעֽוֹ
Today is 24 days, which are 3 weeks and 3 days of the Omer
Cochenu b’Achduteynu | כחינו באחדותינו | Our strength is in our unity.
Am Yisrael Chai | עם ישראל חי
Todd Rockoff
President + CEO, Tucson J
