From the Desk of Jennifer Selco | Sr. Director of Jewish Life + Engagement
Did you know that the specific obligation to say HaMotzi, the blessing before a meal, is not explicitly mentioned in the Torah? In this week’s Torah portion, Eikev, Hebrew for “obey” or “if you obey these rules,” we learn more about the important connection to the land of Israel, we learn about the seven species, and the sacred obligation to express gratitude after a meal (Birkat HaMazon). It is written in Deuteronomy 8:10,
וְאָכַלְתָּ֖ וְשָׂבָ֑עְתָּ וּבֵֽרַכְתָּ֙ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ עַל־הָאָ֥רֶץ הַטֹּבָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָֽתַן־לָֽךְ׃
When you have eaten your fill, give thanks to the ETERNAL your God for the good land given to you.
While the obligation to say HaMotzi and the exact structure for Birkat HaMazon (another blessing we say when we eat) was not finalized until the First Century of the Common Era, the basis for the Birkat HaMazon is rooted in Torah.
In a world where it is easy to rush from one thing to the next, Eikev reminds us to pause and express gratitude for the blessings we receive. Taking a moment after we eat to express gratitude reminds us that satisfaction is more than having enough, it is about recognizing the blessings we may take for granted. Gratitude helps transform an ordinary meal into a sacred moment. And, at the same time, these words challenge us to remember that food insecurity continues to affect families in our communities and around the world. Our gratitude should inspire action: to share our abundance, support those in need, and work toward a world where everyone can eat and be satisfied. In that way, an ordinary meal becomes not only a sacred moment of giving thanks but also a reminder of our responsibility to care for one another.
As we reflect on the lessons of gratitude in this week’s Torah portion, we also find ourselves at a meaningful moment in the life of our J. Summer camp season came to a joyful close this week, a new school year begins on Monday, and for just a moment, we have the opportunity to pause between one joyful season and the next. Before the busy rhythms of fall take hold, we are grateful for all that our community has shared this summer—for the laughter that filled our halls, the friendships that were built, the dedicated staff who made it all possible, and the many families who continue to make the Tucson J a place of connection and belonging.
Camp J ended on Wednesday with a carnival, staff talent show, and a special visit from the Tucson Fire Department. Campers discovered that the best way to cool off under the Tucson sun is a fire hose spray-down! All week, teachers in our Early Childhood Educationdepartment have spent time together preparing for the year ahead with in-service days devoted to professional development and a field trip to the Catalyst Creative Collective where they learned to make bagels from scratch and paint like professional artists. This afternoon, new and returning ECE families joined us to “meet the teacher”—we are looking forward to another year of learning, playing, and growing at the J!
While Camp J is one of the highlights of our summer, it is only one part of the vibrant life of our community. Throughout the season, our Healthy Aging programs have continued to bring older adults together for learning, wellness, and meaningful connection, reminding us that the J is a place where every generation can find community. Racquet Sports clinics and lessons continued at the Sarver Tennis Center on freshly cleaned courts and community members worked toward their wellness goals in group fitness classes and personal training. This week the Stingrays Swim Team tie-dyed shirts and then participated in their annual Swimathon—an opportunity to celebrate their hard work, raise funds for the season ahead, and demonstrate the perseverance and team spirit that define our program.
Every season at the J offers opportunities something to be grateful for. As we welcome Shabbat and look ahead to the start of a new school year, we do so with gratitude for the people who make the Tucson J such a special place, every day of the year. Shabbat Shalom.
Reminders, Resources + Learning
Each week we share resources for more learning:
This week’s resources:
- The Afterlife of Our Actions by Rabbi Dr. Eliezer B. Diamond z”l (Jewish Theological Seminary)
- The Divine Ownership Of Wealth by Jeffrey Dekro (My Jewish Learning)
Last week’s resources:
Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.