From the Desk of Jennifer Lorch Selco | Sr. Director of Jewish Life + Engagement 

Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Shalom

From the Desk of Jennifer Lorch Selco | Sr. Director of Jewish Life + Engagement 

In the opening story of creation, which we read in Parshat Beresheet (Hebrew for “In the Beginning”), there is a pattern for how the days are written about. On days one, two, three and four, the text for each day concludes, “God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, a first/ second/ third/ fourth day.” There is an acknowledgement of goodness with the parts of our world that are the scenery or the backdrop for everything else.

And, on the fifth day, with the creation of birds and sea creatures, additional language is added. The text reads, “God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fertile and increase…’”. We find this same pattern on the sixth day with the creation of animals and human beings. God blesses the living creatures.

Dr. Ron Wolfson, in his book Be Like God: God’s To Do List for Kids (there is a version for adults titled God’s To-Do List: 103 Ways to be an Angel and Do God’s Work on Earth), highlights that we can be like God. After God creates (which is the first way we can be like God), God blesses. We, too, can bless.

On the seventh day, our text reads “On the seventh day God finished all the work God had been doing, and God ceased on the seventh day from all the work that God had done. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because on it, God ceased from all the work of creation that God had done. (Genesis 2:1-3). These are the words of Vayechulu HaShamayim, that we sing on Friday nights as we bring in Shabbat. The seventh day is blessed not because of what is created, but because time is carved out to pause, acknowledge and reflect on what has been created.

Shabbat reminds us that blessing is not only about what we create or accomplish. It is also about making space to appreciate what already exists, to recognize the goodness in our lives, and to be present with the people and world around us.

Shabbat Shalom. 

As we begin a new Torah cycle, the creation story invites us to consider how we can bring more goodness into the world—not only through what we do, but through the communities we build and the stories we share together. At the Tucson J, we see this as an ongoing part of our work: creating a place where people come together across generations, backgrounds, and experiences to find connection, purpose, and belonging.

We began our week here at the J with a beautiful gathering in celebration of the generous contributions our Stars of Giving and Patrons of the Arts societies make to our community. Stars and Patrons joined us in the Jewish Heritage Center for delicious food and a special performance by Israeli classical singer and sopranist Mayaan Licht accompanied by pianist Russell Ronnenbaum. 

Continuing with their job exploration and skills training, students in the first cohort of our recently launched Pathways to Employment program learned about the “Elements of Self-Determination” with instructors Diana and Natalia. We are proud of the growth in our Disability Program Services department and grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in unique and important ways. 

Fall sports are in full swing and community members have been enjoying cooler temperatures on the tennis and pickleball courts, Men’s Basketball and Co-ed Volleyball leagues, a variety of PeeWee sports offerings, youth Basketball and Volleyball clinics, Stingrays Swim Team and Masters Swim, and so much more! 

All week long we have enjoyed an incredible display of artwork made by the kids in our JCare afterschool program. Art instructor Lee, curated the show with a variety of works created during the first quarter of the school year—be on the lookout for more shows throughout the year! 

And last but certainly not least, on Wednesday, over 350 community members, including a number of local dignitaries and clergy, gathered to commemorate the third anniversary of October 7, a day that feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago—but has forever changed history. Titled, “Kindling Hope,” the feelings of love, solidarity, hope, and community were palpable at this year’s ceremony. Highlights included hearing from Senior Community Shaliach, Shay Oren (who was also integral to the planning of the event) about his October 7th experience; prayers and songs by Rabbi Palgon, Rabbi Cohon, Rabbi Aaron, Rabbi Metz, and Rabbi Alpert; an incredibly moving story that included art and photographs presented by Uri Sharon, grandson of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon; a torch bearing moment with several community members; and remarks by Hava Leipzig Holzhauer (President + CEO of JPSA), Ben Pozez, Dr. Molly Dunn, and Jeff Artzi (Board Chair of JPSA).  

As we enter Shabbat, may we take a moment to appreciate the goodness we create together and the many ways, both big and small, that we make our community a place where everyone can feel valued, safe, and connected. Shabbat Shalom. 

Reminders, Resources + Learning

Each week we share resources for more learning:

This week’s resources:

Last week’s resources:

Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.