L’Shana Tovah U’Metuka
Soon we will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The holiday offers a meaningful pause to reflect, reset, and return to our best selves before embarking on the journey of a new year. Whether it’s your favorite Jewish holiday or completely new to you, everyone can benefit from taking a moment to think about how you will grow, thrive, and find joy in the year ahead.
Continue reading to explore some meaningful rituals and questions for reflection to bring with you into the Jewish year 5786. L’Shana Tovah U’Metuka, wishing you a good and sweet new year!
Daily movement that brings you joy
Exercise is not only essential for our health, but for our minds and spirits. It can evoke more creative thoughts, boost our moods, and improve our sleep.
While movement is often viewed as a chore, it doesn’t have to be! You must find what movement works for you. When we enjoy exercise, we will stick to it as part of a daily routine.
Whether it be through dance, a walk in nature, or a spin class – find your favorite activity and see how it changes your day. The Tucson J is a wonderful place to start. With lap-lanes for swimming, pickleball and tennis courts, a full Fitness Center, and a variety of group fitness classes, you are guaranteed to find something for you!
Reflection question: How have my body and mind changed through joyful movement?
Entirely tech-free Shabbat
In Tiffany Shlain’s acclaimed book, 24/6: Giving up Screens One Day a Week to Get More Time, Creativity, and Connection, she shares about how her Jewish family adopted a tech-free Shabbat and how that weekly ritual improved their lives. The best part about this practice: anyone can do it!
Although it may be challenging for some, explore how one less day of scrolling and texting and one more day of in-person conversations and screen-free time can change how you feel and think.
Reflection question: How can I be more intentional about my technology use?
Find awe in the everyday
Practice the art of Hakarat Ha’tov, Hebrew for recognizing the good, by cultivating awareness and gratitude for even the smallest things—a colorful sunset, a chat with a friendly neighbor, the sound of a child’s laughter. A daily moment of wonder can shift your perspective, soften your heart, and reconnect you to something greater than yourself.
Start your morning each day with a gratitude moment, keep track of your “good” in a special notebook, or simply be more intentional about slowing down to take deeper notice of the world around you and see what happens.
Reflection question: When do I feel most present?
Community activities and engagement
Did you know that strong social connections help you live longer? This new year, find new or more ways to connect with others and be in community.
At the J, community is the heart of everything we do, and there are endless ways to socialize. In Masters Swim Club, participants have bonded over a shared love of swimming- and now are friends for life! In our Movement/Arts Immersion program, participants and their families are so close that they held a Friendsgiving together!
From weekly mah jongg to Men’s Basketball League, PJ Library get-togethers to art gallery openings and monthly book club, connect over shared interests and make new friends at the J.
Reflection question: What does community mean to me?
Be of service
Chesed (loving-kindness) is a Jewish value that transforms both giver and receiver. Volunteer your time or skills, donate to an organization making an impact, or show up for a friend who needs support. Even small acts like holding a door, offering a smile, or checking in on someone can create ripples of healing in a world that deeply needs it. Let your presence be a blessing to others in small, everyday ways.
Reflection question: How do I feel when I show up in service to others and my community?
