In this week’s Torah portion, Terumah (Hebrew for “gifts” or “offerings”), God instructs the people, through Moses, to bring gifts to build the Mishkan,* so that God can dwell among the people. These gifts are specific items required for the building. There are detailed instructions for how to construct the ark, table, menorah, and the Mishkan itself.
Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved. – Exodus 25:2
Each person whose heart was moved contributed to the building of the Mishkan. We might consider the Mishkan as a symbolic reminder of our communal spaces today. How do we sustain those spaces (whether institutions or communities we’ve created for ourselves) today? Whether it’s a monetary contribution, a tangible gift, or the precious gift of our time, there have been and are multiple ways to build and sustain community. Regardless of “what” we choose to give, our parsha emphasizes that it’s the “how,” or our intention behind the giving that counts.
Earlier this week, the streets of Israel were lined with thousands upon thousands of people to accompany the funeral procession for Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas (of blessed memory), in addition to those who followed online. As we as a community tried to fathom what is only a fraction of the pain of the Silberman and Bibas families, we are reminded that our community is sustained and comforted by our intentional presence.
Rabbi Sharon Brous, in her book The Amen Effect, talks about how we are often called upon to show up during a time of loss and despair. While we should show up for each other during these times, it is no less important to show up during times of joy. Over the past 16 months, there has been no shortage of painful moments for us to bear witness to and be present for. As we move into Shabbat, I invite us to ask ourselves: During these times have we also shown up for a simcha, a moment of joy? How will we sustain our communities this week? Especially during these times, how can we intentionally create moments of Jewish and communal joy for ourselves and others? Just as the Israelites gave items to build the Mishkan, when we each give from our hearts, community is sustained and strengthened.
*The Mishkan was the portable sanctuary that traveled with the people in the wilderness.
This evening is the beginning of the Hebrew month of Adar, where, as we make our way to the holiday of Purim, the Talmud (Taanit 29a) tells us, “we increase in joy.” This week at the J was full of joyful moments – sharing them together in community is one of the most meaningful parts of the work we do!
We opened the week celebrating the Tucson J’s Stingrays Swim Team‘s fantastic performance at the Regionals meet in Scottsdale last weekend. We had 64 swims, with 50 of them resulting in new personal best times! The weekend was highlighted by two new team records, and Jaqueline Tjia achieving a new State qualifying time in the 100 yard Backstroke. As the Stingrays head to State next weekend, join us in wishing them yasher koach (increased strength/way to go)! Interested in becoming a Stingray? Tryouts are on a rolling basis; the next are coming up Wednesday, March 26 at 4:30 & 7:30pm.
While participants in our Healthy Aging Movement/Arts Immersion program increased in joy as they tapped in to their creative spirit in a special workshop with the Sonoran Glass School, kids in our JCare afterschool program found their joy with a DIY ice cream making activity.
| Also this week our joy — and our excitement — increased as we welcomed Sierra Weiss, JCC Associations’ Inclusion Specialist, to Tucson to spend time with our team planning JCC Maccabi Access. She visited the venues where Access will take place, had planning time with our Access Games Committee, and checked out our Disability Services Department. To learn more about the JCC Maccabi Games and Access, click here. Just last night, our Stars of Giving gathered in the freshly remodeled Allen Langer z ”l and Marianne Langer Jewish Heritage Center. Without the cherished donors who believe in the power of our mission, we would not be able to fuel the impactful work we do that brings so much joy to our community. Interested in becoming a Star? Reach out to our Chief Development Officer, Fran, at fkatz@tucsonjcc.org. Tomorrow, we welcome award-winning singer, songwriter, and educator, Neshama Carlebach for BELIEVE, an evening of song and spirit sure to increase your joy! There are still tickets left; join us and experience the magic and inspiration of music, community, and connection. How did you find joy at the J this week? Shabbat Shalom. |
| Reminders, Resources + LearningEach week we share resources for more learning: This week’s resources:Parshat Terumah: The Mishkan: Some Assembly Required by Rafael Kushick from BimBam Rosh Chodesh Adar from Chabad Last week’s resources: Parshat Mishpatim: A Writer Talks About the “People of the Book” by David Henkin (BimBam) Table for Five: Mishpatim (Accidental Talmudist) Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests. |
| CHALLAH ORDERSMembers can pre-order challah for $6 each week in advance of Shabbat. Orders must be made by 10pm on Monday. Orders may be picked up from 5am-6pm at the Front Desk and/or Sports + Wellness Desk on Thursday and Friday. If you have a child/dependent in one of the J’s childcare programs or Taglit, we can send your Challah order home with them. Contact Member Services at membership@tucsonjcc.org or mark the boxes on our online order form to set up a standing order or to purchase a new 10 pass for weekly challah at a discounted rate of $55. |
