In this week’s Torah portion, Shemini (Hebrew for Eighth), the Mishkan is dedicated and sacrifices are offered to God, Aaron’s son’s Nadav and Avihu are consumed by fire for the strange sacrifice they brought to the altar, God tells Aaron that priests should not offer sacrifices while drunk, and most notably, we learn about the rules of which animals, birds, fish and even insects can be eaten. After the explanation, we read the verse, “For I am the Eternal who brought you up from the land of Egypt, to be your God; you shall be holy, for I am holy (Leviticus 11:45).”
Why do we study ancient texts? While we may want to learn about life in antiquity, our ancient texts can help us make meaning for ourselves today, in modernity. We are but links in a thousand upon thousands of years long chain, a chain that started long before us, and will continue long after us. This week’s portion is a beautiful reminder that Jewish teachings, dating back to biblical times, give us a framework to think about how we choose to live Jewishly each day. How and why do we make the choices we make around the food we consume? How do we mark meaningful occasions? How do we treat one another? How can we strive to bring holiness into our world each day?
Each week, we have the blessing of Shabbat, to pause, reflect on the Torah portion, and think about who we want to be and how we want to live our lives in the most meaningful way.
The stories and memories made at the Tucson J every day become part of our collective journey and history as a community, linking us to the past and future! What’s your J story?
We ended last week with the Arts for All Spring Art Showcase and were in awe of, but by no means surprised by, the incredible display of talent from AFA participants. The showcase, titled, “Stretching the Imagination,” opened with mingling, snacks, and art of all mediums, followed by dance performances to the songs “September” and “Ring of Fire.” AFA instructor Matt Katz shared stories participants wrote collaboratively and AFA theater aficionado and director, C. Gilles-Brown, led the group in two improvisation scenes, and a Tongue Twister exercise featuring famed poem, “The Jabberwocky.” The showcase ended with lively musical performances to “One Margarita” and the percussion-heavy “Rhythm is Gonna Get You.” The house was packed with family and friends, and the evening was a welcome reminder that the impact of work extends beyond our participants and into the broader communities they are part of.
Speaking of art made by our community, the J’s Fine Art Gallery was hung with a new work, this time created by Tucson J team members! We’d love to see you at the opening of the show, titled, “Make Jewish History at the Tucson J” on Thursday, May 1 from 4-6!
Episode 14 of the Total Wellness at the J podcast dropped this week, exploring the J’s partnership with the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra (SASO) and celebrating two upcoming performances of Peter Boyer’s “Ellis Island: The Dream of America” on Sunday, May 11, and Monday, May 12. Listen in as Todd Wiener, President of SASO and a Board Member of the J, explains the significance of sharing the story of Ellis Island — one that nearly all of us can connect to.
As we near the end of the school year and look toward camp season, kids in JCare have been staying busy with fun projects — this week, a highlight was making strawberry muffins! PeeWee Sports have moved outside programs inside because of the heat, but that doesn’t stop them from having fun! PeeWee sports continue through the summer and are a great way to keep your little ones active. And, as temperatures continue to rise, people of all ages are making a splash at the pool. Don’t forget to reserve a lane if you’re hoping to swim laps!
While many places in Tucson slow down for the season, we love the buzz of summer on campus and seeing more of you finding ways to keep cool and experience summer YOUR WAY at the J!
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. |
