Shavua Tov
In Jewish tradition, the seven weeks between Tisha B’Av and Rosh Hashanah mark a profound spiritual journey. We move from the deep mourning of Tisha B’Av — a day of remembering the destruction of the Temple and the many tragedies of Jewish history — toward the hope, renewal, and possibility of the High Holy Days. These weeks are known as the shiv’ah d’nechemta — the “Seven Weeks of Comfort” — a time when we begin to lift our heads, heal our spirits, and prepare our hearts for new beginnings.
This year, our own community’s path of renewal feels especially vivid. In the wake of the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games + Access, we have witnessed what is possible when people come together with purpose, joy, and connection. Thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers, host families, and spectators filled our J with energy and meaning. We celebrated Jewish peoplehood, embraced diversity, and showed the world what it means to live out the value that at the Tucson J, everyone belongs — and some people join.
The prophet Isaiah offers a timeless vision for this season:
“Comfort, comfort My people, says your God… lift up your voice with strength, do not be afraid.” (Isaiah 40:1, 9)
This moment between Tisha B’Av and Rosh Hashanah invites us to listen to the wisdom of Turn, Turn, Turn by the Byrds— “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” We are moving from a time of mourning into a time for building, from reflection into renewed action.
Like the dreamer in Corner of the Sky from Stephen Schwartz Pippin, each of us is searching for our place — and together, here in our J community, we have created a place where everyone’s unique gifts and passions can shine. And like the sunlit promise of Eretz Tropit Yafa, our community can be a beautiful, vibrant home where hope grows, joy flourishes, and connection is abundant.
As the shofar will soon call us to awaken, may we enter the New Year ready to build, to dream, and to ensure that the warmth and belonging we share extends to every corner of our community.
With gratitude for all we’ve built together and excitement for all that lies ahead.
Cochenu b’Achduteynu | כחינו באחדותינו | Our strength is in our unity.
Am Yisrael Chai | עם ישראל חי
Bring them Home Now I מחזירים אותם הביתה עכשיו
Todd Rockoff
President + CEO, Tucson J
