From the Desk of Jennifer Lorch Selco | Sr. Director of Jewish Life + Engagement
In this week’s Torah portion, Ki Teitze, Hebrew for “when you go out” includes 74 laws of the 613 included in the Torah—that’s the most laws there are in any single parsha. The laws are primarily concerning human dignity, lost property, fairness in employment, and compassion for the needy.
In the different environments we find ourselves, there are rules—spoken or unspoken—reminding us how we should behave and interact with others. Philo of Alexandria in his book on Special Laws, wrote: “Customs are unwritten laws, the decisions approved by men of old, not inscribed on monuments or leaves of paper which the moth destroys, but on the souls of those who are partners in the same society.”
Ki Teitze is a reminder to us that we don’t live in isolation. We are part of a community, something greater than ourselves and what we do impacts others. While the Torah, through mitzvot, or sacred obligations, instructs us to help those in need and ensure dignity for others, we should take a more active approach, seeking opportunities in our daily lives to be compassionate and kind.
As we move into Shabbat, in this month of Elul, leading up to Rosh Hashanah, I invite us to think about how, in our own lives, we might apply these values to bring about a more just and caring world.
Community is not accidental; it’s built through sacred obligations, guiding principles, and shared responsibility. At the Tucson J, we strive to create an environment where each person feels seen, heard, valued and supported. Like the Torah’s detailed guidance for living in relationship with others, our work is guided by an intentional, shared commitment to building a vibrant, caring community—one act of kindness, one connection at a time.
This week at the J began with Labor Day at the J on Monday, an opportunity for members, guests, friends, and families to join us for a day of movement, connection, and relaxation. Highlights included an all-ages Racquet Sports Social, facility tours led by our amazing Member Services Associates, and time at the pool (with Bounce Houses, of course!). Thank you to everyone who spent their day with us!
Kids in Early Childhood Education are settling into the school year—one of the greatest joys of being on campus is watching them explore their surroundings at the J! This week, ECE families connected with one another at our annual picnic-style Introductory Dinners in the Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden. Today, ECE celebrated Shabbat with Rabbi Cohon, who, in keeping with Jewish custom, brought a shofar to sound as we make our way toward Rosh Hashanah!
While Taglit participants soft-launched the new JShop this week (learn about it here and join us Tuesday, September 9 at 9:30am for the official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting), their friends at Arts for All finished up a “Coraline”-themed door decorating contest. Participants from both groups have also been hard at work crafting cardboard castles in conjunction with their study of “Don Quixote.”
When we are nourishing ourselves, we are able to better show up for the people around us and the communities we are part of. As the season begins to change and we look toward the holidays, there is something for everyone at the J—we encourage you to try a new sport or wellness program, engage with our upcoming Artist Residency featuring theatre dybbuk, sign up for an art or language class, or take a night off to yourself while the kids enjoy Parents’ Night Out.
Shabbat Shalom.
Reminders, Resources + Learning
Each week we share resources for more learning:
This week’s resources:
- Ki Teitzei: We Are What We Remember by Rabbi Shira Milgrom (Reform Judaism)
- Parshat Ki Teitzei: Sustainable Living and Animal Rights in the Torah (BimBam)
Last week’s resources:
- Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue by Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson (My Jewish Learning)
- Who Are You to Judge? by Ellie Gettinger (Jewish Theological Seminary)
Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.
