From the Desk of Rachael Mitchell | Sr. Director of Marketing, Communications + PR
In this week’s parsha is Terumah (offering, gift, or contribution), God tells Moses at the summit of Mt. Sinai, “v’asu li mikdash v’shochanti b’tocham (Hebrew for, “let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them”). God then gives the people of Israel detailed instructions on how to build and adorn a tabernacle, or mishkan, that would foreshadow the building of the first temple—portable, of course, so that it may be moved as they journeyed through the desert.
When I first read and reflected on this Torah portion as I was preparing to make my aliyah at my twin sister and I’s Bat Mitzvah, I noticed both the specificity and grandeur with which the mishkan was to be decorated and the offerings the Israelites were to give: acacia wood; gemstones; onyx; gold; blue-, purple-, and red-dyed wool; painted cherubs gracing the ark. The preciousness of it all made sense and the message resonated with me, a burgeoning teenager preoccupied with having all the coolest “stuff.” But what was lost on me then that feels so profound now is that maybe it isn’t the stuff, but the intention and attention—the ritual behind the stuff —that invites God in, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary, making meaning from the mundane.
16th-century Kabbalist and Rabbi Moshe Cordovero taught that “Until Moses built the Tabernacle, the spiritual power of God was not openly transmitted to a place on earth. By building a place for worship and praise of the Holy Presence on earth, Moses caused divine abundance to flow into the world.”
Whether you are religious or spiritual or not, I invite you to think about how you intentionally welcome goodness and awe into your life through presence and ritual. How are you making of yourself a tabernacle? How might Shabbat offer the space to do that and where else in your life can you let more of that magic in?
In this week’s parsha, we read about the building of the mishkan—a sacred space shaped by many hands and many offerings. Here at the Tucson J, we see parallels to that story every day. Our community members shows up in a variety of ways to contribute their time, talents, resources, and hearts to something larger than themselves.
This week began on Sunday with three incredible events, thanks to the effort and participation of many! The morning began with an inspiring Swim Clinic taught by 8-time Olympic medalist and Maccabiah athlete, Jason Lezak. Jason mentored swimmers of all ages, including our Aquatics staff, through backstroke and freestyle drills, shared tips and techniques, and imparted words of wisdom and his personal success story. Later in the afternoon, over 200 people joined us for “From Italy to Vienna, Chicago and the Highlands” with Arizona Symphonic Winds featuring conductor László Veres and special guest, soprano Dori Cărdenas-Smith. Throughout the day, the Tucson Jays Middle School Club Basketball Team washed cars in the north parking lot for player Noah’s Bar Mitzvah service project. The car was was a fundraiser to support scholarships for the Jays; the team raised over $1,300—thank you to everyone who contributed to make it a success!
While our work would not be possible—or meaningful—without the more than 10,000 members and guests who make up our J community, it is our dedicated team and lay leaders who bring it all to life. On Thursday, leaders and Board members of the J represented our organization at the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona Business Leaders for Early Education Breakfast hosted by Women United. The breakfast promoted the importance of early childhood education in the trajectory of a child’s life and celebrated educators in our community who are championing early literacy. We were proud to represent our award-winning ECE program and connect with other local leaders in this area.
Four BBYO teens returned from a few days spent at the BBYO International Convention in Philadelphia, this year themed “We The Future” Our Director of Teen Engagement, Davis Hubbell, and one of the teens in attendance were part of the organizing committee for AZAA/BBGG Day a sports-focused outing that spread 1,200 of the 3,500 teens in attendance across 15 sports at six venues. Before the International Convention, Davis spent time in Israel as part of the Merrin Teen Professional Fellowship. The trip was an opportunity to build leadership skills, strengthen professional networks, grow Jewish knowledge, explore the meaning of Peoplehood, and learn more about engaging with and supporting teens. Davis shared about the experience with our leadership team in a meeting this week—you can read about his experience here.
Community partners are also an integral part of our network of helping hands. This morning, the chefs of Chela’s Latin Cuisine joined our Disability Program Services participants for their weekly cooking club! Together, they made delicious Chilaquiles and Enchiladas which everyone enjoyed. Next week, DPS will enter the next phase of their vocational programming with the soft launch of a new coffee cart. Stop by the main entrance atrium in the mornings to check it out!
As we move into Shabbat, we’re grateful for the role each individual in our community plays in shaping our shared sanctuary. Shabbat Shalom.
Reminders, Resources + Learning
Each week we share resources for more learning:
This week’s resources:
- Parshat Terumah: The Mishkan: Some Assembly Required (BimBam)
- Making Free Will Offerings By Rabbi Denise Eger (My Jewish Learning)
Last week’s resources:
- Critiquing Our Leadership by Rabbi Neal J. Loevinger (My Jewish Learning)
- Loving the Stranger by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.
