Shavua Tov
In our cycle of reading Torah, this morning our community completed the reading of the Book of Shemot, the book in which the children of Israel transform from a family into a nation. In Shemot we move from slavery to freedom, but just as importantly we become something new in the world a people bound together by shared destiny and responsibility.
Each time we complete a book of Torah we proclaim:
חזק חזק ונתחזק — Hazak, Hazak, V’nithazek.
Be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen one another.
These words remind us that the strength of the Jewish people has never come from individuals standing alone. Our strength comes from the deep bonds we share with one another from Amiut Yehudit, Jewish peoplehood.
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks beautifully captured this idea when he wrote:
“Judaism is the religion of a people bound together in responsibility for one another.”
For thousands of years this understanding has sustained us. We celebrate together in times of great joy; weddings, births, holidays, and achievements. And in times of challenge or uncertainty, we turn to one another for comfort, strength, and hope.
Community is where we belong.
At the Tucson J, this belief is at the heart of everything we do. Our service pledge expresses it clearly:
“We create community based on Jewish values by providing the highest quality programs and services in a safe and secure environment for all people of all ages.”
The Tucson J is a Mercaz, a hub of Jewish life, a place where everyone can find connection, meaning, and belonging. It is where children grow, families gather, friendships are formed, and generations come together.
The idea of belonging is expressed beautifully in Jewish music. The beloved Hebrew song Kol HaOlam Kulo reminds us:
Kol ha’olam kulo gesher tzar me’od,
V’ha’ikar lo lefached klal.
The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the most important thing is not to be afraid.
We cross that narrow bridge not alone, but together.
That same spirit is echoed in American music as well. In the song You’ve Got a Friendwe hear a simple but powerful promise:
“You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am, I’ll come running… you’ve got a friend.”
That is the essence of community. It is the promise that no matter what challenges we face, we will be there for one another.
Every day at the Tucson J we see this promise lived out through the generosity of our donors, the leadership of our board, the dedication of our staff, and the participation of thousands of community members who walk through our doors.
Together we create something sacred: a place where people know they belong.
As we move forward from the Book of Shemot, may we carry its message with us. May we continue to strengthen the bonds of Jewish peoplehood. And may the Tucson J remain a place where community flourishes and where every person feels part of something larger than themselves.
Hazak, Hazak, V’nithazek.
May we be strong, may we strengthen one another, and may our community continue to grow in connection, compassion, and belonging.
With gratitude and pride,
Cochenu b’Achduteynu | כחינו באחדותינו | Our strength is in our unity.
Am Yisrael Chai | עם ישראל חי
Todd Rockoff
President + CEO, Tucson J
