Shavua Tov
As we gather in the spirit of Passover, we mark not only our journey from liberation, but also the beginning of a sacred count. At the second Seder, we began counting the Omer forty-nine days of reflection and growth as we move toward Shavuot, the moment of receiving Torah.
This first week of the Omer invites us to focus on Chesed loving kindness. Tonight, as we enter the third day, we reflect on Tiferet sheb’Chesed, the harmony and balance within love. It calls us to consider not only the presence of kindness in our lives, but how it is expressed: with compassion, dignity, and beauty.
Our tradition teaches:
“עולם חסד יבנה — Olam chesed yibaneh”
“The world is built through kindness.” (Psalm 89:3)
In our work at the Tucson J, this teaching is not abstract, it is lived. Every program, every interaction, every moment of care is an opportunity to build a world grounded in chesed. If each of us were to ask, what can I do today to bring more kindness into the world? we can begin to imagine the profound individual and collective impact that would follow.
Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik reminds us:
“The world was created not only for man’s use, but for his responsibility; man is not only a beneficiary of creation, but also a partner in its perfection.”
This partnership is at the heart of our shared mission. The J strives to be a place where kindness is not only encouraged but embodied, a place where people are seen, valued, and embraced for their inherent worth. Together with our partner agencies and synagogues, we are building a community rooted in care, connection, and purpose.
As we continue this Omer journey, may we be inspired to deepen our commitment to chesed—with balance, with intention, and with heart.
I leave you with three musical reflections that capture this spirit:
A beloved Hebrew song: Olam Chesed Yibaneh by Rabbi Menachem Creditor based on Psalms, a reminder that each act of kindness helps build the world.
From the American musical tradition, Make them hear you from Ragtime, a powerful call to act with courage and purpose in shaping a more just and compassionate society.
And from The Prince of Egypt, When You Believe , a moving expression of faith, hope, and the quiet power of belief that reminds us that even in uncertain moments, redemption and transformation are possible.
May these days of counting elevate our actions and strengthen our community.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹֽמֶר.
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al s’firat ha-omer.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, who sanctifies us with mitzvot, and commands us concerning the counting of the Omer.
הַיּוֹם שְׁלֹשָׁה יָמִים לָעֹֽמֶר.
Hayom sh’loshah yamim la-omer.
Today is three days of the Omer.
Cochenu b’Achduteynu | כחינו באחדותינו | Our strength is in our unity.
Am Yisrael Chai | עם ישראל חי
Todd Rockoff
President + CEO, Tucson J
