Shavua Tov
As we move through the rhythms of our lives balancing work and family, leadership and service, ambition and humility we are reminded of a timeless Jewish value: anavah (ענווה).
Often translated as humility, anavah does not mean diminishing ourselves or shrinking from our gifts. Rather, it means seeing ourselves clearly and honestly. It is the ability to recognize both our strengths and our limitations, understanding that each of us has an important role to play while appreciating that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
Jewish tradition teaches that balance is essential to a life well lived. Maimonides described the ideal path as the derekh ha’emtza’it, the middle way a life lived between extremes. Courage lies between recklessness and fear. Generosity lies between selfishness and excess. Humility lies between arrogance and self-negation. Through anavah, we find harmony within ourselves and in our relationships with others.
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks beautifully captured this idea when he wrote:
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
When we find this balance or harmony, we become more present to our families, our friends, our colleagues, and our communities. We can lead without ego, serve without resentment, and celebrate our accomplishments without losing sight of the contributions of others.
At the Tucson J, we believe community is one of the most powerful forces for helping us cultivate this balance. Through fitness and wellness programs, Jewish learning, arts and culture, camps, volunteer opportunities, social gatherings, and meaningful relationships, we find opportunities to strengthen both ourselves and our connections to one another.
In a world that often pulls us toward isolation, distraction, or relentless striving, the J offers something different: a place where we can belong, grow, contribute, and renew ourselves. Here, we are reminded that our individual well-being and the well-being of our community are deeply intertwined.
This idea is beautifully reflected in the words of Psalm 133, which we sing in Hinei Ma Tov:
“Hinei ma tov u’ma na’im, shevet achim gam yachad.”
“How good and how pleasant it is when people dwell together in unity.”
Community is not simply where we gather; it is where we find perspective, purpose, and balance. It is where we discover that our lives are enriched when we share them with others.
The spirit of community and human flourishing is also reflected in Bob Dylan’s Forever Young, a song that offers blessings for a life of purpose, wisdom, integrity, and hope. Like the Jewish value of anavah, it reminds us that true success is not measured by status or achievement alone, but by the character we cultivate, the relationships we build, and the impact we have on others.
As we continue our shared work of building a vibrant Jewish future, may we strive for the wisdom of anavah the balance that enables us to live with purpose, compassion, confidence, and gratitude. May we recognize our unique gifts while remaining deeply connected to one another and to the community we are privileged to serve.
Our tradition reminds us:
“Who is honored? One who honors others.” (Pirkei Avot 4:1)
May we continue to honor one another by showing up, participating, caring, learning, and building community together.
Thank you for helping create a community where balance, belonging, and human flourishing can thrive every day.
Cochenu b’Achduteynu | כחינו באחדותינו | Our strength is in our unity.
Am Yisrael Chai | עם ישראל חי
Todd Rockoff
President + CEO, Tucson J
