Category: Shabbat Message

This week’s Parsha, Tetzaveh, describes the sacred garments of Aaron, the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest of Israel. Each piece of clothing was designed not only to elevate Aaron’s role but to serve as a reminder—to himself and to others—that his service was holy, a direct connection to God.

Among these garments was a special gold plate affixed to a turban-like head covering. Inscribed with the words “Holy to God,” this plate, stretched across Aaron’s forehead from ear to ear. Every time he placed it upon his head, he saw those words—etched in gold and in purpose—reminding him that he was set apart, chosen for a sacred mission. 

But this message was not meant for Aaron alone. When the people of Israel saw him, they too were reminded of his holy role—his responsibility to serve on their behalf, to bring light and holiness into the world.

And yet, this is not just Aaron’s story. It is ours.

Tomorrow morning, as you get dressed and look in the mirror, pause for a moment. Imagine the words “Holy to God” inscribed on your forehead. Let it be a reminder that you, too, are set apart, that your life carries divine purpose. When the day grows difficult, hold onto this truth: You are holy. You matter. Your presence in this world is meaningful.

And as you go about your day, interacting with friends, family, and even strangers, try to see the same words on their foreheads. Each person you meet carries their own divine spark. When we choose to recognize that, when we treat one another with kindness, dignity, and respect, we too bring holiness into the world.

Every item we wear, whether for function or beauty, enables us to continue doing good in the world. Let us wear not just clothing but purpose. Let us carry ourselves with the dignity of those who walk in holiness.

Remember: You are holy. You are here to bring goodness into the world. Am Israel Chai!

Every week, people of all ages and stages come to the J to learn, play, and grow together. This week’s parsha challenges us to think about our purpose in the world and reminds us that while we are all unique, we share the same responsibility to be the best, most holy, versions of ourselves — which in turn creates communities that thrive together because individuals are able to support one another. 

This week at the J, Director of Camping Services, Robin Kelley, journeyed abroad to Ramah Gan, Israel attending the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) Summer Shlichim Program to assist training our two shlichim (emissaries) who will join the Camp J team this summer! We are happy to welcome Itay our Kadima (athletics) Specialist and Ofir as our Tikkum Olam (heal the world) Specialist and can’t wait to meet them in person! 

While Robin was busy gearing up for camp season, here at home on campus, kids in ECE and JCare kicked off Purim celebrations with next week’s holiday on the horizon. In JCare, kids created masks in the art studio, made their own Hamantaschen in the demo kitchen, learned all about the story of Purim, and played “Megillah Charades.” ECE celebrated Shabbat with a Purim-themed song session led by Rabbi Cohon. 

Our Physical Education partnership with Tucson Hebrew Academy continued this week with an exciting development: The first two classes of THA 1st Graders hit the courts at the Sarver Tennis Center for a series of lessons led by Coach Sam and Coach Phil. As the month continues, we are excited to share the experience with classes through 8th grade. 

How did you put your best foot forward at the J this week? What goals did you accomplish and how might you have supported or inspired someone else in our community in doing so? Shabbat Shalom. 

Reminders, Resources + LearningEach week we share resources for more learning:  This week’s resources:Parshat Tetzaveh: Priestly Gold is the New Black by Patrick Aleph (BimBam)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mmZDYogjCkWhat is Shushan Purim (My Jewish Learning)? Last week’s resources:Parshat Terumah: The Mishkan: Some Assembly Required by Rafael Kushick from BimBamRosh Chodesh Adar from ChabadIs there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.

In this week’s Torah portion, Terumah (Hebrew for “gifts” or “offerings”), God instructs the people, through Moses, to bring gifts to build the Mishkan,* so that God can dwell among the people. These gifts are specific items required for the building. There are detailed instructions for how to construct the ark, table, menorah, and the Mishkan itself.

Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved. – Exodus 25:2

Each person whose heart was moved contributed to the building of the Mishkan. We might consider the Mishkan as a symbolic reminder of our communal spaces today. How do we sustain those spaces (whether institutions or communities we’ve created for ourselves) today? Whether it’s a monetary contribution, a tangible gift, or the precious gift of our time, there have been and are multiple ways to build and sustain community. Regardless of “what” we choose to give, our parsha emphasizes that it’s the “how,” or our intention behind the giving that counts. 

Earlier this week, the streets of Israel were lined with thousands upon thousands of people to accompany the funeral procession for Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas (of blessed memory), in addition to those who followed online. As we as a community tried to fathom what is only a fraction of the pain of the Silberman and Bibas families, we are reminded that our community is sustained and comforted by our intentional presence.  

Rabbi Sharon Brous, in her book The Amen Effect, talks about how we are often called upon to show up during a time of loss and despair. While we should show up for each other during these times, it is no less important to show up during times of joy. Over the past 16 months, there has been no shortage of painful moments for us to bear witness to and be present for. As we move into Shabbat, I invite us to ask ourselves: During these times have we also shown up for a simcha, a moment of joy? How will we sustain our communities this week? Especially during these times, how can we intentionally create moments of Jewish and communal joy for ourselves and others? Just as the Israelites gave items to build the Mishkan, when we each give from our hearts, community is sustained and strengthened.

*The Mishkan was the portable sanctuary that traveled with the people in the wilderness.

This evening is the beginning of the Hebrew month of Adar, where, as we make our way to the holiday of Purim, the Talmud (Taanit 29a) tells us, “we increase in joy.” This week at the J was full of joyful moments – sharing them together in community is one of the most meaningful parts of the work we do! 

We opened the week celebrating the Tucson J’s Stingrays Swim Team‘s fantastic performance at the Regionals meet in Scottsdale last weekend. We had 64 swims, with 50 of them resulting in new personal best times! The weekend was highlighted by two new team records, and Jaqueline Tjia achieving a new State qualifying time in the 100 yard Backstroke. As the Stingrays head to State next weekend, join us in wishing them yasher koach (increased strength/way to go)! Interested in becoming a Stingray? Tryouts are on a rolling basis; the next are coming up Wednesday, March 26 at 4:30 & 7:30pm.

While participants in our Healthy Aging Movement/Arts Immersion program increased in joy as they tapped in to their creative spirit in a special workshop with the Sonoran Glass School, kids in our JCare afterschool program found their joy with a DIY ice cream making activity.

Also this week our joy — and our excitement — increased as we welcomed Sierra Weiss, JCC Associations’ Inclusion Specialist, to Tucson to spend time with our team planning JCC Maccabi Access. She visited the venues where Access will take place, had planning time with our Access Games Committee, and checked out our Disability Services Department. To learn more about the JCC Maccabi Games and Access, click here. Just last night, our Stars of Giving gathered in the freshly remodeled Allen Langer z ”l and Marianne Langer Jewish Heritage Center. Without the cherished donors who believe in the power of our mission, we would not be able to fuel the impactful work we do that brings so much joy to our community. Interested in becoming a Star? Reach out to our Chief Development Officer, Fran, at fkatz@tucsonjcc.org.  Tomorrow, we welcome award-winning singer, songwriter, and educator, Neshama Carlebach for BELIEVE, an evening of song and spirit sure to increase your joy! There are still tickets left; join us and experience the magic and inspiration of music, community, and connection.  How did you find joy at the J this week? Shabbat Shalom.

Reminders, Resources + LearningEach week we share resources for more learning: This week’s resources:Parshat Terumah: The Mishkan: Some Assembly Required by Rafael Kushick from BimBam Rosh Chodesh Adar from Chabad Last week’s resources: Parshat Mishpatim: A Writer Talks About the “People of the Book” by David Henkin (BimBam) Table for Five: Mishpatim (Accidental Talmudist) Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.

This week’s parsha, Mishpatim (rules), is often recognized for its detailed laws and ethical principles, focusing on civil matters such as justice, fairness, and respect for others. One key theme that emerges in this parsha relates to legacy—both in terms of how we shape our own futures and how our actions influence future generations.

The idea of legacy is seen in the commandment of educating our children. In Exodus 22:28, the Torah says, “You shall not delay the offering from your harvest,” a commandment understood by the rabbis to extend beyond simple offerings to broader matters of family and inheritance. Part of what is passed down through generations is not just material wealth but also the moral and ethical teachings that guide the community.

Also in Mishpatim, the concept of tzedakah (charity) is addressed through laws such as the obligation to leave the corners of the field for the poor. This act of kindness becomes part of a lasting legacy—a teaching that transcends generations. By performing acts of charity and justice, we not only improve the lives of others, but we also create a ripple effect that shapes the character of future generations.

Legacy is also directly tied to the idea of remembering—remembering where we came from and what we stand for. In Mishpatim, the laws are presented as part of the covenant between God and the people of Israel. This covenant is foundational to Jewish identity, and by adhering to these laws, the Israelites are not only forging a better present but securing their future.

Ultimately, Parshat Mishpatim teaches us that the legacy we leave behind is shaped by our actions today. Whether through our dealings with others, our acts of charity, or the education we provide to our children, we are laying the foundation for a just and moral society. Just as the Israelites are tasked with preserving their covenant with God for future generations, we too are responsible for preserving the ethical and spiritual values that will guide our descendants.

At the Tucson J, we shape our legacy through the impactful work we do across generations, engaging people at all ages and stages of their lives. From the firm foundation we set beginning with infants in our Early Childhood Education program, to the support we provide to people in our Healthy Aging programs so they can have vibrant lives at any age, we believe in the power of a community that evolves together, grows stronger together, and builds a brighter future — together! 

We kicked off our week at the J Sunday with PJ Library’s Tu Bishvat with the Grands event in the Shay-Shay Community Garden. It was our pleasure to welcome kids and their Grandparents and grandparent-figures to celebrate the holiday together with an Israeli lunch followed by crafting tree headbands, tree slice art, bird feeders, and planting seeds in the garden. Intergenerational bonding at its finest!

Later on Sunday, a new show opened in the J’s Fine Art Gallery, My Colorful Southwest, by artist Joe Bourne. Art appreciators of all ages stopped by to enjoy the art and chat with the artist, and just today ECE classrooms took time to make observations about the new colorful works and thinking about what they would title the pieces if it were up to them. 

Teens in our Tucson BBYO chapters, Abba Godol and Kadimah, returned this week from BBYO International Convention in Denver! Tucson sent 16 members to join the 130 strong Mountain Region delegation. Adding to our hometown pride, both the AZA (Boys) and BBG (Girls) Presidents of Mountain Region are from our Tucson chapters. The teens represented Tucson and our region with distinction, earning high praise for their participation and the way they carried themselves throughout the week. They engaged in meaningful Jewish programming and enrichment, competed in athletic events, attended inspiring panels featuring industry leaders, conducted the international board elections, and even connected with teens from our sister JCC in Maldova! Tucson BBYO continues to make its mark on the greater BBYO community, and we couldn’t be prouder of our teens! 

                                                                                                                                                                    As we usher in Shabbat, a time for rest and reflection, we invite you to take a moment to think about your own legacy. What mark on you leaving on your community? Where do you find inspiration from those who came before you and what is your dream for the future? Shabbat Shalom. 

Reminders, Resources + LearningEach week we share resources for more learning: This week’s resources: Parshat Mishpatim: A Writer Talks About the “People of the Book” by David Henkin (BimBam) Table for Five: Mishpatim (Accidental Talmudist)Last week’s resources: Parshat Yitro: The Ten Commandments, Beyond the Two Tablets? by Leah Jones (BimBam) What are the Ten Commandments? (My Jewish Learning) Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.

As we gather for Shabbat to read Parshat Yitro, we reflect on its timeless wisdom and its relevance to our lives in Tucson. The story of Yitro, Moshe’s father-in-law, and the giving of the Ten Commandments offer profound lessons for our community.

In the halls of Tucson Hebrew Academy and throughout our community, we often feel overwhelmed by our responsibilities. Like Moshe, who struggled to judge all disputes alone, we can feel the weight of our duties. Yitro’s wisdom reminds us of the importance of delegation and shared responsibility.

Yitro’s advice, ” לֹא־טוֹב הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה עֹשֶׂה ” (This thing that you are doing is not good), speaks to all who try to shoulder every burden alone. True leadership isn’t about doing everything ourselves, but about empowering others and working together.

We can learn from this by creating systems of support and shared responsibility. By involving more people in decision-making processes and distributing tasks, we not only lighten our individual loads but also strengthen our community bonds. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and investment in our shared future.

The Ten Commandments, or דִּבְּרוֹת (dibrot), provide an ethical framework that transcends time and culture. In today’s complex world, they offer clarity and direction, reminding us of our responsibilities to God and our fellow humans. Each commandment is a dugma ishit – a personal example of how we can create a more just, compassionate world.

For students at Tucson Hebrew Academy, internalizing these commandments can shape their character and guide their interactions. In our wider Tucson community, these universal ethical guidelines can foster mutual respect and harmony among diverse groups.

The story of Yitro is not just ancient history. It’s a lesson in balancing responsibility and humility. It challenges us to create systems that support our communities while also seeking personal growth and a stronger moral compass. In our own daily lives, in our homes, in Tucson, and in the world, let us heed the lessons of Yitro and strive to live our lives with intention and integrity.

As we move forward, inspired by our ancestors’ wisdom, let’s create a more just, compassionate, and united Tucson, honoring our legacy and paving the way for future generations.

In Yitro, we learn about the value of working together and allowing our individual strengths and contributions to shine, which in turn uplifts our whole community. This week, and every day at the J, we see this in action with each member of our community bringing their unique gifts, perspectives, strengths, and identities to our shared table. 

As we celebrated Tu Bishvat, the New Year/Birthday of the Trees and a time we often think about Tikkun Olam (heal the world), we remember our individual responsibility to treat our Earth, our selves, and one another with great care — and that small acts can add up to make a big difference for us all! Kids in Early Childhood Education and JCare participated in Tu Bishvat Seders, with a special appearance from Honi the Circle Maker (otherwise known as, Corey Cravens, Director of Afterschool Programming). 

On Wednesday, we were proud to pass the mic to Dr. Mary Gendron who joined the J’s Director of Healthy Aging, Linda Travis and community members to share her expertise on Women’s Heart Health in honor of American Heart Month. The presentation was powerful and empowering as Dr. Gendron shared her personal story as a heart attack survivor in addition to crucial information and resources! 

Our Taglit program was joined by friends from the Beacon Group for their annual Friendship Concert on Thursday. Participants dazzled on stage in song, delighting the audience with tunes from around the world from Japan, to Africa, Brazil, Australia and more! Music Therapist, Sierra Norris, who works regularly with both groups coordinated the show. 

And last but not least, we wished yasher koach (may your strength increase) to Davis Hubbell, Director of Teen Engagement, who has been accepted to the JCC Association Merrin Teen Professional Fellowship! Davis will join 13 professionals from across the country for the 12-month program where they’ll gain valuable leadership and management skills, strengthen their networks, and deepen their Jewish knowledge. 

Whether your strength this week was in your expertise or experience, or you lead by leaning on someone else, know that you have a community who appreciates and stands beside you! Shabbat Shalom. 

Reminders, Resources + LearningEach week we share resources for more learning: This week’s resources: Parshat Yitro: The Ten Commandments, Beyond the Two Tablets? by Leah Jones (BimBam) What are the Ten Commandments? (My Jewish Learning) Last week’s resources: The Story of Nachshon, by Rabbi Jonah Pesner (BimBam) Beshalach: Protected by God, Edited by Nina Litvak & Salvador Litvak (the Accidental Talmudist) Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.

After having been liberated from Egypt, and witnessing the miracle at the Sea of Reeds, the Israelites soon began to complain. They cried that there was not enough food for them to survive in the wilderness; they shouted that it would have been better to remain in slavery in Egypt, rather than face the uncertainties of the desert.  Their anxieties were understandable, for they were only weeks into their freedom, only days removed from 400 years of slavery. Who was this God who was promising them such a bright future? Who was this Moses character, whom they had dared to follow in darkness out of Egypt? God and Moses, at this point in our Torah’s story, responded to the people’s doubts with love and instruction.

In slavery, the Israelites had plenty to eat, sufficient to survive, but it was the “bread of oppression” – its only satisfaction being a calming of their hunger pangs. Now, in the wilderness, God provided them with the manna, “bread from heaven” – food which not only alleviated their physical hunger, but brought personal contentment, also.

The Rabbis of old find great meaning in the nuances of this story. For example, Moses sends the people out daily, as a constant reminder of God’s providence (rather than hoarding): we need to witness, experience and give thanks for the Divine Presence in our lives every day.

We are told that some of the people gathered much manna, and some little. Yet when the amounts were measured, there was neither excess nor deficiency! We are reminded of ben Zoma’s teaching in Pirkei Avot: “Who is rich? The one who is satisfied with his portion.” One person is not necessarily ‘richer’ because of a larger income than another; accumulating more may not mean having more.

And another lesson derived from the story of the manna is its connection to the Shabbat, introduced to the former slaves as a practice for the first time. On the sixth day of the week, they gathered a double portion. Moses explained that there would not be manna falling on the Sabbath, and there would be no baking, no boiling. No one was to leave home on that day, but rather they were to rest, enjoying the two days’ food which had been provided for them. For the first time, our people (and most likely, for any people) enjoyed a ‘day off’. The desert and the manna experiences began to teach these former slaves lessons of humanity and lessons of having free spirits.

Moses instructs Aaron to keep some manna in a jar, as a sign for all ages. That jar has, of course, been lost – but not the story.  We read it in the Torah and the Siddur. It is recalled by those who bless two loaves of Challah on Erev Shabbat. The lessons of the “bread from heaven” continue to guide us: remember God’s Presence daily, be content with your lot, and see each Shabbat as an opportunity for celebrating human freedom.

When we make space to notice the presence of the divine in our lives, it is easier to practice gratitude. To practice Hakarat HaTov–or “recognizing the good.” This week we are thankful for the many ways our community lived their best lives with us here at the Tucson J! 

Our CEO + President, Todd Rockoff, and Chief Operations Officer, Josh Shenker, are still pondering their takeaways after returning from the JCC Association’s Annual Mifgash Executive Leadership Forum in Baltimore. Always an inspiring conference, highlights from this year included presentations from Lisa Eisen, Co-President at Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies and Dr. Rachel Fish, Co-President and Founder of Boundless, an organization dedicated to combatting Jew hatred. Dr. Fish provided an invaluable virtual training with the J’s leadership team and Board last year and it was great to reconnect! 

On Sunday, nearly 60 people of all ages and skill levels joined us at the Sarver Tennis Center for our first Racquet Sports Social of the year! Racquet sports enthusiasts had an opportunity to meet our Pros, socialize, practice hitting, and pick up some tips and tricks! Check out a plethora of new Racquet Sports programming here and stay tuned for information about upcoming socials! 

All spring long, as they did this week, experienced and fledgling arts alike are tapping into their creativity in our watercolor and fused glass painting series’! Arts, Culture, and Community programming is in full bloom this season! What are you looking forward to participating in?

And last but not least, ECE had a special visitor for their weekly Shabbat celebration in the J’s Fine Art Gallery. We were blessed to have Tom Cracovaner, Cantor at Congregration Chaverim and ECE parent, led the children in song, drum, and tambourine! 

As we settle in to Shabbat, take a moment to reflect on where Gd showed up in your life this week, what you feel gratitude for, and how you will move forward in the week ahead creating space to recognize the good. Shabbat Shalom. 

Reminders, Resources + LearningEach week we share resources for more learning: This week’s resources: The Story of Nachshon, by Rabbi Jonah Pesner (BimBam) Beshalach: Protected by God, Edited by Nina Litvak & Salvador Litvak (the Accidental Talmudist) Last week’s resources: Parshat Bo: Moses and Aaron Come to Pharoah by Joel Stanley (BimBam) Getting Ready for TuBishvat (My Jewish Learning)   Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.

When I read this week’s portion, Va’era, I find myself fascinated by the River Nile. It seems clear that a river can be a character in a story. The Nile is the water from which Moses is drawn from, it plays a role in the story of the Ten Plagues, and legend has it that Joseph’s casket was immersed in those waters. Rivers are a symbol of dynamism and movement, they are life-giving and they offer hope. If the place you find yourself in contains pain and struggle, the river suggests another fate can wait for you just around the next bend. 

Growing up, the River Thames had a say in my life. Traversing the river to go to South London seemed like a challenging mission. North and South Londoners saw themselves as separate tribes, delineated by that water. The Thames was the mouth of London, the gateway to a thousand ships representing a hundred countries. It offered an anchor for some of the most eye-catching of London sights, from the Houses of Parliament to Tower Bridge. 

Spending time in Israel, I kayaked more than once on the River Jordan, searched for the place where talmudic rabbis debated on its banks, and looked with wonder as Christian visitors were baptized therein. 

As I developed my love of sacred texts, I saw how the rabbis interpreted the verse in Genesis which announced that a river flowed from the Garden of Eden. They saw this river representing the flow of Divine emanation from the realms beyond human comprehension. In this context, the river was a powerful vehicle for conveying Divine energy to the human world. 

As we delve deeper into Exodus, we sense the life-giving waters of the Nile, dive into their torrent and hope to be conveyed to the place of liberation. 

Shabbat Shalom.

Here at the Tucson J, we build community carried on rivers of hope with the promise of an ever-brighter future just around the bend. A future where everyone belongs and is heard, seen, and valued. Every day we work toward that future by offering programs, services, and events that help people live their fullest lives, nourish their bodies, explore new ideas, express themselves, and connect with one another — but on Monday, we were especially proud to connect our work and values to the incredible legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by partaking in the community-wide Day of Chesed (loving kindness).

At the J, we hosted the first of the year’s Blood Drives with American Red Cross, collected sneakers and socks in the Fitness Center for those in need (you can still drop yours off through Jan 31!), and kids in School Days Out packed hygiene kits for youth experiencing houselessness in partnership with Our Family Services. As February rolls around, we will celebrate Black History Month and Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month and we encourage you to stay engaged! It has never been more important to lean in, practice empathy and compassion, find common ground, support one another, and build a community rooted in solidarity so that we all have the opportunity to thrive. 

Our Disability Program Services department is exploring cultures from around the world; this week, participants of both Arts for All and Taglit embarked on a multi-day collaborative art project — a massive paper dragon to represent the Chinese New Year which takes place on January 29. Be sure to check our Instagram next week to see the finished project! DPS (staff included!) also had the opportunity to take a group fitness class with one of the J’s expert personal trainers, Jamie High. Movement is an important part of cultivating physical wellness, and done together, it can be a whole lot of fun, too!  We cannot create a brighter future without imagining it first. Creative expression is a wonderful way to tap into our imaginations. All month long, artists in our Watercolor Exploration series have been learning the fundamentals of this painting practice! Nourish your creativity and imagination with more art workshops and classes this Spring – check out our offerings here.  Where did you find hope and strength this week? What action will you take in the week ahead to help create a better world? Thank you for being part of the impact we make here at the J. Shabbat Shalom!

Reminders, Resources + Learning Each week we share resources for more learning:  This week’s resources:   The Ancient Plagues of Egypt by Rabbi Katie Mizrahi (BimBam)  Moses Was Grateful (Accidental Talmudist: Wisdom for All) Parshat Va’era (My Jewish Learning)  Last week’s resources:  Accidental Talmudist: Wisdom for All — Acts of Kindness by Sal Litvak (filmmaker of Guns + Moses)  BimBam: Moses and His Heavy Tongue by Jason Lieberman Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.

In this week’s Torah portion, Bo (Hebrew for “Come”), God sends the eighth and ninth plagues. Before sending the tenth plague, God commands the Israelites to mark their homes with lamb’s blood to protect their firstborns. We learn about marking time, with Aviv being the first month of the Hebrew calendar, the first month of freedom. We learn about Pesach (Passover), about not eating leavened bread and the obligation to teach our children, “It is because of what the Eternal did for ME when I went free from Egypt (Exodus 13:8).” Sitting on the precipice of freedom, the parsha ends with Pharoah telling Moses to take the people and their flocks, and to leave, and a recapping of key events in our story this week.

While we read about the Pesach rituals now as part of our annual Torah reading and the importance of our personal connection to the story, Pesach is still four months away. And yet, I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be free and how Jewish rituals ground us, especially in times of uncertainty. Ritual is one way we hold on to our Jewish identities and express both pride and connection. Ritual links us to the Jewish People, with those who came before us and those who will come after. Hostages who were freed from Hamas captivity this week talked about rituals they clung to for 481 days, including how they observed Yom Kippur and the refusal to eat bread during Pesach.

This Shabbat is an opportunity to pause to reflect on the story of our freedom – the freedom we will read about next week and the freedom that we will, God willing, continue to witness as those in captivity are released. What does freedom mean to you? How does ritual ground you during “regular” moments and in times of uncertainty and how might it connect you to Jewish Peoplehood?  

Jewish life is rich with ritual as a way to mark time, make meaning, and infuse our daily lives with a connection to the divine. As we reflect on the Passover rituals presented in this week’s parsha, we are reminded of all the ways we do this here at the Tucson J. Each day our campus bustles with children in our ECE, JCare and youth sports and rec programs, adults come to build community and enhance their quality of life with Wellness and Healthy Aging programs, and we engage in arts and culture  offerings that spark dialogue, inspire creativity, and bring us closer to ourselves and one another. Every year we rejoice in Camp season, celebrate holidays and milestones, and enjoy legacy events like our Signature Series and Tucson J International Film Festival. 

This week at the J, the Tucson Jays Middle School Basketball club team had their first game of the season with a  number of staff joining the fun and cheering the team on from the stands! Teens in BBYO started a new term with a rush week scavenger hunt, board games, bonding, and a shared Shabbat meal. And, we launched the brand new JCC Maccabi 2025 website as we prepare to host the Games right here in Tucson – bringing a favorite annual ritual home. Check it out and get involved!   Whether the J is part of your every day with a game of basketball or dip in the pool, the highlight of your week where you convene with friends, or you come for the more monumental moments we share here together, we’re proud to be a special part of your life!  As we celebrate Shabbat, a weekly ritual of rest and restoration, we wish you a wonderful weekend and joyful week ahead.

Reminders, Resources + LearningEach week we share resources for more learning:  This week’s resources: Parshat Bo: Moses and Aaron Come to Pharoah by Joel Stanley (BimBam) Getting Ready for TuBishvat (My Jewish Learning)  Last week’s resources:  The Ancient Plagues of Egypt by Rabbi Katie Mizrahi (BimBam)  Moses Was Grateful (Accidental Talmudist: Wisdom for All) Parshat Va’era (My Jewish Learning) Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.