This week, we read Parashat Vayakhel (Hebrew for “And he gathered”) which highlights the power of community coming together for a shared purpose. After receiving instructions for building the Mishkan (the portable sanctuary that travels with the people through the desert), the Israelites are each instructed to bring gifts from their hearts—materials, skills, and spirit—contributing in ways that reflect their unique abilities. In fact, at one point in this week’s portion, Moses even tells the people they don’t need more gifts because so many have given from their hearts! The result is a physical sacred space and represents the people’s unity and generosity.

Each of the many communities we are part of thrives when we share our strengths. Here at the J, we each give to our community in different ways. Whether we have taken on a leadership role on the board, a committee or task force, or we’re a friendly face at an early morning workout or volunteer at an event – there are many ways to be involved and help to build up our community. Just like in Vayakhel, there is opportunity for each of us to give from the heart in a way that feels meaningful to us. In a world that often feels fragmented, Vayakhel reminds us that when we gather with intention, we create something greater than ourselves.

As Shabbat approaches, I invite us to reflect: What gifts do we bring to our shared space? How can we recognize and celebrate the diverse contributions that make our community whole? Let’s take a moment this week to appreciate those who build—whether with their hands, their hearts, or their presence—and consider how we, too, can give back.

May this Shabbat bring you rest, connection, and the joy of knowing you are part of something meaningful.

Just like the mishkan we encounter in Parashat Vayakhel, the Tucson J is a place we come to gather together — and the vibrant spirit of our community dwells inside! Vayakel is also the first place in the Torah where we are commanded to keep Shabbat. As you read on about all the JOY we shared during another busy week at the J, remember that amidst all the action of our daily lives, we must also make time for rest. 

We started our week at the Tucson Festival of Books where we had a blast connecting with new people, saying hello to familiar faces, and sharing our excitement for the upcoming JCC Maccabi Games happening right here in Tucson! Speaking of JCC Maccabi, our Team Tucson teens met up for bowling in one of many social and community-building events to come as the Games near!

Our creative endeavors shined this week as a new show was hung in the J’s Fine Art Gallery (join us this Sunday for the opening of Perspectives in Fiber with Fiber Artists of Southern Arizona!) and staff members joined Director of Healthy Aging, Linda Travis, for a Fused Glass Workshop with the Sonoran Glass School as an extension of their partnership with our Healthy Aging program!

Following the theme of art and art appreciation, at the spring Patron of the Arts Gathering, Patron of the Arts co-chairs, Lee Surwit and Janis Gasch welcomed everyone to a lovely reception at the Tucson Museum of Art. Todd Rockoff, Tucson J President + CEO, thanked everyone for their continued support and introduced the fall artist-in-residence with theatre dybbuk, including performances of Dracula, Annotated. The group also enjoyed an exclusive tour of the Kasser Family Wing of Latin American Art!  

A new friend, Rosie, from Pawsitive Therapy dogs, joined students in Early Childhood Education, and as the weather has grown warmer, our littlest members at the J hit the pool for a head start on swim lessons! 

This Shabbat, remember, everyone belongs here at the Tucson J and we rejoice in the diversity of our community — thank you for being a unique and special part of it! Shabbat Shalom.

CHALLAH ORDERSMembers can pre-order challah for $6 each week in advance of Shabbat. Orders must be made by 10pm on Monday. Orders may be picked up from 5am-6pm at the Front Desk and/or Sports + Wellness Desk on Thursday and Friday. If you have a child/dependent in one of the J’s childcare programs or Taglit, we can send your Challah order home with them.  Contact Member Services at membership@tucsonjcc.org or mark the boxes on our online order form to set up a standing order or to purchase a new 10 pass for weekly challah at a discounted rate of $55.