This Shabbat, we start the book of Leviticus, Vayikra. It deals with the laws of sacrifice, which were practiced in regard to the Sanctuary.

Although, we no longer have a Temple, there are still nuggets of wisdom we can garner from this parasha. Everyone, from high priest, to chieftain, to the common man, is instructed on how he shall ask for forgiveness for his sins, either by sacrificing an animal of his flock or by bringing choice meal and oil to offer up to the Lord. A priest must offer up a bullock, a ruler must offer up a goat, and so on. 

I find it endearing that the man sacrificing an animal, must lay his hand on the head of the animal. Commentaries say this is to denote that it is the man’s property that is being given, and as he presses his hands between the horns of the animal, he designates that this is his substitute. I wonder if there isn’t another, more subtle reason. By laying my hand on the head of a fur-covered animal, I would feel its warmth, its softness, and its vitality. Almost petting it. How much harder it would be to sacrifice this living creature to expiate for my own sin!

Then we come to the lowest form of sacrifice: a mixture of choice flour and oil that is burned on the altar. One commentary says that these items represent what has come by work: the flour comes from grain and must be milled, and the oil comes from olives that must be cultivated and pressed.

I am particularly aware of the democratic obligation of the sacrifices offered up to the Lord. No one is exempt from this mitzvah. We all must give from our livelihood. Not only does this make an equality of people, but it also makes each feel he has importance.

Each of us in our Jewish community, whether in our synagogues, organizations, cities, states, nations, or world, has equal importance to each other. As we are obligated to perform mitzvot, so are we obligated to acknowledge the community of our Jewish people. Am Yisroel Chai!

This week’s Torah reflection reminds us of the importance of community and shared responsibility. Here at the Tucson J, we embody that spirit of connection and contribution through a variety of meaningful programs for people of all ages and identities. Whether through sports, art, or education, each of us has a part to play in strengthening our community. Just as the sacrifices in Vayikra were acts of connection and community, so too are the programs at the J, bringing us together for the purpose of fostering our individual and collective wellness and building a brighter future for us all. 

On Sunday, Jennifer Lorch Selco, Sr. Director of Jewish Life + Engagement, and Suzette Joffroy, PJ Library Parent Connector, traveled to the PJ Library Conference in Springfield, Massachusetts where they gathered with over 250 colleagues from communities that also receive the gift of PJ Library. Jenn had the special opportunity to share a lunch meeting with Harold Grinspoon, PJ Library founder and philanthropist, and Winnie Sandler Grinspoon, Harold Grinspoon Foundation President, to discuss successes and goals in our community. Highlights of the conference included: reflecting on the idea of PJ Library stories as mirrors and windows (seeing ourselves reflected in the story and learning about those with a different experience), networking with colleagues, and hearing from different stakeholders of PJ Library. 

Passover preparation and celebration continued this week with a very special Passover Seder for Early Childhood Education kiddos and a Seder Plate art activity in JCare that will continue next week as they make air dry items to put on top of their plates! Also in JCare this week — homemade applesauce making! 

Participants in our Movement/Arts Immersion Healthy Aging program have been working diligently with the Sonoran Glass School on fused glass art projects; recently, staff had the opportunity to join in, and yesterday, both staff and participants were delighted to see their completed pieces displayed in a special art show. 

Also yesterday, community members joined us in the Baker Ballroom for the Maccabi World Union Exhibition, “Unbroken: Israeli sports in light of the October 7th events,” which explored the stories of Israeli athletes following the events of October 7th. Daniella Ironi, the Shlicha of the JCC Maccabi Games (coming this summer right here in Tucson!) was in conversation with Dan Kurtz from Maccabi USA. Looking to get involved in JCC Maccabi? There’s a role for everyone! 

From Taglit’s yoga session, to volleyball and peewee tennis, all week long we fostered physical wellness! As we make our way toward summer, there are so many ways to get moving at the Tucson J. Beat the heat in the pool, pop in for a personal training session, sign up a new Tennis or Pickleball clinic, or make friends in a basketball league. 

However you learn, play, and grow with us, your presence makes our community a vibrant, strong, and connected one! Shabbat Shalom.

CHALLAH ORDERS Members 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.