From the Desk of Davis Hubbell | Director of Teen Engagement
This week’s Torah portion, Beha’alotecha, begins with a simple but powerful act: the lighting of the menorah. Aaron is instructed to light the lamps in a way that the flames rise up on their own — a reminder that our role, whether as leaders, educators, or community members, is not just to ignite light, but to nurture it so it can stand on its own.
This portion spans a wide emotional and spiritual range. We see the Israelites beginning their journey through the wilderness, guided by a cloud by day and fire by night. We see moments of frustration, longing, leadership fatigue, and even jealousy and hurt within the leadership circle itself.
What stands out to me is Moses not as the unshakable hero, but as someone overwhelmed. He literally says, “I can’t do this alone.” It’s raw, it’s human, and it’s real. And it’s met with a solution: seventy elders are brought in to help lead. That moment — admitting exhaustion and asking for help is something we don’t always model enough. It doesn’t make Moses weak. It makes him wise.
We also see the community get caught in nostalgia for the “good old days” of Egypt, forgetting the oppression and focusing only on the cucumbers and melons. It’s a reminder that discomfort in the present can distort our memory of the past. And we see Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses only to be reminded that leadership isn’t about comparison or competition, but about ones calling and character.
So what does this portion ask of us?
It asks us to show up and bring light intentionally and consistently.
It asks us to be honest when we’re overwhelmed and to accept help.
It asks us to resist the pull of nostalgia when growth gets hard.
And it asks us to guard our words, especially when we’re hurting or envious.
This Shabbat, I invite you to reflect: Where are you being called to bring light? Are you carrying too much alone? What “cloud” are you following? And when frustration shows up with yourself, with others, with the journey how can you meet it with honesty, compassion, and growth?
May we each find the strength to walk our path with integrity, to light the way for others, and to forgive ourselves and those around us as we grow together.
Here at the Tucson J, we take pride in the strong leaders who guide and shape our organization — from our incredible team to our dedicated Board and volunteers, our leaders show up every day to build a community that thrives together. But with summer in full swing, and the J joyously filled with budding leaders in our camp programs both as campers and counselors, the lessons on leadership we find in parsha Beha’alotecha ring especially true!
Some highlights from this week of Camp J included learning about the hamsa as a symbol of protection and creating hamsas out of mosaic stones or decorating hamsa coloring sheets in Tikkun Olam, getting creative in Cooking with toast as a “palette” and fruit as the “paint”, using our imaginations in Discovery to make creatures out of a variety of mixed media art supplies and then share stories about them, and exploring different biomes by playing a unique game of kickball in Wilderness! And, in Art, campers worked together on a collaborative chalk mural (check it out at the front of the building!). On Wednesday, Camp J got loud cheering for the best dressed counselor on Disney Day!
Also this week, participants in our Taglit Day Program got inspired at the Tucson Museum of Art! Taking time to explore Tucson and interact with local organizations and destinations is an important part of our program, helping to foster social skills, interests, and independence!
It’s not just kids having a blast at the J this summer! Our Summer Volleyball League is going strong on Wednesday evenings, offering friendly competition and an escape from the heat! Join us for drop-in Volleyball or sign up now for the Fall League! At the Sarver Tennis Center, we completed the court resurfacing project a few days ahead of schedule and are looking forward to seeing you out there this weekend!
One thing is for certain: good leaders, while hard working, also know when to rest. As we move into Shabbat and continue through a hot and busy summer, we encourage you to take time to unwind. Shabbat Shalom.
Reminders, Resources + Learning
Each week we share resources for more learning:
This week’s resources:
- Parshat Beha’alotcha: A Bluegrass Song About the Israelites in the Desert (BimBam)
- Body Language by Dr. Amy Kalmanofsky (Jewish Theological Seminary)
Last week’s resources:
- In the Priestly Blessing, Seeing Parenthood’s Trajectory by Rabbi Noah Arnow (My Jewish Learning)
- What Blessing Do You Need Now? by Rabbi Andrea Merow
- Lifting Heads by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.
