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. 

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.