Shavua Tov
This morning, as we read Parashat Naso, we encounter one of the most beloved passages in the Torah: Birkat HaKohanim, the Priestly Blessing:
“May Adonai bless you and protect you.
May Adonai shine God’s face upon you and be gracious to you.
May Adonai lift up God’s face toward you and grant you peace.”
(Numbers 6:24-26)
For generations, these sacred words have reminded us that blessing is not merely something we receive it is something we share. The Priestly Blessing is offered in the plural, teaching us that God’s blessings are experienced most fully in community. We are blessed not only as individuals, but as a people connected to one another through purpose, responsibility, and care.
As I reflect on these words today, I am filled with gratitude for the blessing of serving our Tucson J community. Each day, I witness the power of connection, generosity, and shared commitment. I see it in the dedication of our staff, the vision and leadership of our Board of Directors, the countless hours contributed by volunteers, the generosity of our donors, and the enthusiasm of our members and participants who bring life to our programs and spaces.
The Talmud teaches:
“Who is rich? One who rejoices in what they have.”
— Pirkei Avot 4:1
By that measure, we are truly rich. We are blessed with a community that continually strives to strengthen Jewish life, care for one another, celebrate our traditions, and build a vibrant future together. Every program, gathering, act of kindness, and shared experience reflects the sacred work of community-building.
Another beautiful teaching reminds us:
“The one who blesses others is themselves blessed.”
— Proverbs 11:25
I am continually inspired by the many people who give of themselves to enrich the lives of others. Through your leadership, generosity, participation, and partnership, you help create a Jewish community where individuals and families can thrive, connect, and find meaning.
Another beautiful teaching reminds us:
“The one who blesses others is themselves blessed.”
— Proverbs 11:25
I am continually inspired by the many people who give of themselves to enrich the lives of others. Through your leadership, generosity, participation, and partnership, you help create a Jewish community where individuals and families can thrive, connect, and find meaning.
As I consider the spirit of blessing expressed in this week’s Torah portion, I am reminded of the Broadway song For Good from Wicked. Its message speaks to the profound impact we have on one another’s lives. None of us accomplishes our journey alone. We are shaped, strengthened, and uplifted by those around us. The relationships we build and the care we extend become blessings that endure far beyond any single moment.
I am also reminded of Naomi Shemer’s beloved Hebrew song Al Kol Eilah(“For All These Things”), a prayer of gratitude for the gifts that enrich our lives and a plea to preserve what is precious. It echoes the spirit of Birkat HaKohanim, inviting us to recognize the blessings we have received and to be faithful stewards of the community we continue to nurture together.
This pairing creates a beautiful bridge between contemporary culture and Jewish tradition, with both songs centered on gratitude, relationships, and the enduring power of community.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary community. Thank you for your commitment, your generosity, your leadership, and your faith in what we can accomplish together. The blessings we enjoy today are the result of countless individuals choosing to invest in one another and in the future of Jewish life.
May we continue to be a source of blessing for each other and for the generations that follow.
A Community Blessing
May our community be blessed with strength to meet challenges, wisdom to seize opportunities, and compassion to care for one another.
May our leaders be guided by vision, our volunteers by purpose, our staff by fulfillment, and our supporters by the joy of seeing lives enriched through their generosity.
May our children grow in confidence and Jewish pride, our families find belonging and connection, and our elders continue to share their wisdom and experience.
May the bonds between us grow stronger with each passing day.
May we continue to build a vibrant, inclusive, and caring Jewish community, rooted in tradition, inspired by purpose, and dedicated to creating a brighter future.
Cochenu b’Achduteynu | כחינו באחדותינו | Our strength is in our unity.
Am Yisrael Chai | עם ישראל חי
Todd Rockoff
President + CEO, Tucson J
