Shavua Tov
As we prepare to welcome Chanukah tomorrow night, the Festival of Lights, we are invited once again to reflect on the power of light to overcome darkness and the sacred call to add light to the world. Each candle we place in the menorah is a reminder that even the smallest flame can illuminate a room. And when many flames burn together, they can brighten an entire community.
In this mornings Torah Portion we began reading the story of Joseph a young dreamer whose path was marked by challenge, uncertainty, and at times, great darkness. Yet Joseph never stopped believing that his dreams mattered. His resilience, his faith, and his unwavering hope ultimately led not only to his own rise but to the survival and flourishing of his entire family.
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l once wrote:
“To be a Jew is to be an agent of hope in a world darkened by despair. Every mitzvah we do, every good deed, every act of kindness and compassion is a candle of light.”
Here at the Tucson J, we live that calling every day.
When a child discovers confidence in our preschool or during swimming lessons
when a teen finds belonging through sports, arts, or service
when older adults experience connection, purpose, and joy across our campus…
we are lighting candles together.
Chanukah reminds us that Jewish joy is not something we wait to feel it is something we create through our actions, through showing up, and through community. And like Joseph, who continued to dream even when the world around him dimmed, we too hold on to our dreams for a vibrant, connected Jewish future.
Our work, your work makes that possible:
You give your time as a volunteer, creating moments of welcome and warmth.
You support our mission through philanthropy, ensuring that every person has access to the programs and services they need.
You show up, participate, and engage modeling what Jewish community looks like at its best.
As Peter, Paul, and Mary sing in Light One Candle:
“Don’t let the light go out — it’s lasted for so many years.”
And as Andrew Lloyd Webber teaches through Joseph’s song Any Dream Will Do:
“May I return to the beginning? The light is dimming and the dream is too…”
reminding us that even when our dreams dim, we have the power to relight them together.
This Chanukah, may we each commit to adding a little more light through kindness, through generosity, through joy and to finding strength and hope in one another. When we gather at our Chanukah celebrations, fill our halls with music and laughter, enjoy moments of learning, art, wellness, and Jewish life, we live the truth that Rabbi Sacks taught so well: The miracle is not the light itself it is our choice to carry it forward.
I invite you to enjoy this beautiful version of Ma’oz Tzur with Leslie Odon Jr. and Nicolette Robinson.
From my family to yours, I wish you a Chag Urim Sameach a holiday filled with light, blessing, and the joy of being together in community.
With gratitude for all you do to brighten our world,
Cochenu b’Achduteynu | כחינו באחדותינו | Our strength is in our unity.
Am Yisrael Chai | עם ישראל חי
Bring them Home Now I מחזירים אותם הביתה עכשיו
Todd Rockoff
President + CEO, Tucson J
