Shavua Tov
Next week’s Torah portion, Lech Lecha, begins with a bold command:
“Go forth from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)
With those words, Abraham begins a journey that would shape the destiny of the Jewish people. He steps forward in faith, guided by a call to build community, to seek blessing, and to become a blessing for others.
That same call echoes in our lives today. Lech Lecha reminds us that Jewish life has always been a journey, one that connects us across time and space. Whether we are here in Tucson, in Israel, or anywhere Jews gather, we are bound together by shared memory, purpose, and destiny.
In these times of challenge and hope, we are reminded that Am Yisrael Chai — the people of Israel lives, not only as a statement of survival, but as a testament to our collective strength, compassion, and creativity.
At the Tucson J, we strive every day to deepen that sense of belonging and connection. We are proud to be a gathering place where Jewish life is celebrated and where people of all backgrounds come together to learn, to question, to support one another, and to dream of a more hopeful future.
That is why I want to personally invite you to join us on Sunday, November 2, for our inaugural Z3 Conference at the Tucson J a morning of conversation, learning, and reflection on what it means to be part of the global Jewish family in this moment. Together, we will explore how we can strengthen the bonds between Israel and world Jewry and ensure that our shared story continues to unfold with courage and hope.
As we prepare for this gathering, I am reminded of the words of Somewhere over the rainbow, a song of yearning and imagination — a dream that the world can be more beautiful, just, and whole. In Hebrew, we might pair it with Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu “Peace will yet come upon us.” Both songs speak to the same timeless longing that has sustained our people: hope for a better tomorrow, built together.
May we each find our own Lech Lecha moment — the courage to journey forward, to reach across distance, and to help one another along the way.
With gratitude and hope
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
