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Shavua Tov 1 Adar 5785

Shavuah Tov 

Today we welcomed the month of Adar, when Jewish tradition commands us to “increase in joy” (Taanit 29a). Adar, marked by the celebration of Purim, reminds us that even in challenging times, joy is an act of faith and strength, we also pause to reflect on the heavy weight that rests upon our hearts. For over 512 days, our community has faced the struggles brought about by conflict and loss, and today, we find ourselves holding the painful reality that there are still 59 hostages and the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. 

In this season of Adar, we embrace the concept of גם וגם “gam v’gam,” “This and also this” which teaches us to experience joy alongside the sorrow. It is a reminder that while we celebrate the moments of happiness, we must also hold space for the sadness of our brothers and sisters who are suffering. This duality of emotions is a testament to our resilience and strength as a community. 

The Tucson J embodies this balance by being a place where individuals can come together to share collective strength, celebrate life, and support one another. Through acts of kindness, cultural connection, and mutual care, we create moments of joy even amidst pain. As a community, we honor both our responsibility to grieve and our commitment to finding light in darkness. Enjoy Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake from the movie Trolls! 

At The Tucson J, we are committed to being a space and place where joy exists and community is built and strengthened. We invite you to join us in fostering an environment where we can celebrate our successes while also acknowledging and supporting those in need. Together, we can cultivate a sense of belonging that uplifts us all, through both light and dark times. We should always remember what Happiness is, I love this song from the musical You’re a good man Charlie Brown. 

Thank you for your continued support and dedication. Let us honor this month by standing united, fostering joy, and nurturing our community, all while holding in our hearts those who are enduring hardship. 

חודש טוב Chodesh Tov, Wishing you a meaningful and joyful Adar. 

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 

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