| Shavuah Tov Yesterday was the 57th anniversary of the tragic murder of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I honor his enduring legacy and reflect upon his profound beliefs, particularly regarding Israel. Dr. King famously stated, “Israel is one of the great outposts of democracy in the world,” emphasizing the vital role it plays in promoting freedom and justice. He also affirmed that “the world and all people of good will must respect the territorial integrity of Israel.” These words remind us of the importance of supporting democratic values and standing alongside nations that embody those principles. Dr. King’s commitment to equality and justice transcended borders, resonating deeply with our vision at the Tucson J—where our promise is that We create community based on Jewish Values by providing the highest quality programs and services in a safe and secure environment for ALL people of ALL ages. Enjoy this beautiful version of Go Down Moses/Mi Chamocha by Cantor Dan Mutlu of Central Synagogue. As we approach the celebration of Passover, I find myself thinking on the profound journey articulated in our sacred narrative. We begin as a collection of squabbling families, enslaved in Egypt, and we transform into the Jewish Nation, moving towards our ancestral homeland—Israel. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l once stated, “Nations need identity. Identity needs memory. And memory depends on the story we tell ourselves and our children as to who we are. If you preserve that memory forever, you will preserve that people forever.” This thought resonates deeply as we gather this year to commemorate our history. During Passover, we do more than recount events; we fulfill our essential role as a link in the chain connecting one generation to the next. Each telling of our story allows us to create and preserve memories that belong to us, recognizing that history is not just the past of others but a vital part of our identity. A Pre Passover tradition in our house is to watch the Prince of Egypt, here is When you Believe from the Saturday Night Seder in 2020. As we prepare to gather around our Seder tables after Shabbat next week, we engage in the sacred tradition of retelling the story of our Exodus from Egypt. This ancient narrative not only connects us to our history but also invites us to find meaning in our modern context. It serves as a powerful reminder of our shared values and the work we continue to do at the Tucson J. This year, as we celebrate our liberation, we must also remember those who are suffering. We hold in our hearts the 59 hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza. We pray for their safe return to their families and loved ones, and we honor the memory of those who have tragically lost their lives, calling for their proper burial. In the spirit of the Seder, let us use this time to reflect on our collective journey, the struggles we face today, and the unwavering hope for peace and healing within our community and beyond. Let us be like Nachshon and take that first step towards creating vibrant Jewish Life and building greater Jewish Community, if we all do this, we will be, as Broadway Star Julie Benko says One Step Closer towards our goal. As we gather around our Seder tables, let us embrace the power of memory. May the stories we share help shape our understanding of who we are and guide us in our collective journey forward. Together, we continue to build a vibrant Jewish community, rooted in the lessons of our history and the promise of our future. 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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