By Betzy Lynch in La Jolla, California
This Shabbat marks a powerful convergence, spiritual and practical, among three meaningful threads: the beginning of the Hebrew month of Iyar, the Omer’s focus on Netzach (endurance), and a Torah portion that underscores the deep connection between physical and spiritual well-being.
Iyar is known as the month of healing, but not instant healing. It is healing through process. Fittingly, it falls entirely within the Omer, a time defined by daily, incremental growth. This reminds us that real healing doesn’t happen overnight. Strength, resilience, and wellness are built step by step, through consistency and care.
As we enter the days of Netzach, we are invited to reflect on endurance, not just physical, but spiritual. Netzach asks: What helps us keep going when things are difficult? How do we show up again and again? It teaches us that lasting growth is not about intensity alone, but about consistency over time.
This week’s Torah portion reinforces that message through its detailed description of the Kohanim, the priests, who served not only as spiritual leaders, but also as caretakers of physical health. The rabbis emphasized that this was not out of necessity, but by design. In Judaism, there is no separation between body and soul. Physical and spiritual well-being are deeply intertwined, and the Kohanim were entrusted with caring for both.
This idea resonates strongly with the JCC’s core value of Shmirat HaGuf, caring for the body as a sacred responsibility. Our bodies are not just our own; they are entrusted to us by the Divine. Taking care of them is not simply a lifestyle choice, it is a spiritual practice.
At the J, our Sports, Fitness & Aquatics team brings this ancient wisdom into modern life. Like the Kohanim, they understand that healing is not only about treatment, it’s about connection and return. Illness can isolate us, creating both physical and spiritual distress. That’s why community is essential to wellness. At the J, we believe that health is nurtured together, through shared commitment and daily practice.
As Spencer Lynch, Sr. Director of Sports, Fitness, Aquatics, Safety and Security, often says: “The heaviest weight in the gym is the door, but here, we have a community that will open it for you.”
Next Thursday through Saturday, we will embark on an immersive opportunity to explore the connection between physical and spiritual well-being with Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Matthew Ponak. I hope you’ll join us. And if you can’t, know that the opportunity for healing, endurance, and meaningful growth lives in the everyday experiences we share at the J.
Happy Counting:
Day 19 – Humble Compassion Do I listen more than I speak? What makes someone a good listener?
Day 20 – Connecting Through Truth Does honesty strengthen my relationships? When is it hard to be honest?
Day 21 – Living with Integrity Do my actions match my values? What does it mean to “do the right thing”?
Week 4: Netzach (Endurance)
Day 22 – Loving Persistence What’s worth sticking with? When should we not give up?
Day 23 – Disciplined Endurance Where do I need more grit? What helps you keep going when things are hard?
Day 24 – Balanced Perseverance When should I push vs. pause? Is it ever okay to quit?
Day 25 – Determination What drives me forward? What motivates you?
Day 26 – Humble Endurance Can I persist without ego? Can you try hard without needing to win?
Day 27 – Relational Commitment Do I stay committed to people? What makes a strong friendship last?
Day 28 – Resilient Leadership Do I model perseverance for others? Who do you look up to and why?
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Betzy Lynch is the chief executive officer of the Lawrence Family JCC.