Parashat Chayei Sarah

My balloon burst when I found out the rationale for holding elections in November.  Somehow in my fantasy, I always equated it with Veterans Day, notwithstanding the fact that "Armistice day" was not founded until after the end of WWI.  (The actual date for Election Day was set in 1845.). The justification for a date in November was partially because the United States was an agrarian society, and this time of year was good for the farmers. 

I love that Election Day and Veterans Day are so close together.  Those years in which there is a presidential election makes me appreciate them both even more.  The very idea that we live in a country in which there are free elections, that the power structure can change peacefully, is not a simple matter.  We are so blessed that we have the luxury of being able to choose our leaders without fear as well as have the ability to celebrate our military's contribution to our freedom.

In school, we learn about both these facets.  Second grade teachers Michael Becker and Gavi Bacharach spearheaded our in-school election of Perry the Platypus, with every student having had the opportunity to vote on a secret ballot.  Many students learned about the idea of democracy and some of its benefits.

All students are also learning about Veterans Day as well as at least one "patriotic" song.  On Monday, November 12, at 2:00pm, you will have the opportunity to watch each of our students (all 311 in K - 5) appear on stage in the auditorium, dressed in patriotic colors and reflecting our pride in being Americans.  We will also have the opportunity to honor Veterans in our own family, parents, grandparents, friends, and employees.  If you know a “vet,” please invite him/her and inform Naftali Quartey at 5140, of his/her planned attendance.  We plan to start on time and will feature grades 4 and 5 before we go to the younger Lower School grades...)

Monday morning is our annual parent visitation Open House.  You’re welcome to come and enjoy watching your children in their classes and get a peek into their day.  This is our version of “take your child to work”!!!  (You will notice our Student Council Officers and Class Representatives who will serve as guides until about 9:15.)

Just a word about Rosh Chodesh Kislev, next Thursday, November 15:  Last week we noted that it would be a “yellow” day to signify the lights of Chanukah, but we are expanding that to include red and orange shirts as well!!!  Shabbat Shalom