Parashat Chukat

The last Lower School link for the year should have a major trumpet introduction!!!  Another year (or your first year!!!) We did it!! Your kids did it!!! Our teachers did it!!!  We have completed successfully another major step in your children’s lives.   Growth is obvious from the sheer new heights they’ve reached physically, to the advancements they’ve reached academically.  We are heartened by the wonderful programming we’ve been able to offer and the receptiveness of our students to the excitement and challenges.

What lies ahead for next year?   The major change is that the entire Lower School will be adopting the Singapore Math curriculum.  This year, it was taught in grades 2 and 3, as well as in the Middle School (for the second year) and is being received with much enthusiasm and acclaim (by teachers, students and parents).  At Back to School Night in September, there will be a presentation for the parents about this program.  Teachers are already receiving training, with more on the schedule.

Another change is in a few staff members.  Hamorah Gali and Mrs. Freedman, as well as Lea and Shlomit, our Bnot Sherut are returning to Israel, and Rabbi Moses is pursuing another direction.  Last night we had a staff get together/farewell party which was so poignant and bittersweet.  The bonds of friendship and respect are so strong; so difficult to say goodbye to people who have become entwined into our everyday lives.  We wish them all hatzlacha!  I am confident that our staff will be equally welcoming to new staff members and that you and your children will grow to love and admire their successors. 

Part of the charm of the Lower School is the manner in which newcomers, both  students and staff , are received and taken in to your hearts. Both family and student buddies have proven to be special and pave the way for new friendships.  We ask all parents to encourage their children to include newcomers into their summer and start of the school year activities (think guests for Succot!!) Plan Ahead.   As we have seen over the last few years, we have quite a few new students enrolled, transferring in from area schools and moving in from out of town (and country).  It is with great sadness that we say l’hitraot to our families who are leaving to return to Israel.  You certainly will be missed!

On a personal point, I am so excited to say that after school today, I am going to the Hebrew Home to pick up my husband – so he may return to our home!!!  It has been a very long haul and I so appreciate all your support and encouragement.  Ayn rah blee tov – there is no bad without good.  I now possess a much stronger understanding of the need for and strength of bikkur cholim – both as a mitzvah we are privileged to fulfill and as an organization.  Thank you for your kindnesses.

Another year draws to an end.  I thank assistant principal Tammie Rapps I thank assistant principal Tammie Rapps for her assistance, creativity and warmth, which have helped create such a  positive environment in the Lower School, Naftali Quartey, our administrative assistant, who makes everything possible, Suzy Israel, head of Education Support Services, for her dedication to each child’s education, and Rachel Handloff, Guidance Counselor, for  strengthening our caring community.  To all the teachers, who have worked so diligently to sustain each student, to the MJBHA personnel who have worked so hard so that we may serve our students in a clean and safe surrounding. Your work is recognized and appreciated. To our beautiful students, you are the heart and soul of our school, and make every day beautiful!!  I also acknowledge and am grateful to our parents  who trust us with their children; we recognize – and take seriously - our responsibilities.   And of course, I am ever so grateful to Hakodesh Baruch Hu for watching over us and guiding us.

I look forward to seeing you at Tuesday’s 10:30 (prompt) Step Up ceremony, as we say farewell to our 5th graders and move our other students up a grade.   Shabbat Shalom

Parashat Korach

Last night’s Showcase truly was amazing.  I, like you parents, am a bystander; I watch the rooms come to life; I see the children working on projects; I smile when I hear their excited voices talk about their efforts; I am pulled into room after room by students wanting to show me their work; I marvel at the teachers’ ability to turn their class rooms into display rooms, with joy and excitement – with pride in their students.  Thank you to so many of you who came last night, to share our pleasure in your children’s achievements!

As Showcase unfolds, it is exhilarating to watch your children leading you from exhibit to exhibit, showing off their own work, sharing – and praising - their friends’ attempts, and curiously looking into other rooms – to reminisce about what already was and to preview what might be in the years ahead.  One of the keys is that this is the children’s work; this is the result of their own labor, creativity, skill, thoughtfulness, and time.  Obviously there are teachers behind each child, teaching, guiding, suggesting, helping, allowing the children to use their own ideas, shaping those ideas – but not confining them, encouraging their students to soar.

We always talk about the home-school partnership, how we partner with you the parents.  As we head into the last full week of school and into a glorious summer, we think of the numerous ways we benefit from this partnership.  Obviously there are the usual expectations that parents will help their children keep their academic skills sharp, by helping find the time and space to read, use their math skills, practice writing (as in thank you letters, journals, letters to relatives and friends – I’ll answer!!! ).  But there are also the other areas that we work to instill or develop in our students, such as taking responsibility, showing caring and kindness to others, making good choices.   Each summer I offer the students a challenge – to practice a middah, announced at the Step Up ceremony.   But sometimes, it gets lost in the last minute hectic rush.  And so I present it to you today as this will need parental assistance.  The children will be asked to make good choices, to think for themselves, to use their beautiful brains to choose to do the right things. 

And you?  Please, please, please help them learn this essential skill by providing them the logical consequences when necessary.  If they spend all their allowance, they will not be able to buy ice cream; if they don’t write a thank you to their grandparents (how’s that for a plug!!), they won’t be able to use the gift, leave your ball outside, it might not be there in the morning, forget to put your bike away…… you get the idea.  There actually are many websites that discuss “Letting natural consequences teach your child to make right choices is a powerful learning tool. Experience is the best teacher ….. Children make unwise choices on the way to becoming responsible adults. Children must experience the consequences of their actions in order to learn from them.”  There also is the positive side to making good choices – praise for the action, praise for the right choice, the unexpected treat – “you have been such a big help with extra chores that I have the time to go for a walk, read a book, etc. with you….” We would appreciate your adding derech eretz to this adventure.  Expect to be respected, expect your child to exhibit appropriate demeanor, language, and behavior.  We will all be the beneficiaries – especially your child.  Shabbat Shalom

Parashat Beha'alotecha

 Time is certainly flying by… as in space capsules versus propeller planes!  We are trying to finish up units, teach those last concepts, and get just one more point across!!!    In the midst of this, teachers also are helping their students prepare for Showcase Night – that time of year when we open all our classrooms to display our students’ work.  It’s a time for parents and children to travel through the classes, to show off their own work and admire that of other classes.  It’s also a time (we open the program at 5:30 and close at 7:00) when you, the parents, can take a peek into what your child might just experience next year!

We hope that you already have June 5 circled on your calendar.  The program runs from 5:30 until 7:00p.m. (firm times) .  A few words of explanation – it can definitely take that whole time  to traverse  the hallways, to visit all the rooms and marvel at the various materials.  We discourage strollers as they  sometimes block doorways and because it often is so crowded, those little ones down there can suffer from a lack of air.   Baby carriers have proven to be much better.  Please come a bit early as the parking lot ends to get VERY crowded and there might be a shortage of parking spaces.  This is planned to be an evening for children and their parents.; children must be  accompanied  by an adult during the program.

Not to sing our own praises – but It is a great, not-to-be-missed event.  At Back to School Night, we tell you what we’re going to teach (what your children will learn); at Showcase, we show you what we have taught – what your children have learned!!!  Please make sure to join us.  As a convenience, Sheryl Blaufeld,  our fabulous school cook , is offering to prepare a pizza dinner.  She will need reservations to be ready for you – so if you’re interested, please respond when the form is sent next week.

A wonderful new addition to our program this year is  our 5th graders performance of the lion king IN HEBREW!!!!  This will take place on May 10 at 12:30pm.  Yes, it is during the school day.  All our students will attend and parents and proud bubbies and zaydies, etc. may also attend.  It is free. However, we are soliciting sponsors to help cover all the costs involved in such a production (even a low budget one such as this).  Please see the blurb below. Yes, the play will be videotaped, so if you cannot attend, you may still enjoy!

To formally end the year, we will hold our annual Step Up Ceremony at 10:30 (prompt) on the last day of school, June 18.  That program is one hour long and in it, we will hear beautiful music from our choir and our 5th graders, salute our 5th graders as they leave the Lower School for Middle School, and then assist each grade in moving up from their current grade to the upcoming one. Parents are invited to attend (you might need tissues if you’re that kind of person). It is a joyous end to an amazing school year.  Students return to their classroom to say farewell for the summer, gather their papers, and then be dismissed at noon.  And that will wrap up another year…..  Enjoy!  Shabbat Shalom

Parashat Acharei Mot

It is THAT time of year again.  We have joyously celebrated Yom Haatzmaut (have you seen any of the pictures?!!) and are looking ahead to end of the year activities.   Coming up of course is the last in our series of “yoms,” Yom Yerushalayim, on May 8. That is quickly followed by Grandparents Day and Shavuot.  Lag B’Omer takes place on a Sunday this year, and we will have our traditional field day on an alternate date.  That will leave us just one month to fit everything in – the last field trips, Showcase, and class celebrations.  We truly hope that you will enjoy all the festivities and take pride in your children’s progress this year.

One of our joys is simply watching your children, seeing them rejoice, observing them grow into their new roles, trying on different ways to act, finding their places, being kids.  One of the beautiful features of children is the gift they have of making new friends, of allowing others into their lives, of learning from and helping others.  Children who might not have known each other on the first day of school are now inseparable.  I hear from so many parents of students new to the school who marvel at how their children have been included.  We know that there are numerous new students already enrolled for next year and we look forward to their (and their parents’) integration into our community.  It is one of  the hallmarks of our school and something about which you should feel great pride.  We are delighted that our students socialize with each other and are so open and welcoming.

Each year at this time, we look at all the classes and reflect on each student's placement.  Looking ahead to constructing the classes for the coming year, we look at many factors.  They include gender and geographic balance, as well as academic strengths and student personalities. We know that class placements are a critical part of the lower school experience. Each year we look at the placements to ensure that the children get exposure to various teaching styles as well as the opportunity to interact with different peers. We also recognize that every child has unique needs and some teachers match better with some students, therefore we dedicate much time and planning to this.   Please refer to the article below about Class Placement 2013/2014 for further information.  Shabbat Shalom

Parashat Shemini

Dear Parents,

I have edited and am recycling an article I wrote three years ago at this time of year:

At this time of year, coming back from Pesach, our school weeks are filled with commemorations and celebrations.  We are somber and then we celebrate.  Sort of like life.  Right after our return, we memorialize Yom Hashoah, this coming Monday, April 8..  Some parents ask what it means to be “developmentally appropriate” in regards to our programming.  I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all answer and even in school we make some very hard choices.  First and foremost, we are very careful about the pictures we utilize.  A child’s imagination can definitely conjure up vivid imagery and even outlandish pictures – but nothing can come close to some of the photographs from the Shoah, many of which are contained in literature, including children’s books.  We also steer clear of discussions of specific acts of violence and graphic details.  We do, however, tell sad stories at times, and in grades 4 and 5, sometimes mention separation of families, and even death, as the children’s discussions take shape.  The commemorations’ placements on the calendar also play a part in their being included in the curriculum.  Had they occurred towards the start of the year, when we hadn’t gotten to know the children so well and when they hadn’t been exposed to other messages of struggle and survival, we would approach these events differently. 

Today, it is believed that, with boundaries, Jewish children should learn about the Shoah at a young age, that matter of fact limited exposure will heighten their sensitivity and make it easier for students in the long run.   Additionally, with the more open nature of today's society and the opening of the Holocaust Museum, information more appropriate (if it really can be "appropriate" for anyone!!) for young children is available.   But, as with any information we may present in school, children’s own personal experiences as well as inter-personal conversations will color or flavor their intake or perception.  As with any topic, we encourage parents to be open with their children and aware of their thoughts and feelings and certainly to contact Mrs. Handloff with any concerns about behavior changes.  She, of course, is in contact with all the teachers and supervising the students to insure their adjustments.  We offer formal, developmental programming for grades 4 and 5 and we limit the amount and kind of material used in our younger grades. Sometimes, as happens, individual children will offer up personal information that offers more details.  We endeavor to maintain a balance in our classrooms and hope that each child will benefit from the “Shoah” curriculum.

The following week, on Monday, April 15, Yom Hazikaron, we will remember Israel’s soldiers and on Tuesday, April 16, we will celebrate Israel’s 65th birthday! Tied all together, the picture is one of the future and our responsibilities as Jews and as human beings.  Again, among other tasks, school should prepare us for the bigger world and the stresses and splendor of life in general.  The roller coaster of life’s experiences takes its twists and turns and well-adjusted children learn to stay on an even path.  I encourage you to talk with your children about the “Yoms” and share your own feelings and experiences as a way to honor our history and remember and celebrate as a family.  Shabbat Shalom (and welcome back)!

Parashat Vayikra

As we sit for the sedarim, we reflect on where we were last year, where we're headed.  We are bnay chorin, free people, with the ability to choose to some degree how we would like the coming year to look.  Where will our priorities be?  What will be prominent?  What will we emphasize?  How will our new year shape up?

One would think at this time of year I would write about Pesach being a new year, starting with Rosh Chodesh Nisan and our jam-packed weeks: interviews for kindergarten admissions, 5th grade family life, kindergarten's celebration of the golden chain, sharsheret hazahav, the celebration of the continuity of family ties, our connection to our roots, a time of increased prePesach fervor, with students proudly showing off their Haggadot and other projects, happily filling the hallways with their joyous singing, a portent of things to come!

However, I find that I am compelled to write about report cards which will be sent home next week.  I am trying to put onto paper, into words, how so many children have grown. Going along with "freedom" is choice.  Slaves have no choice; they have to do what they're told.  Children (even though schools are not democracies), have choices.  They can choose to do their work, or not; they can put in the time and effort needed, or not; they can accept the challenge...or not.  For some, school is easy, the learning, the skills, the communication are second nature; for these children, even though they have to put in varying amounts of time and effort, the results usually are visible.  I marvel at the determination of some other students, of those for whom school doesn't come so easily, of those who put in hours of extra time, practice their reading, reviewing and re reviewing, doing math problems, while their friends might be just hanging out.  They might not always see the results; for some it might take years (truly) until the letters really fit together and start making sense, until Rashi becomes clear.  It is so refreshing to read about progress, about children who rise to the challenge, about parents who work with their children...not to do their work for them, but who help them find their niche, who listen to them read and reread, who encourage them to learn, even if it doesn't come so easily.  They have made the choice to put in the effort and dedicate themselves to this.

As you sit at the Seder and each child brings his or her own strengths, it's so important to remember that for many, it's a beginning, that each child's contribution should be taken for its own value, that each child is appreciated for who s/he is.  We can applaud and appreciate each child's strengths, we can encourage them to strive for more,  to learn from our past and our present, to appreciate each child's efforts and to let our children know that each of them is worthy and valued.  That's a choice we have as parents.  "Let all who are hungry come and eat"...not just those who can whiz thru the Haggadah, not only those who can sit obediently, not only those who can remember all their teachers  have taught them....everyone, each child.  Shabbat Shalom

Parashat Ki Tisa

I love Judaism's focus on education.  One of our basic tenets is recited daily in the Sh'ma:   "V'shinantam l'vanecha."  Repeat to your children.

Repetition is a critical educational tool.  It is great when the repetition can take various forms to maintain children's interests.  How many times do we remind our children of our expectations, of our policies, that each family has its own culture, the adages our parents and grandparents used?

V'shinantam.  It serves as an excellent guideline.

Then of course, there is also (the looming) "v'hegadeta l'vincha," and you shall tell your child (the story of our slavery and the Exodus).  Another excellent teaching tool.  Tell your children stories.  Repeatedly, cyclically.  What a great tradition we have.  And what great results.  What each child remembers and what each child anticipates is remarkable!

Our students look forward with great anticipation to their chances to ask great questions, to hide or find the afikomen, to drinking all 4 cups, to staying up to midnight, to do whatever it is their family does.  Children are creatures of habit and they look forward to routines and comfort, to the same menu and the same seating arrangements.

It is a wonderful reminder that we can rely on the past to teach us and to remind us who we are; that we can concentrate on what is truly important and on what has sustained us through the ages. 

It does not mean that we cannot add new traditions and new experiences that we the parents can also learn new material to bring to the Seder or to the Chag, that we can use props to keep the fun and excitement.  Your children are among the privileged who come to the Seder with a wealth of knowledge.but you the parents still have the  obligation of "v'hegadeta l'vincha," and you shall tell your child.  Let them know your own experiences, share your stories or those of your family.  Talk about the history of that special Seder plate, or matzah cover - or create your own, together.

We hear so much about the importance of the family bond.  Inherent in these two mitzvot (in the Shma and the Haggadah) is  the interaction between parent and child.  Repeat it to your children and tell our children.  That is parent and child.  That is face to face.  That is quality time.  Value it.  It is the best investment you will ever make. 

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Pesach Prep!

Parashat Terumah

Rabbi Zev Leff has a beautiful interpretation of the term "Gomel Chassadim tovim " in the second bracha of the shemona esray.  He says that, by definition, a chesed is, of course, tov, good.  So why does it use the adjective?  Sometimes we want to show concern or kindness and do things for others out of pure motives, but in the end, we haven't really helped the person.

Case In Point:  when children learn to walk, they toddle along and take a few tumbles and earn a few bumps and bruises.  We don't say, "oh, you poor child, let me carry you or wheel you around so you won't hurt yourself."  We know that the tumbles are part of the process, that they help the child learn to walk.  As difficult as it might be to permit the child to experience the hurts, we know that it's necessary.  The same can be true for learning to ride a bike or skateboard or ski, or the like.

Sometimes, as children grow, we forget that we cannot shield them from everything, no matter how pure our motive.  They need to learn literally and figuratively how to stand on their own two feet, to experience what life has in store for them, so they may learn and grow from their experiences.

Wednesday's siddur party was a great example.  Some children were very nervous, even downright scared about getting on stage and presenting to the audience...but they swallowed their fear, managed it - and were wonderfully amazing.  I see the same thing with our girls' choir. Some of the students who have solo parts are petrified ( with a capital P)!  yet they go on stage, stand in front of an audience, open their mouths and simply do it.  What am amazing feat; they have proven to themselves that they can do it!  we as educators and parents might be on the sidelines holding our collective breath, but we know that we have given our children  an unforgettable experience.  We allowed them to take a risk; we have shown them our faith in them and our belief that they are very capable and competent; we have provided them an older version of learning to walk.

Turning this into other facets of children's lives, we can cite many examples in which our interventions are not chasadim tovim.  This can be in regard to doing their homework for them, to making up excuses for work not completed, to intervening in simple childhood disagreements.  Have we really helped them grow?

Sometimes we are so tempted to shield our children from the negatives of life.  Unfortunately life isn't always fun. One of the gifts we can provide our children, a real chesed tov, is to teach them how to deal with adversity.  I believe you know that we are careful about disseminating unpleasant information to our students, and when we do need to discuss negative events, whether it's disasters in the world or events in our own history, we are judicious in the information we impart.  

One of the beautiful actions we teach is caring for others.  When a child in class has a prolonged illness or loses a grandparent, fellow students are encouraged to call or write cards.  In the younger grades, students brainstorm words or phrases to use.  We believe that the time and energy put into such projects are well worth it as they enable the children to develop their caring sides.  I continually am impressed with their empathy and their ability to express themselves.  This past week, I personally have been the recipient of your children's caring as they showered me with their good wishes in light of my husband's illness.  Their facility in expressing themselves at a time that is awkward for some is admirable and most appreciated.  Gemilut chasadim tovim....acts of loving kindness are truly a chesed. Shabbat shalom (and a Refuah Shlamah for Shaul Chayim Ben Rivka Rachel) Shabbat Shalom

Parashat Yitro

Today was just another amazing day in the Lower School.  As I was writing on the white board and noted the ending of January, two 1st grades were so excited about ..."12 more days!!!"  I asked if it were their birthdays and they said "no; it's the Siddur Party!"  Then I walked into a kindergarten class and 2 boys were in their shul (which they've just started to build) acting - very seriously - as the chazzan with siddur and Tallit and a fellow davener.  Further down the hall, one class of third graders was excitedly dressing themselves in garb reminiscent of Rashi's time in eager preparation for today's outstanding Rashi Party.  And this was all before 8:15!

As we close the month of January and look forward to February and all it brings - the aforementioned first grade Siddur party, Spirit Week, Purim, and the Betzalel Art Day,  I anticipate more happy and meaningful celebrations.  As you attend parent-teacher conferences next week, please take the time to look at our bulletin boards and some of the work displayed.  It is a tribute to the diverse and enriched curriculum your children receive, while also being a credit to them and their teachers.

We appreciate the vast array of opportunities  available to us in this area.  In the month of February, there will be a 3rd grade trip to the Phillip Ratner Museum, a "Poetry Alive" program for K-5, an interactive program teaching communication, analysis and performance through poetry, as well as a continuation of our poet in residence for grade 5, and a kindergarten trip to Magen David (in addition to the other in-school programming).  We also have two parent-directed programs, your PTO Lower school Advisory on February 12 and our PEP (Parent education) on February 7, and of course our parent-teacher conferences on February 6 (preceded by a 12:30 dismissal - with lunch being served in school).

Switching gears: Don't you just love it when your children get compliments?  As a principal, it makes my week when students are praised, especially  by people who have no vested interest in them.  On Tuesday, our 2nd graders went to the National Gallery of Art (thank you parent and Manager of School Tours and Docent Programs  at NGA, Liz Diament and Deborah Lerner Gross Jewish Cultural Arts Center director Rena Fruchter for making the arrangements).  One of the docents, a professor emeritus at UMD in Education, wrote: 

..."  Wonderful children, wonderful Interactions (seemed to me),  wonderful questions, wonderful learnings. And they so delightfully represent a saved future."  (We would like to think that the children's previous experiences in observation and analysis  play a significant role in their interest and skills.)

Yesterday, our Second and Third Grade staff had a Singapore Math workshop, part of which were "model" lessons in two classes.  The presenter, an experienced educator himself, marveled at our children's respectful behavior and their attention in class.  Music to my ears!

This comes on the heels of a week in which our fifth graders have been extolled by our Poet In Residence, parent and poet Sarah Antine, who is working with them in both Judaic and General Studies to write poetry.  It's not only their behavior, but also their creativity and writing abilities which facilitate success.  She says that "It is a great gift to teach the 5th graders poetry."  5th Grade also had their annual Shabbaton this past Shabbat, Tu B'Shvat, held in our building.  Their behavior, davening, ruach, and achdut were outstanding! Thank you Michael Becker, Rachel Handloff, Rabbi Moses, and Tammie Rapps for giving up Shabbat at home with your families to spend time with our students.

FYI: Next week, on Monday and Tuesday, Mrs. Israel, Mrs. Rapps and I will be attending the National Jewish Day School Conference. Mrs. Handloff and Mr. Quartey will be in charge of the Lower School.  Shabbat Shalom

Parashat Bo

A peek in through my window:

One of the features that I enjoy talking about with prospective parents is the community feel of the Lower School. I absolutely love watching siblings taking care of each other.  Numerous families have children in the various divisions and it is not unusual to see the older ones bring their younger siblings to class or to their lockers in the mornings.  What is so beautiful is the visible attitude, or really, the lack of it.  These are happy children, smiling, taking the extra minute to be kind to the younger ones.  At dismissal, we frequently watch as the older siblings, even those in the Lower School, are protective of the younger ones, making sure they have their belongings and head in the right direction when their names are called.   I don’t take this for granted as it is not the norm in other schools.

Capitalizing on this trait and to increase the amount of responsibility expected of our 5th graders, we have started a new Lower School program.  Our 5th graders have been “buddied” up with 1st graders to help them out at various times.  One such occasion is our weekly Oneg.  We are thrilled (we kvell, for sure!!) as we watch this pairing.  Students are taking this very seriously.  5th grades are enjoying the new responsibility and 1st graders appreciate the special attention.  Watching both groups of students walking into the auditorium together, many of  them holding hands, seeing the 1st graders look at their “older” buddies with such admiring eyes, observing the 5th graders very seriously following through on helping their charges truly is a sight to behold!!!  It’s all part of the process of helping our students learn how to be leaders as well as how to interact appropriately with others.

We regularly see other “community” activities. This week, 5th grades will work with 2nd graders on writing Shape Poems for Tu B’Shvat.  On Wednesday, one 4th grade class recited a poem to a kindergarten group and another to a 1^st grade.  We can pride ourselves on fostering an environment in which it is “cool” to be helpful and kind!

Another newly-introduced program is our recess time clubs.  They started this week for grades 2 through 5.  Students may continue to participate in unstructured recess or they may sign up for one of the clubs being taught by our teachers.  Choices range from chess club, to origami, to Italian, to newspaper.  We believe that this ability to attempt something new and different aids children’s development and enhances their ability to make informed choices.  It is also a great way for children to broaden their horizons and dabble in new pursuits.  One never knows what will be of interest – or not!!!

Education is multifaceted.  We continuously strive to enrich and enhance each child’s experience so that s/he will be challenged, encouraged, and motivated. Shabbat Shalom

Parashat Shemot

Since the summer, I have been watching the construction of the new firehouse on Arcola and Georgia Avenues.  For quite a while, it was just a big trench but one day, massive vertical beams appeared.  A few days later, construction workers were walking on horizontal beams.  Several months later now, we can see what the building will look like when it’s finished. 

My initial reactions were those of an educator, how this building parallels teaching and child development.  We spend an enormous amount of time laying the groundwork, building the deep foundation for the future.  Not much is visible nor tangible to the uninitiated as our kindergarten students learn to be students and those all-so-important basics: how to be part of a group, how to listen and share, to ask questions, and to think.  And then – one day, there it is: the child is reading, or recognizing letters, or bursting out in verses of a song, or explaining the difference between various coins, or opening a siddur and davening.  Taking this analogy to a higher level, we experience the struggles of children, sounding out the words, putting the letters together, wrestling with the meaning of the words of the sentence or the pasuk.  All of a sudden, as the light bulb turns on, as the foundation becomes even more fortified, there is clarity and the “aha” moment appears!  Wow.  All that study, all that preparation, all that hard work has come to fruition.

Today, that foundation takes on a different meaning for me.  As part of an “institution”, the larger MJBHA, there are many behind-the-scenes people who keep the building and its operations stable and sturdy, who are essentially an integral part of the foundation.  Over Winter Break, we suffered the death of Jeff Binder, our “Operations Manager.”  Jeff had been part of the MJBHA for 27 years.  As we look to see how we will fill the void, it is more than just who will fulfill his various roles.  We take the time to recognize his important contributions to the school as a valued and vital employee, as well as to recognize his role as a human.  One of Jeff’s traits was his energetic, cheerful personality and the caring way in which he greeted everyone.  We cannot bring him back, painful as that is to recognize.  But we can strive to emulate his goodwill and his pleasant ways; we can smile at others and greet everyone. He was the perfect example of Avot 1:15:

שמאי אומר,………….והוי מקביל את כל האדם, בסבר פנים יפות

“Shammai would say: …….. And receive every man with a pleasant countenance.”

We can memorialize Jeff by emulating him, by continuing his pleasant demeanor and making everyone feel welcome.  We can contribute to the very framework of our organization, to the foundations of our lives, by following in the footsteps of this individual who affected so many people personally.  Y’hee zichro baruch…may his memory be for a blessing.

At this week’s Oneg, we will be remembering Mr. Binder by referring to this beautiful trait of his, of his pleasant ways.  Shabbat Shalom