My Hope for the Start of School

New clothes, check.  Backpack, check.  Filling out all of the many forms, check.  My son, Caleb, will soon return to the wonderful Nursery School at Temple Sinai of Roslyn.  As I’ve been shopping and preparing for the start of school, I’ve been thinking about my hopes for Caleb during the year ahead.  Of course, I want him to learn his letters and to achieve all of the building blocks to be successful in elementary school and beyond.  However, it’s easy to lose sight of the Jewish values I hope will become the center of his identity.  Here are my hopes for Caleb (and for all of our kids) as they put on their backpacks and head out to school.

Read, Read, Read

The Jewish people are called the People of the Book because of our fierce dedication to learning!  Throughout our history, Jews young and old have always had a book in their hands and always made time for reading.  Caleb loves to read, but like every kid, he also enjoys watching TV (especially Paw Patrol) and playing games on our tablet.  However, there is something completely eye opening when he sits down next to a teacher or loved one and listens to a story.  Reading books allows him to make a deep connection with the adult and kids sitting next to him.  And even more importantly, reading books allows him to discover new worlds and open his mind to imagination.  This year, may he fall in love with books and foster a love of learning and exploration.

Listen

There is no prayer more important in Judaism than the Sh’ma.  Sh’ma Yisrael… Hear O Israel, Adonai is Our God, Adonai is One!  The Sh’ma reminds us that we must listen to gain a deeper sense of the Holy One and the world around us.  Now, Caleb is a toddler and as most parents of a young child know, it’s extremely difficult for them to listen!  There is too much going on in the world to listen to the voices of those that surround them!  My hope during the year ahead is that Caleb listens to his teachers, friends, and those who love him.  May he gain a sense of their wisdom and learn that young and old have so much to teach him.  May he also listen to the voice inside him, which will help him discover who he is and push him to make new discoveries of the world around him.

Be a Mensch

There is no term which better exemplifies my hope for Caleb, then becoming a mensch.  The Yiddish word mensch means “a person of honor,” but it’s much more than that.  A mensch is kind, considerate, and caring.  A mensch is friendly and does what is right. A mensch looks out for those in need and takes care of the community.  It’s hard to be a mensch, especially when you are a toddler!  I hope that Caleb gains a sense of what it means to become a mensch: may he learn to share and take turns; may he be empathetic and learn to step into other people’s shoes; may he do his best to help make the world a better place.

My Hope

As Caleb (and all of our children) begin the new school year, may they have much academic success.  May learning come easy and may they thrive in all of their achievements.  As they spend their days in school, may they read often and become lovers of books.  May they listen and gain true insight from all who cross their path.  And may they do their best to become menschin – being kind and caring individuals to all who are a part of their world.