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.
