Olam Tikvah Rabbis' Monthly Message

Monthly Message: Notes From the Path

It’s such a delight when seemingly unconnected events occur in proximity and one cannot help but note the similarities.

On Friday morning, June 6, our sanctuary was filled with Preschool children, their parents and grandparents, their teachers and a huge number of cameras and video recorders. They gathered for the Olam Tikvah Preschool “Stepping Up” ceremony. For me, it was a difficult hour—I couldn’t decide where to look. The parents were on the edge of their seats, unable to contain their smiles. The children were so proud of their accomplishments as they stood tall and straight and sang their holiday, Israel and other Jewish songs. After the pre-K class sang “Kindergarten Here I Come,” each student received a diploma and a loving hug from their teachers. The OT Religious School and Gesher had better be ready for an outstanding group of young people.

On Sunday morning, just 48 hours later, we celebrated Confirmation 5768. Again, the sanctuary was filled with parents and extended family carrying cameras. Each of our Confirmands stood on the bimah and spoke. Three years earlier, they had stood at that same lectern as B’nai Mitzvah and taught us Torah. This time they looked back at their years of Jewish education and considered their engagement with a number of core elements of Jewish life, including God, tradition, prayer, Israel and community. They didn’t sing, but the grown-ups in the room had songs in our hearts as we observed these poised and thoughtful young adults.

During the ceremonies, I found myself thinking that one group was beginning its Jewish education and the other was completing its studies. But as I turned and looked at their parents, I realized that wasn’t an accurate description. “Stepping Up” isn’t the beginning, and “Confirmation” isn’t the end.

Our two- to five-year-olds have been living and learning Jewishly in their homes for years. Olam Tikvah has done its part to nurture them, but this was certainly not the beginning. Similarly, the families represented in our Confirmation class are families at home in the OT sanctuary. The activities of our high schoolers, as well as their promises for even greater involvement, are compelling reminders that they have only begun their Jewish journeys. This wasn’t a graduation; it was a jumping off point into vibrant Jewish adulthood.

Perhaps the most important lesson for the rest of us is that when we embrace Jewish life and learning, there truly is no beginning and no end. No matter how old one might be, there’s always an opportunity nourish the spirit with the wisdom of our tradition. Let’s follow the example set by that weekend in June and celebrate what we’ve done, and continue to fulfill our promises for the future.

Shalom,

Rabbi Kalender