Dear Vav (6th-grade) Parents,
Well…we made it! Phewww :) Breathe folks, breathe :) !!
A year we’ll always remember; who knows(?), in time, maybe we’ll have a TT reunion for every student who attended during this challenging year. I believe we’ll have some things to remember that we didn’t particularly like about distance-learning and also talk about some of the funny/weird things about it.
I looked at this year as a huge opportunity to accept “uncertainty” as a muscle in which to develop a new level of strength. Yes, there have always been uncertain challenges in our lives; but, I believe we can agree that the Covid-19 Pandemic really forced a sudden change almost everyday for all of our families. I am extremely proud of all of you for sticking with it and not giving up...you are really amazing people!
Our last few days have been spent learning about the State/Land of Israel in modern times (Israel as a “Start-Up” Nation), its many ethnic groups, culture, arts, technology, natural resources, and contributions to the world. I hope you have a decent grasp of the sequence of Israelite leaders after Moses through the first Kings (Saul, David and Solomon). We’ve traveled (virtually) to archeological sites in Israel that we studied about in the TaNaKh (Torah, Nevi’im, Ketuvim); someday, I hope when you travel to Israel you’ll be sparked to remember some piece of what we have studied, as you actually step foot where our ancestors lived, that will be very cool (I can’t wait to go to Israel again).
We finished the year with an overview as we look back on the year’s studies. The Choreography of the Torah Service, Kashrut, many Holidays, Yad LaTorah, etc. I hope that you feel that you learned about new subjects, maybe in a deeper way and will continue your Judaic studies throughout your lives.
This year has forced all of us to interact in a very different, yet amazing, manner, and it’s hard to believe that we will be saying “l’hitraot” (see you again) and Shalom for the summer. I remember when we had class from my Sukkah and I will miss having you “in” my home. Thank you for welcoming me into your homes (and cars, etc.). I want you to know that you are always welcome in mine!
Kol HaKavod (All of the Honor) to each of you!
B’Shalom,
Rabbi E