Good Morning Students & Parents,
Five years ago, we planted a few fruit trees outside.
Only one tree survived but as time went past, it too wasn’t doing too well and not producing too many leaves. To make things work, the constant breeze and wind were blowing on it a lot and causing it to always bend over.
So last year we decided to care for it a little more and we put a few stakes in the ground to help it stand tall and straight, we weeded around it, and we gave it plant food to help it grow better.
This year for the first time, it produced a few fruit flowers, and today there is one tiny little pear growing on the tree.
It is so exciting to watch and of course we can’t wait to taste the first pear that comes from this tree, which will hopefully be the first of many.
Why am I talking about fruit trees at a Hebrew School Celebration?
Well Judaism teaches us that Adam Etz HaSadeh, a human is the tree of the field.
What does this mean?
It means, that just like a tree, if you want the human to grow, you have to help them develop, especially when they are young, so that they can grow tall and strong and eventually produce good fruit.
Sometimes, there are big winds that can make it hard to stand straight and do well and grow….
Sometimes there are weeds that are slowing down the growth….
And sometimes, there are not enough nutrients being provided and we need to add to what it already has…
Just like a tree, we need to make sure that each child is nurtured and has the right food and nutrients and atmosphere within which they can grow and develop.
Students, each one of you are a human tree in the making. You are building yourselves up and starting to grow bigger branches as you learn and do more things. You are doing more good deeds and Mitzvot which are the fruit which you are giving to this world. Indeed your education from your parents, school and Hebrew School are all a part of the watering and ingredients that you are being given, so that you can grow tall, strong, and give off so much beautiful fruit to the world.
I will conclude with a short idea from the Talmud, where there is a big debate as to what is more important, study and learning, or action and Mitzvot.
In other words should I spend my time studying or should I spend time doing good deeds?
It is a big question and a good question.
The Talmud eventually rules that really Study is more important…. But do you know why… because it will lead you to do good deeds.
All the learning we do here is not simply about the learning that we do on Sundays, but it is about what you walk away with each time and every week, and the actions and Mitzvot that you will do in the world around us, as your identity and increased Jewish knowledge will inspire you to do more good for others and for the world at large.
Dear Parents thank you for entrusting us with your children and partnering with us in the special Mitzvah of Education.
Dear Students, thank you for getting up every Sunday, even when you are after sleepovers and sometimes tired, but always walking enjoying your time here with a smile.
Your beautiful smiles and wonderful attitude make all the hard work so worth it every week.
A special thank you to our wonderful teachers for their dedication in coming every Sunday, in rain, snow and shine, and coming in with smiles on your faces and truly caring about what you teach about and more importantly, caring about your students.
Thank you to our amazing teen helpers and Jacob Reznik who bring so much help, smiles and fun to Hebrew School
A special thank you to Shayna, who spent countless hours each week preparing for Hebrew School, talking to parents, following up with students, communicating with teachers, and staying up most Saturday nights into the wee hours of the morning, getting ready and making sure that Sunday mornings will be full of fun and joy.
Hebrew School may be officially over but learning and living what you learn will never end and will continue to go on and on…
Mazal Tov to all of you!