SUSAN WERK Revelations at

Graduations

I have been fortunate to attend numerous graduation ceremonies this spring. They spanned a wide range, from our youngest graduates at the ECC, to day schools and public schools and colleges. In addition to the pride and joy felt and expressed on these occasions, I noted something they all had in common — reflections on the challenges that faced the students — academically and socially — from the pandemic. At each ceremony, the speakers recalled the daunting challenges of the age of Covid: remote education via Zoom, living in isolation, the fear of a new and dangerous disease. In these speeches, the students heard praise for their resilience and adaptability and of the power of their hope and optimism. They heard of the lessons learned and the struggles taken on in transitioning to the “new normal,” masks and all

In reflecting on all I heard, I recognized: Each of us has our own story to tell about the pandemic, what we may have suffered, how we lived through the lockdown, how we managed, and what we discovered about ourselves and our loved ones how we and they coped with and overcame the obstacles and fears of our upended lives. What became clear to me is that strength in managing our own lives can emerge through the ways we assist others during a crisis. That the smallest act of kindness a phone call, a ride-by, a wave through a window can make a difference. And that maintaining an attitude of gratitude, despite losses, really does help preserve our mental health and positive worldview

I’ve also come to appreciate more than ever the synagogue and how it differs from a school. Indeed, a synagogue is a Beit Midrash, a place of study, but it’s also a Beit Tefillah, a place of prayer, and a Beit Knesset, a gathering place In it we learn, come together as a community, celebrate life-cycle events, and worship and express our faith Unlike other graduations, those held in the synagogue do not represent a sad farewell The batim the houses of the synagogue are your home for every age and stage, to mark your milestones, celebrate your accomplishments, and to find strength in times of difficulty and loss. We in your synagogue family rejoice with all of you who are celebrating children, grandchildren, and loved ones who achieved their academic goals this year

Given the difficulties of the past few years, we regard the graduates of 2023 with abundant pride and gratitude, and recite the traditional Shehecheyanu blessing: “Praised are you, Lord, God of the universe, for granting us life, for sustaining us, and for helping us to reach this day.” I hope that your summer is filled with fun times and new adventures with friends and family.

Susan Werk, Education Director