In Moments of Crisis, Education and Action

In Moments of Crisis, Education and Action

Rabbi Newman | Hebrew Academy

In moments of crisis, the agency we give our children becomes a beacon of hope and action. As we collectively pray for the safety of the IDF and all of Israel, we’re reminded that even the most minor acts, like tracing the Alef in preschool, can be a starting point for lifelong commitment and solidarity.

A strong Jewish education is not just about academics; it’s about empowering students to take meaningful action. For parents raising young children today, this is especially crucial. Our students are not passive observers but active participants in shaping the world around them. They engage in mitzvot, write heartfelt letters to IDF soldiers, and contribute through prayers and charity. These are not just acts of kindness but lessons in leadership and empathy, values that are essential for the next generation.

Our approach is validated by the actions of our graduates, some of whom are currently serving in the IDF. Their commitment to Israel and their global family is a testament to the effectiveness of an education that focuses on knowledge, character, and action.

In times like these, the value of a holistic education becomes abundantly clear. It’s about more than what we know but what we do with the knowledge. Our students’ actions, from prayers to charity, are a testament to the kind of education that prioritizes empathy and social responsibility alongside academics. Remember that the power to effect change doesn’t lie in grand gestures but in the everyday acts of kindness that define our community. Each of us has a unique and valuable role, especially in times of crisis. Your actions today, no matter how small, can make a

meaningful impact. We invite you to join the Hebrew Academy in doing a mitzvah for Israel, reinforcing the power of collective action. We offer a heartfelt prayer for the safety, peace, and well-being of everyone in Israel, including the brave soldiers of the IDF who are fighting to protect it. In these challenging times, the importance of each individual’s contribution becomes even more evident. Whether it’s a preschooler tracing the Alef or a family coming together to say a prayer, each act adds to our collective strength and purpose. Through our united efforts, may we bring about revealed blessings for all