Celebrating Milestones: A Journey of Hope and Unity

Last Sunday, we were delighted to welcome 26 families to the B’nai Mitzvah retreat for children whose ceremonies are scheduled for 2026-2027. And this Wednesday, we also confirmed ceremony dates for families with children in fourth grade, who will celebrate their B’nai Mitzvahs in 2028.

Our cheeks are still sore from the smiles shared during these wonderful gatherings! It’s truly a joy to witness the enthusiasm and excitement of these young ones as they step closer each day to “ascending to the Bimah.”

Amidst the prevailing pessimism that challenges us daily with valid concerns, I feel that our children carry today an extra symbolism. Our future B’nai Mitzvahs embody the seed of “Tikvah,” the seed of hope. Historically, the more our right to exist is questioned, the more fiercely we defend Jewish education. In today’s vibrant and diverse world, the importance of cultural identity and heritage cannot be overstated. For the Jewish community, this sense of identity is deeply rooted in a rich history and a resilient spirit.

The Jewish right to exist is not just about survival; it’s about thriving as a community that contributes to the global tapestry of cultures. This right is a cornerstone of Jewish life, ensuring that traditions, values, and beliefs are passed down through generations. Education plays a pivotal role in this process, serving as the bridge between past and future.

Rabbi L. J. Sacks said: “To defend a country, you need an army. But to defend an identity, you need a school. Judaism is the religion of the book, not the sword.” (Radical Then, Radical Now, p. 156). Thus, we are immensely proud to have all of you, dear families, entrusting your children’s Jewish education to us. This week, Israel celebrates another year of statehood since we started 77 years ago, alongside over 3,000 years of history represented by the flag that speaks to the eyes, ears, and hearts of the world.

We deeply regret having to celebrate the creation of our State during times of war. We hope that soon, we can celebrate life fully without the shadow of loss behind us. As Israel marks another year, we at Shaaray Tefila are also approaching a significant anniversary. We will soon announce the exciting celebrations ahead! But in the meantime, the better way to celebrate it is just doing what we are doing right now: we keep moving forward, strong and excited about what will come next.

A great example of this is that today, we’ll also celebrate the graduation of new future community leaders, who have been part of our successful Lech Lecha program led by Suzanne Fromm and Karen Spiegel. At Shaaray, we continue nourishing our roots and walking with our eyes on the horizon.

May this anniversary bring peace and unity. The State of Israel is built by all of us, both within and beyond its borders. Just as Israel celebrates another year of life, so too does Shaaray Tefila move toward an important milestone.

Am Yisrael Chai, Shaaray Tefila Chai!