One of the high points of the week are the services that my fellow clergy and I lead with our Wise Elementary School students. The children’s incredible enthusiasm and energy make the services truly uplifting. They also bring the beautiful wisdom that comes from the unique perspectives of astute, yet wonderfully innocent, children. Over the course of the year, the Judaic studies teachers work with the students to prepare iyunim – introductions to a particular prayer. The children are invited to integrate concepts in the prayer with their values and their take on the world around them. This past week, I had the pleasure of joining our second through fourth graders. I was so inspired by their words that I want to share them with you. It’s been said that “from the mouths of babes…” Well, from the mouths of our incredible children come insights that can inspire and uplift us all.
For the sake of privacy, I’m only sharing their first names. Services are Friday morning, so each reading ends with “Shabbat Shalom.” In deference to the writers, I’ve kept them as they are.
Fourth grader Kai shared the following as his introduction to the Shema:
Today I want to talk to you about something really important to me, and that’s the Shema prayer. It’s a prayer that we start with the word “Shema,” which means “listen” in Hebrew. When I say the Shema, I feel like I’m trying to get God’s full attention.
I’m at that age where I’ve learned a lot about the world, and I’ve also realized how important it is to care about others. When I say the Shema, I’m not just asking for things for myself, but I’m praying for the well-being of all the people in Israel, which includes my dad’s entire family and Jews all around the world. I want them to stay strong and safe, just like I want for my family and friends. I also think about the brave IDF soldiers who are out there protecting Israel. They’re real-life heroes, and I hope they all come back safely from their missions. It’s a way for me to show my support and appreciation for them.
Thank you for listening and Shabbat Shalom.
Fourth grader Lacey also shared the following:
The Shema teaches us how to show love to God by going to temple and teaching your kids, v’shinantam l’vanecha. To love God means to respect God. I respect God by celebrating Shabbat with my family. I help prepare the Shabbat meal by baking challah and lighting Shabbat candles with my mom and sister. We always end Shabbat with havdalah, as we will begin a new week. Another way to love God is with all your heart by praying to God and respecting God’s commandments. This is what I think of when I say the Shema.
Thank you and Shabbat Shalom!
— Rabbi Ron Stern