Third grade students, Isabella and David, dive deeply into the Mi Chamocha prayer in their introductions to its words. Taken from the Torah’s song of the sea which is attributed to Moses and the “Children of Israel” upon crossing the Red Sea, the Mi Chamocha’s words are seen both as a remembrance of the glorious story of the Exodus from Egyptian bondage and a promise that redemption will come once again. As it was understood by our rabbis, redemption would bring a changed world where war and bloodshed, poverty and suffering would be vanquished. For a more comprehensive explanation look here. Isabella sees the reinforcement of particular values in the Mi Chamocha. In the story of the Exodus she is reminded of principles that should guide our communities and inspire our world view: “When I chant the Mi Chamocha prayer I think “chessed” – kindness, “achrayut” – responsibility, and “tikvah” – hope. First, I think “chessed” or kindness because, [...]

Continuing this series highlighting words of wisdom offered by our third and fourth grade Wise Elementary Students at their morning worship services, the following introduces the V’ahavta. Under the guidance of their teachers, our students unpack the layers of meaning that they find in the prayers. They seek to connect the themes with pertinent principles in their own lives. Benjamin’s words below explore what it might mean to declare love for God. Adults can have difficulty embracing this concept, but this fourth grader thinks of God as the force for good in our lives and the world. In a time of so much darkness the optimism of a young man can and should inspire us all. I feel that to love God is to remember that good will always exist in the world, and that believing in God is how God exists as a divine entity that spurs us to do [...]

This week I’m sharing words from a few of our third and fourth grade students at Wise Elementary school. The children are assigned the task of writing an introduction to a particular prayer in the morning service. As I led services this week, I was struck by the poignant and inspirational insights from these young teachers. Liam’s words, below, reflected his understanding of the Barechu – the call to worship. Customarily, the first line: Barechu et Adonai Hamevorach! (“Bless Adonai, the One who is praised!”) is recited by the service leader. The congregation then responds with a knee bend and bow, saying: Baruch Adonai Hamevorach l’olam vaed (“Blessed is Adonai the One who is praised forever”). The response indicates their readiness to continue the service. Liam sees this call and response as a summons to be meaningfully present for others. Here is his beautiful interpretation: “Heneini,” I am here. A heneini moment for me was when I saw [...]

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 [...]