Dear SHA Family –

Which advertisement is it – about what it is that is priceless? Maybe American Express…? Well, let me tell you what I know is priceless; the faces of 5th Graders traipsing off the bus from Islandwood. For some a first venture of independence, for all a bonding experience with classmates that will last a lifetime.

Dear SHA Family –

After stepping away for a few days it is wonderful to be back.

And…Here are three things I learned in Kuaui:

1. Chickens are everywhere – yes chickens. It seems that the roof came off the coops during a hurricane in the 80’s and life has never been the same. Not sure if the takeaway is one can get used to almost anything or secure those roofs! Either lesson – very worthwhile.

Learn about all things Middle School: MS Pathways, Subjects, Schedule and Student Life.

Dear SHA Parents,

Hope you are well. Last year we began a weekly ParSHA and Parenting class over Zoom. A true “Covid Keeper”, a precious pandemic silver lining. It was truly wonderful to learn together, talk and get to know each other.

Dear SHA Family,

I love a Jewish leap year – with the two Adars. It just feels like we have bought ourselves a bit of time. Purim plans are a bit less intense and Pesach decisions can be pushed off – a smidgen. And there may even be sunny weather by then.

That said, we are about six weeks out until Purim and thus it may be time to face all the burning issues;

Dear SHA Family,

Last week as the Fifth Grade and I were preparing for the Friday Likrat Shabbat Assembly they came up with a new idea. One of the students raised their and suggested that we should not just have Students of the week, but we should also have Teacher of the Week! Loved. Loved. Loved the idea.

Dear SHA Family,

This week in our “Being Our Best Selves – ParSHA Class for Parents” [ Shameless Plug, Class on Zoom every Wednesday! Join us! ] We discussed the commandment – one of 53 mitzvot in the ParSHA – of helping your enemy when their donkey collapses under the weight of a load. This altruistic command explained by the Midrash is to help people get back together after a distancing on the account of a dispute.

Dear SHA Family,

Our week did not start out well. As Shabbat came to an end here in Seattle many of us became aware of an unfolding situation in Texas. I wrote this piece and submitted it to the local press. I have not heard back from them – yet. I share it below with you. Your thoughts always welcome.

Dear SHA Family,

I have been, over the last year or so, working at reading all the books on a “100 Great Books” list. I know – it’s complicated to say what makes for a good book and what belongs on the list, and which list? That said – I finally picked one list and I am sticking with it. I am up to having read sixty-eight of them.