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.

Dear SHA Family,

Phew! We made it back to school. There is a song we used to sing when I was young Bnei Akiva youth group leader –

הֵי הוֹ הִנְּנִי מוכן
גֶּשֶׁם שֶׁלֶג רוּחַ סְעָרָה
כְּלוּם לֹא יַפְחִידֵנוּ
צור ישראל ישמרני

The gist of the song is that – we are ready no matter what; rain, snow wind – I am not afraid – H’ will protect us! I found myself humming that song this week! So thrilled and relieved to have students back on campus!

Dear SHA Family,

We are reaching a milestone in the school year – Winter Break.

Here is what I am thinking about;
1. I’ve seen a number of articles on teacher and admin burn out and exhaustion from the pandemic --- So, so appreciative of SHA Leadership Team, staff and teachers.
2. I’ve heard horror stories about parent communities divided and the spewing of unsavory speech and behavior. I am grateful for our community.
3. I have been teaching 5th Grade Navi – Prophets.

Last week’s newsletter went out before our K-5 Friday Likrat SHAbbat Assembly. I shall now take the time to SHAre the experience of our Chanukah Pageant! It was lovely.

Our students performed with passion and elegance. The Third Grade dramatized the story of Yehudit, the Fourth Graders depicted the celebration of the Rededication of the Bet HaMikdash, the First Grade sang forcefully the struggle of light and darkness.

I used to tell my children that they are each my favorite in a different way. So, too our holidays; each is my favorite in a different way. The simple beauty of the Menorah lights growing through the week is inspirational and perhaps offers us a mandate – we must continue to grow and shine even brighter!

The path from pre-K to kindergarten is exciting and can also raise many questions regarding preparedness. SHA’s annual kindergarten readiness event, held each November, helps parents determine the best path for their children.