Education - B'nai Zion Talmud Torah Family Handbook 2010-2011

B'nai Zion Talmud Torah Family Handbook 2010-2011

Lo alecha hamlacha ligmor, V’lo ata ben chorin lehibatel mimena
“It is not for you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”
Pirkei Avot

Dear Talmud Torah Families,

The rabbis who authored Pirkei Avot, a Mishnaic book of timeless advice and wisdom, conveyed their ideas using few words. The famous quotation written above epitomizes the idea that no matter how hard we work and how glorious the results, we always have more work to do. Yet, the same quote does not allow us to rest on our laurels. No place, organization, or thing is ever perfect. Left alone, without continuous attention, places lose their beauty and inner vitality. Without a continued spirit of community building, programming withers. A building without the heart and soul of its congregants is but an empty shell. So, the responsibility lands squarely on our shoulders to continue to create with great vigor ways to keep this congregation alive and vibrant. Knowing that the work never ends, we understand that an institution is a work in progress, never quite at the place we want it to be.

How does this translate to the Talmud Torah? Work is never complete on the school level in particular. No matter how good a school is, it can always be better, and this is the attitude we need to be aware of as we set to work.

Where do you, the families of our Talmud Torah students, fit into this picture? How does this quote from Pirkei Avot translate for you? You are your child’s primary Jewish teacher. You are the key and the doorway to this community, to this synagogue. It is through your practice and your example that your child learns to be a Jew in this world. You, as much as the Rabbi or the Director of Education or the Talmud Torah teachers, need to ask yourself what you can do to participate in this essential work. How can you further the process? All of us need to work to finish the job that will never be complete.

Understanding this, when you send your child off to Talmud Torah to learn to be a knowledgeable Jewish citizen, be aware of the impact that you make on you child’s Jewish education. Being proactive and genuinely interested can make a real difference in your child’s attitude toward Talmud Torah. Ask what your child is learning; do homework together with your child; participate in Family Holiday Celebrations, Mishpaha Family Learning Programs, and Shabbat Club. Be a visible reminder to your child that you too are an active participant and learner in the synagogue community. Doing this will help you child and your family actualize the mission of the school: to instill a love of and passion for Torah, Avodah (prayer and service), Gemilut Hasadim (acts of loving kindness), and Israel.

May we enjoy great success as we continue with energy and pride to work on the job that will never be completed.

B’virchat Shalom,
Rabbi Chaya Oliver
Director of Education