Education - B'nai Zion Talmud Torah Family Handbook

B'nai Zion Talmud Torah Family Handbook

Ma tovu ohalecha Ya’akov, mishk’notecha Yisrael
How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, Your dwelling places, O Israel

Every morning service, whether it is Shabbat, a holiday, or a regular weekday morning, begins with these words. These words are a compliment to the Jewish people and they remind us to begin services (and our day) with optimism.

As Jews, we take our guidance from our sacred texts, and so I ask you to approach the coming year with the attitude of Ma Tovu. Each day is a new opportunity for a compliment, and the beginning of the school year is a great time for optimism about what is to come. I am confident that, with you as my partners, we can make our school as lovely as the words in the prayer. Ma Tovu…How lovely is the B’nai Zion Talmud Torah with all of its students and parents learning together.

I encourage all of you to be involved in your child’s education, to be an advocate and an optimist about what we can accomplish. I also encourage you to learn new things to share with your child. Attend a class, come to services, help out at a family program, or read a new book. I am here for your children, but I am also here to support you in your own learning. We can all strive to learn more. Ma Tovu…how lovely it is when parents are their children’s teachers.

It is with Ma Tovu in mind that we being the Talmud Torah year 5770/2009-2010. It is going to be a wonderful year filled with learning, friends, art, music, prayer, and study. Most of all, it will provide your family with a place to connect to community and discover new Jewish passions. I look forward to continuing on this journey with you. Ma Tovu…How lovely will this year be at B’nai Zion Talmud Torah.

B’Shalom,
Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal