Leaving the Cave

LAG B'OMER 2021

Shalom,

A friend pointed out that if it’s Lag B’Omer we’re about two thirds of the way to Matan Torah. The observation resonated with me. After all, isn’t passing on Torah and its values the essence of Jewish education?

Years from now, when we reflect upon this past year, I believe it will be mostly with pride. Faced with challenges never even imagined before, educators demonstrated compassion, resilience, and creativity. I am in awe.

I’d like to share details about two of my grandchildren’s momentous milestones to demonstrate not only the difference a year makes, but also the compassion, dedication, and attention to logistical details I’ve observed proudly.

Last spring, when learning was entirely remote, the principal and classroom morah at Farber Hebrew Academy drove to each third grader's home to hand deliver their chumashim! We grandparents kvelled via Facetime! A few days ago, after submitting our vaccination cards and then completing health forms on the day of the event, we attended a chaggigat siddur at Yeshiva Har Torah. We sat at socially distanced, preassigned family tables. Of course, everyone wore masked. (Unvaccinated guests submitted negative PCR test results.)

Goodbye to the Cave

Many thanks to the team at Sefaria for allowing me share “Leaving the Cave with You."

It looks to both the Talmud and the flu epidemic of 1918 as catalysts for thought and discussion about emerging from a year of shut downs, isolation, uncertainty, and procedural changes.

Leaving the Cave

Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai lived during the 2nd century in Israel, under Roman rule.

The Talmud relates the following story:

Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai spoke critically of the Roman government, which was reported to the authorities. The Roman emperor sentenced Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son, Rabbi Elazar, to death so they hid in a cave where they studied Torah day and night while being nourished by a carob tree and spring of water which had miraculously appeared in the cave.

After living twelve years alone in the cave, the emperor died and the death sentence was lifted. Elijah the prophet came to the cave and told Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and Rabbi Elazar that it was safe to leave the cave.

Although the social distancing that the world is experiencing during the corona virus pandemic is very different from the experience of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and Rabbi Elazar, the story gives us insight into how it feels to move from an isolating experience back into regular life.

Have Questions?

As you begin to think about year-end messages to your stakeholders, what memories will you share? And, what will you tell those parents who may not have understood the rationale behind certain policies, school and/or class openings and closing, and last-minute changes?

To book a get-acquainted call to explore ways to communicate transparently and creatively thus ensuring that your parents act as your best ambassadors, please click here.

Kol tuv,