Graduation 2022 Speech
Friends - every student sitting before you is truly a miracle – each with a familial Jewish journey unique and frankly – miraculous.
Charlie, Gabriella, Evan, Joe, and Benjy – it has a been a privilege to watch you grow into the fine young people that you are today.
Each of you, a precious soul on your on individual paths towards shelimut – self-actualization.
Rabbi Soloveitchik teaches, that every person is akin to being a Torah Scroll, a living Torah -- I love that there are five of you – each one of the five Sefarim that make up our holy Torah.
Charlie, you remind me of the Book of Bereshith. You are a student that seeks to understand ideas and to learn deeply…from the very beginning – Creation! You love asking questions. And asking questions is key to learning. You pursue answers, until you are satisfied - going as far and as deep as possible.
Gabriella, I see so many connections between you and the Book of Shemoth. You are a very committed young Jewish woman with fierce determination. Our tradition teaches that it was on account of Jewish women that our people were redeemed from Egypt. I see so much of that strength in you; perseverance, steadfastness and optimism.
Evan, you are a no-nonsense kind of thinker. I have observed your concrete thinking over the years. The Book of Vayikra, as you know, is overwhelmingly a book of laws and the details of their observance – your kind of Sefer! There is great beauty in the technical aspect of Torah observance – and you appreciate that kind of specificity.
Joe, the journeying aspect of the Book of Bemidbar is very suited to you. You returned to SHA this year after a hiatus of two years. And we are thrilled. Each of us is on our own journey and the Book of Bemidbar helps us to understand the profound nature of the journey experience – so much learning is gained with change and new experiences.
Finally, Benjy – the Book of Devarim – a Sefer that it is almost completely the teaching and last speeches of Moshe, our incomparable leader. You come from a long line of distinguished rabbis and teachers. Perhaps a bit intimidating? You handle it with aplomb and have been growing your own leadership talent as President of Student Council.
Quite the Fabulous Five.
May each of you be blessed to continue your unique paths parallel to our most holy and cherished books of the Torah.
Wishing you immense satisfaction as you grow into adulthood.
Parents and grandparents – wishing you each – true Yiddishe Nachas from each of your children.
Thank you for partnering with us over the years.
SHAbbat SHAlom
PS – Let the countdown begin. The last week of school is next week!
