Nearing School's End

Being able to look back over the year, as one looks back over a journey just ended, is an exhilarting experience. Just as there are stories about places and people that we have met, the end of the academic year brings with it reminicences and reflections, memories and a certain soulfullness. This year has been no different.

Since August, things have been moving full speed ahead at the temple. Talmud study resumed and we have almost completed the Shottstein masechet Brachot II. The Theology class is moving ahead every Wednesday and we have tackled Maimonides, Strauss and, now, Borowitz. The question I have been waiting for finally came recently when one of the students asked, "Can we have an opportunity to articulate our own theology?" I was most pleased. And, our wonderful group of B'not Mitzvah women who have been working for two full years are learning and getting ready for the bat mitzvah in November. The Teen Academy has been a huge success, as well and I congratulate those students who studied and learned with me. It was a total joy. Of course, the Religious School had its best year, ever. Under the tutelage of Stella, our kids have thrived in a safe and embracing environment. There were so many incredible projects and so much positive energy generated that we are bracing for next year when the school, I anticipate, will be even bigger.

So where do we go from here? Well, now that the academic year is over, you can rest. We will pick up in the fall and head down the track full steam ahead. In the meantime, I will be getting ready for Camp Harlam where I will be a camp rabbi for a couple of weeks. And I am thinking of doing a mini-versity taking a small study idea for 4 or 5 weeks and studying in a havurach style. It is still in the works but it will be terrific, I am sure.

I will be posting during the summer and will keep you up to date from camp and, maybe, while I am on vacation when I am doing Jewish things. Have a great and safe summer and don't be a stranger at the temple from June to August!