2 minute read
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
It is an extraordinary honor to address you — the more than 1,800 graduates of our school, your families and our extended GOA community. In the book of Psalms (35:18) we read, “I will praise You in a great congregation, acclaim You in a mighty throng” (ָךֶֽלְלַֽהֲא םוּצָע םַעְב בָר לָהָקְב ךְָדוֹא). The Psalmist expresses the gratitude that I feel as I begin to lead a school that has produced so many extraordinary people, many of whom are leaders of the Jewish community. While my primary focus has been on the current students, staff and faculty, I enjoyed meeting recent alumni at a BBQ in August and have continued to meet many of our graduates around the region. Indeed, we are delighted to have alumni among our faculty and administration, as current parents and as Board of Trustees members. At Golda Och Academy, we are honored to educate a new generation of proud and knowledgeable Jews as well as highly educated and skilled citizens. I look forward to opportunities to meet you and other alumni.
Day school education has played a central role in my life as a student, parent, and rabbi. It is the single most substantial input in forming robust Jewish identity and a foundation of Jewish knowledge. I see this in action every day in our school. Since the school year began, I have watched 3rd graders perform tashlich by writing things they want to throw away on dissolvable paper and putting them in water cans. I have listened to a remarkable high school student sing the national anthem, listened to midrashim written by 9th graders on the book of Jonah and witnessed sacred moments as faculty members shared experiences of personal challenge and growth, encouraging our students to appreciate the blessings of every day. While it may be difficult to predict which moments will stick with our students, it is evident that our school prepares our graduates to step into those leadership roles. Many of you are already exhibiting leadership skills — from internships in Israel to instilling a love of Judaism at Jewish summer camps to educating future generations in Jewish day schools. It is wonderful to see our alumni thriving, and I look forward to hearing many more of your success stories.
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I wish you and your family good health.
