I'm writing with a few brief thoughts before another long, holiday weekend.

 

First, upon returning to campus next week, you will notice a new security "arm" just outside the guard booth. Please know that our decision to install the feature is not because we have experienced threats or perceive enhanced risks. Rather, we have simply decided that such an addition would better enable our new security guards to monitor who is coming on to our campus during school hours. Incidentally, the security arm will not be used during peak carpool times -- meaning it won't impede that process; however, it will be down during "off-peak" hours, so drivers will have to wait briefly to be given access. Our view is that this is a very minor inconvenience in an effort to further secure the safety of your children.

 

Second, consider the following about the upcoming Jewish holidays. Unlike Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur, which are intense, introspective and largely individually-focused in nature, Sukkot is a festival! It's about community, family & food -- sort of a Jewish Thanksgiving really. And Simchat Torah, which literally means "Joy of Torah" is a celebration of The Book that binds us -- regardless of one's personal beliefs or level of observance.  

 

Mark Twain wrote the following:  "If statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one percent of the human race. It suggests a nebulous dim puff of stardust lost in the blaze of the Milky way. Properly, the Jew ought hardly to be heard of, but he is heard of, has always been heard of. He is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his commercial importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk. His contributions to the world's list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine, and abstruse learning are also away out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers. He has made a marvelous fight in this world, in all the ages; and had done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself, and be excused for it.

 

The Egyptian, the Babylonian, and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed; and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other people have sprung up and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, or have vanished. The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind. All things are mortal but the Jew; all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality?"  

 

I'm not sure I agree with all that Twain suggests, but he is certainly right about thing: Even if imperfect, our people's history is rightfully a proud one.  This weekend, I encourage you to spend a few minutes with your kids considering Twain's quote -- particularly his ending question.  And then, do something festive & joyful as a family.

Chag Sameach & Shabbat Shalom.