September Brings New Dialogue and New Beginnings to the Entire Congregation
The fact that the beginning of a new school year coincides with the Jewish New Year is one that is not lost on educators in Jewish settings. As they set up their classrooms and begin building relationships with new students and their families, they also find themselves reflecting on the year that passed. They consider the development that their students made throughout the year, and they also consider the progress they made as educators and professionals. They remember the changes that were put into place that improved the learning and working environments, and they question what they might need or want to change going forward. This process happens year after year and becomes a ritual that many educators come to expect and enjoy.
Reflection at the beginning of the school year becomes even more useful when congregational stakeholders are involved in the process.
Clergy
Planning with clergy for High Holy Days observances in the early childhood center allows even experienced educators to add new elements to the holiday experience for their students. If you begin the dialogue, you will likely bring fresh ideas that your early childhood educators have not yet considered. Reflections of the past year, as viewed through your eyes and with open dialogue, may add an entirely new perspective to consider.
Religious School Director
It is easy to list the differences between an early childhood director’s job and a religious school director’s job. At the start of a new year, though, it is important to notice the similarities. Both are focused on beautifying the classrooms, training staff, meeting and welcoming new families to the programs and our synagogues and helping them find their place in our Jewish community. Both directors do this under the umbrella of the High Holy Days and the importance of new beginnings. In truth, the first day of school is the first day of school, no matter the age of the student. As colleagues, it is the perfect time to begin a new dialogue and say, “I can relate to you. I can empathize with you. I feel your sense of urgency and excitement at this time of new beginnings. I get it!”
Lay Leaders
This time of year presents a unique opportunity for new and returning Board members to see the hope of new beginnings at your synagogue. There are so many opportunities for you to get a sense of the heart of your early childhood program – while sitting on the bima during the Shofar blowing in the sanctuary or observing Tashlich at a local body of water, at a family Meet & Greet before the first day of school, or in the sukkah during your young children celebrations. These momentsarel’dor v’dor moments, new beginnings for the entire congregation as one. Importantly, they are also chances for you to think, “Wow! I am a part of THIS!”
It is rare that so many generations and stakeholders are at the synagogue at the same time. So, during this exciting and hectic time, take a moment to observe your entire community at a point of new beginnings and begin that dialogue!
