During our JRS staff meeting, we went through the exercise to understand who our students are. Our teachers broke up into similar grade groups, were given a paper, and asked to draw the outline of a child. Next, inside of the outline, they wrote words, thoughts, and ideas that might be going on inside the mind of our kids. On the outside of the outline, external pressures that our students are getting from the world.

I then added a new layer to it. How have our kids changed post October 7th? The room became quiet. I could sense our team really diving into this. They saw it first hand. We all did. Students creating a giant sign of support, walking past hostage signs, witnessing things on social media and at school, and sometimes even protests outside of their doors.

I believe our mission is even more important now than ever. Our JRS team believes that too. And the amazing thing, you can see the impact of that.

A student last year decided to try wearing a kippah to school. Parents sent me pictures of their kids' art projects with Israel flags prominently displayed. Students had meaningful conversations about how to engage and interact with social media.

At JRS, we are building the base and building our “Jewish toolbelt”. My goal is to make sure that our students, once they leave JRS, continue into teen programs, and eventually to Hillels on their college campuses, they will be prepared to live an impactful, meaningful, and just Jewish life. This means being able to understand our history, advocate for Israel, and being able to host respectful dialogue with people. 

Our world has changed. But our community is strong. We’re resilient, we always have. Our response? Jewish joy! That’s JRS.

In my mind, it is no coincidence that our school year begins around the High Holidays. How perfect is it that Rosh Hashanah, the head of the year, coincides with the head of the school year. We begin anew in all aspects of our lives.

During the holidays, we focus on the process of Teshuvah. While most people will associate Teshuvah with repentance, the word translates to returning. Again, not a coincidence for this time of year.

But what do we return to? It’s easy to understand that during the Days of Awe, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and on Yom Kippur we say sorry to those we’ve hurt and set our intentions to do better. I believe Teshuvah means that we return home, to our Jewish home.

I’m not sure Rabbi Ain knows this, but my family had been thinking about joining SPS as our home synagogue months, maybe years before I joined the professional team. Seven years ago I was working under Rabbi Dave in USY, where he was always supportive and collaborative. During an interna-

tional Convention, where thousands of Jewish teens from around the country gathered for a week, I had a conversation with Rabbi Ain on a walk from the National Aquarium back to the convention center. We talked about growing up in

Maryland, among other things. On top of that, I grew up in Baltimore and Joan Gottlieb, an active member of our community, was my teacher in early elementary school. I’m so fortunate to now have her on my teaching staff at the Jackson Religious School. Oh, and how could I forget our Cantors? Cantor Malachi previously worked with some of my former USYers and teachers. And my friend, Cantor Cattan and I were partners in our meaningful work in Westport. When I heard he would be following me to SPS, I was overjoyed and had this sense of comfort. These interlocking webs of connections are what makes SPS feel like home.

SPS is my Jewish home. In a way, I was returning. Though I’ve only been here for a few months, that time has been an amazingly wonderful whirlwind. From our Block Party, meeting with families, hanging out with Sutton Summer campers, and finding meaning in our services, our community has made me feel at home. This is the power of Teshuvah.

When you return to SPS at the beginning of the year, whether it’s for JRS, KNS, or the holidays (or more!), please know that this is your home. Your link in the interlocking web of connections is vital and what makes this community special. Believe in the power of community and Teshuvah.

Shana Tova u’Metuka!