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Remember when your kids asked that question that made you stop and think, “Oh yeah, I wonder why that is…?”  We lose a little curiosity as we age or maybe we just stop noticing.   Recently while looking for songs to incorporate in the “Blues” Shabbat coming soon, I found myself noticing and wondering “sheesh, why are all these songs so darn depressing?”  Oh, yeah, that’s why they call it the blues.  Nevertheless, I was determined to find more uplifting music or at least a new way of experiencing the songs.  And in this totally bizarre time, we’ve all had to find new ways of connecting, learning, teaching, functioning.  A silver lining in all this?  My curiosity has been stimulated and I am noticing anew.

A priority of Jewish learning for me is the experience of joy and joyfully, the reinvigorated curiosity means increased gratitude.  I am so grateful to see, to notice, that our families are committed to Jewish learning as they work tirelessly to ensure their kids have access to quality programming, even when it means another hour or two on a screen or a trip out to gather in socially distanced, mask wearing spaces.  I’ve noticed an increased curiosity around Jewish rituals and objects among students as the limitation on physical interaction with each other allows more focus on a shared (on screen) vision.  I’ve noticed parents learning new skills from their children offering an exciting, timely, unexpected source of connection and bonding.  I LOVE learning from students how to manipulate the online environment to make it more meaningful and FUN!

Mazel Tov and todah rabah to our 6th/ 7th graders who helped lead the Havdalah and Simchat Torah services recently virtually AND in person.  Mazel tov and todah rabah to Jesse Dorkin who spearheaded the Thanksgiving Food box drive for Action center when in-person packing was restricted.  Mazel tov and Thank you to Jolie Pinsonneault and Gabe Herman, post b’nei mitzvah students who chanted Torah at the high holy day services.  Mazel tov and todah rabah to young families who helped build, decorate and celebrate in the Sukkah.  Mazel Tov and todah rabah to religious school students Lennon Greenbaum, Emmy Weiker, Maya Laz and Sam Broudy for leading learning during weekend Hebrew sessions. Mazel tov and todah rabah to all the families and students bringing their curiosity and joy.   Looking forward to noticing anew with ALL of you!