Page 52 - Jewish News | November 2021

20B November 2021 FOCUS ON YOUTH
F
Focus on Youth
outh
cus on Y
o

Education opens doors to a brighter future

in central Sarasota, moving our entire The mezuzot on our doorways are A Jewish household is formed by
school to the new campus and open- different: while some are recent pur- the people who live in it: by the way
ing for the 2021-22 school year – with chases, some have a long history, with they act, the things they do and don’t
over 275 students – on our new proper- interesting stories. They are made from do, their beliefs and the values they
ty. But while we have been relentlessly different materials, are different colors hold dear. Similarly, our Jewish day
focused on the future, the ancient and and hail from different countries. The school has been created and – I am
revered commandment of dedicating diversity of our mezuzot reflects the convinced – has grown to its current
mezuzot for our school’s doorways has purposeful pluralism of our student level because the community values
been a warm and inspirational remind- body, with families representing more our teachings and appreciates our firm
er of the power of education. than 40 countries, various religions and belief that our students will grow up
A mezuzah declares that the people levels of observance. determined to change the world for
who dwell, work or learn within that This diversity is reflected in our the better. Because of and thanks to By MG Berman, PJ Community Connector
doorway live Jewish lives. Or, in our Board of Trustees, with members from our diverse support base, our campus
case, that those leading, teaching and various professions and backgrounds will serve as a vibrant hub for Jewish
learning are being guided by Jewish – including rabbis, educators, finan- life.
Education Corner tradition and values. As we have en- cial experts and lawyers – as well as While fundraising and construc-

By Dan Ceaser joyed visits by numerous area rabbis those committed to a vibrant Jewish tion have made our new facility pos-
– from different denominations and
future.
sible, it is our commitment to Jewish
ducation opens doors for peo- synagogues across the community – to So many have come together to values and our dedication to teaching,
ple of all ages. Children stand bless the mezuzot, we have been re- make our dream of building our Jew- nurturing and empowering students to
Eon the threshold to their futures, minded of our dedication to education ish day school campus of the future a make a better future that truly bring the
armed with knowledge, the courage to and learning that inspires our students reality. Multiple rabbis are involved in campus to life.
ask important questions and – hopeful- to lead successful and morally valuable board and program leadership. Sup- Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu
ly – a lifelong love of and appreciation lives. porters find ways to engage that are melekh ha‘olam, asher kidishanu
for learning. As instructed by the Torah, Jews personally meaningful – from donat- b’mitz’votav v’tzivanu lik’bo’a m’zu-
At Hershorin Schiff Community will touch the mezuzah when they ing money and pro bono services, to zah. Blessed are You, Lord our God,
Day School, the past year has been a pass through the doorway. Each of overseeing our robust organic garden King of the Universe, Who has made
whirlwind of new doors opening to our our students – regardless of religion and outdoor classroom, to constructing us holy with His commandments and
future: the launching of the $12 mil- or level of affiliation – have touched what will be a beautiful Aron Kodesh commanded us to affix a mezuzah.
lion “Owning Our Future’’ fundrais- or blown kisses (a pandemic variation) for our sanctuary. One supporter is Dan Ceaser is the Head of School
ing campaign (and raising more than to the mezuzot to honor this tradition, hoping to identify a Torah to be housed at Hershorin Schiff Community Day
half of that amount in our first year), which reminds us of our obligations in that ark during an upcoming trip to School.
purchasing a nearly nine-acre property to God. Israel.

Siesta Key Campus: Pre-K - Grade 5 | Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch: Grades 6 - 12

CUSTOMIZED

COLLEGE

COUNSELING

APPLY NOW FOR 2022-23 941-203-3640 www.ODA.edu/discover
|