|
Dear Friends,
For the past five years we have been engaging friends and partners in the interfaith community to work to build stronger educational programs. We have worked together to develop networks, exchange best practices in curriculum development, teacher and leadership training and come together in joint and meaningful cultural and educational programs.
But yesterday morning, as our team of educators, staff, parents and children walked into Sunday School, we did not expect to see Jewish lay leaders under the leadership of Rabbi Joshua Stanton of the East End Temple awaiting to welcome us at the entrance with tears, love, support and a signed poster filled with words of sympathy and show of solidarity from the recent events in New Zealand.
This was followed by my dear friend Tehilah Eisenstadt, Director of Education and Engagement at SAJ (Judaism Stands for All) together with a social worker and trauma expert from the Jewish community who addressed a spontaneous turnout out from Cordoba House Sunday School Parent Association. The trauma expert briefed parents on how to speak to children and youth and support them as they witness the unfolding of the recent tragic events in New Zealand. Best practices were exchanged as questions and discussions highlighted the dire need of professional and emotional guidance provided by her expertise and other experts in the room. Age appropriate educational templates of grief management were also disseminated (contact me for more information).
I am deeply grateful to our jewish friends for demonstrating that the ties that bind us together go beyond the exchange of niceties and to that which transforms the hearts and minds of individuals bringing new solutions to the society we are all responsible for shaping together.
Thank you to Rabbi Josh (as he is affectionally known by our community members), Tehililah and to all our friends and experts who have sacrificed their Sunday to organize and embrace our school community with their much needed light!
I pray that our One and Compassionate God bless our collective efforts as we strive together to build better stronger and a more holistic civilization based on our shared beliefs best practices and most cherished values - inshallah!
With Warm Salams,
Naz Georgas
|
