Colors of Our Days and Nights
In this week's parsha, the Torah describes the two daily sacrifices, one that is brought in the morning -- בבקר -- and another which is brought toward the evening -- בין הערבים. The simple meaning of the pasuk teaches us about the timing of these sacrifices, but perhaps we can uncover a deeper meaning as well. Morning is a time of sunshine, happiness, and optimism. Morning is the time when we look forward to achieving our dreams and aspirations during the day ahead. Evening, however, is a time of darkness and sadness, a time of gloom and dreams shattered. The Torah is telling us that during times of joy and optimism we must thank God and offer our morning sacrifice, but when we face times of trouble we also offer the afternoon sacrifice. The morning sacrifice is how we express appreciation for what we have and hope to achieve, but the afternoon sacrifice is when we reach out to God for support and solace. Each sacrifice reflects an important aspect of the religious experience.
Last week, our students celebrated joyously as they competed during the color war, showing great school spirit and inspired creativity. During moments like color war, I reflect on the extraordinary achievements of our students, whether in arts, athletics, academics, and every other zany sort of competition. It's a time for smiling and it's a time that reflects the spirit of the morning sacrifice, full of hope, optimism and joy.
Life in school can be an emotional roller coaster, often full of joy but sometimes including difficult moments. Yesterday, in commemoration of the horrific tragedy at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, one year ago, the entire school gathered together for mincha to offer our "afternoon sacrifice", reaching out to Hashem and asking Him to support and comfort the families who lost a loved one. I was proud of our students who earnestly reached out, demonstrating the power of the "afternoon sacrifice" at this difficult moment. May we continue to celebrate many more "morning sacrifices", and may we continue to cherish the community that knows how to come together for an "afternoon sacrifice."
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Jonathan Kroll
Head of School
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Upcoming Events
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Presidents Day-No Classes
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Good & Welfare
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Suri (Hoenig '02) and Eric Kinzbrunner on the birth of their daughter, Devorah Nesyah.
Sheera (Hopkins '02) and Michael Kalnicki on the birth of their son, Jacob Paul
Sara (Shabtai '10) and David Shiminow on the birth of their daughter, Bobbi.
Engagements
Randi Prince ('11) on her engagement to Yaad Gal from Rosh Haayin
Ariel Clayman ('10) on her engagement to
Jason Gruener from Brooklyn, NY.
Marriages
Rashel Maikhor ('12) to Ezra Allswang
Condolences
Mrs. Cindy Halbstein on the passing of her beloved father, Mr. Aryeh Leib Goetz.
Mazel Tovs
Brian and Huvie Gately on the birth of their son, Liam Nathaniel and brother to Hunter ('21) and Hailey ('22)
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