In Parshat Kedoshim, the Torah commands Bnai Yisrael: “You shall be holy, for holy I am, Hashem your G-d. ואהבת לרעך כמוך” (Vayikra 19:1) In this parsha, we are provided with a moral code to follow in order to be kadosh, to be like Hashem. Holiness is to be demonstrated in the way in which we plant our field and conduct our business, in the way in which we clothe ourselves and interact with others. The imperative to be holy applies to each of us; it not a command reserved for the kohanim.
One of the most quoted pesukim of this parsha is: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ואהבת לרעך כמוך” (Vayikra 19:18) What does that mean in practice and how does that apply in the school setting? Before the Torah tells us to love our neighbor as ourself, we are commanded first not to hate our brother in our heart, nor admonish him, take revenge, or bear a grudge when our feelings are hurt. Conflict is a natural outgrowth of social interaction. We differ in perspectives, experiences, and desires and at times those differences lead us to be at odds with one another. Naturally, there are always multiple ways of negotiating conflict, however, some more productive, more elevating than others. Learning how to problem solve is a core component of our daily social-emotional learning at OCA and a way in which we inspire our students to live a life of kedusha.
As a direct extension of this week’s parsha, in the classroom and on the playground, on the stage and on the ball field, our teachers, rebbeim, social-emotional team, and administrators help our students view one another as possessing the spark of the Divine, with interests and perspectives worthy of being listened to and taken seriously. We teach our students to be inclusive of others in their play and classroom learning, to be respectful of differences in perspective and opinion, and to choose the path of self-restraint when disagreements arise. Our students learn beginning in the ECC to choose a verbal rather physical response, and then as they develop increasingly sophisticated language skills, to choose their words carefully. For when we regulate our emotional reactions to frustration, we elevate our relationships with one another and consequently build a stronger, more resilient social community.
Fundamentally, because we are holy, we are called upon to treat all human beings with dignity. The vulnerable among us, particularly to be provided extra consideration and protection. As they grow, our students internalize the value of chesed and caring for the individual. They look out for their peers and for adults who may need assistance, recognizing that there are times when they, like all of us, will need to ask for help.
Chesed organizations in Israel will be the focus of our upcoming community wide Yom Haatzmaut program, at a time in our nation’s history when chesed is especially important for supporting and uplifting us all. Our Yom Haatzmaut organizers and team of volunteers have put together a spectacular event and we look forward to seeing everyone there for the celebration of Israel’s 76th birthday!
Shabbat shalom!