Parshat Emor teaches us that by intentionally creating sacred time and space on Shabbat and the shalosh regalim separate and apart from the daily routines of life, we bring kedusha into our lives.
Kedusha isn’t just found in the milestones and major moments, however, but also in the quiet, ordinary days in between. The counting of the Omer from Pesach to Shavuot reminds us of that concept, enjoining us to value the journey and the process, not just the destination. Every day isn’t as momentous as standing at the foot of Har Sinai awaiting the descent of Moshe Rabbenu. Still, every day can be elevated to a level of kedusha with awareness and intention.
You will get a glimpse in this week’s Ohr Chadashot into some of the ways in which our teachers bring kedusha into the lives of our students every day at OCA. From teaching ECC students to notice and replicate the beautiful symmetry of butterflies to ES students learning about the incredible process of human digestion to MS students learning about Rav Yosef Mendelevich’s emunah, resilience, and personal conviction in taking a stand for Soviet Jewry, and so much more, our students are encouraged to be in the moment, to listen to and be curious with one another, and to express gratitude to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for all that we have.
Each day, at OCA, we are building something kadosh, one step at a time in the small actions, the intentional learning opportunities, and the shared commitment to growth. B’H!
Shabbat Shalom!