Goal-setting is a concept that helps us be intentional in our efforts to accomplish whatever it is we want to achieve. Whether the goal is to make a new friend, get better at playing piano, improve their spelling, or conquer their fears, childhood development provides myriad opportunities for our children to set and achieve goals. Goals help them learn to be forward-thinking and develop a sense of agency. However, a goal without a plan is just a wish. We call that magical thinking. Wanting to achieve a goal, without creating a plan and putting in the effort to do so, will nearly inevitably end in frustration. So, we break down the process into small, definable steps and show them that by tackling each step one at a time they can achieve success.
Combining the vision with a path to achieving it is Torah. Torah reminds us both where we came from and the principles by which we should live in order to achieve our potential as individuals and as a people. “And you shall make known to them the way they shall go and the deed[s] they shall do.” (Shemot 18:20). The vision, combined with the path, becomes an action plan.
Parshat Mishpatim establishes the core concept that all areas of life, from business to interpersonal relationships, from the exceptional to the mundane, are kadosh. In outlining the basics of Jewish law, the parsha teaches us that the manner in which we conduct ourselves in business and neighborly affairs is as imbued with holiness and, therefore, shaped by halacha, as when we engage in tefilla, celebrating chaggim, or learning Torah.
The unique mission of OCA, in that we believe in the inherent kedusha of all learning, is founded upon this principle. Torah and worldly knowledge are deeply and inextricably interconnected. Hashem’s hand can be seen both in the patterns elucidated by a Talmud scholar who discovers powerful connections between distant pesukim, and in the powerful bonds between molecular compounds that comprise the human body. General studies teaches our students the skills and knowledge of mathematics and literature, history and scientific inquiry, while Judaic studies provides the overarching framework of Torah in which to contextualize that knowledge and teach us how to live our personal and professional lives with emunah, kedusha, and hakarat hatov.
As illustrated in Mishpatim, Hashem’s vision can only be actualized if we apply the teachings of Torah to our interactions with one another. Our rebbeim and morot teach our students the foundation skills to become independent and invested learners of Torah from which they can seek guidance and direction. Then, we put the lessons into practice, embedding within our school culture through both formal and informal lessons the Torah values of treating others with respect and of building healthy relationships.
Our approach to discipline is grounded in these principles. We model and guide our students to become actively and positively involved in school life, take personal responsibility for their choices, recognize the impact of their actions on others, and demonstrate good citizenship and respect for others. Using the acronym of S.T.A.R., we teach students to Stay Safe, Treasure Torah, Aim High, and Respect oneself and others. Those are the goals, and the path to accomplishing them is developed with the collaborative input from our students, based on halacha.
As Moshe prepares to receive the Torah, the Jews declare, Na’aseh venishma, we will do and we will hear, for when we follow Torah, we will understand who it is we are intended to become as individuals and as a people. B”H, OCA students love learning. They develop strong bonds with their rebbeim and morot who inspire them every day with knowledge, insights, and the excitement that comes from developing the skills for success. Our students’ eagerness, nurtured in partnership between the classroom and home, creates openness to learning, which is the first step. Then, through making connections between learning and practice, they truly understand how to accomplish their goals.
We daven that through teaching our children the beauty and inspiration of Hashem’s Torah they will merit to live a life of kedusha, and bring us tremendous nachat in all that they do.
Shabbat shalom!