October 27, 2023
“It’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” ― L.R. Knost
We are living in turbulent times. Each day seems to present new trials, made worse by the reality that antisemitism, one of the oldest and most persistent forms of hatred, is rearing its ugly head.
“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”
We have much to learn from these wise words of Elie Weisel.
You have chosen Jewish day school for your children, and in doing so, you have taken a side! You are allowing your children to grow up with an unfettered sense of Jewish pride, a deep knowledge of their identities, and a nuanced understanding of the world.
At Mirowitz, your children spend their days in a school that is intentionally pluralistic and diverse, even while we all embrace similar values. They are empowered by high expectations in both secular and Judaic Studies. They learn a second language, not to fulfill a foreign-language requirement, but to provide a vital connection to Jewish history, culture and the modern state of Israel. They learn to read, chant and look at divergent interpretations of Torah. They embrace the idea of ahavat yisrael (a love of Israel) and know that the story of Israel is our story as a Jewish people.
Mirowitz is more than just a school. The gift of developmentally appropriate exposure to life’s realities these past few weeks has led to meaningful and nurturing moments, joyful singing of songs of peace, a deepened connection to each other, and opportunities to have thoughtful conversations.
One day, your children will graduate, and they will find themselves better equipped than their public school peers to head into that big and sometimes unkind world. They will not be tougher. Rather they will have the power of knowing who they are and what they stand for. They will have the confidence to take a side, to use their voices for good, and to make the world a little “less cruel and heartless.”
Ken Yehi Ratzon
May it be so,
Morah Raquel