May 30, 2016
Graduates, the world has a lot to learn from you.
Indeed, your Jewish journey since we merged has been the most profound of any group of Mirowitz students. When we became a pluralistic school, you were old enough to feel a sense of loss. You struggled to find the balance between holding fast to your own identity, and interacting with others who held fast to a different identity. You resisted change. In 5th grade, you stood skeptically on the shore, but over time, you slowly learned to “lean in” to the new. You dipped your toes in the water in sixth grade, and by seventh grade you jumped right in.
You welcomed Eric in sixth grade, Avi and Tali in seventh, and they joined you on this path to learn how to be YOU in a pluralistic setting.
You evolved personally. You learned to respect differences. You transformed into a community and a family — a family that sets the dugma, the model, for the potential of humankind.
Your character is strong because you have had inner-struggle. Like Jacob, you wrestled with an angel.
Witnessing your transformation over the past four years gives me hope. Tonight I’ve been tasked to issue you a graduation charge. Here it is: Graduates…make peace in the world. Make peace, because you know how it is done. Never forget that your ability to understand others can transform the world in large ways and small ways. It can impact everyone around you, every day, at every moment. You were put on this earth for a purpose.
You have significant life experience that has shaped you into the most beautiful community. You are an extraordinary group of young leaders, and I send you forward, knowing that you will make us proud.
As it says in Isaiah:May you go out with joy and be led forth in peace. The mountains and hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Morah Cheryl