Parashat Nasso by by Ariel Simon, High School Jewish Studies Teacher
Having attended many graduation exercises in my years as an educator, I have admittedly become quite callous to the rituals of the ceremony. To use the language of the Talmud: I find that the keva (established routines) of graduation – the speeches, presentations, and marching – rarely inspire kavanah (savoring and finding meaning) in the moment. Yet, last Sunday, I found myself surprisingly moved, as our graduating high school class concluded the ceremony by leading a gymnasium filled with loved ones to a musical rendition of birkat kohanim, the Priestly Blessing, which is found in this week’s parashah.
While Sunday's graduation followed the same format as the other Schechter Westchester\The Leffell School graduations I have attended, this one felt different. Every speaker and presentation grappled with the collective burden Israelis and world Jewry are carrying since the attack on October 7th. And there was a clear recognition that the tribulations were far from over, especially on college campuses.
This was highlighted when Dr. Kay reminded the graduating seniors of the added responsibilities they would face when starting university in the fall, as he cited Moradaich’s message to Queen Esther, “Who knows, perhaps you have attained your royal position for just this crisis?” (Esther: 4:14). Dr. Kay then reminded the students that their years of Jewish education and trips to Poland, Italy, and Israel have not only prepared them to meet the moment, but requires them to. One could feel that everyone in the gymnasium understood the need for this charge and were motivated by it, while simultaneously feeling the sadness and anxiety it comes with.
When we concluded graduation, by davening birkat kohanim, “Yivarechicha Hashem, v’Yishmrecha, May Hashem bless you and protect you,” it was a moment of catharsis and true kavanah. I felt the strong communal exhale as we blessed our seniors and they blessed us, with the continued fortitude to face the coming challenges together.
עם ישראל חי
עם ישראל חי
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