Rabbi Yochanan relates in the Talmud the story of a man who planted a carob tree, which is known to bear fruit only after seventy years.  When the man was asked by Rabbi Yochanan whether he thought he would live to eat from the tree, the man replied: “I am doing as my ancestors did. Just as they planted a carob tree for their children, I am planting for my children.”

This very notion, that we plant seeds for the future, is exactly what I love so very much about my Sunday mornings spent with our children at our Youth Education Centre (YEC), as we sing, pray, play, learn about Israel, Jewish holidays, life cycle events, and more.

As we foster community, connection to Jewish identity, and learn to live lives based on our Jewish values, it is a great source of hope, and a bright spot in my week, to know that our future is in good hands.

How do I feel so certain about this fact?

It is because the pure innocence and joy of our children as we embrace and celebrate being Jewish! Seeing how excited they get to help lead our tefillah, learn Israeli dances for our performance on the last day of school, their sheer pride in reading Megillah for the congregation at our Purim Carnival, and even putting together a whole mock wedding for their Grade 3 life cycle unit. It is my sincerest wish that these are core memories that make their childhood like “a garland of roses”, as the Talmud states.

It is equally my deepest hope that they never lose this sense of confidence in their Judaism, and that they continue to rejoice in their many accomplishments over their years with us, that they may be granted a firm foundation for their Jewish souls going forward.

As we look to this bright horizon, we encourage all of you who have school-aged children in your life (children, grandchildren, etc.) that are part of YEC to enrol for the 2024-25 (5785) year, and for those who are not yet part of this incredible gem of our congregation to register, too. Details and registration HERE!

Here’s to planting for the future.