Heegiah Zman Hageulah

I have been so strong and supportive of my children's return (three out of six) to Israel during the past few weeks. It was going so well until this morning. Twice to the airport, two intense brachot on their heads...big hug...and many waves as they passed through the gate security and kept walking only turning back about a dozen times to wave.

Today I decided to say good-bye at the house and go to work. It would be easier on both of us. No airport scene. Abba will take you. We both agreed...no problem...then the hug and I was lost...finished totalled...It was a miracle that I finally pulled myself together enough to get composed and leave for work. I think that more tears fell from my eyes this morning than the last twelve months put together.

It's all okay, though. Soon she will land in a place that is truly her home, all of our homes. She is in a good place...the right place and for that I have to thank H.K.B.H. But with my thank you comes my usual prayer. Please watch over them. Let them continue to grow into B'nei and B'not Torah. Let them find their shidduchim at the right time, and please, please let them be happy and safe. If that can be your will then my tears that felt so sad will truly be turned into tears of joy!

Ani L'dodi V'dodi Li

As I met my class for the first time this week, I was renewed by the awesome responsibility and gift that teaching affords me. If I cause even one child to change in a meaningful way, my year has been successful. If even more than one, than even better! I am excited for the challenge, because change can mean so many different things. It can mean boosting a child's self-confidence. It can mean strengthening their ahavat shamayim, or ahavat habriyot. It can mean strengthening their love of Eretz Yisrael. It can mean making a weak student feel strong, or a strong student feel their strength and ability to help others. More than anything I want my students to be happy and to be "mentches." I want to empower them to be the best that they can be without stressing them out. May it be the will of H.K.B.H. to help to give me the strength to accomplish this goal and the many other ones that I have in this awe inspiring month of Elul. As I tell and ask the children in my preschool...the shofar reminds me of an alarm clock...What does it wake you up to do?