Dear Friends,
Shalom. Here we are, each household its own island.
The hypothetical question – “what would you take with you to a desert island, or who”? – is not hypothetical anymore. Perhaps now we have a chance to prioritize, and figure out the answer to this riddle.
I believe there is a hidden blessing in this, and I will explain:
Our strategy as Village Way educators has always been to infuse each day of the children and the community with meaning and structure, to handle carefully each aspect of their growing-up Time and Space. This has proven itself vital for the healthy development of their young souls, and a tried and true way to shape and uplift their future.
In terms of Time:
Our forefathers have chosen to use days as the measurement-unit for a human lifetime, stating that “every day utters speech”. What does each day tell us? That days are irreversible, yet each morning we get to recalibrate, we get to start again, look around, and take in the spirit of nature’s renewal. There are new blossoms everywhere – even if only in our flowerpots. The sky is above us, the good earth below… Even the birds are tweeting!
The message of “Carpe Diem” is thus totally fulfilled.
And in terms of Space:
Since our childhood, we have been singing “Ma Tovu” – “How goodly are your tents, Jacob; your dwelling places, Israel!”. Isn’t this truly a hymn to the home? Doesn’t every home have the potential to become a temple? Just like in a temple, how we behave, how time is structured, the décor around us – everything is part of the whole.
Here, we try to consider each day a little bit like Shabbat – an enchanted Island in Time and in Space. As on Shabbat, we try to leave every stress and worry outside our doors – not forgetting the plight of those less fortunate and praying for their safety and well-being.
I thought I’d share this with you, our extended Yemin Orde and Village Way family, with prayers and warmest regards,
Shabbat Shalom,
Chaim Peri, Founder,
Village Way Educational Initiatives
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