The Magic of Schechter and Why It Matters

5/17/2023

Steve Freedman

Last night (May 17), parents, alumni, friends, supporters, and community members came to Schechter Bergen for the 49th Community Celebration of our school and our honorees. It was a special evening. In this blog, I would like to share the message I sent to all who were present. It is my hope that these words resonate with the readers and with those who were there last night:

"As we celebrate this evening, I want to take a moment to talk about the magic of our Schechter Bergen Kehillah and why it is so important for our community to continue to support it and keep it strong and vibrant. Schechter Bergen is truly a special place. It is a place where our children come to learn, grow, and thrive, all while receiving an excellent education that is grounded in our rich Jewish heritage and tradition. It is a place where they can feel proud of their identity, and learn about their history and culture in a way that is both meaningful and relevant to their lives.

It is important to remember and celebrate the fact that Schechter is the only egalitarian Jewish day school in Bergen county. Schechter offers a unique perspective on Judaism that is grounded in egalitarianism, meaning that all members of our community are treated equally, regardless of their gender or background. This is not a perspective that is always found in other Jewish institutions, and it is one that we must cherish and support.

Schechter goes beyond being about egalitarianism. Our school also provides the biggest tent for Jews to come together. We welcome families from all walks of life, from all backgrounds, and from all levels of observance. This diversity is essential to the strength and vitality of our community. We come together as a united Jewish people. Here we emphasize unity not uniformity. This allows us to learn from one another, to celebrate together and to build lasting connections that will endure for years to come. This evening is an example of this.

Besides being a jewel in this community, let me be clear, Schechter is absolutely essential to the vibrant future of the Bergen Jewish community and beyond. In a world where so much is changing, where so much is uncertain, we need places like our school to provide stability, to offer a sense of belonging, and to instill values that will guide our children throughout their lives. We need Schechter to help our children navigate the complexities of the world, to understand their place in it, and to develop the skills and character they will need to make a positive impact.

But as much as Schechter has to offer, it cannot thrive without our support. It takes a community to build a community, and that means that each and every one of us has a role to play. We must continue to come together to support our school, to volunteer our time and resources, and to ensure that our children and future generations have access to the kind of education and community that Schechter provides.

So let us (continue to) commit ourselves today to the magic of Schechter, and to the importance of keeping it strong and vibrant. Not only because of the exceptional education and community it provides, but also because of its unique perspective on Judaism, its commitment to egalitarianism, and its dedication to creating the biggest tent possible for all Jews to come together. Thank you again for your belief in the school, its importance, and for supporting what it provides for our children and families.

And finally, I must extend a heartfelt thank you to the Board of Trustees, and especially our outgoing President Yoni Saposh. Yoni has been a wonderful partner who understands and supports the mission and vision for the school, and he, along with the Board have made bold moves in the last few years to help position the school to go from strength to strength. And of course our parents, led by AHAVA - without your support, confidence and trust in us we would not be here. And last, and most significantly our teachers and staff. I am humbled and privileged to work with professionals who deeply care for our children and are open and ready to continually grow and learn for the sake of our children.

We have told you plenty about how special Schechter is - now, it is our pleasure to show you through this video the true benefits of a Schechter education."

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