The 10 Plagues of Egypt and Our World Today
As we approach Passover this year, I can’t stop thinking about the 10 plagues. Our students of course learn about the 10 plagues that G-d put upon the Egyptians when Pharaoh refused time and time again to let our people go. Today in the United States we struggle with plagues. I struggle as I think about what our generation has left our youth to solve. We have recently witnessed the strength and determination of high school students from Parkland, Florida and around the country to make a statement and fight for gun laws to save lives. Perhaps at your Passover Seder reflect on our modern day plagues and what we as a society need to “let go of” to redeem ourselves and our communities.
We had a very special school wide Friday night service in March, followed by a delicious potluck dinner. Our students prepared some different Shabbat melodies, as well as, a fun “get ready for” Passover play! We enjoyed drum playing and guitar from Rabbi Myers, dinner, followed by our TLC actors! It certainly set the mood for Passover preparations.
Several of our students, along with some of our madrichim and other teens participated in the community wide J-serve held on March 11. I was so pleased to hear about their participation and experiences the following week. It was a worthwhile and giving day, and we always encourage our teens to be part of the greater Pittsburgh teen community. A special Mazal Tov to Hannah Kalson, the new Director of Teen Engagement and Experiences from the JCC for a successful J-Serve! I would also like to thank University of Pittsburgh student, Abigail Natelson, for serving as a our staff chaperone again this year.
March also marked a special Sunday of working together with our Men’s Club to assemble the annual Holocaust candle mailing. We are so fortunate to have such an active and engaged Men’s Club, and our students enjoy participating and volunteering with them at the Tree.
Our Mishpacha & Me families joined us for a Sunday and also a Shul is Cool Saturday morning. I loved seeing our families do a “chametz” search through the school to prepare for Passover. Thank you Carin Bendas for always engaging this young group and their families! Music with Emily was also a highlight on both mornings.
On a personal note, I am looking forward this month to participating in the Volunteer Trip to Israel Mission of the Jewish Federation. We will be spending five days in our partnership region of Karmiel - Misgav.
Wishing all of our families and the entire Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Community a joyous and uplifting Passover! Chag Pesach Sameach! Thank you for your continued support of our cherished students.
If you would like more information about Torah Lishmah Community, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached at TLC@tolols.org
