This past week, during the Ten Days of Teshuva, we had the regrettable privilege of commemorating October 7th with two deeply moving ceremonies. In the morning, Yavneh students led a beautiful and meaningful “tekes” at the Auditorium, and in the evening, we gathered as a South Bay community at Shir Hadash. Both moments were filled with profound reflection and connection, and I was especially proud of Yavneh’s students for their participation.
As a member of Yavneh’s Board of Directors, I feel immense pride seeing how our school is not just focused on academics and Jewish literacy but on imparting true Jewish wisdom. Our children are learning something fundamental — that they have the power to answer the question of who they want to be in this world. It is on them, as it is on all of us, to define who we are through our actions.
The Ten Days of Teshuva call on us all to reflect on how we’ve been living and the kind of life we aspire to lead. The world can be overwhelming at times, and while much is beyond our control, we can choose how we respond. May we all “choose” take a moment to reflect on that, and may we all be written in the Book of Life.
-Rabbi Nico of Shir Hadash
