School is over for another year.

Most children are happy. Most parents have new child care-time-management issues to deal with. But on balance, this is a happy time for families.

The achievements of our children – at every level and of every kind – are significant. They and the achievements should be celebrated. So too should be the contributions of the teachers, administrators and custodial staff at all of the schools.

We all understand and appreciate that the infrastructure of education is as complex as it is precious. We therefore thank and pay tribute to all of the people who are dedicated to ensuring that the infrastructure remains permanently secure.

One of GAJE’s supporters sent the following quotation by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz from a collection of the rabbi’s writings entitled On Being Free. It is an apt reminder to us say “thank you” to everyone who makes Jewish education possible for our children, including of course the financially strapped parents who choose Jewish school despite its punishing cost.

“Over the centuries a great deal has been invested in Jewish education, in the preparation of spiritual guides and teachers of all sorts, and in the maintenance of the general framework of the tradition. In many places it amounted to one third or even more of the general expenditure of the local or national body.

“This was one of the main factors that helped keep the tradition going in spite of very difficult external conditions.

“Therefore, one can say that any group or tradition that is willing and able to invest considerable effort in maintaining its existence is that much more able to withstand the process of decay from within and destruction from without.”

It is not a misdirection of Rabbi Steinsaltz’s observation to conclude: ensuring full access to Jewish education is the best way of ensuring the permanence of the Jewish community.

GAJE extends best wishes to students, teachers and staff for a healthy, happy summer.

•••

Shabbat Shalom.

GAJE