The two weeks on the Jewish calendar after Pesach continue with the powerful theme of peoplehood so poignantly introduced and taught in our forebears’ exodus from Egypt.
Yesterday, the 27th day of Nisan, we commemorated Yom Hashoah v’Hagvurah. Next week on the 4th and 5th days of Iyar, respectively – adjusted for the Sabbath this year – we mark Yom Hazicaron and Yom Ha’atzma’ut.
It is only through education – in all its enriching forms – that we can ensure these commemorations and celebrations of peoplehood will endure. That is and has been an irrefutable truth of Jewish history. Thus, if we wish to help shape Jewish history, we must also help secure the availability of affordable Jewish education for the families who seek it for their children.
That is our individual and collective mission.
Whether by raising our voices to the provincial government or through individual philanthropy or both, we urge everyone to join the mission in whichever way is most appropriate for them.
Twenty-four hours ago we lit memorial candles to “remember” the souls of the precious millions whom the Nazis and their confederates murdered.
O how much we – and the world – lost.
May the glow from those candles, however, also light our way forward.
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Shabbat Shalom
GAJE
Grassroots for Affordable Jewish Education 