Community Corner

Becoming a Mensch

As each day comes to a close, we reflect on our actions and our words. We apologize for those we may have wronged, we say thank you for the blessings we have in our lives, and we tell ourselves that tomorrow will be filled with new adventures. We strive to be what Judaism defines as a mensch, meaning an individual whose personality traits exhibit the highest form of character. Some examples of these traits include courage, moderation, optimism, justice, gratitude, wisdom, and honor.

Our Etz Chaim Learning Center is a place not only for students to learn Hebrew language, Torah stories, and traditions, but a place where students learn to identify with these character strengths and embrace these qualities in their daily lives.  Students, teachers, and parents are introduced to these character strengths throughout the curriculum and family programs.  As students enter our weekly Tefillah, each child places a flower petal on a character strength that speaks to him or her that day. As students chant the prayers these character strengths are illustrated in the meaning of the specific tefillah. In our sixth and seventh grade classes teachers begin the session by asking the students who they would like to dedicate their learning to. In our younger grades teachers begin with the Modeh Ani to say thank you. Our family education programs teach parents and children the value of spending time learning together.

In Pirkei Avot, Sayings of our Fathers, it teaches us that a person who is rich is someone who can rejoice in their own portion, meaning that we should be thankful for the things we have and not aspire to have more than what we need. This week we celebrate Thanksgiving â€" a day of gratitude and appreciation. It gives us a moment to pause, and continue to strive to be a mensch, by seeing all those around us and remembering to value the positive.

Shabbat Shalom,

Keri Loventhal
ECLC Director, Etz Chaim Learning Center