My Jewish journey has always followed an evolving path, but April 30 this year brought a profound shift as this was the day that my father passed away. In the days that followed, I sat Shiva, surrounded by family, friends and my Bialik community, each presence a comforting reminder of the bonds that tie us together.
When Shiva ended, I made the decision to attend synagogue twice a day for thirty days to recite Kaddish. I saw this routine as a form of duty, a small way to honour my father’s memory. But, as the days unfolded, what I found went far beyond tradition. I discovered a deep spiritual satisfaction — a profound sense of belonging in the rhythm of daily prayer and the peace that came with this quiet, reflective time. And, as such, I have continued to attend shul and will do so for the full 11 months.
This commitment to attend services has become woven into my daily life. My time is no longer scheduled only by the back-and-forth between home and school; each day, I find myself stopping at shul, both in the morning and the evening. And as I’ve dedicated myself to these routines, I’ve begun to feel the warmth and mutual support of the community at my shul. The members have become a presence as essential to my life as any family member. Through them, I have come to understand how deeply my Jewish identity has always been part of me, rooted in the shared experiences, stories and rituals that now shape my days.
As I deepen my connection to Judaism, my role as Principal at Bialik’s Himel Branch has taken on an even richer meaning. Now in my third year at the school, I appreciate even more the profound impact we, as educators, make by instilling Jewish values and identity in our students. My connection to shul has highlighted the significance of what we teach and how we prepare our students to find meaning in tradition, community and faith. My own journey has allowed me to share my personal experiences with our students, such as recently celebrating Hoshana Rabbah, dancing with the Torah on Simchat Torah, and participating in Kabbalat Shabbat. I see my path mirroring what we aim to cultivate at Bialik: a lifelong love of learning, curiosity and connection to one’s roots. This perspective has reaffirmed my commitment to Bialik as a space where our students can explore their Jewish identities in a supportive, nurturing environment.
The perspective I gain in shul provides me with opportunities to connect personal memories with the teachings and studies we explore at Bialik. Through participation, I have been able to ask many questions and delve into the texts with newfound curiosity, a curiosity that we attempt to instill in our Bialik students. My aim is to pass this on to our students and, in fact, my own child — the ability to seek, to question and deepen one’s understanding.
I have also come to realize that growth and beauty can emerge out of sadness. My loss has led me to rediscover my faith in an authentic way, layered with an appreciation and love for Judaism that I had not fully known before. My journey has become about more than just fulfilling a ritual — it is about building community, embracing the present, and carrying my father’s legacy forward through my own deepening connection to Judaism and our Jewish community — at synagogue and at Bialik.