We begin the year at Heschel with a beautiful Middah that teaches how Torah is close at hand and easy to practice. In Parshat Nitzvim, in Moshe’s parting speech to the people of Israel he reminds them:

“What I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will climb to heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may enact it?” Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and let us hear it so that we may enact it?” No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may enact it. (Deut. 30:11-14)

At Heschel, we teach our children that God and Torah are experienced in our daily words acts. A kind word. A thoughtful act. Saying Boker Tov. Holding a door for someone else. Watering a plant. Including others in your play. Each of these are holy acts, mitzvot and fulfillments of Torah. As we head into a new Jewish year, we look forward to many opportunities to fulfill Torah through simple acts of speech and kindness.

Shanah Tovah Umetukah,

Moreh Greg