Why We Do This, continued.

This afternoon, I had the unique privilege of attending the Third Grade's presentation to Challenged Athletes Foundation, an organization that promotes athletics for physically challenged adults and children.

The third grade teacher, Ms. Oren, explained that the kids brought in recycled goods and raised approximately $50. They then decided to use this money to raise additional money for charity. So the kids ran a snack shack for three days, and sold a variety of snacks to the school community. They ultimately netted more than $868, which they then presented to a representative from CAF who visited the school. The CAF representative was a boy who, with the help of CAF, has completed triathlons notwithstanding having a prosthetic leg.

This is what Jewish education is about. The kids raised found a cause, raised money for it, and donated their proceeds to it. Prior to the ceremony, our school rabbi discussed with them the importance of doing good and repairing the world, and the kids demonstrated, through their answers and their deeds, that they understood this most fundamental of Jewish lessons.

Kudos to the Third Grade faculty, parents, and kids for their hard work to make the world a better place!

Shabbat Shalom.