This Shavuot, Let’s Commit to Leaving No Jewish Student Behind

Shavuot reinforces the importance that no Jewish person should be left behind – building on the holiday’s focus that we all stood together to receive the Torah at Sinai. This is especially important in the realm of Jewish education – whether it be in Israel, the US or anywhere in the world.

For Jewish life to thrive in the future, it is essential that Jewish youth are given the educational tools to embrace Judaism in terms that they find relevant and inspire them to connect with all Klal Yisrael. As it celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, I am proud to say that this continues to be the ongoing goal of the 88 AMIT schools throughout Israel. Our over 40,000 students are taught not to be accepting of the divides tearing at the fabric of Israeli society. In AMIT schools this is not an option. The unity of the Jewish People stands supreme.

It is why government officials have turned to AMIT through the last decade to lead the way at the junior high and high school level to bring all Jewish students together under the banner of timeless Torah values. This includes our growing secular schools, where students are allowed space for individual understanding of what Judaism means to them – while encouraging them to be respectful of all people in their communities at all levels of observance. The same goes for our Jewishly observant students, who are taught the importance of the collective experience that binds all Jewish people together.

It is this inclusive approach to Jewish life, and the need to continue developing innovative ways to bring the teachings of Torah alive for a new generation that were top of mind as I recently visited AMIT’s fast rising Gabel & Straus Family Campus at AMIT Kfar Batya in Ra’anana. Even as the campus fully incorporates a Jewish learning environment – including beautiful mezuzahs at all the main entrances and The Kolatch Beit Midrash and Beit Midrash Aron Kodesh at its center – it embraces innovation in all fields of endeavor.

This seamless way secular studies can enhance the future of Jewish leadership was apparent as I toured the campus’ Evan and Layla Green Family Foundation Gogya Building. One of its main features is the Innovative Hub’s Makerspace that is set up to empower students to become active problem solvers – not passive learners. This builds their self-confidence and leadership skills – expanding the circle of youth throughout Israel who can contribute to the broader society and lead to making it more just for all Israelis no matter their socio-economic background.

It was fascinating to learn how AI metaverse technology will be incorporated in the campus and beyond to promote Jewish values. One such offering is the Rabbi Sacks Learning Program, which brings to life the inspiring teachings of the late Rabbi who always spoke highly of AMIT’s work. One of his insights was how Shavuot “teaches that Torah is always being given.” The key for all of us is our readiness to be ready to fully receive it.

According to leading Kabbalists, this is why every day during the seven weeks that we count the Omer, we are called upon to refine our character so that by Shavuot we are truly ready to receive Torah. In this way, we can better understand each other, come together in a respectful way, and further strengthen Klal Yisrael.

Another important aspect of Shavuot is its encouragement for all Jewish people to do mitzvot. This includes the Shavuot tradition of bringing gifts of fruit to those in need. Doing acts of good deeds is always taken to heart by our AMIT students, who integrate community service into their lives throughout the year. This student outreach to fellow Israelis who need a helping hand is particularly important this Shavuot, with so many Israelis hurting physically and emotionally due to the ongoing war.

Along with tangible help, on the symbolic level this Festival of First Fruits reminds us how important it is for every generation to plant seeds for the future growth of Jewish life.

For Jewish educators, we view our work as planting seeds of wisdom and gratitude for life’s blessings in today’s students – with the goal that they will blossom into the future leaders of our People. Ideally, they will incorporate the teachings of the Ten Commandments into their hearts and minds in all aspects of their lives. In this way they will be the ongoing link in our 3,000-year-old conversation that continue to enrich the lives of Jewish people around the world and brings greater meaning to their personal and professional accomplishments.