Many of you in school districts across the country experienced a strange beginning of your year due to the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year) two weekends ago. But what was more under the radar was the more-important holiday of Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) that took place yesterday (beginning at sundown on Friday). I spent a lot of the day reflecting on things I have accomplished or not accomplished in the past year; on sins I have committed and attempts to ask forgiveness.
On this day (and no other) we recite a prayer known as the Al Chet (translation: for the sin...). In it, we chant a list of 51 things that we have done against God and ask for forgiveness. During closing services last night I was struck by a line I have said probably hundreds of times in my life thus far but have never really emphasized until now:
On this day (and no other) we recite a prayer known as the Al Chet (translation: for the sin...). In it, we chant a list of 51 things that we have done against God and ask for forgiveness. During closing services last night I was struck by a line I have said probably hundreds of times in my life thus far but have never really emphasized until now:
.על חטא שחטאנו לפניך בזלזול הורים ומורים
For the sin which we have committed before You by disrespect for parents and teachers.
One of the things I truly appreciate about my religion is the emphasis on education and respect for learning. Libraries have existed in Judaism for centuries and Rabbis have been mandated to teach children everything they need to know in order to become a truly good Jewish citizen. And how better to emphasize that in the psyche of the people than to mention the disrespect of parents and teachers as a sin against God?
While I do not advocate for the introduction of religion in public schools, I think there is something to be learned here that has been forgotten in many places of education across the country: the profession of teacher is one that should be deeply respected. Unfortunately, I do not think that is taking place right now and it saddens me.
Over the past day I have reflected on much - my personal and professional lives, my family, my friends, my goals - but I hope this tidbit is something that I hold onto while I am arguing and pushing for more teacher voice in the realm of education. Teachers deserve more and hopefully soon we will get it.
While I do not advocate for the introduction of religion in public schools, I think there is something to be learned here that has been forgotten in many places of education across the country: the profession of teacher is one that should be deeply respected. Unfortunately, I do not think that is taking place right now and it saddens me.
Over the past day I have reflected on much - my personal and professional lives, my family, my friends, my goals - but I hope this tidbit is something that I hold onto while I am arguing and pushing for more teacher voice in the realm of education. Teachers deserve more and hopefully soon we will get it.
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