At the end of any given school year, parents often make kind and lovely gestures to all their kids’ teachers with gift cards, small presents, and beautifully-written thank you cards.

I am sure that such tokens of appreciation are greatly appreciated.

But as we begin the spring portion of our religious school year, I would like to ask our whole congregation to consider thanking our Religious School teachers now.

During the school year, religious school teachers are sacrificing time and energy to help make Temple Or Olam’s Sunday School the most vibrant, personalized, and downright fun experience for the kids. How many congregations can boast a school that is so inventive, so communal, and so meaningful? Our curricula allow our kids to learn at their own pace, but learn deeply. They give kids the chance to experiment, unfold, find their foundations and explore their roots in terms they set and create for themselves.

Wouldn’t it be nice for the teachers if they felt appreciated all year round?

In fact, what would be the best way to thank our teachers? I am not sure the gift cards, the notes, and the little presents would be the best possible choice.

How about this – from the whole congregation?

Thanks so much for helping teach our children what fun it is to be Jewish. Thanks so much for giving them a reason to go to Sunday School. Thanks so much. And by the way – How can I help??

Blessings to all.