Happy Someone Special Day!

Today was Someone Special Day at Beit Rabban! This is a very unusual day because, generally, there is no one special in this building. Just Joking.

In all seriousness, it was amazing. The magic of intergenerational, communal learning is simply magical. Today, our classes were filled with students and their grandparents, other family members, and friends who are chosen family members ranging in age from 18 to approximately 90 years old. We were bursting with special people, with children and their loving grown-ups.

If you are reading this email, you are likely a grown-up with some connection to a student at Beit Rabban. I want to take this opportunity on our annual Someone Special Day to thank you for serving an essential role in the life of a Beit Rabban student. I am personally grateful to you. Above all else, my mission in this work is to ensure that every single child at Beit Rabban feels an anchoring sense of belonging that sets them up for deep learning and empowers them to be strong and resilient members and leaders of our Jewish community and society overall. Here’s where you come in … children who have trusted adults in their lives, like YOU, are far better equipped to be anchored, resilient, and strong adults themselves.

Trusted adults are role models who provide guidance and support and help children feel a sense of belonging and connection. This is what each staff member at Beit Rabban strives for every single day, and you are our partners in this, along with the fantastic set of Beit Rabban parents. Research shows time and time again that children who have this relationship with trusted adults are set up for better mental health, physical health, social well-being, and academic success. I would add (without any research, but with a strong intuition) that it also advances their spiritual health. And the more of these trusted adults in their lives, the better.

Thank you again for serving in this role for our Beit Rabban children and for other children with whom you have a relationship, whether you are a parent, grandparent, family member, teacher, camp counselor, volunteer, etc. In the words of one of our visitors today, "I wish every single child had this opportunity and community."