TGIF April 14, 2010

And I really mean it this time.  I mean it because this Friday is the big Friday after the big Thursday.  Our school has a new name, and now everyone knows the name, and the name game insane can stop.

For months, I have been touring USDS and telling prospective parents all about our wonderful school.  Several weeks ago, I began to drop the news that we would soon be re-branding and that the school would have a new name.

The inevitable question would be, of course, what is the name going to be?

And, the inevitable answer would be, “of course, I can’t tell you.”  It was an exciting secret shared by few.  A secret in the school hallways, in the neighbourhood bagel shop, in the carpool line up and, for me, even at my own kitchen table.

“Really”, my kids (who are students in the school) would say to me, “mom, you can tell us.”  I never did.

Now, we all know.  We are Miriam & Larry Robbins Hebrew Academy.  And believe me, I will tell the story of our new name to anyone who wants to listen.  My job is to show the school and what a gift I – and we all – have been given.

Now when I tour the halls and talk about our curriculum, our critical thinking, our amazing school gym, our menschlichkeit and all that we have to offer, I can also say we will go forward from a place of strength like never before.

As I walk the halls with the future of our school, I will tell them about the families who have come before them. The families who set the tone for what USDS was – a school rich in Judaism and learning, and what the Robbins Hebrew Academy will continue to be.  Our past will come with us into our future.

And while there is much to say about the wonderful man himself, Mr. Larry Robbins, I know he would much rather I talk about Jewish education and how important and vital it is to teach our kids our history and to teach it well.  At the end of the day, that is what we do.  Teach kids.  Jewish kids who will one day join the 21st century global community and make us all proud.

So, yes, TGIF, and Shabbat Shalom.  I can’t wait for Monday.