Instilling love for Yiddishkeit

BENAE TUTELMAN

The years spent in elementary school are instrumental in forming a foundation for our lives. As one of the many 2009 graduates of Richmond Jewish Day School, I can say that I have built this solid foundation.

Throughout my time at RJDS, I have learned great lessons in education, warmth and Yiddishkeit, which will follow me throughout my future endeavors in high school and as a strong member of the Jewish community. RJDS has given me the tools and invaluable opportunities to develop not only as a future scholar, but also as a confident community leader.

As part of an intergenerational project, my class traveled weekly to the Louis Brier Home and Hospital, where I visited with Jewish elders. Our conversations brought me and the Brier residents so much joy.

As part of our outdoor education fieldtrip at Strathcona, we earned funds to help with the cost of the trip. More important was the fact that we earned great respect for one another. We amazed each other with our newfound ability to work together as a team towards a common goal.

Our graduating class was given the honor and responsibility of leading the younger students at school assemblies and activities. It was during this time that we took the opportunity to teach and pass on our sense of Jewish identity and love for Yiddishkeit, which we received during our schooling. However, it was the teachers at RJDS who instilled in me the values of tikkun olam and mitzvot, as they are very important in leading a fulfilled Jewish life. As graduates, it is now our duty to take what RJDS has given us and use these lessons to become upstanding members of the larger community.

Benae Tutelman is a dual honor roll member of the 2009 graduating class at Richmond Jewish Day School.

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