Today is Rosh Chodesh Nisan, the first day of the new Hebrew month of Nisan. It marks the new moon of the month that ushers in the season of renewal, called Aviv in the Torah. In the time of the Bible, this month was the first month of the new year (the Jewish year...
Parashat Shemot – Who am I?
In Les Miserables, when Jean Valjean contemplates allowing an innocent man to suffer the fate meant for him, he ultimately decides to stop hiding his true identity and face the consequences of disappearing from his parole – and we understand this decision when he...
Parashat Va-Yehi – Bless your children.
In Parashat Va-Yehi, this week’s final parashah of the book of Bereishit, Jacob blesses his sons before he dies. Among his words is the formula we use today to bless our own children: So he blessed them that day saying, “May God make you like Ephraim and like...
Parashat VaYeshev – “A single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” – Anne Frank
The week began with a power failure that showed us some of the most special qualities of Akiva School – community, teamwork, perseverance, commitment, and of course, the best interest of every child. Even in physical, concrete darkness, the Akiva family light shone...
Parashat VaYishlach
As our Akiva players begin their first performances of The Magic Lamp, they are full of excitement and nervous energy. Over the last few months, they have studied their lines, memorized their cues and rehearsed their dances – they have all worked so hard – but...

