Message From The Rabbi

Rabbi Max MIller

The old saying is that Judaism has a blessing for everything: food, rainbows, mornings and evenings, and many, many more. It should come as no surprise that we also have a blessing for completing a course of study. What may be a surprise is that the words for this blessing have a lot in common with the blessing for Mourners. 

What can these two events possibly share? 

We Jews view certain things to be sacred. First and foremost, life, but also study. The rabbis go on to say that the power of study is so strong that it has the potential to prolong one’s life. The Talmud is filled with stories wherein the figures like King David or notable sages are protected from death for as long as they have the words of Torah on their lips. When we complete a course of study, the proper prayer to say is called the Rabbi’s Kaddish. In many ways, the words of the Rabbi’s Kaddish and the Mourner’s Kaddish are identical, except for the section below, which only appears in the Rabbi’s Kaddish: 

For Israel and our teachers, for their students, and the students of their students, and for all those who occupy themselves with the Torah, here or anywhere, for them and for you, may there be abundant peace, grace, kindness, compassion, long life, ample sustenance and deliverance, from God in heaven. 

Life and learning are inseparable for the Jewish people. As our students and teachers complete another year of study, may they and we be blessed with more opportunities to learn and grow throughout our lives. May the words of Torah and the pursuit of knowledge deepen our connection with God and with all of Israel.  

Mazal tov to learners of all ages who are moving on and up in their learning, and to all the teachers for successfully guiding your students on their educational journey. May we all merit more opportunities to gain wisdom through the sacred act of study.