Don't Forget Your Keys--Graduation Remarks-Class of 2021

Class of 2021,You are a unique class.  You are inquisitive, energetic, funny, passionate and you are also unique as you finished your home stretch at KDS in a pandemic, you have experienced a year we could never have imagined.  Whether it was onsite, online, onZoom--you were a group that persevered in so many ways.

This year, I want to give you a gift and a blessing. But before I do, I must share that this is my 11th time having the privilege to share a blessing with graduates in my career.  Each year, I give a gift that is tied into a blessing.  This idea came from my Aunt, Dr. Shulamith Elster, a giant in Jewish Education.  Each year, I would share my speech with her after graduation.  

This year, she passed away in February and while I will not be able to share my speech with her this year, her memory will always live on through these annual “graduation gifts”

This year, class of 2021, I bless you with the blessing of two keys--yes, two keys (hold up), keys you will receive with your diplomas.  

The first is the key that has been carved and molded by those around you--your parents and your teachers.  From them, you have learned, you have grown.  They have molded each groove and angle and together they have shaped a key that is unique to you. Everytime you look at that key -- remember to always look behind and also look forward and hold this key that you will now fashion and will help you to open the doors to new chapters, the next steps in your lives in high school and beyond.  

זכור שרק אתה מחזיק את המפתח הייחודי שלך

And yes, there is another key.  Yes, KDS will be in your rearview mirror, but I want you to still hold on to the key.  The key to the doors of 2600 Netherland.    

Roya Hakakian, an Iranian immigrant, discusses the fact that even after years in the US, she always kept her keys to the home in which she grew up.  She writes, “...the past is the past, but you keep the keys, because they can open the gates of memory…..your keys are your history -- evidence of your old existence.”   

Everytime you look at that key, do so with the great memories of the Class of 2021.  When you touch that key, remember the values you learned here at Kinneret -- the value of connection to our people, our history, of humility and of hard work.  

ערך הקשר לאומה שלנו, ההיסטוריה שלנו, של ענווה ועבודה קשה.

As you look at the two keys, those of the future and those of the past, I am excited for you and for the broader community--for your families, for our country and for Am Ysirael-- communities that need your gifts and talents so much in these difficult times.  

We will miss you, but now, it is your moment.  Come and visit often, keep in touch and yes, keep your keys.