Marisa Kaiser
Tonight begins Shavuot, the holiday celebrating the giving of the Torah. Above the Sanctuary doors are the beautiful former Sanctuary doors depicting the Jewish people receiving Torah, with the words Na’aseh V’nishma — “We will do, and we will understand.” The midrash teaches that when God offered the Torah to the nations of the world, each first asked what was written in it. Only the Israelites answered simply: Na’aseh v’nishma — we will do, and then we will understand.
That spirit is at the heart of everything we do in the Center for Learning and Engagement.
At our Annual Meeting, I shared the story of Rabbi Akiva, who saw water slowly carving a stone and realized that learning shapes us the same way: drop by drop, moment by moment, relationship by relationship.
This year, our educators created experiences that help people feel connected, seen, and inspired. We celebrated 40 years of Preschool, where Judaism is lived through discovery, creativity, and joy. Children explored light, color, and sensory experiences in the Light Lab and Wonder Room, which transformed into both a Chanukah light experience and an immersive Israel celebration complete with a shuk, Aroma café, Kotel, and desert play.
In Noar, students experienced Jewish learning as something deeply relevant to their lives. Younger students learned about teamwork through building projects, while older students studying bikkur cholim made chicken soup, created comfort bags for children at CHOA, and discovered what it means to care for others. Our 4th–6th graders explored Jewish identity through projects with the National Library of Israel, expressing powerful ideas about Jewish peoplehood and connection to Israel.
Our teens continued to model what it means to belong and lead. Nearly 100 Madrichim spent Sunday mornings mentoring younger students and building relationships across generations. H.U.B. and Confirmation students engaged thoughtfully with Israel, antisemitism, Jewish values, and identity. Teen leaders planned programs, raised nearly $14,000 through the Camp Jenny Spaghetti Dinner, and created spaces filled with Jewish joy and connection.
And our adult learners reminded us that Jewish learning never ends. Adults in Exploring Judaism wrestled with questions of faith and practice, Adult B’nei Mitzvah students reclaimed parts of their Jewish identity, and through classes, conversations, and the Seeking Sinai podcast, Jewish learning extended far beyond our walls.
Across every age, the young and the young at heart are searching for meaning and connection. Like Rabbi Akiva’s water on stone, the impact happens slowly. Through relationships, experiences, and learning, we continue to discover the meaning of Na’aseh V’nishma — and the enduring value of Torah in our lives.
Happy Shavuot and Shabbat Shalom!
