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I vividly remember that one of my elementary school teachers had a script from which she would not deviate.

Whenever anyone would ask the simple question, “Can I go to the bathroom?” she would respond, “I don’t know, can you?” This would be met with a confused look from all, and it might continue for several rounds of identical questioning. Finally, the student realized the didactic purpose of this exercise, and would correct the question: “May I go to the bathroom?” to which the teacher would respond happily, “Yes, you may.”

I remember how much this exchange irritated me throughout that fateful year of school. Now I can say I better understand her intentions. After all, I remember barely anything from my younger years, and yet I do remember that one lesson vividly: How do we formulate a question and ask it properly?

This past week, we celebrated Teacher Appreciation week at Temple Sinai Preschool and showered our teachers with love via lunches, treats, flowers and notes.

 As I sifted through a spreadsheet determining a game plan to procure appropriate treats for our teachers, I stopped to reflect on the meaning of this task, and sure enough, I was brought back to elementary school. I experienced a moment of gratitude and calm as I thought about the love our teachers give our children each and every day. And, I had the realization that there is something profoundly Jewish about this concept of “Teacher Appreciation.”

Embedded in the phrase, we have two significant Jewish concepts. First off, the expression of hakarat ha’tov, gratitude, is a value that we hold dear and animates so much of our spiritual life. Second, we cannot overstate the sacred importance of education in the Jewish mindset from generation to generation.

As we have mentioned before, in this period of counting the omer (Yes, we are still in it!), it is customary to study the teachings of Pirkei Avot. One of my most favorite verses from this work is:  Rabbi Elazar ben Shamua taught: “The dignity of your students should be as precious to you as your own. The dignity of your colleagues should be as precious to you as your reverence for your teacher. The reverence for your teacher should be as great as your reverence for God.”  Teachers are truly doing God’s work.

As this school year is about to come to a close… as graduations are imminent… as summer looms before us, we reflect upon the years of our lives and the teachers who have shaped, inspired, and showered us with patience and understanding. Regardless of where we are in our lives, we can recall the ways they have molded us and the sacrifices they have made for us. For this, we stand eternally grateful.

Shabbat Shalom!