With the most significant Jewish holidays taking place in October, this month naturally lends itself to reflection, intention-setting, and renewal — perfectly aligning with the start of a new school year filled with growth and learning.
We begin the High Holy Days with Rosh Hashanah on October 2, followed by Yom Kippur’s solemn observance at sunset on October 11. In between these sacred days, we will mark the first anniversary of the attacks on Israel, remembering and honoring those lost in that tragic event. Later in the month, after the weight of these holidays, we shift to the joy and celebration of Sukkot and Sh’mini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.
October is likely to bring a wide range of emotions for our community, and, as always, Heilicher will be here as a steady source of support and compassion, keeping our students’ and families’ well-being at the center of everything we do.
Since October 7, 2023, we’ve watched a devastating loss of life, freedom, dignity, and safety — both for Israeli citizens and for thousands of Palestinians, aid workers, and journalists. Many of us may also be feeling the loss of our own sense of security, trust, and hope.
The grief from these losses can feel overwhelming, and we’ve seen an uptick in anxiety among our students as they navigate the trauma of these events and the ongoing uncertainty in our world. The High Holy Days offer a sacred space for us to acknowledge this grief, giving us the time and room to feel, process, and respond to what we are experiencing.
As we reflect and look inward during these days, finding ways to cope with grief and trauma is essential. Some strategies to consider:
Mindfulness practices, such as grounding, yoga, or meditation.
Self-care, whether it’s nurturing positive relationships, spending time outdoors, playing with your kids, exercising, or simply tending to your emotional health.
Volunteering — it’s in our nature to give, and volunteering helps us stay connected to others while building a strong support system. Research shows that helping others not only benefits the recipient but also brings us deep personal satisfaction.
Our PTO co-chair Erica Karasov has seen firsthand how volunteering can make a difference. She says, “Volunteering at Heilicher has given me more connections with parents and teachers, insight into school life, and a chance to help build community outside the classroom. The great thing about Heilicher is that people are always excited and willing to volunteer.”
I am deeply grateful for the many ways our community members give their time and talents. As Heilicher Board member and PTO co-chair Michele Kaplan Clinard put it, “Helping strengthen the Heilicher community is both an honor and a privilege, especially in a post-October 7 world. We strive to embody the Jewish values our school teaches our children — we show up for each other. It has been a source of comfort and strength in these recent months.”
As we move through the days ahead, I invite all of us to continue to be there for one another. Wishing you all a meaningful and joyous holiday season.