The number of children in our IADS membership family is approaching double-chai. That means that number has more than tripled in the last five years, and it continues to grow. These kids are (sometimes jumping) on the bima, and they, along with their parents, are celebrating and studying Judaism together. Our new family education program, Dor Hadash, was recently featured in the cover story of the Jewish News, and our megillah reading this year will begin with a costume parade of some of these younger members.  

As our community commits to teaching Judaism from generation to generation, these kids will learn from us, and we will learn from them, as we study, pray, sing, comfort, and celebrate. May we listen to their questions as they inspire us to ask our own. May our synagogue walls resound with the voices of Jews from birth ad me'ah v'esrim (to 120 years old!) as we grow together.

I also hold the deep pain of those in our community who wish to have children and for whom the journey to parenthood has been heartbreaking and sometimes feels hopeless. I recognize that seeing new babies can be bittersweet. Please know that I have been there, and I am here for you.