Outgoing Student Government Presidents Eden Bar-Chama Delivers D’Var Torah
Good Morning Heschel,
As we all wrap up our academic semester and I conclude my years of leadership in Student Gov., undeniably the most meaningful and fulfilling part of my High School experience, and the fresh term begins, I find myself reflecting. Reflecting on how much I have grown in this building and how I was able to do so because of the very people in this room and our school’s value on student leadership, made me feel like my voice mattered - and yours does too. Let me tell you why.
This week’s Parsha, Parshat Bo, is rich with lessons. It recounts the final three plagues—locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn—as well as God’s first commandments to the Jewish people: the establishment of the lunar calendar, the korban Pesach, and what i'll be focusing on today - the commandment to tell the story of the Exodus to future generations.
A theme that stands out is the importance and power of “youth” and the responsibility we have to pass our traditions and values on to the next generation, expecting they will do the same.
When Moshe approaches Pharaoh to negotiate the Israelites’ freedom, before the plague of locusts, he insists that everyone—young and old, sons and daughters—must go to worship God. Noticeably, Moshe lists the youth first and foremost. (בִּנְעָרֵ֥ינוּ- בְּבָנֵ֨ינוּ וּבִבְנוֹתֵ֜נוּ).
Pharaoh, then almost agrees - BUT provided that they leave their youth as safety - his heart remains hardened, and he dismisses Moshe’s proposal.
This interaction highlights how much value Pharaoh placed on retaining the youth, knowing that they represented the future, the success, and the flourishing of Bnei Yisrael.
Judaism has always emphasized the continuity of tradition. From the Shema’s call to teach our children - וְשִׁנַּנְתָּם לְבָנֶיךָ וְדִבַּרְתָּ בָּם - “You shall teach them thoroughly to your children”, to the Amidah’s declaration of God’s eternal reign, and to Parshat Bo’s command to tell the story of redemption to our sons - וְהִגַּדְתָּ֣ לְבִנְךָ֔,
Our texts remind us that our legacy depends on transmitting our values and stories to those next in line. Though we are kids, we have the important role of receiving them and internalizing them.
The entrustment, and the sense of responsibility to uphold tradition and rise to the occasion, may feel daunting, but I am here to remind you that it is a profound honor.
At Heschel, we live out this commandment every day.
Not only do we embrace Jewish joy, and our storytelling tradition daily through tefillah and study, but there is a deep intrinsic value on the “youth” in this community, as seen with the trust in student leadership.
At Heschel, we are able to become leaders in our own right and our own way from the moment we step through the doors in 9th grade. From the conversational manner in which classes are conducted, that let students shine, to clubs, to MCing arts night and of course, and most dear to me, and the many incredible student leaders who have spoken earlier this week, student government.
We are proof that there is no age limit for leadership, meaningful contribution, and the chance to take part in something larger than yourself, here.
Every single one of us is encouraged, expected and given the tools to thrive and uphold a legacy. We are trusted at this school, we are valued at this school, and we in turn feel like we matter to a much larger picture.
At Heschel we truly live out the commandment of וְהִגַּדְתָּ֣ לְבִנְךָ֔.
And so, as a senior and an outgoing Exec, I pass off my baton to the next generation and say - power to you! Because you matter, you all have the ability to be a leader and be the change you want to see.
Shabbat Shalom.
