By Laura Seymour

Dear Families,
Camp has ended (and all good things must end and endings lead to new experiences and I could go on and on with thoughts on why camp being over is OK. …) and school begins.
Years for children have a rhythm and for teachers the rhythm is the same.
For me, I sadly take off my camp director hat (but don’t put it too far away) and get my teaching hat ready.
In many ways, the two are the same. And in many ways, we are all teachers even if we don’t admit it or even realize it.
As I go back into the classroom to the children and the adults, this prayer, sent to me anonymously, is one I say each time I enter to teach.

Blessing For A Teacher

May my love for teaching continually inspire me to enrich and develop my skills.
May I be patient and steadfast as I apply myself to my profession.
May I have the strength of heart, the purpose of mind and the gentleness of soul to educate, nurture and guide those in my care.
May the daily challenges I face become opportunities for personal growth.
As I share my knowledge and experience,
May I remain open to continually learn from my students.
Blessings are one way to focus our thoughts on the gifts we have been given. The rabbis have told us to say 100 blessings each day in order to raise our level of thankfulness.
Every one of us is in the teaching profession in one way or another so this blessing is for all. Perhaps the most important line is the last and it is a thought taught by Maimonides centuries ago: I have learned a great deal from my teachers, more from other teachers, but most of all from my students.
As teachers, parents, bosses, co-workers or any of our many hats we wear, we must remember that we can learn the most from those we are trying to teach.
Be a lifelong learner and always be willing to learn from others!
Shalom … from the Shabbat Lady.
Laura Seymour is director of Camping Services at the Aaron Familly Jewish Community Center.