Dear Families,
Winter break — when will it end and the kids go back to school?
This is often the cry from parents all over. Yes, we should take this time to spend time with our children — not rushing around entertaining them every minute but time to talk and share. However, no matter how wonderful the time may be, most parents are anxious for their children to return to school.
As we wish for this, let us take time to be thankful for teachers and remember that parents are the child’s first teacher. Here are some important messages from our sages about teachers and teaching — talk about these with your family.

• One who is concerned about the coming year, plants wheat;
• One who is concerned about the coming years, plants trees;
• One who is concerned about the coming generations, teaches young people.
• May your love for teaching continually inspire you to enrich and develop your skills. May you have the strength of heart, the purpose of mind, and the gentleness of soul to educate, nurture and guide those in your care. May the daily challenges you face become opportunities for personal growth. As you share your knowledge and experience, may you remain open to continually learn from your children. — A kavanah for teachers
• Do not threaten a child: Either punish him or forgive him. — Talmud
• In the final analysis it is not what you do for your children but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings. — Ann Landers
• Those who are compassionate when they should be stern end up being stern when they should be compassionate. — Midrash Rabbah
• Those who learn for the purpose of teaching receive inspiration. — Midrash Rabbah

Shalom … from the Shabbat Lady.
Laura Seymour is director of Camping Services at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center.