Jewish Academy of Orlando Rosh Hashanah Message

One of the unique aspects of the High Holidays is that the focus is on the past, present and future all at the same time. We reflect on the year that has just come to an end and ask our family and friends for forgiveness for past transgressions. Then, we think about the people we are today and what we can do right now to heal the world and make it a better place. And finally, when this is done with proper devotion and intention, we are able to grow and change, and create a better future for our community and ourselves.

At the Jewish Academy of Orlando, just as the High Holidays, our approach to Jewish education is focused on the past, rooted in the present, and optimistic about the future all at the same time.

At the Jewish Academy of Orlando, we teach our students the importance of learning about the past, as the Jewish people have a deep-seated sense of memory and have always maintained a strong connection to our history.

At the Jewish Academy of Orlando, we teach our students about our holidays and traditions that have kept us viable as a people for centuries. We teach our students about Torah and Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) while at the same time we encourage them to perform Mitzvot that will help transform our world today. We teach our students to engage positively with Israel, because we see in Israel and Zionism the hope for the Jewish people. We teach our students to love their heritage and to face the world today with a strong Jewish identity and a sense of pride.

At the Jewish Academy of Orlando, we teach our students leadership skills because we know that in the classrooms and hallways of the Jewish Academy you will find the future leaders of the Jewish people. The students at the Jewish Academy represent the hope for a better and brighter future for the Jewish people for they have been given a foundation in academic excellence and sense of Jewish pride.

L'Shana Tova Tikatevu! May it be a year of learning and growing for you and your loved ones!

Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year from the board, administration and staff of the Jewish Academy of Orlando!

Dr. Jordan Steinberg,

President, Board of Directors

Alan Rusonik,

Head of School