May 22, 2026
Earlier this week, there was an attack on a mosque in San Diego in which several individuals were murdered. Our sympathies extend to the entire Muslim community. No one should ever be murdered in their house of worship. We in the Jewish community know this pain, suffering, and fear all too well.
Each year at this time, I take a moment to recognize that many in our community are celebrating graduations. So many of our young people have walked—or will walk—with their classes in the coming days. This year, I have the honor of being the parent of one of these graduates. On Sunday morning, Zoe will put on her cap and gown and receive her high school diploma from Worthington Kilbourne High School. To say we are proud and excited is an understatement. The little girl who used to run to the bimah after services to be held by her dad has worked so hard to earn this moment.
While no one gives me a microphone to address our graduates, if I did, here are three lessons I would offer them.
Show Up
There is a beautiful teaching I learned from Rabbi Sharon Brous’ brilliant book, The Amen Effect. In ancient times, when people ascended the steps of the Temple in Jerusalem, they would enter, turn to the right, walk counterclockwise, and exit near where they had entered. However, someone who was suffering—one who was grieving a loved one, someone who was lonely, or someone who was ill—would enter with the crowd, turn left, and walk clockwise, moving in the opposite direction from everyone else. The entire community would know that this person was in pain. Those walking to the right would see them and say, “May God comfort you. May you be wrapped in community” (The Amen Effect, p. 3). To live in community, we must see those who are suffering and not just see them but be present for them. To walk through the world alone, bereft in grief or living with pain, reminds us that life is filled with mountains to climb. Seeing pain is not enough. Reaching out and showing up in a moment of need is an act that will be remembered forever. When your friend is in need, show up. Be there for them.
Open Yourself to Learning and Personal Growth
When we graduate, our hearts are filled with pride. We know so much because we have learned so much. But we cannot let our learning stop. Life brings profound experiences that offer moments for growth and reflection. You who are graduating are amazing people, but as you enter the world, work, and continue learning in college or graduate school, 10 years from now and 20 years from now, you will be different people. Life will come your way. Reflect on what happens and learn how those moments influence you to do differently and to do better.
In Pirkei Avot, the ancient collection of ethical teachings—which I jokingly tell our B’nai Mitzvah students should be titled “The Rabbi’s Greatest Hits”—the sage Yose ben Yoezer teaches: “Let your house be a meeting place for the Sages; sit in the dust of their feet, and drink in their words with thirst.” Make your home a place of learning and a gathering place for the wise. Sit at their feet and learn with thirst. That thirst reminds us that learning must never stop learning. Every person and every moment offer an opportunity to learn, we just need to remain open to it.
Kindness Matters
As I concluded the counting of the Omer on Wednesday evening, I read Rabbi Karyn Kedar’s words in Omer: A Counting, CCAR Press: “And know, of all the words I have found, kindness is the most powerful. It can transform the world. At the end of my days, the only thing I will regret in my life are times when I was unkind.” Psalm 89 reminds us that the world was built on a foundation of kindness. As builders, we lay the bricks of that foundation. Though it lies beneath the surface, it provides the strength and support we need to withstand life’s storms. Those storms have the potential to shape us or to harden our hearts. Kindness brings warmth from the depths of our souls. Let it burst forth and remember that kindness has a lasting impact.
There is one more bonus message I want to offer. Our young people are entering a world where too many harbor ill will toward Jews and toward Israel. Sadly, many of you have already encountered such hatred during your youngest years. Your Judaism lives within your heart and soul. It provides a pulse and rhythm by which your life beats. There are those who will try to take that from you. Don’t let them.
You know who you are. Beth Tikvah has planted sacred seeds of Jewish tradition and Jewish values within you. Water those seeds with every mitzvah you perform and every Jewish moment you celebrate. The Jewish people need you. Remember: kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh—all Israel is responsible for one another. The Jewish people will support you, and you, in turn, will support the Jewish community.
Mazel tov to all our graduates.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,
Rabbi Rick Kellner