Rabbi’s Corner

By Rabbi Marc E. Mandel
Beth Jacob Congregation

A few years ago, when I was teaching at Shalhevet High School, I noticed that once a week I would see students leaving the building and walking west on Olympic Blvd. I wondered why these students were going for a walk in the middle of the day. Why were they leaving their classes? Where was this group of students going? After doing a little investigating, I learned about the special mission these students were on. That was my introduction to one of the most outstanding programs in L.A. that I know about -- KOREH L.A. Only then did I learn about students who volunteer their time to work with other community students and share the gift of reading. I admired these volunteers for their dedication to teaching and sharing their knowledge. But then it all made sense, because the Shalhevet School always focused on the fact that we all live in a community, and that means we are all connected to each other, even if we’re not in the same school. It all made sense because Shalhevet and the Jewish Federation share the values of education and reaching out to other people.

The Torah teaches us that we should try to emulate G-d. How does one emulate what one can’t see? The Rabbis explain that we should try to emulate the ways of G-d. G-d created a world and offered us the possibility to share in the development of this world. Without the ability to read, one can not begin to be a partner with G-d in maintaining His creation. Without the ability to analyze data, and understand information, we are lost at sea, unable to navigate our way.

I salute KOREH L.A. and all those who make it happen. I would like to thank Shalhevet for sharing this wonderful project with me and the community. May you continue to make this city as great as it can be.