“They shall make fringe on the corner of their garments throughout the generations.. and you shall have the fringe so you will see it and bring to mind all of Adonai’s commandments and will do them, and you will not go around after your heart and after your eyes.. So you will bring to mind and do all my commandments and you will be holy to your G-d.” (Numbers 38 – 40)
Though commanded to wear tzitzit in this week’s parsha and reminded of this commandment every time we read the third paragraph that follows the Sh’ma, most of us no longer have ritual fringes hanging from our daily garments. Yet we are still as responsible as our ancestors to live in ways that make a difference in this world. Our fringes were designed to change us; to help us make a difference in this world.
We are responsible for making wise choices and for learning from our actions so that each day we do just a bit better than the day before. The question is – what are your tzitzit? What serves as your daily reminder of your role as G-d’s partner on this earth?
Today (6-13), and every day, may we find our fringes and allow them to remind us of our relationship with Adonai; may we allow them to change us for good.
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
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