GROWTH FOR ALL

One of the hallmarks of an Episcopal school is to support the spiritual growth of all students, regardless of faith tradition or affiliation. We seek to identify what is unique about every religious perspective, but just as important, strive to name what is held in common. Doing so makes opportunity for all to grow, not just those observing the particular high holy day or season. Leaning into this aspect of our identity is crucial in cultivating a rich and diverse community.

Said in another way: with the proper amount of sunlight and water, combined with a healthy climate, the bud of a flower can blossom well beyond what may be anticipated.

I am mindful of this image and approach when offering insight into the Episcopal tradition and the rhythms of church life. Surely not all of us are Episcopalians, or even Christians. But there are aspects of the faith that are relatable to all. The question is not just how people of the faith observe Advent, celebrate Christmas, or rejoice with Easter, but rather, how those occasions just may help us all to be patient, see God in the world, or have hope when the road gets dark. When offered in those terms, each person in our community has the opportunity to truly participate, in their own way.

The same is true of religious occasions from other traditions, such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Our Jewish friends are now on the cusp of these high holy days, and the question becomes, how can we all enter into these rich observances and glean a bit more about G-d and life? As our faithful companions turn the page on another year of the faith, I am reminded of the need to come before G-d with my whole self, the power of forgiveness and a clean slate, and the hope of a new beginning.

In both our Middle and Upper Divisions, some of our Jewish students will offer testimony and prayers next week on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. They will give us a glimpse into their temple and their homes. With courageous hearts, they will stand before their peers and speak candidly about their faith and religious traditions. In doing so, we will all be offered some water and sunlight; a slice of who G-d is and how G-d impacts this world. And since we frame religious observances with an eye towards what is held in common, we will be challenged to enter the Jewish New Year in our own way.

My prayer for the coming week, as with all religious observances, is the spiritual growth of all students, regardless of tradition or affiliation. And this prayer is not just a personal conviction, but one that reflects the identity of Episcopal schools across the world.

May each day open us up to a new bloom.