Stories @ CSI

On Shabbat, April 15th, CSI celebrated its Class of 2023 graduating seniors with a special send-off on "Graduating Seniors Shabbat". Much of the leyning and davening was led by the seniors. Pointing out that this week's parasha is the middle of the Torah, Rabbi Helfand spoke of the learning still ahead in the year's Torah reading and in the lives of the graduates. Rabbi Ilan Schwartz encouraged the graduates to avoid 'bottom feeders and predators' in their lives just as the Torah tells us to avoid them in our diets. Nancy Gorod suggested graduation as an havdalah moment, separating home life from the times ahead. Rabbi Kaiman encouraged the graduates to be lights in the communities they join. The image of the seniors standing beneath the new CSI chuppah held high by their parents and teachers during the priestly blessing is an uplifting moment which will remain in the memories of all who were present for the beautiful experience. מזל טוב!