.Graduation Speech for
Pop Quiz: Which of the three major
western religions is the oldest, and has undergone continuos and extended
persecution?�
In all it�s
incarnations, the resilience Judaism posses� is it�s greatest Quality.�
Tonight I would like to speak of
the quality of Judaism in comparison to both the other modern western
religions, and the western religions of antiquity, of which Judaism was once a
contemporary.��
When
Judaism began, some 3000 years ago, it was in heavy competition with many
ancient religions.� As the Jews moved
about they continued to run into conflict with Pagan, Heathen, Hellenic, and
various other old religious groups.�
These conflicts have continued throughout the ages.� Even today Judaism faces rival religions, and
factions within itself, which have at times threatened the Jews.� Despite this, our culture continues not only
to evolve and survive, but also to progress.
��������� The Jewish people posses a property of resilience as I have stated before.� Our resilience has allowed us to evolve unimpeded while other cultures and regions have fallen by the waste-side.� This resilience comes from the intellect that is ever prevalent in our culture.� But what are the roots of this intellect?� Our intellect isn�t a genetic trait, it has been developed throughout the ages as a byproduct of our traditions.� It is said that we are �The People of the Book�.� What does this mean? The Jewish people have gone to great lengths throughout the ages to propitiate their learning, both of secular books, and of our tree of knowledge � The Torah.
Judaism�s values are clearly grounded in thought and education.� Although the ancient Greeks were known for their superior intellects, the Greeks are not around today to show that intellect off.� This is because even the Greeks had values above education.� I would venture to say that almost, if not all, ancient and modern religions have held their highest values to be something other than education, with our single exemption.� Education is what has always set the Jews apart.
��������� It is with a great sense of worth that I have been a part of one the branches of the Tree of Knowledge over these last 5 years at Beth Sholom religious school.� The communal structure that lends itself to our fine tradition has embraced me and taught me the value of our religion.� Judaism is very unique in it�s handling of youth.� I believe when it�s ethics are carried out by those who posses a pure heart and love for the Torah that our tradition does inspire us, both young and old, to be better people, not for another world, but for the here and now.� As a part of this synagogue and religious school, I feel that I have grown exponentially as a person, and I feel that under the proper direction this will continue to be the case in our future.� Those who are intimately involved in our religious school education � Cathy, Rabbi, and Cantor pour their Heart and Soul into what they teach and the result is usually students that become menches at a young age.� This is the connotation that the tradition of Judaism carries with it.� All religions may appear to be functional systems on paper, but it is this connotation, this tradition that sets ours apart and makes us part of something special as God�s chosen people.� Shabbat Shalom.