It can be very hard to define Jewish values in a short statement. One definition that always resonates with me is Hillel’s dictum – to treat your neighbor as you would want to be treated. At AMIT, we see that Jewish value expressed daily as our teachers and students live it every day.
Adir is a 12th grader at AMIT Maaleh Adumim. Last summer, while on his way to his computer communications bagrut (matriculation) exam, he saw an elderly woman in distress at the Central Bus Station. She told him that she had just been mugged and her cellphone was stolen. He chased down her attacker and held him until the police arrived. As one might expect, Adir arrived late and could have failed his exam. However, his principal made sure that he was able to get the necessary time for his exam, as he explained, “getting good grades is important but being a good person who helps others is most important.”
Yisroel Ohayon is the head of the Yeshiva track at AMIT Sderot religious school. Last month, he, along with five other teachers received the national “teacher of the year” award. The award comes with 15,000 Nis ($4,200). Throughout the year, Rav Ohayon volunteers, with his students, at the Sderot Chesed Center. The center provides daily food packages, furniture, clothing, and supplies for smachot and shiva to anyone in need. As Rav Ohayon notes, “you hear all over the media how split Israeli society is, but this place and our students prove otherwise – our packages go to the right, left, secular and religious. It’s amazing.” Rav Ohayon is more than amazing! Rather than spend the prize money on himself and his family, he donated it to the Chesed Center where he and his students volunteer.
AMIT’s reputation as a stellar educational network is undeniable, but what sets us apart is how much the Jewish value of bringing good to people is an integral part of our education. Not a week goes by that I don’t read about what AMIT students and teachers are doing to make their communities (young and old) safer, happier, cared for, more connected, more resilient, and better able to manage both the good and bad that life can throw at you.
At AMIT, we understand that life is not a zero-sum game. The more you give to others, the more you receive. And on our good days, we don’t let an opportunity slip by.
