Of all the disciplines that our children learn, perhaps the most important is the one that teaches them that all of the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Judaism finds its truest expressions in how we practice our daily lives.

Michael had never seen a menorah. His father vaguely remembered one as a child in the Ukraine. So, when we lit Chanukah candles in our Kiryat Shmonah school, Michael was mesmerized. His classmates helped him with the blessings. For 8-year old Michael this was his first Chanukah. But it is not the last one. Nor for his father, Alex. Together they lit candles for 8 nights, and Alex mastered the blessings almost as well as his son.

Each child is encouraged to work at his own pace and in his own way. By interacting with children from different backgrounds, youngsters learn invaluable lessons in tolerance and understanding. Lessons that are critically important in Israel now. Lessons that will make them better citizens tomorrow.

Danny has been blind since birth. He wanted to learn in a regular school. But most schools are not equipped to handle the special needs of a blind child. Our Reshet school in Netanya, however, openly welcomed him. The staff immediately adapted to Danny's needs, and the children willingly included him in all their activities, inside and outside of school. Danny is learning a lot. But so are his classmates. They are learning that Danny is first and foremost a child, and their friend. And they are learning about tolerance not from a book or a curriculum, but from a real life experience.

At Reshet Schools children learn that a meaningful Jewish life combines personal growth alongside community involvement. And that one cannot exist without the other.

Elisheva was very reluctant at first when her class visited the Beersheba Senior Citizen's Home. But 11-year old Elisheva and 88-year old Samuel became fast friends. So, it was no surprise to her teacher when Elisheva invited Samuel home for her Passover Seder.