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In the month of June, the word “commencement” seems to pop up a lot, because graduations are known as commencement exercises. I had a colleague who would say that the only exercise he gets all year is when he attends commencement exercises in June.

Undoubtedly, it was one of the greatest moments in the annals of Jewish history. When our ancestors stood at Sinai and were asked if they would accept the Torah, they unequivocally proclaimed “Naaseh V’Nishma – We will do and we will hear.” It was a proclamation of complete and unyielding obedience and commitment.

My esteemed colleague, Rabbi Dr. Joel Berman, related the following story from his years as a soldier in the IDF:

It’s not easy to be menacheim avel, as we don’t like going to “sad places.” At the same time, however, it is often an elevating experience. I often leave a shiv’ah house with inspiring ideas I heard related about the niftar, some that I could adopt and implement in my own life.

I have a colleague who is a beloved teacher and masterful storyteller.  He often recounts his experiences while serving in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He recently related the following story:

Our children are often told that growing up entails becoming more mature. I occasionally ask my students and my children how they define maturity and what it means to them. Their answers are varied and sometimes they can’t really pinpoint what it means to them.