This reflection was originally written for our religious school newsletter by Chaya Silver, Youth and Education Director. We’re sharing it here so our community and visitors can learn from this lesson at any time of year.

Three Ways of Being in the World

Throughout history, philosophers, statesmen, and teachers have described humanity in groups of three to teach an essential truth:

• “Those who get you in trouble, those who help you when you are in trouble, and those who ignore you in times of trouble.” —Proverb
• “People who see, people who see when they are shown, and those who do not see.” —Leonardo da Vinci
• “Wholly righteous people, wholly wicked people, and middling people.” —Mishnah

I don’t believe that any person fits neatly into only one of these categories. Instead, each of us carries elements of all three, with different traits becoming more prominent at different moments in our lives.

Three Roles in the Life of the Jewish People

The Torah describes three distinct groups that made up the nation of Israel:

• Cohanim (Priests): Those who stood at the front, creating holy spectacle and representing the people before God.
• Levites: The behind-the-scenes organizers—the ones who planned, carried, coordinated, and made the sacred moments possible.
• Am Yisrael (The People): The community members who showed up, participated, and received what was offered.

Each group had a specific role, and none could function without the others. The system only worked because of mutual dependence.

Our tradition places great emphasis on lineage, and even today there are people who can trace their ancestry back thousands of years and know whether they descend from Cohanim or Levites. There is much to learn from that history. But the lesson I want to focus on is this:

At different times in our lives, each of us is called to step into each of these roles.

The Challenge of Switching Roles

There are moments that ask us to lead—to step forward, take responsibility, and be the public face of a project. Other moments call on us to serve quietly: to volunteer, to do the work, to make things happen behind the scenes. And sometimes, our role is simply to show up, participate, receive, and express gratitude.

Many people find themselves drawn to—or recognized for—a particular role in their families or communities. Once that happens, it can be hard to switch.

• Someone who regularly inhabits the Cohen role may struggle to step back and watch others lead without criticism or jealousy.
• Someone comfortable in the role of Israelite may feel nervous or anxious when asked to take center stage as a leader.
• Levites are at their best when they focus not on recognition, but on how well others can navigate the thoughtful systems they’ve put in place.

Wisdom lies in learning how—and when—to embrace all three roles.

A Call to Our Community

For our Religious School to thrive, we need parents and families willing to stretch into different roles in the coming year.

We need:

• People willing to lead
• People willing to volunteer and do the work
• People willing to attend, participate, and support

When the call goes out asking for help, please don’t be shy—even if the role being asked of you feels unfamiliar or outside your comfort zone. Our community depends on each of us showing up in different ways at different times.

Building Together

I look forward to working together as we continue to build the school—and the community—of our dreams.

To get involved in our Religious School, please contact Chaya Silver.