Pinteleh Gala Journal - Feb 25th, 2018 Final Pinteleh Journal | Page 16

FROM OUR FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
To the collective family of
Lamplighters Yeshivah;
parents, teachers, community members and honored supporters,
There was a moment in our preparation stages for this year’s gala when a
number of us were sitting together and planning the evening’s theme and
activities. How would we differentiate our gala this year? What theme
could encapsulate, yet again, our mission, vision and impact? Pinteleh,
the spark within, became a fast favorite. Afterall, what is the driving force
compelling each one of us to actualize our potential? What explains the
utterly unique, individual nature of each person in this world? And what
else, as educators and parents, are we not mandated to nurture and reveal
in our children-- in ourselves, in one another? That Divine spark. That
voice within.
Storytelling has always been a personal passion of mine. From my years
in filmmaking, photography and writing, I have always been compelled to
share those unique stories that encapsulate who we are and what embodies
our process of becoming who we are meant to be. And when we share our
personal stories - and create the space to truly listen to one another’s’ -
we connect on that pure, soul level. We peer inside the mirror of another’s
words. We recognize how much we share with one each other. We give
voice to that spark within, allowing it to reverberate everywhere.
At Lamplighters, we are privileged to hear and bear witness to the
incredible stories, the powerful moments, that combine together to create
the rich, soulful tapestry of our school community. Tonight, you will
hear a handful of those pinteleh stories from courageous members of our
Lamplighters’ family. They have prepared long and hard to take the stage,
to open their souls, and shine their light. I pray their stories will resonate
with you, inspire you, and compel you to join our movement to unearth the
deepest light hidden in each child-- and one another.
Hashem creates each one of us utterly unique, our own pinteleh to guide
and drive our growth. The world asks us to step into a box, to suppress that