Partners with God: A Meaningful Milestone in First Grade
Each year, Schechter’s first graders mark an important milestone in their Jewish journey with the heartwarming and thought-provoking Partners with God ceremony. This beloved tradition, held today on May 15, is the culmination of a yearlong exploration of God’s presence in our lives and our responsibility as God’s partners in making the world a better place. Through music, reflection, and heartfelt letters, our first-grade students take center stage to share their understanding of what it means to be created in the image of God.
Exploring the Role of God in Our Lives
From the very start of the school year, our first graders have engaged in meaningful discussions about God’s role in the world. They have explored deep and thought-provoking questions: Who is God? How does God show kindness? How can we talk to God? This journey of discovery has been enriched through literature, creative writing, music, and art—helping our students connect with Jewish values in ways that resonate with their young hearts and minds.
Rachel Haims, 1st Grade General Studies Teacher, shared:"Throughout the year, our first graders have been asking deep and thoughtful questions about God, creation, and their own role in making the world a better place. Today’s ceremony was a beautiful culmination of their learning—one that showcased their curiosity, kindness, and growth. Seeing them express their ideas through song, writing, and reflection was truly inspiring."
Today’s ceremony brought these lessons to life as the children led families, teachers, and friends through an inspiring program filled with songs, prayers, and personal reflections. Rabbi Jonathan framed the experience, sharing how the students have been preparing for this moment and highlighting their thoughtful explorations of what it means to be God’s partners.
A Celebration of Creation and Connection
The program began with the powerful lyrics of Hakol Mishamayim, setting the tone for a day of gratitude, wonder, and joy. Students then officially welcomed their guests, proudly announcing: “ברוכים הבאים אורחים יקרים! Welcome to Partners with God presented by first grade.”
Throughout the ceremony, students took turns reading aloud their letters to God, each one a deeply personal expression of gratitude, curiosity, and hope. These letters reflected their learning, their questions, and their appreciation for the world around them.
Tali Lupovich, 1st & 2nd Grade Judaic Studies Teacher, reflected on the spiritual significance of the ceremony:"Partners with God is more than just an event; it’s a moment when our students take their first steps in understanding what it means to be created b’tzelem Elohim—in God’s image. Their letters, songs, and prayers demonstrate a deep connection to Jewish values, and I am so proud of how they embraced this learning with open hearts and minds."
Accompanied by music from Rabbi Jonathan and Elizabeth, the students led the community in beautiful renditions of “Mah Rabu,” “Oseh Shalom,” and “Shalom Rav,” each song reinforcing a theme of divine connection, peace, and appreciation for creation. With each note, the room was filled with the voices of children singing their prayers for peace, love, and a better world.
Expressions of Gratitude and Love
One of the most moving moments of the ceremony came when students reflected on gratitude as a way to connect with God. They joyfully sang Hodu L’Adonai and Todah Al Kol, expressing thanks for God’s kindness and for the beauty of creation. During this segment, students shared that they feel closest to God when they are surrounded by family, friends, and nature, appreciating the world through a lens of gratitude.
Dr. Lena Kushnir, Head of School, spoke about the impact of the ceremony on the broader community:"Each year, Partners with God reminds us of the wisdom and sincerity of our youngest students. Their words and songs today were filled with hope, gratitude, and love—reminding us all of the power of faith, kindness, and connection. It is a privilege to watch them grow into thoughtful, compassionate individuals who are already making a difference in the world."
As a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, each child then presented a flower to their parents, recognizing the love and support that surrounds them each day. This simple yet profound act underscored one of the key messages of the day: that God’s presence is felt through the kindness we show to one another.
Embracing Responsibility as God’s Partners
The ceremony concluded with a powerful reminder that being created in God’s image comes with great responsibility. Through a poem and a final set of reflections, students emphasized the importance of helping others, making kind choices, and bringing godliness into the world through their actions.
Their voices rang out in unison as they recited a quote from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel: “Every action counts and every word has power. So choose actions and words that will make the world a better and kinder place.”
Nanci Caplan, Associate Head of School, reflected on the significance of this milestone:"This ceremony is one of the most meaningful milestones in a Schechter student’s journey. It’s not just about what they’ve learned—it’s about who they are becoming. Watching these first graders step up with confidence, share their letters to God, and reflect on their place in the world is a moment of pure joy and inspiration for all of us."
To close the celebration, the first graders led everyone in singing “Yachad,” reinforcing the idea that as a community, we are stronger together in spreading love, kindness, and joy.
A Milestone to Remember
As families left the ceremony, there was an overwhelming sense of pride and inspiration. Today’s Partners with God milestone was not just a performance—it was a testament to the depth of our students’ learning and the meaningful conversations they have had throughout the year. They reminded all of us that partnering with God is an ongoing commitment—one that requires gratitude, kindness, and a dedication to making the world a better place.
Mazal tov to our first graders on this incredible accomplishment! May they continue to grow as thoughtful, compassionate individuals who bring light into the world.
