In the spirit of Rabbi Akiva, JEC Lower School Principal Rabbi Uzi Beer led his division in an erev Shabbat oneg last week that focused on the sage’s most oft-quoted refrain, “v’ahavta l’reacha kamocha,” to love others like ourselves.

Back in school, fresh from Pesach vacation, the lessons of Sefirat HaOmer and the restrictions we place upon ourselves in memory of the students of Rabbi Akiva who perished during the period leading up to Lag B’Omer, were punctuated with real life examples of how to be united and loving towards one another.

Rabbi Beer closed the lights and led students in a musical rendition of the legendary words and students were seen swaying, row after row, grade after grade. It was a beautiful sight to see as the children sang wholeheartedly after learning the meaning behind and importance of the verse.