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Dear Friends,

Given the past week and all that came with it, it is hardly surprising that the quieter, subtler things that took place at the same time may have gotten lost in the shuffle.  One example is the loss of Ella Jenkins, a lifelong and leading performer of children’s music.  She was often called “The First Lady of the Children’s Folk Song,” and lived to the ripe age of 100 years old!

My exposure to her came through another master artist and teacher, and if you hadn’t heard of Ella Jenkins until now, I’m fairly sure you’ve heard of this one: Mr. Rogers!  About a year after our son’s arrival, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” began making a happy appearance in our home and lives again.

At first, I wondered if the slow, gentle pacing would hold our little one’s interest.  It did.  And the ever-present trolley that travels to and from the land of Make Believe didn’t hurt!

Whenever I watched Jonah take in the familiar piano chords, the ubiquitous shoe and sweater changes and the teachings of bravery and the dignity of honest emotional expression, it was as though I was seeing my past and his future bound up together.

One thing that makes Mr. Rogers’ legacy such a gift across the generations is the way he walked the walk.  He did not merely preach the importance of being open to each other’s differences, or learning new things.  He exemplified these values and so many more, teaching by example.  It has been pointed out that one such instance involved – you guessed it - Ella Jenkins, demonstrating the kind of rhythmic clapping game and chant she was known for.  Our venerable host was not a quick study and did not always keep the beat, but he never stopped participating and never lost that winsome smile.

For her part, she was endlessly patient and committed to the ways in which joy and learning are most powerful when they go hand in hand.

This encounter just may have encouraged even one young viewer not to give up on mastering a skill, or reinforced that if our beloved Mr. Rogers could appear imperfect or vulnerable, then that must be a part of what it means to be human.

And here we come to what all this has to do with Judaism.  At any age, being part of Jewish life means constantly being surrounded by avenues of learning, growth and identity building.  I am constantly inspired by our Religious School students and our adult learners who are opening themselves to lifelong Jewish education and finding that its riches are real and true.

Ella Jenkins inherently understood that call-and-response singing promotes strength, self-esteem and understanding among people.  It can be a difficult to discern that call and respond to it, but it is not beyond our reach.  This Shabbat and always, let us connect with something to sing about.

Here’s to a beautiful Shabbat in the neighborhood!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Gutterman