I recently had the privilege of visiting Israel, which left me feeling both inspired and deeply proud. In the shuk in Yerushalayim, I had the opportunity to reconnect with Maimonides alumni who are spending a year learning Torah, and it was wonderful to see each of them glowing with excitement about their learning and to hear about their "only in Israel" moments. What struck me most was not only their excitement about being there, but also how it felt to them like a seamless continuation from Maimonides. They reflected on how their education in Judaic studies and Hebrew language in particular prepared them to naturally continue their lives and studies in Israel.
I also experienced Israel through the eyes of my own children, watching how they referenced their knowledge of Jewish history as we toured ancient ruins, marveled at the beauty of the land, and conversed with Israelis throughout our trip. It became clear to me how deeply their education had prepared them to feel at home in Israel.
This powerful connection to the land and language of Israel is reflected in Parshat Va'era this week. When Bnei Yisrael and Moshe are feeling despondent about how their situation in Egypt is only getting worse, Hashem reiterates his promise that things will get better. Hashem presents Moshe with what become known as the four expressions of geula, redemption:
והוצאתי — I will take you out
והצלתי — I will save you
וגאלתי — I will redeem you
ולקחתי — I will take you as My people
These stages form the core of our understanding of geula, and they are central to how we tell the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim each year, with four cups of wine at the Pesach seder. But there is a fifth promise, one represented by a cup of wine that we pour but do not drink.
Hashem tells us that the purpose of freeing us from Mitzrayim is so that we can fulfill our ultimate mission: והבאתי אתכם אל הארץ — "And I will bring you into the land." Redemption is not only about leaving Egypt behind. It is about being brought to the land of Israel, where we can fulfill our destiny of being an Am Kadosh, holy nation.
Chazal teach us that one of the defining merits that enabled Bnei Yisrael to be redeemed from Egypt was that they did not abandon their language. Hebrew preserved their identity in Egypt. It anchored them to who they were and who they were meant to become. Hebrew is the language of Torah and tefillah, and the language that connects us to the land of Israel.
It is for this reason that I feel such deep pride in our excellent Hebrew program at Maimonides. We continue to grow our program under the supervision of Hebrew department chair Barak Cerf, including fostering partnerships with Bar Ilan University for our eighth grade and Upper School classes, and preparing our seniors to earn a Seal of Biliteracy. Our investment in Hebrew education reflects a belief that Hebrew is not only an academic skill, but also a core component of Jewish identity and destiny. When we teach Hebrew at Maimonides, we are not just teaching words and grammar. We are helping our students live the fifth expression of redemption — והבאתי — in real and lasting ways.
When our alumni tell me how much they appreciate their Hebrew education, I hear more than gratitude for a strong program. I hear recognition that Hebrew has given them confidence, connection, and a natural sense of belonging in Israel.
May we continue to see our students grow in Torah and in their connection to Eretz Yisrael, and may we merit to experience the full redemption together.
