As November begins, the days grow shorter, the mornings colder, and the sunlight more fleeting. But within the Jewish calendar, this shift marks not a dimming but a preparation. We are approaching Kislev, the month of light, miracles, and hidden strength.
At Tamim Academy, we see Kislev not simply as the month that holds Chanukah. We see it as a spiritual reminder to help children discover the light within themselves, and to nurture it with the same intention and care that we bring to their academics.
In a world that often prizes speed, perfection, and visibility, Kislev whispers something quieter but more profound: the greatest strength may not be loud. The greatest growth might not be public. And the greatest success is often the light that shines even in the darkest moments.
The Kislev Mindset
Before the menorah is lit, before dreidels are spun and songs are sung, there is Rosh Chodesh Kislev—the beginning of a new spiritual cycle. This moment in the calendar invites us to pause and prepare, to begin thinking about how we bring light into the world, and more importantly, how we help our children discover their own capacity to do so.
At Tamim, this aligns perfectly with where we are in the school year. Students have settled into routines. Trust has been built. Questions are flowing. Confidence is rising. This is the perfect time to focus on nurturing inner resilience, identity, and joy.
Lighting the Inner Flame
Every child is born with a spark. Part of our role as educators and parents is to help them recognize it, tend to it, and allow it to grow into a steady flame. This is not just metaphor—it’s the core of Jewish education.
We do this by:
- Encouraging students to take ownership of mitzvot and daily rituals
- Helping them explore stories of courage and faith in the parsha
- Providing opportunities for leadership in tefillah, classroom jobs, and peer mentoring
- Teaching them that their ideas and questions carry weight
When children feel seen and trusted, they begin to see and trust themselves.
Lessons from Parashat Chayei Sarah
In mid-November, we read Parashat Chayei Sarah, which tells of Avraham securing a future for his people through both land and legacy. He sends Eliezer to find a wife for Yitzchak, and Rivkah emerges not just as a bride—but as a role model of generosity, confidence, and independent decision-making.
This parsha offers rich conversations with students about:
- What legacy means to them
- How kindness and action shape who we are
- Why inner light (like Rivkah’s water-giving gesture) matters more than appearances
We teach students that like Rivkah, they too can make powerful choices that ripple far beyond their immediate moment.
A Teaching from the Rebbe
The Rebbe explained that the Chanukah lights remind us that illumination begins at home—within oneself and one’s family—by increasing the light of Torah and mitzvot in everyday life. But it cannot remain there. Light, by its nature, spreads outward. The menorah is placed where it can be seen from the outside, symbolizing the responsibility we each have to bring warmth and hope to those around us.
As the Rebbe taught: “A little light expels a lot of darkness.” Darkness—whether it comes from confusion, doubt, or challenges—cannot be swept away by force. It can only be dispelled by light. This is as true in a child’s journey of learning as it is in the broader world.
From Darkness to Discovery
One of the most beautiful things about this season is the way it mirrors the inner life of a learner. In September, everything is new and visible. In October, growth takes root quietly. And by November, what was once uncertain becomes sturdy.
Just like the Chanukah candles, a child’s confidence builds gradually. One light at a time. One step at a time.
This month, we focus on small but powerful themes:
- Believing in yourself even when something feels hard
- Finding hope even on a grey day
- Noticing goodness in others
- Taking pride in being Jewish
These lessons are embedded in every subject, from Hebrew to math, science to parsha. They are part of the Tamim way of learning—with meaning, with warmth, and with soul.
A Message for Parents
As we move into the winter season, we invite parents to help strengthen this message at home.
Here are a few ways to do that:
- Light a candle before bedtime and ask: What brought you light today?
- Create a gratitude wall in the kitchen or hallway
- Share stories from your own Jewish journey
- Talk about bravery, kindness, or miracles in everyday life
When students see their family embracing these values, their own sense of Jewish identity becomes stronger, more joyful, and more integrated into who they are.
Looking Ahead
Kislev reminds us that light does not chase away darkness by force. It simply shines—quietly, steadily, unapologetically.
At Tamim Academy, we are honoured to walk with our students as they begin to understand that their light matters. That their presence brings warmth. That their questions are holy. And that their actions—even the small ones—can illuminate the world.
This Kislev, may we all be inspired by the message of the Rebbe: to begin by kindling light within our own homes, and then to carry it outward so that together we create a brighter, kinder, and more connected world.
