How do you teach children that kindness isn’t just something you talk about – it’s something you do? Our fourth graders recently had the chance to bring these values to life, welcoming guests from Jewish Community Services (JCS) and Chimes for a morning filled with laughter, teamwork, and meaningful moments. Partnering with Spirit Club – where Beth Tfiloh (BT) parent and alum Henry Sheller ‘06 serves as Operations Manager – our students deepened their understanding of inclusion and empathy through games, movement, and conversation.
Understanding and respecting those who are different begins with empathy – imagining what it might feel like to walk in someone else’s shoes. Our fourth graders explored this idea through open discussions about what sets us apart and what brings us together. This journey began with their study of Wonder, R. J. Palacio’s novel, that opens students’ eyes to the importance of seeing beyond disabilities. Our students’ teachers reinforced these lessons by inviting guest speakers who shared personal stories of resilience and inclusion.
Judge Tara Posner, a disabilities judge, spoke about the fair and sensitive handling of disability cases, emphasizing that every person deserves to be treated with dignity.
Ryan Levin ‘18, a BT alum and the son of kindergarten teacher Morah Emily, shared his experience of living with cochlear implants. Diagnosed with hearing loss as an infant, Ryan explained how his implants work and how his hearing loss makes him feel unique, rather than limited. When asked if he would change anything about himself, he confidently said he wouldn’t – reinforcing the powerful message that a disability does not define a person.
Another BT graduate, Michael Millstein ‘16, joined the class via Zoom to share his experience of living with Tourette’s Syndrome. Diagnosed at age seven, he spoke about the challenges he faced and the special teacher who encouraged him to strive for his best despite obstacles. He left students with an empowering quote from Isaiah Austin: “You can make it your excuse, or you can make it your story.” His words inspired students to view their struggles as opportunities for growth.
These lessons and perspectives were put into action when our fourth graders welcomed 25 adults with disabilities from JCS and Chimes for an unforgettable morning of shared experiences. Together, they played bingo, exercised side by side in a Spirit Club-led class, and, most importantly, built connections through conversation and laughter. Watching our students engage with their guests – asking questions, participating in activities, and sharing snacks – was values-based education at its finest.
Through these interactions, our students embodied the principle that every person is created b’tzelem elokim – in the image of God. They demonstrated kindness, patience, and genuine interest in learning from those with different abilities, reinforcing that true inclusion is about meaningful connection.
Henry Sheller ’06 brought Spirit Club to this event, while Amee Cookler, BT’s Outreach Associate, coordinated a meaningful experience that brought joy, learning, and connection to both BT students and their guests – a day they will remember for years to come.
Through experiences like this, Beth Tfiloh students aren’t just learning about chesed they’re living it, embracing a lifelong lesson in kindness and community. Through experiences like this, Beth Tfiloh students aren’t just learning about chesed – they’re living it, embracing a lifelong lesson in kindness and community. The experience left a lasting impression on the students, with one fourth grader asking, “Can we please come back to fourth grade next year so we can do this again? It was fun and felt good to help others!” Moments like this show just how meaningful this experience was – not just for those they helped, but for the students themselves.
Could a Beth Tfiloh education be perfect for your student child? Visit bethtfiloh.com/admissions to visit their campus or schedule a tour.
