The new school year has arrived. Good luck! Someone asked me what tip I would give the girl I once was. Here’s the advice I would gladly share with every student, parent, and teacher, words from this week’s Torah portion: “You cannot ignore.”"} 65:{"position":7,"content":"

The parasha describes a person who sees someone else’s lost object on the street. He could ignore it, and keep walking without returning it to its owner but something deep inside won’t let him move on.

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The Torah doesn’t say, “It’s not nice to ignore,” nor does it politely request, “Please don’t ignore.” It declares: “You cannot ignore!” In other words, God knows you. He knows that deep within, you have a good soul and a desire to help. You simply cannot ignore.

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Our commentators explain that these three words apply not only to a lost item but to everything we see around us. It’s a command to live more alert, attentive lives toward our surroundings.

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In school, after school hours, and at home too, don’t just say, “Live and let live” or “Leave it, it’s not my business.” At our core, we are kind and caring—and that is how the Torah expects us to behave.

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This week, millions of children are stepping into their schools. As you begin this year, remember this verse: “You cannot ignore.” Notice the classmate who is new, the one sitting alone, the friend who needs a smile. Small acts of care can transform the whole year—for them, and for you.

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Before You!

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The accompanying photo shows thousands of Jews gathered at the Kotel HaMaaravi for Selichot prayers which, according to Sephardic tradition, are recited from the beginning of Elul until Yom Kippur. (Ashkenazim begin Selichot

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