A few days ago, as I approached the school, something curious caught my eye. It’s been there all along, yet that day, for the first time, it struck me differently. As you turn on McKinley and approach the gates, there’s a sign that reads “Dead End.” I’ve passed it countless times without much thought, but at that particular moment it made me chuckle. Imagine that—a “Dead End” leading to a place that is anything but a dead end -  our school is bustling with life, growth, and endless possibilities!

It’s almost comical to think about. Here we are, at the start of a new school year, filled with hopes and dreams for what’s to come. Our classrooms are warm and welcoming and now filled with energetic and eager students. Our teachers have worked hard preparing for the year, and our hallways are already filled with the sounds of learning and laughter. And yet, at the edge of this vibrant scene, there’s a sign that seems to suggest the exact opposite.

But isn’t that the beauty of our journey? A sign may say “Dead End,” but it’s up to us to define the path beyond that sign. In Jewish tradition, we often talk about the power of perspective, about seeing beyond what’s immediately in front of us. Our rabbis teach us to look deeper, to find meaning and potential where others might see limitations. Our people are accustomed to breaking impossible barriers and so, too, do we journey with our students beyond the boundaries that others might impose. There is no dead end leading to Scehchter, regardless of what the sign may say.

This year, I invite our entire Schechter Bergen Kehillah to embrace this idea. Look at the sign the next time you come to school and turn the idea of “Dead End” on its head - That sign does not signal a limit, rather a reminder that our journey is anything but finished. In fact, it’s just beginning. Every day at Schechter is an opportunity to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and discover the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Our students aren’t confined by a “Dead End” sign—they’re empowered to create their own paths, grounded in the values and traditions of Torah and middot.

The new school year is like a blank canvas, ready to be filled with the colors of creativity, curiosity, and compassion. Our students will soar as they engage in their Jewish learning. They’ll be immersed in discussions that challenge their thinking and inspire their growth. They’ll learn not only to read and write, but to question, to innovate, and to lead with integrity.

As we begin this new year, let’s laugh together at the irony of a sign saying “Dead End” as we approach the Schechter Bergen campus and remember that our school is a place of beginnings. It’s a place where the road ahead is as long and as vibrant as we choose to make it. Together, let’s step forward into this year with hope, with excitement, and with the knowledge that every end is just the start of something new.