On Tuesday, May 15, we celebrated the graduation of 50 students with a tribute to Yom Yerushalayim, complete with Israeli food, music, and song.

Graduate speakers lauded their Melton experience and expressed their intention to continue as adult Jewish learners. Rabbi Yaakov Chaitovsky, Dramas teacher, played and sang a medley of songs about Jerusalem. An enthusaistic audience, representing three generations, joined him in singing. Children worked on Jerusalem word searches and received Israeli flags for their efforts.

Rabbi Ilyse Kramer, who next year will be a Melton Fellow in Jerusalem, delivered a special message to the graduates:

"In a world of war and desire, I hope you will 'hear' and 'speak' a voice of restraint and honor.

In a world of power and suffering, I hope you will go on to create worlds of compassion, discussion, and dialogue.

Indeed, may you seek out and find your unique place among the Jewish people, and go from strength to strength in your life's unfolding journey."

We send wishes of Mazal Tov to all graduates of Melton throughout the world, and to our dedicated teachers and directors.