Rabbi Yaakov Green ('98) Head of School The start of the school year means I get to do something that really gets me in the mood for the  Yamim Noraim , high holy days. During these first weeks of school, I walk into each classroom every morning and blow  shofar  for the students. In our youngest classrooms, we listen with wide eyes and wonder. We ask questions about the sounds and the shape of the  shofar.  In our older classrooms, we learn the reasons for standing solemnly, and someone in each class suggests an intention, a  kavanah , for  tekiyat shofar . Right at the beginning of the new school year I have the perfect reason to go into every classroom, talk with students, and have individual interactions centered around this communal ritual. The sense of community at our school is palpable as students reunite and warmly integrate new friends, greeting them with smiles and introductions. When we start a new school year we encourage our students to c...