Sunday mornings are very special at Emanu El. That's when our younger grades Pre-K through 6 are in the building. From the sights and sounds in the classrooms, to the music and dance assemblies that take place all over the building, to the special programs that occur almost everywhere, children are at Temple experiencing the excitement of learning in our Helfman Religious School.

Just like during the week when Becker is in session, one of the delights is watching the little ones as they move down the hall and through the building from space to space. There's no feeling like one of the little ones who come running up to me with a big hug and a "Hi, Rabbi." Or a high-five from one of the older kids.

I like to stop by the classrooms when I can and shmooz with the kids. Sometimes I walk into one of their Hebrew lessons and they get to proudly show off how well they can read a passage. Other times I just check in and see what they are up to. If someone brought donuts that morning, they usually offer me one first thing.

The Art Room is filled with their wonderful creations. You'd love experiencing the excitement of a youngster who has just made a mezzuzah or a mock Torah, I walk in and they proudly show me what they've done.

But as neat and exciting as all this is, I have to share with you my favorite part of Sunday morning - our TA's, our Teachers' Assistants. They are the upper grade Emanu Elites who come on Sunday mornings to help teach the little ones. My heart soars when I see them helping a little one read Hebrew or color in a picture of Moses or Abraham, or just walking down the hall tenderly holding a child's small hand. The TA's don't have to be here. They're here by choice because they want to help give the little ones the kind of loving experience they had when they were young. And you have to know how special it is to little ones to see the older kids. It is inspiring to them.

So hats off to the TA's. And thanks to all of you for making Sunday morning at the Helfman Religious School so special for the younger children. You make us proud.