Today is the last day of school. That means change is ahead for all of us.

For some of us, the changes are especially significant. Our graduating eighth graders are preparing to leave middle school and begin high school. Our fifth graders are getting ready to take the exciting step up from elementary school into middle school. And (40!) kindergartners will leave the familiar comfort of preschool and walk into elementary school for the very first time in August.

As we approach the end of another school year, there is a natural tendency to focus on results: report cards, achievements, growth, and milestones. We look back and ask: Did we accomplish enough? Did our students learn what they needed to learn? Did we succeed?

This week’s parsha offers a different lens.

At the beginning of Sefer Bamidbar, the Torah describes Hashem commanding Moshe to count the Jewish people. In this week’s parsha, Parshas Naso, the theme of counting continues with the Leviim. This census was not simply administrative. Rashi points out that Hashem counted the Jewish people מתוך חיבתן, because of His love for them. The counting itself was an expression of care.

Lag Ba'omer stands out on the Jewish calendar not only for its bonfires and celebrations, but for its uniquely deep connection to children. Positioned between two foundational moments, Pesach and Shavuos, it forms a bridge that highlights the essential role of children in the transmission of Torah and Jewish identity.

On Pesach, the Torah places extraordinary emphasis on education through the mitzvah of “v’higadeta l’vincha” - telling the story of the Exodus to one’s child. The Seder revolves around curiosity and engagement, all centered on the child’s questions. It is not enough to remember; we must transmit.

On the day the Mishkan was inaugurated, the world was filled with joy, serenity, and Divine presence. Our Sages teach that it was a day comparable to the very day the world was created. And then, in the midst of that celebration, tragedy struck. Two of Aharon’s sons, Nadav and Avihu, died, consumed by fire.

This week’s parsha begins with the words:

אַחֲרֵי מוֹת שְׁנֵי בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן בְּקָרְבָתָם לִפְנֵי ה׳ וַיָּמֻתוּ

“After the death of Aharon’s two sons, when they came close before Hashem and they died.”