The One School Practice That Unites Everyone—So Why Not Use It? |
A Moment of Silence: A Simple Practice That Can Quietly Strengthen Our Schools
By Rabbi Anchelle Perl – Director of Chabad Mineola NY.
In an age filled with noise—digital noise, political noise, emotional noise—we have created school environments where students rarely, if ever, get even a moment to simply breathe. Last week in my Newsday guest essay, (Newsday Dec 4, 2025, Page A25) I wrote that children today are “inundated with noise,” and that there is powerful value in giving them “one minute of stillness” before the school day begins. Not silence for the sake of silence, but silence that allows children to access conscience, purpose, and inner grounding.
Yet the idea of a Moment of Silence still raises concerns for some people.
And I understand why. Whenever something new enters the school day, communities rightfully ask:
Will this divide us or unite us? Will it impose something or simply offer something? Will every family feel respected?
These questions deserve thoughtful answers, not dismissive ones.
So let us address them honestly—while looking at the reality of what our schools are already doing so well.
We Already Embrace Reflection—Just Under Different Names
Walk into many Nassau County schools and you will find mindfulness corners, Zen rooms, breathing exercises, SEL lessons, restorative circles, and full........