The main thing is to not be afraid . . .
(Written for Creative Arts Academy, Summer 2026)
When it’s all new.
When change is inevitable
When we forget to pack socks
The most important thing is not to be afraid.
When we’re not sure the people in our bunk like us.
When we think the people in our bunk like us too much.
When being nice instead of angry is hard
The most important thing is not to be afraid.
When they’re not using the right melodies to the prayers
When they’re laying another new song on us
When we’re having trouble finding the wind in our ruach
The most important thing is not to be afraid.
When no one knows what you’re really going through
When the empty canvas feels like forever
When you’re on the stage and everyone is looking at you
When you don’t remember your lines and you’re not sure they’re any good
The most important thing is not to be afraid.
When the sea is in front of us and the water hasn’t split yet
When the familiarity of our old Egypt hood is compelling
When we don’t know what is on the other side of the water
The most important thing is not to be afraid.
The main thing…the most important thing
The thing you just can’t forget
is not to be afraid
You got this.