Passover and the Importance of Remembering
This evening, at sundown, Passover begins. Passover is the Jewish holiday for remembering the Israelite exodus from Egypt. The people of Israel had been slaves in Egypt for 430 years, before Moses gave Pharaoh the message from God that Pharaoh was to let the Israelites go. When Pharaoh refused, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt—frogs, […]
Simply because it is Hard
One hundred and twenty-six years ago today, April 19, 1897, the first Boston Marathon was held. It is the world’s oldest annual marathon, a race in which competitors run 26.2 miles through the streets of Boston. The marathon race is named for the for the legend of Pheidippides. The story goes that during the Battle […]
The Unglamorous Necessity of Sound Preparation
Two hundred and forty-nine years ago today, on April 18, 1775, Paul Revere embarked on his Midnight Ride, alerting the American colonial militia that the British were coming. We all know the story, about the lanterns in the Old North Church, one if by land, two if by sea, Revere’s capture by the British on […]
Stand tall…and fall…for what you believe.
On April 17, 1521, the German priest and Augustinian friar Martin Luther appeared before the Diet of Worms. The Diet was a gathering presided over by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in the Imperial Free City of Worms, located in present-day Germany. Luther was called to appear and either to recant or reaffirm what he […]
Too Much Knowledge?
On April 15, 1452, 572 years ago today, Leonardo da Vinci was born in the small town of Vinci, about 20 miles from Florence, Italy. We all know the da Vinci name—he was one of the greatest geniuses ever to live. While at first known mostly for his painting, da Vinci was also a draughtsman, […]
What’s your wonder?
On April 12, 1961—63 years ago today—Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first human to journey into outer space, completing one orbit of Earth before returning safely. Exactly 20 years later, on April 12, 1981, the first space shuttle—that is, a reusable space vehicle—Columbia, made its maiden flight into space, returning two days later […]
How would I respond?
79 Years ago today, on April 11, 1945, the Buchenwald Nazi concentration camp was liberated by the United States Army. The camp had housed over 280,000 prisoners during World War II, and nearly 60,000 of those prisoners died there, either by execution or starvation. Buchenwald was just one of the many Nazi concentration camps throughout […]
Women and Children First?
Wed 4/10/2024 8:07 AM 112 years ago today, April 10, 1912, the RMS Titanic embarked on her maiden voyage. Four days later, she hit an iceberg and sank. There were not enough lifeboats on board to save everyone, and so Second Officer Charles Lightoller suggested to the captain that they get the women and children into the […]
When to Fight; When to Surrender?
Welcome back. I trust you all had a wonderful break. If you’re having trouble seeing me, it probably means you looked at the sun yesterday without the proper eyewear. Nonetheless, I’m glad you’re back. Over the course of the year, I’ve mostly shared with you stories, poems, Bible verses, with some kind of lesson or […]
Cultivating Virtuous Scholars: Embracing the Classical Pathway of Education
Ever before us are the young people who will become adults. We dare not rush these little ones; each step in their classical education builds to the next – each moment is important to relish and enjoy. The classical scope and sequence along with pedagogical supports Hillsdale curated in their Program Guide and licensed to […]
