Absolutely, Vira Gorelova .Recognizing mental health as a fundamental component of overall well-being is essential. Creating compassionate classroom environments where students feel safe, understood, and supported fosters not only academic achievement but also emotional resilience. Schools can promote this by integrating mental health education, providing accessible resources, and encouraging open dialogue about emotional well-being. Prioritizing rest, connection, and support helps nurture healthier, more confident students who are better equipped to thrive both academically and personally.

The notion that mental health is a necessity, rather than a luxury, is a concept that aligns with my own views on the importance of preserving the health of the soul. In my works, I write about the need for individuals to cultivate emotional balance, compassion, and self-awareness in order to achieve spiritual growth and intellectual understanding.

Your emphasis on rest, connection, and emotional support as essential components of a healthy educational environment reflects the wisdom of ancient tradition. The Talmud teaches us that "the preservation of life takes precedence over the fulfilment of any other commandment" (Yoma 85b). By prioritizing the well-being of students, educators can create an environment that fosters not only intellectual growth but also emotional intelligence, empathy, and a sense of community.

The idea of building compassionate classrooms, where students feel safe, heard, and supported, is reminiscent of the saying from the Ethics of the Fathers, "The world stands on three things: on justice, on truth, and on peace" (Pirkei Avot 1:18). By cultivating a sense of justice, truth, and peace in the classroom, educators can create a space where students can thrive, grow, and develop into compassionate, thoughtful, and wise individuals.

Best, stephen