We continue with our series of insights from our clergy and educators on the importance and value of Jewish learning in our synagogue, in our schools and in our community. We do so looking forward with excitement to our Celebration of Shabbat through Stories weekend – January 27-29 – with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie.
We share these reflections from Rochelle Baron, Director of our Hedwig Gruenewald Early Childhood Center (HGECC), on the value of a Jewish preschool:
Attending a Jewish preschool is truly a gift…a wonderful experience for children and families. So many Jewish — and human — values and lessons are part of what we teach each and every day.
A Jewish preschool stresses learning about kindness — how to be a friend, how to get along with others, how to show respect to everyone. We expose the children to Jewish traditions and customs as we teach them about Shabbat and holidays, creating life-long memories as we partake in activities with our friends and families. The concepts of mitzvot and tzedakah, important parts of our Jewish identity, are taught to help the children understand the importance of giving to others through our monthly charitable contributions to different causes, both Jewish-based and secular.
At HGECC we welcome families from all parts of our neighboring communities. In our play-based program, children develop their skills in every aspect of early childhood education as they learn how to be kind and caring people as well as Jewish values and customs. Our hope is that this understanding, starting with our youngest population, will help the world become a better place for all.
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To learn more about our Celebration of Shabbat through Stories weekend with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, please click HERE.
Connect // Belong // Inspire
