On Saturday night (Jan 21), Preschool families gathered for Havdallah in Pajamas, with Rabbi Greenstein and myself. We always schedule this beautiful ceremony for a cold, winter night, which allows for more preschool families to attend before they start tucking their children into bed for the night.

With children running around in their jammies, the scene was set for some adorable photos. However, what sticks out in my mind even more, was the fact that this sweet and serene ceremony is always experienced for the first time each year by a new family. They might come out of curiosity, or simply because they know a friend will also be there. However, the magic of havdallah brings everyone together in a matter of minutes. Continue reading →

The door to Shomrei swung open wide on the first Thursday of the school year, and a mix of preschoolers stood just outside the entrance. Some stood proudly, clutching their lunchbox in one hand, and dad’s finger with the other. Others were snuggling in the arms of their parents, clearly feeling some trepidation as they began to walk towards their classroom.

No matter how much we prepare all summer long for our new and returning students, the real work does not begin until we begin forming relationships with our students and their families. Staring at names on a roster in August will never fully prepare our teachers to know what each student will bring to the classroom: will they be quiet and reserved or energetic, bouncing from activity to activity? Continue reading →