By Rabbi Robert Slosberg
The Rabbinic sages were wise in teaching girsa d’yankuta la miskakha -- That which you learn when you are young is never forgotten. How true! Perhaps the greatest gift I gave my children was attending the AJ Preschool.
The preschool at AJ was a formative experience in my children’s lives. They learned to be independent, and were nurtured by the most amazingly loving and giving staff. At AJ, each and every student is treated with love and respect. Each of my three children were guided and allowed to develop at their own pace in a safe and welcoming environment.
What has amazed me is the lifelong impact that the AJ Preschool had on my now adult children. They are still friends with some of the children they grew up with at AJ. And I am amazed how they still remember with affection the songs and activities they did.
My favorite preschool story illustrates how sound the principles of the program are. One December, my son Jacob’s class made Chanukah art for their homes. All the children made beautiful Chanukah lamp stands, except my son who insisted on making a Christmas tree. The teacher and director were mortified. Here was the Rabbi’s son taking home a Christmas tree! They called us and we said don’t worry! Since Jacob could not be persuaded to make a Chanukah menorah (“We have them at home!”), they decided to let Jacob express himself in his own unique way. Well Jacob brought the tree home, and I asked him what it was. He replied: “It’s a Home-Alone tree!”
We have so many fond memories of the AJ Preschool. Thankfully as it has continued to grow and prosper, more children are being blessed with what truly is the greatest gift a parent can give a developing child.
|
