Jan 27, 2021

Program Brings Torah and Prayer to Preschoolers

A 2021 Federation Jewish Incubator Grants is helping preschoolers learn about prayer and Jewish text in an engaging and accessible way. Through Words From Our Hearts: A Prayer Exploration for Early Childhood, a collaboration between Federation subsidiary agency the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE) and Torahtron, a local Jewish educational theater, children, families and teachers will explore prayer concepts and develop their own avenues of spiritual expression.

Preschool community members will enjoy virtual Torahtron performances by Evelyn Goldfinger that bring to life ideas such as gratitude, forgiveness, praise and wonder through performances that include stories, songs and puppets. Joy Schandler, Director of Early Childhood and Congregational Education for CAJE, said, "Learning through the arts has an impact beyond understanding the information. It is a vehicle that opens our hearts to our emotions and feelings. This is the kind of learning we want for our students, their families and our teachers." As part of the grant, educators will also benefit from professional development sessions, helping them incorporate prayer throughout the year as a way to uplift spirits and deepen connections.

Federation Incubator Grants support innovative and impactful programs that enrich our local Jewish community by providing a safety net for the vulnerable, strengthening Jewish identity and building community. This year’s grants emphasized programs serving communal needs created by the pandemic and funding initiatives that address food insecurity, social isolation, health and wellness and education. For more information on this year’s recipients, click here.