The Charlotte Jewish News - March 2010 - Page 7 Sclwols JPS, My Community Connection By Allison Arena, JPS Parent Two years ago, my family and I moved to Charlotte from the Triangle for my husband’s job. We didn’t know anyone or have much information about the local com munity. My first priority was to ease the transition for our two young children. It was late December and we had to find a place for them to continue their Jewish preschool education. Luckily, we found a wonderful match at the Jewish Preschool on Sardis (JPS). The staff welcomed us with open arms and smiling Allison Arena and son fond memories of JPS. Charlie will have Thanks to JPS’s 2010 Silent Auction Sponsors Laxer, Long, & Savage Pediatric Dentistry; Steve & Linda Lepow RE/MAX Executive Realty; Diamonds Direct Southpark; Your Event Source; OrthoCarolina; Charlotte Jewish Day School; Family Dollar; Charlotte Pediatric Clinic; Friendly Neighborhood Dental; Mercedes Benz of South Charlotte; 5AV, LLC; Menaker Rodney Dentistry; Varji & Varji; Greenspon & Associates; Patterson Dental; Artshots Photography; Creative Events; Presbyterian Urogynecology; Metrolina Plastic Surgery; Brady & Kosofsky PA; Arboretum Pediatrics faces. Since many of the chil dren at JPS had been class mates since they were tod dlers, I was concerned about the adjustment for my own children. Imagine my surprise when my daughter was invit ed to a classmate’s birthday party two weeks after we moved here. I was so happy. I knew then that I had made the 1 right choice. I spent many afternoons on — the JPS playground, talking and enjoying the company of other mothers. I was able to gather important information and recommendations - - the best pedi atricians, pizza, and so on. It was also there on the play ground that I revealed my former corporate life in sales, marketing, and event planning to a new friend. The next thing I knew, this friend signed me up to solicit for JPS’ silent auction, the school’s biggest fundraiser. I figured it would be a fantastic way to meet new people and use my “retired” skill set to benefit this new com munity. This was just the begin ning of my involvement at JPS. Last year, I was “promoted” to Decorations Chair, and this past year, I co-chaired the auction. If I had said “no” to getting Making the Passover Seder Fun By Rabbi Faith Cantor and Susan Hoffman-Shure The central commandment regarding the Exodus from Egypt is to teach our children. We are obligated to assure they know our story of slavery and God’s role as our redeemer. Parents and teachers all know it is not so easy to “tell our children” anything. Here are some suggestions to make the retelling of the Passover story more engaging in your home this year * Become a haggadah collector. Have different haggadot at your table. Encourage your guests to look for similarities and differ ences and enjoy the myriad of commentaries available. * Celebrate the Seder in a tent. Push aside your family room fur niture, put up some sheets, throw pillows on the floor and conduct the first part of the Seder on the floor. Move into the dining room for the meal. * Adopt a new custom from another part of the world. During the singing of Dayeinu, Persian Jews hit each other over the head with scallions, remembering our days of slavery. * Make the plagues come to life. During the recitation of the ten plagues, use props such as puppets, fake bugs and/or colored water Finally, ask your children what they have learned in preschool, religious school or day school and make them active participants in your Seder Chag V’Kasher Sameach ^ Charlotte Jewish Preschool LtARK • CR0V • CONMtCT involved, I would have missed out on so many wonderful memories and opportunities at the school. Volunteering also served as my tzedakah - my real heartfelt contri bution to our life here. Now with my youngest nearing preschool graduation, I will be forever thankful JPS - - the won derful place that nurtures my son, nurtured my daughter, and helped me belong. The school was the catalyst for connections, the foun dation for our family, and the beginning of our journey here in Charlotte. ^ SuppoH Local Business CAROLINA MARKING DEVICES, INC, Over 50 Years Serving Charlotte 3405 S. Trvon St. Charlotte. 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