Preschools Celebrate Purim in Grand Style

On March 20 and 21, all three JCC Preschool sites - College Ave., New Albany and North - celebrated the Festival of Purim in grand style, with lots of silliness, crafts, and goodies. Here are just a few of the photos taken at each of the preschools during the childrens' various activities, along with a few notes about the festival and what it means to the preschoolers.

An Ethical Start Through Purim

This year, at the JCC College Avenue Preschool, the classes of 3s and 4s added something special to their Purim celebrations.

"The teachers incorporated the values of Pirkei Avot. Just like Queen Esther, we learned that one person can change the world," said Barbara Topolosky, Early Childhood Services director.

The teachers continue to help children understand that you can't do anything, if you don't try. Some things are hard to do or learn and take practice," she said.

"They also help children learn that they must act now. Now is the only time that exists. When the moment passes, it is gone. There are no 'do overs,' so our choices must be good ones," said Topolosky.

Judaic Specialist Marsha Polster helped the teachers instruct children that "once you have your own life under control, it is our responsibility to help others. If we think only about ourselves, then we are selfish. If we are only for ourselves, we will have no friends, no community, no one to help us, and no one to help make the world a better place for all of us to live. Life would be unlivable if no one helped anyone," said Topolosky.

These are tough concepts to understand, even for adults. Through stories, role-playing, puppets, and books, our teachers help to share the good ethics of Pirkei Avot," she said.

If you were around the JCC on the afternoon of March 21, you no doubt saw the group of teens dancing wildly throughout the building shouting "Happy Purim!"

You also probably saw the groups of preschoolers and their teachers dressed in costumes and parading around the preschools on March 20 and 21. Or - if you were really lucky - you were able to have one of Chef Tony's chocolate Hamentaschen.