rts e tiva - The Temple Congregation Ohabai Sholom

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Just a few days ago I mumbled various words into
my pillow as we changed back to daylight savings time.
The rain was pouring down and the bright lights from
steady traffic followed me until I reached The Temple’s
parking lot. What I could have done with an extra hour
of sleep! Then it dawned on me that warmer weather
would be here before we knew it. Passover (early this
year) would be approaching in a few weeks, and the
sounds and colors of spring would once again be visible.
Our children could play outside until their parents picked
them up in the evenings and the sun would still be lighting
the sky.
At Temple Preschool, springtime is a magical
experience. Special field trips are planned by our older
classes, gardens are planned and planted so that we can
once again taste the various specialties of “home grown”
vegetables and herbs. Our younger classes take nature
walks at the Belle Meade Mansion and enjoy picnics
outside. The sounds of birds are heard in these beautiful
surroundings and the lush shades of green are visible
everywhere. Flowers are in full bloom and we bring a
little bit of our exquisite environment inside the school
as we prepare for our own model Seder.
This year our model Seder was held on Wednesday,
March 20 th at 9:30 a.m. in our all purpose “big room.”
Our children decorated the tables with the scenes from
Spring Forward
Purim Fun
April 2013 - www.templenashville.org - 615-352-7620 ~ page 11
Preschool
by Corye Nelson & Jan Huettner
the holiday and nature - branches of green leaves, homemade
flowers, or brightly colored streamers. Placemats
and napkin holders were evident everywhere, as well as
the traditional plates of matzah, boiled eggs, sliced apples,
salt water, and a touch of horseradish. Rabbi Mackler
and Cantor Fishbein led our child-appropriate service
and songs were sung as we recounted the story of the
Jewish people as they triumph over being slaves in Egypt
to their eventual march to freedom. This interactive story
continues to be one of the highlights of our year and, just
as it is celebrated as a special family event at home, we
wish to convey that feeling at our school. Many of our
parents and grandparents help prepare and clean up from
our Seder. Our children help us by finding something
“green” on their plates and even tasting the salt water by
dipping parsley. Our teachers, of course, were on hand
to help us do everything from pouring extra cups of juice
and hiding the afikoman, to assisting the children with
their decorations.
Speaking of family fun events, please mark your
calendars now for the Temple Preschool Family Fun Day
which will be held on Sunday afternoon May 5 th , from
3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. There will be train rides, art activities,
music, snacks and tons of fun. From our family to yours,
we wish you “Happy Spring!”