God Bless the ‘Ganenot’ (Pre-School Teachers)!

I feel incredibly blessed by the beautiful ganenot (preschool teachers) that we – and Hashem (God) – have chosen for our children.

Every Friday, my kids come home from their respective ganim (preschools) with folders that hold all their artwork from the week as well as a note from the teachers about what they learned during the week.

In our family, I generally gather all the artwork as soon as they get home on Friday, find good spots on my already very decorated walls and hang them up. People who come to our home often think that I run a preschool from home, as my children’s colorful and creative artwork is plastered all over the walls, windows and doors. It makes them super proud to see their work and it puts a huge smile on my face when I see all the wonderful things my children are learning.

This past Friday night, after lighting Sabbath candles, my children and I were sitting and cuddling on the couch when I said: “Kids, you must be learning about Teshuva (repentance) as we’re getting so close to the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe).” My eldest, a four-year-old boy, then said to me:

“Teshuva, u’Tfila u’Tzedaka Ma’avirin et Roa HaGezera.”(Repentance, Prayer and Charity wipe out a harsh verdict).

Then my daughter, three years old, said:: “Eyze hu Gibor? Hakovesh et Yitzro.” (Who is a hero? He who conquers his desires.)

My two-year-old kept pointing at a picture he drew, saying: “Daka, Daka” (Tzedaka, of the charity box he had colored in his preschool).

My four, three and two-year-olds, all born and being raised in their land. The land that Hashem had promised to all of us. It brings tears of pride and joy to my eyes when my small children come home quoting Torah and even more so when they explain their quotes beautifully.

I feel incredibly blessed by the beautiful ganenot (preschool teachers) that we – and Hashem – have chosen for our children.

Hodu L’Hashem Ki Tov, Ki L’Olam Chasdo! (Bless Hashem because His kindness is forever.)