First Foundations Jewish Community Preschools – To pilot the organization’s educational model in other early childhood centers by training educators to implement immersive sensory experiences, play-based learning, and family education activities.

Can you share about the philosophy behind your innovative play-based Jewish holiday learning program?

Our philosophy is that Jewish identity is formed through lived experience. Young children learn best through play, story, and sensory exploration, so we design holiday learning as immersive environments they step into rather than lessons they passively receive. Our program brings this philosophy to life through multi-sensory play installations, theatrical storytelling, audio adventures, educator training, and family engagement. By partnering with institutions that lack internal Jewish curriculum capacity, we provide a turnkey, scalable approach that makes vibrant Jewish learning accessible, joyful, and sustainable across entire school communities.

What kind of impact does this learning among children have on their families at home?

When children experience holidays in immersive, story-driven ways, they bring that excitement home. We intentionally bridge school and home through family events that make participation easy and inviting. Families who may not feel confident leading Jewish rituals suddenly have shared language, songs, and stories to draw from. The impact is intergenerational. Children become the spark, and families feel empowered rather than intimidated. Jewish learning stops being something that only happens at school and becomes something lived together.

What’s most meaningful to you about this program?

What’s most meaningful to me is the opportunity to engage non Jewish educators in bringing Jewish holidays to life. Watching them grow in confidence and connection to traditions that may not be their own is incredibly impactful. Each holiday offers something different, and seeing educators feel empowered to teach rich Jewish content strengthens the entire school community. When non Jewish teachers feel supported and capable, Jewish daycares can trust that strong, meaningful curriculum is truly happening. That shared confidence allows us to love and celebrate every holiday.