Sarah loved her time in nursery school at the JCC. Although her class was filled with children of all different faiths, the nursery school did teach the children about Jewish holidays and they would celebrate these holidays together. In addition, every Friday they would celebrate Shabbat together.
Sarah loved to come home and teach us about the holidays and traditions and insisted that we celebrate at home, as well. I think she enjoyed the rich history and tradition that these holidays and rituals reflected, but I also think she enjoyed being the resident expert. It wasn’t easy asserting yourself in a house with two adults and a very precocious older sister. On the subject of Jewish traditions, however, Sarah considered herself an authority; and she wasn’t going to let any of us forget it.
One fall evening at dinner, Emma was complaining about her ballet class. She said that it was impossible to understand her teacher’s instructions because she was Russian and had a thick accent. Sarah chimed in authoritatively. “No Emma,” she said. “It’s not Russian, it’s Rosh Hashanah.”
What a wonderful mom you are; I come from a mixed faith background, and my kids have benefitted from knowing the holidays and traditions of both (...actually several different religions; we are "ethical humanists", I guess....we teach it all, but do not adhere strictly to any one faith). I think it has made them more tolerant and aware of people in general.
ReplyDeleteThe kids in Performing Arts at my daughter's middle school just wrote and produced a play on tolerance, bullying, fitting in, being different, all of the things kids go through in school; it was very powerful, and your amazing and wonderful Emma would have been cheering for these kids. I know the principals went above and beyond what is usually allowed in public school middle school productions to bring some VERY powerful and necessary messages to the kids and their families.
My "mom hands" reach out to you from the Midwest...You are a very courageous woman, and we appreciate the time and effort you take so that we can all get to know and appreciate your precious Emma, and Sarah as well... All parents should be like you and your husband; you are such involved and caring people.