Pre-schoolers learn early how to make a difference through special project

Shabbat Yeladim at Temple Beth El in Northbrook provides preschoolers and their families a lovely Friday evening of songs, celebration and community and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of hospitalized children.

This summer, pre-schoolers and their parents participated in The Linus Project, making blankets to deliver to hospitalized children and others in need.  Each Shabbat Yeladim service includes a craft project designed to be age appropriate for 2-6 year olds.  In June, children were given squares of fabric with directions to make a picture that will make someone smile. 

At the following month’s service, congregants Nancy Reil and Joanne Gold – both experienced Project Linus “blanketeers” – took the designs and created quilts to be donated to hospitalized children.  The children dove into the project, creating enough squares to create 3 blankets.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how excited everyone was when they saw the quilts.  Who knew that preschoolers would be able to stay focused on a project for a month?  But they did and individuals were elated to identify their squares within the quilts,” recalls Janice Hadesman, Executive Director of Temple Beth El. 

“Tzedakah can be defined in many ways,” says Temple Beth El’s Rabbi Sidney Helbraun. “While many translate it as ‘charity’ and think it is all about giving money, in fact Tzedakah literally means righteousness in Hebrew. It is meant to refer to justice, kindness, ethical behavior and the like. This is why incorporating a way for every member of the community – right down to the youngest – to participate in an authentic way of caring for another is so meaningful and such an important part of our community.”

“The Project Linus experience was great for Hudson,” shares Jodi Schulman, a Wheeling resident and mother of Hudson aged 5 and Marlee age 2 1/2.  “When we began attending Shabbat Yeladim regularly, we knew our kids would grow familiar with Jewish Shabbat songs and rituals.” 

“We were pleased to learn that in the process our whole family has made friendships and deep relationships,” Shulman added. “Now we are excited to know that our kids are being exposed to the idea of making the world a better place.  They are being given opportunities to really make a difference – it’s amazing”