My earliest memory is at JCC preschool in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. I remember the way the homemade playdough smelled, the rice table with its colorful sand toys, painting at an easel and most of all Shabbat. I can remember dressing up as the Shabbat queen and feeling so special, the taste of the challah, and especially the Shabbat sing-a-longs.
Jewish identity is nurtured through meaningful Jewish education opportunities both formal and informal. Here in Jewish Nashville, we have many wonderful ways to connect Jewishly with vibrant programs offered through the Gordon JCC, our synagogues, the Jewish Federation, social groups, PJ Library books and gatherings, summer camp, religious school, day school, continuing adult education, trips, experiences and more.
In 2024, the Jewish Federation’s Grant Committee recommended 17 grants supporting education and strengthening Jewish identity, including scholarships for early childhood education at Chabad, Congregation Micah, The Temple and the Gordon JCC. Because of the generosity of donors in support of the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign, almost 21% of the allocable resources were invested in Jewish education to benefit Jewish Nashville.
A major study by the Collaborative for Applied Studies in Jewish Education (CASJE) found that Jewish early childhood education significantly increases Jewish engagement among families, especially those who were previously less involved. Families whose children attend Jewish preschools are more likely to celebrate Jewish holidays at home, form Jewish social networks, join synagogues and JCCs and continue Jewish education beyond preschool. Experiences in school often influence the entire family’s Jewish identity and practice.
The CASJE study also found that certain types of families showed measurable increases in Jewish engagement over time due to their preschool experience. The findings suggest strongly that investing in Jewish preschool is one of the most effective strategies for securing the Jewish future.
In 2024, our community faced a difficult reality: while the total need for Jewish preschool scholarships was $102,000, only $40,000 was available. That means dozens of families who wanted to give their children a strong Jewish foundation were unable to do so. But there is hope. With the growth of the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign, we are poised to close that gap—and open the doors of Jewish early childhood education to every family who seeks it.
When we invest in Jewish early childhood education, we’re not just nurturing toddlers—we’re planting seeds for lifelong Jewish identity, community, and leadership. The data is clear: Jewish preschools are one of the most powerful tools we have to build a vibrant, inclusive, and enduring Jewish future. Together we can ensure these seeds blossom and sustain the Jewish people far into the future.
The Jewish Observer is published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and made possible by funds raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. Become a supporter today.
