Our JK students have had a wonderful transition as they embarked on their JK masa ​​מסע (journey). One new experience has been welcoming our Grandfriend, Savta Ali into our budding kehillah קהילה (community). This is very exciting as it is the first time I am partnering with Ideal18’s Intergenerational Program bringing a grandfriend weekly in the Judaic Atelier. 

This Intergenerational Program brings volunteer "grandparents" into Early Childhood settings on a weekly basis, providing children with an additional layer of adult interaction. These intergenerational connections help the children thrive in an environment enriched by the presence of committed volunteers willing to share their life experiences. Savta Ali has introduced the students to some of her favorite hobbies, like sewing, gardening, and storytelling about her travels. The students love making their own connections with her, as well as learning alongside her through the parallel process of growing a learning community.

What is a grandfriend? A grandfriend is a volunteer whose presence brings value to students, teachers, and families in the classroom, whether they are related or not! As a grandfriend, Savta Ali will experience the joy of adopting a classroom and, in turn, being adopted by that classroom community. In just a few weeks, Savta Ali has become a well loved and valuable member of our community.

The student/grandfriend relationship builds on the important life skill and value of L’dor v’dor לְדוֹר וָדוֹר which literally means from generation to generation. 

In preparation for our new special member to join our community, we looked through the lens of our grade level value of Mitzvot מִצְוָה (commandment or acts of good deeds done from religious duty) and had a discussion about how we could welcome her with kindness and reinforce the mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim הכנסת אורחים (welcoming guests)

This is what some students shared:

“I will bring flowers to her.” 
“Invite her to come to play.” 
“Bringing her to your house.” 
“We can make a picture for her.” 
“We make her a sign.” 
“Bring flowers to her and say welcome.” 
“We can say, welcome Savta Ali!” 

We are so fortunate to have Savta Ali in our community and look forward to our mutually beneficial growing relationship with her!