Many of the mother's in my class had sent/were sending their children to Jewish preschool and they had a lot of good things to say about it. As a MOJ (my newly coined term meaning Mother of a Jew), but not a Jew themselves, they liked the idea of having their children learn about Judaism in friendly environment, and by those more versed in Judaism than themselves. Many of the moms felt that they learned right along with their children and that their children's preschool experiences were helping them create a more Jewish centered home. Even the occasional "How come we don't say this prayer at home, Mommy?" encouraged conversations between the moms and their Jewish spouses. Jewish preschool seemed like a good way to not only help your child learn all things Jewish, but for the family to as well.
Can you see where this is going?
My husband and I are sending my son to a Jewish preschool in the fall. I am excited and nervous, as any mother would be sending her child to school for the first time. Will he make friends? Will he enjoy it? Will he miss me? Will I make a good Kosher lunch? Will I remember to check my calendar each week to remind myself that there is no preschool on Jewish holidays, some of which I have never heard of? Will I stand out as a non-Jewish mom? Do preschools have room mothers? Do you have to be Jewish to be a Jewish mom? =)
