Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel
432 Scotland Road
South Orange, N.J. 07079
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Preschoolers and Parents Help Get Synagogue Playgrounds Ready for Outdoor Fun
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J., May 18, 2016 – Families from throughout Essex County gathered at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel (TSTI) on a sunny Sunday for “Juice and Spruce.” The family event was held to clean up the three playgrounds used by preschool students at TSTI as well as provide an opportunity for the families to gather informally and enjoy a beautiful spring day. Participants planted boxwood shrubs for the Reform synagogue’s living menorah and refreshed the garden beds, stabilized the canoe which features prominently in the children’s dramatic play, removed broken toys and debris, replaced rocks in the playground “river,” and designed a mud kitchen. The grounds, which include a NatureScape filled with natural materials for exploration and creative play, will soon add a willow hut.
“Our students spend almost all day outdoors, weather permitting,” explained Carol Paster, director of TSTI’s Iris Family Center for Early Childhood Education. “Exploring nature and engaging in imaginative play are an important part of our curriculum and of the children’s development.” Joining Paster and the parents of preschoolers was Sabina Soloway of Maplewood, the nature educator who works with TSTI. After all the hard work was done, everyone enjoyed a juice break together.
Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, located at 432 Scotland Road in South Orange, is a vibrant Reform congregation that offers lifelong learning for adults as well as Early Childhood Education, Religious School, teen programs, and a full complement of religious services and cultural programs each month. TSTI serves member families from Maplewood, the Oranges, Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills and surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.tsti.org.
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About Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel
PHOTO CAPTION:
Samantha Davis of Maplewood, a preschool board member, refreshed flower beds as part of TSTI’s Juice and Spruce event on April 17, assisted by one of the students.