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09 April 2025
By Sarah Klein, Senior Director of Donor Engagement
This week, I had the privilege of witnessing something truly special—as I joined a group of Pre-K students from Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School on a field trip.
But this wasn’t just any field trip. Today, the group of four- and five-year-olds were reuniting with their older buddies from the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) Kensington Club, a program for adults with early-stage memory loss. Thanks to the Students Help and Reach Elders (SHARE) program, these friendships have bloomed since the fall, and the children could hardly wait to see their friends again.
A Shared Experience, A Lasting Bond
The purpose of the visit was to celebrate Passover – a Jewish holiday known for bringing multiple generations together.
The room buzzed with energy as everyone sang, colored, and shared stories about the holiday. Passover Bingo was a hit, and the Seder plate brought everyone together to try the traditional Passover foods. But what stood out most was the connection—the effortless ease with which the children and their older friends communicated, shared laughs, and celebrated.
More than Just a Visit
Although still young, just four or five years old, these kids truly care about their older friends.
Many of the children arrived with handmade cards, and they were eager to check in on their buddies.
The thoughtfulness and warmth in the room were palpable.
Jewish Joy in Action
Watching these interactions reminded me of what makes the Jewish community so powerful. It’s not just about the holidays—it’s about the connections we build along the way. In a room filled with laughter, stories, and shared moments, there was no hesitation, no walls, just Jewish joy in its simplest and most beautiful form.
The Jewish Federation is a proud partner with Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School and the Jewish Council for the Aging.