Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh's pre-K grads move up in style

The Chabad Center for Jewish Life celebrated its Alan & Tatyan Forman Jewish Early Learning Center pre-K graduates on June 21, in a ceremony full of music, smiles and laughter. The preschool’s leaders emphasized how far the students had come throughout the year, and wished them well as they embark on a new chapter in kindergarten.

Chanie Kramer, co-director of the Chabad Center, alongside her husband Rabbi Shimon Kramer, said in life, a lot of things come with instruction manuals, but the one thing that doesn’t is simple: children.

“The truth is, you don’t need a whole book of instructions,” she said. “Just shower your children with love and happiness, confidence, morals and values, and more importantly, be an example of how you want them to be. And of course, provide them with an excellent Jewish education, so that they can continue to be proud Jews.”

This school year, Chanie Kramer said the graduates of the JELC learned a tremendous amount about Jewish holidays and traditions, morning prayers, the Hebrew alphabet and many Jewish songs.

“We invite you to continue your child’s journey of education with us by enrolling your children in Hebrew school,” she added. “They’ll continue to be educated according to the Jewish values and morals that will help them forever.”

The graduation kicked off with a Judaic Enrichment ceremony, in which the students performed several songs, including “Shema,” “Hashem is Here,” and “Alef Bet.” 

Rabbi Kramer led the invocation, and said the students benefit when they receive a balanced education at home, and in school.

“Parents, you are the right support that holds up the young child — you made a good decision by sending them to the JELC Chabad,” he said. “We are the left support, that teaches them and supports them —morals, values, the importance of giving to others. What they learned this year will carry on the rest of their lives.”

State Senator Steve Rhoads, Town Councilman Chris Carini and Town Clerk Kate Murray stopped by the ceremony to congratulate the graduates, and offer some words of wisdom.

“I know the focus is on all the beautiful children who were singing just a moment ago,” Murray said, “but all I can say to all of you parents and grandparents is save your tears, because you have many more milestones to go and cherish. It goes so fast. God bless your children, God bless you, for bringing them to such a wonderful, wonderful school.”

Marianna Borets, director of the preschool, said seeing the children’s smiling faces is a true highlight of her day. “Not to mention the occasional high fives and hugs, which I consider a bonus and the best way to start my day,” she said. “Most importantly is the overall experience your children have had with us this year. They have learned to love learning — and that skill will help them so much as they progress with their education.”

The regular part of the ceremony included a few more musical performances by the students, as well as speeches and well wishes from some of the program’s teachers. After the graduates names were read, they received gifts and light refreshments.

“Our program places great emphasis on the social, emotional skills and being a part of a caring community,” Borets said. “These are lifelong sills that will help them flourish and grow as an adult. We know that we are always learning, evolving and growing — and that foundation is laid in preschool. Looking ahead, your children are very well equipped to take on the next chapter of their educational lives.”