“When you light the candles”

Twenty four years ago, Mequon Jewish Preschool was born with a unique educational vision to be a place that would live and breathe with the recognition that every person is created Be’tzelem Elokim, in the image of G-d. Recognizing that every child is a competent citizen from birth, and he or she is part of the community.

We created a place, thank G-d, where we believe in their learning competence, curiosity, and their desire to know themselves and the world, fulfilling their potential. Our compass is the Rebbe’s vision of education being about building a character with emphasis on moral and ethical values is our core identity. The Reggio Emilia approach, the leading best practice for early childhood education around the world since 1963, brings out these values in ways that meet this vision in a deep and authentic ways.

Our curriculum uses a seamless and joyful approach, where Jewish identity, traditions, mitzvot, and knowledge about Israel, integrate with academic skills and thematic deeper knowledge. This is explored and discovered through in-depth research - based experiences.

As we enter our new school year and prepare for our upcoming dinner gala, we have chosen the concept of “Creating Light” as a leading focal point and theme.

In Genesis 1:3, Hashem said: “Yehi Ohr” and light was created. The role that was given to Aaron, Moses’ brother and the High Cohen was to kindle the Menorah as a metaphor for igniting the light within every person. The Torah relays G‑d’s command to Aaron with the word: “BeHaalotcha” “When you raise up the lamps.”

Chassidut teaches us that G-d’s command to Aaron is a message for each of us about how to engage with others. Every person is a source of light that must realize its potential by becoming a flame that would be shared with others. Our goal as we work to reveal the unique light in each person, is to empower them to use their strength to “shine” independently, strengthening their own innate desire to continue to grow and advance him or herself and bring light to others.

Our dinner gala is an evening when we come together to celebrate as a community, and to recognize the lights within our community!

We are delighted to recognize MJP Alumni Parents, Jen and Ari Friedman, who bring light to every place they engage. They have brought their inspiration, warmth and leadership to many aspects of Jewish communal life, fostering security, unity, and growth. Every person who engages with Jen or Ari is met with deep understanding, friendship and togetherness. Jewish values with warmth and kindness is their path to making a difference in every place they touch.

Create Light Gala 2023

Honoring Champions of Community Jen & Ari Friedman