FOCUS ON YOUTH
December 2023
PRESCHOOL OF THE ARTS
Federation Star
45
www.chabadnaples.com / 239-262-4474
Counting our blessings Ettie Zaklos Founder & Director
A
s we wrap up the calendar year with a whirlwind of holidays, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable moments that have defined our journey at the Jay and Patty Baker Preschool of the Arts. Our recent Thanksgiving performance in Cambier Park stands out as a welcome day of joy and light, after a dark few weeks for the Jewish world. "Counting Our Blessings, 1, 2, 3" was the resonating theme of our Thanksgiving celebration. This year, we are taking nothing for granted and made sure to count every single one of our many blessings, celebrating the biggest blessing of all: our children. The performance was a spectacular showcase where our little ones shone brightly, surrounded by family and friends. The park echoed with laughter and cheer, as our children’s voices filled the air, singing melodies that celebrated gratitude and togetherness. Thanksgiving is one of our biggest events of the year, a culmination of our efforts, where the warmth of the season envelops us all. This celebration is more than just a performance; it’s a cherished opportunity for our children to showcase their growth and creativity, radiating happiness as they proudly present their artistic expressions. Watching them bloom into confident performers, supported by their loved ones, is an unparalleled joy for us at POTA. The sense of unity and pride that fills the
park during this event is a testament to the close-knit community we have built. Gratitude is at the core of Preschool of the Arts. It's not just a fleeting notion but a deeply ingrained value in our school's ethos. It’s a sentiment we strive to instill in our children daily from our morning welcome circle to our goodbye rituals and highlighted weekly at Shabbat celebrations. Of course, the lesson resonates more profoundly during special occasions like Thanksgiving and Chanukah. Yet, no matter the month or holiday, appreciation and thankfulness are woven into every aspect of our program. In that spirit, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to those who make POTA possible. To my husband, Rabbi Fishel, whose unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in our journey. To Jay and Patty Baker, whose generosity and belief in our vision is leading to the realization of our dream to expand our
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preschool with a brand-new building, which will soon become the cornerstone of our vibrant community. Our heartfelt gratitude also extends to all the generous donors and supporters, who, through their contributions, are helping us build a bright future for our community. Equally deserving of gratitude are our dedicated staff, whose passion and dedication lay the foundation for the nurturing environment we foster. They embody the values we cherish and channel their energy into creating an enriching experience for our children. And, of course, my deepest thanks go to our precious children who bring light
and joy into our lives. Their laughter, curiosity and boundless enthusiasm make every effort, every hurdle and every success worth the journey. As we navigate the festive season and look forward to the new year, we carry the spirit of gratitude with us. POTA will continue to nurture an environment where thankfulness isn't just a holiday sentiment but a way of life. It's when we take a moment to look back that we really see what a difference being thankful can be in fostering the joy and sense of community that POTA is known for.
HAPPY
Hanukkah! CELEBRATE WITH PJ LIBRARY AT THE COLLIER COUNTY LIBRARY- HEADQUARTERS BRANCH! TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5TH AT 5:30 PM DREIDELS, SNACKS, CRAFTS, STORIES, AND SPECIAL MUSICAL GUEST, MS. JANE!
