Preschool Is Sign From Above

By Aliza Lichtenfeld

With gratitude to Hashem, the ever so anticipated new Chabad preschool in Sderot, Israel, has opened.

I was ecstatic as I checked Facebook and saw Beit Chabad Sderot’s pictures of the first day of school. The kids are so cute, and look very happy. And what better month to have a fresh start than Elul? (My birthday month!)

Elul is all about a clean slate, forgiveness, and all around simcha. The Zohar says that in the beginning of Elul, we are back-to-back, and in the end of Elul, we are face-to-face.

This can be compared to the progress of Sderot’s new preschool because in the beginning of this wonderful project, it almost seemed (chas veshalom) that Hashem’s back was turned against them.

There were many difficulties in making the preschool what it is today. It seemed that it would never happen.

Seriously, last summer, I saw a rundown building hidden by a forest of weeds. When I left Sderot two weeks ago, the transformation was complete. I even saw a Church group from America help with the final landscaping. Nothing was going to stop Rabbi and Mrs. Pizem from completing this project before the New Year.

Yes, The Gan has opened and now it is crystal clear that Hashem’s face is looking upon the preschool. Not only that, but the kids are face-to-face as well—making friends and socializing all year long, instead of just during summer camp and holidays.

During the past two months in Sderot, I was at my friend’s sister’s house almost every day. Two of the sister’s sons (ages 3 and 4) are attending the preschool. I remember how they frequently asked their mother, “Nu, when can I go to the gan?!” I was even there with them when they purchased their backpacks.

If you would like to donate, contact Colel Chabad. There is a special account just for the gan. And please, friend Chabad Sderot on Facebook.

I never thought I could ever be part of such a wonderful project, and I would like to thank everyone who helped me get here.

First, Rabbi Yossi Swerdlov from the Chabad Terror Victims Project for arranging my initial visit to the Pizems last year. Next, Mr. Robert Shapiro from Highland Park, Illinois, Central Avenue Synagogue, who put my father in contact with Rabbi Swerdlov when my father told him I was looking to volunteer as a Chabad camp counselor anywhere in Israel. And of course, to the Pizems, who treated me like a daughter the past two summers.

Shana tova!

PS: I painted a little bit of the gan 😉

RELATED ARTICLES:
+ Progress, Despite the Rockets
+ Chabad Girl Inspires Fundraiser
+ 16 Year-Old Under Fire