Walk into a Jewish early childhood classroom, and you’ll find more than finger paints and story time. You’ll find children learning to say shema with tiny hands covering their eyes, lighting Shabbat candles with joy, and dancing to Hebrew songs that echo through generations. You’ll see the beginnings of a lifelong relationship with Jewish tradition, language, values, and kedosha - community.
Jewish early childhood education is more than a service—it’s a sacred responsibility. And yet, the professionals who carry out this holy work are often under-recognized and under-compensated. Presently, we find ourselves at a pivotal time in education, with early childhood professionals feeling pressure to leave the field, not because they have lost their passion, but because they can’t afford to stay. It is time to change this narrative.
Jewish early childhood programs do more than prepare children for school—they help shape Jewish identity from the very beginning. Through rituals, songs, holidays, Hebrew language, and stories of our people, young children begin to understand who they are and where they come from.
These early experiences don’t just build literacy and social skills. They build neshama—spirit. They create connection and lay the groundwork for lifelong engagement in Jewish life and community. Early childhood educators are the front-line ambassadors of Jewish continuity. They do all of this with patience, warmth, and professionalism—often with limited resources and minimal compensation. It is holy work. And it deserves holy recognition.
If we believe in the power of Jewish education, we must invest in the people who bring it to life. That means:
-
Fair compensation for educators who do essential, demanding, and deeply meaningful work
-
Professional development opportunities that empower teachers to grow and lead
-
Communal recognition of early educators as builders of Jewish identity, not just caretakers
This is not just about paying teachers more. It’s about lifting up an entire profession—and, in doing so, strengthening the foundation of Jewish life for generations to come. Our sages teach us about the importance of torah, avodah, and gemilut chasadim—learning, service, and loving-kindness. Jewish early childhood educators embody all three.
This isn’t just a workforce issue. It’s a Jewish future issue. We must honor this work, elevate this profession, and build a stronger Jewish future—together.
Jen Schiffer
Early Childhood Center Director
The Community Synagogue of Port Washington
