Preschool students become entrepreneurs during unique educational experience; Create Israeli shop at Mandel JCC- Boynton Beach

PRESCHOOL STUDENTS BECOME ENTREPRENEURS DURING UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE; CREATE ISRAELI SHOP AT MANDEL JCC- BOYNTON BEACH

BOYNTON BEACH, FLA. (April XX, 2019) – Nearly 200 preschool students at the Mandel JCC-Boynton Beach’s Glantz Early Childhood Learning Center learned how to run a business – as well as how to write, count, measure and more -- during an experiential and immersive educational experience. In contrast to a tradition lesson, students created an Israeli Shuk (Hebrew word for store or booths), where they shopped, prepared and decorated their new business so students from the school could come to shop using Israeli currency provided by their teachers.

The preschool shuk featured jewelry, flowers, sweets, art and plants, as well as traditional Judaica, including mezzuzot, kippot and tzedakah boxes, available for purchase. The Shuk also featured several pieces of student artwork made from recycled materials, and garden-grown snacks, refreshments and baked treats.

“The concept of creating a village, where teachers, children and families work together for a common goal, generates a feeling of community and is an important value of Judaism that we teach our students every day,” shared Monica Buchnick, preschool director at the Mandel JCC. “We are thrilled that the Shuk Shel Yeladim was a success and taught our students a lesson in community and generosity, meaningful beliefs that are inherent in Judaism.”

Students also created a makeshift temple equipped with kippot and prayer sheets for patrons who wanted some “down time.” They were also given the opportunity to journal and illustrate their experience in the marketplace, which will be complied into a book. This school-wide service learning project was made possible from a grant funded by the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and the Friedman Commission for Jewish Education.

The Mandel JCC Boynton Beach is located at 8500 Jog Road.

For more information, visit www.jcconline.com or call 561.712.5200.

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The mission of the Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches is to build community and enhance connection to Jewish life. The Mandel JCC is a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.