Page 48 - Jewish News_Sept2021

8B September 2021 FOCUS ON YOUTH

A chat with third-generation Sarasota

mom Liana Sheintal Bryant

iana Sheintal Bryant – a third- Mara Daniel in TEERS and me in Tem- my sister and I made when we were hen Hershorin Schiff Com-
generation member of Temple ple Emanu-El Preschool (today known younger that we still use at Passover!) munity Day School opened
LEmanu-El and the Sarasota Jew- as SSELC). My maternal grandparents and enjoying extended family Chanu- Wits new campus to students
ish community, whose children have Phyllis and Aaron Klapman enjoyed kah parties. and their families last month, its lead-
been educated at the Susan Schwaid their visits so much that they retired What role has SSELC played in ership team wanted more. The school
Early Learning Center (SSELC) and here around 1980. My aunt and uncle, your lives? – now located at 4335 Wilkinson Road,
Temple Emanu-El Religious School Liz and Neil Klaber, followed! When SSELC has played a significant Sarasota – took proactive steps to en-
(TEERS) – spoke about life as a Jewish my sister and I got older, we became role! It created a warm, inviting en- sure that the Jewish community, as
parent in our community: more involved at the temple and had vironment where we could begin our well as other local organizations, could
What is the history of your fami- our kids attend Tot Shabbats, SSELC Jewish education and become part of begin to enjoy the state-of-the-art fa-
ly in Sarasota? and TEERS. a welcoming Jewish community. I en- cilities and amenities on its 8.8-acre
My paternal grandparents, Rose What are some special Jewish joyed it as a child, and loved hearing campus.
and Sol Sheintal, retired here in 1969. traditions you are passing down to about the enjoyment my kids felt fol- Within a week of officially open-
My parents, Kim and Jon Sheintal, your children? lowing in my footsteps! ing its doors, the school hosted the first
followed them two years later and en- Some special Jewish traditions are of many community-wide events with
Liana Sheintal Bryant and her family –
joyed accompanying my grandparents making Jewish crafts that are enjoyed husband John and children Woody and Rose a Shofar Factory Workshop, in partner-
at services. They enrolled my sister year after year (such as placemats
The Gan at Temple Sinai

had a spectacular year!

he school year of 2020-21 was in the sewer drains, inside and outside
certainly a year with its chal- the campus, or standing on-point for
Tlenges. Fortunately, The Gan at drop-off and pick-up, he observes ev-
Temple Sinai made adjustments, cre- ery detail throughout the day while he
ated and followed new protocols, and makes time to wave and smile at the
had another spectacular year! families as they pass.
The success of the school year was
due to the teachers at The Gan, who
are frontline, essential workers dedi-
cated, hardworking and devoted to the
well-being of the students. During this
extraordinary time, when all was shut
down, The Gan teachers met with fami-
lies online every day. After re-opening,
teachers arrived with a smile behind
their masks ready to work and care for
their students.
Laura Freedman, Director Early
Childhood Education, sought a way
to reward their incredible dedication.
The Office of Early Learning of the Vernon Carre
State of Florida offered that opportu-
nity with a grant.
Laura
Geveret
declared, “I am
Many parents of our Gan kids sent
we are FED Laura Freedman thrilled to share Mr. Vernon lovely notes of apprecia-
with you that our
school received a
tion. He was so grateful and proud, and
so are we! Here is an excerpt from one
grant to provide
a bonus for each
of the notes: “Words cannot describe
teacher.”
how truly thankful we are for your con-
With all of these changes, we are
school year. You alleviated all our fears
Educating Jewish Minds pleased to announce a new addition to tinued commitment and dedication this
and made us feel comforted, protect-
The Gan family: Vernon Carre, bet-
ter known as Mr. Vernon to our fam-
ed and safe every day. We are forever
ilies. Mr. Vernon’s dedication to his grateful. We will never forget the big
role as our security guard shows each difference you made in our community
day. Whether he is making his rounds and for your quality of service.”
checking the grounds, behind bushes,

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