SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Preschoolers and staff from Schiff School, leaders from the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and Temple Emanu-El, parents and community members gathered to officially dedicate a brand new playground.
The playground was gifted by Edwin Schiffer in memory of his late wife, Shirley.
The event began with Cantor Lauren Adesnik singing songs with the children, followed by words from MJCCA Schiff School Director Stephanie Lampert.
Lampert thanked Schiffer for his generosity and involvement with the preschool and encouraged the children to play and grow on their new playground. She unveiled the new playground sign and its name: “Shirley’s Gan Katan,” or “Shirley’s Little Garden.”
Rabbi Spike Anderson paid tribute to Shirley and likened the new playground to a Jewish sacred ground that preschoolers could now enjoy for years. MJCCA CEO Jared Powers gave thanks to Schiffer and expressed his gratitude to the partnership between the MJCCA and Temple Emanu-El.
Schiffer also paid tribute to his late wife for her passion and dedication to children and building the school 25 years ago. Seeing the school thrive, he said, is very meaningful to him. He then cut the ribbon on the new playground.
Rabbis Max and Rachael Miller concluded the program with their own written blessings and then Cantor Lauren led the children in Shabbat prayers. Finally, the playground gate was opened and the children ran out cheering and excited to play, cooling off with King of Pops treats.
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