RENOVATION continued from page 3
it were your own.” Roberts explains that the preschool director treats everyone as if they were precious. “You feel better about yourself when you talk with Lynne, which is so important when dealing with children and their parents,” she says. Whether calming a new preschooler or an anxious parent, she notes, Falkow-Strauss holds everyone’s dignity as paramount. The congregation’s building is 47 years old and the school/office entrance has been the most heavily used. Although the synagogue sanctuary has a separate doorway, 90 percent of people coming to CAI use this entrance to the building. Phil Pepper, head of the project committee, explains that the foyer has been known as the “fishbowl” because of the double glass doors on both ends of the
Spread
Love Through the
space. Instead of being merely a passthrough, the new foyer will feature a separate door to the Women’s League Judaica Gift Shop, and will have seating where people can work on their computers or simply relax. Pepper added that the courtyard will feature a hummingbird garden and a walkway consisting of bricks and pavers purchased by congregants and preschool and kindergarten families, past and present. These amenities will enhance the entrance, which serves as a gathering place not only for parents and children, but also visitors to the office and library. “Now this important area will be more welcoming, intentional and purposeful,” says Pepper. The enhancement of the physical space reflects and reinforces the many innovative educational programs that Falkow-Strauss has developed over the years. With a degree in child and family development from the University of Arizona, she has strived to develop the school’s offerings as the needs of the
Spread
Love
World!
Through the World!
Leslie & Susan
Lisa Ungar & Bob Fridrich
We got married on August 16, 2008
We Support
Marriage Equality
community have grown and changed. Creative movement, Spanish, art and science are all part of the curriculum, as well as programs such as “Dad and Me” and “Mom and Me” breakfasts, Tot Shabbats and Jewish holiday celebrations. Parents are often invited to see the children perform songs and to help prepare meals. The stability of the staff — some of whom have taught at the school for 20 to 30 years — adds to the sense of community. The school has received two Solomon Schecter Awards for Excellence from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and three teachers have been recognized for excellence by the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona. Many of the teachers have a close connection with Falkow-Strauss and her family. Her father, Maurice Falkow, was the cantor at CAI for 40-plus years, and there is a social room named after him at CAI. Ronnie Miller, the kindergarten class teacher, knew Falkow-Strauss’ “Un-
We got married on September 10, 2008
We Support
Marriage Equality Mya & Becky
We Support
Marriage Equality
Joezen Punongbayan & Stephen Esmond
Celebrating love on the
Anniversary of
Marriage Equality Stuart & Nancy Mellan
4
ARIZONA JEWISH POST, June 23, 2017
cle Manny” as Rabbi Emanuel Rackman in Far Rockaway, N.Y. Rabbi Ruven Barkan, education and youth director, was in a play group as a child with FalkowStrauss’ daughter. Falkow-Strauss encourages staff to bring their passions and gifts to the classroom. Says Rabbi Barkan, “She has a haimish (homey) style of running things; it’s like a family.” “I am honored by this tribute, and the appreciation shown by friends, families and staff,” says Falkow-Strauss. “But more importantly, I am pleased that the new courtyard will not only be beautiful, but that it will encourage people to linger, extending the warmth of CAI.” A groundbreaking for the project was held on Tuesday, June 6. The Lynne Falkow-Strauss Foyer and Courtyard will be dedicated at a ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in conjunction with CAI’s annual “Welcome Back” party. Ed Leven, Ph.D., is a freelance writer, former coordinator of JFSA Pride, and a retired professor of health care administration in Tucson.
Spread
Mazel tov
Love
on the Anniversary of Marriage Equality for all!
Amy Hirshberg Lederman
Bryan Kaplan & Brian Sowle
Through the World!
We got married on October 10, 2008
We Support
Marriage Equality Thomas Sayler-Brown & John Linder
Congregation M'Kor Hayim
Celebrates Marriage Equality
Celebrating love on the
Anniversary of
Marriage Equality Jim & Jill Rich