April 2021 HighLIGHTS

From the Desk of Shira Reifman, Director of Keren Or Dear Friends, This afternoon we stand on the threshold between Memorial Day and Israeli Independence Day. For me, these are some of the holiest and most powerful hours of the year.  A few hours ago, the memorial siren wailed and Israel came to a haunting standstill as we mourned our fallen soldiers. My broken heart is with all of Israel's bereaved families. At Keren Or, we marked the day with specially-adapted ceremonies in each class, as we sent hugs and support to our devoted staff members who have lost close family members in the line of duty or in terrorist attacks.   Tonight, we will "choose life." We will return our flags to full mast, and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our miraculous, extraordinary, stubborn little country. I'm in awe of all that Israel has accomplished in its 73 years! At Keren Or, we feel so blessed to partner with the government of Israel to provide services for children with multiple disabilities and their families. This has been a very special month at Keren Or as we marked some of the most significant days on the Jewish calendar! In this issue of Keren Or HighLIGHTS, you'll learn how our students prepared for Passover, enjoyed spring field trips and commemorated Israel's national days. Our students are an important part of our society, and we're grateful to you for helping us connect them to the world around them. I can't wait to see what the next 73 years brings! Thank you for your ongoing support. With love, gratitude and respect, Shira

Passover at Keren Or

In the weeks leading up to Passover, our students delved into different aspects of the Passover holiday. The older students learned about Passover cleaning. They used adapted tools to identify different cleaning supplies and practiced the motor skills of wiping different surfaces. In honor of Chag Ha'aviv (the holiday of spring), classes enjoyed spring-themed art projects, drawing blossoms and making butterflies. Other classes explored the different textures and colors of flowers, chose their favorites, and created flower arrangements.

In our therapeutic garden, our students learned about marror, the bitter herbs. They planted and grew lettuce that is customarily used as marror for the Seder. Each child learned the four questions and created CVI-adapted tactile representations of the four questions. Our parents were thrilled to have tools to help involve their children in the Seder.  In our afternoon program each class held a model Seder. The students familiarized themselves with the songs, smells, and tastes of the Seder night and reenacted parts of the exodus story. A wonderful time was had by all!

Spring Field Trips

Every chance to explore the world beyond the walls of Keren Or is an opportunity for our students. To celebrate the end of winter and take advantage of the fresh spring air every class went on a school trip. Half the students visited the Israel Aquarium and the other half visited the Biblical Zoo.  Finding activities that accommodate our students' needs -- wheelchair accessibility, high contrast color settings, and multisensory experiences -- requires careful planning. At the zoo listening to the animal sounds creates an immersive auditory experience for all our students. The darkened rooms at the aquarium contrasted with the brightly-colored fish enabled our students with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) to see and follow the moving fish. The children returned to Keren Or with smiles on their faces, rejuvenated from their outings.

Connecting with the Jewish People

In the weeks following Passover we held specially adapted ceremonies in honor of Yom HaShoah and Yom Hazikaron. We spoke to the students about emotions such as sadness, grief and fear. In honor of Yom HaAtzmaut our new afternoon art class made Israeli flags. The activities are carefully planned to enable our students to be active participants in the creative process. In the picture below Dasi and Natan Eliyah are playfully interacting as they place the textured blue feathers onto their flags.

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