Jewish Center and Montessori Preschool
Under Construction
Billed as “a Jewish educational and spiritual lighthouse for the thousands of Jewish families in the Mason / West Chester region,” The Jewish Discovery Center is soon to complete construction of its “Center for Judaism” in Mason. “This new center will allow us to expand our existing activities,” said Rochel Kalmanson, Director of Programming at The Jewish Discovery Center. “We will increase our offerings of educational, religious and social opportunities for all age groups within the community.”
Responding to the requests of the community and recognizing that the Jewish community, living in the suburbs, have expressed the need for a convenient center for Jewish life, a committee of dedicated Jewish community leaders joined forces to make the new center a reality. Acknowledging that a convenient location is a high priority for the busy, young Jewish families in the area, the Jewish Discovery Center’s committee is pioneering the first and only full-service center for the entire Jewish community in the Mason / West Chester region.
“Embracing the millennia-old traditions of Judaism with a welcoming and modern approach, The Jewish Discovery Center’s underlying principle of unquestioning acceptance and genuine love for every Jewish individual, regardless of affiliation or how much they practice, is now being brought to this region,” says Barry Bortz, CEO of Carespring Construction, who is coordinating the building construction.
According to Jewish Discovery Center building committee member and real-estate developer Peter Goffstein, the new state-of-the-art facility in Mason will also accommodate its growing, conveniently located, community preschool. The Chai Tots Early Childhood Center (www.ChaiTots.com) serves the entire Jewish community in the area. Chai Tots is the only Jewish Montessori school in Ohio and the first Jewish preschool in Mason, bringing Jewish children of all backgrounds and affiliations together.
Focusing on academic excellence, Chai Tots caters to parents seeking a professional Jewish based preschool for their children. Children will begin their lives with a superior education on every level, in a warm, loving, Jewish environment. Chai Tots offers a unique blend of the Montessori method and traditional Jewish education, teaching children the culture and traditions of Judaism, while developing their creativity skills and promoting independence.
The school’s flexible schedule allows parents to choose the morning, afternoon, or all day program. Chai Tots also provides before and after extended care and is open to children ages 18 months to 6 years old.
Enrollment is underway for this Fall.
The Jewish Discovery Center proudly boasts a commitment to bring the Jewish community together in a convenient location in this region, in a joyful atmosphere. It’s building committee members, drawn from across the spectrum of Jewish life, includes: Jay Blumberg, Barry Bortz, Peter Goffstein, Ian Guttman, Julius Kassar, Mike Reed, Scott Samuelson and Hank Schneider.
The project is due for completion in the beginning of August and the new facility will boast large spacious Early Childhood classrooms, an age appropriate enclosed playground, rooms for adult education and activities, and state-of-the-art security.
“Our building campaign is underway to raise the balance of funds needed,” said Ian Guttman, building committee member. Construction of the new facility is being completely funded locally and there are a number of dedications still available for sponsorship.
More information, feedback, an online survey and photos of construction can be seen at: http://www.JDiscovery.com or contact The Jewish Discovery Center at 531-DISCOVER (531-3472).
