Several of our  Shirat Shalom children are  participating in a pilot program that expands children's minds helping them to become more empowered, balanced and do better in school.  We are thrilled with the results so far - more information to come!

After the first session, one student, an adorable 3rd grader was done early so I took her outside.  She was quite excited about this which didn't surprise me as all  children love going into our backyard! It is filled with ponds and hidden places, perfect for a child to explore.    

As we went onto the side deck which is within a hidden enclave she excitedly called out, "Look there are two butterflies!"  They began circling around her which delighted her even more! As I stood watching from a distance a swarm of butterflies came and began circling around her! There were so many - I didn't even know we had that many butterflies in our backyard!  I continued to just stand where I was, mesmerized as the child began dancing with Joy within their circle!  I am not sure how long I stood there watching this Dance of Joy, on both sides, of the butterflies and the child!

Two weeks later I finally had a chance to post pictures on facebook  of our students  planting  for Tu B'Shvat, the holiday honoring Trees and Nature. In honor of Mother Earth, the children planted milkweed seeds to help propagate monarch butterflies who are presently in danger of their population diminishing.    

Something made me think the butterfly dance two weeks earlier was connected to this so I checked the date the child had come for that first  session. It was the day after Tu B'Shvat on a Sunday. The Wednesday before was when the children planted the milkweed seeds in Hebrew School!

We all have those times when we receive confirmation deeply within that yes, something is true. This little girl was one of the children who planted the milkweed seeds that week.....

At that moment I knew without a doubt the butterflies had come to tell her Thank You!

Read how we can help monarch butterflies