When Sima Brodizky came to the United States in 1980, she brought along decades of teaching experience.
"I love everything about children," she said, recounting her many years as a teacher at schools in Israel and the U.S. The Russian-born educator moved to Israel when she was just 12 years old, which engrained in her a deep love of Jewish culture.
Brodizky, who has been teaching for over 50 years, is the lead educator of Holiday on Wheels, a program run by JUF's Russian-speaking Jewish Division (RJD), which brings Jewish holiday education to daycares in the Northwest and Western suburbs. The program began a decade ago by Anna Gorbikoff, current Chairman of RJD's Advisory Board. Gorbikoff was also a Jewish educator in both synagogues and public schools.
"It is the greatest reward to come back to the daycare centers and see kids jump with joy and excitement in the anticipation to participate in the program for Jewish Holidays," Gorbikoff said." These moments unite all of the kids in the classroom in joy and happiness of fun and memorable moments regardless of their background, religion, or heritage. This program is where incredible moments and memories are born."
Since joining Holidays on Wheels last year, Brodizky has quickly become popular among the community. "She's going into schools that have students from diverse backgrounds, so they're not all Jewish," explained Sofia Jouravel, Director of RJD. Approximately, 150 students have already participated in Holidays on Wheels this year, which includes programs around Chanukah, Passover, Purim, Sukkot, and Rosh Hashanah.
"Sima is like the best grandma you have ever seen on the planet," added Alina Zatulyviter, RJD Young Families Outreach Manager. "She's very open and friendly, and is very involved in the community outside of the schools."
Brodizky, who speaks Russian, Hebrew, and English, previously worked at several JCC preschool programs, as well as served as a storyteller at Kohl's Children's Museum. Through Holidays on Wheels, she embraces the opportunity to teach children the importance of tradition.
"It's really good to know about heritage, but it's also important to teach non-Jewish children about Jewish life," she said. "When children recognize me outside of school, it's the best present."
Finding ways to engage all students is important to Brodizk's philosophy as a Jewish educator. "You need to approach each child differently because no child is the same," she explained, adding it's a great sign to see children "asking questions." "It's important to see them interested. For example, I teach the children about Rosh Hashanah and include apples and honey. I talk about how it is the beginning of the year and the beginning of life. They always love that."
With Israel at war and antisemitism on the rise, Brodizky emphasizes the importance of bringing Jewish education to children of all backgrounds, so they appreciate, understand, and respect the culture.
"It's really important for me because it's our people," she said. "We need to support them."
