OurChildren

Our
About
Useful Information for the Next Generation of Jewish Families

Chanukah Lights
Combating Winter Ills Water for Africa
Holiday Gratitude
Supplement to The Jewish Standard December 2017
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2 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN DECEMBER 2017
 OurChildren
About
Useful Information for the Next Generation of Jewish Families

December 2017

Mitzvah across the Globe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Teaneck tween helps bring water to Sudan

Greatest Chanukah Gift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..6

Using the holiday to teach gratitude

New Media at School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Gerrard Berman amps up its library

Honing Parenting Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Going from good to excellent

Combating Winters Ills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Preventing the seasons sicknesses

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Many Menorahs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
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Top Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Great picks for December
Newer, Better, More Spectacular!
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Thrilling New Rides!
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Giant Slides Giant Spider
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James L. Janoff Natalie Jay Ed Silberfarb
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Art Director Account Executives

About Our Children is published 11 times a year by the New Jersey/Rockland Jewish Media Group,
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ABOUT OUR CHILDREN DECEMBER 2017 3


O Learn About The Revolution In
h, you beautiful doll.
There was Mary Poppins.
There was Hi Heidi. There was
Playtime Tubsy.
Three iconic dolls from my child-
hood, all different, all cherished.
As a girly girl I loved my dolls. They
were my playmates, my hair and fash-
ion subjects, and my training ground in
future nurturance.
Hi Heidi was the first of the trium-
virate. She was a blonde doll who lived
inside a plastic pocketbook case. The
main attraction of Hi Heidi was that she
would wave her hand in an upward ges-
ture when the button on her belly was
pushed. Hi Heidi was so often in a state
of greeting that she must also have
been gesturing bye because, after
all, how many times can one say hi?
While I would help her greet, it wasnt
her friendly nature or penchant for wel-
coming that made me love her.
It was her name! Her name was Hei-
di, and so was mine! To my preschool
sense of affirmation, owning a popular
doll that shared your name was the win-
ning ticket.
Then there was Mary Poppins, a
doll who captured the image of the
Saturdays and Sundays
in November and December
at 11 a.m.
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4 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN DECEMBER 2017
musings fromTHERE
the ISeditor
AN ALTERNATIVE
popular elegant, magi-
cal English nanny. I got
Mary Poppins at the
same time my brother
got a Secret Sam Spy
kit. I must admit, at first
I thought his briefcase
full of toy equipment
for espionage was more
exciting than my um-
brella-toting, bonnet-
clad doll. She couldnt
shoot bullets out of her
high-button boots the
way the Secret Sam at-
tache case did. But I came to love Mary
Poppins because she reminded me of
Julie Andrews, my favorite actress, who
played her in the movie.
Last came Playtime Tubsy. I got
Playtime Tubsy near the end of my doll-
playing period. I remember my ambiva-
lence about asking my parents to buy
her, but I didnt want to miss the chance
to have this doll. Playtime Tubsy came
with her own bathtub. She looked just
like a baby. The thing about Playtime
Tubsy was that when she was put in
the water, her arms would move up
and down and her hands would splash
the water. She was like an average 19-year-old as opposed to
playing! At the time, a non-realistic body image, Rebecca Ru-
the mechanism that bin, the Jewish American Girl doll, who
HEBREW SCHOOL Education
made Playtime Tubsy lived in the early 20th century and longed
splash was consid- to be an actress, to name a few.
ered ingenious. It had But some things never change.
something to do with Playing with dolls may be sweet and
In Bergen County
the water seeping in fun, but research also suggests benefits
the doll as she sat in beyond a cuddly toy.
the bath, causing a Dolls can help youngsters problem
signal to create move- solve with pretend play.
ment in her arms. Youngsters can develop fine motor
Once she left the wa- skills by arranging and dressing and
ter, the signal would fussing over the dolls.
THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE
change and the doll Dolls can help develop language
would stop splashing. skills through the talk and mimicry.
These dolls were Chanukah gifts to Dolls can help prepare a youngster
me from my parents. for a sibling. A doll can help a shy
During the Festival of Lights in our child become more outgoing. Children
LearnAboutTheRevolutionIn
home, the gold standard for gifts was can learn empathy and nurturance
gelt, money. But some years we would with dolls. And a doll also can help a
get presents. Until today, those gifts child feel safe.
are wrapped with indelible memories. So thank you, Mar y, Tubsy,
HEBREWSCHOOLEducation
Memories of affirmation, of identifica- and Heidi.
tion, of communication, and more. And thank you, Mom and Dad.
What of the dolls that are given to Wishing all a Happy Chanukah.
our own daughters and our sons today? Cheers,
InBergenCounty
These dolls reflect our cultural and demo-
graphic changes: the Barbie doctor doll,
the Lammily doll proportioned to look
REGISTRATION OPEN
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!
THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE
Learn About The
A Creative andRevolution
Exciting In
HEBREW SCHOOL
HEBREW SCHOOL Education
Education
In Bergen
for Children in County
Grades 3-7
JEWISH Y UTH
ENCOUNTER PROGRAM
Classes meet Sunday mornings
Big Brothers/Sisters mentor each student
Bar & Bat Mitzvah Preparation
Monthly Family Programs
Located in Teaneck (Torah Academy)
No synagogue affiliation required
Contact Dr. Deborah Rapps, Director
201-833-JYEP(5937)
Or visit us at www.JYEP.org
or email debby@jyep.org

Teaneck Tween Brings
Water to South Sudan
S
ometimes one book can make all the
difference in world.
In 1985, the African country of
Sudan was wracked by civil war. Millions
died and more were displaced, fleeing to
refugee camps in Ethiopia, Kenya, and
neighboring countries. Among those who
fled the war-torn desert were thousands
of children, mostly boys, some as young
as 5, who became known as The Lost
Boys of Sudan.
Salva Dut was one of those boys. As
an 11-year old in southwest Sudan, he
first fled to Ethiopia. Later, as a teenager,
he led 1,500 Lost Boys hundreds of miles
through the southern Sudan desert to the
Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. Relocat-
ed to the U.S. in 1996, Mr. Dut now leads
Water for South Sudan, Inc., a non-profit
he founded in 2003.
His story is told in the bestseller, A
Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park,
a book that was read by 12-year-old Hai-
ley Diamond in her book club at Yeshivat
Noam. The book was a page-turner and a
life-turner for the Teaneck youngster, who
has taken on the task of helping to bring
fresh water to Sudan as part of her bat
mitzvah project
Hailey, a sixth grader, who loves read-
ing about other cultures, never imagined
how a book, taught in the book club by
Margi Saks, would open her eyes and cre-
ate this drive.
I was so surprised to hear about how
people live, said Hailey. While we can
turn on our faucets and get clean drink-
ing water, life in the Sudan is very differ-
ent. For much of the year the land is dry
and people have to leave their homes and
families behind, and women and children
are forced to walk hours every day to col-
lect water. The water they find is often
dirty and many people die from the water
or the trek to get water.
Water is usually something we take
advantage of, she said. It takes me a
few seconds to get water from my sink.
But in the book we meet an 8-year-old
girl named Nya who walks eight hours
a day, every day, just to get a little bit of
bad, contaminated water. I couldnt be-
lieve this happens now in 2017. When I
finished the book I just wanted to help in
any way I could. I was overwhelmed with
the amount I thought I needed to raise to
make an impact, but I read on their web-
site that small amounts make a huge dif-
ference, even $10 can change a life, and I
launched my campaign.
Hailey and her mother, Stefanie Dia-
mond, contacted Water for South Sudan,
based in Rochester, N.Y., and launched a
Hailey Diamond, right, with Salva Dut at their recent meeting.
fundraising page. She emailed family and
friends apprising them about the dire situ-
ation in South Sudan and asked for dona-
tions. The Teaneck tween also launched a
party business, where she donated mon-
ey she makes by working at local birthday
parties. And she will continue her fund-
raising efforts, asking others to contribute
the money they spend in a week on non-
water drinks, such as sodas, iced tea, etc,
to the cause.
According to Water for South Sudan,
during the November-to-May dry season
in South Sudan most sources of surface
water dry up. This forces millions of
South Sudanese each year to leave their
village homes in search for water. Some
have to abandon their homes and move
all together while others, usually, women
and children, are forced to trek miles
every day to collect water from ponds,
marshes, ditches, or hand-dug wells.
This water is often contaminated with
disease-causing parasites and bacteria.
The results are pain, sickness, even death,
especially among infants and children.
Villagers have no choice about what they
drink. Water, however tainted, is needed
to live. The hunt for water prevents vil-
lages from building stable, basic infra-
structure such as schools, markets, and
medical clinics. Even when villages are
able to build clinics or schools, the build-
ings can stay empty for up to six months
a year because the dry season forces vil-
lagers to find water.
When women and children are forced
to walk up to eight hours a day for wa-
ter, they are unable to do anything else.
This demanding, time-intensive regimen
OurChildren
About
makes getting an education difficult if not
impossible. This is why most children and
especially women in South Sudan do not
even have an elementary education.
According to Salva Dut, Where safe,
clean water flows, education, economic
development, and health spring up. Safe
water brings new hope and opportunities
to South Sudans people, empowering
them to change their lives.
Stefanie Diamond, who has a photog-
raphy business, said she and her family
are extremely proud of Hailey, who is pre-
senting the issue to students at SAR Acad-
emy and at Noam.
So often kids are focused on the
tangible in their every day lives, Ms.
Diamond said. For Hailey to think of oth-
ers and see this need thousands of miles
away, and that she, as an 11 or 12 year old
can make a difference is very special. We
need not only to help those in our com-
munity, but to go outside our community
and as Jews help others who are different
from us.
Ms. Saks, the teacher who ran the
small group of students in their bi-weekly
book club said, As a teacher, this book
made a deep impression on me. I wanted
my students to understand the hardships
that some people deal with on a daily
level and take a moment to think about
the modern conveniences that we give no
thought to or have appreciation of in our
daily lives.
Hailey recently had the opportunity
to meet Mr. Dut, who thanked her for tak-
ing it upon herself to help. When he met
her he told her: Hailey, it is because we
have kids like you, who care about oth-
ers, that the world is still spinning. Our
purpose is to help others, and we are so
grateful to you and proud of everything
youve done.
After the meeting with Mr. Dut she
said she felt amazing and empowered
to change other peoples lives, and
it feels even better that I dont know
them personally.
This issue may not directly affect you
or me, said Hailey. But thats what makes
it all the more important. Its our job to
make the world a better place, and we need
to start with empathy. Caring about people
we dont know and helping improve their
quality of life will change the world.
So far $1,600 has been raised. Haileys
ultimate goal is to dig a well, which costs
$15,000. To donate to Haileys bat mitzvah
project visit https://www.crowdrise.com/
water-for-south-sudan-haileys-bat-mitz-
vah-project/fundraiser/haileysbatmitzvah
or email stefdiamond@gmail.com.
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN DECEMBER 2017 5
OurChildren
About
Chanukah Is a Great Time
To Teach About Gratitude
A D I N A S O C LO F
P
arents are often shocked at their
childrens lack of gratefulness. And
when Chanukah comes around and
they have gotten all their presents, their
bratty, entitled behavior can be even
more noticeable.
Parents are confused: Why arent my
kids happy with what they have? Why
this incessant need for more? Why are
they so ungrateful?
Wanting and desiring things is a very
human trait. We have basic drives and
one of them is the drive to acquire. This
drive is what ultimately causes us to be
curious about our world. It fuels our ambi-
tions and makes us passionate about life.
But left to its own devices without any at-
tempt to rein it in can lead to unhappiness
and dissatisfaction in life.
Our job is to channel their desires
into normal proportions by not giving our
children everything they ask for.
This is what we are seeing in our
children. It is the drive to acquire in an
unadulterated form. It is quite normal for
youngsters to want things and because
of their poor impulse control they need
to have it right now. Our job as parents is
to channel their desires into normal pro-
portions by not giving our children every-
thing they ask for.
What about teens? Havent they
grown out of this?
Teens are also still learning to curb
their drive to acquire. Not only that, stud-
ies have shown that keeping a gratitude
journal helps most adults and even col-
lege students feel happier and more grate-
ful. But when those same studies were re-
peated on teens, there was no significant
increase in their happiness or their ability
to be happy for what they have.
Experts suggest the reason behind
this. Being grateful for what one has
means that you are beholden to the peo-
ple who give you so much; in a teens case
those people are their parents. Teens are
in the process of individuation, trying to
find themselves, and this often results in
pushing their parents away. Their very
real need for independence means that
they would rather feel self-reliant than
grateful to the adults in their life.
So how can we effectively teach our
kids to appreciate what they have?
Here are four simple ways to help
teach our kids to be grateful:
Respect their struggle and learn to
say no
When children and teens are asking us for
6 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN DECEMBER 2017
the latest electronic game, toy or stuffed
animal, we dont need to get upset with
them for their endless, insatiable desires.
Its normal. Understand this hunger for
stuff that your children exhibit. Instead of
getting upset when they start in with their
complaints and requests, view them with
compassion. It is very hard to want things
that you cant have. However, we need to
remember that we do not need to give in
to their urgent pleas. We are the ones re-
sponsible for helping them channel their
desires into normal proportions. We can
and should say no. If they hear that you
actually care about how they feel, they
will be able to accept your no gracefully.
It can sound like this:
Child: Why cant I have the newest
(fill in the device)? All my friends have
them! Why do I always have to be the odd
man out!?
Parent: You sound frustrated, you re-
ally would like that new (whatever). It can
be hard to want things and not get them.
Sadly, you will not be getting it.
Redirect inappropriate behavior
You bought me a green notebook! I asked
for red!
But this isnt my favorite flavor
ice cream!
I told you to pick me up at 1pm and
you were late!
Although they might sound bratty
and spoiled, we want to avoid labeling
our kids in such negative ways. We need
to recognize that most kids and teens
have a hard time understanding an-
others feelings. This makes them look
selfish. They also dont have the easiest
time regulating their feelings, so when
they are disappointed, (by not getting
their favorite ice cream, or the red note-
book) they may just blurt out exactly
what they are feeling.
We need to train our kids to act ap-
propriately and respectfully to us. We also
need to teach them to express their disap-
pointment and their needs in a polite way.
We can also point out how their behavior
affects others.
Teach them to be grateful instead
of entitled. You can gently say: I ex-
pect when I buy you a notebook, even
if it isnt the color you like, that you say
thank you.
Teach them to express their disap-
pointment and needs. You can empathize
and state your expectations and model
respectful language: You sound disap-
pointed about the ice cream. However,
when someone buys you something you
need to say thank you. Next time this hap-
pens you can say, Thanks Mom, next time
you go, can you get me chocolate?
Teach them to understand how
their behavior affects others. You can
talk about your feelings, empathize and
model respectful language: I feel frus-
trated when I am spoken to in this way.
I am sorry for being late, I am sure you
were worried. Next time, you can say:
Mom, I worry, when you dont come on
time. Please let me know if you are going
to be late
Make sure to teach your young chil-
dren to say thank you. If they balk in front
of the overbearing relatives or the store
clerk, pull them aside and gently say, I
know its uncomfortable to say thank you,
but I know you want to be polite and that
is the polite thing to do.
Since my husband is the primary
breadwinner in our family, whenever I go
on a shopping trip with my kids I have
them call my husband to say thank you
for what they have bought. I explain,
Daddy works hard everyday so we can
buy the things we need, lets give him a
call to say, thank you.
Talk about what you are grateful for
Have you ever given this lecture to your
kids: You should appreciate what you
have, there are people starving in Africa!
There are children who are just happy to
play with sticks and rocks! This tactic
just makes kids feel guilty, defensive, and
angry, not more grateful.
Its more effective if we talk about our-
selves and what we appreciate.
The other day, I received a phone call
from someone who was collecting tzeda-
kah for a family that has fallen on some
difficult times. I got off the phone visibly
Adina Soclof is the director of Parent Outreach for A+ Solutions, facilitating How to Talk
So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk workshops as well as workshops based on
Siblings Without Rivalry. For more information, including booking her for speaking engage-
ments refer to www.parentingsimply.com or www.thinkaplus.com.
distressed and my daughter asked what
was wrong. I told her that there was a fam-
ily that was having some sad problems
and they needed tzedakah. When I hear
stories like these I just thank God for all
we have, I said to her. I feel so grateful
for our loving, healthy family.
The indirect lessons taught through
our own actions and words pack a bigger
punch then a moral lecture.
Be a role model
Children do as we do, not as we say. We
need to check our own actions first. Are
we acting in grateful ways?
Do you:
Say thank you to the postman, the
store clerk, and your friends.
Thank your spouse for making dinner,
taking out the garbage, cleaning a clogged
drain or for making the phone call to Aunt
Ethel, something you really didnt want
to do.
Complain about all the things you
dont have.
Run out to buy the latest gadget or
fashion accessory?
Enjoy the simple beauty around you
and share it with your children. The sun-
sets, the sun shining on the snow, laugh-
ing babies and blossoming trees.
Creating an environment in your
home where kids see a living example of
gratefulness will go a long way in teaching
your kids to appreciate what they have.
Chanukah is a time of miracles. Yes, it
might seem impossible but kids can learn
to be grateful with what they have when
we learn respect their struggle and say
no, redirecting their inappropriate behav-
ior, avoiding the lecture and being a role
model of appreciation.

New Media Center at Gerrard Berman Day School
H E I D I M A E B RAT T
I
ts high-tech learning time at the Academies at
Gerrard Berman Day School as it unveiled a
newly equipped and expanded library and me-
dia center to keep pace with 21st century learning.
The Oakland school has received a matching
grant totalling $75,000 from the Legacy Heritage
Fund to renovate the schools library/media center.
These funds help provide cutting edge technology
for students in early childhood through 8th grade.
The new media center is the latest example of the
commitment to enhancing academic curriculum
through technology, officials said. Students at the
Academies at Gerrard Berman Day School are
taught computer science, digital design techniques,
and engineering practices. The lessons advance
their skills in problem solving, analysis, critical
thinking and persistence.
We realized that as time marches on into the
21st century the students needs have changed
and we were fortunate enough to receive a grant to
renovate the space and add technology resources
for our students, said Robert Smolen, the head
of school.
The Academies at GBDS was a beneficiary of
the Legacy Heritage Funds effort to support Jew-
ish education. The fund contributed $37,500 to the
OurChildren
About
project that converted the Jewish day schools li-
brary into a new Library/Media center equipped
with new desktops, laptops, iPads for learning flex-
ibility in and out of the classroom.
As a result of the upgrade, every classroom
and staff member will have greater connectivity
electronically, instructionally and remotely. Stu-
dents and teachers can use the library/media cen-
ter for instruction and develop further technology
skills. Students will be able to create presentations
and access web-based resources that are displayed
in the library/media center. The level of communi-
cation and data transfer between the classroom
and the library/media center will be increased and
teachers and the librarian/media specialist will
develop new computer skills that will enhance in-
struction and library usage.
In addition, said Mr. Smolen, the librarys
books, classroom textbooks, research material and
other reading and resource materials are online for
the learning flexibility and convenience of students.
While the new center has progressed the
school digitally and technologically, Mr. Smolen
added that Gerrard Berman still has 4,000 books
in its library to continue to promote literacy the
old-fashioned way.
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our Children. Children at Gerrard Bermans library/media center.
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN DECEMBER 2017 7
OurChildren
About

From Good to Great

Honing a Set of Parenting Skills
A D I N A S O C LO F them, You cant be too hot, its cold outside, You cant
be fullyou only ate one bite of your sandwich. The

P
arenting is one of our toughest jobs. When we fact is, we dont know how another person can feel, even
leave the hospital with our baby safely ensconced our own children. We need to teach our kids to trust their
in his or her car seat, we are on our own. Theres own gut and instincts; it will serve them well when they
no instructional manual, no degree we need to have. It need to make tough decisions without us. To do that,
seems as if parenting is all on-the-job training. It doesnt its better to say, It feels cold to me, but not to you
have to be. Heres a short primer on things you need to everyone feels things differently. Or One bite of that
know to raise children in a positive, healthy way. sandwich is enough for you, you know how to read your
hunger signals
1. Bring Jewish values and traditions
into your home 7. Shower your children with love
Teaching children to embrace Jewish values and tradi- Children need their parents attention to thrive. They
tions is one of the best gifts we can give our children. also need to know that we love them just the way they
The Jewish faith introduced the world to the importance are. To do that, we want to try to spend time with them
of family, kindness, justice, peace, charity, honesty, and on their terms. Find out what they love to do, whether
so much more. These are bedrock principles that will en- its going to their favorite ice cream store, playing their
sure that your children will behave with integrity. Jewish favorite sport with them in the backyard, or even reading
traditions, Shabbat and the holidays, prayer, and other respectful, and loving, we need to be kind, respectful, and the same books they are reading and discussing them.
rituals lend stability, unity, and a strong sense of identity. loving. They need to see us living our Jewish values, by And enjoy spending time with them! Its important to tell
These are essential ingredients in building emotionally giving charity, promoting peace in our interactions with your children that you love them, I am so happy that
healthy children. others, and by being truthful (no lying about their age to God gave you to me; I love being your mother/father
get the discount at the amusement park.). and to demonstrate that love with physical affection like
2. You are the best teacher hugs, kisses, and ruffling their hair.
Children do what we do, not what we say. If we want to 3. Children are not natural listeners
be a good role model for our kids, we need to walk the We are often surprised, indignant, and angry when our 8. Know your childs strengths
walk and talk the talk. If we want our children to be kind, child doesnt listen to us. The fact is, it is hard for kids to Every person is created with their own strengths and
listen to all the things that they need to do. From morning talents. As parents, our job is to help our child discover
to night, they need to listen to instructions given to them those strengths and talents.
Gymnastics Silks & Hammocks & Lyra by adults. They are not being bad; they often dont have We can ask ourselves:

Cresskill the attention, energy, or will to follow through. Instead of What is my childs strength?
Dance Acting Musical Theater Voice Choreography

Fencing Princess Dance and more age 2-1/2 to adults

getting mad, focus on helping your kids listen, make eye What characteristic of my child brings me joy?

Performing Arts contact when giving instructions, validate their feelings,

I know its tough to stop playing with your Legos to get
300 Knickerbocker Rd Cresskill ready for bed Or make it fun: Lets pretend we are
airplanes and fly to the car.
IMAGINE YOUR CHILD,
4. They test limits
DANCING, SINGING, Children need rules and limits that are fair and consis-
LEARNING AND HAVING tent. It makes them feel safe, secure, and encouraged.
FUN IN THE ARTS! When we are wishy-washy with our rules, kids feel root-
less and dont know what to expect. When children fight
the rules, they are really testing us to see if we actually
mean what we say. We need to stick to our guns and gen-
tly and respectfully enforce the rules that we have for
our family.
5. Most children respond well to positive
reinforcement
Your best bet to having great children is to give them
loads of attention when they are behaving in positive
waysfor example, when they get into bed on time,
brush their teeth, and come when they are called. Ironi-
cally, we usually give our kids more attention when they
REGISTER NOW are misbehaving. When we give attention to a kids nega-
Classes are filling fast! tive behavior, we inadvertently reinforce their negative
behavior. When we only focus on their positive behavior,
Go to cresskillperformingarts.com we reinforce their positive behavior. It takes a while to
to reserve your spot for a Trial Class. retrain our brains to look for the positive, but it is well
Questions? worth the effort.
201 390-7513 201 266-8830
6. Let them experience their own feelings
studio-info@cresskillperformingarts.com Children need to own their own feelings. You cant tell
www.cresskillperformingarts.com
What gives my child the most joy?
What comes easy to them?
They might be very different from what we expect.
A father who values academics might have a child who
loves the arts or vice versa.
Children thrive and flourish when they feel that
their authentic selves are valued and appreciated by
their parents.
9. Foster independence
We need to live our lives as parents knowing that our
children are only ours for a short time. Our job is to teach
them to go out into the world and make their mark, and
contribute to our society in positive ways. We need to
teach them to think independently and have the tools
they need to make good decisions. We need to find ways
to encourage their autonomy by asking their opinions,
What do you think would be the best way to schedule
our day? Give them choices, Do you want to wear your
green or blue shirt today? and responsibility and chores
around the house.
Parenting is indeed a tough job, but it is also one of
the most rewarding. And you are uniquely suited to raise
your kids.
Adina Soclof is the director of Parent Outreach for A+
Solutions, facilitating How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and
Listen So Kids Will Talk workshops as well as workshops
based on Siblings Without Rivalry. For more information,
including booking her for speaking engagements, refer to
www.parentingsimply.com or www.thinkaplus.com.

8 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN DECEMBER 2017

 OUR GREAT BIG
CHANUKAH GIFT Lets Get Lit!
GIVEAWAY CO M P I L E D BY H E I D I M A E B RAT T

F
un and funky menorahs not only light up the night and help celebrate the eight-day
holiday of Chanukah, but light up our imagination. These menorahs are just a few
bright ideas.
Shalom Gift Card
Sesame Teaneck
6 DVDs $50
Doghouse Finger puppet menorah candles? A handy
Complete Set Gift Certificate Restaurant
idea and perfect for those too young for the
real thing.
from
Estihana
Restaurant

Hard Candy
Eau de Parfum Girling Up
& Book by
Body Mist Mayim Bialik

Chanukah
Build a
Bear

Hand-Dyed
I Got You Bamboo Blanket The wheels on the bus, oh, we mean the roof on
Something From
the bus! Antiqued metal candle cups rest on the
rooftop of this vintage-style yellow school bus The holiday seems to be over in a flash, as fast as
Baking Mold Austin by Copa Judaica. this retro Vespa-style Scooter Menorah by Copa
Judaica.
& Recipe Book Tie Dye Co.

Courtesy of About Our Children and our Advertisers

Random drawing from all entrees received

will be held Monday, December 15.
To enter, just fill out the form below and return it by mail or fax. Winners will be
Youll never forget Chanukah with
notified by phone or email. this Elephant Menorah. Just a good
reminder of the happy holiday.
Name ______________________________________________________________

Street ______________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ________________________________________________________

Phone ______________________________________________________________

Email _______________________________________________________________ Lotta latkes light

the night with
Age of Child (Children) _________________________________________________ this conversation
piece latke pan
Mail to: hand-painted
New Jersey/Rockland Jewish Media Group, menorah by Zion
1086 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666. Or fax to: 201-833-4959 Judaica.
By December 15, 2017
Menorahs available at www.moderntribe.com

10 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN DECEMBER 2017

1 2

3 1. Students at the Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies participated in

Mitzvah Day recently. Students went to the Jewish Federation of Northern New
Jersey headquarters in Paramus where they packed activity bags for teens battling
cancer, sorted and packed baby clothing to be sent to Israel, and memory books for
Alzheimers patients. Another group went to Mevo Fresh Roots Farm in Mahwah to
plant, weed, and prepare the ground for winter.
2. Middle school students and Chani Gurkov of The Friendship Circle of Passaic
County partnered with residents of Sienna Village in Wayne for an evening of
socializing, crafts and fun for its first Heart to Heart meeting.The students helped the
seniors make jars of sugar scrubs to use on their skin for the winter.
3. Sixth grade religious school students at Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley
participated in the Kehillah Partnership with nine other congregations in the
northern New Jersey area. Teachers, students and presenters came together to share
knowledge, meet new friends, and have a fun experience.

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ABOUT OUR CHILDREN DECEMBER 2017 11


The Mom and Pop School
The One Happening at Home
E D S I L B E R FA R B
R
abbi Leib has a masters in
Jewish education and gained
smicha three years ago. His
wife Sadie teaches art and computer
graphics in the local school system
where she gets health benefits for
herself and her family. Also, she is
working towards a masters degree in
education. They have three children,
Molly, 5, Reuben, 3, and Obie, 1.
Leib likes to teach, but may
have to take a dreary job as school
administrator. He and Sadie would
be working full-time to provide pri-
vate school for Molly and Reuben
(about $20,000 each in a yeshiva)
and costly child care for Obie.
Whoa there, says Leib. Were
outsourcing our children, work-
ing full-time so someone else can
raise them.
Thus began Rabbi Leibs one-
room schoolhouse, which expands
to the bedroom, porch, and kitchen.
Molly, who reads at a second-grade
level, sits at the child-size table with
Arnold Lobels Frog and Toad se-
ries. Sometimes she takes a break
and reads to Reuben, who wants to
hear the same stories over and over
again. He has already memorized
The Little Engine That Could and
Goodnight Moon.
Reuben is at work on counting
and letter recognition. He counts to
five accurately. Good correct, he No place like home to learn the ABCs and more.
says and then to ten with a few mis-
takes, Bad correct.
A video helps with letter recognition. Theres the one
that shows each letter animated. An ANT is crawling on
the tree. An APPLE falls from the tree. ADAM finds the AP-
PLE. Each A word brings a chorus of shrieks and cheers.
Reuben knows about half the letters, Leib says.
The kids are now playing. Nothing should be rushed.
Let them enjoy the moment.
For arithmetic theres the basic picture book. (If you
have five bunny rabbits and three run away, how many
do you have left?), but Leib also makes use of a more
sophisticated instrument, an abacus with red and white
beads that Molly can manipulate for multiplication, no
longer the dreary rote memorizing of the times table.
When I was doing multiplication, I didnt know what
I was doing, Leib says. Until I studied for the Graduate
Record Exam I didnt know what math was all about.
Even penmanship is in the curriculum. I would like
to go to the playground, Molly writes. Her handwriting
needs improvement, says Leib, who points out letters
that are not the same size and words that run together.
He explains spacing the width of her pinky. We soon find
12 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN DECEMBER 2017
GENERATION G
out that handwriting these days means printing, not cur-
sive. Cursive may come later or not at all, says Leib.
The old-fashioned longhand has become the victim of the
word processor.
Meanwhile, Obie may be playing, taking a nap, or learn-
ing baby sign language with Leib signaling up, down, ent method for the English alphabet. He has ordered a set
eat, and drink. Reuben is watching his ABC video. The of letters printed in sandpaper. Leib would like to do the
day is not all schoolwork, though. After a one-on-one learn-
ing session with Molly, Leib calls for a play break. There
are at least one or two play breaks, perhaps outside. It
depends how much weve covered. There are also arts
and crafts. The current project is weaving a lanyard.
A criticism of home schooling is isolation and lack of
socialization. A large classroom isnt a good social set-
ting. Its more like a mob, says Leib. I was a teacher. I happy environment. When you push the curriculum, you
was unhappy with the classroom model. It brings out the
worst in kids, like Lord of the Flies. The teacher rules by
force and the kids learn by fear, and theres no longtime
relationship with a different teacher each year.
A better social situation is with two or three friends.
We might spend Shabbos with other families who have
kids Mollys and Reubens age. Molly did a sleepover Sat-
urday night with one.
In a home school, siblings get
to know each other. After all, theyre
going to spend the rest of their
lives together.
But kids will be kids. There was
the time Reuben, angelic-looking
with long, blond hair, threw a toy at
Leib for reasons his father couldnt
figure out. Then he did it again. The
problem was then solved. He just
wanted to be held, Leib said.
Even Molly, who seems never
without a smile and a hug for all, has
her contrary moments, like dump-
ing piles of books on the floor and
refusing to put them away.
Then theres lunch. Leibs menu
involves a mandatory vegetable fol-
lowed by a favorite like toast with
jam, pasta, or even a potato pan-
cake for Molly and Reuben. Obies
meal is more specialized. He is
breast-fed, not one of Leibs kitchen
skills. No problem. Sadie expresses
milk to leave for him before she
goes to work.
In a yeshivas early learning,
Yiddishkeit is part of the program.
Is it neglected in Rabbi Leibs
home school?
We learn about the holidays,
English first and Hebrew later. Mish-
na first and Chumash later. Mishna
is easier, with simple words and
pictures, like Mishna Succah, for
example. Its more age appropriate.
Often with Chumash, the student
just repeats after the teacher. Better
to learn Hebrew from story books.
A traditional way to introduce a three-year-old to He-
brew letters is to coat the letters with honey, and have
the child trace the aleph bet with his finger, thus associat-
ing the sweetness of the alphabet. Rabbi Leib has a differ-
same for the Hebrew letters. The youngster would learn
by touch as well as sight, but not by taste, and it would
be less messy.
Leibs home school program covers the essentials,
but he disavows the need for a structured curriculum.
My goal is not so much covering the material in a formal
curriculum, but rather to create a warm atmosphere, a
lose the learning.
Ed Silberfarb was a reporter for the Bergen Record in New
Jersey, then the New York Herald Tribune, where he was City
Hall bureau chief. Later, he was a public information officer
for the New York City Transit Authority and editor of one of its
employee publications.
 OurChildren
About

TopChoices D E C E M B E R 2 0 17
CO M P I L E D BY H E I D I M A E B RAT T

Jazz Clarinetist
Mr G Concert Celebrates Oran Etkin Concert
Chanukah
Renowned jazz clarinet-
ist Oran Etkin founded
Timbalooloo to immerse
Join Latin Grammy-winning chil- children and their families
drens musician Mister G (Ben in the beauty and excite-
Gundersheimer) for an interactive ment of a range of musical
and high energy Chanukah con- traditions through music
cert with music spanning genres classes, concerts, and
from bluegrass to bossa nova, funk albums. Mr. Etkin returns
to folk. Hear new twists on holiday to The Jewish Museum
songs from his Parents Choice with fresh stories and
Gold award-winning album, The songs after a fall tour to
Mitzvah Bus, along with catchy Zimbabwe and Kenya.
tunes from his many bilingual Families will embark
albums including Los Animales, on an interactive musi-
which will have kids, parents, and cal journey through the
grandparents dancing in the aisles. African landscape. Sing,
Great for children 3 to 8 years old. Sunday, December 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. dance, drum, and dis-
Scheur Auditorium, The Jewish Museum,1109 Fifth Ave., Manhattan. 212-423-3200, cover how Etkins friend
www.thejewishmuseum.org. Clara Net (his clarinet!)
can talk musically with
various traditional African
instruments, creating
exciting music that transcends borders. Great for children 2 through
7. Monday, December 25, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Scheur Auditorium,
The Jewish Museum,1109 Fifth Ave., Manhattan. 212-423-3200,
www.thejewishmuseum.org.

Junie B. Jones The Musical

at Black Box Performing Arts Center
Junie B. Jones The Musical, the heartwarming adaptation of the best-selling book series by
Barbara Park, is playing Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. at Black Box Performing Arts Center. Its
the first day of first grade, and a lot is happening: Junie B.s very best friends have found new pals
to hang out with, the words on the blackboard are fuzzy and nonsensical (could this mean she
needs ~gasp~ glasses?!?), and Junie B. must find a way to let her talents shine at the big Kickball
Tournament. Join Junie B. as she navigates the ups and downs of the school year, featuring a lov-
able cast of characters, memorable songs, and dances that will make you want to jump up and
join in! This comical musical is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Black Box Performing Arts
Center, 200 Walraven Drive, Teaneck. 201-357-2221.
These Guys Still
Got the Beat
Using nothing more than the human voice, a clean-cut presentation, and
a little Jewish humor, The Maccabeats are able to connect with fans of all
backgrounds and ages. This all-male a capella group was originally formed
in 2007 as the student vocal group at Yeshiva University in Manhattan.
Theyve since traveled the world delighting audiences with their artistry.
They are coming to bergenPAC in Englewood just in time to usher in
Chanukah. Wednesday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. bergenPAC, 30 North
Van Brunt St., Englewood, 201-227-1030, www.bergenpac.org.

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN DECEMBER 2017 13


The Good Life With Kids
DECEMBER
To Our Readers: This calendar is a day-by-day schedule of events. Although all information is as timely as we can make it, its a good idea to call to
verify details before you go.
Tuesday, November 28
Parenting Series at Beth Aaron: Rabbi Larry
Rothwachs will offer a lecture series, Perspectives
on Jewish Parenting in an Ever Changing World
at 8:30 p.m. The series is free and open to the
public. Topic: Parenting on Purpose: The Goals,
Objectives and Measures of Jewish Parenting.
Congregation Beth Aaron, 950 Queen Anne Road,
Teaneck. For information office@bethaaron.org.
Saturday, December 2
Havdalah in Woodcliff Lake: A havdalah service
is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. for families with chil-
dren 8 years old and younger, featuring the music
of Matty Roxx. Rabbi Monosov and Cantor Sokoloff
will join in. After havdalah there will be a story and
a treat. Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley, 87
Overlook Drive, Woodcliff Lake. 201-391-0801,
www.tepv.org.
Sunday, December 3
Chanukah Program at JCC/Congregation Beth
Tikvah: The Jewish Community Center of Paramus/
Congregation Beth Tikvah is holding a free
Chanukah Sunday Special as part of its Hebrew
School program. Children ages 4 through 8 are
welcome to hear the story of Chanukah, make a
usable Chanukiya, decorations and eat sufganiyot.
From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. 304 East Midland Ave.,
Paramus. 201-262-7733, edudirector@jccpara-
mus.org.
Menorah Workshop: The Friendship Circle of
Passaic County will be holding a free workshop
from 10 a.m. to noon. Youngsters can build their
own menorahs. This is an all-inclusive event at
Totowa Home Depot, 545 U.S. 46, Totowa. Enjoy
Chanukah treats, music and refreshments. RSVP
at fcpassaic county.com or 973-694-4970.
Wednesday, December 6
Preschool Storytime at the Library: Children age (fried doughnuts). No charge. Congregation Bnai
3 1/2 to 5 are invited to a preschool story time.
From 3 to 4 p.m. Teaneck Public Library, 840
Teaneck Road, Teaneck. 201-837-4171.
My First Book Club: This club is for children in family-oriented event featuring food, music and
kindergarten or first grade. The club will read a hands-on activities. For children 3 to 10. From 10
book in preparation for the meeting, discuss and a.m. to noon. Free for children and grandchildren.
do crafts and other activities. From 4 to 4:45
BAR MITZVAH LESSONS
Given by Bruce Friedman
201-655-8074 bif061980@gmail.com
Learn Torah and Haftorah portions
Cantillation notes for Torah and Haftorah
Instruction for putting on Tefillin
Find out where the cantillation notes originated from,
why they were necessary, and other interesting facts.
14 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN DECEMBER 2017
p.m. Teaneck Public Library, 840
Teaneck Road, Teaneck. 201-837-
4171.
Thursday,
December 7
Teens Book Club: The Newbery
Book Club at the Teaneck Public
Library is for graders 6 through 8.
Members read and discuss pos-
sible award winners. Meets one
Thursday a month from 4 to 5
p.m. Advance registration. Teaneck
Public Library, 840 Teaneck Road,
Teaneck. 201-837-4171. See Chanukah on Ice, Tuesday, December 12
Friday, December 8
Shabbat and Pre-Chanukah Event: Drums,
puppets, prayers, and stories will be part of
Congregation Bnai Israels family service for
children ages 7 and under from 6:30 to 7:30
p.m. The theme for this service will be Enjoying
Shabbat and Looking Forward to Chanukah!
Congregation Bnai Israel, 53 Palisade Ave.,
Emerson. 201-265-2272, office@bisrael.com,
www.bisrael.com.
Saturday, December 9
Kids Music and Songs: Come and listen to great
music while enjoying the atmosphere at this
Friendship Circle event at the Chabad Center in
Passaic County. Event goes from 7 to 8 p.m. 194
Ratzer Road, Wayne. Registration fcpassaiccounty.
com or call 973-694-6274
Sunday, December 10
MusicTalks at Bnai Israel: Enjoy a concert for
the whole family. MusicTalks features young musi-
cians who use a blend of music and conversations.
Join the musical petting zoo and eat sufganiyot
Israel, 53 Palisade Ave., Emerson. 201-265-2272,
office@bisrael.com, www.bisrael.com.
Latkapalooza!: Get ready for Chanukah at this
Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place,
Manhattan. 646-437-4202, www.mjhnyc.org.
Big Bird, Batman and
Bnai Torah: Discussion at
Congregation Beth Aaron
with Dr. Shalom Fisch who
will discuss Big Bird, Batman,
and Bnai Torah: Using TV and
Comic Books to Educate and
Inspire Children 7:30 p.m.
Decades of research show that,
just as negative media can influ-
ence kids negatively, positive
educational media can make a
significant contribution to chil-
drens learning, behavior, and
growth. 950 Queen Anne Road,
Teaneck. 201-836-6210.
Tuesday,
December 12
Chanukah on Ice: Chabad
Centers of New York City invite
you to skate away the first night
of Chanukah. Chanukah on Ice
OurChildren
About
To Add Your Event to Our Calendar
Send it to:
Calendar Editor
About Our Children
New Jersey/Rockland Jewish Media Group
1086 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, NJ 0766 AboutOCaol.com
or fax it to: 201-833-4959
Deadline for January issue (published December 29):
Tuesday, December 19
Tuesday, December 19
Night of Giving: Congregation Bnai Israel hosts
a Night of Giving from 5 to 6 p.m. Open to all
school-aged children, attendees will light Chanukah
candles, sing s ongs, enjoy latkes and apple sauce,
and participate in a craft to be donated to people
in need. Attendees are also invited to bring and
donate a new book and/or a new pair of pajamas
for a child up to 18 years for the Pajama Program.
Congregation Bnai Israel, 53 Palisade Ave.,
Emerson. 201-265-2272, office@bisrael.com,
www.bisrael.com.
Parenting Series at Beth Aaron: Rabbi Larry
Rothwachs will offer a lecture series, Perspectives
on Jewish Parenting in an Ever Changing World
at 8:30 p.m. The series is free and open to the
runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wollman Rink in Central
public. Topic: The Spirit of the Law and the Law
Park, Manhattan. Food, music and skating for all to
of the Spirit: Fostering Spirituality in Our Children.
celebrate the first light. $25 skate rental; $18 no
Congregation Beth Aaron, 950 Queen Anne Road,
skate rental. Entrance fee slightly higher at door.
Teaneck. office@bethaaron.org.
Wednesday, December 13
Wednesday, December 20
Preschool Storytime at the Library: Children age
Preschool Storytime at the Library: Children age
3 1/2 to 5 are invited to a preschool story time.
3 1/2 to 5 are invited to a preschool story time.
From 3 to 4 p.m. Teaneck Public Library, 840
From 3 to 4 p.m. Teaneck Public Library, 840
Teaneck Road, Teaneck. 201-837-4171.
Teaneck Road, Teaneck. 201-837-4171.
Friday, December 15 Friday, December 22
Chanukah Dinner at Bnai Israel: The Mens
Shabbat in Closter: Temple Beth El invites the
Club of Congregation Bnai Israel hosts its annual
community to join them for a Shabbat Evening
Chanukah Shabbat dinner with latkes, songs,
Service at 7:30 p.m. led by Rabbi David S.
games and activities for the whole family. $14 per
Widzer and Student Cantor Julie Staple. 221
adult, $8 per child, $40 per family. Congregation
Schraalenburgh Road, Closter. 201-768-5112. www.
Bnai Israel, 53 Palisade Ave., Emerson. 201-265-
tbenv.org www.tbenv.org. 201 768-5112.
2272, office@bisrael.com, www.bisrael.com.
Chanukah at Temple Emeth: Temple Emeth holds Monday, December 25
its annual family Shabbat service for Chanukah
Spend the day at the museum: The Museum of
at 8 p.m. The service will feature the music of the
Jewish Heritage offers a day-long event from 10
Temple Emeth Band. A 6 p.m. dinner will precede
a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult and family-friendly tours with
services. Dinner $30 adults; $10 children 4 to 12.
Bring menorahs, candles, friends and a can of non-
museum admission. Children 12 and younger are
free. Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place,
perishable food for the Center for Food Action.
Manhattan. 646-437-4202, www.mjhnyc.org.
1666 Windsor Road, Teaneck. 201-833-1322,
www.emeth.org.
Tuesday,
Shabbat/Chanukah in Closter:
Temple Beth El in Closter invites
December 26
the community to 101 Menorahs, Parenting Series at Beth
a family-friendly Shabbat-in- Aaron: Rabbi Larry Rothwachs
Chanukah Service at 6:45 p.m. will offer a lecture series,
led by Rabbi David S. Widzer, Perspectives on Jewish
Parenting in an Ever Changing
Rabbi Beth Kramer-Mazer and
World at 8:30 p.m. The series
Student Cantor Julie Staple.
is free and open to the public.
Bring your Chanukah menorah
Topic: Stepping In and Stepping
and seven candles (one for the
Aside: Inspiring Independence
Shamash!) to the Temple as we all
in a Scary World. Congregation
light our menorahs together. 221
Beth Aaron, 950 Queen Anne
Schraalenburgh Road, Closter. 201-
Road, Teaneck. office@bethaar-
768-5112. www.tbenv.org www.
on.org.
tbenv.org. 201 768-5112.
Sunday, Friday,
December 17 December 29
Build Lego Menorah: Join in to Shabbat in Closter: Temple
build the tallest menorah with Beth El invites the commu-
Legos. This family event will take nity to join them for a Kabbalat
Shabbat Service at 6:30 p.m.
place at 4 p.m. at Temple Beth
Tikvah, 950 Preakness Ave., 221 Schraalenburgh Road,
Wayne. Join Lego Guro Architect, Closter. 201-768-5112. www.
tbenv.org, www.tbenv.org. 201
Stephen Schwartz for this event.
$45 per family. Dinner included. 768-5112.
973-595-6565, www.temple-
bethtikvahnj.org. See Build Lego Menorah,
Sunday, December 17

Simchas
B'nai Mitzvah
JACK BELLANTONE
Jack Bellantone, son
of Andrea and Michael
Bellantone of Wyckoff and
brother of Nora, celebrated
becoming a bar mitzvah on
October 21 at Temple Beth
Rishon in Wyckoff.
ISABELLE BENEDICT
Isabelle Benedict, daughter
of Julie and Jeffrey Benedict
of Woodcliff Lake and sister
of Jack and Samantha, cel-
ebrated becoming a bat mitz-
vah on October 28 at Temple
Emanuel of the Pascack
Valley in Woodcliff Lake.
DYLAN COCHIN
Dylan Cochin, daughter of
Stephanie and Glenn Cochin
of Woodcliff Lake and sister
of Perri, celebrated becoming
a bat mitzvah on November
11 at Temple Emanuel of the
Pascack Valley in Woodcliff
Lake.
OurChildren
About
AUSTIN STEINER
Austin Steiner, son of Nancy
Steiner of River Edge and
David Steiner of Teaneck, cel-
ebrated becoming a bar mitz-
vah on October 28 at Temple
Emeth in Teaneck.
JORDAN TOBIAS
and Paramus, and Gloria and
the late Melvin Lieberstein of Jordan Tobias, son of Sherri
Paramus. MAX NUSSBAUM SAMUEL SHULMAN and Daniel Tobias and brother
Max Nussbaum, son of Pilar Samuel Shulman, son of Amy of Sara, celebrated becoming
and Gary Nussbaum of and Seth Shulman of Upper a bar mitzvah on October 28
Mahwah, celebrated becoming Saddle River and brother of at Congregation Beth Sholom
a bar mitzvah on October 21 Rachel, celebrated becoming in Teaneck.
at Barnert Temple in Franklin a bar mitzvah on November
Lakes. 19 at Temple Emanuel of the SYDNEY WEITZNER
Pascack Valley in Woodcliff Sydney Weitzner, daughter of
Lake. Andrea and Michael Weitzner
of Tenafly, celebrated becom-
BENJAMIN DOBRINER
ing a bat mitzvah on October
Benjamin Dobriner, son of 28 at Temple Beth El of
Ericka and Kenneth Dobriner Northern Valley in Closter.
of Upper Saddle River and
JOSHUA FISHMAN
brother of Sydney, celebrated
becoming a bar mitzvah Joshua Fishman, son of
Pamela and Simon Fishman
Send us
on November 2 at Temple
of Oakland and brother of your simchas!
Emanuel of the Pascack
Valley in Woodcliff Lake. Matthew, celebrated becom- We welcome simcha
ing a bar mitzvah on October announcements for
JESSIE POLSON
7 at Temple Beth Rishon in births and bnai mitzvah.
Wyckoff. Jessie Polson of Woodcliff Announcements are sub-
Lake, daughter of Lori Polson SOPHIE STARR ject to editing. There is a
and Steven Polson and brother Sophie Starr, daughter of $10 charge for photos.
of Benjamin, celebrated Melissa and David Starr of Photos must be high reso-
becoming a bar mitzvah on River Vale and sister of Evan, lution jpg files.
November 18 at Temple celebrated becoming a bat
Emanuel of the Pascack Valley mitzvah on November 4 Call (201) 837-8818 for
in Woodcliff Lake. at Temple Emanuel of the information.
Pascack Valley in Woodcliff Email to
Lake. pr@jewishmediagroup.com
KATE FEINER
Kate Feiner, daughter of Drs.
Shoshana and Leonard Feiner
HARRISON
of Ridgewood and sister of
PARTY
KESSLER-STEIN
Amelia and Ella, celebrated
becoming a bat mitzvah on Harrison Kessler-Stein, son
October 15 at Temple Beth of Judy Kessler and Bill Stein
Rishon in Wyckoff. of Hawthorne, celebrated
becoming a bar mitzvah on
November 18 at Temple
JOANNE DISTASI OF STOLEN MOMENTS, INC.
Beth Rishon in Wyckoff.
GIULIANNA MARIE STUDIOS
JORDANA FERGANG
Jordana Fergang, daughter
973-661-9368
of Cantor Barbra Lieberstein
JOSHUA KRAKOVSKY
and Scott Fergang of Ramsey
and sister of twins Sara Joshua Krakovsky, son of
and Joshua, 15, celebrated Jenny and Isaac Krakovsky of
becoming a bat mitzvah on Franklin Lakes and brother of
October 28 at Temple Beth Jessica, celebrated becoming
Rishon in Wyckoff. As a a bar mitzvah on November
tzedekah project, she col- 11 at Temple Israel & Include:
lected coloring books, cray- Jewish Community Center in 1 hours of skating (during public session)
Private decorated party room
ons, toys, and gifts cards for Ridgewood. Off ice party attendant
Skate rental
Tackle Kids Cancer based Invitations for party guests
Pizza and soda
out of Hackensack University Personalized Carvel ice cream cake
Medical Center. Her grand- Favors and candy
FREE skating pass for future use
parents are Madlyn and the Birthday child receives FREE Ice Vault T shirt
late Larry Fergang of Mahwah,
formerly of Monroe Township
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN DECEMBER 2017 15
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