About Our Children, December 2014

OurChildrenOurOurAbout

Supplement to The Jewish Standard and Rockland Jewish Standard December 2014

Chanukah, Oh, ChanukahFood Fun Fashion

Fighting the Flu

Useful Information for the Next Generation of Jewish Families

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First breath. First smile. First steps. Treasured moments begin here.

The MotherBaby Center at Chilton Medical Center.

Whether you are planning to start a family or adding to one, Chilton Medical Center invites you to begin this exciting journey with us. Our MotherBaby Center encourages moms-to-be to personalizetheir birthing experience in a way that makes it memorable for the entire family. We offer private rooms with personalized visiting hours, hydrotherapy for labor, a celebratory gourmet dinner and a Moms spa. For special care, theres a Level II Nursery with board certified neonatologists and pediatricians available 24/7. And with caring nurses, expert medical staff, and our seamless connection to Morristown Medical Center, its no wonder why so many women choose to have their babies here with us, close to home.

For more information about parent education classes, please call 973-831-5475.

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December 2014

Generation G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5The family Chanukah party

Fashion when Its Freezing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Hot looks for the coldest of days

Eight Days of Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Activities for the holiday

Funky Menorahs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Fanciful holiday candleholders

Yoga for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11The exercise has myriad benefits

Protection against Flu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12How to guard against the virus this season

Special Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Encouraging children with learning disabilities

Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Community snapshots

Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Kosherfest 14 inspires Chanukah recipes

Simchas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Our childrens milestones

Top Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Great picks in December

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Fun things to do this month

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About Our Children is published 11 times a year by the New Jersey/Rockland Jewish Media Group, 1086 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666; telephone: 201-837-8818; fax: 201-833-4959.; e-mail: [email protected].

OurChildrenAbout

Rachel HarkhamEd SilberfarbAdina SoclofContributing Writers

James L. Janoff Publisher

Robert ChananieBusiness Manager

Heidi Mae BrattEditor

Deborah HermanArt Director

OurChildrenOurOurChildrenAboutUseful Information for the Next Generation of Jewish Families

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If a picture worth is a thousand words, then our Chanukahs ll volumes.Little did I ever imagine that I

would be sending picture holiday cards, but for nearly a decade, our December ritual was to pose the family before the menorah and craft these images into Chanukah cards.

Our photographer, my long-time BFF Tina, would come for the session in which wed dress and pose and get the menorah dusted off and lled with colorful candles. The sessions would last as long as our patience it was a race to see whether the kids would hold up or the candles would and then we would have our choice of wonderful images to use.

I remember our rst picture. Yehuda was a few months old and I was holding him. It was Jeff and I. We smiled, the three of us, the menorah in the background. The next year, Yehuda, nearly a year and half, sat on our laps looking at a Chanu-kah book. Shaina was in my belly. The following year, Shaina and Yehuda, me and Jeff in another

pose in our apartment with the il-lumination of the candles.

There were images of us play-ing with dreidels, standing near the menorah, interacting with each other. Laughing, smiling, looking at each other. We used other Chanukah props, crafts and drawings that the children made.

And each year, after we chose the right image, it was my chal-lenge to gure out a new and in-teresting way to make the card.

Sepia, black and white, color, postcards, pre-writ-ten, hand-written. I, too, wanted to make them dif-ferent each year with a message that played on the theme of love and light.

These photographs were a yearly marker and a document of our familys growth. Not only were the images beautiful, but to watch the passing of time was beautiful as well. Tinas pictures were so lovely, many friends remarked how they put the cards on their refrigerators and looked forward to the following years.

Then came a December that was the coldest ever.

My father, of blessed memory, was very sick, and my days and nights were spent at the hos-pital. I was so consumed with his deteriorating health, and so saddened by what was coming, to have a happy, fun- lled photo shoot to create the Chanukah picture card felt incredibly wrong.

That year there was no picture. There was no card.

Its been a few years since, and in that time, photographs have changed. Sel es have become part of the lexicon and suddenly, everyone is a photographer. In fact, over the nearly decade that we took pictures, Tinas mode changed from lm to digital.

Im not sure whether we will pick up the thread and again take the Chanukah picture.

But what I do know is that everyday I can now see the bounty and blessings in my life and that the light of Chanukah shines bright.

Wishing all a happy and healthy holiday. Cheers,Cheers,

OurChildrenAbout

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ABOUT OUR CH I LDREN DECEMBER 2014 5

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The Family Chanukah Party

as Traditional as LatkesE D S I L B E R FA R B

It began innocently enough, 40 years ago, lighting the Chanukah candles with Jake, 5, and Joe, 3, trying to grab the ame. Thats a sign, I thought. After all,

didnt baby Moses start his career by seizing a red-hot coal?

Sharon decided this magic moment had to be shared, and her mind raced ahead. Sunday is the eighth night. Well invite and she recited half a dozen of the kids friends and their parents. We need latkes, donuts, cookies, some salads, tuna sh, maybe deviled eggs, a loaf of rye or pumpernickel

Whoa there, Dobbin. Youre talking party.Of course. We need a supply of dreidels, a batch of

those chocolate coins, and lets nd some song sheets.And so the annual Silberfarb Chanukah party was

inaugurated with a guest list that later grew to more than 50. We put together sheets with the Chanukah blessings and songs that ranged from the traditional Rock of Ages to the insipid I Had a Little Dreidel (the kids favorite) to the Hebraic version of Handels majes-tic Hail the Conquering Hero (Judah Maccabee).

The song sheets, now thoroughly food-stained, are still in use, and each year our old friend, Chaim, a com-poser and music professor, brings the songs to life at the piano.

We made our own latkes with one guest or another standing hours over the frying pan while the apart-ment smelled of cooking oil. A newcomer thought we had hired a professional latke chef. Three years later we gave up and bought frozen latkes. The children liked them better than the homemade.

In some Judaica stores closeout, we found a set of Chanukah cookie cutters in the shape of a dreidel, a Star of David, a menorah and a lion. So began the labor-intensive task of rolling out dough and baking butter cookies in four different shapes.

Donuts were another challenge. We rejected the mushy, pillow-like jelly donuts, and searched for the genuine, fried sufganyot. One year we found them on the Lower East Side. Then that store went out of busi-ness, so did the little bake shop on the Upper West Side. Another year we imported them from Teaneck, and re-cently again from the Upper West Side.

Chocolate coins are the currency of Chanukah, and the dreidel game is the holidays roulette. In the early years each kids stake was a dozen or so choco-late coins, but they grasped them so desperately dur-ing the game that the chocolate melted in their hands, so we switched to pennies. The chocolate coins went into each kids gift bag along with a dreidel, a chocolate Maccabee, and some bit of ephemera from Job Lot or Amazing Savings.

Ah, the menorahs! We began with the basic nine-candle Chanukiah, with a traditional elaborate design in brass or silver plate, but then we added the ones made by the children in Hebrew school, and a generation lat-er added the creations of the grandchildren. One was clay with nine ancient oil cups. Another was balsam wood decorated with bits of raw spaghetti and bottle

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The Family continued on 8

ABOUT OUR CH I LDREN DECEMBER 2014

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6

Hot Looks for When Its ColdH E I D I M A E B RAT T

Summer is indisputably terri c with its bright colors and light fabrics. But if youre into fashion, its cold weath-

er wear that can really incite creativity. For one, there are so many clothes lay-er after layer. Add to that, the necessary accessories hats, gloves, scarves, boots. They can do double duty as warmers and as chic fashion statements.

Area fashion arbiters say the hot look for the cold includes textured fabrics, such as luscious velour and corduroy, faux, shaggy fur and the ubiquitous eece that you can quick zip up in a hoodie or wear in pair of eece-lined leggings.

The fashionistas at Carlyz Craze in Teaneck say tis the season to be cov-ered in soft and cuddly togs. High on the list of trendy are velour and corduroy skirts, skater skirts, soft pretty dresses, furry sweaters and shrugs. The store also carries a dizzying array of accesso-ries to brighten any out t on the grayest winter day.

At Marcias Attic for Kids in Engle-wood, beanies to keep the noggin warm are big news, especially if they have a design of text talk as part of the look. Go-ing from the head to the toes, also big this season are a pair of menorah socks from Living Royal a perfect gift for one night of Chanukah.

In a season of giving, Marcias Attic for Kids also has a sparkly bag from Bix-bee, which comes in three sparklicious colors. And for every bag sold, the com-pany gives back a pack with school sup-plies to a child in need.

At Ginger Kids in Westwood, thick knit pants and eece-lined leggings bat back the arctic blast. Leopard print eece-lined or velvet in bright colors that pop are sure to keep the legs toasty.

In outerwear, plenty of options abound. Faux furs that come in slick and shaggy styles are a great change. A sub-stantial down coat with a fur interior and detachable hood or a basic hoodie lined in fur can keep you warm.

For the stylish layer inside the outer-wear, there are thick furry vests in a girly ribbon closure look or vests in a dip-dye shaggy style for a more rock-n-roll look.

For the feet, say Ginger Kids fashion mavens, fur-lined moccasins and boots do the trick. A combat boot with faux knit sock is not only cute, but will help navigate icy surfaces with a chunky rub-ber sole.

Make a handknitted or crocheted sweater from Yarndezvous in Teaneck. Enjoy a beautiful array of yarns, along with classes for children and adults.

Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our Children.

Fashions from:1, 5, 9 Carlyz Craze2, 6, 7 Ginger N Cream3, 4, 9 Marcias Attic for Kids8, 10 Yarndezvous

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OurChildrenAbout

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New Jersey Ballet The NutcrackerSaturday December 6 Sunday December 7

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About Our Children FP Dec_Layout 1 11/21/14 5:32 PM Page 1

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caps to hold the oil. We found a cast iron beauty on sale at the Metropolitan Muse-um of Art, a copper one that had been in the family for years, another, homemade and impressionistic that we rescued from a neighbors trash. The most popu-lar, the one the kids most want to light, is a replica of a family sitting around a din-ner table. We found it in the now defunct Filenes Basement.

Over the years we amassed some 20 Chanukah menorahs, and the problem was which to display. There were enough for each child to light a few candles. One year, with a dozen menorahs on the win-dow sills, all lit on the eighth night, some with oil wicks, some wax candles, we were startled by a raucous, screeching sound. It was the apartments smoke alarm.

Inevitably, when the kids reached the teenage iconoclastic years, the Cha-nukah party lost its appeal. Its lame, was one of he more polite comments. But when we decided to discontinue the event, we began hearing from the adults, When is the Chanukah party? So we continued it. And then the grandchildren came aboard.

Last year, Jake, father of ve-year-old granddaughter Alina, responded to our invitation, I cant make it. I have to rear-range my sock drawer.

No problem, I said. Just drop off Alina in time for the party, and Ill bring her home when its over.

They did come, and throughout the dreidel game was Alinas triumphant, I got a gimmel.

Dreidel competition was erce among grandchildren, their cousins and friends. Naftali and Yehudah tried to weight the dreidel so after their spin it would fall on a winning side, but it was Devorahs coin pile that rose inexorably.

Over the years, guests included two museum curators, a sculptor, a Broadway lyricist, a Hollywood script writer, an op-era composer, a deputy City Parks Com-missioner, an insurance executive, four lawyers, a physician, a dentist, a house painter, a book publisher, a newspaper reporter, an accountant, a marine and assorted other Chanukah enthusiasts, but children were the special guests. The youngest were two infant cousins who lolled side-by-side on a blanket. The old-est was Sharons mother who came for years into her 90s.

Last year, for the rst time in over 100 years, Chanukah coincided with Thanksgiving, and, according to the star-gazers, this may never happen again. Yet the Silberfarb Chanukah party continues with a life of its own.

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 infor-mation offi cer for the New York City Transit Authority and editor of one of its employee publications.

The Family continued from page 5

Family Fun Chanukah Activities H E I D I M A E B RAT T

Chanukah, Oh Chanukah.

Chanukah, which comes to us in the cold, dark winter and illumi-

nates our lives with such joy, is one of the most child-friendly holidays. Games, pres-ents, food fried food at that! fun, its a great time to gather round the family and enjoy a plethora of Chanukah activities.

Read, Oh Read There are so many excellent Chanukah books. You can check out the titles and nd one or more that would be enjoyed by all. Some of the top books for young readers include: Sammy Spiders First Hanukkah by Sylvia A. Rouss, for read-ers ages 4 to 8; The Flying Latke by Ar-thur Yorinks for readers 4 to 8; Moishes Miracle: A Hanukkah Story by Laura Krauss Melmed for readers ages 4 to 8; Alexandras Scroll: The Story of the First Hanukkah by Miriam Chaikin for readers ages 9 to 12; and The Magic Menorah: A Modern Chanukah Tale by Jane Breskin Zalben for readers ages 9 to 12, to name just a few.

Sing, Oh SingChanukah is associated with many of the classic holiday songs. From I Have a Little Dreidel to Debbie Friedmans

The Latke Song, singing ampli es the holiday spirit whether it is a capella voices or singing round a piano at a Cha-nukah party. Remember the Maccabeats 2010 Chanukah sensation Candlelight? Create traditions for your children with music and song.

Craft, Oh CraftOne of the most central symbols of your Chanukah celebration is the menorah (also called chanukiah). This hands-on arts-and-crafts project will show how to make a new menorah with your children. Theyll have even more fun lighting it or watching you light it each night when theyve helped to create it.

Eat, Oh EatThe miracle of the oil is what Chanukah is all about. Delicious latkes in potato and vegetable varieties with applesauce or sour cream or just plain, and jelly do-nuts dusted with white confection sugar and embalmed with the sugar-sweet jelly are culinary staples of the holiday. You can also bake up a storm and make cookies and cakes in an assortment of shapes, such as dreidels or menorahs to sweeten the holiday. Bake with the chil-dren and then eat and enjoy.

Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our Children

OurChildrenAbout


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A Toy, a Book and the Story of ChanukahMove over Elf on the Shelf and make room for the holiday companion that is over 5,000 years in the making. Its Macca-bee on the Mantel, an adorable plush doll and accompanying storybook that teaches children about the origins of Chanukah and celebrate one of the cultures most prominent but often misunder-stood traditions.

Conceived of by mother of two and pre-school temple instructor Abra Liber-man-Garrett, Maccabee on the Mantel is a huggable stuffed Maccabeean soldier whose personal story in the book illus-trates the escape of the chosen people from the brutal King Antiochus. Raised with sometimes lackluster Jewish holi-day traditions, she became more pas-sionate about teaching the origins of Chanukah while raising her children in Dallas. With the aid of her friends at Fort Worths legendary improvisation and

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OurChildrenAbout

Miriam geting ready for a feline Chanukah with Hiram the Chanukah lion and a jazz cats menorah. JERRY SZUBIN

Nail Down the Holiday Spirit with Midrash Manicures

From the folks who brought you the most playful holiday nail designs decals Passover, the High Holidays, and more comes the nail decals that are perfect for Chanu-kah. Rabbi Yael Buechler, creator of Midrash Manicures, has the holidays covered. With this set, there are latkes a plenty, dreidels, Maccabees and menorahs as well as candles and presents. Pick 10 great decals to display, and show off your hands during the eight-day holiday. www.midrashmanicures.com.

ABOUT OUR CH I LDREN DECEMBER 2014

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Eight Funky Menorahs to Keep the Chanukah Light

Shining BrightCOMP I L E D BY H E I D I M A E B RAT T

From the handmade plaster of paris versions craft-ed by our children in pre-school to the ones that were gifted to us for a wedding, bar mitzvah or

other Jewish milestone, a collection of menorahs or

chanukiahs that weve amassed over the years help us celebrate the holiday while keeping our window sills full of bright light during the eight-day festival.

Here weve amassed our own collection of some interesting and eclectic menorahs to help shed a new or interesting light on your holiday.

Bright Lights, Big CityThe Manhattan skyline is captured in this laser-cut steel menorah that says, New York, New York through its iconic landmarks, yellow cabs and city buses. www.moderntribe.com

Chalk it Up to ChanukahThis chalk art menorah lets you create a new menorah each night just by erasing and recreating a design. Every family member can get into the fun. www.modern-tribe.com

Flexible Menorah for Now and LaterDesigned by a father-daughter team, the glass Flexus Menorah brings a contemporary dimension to traditional Judaica and allows for versatility. It can be used dur-ing Chanukah and throughout the year. www.momastore.org.

Enjoying a Sole-ful HolidayHeres a great menorah for your tween or teen daughter. All of her shoes and boots are lined up in a row with a decorated school locker as the centerpiece. www.traditionsjewishgifts.com

Just Go As Your GlowSafe, ecological and colorful. This acrylic menorah uses glow sticks instead of open flames to county the eight days of the holiday. www.moderntribe.com

Eight Days a WeekThe Hanuka 21 menorah from EightDays Design is a dynamic octahedron, a polyhedron with eight faces. With each new day the menorah must be turned to a new side where there are a corresponding number candlehold-ers for each night. www.thejewishmu-seum.org.

A Chanukah One Never ForgetsDesigner Jonathan Adler has taken the menorah and mar-ried it with a playful creature, the elephant. See where the elephant ends and the menorah begins. www.moderntribe.com

Like a Bike but BetterThis menorah began as a bicycle chain and was repurposed by artisans from Noahs Ark, a group in India. Its a menorah that does good, good for the environment and good for the artisans that the group supports. www.thejewish-museum.org

Eight Funky Menorahs

rom the handmade plaster of paris versions craft-

OurChildrenAbout


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Random drawing from all entries received by December 19, 2014

Random drawing from all entries

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Name _________________________________________________________

Ages of Children ________________________________________________

Street _________________________________________________________

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Mail to Jewish Standard, 1086 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, NJ 07666 or fax to 201-833-4959 by Dec. 19.

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of Yoga for YoungstersH E I D I M A E B RAT T

For many years now, the benefit of yoga for children has helped it be-come a legitimate form of exer-

cise and recreation. Yoga, which means union or yoke,

is meant through its practice, to help integrate body, mind and spirit, and is good for anyone. It is especially good for children, who might encounter emo-tional, social and physical challenges or conflicts, yoga, which includes breath-ing and stretching, can have myriad benefits.

The Therapy Gym in Teaneck, which is owned by Ellie Fuchs, has folded yoga into its menu of classes and programs and offers it to different age groups. Fuchs, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy, has also helped to bring yoga into a local school, Yeshivat HeAtid, which has included it into its curricu-lum. School administrators say they see the benefit to students who practice the yoga during the day in between their other classes.

Several studies have shown that yoga helps develop focus and concen-tration in youngsters. The act of practic-ing poses encourages children to clear their mind and focus on the effort. As a result of this single focus to achieve a particular pose or stay balanced, yoga helps children to focus and concentrate in school and get better grades.

A new studio in Fair Lawn, Bloom Yoga, offers a wide range of childrens services from mommy and me yoga classes to childrens music classes and

themed birthday parties, says owner Ev-elyn Brigandi.

Brigandi says yoga is a discipline that puts children on the path towards a calm and balanced mind while helping them build a strong and flexible body, both tools that are essential for their growth. Bloom Yoga, she says, encour-ages children to be creative and explore their body in a fun-filled way where cer-tified childrens instructors use a fun, imaginative approach incorporating animal imitations and nature, and us-ing expression games, music, art, and storytelling.

Yoga enhances physical flexibility and promotes strength because young-sters learn how to use all of their mus-cles in new ways. Whether a pose is done standing or sitting or lying down, each one can challenge various muscle groups while helping the child become aware of his body and how it efficiently functions.

Yoga also refines balance and coor-dination, which is key in the practice. Even if a child has difficulty standing on one foot, she can learn mental and physi-cal balance if she can stay calm.

Yoga also helps boost self-esteem and confidence and strengthens the mind-body connection. Yoga teaches children to persevere, be patient, and work toward their goals. A yoga teacher can only offer guidance, but it is the child who has to work to succeed. Therefore, when a child masters a pose, it gives him confidence and self-esteem.

Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our Children.

Having fun at Bloom Yoga in Fair Lawn.

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2014

How to Deal With the Flu SeasonH E I D I M A E B RAT T

Flu season is upon us. Seems that something is going around is the refrain that parents are say-ing as the germs make their way round-robin in

schools and in homes.About Our Children reached out to Dr. Jeffrey Bien-

stock, of PediatriCare Associates, with three locations: Fair Lawn, Mahwah and Pompton Plains and the direc-tor of pediatrics at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood for some guidance on how to navigate the season.

About Our Children: How can you tell the differ-ence between a cold and a u?

Dr. Jeffrey Bienstock: The u and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illness-es have similar u-like symptoms, it can be dif cult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the u is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, ex-treme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the u. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. Flu symptoms usually come on quick-ly, within 3 to 6 hours.

About Our Children: Is this season any worse or better than in the past?

Dr. Jeffrey Bienstock: It is too soon to judge if this season will be mild or severe. So far there has been limited u activity throughout the United States. I fol-low this weekly via the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

About Our Children: When should a parent see the doctor right away, when could a parent wait it out a bit?

Dr. Jeffrey Bienstock: Children are considered high risk for complications if they have any of the fol-lowing conditions lung disease (such as asthma); heart disease (such as a congenital heart disease); cancer or weak immune system conditions; neuromuscular disease (such as muscular dystrophy); diabetes, sickle cell disease, kidney disease or liver disease; diseases

requiring long-term aspirin therapy; or healthy children under 2 years old. You need to call 911 if your child has severe dif culty breathing (struggling for each breath, making grunting noises with each breath, unable to speak or cry because of dif culty breathing) or your childs lips or face are bluish when not coughing.

About Our Children: What is the best way to pre-vent colds and the u?

Dr. Jeffrey Bienstock: Everyone should get the u vaccine each year to update their protection. It is the best way to prevent getting the u. Safe vaccines are made each year and the best time to get the u vac-cine is the late summer/early fall or as soon as it is available in your community. Vaccination is especially important for all children, including infants born pre-term, who are 6 months of age and older, especially those with conditions that increase the risk of compli-cations from the u.

Children of American Indian/Alaskan Native heri-tage. All contacts and care providers of children with high-risk conditions and children younger than 5 years, especially children younger than six months. All health-care personnel. All women who are pregnant, are con-sidering pregnancy, have recently delivered, or are breastfeeding during the u season. Hand washing is the best means to prevent colds and the u; we learned this all over again in 2009 with the H1N1 Flu.

How to Prevent the Flu1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.

2. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the bend in your elbow when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent spread of dis-ease to those around you.

3. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds

or clean them with an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

4. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

5. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fl uids and eat nutritious food.

Source: Dr. Jeffrey Bienstock

When to Call the DoctorCall Your Doctor Now (night or day) If:

Your child looks or acts very sick

Diffi culty breathing (under 1 year old) not relieved by cleaning the nose

Diffi culty breathing (over 1 year old) present when not coughing

Lips or face have turned bluish during coughing

Wheezing occurs

Stridor (harsh sound breathing in) occurs

Ribs are pulling in with each breath (retractions)

Chest pain and cant take a deep breath

Dehydration suspected (no urine in more than 12 hours AND very dry mouth, no tears, ill-appearing, etc.)

Weak immune system (sickle cell disease, HIV, chemotherapy, organ transplant, chronic steroids, etc.)

SEVERE HIGH-RISK patient such as chronic lung disease (exception: mild asthma), heart disease, bedridden, etc.

Age under 12 weeks with fever above 100.4 F (38.0 C) rectally (Caution: Do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen)

Fever over 104 F (40 C) and not improved 2 hours after fever medicine

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

You think your child needs to be seen

HIGH-RISK for complications of fl u (children with other chronic diseases OR healthy under 2 years old)

Continuous (nonstop) coughing

Age under 3 months old with any cough

Earache or ear discharge also present

Sinus pain (not just congestion) is also present

Fever present for more than 3 days

Fever returns after gone for more than 24 hours

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Offi ce Hours If:

You have other questions or concerns

Age over 6 months and needs fl u shot

Coughing has kept home from school for 3 or more days

Nasal discharge lasts over 2 weeks

Cough has been present over 3 weeks

Infl uenza lasts over 3 weeks

Source: Dr. Jeffrey Bienstock

OurChildrenAbout

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Children who have learning disabilities may be-come discouraged about school because they carry a double burden: they must manage all the

regular trials of childhood along with the strength and spirit needed to overcome their disability.

Today, more children are having evaluations and getting their learning disabilities identi ed. New strate-gies and modi cations are put into place that can help children learn. For example, children with dyslexia can take oral tests instead of written ones. A child with social issues maybe given extra help and supervision during recess time. But classroom learning, homework and/or social situations can still be stressful for them.

It is dif cult to watch our children struggle and as parents we often dont know what to do. We know theyre experiencing trouble at school but at the same time we want to help children take responsibility for their learning. We want them to develop a love for learning despite their dif culties.

We want to jump in and help or let them off the hook, but the best thing we can do for children is to offer them support in ways that do not undermine their ability to work hard. We want to them know we are here for them, but we also have faith in their ability to put in the effort they need to overcome their very real challenges.

Here are four ways that we can do that:

1. Use empathy:When a child is struggling at school, they may complain using very unspeci c, global terms:

I hate school!I am not doing any homework!My teacher hates me!My friends are so mean!In each of these cases we want to avoid taking these

complaints at face value. Our children are essentially telling us one thing: I am struggling with school and making friends and I need your help to let me know that Im going to be okay.

We want to give reassurance and support but still let children know that we have faith that they can over-come and manage their learning disability. To help us

do that we can start with an empathetic word and then ask gently, What are you going to do? or What can you do?

This is tough. The assignment is to read this para-graph and you dont want to. What are you going to do?

This is rough. Homework is overwhelming you right now. What can you do?

You sound so upset about this project you were assigned. What can you do?

Its rough to be teased, what can you do when you feel hurt like that?

When we empathize we show our children that we care and we understand. Gently asking the question What can you do? not only guides children to think of ways to resolve their issues, it also gives a soft message that they are capable of managing their own problems.

2. Take some of the pressure off:Our society values academic achievement above all. Many think that children who do well in school will have a smooth path to success as adults. But it is not true. We all know many people who were poor students who have achieved great things in life and are very suc-cessful, happy adults. Their talents were not appreci-ated in school and it was only when they left school that they began to ourish.

If we adopt a bit of a laissez fare attitude about our childrens schoolwork, we will be less worried and more able to focus on what our children are truly good at and help them cultivate their strengths.

3. Help children understand and appreciate their strengths and weaknesses:All people need to identify their strength and weakness-

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Helping Learning Disabled Children Deal with Schooles. This can help us in all areas of life. It is even more important for a child who struggles in school to verbal-ize and recognize what they are good at.

Most children with learning disabilities are told what their de cits are and what areas they need to

Helping continued on page 19

1. Students at Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies recently participated with communities across the world in the Global Day of Jewish Learning. Students studied the theme of the day during their regular class periods and participated in special activity during the break.

2. The JCC Thurnauer School of Music recently presented its first family concert this season, Dear Grandma. Offered as part of the schools chamber music series, the audience was led on a musical journey by Professor Wolfgang Amadeus Schmutzinberry, played by musician/actor Rami Vamos. The storyline centers on Schmutzinberry, who is struggling to write a letter to his grandmother. Pictured, from left, David Kaplan, piano; Sharon Roffman, violin and artistic director; Nurit Monacelli, narrator; Rami Vamos (seated), Professor Wolfgang Amadeus Schmutzinberry; Meena Bhasin, viola; and Clancy Newman, cello.

3. Sixth graders from the Academies at Gerrard Berman Day School (GBDS) in Oakland developed a greater sense of responsibility, independence, self-esteem and environmental awareness during a four-day trip to TEVA at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center in Falls Village, Connecticut. Academies at GBDS students posed with their teacher Mrs. Kelly in front of the centers bus, which, they learned, runs on refined cooking oils.

4. The sixth and seventh grade families at Shomrei Torah Wayne Conservative Congregation made their own personal tallitot or prayer shawls. It was a wonderful process that was both creative and spiritual.

5. The students of Temple Emanuel Pascack Valley Religious School participated in Mitzvah Day by collecting craft supplies and packaging them for those in need. Under the guidance

of Lauren Levant and volunteers, JoAnne Siegel and Susan Liebeskind, the kindergarten through 2nd graders decorated 55 pencil boxes and the 3-5th graders filled them with all the supplies collected. Pictured are students from Upper Saddle River, Woodcliff Lake, Ramsey, Hillsdale and other communities in northern Bergen County.

6. Yeshivat Noam second grade scientists created and investigated catapult launchers, learning about the scientific meaning of work. They built a big lever in class and used it to lift up their friends and teachers without touching them. The students also constructed their own lever-catapult launcher and investigated the best angle of launch between the catapult arm and the fulcrum (base) by competing in a marshmallow

launching competition.

7. Students at Rockland Jewish Academy learn doing good, by doing good. They packed bags at the Rhoda Bloom Kosher Food Pantry and made pumpkin breads with cookbook author Rachel Harkham to distribute to area synagogues.

8. More than 200 people gathered at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly recently for a special ceremony to mark Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Day and the 19 years that have passed since the Prime Ministers assassination. The program was led by the Tzofim (Israeli Scouts), a program for the local Israeli community ages 8 to 18, who meet to share experiences and cultivate leadership skills.

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Chanukah Treats Made with Finds from Kosherfest 2014

RAC H E L H A R K H AM

Overheard while waiting in line for Kosherfest 14:Lady 1: Kosherfest is like the shmorg at the worlds best bar mitzvah or wedding

Lady 2: So you think therell be sushi?

The shmorg analogy was fresh in my mind when I walked through the Meadowlands Convention Center doors and was immediately greeted by venerable old-time brands like Streits Matzoh, Golds Horseradish and Empire Chicken, all eagerly pressing samples into my hand. Manischewitz, a brand so honored that it only needs one name, is clearly looking to update their image and style by offering gluten-free products, and really, their gluten-free brownie mix is quite good. Their gluten-free matzah ball mix won the Best New Rice, Pasta, and Grain.

After milling about and kibbitzing with the old-timers, I turned the corner and was drawn to Burning Bush Hot Sauce. Recognizing a new and intriguing product by its swirling logo of a burning bush af xed to elixir bottles, I moved in for an introduction and taste test. I sam-

pled the hot sauce and was impressed by how clean its taste, unlike other hot sauc-es that blanket the mouth with searing heat that feels more like a punishment than a condiment. Burning Bush Hot Sauce actually brings out the avor of the food it is en-hancing. The hummus tasted earthy and rich in contrast to

the bright, spicy and well-calibrated hot sauce. At the end of the taste experience I was left with a pleasant tingling on my lips and at the back of the throat. Neil Wernick the companys president and chief saucer is trained as an engineer. His precision and scienti c experimenta-tion has resulted in a great product that works on everything from scrambled eggs to grapefruit tequila cocktails to cauli ower latkes. Burning Bush is avail-able at various kosher markets and at www.burningbushhotsauce.com.

I continued on, glad to see that the kosher world is re ecting current health-ful eating trends, most evident by the profusion of gluten-free, low-fat, organic products on display.

And then, be still my beating heart, there stood Heather Johnston of Veruca

Chocolates behind her gorgeous choco-late specimens. Veruca Chocolate offers Gelt for Grown-ups. A new product that has already garnered high praise and discerning fans, it was named by Food & Wine as one of the best chocolates in the U.S. Johnston, a pediatrician turner chocolatier, clued into the idea that choc-olate gelt is not just for children. Veruca Chocolate is rich, deep and elegant. The chocolate is shaped like ancient Judean coins and is dusted with edible gold and silver. It is available at Dean and Deluca or www.verucachocolate.com.

I was blissed out after my chocolate course, but when I saw that Dufour Puff Pastry had a table I had to restrain myself from pulling everyone around me into a hora circle. Dufour Puff Pastry is the n-est puff pastry available. It is handmade and uses lots of real butter. It received a hechsher just in time for Kosherfest and Chanukah. Available in pareve and in chocolate, the possibilities are limit-less, not to mention light, airy, and crisp. Dufour can presently be found at Whole Foods, Fairway, and soon at your local kosher market.

I cannot neglect to mention my stops at La Rustichella, an Italian company that makes a heavenly black and white truf e

pate, the winner of Kosherfest 14 best new dip or spread. There are truf es of the chocolate variety and then there are truf es of the expensive and exotic mushroom variety. This truf e pate is of the latter. The only Italian word I know is delicioso. My third visit to the La Rusti-cella table for another sample may have been a bit much, but I had to have an-other shmear of this saporous spread on a saltine cracker or in the creamy sauce clinging to pasta. Its as avorful and savory as chopped liver, but pareve. I am anticipating its availability in March 2015. www.larustichella.com

After my culinary exploration, I was well stuffed with tasty tidbits, my bag was stocked with take-home treats and promotional literature and knick-knacks. I needed water and time to unwind from the excitement that comes with access to a surfeit of free kosher food. The shmorg was over for me, but not before a visit to the sushi table, sponsored by Mikee Sriracha Sauce, for a freshly made sushi roll crafted by a couple of on-site sushi chefs.

Rachel Harkham is a cookbook author, recipe developer and chocolatier. She lives in Rockland County with her family. Visit her at www.reciperachel.com.

Cauliflower Latkes1 head of caulifl ower, rinsed and cut into fl orets

3 eggs, lightly beaten cup matzah meal or crushed saltine crackers (about 12 to 15)

teaspoon salt teaspoon garlic powder1 tablespoon Burning Bush hot sauce

cup olive oil or saffl ower oilhummus, for dipping (option-al)

Boil water in a large pot. Depending on your preferred cooking method, either boil or steam caulifl ower. Cook for approximately 20 minutes.

Drain caulifl ower in a col-ander, let it cool slightly and then mash with a fork or a potato masher, keeping some of the caulifl owers texture. Fold in eggs, matzah meal or crackers, salt, garlic powder, Burning Bush Hot sauce.

Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat. When oil begins to shimmer, drop cau-lifl ower batter by the heaping spoonfuls into pan. With a spatula fl atter the latkes so that they are not too thick and puffy. Fry approximately 2 minutes on each side or until crispy golden brown and fi rm. Drain on paper towels. Serve with hummus kicked up with a splash of Burning Bush Hot Sauce.

Recipe yield 12 to 14 latkes

Hanukk-urros with Orange Caramel Dipping SauceA take on Mexican churros, baked instead of fried and exotically spiced with cardamom and cinnamon.1 package of Dufour puff pastry, chocolate or plain

Flour, for dusting2 to 3 tablespoons butter, melted cup of sugar1 teaspoon on cardamom teaspoon cinnamonOrange Caramel Dipping Sauce1 cup sugar cup water cup heavy whipping creamJuice of half an orange ( cup)1 tablespoon butter teaspoon saltPinch of cayenne, optional

Preheat oven to 400F. Line two bak-ing sheets with parchment paper. Thaw the puff pastry at room tem-perature, for about 45 minutes.

Sprinkle pastry lightly with fl our and stretch it out slightly with a rolling pin. Cut dough in half width-wise and cut each piece into 12 strips (pizza cut-

ters are good for cutting puff pastry dough). You should have approxi-mately 24 strips of dough.

Working with one at a time take the ends of each strip and twist in opposite directions to form a spiral. Transfer spirals to the prepared bak-ing sheets. Bake until golden brown 12 to 14 minutes.

In the meantime, make the sugar coating. In a small bowl combine the sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon.

Remove Hanukk-urros from the oven, and when they are cool enough to handle brush evenly with melted but-ter. Dredge each Hanukk-urro with sugar-spice mixture. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Orange Caramel Dipping Sauce1 cup sugar cup water cup heavy whipping creamJuice of half an orange (1/4 cup)1 tablespoon butter teaspoon saltPinch of cayenne, optional

In a small heavy saucepan stir together water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium high heat and cook undisturbed for approximately 4 minutes or until the sugar solution starts to color and deepen around the edges. Gently swirl the pot to dis-tribute the color and continue to cook for approximately a 1 to 2 minutes more until the mixture turns a medi-um amber color. Remove from pan.

Holding pan at arms length slowly stir in the heavy cream. It will bubble and froth. Stir until it calms down a bit and then add orange juice, butter, salt and cayenne if using.

Makes approximately 1 cup caramel sauce

Chanukah Treats Made With Finds from Kosherfest 2014

1 tablespoon butter teaspoon saltPinch of cayenne, optional

In a small heavy saucepan stir together water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medi-um high heat and cook undisturbed for approximately 4 minutes or until the sugar solution starts to color and deepen around the edges. Gently swirl the pot to distribute the color and continue to cook for approxi-mately a 1 to 2 minutes more until the mix-ture turns a medium amber color. Remove from pan.

Holding pan at arms length slowly stir in the heavy cream. It will bubble and froth. Stir until it calms down a bit and then add orange juice, butter, salt and cayenne if using.

Makes approximately 1 cup caramel sauce

Rachel Harkham is a cookbook author, recipe developer and chocolatier. She lives in Rockland County with her family. Visit her at www.reciperachel.com.

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Bnai mitzvahRACHEL BELLRachel Bell, daughter of Stacie Bell and Daniel Counterman of Paramus and sister of Daniel, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on November 1 at Temple Beth Or in Washington Township.

SOFIA BERGQVISTSofi a Bergqvist daughter of Lisa and Olof Bergqvist and sister of Annika, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on November 22 at Temple Sinai of Bergen County in Tenafl y.

SIDNEY BIRNBERGSidney Birnberg, daughter of Talie and Jeffrey Birnberg of Franklin Lakes and sister of Jessica, 15, and Max, 10, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on October 25 at Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes.

EMILY CHAREmily Char, daughter of Felice and Dr. Daniel Char of Woodcliff Lake and sister of Ilana and Alexa, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on November 15 at Temple Beth Or in Washington Township.

CARLY ERANICarly Erani, daughter of Sheryl Erani of Glen Rock and sister of Alison and Danielle, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on November 15 at Temple Beth Rishon in Wyckoff.

JULIA FEDERJulia Feder, daughter of Faith and Darren Feder of Woodcliff Lake and sister of Ryan and Jake, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on November 22 at Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley in Woodcliff Lake.

AMELIA FEINERAmelia Feiner, daughter of Drs. Shoshana and Leonard Feiner of Ridgewood and sis-ter of Ella and Kate, celebrat-ed becoming a bat mitzvah on November 22 at Temple Beth Rishon in Wyckoff.

JULIA FRUCHTMANJulia Fruchtman, daughter of Beth and William Fruchtman of Upper Saddle River and sister of Jacob and Jonah, celebrated becoming bnai mitzvah on November 23 at Congregation Beth Sholom in Teaneck

AMANDA GRAFAmanda Graf, daughter of Jennifer and David Graf and sister of Caroline, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on November 15 at Temple Sinai of Bergen County in Tenafl y. As a mitzvah project, she is starting a local chapter of I Am That Girl, an organi-zation that helps girls have more self-confi dence.

NEAL GURLANDNeal Scott Gurland, son of Fran and Mark Gurland and brother of Joshua, celebrated becoming a bar mitzvah on November 1 at Temple Sinai of Bergen County in Tenafl y. For his mitzvah project, he performed in the annual Temple Sinai musical con-cert at the Jewish Home at Rockleigh.

KAYLIE HABERKaylie Haber, daughter of Staci and Adam Haber of Montvale and sister of Justin, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on November 8 at Temple Beth Or in Washington Township.

HANNAH HASSOUNIHannah Hassouni, daughter of Meri and Zeki Hassouni and sister of Benjamin, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on November 1 at Temple Sinai of Bergen County in Tenafl y.

ABIGAIL KATZAbigail Rachel Katz, daughter of Stacey and Adam Katz of Franklin Lakes and sister of Jordyn, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on November 1 at Temple Beth Rishon in Wyckoff.

SARAH KUSHNERSarah Kushner, daughter of Michelle and Yisrael Kushner of Closter, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on November 15 at Temple Beth El of Northern Valley in Closter.

SAMANTHA MEYERSONSamantha Meyerson, daugh-ter of Debbie and Steven Meyerson of Woodcliff Lake and sister of Haley, celebrat-ed becoming a bat mitzvah on November 1 at Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley in Woodcliff Lake.

MAXWELL MODELLMatthew and Maxwell Modell, twin sons of Robin and Mitchell Modell and broth-ers of Ashley, celebrated becoming bnai mitzvah on November 8 at Temple Sinai of Bergen County in Tenafl y. For their mitzvah project, the boys raised money for an ani-mal shelter in the Hamptons.

VIOLETTE NIDDSViolette Nidds, daughter of Heidi and Gary Nidds of Ridgewood and sister of Cooper, 19, Lochlan, 18, and Oliver, 15, celebrated becoming bnai mitzvah on October 25 at Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes.

NOAH RANDMANNoah Randman, son of Elyssa and Gary Randman of Fair Lawn and brother of Joshua, celebrated becoming a bar mitzvah on October 25 at the Fair Lawn Jewish Center/Congregation Bnai Israel. As a mitzvah project, he will be donating to Nechama, a Jewish relief organization for victims of fl ooding and other natural disasters.

LOGAN ROGALSKIZACHARY ROGALSKILogan and Zachary Rogalski, twin sons of Sharon Steinhardt of Paramus, celebrated becoming bnai mitzvah on November 22 at Temple Beth Or in Washington Township.

JAYME SILVERJayme Ilana Silver, daughter of Leslie and Michael Silver of Woodcliff Lake and sister of Jack, 10, celebrated becom-ing a bat mitzvah on October 18 at Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley in Woodcliff Lake. Her grandparents are Dr. Richard and Fran Winters of Paramus, and Dr. Scott and Cathy Silver of Naples, Fla. Her great-grandparents are Dr. Selma and the late Stanley Mitchel of Paramus.

CONOR STRAUSSConor Strauss, son of Diana and Marc Strauss of Closter, celebrated becoming a bar mitzvah on November 22 at Temple Beth El of Northern Valley in Closter.

MITCHELL TESSERMitchell Tesser, son of Amy and Lee Tesser of Wyckoff and brother of Sara, cel-ebrated becoming a bar mitzvah on November 15 at Temple Beth Rishon in Wyckoff.

AYLA WEISSAyla Robin Weiss, daughter of Drs. Kim and Jeffrey Weiss of Wyckoff and sister of Jessica, Aaron, and Jordan, celebrat-ed becoming a bat mitzvah on October 25 at Temple Beth Rishon in Wyckoff.

AMANDA WELISHAmanda Welish, daughter of Melissa Davidson and Steven Welish of Haworth, celebrat-ed becoming a bat mitzvah on November 1 at Temple Beth El of Northern Valley in Closter.

HARRY WINICKHarry Sasha Winick, son of Philip and Cindy Winick and brother of Maggie, celebrated becoming a bar mitzvah on November 1 at Temple Beth Sholom of Fair Lawn. He is the grandson of Ed Winick.

Simchas

KYLIE FRANCES CHANANIEKylie Frances Chananie was born October 8, 2014 at Hackensack University Medical Center to Arlene and Joshua and Chananie of Clifton. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces.

Her grandparents are Beth and Robert Chananie of Paramus and Suzanne Kullman of Staten Island, N.Y. Kylies great-grand-parents are Frances and the late Richard Chananie of West Palm Beach, Fla., formerly of Englewood Cliffs, the late Wilbur F. Kullman of Staten Island, and the late Ruth and Morris Janoff of Teaneck, formerly of Jersey City.

Proud aunts, uncles, and cousin are Rachel, Adam, and Rebecca Shara Jay of Springfi eld; and Michael Chananie of Paramus and his fi anc, Alyson Angstreich of North Brunswick.

EMILY PHOTOGRAPHY IN HAWTHORNE NJ

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Make a Trip to Israel at Family Day YJCCThe Bergen County YJCC invites the entire community to visit Israel from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25. Stop at the front desk and pick up your passport beginning at 9 a.m. for a jour-ney that will save a few bucks on airfare. Each area of the YJCC will transform into a place in Israel. Go for a climb on Masada, shake it with Israeli dance, fl oat in the Kineret (aka the pool), feast on falafel and more. There also will be an opportunity to write a prayer for the Kotel, participate in a Maccabi-style track run and screening the award-winning Israeli fi lm, Life in Stills. A PJ Library-sponsored presentation of an Israel-themed book for children 3 to 6 years old and much more. Bergen County YJCC, 605 Pascack Road, Washington Township. 201-666-6610, www.yjcc.org.

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En Garde! Fencing at Cresskill Performing Arts

Swordfi ghting, anyone? Cresskill Performing Arts, which turns out danc-ers, singers and actors, also trains youngsters in the art of fencing. Fencing masters teach private and semi-private lessons in foil, epee, sabre, rapier and dagger and more. Both competitive and theatrical styles are available. So should you need to handle swordplay in Hamlet or just sharpen your fi tness and focus, or just impress your friends, you can check out a free trial of fencing at Cresskill. There are no membership fees. Fencing has not only proved to be helpful in developing mental agility, physical coordination and mind-body integration, it is also the number two college scholarship activity. For more

information and a free trial, Cresskill Performing Arts, 300 Knickerbocker Road, Cresskill. 201-390-7513, www.cresskillperformingarts.com.

Chanukah Concert at Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley will hold a Chanukah con-cert on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 10:15 a.m. with performer Matty Roxx and a special guest appearance by Cantor Mark Biddelman for children ages pre-school through 3rd grade. Light refreshments will be served. The concert is free and open to all interested members of the community with advance reservations. Please RSVP to [email protected]. All non-religious school children must be accom-panied by an adult. This program is sponsored by Sisterhood and Mens Club of Temple Emanuel. Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley, 87 Overlook Drive, Woodcliff Lake 201- 391-0801. www.tepv.org.

Fun-Filled Chanukah Family Day at Jewish MuseumThe Jewish Museum will present its annual Chanukah Family Day, a fun-fi lled day of activities, on Sunday, Dec. 14 from noon to 4 p.m. Children can con-struct a sculptural menorah with funky found objects, dance to the music of Shirlala, see the story of the holiday brought to life through a drawing perfor-mance with Jeff Hopkins, and explore the museums world-famous collection of Chanukah lamps. This event, free with museum admission, is appropriate for children ages 3 and up. Adults are asked to accompany their children. The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. at E. 92 St., Manhattan, 212-423-3000, www.thejewishmuseum.org.

Fun-Filled Chanukah


To Our Readers: 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.

To Add Your Event to Our CalendarSend it to:Calendar EditorAbout Our ChildrenNew Jersey/Rockland Jewish Media Group1086 Teaneck RoadTeaneck, NJ 0766 AboutOCaol.comor fax it to: 201-833-4959Deadline for January issue (published December 19): Tuesday, December 9

Monday, December 1Babyccino/Mommy and Me: The Chabad Center of Passaic County hosts babyccino sessions from 10 to 10:45 a.m. For babies newborn to 30 months old. Classes at the lower level of The Chabad Center, 194 Ratzer Road, Wayne. 973-694-6274.

Chanukah Wonderland Store Opens: The Chabad Center of Passaic County will hold grand re-opening of the store in the Wedgwood Plaza, 1055 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne. 973-694-6274. www.barnerttem.org.

Tuesday, December 2Peter Yarrow: Famed member of Peter, Paul and Mary, Peter Yarrow will be performing and signing the groups new book, Peter, Paul & Mary: Fifty Years in Music and Life. 6 p.m. Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood. 201-445-0726.

Wednesday, December 3A Season of Miracles: The Pushcart Players present A Season of Miracles, a collection of stories that celebrate Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa at 10 a.m. at the Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn. 943-315-1680.

Thursday, December 4Baby Sing Class: Music with a Jewish twist for children 3 to 9 months old. The Hoboken Synagogue, 115 Park Ave., Hoboken. 201-659-4000, www.hobokensynagogue.org.

Friday, December 5Potluck Shabbat Dinner: Join Temple Beth-El, the Reform synagogue of Jersey City for a potluck at 6:30 p.m. and First Friday all-ages Shabbat services at 7:30 p.m. Temple Beth-El of Jersey City, 2419 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City. offi [email protected], 201-333-4229.

Temple Emeth Family Services: Shabbat ser-vices at 7:30 p.m. for the whole family. Temple

Emeth, 1666 Windsor Road, Teaneck. 201-833-1322or www.emeth.org.

Shabbat Tikvah: Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley will present Shabbat Tikvah a service of inspiration and renewal at 8 p.m. 87 Overlook Drive in Woodcliff Lake. 201-391-0801, www.tepv.org.

Saturday, December 6Kaplen JCC Big Night Out: The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades will hold its second annual Big Night Out gala 7:30 p.m. honoring three couples Merle and Fred Fish, Amy and Mark Shirvan and Danielle and Doug Kaplan. To place an online gift www.jccotp.org/bignightout. To place a journal ad or make reservations, contact Sharon Potolsky at 201-408-1405 or [email protected]

Tween Scene at the Bergen County YJCC: Tweens, 10, 11 and 12 are invited to come to the YJCC from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. for activities, use of pool and gym, a movie and more. The YJCC is located at 605 Pascack Road, Township of Washington. Wendy Fox 201-666-6610, ext. 5820, [email protected].

Sunday, December 7Lox N Learning Chanukah Party: Congregation Bnai Jacob holds party for the whole family. Entertainment, sign-alongs and Hebrew bingo. Congregation Bnai Jacob, 176 West Side Ave., Jersey City. 201-435-5725, www.bnaijacobjc.org.

Holiday Boutique at Barnert Temple: Shop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from more than 40 booths with top merchandise. Caf on site and free parking. Barnert Temple, 747 Route 208 South, Franklin Lakes. For information, Vicky Farhi at [email protected].

Josh & The Jamtones in Concert: Come hear the kids indie rock band Josh & The Jamtones at 11:30 a.m. The sound blends roots, reggae, ska stylings, feel-good pop, folk punk, country bal-lards, and kid-friendly improv. Great for children 3 to 8 years old. The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Manhattan. 212-423-3200, www.thejewishmuseum.org.

Dancing For Hope: Cresskill Performing Arts will join others in a performance benefi t for A Slice

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of Hope. 3 p.m. Eisner & Lubin Auditorium, New York University Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Square South, Manhattan. For tickets, http//danc-ingforhope.brownpapertickets.com.

Womens Book Club Meeting: Jewish-themed books include Smileys by Sarah Smiley. A light dinner will be served beginning at 7 p.m. The Chabad Center of Passaic County, 194 Ratzer Road, Wayne. 973-694-6274 or [email protected].

Temple Emeth Bazaar 2014: Looking for the perfect holiday gift. Come to the annual bazaar from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Temple Emeth, 1666 Windsor Road, Teaneck. 201-833-1322, www.emeth.org.

92nd Street Y KidCentral Open House: Classes, performances and more in the world of art, music, dance, fi tness to name some from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1395 Lexington Ave., Manhattan. www.92y.org.

Monday, December 8Broadway Intersections: The Museum of Math presents Broadway Intersections: The Math Behind The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime at 6:30 p.m. The session shows how the hit show brings math to the stage with actor Alex Sharp and MoMath founder Glen Whitney. Registration required. The Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26 St., Manhattan. 212-542-0566, www.momath.org.

Under the Sea: Nursery school-age children and their parents can meet favorite friends from cartoons, movies and television at Bergen County YJCC Character Breakfast at 9:30 or 11:30 a.m. Meet the Little Mermaid, Sponge Bob Square Pants and others. Children can come in costume. YJCC, 605 Pascack Road, Township of Washington. 201-666-6610.

Babyccino/Mommy and Me: The Chabad Center of Passaic County hosts babyccino sessions from 10 to 10:45 a.m. For babies newborn to 30 months old. Classes at the lower level of The Chabad Center, 194 Ratzer Road, Wayne. 973-694-6274.

Saturday, December 13Robots at MoMath: Robot Swarm, the new blockbuster exhibit of robots, unlike any other, opens at The Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26 St., Manhattan. 212-542-0566, www.momath.org.

Chanukah Family Fun: Join Morah Marla Levine and Cantor Ellen Tilem for a morning of music, stories, dance and crafts. 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Temple Emeth, 1666 Windsor Road, Teaneck. For children 3 to 7 with parents, and grandparents. 201-833-8466.

Chanukah Tot Shabbat: Temple Beth-El, the Reform Congregation of Jersey City, has a service for children ages 5 and under, grownups, siblings and grandparents. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Temple Beth-El of Jersey City, 2419 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City. 201-333-4229, offi [email protected].

Sunday, December 14Chanukah Festival in Wayne: The Wayne YMCA hosts a festival from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. with face painting, menorah and dreidel making, food, crafts, Scholastic Book Fair, magic show and more. Free. Sponsored by Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. The Y is at 1 Pike Drive, Wayne. 973-595-0100.

Pre-Chanukah Family Pet Show: The Friendship Circle of Passaic County presents a pre-Chanukah family fun afternoon with outrage-hisss...pets from 1 to 2:15 p.m. There will be an animal show, pizza lunch and arts and crafts. 482 Brook Ave., Passaic, $10 per family. RSVP Rykal at [email protected] or 763-228-8570.

Chanukah Festival at 92nd Street Y: Fun starts at 11 a.m. Menorah making, winter crafts, music, make-your-own sufganiyot and more. 1395 Lexington Ave., Manhattan. www.92y.org.

Hanukkah Family Day at Jewish Museum: Fun-fi lled day from noon to 4 p.m. Children can make a sculptural menorah with found objects, dance to the tunes of Shirlala, watch the story of Chanukah brought to life through a drawing performance with Jeff Hopkins and more. The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Manhattan. 212-423-3000. www.thejewishmusuem.org.

Character Breakfast: Nursery school-age chil-dren and their parents can meet favorite friends from cartoons, movies and television at Bergen County YJCC. Seatings at 9:30 or 11:30 a.m. 605 Pascack Road, Township of Washington. 201-666-6610.


Tuesday, December 16Chanukah on Ice: A night of ice skating, Jewish music, kosher food and kosher fun at the from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Trump Wollman ice skating rink in Central Park, Manhattan. Sponsored by several Chabads of New York. www.chanukahonicenyc. 212-854-5010.

Thursday, December 18Pajama Party at Monster Mini Golf: Monster Mini Golf in Nanuet hosts a Pajama Party from 6 to 9 p.m. for the Hudson Valley Chapter of The Pajama Program, which provides new pajamas and books to children in need. Show up in your pajamas and bring along a pair of pajamas and book to donate. Monster Mini Golf, 33 Route 304 in Nanuet, 845-624-6464.

Celebrate Chanukah with the Deaf Community: Complete a 9-foot high deaf-themed menorah, enjoy treats and a childrens program at this event sponsored by The Jewish Deaf Foundation. Everyone welcome. Voice interpretation provided. 6 to 9 p.m. Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, Manhattan. 646-437-4202. www.jewishdeaffoundation.org/nycchanukah.

Friday, December 19Tot Shabbat in Franklin Lakes: Tot Shabbat and pizza dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. Barnert Temple, 747 Route 208 South, Franklin Lakes. To sign up, 201-848-1800.

Family Chanukah Service: Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley is holding a family Chanukah service and concert starting at 7 p.m. Open to all. 87 Overlook Drive, Woodcliff Lake. 201-391-0801, www.tepv.org.

Saturday, December 20Chanukah in Leonia: Congregation Adas Emuno will light an outdoor community menorah at 7 p.m. followed by a havdallah service. Latkes, donuts and other treats will follow. 254 Broad Ave., Leonia. 201-592-1712, www.adasemuno.org.

Sunday, December 21Hot Peas N Butter Concert: Shake and sizzle to the multicultural music and contagious rhythms of Hot Peas N Butter. The bands wonderful mix of Puerto Rican folk music to American blues will get everyone moving. 11:30 a.m. The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Manhattan. 212-434-3200. www.thejewishmuseum.org.

Chanukah Concert at Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley: Performance starts at 10:15 a.m. with Matty Roxx and a special guest appearance by Cantor Biddelman for ages pre-school through 3rd grade. Light refreshments served. Free. 87 Overlook Drive, Woodcliff Lake. 201-391-0801. www.tepv.org.

Robots at MoMath, see December 13

Hot Peas N Butter, See December 21

Horror Movies and Judaismfor Teens and Parents

As part of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jerseys One Book, One Community Program, The Bergen Coun-ty High School of Jewish Studies will of-fer parents and teens a program that ex-amines the supernatural in lm and its relationship to Judaism. The program, Horror Flicks & The Supernatural In the Movies Whats Jewish about that? will feature lm critic and scholar Eric

On the Go and GreenNeed to pack a quick snack for your baby or ju-nior? Booginhead SqueezEms are reusable food pouches for any pureed food that are easy to ll, clean and store. SqueezEms are great for on-the-go baby food all the way to yogurt or applesauce in a grade school lunch. SqueezEms reusable food pouches will grow with your child. They are also BPV, PVC and phthalate free. Made in one piece, you cant lose any part. Pop them in the freezer, microwave or the top rack of the dish-washer. They are available in area home goods stores. www.booginhead.com/squeeze-ems.


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work on. Few are told what their strengths are. Brooks and Goldstein in their book, Raising Resilient Children, write: We recommend that for every hour of additional work that children in need spend, they spend an hour engag-ing in activities that are strengths. These activities help them feel good, experi-ence success, and develop a resilient mindset.

The Life Success Parent Guide in-terviews adults who overcame their learning disabilities. One interviewee observed the following:

Everybody comes with a package. And yeah, there are things that I am good at and things that I am not so good at. Some of my limitations are reading and writing. But boy, when it comes to putting things together, reading plans, and chasing down problems, those are some talents, some skills that I was born withI carved a different path and my whole life has been that way.

This person understood very clearly what he was good at and used it to forge a life for himself despite his learning dif culties.

4. Praise children for their effort and persistence:Carol Dweck, the author of Growth Mindset, suggests that instead of telling children that they are smart, we should praise children for their effort, for work-ing hard, persevering at a dif cult task

and guring out solutions to problems.Children who are praised in this way

are motivated to learn and will challenge themselves academically. They feel that they have control over their intelligence and they only have to increase their effort to succeed at school.

This can be especially encourag-ing to children with learning disabilities because they usually do work hard, but often they still dont do well. When that does happen we want to further support them by saying:

I liked the effort you put in, lets work together some more and gure out what it is you dont understand.

We all have different learning curves. It make take more time for you to catch on to this and be comfortable with this mate-rial, but if you keep at it like this you will.

Everyone learns in a different way. Lets keep trying to nd the way that works for you.

Children with learning disabilities need our compassion but they also need to know that they can overcome their academic challenges. Being empathetic, taking the pressure off, helping children understand their strengths and praising them for their hard work can give them the support they need to overcome their challenges.

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. You can reach her at parentingsimply.com.

Helping continued from page 13

Celebrate Chanukah with the Deaf Community: Complete a 9-foot high deaf-themed menorah, enjoy treats and a childrens program at this event sponsored by The Jewish Deaf Foundation. Everyone welcome. Voice interpretation provided. 6 to 9 p.m. Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, Manhattan. 646-437-4202. www.jewishdeaffoundation.org/nycchanukah.

Friday, December 19Tot Shabbat in Franklin Lakes: Tot Shabbat and pizza dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. Barnert Temple, 747 Route 208 South, Franklin Lakes. To sign up, 201-848-1800.

Family Chanukah Service: Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley is holding a family Chanukah service and concert starting at 7 p.m. Open to all. 87 Overlook Drive, Woodcliff Lake. 201-391-0801, www.tepv.org.

Saturday, December 20Chanukah in Leonia: Congregation Adas Emuno will light an outdoor community menorah at 7 p.m. followed by a havdallah service. Latkes, donuts and other treats will follow. 254 Broad Ave., Leonia. 201-592-1712, www.adasemuno.org.

Sunday, December 21Hot Peas N Butter Concert: Shake and sizzle to the multicultural music and contagious rhythms of Hot Peas N Butter. The bands wonderful mix of Puerto Rican folk music to American blues will get everyone moving. 11:30 a.m. The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Manhattan. 212-434-3200. www.thejewishmuseum.org.

Chanukah Concert at Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley: Performance starts at 10:15 a.m. with Matty Roxx and a special guest appearance by Cantor Biddelman for ages pre-school through 3rd grade. Light refreshments served. Free. 87 Overlook Drive, Woodcliff Lake. 201-391-0801. www.tepv.org.


Monday, December

Documents

About Our Children, December 2014