Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

I am on Hanukkah overload, and the first candle is not even lit yet! There are so many Hanukkah happenings to chose from.......decisions, decisions. This has actually reminded me of a couple of conversations I have had with PJ Library parents who, with their families, have moved away from South Florida. They call me and tell me how "different" Jewish life is in other parts of the country like Tennessee or South Carolina. They are finding themselves actively seeking out Jewish things to do with their kids and places where they can connect with other Jewish families. They report to me how much they took for granted when they lived here in the Greater Palm Beach Beaches, often even skipping events because it took a little effort.

One mom arrived in her new city to find the local PJ Library community there was "on hold" due to lack of funding. So, the precious books her kids had been getting for almost a year (through PJ Library in the Greater Palm Beaches) wouldn't be coming to their new address. Now, here's a miracle: instead of getting angry or upset, she decided to be part of the drive to help get the program funded in her new city. She used her experience as a PJ mom to speak to others about what the program can do for a child and for a family.

All I am saying is, that I am beginning to see how easy it can be to take things for granted when you live in such a vibrant Jewish community. Yes, there are a dozen places to go to see a Hanukkiah be lit. Yes, there are even more places to go to eat delicious latkes and spin the dreidel. And this Hanukkah, I will proudly light my menorah and take FULL advantage of all the Hanukkah events/dinners/gatherings I can. I hope to see lots of friends there. 

For events listing, see the Jewish Family Life calendar here.

Click here for more Hanukkah Resources.

Use this link for resources specifically on the "December Dilemma".

Is Your Family a Mixed Bag? If so, You’re Not the Only One

           My colleague and master teacher here at the Friedman Commission for Jewish Education, Lynne Lieberman, recently taught a class at the Mandel JCC entitled, “Is Your Family a Mixed Bag?.” It was a weekly course to learn more and share experiences about families with members of different faiths and their connection to Judaism. The course was intended for anyone and everyone who was interested. Well, that’s just about all of us, right? I know that certainly includes me, and I don’t think I know of any of my friends who don’t fall under this category either. SO, one would think that Lynne’s class would be packed, but sadly, it was not. Perhaps it wasn’t being offered on a convenient day/time or maybe because people didn’t hear about it or people weren’t even looking for it (**sigh**).

This got me to thinking about these “mixed bags” that we all have and the issues, conversations and conflict that arise. Do you find yourself asking: Who do we invite to our family Seder? Can I invite my non-Jewish relative for an honor at my child’s baby naming or Bar Mitzvah? At the end of each calendar year, does your family discuss the “December Dilemma”?
{read this great article that took that discussion a bit further}

If we are all asking ourselves these questions, where are we getting the answers? If not at a class like the one Lynne was leading, then where? Are you talking to your friends? Other family members? Your clergy? Anyone? Who do YOU turn to when you have interfaith issues, questions, concerns or want to explore one faith or another? Do you look online for answers? I wonder if our local parents of different faiths feel comfortable going together to temple or to church? Do local families know that many of our local rabbis are open to discussing Judaism with non-Jews, offering classes and even performing conversions? Are any of the wonderful online resources used at all? 

In the work I do every day with our Jewish community partners (temples, Jewish organizations, JCC, etc.) planning family engagement opportunities, I can’t tell you how many times the conversation turns into a discussion about how we can make whatever family program, service or event we are planning inclusive for everyone. The professionals and board members understand that nowadays every family is a mixed bag.  The real dilemma is how do we make the two meet? How do we get our “mixed bag” families involved and engaged in our Jewish community that desperately wants to include them?

This is really tough, and there may not be one clear cut answer. It seems to me that we may need to call in a Matchmaker to make this “shidduch”! Or, maybe it’s still an evolving relationship that will take more time. I am not sure.

For now, I am encouraged to see that local families are starting to recognize and identify themselves as real “mixed bags” and are interested in exploring what that means and how they can fit into our Jewish community. I am proud to work with others at the Friedman CJE like Lynne who are so knowledgeable about not only Judaism but other faiths and how they intermingle and relate to each other.  I am blessed to have a job here where I get to help people every day connect to our Jewish community and to find something that speaks to them and helps their families grow no matter what kind of bag they own.

Hiking Boots to Heels--How Connecting Families to Jewish Life & Learning Takes A Lot of Shoes

As I turned the corner from the owl exhibit to the snake display at Busch Wildlife I caught a glimpse of my hiking boots reflected on the glass of the boa’s habitat. This made me smirk a bit, but only for a second because my attention was quickly redirected to the four-year-old blond-haired girl tugging on my PJ Library® t-shirt. She was pointing to a dead mouse in the snake habitat. “Shhh,” I said, “it’s sleeping”. I thought it was a pretty good instant response; the little girl just smiled at me and moved on to the next exhibit.

I don’t wear hiking boots every day, but how cool is it that there are days in my work that I do? On that particular day, I was on a “Teva Trek” (Jewish nature walk) with preschool families. We wandered through a local wildlife preserve, looking at animals, appreciating nature and talking about the PJ Library® book, Fox Walked Alone. To see and hear these four-year-olds holding hands, walking together in pairs (just like the animals in the book), recalling the Hebrew word for “fox” (it’s shu-al, btw) and talking about showing kindness to animals the Jewish value of Tza’ar Ba’alei Hayim, (“the suffering of living things”) was pure excitement for me, their teachers, their parents and for the children. I could see their big smiles as they held up their homemade binoculars to look closely at the animals and when they got a high-five from our Shlichim (Israel ambassadors) for saying a Hebrew word correctly. It was a great morning.

That one great morning took weeks to plan with our partners: The One School at Temple Beth Am in Jupiter and with our Israeli Shlichim from our Jewish Federation, and boy did it pay off.

The children had a blast, the parents had fun too. But for me, it was what they left with that made the difference. Some left with a better understanding about nature, animals and the Jewish value. Others left with an understanding of what our Shlichim do while they are here from Israel in our community. Most left with my favorite takeaway— the knowledge that a PJ Library book can come to life in a new way and in a different place. 

I love these kinds of mornings. I don’t always get to see them first-hand:Most of our collaborative programs (over 30 each year) take place without my physical presence at the actual program/event. But on this day, with my hiking boots on, I could see for myself some of what happens all over our community almost weekly—a real Jewish connection is made.

After I said my “L’hitraot” (Hebrew for “see you later”), I went directly to the nearest Starbucks bathroom for a quick change from my hiking boots and cowboy hat to high heels and a business suit. Then I drove back to the Friedman CJE offices to make a presentation to our Board of Directors—another exciting opportunity, getting to tell others about the work we do every day! 

After my transformation, I entered the boardroom, USB thumb drive in hand, to give a Powerpoint presentation about the Jewish Family Life department and how we cover the 900-square- mile area that we call our Jewish community. I gave our board a thorough presentation about how we reach and engage young families raising Jewish children, acting as the concierge for parents to the Jewish community. I talked about collaborative programs like the Teva Treks, Story Times and Tot Shabbats, along with the consultation work we do throughout the community creating experiential Jewish learning opportunities in our preschools, religious schools and day school. My feet ached a bit by the time I finished (they probably would have rather I stayed in the boots), but in the end, the board members were engaged in our story, asking questions, wanting to learn more—which was even more exciting for me. 

By the end of the day when I finally took off my heels, it had been more than 12 hours since I had put on my boots. My feet felt sore but my heart felt GOOD. As I returned both pairs of shoes back to my closet, alongside the others, it dawned on me how engaging families really does take a lot of shoes!

BTS (Back to School and SHUL!)

It's Back To School time, hooray! Time to gather those school supplies and to check to see how much of last year's uniforms will make it through another year. I am giddy as I read fliers for Open House events, Back to School Nights and First Day Coffee clutches. This gets me excited. A fresh slate, a new year with possibilities, for my kids and for me. So much to learn and to do. Not just for the secular learning, but for Jewish learning as well. A new year of Jewish education, learning about the holidays, traditions, values and teachings. A new year of 11 new PJ Library books coming to your home (and 1 awesome CD). 

Jewish learning may not be your first thought as we reset our alarm clocks and setup carpool situations, but I feel that now is the time for us think about it as well. Some parents choose a Jewish education for their children at a local synagogue. Others choose to "home-shul" their children, making everyday an enriching Jewish experience to learn from. For some, a Jewish day school is the right place for their child to learn and grow and to connect to his/her Judaism. Kudos to all of those efforts. Exposing our children to the richness of our religion and culture is an amazing gift. 

But, what about us, the parents? Sure, we probably went to religious school and Hebrew school ages ago, did the bar/bat Mitzvah thing. Maybe some of us were confirmed, went to a Hebrew High School or High School in Israel program or, maybe not. This has gotten me thinking, what about me? What am I learning? When do I have time to learn? Does helping my daughter with her Hebrew homework count? Is there more out there that I can learn from my religion? More that will help me in my life, as a professional, as a wife, a friend, a mom? The answer is probably a very big YES! And, this fall I am committed, not just to my children's Jewish education, but to my own. And, I challenge other moms and dads to do the same. For me, I will seek out the offerings at my spiritual home (my synagogue) and here at the Friedman CJE (www.cjepb.org) where adult education is being revitalized. I hope to share some of what I learn with you in the months ahead. So, happy Back To School time and don't forget to put yourself on the syllabus of Jewish life.

Register for PJ Library in the Greater Palm Beaches
List of local synagogues
Our Community Jewish Day School-Meyer Academy
Friedman CJE

Passover Happens! -a reposting!

[this blog entry was so popular this time last year that we decided to repost it this year]

No matter where you are, who is visiting, which kid is sick, or what is happening in your life, Passover happens. This was made very clear to me by a friend last week as we started to talk about First Seder on Monday, April 14th.  I can feel the rise in  the anxiety level of some of my friends, I can see it in the eyes of some of the PJ library parents I run into. I say, fret not, have no fear, we can tackle this Passover, Seder and all, with gusto while having a good time.

I know one BIG fear is, what will the kids do at the Seder table? Will they behave? Will they embarrass you? What can you do to prepare them? These are valid concerns, but when looked at in a different light, when expectations are realistic, and with some preparation, a Seder can be a joyful experience that you and your children will talk about all year.

There are so many great resources available to us (visit http://www.cjepb.org/ to see full calendar), online chat rooms about Passover menus and recipes, Pinterest boards full of recipes and craft ideas, books for children (I recommend No Matzoh for Me by Nancy E. Krulik) and even a downloadable 30 Minute Seder Haggadah (http://www.30minuteseder.com/) whose testimonials claim to “save Passover” by blending tradition with brevity. I also like this easy to use guide online for a Developmentally Appropriate Pesach Seder for children ages 4-5 years old, designed by the URJ (Union for Reform Judaism). There's even a funny look at the holiday in the online article: "Sedering with Kids” with helpful tips and tricks.
 

These are all great places to start. And starting early is the key. Begin talking with your children NOW about the upcoming holiday in language and on a level they understand.

• Take out Passover children’s books from the public library (or from your own PJ Library at home) and read them nightly for the weeks leading up to the holiday.
• Download free Passover coloring pages from the internet and hang them around your home.
• When the big night(s) come, assign jobs for the kids at the Seder: passing out of the kippot, serving the matzoh, going to wash their hands, opening the door for Elijah, etc.

These will all get the kids focused on a task and take them out of their seats enough so that they won’t get fidgety during the Seder.

Some other tips:

• Seat the children with the adults. Creating a “kids table” is nothing more than asking for trouble.
• Invest in some on the table distractions (a bag of plagues toys or finger puppets of the Seder plate objects) and incorporate them into your Seder meal.
• Use your child’s favorite Passover book to tell the story of the Exodus instead of the one in your own Haggadah.

Most importantly, if you are excited, the kids will be excited. Passover is a totally interactive experience for the whole family to treasure. Still nervous about Passover happening? Contact me at the Friedman CJE, with questions and concerns, I am here to help and connect you in the Greater Palm Beaches.
Amy, a.bergman@cjepb.org, www.cjepb.org

Not registered for the PJ Library? Go to: www.pjlibrary.org, it's FREE!

Meshuggeneh Thanksgivukkah!

There's been a lot of talk about this year's convergence of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, spawning online chatter full with wonderful recipes, decorations and activities. There are Pinterest Boards, websites and Facebook events feverishly discussing how we can best celebrate two holidays at once, with our Turkey

Turkey Menorah created by local PJ Library family, the Fridmans.

menorahs, acorn dreidels, and cranberry applesauce to accompany our latkes. As a creative person myself, I love all these discussions and the excitement I see whenever the rapidly approaching "Thanksgivukkah" is mentioned.

I also am sensitive to the fact that there are some built in downsides for families to this once in a 70,000 year holiday "collision". The question of: "With whom and where do we go for Thanksgiving/Hanukkah?" is never more daunting now that the Thanksgiving weekend also encompasses half of the nights of Hanukkah. 

For many families there are always decisions about where to go for Thanksgiving, especially when family is not local. Here in the greater Palm Beaches, this is true for over 75% of our local young families. Yes, most parents of young families raising Jewish children do not have their own parents living here locally. This may seem odd for a community rich in grandparents, but it is true. For some, this scenario may lead to some difficult decisions and some stress. Where "balancing" the family time by splitting Thanksgiving and Hanukkah visits were the solution in the past, this year it is not an option. Not to mention, our local children's winter break will NOT include a Jewish holiday this year.

So, what to do? CELEBRATE Thanksgivukkah in the best way you can, with whomever you can; it is a once in lifetime experience for everyone to enjoy. CREATE other times and occasions to celebrate with other family members in December. There are four Shabbats in the month, make one (or more) special! USE technology to "virtually" bring others to your Thanksgiving/Hanukkah dinner table or candle lighting.
READ a great Hanukkah story together, there's so many to choose from on the PJ Library website. FIND a local Hanukkah event or program to attend with your children. Thanksgivukkah will be one of those holidays no one will forget, so make it "unforgettable" for you and your family.

Continue to Connect, Learn and Grow in the Greater Palm Beaches, visit www.cjepb.org

Gobble Tov!

Holiday Reality Check

This one statistic always throws me for a loop: “only 20% of our young families raising Jewish children in the Greater Palm Beaches have an older generation living locally”. Hard to believe, but it’s true. Most of them do not have their own mothers or fathers living close by. One would think with the amount of residents over 50 in this community that this statistic would be higher---but it is not.

So, what does this mean? It means that the older generation, the ones who typically are the keepers of the family’s Jewish traditions, recipes and customs are not here to pass them along. Sure, recipes can be emailed and Skype sessions at holiday dinner time can take place, but the reality is-- our local parents are on their own. Or are they?

Instead of this scenario creating a dearth of Jewish life and celebration, quite the opposite seems to be to happening. Many local parents without local family around have reached out to each other, creating their own “new traditions” and forming groups to celebrate together and share customs.

Potluck holiday dinners and fun impromptu gatherings seem to be the solution. There’s challah baking, groups going to services together, Break the Fast meals and lots of “celebrating” happening. It may not be the same without grandma’s chicken soup or your favorite uncle’s stories, but it is happening HERE.

I wonder what their next steps will be.  How will our local families raising young Jewish children continue to connect each other and to their Jewish community? Only time will tell. I only hope they continue to take advantage of ALL this community has to offer, here’s to a great 5774!

Continue to Connect, Learn and Grow in the Greater Palm Beaches, visit www.cjepb.org

Friedman CJE’s calendar of events for Young Families Raising Jewish Children: https://www.cjepb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=184&Itemid=355
 

Playing with Dolls

I never played with dolls when I was a little girl. I enjoyed my matchbox cars, blocks and my collection of miniature NFL helmets (I could name each team and their hometown by the time I was 10). This is why it is baffling to me how 30 years later, I can be so in love with two adorable dolls.


Bim and Bom's traveling house
was lovingly built by
 local PJ Library dad, Howard Fleischer
and beautifully painted by PJ mom and
Meyer Art teacher, Adrienne Turk.


Bim (the girl doll-carpenter) and Bom (the boy doll-baker) are part of the traveling curriculum project we created here at the Commission for Jewish Education to visit schools, Jewish community centers and synagogues  around our community (the Greater Palm Beaches) this year. They are the brother/sister main character duo from the PJ Library book, Bim and Bom, A Shabbat Tale by Daniel J. Swartz. They, along with their associated curriculum materials (created in part by local educators) and interactive components, are visiting classrooms (early childhood- 2nd grade) and joining in at family events and programs throughout the community.

Bim and Bom are actually the third traveling curriculum project the CJE has created and shared with the community. I am always amazed at what each location, school, class, teacher, student, child, mother, father, grandparent, etc. does with them. Yesterday was a "travel day" for Bim and Bom which means they come back to me for a quick refreshing (and a hug) before they carry on to their next location. I carefully fix them up, straighten their hair, wash their clothes and make sure the kit has everything it needs to go to the next stop.   I also take a minute to peek at their "scrapbook" which is a record of everything they do. Teachers paste in photos of what they did with the dolls and they record the curriculum pieces that "grew" from the students in response to Bim and Bom. They share what the students wanted to investigate as a class, and what Bim and Bom inspired them to learn about. You would not believe where a 4-year-old can go in his/her little mind after reading about how Bom bakes challah each week for those who can not afford it.


Inside the house on wheels is where all
 the scrapbook,  curriculum binders, music, and of course,
Bim and Bom are stored.


Yes, I love these dolls---not because they are soft and adorable and almost three feet tall, but because they are already inspiring the children in our community to think about mitzvot, to cherish their siblings and to explore new ideas. I love these dolls because they are challenging teachers to listen to their students and to let them steer the course for where today's lesson plans may go. And now, as I pack Bim and Bom into their house once more, I know that when I see them back here in about a month, I will love them even more.

For more information about this project, contact Amy Bergman, a.bergman@cjepb.org or Robyn Hurvitz r.hurvtiz@cjepb.org.

If You Build It, They Will Come!

     I am well aware that most Jewish families in the Greater Palm Beaches do not build their own sukkah. Maybe that's why I feel so compelled each year to invite everyone and anyone I know to come visit ours. It's kind of another excuse to have mini-parties all week long: breakfast get-togethers, family dinners, afternoon snack and swim parties. I am very good at coming up with an occasion for any time of day.
    This has made me wonder why others don't build one of their own? I know it can seem to be a huge and expensive undertaking, but it doesn't have to be. For years, I have seen many families use simple materials from Home Depot or Lowe's to make a small pvc framework for a "Florida-friendly" backyard sukkah. There are lots of websites (below) and even some creative ideas on Pinterest that can help too. This can be a another great way for you and your children to do something TOGETHER in this new year. How about using a large cardboard box to make an indoor playhouse sukkah for your next play date? Or, making a dollhouse sukkah from a small box? All I am saying is, however you decide to build it, I promise, if you build it, they will come and YOU will be glad you did!

Information about local Sukkot events:
CJE Online Calendar of Events.
Sukkah Building/Purchasing Resources:
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Sukkot/At_Home/The_Sukkah/Laws/Building_a_Sukkah.shtml
http://www.sukkahdepot.com/
Fun Sukkot Ideas:
http://voices.yahoo.com/sukkah-crafts-kids-during-sukkot-5143571.html
General Information about Sukkot:
http://www.pjlibrary.org/parents-and-families/reading-tips-and-resources/jewish-holidays/sukkot-and-simchat-torah.aspx

Summertime Jewishness

     My Facebook newsfeed has been filled this week with Pre-K and Kindergarten graduation pictures (too cute!), last day of school shots and dance recital videos. It must be time for summer. Hooray!
     This has gotten me thinking about how we spend our summertime. Of course there are camps to choose, vacations to plan, but what about our "Jewishness"? Without any major Jewish holidays during June, July, and August, do we stop being Jewish? Now, of course the answer to that is "No". So I guess the question is really, what can we do to celebrate our "Jewishness" all summer long?

     I've posted in years past about how I've made my family vacation include Jewish customs, rituals, and celebrations. But now I am thinking about the whole summer. Jewish day camps and sleep away camps are a wonderful way to instill the love for Judaism, Jewish culture, music, etc. And, many synagogues locally still offer Shabbat services (Friday evening or Saturday) all summer long. As a matter of fact, these summer services are usually more laid back, offered earlier, and often are shorter. What a great way to expose young kids to temple worship! To find something close to you, checkout our online calendar : https://www.cjepb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=184&Itemid=355
     For me, I think turning any summer activity into a something Jewish can be fun. A backyard BBQ on a late Friday afternoon/evening can become an outdoor Shabbat meal. A Saturday afternoon at the beach can become dinner and Havdalah service. I've always wanted to plan a Pop-Up Shabbat in a fun outdoor location. All you need is list of your friends and a place. Then you email, text or post on Facebook and/or Twitter a location you choose for a Pop-Up Shabbat location. Ask others to bring an item or food dish. What a fun and different way to celebrate with other families.
     And then there's the obvious for me.....reading our favorite PJ Library (http://www.pjlbrary.org/) books together and discussing the stories and the Jewish values and ideas in each one. These ideas (and others I am sure you can think of) all take very little planning but can have a big impact. I say, summertime is not a vacation from our "Jewishness" but rather another chance to make it fun for the whole family. And, if you need a little help to make it happen, you know where to find me, a.bergman@cjepb.org.

Passover Happens!

No matter where you are, who is visiting, which kid is sick, or what is happening in your life, Passover happens. This was made very clear to me by a friend last week as we started to talk about this iconic Jewish holiday and how to make it memorable for everyone at our seder table. This year, Passover happens starting with the First Seder on Friday, April 6th.  I can feel the rise in

 the anxiety level of some of my friends, I can see it in the eyes of some of the PJ library parents I run into. I say, fret not, have no fear, we can tackle this Passover, Seder and all, with gusto while having a good time.

I know one BIG fear is, what will the kids do at the Seder table? Will they behave? Will they embarrass you? What can you do to prepare them? These are valid concerns, but when looked at in a different light, and when expectations are realistic, and with some preparation, a Seder can be a joyful experience that you and your children will talk about all year.

There are so many great resources available to us: local workshops for parents about how to lead a seder or to prepare a seder meal (visit http://www.cjepb.org/ to see full calendar), online chat rooms about Passover menus and recipes, books for children (I recommend No Matzoh for Me by Nancy E. Krulik) and even a downloadable (is that a word?) 30 Minute Seder Haggadah (http://www.30minuteseder.com/) whose testimonials claim to “save Passover” by blending tradition with brevity. I also like this easy to use guide online for a Developmentally Appropriate Pesach Seder for children ages 4 & 5 designed by the URJ (Union for Reform Judaism). There's a funny look with helpful tips in an article online called, “Sedering with Kids”.

These are all great places to start. And starting early is the key. Begin talking with your children NOW about the upcoming holiday in language and on a level they understand.

• Take out Passover children’s books from the public library (or from your own PJ Library at home) and read them nightly for the weeks leading up to the holiday.
• Download free Passover coloring pages from the internet and hang them around your home.
• When the big night(s) come, assign jobs for the kids at the Seder: passing out of the kippot, serving the matzoh, going to wash their hands, opening the door for Elijah, etc.

These will all get the kids focused on a task and take them out of their seats enough so that they won’t get fidgety during the Seder.

Some other tips:

• Seat the children with the adults. I have found that creating a “kids table” is nothing more than asking for trouble.
• Invest in some on the table distractions (a bag of plagues toys or finger puppets of the Seder plate objects) and incorporate them into your Seder meal.
• Use your child’s favorite Passover book to tell the story of the Exodus instead of the one in your own Haggadah.

Most importantly, if you are excited, the kids will be excited. Passover is a totally interactive experience for the whole family to treasure. Still nervous about Passover happening? Contact me with questions and concerns, I am here to help and connect you in the Greater Palm Beaches.
Amy, a.bergman@cjepb.org



Not registered fo rthe PJ Library? Go to: www.pjlibrary.org, it's FREE!

Great and Grand-Why Grandparents are Gold!

It takes a community to raise a Jewish child, and that community includes grandparents. Here in the Greater Palm Beaches, we are blessed with many Jewish grandparents. And whether the grandparents in your life live locally or far way, they bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and love that cannot be duplicated or replicated. Jewish grandparents represent the greatest untapped resource for influencing the lives and values of their grandchildren. This, coupled with the data we have about the importance of reading to young children, creates the perfect opportunity for them to share your Jewish heritage and history with them.


Nearly half the grandchildren of Jewish grandparents today are not being raised Jewishly, signaling a major shift in the spiritual make-up of American Jewish families. Books, specifically Jewish books, are a wonderful way to start important conversations with youngsters, bringing them even closer together.

There are many ways to weave storytelling and book reading into the shared time between child and grandparent. Here are some suggestions: 

• Take your grandchildren (whether they are visiting or live locally) to a FREE Jewish Story time at our local Jewish Community Center (www.jcconline.com).
• Read Jewish books to them: you can have FREE high-quality, age appropriate books sent them locally (or in over 130 communities in the U.S.) through The PJ Library® program, a national program created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and implemented locally by The Friedman Commission for Jewish Education, that mails high-quality Jewish books to local children ages 6 months-6 years old. The “PJ” is for pajamas as this program was developed with bedtime reading in mind. Register at http://www.pjlibrary.org/
• Podcasting — an Internet technology that allows users to record and distribute audio — has created a communication whirlwind for grandparents to broadcast their voices to grandkids, wherever they reside. Learn more: http://www.grandparents.com/gp/content/expert-advice/long-distance-grandparenting/article/podcastlongdistancebedtimestory.html#ixzz1ZobdoDvl
• Use a list of PJ Library books to pick the perfect book to buy at a bookstore or borrow at your local public library or synagogue library to share with your grandchildren http://www.pjlibrary.org/books-and-music.aspx

Reading together can be a special time for grandparents and grandchildren to spend together. Developmentally, it is important for young children need to hear stories read to them in different voices and in varied settings. As we get closer to National Jewish Book Month (November), grandparents should take some time whether in person, over the phone, via Skype or Podcast, to share a book!

 

For information about The PJ Library in the Greater Palm Beaches or The Grandparents Circle (free 5 session course for grandparnets with a grandchild being raised in an interfaith home), contact Amy Bergman, Director of Jewish Family Life at 561-209-2608, a.bergman@cjepb.org

 

What's Jewish About My Summer Vacation...and yours

Parasailing for the first time-
surprising enough, found myself
 saying a little prayer!

I just got back from my summer family vacation. It was filled with wonderful moments of new adventures, relaxation, and togetherness. And while I still haven't put away the luggage, the suntan lotion, or my emergency travel medicine, I got to thinking how so much of my family's week away was "Jewish". I am sure this thought occurred to me because of who I am and what I do as a Jewish professional, but I know if you thought about it too, you would see some "Jewishness" in YOUR vacation (or staycation) as well.

Did you know that just taking a vacation is a Jewish thing to do? This is told to us in the Jewish value of Shmirat Haguf, taking care of your body. Our body is a holy thing and we need to take care of, to refresh it, becuase our bodies house our soul. This sounds great to me, because, personally, I love a good vacation. But, more than giving my body some needed rest, what else was Jewish about my vacation? Here are some other things I thought of:

First, before we even left on vacation, plans had to be made: who will collect the mail and newspaper in our absence? Who will feed the fish? Who will "lizard-sit" (yes, we have a pet lizard, that's another story for later)? Who will cover for me at the office? So, a neighbor pitches in, a friend takes the lizard (with its 10 gallon habitat and live crickets for food), a co-worker answers your email and voice mail. You know the drill, everyone pitches in so you can go away for a week.  It dawned on me that these people are not just mensches, they are doing mitzvot (acts of goodness). 

Another obvious Jewish thing about my week away was celebrating Shabbat wherever we were. For us, it was an easy thing to do as most cruise ships have a short Jewish Shabbat service in a chapel complete with delicious challah and wine (no candles though, it's a safety thing).  This sparked a wonderful conversation with my children. Was it still Shabbat if we didn't light the candles?

Even if you don't take a vacation, I think Shabbat is the closest thing that Jewish tradition has to vacation. In addition to being a time of cessation of work, Shabbat is a time of refreshment. It offers the opportunity for renewal that we associate with vacations.

Traveling to new and exciting places always lends itself to so many teachable moments for kids. We experienced different cultures, different foods, and enjoyed new music. But it was amazing to me that even with all the "new", we were still able to connect our vacation to our Judaism, the one thing that we take wherever we go.......

The Ultimate Dress-up Party!

Very soon we will find ourselves looking Purim in the face! Purim is the most festive of Jewish holidays, a time of prizes, noisemakers, costumes and treats. The Festival of Purim commemorates a major victory over oppression and is recounted in the Megillah, the scroll of the story of Esther. Purim begins at sundown on February 23rd. I love Purim. My kids LOVE Purim. It is the ultimate dress up party. It however, does require some creative thinking and resourcefulness at a time of year where you can’t find a Halloween clearance costume to save your life.

Luckily, most real little ones are happy to throw on a Disney princess dress or a terry cloth robe with a Burger King crown and call it a day. However, as the kids get older than 5 or 6, the stakes get higher. Did you know you don’t have to dress like a character from the Purim story? Actually, it’s much more about disguising who you are, no matter who or what you dress up like. One year, my daughter dressed like a Shalach Manot basket filled with goodies (it is customary at Purim time to send baskets of goodies to friends, neighbors and family). Here are some more things you may not know about this fun holiday:
Did you know that the expression "the whole megillah" comes from the holiday of Purim?
On Purim, the story of Esther is read from a scroll known as a megillah. The whole megillah must be read twice on Purim, once at night and once the following morning.
Did you know that there is even a Purim custom that calls for getting inebriated? (actually, most Jewish college kids know this little fact)
Indeed, Jewish law commands that Purim revelers get so intoxicated that they can't tell the difference between the names of the hero of the Purim story, Mordechai, and its villain, Haman.
Did you know that Purim is one of the only Jewish holidays not commanded in the Torah? The holiday can trace its roots to the Talmudic period. The earliest known celebration of Purim was in the 2nd century CE.

I think I may get off easy this year with one out of my two kids opting to wear a costume from her closet. But let me warn you, waiting to get a costume together until the last minute just before your child’s Preschool, Religious School or synagogue Purim celebration is a recipe for disaster.

And speaking of recipes, did you know that Publix will sell you their raw hamantaschen dough? They will. And you can take it home (or to your child's class), cut into circles with a drinking glass, fill with any preserves you have around the house, fold into triangles and bake yourself. This is a very cool and easy way to get your kids excited about Purim. Actually most kids are even fine with just filling the middle with chocolate chips (and WHO does have some of those?).

Some of the nicest traditions of Purim are the giving of gifts to the poor, and mishloach manot, the giving of gifts of food to friends and family. This does not have to be a basket of hamantaschen. Quite frankly, it is even more meaningful if it is personalized with a person’s favorite snacks, treats, or fruit. They can be themed baskets filled with items from a person’s favorite hobby, team, or color. What a great way for kids to learn the importance of giving and how our religion values that.

The fast approaching holiday of Purim may stress out parents a little bit but in the end, who doesn’t love the picture of the kid in the costume, twirling the grogger, and eating a hamantaschen all while you kick back, smile, and have a shot of vodka---what a holiday!

For a list of some great Purim books visit: www.pjlibrary.org
For a listing of Purim Celebrations in YOUR neighborhood visitthe Friedman CJE's website at:  www.cjepb.org, click on Parent Tab to get to the calendar.

If I Had A Hammer.....

I often read and hear about "building Jewish Community", but what does this mean? Does this mean building a place where all Jews come together to pray? Socialize? Meet? Discuss? Learn? Perhaps all of these and more. But what I am seeing more and more as I reach out, connect, and get to know our Jewish families in the Greater Palm beaches is that, while everyone is worried about building this place or places for the Jews, something already exists---here, in the great, big virtual world.

There are Jewish events and activities listed on calendars, webpages full of worship listings and Jewish educational links galore. You can take Jewish college ocurses online and even learn to play Jewish music. Social media allows us to reconnect with friends from Jewish camps, Jewish day schools, and youth groups. Baby pictures are shared, play dates and girls night out planned and recipes are swapped.

The naysayers would argue that an online community is not the same, as when pepople meet in person and I do agree. But, when we look at how Jewish families use the worldwide web to learn about and to connect to their local Jewish community, we can agree that there is something there. Nothing, of course, can replace a syanagogue sanctuary, a JCC gymnasium, or a school classroom. What I am saying is that now we have even more ways to be "Jewish" and to better ourselves.

So whether you enter a Jewish online parenting chat site, or participate in a Temple committee, or give to a Jewish organization (this can be done online too!), or provide your child with a Jewish education, realize that this is ALL part of your "building" a Jewish community.

Sharing BIG News

I have exciting news to share. Do I send out a press release, call everyone I know, post a billboard on Military Trail? Maybe. But, my first thought was to write a BLOG. Why blogging? Because it is not something I do very often. Maybe it will get more attention. I email all day long, post things on Facebook a few times a week, but blogging is something I save for when I have something important to say. This got me to thinking (I'll get to my big news later): "How do we share news?"

I have seen baby announcements (with hospital photos) on Facebook. I have been invited to graduations and Bat Mitzvahs in an email. I guess they all make sense. Certainly, lots of people get the message, really quick. But it sometimes, I wonder if everyone needs to get "our news" and if our BIG news will be jumbled into everyone's daily "news". When clicking a "to" box instead of addressing an envelope, do we end up "over sharing"? And, what do we want in return? Will friends send you a baby gift from a hospital room tweet? Do we expect someone to mail a check or gift back from an E-vite?

We all have lots of news to share, all the time. Not that I haven't sent an E-vite or posted events on Facebook, but as I sit here today with BIG news, I 'm not quite sure how to share it or where to start. In the end, I suppose I will do it all: the press release, the Facebook, the blog, and the viral emails. I guess nowadays you have to do it all. But, I wonder, how many more people will really get it?

For what it's worth, here's the scoop:

We here at the Friedman Commission for Jewish Education have been chosen to pilot The PJ Library program, PJ Goes to School. This new program (we are the FIRST to have it!) will provide professional development training for our Jewish preschool teachers in both Judaic content and literature based curriculum skills. Using the PJ Library materials, including the books (the SAME ones our PJ families get at home), these teachers will integrate PJ lessons, values, and rituals into the rhythm of daily life. So, if you have a 3 or 4 year old in a participating PJ Goes to School classroom, look for some familiar stories and lessons in your classroom environment and to be shared with YOU, the parent for your homelife as well. We are so blessed to be able to enhance and enrich our already stellar Early Childhood Centers with this program. So, go ahead, forward this to friend, copy it to a neighbor or just tell everyone you know: "We have BIG news!"

How To Put Being Jewish On Your Radar

As a parent, you have twenty million things on your brain each day. And, I am sure "being Jewish" or "doing Jewish stuff with the kids" is on the list. But in the real world, it is easy for some things to get push to the bottom. So, I am here to share with you some of easy ways I have found to put being Jewish on your radar.

1. Try incorporating Jewish words/topics into your daily conversations with your kids. For example, instead of saying "TGIF" when you pick up the kids from school on Fridays, greet them with "Shabbat Shalom"----even if you know you will not have time that night to lights candles. Or, in the morning, wake your sleepy head with "Boker Tov" (Hebrew for good morning). And, when your child does something helpful around the house or treats a sibling with kindness, praise them by calling them a "Mensch".

2. Out of sight, out of mind------don't hide all the "Jewish things" you got at as a wedding gift. Put them on display in your home and let your children see them in a place of honor. Let them and everyone who visit your house that you live in a Jewish home. A great idea from my boss is to even make sure your ritual objects are at "kid level"---whatever height your child is currently.

3. Do a "drive by". Find an excuse to drop by your local synagogue (even if you are not a member) on your way to baseball, soccer or a music lesson. Drop off coins in their tzedakah box, donate can foods for their food drive, say hello to the rabbi or cantor. Anything that works for you to show your kids that this is "their" temple and it's fun and easy to visit.

4. Give responsibility to someone ELSE--now that your candlesticks are at kid level, why not give your child the "job" of pulling them out each Friday morning before s/he leaves for school? It will remind you when you come home that evening to light them. How about another job of polishing the kiddush cup, or bringing home the challah on Fridays from school or from a bakery? Kids love "jobs", especially when rewarded with a sticker on chart or even a special hug for a job well done.

These are just some ideas, I hope they help. It's not hard to put Judaism on you radar, sometimes you just need to be a little creative.

Beyond the Books

Almost everyday I am thanked for "the books". Part of my job as the Director of Jewish Family Life is to oversee the The PJ Library program in the Greater Palm Beaches. The PJ Library program sends FREE Jewish books and music to children ages 6 months-6 years. So, to over 1200 children (about 1000 families) I am "the book lady". The reality is that, the books come from a centralized distribution center in Western Massachusetts via the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Most of the books, I never even get to see. In my own household, my youngest daughter receives the age 6 year old books which we adore.

So, while I am appreciative of these emails, calls and stops in Publix to thank me for the "books", it is the "beyond the books" stuff that really gets me excited. It's when I hear how a family's connection to a story has enticed them to start celebrating a Jewish holiday at home or looking into Jewish preschools for their child. The PJ Library is truly a family engagement program that acts as the start of family's Jewish journey. It's hearing these types of stories that really tell me that we are a success.

So, as I help families go "beyond the books", new challenges and opportunities have come up. How do I serve all these institutions and families from Boynton Beach to Martin County by myself? How can I be everywhere? Have no fear, there is a plan, and it is good. We here at the Commission for Jewish Education will soon be unveiling a major initiative to best serve young Jewish Families in our community. It is exciting, it is BIG and of course, it is costly. But most importantly, it is what is truly needed. So, I feel confident that the same kind of true philanthropists and forward thinkers who helped make the PJ Library program a reality for us will make this possible too.

At this time, I challenge our families to continue to reach out to the Jewish Family Life department here at the CJE and to stay tuned for what will be the NEXT BIG thing in going "beyond the books" for you and your family.

Amy Bergman

a.bergman@cjepb.org

561.209.2608

Hanukkah Appreciation

I am on Hanukkah overload and the first candle is not even lit yet! There are so many Hanukkah happenings to chose from.......decisions, decisions. This has actually reminded me of a couple of conversations I have had with PJ Library parnets who, with their families, have moved away from South Florida. They call me and tell me how "different" Jewish life is in other parts of country like Tennessee or South Carolina. They are finding themselves actively seeking out Jewish things to do with their kids and places where they can connect with other Jewish families. They report to me how much they took for granted when they lived here in Palm Beach, often even skipping events because it took a little effort.

One mom arrived in her new city to find the local PJ Library community there was "on hold" due to lack of funding. So, the precious books her kids had been getting for almost a year (thru PJ Palm beach) wouldn't be coming to their new address. Now, here's a miracle: instead of getting angry or upset, she decided to be part of the drive to help get the program funded in her new city. She used her experience as a PJ mom to speak to others about what the program can do for a child and for a family.

All I am saying is, that I am beginning to see how easy it can be take things for granted when you live in such a vibrant Jewish community. Yes, there are a dozen places to go to see a Hanukkiah be lit. Yes, there are even more places to go to eat delicious latkes and spin the dreidel. And this Hanukkah, I will proudly light my menorah and take FULL advantage of all the Hanukkah events/dinners/gatherings I can. I hope to see lots of friends there. For events listing, see the JFL calendar at http://www.cjepb.org/.

Latke recipes for you to try: http://allrecipes.com/recipes/holidays-and-events/hanukkah/latkes/main.aspx

To make your OWn applesauce: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/applesauce-recipe/index.html

Just Say Shal-oooohhhm!

I am in the final stretch of preparations for our four sessions of the Shabbat Ima workshops. So basically, I have been doing nothing but thinking about Shabbat for the past few weeks. I've been scanning the survey results from moms telling me what they want to learn about Shabbat, how they want their family experience to be and also their absolute fears about how to make this happen.

This has really challenged me to step outside my box and to see Shabbat from a different perspective. Throwing together a Shabbat experience for my family (no matter how brief) may come easy for me, but may be completely daunting for others. So, my challenge has been, how do I create a workshop that is non-threatening, informative and fun for women at all different levels of comfort? How do I bring to the room the excitement I feel about Shabbat and what it can do for a family? How do I empower these women to take home just ONE new idea and try it out? After much thougth and planning, I think I have found the way, I am excited about meeting these fabulous women who have already registered for a workshop. Who knows? maybe I'll even make some new friends along the way........ Have YOU signed up yet? Call today at me 209.2608.