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".

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!