OurChildren

About

Useful Information
for
the Next Generation
of Jewish Families

A-Camping
We Will Go
Summer Choices
Galore

Homemade Purim
Costumes
Taming Tummy
Troubles
Supplement to The Jewish Standard • February 2018
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2 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018
! OurChildren
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Thrilling New Rides!

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February 2018
• Giant Slides • Giant Spider
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5 Dress Up for Purim 11 Terribles Twos • Air Cannon Alley and Slide
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Ideas for homemade costumes How to deal with the age
and stage
Birthday Parties!
6 Camp Veritans • Giant indoor inflatables
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OurChildren
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ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018 3

 Musings from the Editor
K
ate Middleton sent royal greet-
ings to me, her birthday buddy,
and extended an invitation for
tea. Hedge fund giant Bobby Axelrod
and his nemesis, U.S. attorney Chuck
Rhoades — the intense characters from
the Showtime series “Billions” — wished
me a happy day. The young and talented
cast of the popular Netflix series “Stranger
Things” joked about the “upside” when
they gave my birthday shout out.
Name dropping, am I?
Nah. Just sharing a bit of the humor
and creativity — and disclosing some of
the shows that I’ve been binge watch-
ing — as these “greetings” from people
real and fictional appeared on signs post-
ed around my home on the morning of my
recent birthday.
Its’ all part of the birthday sign tradi-
tion in our home that started with home-
made ones, very simply hand-drawn in
black Sharpie, scotch taped to the doors
and walls. The birthday boy or girl saw
them first thing waking up.
“Happy birthday Yehuda! 8 is great!
Love, Mom, Dad, and Shaina”
“Wow, double digits! Today you’re 10!
Happy Birthday, Shaina!”
“ W h o’s t h e b e s t d a d ? Ha p -
py birthday!”
Homemade signs became our stan-
dard for feting the birthday celebrant.
Any extra hoopla for the day was nice,
very nice in fact, but at the very least, the
homemade signs were a requisite. Over
the years, and with computer sophistica-
tion, these signs have morphed into clever,
graphically interesting, personal reflec-
tions for the recipient.
Growing up, I remember my birth-
day often played out very low key. Sure,
there was a surprise party thrown by my
friends when I turned 13. And a big ca-
tering hall bash for my Sweet 16. But for
many other birthdays, it was not-such-a-
big-deal. No pity party here (hah, that’s
a way to celebrate!), but I do remember
one birthday that was marked by quite
a makeshift cake. A thick white Shabbos
candle was pushed into a Yodel, smashing
the little chocolate covered roll and nearly
breaking it in half. Yes, that was the cake.
And that was the candle. The birthday
song was sung and I was able to blow out
candle and make a wish.
On another occasion, my dear father,
who meant the world to me, completely
forgot about my birthday:
“Hey, Dad, how are you?”
“Fine.”
“Do you know what today is?”
“Tuesday.”
“Yeah and….”
“Ohhhh. Right. Happy birthday,
Heidi!”
“Thanks, Dad. Thanks.”
So when this last birthday came
around, it really was sweeter than sweet.
The funny and warm birthday signs
decorated the walls. Shaina baked a
“healthy” carrot cake. Jeff bought a beau-
tiful bouquet. And the day began. There
were birthday texts, emails, calls, songs.
Tina left a singing voice email at midnight,
telling me she knew I probably was asleep,
but wanting to be the first to wish happy
birthday. Later that day, Tina and I (who
have shared more birthdays that I wish to
say!) took to our old haunts in Greenwich
Village, ate lunch and walked through the
old nabe. I never know whether to feel
old or young when I return to the Village.
Later that day, we had the cake and din-
ner, in that order.
The birthday celebration continued a
few more days. At a luncheon with col-
leagues, I was surprised by a sparkling
candle gracing the dessert, and wished the
best once more. There were more flowers
and gifts, and oh, I was feeling the love.
Later that day, I got a cryptic text
from Yehuda.
“Look for a sign in the crowd. It’s a
belated birthday present.”
That night, Jeff and I were going to the
kids’ school to watch the grand finale of
the annual Shiriyah event, which caps a
weeklong of intense and creative activity
at Frisch. It is one of the year’s highlights,
and this year I was feeling a bit emotion-
ally because it is Yehuda’s last one at
the school.
Sitting in the bleachers facing the se-
niors in the crowded gym with thousands
gathered for the event, I suddenly see a
sign pop up. Not Kate Middleton. Not tele-
vision stars. Not some funny pun. It was
a large poster that said, “I (heart) YOU
MOM.” It was Yehuda’s present. It was
his sign.
A sign indeed. A sign that maybe,
even with all my mama bumbling and
fumbling, and my not always knowing
what I’m doing, and my making my mis-
takes along the way, maybe, just maybe,
I’m doing something right.
Wishing all a happy and healthy
birthday this year.
Cheers,

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DIY Costumes for Purim
Heidi Mae Bratt
P
urim is around the corner — yes,
right after Chanukah, Purim items
are already lining the variety
store shelves — and the an-
nual question comes up.
Your children ask, “What
should I be this year?”
Why spend money
on an overpriced, leftover
Halloween costume when you
can make memories and make
Purim costumes at home. Here
are a few easy Purim costumes
that you can make with items you
probably already have at home. Check
out these ideas.
Cat
Dress your child in a hoodie, leggings,
and gloves. Cut four triangles out of
dark colored felt or fake fur. Glue two
each together. Cut two smaller triangles
out of lighter color felt. Glue one on
each of the larger triangles. Glue or tape
the ears to the hood. Make paw pads
out of lighter color felt. Glue them to
the gloves. Make a tail out of fake fur.
Tape to the leggings. Use face paint to
draw a black nose on your cat. Use eye-
liner to draw whiskers.
Cookie
Cut two large circles out of brown
poster board. The circles should cover
your child’s entire abdomen. To make
the chocolate chips, cut circles out of
black felt or poster board. Cut two
equal pieces of brown ribbon. Glue
or staple them to each of the cookie
circles. Make sure the circles are both
facing outward with the painted side.
Save the green(backs) and keep the en-
vironment green with these few tips this
Purim. Chag sameach!
A tisket, a basket
What can you do with so many straw
baskets and gift bags? Package your
mishloah manot in useful, reusable
items like storage containers, glasses,
mugs, and pasta drainers.
It’s a wrap
Wrap up your food items in a pretty
Creative, Easy, and Fun
How About a Green Purim?
hand towel, apron, cloth table napkins,
oven mitts or other useful fabric item.
Cloth bags
Follow the trend and give gifts in eco-
friendly cloth bags that your friends can
reuse for shopping.
Sweet, naturally
Replace candy and chocolates with
fresh and dried fruit or fruit leathers,
unsweetened fruit juices, and other
healthy products.
OurChildren
About
Your child can wear the two cookie halves ing these costumes together may end up
like a backpack or “sandwich board.” Ad- being just as much fun as the Purim party.
just the ribbon to fit accordingly. You can Don’t forget to take pictures.
make different types of cookies by chang-
ing the color of poster board you use and Tzedakah Box
how you decorate your cookie. Cut a hole in the box for the child’s arms
and head. Wrap the entire box with sil-
M&Ms ver wrapping paper. Write “Tzedakah” on
Cut poster board in red, orange, yellow, the front with the Sharpie marker. Make
green or brown, into two large circles. “coins” out of gold paper, and glue on the
One is for the front and the other one for front for extra emphasis.
the back. Paint a large white lower-case
‘m’ on the front — or cut it out of paper Doctor or Dentist
and glue it onto the poster board. Put a large white shirt on your child as
a doctor’s white coat. Have him wear a
Ladybug pager on the shirt pocket and hang a toy
Have your child wear the turtleneck and stethoscope from a toy doctor’s kit around
leggings. Cut wing shapes out of red post- his neck. Put the rest of the doctor tools
er board. Draw or paint some large black in a black bag.
circles on them. Add two holes to each
wing and thread the cord through it. Have Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our
your child wear the wings like a backpack. Children.
To make the antennae, take two pipe
cleaners and wrap one end around the
headband. Glue a pompom on the other
end of each of the pipe cleaners and you
have antennae.
Smiley Face
Cut circles from yel-
low poster board
large enough to cover your
child’s chest and belly. Draw a
smiley face onto the yellow poster board
with a black marker or cut construction
paper and glue it on. Punch two holes
at the top of the poster board to con-
nect them with yarn. This will create a
sandwich-board style costume that will
slip over your child’s head and rest on his
shoulders.
Invite your child to help with making
his or her costume. Spending time creat-
Purim swap shop Recycle
Your son doesn’t want to wear last year’s Making a costume from cardboard box-
cowboy outfit? Many costumes are pe- es, kitchen roll tubes, etc. need not be
rennial favorites. Create a neighborhood old-fashioned. Your child could become
swap shop with everyone’s unwanted, an iPhone, Alexa, or the latest, great-
worn-once Purim costumes. est gadget.
Raid mom or dad’s closet Share the goodies
Introduce your children to the old Purim When Purim is over and you find your-
tradition of creating their own costumes self overloaded with unwanted food
from your (old) clothing, hats, shoes gifts, bring unopened food items to a lo-
and jewelry. cal charitable organization to distribute
to needy families.
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018 5
OurChildren
About
Boys at Camp Veritans in Haledon get ready for some boxing fun. PHOTOS BY LORS PHOTOGRAPHY
Vibrant Camp Veritans:
Where Legacy Meets Modernity
Heidi Mae Bratt
W
hen it comes to summer fun
there was no question in the
mind of Michelle Chessin of
Wayne where her four children, Sidney, 13,
Madeleine, 11, and 8-year-old twins, Con-
ner and Colin, would go.
“I didn’t grow up in New Jersey. I grew
up in Rhode Island,” said Ms. Chessin. “I
didn’t even go to summer camp. But when
it came to my children, my husband and
my mother-in-law had only one in mind.
Camp Veritans.
“I figured if that’s what they do here,
okay. It really was the best decision and
the best thing I ever did. My kids are all
smiles, all summer long.”
Camp is an experience that is unique
to so many children, teenagers, and fami-
lies. Some are lucky enough to love sum-
mertime sports, arts and crafts, color
war, community, and more — being in
6 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018
the outdoors, being free from school
and its responsibilities — that the sum-
mer camp vacation becomes something
to look forward to. When a camp clicks,
and a tradition of attending that camp
starts for child at a young age, and then
they return year after year because last
summer was so great, so fun, and they
made so many friends, it really clicks.
Children campers become tween camp-
ers, then they become teens that become
counselors in training. And then, when
they are a little older, they become staff.
Then they become parents, whose chil-
dren go to “their” camp. And over again,
the cycle of camp affection and atten-
dance repeats.
This is quite a common arc for camp-
ers who attend Camp Veritans.
Generations of Veritans veterans
make the camp in Haledon a veritable
legacy camp
Grace Blake, a 28-year-old teacher
who lives in Wayne, is a third generation
Veritans veteran. She started attend-
ing the camp when she was 5 years old
and while she spent a few summers at a
sleep-away camp, she returned in junior
high school. She became a counselor-in-
training, counselor, and now works as a
unit head in the camp.
“Since 2006, I have not missed a sum-
mer. I came up through the rankings,”
said Ms. Blake, whose grandmother, Judy
Blake, was a nurse at the camp and whose
father, Jim Blake, went from camper to
counselor and now serves on the Veritans
Club board. Her aunt, Dara Gelerter, was
a dance instructor at the camp.
That kind of real-family connection
helps create a very warm atmosphere at
the camp, one that translates into having
camp friends become lifelong friends, said
people who attended the camp.
“It’s hard to explain,” said Ms. Blake.
“But once you spend a summer there, you
get it. But we welcome everyone new
with open arms.”
They call it the Disneyworld of Hale-
don. A magical place, a name that goes be-
yond the six degrees of Jewish separation.
Carla Rudow, camp director for more
than a decade, said that when she travels
as far as Florida and dons her Camp Veri-
tans attire, she is stopped by people who
fondly remember the camp. They must
talk to her about their generational con-
nection to Camp Veritans, she said.
The camp has an illustrative history.
It is the outgrowth of Club Veritans, a
philanthropic organization established
in Paterson in 1926. This organization
developed the concept of providing and
maintaining the first day camp in the
area. Dedicated to the needs of the com-
munity, the club formed Camp Veritans
in 1950 for the youngsters who needed a
place to play and escape the city during
the hot summers.

Lasting friendships are formed by campers at Camp Veritans.
To this day, the club members push forward,
determined to provide a place where all children
can have a true summer experience in a coun-
try setting.
While its history spans the decades, the
camp, with more than three hundred 4-year-olds
to 10th graders each summer on its bucolic and
sprawling 60-acres, is very forward thinking and
progressive for its 21st century campers.
“We are a traditional camp with family val-
ues,” said Ms. Rudow, the director. “Our goal is
to keep that traditional feel, while still being in
the 21st century. We are a mature camp, but we
have worked very hard to keep up with the mod-
ern era.”
Another thing that is a constant at Camp Veri-
tans is that it is a “whole family” camp.
“When your child comes to the camp we take
care of your child, but we see to it that the whole
family is taken care of. We want the whole family
to enjoy the summer,” said Ms. Rudow. “One way
is family fun night, we have an open door visitor
policy. Parents can come and visit any time. They
just have to give a heads up. We want to keep that
extended family connected generationally.”
And they have.
Lee Ann Beck, 71, who attended the camp
when she was a girl and worked as a junior coun-
selor there and later as a nurse for 31 years, can
write a history of the camp herself. Her father,
Nathan Friedman of Paterson, was part of the
Veritans Club. She sent her two children, Jeffrey
and Susan, to the camp.
In fact, on June 14, 2015, her son, Jeffrey, a
Veritans veteran who came up through the ranks
and worked until he was a unit head, got mar-
ried on the campgrounds. They set up the chup-
pah on the soccer field, and the mess hall was
transformed into a wedding banquet hall. There
was kosher barbecue on the menu and a cupcake
truck for sweet endings to the meal. What fun.
Just like camp.
“There are things that are still the same,” said
Ms. Beck. “The quality of activities, the hot kosher
lunch, the Shabbat service, the camaraderie among
the staff. There is tremendous warmth,” she said. “I
don’t think these things have changed.”
But in summer 2018, there will be changes,
said Ms. Rudow.
This year, the sixth and seventh graders will be
taking weekly trips. The campers can look forward
to a heated pool. And the multi-purpose room
where many indoor activities take place, is now
air-conditioned.
For Ms. Chassin, her four children are look-
ing forward to their return to Camp Veritans
this summer.
The camp gives her children a place to ex-
plore different parts of themselves. For example,
said Ms. Chessin, her girls are involved in soccer
during the school year. Her boys play basketball,
soccer and fly football. But at camp, she said,
her daughters’ inner actors and dancers came
out as they seized the chance to get on stage
and perform.
“In the summertime they starred in the play,”
said Ms. Chessin. “Another side of them came out.
It was amazing to see them up on stage because
they hadn’t done that before. They are normally
shy, but in camp, they feel so comfortable that they
do everything. They feel like it’s home.”
Family is a word that comes up again and
again when speaking to Veritans veterans.
In fact, said Ms. Chassin, when her twins
turned 8 in December, they received a birthday
card from their camp counselor.
The children are third generation Veritans
campers. Their father David Chassin was a camp-
er there. Their grandfather, Neil Chassin, also is a
Veritans alum.
What is it that makes the place so special
that its campers, parents and others speak in such
glowing terms?
“I think a lot of it is in the community of the
counselors and the people who work there,” said
Ms. Chassin. “The community is so welcoming.
They bring out the best in my children. I don’t
know how they do it, but they do it.”
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our Children.
OurChildren
About
A Variety of Camping We Will Go
Heidi Mae Bratt
From frolicking with the horsey set to swinging on silks and lyra
doing aerial acrobatics to performing play-by-play sports broad-
casting, the myriad options for summer fun are only as limited as
your imagination.
At the Bergen County Equestrian Center, a multi-service horse
facility at Overpeck County Park in Leonia, a stone’s throw from
the George Washington Bridge, a children’s camp is a summer op-
tion, in addition to its corporate team building, after-school classes,
and equestrian therapy programs. There are more than 75 horses
on its 22 acres of landscaped land. Amenities include three outdoor
riding rings, and two indoor riding rings. Established in 1974, the
multi-service horse facility at the Bergen County Equestrian Center
is a bucolic respite from suburban life and a way to gain skills and
confidence through learning to ride horses.
If skills and performance are what you want your child to gain,
Cresskill Performing Arts in Cresskill has a program replete with
choices that are creative and fun. Cresskill Performing Arts is offer-
ing a springtime camp from April 2 to 6 with dancing, acting, sing-
ing, arts and crafts, gymnastics and more. During the summer, it is
offering three programs for students as young as 3 years old and into
their teens: Preschool Performers, Creative Children, and Preteen/
Teen Exploring Artists.
Future play-by-play sports broadcasters may want to check out
what’s going on at Big Time Sports Broadcasting Camp, which meets
for a week from July 9 through 13 on the campus of Montclair State
College in Montclair. There, youngsters 10 through 18 years old, get
a chance to learn from the pros, meet sports celebrities, and make
play-by-play, sports anchor and reporting tapes. Who knows what
could come from this experience? Campers have gone on to careers
in sports broadcasting.
At bergenPAC Performing Arts School Summer Programs in En-
glewood, camps are offered in musical theater, as well as childhood
music programs for toddlers and preschools. Of course, the session
is capped with a performance by the campers.
Tried and true traditional day camps in the area are also offer-
ing summer fun. In Rockland Country, the JCC Rockland Camps in
West Nyack, New York, provides seven different camp programs
with something for everyone. The JCC Rockland Camps welcomes
campers from all backgrounds and faiths.
At the Neal Klaskin Day Camp at the JCC on the Palisades in
Tenafly, the offerings range from the more traditional day camp and
mini-day camp to a broad range of specialty programs, including
comedy workshops, science intensives, and everything in between.
The JCC on the Palisades program also offers several summer op-
tions for special needs campers, including its Camp Tikvah, Camp
Haverim, On Our Own, a special summer camp for young adults,
Therapeutic Nursery, and a Toddler Socialization Class.
Camp Little Feet at Temple Beth Rishon in Wykoff offers young-
er campers, 2 to 5 years old, a chance to dip their toe into the camp-
ing experience. Swimming and tennis are on the agenda, in addition
to many more activities for those who attend.
Would your child prefer going to a sleep-away camp? Camp
Ramah in the Berkshires celebrates 55 years of camping fun. The
Ramah experience is rich and varied, combining creative and stimu-
lating programs in the arts, athletics, music, outdoor adventure, and
Jewish education. It’s a place of life-long friendships.
Shoring up academic skills during vacation? There is a summer
school that won’t take away your summer fun. Fusion Academy in
Englewood offers one-to-one classes, that is one student and one
teacher per classroom. This allows for a personalized curriculum and
schedule that can work around other summer plans.
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our Children.
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018 7
OurChildren
About
When Tummy Aches
Become Stomach Troubles
Heidi Mae Bratt
H
ear ing “my t ummy
hurts” from a young-
ster can strike fear in
the heart of a parent. Stomach
aches, though, are a common
complaint among children, and
most are completely normal.
They usually suggest that a child
ate too much or needs to go to
the bathroom. But how do you
know when tummy troubles sig-
nal something more serious?
About Our Children consult-
ed with pediatric gastroenterol-
ogists Drs. Katherine A. Orellana
and Diana Volpert of the Valley
Medical Group for some guid-
ance on the matter.
About Our Children: What
are the most common stomach
issues for children?
Dr. Orellana: Constipation,
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux
disease), abdominal pain, feed-
ing issues (poor weight gain,
picky eater), lactose intolerance,
irritable bowel syndrome, and
rectal bleeding.
AOC: When does a garden-
variety tummy ache become
something of greater concern,
and when should a parent seek
emergency treatment?
Dr. Orellana: Any child with
severe abdominal pain, abdomi-
Drs. Katherine A. Orellana, left, and Diana Volpert
8 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018
nal pain associated with bloody
or green vomiting, persistent
vomiting, and abdominal pain
with bloody diarrhea can be
signs of a surgical condition,
pancreatitis, or inflammatory
bowel disease. Of course, any
swallowed foreign body should
be evaluated in the emergen-
cy department.
AOC: When should a par-
ent go beyond the pediatrician
and seek the care of a pediat-
ric gastroenterologist.
Dr. Orellana: For any chronic
symptoms such as diarrhea for
more than three weeks or poor
weight gain, which can be a sign
of inflammatory bowel disease
or celiac disease. Heartburn or
reflux, which does not improve
with acid suppression medica-
tion, can be a sign of an allergic
condition such as eosinophilic
esophagitis. Persistent vomit-
ing or recurrent vomiting can be
a sign of an anatomic problem,
cyclic vomiting syndrome, or
celiac disease. Rectal bleeding
can be due to a fissure from con-
stipation, polyp or inflamma-
tory bowel disease. Persistent
elevation of liver tests would
warrant evaluation by a pediat-
ric gastroenterologist. With the
increasing number of children
who are overweight and obese,
we are seeing more fatty liver
disease. Also any child with con-
stipation, which is not improv-
ing would benefit from seeing
a pediatric gastroenterologist.
We have more time than the pe-
diatrician to address medication,
behavior modification, and diet
when treating constipation.
AOC: Gluten-free diets have
become popular. What is celiac
disease and how common is it
in children?
Dr. Volpert: Celiac disease is
an immune-mediated condition,
which is incited by ingestion of
gluten-containing foods. Suscep-
tibility to celiac disease is largely
determined by genetic factors,
and tends to run in families.
Within the general population
the prevalence of celiac disease
is 1 in 133 individuals, whereas in
first-degree relatives it can be as
high as 1 in 18.
Celiac disease may be as-
sociated with other condi-
tions, most commonly various
autoimmune disorders. These
include, but are not limited to
thyroid disease and diabetes
mellitus. In younger children,
celiac disease may present with
chronic diarrhea, abdominal for celiac patients, provided that pain can be affected by emotions
pain, or irritability. In older chil- contamination with gluten does or life experiences, and thereby
dren and adults, it may manifest not occur. result in irritable bowel syn-
with constipation, abdominal Adhering to a gluten-free drome (IBS). IBS is characterized
pain, or short stature. diet is often challenging, espe- by abdominal cramping, bloat-
Diagnosis of celiac disease cially since there are many hid- ing, and alternating bouts of di-
begins with a simple blood test den sources of gluten in many arrhea and constipation. Studies
looking for celiac markers. This food products. Therefore, con- have also shown an association
helps doctors screen individu- firmation of the diagnosis is between anxiety, depression and
als who are suspected of having essential prior to committing a abdominal pain.
the condition, and to determine child to this regimen. However, The psychosocial conse-
who needs further work up. failure to properly treat an in- quences for older children who
Definitive confirmation of the dividual with celiac disease car- get into a cycle of emotionally
diagnosis is made by biopsy of ries potential adverse long-term driven abdominal symptoms
the small intestine, which is ob- health consequences. can be quite demoralizing. Par-
tained via an upper endoscopy. AOC: How does stress af- ents can help by being compas-
Once the diagnosis of celiac fect stomach problems and can sionate and understanding of
disease is made, the only treat- you recommend ways to reduce their child’s pain. In addition,
ment is a lifelong, strict gluten- stress in youngsters? parents should also be mind-
free diet. Foods that are harmful Dr. Volpert: There are many ful of sticking to a regular daily
to patients with celiac disease different areas of the brain in- routine for their children. This
contain wheat, rye and or bar- volved in the sensation of ab- includes making sure that chil-
ley. Products made of rice and dominal pain. At least one of dren eat a well-balanced diet,
maize are generally safe to eat, these areas relates to the in- keep active, and get a full night
and are usually used as sub- tensity of the pain, while other rest every day.
stitutes for wheat-containing areas relate to memories and
items. Oat-based products are emotions. Because of this in- Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of
also normally considered safe terconnection the perception of About Our Children.
 OurChildren
About

How to Deal with an Angry Child

Slovie Jungreis-Wolff listen.” Younger children can be told that We can only appreciate the thrill of ing back and forth. Laugh, smile, and don’t
they can sit in a ‘calm down space’ until success if we sweat, climb and sometimes take everything so seriously. Your child will

T
here are times that we must deal
with an angry child. The harder we
try to inspire and guide, the more
this child seems to pull away. As the gap
between us grows, we find ourselves at a
loss. We confront heavy silences, sudden
outbursts, feeling estranged and a deep
pain as harsh words are flung at us. Often
we want to explode.
Here are 10 practical tips on how to
deal with an angry child.
1. Don’t react to anger with anger.
We accomplish nothing by losing our
temper, yelling, or giving emotional ulti-
matums. When we are out of control, we
say things we don’t mean. Often we are
left with regret. We certainly don’t solve
the problem and, in fact, we may cause
greater damage. Parents who yell encour-
age children to yell back louder or retreat
into a shell.
the tantrum is over. There is no problem
in saying to older children that they obvi-
ously need a breather and you are here
when they are ready to speak. Our goal
is to teach children to find a way to calm
themselves in angry moments.
5. Discover the trigger.
It is a good idea to ask yourself, “What
triggered this outburst in my child?”
Children often explode because they are
feeling embarrassed, left out, anxious,
frustrated or hurt. They respond in anger
because they feel helpless. Anger is an
emotion; what is the source?
6. Create alternative solutions.
Instead of simply criticizing or disciplin-
ing the angry outburst, explore better
responses together. In a calm moment —
certainly not in the eye of the storm — ask
your child for other options besides rage.
fall. Everyone must deal with loss some-
time. We cannot shield our children forever.
9. Communicate love.
Children who feel cared for feel secure
and safe. Even if they are upset, they know
deep inside that they are loved. No mat-
ter what happens in life this is one belief
that will never be altered. Show your child
that you love him by expressing interest in
his ideas and interests. Try to join him at
dinner time whenever possible. Put down
your iPad and phone and really listen.
Share your thoughts with him and talk
about your day. Be involved in his activities
instead of just dropping off and carpool-
enjoy your time together; your connection
will grow and strengthen. Don’t wait for a
gap to form and then wonder how you can
bridge the divide.
10. Role model.
The first nine tips are meaningless if our
children watch us lose control when we are
confronted with frustration or disappoint-
ment. How we deal with our challenges is
the greatest teaching moment of all.
Slovie Jungreis-Wolff is a parenting educa-
tor, a couples counselor and the author of
“Raising A Child With Soul,” St. Martin’s Press.
Aish.com

Why choose
Explain that he can be part of the solution
2. Don’t slap or get physical. and not the problem. But we need to pro-
Many times I receive questions from par- vide the tools. You can role-play or discuss

ents about hitting. Usually it goes some-
thing like this:
“My parents/in-laws/husband/wife/
says that what this kid needs is a good
slap. That was the only thing that worked
when we were growing up and it is the
only thing that will set this child straight.”
Sorry, today this will just not fly. You
will only be teaching your child to hit
when he is frustrated or angered, you will
also begin to notice that your children
are using their hands against each other.
Nothing was accomplished. Ask yourself
how this child will handle his frustrations
as a husband or father one day.
Fusion for
together how this can be handled better
next time.
7. Focus on your own physical
reaction. summer
school?
When we start to pay attention, we rec-
ognize that our bodies give us warning
signals before we reach the explosive ter-
ritory of no return. If we take a step back
we realize that our hearts are racing, we
clench our jaws or fists. We breathe dif-
ferently, narrow our eyes, and become
enraged. As we grow more attuned to
our body’s ‘red flags’ we can learn to step
back at that crucial moment. This can be

3. Don’t give in to nagging.
When a child sees that constant nagging
forces you to retreat from your position,
he learns exactly which button to push.
He comes to understand that whining or
refusing to take your ‘no’ as a final answer
will yield results. Whenever he does not
get his way he will go into tantrum mode
until you surrender. It makes no difference
if you are dealing with a toddler or a teen,
as a parent you cannot be afraid to say ‘no’.
Be consistent and stick to your decision.
4. Wait for calm to talk it out.
Our sages teach us that we should not ap-
proach a person in their moment of an-
ger. Trying to reason with your child in the
midst of his outburst will not cede the re-
sults you are seeking. Use minimal words
and say, “When you are ready to speak
calmly and respectfully, I am happy to
1 2
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parents to fix the situation.

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018 9

OurChildren
About
Matriarchs, Patriarchs, Tribes and Students
Heidi Mae Bratt
W
hat was the weeklong fever
at The Frisch School in which
students worked with excite-
ment and intensity into the night?
It was Shiriyah, a mega, multi-dis-
ciplinary event that not only celebrates
school spirit and Torah knowledge, but
engaged the more than 700 high school
students in grade and school unity by
using art, song, dance, and drama to un-
derscore the school’s values of academic
excellence, religious growth, kindness, and
compassion.
Capped by the finale that took place
on January 11, and which drew thousands
to the Paramus campus — in addition to
scores of alumni who watched the live
stream from universities across the coun-
try and from Israel — Shiriyah 5778 was
another triumph, declared students, par-
ents, administrators, and other fans.
“What do all people that work or
study at Frisch look forward to?” wrote
10 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018
Power of Unity
Frisch freshman rehearsing for the big night of the Shiriyah performance.
sophomore Ami Ramras in the school
newspaper, “Frisch Bits.”
“If you guessed Shiriyah, you were
right. Why wouldn’t they? Shiriyah fea-
tures a full week of working together with
your grade, using your talents in any way
you can,” he wrote.
After a humorous video announcing
the breakout of the weeklong event, a par-
ody of the popular Netflix series “Stranger
Things,” and the announcement of the cap-
tains and generals, the fever was unleashed.
Then it was all about the competition be-
tween the grades, which this year included
two new contests into mix: the Rube Gold-
berg Machine Competition and the Scav-
enger Hunt.
Every year, each grade is assigned
a Torah or Jewish theme that must be
weaved into every presentation they
produce, which includes a colorful mural
decorating one of the walls of the build-
ing, thematic installations of the school’s
corridors, videos, a stomp (dance with ac-
companying drum beat), and a slow and
a fast song.
This year’s themes celebrated the ma-
triarchs, patriarchs and the 12 tribes, with
freshman assigned Avraham and Sarah;
sophomores, Yitzchak and Rivka; juniors,
Yaakov, Rachel and Leah, and the seniors,
the 12 tribes.
Avraham and Sarah were the para-
Power of Unity continued on page 19

How To Deal Successfully
With Too Much Twos
Adina Soclof
W
hen those terrible twos hit, many parents are
unprepared for the challenge. It seems as if
children are a whirlwind of activity inter-
spersed with meltdowns and even defiance.
As always, parents can better manage their toddlers
if they understand that there are very valid reasons for
their (bad) behavior. Toddlers act in this way because
they have become more mobile. They have moved past
the crawling, cruising stage to the running, climbing
stage. Parents now need to set even more limits: “No, get
down from the counter!” “Move away from the oven!”
This angers children; they can’t take all the “Nos.” De-
velopmentally, they haven’t learned how to handle frus-
tration in productive ways, so they cry and whine and
eventually melt down.
At the same time, children are learning that they are
separate from their parents. They are now starting to un-
derstand that they have their own body, thoughts and feel-
ings. They start to assert their independence. Now they
need to feel in charge of themselves. This is when they start
to say “Me do it!” They get really angry when they are un-
able to buckle themselves into their car seats, or they are
not allowed to walk by themselves in the parking lot.
So now that their behavior makes a little bit more
sense, here are five simple ways that parents can handle
these toddler years.
1. Prevention is worth an ounce of cure:
The most relaxed parents are the ones who set them-
selves up for success. They know that they shouldn’t take
their children on an errand at the end of the day or will
skip the visit to the highly stimulating amusement park.
Most children (and adults) do not work well when they
are hungry, tired, and overwhelmed with sights and sen-
sations, (loud noises and bright lights).
The simplest way to ensure good behavior (or at
least some sort of reasonableness) from your toddler is
to make sure that they are getting a good night’s sleep,
appropriate naps, and are well fed. Although it is not al-
ways possible, it’s best if you take them to a venue that
is age appropriate for them, like parks, mini-amusement
parks, and the baby pool.
Another trigger for bad behavior is rushing. Most
toddlers cannot transition from activity to activity eas-
ily. They need a lot of wiggle room. It is helpful to give
children a lot of advance warnings before you need to
leave home, get them into their pajamas or before putting
them to sleep.
Similarly, if you know your child spends a lot of time
in the bath and hates getting out, make that a part of
your schedule. Parents often know when a temper tan-
trum is coming. Don’t act surprised. Try to schedule in
that inevitable meltdown. So if Eli usually cries when he
has to put on his pajamas and it takes him about 15 min-
utes, until he calms down, schedule in that extra time
during your bedtime routine.
2. Choices:
Since toddlers are experimenting with independence,
they like to feel like they’re in control. Giving them choic-
AOC-11
OurChildren
About
A Reason to Smile
es allows them to assert their autonomy, but safely, be-
cause you, the parent, are still in charge. Choices foster a
sense of self as children come to learn that their prefer-
ences can be communicated and respected.
Some simple choices are:
“Do you want to take your book or a snack to the doc-
tor?” “Do you want me to buckle you or do you want to
buckle yourself? “Do you want the blue or green cup?” “Do
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3. Humor: Ari Frohlich, DMD
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I was complaining to one of my very smart and kind
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Born to Perform April Break Camp
patience with my kids if I have eaten a healthy dinner, April 2–6
had my multivitamin and gotten a good night’s sleep. As Summer Performing Arts Camp
parents we can’t always do that, but we should strive for Weekly, Monthly, All Summer
it. It should be our number one priority. June 25–August 24
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or www.parentingsimply.com.
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018 11
OurChildren
About
Guide
SPORTS BROADCASTING CAMP!
is back for our 13th year
to Summer Camps
July
7 9-13, 2018
4 DAY CAMPS it easy on parents as well. Campers also have
access to transportation and extended care
Camp Little Feet
Boys & Girls 10-18 Nation’s at Temple Beth Rishon
services. JCC membership is required.
The NKDC Experience
Day/Overnight #1 Sports 585 Russell Avenue
Wyckoff, NJ 07481 Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
options available Broadcasting Phone: 201-891-6074 Taub Campus
411 East Clinton Avenue
Camp! Fax: 201-891-0508
www.bethrishon.org Tenafly, NJ 07670
•• Learn
Learnfrom
fromthe
thePros
Pros Ages: 2 – 5 201-567-8963
•• Meet sports celebrities
Meet sports celebrities Session: June 26 – August 18 (Can do any or www.jccotp.org/specialty-camps
all weeks) Sessions: Monday through Friday, June
• Make play-by-play & Cost: $2,700 for 5 days a week, 8 weeks 25 – August 17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (one week
• reporting
Make play-by-play
tapes
& reporting tapes Counselor to camper ratio: 5 to 1 sessions)
Deadline: None, but first come, first served Grades: 3rd to 5th grade
•• Make
Makesports
sportsanchor
anchortapes
tapes from a
from Swimming at Goldfish Swim School (2x per An incredible variety of specialty camps is of-
aTV
TVstudio
studioand
and much more!
much more! week), Tennis by Teddy Tennis, professional fered for a full day of fun, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
teachers, outdoor water playground, new and are all-inclusive, providing lunch, snacks,
For
For more
moreinfo
infocall
call 800.319.0884 or air-conditioned facility. Please see our ad on daily swim and towel service. Campers also
have access to transportation and extended
800.319.0884 or visit
page 13.
visit www.playbyplaycamps.com Camp Veritans
care services. Disciplines include science, tech-
www.playbyplaycamps.com 225 Pompton Road
nology, fine arts, dance, drama, sports, and
Facebook.com/sportsbroadcastingcamps Haledon, NJ 07508
more. Mix-N-Match your camps for a full sum-
Facebook.com/sportsbroadcastingcamps mer experience or just choose the weeks that
Youtube.com/sportsbroadcastcamp
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973-956-1220
work for you. For camp dates, details, and to
973-956-5751
register, visit jccotp.org/camps. JCC member-
www.campveritans.com
ship is required for campers in third grade
Pre-K – 10th grade
June 27-August 17 through age 10. Not a member? Ask about
Counselor to camper ratio: 1:8, but lower in our $750 camp families summer membership
most cases ($250 for families who are new to the JCC). Are
you simply a camp person? Do specialty camps
Camp Veritans is a summer day camp for chil-
speak to you some of the time, but sometimes
dren entering Pre-K through 10th grade. We
you just want to go to back to the camp you

Your Child’s
offer a variety of fantastic activities on our
grew up in? Enjoy so many of the activities you
beautiful 64 acre campus, including Red Cross
loved in NKDC, and build on that love with the
swim instruction, amazing sports, creative

Summer Memories
NKDC Experience! Get all the fun of NKDC,
arts, ropes/challenge course, in addition to dai-
with the added bonus of weekly field trips,
ly catered lunches, transportation and so much
special workshops, and more.

Start at Camp Veritans

more. Specialized trip and travel program for
eighth and ninth graders and a comprehensive
CIT program for our 10th graders. Please see SLEEP-AWAY CAMP

Day Camp! our ad on page 12.

Four, Five, Six, Seven or Eight Week Sessions Available
Tuition Includes: Wide Variety of Programs:
• Daily Catered Hot Kosher Lunches • Serving Pre-K • Arts & Crafts
• Daily Transportation to 10th Grade • Archery
• Nature • Mad Science
• Low Camper to Counselor Ratio
• Go Karts • Basketball
• Red Cross Instructional Swim • Ropes Course • Cooking
• Extended Day Option Available
4-Year-Old
Program
Available
Call or Email for a
Personalized Tour!
Registrar@CampVeritans.com
(973) 956-1220
Registrar@CampVeritans.com
WeLoveCampVeritans
(973) 956-1220
225 Pompton Road, Haledon, NJ 07508
JCC Rockland Camps
450 West Nyack Road
West Nyack, NY 10994
Phone: 845-362-4400
Fax: 845-362-5107
www.jccrockland.org
Session dates: June 25 – August 17
Cost: $375/$400 per week
Counselor to camper ratio: 1:8
Deadline for registration: Ongoing
JCC Rockland Camps provides seven camp
programs offering something for everyone. JCC
Rockland welcomes all ages, faiths, and back-
grounds. Please see our ad on page 14.
Neil Klatskin Day Camp
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Taub Campus
411 E. Clinton Avenue
• Soccer Tenafly, NJ 07670
• Football Phone: 201-567-8963
www.jccotp.org/nkdc
• …and so
much more! Age 3 – Grade 2
Mon – Fri, June 25 – August 17
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (shorter days available for
preschoolers)
Heated
NKDC offers campers a summer of adventure
pool and and nonstop fun with many exciting options,
air conditioned including Hebrew immersion for native He-
multipurpose brew speakers. Our camps features a beautiful
building 21-plus acre campus with three pools, a sprin-
kler park, sports facilities, a low ropes course
with zip line, indoor rainy-day facilities and
more. Your camper will enjoy the outdoors,
learn new skills, make new friends and ex-
plore their personal interests. With dynamic,
age-appropriate programming that includes
sports, swimming, art, drama, music, Judaic
programming, special events and more, your
camper will experience an incredible summer
to remember. Camper ages 3 to kindergarten
are led by head counselors who are certified
educators. Our day camps are all-inclusive, pro-
viding lunch, snacks, and towel service, making
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires
P.O. Box 515
Wingdale, NY 12594
845-832-6622
www.ramahberkshires.org
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, located in
Duchess County N.Y., provides transformative
summer experiences for Jewish youth grades
four through 11. Its 200-acre site boasts a
beautiful lake and first-class sports facilities.
The Ramah experience is rich and varied, com-
bining creative as stimulating programming in
arts, athletics, music, outdoor adventure and
informal Jewish education. Children are able
to grow and learn in a nurturing Jewish envi-
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shires is infused with traditions and values of
Conservative Judaism and celebrating its 55th
year. Please see our ad on page 15.
ACADEMIC/ENRICHMENT CAMPS
Bergen County Equestrian Center
(at Overpeck Park)
40 Fort Lee Road
Leonia, NJ, 07605
201-336-3370
www.bergenequestrian.com
The Bergen County Equestrian Center estab-
lished in 1974 is a multi-service horse facility
on 22 acres of landscaped land providing a
home for over 75 horses at Overpeck County
Park in Leonia, New Jersey, (minutes away from
the GWB). Amenities include three outdoor
riding rings, two indoor riding rings air con-
ditioned tack rooms, and heated lounge with
a panoramic view of the main indoor arena for
optimum horse show training. Programs in-
clude children’s camp, after-school classes, cor-
porate team building and A Stable Life, which
is an equestrian therapy program for families,
small groups, and individuals looking to heal
their souls with the presence and interaction
of the grace of a horse. Dedicated and fully

12 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018

 OurChildren
About

trained instructors and therapists work to en-
sure riders receive a positive riding experience
and a unique physical and bond with a horse.
The equestrian is also the home to Columbia
University’s Man of War Program. Please see
our ad on page 15.
Big Time Sports Broadcasting Camp
1420 Walnut Street, Suite 605
Philadelphia, PA
Phone: 800-319-0884
www.playbyplaycamps.com
Boys & Girls Ages 10 – 18
Dates: July 9 – 13
Day/Overnight options available
The Sports Broadcasting Camp, located on the
campus of Montclair State College in Mont-
clair this summer, is celebrating its 12th year.
Learn from the pros. Meet sports celebrities;
make play-by-play, sports anchor, and report-
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and PTI-style shows, and much more. Please
see our ad on page 12.
Fusion Academy
10 Sterling Boulevard, Suite 201
Englewood, NJ 07631
201-431-9554
www.fusionacademy.com
Finally, there’s a summer school that won’t take
away your summer fun. At Fusion, all classes
are one-to-one: one student and one teacher
per classroom. This allows us to personalize
curriculum and schedule around your family’s
summer plans. Sleep in or go on vacation with-
out worrying about when classes fit in. Get
ahead for fall with credits or tutoring. Fusion
offers three learning levels: essential, college
prep, and honors. In addition, there are lots of
fun electives as well as an array of classes in art
and music. Please see our ad on page 9.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CAMPS
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Science Camp (NKDC Specialty Camp)
Taub Campus
411 East Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-567-8963
www.jccotp.org/specialty-camps
Grades 3rd through 6th grade
Mon. through Friday, July 9 – August 9,
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (one week sessions)
Explore the world of STEAM — science, tech-
nology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Each week experienced science teachers will
facilitate a challenging and innovative program
using hands on experiments, projects, and lots
of fun. All-inclusive, providing lunch, snacks,
daily swim and towel service. Campers have
access to transportation and extended care
services. JCC membership required for camp-
ers in grade 3 through age 10.
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Big Idea Hi-Tech Camp (NKDC Specialty
Camp)
Taub Campus
411 East Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
Grades: 3rd to 8th grade
www.jccotp.org/specialty-camps
Sessions: Monday-Friday, June 25 – August
17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (two-week sessions
available)
Design your future at our innovative tech camp.
Big Idea is a perfect mix of cutting-edge tech
workshops and outdoor summer fun. Children
get to focus on special projects, including ro-
botics, digital photography, coding, 3D model-
ing, DJ, film production and even fashion, all
taught in hands-on workshops by professional
instructors from Israel and the U.S. Curriculum
developed by Big Idea, the leaders of tech edu-
cation in Israel. All-inclusive, providing lunch,
snacks, daily swim, and towel service. Camp-
ers have access to transportation and extended
care services. JCC membership required for
campers in grade three through age 10.
ARTS, PERFORMANCE
AND MUSIC CAMPS
Art of Excellent Studio
Artist, Rina Goldhagen
Dates: Summer 2018
Ages 7 – Adult
201-248-4779
www.artofexcellencestudio.com
Themed Arts and Craft camps available this
summer. You can email inquiries to artofexcel-
lencestudio@gmail.com. Ongoing lessons and
portfolio classes available. Unlock your creative
with classes in drawing and watercolor. Please
see our ad on page 19.
bergenPAC Performing Arts School
Summer Programs
1 Depot Square
Englewood, NJ 07631
201-482-8194
www.bergenpac.org/summer
Ages: 3 months to 18 years old
Session Dates: Multiple sessions in July and
August
Cost: $800 with early bird discounts
Counselor to camper ratio: 3:15
Deadline for registration: Rolling admissions
through start dates
Camps offered in musical theater with final
performances, as well as an early childhood
music program for toddlers and pre-school
kids. Please see our ad on page 13.
Bounce U
70 Eisenhower Drive
Paramus, NJ 07652
201-843-5880
www.bounceU.com/paramus-nj
www.Facebook.com/BounceUParamus/
424 Market Street
Nanuet, NY 10954
845-623-5400
www.BounceU.com/nanuet-ny
www.Facebook.com/BounceUNanuet/
Create and Bounce Art Camp
A little bit of exercise goes a long way toward
inspiring your artists’ minds. BounceU’s Cre-
ate and Bounce program gives kids a chance
to enjoy physical activity and creative time
in equal doses, offering an experience that’s
healthy, mentally engaging and seriously fun.
Complete with lunch, snacks, and games, it’s
a one-of-a-kind camp experience they’ll never
forget. Please see our ad on page 3.
Cresskill Performing Arts
300 Knickerbocker Road, Suite 1100
Cresskill, NJ 07626
Phone: 201-390-7513
and 201-266-8830
www.cresskillperformingarts.com
Ages: Toddlers – adults (studio)
Ages: 3 – teens (camp program)
Born to Perform April Break Camp is April
2 – 6. Half day and full-day camp available.
Dancing, acting, singing, arts & crafts, gymnas-
tics, silks & hammocks & Iyra, creative Legos,
and more. Be productive, busy, happy and
challenged during the school break. Born to
Perform Summer Camp: 3 programs, 9 weeks,
ages 3 – teens. Preschool Performers. Creative
Children, Preteen/Teen Exploring Artists come
for one or two weeks or all summer. June 25
– August 24. Early drop-off/late pick-up helps

Camp
Little
Feet
Registration Is Open for Summer 2018
Ages 2 – 6 • 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Enroll for the summer or single weeks
• Special themes and events every week
• We bus children twice a week for Goldfish swim lessons
and lunch
• Teddy Tennis once a week
• Bright, enclosed playground with outdoor garden
• Seasoned, kind, and engaging teachers
Pricing Online at:
www.bethrishon.org
Questions: Hillary Posner,
Director Early Childhood Education

Temple Beth Rishon

585 Russell Avenue Wyckoff, NJ
201.891.4466
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018 13

A PROGRAM OF
92Y
Set on the pristine
Henry Kaufmann
Campgrounds
Jewish culture, jewish music,
Shabbat Programming
Camp Yomi strikes a
harmonious balance between
nature and innovation—and
gives campers access to the
latest resources
Three large pools of varying
depths and an awesome
water slide
Film making, Art, Theater,
jewelry making, ceramics
Virtual reality climbing tower
with zip line
Archery range
Baseball fields, soccer fields,
basketball courts, tennis
courts, floor hockey court,
sand volleyball and 5 gaga pits
STEM programming in
collaboration with New York
Academy of Science
Electives
Weekly special events
And more...
14 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018
OurChildren
About
working parents, too. Early registration gift;
call 201-390-7513 for details. Please see our ad
on page 11.
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Dance Intensive (NKDC Specialty Camp)
Taub Campus
411 East Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-567-8963
www.jccotp.org/specialty-camps
Grades 3 through 11
Sessions: Monday through Friday, July
30 – August 10, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (two-week
session)
Enjoy two weeks of dance technique that
explores all the latest crazes and new dance
forms. Students take sessions in ballet, jazz,
and hip-hop each day, while working toward an
end-of-camp dance performance on stage and
in costume. Improve skill level, build strength,
and gain more flexibility while having a great
time. All-inclusive, providing lunch, snacks,
daily swim and towel service. Campers have
access to transportation and extended care
services. JCC membership required for camp-
ers in grade 3 through age 10.
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Center-Stage (NKDC Specialty Camp)
Taub Campus
411 East Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-567-8963
www.jccotp.org/specialty-camps
Grades 4 though 9
Sessions: Monday through Friday, June
25 – July 13, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (three-week
session)
This exciting performing experience for be-
ginner/intermediate and advanced actors
combines everyone’s favorite, “Alice in Won-
derland,” and its comic sequel, “Through the
Looking Glass,” to create an incredible high-lev-
el Broadway-style musical with set, costumes,
challenging dialogue, big musical numbers
and solos. Includes daily workshops in acting,
movement, singing and improvisation. Each
student develops immeasurable skills, great
confidence and has the chance to realize their
dreams as a performer. All-inclusive, provid-
ing lunch, snacks, daily swim and towel service.
Campers have access to transportation and ex-
tended care services. JCC membership required
for campers in grade 3 through age 10.
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Broadway Showtime (NKDC Specialty
Camp)
Taub Campus
411 East Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-567-8963
www.jccotp.org/specialty-camps
Grades 5th through 11th
Sessions: Monday through Friday, July
16 – 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (two-week session)
A new high-level musical theater experience
for intermediate/advanced students to increase
and refine their skills in singing, dance and
building great characters in a classic and very
funny production of “Fiddler on the Roof and
Friends.” Daily workshops increase skill levels
and jump-start confidence and joy in perform-
ing. Each student will have challenging roles,
and can shine in big musical numbers and solos
in the spotlight. All-inclusive, providing lunch,
snacks, daily swim and towel service. Camp-
ers have access to transportation and extended
care services. JCC membership required for
campers in grade three through age 10.
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Comedic Acting Camp (NKDC Specialty
Camp)
Taub Campus
411 East Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-567-8963
www.jccotp.org/specialty-camps
Grades: 3rd through 6th
Sessions: Monday through Friday, July
30 – August 17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (one-week
sessions)
Week 1: Comedy Playmaking and Perform-
ing — Students create their own comedy
scripts and put them together for a 5-star per-
formance. Week 2: Comedy Theater — Learn
cool comic skills for sticky situations. Includes
performances for family and other JCC camps.
Week 3: Comedy in Movies — Find out what
makes a movie funny and how to spot and
build on the surprising comic sides of life. Stu-
dents will create and take home the film they
star in with a green screen to make a special
background. All-inclusive, providing lunch,
snacks, daily swim and towel service. Camp-
ers have access to transportation and extended
care services. JCC membership required for
campers in grade 3 through age 10.
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Fine Arts Camp (NKDC Specialty Camp)
Taub Campus
411 East Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-567-8963
www.jccotp.org/specialty-camps
Grades: 3rd though 6th
Sessions: Monday through Friday, June
25 – August 17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (one week
sessions)
Get creative and have a blast at Fine Arts
Camp. Each week campers focus on a differ-
ent, exciting project that will incorporate new
art skills, methodology and mediums including
jewelry making, painting, textiles, sculpting,
and more. Each session features a visiting artist
who will teach a hands-on workshop in their
craft. All-inclusive, providing lunch, snacks,
daily swim and towel service. Campers have
access to transportation and extended care
services. JCC membership required for camp-
ers in grade 3 through age 10.
SPORTS PROGRAMS/CAMPS
Ice Vault
10 Nevins Road
Wayne, NJ 07470
973-628-1500
www.icevault.com
Summer ice hockey camps include: Erik Nates
Euro Hockey from August 20 through August
24; FUNdamental Camp (Atoms to 10 years
old) from July 2 to July 6; Laura Stamm Power
Skating for 7 to 11 year olds, and 11 to adult,
July 9 through July 12; ProAmbitions from July
23 through July 27. Please check the website for
summer applications and updates. Please see
our ad on page 19.
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Multi-Sport Camp (NKDC Specialty
Camp)
Taub Campus
411 East Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-567-8963
www.jccotp.org/specialty-camps
Grades: 3rd through 8th
Sessions: Monday through Friday, June 25 –
August 17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (one week
sessions)
Perfect for campers who like variety. This camp
focuses on building fundamentals across a va-
riety of sports, for all skill levels, in a relaxed
and fun environment. Campers will love mak-
ing use of all the courts and fields the JCC has
to offer, while learning and improving their
skills. Includes performance training to build
strength, endurance and flexibility, which in-
creases productivity. All-inclusive, providing
lunch, snacks, daily swim and towel service.
Campers have access to transportation and ex-
tended care services. JCC membership required
for campers in grade three through age 10.
 OurChildren
About

Kaplen JCC on the Palisades ioral and learning differences participate in a

Basketball Camp (NKDC Specialty Camp)
Taub Campus
411 East Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-567-8963
www.jccotp.org/specialty-camps
Grades: 3rd through 8th
Sessions: Monday through Friday, June
25 – August 17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (one week
sessions)
If you love basketball — this camp is for you.
Our JCC basketball professionals bring their
love of the game and incomparable coaching
skills to teach and enhance your camper’s skills
at every level. Includes performance training to
build strength, endurance and flexibility, which
diverse full-day camp program, including social
skills, sports, arts and crafts, ceramics, music,
adaptive physical education, both instruction-
al and recreational swim, waterpark, petting
zoo, theme days, playground time, carnivals, 40 Fort Lee Road
Shabbat, and more. Small camper to staff Leonia, NJ 07605
ratio to meet individual camper needs with
highly qualified staff. Half-day afternoon (1-4 201.336.3370
p.m.) option available for campers who attend
11-months of schooling (Proof of extended
school year is required). An intake interview is
required for all new campers. Juniors ages 5-9 Bergen County Equestrian Center
(must be 5 by July 1). A traditional camp pro-
at Overpeck Park! Summer Day Camp
gram. Group sizes are no more than six camp-
ers. Teens ages 10-14: A special life skills camp
that helps teens gain the skills and confidence
Boysand
and Girls
7 –713– years
13 years
old old

increases productivity. All-inclusive, providing
lunch, snacks, daily swim and towel service.
Campers have access to transportation and ex-
tended care services. JCC membership required
B
they need to become self-sufficient in activities Campers Learn about horses, Boys Girls
of daily living, while enjoying a full camp expe-
rience. Special attention is given to life skills as
grooming, equipment and how No horse riding experience
well as academic enrichment. Group sizes are to prepare for riding. No horse riding experience
is necessary

at O
for campers in grade 3 through age 10. no more than 8 campers. is necessary
Weekly Sessions:

Ber
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades On Our Own One-hour riding lesson specially
Young Adult Summer Camp June 26
Weekly - August 25
Sessions:
The Michelle Weiss Children’s Tennis tailored to their ability and
Camp (NKDC Specialty Camp) Kaplen JCC on the Palisades June 25–August 20, 2018
Taub Campus
experience
Taub Campus

411 East Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-567-8963
www.jccotp.org/specialty-camps
Grades: 3rd through 8th
Sessions: Monday through Friday, July 23 –
August 17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (one week
sessions)
Whether your camper has his/her sights on
the US Open or is just looking for some time
on the courts with friends — this camp will
provide a swinging good time. Campers will
enhance their understanding of the game and
build skills and confidence through interac-
tive games and drills, while also increasing
strength, endurance, and flexibility through
performance training. All-inclusive, providing
lunch, snacks, daily swim and towel service.
Campers have access to transportation and ex-
tended care services. JCC membership required
for campers in grade three through age 10.
SPECIAL NEEDS SUMMER PROGRAMS
Camp Haverim
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Taub Campus
at Ove
411 E. Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07607 Barn scavenger hunts, Horse
201-408-1489
www.jccotp.org/special-needs-summer-
centric Arts & Crafts
programs
Transitions: ages 15 – 21, Monday through
Friday, June 25 – August 17
Campers Lea
www.bergenequestrian.com
Adults (ages 21+), June 25 – August 10
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. grooming, eq
Camp Programs, Corporate Team Building and A Stable Life -
On Our Own is a life skills program for teens
and young adults with intellectual and devel-
opmental delays, including autism, who have
Campers Learn
Equestrian Therapy Programs for Families, Small Groups and
to prepare fo
Individuals Looking to Heal Their Souls with The Grace of a Horse.
sufficient communication and self-help skills
to independently participate with a 1:4 staff-
ing ratio. Participants gain the skills needed
grooming, equip
to become self-sufficient in important activi-
ties of daily living. Activities include a wide
range of socialization opportunities, commu-
to prepare for
One-hour ri
rid
nity inclusion/instruction and trips, academic
enrichment, sports, swimming, music therapy,
yoga, specialized art program, dance, cooking, tailored to th
BE A RAMAHNIK One-hour FOR A DAY! riding
computers and more. Trips may include visits
to museums, aquariums, shopping, bowling,
movies, zoos, etc. For the transitions group, On experience
For prospective camperstailored to their
Our Own may be considered as an alternate
placement for extended school-year programs. and families
JCC membership is not required. New partici-

experience
411 E. Clinton Ave. pants must have an intake interview.
Tenafly, NJ 07607
201-408-1489
www.jccotp.org/special-needs-summer-
Therapeutic Nursery
at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Taub Campus
CAMPER 2019 Barn DAYscaveng
programs
Ages: 3 – 21 411 E. Clinton Avenue SUNDAY, JULY centric
8, 2018 Arts &
Sessions: Monday through Friday, August Tenafly, NJ 07607
13 – 24, 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Where differences are celebrated. A unique
201-408-1489
www.jccotp.org/special-needs-summer-
programs
Barn scavenger
11:00 am – Welcome | 11:30 am – Tours | 12:30 pm – Lunch
two-week camp for children and teens with
autism and other intellectual, cognitive and
developmental delays, with sufficient com-
Summer-only option, space permitting, July
9 through August 17. Monday through Friday,
morning 9-11:30 a.m., afternoon 12:30-3 p.m.
centric Arts & C
munication and self-help skills, and attend 11
months of special schooling. Campers partici- The Therapeutic Nursery is a developmen-
pate in a diverse full-day program, including tal language-based parent/child program for
social skills, swimming and water park activi- children ages 3-6 with a variety of develop-
ties, sports and adaptive physical education, mental difficulties, including language disor-
yoga, academic enrichment, music therapy, ders, ADHD, high-functioning autism, social

Camp Pr
arts, and therapy dogs. Small camper to staff and emotional challenges, as well as selective
ratio to meet camper needs with highly quali- mutism. Camp Tours & Information Sessions for Parents | Enjoy a BBQ Lunch

Equestri
fied staff. An intake interview is required for Toddler Socialization Class Meet Our Staff Mini Camp Day for Prospective Campers
all new campers. State funding and scholarship at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
assistance is available. JCC membership is not Taub Campus

Camp Progr
Individuals
required. 411 E. Clinton Avenue
Neil Klatskin Day Camp: Tikvah Tenafly, NJ 07607

Equestrian
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades 201-408-1489
Taub Campus www.jccotp.org/special-needs-summer-
411 E. Clinton Avenue programs

Tenafly, NJ 07607
201-408-1489
www.jccotp.org/special-needs-summer-
programs
Sessions: Monday through Friday, June
25 – August 17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Campers with communication, social, behav-
Individuals Loo
Sessions: July 10 through August 9, Tuesdays
and Thursdays, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
For children ages 2 to 3 years who are experi-
encing delays in language acquisition or social-
ization skills. Contact Lois Mendelson, Ph.D., Register online at www.ramahberkshires.org/camper2019 | info@ramahberkshires.org
director at 201-408-1497 email TN@jccotp.org Call 845-832-6622
or visit jccotp.org/tn

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018 15

OurChildren
About

Gallery

Best Kind of Friendship

Knit One, Purl Two
The Sisterhood of the Jewish Center of Teaneck had its
monthly Sunday Knitting Night recently. It gave teenagers from
Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School in Teaneck the opportunity to
get together and learn the basis of knitting from skilled knitter
Susan Beth Gorden.
Festival Fun in Fair Lawn
More than 50 adults and children celebrated at Bris Avrohom
in Fair Lawn at the recent Chanukah Family Fun Festival with a
hot buffet dinner, latkes, Chanukah booths, crafts, face painting,
music, menorah lighting, and Chanukah gelt.
Teens gathered at Aeon Fitness and Gymnastics
in Hillsdale to participate in Valley Chabad’s
Friendship Circle Sunday Circle 2018 Kickoff
event. Teens pair up with a buddy with special
needs to enjoy an afternoon of exciting activities.

As Graceful as a Swan
Ballet students at the Tenafly-based JCC on the Palisades School of
Dance flitted and floated across the stage in their recent performance
of “Swan Lake.” Test Time at TABC
Students at Torah Academy of Bergen
County in Teaneck wait for the proctor
as they take midterms. Kicking Off Season With a Win
Big smiles from members of the Teaneck Junior Soccer Leagues G15
Flames, the girls team for youngsters 6 to 18 years old. Their team
and the B13 Cyclones, the boys team, won their tournaments at the
Soccer Coliseum in Teaneck to kickoff their winter season.

Ethics of the Students Powerful Virtual Meeting with Survivors

Wayne’s Shomrei Torah third graders learn and then enact-
ed various verses from the Ethics of our Fathers/Pirke Avot.
Here they are discussing “Rabbi Shimon said: There are
three crowns: the crown of Torah, crown of priesthood, and
crown of kingship. And the crown of a good name is superior
to them all because it leads to them all.’’
The pre-bar and bat mitzvah students at Valley Chabad
Hebrew school class recently took a trip to the Museum of
Jewish Heritage in Manhattan for a private tour. The class
took part in a new exhibit where the teens were able to ask
any questions to “virtual” Holocaust survivors.
Send My Regards to Broadway
Students at the Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies
took a trip to Broadway to see “School of Rock.” The musical
was a big hit with the students, as they rocked out to the show’s
upbeat songs and enjoyed its heart-warming story.

16 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018

 OurChildren
About

TopChoices FEBRUARY 2018

Compiled by Heidi Mae Bratt

Mr. Poppers Penguins

Pop into bergenPAC
Painter and decorator by day, Mr.
Popper spends his time dreaming of
Antarctic adventures. He is astounded
when one day a packing crate arrives
on his doorstep and a penguin waddles
out. With original songs and perform-
ing penguin puppets, this delightful,
action packed adaptation of Richard and
Florence Atwater’s popular book (also
made into a film starring Jim Carrey) is
the perfect family treat. Performances
are February 18 at 1 and 4 p.m. The
show is recommended for youngsters
ages 4 and older.
bergenPAC
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
201-227-1030
www.bergenpac.org.

A Journey into Space at Liberty Science Center

Learn about life on a space station in
the newest, “We Explore” adventure for
young learners, “Space Station Liberty!”
Youngsters will be transported to a space
station miles above Earth where they can
become astronauts and space scientists.
They can work on the ship and keep it in
good repair. They can make scientific dis-
coveries in the space station lab. Or they
can dress up like an astronaut, control the
space station, travel in space, and collect
and study space materials. Rocket ships
not required. All you have to do is travel
to Jersey City for the adventure.
Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park
222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
201-200-1000
www.lsc.org.

Hello From Japan at Children’s Museum

Children will have fun learning about
life in present-day Japan in “Hello
From Japan,” a returning immersive
exhibition opening February 2 at The
Children’s Museum in Manhattan.
It will transport families to two dis-
tinct areas of Tokyo that exist side by
side: one serene and exquisite, the
other, very cute. Kawaii Central is a
streetscape inspired by Tokyo’s bus-
tling Harajuku district, bursting with
color, trendy shops and cuter than
cute kawaii styles, (pronounced like
Hawai’i). Kids sing karaoke, smile for
the photo booth camera, serve up a
seasonal Japanese meal, and design
adorable mascots for their families.
The exhibit highlights how old and
new traditions coexist in Japan, giving
visitors a family-friendly window into
Japanese culture.
Children’s Museum
212 West 83 Street, New York City
www.cmom.org.

The Pop Ups

Play The Jewish Museum
Catch the high energy of the Grammy-
nominated band The Pop Ups as
they light up the stage at The Jewish
Museum in a special unplugged
acoustic concert with their musician
friends. Experience live drawing with
sound, hilarious puppets, and an epic
costume party just in time for Purim!
Hear favorites from their hit albums
Appetite for Construction, Radio
Jungle, and more. The performance,
recommended for youngsters 3 to
8 years old, will take place Sunday,
February, 25 at 11:30 a.m.
The Jewish Museum
1109 Fifth Avenue, New York City
212-423-3200
www.thejewishmuseum.org.

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018 17

 The Good Life With Kids
FEBRUARY
This calendar is a day-by-day schedule of events. Although all information is as timely as we can make it, it’s a good idea to call to verify details before you go.
Sunday, January 28
Tu b’Shvat at Temple Beth Or: Celebrate the
birthday of the trees with crafts, music and more.
Everyone welcomed. 10:15 a.m. 56 Ridgewood
Road, Township of Washington, 201-664-7422,
www.templebethornj.org.
Open House at Powerhouse Studios: There
will be menu samplings, video, photography,
photo favors and more. Plus a live performance of
emcees and dancers at 2 p.m. Open house from
1 to 3 p.m. 49 East Midland Avenue, Paramus,
800-287-4613.
Monday, January 29
Playtime in Englewood: Program for babies and
toddlers, infants to 3 years old, includes free play
with toys and a 15-minute circle time with songs
including Hokey Pokey, Five Little Monkeys and
the Wheels on the Bus. Mackay Room. Englewood
Public Library, 31 Engle St., Englewood. 201-568-
2215, www.englewoodlibrary.org.
Thursday, February 1
Snow Slime Time: Drop-in class to make snow
slime. Join in for another fun slime workshop. 3:30
to 4:30 p.m. No registration required. Charles E.
Reid Branch, 239 W. Midland Avenue, Paramus.
201-444-4911, www.paramuslibrary.org.
Friday, February 2
Shabbat in Closter: Temple Beth El invites the
community to join them for a Shabbat Evening
Service at 7:30 p.m., led by Rabbi David S.
Widzer and student Cantor Julie Staple. 221
Schraalenburgh Road, Closter. 201-768-5112.
Tot Shabbat in Wayne: Open to everyone.
Parents, grandparents, siblings and others. Join the
Tot Shabbat at 6:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Tikvah
with Rabbi Meeka. Located at 950 Preakness
Avenue, Wayne. www.templebethtikvahnj.org.
Family Shabbat Services at Temple Emeth: Join
in with all members of the family. Services at 7:30
p.m. 1666 Windsor Road, Teaneck. 201-833-1322,
www.emeth.org.
Tu b’Shvat in Jersey City: Celebrate Tu b’Shvat
(New Year’s Day for Trees) with a seder, music,
wine, cheese, nuts, fruit and other snacks. 7 –
8:30 p.m. celebration at Hamilton House, 255
Brunswick Street, Jersey City. Rabbi Aaron Katz,
305-607-9062, rabbiaaron1@gmail.com, bnai-
jacobjc.com.
Sunday, February 4
Youth Tu b’Shvat Party at Jewish Center of
Teaneck: Children 3 to 10 years old are invited
to enjoy the event from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. There
will be crafts, music and fun. Weiss Auditorium at
the Jewish Center of Teaneck, 70 Sterling Place.
201-833-0515.
Access to The Jewish Museum: Visitors with
learning or developmental disabilities are invited
to explore the new exhibition, Scenes from the
Collection, and create art inspired by the work.
10:30 for ages 5 to 17; 2 p.m. for 18 and older.
Access programs are free of charge and require
advance reservation. Contact access@thejm.org
or 212-423-3289 to register. 1109 Fifth Avenue,
Manhattan, thejewishmuseum.org.
Wednesday, February 7
Drop-in Craft Club: Youngsters in kindergarten
to third grade work with felt, glue, pompoms, and
more to make crafts. 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Englewood
18 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018
Public Library, 31 Engle St., Englewood. 201-568-
2215, www.englewoodlibrary.org.
My First Book Club: Catering to children in kin-
dergarten or first grade who read on their own,
the club would read a book in preparation for
the meeting, discuss and do crafts and activi-
ties. Advance registration. 4 to 5 p.m. Teaneck
Public Library, 840 Teaneck Road, Teaneck,
201-837-4171, www.teaneck.org.
Friday, February 9
Preschool Storytime: Come and listen to
stories and enjoy learning. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Children’s Room. Englewood Public Library,
31 Engle St., Englewood. 201-568-2215, www.
englewoodlibrary.org.
Tot Shabbat at Temple Beth Or: Join Rabbi
Noah and Cantor Sarah for song, stories,
service and crafts, followed by dinner for
the youngsters. 6 p.m. 56 Ridgewood Road,
Township of Washington, 201-664-7422,
www.templebethornj.org.
Shabbat in Closter: Temple Beth El invites the
community to join them for a Shabbat Unplugged
Band Service, honoring our music director Jim
Rensink and featuring members of our congrega-
tion and Clarinetist Benjamin Baron, at 7:30 p.m,
led by Rabbi David S. Widzer and student cantor
Julie Staple. Service is preceded by a congrega-
tion dinner at 6:30 p.m. Please call for more
information. Temple Beth El is located at 221
Schraalenburgh Road, Closter. 201-768-5112.
Sunday, February 11
Origami at Congregation Beth Aaron: There will
be a workshop exploring the art of origami. In this
introductory class, participants will learn some of
the basic building blocks in the origami repertoire,
including a box and an action model. The free
class will be taught by accomplished origami artist
and Beth Aaron member Yaacov Metzger. To reg-
ister, please send a note to office@bethaaron.org
950 Queen Anne Road, Teaneck.
Benefit Concert: Tizmoret! at 6 p.m. at Temple
Israel, Ridgewood. Queens College Hillel’s profes-
sional Jewish a cappella group will perform in a
benefit for the 8th Grade Israel Trip at Academies
See Sunday, February 4, Access to The Jewish
Museum
at Gerrard Berman Day School. Tizmoret draws
singers from colleges throughout the New York
City area and has taken Jewish collegiate a cap-
pella to the next level, performing classic Jewish
melodies, American pop music, and contemporary
Israeli tunes. Seating is limited. Tickets: adults $18,
students $10, Five and under free. www.ssnj.org/
tizmoret for tickets. register or contact Whitney
Blom at wblom@ssnj.org for more information.
Yoga Friendship Circle: Bring a towel or mat
to class. This class, taught by Shirley Veale,
is for children with special needs and their
families. From 11 a.m. $5 per class. The Chabad
Center of Passaic County, 194 Ratzer Road,
Wayne. Please register at 973-694-4970 or at
fcpassaiccounty.com.
Monday, February 12
Lego Club in Teaneck: For children 6 and older.
Following a story, build with Legos based on the
book’s theme. The club meets once a month. 7
to 8 p.m. Advance registration required. Teaneck
Public Library, 840 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, 201-
837-4171, www.teaneck.org.
Thursday, February 15
True Crime Book Club: Read true stories about
some of the most notorious crimes and discuss
theories. February’s book is “Killers of the Flower
Moon” by David Grann. 7 p.m. Copies of the book
are available at the circulation desk. Paramus
Public Library, 116 East Century Road, Paramus,
201-599-1300. www.paramuslibrary.org.
Friday, February 16
Shabbat in Closter: Temple Beth El invites the
community to join them for a Kabbalat Shabbat
Service at 6:30 p.m. Temple Beth El is located at
221 Schraalenburgh Road, Closter. 201-768-5112.
Shabbat Music Service at Temple Emeth: Join
Rabbi Steven Sirbu and Cantor Ellen Tilem with
singing and dancing and enjoying Shabbat music
performed by the Temple Emeth Band. Service at 8
p.m. 1666 Windsor Road, Teaneck. 201-833-1322,
www.emeth.org.
Saturday, February 17
Shabbat in Jersey City: Congregation B’nai Jacob
holds a family service, 10:30 a.m. to noon, fol-
lowed by a kiddush, at Hamilton House. Supported
by the Shuster family. 255 Brunswick Street,
Jersey City. Rabbi Aaron Katz, 305-607-9062,
rabbiaaron1@gmail.com, bnaijacobjc.com.
Tuesday, February 20
Family Tour and Art Workshop Series: Art
Explorers invites preschoolers ages 3 and 4 and
their families to view the new exhibition, Scenes
from the Collection, and to engage in gallery
activities and art making. From 4 to 5 p.m. . 1109
Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, 212-423-3200, thejew-
ishmuseum.org.
Family Movie: Join in and watch a family movie
on the big screen. Children 9 and younger must be
accompanied by a caregiver. 2 to 4 p.m. Teaneck
Public Library, 840 Teaneck Road, Teaneck. 201-
837-4171, www.teaneck.org.
Splash of Red: Learn about the American artist
Horace Pippin and create an original work of art
in his style. For youngsters kindergarten through
fourth grade. Registration required. 3 to 4 p.m.
Paramus Public Library, 116 East Century Road,
Paramus. 201-599-1300, www.paramuslibrary.org.
To Add Your Event
to Our Calendar
Send it to:
Calendar Editor
About Our Children
New Jersey/Rockland Jewish Media Group
1086 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666 AboutOC@aol.com
or fax it to: 201-833-4959
Deadline for March issue:
published February 23, Tuesday, February 13
See Sunday, February 25, Bowling and Pizza
Friendship Circle
Wednesday, February 21
Modern Jewish Baker Speaks: Shannon Sarna,
author of the new Modern Jewish Baker, pays
homage to those traditions while reinvigorat-
ing them with modern flavors and ideas, one
kosher dough at a time. 7 p.m. Museum of
Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, Manhattan.
646-437-4202, www.mjhnyc.org.
Storytime in Paramus: Join the readers for a
special storytime and fun-filled activity or craft in
the Children’s Department of Barnes & Nobles.
765 Route 17 South, Paramus. 201-445-4589.
www.barnesandnoble.com.
Chag Purim Special Event: Learn about Purim.
Boo Haman. Make a grogger. Wear a costume. Eat
hamantaschen. For children age 4 to fourth grade.
Registration begins February 5. Paramus Public
Library, 116 East Century Road, Paramus. 201-599-
1300. www.paramuslibrary.org.
Friday, February 23
Shabbat in Closter: Temple Beth El invites the
community to join them for a Kabbalat Shabbat
Service at 6:30 p.m. Temple Beth El is located at
221 Schraalenburgh Road, Closter. 201-768-5112.
Saturday, February 24
Sensory Friendly Kidz Cabaret Series: Turtle
Dance Music aims to spark children’s curiosity
and imaginations through interactive, inclusive
musical performances that use a wide range of
instruments, stuffed animals, games and tech-
nology. The sensory-friendly performance is
geared for Pre-K, grades K-5 and also students
on the Autism Spectrum. 1 and 3 p.m. bergen-
PAC, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood.
201-227-1030, www.bergenpac.org.
Sunday, February 25
Purim Carnival at Congregation B’nai Israel:
Annual Purim carnival from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. Food, games, prizes and fun. All in costume
receive additional game tickets. 53 Palisade
Avenue, Emerson 201-265-2272, office@bisrael.
com, www.bisrael.com.
Bowling and Pizza Friendship Circle: Join in
a day of bowling and pizza from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Garden Palace Lanes, 42 Lakeview Avenue,
Clifton. Please register by calling 973-694-4970
or at fcpassaiccounty.com.
Wednesday, February 28
Purim Shpiel and Megillah Reading at
Congregation B’nai Israel: The annual Purim
Shpiel and Megillah Reading will take place at
7 p.m. Refreshments, including hamantaschen,
will be served. Please bring a non-perishable
food item for food drive. 53 Palisade Avenue,
Emerson 201-265-2272, office@bisrael.com,
www.bisrael.com.

The junior mural depicting the theme of Yaakov, Rachel and Leah.
Power of Unity continued from page 10
digms of kindness, and the sole voices
to teach the world about monotheism.
Yitzchak and Rivka were models of in-
ner strength. Jacob, Rachel and Leah
found truth in a complex world, and the
12 tribes demonstrated for future gen-
erations the power of repentance and
redemption that comes from their unity.
For senior Braeden Badner, the fi-
nal night of Shiriyah was “surreal,” he
told Ami. “I always saw the seniors and
thought, ‘Hey they look like they’re
Closter Preschool Takes Applications
Registration for Temple Beth El’s Nursery
School program is now open. Tuition and
fees remain unchanged for the 2018-2019
school year. Incentives such as early bird
discount and a reduction in tuition with
full payment also will be made available
to participating families.
Temple Beth El’s reputation for ex-
cellence in early childhood education,
strong student-teacher ratio, experi-
Hamantaschen Bake-A-Thon Happening
Calling all bakers. Sign up for Temple
Beth Tivkah’s Hamantaschen Bake-A-
Thon on Thursday, February, 1. In addition
to bakers, Temple Beth Tivkah is looking
to collect necessary ingredients and a
large standing mixer, like a KitchenAid, so
having fun, but it was so much more
than that.”
But the best part of Shiriyah, Frisch
officials said, is the part that parents do
not get to see during the finale extrava-
ganza. That is “The sight of hundreds of
kids working together, enjoying one an-
other’s company, helping each other, for
hours each day and night and all day on
Sunday as they prepare.”
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our
Children.
enced teaching staff, and secure envi-
ronment has been well known through-
out the community for more than 40
years. Temple Beth El’s preschool is
NAEYC accredited. For an application
and to arrange a tour call 201-768-3726
or email Rabbi Beth Kramer-Mazer at
educator@tbenv.org. Temple Beth El is
a Reform Jewish synagogue located 221
Schraalenburgh Road in Closter.
children can help prepare the dough. No
baking experience necessary.
Temple Beth Tikvah is located at 950
Preakness Avenue, Wayne. Call Marian,
973-595-6565, www.templebethtikvahnj.
org.
OurChildren
About
Simchas
B’nai mitzvah
CLARA HART ALEXIS RICHMOND
Clara Hart, daughter of Karen and Neil Alexis Richmond, daughter of Barbara
Hart of Glen Rock and sister of Isaac, 17, and John Richmond of Norwood, cel-
and Zachary, 16, celebrated becoming a ebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on
bat mitzvah on December 2 at Barnert January 6 at Temple Beth El of Northern
Temple in Franklin Lakes. Valley in Closter.
Girl Scouts S’mores Make Cookie Selling Sweeter
After last year’s 100th anniversary of Girl
Scouts selling cookies, troops in northern
New Jersey are kicking off this season with
the return of Girl Scout S’mores, certified
kosher dairy by the OU and the most
popular flavor to launch in the 101 years
of Girl Scouts selling cookies. Consumers
can fuel transformative leadership expe-
riences and build the next generation of
entrepreneurs in northern New Jersey by
purchasing Girl Scout S’mores and classic ial and business skills that are imperative
favorites like Thin Mints and Samoas. for leadership and future success. Almost
During Girl Scout Cookie season, one million Girl Scouts participate in
each G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk- the cookie program each year. All of the
taker, Leader) sets out to sell delicious net revenue raised — 100 percent — stays
cookies while also building entrepreneur- within the community.
PARTY
973-661-9368
Include:
1 hours of skating (during public session)
Private decorated party room
Off ice party attendant
Skate rental
Invitations for party guests
Pizza and soda
Personalized Carvel ice cream cake
Favors and candy
FREE skating pass for future use
Birthday child receives FREE Ice Vault T shirt
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018 19
Your Key to a

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and noninvasive evaluation by a board-certified Advanced
Practice Nurse helps detect your potential risk for heart
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Call 201-447-8535 for more information

or to schedule your screening.

FREE Heart Screening includes:

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presence of murmur
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● Ten-year and lifetime ASCVD risk calculation

www.ValleyHeartAndVascular.com/Screening