OurChildren

About
Useful Information
for
the Next Generation
of Jewish Families

Too Cool for School

Fall into Style
Starting with a Smile
Supplement to The Jewish Standard • September 2018
 THE CHILDREN’S CENTER
Now Open
AT CHILTON MEDICAL CENTER

We’re Taking Pediatric ER and Hospital Care to the Next Level

Atlantic Health System has introduced an innovative approach to pediatric care at Chilton Medical Center, the
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Where You Go For Pediatric Care Matters

Chilton Medical Center · 97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ · atlantichealth.org

CMC-7208-17 ChildrensCtr_JewishStd.indd 1 10/23/17 12:54 PM

2 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018
 OurChildren
About

THERE IS AN
Register ALTERNATIVE
Now for Fall
Learn About Theand
A Creative Revolution
Exciting In
HEBREW SCHOOL
HEBREW SCHOOL Education
Education
In BergeninCounty
for Children Grades 3-7
5 Starting School with a Smile 13 Homework Helper
Educator Aviva Yablok shares
her wisdom
Strategy for success
JEWISH Y UTH
6 Fall into Style
14 Generation G
Granddaughter and ENCOUNTER PROGRAM
Good looks for school and shul her high horse Bar & Bat Mitzvah Preparation
7 Mathnasium Adds Enrichment 15 School Year Tune-Up Big Brothers/Sisters mentor each student
Local couple takes helm of Getting a doctor’s exam Classes meet Sunday mornings
tutoring center for school
Monthly Family Programs
8 Too Cool for School 16 Back-to-School Listings Located in Teaneck (Torah Academy)
Groovy swag for the school year After-school programs, nursery,
religious schools, and more No synagogue affiliation required
9 Preparing Your Child
for the World 28 Gallery Contact Dr. Deborah Rapps, Director 201-833-JYEP(5937)
Let them fly, let them grow Pictures of our children
Or visit us at www.JYEP.org or email debby@jyep.org

!
10 New Year’s, New Perspective 29 Top Choices
A mother learns from her son Great things to do
in September
11 Safe Sleeping All new
! Preventing SIDS 30 Calendar
Picks for the month
experience!
12 Giving Dad His Due
Newer, Better, More Spectacular!
Fathers are parents, too

MissionStatement
About Our Children is designed to help Jewish families in our area live healthy, positive lives that make the most of the
resources available to them. By providing useful, current, accurate information, this publication aims to guide parents to
Thrilling New Rides!
essential information on faith, education, the arts, events, and child-raising — in short, everything that today’s Jewish fam- • Giant Slides • Giant Spider
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OurChildren
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ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018 3

 Musings from the Editor
I
n the beginning, we were a sizable
group of mothers who filled the
child-sized seats arranged along the
periphery of the colorfully decorated
classroom. The head teacher, a warm
and seemingly ageless woman, had a
way of welcoming the new toddlers
into her world. Her voice was soft as she
spoke in singsong rhythm and her smile,
which started in her eyes, was so reas-
suring that both children and parents
were put at ease.
It was the first day of school. For
both of us. Exciting, but scary.
There were children in the class
who were just barely 2 and just barely
speaking, but Morah, teacher, could in-
tuit what they were thinking and know
what they wanted.
Yehuda had no trepidation about
this new venture. He joined the circle
with his soon-to-be friends rath-
er seamlessly.
It was another story for the peanut
gallery, or rather, the parent gallery.
Our presence was more obvious at
the start of class — the children knew
we were in the room — but
once the kids began their
activities and engaged
with each other and their
teachers, they kind of for-
got about us. That was the
point. We were instruct-
ed to stay a while, in the
background, and then qui-
etly leave, only to return a
few hours later for pickup.
With each passing day, the mothers or
caretakers followed the same routine,
taking the sideline seats at the start of
class when they dropped off their child,
but staying less time. As the school
days progressed, fewer parents took
the seats. Many just dropped off their
child, kissed them, wished them a good
day, and left.
And there were those who stayed.
Okay, okay, I wasn’t exactly the last
little Indian left, but maybe staying was
more for me than for Yehuda. Soon
enough, I did get out of that little seat
(thankfully!) and out of the classroom.
Yehuda was okay — even more than
that — and so was I.
Shaina’s first day of
school was different. She
began non-Mommy and
Me school when she was
a bit older than Yehuda.
On her first day I brought
her to the pre-kinder-
garten class concerned
about separation — after
all, she had always been
with me — and shared my thoughts
with her teacher. But once Shaina saw
the wonder of the classroom abuzz with
kids and activity, she kissed me good-
bye, and breezed in. At pickup, she was
all smiles.
Said her teacher, “Shaina was happy
to leave and happy to come back.”
What more could I ask for? Happy
to leave and happy to come back.
Contrast that to my experience in
pre-kindergarten when I feared that my
mother would not be there to pick me
up. I would cry every day before pickup,
nervous that I would be left. Once there
was talk about my skipping a grade, but
because of my emotional immaturity
(gosh, I was only 4!), it was not to be.
One time, I devised a plan to show that
I was a big girl. I asked my mother to jin-
gle her keys when she was outside. From
the inside of the class, I heard the jingle,
and knew my mother was there. That
day, no tears! My teacher was so proud.
But thankfully, there was no need
for jingling keys with Yehuda or Shaina.
They were happy to leave and happy to
come back.
And now, as Yehuda embarks on his
newest first day and goes abroad for his
gap year, I hope and pray for a seamless
entry into a new world of learning and
growth and that he too, will be happy to
leave and happy to come back.
Wishing all a wonderful start to
the new school year, and a healthy and
happy Rosh Hashanah.
Cheers,

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4 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018


Starting the School Year with a Smile
Aviva Yablok
F
or most of us, beginnings are excit-
ing and conjure up thoughts of ad-
venture, and experiences to be en-
joyed. For others, beginnings are visions
of things unknown, and may include inse-
curity about social situations and physi-
cal comfort. For all of us, the feelings as-
sociated with beginnings are a healthy
combination of both — excitement at
experiencing something new, along with
feelings of not being quite sure how it will
all play out.
As we send our young children off to
their first days of school, let’s reflect on
what may be most helpful for our children
and for ourselves to prepare for a positive
and successful new school year.
Young children depend on the adults
around them to help them navigate most
situations. We have all experienced how
children hang on to you and
look at your face as they enter
a new situation. They are look-
ing for your reaction. Children
have a keen ability to determine
just what their parents are feel-
ing and they actually look at our
reactions to know if a situation
is safe and secure or if it needs
a different type of response. This
is an important concept to keep
in mind as we prepare our chil-
dren and each other for the new
school year.
When I meet with parents Aviva Yablok
who are new to our program (at
Manhattan Day School), I often ask them
how their child has dealt with new begin-
nings in the past when left with a baby-
sitter or at the home of grandparents. As
you can imagine, I hear about children
who can be left at any time with anyone
and seem to be fine. I also hear about the
children who have a more challenging
time getting adjusted to a new situation.
Whether you are the parent to the child
who has more ease or the one who has
more challenge, beginning a new school
program likely will be very different than
other “firsts” for your child. I’ve watched
my staff members work with families to
help even the most anxious child (and
parent!) reach success as they begin the
school year. There are so many factors in-
volved that we can’t control, but there are
some that we can.
I hope my recommendations help
you prepare. By the way, the start of the
school year can produce anxiety wheth-
er we are discussing a 2-year-old or a
5-year-old.
Here is what I’ve learned:
1. Respect
the teachers.
While you know
a great deal about
your child, the
teachers know
about children
and about creating classroom communities.
We want them to integrate our individual
child into the group. Follow their advice
and policies regarding how long to stay and
what is working best for your child.
2. To the extent that you can, treat
the first day of school like any
other day.
It can be so tempting to take videos and
pictures, to linger in the room and watch.
I know it’s counterintuitive, but staying
longer doesn’t help the process. I’ve seen
that it can confuse a new student. They
are not sure what will be happening next.
Is Mommy staying? Is she coming right
back? Will she be peeking in the win-
dow? My advice is to make a plan with
your child, communicate it well and fol-
low through. Here’s an example: “I’ll help
you put your things in your cubby, then
I’ll give you two kisses and a hug, and
then I’m going to go.” When this plan is
followed through regularly, it becomes
the morning routine and the child can
regulate him/herself. If the plan is different
each day, it becomes more challenging for
this young student to adapt. Let’s remem-
ber that we all crave routine. The earlier
we can establish routine, the better.
By the way, most schools love when
parents come to help with an activity, to
read to the class, to cook or bake. You
will all have those opportunities after the
adjustment to school period is complet-
ed successfully.
In most schools, the teachers have a
plan for integrating students and help-
ing children acclimate. Ask about the
process and follow that process. Trust
those teachers.
3. Dress your child for comfort.
Hopefully, there will be play, outdoor fun,
exercise, dancing, cooking, painting, eat-
ing, drinking, spilling, and lots of potential
for mess. Leave the special outfits for spe-
cial occasions. Dress them like you want
them to have fun. This includes comfort-
able shoes. Flip-flops, crocs, and sandals
are best left for the beach.
4. Most early childhood programs
are all about communication.
The classroom teachers will let you know
how and when you will hear from them
and how you can communicate. Arrival
and dismissal are not the best times to
gather information about your child’s day.
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018
OurChildren
About
The teachers have to receive and dismiss
everyone safely. Keep those arrival and
dismissal conversations short and try to
schedule a time to speak to the teacher
later in the afternoon or evening to find
out details of the day.
5. Keep your eye on the goal.
Another question I often ask parents is
to share how they would like their son or
daughter to function in second or third
grade and beyond. The consensus is that
we envision our children functioning as
students with well-developed social skills,
the ability to work independently as well
as in groups, the ability to listen, follow
directions, and produce developmentally
appropriate school work. This process
begins in preschool. Learning the skills
of navigating the classroom is what early
childhood programs are all about. It be-
gins on Day 1.
6. Early childhood programs are fun.
They are your child’s first introduction to a
group experience. Your child will love being
in school with his or her friends. She will
love the routines. He will love the special
activities. His language and communication
skills will explode. The anxiety of the first
few days will disappear quickly and your
child will run into the classroom ready to
see what is waiting for him.
This will happen with your en-
couragement, positive attitude and the
trust that you have in the school you
have chosen.
I must share with you that despite
our best efforts — having a plan, trust-
ing the school, and following the guide-
lines — those first days can still produce
“first day jitters.” How can we deal with
that? By understanding that it’s normal
and it’s temporary. Children are more
resilient than we imagine and they do
adjust. Some children need more sup-
port than others, but it really works out.
School is a good place for children. Keep
your eye on the long-term goal and it will
work out just fine.
I wish the enthusiasm and love of
school that our youngest children dem-
onstrate could stay with them through-
out their years at school. Here’s wishing
all our families much success as the school
year begins.
Aviva Yablok is beginning her 16th year as Early
Childhood Director at Manhattan Day School in
New York City. She has spent her career surround-
ed by children, teachers, and parents. Her work
focuses on helping introduce children and parents
to the wonder of being part of a learning com-
munity. Mrs. Yablok is a resident of Teaneck.
5
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6 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018


New Local Owners
of Teaneck Mathnasium
Add to Enrichment Options
Heidi Mae Bratt
N
ew math?
It’s the new
Mat hnasium
of Teaneck. The three-
year-old enrichment
and tutoring center on
Queen Anne Road has
new local owners, who
are busy gearing up for Matt & Stefanie Diamond
the new academic year.
Matt and Stefanie Diamond, Teaneck
residents who have been involved in
business and community locally for
years — Stefanie as the owner of her
own photography business and Matt as
a kids’ sports coach — have taken their
acumen and commitment to commu-
nity into a new local venue whose goals
are to strengthen students’ math skills,
help them gain confidence and progress
in school.
“When they say a kid is not a math
kid, that’s just not true,” said Matt, a self-
professed “numbers guy” who has worked
in corporate finance for major companies
like Nabisco and Avis Budget Rent-a-Car.
“Everybody can learn math if it’s
taught properly. We don’t believe that
kids don’t get math. You just have to teach
and reach them the right way.
“As a coach (for baseball and soccer),
I have seen in the sports field how much
children can grow and learn and gain
confidence. I’ve witnessed that amazing
moment when a light bulb goes on,” Matt
said. “I think we can make the same im-
pact with math. When a student is strug-
gling, and then they get it, it is amazing.
The kids may come in scared, frustrated,
and angry, and then they learn the math.
It changes their lives. I’ve seen the letters
and essays (of thanks) they’ve written.”
Matt was looking for a change, too,
when this opportunity came up. He was
doing well in his career, doing
forecasts and analyses of all
the revenue and expenses of
the major companies that he
worked for, but he was han-
kering for something different,
something more meaningful.
While he was doing well in his
career, he was looking to do
good, as well.
Then the opportunity with
Mathnasium came up, he said.
“I wanted something more
fulfilling,” said Matt, who has
three daughters with Stefanie. Mathnasium makes math fun.
OurChildren
About
“And the more I looked at
the possibility of Mathna-
sium, the more I became
excited. The Mathnasium
method, their model, just
makes sense for kids.”
Said Stefanie, who will
stick to her work with the
camera while Matt will
be the main math man,
“We’ve met with the com-
pany’s founders, who are
brilliant leaders in the education field and
even more brilliant math teachers, and they
blew us away. They have spent more than
40 years creating, designing, developing,
and refining the unique Mathnasium tech-
nique and the company’s success rates and
rave reviews from parents and kids are the
proof that their method not only works,
but kids have fun while learning.”
Mathnasium, which has 900 franchis-
es including several in Bergen County, fo-
cuses only on math and shows youngsters,
kindergarten through 12th grade, how
numbers work, why different methods
are used to solve problems, and through a
combination of verbal, mental, visual and
tactile exercises, makes learning math fun.
Students get an assessment at the
start of their math journey, and a custom-
ized learning plan for teaching the con-
cepts are developed and followed. There
is constant checkup on a student’s prog-
ress to make sure that material is learned
and retained.
“I hope that we can help the local kids
and the community. We want to help kids
get over their frustration and the labels
and start to feel good about what they
can achieve,” said Matt.
Looks like it’s all adding up to a
good start.
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of
About Our Children
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About

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8 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018

Preparing Children
for the World
Slovie Jungreis-Wolff
O
ne of my favorite childhood mem-
ories is of riding my bike Sunday
afternoons and peddling through
the sidewalks of North Woodmere. I lived
in a quiet suburban community with open
spaces, shady trees and lots of winding
roads.
These were the days before Amber
Alerts, 9-11, constant after-school pro-
grams, and hours spent texting or checking
out social media on your phone. We kids
loved to be free and explore our world. To-
day’s children are growing up in a totally
different environment. It can be stifling.
Andrea Petersen’s recent article, “The
Overprotected American Child,” in the
Wall Street Journal laments the lack of in-
dependence in our children today. Fewer
kids walk to school on their own. Parents
have been charged with neglect when
they allowed their sons and daughters
to play or walk unsupervised. As a result
psychologists are seeing more children
and young adults with anxiety disorders.
“Overzealous parenting can do real harm,”
Petersen writes.
Encasing our children in bubble wrap
makes them even more anxious.
The connection between anxiety and
lack of independence is strong. Studies
show that the more autonomy given, the
less anxiety exhibited. When we encase
our children in bubble wrap, we mistaken-
ly believe that we are safeguarding them
for life. In reality, we are making them
even more anxious.
Overprotecting children doesn’t
shield them from harm. Instead, it conveys
the message that the world is frightening
and dangerous. Children feel ill-equipped
to handle stress. They remain over depen-
dent on mom and dad, seeking their solu-
tions instead of finding their own as they
grow. When decisions need to be made,
they doubt themselves because parents
have always stepped in.
We don’t want our children to be
scared of life. We want them to become
self-sufficient, self-reliant, and self-assured.
Yes we need to deal with the reality
of the world today. There are some really
bad stories out there. Parents need to have
a sense of safety and awareness and guide
their children accordingly. Different cul-
tures and different neighborhoods bring
different rules. I recall being astounded
when visiting my daughter in Israel and
seeing young children running errands for
their mothers at the local supermarket. But
that does not mean that just because you
live in a more guarded society, your chil-
be adorable
dren cannot find their own spirit of inde-
pendence. The question is: how?
First, examine if you are doing for
your children that which they can do for
themselves. Parents struggle with time
crunch, pressure, and tight schedules.
We don’t want to deal with tantrums and
explosive outbursts. It becomes easier to
just handle the task ourselves. We let our
children off easy.
If you’d like to teach your child inde-
pendence, begin with age-appropriate
skills they can learn in the home. Don’t
rush to put their things away, solve their
situations, or serve their meals and pre-
pare their lunches and snacks. Even young
children can clear their plates, prepare
knapsacks for the next morning, or put
dirty clothing in a hamper. More than
chores, these are ways we allow children marcia's attic for kids
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a parent’s watchful eye. Teaching safety
and techniques allows for self-reliance in-
stead of greater expectations for parents
to do it all. The result is self-confidence YOUR CHILD needs special education.
and self-esteem, not based on empty You want her to have a Jewish education.
praise, but because they, themselves, see
how they are naturally growing into ca- You want him to be included.
pable and competent young adults.
Independence outside the home is
more difficult to achieve but it is possible.
Again, it is up to a parent’s wisdom and
discretion. Besides thinking about how
to navigate street crossings, mall outings,
and venturing outdoors, here are some
guidelines for parents to keep in mind:
Provide clear rules and understand-
ings about curfews, distances, what to do
when feeling lost or unsafe, and expected
responsibilities.
Speak about consequences if rules
and responsibilities are not followed.
Teach children to own their behav-
ior. Explain: You are responsible for your
mistakes, causing harm, damage, and bad
INCLUSION by DESIGN
behavior. If you hurt others, you need to ®
make amends. Don’t make excuses or seek
to blame others. It’s not about who else
did it, who pushed you to do it, or some- Serving Children with a Broad range of SpeCial needS
how it’s everyone else’s fault but yours. Be
accountable.
Allow children to overcome fears,
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take risks, and gain courage. For example, • Individualization • Educational excellence
talk together about how shyness can be
• Meeting each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs
conquered in small steps, or seek solu-
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ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018 9
OurChildren
About
Of New Year’s, New Children,
and New Revelations
Ruth Carmel
S
top me if you’ve heard this one be-
fore.
A clueless first-time mom has a
lifelong habit of denial, so her two-year-old
can’t possibly have a problem. Then, okay,
he has a problem, but it will fix itself (like
everyone tells her). Then she and her hus-
band get him diagnosed and it’s something
called PDD, which means Pervasive Devel-
opmental Disorder; at least it’s not autism,
which seems to be sweeping the nation.
Only, of course, it is.
Fast-forward and my son (call him
Cory) is a teenager. Not a regular teen,
but my beloved son, anyway. His speech
is a little stilted, and he gets annoyed if
he sees someone smoking on the street
(because it could kill you, so why would
you do it?). Life’s not what it was sup-
posed to be, but maybe it was supposed
to be much more challenging, and what
I’m paddling through is a sea of blessings.
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10 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018
Who knows?
I’m in a contemplative mood. Rosh
Hashanah is coming. For the last few years,
I’ve made a note to myself before the holi-
day of what I should request when praying
for a good year. The other day I checked
out last year’s list and realized how much
progress Cory has made. Not a moment too
soon, either. I’d been feeling low...some new
medicine Cory is on that’s not the hoped-
for cure-all. It helps to remember that the
last 12 months were, indeed, productive.
Noticing the good stuff: That’s just
one thing I’ve learned as the mom of a
special-needs child. So in the spirit of the
season of renewal, here are five key les-
sons from me to you:
1. Face what’s wrong head-on.
With apologies to the Rolling Stones, time
is not on your side. Not if your child has a
problem you need to address. When Cory
was born, he seemed normal. About a
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year later, he began to withdraw and not
make eye contact. My husband and I were
freaked out. We finally faced the facts,
months later than we should have, and
found a specialist to evaluate and diag-
nose Cory. Having your fears confirmed is
terrifying. But sooner or later, you remind
yourself that a diagnosis is just a label, not
a sentence. And, with God’s help, not un-
changeable. When you know what to call
a problem, you start asking questions that
lead to answers.
There have been plenty of missteps
along the way. Early on, Cory was in a
mainstream nursery school. We were
looking for a special-needs setting but
still clinging to a secret hope that his is-
sues would fix themselves. That episode
was a disaster. But it showed me Cory
needed a school that was right for him,
not one that fit some preconceived idea
I had about where a child of mine should
be. An ego-puncture can be a gift.
2. Get out there.
This part is about showing up. The world
is full of people and ideas that can help
you; meet it halfway. Don’t isolate your-
self. Go to lectures about what your kid
has. Network with parents in his school.
After Cory’s diagnosis, I learned of a
group at the local JCC for parents of spe-
cial-needs kids. The first time I went there
I was so sad, full of shame about my son’s
condition. And then I met these parents
who had gone through, more or less, what
I was going through. It was so heartening
to learn I was no pioneer, that there were
others who had been where I was and
could help me find my footing. Over the
years I also found out about email groups
of parents of special-needs kids. Night or
day, I can ask any question or voice any
fear, never having to sugarcoat my words,
and there’s always a parent to listen, or
share what she knows.
3. Feel as awful as you need to feel...
up to a point.
So you’re not a pioneer. Still, you are
unique, and your child’s issues are unique to
her. You don’t have to adopt someone else’s
brand of optimism. Early on, family mem-
bers would assure me that things would
be okay. Sometimes that’s exactly what I
needed to hear. Other times, I wanted to
dig a hole and descend to the bowels of the
earth and disappear. I eventually turned
to therapy, and my doctor also prescribed
a little pharmaceutical help. I still get sad,
NOTICING
THE GOOD
STUFF: THAT’S
JUST ONE THING
I’VE LEARNED AS
THE MOM OF A
SPECIAL-NEEDS
CHILD.
at times, but it’s manageable. I’m better at
figuring out what will make me feel better,
whether it’s prayer, or a movie with a good
friend, or reaching out to an online parents’
group, or rocky-road ice cream.
4. Risk “no.”
If you need something for your child, keep
trying to get it. When planning for Cory to
start kindergarten, I took him for an inter-
view at School A. They turned him down,
feeling he was not ready for their program.
My husband and I were disappointed but
chose School B. Before the school year
started, Cory went to the summer pro-
gram at School B. Soon we realized it was
the wrong place for him. Mid-August, I told
Shannon, Cory’s speech therapist, how con-
cerned I was. She suggested I call School A
again. “What’s the worst that could hap-
pen?” she said. “So they’ll turn you down
a second time. Cory has come so far since
the winter. Try it.” I called the admissions
person at School A. To my shock, he told us
to come in. Cory was accepted, and spent
the next five years there.
5. Where we started.
Let the positive catch your eye. It’s eas-
ier to acknowledge the bad than accept
the good. When your child struggles to
do what should come naturally, you can
find yourself so focused on helping him
overcome his deficits that you overlook
his strengths. But don’t. Notice what
your child can do that she couldn’t do a
few years ago. Notice what he can do that
“normal” kids can’t. Stepping back and
gaining perspective reminds you there’s
something to celebrate.
Like Rosh Hashanah.
Ruth Carmel is the pen name for a writer and
lawyer based in Manhattan.

Sleeping Babies, Sleeping Safely:
Prevention of SIDS
Stephanie Zandieh, M.D.
S
udden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS) is a rare and devastat-
ing condition that is a concern
for all parents. SIDS claims the lives
of about 3,500 babies each year in the
United States, with the greatest risk in
the first 12 months of life.
The American Academy of Pedi-
atrics recently issued a recommenda-
tion that infants sleep in their parents’
room, close to the parents’ bed — but
on a separate surface designed for in-
fants — for at least 6 months,
and preferably up to 1 year of
age. Such a sleeping arrange-
ment decreases the risk of
SIDS by as much as 50 percent,
according to the organization.
The Academy’s recom-
mendations go on to recom-
mend placing the crib/bassinet
close to the parents’ bed so
that the infant is within view
and reach, which in turn will Stephanie Zandieh, M.D.
facilitate feeding, comforting,
and monitoring the infant. Since these
recommendations have come out, I have
heard an uproar from fellow pediatri-
cians, parents, and colleagues.
The criticism includes comments
such as:
“Really? What about the parents’
sleep and daytime performance?”
And, “If these guidelines are followed,
isn’t the lack of sleep of the parents likely
to cause more harm than good?”
What is interesting is that these
are not new recommendations. This
recommendat ion was also in t he
American Academy of Pediatrics 2011
guidelines. However, the wording is
stronger, and there is now an added time-
line — 6 months.
So why the change?
One of the authors of the new
guidelines had told The New York Times
in a published interview that the recom-
mendations were updated “to be on the
prudent side.” It is known that the first
6 months are a particularly critical time
for infants because the rates of SIDS and
other sleep-related deaths, particularly
those occurring in bed-sharing situa-
tions, are highest in the first 6 months
of life.
In addition, while the rate of SIDS has
hit a plateau over the last few years, the
rates of other sleep-related infant deaths,
such as accidental suffocation and stran-
gulation in bed as well as
other ill-defined deaths
have increased. Risk factors
for these different catego-
ries of death are strikingly
similar to those of SIDS.
Therefore, public health efforts are dou-
bling down on environmental risks such
as prone and side-sleep positioning, bed
sharing, and soft bedding in hopes of de-
creasing these other types of sleep-relat-
ed deaths.
Ultimately, this decision is a personal
one, but understanding why this recom-
mendation was made can help parents
make an informed choice.
Following is a summary of the Ameri-
can Academy of Pediatrics recommenda-
tions for safe infant sleeping.
• Place your baby to sleep on his back
for every sleep.
• Place your baby to sleep on a firm
sleep surface.
• Keep soft objects, loose bedding, or
any objects that could increase the risk of
“REALLY?
WHAT ABOUT THE
PARENTS’ SLEEP
AND DAYTIME
PERFORMANCE?”
entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation
out of the crib.
• Place your baby to sleep in the same
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About
room where you sleep, but not the
same bed.
• Breastfeed as much, and for as
long as, you can. This helps reduce the
risk of SIDS.
• Schedule and go to all well-child
visits. Your baby will receive impor-
tant immunizations.
• Keep your baby away from
smokers and places where peo-
ple smoke.
• Do not let your baby get too hot.
This helps reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Offer a pacifier at naptime and
bedtime. This helps reduce the risk
of SIDS.
• Do not use home cardiorespira-
tory monitors to help reduce the risk
of SIDS.
• Do not use products that claim
to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Stephanie Zandieh, M.D., is the director of Valley’s
Pediatric Sleep Disorders and Apnea Center.
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OurChildren
About

Giving Dad His Due — Fathers Are Parents, Too

Adina Soclof
wrong. This helps children feel se-

M
y colleague was the first
one to point out to me
that the authors of The
Berenstain Bear series portray Papa
Bear in a negative light. Only Mama
Bear knows any of the right an-
swers, how to raise kids, and how to
keep her cool. “Papa Bear,” she said,
“is portrayed as a bumbling idiot.”
I had never thought about that
before, but when I read the books
to my kids (my kids loved them!), I
started to notice what she was talk-
ing about.
It’s not only The Berenstain
Bears. Emasculating men and making jokes
about dads seems to be a pervasive theme
in today’s cultural climate. And when wom-
en get together, how long does it take be-
fore we bad-mouth the men in our lives?
From social science research to anec-
dotal tales, it is true that a father plays a
pivotal role in the family and how their
children grow up. So step back and let
dads be dads.
1. Fathers are important.
It’s sad that that I even have to point this
out, but dads are essential. Studies have
shown that kids with nurturing, play-
ful fathers have higher IQs and do well
in school. Having a father figure to look
up to helps kids handle the stresses and
frustrations of school with equanimity, so
they have fewer behavioral issues. They
are generally more sociable and popular.
Children also need to see their moth-
er’s respect and appreciation for their fa-
ther. It helps them feel secure and loved
when both parents care for each other.
Both mothers and fathers are responsible
for maintaining a good and positive rela-
tionship with each other.
Women are not the only ones who
need appreciation. Men do not want to
be overlooked; they also need to be given
recognition for all that they do.
2. Roughhousing is good.
I know, I know, this is hard for women to
understand, but it is true. I have watched
(with gritted teeth) as my husband threw
our delighted babies in the air, spun them
around, and gave them horseback and
piggyback rides until they were both
exhausted. As they got older, there was
cure so that they feel comfortable
standing up for what they believe
in. Children who are close with
their fathers are less susceptible
to peer pressure, are able to set at-
tainable goals for themselves, and
are less likely to enter into an abu-
sive relationship.
4. You can show him new
parenting skills.
Moms can sometimes get frustrat-
ed with their husbands’ parenting
skills. If you want to incorporate
some new parenting policies in
your house, it’s best if you adopt them
yourself first. Role modeling a better
way to deal with your kids can make a
big impression.
You can also speak to your spouse in
private about a specific parenting issue
you might have. Try not to be pushy, and
ask for his opinion:
“I know we have been having this is-
sue with Mikey not doing his homework.
Do you think we should try talking to his
teacher? Do you think we should help him
more with his homework? I heard that if
we praise him specifically for the work
that he does well, that can help him. Does
that sound right to you?”
It might sound phony, but it is more
respectful. I have learned that my hus-
band is very receptive to my ideas if I let
him have his say, sincerely, without an
ulterior motive and agenda. I have also
discovered that we need a guy’s opinion.
They love their kids too, and have some
great ideas on what works. We just need
to really listen to what they have to say.
(And, of course, this works both ways!)
Avoid criticism.

New York Magazine’s some wrestling as well.

I used to get upset, but then I found
There is nothing more annoying to a
man than to have his wife criticize or nag

“Best Doctors” list! out that research has shown this to be

beneficial. Roughhousing teaches kids
how to deal with aggression without
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they may need in a safe way. It also helps
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Meet a physician and the staff! 3. Fostering independence.
Fathers play an integral role in teaching
kids to be independent and to learn life
skills. A dad pushing his kids to do things
on their own encourages risk-taking and
gives children the confidence to get out
into the world. Dads are often better at
Offices in Tenafly, Fort Lee, Paramus, stressing rules, laying down the law and
him, even if it might be about something
valid, like his parenting skills. Plus, if you
criticize your husband’s parenting skills
in front of your kids, that can be miscon-
strued as disrespect. Kids can pick up on
this as well.
Unless there is outright physical and
verbal abuse, you need to support your
husband’s decisions and parenting, even if
you might not agree with his tactics. Kids
feel more secure when their parents act
as a team.
Adina Soclof is a parent educator, professional
development instructor, and speech pathologist.
She is the founder of ParentingSimply.com. She
is available for speaking engagements. You can

FIRST PLACE Oakland, Clifton, Park Ridge, Hoboken enforcing discipline, giving kids a good reach her at asoclof@parentingsimply.com or at
PEDIATRICS sense of justice, and knowing right from www.parentingsimply.com.
201-569-2400 · www.tenaflypediatrics.com

12 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018


Homework Is a Reality:
Manage it for Success
Denise Morrison Yearian
H
omework is a standard component in a child’s
educational experience. To help families make
the most of homework time, consider these tips.
1. Time It Right.
To find the best time to do homework, consider your
schedule and your child’s temperament and personality.
Some kids need a break when they get home. Others lose
steam if they don’t do their assignments right away. Try
doing homework at different times to see where you have
the greatest success. Then create a consistent routine
based on what works best for your child.
2. Create Space.
Children need an undistracted desk-like area for doing
homework. And for some that may not be a bedroom
where familiar toys could divert their attention or a
kitchen table situated around household hubbub. Find a
consistent place away from distractions but still central to
a parent so the child can be monitored if he has questions
or needs help staying on task.
3. Tuned in or Turned off?
Some children enjoy listening to music while studying,
but parents need to consider their child’s learning style
and the type of media he’s tuning in to. While a small
percentage of children do better with a little background
noise, the majority need it quiet. If your child insists on
having something on, refrain from familiar tunes that dis-
tract his thinking. Instead choose unfamiliar songs with-
out words, such as soothing, classical music.
4. Aid and Ally.
Parents should be there to lend support and provide
guidance when needed. Read together, help with direc-
tions, and spec out the first few problems to make sure
your child understands the concepts. Then let her work
independently while remaining available for questions.
Follow up by checking for quality. If you see several mis-
takes, encourage your child to make corrections. But don’t
fix it for her. Teachers would prefer the work come back
wrong rather than having a parent make needed correc-
tions. If the work is replete with errors, let it go and send
a note to the teacher saying your child didn’t understand
the work. Another thing that may help is a homework
buddy. Encourage your child to partner with a classmate
so they can be in contact with one another if either has
trouble while completing an assignment.
5. Rapid Review.
Reviewing previous lessons is beneficial in refreshing a
student’s memory, particularly with subjects like math ,
where one concept builds upon another. Look at a couple
of past lessons and have your child briefly explain the
concepts to you. But keep it short so he’s still alert for the
current day’s assignment.
6. Tarry and Toil.
If your child is working for an extended period of time,
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7. Pay Attention to Patterns.
If you find your child frequently saying he doesn’t
understand the work, it may be a clue he needs extra
school support or a tutor. Likewise, if he effortlessly
whips through his assignments day after day, it may
be an indication that he’s not being challenged. Home-
work isn’t supposed to be overly difficult, but students
should have to put some time and thought into it. Look
for patterns that something is happening, either good
or bad. Then communicate with the teacher and ask for
her suggestions.
8. Delegate Responsibility.
Encourage your child to take on the responsibility of
starting and finishing homework by creating a system
such as a check-off list. When she starts to receive long-
term projects, help her map out the work by using a cal-
endar so she learns good time management and organi-
zational skills. Break down large projects into the smallest
components of what needs to be done each day—reading
“X” number of pages, for example. Then check with your
child periodically to make sure she’s staying on task.
9. Scope Out Sick Days. Margaret Ravits M.D.
If your child is going to be out for more than a few days,
contact the teacher and let her know. If he has to stay
and Associates Dermatology
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10. Constantly Communicate. Teens and Adults
Find out early on the best way to contact your child’s
teacher — either by phone, email, note, or other. Then if
an issue arises, don’t wait to discuss it. Small problems
can escalate if not addressed right away. Even if things are
going well, occasionally touch base to make sure you’re
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ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018 13
 Generation G

Making Memories Horsing Around

Ed Silberfarb thrill. They ride it five times. waiian money.” They didn’t realize it was
But the banana boat did not outdo plain old U.S. cash, but they won anyway.

W
e arrived at the dude ranch at
2:30 p.m. with two 10-year-
old girls, my granddaughter,
and her friend, both chafing to go horse-
back riding. We signed them up for the 3
o’clock ride. Where are their helmets and
boots? In the luggage that disappeared.
It’s been tagged and sent to storage to
await the room availability at 3 o’clock.
Desperation for the luggage. Can’t ride
without the boots and helmet. The 3
o’clock ride is fading.
Jack, the daytime manager, arrives. He
sends a courier to retrieve the luggage. He
calls the stable. Hold for two late arrivals.
He escorts the girls to the stable where
they are eagerly awaited. They mount and
away they go.
Thus began three days in which the
kids thought they might have died and
gone to heaven. Riding through the woods
and swimming in indoor and outdoor pools
with water slides that twist and turn as
they deliver the swimmer to a splashdown.
There’s bungee jumping and rock climbing.
There’s a hula-hoop contest, and to slow
the pace there’s the arts and crafts shop.
And there’s the banana boat.
In a lake the size of two football fields
is a speedboat to which is attached an open
craft with 12 seating spaces. The passen-
gers in life vests sit two abreast and each
grasps a handle. The speedboat whirls
around the lake generating waves and
shrieks of delight. When the ride ends, the
boat doesn’t dock. The riders jump off and
splash their way ashore. They hurry to the
dock so they can line up for another ride.
The two girls find this to be the supreme
the horses. The girls rode them once
or twice a day along trails through the
woods from a walk to a brisk trot and fi-
nally, with a burst of energy, an exhilarat-
ing cantor.
A change of pace from horseback
riding, swimming, and banana boating
was bungee jumping and rock climbing.
Strapped into bungee harnesses, they
bounce up and down like yo-yos, and with
a smile of triumph comes a back somer-
sault. The rock-climbing wall, however, is
deceiving. Neither can make it to the top
despite repeated tries. But, hey, “One’s
reach must exceed one’s grasp, or what’s
a heaven for?”
To meet the hunger needs are a vast
buffet for breakfast and lunch and a din-
ner menu with soup, salad, and a dozen
main course offerings to choose from
with a specialty each night such as steak,
roast beef, or lamb chops. Our grand-
daughter’s gourmet choice each night is
French fries and string beans, and for her
friend it’s plain pasta. The piece de resis-
tance for both is unlimited ice cream with
sprinkles. And to keep to the outdoor
theme, there was a barbecue lunch and a
nighttime marshmallow roast.
One possible threat to the girls’ enjoy-
ment is supervision, so we establish this
rule: Go where you want and do what you
want on your own, but you must tell us
where you’ll be.
Thus, they said on the first day, “We’d
like to walk around the place on our own.”
We later learned this exploratory walk
led to the gift shop where they each spent
the money their parents had given them.
The author’s granddaughter on her high horse.
They bought stuffed animal horses and
“energy stones” with animal engravings.
There was so much to do that the fear
was that the day was not long enough
for everything. We had to schedule din-
ner early enough so we could get to the
magician’s show and not be detoured in
the game room. Another night we had
to get to the arts and crafts shop before
it closed. There the kids would choose a
small object to be painted using any imag-
inative design of their choosing. Each girl
picked a little two-drawer jewelry box.
They donned smocks, and went to work
with an assortment of brushes and multi-
color paints. One box became purple with
green drawers and a red decorative heart
on top. Another was blue with pink draw-
ers and a lavender heart. They were left to
dry overnight.
Another diversion was a scavenger
hunt. The girls unearthed most of the elu-
sive ephemera, which included a library
card, a comic strip, and a coin among oth-
er things, but they were stumped by “Ha-
There were cowboy and western
themes throughout. Bunk beds had tree
limb supports. Chairs had horsehide
seats. There were western pictures and
furnishings in the lobby and a giant hand-
carved totem pole. In the gift shop was a
life-sized bear dressed as a cowboy with
a guitar. When you pushed a button, he
began to sing and strum.
Before departure there was a last
horseback ride. They watched a black-
smith shoe two horses, and took a final
plunge in the pool. Alas, the banana boat
was not running that morning.
Homeward bound, the glow of three
days of rollicking dude ranch was dark-
ened by a missed train at the Poughkeep-
sie railroad station. With suitcases and
knapsacks, we obediently waited for the
Amtrak train on the platform designated
by the station departure board. A station
announcement directed us to another
track that required two elevators to reach.
The train never arrived there, but came in
on the original track, which we could not
reach in time.
We frantically called the girls’ par-
ents, and as we awaited the next train, we
heard another announcement of a track
change. We thought fondly of that other
form of transportation. The horses always
knew where they were going.
Ed Silberfarb was a reporter for the Bergen
Record in New Jersey, then the New York Herald
Tribune, where he was City Hall bureau chief.
Later, he was a public information officer for the
New York City Transit Authority and editor of
one of its employee publications.

Israel Scholarship Fund for Gerrard Berman Students

The Academies @ Gerrard Berman Day School in
Oakland has created The Marilyn Piels Kawka Is-
rael Scholarship Fund to benefit its students who
go to Israel on the school’s 8th grade school trip.
Established by Louis Piels and Pierre Kawka, the
fund will honor and perpetuate the memory of
Marilyn Piels Kawka, who died in December 2016.
Marilyn had a love of Israel, travel, and children
and her friendship touched many lives in the Ger-
rard Berman community, where her daughter, Au-
brey Kawka, will be in the class of 2021.
In the spring of eighth grade, GBDS stu-
dents travel to Israel, where they are immersed
in Israeli culture and have the opportunity to
apply their years of study. For the students, the
experience is memorable and life-changing.
Marilyn Piels Kawka spent several years of
her life, and much of her professional career,
traveling the world helping others. She lived
and worked in Thailand for two years, assisting
the United Nations with health programs that
helped tens of thousands of recipients through-
out Asia; she worked on women’s health and
safe motherhood initiatives in Egypt and Chi-
na; lived at various times in Spain and Austria;
backpacked throughout Europe and traveled
throughout South America; and brought her
unique brand of vivaciousness and love of life to
her travels with family.
Marilyn was connected to Israel, not just
because of her Jewish roots and identity, but
because of her marriage to Pierre Kawka, the
son of Israelis, the father of two Israelis, and a
citizen of Israel and former resident himself. She
visited Israel several times with Pierre, Aubrey,
and family to build connections to the Jew-
ish homeland.
The Academies @ Gerrard Berman Day
School held its annual Zimriyah (song festival)
at the Wayne Y on June 13, where Mr. Piels, Mr.
Kawka, and Aubrey Kawka officially unveiled
the fund.
Donations to the The Marilyn Piels Kawka
Israel Scholarship Fund can be made through
http://ssnj.org/mpk Marilyn Piels Kawka

14 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018

 OurChildren
About

Back to School and

Back for the Yearly Health Checkup
Heidi Mae Bratt Hygiene is as much a part of the health
care package as anything else. Remember

A
long with buying new shoes and
fresh notebooks, put the yearly
back-to-school health checkup
on the to-do list no matter what grade
your child is about to enter.
While it may not seem urgent, the an-
nual back-to-school exam by a pediatri-
cian is an important part of a child’s health
care. The medical provider can head off any
health issues and offer wellness guidance at
the start of a year busy with schoolwork,
homework, after-school activity, and social
engagement, and lay the ground for a pro-
ductive and good year.
On the list is making sure that inocu-
lations and other vaccines are up-to-date
(and required by school). The medical
professional also can check for other less-
obvious issues by monitoring heart and
blood pressure and testing for diabetes,
cholesterol, and anemia, and giving them
a vision and hearing screening.
The annual physical gives the doc-
stomach bug or a viral illness. It’s impor-
tant to be able to talk about your child’s
symptoms and make sure they’re not a
clue to something else that needs to be
addressed,” said Dr. Ardon.
In addition to a general exam, a vision
exam by an eye professional is also very
important. Eye care professionals recom-
mend a comprehensive exam because
screening tests only check for visual acuity,
no’s with healthy alternatives. Salty snacks
may seem healthy because they don’t con-
tain sugar, but simple starches can be just
as bad. These snacks break down into a
sticky goo, coating teeth and promoting
decay. Avoid candies and granola bars, of-
fering crunchy snacks like celery sticks,
baby carrots, and cubes of cheddar cheese.
to teach children the importance of hand
washing to prevent the spread of germs
that can cause bacterial infections like
pinkeye or viruses like the common cold.
And make sure that your child is not
carrying too much of a physical load. Do
not allow them to overload their back-
packs. According to the American Chi-
ropractic Association, a child’s backpack
should weigh no more than 10 percent of
his or her body weight. If your child rou-
tinely lugs around more than what is rec-
ommended for her weight, try purchas-
ing a backpack with wheels or one with a
support belt to help distribute the weight
more evenly.
Here’s to a healthy and happy new
school year.
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of
About Our Children.

tor a chance to give the child a thorough
physical exam, to discuss diet and exer-
cise options, and to address any emo-
tional, developmental, or social concerns.
It is also a good chance to address issues,
especially with teenagers, that include
drinking, smoking, drugs, sexual activity,
and depression.
BACK TO
while comprehensive exams will test for
visual acuity, chronic diseases, color vision
and make sure that the eyes are working
properly. Screenings will give information
on distance vision but not for near vision SCHOOL
SPECIAL
issues, as farsightedness is often missed.
Amblyopia, or lazy eye, and eye coordi-
nation issues are also frequently missed

Dr. Tina Ardon, a family medicine
physician at the Mayo Clinic, said yearly
visits to your health care provider ensure
the child is healthy and ready to learn.
“It’s important to check your child’s
height and weight, and their development
at least annually to make sure they are
growing appropriately for their age,” said
Dr. Ardon. “Identifying areas that may im-
pact your child’s ability to learn and grow
can help ensure they have access to, and
receive, appropriate services at school.”
For student athletes, the doctor’s
annual exam is similar to that of a non-
athlete, but most pediatricians will also
address sports-specific issues, including
injuries, nutrition, and training and exer-
cise programs. The other side of the ex-
ercise issue is the student athlete who is
already involved in an exercise and train-
ing program. Overuse and overtraining
injuries continue to be huge problems.
The annual physical also can be a
place in which to discuss any other con-
cerns, such as anxiety or sleep issues.
“Sometimes it can be tough to tell
what’s bothering your child, such as
anxiety with school, or what may be a
$99
during screenings. That means that a child
may pass a vision screening because they
are able to see the board, but they may not
even be able to see the textbook in front of
them. Children’s bodies are rapidly growing
and changing. Their eyes are as well. Regu- FRAME &
lar eye exams will ensure early detection
and treatment of any problems.
And then there are their teeth. Start-
LENSES
ing the year with good oral health habits SOME EXCLUSIONS
is very important. Parents should start the MAY APPLY
school year for their children with a dental
cleaning and exam. Ask your child’s dentist
about sealants and fluoride treatments to
Call today to make
prevent decay. These treatments are easy
ways to stop cavities before they start. And
an appointment!
they can even improve your child’s perfor-
mance at school. A third of children miss 71 Grand Avenue · Englewood
school because of oral health problems.
Remember to make brushing and flossing,
201-408-4441
not only a must-do, but fun. For example, 1016 Main Avenue · Clifton
use a themed toothbrush in a favorite color
or character and play their favorite two- 973-546-5700
minute song to make sure they brush the
whole time.
njeyeandear.com
Also, give youngsters healthy snack
options not just for their waistline, but for
Coming soon to
their teeth as well. Swap out lunchbox no- 23 W. Palisade Avenue, Englewood

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018 15

 GUIDE
to Schools,
Activities, and Programs

Spring Shabbaton 2018

THE BERGEN COUNTY • Dynamic Hebrew school • Flexible preschool

HIGH SCHOOL OF JEWISH STUDIES kindergarten thru 12th grade program –
full & half day options
Engaging academic & social programs • Inclusive Youth Group Program
in an environment that supports • Enrichment programs
• Young 2’s for children who are
for 3, 4 & 5 year olds
Jewish self-discovery and lifelong Jewish identity almost 2 starting September
• Weekly Mom & Tot for
For All Jewish Teens in Grades 8 – 12 • Traditional 2’s with
the very young!
Sundays, 9:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. enrichment options

NEW & PROSPECTIVE

STUDENT ORIENTATION
Sunday, September 16, 9:30 – 12:00 p.m. Call 201-891-4466 to speak
with Hillary Posner, Director
53 S. Woodland Street, Englewood
585 Russell Ave., Wyckoff, NJ
www.bchsjs.org · 201-488-0834

16 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018


After-School Programs
After-School Programs at Kaplen JCC
on the Palisades
Taub Campus
411 E. Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-569-7900
www.jccotp.org/children
The JCC offers many after-school programs
and classes for children ages 2 on and up,
including art, STEM, cooking, swim, sports,
gymnastics, dance, drama, music, and more.
Kids Club
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Taub Campus
411 E. Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-408-1467
www.jccotp.org/Kids-club
Grades K through 6
Looking for a seamless end to your child’s
day? We provide door-to-door transporta-
tion to the JCC, English/Hebrew homework
help, and snack daily. All for less than the
cost of a babysitter! If your child is enrolled
in an after school class, we’ll escort them to
that too. Your most affordable end of the day
care option, and the one your child will love
the best. Kids Club Hours: September to June,
Mon-Thur and seasonal Fridays, after school
to 6 p.m. Contact Leron Bensoussan at 201-
408-1467 or LBensoussan@jccotp.org.
We Found Schechter.
You can too! Find out about our new International Baccalaureate World
School program and fabrication lab featuring emerging technology opening
in September 2018.
To schedule a visit, email us at admissions@ssdsbergen.org
GUIDE to Schools, Activities, and Programs
Nursery School
Gan Rina Nursery School
354 Maitland Avenue
Teaneck, NJ 07666
201-833-0458
Contact: Rue Taubes
Ages 1–4
We are a state-accredited preschool that
provides a warm, nurturing environment to
further growth, fun, and learning by focus-
ing on each child’s social, emotional, cogni-
tive, and physical development. We strive to
instill traditional Torah values such as tefila,
brachot, Shabbat, chagim, tzedaka, and midot
tovot. Our curriculum includes Hebrew im-
mersion, healthy habits for life, and specialty
programs. Summer program. Extended hours.
Please see our ad on page 23.
The Leonard & Syril Rubin
Nursery School
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Taub Campus
411 E. Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-408-1436
www.jccotp.org/nursery-school
We offer a warm, child-centered preschool
for ages 3 month– kindergarten. Our school
follows a progressive curriculum rooted in
Jewish values that empowers each child to
become a confident learner through play &
hands-on experiences. We focus on social/
emotional, cognitive, physical and language
growth. We strive to enrich each child’s
world through exposure to language arts,
science, reading and math readiness, music,
art, Judaic programming, physical education
and swimming. For convenience, the school
offers various day options including extended
7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. day program, full day and
half day. Open enrollment, space permitting.
Schedule your tour today! Contact Devin Zu-
kofsky, Early Childhood Director, at 201-408-
1430 or zukofsky@jccopt.org.
Full Day Infant Care
The Leonard & Syril Rubin
Nursery School
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Taub Campus
411 E. Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-408-1467
Going back to work after your maternity
leave? Having a hard time finding a nanny
you feel comfortable with? Prefer a more so-
cial option than having your baby at home?
The JCC’s full-day infant program is for you!
Babies enjoy our clean and bright space, a
nurturing environment, and a small teacher
to baby ratio. Care for babies, 3–12 months,
available from 7:30 am–6 pm, perfect for
busy parents! Contact Elissa at eyurowitz@
jccotp.org or 201-408-1436 to schedule a tour.
Space limited — call today! Visit jccotp.Org/
nursery.
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018
Infant Toddler Programs Kaplen JCC
on the Palisades
Taub Campus
411 E. Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-408-1436
www.jccotp.org/infant-toddler
Newborn to 2 years
The JCC offers many great class options for
babies and toddlers — from dance and mu-
sic, to sports and swim and everything in
between. A great way to meet new people
and for your child to have fun and build ap-
propriate skills. Visit jccotp.org/infant-toddler
for class schedules and details.
Temple Beth El Nursery School
221 Schraalenburgh Road
Closter, NJ 07624
201-768-2195
www.tbenv.org
Ages 18 months to 5 years
Barbara Weinberg, Director
We are a wonderful place for children to learn
and grow. We provide a safe and stimulating
environment, which promotes positive learn-
ing experiences, builds strong self-esteem,and
nurtures inherent curiosity. Jewish identity is
enhanced through celebration of Shabbat and
the holidays. Please see our ad on page 18.
17
 GUIDE to Schools, Activities, and Programs

Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley
Early Childhood Program (ECP)
87 Overlook Drive
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
201-391-8329
Email: cheryl@tepv.org
Director: Jessica Friedman
ECP Admin: Cheryl Mazen
www.tepv.org
Ages: 2–4
Pre-school for children ages 2–4, as well as
after-school enrichment programs. New ex-
tended day hours and vacation programs
available!! Our child-centered curriculum
meets the needs of each individual child and
is deeply rooted in Jewish values. Please see
our ad on page 24.
Temple Beth Rishon
585 Russell Avenue
Wyckoff, NJ 07481
201-891-4466
www.bethrishon.org
The Andrew Friedland Early Childhood
Learning Center at Temple Beth Rishon is
committed to providing a wide range of reli-
gious, educational, cultural, and social experi-
ences for young children and their families.
A passion for Jewish learning is evident in
our flourishing preschool and experienced
teaching staff. Our newly renovated state-of-
the-art education wing provides the perfect
environment for successful learning under
the guidance of our full-time director, Hill-
ary Posner. Building relationships within the
Temple Beth Rishon community is the glue,
ensuring the strength and longevity of our
temple. Our Mom & Tot is a free class open
to children less than 2 years old with a care-
giver! Beginning with a flexible 5-day per
week class for ages ranging from 2 through 5
years old, TBR is the perfect early school ex-
perience for all children whose families seek
small classes, seasoned, caring teachers, and
a focus on tradition. Please contact us at 201-
891-4466 or visit us at www.bethrishon.org.
Please see our ad on page 16.
Enrichment
Cantor Barbra Lieberstein
201-788-6653
cantorbarbra@aol.com
www.cantorbarbra.com
Cantor Barbra tutors bar/bat mitzvah can-
didates weekly in their homes in Bergen
County as well as Rockland County, NY. Les-
sons are usually 1 hour. Small group tutoring
is available as well as private tutoring. The
majority of the lesson time is spent learning
how to read in Hebrew and the prayers that
the students need to know for their special
day. The remainder of the time includes To-
rah, Jewish holidays, and what it means to be
Jewish. At the initial meeting with the parents
and students, she will discuss the books that
will be used, the prayers that will be taught,
a chesed project that relates to the student’s
Torah portion, the bar/bat mitzvah ceremony
itself along with a tutoring agreement. In
addition, Cantor Barbra will take the time
to get to know the students and learn their
interests. The bar/bat mitzvah ceremony can
be conducted at the facility of your choos-
ing. Cantor Barbra, who is compassionate and
patient, will tailor the ceremony according to
each child’s needs. Cantor Barbra is also an
officiant at bar/bat mitzvah ceremonies, baby
namings, and weddings, and she is a certified
cantor with more than 12 years of pulpit ex-
perience. Please see my ad on page 27.
EMEK
Israeli Language and Culture Program
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
411 E. Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
Grades Pre-K–Grade 10
Welcome to Emek — the only program that
brings everyday spoken Hebrew into every
child’s life in fun and creative ways. Imagine a
hands-on Hebrew educational program that
will allow your children to experience all the
wonders of Israel without having to fly there!
Well, guess what? It already exists, right here
at the JCC! Learn all about Israeli culture and
heritage, history, customs, holidays, and songs
and stories with Israeli Hebrew-speaking
teachers who specialize in teaching standard
Hebrew as a second language. The children
sing, dance, talk, bake, listen to music, learn,
and create — and absorb Hebrew at the same
time by engaging in activities that activate all
their senses. Visit jccotp.org/emek or contact
Adi Levy at alevy@jccotp.org or 201-408-1469.
Israeli Scouts
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
411 East Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
Ages 8 to 18
The Tzofim meet every Sunday at the JCC to
share in games, discussions, projects, camp-
ing trips, holiday celebrations, music, sports
and many other fun activities, including sleep
away camp experiences where they hike
and take part in scouting activities. Veteran
scouts, ages 15–18, serve as counselors for
younger members, ages 8–14. The program
is conducted in Hebrew and currently has
more than 100 members. New members are
always welcome. For more information, call
201-408-1427.
Special Needs
Berger Learning Group, LLC
31-11 Broadway
Fair Lawn, NJ 07601
201-742-5298
www.bergerlearning.com
Ages: 18 months to 16 years
BLG provides a range of Applied Behavior
Analysis (ABA) services for children with
special needs. Our ABA programs address
cognitive, social-emotional, play, and self-
help skills, as well as language/communica-
tion and behavioral challenges through a
positive behavioral approach. Please see our
ad on page 26.

HEBREW SCHOOL YOUR KIDS Temple Beth

Temple Beth El El ofof Northern
Northern Valley
Northern Valley
Valley
WILL WANT TO GO TO Temple BethNursery
Nursery
El of School
Northern Valley
School
221Nursery School
Congregation Shaarey Israel’s
Schraalenburgh Road, Closter, NJ 07624
221 Schraalenburgh Road, Closter, NJ 07624
201-768-3726
201-768-3726 www.tbenv.org/nursery-school
www.tbenv.org/nursery-school

Hebrew School is like no other!

Innovative, Tech-Centered, Hands-on learning
combined with iPad-based Hebrew instruction

“Child Centered Curriculum in Warm & Nurturing Environment”

 Boutique-style Intimate Learning Center

 Full-Day (7:30am-6pm) Programs with Before &
After Care Options
 Programs for Mommy & Me (Toddler Time)
• Students ages Our program offers one day of instruction  Fully-Equipped Classrooms, Indoor Play Space &
5-13 learn to read (Tuesday) and a second optional day of Outdoor Playground
and speak Hebrew experiential learning, and features:  Child-Centered Curriculum
at their own pace. • iPad-enhanced learning for all students  Excellent Teacher-To-Child Ratios TODDLER TIME
• We love Israel • Kid-centered Bat and Bar Mitzvah
 Superior Enrichment Programs FREE
and so will your  Day & Evening Tours Available Every Tuesday – 9:15am – 10:45am
preparation and projects, working directly
family!  Welcome families from all backgrounds while
with Rabbi Weinbach Call to register!
cultivating Jewish traditions
• Our students love • STEM Projects • Jewish and Israeli Music  FREE Temple Beth El membership included with
and understand Drama • Cooking • Video production enrollments
Jewish living • Optional Hebrew Immersion program

With so much learning and fun, ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN

your child will want to go every day! Contact us for more info
and to register:
Congregation Shaarey Israel Hebrew School Tour the facilities and
Montebello, NY Barbara Weinberg, Director
nsdir@tbenv.org meet the staff
For more information call 845-770-4191, 201-768-3726
or visit us on the web www.OurJewishLearning.com tbenv.org/nursery-school
WHERE TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION

18 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018


Child Success Center at the Kaplen
JCC on the Palisades
The Center offers on-site support services
for children, including Speech & Language
Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and individ-
ual consultations. Includes social skills groups
and parent counseling. All sessions are held
at the JCC and are open to the community.
Session fees are highly competitive. For more
information, please visit jccotp.org/csc or con-
tact us at 201-408-1439 or csc@jccotp.org.
Friendship Solutions LLC
1564 Lemoine Avenue
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
201-390-8017
friendshipsolutionsllc@gmail.com
Friendship Solutions LLC, an after-school
social skills program, has relocated to Fort
Lee, NJ. The program is for students 4 to 18
years old who, because of varying reasons,
have social skills deficits. By learning and
practicing these skills in a fun and support-
ive environment, Eileen Stauber (BCBA and
owner of the group) says, “Our students
improve their social skills as well as the
quality of their lives.” Friendship Solutions
LLC works with a wide range of students,
including those with a diagnosis of Autism,
ADHD, other disorders, and those with no
diagnosis at all. Friendship Solutions LLC,
1564 Lemoine Avenue, Fort Lee. 201-390-
8017, friendshipsolutionsllc@gmail.com.
Please see our ad on page 27.
The Guttenberg Center
for Special Services
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
411 E. Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-408-1489
www.jccotp.org
The Special Services Department at the
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades offers more than
65 weekday, Sunday, and monthly programs
for individuals with disabilities and their
families. Included are special life skills and vo-
cational programs for individuals with devel-
opmental disabilities and classes for children
and teens with autistic spectrum disorders,
and developmental, learning, and communi-
cation disorders. Mainstreaming and inclu-
sion opportunities are provided where ap-
propriate. Some activities include social skills
classes and groups, academic enrichment,
computer classes, yoga, cooking for kids,
teens, and adults, fitness training, creative
movement, music therapy, art therapy, recre-
ation and leisure activities, community trips,
Super Soccer Stars…and much more! Open
to JCC members and nonmembers. Contact
Shelley Levy at 201-408-1489 or slevy@jccotp.
org.
The Therapy Gym
205 W. Englewood Avenue
Teaneck, NJ 07666
201-357-0417
www.thetherapygym.com
The Therapy gym is a comprehensive facil-
ity offering Physical, Occupational, Speech,
Behavioral, and Aquatic therapy to children
from birth-21 years old. All of our therapists
are highly skilled and trained and really focus
on each individual child’s needs. The Therapy
Gym has a beautiful facility equipped with a
rock climbing wall, jungle gym, monkey bars,
ball pit, swings, and many more sensory and
therapeutic pieces of equipment. We are also
currently expanding our space to include ad-
ditional treatment rooms, a messy play room,
GUIDE to Schools, Activities, and Programs
ADL room, and much more. The Therapy
Gym also offers classes for kids such as Yoga,
Mommy and Me, Social Skills, and Sports
Skills. We bill insurance and verify all bene- Mariann’s
School of Dance
fits so our clients can focus on their children’s
rehabilitation. Please see our ad on page 25.
Therapeutic Nursery EASY ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THESE GREAT CLASSES:
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
411 E. Clinton Avenue Ballet • Jazz • Hip Hop • Tap
Tenafly, NJ 07670 Lyrical/Contemporary • Acrobatics
201-408-1448
Ages 3 to 6
Creative Movement • Musical Theater
www.jccotp.org Combination Classes • Boys Only Classes
The JCC Therapeutic Nursery is a unique pro- Adult Barre Fitness
gram for bright preschool children with spe-
Classes for Ages 2 ½ - Adult • Beginner to Advanced
cial needs. We serve children ages 3–6 years
PERFORMING & COMPETITIVE DANCE COMPANIES
old that have language disorders, emotional
challenges (including selective mutism),
learning disabilities, attention deficits, ADHD,
and high-functioning autism (including PDD NOW OFFERING SUNDAY
and Asperger’s Syndrome). The program is
a parent-child model and the curriculum is CLASSES FOR 2018-2019!
developmental and communication-based.
Speech-Language, Occupational, and Play
Free Trial Class
Therapy are offered as well as parent counsel-
ing and a weekly parent support group. Our
Sunday, August 26
intensive social skills curriculum prepares our To reserve your space go to Dance
students to participate successfully, as they
ready themselves to mainstream in settings
www.mariannsdance.com Birthday
at school, home, and in the larger communi-
ty. Students may enter the program anytime
Parties
during the school year with the director’s ap-
proval. Call Lois Mendelson, Ph.D. at 201-408- 49 East Midland Ave. • Paramus, NJ 07652
1498 or tn@jccotp.org. 201-261-1207
NR-0004187314-05
Social Skills Group
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
411 E. Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-408-1448
Ages 4 to 6
www.jccotp.org
This program is designed to help with social-
ization, communication, and self-regulation.
Social skills are taught in a small group set-
ting by the Therapeutic Nursery school.
Contact Lois Mendelson, PhD, Director at
201-408-1497 email TN@jccotp.org, or visit
jccotp.org/tn.
Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley
PROOF O.K. BY: _____________________________
Religious School CHAI Program O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________
87 Overlook Drive
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE
Tel: 201- 391-0801
E-Mail: Margie@tepv.org ADVERTISER: MARIANNS SCHOOL OF DANCE PROOF CREATED AT: 9/11/2017 12:18 PM
SALES
Director of Congregational PERSON: Ellen Zitis
Learning: PROOF DUE: -
Rabbi Shelley Kniaz PUBLICATION: NR-Community News North NEXT RUN DATE: 09/14/17 NR-0004187314-05
School Administrator: SIZE: 3 col X 4.88 in
Marjorie Shore
INDD
www.tepv.org
Our CHAI Program enables us to meet the
learning and social needs of all our students.
Our three specialized teachers work with our
students in small classes or one-on-one. Stu-
dents may also receive additional support for
the students’ bar/bat mitzvah preparations.
This service is available not only to mem-
bers of our own congregation, but also to
members of the community who are not af-
filiated with our congregation. The quality of
education and the results obtained have been
outstanding. The CHAI program is a benefi-
ciary of a grant from the Jewish Federation of
Northern New Jersey. Registration is required.
Please see our ad on page 24.
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018 19
 GUIDE to Schools, Activities, and Programs

87 Overlook Drive
Preschool Alternatives Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
201-391-8329
Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley Email: cheryl@tepv.org
Director: Jessica Friedman
Vacation Station @ECP (Early
ECP Admin: Cheryl Mazen
Childhood Program) www.tepv.org
At Glen Rock Jewish Center, we have so much to offer...
Our curriculum includes:
• Instruction in conversational Hebrew (Ivrit B’Ivrit)
• Prayer study, Israel education and trips
• Art, music, yoga and family educaiton
• Our “Gan” class for Kindergarteners
meets twice monthly on Sundays
We will happily accommodate students with special needs
To register and for more information about
tuition fees and curriculum, please contact
office@grjc.org or 201-652-6624.
682 Harristown Road • Glen Rock, NJ 07452
201-652-6624 • www.grjc.org
Children ages 2 to 5 enjoy a wide range of fun
activities during school breaks. Please see our
ad on page 24.
Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley
Summer Fun Camp @ ECP (Early
Childhood Program)
87 Overlook Drive
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
201-391-8329
Email: cheryl@tepv.org
Director: Jessica Friedman
ECP Admin: Cheryl Mazen
www.tepv.org
Fun during the summer vacation for children
ages 2 to 5 years old. Weekly themes and
daily specials allow children the opportunity
to have fun with friends, both outdoors and
indoors. Make your child’s summer an adven-
ture with play and learning rolled into one.
Please see our ad on page 24.
Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley
Parenting Center — Playgroup
87 Overlook Drive
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
201-391-8329
Email: cheryl@tepv.org
Director: Jessica Friedman
ECP Admin: Cheryl Mazen
www.tepv.org
Infants through 12 months & Parents Pro-
gram: Come to our FREE drop-in Playgroup.
It’s a time to enjoy your baby, connect with
other moms, and discuss relevant topics. Fri-
days, twice monthly, 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Please see our ad on page 24.
Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley
Parenting Center — Come Play
with Me
87 Overlook Drive
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
201-391-8329
Email: cheryl@tepv.org
Director: Jessica Friedman
ECP Admin: Cheryl Mazen
www.tepv.org
Toddlers 12 months through 18 months &
Parents Program
The acclaimed “Come Play With Me” offers
the best combination of experiences and
nurturing to provide the very young child a
strong foundation for learning. Using a frame-
work of discovery, the class includes circle
time, gross motor opportunities, playtime,
music, & snack. Wednesdays, 9:15 am to 10:30
am. Please see our ad on page 24.
Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley
Parenting Center — Toddlers To Be
87 Overlook Drive
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
201-391-8329
Email: cheryl@tepv.org
Director: Jessica Friedman
ECP Admin: Cheryl Mazen
www.tepv.org
Toddlers 18 months through 24 months &
Parents Program: Children will participate in

Theater Classes at

Musical T
heater
Worksho
ps
for Kids
and Teen
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Black
Box St
offers udios
year-r
omedy collab ound
Improv C p
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for Adults exper
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and MOR

BlackBoxPAC.com/Classes
200 Walraven Drive Teaneck NJ 
(201) 357-2221

20 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018 21

playtime, circle time, art experiences, snack,
story time, music, and movement. Wednes-
days, 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 10-week session:
September to December. Call for specific
dates. “Toddlers To Be” will gradually tran-
sition to become “On My Own” (a separate
class) in January. Please see our ad on page 24.
Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley
Parenting Center — Lecture Series
87 Overlook Drive
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
201-391-8329
Email: cheryl@tepv.org
Director: Jessica Friedman
ECP Admin: Cheryl Mazen
www.tepv.org
A lecture series for families with young chil-
dren, discussing a variety of topics that are
timely and informative. These talks will be
interspersed throughout the year. Call for
specific details. Please see our ad on page 24.
Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Val-
ley — Mitzvah Makers
87 Overlook Drive
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
Tel: 201- 391-0801
E-Mail: Margie@tepv.org
Director of Congregational Learning:
Rabbi Shelley Kniaz
School Administrator:
Marjorie Shore
www.tepv.org
For 3-year-olds (drop off) we offer Mitzvah
Makers, a Sunday morning group from 10 a.m.
to 11:45 a.m. Call for specific dates. It is fa-
22 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018
GUIDE to Schools, Activities, and Programs
cilitated by an early childhood professional.
The program is designed to engage and in-
still in young children the joy of Judaism, with
emphasis on Jewish Holidays. You are also
welcome to attend our very child-friendly
Early Family Shabbat service once a month
Friday at 6 p.m. Mitzvah Makers is open to
the greater Jewish community for a small $54
fee to cover snacks and supplies. Registration
is required. Please see our ad on page 24.
Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley
— Club Katan
87 Overlook Drive
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
Tel: 201- 391-0801
E-Mail: Margie@tepv.org
Director of Congregational Learning:
Rabbi Shelley Kniaz
School Administrator:
Marjorie Shore
www.tepv.org
For 4-year-olds, Club Katan is an innovative
monthly program. It focuses on Jewish obser-
vances and family customs through storytell-
ing and crafts, songs, and games. The club
meets on designated Sundays from 10 a.m.
to 11:45 a.m. You are also welcome to attend
our very child-friendly Early Family Shabbat
service once a month, Friday at 6 p.m. Club
Katan is open to the greater Jewish commu-
nity for a small $54 fee to cover snacks and
supplies. Registration is required. Please see
our ad on page 24.
The JCC Dance School
Music, Art, Dance, Theater Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Taub Campus
Black Box Studios at The Black Box 411 E. Clinton Avenue
Performing Arts Center 201-408-1495
www.jccotp.org/dance
200 Walraven Drive
The JCC Dance School offers the highest stan-
Teaneck, NJ 07666
dards of dance education in a fun, nurturing
201-357-2221
environment. Its goal is to inspire students
www.blackboxpac.com
to appreciate dance as a form of expressive
BBS/BBPAC continues to emerge as the Tri-
communication and features a professional
State area’s premiere destination for both cut-
ting-edge professional theater and collabora- staff that follows a creative and progressive
curriculum that allows students to build their
tive arts education — in the heart of Teaneck,
skills and grow as individuals with confidence
just a quick ride over the George Washington
Bridge. Heading into our 11th season as a the- and pride. Classes include ballet, jazz, tap,
hip-hop and lyrical, as well as audition prepa-
ater school and our 3rd full season of cutting-
edge Main Stage productions, Black Box was ration and musical theater dance. The school
also features a dance company that performs
founded by Artistic Director Matt Okin and is
in venues such as Six Flags, Hershey Park, and
run by the Black Box Rep. Company, a vibrant
nursing homes. Contact Allyson Carolan at
group of actor/producers from NJ and NY.
201- 408-1495 or acarolan@jccotp.org.
Black Box is proud to serve on the Teaneck
Chamber of Commerce board as chair of the
burgeoning Cultural Arts committee - seek-
JCC Thurnauer School of Music
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
ing to build up, bridge, and promote all forms
411 E. Clinton Avenue
of performance throughout Teaneck and Ber-
Tenafly, NJ 07670
gen County. Currently, Black Box is working
201-408-1465
in partnership with the Township of Teaneck
www.jccotp.org/thurnauer
to present a month-long, free Shakespeare in
The JCC Thurnauer School of Music is a vi-
the Park program, with Macbeth and Twelfth
brant music community offering private
Night currently running in rep through the
music lessons, group classes and ensembles
end of August in Teaneck and surrounding
including chorus, orchestra, and jazz. All of
towns. Please see our ad on page 20.
our classes are taught by nurturing and dis-
tinguished faculty and everyone enjoys fre-
quent performance opportunities throughout
the year. Classes begin September 24 and JCC
REGISTER NOW
HEBREW SCHOOL STARTS SUNDAY, SEPT. 16
SHUL MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED
• Creative curriculum
• Computer lab • Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation
• Family programming
• Social events/holiday celebrations
• Nurturing environment • Dedicated faculty
OPEN HOUSE SEPTEMBER 30
Come join us in our succah.
Call for details and RSVP.
JCC of Paramus/Congregation Beth Tikvah
304 East Midland Avenue, Paramus · www.jccparamus.org
Marcia Kagedan, Educational Director
201-262-7733 edudirector@jccparamus.org
 GUIDE to Schools, Activities, and Programs

membership is not required to sign up. To

schedule a tour, call 201-408-1465. Academic Enrichment/
The JCC School of Dramatic Arts Tutoring
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Taub Campus MATHNASIUM of Teaneck
411 E. Clinton Avenue 1374 Queen Anne Road
Tenafly, NJ 07670 Teaneck, NJ 07666
201-408-1492 201-862-1600
www.jccotp.org/drama www.mathnasium.com/teaneck
The JCC School of Dramatic Arts offers a Mathnasium is the area’s premier math-only
dynamic, comprehensive theater program of learning center. When math makes sense,
classes, workshops and performance oppor- kids leap way ahead — whether they started
tunities for preschoolers through adults. It is out far behind or are looking for enrichment.
designed to develop talent and imagination Mathnasium has transformed the way kids
while building confidence, self-image, and the have learned math for over a decade. Please
joy of performing. Whether you are a begin- see our ad on page 20.
ner or a seasoned professional, on stage or
backstage, the School of Theater Arts has a
class for you! Contact Allyson Carolan at 201- Schools
408-1495 or acarolan@jccotp.org.
The Abraham Joshua Heschel School
Mariann’s School of Dance
Lower and Middle School
49 East Midland Avenue 30 West End Avenue
Paramus NJ 07652 New York, NY 10023
201-261-1207 212-784-1234
www.mariannsdance.com 212-246-7717 (High School)
Established in 1982, Mariann’s School of www.heschel.org
Dance has been growing ever since with The Abraham Joshua Heschel School is an in-
the distinctive energy and spirit of its danc- dependent Jewish day school dedicated to the
ers, teachers and staff. The state of the art values that characterized Rabbi Heschel’s life:
6,000-square-foot facility has four spacious intellectual exploration, integrity, love of the
studios with hardwood and marley floors, Jewish people and tradition, and a commit-
private dressing rooms for both girls and ment to social justice. The Heschel School is

2018 FALL LEAGUE

boys, a comfortable waiting room with four
closed circuit televisions and Wi-Fi, and
ample parking. It is easily accessible from
Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway and
convenient to local shopping. The studio
teaches dance as a total art form, develop-
a pluralistic, egalitarian community that in-
cludes families from a wide range of Jewish
backgrounds, practices, and beliefs. Boys and
girls, men and women participate equally in
all aspects of the school’s religious, intellec-
2018Sundays,
FALL LEAGUE
September 9-November 18

NFL FLAG FOOTBALL

ing technical skill and discipline as well as a
tual, and communal life. Please see our ad on Sundays,
2018 FALLSeptember
LEAGUE 9-November 18
page 26.
strong sense of theater, style, musicality and
expression. Voted one of the “Top 50 Studios Academies at Gerrard Berman NFL
2018
2018FALL FLAG
FALL
Sundays, LEAGUE FOOTBALL
LEAGUE
September 9-November 18
on the Move” by Dance Teacher and Dance
Spirit magazines, the studio is committed
Day School
45 Spruce Street NFL
Sundays,FLAG
Sundays,
SeptemberFOOTBALL
September 9-November
9-November
18 18
Overpeck Park in Palisades Park
NFL
NFLFLAG
FLAG
FOOTBALL
FOOTBALL
to providing energetic, fun and high caliber Oakland, NJ 07436
training to dancers of all ages, abilities and 201-337-1111 220 Roosevelt Place, Palisades Park, NJ · Sundays ONLY
interests. Classes are offered on Sundays as www.ssnj.org
well as weekdays in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Games will take place between 12:00pm - 6:00pm
21 months to 8th grade
Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Theater Dance,
Academies at GBDS is a non-denominational
Tap, Creative Movement, Conditioning, Ac-
Jewish Day School serving families with chil-
robatics and Boys Only Classes for ages 2½
dren ages 21 months to 8th grade. Academies
to Adult, at levels from Beginner through
focus on leadership, STEAM, and Performing
Advanced. Classes are taught by a profes-
Arts. Dual curriculum with a strong empha-
sional faculty with a personal approach to
sis on love of Israel and Jewish peoplehood.
help each student reach his/her highest po-
Please see our ad on page 19.
tential. Whether students are considering a
career in dance, seeking personal fulfillment, SINAI Elementary at Joseph Kushner 6-on-66-on-6 FlagFlagFootball
Football •• Fast Paced
Fast Paced
or just want to have fun, they are encour- Hebrew Academy NonNon Contact
Contact • Boys&&Girls
• Boys Girls •• Grades
GradesK-8 K-8
aged to develop self-confidence, form lasting
friendships, and cultivate an appreciation for
110 South Orange Avenue 6-on-6 Flag Football
Official NFL Flag Football complete with
• Fast Paced
Livingston, NJ 07039
Official Official
NFL FlagNFL FootballFlag Football
complete with
the arts. In addition, the studio offers very
special Dance Birthday Parties as well as
862-437-8000 x8190
Non
6-on-6
Official
Official Contact
6-on-6
NFL Flag
NFL •
Flag Boys
Football
Jerseys
Jerseys &
FootballGirls
•
and
and ••Flag
Fast Grades
Fast
FlagPaced K-8
Paced
Belts!
Belts!
performance opportunities on a competitive
www.sinaischools.org
Grades 1–8
Non Non complete
Contact
Cost:
Contact •online
Boys
•at:
$165 with both Earlywith
Bird andOfficial
Boys & Girls
& Girls NFL
• Grades
• Grades
Sibling Discounts
K-8K-8
Available
level for the more serious student. Contact Cost: $165 withnow
both Early Bird and Sibling Discounts Available
Mariann’s School of Dance today, where danc-
Elementary-Middle School for children with
a wide range of complex learning or devel-
Register
Official
Register
NFL
Jerseys
now
Flag
online at:
Football
and
www.aiflag.com/bergencounty
Flag complete
Belts!
www.aiflag.com/bergencounty
with
ing dreams become realities. Please see our Official
Official NFL NFL Flag Flag Football
Football
No Experience Necessary – Beginners Welcome!
opmental disabilities. Inclusive, yet individu- Official NFL Jerseys and Flag Belts! completecomplete withwith
ad on page 19.
NoOfficial
Experience Cost:Necessary
$165 · Sibling Discounts
– BeginnersAvailable Welcome!
alized to fit each student’s social, emotional,
Official NFL NFL Jerseys
Jerseys and and Flag
Affiliated Flag
with Belts!
Belts!
The Performing Arts School and academic needs. Recognized for educa- Register now online at:
Cost: $165 with both Early Bird and Sibling Discounts Available
@bergenPAC tional excellence; Middle States Association Cost:Cost:
$165$165
with with
bothboth
EarlyEarly
Bird Bird
and Sibling
and Sibling
Discounts
Discounts
Affiliated with Available
Available
1 Depot Square of Colleges and Schools accreditation. Please Register
Register
Register now online at: www.aiflag.com/bergencounty
www.aiflag.com/bergencounty
nownowonline
online
at: www.aiflag.com/bergencounty
at: www.aiflag.com/bergencounty
see our ad on page 9. Call: (201) 417-5729
Englewood, NJ 07631
www.aiflag.com • Jeffb@aiflag.org
201-482-8194
SINAI Elementary School at NoExperience
NoNo Experience
Experience Necessary
Follow us on FB at #AIFLNJ77
NecessaryNecessary –– Beginners
Beginners
– Beginners
Call: (201) 417-5729 Welcome!
Welcome!
Welcome!
bergenpac.org/education
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey,
Ages 3 months to 21 years
including the Riva Blatt Weinstein Follow us on FB at #AIFLNJ77 www.aiflag.com •Affiliated
AffiliatedJeffb@aiflag.org
with with
Music, recording, dance, and theater classes Affiliated with
are offered for all ages and abilities, as well as Judaic Studies Program
private lessons. Students have the unique op- 666 Kinderkamack Road
River Edge, NJ 07661
Call:Call:
(201)(201)
417-5729
417-5729
portunity to train with professional teaching
201-262-4202
Call: (201) 417-5729
artists and perform on the bergenPAC stage.
Please see our ad on page 21. www.sinaischools.org
Follow Follow
us on FB
usat
on#AIFLNJ77
FB at #AIFLNJ77 www.aiflag.com
www.aiflag.com • Jeffb@aiflag.org
• Jeffb@aiflag.org
www.aiflag.com • Jeffb@aiflag.org
Grades: 1–8
Follow us on FB at #AIFLNJ77
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018 23
 GUIDE to Schools, Activities, and Programs

• Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Elementary-Middle School for children with Functional academic high school program paring them for adult life. Offers a functional Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen

a wide range of complex learning or devel-
opmental disabilities. Inclusive, yet individu-
alized to fit each student’s social, emotional,
and academic needs. Recognized for educa-
tional excellence; Middle States Association
of Colleges and Schools accreditation. Please
see our ad on page 9.
SINAI Schools Rabbi Mark and Linda
Karasick Shalem High School at Torah
preparing girls with developmental disabili-
ties for rich and productive adult lives. Inte-
grates pragmatic Judaic and secular curricula
with community awareness and vocational
studies. Inclusive, yet individualized to fit
each student’s social, emotional, and aca-
demic needs. Please see our ad on page 9.
SINAI’s Maor High School at Rae
Kushner Yeshiva High School, includ-
Youn
academic program that integrates pragmatic County (SSDS) is the first Jewish day school
Judaic and secular curricula with community in the tristate area to be an internationally
awareness and vocational studies. Please see authorized International Baccalaureate (IB)
our ad on page 9. World School and the first in the nation
to tailor this gold-standard educational
SINAI Elementary at SAR Academy framework to our Judaic studies curricu-
655 W 254th Street lum, creating a uniquely Jewish experience
Bronx, NY 10471 for our students to connect their Jewish
855-328-9389 x123 learning to the world around them and
www.sinaischools.org to turn their learning into action. Now in

Early
Academy of Bergen County ing the William Solomon Judaic Grades: 1–8 its 44th year, SSDS is the only Jewish day
1600 Queen Anne Road Studies Program Currently in its inaugural year, in the 2018-19 school in Bergen County to be accred-
Teaneck, NJ 07666 110 South Orange Avenue year, SINAI at SAR serves children ages 6-9 ited by both the New Jersey Association
201-862-0032 Livingston, NJ 07039 who have a wide range of complex learning of Independent Schools (NJAIS) and the
www.sinaischools.org 862-437-8000 x 8190 challenges and/or developmental disabilities. Middle States Association. Together with
Grades: 9 – 12 www.sinaischools.org The school will expand to add higher grades in Schechter’s new IB status, the expansion

e you to call or E-mail

Functional academic high school program Grades: 9 – 12 each year of its operation, ultimately serving of our STEAM (science, technology, engi-
preparing boys with developmental dis- Academically rigorous program for high children in grades 1-8. Following our inclusive neering, arts and math), Design Thinking,
abilities for rich and productive adult lives. schoolers with academic/social challenges. In- “school within a school” model, SINAI operates and highly anticipated Fall 2018 opening

Relig
Integrates pragmatic Judaic and secular cur- clusive, yet individualized to fit each student’s in partnership with SAR Academy, providing of the Popkin Innovation Lab, Schechter
ricula with community awareness and voca- social, emotional, and academic needs. Rec- the academic support SINAI’s special education nurtures its students to be globally minded

hard Tannenbaum,
tional studies. Inclusive, yet individualized
to fit each student’s social, emotional, and
academic needs. 18-21-year-olds move on to
our Shalem High School at Heichal HaTorah.
Please see our ad on page 9.
ognized for educational excellence; Middle
States Association of Colleges and Schools
accreditation. Please see our ad on page 9.
SINAI’s Rabbi Mark and Linda
Karasick Shalem High School at
students need, and working together with SAR
to create an inclusive educational experience
for the students of both schools. SINAI stu-
dents are part of the SAR community — sharing
the playground, lunchroom, and even classes
with SAR students when appropriate, and rid-
future Jewish leaders and life-long learn-
ers through an inquiry-based educational
approach. Our students learn to apply the
integrated concepts they learn across all
subject areas, and use their minds, hands,
and hearts to solve real-world problems

xecutive Director at
SINAI’s Rabbi Mark and Linda Heichal HaTorah ing the same buses as their brothers and sisters as they grow in and beyond the classroom.

Karasick Shalem High School at
Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School
1650 Palisade Avenue
Adul
70 Sterling Place to school. Please see our ad on page 9. Beginning with our youngest, students first
engage in child-driven play in imaginative
Teaneck, NJ 07666 Solomon Schechter Day School
classroom environments, and are guided by
201-335-0633 x4

ung Family orMembership

Teaneck, NJ 07666 of Bergen County award-winning educators along a path that

01-391-0801
www.sinaischools.org
201-833-4307 x 249 Ages: 18–21 275 McKinley Avenue will lead them to the knowledge, critical
www.sinaischools.org New Milford, N.J. 07646 thinking, strong moral compass, and hands-
High school for boys ages 18-21 who have
Ages: 14–21 201-262-9898 ext. 203 on tools to dream, build, test, fail, and try
developmental disabilities, focusing on pre-
www.ssdsbergen.org again with the goal of performing Tikkun

pv.org with any questions.

rly Childhood Program
BEGINS AT BEGINS AT
OJC RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
ELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Sister
 Affordable Tuition
uition  Midweek Classes Only
TempleEmanuel
Temple Emanuelofof
thethe Pascack
Pascack Valley
Valley • Woodcliff
• Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Lake, NJ

sses Only
SOMETHING
Men’s
 Kindergarten through High School

igious
anuel of the School
n through High School
Pascack Valley
 Located on the Bergen/Rockland Border

he Bergen/RocklandCALL FOR A TOUR: 845-359-5920 ext. 110

Border
Sandy Borowsky, MS.Ed - Education Director FOR
TOUR: 845-359-5920
Overlook Drive
110 ext.
EVERYBODY!
Young Family Membership
ORANGETOWN JEWISH CENTER
wsky, MS.Ed - EducationOJC DirectorIS THE PLACE TO BE! Young Family Membership

ult Education Keru

• Affordable
Rabbi Craig Scheff · Rabbi Paula Mack Drill · Rabbi Ami Hersh
Tuition Early Childhood Program
8 Independence Avenue · Orangeburg, NY 10962 · www.theojc.org Please call or email
We invite you to call or E-mail Early Childhood Program
GETOWN JEWISH • Midweek Classes CENTER Only
An Egalitarian Conservative Congregation serving Rockland and Bergen Counties
Jessica Friedman Young
Religious Family
School Membership

dcliff Lake, NJ 07677

WeRichard Tannenbaum,
invite you to call or E-mail
g Scheff · Rabbi Paula•Mack
Kindergarten throughHersh High School ECP Director
ourRichard
Executive Director at Religious School
Drill · Rabbi Ami Tannenbaum, Early Childhood Program
Adult Education

to Int
nce Avenue · Orangeburg, NY 10962
• Located on BEGINS · www.theojc.org 201-391-8329
201-391-0801 or
the Bergen/Rockland AT Border our Executive Director at Adult Education
nservative Congregation serving Rockland and Bergen Counties jfriedman@tepv.org
execdir@tepv.org with any questions.
201-391-0801 or New Extended
Sisterhood Hours
OJC RELIGIOUS
• Scholarships Available SCHOOL

l: 201-391-0801
Margie
execdir@tepv.org Shore
with any questions. Vacation
Club Programs

terhood
BEGINS
• Inclusive for Children with AT Special Needs Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley Men’s Sisterhood
OJC RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Religious87School Administrator
Overlook Drive
 Affordable Tuition Religious
Keruv-Reaching School
Out
Free Kindergarten Temple 201-391-0801
Emanuel
Woodcliff of the
Lake, Pascack Valley
NJ 07677 Men’s Club
to Interfaith Families
 Midweek Classes
 Affordable Only
Tuition margie@tepv.org
87 201-391-0801
Overlook Drive
Diversified, Judaic, Innovative, tel:
Adult Education
Keruv-Reaching
Community Out

www.tepv.org C
 Midweek Classes Only www.tepv.org
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 Creating
 Kindergarten
Experiential Learning andHigh
through School Activities
Extracurricular Temple Emanuel
tel: 201-391-0801
to Interfaith
Sisterhood
Families
Inspiring Commitment
 Kindergarten through High School
 Weekly musical
Located t’fillotBergen/Rockland
on the with Amichai, our newBorder
musical director of the Pascack Valley
www.tepv.org Creating Community

n’s Club
 Located on the Bergen/Rockland Border 87 Overlook Drive Men’s Club
Inspiring Commitment
845-359-5920
CALLCALL
FORFOR
A TOUR: 110 110
A TOUR: 845-359-5920 ext.ext.

In
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
SandySandy
Borowsky, MS.Ed
Borowsky, MS.Ed - Education
Education Director
Director
TEPV Ad.indd 1
tel: 201-391-0801 Reaching Out to 10/31/14 2:01 PM
www.tepv.org Interfaith Families
ORANGETOWN JEWISH CENTER TEPV Ad.indd
ORANGETOWN JEWISH CENTER
Rabbi Craig Scheff · Rabbi Paula Mack Drill · Rabbi Ami Hersh
1
NEW selection of High Holiday Services to attend:
10/31/14 2:01 PM

Rabbi Craig ScheffAvenue

· Rabbi Paula Mack Drill· ·www.theojc.org
Rabbi Ami Hersh

ruv-Reaching Out
8 Independence · Orangeburg, NY 10962
An Egalitarian Conservative
8 Independence AvenueCongregation serving NY
· Orangeburg, Rockland
10962and·Bergen Counties
www.theojc.org Traditional, Contemporary, or Young Family Service
An Egalitarian Conservative Congregation serving Rockland and Bergen Counties
24 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018

Interfaith Families

Olam, repairing the world. We also
offer Suzuki violin and chess, musical
theater, an organic teaching garden,
a Zeiss microscopy lab, and a digital
media center for Holocaust studies.
Exciting after-school activities and
extended day care are offered. Contact
Charlotte Carter in our admissions
office at 201-262-9898, ext. 203, or
visit our website at www.ssdsbergen.
org for more information. Please see
our ad on page 17.
Religious Schools
Congregation Adas Emuno
Religious School
254 Broad Avenue
Leonia, NJ 07605
201-592-1712
www.adasschool@gmail.com
Grades: Kindergarten through confir-
mation
Our religious school provides a welcom-
ing and inclusive environment for chil-
dren to experience the study of Judaica
and Hebrew in the context of a Reform
Jewish education. Our Rabbi, Cantor,
and teaching staff bring a high level of
commitment and enthusiasm each Sun-
day morning during the school year and
our parents provide support through
their participation in special program-
ming and events. Registration is ongo-
ing. Contact Cantor Sandy Horowitz,
Religious School Director. Please see our
ad on page 27.
The Bergen County High School
of Jewish Studies
475 Grove Street
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201-488-0834
Sunday Phone Number: 201-410-9105
www.bchsjs.org
Our children love being Jewish!
Come join us, call today (845) 357-2430
Montebello Jewish Center
A vibrant Conservative Egalitarian community
Montebello Jewish Center Religious School
Fun and interactive programs
Warm and caring teachers
Individualized, differentiated and experiential learning
New member incentives
FREE PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN AVAILABLE
34 Montebello Road
www.Montebellojc.org / 845-357-2430
Rabbi Joshua S. Finkelstein Cantor Michelle Rubin Harriet Spevack, President
GUIDE to Schools, Activities, and Programs
Ages 12–18/Grades 8–12
BCHSJS is a weekly academic and so-
cial program for all Jewish teens. Each
Sunday session includes three elective
courses and a bagel break, with op-
portunities for community service, col-
lege course credit, and letters. Frequent
school trips and overnights help foster
lifelong friendships. Please see our ad
on page 16.
Congregation Shaarey Israel
Hebrew School
18 Montebello Road
Montebello, NY 10901
www.ourjewishlearning.com
Ages 5 through 12
Rabbi Elchanan Weinbach,
Educational Director
The Hebrew School at Shaarey Israel in
Montebello is dedicated to enriching the
lives of Jewish children through mean-
ingful Jewish learning experiences, and
strives to foster a love and connection to
Judaism that will last a lifetime. Our “ex-
periential learning” curriculum is engag-
ing, rewarding, and fun, and is designed
to meet the needs of all children. Small
groups and individualized attention al-
lows us to cater to your children’s learn-
ing style and thereby maximize their
learning potential. All of our students
use iPads provided by the school to
make learning more engaging and dif-
ferentiated. Most importantly, we want
each child to “want to be here” and love
receiving a Jewish education. Our class-
rooms are warm and welcoming, and
informal spaces are furnished with ta-
bles and area rugs instead of desks. Our
two core curriculum areas are Hebrew
language and Jewish values. In addition,
enrichment activities include music,
fine arts, filmmaking, creative dramat-
ics, cooking, and Israel studies. We have
learning centers for arts and Hebrew lit-
eracy. For more information, please call
Identity. Community. Knowledge.
Montebello Jewish Center
Montebello, NY 10901
FALL PROGRAMS AT
Rabbi Weinbach at 845-770-4191. Please
see our ad on page 18. THE THERAPY GYM
Glen Rock Jewish Center
Hebrew School
682 Harristown Road
Glen Rock, NJ 07452
201-652-6624 (phone)
201-652-6628 (fax)
www.grjc.org
Grades: Kindergarten
through 7th grade
Number of students enrolled: 125
Contact: office@grjc.org
Glen Rock Jewish Center is now regis-
tering for Hebrew School for Septem- Aquatic Therapy
ber 2017. Classes from kindergarten SUMMER Physical PROGRAMS
Therapy • AT Occupational Therapy
through grade 7. Our curriculum in- THE THERAPY GYM
Speech Therapy • Behavioral Therapy
cludes instruction in conversational He- PT, OT, Speech, and Behavioral Therapy
brew (Ivrit B’Ivrit), prayers, Israel, trips Social Skills Classes • Mommy and Me Classes
and special programs along with music Yoga and Art Classes
and family education to enrich our stu-
dents’ experiences. We also offer music, WE BILL INSURANCE FOR YOU
library, art, cooking, yoga and more. The
205 W. Englewood Ave
class meets on Sundays from 9:30 to 11
a.m. Students are involved in all Hebrew Teaneck, NJ
School activities, including Jewish cus-
201-357-0417
toms and celebrations (including bar/
bat mitzvah), music, library and more. 205 West Englewoodwww.thetherapygym.com
Ave • Teaneck, NJ
www.thetherapygym.com
Please see our ad on page 20.
Please call 201-357-0417
or email ellie@thetherapygym.com
Jewish Community Center of
Paramus/
Put Your Child
Congregation Beth Tikvah
304 East Midland Avenue
in the Picture
Paramus, NJ 07652
201-262-7733
edudirector@jccparamus.org
Ages 4–13
Award-winning Hebrew School offers
educational opportunities for children
aged 4–13. Our Sunday School offers
classes for pre-kindergarten through
3rd grade students. 4th–7th grades at-
tend on Sundays and Tuesdays. Use of
our computer lab enhances the stu-
dents’ Hebrew proficiency. Individual
Join us at Temple Emeth Religious
School. Give the gift of a wonderful
Reform Jewish education for K-12,
created by our own inspiring religious
school director, Dora Geld Friedman.
First-year tuition is FREE for most
new students—then included with your
voluntary commitment membership.
TEMPLE EMETH
1666 Windsor Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666
www.emeth.org • 201-833-8466
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018 25
 GUIDE to Schools, Activities, and Programs

tutoring is available. The Hebrew School
curriculum includes prayer, Bible studies, Is-
rael and Holocaust studies, Jewish values, and
holiday appreciation and celebration. This is
all geared to strengthening the children’s Jew-
ish identity and connection to the community
here and in Israel. Family programs engage
parents in learning alongside their children.
Trips and special activities round out the
school year! The Hebrew School, along with
the Cantor, prepares the children for a bar/
bat mitzvah that can be celebrated in either
a traditional or egalitarian setting. A free
monthly program, Sunday Specials, is offered
for children ages 4 to 7 as well as a four-week
Taste of Hebrew School mini -session for this
same age group in the spring term. Please see
our ad on 22.
Jewish Youth Encounter Program
1600 Queen Anne Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666
201-833-JYEP (5937)
www.JYEP.org
Grades 3–7
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services
• play & social skills
• cognitive skills
• language/communication
• behavior: tantrums, eating, toileting
The JYEP is a pre-bar/bat mitzvah Hebrew Temple Emeth Religious School provides a
school for children in grades 3 – 7, which, in rich learning environment that flows with the
addition to the traditional classroom instruc- Jewish calendar. Join us! Tuition is FREE for
tion of Bible and holidays by young and vi- first-year students in K-2, then free for mem-
brant teachers, matches each child with a bers with your voluntary commitment. Our
tutor/mentor. Our JYEP staff, directed by Dr. Reform Jewish curriculum, created by our
Debby Rapps, is committed to creating an inspiring religious school director, Dora Geld
environment where each child is individu- Friedman, and our innovative Rabbi Steven
ally nurtured to his or her own strength in Sirbu, fosters strong and loving relationships
a warm, creative, meaningful and stimulating between students, families, faculty, and cler-
environment. We offer bar and bat mitzvah gy. The program builds a lasting foundation
training in the higher grades, where each child in Jewish texts, history, ethics, culture, Israel,
is mentored individually by a Big Brother/Sis- Torah, and religious worship. For teens, we
ter regardless of the level at which they enter. offer the engaging Emeth Teen Community,
Please see our ad on page 16. with ETC Mitzvah and ETC on the Road. This
year, we are introducing an exciting new mu-
Temple Emeth Religious School sic program, Music and Mitzvah, led by our
and Emeth Teen Community own Cantor Ellen Tilem. Please see our ad on
1666 Windsor Road page 25.
Teaneck, NJ 07666
201-833-8466 Montebello Jewish Center
www.emeth.org Religious School
Grades/Ages Served: K–7, 8–12 34 Montebello Rd
Number of students enrolled: 55 Montebello, NY 10901
Contact person: Dora Geld Friedman, Phone: 845-357-2430 x103
Barbara Shater Fax: 845-357-1043
BShater@emeth.org Email: Cantor@montbellojc.org
Website: www.montebellojc.org
Education Director: Cantor Michelle Rubin
Grades served: Pre-K–12th
Our Religious School provides our students
for children with autism, 8 Independence Avenue
with a nurturing and enjoyable school envi- Orangeburg, NY 10962
developmental delays
ronment, which fosters an enthusiasm and 845-359-5920, ext. 110
and behavioral challenges
love for Judaism and a commitment to life- www.theojc.org
long Jewish living and learning. We are dedi- Kindergarten through high school
Diane Berger, MA, BCBA, Director cated to educating our 4/3/14
0003662844-01_0003563833-01 youth to2:49
be knowl-
PM Page Orangetown
1 Jewish Center, a vibrant con-
(201) 742-5298
edgeable, responsible, and participatory
Jews. Our goal is for all of our students to feel
comfortable walking into any synagogue or
Jewish environment, having gained at MJC a
strong Jewish identity, Judaic literacy, knowl-
edge of Tefillah, and, most importantly, a love
of Judaism. We work to help our students to
understand and appreciate the importance of
assuming meaningful roles in the Jewish com-
munity and to apply Jewish ethics, values and
traditions to everyday life. Our curriculum
is geared toward fluency in Hebrew reading
as well as comfort and familiarity with the
Siddur (prayerbook), synagogue rituals, and
a basic understanding of our prayers. Our
students gain a strong Jewish identity as they
develop an understanding and appreciation
for the holidays, Shabbat, Israel, history, and
Jewish values. Students learn in a warm and
embracing environment through experien-
tial and individualized learning, classroom
work, family programs, a monthly Shabbat
school and more! We strive to create an en-
vironment that is inspiring and prepares our
children with the essential values, ideals, and
traditions for practicing Judaism in our ever-
changing world. Please see our ad on page 25.
Orangetown Jewish Center
Religious School

Email: info@bergerlearning.com For more information, please visit

31-11 Broadway · Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 www.bergerlearning.com 3
C
Celebrating our 32nd Anniversary!! 5
Gymnastics A Unique Children’s Bookstore 4
P
and Fitness Extensive Selection of Children’s Books R
10 mo
months to 12 years

YO
UR
Register
Regis Now Ask about our Guided Reading Section
E
TE
for Grades K-6
RV
SE
RE IVA Y
PR THDA
BIR ARTY Fall Classes T
a
P DAY
TO Begin September 12th i

NEW ONLINE REGISTRATION - PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE

401 Market Street - Nanuet, NY
(845) 623-2553 • www.Tumble-Beegymnastics.com
Voted “Best Children’s Bookstore”
• Gift certificates

The Heschel School

Follow us • Free gift
on Facebook for wrapping
author events
and story times!
• Knowledgeable
OPENING MINDS, BRIDGING DIFFERENCES, LIVING JEWISH VALUES. staff
Ariela Dubler, Head of School NURSERY - 12TH GRADE • Joint programs
High School Open House Dates: Open with schools
Wednesday, October 17 | Tuesday, November 13
To RSVP contact Iris Klein, Co-Director of Admissions
Sundays and libraries
iriskl@heschel.org 10-3
Early Childhood and Lower School Tours:
Contact Erica Panush, Co-Director of Admissions ericap@heschel.org
229 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ | 201-444-1918
212.784.1234 www.heschel.org www.thecuriousreaderbooks.com
30 West End Avenue, New York, New York 10023 Tuesday-Friday 10-6, Saturday 9-6, Sunday 10-3

26 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018

 GUIDE to Schools, Activities, and Programs

servative synagogue located on the Bergen/Rockland border, Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley features basketball classes led by CMEK coaches and tennis
is accepting enrollment for our exciting Religious School. Religious School offered by Stavri Tennis Academy. Contact Keri Thoren at 201-
Programs available from kindergarten through bar/bat mitz- 87 Overlook Drive 408-1476 or kthoren@jccotp.org.
vah, with an innovative middle school curriculum and active Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
award-winning social and educational high school program- Bounce U
Tel: 201- 391-0801
ming. Mid-week classes only, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Special E-Mail: Margie@tepv.org TheNOW
UltimateCELEBRATING
Party and Play Experience25 YEARS!
needs accommodations and resources offered. Free Kinder- Director of Congregational Learning: 70 Eisenhower Drive
garten. For more information, please contact our educational Rabbi Shelley Kniaz Paramus, NJ 07652
director, Sandra Peck-Borowsky, and visit our website. Please 201-843-5880

G
School Administrator: Marjorie Shore
see our ad on page 24. www.tepv.org www.bounceU.com/paramus
Grades K–7. 150 Clearbrook Road
Temple Beth Rishon Elmsford, NY 10523 Infants · Toddlers · Pre-K
Two hundred children from the Pascack and Saddle River Val-
585 Russell Avenue 914-874-5200 4 Extended Hours
leys and Rockland County attend the Religious School. The www.BounceU.com/elmsford-ny
Wyckoff, NJ 07481 classes are for kids in kindergarten through seventh grade. 4 Reasonably Priced
201-891-4466 424 Market St.
www.bethrishon.org
The students learn using digital tools such as tablets, smart
boards, and online classes with teachers in Israel. There are
Nanuet, NY 10952 4 Dynamic Curriculum
4 Creative Art, Music and
to Scho
Temple Beth Rishon is committed to providing our members
of all ages with a wide range of religious, educational, cultural,
hands-on programs, with visits to the local supermarket to
845-623-5400
www.bounceU.com/nanuet-ny Gymnastics Sessions a
learn about keeping kosher, trips to the local assisted living Preschool to adults 4 Certified Teachers
and social experiences. A passion for Jewish learning is evident homes to entertain the residents, and fun in the synagogue
in our flourishing preschool, religious school, and adult edu- Now with three locations, in Paramus, NJ, Elmsford, NY,
kitchen, where kids learn to make foods for all the Jewish holi- NOW REGISTERING FOR FALL 2014
cation programs. Our newly renovated state-of-the-art edu- and Nanuet, NY, Bounce U is a party place for families and make new fri
days. There are Shabbat and Holiday celebrations, meaningful
cation wing provides the perfect environment for successful friends toFOUR
shareLOCATIONS
memories that TO SERVE YOU BETTER!
will last a lifetime. All parties Open Monday
family programs, and youth group activities. Please see our 225 Edgewater Rd, Cliffside Park 555 Palisade Ave, Cliffside Park
learning. Our adult programs offer meaningful opportunities and events completelyprivate
(201) 945-0234
for you and your guests. 2 Gi-
(201) 945-0266
ness and weig
ad on page 24.
for Jewish living, life-long learning, thoughtful discussion and ant19bounce stadiums. 12
Emerson Plaza East, Emerson
incredible inflatables. Plus the new
5 Legion Dr, Cresskill
their fitness go
leadership. We enjoy observing holidays together at Temple Beam 30 (201)
game-floor
634-8622 attraction. Cosmic(201)
Bounce-Glow
569-9112 parties.
Check out our open bounce and preschool play date schedule Bounce U of P
Beth Rishon, which include celebrations ranging from festival
meals to candle-lighting ceremonies to carnivals to national
Sports & Athletics on line. Kosher available. Please see our ad on page 3. The Ultimate Pa
70 Eisenhower
Israeli holidays. Building relationships within the Temple Beth
Rishon community is the glue, ensuring the strength and lon-
After-School Swim at the Kaplen JCC Tumble-Bee Gymnastics Paramus, NJ 07
on the Palisades 401 Market Street 201-843-5880
gevity of our temple. Please contact us at 201-891-4466 or visit www.BounceU.c
us at www.bethrishon.org. Please see our ad on page 16. Taub Campus Nanuet Mall South
411 E. Clinton Avenue Nanuet, NY 10954 Preschool to ad
Voted #1 Best
Temple Emanu-El of Closter Tenafly, NJ 07670 LEARN TO PLAY CHESS
845-623-2553
Fun Place
180 Piermont Road, 201-408-1473 www.tumble-beegymnastics.com
One of the world’s oldest and most popular games!
www.jccotp.org/aquatics Celebrating our 31st anniversary, Bounce U is a
Closter, NJ 07676 Register before August 25th andTumble-Bee Gymnastics
save the registration of-
fee
201-750-2959 The JCC offers Water Babies and Parent/Toddler Swim Classes fers private birthday parties and programs for boys and girls, share memori
Classes start on September 2nd events comple
www.templeemanu-el.com for parents of children 6 months to age 2; Red Cross Swim ages 10 months to 12 years. Our preschool program offers ex-
See website www.icanj.net for schedule and pricing Giant bounce
Ages 5 to 13 classes for all-level swimmers beginning at age 3; a com- citing weekly lessons and theme weeks. We are the only gym
petitive swim team for children and teens ages–17, Lifeguard inAtour
thearea
ICA,since
we offer
1995private, group,
to teach and after-school
the nationally lessons.
recognized Fun the new Ligh
At Temple Emanu-El, children experience Judaism tangibly,
Training Courses for ages 15 and up, and private instruction. & Fit Gymnastics after-school programs for children master.
Students of all levels are welcome, from beginner to entering parties. Check
emotionally and intellectually. We foster a life-long connec-
Contact Kathleen Costantini at 201-408-1473 or kcostantini@ kindergartenWe host world-renowned
through sixth grade. Ourinternational
warm and well-trained date schedule
tion to Judaism and instill a sense of purpose and pride in stu-
jccotp.org.
coaches
staff will and our
teach your students
children the have
skillsqualified
that giveforthem
the confi- ad on page 3.
dents. With a well-trained, dedicated staff, full time learning World Youth Championships! With lessons 6 days
specialist and music teacher, we blend formal and informal dence in the future. Please see our ad on page 26.
After-School Athletics at The Kaplen JCC a week in two locations, scheduling is flexible. CourtSense T
learning in multi-sensory, station-based classrooms. Students Tenafly Racque
on the Palisades 185 Court Street, Teaneck, NJ · 201-833-1741
enjoy regular interaction with the clergy, and special projects 195 County Ro
Taub Campus 9-10 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ · 201-797-0330
and programs. Highlights include learning about Jewish holi- Tenafly, NJ 076
days and traditions, practicing acts of Hesed, how to pray in a 411 E. Clinton Avenue www.icanj.net · chessdirector@icanj.net
201-569-1114
synagogue service, connecting to Israel, creating Jewish friend- Tenafly, NJ 07670 Bogota Racque
ships, feeling proud of Judaism, reading Hebrew, studying To- 201-408-1476 156 West Main
rah, Mitzvot and Jewish values, and understanding Israel’s past The JCC offers a progressive curriculum where your child will Bogota, NJ 076
and present. Please see our ad on page 22. love building his/her sports skills. Classes offered in all sports, 201-489-1122
including basketball, soccer, tennis, gymnastics, volleyball, and www.courtsens
Tae Kwon Do, with private instruction available. The JCC also CourtSense is
struction, prov
professional l
down each co
Friendship Solutions, LLC Cantor ing it easier fo

Barbra
ness is incorpo
Building Social Skills nis to adult pr
One Step at a Time
Lieberstein
to enhance th
0002441714-01.qxd 10/15/08 5:09 PM Page 1 strength, coo
Social Skills Groups for Children and Teens speed and car
Ages 4- 18 Certified Cantor with cifically tailor
• Servicing those with various delays or
disorders or no diagnosis
12+ years
BAR & BAT of pulpitMAGAZINE AD
MITZVAH student. Pleas
0002441714-01
• Afternoon and evening sessions Lessons in experience
your home Ice Vault Skat
• Conversation skills • Play skills Learn to read Hebrew LIEBERSTEIN, BARBRA 10 Nevins Drive
Wayne, NJ 074
• Body language and other social cues Fri, Oct 24, 2008 973-628-1500
• Utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Group and1 cols, 2.13 x 2.50" www.icevault.co
Analysis in a fun and supportive environment Learn to All ages
private lessons
Process Free The Ice Vault
… AND SO MUCH MORE! read Hebrew in your home
Lisa Spadevecchia Public session
Eileen Stauber, BCBA/201-390-8017 skating, free-s
1564 Lemoine Avenue
Parent Paper
parties are als
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Officiant atCantor BarbraCeremonies,
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Carine
201-818-4088
Baby Namings and Weddings
___ Art Direction
Cell: 201-788-6653
Officiant for Baby Namings
_X__ E-Proof Fall Cl
e-mail: cantorbarbra@aol.com
Certified Cantor with 12+ years
www.cantorbarbra.com
of pulpit experience bergenPAC Pe
istration for t
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018 27 dance, theate
and private in
Like
___ OK AS IS us on Facebook. age ranges an
Wednesday, S
___ OK W. CHANGE to 7 p.m. For o
or education
 Gallery

In Preparation for Rosh Hashanah Athletes and Scholars Both

Valley Chabad offers Jewish education, outreach and social service program- Joseph Taub Scholar Athlete Award winners Alexandra George of Northern Valley
ming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations. Regional High School at Old Tappan and Tobias Zypman of Cresskill High School accept-
Students in Valley Chabad Hebrew School display a “Yemenite” Shofar when ing their scholarships from Barry Zeller, vice president of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
learning about Rosh Hashanah with Rabbi Yosef Orenstien. board, at the JCC’s first Sports Night of Champions Event.

Teen Leadership Launches

Valley Chabad Teen Leadership offers middle school students a
chance to engage with seniors for an afternoon of crafts and fun
is starting its new year. Pictured, Devon Nassau of Woodcliff Lake
and Alexis Ban of River Vale hold a Sukkah food art with Maricela BBQ Fun in the Sun
Learning About Israel created at last year’s Sukkot Linking Hearts gathering at the Summer camp kids at Temple Emanuel of the
Students at the Temple Beth Tikvah in Wayne congregation get Jewish Home Assisted Living. Pascack Valley enjoy a summertime barbecue in
to learn about Israel. the playground.

Day Camp Marks a Decade

Fair Lawn Jewish Day Camp celebrated its 10th with a record number of 420 campers, in addition to staff, counselors and special
activity instructors. This event was marked with a photo op with Bris Avrohom and Fair Lawn Jewish Day Camp staff.

28 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • MARCH 2018

 OurChildren
About

TopChoices SEPTEMBER 2018

Compiled by Heidi Mae Bratt

Singer Sonia De Los Santos

Serenades at Family Concert
Sonia De Los Santos sings songs from
her native Mexico in English and Spanish
along with bilingual versions of “This
Land is Your Land” and “If I Had a
Hammer” and Latin American party
tunes in a concert for 2- to 7-year-olds
at The Jewish Museum. Playing guitar,
mandolin, and jarana, Ms. De Los Santos
offers a personal, yet universal, musical
story. Featuring songs from her second Sunday, Sept. 30
family album, “¡Alegría!” (Joy), she sings 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
about her love of nature and celebrates Scheuer Auditorium
migrating butterflies, morning sunshine, The Jewish Museum
wildflowers, jumping bunnies, and birds. 1109 Fifth Avenue
Also included are songs from her debut Manhattan
album, “Mi Viaje: De Nuevo León to the 212-423-3200
New York Island,” which won the Parents’ www.thejewishmuseum.org.
Choice Foundation Gold Award.

The Russians Are Coming to the Jewish Museum

Family programming will highlight the works of Marc
Chagall, El Lissitzky, and Kazimir Malevich, part of
a new exhibition at The Jewish Museum. The exhi-
bition, “Chagall, Lissitzky, Malevich: The Russian
Avant-Garde in Vitebst, 1918-1922,” opening Sept.
14, explores the little-known chapter in the history of
modernity and Russian avant-garde. It focuses on the
People’s Art School founded by Chagall in his native
city of Vitebsk, now in Belarus. As the museum does The Jewish Museum
with other exhibitions, family programs explore differ- 1109 Fifth Avenue
ent themes inspired by the works on view. On Sunday, Manhattan
September 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. the drop-in art session 212-423-3200
for children older than 3 will use watercolors to paint www.thejewishmuseum.org.
a scene that illustrates a family story or images for
the New Year, inspired by the imagery found in the
Chagall paintings.

Dream The Dream Machine

at Liberty Science Center
Explore different emotions in this
interactive, sensory adventure. The
Dream Machine debuted at New York’s
Panorama Festival last year, but now has
a permanent home at Liberty Science
Center. In this interactive, sensory adven-
ture, you’ll use bicycle pumps to produce
combinations of colors, sounds, and Liberty Science Center
scents — some pleasant, some unpleas- Liberty State Park
ant. Explore each of the different stations 222 Jersey City Boulevard
to experience a complex range of human Jersey City
emotions, including happiness, disgust, 201-200-1000
shame, and hope. www.lsc.org.

Checkup Party At Teaneck Dentist

A party? At the dentist? Incredible! No, actual!
Teaneck Dentist, at its new location on Teaneck
Road, will host its semi-annual Check-Up Party,
where fun and giveaways are as much a part of the
experience as sitting in the dentist’s chair and open-
ing wide so the doctor can check your pearly whites.
The kids have a ball, and the experience of going to
the dentist becomes associated with a good time.
A check-up party at Teaneck Dentist offers children Sunday, Sept. 16
unexpected fun while busy parents get unparalleled 8:50 a.m. to 1 p.m.
convenience for their children’s routine dental exam- 1008 Teaneck Road
ination, cleaning, X-rays, and fluoride treatment. Teaneck
Large families can be in and out in under an hour. On 201-837-3000
hand at the upcoming event will be 56 kids, seven www.teaneckdentist.com.
hygienists, four doctors, a magician, and tons of fun.
Enough to make you smile.

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • SEPTEMBER 2018 29

 The Good Life With Kids
SEPTEMBER
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.
Saturday, August 25
Storytime at the Library: Enjoy old and new
favorites at this family storytime from 11 a.m. to
11:30 a.m. No registration required. Teaneck Public
Library, 840 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, 201-837-4171,
www.teaneck.org.
Sunday, August 26
Discussion in Fair Lawn: We invite you to join us
and meet a member of the Jewish community in
Uganda in an informal discussion setting at Fair
Lawn Jewish Center, 10-10 Norma Ave., Fair Lawn.
Discussion at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, August 29
Farmers’ Market Story & Crafts: All ages wel-
comed. Your favorite librarians will be at the
Paramus Farmers’ Market for stories and crafts.
Stories begin at 3:30 p.m. Crafts run from 2 p.m.
to 6 p.m. No registration necessary. Paramus
Farmers’ Market Petrushka Park, North Parking
Lot. Paramus. 201-599-1300.
Sunday, September 2
Youth Carnival: At Jewish Center of Teaneck,
10 a.m, to 11:30 a.m. with Youth Directors Rav
Yishai and Yiskah Klein. Come get ready for Rosh
Hashanah with songs, crafts, snacks and inflata-
bles. 70 Sterling Place, Teaneck. 201-833-0515,
www.jcot.org.
Tuesday, September 4
Movie Madness: While it’s nearly time for
school, it’s always time for a movie. Check out
“Paddington 2” from 10:30 a.m. to noon. No regis-
tration necessary. Paramus Public Library, 116 East
Century Road, Paramus. 201-599-1300, www.
paramuslibrary.org.
Wednesday, September 5
Farmers’ Market Story & Crafts: All ages wel-
comed. Your favorite librarians will be at the
Paramus Farmers’ Market for stories and crafts.
Stories begin at 3:30 p.m. Crafts run from 2 p.m.
to 6 p.m. No registration necessary. Paramus
Farmers’ Market Petrushka Park, North Parking
Lot, Paramus. 201-599-1300.
Friday, September 7
Little Artists: Drop off your toddlers and pre-
schoolers for a weekly craft. Ages 2 to 5. No reg-
istration necessary. From 11 a.m. to noon. Paramus
See Yoga with Lauren, Saturday, September 22
30 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • FEBRUARY 2018
Public Library, 116 East Century Road, Paramus.
201-599-1300, www.paramuslibrary.org.
Saturday, September 8
Storytime at the Library: Enjoy old and new
favorites at this family storytime every from 11 a.m.
to 11:30 a.m. No registration required. Teaneck
Public Library, 840 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, 201-837-
4171, www.teaneck.org.
Wednesday, September 12
F2F (Face 2 Face)/USY for 9th-12th Graders
at Temple Emanu-El of Closter: 6:00 p.m. Join
us for our enlightening and educational program
for teens, where we provide them with an outlet
for weekly community service, religious thought,
socializing, and of course dinner. Starts at 6 p.m.
For more information, contact Tammy Ween
at 201-750-9997 or ween@templeemanu-el.
com. 180 Piermont Road, Closter. 201-750-9997.
www.templeemanu-el.com.
Farmers’ Market Story & Crafts: All ages wel-
comed. Your favorite librarians will be at the
Paramus Farmers’ Market for stories and crafts.
Stories begin at 3:30 p.m. Crafts run from 2 p.m.
to 6 p.m. No registration necessary. Paramus
Farmers’ Market Petrushka Park, North Parking
Lot, Paramus. 201-599-1300.
Saturday, September 15
Storytime in at the Library: Enjoy old and new
favorites at this family storytime every Saturday at
11 to 11:30 a.m. No registration required. Teaneck
Public Library, 840 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, 201-837-
4171, www.teaneck.org.
Sunday, September 16
Opening Day Krav Maga: First day of Religious
School and Opening day Krav Maga Israeli
Self-Defense interactive event with parents and
children, as well as Back to Shul Barbecue with
bouncy house for children at the Fair Lawn Jewish
Center, 10-10 Norma Ave., Fair Lawn.
Drop-In Studio at The Jewish Museum: Explore
new themes each week in these drop-in art
workshops. This week, use watercolors to paint a
scene that illustrates a family story or images for
the New Year inspired by the playful cityscapes
and imagery found within the paintings of Marc
Chagall. 1 to 4 p.m. For ages 3 and older. 1109 Fifth
Ave., Manhattan. www.thejewishmuseum.org.
Monday, September 17
Magical Mondays: Join us on Monday
mornings for stories, an activity, and a snack
as we reveal the magic that can be found in
your favorite books. From 10 a.m. to 10:45
a.m. For children ages 2 to 5. Paramus Public
Library, 116 East Century Road, Paramus.
201-599-1300, www.paramuslibrary.org.
Dig It: Join us for an afternoon archaeologi-
cal adventure. Unique in New York City, our
simulated archaeological dig highlights
replicas from ancient to modern times in
a hands-on experience. On Archaeology
Mondays, hunt for a featured artifact.
Collect stamps in a special passport each
visit and receive a gift after your third dig
adventure. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for ages 3
to 10. The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave.,
Manhattan. www.thejewishmuseum.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 October issue:
published Sept. 21, Wednesday, Sept. 16
Farmers’ Market Story & Crafts: All ages wel-
comed. Your favorite librarians will be at the
Paramus Farmers’ Market for stories and crafts.
Stories begin at 3:30 p.m. Crafts run from 2 p.m.
to 6 p.m. No registration necessary. Paramus
Farmers’ Market, Petrushka Park, North Parking
Lot, Paramus. 201-599-1300.
International Storytime Festival: Welcome
all ages. From 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Celebrate a
panoply of cultures. Join in for stories in Spanish,
Korean, and Japanese. Make crafts and eat snacks.
No registration necessary. Paramus Public Library,
116 East Century Road, Paramus. 201-599-1300,
www.paramuslibrary.org.
Thursday, September 27
See Dig It, Monday, September 17 Welcome Autumn: Welcome the new season
with art. Come and make a bleeding tissue paper
Wednesday, autumn tree. For grades 1 through 4. 4 p.m.
September 19 to 4:45 p.m. Paramus Public Library, 116 East
Century Road, Paramus. 201-599-1300, www.
Farmers’ Market Story & Crafts: All ages wel- paramuslibrary.org.
comed. Your favorite librarians will be at the
Animal Farm: Get up close and personal with
Paramus Farmers’ Market for stories and crafts.
Stories begin at 3:30 p.m. Crafts run from 2 p.m. some interesting animals at the library’s Unique
Creatures event. From 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For
to 6 p.m. No registration necessary. Paramus
grades kindergarten through 4th grade. Charles
Farmers’ Market Petrushka Park, North Parking
E. Reid Branch, 239 West Midland Ave., Paramus.
Lot, Paramus. 201-599-1300.
201-444-4911, www.paramuslibrary.org.
Saturday, September 22 Friday, September 28
Storytime at the Library: Enjoy old and new
Picture Bingo: Play everyone’s favorite game and
favorites at this family storytime every Sturday
at 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. No registration required. win tasty prizes. All ages welcomed. No registra-
tion required. From 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Charles
Teaneck Public Library, 840 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck,
E. Reid Branch, 239 West Midland Ave., Paramus.
201-837-4171, www.teaneck.org.
201-444-4911, www.paramuslibrary.org.
Yoga with Lauren: Help your child learn basic
yoga poses through stories. Parent participation Saturday, September 29
encouraged. For children 3 to 6 years old. Register
Yoga with Lauren: Help your child learn basic
a week in advance. 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Paramus
yoga poses through stories. Parent participation
Public Library, 116 East Century Road, Paramus.
201-599-1300, www.paramuslibrary.org.
encouraged. For children 3 to 6 years old. Register
a week in advance. 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Paramus
Sunday, September 23 Public Library, 116 East Century Road, Paramus.
201-599-1300, www.paramuslibrary.org.
First Day of Religious School: Kindergarten
Storytime in at the Library: Enjoy old and new
through 5th grade Meet the Teachers Breakfast
favorites at this family storytime every Saturday
at Temple Emanu-El of Closter, 9 a.m. Questions
from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. No registration required.
or to enroll your child in Religious School, contact
Teaneck Public Library, 840 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck,
Christina Buchert at 201-750-9997 or buchert@
201-837-4171, www.teaneck.org.
templeemanu-el.com. 180 Piermont Road, Closter.
201-750-9997, www.templeemanu-el.com.
Drop-In Studio at The Jewish Museum: Explore
new themes each week in these drop-in art work-
shops from noon to 3 p.m. This week, inspired by
artwork on view in Scenes from the Collection as
well as the exhibition, Chagall, Lissitzky, Malevich:
The Russian Avant-Garde in Vitebsk, 1918-1922,
use letter stamps and drawing materials to create
a work of art that incorporates words or phrases
which are meaningful to you. Hang this special
stamped artwork in a sukkah for the holiday or
in your home. 1109 Fifth Ave., Manhattan, www.
thejewishmuseum.org.
Wednesday,
September 26
F2F (Face 2 Face)/USY for 9th-12th Graders
at Temple Emanu-El of Closter: 6:00 p.m. Join
us for our enlightening and educational program
for teens, where we provide them with an outlet
for weekly community service, religious thought,
socializing, and of course dinner. Starts at 6 p.m.
For more information, contact Tammy Ween at
201-750-9997 or ween@templeemanu-el.com. See Movie Madness, Tuesday, September 4
180 Piermont Road, Closter. 201-750-9997, www.
templeemanu-el.com.

World from page 9
vitations, and social lives. Yes, when they
are small we can help with playdates. That
stops early on, though, and then our chil-
dren need to navigate on their own. We
can try to guide them, help them recog-
nize the meaning of true friendship, and
open our homes and hearts. Ultimately
we hope that they make good choices be-
cause we have taught them well.
Guide children to help and do for
themselves. They can fulfill their needs
and requirements without expecting
parents to come to the rescue. One gym
teacher told me that I cannot imagine
the number of students who blame their
moms for not packing their sneakers.
Making Changes
If you desire to bring more independence
to your child’s life, begin with these 5 steps:
1. Communicate that you would like
to see more self-reliance. Say something
positive like, “Now that you are in middle
school, you can….” And be clear about
responsibilities.
2. Give a sense of time. Show through
clocks, watches, and phone alarms that
Basketball to Help Kids with Cancer
Heidi Mae Bratt
Jack Corrigan is taking his love
of basketball and his desire to
help youngsters and putting
it all to good use for his bar
mitzvah project.
On Saturday, September
22, from 4 to 6 p.m., Jack, his
family, and the renowned bas- Jack Corrigan
ketball coach Billy Armstrong
of Hoop Dreamz will hold a basketball
clinic at The Westwood Community Cen-
ter, 55 Jefferson Ave., in Westwood.
The entry fee of $5 will go to Go For
The Gold, a fundraiser for pediatric can-
cer. Not coincidentally, September is Pe-
diatric Cancer Awareness Month.
Jack, 13, of Oradell is the son of Heath-
er and Michael Corrigan, and the older
brother of Siena, 8. Jack will celebrate his
bar mitzvah at a party on Dec. 8 at Fac-
Sing to Your Heart’s Content
Love to sing? Check out Tzipporei Sha-
lom, the award-winning Children’s Chorus
of Congregation Beth Sholom, with Can-
tor Ronit Wolff Hanan. The chorus, now
in its 20th year, is open to all children in
first grade and older who love to sing. No
auditions. Start date is Sept. 8 at 10 a.m.
Congregation Beth Sholom, 354 Maitland
Ave., Teaneck. www.cbsteaneck.org.
OurChildren
About
children can stick to a schedule and learn
how to appropriately balance their time.
3. Acceptance: Don’t get stuck on per-
fection. Recognize efforts and then work
on bettering skills.
4. Begin with the good. If your son
dressed himself, recognize that before
mentioning that his shirt is on backwards.
Energize instead of criticize.
5. Teach solution skills. No matter the
age, you will find your child struggling with
something. Don’t rush in to fix the problem.
Instead, encourage him to find solutions.
When we cannot step back and allow
children to make mistakes or discover life’s
“
magic on their own, they lose the power to
spread their wings. As children grow, they
want to rely less on us but still be aware
INGENIOUS
of our love and inspiration. We are here to
guide, to teach, to strengthen, and to disci-
pline. We have the ability to help our sons
BUBBLE WIZARDRY.”
-THE NEW YORKER
and daughters flourish, gain independence,
and nourish their souls so that they can
make a difference in this world.
Slovie Jungreis-Wolff is a parent educator,
couples counselor, and the author of “Raising a
Child With Soul,” (St. Martin’s Press).
Ride Free on the LIRR to
Gazillion Bubble Show and Save.
Go to mta.info/lirr/getaways
Telecharge.com or 212.239.6200
For groups or birthdays call 866.642.9849
New World Stages 340 W. 50th St.
tory 220 in Passaic.
“The mit zvah project GazillionBubbleShow.com
comes from his love of bas-
ketball and his wanting to
help people,” said his mother,
PARTY
Heather. “We are very excited
about this.”
In addition to the fun
and games, said Jack, each
participant will get a pair of
“golden laces” for their bas-
ketball shoes.
When he’s not in school — he will
be attending Riverdale Middle School in
River Edge — Jack works as an actor and
model. He has appeared in various com-
mercials and movies and played the new
boy in “The Polar Express” when it played
recently in Whippany.
973-661-9368
Heidi Mae Bratt dis the editor of
About Our Children.
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 • SEPTEMBER 2018 31
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