OurChildren

About

Useful Information
for
the Next Generation
of Jewish Families

Chanukah Extravaganza
Ear Ye, Ear Ye
Lucious Healthy Latkes
Supplement to The Jewish Standard • December 2018
 C H I LT O N
MEDICAL CENTER
ONE OF THE SAFEST HOSPITALS IN THE
COUNTRY IS RIGHT HERE IN THE COMMUNITY

“A” is the highest grade given by the Leapfrog Group, an organization dedicated to
patient safety. What’s more, Chilton Medical Center was voted #1 mid-size hospital by
New Jersey doctors three years in a row. Atlantic Health System is proud to bring our
best to the communities we serve.

Source: The Leapfrog Group, a national patient safety group

To learn more visit atlantichealth.org/chilton

2 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018
! OurChildren
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DECEMBER 2018
About
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6 Chanukah Goodies 10 Managing the Meltdown FIRST
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9 Ear Ye, Ear Ye 14 Calendar

Care for children’s ears Things to do this month

10 Generation G 15 Simchas
The riding refrain Marking the milestones

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
essential information on faith, education, the arts, events, and child-raising — in short, everything that today’s Jewish fam-
ily, babies to grandparents, needs to live life to the fullest in North Jersey and Rockland County.

AdvisoryBoard
Dr. Annette Berger, Psy.D. Jane Calem Rosen
Psychologist, Teaneck Marketing and Communications Specialist
Michelle Brauntuch, MS,CCLS Barry Weissman, MD
Child Life Specialist, Englewood Hospital, Englewood Pediatrician, Hackensack and Wyckoff
Hope Eliasof Cheryl Wylen
Marriage and Family Therapist, Midland Park Director of Adult Programs and Cultural Arts
Howard Prager, DC, DACBSP YM-YWHA of North Jersey, Wayne
Holistic Chiropractor, Oakland

OurChildren
About

James L. Janoff Natalie Jay Ed Silberfarb

Publisher Advertising Director Adina Soclof
Heidi Mae Bratt Peggy Elias Contributing Writers
Editor Robin Frizzell
Deborah Herman Brenda Sutcliffe
Art Director Account Executives

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

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018 3

 musings from the editor
S
happos.
The seventh day of the week
marked the end of work and
earning money and ushered in a day of
spending. Saturday was a day I looked
forward to. It was filled with running
errands, getting facials and haircuts,
meeting friends for brunch or lunch,
seeing an afternoon indie film, and, of
course, shopping.
G r ow i n g u p, S h a b b o s wa s
semi-Shappos.
Candles were lit. There was a deli-
cious chicken dinner, with sides of pota-
to kugel and apple cake. We did have the
“no work rules” that included no cook-
ing from scratch (but reheating, okay),
no sewing, no vacuuming. But my father
went to his business that day, and my
mother went to Kings Plaza Shopping
Center, especially if she needed to return
something she’d bought at Alexander’s.
It wasn’t until much later that Shap-
pos turned into Shabbos for me.
I remember the first Sabbath I spent
with family in Detroit. I was a reporter
at one of the major newspapers. While I
was aware of my mother’s Detroit roots
4 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018
and had cousins still
in the area, I lived a
happy-go-lucky, secu-
lar, single-girl life and
didn’t really connect
with this family, who
were religiously ob-
servant. But my cousin
sought me out and in-
vited me to their home.
Of course t hey
were wonderful peo-
ple, but a visit on
Shabbos??! What was
I going to do for 25
hours? No driving. No going. No run-
ning. No shower. And all those kids!
Fuggetaboutit!!!
I did go to spend Shabbos, and still
remember the crumb chicken, cauliflow-
er kugel, and desserts served at the Fri-
day night meal. Mostly, I remember the
warmth around the table, the enjoyment
of parents and children in catching up on
the week, and the curiosity the family
had about their guest — me — the cousin
from New York who was writing for
the paper. While I enjoyed the experi-
ence and managed to So here we are, 19 years and two
be okay without the kids later.
shower, I bounded out And Shabbos is woven into our week
of there shortly after as naturally as it could be. Even more
Saturday night’s dark- than that, it is the highlight of our week.
ness fell. Recently, just within a few days, I
My journey to had a collision of reminders of where I
Shabbos may have was, where I am, and where I’m going.
started in earnest in Yehuda, who is studying this year in
a classroom at the Israel, was traveling with his roommate
Aish HaTorah center to Jerusalem to be hosted by a very au-
on the Upper West gust rabbi during Shabbos. Shaina, a very
Side. Moved by my busy high school junior, remarked that
older brother, who she was looking forward to Shabbos, so
was ill at the time, she finally could relax and just be.
I thought that learning Jewish stud- And Jeff, who brings his lunch
ies, giving up my Chicken Caesar salad to work each day, requested a menu
(with parmesan cheese), and doing some that was less prosaic and more “Shab-
charitable work on his behalf might help bos quality.”
his circumstances. There it was in triplicate. The respite
I had no idea what was in store. for body and soul. Shabbos. They get it,
When Jeff, who had come to his own and so do I.
religious observance later in life, asked
me to marry him less than a year later, I Cheers,
agreed. But in the next breath I remind-
ed him that I don’t keep Shabbos.
That’s okay, he told me. We can do
parts of Shabbos together, he said.
 Big News!
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The JCC of Northern
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • New Jersey announces
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • the opening of our new
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Early Childhood Center
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Early Childhood Center at the

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Jewish Community Center of Northern

New Jersey is a progressive preschool
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • that embraces individuality, and helps
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • lead children and families from all
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • backgrounds on a magical journey
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • of personal growth and development
— while infusing Jewish values and
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • traditions into classroom life.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Enrollment Begins
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Visit jccnnj.org/ecc to learn more
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • about the developmentally appropriate
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Jewish Community Center
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • of Northern New Jersey

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Township of Washington, NJ 07677
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018 5
 Chanukah Goodies
Compiled by Heidi Mae Bratt

Chanukah will soon light up the dark winter with its eight joyous days of celebration, staring December 2. For those
who give eight gifts to correspond to the eight nights, here are a few fun suggestions.

Great Wear for

Eight Days Plus
For workouts or just
for fun, these flattering
high-performance leg- Sock, Rattle and Roll
gings set out a stylish A pair of Star of David Rattle Socks that helps
Chanukah motif. And the the little ones develop sensory skills with sound Sweet Dream Nightgown
hair scrunchie is one that and touch. A great gift for the newest little boy Perfect for dancing into dreamtime, this long-sleeve nightgown
is also favored by one or girl. Fits newborn to one year. features sweet prints and delicate details. Available in sizes 3 to 14.
RBG, yes, Justice Ruth www.moderntribe.com www.moderntribe.com
Bader Ginsburg.
midrashmanicure.com

Chanukah for Dogs, Too

My First Xylophone
The most fun menorah ever. This xylophone menorah not only has child safe
wood candles, but it actually plays music. Includes the notes to play the classic
“Dreidel Song,” increasing the fun for kids of all ages.
www.moderntribe.com
Magical Maccabees
This Maccabees gift set includes a 9-inch Maccabee warrior
plush toy, illustrated storybook, and 3-inch custom wooden
dreidel. Lots of options for Chanukah play.
www.amazon.com
Fido would also like a gift. Dogs love to mouth and carry
Chewish Treats around while enjoying the squeaks.
Polyester plush and fill. Rubber squeaker secured in
interior. These soft toys are machine washable, dryer
friendly, and double-stitched for extra durability. Your
pup will be pleased.
www.moderntribe.com

Glasses and Staches

Fashionable and functional sunglass-mustache glasses
help celebrate Chanukah in funky style. There are nine
white candles that line up across the top.
www.moderntribe.com
Books from The Curious Reader
Books always make a great gift for Chanukah and all year long. The Curious Reader in Glen
Rock specializes in children’s and young adult books. 229 Rock Road, Glen Rock, 201-444-1918.
thecuriousreaderbooks.com

6 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018


Healthy Latkes for Chanukah?
Heidi Mae Bratt
W
e know that Chanukah is all
about the oil. But for those
who want a healthier version,
there are delicious and creative oil-free,
no-fry latkes that French-trained pastry
chef Paula Shoyer details in her “Healthy
Jewish Kitchen” (Sterling Epicure).
These oven-baked latkes are accompa-
nied with a topping of Pickled Applesauce,
a tangy twist on a favorite latke addition.
Why not give them a try this Chanu-
kah? You need not completely abandon
the classic fried latkes to enjoy. Viva la
difference!
Potato and Scallion Latkes
with Pickled Applesauce
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 to 24 minutes
Advance Prep: Latkes may be made two
days in advance and reheated in the oven or
frozen. Applesauce may be made four days
in advance
Equipment: Cutting board, knife, vegetable
brush, measuring cups and spoons, citrus
juicer, vegetable peeler, two jellyroll pans,
food processor, medium bowl, box grater,
wooden spoon, oven mitts, slotted spatula,
small saucepan with lid, immersion blender
Latkes
2 tablespoons sunflower or safflower oil,
or more if needed
K medium onion, quartered
3 scallions, ends trimmed, cut into thin
slices or chopped into small pieces
3 medium potatoes (about 1K pounds),
scrubbed clean and unpeeled
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 large eggs
K teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons potato starch
K teaspoon salt
N teaspoon black pepper
Pickled Applesauce
1 teaspoon sunflower or safflower oil
L cup red onions, chopped into
N-inch pieces
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 apples, peeled and cut into K-inch cubes
N teaspoon ground coriander
N teaspoon ground ginger
1 cinnamon stick
N teaspoon salt
Pinch black pepper
0003662844-01_0003563833-01
To make the latkes, preheat the oven to
450 degrees F. When the oven is hot,
pour 2 tablespoons of oil onto 2 jellyroll
pans and turn them so that the oil coats
the pans. Heat the pans in the oven for 5
minutes.
Place the onions and scallions in the bowl
of a food processor and chop them into
small pieces. Place them in a medium
bowl. Shred the potatoes by hand on the
large holes of a box grater or in a food pro-
cessor with the shredding blade, and place
in the bowl. Add the lemon juice, eggs,
baking powder, potato starch, salt, and
pepper and mix well.
Very carefully remove one of the pans and
use your hands or a spoon
to scoop
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ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018
OurChildren
About
drop clumps of the potato mixture, a little
less than N cup, onto the pan. Press the
mixture down to flatten it a little.
Place the pan in the oven for 10 to 12 min-
utes and immediately remove the second
oiled pan. Repeat the same process with
the remaining potato mixture and bake
the second pan of latkes for 10 to 12 min-
utes. Bake them until the edges are well
browned, and then with a slotted spatula
turn them over and cook the latkes for
another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bot-
toms are browned. May be made two days
in advance and reheated in the oven.
Meanwhile, to make the applesauce, heat
the oil in a small saucepan over medium
heat. Add the onions and cook them for 3
minutes, until they soften. Add the vinegar
and brown sugar and cook for another 3
minutes. Add the apples, coriander, gin-
ger, cinnamon stick, salt, and pepper, and
cook, covered, on low heat for 15 minutes,
or until the apples are soft. Let the mix-
ture cool for 10 minutes and then purée
it, using an immersion blender or a food
processor. May be made 4 days in advance
and served warm or cold.
Serves 6
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of
About Our Children.
3
C
5
4
P
R
T
a
i
2014-2018
Author events
and story times:
Saturday, Nov. 24 - 11 am
SMALL BUSINESS
SATURDAY
TIM MILLER
Ages 4-8
Thursday, Dec. 13 - 4 pm
SOPHIE BLACKALL
Ages 4–8
7
OurChildren
About

The Maccabeats Go On:

A Capella Group Readies for Chanukah
Heidi Mae Bratt are fathers.
How many Maccababies, children of

E
very year since 2010 when they
catapulted to fame with their “Can-
dlelight” video (with more than 14
million YouTube views to date) the Mac-
cabeats haven’t missed a Chanukah beat.
They have released a video for the Festi-
val of Lights each year, and have revved
up their engines for a whirlwind tour to
several cities during the eight-day holiday.
This year is no different.
The once Yeshiva University stu-
dents, now grown men with families and
professions of their own, the Maccabe-
ats will play several local gigs, including
being the closing act at the New Jersey
Devils game at the Prudential Center in
Newark on Monday, December 3, and a
performance at Congregation Bnei Ye-
shuran in Teaneck on Tuesday, Decem-
ber 4. In addition, they will play shows in
Westchester, Connecticut, Toronto, Palo
Alto, Calif., and New York City.
“We are always extremely grateful
and in some ways still surprised” by the
group’s popularity and longevity, said Ju-
lian Horowitz, the group’s music director.
“We don’t take any of it for granted.”
The Maccabeats consist of fourteen
members, many of whom are original
singers with the a capella group. Of the
fourteen, ten are now married, and eight
members? There are fourteen.
At press time, Mr. Horowitz declined
to detail the latest video, which was cre-
ated by video director Uri Westrich, but
shared that it was a “new twist on an
old classic. “I think it’s one of our stron-
gest recordings and we’re very proud of
this one,” Mr. Horowitz said.
The music, the message, and the har-
mony that The Maccabeats hope to con-
tinue sharing with the Jewish world and
beyond, said Mr. Horowitz, is even more
needed today than before.
“Because of the increased political
polarization, I think that creating these
nonpolitical spaces, where together we can
foster good will and harmony, is more im-
portant than ever,” Mr. Horowitz said.
He couldn’t have sung that sentiment
any better.
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of
About Our Children.

Chanukah Gift Giveaway

A Reason to Smile

Random drawing from all entries received by December 17, 2018

Tickets to
American $25 $25
Gift Card
$50
Gift Card
Gift Card
Girl from from from
Live Matisse Dougie’s Marcia’s Attic
at bergenPAC Chocolatier Bar-B-Que & Grill for Kids
Englewood Englewood Teaneck Englewood
TEANECK DENTIST

We put the Care

Chanukah
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Books from
$25
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Two Free Meals
(up to $25
total value)
into Dental Care!
The
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Ari Frohlich, DMD a Reader
Wild Birds Pancake
Sami Solaimanzadeh, DMD Bear Glen Rock
Unlimited House
1008 Teaneck Road • Teaneck Paramus Ridgewood
201.837.3000 Name __________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________
www.teaneckdentist.com Ages of Children _________________________________________ Email ___________________________________________________

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Mail to Jewish Standard, 1086 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, NJ 07666 or
Convenient Morning, Evening & Sunday Hours City/State/Zip ____________________________________________ fax to 201-833-4959 by Dec. 17.

8 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018

 OurChildren
About

When Cleaning the Ear Basic Ear Care Starts Young

Put Down That Q-Tip Heidi Mae Bratt lems for children?
The most common ear problems of chil-

C
otton swabs are good for
many things, but clean-
ing ears is not one of
them. Why? Because ears gen-
erally clean themselves.
Earwax (or cerumen) is
healthy in normal amounts and
serves as a self-cleaning agent
with protective, lubricating, and
antibacterial properties, accord-
ing to the medical experts at
Valley Medical Group.
You may be tempted to
use a cotton swab to try to
remove earwax, but that can
make things much worse. A
cotton swab can puncture the
eardrum, scrape the ear canal or
even push the wax further down
into the ear canal.
Ideally, the ear canals should
never have to be cleaned — they
usually do a good job of clean-
ing themselves and don’t require
extra care.
There are occasions when
wax buildup can cause prob-
lems. See a doctor if one or
more of the following symp-
toms develop:
• Earache, fullness in the ear
or a sensation that the ear is
plugged up
• Partial hearing loss
• Ringing or noises in the ear
• Itching odor or discharge
If the problem is not serious
but you do feel like you have a
bit of wax buildup, you can gen-
tly clean the outside of your ears
with a washcloth. You can also
try putting a few drops of baby
oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in
your ear to soften the wax.
Source: Valley Medical Group
Children’s ears are very sensitive and can be
prone to infections. So there are many basic
ways in which to care for your children’s ears,
including keeping water out of the ears when
bathing to prevent germs from going in, and
keeping Q-tips out of their ears to prevent any
damage to the eardrum.
About Our Children consulted with the
medical professionals at NJ Eye and Ear, with
offices in Englewood and Clifton, for a few
more tips. These are from Dr. Adria Burrows,
a member of their team.
1. When would it be necessary to seek an
ear specialist?
It is vital to seek an ear specialist when
you think your child cannot hear. Does your
infant respond to noise? Does your toddler
turn his/her head when you call his/her name?
If there is a hearing problem, this must be di-
agnosed and treated as soon as possible so it
does not interfere with speech and the child’s
whole perception of the world.
2. What are the most common ear prob-
dren are recurrent ear infections and hear-
ing loss. Recurrent infections can sometimes
result in hearing loss, which we always try to
avoid, so in these cases we will place tubes in
the ears to keep the canals open and thus pre-
vent hearing loss.
3. Are there any ways to prevent
ear infections?
The best way to prevent ear infections is
to keep water out of the ears. However, many
times an ear infection can be caused by an in-
fection that starts in the body, for example a
cold, which then travels to the ear.
Is there anything else you would like
to add?
Children get their ears checked routinely
by the pediatrician, but if there are special
problems with the ears, like recurrent ear in-
fections or suspected hearing loss, then the
child should immediately be referred to an
ear specialist.
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our Children.

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ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018 9

OurChildren
About
Ed Silberfarb
I
t was a 1939 Chrysler
New Yorker, one of the
last of the pre-war mod-
els, a navy blue four-door se-
dan crammed like a landing
craft with assault troops of
various ages. It was equipped
with the newest Chrysler fea-
ture, push button inside door
locks, a welcome safety de-
vice for a bursting backseat.
In the front seat was Ray,
the driver, and his wife Zena,
who had to sit up front because of a ten-
dency for car sickness. Squeezed between
them was one of the other parents, guard-
ing the vulnerable gear shift.
How to Melt the After-School Meltdown
Adina Soclof
M
y 4-year-old seems to pick fights
with me when he comes home.
Every day it’s the same thing. I
end up yelling and he ends up crying.
My 7-year-old daughter comes home
and immediately starts to whine. She
doesn’t like the snack I prepared for her
or she says she’s bored and has nothing
to do. No matter what I do she falls apart
and ends up having a tantrum.
My 6-year-old comes home and re-
fuses to do his homework, although it just
takes a few minutes. He just starts to cry.
This could go on for an hour.
Sound familiar? These children are
suffering from the after-school meltdown.
This happens with preschoolers, but it
can also happen when children start first
grade and through elementary school. It is
really hard for children to hold it together
the whole day at school. There are a lot of
rules to follow, a lot of sitting when kids
would rather be moving, challenging work
and social situations to navigate. Children
are exhausted when they come home.
They don’t know how to shift gears, they
have a lot of pent-up emotions and it all
comes out with the person who they feel
most comfortable with, you, the parent.
10 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018
Generation G
‘Are We There Yet?’
The back seat held another parent
and four children, two of whom sat on
laps. Nancy, the youngest, initiated the
trip’s excitement. She had developed a
Here is what you need to know to
navigate the after-school meltdown.
1. What your child
is really saying
Think about it, when you are tired and
have had a long day you know you need
some down time. You know what you
need to do; you know what relaxes you.
You might take cold drink, a shower, curl
up on the couch with a good book, call
a friend, take a walk, etc. Many mothers
who are coming home to a houseful of
children take a few minutes for them-
selves before they get out of their car to
just regroup and transition before they
start the dinner rush.
Children don’t know this. They don’t
understand what is happening to them.
They don’t know why they are feeling the
way that they are feeling and they don’t
know how to manage their feelings. They
are overwhelmed and out of control and
are falling apart.
When your child starts with his com-
plaints and then his tantrum he is really
saying: “I am really tired. I had to listen
to my teacher the whole day. Sometimes
I understand the rules and sometimes I
don’t. We learned a new math concept
today and I didn’t quite understand it and
technique of tweaking and Ray’s overburdened sedan was no excep-
pinching anyone within tion. The tire blowout provided a rest
reach. Inevitably one vic- stop, except for Ray and the other father
tim was the owner of the who jacked up the car, unscrewed the
lap she sat on. bolts, and struggled with the spare tire,
The car, which could imploring it to survive the trip.
hold a comfortable six, They were on the road again with
headed north with eight Nancy tweaking and pinching amid pleas
aboard. Armed with a and threats. The traffic struggled along.
precious B-ration book Soon from the back seat came the plain-
for purchasing gas, they tiff, “Are we there yet?”
crossed the George Wash- The tweaking and pinching drew
ington Bridge of sighs, and a poke and a push and a punch, then a
joined the rest of the world cry of pain, and finally a cease and desist
heading north from the command from the front seat.
grim city to lush woodland greenery. Despite open windows, the 80-degree
The traffic oozed its way along Route heat was relentless, so was the pinching
17, the street of dreams, slowed by the and tweaking and poking and pushing. At
inevitable flat tire or overheated engine. last a sign of salvation, temporary though
3
I
t
d
t
a
o
o
o
w
t
s
h
s
i
4
A
h
h
d
c
a
t
I was too embarrassed to ask for help. Eli they come home from school are so tired t
didn’t sit with me at lunch the way he and have so many kvetchy feelings inside T
usually does and seemed angry with me. of them, nothing seems right to them. Not a
I didn’t know what to do.” their snack, or any of their toys. They don’t i
As parents, we need to understand even feel like they can do their homework. D
the message behind the words. They have so many tough feelings they just c
need to cry to get them out. If that happens
2. Demystify to you, you can just let me know and we can T
Find a quiet time to talk to your child. find a place where you can go and do that. o
Make sure you are both calm. Then ex- You should just know that this happens to d
plain to them what is going on. a lot of kids, and it’s okay. I will make sure
“You know what, some kids when that you are safe. I am here for you.” c
 OurChildren
About

it may be, the Red Apple Rest. The multi-
tude from the road saw it also. Inside was
the lineup for the holy hotdog, the sacred
rest room, the cherished water faucet.
Back in the car, seating was changed
to reduce the strife, but it was like shov-
eling sand against the tide. The pinching
and tweaking, the poking and pushing,
the shrieking and screaming all brought
forth an exasperated, “Stop it or I stop the
car!” There was an uncertain hush and the
car continued on.
Up ahead were the dreaded Wurts-
boro Hills, perhaps the trip’s most formi-
dable obstacle. Traffic signals slowed the
laboring cars, and to boost Ray’s morale
came a tearful, “Are we there yet?”
Apparently not. The back seat re-
sponded with renewed chaos. There was
a stop to relieve the carsick passenger,
but no relief for the other riders until the
car eased onto the shoulder of the road
and stopped. Up ahead was the turn-off
to the side road that would take them to
their lakeside bungalow with its swim-
ming beach against a background of cool,
wooded hills. So as not to reward the back
seat, Ray waited for a moment of calm be-
fore announcing, “We’re here.”
Those were the war years. Weekend
trips to the country were barely man-
ageable but offered some relief against
news of loved ones in the killing fields
and death camps of Europe. At war’s end
came the challenge of putting together
shattered lives.
There was a call to Ray and Zina
about Europe’s refugees and one little
Jewish girl, whose parents had died and
who spent the war sheltered in a Catholic
orphanage in France. Their hearts went
out to 5-year-old Aliza, and she became
part of the family.
The Chrysler continued weekend
trips up Route 17, but the cast of char-
acters changed. A teenager was away at
college. Nancy remained on board, but
had outgrown the pinching and tweaking.
The lap on which she had sat was now
occupied by a five-year-old with a round
face and curly black hair and a fear of the
world around her. She spoke no English,
just French when she spoke at all. Instead
she abruptly screamed and cried.
Now she, not Nancy, sat on the lap of
Sandra who was able to calm her fright-
ened outbursts by singing the songs the seating arrangement until one year
learned with the Campfire Girls. A favor- the fighting mercifully ended. It was
ite was the “Eensy, Weensy Spider” that because of a new magical restraining
persisted in climbing up the waterspout device — seat belts. The only noise then
despite being washed down by the rain. from the rear was the inevitable, “Are we
The sounds of the backseat took a there yet?”
different tone, but one mantra remained
the same: “Are we there yet?” Ed Silberfarb was a reporter for the Bergen
Some 30 years later one of the ob- Record in New Jersey, then the New York Herald
streperous backseat passengers had be- Tribune, where he was City Hall bureau chief.
came a beleaguered driver herself of a Later, he was a public information officer for the
car with a tumultuous back seat. Three New York City Transit Authority and editor of
pre-teenage boys battled endlessly over one of its employee publications.
The Heschel School
OPENING MINDS, BRIDGING DIFFERENCES, LIVING JEWISH VALUES.
Ariela Dubler, Head of School NURSERY - 12TH GRADE
High School Open House Dates:
Wednesday, October 17 | Tuesday, November 13
To RSVP contact Iris Klein, Co-Director of Admissions
iriskl@heschel.org
Early Childhood and Lower School Tours:
Contact Erica Panush, Co-Director of Admissions ericap@heschel.org
212.784.1234 www.heschel.org
30 West End Avenue, New York, New York 10023

3. Use a parallel story bedroom, den, another quiet place.

If your child feels shy and uncomfortable
talking about their feelings and shuts
down, you can use a parallel story. You
tell a story about another boy the same
age who comes home from school and
often cries. You can get really creative
or it can be straightforward depending
on your personality. The points that you
want to really touch on is all the stuff
that “the boy in the story” has to do in
school that might be hard for him and
how a mother and father always under-
stand and that children can feel safe cry-
ing with their parents.
4. Teach calming strategies
After you have explained to him why he is
having these tantrums you want to teach
him how he relaxes best and how he can
do that instead of having a tantrum. You
can say, “I am here after a long day and
available if you need to cry. The best thing
to do though is to figure out some things
that can help you relax after a long day.
There are lots of ways to get your kvetchy
and tough feelings out of your body. Cry-
ing does help, but there are better ways.
Do you want to hear what some other
children do?”
You can then list a few things like:
Take a break, exercise, read a book, play
on the playground, build something,
dance, draw or paint.
You can also talk about places they
could go to calm down: A walk outside,
If you are using a parallel story you Give your child the Jewish education he or she
definitely want to mention how the child
in the story learned all the different ways deserves and the inclusive, individualized
that can help you get calm and how he SPECIAL EDUCATION
found one that worked best for him.
that only SINAI can provide.
5. More ideas
Many parents have found that they can
create a “calming box,” a variety of ob-
jects that they can use to help the child
calm down. The box can include a stress
ball, sensory glitter bottle, gum, draw-
ing books and crayons, playdough, and
bubbles. Many classroom teachers have
created a calm-down space, which can be
recreated at home.
The calm-down area can be a tent, a
big oversized pillow, or a beanbag chair.
You can also add an exercise ball, silly
putty/playdough, books, earphones, and
a music player.
Children need compassion and un-
derstanding when they come home. They
need to learn skills on how to manage all SPECIAL EDUCATION
their rough feelings. Understanding why integrated within
they act the way they do, demystifying
their behavior for them, teaching them Jewish day schools
calming strategies can all help.
Ordinary Moments Made Extraordinary!
Adina Soclof is a parent educator, professional
development instructor and speech pathologist. WE SERVE CHILDREN WITH A WIDE RANGE OF DEVELOPMENTAL,
She is the founder of parentingsimply.com and INTELLECTUAL, AND COMPLEX LEARNING DISABILITIES.
is available for speaking engagements. asoclof@ Elementary, Middle, and High Schools
parentingsimply.com.
www.sinaischools.org • 201-833-1134

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018 11


Hearts that Reach Out to One Another
Valley Chabad’s Linking Hearts Teen group works with
seniors in many ways, including decorating mezuzahs and
making visits. The group has been visiting seniors in River
Vale for the last seven years. Linking Hearts is open to all
Jewish middle school teenagers.
Spreading the Light When They Can
Tenafly Chabad Academy Middle School students
worked on a chesed project in response to the devastat-
ing tragedy recently in Pittsburgh. They discussed how
it was a dark moment for the Jewish people and the
world at large. The students packed Shabbat candles to
distribute to families.
Young Leaders at Temple Beth Tikvah services
Seventh-grade students from Temple Beth Tikvah in Wayne leading Shabbat service
with Rabbi Meeka Simerly and principal Paul Rindner.
12 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018
Gallery
Teens Say iCAN and They Do
More than 40 teens from 15 area public and private high schools attended the Jewish Federation
of Northern NJ’s first iCAN Task Force meeting. The leadership group aims to prepare teens with
knowledge and confidence to tackle anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses
and in the world. Juliana Moskowitz from the David Project led an interactive workshop on “Coalition
Building on Campus.” To register for the November 28 meeting, email AriellaN@JFNNJ.org.
CTeens Gather for Shabbaton
More than 100 high school teens from the NY metro area gathered for a Shabbaton recently at the Chabad in
Tenafly. A group from Valley Chabad in Woodcliff Lake joined for the weekend. The teens enjoyed a spirited
Shabbat together that included games, activities, meals, and Saturday night show.
BCHSJS Students Reach for the SkyZone
Students at the Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies participated in highfly-
ing fun during an after-school trip at the SkyZone. Members from USY joined BCHSJS
students in jumping on different trampolines including Freestyle, Sky Slam, Foam Zone
and Ultimate Dodgeball.
 OurChildren
About

TopChoices DECEMBER 2018

Compiled by Heidi Mae Bratt

Crazy for Clothes at Teaneck’s Carly’z Craze

Carly’z Craze is a fashion-filled clothing
store for girls, teens, and women, and a
destination for stylish looks. The store
carries everyday basics, tops and skirts,
dresses galore, and seasonal trendy
styles, all with a modest angle. New
merchandise arrives daily, so there
is always something new to browse
and buy. The store also has great gift Carly’z Craze
items and accessories — perfect for 472 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
Chanukah and year-round shopping. 201-342-3398
The warm sales staff strives to give www.carlyzcraze.com
their customers an enjoyable shopping
experience.

Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights Concert

at The Jewish Museum
Enjoy the unique and lively tunes of “kindie
rocker” Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights as
they perform playful twists on Chanukah
favorites along with original tunes such
as “Spinning.” From pop rock to gospel to
country music stylings, hear hits from her
albums, Brooklyn Baby!, Good Egg, and
Meshugana. Ms. Leeds has won first place December 9, 11:30 a.m.
in the USA Songwriting Competition, an The Jewish Museum
Independent Music Award, Gold Parents’ Scheuer Auditorium
Choice Award, NAPPA Gold Award, and she 1109 Fifth Ave. at 92 Street
has been a John Lennon Songwriting Award Manhattan
Finalist and an International Songwriting 212-423-3200
Competition Finalist. www.thejewishmuseum.org

Cirque Dreams are Made of This at NJPAC

Cirque Dreams Holidazes lights up
the season with its popular stage
spectacular. It is a Broadway musi-
cal and new cirque adventure that is
perfect entertainment for the whole
family. More than 300 imaginative
costumes and 20 acts will wow as
audience members witness soaring
Performances on December 26 and 27
acrobatics, gravity-defying feats, and
NJPAC
extravagant theatrical production
Prudential Hall
numbers. Broadway director Neil
1 Center St., Newark
Goldberg has assembled a unique
1-888-GO-NJPAC
cast of cirque artists and theatrical
www.njpac.org
talent for this show.

Nefesh Mountain Brings Bluegrass

to Family Entertainment
Nefesh Mountain brings its toe-tapping
sounds to The Jewish Museum. Led by sing-
er Doni Zasloff and her multi-instrumen-
talist husband Eric Lindberg, concertgoers
can dance to a vibrant blend of bluegrass,
Celtic, and Appalachian tunes with a Jewish
soul, as the band performs original melodies
from their family release, “Songs from the
Mountain” and album “Beneath the Open December 25
Sky.” The multi-award winning singer, song- 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
writer and author, Ms. Zasloff, combines The Jewish Museum
her backgrounds in singing, musical theatre Scheuer Auditorium
and Judaism in her role at Nefesh Mountain. 1109 Fifth Ave. at 92 Street
Also known as Mama Doni, she produced Manhattan
eight children’s albums relating to Jewish 212-423-3200
themes and holidays. www.thejewishmuseum.org

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018 13

 The Good Life With Kids
DECEMBER
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.
Tuesday, November 27
Musikef at Academies @ GBDS: Great music is
a high energy, specially designed Hebrew/English
interactive music class that encourages emerging
language, motor development, socialization and
bonding between parent and child. Ages 9 to 24
months. 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. 45 Spruce St., Oakland.
201-337-1111.
Saturday, December 1
Story Time at the Library: Enjoy old and new
favorites at a family story-time session. No reg-
istration required. 11 a.m. Teaneck Public Library,
840 Teaneck Road, Teaneck. 201-837-4171, www.
teaneck.org.
ah
Family Shabbat at B’nai Israel: Congregation
m make sketches of Chanukah lamps from around
B’nai Israel will offer services for adults and chil-
dren 12 and older, for families with children 8 to
- 11 years old and for families with children 7 and
younger at different times. An informal lunch of
pizza, salads, ice cream and cookies will follow.
RSVP requested. 53 Palisade Ave., Emerson. 201-
265-2272, office@bisrael.com, www.bisrael.com.
Sunday, December 2
Magic Show at B’nai Israel: Magician Seth
Dale will perform a Chanukah-themed show
at Congregation B’nai Israel at 9:30 a.m. After
the show, which is appropriate for children and
people of all ages, participants will light Chanukah
candles, sing Chanukah songs, and eat sufganiot
Please RSVP. 53 Palisade Ave., Emerson. 201-265-
2272, office@bisrael.com, www.bisrael.com.
Latke Eating Contest: Come and see how many
you can gobble up. 11:30 a.m. Kids up to the age of
17 (with parental permission) and adults, 18 and
older. At Noah’s Ark, 493 Cedar Lane, Teaneck.
Sponsored by the Cedar Lane Management Group
and Noah’s Ark, To register online: staff@cedarlane.
net, 201-837-8818 ext. 116.
Chanukah Playhouse: A holiday musical revue
for families with songs, stories, sing-alongs and
audience participation games. The playhouse cast
includes Sean Hartley, Kathryn Markey, Jason
Robinson, Gabrielle Stravelli and others. Ages 4 to
11. 11 a.m. Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center,
129 W. 67 St., Manhattan. 212-501-3330, www.
kaufmanmusiccenter.org.
Chanukah Family Day at The Jewish Museum:
Join from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a festive celebra-
tion of Chanukah with pop-rock tunes from Josh
& The Jamtones; an art workshop where children
can build a sculptural Chanukah lamp with funky
found objects and collaborate on a giant col-
See Sunday, December 2, Latke Eating Contest
14 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018
See Sunday, December 2, Chanukah Family Day
at The Jewish Museum
lage; a Chanukah story drawing performance
by educator Jeff Hopkins; and an opportunity to
the globe while on a gallery tour. The Jewish
Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., at 92 St., Manhattan.
212-423-3200, www.thejewishmuseum.org.
Monday, December 3
Pop-Up Menorah Lighting: At the JCCNJ
Parenting Center’s Pop-Up Light Museum
designed for early learners. Space limited. RSVPs
mandatory. 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.; 2:15 to 3:30 p.m.
Menorah-making and Pop-Up Light Museum.
For 3 to 6 year olds. Classes held at the Jewish
Community Center of Northern New Jersey
(JCCNNJ) Parenting Center, 605 Pascack Road,
Washington Township. For more information
and to RSVP: Erika at erikae@jccnnj.org. Please
include name & age of child, session/day you are
registering for, and your email address & phone
number.
Tuesday, December 4
Latke Making and Pop-Up Lighting: At the
JCCNJ Parenting Center’s Pop-Up Light Museum
designed for early learners. Space limited. RSVPs
mandatory. 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. Latke making and
Pop-Up Light Museum. For 3 to 6 year olds.
Classes held at the Jewish Community Center of
Northern New Jersey (JCCNNJ) Parenting Center,
605 Pascack Road, Washington Township. For
more information and to RSVP: Erika at erikae@
jccnnj.org. Please include name & age of child,
session/day you are registering for, and your
email address & phone number.
Night of Giving at B’nai Israel: Congregation
B’nai Israel in Emerson will host its annual “Night
of Giving” from 5 to 6 p.m. Open to adults and
families with kindergarten through seventh-grade
children, attendees light Chanukah candles, sing
songs, enjoy latkes and apple sauce, and par-
ticipate in a craft-oriented service project. This
years’ the evening will benefit the Coalition for
the Homeless. Attendees are also invited to bring
a new, unwrapped gift to donate to Coalition
for the Homeless’ 2018 Holiday Toy Drive. 53
Palisade Ave., Emerson. 201-265-2272, office@
bisrael.com, www.bisrael.com.
Thursday, December 6
Dreidel Day and Pop-Up Light Museum: There
will be an author visit (PJ Library), Dreidel Day
by Amalia Hoffman, followed by a small craft
and visit to Pop Up Light Museum. Early session
9:30 to 11 a.m. for newborns to 2-year-olds; 2:15
to 3:30 p.m. for 3- to 6-year-olds, who will make
their own dreidels. Classes held at the Jewish
Community Center of Northern New Jersey
(JCCNNJ) Parenting Center, 605 Pascack Road,
Washington Township. For more information and
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 January issue:
published December 21, Tuesday, December 11
to RSVP: Erika at erikae@jccnnj.org. Please include
name & age of child, session/day you are register-
ing for, and your email address & phone number.
Chanukah Glow in Glen Rock: The community is
invited to eat, sing, dance and celebrate Chanukah
in the second annual downtown menorah light-
ing and celebration sponsored by Chabad of NW
Bergen County, Glen Rock Jewish Center, and
Jewish Families of Glen Rock. 6 p.m. In front of
Kilroy’s Market, 288 Rock Road, Glen Rock. For
more information, Jewishfamiliesofglenrock@
gmail.com or 551-486-6270.
Friday, December 7
Chanukah Dinner at Temple Emeth: Chanukah
dinner at 6 p.m. is $30 for adults and $10 for chil-
dren 4 to 12. Children under 3 free. Please bring a
non-perishable food item to donate to the Center
for Food Action. 1666 Windsor Road, Teaneck.
201-833-1322, www.emeth.org.
See Sunday, December 9, All-of-a-Kind Family
Family Shabbat at Temple Emeth: Shabbat Chanukah Tour
services are specially planned for youngsters in
840 Teaneck Road, Teaneck. 201-837-4171, www.
grades 2 to 7 and include singing and story tell-
teaneck.org.
ing from Rabbi Sirbu. Services are followed by a
kid-friendly dessert oneg. 1666 Windsor Road, Klezmer for Chanukah: The klezmer trio, T-Klez
presents a free concert of Chanukah tunes. Enjoy
Teaneck. 201-833-1322, www.emeth.org.
familiar and new-to-you Hebrew, Yiddish, and
Shabbat Chanukah in Closter: Temple Beth El in
Ladino songs including an Italian version of Ma’oz
Closter invites the community to “101 Menorahs,”
Tzur from the 1700s. 7:30 p.m. at the Maurice M.
a family-friendly Shabbat in Chanukah service at
Pine Public Library, 1001 Fair Lawn Avenue, Fair
6:45 p.m. led by Rabbi David S. Widzer and Cantor
Lawn. 201-794-5356.
Elizabeth Goldmann. Bring your own menorah for
a temple-wide lighting. 221 Schraalenburgh Road, Chanukah Family Fun: Temple Emeth Religious
Closter. 201-768-5112, www.tbenv.org. School invites you to “Chanukah Family Fun” for
a morning of music, stories, dance and crafts on
Chanukah Dinner at B’nai Israel: The Men’s Club
9:30 to 11:45 a.m. for children ages 3 – 6 with
of Congregation B’nai Israel in Emerson will host
a parent or grandparent. 1666 Windsor Road,
its annual Chanukah dinner from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The evening will feature Shabbat and Chanukah
Teaneck. 201-833-8466.
blessings, dinner with latkes, songs, games, and Kaplen JCC Let There Be Light: A Family
activities for the entire family. A Shabbat service Chanukah Celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Families
in which Hebrew School children will help lead the are encourage to join others for a very special
prayers will follow the dinner, and all are welcome night full of fun, featuring an awesome glow-in
the-dark laser light show, as well as everyone’s
to attend. The cost for the dinner is $14 per adult,
favorite Chanukah traditions, including delicious
$8 per child, or $40 per family with 2 adults and
holiday treats and a special candle lighting experi-
any number of children, with an additional $12 per
ence. Cost is $5 per person or $20 max per family.
additional guest. Please RSVP to the temple. 53
Children under 2 are free. Registration in advance
Palisade Avenue in Emerson, near the Emerson
is required. JCC on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton
Public Library. To find out more about the temple
Ave., Tenafly. www.jccotp.org.
or for directions, visit the temple website: www.
bisrael.com.
Sunday, December 9
Saturday, December 8 All-of-a-Kind Family Chanukah Tour: Join New
York Times bestselling author Emily Jenkins and
Story Time at the Library: Enjoy old and new
award-winning illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky for an
favorites at a family story-time session. No reg-
event that celebrates the release of “All-of-a-Kind
istration required. 11 a.m. Teaneck Public Library,
Family Hanukkah,” a new book in a classic series
that evokes the crowded but cozy tenement world
of the early 20th century. This event, sponsored by
the Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy, begins
with a tour of the Bialystoker Synagogue, followed
by reading from the author and a jelly donut book
signing. 2 to 4 p.m. Bialystoker Synagogue, 7-11
Willett St./Bialystoker Place, Manhattan. www.
nycjewishtours.org.
Chanukah Party in Ridgewood: The
Reconstructionist Congregation Beth Israel (RCBI)
is holding a family-friendly Chanukah party open
to the public and free at 4 p.m. Bring your menorah
and candles and join a communal lighting. Potato
latkes, pizza, salad and jelly donuts served. RCBI is
located within Temple Israel & Jewish Community
Center, 475 Grove St., Ridgewood. Advance reser-
vations are required, no walk-ins please. To reserve
See Thursday, December 13, Pop-Up Yoga Class a spot, email rcbi@synagogue.org.
 OurChildren
About

Thursday, December 13
Pop-Up Yoga Class: Class for the little ones from
18 months to 3 years old. From 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Classes held at the Jewish Community Center of
Northern New Jersey (JCCNNJ) Parenting Center,
605 Pascack Road, Washington Township. For
more information and to RSVP: Erika at erikae@
jccnnj.org. Please include name & age of child,
session/day you are registering for, and your email
address & phone number.

Friday, December 14

Simchas
Shabbat in Closter: Temple Beth El invites the
community to join them for a Shabbat service at
7:30 p.m. led by Rabbi David S. Widzer and Cantor
Elizabeth Goldmann. 221 Schraalenburgh Road,
Closter. 201-768-5112, www.tbenv.org. See Thursday, December 6, Chanukah Glow in
Glen Rock
Saturday, December 15
Bnai mitzvah Story Time at the Library: Enjoy old and new Friday, December 21
favorites at a family story-time session. No reg- Shabbat Family Services in Wayne: Oneg
istration required. 11 a.m. Teaneck Public Library, Shabbat at 5:30 p.m. followed by a family service
ALLEGRA ALVARO 840 Teaneck Road, Teaneck. 201-837-4171, www. at 6:30 p.m. Shomrei Torah is a warm and embrac-
Allegra Alvaro, daughter of teaneck.org. ing conservative congregation that welcomes all.
Meredith Alvaro Gebhart Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat: Temple 30 Hinchman Ave., Wayne. 973-696-2500. www.
and Peter Gebhart of New Israel & Jewish Community Center (TI-JCC) in shomreitorahwcc.org.
Milford, and Fred Alvaro Ridgewood will present its sixth annual National Shabbat in Closter: Temple Beth El invites the
and Amanda Villafuerte Gun Violence Prevention at noon. Guest speaker, community to join them for a kabbalat Shabbat
Alvaro of New Milford, Laurence Fine, leader of Students Demand Action service 6:30 p.m. 221 Schraalenburgh Road,
Bergen County and a sophomore at Ridgewood Closter. 201-768-5112, www.tbenv.org.
and sister of Cameron High School, will present a talk during the Kiddush Music Service at Temple Emeth: Join Rabbi
Alvaro and Oliver Gebhart, luncheon, immediately following morning servic- Steven Sirbu and Cantor Ellen Tilem by singing
celebrated becoming a es, on student activism in gun violence prevention. and dancing and enjoying Shabbat music per-
bat mitzvah on November 475 Grove St., Ridgewood. www.synagogue.org. formed by the Temple Emeth band. 8 p.m. 1666
17 at Temple Emeth in Windsor Road, Teaneck. 201-833-1322, www.
Teaneck.
JILLIAN FLEISHMAN SAMUEL GOLDSTEIN Wednesday, December 19 emeth.org.
Jillian Fleishman, daugh- Samuel Charles Goldstein, Parent Series by Friendship Circle: Friendship
ter of Melissa and Cory son of Amy and Jonathan Circle of Passaic County, in conjunction with the Saturday, December 22
Fleishman of Woodcliff Goldstein of Woodcliff law firm of Hinkle, Fingles, Prior, and Fischer pres- Story Time at the Library: Enjoy old and new
Lake and sister of Lindsay, Lake and brother of Ryan ent a parent resource series. Speaker S. Paul Prior favorites at a family story-time session. No reg-
will talk about issues regarding turning 18: guard- istration required. 11 a.m. Teaneck Public Library,
celebrated becoming a and Harlow, celebrated
ianship, waiting lists and other related topics. The 840 Teaneck Road, Teaneck. 201-837-4171, www.
bat mitzvah on November becoming a bar mitzvah meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at the Friendship teaneck.org.
17 at Temple Emanuel in on November 10 at Temple Circle Meeting House, 371 Brook Ave., Passaic.
Woodcliff Lake. Emanuel of the Pascack Friday, December 28
Valley in Woodcliff Lake. Thursday, December 20 Shabbat in Closter: Temple Beth El invites the
Pop-Up Music & Movement Class: Class for the community to join them for a kabbalat Shabbat
little ones from 18 months to 3 years old. From service 6:30 p.m. 221 Schraalenburgh Road,
AARON LERNER 10:45 to 11:20 a.m. Classes held at the Jewish Closter. 201-768-5112, www.tbenv.org.
Aaron Lerner, son of Community Center of Northern New Jersey
LEAH ANSH Elina and Boris Lerner of (JCCNNJ) Parenting Center, 605 Pascack Road, Saturday, December 29
Ridgewood, celebrated Washington Township. For more information and
Leah Ansh, daughter of Story Time at the Library: Enjoy old and new
to RSVP: Erika at erikae@jccnnj.org.
Kim and Joel Ansh of becoming a bar mitzvah favorites at a family story time session. No reg-
on October 27 at Temple istration required. 11 a.m. Teaneck Public Library,
Franklin Lakes and sister 840 Teaneck Road, Teaneck. 201-837-4171, www.
of Benjamin, celebrated Israel & Jewish Community
teaneck.org.
becoming a bat mitzvah on Center in Ridgewood.
October 27 at Temple Beth

PARTY
Rishon in Wyckoff.
DANIEL GESS
Daniel Gess, son of Andrea
and Richard Gess of
Ridgewood and brother of
Ryan, celebrated becom-
ing a bar mitzvah on
November 17 at Temple
Beth Rishon in Wyckoff.

Send us your simchas!

BEN FISCHER
Ben Fischer, son of Beth
and Seth Fischer of
Wyckoff and brother
of Simone, celebrated
becoming a bar mitzvah
We welcome simcha announcements for births and
b’nai mitzvah. Announcements are subject to editing.
There is a $10 charge for photos. Photos must be high
resolution jpg files.
Call (201) 837-8818 for information.
Send to pr@jewishmediagroup.com

on November 3 at Temple
Beth Rishon in Wyckoff.
973-661-9368
or mail to NJ Jewish Media Group,
ATT: Simchas
1086 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666
If a photograph is to be returned, include a SASE.

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • DECEMBER 2018 15

 “If I had to do it again,
there’s no question where I would go.”

The Valley Hospital is among the top hospitals in the nation for heart surgery. Joe
And, we’re only getting better to help people like Joe. We’re the only New Faced heart surgery
Jersey hospital affiliated with the #1 heart program in the nation — Cleveland
Clinic’s Heart and Vascular Institute*. Here’s Joe’s story.

Joe is always on the go. With a high-pressure job and a love for baseball, Joe is constantly
moving. One evening, instead of driving home after a stressful workday, Joe found himself
driving to Valley because of an unsettling pressure in his chest. He was faced with the fact that
a heart defect he had lived with his whole life could finally cause a life-threatening aneurysm.
See how Joe’s decision to have surgery at Valley changed his life at MyStory.ValleyHealth.com.
Or, to reach the surgical services of Valley’s Heart and Vascular Institute, call 201-447-8377.
*U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals. Copyright © 2018 U.S. News & World Report, L.P.

18-VHS-0489_Joe_AboutOurChildren_10x13_v1.indd 1 11/13/18 9:23 AM