Our

OurChildren
About

Useful Information for

the Next Generation
of Jewish Families

Achoo! Spring Allergies

Mayim Bialik Cooks Vegan
Passover Recipes & Crafts
Supplement to The Jewish Standard and Rockland Jewish Standard April 2014

AOC-2

With Atlantic Health System behind us,

we have a great future in front of us.

CHilton HAS joined AtlAntiC HeAltH SYSteM.

Chilton has joined one of the nations top health systems, Atlantic Health System. This means well be expanding
the breadth and scope of services we offer as well as providing seamless access to Morristown Medical Center,
one of the top 50 hospitals in the nation*. And Morristown Medical Center is the home of Gagnon Cardiovascular
Institute, which is in the top 2% of all cardiac programs in the nation. Youll be able to draw on the expertise of
Atlantic Neuroscience Institute at Overlook Medical Center, #1 in NJ for the treatment of stroke and neurological
disorders. Plus you will have access to the full spectrum of pediatric care from Goryeb Childrens Hospital. And
while you will continue to get the same great care from doctors you trust, one thing has changed, our name.
Were now Chilton Medical Center.
* Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Gynecology and Geriatrics - U.S. News & World Report

97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, nj 07444

For more information call
1-888-CHilton
or visit atlantichealth.org/chilton
2 About Our Children APRIL 2014

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OurC
OurChildren
About

Useful, Current, Accurate Information for Jewish Families

April 2014

Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Pictures of children in our community

Healthy Diet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Gluten-free, organic, vegan, non-GMO

Charoset All Ways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Add flavor and fun to your seder table

Achoo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
April showers bring spring allergies

Bouncing Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Trampolines, inflatables and more to get in shape

How to Get the Brat Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Curb the spoiled child syndrome now

Vegan Mayim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Actress, neuroscientist, mom pens new vegan cookbook

Beddie Bye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Putting junior to sleep peacefully

Chol HaMoed Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Things to do during Passover break

Passover Crafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Getting creative for the holiday

Simcha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Celebrating lifes passages

Top Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Great picks of April

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

ALSO COMING...

Things to do this month

Winners of the March Contest!

The winners of the March contest for tickets to see

NJ Ballets

Cinderella

Sid the Science Kid at bergenPAC are:

M. Kleiman, Oradell
Janet Engel, Ramsey

SAT APR 26

Thanks to all who entered, and congratulations to our winners!

APR 27 1pm & 4pm

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN APRIL 2014

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OurChildren
About

musings from the editor

I

remember the first sign of those lovely little flowers.

Red, pink and white.
They were not in the garden of our postage-sized front lawn
or modest backyard. The flowers were on the white glass dishes that
would be unearthed each year when we changed over the dishware for
Passover.
I loved those dishes. They were a sharp contrast from our everyday
plates and saucers, which ranged from a plastic set of black and white
zebra pattern to the ubiquitous Corelle with its olive green design, so
common in the kitchens of the 1970s.
Passover meant spring, and family, and seders and vacation. It
meant different food and a feeling that this was among everybodys favorite holidays.
I remember the Passover pots. Also white, with a gold trim.
What was so special about them is how they never got worn, the
way the Teflon cookware did from its healthy use. Rather, the pots
stayed pristine, although they were well used during the holiday as
well. But even if you used them for 50 years, if it was for only one week
during the year, the pots and pans would get only a years worth of wear
and tear!
I really remember that big white pot was the one that was used for
my mothers famous gefilte fish. No carp in the bathtub. But my mother,
of blessed memory, was old country, and she would buy the fish from
the fishmonger and have it ground to specification and spice it up appropriately with her secret recipe. The fish would boil for hours and
hours, its aroma filling the newly cleaned house.
These memories, though distant, come back
year after year as we round to mark the Festival of
Freedom, Passover.
While we are drinking finer wines these days,
(I miss that Manischewitz!) and the seder that we
join at my brother and sister-in-laws home is rich

MissionStatement

with ritual and delicious food and discussion and reach deep into the
early morning hours, those early seders are the ones in which memory
is cemented.
The ones in which we ate copious amounts of salt-dipped potatoes,
and even more of the sweet and nutty charoset.
The ones in which my father, of blessed memory, beseeched us not
to rush him, telling us that he was waiting all year for Pesach, but then
read the juice- and wine-stained red-and-yellow Maxwell House edition
of the Haggadah with some haste, but still saying every word.
The ones in which my heart would thump in anxious anticipation
of reciting the four questions because even with a small seder crowd, I
was a bit nervous.
And then the ones in which I felt relief because my role as youngest
questioner was taken by my baby brother, who today presides over our
seder, his seder.
We make our memories for our children. We clean our homes to
physically and symbolically rid ourselves of chametz, the leavened,
puffed part of ourselves, the ego that gets in our way, to be ready for
the next step.
Going back, going forward, we are lucky to be able to sit together.
With family. With friends. With ourselves. We are lucky to have Passover.
Wishing all a kosher and healthy and happy holiday.
Cheers,

About

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, the publication aims to guide parents to essential information on faith, education, the arts, events, and child-raising in short, everything that todays
Jewish family, babies to grandparents, needs to live life to the fullest in northern New Jersey and Rockland County.

OurChildren
James L. Janoff

Robert Chananie

Heidi Mae Bratt

Natalie Jay

Deborah Herman

Peggy Elias
George Kroll
Karen Nathanson
Janice Rosen
Brenda Sutcliffe

Publisher
Editor

Art Director

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

Howard Prager, DC, DACBSP

Holistic Chiropractor, Oakland

4 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN APRIL 2014

Director of Adult Programs and Cultural Arts

YM-YWHA of North Jersey, Wayne

Business Manager

Advertising Director

Rachel Harkham
Adina Soclof
Slovie Jungreis-Wolff

Contributing Writers

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.

Dont Miss About Our Children in May

Published on April 25, 2014

AOC-5

Oh, baby!
21 private maternity rooms
as new as me!

I didnt think anything could impress mom as much as me.

But 21 new, private maternity rooms really made her smile.
(Apparently, your own huge bathroom is a really big deal when
youre not in a diaper.) Theres even a sleeper sofa for dad.
As for me, I am drooling over the new hospital nursery.
It gets my stamp of approval, with fancy equipment to
help keep me safe and sound.
Call to schedule a free tour: 201.894.3727

englewoodhospital.com
Healthgrades 5-Star rating, 2003-2013

About Our Children APRIL 2014

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Gallery

4
1. On February 24, a group
of high school students from
Temple Sinai of Bergen County
and Temple Avodat Shalom
of River Edge lobbied at
the office of Congressman
Bill Pascrell in Washington,
D.C. The students were
participating in the Religious
Action Center of Reform
Judaisms Ltaken Seminar, a
Jewish teen leadership and
social justice conference, along
with over 300 students from
around the country. Pictured
here (front row, left to right)
are Matthew Horbacewicz,
Rabbi Jordan Millstein, Jonah
Pasternak, Rachel Jacobus,
Emma Colchamiro, Sonia
Haikin, Jessica Whitman, Sophia
Barbanel, (behind, left to right)
Clifford Yudkoff, Brad Schussel,
Liam Waxman, Sky Bolkin,
Benjamin Rich (Chief of Staff to Congressman
Pascrell), Matthew Tester, Shelby Meistrich, Ian
McTiernan (Legislative Correspondent), Morgan
Schur, Noah Rosenberg and Anat Katzir.
2. From the youngest children in the 2-year-old
program to the oldest in Pre-K, everyone at
the Temple Emeth Early Childhood Center got
into the Purim spirit. The school held its annual
Walk-a-Thon for Matanot LEvyonim, and raised
over $1600 which was donated to Project Ezra.
3. Two hundred men, women and children
celebrated Purim Italiano at Lubavitch on
the Palisades of Tenafly. Everyone had

6 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN APRIL 2014

the opportunity to get a taste of Italy with

gourmet Italian cuisine, fine Italian wines and
masquerade in Italian attire. Rabbi Yitzchak
Gershovitz and Rabbi Mordechai Shain dance
up a storm.
4. The Frisch School in Paramas and Rae Kushner
Yeshiva High School in Livingston joined in a
unique project of Chesed 24/7, an organization
dedicated to servicing hospital patients and their
families. The students were part of the innovative
Shabbos in a Box Program sending more
than 200 completed boxes to to patients at
Columbia Medical Center, Mount Sinai Hospital
and Sloan Kettering over Shabbat.

5. These girls enjoyed the festivities on Purim

at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades. Participants
enjoyed a carnival, which featured life-size
cartoon characters, train rides, moon bounces,
slides, games and prizes, and of course,
popcorn and cotton Candy.
6. Eighth grade students from Yavneh Academy
took turns reading the Megillat with Rabbi
Jonathan Knapp for residents and family
members in Jewish Home at Rockleighs chapel
Pictured from left, Noam Kuritzky, Devin
Berman, Avi Eisenstadter, Noam Putterman,
Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, Ephraim Najman, and
Shlomi Helfgot.

7. Participants at the Jewish Community Center

of Paramus/Congregation Beth Tikvahs Taste
of Hebrew School program got ready for
Passover by creating frog props for Seder night.
8. During February break, across the globe
from Sochi, The Academies at GBDS held a
well-attended Winter Olympics Camp right
nearby in Oakland. The three-day camp
engaged children ages 2-8 in crafts, games,
cooking, athletics and geography.

AOC-7
OurChildren
About

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO: Healthy Food Options Abound

H e i d i M a e B rat t

ommy, piped up the 9-year-old boy, does a vegan diet make people live longer?
Well, his mother responded, there are many
factors that go into longevity, like genetics, lifestyle and
luck. Im not sure about how much a vegan diet has to do
with it, but its always good idea to eat well.
This was an actual conversation overheard recently.
Granted, the family appeared to be a health-conscious
foursome, two boys with skateboards and helmets, with
their parents, both trim and fit. And granted, the boy
wasnt exactly swearing off his burgers in favor of quinoa
patties. This youngster was epi-curious, a precocious
child interested in food. Explained his mother, hed gone
through various phases recently, sampling global fare, including an Ethiopian phase, an Asian-Fusion phase and
now he started an interest in vegan, that is, someone
who eschews all animal product and derivatives. No eggs.
No dairy. No meat.
Curiosity aside, more parents are taking a closer look
at what they are feeding their children and opting for an
array of more health-conscious diets that run the gamut
from buying more organic products, especially produce
and dairy, to ridding their childrens diets of gluten and
gluten products, to thinking vegan or more vegetarianism, to buying food that is not GMO, that is genetically
modified products.
Theres no question that there is so much more
awareness of what were eating and how were eating,
says Susan L. Holmerg, a certified nutritional specialist
with a practice in Westwood.
Chief among the diet changes for adults and children
is taking the glutena protein found in products that
contain wheat, barley or ryeout of their diet.
Gluten-free is the obvious choice for the about onein-a-hundred Americans with celiac disease, but it has
also becoming a common choice for many others as well,
from people with specific maladies like irritable bowel
syndrome and autoimmune conditions to those hoping
to lose weight and feel healthier after a change in diet.
As adults choose gluten-free for themselves, many are
choosing it for their children.
There are many other reasons parents consider putting a child on a gluten-free diet, including mood swings,
eczema and autism spectrum disorders, although its efficacy is debatable. If a child does have celiac disease or
a severe gluten intolerance, its important to have him or
her tested, say experts.
Parents who have gone gluten free say its not easy
to make the switch, but if its absolutely necessary, going
gluten-free doesnt have to be overwhelming. Many children are finicky when it comes to food, and most of what
passes for kid-friendly is loaded with gluten: chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, burgers and hot dogs or spaghetti and meatballs.
Although there are gluten-free versions of most of
these child-friendly staples readily available, the focus of
a gluten-free diet should be on whole, unprocessed foods,
nutritionists say. Its most important to load up on fruits,
vegetables, seeds, nuts, meats, cheeses and other healthful foods, instead of focusing on the gluten-free versions
of your favorite processed foods.
Its very possible to be gluten-free diet that is healthy
or very unhealthy. Because there are so many products
out there, a diet can be loaded up with gluten-free cupcakes, apple juice and other refined sugars.
While nutritionist may differ on their approach as to
which kind of diet is best, as one may ascribe to the Food
Pyramid, another may believe that protein should be emphasized, each individual has different needs.

But there is no disagreement, says Holmberg. Colorful produce should be the real centerpiece.
To that end, when thinking about produce and buying organic, the Environmental Working Group offers a
list of foods known as the Dirty Dozen Plus, that is the
dozen fruits and vegetables most likely to be contaminated with pesticides. If possible, it is recommended to buy
organic when buying; apples, celery, cherry tomatoes,
cucumbers, grapes hot peppers, nectarines (imported),

peaces, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, sweet bell peppers, plus kale/collard greens and summer squash.
The Clean Fifteen, the produce thats okay if you must
buy non-organic include: asparagus, avocados, cabbage,
cantaloupe, sweet corn, eggplant, grapefruit, kiwi, mangoes, mushrooms, onions, papayas, pineapples, sweet
peas (frozen) and sweet potatoes.
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our Children.

Gifted & Talented Summer Program for Grades 1-11

Montclair State University Gifted & Talented offers a wide variety of
courses for high-aptitude students in grades 111. The summer
program runs from June 30 to July 18 and July 21 to August 8.

Apply for an upcoming session at montclair.edu/gifted

montclair.edu/gifted
About Our Children APRIL 2014

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Charoset All Ways

Is Always a Seder Treat
RAC H E L H A R K H A M

hen it comes time to eat the

charoset, the nut and fruit chutney that symbolizes the mortar
that the Hebrew slaves used in Egypt,
that is the time when, at many Passover
Seders, the real good eating is about to
begin. When the charoset is dipped with
the bitter herb or eaten in a Hillel sandwich, it provides a sweet contrast to the
stringent maror and the bland matzah.
The charoset not only gives the anticipating palate a pleasant awakening, but
its appearance in the order of the Seder
also heralds that the shulchan orech (the
feast) is not too far away.

Pear-Almond Charoset
2 peeled pears, grated
cup sliced almonds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
cup white wine or white grape juice
In a medium sized bowl combine all ingredients together and mix well. Cover and keep
refrigerated until ready to serve.
Makes approximately 2 cups.

Rachel Harkham is a food writer, recipe

developer and chocolatier. She lives in
Rockland County with her husband and three
children. Visit her on www.reciperachel.com.

8 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN APRIL 2014

Most families have their beloved

heirloom recipe for charoset that they
return to every year. It occupies an esteemed place on their Seder plate, and
I would never dream of suggesting anything different to replace its vaunted
spot. But how about offering a charoset
sampler course prior to the shulchan
orech? Perhaps serve an exciting and
exotically flavored charoset concoction,
or two, in addition to your familys traditional favorite.
Pear-Almond is similar to the traditional Ashkenazic charoset recipe,
but uses pears instead of apples, and
almonds instead of walnuts. The cinnamon remains the same and works won-

derfully with the fruit and nuts. It is juicy

and sweet and mortar-like in color.
Apricot-Pistachio is a version inspired by Sephardic charoset, which often contains dried fruits. The honey-ginger syrup adds extra flavor and plumps
up the sweet-tart dried apricots. The
pistachios add color and crunch. On the
mortar scale, this one is a terra cotta.
Choco-Cherry is an innovative treat
because a chocolate flavored charoset
just makes sense. The dried cherries are
tart and chewy; the chocolate syrup is
dark and sweet. The chopped walnuts
add extra texture. The color is more
black tar than mortar.
Mango-Macadamia-Coconut Charo-

set is a taste of the tropics at your Passover table. Sweet diced mango works
winningly with toasted coconut shreds,
chopped macadamia nuts, and a shpritz
of lime. The ginger adds a nice amount
of warmth. On the mortar spectrum, it
would rate as yellow clay.
As delicious as these charosets are
on Seder night, any leftovers will be
great for breakfast the following day.
These recipes will introduce exciting
and unexpected flavors when served
with matzah brei. They will also add
texture when mixed in with yogurt or
cottage cheese. In addition, they can
be spooned on top of a cream cheesematzah in place of jam.

Apricot-Pistachio Charoset
cup water
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon orange zest
teaspoon ground ginger
cup dried apricots, cut into thin slivers and
coarsely chopped
cup pistachio nuts, shelled and coarsely
chopped

Choco-Cherry Charoset
1 cup water
cup sugar
cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup dried cherries
cup chopped walnuts

Mango-Macadamia-Coconut Charoset
1 large ripe mango, peeled and cut into a
small dice
cup macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped
cup toasted coconut
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (approximately 1 lime)
teaspoon ground ginger

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high

heat combine water, honey, orange zest,
and ginger. Allow to come to boil and lower
heat to a gentle simmer for approximately
5 minutes, when it should be thickened and
reduced.
2. Mix in apricots and pistachio nuts.
Remove from heat, and let the apricot steep
until somewhat cooled. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Makes approximately 1 cup.

1. In a medium saucepan bring water and

sugar to a boil. Stir in cocoa powder and
cinnamon. Reduce heat and let simmer
for two minutes. It will be thick, dark, and
syrupy.
2. Mix in dried cherries and chopped walnuts. Remove from heat. Once cooled, cover
and refrigerate. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.
Makes approximately 1 cups.

In a medium sized bowl combine all ingredients together and mix well. Cover and keep
refrigerated until ready to serve.
Makes 2 cups.

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OurChildren
About

April Showers, April Flowers and April Allergies

H E I D I M A E B RAT T

he spring brings with it April showers, budding trees and the promise
of green regrowth. It also brings
with it tree pollen and a host of other
culprits that can make Garden State residents big and small suffer from seasonal
allergies. While we love spring things,
were not so crazy about the allergies that
come along with the season.
About Our Children turned to Dr. Majorie Slankard, director of Allergy and
Immunology at The Valley Hospital in
Ridgewood, and professor of medicine
at Columbia University Medical Center,
for some tips on dealing with this allergy
season.
Q: How does a parent know the difference between a cold or an allergy?
A: A cold usually lasts only one week,
most often occurs in the winter, and may
be accompanied by a sore throat or fever. Allergy symptoms can occur anytime
of the year, can last for a long time but
usually occur right after exposure to an
allergen. If your child is rubbing his eyes
because they are watery or itchy, it is
probably an allergy. If there are recurrent
colds or cold symptoms, suspect an allergy especially if they occur at the same

time of year each year.

Q: When does allergy season start
and end?
A: The allergy season begins and
ends at different times around the country. For example, in the Northeast, tree
pollen can start at the end of March and
last until the end of May, then grass pollen will continue through May and June
with lower levels thru the summer. In the
late summer to early fall its ragweeds
time especially August 15 to October 15.
Ragweed is a significant problem in the
Northeast, Southeast, and large sections
of the Midwest.
A: What are the best treatments for
allergies?
Q: Non-sedating anti-histamines, leukotriene inhibitors, allergy eye drops, and
nasal sprays can be helpful. Depending
on the severity of your childs symptoms,
lack of response to medications, and age,
you can consider allergy immunotherapy.
The first step in that decision is to consult an allergist, have testing (usually as
skin tests) to see what your child is allergic to. Then environmental controls as
described in the following paragraph can
be instituted. If your child is still having
symptoms or does not do well with medications, then consider allergy immuno-

therapy, for example, allergy shots.

Q: Is there any way to prevent or
head off a bad allergy episode?
A: Preventing an allergy attack by
avoiding and limiting exposures is the
best way to head off a bad episode. Keep
windows and doors closed and use air
conditioning to filter out pollen. Pollen is
sticky and will adhere to skin and clothes
so bathe and shampoo your childs hair
before bedtime. Limit outdoor activities
when pollen is at its peak, usually 6 to 10
a.m., with a smaller peak from 4 to 7 p.m.
Have your child wear sunglasses and a
hat when out of doors.
Q: Can allergies in children be
outgrown?
A: According to the NIH (National
Institute of Health), Some people, especially children, may outgrow an allergy as
the immune system becomes less sensitive to the trigger. Butonce a substance,
such as pollen, causes allergies, it often
continues to have long-term effect on the
person.
Q: Have there been any breakthroughs in the treatment for youngsters?
A: Though the treatment has been
around for a long time, there is increased
evidence of how effective allergy immunotherapy is in helping reduce symptoms

and medication needs in up to 80 percent

of individuals in controlled double blind
studies. Especially for children with hay
fever, who have an increased chance of
developing asthma, as they get older, allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots)
dramatically decreases the incidence of
the children becoming asthmatic. There
is a newer form of immunotherapy, sublingual (under the tongue) or tablets that
has been approved by the FDA and will
soon be available, but only for a few allergens (the things in the environment that
people are allergic to.) For the child with
one or two specific allergens (certain pollens or dust mites) that cause symptoms
this may soon be available.
Q: Is there anything youd like to add?
A: There are several foods, especially
fruits and vegetables that cross-react
with certain pollens. The most common
is for the child (or adult) with birch tree
pollen allergy, in which 20 percent of individuals will become allergic to crossreacting fruits and vegetables, mostly the
pitted fruits (apples, peaches etc.), but
also almond and hazelnuts. The allergy
shots may also help with this.
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our
Children.

A school so close can take them so far.

The Elisabeth Morrow School
Located on 14 wooded acres in Englewood, NJ,
just 9 miles from Manhattan.

Find out more.

Schedule a visit today.
435 Lydecker Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
admissions@elisabethmorrow.org
201-568-5566 x7212

An environment designed to meet the educational

needs of students at all stages of childhood and
prepare them for secondary schools.

elisabethmorrow.org

An independent, co-educational country day school

for age three through eighth grade.

EMS_Image ad_JewishStd_half_1-16.indd 1

1/16/14 11:08 AM

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN APRIL 2014

AOC-10
OurChildren

About
0003649650-01_0003276019-01
3/5/14 11:01 AM Page 1

Acclaimed
Dance Camps

Professional instructors with extensive training,

performance and teaching backgrounds
I. Ages 4, 5, 6 & 7/8
Weeks of July 7 and July 14, Mon-Fri 9:30-12:30
Wonderful quality instruction in ballet, jazz and tap
applicable to each age group. Includes other fun-filled
activities such as crafts, tumbling, hip hop, dance videos
and an endearing end-of-camp week performance.
NYC trip to see Lion King Friday July 18, 2:00pm matinee
performance. Reservations, including round-trip bus
must be made in advance (see website for details)

II. Ages 8/9-17

July 21-August 1, 9:30am-3:15 daily

Variety of popular dance styles...ballet & pointe,
musical theater, jazz, modern, hip hop,
character (folk), ballroom and bollywood.
NYC trip to a hit Broadway Musical.

To register and for

detailed camp information
visit our website at

III. Ballet Intensive with Esteemed Instructors

Mail or bring in your

completed registration form

85 Godwin Ave Midland Park, NJ 07432

August 4-15

Professional training in classical ballet technique and

performing skills. (Jazz, musical theater and
modern dance instruction also included)
NYC trip to a hit Broadway Musical

misspatti.com

Rear of Midland Park Shopping Center

201-670-4422 www.misspatti.com

Kids! Splash into Saving!

VISIONS is celebrating the importance of
teaching savings to our kids all month.
Become a member of the Kirby Kangaroo Club
where we use stories, games and rewards to
encourage savings.
This month, all new Kirby memberships*
are entered in a special drawing. Five lucky
winners will be selected at random to receive
(4) tickets to their choice of great water/theme
parks: Darien Lake, Water Safari, Hershey Park,
Dorney Park, Great Adventure.
Hop on the Save Wave and head to VISIONS!

Dumont | Englewood Cliffs | Mahwah | Oakland

Saddle Brook | Westwood
800-242-2120 | 201-358-6666

* Credit union membership requires a $25 minimum deposit and $1

membership fee. See website for complete membership eligibility
requirements. Kirby Kangaroo Accounts, for those age 12 and under, must
be opened between April 1 and April 30 to qualify. Five winners will be
randomly selected by 5/9/2014 and notified by mail. Winners will be able
to choose the water/theme park of their choice from the list provided; (4)
tickets will be awarded to each winner.

visionsfcu.org

10 About Our Children APRIL 2014

Bouncing, Skating,
Jumping and
Stollercizing,
Fitness Is the Rage

364
Mis
3/13
3x
Pro
Dale
CN,
Car
This a
and m
in a si

H e i d i M a e B rat t

pring means outdoor fun, fitness and getting back

into shape after a long, very long winter. Whether
you choose to shape up with a walk or rollerblade
outside in park or take your fitness indoors, there are
many local options.
A big trend, trampoline jumping, has become a regular activity for many families. When Bounce! Trampoline Sports opened in Valley Cottage, N.Y. it was an entirely new concept in family fitness and entertainment.
Although in general, the children dont even realize
they are working out because its so much fun. Thats
the beauty of a trampoline workout over anything
else. Its so much fun, children dont know its exercise.
While adults know, they dont seem to mind and more
often than not, get in on the action as well.
We traveled the country looking for new and different ideas for family fun and an indoor trampoline park
seemed like the perfect addition to this geographic
area. And with such a cold winter, it was a great way
for families to stay warm and burn calories when they
really couldnt do much else, says Michael Gross, coowner of Bounce! Trampoline Sports
Bounce! Trampoline Sports offers an unequaled
way for all ages to stay fit in a safe and fun environment;
and NASA research shows that supervised jumping on
trampolines is the most efficient, effective form of ex-

AOC-11
OurChildren
About

International
InternationalChess
ChessAcademy
Academy

Now CelebratiNg 24 Years!

International Chess Academy

Chess Summer Day Camp

185 Court
StreetStreet
Teaneck,
NJ 07666
Tel:
201-833-1741
185 Court
Teaneck,
NJ 07666
Tel:
201-833-1741
Court
Street
NJ 07666
Tel:
201-833-1741
9-10 Saddle
River
Fair
Lawn,
07410
Tel:201-797-0330
201-797-0330
9-10185
Saddle
River Teaneck,
Road,Road,
Fair
Lawn,
NJ NJ
07410
Tel:
9-10 Saddle River Road,
Fair
Lawn, NJ
07410
Tel: 201-797-0330
www.icanj.net
diana@icanj.net
www.icanj.net
diana@icanj.net

Infants Toddlers Pre-K

4 Extended Hours
4 Reasonably Priced
4 Dynamic Curriculum
4 Creative Art, Music and
Gymnastics Sessions
4 Certified Teachers

Chess
Summer
Day
Camp
Chess
Summer
Camp
Chess
Summer
DayDay
Camp

www.icanj.net
Open to kids from
ages 6 to diana@icanj.net
16
Our goal is to foster an environment of
learning and fun
We promise a 5:1 student-teacher ratio
Prizes and trophies for tournaments and
competitions
Camp T-shirts and FUN!!!

Open
to ages
kids 6from
ages 6 to 16
Open to kids
from
to 16
Full day
also includes: of learning and fun
Our
goal isantoenvironment
foster an environment
Our
goalis
to
foster
of learning and fun

Open
to
kids
from
ages
6 to 16
Creative
art
Piano
and
Drum lessons
Weaprojects
promise
a 5:1
studentratio
teacher
ratio
We promise
5:1 student
Guitar,
teacher

Our
goal
is
to
foster
an
environment
of and
learning
and fun
Student
Prizes
and
trophies
for tournaments
competitions
Prizes and
trophies
for
tournaments
and once
competitions
band
performs
a week
We T-shirts
promise
a FUN!!!
5:1 student
teacher ratio
Camp
T-shirts
and FUN!!!
Camp
and

Prizes and trophies for tournaments and competitions

185
Court
St.
Teaneck 201-833-1741
Full day
also
Fullincludes:
day
also includes:
Camp
T-shirts
and FUN!!!

Creative
projects
art
Creative
art Rd.,
projects
9-10 Guitar,
Saddle
River
Fair Lawn 201-797-0330
Piano and Drum lessons

k
r

Guitar, Piano and Drum lessons

Full day also
includes:
Student
performs
a week
www.icanj.net
performs
chessdirector@icanj.net
band
Student
bandonce
once a week
Creative art projects

Guitar,
Piano
and
Drum
lessons
Fill out the registration
and mailform
with and
check
(written
to ICA)(written
to DainatoTulman,
Fill out the form
registration
mail
with check
ICA) to Daina Tulman,
28 Canterbury
New
Milford,
NJ 07646. once a week
Student
band
performs
28 Lane,
Canterbury
Lane,
New
Milford, NJ 07646.

Now registering for summer Camp ages 2-9

FoUr loCatioNs to serVe YoU better!
225 Edgewater Rd, Cliffside Park
555 Palisade Ave, Cliffside Park
(201) 945-0234
(201) 945-0266
19 Emerson Plaza East, Emerson
(201) 634-8622

5 Legion Dr, Cresskill

(201) 569-9112

For information email or call: chessdirector@icanj.net / 201-287-0250)

For information email or call: chessdirector@icanj.net / 201-287-0250)

Schedule

Schedule
Fill out the registration form and mail with
check (written to ICA) to Daina Tulman,
Lessons: 9:00NJ
11:00
28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford,Lessons:
07646.
9:00 11:00
+ Recreation:
11:00 12:30
For informationSports
email or
call:
chessdirector@icanj.net
Sports
+ Recreation: 11:00 / 201-287-0250)
12:30
Lunch: 12:30 1:00
Lunch:
Tournament Games:
1:00 12:30
3:00 1:00
Schedule
Tournament
Games:
1:00 3:00
Art + Music: 3:00
5:00 (Full
Only)
Lessons:
9:00Day
11:00

Art + Music: 3:00 5:00 (Full Day Only)

Sports + Recreation: 11:00 12:30

Lunch: 12:30 1:00
Tournament Games: 1:00 3:00
Art + Music: 3:00 5:00 (Full Day Only)

ercise yet devised by man.

According to Gross, you can actually burn up to
1,000 calories per hour bouncing on a trampoline. This
low-impact workout helps tone muscles, burn fat, reduce stress and improve coordination for all ages.
Bounce! offers open jump time, trampoline dodgeball,
slam-dunk basketball and foam pit jumping. And they
recently expanded to add two more foam pits and an
area dedicated to slam dunk basketball.

CHiLdreN dONt
eVeN reaLiZe tHeY
are WOrKiNG OUt
BeCaUSe itS SO
MUCH FUN.
Bounce U in Paramus, another venue where jumping is a fitness activity, offers youngsters free bounce
time where they can come in and play on the inatables
and get a good workout, in addition to the many parties
that they host. Its always a fun time and a good way to
work off the pizza and ice cream.
Ice Vault Arena in Wayne is one of the grandest
skating venues that offer year-round fitness for those
who love to glide on the ice or are series about their
skills. Spring Clinic Series are beginning in April.
Got stroller? Will work out. Fit 4 MomYou know
those packs of mamas: red-faced, babies in strollers
or bouncing on hips, getting their pre-baby glow back?
Youve probably bumped into a Fit 4 Mom class at one
of their meet up spots, like Ridgewood Duckpond.
Whether youre looking to lose baby weight or just tone
with a child around, the classes are fun and effective.
No one is going to bother you when your young one
starts to holler. 800-972-8994)
About our Children APRIL 2014 11

AOC-12
OurChildren
About

Get Your Children and their Behavior

Ready for Passover
The Orthodox Union Department of
Community Engagement, Challahcrumbs.com and Parentingsimply.com
will present a Lunchbreak Parenting
WebinarPesach: How to Raise Helpful and Respectful Children, Wednesday, April 2, at noon. The webinar is
the third part of a series of four preholiday sessions directed at young
parents with the first webinar preceding Chanukah.
This program will provide tools
for parents to relay proper middot
(manners and morals) to their children, important skills for all children
to learn just in time for the holidays,
says Hannah Farkas, program manager
of the OU Department of Community
Engagement and coordinator of the
webinar.
The first part of the program will
feature Adina Soclof, director of Parent
Outreach for A+Solutions, who facilitates workshops such as How to Talk
So Kids Will Listen and How to Listen

So Kids Will Talk.

The two complaints I hear most
often are, Kids dont help out at home
anymore or Kids are so disrespectful
these days! In this class we are going to explore some simple ways to
help our kids help us and teach them
respectful behavior, just in time for
Pesach, says Soclof.
The second part of the webcast will
be led by Devorah Levine Katz, MSW
and mother of five, who has focused
on education for the past decade.
Were exploring ways to make the
Hagaddah come alive and ways to involve your kids in the weeks leading
up to Pesach. Were focusing on how to
make your Seder kid-friendly, Levine
Katz says.
Register online at www.oucommunity.org or call 212-613-8300 for this
free program. For questions please
contact Hannah Farkas at hannahf@
ou.org.

Break the Spoiled Brat

Syndrome

Before Its Too Late

S lov i e Ju n g r e i s - Wo l f f

s Sweden raising a generation of

brats? So begins a recent article in
the Wall Street Journal, discussing
the book How Children Took Power by
Swedish psychiatrist David Eberhard.
The book has sparked intense debate, suggesting that Scandinavias parents have become wimps when it comes
to discipline. As mothers and fathers
have allowed their children to routinely
make family decisions like what to eat for
dinner, what to watch on TV and where
to vacation, the children have become
chief decision makers in their homes.
The culture has grown overly sensitive
to childrens wants and desires breeding a nation of oupptostrade, which is
translated into badly raised children.
Dr. Eberhard argues that as children
get older, he has observed an increase in
anxiety disorders and self-harming problems. He feels these children arent able
to deal with the stresses of everyday life
that adults must face. He warns that a
child-centric society causes more harm
than good, as these kids will end up anxious or depressed, unable to handle the
real world.
He describes teachers who were
confronted by parents arguing that their
childrens rights have been violated
after their kids cell phones were taken
away because they were texting or playing games during class.
We dont have to travel to Sweden to
find children who resent being told no,
are argumentative, demanding, ignore
parents and teachers, and fall into tantrums or rudeness if denied a request or
desire. Each week I communicate with
parents describing such children from
all over the world. This is the Spoiled
Child Syndrome children who are
self-centered, excessive, narcissistic,
immature, who show lack of consideration for other people, recurrent temper
tantrums, and are unable to handle the

12 About Our Children APRIL 2014

delay of gratification. Bruce J. McIntosh,

writing in Pediatrics, attributed Spoiled
Child Syndrome to the failure of parents to enforce consistent, age appropriate limits.
When we overindulge our children
or make them the center of our universe
to the point that they believe that the
world revolves around them, we begin
to lose control of our homes. Our teens
are unhappy and self-absorbed. Nothing
is good enough; no rule makes sense or
applies to them. Emptiness gnaws within. Satisfaction is an elusive emotion.

Stop Spoiling Your Kids

We teach our children how to treat us. If
we want to regain control of our homes
we need to make clear through our actions that we are serious. We must be
willing to say, Enough! We have had
enough tantrums, yelling, screaming,
stomping, and slamming doors so that
you get what you want. The moment we
decide to stop spoiling our children, we
will feel hopeful and strong. We will realize that we are preparing our children
for real life. We cant fix every hurt or
fulfill every desire, but we can provide
a home filled with emotional and spiritual security. We can create a bond of
love and path of wisdom. We can help
our children live with respect for others
and gain genuine self-respect based on
purposeful living. This is the formula for
success. It is not your toys, iPads, name
brand coats and sneakers that will define your happiness in this world. It is
the knowledge I have imparted to you,
the awareness that this is how the world
really works and you, my child, can be
successful as you build your character.

Regaining Control:
Commit to your Goal
Be determined to accomplish your parenting mission. Realize that we cannot
always give our children everything
they want. Constant buying or giving

AOC-13

Be Consistent
Parents who fail to give clear and
consistent discipline send a confusing message to their children. Empty threats, long lectures or haggling
over rules show youngsters that we
do not mean what we say. Children
learn to ignore parents because at
the end, they realize that they can
manipulate the situation. They simply tune us out. Instead of over-talking, debating, or explaining, simply
give a consequence and enforce the
rule.
For example, if you cannot turn
off the computer when it is time for
bed, there will not be any computer
time for you tomorrow night. And
until you can show me that you respect the rules, you will be unable
to use the computer.
There is no debating, begging,

or caving in to tantrums and whining. You do not have to scream or

yell. Be strong and consistent. Your
child realizes that he is responsible
for his decisions and behaviors.

Stop Overindulging
Whether you have created this situation by constantly buying things
and giving gifts or you have overprotected your child to the point
that she knows you will deal with
her infractions, now is the time to
stop this behavior. Some parents
cannot afford to buy for themselves,
but will overextend their budgets
for their kids. The day has come for
you to teach your child that happiness is not gained through shopping.
Children have no idea that they have
a financial responsibility to save up,
or not buy everything their hearts
desire. Our things cannot define
us. Self-worth is acquired through
who we are; our hard work and efforts, how we treat others, and what
we contribute to make this world a
better place.
If you step in and protect your
child by allowing him to sleep late
each morning or do the homework
for him, understand that he will never gain the skills needed to deal with

real life. Even if you nag or get upset,

the bottom line is that you have carried his load. Allow your son to face
the consequences of arriving late
for school, missing homework assignments, or dealing with the pressure of a deadline.
Shielding your child is stunting
his emotional growth.
It is true that many of us are
overworked, exhausted, and have
limited time and patience to discipline. We find it difficult to deal
with angry or defiant children.
Children who seem happy with all
that we provide make us feel better
about our parenting. But this happiness is short-lived. Growing up
entitled, never handling responsibility, unaware of how to deal with
lifes stresses creates children who
become adults who find life overwhelming. Relationships seem dull
and unsatisfactory.
We love our children best by
knowing how to give our time, forge
a path of courage, and stand steadfast in our ability to set boundaries
for life.
Slovie Jungreis-Wolff is a parenting
teacher and author of Raising a Child
With Soul (St. Martins Press)

Cresskill
Performing
Arts

300 Knickerbocker Rd Cresskill

Reserve your space now!

April "Break" Camp
By the Day
April 14 - 18

Summer Camp Programs

Performing Arts - June 30-Aug. 29

Fencing - Weeks of June 23 & Aug. 25
Creative Legos - Weekly in July

2013
READERS
CHOICE

Reprinted with permission of Aish.com

TOP 3
DANCE SCHOOLS

Fencing Princess Dance and more age 2-1/2 to adults

in to demands is not responsible

parenting. Sometimes the answer is
no. Dont allow guilt to get in your
way. If you are making yourself feel
better by overindulging your child,
the truth is you are shortchanging
him. Commitment means that you
have made it clear that the manipulation, pouting, and defiant behavior
will no longer make an impact.

Dance Acting Musical Theater Voice Choreography

Once Upon a Time Creative Legos

201-390-7513 201-266-8830

studio-info@cresskillperformingarts.com
www.cresskillperformingarts.com

LEARN TO SKATE
SPRING SESSION
6 WEEKS $110.00

(Skate Rental not included)

TOT TO ADULT

MONDAY 4:15 or 4:45, Classes start: April 28th

FRIDAY 4:15 or 4:45, Classes start: May 9th
SATURDAY 11:00 or 11:30, Classes start: May 10th

Hockey Skills Classes

Monday 4:15 Hockey Skills 1

4:45 Hockey Skills 2
Starts: April 28TH
NO CLASSES ON 5/23, 5/24 & 5/26
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE
WWW.ICEVAULT.COM
10 NEVINS RD,
WAYNE NJ 07470
PHONE: 973-628-1500 FAX: 973-628-1555

About Our Children APRIL 2014 13

AOC-14
OurChildren
About

All Sports
Arts, Crafts, Theater
Delicious Kosher Food
Exciting 3 Day / 2 Night
Trip

Mayim Bialik Takes

Her Vegan Lifestyle
to You in New Book

P
m
r
o
k
c
d
c
a
fi
c

I
1

H E I D I M A E B RAT T

www.ganaviv.com

n e w

j e r s e y

p e r f o r m i n g

a rt s

c e n t e r

The Second City at NJPAC

FROM THE INSIDE OUT

This groundbreaking program offers a class in

improvisation for teens diagnosed with
Aspergers Syndrome and/or Autism
For application, requirements and more information, please
visit njpac.org/arts-education-1/summer,
email us at artseducation@njpac.org or call (973) 353-7058.
From The Inside Out Program takes place at
NJPACs Center for Arts Education, 24 Rector Street, Newark, NJ.

14 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN APRIL 2014

ayim Bialik: Emmy-nominated

actress. Neuroscientist. Author. Avowed vegan. Committed Jew. This gal seems to do it all.
But at the end of the day, shes a busy,
busy mother of two boys, who knows
what its like to feed her family well.
She knows full well the importance
of preparing healthy meals, but even
more so, she knows even more that
preparing appealing meals is paramount, so that even the pickiest kid
will eat, enjoy and get nourished.
To that end, Bialik has added a
new family-friendly vegan cookbook
to her repertoire, Mayims Vegan
Table: More than 100 Great-Tasting
and Healthy Recipe from My Family
to Yours, which she co-authored
with pediatrician Dr. Jay Gordon.
About Our Children got a chance to
ask Bialik a few things:
Q: Why did you decide to write a
vegan cookbook?
A: I was writing for Kveller.com and
sharing recipes there, which I had made
vegan. People expressed interest in me
publishing them, especially the Jewish
recipes for holidays, which I would talk
about.
Q: Why did you co-author this book
with Dr. Jay Gordon?
A: I needed a pediatric nutritionist
and authority on those issues on the
book. He can speak to larger issues of
health and nutrition.
Q: In a kids world rife with cheese
pizza and ice cream cake birthday parties, how can a parent navigate the social scene with vegan in mind?
A: Make a decision to feed your children how you see fit and be flexible but
follow through. Even non-vegan parents
set limits for how much processed food
and sugar their kids eat. We all get to
decide. Kids wont fall over and lose a
limb if they cant have cake at a party.
I always give my sons their own sweet
after a party or bring one along. Its not
the end all be all of parties to feed kids
sugary foods! We all need to recalibrate
how we view food.
Q: To many parents, its a shock:
No milk?! No meat?! How can a growing
child grow? How do you answer this?
A: Ha! There are many ways to get
protein, fat, calcium, iron, and all of
the nutrients we need to grow without
animal products. Its not even that hard!

Get educated about how

much protein we actually need, and
know that the dairy and meat industries
pay a lot of money to advertise and influence the FDA as to what they think we
should eat. Its not the only way and its
not expensive or hard to grow healthy
children without all of those animal
products.
Q: Mayims Vegan Table includes
many delicious recipes. What are your
some of your sons favorite recipes?
What are some of your favorites?
A: My boys love all cookies I make
that are in the book. They love brussels
sprout chips and kale chips. They love
shepherds pie (modified without the
potatoes, so its basically beans and peas
and carrots). I love the risotto and the
cashew cheese, which I use as a dip or
in lasagna or spanikopita.
Q: What does the typical daily menu
look like for your sons?
A: They tend to eat raw breakfast
with me, like a smoothie or fruit plate.
They love burritos, anything with a tortilla and beans and a little vegan cheese
and avocado. They love snacking all
day, so meals tend to be light for dinner.
They also love Thai food!
Q: What do you hope parents learn
most from this book?
A: Its not an all or nothing lifestyle
I talk about in the book. Everyone can
and should eat less animal-based products. This book is a good start for yummy affordable and easy ideas that nonvegans will love.
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our
Children

AOC-15
OurChildren
About

Mac N Cheez
People often ask vegan children if they
miss macaroni and cheese. With this
recipe, your kids dont have to miss
out on the creamy comfort food many
kids think comes from a box. The vegan
cheese sauce can be poured and mixed
directly into cooked pasta or baked in a
casserole. Either way, it is an exceptionally yummy and satisfying dish youll
find yourself making when you crave
comfort food in a jiffy.

Ingredients:
1 (16-ounce) package of pasta, such as
farfalle, rigatoni, penne, shells, or large
macaroni
1 1/4 cups nondairy milk (almond milk
works best)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or white or
brown rice flour
1 (8-ounce) bag shredded vegan cheese,
preferably mozzarella or cheddar
1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional)
Cook the pasta according to the package

directions. Drain when al dente and place in

a large bowl.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat 1 cup of the nondairy milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
In a cup, whisk the flour into the remaining
1/4 of milk until dissolved. Add it slowly to
the heated milk, whisking as you go. Add
the shredded vegan cheese and stir constantly until the cheese is dissolved and the
sauce is bubbly about 5 minutes. Pour over
the pasta mixture and stir to combine.
Serves 8

Kale Chips
Kale chips are one of the easiest, healthiest and most fun vegan snacks we can
think of. These are great for parties, and
when sprinkled with nutritional yeast,
they are one of the most irresistible vegan snacks youll ever taste.

Ingredients:
2 bunches kale, stems removed, diced into
2- to 3-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place
the kale pieces on two baking sheets and
drizzle generously with olive oil, tossing to
coat. Sprinkle with the sea salt and nutritional yeast, if using.
Bake, turning every 5 to 7 minutes, until
browned and crunchy, almost burnt, but not
burnt.
Serves 4
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels spouts chips take a bit more
work to prep than kale chips, but the result is crunchy and delicious and rivals
potato chips any day of the week.

Ingredients:
1 pound Brussels sprouts
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Remove the leaves of the Brussels sprouts.
This is tedious work, but it can be done. You
want as many leaves as possible, and you
may need to keep cutting away the stem as
you get deeper into the sprout.
Place the leaves on a baking sheet and
drizzle generously with olive oil, tossing to
coat. Sprinkle with the sea salt. Bake, turning every 5 to 7 minutes, until browned and
crunchy, almost burnt, but not burnt.
Serves 4

Zucchini Chips
These zucchini chips are a healthy alternative to fried appetizers, as they are
breaded and baked. Excellent for dipping and wonderful for little hands to
help assemble, eat these straight from
the oven or optimal crispiness.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 cup plain, unsweetened soy or rice milk
4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/4-inchthich coins
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. In
a shallow bowl, mix together the bread
crumbs, vegan cheese (if using), spices, and
herbs.
Pour the nondairy milk into a small bowl.
Dip the zucchini slices into the milk and
then into the breadcrumb mixture. Place
each slice on a baking rack placed on a
sheet pan and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Serves 4

From Mayims Vegan Table: More than 100 Great-Tasting and Healthy Recipes from My Family
to Yours (De Capo Press).
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN APRIL 2014 15

AOC-16
OurChildren
About

How to Battle
the Beddie Bye Blues and Win

A d i n a S o c lo f

ow do I get my children to sleep at

night? They wont stay in bed!
Bedtime in my house is a
nightmare! I dread it.
My kids are whiny and cranky in the
morning because they are not getting
enough sleep. What can I do?
These are complaints that I hear often from parents. Bedtime can be quite
challenging.
Many times when children dont listen to us it is because they are testing
us to see if we mean what we say. And
many times we dont mean what we say
because we are so unsure about our
parenting. We feel bad or mean when
we try to get our children to sleep, eat
their vegetables, be polite, all the things
parents are responsible for so that their
children will grow up civilized and productive members of society. Not only
that, if we make them do the things they

16 About Our Children APRIL 2014

dont want to do they might not like us

or they will be unhappy and we so badly
want them to like us and be happy. Or
we feel like we are traumatizing our children and they will grow up emotionally
stilted. And there are times where we are
so tired that we dont have the energy to
do all that needs to be done. We cannot
enforce anything; let alone bedtime.
But children need us to be strong,
firm and even unyielding when we set
our limits and rules. Even though they
might fight against us they dont want us
to lose the battle. Surprisingly they feel
more secure and are happier when their
parents set limits and stick to them. This
even includes going to bed on time.
Here are six ways to get your child
to bed on time.

1. Know in your heart that bedtime

is important for your children
We all know that children who have gotten the sleep they need are less likely to

be whiny and cranky. But science goes

even further. All the latest studies have
touted the importance of bedtime. A regular bedtime helps brain development.
Children who have consistent bedtimes
scored better on cognitive tests in reading, math and spatial relations. Not only
that, early bedtimes can prevent obesity
in children. I also think that families that
have regular bedtimes are calmer and
happier. It is easier to run a household
when both adults and kids are getting
the rest they need.
Knowing the benefits, we can rest
easy that enforcing bedtime is good for
kids. We will not traumatize or hurt our
children in any way when we are strict
about getting them the rest they need.
We can feel confident that we truly have
our childs welfare at heart. When they
balk, instead of saying to ourselves, I
am being so mean to them by making
them go to sleep when they dont want
to We should say: My kids need me

to get them into bed on time. They need

me to be firm and enforce their bedtime
for their physical growth, cognitive development, their sanity and mine!

2. Use the voice of authority

Oftentimes children would rather be doing anything then going to sleep. They
have FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Their
room could be dark and boring, while
the rest of the house is full of light and

AOC-17
OurChildren
About

potential for fun. This should not deter

us; we can be firm when we are putting
our kids to bed.
Children need to know that you
mean business. We want to avoid using
wishy washy language or phrases that
might highlight our uncertainty:
Can you get into bed already!
Please???
Stop jumping on the bed, okay?
Instead we need to be more authoritative and sure:
Time for bed
We have time to read one story.
Cups of water are to be gotten now,
not later.
Heads on the pillow.
Bedtime for 5 year olds is 7:30pm.
Repeat as needed.

3. Put in place bedtime rituals.

helpful if you develop a routine with your

childs input. Make some time to sit with
your child/ren and ask some of the following questions.
How can we make bedtime go
smoothly?
What can we do to make sure that
you are in bed on time?
How can we make bedtime a better
and calmer?

4. Be silly but not too silly

You do want bedtime to be playful, but
still low key. Roughhousing, wrestling
or tickling can give your child a second
wind. Instead, you can read a funny book
while using funny voices or have a ritual
where you kiss and say good night to all
your childs stuffed animals.
Another silly activity and a great way
to help your child cooperate and get into
bed is to give them silly choices:
Do you want to wear your pajamas
inside out or right side up?
Do you want to hop or skip into bed?
Do you want to sleep with your feet
on the pillow and head under the covers?

Children thrive on routines and rituals. Have a set one for bedtime that you
can enforce with your voice of authority.
When my kids were young our routine
looked like this: Snack, brush teeth, bath,
pajamas, two books, Shema prayer and
some snuggles and kisses.
Whatever you decide, try to be con- 5. It can take some time and pasistent. They will start to move more tience, be strong
A common question (or complaint) is
naturally from one to the other.
You can even make a picture chart But what if my child comes out of his
showing what your routine is. That way room?
It is helpful to brainstorm with your
when your child is not following the routine, lets say he doesnt want to brush child to come up with some solutions on
his teeth, you can just point to the pic- how he can stay in bed. Kids are more
ture. You can be forceful without saying likely to comply if they have had a say in
what needs to be done.
a word.
You can name the problem and ask if
If your children are a bit older, it is

he has any ideas on how to solve it:

Parent: I see that you are having trouble staying in bed. Lets put our heads together and see if we can come up with
any solutions?
When I have done this with my kids
we have come up with a variety of options to help them stay in bed. Some
ideas were:
Nightlight
Lamp by the bed
Listening to quiet music
Books on tape
Mommy staying for five minutes after Shema
Coloring with Color Wonder (no
mess crayons and coloring book)
But sometimes we just need to be
firm, especially with younger children.
Parenting is hard work. You often have
to do things over and over again until
your child understands that you mean
business.
That might mean that every time
your child comes out of his room take
him back in without fanfare, talking as little as possible (or use the short phrases
that we outline in our use your voice of
authority sections).
Soon your child will get the picture
that you mean what you say and will not
be rewarded by any extra attention, negative or otherwise.

One last thing:

Children can get us with their creative
last-minute requests, one more hug, one

more drink of water, one more book, or

one more bathroom trip. Try to fit this all
into your bedtime routine. You can say:
Last call for the bathroom is right
now!
Waters are being given out now. Last
call for water next to your bed!
You can also give them choices:
It is almost time for sleep, do you
want five or ten kisses before I leave?
You get to choose the book, do you
want one or two books tonight?
Let them know that they can only
come out if there is an emergency.
It also fair to say, After 8 p.m., Mommy/Daddy needs to take care of other
things around the house, or I need some
quiet time to myself. This will help me be
a better Mommy tomorrow.
If your child tries to get you to fall
into his just one more thing trap dont
get pulled into an argument with him or
give in to his requests. If you do, you are
giving him exactly what he wants, a delayed bedtime and extra attention. It will
also be harder to get back into your bedtime routine.
Bedtime can be a tough time for
parents, knowing its good for your children, using the voice of authority, using
routine and rituals, and being firm about
that one last thing can all help to make
bedtime more pleasurable.
Adina Soclof is the director of Parent
Outreach for A+ Solutions. She runs workshops on How to Talk so Kids will Listen
and Listen so Kids will Talk and Siblings
Without Rivalry. Her website is www.
parentingsimply.com.

Bat Mitzvah Collects

for Israeli Soldiers
Reina Amar, a sixth grader at Ben Porat Yosef, is collecting items for Israeli soldiers for her bat mitzvah project.
The Teaneck resident decided to connect with A Package
from Home, an organization that provides soldiers with
packages to make them feel less alone.
Reinas mother, Arona Amar, says they learned about
A Package from Home from a local friend whose son volunteered to join the Israeli Army this year. He is a lone
soldier. The friend had made successful attempts to collect items for her sons unit, and Reina was inspired to
help To date, APFH has delivered more than 130,000 care
packages to soldiers serving in the IDF. APFH focuses on
helping lone soldiers as well all members of the IDF.
BPY set up a collection box where students could donate items, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and hand hotties and letters of appreciation to be
included in care packages that.
The familys synagogue, Shaarei Orah, The Sephardic
Congregation of Teaneck, sent out an email about Reinas
efforts. The rabbi, Ely Allen, who is also director of Hillel
of Northern New Jersey, set up collection sites at local
campuses. A number of our family members and Reinas
friends have made monetary donations to A Package
from Home in honor of Reinas Bat Mitzvah and she is
going to adopt a unit.
Reinas Bat Mitzvah celebration has been ongoing
but will be culminating with a Womens Tefila where she
will be reading Torah on April 1. If anyone would like to
participate either by donating items or money, contact
ahrona.amar@gmail.com
About Our Children APRIL 2014 17

AOC-18
OurChildren
About

Go Near, Go Far, Go Have Chol HaMoed Fun

H E I D I M A E B RAT T

he days of Chol HaMoed are few

and far between this year as they
fall on the calendar during Passover. Theres Thursday, Friday and Sunday to grab some family time that is not
Shabbat Chol HaMoed. While it may not
be as big a chunk of time as some years,

its still enough to make a day or overnight trip or get in lots of local fun.
If museums are your thing, think local or cross the bridges.
The Liberty Science Center, always a
wonderful visit, is bringing back its popular Block Party exhibition. Young visitors can make thousands of elaborate
creations with oversized foam shapes.

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A pair of blocks becomes a wall, walls

make rooms, and rooms become houses. Inspired by creativity and teamwork,
children can design and build anything
from dinosaurs and giant robots to castles with moats and long, winding ball
chutes. Liberty Science Center, Liberty
State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard,
Jersey City, 201-200-1000, www.lsc.org.
The American Museum of Natural
History, the place for the most impressive dinosaur bones and more, is opening a new exhibition on the gargantuan
prehistoric flying reptiles in Pterosaurs:
Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs. It is
touted to be the largest exhibition ever
mounted, and highlights the latest research by scientists and paleontologists
around the world. American Museum of
Natural History, Central Park West and
W. 79 St., Manhattan. 212-769-5100, www.
amnh.org.
At the Staten Island Childrens
Museum, tucked away on the bucolic
grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center
& Botanical Gardens, children can get
direct and authentic hands-on experiences through its 40,000 square feet of
interactive exhibits. The museum champions its mission of celebrating different learning styles and demonstrating
that learning is fun. Staten Island Childrens Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace,
Staten Island, N.Y. 718-273-2060, www.
sichildrensmuseum.org.
Childrens museums are everywhere.
Theres the original Brooklyn Childrens
Museum, the first childrens museum
ever, founded in 1899, a mere six blocks
from the Jewish Childrens Museum
on Eastern Parkway. The Children s
Museum of Art in Soho is packed with
paintings, drawings and works of art by
children, and The Manhattan Childrens
Museum has many exhibits geared to
tots ages six and under.
If you dont mind getting in the car
or a train for a day trip, there is the

historic and fun and educational City

of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia. Philadelphia is only a two-and-a-half hour
ride away and filled with historic sites,
such as Independence Hall, Betsy Ross
house, the Liberty Bell and many others.
There is also the relatively new National
Museum of American Jewish History, a
Smithsonian-affiliated facility in the city
center, to visit.
Not too far from Philly or New York
is the refurbished Crayola Experience
in Easton, Pennsylvania. A colorful treat
for kids of all ages, you can discover the
magic of color through this attraction
with 60,000 square feet of whimsical adventures. The real-life extension of the
iconic Crayola brand, the Crayola Experience was completely re-imaged last
year. Now, bigger and bolder than before, it features 21 attractions that allow
youngsters to explore art and express
their creativity from building custom
markers to animating the art digitally.
Crayola Experience, 30 Centre Square,
Easton, Pennsylvania. 610-515-8000,
www.crayolaexperience.com.
Closer to home and a bit of indoor
fun in case of bad weather or just to be
inside, the world of Palisades Center
West Nyack is a very popular destination for Chol HaMoed. Located at 1000
Palisades Center Drive in West Nyack,
New York 845-348-1000, the center is
home to ice skating, movies, shopping
and more. Billy Beez, located on the first
floor of the mall at 1282 Palisades Center
Drive, is a whimsical playground to help
keep your child very busy.
But if you must be outdoors, and
after the winter weve had lets get outside, there is the lovely Van Saun Park
right in our backyard. With its miniature
train ride and pony rides and gardens
and walking paths, in addition to its ball
field and picnic grounds, Van Saun Park
is a great local attraction. 216 Forest Ave,
Paramus. 201-336-7275.

Some Fun in and Around Town

Web sites of other Chol HaMoed Options
Ellis Island:
www.ellisisland.org

Metropolitan Museum of Art:

www.metmuseum.org

Bear Mountain:
www.bearmountain.com

Lady Liberty:
www.statueoflibertytickets.org

American Museum
of Natural History:
www.amnh.org

Zipline at Hunter Mountain:

www.alpinezipline.com

Pole Position Raceway

www.polepositionraceway.com Hayden Planetarium:
www.haydenplanetarium.org
South Street Seaport:
www.southstreetseaport.com Jewish Childrens Museum:
www.jcm.museum
Liberty State Park:
www.libertystatepark.org
Childrens Museum
of the Arts:
Liberty Science Center:
www.cmany.org
www.isc.org
Fun City Indoor
Empire State Building:
Amusement Park:
www.esbny.com
www.funcityny.com
Museum of TV and Radio:
www.paleycenter.org

Childrens Museum
of Manhattan:
www.cmom.org
Ferries and Boat Rides:
www.nywaterway.org
Newark Museum:
www.newarkmuseum.org
Hudson Valley sites and
activities:
www.hudsonvalley.org

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN APRIL 2014 18

AOC-19
OurChildren
About

Crafting Creates Passover Holiday Fun

R i v k y Ko e n i g

How to do it:

Fill the backpack with some or all of the listed materials or

craft the notepad and include it in the travel pack. These
are just suggestions: Take along anything that will capture
kids interest and that doesnt take up too much space or
have many pieces that might get lost in the car.

esach, or Passover, is the festival with the strongest orientation toward family. From parent to
child, from generation to generation, the messages of freedom, liberation and our national destiny
are transmitted. At the Seder, we retell the fascinating
and miraculous story of the Jewish exodus from Egypt.
Children ask questions; adults provide the answers
they heard when they were children themselves.
Theres cleaning and preparing to be done before
Pesach. Our homes must be free of all chametz, leavened foods, before the holiday begins. Ridding the
home of chametz can consume the time, effort, and energy of the entire family, and loving bonds may become
a bit frayed. Heres where holiday crafting can work its
magic!
Hit-the-Road Travel Pack
For many people, celebrating Pesach means getting
together with family that lives far away. If youre traveling or visiting relatives, put together this travel pack to
make the car ride or plane trip more enjoyable.

What you will need:

backpack or tote bag
paperback book(s)
crayons and coloring books
travel-size game or felt board game
deck of cards/card games
Trail Mix:
Raisins, nuts, chocolate, chips, dried fruit

Make trail mix to munch on. Place an ample amount of

raisins, nuts, chocolate chips and dried fruit in a Ziploc bag.
Store in the backpack.
Estimated time: 10 minutes
Hit-the-Road Travel Notepad

What you will need:

medium-sized spiral bound pad of paper
1 (8 1/2-inch by 11-inch) sheet cardstock
pencil
scissors or paper cutter
glue stick or tape runner
large paper tag
alphabet stickers
15-inch length of 1/2-inch wide ribbon
How to do it:

glue stick or tape runner to glue the tag to the center of the
notepad.

Trace the front of the pad onto the back of the cardstock
and cut out.

Tie one end of the remaining ribbon to the pen or pencil

and the other end to the spiral binding of the notepad.

Glue the cardstock rectangle to the cover of the notebook.

Estimated time: 15 minutes

Cut a 3-inch piece of ribbon and knot through the tags

hole. Stick letters spelling Trip Notes onto the tag. Use the

Reprinted with permission from Crafting Jewish by Rifky

Koenig, published by ArtScroll / Mesorah Publications.

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About Our Children APRIL 2014 19

AOC-20
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Bnai mitzvah
Carly
HABERFIELD
Samantha
HABERFIELD

Bissli
Family Pack

HAPPY PASSOVER

Rockland
Pediatric Dental P.C.
Ralph L. Berk, DDS, FAAPD
Dorit Hermann-Chasen, DMD
Anne Chaly, DDS Karan Estwick, DDS

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Eleni Michailidis, DDS, MS

Carly and Samantha Haberfield, twin

daughters of Jill and Adam Haberfield
of Montvale, celebrated becoming bnai
mitzvah on February 22 at Temple Beth
Or in Washington Township.

Mia
BEIMAN

Bradley
MORRISON

Sarah
STUPAK

Mia Beiman, daughter of Randi and

Larry Beiman of Hillsdale, and sister of
Alana, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on March 1 at Temple Emanuel of
the Pascack Valley in Woodcliff Lake.

Bradley Morrison, son of Jill and Eric

Morrison of Franklin Lakes and brother
of Carly, celebrated becoming a bar
mitzvah on March 1 at Temple Beth
Rishon in Wyckoff.

Sarah Stupak, daughter of Ilyssa and

Darren Stupak of Woodcliff Lake, and
sister of Max, celebrated becoming a
bat mitzvah on March 15 at Temple
Emanuel of the Pascack Valley in
Woodcliff Lake.

Noah
COLLIER

Aly
RUBIN

Noah Spencer Collier, son of Andrea

and Jay Collier of Hillsdale and brother
of Jeremy, celebrated becoming a bar
mitzvah on March 8 at Congregation
Bnai Israel in Emerson.

Aly Rubin, daughter of Linda and Joel

Rubin of Norwood, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on March 1 at Temple
Beth El of Northern Valley in Closter.

Chad
SCHUSTER

Joshua
UNGER
Joshua Unger, son of Waltraud and
Daniel Unger of Glen Rock, celebrated
becoming a bar mitzvah on March 1 at
Temple Israel and Jewish Community
Center in Ridgewood.

Chad Schuster, son of Angela and

Howard Schuster of Old Tappan, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on
March 8 at Temple Beth El of Northern
Valley in Closter.

Orthodontics for Children and Adults

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Montclair State Gifted & Talented Offers Summer Program

Summer is a great time for students to continue to develop and exercise their minds. Montclair State University offers a Gifted & Talented summer program in two,
three-week sessions. The first session runs from June
30 through July 18 and the second session runs from
July 21 through August 8.
The summer program provides full-day and halfday options on the campus of Montclair State for
high-achieving students who have completed grades
K through 11. During the program, students immerse
themselves in an educational environment focusing on
mathematics, science, technology, fine and performing
arts, English, and the humanities, as well as activities
such as soccer and tennis.
This summer, the program has developed a wide
variety of new courses to supplement the growing list of
our students favorite classes. One of the newest courses for rising seventh and eighth graders is Mechanics
in Engineering, which focuses on learning engineering
principles through applied physics and mathematics.
Within this course, students learn how wheels, gears,
and levers become complex units in creating move-

20 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN APRIL 2014

ment. Students should be ready to build, launch, analyze, and tweak projects such as a Ping-Pong catapult.
In addition to new classes in technology, science,
mathematics, and language arts, we have incorporated
social skills classes into each grade level. Rising third
and fourth graders are able to enroll in Express Yourself:
Role Play, where they are challenged to think through
scenarios and act out different endings. The goal of this
class is to help students learn some of the tools needed
to make and maintain personal relationships.
The complete summer course schedule and application are available at montclair.edu/gifted.
Established in 1981, Montclair State Universitys
Gifted & Talented program provides courses, workshops, and intensives designed to meet the unique
intellectual and social needs of high-ability students.
The accelerated, inquiry-based courses allow students
to immerse themselves in topics of personal interest
while engaging with other students who have similar
aptitude and passions.
To learn more about Montclair State University Gifted & Talented or Hi-Jump, 973-655 4104.

rs of
the
ts
9-

ey
m
ed
e,

ned
e.,

AOC-21
OurChildren
About

TopChoices
A P R I L 2 0 14

CO M P I L E D BY H E I D I M A E B RAT T

Mama Doni Rocks

Passover Palooza
Mama Doni, a.k.a. Doni Zasloff, the Rockin Jewish Montclair Mom, brings her funky music
with a Jewish twist to the third annual Mama Donis Passover Palooza, a free family event
for everyone who wants to get into the Passover spirit. The concert, at the original Streits
Matzo factory on Manhattans Lower East
Side, is followed by a tour
where families can see
Passover matzahs being
made. There will be plenty of music, fun and lots
of giveaways, including
boxes of Streitss matzah,
samples of macaroons,
CDs, posters, T-shirts
and more. Passover
Palooza with Mama Doni,
1 p.m. on Sunday, April 6.
Streits Matzo Factory,
150 Rivington St. in
Manhattan. 718-813-7170,
www.mamadoni.com.

Passover Journey
through Song and Art
Shira Kline and her band, ShirLaLa are set to take children on a musical Passover
journey from the Sea of Reeds to the Land of Milk and Honey at a special show at the
Museum of Jewish Heritage A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. Her high-energy
music encourages youngsters from 3 to 10 years old to jump
like frogs, crunch lots of
matzah and dance, dance,
dance. The concert is at 2
p.m. Themed crafts and tours,
included in concert ticket
prices, will take place from 1
to 4 p.m. Museum of Jewish
Heritage A Living Memorial
to the Holocaust, 36 Battery
Place, Manhattan, 646-4374202, www.mjhnyc.org.

Flight in
the Age of Dinosaurs Soars
For as long as dinosaurs walked the Earth, flying animals ranging from the
size of a sparrow to an F-16 fighter jet ruled the skies. These extraordinary
winged reptiles, which are
close relatives of the dinosaurs
as well as the first back-boned
animals to evolve powered
flight, are the focus of the
new exhibition, Pterosaurs:
Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs
opening at the American
Museum of Natural History
April 5. It is touted to be
the largest exhibition ever
mounted in the United States
about these flying reptiles.
Pterosaurs highlights the
latest research by museum
scientists and leading paleontologists around the
world. American Museum
of Natural History, Central
Park West and W. 79 St.,
Manhattan. 212-769-5100,
www.amnh.org.

Elizabeth
Mitchell &
You Are My
Flower
Two-time Grammy nominee Elizabeth Mitchell
and You Are My Flower will perform a folk
rock concert for families on Sunday, April 6 at
11:30 a.m. at The Jewish Museum. Mitchell,
a singer and guitarist known for reinterpreting
classic folk songs for children and their parents,
will be joined by her 12-year-old daughter
Storey, and guests, Brooklyn bluegrass ensemble the M Shanghai Stringband. The Jewish
Museum,1109 Fifth Ave., Manhattan. 212423-3200, www.thejewishmuseum.org.

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN APRIL 2014 21

AOC-22

The Good Life With Kids

A P R I L

To Our Readers: To Our Readers: This calendar is a day-by-day schedule of events. Although all information is as timely as we can make it, its a
good idea to call to verify details before you go.

DaybyDay
Sunday, March 30
The Pop Ups: Concert for families at The Jewish
Museum. 11:30 a.m. Tickets $18 adult, $13
child; discount for members. For children 2 to 7
years old. The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave.,
Manhattan. www.thejewishmuseum.org.
Kids in Action: Chabad of Passaic County Kids
in action will focus on the five senses and how to
make the world a better place. Create Passover
baskets for the needy and watch a model matzah bakery using your hands. 1 to 2:30 p.m. For
children 6 to 12 years old. The Chabad Center,
194 Ratzer Road, Wayne. Chanig@optonline.net,
973-694-6274
Friendship Circle Bowling: Friendship Circle
of Passaic County is hold a bowling league at
the Holiday Bowl, 29 Spruce St., Oakland from
noon to 1 p.m. and at Van Houten Lanes, 564
Van Houten Ave., Clifton from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.
Volunteers will be on hand to assist children. $5
per child. To RSVP, chaya@fcpassaiccounty.com,
718-483-5682.
Shlemiel Crooks: Free fun, music and story telling. Shlemiel Crooks, a Passover Story in Words
and Music will performed by author and Fair
Lawn resident Anna Olswanger and lyricist Clay
Zambo. Two free tickets will be given away at
the event for Shlemiel Crooks A Musical to
take place at New Yorks Merkin Concert Hall the
following week. Bookstore event at Bank Street
Bookstore, 2879 Broadway, Manhattan. 3 p.m.
212-678-1654.
Miriams Cup for Mother and Daughters:
Designed for mothers and their 8 to 18 year-old
daughters, this course honors the role of women
in Jewish history and helps you create your own

ceramic Miriams Cup. From 4 to 6 p.m. JCC

on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly.
$36 members. Also on Sunday, April 6.

Tuesday, April 1
Media and Children Lecture: Noted expert on
child and teen development, Robyn Silverman
lectures on countering the medias impact on
childrens self image at Temple Sharey TefiloIsrael, 432 Scotland Road, South Orange.
7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 3
Appetizers, Tapas and Mini Desserts: Learn the
power of the mini meal with chef Galit Aboodi.
Menu includes tomato tart with Labne cheese
and zaathar, fish cerviche, stuffed mini mushrooms, Oreo cookie mini-trifle cups and more.
7 to 9:30 p.m. Kaplen JCC on the Palisades,
411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly. 201-408-1457.
www.jccotp.org.
Artist Reception: Letter to My Children
Photographs by Debbie Teicholz Guedalia on display April 1 to April 28. Artist reception 6:30 to
8:30 p.m. Waltuch Gallery of the Kaplen JCC on
the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly. 201408-1426, www.jccotp.org.

Friday, April 4
Family Shabbat: Temple Israel holds family
service with singing, stories and warmth. For
families of children 3 to 13 years old. 7 p.m. service followed by an oneg. Temple Israel & Jewish
Community Center, 475 Grove St. Ridgewood.
201-444-9320, office@synagogue.org.
First Friday Shabbat in River Edge: Tot Shabbat
at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and
family service at 7:30 p.m. Cost for dinner
$12.50, $10 for children 10 and $6 for children 9
and under. Temple Avodat Shalom, 385 Howland
Ave., River Edge. 385 Howland Ave., River Edge,
201-489-2463

Saturday, April 5
Passover Family Fun: Music, stories, dance and
crafts from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Temple Emeth,
1666 Windsor Road, Teaneck. For children 2 to
5 years old and their parents and grandparents.
201-833-8466.

Sunday, April 6

See Miriams Cup, Sunday, March 30

22 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN APRIL 2014

Model Matzah Bakery for Children with

Special Needs: The Friendship Circle of
Passaic County will have children baking their own matzah. Chai Tots Preschool,
482 Brook Ave., Passaic. Children will
be served a pizza dinner. Siblings welcome. RSVP chaya@fcpassaiccounty.com,
www.fcpassaiccounty.com. 973-694-6274.
Spring Boutique: Shopping extravaganza
featuring jewelry, womens fashion, childrens
clothing and more. Shop for Mothers Day.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. also on Monday, April 7 from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kaplen JCC on the Palisades,
411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly. 201-408-1435.
www.jccotp.org.
Family Art Project: Hear the story of a boy who
creates a forest in his room. Then join artist J.Q.
Nelson create an environment using trees, plants
and a garden. Free with admission. 10 a.m. to
1 p.m. Wave Hill House, Wave Hill, 675 W 252
St., The Bronx, 718-549-3200.

OurChildren
About

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 0766 AboutOCaol.com
or fax it to: 201-833-4959
Deadline for May issue (published May 25):
Wednes, April 16

Jewish Womens Circle Torah and Tea: The

Chabad Center of Passaic County Womens Circle
invites all women and girls ages 9 and older to
an evening of art, fun and inspiration at 7:30 p.m.
in which participants will create their own Elijah
goblet for the Passover table. Light refreshments
served. 194 Ratzer Road, Wayne. 973-6946274, chanig@optonline.net.
Seder Plate LIVE: An interactive family experience from 10 to 11:30 a.m. At Seder Plate LIVE
children 2 to 5 and their grown-ups have an
up-close and personal encounter with a room
size Seder Plate as they travel around the plate
to explore the symbols of Passover found on the
plate through songs, activities, crafts, cooking and
a PJ Library story. Reservations pjlibrary@yjcc.org.
Federation of Northern New Jersey and Bergen
County YJCC, 605 Pascack Road, Washington
Township. 201-666-6610.
Mama Doni Passover Palooza: Doni Zasloff, the
Rockin Jewish Montclair Mom, brings her funky
music with a Jewish twist to the third annual
Mama Donis Passover Palooza, a free family
event for everyone who wants to get into the
Passover spirit. Passover Palooza with Mama
Doni, 1 p.m. Sunday, April 6 at Streits Matzo
Factory, 150 Rivington St. in Manhattan. 718-8137170, www.mamadoni.com.
Elizabeth Mitchell and You are My Flower:
Family concert at 11:30 a.m. for music lovers 3
and older. Enjoy the folk-rock sound of Elizabeth
Mitchell and her daughter, Storey, and guests The
M Shanghai String Band of Brooklyn. $18 adults;
$13 children. The Jewish Museum, The Jewish
Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Manhattan. 212-4233200, www.thejewishmuseum.org.

Wednesday, April 9
Friendship Circle Action: The Chabad Center
of Passaic Countys Friendship Circle Action
Teen program 7 to 8 p.m. Pack Passover boxes
for seniors in the community. 194 Ratzer Road,
Wayne. 973-694-6274, chanig@optonline.net.

Friday, April 11
Family Friendly Shabbat in Franklin Lakes:
Join a family friendly service with Rabbi Elyse
Frishman and Rabbi Rachel Steiner at 7 p.m.
Service followed by an oneg. Barnert Temple,
747 Route 208 South, Franklin Lakes. 201-8481800, www.barnerttemple.org.

Sunday, April 13
Passover Family Celebration: Join Shira Kline
and her band ShirLaLa for a musical Passover
journey from the Sea of Reeds to the Land of
Milk and Honey. Celebration at the Museum
of Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to the
Holocaust. Concert at 2 p.m. For children 3 to 10
years old. Museum of Jewish Heritage: A Living
Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Place,
Manhattan. 646-437-4202, www.mjhnyc.org.

Tuesday, April 15
Passover Seder at Temple Emeth: Held on the
second night of Passover at 6 p.m. 1666 Windsor
Road, Teaneck. 201-833-1322. www.emeth.org.
RSVP by April 6.
Passover Seder in Glen Rock: Community
Seder for Passover at Glen Rock Jewish Center.
682 Harristown, Road, Glen Rock. 6 p.m. 201445-1963. Reserve by April 9.

What is Cord Blood Banking?: Learn about his

potentially life-saving technique. Course from
6:15 to 7:15 p.m. at Destination Maternitys
Learning Studio, 35 Plaza, Westbound Route 4,
Paramus. www.ValleyHealth.com/FamilyEducation.
201-291-6151.

Wednesday, April 16
Paul Anka in Concert: Legendary singer and
songwriter performs at bergenPAC 8 p.m.
Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com,
wwwbergenpac.org, or 201-227-1030. bergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood.

Friday, April 18
Matzah Box Masterpieces: Part of the Family
Programs at The Jewish Museum, this drop-in art
workshop will focus on designing a colorful box
to hold matzah or other holiday treasures. 1 to
4 p.m. For ages 3 and older. The Jewish Museum,
1109 Fifth Ave., Manhattan. 212-423-3200,
www.thejewishmuseum.org.

Saturday, April 19
Tot Shabbat in Franklin Lakes: Join the little
ones for a Shabbat of activity, musical prayer,
Torah and a story. An oneg follows. Starts
at 9:30 a.m. Barnert Temple, 747 Route
208 South, Franklin Lakes, 201-848-1800,
www.barnerttemple.org.

Sunday, April 20
Freedom Art Jam: Part of the Family Programs
at The Jewish Museum, this art and dance party
for Passover is from noon to 4 p.m. for children
3 and older. Free with museum admission. The
Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Manhattan. 212423-3200, www.thejewishmuseum.org.

Thursday, April 24
Yom HaShoah Commemoration: Event sponsored by the sisterhoods of Temple Emanuel,
Temple Beth Or and the Pascack Valley/Northern
Valley Chapter of Hadassah 7:30 p.m. at Temple
Emanuel, 87 Overlook Drive, Woodcliff Lake.
201-391-080

Saturday, April 26
Tot Shabbat: Temple Israel & Jewish Community
Center in Ridgewood invite children, parents
and grandparents to a Tot Shabbat from 11 to
11:45 a.m., 475 Grove St., Ridgewood. Ageappropriate Shabbat celebration followed
by a light Kiddush lunch. 201-444-9320,
www.synagogue.org.
Run for the Wild: Sixth annual Wildlife
Conservation Society Run for the Wild 5K
run/walk at the Bronx Zoo to raise money to
save elephants from poaching. Registration,
www.wcsrunforthewild.org. Runners start at
8 a.m.; walkers at 8:45 a.m. followed by a day at
the zoo. Bronx Zoo, Bronx River Parkway, 718367-1010, www.bronxzoo.com.

Sunday, April 27
Workshop for Kids with Special Needs:
Examine abstract sculptures and create a work
of your own in this program for families with
children who have developmental and learning
disabilities. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ages 5 to 17.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Manhattan.
Call 212-423-3256 to register.

AOC-23
OurChildren
About

FYI
Scholarships for
Jewish Women

Spring
Pre-Passover Camp

National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section will award several
scholarships to Jewish women graduating from a public Bergen County high
school and planning to attend a fouryear college this fall. Applications can
be obtained through high school guidance offices. Deadline for submission is
April 15.

Chabad of Passaic County will be having pre-Passover Spring camp from

April 7 to 9 for children 3 to 13 from 9
a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost $25 per day includes
lunch. The Chabad Center, 194 Ratzer
Road, Wayne. Chanig@optonline.net,
973-694-6274.

Newborn Care
All the basics of newborn care for expectant parents and grandparents. The
class will be April 10, 24 and 26 from 7 to
10 p.m. at the Dorothy B. Kraft Center, 15
Essex Road, Paramus. The fee is $50 per
couple. Classes should be taken before
the birth. www.ValleyHealth.com/FamilyEducation. 201-291-6151.

Splash Week at
Wayne YMCA
Swimming and water safety skills are offered during Splash week, April 7 through
April 11 at the Wayne YMCA. Free, but
pre-registration required. Membership
not necessary. For more information and
schedule, 973-595-0100. The Y is located
at 1 Pike Drive, Wayne.

New Childrens Book Out for Passover

The Great Pesach Funbook: Dont
PASS OVER this One! By Chani Saposh (Judaica Press)
Hours of enjoyment for kids ages 5 to
12. The Great Pesach Funbook makes it
fun for kids to be part of the excitement
before and during Pesach. With over 30
games, riddles, puzzles, mazes, fill-ins,
crafts, recipes, and more, the kids will
have loads of fun with this exciting and
educational activity book.
The Chametz Hunt: A Searching and
Counting Book By Sara Blau (Judaica
Press)
Its almost Pesach ... that means its time
to check the entire house for chametz!
Mommy hid 10 pieces of chametz for us
to find as we search the house ... Can we
count to 10 as we find them?
Let My Children Cook! A Passover
Cookbook for Kids By Tamar Ansh
(Judaica Press)
Let My Children Cook! makes it easy for
kids to share in the fun of cooking -- at a
time of year when parents can really use
the help! Kids will also discover how to
cook delicious food on their own, so no
longer will they cry, Theres nothing to
eat around here! Filled with recipes every kid (and adult!) is sure to love, such
as Matzah Marshmallow Melts, Crunchy
Chicken Crisps and Matzah Soup
Squares, to Rocky Road Brownies and
Mock Oatmeal Cookies, the entire family
will enjoy this delightful cookbook.

Esperanza: A Novel By Sarah Feldbrand (Judaica Press)

Esperanzas father is all the family she
has left in this world, but the evil tentacles of the Inquisition have snatched her
away from him. The year is 1546 (5306),
and 12-year-old Esperanza finds herself
suddenly lost in a world of pain and despair. But her vibrant spirit and steadfast faith propel her forward as she finds
loving friends who join her in her quest
to explore life and discover authentic Judaism. Meanwhile, far away in Constantinople, Esperanzas father, Don Raphael,
is tormented by grief over the uncertain
fate of his only child. Follow Don Raphael
through daring adventures and harrowing journeys as he travels to Aleppo and
Italy, meeting many great people along
the way. Trusting in Hashem, he forges a
new life for himself, hoping against hope
that he may one day be reunited with his
beloved daughter Esperanza.
A Mystery for Mindel
By Miriam Walfish (Judaica Press)
Mindel Rappaport is a Jewish girl growing up in the city of Prague in the 1590s,
over 400 years ago. In this third book of
the Mindel Rappaport series, Mindels
trip to the famous Leipzig Fair is even
more exciting than she imagined. With
people from near and far selling all kinds
of interesting things, and many thrilling
performers, Mindel doesnt know where
to look first. But when expensive goods
start disappearing, Mindel starts to wonder whether things at the fair are not exactly as they seem.

New Mom Support Group

Offered at Englewood Hospital
Englewood Hospital and Medical
Center is offering a New Mom Support Group, which will provide an
opportunity for first-time mothers to
meet and interact with other mothers. The year-round program runs in
four-week sessions, beginning Tuesday April 1, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The group is for mothers and

their babies, ages 6-weeks to 6

months old. A certified Child Life
Specialist will facilitate the group sessions, which will focus on child development techniques. Registration
required. Call Michelle Brauntuch at
201-894-3635 or 866-980-3462 or www.
englewoodhospital.com and click the
Classes and Support Groups tab.

Therapeutic Nursery
at Kaplen JCC

Spring Break
at Wayne YMCA

Mommy & Me Toddler Socialization

Class for 2 to 3 year olds who need help
in language and social skills. Twice weekly classes run from April 29 through June
19. For information Anita Miller, 201-4081498 or email tn@jccotp.com

Swimming, sports, arts and crafts, cooking and more during vacation camp at
the Y for children ages 5 to 12. Runs from
April 7 through April 10 from 8:30 a.m.
to 5 p.m. with free before and after care
available. $55 a day member/$70 nonmember. 973-595-0100. Y is located at 1
Pike Drive, Wayne.

PARTY

973-661-9368
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN APRIL 2014 23

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24 About Our Children APRIL 2014