OurChildren

About
About
Useful Information for the Next
Generation of Jewish Families

School and Survival of the Fittest

After-School Making Money Cents
Programs

Supplement to The Jewish Standard • January 2018

 THE CHILDREN’S CENTER
Now Open
AT CHILTON MEDICAL CENTER

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

Atlantic Health System has introduced an innovative approach to pediatric care at Chilton Medical Center, the
only one of its kind in the northern NJ region. The Children’s Center offers an exceptional level of care to our
most precious patients, combining pediatric emergency services and hospital care within a brand-new, family-
friendly environment.

With sleeping accommodations for parents, a kids playroom and a family lounge, our team of experienced
and compassionate pediatric physicians and nurses will put your family’s needs first. And, because we are part
of Atlantic Health System, there is ready access to more than 100 pediatric specialists who provide advanced
expertise at Goryeb Children’s Hospital at Morristown Medical Center.

Where You Go For Pediatric Care Matters

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

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

2 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018
 OurChildren
About Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services
for children with autism,
developmental delays
and behavioral challenges
Useful Information for the Next Generation of Jewish Families
• play & social skills
• cognitive skills
Diane Berger, MA, BCBA, Director
• language/communication
January 2018 (201) 742-5298
• behavior: tantrums, eating, toileting

Boys to Men.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5 Email: info@bergerlearning.com

31-11 Broadway · Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
For more information, please visit

Teaching them respect for women www.bergerlearning.com

Listings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Schools and after-school program

Full Steam Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Professional program for Ma’ayanot students

From Strength to Strength. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

The key to unlocking children’s self-esteem

Making Cents of Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Teaching youngsters financial fluency

Let’s Get Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Winter activities for the whole family

Generation G.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The last bar mitzvah hurrah

Survival of the Fittest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Get your children moving in 2018

Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

!
Pictures of our youngsters

Top Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Best picks for January All new
! Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 experience!
Great things to do this month

Simchas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Newer, Better, More Spectacular!

Celebrating our milestones

MissionStatement Thrilling New Rides!

About Our Children is designed to help Jewish families in our area live healthy, positive lives that make the most of • Giant Slides • Giant Spider
the resources available to them. By providing useful, current, accurate information, this publication aims to guide • Obstacle Course Mountain
parents to essential information on faith, education, the arts, events, and child-raising — in short, everything that • Air Cannon Alley and Slide
today’s Jewish family, babies to grandparents, needs to live life to the fullest in North Jersey and Rockland County. • Sports Arena • And More!

AdvisoryBoard Birthday Parties!

Dr. Annette Berger, Psy.D. Jane Calem Rosen
Psychologist, Teaneck Marketing and Communications Specialist
• Giant indoor inflatables
• Private bounce and party rooms Spider Mountain
Michelle Brauntuch, MS,CCLS Barry Weissman, MD
Child Life Specialist, Englewood Hospital, Englewood Pediatrician, Hackensack and Wyckoff • Hassle-free, easy to plan!
Hope Eliasof Cheryl Wylen • Dedicated party pros
Marriage and Family Therapist, Midland Park Director of Adult Programs and Cultural Arts • Clean, safe and secure
Howard Prager, DC, DACBSP YM-YWHA of North Jersey, Wayne
• We clean up!
Holistic Chiropractor, Oakland FIRST
Beyond Birthdays! PLACE
PLACE
ley
About FOR A Air Cannon Al

OurChildren
James L. Janoff Natalie Jay Ed Silberfarb
• Open Bounce
KID’S PARTY
KID’S FUN
• Create & Bounce Art Camps PLACE
Obstacle Course

Publisher Advertising Director Slovie Jungreis-Wolff • Field Trips

Heidi Mae Bratt Peggy Elias Denise Morrison Yearian • Class and Team Parties
Editor Contributing Writers Kosher
Janice Rosen • Fundraisers and more! Available
Deborah Herman Brenda Sutcliffe
Art Director Account Executives Paramus
Paramus· (201)
• 843-5880
(201) 843-5880 Nanuet · (845) 623-5400
us www.BounceU.com/paramus-nj /BounceUofParamus
www.BounceU.com/nanuet-ny
About Our Children is published 11 times a year by the New Jersey/Rockland Jewish Media Group, BounceU.com/paramus
70 Eisenhower Dr. · Paramus, NJ 07652 424 Market St. · Nanuet, NY 10954
1086 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666; telephone: 201-837-8818; fax: 201-833-4959.; 70 Eisenhower Drive • Paramus, NJ www.Facebook.com/BounceUNanuet/
www.Facebook.com/BounceUParamus/ 07652
e-mail: AboutOC@aol.com.

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018 3


I
have a dear friend who is the mother
of three spirited boys. She’s clever,
continental, and cool; a Renaissance
woman who has worked as an actress,
is fluent in French, well-traveled, stud-
ied children’s literature as a serious
discipline, sold real estate, and knows
every sample sale before it hits the
grapevine. She’s the kind of resourceful
and intelligent woman who other wom-
en turn to for advice. I’m glad to count
her among my friends.
I remember one afternoon when
the kids were in middle school and my
friend, whom I’ll refer to as Lily, called.
“David’s not home yet,” said a pan-
icked Lily, referring to her 12-year-old
son who was taking the public bus from
school, which was a mile away.
“When was he supposed to be
home?” I asked.
“Twenty minutes ago! I can’t get
him on him phone! I’m going to start
searching the neighborhood! I’m calling
the police!”
A search party? The police? Twenty
minutes?
“Maybe you should just wait a little
longer,” I suggested. “Perhaps the bus
got caught in traffic.”
4 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018
musings from the editor
Who was I to judge her (over?)
reaction? But I know that she was in
the throes of a full-blown acute case of
mamasteria. That is, mama hysteria,
a not-yet-named-in-the-DSM-5 condi-
tion that is characterized by a feeling
of overwhelming anxiety, dread, panic,
fear, and potential doom, usually related
to a “missing” child.
Ten minutes later there was anoth-
er call from Lily.
“David’s home. His bus was held up
and he turned off his phone.”
“Thank God,” I answered.
I have another dear friend who is
the mother of three high-achieving teen-
agers. She’s warm, wise, and worldly.
Sarah, not her real name, is a woman of
much high-level academic accomplish-
ment. She skated through an Ivy-League
college for her undergraduate degree,
and glided into a topflight law school.
She passed the bar first time out, easy
peasey. Since her oldest is a bit older
than mine, I have on many occasions
turned to her for advice having to do
with the next step, and her sagacity
has always helped clear a path through
my tangled confusion. She is the sort
of woman who will drop all to help you
and deliver the goods in trip-
licate. I’m glad to count her
among my friends.
I remember one late
spring weekend when her
high school-aged daughter,
Noa, was hosting a group of
friends for Shabbes. It was a
big deal because it was the
first big social Shabbat of her daugh-
ter’s experience. I remember seeing the
happy teenagers at shul that Saturday.
Later on, I remember asking Sarah how
it went.
“I’m fine now,” she said. “But I really
wasn’t. I was a wreck and it took me a
long time to be okay.”
Apparently, Noa and her friends
had gone out during the afternoon and
forgot about the time, while they were
having a great time, and returned home
long after expected. As there was no
phone on the Sabbath, Sarah had no
other recourse but to start sweating it
out in an episode of mamasteria. I felt
her pain.
I know from mamasteria. I know
too well.
My own kid was out of town for a
Shabbaton and aside from a quick good
Shabbes Friday call, there
was no other conversation.
A quick text (from me) to say
I was going to bed early on
Saturday night got answered
but not quick enough, and
on Sunday, there was noth-
ing. No response to calls. No
texts. No response to texts.
No response to question-mark texts.
Hours, and nothing. And I felt it coming
on. Mamasteria. I even called two other
parents whose kids were on the Shab-
baton, and was advised to chill.
Turns out the kid overslept. Didn’t
hear the phone ring or ping.
Okay then. What are we to do, us
mamas who hit the panic button too
quickly? Sure, we want the kids to be
mindful and responsible and send some
signal of their safety to us. But before we
go from zero to sixty, we have to learn
to hit the brakes and give them — and
ourselves — a break.
Wishing all a calm and healthy 2018!
Cheers,

Raising Boys to Become
Good and Respectful Men
S LOV I E JU N G R E I S - WO L F F
W
ith so many high-profile cases
of men falling in disgrace, it’s
a good idea for parents to re-
examine how to best raise our sons to be-
come good men. How our sons view wom-
en when they are children will impact the
way they treat women when they venture
into the world.
We are given the responsibility to
provide spiritual training to our children.
Fathers and mothers are charged with
the mandate to leave a spiritual imprint
on our children’s souls.
If we expect the next generation to
listen to us while they grow, they must
hear us when they are young. What is
the message we impart? How can we nur-
ture our children’s character so that they
leave this world better than when they en-
tered? (It goes without saying the follow-
ing points equally apply to teaching our
daughters how to respect men.)
Honor the Women in your Life
More than any strong lecture about treat-
ing women properly is the firsthand view
of what children observe. When parents
honor one another, when they treat
women with dignity, respect flourishes.
Ask: How do we honor the women in
our life? Do we easily disparage women’s
thoughts? What is our tone and body lan-
guage? Do we carelessly mock a mother’s
concerns? Are grandmother’s ignored
and made to feel irrelevant?
There are positive ways we can teach
children, too. Instead of always having
mom serve, tirelessly prepare and some-
how make life run smoothly for the fam-
ily, let’s involve our spouses and children.
Even a toddler can learn how to bring a
spoon or cup of water to mommy.
And as children grow: “Please sit,
Mom, I’ll take care of this.” What beautiful
words to a mother’s ears.
Expressing gratitude in front of your
children is another avenue of honor.
How often do we leave the dinner table
or grab a snack that mom prepared with-
out a backward glance? Mom is expected
to sooth wounded feelings, heal scraped
knees, mediate siblings battles, feed hun-
gry tummies, supervise homework, ferry
after school activities, be sure there are
clean clothes hanging, and still be the in-
credible woman she was meant to be.
If we want our sons to respect wom-
en, they must hear and see that respect
modeled in the home.
Judaism recognizes the strength of
women. Every Friday night we sing “Esh-
es Chayil,” A Woman of Valor, paying trib-
ute to the women in our lives. We speak
about her rising in the darkest of nights
and never allowing herself to fall into the
depths of hopelessness. Her flame is nev-
er extinguished though her heart may be
full. She is exhausted but perseveres.
If we want our sons to respect wom-
en, they must hear and see that respect
modeled in the home.
Teach Self-Discipline
All children require self-discipline to reign
in emotions and actions that can harm
others. Our technology-obsessed culture
means that often there is no end. No end
to the music, no end to the show, no end
to the surfing. There is always something
else to watch or to listen. How does one
understand the definition of enough?
From where does a child learn the mean-
ing of stop? They keep scrolling down and
clicking more.
In a society of instant gratification,
children believe that their wishes come
before anyone else.
Growing up in a world where wants
are fulfilled with a touch of a button can
strain a child’s ability to comprehend the
word no. How many parents are able to
repeatedly deny their children’s desires?
In a society of instant gratification, chil-
dren believe that their wishes come be-
fore anyone else. “I want it and I want it
now!” Order from Amazon Prime and it’s
at your doorstep. Wants and needs are
often confused.
Character training demands that a
parent be unafraid to declare boundar-
ies. Teaching right from wrong requires
our stepping in and setting rules. Wheth-
er it is no phones at meals and home-
work time or limiting purchases on
iTunes, we have the obligation to stand
up for that which we believe in. Creat-
ing a space within a child’s world where
it’s okay to not have it all, to respect the
word no, to realize that it’s not what you
have but who you are that creates hap-
piness, are all essential rungs on the lad-
der to moral greatness.
Judaism provides us with built-in av-
enues toward self-discipline. Mitzvot help
us train our children’s hearts.
“Yes, you want to have that chocolate
bar but it is dairy and you need to
wait between eating meat and dairy.”
“Sure, you have a juicy piece of
gossip but that’s lashon hara, and we
cannot hurt others with our words.”
Plug into the positive energy of teach-
ing your child the strength of ruling over
one’s desires.
OurChildren
About
Teach Responsibility and Empathy
Here are two values to work on with our
boys to help mold them into great men.
Begin with responsibility. When we
hurt others we need to recognize the pain
that we’ve caused. Teach children to own
their actions. Apologize without ifs, ex-
cuses, or blaming others. Too many adults
disclaim the harm they’ve inflicted. We can-
not afford to rationalize our sons’ wrongs
by excusing bad behavior. Saying things
like boys will be boys or this is our culture
now is pitiful. There is no justification for
demeaning others. If you bring damage
into the world through your words or ac-
tions, you need to be accountable.
Inspiring children to respect and
have self-control nourishes the inner
voice that becomes their moral compass.
Empathy means I am responsive to
your feelings. In a world where we have
stopped looking at others and focus
mainly on ourselves, children have
become selfish. Much of the damage
inflicted has happened because self-
needs take priority over the needs and
emotions of the person I am hurting.
We want our children to grow up be-
ing attuned to the hearts of others.
There is no room for callousness.
How can I cause pain to another
human being?
Put names on emotions like sad,
hurt, and feeling badly so that we place
ourselves in another person’s shoes. Teach
sensitivity. Guide children to distance
themselves from writing and forward-
ing mean texts or leaving classmates and
siblings out. Helping children be aware of
how others feel will make them think hard
about the ramifications of their deeds; a
much needed asset when they enter the
adult world.
When our sons grow up realizing
that their actions impact others, they un-
derstand that what they do matters. Our
choices can hurt or heal. Let us teach our
children to grow sensitive to the feelings
of others, to see the faces of those who
surround them and recognize the shadow
of pain in their eyes. Inspiring children to
respect and have self-control nourishes
the inner voice that becomes their mor-
al compass.
We have the opportunity to teach our
sons how to infuse our world with honor,
kindness, and dignity so that they grow to
become the good men we know they are
meant to be.
Slovie Jungreis Wolff is an author, parenting
and relationship coach, and the daughter of
the late Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis. Aish.com
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018 5

Schools
The Solomon Schechter Day School of
Bergen County
275 McKinley Avenue
New Milford, NJ 07646
201-262-9898 ext. 203
www.ssdsbergen.org
3’s through 8th Grade
Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen
County (SSDS) is a nationally accredited,
Jewish day school that cultivates the
next generation of global leaders through
an inquiry-based educational approach.
Now in our 44th year, SSDS is a 2018
International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate
for the Middle Years Programme with a
newly established Design Thinking Lab
and Middle School robotics course. Our
school integrates a rigorous dual STEAM
(science, technology, engineering, art, and
math) curriculum with Jewish values, and
provides a nurturing environment guided
by award-winning educators. We offer
Suzuki Violin and chess, musical theater
and yoga, an organic teaching garden, a
Zeiss microscopy lab, and a digital media
center for Holocaust studies. On-site day
care, extended day, robust after-school
Sensational Summers 2x7 01-17 12/5/16 11:52 AM Page 1
2018
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13
The Outlets at Bergen Town Center,
Paramus
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28
Livingston Mall, Livingston
For additional information about our other camp fairs
at Freehold Raceway Mall, and Quaker Bridge Mall,
The Grand Summit Hotel, and Menlo Park Mall visit our website:
www.njcampfairs.com
All camp fairs will run from Noon to 3:00pm.
6 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018
AOC-6
Guide
to Schools and Activities
basketball and soccer leagues, and activi-
ties program offered. New in 2018: our
first summer STEAM camp (August 13-17
and August 20-24) for students in grades
5-8. We have partnered with i2 Learning, a
non-profit that creates hands-on STEAM
camps with courses in life sciences, engi-
neering, programming, and more. Contact
Charlotte Carter in our admissions office
at 201-262-9898 ext. 203. For more informa-
tion, see our ad on page 9.
Academies  Gerrard Berman
Day School
45 Spruce Street
Oakland, NJ 07436
201-337-1111
www.ssnj.org
Ages: 2-14
Academies @ Gerrard Berman Day School
offers a warm, nurturing environment
for children ages 2-14. Through a focus
in leadership, STEAM, and performing
arts, the Academies offers its students a
comprehensive Judaic and General Stud-
ies education. We educate children to be-
come successful leaders and learners who
will meet future challenges and make the
world a better place. Please see our ad on
page 11.
SINAI Elementary at Joseph Kushner
Hebrew Academy
110 South Orange Avenue
Livingston, NJ 07039
862-437-8000 x 8190
www.sinaischools.org
Grades: 1–8
Elementary-Middle School for children
with a wide range of complex learning or
developmental disabilities. Inclusive, yet
individualized to fit each student’s social,
emotional, and academic needs. Recog-
nized for educational excellence; Middle
States Association of Colleges and Schools
accreditation. Please see our ad on page 9.
SINAI Elementary at Rosenbaum
Yeshiva of North Jersey,
including the Riva Blatt Weinstein
Judaic Studies Program
666 Kinderkamack Road
River Edge, NJ 07661
201-262-4202
www.sinaischools.org
Grades: 1-8
Elementary-Middle School for children
with a wide range of complex learning or
developmental disabilities. Inclusive, yet
individualized to fit each student’s social,
emotional, and academic needs. Recog-
nized for educational excellence; Middle
States Association of Colleges and Schools
accreditation. Please see our ad on page 9.
SINAI Schools Rabbi Mark and Linda
Karasick Shalem High School at Heichal
HaTorah
70 Sterling Place
Teaneck, NJ 07666
201-335-0633 x 4
www.sinaischools.org
Ages: 18–21
Functional academic high school program
preparing older boys with developmental
disabilities for rich and productive adult
lives. Focusing on life skills, community
awareness, and vocational studies, while
integrating a pragmatic Judaic and secular
curricula. Inclusive, yet individualized to fit
each student’s social, emotional, and aca-
demic needs. Please see our ad on page 9.
SINAI Schools Maor High School at Rae
Kushner Yeshiva High School, including
the William Solomon Judaic Studies
Program
110 South Orange Ave.
Livingston, NJ 07039
862-437-8000 x 8160
www.sinaischools.org
Grades: 9–12
Academically rigorous program for high
 AOC-7

schoolers with academic/social challenges. Inclusive, yet
individualized to fit each student’s social, emotional, and
academic needs. Recognized for educational excellence;
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accred-
itation. Please see our ad on page 9.
SINAI Schools Rabbi Mark and Linda Karasick Shalem
High School at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School
1650 Palisade Ave.
Teaneck, NJ 07666
201-833-4307 x 249
s www.sinaischools.org
. Hebrew and English language skills. Half Day, Full Day. Ex-
Ages: 14–21
Functional academic high school program preparing stu-
dents with developmental disabilities for rich and produc-
l
tive adult lives. Integrates pragmatic Judaic and secular
curricula with community awareness and vocational
studies. Inclusive, yet individualized to fit each student’s
social, emotional, and academic needs. Please see our ad
on page 9.
SINAI Schools Rabbi Mark and Linda Karasick Shalem
m High School at Torah Academy of Bergen County
l 1600 Queen Anne Road
t www.cresskillperformingarts.com
Teaneck, NJ 07666
y Ages: 2∞/∏–teens
201-862-0032
e www.sinaischools.org
Shalom Yeladim Watch your child soar in the arts! Cresskill Performing
Multiple locations in Teaneck, Tenafly & New York City Arts specializes in small classes, great teachers and a
Teaneck: 201-837-0837 nurturing, inclusive, non-competitive environment. All
Tenafly: 201-894-8300 kinds of dance, ballet, pointe, variations, floor barre,
New York City: 212-960-8212 jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, 5 levels of modern,
Ages: Infants to 5-years-old gymnastics jazz, tap, acting, musical theater production.
Early childhood dance beginnings, ballet beginnings,
A warm, safe and stimulating environment for children
where our experienced staff helps each child reach his jazz and acro add-ons. Fencing lessons. Aerial arts: Silks
or her full potential. Our curriculum is based around the & Hammocks & Lyra classes for age 6 through adults.
Jewish calendar, incorporating themes for weekly Parsha Rhythm Works Integrative Dance for children with learn-
and upcoming holidays. Our Morot concentrate on both ing differences and special needs. CPA Dance Collective,
& Boys’ Hip-Hop Crew perform for local charities and
fundraise for autism and the homeless. Birthday parties
tended Day offered. Please see our ad on page 7.
age 3 — teens, dance, acting, art. Legos, fencing, pajama
parties, princess parties. Please see our ad on page 8.
Arts & Performing Arts The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC
1 Depot Square
Cresskill Performing Arts Inc.
Englewood, NJ 07631
300 Knickerbocker Road, Suite 1100 201-482-8194
Cresskill, NJ 07626 www.bergenpac.org/educations
201-266-8830 Ages: 3 months–21 years.
201-390-7513
studio-info@cresskillperformingarts.com Classes offered in a variety of performing arts disciplines,
Guide continued on page 9

We are the Answer

r Grades: 9–12
t Functional academic high school program preparing stu-
- dents with developmental disabilities for rich and produc-
tive adult lives. Integrates pragmatic Judaic and secular

to the Tuition Crisis

curricula with community awareness and vocational
studies. Inclusive, yet individualized to fit each student’s
social, emotional, and academic needs. Please see our ad
on page 9.

Religious School
Glen Rock Jewish Center 12 MONTH PROGRAM
682 Harristown Road
h Glen Rock, NJ 07452
201-652-6624

Shalom‫שלום‬
office@grjc.org
Our curriculum includes instruction in conversational
Hebrew (Ivrit B’Ivrit), prayers, Israel, trips and Jewish

Yeladim‫ילדים‬
yoga along with music, art and cooking to enrich our
students’ experiences.Our “Gan” class for children in
Kindergarten meets twice monthly on Sundays. We offer
“Kulanu” (Hebrew for “all of us”) — a dedicated class for
students with special needs.To register and for more
information about tuition fees and curriculum, please EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
contact office@grjc.org or 201-652-6624.Please see our ad
on page 8.
Young
Age Infant Toddler Toddler 2s Nursery Pre-K Kindergarten
by 9/30/18 6-12 months Toddler 18-24 months 2-3 years 3-4 years 4-5 years 5-6 years
12-18 months

Nursery Schools Full Day $ 970 $ 970 $ 970 $ 890 $ 860 $ 750 $ 690
8:30am-4:00pm
Gan Aviv monthly monthly monthly monthly monthly monthly monthly

21 W. Main Street
Bergenfield, NJ Additional programs:
201-384-6111 07621
www.ganaviv.com
Ages Served: 6 weeks–Pre K Early Care
7:00am-8:30am
$ 550 yearly — Breakfast included
Gan Aviv, a Jewish Daycare / Nursery School for children
ages 6 weeks to Pre K. Founded in 2007, it was created for
After Care
Jewish working parents. Gan Aviv offers a bilingual Eng- 500 yearly
shalomyeladim.com
$
4:00pm-5:30pm
lish-Hebrew program. We offer age-appropriate activities
focusing on the physical, emotional, and social needs of
Late Care
each individual child. Please see our ad on page 11. 5:30pm-6:30pm
$ 550 yearly

Glen Rock Jewish Center

Erev Chagim &
682 Harristown Road Winter Break Care
$ 400 yearly
Glen Rock, NJ 07452
201-652-6624
office@grjc.orggrjcnursery@gmail.com
We are a small, nurturing environment rich in hands-on For more info or to register:
secular/Judaic experiences and exploration both indoors
and out. Our school promotes social, emotional and cog-
nitive development through creative play, art, music,
201.837.0837 • shalomyeladim@optonline.net
movement, literature. Flexible scheduling and extended
care are available. We are state licensed and 100 percent
of our teachers are certified with degrees in education.
Hours 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In addition to Nursery School
780 Palisade Avenue CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF
Teaneck, NJ 07621
programs, we also offer Infant/Toddler Playgroups, Tod-
dler Time and Summer Camp. Please see our ad on page. 8 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION!

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018 7

 AOC-8
y, December 11
am to 3:00 pm
OurChildren
About

Glen Rock Jewish Center

Full STEAM Ahead into
opping for all your Nursery School
2 to 5 Year Olds
Monthly Play Group
• free of charge for children
the Future at Ma’ayanot
iving needs! T
• certified teachers birth - 15 months of age
he future and its exciting professional possibilities
• high staff to child ratio Summer Camp took center stage at the third annual STEAMTalks, a
• hands-on play-based curriculum • small group size
• flexible scheduling • air-conditioned indoor facility
TED Talks-like program held recently at Ma’ayanot
• half and full day options • outdoor playground Yeshiva High School in Teaneck. The talks brought sev-
• extended care 7:15 am and water play eral successful women in STEAM careers to meet with
to 5:30 pm • extended care till 5:30 the students and broaden their scope and aspirations of

Clothing
• 5 day hot lunch option
• yoga and music specialists Toddler Time careers they may pursue. STEAM is an acronym for Sci-
• weekly sessions for children ence, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.
To register and for more 12-24 months of age
information about tuition fees with parent or caregiver
Modeled after the popular TED talks, each guest
and curriculum please contact speaker talked for seven minutes and shared her pas-

Jewelry
• professionally-led discussions
grjcnursery
gmail.com or for parents sion for her chosen career. The speakers included Ra-
201-652-6624. • art, music, and movement chel Book, director of Diversity Recruiting Strategies
• indoor and outdoor play
Hebrew School at Fidelity Investments, who spoke about the need for

Judaica
• Our curriculum includes instruction in conversational Hebrew women in technology fields; Shira Rubinoff, cyber-secu- Speakers at Ma’ayanot’s annual STEAMTalks from left, Kelsey
(Ivrit B’Ivrit), prayers, Israel, trips and Jewish yoga along with music, Dunn, Jessica Langer, Wendy Feldstein King, Shira Rubinoff, Rachel
rity executive and president of SecureMySocial & Prime
art and cooking to enrich our students’ experiences. Book, and Tali Cheses.
• Our “Gan” class for children in Kindergarten meets twice monthly Tech Partners, who spoke about the importance of digi-
on Sundays tal citizenship on social media; Kelsey Dunn, product

ages….and MORE!
• Kulanu — a dedicated class for students with special needs. owner at Paradigm Solutions, who described her hectic tured a panel of four Ma’ayanot students who spent their
To register and for more information about tuition fees and but gratifying workload at a startup; Tali Cheses, archi- summer pursuing STEAM internships. The students were
curriculum, please contact office
grjc.org or 201-652-6624. tect at Gensler Architects, who showed a kitchen office Atara Neugroschl (’18), who interned in the Partners in
design in reverse; Dr. Jessica Langer, manager of research Science Summer Program (through the Liberty Science
at L’Oreal who spoke about earning an advanced degree Center), studying osteoarthritis treatments in the lab
Glen Rock Jewish Center in science and conducting biochemical skin research; of Dr. Martin Yarmush; Meital Fuksbrumer (’20), who
682 Harristown Road and Wendy Feldstein, and industrial designer and vice learned advanced robotics and coding and programmed
office@grjc.org/201Ͳ652Ͳ6624
Glen Rock, NJ 07452 president of design at Crestron Electronic, who wowed her own robot at SHAPE, the Summer High School Aca-
Harristown Road,201-652-6624
Glen Rock, NJ 07452 students with the step-by-step design of a universal re- demic Program for Engineers, a three-week program at
mote from concept to development. Columbia University; Miri Cohen (’18), who participated
“Great things never come from comfort zones,” said in a cancer research program at the Cancer Institute
Gymnastics • Silks & Hammocks & Lyra Ms. Cheses, who described her own journey in which of New Jersey at the BOLD (Rutgers) program; and Ha-
she stepped out of her comfort zone to become the first dassah Freedman (’20) who joined Ma’ayanot STEAM
Cresskill student from her high school in Boston to apply to an ar- teachers at the New York University Tandon School of
Dance • Acting • Musical Theater • Voice • Choreography

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

chitecture program. She attended a five-year curriculum
Performing Arts at Pratt, and while there she helped with the formation of
a joint program with Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design
300 Knickerbocker Rd · Cresskill in Jerusalem.
Judy Leibowitz, director of education at CIJE, spoke
Imagine Your Child, to students about the skills they are gaining by taking
Dancing, Singing, Learning STEAM courses, such as collaboration and problem solv-
ing. She told students, “Believe in yourself. If you fail, try
and Having Fun in the Arts! again. You can do anything you want to if you try hard
enough.”
“It was really inspiring,” said freshman Leora Burack.
“There are so many opportunities in biochemistry, engi-
neering, and other fields. These women showed us that
you could do anything you want.”
STEAMTalks, organized by Orly Nadler and Gila Stein,
co-directors of STEAM Education & Innovation, also fea-
Engineering’s iTEST (Innovative Technology Experi-
ences for Students and Teachers) program for robotics
and entrepreneurship. Together they explored robotics,
mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robot de-
sign, and entrepreneurship. Meital and Hadassah both
said that Ma’ayanot’s STEAM class helped prepare them
with the coding skills necessary to excel in their summer
programs.
All freshman and sophomores at the all-girls ye-
shiva high school take a two-year course in Engineer-
ing, Coding, and Robotics, which is offered along with
traditional math and science courses, and provides stu-
dents with a solid foundation in engineering, entrepre-
neurship, and technology. These courses also prepare
students for advanced STEAM electives in their junior
and senior years.

Emek at Kaplen JCC Spreads the Light

Emek families at the Kaplen JCC on the
NEW! Dance Beginnings Palisades and other Israeli families in
(age 2½ - 3½) Bergen County volunteered recently in
Classes Start in January! a special “Spread the Light in the Com-
munity” Chanukah project that help
REGISTER NOW them bond with many sectors of the
community.
Classes are filling fast! The activities included baking pas-
Questions? tries for sale and donating the proceeds
201 390-7513 • 201 266-8830 to The Israeli Center for Guidance dogs;
studio-info@cresskillperformingarts.com sharing in activities and games with Alzheimer's patients
and senior adults; making menorahs and gifting them
www.cresskillperformingarts.com
to Holocaust survivors; making pancakes and organiz-
ing social games for adolescents with
special needs; transporting families in
need to the JCC Chanukah party; and
purchasing and packaging gifts for fos-
ter children.
“Organizing these kinds of interac-
tive activities is one of the key reasons
to have a program like Emek here at
the JCC,” said Galit Goldberg, director
of Emek, the JCC afterschool Israeli lan-
guage and culture program for children in pre-K to 10.
For more information on Emek, call Galit Goldberg
201-566-1507 or email galit.goldberg@gmail.com.

8 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018

 AOC-9

Guide continued from page 7 a positive behavioral approach. Please see

including dance, music, theater and re-

our ad on page 3. YOUR CHILD needs special education.
cording, with opportunities to perform on
You want her to have a Jewish education.
the bergenPAC stage. Programs include
cultural and special needs classes, sum-
Sports You want him to be included.
mer camps and master classes. Please see Bounce U of Paramus
our ad on page 6.
The Ultimate Party and Play Experience
Rina Goldhagen Art Lessons 70 Eisenhower Drive
Paramus, NJ 07470
7-01 Manor Ave.
201-843-5880
Fair Lawn, New Jersey 07410
www.BounceU.com/Paramus
201-248-4779
Ages: Preschool–Adult
Artofexcellencestudio@gmail.com
Ages: 7–adult Voted #1 Best Place to have a Kids Party
and #1 Best Kids Fun Place, Top 3 for Kids
Art of Excellence Studio. Lessons in Fine
Gym. Bounce U is a party place for families
Art. Drawing and Watercolor Private Art
and friends to share memories that will
Lessons. Structured lessons, relaxed at-
last a lifetime. All parties and events com-
mosphere, fabulous results. Art Portfolio
pletely private for you and your guests.
Preparation Available. Experienced Art-
Two giant bounce stadiums. 10 incredible
ist/Trained Educator. Please see our ad on
inflatables. Plus the new Lightspace game
page 10.
wall! Cosmic Bounce-Glow parties. Check
out our open bounce and preschool play-
date schedule online. Kosher available.
Special Needs Please see our ad on page 3.

INCLUSION by DESIGN
Berger Learning Group, LLC Ice Vault Skating Arena ®
31-11 Broadway 10 Nevins Drive
Fair Lawn, NJ 07601 Wayne, NJ
201-742-5298 973-628-1500
www.bergerlearning.com www.icevault.com Serving Children with a Broad range of SpeCial needS
Ages: 18 months to 16 years Ages: All
BLG provides a range of Applied Behavior The Ice Vault has various activities for kids
Analysis (ABA) services for children with of all ages. Public sessions, hockey clinics, Special education uniquely integrated within Jewish Day Schools
special needs. Our ABA programs address hockey teams, figure skating, free-style,
e
cognitive, social-emotional, play, and self- • Individualization • Educational excellence
“Learn to Skate” programs. Birthday par-
n help skills, as well as language/communi- ties are also available. Please see our ad • Meeting each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs
e cation and behavioral challenges through on page 10.
b Elementary Schools n High Schools n Adult Services

www.sinaischools.org/js • 201-833-1134
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Discover with Us.

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To speak to a representative or schedule a tour, email us at admissions@ssdsbergen.org 201.262.9898 www.ssdsbergen.org
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SSDS_10x6.6_DiscoverAdImageUpdate_WithCrops.indd 1 12/20/17 11:58 AM

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018 9

Barnert Temple Offering Full-Day
Transitional Kindergarten
Barnert Temple is offering a full-day
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for the
2018-2019 school year. It is open to
children of all faiths and backgrounds.
Individualized attention, creative cur-
riculum, outdoor programming, aca-
demic challenges, and sensitivity to
each child’s unique learning style are
hallmarks of Barnert Temple.
With a ratio of 1:7, Barnert’s Tran-
sitional Kindergarten offers students
the time, creativity, and stimulating
ART
Lessons
Art of Excellence Studio
Unlock your Creativity with Classes in
Drawing and Watercolor
Structured Lessons - Relaxed Atmosphere
Fabulous Results!
Age 7 to Adult - All levels of ability
Art Portfolio Preparation Available
Artist, Rina Goldhagen 201-248-4779
www.artofexcellencestudio.com
10 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018
AOC-10
environment which research shows to
be so important to emergent learning
skills. The program is taught by Sharon
Boosting Your
Ramsey, who holds a master’s degree
in education, an Ortin Gillingham cer-
tification, and has 17 years of teaching
experience.
Child’s Self-Esteem
from Strength
Barnert Temple Preschool is lo-
cated at 747 Route 208 South, Frank-
lin Lakes. For more information call
201-848-1027 or email schooloffice@
to Strength
barnerttemple.org.
A D I N A S O C LO F
M
ost people have no problem rat-
tling off their weaknesses and
have a much harder time articu-
lating their strengths. This is especially
true for children. We can build our chil-
dren’s healthy sense of self by teaching
them what their strengths are and how to
cultivate those strengths.
Here are six ways we can help chil-
dren develop their strengths:
1. Parents matter
Children need to know that they are
loved for who they are. As we men-
tioned above, they need to be cherished
and valued for their natural abilities
and strengths. Don’t underestimate the
power of being your child’s biggest fan
and supporter. When parents encourage
children’s strengths, children learn to be
independent, confident and responsible.
Help them shine by promoting their in-
terests in the areas they love and natu-
rally excel at.
According to psychologist Martin
Seligman, helping children appreciate
their strengths may take some detective
work. We may also need to check our
own biases since oftentimes our child’s
strength may go against what is culturally
valued in our society. Ask yourself: What
does my child enjoy doing? What comes
to him or her naturally? Once you have
a picture of what your child’s strengths
are, gently encourage them to pursue
those activities. Play math games with
your child who loves numbers, sign your
child up for dance or art lessons, buy
your child a journal if they love to make
up stories.
Give them space. Let them cultivate
their talents in peace. Practicing dance
moves in front of their mirror, being able
to relax and color or write during down
time might just be what your child needs.
Being pushed to do activities, even ones
they may love, can take away the joy in
doing them.
2. There are lots of ways
to be smart
In order to help children appreciate their
strengths parents may need to broaden
their vocabulary and understanding of
what constitutes a strength. For example,
there are nine different categories of in-
telligence. These intelligences can assist
parents with identifying what their child’s
strengths are:
• Intelligence Area represented in society
by: Visual/Spatial — Artist, Navigator, Ar-
chitect: You prefer using pictures, images,
and spatial understanding.
• Verbal/Linguistic — Journalist, Teacher,
Lawyer: You prefer using words, both in
speech and writing
• Logical/Mathematical — Accountants,
Computers, Engineers: You prefer using
logic, reasoning and systems.
• Interpersonal — Salesperson, Mental
Health, Politician: You prefer to learn in
groups or with other people.
• Intrapersonal — Researcher, Novelist,
Entrepreneur: You prefer to work alone
and use self-study.
• Aural/Musical/Rhythmic — Musician,
Composer, DJ: You prefer using sound
and music.
• Naturalist — Farmer, Botanist, Environ-
mentalist: You prefer working outdoors
with animals and plants.
• Existential  Philosopher, Theorist: You
prefer dealing with abstract theories
• Bodily/Kinesthetic — Athlete, Firefight-
er, Actor: You prefer using your body,
hands and sense of touch.
3. Teach children to notice
their strengths
Knowing about strengths and weak-
nesses is helpful to children, but it has
to be taken a few steps further in order
to be useful to them. How can we help
children use their personal strengths to
build self-confidence and a positive atti-
tude? Part of this depends on the child’s
age. Young children love to tell you about
themselves, and are open to telling you
what they like to learn. In contrast, older
children and teens may have a hard time
opening up. We need to point out their
strengths:
“I noticed you love basketball, you
seem so comfortable holding and drib-
 AOC-11

Mini Winter Series at Temple Beth Rishon

Temple Beth Rishon Wyckoff is hosting a requirement. The fee for participation is
new series for students in kindergarten $30 per session or $100 for the complete
through second grade called Welcoming series. The children will have mini-les-
Winter Weekends, a mini-Hebrew school sons related to the traditions, heritage,
of sorts. and religion of the Jewish faith with warm
The four-week session meets Sun- teachers in a social, friendly atmosphere.
days, January 21, 28 and February 4 and Temple Beth Rishon is located at 585 Rus-
the last on Saturday, February 10, from
9:30 a.m. to noon. The experience is
sell Ave. in Wykoff. To RSVP, call Gonen
Arad, director at 201-891-4466 or gonen@
• 
open to all families with no membership bethrishon.org. • 
 •
•


• Warm and loving
• staff

•  

 • 
• Limited holiday schedule
• 
• Ages 6 weeks • and up •
 
 
 • Newly renovated
large facilities



 • Outdoor and • indoor play areas 

• 
 • Bilingual Library Area • 

• 
Bilingual English-Hebrew 
 Program • Music and movement & gym



•
• Complete Jewish education • 

Extended operating


hours for • 

working parents 

• New nutritious
• Kosher meat
 
• 



lunch menu 
Ages 6 Weeks to Pre-K  •  
 
 • Webcam service
• 
• 

  OUR CURRICULUM
• 
 

Registration for Summer Camp 2018 • High Reach curriculum
is now open!
• 
• Handwriting without tears •
• 

 
Open Enrollment for 2018 School Year

• Center based learning 
•  
To schedule a tour, call Karen 201-384-6111.

 
• Sensory •cognitive
• Chalav u’Dvash
strategies

 


21 West Main St.  Hours

bling the ball.”
“I noticed that you love to figure out
math problems in your head.”
Sometimes children won’t talk about
themselves and we need to find a clever
in to help them understand the concept
of strengths.
For example, when children talk
about their friends they might say,
“Sara is so klutzy in dance.” It is a per-
fect opportunity to ask, “Well, what
are Sara’s strengths? What does she
like to do? Everyone has strengths and
weaknesses…”
4. Listen to children
The most important thing we can do to
encourage a child to use their strengths is
to listen to them. In our house, whenever
someone comes up with an innovative or
even silly idea, we try to listen as best as
we can and say, “In this house, we encour-
age innovation and creativity! Just keep
on coming up with ideas!” Even if it is said
tongue in cheek, it still sends a powerful
message.
5. Help children tackle
new challenges
Self-esteem comes from learning new
skills and undertaking challenges. We all
need to do things that we don’t like to do
and things that don’t come naturally to
us. Even pursuing our strengths can take
hard work and effort.
We can teach our children to tackle
challenges by making sure they are doing
chores at home, volunteering in the com-
munity, and taking responsibility for their
• 
of operation:


info@GanAviv.com


Bergenfield, NJ  Mon-Thu
 7:30 am - 6:30 pm

  
• 
 
Fri 7:30 am - 5 pm
1-888-GAN-AVIV · www.ganaviv.com
schoolwork. 

Role modeling also works. Talk about 
 • 
the challenges that you have and how
you managed them. “I had a really chal- • 
lenging issue at work today. I pushed
through, asked for help, and spent a few • 
extra hours on it. It paid off, we dealt with
it successfully!” • 
According to psychologist and author

Carol Dweck, children who are praised for
their effort and hard work will feel confi-

dent taking on more challenging work.
 
 

So instead of telling your child, “You are   

so smart!” say, “Wow! You worked hard
studying for your math test, you reviewed   
the problems several times, and studied
with your friend. Looks like it paid off.”

6. Strengths are a lifelong pursuit
Not every child will figure out their

strengths right away. It might take awhile.
That’s what childhood is for. Encouraging
children to take part in different extracur-
ricular activities, within your budget and
schedule, is an important part of the pro-
cess. Parents often get frustrated when
children lose interest in karate, art, or
tuba lessons, but those are clues. Encour-
aging them to try different things without
any strings attached will help you have a
happier and more confident children.
Adina Soclof is a parent educator, pro-
fessional development instructor, and
speech pathologist. She is the founder of
ParentingSimply.com. She delivers parenting
classes as well as professional development
workshops for speech pathologists, teachers
and other health professionals.

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018 11


OurChildren
About
Money Smarts Start Early
with Financial Education
H E I D I M A E B RAT T
A
mother tells a story about her
5-year-old son who wanted to buy a
toy, a toy that she said she couldn’t
buy for him. “Just go to the bank and
they’ll give you money,” the boy said to
his mother. It was then that she realized
that it was time to explain where money
comes from. It’s up to parents to teach
their children smart financial habits, and
it’s never too early to start, according to
money experts
When children see bills pop out of the
ATM, they don’t realize that money is a
finite resource. A parent should explain
that they work to make money and the
bank is simply a repository for the money,
a place that keeps the money safe.
Experts say that the best way to
Financial Institutions Teach Youngsters about Money
Several financial institutions have re-
alized that it’s never too early to learn
about money and have made custom-
ers of a population that can’t yet vote,
drive, or even shave by offering youth
services.
It’s a way for them to help teach chil-
dren and teenagers about money.
For example, Greater Alliance Fed-
eral Credit Union offers youth savings
12 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018
AOC-12
teach youngsters about how to man-
age money is to give them some. If all of
their allowance is spent on a new Star
Wars figure and they don’t have enough
left for another object of their desire,
that’s a good thing. It gives them the
chance to learn about the consequence
of overspending.
Teaching children delayed gratifi-
cation will help combat the “buy now,
pay later” mentality that could mire
them in credit card debt later on. So, as
much as you can, reinforce the idea that
waiting pays off. For instance, make a
homemade pizza together with all the
ingredients your child loves; then mi-
crowave a store-bought frozen one. The
homemade pie takes longer, but it tastes
way better.
Curbing impulse buying goes hand
and checking accounts with no fees or
minimum balance requirement. For the
older minor, they offer a First Time Auto
Buyer Program, to help young adults
buy a new car if they don’t have estab-
lished credit. The credit union also of-
fers student loans for undergraduate
and graduate degrees, and scholarship
programs through Greater Alliance
Hopes and Dreams Foundations for
in hand with teaching delayed gratifica-
tion. Show by example. Before you go
shopping, create a budget. Outline what
you’re going to buy, what stores you’re
going to, and the price range for each
item. Then compare prices online and
clip coupons together (consider letting
your child keep the savings so she sees
that bargain-hunting pays). She’ll learn
that planning purchases before you buy
is the routine.
For example, if your daughter wants
a new doll that she doesn’t have enough
money for, tell her to save. Once she has
enough, take her shopping and let her
pay the cashier herself. She’ll never forget
how good it feels to work toward a goal
and be rewarded in the end.
Simply knowing where her money is
going is a big step forward in your child’s
qualified individuals within Bergen and
Passaic counties.
In addition, Greater Alliance Federal
Credit Union hosts lunch and learn meet-
ings on financial topics at various organi-
zations, and webinars on how to budget,
what is a credit score, what to expect
when applying for a student loan, and
other issues.
“As a financial institution it is our mis-
money management skills. Have her use
a notebook or go on a computer to keep
track of her money. Make a file or use an
old purse where she can store receipts
and statements.
It’s hard for children to set priorities,
so sit down together and make a wish
list of the things your child wants to do
with her money. Then help her rank the
list by discussing what’s important about
each wish.
Introduce your child to savings ve-
hicles that could earn interest, such as
savings bonds and certificates of deposit.
Search for a compound interest calculator
online and show her how just $1 can grow
with interest over time.
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our
Children.
sion to help the younger generation be-
come better stewards of managing their
money,” said Sheryline Ingersoll, director
of marketing for Greater Alliance Federal
Credit Union. “If we can provide them
with the right guidance they will be pre-
pared to handle bigger financial decisions
through different stages of life.”
Heidi Mae Bratt
 AOC-13

OurChildren
About

Let It Snow
and We Will Keep
the Family Moving
DENISE MORRISON YEARIAN Place tarp over the snow and hold down the edges with a tagged by performing a simple, predetermined exercise
mound of snow or a few bricks. Fill several buckets with such as 10 jumping jacks, 15 squats, or 20 hops on one

W
e may be in the throes of winter but that does water, pour it over the tarp and let it freeze. When a thin foot. Set the rules prior to the game. And don’t let the
not mean you have to toss aside family fitness. layer of ice forms, put on your boots or sneakers and snow stop you. Running around in it will add resistance
Following are tips on how you and your family have a family skate. Or head out to a rink like Ice Vault and increase your heart rate.
can stay physically fit and enjoy time together during this in Wayne. Cold war capers. A fun thing to do in the snow is
frigid season. Frolicking fitness tag. It doesn’t have to be warm play tug of war. Dig parallel trenches that are 3- to 4-feet
Plan for success. Choose activities everyone can par- outside to play tag. With this version base isn’t an ob-
ticipate in and make it convenient, simple and fun. Get ject; it’s an activity. Players run around and avoid being Snow continued on page 19
your children’s input as to what they want to do so there
is some buy in. Also make sure you participate. They
have more fun if mom and dad get in on the act.
Rough and tumble zone. If possible, create an in-

START
door active zone where you and your children can be OPEN A YOUTH ACCOUNT TODAY AND RECEIVE:
active. See what you can shift around in a spare room or
the basement so you can move freely without tripping  3.00%APY* on first $1,000

YOUNG.
over wires or knocking something down. Or put on coats
and move the cars out of the garage. This will allow you
to do some motion activities such as jumping jacks, jump
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rope, hula hoop and hopscotch, as well as formal exer-
 $10 Gift Card** every year, on date

START
cises such as squats, lunges and sit-ups. Keep the area
dedicated so it’s always available when you’re ready to
be active.
account was opened

SMART.
Board ’em busters. Make a list of fun exercises you
and your youngsters can do in a given week, post them  $3 for every “A” grade, at end of year***
on a board in a visible location, then each day have ev-
eryone choose one or more activity they want to per-
form. Vary time and repetition according to age. When
ALSO CHECK OUT “THE EDGE” CHECKING ACCOUNT:
an activity is complete give your child a sticker to put on
the list. At the end of each week, offer a reward to keep  For members 15-21 years old****
everyone motivated — go ice skating, bowling or take a
winter bike hike.  FREE VISA® Debit Card
Go pro. Tweak professional games so you can play
them inside. Have a round of basketball with a soft foam  $5 minimum opening balance
ball or wad of newspaper and a basket. Try indoor bowl-
ing with ten soda bottles, each partially filled with water
or sand. Set in a triangular shape and then knock over
 No monthly service charges
with a medium-sized ball. Tennis anyone? Stretch a string
across the room, tape it to the walls, blow up a balloon For more information, please  50 FREE Checks provided upon request
and use poster board squares for rackets. Or play in- visit www.greateralliance.org,
door volleyball.

APPLY TODAY!
Tone up. Everyday items found around the house stop by one of our branches:
can help your family tone up. Use milk jugs partially filled Paramus, Hackensack, Paterson,
with water or sand to strengthen your chest, shoulders
and arms. Make the bottom step a stair stepper to build
or call 888-554-2328 x280.
your leg muscles and cardiovascular system. Step on the We now offer Unlimited ATM transactions at 75,000
waistband of old pantyhose and pull up to work biceps,
triceps and shoulders. Surcharge FREE ATMs in the US and overseas.
Color my wintry world. One fun and easy game your
family will enjoy is an outdoor ice cube hunt. Make dif-
ferent colored ice cubes and hide them in your yard or at
*Annual Percentage Yield effective 12/29/17 and is subject to change without notice. Additional verification may be requested for account open-
the park. Then bundle up and let the game begin. Create
ing. Fees or other conditions could reduce earnings. Certain restrictions may apply. 3.00% APY is earned on balances up to $1,000, balance
a color point system to determine the winner or whoever
higher than $1,000 earn 0.10% APY. **A $10 gift voucher will be mailed to you, please bring the voucher to the branch to redeem your $10 gift
finds the most. You can even do it at night with a flash-
card. ***You will need to bring in the final end of year report card to a nearest branch and we will deposit $3 into your Savings account based
light. The best part is the ice cubes won’t melt so you can
on the number of “A” grades you have received, grade 9 through 12 only. Membership conditions may apply.
stick them in the freezer and have the hunt all over again.
Skating on thin ice. If there is snow on the ground
and it’s below freezing, create a backyard ice skating rink.

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018 13


Thanksgiving Even More So
with the Last Bar Mitzvah
E D S I L B E R FA R B
T
zvi is the youngest grandson and he became 13 in
November so, his parents reasoned, what more ap-
propriate time for a bar mitzvah than Thanksgiving
Day. You read the Torah on Thursday, and you can invite
people from afar without having them drive on Shabbat.
Even the Pilgrims would have approved.
“Hold it,” says Grandpa, the voice of reason. “No-
body will come. Who’s going to give up the traditional
family Thanksgiving dinner?”
No problem. There’s an early morning minyan. The
kid does his thing. You shout “mazel tov,” throw some
candy at him, and you’re free to go home, watch football
on television and eat turkey.
“Doesn’t seem like a very celebratory day for the
young man,” says Grandpa, but he has only a vote, not
a veto.
There’s a new factor. Two of Tzvi’s siblings will be
in Israel so of course that’s where the simcha should
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14 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018
AOC-14
GENERATION G
be. A Thanksgiving bar mitzvah at the Kotel. Now that’s their mother photographs the dramatic scene. They re-
something to be thankful for, and Tzvi is thrilled at the turn to Baltimore to await the main event.
idea of reading the Torah at the Wall. Now all they have From New York and Virginia come aunts, uncles,
to do is figure out how to fly the rest of the family over cousins and grandparents, as well as friends and neigh-
there. Where would they stay, and what about transpor- bors from Baltimore. Donned in tefillin, the family took
tation once they get there? And how about the party? over the service. Tvzi recited the early prayers. Then
In Israel everybody comes to a simcha, not only your his older brother led the davening. A cousin, who is a
50 or so Israeli relatives. You can’t just give everyone Levi, was called to the bima, so was Grandpa. Another
some rugelach, and pass around a bottle of schnaps cousin was the gabbai, and in a booming voice called
for a l‘chaim. up Tzvi.
They mentally do a count of an Israeli guest list and His reading was flawless until he lost his place and
the number approaches that of the annual gathering of everyone held their breath, but he picked right up and
Chabad shlichim. Is there an unused airplane hanger that continued. to the end. There was a blizzard of candy and
would accommodate them? a reverberation of mazel tovs, then dancing around the
The problem is eased with a new development. Only bima. His uncle, a retired marine, was the hagbahah and
one of their children will be in Israel at the time. So in- raised the heavy Torah. An advantage of a weekday bar
stead of flying the whole family over there, let’s bring her mitzvah is the allowance of photography, and a family
home for the occasion. Not so simple. Can she get time friend was clicking his camera throughout.
off from her job? And does she want to give up most of Of course nobody would attend because of compe-
her annual vacation time? She gets only 10 precious days. tition with Thanksgiving, yet the party room was over-
Yes, of course she wants to come for the big event, flowing with scores of celebrants for the scrambled eggs,
but keep it a surprise for Tzvi. No one must know she’s tortillas with green salsa, waffles drenched with syrup
coming except her parents and grandparents. and heaped high with fruit, bagels with cream cheese,
The clock is ticking. Tzvi has been studying his para-
sha (Vayetze) and has learned how to don tefillin, but
juice and coffee.
It was unanimously agreed that Tzvi’s reading was
nothing else has been done with just six weeks to go. a virtuoso performance, leaving a bittersweet feeling
No invitations have been sent because the venue had among his parents and grandparents. As the youngest,
not been decided — Israel or Baltimore. And one of the his was the last hurrah.
choice synagogues in Baltimore said no because it was
already booked for another affair. Ed Silberfarb was a reporter for the Bergen Record in New
It’s time for decisions. A synagogue is chosen and the Jersey, then the New York Herald Tribune where he was City
rabbi is pleased at the idea of Tzvi “leining” at a special Hall bureau chief. Later, he was a public information officer
minion. A catered hot breakfast will follow, and later in for the New York City Transit Authority and editor of one of its
the day there will be a turkey dinner at home for the fam- employee publications.
ily. At last invitations go out with a picture of
Tzvi looking cheerfully dignified.
Now there’s a startling realization. Tzvi’s
birthday is the Sunday before Thanksgiving —
Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan. That adds another
layer to the already top-heavy structure. Tzvi
should lein the Rosh Chodesh parasha for his
ba-ba-yom, his birthday. He has only two weeks
to learn it, a formidable challenge and he has no
tutor to help. He masters it on his own to great
acclaim. Then a new complication. That’s the
day his sister will arrive from Israel, flying into
Newark Airport. The highly classified top secret
may be compromised.
It becomes like a strategically planned mili-
tary operation. Tzvi, his parents and one broth-
er will drive to New York Saturday night. Sunday
morning they will go to his grandparents shul
where Tzvi will lein the Rosh Chodesh parasha.
Then he will be distracted by his grandfather at
a museum while his parents pick up his sister
at the airport. She hides in the back of their van
when her parents collect Tzvi at the museum.
Then she materializes like an apparition while The bar mitzvah of the youngest grandson.

Getting our Children
Physically Fit in 2018
H E I D I M A E B RAT T
T
he facts are not pretty. Approxi-
mately one third of children 10 to
17 are overweight or obese, accord-
ing to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, and fewer than 25 percent of
children are getting the recommended
60 minutes of moderate-intensity physi-
cal activity per day recommended by the
American Medical Association.
Add to that the constancy and near-ob-
session with technology, suburban living,
crushing academic pressures, along with
other factors, and you get a startling reali-
ty: There is an historically low rate of phys-
ical activity among today’s youngsters.
For 2018 as folks are making their
resolutions for getting in better shape and
better health, it is incumbent upon par-
ents, teachers, and fitness educators to
teach youngsters the importance of phys-
ical activity — and to get them moving.
About Our Children turned to Don To-
maszewski, director of the Sports Institute,
Medical Fitness and Outpatient Rehabilita-
tion at The Valley Hospital, for his expertise
and advice on the topic of getting our chil-
dren more physically fit in 2018.
AOC: Why is it important for young-
sters to get involved in fitness?
Mr. Tomaszewski: The recommenda-
tion is that children and teens be physi-
cally active, at a moderate level of in-
tensity, most days of the week. With the
technology boom over the last several
decades children and teens now have
more sedentary hours in their day. When
combined with a reduced emphasis of
physical education and playground time,
there exists a higher risk for hypokinetic
(sedentary) conditions/disease such as
obesity and diabetes. In addition, the list
of health-related benefits of maintaining
an active lifestyle with regular exercise
is long. Of course there are well-docu-
mented physical benefits, but, there also
exists a mountain of evidence that there
are profound psychological and cogni-
tive benefits as well.
AOC: At what age should youngsters
get involved in fitness?
Mr. Tomaszewski: The normal de-
velopment of the musculo-skeletal and
nervous systems in children and teens
are directly impacted by their level of
physical activity at all ages. Moderate
intensity physical activity, playground
play for example, is safe at all ages. The
more intense, sports-based activities
carry a few more guidelines, but are also
safe at very young ages if there is high-
quality supervision and training. Formal
exercise such as resistance training, with
AOC-15
Don Tomaszewski helps a youngster get fit.
weights or machines, can also be safe if
resistance levels are kept low and proper
techniques are taught with qualified su-
pervision. The ACSM recommend age 10
as the youngest for resistance or strength
training primarily due to the need for a
Why Should Children Exercise?
Children who are active 60 minutes each
day demonstrate lower rates of obesity.
Greater rates of activity in children have
been associated with higher test scores in
reading and math.
Physical and cognitive development go
hand-in-hand. While this continues for life,
this relationship is most critical at a young
age. When children are active, their brain
develops, allowing for new types of activity.
Play-based activity that requires a high
degree of sensory input helps develop a
broad array of skills that make physical
activity more enjoyable later in life.
Frequent exercise decreases symptoms of
depression and anxiety in children.
high level of cognitive maturity necessary
for learning proper techniques.
AOC: What would you say are the
most age-appropriate activities for
children?
Mr. Tomaszewski: By far the safest
Regular exercise with children promotes
self-efficacy with regard to health and
self-image.
Frequent physical activity has been associ-
ated with improved behavior in the class-
room and beyond.
Aerobic activity has been shown to increase
the size of essential brain structures and
number of neural connections.
Frequent activities requiring a high degree
of balance and coordination have been
associated with improved emotional
response.
Active children are more likely to become
active adults.
OurChildren
About
mode of physical activity is full weight-
bearing ambulation that utilizes multiple
movement patterns and large muscle
groups, such as standard calisthenics.
As children go through their physical
development stages their abilities and ca-
pacities change and activities that mirror
those changes are recommended. During
the teenage years, more specific and tech-
nical activities, such as utilizing exercise
equipment, can be introduced to focus on
specific fitness goals.
AOC: What exactly is KidStyles?
Mr. Tomaszewski: KidStyles is a kids
fitness area at our soon-to-open LifeStyles
at The Valley Center for Health and Well-
ness in Mahwah. It is designed for ages
5 to 12 years old. There will be a variety
of equipment from a playground “jungle
gym” to youth-sized resistance exercise
machines and scooters to video-based
gaming that gets kids moving. KidStyles is
an exclusive benefit for our center’s fam-
ily membership holders as a supervised
area where parents can bring their depen-
dents for unstructured physical activity
and free-play. In addition, KidStyles will
feature more structured instruction with
specific programming scheduled through-
out the week and weekends.
AOC: Can you tell us about LifeStyles
and how KidStyles will fit in?
Mr. Tomaszewski: LifeStyles is a
world-class health and fitness center lo-
cated within the Valley Center for Health
& Wellness. LifeStyles is a membership-
based center offering individual, couples,
and family memberships. The facility
boasts state-of-the-art aerobic exercise
equipment and multiple lines of resis-
tance equipment, a rock-climbing wall,
gymnasium, walking track and free-
weight area, and three swimming
pools. LifeStyles’ pools include a 25
meter, six-lane lap swimming pool,
a mid-temperature leisure pool well
suited for group exercise, and a warm-
water therapy pool. Other amenities
include a whirlpool, sauna and steam
rooms, locker rooms and family chang-
ing rooms, and towel service. Member-
ship includes a full-access to the fitness
equipment, pools, and popular group
exercise classes. The most significant
benefit of a LifeStyles membership is
access to professional, degreed exer-
cise specialists who provide guidance
and prescriptive exercise assessments
and goal-oriented exercise program
development.
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our
Children.
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018 15
 AOC-16
OurChildren
About
1 2
5 6
1. Ilana Knoll, left, and Shaina Davis, both sophomores at Yeshivat
Frisch in Paramus, won first place in a North Jersey Debate League
tournament at Pascack Valley High School. The junior varsity debat-
ers took the top spot out of a 51-team competition. Frisch is the only
yeshiva high school in the league.
2. Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies students enjoyed a
bit of Lower East Side history during their scavenger hunt where they
got to check out Shteibel Row, The Forward Building, The Bialystoker
Synagogue, The Pickle Guys and more.
3. Among those celebrating the Festival of Lights recently, Glen Rock
Jewish Center Hebrew School principal Rachel Blumenstyk and Rabbi
Jennifer Schlosberg lead the students in the blessings on the menorah.
4. The largest Chanukah menorah in memory was constructed from
Legos at Temple Beth Tikvah in Wayne. Led by architect Stephen
Schwartz, more than 100 people gathered to create parts which when
joined became a towering menorah and then was lit.
16 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018
3
5. Children and adults at Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley sang
and danced at Chanukah Alive with music led by Sheldon Lowe.
6. Students of Shomrei Torah learned the mitzvah of visiting the sick
and then made picture boxes for children at Tomorrow’s Children at
Hackensack University Medical Center.
7. The annual Chanukah bash for the JTeen Club at Bris Avroham in
Fair Lawn was a fun time with plenty to do, plenty to eat, and plenty of
celebration.
8. Tenafly Chabad Academy third and fourth graders showed their
appreciation to the local police and fire departments recently by bak-
ing and delivering cookies to them.
9. Local teens, friends, and parents took part in Valley Chabad’s
Friendship Circle Sports League and trophy ceremony. The event took
place at the Superdome Sports center in Waldwick.
 AOC-17
TopChoices J A N U A R Y 2 0 18
CO M P I L E D BY H E I D I M A E B RAT T
Take a Bite
Out Of the Big Apple Circus
Now in its 42nd season, the Big Apple Circus presents The Big Tour, an extravaganza set
in the 1920s that blends choreographed acts with music performed by the 100-man Big
Apple Circus Band. From a contortionist who can twist and turn into mind-boggling shapes
to aerial acrobats who become high-flying, super humans amidst a jaw-dropping pyrotech-
nics show, the entertainment is sure to astound audiences. The intimate-spaced circus guar-
antees a good seat for all. Through January 7. Damrosch Park, Lincoln Center, West 62
Street, Manhattan. www.big-apple-circus.tickets-center.com, 800-833-7698.
Underwater Fun
Comes to bergenPAC
Coming January 14 to Englewood, B-The Underwater Bubble Show. The show takes place
in the colorful underwater world of Bubblelandia. After another long day of meetings and
deadlines, Mr. B finds himself transported to a magical world that is inhabited by sea-
horses, dragon fish, starfish, mermaids, clown fish, and more. They carry Mr. B along his
imaginary journey in this beautiful underwater world where fantasy becomes reality and
you are invited to follow him. See for yourself. January 14, 2 and 5 p.m., bergenPAC,
30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood. 201-227-1030, www.bergenpac.org, www.
ticketmaster.com.
OurChildren
About
‘Let it Go’ with
Frozen Sing-Along
Elsa and Anna are back on the big screen in this instant animated classic that
featured the hit song, “Let it Go.” It was a great sensation when the Disney
movie hit the big screen in 2013, and we’ve been singing the iconic songs
made popular in the film ever since. The movie and sing-along will take place
on January 28 at bergenPAC. Sisters Anna and Elsa will be on hand during the
movie screening to lead the audience in singing along. They will be available for
photos before the show. January 28, 1 and 4 p.m. bergenPAC, 30 North Van
Brunt St., Englewood, 201-227-1030, www.bergenpac.org.
Jennifer Chalsty
Planetarium
Open at Liberty Science Center
Get ready to fly through the universe, roam distant planets, and navigate aster-
oid fields. Liberty Science Center’s greatest experience yet, the Jennifer Chalsty
Planetarium and LSC Giant Dome Theater, is now open. It is the largest and most
technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Only three oth-
ers in the world—two in Japan and one in China — are bigger. The new planetarium
boasts a resolution of 88 million pixels, a lighting system that can produce over 281
trillion individual colors, and new speakers capable of producing 30,000 watts of
digital sound. Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Blvd.,
Jersey City, 201-200-1000, www.lsc.org.
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018 17

The Good Life With Kids
JANUARY
To Our Readers: This calendar is a day-by-day schedule of events. Although all information is as timely as we can make it, it’s a good idea to call to
verify details before you go.
Wednesday, January 3
Mommy and Me in Teaneck: Teaneck Chabad
will hold a Mommy and Me group for children 9
through 24 months from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. 513
Kenwood Place, Teaneck, 201-907-0686.
Saturday, January 6
Wayne YMCA Open House: Come one, come all
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see the facilities and try
a class such as zumba, hippity hop for preschool-
ers, sports, swim and more. 1 Pike Drive, Wayne.
973-595-0100, www.wayneymca.org.
Sunday, January 7
Shalom Baby at B’nai Israel: Congregation
B’nai Israel in Emerson with Jewish Federation
of Northern New Jersey offers a Shalom Baby,
Mommy and Me-style playgroup from 9:30 to
10:30 a.m. Following the fun a bagel break-
fast will be served. Reservations requested.
201-265-2272, office@bisrael.com or Federation
at 201-820-3902, Congregation B’nai Israel, 53
Palisade Ave., Emerson.
Addy and Uno Show: Ben Porat Yosef and the
Friendship Circle are pleased to present “Addy
and Uno Show,” the first family musical about dis-
ability, friendship and kindness. 4:30 p.m. at Ben
Porat Yosef, 243 Frisch Court, Paramus. Tickets
$10; $180 sponsor includes 4 tickets. www.
bcfriendship.com/concert.
Wednesday, January 10
Mommy and Me in Teaneck: Teaneck Chabad
will hold a Mommy and Me group for children 9
through 24 months from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. 513
Kenwood Place, Teaneck, 907-0686.
Face 2 Face at Temple Emanu-El: Join 9th to 12
graders and USY for an evening of Face 2 Face.
6 p.m. Temple Emanu-El of Closter, 180 Piermont
Road, Closter, Tammy Ween at 201-750-9997,
ween@templeemanu-el.com.
“Addy and Uno Show,” see Sunday, January 7
18 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018
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 07066
AboutOC­aol.com
or fax it to: 201-833-4959
Deadline for February issue (published January 19):
Tuesday, January 9
Tuesday, January 16 Public Library. 2 p.m. 840 Teaneck Road, Teaneck,
201-837-4171, www.teaneck.org.
Toddler Time in Teaneck: Welcome walkers up
to 2½ years old to come and listen to a story at Tuesday, January 23
the Teaneck Public Library at 10 or 11 a.m. 840
Toddler Time in Teaneck: Welcome walkers up
Teaneck Road, Teaneck, 201-837-4171, www.
to 2½ years old to come and listen to a story at
teaneck.org.
the Teaneck Public Library at 10 or 11 a.m. 840
Wednesday, Teaneck Road, Teaneck, 201-837-4171, www.
teaneck.org.
January 17
Face 2 Face at Temple Emanu-El: Join 9th to 12 Wednesday, January 24
graders and USY for an evening of Face 2 Face. Preschool Storytime in Teaneck: Welcome
6 p.m. Temple Emanu-El of Closter, 180 Piermont youngsters 3½ to 5 years old to story time in the
Road, Closter, Tammy Ween at 201-750-9997,
ween@templeemanu-el.com.
Teaneck Public Library, 3 p.m. 840 Teaneck Road,
Teaneck, 201-837-4171, www.teaneck.org.
Preschool Storytime in Teaneck: Welcome Face 2 Face at Temple Emanu-El: Join 9th to 12
youngsters 3½ to 5 years old to story time at the graders and USY for an evening of Face 2 Face.
Teaneck Public Library, 3 p.m. 840 Teaneck Road, 6 p.m. Temple Emanu-El of Closter, 180 Piermont
Teaneck, 201-837-4171, www.teaneck.org. “Despicable Me 3,” see Sunday, January 21
Road, Closter, Tammy Ween at 201-750-9997,
ween@templeemanu-el.com.
Thursday, Mazer and student cantor for a family-friendly
January 18 Shabbat Service at 6:45 p.m. Temple Beth El, 221
Schraalenburgh Road, Closter, 201-768-5112.
Thursday, January25
Story Lap Time in Teaneck: Welcome infants and Story Lap Time in Teaneck: Welcome infants and
little ones not yet walking to hear a story at the Saturday, January 20 little ones not yet walking to hear a story at the
Teaneck Public Library at 11 a.m. 840 Teaneck
Teaneck Public Library at 11 a.m. 840 Teaneck
Family Shabbat at B’nai Israel: Family services Road, Teaneck, 201-837-4171, www.teaneck.org.
Road, Teaneck, 201-837-4171, www.teaneck.org.
for all ages. For adults and children 12 and older, a
Family Crafts at the Library: Children age 4 and
Friday, January 19 learning service at 10 a.m.; families with children 8
to 11, and “8-11 Club” 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and fami- older are invited to the Teaneck Public Library to
Tot Shabbat in Franklin Lakes: Join a Tot lies with children 7 and younger a family Shabbat make and keep a craft project. 7 p.m. 840 Teaneck
Shabbat and pizza dinner at Barnert Temple program 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Congregation B’nai Road, Teaneck, 201-837-4171, www.teaneck.org.
starting at 5 p.m. Pre-readers are invited to a Israel, 53 Palisade Ave., Emerson, 201-265-2272,
family-friendly service. Barnert Temple, 747 office@bisrael.com. Saturday, January 27
Route 208 South, Franklin Lakes. 201-848-1027, Shabbat with Suzy: Join from 10:15 to 11:15
Shabbat with Suzy: Join from 10:15 to 11:15
www.barnerttemple.org, schooloffice@ a.m. for a musical Shabbat experience led by
a.m. for a musical Shabbat experience led by
barnerttemple.org. Suzy Rosenberg. Temple Emanu-El of Closter,
Suzy Rosenberg. Temple Emanu-El of Closter,
Shabbat Shabang at Temple Emanu-EL: Join in 180 Piermont Road, Closter. Naama Heymann 180 Piermont Road, Closter. Naama Heymann
from 6 to 7 p.m. for a musical Kabbalat Shabbat 201-750-2959, heymann@templeemanu-el.com. 201-750-2959, heymann@templeemanu-el.com.
with stories and song at Temple Emanu-El of
Closter. This program is geared towards young
COOL’anu Shabbat: First, second and third Tuesday, January 30
graders can join from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m., for
families with children ages 5 years old and young- Toddler Time in Teaneck: Welcome walkers up
an engaging and interactive family service for
er. Temple Emanu-El of Closter, 180 Piermont to 2½ years old to come and listen to a story at
the whole family led by Rabbi Freedman and
Road, Closter. Naama Heymann 201-750-2959, the Teaneck Public Library at 10 or 11 a.m. 840
Naama Heymann. Temple Emanu-El of Closter,
heymann@templeemanu-el.com. Teaneck Road, Teaneck, 201-837-4171, www.
180 Piermont Road, Closter. Naama Heymann
Family Kabbalat Shabbat teaneck.org.
201-750-2959, heymann@templeemanu-el.com.
at Temple Emanu-El: Join
Ninja Night with Kaplen JCC: Drop your children
in with the entire family at 7
grades 2 to 6 off at
p.m. for an interactive ser-
the Kaplen JCC on the
vice led by Rabbi Kirshner,
Palisades for a trip to
Rabbi Freedman and Cantor
High Exposure where
Singer. Temple Emanu-El of
they will take part in
Closter, 180 Piermont Road,
an “American Ninja”
Closter. Naama Heymann
type experience while
201-750-2959, heymann@
rock climbing, going
templeemanu-el.com.
through and obstacle
Tot Shabbat at Temple course and more. From
Beth El: Temple Beth El will 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
hold its monthly informal Transportation and
Tot Shabbat led by Rabbi snacks included. Pick
David S. Widzer, Rabbi Beth up and drop off at JCC
Kramer-Mazer and stu- Lobby. For more infor-
dent cantor Julie Staple at mation, www.jccotp.org,
5:15p.m. Tot Shabbat is open call Leron Bensoussan
to all nursery school age at 201-408-1467.
children and features song,
stories, and crafts. Temple Sunday,
Beth El, 221 Schraalenburgh
Road, Closter, 201-768-5112.
January 21
Family Movie at the
Family Friendly Shabbat
Library: Welcome all
at Temple Beth El: Shabbat
to watch “Despicable
in Closter Rabbi David S.
Me 3” at the Teaneck Ninja Night with Kaplen JCC, see Saturday, January 20
Widzer, Rabbi Beth Kramer-
 AOC-19

OurChildren
About

Simchas
Snow continued from page13
long and mound up the snow in the mid-
dle. Divide your family into two teams
then have each team stand in a line per-
pendicular to the mound on either side
of the snow. The first team to pull their
opponent into the snow bank wins.
Out and about. Many parks are open
throughout the winter and you can incor-
porate exercise and education by taking
a hike to scout animal tracks, find crea-
tures that move about in the winter, and
identify trees that keep and lose their
form two teams, then have players slither
or roll to the pile (no walking allowed),
pull out and put on their shoes and walk
back to the next person on their team. Or
go feather up, belly down. Opponents get
on their bellies and use a straw to keep
a feather in the air and away from each
other. Whoever can blow the feather over
the other person’s line wins.
Ad lib with obstacles. Create an out-
door obstacle course that involves differ-
ent activities: dribble the soccer ball to a
certain point, skip to the next, pick up the

B'nai Mitzvah leaves. Or have a neighborhood scaven-

EMMA COHEN
Emma Cohen, daughter of
Kim and Andy Cohen of
Ramsey and sister of Jaden,
10, celebrated becoming a
bat mitzvah on December
2 at Temple Beth Rishon
in Wyckoff. As part of her
tzedakah project, she col-
lected toiletries and money
for the Hoboken Homeless
Shelter. Her grandparents
are Harriet and Fred Pitofsky
of Closter and Lynne and
EVAN GOLDGRABER
Evan Goldgraber, son of Tal
Goldgraber and Iris Perry and
brother of Daniel Goldgraber
celebrated becoming a bar
mitzvah on December 16 at
Congregation Beth Sholom in
Teaneck.
ZACHARY HALPERIN
Zachary Halperin, son of Lisa
and Gary Halperin of Upper
Saddle River and brother of
Jake, Silas, and Tyler, cel-
LEAH RIMLAND
Leah Jane Rimland, daugh-
ter of Michael and Rachel
Rimland of Upper Saddle
River and sister of David,
Anna, and Sarah, celebrated
becoming a bat mitzvah on
November 25 at Temple
Emanuel of the Pascack
Valley in Woodcliff Lake.
LEAH STEINER
Leah Steiner, daughter of
Sondra and Marc Steiner of
ger hunt. Make up a list of items your fam-
ily has to find: a red door, blue car, winter
bird, etc. Then take a walk around the
neighborhood and see who can find the
most items.
Snow games. Set up an obstacle
course by building snow hurdles and
other barriers your family has to either
jump over or run around. Or draw targets
with Sharpies on trashcan lids, dig them
at different distances into the snow, then
toss snowballs at your target. Add a new
slant to sledding by setting up stacks of
snowballs or upturned trashcans, then as
you head down the hill, throw snowballs
to work on target practice.
Concoct a competition. If you have
an indoor active zone, there are a num-
ber of relays your family can do. Pile ev-
eryone’s shoes in the corner of the room,
football and run home.
Ever-ready oldies. Consider tradi-
tional games you can do indoors or out-
side at the spur of the moment: “Duck,
Duck, Goose,” “Follow the Leader,” “Moth-
er, May I?” “Red Light, Green Light,” “Si-
mon Says” and “Charades.”
Find facilities. Check out local orga-
nizations to see if they offer parent-child
classes or have indoor pools or open gym
facilities for playing basketball, volleyball,
soccer, and other games. Many martial
arts programs have combined adult-child
programs. Call local ice and roller skating
rinks to get hours for open skates. Or for
inexpensive exercise, go to the mall and
take a brisk walk.
Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor
of two parenting magazines, a mother, and
grandmother.

Howard Cohen of Wanaque.
ZEV DEWAN
Zev Dewan, son of Rachel
and Arjun Dewan of Ramsey
and brother of Kiran, 10, and
Rakhi, 5, celebrated becoming
a bar mitzvah on November
18 at Barnert Temple in
Franklin Lakes.
ARIEL FINE
Ariel Fine, son of Alla
and Rabbi David Fine of
Ridgewood, celebrated
becoming a bar mitzvah on
December 2 at Temple Israel
& Jewish Community Center
in Ridgewood.
ebrated becoming a bar mitz-
vah on December 9 at Temple
Emanuel of the Pascack
Valley in Woodcliff Lake.
SETH KAUFMAN
Seth Kaufman, son of
Julie Rosenberg and Greg
Kaufman of Norwood, cel-
ebrated becoming a bar
mitzvah on December 16 at
Temple Beth El in Closter.
JUSTIN MARTIN
Justin Richard Martin, son
of Janice and Don Martin,
brother of Connor and Devin
Martin and grandson of Mickie
and Harry Stricker, celebrated
becoming a bar mitzvah on
PARTY
Wyckoff and sister of Jacob,
14, celebrated becoming a
bat mitzvah on November 4
at Barnert Temple in Franklin
Lakes.
SHARA VanPRAAGH
Shara VanPraagh, daughter of
Jill and Steven VanPraagh of
Oradell and sister of Dannah,
celebrated becoming a bat
mitzvah on December 2 at
Temple Emeth in Teaneck.
Send us
your simchas! 973-661-9368
We welcome simcha
announcements for
births and b’nai mitzvah.
Announcements are subject
to editing. There is a $10
charge for photos. Photos
must be high resolution jpg
files.
Include:
Call (201) 837-8818 for
1 hours of skating (during public session)
information. Private decorated party room
Off ice party attendant
Send to Skate rental
pr@jewishmediagroup.com Invitations for party guests
Pizza and soda
or mail to NJ Jewish Media Personalized Carvel ice cream cake

November 18 at Temple Group, Favors and candy

Beth Tikvah in Wayne. For his
mitzvah project, Justin and
his mother ran a 5K race and
raised over $3,000 for breast
cancer research.
FREE skating pass for future use
ATT: Simchas
Birthday child receives FREE Ice Vault T shirt
1086 Teaneck Road,
Teaneck, NJ 07666
If a photograph is to be
returned, include a SASE.

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • JANUARY 2018 19

 AMONG THE

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