The November Tri-factorYes, it is true, this year Thanksgiving and the beginning of Hanukkah fall on the same day. What is even more paradoxical is that November is Health Month at Mazel Day School. How is it then that we are going to be thinking about staying healthy while also involving ourselves in the mandatory activities of eating turkey and latkes in the same sitting? One solution would be to inconspicuously move Health Month to December. However, that would mean the MPA would have to redesign all the November is Health Month flyers, and we are way too nice to do this to them.

Another, more practical idea, would be to remember that food is only a small part of these holidays and should not be the main focus. Both holidays are meant to celebrate the best qualities of humanity, and if we focus on that, we will have a more meaningful celebration.

Happy Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Health Month!

MAZEL DAY SCHOOL

November 2013: Cheshvan - Kislev 5774 ISSUE 23

In This Issue

B”H

Parent Talk: Parent Interview 2

Book Selections of the Month 3

Teacher Talk: Teacher Interview 4

Recipes: Desserts 5

Familiy Activities 5

It Worked for Me: Healthy Habits 6

Parenting Book of the Month 7 & center fold

Humor: It’s the Small Dfferences 8

Resident Nutrition Expert 9

Hanukkah: Hanukkah for Adults 13

Hanukkah: Lighting the menorah 14

Hanukkah: Hanukkah with your Child 15

Hanukkah: Hanukkah with your Child 16

Hanukkah: Kids-friendly Dreidel games 17

Book & Music Suggestions 17

Hanukkah: Holiday Tips 18

Hanukkah: Hanukkah Recipes 19

Hanukkah: Sub Head 20

Fun Ideas for Hanukkah Memories 20

Some more books: 20

Pictures: Behind the scenes 23

Thank you! 24

Upcoming Events

Preschool Hanukkah Recital - 11/27 @ 10:30am

Lower and Middle School Hanukkah Recital - 12/5 @ 10:30am

Grand menorah lighting on Brighton Beach avenue: 11/27 @ 5:30 | 11/28 @ 5:30 | 11/29 @ 1:45 | 11/30 @ 6:45 |

12/01-10/04 @ 5:30 p.m.

Annual Hanukkah Party - 12/2 (keep a look out for details.)

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By Yekaterina I lyaguyev

Interview with Alla Raykhman Alla Raykhman was born in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. She moved to the USA in 2006. Alla is a scientist by profession and has a Master of Science Degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Ukraine. In Dnepropetrovsk, she worked in Metallurgical Academy in a research laboratory. Most recently, she attended the NYU-POLY (former Polytech) and graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering.

Alla met her husband Stanislav Raykhman at the Dnepropetrovsk Synagogue “Golden Rose” on a Shabbos service. At the time, Stan was visiting his classmates after 10 years of emigration. She tells us it was love from the first sight! Stan is an Electrical Engineer.

Alla and Stan have three children. Eugene is the oldest and he recently started 9th grade at the Sinai Academy. Benjamin is in the Kindergarten at the Mazel Day School. And their daughter Shulamith, who is turning 2 years old in December, is patiently waiting to join Mazel pre-nursery next year.

Alla is also a member of the Mazel Parent Association.

Who did you want to be when you were growing up? When I was a kid I wanted to be a doctor. I was playing doctor and made injections with water in cushions on my grandma’s chairs.

And what made you choose your profession? I always was a curious child! Asked a lot of questions, always wanted to get to the bottom of the process or the situation. My grandfather was always there for me to answer all my questions and help me understand why the moon is not falling to the ground, and how the hard cheese was made? At that time Google was not around yet. I was also good at math and science in school. All this combined guided me on a path to become a scientist…a journey to learn the secret of material’s structure.

How did you first learn about Mazel? I first learned about Mazel through a Sunday school my son attended at the F.R.E.E of Brighton Beach. We learned about the Sunday program through my Rabbi from the Dnepropetrovsk Synagogue, who recommended that I reach out to Dovid Okonov for anything really. This is where we first heard about Mazel.

What do you like most about Mazel Day School today? When Ben started attending Mazel, I was shocked with the personal approach they had to every child. I didn’t expect this. I also value the fact that I can always ask questions and can challenge the educational approach.

I like that education here is done through play and the environment. I know that Benny is constantly learning through the environment. He doesn’t attend any extra courses outside of school and everything he knows he learned from Mazel. It amazes me how fast he is learning. School year has just began and his Russian has already improved (he is learning Russian in class now), while he used to refuse to speak Russian before.

Please describe how Mazel Day School has benefited your child(ren) to date. By creating a sense of a community in the school kids learn to love one another and to love themselves. Self-confidence and compassion towards others are two qualities that Benny gained by attending Mazel.

How has Mazel Day School benefitted you personally? Mazel created a platform for parents to come together, to be involved in the school and create a true community. At Mazel, I established new friendships. Some of my friends are other Mazel parents. Furthermore, Chani and others in the school helped me on personal level and guided me to be a better parent. They’ve recommended books to read, things to do, etc…

I encourage parents to get involved. For example, you can come in and read a book in a class. Kids love it! Your opinions are important. When you get involved, you can influence the education your kids are receiving. And we can help the school grow.

PARENT INTERVIEW

Parent Talk

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PARENT INTERVIEW By Yekaterina I lyaguyev

Parent Talk

The Vegetables We Eat, by Gail Gibbons

One of the most popular books at our annual Book Sale and parents’ favorite this book describes different vegetable varieties, how the vegetables are grown and why they are healthy for us to eat, all in beautiful illustrations.

The text is simple and will be relatable to children of different age groups. There are basic facts like “vegetables are nutritious” to various methods of growing vegetables, for example without soil.

Book Selections of the Month By Irene Gabo

What is your favorite activity with your child(ren)? I enjoy a lot of different activities with my children. Whether it is going apple picking, going on a farm, or attending shows, I just love spending time with them. When we do go on various outings, we always discuss the things we are seeing.

What character traits of your child(ren) always make you smile? Self-confidence is Benny’s character trait that always makes me smile. I see it when he attempts doing new things or when he says “I’ll do it myself! I know how to do this!” He is proud of himself when he knows he did the right thing.

Describe one occasion when your kids really made you proud? After we read a book together, for example one of his favorite books is “Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson, Benny can take a book and “read” to Shulie restating a story in his own words. I feel really proud at this moment.

How do you encourage healthy eating habits in your child(ren)? We are going very natural with our family eating habits and food preferences. Since my kids were able to sit, they were placed in a high chair at the table with the whole family. Dinner time is special. When we are eating together we are sharing not only our meal but our days. While kids might be hungry after school, they know they are supposed to wait till papa will be back from work.

While they wait, I give them a healthy snack, usually fruit or baby carrots, sweet pepper, string cheese or 1-2 whole wheat crackers. I don’t bring in food to the house that I don’t want my kids to eat (except a dark-dark chocolate). Of course, occasionally kids do have soda and pizza, and other not-a-healthy-food-with-a good-marketing. We teach them that it is not very good for their health, but sometimes they can have it. We are not watching TV at meal time. I want my family to enjoy the color, taste and smell of good, healthy, and delicious (I hope) food. Fun fact: Benny, who is 5 now, loves spicy food. He just asks for an extra big glass of water. There is a plethora of flavors, not only sweet, so I want to introduce my children to them.

Do you have any healthy tips you’d like to share with other Mazel parents? Eat good quality food. Less sugar. Play outside a lot. Encourage healthy eating habits: do not distract or reward your children with food. Let your children climb and run, swing and jump on the playground and do not overdress, so they can move freely. All this will help them grow strong and healthy.

Can you share one quick and healthy meal idea? Fried Salmon steak and avocado-tomato salad.

What changes (if any) would you like to see that would make Mazel Day School an even better school? I definitely want to see Mazel grow and expand to more classes per grade.

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Interview with Mendel Berlin

Mendel Berlin was born in Odessa, Ukraine. He moved to the states when he has 9 years old. He attended the Sinai Academy and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language Arts from Hunter College. After spending several years learning in Israel and working on his Master’s Degree in Brooklyn College, he started teaching in Mesifta Tifereth Jerusalem (M.T.J) on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It was there that he got to hone his craft as an educator for 7 years. This year is Mendel’s second year teaching at Mazel.

Why did you choose the teaching profession? I think teaching is one of those professions that society doesn’t see as honorable (like it does lawyers, doctors, and entertainers), but in truth it is crucially vital in the grand scheme of things. A caring, effective teacher can and often does shape the minds of the next generation. That’s a huge honor as well as enormous responsibility.

What do you love most about teaching in general? I love the smiles and excitement on the faces of my students when they feel accomplished. I love discovering more about the world right along with the students. In the right setting, teaching can more emotionally rewarding than many other careers.

How did you first find out about Mazel Day School and what motivated you to work here? Through an advertisement in Hamodia newspaper. When I came to the school, I sensed vibrant Jewish pride permeating the school hallways. I felt comfortable.

In your opinion, what makes Mazel Day School different from other daycares/schools? I think Mazel’s approach to education is in sync with my personal philosophy of schooling. Mazel believes in teaching the student, not the subject. The bulk of the time the class is built fostering a community with every member being an important cog in the process. All- around interaction is the norm in this setting and students are given practical skills they can use for life. As a result, students can’t help but feel mature and relevant at Mazel.

What is your favorite activity in the classroom? It’s hard to pick just one! I love the round-table presentations we have for each students report, when students give each other feedback on their work. The vocabulary review games are mesmerizing and intense

for the kids as “contestants” as much as they are for me as the “host.” I enjoy our honest discussions in social studies class, whether it be on the topic of slavery or the painstaking road the founding fathers of America took to writing the U.S. Constitution.

What are some of the projects you are currently working on in class? Well, the 6th grade is currently studying how to be descriptive in their expressions. Each student has chosen a person, item, place or event to describe through physical, mental and emotional qualities, adding vivid adjectives and metaphors for good measure.

The 7th grade is presently learning persuasive skills - how to be able to argue your position in a well-developed and clear manner. And as always, everyone shares his or her work and is very excited to have a voice in the classroom!

What overall ideas do you have for middle school? My ideas are not just “progressive”, they are also time-tested. My main focus is to make every student feel like a star -- not in a superficial way, but for real. The work I assign is challenging but doable. Youth today walks around miserable because the sense of accomplishment has been taken away from them with the advent of “conveniences.” In my class, everyone has expectations placed on them not to be lazy and work hard.

My format is designed to make learning as enjoyable as possible for the boys and the girls. Honestly, most of my school and college years are a blur because a lot of it was boring and useless information lackadaisically relayed by monotonous teachers and professors. The only classes I remember were led by interesting, down-to-earth, funny and most importantly of all, caring people.

As you know, November is the Health month at Mazel. Can you share what activities you’re incorporating in your classroom around Health? Funny you should ask, we JUST finished modeling a sample persuasive essay in the 7th grade writing workshop entitled, “Just Junk Junk Food.” The students were very surprised to learn how much sugar a can of soda actually contains. Seriously, people, that stuff is poison!

By Yekaterina I lyaguyevTEACHER INTERVIEW

Teacher Talk

5

INGREDIENTS:

100 gr soft butter; 2/3 cup white sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 eggs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 3 cups oats; 1 2/3 cups flour; 1 cup raisin; 1/2 cup cracked walnuts

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 370 °F

Mix the butter and two kinds of sugar with a blender. Add the eggs one at a time and blend until smooth. Add flour, salt, soda and cinnamon and blend until flour mixture swallowed. Finally add the oats, raisins and walnuts.

Use ice cream spoon to create the cookies and put them on a pan with a baking paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Be careful not heat too long, the cookies will be dry. The cookies should remain soft in the center when they are hot.

MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR KIDS involved IN THE PROCESS!

DESSERTS By Rachel Calipha

RecipesGranola Cookies

My family loves board games. Our Saturday nights are often spent

playing hours and hours of various games, which are fun and

challenging at the same time. These games teach my kids strategy,

test their memory and awaken their competitive spirit.

This month I’d like to share a game that we play over and over,

because the possibilities within it are endless. The game is called

“Labyrinth” by Ravensburger, and it is essentially a maze game

where you are looking to get from one point to another, but it doing

so you must collect treasures on the way. At every player’s turn the

previous player moves a maze card into a strategic place to either

block the opponent or further his own path, which means that the

entire maze shifts and changes on each turn.

The game is very family friendly and allows up to 4 players to be involved. The recommended age is 8 and up

but my 5 year old girl loves this game, which promotes concentration, memory and hand-eye coordination.

Familiy Activities By Irene Gabo

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By Anna Rakhlis HEALTHY HABITS

It Worked for MeHow to Trick Your Kids Into Drinking More Water

1. Buy fun cups. I’ll start with the obvious. Let your child pick out a special cup and then only let them use that cup when they are drinking water. Always leave the special cup of water where your child can reach it and have it on hand whenever you are on-the-go.

2. Make drinking water into a game. Challenge your kid to drink to a certain level of the cup. Like if it’s the Dora the Explorer Sippy Cup (pictured left), say: “Drink until you reach the bottom of Dora’s shoe!”

3. Freeze some cool shapes. Abbie loves ice. Always has. Someone bought us a penguin-shaped ice cube tray and the other day when I tried and failed to get Abbie excited about water, I suggested we put the penguin ice in the cup. SOLD! There are tons of fun alternatives— everything from mustaches to sparkly jewels to Hello Kitty .

4. Stick a slice of fruit in there. You never know what’s going to be exciting to a toddler so you might as well give this one a shot. Maybe it will be the greatest thing that ever happened or maybe she’ll pluck that slice of lemon out and whip it across the room. It’s worth a shot. You can also try freezing a raspberry in an ice cube.

5. Suck it from a silly straw. When we were younger we had Crazy Straws. Of course, I remember drinking mainly chocolate milk out

of those things but there’s no reason why you can’t use them to bring a little excitement to your child’s cup of water. Chocolate milk is exciting on its own. There are also Strawz Connectible Drinking Straws that work a bit like Tinker Toys. Or how about the magic wand ice cube tray ? You freeze a star at the end of a straw— genius! Just pray your kid doesn’t get pissed when it melts.

6. Teach your kid to serve herself. We’ve got a water dispenser on our fridge. It honestly never occurred to me to teach Abbie how to use it until I started writing this post. This morning I set up some cups in an accessible place and told her she was free to get her own water whenever she wanted. You would have thought I gave her the keys to our car.

7. Be a water role model. “Yummmmm. Water is my favorite!!!! Tinkerbell LOVES water! So does Spiderman! You know what I could really go for? A glass of water! I’m going to chug a glass right now!”

8. Create a Pissing Match. Yeah. Literally. Tell your kid you can tell how much water she is drinking by the color of her pee. Very yellow means not enough and pretty clear means you are winning at water. And who doesn’t want to WIN AT WATER???!!!

If all else fails...

9. Make a cup of juice the reward for finishing the water.

http://13tretten.blogspot.com/

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By Anna Rakhlis

How to Get Your Kids To Wash Their HandsGetting kids to wash their hands can be quite a

challenge. Hand washing is by far the best way to

prevent germs from spreading and to keep your kids

from getting sick.

Luckily my kids like to wash their hands but they don’t

understand that you actually need to rub your hands

together for a few seconds and rinse to really get them

clean. They would rather put their hands under the

water and quickly pull them out saying, “All done!”

1. Keep a footstool at the sink giving your children easy access.

2. Let your child pick their favorite soap. My boys love foam soaps which have a yummy smell.

3. Set a few toys near the sink. My 2 year old loves giving her rubber ducky a bath each time she washes her hands.

4. Sing a song! Did you know you should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds? Find a fun song to sing with them while they lather, wash and rinse!

5. Keep a light colored towel handy for them to dry off with. If you see dirt, then they didn’t wash good enough.

6. Create a hand washing chart. For every time your child washes their hands, they get a sticker for their chart. Kids love seeing their chart fill up with stickers!

7. Are you washing your hands? Make sure you

are setting a good example by washing your hands frequently. Kids love mimicking their parents.

Softsoap has created a video that not only educates kids about proper hand washing, but also makes the experience fun and easy! This video is adorable! I watched it with my two boys and they made me play it over and over! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5qovHD_kjQ

HEALTHY HABITS

It Worked for Me

The Blessing Of A Skinned Knee: Using Jewish

Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children, by

Wendy Mogel

In a world where material abundance abounds,

parents want so badly to raise self-disciplined,

appreciative, and resourceful children who are

not spoiled by the plentitude around them. But

how to accomplish this feat? The answer has

eluded the best-intentioned mothers and fathers

who overprotect, overindulge, and over schedule

their children’s lives.

Dr. Mogel helps parents learn how to turn

their children’s worst traits into their greatest

attributes. Starting with stories of everyday

parenting problems and examining them through

the lens of the Torah, the Talmud, and important

Jewish teachings, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee

shows parents how to teach children to honor

their parents and to respect others, escape the

danger of overvaluing children’s need for self-

expression so that their kids don’t become “little

attorneys,” accept that their children are both

ordinary and unique, and treasure the power and

holiness of the present moment.

It is Mogel’s singular achievement that she

makes these teachings relevant for any era and

any household of any faith. A unique parenting

book, designed for use both in the home and in

parenting classes, with an on-line teaching guide

to help facilitate its use, The Blessing of a Skinned

Knee is both inspiring and effective in the day-to-

day challenge of raising self-reliant children from

a broad range of observance levels

Parenting Book of the Month By Chani Okonov

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By Gennady Favel

As we know, all cultures, nationalities and groups of people have their own ways of looking at the world, living their daily lives and deal-ing with different family circumstances. In that respect Mazel families are no different. Let us explore one way that Mazel families are differ-ent from the average American family.

SITUATION: DEALING WITH A SICK CHILD.

Average American Family 7:00am – The child wakes up with a sore throat, runny nose and mild chills.

7:10am – The mom takes the child’s temperature.

7:15am – If the temperature is below 103 the child is given Robitussin and a peanut butter jelly sandwich.

7:30am – Patient zero is bouncing up on down inside the school bus infecting the rest of the student population.

5:00pm – The child is presumed healthy by his parents and is given a list of household chores.

Mazel Family6:00pm – The mother of a Mazel student spots another child coughing within an earshot of her own child.

6:03pm – Child and mother are racing home with the mother lecturing her child about the dangers of playground viral infestations.

6:25pm – The full story is retold to the child’s father. The child is given standard precautionary measures, garlic, Sambucol, and honey drinks.

6:30pm – For the rest of the evening the child is made to wear an armor of clothing constructed from warm pants, slippers, and itchy wool sweaters

Next morning 7:00am – The child wakes up with a mild cough and sneezing.

7:00:05am - The child feels warm to the mother’s touch.

7:01am – Calls are places to the mother’s and father’s workplace indicating that they will not be coming in.

7:10am – Parents begin researching the child’s symptoms online. A preliminary search shows that it could be a mild cold, malaria, or anthrax.

7:20am – The yet to be diagnosed child is given a gallon-sized cup of tea with lemon and honey.

8:00am – The family is driving to the doctor. Grandmother is dialed in and put on speaker phone. Everyone explains the severity of the situation.

8:10am – The family car stops in front of the doctor’s office. The mother runs out and heads into the office. She signs in, yells at the receptionist to hurry up, and scans the waiting area for sick kids that need to be avoided when she brings in her own patient.

8:30am – After the receptionist says to bring in the child, our Mazel mother runs back to the car and grabs the child. They walk into the office, and run into the examination area avoiding any contact with other kids who according to the mother look like they might have The Plague.

8:35am – The doctor renders his verdict, the child has a mild flu. Medication is prescribed.

9:30am – The child refuses to take the medication. Either it tastes disgusting or there is no room in his stomach with all the lemon tea still in there.

9:31am – The father comes upon a solution. The child will be paid $3 for every dose of medication he takes. The child demands $5. A deal is struck at $4.

10:00am – The mother feels the child’s forehead. Still warm. Another gallon of tea appears.

1:00pm – Grandparents arrive. Grandma carries a pot of chicken soup. Grandpa brings in a new bike. “You have to keep the child’s spirit up,” he explains.

3:00pm - Grandma lectures everyone about the horrors of the modern American health system and offer to conjure up her own natural remedy.

8:00pm – Grandparents finally leave. Thus far the child has made $20 dollars and got a new bike.

8:30pm – The father leaves for the store to buy more tea, lemon, and honey.

IT’S THE SMALL DIFFERENCES

Humor

By Zoya Davydova,

CHHC, AADP

Be Like a Kid; Eat Less, Play More

The fall is here and colder days are hugging us

sprinkling our roads with beautiful fall-colored

leaves. We can sense even colder days approaching

and can’t wait to bundle ourselves and kids into

something warm. Our appetites are growing and

willingness to do physical activities shrinks gradually

while deep fear of gaining weight during cold seasons

never left our sight. So, what to do? Well, it’s not

necessarily easy, but there’s a very simple answer: Be

Like a Kid, Eat Less and Play More!

Remember when you were a child and you got so

wrapped up in playing, imagining or creating that you

didn’t want to stop when it was time to eat? Do you

remember leaving your meal half-finished to run off

and continue playing? Children innately understand

that food is secondary to what is most nutritious and

primary in life: fun and play.

As adults we seem to have lost our instinct to prioritize

play. In our busy world, with its emphasis on work and

responsibility, to be healthy and balanced we must

work on more than just our bodies; we must feed our

hearts, minds and spirits.

Have you noticed that when your body, mind and

spirit are engaged in a creative project or happy

relationship, your reliance on food seems to decrease?

Likewise, when you are unsatisfied with your

relationships, your job or other areas of your life, you

may depend on food to cheer, soothe or numb you.

When your life is out of balance, no amount of food

can feed you where you truly need nourishment. The

food that we eat is very important for health and

balance, but what really feeds us—a full and fulfilling

life—doesn’t come on a plate.

What is fun for you? What makes you light up? What

excites you? Make time for it this week. Even if you

don’t have much free time for fun, try approaching

a “serious” activity with an attitude of play. This can

greatly reduce stress and anxiety and bring more

pleasure to your day. Take your focus off food, try

adding more fun into your life and watch the magic

unfold.

Food Focus #1: Natural Sweeteners Who among us doesn’t love sweets? The sweet

flavor releases serotonin in our brains, the chemical

responsible for our sense of well-being and

contentment. But when it comes to sweeteners, not

all are created equal. There are side effects and health

risks from refined sweeteners like white table sugar

and high-fructose corn syrup, and from artificial

sweeteners like NutraSweet, saccharin and Splenda.

Since refined sweeteners have been stripped of

vitamins, minerals and fiber, they can spike blood

sugar, which can often lead to cravings and mood

and energy fluctuations. Instead, using naturally and

minimally processed sweeteners can reduce cravings

for sugary things.

HEALTHY SUGGESTIONS

Resident Nutrition Expert

By Zoya Davydova,

CHHC, AADP

Here are a few natural sweeteners to substitute

in drinks, food and baking. Since they are all

approximately 1.5 times sweeter than refined

sugar, you can use less. You can find them in most

supermarkets or natural food stores. When replacing

sugar with liquid sweeteners in a recipe, reduce the

amounts of other liquids.

RAW HONEY Everyone seems to love honey, one of the oldest

natural sweeteners on the market. Honey will have

a different flavor depending on the plant source.

Some are very dark and intensely flavored. Wherever

possible, choose raw honey, as it is unrefined and

contains small amounts of enzymes, minerals and

vitamins. MAPLE SYRUP Maple syrup is the concentrated extract of the sap of

maple trees. It adds a rich, deep flavor to foods and

drinks. Make sure to look for 100% pure maple syrup,

not maple-flavored corn syrup. As with all sweeteners,

organic varieties are best.

Adapted from “The Cane Mutiny,” New Age Magazine,

March/April 1999.

Recipe: Maple Fruit Compote with Honey-Ginger Toasted Nuts

PREP TIME: 10 minutes

COOKING TIME: 20 minutes

SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS: 2-3 apples; 2-3 peaches or pears; 2

tablespoons maple syrup; 1/2 cup raisins; juice of 1

lemon ; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup walnuts or nuts

of your choice; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced; 2

tablespoons honey

DIRECTIONS:

1. Wash, core and chop fruit into slices or chunks.

2. Place in a large saucepan with 1/3 cup of water. Add

the maple syrup and raisins.

3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10

minutes.

4. Add lemon juice and cinnamon. Cook for another 10

minutes, until soft.

5. While fruit is cooking, place chopped nuts in a

skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring often, for 5

minutes.

6. Drizzle honey over the nuts and add ginger, but

keep stirring since the honey can easily burn.

7. Top warm fruit with toasted nuts and enjoy!

Food Focus #2: Root Vegetables

The roots of any plant are its anchor and foundation;

they are the essential parts that support and nourish

the plant. Root vegetables lend these properties to

us when we eat them, making us feel physically and

mentally grounded and rooted, increasing our stability,

stamina and endurance. Roots are a rich source of

nutritious complex carbohydrates, providing a steady

source of necessary sugars to the body. Instead of

upsetting blood sugar levels like refined sweet foods,

they regulate them. Since they absorb, assimilate

and supply plants with vital nutrients, roots likewise

increase absorption and assimilation in our digestive

tracts.

Long roots, like burdock, carrots, parsnips and

daikon radish, are excellent blood purifiers and can

help improve circulation in the body and increase

mental clarity. Round roots, like turnips, radishes,

beets and rutabagas, are nourishing to the stomach,

spleen, pancreas and reproductive organs and can

help regulate blood sugar and moods, and alleviate

cravings.

HEALTHY SUGGESTIONS

Resident Nutrition Expert

By Zoya Davydova,

CHHC, AADP

Recipe: Roasted Root Vegetables

PREP TIME: 10 minutes

COOKING TIME: 25-35 minutes

SERVES: 4-6

INGREDIENTS: 1 sweet potato; 2 parsnips; 2 carrots:

2 turnips or 1 large rutabaga; 1 daikon radish (or

substitute/add in your favorites, like squash); olive oil;

salt and pepper; herbs: rosemary, thyme or sage (fresh

if possible)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Wash and chop all vegetables into large bite-sized

pieces.

3. Place in a large baking dish with sides.

4. Drizzle with olive oil; mix well to coat each vegetable

lightly with oil.

5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and herbs.

6. Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes until vegetables

are tender and golden brown, checking every 10

minutes to stir and make sure veggies are not sticking.

Note: Any combination of vegetables will work.

Roasting only one kind of vegetable also makes a nice

side dish.

Food Focus # 3: Oils and Fats

Not all oils and fats are created equal. Heavily

processed, hydrogenated, “trans” fats and oils that are

used in prepared, packaged foods can be extremely

damaging to the body. However, fats and oils from

whole foods and other high-quality sources can steady

our metabolism, keep hormone levels even, nourish

our skin, hair and nails and provide lubrication to keep

the body functioning fluidly. Our bodies also need fat

for insulation and to protect and hold our organs in

place.

A healthy percentage of high-quality fat in a meal

satisfies and leaves feelings of energy, fulfillment and

warmth. When there are excess fats and oils in the

diet, especially heavily processed fats, symptoms

can include weight gain, skin breakouts, high blood

pressure, liver strain and an overall feeling of mental,

physical and emotional heaviness. Signs of insufficient

high-quality fats are brittle hair and nails, dry skin,

hunger after meals and feeling cold.

There are many sources of healthy fats and oils:

• For sautéing and baking, try butter, ghee (clarified butter) or coconut oil because they do not break down when used at high temperatures.

• Use organic olive or avocado oils when sautéing foods at moderate temperatures.

• Oils like organic extra virgin olive, flaxseed, sesame, toasted sesame, walnut and pumpkin seed are best used unheated in sauces or dressings on top of salads, veggies or grains.

• Other healthy fats are found in whole nuts and seeds and in their butters like almond butter or tahini.

• Whole foods such as avocados, olives and coconuts are great sources of healthy fat, along with wild salmon and omega-3 and omega-6 organic eggs.

Experiment with these healthy fat sources and see

which work best for you and leave you satisfied.

HEALTHY SUGGESTIONS

Resident Nutrition Expert

By Zoya Davydova,

CHHC, AADP

When selecting oils, buy the highest-quality organic

products you can afford, since cooking oils are the

backbone of so many dishes. Good words to look for

on the label are organic, first-pressed, cold-pressed,

extra-virgin and unrefined. Words to avoid are

expeller-pressed, refined and solvent extracted.

Recipe: Savory Tahini Sauce PREP TIME: 5 minutes

YIELD: 1 cup

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup tahini; 1/4 cup water; 3

tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons tamari; 2

tablespoons maple syrup; 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced;

pinch of cayenne (to your taste)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a bowl briskly whisk together the tahini and water

until combined. It will look separated at first: just keep

whisking!

2. Add remaining ingredients and whisk until

combined.

3. Adjust flavors to your taste. Add additional water if

you want it thinner.

4. Serve over grains and greens.

Note: Tahini sauce keeps refrigerated for up to one

week.

Recipe: Avocado Dip

PREP TIME: 3 minutes

YIELD: 1 cup

INGREDIENTS: 1 large peeled and pitted avocado; 2/3

cup plain yogurt, goat yogurt or soy yogurt; 1 diced

tomato; dash or two of cayenne pepper; sea salt and

black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mash avocado with a fork until very smooth.

2. Add yogurt, tomato, cayenne. Blend until smooth.

This may be done in a food processor, in a blender or

with a fork.

3. Add sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste.

4. Serve chilled with mixed raw vegetables.

Note: Best made a maximum of 1 hour before serving.

HEALTHY SUGGESTIONS

Resident Nutrition Expert

CARTOON CAPTION CONTEST WINNER

“Mr. Moses, will all 10 be on the final exam?”

Mordecai Geisler

#1

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Hanukkah, like all Jewish holidays, celebrates much more than a story that happened long ago. It celebrates a message that is relevant to us today; a message that can translate into a ‘power tool’ for us to incorporate into our psyches to use to become our best selves.

Historically, the Hanukkah story celebrates a military victory over the Greek Syrian armies. King Antiochus and his Greek Syrian army inherited the region (which included the Land of Israel) from Alexander the Great and, as was his custom, forced his conquests to give up their values and to adopt his narcissistic and non-G-dly ways. The Jews resisted and ultimately succeeded in getting back their land and freedom to practice our own religion. At the face of it, the Jewish army was virtually powerless in the face of the mighty Greek Syrian army, but they were armed with a strong belief in what they were fighting for, and that gave them the strength they needed.

The celebration of Hanukkah is about their victory for the right to practice Judaism—completely and fully as their fathers before them and their ancestors before that. The Maccabees were determined to gain that right, and they fought an impossible war. In the end, they won. In the end, Judaism won!

It is that right, that pride in our heritage, in our traditions, in our Mitzvot that they fought for, and that is what we celebrate every year. It’s not about the presents. It’s not about the Hanukkah songs. And it certainly is not an antidote to all the festivities of the December season.

We light the menorah in the windows to declare to ourselves and the world that Judaism has persevered and that we are proud to be Jewish. We celebrate who we are. Despite all the challenges through the millennia, we Jews are still here. And we teach that to our children who will teach it to their children for generations to come. We are heirs to a priceless legacy of history– and we are proud.

So, while the timing of Hanukkah may be in proximity to the holidays of other religions, celebrating Hanukkah should not be thought of as an alternative to those holidays. Don’t compare; those holidays have been secularized and commercialized so that they seem more exciting than the holiday itself. Hanukkah is about focusing on maintaining and strengthening our Jewish identity in the face of the strong allurement of other cultures.

Happy Hanukkah!

HANUKKAH FOR ADULTS

Hanukkah

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On each of the 8 nights of Hanukkah, we light the menorah (also known as a chanukiah) to commemorate and publicize the miracles of Hanukkah. This year, we start lighting the menorah on Wednesday night after nightfall, November 27, 2013.

Menorah Lighting How Tos• The basic elements of a kosher menorah are eight holders for oil or candles and an additional holder, set apart from the rest, for the shamash (“attendant”) candle—the one with which we light all the other candles.

• The Hanukkah lights can either be candle flames or oil-fueled.

• The eight candles of the menorah must be arranged in a straight, even line, not in a zigzag or with some lights higher than others.

• Electric menorahs are great for display purposes, and are a wonderful medium for publicizing the Hanukkah miracle. But the Hanukkah lights used to fulfill the mitzvah should be real flames fueled by wax or oil – like the flames in the Holy Temple.

• The Menorah is traditionally placed by the window or the door to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah.

1. Arrange the lights on the menorah. Ensure that there is enough oil, or that the candles are big enough, for the lights to burn until half an hour after nightfall (or, if lighting after nightfall, for one half hour). On the first night, set one candle to the far right of the menorah. On the following night, add a second light to the left of the first one, and then add one light each night of Hanukkah - moving from right to left.

2. Gather everyone in the house around the menorah.

3. Light the shamash candle. Then hold it in your right hand (unless you are left-handed).

4. While standing, recite the appropriate blessings.

5. Light the candles. Each night, light the newest (left-most) candle first and continue lighting from left to right. (We add lights to the menorah from right to left, while we light from left to right.)

THE BLESSINGS

Before lighting the Hanukkah candles, we thank G-d for giving us this special mitzvah, and for the incredible Hanukkah miracles.

Ba•ruch A•tah A•do•nai E•lo•hei•nu Me•lech ha•o•lam a•sher ki•de•sha•nu be•mitz•vo•tav ve•tzi•va•nu le•had•lik ner Cha•nu•kah.

[Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light.]

Ba•ruch A•tah A•do•nai E•lo•hei•nu Me•lech ha•o•lam she•a•sa ni•sim la•a•vo•tei•nu ba•ya•mim ha•hem bi•z’man ha•zeh.

[Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.]

On the first night of Hanukkah, Saturday night after nightfall, December 8, 2012 (or the first time on Hanukkah you perform this mitzvah), add the following blessing:

Ba•ruch A•tah A•do•nai E•lo•hei•nu Me•lech ha•o•lam she•he•che•ya•nu ve•ki•yi•ma•nu ve•hi•gi•a•nu liz•man hazeh.

[Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.]

LIGHTING THE MENORAH

Hanukkah

15

HANUKKAH WITH YOUR CHILD

Hanukkah 2013

This year, Hanukkah begins Wednesday night, November 27 for eight nights and days through December 5 (last night of Hanukkah is December 4).

Hanukkah (or Hanukkah) is one of the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays in the world. Hanukkah – like all Jewish holidays – is quite the multi-sensory, joyful celebration. With the Menorah, dreidels, and latkes and donuts.

With this in mind, it is worthwhile to think about how you want to bring the spirit and traditions of Hanukkah to your family in order to create enjoyable, cherished memories of a tradition your children will want to continue. Here are some points to consider:

• Don’t overwhelm your child with too much information. Add some more every year in order to ensure that he understands it and will continue to be stimulated.

• Review your own family’s traditions and decide how you will incorporate them. (Here we include some traditions, your own family may have other traditions too.)

Countdown to Hanukkah: Prepare your family for a meaningful Hanukkah

It is definitely worthwhile to think about how a child-friendly Hanukkah experience will be played out. This will take some extra planning, but the rewards and Nachas are worth it!

• Prepare your child for all aspects of Hanukkah. Children generally behave and participate better when they are aware of what will be happening. Consider doing a run-through, so that he is very prepared.

• Your child has learned about Hanukkah in school. Talk to him and help bridge the gap between the learning that is taking place in school to what will be happening on Hanukkah in your family. Your youngster can also help in preparing for Hanukkah, especially in the areas that he has learned about in school.

• Children learn best when they ask the questions and then explore the answers together with the teacher or parent. Set provocations to encourage your children to ask questions. In the days before Hanukkah, place the menorah in a prominent place in the house. Then, explore the answers together. Reward your child(with appropriate praise) for questions he asks and the answers he gives.

• Start playing and singing Hanukkah music in the days leading up to Hanukkah, so that everyone knows them. Consider making song sheets for everyone.

• Create opportunities for your child to show everyone his creations from school. Perhaps stagger it throughout the days of Hanukkah. Designate a place for your child to set up his creations that he has made in school.

• Build up the excitement to Hanukkah. Every morning or evening, countdown to Hanukkah. Count the number of days using a calendar. Mark off each date.

• Together with your child, buy candles for the Menorah, choose recipes, buy sprinkles for donut making.

• Read Hanukkah books together. Look at old family pictures of Hanukkah celebrations.

Creating your own Hanukkah traditions

• Tell of your own Hanukkah memories.

• Skype or video conference with family who live out of state or out of the country as you light your menorah. Sing the blessings together.

Hanukkah

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Hanukkah

Hanukkah parties and children

• Tell your child all the details of the party in advance—who will be there, what will be happening. As appropriate, plan for activities that you know will keep your child engaged. Make sure that there are some (healthy) foods that your child likes.

• If the party will go on past your child’s bedtime, try to get him to take a nap earlier in the day. Or plan to leave earlier or send him home to a babysitter.

• It’s a party, allow your child to eat some foods that you normally you might not allow.

If you are the one hosting the party

• Choose the date early so as not to conflict with other parties. Check for the dates and times of Community events.

• Start the party early if you really want your child to be a part of the festivities.

• Assign or ask someone to be responsible to watch your child; don’t expect that he’ll be watched by just ‘everyone and anyone’ at the party.

• Include your child in choosing the decorations, party goods and menu.

Hanukkah As Your Child Grows

• Create a Holiday or Hanukkah memory box. Keep the items that your child has made and look at them together as your child grows up.

• Create an album that kids can add to each year. Take pictures or video of your child helping to light the Menorah. Take pictures of the wonderful things your child has created in school that you cannot keep.

Sharing Hanukkah with others

• Go as a family to bring donuts or latkes or cookies to those in senior centers or homes for the underprivileged. (First check about dietary restrictions and adapt recipes accordingly.) Bring them cheer. Help your children connect with the older generation.

• Bake cookies in shapes of Hanukkah items – menorah, dreidel, candles, etc. Add icing, sprinkles, or whatever you have on hand. Then, share with others.

• Bring a menorah and candles to someone who might otherwise not light the menorah. Tell them about Hanukkah events in the community.

• Invite friends and family to join you at a Hanukkah party.

HANUKKAH WITH YOUR CHILD

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KIDS-FRIENDLY DREIDEL GAMES

HanukkahThe dreidel, or sevivon, which means “to turn around” in Hebrew, has a Hebrew letter on each of its four sides. The nun, gimmel, hay and shin stand for the saying, “Nes Gadol Haya Sham,” which translates to “a great miracle occurred there.” “There” referring to Israel, and “the great miracle” referring to the miracle of Hanukkah, of course.

The classic game of Dreidel

• You need a dreidel and some sort of pile of items such as pennies, beans, tokens, jelly beans.

• Each player puts one item from his pile of tokens into the center, making a pile called the ‘pot’.

• The first player spins the dreidel; the letter that comes up determines what to do:

the player does nothing- (Nun) נ

the player takes the pot and everyone- (Gimmel) גputs in one more item before the next player spins

the player takes half of the pot - (Hay) ה

the player puts one item into the pot - (Shin) ש

TIPS:

• Set a timer or time limit, or the game can go on forever.

• Young children can simply throw the dreidel down gently (like dice).

• Bring several different dreidels to the game and allow the children to choose a different dreidel for each round.

• No need to count the tokens to ‘find the winner’; whoever played is a winner.

Variations for children

1. Start off each player with 10 tokens and the pot starts with 10 tokens too. Child spins.

the player does nothing - (Nun) נ

the player takes 2 tokens from the pot - (Gimmel) ג

the player takes 1 token from the pot - (hay) ה

the player puts one item into the pot - (shin) ש

2. The child spins and graphs how many times the dreidel fell on each letter.

3. Before each round, the child guesses which letter the dreidel will fall on. If he guesses correctly, he gets a token. (You can also allow the children to guess 2 letters to give him a 50-50 chance of winning on that round.

4. The leader spins the dreidel. All the students spin their dreidels. Those whose letter matches that of the leader remain in the game and get a token. Continue for a few rounds.

5. Two (or more) players spin the dreidel at the same time. If they both land on the same letter, then they each collect one token from each of the other players, and also do whatever that letter indicates.

6. Two or more players spin their dreidels at the same time. If the dreidels hit each other, those players each get an extra token (and everyone can applaud.)

Some book and music suggestions

Hanukkah songs and Music CDs:

• Shirrettes– Cha Cha Hanukkah

• Hooked on Hanukkah

• Paul Zim Hanukkah

• It was a Miracle by Andi Joseph

Hanukkah Books

• Hoppy Hanukkah

• Hannukah- counting book

• Hanukkah Story for Night Number Three

• Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah

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Kids in the Kitchen As food is such an important part of life and holiday celebrations, include your child in the fun.

• Young children can peel the potatoes (or other vegetables) using a peeler. They can grate the potatoes using a hand held safety grater (available at gourmet cooking stores).

• Your child can pour in the eggs and measure other ingredients into the mixing bowl. Allow him to mix.

• Explain to your child that only an adult can use appliances such as the food processor or blender. You may want to put an X of masking tape on the appliance.

• Reiterate to your child that he cannot come near the stove or oven. You may want to put masking tape on the floor to mark off a safety zone.

• You child can decorate the donuts, blot out the oil from the latkes, etc.

• If cooking oil catches fire, turn off the gas or electric. Do not throw water on it; that will cause the oil to splatter.

Kids & fire safety Traditionally, the menorah is lit with candles or oil and real fire. Here are some fire safety tips to keeping safe.

• Discuss the powers of fire, and that it is dangerous. Adults work with fire so carefully. So only adults can work with fire.

• Teach your child not to stand closer than 3 feet to the menorah after lighting the menorah. You can show this with a measuring tape. Place your menorah in its spot and then allow your child to measure 3 feet. Place a piece of masking tape to mark the spot that he must not cross. (Kids love measuring things, especially with the retractable measuring tapes.)

• The menorah should be placed higher than the reach of toddlers. Measure the height of a toddler with outstretched arm. Use a measuring tape with your child.

• The Menorah should not be too close to the curtains, plants, window shades, books—by at least 3 feet. Your child can use the measuring tape to measure that.

• The table on which the menorah is placed should be steady. Place cup of water on the place where you want to put the menorah. Kids should jump near to the table. Did the water spill over? Is the table steady enough?

• Place aluminum foil under menorah to catch dripped oil, or in case a candle falls over.

• Do not light candle with loose sleeves, or loose bracelets.

• Never leave a menorah unattended. Make sure the smoke detector in your home works. Put matches away so your children cannot reach it.

• In case of fire, your child should know how to call 911 - and practice dialing that on inoperable phones. (Explain that we are practicing and never to use on a real phone if there isn’t a fire. Before each child practices on the phone, He should say ‘this is just for practice. I am practicing on a phone that is not really calling 911’.)

HOLIDAY TIPS

Hanukkah

19

HANUKKAH RECIPES

HanukkahOil played a significant role in the Hanukkah story—the small jug of oil that miraculously provided fuel for the Temple Menorah for eight days. It is a Jewish tradition to eat foods that reflect the significance of a holiday – such as matzah on Passover, and apple dipped in honey on Rosh Hashanah – and Hanukkah is no exception. For at least the last thousand years, Jews have traditionally eaten oily foods on Hanukkah.

Among the most popular Hanukkah dishes are potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiot (deep-fried doughnuts).

Latkes for HanukkahINGREDIENTS: 4 medium Idaho potatoes; 6 tablespoons canola oil or olive oil; 3 eggs, beaten; 2 tablespoons matzoh meal; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper; Applesauce or sour cream (optional) YIELDS: 8 servings

INSTRUCTIONS: Peel and grate the potatoes. Add eggs, matzoh meal, salt and pepper and mix well. Drop 6 to 8 spoonfuls of mixture into hot oil. Using the back of a spoon, pat down each latke to flatten it. Put as many as you can in the skillet without crowding. Fry 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden and crisp around the edges; repeat procedure until finished with all the batter. Blot excess oil with paper towels.

Serve warm with applesauce or sour cream, if desired.

TIPS:

• Avoid the discoloration of the potatoes. When peeled potatoes are exposed to air, “oxidation turns the potatoes gray. So get everything else ready (line up your equipment and prep your other ingredients) before you start peeling, slicing and shredding the potatoes. If you peel the potatoes before making latkes, put them in water between peeling and shredding to prevent oxidizing and discoloring.

• Onions can help block oxidation by coating some of the potato cells. Alternate adding potatoes and onion to the mixture rather than doing all the potatoes first.

• Avoid soggy latkes. Squeeze out the water from the potato/ onion mixture before adding the rest of the ingredients.

• Get the oil to the right heat. Drop a few drop of water into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s hot enough. If the oil is not hot enough, it will take longer to fry and get more oily. Make sure there is enough oil in the pan (about 1/2 the height of the latke).

• Don’t crowd the pan. Allow space around each latke. A crowded pan lowers the heat of the oil and takes longer to cook, thus making the latke more oily.

• The latkes are ready to turn over when the edges are golden brown (about 3-4 minutes) .

• Allow the oil to drain on a paper towel. Place newspaper or paper towel under a cooling rack and then paper towels on the rack. In this way, the oil can drain and not be absorbed back into the latkes.

• To keep the latkes crisp, after draining the oil, place the latkes into a baking sheet and put back into the oven to keep warm and crisp.

Donuts for HanukkahINGREDIENTS: 1 3/4 ounces fresh yeast; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 1 Tbsp. sugar; 3 eggs; 1/2 cup oil; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup non dairy creamer; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 1 tsp. grated lemon peel; 6 to 7 cups of flour (also oil for frying and confectioners’ sugar) USE: 2-quart pot YIELDS: 5 to 6 dozen doughnuts

INSTRUCTIONS: In a large mixer bowl: place eggs, oil, sugar, nondairy creamer, vanilla, and grated lemon peel. Add yeast mixture; add flour until soft dough is formed. (Dough need not be dry; it should be softer than challah dough.) Knead for a few minutes. Cover and allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 to 1-1/2 hours.

Roll out dough 1/2-inch thick on floured surface. Cut out circles with a doughnut cutter.

Place 2 or 3 inches oil in a 2-quart saucepan and heat over a medium flame until hot. Place four doughnuts at a time in the oil. Brown on one side and then on the other. Remove with slotted spoon. Drain and cool on paper towels. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Note: To test if dough is ready for rolling, place a small piece in a glass of water-if the dough floats to the top, it is ready.

TIPS:

• Make small donut ‘holes’ rather than full size donuts (less calories, and less half eaten donuts).

• Fill syringes with jelly (use seedless jelly, and you may want to water it down a drop) and your child can fill the donut.

• Decorate the cookies or donuts with colored sugar. Reduce the mess by putting the sugar in salt shakers.

• Allow the oil to drain on a paper towel. Place newspaper or paper towel under a cooling rack and then paper towels on the rack. In this way, the oil can drain and not be absorbed back into the latkes.

• To keep the latkes crisp, after draining the oil, place the latkes into a baking sheet and put back into the oven to keep warm and crisp.

A FEW OTHER IDEAS

• Make sugar cookies. Roll out the dough and use Hanukkah shaped cookie cutters.

• Set a timer or time limit, or the children will play with the donut-filling syringes or sprinkles forever.

• Make chocolate coins. Buy the chocolate/ candy molds and melt chocolate.

by Name

20

SUB HEAD

Choose a different theme for every night.

• Sing-off. Sing all types of Hanukkah songs. Make it fun with karaoke and microphones.

• Doughnut Night. After dinner, make doughnuts with your child. Allow him to fill them or decorate them. Younger children are happy just sifting confectioners sugar over the doughnuts. Others may like to dip the doughnuts into chocolate and then sprinkles.

• Latkes Night. Bring your children into the kitchen with you to help you make latkes. They can peel potatoes, pour in the eggs, etc. and then blot off some of the oil from the fried latkes. (See below for kitchen safety tips).

• Publicizing the Menorah. Using reflector tape, create a menorah on the back of your and your child’s jacket. Just walk around the neighborhood (walking off all those doughnuts) and you’ll be publicizing the miracle of the Menorah.

• Story night. Tell your own Hanukkah stories, your own memories of Hanukkah as a child, in college, etc.

• Dreidel night. Play dreidel (Lots of child-appropriate dreidel games on next pages).

• Recreate the story of Hanukkah. Use the props your child has made in school, or create your own. Video it. Create family memories.

• Tzedakah night. Collect money or items from friends and family and discuss to whom you will donate it.

• Donut/ Latke Wars. Ask all guests to bring their donuts or latkes for taste testing. Judge on presentation, taste and whatever else makes it fun for you. Then share recipes. (Make them small so you don’t end up eating too many donuts.)

• Healthy Food night. Provide different healthy foods, such as vegetables and rice cakes and allow your child to create menorahs and dreidels of the food.

• Hanukkah Party night

• Hanukkah Present night

Other games for children

• Hide dreidels or pictures of dreidels around the room. See how many they can find. (You can also do this with chocolate coins or cookies, but then you’d want to remember where all were in case your child didn’t find them, or other critters may find them.)

• Make up silly stanzas to the traditional “I have a little dreidel I made it out of clay”.

HanukkahFUN IDEAS FOR HANUKKAH MEMORIES

Some more books

It’s Hanukkah Time

A Touch of Hanukkah

A Hanukkah Story for Night Number Three

Harvest of Light

Nine Spoons (older children)

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Some more books

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PicturesBEHIND THE SCENES

Mitzvah Photo Contest 2013VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO VIEW MORE: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151938383174802.1073741839.82692614801&type=3

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Thank you!

MAZEL DAY SCHOOL Quality Russian-Jewish Private School

2901 - 2915 Brighton 6th St Brooklyn, NY 11235

Phone: 718-368-4490

E-mail: mazelnewsletter@gmail.com

We’re on the web! www.mazeldayschool.com

A special note of appreciation to those parents who made gift donations to their child’s classroom in recent months:

Vasserman family for donating a new toy to the Pre-Nursery 1 classroom in honor of Nir’s birthday... Nekhanavich-Silver family for contributing many new games and learning materials to the Kindergarten classroom... Lerner family for gifting a new math game to Grade 2 in honor of Jonathan’s birthday... Allakhverdov family for the set of lego blocks for Pre-K 1 classroom in honor of Shimon’s birthday... Perkelvald family for contributing toys to the Nursery 1 classroom... Finker family for contributing some science kits as well as Health and Safety books to the Nursery 2 classroom... Zilberberg family for games and puzzles for Pre-K 2 classroom in honor of Michelle’s birthday.... Basov family for gifting a set of Lego to the Nursery 1 classroom... Sobolev family for donating a Hanukkah play set to the Pre-K 2 class in honor of Eliana’s birthday... Gabo family for the set of puzzles to the Nursery 2 classroom.... Ganger family for purchasing a birthday playset and toy cars for the Nursery 2 classroom in honor of Elizabeth’s birthday.

Whether you want to give a gift to your child’s class in honor of his/her birthday or just because... check out your class’s online wish list of carefully selected items that will be greatly appreciated and used by your child’s teachers.

Family Clean-up Day at Holocaust Memorial Park