1 SHAMASH.ORG /usr/www/wwwhc/listserv/archives/scj-parenting January 2000 2 73 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4754] Re: interdating and intermarriage10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree28_Sat, 1 Jan 2000 18:44:11 EST431_- > >My bet would be on the second to have better odds to grow into a practicing= > Jewish adult. So why do our religious leaders seem to focus so much on = >the intermarriage aspect and not on the education/observance aspect? = >Could it be that it is easier to blame an "outsider" (the faceless = >non-jewish spouse) than to accept that Jewish adults, including two-parent = >jewish families, are part of the equation?=20 > [...] 76 29 42_[SCJ-PARENTING:4755] Re: baby naming books8_Tampamom18_benet4@gateway.net28_Sat, 1 Jan 2000 18:57:37 EST547_- Hi there. I haven't been here before, so I didn't see the original post. The book we used for both of our kids is "The Complete Book of Hebrew Baby Names" by Smadar Shir Sidi. Hope this helps.

Marion-----Tampamom to Louis( Lev Rishon) (6) and Erica (Chava Yonit) (2)

============================================================================== This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. Posters seeking medical or halachic information should consult competent authorities in those fields. [...] 106 56 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4756] Re: interdating and intermarriage10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree28_Sun, 2 Jan 2000 04:23:39 EST580_- > >However, you said you'd punish your children (financially) for >interDATING, which my brother and she did for many years.

No, I never said punish. This is your interpretation of my statement. I will not financially support the dating. That means I will not pay for the date. If a child is old enough to date, they're old enough to earn their own money, and in my opinion, a child that is dating someone you disapprove of should be paying for his/her dates his/herself. I'm not shelling out the money for popcorn, tickets, and dinner after the movie. Period. That [...] 163 49 40_[SCJ-PARENTING:4757] hebrew day schools?11_Alan Abrams15_aabrams@usa.net28_Sun, 2 Jan 2000 04:34:03 EST281_- one of my identical twin boys, age 7, seems to be having a difficult time in public school (class of 34 students, mostly non-jewish)...

i have been seriously considering sending him to private hebrew day school (19 in a class max).

any thoughts?

Alan

213 28 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4758] Re: hebrew day schools?8_JanetLDD16_janetldd@aol.com28_Sun, 2 Jan 2000 15:12:59 EST465_- It all depends on what the difficulty is. how come the public school if it is a learning problem cannot help you,. where are u located. email me back to discuss this further. i am an educator

============================================================================== This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. Posters seeking medical or halachic information should consult competent authorities in those fields. [...] 242 73 50_[SCJ-PARENTING:4759] Re: Interdating and marrying.13_Kevin Karplus20_karplus@cse.ucsc.edu28_Mon, 3 Jan 2000 09:06:11 EST636_-

Another data point (names omitted to avoid embarassing anyone):

Couple: Jewish man, raised orthodox, rebels and marries Christian woman (Church of England)

Both continue to be active in their religions (he attends synagogue weekly; she has been on altar guild at church).=20

Children:

Trained moderately in both faiths (weekly Sunday school, alternate years Christian and Jewish), required attendance at one or the other service each weekend, weekly Sabbath dinner with blessings, Pesach, Hannukah, Christmas celebrated at home, home cooking not kosher), allowed to choose religion at age 13. [...] 316 68 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4760] Re: hebrew day schools?5_Karla16_karla@ntcorp.com28_Mon, 3 Jan 2000 09:34:29 EST334_- x-no-archive: yes

Alan Abrams wrote: >=20 > one of my identical twin boys, age 7, seems to be having a difficult > time in public school (class of 34 students, mostly non-jewish)... >=20 > i have been seriously considering sending him to private hebrew day > school (19 in a class max). >=20 > any thoughts? >=20 > Alan [...] 385 61 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4761] Re: interdating and intermarriage5_Karla16_karla@ntcorp.com28_Mon, 3 Jan 2000 09:41:53 EST341_- x-no-archive: yes

Animzmirot wrote: =20 > MY > religious leaders were adament about day schools, jewish camping, youth = groups > and participation in Jewish activities are the ONLY preventative from > intermarriage.=20

And what do you do when your children are exposed to the real world outside of your Jewish enclave? [...] 447 58 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4762] Re: interdating and intermarriage15_Irene Bleiweiss16_IBLEIWEI@fcc.gov28_Mon, 3 Jan 2000 13:01:25 EST536_- >>> Animzmirot 01/02/00 12:06AM >>> wrote: MY religious leaders were adament about day schools, jewish camping, youth = groups and participation in Jewish activities are the ONLY preventative from intermarriage.=20

All of these things, Jewish camping, youth groups, etc. are good for our = kids in so many ways. So why then do they seem to be presented mainly as = a way to PREVENT the kids from intermarrying, rather than as a way to=20 ENCOURAGE them grow into practicing Jewish adults? =20 [...] 506 59 50_[SCJ-PARENTING:4763] Re: SCJ-PARENTING digest 10790_15_fredr5@juno.com28_Mon, 3 Jan 2000 14:23:40 EST626_- MODERATOR'S NOTE: This is being permitted as a follow-up to an earlier discussion. Please ensure that replies remain specifically on the subject of Jewish parenting and not on conversion or the issue of general differences between various Jewish communities.

> This is a wide spread phenomenon, and one which I believe arises out of the ethnic entity which Judaism has become to too many people. The notion that a person can join the Jewish "race" by choice weakens their sense of inborn ethnic identification, since they have few underpinnings of religious observance to hold it up. When sincere converts quite [...] 566 40 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4764] Re: hebrew day schools?0_15_fredr5@juno.com28_Mon, 3 Jan 2000 14:25:57 EST339_- In article <386BD2BA.1612DD6D@usa.net>, aabrams@usa.net wrote:

> one of my identical twin boys, age 7, seems to be having a difficult > time in public school (class of 34 students, mostly non-jewish)... > > i have been seriously considering sending him to private hebrew day > school (19 in a class max). > > any thoughts? > [...] 607 81 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4766] Re: interdating and intermarriage0_15_fredr5@juno.com28_Mon, 3 Jan 2000 22:39:58 EST433_- In article <386F6D02.184FB823@ntcorp.com>, Karla wrote:

> x-no-archive: yes > > Animzmirot wrote: > =20 > > MY > > religious leaders were adament about day schools, jewish camping, youth = > groups > > and participation in Jewish activities are the ONLY preventative from > > intermarriage.=20 > > And what do you do when your children are exposed to the real world > outside of your Jewish enclave? [...] 689 32 43_[SCJ-PARENTING:4767] Re: Hebrew Day Schools0_14_Srb162@aol.com28_Mon, 3 Jan 2000 22:45:11 EST388_- I am about to do the same thing. Take my children out of the public schools and put them in a Hebrew Day School. I was concerned, being a Conservative Jew sending 3 girls to an Orthodox Day School, but I know a number of other Conservative Jews who send their kids there and are thrilled with the education -- both secular and Judaic. What are your worries? Expectations? Options? [...] 722 64 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4768] Re: hebrew day schools?10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree28_Mon, 3 Jan 2000 22:48:31 EST540_- > >one of my identical twin boys, age 7, seems to be having a difficult >time in public school (class of 34 students, mostly non-jewish)...

Hi Alan,

You didn't say what the problem is, so it is kind of difficult to respond. If it is behaviour, perhaps your son is bored. If it is learning disabilities, your child should be receiving help from the public school district regardless of whether or not he's enrolled in the public schools. Unless we're more clear on what the issues are, it is hard to recommend anything. [...] 787 76 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4769] Re: interdating and intermarriage0_15_fredr5@juno.com28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 05:37:39 EST377_- In article , "Irene Bleiweiss" wrote:

> I really disagree with the citation of intermarriage statistics as the > primary reason for loss of Jewish children. > > I think that what matters most to helping Jewish children grow into Jewish > adults is that the children be educated about Judaism and participate in > Judaism. [...] 864 43 32_[SCJ-PARENTING:4770] summer camp5_kgold20_kgold@watson.ibm.com28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 08:26:39 EST469_-

We are looking for recommendations for a Jewish summer camp for a 9 year old boy, approximately 2 week session, in southern New England or New York, USA.

We are not looking for a strictly O setting with daily davening or complete Shabbat observance, but would like some Jewish recognition that Shabbat is special/different/holy. Kosher is fine, as is (with apologies to O readers) kosher style (no meat and milk mixed, no pig or shellfish, etc.). [...] 908 32 43_[SCJ-PARENTING:4771] Re: Hebrew Day Schools18_Kathe Izen-mondlak15_kimond@home.com28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 08:51:53 EST434_- I have taught my children that there are various levels of observance within Judaism and that each family, and for that matter, each person chooses the level for which he/she is ready. When they question the differences, I remind them that respecting others' choices will gain them the same respect from others. I don't expect that we will ever become Orthodox in our observance, but I never entirely close doors either. Kathe [...] 941 90 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4772] Re: interdating and intermarriage10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 09:01:45 EST371_- >The decision of who one marries is but one mitzvah and we don't hear the = >same outcry about any other mitzvah.=20 > I've never heard anyone say, for example, that Jewish youth are at risk = >because x percent of them are fed traif food, or because x percent of = >them have parents=20 >who work on Shabbat, or because x percent of them get no Jewish education. [...] 1032 95 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4774] Re: interdating and intermarriage6_Jfer P24_Jennifer@toronto.vr1.com28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 09:44:11 EST320_- Irene wrote:

> The decision of who one marries is but one mitzvah and we don't hear the =3D > same outcry about any other mitzvah.=3D20 > I've never heard anyone say, for example, that Jewish youth are at risk =3D > because x percent of them are fed traif food...work on Shabbat...get no Jewish education. [...] 1128 132 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4775] Re: hebrew day schools?11_Alan Abrams15_aabrams@usa.net28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 11:24:45 EST553_- hi---

i think that if we move to the day school, both will go.

they are currently separated, and in this particular school, could remain separated.. g-d help any teacher who would have to deal with BOTH if them!

A

Animzmirot wrote:

> > > >one of my identical twin boys, age 7, seems to be having a difficult > >time in public school (class of 34 students, mostly non-jewish)... > > Hi Alan, > > You didn't say what the problem is, so it is kind of difficult to = respond. If > it is behaviour, perhaps your son [...] 1261 92 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4776] Re: hebrew day schools?11_Alan Abrams15_aabrams@usa.net28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 13:21:24 EST360_- hi---

he is not a behaviour problem at all--- teacher "claims" that he doesn't get his work done, has trouble staying "on task", etc...

when i spoke with his hebrew school teacher, however, (class size 16), she told me that he is a good student, a delight to have in class, does all of his work on time, and follows directions to a "tee". [...] 1354 62 67_[SCJ-PARENTING:4778] Single parenting and comments on intermarriage0_15_Alona12@aol.com28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 14:29:12 EST562_- I am the mother of 4 year old twins, and a JBC married to a man born Jewish. My husband was bar mitzvah in an Orthodox shul, but raised in a home with extreme conflict around religious issues -- his mother served pork and shellfish and had a Christmas tree, but his father fought loudly and angrily about the impropriety of belonging to anything other than an Orthodox shul. Needless to say, religious observance and education is not something my husband plans on devoting a lot of time to. We do, though, maintain a kosher home and celebrate Shabbat and [...] 1417 44 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4779] Re: interdating and intermarriage10_PBethWeiss18_pbethweiss@aol.com28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 15:11:39 EST366_- In article , fredr5@juno.com writes:

>I think the real ignorance is when we try to tell our children to = "stay=20 >Jewish, marry Jewish" without ever trying to make them understand what, >precisely, being Jewish ought to be about, or, in may cases, even >bothering to define it in our own lives. > [...] 1462 36 36_[SCJ-PARENTING:4780] Re: summer camp11_Alan Abrams15_aabrams@usa.net28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 15:20:50 EST576_- hi, ken---

one word: RAMAH!!!!!

i went when i was a kid, and feel it was the best experience ever!

AA

kgold wrote:

> We are looking for recommendations for a Jewish summer camp for a 9 > year old boy, approximately 2 week session, in southern New England or > New York, USA. ============================================================================== This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. Posters seeking medical or halachic information should consult competent authorities in those fields. [...] 1499 49 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4781] Re: interdating and intermarriage5_Karla16_karla@ntcorp.com28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 15:48:07 EST528_- x-no-archive: yes

Jfer P wrote:

> Intermarriage is a more serious threat than eating trayfe or even a lack > of education because if one parent is not Jewish, the children usually > lack the confidence to identify fully as Jews. Children of such > marriages often consider themselves "half-Jewish" or open themselves to > "choosing" the other parent's religion (even if the mother is Jewish). > Once that happens, the chances that the NEXT generation will > self-identify as Jewish fall to just about zero. [...] 1549 93 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4782] Re: interdating and intermarriage19_Alexandra J Schmidt28_aschmidt@gematria.crd.ge.com28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 16:34:23 EST373_-

Irene Bleiweiss writes:

[...] > So why do our religious leaders seem to focus so much on > the intermarriage aspect and not on the education/observance aspect? > Could it be that it is easier to blame an "outsider" (the faceless > non-jewish spouse) than to accept that Jewish adults, including two-parent > jewish families, are part of the equation? [...] 1643 39 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4783] Re: hebrew day schools?0_15_fredr5@juno.com28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 16:48:38 EST432_- In article <3872186D.CAD904D8@usa.net>, aabrams@usa.net wrote:

> hi--- > > he is not a behaviour problem at all--- teacher "claims" that he doesn't get > his work done, has trouble staying "on task", etc... > > when i spoke with his hebrew school teacher, however, (class size 16), she > told me that he is a good student, a delight to have in class, does all of his > work on time, and follows directions to a "tee". [...] 1683 147 71_[SCJ-PARENTING:4784] Re: Single parenting and comments on intermarriage0_18_fredr5@juno.com=2028_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 17:03:19 EST577_- In article <947013517scjp-submit@shamash.org>, Alona12@aol.com wrote:

> I am the mother of 4 year old twins, and a JBC married to a man born = Jewish. =20 > My husband was bar mitzvah in an Orthodox shul, but raised in a home = with=20 > extreme conflict around religious issues -- his mother served pork = and=20 > shellfish and had a Christmas tree, but his father fought loudly and = angrily=20 > about the impropriety of belonging to anything other than an Orthodox = shul. =20 > Needless to say, religious observance and education is not something = my=20 > [...] 1831 88 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4785] Re: interdating and intermarriage5_Karla16_karla@ntcorp.com28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 17:19:40 EST631_- x-no-archive: yes

fredr5@juno.com wrote:

> I don't think that children who are properly exposed to Shabbos, = kashrut, > zit-tzit and Torah study will rebel against them in college. They will > probably not consider interdating either.=20

The key word here is PROPERLY. Again, everyone takes a different approach to raising children, but to me properly means that my children understand why something is a mitzvot, not just that it is. For example, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan's short books such as _Sabbath Day of Eternity_, _Waters of Eden_, etc. go a very long way to discussing the whys of something. Unlike [...] 1920 101 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4787] Re: interdating and intermarriage10_PBethWeiss18_pbethweiss@aol.com28_Tue, 4 Jan 2000 21:16:51 EST537_- first Irene wrote:

>> If given two children: >> >> One with two Jewish parents who view shul as a social club, don't observe >> Judaism in the home, and who serve the kids pepperoni pizza for dinner; >> >> and the second with one Jewish parent who sends that child to day school, >> takes the child to shul for prayer regularly, and keeps a kosher home, and >> with one non-Jewish parent who supports and encourages the Jewish home, My bet would be on the second to have better odds to grow into a practicing Jewish adult. [...] 2022 56 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4788] Re: interdating and intermarriage0_15_fredr5@juno.com28_Wed, 5 Jan 2000 00:24:24 EST601_- In article <38725A57.FFF14746@ntcorp.com>, Karla wrote:

> x-no-archive: yes > > Jfer P wrote: > > > Intermarriage is a more serious threat than eating trayfe or even a lack > > of education because if one parent is not Jewish, the children usually > > lack the confidence to identify fully as Jews. Children of such > > marriages often consider themselves "half-Jewish" or open themselves to > > "choosing" the other parent's religion (even if the mother is Jewish). > > Once that happens, the chances that the NEXT generation will > > self-identify as Jewish fall to [...] 2079 63 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4789] Re: interdating and intermarriage19_Alexandra J Schmidt28_aschmidt@gematria.crd.ge.com28_Wed, 5 Jan 2000 08:48:39 EST553_-

Karla writes:



> But then, there are many Jewish families that raise their kids with the > attitude of "once you're Bar/Bat Mitzvah you don't have to go any > more." In my opinion, that's no better than letting the kids "choose" > later.

With all due respect to Karla, I disagree strongly. Although I think that "letting the kids choose when they're old enough" is a complete cop-out, and I deplore what I have heard called "the Bar Mitzvah mill", there is a substantive difference, and that is *level of education*. [...] 2143 42 59_[SCJ-PARENTING:4790] source for a clasp for a Torah binder?19_Alexandra J Schmidt28_aschmidt@gematria.crd.ge.com28_Wed, 5 Jan 2000 09:11:54 EST424_-

NAIP! (Not Another Intermarriage Post)

Given that Gideon's 17 months old, it's really time I got cracking on the Torah binder I want to make from the cloth we wrapped him in prior to his bris. Due to the nature of the fabric I'm using, it's not going to be a Torah "tie" (a long piece of cloth you wrap around and then tie), but rather a relatively short band of fabric with a metal clasp on each end. [...] 2186 58 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4791] Re: hebrew day schools?21_Natalie Kim Bjorklund24_umbjork1@cc.UManitoba.CA28_Wed, 5 Jan 2000 09:32:45 EST408_- In article <3872186D.CAD904D8@usa.net> you write: >hi--- > >he is not a behaviour problem at all--- teacher "claims" that he doesn't get >his >work done, has trouble staying "on task", etc... > >when i spoke with his hebrew school teacher, however, (class size 16), she >told me >that he is a good student, a delight to have in class, does all of his work on >time, and follows directions to a "tee". [...] 2245 91 61_[SCJ-PARENTING:4792] thinking about interdating/intermarriage19_Morgan S. Brilliant26_morgan@brilliant-smith.com28_Wed, 5 Jan 2000 09:34:22 EST281_- Well, interdating and intermarriage are certainly hot topics.

It seems to me that one of the key points here is that people should think about their lives: what does being a Jew mean to me? what does marriage mean to me? what if I marry this person? what if I don't? [...] 2337 72 65_[SCJ-PARENTING:4793] Re: thinking about interdating/intermarriage5_Karla16_karla@ntcorp.com28_Wed, 5 Jan 2000 10:47:25 EST557_- x-no-archive: yes

Morgan S. Brilliant wrote:

LOL Morgan

> Eliora, age 3, on her rocking horse, riding for all she's worth, yelling > "Yay! We're Jewish! Yay! We're Jewish!"

Or my oldest, when he was 5, explaining to the well meaning cashier who asked about Santa coming to our house: "We don't have santa, we're Jewish so he skips our house...which is probably why he can make it around the world in one night, because he can skip all the Jewish houses, which means he can pretty much skip the whole state of Israel....." [...] 2410 42 65_[SCJ-PARENTING:4794] Re: thinking about interdating/intermarriage5_Karla16_karla@ntcorp.com28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 00:35:49 EST531_- x-no-archive: yes

Karla wrote:

> It was also about the point the book _Ima at the Bima_ "disappeared" > from a lot of our households.



I don't usually respond to myself until someone pointed out an error...

The book _Mommy Didn't Go To Hebrew School_ disappeared from a lot our households.

_Ima at the Bima_ disappeared from a pre-school room about the same time, at a parent's request, because their daughter gave a male Rabbi a bit of a difficult time since "girls are Rabbis..." [...] 2453 52 63_[SCJ-PARENTING:4795] Re: source for a clasp for a Torah binder?10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 00:36:52 EST509_- > >Given that Gideon's 17 months old, it's really time I got cracking >on the Torah binder I want to make from the cloth we wrapped him in >prior to his bris. Due to the nature of the fabric I'm using, it's >not going to be a Torah "tie" (a long piece of cloth you wrap around and >then tie), but rather a relatively short band of fabric with a metal >clasp on each end. > >Anyone ever made one and found a nice sort of clasp? The local fabric >and craft store (which isn't that great) only had rather [...] 2506 106 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4796] Re: interdating and intermarriage5_Karla16_karla@ntcorp.com28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 00:39:27 EST335_- x-no-archive: yes

fredr5@juno.com wrote:

> > But you're just backing it up a generation. Everything you said is > correct, but the threat to Judaism posed by the upbringing you describe > *is* intermarriage. At the very least intermarriage is a step closer to > the danger of complete estrangement from Judaism. > [...] 2613 42 36_[SCJ-PARENTING:4797] Re: summer camp10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 00:41:02 EST426_- > >We are looking for recommendations for a Jewish summer camp for a 9 >year old boy, approximately 2 week session, in southern New England or >New York, USA. >

Have you looked into Camp Ramah, in Palmer, MA? This camp is not to far from Springfield MA or Hartford CT. It is affiliated with the Conservative movement, is strictly Kosher, has t'fillot in the mornings, and definately celebrates Shabbat in style. [...] 2656 48 33_[SCJ-PARENTING:4798] Hebrew names10_Rebeccadan18_rebeccadan@aol.com28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 06:36:07 EST535_- My twins are due to be named in shul next week. My son Jacob's Hebrew name, Ya'akov, was given at his brit, but my daughter's Hebrew name is not yet fixed.

Her name is Bethany, a popular girl's name in the UK at the moment. It was once the name of a village outside Jerusalem and Israelis advise me it can mean House of Figs or, in modern Hebrew, little house. However, the village's fame stems from the times it is mentioned in the Christian bible as a place Jesus visited frequently and where he is said to have raised [...] 2705 62 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4799] Re: interdating and intermarriage10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 08:39:58 EST630_- > >But you're just backing it up a generation. Everything you said is >correct, but the threat to Judaism posed by the upbringing you describe >*is* intermarriage. At the very least intermarriage is a step closer to >the danger of complete estrangement from Judaism.

I agree wholeheartedly. In EVERY intermarriage I've known personally, literally every single one, I've found that the Jewish person in the relationship had a marginal Jewish background at best, with parents that knew very little or appreciated very little about Judaism, and even if the child was bar/bat mitzvahed, that was the end of their Jewish [...] 2768 105 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4800] Re: SCJP SUBMISSION: Hebrew names22_Rona & Aaron Michelson17_rona@actcom.co.il28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 08:47:54 EST580_- At 09:53 AM 01/06/2000 -0000, rebeccadan@aol.com (Rebeccadan) wrote:

>My twins are due to be named in shul next week. My son Jacob's Hebrew name, >Ya'akov, was given at his brit, but my daughter's Hebrew name is not yet fixed.

Mazal tov!

>Her name is Bethany, a popular girl's name in the UK at the moment. It was once >the name of a village outside Jerusalem and Israelis advise me it can mean >House of Figs or, in modern Hebrew, little house. However, the village's fame >stems from the times it is mentioned in the Christian bible as a place Jesus [...] 2874 49 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4801] Re: hebrew day schools?12_Debbi Kulick17_daffymom@home.com28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 08:53:31 EST548_- I have been reading all the messages about day school vs public school. I have 2 children in public school. One is a special needs child and one is a GATE child. I did not put them in the day school when they were little because the program was very weak. Sure they would have had a religious education, but they would have been lacking in their academics. The education my daughter is getting can't be beat. Talk about challenging her! We live in a fantastic school district which is the important point. I went to school through the worst [...] 2924 91 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4802] Re: interdating and intermarriage10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 08:54:53 EST577_- > >Exactly. I am not Orthodox. (In fact, this weekend I'm starting to >check out some Reconstructionist shuls near my home as my old Shul >really is too far away.) I take a daily challenge in trying to explain >an aspect of Judaism applied to every day life to my children. For >example, this morning my older son and I were discussing the concept of >apology, making ammends and forgiveness. The conversation was centered >around a conflict between him and his step-brother. By the time we got >to school he asked, "Have you been talking to my Hebrew School >teacher?" [...] 3016 39 63_[SCJ-PARENTING:4803] Re: source for a clasp for a Torah binder?15_Irene Bleiweiss16_IBLEIWEI@fcc.gov28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 10:25:54 EST512_- I've seen wimpels that are fastened with the same types of metal clips = used to keep mittens atached to a toddler's coat (a clip on each end with = a piece of elastic joining them in between). If you are sewingly challenged= like me, you might just use one of these and cover the piece of elastic = with the same fabric used in the main cloth.. > >Given that Gideon's 17 months old, it's really time I got cracking >on the Torah binder I want to make from the cloth we wrapped him in >prior to his bris. [...] 3056 63 37_[SCJ-PARENTING:4804] Re: Hebrew names5_Karla16_karla@ntcorp.com28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 12:58:25 EST537_- x-no-archive: yes

Rebeccadan wrote:

> Is anybody clear about the rules for the choice of a Hebrew name: > Should it be taken from Torah? In which case we shall have to select something > completely different.

It is my understanding that naming is a tradition that varies from culture to culture.

My children are named for relatives that have passed on. My oldest is named for my uncle and my ex's paternal grandfather. My youngest is named for my ex's maternal grandfather and my paternal grandfather. [...] 3120 103 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4805] Re: hebrew day schools?21_Natalie Kim Bjorklund24_umbjork1@cc.UManitoba.CA28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 13:05:07 EST572_- In article <3874045F.4923CB82@home.com> you write: >I have been reading all the messages about day school vs public school. >I have 2 children in public school. One is a special needs child and one >is a GATE child. I did not put them in the day school when they were >little because the program was very weak. Sure they would have had a >religious education, but they would have been lacking in their >academics. The education my daughter is getting can't be beat. Talk >about challenging her! We live in a fantastic school district which is >the important point. [...] 3224 103 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4806] Re: hebrew day schools?21_Natalie Kim Bjorklund24_umbjork1@cc.UManitoba.CA28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 13:11:33 EST572_- In article <3874045F.4923CB82@home.com> you write: >I have been reading all the messages about day school vs public school. >I have 2 children in public school. One is a special needs child and one >is a GATE child. I did not put them in the day school when they were >little because the program was very weak. Sure they would have had a >religious education, but they would have been lacking in their >academics. The education my daughter is getting can't be beat. Talk >about challenging her! We live in a fantastic school district which is >the important point. [...] 3328 39 36_[SCJ-PARENTING:4807] Re: summer camp5_Karla16_karla@ntcorp.com28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 13:30:32 EST391_- x-no-archive: yes

kgold wrote: > > We are looking for recommendations for a Jewish summer camp for a 9 > year old boy, approximately 2 week session, in southern New England or > New York, USA.



http://www.campyavneh.org/

Camp Yavneh is associated with the prozdor program at Hebrew College in Brookline, MA. I believe the camp is located in New Hampshire. [...] 3368 118 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4808] Re: interdating and intermarriage0_15_fredr5@juno.com28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 15:33:46 EST549_- In article <20000104140525.19165.00000108@nso-cj.aol.com>, pbethweiss@aol.com (PBethWeiss) wrote:

> Now, I finally say my piece: > > Wow! This topic has surely generated heat here. I think it is wonderful that > people have been taking time to ponder the implications of intermarriage, and > to debate.

I would say passion but I would hope not too much heat. It is good to see that there are topics that can motivate parents to post, and this one is too important for personalities to get in the way. We need everybody's imput. [...] 3487 42 36_[SCJ-PARENTING:4809] Re: summer camp15_Irene Bleiweiss16_IBLEIWEI@fcc.gov28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 15:44:40 EST561_- Back when I was a kid, the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies in New York = City put out a free booklet of all the Jewish sleepaway camps in the = general vicinity. Most were in the Catskill or Pocono mountains of New = York and Pennsylvania. For each camp there was a paragraph description = that told a bit about the camp's philosophy, its kashrut policy, price, = session lengths, coed or single gender, facilities, etc. I can't imagine = that this information wouldn't still be available. We would use the = booklet to narrow it down to three camps [...] 3530 86 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4810] Re: interdating and intermarriage0_15_fredr5@juno.com28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 17:00:52 EST565_- In article <38735825.A307F1E4@ntcorp.com>, Karla wrote:

> x-no-archive: yes > > fredr5@juno.com wrote: > > > > > But you're just backing it up a generation. Everything you said is > > correct, but the threat to Judaism posed by the upbringing you describe > > *is* intermarriage. At the very least intermarriage is a step closer to > > the danger of complete estrangement from Judaism. > > > > No I'm not. There are many people who were nominally raised Jewish in > my generation that are raising their children (nominally) Jewish. [...] 3617 58 63_[SCJ-PARENTING:4811] Re: source for a clasp for a Torah binder?0_15_fredr5@juno.com28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 17:01:11 EST555_- In article <20000105233515.26396.00000901@ng-cn1.aol.com>, animzmirot@aol.comspamfree (Animzmirot) wrote:

> > > >Given that Gideon's 17 months old, it's really time I got cracking > >on the Torah binder I want to make from the cloth we wrapped him in > >prior to his bris. Due to the nature of the fabric I'm using, it's > >not going to be a Torah "tie" (a long piece of cloth you wrap around and > >then tie), but rather a relatively short band of fabric with a metal > >clasp on each end. > > > >Anyone ever made one and found a nice sort [...] 3676 138 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4812] Re: hebrew day schools?11_Alan Abrams15_aabrams@usa.net28_Thu, 6 Jan 2000 17:25:16 EST578_- i agree-- canadian schools are much better-- but--- IT SNOWS UP THERE!!!

Alan in Florida

Natalie Kim Bjorklund wrote:

> In article <3874045F.4923CB82@home.com> you write: > >I have been reading all the messages about day school vs public school. > >I have 2 children in public school. One is a special needs child and one > >is a GATE child. I did not put them in the day school when they were > >little because the program was very weak. Sure they would have had a > >religious education, but they would have been lacking in their > >academics. The [...] 3815 71 37_[SCJ-PARENTING:4813] Re: Hebrew names0_15_fredr5@juno.com28_Fri, 7 Jan 2000 12:15:08 EST347_- In article <20000106044957.18415.00000225@nso-fp.aol.com>, rebeccadan@aol.com (Rebeccadan) wrote:

> My twins are due to be named in shul next week. My son Jacob's Hebrew name, > Ya'akov, was given at his brit, but my daughter's Hebrew name is not yet >fixed.

Is it just coincidence or do we have a *lot* of twins around here? [...] 3887 98 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4814] Re: interdating and intermarriage18_Naomi Lynne Pardue29_npardue@steel.ucs.indiana.edu28_Fri, 7 Jan 2000 12:19:21 EST647_- Animzmirot wrote: >>But you're just backing it up a generation. Everything you said is >>correct, but the threat to Judaism posed by the upbringing you describe >>*is* intermarriage. At the very least intermarriage is a step closer to >>the danger of complete estrangement from Judaism.

> I agree wholeheartedly. In EVERY intermarriage I've known personally, > literally > every single one, I've found that the Jewish person in the relationship had a > marginal Jewish background at best, with parents that knew very little or > appreciated very little about Judaism, and even if the child was bar/bat > [...] 3986 51 63_[SCJ-PARENTING:4815] Re: source for a clasp for a Torah binder?9_Rosenugga17_rosenugga@aol.com28_Fri, 7 Jan 2000 12:21:03 EST509_- > months old, it's really time I got cracking >on the Torah binder I want to make from the cloth we wrapped him in >prior to his bris. Due to the nature of the fabric I'm using, it's >not going to be a Torah "tie" (a long piece of cloth you wrap around and >then tie), but rather a relatively short band of fabric with a metal >clasp on each end. > >Anyone ever made one and found a nice sort of clasp? The local fabric >and craft store (which isn't that great) only had rather bulky plastic >clips of [...] 4038 37 36_[SCJ-PARENTING:4816] re: summer camp10_L&R Felner21_felner5@email.msn.com28_Fri, 7 Jan 2000 13:06:50 EST562_- If you belong to a shul ask the rabbi or administrator if there are any camps sponsored by any of the mainstream Jewish orgs. You can always do a web search which I found so helpful. Just enter Jewish day camps or Jewish resident camp. You will find hundreds of camps with their own websites. Also, try doing a search among the orthodox, conserv. or reform movements orgs and you will get a lot of resources from that. Lots of camps are private and sometimes hear by word of mouth. Hadassah sponsors Young Judea camps, the local federation sponsors camps [...] 4076 50 37_[SCJ-PARENTING:4817] Re: Hebrew names14_Robin Margolin18_robinmargo@att.net28_Fri, 7 Jan 2000 13:06:54 EST537_- Rebeccadan wrote: > > My twins are due to be named in shul next week. My son Jacob's Hebrew name, Ya'akov, was given at his brit, but my daughter's Hebrew name is not yet fixed.

First let me say mazel tov on the birth of your twins.



> Is anybody clear about the rules for the choice of a Hebrew name: > Should it be taken from Torah? In which case we shall have to select something completely different. > Should it be taken from the Tanakh? In which case we will name her Chana. > Is the main consideration [...] 4127 43 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4818] Re: hebrew day schools?0_15_fredr5@juno.com28_Sat, 8 Jan 2000 17:10:30 EST661_- In article <200001061727.LAA13087@pollux.cc.umanitoba.ca>, Natalie Kim Bjorklund wrote:

> In article <3874045F.4923CB82@home.com> you write: > >I have been reading all the messages about day school vs public school. > >I have 2 children in public school. One is a special needs child and one > >is a GATE child.

Just a point about day school and special needs: One of the major arguments against school choice is the issue of the special services provided by the public schools, with the implication that day school parents "dump" special needs children on the public schools. In fact many day schools do provide [...] 4171 66 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4820] Re: hebrew day schools?10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree29_Mon, 10 Jan 2000 09:22:07 EST500_- I have a similar story. I have twins, one has slight special needs/LD, the other is highly to profoundly gifted. They are both in day school, and could *never* receive the education in public school that they are receiving at the Jewish day school. The class sizes are the first difference. My son's class has 3 full time in the class 100% of the time teachers for 17 students. In addition they have an aide and they have parent aides at all times. The ratio of child to adult is usually 3:1. [...] 4238 36 34_[SCJ-PARENTING:4822] intermarrying2_A.20_Mrs-Fluffy@webtv.net29_Mon, 10 Jan 2000 11:16:39 EST430_- My 23 year old son is marrying a non-Jewish young lady in Nov. My husband and I are extremely happy with the situation. She is a lovely girl and comes from a good family. What more could we want for our children? There are more problems created in this world, in the name of religion, that just aren't necessary. Would I rather he married a Jewish girl? I don't know. I am happy with who he picked, and that's what counts. [...] 4275 91 51_[SCJ-PARENTING:4823] Newish Jewish Tunes for Kids ?6_Jfer P24_Jennifer@toronto.vr1.com29_Mon, 10 Jan 2000 11:19:49 EST599_- The discussion here lately has been veering into some pretty heavy stuff, what with intermarriage and school choices, etc. Of course that's important, but it's certainly not the whole picture of what it is to be a Jewish parent.

So I thought I'd ask about something I've recently seen discussed on another mailing list: different tunes for traditional Jewish songs taken from the popular culture around us. The discussion on the other list started with the variety of tunes that people have heard for "Adon Olam" -- and there are an infinite number, I think, because it can be adapted [...] 4367 42 36_[SCJ-PARENTING:4824] CTTS: 17 months19_Alexandra J Schmidt28_aschmidt@gematria.crd.ge.com29_Mon, 10 Jan 2000 11:34:31 EST571_-

We spent several days in Cambridge/Boston this past week, and stayed at our favorite bed-and-breakfast. Gideon was clearly puzzled by the lack of mezuzot--he would run over to the doorframe and say "mezuzah?".

We left Boston Saturday night and arrived home around midnight (it's a 3-hour drive, during which Gedi slept rather more fitfully than we had hoped for). When we arrived home and carried the semi-sleeping toddler into the house, he opened his eyes and murmured "mezuzah!", in a tone that implied, "Ah, it's OK now" as we came in the door. [...] 4410 56 55_[SCJ-PARENTING:4828] Re: Newish Jewish Tunes for Kids ?5_Karla16_karla@ntcorp.com29_Tue, 11 Jan 2000 09:11:53 EST512_- x-no-archive: yes

Jfer P wrote:

> So I thought I'd ask about something I've recently seen discussed on > another mailing list: different tunes for traditional Jewish songs > taken from the popular culture around us. The discussion on the other > list started with the variety of tunes that people have heard for "Adon > Olam" -- and there are an infinite number, I think, because it can be > adapted to just about anything, from "Rock Around the Clock" to the > "Star Wars" theme (try it!). [...] 4467 43 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4829] Re: hebrew day schools?0_18_Alona12@aol.com=2029_Tue, 11 Jan 2000 10:02:57 EST313_- I believe that the public school system can provide services to special = needs=20 kids even if they are enrolled in a private school, and that special=20 education kids are legally entitled to these services. I know that the=20 Catholic school system is struggling with issues of inclusion of special=20= [...] 4511 36 51_[SCJ-PARENTING:4830] Newish Jewish Tunes for Kids ?19_Alexandra J Schmidt28_aschmidt@gematria.crd.ge.com29_Tue, 11 Jan 2000 10:23:17 EST410_-

When Dear Husband led Musaf the Shabbat before Gideon's bris he used=20 "The World Turned Upside Down" (yes, it's kind of an obscure song, I admit it, but the title suited our mental state) as the Adon Olam tune. =20

I'm interested in offbeat/popular tunes for any traditional Jewish = songs,=20 be they prayers or no. Would be very appropriate for Purim (just 2+ = months=20 away), too! [...] 4548 57 40_[SCJ-PARENTING:4831] Re: CTTS: 17 months12_Yael Resnick22_njpmail@mindspring.com29_Tue, 11 Jan 2000 10:33:24 EST425_- This is a beautiful story!!! I'm looking for stories like this for a new section of NJP. Alexandra, can I use this? You can e-mail me privately.

Interesting that you posted this today because today I've been thinking that I really should be better at kissing mezuzahs as I pass through the doors of our house... and better at giving my children opportunities to grow closer to this mitzvah, too. So, thank you. [...] 4606 45 36_[SCJ-PARENTING:4832] Re: day schools0_19_mgw1979@hotmail.com29_Tue, 11 Jan 2000 10:39:51 EST598_- On 10 Jan 2000 14:22:01 -0000, animzmirot@aol.comspamfree (Animzmirot) = wrote:

>I have a similar story. I have twins, one has slight special needs/LD, >the other is highly to profoundly gifted. They are both in day school, and >could *never* receive the education in public school that they are receiving >at the Jewish day school.... >For my daughter, she is getting 1:1 tutoring in language and reading 2 >hours/day. The day school has a full time sped teacher, plus they have >recently hired a SPED aide. This is for a school of ~120 students, and >probably 10 of them are IEPed. [...] 4652 95 53_[SCJ-PARENTING:4833] Re: Newish Jewish tunes for kids12_Yael Resnick22_njpmail@mindspring.com29_Tue, 11 Jan 2000 15:18:50 EST333_- Hello again,

Now that I'm not a complete stranger, I wanted to add my two cents to this post (which I loved reading):

>But what about other songs? Are there any "contemporary" or "classical" >tunes that you use in your home to teach your kids Jewish prayers or >zemirot (songs for the Shabbat or Yom Tov table)? [...] 4748 50 32_[SCJ-PARENTING:4834] Baby's Room20_Wendy & Larry Darrow17_ldarrow@flash.net29_Tue, 11 Jan 2000 15:18:55 EST622_- This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

------=_NextPart_000_006E_01BF5C0F.7ED4BFC0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

Hello All! I have a challenge for you!

A friend of mine is going to have a baby (don't know if it's a girl or = boy). She wants to decorate the room, after the baby is born, in = something generic, but with a Jewish-theme. What could she do? Of = course we thought about Noah's Ark and the Alef-Bet. So, I thought I = would ask you all for your ideas. I have heard of people making prayers = to Rachel if they are [...] 4799 50 33_[SCJ-PARENTING:4835] Introduction12_Yael Resnick22_njpmail@mindspring.com29_Wed, 12 Jan 2000 00:39:13 EST269_- Hello! I want to respond to some of the recent posts, but I think I should introduce myself first. My name is Yael, and I'm the mother of a daughter, Chava Meira (5.5 years old), and a son, Avrohom Menashe (3 years old - with a new haircut, yarmulka, tzitzis!). [...] 4850 73 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4837] Re: interdating and intermarriage11_Greg Hooker23_ghooker@columbus.rr.com29_Wed, 12 Jan 2000 10:15:38 EST364_- I've been reading the comments on intermarriage for a number of weeks and feel a need to chime in. I'm Jewish, raised Conservative, native New Yorker (now an Ohio transplant) -- Hebrew School, Bat Mitzvah, some after school classes during HS. Spent 1 year in Israel (age 20-21) on an Ulpan. Met the man of my dreams, Jewish, and after 3 years, we broke up. [...] 4924 33 53_[SCJ-PARENTING:4839] Re: Newish Jewish tunes for kids18_Kathe Izen-mondlak15_kimond@home.com29_Wed, 12 Jan 2000 23:03:54 EST506_- I have heard Adon Olam done to "It's a Small world", Rock around the clock, Kokomo, the Mexican national anthem and even "Don't cry for me Argentina" (don't ask!) Basically any song in 4/4 time will work. Our Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrants often choose the tune for their service and invite their whole class up to sing. I figure that anything done like this is fine - look at Shlock Rock. They did a concert here recently and it was fabulous! Music I love, with words I don't mind my kids singing. [...] 4958 37 53_[SCJ-PARENTING:4840] Re: Newish Jewish tunes for kids6_Jfer P24_Jennifer@toronto.vr1.com29_Wed, 12 Jan 2000 23:06:47 EST613_- In response to Yael's Twinkle Twinkle, here's another one:

Twinkle Twinkle Kochavim [stars] Shining in the Shomayim [heavens] If I say my Shema each night Everything will be alright Twinkle Twinkle Kochavim Shining in the Shomayim

(okay, it's a little simplistic, theologically... but it's kind of cute nevertheless)

J

============================================================================== This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. Posters seeking medical or halachic information should consult competent authorities in those fields. [...] 4996 36 53_[SCJ-PARENTING:4844] Re: Newish Jewish tunes for kids12_Yael Resnick22_njpmail@mindspring.com29_Thu, 13 Jan 2000 00:47:32 EST565_- Jennifer,

I love your "Twinkle Twinkle"! I'm going to sing it tomorrow night with my kids. Thanks!

Yael

***** Yael Resnick, Publisher/Editor, Natural Jewish Parenting The only magazine dedicated to a holistic Jewish perspective on childraising and family health!



============================================================================== This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. Posters seeking medical or halachic information should consult competent authorities in those fields. [...] 5033 41 37_[SCJ-PARENTING:4846] Re: Introduction22_Rabbi Richard Schachet16_lvrabbi@lvcm.com29_Thu, 13 Jan 2000 09:35:08 EST459_-

-- I publish a magazine called Natural JewishParenting (anyone heard of = it, I hope

Not just heard of it.. It is one of the best magazines for Jewish = parenting I have seen. We got it for our daughter (Mom to Isaac)- I might add = that we are a very liberal Jewish family-- but this magazine is not about Orthodoxy-- It is about being a Jewish parent. Lori (ima to Isaac) loves = it as much as we do. If you haven't subscribed, do so. [...] 5075 10 36_[SCJ-PARENTING:4847] Re: Baby's Room10_I. Pour-El18_pourel@iastate.edu29_Thu, 13 Jan 2000 10:00:55 EST218_-

--------------------- scj-parenting@shamash.org --------------------+ Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Internet Consortium http://shamash.org --------------------- scj-parenting@shamash.org --------------------= 5086 40 34_[SCJ-PARENTING:4848] shul web site19_Alexandra J Schmidt28_aschmidt@gematria.crd.ge.com29_Thu, 13 Jan 2000 13:11:31 EST368_-

Our shul web page (www.uscj.org/empire/schenectady) has an "urgent" box on the home page that notes late-breaking or pressing news.

One of the things we use it for is announcing afternoon Hebrew school=20 closures (typically, as today, due to snowy weather). Really neat,=20 and it gives parents another way to check whether or not school is on. [...] 5127 124 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4849] Re: hebrew day schools?11_Alan Abrams15_aabrams@usa.net29_Thu, 13 Jan 2000 16:22:09 EST553_- hi... we are in south florida. where are you located?

AA

Animzmirot wrote:

> I have a similar story. I have twins, one has slight special needs/LD, the > other is highly to profoundly gifted. They are both in day school, and could > *never* receive the education in public school that they are receiving at the > Jewish day school. The class sizes are the first difference. My son's class has > 3 full time in the class 100% of the time teachers for 17 students. In addition > they have an aide and they have parent aides at [...] 5252 32 53_[SCJ-PARENTING:4850] Re: Newish Jewish tunes for kids10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree29_Fri, 14 Jan 2000 00:27:29 EST442_- My kids particularly like the songs of David Paskin and Peri Smilow. Both have CDs out (David has 3, Peri has 2) and they're filled with Newish Jewish music. Check out the JewishMusic.com site and listen to a few tunes. Also, if your local Judaica doesn't have that machine where you can listen to a few cuts of some Jewish music selections with headphones, make them get one. It is a GREAT way to entertain your child while you shop! [...] 5285 48 36_[SCJ-PARENTING:4851] Re: day schools10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree29_Fri, 14 Jan 2000 10:06:46 EST539_- > >This is unusual for a day school. At least in the Boston area, none of = the=20 >day schools provide that level of SPED services. The only family I = know=20 >whose child has an aide in day school is paying for the aide out-of-pocket= . =20 >Other day school families get their SPED services from the local = public=20 >school. I know families whose children have left each of the local = day=20 >schools because they couldnt' get their LD kids' needs met. =20 > > My experience differs. I know in my kid's SSDS school in Boston [...] 5334 42 55_[SCJ-PARENTING:4852] Re: Newish Jewish Tunes for Kids ?10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree29_Fri, 14 Jan 2000 11:32:04 EST422_- >Actually I always liked singing Adon Olam to "Take Me Out to the >Ballgame" the first weekend around opening day. But then, I'm a Red Sox >fan. (I can't help it, it's genetic and I got the gene from my mom. >Fortunately I only got the Red Sox gene, one of my brothers has the full >Boston sports fan gene and got a satellite dish years ago because his >cable provider in Ohio wouldn't pick up NESN or WSBK. ;) ) > [...] 5377 38 44_[SCJ-PARENTING:4853] Re: hebrew day schools?10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree29_Fri, 14 Jan 2000 21:53:57 EST561_- > >hi... we are in south florida. where are you located? > >AA >

Bay Area, CA, where Judaism isn't particularly prevalent but the communities are tightly knit and *for the most part* attempt to provide a good secular and religious education for the gamut of Jewish kids. Not all schools do, in fact last year we attended on that was abysmal on both ends of the spectrum, and we're now watching families leave the school in droves because they can't meet the needs of many kids. But our school is very very special and I appreciate that immensely. [...] 5416 33 52_[SCJ-PARENTING:4854] Kids Say the Funniest Things...11_Greg Hooker23_ghooker@columbus.rr.com29_Sat, 15 Jan 2000 10:50:57 EST413_- My 3 year old daughter was very aware this holiday season of the differences between being Jewish and celebrating Hanukkah and being Xtian and celebrating Xmas. By the time Hanukkah came, she was telling anyone who'd listen that she was Jewish and didn't celebrate Hanukkah. Well, today, someone asked her how she celebrated the millenium and she replied, "I don't celebrate the 'lalenium'... I'm Jewish!" [...] 5450 29 47_[SCJ-PARENTING:4858] Indian Guides & Princesses0_18_Ellenbsr05@aol.com29_Mon, 17 Jan 2000 12:15:20 EST450_- Is anyone familiar with a Jewish adaptation or version of the YMCA Indian Guides and Princesses. I am particularly interested in this for a J.C.C. setting. Thanks, Ellen Brosbe

============================================================================== This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. Posters seeking medical or halachic information should consult competent authorities in those fields. [...] 5480 46 36_[SCJ-PARENTING:4859] Re: Baby's Room10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree29_Mon, 17 Jan 2000 12:15:22 EST544_- > >A friend of mine is going to have a baby (don't know if it's a girl or = >boy). She wants to decorate the room, after the baby is born, in = >something generic, but with a Jewish-theme. What could she do?

My daughter's room is decorated in a Noah's Ark theme, but not just your typical Noah's Ark cutsey baby stuff. She has curtains and bedding in bright primary colors that show the ark and animals, sure. But she also has a large collection of Noah's Ark artwork on her walls, shelves, and windowsill. She has collected this [...] 5527 28 50_[SCJ-PARENTING:4860] Re: SCJ-PARENTING digest 10910_19_EmBraceable@aol.com29_Mon, 17 Jan 2000 12:16:37 EST474_- Many wimpels or Torah binders are wrapped and then the end tucked under a piece of fabric. I have done some reasearch on the custom and art form if you are unterested Hilary Baskin Embraceable@aol.com

============================================================================== This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. Posters seeking medical or halachic information should consult competent authorities in those fields. [...] 5556 60 37_[SCJ-PARENTING:4861] saying thank you12_Yael Resnick22_njpmail@mindspring.com29_Mon, 17 Jan 2000 12:20:12 EST319_- Hi,

My last attempt to thank Rabbi Schachet and others who have very kindly commented on the magazine I publish was rejected by the moderators because it didn't have parenting content... so I'll try again (I don't want people on this list to think I am not grateful for the kind words and encouragement): [...] 5617 55 51_[SCJ-PARENTING:4862] Re: Indian Guides & Princesses13_Daniel Faigin21_faigin@pacificnet.net29_Mon, 17 Jan 2000 20:34:38 EST665_- On 17 Jan 2000 09:08:04 -0800, in soc.culture.jewish.parenting, Ellenbsr05@aol.com wrote:

>Is anyone familiar with a Jewish adaptation or version of the YMCA Indian >Guides and Princesses. I am particularly interested in this for a J.C.C. >setting.

Well, I'm not familiar with any Jewish adaptations, but being in Y Indian Princesses currently (our tribes website is http://www.ga-siouxnation.com/sioux-north/), I suggest you contact the Y and get a copy of the Y Indian Programs Book. In that book are defined quite a few variations of the program, including mom/child, family/child, programs that use themes other than Native Americans, etc. [...] 5673 47 51_[SCJ-PARENTING:4863] Re: Indian Guides & Princesses12_Paul S. Wolf24_paul.s.wolf@alum.wpi.edu29_Tue, 18 Jan 2000 09:56:56 EST467_- Ellenbsr05@aol.com wrote: >=20 > Is anyone familiar with a Jewish adaptation or version of the YMCA=20 > Indian Guides and Princesses. I am particularly interested in this=20 > for a J.C.C. setting.

The Tiger Cub program of BSA's Cub Scouts is similar in scope to Indian Guides (1st grade, parent - son joint membership, etc.) The National Jewish Committee on Scouting, and JESNA have prepared a program guide for Jewish Tiger Cubs which is quite good. [...] 5721 41 43_[SCJ-PARENTING:4864] DAVID & GOLIATH? Help!9_SteveS01217_steves012@aol.com29_Wed, 19 Jan 2000 09:37:00 EST526_- We are trying to put together a school production, and need some input on the costume for David. We have a couple of drawings from a book that we were going to use for reference for the design of the costume for David, but we were wondering how historically accurate it is. We wanted to get feedback from the people here about the costume, their opinions about the costume from the book, what is accurate about it, what is not, etc. If you have a spare minute, I put a picture of David from the book in question up at: [...] 5763 61 51_[SCJ-PARENTING:4865] Re: Indian Guides & Princesses0_15_fredr5@juno.com29_Wed, 19 Jan 2000 18:18:06 EST664_- In article <38838ee4.362757397@mail.aero.org>, faigin@pacificnet.net (Daniel Faigin) wrote:

> On 17 Jan 2000 09:08:04 -0800, in soc.culture.jewish.parenting, > Ellenbsr05@aol.com wrote: > > >Is anyone familiar with a Jewish adaptation or version of the YMCA Indian > >Guides and Princesses. I am particularly interested in this for a J.C.C. > >setting. > > Well, I'm not familiar with any Jewish adaptations, but being in Y > Indian Princesses currently (our tribes website is > http://www.ga-siouxnation.com/sioux-north/), I suggest you contact the > Y and get a copy of the Y Indian Programs Book. In that book are > defined quite a few variations [...] 5825 118 41_[SCJ-PARENTING:4866] Re: saying thank you11_Greg Hooker23_ghooker@columbus.rr.com29_Fri, 21 Jan 2000 09:50:49 EST488_- I, too, believe that saying thank you is an important lesson. My 3 year = old draws a "thank you" picture. I ask her what she'd like to say to the = person who gave her a gift and I write her message in quotations on the card. = She then "signs" it. She also decorates the back of the envelope with her stamps and stickers. Another thing I read (we never did this with her, = but might do this with my one year old son) is take a photo of your child holding a "thank you" sign and [...] 5944 54 55_[SCJ-PARENTING:4867] Re: Newish Jewish Tunes for Kids ?10_Rebeccadan18_rebeccadan@aol.com29_Fri, 21 Jan 2000 16:44:02 EST347_- I lifted this one from the CD Around Our Shabbat Table by Margie Rosenthal and Ilene Safyan. It's Lecha Dodi, set to the tune of She'll Be Coming Round The Mountain. It's a good one to dance to. If you don't know the tune, I seem to remember you can listen to it on the jewish music.com site - it's on the CD as Lecha Dodi Bluegrass Style. [...] 5999 40 39_[SCJ-PARENTING:4868] Purim Ideas Needed10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree29_Sat, 22 Jan 2000 03:36:42 EST511_- My Rabbi roped me into helping plan the Purim festivities at our synagogue. The background is, we're a small (150 families) shul divided into two minyanim: traditional and egalitarian. For chaggim the two minyanim come together, and at Purim that can cause some difficulties. We have got most of the megilla reading down, but now we're left with planning activities for the children. We do not have a purim carnival, since most of our shul's children attend the day school, where a carnival does happen. [...] 6040 88 43_[SCJ-PARENTING:4869] Re: Purim Ideas Needed6_eisens23_eisens@worldnet.att.net29_Sun, 23 Jan 2000 15:02:55 EST684_- Our costume contest was done by character in the story. The Queen Esther's were rated, the Haman's, etc.

You could have a small play telling the story. I love the carnivals, myself. Shaving the balloons (what that has to do with Purim I'm not sure!).

Best of luck.





Animzmirot wrote in message news:20000121030932.03566.00000613@ng-cc1.aol.com... > My Rabbi roped me into helping plan the Purim festivities at our synagogue. > The background is, we're a small (150 families) shul divided into two minyanim: > traditional and egalitarian. For chaggim the two minyanim come together, and at > Purim that can cause [...] 6129 53 39_[SCJ-PARENTING:4871] Purim Ideas Needed14_max_weisenfeld29_Max_Weisenfeld@compuserve.com29_Mon, 24 Jan 2000 00:51:45 EST598_- Message text written by animzmirot:scj-parenting@shamash.org

>we'd like to do something more. <> I can't recall anyone >discussing what their shul does on eruv Purim to entertain >the kiddies. If you have ideas, please share.

We do a "Purimschpiel." At my parents' (small) Temple, they do it with community volunteers. At our (big) Temple, the staff (lead by the clergy) do it. I do not know the history of the practice, but the basics as I have always seen them are to tell the story (more or less) while camping it up as much as possible. One element that seems pretty [...] 6183 34 41_[SCJ-PARENTING:4872] Stop light for Purim10_Animzmirot26_animzmirot@aol.comspamfree29_Mon, 24 Jan 2000 07:53:13 EST387_- Another Purim question. My congregation wants to rent a stop light (you know, the red, green, and yellow lights found at intersections) to help the kids follow along in the megillah reading. I know other congregations have them, but I need to know where to find one. And if your shul does use one, does it really help keep the kids from groggering over any reasonable time limit? [...] 6218 49 50_[SCJ-PARENTING:4873] Re: Y's religious affiliation6_Betsey18_betseyk@netset.com29_Mon, 24 Jan 2000 09:00:06 EST443_- Several years ago I sent my daughter to Learning Tree Preschool, affiliated with the YWCA in our town. It was an incredibly wonderful inclusive program with no religious focus. After I was there awhile, I found out the director of the program was Jewish!

There were other terrific things about the program too... head start kids and differently abled kids involved, but won't go there since its not applicable to this newsgroup. [...] 6268 70 36_[SCJ-PARENTING:4874] Re: Baby's Room10_I. Pour-El18_pourel@iastate.edu29_Mon, 24 Jan 2000 09:00:11 EST548_- How about using Bible story scenes in place of the usual nursery rhyme themes e.g. Jonah in the whale (my kids loved this one), Daniel surrounded by (friendly looking) lions, Moses parting the water. Coloring books would be a good source for clear, kid-friendly designs.

> >Hello All! I have a challenge for you! > >A friend of mine is going to have a baby (don't know if it's a girl or = >boy). She wants to decorate the room, after the baby is born, in = >something generic, but with a Jewish-theme. What could she do? Of = >course [...] 6339 61 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4875] Re: interdating and intermarriage12_Brown Family16_pcc@ocean.com.au29_Mon, 24 Jan 2000 09:00:21 EST661_- On 7 Jan 2000 17:19:15 -0000, Naomi Lynne Pardue wrote:



>I guess my point is that while a strong Jewish upbringing will make >intermarriage less likely, it does not guarantee that it will not occur. >However, if intermarriage DOES occur after such an upbringing, it makes it >more likely that the family will go on to consider themselves Jewish, and >both partners consider Judaism important for any children. (One absolute >requirement *I* had when me and my DH were considering marriage was that >any children would be raised Jewish. Since DH is, basically 'nothing' >[raised Christian, doesn't care much [...] 6401 61 36_[SCJ-PARENTING:4876] Re: day schools0_15_fredr5@juno.com29_Mon, 24 Jan 2000 09:00:24 EST627_- In article <72hl7sstkhpiqcfoot4mrsgtjk3lnh5eti@4ax.com>, mgw1979@hotmail.com wrote:

> On 10 Jan 2000 14:22:01 -0000, animzmirot@aol.comspamfree (Animzmirot) = > wrote: > > >I have a similar story. I have twins, one has slight special needs/LD, > >the other is highly to profoundly gifted. They are both in day school, and > >could *never* receive the education in public school that they are receiving > >at the Jewish day school.... > >For my daughter, she is getting 1:1 tutoring in language and reading 2 > >hours/day. The day school has a full time sped teacher, plus they have > >recently hired a SPED aide. [...] 6463 36 45_[SCJ-PARENTING:4877] Re: Stop light for Purim12_Debbi Kulick23_daffymom@NOSPAMhome.com29_Mon, 24 Jan 2000 12:25:59 EST299_- At our congregation, the older children can make banners. When the banner is put up the groggers stop. It seems to work fantastically. The Rabbi also has a paddle type sign with different lines on them. When he holds it up the groggers always seem to stop while the parents get a good laugh. [...] 6500 43 45_[SCJ-PARENTING:4878] Re: Stop light for Purim12_Ron Kritzman18_ron-k@mediaone.net29_Mon, 24 Jan 2000 15:52:29 EST421_- Animzmirot wrote: > > Another Purim question. My congregation wants to rent a stop > light (you know, the red, green, and yellow lights found at > intersections) to help the kids follow along in the megillah > reading. I know other congregations have them, but I need to > know where to find one. And if your shul does use one, does it > really help keep the kids from groggering over any reasonable > time limit? [...] 6544 43 43_[SCJ-PARENTING:4879] Re: Purim Ideas Needed5_kgold20_kgold@watson.ibm.com29_Mon, 24 Jan 2000 17:31:46 EST492_-

animzmirot@aol.comspamfree (Animzmirot) writes: > [snip] I can't recall anyone discussing what their shul does on eruv > Purim to entertain the kiddies. If you have ideas, please share.

Last year, our Rabbi brought a set of funny masks representing Esther, Mordachai, Haman, Vashti, etc. He called up some children and went through the basic Megillah in English while the kids acted it out and ad libbed a bit. It was great fun for both the actors and the congregation. [...] 6588 30 33_[SCJ-PARENTING:4880] Scholarships0_17_IrisCohen@aol.com29_Tue, 25 Jan 2000 09:37:12 EST478_- Does anyone know of an organization which provides scholarship money for Hebrew Day School for disabled children, where the local community doesn't have any? Thank you. Please e-mail me direct. Iris Cohen

============================================================================== This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. Posters seeking medical or halachic information should consult competent authorities in those fields. [...] 6619 26 37_[SCJ-PARENTING:4882] Re: Scholarships8_JanetLDD16_janetldd@aol.com29_Tue, 25 Jan 2000 14:18:51 EST621_- have you tried ncsy the yachad program. or hasc which is a camp which may have info. what about the school district

============================================================================== This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. Posters seeking medical or halachic information should consult competent authorities in those fields.

ACKs are handled by an autoresponder. Munged From:/Reply-To: means no ACKs. Use "X-Ack-To: address" to redirect ACKs; it won't show up in the final post. Use "X-Ack-To: none" to suppress Acks. "X-Ack-To:" goes on a line by itself. 6646 43 35_[SCJ-PARENTING:4883] Computer Games14_max_weisenfeld29_Max_Weisenfeld@compuserve.com29_Tue, 25 Jan 2000 14:19:08 EST652_-

My three-year-old has just gotten the connection between the mouse and the =

arrow on the screen, and now I am getting =

tired of Blues Clues and Teletubbies. =



Does anyone know of any quality, recent =

wintel format computer games with Jewish =

themes and content? =



Max

Max_weisenfeld@bigfoot.com.nospam

============================================================================== This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. Posters seeking medical or halachic information should consult competent authorities in those fields. [...] 6690 83 36_[SCJ-PARENTING:4884] Re: day schools0_15_fredr5@juno.com29_Tue, 25 Jan 2000 16:27:46 EST638_- In article , fredr5@juno.com wrote:

> In article <72hl7sstkhpiqcfoot4mrsgtjk3lnh5eti@4ax.com>, > mgw1979@hotmail.com wrote: > > > On 10 Jan 2000 14:22:01 -0000, animzmirot@aol.comspamfree (Animzmirot) = > > wrote: > > > > >I have a similar story. I have twins, one has slight special needs/LD, > > >the other is highly to profoundly gifted. They are both in day school, and > > >could *never* receive the education in public school that they are > > >receiving at the Jewish day school.... > > > This is unusual for a day school. At least in the Boston area, none of the [...] 6774 51 39_[SCJ-PARENTING:4885] Re: Computer Games0_15_fredr5@juno.com29_Tue, 25 Jan 2000 18:18:14 EST388_- In article <948826757scjp-submit@shamash.org>, max_weisenfeld wrote:

> My three-year-old has just gotten the connection between the mouse > and the arrow on the screen, and now I am getting tired of Blues > Clues and Teletubbies.

> Does anyone know of any quality, recent wintel format computer games > with Jewish themes and content? [...] 6826 88 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4886] Re: interdating and intermarriage6_linenw21_linenw@mindspring.com29_Wed, 26 Jan 2000 13:58:10 EST525_- What a good way to put into words a way of life. To forbid, hide, or look away, is not the answer. Teach your children well, give them a positive feeling for yiddishkite, and explain the differences. Do these things in a positive way and you will have children who will not only follow in the path that has been laid for them, they will lay a path for future generations as well. It is not good to do things just because. A child must know and understand why things are done and why things are so. Teach your children [...] 6915 58 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4887] Re: interdating and intermarriage0_15_fredr5@juno.com29_Wed, 26 Jan 2000 22:42:50 EST567_- In article <388F2836.2B29CB1E@mindspring.com>, linenw wrote:

> What a good way to put into words a way of life. To forbid, hide, or look > away,is not the answer. Teach your children well, give them a positive > feeling for yiddishkite, and explain the differences. Do these things in a > positive way and you will have children who will not only follow in the path > that has been laid for them, they will lay a path for future generations as > well. It is not good to do things just because. A child must know and > understand [...] 6974 44 39_[SCJ-PARENTING:4889] Purim Ideas Needed12_Yael Resnick22_njpmail@mindspring.com29_Thu, 27 Jan 2000 06:02:46 EST378_- When I was in school, in addition to having a costume parade/contest, we had a grogger contest. Basically, anything that made noise qualified as a grogger. I remember one kid had a buzzer, battery, and switch hooked up on a piece of wood; other kids made things that looked more like traditional groggers. Contestants lined up on stage and each had a turn to make noise. [...] 7019 85 39_[SCJ-PARENTING:4890] Re: Computer Games11_Alan Abrams15_aabrams@usa.net29_Thu, 27 Jan 2000 09:50:20 EST703_- try a program called RIVKA TEACHES HEBREW by transparent languages. it is wonderful!

fredr5@juno.com wrote:

> In article <948826757scjp-submit@shamash.org>, max_weisenfeld > wrote: > > > My three-year-old has just gotten the connection between the mouse > > and the arrow on the screen, and now I am getting tired of Blues > > Clues and Teletubbies. > > > Does anyone know of any quality, recent wintel format computer games > > with Jewish themes and content? > > http://www.radix.net/~dor_l_dor (that's "el" as in dor l'dor) > http://jewishsoftware.com > http://www.rtlsoft.com/hebrew/index.html > http://www.davka.com > > I just checked and these [...] 7105 67 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4891] Re: interdating and intermarriage19_Alexandra J Schmidt28_aschmidt@gematria.crd.ge.com29_Thu, 27 Jan 2000 09:51:09 EST443_-

Fred voices the concern:

> The notion that the Orthodox are the Jewish equivalent of fundamentalist > flat earthers has acheived the status of a canard. Perhaps the moderators > could assist in educating posters who wish to espouse that position.

I will note that while I do not necessarily agree with some of the postings on this topic, I have not found them offensive or worthy of "education" by the moderators. [...] 7173 91 39_[SCJ-PARENTING:4892] Re: Computer Games15_Schoen, Roberta16_RSchoen@DTIC.MIL29_Thu, 27 Jan 2000 10:26:46 EST322_- For commercial software, we found software called The "Beginners Bible for Jewish Children". It has disks for David, Moses, and Noah plus a more advanced (I thought adult) piece of software on learning hebrew words. The only annoying part is a few games need a keyboard instead of the mouse so they have to switch. [...] 7265 33 51_[SCJ-PARENTING:4893] Hebrew for very young children9_Max Yaffe24_myaffe@netaxs.nospam.com29_Thu, 27 Jan 2000 11:10:16 EST342_- I'm looking for modern Hebrew or Yiddish audio tapes of stories for very young children. I would like to use them to help train my child's ear for these languages. I'm also interested in songs but I think the spoken word would be better since song lyrics tend to get lost in the music. Translations of familiar stories would be great. [...] 7299 103 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4894] Re: interdating and intermarriage5_Karla16_karla@ntcorp.com29_Thu, 27 Jan 2000 11:16:04 EST387_- x-no-archive: yes

fredr5@juno.com wrote: >=20 > There seems to be an underlying assumption behind some of the contributio= ns > here that any poster who makes an argument for an Orthodox or traditional=

> approach to a subject has by definition decided to raise children by > autocratic decree, in an environment where questioning and enquiry is > frowned upon. =20 [...] 7403 40 43_[SCJ-PARENTING:4896] Re: Purim Ideas Needed12_David A Karr14_karr@shore.net29_Thu, 27 Jan 2000 16:21:35 EST569_- In article <86iij1$t5e$1@news.btv.ibm.com>, kgold wrote: >BTW: If anyone has pun costume ideas, I'm always looking for new ones.

Last Purim, my daughter Polly dressed as a bat, and went as "Bat Mitzvah."

If you wrap a long strip of paper around yourself, you could be a Megillah. And if there is a hole in the paper, you would be the "Hole Megillah." (I actually have such a costume with the names of Purim characters written on it, but no hole. But be careful because the width of the paper can make it very awkward to sit down.) 7444 46 55_[SCJ-PARENTING:4897] Re: Hebrew for very young children0_15_fredr5@juno.com29_Thu, 27 Jan 2000 16:21:46 EST460_- In article <388fea2a.62053854@netnews.netaxs.com>, myaffe@netaxs.nospam.com=20 wrote:

> I'm looking for modern Hebrew or Yiddish audio tapes of stories for > very young children. I would like to use them to help train my > child's ear for these languages. I'm also interested in songs but I > think the spoken word would be better since song lyrics tend to get > lost in the music. Translations of familiar stories would be great. > > Any ideas? [...] 7491 70 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4898] Re: interdating and intermarriage0_15_fredr5@juno.com29_Thu, 27 Jan 2000 17:35:11 EST455_- In article <38905EFC.BB186C40@ntcorp.com>, Karla wrote:

> fredr5@juno.com wrote: > > There are Orthodox Jews that do not cloister themselves away in little > enclaves. They help their children understand that this is a belief > worth holding and that you work your life into your belief structure > without having to segregate yourself from the rest of the world. Those > are the kids that tend to remain strongly Jewish. [...] 7562 88 54_[SCJ-PARENTING:4899] Re: interdating and intermarriage5_Karla16_karla@ntcorp.com29_Thu, 27 Jan 2000 22:10:51 EST563_- x-no-archive: yes

Alexandra J Schmidt wrote:

> I assume that these questions are somewhat rhetorical, but I question > whether Karla's life experience has ever taken her to Harvard Hillel.

The short answer is yes.

I was the community representative on the board of the Reform minyan there as well as on the search committee that found Rabbi Feinstone. I also worked on a couple of the student outreach campaigns to let students that checked of "Jewish" on their records but didn't seem to be active know we were there for them. [...] 7651 47 55_[SCJ-PARENTING:4900] Re: Hebrew for very young children8_Tampamom18_benet4@gateway.net29_Sat, 29 Jan 2000 18:39:01 EST557_- You might want to try www.Eichlers.com or www.jewishsource.com. You might also try contacting a synagogue gift shop. I know my kids like listening to Paul Zim's tapes. They are mainly in English but they do have some Hebrew in them (aleph-bet, some bruchas etc). I also recently purchased a software product called The Beginners Bible - Stories and Games for Jewish Children. It's put out by Brighter Child. It has 3 story topics: Noahs Ark, David and Goliath and Moses in the Land of Egypt plus it has SmartStart Hebrew. It says it is for ages 3-8. [...]