1 SHAMASH.ORG /usr/www/wwwhc/listserv/archives/scj-parenting November 1995 2 43 24_Re: The December Dilemma11_Seth Grimes23_grimes@access.digex.net29_Tue, 31 Oct 1995 03:43:36 GMT611_- pourel@iastate.edu (Ina Pour-El) writes:

> Our problem is presents. Both sets of grandparents (Jewish and >non-Jewish) view Hannukah a big gift-giving holiday. We want a more >traditional approach, gelt and games not Toys R Us. We have requested that >they use birthdays as the major gift-giving day, send only one present > per child in December and not use (even secular) Christmas wrapping paper. >They got mad and the uncles and aunts still ignore birthdays while sending >huge packages of gifts around the end of December (no matter when Hannukah >falls). > We are about to send out a letter [...] 46 35 39_Re: Just in time for Chanukah/Christmas10_Eric Simon23_erics@access2.digex.net29_Mon, 30 Oct 1995 21:11:29 GMT320_- susan (d.s.) marcus (smarcus@bnr.ca) wrote: : This year will be her first year that she is exposed to : Christmas and Santa Clause at her new daycare providers. : I'll look forward to discussions on how I should best handle : this and make sure that she isn't disappointed when : Santa doesn't come to our house. [...] 82 62 49_Re: Moving from Religious to non-religious school12_Paul Horwitz22_pdh@message-bank.co.uk29_Mon, 30 Oct 1995 19:56:38 GMT508_- js@cs.tulane.edu (Jan Silbermann) wrote:

>I have a couple of personal problems with our local Jewish school >(the only school in the area) and am considering all my options. >How traumatic do you all think it would be for a 5yo from a frum house >(shomer shabbos, kashrut etc...) to move from a frum school environment >to a public school? What if it was to a public school and a Judaic >studies program in a separate environment? > > >Jan, Mommy to Tovah (5), Eliana (3) and Asher (8.5mo) > > [...] 145 43 54_Re: Methods of parenting - children noise in synagogue12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu29_Mon, 30 Oct 1995 19:55:26 GMT620_- Douglas W. Jones,201H MLH,3193350740,3193382879 (jones@pyrite.cs.uiowa.edu) wrote: > From article <46rim2$qv0@ixnews3.ix.netcom.com>, > by aaron.g@ix.netcom.com (Aaron Gross):

> We work the kids into the service. For example, the "ark opener's club" > consists of all the younger kids; they get called up as a bunch when it > comes time to open the ark. Then, there's the "Ain Keloheinu group", again, > all the kids, and they get called up to help lead that song, Aleinu, and > Adon Olam. These "clubs" and "groups" are not formal things, that's just > what we call them when the time comes to invite the [...] 189 58 16_Re: (no subject)0_13_stuie@ibm.net29_Sun, 29 Oct 1995 22:41:28 GMT609_US-ASCII In Article<46h1ha$e7l@tribune.usask.ca>, write:

> My daughter is now 2 1/2 and starting to look around and > notice the Christmas decorations starting to go up. She > already knows about a "Santa Claus" and calls the decorated > trees in the stores "Christmas". Furthermore, all her day > to day friends are Christian, and will be participating in > the full Christmas treatment. A number of the parents also > are encouraging the belief in "Santa Claus" in their kids. > If push comes to shove, I am strongly inclined to tell my > daughter that Santa is just [...] 248 33 15_december dilmna10_BANGBANG2118_bangbang21@aol.com29_Sun, 29 Oct 1995 22:02:14 GMT546_- I share common concern. My 4 1\2 year old daughter is consumed with Santa envy. She wishes for Santa to come to our house every time someone says make a wish. She often says "I wish I were Christian so Santa could come to our house!" She attends a Jewish preschool and has predominently Jewish friends. I do not know what else to do besides keep telling her how some children are lucky to have Santn Claus and Jewish children are lucky to have Rosh Ha Shana and P esach and Hanukah. Any suggestions are much appreciated!!!!! Thanks , Bang [...] 282 40 28_Re: Need good songs for kids13_Edwin Frankel22_frankele@cadvision.com29_Tue, 31 Oct 1995 08:31:24 GMT511_us-ascii

Robyn asked > >So, can anyone recommend a good tape of Jewish music lively enough to engage >a two-year-old? Hebrew, English, or Yiddish would be fine, but I'd like >to avoid tapes that consist mostly of original or "manufactured" songs >with no traditional component, even if they have Jewish subject matter. >Songs on the line of "I have a little dreidel" and "Make charoses, chop chop >chop" would be fine (hey, I remember these from my childhood, so that's >tradition enough, right?). [...] 323 43 24_Re: The December Dilemma14_Howard Gershen18_howard@boxhill.com29_Tue, 31 Oct 1995 14:49:49 GMT586_-

> From: pourel@iastate.edu (Ina Pour-El) > > Our problem is presents. Both sets of grandparents (Jewish and > non-Jewish) view Hannukah a big gift-giving holiday. We want a more > traditional approach, gelt and games not Toys R Us. We have requested that > they use birthdays as the major gift-giving day, send only one present > per child in December and not use (even secular) Christmas wrapping paper. > They got mad and the uncles and aunts still ignore birthdays while sending > huge packages of gifts around the end of December (no matter when Hannukah > falls). > [...] 367 38 31_Re: Birthday Parties on Shabbat13_Bernie Mayoff20_bmayoff@vnet.ibm.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 04:07:19 GMT639_- In , clmn@ellis.uchicago.edu (Bill Coleman) writes: >In article <9510242243.AA02382@norad.pencom.com>, >Steven R Weintraub wrote: >>I don't know if this is a gripe I just want to get off my chest, or I >>want real advice. My daughter (Shoshana) is around 3 and all of her >>friends are just now having their third birthday party. Needless to say, >>this is a new procedure to us. The problem is that so many of their >>parties occur on Shabbat. >> > >As a day school administrator, however, I can say that this particular >problem lies within the province of the school. It must [...] 406 47 20_Re: Rabbi necessary?13_Edwin Frankel22_frankele@cadvision.com29_Mon, 30 Oct 1995 22:44:27 GMT321_us-ascii

JOnathan Dresner asked: > > Is a Rabbi necessary for a bris milah? >

It's more of a loaded question than you may think. Technically the answer is no. However, in many communities the local rabbi is also the local mohel, which is one of the reasons for their confusion in so many mohel jokes. [...] 454 45 19_Xmas at the In-laws12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu29_Mon, 30 Oct 1995 20:56:42 GMT453_-

First a little background. I (Naomi) am Jewish, spouse (Randy) is not. Child (Shaina, will be 4 in a month) is being raised fully Jewish. We have always celebrated Chanukkah in our home, with candle-lighting, dreydal, latkes, and gifts. On Xmas morning, we go to the in-laws to spend the day with them, and we give them their gifts and vice-versa. It's a pleassant family gathering, no different from any other except for the tree/gifts. [...] 500 71 36_re: religious to non-religous school16_karen franklopez24_kfranklo@unlinfo.unl.edu29_Tue, 31 Oct 1995 16:09:00 GMT546_- Hello all...

I don't have children (yet) but I am glad to see this jewish.parenting on the board. I have been lurking because not only do I feel this is an important topic for parents but for those of us who are contemplating parenthood. I am currently a p/t hebrew school teacher (5th grade on Mon & Wed, Hebrew High on Sundays) and the USY director at my synagogue at these topics come up all the time. It's nice to hear different opinions on how to approach these subjects and offer these opions on to my students. With the ages [...] 572 42 27_Christmas & Jewish Identity10_Eric Simon23_erics@access2.digex.net29_Tue, 31 Oct 1995 16:58:54 GMT354_- Caren Feldman (cfeldman@skatter.usask.ca) wrote: : The question is: how can I compete with Christmas and : establish my daughter's Jewish identity in the case where : there are comparatively very few Jewish children her age : to bond with?

This year might be the first issue in which that comes up for our family, too (my oldest is 2-1/2). [...] 615 62 54_Re: Methods of parenting - children noise in synagogue20_Eric Jaron Stieglitz24_ephraim@ctr.columbia.edu29_Tue, 31 Oct 1995 23:01:22 GMT511_- In article <4742n2$46u@ixnews4.ix.netcom.com>, Aaron Gross wrote: > >What works for my wife and me is that one of us stays home. If one >or more of our girls is well-behaved, she/they can earn the privilege >of walking to shul with me or my wife. However, if a daughter is disruptive, >she must stay at home the following Shabbat. As my wife and I always >learn the weekly parsha at home with our children on Shabbat, our >children do not suffer from missing services for a week. [...] 678 47 40_Re: Competing with Xmas (was no subject)0_32_Meredith_Warshaw@charlesview.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 01:57:00 GMT576_-

>The question is: how can I compete with Christmas and >establish my daughter's Jewish identity in the case where >there are comparatively very few Jewish children her age >to bond with? And what do I do with Santa?

We have done two things:

One thing that worked really well for us last year was "winter" decorations. I got lots of snowflakes - hanging, strings of them, the kind that stick to the window. We had a great time puttung them up (after Hanukkah), our house looked very festive at a dreary time of year, but there was no question that [...] 726 75 23_Re: December strategies9_Betsey K.14_belle@coil.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 12:39:47 GMT551_- First of all, I wanted to thank the powers to be for this group. I am a Jewish mom in a mixed marriage, trying very hard to raise two little girls the way I was raised..

In article <46il8c$t7t@newsstand.cit.cornell.edu>, Enid Karr wrote: >2. The awful question (Usually by store clerks) to my small daughters: > 'Were you a good girl? Did Santa bring you lots of toys?' > I use a variation of 'We don't celebrate...' but I'm afraid these > well-intentioned people make my girls feel like they must be bad somehow. [...] 802 62 27_Re: Unexpected Antisemitism15_Martin M. Cohen15_mcohen@ucla.edu29_Tue, 31 Oct 1995 07:25:29 GMT335_- In article <95Oct30.094953pst.111165-2@aero.org>, faigin@solarium.aero.org wrote:



> My question is this: My daughter is just about a year, and so probably didn't > catch it. What if she was older? How do you explain people like this to > children? What do you teach children to do when faced with antisemitism? > [...] 865 70 54_Re: Methods of parenting - children noise in synagogue14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu29_Tue, 31 Oct 1995 15:39:14 GMT569_- In article <4742n2$46u@ixnews4.ix.netcom.com>, Aaron Gross wrote: >In <46tgh0$n5f@life.ai.mit.edu> robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu (Robyn Kozierok) >writes: >> >You just said that you remove him if he gets too antsy. Does the rest >of your congregation follow your example? Two is not three. I am curious >if he will continue to behave or if he will be distracted by the other >children as he gets older. Also, what happens if he acts up in the >middle >of the Amidah or Shema or other area where interruptions in the tefilah >are proscribed? [...] 936 54 54_Re: Methods of parenting - children noise in synagogue11_Jeff Kerber17_kerber@onramp.net28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 14:46:14 GMT447_- In article <4741us$2gq@ixnews6.ix.netcom.com>, aaron.g@ix.netcom.com (Aaron Gross) wrote:

-->Well, I guess the above is why I stopped going to non-Orthodox shuls. -->The idea that "The problem is, people expect to obtain a high level of -->spiritual fulfillment from Shabbat services" is anathema. I go to -->shul to daven. I restrict socializing to kiddush-time. My children -->bond with other Jews every day at home and at school. [...] 991 39 30_Re: Naming for Converting Kids3_ajh19_ajh@interaccess.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 13:18:33 GMT455_- In article <46rjt2$q1b@ixnews7.ix.netcom.com> aaron.g@ix.netcom.com (Aaron Gross) writes: >From: aaron.g@ix.netcom.com (Aaron Gross) >Subject: Re: Naming for Converting Kids >Date: Fri, 27 Oct 1995 14:45:06 -0700

>In robin@iglou.iglou.com (Robin Elise Weiss) >writes: >> >>How do I go about picking a name. ANy hints or suggestions would be >>greatly appreciated. >> >>Momma to Hilary (12-8-91) and Benjamin (5-17-93) [...] 1031 70 40_Guardianship and Non-Observant Relatives14_Rick Goldstein23_hfg@scylla.colorado.edu28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 17:16:02 GMT657_- >>>>> "DS" == David Sieradzki writes: In article David Sieradzki writes:



Replying to a post by Yehuda Berlinger where he suggests explaining that Jews and Christians have different beliefs and obligations, and that's why we don't celebrate Christmas:

DS> How does this work when it's members of your own family? We DS> are Conservative Jews, but my wife's sister, who lives nearby, DS> is married to a non-Jew. While they don't have a Christmas DS> tree in the house, they do observe Christmas in a low-key way DS> and don't observe any Jewish holidays except to the [...] 1102 23 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools10_Lubesttest18_lubesttest@aol.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 23:01:24 GMT590_- Point well taken about subsidizing Jewish Day Schools. Here in Los Angeles, we are looking at about $10,000 per year per child! With two children, who has an extra $20,000 per year (non-tax deductable)? Only those that make at least in six figures.

Louis U



DISCLAIMER: The contents of the article reflect the opinion of the author of the article, and may not reflect the opinion of the moderators and advisors of the newsgroup/mailing list. Medical and halachic opinions should always be reviewed and double-checked with an appropriate medical or halachic authority. 1126 48 18_Balancing acts ...14_Sherri Shulman18_sherri@cse.ogi.edu28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 23:27:11 GMT347_- Reading all the posts on taking children to synagogue (or not) brings up my variant.

I have 3 children: 10, 3, and 3. Back when I only had 1 child, we used to go to early family services on Friday evening, then home for Shabbat. We also went to Saturday morning services about twice a month, together. Things were so easy back then. [...] 1175 59 54_Re: Methods of parenting - children noise in synagogue17_L. Joseph Bachman25_jbachman@access.digex.net28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 14:24:23 GMT479_- aaron.g@ix.netcom.com (Aaron Gross) writes:

>In jbachman@access.digex.net (L. Joseph Bachman) >writes: >>

[my original message deleted]

>I agree with the above, entirely, except that it does not take small >congregations into account. There sometimes simply aren't facilities >or funds available. Our shul's annual budget, including EVERYTHING, >is considerably less than 6 figures. The rabbi doesn't even draw a >salary! [...] 1235 39 27_Re[2]: Methods of parenting0_35_dzimmerman@ccmail.casi.sti.nasa.gov29_Tue, 31 Oct 1995 19:01:48 GMT593_-

Here' how our Temple handles children/parenting.

Our temple holds a youth service for the children under the age of 13 and a baby sitting service for the ones that are to young to participate in the youth service. The youth service contains all of the same material as the adult service including their own shofar blowing. We are reformed and our temple recites Kaddish in unity, and announces Yurziet before the prayer. During the none religous holiday the Rabbi will pass his gaze amongst the congregation and you will call the name out of your loved one that has been [...] 1275 41 20_Unthinking questions0_32_Meredith_Warshaw@charlesview.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 15:43:00 GMT624_- [Moderators Note: I would like to remind everyone to please stay near topic. Once a a thread starts to deviate too much from the original question/statement, leaving out the Jewish parenting context, your post may be returned to you. Thank you.]



<46il8c$t7t@newsstand.cit.cornell.edu>, Enid Karr wrote: >2. The awful question (Usually by store clerks) to my small daughters: > 'Were you a good girl? Did Santa bring you lots of toys?' > I use a variation of 'We don't celebrate...' but I'm afraid these > well-intentioned people make my girls feel like they must be bad somehow. [...] 1317 74 61_Re: Non-Observant Relatives (was: How to Deal With Christmas)15_Georganne Burke19_nbcnet@inforamp.net28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 01:48:45 GMT546_- In article , David Sieradzki wrote:

> Yehuda Berlinger writes: > < different types of people, Jews and Christians (or any other > set), and each one is here to do what is best for them. Since > my family is orthodox, I add (but you don't have to) that Jews > were given the torah and told to keep X holidays, whereas > Christians don't believe in the torah as we do, but they still > love God and they believe in Y holidays. I also [...] 1392 95 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools15_Georganne Burke19_nbcnet@inforamp.net28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 01:40:03 GMT582_- In 1987, my husband and I made a decision that would destroy our finances, create enormous stress for and between us, and would come as close as possible to a guarantee that our children would become committed Jews. We left Buffalo, New York, a small and closeknit community with no possibilities for observant Jews to meet and marry others, to come to Toronto, an international megalopolis, with 150,000 Jews, many of whom are observant. We had our choice of day schools (all of which have problems, some more some less), our children finally had a peer group, and the cost [...] 1488 35 36_single parenting and Jewish holidays0_32_Meredith_Warshaw@charlesview.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 15:28:00 GMT337_-

To introduce myself to the list, I'm the single parent of a 4 1/2 year old boy, living in the Boston area. The problem that I've run into is that there are very few Jewish kids' holiday books that don't show Mommy and Daddy (and usually siblings, and maybe grandparents). This is especially true for Chanukkah and Pesach. [...] 1524 32 54_Re: Methods of parenting - children noise in synagogue0_32_Meredith_Warshaw@charlesview.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 03:56:00 GMT613_-

<>

Money does not have to be an issue for children's services. At most congregations I am familiar with, they are run by parents (although one place I was involved with had a wonderful woman comein to do Kabbalat Shabbat kids services with singing and stories and dancing, but that ws only a few times/year). [...] 1557 65 24_Re: The December Dilemma13_Vera Petrakos16_vera@Eng.Sun.COM28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 00:40:13 GMT471_- I. Pour-El: Rather than offend either side of the family by giving their gifts away to charity, I highly recommend you store them for reward and birthday gifts throughout the year. The gifts are given in love and the spirit of joy to bless a child. As the gifts arrive send a note of thanks to the sender and explain what will be done with it. They really can't say they haven't been warned that you choose to enrich your childrens hearts and not their toy boxes. [...] 1623 48 24_Re: Parents of Teenagers14_Liza Passanisi29_lp002e@uhura.cc.rochester.edu28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 00:48:05 GMT655_- In <9509318151.AA815181657@mail.casi.sti.nasa.gov> dzimmerman@mail.casi.sti.nasa.gov writes:



>I was wondering if anyone out there has teenagers between the ages of >12-15 who would like to open a discussion on the changes in their >personalities and the involvement with their jewish worship. >I am the mother of twins (a son and a daughter) They are 13 years old >and were just recently Bnai Mitzvah'd in February. Our children are >good hearted children, very helpful in the home, and well behaved >outside of our home. The difficult part is when they are home. >Sometimes I wonder if they still are our children. They become very [...] 1672 36 15_Re: babysitting15_Warren Burstein25_warren@vaccine.worlds.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 12:33:45 GMT350_- In jbachman@access.digex.net (L. Joseph Bachman) writes:

> The synagogue has a responsibility to provide baby-sitting and > educational programming for all children. At our synagogue, we have a > baby sitter on duty on Shabbat and Yom Tov from the start of Birkot > Hashacher untill the end of "Adon Olam." [...] 1709 27 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools15_Warren Burstein25_warren@vaccine.worlds.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 12:45:08 GMT505_- In David Sieradzki writes:

>Aside from the general questions this situation raises for the >future of Judaism (shouldn't these schools be more heavily >subsidized by the community to assure more widespread, >high-quality Jewish education?) ...

I'd like to strongly recommend that anyone who has concerns about the cost of Jewish education should talk to the administration of the school, they may already have a solution that you don't know about. 1737 47 24_Re: Parents of Teenagers13_Jeff Freedman19_jefffree@eskimo.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 15:23:36 GMT620_- dzimmerman@mail.casi.sti.nasa.gov wrote:

: I was wondering if anyone out there has teenagers between the ages of : 12-15 who would like to open a discussion on the changes in their : personalities and the involvement with their jewish worship.



I would be delighted to help you with this discussion. I have three children: Aaron 15, Benjamin 13 and Jamie 10. The kids live with their mother (which could raise an entirely new discussion) who is also Jewish. I have noticed a distinct change in the kids' religious commitment. Since our divorce a year ago, I religiously (pardon the pun) take [...] 1785 48 51_non-Jew seeks minimal Jewish education for children13_Kevin Karplus20_karplus@cse.ucsc.edu29_Sat, 28 Oct 1995 01:36:23 GMT567_-

I am not Jewish, but my father and his family are. (My mother is Episcopalean.)

My wife and I are about to have our first child, and the issue of religious education is one we are just starting to discuss.

I would like for the child to have an education similar to the one I had (alternating years Christian and Jewish, with no decision about religion until one is 13). I ended up begin agnostic, as I found I couldn't accept major parts of either faith, but I appreciated the effort my parents took to provide me with enough information [...] 1834 31 25_Jewish Families In Oregon0_30_indirect.com@smtp.indirect.com29_Sun, 29 Oct 1995 20:42:37 GMT501_- We are thinking of moving to Oregon in the reasonably near future. We know very little about the ethnic makeup of Oregon. Are there any areas with a Jewish heritage? We are not so much interested in the religion of Judaism as knowning other Jewish families. Having a common background makes making friends easier, finding adult social groups, kid's playgroups, etc. We have two children, a 2+ year old girl and a 4+ year old boy. My wife and I are both 35+. All of us enjoy outdoor activities. [...] 1866 46 22_Amusing Santa Antidote15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 04:26:55 GMT449_-

An advisor on this newsgroup gave me a great gift last year, and I finally figured out how to put it to use. Whilst at the Children's Museum, she ran across a roll of stickers with a black and white picture of Santa, and the international red circle with line "NO" across him. At the time I laughed. But now, after reading so many posts about Xmas and Santa, I decided to make the stickers into buttons that we can wear on our coats. [...] 1913 28 41_Re: A Cute Christmas Light Reaction Story8_amcallis28_amcallis@helix.hgen.pitt.edu28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 17:37:33 GMT334_ISO-8859-1 let me just start out with: I'm glad the group is finally here.

we were at a friend's sukkah this year and they had xmas lights strung in their sukkah; sara maia looked at them and said, "look mommy, hannukah lights". I just looked at my friend and smiled.

Andrea. [sara maia, 6/02/93; rochel, 12/24/94] [...] 1942 32 28_Re: Need good songs for kids12_Wendy Stanek21_wawichman@ucdavis.edu28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 22:50:38 GMT605_- I apologize if this isn't exactly within the scope of raising Jewish children, but in hopes that you don't mind, here goes:

My mother works in a daycare where diversity issues are emphasized as a way to decrease bigotry and hatred. They are interested in finding some "Jewish" music for children, particularly children's songs (lullabies, traditional songs, etc.) None of the children (as far as I know) have a strong Jewish identity or we'd ask them about music. Can someone please email me with a good source for this type of music? And if you're feeling particularly generous, the titles [...] 1975 50 49_Re: Moving from Religious to non-religious school10_Sol Lerner15_slerner@gte.com29_Tue, 31 Oct 1995 19:18:37 GMT496_- In article <46rhe3$f3o@rs10.tcs.tulane.edu>, js@cs.tulane.edu (Jan Silbermann) wrote:

> I have a couple of personal problems with our local Jewish school > (the only school in the area) and am considering all my options. > How traumatic do you all think it would be for a 5yo from a frum house > (shomer shabbos, kashrut etc...) to move from a frum school environment > to a public school? What if it was to a public school and a Judaic > studies program in a separate environment? [...] 2026 48 24_Re: Methods of Parenting0_25_lynnef@mdhost.cse.TEK.COM28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 22:12:40 GMT321_- We belong to a large Conservative synagogue in Portland, Oregon. There are always a large number of children at services (yes, even teenagers!). On Erev Shabbat, children go up to the bimah for the Kiddush (looks kind of like the Pied Piper, there are so many), and then those that choose to go to the story hour. [...] 2075 51 61_Re: Non-Observant Relatives (was: How to Deal With Christmas)0_17_David2505@aol.com28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 01:51:02 GMT467_-

First of all, what a pleasure it is that the appropriate way to introduce myself is as the father of Devorah (4) and Sammy (2-1/2)...what a great bunch of discussions!

In a message dated 95-10-31 23:19:50 EST, David Sieradzki writes:

>So what do I tell my almost-3-year-old when she asks where >her cousin (same age) goes to synagogue on Shabbat, or what >kind of Sukkah she has? Her cousin *is* Jewish, so Yehuda's >answer doesn't work. [...] 2127 39 19_Waiting for Shabbat0_17_David2505@aol.com28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 01:27:12 GMT452_-

In a message dated 95-11-01 05:16:18 EST, you write:

>I think, though, that a Jewish identity can be established by observing, >even a little bit, Shabbat. As the both-working-parents of two, our >lives are extremely hectic, and our meals are, too. > >But not our Friday night meals. We have a nice meal, we light the >candles, daddy (me) brings out the guitar and we sing songs, and, >basically, my 2-1/2 yr old *LOVES* shabbat. [...] 2167 39 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools18_Marjorie Pelcovits28_Marjorie_Pelcovits@brown.edu28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 04:48:50 GMT549_us-ascii Both our children (Grades K and 4) attend the Schechter school in Providence. About 30% of the students at our school receive financial aid. Tuition is about $6500 a year (compared to over $10,000 at local private schools), and enrollment is booming. The school really makes an effort to make sure no Jewish child is prevented from attending because of cost, but the budget is quite strained as a result. In any case, I'd suggest you check out the financial aid situation at your local schools before assuming the cost is prohibitive. [...] 2207 32 27_dealing with public schools16_Mark Steinberger21_mark@sarah.albany.edu28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 19:49:51 GMT682_- Our school system practically makes a fetish out of multiculturalism, but it hasn't penetrated that they should think twice about scheduling elementary school functions on Friday nights.

Has anyone here had any luck persuading their school system to take Jewish religious practices seriously as a multicultural phenomenon?

--Mark -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark Steinberger | Dept. of Math. & Stat | Nonlinear similarity begins in dimension six. SUNY at Albany | Albany, NY 12222 | mark@csc.albany.edu | http://math.albany.edu:8800/~mark -------------------------------------------------------------------------- [...] 2240 34 15_Winter Holidays16_howard.a.freidin35_howard.a.freidin@ArthurAndersen.com28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 13:13:19 GMT383_- My six year old son likes to compose stories on the computer at home. This is his latest, and all the spelling is his.

poem chanacah. hanacah is for eate days you get a present eche day but crismas for only one so for jeus it is a yae.

I still have to work on the materialisim and presents, but at least he likes being Jewish and doesn't want to celebrate Xmas. [...] 2275 94 45_Jewish Identity in Christian Community (long)10_Porchlight30_arcohen@cardinal2.Stanford.EDU28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 22:50:44 GMT341_US-ASCII Caren asks:

> how can I compete with Christmas and > establish my daughter's Jewish identity in the case where > there are comparatively very few Jewish children her age > to bond with? And what do I do with Santa?

I hope that telling you a little about how my parents dealt with this issue will put you at ease. [...] 2370 54 27_Re: Unexpected Antisemitism11_Bruce Lewis16_bruceml@tiac.net28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 15:40:37 GMT554_us-ascii

>This weekend, my wife, daughter, and I volunteered our time at a local >railroad museum. We had one incident happen that I'd like to share, and get >some opinions on.



> >I didn't make a scene then; it would have been inappropriate (you can't really >argue with these folks). My wife mentioned it to museum management; they said >if I identified the person, they'd talk to him, and if he wouldn't change his >ways, he'd be out of there. (Racisim is something they *do not* tolerate -- >this is why I like the place). [...] 2425 47 18_Shabbat Activities0_11_phn@hint.no28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 09:13:34 GMT589_-

I'm a Sabbathkeeper, but not a Jew. I am just wondering whether Jews watch television and read newspapers on Sabbath. Our family did not do either, but we have encountered problems with some of our friends who do both. It was particularly difficult when our children were samll and we would visit other Sabbathkeepers who let their children watch television on Sabbath. It became increasingly difficult to explain to the children why this was the case. Also, when our friends were visiting us, we felt we were being very mean not to let their children watch TV. We tried to [...] 2473 95 55_Re: non-Jew seeks minimal Jewish education for children17_Leslie Z. Sokolow22_0003420021@mcimail.com28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 14:42:00 GMT474_-

To the anonymous fellow who asked about Santa Cruz resources:

I used to live in Santa Cruz as an undergraduate at UCSC and later when my husband was the director at the Santa Cruz Hillel Foundation. Santa Cruz

is a small town but not without its Jewish resources.

Yes, there is Temple Beth El (reform) and Rabbi Rick Litvak would probably help you but you mention that transportation is a limitation (BTW the shul has a bus stop nearby). [...] 2569 26 26_Re: Amusing Santa Antidote0_17_bdlerner@JTSA.EDU28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 18:21:23 GMT489_US-ASCII

Regarding the "No Santa" button, it would be considered very offensive by some, and that should be sufficient to checkle and put the idea aside.

Dov

DISCLAIMER: The contents of the article reflect the opinion of the author of the article, and may not reflect the opinion of the moderators and advisors of the newsgroup/mailing list. Medical and halachic opinions should always be reviewed and double-checked with an appropriate medical or halachic authority. 2596 34 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools0_17_bdlerner@JTSA.EDU28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 18:18:29 GMT566_US-ASCII

Dear Friends,

Not only should you speak to the day school administration about scholarship assistance, you may also want to speak with your Rabbi and the congregation's possible helpfulness. One should also track the programs the school runs for fund-raising in the name of "scholarships" and determine whether it is so. I have found occasionally that in the name of scholarships the school raised needed funds, to be sure, for the roof and the oil, but it is dishonest. It can give you an edge in honesty in securing needed assistance. [...] 2631 122 38_Circumcision - seeking light, not heat13_Ronnie Falcao25_falcao@Xenon.Stanford.EDU28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 09:11:12 GMT326_-

[Moderator - Steven Weintraub - Since this is the first post on the topic of circumcision I wish to remind all respondants the charter of this groups allows discussion of this topic ONLY in a Jewish light and our FAQ has a large section on this topic which I append to the end of this article of circumcision.] [...] 2754 79 22_Re: Shabbat Activities17_Leslie Z. Sokolow22_0003420021@mcimail.com28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 21:22:00 GMT560_- A mystery person wrote:

>I'm a Sabbathkeeper, but not a Jew. I am just wondering whether Jews >watch television and read newspapers on Sabbath. Our family did not >do either, but we have encountered problems with some of our friends >who do both....... > >I would just like to know what sort of activities Jews allow their >children to participate in on Sabbath, since you have an older tradition >in Sabbathkeepping than we do. Do you allow football, dancing, listening >to the radio, singing/playing/listening to popular music etc.? [...] 2834 57 49_Re: Moving from Religious to non-religious school12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 16:35:58 GMT576_- Sol Lerner (slerner@gte.com) wrote: > In article <46rhe3$f3o@rs10.tcs.tulane.edu>, js@cs.tulane.edu (Jan > Silbermann) wrote:

> > I have a couple of personal problems with our local Jewish school > > (the only school in the area) and am considering all my options.

> Two major problems:

> 1. The child will grow up to learn that Judaism is like a straightjacket-- > it is why he can't go and eat over a friends house, it is why he can't > play after school with his friends (i.e. he has to go to the Judaic > studies program), etc. In other words, [...] 2892 81 36_Re: religious to non-religous school10_Sol Lerner15_slerner@gte.com28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 19:11:33 GMT548_- In article <475hms$7tl@crcnis3.unl.edu>, kfranklo@unlinfo.unl.edu (karen franklopez) wrote: >

There are certainly poor schools. I even agree that it is sometimes (although IMO, it should be very rare) appropriate to send a child to a public school. However, it should be a very last resort-- after ALL options (such as other schools in the area, discussion with school administrators, AND EVEN MOVING THE FAMILY TO ANOTHER CITY) are seriously considered. [...] 2974 32 18_Re: songs for kids9_Dan Kogan28_Dan_D_Kogan@ccm.jf.intel.com28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 10:28:02 GMT406_- >I also have a set of 2 tapes from Israel called "100 Chrldrens' Songs." >All the standard Israeli childrens' songs are there. It's all in >Hebrew, and I got it in Israel. The cover was done by Dosh, so that >should help you identify it to whoever you have going to look for >it in Israel. My sister got it at a store in Jerusalem with a name >like Shuk Strauss. I'm sure Steimatsky's has it too. > [...] 3007 37 26_Re: Amusing Santa Antidote18_Thomas A Longstaff20_tl2b+@andrew.cmu.edu28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 15:48:35 GMT407_-

Excerpts from mail: 2-Nov-95 Amusing Santa Antidote by Marjorie Peskin@lynx.dac > Question is, do you think they would be deemed as offensive (rather than > defensive, which is my usage) if I put them on my kids jackets? If you > saw some preschoolers heading towards you with a "NO SANTA" button, > would you laugh, demand to know where you could get some too, or be > outraged? > Marjorie, [...] 3045 69 15_Re: babysitting19_Amy Sheldon (ESMPD)19_asheldon@Census.GOV28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 00:51:29 GMT566_US-ASCII





On Wed, 1 Nov 1995, Warren Burstein wrote:

> > My shul is thinking of doing something like this (we've just started > two groups one for kindergarden and first grade, the other for second > thru fifth grade and babysitting may be next). Could you provide any > details? Is there a single babysitter? If so, what happens when a > parent needs to be called? In any case, how do the babysitter(s) find > the parents if needed? What sort of facilities are needed? > -- > /|/-\/-\ "In the Old Country, I was but a humble Jew. [...] 3115 59 55_Re: non-Jew seeks minimal Jewish education for children12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 21:53:24 GMT549_- Kevin Karplus (karplus@cse.ucsc.edu) wrote:

> I am not Jewish, but my father and his family are. (My mother is > Episcopalean.)

> My wife and I are about to have our first child, and the issue of > religious education is one we are just starting to discuss.

> I would like for the child to have an education similar to the one I > had (alternating years Christian and Jewish, with no decision about > religion until one is 13). I ended up begin agnostic, as I found I > couldn't accept major parts of either faith, but I [...] 3175 78 15_Re: babysitting17_L. Joseph Bachman25_jbachman@access.digex.net28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 22:35:10 GMT415_- warren@vaccine.worlds.com (Warren Burstein) writes:

>In jbachman@access.digex.net (L. Joseph Bachman) >writes:

>> The synagogue has a responsibility to provide baby-sitting and >> educational programming for all children. At our synagogue, we have a >> baby sitter on duty on Shabbat and Yom Tov from the start of Birkot >> Hashacher untill the end of "Adon Olam." [...] 3254 33 27_Re: Jewish Halloween Story!9_Amy Cohen27_arcohen@leland.Stanford.EDU28_Sat, 4 Nov 1995 03:53:44 GMT363_- >my personal philosophy :-), I was rather surprised to come >across a little treasure called "The Rabbi and the 29 Witches!" >It was like a cross betwen a Chelm story and the Wizard of Oz. >

Is that the one where he "between the raindrops"? If it is, I remember being completely delighted by it. When I go home in December I'll have to look for it. [...] 3288 81 27_Re: Unexpected Antisemitism8_Ed Miron16_miron@atlcom.net28_Sat, 4 Nov 1995 13:53:41 GMT602_- In article <95Oct30.094953pst.111165-2@aero.org>, faigin@solarium.aero.org wrote:

> My question is this: My daughter is just about a year, and so probably didn't > catch it. What if she was older? How do you explain people like this to > children? What do you teach children to do when faced with antisemitism?

My children now age 9 & 10 have been born and raised in a very small north Georgia town. They are the only synagogue affiliated kids in the community. Our synagogue of 65 families,in a much larger town of 30,000 people 20 miles away, is the smallest congregation in the [...] 3370 31 22_Amusing Santa Antidote14_Samy S. Sidhom24_sidhom@mbcrr.harvard.edu28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 01:27:56 GMT306_- This is just as offensive as putting on a button that has a star of David with a red "no" sign on it. The ironic thing is that you are expecting Christians to laugh it out while if the same thing was done to you, you would have called it "antisemitic." Santa Clause, afterall, is a Christian saint. [...] 3402 45 28_Re: Shabbat birthday parties15_Georganne Burke19_nbcnet@inforamp.net28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 02:01:39 GMT440_- The problem with birthday parties is not the notion of celebrating a birthday on Shabbat, but making it accessible to all the children who are invited or should be invited without breaking Shabbat, and doing appropriate activities for Shabbat.

We often celebrate our children's birthdays on Shabbat (if they come out that way) but we have long since eliminated the Shabbat birthday party for friends because of the logistics. [...] 3448 49 24_Re: Methods of parenting24_Dane Amydane Amy Harwood15_amydane@iii.net28_Sat, 4 Nov 1995 19:27:22 GMT338_- Marjorie Peskin (mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu) wrote: : LT Silverman (ltsilver@borg.com) wrote:

: Story of unruly kids at a Bar Mitzvah deleted for brevity.

: : How does one balance the rights of the congregation and the need to : : encourage participation of young families with too active children as in : : this case? [...] 3498 37 26_Re: Amusing Santa Antidote12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 14:40:06 GMT371_- Samy S. Sidhom (sidhom@mbcrr.harvard.edu) wrote: > This is just as offensive as putting on a button that has a star of David > with > a red "no" sign on it. The ironic thing is that you are expecting Christians > to > laugh it out while if the same thing was done to you, you would have called > it > "antisemitic." > Santa Clause, afterall, is a Christian saint. [...] 3536 41 39_Re: Just in time for Chanukah/Christmas12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 14:49:22 GMT376_- Eric Simon (erics@access2.digex.net) wrote: > susan (d.s.) marcus (smarcus@bnr.ca) wrote: > : This year will be her first year that she is exposed to > : Christmas and Santa Clause at her new daycare providers. > : I'll look forward to discussions on how I should best handle > : this and make sure that she isn't disappointed when > : Santa doesn't come to our house. [...] 3578 66 31_Re: Birthday Parties on Shabbat15_Jeremy Nussbaum20_jeremy@jeremy.hi.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 21:03:16 GMT574_- In article <9510242243.AA02382@norad.pencom.com>, Steven R Weintraub writes: |> I don't know if this is a gripe I just want to get off my chest, or I |> want real advice. My daughter (Shoshana) is around 3 and all of her |> friends are just now having their third birthday party. Needless to say, |> this is a new procedure to us. The problem is that so many of their |> parties occur on Shabbat. |> |> While I understand Non-Jewish parents not worrying about this, many of |> these invitations come from children in her Jewish Day School class. [...] 3645 48 49_Re: Moving from Religious to non-religious school17_Pokie at the game24_afn15089@freenet.ufl.edu28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 11:34:37 GMT460_US-ASCII On Fri, 27 Oct 1995, Jan Silbermann wrote:

> I have a couple of personal problems with our local Jewish school > (the only school in the area) and am considering all my options. > How traumatic do you all think it would be for a 5yo from a frum house > (shomer shabbos, kashrut etc...) to move from a frum school environment > to a public school? What if it was to a public school and a Judaic > studies program in a separate environment? [...] 3694 63 37_Re: Appropriate gift for bat mitzvah?12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 19:04:11 GMT365_- Clare Bates Congdon (congdon@buzzard.eecs.umich.edu) wrote: > Hi all --

> We've recently been invited to our babysitter's daughter's bat mitzvah. We > won't be able to go, but I'm really touched to have been invited, and would > like to give Barbara a nice gift. We're not Jewish, so I'm not really clear > on > what's considered an appropriate gift. [...] 3758 45 23_Re: Xmas at the In-laws8_amcallis28_amcallis@helix.hgen.pitt.edu28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 17:55:39 GMT529_ISO-8859-1 naomi,

this is a tough one. I am in a similar situation in that my in-laws are not Jewish, my husband converted after we were married. I was very concerned from before my first child was born, how to handle it. we ended up going to our rabbi about it. basically, we have our kids receive their gifts on hannukah only, and it took a couple of years but it now works fine. we also don't go over their house on x-mas day, usually a day or two after if that works out. there were meny reasons involved in this [...] 3804 56 28_Re: Need good songs for kids19_Cheryl Birkner Mack27_dd279@cleveland.Freenet.Edu28_Fri, 3 Nov 1995 03:11:06 GMT606_-

Reply to message from wawichman@ucdavis.edu of Thu, 02 Nov > >I apologize if this isn't exactly within the scope of raising Jewish >children, but in hopes that you don't mind, here goes: > >My mother works in a daycare where diversity issues are emphasized as a >way to decrease bigotry and hatred. They are interested in finding some >"Jewish" music for children, particularly children's songs (lullabies, >traditional songs, etc.) None of the children (as far as I know) have a >strong Jewish identity or we'd ask them about music. Can someone please >email me with a good source for this [...] 3861 38 48_Re: attack of the Santa figure (was: no subject)13_Bernie Mayoff20_bmayoff@vnet.ibm.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 04:12:45 GMT508_- In <46u024$jl2@news.duke.edu>, pperlman@acpub.duke.edu (Peter Perlman) writes: >What do you with Barney? Superman? Daffy duck? I think once they're out >there in kid consciousness, you can't take them back. Eight year old >scientific thinking and chutzpa seems to do a pretty good job of that >anyway. Who is this Santa guy anyway and what does he really have to do >with Christianity? Or the Easter Bunny--He doesn't show up in either >testament, and orthodox christian's don't like him much either. [...] 3900 26 26_Re: Amusing Santa Antidote9_Bill Bell28_ac865@freenet.hamilton.on.ca28_Sat, 4 Nov 1995 15:06:30 GMT10_-

3927 59 24_Re: Methods of Parenting0_11_phn@hint.no28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 13:51:40 GMT551_- In article , Thomas A Longstaff says: > >I belong to a big Reform Congregation and I have a 5 yo son who has attended >services with us since we joined when he was two. I am always suprised when I >here that children should go to baby sitting. Children are our future and if >we want them to come to Temple then we should make them welcome. > >At our Temple I fought the main stream and since then there are many other >kids that attend service. > >It is my job as a parent to teach my [...] 3987 57 28_Re: Need good songs for kids17_Sarah Y. Schwartz23_sgs@mini.skynet.att.com28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 14:45:05 GMT673_- In article <472kr3$9vg@lastactionhero.rs.itd.umich.edu>, Haran Rashes wrote: >On Sun, 29 Oct 1995 09:44:43 -0800 robin@dgsys.com (Robin Netherton) >wrote: > >>So, can anyone recommend a good tape of Jewish music lively enough to engage >>a two-year-old? Hebrew, English, or Yiddish would be fine, but I'd like >>to avoid tapes that consist mostly of original or "manufactured" songs >>with no traditional component, even if they have Jewish subject matter. >>Songs on the line of "I have a little dreidel" and "Make charoses, chop chop >>chop" would be fine (hey, I remember these from my childhood, so that's >>tradition enough, right?). > >There [...] 4045 79 24_Re: Parents of Teenagers15_Georganne Burke19_nbcnet@inforamp.net28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 01:42:28 GMT609_- In article <9509318151.AA815181657@mail.casi.sti.nasa.gov>, dzimmerman@mail.casi.sti.nasa.gov wrote:

> > I was wondering if anyone out there has teenagers between the ages of > 12-15 who would like to open a discussion on the changes in their > personalities and the involvement with their jewish worship. > I am the mother of twins (a son and a daughter) They are 13 years old > and were just recently Bnai Mitzvah'd in February. Our children are > good hearted children, very helpful in the home, and well behaved > outside of our home. The difficult part is when they are home. > Sometimes I [...] 4125 43 24_Intermarried Couples...?12_Dina Stander16_dina@crocker.com28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 02:16:24 GMT564_- I am a non-religious Jewish woman married to a non-religious man who's only church experiences as a child were Unitarian (and Buddhist in his early twenties).

We have 2 children, ages 3.5 and 5 months, both girls (so we were able to avoid the circumcision question altogether).

My mother was raised in an orthodox home and my father's family was not religious at all. My sense of Jewishness really comes from my mom, we had wonderful holidays with songs and food and fun but low key because my dad is somewhat anti-religion, as is my husband. [...] 4169 35 27_Re: Unexpected Antisemitism16_Mark Steinberger21_mark@sarah.albany.edu28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 19:36:33 GMT503_- In article <95Oct30.094953pst.111165-2@aero.org>, wrote: > What do you teach children to do when faced with antisemitism?

There is no way to avoid the issue. Downplaying the issue trivializes many horrible events of the past, and some in the present.

On the other hand, there isn't necessarily a good response to a specific incident like the one described. The best thing for kids to do is to talk to their parents and try to get a handle on the problem. [...] 4205 47 31_Re: Birthday Parties on Shabbat12_Bill Coleman23_clmn@ellis.uchicago.edu28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 02:37:33 GMT486_- In article <473a04$5h1@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, naomi pardue wrote:

After quoting my post that the day school should insist that birthday parties not be held on Shabbat:

>Maybe I missed something here... but it doesn't seem to me to be the >role of the day school to dicatate what goes on AFTER school hours. The >teacher may well explain to parents to shabbat birthday parties are not >a good idea, but you can hardly forbid them. [...] 4253 47 37_Re: Appropriate gift for bat mitzvah?19_Cheryl Birkner Mack27_dd279@cleveland.Freenet.Edu28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 18:32:23 GMT550_-

Reply to message from npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu of Wed, 01 Nov

> > Does anyone have any great bat/bar >mitzvah gift ideas to share? > >Other than money (always appreciated...) the main thing is that the gift >should be "serious", (not frivolous) and, if possible, "Jewish." So a >non-fiction >book on some topic of interest, a CD of Jewish music, an article of >clothing if you know her size and tastes, or perhaps a Jewish ritual >object that she can use. (A kippah [if she wears them, not all girls >do], or candlesticks [...] 4301 49 40_Re: No Virginia there is no Jewish Santa0_18_Markalang1@aol.com28_Sat, 4 Nov 1995 04:28:54 GMT621_-

In response to Susan Marcos and Eric Simon, I have what may be a radical approach to the so called Santa or December Dilemna......I just tell my kids the truth. Santa is a make believe story made up for Christian children to help them celebrate THEIR holiday of Christmas. My children have been to Chinese New Year celebrations, Christmas celebrations and other religions' holidays and we enjoy watching and helping other people celebrate their holiday but we always make the point that it is their holiday...not ours and we are only visitors sharing in their celebrations. Interesting enough, my children [...] 4351 30 18_Re: Circumcision -0_14_GMAN94@aol.com28_Sat, 4 Nov 1995 02:04:35 GMT325_- [Moderator's Note: Please remember that: Posts that criticize a parent for *ANY* circumcision decision made for their son will not be allowed. Also medical arguments for or against circumcision will not be allowed. SCJP is to be a safe place to discuss issues relating to circumcision of Jewish baby boys. Thank you.] [...] 4382 25 45_Austin, TX - Are there any orthodox families?14_Marty Bryskier14_martyb@emi.net28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 04:31:13 GMT353_- My husband is being transferred to Austin Texas. Since we are orthodox, we are concerned about the lack of an observant Jewish community in the area. My son is 9 months old, so it won't make a difference immediately, but we are concerned about feeling isolated and how it will affect our family. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! [...] 4408 43 28_Re: Intermarried Couples...?13_Jeff Freedman19_jefffree@eskimo.com28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 16:03:02 GMT341_- Dina Stander (dina@crocker.com) wrote: : I am a non-religious Jewish woman married to a non-religious man who's : only church experiences as a child were Unitarian (and Buddhist in his : early twenties).

: We have 2 children, ages 3.5 and 5 months, both girls (so we were able to : avoid the circumcision question altogether). [...] 4452 59 36_Re: religious to non-religous school0_17_David2505@aol.com28_Sat, 4 Nov 1995 21:31:32 GMT656_-

In a message dated 95-11-03 19:40:03 EST, Sol, aka slerner@gte.com writes:

>Why? Do you introduce your children (wittingly) to violence and >pornographic material? Why then should you introduce them (wittingly >again) to morals and value-systems that are often antithetical to Judaism?

That's a wildly unfair characterization of public schools. There are public schools like that (I've volunteered at one of them), but I'd bet that the school under consideration by the original poster is not one of them. There are many public schools (the ones I am a product of, for example) that are capable of turning out committed Jewish [...] 4512 51 31_Re: Birthday Parties on Shabbat12_Bill Coleman23_clmn@ellis.uchicago.edu28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 02:47:24 GMT634_- In article <475iap$2m2@gerd.cs.cornell.edu>, David Karr wrote:

>The other thing I'm missing is a better understanding of the >circumstances that would prevent a child from attending a birthday >party. For example, for two years we were neighbors with a family who >recently moved back to Israel. This family was fully observant as far >as I could ever tell, but their children went to the Saturday birthday >parties of other kids in the neighborhood. Of course if they'd been >invited to a party on the other side of town I'm certain they would >have declined, since they absolutely never drove or [...] 4564 32 48_Re: attack of the Santa figure (was: no subject)11_Howard Moss15_hmoss@sr.hp.com28_Sat, 4 Nov 1995 01:18:57 GMT423_- Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea. (rscw081@CNSVAX.ALBANY.EDU) wrote: : I remember when I was young and asked my mother if Santa was real, she said : (paraphrasing) "Yes, and no. No, there is no man in red who climbs into : people's housses to leave presents. But Santa is a very real idea, like a : symbol of all of the good will, and love that they feel for each other during : the Christmas season." [...] 4597 37 45_Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews11_Igor Chudov28_ichudov@espcbw.stat.ncsu.edu28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 22:43:14 GMT279_- Hello...

This is more of an abstract question since I am not even married and have no children, but anyway... I am a Jew and want my children to be Jewish (to have Jewish identity). At some point in my life (not now yet) I will probably marry a jewish female, too. [...] 4635 34 49_Re: Moving from Religious to non-religious school10_Sol Lerner15_slerner@gte.com28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 16:55:21 GMT357_- In article <47dgde$cjo@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu (naomi pardue) wrote: > If the "after school" program is interesting and relevent, the child > will not come to resent it, any more than he comes to resent Cub Scouts, > or after school sports, or anything else that takes up time a portion of > the child's "spare time." [...] 4670 36 28_Re: Need good songs for kids17_Pokie at the game24_afn15089@freenet.ufl.edu28_Wed, 1 Nov 1995 11:37:10 GMT574_US-ASCII On Sun, 29 Oct 1995, Robin Netherton wrote:

> So, can anyone recommend a good tape of Jewish music lively enough to engage > a two-year-old? Hebrew, English, or Yiddish would be fine, but I'd like > to avoid tapes that consist mostly of original or "manufactured" songs > with no traditional component, even if they have Jewish subject matter. > Songs on the line of "I have a little dreidel" and "Make charoses, chop chop > chop" would be fine (hey, I remember these from my childhood, so that's > tradition enough, right?). > > Sources for such tapes [...] 4707 51 33_Birthday parties and kids in shul17_Leslie Z. Sokolow22_0003420021@mcimail.com28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 03:01:00 GMT539_- I just wanted to add our personal experience on two current topics. My girls are 2 1/2 and 4 1/2.

PARTIES: We do not attend birthday parties on Shabbat - bottomline. Currently I open all birthday invitation privately and if it is a Sunday invite, then I reseal it and let my young daughter open it. If it is a Saturday party we call with a decline, always giving our reason. I don't think I would ever ask someone to reschedule their party for our benefit...I think the point is there to be taken in our decline if they care [...] 4759 45 46_Hanukkah presentation in Kdg in secular school11_Inna Lauris23_inna@hpindda.cup.hp.com28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 18:12:33 GMT373_-

My younger daughter has started Kdg in the private secular school. My older daughter is also going to the same school. So far when Jewish holidays came, some other Jewish parents in her class would make appropriate presentations. So I was getting a free ride :) Last year my older daughter was in the 3rd grade, and she made a Hanukkah presentation herself. [...] 4805 69 19_Re: december dilmna15_Joseph Davidson13_jhd@radix.net28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 00:02:24 GMT343_- What I did with my children (who are now 16 & 20) is say "Let's help Laura celebrrate Christmas", and we would go to our Christian neighbor's house and help them trim their tree. I am not certain of the theological implications of what we did, but the kids liked it, and Laura (thier contemporary) would help us celebrate our holidays. [...] 4875 33 56_Re: Is there a good mail order place for Hanukkah toys ?24_Dane Amydane Amy Harwood15_amydane@iii.net28_Sat, 4 Nov 1995 19:34:24 GMT323_- Inna Lauris (inna@hpindda.cup.hp.com) wrote: > As Hanukkah is rapidly approaching, I am starting to look for some small > toys to fill goodie bags for kids. It's not surpursing to me that I don't > see any Hanukkah type toys in traditional party favors catalogs, that I > usually use for birthday party goodie bags. [...] 4909 182 42_Re: Circumcision - seeking light, not heat0_17_bdlerner@JTSA.EDU28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 01:44:07 GMT602_US-ASCII

Dear Ronnie,

>From the standpoint of a Rabbi, for a brit milah to be a brit and not just a surgical operation=circumcision, there is a proper procedure involving the mohel (ritual circumciser), blessings and cutting. While it is true that some people may feel that it is a do-it-yourself area of Jewish life, where you can create your own interpretation of Jewish law and custom, this is a decision which has life-long consequences. Remember, that the baby will become an adult Jew who will have to pay the price for his parents' decisions. A simple example is that of the [...] 5092 37 26_Re: Amusing Santa Antidote17_Robin Elise Weiss21_robin@iglou.iglou.com28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 16:26:13 GMT340_-

Marjorie!

I want one! Or maybe two or three! My daughter is almost four and already telling me that she wants to see Santa, and what is Santa going to bring her etc.

We have her in a Jewish Preschool this year to help combat the problem but I am not sure it will work, unless I don't go shopping until January. [...] 5130 46 46_Where to find silver shekels for pidyon haben?14_David Widawsky28_widawsky@leland.Stanford.EDU28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 00:39:11 GMT560_-

My wife and I have recently been blessed with our first child, a baby boy, and next week is the pidyon haben. Most people use 5 silver dollars instead of silver shekels nowadays, but we read in one of the popular Jewish parenting books (either the New Jewish Baby Book or Blu Greenberg's book, I forget) that the Israeli government had issued a special silver shekel for the purpose of pidyonim. I contacted our local judaica shops, with no success, and called down to some shops in Los Angeles, where the ceremony is going to be held. No one I [...] 5177 38 79_levels of adherance to Jewish practice in parenting (was Intermarried Couples?)0_16_ValLipow@aol.com28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 00:36:26 GMT463_-

In a message dated 95-11-05 12:49:39 EST, dina@crocker.com (Dina Stander) writes:

>The question is: How do I teach my daughters about being Jewish. I think >it is important to give them this gift, to make it fun and rich and also >to let them know they have some responsibility as well? > >How have other ... couples dealt with this? I ask with some trepidation, >many in this group seem much more religious than I would ever choose to >be. [...] 5216 49 39_Re: Just in time for Chanukah/Christmas25_Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy25_pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 07:02:08 GMT644_- In article <47iiti$n01@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, naomi pardue wrote: >Eric Simon (erics@access2.digex.net) wrote: [snip] > >> Frankly, I've been surprised that no one has offered the following >> solution (and, thankfully, becuase this is moderated, i won't get flamed >> for it ;-) > >> When I was little, I was told that Santa came to the Jewish kids houses >> on Chanukah and Christian's houses for Christmas. > >Well, I won't flame you, but I think the moderators will allow me to >point out that MANY Jews (including myself) would find this idea >extremely offensive ... right up there with hannukah [...] 5266 40 15_Re: babysitting12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 15:02:01 GMT413_- Warren Burstein (warren@vaccine.worlds.com) wrote: > In jbachman@access.digex.net (L. Joseph Bachman) > writes:

> > The synagogue has a responsibility to provide baby-sitting and > > educational programming for all children. At our synagogue, we have a > > baby sitter on duty on Shabbat and Yom Tov from the start of Birkot > > Hashacher untill the end of "Adon Olam." [...] 5307 43 18_Re: Circumcision -18_Steven R Weintraub18_stevenw@pencom.com28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 19:02:34 GMT372_US-ASCII n article <951103210434_97491104@mail02.mail.aol.com>, wrote: > >After my son's circumcision my wife made me promise that before our next >child was born that I would look into any available topical anesthetic. I >assume that there is no Halachic problem with anesthesia ... > I would be interested in any comments or >ideas. -Larry Guttman [...] 5351 34 26_Re: Amusing Santa Antidote11_Howard Moss15_hmoss@sr.hp.com28_Sat, 4 Nov 1995 01:13:53 GMT537_- I DO have a sense of humor, but I wouldn't wear such a thing. I think it would be offensive to some, but also it casts a negative pall over what is basically a joyous time for those actively celebrating it. I think that there are probably other ways to let your feelings be known IN REACTION rather that impressing your views on everyone who sees you... I mean, basically, Santa Claus and the Christmas Spirit "(tm)" is a positive notion and one, if all of us practiced in our own ways, that would make this planet a better place [...] 5386 37 23_Re: Xmas at the In-laws19_Olga from the volga19_olga1@ix.netcom.com28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 17:18:48 GMT565_- amcallis@helix.hgen.pitt.edu (amcallis) wrote:

>naomi,

>this is a tough one. I am in a similar situation in that my in-laws are not >Jewish, my husband converted after we were married. I was very concerned from >before my first child was born, how to handle it. we ended up going to our >rabbi about it. basically, we have our kids receive their gifts on hannukah >only, and it took a couple of years but it now works fine. we also don't go >over their house on x-mas day, usually a day or two after if that works out. >there were meny reasons [...] 5424 52 18_Re: Circumcision -19_Amy Sheldon (ESMPD)19_asheldon@Census.GOV28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 14:54:32 GMT602_US-ASCII





On Sat, 4 Nov 1995 GMAN94@aol.com wrote:

> [Moderator's Note: Please remember that: Posts that criticize a parent > for *ANY* circumcision decision made for their son will not be allowed. > Also medical arguments for or against circumcision will not be > allowed. SCJP is to be a safe place to discuss issues relating to > circumcision of Jewish baby boys. Thank you.] > > After my son's circumcision my wife made me promise that before our next > child was born that I would look into any available topical anesthetic. I > assume that there is no Halachic [...] 5477 48 26_Re: Amusing Santa Antidote2_WW25_nibmwmw@jscprofs.nasa.gov28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 18:27:24 GMT603_- In <47fvhm$38s@main.freenet.hamilton.on.ca>, ac865@freenet.hamilton.on.ca (Bill Bell) writes: > >-- >About the No-Santa buttons: I don't think I'd catch on to the Jewish >context. But it is a lot easier to "forget" that there are Jews in Canada >than it is in the United States. If you seemed approachable to me I might >ask you what the buttons mean in the check-out queue. Some might be >offended, as you've guessed, but Christians and others (both nominal and >practising) might benefit from your message, if I may presume to say so. >- Bill I'm not Jewish, and do celebrate Xmas. I can think [...] 5526 44 20_Re: Rabbi Necessary?16_David Wittenberg19_dkw@cs.brandeis.edu28_Thu, 2 Nov 1995 20:47:05 GMT459_- In article , mcohen@ucla.edu (Martin M. Cohen) writes:

|> Many events that we would not think of having without a rabbi officiating, |> including marriage, were "rabbi-optional" in Eastern Europe. The legal |> need for an officiant recognized by the state, and the large number of |> scholars-rabbis without means of livelihood in earlier immigrant |> generations changed our customs in the U.S. [...] 5571 40 50_Re: Where to find silver shekels for pidyon haben?13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 20:20:29 GMT446_us-ascii I am not speaking from personal experience. My husband is a Levi, so we didn't have a pidyon haben, BUT Some cohanim who do this on a regular basis have their own set of coins. They will sell them to you for the ceremony.

Some cohanim will give the child a "gift" of money that coincidentally equals the cost of the coins, but be aware that some cohanim feel that if money is given to the child it negates the pidyon. CYLOR. [...] 5612 31 37_Re: Appropriate gift for bat mitzvah?14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 20:31:24 GMT499_- In article <478gbb$rta@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, naomi pardue wrote: >Other than money (always appreciated...) the main thing is that the gift >should be "serious", (not frivolous) and, if possible, "Jewish." So a >non-fiction >book on some topic of interest, a CD of Jewish music, an article of >clothing if you know her size and tastes, or perhaps a Jewish ritual >object that she can use. (A kippah [if she wears them, not all girls >do], or candlesticks.) [...] 5644 50 49_Re: Moving from Religious to non-religious school14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 20:25:52 GMT548_- In article <47dgde$cjo@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, naomi pardue wrote: >Sol Lerner (slerner@gte.com) wrote: >> 2. It is bad for the community in that it sets an example that makes it >> easier for others to follow. So, for example, if a different child has >> other school problems, (or if parents don't want to pay tuition, etc), the >> go-to-public-school _like_so_and_so_ option becomes easier to live with. >> This should be a concern to everyone given our responsibility for fellow >> Jews (i.e. Areivut). [...] 5695 28 50_Re: Hanukkah presentation in Kdg in secular school11_Howard Moss15_hmoss@sr.hp.com28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 20:46:02 GMT351_- My wife added some latkes (she had made the night before) with applesauce as a snack. The book went over very well and I'll get back to you about the dreidels. I'm pretty sure she did something with them, probably just had everyone play a few games of it. Good luck! My wife has felt good about it each year... (We are the only Jews in this school.) 5724 55 53_Hanukkah presentation in Kdg in secular school -Reply15_Irene Bleiweiss16_IBLEIWEI@fcc.gov28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 20:05:55 GMT582_-

Inna Lauris asked for suggestions for a kindergarten Chanukah presentation.

So here goes: I've made several presentations for my daughter's classes in preschool and kindergarten. I've found that the rules of the dreidel game are kind of difficult for really young kids to grasp in the course of a parent vist. Instead, I've made up index cards that each have one Hebrew letter on it. I've had the kids sit in a big circle and take turns spinning the dreidel. Whatever letter it lands on, every kid with that letter gets a sticker - so roughly 1/4 of the class [...] 5780 46 18_Re: Circumcision -13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 20:32:47 GMT440_us-ascii >> >> After my son's circumcision my wife made me promise that before our next >> child was born that I would look into any available topical anesthetic.



My brother's son was circumcised by a Conservative mohel who is also a doctor. He gave my nephew a shot of some sort of anesthetic before the bris. If you are in the Houston Texas area I would be glad to get you his name and phone number. [...] 5827 39 49_Re: Moving from Religious to non-religious school12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 20:31:17 GMT405_- Sol Lerner (slerner@gte.com) wrote: > In article <47dgde$cjo@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, > npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu (naomi pardue) wrote: > > If the "after school" program is interesting and relevent, the child > > will not come to resent it, any more than he comes to resent Cub Scouts, > > or after school sports, or anything else that takes up time a portion of > > the child's "spare time." [...] 5867 48 49_Re: Moving from Religious to non-religious school14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 22:17:27 GMT638_- In article <47lral$2dp@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, naomi pardue wrote: >Secondly, children enjoy learning. As a child, I LOVED going to school >and learning.

Well, children enjoy learning, but not all of them enjoy learning the same types of things. I loved learning about math and science, but didn't get much of that in my religious education. I was a lot less enthusiastic about history, which accounted for a lot of "Sunday school" once you've learned the basics about the holidays. Once we got old enough to get through the "history" and move into ethics, etc., I enjoyed it a lot more. I [...] 5916 30 37_Re: Appropriate gift for bat mitzvah?0_32_Meredith_Warshaw@charlesview.com28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 22:33:00 GMT318_-

Robin Kozierok write: <> [...] 5947 29 57_Re: Hanukkah presentation in Kdg in secular school -Reply18_Bissell Tina Irene18_tbissell@umich.edu28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 21:45:08 GMT389_US-ASCII

Here is something I ran into last year that you might use: a version of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey -- only it was pin the flame on the menorah. The toddlers and preschoolers this was aimed at didn't really get it (and some didn't want to be blindfolded) but kdg kids might like it. And with a total of nine targets there are sure to be lots of winners, not just one. [...] 5977 66 32_Re: Circumcision - Anasthetic(s)12_Sophie Miron21_soph@OCF.Berkeley.EDU28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 23:00:37 GMT485_- > After my son's circumcision my wife made me promise that before our next > child was born that I would look into any available topical anesthetic. I > assume that there is no Halachic problem with anesthesia since our covenant > is not based on pain (at least not there :) ) Anyway, the moyal we used > last time thought my wife was ridiculous when she brought it up. However, > now that she is pregnant again, I would be interested in any comments or > ideas. -Larry Guttman [...] 6044 40 18_Re: Circumcision -14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 22:06:53 GMT348_- In article <1995Nov6.203247.12069@nosc.mil>, Louise Miller wrote:

>My brother's son was circumcised by a Conservative mohel who is also a doctor. >He gave my nephew a shot of some sort of anesthetic before the bris. If you >are in the Houston Texas area I would be glad to get you his name and phone >number. [...] 6085 20 31_Re: Birthday Parties on Shabbat20_Constance Stillinger23_cas@Ockham.Stanford.EDU28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 00:16:07 GMT356_-

You could consider sending around a friendly reminder letter yourself (or in concert with a group of like-minded parents).

Connie (Constance Stillinger, cas@ockham.stanford.edu)

* This post is the opinion of its author ONLY; moderator's opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 6106 52 57_Re: Hanukkah presentation in Kdg in secular school -Reply14_Andrea Herrera15_andreah@utj.org28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 03:38:03 GMT515_- Irene Bleiweiss wrote:

>Inna Lauris asked for suggestions for a kindergarten Chanukah >presentation.

(article snipped)

Back in the days when I wanted equal attention paid to Hanukkah in the public schools, I did a presentation one year to 3rd graders. I made a felt board, I made felt characters and told the Hanukkah story. I handed out small plastic dreidels and Hanukkah shaped sugar cookies. (I did this with my first two children who are now in their late teens) [...] 6159 68 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews12_Lenore Marsh14_lmarsh@csc.com28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 12:28:22 GMT342_- ichudov@espcbw.stat.ncsu.edu (Igor Chudov) writes:

>Hello...

>This is more of an abstract question since I am not even married >and have no children, but anyway... I am a Jew and want my children >to be Jewish (to have Jewish identity). At some point in my life (not >now yet) I will probably marry a jewish female, too. [...] 6228 35 18_Re: Circumcision -15_Robin Netherton15_robin@dgsys.com28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 16:02:30 GMT320_- > wrote: > >After my son's circumcision my wife made me promise that before our next > >child was born that I would look into any available topical anesthetic. I > >assume that there is no Halachic problem with anesthesia ... > > I would be interested in any comments or > >ideas. -Larry Guttman [...] 6264 42 56_Re: Is there a good mail order place for Hanukkah toys ?0_17_David2505@aol.com28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 04:36:42 GMT570_-

Another alternative you may want to consider:

When we were married, friends from Israel sent as a gift a small, beautifyl dreidle, made of ceramic. When our daughter (now age 4) was born, we decided that each Hanukah, we would buy her a "keeper" dreidle (vs. the ones she gets to play with): ceramic ones, glass, silver, etc. With her brother (now 2-1/2), we decided to get Kiddush cups. Each year at Hanukah, we show them their collection, which we intend to add to each year until they are 18 years old. We think they will ultimately get them as [...] 6307 41 37_Re: Appropriate gift for bat mitzvah?17_Philip Borenstein16_philipb@tiac.net28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 05:37:26 GMT489_- In article <47lras$27q@life.ai.mit.edu>, robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu (Robyn Kozierok) wrote:

> In article <478gbb$rta@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, > naomi pardue wrote: > >Other than money (always appreciated...) the main thing is that the gift > >should be "serious", (not frivolous) and, if possible, "Jewish."

> How about a nice reference book (I got a great > leather-bound dictionary/thesaurus set, and a nice one-volume encyclopedia) [...] 6349 36 33_B'Sha'ah tovah (was Circumcision)13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 17:52:48 GMT485_us-ascii robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu (Robyn Kozierok) wrote: >>B'Sha'ah tovah (that's a frummie way of saying mazel tov to >>someone whose kid hasn't been born yet.) > >What's the literal translation of that?? >

It means "At an auspicious time." In other words, whatever time the child is born should be the right time and a good hour. You see that phrase on wedding invitations a lot. It's usually phrased "B'Sha'ah tovah u'mutzlachat." (an auspicious and fortunate time.) [...] 6386 46 40_Re: No Virginia there is no Jewish Santa12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 22:51:28 GMT585_- Markalang1@aol.com wrote:

> In response to Susan Marcos and Eric Simon, I have what may be a radical > approach to the so called Santa or December Dilemna......I just tell my kids > the truth. Santa is a make believe story made up for Christian children to > help them celebrate THEIR holiday of Christmas. My children have been to > Chinese New Year celebrations, Christmas celebrations and other religions' > holidays and we enjoy watching and helping other people celebrate their > holiday but we always make the point that it is their holiday...not ours and > we are [...] 6433 122 49_Re: Austin, TX - Are there any orthodox families?17_Philip Borenstein16_philipb@tiac.net28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 05:27:32 GMT491_- I found a page of Jewish Resources in Austin at: http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/ubiquity/jewish.html

and this slew of interesting (and relevant!) info at http://www.zilker.net/~austinjc/orthodox.html



Resources for Orthodox Jews in and around Austin, Texas

Since I moved here five years ago, I have seen real growth in resources for Orthodox Jews. Here I'll list highlights; feel free to contact me, or any of the others listed here, for more information. [...] 6556 53 56_Some good places for Hanukkah toys (But not mail-order.)13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 17:58:49 GMT335_us-ascii >Inna Lauris (inna@hpindda.cup.hp.com) wrote: >> As Hanukkah is rapidly approaching, I am starting to look for some small >> toys to fill goodie bags for kids. It's not surpursing to me that I don't >> see any Hanukkah type toys in traditional party favors catalogs, that I >> usually use for birthday party goodie bags. [...] 6610 34 37_Re: Appropriate gift for bat mitzvah?13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 18:04:05 GMT393_us-ascii My latest favorite bar/bat mitzvah gift is a set of small sized ArtScroll machzors. The reform machzor also comes in a small edition I believe. The small size is easier to hold for a long time.

I also like to give big dictionaries like the Random House.

Nice pen and pencil sets might be stereotypical, but wouldn't anyone love a fancy Cross or Parker set of pens? [...] 6645 168 47_Re: Appropriate gift for bat mitzvah? (Summary)19_Clare Bates Congdon30_congdon@buzzard.eecs.umich.edu28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 16:37:23 GMT591_- In article <47lras$27q@life.ai.mit.edu> robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu (Robyn Kozierok) writes: In article <478gbb$rta@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, naomi pardue wrote: >Other than money (always appreciated...) the main thing is that the gift >should be "serious", (not frivolous) and, if possible, "Jewish." So a >non-fiction >book on some topic of interest, a CD of Jewish music, an article of >clothing if you know her size and tastes, or perhaps a Jewish ritual >object that she can use. (A kippah [if she wears them, not all girls >do], or candlesticks.) [...] 6814 98 28_Re: Intermarried Couples...?11_Ken Goldman20_kgold@watson.ibm.com28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 18:19:42 GMT431_- dina@crocker.com (Dina Stander) writes: > I am a non-religious Jewish woman married to a non-religious man who's > only church experiences as a child were Unitarian (and Buddhist in his > early twenties). > [snip] > The question is: How do I teach my daughters about being Jewish. I think > it is important to give them this gift, to make it fun and rich and also > to let them know they have some responsibility as well? > [...] 6913 62 42_Re: Circumcision - seeking light, not heat12_Sophie Miron21_soph@OCF.Berkeley.EDU28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 21:58:25 GMT567_- > I have received conflicting information about whether it is possible > to practice Judaism as an uncircumcised male. I have heard > that some people are holding a kind of brit-milah where the > ritual prayers are said, but the newborn is not actually cut.

Ronnie,

I am a mother of a now almost-6 month old boy (who just cut his first tooth yesterday morning, Yay!). I thought long and hard before having him circumcised so am very familiar with the issue. As a grad student in Jewish Studies I spoke on a panel two years ago about circumcision [...] 6976 47 26_Re: Amusing Santa Antidote10_David Karr19_karr@CS.Cornell.EDU28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 07:07:10 GMT628_- In article <47eeoh$f8v@canyon.sr.hp.com> hmoss@sr.hp.com (Howard Moss) writes: >Santa Claus and the Christmas Spirit "(tm)" is a positive notion >and one, if all of us practiced in our own ways, that would make >this planet a better place to be.

When you add the "(tm)" to it, I immediately think of the materialistic, over-commercialized, mounds-o-gifts aspect of the modern American "Christmas Spirit." Personally, I don't think this aspect of Christmas makes the planet a better place, and I suspect a lot of people who celebrate Christmas as a positive notion that all of us can practice in our own ways would [...] 7024 40 49_Blessing your child was: Intermarried Couples...?25_Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy25_pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 21:20:49 GMT620_- In article <47o7vu$rok@watnews1.watson.ibm.com>, Ken Goldman wrote:

>First, I think that a Jewish education starts at birth, and it starts >at home with committed parents. Our Rabbi holds meetings occasionally >with new parents. Here's some of his suggestions which I found work >for me (and Zachary, just 5). > >1 - The parent's blessing for their children on Friday night > >Hold his sweet head in your hands, look into his beautiful loving eyes, >and say the prayer in English or Hebrew. My son loves it. And to see >the Rabbi's children line up for their blessing (the oldest is [...] 7065 44 53_Re: Blessing your child was: Intermarried Couples...?19_Amy Sheldon (ESMPD)19_asheldon@Census.GOV28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 22:28:23 GMT459_US-ASCII





On Tue, 7 Nov 1995, Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy wrote:

> > Shana is 2 and change :-), and we've been blessing her on Friday > nights since she was 3 days old (when we felt incredibly self-conscious > about it), and she *hates* it. :-( Heaven forbid that we should put > our hands on her head, let alone look into her eyes. Has anyone else > had this type of problem? > > Jo Pitesky > pitesky@bonnie.astro.ucla.edu > [...] 7110 28 18_Re: Circumcision -47_Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea.25_rscw081@CNSVAX.ALBANY.EDU28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 23:16:29 GMT438_- >Let me finish by saying that I do NOT agree with the use of anesthesia, >on both halachic and medical grounds, based on conversations with my LOR and >my pediatrician. But I am neither a rabbi nor a doctor, just a mother and >and an aunt.

Up until this thread, I didn't even know anesthesia was even an option, so I'm still digesting that, but since I don't have a LOR or pediatrician to ask, why do you oppose anesthesia? [...] 7139 26 12_Circumcision0_14_GMAN94@aol.com28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 21:46:06 GMT507_-

I just wanted to thank everyone for replying to my question on topical anethetics for circumcisions, I got a lot of good advice -Larry *** A note from moderator: We don't encourge notes of thanks usually unless they >hark back to the thread and somehow summarize it in a way so that there is content >with regard to Jewish parenting. We allowed this through however as a demonstration >of the civility with which we've been able to address this potentially volatile topic. ------ end ------- [...] 7166 27 56_Re: Is there a good mail order place for Hanukkah toys ?11_Inna Lauris23_inna@hpindda.cup.hp.com28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 18:37:49 GMT375_- Dane Amydane Amy Harwood (amydane@iii.net) wrote:

: Another cool catalog is The Source for Everything Jewish. They have real : things, but no chatchkes. I don't have their number handy, but you can get it : from the 800 directory if noone here comes up with it.

Does someone know the phone number for it ? They don't have a listing in the 800 directory. [...] 7194 36 27_Re: Unexpected Antisemitism24_Dane Amydane Amy Harwood15_amydane@iii.net28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 15:19:38 GMT287_- Martin M. Cohen (mcohen@ucla.edu) wrote:

: Fortunately my 10 year old daughter has yet to come face to face with : antisemitism. She does know about it, and I hope is prepared for it when : it happens. I grew up with it, and my parents were able to help me cope : with it. [...] 7231 41 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews7_LBunder15_lbunder@aol.com28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 12:10:47 GMT302_- Remember, you can always install a sense of Jewish identity via Jewish culture.

Jews have much to be proud of, the arts, food and numerous other areas where we have done well in - so giving children pride in their culture is as important, some may say, more important than just religion. [...] 7273 57 40_Re: No Virginia there is no Jewish Santa24_Dane Amydane Amy Harwood15_amydane@iii.net28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 15:42:46 GMT585_- Markalang1@aol.com wrote:

: In response to Susan Marcos and Eric Simon, I have what may be a radical : approach to the so called Santa or December Dilemna......I just tell my kids : the truth. Santa is a make believe story made up for Christian children to : help them celebrate THEIR holiday of Christmas. My children have been to : Chinese New Year celebrations, Christmas celebrations and other religions' : holidays and we enjoy watching and helping other people celebrate their : holiday but we always make the point that it is their holiday...not ours and : we are [...] 7331 35 56_Re: Is there a good mail order place for Hanukkah toys ?8_apfeffer25_apfeffer@angel.heaven.net28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 15:02:30 GMT470_- In article <47o91t$1tm@hpindda.cup.hp.com> inna@hpindda.cup.hp.com (Inna Lauris) writes:

> Dane Amydane Amy Harwood (amydane@iii.net) wrote: > >: Another cool catalog is The Source for Everything Jewish. They have >: real things, but no chatchkes. I don't have their number handy, but >: you can get it from the 800 directory if noone here comes up with it. > > Does someone know the phone number for it ? They don't have a listing in > the 800 directory. [...] 7367 40 53_Re: Blessing your child was: Intermarried Couples...?14_Andrea Herrera15_andreah@utj.org28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 15:09:29 GMT361_- "Amy Sheldon (ESMPD)" wrote:

>Oh, yes definitely, neither of my kids can stand having ANYTHING on their >heads (including hats in the winter time). So, we gave up and we hold hands >instead with each child in turn. For the blessing for all children we >hold hands as a family in a circle around the table. It's kind of nice. [...] 7408 39 60_Re: Some good places for Hanukkah toys (But not mail-order.)25_Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy25_pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 20:10:00 GMT626_- In article <1995Nov7.175849.593@nosc.mil>, Louise Miller wrote: >>Inna Lauris (inna@hpindda.cup.hp.com) wrote: >>> As Hanukkah is rapidly approaching, I am starting to look for some small >>> toys to fill goodie bags for kids. It's not surpursing to me that I don't >>> see any Hanukkah type toys in traditional party favors catalogs, that I >>> usually use for birthday party goodie bags. > >I've found some nice Channuka things in two places you wouldn't expect: >Bed Bath and Beyond, and Save-On (A California drug store chain.) >I got the Paul Zim Shabbat and Pesach tapes at BB and B, but [...] 7448 46 12_Circumcision0_21_Roger.Kurland@gsa.gov28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 17:58:23 GMT543_- >Our son reacted very mildly to the circ. He definately felt pain, but >cried for less than 20 secs (I timed the video tape). A friend went to >another bris by the same mohel and he told her that "luckily" we had put >the cream on wrong.So, was his mild reaction due to the cream? The >mohel's expertise method? My calmness( I did not drink the wine)? Or the >fact that there were over seventy people taking part in an elaborate >ceremony which I put together that involved singing and other forms of >welcoming him into our community? [...] 7495 33 22_Another Santa Anecdote0_14_dinitz@tss.com28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 18:30:00 GMT475_- Tina (my wife) took Nathan (then 2y 4m) to the public library for story hour. On a table, Nathan found a copy of <>, by Tomie DiPaola. (In August!?!) Nathan has books about Chanukah and Pesach by the same author/illustrator, and he immediately recognized the signature style of the cover design and artwork. He showed Tina a picture of the man in the red suit with the white beard and said, "Look Ima, dere's Moshe!" She chose not to disabuse him. [...] 7529 44 28_Re: Intermarried Couples...?11_Michal Peri18_michal@gordian.com28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 02:27:57 GMT513_- Dina Stander (dina@crocker.com) wrote: : I am a non-religious Jewish woman married to a non-religious man.... : We have 2 children, ages 3.5 and 5 months, both girls (so we were able to : avoid the circumcision question altogether). : My mother was raised in an orthodox home and my father's family was not : religious at all. My sense of Jewishness really comes from my mom, we had : wonderful holidays with songs and food and fun but low key because my dad : is somewhat anti-religion, as is my husband. [...] 7574 53 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews13_Eliot Shimoff16_shimoff@umbc.edu28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 13:21:18 GMT566_- In article <47bhi3$rv5@taco.cc.ncsu.edu>, Igor Chudov wrote: >Hello... > >This is more of an abstract question since I am not even married >and have no children, but anyway... I am a Jew and want my children >to be Jewish (to have Jewish identity). At some point in my life (not >now yet) I will probably marry a jewish female, too. > >The question is: I am not religious, so it can be kind of hard to >install this jewish identity though religion. Do you have any experience >raising Jewish children in a non-religious family? [...] 7628 57 32_Difficulties Blessing Your Child0_14_dinitz@tss.com28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 19:21:13 GMT288_- Jo Pitesky wrote: > Shana is 2 and change :-), and we've been blessing her on Friday > nights since she was 3 days old [...] and she *hates* it. :-( Heaven > forbid that we should put our hands on her head, let alone look into > her eyes. Has anyone else had this type of problem? [...] 7686 54 23_Re: Blessing your child15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 03:28:15 GMT385_- Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy (pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu) wrote:

: Shana is 2 and change :-), and we've been blessing her on Friday : nights since she was 3 days old (when we felt incredibly self-conscious : about it), and she *hates* it. :-( Heaven forbid that we should put : our hands on her head, let alone look into her eyes. Has anyone else : had this type of problem? [...] 7741 61 40_Re: single parenting and Jewish holidays15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 04:19:16 GMT287_- I wish I could say that books about Chags are filled with alternative families and lifestyles, but that would be untrue. And it is unfair and very sad for kids that do live in families different from a mom, dad, grandparents, sister and brother, fluffy the cat and bingo the dog. [...] 7803 87 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools15_Melissa Epstein27_mepstein@mail.sas.upenn.edu28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 05:50:30 GMT565_- Although I am not a parent (for the record I'm a college senior), as a preteen I personally went through the situation of switching between Hebrew Day and Public Schools and thought my comments might be helpful. I attended Hebrew Day school from kindergarten through fifth grade in a Solomon Schecter - type school . At the end of fifth grade my family moved and for various reasons, including the belief that I should spend at least part of my education in the "real world", my parents sent me to public school. I must say that I whole-heartedly agree with [...] 7891 32 34_Good Jewish holidays book for kids10_Bill Rubin20_rubin@watson.ibm.com28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 21:11:21 GMT543_- My daughter received a copy of "The Uninvited Guest" that we'd ordered for her from Scholastic's Lucky Book Club on their November order. It looks to be a really nice book. It's got sections for each of the holidays, as well as Shabbat. In each section, there are one or two pages explaining the holiday, followed by a 6 or so page story about it. It's $4.95 thru Scholastic and looks to be well worth it. Scholastic also has some Chanukah books on their December book lists, so if you order books thru school, look for the order form. [...] 7924 44 27_Re: Unexpected Antisemitism18_Thomas A Longstaff20_tl2b+@andrew.cmu.edu28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 01:12:53 GMT324_-

Excerpts from mail: 8-Nov-95 Re: Unexpected Antisemitism by Dane A. A. Harwood@iii.n > What age, or what signs of maturity, did your daughter reach before you > told her about the Holocaust?

I also have a 5 yo. We decided to talk about it when we feel he is ready or if something somes up before that. [...] 7969 46 31_Re: Birthday Parties on Shabbat13_Edwin Frankel22_frankele@cadvision.com28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 21:10:32 GMT559_-

> >As a day school administrator, however, I can say that this particular > >problem lies within the province of the school. It must be made clear > >that birthday parties have to be accesible to every child in the class, > >and that Shabbat parties are therefore out of the question. If the rule > >applies to everyone and is clearly stated, I'll bet there won't be a > >problem. > > Throughout this thread two ideas have emerged frequently, why should the day school demand that all students in a class are invited to parties, and why should [...] 8016 45 18_Re: Circumcision -13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 17:54:08 GMT564_us-ascii >>Let me finish by saying that I do NOT agree with the use of anesthesia, >>on both halachic and medical grounds, based on conversations with my LOR >>and my pediatrician. But I am neither a rabbi nor a doctor, just a mother >>and an aunt. > >Up until this thread, I didn't even know anesthesia was even an option, so >I'm >still digesting that, but since I don't have a LOR or pediatrician to ask, >why >do you oppose anesthesia? > >Sarah G. > Sarah and anyone else who's interested: I hate giving medications unless they are necessary. (My husband [...] 8062 47 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews18_Craig J. Ackermann27_c.ackermann@mail.utexas.edu28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 00:39:40 GMT559_- In article <47bhi3$rv5@taco.cc.ncsu.edu>, ichudov@espcbw.stat.ncsu.edu (Igor Chudov) wrote:

> Hello... > > This is more of an abstract question since I am not even married > and have no children, but anyway... I am a Jew and want my children > to be Jewish (to have Jewish identity). At some point in my life (not > now yet) I will probably marry a jewish female, too. > > The question is: I am not religious, so it can be kind of hard to > install this jewish identity though religion. Do you have any experience > raising Jewish children in a [...] 8110 59 44_Blessings, Kippot aversion and two year olds0_21_Roger.Kurland@gsa.gov28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 15:51:22 GMT587_-

Jo Pitesky wrote: > Shana is 2 and change :-), and we've been blessing her on Friday > nights since she was 3 days old [...] and she *hates* it. ... Has anyone else had this type of problem? Amy Sheldon replied: > Oh, yes definitely,... And Rick continued.. > Recently he's been forcibly removing our hands from his head >and loudly protesting: "No! Don't bless me!" About the same time, he >also changed his attitude about wearing a kippah... >...Watching as our guests bless their children has helped some -- >especially when those children are his favorite older >role [...] 8170 31 56_Re: Is there a good mail order place for Hanukkah toys ?15_Robin Netherton15_robin@dgsys.com28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 20:41:18 GMT609_- David2505@aol.com wrote:

> We are currently pregnant with #3 (ok, I say we, but Karen is doing the hard > part!), and are already discussing what we'll do for this one: Spice boxes, > Tzadakah boxes, hanukiot (menorahs), Shabbat candle sticks, ???.

> Your suggestions welcome.

How about mezuzot? Not just the kind you put on doorposts, but also the kind you wear? They come in all shapes, sizes, and media, so you wouldn't run out of options. And a house can use plenty of mezuzot. (I think menorahs might get a little hefty, and candlesticks [...] 8202 42 42_Re: Jewish Identity through Jewish Culture0_26_eselinge@wppost.depaul.edu28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 17:08:22 GMT340_-

Leslie Bunder wrote:

"Remember, you can always install a sense of Jewish identity via Jewish culture.

Jews have much to be proud of, the arts, food and numerous other areas where we have done well in - so giving children pride in their culture is as important, some may say, more important than just religion." [...] 8245 37 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 18:11:20 GMT328_us-ascii > >Shame, we're not too good in sports! > >[Moderator's Note. Please squelch your immediate reaction to the >statement above, and, if you have to post about Great Jewish Sports >Heros (and who could forget Sandy Koufax), please do so within the >context of the affect on raising your children Jewishly. :-) ] > [...] 8283 31 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews11_Igor Chudov28_ichudov@espcbw.stat.ncsu.edu28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 18:28:18 GMT320_- Craig J. Ackermann (c.ackermann@mail.utexas.edu) wrote: * If you're adamant about not keeping the Jewish holidays, etc., then the * best you can do is send your kids to Israel every summer. Sincerely, * Craig.

Sending them to Israel sounds like a great and wonderful idea. Will do it myself, too.

Thanks! 8315 40 28_Re: Intermarried Couples...?18_Thomas A Longstaff20_tl2b+@andrew.cmu.edu28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 00:58:18 GMT530_-

: The question is: How do I teach my daughters about being Jewish. I think : it is important to give them this gift, to make it fun and rich and also : to let them know they have some responsibility as well?

in my family we do this by showing our son Isaac how much we love to celebrate the holidays and by our actions. We participate in social action projects, attend family events, attend services a few times a month and by being part of the board of the temple. Children learn by watching their parents. [...] 8356 39 36_Re: Difficulties Blessing Your Child13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 18:22:42 GMT551_us-ascii dinitz@tss.com wrote: > Can anyone out there suggest possible solutions to kippah aversion at >age 2-3? > No. There is none. My son (2yo) regularily pulls Daddy's "kamaka" off of his head and puts it on his own, but then throws it on the floor right away. He will demand one for kiddush, wears it proudly for one minute, and then throws it on the floor. (Do we see a pattern?) The only kippah that lasted more than one minute was a birthday present that has kid-style pictues painted on it. That one lasted 2 minutes. (Then he threw it, [...] 8396 45 18_Re: Circumcision -7_Jo Benn21_jonsteve@rapidnet.com28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 04:29:10 GMT574_- In article <951103210434_97491104@mail02.mail.aol.com>, GMAN94@aol.com wrote:

> > After my son's circumcision my wife made me promise that before our next > child was born that I would look into any available topical anesthetic. I > assume that there is no Halachic problem with anesthesia since our covenant > is not based on pain (at least not there :) ) Anyway, the moyal we used > last time thought my wife was ridiculous when she brought it up. However, > now that she is pregnant again, I would be interested in any comments or > ideas. -Larry Guttman > [...] 8442 56 40_Jewish books with single parent families15_Irene Bleiweiss16_IBLEIWEI@fcc.gov28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 18:01:31 GMT571_-

This is in response to Marjorie Peskin's article stating that she found it sad that Sesame St and Barney can recognize different types of families, but Jewish authors cannot.

I'm a Jewish parent who has been thinking about writing a Jewish children's book for a while and I find it very interesting that there seems to be an unfilled need for books without the extended family context. I agree that its important for parents to have relevant books for children on Jewish topics. So I think I may take this up as a challenge and write such a book. I [...] 8499 26 26_Re: Another Santa Anecdote14_Jan Silbermann16_js@cs.tulane.edu28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 20:04:38 GMT472_- In article <9511081833.AA11504@tekbspa.tss.com>, wrote: > Tina (my wife) took Nathan (then 2y 4m) to the public library for >artwork. He showed Tina a picture of the man in the red suit with the >white beard and said, "Look Ima, dere's Moshe!" She chose not to >disabuse him. > When my daughter was about two she asked me if Santa was Hashem )-: Later, when she was about 4YO, she asked me if not Jewish people (as she says) prayed to Santa Claus. [...] 8526 34 59_Re: Kippah Aversion (was: Difficulties Blessing Your Child)15_David Sieradzki16_DSIERADZ@fcc.gov29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 01:00:01 GMT397_-

My almost-3-year old daughter likes getting the blessings on Friday nights, and likes shouting "Shalom!" at the end of the blessing to repeat after the last word of it. (I like Rick Dinitz's idea about asking her to put her hand on our heads -- we might try that if things ever get rough. That's how we get her to let us brush her teeth -- she brushes my teeth while I brush hers!) [...] 8561 25 44_Re: Jewish books with single parent families10_David Karr19_karr@CS.Cornell.EDU29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 03:50:39 GMT428_- Here's another response to Marjorie's request for Jewish children's books with single-parent families. I don't suppose this is exactly what she's looking for, but "The Three Riddles: A Jewish Folktale," by Nina Jaffe, is about a single Jewish father and his daughter. As the title indicates, it's mainly a telling of the folk tale, but it does manage to insert a nice Shabbat observance right in the middle of the story. [...] 8587 35 44_Re: Jewish books with single parent families14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 15:14:01 GMT608_- In article , Irene Bleiweiss wrote: >Are two parent Jewish households less >likely to purchase books about single parent Jewish holiday >celebrations?

Probably. But if you did something that covered a lot of different outlooks it could have very broad appeal. Perhaps a book about how n different families celebrate (say) Pesach. You could show regional differences (Sephardi vs. Ashkenazi), different family traditions (i.e. my husband's family eats potato for its green (?) vegetable) and some of the families could just happen to be non-traditional. [...] 8623 42 27_Re: Unexpected Antisemitism15_Martin M. Cohen15_mcohen@ucla.edu29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 02:38:31 GMT532_- In article <47qhqt$o7n@iii1.iii.net>, amydane@iii.net (Dane Amydane Amy Harwood) wrote:



> > What age, or what signs of maturity, did your daughter reach before you > told her about the Holocaust? My mom got a book from the DC Holocaust > museum on the subject. Alex is 5, and I've put it away for now as too > soon. But I'm not sure when I'd bring the subject up. I don't know if > waiting until he hears something he wants to discuss makes sense. > -Amy > This is a tough one. I am afraid I did wait until my [...] 8666 56 42_Re: Jewish Identity through Jewish Culture15_Martin M. Cohen15_mcohen@ucla.edu29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 02:52:07 GMT612_- In article , eselinge@wppost.depaul.edu wrote:



> Part of me gets uneasy with the idea of imparting Jewish identity by > talking about Jewish achievement in the arts, etc., and encouraging our > children to identify with that tradition of acheivement. On the one hand, > it seems no different from Irish Americans taking pride in, oh, James > Joyce and U2 and so on, and who could object to that? On the other > hand, I remember that sort of ethnic pride shading over not-so-subtly into > a sense that we're smarter and sharper and better than anyone else: a [...] 8723 46 49_ANNOUNCE: Children In Need, to be written by Jews15_Montefiore VTME16_ej577@city.ac.uk28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 18:42:13 GMT621_- What is the best way to ask for contributions for a Jewish publication, planned for Children In Need, to be written by Jews, for Jews?

We plan to publish accounts of life seen through the eyes of children, who are Jewish, incorporating perspectives from all over the world. We would appreciate accounts from those who are children today, and those who are grown-up children, and remember their childhoods passionately (or learned men passionate about childhood). Every voice in Judaism today can express itself through the medium of words, and help participate in defining our identity now, for the sake of [...] 8770 30 60_Re: Some good places for Hanukkah toys (But not mail-order.)11_Kris Hasson19_hasson@teleport.com29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 03:15:40 GMT466_- In article <47oeeo$vcm@saba.info.ucla.edu>, pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu (Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy) wrote: [snip quote of previous poster] >What I'm looking for (and what I haven't seen for *years*) are those >little foil-wrapped chocolate maccabees. I tried asking on >soc.culture.jewish, and got just about no response (and I think >that there are far more serious matters to discuss on scj this >week than Chanukah candy :-( ). Has anyone seen these around? [...] 8801 29 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews11_Millie Niss27_millie@gauss.math.brown.edu29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 04:02:26 GMT561_- I'm not sure quite how relevant this is to the scjp group, but I'd really like advice:

I am not Jewish because my father is Jewish but not my mother. None of my family is religious. I am quite interested in Orthodox Judaism (though not really thinking of conversion to O). If I am seriously considering raising Jewish children (I am not yet married), do you suggest I convert to some form of Judaism before marriage? I would not be going against family wishes if I converted, but I don't know how legal (halacha-wise) a conversion for the sake of [...] 8831 70 42_Re: Jewish Identity through Jewish Culture18_Steven R Weintraub18_stevenw@pencom.com29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 00:28:25 GMT450_US-ASCII In article , wrote: > >Leslie Bunder wrote: > >"Remember, you can always install a sense of Jewish identity via >Jewish culture. > >Does anyone else out there think this might be more a problem with the >process of "giving children pride in their culture" than with giving them a >more religious ground for identification? Or is it just a matter of emphasis >on either side? [...] 8902 36 20_Hannukah Decorations17_MS SHELLEY P NORD19_TYDR82A@prodigy.com28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 23:52:54 GMT411_- -- [ From: Shelley Parish Nord * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --

My family likes to decorate for most holidays and Hannukah is no exception. Most of the commercial decorations seem to be quite tacky (chintzy materials, garish colors). Does anyone know of a source for Judaica craft projects for elementary school age children and/or children with adult supervision? Or artisans making *tasteful* decorations? [...] 8939 38 59_Re: Kippah Aversion (was: Difficulties Blessing Your Child)10_I. Pour-El18_pourel@iastate.edu29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 20:01:50 GMT498_- Years ago my oldest son had both kippah aversion and kippah droposis. I solved both by designing and embroidering a full-sized kippah with large Disney figures on it. The large size meant no bobby pins or clips were needed and he loved his cartoon creatures. He just turned nine and has finally decided to hand it down to his younger brother (I'm making him a "more mature" model to replace it). If it is fun, easy to keep on, and generally admired, it is more likely to be worn with pride. [...] 8978 39 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews16_Samuel R. Kaplan26_srk7a@poe.acc.virginia.edu29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 21:06:24 GMT415_- In article <47th82$a39@taco.cc.ncsu.edu>, Igor Chudov wrote: >Craig J. Ackermann (c.ackermann@mail.utexas.edu) wrote: >* If you're adamant about not keeping the Jewish holidays, etc., then the >* best you can do is send your kids to Israel every summer. Sincerely, >* Craig. > >Sending them to Israel sounds like a great and wonderful idea. Will do >it myself, too. > >Thanks! [...] 9018 78 20_Re: December dilemma15_Georganne Burke19_nbcnet@inforamp.net28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 16:51:01 GMT545_- In article <9510302058.AA14832@louise.ucsd.edu.UCSD.EDU>, miller@louise.ucsd.edu (Louise Miller) wrote:

> I was putting Sukkah decorations away yesterday (yeah ok, but we've > been busy,) and I was thinking about the thread here and in misc.kids > about Xmas. I may be naive because my son is only 2, but it seems > to be that a kid who decorates a sukkah doesn't need a tree, and a > kid who has Purim doesn't need Halloween etc. (BTW, we put clear > Xmas lights up on the ceiling of our sukkah and it looks like little > stars!) [...] 9097 45 24_Re: The December Dilemma15_Georganne Burke19_nbcnet@inforamp.net28_Sun, 5 Nov 1995 17:02:03 GMT565_- In article <472s7k$mci@rebecca.albany.edu>, rscw081@cnsvax.albany.edu (Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea.) wrote:

> Can someone explain something to me please? Why do so many people feel that > children are missing out on anything by not participating in Christmas? As I > child, it never even crossed my mind to ask for a tree or Santa Claus. It > just > wasn't something that we (Jews) do, that's for them (Christians). It wasn't > an > envious thought, just matter of fact. What's the big deal about "denying > kids > the experience"? [...] 9143 43 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews13_Eliot Shimoff16_shimoff@umbc.edu29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 14:04:52 GMT384_- In article <47th82$a39@taco.cc.ncsu.edu>, Igor Chudov wrote: >Craig J. Ackermann (c.ackermann@mail.utexas.edu) wrote: >* If you're adamant about not keeping the Jewish holidays, etc., then the >* best you can do is send your kids to Israel every summer.

But it's got to be more than just sending them to Israel; what will they _do_ there? [...] 9187 22 43_Re: Some good places for Hanukkah toys (But9_Debi Rose16_debi@Eng.Sun.COM29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 20:02:20 GMT391_- Another place to check would be your local synagogue's gift shops. Our's doesn't have one, but the others in the area do and so does our local JCC. I find the reform shuls have the better selections.

Debi





* This post is the opinion of its author ONLY; moderator's opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 9210 97 50_Re: Hanukkah presentation in Kdg in secular school13_Linda Hoffman16_hoffmanl@neb.com28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 16:56:41 GMT524_- Hello!

My husband has been going in to our children's private, secular school for years, presenting Jewish holidays. Before I answer Inna's specific questions, I want to make two more general comments.

1) Although we do something for Hanukkah, in addition, so as not to foster the impression (which many non-Jews have) that the only Jewish holiday is somehowrelated to Christmas, we do things at other holidays too. (We send in apples and honey at Rosh Hashannah, do a story and treats for Purim, etc.) [...] 9308 37 56_Re: Is there a good mail order place for Hanukkah toys ?17_Sarah Y. Schwartz23_sgs@mini.skynet.att.com28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 14:24:45 GMT463_- In article <47o91t$1tm@hpindda.cup.hp.com>, Inna Lauris wrote: >Dane Amydane Amy Harwood (amydane@iii.net) wrote: > >: Another cool catalog is The Source for Everything Jewish. They have real >: things, but no chatchkes. I don't have their number handy, but you can get >it >: from the 800 directory if noone here comes up with it. > >Does someone know the phone number for it ? They don't have a listing in >the 800 directory. > [...] 9346 34 26_Re: Amusing Santa Antidote11_Howard Moss15_hmoss@sr.hp.com29_Sat, 11 Nov 1995 01:28:52 GMT328_- David Karr (karr@cs.cornell.edu) wrote: : from making unsolicited Santa remarks. So I think in the final : analysis you're correct, a polite reaction to those inevitable remarks : is needed, one that's not going to spoil whatever feelings of peace : and goodwill are behind the "how many presents did you get" questions. [...] 9381 49 37_Re: Appropriate gift for bat mitzvah?14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 23:54:47 GMT643_- In article <199511062233.RAA01804@dam.CharlesView.COM>, wrote: > >Robyn Kozierok write: >>For what it's worth, I'd find it a bit "weird" to receive a "Jewish" gift >>from a non-Jewish friend. > >Why? I would find it sweet and thoughtful!

Of course this is just my personal feeling, but for me a Jewish gift (esp. a ritual object) carries a special significance, and I think that most non-Jews (at least the ones at my Bat Mitzvah) wouldn't really be attuned to that significance. If it were a non-Jewish friend who already know that, say, candlesticks, would be a significant gift for a Jewish [...] 9431 30 42_Teaching Children About Holocaust, et. al.0_26_eselinge@wppost.depaul.edu28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 17:19:54 GMT605_-

Amy raised the question, when have people started teaching their children about the Holocaust? As a parent-to-be who found it very hard to connect with the "Judaism of Holocaust and Redemption" (as Neusner puts it) when I was young, and who finds it even now a disturbing although understandable current in American Jewish life, I'd love to broaden the question somewhat. When and how, in raising your children, do you all address the questions of suffering and joy in Jewish history and life? It wasn't until I saw someone really living out the truth of "Ashreinu, mah tov khelkeinu" that [...] 9462 46 40_Re: No Virginia there is no Jewish Santa13_Vera Petrakos16_vera@Eng.Sun.COM28_Mon, 6 Nov 1995 20:42:20 GMT349_- In response to Mark Gershon who wrote:

"In response to Susan Marcos and Eric Simon, I have what may be a radical approach to the so called Santa or December Dilemna......I just tell my kids the truth. Santa is a make believe story made up for Christian children to help them celebrate THEIR holiday of Christmas." [...] 9509 25 52_Question about Jewish wedding rings? Please help me.16_Douglas M Sirkin28_rgydoug@ubvms.cc.buffalo.edu28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 01:47:00 GMT373_- I know this is the parenting group, but I figured who would know better about Jewish wedding rings than recently married Jewish couples? :-)

My fiancee and I really like the "ani l'dodi" wedding rings. We have seen a couple in "The Source for Everything Jewish" and we were wondering if anyone knew of any other sources for these rings, or for similar rings? [...] 9535 52 18_Re: Circumcision -21_Debbie Keyes Tropiano15_debbie@icus.com28_Tue, 7 Nov 1995 15:32:41 GMT518_- In article <1995Nov6.203247.12069@nosc.mil>, Louise Miller wrote: >>> After my son's circumcision my wife made me promise that before our next >>> child was born that I would look into any available topical anesthetic. > > > >My brother's son was circumcised by a Conservative mohel who is also a doctor. >He gave my nephew a shot of some sort of anesthetic before the bris. If you >are in the Houston Texas area I would be glad to get you his name and phone >number. [...] 9588 73 22_Re: Balancing acts ...18_Hollis Jo Bischoff25_hbischoff@BayNetworks.COM28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 22:04:57 GMT582_- In article <478vof$6ao@reuter.cse.ogi.edu>, sherri@cse.ogi.edu (Sherri Shulman) wrote:

> Reading all the posts on taking children to synagogue (or not) brings up > my variant. > Snip for bandwidth > I'm finding that more and more I'm choosing to stay home and participate > only in the family traditions rather than the community in our > synagogue. I do feel that's a loss however, particularly as Ricki gets > closer to bat mitzvah. > > I haven tried the child care facilities at our synagogue, but wasn't > very happy with them. Added to the fact that I want to be [...] 9662 53 42_Re: Jewish Identity through Jewish Culture9_Lisa Cain27_lisa@hops.wharton.upenn.edu29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 13:58:06 GMT331_-

The only issue I have with this "culture" topic is that there are lots of differences within the Jewish people. For example, one of my parents is Sephardic and the other Ashkenaz. This leads to differences in culture and differences in traditional practices (ie. what to eat at Passover, what to name a child, etc.) [...] 9716 41 12_Circumcision25_Roth, Sharon J. (MS-Mail)15_sroth@kraft.com28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 19:49:00 GMT625_-

My boy/girl twins (now three years old) were born severely premature, and spent their first months of life in neonatal intensive care with lots of health complications. Luckily, they recovered and all is well.

My husband and I had agreed that our son would be circumcised, by a mohel, in the traditional Jewish fashion. However, when our son was born, he was so sickly and had so many other health problems that he could not be circumcised in the traditional time frame after birth; the neonatologists strongly recommended against performing a not-medically necessary procedure on such a tiny baby; and [...] 9758 56 53_Re: Blessing your child was: Intermarried Couples...?0_21_news@nntpa.cb.att.com28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 15:43:10 GMT656_-

>==========Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy, 11/7/95========== > >In article <47o7vu$rok@watnews1.watson.ibm.com>, >Ken Goldman wrote: > >>First, I think that a Jewish education starts at birth, and it starts >>at home with committed parents. Our Rabbi holds meetings occasionally >>with new parents. Here's some of his suggestions which I found work >>for me (and Zachary, just 5). >> >>1 - The parent's blessing for their children on Friday night >> >>Hold his sweet head in your hands, look into his beautiful loving eyes, >>and say the prayer in English or Hebrew. My son loves it. And to see >>the Rabbi's children line [...] 9815 41 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews10_Eric Simon23_erics@access2.digex.net29_Sat, 11 Nov 1995 20:55:35 GMT363_- Igor Chudov (ichudov@espcbw.stat.ncsu.edu) wrote: : The question is: I am not religious, so it can be kind of hard to : install this jewish identity though religion. Do you have any experience : raising Jewish children in a non-religious family?

Among other things, you might want to examine why, if you are not religious, this is important to you. [...] 9857 73 16_No Santa Buttons25_Roth, Sharon J. (MS-Mail)15_sroth@kraft.com28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 17:27:00 GMT518_- I wish to respond to the person who wanted to make "No Santa" buttons for their children's jackets (see note below).

Are we as Jews so threatened by the existence of Santa that we forget that what he means for Christians is goodness, innocence and a little magic? What do you think this would do to the spirit of the little children who believe in Santa? Is this the appropriate message of Jewish love for all mankind that we want to send, by poking fun at a tradition which is meant to please children? [...] 9931 28 24_holocaust:when to start?20_Reichman Roxana Gena29_v080tzfr@ubvms.cc.buffalo.edu29_Sun, 12 Nov 1995 02:15:04 GMT532_- It is a very delicate question and I believe it is essential for every family to think about this issue. I have three children (ages 11, 8 and 4). My two older children have been taught about this subject. They went to the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC and my oldest one also went to Yad Vashem Museum in Jerusalem. (All our children are sabras). My father and my husband's father have real life stories to tell about it but the latter doesn't want to talk about it while the first wrote a book about it and my two older [...] 9960 56 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews13_Ilya Vinarsky29_ivin@franklin.CS.Berkeley.EDU29_Sun, 12 Nov 1995 03:40:15 GMT584_- This would be pretty hard since our grandparents' generation's Yiddish culture is all but gone (the only time I heard Yiddish spoken outside of Israel in the last 4 years was at a funeral of an 84-year-old lady). What your (and mine) future children should do, I think, is simply to be aware of their roots, that is to know their grandparents' biographies, and something about their great-grandparents, and to know how their lives fit into the history of Russian Jews. They should also read Sholem Aleichem and Isaac Babel, though this will inevitably be a small part of their [...] 10017 39 44_Re: Jewish books with single parent families0_32_Meredith_Warshaw@charlesview.com29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 01:52:00 GMT534_- Irene Bleiweiss wrote: <, ichudov@espcbw.stat.ncsu.edu : (Igor Chudov) wrote:

: > Hello... : > : > This is more of an abstract question since I am not even married : > and have no children, but anyway... I am a Jew and want my children : > to be Jewish (to have Jewish identity). At some point in my life (not : > now yet) I will probably marry a jewish female, too. : > : > The question is: I am not religious, so it can be kind of hard to : > install [...] 10118 61 28_Re: Intermarried Couples...?12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 16:43:48 GMT341_- Dina Stander (dina@crocker.com) wrote: > I am a non-religious Jewish woman married to a non-religious man who's > only church experiences as a child were Unitarian (and Buddhist in his > early twenties).

> We have 2 children, ages 3.5 and 5 months, both girls (so we were able to > avoid the circumcision question altogether). [...] 10180 74 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews13_Eliot Shimoff16_shimoff@umbc.edu28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 17:31:46 GMT403_- In article <47q6o7$6on@newsbf02.news.aol.com>, LBunder wrote:

Leslie wrote: >Remember, you can always install a sense of Jewish identity via Jewish >culture. > >Jews have much to be proud of, the arts, food and numerous other areas >where we have done well in - so giving children pride in their culture is >as important, some may say, more important than just religion. [...] 10255 50 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews0_25_cfeldman@skatter.usask.ca28_Thu, 9 Nov 1995 23:19:07 GMT560_- <47bhi3$rv5@taco.cc.ncsu.edu>, by ichudov@espcbw.stat.ncsu.edu (Igor Chudov): > Hello... > > This is more of an abstract question since I am not even married > and have no children, but anyway... I am a Jew and want my children > to be Jewish (to have Jewish identity). At some point in my life (not > now yet) I will probably marry a jewish female, too. > > The question is: I am not religious, so it can be kind of hard to > install this jewish identity though religion. Do you have any experience > raising Jewish children in a non-religious family? [...] 10306 39 19_Xmas at the In-laws0_14_GOADAD@aol.com29_Sun, 12 Nov 1995 08:26:43 GMT562_- >3. Continue the status quo, making it clear to Shaina that we >are simply helping Gramma and Grampa celebrate THEIR >holiday. (Cons - makes it harder for her to understand why WE >don't have Xmas, and all that goes with it.)

Naomi,

I have 3 daughters (9,6,4). My wife converted to Judaism about a year and a half ago. We've obviously have been dealing with the issue for awhile. We've gone with your option 3 with no obvious ill effect. I'm always amazed how smart kids are and how they are able to make distinctions. We tell the kids that [...] 10346 25 60_Re: Some good places for Hanukkah toys (But not mail-order.)13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 18:07:08 GMT410_us-ascii Me again. I was at Toy R Us last night (my home away from home,) and they have dreidles. The little plastic ones and the wooden ones. No fillable ones. (But I have the one I got at half price last year, snicker snicker....)





* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 10372 25 18_Re: Circumcision -12_Jeff Dorfman27_dorfman@uclink.berkeley.edu29_Sun, 12 Nov 1995 11:14:09 GMT520_- Robyn Kozierok (robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu) wrote: : In article <1995Nov6.203247.12069@nosc.mil>, : Louise Miller wrote:

: >B'sha'ah tovah, (that's a frummie way of saying mazel tov to : >someone whose kid hasn't been born yet.)

: What's the literal translation of that??

At a good time. (lit. In a good hour).

* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 10398 22 24_Re: Hannukah Decorations13_Ruth K. Wenig19_ruthkw@pipeline.com29_Sun, 12 Nov 1995 23:42:07 GMT172_- As a long time art teacher, I have a entire lesson plan section on Chanukah decorations and projects. If you want some, just tell me what you are looking for.

Ruth 10421 34 23_Re: Blessing your child12_Bill Coleman23_clmn@ellis.uchicago.edu29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 00:58:59 GMT424_- In article <47oijh$16u3@saba.info.ucla.edu>, Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy wrote: > >Shana is 2 and change :-), and we've been blessing her on Friday >nights since she was 3 days old (when we felt incredibly self-conscious >about it), and she *hates* it. :-( Heaven forbid that we should put >our hands on her head, let alone look into her eyes. Has anyone else >had this type of problem? > [...] 10456 38 24_Re: The December Dilemma47_Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea.25_rscw081@CNSVAX.ALBANY.EDU29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 02:45:50 GMT429_- >This is a mystery to me also. And as a child there was a tree in our house >because my parents died when I was young and our housekeepers were >non-Jews. I believe that Jewish children can see the decorations and >express curiosity and delight even (they are beautiful sometimes), but that >does not have to be interpreted as envy. My guess is that some of these >parents are projecting their own envy on their children. [...] 10495 88 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews16_Abramovici Irina19_ccaiire@SHAMASH.ORG29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 11:21:40 GMT548_us-ascii cfeldman@skatter.usask.ca wrote: ><47bhi3$rv5@taco.cc.ncsu.edu>, by ichudov@espcbw.stat.ncsu.edu (Igor Chudov): >> The question is: I am not religious, so it can be kind of hard to >> install this jewish identity though religion. Do you have any experience >> raising Jewish children in a non-religious family?

> A good after school Hebrew school program and family participation in > congregational social functions can greatly aid in instilling Jewish > identity on children even though home rituals may be somewhat wanting. [...] 10584 20 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews8_SDOOCHIN16_sdoochin@aol.com29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 13:07:19 GMT358_- I work for a Jewish organization that studies the Jewish identity issue. the best 3 things to do (if it is not going to be an observant home) are: Jewish sleep away summer camp, Jewish youth group, i.e BBYO or one associated with one of the movements, such as reform's Nat. Fed. of Temple Youth (NFTY), and trips to Israel when a teen or young adult. [...] 10605 47 50_Re: Hanukkah presentation in Kdg in secular school9_Betsey K.14_belle@coil.com29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 01:42:08 GMT436_- In article <47lj6h$pnd@hpindda.cup.hp.com>, Inna Lauris wrote: > >Well this year there are only 2 Jewish kids in Paula's Kdg class >out of 22. And the other kid's Mom is going to be out of town and >cannot make the presentation, so it's up to me. Well, I am really >nervous about it. I am planning to find a nice story of Hanukkah >with a lot of pictures to read to them. Then I'd like to play dreidel. [...] 10653 31 15_Kippah Aversion10_Laura Moss10_jj@mcs.net29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 14:23:58 GMT530_US-ASCII

My son refused to wear a kippah until sometime after he was three. I found his refusal had to do with clipping it on. A kippah would not stay on his head without the clips and the clips bothered him. Someone I know suggested a Bukharan kippah since it would stay on without the clips. Indeed, it did the trick. I also combined his kippah wearing with some positive goodies -- for instance he wanted to stay with me when davening in shul instead of going to gan -- I said he could as long as he was quiet and [...] 10685 829 69_soc.culture.jewish FAQ: Jewish Childrearing Related Questions (12/12)13_Daniel Faigin21_faigin@pacificnet.net22_12 Nov 95 19:08:19 GMT711_- Archive-name: judaism/FAQ/12-Kids Soc-culture-jewish-archive-name: faq.12-Kids Posting-Frequency: Monthly

Frequently Asked Questions on Soc.Culture.Jewish Part 12: Jewish Childrearing Related Questions [Last Change: $Date: 1995/10/19 15:24:46 $ $Revision: 1.6 $] [Last Post: Sun May 7 11:07:07 1995]

This posting is an attempt to answer questions that are continually asked on soc.culture.jewish. It was written by cooperating laypeople from the various Judaic movements. You _should not_ make any assumption as to accuracy and/or authoritativeness of the answers provided herein. In all cases, it is always best to consult a competent authority--your local rabbi is a good place to start. [...] 11515 26 37_Re: Appropriate gift for bat mitzvah?12_Beth Moncher21_bmoncher@monmouth.com29_Sat, 11 Nov 1995 17:08:26 GMT277_- The greatest gift I got on my Bat Mitzvah was a book entitled "How to be a Jewish Women" I cannot remember the author... Nor can I locate

the book, . It was enlightening, and I cherished it for years. 11542 78 42_Re: Jewish Identity through Jewish Culture12_Guncler/Loeb21_gunclers@intercom.com29_Sun, 12 Nov 1995 05:09:00 GMT350_us-ascii I agree - instilling a sense of pride about Jews' accomplishments (in any area) is not enough to give a kid a Jewish identity. Not that it isn't important, but remember, these accomplishments did not spring from a vacuum.

The study & practice of Judaism fosters the mental and spiritual faculties that allow such accomplishment. [...] 11621 25 18_Re: Circumcision -47_Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea.25_rscw081@CNSVAX.ALBANY.EDU29_Sat, 11 Nov 1995 21:45:36 GMT263_- > On halachic grounds, my LOR said that b'di-eved (after the fact) it >was ok (I was talking to him about my nephew,) but not the l'chat-chila >(best, first choice) way to do a bris. > Please ask your own rabbi and doctor, and don't take my word for this. [...] 11647 55 46_Re: Teaching Children About Holocaust, et. al.15_Georganne Burke19_nbcnet@inforamp.net29_Sun, 12 Nov 1995 06:13:10 GMT621_- In article , eselinge@wppost.depaul.edu wrote:

> > Amy raised the question, when have people started teaching their > children about the Holocaust? As a parent-to-be who found it very hard > to connect with the "Judaism of Holocaust and Redemption" (as Neusner > puts it) when I was young, and who finds it even now a disturbing > although understandable current in American Jewish life, I'd love to > broaden the question somewhat. When and how, in raising your > children, do you all address the questions of suffering and joy in Jewish > history and life? It wasn't until [...] 11703 34 37_Re: Appropriate gift for bat mitzvah?0_17_bdlerner@JTSA.EDU29_Sun, 12 Nov 1995 02:01:06 GMT429_US-ASCII

Dear Louise and friends,

When purchasing gift prayerbooks or even religious books, try to keep in mind the tradition with which the child and his/her family is affiliated. For example, Artscroll might seem attractive and "non-denomenational" but it is an orthodox set, very popular to be sure, but not necessarily preferred to other gift siddurim/prayerbooks available from virtually every movement. [...] 11738 23 56_Re: Is there a good mail order place for Hanukkah toys ?13_Marsha Paiste25_mpaiste@emerald.tufts.edu29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 14:44:40 GMT432_- I am always looking for interesting mail order holiday items.

While thumbing through a catalog called Playclothes (there's an 800 number), I saw a Hanukkah dress. It's blue with dreidls around the hem and comes with matching tights.

Marsha Paiste



* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 11762 69 23_Re: Xmas at the In-laws15_Georganne Burke19_nbcnet@inforamp.net28_Wed, 8 Nov 1995 01:39:37 GMT604_- In article <473e6a$5h1@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu (naomi pardue) wrote: I guess I have two thoughts: When you decided to get married, did you discuss this issue? Now that you have a child, she has a right to see her grandparents, to understand what they are as people and to appreciate them. My husband is the product of a mixed marriage. His father died when my husband was a very young baby, but to his mother's credit, he kept up his relationship with his father's family. He was raised by an Orthodox grandmother, who, to her credit, also permitted him to see his [...] 11832 54 43_Re: Some good places for Hanukkah toys (But0_17_bdlerner@JTSA.EDU29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 15:43:41 GMT585_US-ASCII

Dear Debi and Friends,

When planning Hanukkah gift giving (if you must as opposed to Hanukkah gelt=coins) when the children are old enough, please consider the following ideas:

1. We have given our children and also to the children of our Religious School as a group replicas of ancient Israelite "lamps" available from various resources, one being Biblical Archaeological Society. On Hanukkah you can light a different lamp in addition to your Hanukkah menorot, using wicks and olive oil, and study/discuss the history of that lamp and its period. [...] 11887 36 15_kippah aversion0_32_Meredith_Warshaw@charlesview.com29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 17:34:00 GMT550_- David Sieradzki wrote: <> [...] 11924 23 24_Re: Hannukah Decorations0_32_Meredith_Warshaw@charlesview.com29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 17:34:00 GMT326_- This might be too "garish" for you, but I found a menorah made of the plastic that sticks to windows (no glue, leaves no marks, is removable). My son loves it, because it has separate candles and flames, so that after I light the menorah candles he can do the candles on his window menorah (he even does the bracha :-) [...] 11948 40 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews18_Thomas A Longstaff20_tl2b+@andrew.cmu.edu29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 18:49:58 GMT574_-

Excerpts from mail: 10-Nov-95 Re: Raising Jewish children.. by Millie Niss@gauss.math.b > I am not Jewish because my father is Jewish but not my mother. None > of my family is religious. I am quite interested in Orthodox Judaism > (though not really thinking of conversion to O). If I am seriously > considering raising Jewish children (I am not yet married), do you > suggest I convert to some form of Judaism before marriage? I would > not be going against family wishes if I converted, but I don't know > how legal (halacha-wise) a conversion for the sake [...] 11989 41 23_Re: Xmas at the In-laws11_Seth Grimes23_grimes@access.digex.net29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 03:53:20 GMT297_- GOADAD@aol.com writes:

> For some reason I have more trouble with Easter. In laws give the kids >chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. Maybe I take it the wrong way but I see >the sweets as a subtle way to pull the kids into a holiday (and beliefs) that >I don't want them to buy into. [...] 12031 48 27_Re: Unexpected Antisemitism14_Andrea Herrera15_andreah@utj.org29_Sun, 12 Nov 1995 06:34:36 GMT428_- We have had a few experiences with anti-semitism, but one really sticks out in my mind the most.

When our oldest was a sophomore in high school, she experienced blatant anti-semitism. She found a flyer in her locker at school, saying "the last testiment of christ - to kill all the jews", she received a student corrected paper back one day with "you are a Jew, and you are not worthy to live" written on it, etc. [...] 12080 35 50_Re: Where to find silver shekels for pidyon haben?0_17_bdlerner@JTSA.EDU29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 02:02:35 GMT439_US-ASCII

Dear Friends,

Yes, the Israeli government did issue a pidyon haben set of 5 silver shekalim. I have a set and "loan" it to parents in our community for redeeming their first-born, by way of "giving" it to them, and they "give" it back to me afterwards. I've even developed a redemption certificate which is the text of a ceremony as well, with parts for parents, grandparents, Kohen, Rabbi and several others. [...] 12116 38 16_Re: Circumcision11_Ken Goldman20_kgold@watson.ibm.com29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 17:37:09 GMT554_- "Roth, Sharon J. (MS-Mail)" writes: > > [snipped - premature birth, circumcision not advised] > > So, at two months old, with a little more weight on his bones (a whopping > 4 lb), Adam went in for hernia surgery in which he received general > anesthesia. We made the decision at that time to have the surgeon also do > the circumcision while Adam was still under, under the theory that Adam > had already suffered quite enough pain in his young life and was still > very weak. My husband and his father were present and recited [...] 12155 63 29_Vegetable Shape Sukkah Lights18_Steven R Weintraub18_stevenw@pencom.com29_Sun, 12 Nov 1995 08:20:47 GMT526_US-ASCII About two weeks ago I mentioned that the lights we used on our sukkah were shaped in various shapes of fruits and vegetables. Someone asked for a reference to help find the sets. The sets we have fall into three catagories :

1) Apple Shaped.

These lights are quite common a holiday lights, and you should be able to find them in the bulk holiday stores on sale after December 25. That's where we got them. I'm afraid I don't have a brand, but as common as they are, they shouldn't be hard to find. [...] 12219 34 12_Circumcision13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 19:32:18 GMT562_- I didn't say it's not strictly allowed. An adult male convert or someone who never had a bris would surely need anesthesia. General anesthesia is not given for a bris because it's more dangerous than the bris itself. Your son was already under for other surgery. A rabbi could advise you on whether or not the bris was kosher. If not, it's a fairly simple precedure of a few drops of blood. (So an already circumcised adult convert friend once told me.) In any case, brisses are regularily postponed when the child is not well. There have been cases I've [...] 12254 83 38_FW: Rejection of Submission to S.C.J.P25_Roth, Sharon J. (MS-Mail)15_sroth@kraft.com29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 16:06:00 GMT512_-



---------- From: scjp%shamash.nysernet.org To: kesjr00 Cc: scjp-rejects%shamash.nysernet.org Subject: Rejection of Submission to S.C.J.P Date: Friday, November 10, 1995 02:01AM





I was raised in a non-observant Reform Jewish family, in which we always celebrated Christmas and Easter from a purely secular standpoint - Santa, Frosty, bunnies with chocolate eggs (chocolate knows no religious boundaries!). It was always abundantly clear that we were not celebrating a [...] 12338 29 16_Re: Circumcision12_Sophie Miron21_soph@OCF.Berkeley.EDU29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 21:22:52 GMT555_- In reading recent postings, I wasn't aware that general anesthesia is not strictly allowed for a circumcision. Given all my circumstances, do you think this decision was appropriate? I would welcome anyone's thoughts on this situation.

Reply:

I'm the one who wrote that and since it's "just something I heard" I wouldn't go by it. If you're really concerned, I'd ask the opinion of a couple of mohels and a couple of Rabbis. Certainly your decision to postpone would have been required due to the child's health under Jewish Halakha. [...] 12368 22 29_A menorah as a Hannukah gift?12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 21:40:27 GMT273_-

I asked my Mom to buy Shaina a menorah of her own for a gift this year. Question: Should it be a birthday gift (her b-day is a week before Hannukah this year) or a Hanukah gift to be opened on the first night? (We normally open gifts AFTER candle lighting.) [...] 12391 35 36_Re: Difficulties Blessing Your Child10_Eric Simon23_erics@access2.digex.net29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 21:53:58 GMT329_- Louise Miller (miller@louise.ucsd.edu) wrote: : dinitz@tss.com wrote: : > Can anyone out there suggest possible solutions to kippah aversion at : >age 2-3? : > : No. There is none.

I tend to agree. When my 2-1/2 yr old does things like this, my wife and I calm ourselves with the following mantra: "he's being two" [...] 12427 49 28_Re: Intermarried Couples...?10_Eric Simon23_erics@access2.digex.net29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 21:34:53 GMT384_- Michal Peri (michal@gordian.com) wrote: : Dina Stander (dina@crocker.com) wrote: : : I am a non-religious Jewish woman married to a non-religious man.... : [sd] : : : The question is: How do I teach my daughters about being Jewish. I think : : it is important to give them this gift, to make it fun and rich and also : : to let them know they have some responsibility as well? [...] 12477 41 43_Re: Some good places for Hanukkah toys (But0_17_bdlerner@JTSA.EDU29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 15:52:14 GMT573_US-ASCII

Dear Debi and Friends,

Several other ideas came to mind which may also be more appropriate for younger children, but also are appropriate for adults to offer children:

1. Let each person, adult and child, make up a "gift coupon book" which contains strips of paper and a cover, one page of each gives a gift of a service "with a smile", eg. washing dishes, making beds, making a meal, etc. You can also include such items as "one smile" to be "redeemed" when someone is acting out of sorts, a "hug" for when it is truly a special moment [...] 12519 48 19_Re: Kippah Aversion15_Georganne Burke19_nbcnet@inforamp.net29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 02:34:49 GMT631_- Laura:

All three of my boys wore the Bukharian yarmulkes very successfully until they were about 10. Now that we live in Toronto, in a frum community where everyone is wearing a regular yarmulke, it is no problem.

Georganne Burke



In article , Laura Moss wrote:

> > My son refused to wear a kippah until sometime after he was three. I > found his refusal had to do with clipping it on. A kippah would not stay > on his head without the clips and the clips bothered him. Someone I know > suggested a Bukharan kippah since [...] 12568 49 25_Feelings on Xmas/Hanukkah14_Andrea Herrera15_AndreaH@utj.org29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 18:28:55 GMT519_- As one of the moderators of this list, I have some feelings I would like to share with the entire population of s.c.j.p. I appologize in advance if I step on anyone's toes, but I feel a need to post my feelings.

I have to say that I object to the posting of issues related to bringing secular Christmas traditions into a home where children are being raised as Jews. I also object to tying Christmas traditions into the holiday of Hanukkah. I have given a great deal of thought to this thread on s.c.j.p. [...] 12618 42 23_Re: Xmas at the In-laws10_Eric Simon23_erics@access2.digex.net29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 21:09:34 GMT341_- : >3. Continue the status quo, making it clear to Shaina that we >are simply : helping Gramma and Grampa celebrate THEIR >holiday. (Cons - makes it harder : for her to understand why WE >don't have Xmas, and all that goes with it.)

I also follow option #3. My wife is a Jew-by-choice, and the rest of her family is non-Jewish. [...] 12661 42 33_Religious school for reform kids.12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 17:46:00 GMT376_-

Shaina (almost 4) has just started attended Sunday a.m. relgious school this fall. (The class is called Temple Tots.) At first she loved it. THen we missed 2 weeks. (Out of town one weekend, she was sick the next.) Yesterday, her first day back, she seemed very clingy, and according to her teacher, announced at one point that "I like my plain school better!" [...] 12704 75 24_Re: The December Dilemma14_Andrea Herrera15_andreah@utj.org29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 13:59:53 GMT504_- >In article <472s7k$mci@rebecca.albany.edu>, rscw081@cnsvax.albany.edu >wrote: > Can someone explain something to me please? Why do so many people feel that > children are missing out on anything by not participating in Christmas? As I > child, it never even crossed my mind to ask for a tree or Santa Claus. It > just wasn't something that we (Jews) do, that's for them (Christians). It wasn't > an envious thought, just matter of fact. What's the big deal about "denying > kids the experience"? [...] 12780 32 19_Videos for 2.5 y.o.25_Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy25_pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 15:35:08 GMT290_- I recently bought Shana a copy of "Miracle Days," and I've been amazed at how powerful videos can be as a tool in Jewish education for a young child (some of you are probably saying, well, duh!, but this is only the second video that Shana has owned, so that's why I'm clueless ;-). [...] 12813 36 37_Re: Religious school for reform kids.18_Thomas A Longstaff20_tl2b+@andrew.cmu.edu29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 17:44:03 GMT478_-

Excerpts from mail: 13-Nov-95 Religious school for reform.. by naomi pardue@ezinfo.ucs. > So I guess the question is, how do other less religious parents deal > with this issue -- kids (esp. the very young ones) learning about things > they they just don't do in the home. I WILL try to be a better example > (lighting shabbas candles, going to services most weeks, trying to track > down a challah), but we have no interest in being strictly shomer > shabbas. > [...] 12850 74 37_Re: Religious school for reform kids.10_David Roth28_droth@copper.ucs.indiana.edu29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 20:53:59 GMT614_- In article <48808o$drn@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, naomi pardue wrote: > >Shaina (almost 4) has just started attended Sunday a.m. relgious school >this fall. (The class is called Temple Tots.) At first she loved it. >THen we missed 2 weeks. (Out of town one weekend, she was sick the >next.) Yesterday, her first day back, she seemed very clingy, and >according to her teacher, announced at one point that "I like my plain >school better!" > >Both I and the teachers believe that just being away for the two weeks >may be the main problem, but it ALSO occured to me that there [...] 12925 49 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews13_Eliot Shimoff16_shimoff@umbc.edu29_Mon, 13 Nov 1995 18:39:28 GMT559_- In article , Millie Niss wrote: >I'm not sure quite how relevant this is to the scjp group, but I'd >really like advice: > >I am not Jewish because my father is Jewish but not my mother.

There is at least the possibility that you _are_ Jewish according to standards of the Reform movement (which accepts patrilineal descent if the individual has identified formally with the Jewish community). But you would probably not be recognized as Jewish by the C and O communities. [...] 12975 65 18_Re: Circumcision -13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 21:50:02 GMT464_us-ascii rscw081@cnsvax.albany.edu (Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea.) wrote: >> On halachic grounds, my LOR said that b'di-eved (after the fact) it >>was ok (I was talking to him about my nephew,) but not the l'chat-chila >>(best, first choice) way to do a bris. >> Please ask your own rabbi and doctor, and don't take my word for this. > >I didn't undertsand this. You're saying that the rabbi changed his mind >after >the fact? > >Sarah G. > [...] 13041 84 27_Jewish newsgroup, not Xtian15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 22:01:30 GMT470_-

Let me preface this post with a couple of facts. The initial idea for the newsgroup was mine, and the idea stemmed from my many years of participation of misc.kids. At this time of year, m.k. was inundated with the types of posts that we've seen here, and frankly, I was sick to death of it. At the time I conceived this idea, Pesach was coming, and people were posting about giving Easter baskets to their Jewish neighbors. I went ballistic. I admit it. [...] 13126 65 20_Re: December Dilemma10_David Roth28_droth@copper.ucs.indiana.edu29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 21:17:18 GMT487_-



Dear Sharon,

My mother converted to Judaism, and has become a very devoted and active Jew. However, in my childhood, for a number of years, we had a Christmas tree. It was always perfectly clear that this was a totally secular thing. She is from another country, and for her, the tree was more a seasonal thing than a religious symbol. As I grew older, I came to realize that this wasn't quite right (as did she, I might add), and we stopped having a tree. [...] 13192 50 37_Re: Religious school for reform kids.13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 18:58:36 GMT525_us-ascii

npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu (naomi pardue) wrote: > >So I guess the question is, how do other less religious parents deal >with this issue -- kids (esp. the very young ones) learning about things >they they just don't do in the home. I WILL try to be a better example >(lighting shabbas candles, going to services most weeks, trying to track >down a challah), but we have no interest in being strictly shomer >shabbas. > >Thoughts? > >Naomi [...] 13243 23 19_Re: Kippah Aversion14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 21:56:35 GMT427_- In article , Georganne Burke wrote: >All three of my boys wore the Bukharian yarmulkes very successfully until >they were about 10.

What are these? I don't recognize them by the name.

--Robyn

* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 13267 38 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews19_Olga from the volga19_olga1@ix.netcom.com29_Fri, 10 Nov 1995 20:02:39 GMT428_- Not all of us folks have the means to do this.

ichudov@espcbw.stat.ncsu.edu (Igor Chudov) wrote:

>Craig J. Ackermann (c.ackermann@mail.utexas.edu) wrote: >* If you're adamant about not keeping the Jewish holidays, etc., then the >* best you can do is send your kids to Israel every summer. Sincerely, >* Craig.

>Sending them to Israel sounds like a great and wonderful idea. Will do >it myself, too. [...] 13306 23 19_Re: Kippah Aversion0_32_Meredith_Warshaw@charlesview.com29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 12:31:00 GMT479_- Georganne Burke wrote: <>

What are Bukharian yarmulkes, and where can they be found?

Meredith

* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 13330 69 29_Re: Feelings on Xmas/Hanukkah19_Olga from the volga19_olga1@ix.netcom.com29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 16:12:46 GMT577_- "Andrea Herrera" wrote:

>As one of the moderators of this list, I have some feelings I would >like to share with the entire population of s.c.j.p. I appologize in >advance if I step on anyone's toes, but I feel a need to post my >feelings.

>I have to say that I object to the posting of issues related to >bringing secular Christmas traditions into a home where children are >being raised as Jews. I also object to tying Christmas traditions >into the holiday of Hanukkah. I have given a great deal of thought >to this thread on s.c.j.p. [...] 13400 27 17_Blessing Children15_Michael A Zevon29_roszevon@ubvms.cc.buffalo.edu29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 18:50:00 GMT481_- Hello,

I'm sorry if I arrived at this thread late but I was wondering if someone could be more specific about blessing children at Shabot. I'm not aware of this practice and would appreciate information on the group or via E-mail.

Thanks in advance, Michael Zevon











* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 13428 55 37_Re: Religious school for reform kids.47_Douglas W. Jones,201H MLH,3193350740,319338287925_jones@pyrite.cs.uiowa.edu29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 21:20:18 GMT566_- >From article <48808o$drn@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, by npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu (naomi pardue):

> Earlier in the semester, they were learning about things that she could > relate to (the High Holy Days, Simchat Torah, Noah's Ark, etc.) Last > week they started learning about Shabbat and, frankly, we are not shomer > shabbas. > > So I guess the question is, how do other less religious parents deal > with this issue ... I WILL try to be a better example (lighting shabbas > candles, going to services most weeks, trying to track down a challah. [...] 13484 83 28_Re: Intermarried Couples...?12_Dina Stander16_dina@crocker.com29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 03:57:59 GMT610_- In article <488dlt$g3i@news4.digex.net>, erics@access2.digex.net (Eric Simon) wrote:

> Dina, I think Ken Goldman wrote a wonderful response to your question. > In fact, many couples consitisting of *two* Jews should read it. > > Let me paraphrase and summarize his response: > > (1) "Being" Jewish is almost nothing; "DOING" Jewish is almost > everything. You have to live it -- kids learn by watching and > experiencing. If you *DO* Jewish, they will "get it." > > (2) The easiest way to start DOING Jewish is by celebrating Shabbat on > Friday nights. I'm not (yet) particularly observant, but [...] 13568 34 21_Early Pesach question14_Howard Gershen18_howard@boxhill.com29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 14:32:24 GMT453_-

OK, here's a non-Xmas question:

My son's about 9-1/2 weeks old now, and he's slurping down ISOMIL like a real schicker. I've noticed that ISOMIL's O-U Kosher and Pareve. However, it's a soy bean product. What happens comes Passover? Are we required by kashrut to switch him to something else? Or does this fall under various Torah prescriptions regarding the health of the individual or babies not required to fulfill all mitzvot? [...] 13603 54 59_Religious School, Reform Kids, and "less religious parents"0_26_eselinge@wppost.depaul.edu29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 19:19:31 GMT391_-

Naomi wrote: "So I guess the question is, how do other less religious parents deal with this issue -- kids (esp. the very young ones) learning about things they they just don't do in the home. I WILL try to be a better example (lighting shabbas candles, going to services most weeks, trying to track down a challah), but we have no interest in being strictly shomer shabbas." [...] 13658 28 20_Chanukah pajamas :-)20_Amy & Dane L Harwood23_amydane@harwood.iii.net29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 00:58:38 GMT607_us-ascii Biobottoms catalogue now has Chanukah pjs (actually long johns) for kids from Sarah's Prints!! The pattern is called Festival, and it has Jewish stars, dreidels, candles, gifts. It's shown with a menorah, but with no explicit mention of Chanukah. I wonder how many non-Jews will buy them unknowingly :-)? Actually, I'm not too surprised. Biobottoms has always made a stab at multiculturalism, and Sarah's Prints come from Israel. BTW, if you do buy them, go up 2-3 sizes (the 10 fits my 5y, normally in size 6slim clothing), and they do run narrow. Anyway, their number is (800) 766-1254, and [...] 13687 48 21_Re: Blessing Children11_Ken Goldman20_kgold@watson.ibm.com29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 17:41:30 GMT297_- roszevon@ubvms.cc.buffalo.edu (Michael A Zevon) writes: > > I'm sorry if I arrived at this thread late but I was wondering if someone > could be more specific about blessing children at Shabot. I'm not aware of > this practice and would appreciate information on the group or via E-mail. > [...] 13736 40 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews25_Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy25_pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 15:18:18 GMT360_- In article <480b5m$55a@ixnews3.ix.netcom.com>, Olga from the volga wrote: >Not all of us folks have the means to do this. > >>Craig J. Ackermann (c.ackermann@mail.utexas.edu) wrote: >>* If you're adamant about not keeping the Jewish holidays, etc., then the >>* best you can do is send your kids to Israel every summer. Sincerely, [...] 13777 58 28_Re: Intermarried Couples...?0_32_Meredith_Warshaw@charlesview.com29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 16:28:00 GMT563_- Dina Stander wrote: << So then how is DOING Jewish defined for a person like me? I feel Jewish even though I am not religious. How do I communicate this to my kids *outside* of a religious/practice context?

It was easier for me to feel this identity because both my parents were Jewish... I think what I may be avoiding here is this question: How do I teach my children about antisemitism? And the holocost? For me these were poresented as personal issues, things I would need to learn about, grapple with, learn and remember. It was my [...] 13836 39 11_CTTS (6 yo)10_David Karr19_karr@CS.Cornell.EDU29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 17:56:42 GMT613_-

This incident actually was a few months ago, but there was no s.c.j.p back then to post it to.

We were getting ready for Friday dinner and it came to be "time to say the b'rachas."

So Jane piped up, "It's bah-ROO-kahs. Bah-ROO-ka!"

"Huh?"

"You know, when you say 'Barookah tah ...'"





(OK, so her Hebrew isn't so great yet. But I noticed that since her Hebrew school taught the aleph class David Melech Yisroel and she's been singing it nearly incessantly and driving us half out of our minds sometimes, at least her cheths have begun to sound like [...] 13876 43 23_Re: Videos for 2.5 y.o.12_Haran Rashes15_haran@umich.edu29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 21:31:30 GMT491_- On Tue, 14 Nov 1995 07:35:08 -0800 pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu (Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy) wrote: >Anyway, I'd like to hear recommendations for more. I know that >Shalom Sesame is highly thought of, but I'm trying to hold out >until our local PBS airs them again (why are all these tapes >so damn expensive?!?!?!?!). Oh, and it'd be nice if they were >videos that weren't too grating on parental ears (I keep hearing >the "Mix that Matzah Dough!" song from Miracle Days in my head....) [...] 13920 38 29_Re: Feelings on Xmas/Hanukkah16_Daniel P. Faigin15_faigin@aero.org29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 17:25:13 GMT482_- On Tue, 14 Nov 1995 08:12:46 -0800, olga1@ix.netcom.com (Olga from the volga) said:

> Xmas and Christians are not going away. Either is intermarriage. > People who intermarry have children. Even if the couple decides to > raise these children Jewish, the families still have Christian > relatives. You cannot tell families to not see each other at the end > of December. These are issues that are dear to the readers of the > newsgroup, and they need to be discussed. [...] 13959 36 22_CTTS .. about heritage14_Andrea Herrera15_AndreaH@utj.org29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 19:56:46 GMT296_- Last year when my son was in first grade, his class was working on a project about heritage, where people come from, etc. Michael realized that daddy is Mexican. (A very proud 2nd generation Mexican Jew). Michael became facinated with the fact that he is half mexican. (I am not Mexican.) [...] 13996 51 21_December difficulties10_LayneMurph18_laynemurph@aol.com29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 23:03:33 GMT589_-

Several years ago I would have been nonplused at the thought of a self-described observant Jew attempting to integrate the "secular" aspects of say, Christmas, into home and family life. I was raised with a Christmas tree and Easter baskets. I was also raised without any Jewish observance whatsoever so I spent my early adulthood struggling to create my own rituals, knowing that when I became a parent I wanted to offer my own children far more than my own parents offered me in terms of religious identity. I put on elaborate Christmas parties and had boxes and boxes of [...] 14048 38 25_Re: Early Pesach question0_24_faigin@solarium.aero.org29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 17:28:31 GMT503_- On Wed, 15 Nov 1995 06:32:24 -0800, Howard Gershen said:

> My son's about 9-1/2 weeks old now, and he's slurping down ISOMIL like a > real schicker. I've noticed that ISOMIL's O-U Kosher and Pareve. However, > it's a soy bean product. What happens comes Passover? Are we required by > kashrut to switch him to something else? Or does this fall under various > Torah prescriptions regarding the health of the individual or babies not > required to fulfill all mitzvot? [...] 14087 33 29_Re: Feelings on Xmas/Hanukkah0_24_faigin@solarium.aero.org29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 17:25:13 GMT482_- On Tue, 14 Nov 1995 08:12:46 -0800, olga1@ix.netcom.com (Olga from the volga) said:

> Xmas and Christians are not going away. Either is intermarriage. > People who intermarry have children. Even if the couple decides to > raise these children Jewish, the families still have Christian > relatives. You cannot tell families to not see each other at the end > of December. These are issues that are dear to the readers of the > newsgroup, and they need to be discussed. [...] 14121 54 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews13_Eliot Shimoff16_shimoff@umbc.edu29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 19:11:48 GMT691_- In article <48d0bq$mjh@saba.info.ucla.edu>, Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy wrote: >In article <480b5m$55a@ixnews3.ix.netcom.com>,

>>>Craig J. Ackermann (c.ackermann@mail.utexas.edu) wrote: >>>* If you're adamant about not keeping the Jewish holidays, etc., then the >>>* best you can do is send your kids to Israel every summer. Sincerely,

And Jo wrote: >Even if you can't send your children every summer (which my mind >and pocketbook also boggle at), isn't it possible to send >them on at least one trip as a teenager? I've been told that >there is a high degree of correlation between attending a summer >program in Israel as a teenager, and [...] 14176 33 23_Re: Videos for 2.5 y.o.12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 19:49:50 GMT361_- Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy (pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu) wrote: > I recently bought Shana a copy of "Miracle Days," and I've been amazed > at how powerful videos can be as a tool in Jewish education for a > young child (some of you are probably saying, well, duh!, but this > is only the second video that Shana has owned, so that's why I'm > clueless ;-). [...] 14210 54 35_Re: Intermarried Couples...? -Reply0_26_eselinge@wppost.depaul.edu29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 18:51:55 GMT572_-

Dina writes: "It was easier for me to feel this identity because both my parents were Jewish. ... I think what I may be avoiding here is this question: How do I teach my children about antisemitism? And the holocost? For me these were poresented as personal issues, things I would need to learn about, grapple with, learn and remember. It was my responsibility. How have you taught your children about this in the context of a mixed marriage, it seems so much clearer for couples when both parents are Jewish. None of this is part of my husbands experience [...] 14265 97 37_Re: Religious school for reform kids.9_Rob Strom20_strom@watson.ibm.com29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 17:17:36 GMT660_- In article <48b16i$icc@flood.weeg.uiowa.edu>, jones@pyrite.cs.uiowa.edu (Douglas W. Jones,201H MLH,3193350740,3193382879) writes: |> >From article <48808o$drn@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, |> by npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu (naomi pardue): |> |> > Earlier in the semester, they were learning about things that she could |> > relate to (the High Holy Days, Simchat Torah, Noah's Ark, etc.) Last |> > week they started learning about Shabbat and, frankly, we are not shomer |> > shabbas. |> > |> > So I guess the question is, how do other less religious parents deal |> > with this issue ... I WILL try to be a better example (lighting shabbas |> > candles, [...] 14363 71 31_Re: Jewish newsgroup, not Xtian0_24_faigin@solarium.aero.org29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 17:22:05 GMT375_- On Tue, 14 Nov 1995 14:01:30 -0800, mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu (Marjorie Peskin) said:

> Because, gentle readers, we're being inundated with Xtain/Xmas posts, and > we're not seeing much on raising kids Jewishly. [...] The moderators have > suggested revising our charter even further to specifically disregard topics > that are not within a Jewish context. .... [...] 14435 74 31_Re: Jewish newsgroup, not Xtian18_catherine a. melfi28_melfi@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 14:39:04 GMT697_- In article <48b3jq$ds0@chaos.dac.neu.edu>, Marjorie Peskin wrote: >[...]

>The moderators have suggested revising our charter even further to >specifically disregard topics that are not within a Jewish context. As >it stands, the charter says: > >"In the context of s.c.j.p., the phrase "within a Jewish context" is >intended to indicate either an environment in which the child's primary >belief system is Judaism (without regard to the belief systems of the >child's caretakers), or the Jewish aspects of a multifaith child's >environment." > >What the moderators neglected to take into account was that people who >are within the charter, Jewish parents [...] 14510 28 9_Menorah's12_Beth Moncher21_bmoncher@monmouth.com29_Sat, 11 Nov 1995 17:15:03 GMT324_- I recently purchased a Menorah as a gift for an observant family. Some friends have told me that it is inappropriate for the children, since it has the Disney Characters to hold the candles. I felt since the children love Disney related items it would be a nice thing for them to look at, if not utilize on Chanukah. [...] 14539 25 14_CTTS: Hannukah25_Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy25_pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 18:58:20 GMT387_- Last saturday, 2.5 yo Shana and I were wandering around outside, looking in the gift shop window at shul. "See this?" I asked, pointing to a menorah, "This is a hannukiyah." "Anukiyah!" she repeated. "And here," I continued, pointing to another one, "here's another hannukiyah." "'Nother kiya!" she replied.

And now that's the name by which they're known--notherkiyas. :-) [...] 14565 77 25_Re: Early Pesach question13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 21:41:02 GMT626_us-ascii Howard Gershen wrote: > >OK, here's a non-Xmas question: > >My son's about 9-1/2 weeks old now, and he's slurping down ISOMIL like a >real schicker. I've noticed that ISOMIL's O-U Kosher and Pareve. However, >it's a soy bean product. What happens comes Passover? Are we required by >kashrut to switch him to something else? Or does this fall under various >Torah prescriptions regarding the health of the individual or babies not >required to fulfill all mitzvot? > >Or is all this a moot point anyway because comes the Spring he'll be >chomping down matzoballs, charoseth, and brisket like [...] 14643 56 21_Re: Blessing Children13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 21:58:46 GMT344_us-ascii roszevon@ubvms.cc.buffalo.edu (Michael A Zevon) wrote: >Hello, > > I'm sorry if I arrived at this thread late but I was wondering if someone >could be more specific about blessing children at Shabot. I'm not aware of >this practice and would appreciate information on the group or via E-mail. > > Thanks in advance, Michael Zevon [...] 14700 69 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews11_Alan Houser15_troop24@emf.net29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 23:57:07 GMT423_- cfeldman@skatter.usask.ca wrote: : <47bhi3$rv5@taco.cc.ncsu.edu>, by ichudov@espcbw.stat.ncsu.edu (Igor Chudov):

: > The question is: I am not religious, so it can be kind of hard to : > install this jewish identity though religion. Do you have any experience : > raising Jewish children in a non-religious family?

: You might want to look around at different synagogues to find your : "comfort zone". [...] 14770 30 37_Wanted: Jewish Parenting Mailing list29_Internet Automat 805.568.807612_msh@rain.org29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 03:32:26 GMT220_-

My sister just had a baby and I'd like to subscribe her to a jewish parenting listserv / mailing list.

Does anyone have any suggestions for such lists ?

Thank You

Marc Hyman



14801 23 20_chanukah decorations15_Raphael Campeas27_RIF@nyspi.cpmc.columbia.edu29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 17:58:33 GMT415_- One simple way to decorate for Chanukah is to paint on the windows themselves. A mixture of Glass wax cleaner and food coloring works very well and chanukiot,dreydels and Macabees are not too challenging even for the artistically impaired. This was a hit for me as a child and continues to thrill my children. In addition it fits nicely with the concept of putting the chanukia in the window for all to see. [...] 14825 56 38_FW: Rejection of Submission to S.C.J.P17_MS SHELLEY P NORD19_TYDR82A@prodigy.com29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 16:27:35 GMT389_- -- [ From: Shelley Parish Nord * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --

Shalom:

I was struck by the tone of this post. The yearning for the nostalgia of childhood wrapped up in Christian traditions remembered as secular practices.

What to do?

For me, the coloring of eggs and the Easter bunny connote Easter, a Christian holiday. Santa Claus, decorating name of nostalgia. [...] 14882 50 17_Blessing Children14_Andrea Herrera15_AndreaH@utj.org29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 15:46:38 GMT413_- Michael Zevon writes: > I'm sorry if I arrived at this thread late but I was wondering if someone > could be more specific about blessing children at Shabot. I'm not aware of > this practice and would appreciate information on the group or via E-mail.

I will give you the English translation of the blessing we use for our children on Shabbat. I am not real good at Hebrew transliteration -- sorry. [...] 14933 68 37_Re: Religious school for reform kids.7_Barbara29_carltech_blp@usa.pipeline.com29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 23:04:09 GMT531_- On Nov 13, 1995 09:46:00 in article , 'npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu (naomi pardue)' wrote:





>So I guess the question is, how do other less religious parents >deal with this issue -- kids (esp. the very young ones) >learning about things they they just don't do in the home. I >WILL try to be a better example (lighting shabbas candles, >going to services most weeks, trying to track >down a challah), but we have no interest in being strictly shomer shabbas. [...] 15002 45 25_Re: Early Pesach question25_Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy25_pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 16:28:51 GMT505_- In article <199511151432.JAA08345@boxhill.com>, Howard Gershen wrote: > >My son's about 9-1/2 weeks old now, and he's slurping down ISOMIL like a >real schicker. I've noticed that ISOMIL's O-U Kosher and Pareve. However, >it's a soy bean product. What happens comes Passover? Are we required by >kashrut to switch him to something else? Or does this fall under various >Torah prescriptions regarding the health of the individual or babies not >required to fulfill all mitzvot? [...] 15048 29 33_Re: A menorah as a Hannukah gift?11_Alan Houser15_troop24@emf.net29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 06:58:58 GMT333_- naomi pardue (npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu) wrote:

: I asked my Mom to buy Shaina a menorah of her own for a gift this year. : Question: Should it be a birthday gift (her b-day is a week before : Hannukah this year) or a Hanukah gift to be opened on the first night? : (We normally open gifts AFTER candle lighting.) [...] 15078 50 24_Re: Hannukah Decorations15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 16:41:21 GMT459_- Ruth K. Wenig (ruthkw@pipeline.com) wrote: : As a long time art teacher, I have a entire lesson plan section on : Chanukah decorations and projects. If you want some, just tell me what you : are looking for. : : Ruth



Ruth,

Could you post some suggestions. I've got as many foil dreidels as one body can tolerate, and at least 3 fold-out Happy Chanukkah signs (strangely, all spelled differently), but I could use some more ideas. [...] 15129 38 19_Re: Kippah Aversion15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 16:39:11 GMT357_- Meredith_Warshaw@charlesview.com wrote: : Georganne Burke wrote: : <>

: What are Bukharian yarmulkes, and where can they be found? [...] 15168 40 34_chanukkah ideas for 2 1/2 year old8_amcallis28_amcallis@helix.hgen.pitt.edu29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 15:56:20 GMT396_ISO-8859-1 this will be what I consider sara maia's 1st chanukkah when she'll understand

what is going on. last year she helped light her own menorah, but this year I think she will really be able to understand some activities about the holiday.

she attends a kinderland class where she has been doing fun things about all of the holidays; so far a couple of cute things were: [...] 15209 35 42_Re: FW: Rejection of Submission to S.C.J.P7_SUBMAIL18_JFOX@MACC.WISC.EDU29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 17:06:59 GMT600_- In <013.04782499.TYDR82A@prodigy.com> TYDR82A@prodigy.com writes:

> For me, the coloring of eggs and the Easter bunny connote Easter, a > Christian holiday. Santa Claus, decorating name of nostalgia. I felt this way, too, until I discovered in Jerusalem that children colored eggs for L'ag b'Omer. If all the kids around you who are coloring eggs are doing so for Easter, can your parents and you make it be a L'ag b'Omer thing? I think so. Easter is long past by L'ag bomer. How about outdoor Christmas lights in the succah? They are built to withstand the weather. In other words, if [...] 15245 40 13_CTTS: 3.3 yrs15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 16:30:58 GMT513_-

Background: A couple of weeks ago we were in a supermarket and my son Graham was quite interested in the lobsters and crabs in the lobster tank. I told him all about how some people cook and eat lobsters and crabs, but we don't because they aren't Kosher. I then went on to show him all the 'shellfish' that we don't eat, like mussels, cherrystones, clams, etc. We had a big conversation about what shellfish are, and why they aren't Kosher, etc. He seemed to get it, and nothing further was said. [...] 15286 42 58_Thoughts regarding nonJewish upbringing of Jewish children47_Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea.25_rscw081@CNSVAX.ALBANY.EDU29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 19:46:22 GMT555_- I have been thinking about how I want to raise my children, especially because I am in an interfaith relationship. While I know that I plan to instil my children with a solid Jewish background, I listen to stories about children who (like myself) were not that fortunate.

In the midst of my thoughts, I got into a discussion with a Born Again Christian who I knew from school. In this discussion, I was horrified to find out that not only was he not raised Christian, but in fact was the child of Jewish parents. He'd been raised in Russia, [...] 15329 26 13_Re: Menorah's13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 17:53:20 GMT417_us-ascii IMHO it sounds very nice for a young child. Just that for a menorah to be proper according to strict religious law, make sure that all the candle holes are at the same height.

Do they also make Sesame Street menorahs?

Louise



* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 15356 39 15_secular customs0_17_David2505@aol.com29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 00:19:41 GMT550_-

Not clear who wrote the original comments:

> For me, however, tradition and ritual - and my link to my heritage - are >important. While we are building our own Jewish rituals for our family, I >would still like to share some of the secular customs that I grew up with - >e.g., stockings over the fireplace, decorating eggs at Easter/Passover - >which, to me, have zero religious connotation but are simply warm childhood >memories (that parenthetically are still being practiced by other members of >my family at the holidays). [...] 15396 26 25_Re: Early Pesach question0_15_faigin@aero.org29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 22:09:43 GMT367_- On Wed, 15 Nov 1995 08:28:51 -0800, pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu (Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy) said:

> No charoseth (those nuts are a no-no until a year old), but...

This is definately a YMMV. Erin, at 4.5 months, enjoyed finely ground charoset made by daddy, as well as finely ground chicken soup. No, I didn't give her finely ground horseradish :-) [...] 15423 59 24_Re: Hannukah Decorations14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 18:28:25 GMT633_- In article <48fpjh$6n0@chaos.dac.neu.edu>, Marjorie Peskin wrote: >Could you post some suggestions. I've got as many foil dreidels as one >body can tolerate, and at least 3 fold-out Happy Chanukkah signs >(strangely, all spelled differently), but I could use some more ideas.

What we did one year was decoupage. We used old Chanukah cards, clear and colored glitter, ribbon and styrofoam. We got about 3/4" thick styrofoam from an art supply store. Some of the pieces were round, and we also got some sheets that we cut into dreidel shapes. You need decoupage glue, which you brush on and it [...] 15483 51 13_Re: Menorah's11_Ken Goldman20_kgold@watson.ibm.com29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 17:33:47 GMT458_- bmoncher@monmouth.com (Beth Moncher) writes: > I recently purchased a Menorah as a gift for an observant family. Some > friends have told me that it is inappropriate for the children, since > it has the Disney Characters to hold the candles. I felt since the > children love Disney related items it would be a nice thing for them > to look at, if not utilize on Chanukah. > > Is this an appropriate gift to give the children in an observant family? > [...] 15535 42 25_What babies eat at Pesach17_MS SHELLEY P NORD19_TYDR82A@prodigy.com29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 15:14:02 GMT336_- -- [ From: Shelley Parish Nord * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --

I breast fed my daughter for 16 months (yeah, I know) so I never had to wonder about formula for Pesah.....but the only solid food she was interested in was Cheerios.

Manishevitz (excuse my spelling) put out Kosher for Passover O's and that's what she lived on. [...] 15578 20 27_Blessing the Children-girls0_28_metzgerda@CCVAX.CCS.CSUS.EDU29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 03:25:05 GMT350_- We've been blessing our children for 4 years and have been guessing as to why they should be like Ephraim and Menassah. Thanks for the info. The obvious follow-up is and why like Sarah, Rachel rebeccah and Leah? We don't have girls but this will make for a good Shabbat discussion at my sister's house. Thanks Debbie Metzger dmetzger@csus.edu [...] 15599 39 18_Yearning for Purim9_Enid Karr20_karr@msc.cornell.edu29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 16:06:11 GMT362_- This post is partially to appease Marjorie Peskin, who works very, very hard and has twins, to boot. No I am not suggesting she boot Graham and Gemma. She is peeved that we have been posting too much on reactions to 'That Holiday', and since I am responsible for the very first thread about that... ...... ....And Now, for something COMPLETELY Different! [...] 15639 58 29_Re: Feelings on Xmas/Hanukkah13_Vera Petrakos16_vera@Eng.Sun.COM29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 19:52:56 GMT564_- In article 3@aero.org, faigin@solarium.aero.org writes: > On Tue, 14 Nov 1995 08:12:46 -0800, olga1@ix.netcom.com (Olga from the volga) said: > > > Xmas and Christians are not going away. Either is intermarriage. > > People who intermarry have children. Even if the couple decides to > > raise these children Jewish, the families still have Christian > > relatives. You cannot tell families to not see each other at the end > > of December. These are issues that are dear to the readers of the > > newsgroup, and they need to be discussed. > > True, but is [...] 15698 25 13_Zalben Books?14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 00:09:25 GMT403_- I was wondering if anyone has any comments on the Jewish book series by Jane Breskin Zalben. The children's book of the month club has a set of 4: Beni's First Chanukah, Goldie's Purim, Happy Passover Rosie and Leo & Blossom's Sukkah. Since I can't flip through them first, I was wondering if any of you have and enjoy these books. For what it's worth they're listed as appropriate for ages 2-5. [...] 15724 34 19_Re: Kippah Aversion15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 16:46:30 GMT413_- My son willingly wears his Kippah, and my daughter also likes wearing one as well, so I always pull one out for her from the Bar Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah/Wedding collection in my sideboard. My question is, both kids have sort of thin, shiny hair. My son's is stick straight, and every clip I've used has slid right out of his hair. Instead of pulling his off, he's constantly at me to put it back on. Sigh. :-) [...] 15759 47 23_Re: Videos for 2.5 y.o.0_21_news@nntpa.cb.att.com29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 14:47:55 GMT631_- If anyone happens to know in advance when any of these Jewish shows (Shalom Sesame, Rug Rats Pesach etc...) will be broadcast so that the rest of us can set our VCR's I'd really appreciate it.

Mucho Gracias,

David Isaacs xbck66b@prodigy.com



>==========naomi pardue, 11/15/95========== > >Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy (pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu) wrote: >> I recently bought Shana a copy of "Miracle Days," and I've been amazed >> at how powerful videos can be as a tool in Jewish education for a >> young child (some of you are probably saying, well, duh!, but this >> is only the second video that [...] 15807 37 13_CTTS-Hannukah17_MS SHELLEY P NORD19_TYDR82A@prodigy.com29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 15:14:06 GMT548_- -- [ From: Shelley Parish Nord * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --

My daughter had a very insulated perspective as a toddler with regard to the winter holidays: she knew all about Hannukah but had never heard about Christmas (she went to a Jewish pre-school).

When she experienced Xmas and all its trappings at the local mall, Mom (me) explained that these were symbols of another holiday called Christmas and that people who practiced that religion and celebrated Christmas were called Christians. She piped up that we must be "Hannukain". [...] 15845 31 25_Re: Early Pesach question13_Ruth K. Wenig19_ruthkw@pipeline.com29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 03:43:09 GMT438_- Dear Howard,

As a mother who has gone through the same thing with the Isomil with three kids, I have the answer to your question!

For Pesach, you will get new bottles, new bottle brush and a new can opener. Then you will make the bottles and wash them out in the bathroom sink for the entire Pesach. While it may not really be chometz, it is definitely kitneos, and should be handled away from the rest of your food. [...] 15877 35 21_Hanukkah Edible Craft14_Andrea Herrera15_AndreaH@utj.org29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 22:07:54 GMT453_- I can't remember where I heard this one this week, but thought I would share it with y'all. It seems like an easy and fun craft for kids to do.

Edible Dreidels:

Large Marshmallows (for those that keep kosher I prefer Elyon) Peanut Butter Hershey's Kisses Pretzel sticks

Have the kids "schmear" one flat side of the marshmallow with peanut butter. Stick on a Hershey's Kiss. Poke in a pretzel stick. Presto an edible dreidel. [...] 15913 85 29_Re: Feelings on Xmas/Hanukkah0_15_faigin@aero.org29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 17:10:57 GMT414_- [Note to Vera and other posts: When responding to posts, please remember to trim quoted material: it is not necessary to quote the standard group signature.]

On Tue, 14 Nov 1995 08:12:46 -0800, olga1@ix.netcom.com (Olga from the volga) said:

>> > Xmas and Christians are not going away. [...] These are issues that are >> > dear to the readers of the newsgroup, and they need to be discussed. [...] 15999 40 25_Re: Hanukkah Edible Craft25_Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy25_pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 18:19:59 GMT520_- In article <199511170408.WAA00688@oak.zilker.net>, Andrea Herrera wrote: > >Edible Dreidels: > >Large Marshmallows (for those that keep kosher I prefer Elyon) >Peanut Butter >Hershey's Kisses >Pretzel sticks > >Have the kids "schmear" one flat side of the marshmallow with peanut >butter. Stick on a Hershey's Kiss. Poke in a pretzel stick. Presto an >edible dreidel. > >I thought this would be a really good craft idea for kids. You could >get creative and figure out how to "letter" them too. [...] 16040 32 31_Re: Blessing the Children-girls47_Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea.25_rscw081@CNSVAX.ALBANY.EDU29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 16:34:56 GMT446_- In article <00999718.884EB840.78@CCVAX.CCS.CSUS.EDU>, metzgerda@ccvax.ccs.csus.edu writes: >We've been blessing our children for 4 years and have been guessing as to >why they should be like Ephraim and Menassah. Thanks for the info. The >obvious follow-up is and why like Sarah, Rachel rebeccah and Leah? We don't >have girls but this will make for a good Shabbat discussion at my sister's house. Thanks >Debbie Metzger dmetzger@csus.edu [...] 16073 109 44_Chanukah Anecdotes and Toddler Teaching Tips0_14_dinitz@tss.com29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 00:44:46 GMT346_- I was hoping this list would be a good place to share the stories our children generate for us by being cute and Jewish (simultaneously). I think stories that illustrate ways that parents teach children about being a Jew -- whether successful or not -- are especially appropriate. Such stories become resources that other parents can use. [...] 16183 86 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews20_Eric Jaron Stieglitz24_ephraim@ctr.columbia.edu29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 22:39:59 GMT596_- In article <48de1k$ovo@umbc7.umbc.edu>, Eliot Shimoff wrote: > >I'm sorry, but I can't see how one trip to Israel is going to >have much of an impact on the extent to which a kid will identify >with the Jewish community. Will one trip to a museum engender >art appreciation?

Comparing an art museum to Israel seems a little silly to me. Four years ago, I went on one of these teen trips (Achva, sponsored by Young Israel) which certainly gave me a different attitude towards Judaism and Israel. These aren't trips where parents drag their kids from one museum to [...] 16270 28 35_Moderation Delays over Thanksgiving18_Steven R Weintraub18_stevenw@pencom.com29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 16:15:31 GMT501_US-ASCII Gentle Readers,

A reminder.

Over the Thanksgiving Holidays several of the moderators will not be active for all or part of time. Obviously this will means some moderation delays over the next few days. Sorry for the inconvience and thanks for the understanding.

The moderators of soc.culture.jewish.parenting.

* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 16299 54 29_Re: Feelings on Xmas/Hanukkah15_Robin Netherton15_robin@dgsys.com29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 20:40:19 GMT317_- Vera Petrakos (vera@Eng.Sun.COM) wrote:

> I think that because this is a Jewish forum, this IS the place to > discuss with other Jewish parents/grandparents how to handle the xmas > issue. It doesn't get the same response or attention in other groups as > non-Jews usually don't understand the problem. [...] 16354 49 17_Re: Zalben Books?18_Bissell Tina Irene18_tbissell@umich.edu29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 20:09:02 GMT566_US-ASCII



On Fri, 17 Nov 1995, Robyn Kozierok wrote:

> I was wondering if anyone has any comments on the Jewish book series by > Jane Breskin Zalben. The children's book of the month club has a set > of 4: Beni's First Chanukah, Goldie's Purim, Happy Passover Rosie and > Leo & Blossom's Sukkah. Since I can't flip through them first, I was > wondering if any of you have and enjoy these books. For what it's worth > they're listed as appropriate for ages 2-5. > I'm only familiar with Beni's First Chanukah. Last year we borrowed it from [...] 16404 49 19_Re: Kippah Aversion0_14_dinitz@tss.com29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 20:28:32 GMT276_- Marjorie Peskin asks: > What kind of clips work best for young boys? I've used plain bobby > pins, those snappy ones that bend back and forth to close (what are > they called?) and heavy bobby pins. So far, everything slides right > off his head. Any suggestions [...] [...] 16454 37 25_Re: Early Pesach question16_Daniel P. Faigin15_faigin@aero.org29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 21:23:30 GMT387_- On Thu, 16 Nov 1995 19:43:09 -0800, ruthkw@pipeline.com (Ruth K. Wenig) said:

> For Pesach, you will get new bottles, new bottle brush and a new can > opener. Then you will make the bottles and wash them out in the bathroom > sink for the entire Pesach. While it may not really be chometz, it is > definitely kitneos, and should be handled away from the rest of your food. [...] 16492 78 27_RE:Need good songs for kids0_27_CGOWING@umiami.ir.miami.edu29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 19:19:38 GMT885_US-ASCII From: IN%"cgowing@richter.library.miami.edu" 15-NOV-1995 14:18:46.27 To: IN%"cgowing@umiami.ir.miami.edu" CC: Subj: RE: Need good songs for kids (fwd)

Return-path: Received: from richter.library.miami.edu by umiami.ir.miami.edu (PMDF V5.0-5 #12471) id <01HXOBEQB25S90ORFZ@umiami.ir.miami.edu> for cgowing@umiami.ir.miami.edu; Wed, 15 Nov 1995 14:18:36 -0400 (EDT) Received: (from cgowing@localhost) by richter.library.miami.edu (8.6.10/8.6.10) id TAA03680; Wed, 15 Nov 1995 19:15:10 +0000 (GMT) Date: Wed, 15 Nov 1995 14:15:10 -0500 (EST) From: cgowing@richter.library.miami.edu Subject: RE: Need good songs for kids (fwd) To: cgowing@umiami.ir.miami.edu Message-id: MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT [...] 16571 32 31_A Jewish oasis - a Jewish home.0_27_cfpinkas@wis.weizmann.ac.il29_Sat, 18 Nov 1995 18:57:36 GMT519_- Hi there, This is my first post to this group. I'm a former South African now living for 11 years in Israel. In our home as children, living in a very Xtian environment, we never thought of Xmas as anything to do with us or our lives. We didn't even try to have the equivalent by having a Chanuka bush. We just knew that we have our own religion which was completely and utterly seperate to the religions around us. I think that that was a good way to be. I would hate to see our special sacred Chaggim becoming [...] 16604 37 35_Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?20_Amy & Dane L Harwood23_amydane@harwood.iii.net29_Sat, 18 Nov 1995 15:37:59 GMT300_us-ascii Our son is almost 6. In our town, kids start going to Hebrew school at the local temples in 1st or 2nd grade (next year for us). The problem is, We don't much like any of the temples in town! And you can't be bar mitzvahed without joining the temple and going to years of school there. [...] 16642 37 31_Re: Jewish newsgroup, not Xtian11_Bruce Lewis16_bruceml@tiac.net29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 14:49:59 GMT569_us-ascii >Because, gentle readers, we're being inundated with Xtain/Xmas posts, >and we're not seeing much on raising kids Jewishly. Granted, it is that >time of year. And I'm the first to admit that I'm not living in a vacuum >and I know that the Xtain holiday is out there, invading our lives right >now. Its all-pervasive, and we can't escape from it. We have to learn to >live with it. I'll give you all that much. However, this newsgroup is >supposed to be a little oasis from the Xtain-dominated world. Right now, >I'm not feeling that my little oasis is at [...] 16680 59 14_Sukkah Lights?12_Jennifer Kay27_jennie+@IUS5.IUS.cs.cmu.edu29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 23:00:45 GMT567_-

A little while ago someone in this group suggested buying christmas lights for your sukka. I'm not sure how I feel about that, and I wanted to get this group's opinion.

A little (hopefully not too longwinded) background: I don't have any kids yet, or any plans to have them any time soon. (This is relelvant to this group, read on....) I am married, though, and my husband converted to Judaism. We had a long discussion way back when about christmas trees, lights, etc, along the lines of what has been read here time and again: he didn't see a [...] 16740 35 19_Re: Kippah Aversion13_Vera Petrakos16_vera@Eng.Sun.COM29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 18:17:20 GMT559_- In article 6n0@chaos.dac.neu.edu, mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu (Marjorie Peskin) writes: > My son willingly wears his Kippah, and my daughter also likes wearing > one as well, so I always pull one out for her from the Bar > Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah/Wedding collection in my sideboard. My question is, > both kids have sort of thin, shiny hair. My son's is stick straight, and > every clip I've used has slid right out of his hair. Instead of pulling > his off, he's constantly at me to put it back on. Sigh. :-) > > What kind of clips work best for young boys? [...] 16776 25 22_Re: Yearning for Purim15_Claire Petersky25_petersky@coho.halcyon.com29_Sat, 18 Nov 1995 05:26:17 GMT303_- Enid Karr (karr@msc.cornell.edu) wrote:

: What's the most fun, wild, crazy thing you all do with your kids (or that your : shul does) for Purim?

When I was 6, I was so excited to be Queen Esther that I drank 6 glasses of Hawaiian punch in rapid succession, and threw up. Does that count? 16802 156 21_Toddler Teaching Tips0_14_dinitz@tss.com29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 18:20:36 GMT473_-

Jewish Holiday Teaching Tips for Parents of Toddlers and Older Children Too from Rick and Tina Dinitz

At the end of 1994 we reviewed my journal, and reflected on how much Nathan had learned about the Jewish holidays -- just by participating in our home and synagogue celebrations. The preceding Yamim Nora'im [High Holy Days], Sukkot and Chanukah were the first holidays in which he began to build lasting skills and memories (between 1y6m and 1y9m). [...] 16959 106 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews9_Rob Strom20_strom@watson.ibm.com29_Wed, 15 Nov 1995 16:36:49 GMT602_- In article , c.ackermann@mail.utexas.edu (Craig J. Ackermann) writes: |> In article <47bhi3$rv5@taco.cc.ncsu.edu>, ichudov@espcbw.stat.ncsu.edu |> (Igor Chudov) wrote: |> |> > Hello... |> > |> > This is more of an abstract question since I am not even married |> > and have no children, but anyway... I am a Jew and want my children |> > to be Jewish (to have Jewish identity). At some point in my life (not |> > now yet) I will probably marry a jewish female, too. |> > |> > The question is: I am not religious, so it can be kind of hard [...] 17066 72 18_Re: Sukkah Lights?25_Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy25_pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu29_Sun, 19 Nov 1995 05:31:46 GMT610_- In article <48j46t$u5@casaba.srv.cs.cmu.edu>, Jennifer Kay wrote: > >[snip] >A little (hopefully not too longwinded) background: I don't have any kids yet, >or any plans to have them any time soon. (This is relelvant to this group, >read on....) I am married, though, and my husband converted to Judaism. We had >a long discussion way back when about christmas trees, lights, etc, along the >lines of what has been read here time and again: he didn't see a religious >significance to them, I did. Anyway, the end result was that we don't have any >of that sort of thing in [...] 17139 43 20_Re: Killing Jesus...10_David Karr19_karr@CS.Cornell.EDU29_Sun, 19 Nov 1995 04:21:31 GMT395_- In article , dina@crocker.com (Dina Stander) wrote: >I will never ever forget bringing a menorah to show and tell in the 2nd >grade and having a little girl in the class stand up and point and scream >at me that *I* killed Jesus.

I can only imagine how terribly traumatic this must have been. I wish stuff like this would never happen. [...] 17183 40 19_Re: Kippah Aversion12_Jennifer Kay27_jennie+@IUS5.IUS.cs.cmu.edu29_Fri, 17 Nov 1995 21:42:55 GMT511_-

I don't know how kid's would react to this, but if the problem is the clips here's another possibility: my husband who has "hair clip aversion" found something in our local Jewish store is this thing called a "kippon". It's 4 small pieces of adhesived backed velcro (the hook side) that you stick to the inside of your kippa. Put it on your head (must be a head with some hair), and kind of push down and twist slightly. The hooks grab a little bit of hair and the kippa sticks on. Kind of neat. [...] 17224 32 38_Family rituals around all the holidays11_Kris Hasson19_hasson@teleport.com29_Sat, 18 Nov 1995 17:11:40 GMT552_- Hello everyone. I am a Jew-by-choice and my soon-to-be-ex-husband's family observed only Passover, Hanukka (as a Xmas-substitute with matching commercialism and emphasis on gifts) and the High Holidays. We have two sons, ages 9 and 5. How do you celebrate the holidays? I'm specifically talking about family traditions--I can read all about Succoth and Tu B'Shvat and all the others in the books but there are no clues as to what family rituals often go along. For example, someone wrote about having candy apples for Rosh Hashanah--great idea! [...] 17257 48 42_Re: Family rituals around all the holidays7_SUBMAIL18_JFOX@MACC.WISC.EDU29_Sun, 19 Nov 1995 16:51:28 GMT618_- In <48l3ut$c8o@maureen.teleport.com> hasson@teleport.com writes:

> Hello everyone. I am a Jew-by-choice and my soon-to-be-ex-husband's family > observed only Passover, Hanukka (as a Xmas-substitute with matching > commercialism and emphasis on gifts) and the High Holidays. We have two > sons, > ages 9 and 5. How do you celebrate the holidays? I'm specifically talking > about family traditions--I can read all about Succoth and Tu B'Shvat and all > the others in the books but there are no clues as to what family rituals > often One suggestion is to find a h.avurah or something similar -- that is to [...] 17306 97 37_Re: Religious school for reform kids.47_Douglas W. Jones,201H MLH,3193350740,319338287925_jones@pyrite.cs.uiowa.edu29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 17:18:57 GMT431_- >From article <48d7bg$1cdk@watnews1.watson.ibm.com>, by strom@watson.ibm.com (Rob Strom):

> |> Put crudely, it's called getting at the parent's lack of religious > |> practice through their kids. It works! Furthermore, I guess I'm an > |> example of the result.

> I am glad that you admit that this is what happens in some liberal > religious schools --- and even, in your opinion, what *typically* > happens. [...] 17404 18 17_bar mitzvah gifts15_Sylvia Sensiper16_sensiper@aol.com29_Sun, 19 Nov 1995 19:07:22 GMT313_- I haven't had to get a bar mitzvah gift in a while. What do kids like, and what do parents want them to get? Thanks for any help....Sylvia S.



* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 17423 27 14_Chanukah Party18_Thomas A Longstaff20_tl2b+@andrew.cmu.edu29_Thu, 16 Nov 1995 17:40:54 GMT300_-

I have a group of friends and we have a Chanukah Party for the kids each year. We make latka's, sing songs, light candles and give little presents. This year the kids are old enough to play dreidle. As a kid I always played with pennies. We don't want to use pennies. Any other ideas? [...] 17451 67 29_Re: Feelings on Xmas/Hanukkah10_David Karr19_karr@CS.Cornell.EDU29_Sun, 19 Nov 1995 05:15:06 GMT619_- robin@dgsys.com (Robin Netherton) wrote: >I have >found nearly everything posted here quite useful, probably because >we can assume a certain commonality of goals, values, and knowledge >among the readership.

Exactly! This, to me, is the primary reason for having this newsgroup.

I also found myself in agreement with Daniel Faigin's main points, and with a number of Marjorie Peskin's points. "Dealing with Xmas" is, I think, a valid topic here, but it wouldn't be much fun if that's all we talked about for two months. And IMHO some of the posts have gotten off-topic for the group; there were a [...] 17519 40 39_Re: Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu29_Sun, 19 Nov 1995 13:56:43 GMT355_- Amy & Dane L Harwood (amydane@harwood.iii.net) wrote: > Our son is almost 6. In our town, kids start going to Hebrew school at the > local temples in 1st or 2nd grade (next year for us). The problem is, We > don't much like any of the temples in town! And you can't be bar mitzvahed > without joining the temple and going to years of school there. [...] 17560 52 18_Re: Sukkah Lights?15_Georganne Burke19_nbcnet@inforamp.net29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 02:36:16 GMT598_- In article <48j46t$u5@casaba.srv.cs.cmu.edu>, Jennifer Kay wrote:

> > A little while ago someone in this group suggested buying christmas lights for > your sukka. I'm not sure how I feel about that, and I wanted to get this > group's opinion. > > A little (hopefully not too longwinded) background: I don't have any kids yet, > or any plans to have them any time soon. (This is relelvant to this group, > read on....) I am married, though, and my husband converted to Judaism. We had > a long discussion way back when about christmas trees, lights, etc, [...] 17613 24 18_Re: Chanukah Party7_SUBMAIL18_JFOX@MACC.WISC.EDU29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 14:53:09 GMT448_- In tl2b+@andrew.cmu.edu writes:

> presents. This year the kids are old enough to play dreidle. As a kid I > always played with pennies. We don't want to use pennies. Any other > ideas? Nuts in shells. Hershey's Kisses. Trading cards.



* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 17638 48 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews13_Eliot Shimoff16_shimoff@umbc.edu29_Sun, 19 Nov 1995 23:23:26 GMT430_- In article <48gek0$ap7@sol.ctr.columbia.edu>, Eric Jaron Stieglitz wrote: >In article <48de1k$ovo@umbc7.umbc.edu>, Eliot Shimoff >wrote:

I (Eliot) wrote: >>I'm sorry, but I can't see how one trip to Israel is going to >>have much of an impact on the extent to which a kid will identify >>with the Jewish community. Will one trip to a museum engender >>art appreciation? [...] 17687 40 18_Re: Chanukah Party15_Martin M. Cohen15_mcohen@ucla.edu29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 05:49:45 GMT541_- In article , tl2b+@andrew.cmu.edu wrote:

> I have a group of friends and we have a Chanukah Party for the kids each > year. We make latka's, sing songs, light candles and give little > presents. This year the kids are old enough to play dreidle. As a kid I > always played with pennies. We don't want to use pennies. Any other > ideas? > > We also usually do a craft project. Last year we made a felt menorah > that the kids could put up in their rooms. This year I would like to > have them [...] 17728 33 4_CTTS18_Steven R Weintraub18_stevenw@pencom.com29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 14:56:35 GMT409_US-ASCII Yesterday morning we took our children to a small local zoo here in Austin. Aaron is too young - but Shoshana really enjoys it. While looking at the primate cages Shoshana pointed to one and said, "Look - a Sukkah". My wife and I couldn't figure it out until we realized it was surrounded on three sides with cheap blue vinal tarp similar to what we have used on ours (Next year I buy bamboo!). [...] 17762 27 18_Re: Sukkah Lights?13_Art Werschulz19_agw@cs.columbia.edu29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 15:23:12 GMT238_- Hi.

This may set your mind at ease:

Boro Park (in Brooklyn, NY) is arguably one of the most heavily-Orthodox areas *anywhere*. As Sukkot approaches, a vast array of Xmas lights goes on sale at many of the Boro Park stores. 17790 29 33_Menorah - how old should they be?17_Sarah Y. Schwartz23_sgs@mini.skynet.att.com29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 16:21:26 GMT340_- My daughter Naomi is 3 1/2 this year - I was thinking about getting her a menorah of her own to light but my husband thinks she's still to young to be handling lit candles.

So I appeal to the wisdom of the net - when did your children begin lighting their own menorahs? Any dropped candles starting large fire horror stories? [...] 17820 37 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?7_SUBMAIL18_JFOX@MACC.WISC.EDU29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 17:00:02 GMT551_- In sgs@mini.skynet.att.com writes:

> My daughter Naomi is 3 1/2 this year - I was thinking > about getting her a menorah of her own to light but > my husband thinks she's still to young to be handling > lit candles. Most kids I know love candles. Depending on her personality your daughter may old enough IF you get the kind of menorah that the candles fit into stably. Can someone tell me why most are made in such a way that the candles wobble or don't go in easily and tip if you knock against them with [...] 17858 25 15_Naming question15_Robin Cooperman28_rcooperm@mail1.sas.upenn.edu29_Sat, 18 Nov 1995 13:26:47 GMT480_- The naming ceremony for our new daughter Raina Michelle is this Friday. Since she's named for my two grandfathers, I'd like to choose two "girl" jewish names for her; anybody have suggestions for "R" and "M" names we might use? Thanks, Robin

P.S. Raisel (me) and Rachel (my grandmother, who's still alive) are not options. Someone suggested using Raina as the jewish name also; I wasn't aware that this name had a jewish derivation. Oops, have to go - she's hungry! [...] 17884 29 11_Hamantashen17_MS SHELLEY P NORD19_TYDR82A@prodigy.com29_Sat, 18 Nov 1995 14:47:07 GMT436_- Shalom:

In anticipation of the new wave of Purim questions, might I suggest replacing prune, poppyseed, and apricot fillings with CHOCOLATE CHIPS.



This approach guarantees that Hamantashen will disappear off the cookie plate at Purim!!!!

Shelley Parish Nord (mother to Fraylie, age 7, who just loves chocolate Hannukah gelt, chocolate chip Hamantashen, chocolate- covered motzah... you get the idea) [...] 17914 62 17_Re: Zalben Books?15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Sun, 19 Nov 1995 01:22:21 GMT466_- Robyn Kozierok (robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu) wrote: : I was wondering if anyone has any comments on the Jewish book series by : Jane Breskin Zalben. The children's book of the month club has a set : of 4: Beni's First Chanukah, Goldie's Purim, Happy Passover Rosie and : Leo & Blossom's Sukkah. Since I can't flip through them first, I was : wondering if any of you have and enjoy these books. For what it's worth : they're listed as appropriate for ages 2-5. [...] 17977 61 39_Re: Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?11_Ken Goldman20_kgold@watson.ibm.com29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 17:50:37 GMT521_- amydane@harwood.iii.net (Amy & Dane L Harwood) writes: > Our son is almost 6. In our town, kids start going to Hebrew school at > the local temples in 1st or 2nd grade (next year for us). The problem > is, We don't much like any of the temples in town! And you can't be > bar mitzvahed without joining the temple and going to years of school > there. > > Question: has anyone gone a different route to a bar mitzvah of their > child? What? I've seen people here mention Chavorot - can you translate, > please? Has [...] 18039 33 17_Re: Zalben Books?14_Sherri Shulman18_sherri@cse.ogi.edu29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 18:20:31 GMT535_- In article <48gjrl$k91@life.ai.mit.edu> robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu (Robyn Kozierok) writes: >I was wondering if anyone has any comments on the Jewish book series by >Jane Breskin Zalben. The children's book of the month club has a set >of 4: Beni's First Chanukah, Goldie's Purim, Happy Passover Rosie and >Leo & Blossom's Sukkah. Since I can't flip through them first, I was >wondering if any of you have and enjoy these books. For what it's worth >they're listed as appropriate for ages 2-5. > >--Robyn (mommy to Ryan 9/7/93) [...] 18073 27 24_Re: The December Dilemma19_Cheryl Birkner Mack27_dd279@cleveland.Freenet.Edu29_Sun, 19 Nov 1995 00:52:01 GMT402_-



> Also, has anyone seen the children's book called "There's no such thing as a > Hanukkah bush"? I may be getting the title slightly wrong, but it's a really > interesting book.

the book is _There's No Such Thing As A Chanukkah Bush, Sandy Goldstein_. I think the author is Charlotte Herman who lives (lived?) in Chicago. I also think the book was published in the early '80's. 18101 51 22_Re: Yearning for Purim15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Sun, 19 Nov 1995 01:36:52 GMT543_- Enid Karr (karr@msc.cornell.edu) wrote:

: What's the most fun, wild, crazy thing you all do with your kids (or that your : shul does) for Purim?

My kids are only 3, so we don't have all that much experience yet, but I agree with Enid that Purim is the best of the holidays for kids. SO last year I tried to make it quite memorable. I made Gemma and Graham the most gorgeous crowns. I took hours and hours after work for nights and nights, but they were stunning. I got those dingle-bally thinks that kids glue in stuff in [...] 18153 43 18_Re: Chanukah Party15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 18:41:20 GMT358_- Thomas A Longstaff (tl2b+@andrew.cmu.edu) wrote:

: I have a group of friends and we have a Chanukah Party for the kids each : year. We make latka's, sing songs, light candles and give little : presents. This year the kids are old enough to play dreidle. As a kid I : always played with pennies. We don't want to use pennies. Any other : ideas? [...] 18197 94 39_Re: Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?9_Rob Strom20_strom@watson.ibm.com29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 18:33:55 GMT568_- In article <199511181537.KAA17642@nic.iii.net>, amydane@harwood.iii.net (Amy & Dane L Harwood) writes: |> Our son is almost 6. In our town, kids start going to Hebrew school at the |> local temples in 1st or 2nd grade (next year for us). The problem is, We |> don't much like any of the temples in town! And you can't be bar mitzvahed |> without joining the temple and going to years of school there. |> |> Question: has anyone gone a different route to a bar mitzvah of their child? |> What? I've seen people here mention Chavorot - can you translate, please? [...] 18292 52 42_Re: Family rituals around all the holidays18_Thomas A Longstaff20_tl2b+@andrew.cmu.edu29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 02:28:06 GMT339_-

Excerpts from mail: 18-Nov-95 Family rituals around all t.. by Kris Hasson@teleport.com > How do you celebrate the holidays? I'm specifically talking > about family traditions--I can read all about Succoth and Tu B'Shvat and all > the others in the books but there are no clues as to what family rituals > often > go along. [...] 18345 35 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 18:54:55 GMT532_- In article , Sarah Y. Schwartz wrote: >My daughter Naomi is 3 1/2 this year - I was thinking >about getting her a menorah of her own to light but >my husband thinks she's still to young to be handling >lit candles.

How about holding her hand? I think it will be a long time before we let Ryan (now 2) hold a lit candle by himself, but since his first chanukah, he's "helped" light ours. I'd like to get him his own Chanukiah, but still help him with his candles. [...] 18381 34 25_Re: Early Pesach question13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 19:37:27 GMT358_us-ascii faigin@aero.org (Daniel P. Faigin) wrote: > > >I would think the handling would depend on your home minhag (custom). Would >you still have to do separate washing if you followed sephardi (middle >eastern/southern europe) minhag, where kitnyos is acceptable during pesach? > [...] 18416 86 39_Re: Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?47_Douglas W. Jones,201H MLH,3193350740,319338287925_jones@pyrite.cs.uiowa.edu29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 21:14:16 GMT621_- >From article <199511181537.KAA17642@nic.iii.net>, by amydane@harwood.iii.net (Amy & Dane L Harwood):

> Our son is almost 6. ... The problem is, We don't much like any of the > temples in town! And you can't be bar mitzvahed without joining the > temple and going to years of school there.

The Conservative movement, if I remember correctly, has even issued a fairly stern warning to congregations that they should not allow bar mitzva celebrations to children who have not attended a minimum of something like 5 years of Hebrew/religious school for at least 6 hours a week, or something along those [...] 18503 46 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?13_Amy W. Graham23_agraham1@swarthmore.edu29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 21:04:31 GMT581_US-ASCII In article , sgs@mini.skynet.att.com (Sarah Y. Schwartz) wrote:

> My daughter Naomi is 3 1/2 this year - I was thinking > about getting her a menorah of her own to light but > my husband thinks she's still to young to be handling > lit candles. > > So I appeal to the wisdom of the net - when did your > children begin lighting their own menorahs? Any dropped > candles starting large fire horror stories? > > Sarah Schwartz > sarah.schwartz@att.com > Ethan will be 3 in January. Last year my husband wrapped his hand very tightly [...] 18550 38 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 19:28:34 GMT583_us-ascii sgs@mini.skynet.att.com (Sarah Y. Schwartz) wrote:

> >So I appeal to the wisdom of the net - when did your >children begin lighting their own menorahs? Any dropped >candles starting large fire horror stories? >

I have small fire stories. One was a made-in-school menorah made of wood. Fortunately the fire started at a Channuka party, and our hostess put it out with the punch. The other was my brother's first attempt to light an oil menorah. He lit up the counter if I recall. He was 13 at the time. I made a menorah out of styrofoam in school as [...] 18589 64 16_bat mitzvah gift11_Michal Peri18_michal@gordian.com29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 19:48:43 GMT346_us-ascii I am looking for suggestions for a bat-mitzvah present for the daughter of my cousin. Her father is almost like a brother to me, since he lived with my family for several years while he was going to college. So the relationship is very close and I would like to get something appropriate. I have budgeted to spend $100-200 dollars. [...] 18654 42 34_Day School, Community, Involvement14_Sherri Shulman18_sherri@cse.ogi.edu29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 21:31:55 GMT417_- My daughter (10) attends the only Jewish Day School in our city. This is also the school where one would go for after school Hebrew in conjunction with whatever Synagogue religious school you attend.

The school is small. Ricki's classroom only has 11 children in it. This particular group of kids is also known for being clique-y, indulging in exclusive behavior, and picking on members of their class. [...] 18697 22 11_Jewish pogs10_I. Pour-El18_pourel@iastate.edu29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 21:19:45 GMT89_- Could someone please post the (mail) order source for Jewish pogs and/or trading cards? 18720 36 19_Re: Naming question16_Daniel P. Faigin15_faigin@aero.org29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 20:36:59 GMT339_- On Sat, 18 Nov 1995 05:26:47 -0800, rcooperm@mail1.sas.upenn.edu (Robin Cooperman) said:

> The naming ceremony for our new daughter Raina Michelle is this Friday. > Since she's named for my two grandfathers, I'd like to choose two "girl" > jewish names for her; anybody have suggestions for "R" and "M" names we > might use? [...] 18757 34 19_Re: Naming question14_Howard Gershen18_howard@boxhill.com29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 20:05:13 GMT364_-

> Date: Sat, 18 Nov 1995 13:26:47 GMT > From: rcooperm@mail1.sas.upenn.edu (Robin Cooperman) > > The naming ceremony for our new daughter Raina Michelle is this Friday. > Since she's named for my two grandfathers, I'd like to choose two "girl" > jewish names for her; anybody have suggestions for "R" and "M" names we > might use? > Thanks, > Robin [...] 18792 28 16_lighting candles0_32_Meredith_Warshaw@charlesview.com29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 18:04:00 GMT503_- Sarah Schwartz wrote:

<>

I'm planning to start with my 4 year old this year. A rabbi I used to know said that he had always let his kids light Shabbat and Chanukkah candle, and used big fireplace matches for safety. Incidentally, he commented that this seems to have satisfied their urges to play with fire! [...] 18821 61 39_Re: Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?10_Sol Lerner15_slerner@gte.com29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 18:01:47 GMT567_- In article <199511181537.KAA17642@nic.iii.net>, amydane@harwood.iii.net (Amy & Dane L Harwood) wrote:

> Our son is almost 6. In our town, kids start going to Hebrew school at the > local temples in 1st or 2nd grade (next year for us). The problem is, We > don't much like any of the temples in town! And you can't be bar mitzvahed > without joining the temple and going to years of school there. > > Question: has anyone gone a different route to a bar mitzvah of their child? > What? I've seen people here mention Chavorot - can you translate, please? [...] 18883 32 62_"Secular" observances; was: Rejection of Submission to S.C.J.P7_Barbara29_carltech_blp@usa.pipeline.com29_Tue, 14 Nov 1995 18:43:44 GMT357_-

>How can I share with my Jewish children secular Christmas/Easter customs >that I shared as a child which are part of my heritage? > If you really, really feel that involving your children in these secular observances is important to you, why not couch it in terms of helping Christians who might otherwise have little fun on their holidays? [...] 18916 24 20_Re: bat mitzvah gift14_Howard Gershen18_howard@boxhill.com29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 14:03:22 GMT328_-

How about an Israel Bond? Isn't there a program where you can buy, say, a $100 (100 shekel?) bond and the recipient can either hold onto the bond until it matures or, within a year or so, redeem the bond in Israel.

That's a gift that combines thinking about college (perhaps) with a future trip to Israel. [...] 18941 39 19_Re: Naming question19_Cheryl Birkner Mack27_dd279@cleveland.Freenet.Edu29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 16:23:49 GMT561_-

Reply to message from rcooperm@mail1.sas.upenn.edu of Sat, 18 Nov > >The naming ceremony for our new daughter Raina Michelle is this Friday. >Since she's named for my two grandfathers, I'd like to choose two "girl" >jewish names for her; anybody have suggestions for "R" and "M" names we >might use? >Thanks, >Robin > >P.S. Raisel (me) and Rachel (my grandmother, who's still alive) are not >options. Someone suggested using Raina as the jewish name also; I wasn't >aware that this name had a jewish derivation. Oops, have to go - she's >hungry! [...] 18981 57 31_Re: Jewish newsgroup, not Xtian15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 04:00:53 GMT559_- Bruce Lewis (bruceml@tiac.net) wrote: : >Because, gentle readers, we're being inundated with Xtain/Xmas posts, : >and we're not seeing much on raising kids Jewishly. Granted, it is that : >time of year. And I'm the first to admit that I'm not living in a vacuum : >and I know that the Xtain holiday is out there, invading our lives right : >now. Its all-pervasive, and we can't escape from it. We have to learn to : >live with it. I'll give you all that much. However, this newsgroup is : >supposed to be a little oasis from the Xtain-dominated world. [...] 19039 34 20_Re: bat mitzvah gift25_Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy25_pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 17:20:35 GMT413_- In article <199511211403.JAA13990@boxhill.com>, Howard Gershen wrote: > >How about an Israel Bond? Isn't there a program where you can buy, say, a >$100 (100 shekel?) bond and the recipient can either hold onto the bond >until it matures or, within a year or so, redeem the bond in Israel. > >That's a gift that combines thinking about college (perhaps) with a future >trip to Israel. [...] 19074 157 37_Re: Religious school for reform kids.9_Rob Strom20_strom@watson.ibm.com29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 23:11:33 GMT660_- In article <48frq1$1290@flood.weeg.uiowa.edu>, jones@pyrite.cs.uiowa.edu (Douglas W. Jones,201H MLH,3193350740,3193382879) writes: |> >From article <48d7bg$1cdk@watnews1.watson.ibm.com>, |> by strom@watson.ibm.com (Rob Strom): |>

|> > ... The reason |> > I joined a Reform synagogue is not that I'm too lazy or too busy |> > to be "properly" observant and that I'm looking for an institution to |> > help lure me into some subset of observance. I believe that |> > the message in Torah is a very general message which, however, |> > was written in particular language reflecting past circumstances, |> > and that this general message needs to be [...] 19232 29 21_Re: bar mitzvah gifts11_Ken Goldman20_kgold@watson.ibm.com29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 17:34:53 GMT405_- sensiper@aol.com (Sylvia Sensiper) writes: > I haven't had to get a bar mitzvah gift in a while. What do kids > like, and what do parents want them to get?

My guess is that there are regional differences on what is expected.

Here (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) money is typically given. We usually give a US savings bond, but checks, and more rarely a gift certificate is given. [...] 19262 41 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?7_Jo Benn21_jonsteve@rapidnet.com29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 17:39:04 GMT562_- In article , sgs@mini.skynet.att.com (Sarah Y. Schwartz) wrote:

> My daughter Naomi is 3 1/2 this year - I was thinking > about getting her a menorah of her own to light but > my husband thinks she's still to young to be handling > lit candles. >

I would certainly think she would enjoy her own menorah, but probably still need some help lighting it. My 4 1/2 year old will still need help this year. When he was 2 1/2 he received a stuffed menorah from an aunt. It has candles that can be placed in the menorah [...] 19304 38 20_Re: bat mitzvah gift14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 18:22:31 GMT528_- In article <48t1p3$18pm@saba.info.ucla.edu>, Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy wrote: >I've seen a similar program where you pay $100 (or multiples thereof) >and you get a certificate good for an equivalent amount when used >to purchase a tour package to Israel, or travel services in >Israel. I'm assuming that the basic idea is that here's a way for >you to give a bar/bat mitzvah money for a trip to Israel, and make >sure that it will be used for that trip, and not a new stereo >system :-) :-) [...] 19343 40 15_Re: Hamantashen15_Martin M. Cohen15_mcohen@ucla.edu29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 05:49:47 GMT534_- In article <013.05061809.TYDR82A@prodigy.com>, TYDR82A@prodigy.com (MS SHELLEY P NORD) wrote:

> Shalom: > > In anticipation of the new wave of Purim questions, might I suggest > replacing prune, poppyseed, and apricot fillings with CHOCOLATE CHIPS. > > > This approach guarantees that Hamantashen will disappear off the > cookie plate at Purim!!!! > > Shelley Parish Nord (mother to Fraylie, age 7, who just loves > chocolate Hannukah gelt, chocolate chip Hamantashen, chocolate- > covered motzah... you get the idea) > [...] 19384 40 25_Re: Early Pesach question14_Bari Nirenberg18_nirenber@shani.net29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 07:34:57 GMT494_- In article <199511151432.JAA08345@boxhill.com>, howard@boxhill.com says...

>My son's about 9-1/2 weeks old now, and he's slurping down ISOMIL like a >real schicker. I've noticed that ISOMIL's O-U Kosher and Pareve. However, >it's a soy bean product. What happens comes Passover? Are we required by >kashrut to switch him to something else? Or does this fall under various >Torah prescriptions regarding the health of the individual or babies not >required to fulfill all mitzvot? [...] 19425 43 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?12_naomi pardue30_npardue@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 21:42:23 GMT405_- Sarah Y. Schwartz (sgs@mini.skynet.att.com) wrote: > My daughter Naomi is 3 1/2 this year - I was thinking > about getting her a menorah of her own to light but > my husband thinks she's still to young to be handling > lit candles.

> So I appeal to the wisdom of the net - when did your > children begin lighting their own menorahs? Any dropped > candles starting large fire horror stories? [...] 19469 36 39_Re: Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 15:18:47 GMT625_- In article <199511202114.QAA19781@shamash.org>, Douglas W. Jones,201H MLH,3193350740,3193382879 wrote: >As an aside, another respondant in this thread has suggested that one >reason to keep kids in a synagogue or Hebrew/religious school centered >program is to develop some kind of "esprit de corps" with his classmates. >In my son's case, what has developed through his years of Hebrew school is >a deep sense of hatred between many of the kids in his class. Perhaps >it's just the chemistry of puberty at work, but it seems that small >intimate settings don't always produce friendships! [...] 19506 38 38_Re: Day School, Community, Involvement10_Sol Lerner15_slerner@gte.com29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 19:57:28 GMT518_- In article <48qs4b$6bl@reuter.cse.ogi.edu>, sherri@cse.ogi.edu (Sherri Shulman) wrote:

> My daughter (10) attends the only Jewish Day School in our city. > This is also the school where one would go for after school Hebrew > in conjunction with whatever Synagogue religious school you attend. > > The school is small. Ricki's classroom only has 11 children in it. This > particular group of kids is also known for being clique-y, indulging in > exclusive behavior, and picking on members of their class. [...] 19545 33 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?11_Ken Goldman20_kgold@watson.ibm.com29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 17:40:17 GMT449_- sgs@mini.skynet.att.com (Sarah Y. Schwartz) writes: > > So I appeal to the wisdom of the net - when did your > children begin lighting their own menorahs? Any dropped > candles starting large fire horror stories? >

My son has been lighting Channukah and Shabbat candles since he was 3. He's 5 and no horror stories. He's had the hot wax drip onto his hands a few times. It stings enough to make him respect the fire, but does no harm. [...] 19579 61 19_Re: Naming question14_Hadass Eviatar26_eviatar@noether.ibd.nrc.ca29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 19:24:54 GMT573_us-ascii > > Date: Mon, 20 Nov 1995 20:05:13 GMT > From: Howard Gershen > Subject: Re: Naming question > Message-ID: <199511202005.PAA29768@boxhill.com> > > > > Date: Sat, 18 Nov 1995 13:26:47 GMT > > From: rcooperm@mail1.sas.upenn.edu (Robin Cooperman) > > > > The naming ceremony for our new daughter Raina Michelle is this Friday. > > Since she's named for my two grandfathers, I'd like to choose two "girl" > > jewish names for her; anybody have suggestions for "R" and "M" names we > > might use? > > Thanks, > > Robin > > Well, since verbal [...] 19641 22 19_Re: Kippah Aversion10_ChanaRivka18_chanarivka@aol.com29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 01:20:08 GMT334_- The velcro works for my boys. They have curly hair so people don't believe me when I say that it can work for all types of hair. My local judaica store sells them already made for about $1.25 for four strips.

Chana Rivka bat Avraham v'Sara ima to Areyeh Zev (12/25/85), Yochanon Dovid (10/12/88), Bracha Rachel (8/5/90) [...] 19664 21 18_Re: Sukkah Lights?10_ChanaRivka18_chanarivka@aol.com29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 01:16:34 GMT452_- The Source for Everything Jewish catalog has chanukah lights which I intend to buy for next Sukkot. I don't have a problem with lights in the sukkah. I have a problem with trying to make our holiday as spectacular (read: commercial) as X-tian holidays. This is not a competition. I believe our purpose as parents is to make the holidays as memorable as possible for our children and not to make them "just as good as X-mas" so they don't stray. [...] 19686 33 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?10_Serge Adam17_sadam@pathcom.com29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 03:01:19 GMT435_- In article , sgs@mini.skynet.att.com (Sarah Y. Schwartz) wrote: >My daughter Naomi is 3 1/2 this year - I was thinking >about getting her a menorah of her own to light but >my husband thinks she's still to young to be handling >lit candles. > >So I appeal to the wisdom of the net - when did your >children begin lighting their own menorahs? Any dropped >candles starting large fire horror stories? [...] 19720 23 6_Naming10_Laura Moss10_jj@mcs.net29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 15:43:12 GMT356_US-ASCII

An R name that is not Rachel is Rivka (Hebrew for Rebecca) An M name is Malka which means queen -- which if Raina is Spanish (as opposed to Hindu) also means queen.

Laura

* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 19744 77 39_Re: Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?15_Georganne Burke19_nbcnet@inforamp.net29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 00:03:46 GMT567_- In article <199511181537.KAA17642@nic.iii.net>, amydane@harwood.iii.net (Amy & Dane L Harwood) wrote:

> Our son is almost 6. In our town, kids start going to Hebrew school at the > local temples in 1st or 2nd grade (next year for us). The problem is, We > don't much like any of the temples in town! And you can't be bar mitzvahed > without joining the temple and going to years of school there. > > Question: has anyone gone a different route to a bar mitzvah of their child? > What? I've seen people here mention Chavorot - can you translate, please? [...] 19822 45 18_Re: Chanukah Party10_David Karr19_karr@CS.Cornell.EDU29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 17:58:24 GMT470_- In article tl2b+@andrew.cmu.edu writes: > >This year I would like to have them make dreidles.

My older daughter's preschool once made dreidels out of half-gallon milk cartons turned upside down. They stuck a screw in the pointy end to make a point, and a round clothes pin in the flat end to make a handle. Needless to say, these dreidels didn't "play" very well. But you have a nice large area to paste each letter on. [...] 19868 25 19_Re: Naming question8_amcallis28_amcallis@helix.hgen.pitt.edu29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 20:51:58 GMT348_ISO-8859-1 a couple of ideas:

r: rivka (sorry, can't aome up with anymore r's)

m: miriam, malka, menucha, maia

Andrea. [sara maia, 6/02/93, rochel, 12/24/94]



* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 19894 28 19_Re: Naming question9_Mary Hill32_mkhill@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 19:59:23 GMT456_- In article <48kmun$g0o@netnews.upenn.edu>, Robin Cooperman wrote: >The naming ceremony for our new daughter Raina Michelle is this Friday. >Since she's named for my two grandfathers, I'd like to choose two "girl" >jewish names for her; anybody have suggestions for "R" and "M" names we >might use?

For M: Margalit (pearl), Malcah (queen), Mara, Meirah (enlightening), Michla (who is like G__), Mindel (Miriam), [...] 19923 51 20_Re: Killing Jesus...13_Vera Petrakos16_vera@Eng.Sun.COM29_Mon, 20 Nov 1995 22:53:00 GMT668_- I believe handling any defaming statements, like:

German heritage: Jew Killer Jewish: Jesus Killer Vietnam era Solider:Baby killer Sothern White: Klan and therefore Jew, black,etc, killer Italians: Christian Killers

With a bit of a history lesson: First we must understand that ignorance is our enemy not christians, catholics or any other Jesus based religion. The cruxifixian occurred during the Roman occupation of Israel. Jesus was a political prisioner. Piolot made an offer to the people (roman, greek, jew, ethiopian, etc) to free political prisoners during a feast. They were offered in pairs, one lived the other died. The prisoners were [...] 19975 34 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?13_Kevin Karplus20_karplus@cse.ucsc.edu29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 05:16:51 GMT399_-

In article , jonsteve@rapidnet.com (Jo Benn) writes: |> Someone here mentioned making dreidles out of fimo. This sounds like a |> great project. I am teaching a 4 year old Sunday School class (2 |> students!) and wonder if they would be able to do this. They would need |> help with the letters, but I'm not sure about the rest. Any ideas? [...] 20010 23 21_Re: bar mitzvah gifts10_ChanaRivka18_chanarivka@aol.com29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 01:24:20 GMT327_- I just give a check (usually Chai-$18) for the child to do with as he/she pleases. There are enough "gifts" that the family and closest friends give that the kids may want or that the parent take( I've heard those stories too). My gift is specifically at the discretion of the bar/bat mitzvah and I say that in my card. [...] 20034 23 14_Re: sufganiyot10_ChanaRivka18_chanarivka@aol.com29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 01:27:47 GMT284_- I use the recipe for hamentashen. Make the circles with a glass. Put a dollup of jelly in the center of the circle. Take another circle and place on top. Pinch the edges together and fry as other donuts.

The kids can cut the circles and plop the jelly. They'll love it. [...] 20058 86 30_REVIEW-Debbie Friedman Concert14_Andrea Herrera15_AndreaH@utj.org29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 09:03:56 GMT495_- I thought it would be nice to share a warm and wonderful experience with the newsgroup. Sunday night I took my 7 and 4 year old sons to see Debbie Friedman in concert. It was so wonderful. I don't know how all of you feel about music, but to me, music is the very soul of my Jewish spirituality. Listening to good Jewish music can inspire me, console me, lift me up, deepen my spirituality -- you get the idea. I get the feeling that both of my sons are starting to feel the same way :-) [...] 20145 34 15_Re: Jewish pogs17_Pokie in the know16_afn15089@afn.org29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 11:18:14 GMT369_US-ASCII On Mon, 20 Nov 1995, I. Pour-El wrote:

> Could someone please post the (mail) order source for Jewish pogs and/or > trading cards? > --

There is a Pog company here in Gainesville, Fl. I tried calling them yesterday morning, but got an answering machine saying they are staffed in the afternoon. I'm not sure if they have Jewish pogs or not. [...] 20180 44 33_Lessons taught by Jewish holidays11_Seth Grimes23_grimes@access.digex.net29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 14:51:20 GMT615_- mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu (Marjorie Peskin) writes:

>My kids are only 3, so we don't have all that much experience yet, but I >agree with Enid that Purim is the best of the holidays for kids.

I must differ. Although the way Purim is celebrated is fun for kids and adults, I find some of the principle messages of the holiday to be ones I wouldn't want to teach children: execution of a woman (Vashti) who refused her husband's orders; intermarriage (Esther); and revenge killings not only against guilty parties (Haman) but against their families (Haman's sons: I don't believe that their guilt [...] 20225 26 4_CTTD18_Thomas A Longstaff20_tl2b+@andrew.cmu.edu29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 15:46:54 GMT324_-

Last night we were having dinner at our closest friends. The fathers name is David and the sons name is Jesse.

Jesse (3yo) picked up a Jewish Star and said to his dad "Here is the Star of You"

We were all ROTF. Then he proceeded to explain that it was the star of him because his name is David. [...] 20252 65 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 17:09:20 GMT452_- Sarah Y. Schwartz (sgs@mini.skynet.att.com) wrote: : My daughter Naomi is 3 1/2 this year - I was thinking : about getting her a menorah of her own to light but : my husband thinks she's still to young to be handling : lit candles.

My kids are 3.4 and they both help light the Shabbat candles every Friday night. Graham does one, Gemma does the other. I hold the match and they guide my hand. So they KNOW about lighting candles already. [...] 20318 23 25_Re: Early Pesach question0_20_marsha@datasrv.co.il29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 16:40:28 GMT375_-

In regards to the question about using isomil on Shabbat, I don't remember if we ever used isomil per se (I believe we did with one kid) I do know that the Materna soy based formula is kosher lepesach for kitniyot eaters, so we just set aside a special place to make bottles up. Hope this helps Marsha Ima to Devora aged 8, Deena aged 5 and Yerachmiel, aged 1 [...] 20342 77 37_Re: Religious school for reform kids.47_Douglas W. Jones,201H MLH,3193350740,319338287925_jones@pyrite.cs.uiowa.edu29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 20:17:13 GMT527_- >From article <48r1v5$11jk@watnews1.watson.ibm.com>, by strom@watson.ibm.com (Rob Strom):

> In addition to holidays --- which can be observed without > reference to differences between traditionalist and liberal > interpretations --- there are plenty of ritual activities > that fit in quite well with the mission of a Reform temple, > e.g. the tsedakah box. And the religious schools can discuss > the stories of Jewish heroes and heroines like Abraham, Rebekah, > Moses, and David and give their moral lessons. [...] 20420 36 13_Succah Lights0_21_Roger.Kurland@gsa.gov29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 16:09:44 GMT473_- >A little while ago someone in this group suggested buying Xmas >lights for your sukka. I'm not sure how I feel about that, and I >wanted to get this group's opinion. Jennie

Well Jennie, I can say in our community, which is modern orthodox, the use of lights is common and accepted. The only question is where can you buy them cheapest after the normal Xmas sales? I am talking about standard strings of lights, not anything that has any other figures, etc.. [...] 20457 34 15_Re: Jewish pogs15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 17:13:51 GMT420_- I. Pour-El (pourel@iastate.edu) wrote: : Could someone please post the (mail) order source for Jewish pogs and/or : trading cards?



I assume you are responding to a comment I made in an earlier post. I saw both items in the Israel Bookshop, Harvard Street, Brookline MA. I don't know if they mail order, but they can give you the information you want. They call the Pogs "milk bottle caps" I think. [...] 20492 67 39_Re: Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?19_Olga from the volga19_olga1@ix.netcom.com29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 13:28:58 GMT634_- >In article <199511202114.QAA19781@shamash.org>, >Douglas W. Jones,201H MLH,3193350740,3193382879 wrote: >>As an aside, another respondant in this thread has suggested that one >>reason to keep kids in a synagogue or Hebrew/religious school centered >>program is to develop some kind of "esprit de corps" with his classmates. >>In my son's case, what has developed through his years of Hebrew school is >>a deep sense of hatred between many of the kids in his class. Perhaps >>it's just the chemistry of puberty at work, but it seems that small >>intimate settings don't always produce friendships! [...] 20560 45 21_Re: Blessing Children0_21_Roger.Kurland@gsa.gov29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 15:32:14 GMT533_- >We've been blessing our children for 4 years and have been guessing >as to why they should be like Ephraim and Menassah. Thanks for the >info. The obvious follow-up is and why like Sarah, Rachel rebeccah >and Leah? >Debbie Metzger dmetzger@csus.edu

Debbie, The most obvious answer to your question is because these are our Emmahot. But, for areas of concern and discussion try the qualities and attributes that are associated with Sarah, Rachel, Rebeccah and Leah. I am not learned so please excuse any misstatements. [...] 20606 24 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?8_amcallis28_amcallis@helix.hgen.pitt.edu29_Tue, 21 Nov 1995 20:45:36 GMT268_ISO-8859-1 my daughter was about 1 1/2 years old last year and she had her own menorah (I don't think she had one the year before that); this year (I'm not sure what I did last year) I will "help" her light her candles by her touching my hand while I light them. [...] 20631 54 39_Re: Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?9_Dan Gruen21_gruen@cogsci.ucsd.edu29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 01:48:38 GMT600_- As one poster pointed out, halachically your son becomes a bar Mitzvah when he turns 13. And someone also pointed out that most Orthodox congregations would gladly call him up for an Aliyah and be happy to celebrate with you.

As becoming a Bar Mitzvah is pretty much an automatic process, I think many Reform and Conservative congregations feel that the additional ceremony that would take place in their temples or synagogues is something akin to a confirmation. They may be reluctant to confer their "seal of approval" on someone who has lived in their community for years but chosen [...] 20686 72 37_Re: Lessons taught by Jewish holidays15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 17:24:27 GMT601_- Seth Grimes (grimes@access.digex.net) wrote: : mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu (Marjorie Peskin) writes:

: >My kids are only 3, so we don't have all that much experience yet, but I : >agree with Enid that Purim is the best of the holidays for kids.

: I must differ. Although the way Purim is celebrated is fun for kids and : adults, I find some of the principle messages of the holiday to be ones : I wouldn't want to teach children: execution of a woman (Vashti) who : refused her husband's orders; intermarriage (Esther); and revenge : killings not only against guilty parties (Haman) [...] 20759 36 34_Kid-friendly veggie passover food?15_Irene Bleiweiss16_IBLEIWEI@fcc.gov29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 21:46:23 GMT576_- I've been listening to the debate about whether Passover or Purim is more fun for kids and was hoping that someone out there might be able to suggest some kid-friendly vegetarian passover recipes that might make Passover more fun and less of a chore for our family. My 6 year old daughter finds the Seder fun but otherwise HATES Passover. We are vegetarians and our meals normally consist of a combination of legumes and grains (my daughter loves corn and soy burgers on a soft bun for example -- think fast food style stuff). At Passover, virtually everything that we [...] 20796 30 15_Re: Hamantashen10_Bill Rubin20_rubin@watson.ibm.com29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 20:59:46 GMT584_- In <013.05061809.TYDR82A@prodigy.com>, TYDR82A@prodigy.com (MS SHELLEY P NORD) writes: >Shalom: > >In anticipation of the new wave of Purim questions, might I suggest >replacing prune, poppyseed, and apricot fillings with CHOCOLATE CHIPS. > >This approach guarantees that Hamantashen will disappear off the >cookie plate at Purim!!!!

We like to make apple butter hamatashen, and stick a few chocolate chips in there -- now THAT's good stuff! And while we have never tried it, I'll bet they will be good stuck in lekvar as well - chocolate covered prunes are a delicacy. [...] 20827 27 21_Re: bar mitzvah gifts18_Hollis Jo Bischoff25_hbischoff@BayNetworks.COM29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 19:55:32 GMT545_- In article <48t2jt$m9l@watnews1.watson.ibm.com>, kgold@watson.ibm.com (Ken Goldman) wrote:

> sensiper@aol.com (Sylvia Sensiper) writes: > > I haven't had to get a bar mitzvah gift in a while. What do kids > > like, and what do parents want them to get?

Our traditional gift to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a cross pen or pencil set. We consider it a 'grownup' gift. If the person is close to us, then I also give a cross-stitch & embriodered challah cover. This goes nicely with our shul's gifts of kiddush cup and shabbat candles. [...] 20855 44 38_Re: Day School, Community, Involvement17_L. Joseph Bachman25_jbachman@access.digex.net29_Thu, 23 Nov 1995 01:58:18 GMT419_- sherri@cse.ogi.edu (Sherri Shulman) writes:

>My daughter (10) attends the only Jewish Day School in our city.

.... stuff deleted ...

>So, now I'm considering how to widen her life a bit. First, what are >people's experiences with the Jewish youth groups? I think there's BBY >(?). I think USY (which I was active in ) is for older kids. I also know >of a Young Judea chapter.... ^^^^^^^^^^^ [...] 20900 33 37_Re: Lessons taught by Jewish holidays7_SUBMAIL18_JFOX@MACC.WISC.EDU29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 21:25:04 GMT542_- In <48vmcb$6uh@chaos.dac.neu.edu> mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu writes:

> Again, my kids are only 3. And I think you can look at much of the Purim > story in two ways. Vashti STOOD UP to her husband (which I think is a > good lesson for both daughters and sons to learn), and she stood up for > her beliefs. . . . Also, consider Esther. She starts out as a malleable girl with no signs of greatness -- just beauty, but, when she has to, she rises to the occasion. I wouldn't go into this with a three-year old, but surely she should [...] 20934 46 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?17_L. Joseph Bachman25_jbachman@access.digex.net29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 21:11:51 GMT383_- robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu (Robyn Kozierok) writes:

>In article , >Sarah Y. Schwartz wrote: >>My daughter Naomi is 3 1/2 this year - I was thinking >>about getting her a menorah of her own to light but >>my husband thinks she's still to young to be handling >>lit candles.

>How about holding her hand? .... [...] 20981 37 21_Re: bar mitzvah gifts14_Robyn Kozierok26_robyn@rice-chex.ai.mit.edu29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 15:52:42 GMT418_- In article <48tu44$ke9@newsbf02.news.aol.com>, ChanaRivka wrote: >I just give a check (usually Chai-$18) for the child to do with as he/she >pleases. There are enough "gifts" that the family and closest friends >give that the kids may want or that the parent take( I've heard those >stories too). My gift is specifically at the discretion of the bar/bat >mitzvah and I say that in my card. [...] 21019 30 14_Raina Michelle15_David Sieradzki16_DSIERADZ@fcc.gov29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 19:03:38 GMT548_-

>The naming ceremony for our new daughter Raina Michelle is this Friday. >Since she's named for my two grandfathers, I'd like to choose two "girl" >jewish names for her; anybody have suggestions for "R" and "M" names we >might use?

How about "Malkah" (queen)? That combines the meaning of Raina in Spanish and other Latinate languages with the first letter of Michelle. A middle name could be "Micha-ela", a straight Hebrew translation of Michelle. Another "R" alternative, if this is your first child, is "Rishonah" (first). [...] 21050 34 18_Re: Chanukah Party0_14_dinitz@tss.com29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 20:00:01 GMT272_- David Karr wrote: > Last year the kids got a whole bunch of plastic dreidels which spin > really well, but I found them a bit frustrating because the raised > letters are hard to see. I've been trying to think of something to > paint them with, but so far no luck. [...] 21085 45 26_Parental Blessing for Boys0_14_dinitz@tss.com29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 21:06:44 GMT559_- Debbie Metzger wrote: > We've been blessing our children for 4 years and have been guessing > as to why they should be like Ephraim and Menassah. [...]

Here's one explanation that I particularly like. Efraim and Menashe are the first set of brothers in the Torah who actually get along well with each other. With this understanding, the parental Shabbat blessing for boys is that they live in peace with their siblings -- not only within the immediate family, but extending to all their brothers and sisters in klal Yisrael [the Jewish people]. [...] 21131 60 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?15_Barbara Pollack29_carltech_blp@usa.pipeline.com29_Thu, 23 Nov 1995 16:40:25 GMT438_- On Nov 22, 1995 21:11:51 in article , 'jbachman@access.digex.net (L. Joseph Bachman)' wrote:



>My favorite recent candle story.. last weekend we were visiting my >brother, and sitting at the table after Shabbat dinner when one of his >cats jumped up on the counter where the candles were burning. This >particular feline decided to investigate the flames a bit more closely and [...] 21192 79 20_Re: bat mitzvah gift15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Thu, 23 Nov 1995 03:52:51 GMT329_- Michal Peri (michal@gordian.com) wrote: : I am looking for suggestions for a bat-mitzvah present for the : daughter of my cousin.

: I have three ideas: : (1) a gold Israeli coin.

: - a gold medallion, commemorative of Israeli independence.

: - a gold 5 shekel coin dated 1983 (the year of her birth). [...] 21272 57 13_Killing Jesus12_chuck berman20_chas95@AZStarNet.com29_Fri, 24 Nov 1995 01:00:53 GMT445_US-ASCII

> From: karr@CS.Cornell.EDU (David Karr) > Subject: Re: Killing Jesus... > Message-ID: <48mbcb$t66@osiris.cs.cornell.edu>

> >I will never ever forget bringing a menorah to show and tell in the 2nd > >grade and having a little girl in the class stand up and point and scream > >at me that *I* killed Jesus. > I can only imagine how terribly traumatic this must have been. I > wish stuff like this would never happen. [...] 21330 29 29_Re: What babies eat at Pesach0_24_matida1@NetVision.net.il29_Thu, 23 Nov 1995 16:47:33 GMT462_US-ASCII

In article <013.04934620.TYDR82A@prodigy.com>, writes: > Does anyone have any recipes to share? > > Shelley Parish Nord > tydr82a@prodigy.com



My daughter lived on potato chips her first year.

Gail Silverman matida1@netvision.net.il



* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 21360 79 39_Re: Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?0_17_bdlerner@JTSA.EDU29_Thu, 23 Nov 1995 18:57:46 GMT649_US-ASCII

Dear Amy,

For the record, I am a Conservative congregational Rabbi, we have a Religious School which is extremely experimental and flexible, although my own children have all attended day schools for their secular and religious educaiton. But, I hope the following is more objective than defensive or subjective.

You've described the situation in which many find themselves, for a variety of reasons. The child is young, and it is very easy to assume that formal Jewish learning, especially Hebrew, might wait for later. I've even heard young couples remark that when the child is having any kind of difficulties [...] 21440 33 39_Re: Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?9_Dan Gruen21_gruen@cogsci.ucsd.edu29_Wed, 22 Nov 1995 01:59:36 GMT458_- Here's a quick joke, which may help understand some congregations' reluctance to host Bar Mitzvah celebrations for kids they don't know:

Three rabbis are sitting and schmoozing about the problems with mice they are all having in their shuls.

The first rabbi says that each Friday he rounds up the mice, drives them to the outskirts of the town, and let's them out. The mice are gone for Shabat, though they're back by Monday or Tuesday. [...] 21474 26 15_Re: Jewish pogs8_B Peress15_bperess@aol.com29_Thu, 23 Nov 1995 20:10:46 GMT393_-

I. Pour-El (pourel@iastate.edu) wrote: : Could someone please post the (mail) order source for Jewish pogs and/or : trading cards?

The distributor of Jewish pogs is Tzivos Hashem at 332 Kingston Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11213; phone: 718/467-6630.

I don't know whether or not they sell to individuals; they might, and if not they can certainly refer you to a retailer. [...] 21501 32 38_Re: Kid-friendly veggie passover food?11_Tova Stabin21_tova@u.washington.edu29_Thu, 23 Nov 1995 23:11:52 GMT549_-

i have a recipe for matzoh meal rolls that are easy to make and often save my passover frustration with trying to bring matzoh sandwhiches to work. i also have a recipe for chopped not liver, which is made with green beans and walnuts (i eat green beans on passover, but not everyone does) and eggs and mayo. and how about sweet and sour borst (made with raisins), with some yogurt or sour cream can be nice for kids, hot or cold. and there's always trail mix kind of stuff. and also farfel and warm milk, or farfel stuffing muffins. [...] 21534 283 58_Judaism Reading List: Books for Jewish Children (Pt. XIII)13_Daniel Faigin21_faigin@pacificnet.net26_25 Nov 1995 11:07:22 -0800449_- Archive-name: judaism/reading-lists/childrens Soc-culture-jewish-archive-name: reading.childrens Posting-Frequency: Monthly

Selected Sources for Additional Reading on Judaism Books for Jewish Children [Last Change: $Date: 1995/06/27 20:14:39 $ $Revision: 1.2 $] [Last Post: Mon Jun 12 11:07:11 1995]

This message is intended to provide recommendations to the readers of soc.culture.jewish of books suitable for use by children. [...] 21818 33 37_Re: Menorah - how old should they be?0_17_bdlerner@JTSA.EDU29_Thu, 23 Nov 1995 19:35:54 GMT490_US-ASCII

Dear Sarah,

My wife and I have been giving a menorah which is personalized for the child as a gift on birth or a significant life event, including a BMitzvah if they didn't yet have their own "artistic" chanukiayh. We have allowed our children to light from the earliest age possible, and they learn both an early respect for fire, that they participate in family rituals and look forward to learning the blessings and songs making that curriculum significant. [...] 21852 20 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools20_Rabbi Malkiel Hefter27_gz234@cleveland.Freenet.Edu29_Sun, 26 Nov 1995 01:10:57 GMT373_-

It seems to me that this is why the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland (and I'm sure other schools as well) have scholarship programs, where the idea is to raise funds so that families that can not afford the tuition will be assisted by a reduction in the charge. This is done through an evaluation by a committee. Good Luck. Don't give up on the Jewish education. [...] 21873 39 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews14_Bari Nirenberg18_nirenber@shani.net29_Thu, 23 Nov 1995 07:02:45 GMT555_- In article , srk7a@poe.acc.virginia.edu says...

>There are moments when I don't think Israel would be far enough to >send my children. Fortunately these moments are few. In any event, if >you wish your children to follow some course, it is best to model that >course for them, otherwise they will think, "You don't so why should >I?" If you do not wish your children to follow this course, why send >them to learn it? What is sauce for the gander, is sauce for the >goslings. (And you can quote me!) >-- [...] 21913 70 37_Re: kid-friendly veggie Passover food14_Hadass Eviatar26_eviatar@noether.ibd.nrc.ca29_Fri, 24 Nov 1995 16:30:58 GMT542_us-ascii Irene wrote: > > I've been listening to the debate about whether Passover or Purim is > more fun for kids and was hoping that someone out there might be able > to suggest some kid-friendly vegetarian passover recipes that might > make Passover more fun and less of a chore for our family. My 6 year > old daughter finds the Seder fun but otherwise HATES Passover. We > are vegetarians and our meals normally consist of a combination of > legumes and grains (my daughter loves corn and soy burgers on a soft > bun for example -- [...] 21984 44 38_Re: Kid-friendly veggie passover food?15_Barbara Pollack29_carltech_blp@usa.pipeline.com29_Sun, 26 Nov 1995 07:10:39 GMT318_- Although we are not vegetarians, we are always looking for alternatives to matzoh, eggs, meat and fish which can get boring without a break.

My kids loved being allowed to eat all the sweet potatoes they want. Their favorite time was for breakfast. Just peel them, cut them up, and microwave until soft. [...] 22029 36 17_Bar Mitzvah gifts16_Eileen Schneyman24_eschneym@photon.poly.edu29_Mon, 27 Nov 1995 05:04:35 GMT421_US-ASCII What I have begun doing (ok just for the girls!), was speaking to the parents, and then ordering a gold nameplate necklace for the girl. I have a friend of the family who is a jeweler, and charges me about $100. If I am not that friendly with the child, I ask the parent if they would prefer the hebrew or english name. So far, everyone has loved the idea, and I am running about half english, half hebrew! [...] 22066 35 49_Re: Raising Jewish children by non-religious Jews13_Itamar Netzer32_s3864881@techst02.technion.ac.il29_Mon, 27 Nov 1995 06:55:35 GMT431_- Eliot Shimoff (shimoff@umbc.edu) wrote: : In article <48d0bq$mjh@saba.info.ucla.edu>, : Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy wrote: : >In article <480b5m$55a@ixnews3.ix.netcom.com>,

: >>>Craig J. Ackermann (c.ackermann@mail.utexas.edu) wrote: : >>>* If you're adamant about not keeping the Jewish holidays, etc., then the : >>>* best you can do is send your kids to Israel every summer. Sincerely, [...] 22102 52 20_Bar/Bat Mitzvah Gift0_16_NinaSalk@aol.com29_Fri, 24 Nov 1995 16:08:54 GMT328_- Two more bar/bat mitzvah gift ideas:

#1: A terrific tzedakah-oriented bar/bat mitzvah gift idea I recently learned from a rabbi friend: You write a personal check for whatever amount you are comfortable with -- "chai" "double-chai" etc. You sign the check. However, you leave the "Pay to the Order of" line blank. [...] 22155 28 30_Re: Parental Blessing for Boys12_Bill Coleman23_clmn@ellis.uchicago.edu29_Mon, 27 Nov 1995 03:32:04 GMT437_- In article <9511222110.AA06849@tekbspa.tss.com>, wrote: >Debbie Metzger wrote: >> We've been blessing our children for 4 years and have been guessing >> as to why they should be like Ephraim and Menassah. [...]

The blessing for boys is taken from parashat Yayyechi, Bereshit 48:20, and is repeated verbatim by the father to bless the son. The blessing for girls is changed simply to make the simile appropriate, 22184 38 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools15_Georganne Burke19_nbcnet@inforamp.net29_Mon, 27 Nov 1995 04:07:41 GMT489_- In article <498er1$4jl@madeline.INS.CWRU.Edu>, gz234@cleveland.freenet.edu (Rabbi Malkiel Hefter) wrote:

> > It seems to me that this is why the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland (and I'm sure > other schools as well) have scholarship programs, where the idea is to raise > funds so that families that can not afford the tuition will be assisted by a > reduction in the charge. This is done through an evaluation by a committee. > Good Luck. Don't give up on the Jewish education. [...] 22223 80 37_Re: kid-friendly veggie Passover food25_Jo Pitesky UCLA Astronomy25_pitesky@mira.berkeley.edu29_Mon, 27 Nov 1995 15:37:03 GMT545_- >Irene wrote: >> >> I've been listening to the debate about whether Passover or Purim is >> more fun for kids and was hoping that someone out there might be able >> to suggest some kid-friendly vegetarian passover recipes that might >> make Passover more fun and less of a chore for our family. My 6 year >> old daughter finds the Seder fun but otherwise HATES Passover. We >> are vegetarians and our meals normally consist of a combination of >> legumes and grains (my daughter loves corn and soy burgers on a soft >> bun for example -- [...] 22304 28 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools19_Olga from the Volga16_olga1@netcom.com29_Sun, 26 Nov 1995 19:20:32 GMT457_- gz234@cleveland.freenet.edu (Rabbi Malkiel Hefter) wrote:



>It seems to me that this is why the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland (and I'm sure >other schools as well) have scholarship programs, where the idea is to raise

>funds so that families that can not afford the tuition will be assisted by a

>reduction in the charge. This is done through an evaluation by a committee. >Good Luck. Don't give up on the Jewish education. [...] 22333 26 43_www bibliography of Jewish children's books14_Wendy E. Betts14_web@armory.com29_Sat, 25 Nov 1995 04:21:18 GMT314_-

I've started an annotated bibliography of Jewish children's books, which is linked by ftp to my full-length book reviews. The address is http://www.armory.com/~web/jbooks.html

I warn you in advance, I haven't been thrilled with most of the books I've seen! But there are some gems among the dross. 22360 38 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools12_Bill Coleman23_clmn@ellis.uchicago.edu29_Tue, 28 Nov 1995 03:11:11 GMT617_- In article , Georganne Burke wrote: > >This may have been more true a few years ago, but lately (I speak from >experience) it is extremely difficult to get tuition assistance. The funds >are harder to come by, the Federations are not supporting frum schools the >way they were (when faced with a choice they opt for the "community" >school). > >This news simply means that you have to fight harder for the funds that >there are (limited tho they be). It is a degrading and painful process, >but keep in mind that your children's education is at stake. [...] 22399 37 15_Chanukah Lights0_16_bruceml@tiac.net29_Mon, 27 Nov 1995 10:10:05 GMT468_-

>The Source for Everything Jewish catalog has chanukah lights which I >intend to buy for next Sukkot. > I don't have a problem with lights in the sukkah. I have a problem with >trying to make our holiday as spectacular (read: commercial) as X-tian >holidays. This is not a competition. I believe our purpose as parents is >to make the holidays as memorable as possible for our children and not to >make them "just as good as X-mas" so they don't stray. [...] 22437 41 16_Chanukkah Crafts15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Mon, 27 Nov 1995 18:43:20 GMT480_-

We had a bit too much 'family togetherness' this weekend, and I was desperate for something to do. So we made some 'lovely' chanukah decorations. The kids favorite was definately the tongue depressor Mogen Davids.

To make:

Glue together 6 tongue depressors (or popsicle sticks) to make a Mogen David. Allow to dry. Spread glue all over one side of star, and sprinkle with glitter. Let dry. Paint other side with tempra paints. Hang with fishing reel. [...] 22479 34 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools20_Rabbi Malkiel Hefter27_gz234@cleveland.Freenet.Edu29_Tue, 28 Nov 1995 16:39:04 GMT569_-

In the respect that many Federations are not assisting frum schools, I must tell you the Jewish Community Federation in Cleveland stands far and above other Federations in the country. In fact history shows that they were on of the first to assist in Frum Jewish education. Aside from that the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland does some MAJOR fund raising. The Scholarship Fund Campaign for this year alone is at $1,350,000. This is aside from from the fund raising done by way of sending out greeting cards a few times a year. I don't know if this is one of [...] 22514 69 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools15_Marjorie Peskin24_mpeskin@lynx.dac.neu.edu29_Mon, 27 Nov 1995 18:21:22 GMT556_- Georganne Burke (nbcnet@inforamp.net) wrote: : In article <498er1$4jl@madeline.INS.CWRU.Edu>, gz234@cleveland.freenet.edu : (Rabbi Malkiel Hefter) wrote:

: > : > It seems to me that this is why the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland (and I'm : sure : > other schools as well) have scholarship programs, where the idea is to : raise : > funds so that families that can not afford the tuition will be assisted by : a : > reduction in the charge. This is done through an evaluation by a committee. : > Good Luck. Don't give up on the Jewish education. [...] 22584 29 21_Re: Bar Mitzvah gifts11_Alan Houser15_troop24@emf.net29_Tue, 28 Nov 1995 00:17:54 GMT502_- Eileen Schneyman (eschneym@photon.poly.edu) wrote:

: Now if I could come up with something for the boys before my cousin is : Bar Mitzvah next August...

The thing that my sons both enjoyed receiving the most for their b'nei mitzvah last summer was each received his very own shofar. Both are musically inclined and spent a fair amount of time figuring out how to make them work properly before the holidays. I still hear one occasionally amidst the televisions and radios blaring. [...] 22614 57 38_Re: Kid-friendly veggie passover food?47_Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea.25_rscw081@CNSVAX.ALBANY.EDU29_Sat, 25 Nov 1995 21:57:32 GMT537_- This is what Irene Bleiweiss says : > I've been listening to the debate about whether Passover or Purim is > more fun for kids and was hoping that someone out there might be able > to suggest some kid-friendly vegetarian passover recipes that might > make Passover more fun and less of a chore for our family. My 6 year > old daughter finds the Seder fun but otherwise HATES Passover. We > are vegetarians and our meals normally consist of a combination of > legumes and grains (my daughter loves corn and soy burgers on a soft > [...] 22672 36 38_Re: Kid-friendly veggie passover food?13_Louise Miller22_miller@louise.ucsd.edu29_Tue, 28 Nov 1995 18:29:15 GMT357_us-ascii [Moderator's Note: I have approved this post, as it is a follow-up to the food and children thread. But, any follow-ups to this post, along the line of only food with no "raising children in a Jewish context" content will be rejected.]

There are a lot of good recipes at this address: http://www.computek.net/mktnet/kosher/recipes.html [...] 22709 24 13_Maccabi Games3_JGM15_bosko@umich.edu29_Tue, 28 Nov 1995 18:03:32 GMT283_- My 15 y.o. son is considering participating in the Maccabi Games this summer. We ought to be hearing from our JCC by the end of the year as to whether or not he will make the team (many kids interested, only 30 slots to our little JCC for these games in St. Louis this year). [...] 22734 27 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools16_Margie Pelcovits28_Marjorie_Pelcovits@brown.edu29_Wed, 29 Nov 1995 06:07:01 GMT325_us-ascii It's the same way in Providence. Making sure that all children are able to attend the Schechter school here is a priority, so scholarship money is put aside in the budget - even if it is to the detriment of other areas needing funding. Our building doesn't look like much, but we have a wonderful student body! [...] 22762 46 31_Re: Blessing the Children-girls10_Eric Simon23_erics@access2.digex.net29_Mon, 27 Nov 1995 15:57:15 GMT396_- metzgerda@ccvax.ccs.csus.edu wrote: : We've been blessing our children for 4 years and have been guessing as to : why they should be like Ephraim and Menassah. Thanks for the info. The : obvious follow-up is and why like Sarah, Rachel rebeccah and Leah? We don't : have girls but this will make for a good Shabbat discussion at my sister's house. Thanks : Debbie Metzger dmetzger@csus.edu [...] 22809 93 37_Rep: Religious School for Reform Kids0_21_Roger.Kurland@gsa.gov29_Tue, 28 Nov 1995 17:38:27 GMT405_-

I have been following this thread with great personal interest. I was raised Reform, went to Sunday school until I left for college, had a cultural affiliation with being Jewish, but practiced no religious observances. I became a B.T. four years ago, have two beautiful children who attend a modern orthodox day school. My chance return to Judaism is totally due to my second wife's faith. [...] 22903 27 21_Superhero of the Jews11_David Weiss20_dweiss@dataprobe.com29_Wed, 29 Nov 1995 22:51:07 GMT481_-



I just wanted to share an amusing thing that happened around Holloween.

My 3 year old was asked what he wanted to be this year.

He proudly stuck his chest out and fist into the air and shouted...



Moses....Superhero of the Jews !!



Are we ready to TV culture?

* This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ. * Always check medical and halachic opinions with appropriate authorities. 22931 41 29_Re: Feelings on Xmas/Hanukkah10_Eric Simon23_erics@access2.digex.net29_Wed, 29 Nov 1995 18:47:41 GMT555_- faigin@solarium.aero.org wrote: : On Tue, 14 Nov 1995 08:12:46 -0800, olga1@ix.netcom.com (Olga from the volga) said: : : > Xmas and Christians are not going away. Either is intermarriage. : > People who intermarry have children. Even if the couple decides to : > raise these children Jewish, the families still have Christian : > relatives. You cannot tell families to not see each other at the end : > of December. These are issues that are dear to the readers of the : > newsgroup, and they need to be discussed. : : True, but is THIS the right [...] 22973 54 39_Re: Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?7_Jo Benn21_jonsteve@rapidnet.com29_Tue, 28 Nov 1995 18:14:00 GMT608_- I would like to make a few comments concerning our personal experience with our two oldest children. They are now 17 (Sarah) and 14 (Josh). They each began religious school in kindergarten. We joined a synagogue (Conservative) for that reason and for seats for the High Holy Days. We rarely attended weekly services. When they were in 6th and 2nd grade, we moved to a new city where the Conservative synagogue had attendance requirements. We found we enjoyed attending services and became "regulars" well beyond the requirements. We found there to be enormous benefits to our children to belonging to [...] 23028 45 41_We are the Memory Makers for our children10_Eric Simon23_erics@access2.digex.net29_Tue, 28 Nov 1995 21:05:23 GMT326_- : Not clear who wrote the original comments: : : > For me, however, tradition and ritual - and my link to my heritage - are [sd] : >which, to me, have zero religious connotation but are simply warm childhood : >memories (that parenthetically are still being practiced by other members of : >my family at the holidays). [...] 23074 29 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools8_B Peress15_bperess@aol.com29_Tue, 28 Nov 1995 14:04:34 GMT315_- "Olga from the Volga" wrote:: > >Usually middle class folk make too much money to be eligible for >scholarships, yet too little to afford the school.

This is one of the reasons I believe that federations should increase their support of day schools - to broaden the base of scholarship beneficiaries. [...] 23104 22 9_Christmas3_Sue27_rubinste@aldus.NorthNet.org29_Wed, 29 Nov 1995 15:15:08 GMT320_- Faced with the common Santa Claus questions at this time of year, we always told our daughter to politely answer, we don't celebrate Christmas.

Well, one day at a cash register, she was asked about Santa Claus! She was 4 at the time and replied in a very loud but polite voice - we don't "sell" Christmas! [...] 23127 37 18_Jewish Day Schools13_Linda Hoffman16_hoffmanl@neb.com29_Thu, 30 Nov 1995 13:28:37 GMT303_- Hello!

My family's Reform temple provides religious instruction to children age five and up once a week and in addition, Hebrew instruction for third graders and up once a week. These classes are the favorite part of my 9 year old son's education. He always wishes he could go more often. [...] 23165 35 12_folkshuls!!!0_15_csjo@netaxs.com29_Thu, 30 Nov 1995 14:49:32 GMT615_- My wife and I send our children to the Jewish Children's Folkshul in Philadelphia. The shul is a secular jewish school and teaches jewish history and culture in a non-religious (secular) setting. Both of us were raised in conservative/traditional homes and agreed that our kids needed a fuller, richer understanding of their jewishness than the talmud/torah schools taught us. They were great at teaching us how to pray, but very short on jewishness. Folkshul is strong on the jewish tradition of social action and even teaches some yiddish by way of songs and stories and phrases. Hebrew is actually taught [...] 23201 44 16_Re: folkshuls!!!15_Martin M. Cohen15_mcohen@ucla.edu29_Thu, 30 Nov 1995 16:17:49 GMT628_- In article <49kkkg$ef0_007@slip.netaxs.com>, csjo@netaxs.com wrote:

> My wife and I send our children to the Jewish Children's > Folkshul in Philadelphia. The shul is a secular jewish school and > teaches jewish history and culture in a non-religious (secular) > setting. Both of us were raised in conservative/traditional homes and > agreed that our kids needed a fuller, richer understanding of their > jewishness than the talmud/torah schools taught us. They were great at > teaching us how to pray, but very short on jewishness. > Folkshul is strong on the jewish tradition of social action and > even teaches [...] 23246 62 23_Another naming question15_Robin Netherton15_robin@dgsys.com29_Thu, 30 Nov 1995 18:31:08 GMT413_- I have a naming dilemma that is exactly the opposite of that posed by the mother (also named Robin) of Raina Michelle. Perhaps some of you who had such good ideas for her would be able to help me.

Our upcoming arrival will be named for my grandmother Mirel and my great-aunt Rivka (another M-R combination!). We have names picked out for a girl, but we have to solve several problems if it's a boy. [...] 23309 33 39_Re: Bar Mitzvah without joining temple?0_15_csjo@netaxs.com29_Thu, 30 Nov 1995 17:17:56 GMT545_- We have been attending a folkshul in Philadelphia for 5 years now and we have one son to be Bar Mitzvah next October, and the other, a year and a half after that. Folkshul is not a synagogue or a congregation but it is a community. True to tradition, the Bar Mitzvah asks for entry to the adult Jewish community by signifying that he understands what it means to be Jewish and is ready to accept the responsibility of being a member of the community. At Folkshul, that understanding comes by way of a Bar Mitzvah project. The child picks [...] 23343 38 21_Re: Bar Mitzvah gifts0_29_Charles.Weg@sprint.sprint.com29_Thu, 30 Nov 1995 23:03:43 GMT534_US-ASCII

er 1.39 1995/11/16 19:19:48 faigin Exp > Originator: faigin@solarium.aero.org > > What I have begun doing (ok just for the girls!), was speaking to the > parents, and then ordering a gold nameplate necklace for the girl. I > have a friend of the family who is a jeweler, and charges me about $100. > If I am not that friendly with the child, I ask the parent if they would > prefer the hebrew or english name. So far, everyone has loved the idea, > and I am running about half english, half hebrew! > > Now if I [...] 23382 54 32_YASP - Yet Another Santa Problem10_Eric Simon23_erics@access2.digex.net29_Wed, 29 Nov 1995 18:42:40 GMT528_- I have yet another 'Santa' problem. My in-laws celebrate Christmas (in as totally a secular way as possible, btw). (My wife is a Jew-by-choice, and we are totally dedicated to bring up Jewish children Jewishly.). Our in-laws "do" Santa, and, in fact, we will be doing a psuedo-Christmas thing (i.e., presents, stockings, and prehaps a tree) in about 12 days. I have a 2-1/2 year old (Joshua) who, as of this moment, has still never heard of Santa. He has a cousins (who range in age from 1 to 8) who do believe in Santa. [...] 23437 36 39_Appropriate attire for children in shul20_Amy & Dane L Harwood23_amydane@harwood.iii.net29_Thu, 30 Nov 1995 22:05:19 GMT534_us-ascii I come from NY, where everyone really dresses up for Temple (for everything, actually). Now I'm shopping for temples in MA, and am at a bit of a loss as to what is appropriate for my 6y to wear to services. For the holidays, I was mortified that he had to wear his black sneakers when his dress shoes suddenly didn't fit. I assume others have this problem, and so there is more leeway in what kids should wear. But I did notice one boy about Alex's age one Shabbat wearing jeans and a *baseball cap*. I really felt this [...] 23474 38 22_Re: Jewish Day Schools24_Dane Amydane Amy Harwood15_amydane@iii.net29_Thu, 30 Nov 1995 22:12:57 GMT353_- Linda Hoffman (hoffmanl@neb.com) wrote: : Hello!

: My family's Reform temple provides religious instruction to children age : five and up once a week and in addition, Hebrew instruction for third : graders and up once a week. These classes are the favorite part of my 9 : year old son's education. He always wishes he could go more often. [...] 23513 31 38_Re: Decisions about Jewish Day Schools19_Olga from the volga19_olga1@ix.netcom.com29_Thu, 30 Nov 1995 17:47:44 GMT363_- bperess@aol.com (B Peress) wrote:

>"Olga from the Volga" wrote:: >> >>Usually middle class folk make too much money to be eligible for >>scholarships, yet too little to afford the school.

>This is one of the reasons I believe that federations should increase >their support of day schools - to broaden the base of scholarship >beneficiaries. [...] 23545 50 22_Re: Jewish Day Schools11_Howard Moss15_hmoss@sr.hp.com29_Thu, 30 Nov 1995 21:27:08 GMT337_- Linda Hoffman (hoffmanl@neb.com) wrote: : My family's Reform temple provides religious instruction to children age : five and up once a week and in addition, Hebrew instruction for third : graders and up once a week. These classes are the favorite part of my 9 : year old son's education. He always wishes he could go more often. [...] 23596 31 22_Re: Jewish Day Schools0_32_Meredith_Warshaw@charlesview.com28_Fri, 1 Dec 1995 01:45:00 GMT367_- Linda Hoffman wrote: <