The Bay state’s Jewish community on Tuesday celebrated the holiday of Lag B’Omer, a lifting of restrictions during the Omer, or period between Passover and Shavu’ot.
The days are counted from the second day of Passover -- which commemorates the freeing of the Israelite - to the night before the Shavu’ot - the giving of the Torah. Lag B’Omer falls on the 33rd day.
During the first 32 days of the Omer, weddings, parties, dancing and even haircuts are forbidden. This mourning period commemorates a plague, and Lag B’Omer celebrates a break in the plague.
A celebration hosted by the Chabad Center of Sharon at Borderland State Park on Tuesday drew about 100 people and included music, a softball game, barbeque and a petting zoo.
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Monday, December 15, 2008
Children help build balloon menorah
DURHAM - Mayor Bill Bell teetered for just a moment, braced himself and took one more step up the ladder.
It's not easy to light a menorah that stands more than 8 feet tall and is made of balloons.
This menorah -- 600 small, round blue and white balloons affixed to an aluminum frame -- was the main visual attraction of a Sunday afternoon Hanukkah party at the Lerner Jewish Community Day School.
Bell, the guest of honor, lit a candle atop the menorah and said a few words. But the children in attendance weren't wowed by prominent local politician; not when there were latkes and doughnuts to eat, stories to listen to and that giant menorah to help build.
"Each year we try to have an innovative way to make the holidays something the kids can connect to," said Zalmen Bluming, the rabbi at Chabad of UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University, the local unit of a national Jewish outreach organization. Chabad held Sunday's party as a way to connect with local Jewish families.
The menorah "makes it so real for children," said Bluming's wife, Yehudis. It makes it so animated. It makes religion fun."
For many of the youngsters, the fun came in fishing small clusters of the balloons out of a bag and affixing them to the menorah frame, thus playing a part in its creation.
The event was symbolic. Hanukkah doesn't begin until Sunday.
In opening the event, the rabbi referenced President-elect Barack Obama, calling him an inspiration and symbol of hope to all minority groups. He borrowed from one of Obama's oft-used slogans to describe the importance of Hanukkah and of lighting the menorah -- the symbolic creation of light.
"If we place our faith in God," he said, "Yes, we can overcome our obstacles."
Shana Starobin struggled at first to find a Jewish community of her own three years ago when she moved to Durham from Washington, D.C. But the Duke graduate student joined the local Chabad group and was taken by its inviting, low-pressure environment. Looking at the room full of playing children Sunday, she said the oversize balloon menorah perfectly symbolized Chabad's philosophy.
"Chabad is known for having pride in Jewish life," she said. "We don't tuck our menorahs away. The giant menorah, while funny, is a reminder that we have a symbol during times of darkness."
eric.ferreri@newsobserver.com or 919-932-2008.
It's not easy to light a menorah that stands more than 8 feet tall and is made of balloons.
This menorah -- 600 small, round blue and white balloons affixed to an aluminum frame -- was the main visual attraction of a Sunday afternoon Hanukkah party at the Lerner Jewish Community Day School.
Bell, the guest of honor, lit a candle atop the menorah and said a few words. But the children in attendance weren't wowed by prominent local politician; not when there were latkes and doughnuts to eat, stories to listen to and that giant menorah to help build.
"Each year we try to have an innovative way to make the holidays something the kids can connect to," said Zalmen Bluming, the rabbi at Chabad of UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University, the local unit of a national Jewish outreach organization. Chabad held Sunday's party as a way to connect with local Jewish families.
The menorah "makes it so real for children," said Bluming's wife, Yehudis. It makes it so animated. It makes religion fun."
For many of the youngsters, the fun came in fishing small clusters of the balloons out of a bag and affixing them to the menorah frame, thus playing a part in its creation.
The event was symbolic. Hanukkah doesn't begin until Sunday.
In opening the event, the rabbi referenced President-elect Barack Obama, calling him an inspiration and symbol of hope to all minority groups. He borrowed from one of Obama's oft-used slogans to describe the importance of Hanukkah and of lighting the menorah -- the symbolic creation of light.
"If we place our faith in God," he said, "Yes, we can overcome our obstacles."
Shana Starobin struggled at first to find a Jewish community of her own three years ago when she moved to Durham from Washington, D.C. But the Duke graduate student joined the local Chabad group and was taken by its inviting, low-pressure environment. Looking at the room full of playing children Sunday, she said the oversize balloon menorah perfectly symbolized Chabad's philosophy.
"Chabad is known for having pride in Jewish life," she said. "We don't tuck our menorahs away. The giant menorah, while funny, is a reminder that we have a symbol during times of darkness."
eric.ferreri@newsobserver.com or 919-932-2008.
Friday, December 12, 2008
N.Y. fifth graders thank Indian nanny for saving 2-year-old Moshe from Mumbai terrorists
"Dear Sandra, Thank you for saving Moshe," wrote Daniel Smith, a fifth-grader at Solomon Schecter Day School of Nassau County, to express his appreciation to the Indian nanny who saved two-year-old Moshe Holtzberg from the terrorist attack on the Chabad House in Mumbai, India two weeks ago.
The boy's parents, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, were both killed in the attack.
Smith's fifth-grade classmates wrote individual letters to the nanny, Sandra Samuel, which were presented to the Israeli Consulate in New York for delivery to Israel.
Smith was joined at the Consulate by his fifth grade classmate, Jennifer Lipman, their principal, Dr. Cindy Dolgin, and their Judaic Studies teacher, Lizet Romano, who initiated the project. The two represented the entire fifth grade in delivering the letters that recognized Samuel for her heroic act based on the Jewish tradition that "One who saves one person saves an entire nation."
In their letters, the students thanked Samuels for her bravery and assured her that her good deed did not go unnoticed in their community. Lipman wrote, "Everyone at my school thinks you are a hero. Thank you for all you've done."
Administrators felt there was a valuable pedagogical reason for this exercise. Dolgin commented, "What could our young students do under such terrifying circumstances taking place half a world away? As a class, the children and their teacher decided to write letters to Sandra Samuel to express their gratitude, their amazement and their awe for her bravery and courage in rescuing little Moshe, not unlike the rescue of another baby Moshe they had learned about in the Book of Exodus."
In addressing the students, David Saranga, Consul for Media and Public Affairs applauded the students' desire to express their thanks. ?The right way to transmit our thanks as the State of Israel is to welcome her into our community, as we have done. Samuel did the right thing by saving Moshe. She demonstrated that human life is valuable regardless of religion or ethnicity."
The students' letters have been passed for delivery to Chabad in Israel. Rabbi Shmuel Butman, Director of Lubavitch Youth Organization, noted, "Moishi was calling 'Mommy, mommy.' Sandra heard Moishi's cry and she brought him to safety totally sacrificing her own safety. She will be eternally remembered for her selflessness and heroism."
The Solomon Schechter Day School of Nassau County, located in Jericho, NY, is a Jewish Day Elementary School affiliated with the Conservative Movement and provides a dual curriculum in Judaic and secular education. The school also has a wide-ranging Israel studies program that stresses appreciation for Israel as a democratic and multicultural society.
The Consulate has prepared a short video of the event highlights, which can be viewed online at www.israelpolitik.org.
The boy's parents, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, were both killed in the attack.
Smith's fifth-grade classmates wrote individual letters to the nanny, Sandra Samuel, which were presented to the Israeli Consulate in New York for delivery to Israel.
Smith was joined at the Consulate by his fifth grade classmate, Jennifer Lipman, their principal, Dr. Cindy Dolgin, and their Judaic Studies teacher, Lizet Romano, who initiated the project. The two represented the entire fifth grade in delivering the letters that recognized Samuel for her heroic act based on the Jewish tradition that "One who saves one person saves an entire nation."
In their letters, the students thanked Samuels for her bravery and assured her that her good deed did not go unnoticed in their community. Lipman wrote, "Everyone at my school thinks you are a hero. Thank you for all you've done."
Administrators felt there was a valuable pedagogical reason for this exercise. Dolgin commented, "What could our young students do under such terrifying circumstances taking place half a world away? As a class, the children and their teacher decided to write letters to Sandra Samuel to express their gratitude, their amazement and their awe for her bravery and courage in rescuing little Moshe, not unlike the rescue of another baby Moshe they had learned about in the Book of Exodus."
In addressing the students, David Saranga, Consul for Media and Public Affairs applauded the students' desire to express their thanks. ?The right way to transmit our thanks as the State of Israel is to welcome her into our community, as we have done. Samuel did the right thing by saving Moshe. She demonstrated that human life is valuable regardless of religion or ethnicity."
The students' letters have been passed for delivery to Chabad in Israel. Rabbi Shmuel Butman, Director of Lubavitch Youth Organization, noted, "Moishi was calling 'Mommy, mommy.' Sandra heard Moishi's cry and she brought him to safety totally sacrificing her own safety. She will be eternally remembered for her selflessness and heroism."
The Solomon Schechter Day School of Nassau County, located in Jericho, NY, is a Jewish Day Elementary School affiliated with the Conservative Movement and provides a dual curriculum in Judaic and secular education. The school also has a wide-ranging Israel studies program that stresses appreciation for Israel as a democratic and multicultural society.
The Consulate has prepared a short video of the event highlights, which can be viewed online at www.israelpolitik.org.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Giant ‘Cannorah’ to be kindled
SHARON - The construction of the first ever “Cannorah” in Sharon is going to be the highlight of the annual Chanukah celebration at Chabad of Sharon. You CAN light up a life. The Can Food Menorah is being organized, built and donated by Chabad of Sharon. You can participate by sponsoring some canned food which will be used to assemble the Menorah. The cans will be donated to local food pantries for families in need.
Chanukah is about bringing light into this world. A menorah built with food cans is sure to add more light into our world. After assembling the menorah candles will be placed on top and the Menorah will be kindled. In addition to the “Cannorah”, this year’s program will also feature Chanukah arts & crafts, holiday music, olive press demonstration, delicious Chanukah treats, and a Feature Circus Show.
The program will be held on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 2 – 5 p.m. at Chabad of Sharon, 162 North Main St. There is no fee. For more information please call the Chabad Center at (781) 784-4269.
Chanukah is about bringing light into this world. A menorah built with food cans is sure to add more light into our world. After assembling the menorah candles will be placed on top and the Menorah will be kindled. In addition to the “Cannorah”, this year’s program will also feature Chanukah arts & crafts, holiday music, olive press demonstration, delicious Chanukah treats, and a Feature Circus Show.
The program will be held on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 2 – 5 p.m. at Chabad of Sharon, 162 North Main St. There is no fee. For more information please call the Chabad Center at (781) 784-4269.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Chabad, UNICEF publish book
Chabad of Buenos Aires and UNICEF officials announced the publication of a book about treating child abuse.
More than 500 people, including judiciary representatives, Jewish leadership, educators and psychologists, gathered Tuesday evening at a downtown cultural center to welcome the book, "Mistreatment of Children: The Innovative Approach of Ieladeinu, The Comprehensive Response of a Community Committed to Children".
Supported by UNICEF, the book is based on the organization's two years of observation of Ieladeinu, the Jewish home for mistreated children opened in 1999 and run by Chabad. The aim of the book is to systemize Ieladeinu’s approach, which is modeled on Jewish ethics, psychology and human rights, so it may be replicated by other programs.
Karina Pincever, co-author and book coordinator, stressed the courage and hope she found in the Chabad-Lubavitch Argentina Director Rabbi Tzvi Grumblatt during the first uncertain years.
Bernardo Kliksberg of the United Nations Program for Development said that Ieladeinu proved mistreated children, given the proper care and love, can recover dignity and dreams of future.
"UNICEF has found Ieladeinu´s work not only valuable for the Jewish community’s children it cares for, but also as a model to be followed universally in dealing with this type of problem,” said Dr. Rivera Pizarro, UNICEF’s representative.
More than 500 people, including judiciary representatives, Jewish leadership, educators and psychologists, gathered Tuesday evening at a downtown cultural center to welcome the book, "Mistreatment of Children: The Innovative Approach of Ieladeinu, The Comprehensive Response of a Community Committed to Children".
Supported by UNICEF, the book is based on the organization's two years of observation of Ieladeinu, the Jewish home for mistreated children opened in 1999 and run by Chabad. The aim of the book is to systemize Ieladeinu’s approach, which is modeled on Jewish ethics, psychology and human rights, so it may be replicated by other programs.
Karina Pincever, co-author and book coordinator, stressed the courage and hope she found in the Chabad-Lubavitch Argentina Director Rabbi Tzvi Grumblatt during the first uncertain years.
Bernardo Kliksberg of the United Nations Program for Development said that Ieladeinu proved mistreated children, given the proper care and love, can recover dignity and dreams of future.
"UNICEF has found Ieladeinu´s work not only valuable for the Jewish community’s children it cares for, but also as a model to be followed universally in dealing with this type of problem,” said Dr. Rivera Pizarro, UNICEF’s representative.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Rabbi's bakery blends families, bread
By DEAN SHALHOUP, Telegraph Staff
dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com
MANCHESTER – Scott Schaeffer and his family buy their matzo bread at the store, he says, only because "we don't have the (utensils) to make it at home."
But that didn't stop the 11-year-old Brookline youth from diving right into the clouds of flour that rose from several tables at the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire center Sunday, where he and a couple of dozen other kids gathered for Rabbi Levi Krinsky's famous Model Matzah Bakery, a fun-and-learning experience that he holds each year just before Passover.
Model Matzah Bakery, an outreach program that encourages Jewish children and their families to participate in one of the faith's oldest traditions, is a project of Chabad Lubavitch New Hampshire, of which Krinsky is director. Children begin the afternoon by watching an educational video, then get to don plastic aprons and paper hats to follow Krinsky's step-by-step directions to make their own matzo (sometimes spelled "matzah" or "matzoh") bread from scratch.
The activity is held roughly two weeks before the start of Passover, when members of the Jewish faith are encouraged to study the history and laws of the eight-day festival that commemorates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt.
Passover begins April 20 this year, which is 5768 on the Jewish calendar. Observances can start as early as April 17 with the observance of the Fast of the Firstborn.
"Look at this young lady here . . . not too thin, not too thick, just right – nice job," Krinsky announced, his voice booming throughout the center's auditorium as he peered over the shoulder of tiny matzo-maker Gaia Gilat. Gaia, 5, and her parents moved to Nashua just 10 months ago, said her mom, Hila Gilat.Krinsky, a colorful instructor with boundless energy, floated between speech and traditional chants as he coached his little matzo chefs through the process. Using wooden spindles about 18 inches long and tapered at both ends, the kids worked the ball of dough they'd just mixed into flat, round matzos, the unleavened, cracker-like staple of Passover.
"Yes, like that. Now turn your matzo over and push, push, that's right. Roll the other side out flat . . . OK, these are ready for the oven," he said, grabbing a pizza paddle and quickly adding, "Hey, where's my timekeeper?"
Parental spectators, both amused by Krinsky's style and impressed by his knack for keeping his fledgling students focused and interested, leaned in to watch and offer the occasional guiding hand.
Charlie Schaeffer, Scott's father, said the family has been to Krinsky's "matzo party" before. "It's a good way to learn more about our culture, our religion," he said.
Scott, a student at Captain Douglass Academy in Brookline, is also something of an actor, his mother, Lynda Schaeffer, added – he's appeared in commercials for "Transformers" on cable TV's Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network.
For Krinsky, his popular program is all about making learning effective by making it enjoyable for the kids.
"This is indeed one of our more fun activities," he said after making sure all matzos had been removed from the oven and placed on a giant foil sheet to cool.
"By doing hands-on things like making matzo," Krinsky said, "children are able to appreciate this age-old Jewish tradition and learn the history of their faith.
"Kids want to learn . . . I feel if I create (an atmosphere of) curiosity, they won't go to sleep," he added with a laugh.
Dean Shalhoup can be reached at 594-6523 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.
© 2007, Telegraph Publishing Company, Nashua, New Hampshire
dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com
MANCHESTER – Scott Schaeffer and his family buy their matzo bread at the store, he says, only because "we don't have the (utensils) to make it at home."
But that didn't stop the 11-year-old Brookline youth from diving right into the clouds of flour that rose from several tables at the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire center Sunday, where he and a couple of dozen other kids gathered for Rabbi Levi Krinsky's famous Model Matzah Bakery, a fun-and-learning experience that he holds each year just before Passover.
Model Matzah Bakery, an outreach program that encourages Jewish children and their families to participate in one of the faith's oldest traditions, is a project of Chabad Lubavitch New Hampshire, of which Krinsky is director. Children begin the afternoon by watching an educational video, then get to don plastic aprons and paper hats to follow Krinsky's step-by-step directions to make their own matzo (sometimes spelled "matzah" or "matzoh") bread from scratch.
The activity is held roughly two weeks before the start of Passover, when members of the Jewish faith are encouraged to study the history and laws of the eight-day festival that commemorates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt.
Passover begins April 20 this year, which is 5768 on the Jewish calendar. Observances can start as early as April 17 with the observance of the Fast of the Firstborn.
"Look at this young lady here . . . not too thin, not too thick, just right – nice job," Krinsky announced, his voice booming throughout the center's auditorium as he peered over the shoulder of tiny matzo-maker Gaia Gilat. Gaia, 5, and her parents moved to Nashua just 10 months ago, said her mom, Hila Gilat.Krinsky, a colorful instructor with boundless energy, floated between speech and traditional chants as he coached his little matzo chefs through the process. Using wooden spindles about 18 inches long and tapered at both ends, the kids worked the ball of dough they'd just mixed into flat, round matzos, the unleavened, cracker-like staple of Passover.
"Yes, like that. Now turn your matzo over and push, push, that's right. Roll the other side out flat . . . OK, these are ready for the oven," he said, grabbing a pizza paddle and quickly adding, "Hey, where's my timekeeper?"
Parental spectators, both amused by Krinsky's style and impressed by his knack for keeping his fledgling students focused and interested, leaned in to watch and offer the occasional guiding hand.
Charlie Schaeffer, Scott's father, said the family has been to Krinsky's "matzo party" before. "It's a good way to learn more about our culture, our religion," he said.
Scott, a student at Captain Douglass Academy in Brookline, is also something of an actor, his mother, Lynda Schaeffer, added – he's appeared in commercials for "Transformers" on cable TV's Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network.
For Krinsky, his popular program is all about making learning effective by making it enjoyable for the kids.
"This is indeed one of our more fun activities," he said after making sure all matzos had been removed from the oven and placed on a giant foil sheet to cool.
"By doing hands-on things like making matzo," Krinsky said, "children are able to appreciate this age-old Jewish tradition and learn the history of their faith.
"Kids want to learn . . . I feel if I create (an atmosphere of) curiosity, they won't go to sleep," he added with a laugh.
Dean Shalhoup can be reached at 594-6523 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.
© 2007, Telegraph Publishing Company, Nashua, New Hampshire
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
It’s a toy-ous time at Yale kids’ hospital
Pamela McLoughlin , Register Staff
NEW HAVEN — Rabbi Yossi Hodakov didn’t realize how meaningful the little things can be to a family when there’s a hospitalized child — until his own 8-year-old daughter had a stay at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
So when Hodakov delivered some 100 toys Monday to Yale-New Haven’s Children’s Hospital, it really came from the heart.
"Most organizations deliver toys in December around Hanukkah and Christmas," Hodakov said. "But sometimes, in the summer, a child can feel even more left out because they know other kids are outside playing and having fun."
Hodakov, director of Chabad of Westville, was asked to distribute the toys by the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education, based in New York. The donation is part of the organization’s Toys for Hospitalized Children project.
Ellen Good, manager of the Child Life Department at Yale-New Haven Hospital, said the donation is wonderful because the hospital is always in need of toys for its young patients.
Good said there are four playrooms, waiting areas for children in various departments, as well as places such as the emergency room and testing areas where toys are sometimes used as a distraction or just to add fun to the kids’ lives during a difficult time.
Children also get gifts on their birthdays and at other key times during treatment.
"I don’t have a budget, so I rely on donations for the children," she said. "Sometimes at the end of treatment, it’s nice to have a special gift for them."
She said that while the hospital loves receiving gifts at Christmas when the need is so high, it’s true that donations sometimes lag at other times of the year. She said the children’s department can always use toys, games and puzzles for children of all ages.
Hodakov, whose congregation is Orthodox with a focus on outreach, delivered toys with a broad range of age and gender appeal, including plush toys, electronic games and board games.
He said the donation is part of the New York organization expanding its program outside the state.
He said that aside from the joy a toy brings, it’s a nice feeling for children to know someone was thinking about them.
"It’s really a beautiful thing," he said of the cause.
Anyone interested in donating may contact Good at 688-3844.
NEW HAVEN — Rabbi Yossi Hodakov didn’t realize how meaningful the little things can be to a family when there’s a hospitalized child — until his own 8-year-old daughter had a stay at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
So when Hodakov delivered some 100 toys Monday to Yale-New Haven’s Children’s Hospital, it really came from the heart.
"Most organizations deliver toys in December around Hanukkah and Christmas," Hodakov said. "But sometimes, in the summer, a child can feel even more left out because they know other kids are outside playing and having fun."
Hodakov, director of Chabad of Westville, was asked to distribute the toys by the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education, based in New York. The donation is part of the organization’s Toys for Hospitalized Children project.
Ellen Good, manager of the Child Life Department at Yale-New Haven Hospital, said the donation is wonderful because the hospital is always in need of toys for its young patients.
Good said there are four playrooms, waiting areas for children in various departments, as well as places such as the emergency room and testing areas where toys are sometimes used as a distraction or just to add fun to the kids’ lives during a difficult time.
Children also get gifts on their birthdays and at other key times during treatment.
"I don’t have a budget, so I rely on donations for the children," she said. "Sometimes at the end of treatment, it’s nice to have a special gift for them."
She said that while the hospital loves receiving gifts at Christmas when the need is so high, it’s true that donations sometimes lag at other times of the year. She said the children’s department can always use toys, games and puzzles for children of all ages.
Hodakov, whose congregation is Orthodox with a focus on outreach, delivered toys with a broad range of age and gender appeal, including plush toys, electronic games and board games.
He said the donation is part of the New York organization expanding its program outside the state.
He said that aside from the joy a toy brings, it’s a nice feeling for children to know someone was thinking about them.
"It’s really a beautiful thing," he said of the cause.
Anyone interested in donating may contact Good at 688-3844.
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