End of year giving

My husband and I were just starting to think about taxes (never did adjust our deductions for our son born in May - oops) and realized we need to catch up on some charitable giving in the next few days. But I also was looking through receipts and realized how much stuff we donated - to various clothing, food, and other collections. I am pleased to think about how many items our 3-year-old helped us carry to the JCC or to the collection sites. Besides in kind donations, we shopped at Fair Trade Winds when they were giving a portion of their sales to Our Daily Bread (a local food pantry headed by a friend), we participate in the Dine Out For Life events, and I always find a reason to buy beauty items with cause-related giving. (I make sure it's not a tiny amount that's maxxed out early - which is the case for some organizations. Others do a great job - like the Estee Lauder Companies' Mac Cosmetics Viva Glam line, or Lush Cosmetics' Charity Pot lotion, where the entire selling price is directed to the cause.) One year, we were very excited about "gifting" animals through Heifer.org and many of the recipients really loved the idea that a flock of chicks was donated in their kids' name.

I guess my message is just this: do something good! It's not about taxes, but if it reminds you, then take advantage of the reminder. Take the boots that you just realized don't fit your kids, the gloves that you got as a gift from your relatives in the frozen tundra that you've never actually worn, and maybe even use the gift card you just got to someplace you never shop to buy something for a warm clothing drive. Make a difference.

It's our fault

Well, I knew that we wouldn't have much snow from this storm that hit the rest of the country. Why? Because we managed to have both boots and sleds ready. That's how it works, right? Last year we had waterproof rain pants that my son put over thermals and jeans and he had galoshes that worked well enough. This year, we thought about snow pants but couldn't find any, but still... Last year, we considered them but hadn't quite internalized that everything can be worn by our little guy in a few years, too. Now I'm more tempted to splurge on items we might only use twice in a season because at least both boys may get a chance to wear them!

Gesher Jewish Day School Open House - January 9

You are invited to attend the upcoming Open House and Open Gym program Sunday, Jan 9th at 10:00 - supervised fun for your child in the Gesher gym, while you tour the school, visit the Kindergarten classrooms and learn about the innovative program. Gesher Jewish Day School has been teaching Kindergarteners for close to three decades. The VAIS accredited, full day program is a wonderful extension to your child's Jewish preschool years! To arrange a personal tour or to register for the Jan 9th Open Gym/Open House program, contact Debra Mendelson, Director of Admissions by phone (703-962-9216) or email .

Applications for Kindergarten 2011 at Gesher Jewish Day School are currently being accepted.

Fairfax Frostival

Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. is proud to present the second annual FROSTIVAL, an exciting winter-themed family festival, with programs targeted to elementary and pre-K aged children. Celebrate Fairfax's FROSTIVAL will include interactive rides, games, attractions, crafts, storytelling, musical performances, exhibits and vendors. The fun times run from December 30th through January 2nd, 10:00am-5:00pm daily (except 12/31: 10:00am-4:00pm only) at the Dulles Expo & Conference Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

We went last year and had a blast!

Need labels? Support the JCC preschool

Just an early mention - the JCC preschool is about to embark on an exciting fundraiser. Our kids' belongings are hard to keep track of... so I'm a big fan of label makers, but those labels don't stay on forever. We're partnering with Stuck On You to offer labels that will allow the preschool to make a small commission on all sales. Information will be going home with families in the coming weeks, but anyone can go to our personalized website and order labels! Tell your friends!

Jewish Federation Challenge Grant

Double Your Impact During December
Challenge Grant – Just Announced!

Now thru the end of 2010 a new or increased gift to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s 2010 Annual Campaign will be matched dollar for dollar. The Federation will soon be making funding decisions for our partner agencies. The unfortunate reality is that once again, our agencies will have to make tough decisions due to anticipated decreased allocations from The Jewish Federation. This funding shortfall will directly impact the agencies and programs we count on to support and sustain our community.

This month, your donation will be DOUBLED by our generous Challenge Grant and enable our community partners to more fully support those in need.

This end of year Challenge Grant is made possible thanks to the generosity of Susie & Michael Gelman, Stuart S. Kurlander & David Martin and Hariette & Allan Fox.

You can make a donation online through this link.

Rocknoceros at Sixth & I Synagogue - January 16

It's hard to post information about multiple events on the same date, but here's another January 16th event: Rocknoceros performing at the Sixth & I Synagogue downtown at 10:30. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information, or to buy tickets, go to the synagogue's web site.

Tu B'Shevat event - January 16

Looking for a Sunday morning activity on a cold winter day? Join us for a fun-filled Tu B'Shevat program! We'll have crafts, activities, stories, and snacks! Tell your friends and SAVE THE DATE!

When: Sunday, January 16, 10-11:30
Where: TBD

The program is sponsored by Growing Jewish Families, Shalom Baby, and the PJ Library Program.

I'll post more information as it is made available.

Jewish Heritage Night at the Wizards - January 11

The Washington Wizards and the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning are sponsoring a Jewish Heritage Night as the Wizards take on the LA Kings (likely featuring Israeli-born player Omri Casspi) on Tuesday, January 11. The game is at 7 pm.

• Discount tickets for Jewish community
• Free Wizards yarmulka with ticket purchase (for first 1000 tickets purchased)
• Israeli flag souvenir giveaway

To buy discounted tickets, visit www.washingtonwizards.com/JHN and use special offer code JHN.

For more information, contact Jordan Schwartz at 202.292.1974 or by email.

Shalom Baby playdate - December 12

If you haven't already checked it out, you can see the new romper room at the JCC this Sunday. The room, which is ideal for kids less than 3 years, is colorful and full of mats and play equipment. Sunday from 10-11:30 it will be open. Somewhere else in the building - I'm not positive where - older kids can play with Legos with Sir Brixalot. The event will coincide with Super Sunday fundraising and leadership activities.

Chanukah Wonderland

I'm not sure how I missed information on this but as usual, Chabad Tysons Jewish Center is holding a Chanukah Wonderland. It actually started on November 25th! Sunday through Thursday, it's open from 10-6. Each morning at 10:30 and each afternoon at 3 pm, there are various craft activities. There is a room full of legos for kids to make menorahs or dreidels (or buildings or firetrucks, as my son tried - though there aren't many wheels/axles), a small store with some cute items, and Chanukah food for sale. It's at 8100 Oak Street in Vienna - at the corner of Gallows and Cedar. You can find out more information by calling 703-821-7770 or looking at the website or the calendar of events.

Gift cards for sale at the JCC

Instead of the gift card area at the supermarket, how about buying your gift card presents at the JCC? The JCC receives a portion of the proceeds. There are dozens available - many available right at the front desk to take home immediately. If you want a store or denomination that isn't on hand, the JCC will place an order on Wednesday for cards to arrive on the following Monday. You won't make Chanukah, but you may need other gifts, too.

There's a list of available cards and also instructions for ordering others.

Family Fun Day - December 19

Come to the JCC from 10-12 on Sunday December 19th for a Family Fun Day. The gym will be open and stocked with toys, there will be arts and crafts, and, as always, yummy snacks. It's getting cold to be outside for too long, but let the kids run around while we socialize!

Cost per family is $5 for members and $8 for nonmembers.

Call the JCC at 703-323-0880 for more information or to register.

Havdalah at Gesher JDS - December 11

Wear your PJs and join us from 6:30 to 7:30 at Gesher Jewish Day School (4800 Mattie Moore Ct. Fairfax, VA 22030) for child-friendly havdalah service and bedtime the Jewish way with Kindergarten teacher, Morah Melanie. Crafts, warm cocoa and cookies, cozy reading nook, and lots of fun. Great for preschoolers, K and 1st graders! Babes in arms welcome too! Please RSVP to Debra Mendelson, Director of Admissions 703-962-9216 or dmendelson@gesher-jds.org. There is no charge - just register in advance.

We attended last year and it was really nice. If I recall, it was also one of those snowy nights - well, it seemed snowy, but not so much in comparison to what we received later in the year!

Hands-on Chanukah Celebration - December 5

The Sunday afternoon during Chanukah looks to be great fun or everyone. From 1-4 pm on December 5, come to the JCCNV for all sorts of neat activities at the Hands-on Chanukah Celebration:

--Shalom Sesame's newest DVD will be launched
--Arts and crafts for all ages, including recyclable Menorah and dreidel projects
--Hi-tech activities (X-box and more) for ages 8+
--Chanukah songs and stories in Spanish, Hebrew and English
--Lego Mania - build a menorah with "Brixalot"
--Moon bounce and inflatables
--Little Latke Lounge (for infants and toddlers)
--Face painting
--Balloon artist
--Design your own Gary Rosenthal fused glass dreidel (for an additional fee - will be sent to the studio for firing-you can't go home with it!)

Grown-ups can socialize while the kids have fun. If you play mah jongg, you can reserve a table to play.

Please bring non-perishable individually wrapped snack food to be used for a community service project. And speaking of food, lunch (including latkes, of course!) will be available for purchase beginning at 12:30 pm.

The cost is $7 for adult member and $9 per non-member, but the maximum cost per family (up to 6 people) is only $10 for members and $18 for nonmembers.

For more information or to register, contact Laurie Albert at 703-537-3064 or by email.

Candle-lighting every night at the JCC

Every night from December 1-8 (barring Shabbat), join friends at the JCC for candle-lighting at 7 pm. There will be activities - discussions, songs, dreidel games, and refreshments - until 8 pm.

For more information, contact Laurie Albert at 703-537-3064 or by email.

Toddler Mommy & Me at the JCC

Starting Tuesday at the JCC - a class for toddlers and their grown-ups (moms, dads, or other caregivers)...You don’t have to be two to go to school! Join us for this new class which will include time in the Early Childhood Services activity room, art projects, stories, songs and parenting discussions. Classes are designed for toddlers age 16-24 months.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:15-10:15 am, November 23–December 21 (10 sessions) (no class Thursday, November 25)

Cost: $120 JCCNV Members/$150 Nonmembers

For more information, contact Amit Hickman, Director Infants, Toddlers and Twos, (703) 537-3051, AmitH@jccnv.org.

Weird shopping habits

I never realized how usability is a different concept in a household with a three-year-old. He is happy to announce "I need a tissue" and to go blow his nose by myself (and perhaps even wash his hands afterwards). But my son isn't so good at taking just one tissue at a time. This means that the multipack of boxes with the open side - that assumes you just take one at a time - are relegated to our bathroom while I return to buying the pop-up dispensers for any place he might get a tissue. I thought it was kind of funny the first time I saw a pile of 10 in the garbage, but when I realized that my repeated reminders weren't doing anything and that it's just hard for little fingers to take just one tissue, I knew we'd have to do some re-arranging. Who knew?

Chanukah Mommy & Me event

Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria/Arlington invites you to join us for a Chanukah Mommy and Me get together! Sing Chanukah songs, decorate (and eat!) your own Chanukah donut, light the Menorah, make a Chanukah craft, and meet other families.

When: Thursday, Dec. 2, 10:00 am
Where: 5140 Leesburg Pike (Chabad Hebrew School Location), across from Target. (Please feel free to call 703-370-2774 for directions.)
Cost: $7 per child, free for parents. Children of all ages are welcome.
Please email Yehudis Newman for more info or to reserve. Please include your children's ages in the email.

Jewish Folk Art Festival - happening now!

The JCC of Greater Washington in Rockville is currently hosting the Jewish Folk Arts Festival, described as "a celebration of the talent and diversity of Jewish performing and visual arts in the Greater Washington DC/Baltimore region." There are events every day (with a break for Shabbat).

NVHC Children's Chanukah Party with Mr. Knick Knack

Mr. Knick Knack will perform during Chanukah at the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation. If you have never seen Mr. Knick Knack before, you are in for a high energy, interactive and entertaining show for the entire family. Following the performance, we will have Chanukah snacks, cookie decorating and more! Please feel free to bring friends and family, just let us know how many to expect by November 29th.

Suggested donations are $10 per family, or whatever you can contribute. Hope to see you there!

When: Sunday, December 5, 2010, 4:00 p.m.
Where: NVHC Social Hall
1441 Wiehle Ave
Reston, VA 20190
Who: NVHC friends and families with preschool to early elementary school aged children
RSVP: By November 29th to:
Brandy Goldfeder at bruceandbrandy@gmail.com or 703-478-9082
Hilary Wilkenfeld at hmwilkenfeld@gmail.com or 703-430-1228

Barnes & Noble Chanukah Book Fair

Barnes & Noble is working with the Beth Emeth Early Childhood Center for a fundraiser - a Chanukah book fair. Come to the Barnes & Noble in Reston on Wednesday November 17th rom 4-7 pm and bring along this voucher. The Preschool will receive 10-20% of proceeds and there will be readings at 4:30 and 5 pm. If you can't attend in person, you can still benefit the school by shopping online from November 17-22. Details are on the voucher.

Etz Hayim's 5th Annual Artist Expo

Please join us for our 5th annual Artist Expo (Crafts Fair) sponsored by Congregation Etz Hayim on Sunday, November 14th from 11:30 AM - 4 PM at Long Branch Elementary School (33 North Fillmore Street, Arlington, VA). Parking available, bring checkbooks or cash!

I haven't seen a list of vendors, but based on the places at which I found ads for the event, it promises to have some really creative and beautiful items.

Beth Emeth Preschool fundraiser

The Shopping Event of the Season - BEECC PA Coffee Shop Fundraiser

12523 Lawyers Rd. Herndon, VA 20171

Sunday, November 14, 8AM-1:30PM
Monday, November 15, 9AM-1:30PM

Details can be found on the Parents' Association webpage. There will be vendors of Judaica but also lots of other not-available-at-retail vendors (Avon, Creative Memoriese, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, and Tupperware, to name a few).

Nov 14 - Playdate at the JCC

On Sunday November 14, the JCC's Early Childhood Department will be opening the Activity Room for the year's first Sunday playdate! The playdate is 9:30 - 11:30, for adults with children aged infant - 3 years old. Your child can have a blast playing with friends old and new while you get a chance to chat with other parents. The cost is $5/child for non-members; JCC members are FREE!

I've been there on Friday mornings with my little guy. He's not yet crawling, so it's as much a social event for me as a play event for him. But for the kids who are moving, it's an absolutely fantastic room. Please do check it out - you'll enjoy yourselves!

Agudas Achim Preschool Children's Extravaganza Sale

Come and shop and support the Agudas Achim Preschool!

The annual Children's Extravaganza Sale will be held on site (2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302) on Sunday November 14 (9-3) and Monday November 15 (9-noon)

Items have been donated from more than 50 families and include:
-Children’s Clothes (newborn to pre-teen)
-Toys, Puzzles, Games
-Strollers, Highchairs, Booster Seats
-Bassinets, Pack n' Plays, Cribs
-Maternity Clothing and Gear
-Outdoor/backyard toys
-Riding Toys and bikes
-Books, DVDs, plus much more!

Meet Curious George and friends

There is still room for this Sunday's Curious George and friends doughnut breakfast at the JCCNV. (I know - I'm co-chairing the event.) It's VERY popular but we promise we'll have doughnuts for you.

Please call the JCC at 703-323-0880 to register or fill out the form online: http://www.jccnv.org/documents/bookfest/bookfest-george1.pdf

Hope to see you there!

Election Day

I admit that I sometimes took my older son to the polling place with me because I figured it was entertaining for the volunteers to see such a cutie. Now that my big boy is 3, I may try to take him anyway. Yes, I might not go with him if this were a presidential election year when I might expect to wait for a long while, but I do like the idea of showing him how I get to help decide things and that he can, too. They just "voted" at school on a name for their guinea pig and didn't quite get the concept. The teacher reported that some kids voted more than once. Still, the idea of being a part of big decisions is an important thing to impart early.

Don't forget to vote!

ShalomBaby play date on Super Sunday

Stay tuned for more, but here's an event for December...

Shalom Baby playdate or parents and their children (birth- age 3) on Super Sunday in NoVA!
10-11:30am on Sunday December 12 at the JCC of Northern Virginia.
Meet in the new activity room downstairs. This is a parent/child activity. Babysitting will be offered separately.

Raising girls - October 31st, 1 pm

Most of the events I post are ones that I'd love to attend. I fear that I'm not the target audience for this one - after all, I have two sons! Looks good, anyway.

Gesher Jewish Day School PTS and the JCC of Northern Virginia Invite You to an Afternoon with Meredith and Sofie Jacobs, authors of Just Between Us: A No-Stress, No-Rules Journal for Girls and Their Moms. (You may recall Meredith Jacobs from her widely-regarded The Modern Jewish Mom's Guide to Shabbat: Connect and Celebrate--Bring Your Family Together with the Friday Night Meal.

Details:
Sunday, October 31 at 1pm, at Gesher Jewish Day School
Cost: FREE

RSVP by October 27 to crutzick@cox.net or download the registration form.

Books will be available for purchase on site.

Being honest with your kids

I was talking with my older son's preschool teacher about how much she enjoys coming to work each day. (Wonderful to hear, of course!) What was interesting is that she said a lot of parents tell their kids that they wish they didn't have to go to work. I suspect they say this not because that's really how they feel (well, of course we might all like to be independently wealthy, but you know what I mean) but because they don't want their children to think they are choosing work over them. I recall reading somewhere - and I can't remember where - that this is actually highly inappropriate for a number of reasons.

First, it makes kids think that work is something bad, to be avoided whenever possible. Second, it makes kids think that the choice is work vs. being with them, when it's really a much more complex series of trade-offs. Third, it denies them the opportunity to understand that we are not only parents but that we have other interests, too. Frankly, I like my "day job" and I want my kids to understand that I do it because I like it and think it's a valuable contribution, and, as my son's teacher pointed out, it allows me to do more for my kids in other ways. Yes, it's a choice we've made as a family rather than a necessity. Finally, though a three-year-old isn't ready to hear that sometimes we need a little bit of time away to maintain our sanity, I still don't think it's appropriate to lie. Some days I wish I didn't need to leave my kid at just that moment, but it's not because work is so terrible.

Gary Rosenthal Hiddur Mitzvah Project

Once again, you can complement your time at the JCC during the Book Festival with some crafty time. From November 7-14, you can drop in and complete one of any number of Judaica projects. You select the piece and you receive a glass plate, which will serve as the base for the fused glass section of your artwork. Glue pieces of colored glass to the base in the pattern you want. Gary Rosenthal's team will fuse it and adhere it to your selected project. Learn more about it on the JCC's web site. There are a wide range of projects and prices. Order yours in advance or just drop in and see what's available. Children can also complete a project by using pieces of paper, which the team at the studio will match with glass pieces.

Drop-in workshop hours:
Sundays (November 7 and 14), 10am—3pm
Monday–Friday (November 8-12), 9:30am—2pm & 5pm—7pm

JCCNV Book Festival - Schedule Announced!

It's here! The schedule for the Book Festival has been posted. Here are the highlights:

Sunday November 7, 9:30 am
Children's event: breakfast with Curious George and Friends

Sunday November 7, 2 pm
Afternoon tea: A conversation with Cathleen Schine, author of The Three Weissmans of Westport

Sunday November 7, 7:30 pm
Evening chat with Mark Feldstein, author of Poisoning the Press: Richard Nixon, Jack Anderson, and teh Rise of Washington's Scandal Culture

Tuesday November 9, 7:30 pm
Israel night - a discussion based on the New York Times bestseller Start-up Nation, The Story of Israel's Economic Miracle by Dan Senor and Saul Singer

Thursday November 11, 12 pm
Lunch with Noralee Frankel (author of Stripping Gypsy: the Life of Gypsy Rose Lee)

Thursday November 11, 7:30 pm
Book club night: Myla Goldberg (author of just-released The False Friend and bestseller Bee Season)

Friday November 12, 9:30 am
Share a Shabbat. Event sponsored by the PJ Library and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation

Sunday November 14, 2 pm
Poets, Pastries & Popcorn: Join Debbie Levy, author of Maybe I'll Sleep in the Bathtub Tonight: and Other Funny Bedtime Poems for an afternoon of fun!

More details on each event are posted on the JCC's web site. I'll look forward to seeing you there!

An Ethical Start Ice Cream Social

Join us for a sweet treat as we explore the concept of community together! This event is best suited to 2-5 year olds and their caregivers, parents and grandparents.

A reason to eat ice cream AND talk about community? Sounds good to me.

Sunday November 7, 2-4 pm at the JCC
Cost $3 member/ $5 nonmember
Contact the JCC at 703-323-0880 for more information or to register.

Flu clinics

With an infant who won't be able to receive his first influenza immunization until early November, I'm keeping an eye on options for the rest of us to be immunized soon. Besides your neighborhood pharmacies, here are some options:
--Fairfax County Health Department - more information will be posted online as it is available - last year children were included (my then 2-year-old received his through the county)
--Fairfax County Public Library clinics - schedule posted online - (adults only)
--Find vaccinations online using flu.gov

I'm hoping the JCC has a flu clinic, too. They offered one last year. I will post information when it's available. My company tends to have one at our other area office, that is not the one at which I work, which means it's actually easier for me to find a local site than to travel to get a (free) vaccinination.

Stay healthy!

Mark Your Calendars - November 7

This is always one of our favorite events of the JCC's Jewish Book Festival. On Sunday, November 7 from 9:30-11am, your kids can meet some of their favorite characters, including Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat, at the JCCNV. We'll have breakfast and stories and crafts for the kids. Full details to follow.

DCJCC's Literary Festival - Children's Event

The title of this book sure caught my eye - "Baxter, the Pig Who Wanted to be Kosher." Author Laurel Snyder will be reading this amusing tale at the DCJCC on Sunday October 17th at 10:30 am. Tickets are $11/nonmember family and $9/member family. It's suggested for kids 2-6 years old. Find out more or purchase tickets online.

There is a full line-up of the DCJCC's festival on its website. Look for more information to be posted here about the JCCNV's upcoming Book Festival, to be held from November 7-14, or keep an eye on the schedule yourself.

Family Fun Day at Olam Tikvah

Olam Tikvah Preschool invites you for an evening of fun for the family!

Sunday November 21st, 4-7 pm
There will be entertainment from 4-5 so adults can browse the silent auction items.
Rocknoceros will play from 5-6.
Food will be available at 6.
The bidding for the silent auction will close at 6:30.

Cost: $5 per person, maximum $20 per family
Tickets can be purchased online.
Contact: Marissa Salli 703-272-3334

Come support the preschool and rock out!

Sukkot Carnival - September 26

Chabad of Northern Virginia will be hosting a Sukkot Carnival on Sunday September 26 at 4 pm at its campus at 3939 Prince William Drive in Fairfax. It promises to be lots of fun - games, rides, a moon bounce - and kosher food will available for purchase. For more information, call 703-426-1980. Admission is free.

New beginning, missed opportunity

It occurred to me during Yom Kippur services that one thing I didn't do that I regret was not saying Shehechayanu the first time I nursed my now 5-month-old. If there is any occasion to show gratitude for being sustained and strengthened to an important day, childbirth and breastfeeding ought to be it. We can get so caught up in our worlds, especially with a baby in the house, and forget all the small miracles around us!

Baby and Me Playdates

Starting October 8, stop by at the JCC with your infant (newborn to 9 months) for a playdate in the new activity room (room 110). The drop-in playdates will be held Friday mornings from 9:15 - 10:15. It's free for members and $5 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Amit Hickman, Director of Infants, Toddlers and Twos by email or at 703-537-3051.

First Sunday play date

Keep Sunday September 19 from 10-noon free for a play date at the JCC. It'll be a nice time to relax a bit during the holiday season. For more information, contact Amy Schuler.

Sukkot Sock-Hop - Sept 28 at the JCC

Well, while I'm obviously still preparing for Rosh Hashanah, I thought I'd share a Sukkot-themed event. There will be a community-wide sock-hop at the JCC on Tuesday September 38 at 5:30 pm. Eat dinner in the JCC sukkah under the stars. There will also be activities for kids - and maybe adults! The cost is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. For more information, contact Laurie Albert (email or 703-537-3064).

Honey cake

As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, I toyed briefly with sharing the secret family recipe for honey cake. I know, though, that I cannot. My mom once asked for it from her mother, who refused! Mom instead asked her aunt, who happily provided it. I'm not sure if Nana ever knew that Mom did obtain the recipe. It's an egg-heavy recipe (a funny phrase because, of course, the egg whites are beaten) so it is sometimes forgotten if someone's had a recent cholesterol count. I cannot imagine a Rosh Hashanah meal being satisfying without it, though. I am not sure how to find time this year, but I'll try! We tend to try to pick up a pound of local honey to add some bit of Virginia to it and to support our local beekeepers!

Last year at the holiday, I was just recent pregnant but too early to tell even my parents. This year, I will arrive at their house with two healthy, happy boys (and maybe a honey cake). Every year should be filled with such simchah.

Shanah tovah u'metukah.

Viva Vienna - Monday August 30

Looking for something to do now that camp is over and school has not yet begun? Pack your bags (lunch bags, that is) and join the Growing Jewish Families crew as we take on the town of Vienna! Meet us for a performance by the Great Zucchini. After the show, we will head to Vienna Park on Cherry Street for a picnic lunch and playtime.

Monday August 30
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Jammin' Java (227 Maple Avenue, Vienna, VA)

Contact Michelle Pearlstein (703.537.3033) for more information.

Explaining tzedakah

The company my husband works at is holding an employee vs. executive softball game with teams competing as to the size of the donation their charity of choice will receive. (There are no losers here.) Our friend is the president of a local volunteer-based organization that helps with all sorts of needs of low-income Fairfax residents (Our Daily Bread) and her organization will be one of the recipients. Players, cheerleaders, and their families are encouraged to bring donations (monetary and in-kind) to the game.

This past weekend, we went shopping with our kids for items from the organization's wish list to bring with us to the game. We tried to explain that we were buying things for people who need them but who don't have enough money right now to buy what they need for their families. We tried to buy one for us and two to donate (at least for some items). Our son wanted to put some Lego sets in the basket. If toys were on the wish list, we would have, but we did want to point out that Legos are never a "must" but only a "want" anyway. I asked my son, "What would happen if we didn't have any food in the house?" He answered that we would go to a restaurant. His response made me think. First, that was smart and reasonable. Second, he has no concept of what it would mean not to have. He's only three, and so I think that's OK at this point, but I was thinking about how to really get into his head that it's not an option for everyone. The concept of tzedakah and giving in general is one thing, but really understanding is another. We're going to make a conscious effort to work on that in the future.

Adult - Tot class in Leesburg

The Rosie Uran Jewish Edcuation Center in Leesburg, VA is now accepting students for its Adult-Tot class. The class runs for thirteen weeks beginning September 22. Class date is Wednesday and times are from 9:00 - 10:30. The class is a great introduction to the group experience and includes "Judaicly-flavored" art, music, stories, dance and other activities. Cost is only $200 for the series. For more information, email Sheri Brown, Preschool Director, at rujec@sha-areshalom.org or call 703.737.0686.

Early childhood Jewish education spots for older children are also available.

Reminder about next Shalom Baby playdate

Sunday, August 22, 10am - noon at the JCC
As always, this is a free, informal opportunity for the kids to play and the parents to socialize!
Please RSVP directly to Michelle Pearlstein. See you next Sunday!

A vacation for whom?

We just took a vacation - our first road trip with both boys - to Dutch Wonderland and the Choo Choo Barn. I know that the 3-month-old won't remember a thing, and that's fine. I was wondering whether the 3-year-old will. It's an effort to get us all somewhere for days and are we taking a trip for them or for us, I asked myself when the baby was screaming, the preschooler was whining, and the lunch was spilled all over a picnic area because of a bee. Well, I have a vague recollection of a trip to the Philadelphia Zoo with cousins when my brother was still in a stroller, and somehow I remember that being an important part of my childhood! I don't even know whether there are any photos of it, but I poured over the zoo yearbook for ages afterwards. So, maybe the trip is for the kids just as much as for the adults... It doesn't have to be something amazing to make them very happy!

Tu b'Av

We're all familiar with the holiday of Tisha b'Av (the 9th day of the month of Av), the commemoration of the day when both Temples were destroyed. But I was surprised when my son brought home a craft project from school for Tu b'Av (the 15th of the month). Maybe I'm the only person who didn't know this, but it's kind of an alternative to Valentine's Day. On this day, Jewish single women would wear borrowed white dresses (so no one would judge someone by the quality of her dress) and run to the fields to be selected as brides. It's the date when the two kingdoms of Israel (Judea and Israel) came to agreements about sacrifices in the Temple. It is when couples could marry outside their tribes (important because of the inheritance implications). Being happily married with two kids (which I sometimes still can't believe), perhaps it's reasonable that a "singles" holiday isn't on my radar screen. It's been reinvigorated in recent decades (though has existed for centuries) and the idea seems quite nice. (FYI, it was this past Monday. Maybe next year I'll remember in advance!)

Buildings

There are two interesting events for your architects and engineers. The National Building Museum is showing an exhibit featuring Legos through September 5, 2001. More information is available on the Museum's web site. Also, around the corner, you can visit the BrickFair, held from August 7-8. Strollers are not permitted, but if your kids are either older or younger (suitable for babywearing), it's a lot of fun.

Mama Doni at the JCC - August 5

On Thursday August 5, JCCNV Camps present the family concert of the summer.

Mama Doni is a mom, educator, performer, songwriter, and lead singer in The Mama Doni Band, winner of the 2008 Simcha Award for “Inspiring Joy Through Music,” in competition with more than 100 bands from 15 different countries at the International Jewish Music Festival in Amsterdam, Holland. She was invited back to Amsterdam the next year in 2009 to perform a concert and conduct a workshop. Immersed in Jewish life and music since childhood, Doni grew up in the Washington DC area, attending The Hebrew Day Institute and The Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School.

5:30 pm: Program begins (bring your own parve or dairy picnic dinner and blanket to sit on).
6:00 pm: Concert begins

$5 per child/ adults are free!

For more information, contact (703) 537-8086 or download the flier and registration form here.

Gardening success

If you remember, last year I was very excited about the idea of showing my then 2-year-old about where food comes from and how we take care of plants. Well, this year, the now 3-year-old wanted to grow cauliflower and was very sad to learn that it is a fall plant in our region. He was not so thrilled about my alternative choice - peas. Easy to maintain and something he would eat, I hoped. Well, we'll find out today. The first pods have appeared. I really wasn't as ambitious as I had thought after last year's success, but I realized in the winter that expecting a baby in May would severely impair the modest gardening wishes I had. If you haven't grown anything yourself, I highly recommend a trip to the farmer's market to show your kids what fruits and veggies that still have dirt on them look like! And maybe we'll think about cauliflower for Sukkot...

Rocknoceros at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue - July 18

Haven't made it to the Sixth and I Historic Synagogue since it reopened? Here's an excuse!

Rocknoceros will be performing there this Sunday at 10:30 a.m, along with magician The Great Zucchini. Find out more, including directions, more about the performers, or purchase advance tickets online. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

Community Eat-for-Heat, July 18

This coming Sunday from 8:45-11, there will be a pancake feast at the JCC. There will be pancakes, of course, and arts and crafts for the kids. The proceeds will go the FACETS Hypothermia Project.

The cost is $6 per adult and $3 per child. Children 2 years and younger are free.

For more information, contact Laurie Albert at 703-537-3064 . Pre-registration is appreciated but not required.

Upcoming play date at the JCC - July 18

A week from Sunday is the next JCC playdate (10 am to noon). The heat wave should break before then! It sure was a challenge to find things to do inside in the past little while. I think we'll all be pleased when the kids can run around outside during the day again.

Mark your calendars

Here are two summer events to pencil in...

Sunday July 25, 4-6 pm - at the JCC - Backyard Family BBQ and Games
--your favorites on the grill plus activites for the kids
--$7 per adult, $4 per child

Monday August 30, 10:30 am - Viva Vienna - A Morning of Music and More
--A performance by the Great Zucchini at Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Avenue, Vienna (at our older son's favorite place to be on Wednesday mornings)
--afterwards, we'll head to Vienna Park on Cherry Street for a picnic lunch and playtime
--$5 per person

I'll post more details as they are available.

Play Dates at the JCC

Hot off the presses from the new issue of Centertainment... Play dates for kids - while parents can socialize, too - on May 23, June 20, July 18, and August 22 from 10 am to noon. I'll try to post a reminder before each one, also.

Honoring your parents

In this time between Mother's and Father's Days, I have been thinking about how we should behave to our parents. Honor your father and your mother; fear your mother and your father, the Torah tells us. However, what that means isn't always that clear. Now that my older son is almost three, it's clear that he learns how to behave from us, so we must model the behavior we wish to see. Some ways to manifest this honor include not to sit in your parents' chairs and not to contradict them in public. I was at a meeting of relatively new moms recently and we were asked what we did to make our lives easier before having kids. One mom responded that she and her husband sat down with their parents and said that they were going to make their own decisions and choices and please not to offer their opinions. Well, this wasn't actually contradicting them in public, though that's not that far off from what they were doing - or perhaps one could be generous say they were trying to avoid doing that.

I thought long and hard about this. It seems to me that while we're not obligated to do exactly what our parents tell us - there have certainly been a number of advances and changes and we're entitled to make decisions about our own children - it seems to me that disregarding completely everything that our parents can offer is not only mean, but also ridiculous. There are lots of tidbits that we may find useful, even if some are not things we'd like to try. I hope that my parents and in-laws realize that I do appreciate their ideas and also that they aren't hurt if we don't follow through. We should all remember to thank our parents, even for unsolicited suggestions, and make sure our children know how much we appreciate their grandparents.

Celebrate Fairfax

It's not quite a county fair - in fact, I don't recall ever seeing cows or pie contests - but Celebrate Fairfax is still fun. It runs from June 11-13 and there are plenty of kids' events, as well as kid-friendly events (like the laser show and train show inside the Government Center). The web site has information about parking, shuttles, hours, and tickets.

Summer activities?

OK, readers, it's your turn to help me! I know that there are a lot of Jewish summer camps available, but with few holidays - most of them somber - until Rosh Hashanah, what do you do to keep your kids in touch with all things Jewish? Honestly, with a newborn, just lighting Shabbat candles without having the older son knock them over seems like an accomplishment. But I'm wondering what others do over the summer... Please let me know your ideas.

Mommy & Me at Chabad

There are only 2 sessions left of the Mommy & Me program at Chabad - May 27 and June 3. The program is suited for children from birth to 3 years and is held on Thursday mornings from 9:15 to 10:15 at the Gan Israel Preschool (3939 Prince William Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031). The fee is $6 per class. For more information, call 703-426-1980 or email.

A Morning at "Spa J"

And speaking about moms...Take time out of your busy day to relax at the "J" on Sunday June 6 at 9:30 am. If you are a mom on the go, treat yourself to some relaxation and pampering. From skincare and hairstyle trends to makeup tips and other relaxing activities, you won't want to miss this morning just for you. Hair, makeup, skin care and nail specialists will be available to provide mini-makeovers, suggest color or style alternatives based on your face shape and coloring, and show you how to look your best in the short time you have to get yourself out of the house in the morning. Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP by Monday, May 31 to 703-323-0880 or drop the form off at the JCCNV. Online registration should be available soon. Cost: $18 per person

Our simchah

We are pleased to announce the birth of our son, Jeremy, on May 4th. He didn't hold out for my birthday (today), which is Yom Yerushalayim both this year and the year I was born, but truly, I am glad he didn't wait. Ooh - I'll have to update the photo. It is so amazing, if tiring, to grow a family... Mazal tov and yashar koach to all the other new moms out there. I know there are plenty!

Fun at the Israel Street Festival

Yashar koach to everyone who helped put together the Israel Street Festival today at Fairfax Corner. We were there for hours and had a great time. The entertainment was great, food was tasty (as my husband points out, it's always a treat to have kosher meat so close to home), and my son had a fantastic time with the many kids' activities as well as checking out the Magen David Adom ambulance. It was not the baby's first outing... still waiting on his arrival. (Yes, you can tell from the time I'm posting this that we did not stay to see the closing movie of the Film Festival - "Circumcise Me." Since we have one planned for the very near future, it seemed kind of a strange fit right now!)

Israel Street Festival - May 2

Come celebrate Israel's Independence Day at Fairfax Corner (off Monument Drive) from 1-5 pm on Sunday May 2. There will be food, entertainment, face painting, and dancing, among other fun activities. There will be performances at 2 and 3:45 and perhaps a few others, too. It should be fun for all ages. Let's hope the weather is nice.

We may not be there - there's this upcoming birth to think about! Maybe it'll be the baby's first outing, who knows?

The Washington Nationals Jewish Community Day - April 18

I will admit that we used to attend a lot more baseball games than we do now (in fact, we were married after batting practice and before a Bowie Baysox game at PG Stadium - see here for photos), but we still love them! So I was excited to come across information about this coming Sunday's Nats game. It's Jewish Community Day at the ballpark. Here's how the website describes it:

"Working with the American Friends of Lubavitch, The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the Nationals are able to offer Upper Right Field Terrace Seats for $7, Scoreboard Pavilion Seats for $18, Mezzanine Seats for $25 and LF/RF Corner Seats for $36. For Jewish Community Day, tickets in most areas are being offered at discounted prices. These seats will be reserved through April 17th... so make sure to get them soon! Game time is 1:35 p.m., but be sure to stop by the Nationals Park Kosher Stand pregame to enjoy specially prepared Jewish cuisine."

Get out your Nats jerseys (you have one, right?), wear your baseball caps with "Nationals" in Hebrew (yeah, I have one!), and dig out your sunscreen. Hop on the metro and enjoy the game!

Shavuot activity - May 11

I'm still waiting to hear about any Lag Ba'omer activities, but the Shavuot events are starting to pop up!

Chabad of Alexandria/Arlington will be holding a Pre-Shavuot Mommy and Me on Tuesday May 11 at 10 am. The event will be held at 5140 Leesburg Pike (across from Target). There will be Jewish songs and a special Shavout craft. Snacks will be provided. Please call 703-370-2774 for directions and contact Yehudis Newman to reserve your spot.

Fundraising - Rocknoceros style

Join the Agudas Achim Preschool as it presents Rocknoceros--the famous, fun and utterly entertaining musical group for kids of all ages. Rocknoceros has dominated the area children's music scene, winning four Washington Area Music Awards, including Fan Favorite and Best Children's Artist.

The concert will be at 4 pm on Sunday, May 23 at Agudas Achim Preschool, 2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door; kids one and younger are free. Purchase tickets in advance at the Agudas Achim Congregation office or by mail to Agudas Achim Preschool, Attn: Rocknoceros. Exact change or check only. For information contact preschoolevents@gmail.com.

Annual NoVa International Jewish Film Festival

In just a few weeks (April 22), the Jewish Film Festival will kick off. You can now find information on theaters, films, and the schedule on the JCC's website. Check out the descriptions - while none are right for the littlest set, you may find that taking your teen to a movie would be perfect. In fact, this reminds me of seeing The Chosen with my mom. Honestly, I think I remembered little of it but it did prompt me to read the book some time later.

Passover entertainment

A few years ago, the Jewish Film Festival featured "When Do We Eat?" Imagine everything that could go wrong at a seder and put it all together. It was absolutely hysterical. (Also, because it takes place in a very short time frame, the plot line is arguably consistent with some of the best short story writers out there, who generally present stories in as tight a time as possible. I could also see it working well on stage. That aside...) I don't know how easily it's available, but I highly recommend it - before, during, or after Passover! Perhaps not appropriate for the pre-teens (though perhaps they just won't get some of the humor), but well worth the time.

Chag kasher v'sameach!

Stop by the JCC this week!

There is so much going on. First, the gift shop's inventory is 40% off and you can pick up good afikomen gifts. Second, you can buy copies of the cookbook assembled by the Early Childhood Department for just $12 through this Friday. Afterwards, they'll be $15. Finally, there is an incredible sale of new and gently-used children's clothes, maternity clothes, and adult and children's books every day from 8-10, 12-1:30, and 4-6. There are some great items - many with tags still on them. Stop by soon for the best selection.

Passover fun with charoset - final details

This Sunday's Passover fun with charoset event will take place at Balducci's Food Lover's Market, 600 Franklin Street, in Alexandria (see a map). You must register by March 19 to ensure sufficient ingredients are available. Besides all the fun preparing different recipes, you will also receive a packet of recipes at the program. It may encourage you to augment your traditional family recipe with something new and exotic!

Contact Michelle Pearlstein by email or phone (703-537-3033) to register.

Passover craft ideas

We seemed to have a set of standard Passover crafts every year when I was younger, from assembling a small box of items for b'dikat chametz (search for leavened foods), to making a matzah cover or afikomen bag, to Elijah's cup. However, I'm finding many more ideas lately. I made a lovely Miriam's cup at a paint-your-own-pottery facility a few years ago. It is in shades of blue, as the cup is filled with water to remind us that through Miriam's virtue, the Jews were granted water in the desert. Many local pottery places also tend to have plates that are just right for matzah, too. (Someday I might embroider or cross-stitch the challah cover that I have in the house, but that's another story. I have the pre-trimmed aida cloth, the pattern, the the floss already prepared.)

I have found a number of sites with great craft ideas:
--Kaboose
--Chadis Crafts
--Holidays on the Net

Some of the ideas are better, easier, or more practical than others, while some appeal to those of us with a closet full of craft supplies. Polymer clay Elijah or Miriam's cups, anyone? At a minimum, there are coloring pages to print out!

Storyteller at Gesher - Thurs March 11

Storyteller Jim Weiss will be in classrooms at Gesher Jewish Day School during the day on Thursday March 11, and at 7 pm, he'll be performing for the community. You can learn more about his group on its website.
Gesher Jewish Day School is located at 4800 Mattie Moore Court in Fairfax. The event is free and no registration is required.

The father of a friend of mine from college is a teacher and professional storyteller and we saw him perform a few times and I can't express how much fun this can be for kids AND adults. Not that there is anything less than terrific about bedtime reading, but this promises to be a really fun activity - worth keeping the kids up a little bit late!

Dressing up for Purim

Do all girls want to dress up as Esther and do all boys want to be Mordechai? Um, no. But what should the kids wear? I've heard a lot of discussion lately about whether classic superheroes are appropriate attire. Does it say that somehow Esther wasn't brave if a girl dresses up like Cinderella instead? No, though certainly no fairy tale hero is free of stereotypes, either. Of course, lots of our favorite superheroes were created by Jews (read Disguised As Clark Kent: Jews, Comics, And the Creation of the Superhero, by Danny Fingeroth for examples). Don't forget about the Jewish Hero Corps, an amusing set of characters with holiday-related powers. (For example, Shabbas Queen's Electro-wand pauses electrical devices for 24 hours - maybe it should be 25 but you get the idea.) I would have worn my Shabbas Queen t-shirt for the megillah reading but, being 7 months pregnant, its superpower is that it can behave like a window blind.

I have always maintained that costumes are better when they are clever than when they are elaborate - hence my son dressing as Harold and the Purple Crayon... and the moon went with him (as it does in most of the stories)... He was thrilled, even if it wasn't Purim-inspired in the least.

Family Fun Day at Gesher - March 21

On Sunday afternoon March 21 from 1-4, come celebrate at Gesher Jewish Day School's Annual Community Family Fun Day. Activities are suitable for preschool through early elementary kids. There will be a balloon and magic show, make your own matzah, gardening, Passover bingo, a moon bounce, and refreshments. Gesher is located at 4800 Mattie Moore Court in Fairfax. For more information, contact Debra Mendelson at 703-962-9216.

Passover Fun with Charoset!

On one hand, I can barely think about Passover yet, but on the other hand, I have already started to think about using up all sorts of chametz items in my pantry. So, it's not too early to post information on a Growing Jewish Families event on Sunday March 21 at 4 pm for a book reading and charoset tasting. We'll read Too Many Cooks by Edie Stoltz Zolkower and then try several types of charoset. The location hasn't yet been finalized.

If you would like to contribute a recipe or receive copies of those provided at the event, contact Michelle Pearlstein. Stay tuned for final location information.

Hamantaschen recipe

My favorite hamantaschen recipe is from The Complete American-Jewish Cookbook by Anne London and Bertha Kahn Bishov. The cookbook (a paperback copy) is the one thing I begged my mom to find for me when I moved out of her house. Her dog-eared, stained hardcover copy was the best source for anything holiday-appropriate. It's now out of print, but if you can find a way to pick it up, do!

Ingredients:
4 c sifted all-purpose flour
3 t baking powder
3/4 c sugar
1/4 t salt
4 eggs
1/3 c vegetable oil
grated rind of 1 lemon or orange

Mix and sift dry ingredients. Add eggs, oil, and grated rind. Mix well. Knead until smooth. Roll out on a floured board to 1/8" thickness. Cut into 4-inch rounds. Place a heaping teaspoonful of filling in the center of each and bring the edges together to form a triangle, pinching together to close securely. Bake on a greased baking sheet in a moderate over (375F) until browned, about 30 minutes.

I happen to prefer apricot and poppy seed fillings, but have fun with it. Also, I tend to make mine smaller. And a tip I've learned over time - if they are already falling open before they get into the oven, it'll only get worse. Do everything you can to make sure that they go into the oven looking good because it only gets worse. That said, my husband has never had a problem with quality control tasting responsibilities. He knows that if I bring him a perfect looking one to taste, then either I've had a phenomenal batch or I need him to fix something around the house.

Shushan Purim Program and Carnival at Gesher JDS

On Monday, March 1st at 11:30 am, join Cantor Ackerman for a mini megillah reading, Purim songs and stories. Then off to our gym for the fabulous PTO Purim school carnival, complete with games, moonbounce, and lots more! Come in costume and leave with Purim goodies! Please RSVP for this program to Debra Mendelson (703-962-9216).

Open gym at Gesher JDS this Friday, Feb 19

Come to Gesher Jewish Day School for open gym for your infant-preschoolers this Friday, February 19 at 10:00. Free snack and Shabbat sing-a-long included! I can't wait for the snow to melt (and the mud to dry up) but until then, running around time at a gym sounds wonderful.

Gesher is located at 4800 Mattie Moore Court, Fairfax, VA 22030. Reservation is not necessary, but welcome! Contact Debra Mendelson, Director of Admissions, at 703-962-9216 for questions or to respond.

Baking challah in the snow

I'm sure we all found that the smell of something wonderful baking was a lovely treat over the past few days. (My apologies to anyone who lost power who missed out.) Despite being tired of cooking, I decided that it was time to bake challah with my son. I wasn't sure whether the stores would have any and it seemed like a fun idea. He's getting good at play-dough and silly putty rolling, so I figured he could handle it. I timed it to make the dough at the start of his nap, and then we could punch it down and braid afterwards.

I couldn't have imagined how much fun he would have. Punching down the challah was the best part of the day (because the sledding had been mediocre) and braiding, just like Sammy the Spider does, was something he almost mastered by the time we were done. I'm not sure I selected the best recipe. I wanted to bake 2 loaves rather than 3 and Joan Nathan's recipe says it makes 2 loaves but I found that it generates more dough than the classic Jewish American Cookbook recipe, which states that it makes 3. Anyway, we will have two VERY large loaves. But the excitement in my son's eyes when he saw it some out of the oven was just wonderful.

It's so nice to do something relatively simple that can enrich both Shabbat and baking skills at once.

Purim costumes

It's also not too early to think about Purim costumes. There are some ideas at CreativeJewishMom.com. I recall that when we were at the Jewish Day School in Allentown, PA, my brother's entire class was Mordechai, Haman, or Achashverosh - except for him. He wanted to be Superman, and so he was. To this day, he asks my parents why they let him and now, as a parent, I think he knows why. He wouldn't have wanted to be anything else - and it makes for a good story, too.

Preparing shalach manot

One of my favorite parts of Purim is preparing shalach manot for friends. It's among the four mitzvot during Purim - to hear Megillat Esther, to give to charity (matanot l'evyonim), to give gifts of food, and to eat and party. Shalach manot should include two types of food - meaning that two different blessings would be said over the contents - and be delivered on Purim proper. Also, upon receipt of the gift, the recipient should not thank the giver, as the giver is fulfilling a mitzvah by the gift. However, if an intermediary is delivering, it's customary to give a tip. (Teenagers enjoy providing this delivery service.) I've ordered some online for friends in Israel and know that they won't be delivered on Purim, but I feel comfortable that my intention is more important than the delivery date!

Being snowed in and all would be a good time to get started, if I knew exactly what this year's contents would be and could have picked up some bags in an appropriate size. Last year, we sat down with my son (then a little less than 2 years) and had him help stamp and decorate little brown bags (from the craft store) and sign his name to the gift tags. I alternate among a few different hamantaschen recipes depending on which one I find first in the cookbook shelf. I'm not sure how well any of them freeze, though, so though I have all the ingredients in house, it will have to wait. This year I am thinking that my son can help with more of the steps. (To anyone who might receive them, yes, he'll wash his hands frequently, too!) I hesitate to add a bottle of wine or liquor (always a nice addition and easy to fulfill the multiple blessing part of it) because I'm sure that anyone 7 months pregnant would look funny going into an ABC store. (Yeah, I could send the husband instead - though it might be kind of fun.) Anyway, even if you're not ready to prepare, you can do what I've been doing and pull together a shopping list. I've already ordered some goodies for the kids who will be receiving them online. Even with the snow, they should clearly arrive in plenty of time for assembly.

And, believe it or not, I'm thinking about Passover because I'm always the one in my family responsible for coming up with some new text or reading or tradition to share. I think that once the snow melts, spring will come very fast... There are some good family haggadot out there - I'll try to share some info about them soon.

Family Fun Day at the JCC - February 28

Get ready for summer (tell me who among us isn't ready to put the shovels away!!) at the JCC's Family Fun Day from 10am-12pm on Sunday February 28. There will be summer themed arts and crafts, open gym from 10:30-11:30, and snacks. The cost is just $5 per family for members and $7 for nonmembers. Please contact the JCC at 703-323-0880 to register in advance, if possible.

Purim Pajama Party - February 21

Get ready for Purim at a program sponsored by the PJ Library and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation at Barnes & Noble at Tysons Corner Mall. On Sunday February 21, from 6:30-7:30 pm, you can read stories, make costume accessories, play games, and eat hamantaschen. Dress the kids in their pajamas for an easy transition to bedtime.

Contact Michelle Pearlstein (703-537-3033 or MichelleP@jccnv.org) for more information or to register. The event is free, but advance registration is appreciated.

Comedy Night re-scheduled

Well, due to the snow this past Saturday, the JCC's Kids' Night Out was canceled, and the Comedy Night was postponed until Saturday March 6. There are still a very limited number of tickets left, so contact the JCC ASAP if you'd like to attend.

I hope you had some fun playing in the snow. We sure did!

Israeli Tu B'Shevat seder

The JCCNV is hosting an Israeli Tu B'Shevat seder on Sunday January 31 from 4-6 pm. It's designed for adults and families with children 2-7 years of age. You can meet other Israelis and meet our Schlicha, Michaela Cohen.

Contact Michaela for more information or to register.

Tu B'Shvat Seder

The Sixth & I Synagogue is hosting a Tu B'Shvat seder on Thursday January 28 from 7-9:30 pm. Food, yoga, and discussions about our role in preserving the environment will be part of the evening. For anyone with older kids, it seems like a nice way to celebrate the holiday. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. You can find more information on the Synagogue's website.

Fifth Annual Comedy Night Presents NYC's Michele Balan

There are tickets left, but not many, to the JCC's Annual Comedy Night, to be held on January 30th (conveniently, the same night as a Kids' Night Out event). Full information can be found on the JCC's website.

Cocktails are at 8 and the show starts at 8:30. Michele Balan will be performing. She has been performing all over the country, and you might recognize her as a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing 4! Tickets are $25 for members and $32 for nonmembers. Reserved seating may still be available.

Looks like great fun!

Open gym at Gesher JDS this Friday

Come to Gesher Jewish Day School for open gym for your infant-preschoolers this Friday, Jan 15 at 10:00. Free snack and Shabbat sing-a-long included!

Gesher is located at 4800 Mattie Moore Court, Fairfax, VA 22030. Reservation is not necessary, but welcome! Contact Debra Mendelson, Director of Admissions, at 703-962-9216 for questions or to respond.

Growing Jewish Families Tu B'Shevat Family Celebration

Tired of snow and ready to talk about green things? Come to the Growing Jewish Families Tu B'Shevat Family Celebration, to be held at Merrifield Garden Center Fair Oaks Location (12101 Lee Highway, Fairfax) from 9:30-11 am on Sunday January 24th. There will be story time, crafts, planing seeds, tasting fruit treats, and hot cocoa. The cost is $5 per family.

Contact Michelle Pearlstein (michellep@jccnv.org, 703-537-3033) for questions or to register.

Kids' Night Out at the JCC, January 30th

From 6:30-9:30 on Saturday night, January 30th, bring your 2-5 year old to the JCC for an "Around the World" themed kids-only party! (That's how we describe it to our son.) The kids have supervised activities from the preschool and daycare staff and get to have some fun after dinner while you have some grown-up time. The cost is $21 for members and $27 for non-members, with a discount for the second (and successive) children.

The last Kids' Night Out theme was "Iron Chef Jr" and my son had the best time! He came home with many artistic and food creations and although it was a bit hard to get him wound down for bedtime, we had a night out with 100% confidence in the team, and he had a lot of fun.

For more info or to register, call the JCC at 703-323-0880 or complete the registration form available online.

Mommy & Me class at the JCC - starts Jan 5

There are still spots open for the Mommy & Me class starting at the JCC tomorrow. It will run for 8 weeks (Jan 5 - Feb 23) on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30. Suitable for children 6-18 months, the class will offer a variety of activities, including baby massage, music, signing, and art! The cost is $80 for members and $96 for nonmembers. Please contact Amy Vermillion at 703-537-3038 for more information or to register.

Winter Wonderland at the JCC

Sure, every day feels like a winter wonderland lately. Hopefully your kids are as happy with their winter hats as mine. (He LOVES the fire truck on it and needs to be reminded to take it off when we get inside.) Anyway...

Come to the JCC on Monday January 18 (a holiday for preschool and many local schools) from 10-12 for a Winter Wonderland fun day. There will be hot chocolate to warm you up as well as crafts and the ever-popular face-painting. More details should be available here soon.