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.