Lag B’Omer The 49 days between the second day of Passover and the holiday of Shavuot are called the Omer. This period is a time of mourning whose origins are unclear and as a result many do not observe this mourning period. Marriages and public celebrations are forbidden during this…
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Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebrations and Two Video book readings for Children, Early Childhood Students, Teachers and Parents
Yom Ha’Atzmaut – Background Biblical Israel dates back 3000 years. After the destruction of the Second Temple 2000 years ago, the Jewish people were dispersed to other countries all over the world. It wasn’t until 1948 that the modern country of Israel was created. In 70 C.E., the Jewish people…
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Passover with Sammy Spider and the Children of Early Childhood Center of the JCC of Dallas
“Our continued exploration with Sammy. Each class was encouraged to make a center piece for our School-wide Community Passover Experience. Gan Shalom wanted to make one with Sammy, so they fashioned a spiderweb using two paper towel holders and some yarn and perched Sammy on top. Many of them also…
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New Songs for Passover
I hope you enjoy these original Passover songs. I wrote these songs for children, parents and teachers to use when they celebrate and learn about the holiday of Passover. Hag Sameach, Sylvia Passover Afikomen, Where Are You? (Old MacDonald Had a Farm) Afikomen, where are you? I would like to know.…
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Our Children Saved Our Children, reflections on the shooting of innocents
Almost 20 years ago, shortly after the Columbine High School shootings, terror in the form of a neo-Nazi attack came to the Los Angeles Jewish Community Centers. The two incidents were the earliest mass shootings of children covered by the 24 hour cable news channels. Though the incidents would mobilize…
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Jewish Education, Writing Children’s Books and the Vilna Gaon
A story of Rabbi Elijah of Vilna influenced my decision to become a Jewish educator and ultimately, a writer. He is often referred to as the Vilna Gaon or Genius of Vilna. Born in 1720, he was studying the Bible and Talmud by the age of 6. Although he grew…
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