OurChildren

About

Useful Information for

the Next Generation
of Jewish Families

Shades of Autumn
Snuffing Out the Sniffles
Apple Picking Places
Supplement to The Jewish Standard • October 2018
 THE CHILDREN’S CENTER
Now Open
AT CHILTON MEDICAL CENTER

We’re Taking Pediatric ER and Hospital Care to the Next Level

Atlantic Health System has introduced an innovative approach to pediatric care at Chilton Medical Center, the
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With sleeping accommodations for parents, a kids playroom and a family lounge, our team of experienced
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Where You Go For Pediatric Care Matters

Chilton Medical Center · 97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ · atlantichealth.org

CMC-7208-17 ChildrensCtr_JewishStd.indd 1 10/23/17 12:54 PM

2 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018
 OurChildren
About

OCTOBER 2018

Table of Contents
5 Sukkot
An antidote to Indulgence The Heschel School
11 Combating Colds OPENING MINDS, BRIDGING DIFFERENCES, LIVING JEWISH VALUES.
6 Off to College Tips for keeping healthy Ariela Dubler, Head of School NURSERY - 12TH GRADE

Local mom share her tale High School Open House Dates:
Wednesday, October 17 | Tuesday, November 13
12 Gallery To RSVP contact Iris Klein, Co-Director of Admissions
7 Introverted Children Pictures of our children iriskl@heschel.org
Bringing out the best in them Early Childhood and Lower School Tours:

13 Top Choices Contact Erica Panush, Co-Director of Admissions ericap@heschel.org

8 Camp Open Houses Great picks for October 212.784.1234 www.heschel.org

30 West End Avenue, New York, New York 10023
New programs
for the new season
14 Calendar

!
Things to do this month
9 Marathon in Miami
Running for Kids of Courage All new
! 15 Simchas experience!
Marking our milestones
10 Gen G
Tour Guide in Big Apple
Newer, Better, More Spectacular!

MissionStatement Thrilling New Rides!

About Our Children is designed to help Jewish families in our area live healthy, positive lives that make the most of the • Giant Slides • Giant Spider
resources available to them. By providing useful, current, accurate information, this publication aims to guide parents to • Obstacle Course Mountain
essential information on faith, education, the arts, events, and child-raising — in short, everything that today’s Jewish fam-
ily, babies to grandparents, needs to live life to the fullest in North Jersey and Rockland County. • Air Cannon Alley and Slide
• Sports Arena • And More!

AdvisoryBoard Birthday Parties!

Dr. Annette Berger, Psy.D. Jane Calem Rosen • Giant indoor inflatables
Psychologist, Teaneck Marketing and Communications Specialist Spider Mountain
• Private bounce and party rooms
Michelle Brauntuch, MS, CCLS Barry Weissman, M.D.
Child Life Specialist, Englewood Hospital, Englewood Pediatrician, Hackensack and Wyckoff • Hassle-free, easy to plan!
Hope Eliasof Cheryl Wylen • Dedicated party pros
Marriage and Family Therapist, Midland Park Director of Adult Programs and Cultural Arts • Clean, safe and secure
Howard Prager, DC, DACBSP YM-YWHA of North Jersey, Wayne • We clean up!
Holistic Chiropractor, Oakland FIRST
Beyond Birthdays! PLACE
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FOR A Air Cannon Al

OurChildren
KID’S PARTY
About
• Open Bounce KID’S FUN Obstacle Course
• Create & Bounce Art Camps PLACE
James L. Janoff Natalie Jay Deb Breslow • Field Trips
Publisher Advertising Director Slovie Jungreis Wolff • Class and Team Parties
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Heidi Mae Bratt Peggy Elias Ed Silberfarb • Fundraisers and more! Available
Editor Janice Rosen Adina Soclof
Deborah Herman Brenda Sutcliffe Contributing Writers Paramus · (201)
us Paramus • 843-5880
(201) 843-5880 Nanuet · (845) 623-5400
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About Our Children is published 11 times a year by the New Jersey/Rockland Jewish Media Group,
1086 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666; telephone: 201-837-8818; fax: 201-833-4959.; e-mail: AboutOC@aol.com.

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018 3

 Musings from the Editor
G
rowing up, I was pretty much
finished with the major Jewish
holidays after Yom Kippur. That
is until Chanukah in the cold of win-
ter and Passover in the spring. Those
we celebrated with brand new clothes,
break fast foods, menorah lighting, and
Manischewitz matzo and Malaga wine at
lively family seders. I looked forward to
them and even welcomed my Yom Kippur
“hunger” as part of the experience. I knew
about Purim and Simchat Torah with its
costumed carnivals and flag-waving fun,
but at that point, I wasn’t all in.
It wasn’t until well into adulthood
that I embraced, and was embraced by,
the holiday of Sukkot, the autumn festival
that commemorates the sheltering of the
Israelites in the wilderness. Sukkot, a joy-
ous holiday and a time of celebration, re-
minds of the years that the Jews spent in
the desert on their way to the Promised
Land, and the way in which they were
divinely protected under difficult desert
conditions. The sukkot built today are
meant for us to “live” in, eat, sleep, and
study, and to dwell in for the duration of
4 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018
the week. These temporary
shelters also are intended
to help us shed our world
of materialism — at least in
theory — and serve to un-
derscore our faith. To know
that even with nothing, we
have everything.
Sukkot is also a whole
lot of fun.
I first experienced Suk-
kot with my brother and sister-in-law,
who erected their sukkah in the backyard
of their Brooklyn home. Big and bright
blue plastic, the decorations inside were
a mix of their children’s pre-school art
and laminated pictures of Torah giants.
Meryl, my sister-in-law, is an exquisite
cook, and she would save and serve the
special dishes, like sweetbreads, for us to
eat inside the sukkah. There always were
guests at their table and the conversation
ran from themes on the holiday to light-
hearted jokes.
I remember bringing my then-fiancé,
Jeff, to their home for Sukkot, Newly en-
gaged, Jeff was still a bit on display as he
made his way into our fam-
ily. One of my nieces, who
was 3 at the time, took a
particular liking to Jeff and
named one of her dolls af-
ter him — Jaffnik, a version
of his name.
Soon thereafter we
returned to their suk-
kah with our first child,
Yehuda. Then later another
child, Shaina, and from their very begin-
nings, our children knew and celebrated
the holiday of Sukkot in this sukkah.
When they were old enough, the
kids, ours along with their cousins, took
to the tradition of sukkah hopping, go-
ing from backyard to backyard into the
neighboring sukkahs, collecting candy
and other treats. This made the holiday
even sweeter.
The week of chol hamoed — the in
between days of the holiday — was also
fun. We took daytrips to museums and
other attractions. It was a vacation and
respite from school that was welcomed.
One year, on a visit to the Liberty Science
Center in Jersey City, we met David Blaine,
the magician, illusionist and endurance
artist. He did a card trick that baffled us,
coming up with the card numbers that
corresponded to my cell phone number.
This year the privilege to join my
brother and sister-in-law’s sukkah is
upon us.
Some of his children are married and
have children of their own, nearly the age
of my niece when she named her doll af-
ter Jeff. And this Sukkot we go with just
Shaina, as Yehuda celebrates the festival
in Israel.
This year what do I take with me
besides a hostess gift and a thirst for be-
ing with family to celebrate? Even before
I step inside the temporary shelter, even
before I think about shedding my materi-
alism, even before I eat the delicious food,
this Sukkot I know that even with noth-
ing, I have everything.
Cheers,
 OurChildren
About

Sukkot: The Antidote to

Indulgence and Entitlement
Slovie Jungreis-Wolff very same parents demanded caring for We cannot remain at peace as their beneath the open sky. Our families, our
others, communal responsibility, and ac- sense of entitlement and appetite for loved ones, time shared together, all with-

I
n a letter to the parent body of an af-
fluent private NYC school the head of
the school, once described how the
school has become a dangerous incubator
of indulgence where ostentatious displays
of entitlement slip by unquestioned. He
wrote of “consumerist families that treat
teachers and the school … exclusively to
advance their child’s self-interests.” He
warned parents that they are raising chil-
dren who are a “cognitive elite that is self-
serving, callous, and spiritually barren.”
Parents have pursued children’s aca-
demic goals often at the expense of their
souls. Respect has been neglected as chil-
dren acquire more, consume more and
want more. But at what price do we keep
on giving without demanding in return?
Parents are focused on college place-
ments, internships, and achievement. Af-
ter-school activities and tutoring consume
the night. When was the last time these
tivism and charity work that require some
sense of sacrifice?
What is our message about priori-
ties? Where does spirituality fit in?
Judaism teaches that we are all re-
sponsible for one another; we are parts
of one body. If you are feeling pain then I,
too, am discomforted. If I have been gifted
with athletic prowess, popularity, brains or
financial resources, I must be aware that
these are God-given gifts. The question I
am faced with is: What will I do with these
gifts to better my world? Or is it simply
caring about getting the achievement
award, the trophy, attaining brand names?
We cannot separate values from
learning. We need to re-evaluate how we
are nourishing our children’s souls. Can
we put as much effort into their character
as we do into their academic pursuits? Do
we take the time to focus on values? How
can we infuse children with faith?
materialism grows. The holiday of Suk-
kot brings the inspiration Jewish families
everywhere so desperately need to touch
the hearts of our children.
The lesson of the sukkah resonates.
Most people feel safe while living in the
comfort of their own homes. When all is
familiar and we sit within the rooms of
our house, we do not feel vulnerable.
During Sukkot embrace the shelter of
faith. We exit the walls of our home and sit
beneath the stars. Each time we enter the
sukkah, we declare our trust in God. We
leave all that is familiar and dwell in tem-
porary residences so that we don’t grow
arrogant and find all our happiness within
our material possessions. We feel protected
in the sanctuary of the Divine presence.
This is genuine security. To know
that it is not about wealth, brand names,
awards or technology. Everything that
counts in life is right here, in our sukkah
in the walls of this temporary hut.
The sukkah allows us to transmit this
life-changing belief to the next genera-
tion. We are asked to stop focusing on the
confines of the material and experience
a deeper joy. To realize that despite our
hardest efforts we cannot guarantee any-
thing in life.
In a world where children constantly
want to acquire more, where the lens is
rarely focused on others and mostly on
themselves, Sukkot provides a tangible ex-
perience to connect to spirituality and their
Creator, the Source of genuine security.
Bring the sukkah home. Sheltered un-
der the wings of the Divine, show your chil-
dren the everlasting joy within our faith.
Aish.Com
Slovie Jungreis-Wolff is a parenting and couples
counselor and the author of “Raising A Child
With Soul,” (St. Martin’s Press).

Tenafly Pediatrics
would like to announce its affiliation with the
Metropolitan Pediatric Group

We welcome Drs. Kanter, Schewitz, Martakis, Caruana and Novogroder to our

practice.

As of January 1, 2019, we will be seeing patients in their Teaneck and Closter

offices. We look forward to continuing to provide the excellent care all of our
patients have come to expect.

We will be providing walk in hours for illnesses from 8:30AM-9:30AM Monday

through Friday in Closter and Teaneck in addition to our existing offices.

We look forward to this new relationship and expect it will help improve our
availability to the community.

Tenafly Pediatrics

www.tenaflypediatrics.com

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018 5

OurChildren
About
Tales of a Bergen Mother
from the Launching Pad
Deb Breslow
I
assumed I stood in good stead be-
cause I’d already been through it
twice. With just one month to shop,
organize, and pack for college, I was feel-
ing the burn in my stomach every time
I passed Bed, Bath & Beyond. My two
older sons, without ever looking up from
their phones, shared their collective wis-
dom: “Don’t let her buy the jumbo pack
of highlighters. You’ll be lucky if you use
one.” “Oh, and wait till she slides in the
two-pack of stool softener! That was a big
hit among my suitemates.” “Yeah, I ended
up leaving half the stuff she bought me in
my apartment for the next victim. How
many push pins does one kid need?” Ig-
noring their jeers, I went to work with
lists. I’d memorized the room layout from
the online virtual tour, knew the move-
in protocols, and was more than familiar
with what was a must-have dorm room
item and what could wait until Parents’
Weekend. But to no avail. Since I hadn’t
attended college in 40-plus years, knew
nothing about the needs, styles and wants
of an iGeneration 18 year old, was not
conversant with all things electronic, and
was, after all, Mom, my opinion was, in a
word, irrelevant.
It began with the first packet of cor-
respondence that came to the house from
Georgetown. “Danny, did you register for
a GoCard?” “Did you sign up for convoca-
tion?” “What about the survey for find-
ing a roommate?” His response, in a tone
that I’d never dare speak to my mother in,
was: “How about this? Starting now, and
going forward, please assume that any
correspondence addressed to you from
college has already been sent to me via
email. Not only do you not have to tell me
about it, there is no action that you need
to take.” Taking the hit in stride, I soft-
ened. “Sure,” I agreed, picturing the first
month of kindergarten when he wouldn’t
let go of my pant leg at drop-off, “I just
thought...” “How ’bout this? he proposed.
“Just don’t think.”
There I had it. I was not to think, or
speak, or act, or react, for that matter.
“Give him space; he’s probably nervous,”
one friend suggested. “You’ll get it done;
boys don’t bring half as much to college
as girls do.” I was determined to keep my
mouth shut, but found it impossible to
stand still. Quietly and unobtrusively, I
began to collect the things I knew he was
bringing: the Georgetown sweatshirt my
brother had gotten him, a tower fan, the
four risers to lift the bed, an extra um-
6 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018
and a booming voice, was delivering our “Please don’t sing. Please don’t hum. Please
homework assignment when he was in- don’t laugh.” By the time we arrived at Bos-
terrupted by the bell signifying the af- ton Market we were starving, sweaty and
ternoon announcements. I tried to listen exhausted, I tried to muster a smile as we
nonchalantly to the man’s voice speaking waited our turn in line. “Please don’t sigh.
on the school’s PA system as though that Please don’t roll your eyes. Please don’t
man had no personal connection to me. stare. Please don’t cry.”
But it was no use. With a wide grin on his It was the end of new student orien-
face, Mr. Papoula towered over me. “How tation. We had unpacked, set up his room,
does it feel to have your father address met the roommate, enjoyed some local
the whole school over that contraption?” restaurants, and purchased our requisite
he asked, pointing to the plastic box on Georgetown swag. The tension was high.
the wall. He’d blown my cover. Everyone I did not speak unless spoken to. I could
was staring at me. Everyone knew. Was feel things shifting, my role and his. My
Deb Breslow that how my son felt? Did he want to husband made small talk prepared for the
fade into the woodwork every time I re- torrent of emotion that he’d come to ex-
brella. Soon, small piles collected in the minded him of this brand new, scary, but pect from me. But I was unusually calm.
Florida room, along with empty bins and exciting, completely uncertain next phase I’d become accustomed to keeping my
a large duffel that the family cat claimed of his young life? I suppose we were one mouth shut and surprisingly, there was
as its residence. and the same, desperate to assert our very little to say.
Two weeks passed. “Fine,” he said one independent selves in an effort to break Looking up at the clear blue sky, the
morning, “We can go shopping. But I get free from the safe, but stifling hold of Washington Monument in the distance,
to choose where we go.” I didn’t dare admit our parents. I was overwhelmed by the possibilities.
that I’d had the Route 4/Route 17 course Somehow we made it from store to There was no question he was going to
plotted out in my mind for weeks. “And, if store without incident. By day’s end, the soar. I cleared my throat. He braced him-
we don’t find what we’re looking for, you trunk was filled with bags from a half doz- self. “Sorry I made the past month so diffi-
are not to ask a salesperson where to find en stores in Paramus. Checking the pack- cult for you,” I whispered. “I just wanted...I
it.” A short pause, then more: “You cannot ing list off in my head, I knew we’d made just needed...I just hoped...” Stopping me
make suggestions for posters or family some headway. For a day’s worth of shop- with the tightest bear hug, he leaned into
pictures or decide what kind of bedding ping, it was more than a success. Whatever me and said assuredly, “I know, and it’s
I need.” we were unable to find, he assured me he OK, just please stop.”
Admittedly, I’d planned to show him could order online. Many times throughout
the five practically brand new comforters the day, if it seemed as though I was about Deborah Breslow is a freelance writer and
I’d had cleaned that were wrapped in plas- to ask a question, he stifled me. A mother college-essay coach from Wyckoff. Her work
tic in the basement, but didn’t. “Anything and son on a mission, we barely spoke. appears in publications focusing on home, fam-
else?” “Yeah,” he added, “I don’t care that Delicate emotions were palpable. Any at- ily, and medical advocacy. Visit her website at
YOU think I need boots and a raincoat. tempts at levity on my part were met with: www.djbreslow.com.
I’ve never worn a raincoat in my life and it
snowed one inch in D.C. last winter.” Before
he could change his mind, I grabbed my
purse, and keys, and collected my reheated
coffee from the microwave. “And one more
thing,” he barked. “Don’t bring your stupid
Hello Kitty coffee mug in the car. It doesn’t
even fit in the cup holder.”
Since when was I such a complete
and utter embarrassment to my children?
Was I this intolerant with my parents?
Contemplating this, I flashed back to
middle school. As undeniably awkward
as these years were for me, what made
it worse was that my father was my prin-
cipal. Walking through the halls on the
first day, I prayed I wouldn’t see him, or
have to acknowledge him. My friends, of
course, knew, but they understood how
self-conscious I was about it. “Miller is a
common name,” they’d assured me. “No
one will put two and two together.” I be-
lieved I’d made it through the first day
unscathed until seventh period. Mr. Pa-
poula, 6-foot 4-inches with lanky arms
 OurChildren
About

Bringing Out the Best

in an Introverted Child
Adina Soclof In order to help engage our introverted kid’s coopera- feel comfortable right away with your new teacher, wear-
tion (so that we don’t run into the power struggles that ing your new sweater or swimming in the pool, but you

T
he more we know about a child’s temperament are so common with them) we can watch to see if they will start to feel comfortable soon.”
and personality, the easier it is for us to get along have had too much people time and make sure that they It is also essential that introverted kids get one-on-
with our child, stop power struggles, genuinely have breaks. If a fight is starting out between your kids, one time with their parents. They can connect better in
connect with them and help raise them to meet their full one an introvert and one an extrovert, instead of running that way. They also tend to be quieter and can get lost in
potential. to punish them, you can ask your introverted child pri- the shuffle of a large family.
Understanding our child’s temperament also provides vately, “Have you had enough? Do you need some time Not only do we need to protect their quiet and alone
us with a deeper understanding of our kid’s misbehavior. alone?” You can then tell your extroverted child, “Some- time, we need to teach our introverted kids to recognize
Quite often their behavior is perfectly normal for their times people need time to play alone. If we take a break their own triggers and take care of themselves. We can
age or reflects inner conflicts due to their personality and for a bit, your brother might be able to play again soon.” teach them to say, “You are too close to me, move away.”
temperament. Introverted kids also need to hear, “You might not See Introverted on page 15
A child who cries and whines in a crowded room is
usually not misbehaving. He is probably a sensitive kid
who is overwhelmed with the stimulation around him. A
high-energy child who is fidgety and starts to run around
at the doctor’s office is not “bad;” he’s just acting on a
very real need to move.
Introversion is often misunderstood. Kids who are
introverts are called shy, nerdy, or bookworms. It is hard
to appreciate our introverted kids because they seem so
awkward in social situations, sometimes to the point of
rudeness. They won’t be convinced to kiss Aunt Ethel Sunday, October 14
when she comes to visit and sometimes when they have 1pm – 4pm @ Camp Veritans
a friend over, they’ll play by themselves, leaving us to Rain Date, October 21
entertain their friend.
Younger kids might even bite their peers if they have
moved into their personal space. This can be the cause
of many power struggles and frustrations. But if we un-
derstand how their minds work, we can learn to respect
their needs and work with them to help them reach their
potential.
Introverted kids need quiet, alone time, their own
space and time for reflection. That is why they don’t an-
swer questions right away; they are listening but need
time to come up with an answer. These kids need time
to read and play quietly without interruption. They like
to watch before joining an activity and they need lots of
time to get comfortable in new situations.
Introverted kids do not like crowds. They may talk
a lot with family members but not with outsiders. They
are not being rude; they are just conserving their energy,
besides they do not like small talk and are likely to pursue
more meaningful relationships. ASK
ABOUT OUR
An unrecognized need for time alone is one of the HEATED
major triggers of tantrums, fight with siblings or why POOL!
a child may get nasty. An introverted kid cannot usually
handle being around too many people, or involved in
too many high-energy activities. They aren’t being bad;
they’re just trying to get their very real needs met.

How to Help Them

The best thing that we can do to help our introverted kids
is to help them recognize their needs. We need to teach
them to appreciate themselves and express what they are
feeling. We need to tell them:

• “It’s hard for you when too many people are around
you.”
•  “Sometimes you like to play and be by yourself.”
• “Dreaming is important to you.”
• “Thinking is fun.”

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018 7

OurChildren
About

Thinking About Summer?

Camps Host Open Houses
Heidi Mae Bratt

C
ome next summer, campers at Camp Veritans in
Haledon will not only work on their swim skills,
social skills, and sports skills, but will also have
the chance to work on their STEM skills.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
is riding a high educational wave these days as schools
scramble to give students the skills and education they
need to progress and succeed in our rapidly changing
digital world.
“Our parents wanted STEM,” said Carla Rudow, the
camp’s longtime director. “It’s not like we’re going to be Summer fun for the upcoming season at Camp Veritans will include STEM-centered activities as well as more traditional camp pastimes
in a classroom. We will work on STEM skills in a hands- like swimming, sports, and arts and crafts.
on, developmental, creative way,” she said, adding that
she is still putting together the pieces of the STEM camp modern elements into it,” said Ms. Rudow. In addition who attend will be able to meet the staff and sample the
program, which will especially target the camp’s lower to STEM camp programming, Camp Veritans will offer many programs, including arts and crafts, ropes, sports,
division, campers who are in kindergarten to third grade. youngsters karate, yoga, and, of course, its traditional and cooking. In addition, there will be hayrides around
The inclusion of STEM activities, Ms. Rudow said, is tried and true camp activities. the verdant campgrounds, and the autumnal sweet treats
part of the camp’s commitment to being a dynamic place To introduce the new season, summer 2019, Camp of apple cider and donuts will be available.
for its more than 300 campers to spend their summer. Veritans is holding its annual Fall Festival Open House on
“We are keeping our traditional values, but infusing Sunday, Octpber 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. Campers and parents Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our Children

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8 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018

 OurChildren
About

Race for Courage Marathon

I
t’s kickoff time for the marathon for
Kids of Courage, which helps support
sick children and their families.
On Sunday, January 27 2019, Kids of
Courage will join thousands of individuals
and teams at the Fitbit Miami Marathon
and Half Marathon as part of a fun, inspir-
ing, and courageous weekend. The funds
raised with Race For Courage will go to-
ward an organization that creates bright
smiles and incredible experiences for seri-
ously ill children — and turn their dreams
into reality, mile by mile.
With trips, community events, week-
ends, and a committed and enthusiastic
team, K.O.C. does what it takes to bring
kids joy and adventure, no matter the di-
agnosis. As K.O.C. celebrates its 10th year,
the organization laces up for another ac-
tion-packed marathon weekend in Miami
Beach, Florida.
It’s their eighth year running, walking, the country will come together with
and rolling through the marathon, and
you can already feel the excitement.
0003662844-01_0003563833-01 4/3/14 2:49 PM Page 1
Runners and walkers from across
Benefits Kids of Courage
Race for Courage assists Kids of Courage, the organization that helps medically challenged young-
sters and their families with travel, camp, and more.
K.O.C. and Team Courage for a 4-day,
3-night stay at a luxury hotel on the
beaches of Miami, stepping off their
f light and into custom K.O.C. gear.
The fully catered weekend includes all
meals, an uplifting Shabbos experience,
K.O.C.’s famous pre-race pasta party, vic-
tory party, admission to the marathon
or half marathon, and of course, the op-
portunity to meet courageous campers
and dedicated volunteers.
“It’s bound to be our biggest year yet,”
says Howie Kafka, co-founder of Kids of
Courage, “with over 100 people join-
ing the Race For Courage team, we are
thrilled to see the sense of community
that will take place.”
Register at RaceForCourage.org for
the marathon. Kids of Courage is a non-
profit charity based in the United States.
The organization specializes in medically
supervised trips for children and young
adults with serious medical diagnoses.
The organization was founded by
author and professor of medicine Dr.
Stuart Ditchek, paramedic Kafka and Ar-
thur Adlerstein. Its mission is to enable
children with serious medical conditions
to travel and experience adventure in
a social environment in which they can
meet other children with similar medical
backgrounds.

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ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018 9

 Generation G

Grandpa Tour Guide Does

the Big Apple with Aplomb
Ed Silberfarb old days. Instead we fill the unscheduled and stick-like nudes — and then we see our
day with the Museum of Natural History grandson’s favorite.

O
ur youngest grandson spent a week
with us this summer in New York.
Can this city that never sleeps of-
fer enough to challenge a 13-year-old who
shuns most compatriots and whose inter-
ests defy cataloguing. At home in Balti-
more, he spent a week at wrestling camp
and a week at debate camp, two forms of
combat that demand cunning, speed, and
skill of limb or speech.
We plan activities, but he has his own
list, an assortment that seems to have no
common thread: the Guggenheim Muse-
um, the Aquarium, Ellis Island, the Pros-
pect Park Zoo, and the New York Stock
Exchange to see the chaos on the trading
floor. We tell him that since 9/11 the NYSE
is no longer open to the public, and any-
way, with the use of computers, the stock
exchange scene is much calmer than in the
and in the evening, a free performance of
Hamlet in Riverside Park. Whatever we do
we must contend with unfriendly forces— a
heat wave in the 90’s and daily threats of
thunderstorms, as well as overwhelming
crowds of day camps and tourists.
His bus arrives and he’s trailing a
wheeled suitcase almost as big as he is. We
decide it may not be welcome at any of his
places of interest. We take him and it home,
eat lunch, and head for the Guggenheim.
We learn what attracts him. “I like the
building,” he says of the corkscrew-shaped
structure that has generated controversy
ever since Frank Lloyd Wright designed it
60 years ago. A tour is scheduled but we
give it up because of crowd and noise. We
work our way along the sloping ramps on
our own to see the special retrospective of
Giacometti sculpture — elongated heads
“The most expensive sculpture ever,” he
says, and indeed there it is, “L’Homme au
doigt,” ($141.3 million), along with two oth-
er costly Giacometti stick pieces set aside
on a platform to be viewed from above. We
must admit we learned something about
both the idiosyncratic architect and sculp-
tor through the eyes of a 13-year-old.
The New York Aquarium at Coney
Island was partly destroyed in Hurricane
Sandy. Rebuilding featured a giant tank
to house sharks and rays. The great new
shark tank officially opened to the public
this summer. We want to go but there is
the daily threat of rain. We give it a try
anyway and shlep umbrellas and water-
proof pullovers. The preparation has the
effect of guarding against rain and dis-
couraging the crowds. At the shark tank,
guide lines for crowds have been set up
Our grandson at Ellis Island pointing to the
names of his great-great-grandparents.
for as much as an hour-and-a-half of wait-
ing time, but thanks to the threat of rain
we’re able to walk right in.
What a sight — sharks of all sizes
drifting among small, multi-colored fish
that seem unconcerned about the great
finned carnivores. “The sharks have been
well-fed,” an attendant tells us. “They
won’t bother the little guys.”
There’s much more to see — a spec-
tacular coral reef, display of fish in Africa’s
See Grandpa Tour on page 15

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10 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018


Combating the Cold
at the Start
of the Season of Sniffles
Heidi Mae Bratt
T
his is it. The start of the school year, the begin-
ning of autumn, and the beginning of the coughs,
sore throats, sneezes, and sniffles that happen
each year the weather turns from warm
to cool and children find themselves back
with other children in school.
About Our Children consulted with
Dr. Eirene George John, a family medicine
practitioner with the Valley Medical Group
in Fair Lawn for her tips on keeping healthy
at this time of year and all year long.
About Our Children: What is the
best way to prevent getting the “Start of
School Sniffles,” etc.?
Dr. John: Hand washing is an essential
and highly effective way to prevent the
spread of infection. Hands should be wet
with water and plain soap, and rubbed to- Dr. Eirene George John
gether for 15 to 30 seconds. It is not nec-
essary to use antibacterial hand soap. Teach children to
wash their hands before and after eating, after coughing
or sneezing, and the restroom. Using a household cleaner
that kills viruses, such as phenol/alcohol (sample brand
name: Lysol), may help to reduce viral transmission.
AOC: What is the best way to sneeze if one has to
do so?
Dr. John: To avoid contaminating their hands, chil-
dren can be instructed to cough into a tissue or the crook
of their elbow rather than into their hands.
AOC: What are your thoughts on using hand sani-
tizer in prevention of colds?
Dr. John: Alcohol-based hand rubs are a good al-
ternative for disinfecting hands if a sink is not available.
Hand rubs should be spread over the entire surface of
hands, fingers, and wrists until dry and may be used sev-
eral times. These rubs can be used repeatedly without
skin irritation or loss of effectiveness.
OurChildren
About
ENROLL IN FALL CLASSES AT
THE THERAPY GYM
Social Skills • Mommy & Me
Yoga • Art
SUMMER PROGRAMS AT
THE THERAPYAquatic GYM Therapy
PT, OT, Speech, and Behavioral Therapy
Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy • Behavioral Therapy
WE BILL INSURANCE FOR YOU
205 W. Englewood Ave
Teaneck, NJ
201-357-0417
AOC: What are your thoughts on diet in prevention205 West Englewoodwww.thetherapygym.com
Ave • Teaneck, NJ
of colds? www.thetherapygym.com
Please call 201-357-0417
Dr. John: Studies have not shown any benefit with or email ellie@thetherapygym.com
a specific diet plan, however, balanced diet with prop-
er proportions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vita-
mins, minerals, and water are necessary
to maintain good health, especially in a
growing child. A Reason to Smile
AOC: How about sleep in helping to
prevent colds?
Dr. John: Again, studies have not
shown any benefit for prevention of colds;
however, sleep is especially important for
children as it directly impacts mental and
physical development.
AOC: What are your thoughts on ex-
ercise in prevention of colds?
Dr. John: Exercise has a number of
beneficial effects; however, there is no
good evidence that exercise reduces the
risk of colds.
AOC: Can children be dressed in a certain way to
prevent colds?
Dr. John: Keep them comfortable and happy! TEANECK DENTIST
AOC: Anything else you would like to add?
Dr. John: Most children with colds need not be
excluded from day care or school. It is likely that they We put the Care
spread the virus before they developed cold symptoms. into Dental Care!
Although, with a fever (higher than 100.4F), they are
likely to spread their disease. A number of alternative Richard S. Gertler, DMD, FAGD
products, including zinc and herbal products such as Ari Frohlich, DMD
echinacea, are advertised to treat or prevent the com- Sami Solaimanzadeh, DMD
mon cold. There is some evidence that prophylactic use
of vitamin C may decrease the duration of the common 1008 Teaneck Road • Teaneck
cold in children. With the exception of vitamin C, none
of these treatments have been proven to be effective in
201.837.3000
clinical trials; their use is not recommended.
www.teaneckdentist.com
Visit us on Facebook
Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our Children.
Convenient Morning, Evening & Sunday Hours
ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018 11
 Gallery

Off to a striking start

Following their orientation and registration at Bergen County High School of
Jewish Studies (BCHSJS) 16 new students took to the lanes and, along with
teachers and their principal, went bowling at Bowler City in Hackensack.
Welcome to the start of the new year
The Jewish Center of Teaneck recently held its Opening Youth Event
to celebrate the start of the new year with two bounce houses, snow
cones, cotton candy, crafts, music and challah-making by Lisa Mincis.
All ages were welcome and it was ideal for youngsters 2 to 10. Youth
directors Rav Yishai and Yiskah Klein coordinated the event, with help
from Miriam Leah Mincis and Jake Resnick.

So you want to be a star

The School of Dramatic Arts at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
presents an open call and a chance to be discovered by NYC
agents on Sunday, October 7 at 2 p.m. Actors, singers, improv art-
ists and models — ages 3K to adult — will have a rare opportunity
to audition for top theatrical agents and managers from New York
City and New Jersey. For an audition appointment or more infor-
mation call Hagit at 201-409-1493.

Special Games at the JCC

The Chuck Guttenberg Center for the Physically
Challenged at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
will host its annual Special Games on Sunday,
September 30, from noon to 2:30 pm. The
Special Games is a fun-filled day of sports
activities that provides differently-abled ath-
Kicking off teen activity letes the chance to plan and win, as well as
Valley Chabad in Woodcliff Lake’s popular CTeen group had its annual kickoff. CTeen is a global family of Jewish teens, with many socialize with friends.
local chapters, dedicated to changing the world through acts of kindness.

12 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018

 OurChildren
About

TopChoices OCTOBER 2018

Compiled by Heidi Mae Bratt

If I Had a Hammer at Liberty Science

Learn about carpentry and tools at
Home Explore Today at the Liberty
Science Center We Explore workshop.
In this program, which is designed for
young learners, young visitors will learn
all about tools and construction skills.
Dress like a carpenter, practice safety
skills, use and name tools, make your
own creations, and even help build a Daily from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
house. The workshop is complete with and 2 to 4 p.m.
workbenches, tools of all shapes and Liberty Science Center
sizes, and many special activities for 222 Jersey City Boulevard
young builders. We Explore is an inter- Jersey City
active adventure series for children 2 to 201-200-1000
5 years old. It is held in LSC’s I Explore www.lsc.org.
gallery, with new themes all the time.

Music of The Moonlights at The Jewish Museum

Groove to the melodious music of The
Moonlights—a collaboration between
songwriters Rachel Loshak and Dean
Jones – and their collection of stirring,
quirky songs for all ages. Dean Jones
has been creating music for families for
many years as a solo artist and with the
successful band, Dog On Fleas. He has
produced many successful children’s Sunday, October 14, 11:30 a.m.
music artists. Rachel Loshak has been to 12:30 p.m.
writing and performing original mate- Scheuer Auditorium
rial for 20 years as a singer/songwriter/ The Jewish Museum
bassist. She has performed and col- 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street,
laborated on projects with Norah Jones, Manhattan
Moby, Natalie Merchant, Chris Ballew 212- 423-3200
and others. For ages 3 to 8. www.thejewishmuseum.

Marc Chagall among Artists

at Family Extravaganza
Enter the striking world of Marc
Chagall, El Lissitzky, and Kazimir
Malevich at The Jewish Museum’s
family extravaganza honoring these
celebrated artists. Children are invited
to design a whimsical collage book,
sculpt a playful mobile, paint a color-
Marc Chagall, Self-Portrait with Easel, 1919. Gouache
on paper. Private collection. Artwork © Artists
Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris
ful work of art in our studio, hear live Sunday, October 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
music inspired by paintings on view, Scheuer Auditorium
collaborate on a giant cityscape with The Jewish Museum
floating images, see highlights of Marc 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street,
Chagall’s masterworks on a gallery Manhattan
tour, and more. For youngsters 3 212- 423-3200
and older. www.thejewishmuseum.

The Curious Reader in Glen Rock

Celebrates Five Years of Books
For the last half decade, The Curious
Reader in Glen Rock, has given its
young curious customers plenty to read.
Thousands of children’s and young
adult books pack this 1,800-square
foot storefront owned by father and
daughter Jim Morgan and Sally Morgan.
“We take a lot of pride in our selec-
tion of books,” said Christopher Lutz,
store manager. “We want to reach each
customer individually.” In addition,
The Curious Reader offers its custom-
ers a guided reading room from which
they can choose a book of their liking
and on their reading and skills level.
The Fountas & Pinnell reading levels
(commonly referred to as “Fountas &
Pinnell”) are a system of reading levels
that are used by the local schools. “It’s
very helpful for the students,” said Mr.
Lutz.
The Curious Reader
229 Rock Road, Glen Rock
201-444-1918
www.thecuriousreaderbooks.com.

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018 13

 The Good Life With Kids
OCTOBER
This calendar is a day-by-day schedule of events. Although all information is as timely as we can make it, it’s a good idea to call to verify details before you go.
Saturday, September 29
Sukkot, Simchat Torah at Temple Emeth: This
program is for children ages 3-6 with a par-
ent or grandparent. Morning of crafts, stories,
music and snacks from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. The
program is free, but an RSVP is required. For res-
ervations, Dora Geld Friedman, 201-833-8466.
1666 Windsor Road, Teaneck.
Sunday, September 30
Sunday Special: Jewish Community of Paramus/
Congregation Beth Tikvah Hebrew School hosts
first Sunday Special for 4 to 10 year olds and
their families. Celebrate Sukkot with fun activi-
ties, brunch in the sukkah and a chance to look at
the Torah for Simchat Torah. East 304 Midland
Ave., Paramus. 201-262-7733, edudirector@
jccparamus.org.
USY Event: FLIPPER (Fair Lawn Jewish
Center, Temple Beth Sholom Fair Lawn, Jewish
Community Center of Paramus/CBT and Temple
Israel Ridgewood) chapter of USY has first event.
Pizza and dessert, sushi making in the sukkah of
Temple Israel, 475 Grove St., Ridgewood. 1:30 to
3 p.m. All high school teens are welcome. RSVP
flipperusy@gmail.com.
Drop in Art Studio at The Jewish Museum: Use
paper shapes in a variety of colors, textures, and
sizes to create a collage or a figure inspired by art-
work in the exhibition Chagall, Lissitzky, Malevich:
The Russian Avant-Garde in Vitebsk, 1918-1922,
as well as artwork by Eliza Douglas. 12:30 to
3 p.m. Ages 3 and older. The Jewish Museum,
1109 Fifth Ave., near 92nd Street., Manhattan.
212-423-3200, www.thejewishmuseum.
Wednesday, October 3
Read to a Dog: Children can sign up to read a
book or books of their choice to a therapy dog
“one-on-one” for 20 minutes. The purpose of this
program is to encourage reading, improve lan-
guage skills, and give children a sense of security
and confidence in their reading ability. Teaneck
Public Library, 840 Teaneck Road, Teaneck.
201-837-4171, www.teanecklibrary.org.
Thursday, October 4
Benefit Israel Night at Solomon Schechter:
Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County
hosts its annual Israel Night benefiting The
Stephanie Prezant Israel Scholarship Fund for
eighth graders. Schechter parent Amos Nachum,
Israeli Air Force Veteran and current advanced sys-
tem analyst for Israel, will speak on the innovation
that drives the Israeli Air Force’s success. Dinner
6 p.m. followed by 7 p.m. program. 275 McKinley
Ave., New Milford. For information, Alyssa Wolf,
201-262-9898, awolf@ssdsbergen.org.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Live Concert, See Saturday,
October 27
14 ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018
Friday, October 5
Family Services at Temple Emeth: Temple
Emeth’s Family Shabbat services for youngsters
in grades two through seven include singing and a
story from Rabbi Sirbu followed by a kid-friendly
dessert oneg. 7:30 p.m. 1666 Windsor Road in
Teaneck. 201-833-1322, www.emeth.org.
Sunday, October 7
USY Event: FLIPPER (Fair Lawn Jewish
Center, Temple Beth Sholom Fair Lawn, Jewish
Community Center of Paramus/CBT and Temple
Israel Ridgewood) chapter of KADIMA hosts its
first event from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sports, games and
ice cream sundaes in the gym from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
at the Fair Lawn Jewish Center, 10-10 Norma Ave.,
Fair Lawn. All sixth through eighth graders are
welcome. RSVP edudirector@jccparamus.org.
Teen Book Week at Teaneck Library: From now
until October 13, teens, 12 and up, present their
library care and receive a free book. Teaneck
Public Library, 840 Teaneck Road, Teaneck. 201-
837-4171, www.teanecklibrary.org.
Drop-In Art at The Jewish Museum: Discover
Read to a Dog, see Wednesday, October 3
the many ways in which the six-pointed star is
represented in artwork on view in Scenes from
the Collection as well as other symbols you
might find in the galleries. In the studio use a
variety of colorful fabrics to create a patterned
cloth piece that includes the star or another
symbol that is important to you. 1 to 4 p.m. Ages
3 and older. The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth
Ave., near 92 St., Manhattan. 212- 423-3200,
www.thejewishmuseum.
Tuesday, October 9
Shutter Club: Come join our new amateur pho-
tography club, which meets biweekly. Learn a little
about photography and have a lot of fun taking
photos with new friends. For 10-14 year olds.
4 p.m. Teaneck Public Library, 840 Teaneck Road,
Teaneck. 201-837-4171, www.teanecklibrary.org.
Friday, October 12
Tot Shabbat in Franklin Lakes: Tot Shabbat musi-
cal family-friendly service and dinner at Barnert
Temple starting at 5 p.m. with Rabbi Rachel
Steiner and cantorial intern Danielle Rodnizki.
747 Route 208 South, Franklin Lakes. 201-848-
1027, schooloffice@barnerttemple.org, www.
barnerttemple.org.
Friday, October 12
Children Services at Temple Beth Tikvah: Join
us for special Shabbat services from 6:30 to 7:30
p.m. for an hour of Shabbat fun and blessings.
For children 8 and younger. See friends, make
new ones, do an art project, decorate a cupcake,
sing Shabbat songs, say blessings. 950 Peakness
Ave., Wayne. 973-595-6565,
tbtschool@optimum.net.
Saturday,
October 13
Elisabeth Morrow Fall
Festival: Meet current families
and school administration while
enjoying food, music, maze,
arts and crafts, pumpkin deco-
rating, bounce houses and field
days. 1 to 3 p.m. The Elisabeth
To Add Your Event
to Our Calendar
Send it to:
Calendar Editor
About Our Children
New Jersey/Rockland Jewish Media Group
1086 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666 AboutOC@aol.com
or fax it to: 201-833-4959
Deadline for November issue:
published October 19, Tuesday, October 9
Morrow School, 435 Lydecker St., Englewood.
201-568-5566, kvisconti@elisabethmorrrow.org.
Sunday, October 21
Pit Bulls & Pumpkins Fall Festival: Join us for the
History and Fall Fun in Passaic: The Passaic Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc’s Annual Pit
County Historical Society fall fun day from 3 to 6 Bulls & Pumpkins Fall Festival from noon to 4 p.m.
p.m. at 3 Valley Road, Paterson where there will The event includes a dog costume contest, adop-
be history, food and fun fall activities like arts and tion opportunities, pumpkin painting, and chil-
crafts and drills with some Revolutionary War dren’s crafts. Friendly dogs on leash are welcome.
soldiers. The day ends at 5:30 p.m. with a reading 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland. 201-337-5180, execdir@
of a Washington Irving classic story. Bring your rbari.org
own blankets or lawn chairs. Recommended for
children age 3-12 years. 973-247-0085. Saturday, October 27
Monday, October 15 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Live
Concert: NJPAC hosts the movie “Harry Potter
Lego Club at the Library: Lego Club is for young- and the Goblet of Fire” as Oscar-nominated
sters age 6 and up. After a story, we build with composer Patrick Dyle leads a score by the New
our Legos based on the book’s theme. Meets Jersey Symphony Orchestra. 1 Center St., Newark.
once each month. Children can sign up for either 888-GO-NJPAC, www.njpac.org.
the Thursday 4 p.m. club or the Monday 7 p.m.
club. Teaneck Public Library, 840 Teaneck Road,
Teaneck. 201-837-4171, www.teanecklibrary.org.
Sunday, October 28
Local Author Chana Stiefel at the library: Local
Wednesday, October 17 author Chana Stiefel will be at the library to share
her book, “Animal Zombies.” Event is from 2 to
iCan Teen Task Force: The Jewish Federation’s 4 p.m. Teaneck Public Library, 840 Teaneck Road,
iCAN Teen Task Force, a group of high school stu- Teaneck. 201-837-4171,www.teanecklibrary.org.
dents, will meet at 7 p.m. The group meets twice
a month with the mission to teach teens how to
combat anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment.
The first meeting will feature an open discussion
with young Israeli soldiers. 50 Eisenhower Drive,
Paramus. 201-820-3946 , www.jfnnj.org/ican.
Friday, October 19
Music Services at Temple Emeth: Temple
Emeth presents a Shabbat music service at 8
p.m. Congregants join Rabbi Steven Sirbu and
Cantor Ellen Tilem by singing and dancing and
enjoying Shabbat music performed by the Temple
Emeth band. 1666 Windsor Road in Teaneck.
201-833-1322, www.emeth.org,
Tot Shabbat in Closter: Temple Beth El of
Northern Valley welcomes families with young
children for Shabbat with blessings, singing and
stories, followed by a craft project. For children
up to 5 and their families. 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. 221
Schraalenburg Road, Closter. 201-767-5112,
wwwtbenv.org.
Local Author Chana Stiefel at the library, see
Sunday, October 28
 OurChildren
About

Introverted from page 7 helpful if we praise them:

“I want some quiet now.” They can also be
taught more positive self-talk. Instead of, • “You felt you needed a break and

“This party is so stupid!” We can teach
them to say to themselves, “I don’t like
the loud noise of this party, but if I go to
the corner arts and crafts table, or I find
one friend to talk to, I might find that I can
enjoy myself.”
We can also teach them to plan ahead
in order to avoid problems. We can say,
“Tomorrow you are going on a class trip
for the whole day, on a noisy bus, what do
you think you could do if it gets too much
for you?”
“Cousin Sara is visiting tomorrow,
how can you be polite until you get com-
fortable with her?”
Introverted kids often feel different
and may be insecure about the fact that
they might not like the things their peers
do. In order to build their confidence it is
you found a quiet place.”
• “You said hello and made eye con-
tact with our new neighbor, that’s called
being friendly!”
Do not describe them in negative
ways. We can call them bright, depend-
able, a steadfast friend with depth.
Introverted kids certainly come with
their own quirks and habits, but all kids
do. If we appreciate them for who they
truly are and teach them to appreciate
themselves, the rewards can be great.
Adina Soclof is a parent educator,
speech pathologist and the founder of
ParentingSimply.com. She is available for
speaking engagements and can be reached at
asoclof@parentingsimply.com.
Simchas
Birth
PRESTON SLATE MALLON
Preston Slate Mallon was born two months early on
August 19 to Melissa and Alexander Mallon of Oradell. He
weighed 6 pounds and was 20 inches long and is named
in memory of his maternal grandfather, Peter Ronay of
Oradell, and his maternal great-grandmother, Shirley
Greenblatt of Fort Lee, formerly of Teaneck. Preston
Slate’s grandmothers are Suzanne Ronay of Oradell and
Lynn Mallon of Bergenfield, and his first cousins are broth-
ers Peter Jaxon, 3, and Jack Ryan Ronay, who was born
September 15, of Rockaway.

Grandpa Tour from page 10
deepest lake, and surprising inhabitants in
water off the New York shoreline. We even
manage to see the sea lion show and make
it home before the inevitable downpour.
Ellis Island is reached by boat, which
also goes to the Statue of Liberty, one of
New York’s most popular tourist attrac-
tions. Our grandson says, “It’s Ellis Island I
care about,” but we disembark at the Statue
first to check it out in the blistering heat.
Then, we board the boat for Ellis Island
where our grandson’s great-great-grand-
parents came ashore after fleeing Czarist
were dingoes from Australia, water moni-
tors from Indonesia, baboons, macaques,
tamarins, desert foxes with gigantic ears, a
massive porcupine, and a “discovery trail”
for woodland creatures. It was a day that
ended early enough for barbecue spare ribs
at a favorite restaurant.
The Museum of Natural History was
the most daunting challenge of the week.
It offered some of the most intriguing ex-
hibits and most oppressive crowds. With
the help of a friend who happened to be a
museum employee, we were able to sched-
ule all four special exhibits throughout the
Bar mitzvah
LEV ZARETSKY
Lev Zaretsky, son of Leah and Ira Zaretsky and brother of Eli, Jordan, Delia, and Shai, cel-
ebrated becoming a bar mitzvah on September 1 at Congregation Beth Sholom in Teaneck.
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births and b’nai mitzvah. Announcements or mail to NJ Jewish Media Group,
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Russia and what’s now the Ukraine.
The stately building is several mu-
seums in one. It’s the story of the island
itself, how it grew from an oyster fishing
ground to a harbor fortification, then to
the gateway for the country’s massive im-
migration. With exhibits and narrative, it
tells the story of the bone-weary traveler
from the ship’s oppressive below-deck
steerage to the new land of hope — the gi-
ant reception room, the registration, the
medical exams, the delousing, the fear of
rejection, the eventual (for most) accep-
tance, and the beginning of a new life.
For our grandson, Ellis Island offers
two unique thrills. In one room is a wall-
size photograph of the marketplace for
the eastern European town of Stryj where
one of his great-grandparents was born.
And outside the building is the Wall of
Honor with plaques listing the names of
thousands of immigrants who had come
through Ellis Island. There he sees the
names of his great-great-grandmother
and grandfather.
Our grandson had once spent a week
in New York visiting the city’s five zoos,
one in each borough. This time it was only
Brooklyn’s Prospect Park zoo, a small man-
ageable animal park with displays that
offered him unhurried reflection. There
PARTY
day. There was a planetarium show that
told a billion year story of the universe, an
I-Max movie about the Amazon, a walk-
through, hands-on exhibit about the five
senses, and perhaps most extraordinary
of all, a description of the ocean’s depth
and the creatures that live there. Our blasé
grandson was fascinated to learn that in
the Marianas Trench in the southwest Pa-
cific, the deepest place on earth, one could
put the Empire State building and it still
would be below the surface.
On his last night in town we saw
Hamlet in Riverside Park. There was one
intermission, at which point our grandson 973-661-9368
wanted to leave. He said he wasn’t bored.
“It was too dramatic, and the violent part
is coming up.”
Our grandson returned to Baltimore
in time to for school. We were satisfied
that New York had made a worthwhile
contribution to a hard-to-satisfy a 13 Include:
1 hours of skating (during public session)
year old. He even had an opportunity in Private decorated party room
the evening to watch “Sponge Bob” on TV. Off ice party attendant
Skate rental
Invitations for party guests
Ed Silberfarb was a reporter for the Bergen Pizza and soda
Personalized Carvel ice cream cake
Record in New Jersey, then the New York Herald Favors and candy
Tribune where he was City Hall bureau chief. FREE skating pass for future use
Birthday child receives FREE Ice Vault T shirt
Later, he was a public information officer for the
New York City Transit Authority and editor of
one of its employee publications.

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN • OCTOBER 2018 15

 “Anytime of the day or night,
they were there for me.”

Valley Health System is giving patients like Carol access to the most Carol
innovative lung cancer treatments. That’s because our cancer care team Battled lung cancer
collaborates with the Mount Sinai Health System — leaders in cancer
research — to bring the most advanced options to our region. With these
breakthroughs, along with our focus on each patient’s needs, we’re able
to take our care to the next level. Here’s Carol’s story.

At 43 years old, Carol was finally fulfilling her dream of opening a women’s boutique.
Her dream was about to become a reality, but instead of feeling energized, she felt
unusually tired. She knew something was wrong. As someone who hasn’t smoked a
day in her life, she never expected to hear she had lung cancer.

See how Carol fiercely battled cancer with Valley at MyStory.ValleyHealth.com.

Or, to reach a lung cancer specialist at Valley, call 201-634-5339.

18-VHS-0484_Carol_AboutOurChildren_10x13_v1.indd 1 9/19/18 2:20 PM