Kid Talk

Marion Haberman When Marion Haberman was pregnant with her first child, like most new moms, she searched the Internet for advice. Marion learned how to choose a baby name, and how to design a nursery, but what stood out to her was there are very few Jewish mommy YouTubers. "When I was trying to plan the bris for my son when he was born, I struggled with finding information that someone other than a rabbi might tell...

Whatever your feelings are on New Year’s resolutions, it’s hard to deny that the beginning of a new year (and in this case, a new decade!) is by its nature a time for renewal, re-examination, and growth. This is especially the case for achieving goals for ourselves and our families in the realm of Jewish involvement. Some of us are building on the momentum of our engagement in the past year, and many of us are looking fo...

Dr. Cliff Nerwen has a passion for child protection. Can you tell a child predator from someone who is simply being friendly to your child? And, more importantly, can your child tell the difference? Dr. Cliff Nerwen, a pediatrician and president of Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale in New York who won last year’s Shoshana S. Cardin Award for his child protection work, says the ability to discern between...

(L-R) Ariella, Gideon and Eliana doing theHamotzi blessing on Challah before eating. As far back as Gideon Manzur can recall, he helped his father plan and build the sukkah in their backyard every year right after the high holidays in anticipation of Sukkot. First, the 10-by-10-foot structure would go up. Then, his father would take Gideon and his brother in the family truck to nearby train tracks lined with palm tree...

By Mandi Lou Gross of Congregation B'nai Israel in St. Petersburg, Florida Mandi Lou Gross Incorporating Old World traditions into our modern lives poses a dilemma. As millennial Jewish parents, we try all sorts of tactics to get our kids “into” their heritage. We chant prayers to Disney tunes, we make Pinterest crafts for every Jewish holiday; we scour YouTube for the perfectly entertaining Hanukkah video—whatever...

USY Summer Travel Experiences Transform Young Lives The Pilgrimage Group There’s a quote that says, “Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” And it’s true. Just ask the parents of USYers who have been transformed as they have prayed atop mountains, visited concentration camps, danced with friends to local music and so much more as part of USY summer travel experiences. Robin Gilman and her husband, who live in Ne...

An hours-long Passover seder can feel longer than the 40 years our ancestors spent wandering the desert for young kids full of energy and wonder. So, what’s the key to keeping them engaged? Bring the experience down to their level with simple explanations and infuse it with fun and interactivity. What’s the Story? According to PJ Library, which celebrates Jewish culture, values and tradition through the joy of storybo...

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah is one of the greatest and most memorable milestones in the life of a Jew. In fact, the process and culminating celebration can be a real turning point that inspires pride in Jewish identity and heritage and a lifelong passion for Jewish learning and practice. However, some believe this is being lost to the increasingly lavish nature of Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Studies show the average cost of ...