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1. Don't hide
differences, embrace them. Many parents teach tolerance by telling their
children that everyone is alike. But that simply isn't true. We experience
the world in different ways, and those experiences matter. A more honest
approach is to talk about the differences between people and focus on the
assets they bring because of those differences. Celebrating diversity will
also make it easier for your child when s/he has a difference to deal
with, whether wearing glasses or braces, being the shortest or tallest in
the class or learning differently. 2. Talk about tolerance in terms of loving-kindness. Intolerance is a learned perception, not one we are born with. Take the time to explain to you child about different disabilities so that they understand. In doing so, stress that this is simply one aspect of the person, like having blond hair or brown eyes, and does not change how fun, or kind, or smart the person is. 3. Identify & challenge intolerance when you see it. Whether it's a stereotype you see on TV or an intolerant joke you overhear on the playground, identify the intolerance to your child and challenge the perception. "It is hard for your friend Tommy to say the letter "s". How do you think that joke would make him feel?" 4. Provide your child with a true understanding of what it means to have a disability. Create opportunities for your child to interact with people different from them. Role-playing games can create empathy in your child for people with differences. Blindfold your child and have them experience the world as a blind child would. Use an old necktie to tie one arm behind his/her back to see what it's like to have an orthopedic disability. Put earplugs in their ears and carry on a conversation around them to help them experience deafness. Studies have shown that this type of role- playing very quickly builds empathy and understanding in able-bodied children. They realize that their disabled counterparts develop their own set of problem-solving skills, and that in other ways, are no different from themselves. 5. Model the behavior you would like to see. Children learn far more from your actions than your words. Make sure that you, too, are displaying respect and loving-kindness to disabled people of all ages and abilities in our community. Passover provides a timely opportunity to teach our children about tolerance of all people. One of the most important aspects of Passover is to tell the Passover story in a way that helps our children understand what was sacrificed and gained so long ago for the Jewish people. The best way to do this is to keep our children engaged and interested in the preparation and in the Seder. Involve your children in making materials needed for the Seder, such as the Afikomen Holder and Haroset. For a list of suggestions for a child- friendly Seder come to our April 15th program at the Bellingham Library (details below) or contact Mindee Meltzer at mmeltzer@jfsmw.org. | ||||
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The afikomen
is the piece of matzah taken from the seder table, placed in a napkin
or special holder, and hidden during the Passover meal. If the children
don't find the afikomen, the seder is not complete! Our simple project is
great for kids of all ages. Materials: 1 9x12" sheet of felt, any color 1 metal snap Thread to match your felt Craft glue Fabric paint or additional felt sheets, your choice of colors Beads, ribbon or other decorations Directions: 1. Fold the shorter end of the felt up 5", leaving a 2" overhang at the top. Using craft glue, glue the overlapped sides together. 2. The 2" overhang is now the flap that will keep the envelope closed. Sew one side of the snap to the middle of the flap, and the other side to the bag, making sure to line up the snaps before sewing on the second one. 3. Use fabric paint or cut letters or shapes from the extra felt to decorate the front of the holder. Add embellishments with beads, ribbon, buttons, or Passover charms. | ||
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The haroset on the
seder plate represents the bricks made by the Hebrews when they were
slaves in Egypt.
Ingredients: 2 large Gala or Fuji apples, cored and quartered 3-5 TBS. concord grape juice or Passover wine 1 TBS. ground cinnamon 8 oz. cranberry chutney ½ c. chopped walnuts (pre-packaged "nut topping" is a great way to get nuts chopped fine) Directions: 1. Chop the apples fine. A hand food chopper is a great way for even little kids to help with the chopping or you can do it in your food processor. 2. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Chill at least 2 hours, but as long as overnight. | ||
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Kulanu brings
together young Jewish families in Metrowest, to make connections and
foster relationships to create a vibrant Jewish community. Kulanu offers
two types of programming: Kulanu Kids (targeted to children Birth to 7
years, though all are welcome) and Kulanu Connections (programs for
adults). Please email Stacey David, Kulanu Coordinator at kulanu@jfsmw.org for more information,
to RSVP to an event, or to receive a calendar of the upcoming spring and
summer events.
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Jewish Family Service
of Metrowest and the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston are
partnering to bring PJ Library to families in the greater Boston area! PJ
Library sends your child (aged 6 months to 6 years) a free Jewish book
each month. These books bring Jewish concepts and holidays into your
Jewish home- a home that fosters children's curiosity about their heritage
and helps you explore your Jewish identity through Jewish books and other
media. When you register, your child receives a free high-quality Jewish
children's book or CD every month for one year. Each book comes with
resources to help you use that month's selection in your home. To sign up
for PJ Library, please go to www.pjlibrary.org
and check Metrowest on the registration form.
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Living
Judaism
By Rabbi Wayne Dosick As parents, we often find ourselves answering questions on topics we haven't thought of in years - or never thought of at all! Those inquisitive children of ours want to know where clouds come from, what makes an engine go, how come water is clear, and a million other things. The hardest questions to answer, particularly for young children, are those about metaphysical subjects and religious traditions. Living Judaism does a beautiful job of explaining the beliefs, traditions and practices of Judaism, from Reform to Conservative to Orthodox, in a very easy-to-read format. Rabbi Dosick provides essays, timelines, historical facts and Talmudic interpretations of all things Jewish, providing an excellent source of information to help both adults and children understand the intricacies of our religion. | ||
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TEMPLE BETH
TORAH
Friday, April 11 at 6:30 pm - Small World Shabbat Sunday, April 20 at 6:30 pm - Congregational Seder Saturday, May 3 at 10:00 am - Small World Shabbat Sunday, May 4 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm - Mitzvah Day Friday, May 9 at 6:30 pm - Small World Shabbat For more information contact Michele Winn at thefourwinns@comcast.net TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM Saturday, April 12 at 9:00 am - Tot Shabbat followed by the Early Childhood Passover Program at 9:45 am Sunday, April 13 at 7:00 pm - Screening of the Darfur documentary, "The Devil Came On Horseback." It will be shown at First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Appropriate for teens 14 and older. Sunday, April 20 at 6:00 pm - 2nd night Seder at the Temple Friday, May 9 at 6:00 pm - Tot Shabbat Dinner followed by service Saturday, May 17 at 9:00 am - Tot Shabbat For more information contact Elana Jacoby at ekjacoby@comcast.net KULANU KIDS EVENTS Tuesday, April 15, 10:00 - 11:30 am PJ Library/Kulanu Passover Program Join us for an interactive Passover story time at the Bellingham Library. We will learn some Passover songs, do an art project, and have the kids help act out the Passover story. We'll also snack on some great Passover treats of homemade haroset (nut- free), matzah, apple cake and banana cake. Take some time to look at the PJ Library books we'll have on hand, and make sure to pick up one of our great info packets on how to have a child-friendly seder. This program is open to the community, so please bring a friend! Wednesday, May 14, 10:00 - 11:00 am Sing Shalom! Join us at the Milford Library for a fun-filled session of Jewish singing, dancing and instrument exploration. We'll listen to some Jewish songs, and sing some of our own, plus get some energy out with dancing and movement. Class is approx. 45 minutes long, followed by a snack. This program is designed for children ages 18 months to 4 years, though all ages are welcome. To RSVP to any Kulanu event, please contact Stacey David at kulanu@jfsmw.org or at 508-440-5299. KULANU CONNECTIONS EVENTS Saturday, April 12, 7:00 pm Couples Night Out: Dinner Club Kick Off Celebrate Havdallah with a little candle lighting, some challah-sharing, and a great meal at the home of Kulanu Coordinator Stacey David. Stacey will provide the main dish-you bring a side dish or dessert to share! This is a great way to meet some other Jewish couples in the area. (Please note, this will be a dairy meal.) Bring your favorite Passover recipe to share. If others are interested, we'd like to make this a regular monthly event, rotating among members' homes. Tuesday, May 6, 7:00 - 9:00 pm Girls Night Out: Kosher Wine Tasting at The Wine House, Holliston Really, kosher wines can be great! Come meet us at The Wine House in Holliston for some fine cheese, delicious dips and munchies, and a tasting of 8 different wines. We'll try 4 kosher wines that will drive the taste of Manischewitz right out of your head, as well as 4 non-kosher. Maybe you'll find a new favorite! Subsidized by Kulanu, this event is only $12.50/pp. A 10% discount will be extended by The Wine House for all purchases made at the event. They will also raffle off a bottle of wine and provide you with some fun facts and insight into the ones we taste that night. To RSVP to any Kulanu event, please contact Stacey David at kulanu@jfsmw.org or at 508-440-5299. COMMUNITY EVENTS Jewish Family Service of Metrowest's SEAS THE DREAM Sunday, May 4, 2008, 5:30 pm Framingham Sheraton Hotel, honoring Al and Judy Bernstein. Join the 400+ attendees and enjoy delicious cuisine offered by more than 15 outstanding restaurateurs, an incredible silent auction, and lively Klezmer music. Support the agency that brings you Kulanu and helps people from all walks of life; in particular, frail elders and vulnerable children. Tickets start at $150 per person, and $100 for people under 30 years old. For tickets and more information contact Susan Wulf at swulf@jfsmw.org or 508-875-3100. METROWEST JEWISH DAY SCHOOL Whimsical Wednesdays Parents and Grandparents gather together to celebrate Jewish holidays in a very casual and fun environment. One hour of stories, songs, crafts and a yummy snack. All programs begin at 9:45 a.m. and reservations are requested. April 16 - Passover May 14 - Yom Ha'atzma-ut To make a reservation, or for further information, contact Joyce Bohnen at 508-620-5554. MWJDS Maccabees Designed especially for pre-kindergartners, ages 4 and 5 and led by a member of the MWJDS faculty. You are invited for some fun, learning and celebration and to make new friends. April 13 - Passover Party To make a reservation, or for further information, contact Joyce Bohnen at 508-620-5554. _____________________________ | ||
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Jewish Family Service
of Metrowest
475 Franklin Street Framingham, MA 01702 508-875-3100 www.jfsmw.org Strengthening Lives, Building Community JFS/MW is your non-profit agency providing social and community services throughout the life cycle for people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds. Temple Etz Chaim 900 Washington Street Franklin, MA 02038 508-528-5337 www.temple-etzchaim.org Temple Beth Torah 2162 Washington Street Holliston, MA 01746 (508) 429-6268 www.bethtorah.org www.interfaithfamily.com Charles River Hadassah www.charlesriver.hadassah.org MetroWest Jewish Day School 29 Upper Joclyn Avenue Framingham, MA 01701 508-620-5554 www.mwjds.org Metrowest JCC 29 Upper Joclyn Avenue Framingham, MA 01701 Phone: 508-879-3300 www.jccgb.org | ||
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This is a complex world we live in, and as parents, we are faced with not only keeping our children happy and healthy, but with teaching them how to cope with life's complexities. We must teach them about tolerance and acceptance, about the ins-and-outs of our faith, and about having pride in being Jewish. This includes the responsibility of performing acts of loving- kindness, chesed, and remembering that all people are created in G-d's image, tzelem elokim. We hope we have provided some resources here to help you in these tasks, and hope you will contact us if you would like more information on any topic seen here. Happy Passover!
Sincerely,
 Stacey, Mindee, and Malka Jewish Family Service of Metrowest email: myoung@jfsmw.org
phone: 508-875-3100
web: http://www.jfsmw.org |
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