Sure, we think of Hanukkah as an indoor holiday, where we gather around the menorah to light the candles. But can you imagine taking Hanukkah outdoors this year? I’m a big fan of Wilderness Torah and the activities they do to connect Jewish celebrations with nature. This year, they are planning a Chanukah Maker Faire for grades K-5. Because those encompass the ages of our grands, it spoke to me powerfully. But until I read about their program, I had not imagined outdoor activities as part of our holiday fun. Among other things, they will: Dip beeswax candles Cook applesauce over … [Read more...]
Homemade Hanukkah Gifts - Art
Like many of you, we are an interfaith family – with a rare opportunity this year to weave together our traditions. Hanukkah begins on December 22. When we gather this year, we hope to be together for several nights of Hanukkah, including Christmas. But we want to downplay the gifts. SO – we will follow my daughter’s lead and create themed nights, as they do when they are home for Hanukkah. Games night. Books night. Outside exploring night. And while we have all decided to limit gifts to one per child, we want them to understand the pleasure of giving to others, too. My hope … [Read more...]
TaDa - How to Make a Dreidel Cake
Is a dreidel cake better than any other Hanukkah treat? Not really, but . . . I love all kinds of desserts for Hanukkah – from the cookies I made when I was a kid and that I made with our girls and our niece (with cookie cutters and colored sugar) to jelly-filled doughnuts to chocolate gelt. But there is something truly festive about a cake for a family gathering. This year, why not try making a dreidel-shaped cake? You can use a simple box mix and bake it in a 9” x 13” x 2” pan. Dreidel Cake Directions Cut 2 triangles off the bottom. Then place the … [Read more...]
Save Recyclables Now for Hanukkah Crafting
Countdown - 45 days till Hanukkah! Thanks to this great post from creativejewishmom.com, I can share with you her reminder to start saving your recyclables now to make all kinds of fun Hanukkah crafts. It was definitely a wake up call for me! So here’s what she recommends holding onto: Cereal boxes to make gift packages – I would never have thought of that! What a great idea. Aluminum foil boxes and tubes to make Hanukkah menorahs. Toilet paper tubes – also to make Hanukkah menorahs. Milk cartons - to make gift packages and more. Again, I never would have … [Read more...]
Rosh Hashanah - A Time to Sow Jewish Tradition
Rosh Hashanah is the time of year to plant the seeds of tradition - even in your youngest children. And this year, with Rosh Hashanah coming at the end of September, we truly are celebrating autumn. Changing leaves. Changing wildflowers. Changing winds. As it often does, the Jewish calendar is enhancing our appreciation of this shift from one season to the next. Encouraging your young explorers A simple way to celebrate the movement toward Rosh Hashanah is to go for a stroll in a nearby park, looking for little signs of fall. Here is a lovely recollection of one Mom’s experience doing … [Read more...]
