Worried for nothing...

When my daughter first joined the junior choir at the synagogue, I feared that it would hamper her ability to read Hebrew. I though that she would memorize the songs and liturgy and that would be it. I asked the choir director and cantor if my worries were valid. They politely told me not to worry. And it turns out - much to my delight - that I was wrong.



When I hear her read from her Hebrew primer (10 minutes a night, 5x a week -most of the time LOL), she recognizes the words and starts singing a prayer or part of a song that she learned in choir practice for Family services. Tonight's word was "oneg" - oh yeah - she knew what that was. (For those who don't know - the oneg is the cookies and desserts served after Shabbat services). She gets excited that she recognized the word and goes on to read what other words are familiar.


Hebrew is taught in such a different way now than when I was a kid (Thank G-d!). I remember my primitive primer with endless lines of text and the hebrew letter of the week centered at the top of the page in 36 pt. font size. Today's Hebrew primer has colorful pictures, writing activities, and basic words and themes that relate to the words she is reading. And guess what - it comes with a computer game too! She can play Hebrew video games and listen to someone read the words back to her to make sure she got them right. Positive reinforcement - Love it!



Even my 6 year old, who doesn't start Hebrew for another 2 1/2 years follows along. Who could ask for anything more?

An 80's Purim Shpiel in the works...

After the Purim Schpiel (play) ended and we finished up the last of the hamantashen, I started to think about next year's celebration. As a program director, I am always thinking ahead and trying to come up with creative ideas. While Purim is not one of the holidays I oversee, I thought about what kind of Purim Shpiel I wanted to see next year. And then it hit me - a Totally Radical 80's Purim Shpiel!

As a child of the 80's and huge fan of movies, music and the lingo (which I manage to slip into regular conversation from time to time), I started to think of how "totally awesome" it would be. The first song was easy - Vashti could sing "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" right after she says (in a Valley Girl voice) "Dude - I am not going to your party...like gag me with a spoon!" When the king chooses a new queen, we hear Mambo #5 as the theme music ("A little bit of Monica in my life; a little bit of Erica by my side ...").

Anyway, it is a work in progress, but I have visions of Haman quoting Bender in the Breakfast Club with his iconic quote, "You couldn't ignore me if you tried" and the entire cast at the end putting on sunglasses and dancing to "The Future's So Bright - I Gotta Wear Shades.

Well, I've got a year to work on it...

Oy Vey! More Snow?

Just when I thought it was safe to put the shovel and snowman kits away and just in time for my son to lose his snow gloves at school, the weather forecast calls for more snow.

I should have picked this year to go to spring training in Florida this week. :(

Born to Run?

I have a love/hate relationship with exercise. I love the way I feel after I am done exercising, but I hate getting myself out there to actually do it. I thought I tried everything - I am not coordinated enough to take any of the classes. I usually get frustrated at my lack of balance and endurance and leave soon after class starts. I liked the spin class for a while, but if you don't get there early enough (and I mean REALLY early in the morning) - you don't get a bike. Weight lifting is a little too intimidating, but I am willing to get into a routine. The eliptical machine has been a long time friend - but is now getting a little dull.

The only thing that I have found that I enjoy - to my great surprise- is running. I love the cool air in my face when I run outside. I love listening to my Ipod playlists with corny songs like the theme from Rocky and my favorite 90's big hair heavy metal tunes. The best part is that it is truly "me time." No one is running after me with a question or an issue that needs to be solved right away. This is my time to let out a little stress, listen to my tunes, and let my mind wander.

In order to get the essence of running, I've hired a personal trainer. We meet once a month and she keeps me motivated, gives me a plan and sage advice to ensure success. Best money I've ever spent! Why should my kids get all of the money to do fun activities. While I won't keep my trainer forever, having her by my side or just a phone call away keeps me motivated, dedicated and committed to my goal. And it is paying off! I've lost about 8lbs so far. My legs are looking a little less flabby and I'm losing a little of my muffin top. Thanks to her - I've set a new goal for myself - to run and cross the finish line of a 5K race this spring. Wish me luck...

To end, this Jersey girl quotes that infamous Jersey boy from my playlist - "Baby,(maybe) we were born to run...."