Hanukkah 2007

Bad Toys
By Annette van de kamp-Wright

(This column was previously published in The Jewish Press, November 2007)

 With Hanukkah just around the corner, it’s time for the December Dilemma.  I am not referring to any real or imaginary issues we have with the Christmas season; I am talking about the question of what appropriate Hanukkah presents look like. I know people who manage to make it through eight days with the help of Gelt and candles, and maybe a donut and a latke or two, and I admire them.  They avoid greedy behavior, spending too much money, and wasting hours wrapping every gift just so.  This is not the case at our house.

 

            Of course, my husband and I have set the precedent years ago, and now we are stuck: Hanukkah is here and presents are expected.  I think that’s okay; besides, I like buying and wrapping presents for my children.  Now that my daughter is in first grade, she plans ahead: as soon as the first toy catalog hits the mailbox, she buries her nose in it and sighs wistfully every five minutes or so.  I told her to make a list with things she would like; if she is expecting ridiculous things like ponies or a new house, I’d like to know about it.  We set rules: for each toy she has to write down a book; and my husband and I agree that only one Barbie is allowed. What’s more, nothing can be over fifteen dollars. That way we avoid unacceptable items like the “Barbie hot tub party bus” and the “Barbie gymnastic Divas playset”.  I am not making this up.

            When she presents me with her “Hnakah”-list, I am pleasantly surprised; there is not a single item over $15.   She wants a crown, a fake flower, and a new dress. As an extra reminder, she has drawn a picture of a present in the corner of the paper.  As far as books go, she casts her net a little wider: instead of specifics, she has written down categories, such as art-books, and ‘funny books’. This begs the question of what books are ‘funny’ to six year olds.  I’ve already bought her a ‘Shakespeare for Children’ book; would she consider that funny?  I doubt it.  All in all, this is not such a bad list.  Judging from the toy catalog, things could be much more grave.

            For instance, there is a dinosaur doll, that develops its own personality based on how much time you spend with it.  In other words, time you don’t spend reading, or being outside, or cleaning your room.  The cost is a mere $349.99.  I wonder, if you leave it lying around too much, does it develop a personality disorder? Does it become socio-pathic if you don’t cuddle it?  That’s a pretty big risk to take for a couple of hundred dollars. The toy that truly puzzles me is a doll by the name of ‘baby alive wets ‘n wiggles’.  Yes, it is exactly what you think it is.  Who comes up with that?  And who wants a doll in the house that pees and doesn’t lie still; didn’t we suffer enough when our own, very real, babies went through that phase?  Hm, maybe I can buy this for her when she turns 16, as a warning?

This year, there are some new toys inspired by the movie “Transformers”.  My husband liked the movie; I didn’t see it and plan to keep it that way.  “But it has Shia LaBeouf in it!” he’ll say, as if a Jewish actor in the lead role automatically makes a movie acceptable.  Even he has to admit, though, that the accompanying toys are questionable at best.  Take for example the ‘Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet’, or the ‘Optimus Prime Battle Rig Blaster’.  Who even knows what these things are?  The little boys that wish for them are probably also enchanted by the idea of owning the ‘Ben 10 Deluxe Ominitrix’, which is a kind of oversized wristwatch that apparently helps defeat evil.  Well, no ten year old can live without one of those, I guess. 

            I have to ask myself, am I going to be one of those parents that absolutely don’t understand what their children want?  Do I make fun of, and use sarcasm when confronted with the toy aisle, merely to mask the fact that I’m experiencing a disconnect?  Maybe.  When I am confronted with the picture of a tent shaped like a café, I enquire whether it comes with a real coffee maker. Now that would be handy.  My daughter doesn’t think I am funny and rolls her eyes; she’s probably worried sick about what I’m buying for her.

            Of course, the real question remains to be answered: what is Hanukkah really about?  Because we all know that it isn’t about presents, and it isn’t about how crisp the Latkes are, or whether that new dress matches your expectations.  I do believe that, although Hanukkah is one of the minor holidays, it can fulfill a major role in our Jewish life, if we let it.  It is about spending time with friends and family, and about togetherness; about forming strong bonds through traditions and beliefs. About believing that miracles continue to happen, every day. It is, in short, a holiday that reminds us that Judaism brings light to dispel the darkness that so often surrounds us.  And dispelling darkness is better for our children than any toys I can think of.  

Camp Gan Israel 2007

Chabad Knows Kids

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

 

Recently, another successful summer camp was brought to a close at the Chabad House.  According to Estie Katzman, who has served as one of the camp counselors for years, this was the most enjoyable Camp Gan Israel yet: “What we really liked this year was the fact that camp ran through the 4rth of July. We were able to incorporate a really nice Barbeque right in the middle of camp, and include parents and grandparents in the camp experience.” Parent involvement is key when it comes to giving children a meaningful time over the summer.  “Camp Gan Israel offers much more than merely a place to drop your children off,” according to Estie, “we encourage parents to be aware of the wonderful things their children learn during camp. The Kids bring what they learn home, and hopefully incorporate many Mitzvot into their daily life. It is a spiritually enriching time for the whole family.” The Gan Israel Camp was awarded a grant from the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation.

The campers enjoyed many different things, such as swimming, a visit to the Durham Western Heritage museum, and crafts. They went to Fun Plex, they went bowling, and had a fashion show. They learned Israeli dancing and many, many songs. They learned about Tzedakah and many other Mitzvot, such as saying Brachot and helping each other. Most importantly, they learned what it means to be a proud Jewish “superhero”.  “We want children and families to leave here with a sense of how joyful Judaism really is,” Shani Katzman says, “and we want them to come back, often.”

Coming back should not be hard, considering what Chabad has planned for this Fall.  September 5^th will mark the beginning of “Thank G-d it’s Wednesday”, a new program for parents with young children who are not yet in school.  One of the organizers is Tippi Denenberg, who has three young children of her own. “I think it is important to have a place and time for parents to get together,” she says. “We are trying to create an environment where we not only pay attention to the spiritual needs of our children, but also to those of the parents. Raising children is a challenge. Getting together with others, and exchanging experiences can create good discussions, and provide a sense of support.”             

In addition to the TGIW program, there will be more Mishpacha (Family) Mornings this Fall. Mishpacha Mornings are held most Sundays from 10:15 until 11:45 and are aimed at families with children age 6 and younger. “A real breakfast awaits you upon arrival, everyone noshes and chats, the kids and adults have quick separate meetings to discuss the daily topics at their level, and lastly everyone regroups to tie it all together or to finish an art project. It’s amazing how many meaningful, thoughtful, and useful Jewish ideas come out of just one morning at Chabad. Regardless of your level of observance, you are guaranteed to learn something for you and your children in a relaxed and fun atmosphere”, Denenberg says.  All Mishpacha University programs will officially kick off on September 12^th with an apple picking event. An afternoon outing to an apple orchard will be organized for all who are interested. Mishpacha Mornings will be receiving funding from the Esther K. Newman/Carolyn Kully Newman Foundation.

Another event planned for fall is the repeat of last year’s “Challah-thon”.  On September 10, anyone interested in baking, eating, or purchasing Challah is welcome to come to the Chabad House around 7 p.m. and join in the fun.  “This is more than just a baking class”, Shani Katzman says. “It will give people a chance to connect within a traditional context. We will have several recipes to share, and for anyone too busy to bake for Rosh Hashanah, fresh, home-baked Challahs are available for purchase.”   

Naturally, Chabad will have adult education available several times a week as well.  To find out dates and times for any of the abovementioned activities, and to register you family for the Fall semester, please call Chabad at 330 1800, or check out the program at www.ochabad.com.   

 

 

 

 

Chabad 20th Anniversary

20 Years of Celebrating Tradition in a Modern World

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

 

It was 1986, and Rabbi Mendel Katzman and his wife Shani had been married for a year and a half, when they and their newborn baby first arrived on the scene in Omaha, Nebraska.  “It was very exciting,” Shani says, “We knew absolutely nobody, and had never even seen the city of Omaha.”  Both Katzmans were prepared and hoping to be sent somewhere in order to operate their very own Chabad House. Rabbi Katzman explains that to be sent out by Chabad is not the same as coming to a pulpit:  “You have a specific mission, and you are asked to make a lifetime commitment to empower all Jews to become what they are meant to be.”  Both Katzmans acknowledge there was no specific reason to come to Omaha beforehand to see what they were getting themselves into; they would have said yes to any destination. Rabbi Katzman had traveled extensively for Chabad, and they had done some traveling as a couple before being sent to Omaha and asked to open up their own Chabad House.

 

Shani Katzman remembers the first days well: “Although we found a wonderful and warm community when we came, many people thought we were too old fashioned for these modern times, and saw us as having not much relevance. Little by little, we were able to convince people that traditional Judaism always has relevance; we focus on maintaining traditions while bringing new vitality and enthusiasm. We attempt to revive many elements that people may remember from their grandparents, certain practices and customs that have fallen by the wayside either because of assimilation, or for other reasons.”

           

According to Shani, the Bima at Chabad serves as a visual reminder that ‘new is not always better’: “The Bima was originally housed at the Kapulier Shul, but when we received it, it was covered in three layers of paint. It was painstakingly restored to its former glory; nowadays we often receive comments about how beautiful it is.”

 

The Chabad House is not a Synagogue, but an outreach organization. It requires no membership, and collects no dues. “Visitors of all different backgrounds can feel welcome here because they aren’t expected to live up to a certain standard,” Rabbi Katzman says. “We accept all Jews without asking them to fit a certain mold; we want to be a bridge that connects the finite with the infinite, the past with the present, and the deeply committed with the peripherally involved.”

 

Kelly Kirk is a regular presence at the Chabad house; she and her children take classes and attend special events whenever they can: “We always feel welcome at Chabad, and have grown tremendously as a family.”  Current programming includes Mishpacha Morning, which takes place on Sunday; while parents focus on that week’s Parsha or various holiday-related lessons, the children follow their own program, often accompanied by lots of screaming that can be heard throughout the entire building. “Mishpacha Mornings are great,” says Kelly Kirk, “It always starts off with a fantastic breakfast, and gives parents the opportunity to learn alongside their children, as well as connect with other parents from many different backgrounds.”

Another well-attended function is “Bedtime Storytime”, which is organized on a monthly basis by Shevi and Estie Katzman.  Children of all ages are invited to come to Chabad, dressed in their pajamas; ready for snack-and story time. They are encouraged to bring blankets and stuffed animals; after they do a craft, it’s time to spread out on the floor and listen to the storyteller.  Chabad also offers religious school, summer- and winter camps, adult education, and special holiday events, such as the March 21 Purim party that is currently being planned.

 

Excitement is building about Chabad’s Gala, which is scheduled for April 13, 2008: “We want to raise awareness of who we are,” Rabbi Katzman says, “and let people know how much we can contribute to their lives. Also, a large part of Judaism is feasting, partying, and gathering your friends together. We want to say thank you to our honored guests, Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum, and Mike and Gail Yanney, not via a Hallmark card, but in person.”

 

“Rabbi Katzman did not come into this community with a ‘heavy hand’, Joe Kirshenbaum explains, “and he quickly endeared himself to many members in the community. He is very good at motivating people to go that extra mile, without stepping on anybody’s toes. Rabbi Katzman has the time and freedom to go anywhere.  And he does, quietly, making a difference one on one.  He and Shani add a dimension to our community that’s critical.  More people need to know them.”

 

Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum have known the Katzman family since they first came to Omaha, and have been supportive of Chabad since the beginning, something Rabbi Katzman is grateful for: “It is very heartwarming to know people that are always ready to give advice, and support us in any way they can.” 

 

Rabbi Katzman has been equally impressed with Mike and Gail Yanney’s presence in the Omaha community:” Mike and Gail Yanney are all about rolling up their sleeves, and not farming things out to others. Both couples are so unassuming; in spite of their respective accomplishments, they have stayed the same. Being that humble is not a natural reaction to success. They represent many values Chabad stands for, such as concern for the individual and lack of complacency.”

 

After being part of the community for twenty years, Chabad will be saying ‘thank you’ in a big way; the Mitzvah and Music Gala promises to be big, innovative, and, most of all, extremely fun.            

 

The Gala will take place on Sunday April 13, from 5:30 until 8:30, at KANEKO, the exciting new creativity center on 11^th and Jones.  For ticket information, please call the Chabad House at 330-1800.