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April 19, 2013
9 Iyar, 5773
Vol XXVIII
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Dates To Remember....
Grades 4/5 Family Service and Tot Shabbat
11:00 am
Sun., Night...April 28
Lag B'Omer--Family Campfire--Tenafly Nature Center
6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Fri., May 3
Siddur Ceremony (For 2nd graders and new students) and Congregational Dinner
6:00-Dinner
7:00-Services and Ceremony
Save the Dates:
Wed., May 29
Hebrew School Graduation/Moving up Ceremony--and Dinner
Sun., June 2
Israel Day Parade
Stay Tuned for Details!
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Midat HaHodesh
(How do we measure up?)
Lashon HaTov
We will focus this month on how to communicate in a kind manner to one another
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Congregation Gesher Shalom-JCC of Fort Lee
1449 Anderson Avenue
Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024
(201) 947-1735
www.geshershalom.org
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The Boston Bombings....
Once again, we have experienced trauma in our backyard. Yes...the bombings in Boston were felt here in Northern New Jersey. Just yesterday, my daughter asked..."Daddy, what happened in Boston"? Like any parent, I hesitated, initially, and then asked her what she had heard. She said she heard nothing specific but that she thought something bad happened.
When discussing these and the traumas that we are unfortunately becoming more accustomed to with our children, we must think about a number of factors. Among the considerations, include our own emotional reactions and accompanying ability to communicate, the age and development of our children, and their own emotional state of being. Here are just a few thoughts as we once again confront tragedy and observe once again an increase in security measures in our surroundings. Development Children ages 2 and below--although they cannot understand the trauma, they can respond to our own reactions and emotional state. Because of this they may be more emotional.
Children ages 5 and below--they CAN understand traumatic events and the consequences, but they will likely rely heavily on adults for comfort.
Children 10 and below--Because they understand trauma, they may choose to withdraw...like not wanting to be with friends or go to school. They may ask for additional TLC.
Adolescents--They may find it additionally difficult to express their feelings directly and may act out more. They may experience increased physical pains which may or may not be real.
Quick Tips:
- Pay increased attention to your children and be a good listener
- Allow them to ask questions--don't volunteer information...let it come from their questions.
- Encourage them to do helpful and direct activities like writing letters to victims.
- Of course...let them know that the traumatic event is not their fault.
- It's ok for the children to see you be emotional, but try to contain the emotions to words and tears as opposed to screaming, kicking, yelling, etc. These additional reactions can compound the fear.
(this information was compiled in part from infomation provided by the Substance Abuse and Mential Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Director of Education
cory@geshershalom.org
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Siddur Ceremony 2013
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Building Community Continued...
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Sunday, April 14th
11:00 Open Gym for adults--play basket ball
Volley ball, ping pong and more
11:30 Sunday Schmooze--join us for coffee and more as we socialize with one another
noon-1:00
Pick-up...or have your kids join you in the Gym for lots of sports fun--this is under parental supervision.
 | Passover Model Seder, April 24, 2013
Over 100 attendees! |
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Hebrew School Family Campfire
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Sunday, April 28th
Families are invited to celebrate Lag B'Omer with a traditional campfire. Enjoy Israeli music, food, and stories.
Where: Tenafly Nature Center
Time: 6:00 pm
Who: All Hebrew School Families
Cost: $5 per person
RSVP to Cory at cory@geshershalom.org
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| Tot Shabbat | |
Tot Shabbat will take place in April, 2013 on the following dates:
Saturday, April 27, 2013
(Recommended for families with children in grades 1 and below).
11:00 am till noon |
| Family Services | |
Family Services in March are as follows:
Saturday, April 27, 2013--Grades 4/5 Family Service
Interested in sponsoring the Kiddush? Only $36. Let Cory know. 11:00 am till noon |
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