Yom Ha’Atzmaut – Background Biblical Israel dates back 3000 years. After the destruction of the Second Temple 2000 years ago, the Jewish people were dispersed to other countries all over the world. It wasn’t until 1948 that the modern country of Israel was created. In 70 C.E., the Jewish people…
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Passover with Sammy Spider and the Children of Early Childhood Center of the JCC of Dallas
“Our continued exploration with Sammy. Each class was encouraged to make a center piece for our School-wide Community Passover Experience. Gan Shalom wanted to make one with Sammy, so they fashioned a spiderweb using two paper towel holders and some yarn and perched Sammy on top. Many of them also…
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CHELSEA CLINTON’S FAMILY AND SAMMY SPIDER
BABY ON BOARD! Chelsea Clinton and husband Marc keep it casual as they rock jeans while helping their kids Charlotte and Aidan into a car for a family dinner out. Chelsea Clinton and her husband Marc Mezvinsky were spotted taking their children out in a black car in New York…
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Jewish Education, Writing Children’s Books and the Vilna Gaon
A story of Rabbi Elijah of Vilna influenced my decision to become a Jewish educator and ultimately, a writer. He is often referred to as the Vilna Gaon or Genius of Vilna. Born in 1720, he was studying the Bible and Talmud by the age of 6. Although he grew…
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Fun Things to do at Home and at School with Sammy Spider
Sammy Spider’s First Rosh Hashanah (focus on sizes to reinforce holiday symbols as you teach size relationships, small, middle-sized, and large). Use a picture of Sammy Spider or a spider puppet. Ask children to help Sammy Spider find the smallest apple, the middle-sized challah, the biggest bowl of honey, the…
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Thoughts on the Pew Report by a Jewish Children’s Author
As a young child, I was charmed by All of a Kind Family, amused by the stories of Chelm and captivated by the Diary of Ann Frank. As a teenager, I was intrigued by Exodus and O Jerusalem. And as an adult, I finally read The Mouse in the Matzah…
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