Friday, May 4, 2018

It Takes One Voice

This week- I did something tremendous.  Something that affected the lives of not just my children, but every single Kindergartner at my daughter's school.  Possibly the 1st and 2nd graders too..

I asked my school to move her music concert because of Shavuot's 2nd day of Observance.

On the one hand, I'm so thrilled I could jump over the moon.  On the other hand, I'm sort of in awe over my ability to have influence.

When we chose our little Linnie's school I knew we were making a great choice.  It's the only public IB program in the county- and it's also a K-8 school which means less driving down the road for Mama.

But I knew that there were going to be drawbacks.  One of those was that it was a 'local' school.  At least 50% of the people walk or bike to school each day. Which is great- for them, for the environment, and for the drop-off line!  But it also means that all the kids live together in a way that Linnie and I can't match.  We aren't just around the corner for a play date.

Additionally the school isn't very religiously diverse.  It's got a lot going for it with socioeconomic diversity and racial diversity, but Linnie is the only non-secular Jew in her class.  I was definitely expecting it to be a challenge to go from a Jewish school environment to a secular one with all those public school trappings of Christianity.  But I've been shocked by what has actually happened... I've been respected, listened to, and accommodated without concern.

When I walked into the office to comment that they placed the kindergarten music concert on the same day as Shavuot I was greeted initially with confusion- Shavuot?  But they were polite, and kind and curious.  And also willing to help.

The Principal came out and offered to call the music teacher- they would see what they could do.  Especially when I explained the part about Yizkor. 

It's an awe-inspiring moment to know that you have taken your commitment to your religion to a whole new level.

Now, like my cousin Greg said, can I really justify celebrating the 2nd day?  If it hadn't been Yizkor  would I have felt so strongly about my daughter missing school?  Questions for next year, since this year I've made my commitment....

Copyright Chabad.org- their website has amazing graphics! 

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Gifts For Mom- A Book

I'm occasionally asked if I would like to review a book- and usually, I say no.  There aren't very many Jewish publishers, so most of the books I'm asked to review are generic books.  But when this one came across my email inbox, I couldn't pass it up....


Did you know your favorite late night act also wrote children's books?  Wonderful children's books at that!  He has two kiddos himself, and while his first book focused on the Dad's (Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA) he's turned his focus to the Moms.

What follows is truly a magical book for any mom.  It's just the truth!



With adorable pictures and cute animals who all, of course, love Mama!  Each page features a mother and child pair- wonderfully drawn with life and vitality.

In case you were concerned that it would be dull- I promise there is a surprise for all of us- especially those with kiddos who are old enough to read.

It has a wonderful affirming ending that rings so true for all of us- but I won't spoil it for you!


See- it's Baby approved!  And no, Mr.Fallon- he hasn't decided if it's tasty yet!
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...