Summer Project Idea: Family Roots Tour

Looking for an unusual summer assignment? Even better -- something special for the family to do? My heirloom presentations have proven to me how much children want to connect with their ancestors and their heritage. So why not take the next step -- a family roots trip that brings heirlooms alive; a journey that will remind the younger generation that American Jews have a rich and fascinating history. A nation within a nation, they struggled, succeeded and made their mark. Many did so while making sure to preserve their Jewish identity. That's the message we want to bring home and what better time than during a summer vacation!

I bring this up because now I can speak from experience. Meet the descendants of Fannie and Charlie Sneider -- at least most of them.

As you can see, I am part of that tribe. Since my husband and I are in the States and soon on our way back to Israel, one of my cousins suggested a family reunion. The idea quickly evolved into a family roots tour, fittingly held Memorial Day weekend. It collectively transported us from Texas, Florida, Maryland, New York and New Jersey to Asbury Park. Yes it's Bruce Springstein's hometown, but our ancestors got there first. More importantly, they laid the foundation for Jewish life in this popular seashore resort.

Of course, nothing stays the same. The original building housing the synagogue Sons of Israel, founded by our great/grandfather no longer stands. But its second location -- circa 1949 -- remains an active part of a different stripe of the city's religious life. Today it's a Haitian church. Still, the stained glass windows with Jewish symbols remain in place.

The cemetery Great/Grandpa founded is beautifully kept up. Going to the family plot and viewing the tombstones of relatives long gone gave all of us pause.

As did the house where our grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles grew up.

And for those relatives who couldn't make it, but wanted to be part of this memorable family event, we Skyped them in and provided an update along with lots of laughs.

At the end of the weekend we all agreed that this was a trip well worth making. While most of the 20+ and 30+ generation couldn't  make it, a few did, including one set of young parents. A lot wiser about our family heritage, they now have the tools to pass the story down to the next generation. 

Now that's something to look forward to!

Special Offer for the Coming School Year

15% Discount on all Virtual Visits Booked by June 15

The school year is winding down and pretty soon you'll be planning next year's activities.

How about inviting me into your classroom via skype?

My virtual author visits engage students while at the same time reduce costs for you. Have a look at my extensive book repertoire.

There's a book and matching program for Hanukkah, Tu B'Shvat, Passover,Yom Hashoah and Yom Ha'Atzmaut, PLUS two wonderful books and a program on family heirlooms that help students connect with their ancestors and heritage.

Click here for more information on my virtual visits 

or contact me

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Tami

Turn the Shavuot Custom of Greenery Decorations into an Ecology Lesson

I couldn't help but see the constant green connection to Shavuot in my latest search for new customs. So many revolve around first fruits, greenery decorations, even paper cuts with  images of leaves and flowers surrounding the Torah and other Jewish symbols.

An aha moment? You bet. Especially when I connected the fact that the children of Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years and several millenia later their descendants took that same desert, tamed it and turned it into verdant fields.

Israel's modern agricultural miracle is a continuation of the rules the Torah taught us about protecting the environment -- and like Tu B'Shvat, Shavuot is a timely holiday for rejoicing over the environmental protection blueprint which the Torah has provided.

Have a look at two of the many environmental lessons from the Torah that we can share with our children:

1. Orlah: Connect celebrating the appearance of first fruits with this law teaching us that nature needs time to mature. While we rejoice over seeing the first fruits of a tree (usually in the third year), to truly savor its taste we must wait one more year before taking our first bite.

2. Bal Tash'khit: This Biblical law teaches us how to preserve the land. Over the centuries the rabbis expanded on it to include the concept of using only what is necessary.

Looking for another green connection with Shavuot? Try this out for size: The story of Ruth incorporates the world's first food drive. After all, didn't Boaz tell Ruth she could reap from the leftover bounty in his fields?

A different slant for this year's Shavuot lesson? Continue your green lesson plan by leafing through the pages of my book, Green Bible Stories for Children for more eco-lesson ideas.

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