Hanukkah in New York City Archives

09Dec

The Miracle of Hanukkah – What it Really Means to Me

(This piece was inspired by an article I read today in the NYT - you can find it here.) Last night was the first night of Hanukkah. The holiday falls much earlier than Christmas this year, which is always nice for parents like us. There is less to compete with. Trees aren't up yet in many homes and my kids aren't hearing talk of Santa lists, although I'm sure that talk will start tomorrow as Christmas is coming and the birds are getting fat ("please to put a penny in the old man's hat"). We managed to keep the emphasis on the candle lighting and Read More

01Dec

Hanukkah in New York City

Posted by The Culture Mom 2 Comments

New York is fabulous this time of year. You have the tree at Rockefeller Center, the department store windows and so much more. But, NYC has just as much to offer its Jewish residents who celebrate Hanukkah. Whether it be a massive candle lighting with hundreds of other New Yorkers or Family Day at the Jewish Museum with art and music, you and your child will have many opportunities to celebrate and learn about the holiday. Here are some of the offerings this year: Hanukkah Family Day at the Jewish Museum Sunday, December Read More

26Dec

Candle Seven: Growing Up a Fish Out Of Water

Posted by The Culture Mom 19 Comments

When I was growing up in Atlanta, there were less than 100,000 Jewish residents in a city of several million. My parents had moved there from Philadelphia, and they retained much of that Northern Jewishness that set us apart growing up. Much of that was cultural - bagels and lox on Sunday mornings, for example, instead of grits and fried chicken. We were members of the Temple, the biggest Reform shul in the city, and my sisters and I went to Sunday School and were had Bat Mitzvahs and confirmations. We were involved members of the community, and it Read More

30Nov

Hanukkah Activities in New York City

Posted by The Culture Mom 3 Comments

Every year during this time we are reminded that we live near the greatest city on earth. Christmas is spectacular and we love seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center, the decorated department store windows, the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall and so much more. But, NYC has just as much to offer its Jewish residents who celebrate Hanukkah. Whether it be a massive candle lighting with hundreds of other New Yorkers or Family Day at the Jewish Museum with art and music, you and your child will have many opportunities to celebrate and learn Read More