In this issue:
Sukkot & Simchat Torah: Make Family Memories!
Sukkot, a Hebrew word meaning "booths" or "huts," refers to the Jewish festival of giving thanks for the fall harvest, as well as the commemoration of the forty years of Jewish wandering in the desert after Sinai. Sukkot is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur. A sukkah is often erected by Jews during this festival, and it is common practice to eat, invite guests into, and even live in these temporary dwellings during Sukkot.
On Simchat Torah (meaning, "Celebration of the Torah") we celebrate by taking out the Torah scrolls, dancing and singing, and listening to the final verses of Deuteronomy and the first verses in the Book of Genesis.
Here are some great ways to make family memories.
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Build a Sukkah for under $40. A homespun sukkah is "way better for the earth, for the wallet, and for the spirit."
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Decorate a Sukkah. Click here for some traditional and non-traditional ideas.
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Personalize your Sukkah decorations. Collect favorite family photos and kids’ artwork. Label and date them, laminate them, poke a hole, string them, and hang in your sukkah. After the holiday, save for next year!
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Click here for PJ Library’s® list of Sukkot and Simchat Torah-related books.
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Visit a local synagogue for a Sukkah decorating party or a meal in the Sukkah.
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Watch this Shalom Sesame video to see how Grover invites friends to the Sukkah.
Y'all Welcome Rabbi Allison Vann
Cleveland’s newest rabbi, who moved from San Antonio, Texas in June with husband Charlie, 5-year old son Isaac, and two dogs, Frankie and Zeke. Allison “grew up” at Camp Harlam in the Poconos (1979-1986) and met her husband at Greene Family Camp in Bruceville, Texas. She was the first ordained woman rabbi in San Antonio and chose Cleveland because of its large Jewish community, friendly people & great schools. Learn more and connect!
One Happy Camper - Save Money on Overnight Camp!
Save up to $1,000 on Jewish Overnight Camp! One Happy Camper is a Jewish overnight camp incentive program (not need-based!) offering up to $1,000 to first-time campers attending one of the approved camps and up to $750 for second-time campers who received JECC funds as first-year campers. Learn more and apply!
Gift of Israel = Savings for Parents of Pre-K to 10th graders
A Gift of Israel is an incentive savings plan to encourage Jewish families to plan for an Israel learning experience as part of their children’s Jewish education. When you contribute money for your child, your synagogue and the Jewish Federation provide matching dollars. Contact Helen Wolf at the JECC, 216-371-0446, or click here for more information.
NEW – Nighttime PJ Library® Playgroup @ the Mandel JCC!
We heard you! Now you can enjoy fun, new friends, songs and PJ Library stories with the Mandel JCC's Debbie Friedman in the evening as well. Join us on Wednesday, October 19 from 10:30-11 a.m. or 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Free and open to the community. Learn more and RSVP.
Post PJ Library® Mother-Daughter Book Club
For girls entering 3rd and 4th grade (ages 8-9).
Join us for fun, friendship and a discussion about FREEDOM. Wednesday, October 26, 2011, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. at the Mandel JCC. Please RSVP by October 18 to info@letmypeopleknowcleveland.com or 216.593.2872. Free and open to the community. Hosted by PJ Library Parents Heather Lenson and Leslie Magden Moss.
Upcoming Events
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Thursday, October 13. KIDushat Sukkot at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple. This short morning service for preschoolers and their families includes songs, a story and sukkah decorating. 9:00 -10:00 AM.
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Saturday, October 15. Sukkot b’Yachad- family service led by Rabbi Hal for young children, their parents, and grandparents. Sukkot Shelanu- a service for children in grades K-2, led by Ines Ades, full of songs, prayer, activities, and stories. B’nai Jeshurun. 10:30 – 11:30 AM.
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Saturday, October 15. Tot Shabbat at Beth Israel – The West Temple. Join us for Sukkot & Shabbat Fun! 11:15 AM.
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Saturday, October 15. Spooky Pooch Parade. Join in the fun as dogs of all shapes and sizes dressed in their finest Halloween fashions strut their stuff in the heart of Lakewood’s business district. 12:30 – 3:30 PM.
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Saturday-Sunday, October 15-16. North Chagrin Nature Photography Weekend. Bring your camera for a weekend of photo treks and nature.
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Sundays, October 16 & October 30. Shoresh Family program at Suburban Temple Kol Ami. Hands on activities and age-appropriate learning for families with children ages 2-k.
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Wednesday, October 19. PJ Library Playgroup at Mandel JCC. 10:30 – 11:00 AM or 6:30 – 7:00 PM.
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Thursday-Sunday, October 20-23 and October 27-30. BOO at the ZOO. Designed for a younger audience, Boo at the Zoo offers eight nights of safe Halloween entertainment from 6:00- 9:00 PM.
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Wednesday, October 26. Post PJ Library Mother-Daughter Book Club - For girls entering 3rd and 4th grade (ages 8-9). Mandel JCC. 7:00-8:15 PM.
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Friday, October 28. Kinder Shabbat & Open Playroom. Drop in for a welcoming “Get ready for Shabbat” program with challah making and singing. B’nai Jeshurun. Free and open to the community.
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Friday-Monday, November 4-7. NCJW’s Designer Dress Days @ Legacy Village. Beachwood.
R U a Cleveland Advocate?
We’re developing strategies to ATTRACT people (in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s) to Cleveland. Natives and “newbies” – we need to hear what YOU think makes Cleveland great! Contact Kelly at krubanenko@jcfcleve.org to learn more and/or join an army of ambassadors!
Know any new babies under 1? Spread the word 'cuz we've got FREE GIFTS (really great tchotchkes) for them! 
Friends and family can Register new babies online or call 216.593.2900, ext. 213.
Let My People Grow is an initiative of the Jewish Federation to welcome new babies to Jewish Cleveland.
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