Uncle Moishe told me the last time we talked on the phone that he was playing some canasta in the Shul's social hall with his childhood friend, Murray Brodsky. They both went to P.S. 50 in the Bronx and had remained in the same neighborhood all these years. Anyway, Murray tells Unc that his wife, Sarah, was working part time in a gift shop on Moshula Parkway. Just to make a little mah jongg money, Murray said. One day she noticed an older gentleman in the card section of the shop. After about an hour of unwrapping a shipment of chochkeys she walked by the card section again and the man was still there looking at the cards. She introduced herself and asked if she could be of any help. The elderly man frowned and said, "Well, I don't know. I'm having a problem. I can't seem to find anything that my wife would believe."

JHJCC hires J-Play instructor, begins Nov. 3

I am very pleased to join the Jackson Hole Jewish Community as J-Play's new preschool instructor. I recently relocated to Jackson Hole from my hometown of Milwaukee, WI, where Jewish learning played an integral role in my childhood.My most formative Judaic experiences include Jewish summer camp in the Wisconsin north woods, assisting Hebrew school and special education Sunday school at the synagogue where I became a Bat Mitzvah, travelling to Israel under the Birthright program, and attending the Milwaukee Jewish Day School, where I began a now decade-long study of modern Hebrew.

One of my favorite aspects of Judaism is the high value it places on

lifelong learning

Getting ready for J-Play at the JHJC Center.

, beginning both religious and secular education at an early age. This commitment to education inspires curiosity, creativity, and an eagerness to ask questions, all of which I know will continue to be a central part of J-Play. Through activities, songs, stories, and Hebrew vocabulary, we will blend learning and fun for both parents and children. I will include a short list of Hebrew words to use each session, with the goals of familiarity and engagement rather than strict retention. Each session will explore a different theme that may relate to an upcoming Jewish holiday, the weekly Torah portion, or a secular topic such as our first session's Autumn theme. Feedback is encouraged and will be incorporated into future sessions. I look forward to joining J-Play's educational journey! J-Play is currently offered free of charge for students under the age of five. Students must be accompanied by a parent and parent participation is encouraged. Snacks and supplies are provided.  

- Amira Burns

 Sunday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. JHJC Center
Autumn

• Intro/Icebraker
• Songs with Chazzan Judd
• Nature walk, leaf collection
• Snack
• Leaf pattern art project
• Story

Sunday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m., JHJC Center: 

Chanukah

• Chanukah story
• Songs with Chazzan Judd
• Chanukah blessings
• Snack
• Menorah art project
• Dreidel