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10 Takeaways from a Conversation with our State Assemblyman David Buchwald on his Candidacy for Congress

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David and Lara Buchwald
Photo By Sarah Merians Boutique Photography, courtesy of David Buchwald

In keeping with our Top Ten theme, here are ten key takeaways gleaned from my interview with David Buchwald, shortly after our 41 year-old legislator (Assembly District 93) announced his candidacy in October for the 17th Congressional district held by Nita Lowey for the last 31 years. After he was among the first to enter the race*: the interview took place over a 45-minute session seated at his dining room table in White Plains.

1. He is very enthusiastic about his candidacy and enjoys multiple corners of support. “I’m feeling excited because a lot of people approached me and said I’d be the right person to succeed Nita Lowey! Moving forward, it will be a pleasure to be able to fight for Westchester and Rockland Counties. We need a government in Washington that’s much more effective than it has been the last few years. That’s an important task that I’m up for.”

Upon deciding, David made his first call to his wife Lara, an attorney/litigator on the board for the Legal Aid Society. “She was very supportive. I couldn’t be in this line of work without a good support network.”

Outside his family, there’s no shortage of support or perception that Buchwald has earned this candidacy. Prior to his stint in the State Assembly, Buchwald served in local government, as a member of the White Plains Common Council, where he represented the entire city population of 57,000. He has also worked in support of municipalities throughout the State as a member of the Local Governments Committee of the New York State Assembly.

Since announcing, grassroots activists have already begun rallying on his behalf, and numerous and enthusiastic endorsements have been forthcoming including those from White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, North Castle Town Mayor Michael Michael Schiliro, Mount Kisco Mayor Gina Picinich, Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, and New Castle Town Supervisor-Elect Ivy Pool.

Said Schiliro: “Throughout his career, Assemblyman Buchwald has been a responsive and trusted ally, as we’ve worked together to save taxpayers money, improve our libraries, and serve the people of North Castle I know he will be ready to undo the damage done at the federal level. David will be a leader we can count on in Congress.”

Pool expressed her pride in endorsing Buchwald commenting to me that “David is a tireless advocate on local issues, while also championing our shared values. He is smart, creative, and industrious, and I know he will continue to work hard on behalf of his constituents as our Congressman. David is a worthy successor to Congresswoman Nita Lowey who has been a friend to New Castle, and an inspiration to so many.”

David Buchwald with Amelia and Anna
PHOTO BY Grace Bennett/InsidePress

2. His two adorable preschoolers, together with Lara, too, are the lights of his life; plus, they make him cognizant of enhancing quality of life for all of his constituents. At the time of the interview, Anna, 4, and Amelia, 2 were outside playing with the family nanny. Post our conversation, I fell hard for their infectious smiles and unsolicited hugs.

“I love seeing life through their eyes… Also, If you are trying to create a brighter future for them, it means a brighter future for everyone. There may be things Lara and I can do individually for them, but there are things–like climate change–that we need to do together for everyone…

“Hopefully every child who grows up here in the Hudson Valley has access to all the amazing things in this area. One of the big challenges for any representative in this area is maintaining affordability for families. He hopes to see their children “stick around and come back after college.

Robust employers are looking to relocate where young professionals live, he noted, adding that he would promote the county’s transit system to attract those employers. “I used to live two blocks from White Plains train station. There’s not many places outside New York City that you can live without a car!”

He called Lara his “Number 1 advisor. She makes sure I stay level-headed. I like to think I don’t get too full of myself; she’s someone I draw inspiration from–an accomplished professional in her own right, and a passionate advocate for legal representation.”

3. He plans to hit the ground running and keep his door open. As he nears a 10-year anniversary of public service, Buchwald encourages residents to look closely at his record. “No issue is too small. My door is always open–if a constituent wants to connect with me, we always try to make that happen quickly.”

He said that he believes his constituents have viewed him as “always present, always paying attention…. I think that’s crucial to establish for this congressional race. Traffic willing, part of my goal in the campaign is to be everywhere my schedule allows.”

4. He expressed a commitment to building on the work and skills he has already brought to the table. “We will continue to fight for the environment, for a woman’s right to choose, and will make sure we bring resources to help those who are struggling to make ends meet…. I will put forward my vantage point as a tax attorney by trade to try to significantly improve and do right by those undermined by a Republican Congress and Trump’s SALT reduction. He said adjustments need to be made in recognition that the cost of living here is higher.

5. He will continue to wage battle against the gun violence epidemic. “It’s one of my main issues and what I ran on. I will try to bring my record of success in New York State to bear at the Federal level. The first vote I cast as a State Assemblyman was for the New York SAFE Act* which I co-sponsored. I have no doubt it has saved lives in New York.

He said he backed it up by a series of measures including expanding background checks and preventing “ghost guns…”  “Common sense safety measures have been stymied despite that most Americans support them. We’re getting to the point where New York State can only control so much because so much is tied to out of state…”

6. He aims to make it harder for any top government official in New York, including Trump, to hide their tax returns. Buchwald noted that he gained particular notoriety for a successful push, he explained, to adopt a law allowing the sharing of the New York State tax returns of top government officials, a law which Donald Trump is now suing to block.

He elaborated: “The law says New York State has a copy of tax returns of every filer in the state and that Trump as a New York state resident files his income tax returns. We already share those returns with the IRS, with tax departments in dozens of other states, so we said: “Let’s have that same sort of cooperation with our federal counterparts in Congress. So we passed my bill, and it’s now law, and Trump is suing to overturn that law. A New York motion to dismiss the case is pending…. I’ve always believed that open transparent government can make for better decision making.”

7. He will fight to protect a woman’s right to choose. “No matter what happens at the Supreme Court level, women in our region can have confidence that their rights will be protected. But, at the Federal level: there is an ongoing battle over basic principles that we’ve assumed for decades won’t have government interference–that we won’t make access to healthcare dependent on financial wherewithal. It’s very disheartening to think that means equates with health care; it’s antithetical to the right of a woman to consult with a doctor and make up her own mind.”

8. He will speak out against racism, hate and anti-Semitism. “I think Trump has tried to govern by division and the great thing about the United States is that we are a country that at our best brings people together from so many different backgrounds, and that creates a society that is stronger than any one group of individuals can create on their own. We have a lot of work to do to bring the country together.” He said he’d like to see a government “that does not use the Justice Department to undermine freedoms, or the Department of Homeland Security to tear homes apart. We need to ensure we have leaders who lead by example.”

“My role as an elected official now, and hopefully in the future, is to bring people together. We have great towns and cities with shared experiences that can be built on. If you try to pit one part of a community against another, that turns very dangerous very quickly. We’re seeing that with racism, with anti-Semitism… So, that’s part of why I’ve spoken up at any opportunity to denounce hatred and say that a threat to any one individual or community is a threat to all.”

9. As has been Nita Lowey’s long established commitment, he too will support Israel. “I’m a strong supporter of Israel and a progressive. To me, those things go hand in hand. We have to support our friends around the world who stand for those values we support as Americans. That includes democracy and basic notions of tolerance. Israel is a country that welcomes refugees. It used to be that America was also known for that. My wife and I serve on a refugee committee at our synagogue to help sponsor a family where the father/husband served as an interpreter for our troops overseas. A legal immigrant is what a refugee is: admitted under the law. To see Trump cutting back on legal immigration strikes me as going against the core of what our country should be about.

“It’s important for the United States to push for peace and stability in the Middle East and support the ability of Israel and Palestinians and other Arab neighbors to work through long established issues. Those who would seek to have the United States abandon their best ally in the region undermine the best aspects of Progressivism which recognizes the innate worth of people being able to make self-determining decisions.”

10. His Judaism shapes his general outlook and encourages him to fight against corruption. “I am cognizant that my religion teaches me to be humble in light of the fact that there are things in this world we can’t control. And that’s certainly true of campaigns. But if you put your best foot forward and determine you’re in it for the right reasons, there are people who will back you up. I find that very gratifying. I couldn’t have gone to Albany and affected change there without having people who have my back. I had to fight people who wanted to maintain the status quo and was lucky to have constituents who sent me there precisely to shake things up, namely, to strip corrupt officials of their pensions.* They said it couldn’t be done, and now it’s the law of the land. You can only engage when you have a sense that there’s a purpose. I like to think my religion supports that. My grandfather was a rabbi. I like to think he’d be proud of that.”

*Editor’s Note: This article conveys highlights of a conversation with our hometown legislator. Buchwald is a single candidate in the race with a number of new candidates vying for the spot too since the time of this writing. For additional information about any of Buchwald’s legislation mentioned here, or about his new campaign, from his perspective too, please visit DavidBuchwaldforCongress.com.

The ‘Jewhater’ Next Door

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Ethiopian Beta Israel arrive at the Ben Gurion airport, outside Tel Aviv on August 28, 2013. Some 450 new immigrants from Ethiopia were brought to Israel as part of the ‘Operation Wings of Dove ’ operation launched three years agoby the Jewish Agency to bring the remaining Falash Mura – Ethiopian Jews whose ancestors were forced to convert to Christianity – to Israel. Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90.

By Debbie Hall

There are only 14.4 million Jews in the world. We were 17 million in 1939 and that fell to 11 million as of 1945 due to the genocide that was committed against us called the Holocaust. Because our numbers are small, and because we were genocided, we are a very small family, but make no mistake, we’re a family. We are all connected.

We are also highly aware of the hate that has been levied at us for millennia. The hate against us is the oldest hate on the planet. In every corner of the world, you can find Jewhaters. They can be found in Christian countries, Muslim countries, African countries, secular countries. Jewhaters can be found in Republican or Democratic homes. Jewhaters live among us in every country on this planet.

The only country in the entire world where Jewhatred is not tolerated is Israel. Israel is the only country whose government has a very primary goal of protecting the lives of Jews. When the beating of the antisemitic drum gets too loud, we have a place we can escape to-finally. This is why Israel is essential to the survival of the Jewish people. This is a good part of why Jews support Israel.

Another reason Jews support Israel is because it’s inherently part of the Jewish faith. Israel and Jerusalem are mentioned numerous throughout the liturgy of every Jewish service. Returning to Israel is part of Judaism. Jews who have already returned to Israel have a different set of rules to follow in Judaism because they’ve returned. Jews in the diaspora have two nights of Passover, whereas Jews in Israel only have one night. Every Passover, Jews recite “Next Year in Jerusalem.” It’s within us.

Most Jews have known that the antisemitism in the U.S. is a serious threat to Jews. As I watch Wolf Blitzer speak and say that his parents would’ve been shocked that this could happen here if they were alive, it’s sad to me that I knew this would happen here.

It’s happened here for centuries but in microdoses. This is the first macro, but I’m not surprised.

Israel isn’t perfect by any means, but it’s probably more perfect than the U.S. It didn’t invade a sovereign country to displace anyone (despite what you’ve been told), and it provides for its citizens, be they Arab or Jewish. When you demonize the only Jewish country on this planet, you’re engaging in antisemitism. Speak very carefully.

Debbie Hall is a writer and activist living in Florida.

Tzahal Shalom Visits Northern Westchester: IDF Soldiers Share Their Stories

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The Israeli soldiers from the Tzahal Shalom program
PHOTO COURTESTY OF ROBIN GOLDSTEIN

Each October for the past 11 years, Northern Westchester has had some very special visitors, and not just those of the trick-or-treating variety. A delegation of active duty soldiers from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) arrives to share their experiences with residents in a variety of formats. The 10-day visit is sponsored by Tzahal Shalom of Northern Westchester, an organization dedicated to creating lasting bonds between many local residents and Israel.

The program, which translates literally to “Welcome IDF to our Northern Westchester community,” was founded by Armonk resident Anita Greenwald and Chappaqua resident Michele Kraushaar in 2006. Its mission is to engage citizens here in the active support of Israel. Given frequent headlines about terrorist attacks and unstable relations with their Palestinian neighbors, many people in the United States are fearful of traveling there, and may have misconceptions about what life is like in Israel. Tzahal Shalom is trying to change that.

Through an assortment of programming aimed at every sector of the community, Tzahal Shalom creates opportunities to meet, interact, and get to know the soldiers. After all, said Anita, “When you care about a person, you care about where they are from. Creating those bonds is what our program is about.”

This year, seven soldiers arrived on October 15 to share their stories and experiences with a diverse set of audiences in Chappaqua and Millwood. They spoke to more than 1,500 people of all ages and religions, as well as local politicians and clergy. The soldiers are all active duty combat officers who have served their required time in the Israeli army and have re-enlisted to further serve their country. Each soldier is recruited and interviewed by the IDF, and, because many of them have never spoken to civilian groups before, prepared for their time here. Though they are not allowed to speak about politics, they are free to speak about anything else. For security reasons, their full identities cannot be disclosed in this article.

Each soldier has a unique perspective they like to share with their audiences. Michal, 21, is an instructions officer in the IDF’s combat engineering corp. Born and raised in Holland by Israeli parents, she is a lone soldier, which means her parents are not currently living in Israel. She decided to enlist in the IDF as a way to reconnect to her Israeli roots. For her, speaking to younger generations has been very meaningful. One of her speaking engagements was at Horace Greeley High School, where she spoke to a senior class.

“[The high schoolers] are at an age where they are old enough to understand what’s going on in the world, and are still developing what they believe in, so they ask very interesting questions,” she said. “I didn’t come to change minds, just to tell my story. They learn something different about another place.”

Omer, 24, is a company lieutenant in the IDF’s reconnaissance unit. Having grandparents who are Holocaust survivors has taught him that “Israel is not something that we can take for granted, so we need to protect it physically … [and we] need support from allies around the world,” he said. “Seventy years ago [many of us] had relatives who were in concentration camps. We have to remember it so we never let that happen again.”

Captain G., a 28-year-old F-16 pilot, is one of the first openly gay pilots in the IDF. “The IDF is inclusive of all different groups of society–LGBT, women, everybody,” he said. Moreover, the IDF is not only tasked with protecting Israel. “Our job is not to make war,” he said, “but to prevent the next war and allow people to prosper.”

The soldiers also spoke of Israel’s many humanitarian missions, which they said, are just as important to the IDF as protecting the country. “People are focused on the military [aspect], but we want people to see all sides and the full complexity of what we do,” Captain G. said. For example, the IDF started a program called Good Neighborhood, which treats injured Syrian refugees. The program was started after an Israeli soldier threw his bandages over a border fence so as to help wounded refugees. The IDF soldiers ensure their safe transportation to and from Israeli hospitals. Since its inception, more than 3,000 Syrian refugees have been treated by both IDF medics and Israeli doctors.

In fact, noted the soldiers, the Israeli government has made a concerted effort to not only aid in disaster relief around the world, but also to, as Omer said, be “the first feet on the ground” after tragedies. After the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, the IDF was able to get one of the first temporary hospitals up and running. Similarly, Israeli troops were deployed to Mexico after the earthquake there this year. “Israel stands for certain values–human rights, women’s rights, and equality,” noted Omer.

During their time here, each soldier is matched with a host family, usually with teenage children at home. During their stay, the families and the soldier often create lasting relationships. The kids in the family usually bond with the soldier like a sister or brother, and the host parents start to view them as one of their own children. It’s not uncommon for soldiers to stay in touch with their host families for years to come. Many families even end up visiting their soldier in Israel. These bonds are paramount to the program, noted co-founder Michele Kraushaar.

That sentiment is echoed by Jackie Moskow, a Millwood resident who hosted a soldier this year. “The best part of this whole experience,” she said, “is watching this relationship develop between our soldier and our kids.” The Moskows are already planning to visit the soldier and his family in Israel this year, and invite him back to the United States for their son’s bar mitzvah next year.   

The soldiers also appreciate the warmth and interest they receive from the community. Though many have been to the United States as tourists, coming as part of the Tzahal Shalom program gives them a deeper understanding of American lives and sentiments toward Israel. “The soldiers leave us with renewed pride and enthusiasm for their service due to the support they feel from us while they are here,” Michele said.

Westchester Officials Stand Firm In Support Of Israel

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"Let us be clear: Westchester stands with Israel in this difficult time." State Assemblyman David Buchwald as he opened his address--the first of many offered by a bipartisan gathering of public officials early this eve at White Plains City Hall."
“Let us be clear: Westchester stands with Israel in this difficult time.” State Assemblyman David Buchwald opening his address–the first of many offered by a bipartisan group of public officials affirming their unequivocal support for Israel at White Plains City Hall.  Photo by Grace Bennett

(Compilation of statements here supplied by David Buchwald’s office)

Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester), along with Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Congressman Eliot Engel, hosted a press conference with federal, state, county and local elected officials at White Plains City Hall to demonstrate their support for- and solidarity with- the people of Israel in the midst of the conflict there.

“My heart is with the people of Israel,” said Assemblyman Buchwald. “It saddens me that innocent families are once again being subjected to unconscionable acts of violence. I wholeheartedly support Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks, and I pray that this conflict soon comes to an end.”

“The loss of innocent life on both sides is deplorable,” said Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland). Hamas is responsible for the ongoing escalation of violence, and is putting not only innocent Israelis at risk but ruthlessly using Palestinian civilians as shields. Israel, the only democracy in the region and our steadfast ally, has every right to defend innocent civilians under terrorist threat from the onslaught of Hamas’ rockets just as the United States would respond were we here in the Lower Hudson Valley under constant attack. Continued U.S. support for Israel’s defense is critical, and a Palestinian “unity government” that includes the terrorist group Hamas must not receive U.S. assistance.”

“No one will ever forget September 11, 2001, a day when terrorists attacked us on our own soil. As a result of that terrible day, America had to take steps to defend herself and her citizens against future attacks, much as Israel has had to do for decades,” said Congressman Eliot Engel. “Hamas is a terrorist organization whose sole purpose is to destroy Israel. The Hamas rockets that have been fired into Israel have forced the hand of the Israeli people, who have a right to defend themselves against the threat of terror.

The strong bipartisan support for Israel in Congress is indicative of the strong support for our valued allies across America. I thank the Westchester Jewish Council and its member organizations, the UJA-Federation of New York in Westchester, and Assemblyman Buchwald for hosting this event, and everyone who came out to show support for Israel.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey: “Hamas is responsible for the ongoing escalation of violence…”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey: “Hamas is responsible for the ongoing escalation of violence…”

Buchwald, Lowey and Engel were joined at the press conference by a cross-section of Westchester leaders from every level of government. They included: Democratic Conference Leader Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins; State Senator George Latimer; State Assemblymembers Sandy Galef and Amy Paulin; Westchester Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett; Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators Michael Kaplowitz; Vice-Chairman of the Board of Legislators James Maisano; County Legislators Benjamin Boykin, Peter B. Harckham, Catherine Borgia, Catherine Parker and Alfreda Williams; Westchester County Clerk Tim Idoni; White Plains Mayor Tom Roach; Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner; Harrison Town Board Member Marlane Amelio; Pound Ridge Town Board Member Daniel S. Paschkes; Special Assistant for Community Affairs in Governor Cuomo’s Office David Lobl; Representatives from the offices of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney and Yonkers Mayor Michael Spano; President of the Westchester Jewish Council Paul B. Warhit; Westchester Regional Chair of the UJA-Federation of New York Martine Fleishman; and New York Region Assistant Director of the Anti-Defamation League Michael Arlen. Reverend Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith of Mt. Hope AME Zion Church provided the opening prayer. Attendees used the occasion to voice their support for Israel during this time of crisis.

Rockets aimed at innocent Israeli civilians have continuously been launched from Hamas-controlled Gaza. Israel has responded with airstrikes in Gaza in an effort to protect its people and restore peace. Terrorism has no place in our world; Israel has the right to defend itself and its civilians against such heinous acts, noted Assemblyman Buchwald. He hopes that the current threat to innocent life of both Israelis and Palestinians will soon be ended.

Governor Andrew Cuomo made the following statement on July 14, 2014 on this issue: “Over the past week, rocket attacks on Israel by terrorist organizations have put six million lives at risk. For years, rockets have targeted the Israeli population; what were once indiscriminate acts of terror have now become an onslaught. Friends stand together in times of crisis, and the people of New York stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Israel. Our state has always had a special relationship with Israel. We are home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. At a time of upheaval across the Middle East, Israel remains a bulwark of democracy and a beacon of courage and freedom. We strongly support Israel’s right to defend itself. As New Yorkers, we have experienced global terrorism firsthand. At my direction, New York’s Department of Financial Services has aggressively cracked down on institutions that bankroll terrorist organizations. And we will continue to work closely with our ally Israel to fight global terrorism.”

“I join with many New Yorkers in calling for a peaceful resolution to the continuing strife in Israel and the Gaza Strip, while also recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks launched against it,” said Democratic Conference Leader Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

“Like all sovereign nations, Israel has an absolute right to defend itself.

My daughter Sarah is a photographer living in Jerusalem. While I worry about her, I am proud of her commitment to Israel. My thoughts and prayers are with her and the State of Israel,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin.

“We must continue to support our ally, Israel, as it defends itself against this onslaught of terrorist attacks. I hope that these senseless acts of violence will cease and Israel and its neighbors can finally sit down together and negotiate a true lasting peace,” said Assemblywoman Sandy Galef.

“Israel is the only true democracy in the middle east. The people of Israel share our love of freedom and opportunity. I stand with Israel and pray that a solution will be achieved that will finally bring peace to all people of the middle east,” said Westchester Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz.

“I’m proud to stand with Israel. The only true free and democratic society in the middle east as it stands up to aggression by neighbors who unfortunately reflect dictatorship and ties to terrorism,” said Westchester County Board of Legislators Vice Chairman Jim Maisano.

“In times of crisis it is important to know your friends are beside you and so we stand today with the nation and people of Israel and pray for a peaceful resolution of this conflict and for the protection of the innocent whatever their background,” said White Plains Mayor Tom Roach.

Though he wasn’t able to attend the event, Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino issued a statement of support that said, “Peace-loving peoples and nations across the globe must remain united and aggressive in working to defeat terrorism and in working to achieve a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. At times it seems this will forever be a fruitless endeavor but we mustn’t waver in our faith and resolve to make it so.”

Similarly, State Senate Co-Leader Jeffrey Klein issued a statement of support, saying “Our sacred bond with the people of Israel remains ironclad and is stronger than ever before. In these challenging times, we are proud to stand up and support one of our closest allies as it defends itself from enemies foreign and domestic. No matter how difficult circumstances may arise, the Israeli people will continue to have our unwavering support for generations to come.”

“Now is a time to put politics aside and support Israel as she struggles to defend herself against Hamas, a terrorist organization whose mission is to destroy the Jewish State and make life miserable for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Now is a time for solidarity,” said Westchester Jewish Council President Paul B. Warhit.

“We are proud to stand in solidarity with our Westchester community in support of Israel. UJA federation of NY supports the State of Israel in its pursuit of peace and security for all its citizens. These are very challenging days and it is in times like this that we are reminded of the responsibility and commitment we have to the people of Israel. Because of UJA-Federation of New York’s strong network of nearly 100 remarkable agencies, we’re ready to spring into action when crisis hits. And we are on the ground responding in Israel,” said Westchester Regional Chair of the UJA-Federation of New York Martine Fleishman.

“The Anti-Defamation League expresses solidarity with the government and people of Israel and is proud to stand with the Westchester Jewish Council, UJA-Federation of New York in Westchester and Assemblyman David Buchwald as hundreds of rockets continue to be launched from Gaza, threatening millions of Israeli civilians. We are proud to be part of the Westchester community as it supports Israel’s desire to live side-by-side in peace with its neighbors,” said Lawrence W. Bahr, Anti-Defamation League’s Westchester Advisory Board Chair and Evan R. Bernstein, Regional Director New York for the ADL.

Down-to-Earth JCC Programs

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GLOBAL WISDOM FROM OUR SPONSORS

Todah Raba: I’m Thankful For… an early childhood program on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m-11:30 a.m. at the Rosenthal JCC (600 Bear Ridge Road in Pleasantville) that engages children in the business of being thoughtful to others through “filling buckets” with good thoughts and good deeds. A concurrent program for parents offers down-to-earth suggestions and tips on raising thankful kids based on the values in the book The Blessing of a Skinned Knee. Entertaining for kids, educational for parents, and just in time for Thanksgiving!
Global Connections at the Rosenthal JCC is an education and exchange program for 7th and 12th graders in Northern Westchester and their peers in our sister city of Shoham, Israel. Teens meet monthly and connect with each other through social media to build bonds that culminate in spring and summer exchanges. Families host the international students so that they gain a real understanding of what life is like for each other. This cultural learning experience is hands-on and truly personal.

For more information, call 741-0333 x25 or look online at www.rosenthaljcc.org.