2008-2009

Ching Chang Chong!
Purim had everything in the Oriental Theme. Those dressed up in the Purim spirit received great Chinese fans and Chinese Graggers.
The decor of the room was Chinese - We felt like we had been transformed to somewhere in the Far East. There was a delicious array of Chinese foods (including fortune cookies) and a LIVE Sushi Bar (it was cool watching them make the Sushi) There was a Chinese artist writing all the names in Chinese (who knew that a bunch of symbols was my name in Chinese??) There was an Open Bar with Adults and Children's drinks.

Imagine 140 people, singing and dancing in unity to the Pesach songs. That was the Pesach Seder held at Ohr hachaim social hall. The children got to participate and all adults had the opportunity to participate - reading different parts of the Haggadah, singing the traditional songs etc. We heard the mah nishtana from the children, heard wonderful, interesting explanations on the Pesach Seder and Hagaddah and sang and dance and spent the Chag with people who felt like our family for the night.
(the food wasn't too bad either;-))

As we neared the party room the music & smell of fresh popcorn greeted us from afar; as we entered we received bows and arrows. Outdoors there was an entertianer who amused us with cool juggling acts, stilt walking, balloon art making and more..
There was a large variety of bbq style foods.. hot dogs on a roller and buns- schwarma, chicken kebabs, salads, and lots more.. of course there were marshmellow kebabs and fruit kebabs too... we all had a fun time in and out- doors and celebrated lag b'omer in true style!

After the 10 commandments were 'recieved' by many children and adults... we were greeted with a most magnificant display of exquisite cheesecakes, such a large variety of deliciousness... And all flavor Ice Creams, toppings, syrups and different cones.. with such a selection it was hard to know what to choose.
We also had the opportunity to witness first hand a family give their thanks to
G-d for the miracle of keeping them safe when the crane hit the building on 91st & 1st.

Rosh Hashana with Chabad ic at the Marriott was beautiful. The first night there were 100 adults and kids at the Holiday dinner. We enjoyed holiday songs and foods and a beauiful dinner. During the day, shul was packed... During services there were talks explaining the prayers etc. and there were two simultaneous children's programs. The older kids run by Dina and a Mummy & Me one by Shevy. After services there were Kiddush. Tashlich was incredible. Joining other jews on the East river, all coming together and meeting there. Rabbi Vigler spoke about the service and blew the Shofar. Yom Kippur the Shul was packed- we have out grown the Mariott. A break fast buffet was well attended.

A Menorah made out of donuts, how increidble. All the kids helped build this yummy Menorah and then eat from it too (after it was lit of course) We had music, chanukah color cookies and draidel making.. and the food was great too. It was a great holiday party!

Megillah with interactive slideshow- Open Bar, good foods and Drum Circle!

We were transported to Israel- we were given Passports as we entered with activities to do in each city. Sandy candy in Eilat & Sushi eating. Wine Bar with Israeli wines. Picture drawn at the artist quarters in Tzfat. Squeeze your own Orange Juice in Jerusalem and have your picture taken at the Kotel. Delicious Israeli foods. Megillah reading with slideshow.

Parents & Children came to Bake Matzah. We went through the process from the actual grinding of wheat to the actual rolling and baking of the Matzah