The Blue Card

Since it's the season for giving as well as receiving, I'd like to tell you about two non-profit organizations here in New York which are close to my heart (I serve on the board of each). The first one (I'll post about the 2nd one soon) is The Blue Card, an organization I learned about from my late grandparents (they were the "original" R & S, and my children are named in their memory). They escaped Nazi Germany at the last minute in the late 1930s and met and married here in NYC. They arrived penniless and The Blue Card- established in 1934- helped Jewish refugees just like them. These immigrants faced enormous challenges in building new lives, but did so with a deep appreciation for their freedoms. To this day, The Blue Card serves the needs of Holocaust survivors and refugees from Nazi persecution, a group of elderly people whose needs skyrocket as they age. Many Blue Card clients live at or below the poverty level, and cash grants from the Blue Card pay for things as simple as groceries, eyeglasses, and transportation to and from doctors' appointments. Many of them suffer mental health problems such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder triggered by the events of 9/11.

I have proudly served on the Board of The Blue Card for four years now, and I take seriously the job of spreading the word about this small but outstanding organization. I do this especially in memory of my grandparents, and especially on a day today- the 1st night of Hanukkah- when I am lucky enough to have the freedom to celebrate the holiday with my own "R & S".

Please take a moment to visit The Blue Card and learn about how you can help. Happy Hanukkah.

New-ish Jewish Puzzles

Amazing but true...Hanukkah starts in just 4 days. Here's a gift that will last throughout the year in case it doesn't arrive quite on time. My four-year-old spotted this set of Jewish Holiday Puzzles in the Leaps & Bounds catalog and said, "Awesome! Jewish puzzles!" True, Jewish puzzles aren't so easy to find, and this set looks lovely. The collection of four solid wood puzzles represents Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, and Passover, and each features 7-9 chunky knobbed pieces. Storage case included. On sale for $19.95 (reduced from $29.95) at Leaps & Bounds.

Hanukkah oh Hanukkah

Both my kids would have fun with this Hanukkah Play Set from The Land of Nod. Much safer than letting little ones near the real deal, this set features a pretend wooden menorah with candles, two latkes with frying pan, dreidel, gelt, storage bag, and activity guide. $34 and shipping is free (but hurry, quantities are limited). Check out this and other holiday gifts with free shipping at The Land of Nod.