Tag Archives: culture

Learning About Other Cultures and Religions Through Children’s Television

Sometimes we have a tendency to think of TV as just entertainment, when it can be much more. One episode of “Blue’s Clues” we particularly enjoyed was one where Steve and Blue were making the rounds of the neighborhood, wishing their friends a happy holiday season. They went to a home where Kwanzaa was being celebrated, with corn and goblets set on a mat, and learned that Kwanzaa commemorates the strength of community and togetherness. Then they went to a Jewish home and learned about the miracle that began the tradition of Hanukah. Their last stop was at a Christian … Continue reading →

A Taste of Japan

For some, a trip to Hawaii is merely a pit stop on the way to other destinations. For example, if you are flying from California to Japan, spending a few days exploring the 50th State is not unusual. However, if Hawaii is your final destination, but you long to continue on to Japan, I may have the perfect solution: attend a Japanese Cultural Festival in Hawaii. While most people regard Hawaii as the ideal location for sand, surf and spectacular sunsets, I’m here to tell you that the island paradise is also a prime spot for sashimi, sushi and shave … Continue reading →

San Antonio– Culture and History Abound

Michele told you all about the wonderful cruise in San Antonio, but did you know that San Antonio is also a great destination for learning? [h]The Alamo[/h] San Antonio is a hotbed of history lessons. The site of the famous Battle of the Alamo, a major fight in the battle for Texas independence, the city has preserved many of the locales for tours. The Alamo itself, located at 300 Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, is open year-round (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) for tours, field trips, and family vacations. Visitors to the Alamo learn all about the stunning … Continue reading →

The Top Five Reasons I Married A European Man

When it came time to get married, I didn’t mess around. I knew Europe was in my future, so, rather than being content with a visit here and there, I snagged myself a European man. That way, I could bring Europe home every single day. Okay, so that’s not really how it happened. Actually, I was 20 and came to California to visit my sister. Long story short, I met my future husband during the visit, and three months later, I was in California to stay. Impulsive? Of course. Stupid? You might say—but it all worked out for me. Ten … Continue reading →

A Parent Is A Parent, A Child Is A Child–Regardless of Where They Call HOME

I turned on my computer today and was met with a picture of a Lebanese man carrying a small child. The child had been killed during an Israeli bombing in Lebanon. I stared at this picture, of this innocent child, now dead. And I wept. I wondered how many other people wept for this child, for the others who are killed every day in any number of situations, from war to terrorism, to random acts of violence. And I wondered, have you wept for them? When we see the images on television, where children from other countries are wounded or … Continue reading →

The Three Weeks: Remembrance and Mourning

The period between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av on the Jewish calendar is referred to as “The Three Weeks.” This period commemorates the time when the Romans invaded Jerusalem until the destruction of the HolyTemple in 70 CE. The First Temple was destroyed on the same day (the 9th of Av), and many tragedies in Jewish History occurred during this time. The three weeks is considered to be a time of mourning. It is customary to refrain from listening to music (except if we are putting on a tape or CD for children), buying new clothing … Continue reading →

17th of Tammuz: A Day of Remembrance

While it is a commandment to be joyful at all times, there are exceptions to this rule; certain times are designated on the Jewish calendar for mourning and repentance. In Judaism, there are five public fast days throughout the year; most of them are connected with mourning the destruction of the First and Second Temples and the invasion of Jerusalem and the entire Land of Israel by the Babylonians in the 5th century BCE and the Romans in 70 CE. The first exile, called the Babylonian exile, lasted only 70 years. However, the second exile, which began when Jews lost … Continue reading →

Hot Hawaiian Festivals

My neighbors leave for Hawaii tomorrow. I am so jealous. They will be visiting Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii. Initially, they were planning their trip for August, but they found a great deal on-line and changed their travel dates to take advantage of it. Knowing that I grew up in Hawaii, they asked me to put a list together of local cultural events that I would recommend they attend. Unfortunately, that was when we thought they would be visiting during the month of August. Long story short, I created a list detailing August events, but now they won’t … Continue reading →

Celebrate Diversity With A Culture Night

Our world is made up of many different countries, each with their own unique customs and cultures. So take some time and celebrate different countries by having a culture night. This could be done on a monthly basis where each month your family learns about a different country. Or you can take one night and have each family member share information about a different country. You will want to start by visiting your local library or searching on-line for information about the country you are interested in. Then use all or one of the following ideas for your own culture … Continue reading →

Funny Faces

Hot afternoons are a great time for indoor art activities. For my daughter, who loves to draw – one of the best afternoon activities is to sit down with a pile of paper, her much loved and used crayons, markers and pencils to create works of art that tell everything from jokes to stories to abstract mysteries that wouldn’t look out of place in a cubist’s museum. That being said, the following activity came to life when she made the comment about the funny looking person she’d seen at the grocery store. I wasn’t sure what she meant by funny … Continue reading →