The Suffolk County Au Pair in America Cluster blog. If you find your way to this blog and are looking for flexible childcare and a cultural experience, you are in the right place! Visit our Au Pair in America website www.aupairinamerica.com for more information or email Cindy722 @ aol.com.
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Hanukkah is the Jewish Feast of Lights or Feast of Dedication.The Hebrew word Hanukkah means dedication. Hanukkah is also written Hannuka or Chanukah. The holiday begins on the eve of the 25th day of the Hebrew Month of Kislev and lasts eight days. Hanukkah usually falls in the month of December, but occasionally can start in November.
The books of the Maccabees tell the story of Hanukkah which occurred in 165 B.C. After three years of struggle, the Jews in Judea defeated the Syrian tyrant Antiochus. The Jewish people held festivities in the Temple of Jerusalem, and rededicated it to God. After removing all Syrian idols from the Temple, the Jews found only one small cruse of oil which to light their holy lamps. Miraculously, the cruse provided oil for eight days. Judas Maccabaeus, the Jewish leader, then proclaimed a festival to be observed by Jews.
During Hanukkah, gifts are exchanged and contributions are made to the poor. Each evening, one additional candle is lit on the Hanukkah menorah (candelabra). By the last evening, eight lighted candles stand together.
Sunday, December 11 was the International Holiday Party for the Suffolk County Cluster of Au Pair in America. Each au pair brought a dish from their country for the International Feast. There were dishes from Germany, Thailand, France, Poland, Slovakia, Bolivia, Croatia, Peru and the USA. 
Each au pair brought a wrapped gift for the gift exchange. The gifts were placed under the tree as the au pairs arrived. After our wonderful feast, we gathered around the tree for the exchange, numbers drawn from a basket determined who, went 1, 2, 3 and so on. Everyone enjoyed their gifts.
Cindy Garruba, Suffolk Community Counselor, handed out her gifts to each au pair. A snow scraper, knit gloves, an ornament to remember their holiday in the USA and some candy kisses. 
The theme of the tree is “We Bring the World Together!” The decorations have been made by au pairs from this year’s au pairs, as well as au pairs from previous years. ![386470_244272698972397_100001690058084_713697_1246130526_n[1]](http://blogs.aupairinamerica.com/lie/files/2011/12/386470_244272698972397_100001690058084_713697_1246130526_n1.jpg)
Santa Claus arrived at 2 PM on a fire engine. Children lined up for a chance to tell him what they want this year for Christmas. Santa will be available every weekend till Christmas for the children. There is a red mailbox outside the Stony Brook Post Office just for letters to Santa. The trees are on display until January 1st. The APIA tree is right in front of the Brook House Restaurant, just to the right of the Post Office. Hope you visit Stony Brook and visit our tree!!
Building the World’s Tallest Lego® Menorah – North Shore Jewish Center
Date: December 04, 2011
Hours: 12:30-4pm
Ages: Young elementary, Tween
Price: Free
Address:
385 Old Town Rd. – 631-928-3737
Pt Jefferson Station , NY 11776
www.centralsuffolkjewishalliance.org
Description: A professional architect helps children ages 7 to 12 construct a 14-foot menorah with over 50,000 Lego® blocks. Parents must accompany their child. Pre-registeration required. The event includes a dairy lunch and goodie bag. Bring a non-perishable food item for a local food pantry.
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