| National Jewish Outreach Program |

NEW YORK, NY; November 29, 2005 – The National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP) looked beyond the shelves of Target and Toys “R” Us to find the best Jewish toys, books and games for children this Chanukah. The “Chanukah Gift Guide 2005” showcases items that engage, inspire and inform children of all ages, helping them feel more connected to Jewish culture, identity and religion. The complete guide is available at www.njop.org .

“Each year, parents challenge themselves to share the beauty and history of an important Jewish holiday – Chanukah – amidst the lights and mass-marketed Christmas everywhere a child looks,” said Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald of the National Jewish Outreach Program. “This year, especially with Chanukah beginning on December 25 th , we wanted to help parents make Chanukah very special and meaningful for their children.”

Gifts ideas were submitted by parents, manufacturers, retailers and children. NJOP considered items new and old, expensive and bargain as long as the items were Jewish in nature. Products were evaluated by a panel of parents and experts in the fields of Jewish education, general education and child development. The judging was based on a set of criteria including but not limited to quality, design and Jewish identity/education value.

NJOP CHANUKAH GIFT GUIDE 2005

Gali Girls –

Available at www.galigirls.com

Gali Girls, which appear at first to be similar to the very popular American Girl™ dolls, are the first Jewish dolls of their kind, offering young girls an opportunity to incorporate positive Jewish values into their doll play. Gali Girl accessories such as Jewish star jewelry and Shabbat play items all reinforce Jewish identity.

(Shabbat friendly; manufacturer recommends ages 4-11)

Kosher By Design Kids in the Kitchen –

Available at www.kosherbydesign.com

With more than 80 kid-friendly recipes and food photography to make any mouth water, this cook book is great for kids and parents. For younger children, it offers fun recipes easy to prepare with a parent. For older children, it provides simple instructions without condescending, lists kosher food preparation basics and includes only kosher recipes. This cookbook, published by ArtScroll/Shaar Press was designed with great care and would make a wonderful gift for the little (or big) chefs on your shopping list.

(Publisher recommends ages 7 and up)

KidKraft® Shabbat Wooden Play Set –

Available at www.oytoys.comand personalized at www.gingersnapsgifts.com

Two candle sticks, a Kiddush cup, two challahs and a challah knife provide kids with everything they need to share in the Shabbat traditions. This hand painted set includes a drawstring storage bag decorated with the Hebrew world “Shabbat.” NJOP especially liked the “pre-sliced challah” attached by velcro. Please note sharp edges on some items.

(Shabbat friendly, manufacturer recommends ages 2 and up)

KidKraft Hanukah Wooden Play Set

Available at www.oytoys.com

This wooden play set also by KidKraft includes a menorah, nine candles, frying pan, two latkes, dreidel and wooden Chanukah gelt. This toy provides a safe way for children to “light” the candles and role play throughout the holiday. Storage bag also included.

(Shabbat friendly, manufacturer recommends ages 3 years and up)

Mitzvah Mobile-

Availble at www.judaica-world.com

The only one of its kind, the Mitzvah Mobile introduces babies to Jewish imagery and song at an early age. Bright colors and plush characters with smiley faces will entertain while the classic Adon Olam lulls baby to sleep.

(Manufacturer recommended ages 3 months and up)

A Kindness a Day Desk Calendar-

Available at www.areyvut.org

This calendar is a nice addition to a Chanukah gift list, particularly for older children. Simple design but meaningful content… each day on the calendar is assigned a “kindness” suggestion coupled by the source of inspiration from Jewish texts.

(Shabbat friendly, manufacturer suggests ages 12 and up)

Roll ‘N' See-

Available at www.1800eichlers.com/

This colorful interactive toy features twirl and spin squares with Hebrew alphabet letters on one side and pictures/words for that letter on the other. Jewish holiday imagery, brightly colored beads and lightweight durable plastic make this a great gift for the younger ones on your list.

(Shabbat friendly, manufacturer recommended ages 18 months and up)

Videos/Books/Music

Don't forget books, videos and music on your list. Some of our favorites this year:

Younger

“Chanukah on Planet Matzah Ball” thrilled even our most jaded video-viewers (3 and up)

“Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel Musical Board Book” (ages 1-4)

“Cha Cha Chanukah” music CD (all available at www.oytoys.com )

Child/Teen

Music by Hassidic reggae singer Matisyahu (information at www.matisyahu.org )

“All about Hanukkah” by Kar-Ben Publishing (www.oytoys.com)

Virtual Shabbat interactive CD and “Around the Year with NJOP” paperback (available at www.njop.org)

NJOP would like to extend gratitude to Gila Elbaum, School Psychologist with the Ridgewood Public Schools in New Jersey and Sara Feit, Director of Special Services for Yavneh Academy in Paramus, New Jersey for their assistance in evaluating gift items. NJOP also thanks the families, retailers and manufacturers who participated by sending suggestions and products for the Gift Guide. Special thanks to the Mitzbah family, Tri Electronics and Aliza Stein for donating evaluated items.