Following her successful debut in May, girls across the country have delighted in learning about American Girl's newest historical character, Rebecca Rubin. Rebecca, a 9-year-old Jewish American girl growing up on New York City's Lower East Side in 1914, has garnered positive reviews for her compelling story and engaging products that show girls today what life was like during America's peak immigration period. Now, to further enhance Rebecca's world, American Girl is introducing an array of new holiday items to the line.

Topping the list of new products is Rebecca's Hanukkah Set featuring an heirloom menorah and nine pretend candles, along with a driedel and three shiny coins (or gelt). And, the perfect complement for holiday celebrations is Rebecca's Hanukkah Dress, an exquisite, purple striped jacquard dress with an embroidered ribbon hairbow, cream-colored tights, and shoes. Other new products include Rebecca's Winter Coat for Dolls, made of faux-fur, and the matching Rebecca's Coat for Girls, available in sizes 6-16. Girls will also enjoy playing make-believe with Rebecca's Costume Chest, Rebecca's Settee, and Rebecca's Phonograph Set.

The new Rebecca holiday items-along with the high-quality 18-inch Rebecca doll, original accessories, and six books of historical fiction-are available through the American Girl catalogue, at americangirl.com, and at the American Girl retail location at Water Tower Place in downtown Chicago. To request a free American Girl catalogue featuring the Rebecca products, call (800) 845-0005.

Barth Wind Elan Furs
6740 W. Dempster
Morton Grove
(847) 967-8444
Elan Furs
675 N. Michigan
Chicago
(312) 640-0707
www.elanfur.com

Furs, leathers, shearling and accessories for men and women petite to 60. Holiday sale going on now!

California Closets
1130 N. Milwaukee
Glenview
(847) 257-8080
2071 N. Clybourn
Chicago
(773) 755-1666
www.californiaclosets.com

California Closets believes that when you organize your home, you simplify your life. They create custom organizational solutions to help you stay organized in room after room of your home. Each system they design is uniquely configured to make the most of every inch of your space and accommodate all you need to store - with the flexibility to adapt easily as your needs change. They offer a wide variety of configurations, finishes and styles to meet your needs, your lifestyle and your budget. Free in-home design consultations.

Chicago Fur Outlet
777 W. Diversey
Chicago
(773) 348-3877
www.chicagofuroutlet.com

"Customers Wanted...Inquire Within," reads a window sign at the Chicago Fur Outlet, the Home of the Furry Godmother. Customers have, indeed, been inquiring and acquiring there for more than 20 years. As well as being a full service furrier - cleaning, storage, repairs, and remodeling - the Chicago Fur Outlet will (may-be) buy or consign your furs.

George's What's Cooking Family Restaurant
350 S. Waukegan
Deerfield
(847) 412-9360

Our dream of having a successful family restaurant began in 1978 at our original location in the Lincoln Village Shopping Center. After many years of hard work and sacrifice, we were able to purchase property and build the restaurant of our dreams. We are committed to serving great food with good service at reasonable prices.

Gift It
Sterling Silver Center
3349 W. Dempster
Skokie
(847) 679-0677

With its top-quality merchandise (yet amazingly low prices) and its friendly and tasteful service, Gift-It is the place for everyone to shop. From the practical to the spectacular, for oneself or for giving to others, there are real "finds" in every price range. Large selection of Israeli products. Get something useful for the home. Enhance your Shabbat table with beautiful silver, impressive china, or an elegant no-stain tablecloth. Or really tickle your fancy with magnificent miniatures, breathtaking jewelry, such as Michal Negrin Jewelry, and distinctive art and other collectibles.

Hamakor Gallery
4150 W. Dempster
Skokie
(847) 677-4150
www.jewishsource.com

Come shop the Chicago area's largest and most beautiful Judaica store. With plenty of off-street parking, a knowledgeable and friendly staff, and a wide variety of merchandise, Hamakor Gallery is the place to shop for all your Chanukah needs. From latke plates to collectible menorahs and handmade dreidels, Hamakor Gallery has it all! According to gallery manager Jason Schiff, there are more than 200 new holiday items in stock this season. Interested in a unique menorah? Hamakor has several hundred different styles ranging in price from $15-$750. Looking for a special dreidel? Hamakor has dozens of different designs from 25-cent plastic dreidels to artisan-crafted porcelain Limoges dreidels. Hamakor also has a large, colorful display of different Chanukah candles, a delicious assortment of Chanukah candy, an extensive collection of festive holiday decorations, music and much, much more.

Hotel Orrington 1710 Orrington Ave.
Evanston
(847) 866-8700

We create unforgettable events with elegance and style. Our boutique, Four-Diamond-rated property on Chicago's North Shore offers guests a contemporary, elegant hotel housed within a landmark historic exterior - the perfect place for those all-important Chicago special events like Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, family reunions, and special celebrations in our ballrooms and suites. Our staff of professionals works tirelessly to make your event a memorable affair with expert catering, personalized service, excellent accommodations, and the perfect Chicago event space and party rooms.

Main and Crawford Auto Repair
8359 N. Crawford
Skokie
(847) 676-2566
www.mainandcrawfordauto.com

Main and Crawford Auto Repair has been in business for nine years. When we opened our shop, we had a vision to do auto repair in a different way.

Why are we different? We saw dishonesty in repairs that not only over charged people, but also put their safety at risk. We thought how we would like to be treated. We saw the need for better care.

Main and Crawford Auto Repair's vision is honest and reliable service. Our techs do not work on commission, so they will never pad the bill for the extra buck.

Some of our golden rules for the shop include: "We will never fix - unless it is broken;" "Do the job once and do it right." Those are not only words. We stand behind them and only employ those who follow them 100% of the time!

The best way to learn about us is to ask around Skokie or simply come in. We are open every day of the week except on Shabbat. Winner of Skokie's Merchant of the Year in 2006.

Happy Chanukah to our past, present and future customers.

Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire
(847) 634-0200
www.MarriottTheatre.com

This holiday season give the gift of entertainment at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Our Theatre for Two or Dinner and Theatre for Two gift certificates are perfect for anyone on your list.

A must see "Tradition" for every family, 'Fiddler on the Roof," will open our spectacular 2010 season. This family favorite has captured the hearts of millions around the world. Filled with joy, laughter, love and loss it boasts one of the most legendary scores in history...."Sunrise, Sunset," "If I Were a Rich Man" and "Matchmaker, Matchmaker." It's the story of Tevye, starring Ross Lehman (The Producers, Hairspray, Hot Mikado) a poor Jewish milkman who struggles to uphold his family's deep-rooted religious traditions amidst the turmoil of an ever changing world.

"Fiddler on the Roof" opens the 2010 season, followed by the hilarity of "The Drowsy Chaperone," the magic of "Once on this Island," the incredible dancing of "A Chorus Line" and '76 Trombones heralding the coming of "The Music Man."

Northlight Theatre
(847) 673-6300
www.northlight.org

Northlight Theatre's 35th anniversary season has three exciting productions to come in 2010, starting with the American classic, "Awake and Sing!" (Jan. 21-Feb. 28).

In a cramped Bronx tenement during the Great Depression, a Jewish family copes with financial hardship even as they dream of a brighter future. Matriarch Bessie Berger's fierce determination keeps her family afloat, whatever the cost. Gritty, passionate, funny and heartbreaking, Odets' 1935 masterpiece beautifully captures both the hopes and the struggles of an unforgettable American family, and features Northlight favorite Mike Nussbaum.

The season continues with Hugh Leonard's "A Life" (March 18-April 25), featuring John Mahoney. The triumphs and tragedies of youth are brought vividly to life in this evocative play about memory, regret, and the evolution of friendships in a small Irish town.

Finally, the season closes with "Low Down Dirty Blues" (May 27-July 3) - a sizzling and sassy world premiere from the creators of past Northlight hits "Fire on the Mountain" and "It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues." Featuring songs made (in)famous by the likes of Mae West, Muddy Waters, Sophie Tucker, Howlin' Wolf, Pearl Bailey and many others, "Low Down Dirty Blues" is a rousing, raucous, musical good time!

Flex Pass packages are still available, making it possible to see all three productions for as little as $99. Flex Pass holders choose their own performance dates and times - the perfect, no-hassle holiday gift!

ORT America
915 Chicago Ave.
Evanston
(847) 864-6099
800 Central Ave.
Highland Park
(847) 433-1697

ORT America supports a global network of schools and training programs in 62 countries that boast more than three million graduates to date. The cutting edge education acquired at ORT schools provides marketable skills that enable students to attain successful careers, become community leaders and live with dignity. In fact, ORT has a direct effect on the Chicago area, as the Zarem/Golde ORT Technical Institute, one of the three ORT schools operating in the United States, is located in Skokie.

R & R Creative Images
Northbrook
(847) 509-8139

Rick Sigel and Rich Dembinsky began their professional photographic careers on Chicago's North Shore more than 30 years ago and have maintained a reputation as two of the Chicago area's leading master photographers. Their record of work ethic, innovation and enthusiasm are tied to a full service studio that offers the finest in customer service as well as a full line of album styles and event packages to match any taste and budget. For the finest photography at the lowest prices, you truly need look no further.

Rosenblum's World of Judaica
2906 W. Devon
Chicago
(773) 262-1700
www.alljudaica.com

Why not do all your Chanukah shopping at one store? For a complete line of Judaica gift items, visit Rosenblum's World of Judaica. There are menorahs, dreidels, candles, toys, greeting cards and hundreds of books, videos, tapes and CDs. Gifts for a baby or a bubbe and everyone in between.

Spertus Shop at Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies
610 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago
(312) 322-1740
www.spertusshop.org

Gift-giving and entertaining are two more Chanukah traditions, and the Spertus Shop provides one-stop shopping for Chanukah gifts and essentials. The shop stocks Chicago's most creative selection of menorahs, dreidels, dripless candles, and chocolate gelt, as well as great party favors such as holographic eye glasses that transform ordinary lights into dreidels and hostess gifts such as the Pomegranate Bowl by Michael Aram. Everyone will love serving up potato pancakes using a charming stainless steel Latke Server and at $5 it's a must for all on your list.

Unique gifts from around the world include something for everyone. Adorn the women in your life with jewelry by Israeli designer Michal Negrin and let the men know you appreciate their goodness with an imprinted "Mensch" t-shrit. For little ones, stuffed fleece dogs and cats created by Israeli designer Merav Flam are soft to the touch and pleasing to the eye, while Rabbi's Daughter's T-shirts and bags feature whimsical Yiddish themes. Plus we have an array of books, housewares, music, and traditional and modern greeting cards to send Chanukah wishes to family and friends.

www.buyisraelgoods.org

This Web site, a project of America-Israel Chamber of Commerce Chicago, helps consumers support the Israeli economy by identifying more than 25 product categories in which shoppers can find Israeli products, plus stores and Web sites where the products can be ordered. Coverage now includes 12 cities in addition to Chicago and more are constantly being added, as are new stores and Web links.