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Jewish Culture and Learning
Sheila Sturmer, Director, 472-3300 x351 Email:  sturmers@jccmw.org           About the Director
 

  Partnership 2000

  Adult Learning

  Israel Connections Club

  Family Programs

  The Arts

  Resources & Referrals

  Jewish Family Guide  

HELP FIGHT HUNGER - Monday, January 4 - Wednesday, January 27, 2010

 

Families seeking Jewish identity building and education have an excellent resource at the J. The Jewish Culture and Learning Department offers a wide variety of classes, workshops and forums for everyone from young families to older adults. These programs include collaborations with Israel and strive to expand the knowledge and understanding of Judaism through ongoing learning. The department also serves as a Jewish resource for the community.
 

Join our Community of Russian Speaking Jews!
Kids/Adult programming for Russian speaking Jews in Westchester.
 
KIDS KLUB SUNDAYS
Registration is still in progress for Kids Klub Sundays, held from 1-3pm, and taught in Russian by Russian educator. The interpretation of Jewish holidays is taught through arts and crafts, stories, etc. in small groups of children, 4-12 years of age. Remaining 2010 sessions: February 28, March 21, April 11, May 16.
 
NEW! CHESS CLUB
Ages 5-adult
Mondays, 4-5pm or 7-8pm
Beginning November 16, taught by Chess Master Yury Iskhakov. Space is limited. Check website for more information or contact Alla Fine at finea@jccmw.org.
 
Made possible by a grant from Center Without Walls, a joint initiative of COJECO (Council of Jewish Émigré Community Organizations) and UJA Federation of New York.

For further information: Sheila Sturmer at sturmers@jccmw.org, 472-3300, x351.
 


Partnership 2000 – The Israel / Westchester Connection

INSPIRATION ISRAEL / JEWISH MOSAIC PROJECT
Through a grant funded by UJA Federation, New York and the Jewish Agency for Israel, The JCC Mid Westchester, the JCC on the Hudson, and Ginot Ha’ir (a Matnas - Jewish Community Center) in Jerusalem have been working together for the past
seven years on various projects that have enabled Americans and Israelis to appreciate their cultural differences, explore their Judaism and further Jewish Peoplehood.

The current initiative “twins” teachers and administrators from six synagogue schools here in Westchester with their counterparts from six Jerusalem schools. This coming December, a delegation of Israeli project participants will come to Westchester for a conference that will further the development of the project mission.

In December 2008, the project coordinators from the JCC of Mid-Westchester (Sheila Sturmer) and the JCC on the Hudson
(Lois Green) took the Westchester delegation to Israel to meet their counterparts in Jerusalem.

Inspiration Israel celebrates Jewish educators and education, constructs joint Israel/American curriculum and strengthens the Westchester-Israel Connection.


Adult Learning

ONE DAY HEBREW REVIEW - FREE
For those who already read Hebrew, albeit slowly, and recognize all or most of the letters. A cooperative program with NJOP.
Av Rivel, Instructor
Sunday , January 24, 2010
12:30 – 3:00 pm
Call x351 to register.


ISRAELI FOLK DANCING
Learn the latest dances and old favorites. Instruction, requests and open session. A great way to exercise and have fun!
Uri Aqua, Instructor
Ongoing, Tuesdays
September 15, 2009 - June 29, 2010
$11 single session
$57/6 session book
7:45-10:00pm


ME’AH AT THE JCC

A program of Hebrew College, Newton Centre, Massachusetts.  Text study. Active questioning. Community building. Personal enrichment. Welcome to Me’ah, an intensive two-year adult Jewish learning experience, which approaches Jewish history and Jewish thought through an intelligent and sophisticated conversation with core texts. No previous knowledge required.
Conducted in English.
20 sessions
Tuesdays, 7:00-9:45pm
Email Sheila Sturmer at
sturmers@jccmw.org for dates /cost.

 

ISRAEL CONNECTIONS CLUB   NEW!
The Israel Connections Club is geared towards connecting Westchester Israelis and other Hebrew speaking families through programming and events that emphasize spoken
Hebrew and ways to experience Jewish holidays and Israeli culture. Programming is geared for children, families and adults. The Israel Connections Club is a cooperative program with the Westchester Jewish Conference.

Drama And Fun In Hebrew*
Ages 2-3 years
Pre-schoolers will have fun in this dynamic class hearing a story in Hebrew and then using arts and crafts, costumes, and music to expand the story.
Instructor, Miri Elhayani
Tuesdays, January 12 – June 1, 2010  - JP01
3:45-5:00pm
$450 plus one time $30 material fee
No sessions 2/16, 3/30,4/6,5/18, 5/25

Hebrew Literacy*
1st – 4th grades
Students are taught reading and writing in Hebrew with an Israeli educator who will work on expanding vocabulary and building literacy. The curriculum incorporates Israeli culture,
Jewish holidays and themes. Home assignments augment the
class lessons.
Instructor, Aviva Arens
Tuesdays, January 12 – June 1, 2010  - JP03
3:45-5:00pm
$355
No sessions 2/16, 3/30,4/6,5/18, 5/25

*Classes are in Hebrew for Hebrew-speaking children who demonstrate fluency with Hebrew comprehension and proficiency in speech.

Hebrew thru Song and Music
This class will focus on expanding Hebrew vocabulary and knowledge of Israeli culture thru Song and Music.
The aleph bet, holidays , songs of Israeli composers, and other age appropriate topics will taught.
Students will play along with percussion instruments.
Fluency in Hebrew a pre requisite.

Instructor, Ronit Peer-Ashirov
Tuesdays,  January 12 - June 1, 2010 - JP02
3:45 - 5:00pm
$390 plus a $20 material fee
No sessions 2/16, 3/30,4/6,5/18, 5/25

Misibot Chagim
Celebrate the Jewish holidays with entertainment and activities conducted in Hebrew for the entire family. Participate in an Israeli style Chag. Watch for details about dates/times/cost of the events.


Leilot Israelim
Watch for adult Israeli culture events for Hebrew speakers.  Register early for the Israeli Connections Club Classes. Call 472-3300 x351 or email sturmers@jccmw.org to receive class schedule and fee information or to add your name to the Israeli Club database.

 

FAMILY PROGRAMS
Kids 3 years and up and their families
A cooperative program with Chabad Lubavitch of Westchester, Rabbi Velvl Butman, Director
 

September 13, 2009 Shofar Factory* 1:30 -2:30pm
Make your very own shofar from a real ram’s horn.
   
March 25, 2010 Matzoh Factory* 1:30-2:30pm
Make matzoh and have it baked at this workshop.
   
Fee: $12 per shofar /matzoh maker (Observers Free)
 
*Pre-registration suggested
 
December 13, 2009  
Chanukah: Grand Community Menorah Lighting. Chanukah Festival at the J.
Watch for details.

Jewish Holiday Celebrations for Special Needs Children and their Families (MATAN)
If you’re interested in receiving information about dates, times, etc. for Jewish Holiday Celebrations for special needs children, email deena@matankids.org along with your name/address/ phone and ages of your child/children. For more information on Matan programs for special needs children, call x345 or visit SNAAC.
 

The Arts

Jewish Films (Part of the Milstein Film Series)
Check out the Vivian Milstein 2009-2010 Film Series – Films That Got Away – offered at our very own Bendheim Performing Arts Center. For more information on upcoming schedules, visit us online at www.thebendheim.org.  All viewings are followed by an open dialogue with our host/moderator Michael DiGennaro, Ph.D.

 

Matinees (Bendheim Peforming Arts Center)
Check our website at www.thebendheim.org for the 2009-2010 performance schedule.


Resources and Referrals

Jewish Holiday Info/Factoid Booklets 
History, customs, rituals, arts and crafts, songs, recipes and more…
Available in the main lobby prior to holidays throughout the year.



Lobby Shabbat
Join with our Nursery classes to welcome Shabbat with candle lighting, kiddush, challah and songs.
Fridays, 11:00am/Main Lobby
November 13, 2009, February 26, 2010, May 7, 2010

 

About the Director, Sheila Sturmer
A former New York City teacher and JCC Day Camp Director, Sheila has headed up Jewish programming at the JCC for more than 20 years, providing the community with a range of stimulating educational and cultural programs. She is active in the Jewish community beyond the JCC, and is a member of the JCCA Jewish Educators’ Forum and member of the Westchester BJE (Board of Jewish Education) Advisory Committee.