JCC of Mid-Westchester Jewish Culture & Learning

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.

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

Currently, teachers , principals and classes from six Westchester synagogue schools are twinned with their counterparts in Jerusalem sharing lesson plans and creative curriculum projects. This coming December, the Westchester teachers, principals, lay leaders and the JCC Mid Westchester and JCC on the Hudson project coordinators will travel to Israel for a conference to further develop the initiative.

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

HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE
Av Rivel, Instructor
6 Tuesdays, October 5 – November 9, 7:00-8:30pm FREE

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
September 14, 2010 - June 28, 2011
8:00-10:00pm

RUSSIAN SPEAKING JEWS
Are you a Russian Speaking Jew living in Westchester? If so, add your name/emails to our data base to receive information about the Kids and Adult Clubs.
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.

ISRAEL CONNECTIONS CLUB
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. TA cooperative program with the Westchester Jewish Conference. Tuesdays, 3:45-5:00pm

Shir Fun ® JP04F
The popular Hebrew music program for kids and their parent/caregivers teaches age appropriate Hebrew vocabulary using a mix of original and popular Israeli children’s songs. This class is appropriate for both native speakers and those interested in teaching their children Hebrew.
www.shirfun.com
Instructor: Dafna Israel-Kotok
Ages: 3 months - 5 years old
Time: 10 Tuesdays 4:00 – 4:45pm
Dates: October 5 – December 14
Tuition: $290

Chug Drama b’Ivrit JP01F
Pre-schoolers and Kindergarteners will have fun in this dynamic class hearing a book read aloud in Hebrew and then, using costumes, music and imagination, acting and expanding on the story. Books are chosen based on Israeli culture, Jewish holidays and themes. This program is conducted entirely in Hebrew and is geared to children who speak Hebrew at home or with proven proficiency.
Instructor: Miri Elhayani
Ages: 3-5 years old
Time: 12 Tuesdays 3:45 – 5:00
Dates: September 21 – December 14
Tuition:$365

Ivrit b’Ivrit JP03F
This Hebrew literacy class is taught by two professional Israeli educators who will work on expanding vocabulary and building literacy with a curriculum that weaves in Israeli culture, and Jewish holidays and themes. Children will be grouped for activities in class depending on age and Hebrew proficiency. Younger students will focus on learning to read and write in Hebrew while older students continue their mastery of the language. Weekly assignments are given to. This program is conducted entirely in Hebrew and is geared to children who speak Hebrew at home or with proven proficiency.
Instructor: Aviva Arens and assistant
Ages: 1st – 5th grades
Time: 12 Tuesdays 3:45 – 5:00
Dates: September 21 – December 14
Tuition:$ 365

Misibot Chagim
Enjoy celebrating the holidays and the seasons with entertainment, arts and crafts and activities conducted in Hebrew for the entire family. Join us for an Israeli style Chag.

Leilot Israelim
Check back in the future to learn of Israeli culture events open, and of interest, to both Hebrew and English speakers.

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.

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
Dates TBA.

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.