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Jewish Culture and Learning
Julie Dorfman, MSW, Coordinator, x412
 
  Jewish Culture   Jewish Education   Russian Connections Westchester

  Israel Connections Club

  Resources & Referrals   Jewish Family Guide

 

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.
 


Jewish Culture

Chai Mitzvah
Mondays, February 6, March 12, April 9 and May 14
7:15pm
Chai Mitzvah helps Jews study and explore Judaism from an adult perspective at specific ages throughout adulthood. For more information, contact Rabbi Wendy Pein, rabbipein@chaimitzvah.org, or Millie Jasper, 472-3300, x269, jasperm@jccmw.org


Israeli Folk Dancing

Learn the latest dances and old favorites. Instruction, requests and open session. A great way to exercise and have fun! No experience necessary.

Uri Aqua, Instructor
Tuesdays, beginning September 6
7:45-10:00pm
$11/class – drop-ins welcome. Pay at the front desk.

Learn the latest dances and old favorites. Instruction, requests and open session. A great way to exercise and have fun! No experience necessary


NEW!
  Hamantashen Workshop: Make… Bake…Take
Wednesday, February 29, 8:00pm
Registration code: JP29W
$10/pp/$15 at the door

Get into the Purim spirit. Learn how to make and bake Hamantashen and add the fillings of your choice.
In partnership with Jewish Renaissance Experience (JRE)


NEW!   Challah Baking Workshop
Thursday, September 15
8:00-9:30pm
Registration code: JP26F
$12 for registrations by Sept. 1/$18 after Sept 1

Join us for a hands-on challah baking class. Learn how to braid and bake this traditional delicacy in one easy lesson.



NEW! Jelly Donut Making Workshop
Thursday, December 8
8:00-9:30pm
Registration code: JP28F
$12 for registrations by Nov. 24/$18 after Nov 24

Learn how to make delicious jelly donuts, a favorite Hanukkah treat!



Jewish Education

NEW! Introduction to the High Holidays
Monday, September 26 – Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, October 5 – Yom Kippur
8:00-9:00pm
Registration code: JP25F
$8/class for registrations by Sep. 19; $12/class after Sept.19

Make this year’s High Holiday services more enjoyable and meaningful with an insightful, fun and inspiring two part series. Join us for one or both sessions.


NEW! Breakneck Through the Bible
Thursdays, November 3, 10,17
8:00-9:00pm
Registration code: JP27F
$24 for registrations by Oct. 18/$36 after Oct .18

Embark on a high speed ride through the book of Genesis and gain knowledge that will enable you to get maximum meaning from the Torah.


Russian Connections Westchester

Language Classes

Early Childhood Language Development Program

Registration code: JP08F
Ages: 3-5 year olds
Time: 11 Sundays 12:30-1:30pm
Dates: October 2 - December 18, 2011
Tuition: $370


Early Childhood Russian Language Development program is designed to help young children begin their bi-lingual journey and enhance overall input in the area of Russian language. As young children explore their environment, they will be immersed in Russian language for the duration of the class through story telling; poetry and songs to promote a rapid receptive and expressive language development.

In addition, students will learn to recognize and identify the Russian alphabet and develop sound /letter coordination to promote reading development. Class will be taught by a skillful and experienced teacher. Each child will be encouraged to speak and communicate in Russian at their own level and pace. Children younger than 4 years old will be invited to audit the class prior to enrolment for the semester. 4-year-old children may attend the class on their own.



Russian Language 2   Advanced Level
Registration code: JP10F
Ages: open call, proficiency based class
Time: 11 Sundays 12:30-1:30pm
Dates: October 2-December 18, 2011
Tuition: $370


This course is designed for students who speak and understand Russian very well. The students are able to converse, read and write. Children will continue to develop their vocabulary, learn advanced grammar and improve their reading/writing ability. Conversation will be encouraged.


Russian Language 3   Russian as a Second Language
Registration code: JP11F
Ages: open call, proficiency based class
Time: 11 Sundays 12:30-1:30pm
Dates: October 2-December 18, 2011
Tuition: $370


This course is designed for students with limited skills and limited exposure to the Russian language. The goal of this course is to provide an opportunity to develop it further, enable verbal communication, enhance vocabulary and teach reading / writing in Cyrillic. Conversation will be encouraged.



Mathematic Classes
We will offer classes for children of a variety of ages and different math skill levels: pre-school/elementary school to High School. There will be 3 math classes offered on each Sunday. Levels will be determined by enrollment. Classes taught in English. Class is open to all and is not limited to the Russian speaking community.

The goal of this course is to teach children to think, develop mathematical abilities, build math knowledge and acquire the love of the subject. Classes are designed to review and reinforce present knowledge then move on to surpass students’ grade level.

Classes will also assist students in developing effective test taking techniques, ranging from time-sensitive and quick action demanding multiple-choice tests to Math Olympiads, where creativity and originality is the key to success.

In addition, we would like to offer the opportunity to High School students to enhance their math skills by studying topics of their current curriculum to well beyond school program. This may be scheduled on an individual basis if groups are not formed.

Math class placements will be announced following the registration and after the first meeting in October. Each child’s skill level will be evaluated on the first day of school and groups will be formed then. We would like to make sure that each student maximizes their talent and skills as he/she progresses onto the higher level at the end of each semester.

Please register your child in one of the classes below according to age group until then.


Mathematics 1    Pre-School/Elementary School
Registration code: JP14F
Time: 11 Sundays 12:30 -1:30pm
Dates: October 2-December 18, 2011
Tuition: $370



Mathematics 2  Middle School
Registration code: JP15F
Time: 11 Sundays 12:30 -1:30pm
Dates: October 2-December 18, 2011
Tuition: $370

Mathematics 3  Upper Middle /High School
Registration code: JP16F
Time: 11 Sundays 12:30 -1:30pm
Dates: October 2-December 18, 2011
Tuition: $370


NEW! Chess Program
Chess is an excellent way to develop intelligence and problem solving ability. Classes will cover basic to advanced techniques, including various strategic and tactical elements, beginnings and endgames, one or two-move checkmates as well as various combinations and study of the games of world champions and grandmasters of the past and the present. Homework assignments may be given at the end of class and tournament participation encouraged. Class is open to all and is not limited only to the Russian speaking community. Adults are welcome to join!

Chess 1 Basic
Registration code: JP22F
Time: 11 Sundays 12:30-1:30pm
Dates: October 2– December 18, 2011
Tuition: $ 370

Chess 2 Intermediate

Registration code: JP23F
Time: 11 Sundays 12:30-1:30pm
Dates: October 2– December 18, 2011
Tuition: $ 370

Chess 3 Advanced

Registration code: JP24F
Time: 11 Sundays 12:30-1:30pm
Dates: October 2 – December 18, 2011
Tuition: $ 370

NEW! Jewish Education Enrichment Program
Registration code: JP18F
Time: 11 Sundays classes time contingent on interest and registration
Dates: October 2– December 18, 2011
Tuition: $ 370

The tradition of Jewish education goes back to biblical times. The goal of this class is to teach basics of the Jewish Tradition and Heritage through exploring Jewish sources and concepts, poetry and prayer, history from the time of Joshua and basic Hebrew language skills through learning, play, music and art projects. Classes will be formed based on age of participants.
 


Israel Connections Club
The Israel Connections Club aims to connect Westchester Israelis and other Hebrew speaking families through programming and events that emphasize spoken Hebrew and provide a fun and secular way to experience Jewish holidays and Israeli culture. Programming is available for children, families and adults.

For more information contact Julie Dorfman at the JCC
dorfmanj@jccmw.org or program co-chairs Rachael Arenstein rachaelarenstein@hotmail.com or Tali Orad tali@orad.com.   Download a registration form.


www.shirfun.com
Shir Fun ® 

Registration code: JP0S
Instructor: Dafna Israel-Kotok

The popular Hebrew music program for kids and their parent/caregivers returns to the Scarsdale JCC! Age appropriate Hebrew vocabulary will be taught in Hebrew using a mix of original and popular Israeli children’s songs. Class includes a complimentary Shir Fun CD of some of the songs used in class for each family.  
This class is geared towards native speakers but is also open to those interested in teaching their children Hebrew.

Ages: 3 months - 5 years old
Time: 17 Tuesdays 4:00 – 4:45
Dates: January 10 - May 22 (no classes 2/21, 4/3, 4/10)
Tuition:  $540

$535 Facebook discount
$390 Sibling              
One time walk in fee (subject to availability) $40



Shirim v’Mischakim (Songs and Games)
Registration code: JP01S
Instructor: Liron Alterovich

Pre-schoolers and Kindergarteners will have fun in Hebrew in this dynamic class through movement, music, puppets and games. The songs and activities in class will emphasize oral communication. Class themes are based on Israeli culture and a secular approach to Jewish holidays. This program is conducted entirely in Hebrew and is geared to children who speak Hebrew at home or with proven proficiency.

Ages: 4-6 years old (pre-K and K)
Time: 18 Tuesdays 3:45 – 5:00
Dates:
January 10 - May 29 (no classes 2/21, 4/3, 4/10)
Tuition: $540


Ivrit b’Ivrit (Hebrew Literacy)
Registration code: JP03S
Instructors: Aviva Arens & Tilda Fintzi

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 and separated for activities in class based 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. Classes include conversation, games, books and written work. Weekly assignments are given to continue the learning throughout the week. This program is conducted entirely in Hebrew and is geared to children who speak Hebrew at home or with proven proficiency.

Ages: 1st – 5th grades
Time: 18 Tuesdays 3:45 – 5:00
Dates:
January 10 - May 29 (no classes 2/21, 4/3, 4/10)
Tuition: $540



Matchilim (Beginners Hebrew)
Registration code: JP07S
Instructor: Elaine Atzmon

Children will enjoy learning to read, write and speak modern Hebrew with a professional educator who is experienced teaching the language to non-native speaking children. The class will use the proven TaL AM curriculum (www.talam.org
) and is non-religious in its approach, although Jewish themes or holidays may be touched upon in an Israeli cultural context. This class is geared towards students with no prior knowledge of Hebrew.

Ages: 1st – 3rd grades
Time: 18 Tuesdays 3:45 – 5:00
Dates: January 10 - May 29 (no classes 2/21, 4/3, 4/10)
Tuition: Fall - $540


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.