J-Baby

for beginning Jewish families

J-Baby for beginning Jewish families is a new initiative in upper Northern Westchester that brings together families with babies through pre-schoolers to find ways to bring Judaism into their everyday lives while making social connections for themselves and their children. 

J-Baby is brought to the community by the Rosenthal JCC and the Upper Northern Westchester Kesher, and is funded by a grant from UJA-Federation of New York’s Commission on Jewish Identity and Renewal.

FEBRUARY

Tu B’Shabba

Friday, Feb. 1, 5:30 – 7:00pm

Celebrate Tu B’Shevat by enjoying a delicious Shabbat dinner that includes the fruits of Israel and sing along with Zev Haber to Jack Johnson’s 3 R’s song, reduce, reuse, recycle. RSVP online.

Takes place at Rosenthal JCC at the Yorktown Branch, 2966 Crompond Road, Yorktown

$25/family

Mini-Megillah, Music and Mask-Making

Monday, Feb. 25, 5:00 – 6:30pm

Concert and Purim tale with Adam Hart followed by mask-making and a costume parade. Pizza and salad dinner, finishing with hamantashen for dessert. Costumes and silliness encouraged! RSVP online.

Takes place at Rosenthal JCC at the Yorktown Branch, 2966 Crompond Road, Yorktown

$18/family

MARCH

Get a Jump on Spring!

Tuesday, Mar. 5, 10:00am – 12:00pm

There is a season for everything, and this season let’s develop some muscles! Kids enjoy a fun morning of exercise, and parents will have a short discussion about activities that boost physical development and what Judaism has to say about raising healthy kids. RSVP online.

Jumpin Jeepers, 926 U.S. 6, Mahopac

$8/child

Haroset Tasting and Making

Sunday, Mar. 17, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Get ready for Passover with a feast of haroset, the symbol for the mortar the Hebrew slaves used to build Egyptian buildings. Make different kinds of haroset, then taste and vote for your favorite. Decorate a clay haroset bowl with mosaic tiles to take home. Just in time for your Seder! RSVP online.

Rosenthal JCC, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville

$10/child or $20/family

APRIL

J-Baby: Planting Seeds for a Healthy Spring

Thursday Apr. 4, 9:30 – 11am

Get your picky eaters involved with growing and making their own healthy foods, even vegetables. Food coach Hillary Marra will facilitate a workshop on healthy spring eating. You and your child will plant lettuce seeds to start your own garden and taste-test a variety of foods, including a smoothie – who could resist?

Rosenthal JCC Yorktown, 2966 Crompond Road, Yorktown

$10/family

Turn Your Land Lubber into a Gefilte Fish

Sunday, Apr. 14, 10:00 – 11:30am

Why does Pirkei Avot say that teaching your child to swim is one of the Top 3 parental responsibilities? Come and find out! Enjoy this event, which includes a half-hour swim lessons with Wendie Lubinsky, certified swim instructor. Siblings welcome. First half hour session is a “Parent and Child” session (Babies to 3 ½ years), second session for children 3 to 7 years (without parent). Fun poolside activities.

Premier Athletic Club, 2127 Albany Post Rd., Montrose

$15/child

Building Self-Esteem in Your Child

Sunday, Apr. 28, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Every child should know he or she is loved deliriously. Aleta Koman, Parent Coach, will discuss ways for you, your spouse, and your caregiver to model good self-esteem and nurture your child’s inner-confidence. Babysitting upon request.

Rosenthal JCC Yorktown, 2966 Crompond Rd., Yorktown

$10/family

Coming in MAY…

Plant and Play

Thursday, May 2, 9:30 - 11:00am

Croton Point Park, Croton On Hudson

Sesame Shabbat Dinner

Friday, May 10, 5:30 – 7:00pm

Rosenthal JCC Yorktown, 2966 Crompond Rd., Yorktown