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

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.