VOL 2, ISSUE 2
SHE VAT — ADAR 5773
F E B.
Chai lights
2013
a monthly publication of the JCC Family Programs department
Family Programs is dedicated to young families with children ages five and under, offering classes, programs and events specifically designed to help families grow and learn together. Family Programs holds Jewish holiday celebrations, parenting and pre-natal classes, Move & Learn Parent/Caregiver classes and events and celebrations.
Jewish Holiday Family Celebrations
Babies (8 weeks to Pre-crawling) • Yoga Babies, Boogie Babies music, Infant Massage/ Post-Natal Yoga
Purim Masquerade and Dance Thursday, Feb. 21 5:30–7 p.m., JCC Social Hall $9/JCC member; $11/JCC Guests or “at the door;” $36/JCC Member; $44/JCC Guest family maximum. Children 2 and under are FREE. ECC families are free. MazelTot discounts available for those who qualify, visit www.mazeltot.org.
The funny thing about Purim, is that things are not always as they appear! Come dressed in your favorite costume, ready to dance the night away and with our professional DJ,participate in the mitzvot (commandments) of the holiday- including making gifts for the poor,hearing the Purim story,and preparing baskets of food for friends. We are also thrilled to help launch the Purim Superhero, the first LGBT-inclusive Jewish children’s book in EnglishThe Purim Superhero is a children’s book about conviction, courage, space aliens, and a Jewish family with two dads. Snacks will be served at the party. Pizza and salad dinner can be ordered in advance for $5/child; $7/adult.
Move and Learn Classes (Newborn to age 5) Parent/Caregiver Participation Classes March 17–May 24, 8 weeks (no classes during Passover, March 26–April 2) $112/JCC Members; $134/JCC Guest; $17/Drop In Extra fees will be charged for Artistic Tots and Sticky Fingers Cooking
Music, Art, Yoga, Tumbling, Soccer, Cooking and Dance: All classes require pre-registration.We offer a 25% discount for multiples and siblings. There are no refunds for missed classes but we’d love to see you if you choose to come for a make-up at one of our other classes! Classes contain Jewish content, including songs, stories and recipes. For detailed information, class schedule and to register online, please visit www.jccdenver.org/families, or contact Jill Katchen at (303) 316-6336 or jkatchen@jccdenver.org.
Younger Toddlers (Crawling—17 months) • Mini Tumbling, Jammin’ Tots music
Older Toddlers (18 months–3 years) • Kinder Kixx Soccer, Maxi Tumbling, Artistic Tots, Sticky Fingers Cooking, Zumba for parents and kids
Mixed Age (Newborn—4 years) • Mixed-Age Music
Pre-School (3—5 years) • Kinder Kixx Soccer, Lego Engineering, Sticky Fingers Cooking, Hip Hop Dance classes after school
Talk and Tumble – Open gym and play time! Fridays, weekly Feb. 1— March 22 JCC Social Hall, 10:15—11:30 a.m. $5/child
Bring your new baby, toddlers or even your play group for open play time on our tumbling equipment.Get out of the house,meet new friends and have fun with old friends.This is an excellent chance to enter a“yes”zone with multiples,siblings and other little explorers.The JCC tumbling room is a great,safe environment for toddlers to explore and get out extra energy, especially during the winter months! Snacks provided. Great for ages 6 months–4 years.
Prenatal and Parenting Programs Jewish Baby University Spring 2013: April 14, 22, 28 and May 6 Rose Medical Center and the JCC, Sundays, 9 a.m.—4 p.m., Weeknights, 6:30—9 p.m. $180/couple
Designed for expectant parents, this innovative program combines childbirth education with an exploration of the Jewish traditions and rituals connected with pregnancy, birth and parenting. Instructors Rabbi Jeffrey Kaye (Judaic) and Sue Geissler (prepared childbirth),lead this program created by the Colorado Agency for Jewish Education and co-sponsored by the JCC and Rose Medical Center.Participants also join the Boot Camp for New Dads and partmers and Miracles and Mayhem classes to discuss the anticipated post-partum experience, communication skills, parental expectations and changing identities.
All classes and events require advance registration. Please contact Jill Katchen (303) 316-6336 familyprograms@jccdenver.org or register online at www.jccdenver.org
Chai Lights JBU Plus
Moms Night Out: C’mon Baby Light My Fire
Spring 2013: April 18, 25 and May 2 6:30–9 p.m. at the JCC $250/couple
Monday Feb. 11, 6:30–9 p.m. at a private home in Lowry $12/JCC member; $15/JCC Guest
The complete package: Jewish Baby University,PLUS Breastfeeding,Babysafe and the ABCs of Financial Planning. JBU and JBU Plus are eligible for a discount up to $100 off, through www.MazelTot.org. Or sign up a la carte, $50/class from the selection below:
Just in time for the month of love and romance! Marriage and family therapist Lisa Thomas facilitates a fun and enlightening conversation about intimacy and connection. She’ll bring tips to the table on how to spice up your love life too— food and wine will definitely be involved!
ABC’s of Financial Planning: April 18 Miracles and Mayhem: The Realities of Parenthood: April 22 Bootcamp for New Dads and Partners: April 22 Breastfeeding: April 25 Baby Safe: May 2
Warm Welcome Visits
Save The Date for: Dads Day with the Kids: Passover through the Senses! Sunday, March 17, 9:30 a.m.—Noon $10/JCC member; $12/ JCC Guest (Fee includes snacks and activities)
We offer caring support,a connection to community resources,a way to meet other new parents,and a gift basket that includes information on child development and parenting skills. If you are a new parent, and would like a Warm Welcome visit, please contact Jill (303) 316-6336, or jkatchen@jccdenver.org
Dads have a chance to play with the kids! Come to the JCC for a sampling of your favorite Move & Learn classes while exploring the holiday of Passover through the senses–art (touch), music (hearing), tumbling (touch), cooking (taste and smell) and more, with the morning ending with a swim in the “Red Sea” (sight)…our indoor pool!
NEW! L’Dor v’Dor: Jewish Grandparent University
Late Night Lag B’Omer: A Fundraiser for Shalom Baby
Monday, Feb. 4, 6:30—8:30 p.m., JCC $18/person
Grandparents-to-belearntechniquesand“bestpractices” in supporting their children as they become parents for the first time, while passing on family values and traditions. This class is facilitated by Dr. Daniel Hettleman, Ph.D., P.C. Daniel specializes in family and couples therapy, and is the facilitator for our Bootcamp for New Dads class.
Saturday, April 27, 9 p.m.
Usher in the mystical and festive celebration of Lag B’Omer grown-up style, complete with bonfire, cordials and s’mores, This fundraiser will be an unforgettable evening—definitely worth hiring a sitter in advance to enjoy a night out with friends!
Mahj, Moms and Margaritas Thursday, May 2, 6:30—9 p.m.
Celebrate Family NEW! Jewish Parenting University (JPU): Your Jewish Parenting Journey Feb. 5, 10, 19, 26; March 12 JCC South Denver $180/couple
Designed for expectant parents,this innovative program explores the Jewish traditions and rituals connected with pregnancy, birth, and parenting. JPU is sponsored by HealthONE Rose Medical Center and JCC South Denver. If you are taking other prenatal classes,or going through adoption: If you are looking for community connections and Jewish parenting information, please join us for our first Jewish Parenting University series, beginning at the JCC South Denver location. Contact Dani Wynn for details: (303) 799-6975 or dwynn@jccdenver.org.
Sunday, May 19, 10:30—2:30 p.m.
The JCC’s 10th Annual Family Celebration
Stay on top of Shalom Baby & Shalom Family happenings and resources by ‘liking us’ on facebook. www.fb.com/JCCFamilyPrograms
To pre-register for all classes and events please register at www.jccdenver.org/families, or contact the Family Programs Coordinator, at (303) 316-6336 or familyprograms@jccdenver.org. Feb. 2013
Chai Lights Remember to check out our beautiful new JCC South Denver (Arapahoe and Dayton).Additional experiences and additional times to choose from the JCC in your neighborhood! Early Experiences in Jewish Learning
Talk and Tumble
Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30—11:30 a.m. Ages 2 1/2—3 1/2 years old $185/month per child
Tuesdays, 10:30—11:30 a.m. $2/family Designed for children three years and younger with their parents
Early Experiences in Jewish Learning classes are developed to nurture in children the development of a Jewish identity and interest to participate in Jewish life through holiday celebrations and traditions rooted in Jewish heritage.
Bring your new baby or toddler for open play time in our tumbling room on Tuesday mornings.Warm up with coffee or tea, and chat with friends.
Kibitz and Koffee Parent-Tot Shabbat Sing Fridays, 10—11 a.m. Ages four years and younger Session I: Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 and March 1 $78.75/nine-week session; $10 drop in for children ages 13 months and older $60.75/nine-week session; $8 drop in for children ages 6—12 months
Wednesdays, 2—3 p.m. FREE
Stop by JCC South Denver for a little kibitz (talk) over a cup of coffee and a nosh before you pick up your children from school.Bring a friend or meet new friends!
Kaleidoscope at the MACC
Session II: March 8, 15, 22, April 5, 12, 19, 26, and May 3, 10, 17 $87.75/ten-week session; $10 drop in for children ages 13 months and older $67.75/ten-week session; $8 drop in for children ages 6—12 months
Fabulous Fairy Tale Theatre Class Thursdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14, 1-2 p.m. Pre-K; $90/child/six week course
Parents and their children learn about Shabbat traditions and blessings, sing, dance, do make-and-take challah, art and craft activities, enjoy a delicious, healthy snack, and have a great time celebrating Shabbat with friends.
Using improvisation,music,movement,art and play,we’ll explore fairy tale classics such as Cinderella,SnowWhite,Rapunzel,Pinocchio,and many other favorites.Portraying characters ranging from princes to witches, students enjoy their favorite tales from the inside! Each day a new story is read and then transformed into a play utilizing the students as the actors.
Purim Masquerade and Dance Thursday, Feb. 21 5:30–7 p.m., JCC Social Hall, 350 S. Dahlia St. $9 JCC member; $11 JCC Guests or “at the door;” $36 JCC Member; $44 JCC Guest family maximum. Children 2 and under are FREE. ECC families are free. MazelTot discounts available for those who qualify, visit www.mazeltot.org.
The funny thing about Purim,is that things are not always as they appear! Come dressed in your favorite costume,ready to dance the night away and participate in the mitzvot (commandments) of the holiday- including making gifts for the poor, hearing the Purim story, and preparing baskets of food for friends. We are also thrilled to help launch the Purim Superhero, the first LGBT-inclusive Jewish children’s book in English - The Purim Superhero is a children’s book about conviction, courage, space aliens, and a Jewish family with two dads. Snacks will be served at the party. Pizza and salad dinner can be ordered in advance for $5/child; $7/adult. The first LGBT-Inclusive Jewish children’s book in English and winner of Keshet,s National Book-Writing contest!
SHALOM BABY MOVE & LEARN CLASSES March 17—May 24 Sunday
Babies 8 weeks— pre-crawling
Toddlers Crawling—17 months
Toddlers 18 months—3 years
Mixed-Age Newborn—4 years
Monday
Tuesday
NEW! Tumble Bugs with Staci Z. (4—9 mo.) 11—11:45 a.m.
Mini Tumbling with Staci Z. 10 a.m.—10:45 a.m.
Wednesday
Jammin’ Tots (Crawling—3 yrs.) with Alison Bresler 9:30—10:15 a.m.
Mini Tumbling with Staci Z. 10:30—11:15 a.m.
Artistic Tots with Marissa Tabak Kinder Kixx Soccer (17 mo.—3 yrs.) (2—3 yrs.) & (4—5 yrs.) 9:30—10:15 a.m. at JCC Gym or NEW! 10:30—11:15 a.m. Parent/Tot ZUMBA! 10:45—11:30 a.m. 9:30—10:15 a.m.
Mixed–Age Music with Marissa Russo 9:30—10:15 a.m.
3—5 years
Infant Massage/ Post-natal Yoga 12:30 p.m.—1:30 p.m.
Mini Tumbling with Staci Z. 11:30 a.m.—12:15 p.m.
Maxi Tumbling with Staci Z. 10:30—11:15 a.m. Sticky Fingers Cooking (2–3yrs) 10—11 a.m.
NEW! Hip Hop Dance 3:30—4:30 p.m.
Build It! with LEGOs 3:30—4:30 p.m.
Kinder Kixx (2—3 yrs.) 10—10:45 a.m.
Talk and Tumble 10:15—11:30 a.m. (Open play for Kids ages 6 mo.—5 yrs.) $5/child Tumbling Room
Mixed-Age Music with Alison Bresler 10:30—11:15 a.m.
Sticky Fingers Cooking 3:30—4:30 p.m.
Friday NEW! Boogie Babies with Marissa Russo 11:30 a.m.—12:15 p.m.
Boogie Babies with Alison Bresler 11:30 a.m.—12:15 p.m.
Maxi Tumbling with Jenny Fleming 9:30—10:15 a.m.
Pre-School
Thursday
Kinder Kixx Soccer 3:30—4:15 p.m. JCC Gym
Try our NEW CLASSES: • Tumble Bugs class for pre-crawlers (4—9 months), Sundays at 11 a.m. • Hip Hop Dance after-school enrichment, Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m.
• Parent/Tot Zumba, Mondays at 9:30 a.m. • Boogie Babies Music class now offered Fridays at 11:30 a.m.
For class descriptions please visit our website at www.jccdenver.org/families.
Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center 350 South Dahlia Street Denver, CO 80246-8102