VOL 4, ISSUE 3
SIVAN – ELUL 5771
SUMMER
Chai lights
2011
a publication of the JCC Family Programs department
Teachable Moments L’Dor v’Dor- From Generation to Generation — By Melanie Gruenwald Over the past year, we have had the pleasure of welcoming hundreds of families to Shalom Family and Shalom Baby events and classes. We have observed a significant shift in the people who are bringing the children and babies to experiences. There are an increasing number of grandparents involved with the children. As a ‘transplant’ to Denver, I also understand the struggle of not having grandparents in town. I remember when we lived in California, and my son had special Mondays with his grandmother, grandfather and great-grandmother; their times together were priceless! Even now, when my children’s grandparents come to Denver, our entire family feels so supported and cared for. It is certainly challenging, however, not to have grandparents and a network of local family support. Our family, like many others I know, have built a network of special friends who become our local family—‘aunties’, ‘uncles’ and ‘stand-in grandparents’ for special occasions, birthdays, and holidays. It is wonderful to have grandparents and these ‘special friends’ in our community who participate with our children in Family Program activities! What is lending our community culture towards more grandparent involvement? We are noticing that grandparents are younger and more active, willing and able to romp around with their grandchildren. More moms are returning to full-
time work, and grandparents are serving as caregivers while both parents are at work. Many of our young families are from Denver and have remained here, or moved back to Denver after having children, so that they can be closer to their nuclear family. In addition, a study of young adults who grew up in interfaith families by the Jewish Outreach Institute, found that many of them considered their grandparents to be important role models and connectors to their religion and ethnic heritage. The Family Programs Department is pleased that we can be responsive to this demographic shift. We are building a grandparent database, so grandparents can stay in the loop about upcoming classes and events. You can register your grandparents at: www.jccdenver.org/jcc-forms/ldor-vdor-from-generation-to-generation. We will also be offering “L’Dor v’ Dor ~ Grandparent and Grandchild” classes and events, beginning this summer. Our first “L’Dor v’ Dor” program will be ‘Tales from the Jungle’ in our Reading Jungle- every Friday from 10:30–11:15 a.m. This is perfect time to read a bit, sing a bit, and share some very special time together at the end of the week. Please join us to share your input and experiences. We are looking forward to planting the seeds together with you…. L’Dor v’Dor- from generation to generation.
CONTENTS 02—03 Introduction
04—05 Move & Learn Schedule
06—07 Jewish Family University
08 Summer Calendar
11 Celebrations & Events
12 South Metro