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shmuse SUMMER/FALL 2008

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER DOWNTOWN • NYC

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WE THE PROUD BUILDERS AND PIONEERS OF JCP Add your artistry, name, and handiwork to the ever growing mosaic of JCP members that will adorn the entrance of our home. $360 per tile

Contact Stephanie for more information 212-334-3522

IMAGE:RAYOGRAM

Each ceramic tile will be approx 4x4 inches. Tile making will take place throughout the year to give everyone a chance to be recognized as a JCP builder (yes, that’s you).

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TABLE OF CONTENT

EDITOR

Jewish Afterschool Education

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Pesach at the Ben-Zions

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Kid’s-eye-view

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Shmusing wtih Joe Daniels

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DARREN LEVINE ASSITANT EDITOR

SARAH ABRAMS PUBLISHED BY

JEWISH COMMUNITY

Heal Me, Oh Matzoh Ball

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PROJECT DOWNTOWN

Where is Grandma Now?

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DESIGN

The Kesher Community Afterschool

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Raising Kids in the Kitchen

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JCP Programs

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Imaginations, Here And There

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Ask The Rabbi

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RAYOGRAM (rayogram.com) PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

NOAH DAVID SMITH CONTRIBUTORS:

JULIE NEGRIN Julie Negrin, M.S. is a certified nutritionist and the Director of Culinary Arts at the JCC in Manhattan. She has been teaching parents and kids how to cook together for ten years. (page 14)

Just Sandwiches: New JCP Initiative 31 Getting the Scoop on the JCP ECC Preschool 32

shmuse.

A great Jewish pastime, schmoozing. Your grandfather schmoozed at the shfitz. Your bubbe schmoozed at the butcher. Your parents schmoozed Uptown. You schmooze Downtown,

NOAH DAVID

or at least you should.

SMITH

shmuse is taking schmoozing to a new level. It’s

Noah David Smith

part schmooze, part muse, thus redefining the

is a filmmaker and photographer living downtown with his wife and two sons. More of his work can be seen at www.noahdavidsmith.com.

historic pastime of schmoozing. shmuse is a journal/magazine/brochure/guide/ calendar/ in one and tells the JCP story of Jewish and community life growing downtown.

For JCP is more than an organization that offers great classes and programs and a top-notch preschool. JCP offers people the opportunity to explore and think about Judaism in new ways

ON THE COVER:

Ben-Zion family photographed by Noah David Smith

and to grow together in community. shmuse tells the tale.

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KESHER AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

Grades: K-5 Learn Jewish History, explore Jewish values and ethics, and celebrate cycles of Jewish time. Students arrive as their school day lets out and the formal program continues through 6 PM. See pages XY for more information. *Limited to 36 participants SEE PAGE 22

HEAD-TO-TOE HEBREW

Grades: Pre-K-1 Sing, move, and bring Hebrew alive through this high energy class.

Children will master a broad range of Modern Hebrew vocabulary through participation in physically invigorating games and activities.

Once we’ve warmed up our bodies and vocal cords, we will shift gears for a song session filled with Hebrew and other Jewish themed tunes. Think physical education meets Jewish summer camp!

SEE PAGE 22

Jewish Afterschool Education

HEBREW SCHOOL THEN AND NOW

By Darren Levine

JEWISH EDUCATION IN AMERICA DATES BACK to the first Jews that

settled in this country in 1654. Though much has changed, much has also stayed the same. For over 350 years, Jewish American families have attempted to give their children a sense of their Jewish identity, an appreciation for their unique culture and traditions, and to nourish a relationship to the Jewish People, Israel, and God. In the old country, Jewish education amounted to daily cheder for boys to learn Talmud-Torah with the town rebbe. Families lived by Jewish time, Shabbat and the holidays, so children absorbed these traditions and customs by osmosis. What they knew about Jewish history came from the stories passed down from father to son. Girls, oye, as This fall, JCP will we know from Barbara Streisand launch the Kesher in Yenta, a girls Jewish education Afterschool Community amounted to the Jewish home Hebrew Project - a practices, the textual learning community of students was left to the boys and men. guided by an expert Times have changed drastifaculty. cally. Even what we remember from our own Jewish education at temple on weekday afternoons or on Sunday mornings is different. Hopefully, no longer is classroom management the teacher’s only goal, but serious Jewish education that engages, empowers, and inspires.

I want our children to be engaged by their Jewish studies. I want them to develop skills, knowledge, and a deep understanding of what Judaism means to them. I want our children to feel confi-

IMAGE:LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, PRINTS & PHOTOGRAPHS DIVISION, FSA/OWI COLLECTION (LEFT), JENNIFER WEISBORD (RIGHT)

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dent in their identity and be able to speak the language of Jewish life — Hebrew, history, values, literature, holidays and ritual.

I want our kids to be able to stand proud at their bar/bat mitzvah with the self-knowledge that they are becoming an adult in the eyes of the Jewish community. I want them to leave the nest with a sense of what it means to be a Jew, what is means to make value driven decisions, and what it is to belong to the Jewish People.

This does not happen by genetics and/or cultural identification. It takes a commitment. For the past five years, JCP has created a reputation for outstanding early childhood education under the direction of Sharon Shorofsky Mack. Today, we embark on the next phase of our journey: educating our elementaryage children.

This coming fall, JCP will be launching the Kesher Afterschool Community Hebrew Project. Kesher is a unique program that was started in Cambridge, MA over 16 years ago. You can learn more about Kesher on pages (16-17) or by visiting the JCP Web site. Kesher itself strives to become a community of students guided by an expert faculty who are dedicated professionals in the field of education. Just like JCP, Kesher is about exploring, learning, and celebrating what it means to be Jewish.

We are embarking on the next phase in our journey at JCP and it’s going to take a commitment by all of us to ensure its success.

You are invited to be part of the journey.

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KESHER IS ABOUT EXPLORING, LEARNING, AND CELEBRATING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE JEWISH.

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Joy This Season PESACH AT THE BEN-ZIONS

By Daniela Ben-Zion

“SIMCHA RABA, SIMCHA RABA, AVIV HIGIYA PESACH BA!” (GREAT JOY, GREAT JOY, SPRING HAS ARRIVED AND PASSOVER IS COMING)

EVERY YEAR OUR FAMILY SINGS THESE FESTIVE HEBREW LYRICS to

ROSH HASHANAH SEPTEMBER 30

10:00 AM Services 12:00 AM Community Luncheon 2:00 PM Taschlich on the Hudson River

YOM KIPPUR OCTOBER 8

7:30 PM Kol Nidre Evening Services October 9 10:00 AM Yom Kippur Services 3:00 PM Study Sessions 4:30 PM Afternoon Service 5:00 PM Yizkor and Neila and Havdalah SEE PAGE 24

DOWNTOWN HANUKKAH BASH

Art, music, menorah projects, and fun for the entire family.

Come light the candles as a downtown community with all the downtown partners: JCP, Synagogue for the Arts, Tribeca Hebrew, and Battery Park Synagogue.

SEE PAGE 24

TOT SHABBAT

It’s especially for tots and families with tots. We’ll pull out the rug and let your little ones sing and dance to Shabbat musical rhythms. Enjoy a light nosh afterwards. Led by Jacob Stein.

October 18, November 15, December 13 SEE PAGE 24

express the spirit and happiness we feel at the start of Spring and the Passover holiday.

Some years we celebrate Pesach in Israel, where my husband Guy was raised, and other years we do it here in New York City, where I grew up and where we live with our sons Noah and Ethan. When the unmistakable, savory smells of home-cooking start to permeate the air everyone knows it’s time to gather around the table and begin the Seder, which is led by our fathers in both Hebrew and English.

Whatever our location, when we open our Haggadah we invite everyone at the table—family and friends—to read the rich passages recounting the story of our ancestors’ exodus from Egypt.

This is a lovely way of incorporating each person in the traditions and the spirit of the holiday.

The wine is flowing generously by the time we’re halfway through the reading in the Haggadah and our matzah is topped with sweet haroset and bitter maror. The food and the atmosphere ensure that all those present share a sense of intimacy.

Our parents and grandparents either worked in the food and entertainment industries or simply had passion and talent when it came to cooking and baking. To this day our Seders aren’t complete without Savta Atalia’s lamb, Grandma Anna’s matzah balls—preparation has been taken over by my father, aka PaJoe—and our mothers’ charoset. Guy and I still argue over whose charoset—my mother’s or his—is the best.

The five essentials—maror, charoset, lamb shank, egg and parsley—can be found at the center of the table resting on one of the many Seder Plates from our families’ antique Judaica collection. Every few years, we take out our most special Seder Plate—a large, round, embossed silver platter from 19th century Austria. Savta Vera buried it at the beginning of World War II so that it wouldn’t be taken away. Looking at it reminds us all that

PHOTO: NOAH DAVID SMITH

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miraculously both she and the platter survived the Nazis.

Guy and I are both the babies in our families, so year after year the task of asking the Four Questions fell upon us. We look forward to teaching our boys the Four Questions. Perhaps Noah will take over the role of asking them this year until his younger brother Ethan is verbal enough to do so. Guy and I were also both the undefeated Afikoman finders. My family would always help guide me by telling me whether I was “hot” or “cold”.

MYNDI’S MATZAH CANDY:

Now it is up to Noah and Ethan to continue our legacy.

SEVERAL MATZAH BOARDS As the evening winds down, we reach the end of the 1 CUP UNSALTED BUTTER 1 CUP LIGHT BROWN SUGAR Haggadah. We have to make sure to clear the table 2 CUPS SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS

before our mothers begin the post-Seder, boisterous sing- Preheat oven 450 Completely cover cookie sheet with heavy a-long of Hebrew Passover favorites from Chad Gadia to duty aluminun foil and lay boards of matzah flat on sheet to cover. Break up boards Echad Mi Yodeya, complete with enthusiastic clapping where needed to cover foil perfectly (like puzzle). and table pounding.

Combine butter and sugar in saucepan and We have added a sweet new tradition to our table—a bring to boil on medium and watch it boil for 5 minutes (DO NOT BURN). recipe passed on to us by a friend which Noah and Ethan Pour over matzah, spread goop with knife and bake for 4 minutes. help to prepare. As our boys grow and we host more of Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips and bake for 1 minute more. our own Seders, we will keep cherishing the past, joyRemove from oven for the last time and ously celebrating the present, and assuring the passing spread melted chocolate chips with butter knife. of traditions to our children and future generations.

Refrigerate till hardened, breakup and enjoy!

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Kid’s-eye-view By rayogram

“ I like the city a lot because there are a lot of places to go and things to do. You can just walk across the BATTERY PARK street to a restaurant without driving anywhere.” MATH AND SPORTS- “I LIKE TO MEET MY FRIENDS IN BATTERY LOVING THIRD-GRADER BLAISE BEHAR PARK. I EITHER TAKE MY RECENTLY SHARED HER FAVORITE PATHWAYS THROUGH TRIBECA WITH SHMUSE.

SOFTBALL, BASEBALL, SOCCER

SCOOTER OR MY BIKE AND RIDE AROUND. THERE’S A POND WITH ALL THESE DUCKS AND FISH WHERE I LIKE TO RIDE.”

“I LOVE SPORTS AND ALL THAT. I PLAY WITH THE DOWNTOWN SOFTBALL LEAGUE, DOWNTOWN LITTLE LEAGUE AND THE DOWNTOWN SOCCER LEAGUE. WE PRACTICE AFTER SCHOOL ON FRIDAY AND PLAY GAMES ON SATURDAY MORNINGS IN BATTERY PARK. MY LITTLE SISTER IS STARTING BASEBALL THIS YEAR.” ANIMAL MANIMALS

Ages: 3 and 4 years From the zoo to the outback. No matter what animal or circumstance, if you have a special affinity for things soft and cuddly, or creepy and crawly this is the class for you. Class includes drawings, music and movement. *There are no live animals in this class.

BRICK OVEN PIZZA “MY MOM IS OPENING A NEW RESTAURANT SERVING PIZZA ON WARREN STREET. IT’S PROBABLY GOING TO BE THE BEST BRICK OVEN PIZZA. IT’S GOING TO OPEN ABOUT TWO MONTHS FROM NOW.”

TASTI D-LITE “TASTI D-LITE HAS A LOT OF GOOD FLAVORS AND THE ICE-CREAM IS NOT TOO HARD AND NOT TOO SOFT. MY FAVORITE FLAVOR IS MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP WITH CHOCOLATE SPRINKLES.

SEE PAGE 21

DAZZLING DISCOVERIES

Ages: 3 and 4 years Ever want to erupt a volcano, search for dinosaur bones, learn about weather, or build a kazoo? Through craft projects and discussions, children uncover the science of their every day world.

SEE PAGE 21

FINE ART FUN

Ages: 3 and 4 years This class will blend art-making with ageappropriate art history to give children a complete art experience. Students will discover a variety of artistic subjects, techniques, and materials.

SEE PAGE 21

THE HUDSON RIVER “LAST YEAR AT SCHOOL, WE STUDIED THE HUDSON RIVER. WE WENT TO HUDSON RIVER PARK AND ON THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY TO SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE ON THE HUDSON RIVER. A CLEARWATER AGENT CAME TO OUR CLASS AND SHOWED US HOW FAST WE COULD FILTER THE DIRTY WATER. THEY TAUGHT US THAT THE HUDSON IS REALLY REALLY DIRTY FROM FACTORIES AND GARBAGE. THEY ENCOURAGED US TO TRY NOT TO USE SO MUCH AND RECYCLE BOTTLES AND STUFF LIKE THAT.”

Hudson River

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P.S. 234 “THERE ARE A LOT OF TEACHERS WHO I REALLY LIKE THERE. I LIKE HOW THEY DO A LOT OF FUN STUFF. I LOVE MATH.”

JCP HEBREW CLASS “I TAKE THE HEBREW CLASS AT JCP. I LIKE LEARNING ALL THIS NEW STUFF - THE LETTERS AND THE ALPHABET AND SONGS.”

BURRITOVILLE “THERE’S A PLACE WHERE I LIKE TO GO CALLED BURRITOVILLE TO EAT CINNAMONY BROWNIES AND BLONDIES (LIKE A COOKIE AND A BROWNIE MIXED TOGETHER).”

CENTURY 21 “CENTURY 21 IS MY FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP WITH MY MOM. THERE’S LOTS OF TOYS, CLOTHES AND JEWELRY TO CHOOSE FROM THAT I LIKE AND THEY ALWAYS HAVE MY SIZE.”

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SHMUSING WITH

Joe Daniels

PRESIDENT AND CEO, NATIONAL SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM YOU RUN THE NATIONAL SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM. HOW WILL IT AFFECT THE FABRIC OF DOWNTOWN WHEN IT IS COMPLETE? The Memorial and Museum will occupy 8 of the 16 NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT

An open invitation for the entire downtown community to eat and meet for dinner at the end of the day. Family friendly, of course. Come at 5:15 for JUST Sandwiches and make sandwiches for the homeless.

SEE PAGE 25

acres of the WTC site and will be the centerpiece of a rebuilt and revitalized Lower Manhattan. The Memorial & Museum will be our physical and emotional touchstones to what happened on September 11, 2001. People will come to the site to remember those who were lost, reflect on how so many came together in response, and to think about the world in which we live today.

HOW WILL DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS BE SERVED BY THE MEMORIAL & MUSEUM? Not only will the story of downtown residents be an

important part of what’s shown in the Museum but the plaza itself will provide an important civic function. The Memorial is set within an 8 acre plaza that will add a large amount of new green space to Lower Manhattan. The plaza will be covered

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in almost 400 trees and will be a place for local residents and families to use during the week and on weekends.  It will be a verdant outside space that will be tremendously life affirming.

YOU MENTIONED THAT VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO REFLECT ON THE WORLD IN WHICH WE LIVE. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS WORLD? I think we live in a world where we must face the reality

of terrorism. Sugarcoating that fact only makes it harder for us to do something about it.

However, by embracing the universal human connections amongst us, we can make a real The Memorial & difference in preventing acts of Museum will be a hate like this from occurring verdant outdoor again. These are lessons that space that will be are important on local, national, tremendously life and international levels. We affirming. just finished a 25 state tour and in every city we visited it was overwhelming to see just how much people want to help. It showed me the real power of human connectivity.

IS THIS WHAT YOU WOULD SAY TO A CHILD ABOUT THE LESSONS LEARNED FROM 9/11? HUMAN CONNECTIVITY? Yes. We saw the best

and worst of humanity during the attacks and their aftermath.

While we must never forget the losses suffered on 9/11, I think it is important to pass on the message that, regardless of difference, we all came together to help one another.

IS THERE A JEWISH MESSAGE HERE? My parents instilled in me a sense of responsibility towards others in society and I believe that is a core component of Judaism. It is a message that guides my work and is fundamental to the 9/11 story.

WHAT WAS YOUR JEWISH LIFE LIKE GROWING UP? I grew up with a real sense of joy and cultural richness as far as my Jewish ancestry. I learned about my Jewish identity and history and always felt privileged to be a part of the tribe.

WHAT TYPE OF JEWISH LIFE ARE YOU AND NAOMI CREATING FOR

PHOTO: NOAH DAVID SMITH

YOUR KIDS, CALEB 5, MAEROSE 3, AND LILA 3 MONTHS? We want

our children to grow up with an understanding of their history and their community. Although my children are young, we read Jewish stories to them. My son always asks me about the band of Israelites that wandered through the desert. Just as they were connected by a common purpose, so are all humans and we want to emphasize that to our children.

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Heal Me, Oh Matzoh Ball THE NEW JEWISH DELI IN TRIBECA

By Sarah Abrams

“YOUR MATZOH BALL SOUP HEALED ME,” longtime Tribeca FAMILY COLOR GAMES, RELAY RACES, AND NEIGHBORHOOD BBQ

Sack races, three-legged dash, water balloon toss, the crab crawl, and more!

It’s all about fun at our end of year family BBQ under the gazebo at Washington Market Park. Get Campy, Family Style. Kick off summer with JCP while feasting on a BBQ under the gazebo at Washington Market Park.

SEE PAGE 25

YOM HAAZMA’UT: A TASTE OF ISRAEL

2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. It was on May 14, 1948 when David BenGurion declared Israel its own sovereign state.

Celebrate this historic milestone at JCP with family style Israeli dancing, flag making, and an Israeli style dinner.

SEE PAGE 25

SHABBAT DOWNTOWN

Shabbat music and spiritual explorations followed immediately by art, family, and adult learning. Then a bagel brunch. All ages welcome.

Fall dates led by Jacob Stein.

SEE PAGE 25

resident Don Steinman exclaims to Matt Pomerantz over a handshake. “I’m serious. I was too sick to leave my house so I ordered in some soup which came so fast it was still hot. I’m cured!” Matt and I are sitting on bar stools in the window of Zucker’s Bagels and Smoked Fish, watching students filter down Chambers Street from P.S. 234. I get the impression that he hears this kind of thing a lot—that his two month old kosher style bagel shop has brought to Tribeca a kind of old fashioned Jewish comfort that has been missing here.

Matt is no stranger to traditional Jewish food. His father, Murray (the name is inspiration for Matt’s two other co-founded bagel shops - Murray’s Bagels) owned a retail shop on Rivington Street on the Lower East Side. It was there, at venerable kosher delis like Carnegie Deli, Katz’s and Russ & Daughters, dairy restaurants like Ratner’s, and even kosher Chinese spots like Matt's bagels are Shmulkah Bernsteins, that Matt sweetened with malt, got his first and lifelong taste hand rolled on location for delectable smoked fish on and have a crunchy bagels, Polish pierogies, dairy exterior and dense blintzes, and corned beef and inside. pastrami on rye.

Flash forward a number of decades and Matt’s career took him from Rivington to Wall Street, but his passion for bagels called him back to the world of Jewish food. A Tribeca resident for years, Matt realized there was a void in his very own neighborhood. After opening Murray’s in both Chelsea and the West Village, he decided that the downtown community needed a kind of trendy coffee house meets convenient cafe meets old fashioned mom and pop shop. He waited for

PHOTO: NOAH DAVID SMITH

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just the right time and the right location before opening Zucker’s on Chamber's Street. (Zucker is his mother’s maiden name).

Matt worked with architect Glen Coben to create the desired look and feel to Zucker’s—a fusion of old and new. Though it certainly harkens back to a New York of old (it’s even somewhat reminiscent of Grand Central Station), with its vintage-looking white tiled walls, pendant lighting, retro mirrors with block lettering, old meat racks and scales, and a tin ceiling. The old architecture promotes a kind of trendy warmth.

But it wasn’t the atmosphere that brought Don Steinman back - it was the food. Matt’s bagel recipe, which he has refined over the years in search of a more authentically old Lower East Side bagel than the big, sweet bagels found in most bagel shops today. Sweetened with malt, the bagels (which are hand rolled on location), have a crunchy exterior and dense inside. “There are a lot of opinions about bagels out there and too many can drive a person crazy,” Matt says, so he chooses to focus on pleasing his immediate audience. It’s bagels and smoked fish that Matt wants to be known for. Sitting in Zucker’s though, it’s clear that he’s accomplishing more than that: he’s offering all those who live and work in the triangle below Canal Street a little taste of old in a new way.

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Where is Grandma Now? TALKING TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT GOD

By Darren Levine

WE SAT IN THE GREEN ROOM ADJACENT TO THE FUNERAL CHAPEL. PARENTING PRESCHOOLERS

An opportunity to delve deeper into questions about parenting preschoolers, including insights and practical techniques for dealing with sharing, discipline, healthy potty training, emotional development, and more.

SEE PAGE 20

JEWISH REFLECTION WORKSHOP

Learning more about Judaism? On the journey toward conversion? Judaism and Jewish life comprise a rich, deep and meaningful system of ideas, beliefs and practices. Sometimes so many new ideas can become baffling. Take some time to step back from everything you are learning and think about how it resonates with your Jewish journey.

SEE PAGE 23

WHEN GRANDPA DIES

Children mourn death in unique ways, how can parents best help them process their loss? We will explore developmentally appropriate responses to help you respond to your children’s questions. With Rabbi Darren Levine and Isabel Shein.

SEE PAGE 23

Four-year old Sarah came up to me and asked, “Rabbi, where is my grandma Rose now?” I looked at her mother who quickly said, “Sweetie, Grandma’s having a tea party in the sky with God.” Her mother’s response tells Sarah more about Grandma than it does about God. A four-year-old only understands things she can see, touch, hear, and hold. By using an image of God attending a tea party, mother has misled Sarah in terms of Grandma, tea parties, and God. I thought to myself, Sarah and God are going to have a troubled relationship when she gets older. Should Sarah’s mother have handled this differently? Below are my answers to four questions that I believe are helpful in approaching this topic.

HOW DO I TALK ABOUT GOD WITH MY CHILD WHEN GRANDMA DIES?

It takes a mature mind to make the association between death and God. Yet in the very real anxiety of the death of a loved one, there seems to be a pressure to tell our kids a story about “what happened to grandpa” that will protect their emotional security.

Unless you are already talking with your child about God in the home, one option is to keep God out of the equation. Be straight yet curious as harsh as it may seem: "Grandma died and she’s not coming back. Your grandma loved you very much and we will always remember her by the pictures we have and the memories of all the fun times we shared. How does that make you feel?" Then get curious about what your child says and explore their feelings with them.

HOW DO I TEACH MY CHILD ABOUT THE JEWISH GOD?

Jewish tradition teaches that God has 70 faces though our central prayer, the shema, teaches that God is One. Whether or not you think this is factually true, it’s a good metaphor to work from. The 70 faces of God suggest that there are many understandings of God, each unique and personal. The role of Jewish

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parent is to expose our children to torah, avodah, and gimilut chasadim – learning, action, and good deeds. With this as their backdrop, they will come into God in their own time. Create an opportunity for them to do a mitzvah, then afterwards, say something like, “I’m proud of you for caring for another person, that was like doing God’s work. How does that feel?” Eventually, they will begin to associate good feelings with doing good deeds - a parenting success.

HOW DO I RESPOND TO MY CHILD WHEN THEY ASK IF GOD IS JESUS?

I’d want to know where they heard that idea. From there, I think it’s a good opportunity to explore different types of people, different races, different cultures, different belief systems with your child as a general concept and to confirm how diversity is a good thing. I might address the direct question by confirming that historically speaking, Jesus was a Jew. You are a Jew and most Jews don’t believe that any person can be God. HOW DO I TEACH MY CHILD ABOUT GOD IF I DON’T EVEN BELIEVE

PHOTO: RAYOGRAM

IN GOD?

You might not want to teach them about God, but perhaps you want to expato spirituality and awakening of their inner world and keep “belief in God” out of the equation. Fully appropriate.

You are the parent. It’s the privilege and responsibility.

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JCP After School THE DOWNTOWN HEBREW PROJECT AT JCP

Learn Hebrew and connect into the language of the Jewish experience. JCP offers introductory and on-going courses in Modern Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew.

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THE KESHER COMMUNITY AFTERSCHOOL HEBREW PROJECT AT JCP WHAT IS KESHER?

Hebrew and Jewish Education for elementary aged children beginning in Kindergarten.

WHAT’S THE KESHER PHILOSOPHY?

Creating a community of elementary aged children who will explore their Jewish identities together with an expert faculty of Jewish educators.

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WHAT IS THE KESHER CURRICULUM?

Children learn about their Jewish history, Jewish values and ethics, and Jewish cycles of time while engaged in language study, art, singing, dance, debate, drawing, and the exploration of text.

WILL KESHER PREPARE MY CHILD FOR B’NAI MITZVAH?

Yes. Participants in Kesher gain the necessary skills and love of Jewish learning to make their Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration a major highlight in their lives.

WHEN DOES KESHER HAPPEN?

Kesher meets twice per week. The afternoon begins at 3PM with supervised play activities and homework lab. Students arrive as their school day lets out. The afternoon continues with Hebrew, Judaics and song ending at 6 PM DOES MY CHILD NEED TO COME TWICE A WEEK?

We believe that Jewish education and strong identity development requires two meetings per week.

Friendships and community building are key elements that call for a time commitment. The uniqueness of the Kesher curriculum draws upon a student’s wide range of informal and formal learning style, keeping children inspired.

TRANSPORTATION IS AVAILABLE INCLUDING

• Group bus transportation from Brooklyn and the Village PHOTOS: JENNIFER WEISBORD

• Drop off from Claremont School • Parent/Staff escorts from PS234, PS89 and PS150 • Contact the Kesher office at JCP for an information packet, enrollment forms or to schedule a meeting with our Kesher Director.

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Raising Kids in the Kitchen

By Julie Negrin

THE FIRST TIME I MADE COOKIES BY MYSELF, I covered the entire

SPICE: THE FUN OF COOKING!

Ages: 3 and 4 years Ever taste a pomegranate? Throw a tortilla? Roll a donut?

Learn about customs and holidays through cooking and tasting different foods from around the world. This is a hands-on culinary adventure so bring your appetite!

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KID-SHMUSE IN THE KITCHEN: TASTY TORAH STORIES

Grades: Pre-K-1 Children explore core Bible stories and bring them to life through exciting food projects in the kitchen. Children will become familiar with key Biblical personalities and narratives in the Torah.

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ceiling with flour. Instead of getting upset, my mom just laughed.

After that, I always remembered to keep the mixer on low – and to be more patient with myself while trying something new.

This is one of many lessons, both big and small, that are learned while cooking in the kitchen as a child. Some are obvious like learning how to follow directions, improving math skills, and increasing dexterity. Other benefits are less tangible but just as important such as developing a healthy relationship with food, experiencing the joy of feeding others, and creating family traditions.

Most Jewish holidays revolve around a shared meal. Some of our strongest childhood memories are what we eat at these family meals. It’s possible to create these meaningful connections between food and family all year long. Spending time in the kitchen together is fun, educational and provides a rewarding experience for everyone.

TIPS ON COOKING WITH KIDS: • allow kids to help plan menu and shop for ingredients.

• adults and kids should be well-rested and well-fed - patience will be necessary.

• plan on getting messy - invite grandma over to help assist and clean up.

• give kids specific instructions – they are very literal.

• roll with the punches – if something goes wrong, show them how to shrug off a mistake.

• teach them about good hygiene and nutrition.

• praise their efforts and have fun!

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RUGELACH

This recipe is great to make with kids – they love all the rolling, sprinkling and brushing.

DOUGH

1 8 OZ. BLOCK CREAM CHEESE, SOFTENED 1 CUP (2 STICKS) BUTTER, SOFTENED 1/4 TEASPOON OF SALT 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT ¼ CUP SUGAR 2 CUPS FLOUR TO BRUSH ON TOP: 1/4 CUP MILK

FILLINGS

PHOTO: VIV/SEATTLE BON VIVANT

ANY COMBINATION OF JAMS, NUTELLA, CHOPPED NUTS, CHOCOLATE CHIPS, CURRANTS, SUGAR, CINNAMON.

In an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until well-combined. Add salt, vanilla extract, and sugar.

Slowly add flour but do not overmix.

Remove dough from bowl and divide into three balls.

Flatten each ball into 1-inch thick disks. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in fridge for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375˚ F. Remove dough and roll out to 9inch circles. Sprinkle dough lightly with different fillings.

Cut into 12 triangular pieces, like you would pizza. Roll each piece from the wide end to create the rugelach shape and place on a lined baking sheet. Brush each piece with milk and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown on bottom. Cool on wire rack.

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JCP Programs meet SARAH

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER PARENTING CLASSES

• Parenting Preschoolers • Ametz Adoption • Parenting Workshop • Infant/Child CPR and First Aid MY GROWN-UP AND ME

• Easy Baby • JCPlay • Junior Chefs • Bim Bom MusicFest ECC ENRICHMENT AFTERSCHOOL

Sarah Abrams, Program Director Sarah loves writing, cooking and dancing. She lived in Washington DC, Florence, London, Jerusalem, and the cornfields of Ohio before landing in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

She graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in Political Science and studied at Hebrew University’s Graduate Year Program. She has background in journalism and Jewish non-profit work.

Sarah@jcpdowntown.org

• Storytime Lunch • Jammin With Jacob • Art of the Story • Creative Drama • Let’s Pretend • Dazzling Discoveries • Holiday Workshops With Bonnie • Fine Art Fun • Shal-Om Yoga Karma Kids • Animal Manimals • Spice: The Fun of Cooking • Shabbat Alive

AFTERSCHOOL

• Kesher Afterschool Program • Privet! Russian Enrichment Class for Children • Kids Shmuse in the Kitchen: Tasty Torah Stories • Head-to-Toe Hebrew ADULT EDUCATION

• Jewish Reflection Workshop • Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group • Judaism: The Year Long Course • When Grandpa Dies • The Downtown Hebrew Project SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS

• Tot Shabbat • First Fridays • Shabbat Downtown • High Holy Days 5769 • Downtown Hanukkah Bash COMMUNITY GATHERINGS

• Yom Haazma’ut – A Taste of Israel • Family Color Games, Relay Races, and Neighborhood Night BBQ • Neighborhood Night

TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS

CALL: 212-334-3522 VISIT: JCPDOWNTOWN.ORG

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WWW.JCPDOWNTOWN.ORG

week @ a Glance MONDAY 9:00-10:00 AM Parenting Preschoolers ADULTS 10:30-11:15 AM Easy Baby NEWBORN TO PRE-CRAWLING 12:00-12:30 PM Storytime Lunch 2-3 YEARS 12:30-1:00 PM Jammin With Jacob 2-3 YEARS 1:00-1:45 PM Art of the Story 3-4 YEARS 2:00-2:45 PM Creative Drama 3-4 YEARS 3:00-6:00 PM Kesher Afterschool GRADE K-5 8:00-9:30 PM Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group ADULTS TUESDAY 9:30-10:30 AM JCPlay 16-24 MONTHS 11:15 AM-12:00 PM Junior Chefs 2-3 YEARS 1:00-1:45 PM Let’s Pretend 3-4 YEARS 2:00-2:45 PM Dazzling Discoveries 3-4 YEARS 3:30-5:15 PM Kid-Shmuse in the Kitchen PRE K - 1ST GRADE 4:00-5:00 PM Holiday Workshops with Bonnie 3-6 YEARS 6:00-9:00 PM Infant/ Child CPR and First Aid 6:30-8:30 PM Downtown Hebrew Project ADULTS 7:15-8:45 PM Jewish History ADULTS WEDNESDAY 1:00-1:45 PM Fine Art Fun with the Children’s Art Museum 3-4 YEARS 2:00-2:45 PM Shal-Om Yoga Karma Kids 3-4 YEARS 3:00-6:00 PM Kesher Afterschool GRADE K-5 3:45-5:15 PM Head-to-Toe Hebrew PRE K - 1ST GRADE 5:15-7:30 PM Just Sandwiches and Neighborhood Night FAMILIES THURSDAY 10:00-11:30 AM JCP Play 24-30 MONTHS 1:00-1:45 PM Animal Manimals 3-4 YEARS 2:00-2:45 PM Spice: The Fun of Cooking 3-4 YEARS 3:45-4:45 PM Shabbat Alive 4-5 YEARS FRIDAY 9:30-10:15 AM Bim Bom MusicFest A UP TO 3 YEARS 11:00-11:45 AM Bim Bom MusicFest B UP TO 3 YEARS 12:30-1:15 PM Bim Bom MusicFest C UP TO 3 YEARS 3:00-3:45 PM Bim Bom MusicFest D UP TO 3 YEARS 3:45-5:15 PM Bim Bom MusicFest E UP TO 3 YEARS 6:00-7:30 PM First Fridays FAMILIES SATURDAY 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Shabbat Downtown FAMILIES

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meet SHARON

Early Childhood Center CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

Unless otherwise noted, all classes take place at JCP, 146 Duane Street

The ECC serves children 0-5 and their families. From our Preschool, to our Bridge Program, to our classes, extracurricular activities, and workshops, our programs emphasize Jewish culture, exploration and discovery. Parenting programs provide opportunities for parents to share experiences and learn about child development in a supportive environment. SEE PAGES 32-33 PARENTING CLASSES AMETZ ADOPTION HOW TO ADOPT DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY

Sharon Shorofsky Mack Director, Early Childhood Center Sharon and her husband Alex live in Manhattan with their three children. Sharon graduated from Barnard College and went on to earn a Masters Degree in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She was the Founding Director of the Brotherhood Synagogue Nursery School in Manhattan and has worked in the field of education for over sixteen years. Sharon’s bakground includes preschool teaching as well as admissions work in preschools, independent schools and higher education.

Sharon@jcpdowntown.org

This interactive session is a great place to start if you are thinking about adoption or cannot decide between domestic and international adoption options. Learn the difference in working with an agency or attorney, what to expect during the homestudy, costs, time-frames, ages and background information available on children and the availability of education and support before, during and after adoption.

Questions are encouraged. www. jccany.org/ametz TUESDAY, NOV. 11: 6:30–8:00 PM AT JCP $20

PARENTING WORKSHOP

Karen Brody, who has been the school psychologist at The Packer Collegiate Institute for 30 years, discusses “Whining, Nagging and Boredom” over breakfast at JCP.

PARENTING PRESCHOOLERS

An opportunity to delve deeper into questions about parenting preschoolers, including insights and practical techniques for dealing with sharing, discipline, healthy potty training, emotional development, and more.

Led by Parent Educator, Isabel Schein, LCSW

MONDAYS: 10/20/, 10/27, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/8 9:00-10:00 AM $180

MY GROWN-UP AND ME EASY BABY

Ages: Babies, Newborn to Pre-crawling Any baby can become an easy baby.

Learn about your baby’s development in a small group setting while engaging in fun and enhancing activities including baby massage, baby yoga and pilates, communication games, baby signing, motor play and more. Led

by Developmental Therapist, Janessa Rick, PT

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3: 9:30-10:30 AM AT JCP $20

5 MONDAYS, CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION 10:30-11:15 AM $175

INFANT/CHILD CPR AND FIRST AID

JCPLAY 16-24 MONTHS

3 TUESDAYS: 11/18, 12/2, 12/16 6:00-9:00 PM $75 PER PERSON

AGES: 16 TO 24 MONTHS: 10 TUESDAYS: 9/23-12/16 (NO CLASS 9/30, 10/14, 10/21) 9:30-10:30 AM $285

Parents and Caregivers: Be Prepared!

This 3-hour workshop trains in CPR, rescue breathing, Heimlich and first aid.

Please dress comfortably.

Weekly group time for toddlers and their grown-ups. Includes circle time, motor skills development, stories, snack and free play for children.

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JUNIOR CHEFS

Ages: 2 and 3 years old* Mix, measure, squish and bake in this hands on cooking class for children.

Learn to make healthy snacks with all of your favorite ingredients and then share them with friends. *Caregiver must be present 10 TUESDAYS: 9/23-12/16 (NO CLASS 9/30, 10/14, 10/21) 11:15 AM- 12 PM $250

JCPLAY 24-30 MONTHS

Ages: 24-30 months Weekly group time for older toddlers and their grown-ups. Includes activities geared toward the older toddler, circle time, motor skills development, stories, snack and free play for children.

11 THURSDAYS: 9/25-12/18 (NO CLASS 10/9, 11/27) 10:00-11:30 AM $315

BIM BOM MUSICFEST

Ages: Up to 3 years * Join Jacob Stein and his puppets for Jewish music from around the globe.

Grab a shaker, meet new friends and take home a challah. *Caregiver must be present

11 FRIDAYS: 9/26-12/19 (NO CLASS 10/10, 11/28) 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM AT JCP IN TRIBECA. 3:00 PM AND 3:45 PM IN THE WEST VILLAGE $330

ECC ENRICHMENT AFTERSCHOOL STORYTIME LUNCH

Ages: 2 and 3 years old Bring a bagged lunch and join us for story time after school with Jacob Stein. *please provide a meat free, nut free and peanut free lunch for your child.

11 MONDAYS: 9/22-12/15 (NO CLASS 9/29, 10/13) 12:00-12:30 PM $165

JAMMIN WITH JACOB

Ages: 2 and 3 and years old With guitars, drums, shakers, and voice, your child will spend a fun-filled session with Jacob Stein. Graduates of the Bim Bom Musicfest will especially enjoy these sessions. *Limited to 8 participants.

11 MONDAYS: 9/22-12/15 (NO CLASS 9/29, 10/13) 12:30-1:00 PM $165

ART OF THE STORY

Ages: 3 and 4 years old Children experiment with different methods for approaching storytelling: puppetry, acting, song, and visual art. *Limited to 8 participants.

11 MONDAYS: 9/22-12/15 (NO CLASS 9/29, 10/13) 1:00–1:45PM $275

CREATIVE DRAMA

Ages: 3 and 4 years old Drama games and acting activities help children develop artistic sensibility and self-confidence while they learn to express themselves through voice, movement, and facial expression.

11 MONDAYS: 9/22-12/15 (NO CLASS 9/29, 10/13) 2:00–2:45 PM $275

LET’S PRETEND

Ages: 3 and 4 years Children explore their imaginations using stories, music and props as a starting point for mini playlets and improvisations. We’ll do animal yoga stretches - with their meows, barks and howls! Become fun characters from stories, go on imaginary journeys and learn how to fly.

10 TUESDAYS: 9/23-12/16 (NO CLASS 9/30, 10/14, 10/21) 1:00–1:45 PM $250

DAZZLING DISCOVERIES

SHAL-OM YOGA KARMA KIDS

Ages: 3 and 4 years Karma Kids Yoga is a fun, creative approach to yoga that helps in the development of children’s bodies.

The use of animated poses and basic stretching exercises promotes strength, flexibility, coordination and body awareness.

7 WEDNESDAYS: 9/24-12/17 (NO CLASS 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 11/19, 11/26) 2:00 – 2:45 PM $175

ANIMAL MANIMALS

Ages: 3 and 4 years From the zoo to the outback. No matter what animal or circumstance, if you have a special affinity for things soft and cuddly, or creepy and crawly this is the class for you. Class includes drawings, music and movement. *There are no live animals in this class.

11 THURSDAYS: 9/25-12/18 (NO CLASS 10/9, 11/27) 1:00–1:45 PM $275

Ages: 3 and 4 years Ever want to erupt a volcano, search for dinosaur bones, learn about weather, or build a kazoo? Through craft projects and discussions, children uncover the science of their every day world.

This program is made possible by The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science, www.weizmannusa.org.

SPICE: THE FUN OF COOKING!

10 TUESDAYS: 9/23-12/16 (NO CLASS 9/30, 10/14, 10/21) 2:00 – 2:45 PM $350

11 THURSDAYS: 9/25-12/18 (NO CLASS 10/9, 11/27) 2:00–2:45 PM $275

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS WITH BONNIE!

SHABBAT ALIVE

Ages: 3-6 Fun, educational, and experiential hands-on workshops to explore the Jewish holidays . . . your way. We’ll use art, song, and other creative arts to learn about the most significant moments on the Jewish calendar.

SELECTED TUESDAYS: 4:00-5:00 PM HIGH HOLY DAYS, SEPTEMBER 23RD HANUKKAH, DECEMBER 9TH COST: $25 PER CLASS

FINE ART FUN

Ages: 3 and 4 years This class will blend art-making with age-appropriate art history to give children a complete art experience.

Students will discover a variety of artistic subjects, techniques, and materials.

This program is made possible by The Children’s Museum of the Arts, www.cmany.org

7 WEDNESDAYS: 9/24-12/17 (NO CLASS 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 11/19, 11/26) 1:00–1:45 PM $245

Ages: 3 and 4 years Ever taste a pomegranate? Throw a tortilla? Roll a donut? Learn about customs and holidays through cooking and tasting different foods from around the world. This is a hands-on culinary adventure so bring your appetite!

Ages: 4 and 5 years Jump on board our interactive exploration of Jewish culture and rituals. Using the Shabbat experience as our foundation, we share a variety of activities designed to inspire your child’s awareness of Jewish symbols, blessings, values and concepts. Weekly components will vary and may include story telling, movement, cooking, and art. Lighting candles, singing, and snacking on challah with grape juice are highlights of the class.

11 THURSDAYS: 9/25-12/18 (NO CLASS 10/9, 11/27) 3:45 – 4:45 PM $275

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After School Programs All classes take place at JCP, 146 Duane Street

JCP programs for school aged children help to nourish meet MARCIA

their Jewish educational and social identities. From extracurricular programs to weekly classes in Jewish culture, spirituality, and Hebrew, the philosophy is to offer many access points to our children to learn, explore, and celebrate their interests and passions.

KESHER AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

Grades: K-5 Learn Jewish History, explore Jewish values and ethics, and celebrate cycles of Jewish time. Students arrive as their school day lets out and the formal program continues through 6 PM. See pages XY for more information. *Limited to 36 participants

11 MONDAYS: 9/22-12/15 (NO CLASS 9/29, 10/13) 7 WEDNESDAYS: 9/24-12/17 (NO CLASS 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 11/19, 11/26) 3:OO-6:00 PM

Marcia Marks Thaler, Assistant Director, Early Childhood Center Marcia was born and raised in NYC and was in the 2nd class of women ever admitted to University College of NYU. She is an experienced early childhood educator who comes to JCP with over 25 years of experience at the 92nd St. Y Nursery School. Marcia is the mother of Karen and Lawrence, and the grandmother of Henry.

Marcia@jcpdowntown.org

HEAD-TO-TOE HEBREW

Grades: Pre-K-1 Sing, move, and bring Hebrew alive through this high energy class. Children will master a broad range of Modern Hebrew vocabulary through participation in physically invigorating games and activities. Once we’ve warmed up our bodies and vocal cords, we will shift gears for a song session filled with Hebrew and other Jewish themed tunes.

Think physical education meets Jewish summer camp!

9 WEDNESDAYS: 9/24-12/17 (NO CLASS 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22) 3:45-5:15 PM $315

KID-SHMUSE IN THE KITCHEN: TASTY TORAH STORIES

Grades: Pre-K-1 Children explore core Bible stories and bring them to life through exciting food projects in the kitchen. Children will become familiar with key Biblical personalities and narratives in the Torah.

11 MONDAYS: 9/22-12/15 (NO CLASS 9/29, 10/13) 3:30 - 4:45 PM $330

PRIVET! RUSSIAN ENRICHMENT CLASS FOR CHILDREN

Ages: 2-6 Russian language and culture come alive in a stimulating, creative and fun environment that tickles the senses, fuels the imagination and rouses the mind.

Through dramatic play, art, music and read-aloud, children are immersed in Russian traditional and contemporary poems, literature, fairytales and song, fostering basic language skills, broad vocabulary acquisition and strong oral fluency.

AGES 4-60 11 TUESDAYS: 9/16-12/16 (NO CLASS 9/30, 10/14, 10/21) 4:00-5:00 PM $330 AGES 2-3.5 8 WEDNESDAYS: 9/17-12/17 (NO CLASS 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 11/19, 11/26) 4:30-5:15 PM $240

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WWW.JCPDOWNTOWN.ORG

Adult Jewish Learning Unless otherwise noted, all classes take place at JCP, 146 Duane Street

JEWISH REFLECTION WORKSHOP - FOR CONVERSION STUDENTS

Learning more about Judaism? On the journey toward conversion? Judaism and Jewish life comprise a rich, deep and meaningful system of ideas, beliefs and practices. Sometimes so many new ideas can become baffling. Take some time to step back from everything you are learning and think about how it resonates with your Jewish journey. The class will be a three part series with Dasee Berkowitz 3 TUESDAYS: 5/20-6/3 7:00-8:30 PM $90

WOMEN’S ROSH CHODESH GROUP

Take some time for yourself each month to mark the rhythm of the Jewish year by joining downtown’s monthly Rosh Chodesh gathering for women. Take part in a reflective program to learn about the meaning associated with each month’s Jewish holiday and Shabbat celebration and think about practical ways to incorporate these holidays into your family’s celebration of Jewish life. Study, reflection and creative ritual will all be a part of our monthly gatherings with Dasee Berkowitz (limited to 15 participants).

MONDAYS, 8:00-9:30 PM OCT. 6, OCT, 27, NOV. 24

JUDAISM: THE YEAR LONG COURSE - JEWISH HISTORY

Study Jewish history from biblical times through the founding of the State of Israel focusing on the major events that mark the last 3000 years of Jewish life. With Rabbi Erica Gerson 6 Tuesdays: 10/28-12/9 (No class 10/25) 7:15-8:45 PM $180

WHEN GRANDPA DIES

Children mourn death in unique ways, how can parents best help them process their loss? We will explore developmentally appropriate responses to help you respond to your children’s questions.

With Rabbi Darren Levine and Isabel Shein. Cosponsored with Plaza Jewish Community Chapel and JCP. TUESDAY, 10/28 8:00 PM FREE, PLEASE RSVP

meet STEPHANIE

THE DOWNTOWN HEBREW PROJECT AT JCP

Learn Hebrew and connect into the language of the Jewish experience.

JCP offers introductory and on-going courses in Modern Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew.

10 TUESDAYS: 9/23-12/16 (NO CLASS 9/30, 10/14, 10/21) 6:30-8:30 PM $ 300

MODERN HEBREW

ALEF: Beginning Modern Hebrew • Rachel Shargal This introduction level builds skills in conversation, elementary grammar, reading, and composition. No knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet required.

BET: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Modern Hebrew • Dalia Rottem For students with some exposure to speaking, reading, and writing Hebrew, this course builds upon those skills and introduces the perfect tense and additional new grammar, syntax, and common phrases.

BIBLICAL HEBREW

BET: Intermediate Biblical and Prayerbook Hebrew • Rachel Shalmon For students with a mastery of the basic elements of Hebrew grammar: nouns, singular and plural, the perfect and imperfect of the Kal verb, and prepositions, this class explores reading of liturgical and Biblical texts.

GIMEL: Advanced Biblical and Prayerbook Hebrew • Vicki Brower Expand vocabulary, complete the study of basic Hebrew grammar, including the major binyanim, and begin serious study of the Hebrew Bible.

SCHOLARS’ CIRCLE • Rabbi Ruth Gais Participate in this unique opportunity for those who have completed an advanced Hebrew course or its equivalent. Combine the study of the literary and historical analysis of the Bible with advanced work in grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills.

Stephanie Amarnick, Assistant Director Stephanie has been at JCP since 2003. She loves dancing, practicing yoga and visiting her niece and nephew in Philadelphia – her hometown where she earned a degree in Marketing and Business Administration from Temple University.

Stephanie@ jcpdowntown.org

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meet DARREN

Shabbat & Holidays EVENTS AND GATHERINGS

Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at JCP, 146 Duane Street

TOT SHABBAT

It’s especially for tots and families with tots. We’ll pull out the rug and let your little ones sing and dance to Shabbat musical rhythms. Enjoy a light nosh afterwards. Led by Jacob Stein.

October 18, November 15, December 13 MUSIC FROM 10:00 -10:45 AM FOLLOWED BY A NOSH.FREE 146 DUANE STREET

FIRST FRIDAYS

Darren Levine Executive Director Darren and his wife Julia live Downtown with their sons

We gather to welcome Shabbat in our community home on the first Friday of each month for a Kabbalat Shabbat sing-a-long and dinner.

Individuals, families and couples, all are welcome. Fall dates led by Jacob Stein.

MAY 2, OCTOBER 3, NOVEMBER 7, DECEMBER 5 6:00 -7:30 PM 146 DUANE STREET

SHABBAT DOWNTOWN

Shabbat music and spiritual explorations followed immediately by art, family, and adult learning.

Then a bagel brunch. All ages welcome. Fall dates led by Jacob Stein.

MAY 3, OCTOBER 4, NOVEMBER 8, DECEMBER 6 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 146 DUANE STREET

DOWNTOWN HANUKKAH BASH

Art, music, menorah projects, and fun for the entire family. Come light the candles as a downtown community with all the downtown partners: JCP, Synagogue for the Arts, Tribeca Hebrew, and Battery Park Synagogue.

DECEMBER 14TH 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM COST: $45 FAMILY/$15 ADULT/$10 CHILD

Emmett and Adrien. Darren is a graduate of U.C. Santa Cruz and holds rabbinic ordination

HIGH HOLY DAYS 5769

from Hebrew Union College in

ROSH HASHANAH

New York. He has been working in different Jewish communities for over 15 years including

SEPTEMBER 30

10:00 AM Services 12:00 AM Community Luncheon 2:00 PM Taschlich on the Hudson River

camps, college campuses,

YOM KIPPUR

youth groups and synagogues.

7:30 PM Kol Nidre Evening Services October 9 10:00 AM Yom Kippur Services 3:00 PM Study Sessions 4:30 PM Afternoon Service 5:00 PM Yizkor and Neila and Havdalah

He has worked with Russian, Ethiopian, and Ugandan Jews and lived in Israel from 19961999. He is currently working on a doctorate in pastoral psychology with an emphasis on the family.

Darren@jcpdowntown.org

OCTOBER 8

RESERVATIONS: $100 PER PERSON PER HOLIDAY TRIBECA ROOFTOP, 2 DESBROSSES ST.

*babysitting available on-site for day time services Complete information will be available on June 1, 2008

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WWW.JCPDOWNTOWN.ORG

Community Gatherings EVENTS AND GATHERINGS

Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at JCP, 146 Duane Street

YOM HAAZMA’UT: A TASTE OF ISRAEL

2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. It was on May 14, 1948 when David Ben-Gurion declared Israel its own sovereign state.

Celebrate this historic milestone at JCP with family style Israeli dancing, flag making, and an Israeli style dinner.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 6:00 -7:30PM COST: $10 INDIVIDUAL/$25 FAMILY

NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT

An open invitation for the entire downtown community to eat and meet for dinner at the end of the day. Family friendly, of course. Come at 5:15 for JUST Sandwiches and make sandwiches for the homeless.

FAMILY COLOR GAMES, RELAY RACES, AND NEIGHBORHOOD BBQ

meet ALEX

Sack races, three-legged dash, water balloon toss, the crab crawl, and more!

It’s all about fun at our end of year family BBQ under the gazebo at Washington Market Park. Get Campy, Family Style. Kick off summer with JCP while feasting on a BBQ under the gazebo at Washington Market Park.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4TH 5:30-7:30 PM COST: $10 INDIVIDUAL/$25 FAMILY

STAY TUNED THIS FALL FOR TEEN PROGRAMS

WEDNESDAYS, OCTOBER 29, DECEMBER 3 6:00 -7:30PM COST: $10 INDIVIDUAL/$25 FAMILY

Summer programs ROCK-A-BABY

Come learn that music is within you from the minute you crawl! Rock-a-Baby is an interactive, educational music experience for you and your toddler. Join three energetic musicians and explore rock, pop, blues, and classical music by singing songs, playing games, and dancing. Each week a different theme will be explored through rhythm, melody and harmony.

Alex Kogan

UP TO 3 YEARS. CAREGIVERS MUST BE PRESENT WEDNESDAYS: 6/18-7/23 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM $180

Administrator

SUMMER CAMP

keyboards and guitar and

Children will fill their summer days with outdoor activities, arts and crafts, science and yoga.

Six weekly sessions. Two week minimum required, nonconsecutive ok.

WEEK 1: JUNE 16 - JUNE 20 WEEK 2: JUNE 23 - JUNE 27 WEEK 3: JUNE 30 - JULY 3 WEEK 4: JULY 7 - JULY 11 WEEK 5: JULY 14 - JULY 18 WEEK 6: JULY 21 - JULY 25 ANY 2 WEEKS $925 ANY 3 WEEKS $1300 ANY 4 WEEKS $1725 ANY 5 WEEKS $2150 ANY 6 WEEKS $2550

Alex lives in Brooklyn. He plays the banjo, harmonica, enjoys writing poetry in his free time. He’s studying psychology at Hunter College and has a background in not-for-profit administration in the Russian Jewish community.

Alex@jcpdowntown.org

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AFTERSCHOOL

KESHER P R O G R A M

Grades: K-5 Learn Jewish History, explore Jewish values and ethics, and celebrate cycles of Jewish time. Students arrive as their school day lets out and the formal program continues through 6 PM. See pages XY for more information. call 212-334-3522 for more information

muse

WWW.JCPDOWNTOWN.ORG

HIGH HOLY DAYS 5769 ROSH HASHANAH

YOM KIPPUR

SEPTEMBER 30

OCTOBER 8

10:00 AM Services

7:30 PM Kol Nidre Evening Services

12:00 AM Community Luncheon

OCTOBER 9

2:00 PM Taschlich on the Hudson River

10:00 AM Yom Kippur Services 3:00 PM Study Sessions 4:30 PM Afternoon Service 5:00 PM Yizkor and Neila and Havdalah

Reservations: $100 per person per holiday Tribeca Rooftop, 2 Desbrosses St. *babysitting available on-site for day time services Complete information will be available on June 1, 2008

“ If I am not for myself, who will be for me?

If I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?”

- RABBI HILLEL, 1ST CENTURY CE Did you know that . . .

$1,000,000

was spent to convert a former MRI testing center in our neighborhood into a thriving space for Jewish life with 7 classrooms, a community hall, a library,

and a café. It’s now JCP’s home at 146 Duane.

$420,000

in annual rent allows us to provide a safe, loving, and creative environment for Jewish connections.

$150,000

is what we will invest in the next three years to create the JCP after-school Hebrew project.

$75,000

is the cost to create, organize, and execute our High Holy Day community experience.

$50,000

is what we will spend to build a family library at JCP for people to experience the gift of learning.

$25,000

of your support allows for JCP to have a staff-psychologist working in our community.

Every contribution counts.

Thank you for making JCP important to you.

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‫שעברו דורות על גבי דורות במשפחה‪.‬‬ ‫כשהגיעו אל ארץ הקודש‪ ,‬בנמל‪ ,‬חיכו‬ ‫לקבל את הארגזים חזרה‪ .‬חיכו עד‬ ‫שאמרו להם‪" :‬נשלח לכם‪ .‬תלכו‬ ‫עכשיו"‪ .‬סבא וסבתא רבא כבר מתו‬ ‫מזמן‪ .‬עד היום לא ידוע מה עלה‬ ‫גורל הארגזים שהביאו איתם‪.‬‬ ‫הם הגיעו לארץ ההיא‪ ,‬ויחד עם‬ ‫רבבות מהגרים מארצות רחוקות‪,‬‬ ‫הוכנסו לסיר מבעבע‪ .‬פעם חשבו שכל‬ ‫מי שיתבשל בו מספיק זמן‪ ,‬יצא ממנו‬ ‫חף ממבטאים זרים ומשרידים אחרים‬ ‫של גולה‪ .‬אבל בתוך הסיר נוצרה‬ ‫תרכובת כימית מוזרה‪ ,‬עם עשן‪,‬‬ ‫בועות ופיצוצים במעבדה‪ .‬בשביל‬ ‫סבא וסבתא רבא זה היה כבר אבוד‪.‬‬ ‫אבל הם זכו לראות את הבן שלהם‪,‬‬ ‫סבא שלי‪ ,‬נישא לסבתא שלי ומגדל‬ ‫איתה שישה ילדים‪ .‬הילדים האלה‬ ‫כבר היו ישראלים אמיתיים‪ .‬עבור דור‬ ‫ההורים שלי‪ ,‬דור ראשון בארץ‪ ,‬בכלל‬ ‫לא היתה שאלה‪ .‬ישראל היא הבית‬ ‫היחיד שהכירו‪ .‬עוד דור קדימה נולדתי‬ ‫אני‪ .‬כנערה שמעתי את הארץ ההיא‬ ‫ממשיכה לקרוא ליהודיה לשוב‬ ‫וראיתי אותם באים‪ ,‬רובם נושאים‬ ‫תקווה לשפר בה את איכות החיים‪.‬‬ ‫אני כבר הייתי מהצד ש'קולט עליה'‪.‬‬ ‫ולא פעם‪ ,‬אולי מהר מדי‪ ,‬עברתי לסדר‬ ‫היום כשראיתי מול עיני את קשיי‬ ‫הקליטה‪ .‬וכך יצא לי להכיר את‬ ‫סווטלנה‪ ,‬שהגיעה מברית המועצות‬ ‫עם הבת שלה‪ .‬שם היא היתה מורה למתמטיקה ואמא לילדה רעבה‪ .‬בארץ החומוס‪ ,‬היא‬

‫נולדתי‬

‫שטפה כלים בשתי מסעדות‪ .‬והילדה שלה למדה ופרחה וגדלה‪ ,‬וסווטה הזכירה לעצמה כל‬ ‫יום שהיא עושה את זה בשבילה‪ .‬אבל עדיין חם לה מדי בקיץ והיא מקלפת שכבות‪ .‬ועם כל‬ ‫חת שמוסרת‪ ,‬כמו בובת בבושקה‪ ,‬גם היא קצת מתגמדת‪.‬‬ ‫והכרתי גם את ציונה‪ ,‬שהגיעה מאתיופיה כילדה‪ .‬הבטיחו לה זבת חלב ודבש‪ ,‬והיא ציפתה‬ ‫ודמיינה והאמינה כמו שרק ילדה יכולה‪ .‬והגיעה לקרית גת‪ ,‬והלכה לבית הספר‪,‬‬ ‫וכשהצביעה בכיתה המורה אמרה לה‪" :‬ילדים כמוך אני לא מלמדת"‪ .‬והיא רצה הביתה‬ ‫לאמא שלה וצעקה על איך זה ששקרו לה כל השנים‪ .‬ובכתה על כרכרת הזהב של סינדרלה‪,‬‬ ‫הפכה לאבטיח מלא גרעינים‪.‬‬ ‫לפני שלוש שנים עזבתי את הארץ ההיא‪ .‬לא כי היה לי רע‪ .‬לא על מנת שלא לחזור‪ .‬כי‬ ‫היתה לי הזדמנות לנסות מקום אחר‪ ,‬מסעיר יותר‪ .‬שפוי יותר‪ .‬ההגירה שלי שונה משל‬ ‫סבא וסבתא או סווטלנה וציונה‪ .‬לא רק בגלל שהם עשו עליה ואני ירידה‪ .‬היא שונה בעיקר‬ ‫כי לי‪ ,‬תמיד יהיה לאן לחזור‪ .‬אני בהגירה של יש ברירה‪ .‬אולי הידיעה הזו מונעת ממני‬ ‫להתערות כאן לגמרי ומשאירה אותי על הגדר‪ ,‬אבל מי אמר ששייכות זה דבר כל כך‬ ‫טוטאלי‪ .‬הידיעה ששערי הארץ ההיא תמיד יהיו פתוחים בפני‪ ,‬עושה את הקליטה שלי כאן‬ ‫פחות דרמטית וטעונה‪ ,‬פחות לחיים ולמוות‪ .‬אני יכולה לזקוף את הזכות הזו 'לתפארת‬ ‫דינת ישראל' ובאותה נשימה לומר‪' ,‬אנד גוד בלס אמריקה'‪.‬‬

‫‪THE DOWNTOWN‬‬ ‫‪HEBREW‬‬ ‫‪PROJECT AT JCP‬‬

‫‪Learn Hebrew and‬‬ ‫‪connect into the‬‬ ‫‪language of the Jewish‬‬ ‫‪experience. JCP offers‬‬ ‫‪introductory and‬‬ ‫‪on-going courses in‬‬ ‫‪Modern Hebrew and‬‬ ‫‪Biblical Hebrew.‬‬ ‫‪SEE PAGE 23‬‬

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‫בארץ ישראל‬ ‫‪By Tali Kurt-Galai‬‬

‫‪THERE AND I‬‬

‫להסביר איך למרות הירידה‪ ,‬מעולם לא הרגשתי יותר למעלה‪ .‬אני כן שומרת אמונים‪.‬‬ ‫מקיימת איתה יחסים דרך צינורות הגעגוע‪ .‬שומרת על שפתה ‪-‬שפתי‪ ,‬תרבותה ‪ -‬תרבותי‪.‬‬ ‫מיד תהיה בינינו אהבה אבל אהבה מורכבת‪ ,‬שמרחוק היא פורחת ומקרוב חונקת‪.‬‬ ‫לפני עשרות שנים‪ ,‬עזבו הסבא והסבתא רבא שלי את אפגניסטן‪ ,‬הארץ בה נולדו‪ ,‬שלא על‬ ‫מנת לחזור‪ .‬הם נחתו בארץ הקודש‪ ,‬פניהם לחיים חדשים‪ .‬הבן שלהם‪ ,‬סבא שלי‪ ,‬היה אז‬ ‫בחור צעיר ודתי‪ .‬שנים אחר כך נהג לספר לנכדיו איך התרגש לממש את הברכה 'לשנה‬ ‫הבאה בירושלים הבנויה'‪ .‬המשפחה שלו לא סבלה מפרעות‪ .‬להפך‪ ,‬היא היתה מקורבת‬ ‫לשלטון ונחשבה אמידה במונחי המקום והתקופה‪ .‬עם השנים למדנו‪ ,‬שהיו דברים שהוא‬ ‫לא ידע‪ .‬שהקרסים של גרמניה הנאצית הגיעו גם לשם‪ ,‬שסוכנים נאצים ועושי דבריהם‬ ‫בממשל האפגאני גבשו תכנית לרכז יהודים בכמה מוקדים‪ ,‬מתוך מגמה לחסל גם אותם‬ ‫בבוא הזמן‪ .‬סבא וסבתא רבא שלי השאירו הכל מאחור‪ ,‬לקחו איתם כמה ארגזים ובתוכם‬

‫‪THE LAND OF‬‬ ‫‪ISRAEL. I LIVED‬‬

‫"‪REVOLTED...‬‬

‫היקר להם מכל‪ :‬ספרי קודש מעוטרים בכסף וזהב ותשמישי קדושה יקרים בערך ובכסף‪,‬‬

‫‪PHOTOS: RAOYGRAM‬‬

‫‪" I WAS BORN IN‬‬

‫בארץ ישראל נולדתי‪ ,‬בגרתי והתקוממתי ובה עוצבה דמותי הרוחנית‪ .‬לפני כמה שנים‬ ‫גליתי ממנה בכח הרצון ומתוקף זכותי הריבונית‪ .‬עברתי לגור במרחק של אוקינוס ושבע‬ ‫שעות‪ ,‬מוקפת משקיפים זרים‪ ,‬מקיימת דין ודברים סביב נושא הגבולות הפנימיים‪ .‬יצאתי‬ ‫מהמדינה היחידה בעולם שהגירה אליה נקראת עליה וממנה החוצה‪ ,‬ירידה‪ .‬וקשה‬

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Ask the Rabbi

WHAT MAKES FOOD KOSHER? -(JENNY, AGE 11)

The roots of keeping kosher began in the Torah and the details of exactly how to keep kosher have continued to evolve over the centuries.

The Torah teaches that certain animals are kosher (meaning

from Hebrew Union College.

permitted for eating) and others are traif (meaning not permitted for eating). Land animals that have split hooves and chew their cud are kosher, which rules out pigs (they have split hooves but do not chew their cud). In terms of fish and sea creatures, the Torah explains that only water-based animals with fins and scales are kosher (thus ruling out shellfish, eels and other unusual creatures of the sea). Birds are yet a third category. Chicken, turkey and duck are all kosher while scavenger birds like vultures are not.

Another major element of kashrut is the separation of milk and meat. The Torah repeats three times that Jews are forbidden from cooking a kid (baby goat) in its mother’s milk. In some homes people even have two sets of dishes, one for dairy food and the other for meat. Items that are neither dairy nor meat based are called parve and can be served with either type of food. Fruits and vegetables, all of which are kosher, are examples of parve foods.

The Torah never gives an explicit explanation of the rationale behind the commandment to keep kosher.

She has years of experience

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TORAH AND

serving the Jewish community

THE BIBLE? -WILLIAM, AGE 57

as an educator, youth leader,

The Torah and Bible go by many names. The Torah is composed of five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,

meet ERICA

Rabbi Erica Gerson, Director of Jewish Life Erica lives with her husband Mark in Manhattan, is an ordained rabbi and has a Masters in Religious Education

rabbinic intern and hospital chaplain. Most recently Erica has worked at Congregation Rodeph Shalom and the Miller High School Honors Program.

She has also served as a Kavod Tzedakah Fellow since 2003.

Send your questions to RabbiErica@jcpdowntown.org

Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Torah is sometimes called The Five Books of Moses or the Pentateuch (Five books).

The Hebrew Bible is known as the TaNaCH. Some of Judaism’s most well known stories are found in the Tanach like the story of Jonah which we read on Yom Kippur.

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Tikkun Olam

JUST SANDWICHES: NEW JCP INITIATIVE TO FEED THE HUNGRY IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD JUST SANDWICHES IS A NEW INITIATIVE at JCP to give back to our

community and engage our children in the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam.

Every human being has the divine right to eat and be fed. It’s the Jewish responsibility to care for the less fortunate and JUST SANDWICHES allows our community to make a difference in the lives of others. The Talmudist writes, “If I am only for myself, who am I? And if not now, when?”

In November, many of our families came together on Neighborhood Night to pack care packages of items donated by the community to soldiers in Iraq. We have collected toys for the children of homeless individuals during the year-end holiday season, coats and warm clothing for homeless men and cell phones for battered women.

On the monthly evenings we gather for Neighborhood Night next fall, JUST will begin at 5:15 PM. We will create a food prep line to make sandwiches for the homeless and hungry in our neighborhood. Participants will be asked to bring two loaves of bread or 20 oranges or apples and help us prepare sack dinners.

Please join us this Fall for the successful launch of JUST SANDWICHES and thank you, in advance, for making a difference! For more information on JUST and other JCP Tikkun Olam activites, please contact Nathalie Rubens through the JCP office.

NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT

An open invitation for the entire downtown community to eat and meet for dinner at the end of the day. Family friendly, of course. Come at 5:15 for JUST Sandwiches and make sandwiches for the homeless.

WEDNESDAYS, OCTOBER 29, DECEMBER 3 6:00 -7:30PM COST: $10 INDIVIDUAL/$25 FAMILY

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SUMMER/FALL 2008

Getting The Scoop on PHILOSOPHY We believe in flexibility within structure allowing children a great deal of opportunity for inquiry, exploration and discovery as they seek meaning in the world while feeling the security of appropriate boundaries. We respect the uniqueness of each child as well as the importance of community. Our teachers are seasoned professionals and the outstanding ratio of teachers to children supports our goals.

OUR PROGRAM Our school serves children from 22 months to Pre-K. The Bridge Class begins at age 22 months (by September) and meets two to three times per week with parents and caregivers in the classroom until separation is initiated mid-year. Children at least two years and four months old are eligible for our three day a week morning program. Three and four-year-olds attend school five days a week. Day to day activities include free play, circle time, snack, gross motor play and story time. Children enjoy daily music, art and movement activities as well as

SPOTLIGHT ON SPECIALISTS

At the Early Childhood Center we have created an innovative approach to working with specialists that we believe is truly transforming our ability to serve family's and children’s needs. Our continually evolving group of specialists spend regular time in the classrooms, meet with teachers routinely and are often available to parents as well, all of which helps us close communication gaps and share insights that ultimately most directly benefit children.

A music specialist will better understand a child’s love of rhythm when he or she has had a chance to observe the child banging on the drums in the dramatic play area. An enigma about a child’s speech development can be more

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the JCP ECC Preschool opportunities to work in small groups as we encourage emerging literacy.

JEWISH CULTURE We provide children and their families the opportunity to explore and define

their own Jewish Identity. Our program emphasizes a sensory and interactive approach to cultural Judaism and the Jewish Holidays – an introductory way for children to appreciate their heritage and community.

BEYOND PRESCHOOL The Preschool serves children until they attend Kindergarten. Families receive guidance, and support in the ongoing school admissions process. JCP offers a rich array of afterschool classes and programs that serve children in the post preschool years.

TO APPLY Admission begins in September for the following school year. To learn more or to apply please call us at 212-334-3533 to arrange for an information session and tour – the first step in the admissions process.

easily solved when a speech therapist who has observed the child for a number of years can consult with teachers about strategies and follow up with parents. Parents also benefit tremendously from individual sessions with our parenting expert who observes and interacts with teachers and children at school on a regular basis.

Our goal is to understand each child’s unique and particular way of understanding the world. Our specialists and our talented teaching staff comprise an outstanding team of experts who work to understand each child so that they have all the tools to succeed.

Sharon Shorofsky Mack, Director JCP Early Childhood Center Sharon@jcpdowntown.org Marcia Thaler, Assistant Director JCP Early Childhood Center Marcia@jcpdowntown.org

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CONTACT JCP:

Darren Levine Executive Director darren@jcpdowntown.org Sharon Shorofsky Mack Director Early Childhood Center sharon@jcpdowntown.org Rabbi Erica Gerson Director of Jewish Life rabbierica@jcpdowntown.org Stephanie Amarnick Assistant Director stephanie@jcpdowntown.org Marcia Marks Thaler Assistant Director Early Childhood Center marcia@jcpdowntown.org Alex Kogan Administrator alex@jcpdowntown.org Sarah Abrams Program Director sarah@jcpdowntown.org Jay Diamond Reception and Systems Coordinator jay@jcpdowntown.org JCP RECIEVES FUNDING FROM:

American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science JLN/Steinhardt Foundation Lindenbaum Family Foundation Kashper Familiy Foundation Russell Berrie Foundation Samuel Bronfman Foundation Keren Keshet Foundation

Alan and Karin Wilzig And many generous individuals and families who support the growth of our community

www.jcpdowntown.org 212-334-3522