jcp_shmuze_FINAL by rayogram

shmuse WINTER/SPRING 2008 BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER DOWNTOWN • NYC

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RIBBON CUTTING AT 146 DUANE STREET & FAMILY FESTIVAL, OCTOBER 14TH.

1. Victoria Feder cuts the ribbon 2. Rabbi Erica hangs the Mezuzah with a student 3. Darren Levine welcomes CB1 board chair and neighbor, Julie Menin 4. Care Bears on Fire rock Duane Street PHOTOS BY: JENNIFER WEISBORD

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TABLE OF CONTENT

EDITOR

Emerging Communities

Shabbat with the Rose Family

Shmuse On Duane Street

Shmusing wtih Julie Menin

DARREN LEVINE ASSITANT EDITOR

SARAH ABRAMS PUBLISHED BY

JEWISH COMMUNITY PROJECT DOWNTOWN

Everything Old is New Again

People of the Book

On Jewish/American Identity

Kids-Eye-View of Downtown

Tikkun Olam/Community Service

Marketplace

JCP Year at a Glance

JCP Programs

Early Childhood Center

After School Programs

Adult Education Programs

Shabbat & Holidays

Community Gatherings

Ask The Rabbi

ECC's Top Ten Parenting Tips

DESIGN

RAYOGRAM (rayogram.com) PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

NOAH DAVID SMITH CONTRIBUTORS:

TALI KURT-GALAI is a regular contributor to Yehidot Achronot, an Israeli Daily. She lives in Battery Park with her family. She wrote about Jewish Identity as an Israeli living in New York. (page 14) SARAH ABRAMS is JCP's Communications Manger. She worked for publications in New York City and Jerusalem before coming to JCP. Read more about Sarah on page 24.

ON THE COVER:

Isabel and Lily Rose photographed by Noah David Smith

WINTER/SPRING 2008

Emerging Communities

MODELS OF JEWISH LIFE THEN AND NOW Darren Levine

IN LOS ANGELES, DENVER, CHICAGO, ISRAEL, BOSTON and here in

New York, new models of communities are emerging that look, feel and sound different from any Jewish organization of yesterday. They are not “synagogues” or “Jewish Community Centers” in the traditional sense. Ikar, Darchei Noam, Mitziut, Hadar, Brooklyn Jews and others are new models of emerging Jewish organizations - communities made up of inspired, talented and determined young people who are actively shaping the character of their communities.

IMAGE:LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, PRINTS & PHOTOGRAPHS DIVISION, FSA/OWI COLLECTION

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The Jewish Community Project Downtown (JCP) is part of this movement reaching beyond the borders of tradition. JCP is not a synagogue yet we have a Jewish preschool, a comprehensive after-school and adult education program, and we gather for Shabbat and Jewish holidays. We are not a typical JCC because we do not have a recreational nor artistic facility (yet!) though we offer yoga, cooking and art classes with a JCP is part of a Jewish spin. movement reaching JCP is about the people that make beyond the borders up the community and about the exof tradition. ploration of Jewish life. JCP is about questions, not answers. JCP is an open platform to discover new ways of experimenting with Jewish life. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about creating access points for people who want to learn, explore, and celebrate Jewish life with an openness to new ideas and with the highest respect for people, community and Jewish life, then and now. Darren Levine is executive director of JCP.

WINTER/SPRING 2008

Jewish Life

SHABBAT AT HOME WITH THE ROSE FAMILY Isabel Rose

AS SOON AS THE SUN BEGINS TO SET ON A FRIDAY NIGHT, I call my six-

FIRST FRIDAYS

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. SEE PAGE 30

year old daughter to the kitchen and we dim the lights. I pull out my guitar and we sing the song commonly known as Bim Bom. It’s a spiritual tune and it calms us and makes it clear that we are leaving the secular week and entering a time that is more sacred. The dimmed lights contribute to the feeling of actively separating from the hectic nature of our week, and by the end of the song we are ready to bring God’s light into our home. My mother gave me a set of beautiful silver shabbat candlesticks for my 30th birthday. We light these candles and another pair just for my daughter, and together we bless the light. I always remind both myself and my daughter, aloud, that we are not just bringing God’s light into our home, we are literally bringing God’s light into our souls by waving our hands over the ﬂames and drawing the light to our eyes. When the prayer is said, we kiss and hug one another and wish each other a “good shabbas” and the moment is truly divine in the way all moments are when you hold someone you love in your arms and wish them nothing more complicated than Observing Shabbat happiness. helps me remember Next we pour the grape juice the values I hold most (for my daughter) and wine (for dear. It builds a sense of me) and we sing the blessing to culture and community honor God who brings us fruit grounding me in an from the vine and sweetness into otherwise chaotic world. our lives. Afterwards, we bless the challah and sing either the "shehechyanu" or "havenu shalom alechem" or "oseh shalom". Then I stand and lay my hands on my daughters head and I bless her, like my father always blessed me and my sisters. When we have guests this is all done in the dining room dressed in our best with the table glittering, but more often it is simply my daughter and me in our kitchen having a simple meal together. We always take time to talk about the best things that

PHOTO: NOAH DAVID SMITH

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happened that week as a way to cultivate optimism and count our blessings. Our meal is rarely as elaborate or traditional as the meals my mother made on the Shabbats of my childhood. I am often too exhausted from my work-week to make chicken soup and roast chicken or brisket and a noodle keugle. But somehow that doesn’t matter. Even if we’re eating nothing grander than a bowl of pasta, it is our Sabbath meal and there is something special about it. At some point I play my guitar again and tell my daughter that we are going to take a moment to talk to God quietly. And we do. It’s so peaceful. No one ever taught me how to pray when I was a kid, and I’ve felt silly trying to at times in my life. But because it’s my own Sabbath table and I’m setting the rules, somehow it seems natural to teach my daughter how to pray, especially when God's light is pouring into our home from the candles we lit.

ISABEL ROSE & HER DAUGHTER, LILY

WINTER/SPRING 2008

Shmuse on Duane St.

SHMUSING WITH OUR NEIGHBORS Sarah Abrams

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“Tribeca is New York. That’s why I love having my store in this neighborhood.” Michael Davis, owner of

Elan Flowers, 148 Duane Street ➊ Elan offers ﬂowers imported from all over the world (New Zealand, South America, California, Holland) for all manner of occasions (weddings, funerals, daily life) for all kinds of people (long-time customers, young professionals, Tribeca residents). The random and assorted collection of furniture and knick knacks displayed throughout the space are also for sale. “I wanted to create a New York restaurant for New Yorkers.” Henry Meer, Chef,

City Hall, 131 Duane Street 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.

SEE PAGE 31

➋ Born and raised in New York City, Chef Henry Meer turned the space (originally a shoe factory when it was built in 1863) into a living ode to New York. The Traditional American restaurant, which features a raw bar, dry-aged

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cuts of beef, and an extensive wine bar, offers ample space for gatherings ranging from an intimate 15 people to a more voluminous 100. The menu, outdoor seating, and unpretentious atmosphere attracts families, politicians, and the occasional movie star alike.

Broadway ➍ A Uno Tribeca retails European designer clothing, jewelry, bags, and hats for women of all shapes and sizes. The contemporary/ timeless pieces attract creative professionals in their 30’s and older who return time and again for the personal service and style advice.

“We’re here so we can see life—so we can be on the street level with the people we’re creating fragrances for.” Robert Staps, of Drom

“What attracted us to this area are the fashion, entertainment, and corporate worlds down here. We’re a lifestyle hotel and I think it’s an asset that we’re here in this community.” Jeff Stegman, General Manager, Duane

Fragrances, 144 Duane Street ➌ Drom is a creative studio in which fragrances are made. The company, which originated in Europe, found a store-front home on Duane Street four years ago in order to witness the daily lives of the people for whom the fragrances are marketed. “We like the downtown atmosphere in Tribeca—Our clients are artistic and creative and they understand our clothes.” Ruth Byers, Manager,

A Uno Tribeca, 123 W.

Street Hotel, 130 Duane St ➎ This luxury hotel, slated to open in the ﬁrst month of 2008, offers 45 guest rooms, designer linens, hardwood ﬂoors, twice daily maid service, in room spa service and 32” plasma screens according to their Web site. Downstairs guests can enjoy traditional new American and Mediterranean food at ‘beca Restaurant.

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MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE STOREFRONTS of this lively

Tribeca street running from Federal Plaza to Washington Market Park. On Duane Street, between Church and West Broadway, a traditional American restaurant ﬂourishes in an 1863 shoe factory, 19th Century Ottoman Empire antiques ﬁnd their way into movie sets and over-sized balloons into the hands of the littlest New Yorkers.

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“I have had the privilege of growing with Tribeca for the last 30 years. The neighborhood has morphed from blue collar city workers to families with lots of kids.” Sharon Hershkowitz-Levy, owner Balloon Salloon, 133 W. Broadway ➏. Balloon Saloon offers balloon bouquets, arches, ﬂoats, centerpieces, topiaries, and banners with custom imprinting for all occasions and for children and grownups of all ages! “Washington Market School has been here for 32 years. It didn’t move to the neighborhood, the neighborhood moved to it.” Anonymous, Washington

PHOTO: RAYOGRAM

Market School, 134 Duane St. ➐ The school is a preschool, kindergarten, and afterschool center for children ages two to six, and is part of the American Motessori Society, the National Association for the Education of Young Children,

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the Early Childhood Council of New York City, Child Care, Inc., the Parents League, then Independent Schools Admission Association of Greater New York, and the Downtown Early Childhood Association. “It is our hope that you will ﬁnd Takahachi Tribeca and our menu as an offering to the neighborhood and a challenge for your senses and palette,” explains the restaurants website, 145 Duane St. ➑ Open for lunch and dinner with a full sushi bar, the restaurant is a peaceful, contemporary atmosphere.

Second Hand Rose has loads of antique and vintage wallpaper for sale, as well as a very eclectic collection of elaborate lamps and pieces of furniture, most of which hail from 19th century Ottoman Empire. Though there isn’t much street trafﬁc, the wallpaper is often called upon for movie sets and photo

shoots. 138 Duane St. ➒

Blaue Gans is a German and Austrian restaurant where diners can chow down on traditional foods like Kavalierspitz, Cremspinat Und Apfelkren and Gulaschsuppe and Kartoffein and enjoy the large selection of beer and wine. 139 Duane St. ➓ Kidville Annex is “New York’s #1 place for families with young children” according to their website. Their Tribeca Annex offers classes for babies and toddlers, an indoor playground, a boutique, and a space for birthday parties. 200 Church St. ⓫ Rosanjin, 141 Duane St. diners can satisfy their taste buds as well as their eyes at this by reservation only restaurant that’s as much about the beautifully artistic and intentional presentation of the food as it is about the food itself. ⓬

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WINTER/SPRING 2008

SHMUSING WITH

Julie Menin CHAIR, COMMUNITY BOARD 1

TAKE US BACK TO 9/11 WHEN YOU STARTED WALL STREET RISING.

On 9/11 my husband Bruce and I were living downtown next to where my restaurant Vine was located. We opened up Vine to workers and volunteers who were part of the immediate clean-up on 9/11. Several days later we were evacuated from our apartment and went uptown where I saw people in restaurants and stores enjoying themselves and was shocked. I felt it was anoth-

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er city up there. That’s when I knew I needed to do something to help rebuild downtown. IT SEEMS THAT REAL ESTATE AND PRIVATE INDUSTRY ARE DOING WELL ALL OVER DOWNTOWN. WHAT ABOUT THE FABRIC OF COMMUNITY LIFE?

It’s very important to me. We live downtown with our sons Max (4) and Mason and Lucas (twins age 2) and that social fabric is essential to the success of downtown. As Chair of Community Board 1, I identiﬁed land in Battery Park City to build a new elementary school and that is moving forward. Below Greenwich south of the World Trade Center site we are pushing aggressively for green space. In addition we are helping to build two new community centers for the neighborhood. WHAT’S THE SOURCE OF YOUR DEDICATION TO CIVIC LIFE?

My parents instilled a deep sense of community service in me. WERE THEY RELIGIOUS PEOPLE?

They raised me to have a real pride in my Jewish identity and to give back and help others through public service. IS THERE A CORRELATION BETWEEN YOUR JEWISH IDENTITY AND YOUR DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY SERVICE AND ACTIVISM?

I worry that too many people are shying away from giving back to society...but it is imperative.

That’s a good question. At home we light Shabbat candles on Friday and my sons run around the house all excited that it’s Shabbat. YOU'RE QUITE COMMITTED AS A POLITICAL LEADER AND A YOUNG MOM.

I worry that too many people are shying away from giving back to society. It can be hard with little kids at home, but it is imperative. Women comprise 52% of the US population but hold only 25% of elected ofﬁce. This needs to change. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF YOUR CIVIC INVOLVEMENT AND YOUR FAMILY?

No time right now. I love my kids and want to spend every possible minute with them. OKAY, THEN IF YOU HAD AN EXTRA HOUR PER DAY JUST FOR JULIE, HOW WOULD YOU SPEND IT?

Reading. I love to read. Milan Kundera is one of my favorite authors and one day I want to re-read all his books.

WINTER/SPRING 2008

Everything Old Is New Again rayogram

WANDER DOWN GRAND STREET just East of Essex today

RAISING BILINGUAL CHILDREN

Ages 0-5 years: Parents raising bilingual children face unique and special issues. Join our ECC Speech and Language Pathologist, Anne Glasser, MS and other parents to share insights and information on navigating this journey successfully. SEE PAGE 26

and you’ll ﬁnd two very different family bakeries keeping traditions alive. Kossar’s Bialys is New York’s oldest Bialy bakery – continuing a tradition almost lost in the eponymously named Bialystok, Poland. While two doors down, some of New York’s best doughnuts are inspired by a recipe passed down through three generations. “These doughnuts are not good, “ gloats one of the doughnut-craftsman of Doughnut Plant, “Good, can be improved on. These doughnuts are the best.” Owner Mark Israel has spent over a decade perfecting his family’s doughnut recipe passed down by his grandfather, Herman Israel who baked for the U.S. Army’s Bakery Company in France during World War I. Mark has created some delicious variations on the traditional vanilla glaze like Roasted Chestnut and

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PHOTOS: RAYOGRAM

Valrhona chocolate and a line of cake doughnuts including the mouth-watering Tres Leche. Three doors down, Kossar’s Bialys has been laboring over perfect handmade bialys for the past 65 years. Kossar’s was founded by natives of Bialystok, Poland, yetwhen former New York Times food critic Mimi Sheraton visited Bialystok in 1994, she discovered that the Bialy itself had not survived. Inspired, she published "The Bialy Eaters: The Story of a Bread and a Lost World" in 2000. Kossar’s is the oldest Kashruth bialy bakery in the U.S., and still creates every aspect of their bialys, bulkas, pletzels and sesame sticks from scratch using the ﬁnest high gluten ﬂour, brewers yeast, salt, freshly ground onions and, of course, New York tap water. They are still baked in a brick oven. Zagat’s once boasted “People say this so-called 'must stop' shop is unchanged by modern technology. And customers add that Kossar's epitomizes what New York used to be about - a store doing one thing and doing it best."

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People of the Book! The Jewish Literacy Project at JCP aspires to instill the love of Jewish books and the lifelong pursuit of ideas and knowledge. We welcome you to come and read these titles in the growing JCP library. FOR CHILDREN SAMMY SPIDER’S HANNUKAH FUN BOOK Explore the wonderful journey of Hannukah with Sammy Spider and his friends. Pictures, colors, and artwork and the tale of Hannukah come to life in the story. BY CHAIM KOSOFSKY. ILLUSTRATED BY JESSICA SCHIFFMAN

FOR PARENTS BECOMING A JEWISH PARENT :

MUCH, MUCH BETTER

Each week Shlomo and Miriam tidy up their house and prepare for Shabbat. A strange guest comes to visit who is so appreciative of their hospitality that he offers them a blessing. It is not until Shlomo and Miriam welcome the birth of their baby boy that they fully understand the visitor’s blessing and his true identity as Elijah the Prophet.

BEDTIME STORIES OF JEWISH VALUES BY SAMUEL BLITZ

This book has a number of short stories, each with a moral taken from Jewish virtues including honesty, loyalty, judging others and forgiveness.

FOR YOUTH HANUKKAH AT VALLEY FORGE

Celebrate the holiday of Purim with JCP at our annual family carnival! There will be music and food, crafts, friends, and children's entertainment galore. SEE PAGE 30

BY MARKUS ZUSAK

This is the story of Leisl Meminger, a Lutheran girl in Nazi Germany who sustains herself and those close to her with her love of books and reading. An engaging story that resonates with the full spectrum of human emotions and experiences. (Winner of the Association of Jewish Libraries Teen Book Award.) (Grades 9-12)

SYLVIA ROUSS AND KATHERINE JANUS KAHN

PURIM CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY SPIEL

THE BOOK THIEF

BY STEPHEN KRENSKY. ILLUSTRATED BY GREG HARLIN

During the grim winter at Valley Forge, a Polish-born soldier tells General Washington about Hanukkah, drawing a parallel between the Macabbee’s war against their foes with the American war against the British oppressors. Beautiful watercolor illustrations add immeasurably to this delightful and inspirational account of this legendary encounter. (Grades 1-5)

JULIA’S KITCHEN BY BRENDA A. FERBER

When Cara Segal loses her mother and younger sister in a house ﬁre, she questions her belief in God, struggles with her relationship with her father, and tries to ﬁnd ways to hold on to the memories of her family in this deeply moving novel that will touch the hearts of all readers. (Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award for Young Readers.)(Grades 4-8)

HOW TO EXPLORE SPIRITUALITY AND TRADITION WITH YOUR CHILDREN BY DANIEL GORDIS

This book addresses questions such as: How do you instill a positive, vital sense of identity, religion, and heritage without turning off your kids or overwhelming them? How do you explain what it means to be Jewish if you are ambivalent about it yourself? How do parents who have little or no formal religious training themselves pass on rich, multilayered traditions that may have been missing from their own childhood experiences? The book is ﬁlled with anecdotes, thoughtful information about the history, holidays, and traditions that shape Judaism, as well as a useful glossary and thorough reference section.

WHAT DOES BEING JEWISH MEAN?

READ-ALOUD RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS JEWISH CHILDREN ASK ABOUT HISTORY, CULTURE, AND

RELIGION

BY E.B. FREEDMAN, JAN GREENBERG, AND KAREN KATZ

The “answers” given in this book, though somewhat pedantic, give parents food for thought as they anticipate or think about how to answer real questions their children will/have raised.

EVERYDAY BLESSINGS:

THE INNER WORK OF MINDFUL PARENTING BY JON AND MYLA KABAT-ZINN

This book explores the inner experience of parenting by focusing on the practice of mindfulness as an antidote to the stress of parenthood and as a way to enhance and enrich the parenting experience. There are beautiful

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stories and quotes, some practical suggestions for everyday life, as well as exercises that guide toward conscious parenting by advising ways in which to stay more present in each moment.

FOR ADULTS A SHORT HISTORY OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE BY RAYMOND SCHEINDLIN

Scheindlin, a respected Hebrew scholar, cultural historian, noted author and rabbi, undertakes the daunting task of summarizing Jewish history in a concise fashion. Scheindlin sheds light on Jewish experience starting with legendary times to today’s ongoing Middle East process. He doesn’t shy away from problems the world’s Jews have faced during their history, but concludes that ‘in many ways, the Jewish condition in the present is better than it has been at any time since antiquity."

A JEW IN AMERICA BY ARTHUR HERTZBERG

The son and grandson of Hasidic rabbis, Hertzberg immigrated from Poland to the United States with his parents at the age of ﬁve. He grew up to become a rabbi (in Englewood, NJ),

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a professor (at Dartmouth), and the author of a number of notable books. He believes that “the future of America will be made by those who will hold fast to their traditions and their memories... but who will understand that the old wars of religion and the old ethnic angers are redundant and dangerous.” His has been a lively and fascinating journey indeed, and here it is not only well examined but also brilliantly told.

KABBALAH: A LOVE STORY BY RABBI LAWRENCE KUSHNER

This first book-length work of fiction by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner tells the story of Kalman Stern, a middle-aged rabbi and scholar who is still licking his wounds from the breakup of his marriage twenty years earlier. Two events shape Kalman’s destiny: first, he finds a 700-year-old parchment concealed within the binding of a seventeenth-century copy of The Zohar; second, he meets an astronomy professor with whom he may be falling in love. This parallels the biography of Rabbi Moses de Leon, the probable author of The Zohar, and his relationship with one of his students. Through the interweaving of these stories, Kushner explores the meanings of love, destiny and creation.

INSTILL THE LOVE OF JEWISH BOOKS AND THE LIFELONG PURSUIT OF IDEAS AND KNOWLEDGE.

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�� A HEBREW HAVURAH (GROUP): HEBREW READING AND SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS

Grades: 3rd-5th This class offers a thoughtful, progressive and stimulating approach to reading Hebrew and exploring Jewish prayer. The class begins with havurah. Next, participants break out into small groups for semi-private Hebrew tutoring. You and your child will be amazed and proud of how quickly and enthusiastically they master basic Hebrew reading. No previous knowledge of Hebrew required. Participants will be expected to complete ~30 minutes of Hebrew computer work at home between each weekly session. Materials provided. SEE PAGE 28

�� Tali Kurt-Galai is a regular contributor to Yehidot Achronot, an Israeli Daily. She lives in Battery Park with her family. She writes about celebrating Hannukah as an Israeli in New York.her

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Tali Kurt-Galai �

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PHOTO: DANIEL MORGENSTERN

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THE DOWNTOWN HEBREW PROJECT and 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. 13 Tuesdays: 2/5-5/13 (No class 2/19 and 4/22) 6:30-8:30 PM $ 468 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.

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Kids Eye View

NOAH BERRIE, ON LIVING DOWNTOWN YOU’VE LIVED DOWNTOWN YOUR ENTIRE LIFE OF 9 YEARS, WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS?

Zutto, love their sushi, Washington Market Park, My house, the Battery Park, and just wandering around. YOU PLAY FOOTBALL. DO YOU PRACTICE YOUR LINEBACKER MOVES IN THE PARK?

I do love sports. Baseball is actually my favorite. I am the linebacker, but I also play tackle on my football team. WITH ALL THAT EXERCISE, HOW DO YOU KEEP STRONG?

I love to eat. Artichokes, garlic bread, and pickles, But not at the same time. I also read to relax. I love Harry Potter a lot. I want to be an author when I grow up. WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?

My family. My sister Eve is very mature (as the sevenyear old Eve jumps on the back of his chair), she’s creative and very energetic. I love my brother Gideon too (3 years old), he gets a lot of vocabulary from me and Eve. SEEMS LIKE YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME AROUND HOME. DO YOU HAVE ANY CHORES?

I set the dinner table on Friday nights. I put dishes away. And I make my bed, kind of. YOU SET THE TABLE ON SHABBAT? WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING JEWISH FOR YOU?

To be with my family every Friday night, I like music, not that many people at my school are Jewish. KID-SHMUSE IN THE KITCHEN II: TASTY TORAH STORIES

Ages: 3 and 4 years Grades: Kindergarten-2nd This semester we continue our celebration of the holidays & begin to explore Bible stories, bringing them to life thru exciting food projects in the kitchen. Children will become familiar with key Biblical personalities and narratives in the Torah. SEE PAGE 29

YOU WANT TO BE AN AUTHOR. YOU PLAY A RATHER HARDCORE SPORT. HOW WILL PLAYING FOOTBALL HELP YOU BECOME AN AUTHOR?

It’s all about being creative and reading the play.

PHOTO: NOAH DAVID SMITH

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Tikkun Olam TIKKUN OLAM, THE HEBREW PHRASE FOR REPAIRING THE WORLD, is often an

elusive ideal in our busy lives. Now you can participate in small acts of Tikkun Olam each month through JCP. Simply drop your contribution of food, clothing or other items directly in the Donation Box in the JCP lobby. Volunteers will distribute the items to worthy causes. We are accepting the following donations this winter and spring: DECEMBER

A new, wrapped toy to be distributed via Jericho Project JANUARY

Warm winter coats distributed by JCP to local coat drives FEBRUARY

Working cell phones distributed via Verizon Wireless Hopeline

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” -ANNE FRANK

“Days are scrolls. Write on them only what you want remembered.” -BACHYA IBN PAKUDA

MARCH

Children’s school supplies beneﬁting Children’s Hope APRIL

Prom Dresses distributed by Operation Fairy Dust

IF YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS ABOUT GOOD CAUSES THAT COULD BENEFIT FROM OUR LOCAL EFFORT, PLEASE SEND YOUR SUGGESTION TO NATHALIE RUBENS, CHAIR OF THE TIKKUN OLAM COMMITTEE.

Nathelie@jcpdowntown.org

"One who gives tzedakah does not only bring good upon oneself, but also upon all humanity, from one end of the world to the other." -SHIR HASHIRIM ZUTA 1:15

"May blessings come upon the one who gives tzedakah. Better is the one who makes loans. And the one who enters into a partnership with the poor is the greatest of all." -AVOT D’RABBI NATAN, VERSION 1 CHAPTER 41

SUMMER/FALL 2007

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD AND MARKETPLACE

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��148 �� Duane Street, New York 10013 �� www.elanflowers.com �� 212-240-9033

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COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD AND MARKETPLACE

We give children the world.

�� January 15 - May 20

off f bers mem

Internationally recognized • Imported curriculum Authentic sources • Parent’s Choice Award winning materials! • Native-speaking music professionals Classes are held at the JCP downtown 146 Duane Street Email freetrialclass@musicalkids.net for a free trial today Register online at www.musicalkids.net

TRIBECA TRUNK SHOW @ JCP 146 Duane street Thursday Nov 29, 2007 6-9 PM 10% of all sales support JCP

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD AND MARKETPLACE

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10o% r JCP

SUMMER/FALL 2007

CELEBRATE YOUR PARTY AT JCP

birthdays life-cycle parties neighborhood gatherings COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD AND MARKETPLACE

meeting space make your reservations 212-334-3522 146 DUANE ST

JCPDOWNTOWN.ORG

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JCP SUMMER CAMP 2008 june and july ages 3-5 ﬂexible weekly schedule applications available feb 1, 2008

"downtown is my playground" 146 DUANE ST

212-334-3522 JCPDOWNTOWN.ORG

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COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD AND MARKETPLACE

call the JCP ofﬁce for more information

WINTER/SPRING 2008

JCP: Year at a Glance JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MAY

JUNE

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Winter/Spring Classes Begins Enroll in Summer Camp

Mother’s day Luncheon Family Color Wars

Family Apple Picking High Holidays

Annual Beneﬁt

JCP Camp Begins

Preschool information sessions Fall Family MusicFest

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MARCH

APRIL

JULY

AUGUST

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Summer Camp: Downtown is our playground

Neighborhood Night Tikkun Olam/Community Serivce Project

Passover Celebration

Staff Prep

Downtown Hannukah Party Tribeca Trunk Show

PHOTOS: JCP COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Purim Extravaganza

SUMMER/FALL 2007

JCP Programs OUR VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF think hard about

how best to serve the community. What meet SARAH

does it take to create a vibrant, dynamic, and relevant Jewish community downtown? How do we nourish a love for Jewish tradition in our children while still valuing diversity, modernity and a respect for all religious cultures and backgrounds? Whether it be our preschool, our signature Bim Bom class, our holiday programs or our Shabbat potlucks, the

Sarah Abrams, Communications Manager Sarah loves writing, cooking and dancing. She lived in Washington DC, Florence,

purpose of JCP is to bring people together to explore, learn and celebrate. And with the reality of a neighborhood home,

London, Jerusalem, and the

the possibilities of what can happen at

cornﬁelds of Ohio before

JCP from this point forward are limited

landing in Park Slope, Brooklyn. She graduated from Kenyon

only by our collective imagination.

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

TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS

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

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@ a @ a Glance PARENTING

4-5 YEARS OLD

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Parenting Preschoolers

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Shabbat Alive

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Infant Connections

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Holiday Workshops w/Bonnie

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Infant/Child CPR and First Aid

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Raising Bi-lingual children

BIRTH TO 2

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Bim Bom MusicFest

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Easy Baby

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JCPlay

3-4 YEARS OLD

GRADES K-5

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Head-To-Toe Hebrew II

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Kid-Shmuse in the Kitchen II

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A Hebrew Havurah (group): Hebrew Reading and Spiritual Explorations

ADULT JEWISH LEARNING

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Judaism: The year long course

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Women's Rosh Chodesh Group

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Abraham Joshua Heschel

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The Jewish Home: Shabbat & Passover

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The Downtown Hebrew Project

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Bim Bom MusicFest

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Junior Chefs

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Let’s Sing in Hebrew

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Lunch in Library

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Animal Manimals

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Dazzling Discoveries

COMMUNITY GATHERINGS

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Shal-om Yoga

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First Fridays

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Spice: The Fun of Cooking

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Hanukah Bash

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The Art of the Story

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Passover Celebration

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Holiday Workshops w/Bonnie

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Neighborhood Night

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Creative Drama

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Move & Grove

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Purim Celebration

SUMMER/FALL 2007

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.

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

PARENTING PRESCHOOLERS

BIM BOM MUSICFEST

Skills, insights, and practical techniques for dealing with sharing, discipline, healthy potty training, emotional breakdowns, and more. Led by Parent Educator, Isabel Schein, LCSW 8 Thursdays: 1/17, 1/31, 2/14, 3/6, 3/20, 4/3, 5/1, 5/15 9:00 -10:00 AM $240

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. 15 Fridays: 1/18-5/16 (No class 2/22, 4/18, 4/25) 9:30, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM at JCP in Tribeca. 3:00 PM & 3:45 PM in the West Village $450

INFANT CONNECTIONS

EASY BABY

Parents with newborn babies come together to share the joys and challenges of parenting and to meet others at the same place in life. Discussions range from creating healthy boundaries to establishing routine, to feeding and sleeping strategies. Led by Parent Educator, Isabel Schein, LCSW 8 Thursdays: 1/17, 1/31, 2/14, 3/6, 3/20, 4/3, 5/1, 5/15 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM $160

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 4 Mondays 1/28, 3/3, 4/14, 5/12 10:30 – 11:15 AM $140

RAISING BI-LINGUAL CHILDREN

INFANT/CHILD CPR AND FIRST AID

Parents raising bi-lingual children face unique and special issues. Join our ECC Speech and Language Pathologist, Anne Glasser, MS and other parents to share insights and information on navigating this journey successfully. Tuesday, March 4: 8:00 PM at JCP $20

Parents and Caregivers: Be Prepared! This 3-hour workshop trains in CPR, rescue breathing, Heimlich ﬁrst aid. Please dress comfortably. January 15th, March 11th, 6:00-9:00 AM February 6th, May 7th, 9:00- 12:00 AM $75 per person

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JCPLAY

Weekly group time for toddlers and their grown-ups. Includes circle time, motor skills development, stories, snack and free play for children. Ages: 16 to 24 months: 14 Mondays: 1/14-5/12 (No class 1/21, 2/18, 4/12, 4/28) 9:30 -11:00 AM $490 Ages: 24 to 30 months: 15 Wednesdays: 1/16-5/14 (No class 2/20, 3/19 and 4/23) 9:30 -11:00 AM $525

LET’S SING IN HEBREW

Ages: 2 and 3 years * Join Jacob Stein and Uri (his Israeli puppet) as they take your children on a journey Through Hebrew music. Combining Israeli songs with contemporary American Hebrewlearning songs for a fun and lively Hebrew immersion class. 15 Wednesdays: 1/16-5/14 (No class 2/20, 3/19 and 4/23) 12:00 -12:45 PM $375

LUNCHIN’ LIBRARY

Ages: 2 and 3 years old Bring a bagged lunch and join us for story time after school. Meet guest authors, write the story of your day and create your very own book. *please provide a meat free, nut free and peanut free lunch for your child. 14 Mondays: 1/14-5/12 (No class 1/ 21, 2/18, 4/21 and 4/28) 12:00 -12:45 PM

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. 16 Tuesdays: 1/15-5/13 (No class 2/19 and 4/22) $400.00 15 Fridays: 1/18-5/16 (No class 2/22, 4/18, 4/25) 9:30 – 10:15 AM $375.00

CREATIVE DRAMA

Ages: 3 and 4 years old * Drama games and acting activities help develop artistic and self-conﬁdence in your child while they learn to express themselves through voice, movement, and facial expression. Led by creative arts educator Jessica Genick, who holds an MA in Drama Therapy from NYU. 16 Tuesdays: 1/15-5/13 (No class 2/19 and 4/22) 1:00-1:45 PM

$400

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. 16 Thursdays: 1/17-5/15 (No class 2/21, 4/24) 1:00 – 1:45 PM $400

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. 14 Mondays: 1/14-5/12 (No class 1/ 21, 2/18, 4/21 and 4/28) 1:00 – 1:45 PM 2:00 – 2:45 PM $490 This program is made possible by The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science, www.weizmannusa.org.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS WITH BONNIE!

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 Tu BSh’vat, January 22nd Purim, March 18th Passover, April 15th Shavuot, June 3rd Cost: $25 per class or $75 for 4 class passport

meet MARCIA

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 promote strength, ﬂexibility, coordination and body awareness. 16 Tuesdays: 1/15-5/13 (No class 2/19 and 4/22) 2:00 -2:45 PM $400

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! 16 Thursdays: 1/17-5/15 (No class 2/21 and 4/24) 2:00 – 2:45 PM $400

THE ART OF THE STORY

Ages: 3 and 4 years Children experiment with different methods for approaching storytelling: puppetry, acting, song, and visual art. Led by Jacob Stein. 15 Wednesdays: 1/16-5/14 (No class 2/20, 3/19 and 4/23) 1:00 – 1:45PM $375

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

SUMMER/FALL 2007

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

SHABBAT ALIVE

JCP programs for school aged children help to nourish

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 a given of course 16 Thursdays: 1/17-5/15 (No class 2/21 and 4/24) 3:45 – 4:45 PM $400

their Jewish educational and social identities. From

KID-SHMUSE IN THE KITCHEN II: TASTY TORAH STORIES

Grades: Kindergarten-2nd This semester we continue our celebration of the holidays & begin to explore Bible stories, bringing them to life thru exciting food projects in the kitchen. Children will become familiar with key Biblical personalities and narratives in the Torah. 16 Tuesdays: 1/15-5/13 (No class 2/ 19 and 4/22) 3:30 - 4:45 PM (Please note the time change from the Fall) $485

HEAD-TO-TOE HEBREW II

Grades: Kindergarten-2nd Sing, move, and bring Hebrew alive through this high energy class. Your child 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! 15 Wednesdays: 1/16-5/14 (No class 2/20, 3/19 and 4/23) 3:45-5:15 PM $525

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.

A HEBREW HAVURAH (GROUP): HEBREW READING AND SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS WITH BONNIE!

Ages: 3-6 Fun, educational, and experiential handson 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 Tu BSh’vat, January 22nd Purim, March 18th Passover, April 15th Shavuot, June 3rd Cost: $25 per class or $75 for 4 class passport

RUSSIAN ENRICHEMENT CLASS FOR CHILDREN

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. Session Ia: 10 Tuesdays (4-6 year olds): 1/15-3/25 (No class 2/19) 4:00-5:00 PM $300 Session 1b: 9 Wednesdays (2- 3.5 year olds): 1/163/26 (No class 2/20 and 3/19) 4:30-5:15 PM $270 Session IIa: 8 Tuesdays (4-6 year olds): 4/1-5/27 (No class 4/22) 4:00-5:00 PM $240 Session IIb: 8 Wednesdays (2-3.5 year olds): 4/2-5/28 (No class 4.23) 4:30-5:15 PM $240

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

JUDAISM: THE YEAR LONG COURSE

This course is an in-depth introduction to the full range of Jewish life. For those new to Judaism or just newly furious—all are welcome. The trimesters can be taken in any sequence. PART A: JEWISH LITERACY (Winter 2008) Explore the treasures of Judaism’s sacred texts to understand the values, laws and customs of the Jewish people. All texts provided in English. Jan 15, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12, 26 7:15- 8:45 PM $150 PART B: JEWISH LIVING (Spring 2008) Learn about the Jewish holidays, life-cycle events (e.g. birth, b’nai mitzvah, Jewish weddings and funerals) and customs of Jewish daily life. March 4, 11, 18; Apr 1, 8, 15; May 6, 13 7:15- 8:45 PM $225 PART C: JEWISH HISTORY (Fall 2008) 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. Fall dates TBA $225

ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL: THE MAN, HIS THOUGHT, HIS SPIRIT

AJ Heschel, rabbi, professor, social activist, author had a profound inﬂuence on the way we think about religion and spirituality today. This seminar will examine the many facets of his attitude and feeling toward God, modern culture, prayer, Jewish religious practice, interfaith dialogue, his understanding of evil, and what impelled him to march with Martin Luther King, Jr. and speak out against the War in Vietnam. Dennis Shulman is a clinical psychologist-psychoanalyst and a rabbi. Jan 15, Jan 29, Feb 12, Feb 26 7:00 PM $110

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.) Monday, 8:00-9:30 PM Jan 7, Feb 4, March 3, April 7, May 5

THE DOWNTOWN HEBREW PROJECT @ 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. 13 Tuesdays: 2/5-5/13 (No class 2/19 and 4/22) 6:30-8:30 PM $468 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. MODERN HEBREW - 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. BIBLICAL HEBREW - 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.

THE JEWISH HOME: SHABBAT & PASSOVER

A four-part series on how to bring Jewish life into the home. Basic rituals, blessings, and traditions will be explored to bring home Judaism in a fun, creative, and nonthreatening way. With Darren Levine Shabbat: March 4,11 Passover: April 1, 8 8:00-9:30 PM $75

meet STEPHANIE

Stephanie Amarnick, Senior Programs Manager 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. After 3 years in Manhattan, she fell in love with Park Slope Brooklyn, where she currently resides. Stephanie@ jcpdowntown.org

SUMMER/FALL 2007

meet DARREN

Shabbat & Holidays EVENTS AND GATHERINGS

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

COMMUNITY SHABBAT POTLUCK DINNERS

PURIM CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY SPIEL

FIRST FRIDAYS

FAMILY PASSOVER SEDER

JCP’s old time classic get-together on a rotating basis in people’s apartments. We ask that you please contribute a non-meat, nut and peanut free dish. January 25th and March 28th 5:30 - 8:00 PM Community members’ homes. Please call to RSVP and for location.

Darren Levine Executive Director Darren and his wife Julia live Downtown with their son Emmett. Darren is a graduate of U.C. Santa Cruz and holds rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College in New York. He has been working in different Jewish communities for over 15 years including camps, college campuses, youth groups and synagogues. He has worked with Russian, Ethiopian, and Ugandan Jews and lived in Israel from 1996-1999. He is currently working on a doctorate in pastoral psychology with an emphasis on the family. Darren@jcpdowntown.org

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. January 4th, February 1st, March 7th, April 4th, and May 2nd 6:00 -7:30 PM 146 Duane Street

SHABBAT DOWNTOWN

Shabbat music and prayer followed by children's activities and adult learning. We join back together for a bagel brunch. All ages welcome. Led by Rabbi Erica Gerson and Josh Beraha on guitar. Meets on the First Saturday morning of every month. January 5th, February 2nd, March 8th, April 5th, and May 3rd 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

DOWNTOWN HANUKKAH BASH AT PS 234 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 9th 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM PS 234 (Corner of Chambers and Greenwich) Cost: $36 Family

Celebrate the holiday of Purim with JCP at our annual family carnival! There will be music and food, crafts, friends, and children’s entertainment galore. March 9th 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Cost: $35 Family/$15 Adult/$10 Child Location TBA

Join us for a unique, musical and participatory family Passover Seder with JCP and The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. April 13th 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Cost: $40 Family/$15 Adult/$10 Child Location: Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place in Battery Park City

THE JEWISH COMMUNITY PROJECT DOWNTOWN serves families and individuals living in Tribeca, SoHo,West Village, Battery Park, and the Financial District. Through JCP programs, the preschool, gatherings, and holiday celebrations, JCP is deﬁning what it means to create a downtown community life that is rich in values, culture, and tradition. JCP believes a new model is needed in this generation that places a vibrant

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Community Gatherings EVENTS AND GATHERINGS

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

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. Wednesdays, January 23rd, February 27th, March 26th and May 21st 6:00 -7:30PM Cost: $10 individual/$25 family

SATURDAY NIGHT MOVIE MADNESS FOR KIDS

An open invitation for the entire Ages: The Tribe (grades K-4) Dinner and a movie for JCP youth and their friends.Drop your children off for dinner, havdalah and an age appropriate movie while you hit the town. Hosted by Sarah Abrams and Rabbi Erica. Saturdays, Jan 5, Feb 2, Mar 8, Apr 5, May 3 6:00 – 8:30 PM

communal space at the heart of a village where programs

THE TRIBE

Introducing JCP’s youth groups... The Tribe (grades K-4) and the Sr. Tribe (grades 5-8) offer our youth a way to connect with friends in the neighborhood. Both groups meet throughout the year for social, educational and community service oriented activities. Contact Robbi Erica for more information: rabbierica@jcpdowntown.org

meet ALEX

THE JEWISH BLOGOSPHERE

A one-night panel discussion on the American- Jewish community, ethical concerns like Lashon Hara (negative comments or gossip, Tsniyut (modesty), and how far the online community can go in replacing “real” community. Moderated by Gary Rosenblatt. Panelists will include Shmuel Rosner, chief U.S. correspondent for Ha’aretz, and Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, author of the lordismyshepherd.com: Seeking God in Wednesday, Feb 6th 7:30 PM

NO CHARGE

nourish people at all stages of their life. JCP encourages individuals and families to explore their identity and to deepen relationships with the community through educational, social and artistic programs. Our philosophy encourages members to have a strong sense of personal ownership of their Jewish identity and JCP offers the tools to make the journey.

Alex Kogan Administrator Alex lives in Brooklyn. He plays the banjo, harmonica, keyboards and guitar and 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

WINTER/SPRING 2008

Ask the Rabbi

WHAT IS A RABBI? HOW DO YOU BECOME ONE AND WHAT DO THEY DO? SOPHIE, AGE 10

Thanks for your question, Sophie. The English word rabbi comes from the Hebrew word rav. A rabbi or a rav is ﬁrst and foremost a teacher. Rabbis must know a lot about Judaism. Our most important job is to share our knowledge and love of Judaism with other people. Rabbis also spend a lot of time helping families mark happy and sad occasions in their life according to Jewish customs. We ofﬁciate at weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs, baby namings and brises. We also visit people in their home or in the hospital when they are sick. Many rabbis also lead their community in prayer and help kids prepare to celebrate their bar or bat mitzvah. WE ARE NEW PARENTS. MY HUSBAND IS JEWISH - I AM NOT. IS IT TRUE THAT A CHILD IS ONLY ACCEPTED AS JEWISH IF THE MOTHER IS JEWISH? MICHELLE, AGE 32

Send your questions to

First of all, mazel tov (congratulations!) on the birth of your new child. Your question has to do with the discussion of matrilineal or patrilineal descent, which addresses a child’s ofﬁcial identity as being passed from the mother or father. For much of Jewish history it has been the case that any child born to a Jewish mother was considered Jewish whereas children with a Jewish father but a non-Jewish mother were only considered Jewish if the child had a formal conversion. Though in biblical times it was in fact just the opposite- Jewish identity was traced through the father’s line, matrilineal descent has been the norm in the Jewish world for most of the last 2000 years. In some Jewish communities, patrilineal descent as well as matrilineal descent can determine Jewish identity if the child is being raised as a Jew. In other words, according to some authorities, any child born to at least one Jewish parent, be it the mother or father, who is then proactively raised as a Jew, will be considered Jewish. The Reform and Reconstructionist movement uphold this view while the Conservative and Orthodox movements continue to accept only matrilineal descent.

RabbiErica@jcpdowntown.org

*name has been changed

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 from Hebrew Union College. She has years of experience serving the Jewish community as an educator, youth leader, 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.

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Ten Thoughts On Raising Children Sharon Shorofsky Mack, Director, JCP Early Childhood Center

Remember to praise your child when he or she is doing something right!

Never underestimate the power of a family ritual.

Share stories about when you were their age.

4 5 6

7 8

Know and demonstrate that listening is as important as talking, if not more so.

Remember that you may not see the fruits of your labor immediately, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see the impact in the long run.

Do something you love to do with your children. They know when you are truly enjoying yourself.

Don’t worry about doing everything “right” all the time. Children give parents many opportunities to do a “retake.”

Often parents hope their children will be temperamentally similar to themselves. When they are similar, enjoy it. When they are not, appreciate some of the advantages that their unique style brings.

Remember to tend to your own basic needs so you can be truly available to your children (even if it means tending to yourself ﬁrst!).

Laugh together often and tell your children that you love them every day.

JCP’S STORY

JCP began in Tribeca in 2001 by some neighborhood families seeking meaningful Jewish life. Today, JCP houses a preschool, day camp, children’s programs, family and adult education classes, and Shabbat and holiday celebrations and participants come from Tribca, Soho, West Village, Battery Park City, and the Financial District. JCP believes a new model is needed in this generation that places a vibrant communal space at the heart of a village where programs nourish people at all stages of their life. At the core of this model is collaboration and partnership with other downtown organizations sharing common goals. JCP’s ﬁrst public program was for Purim in 2002 held in someone’s apartment. Community Shabbat dinners that rotated through people’s apartments helped the community grow over the next few years. The preschool opened in 2003-04 with 17 students. Today there are over 600 families connected to JCP, nearly 100 volunteer leaders, we offer over 40 classes for people of all ages, weekly community events, life-cycle and social services support, and we have seven full time staff, 13 preschool teachers, and over 25 specialists. Our philosophy encourages members to have a strong sense of personal ownership of their Jewish identity and we invite you to become a volunteer in our organization to help shape the future of JCP. MISSION STATEMENT

The Jewish Community Project Downtown serves families and individuals living in Tribeca, SoHo,West Village, Battery Park, and the Financial District. Through JCP programs, the preschool gatherings, and holiday celebrations, JCP is deﬁning what it means to create a modern community life that is rich in values, culture, and tradition. JCP members come from all backgrounds and have one thing in common: the dream to create a community experience that is meaningful and relevant to the lives of the individuals and families living downtown. VISIT US

146 Duane Street at West Broadway in Tribeca. Take the ➋ ➌ Ⓐ Ⓒ to Chambers Take the Ⓡ to City Hall Take the ➍ ➎ ➏ Ⓙ Ⓜ Ⓩ to City Hall/Brooklyn Bridge jcpdowntown.org 212-334-3522