Jkids, at First Hebrew Congregation, is Northern Westchester’s newest opportunity for Jewish and interfaith families with preschoolers to connect with each other through creative and social activities. It meets one Sunday morning each month, from 10-11:15 a.m., beginning in October and running through June. After an $18 supply fee for the year the program is free of charge.
Children and adults will enjoy arts and crafts, games, and music which revolve around Jewish holidays such as Sukkot, a fall harvest festival, Hanukkah, and Passover. Families can also discover fun things to do for Shabbat, the weekly Sabbath or day of rest, which occurs on Saturdays in Judaism.
Synagogue membership is not required and no religious background is needed. Furthermore, parents will have the opportunity to give input into monthly activities, what refreshments are served, and scheduling.
“This program offers Jewish and interfaith families a chance to connect, play, learn and grow,” says Dana Z. Bogatz, First Hebrew’s Rabbi. According to Rabbi Dana, such an opportunity is particularly vital to the Northwest suburbs of Westchester.
“In our neck of the woods, Jewish and interfaith families are widely spread out across different school districts and even different synagogues. There are no predominantly Jewish neighborhoods like there are down county,” she explained. “These kids don’t necessarily see each other at school or after-school activities. That makes connections with the Jewish community more challenging, but Jkids is a way to bring everyone together.”
First Hebrew Congregation has been creating pride in Jewish heritage for over 125 years. Among their other new offerings is the renowned Chair Mitzvah program for adults, in which each person builds their own “Jewish bucket list” to make their spiritual side more meaningful. They also hold a “Creative Shabbat,” an abbreviated discussion-based service that includes chair yoga and breathing exercises. First Hebrew is located on the border of Cortlandt and Peekskill, at 1821 Main St., Route 6. For more information visit The First Hebrew Congregation’s website, call 914-739-0500, or email fhc@firsthebrew.org.
