In November, the weather tends to cool a bit and family activities start to move indoors. This month, the Simon Family JCC drew crowds for three special events.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, families gathered for Hoedown Havdallah, complete with a petting zoo. Children helped groom a mini-pony and donkey and watched as hens laid eggs. They also took turns petting a baby pig, sheep and chickens.
Stacks of books filled the Center’s Cardo during the Lee and Bernard Jaffe* Family Jewish Book Festival. The festival boasted seven events, including two for children.
On Sunday, Nov. 8, Elmo made an appearance as special guest for the JCC’s first Character Breakfast. That Friday, Strelitz Early Childhood Education Center students had the opportunity to hear Laura Gehl, an author read Hare and Tortoise Race Across Israel.
Families also enjoyed swimming, a pirate ship bounce house, crafts and a viewing of Disney’s Peter Pan on Veteran’s Day.
All these family events were in partnership with PJ Library, a program that offers the gift of high-quality Jewish books and music each month to children six months to six years old. This partnership has helped expand the JCC’s PJ Library network in Tidewater. To subscribe, visit www.pjlibrary.org.
Save these dates in December:
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 5:30 pm
3rd Annual Latke Palooza, featuring a family-friendly concert with the Billy Jonas Band
Thursday, Dec. 24
31st Winter Camp
Friday, Dec. 25. 9:30 am
Pancake Breakfast, with bingo, crafts and a movie
In January, the monthly Camp JCC events begin, along with a special Family Fun Day in conjunction with the Jewish Film Festival.
For more information about these or any upcoming Children’s and Family events, contact Alicia Cohen Kraus, JCC program director, at akraus@simonfamilyjcc.org or 757-321-2323. The Simon Family JCC is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
*of blessed memory