A JCC Israel Family Adventure Like
No Other
Going to Israel was an amazing experience. There were so many little moments and big events to love and enjoy – from the Dead Sea to the Herzl museum. We had a lot of fun, and learned new things every single day. One thing I really enjoyed doing was spending a day in YokneamMegiddo, our sister city. I personally had a great time meeting people, speaking in Hebrew, and knowing that I did something that would help others. It makes me feel like I have a better connection with the people on the Kibbutz, and like I’ve created a special relationship.
Another thing that really touched me was the blind exhibit in Holon. In complete darkness, we were led through a forest, a marketplace, a busy street, a house, and a restaurant/bar with a visually impaired guide, and had to use our other senses to experience our surroundings. I was again reminded to be grateful for what I/we have and not to take things for granted. I also got a valuable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes and see the world through the eyes of another person (no pun intended). But not our entire trip was intricate displays and emotional museums.
There were plenty of funfilled days, jam-packed with excitement and lots to do. One of which was the day in the Galilee. I just felt so relaxed and happy no matter what we did, whether it was horseback riding, rafting, or dancing on a party boat. These types of days gave us chances to experience the attractions, activities, and unique geography that Israel had to offer us. Not only that, but we were able to bond with one another, strengthen relationships, and just be ourselves.
All-in-all, regardless of what was happening, where we were, or what we were doing, our Israel trip was a once-in-a-lifetime journey that will be happily looked back upon and never forgotten, and I am sure that we all hope and plan to go back soon.
Bryn Sentnor
7th grader & part of the JCC 2013 Israel Family Adventure
Special Event
Special Community Screening – at the
OMNIMAX® Theater
JeRUSALeM seeks to increase understanding and appreciation for the city’s historical, spiritual, cultural and artistic uniqueness. Made possible in part by the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of the St. Louis Jewish Federation in celebration of Israel’s 65th anniversary. Saint Louis Science Center Tue, Oct 1 • 7pm $10/adults & $8/students Get Tickets at brownpapertickets.com
Presented by the St. Louis Jewish Film Festival
Jewish Film Society Presents Films Dealing With Israel Palestinian Conflict
The fall lineup includes
One Day After Peace Sun, Sept 15
4pm at Webster University’s Winifred Moore Auditorium
A Bottle in the Gaza Sea Sun, Oct 6 4pm at the JCC Arts & education Building
Precious Life Sun, Dec 8
7pm at Webster University’s Winifred Moore Auditorium
Bryn Sentnor and her mother Jamie planting trees in Israel.
Baby & Toddler Fun
Further details available in the Fall Program Guide or at jccstl.org
Mommy-Baby Boogie Moms & pre-crawling babies
Rhythm ‘N’ Ruach 5 and under
Magnificent Mondays
18 mos-2 yrs old
Once Upon a Time
1-5 yrs old
JumpBunch Sports & Fitness
3-5 yrs old
Wonderful Wednesdays
2½ -3 yrs old
HI-NRG Gymnastics for Preschoolers
3-5 yrs old
And much, much more!
For kids a little older
Kids get a night out; parents get a night out, or a night off!
Sat Ages 4-11 5-10pm
SFC: 9/7 & 10/5 • Fox: 9/21 & 10/19
The Family Center –Reaching One Family at a Time
The J strives to be a welcoming place for all of its members and has always sought to maximize outreach to Jewish and interfaith families throughout the wider St. Louis community. To this end, this past February, Marianne Chervitz, Family Center Coordinator, began working with the Jewish Outreach Institute (JOI) as a part of their Big Tent Judaism Professional Affiliates Program.
JOI is an independent, national, transdenominational organization that reaches out to unengaged and intermarried Jewish families and helps the organized Jewish community better welcome them in. The Big Tent Judaism Coalition is a movement of Jewish communal institutions who strive to create an inclusive and welcoming Jewish community through training webinars, and the creation of a collaborative network of Jewish communal professionals throughout the United States.
“Through this coalition, I have learned how to better reach new families in the area who may not have ever been involved with the J or even the Jewish community at large. The thought is that we need to not only have the best programming and staff to serve our existing member families, but continue to let everyone in the community know about what we’re doing and invite them to join us,” says Chervitz.
She continues, “Through offering Jewish programming outside of our walls, we can communicate our message to a larger audience and draw them into our programs by offering a welcoming environment, celebrating diversity, offering quality, free family events, providing excellent customer service and lowering people’s barriers to participation. Research has shown that families make life-long connections with organizations, (i.e. preschools, synagogues, etc.) by the time their child turns two. We want to reach these families and invite them to experience all that the J has to offer, and this program is an excellent way to accomplish that goal.“
“We have offered these types of family programs in public spaces for a number of years, such as Shalom Neighbor picnic in Stacy Park and annual outings to pick apples at Mills Apple Farm for Rosh Hashanah. We are now going to offer a Public Space Judaism Program through the Big Tent Judaism/Jewish Outreach Institute called “A Spoonful of Honey” [see page 3]. We are excited to partner with Whole Foods to talk to families as they shop and prepare for the holiday, and invite them to join our J family.”
To register for the Spoonful of Honey event or if you have questions about programs for your family, please contact Marianne at 314-442-3454 or mchervitz@jccstl.org
JCC Family Center Coordinators, [left] Marianne Chervitz (Fox) and emilie Brockman (SFC) at a recent Shabbat Neighbor Family Picnic
