Sholom Sprouts
Spring 2019
Congregation Rodeph Sholom’s newest initiative for young children and the grown ups who care for them!
Offered in our beautifully renovated fifth floor, we welcome you into our vibrant Jewish community through Shabbat and holiday celebrations, music, art, and fun for the whole family.
Registration for Spring 2019 classes is now open!
Shabbat
Singin’ Swingin’ Shabbat
(for children 0–5 years old and their grownups)
Every Saturday, 9:00–9:45 AM
Held in our beautiful new 5th floor chapel, this playful and joyous weekly Shabbat is especially for little ones. Come and dance, make a happy noise with Tkiya, meet other parents, and get to know our clergy.
PJ Challah for Hunger
Saturdays, 10:00–11:00 AM
Dec 8, Jan 12, Feb 9, Mar 9, Apr 13, May 11
Hungry for other ways to share Shabbat? Once a month, we follow Singin’ Swingin’ Shabbat with PJ Challah for Hunger. This challah baking experience offers a unique social action opportunity for little hands. In addition to storytelling and snacks, your family will braid two challahs—one for you to keep and one to give away to someone in need.
Sholom Sprouts Shabbat Dinner and Singalong
Fridays, 4:30–6:00 PM
Dec 7, Feb 1, Mar 1, Apr 5, May 3
Cost: $10 per adult, kids are free
Our new Friday evening Shabbat Dinner and Singalong feeds the whole family in every way. Conducted monthly by Rodeph Sholom clergy and a vibrant songleader from Tkiya, these family dinners allow you and your kids to get your Shabbat on before bedtime with songs, stories, and crafts. (Grown-ups even have their own special Kiddush—l’chaim!)
Junior Junior Choir
(for Pre-k, K and 1st grade and their grownups)
Dec 7, Mar 8
The Junior Juniors sing at two of our Shir Chadash services during the year. Meet at 5:40 PM just before services begin. For more information, contact Cantor Shayna De Lowe at cantordelowe@crsnyc.org
Classes
Baby and Me Yoga
(for children 6 weeks–6 months and their grownups)
Wednesdays, 11:30 AM–12:15 PM
Cost: $200 for members/$225 for non-members
Session 1: Jan 9, 16, 23, 30; Feb 6
Session 2: Feb 13, 27, Mar 6, 13, 20
From asana to ahava (love), tree pose to Torah, this unique class combines yoga, play, and Jewish concepts. Strengthen the bond between you and your infant, build growing muscles, improve digestion and sleeping patterns, and help your baby reach the next stage of development. Taught by acclaimed instructors from Karma Kids Yoga. All levels encouraged.
Shabbat and Play
(for children 4–12 months and their grownups)
Fridays, 11:00–11:45 AM
Cost: $200 for members/$225 for non-members
Session 1: Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8
Session 2: Feb 15, Mar 1, 8, 15, 22
Session 3: Mar 29, Apr 5, 12, May 3, 10
Session 4: May 17, 24, 31, Jun 7, 14
Sing, dance, and play your way into Shabbat! Using music, stories, hands-on playtime in our mini gym and weekly visits from our clergy, this class will introduce your baby to the joy and spirit of this special time of the week.
Wee Jam Sholom
(for children 4–18 months and their grownups)
Thursdays, 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $200 for members/$225 for non-members
Session 1: Jan 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb 7
Session 2: Feb 14, 28, Mar 7, 14, 21
Thursday mornings rock with Wee Jam Sholom—a fun and interactive singalong with a Jewish twist led by acclaimed songleaders from Tkiya. Each session is packed with singing, dancing, stories, parachute play, bubbles, and more!
PJ Library Drop-in Story Time
(for children 2 and under and their grownups)
Until December 13: Thursdays at 11:30 AM–12:15 PM
Beginning January 10: Thursdays, 12:00–12:45 PM
Cost: Free; no registration necessary
Ongoing until June 11, 2019
PJ Library is known and loved for providing free Jewish children’s books to families across the world every month. Join us at this FREE weekly story time drop-in event, where we’ll read, sing songs, make friends—and begin a lifetime of loving books!
Sign and Song with Baby Fingers
(for children 4–18 months and their grownups)
Tuesdays, 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $200 for members/$225 for non-members
Session 1: Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5
Session 2: Feb 12, 26, Mar 5, 12, 19
Did you know that children who learn sign language talk earlier? Learn American Sign Language through songs and play with other parents and children in a Jewish setting. Go home each week with new vocabulary and tunes to enhance communication between you and your child with added focus on Judaic concepts, traditions, and holidays.
Maccabees in Motion
(for children 12–18 months and their grownups)
Wednesdays, 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $200 for members/$225 for non-members
Session 1: Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb 6
Session 2: Feb 13, 27, Mar 6, 13, 20
Specially designed for you and your little Maccabee, this movement-based class will have your toddler learning to balance, run, kick, and play. Taught by a Jewish Educator and an experienced instructor from Kick and Play along with puppet friends, Mimi and Pepe, we’ll take you through a Jewish singalong followed by an exciting physical activity—and have a blast!
Parent/Child Jewish Adventures
(for 3–4-year-olds and their grownups)
Thursdays, 4:45–5:45 PM
Cost: $150 for members/$250 for non-members
Bi-monthly: Jan 10, 24, Feb 7, 28, Mar 14, Apr 4 (6 sessions)
Families become Jewish explorers through cooking, storytelling, movement/yoga, and art while discovering and sharing Jewish holidays, rituals, and values. Meet new friends in this after-school program. Open to 3- and 4-year-olds with parent.
Kindergarten Jewish Adventures *for kids only!*
Thursdays, 3:45–4:45 PM
Cost: $150 for members/$250 for non-members
Bi-Monthly: Jan 10, 24, Feb 7, 28, Mar 14, Apr 4 (6 sessions)
Exciting Jewish adventures through stories, cooking, art, and yoga. Make friends, explore Jewish values and holidays, and have fun!
Learning Together
Learning Together classes introduce children to the richness of a school setting. Each session children experience different classroom activities, including free choice, group time, and play in the mini gym. All classes incorporate celebrations of Jewish holidays and Friday classes celebrate Shabbat with a special visit from Rabbi Greg Weitzman. For more information and to register, visit rodephsholomschool.org/learningtogether
12–18-Month-Olds (and their grownups)
Fridays, 11:15 AM–12:15 PM
Feb 1–May 31 (15 sessions)
with Lisa Schiff at 83rd St.
Cost: $675 for members/$775 for non-members
15–19-Month-Olds (and their grownups)
Wednesdays, 8:45–9:45 AM
Jan 30–June 5 (17 sessions)
with Debbie Semmel at 84th St.
Cost: $765 for members/$865 for non-members
Fridays, 10:30–11:30 AM
Feb 1–May 31 (15 sessions)
with Debbie Semmel at 84th St.
Cost: $675 for members/$775 for non-members
20–30-Month-Olds (and their grownups*)
Mondays, 8:45–9:45 AM
Jan 29–Jun3 (16 sessions)
with Debbie Semmel at 84th St.
Cost: $720 for members/ $820 for non-members
*Optional gentle separation class—adults may not leave the building but may leave the classroom when teachers deem.
Fridays, 8:45–9:45 AM
Feb 1–May 31 (15 sessions)
with Lisa Schiff at 83rd St.
Cost: $675 for members/$775 for non-members
Fridays, 9:00–10:00 AM
Feb 1–May 31 (15 sessions)
with Debbie Semmel at 84th St.
Cost: $675 for members/$$875 for non-members
Please email Debbie Semmel for waitlist information.
For the Grownups
Birth, Rituals, and Creating Holiness in the Delivery Room
Thursday, Dec 6 at 7:00 PM
Cost: FREE
How do you make the delivery room a space of wholeness and holiness? Rabbi Greg Weitzman and Dr. Helen Towers Weiss, MD, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP), will share a wide range of ceremonial practices to take you from birth to bris to baby naming.
Jewish Parenthood
Tuesday, Jun 11 at 7:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Holy Jewish texts often highlight the negative and challenging aspects of parenthood—things like favoritism, sacrifice, or fighting. But reading between the lines yields much more wisdom. After all, we’ve been at this for millennia, and may have learned a thing or two! Using humor, Talmudic insight, and some old-fashioned common sense, Rabbi Greg Weitzman talks Jewish parenthood—and all that comes with it.
New Moms Group
Tuesdays, 1:00–2:30 PM (6 sessions)
Cost: $150 for members/$180 for non-members
Session 1: March 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr 2, 9
Led by Rabbi Juliana Karol with Hannah Lavan, LMSW, this group meets weekly to discuss what is relevant to you—recovery from childbirth, bottle and breastfeeding, and the anxieties and pleasures of these early days. Our conversation is grounded in Jewish values, but is open to all. Bring your newborn (0–16 weeks) and enjoy a nosh, some social time and a safe space to discuss new motherhood. Let’s navigate this journey together.
New Dads Drop-in Get Togethers
(6 weeks–18 months)
Saturdays, 12:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Oct 13, Dec 8, Mar 16, May 11
While your baby gurgles, naps, and cries (we understand!) here’s your chance to share a casual Shabbat brunch and conversation with Rabbi Greg Weitzman and other new dads and their babies.
Holiday Celebrations
What’s a holiday without music, friends, and fun? Rodeph Sholom celebrates Jewish holidays with crafts, snacks, and activities guaranteed to make you smile! Come to one, come to some, come to all.
Ages 0–5, except where otherwise noted
Chanukah
Artist-Led Make your Own Menorah Project
Tuesday, Nov 27, 4:30–6:00 PM
Family Chanukah Party with Dreidels, Latkes, and More!
Sunday, Dec 2, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Tu B’Shevat
Nature-Themed Seder
Thursday, Jan 17, 4:30–6:00 PM
Purim
PJ Havdalah and Hamantaschen Making
Saturday, Mar 9, 4:30–6:00 PM
Congregational Celebration
Wednesday, Mar 20
Megillah for Littles
4:30–5:15 PM (0–5 years and their grownups)
Shpiel and Carnival
5:30–7:00 PM (ages 5+ and their grownups)
Passover
Grandparents Seder Plate Project
Thursday, Apr 11, 4:30–6:00 PM
Chocolate Seder
Thursday, Apr 18, 4:30–6:00 PM
Yom HaAtzmaut
(Pretend) Trip to Israel
Thursday, May 9, 4:30–6:00 PM
Shavuot
Ice Cream Celebration
Thursday, Jun 6, 4:30–6:00 PM
For Children Ages 6 & Up
For those families with children 6+, we also offer:
Shir Chadash
(All Ages)
2nd Friday of the month, 6:00 PM
Through Jun 14
(December Shir Chadash is December 7 to coincide with our congregational Chanukah Latke Party.)
A lively, musical, song-filled service led by our wonderful cantors and clergy alongside our outstanding instrumentalists on keyboard, wind instruments and drums.
Junior Congregation
(6–13 years old and their grownups)
1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, 10:00–11:00 AM
Our clergy, a song leader, and your kids will rock through a Shabbat service that’s fun (and meaningful) for the whole family. Children lead prayers, chant Torah, and find their own voice in the Rodeph Sholom community; parents kvell, pray, chant, and sing.
The Children’s Choir
(2nd–6th grade and their grownups)
Rehearsals Monday at 6:00 PM (Except Holidays)
Through May 20
The Children’s Choir sings during the year at services and special concerts throughout NYC. For more information, contact Cantor Rebecca Garfein at cantorgarfein@crsnyc.org.
Phone: (212) 362-8800, Fax: (212) 877-6526, Email: info@crsnyc.org
Emergency Call Number: (917) 902-6103 V2