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J-Baby Brings New Jewish Parents Together

CORTLANDT, N.Y. – The Rosenthal Jewish Community Center of Northern Westchester is offering new semi-monthly events to help new Jewish parents connect. The program, called J-baby, focuses on low cost networking events for Jewish parents of children under 24 months old in Northern Westchester.

"Through semi-monthly activities and events and social networking, the group will provide opportunities to meet new friends, find support and connect to their Jewish heritage," said Cathy Deutchman, project coordinator.

The program uses social networking, through sites like Meetup.com  and Facebook, to host events for new Jewish parents in secular locations. “Being Jewish nowadays is a choice,” said Audrey Ronis-Tobin, spokesperson for the JCC Rosenthal, which the program is based out of. “I think a lot of people rethink their strategy, and say, ‘What do I want to pass on through the generations?’”

The program has a number of events in January, starting with “Somersaults and Songs” at the Gymboree in Jefferson Valley Mall. The event runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and is only $5. Many events are free.

“I think J-Baby comes to them,” said Deutchman, “A lot of people move from the city to a house, so it’s kind of a lonely time.” The program attempts to establish a Jewish community in places that don’t necessarily have the same well-established infrastructure that a place like New York City has.

According to Deutchman, the whole idea is to bring Jewish families together, and fit faith into their every day lives. “They want to pick and choose what works in their busy lives,” she said. A lot of mothers, according to Deutchman, come to her saying they aren’t religious, and might not be ready to join a synagogue.

J-Baby is part of a Kesher in Northern Westchester, Hebrew for "connection," with five different local synagogues. Members of the Kesher include First Hebrew Congregation of Peekskill, Temple Beth el Am if Yorktown, Temple Beth Shalom in Mahopac, Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton-on-Hudson and Yorktown Jewish Center.

Upcoming events include:

JanuaryFriday, January 6, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Somersualts & Songs , Songleader Zev Haber will be at GymboreeAdmission is $5 per family, the event takes place at Gymboree, 3631 Hill Blvd., Jefferson Valley.Sunday, January 29, 2 to 4 p.m.Challah Havdalah, Braid challahs and havdalah candlesAdmission is free and takes place at Temple Beth Am, Yorktown.FebruaryFriday, February 3, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.Tu B’Shevat Tumble

Admission is $5 per family, this event takes place at Gymboree, 3631 Hill Blvd., Jefferson Valley.Sunday, February 12, 10 a.m. to NoonMommy and Me Yoga & Tubishvat SederAdmission is free and takes place at First Hebrew Congregation, Peekskill.

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