June 2016
In This Issue
Braid Challah
Story Time!
Park Play Dates
Father's Day Fun!
HOT TOPIC: Child Development
Pop Up Shabbat
Divas & Diners
Shavuot Resources
THE HOLIDAY of Shavuot marks the time when Moses left his (temporary) home - the camp at the base of Mt. Sinai - and climbed the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments.
Torah

What is Shavuot?



Jewish Baby or Toddler
in NoVa?
 
We are pleased to now offer j.baby bags or j.toddler totes to our families with little ones under 3! Each bag is filled with fun!


To get your j.baby bag or j.toddler tote,  sign up here!
Active Duty and Retired Military Welcome Home!
Project Welcome Home Logo

If you are currently serving in the military, or have recently transitioned out of the military and want to be involved in Project Welcome Home's programs and events, 
please  contact Sara  at [email protected]. She would love to meet you!

Israel Up Close
by Na'ama Gold
Interested in getting up-to-date news and information about Israel? 

Did You Know?

A few weeks ago we celebrated Israel's 68 years of existence with parties, torch lightings and songs. I hope you enjoy some videos highlighting the beauty of Israel and Israelis. 

Happy Birthday, Israel!



Na'ama, the JCCNV's Shlicha, serves as an advocate for Israel within the Jewish and broader community in Northern Virginia. 
Join the Fun!
 
Are you a fabulous woman 50+ or know of one who would like to connect with other Jewish ladies? We meet for restaurant lunches, exercise, potlucks and other activities. 

Our monthly walks are in danger of ending due to low RSVPs. These volunteer-run walks were started by request, PLEASE let us know if you hope/plan to attend...

Walk and Talk
(all walking levels)
Hosted by Volunteer   Terri
Meet in lobby @ The J
Sun., June 5
10am
RSVP to Jennifer
Essentrics
Arlington Central Library
 Saturdays, June 25
1:00-2:15pm
RSVP to  Sam

Lunch in Fair Oaks
PJ Mulligans
2310 Woodland Crossing Dr, Henrdon
Sun., June 26 
11:00 am
RSVP to  Jennifer
Meet each other at Israel Fest, Sunday, June 5 - details on the right.

Social Media
Taste of JCCNV Programming
Summer Camp 
at the J

It's time to think SUMMER CAMP!




and also join us for

A Night at the Theatre

Winner, Jewish Plays Project Playwriting Contest
"Best New Jewish Play
of 2016!"

The Hub Theatre & the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia present the World Premiere of



Sadie has heard the voice of God her entire life. But she has never answered back, after all, why her? As her parent's marriage crumbles, and her own love interest takes off, Sadie's life takes a comical turn toward the absurd. And in the midst of it all she must come to terms with her own worth and whether or not it's time to let in the voice. Redder Blood was commissioned by the JCCNV.
 
In residence at The New School of Northern Virginia's John Swayze Theatre Jully 8-31 *  9431 Silver King Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 
Tickets: $30, $20 seniors (65+)
 
Interfaith dialogue after every Sunday performance

Tickets now on sale at www.thehubtheatre.org

Photos
Park Playdate
   Challah Tots
Gettin' Crafty

Park Playdate
Ashburn Challah Tots 2016
Challah Tots

Ashburn Challah Tots 2016Challah Tots 
Join Our List
Dear Friends,
  
Though it's not official yet, summer is almost here! Growing Jewish Families (GJF) has a fantastic summer planned for you. From fire stations to nature centers, spraygrounds to grocery stores, challah braiding to Book Buddies, Father's Day fun to Mom's night out, the fun never ends!
 
Look below for neighborhood programs hosted by our JFA's (j.family ambassadors) and we also hope to see you at Israel Fest on Sunday, June 5. It's a wonderful celebration of Israel and provides fun for the whole family. LOOK for GJF at our craft table, story walk (activities that take you through a story) and baby beach!
 
This month we will round out our year of Jewish festivals with the holiday of Shavuot which begins at sundown Saturday, June 11 and ends at sundown Monday evening, June 13. Note some fun Shavuot resources and explanations in the box at the left.

We look forward to seeing you soon!




Jennifer DeAngelis
Fun for ALL ages!!!
Presented by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia

 

Sunday, June 5
Noon-4:00 pm

Location: Lerner Town Square, Tysons Corner
(8025 Galleria Dr, Tysons, VA 22102 - corner of 123 and International Drive)

LOOK for your GJF staff at our story walk, craft table and play area!
 See you there.

Fun for the whole family!!!



Learn to Braid Challah at Challah Tots!
Challah Tots
Join us at Whole Foods for a fun-filled morning of challah braiding and stories. This month we'll hear stories about Shavuot and summer camp.  Whole Foods provides the dough. You come ready for some messy fun. Plan to bring your dough home for baking.

FREE. GREAT FOR ALL AGES!

Fair Lakes
Mon, June 6
10:00am
RSVP to Jennifer

Ashburn
Mon, June 20
10:30am
**note new time**
RSVP to  Jennifer

Challah Tots



Alexandria
Wed, June 29
2:00pm
**note new time**
RSVP to Sam


Whole Foods Logo

Thank you Whole Foods Markets for hosting Challah Tot events, providing us with the dough and for being such wonderful community partners.

Learn and Craft: Book Buddies Story Time

Join us for Book Buddies this month in Chantilly and Gum Spring Library for stories and arts & crafts.

This month's themes may include the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and Summer Camp!



Chantilly Library
Thursday, June 2
10:30am
**NEW LOCATION** 
Gum Spring Library
Thursday, June 16
11:00 am - Noon

Want to receive  FREE
 
PJ Library BOOKS
at your house each month? 

Come Play with GJF All Around Town!


Grab your summer gear and join us ALL AROUND TOWN for some amazing fun!  From fire stations to nature centers ... grocery stories to ice cream parties ... the fun never ends! 

Fee: FREE unless otherwise noted.

Come out and play!


Potluck Dinner in the Park
Van Dyck Park, Fairfax
Sunday, June 12
4:30-6:30pm
Little Boy Drinking (from all.free.download.com

FREE. Please plan to bring a dairy or parve (no meat, no shellfish)
dish to share.
RSVP wiith Rebecca
Safety Tour
South Riding Sheriff and Fire Station
Saturday, June 25
10:45am-Noon
FREE. RSVP wiith Michelle

Safety Tour
Cherrydale Volunteer Fire House
Saturday, June 25
3-4:00pm firemen_group_portrait.jpg
FREE. RSVP wiith Melissa
Nature Tour
Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Sunday, June 26
1:30-2:30pm


Fee: $5 per child payable to Rebecca Greene upon arrival; adults free
RSVP wi ith  Rebecca


j.family ambassadors are your hosts for these events. 
The j.family ambassadors program is wholly funded by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and its United Jewish Endowment Fund.

Fun Father's Day Festivities






Join GJF for fun FREE 
  Father's Day Festivities 
 hosted by our amazing JFAs. 
SEE YOU THERE!

Dads welcome but not required ... 
 
fathers_day_kids_card.jpg

Father's Day Frisbee Fun 

 Burke Lake Park
Sunday, June 19
10:30-11:30 am
(Meet near the train station, carousel and play area.)

GJF Park Playdate

Join us for a fun  and free morning of Frisbees, games, floats (the root beer kind) and fun. We'll bring the frisbees and the floats ... you bring the fun!
This event is weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, please check here to see status of event.
Father's Day Family
Field Trip

Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space Museum Smithosonian
 Sunday, June 19
4:15-6:00 pm
(Complimentary parking after  
4:00 pm. Museum is FREE.)
Meet GJF gro up downstairs at the obs erva tion tower line entrance at 4:15 pm. Must be in line before 4:30 pm to tour the tower together.

Plan to join us after the tour for a story. Feel free to bring your own snack / drink, as well.  


j.family ambassadors are your hosts for these events. 
The j.family ambassadors program is wholly funded by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and its United Jewish Endowment Fund. 

Divas and Diners
HOT TOPIC: Child  Development
Pediatrician Dr. Holly Pfeferman and psychologist Dr. Rebecca Fleischer join Divas and Diners for dinner, presentations, discussion and Q&A about Child Development.

Learn strategies for cultivating positive relationships with your children while negotiating different developmental stages as you gain valuable information on how to conquer difficult parenting challenges. Limited space available. 

TAKEN FROM INTERNET

Tuesday, June 14, 7:30pm

Discussion is FREE. Each lady pays her own tab.

Space is limited. RSVP with [email protected] .

Schmooze and laugh over dinner, dessert, and/or drinks with friends new and not-so-new! Take a break from your regular routine and connect with other women. Come out for this monthly gathering - bring a friend, and make new ones too!



Save the date - Pop-up Shabbat
Let's fill this beautiful space with the  sounds  
and smells of Shabbat.

Shabbat is a way for Jewish and interfaith people to connect and share rituals to celebrate our weekly holiday. 

Arlington Arts Center
June 24, 6-8pm
Vegetarian gourmet Shabbat dinner*
PJ Library® crafts and stories for the kids
Fee: $18 per adult and children 8 years and older
Children 8 and under Free
Wine provided for blessings. 
If you would like to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner then  we ask that you "byofw"
( bring your own favorite wine). All other beverages provided.

Registration details to follow on www.brownpapertickets.com
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
There are a limited number of seats.
For Questions contact [email protected]







This event is supported by a grant from the Jewish Food Experience, a program of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

Join us for Divas and Diners Dinners:
Ashburn and South Riding!
Calling ladies of all ages and stages!!!
Join us for a fun-filled evening with wonderful friends new and not-so-new.  Schmooze and laugh over dinner, dessert, and/or drinks at locations near your neighborhood.

Fee:  Each lady pays her own bill

Ashburn
Thursday, June 2
7:30pm
Passion Fin, Ashburn
RSVP with Jennifer
Aldie/South Riding
Thursday, June 23
7:30pm
Ciros Ristorante, Aldie, VA 
RSVP with  Jennifer

Take a break from your regular routine and connect with other women. Come out for this monthly gathering - bring a friend, and make new ones too!

Divas and Diners May 2016
 (Ashburn Divas and Diners, May 2016)


Growing Jewish Families, powered by the JCCNV, provides programming
for families with young children throughout Northern Virginia.