September 2016
In This Issue
Braid Challah
PJ Library Story Time!
Apple Picking
Play Date at the J
Play Date in Chantilly
Divas & Diners with Hot Topic!
Save the Dates
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur  (Days of Atonement)
Erev (night before) Rosh Hashanah 
Sunday, Oct 2, sunset
Monday and Tuesday Oct 3rd & 4th

Kol Nidre, Wednesday, Oct. 11
Yom Kippur, Thursday, Oct. 12


Shalom Baby
Playgroup Series 
Have a ball with other families and your tots
 
Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, Reston
Dates: Sept 21, 28; Oct 5, 19, 26 (potluck brunch)
Time: Wednesdays 9:30am-10:30am
Age: Newborn-12 months
Cost: Free
 
Thomas Jefferson Library, Falls Church
Dates: Oct 15 (9-10am), 22, 29; Nov 5, 12, 19 (Potluck Shabbat brunch)
Time: Saturdays 9:30-10:30am; Shabbat brunch 10am-11:30am
Age: Newborn-16 months
Cost: Free
 
Gum Spring Library, Stone Ridge
Dates: Oct 23 and 30; Nov 6, 13, 19 (Potluck Shabbat brunch)
Time: Sundays 3:30-4:30pm; Saturday brunch 10am-11:30am
Age: Newborn-16 months
Cost: Free

REGISTER for all playgroups 
at  jccnv.org/jfa 
by calling 703.537.3018, or 
emailing [email protected].

All playgroups are facilitated by j.family ambassadors, who are a part of the J's Growing Jewish Families (GJF) program. The j.family ambassador program is wholly funded by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
  

Jewish Baby or Toddler
in NoVa?
 
We are pleased to offer complementary 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? 

Upcoming Events
Café Ivrit
Wednesdays, 8:30AM at the J.
Join our morning Hebrew conversation class now in its 5th year! A great opportunity to learn words in Hebrew words and phrases, practice what you have learned, and meet a great group of people.
Fee: Free

Turmoil in the Arab/Muslim World 
Sept 6, 12:30PM, at the J
Gain insight on the challenges confronting the U.S. and Israel in the Middle East,  program led by Ralph Nurnberger, Ph.D., a nationally recognized foreign policy consultant, retired Georgetown University international relations professor. 

IAC (Israeli American Council) Conference 
Washington DC, Sept. 24-26
Meet today's Israeli leaders in politics, business, media and the arts. The conference will focus on strengthening the next generation of Israelis in the U.S., the state of Israel, and the Jewish people. Click HERE For more info and to register.
Use code IACDCGold to get a 10% discount.

Did You Know?
Israel competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This is the nation's 16th appearance at the Summer Olympics. Israel sent 47 athletes to the Games, breaking the previous record of 43 in 2008, and also setting a new record in participation with athletes competing in 17 different sports at 53 different events. The 2016 games is also the first Israeli delegation to feature more female competitors than men. 

Israel gained two bronze medals, both in Judo. The first medal was earned by Yarden Jerbi, who is the second female Israeli Olympic medalist. The second medal was earned by Uri Sasson, who faced an Anti-Israeli reaction, when an Egyptian judoka competitor refused to shake his hand after a fight. Israel now has 9 Olympic medals.

  Contact 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. 

Aging backwards, classical stretch

Arlington Central Library
  Saturday, Sept 2
1:00-2:15pm
RSVP to  Sam
More info essentrics

Book Club
Hosted by Beth F
Once a Month on Fridays
10am to noon
Library in Reston/Sterling/Reston/Loudoun
Fee: FREE
Let Jennifer D know if you are interested
Save the date:
Lunch
Sun., Sept 18
11:00 am
RSVP to  Jennifer
DO YOU want to host a 4Ls event? E-mail details to
Sam to be included in the newsletter and put on the meet up page.


Social Media
Taste of JCCNV Programming


Northern Virginia Cycle Fest, Sunday,  Sept 11. Molon Lave Vineyards, Warrenton, VA. Registration 7:30am;
3 ride distances to choose from
begin at 8:30am. Click here for
more info

Reel Abilities 2016 Logo
ReelAbilities Film Festival: Northern Virginia, Sept 18-24. Screenings will
be held at various venues throughout Northern Virginia. This festival
champions the lives, stories, and
artistic expressions of people with
different abilities. CLICK HERE to FOLLOW ReelAbilities on Facebook.


j.dance

j.dance is a community dance school committed to instilling, developing, and nurturing a respect and passion for the art of dance within each of our students. We inspire students of all ages and skill levels to excel to their fullest potential in a fun, healthy, and safe environment. Our dance program is non-competitive and values the individual dancer, providing high-quality classes in Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Acro. Please join us to experience the joy of dance!
Learn more and/or register at jccnv.com/jdance 



The J is committed to developing more programs that will take place beyond our building. What would you like to see in your neighborhood? 
Join us on Sept 25th, 2-5:00 pm to share your ideas and to learn about exciting plans for upcoming improvements! 








Volunteer Info Session
Tuesday, Sept 13, 10:30am at the J
Looking for a mitzvah project to do with your kids?




Join Our List
Dear Friends,
  
While many of you are getting kids ready for the first day of school, we have been busy as well planning exciting events for the High Holidays. Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) give us the opportunity to gather this month for fun and engaging family programs. I can already taste the tart apples and sweet honey, as we get ready to celebrate a sweet new year.  Check the box to the left for holiday info, ways to observe with your children, and as always, recipes for delicious holiday meals.

There are a lot of exciting events this month - please read to the very bottom so you don't miss any of the wonderful programs happening in September, in your neighborhood. Highlights include:
  •  6 Challah Tots events, including 2 on weekend days
  •  Apple Picking High Holiday Family Event
  •  PJ Library stories and crafts
  •  Monthly play dates and weekly play groups
  •  Music and Yoga classes
  •  Ladies Nights Out with engaging speakers
We are excited for you to join us!




Jennifer DeAngelis
Learn to Braid Challah at Challah Tots!
NEW WEEKEND AND WEEKDAY DATES
Join us at Whole Foods for a fun-filled adventure braiding challah and hearing stories. 

This month, we'll learn about the upcoming holidays -- Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We will even try braiding a round challah for the new year.

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!

Please note -- there are TWO Challah Braidings in Fair Lakes this month -- the 2nd date we will learn about the holiday of Sukkot. 

Note different locations have different start times.

FREE Round Challah * (with purchase of $30), must present this coupon to receive offer in any Northern Virginia Whole Foods store. Does not need to be printed! 
**JCCNV is not responsible for kashrut supervision at Whole Foods

Fair Lakes
4501 Market Common Drive
Mon, Sept 12
10:00am
RSVP to  Jennifer

Ashburn
 19800 Belmont Executive Plaza
Mon, Sept 19
10:30am
RSVP to  Jennifer

Fair Lakes
4501 Market Common Drive
Mon, Sept 26
10:00am
RSVP to  Jennifer
*Sukkot topic
Vienna
143 Maple Avenue
Sat, Sept 24
10:30am
RSVP to  Sam

Arlington
2700 Wilson Blvd.
Sun, Sept 25
10:30am
RSVP to  Sam

Alexandria
1700 Duke Street
Wed, Sept 28
10:30am
RSVP to  Sam


Whole Foods Logo

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

Learn and Craft: Book Buddies Story Time

Moms, dads, grandpare nts and anyone who loves books -- you are invited to bring your children to enjoy PJ Library story time and arts and crafts. 

This month's theme are the upcoming high holidays of Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Days of Atonement)!  Join us for these FREE, educational and entertaining events at your local library.


Chantilly Library
4000 Stringfellow Rd.
Thursday, Sep 8
10:30-11:30 am
Questions contact Jennifer

Burke Centre Library
5935 Freds Oak Road
Monday, Sep 12
10:30-11:30 am
Questions contact Sam


Parents and grandparents too!
  Want to receive
 FREE PJ Library BOOKS
atyour house each month? 


PJ Library Rosh Hashanah and Back to School Apple Picking!

Apple Picking Rosh Hashanah


Apple Picking 
Sunday, Sept 18 2:30pm-4:30pm 
Stribling Orchard 11587 Poverty Hollow Ln Markham, VA


Get ready for Rosh Hashanah with an afternoon of picking delicious apples to go with your honey! Bring a picnic and enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountain. Enjoy PJ Library® stories and making fun apple crafts, then go out and  pick apples at this 6th generation orchard. Do a mitzvah (good deed) and donate a portion of your picked apples to Food for Others, a local food pantry in Fairfax. 

Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a snack. 

Fee: Program and entrance to orchard Free. 
You pay for your own apples. 

In collaboration with PJ Library, Gesher Jewish Day School, the JCCNV's Project Welcome Home and Congregation Sha'are Shalom.



Shalom Baby Playdate at the J 
Ages newborn-3 years, siblings welcome.
Meet with other families at the  J Romper Room , a soft play area for little ones. Chat with other parents and watch your kids have fun socializing with other little friends.
FREE; you do not need to be a JCC member to come play!

JCCNV
8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax
Sunday, Sep 11
10-11:30am
Register with Rebecca

2 Shalom Baby Playdates in Chantilly
Calling all moms and dads - play dates aren't just for kids!

NOVA Playlabs
3656 Centreview Drive
Chantilly
FREE: NOVA Playlabs is waiving the entrance fee when you come to play with Growing Jewish Families! 
Sunday, Sep 18
10-11:00am
Register with  Jennifer

Two playgroups happening simultaneously. Siblings welcome. See info below.
Monthly Play date 
NOVA Playlabs Shalom Baby

Ages: 9 months -5 years old and their paren ts

While the kids play, the grown-ups get to schmooze and meet other families with young children. Meet up with old friends, and make some new friends, too! 

There is a NOVA Playlabs paid staff person to help play with the littles.

Children (and adults planning to play) MUST WEAR socks.
 
NOVA Playlabs Shalom Baby
NEW PARENT:  Discuss n' Play

TOPIC: Reconnecting as a couple after baby.
Ages:
0-12 months 

Join us (wit h your babies) as we welcome  Doulas of Northern Virginia  for a short discussion and Q&A followed by some social time to meet other families of newborns. Come with questions or just to listen. 

Meet new friends and talk about the challenges and joys of being a new parent in a warm supportive environment. Form friendships that can last a lifetime and relax as you share your thoughts, concerns, ideas, joys and frustrations.   
Shalom Baby NOVA Playlabs NEW Babies
RSVP for both playdates at least 3 days prior as their is limited space. Please RSVP with [email protected].
NEW! Exciting New GJF Classes for Fall
MiniMelodies
GJF Music Class Artwork
Join  us for a fun and tuneful time as you experience the joys of music with your little one! Through an exploration of the voice, instruments and movement, you and your child will explore Jewish traditions and musical concepts alongside new friends! Parents and children ages newborn-3 years old welcome.  

Dates: Sundays, 3:30pm-4:15pm * September 18, 25; October 9, 16, 23 
Program Leader: Deborah Silverman, Music Specialist 
Location: JCCNV 
Fee: $100 5-session course for adult(s) and 1 child 
$150 5-session course for adult(s) and 2 children 
Code: #7733 

Teeny Tiny Yogis 
GJF Yoga Artwork
Experience yoga with a Jewish twist as you engage in yoga poses with your baby! In this class, we'll touch on Jewish concepts, get an energizing workout, and connect with other area parents. Parents and children age newborn to crawling are welcome. Mats will be provided, but please bring a towel and water.

Dates: Sundays, 3:30pm-4:15pm * Oct 9, 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13 
Program Leader: Valerie Greenfeld, Yoga Specialist 
Location: Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria 
Fee: $120 6-session course for 1 adult and 1 child 
$180 6-session course for 2 adults and 1 child 
Code: #7734 

j.baby Prenatal Series  GJF Prenatal Artwork
Expecting a Jewish baby but don't know what to expect? Our prenatal series has you covered. In this 4-week series, you'll have the opportunity to explore childbirth topics alongside other expecting parents, including ways to create a Jewish or Interfaith home, brit milah, labor and delivery, family nutrition and more. All classes facilitated by professionals in their field. All expecting parents are welcome. 

Wednesdays, 7pm-9pm * Sunday November 20, 10am-1:30pm; November 9, 16, 20 (Sunday), 30 
Location: TBD (Fairfax location) 
Fee: $180 4-session course per participant/couple 
Code: #7736 

Space is limited for all classes. Register early. 

REGI STER for all classes
at
  jccnv.org/jfa
by calling 703.537.3018, or
emailing [email protected]

The above classes are brought to you by the JCCNV's Growing Jewish Families j.family.ambassaor program.  The j.family ambassador program is made possible by the generous support of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington 
  

Join us for Divas and Diners - Ladies Night
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.

Time: All dinners begin at 7:30pm

Fee:  Each lady pays her own bill


HOT TOPIC Dinners
Positive Parenting Coach   Rachel Bailey, joins Divas and Diners for dinner as our special guest speaker.  Take a break from your regular routine and connect with other women. Bring a friend, and make new ones too!
Limited seating available. Presentation is FREE. Each lady pays her own tab. RSVP required.


Raising Kids Who Cooperate and Feel Good About Themselves

Tues, Sept 20
Gregorio's Trattori
Reston
RSVP with  Jennifer

"We all want our kids to act responsibly and feel good about themselves... but we're also exhausted and don't have the energy to follow up after them all the time. In this presentation, you'll learn tips for how you can raise kids who make healthy decisions, even when you don't have time or energy to make large-scale
changes in your family."
 
GJF DnD Art taken from Free Artwork 2016
How to Raise Children With Positive Self Esteem in a High-Stress Culture 

Wed, Sept 28
Brio Tuscan Grill
Tyson's Corner
RSVP with  Sam

GJF DnD Art taken from Free Artwork 2016
" These days, children are expected to be good at everything. Often that type of pressure makes kids feel "not good enough," especially when they look around and compare themselves to others. In this presentation, you'll earn how you can encourage your children to meet their full potential while helping them maintain positive self-esteem." 

 


Save the Dates for Upcoming GJF Fun!
Mangia Italian DC Food Tour with the J
Oct 9, 11:30-4pm
Join the JCCNV as we  visit four locally owned Italian  restaurants  in the historic Dupont Circle area of  Washington, DC while we learn about Italian culture and  architectural  Jewish history in the area.   A knowledgeable guide with a passion for food will take us on a journey learning about the architecture, history, and culture while stopping at four eateries to taste local cuisine along the way.  Together, we will experience the sights, the sounds and, most importantly, the tastes of our  nation's capital.   The walk totals less than two miles and includes four courses and a glass of wine.

Divas and Diners Experiences

Challah Braiding and Wine Tasting
Oct 13, 7:30pm
Whole Foods Vienna
Challah Braiding FREE, $6 for 3 pour wine flight
Food available for purchase. Each lady pays her own bill.
Register with Sam; limited space  available.

Herndon Escape Room
 Oct 27, 7:30pm
Solve a "not-so-scary" mystery together with friends new and not-so-new when the JCCNV's Divas and Diners goes to the Herndon Escape Room. If you've never done this before - it's a must do event! Our group is tentatively scheduled for the "Mary in Black Mystery". To check out all available mysteries visit: http://www.escaperoomherndon.com.
FEE: $28 per person (Tickets must be purchased in advance through the JCCNV to insure that you are with our group). **No refunds after Oct 8


Divas and Diners Hot Topics!
Balancing work and home: Elana Konstant 
Oct. 17, Oh! George, Fairfax
Register with Sam
Oct. 20, Gregorio's Trattoria, Reston
Register with Jennifer
 
Leaping Back (to work) Workshops 
Strategies for Re-entering the Workforce after Kids
Facilitated by:  Elana Konstant.
 5-week sessions in Nov., details coming soon to website.
Are you a stay-at-home mom considering a return to the workforce? Or perhaps a mom wanting to leave her job to stay at home full-time? If either scenario applies to you, you'll want to attend our new course, "Leaping Back: Strategies for Re-entering the Workforce after Kids"
Elana Konstant, a career coach specializing in professional women's issues, will be facilitating this interactive workshop series about how best to position yourself professionally while raising children full-time. 
This series will be offered in two locations -- NOVA Playlabs in Chantilly and in Eastern Fairfax County.
Reigsration opens in Oct for November. Questions: Contact Jennifer.


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