Holiday Programming

The Jewish holidays are all packed with exciting programs for children of all ages. The following is just a sample:

Sukkot to Simchat Torah

Children in 1st grade and above celebrated Sukkot at Rabbi Rosenblatt's sukkah. The 1st through 5th graders were treated to stories and a snack. Junior high school and high school students will celebrate with Rabbi Rosenblatt at a Simchat Bet Hashoevah with singing, dancing and divrei Torah.

High school students took part in a paint ball trip during Chol Hamoed, preceded by an early davening and breakfast in the RJC sukkah.

On Erev Simchat Torah toddlers and children through the 2nd grade were given the foundation of their own meaningful Simchat Torah experience, including games, stories, singing and cookie decorating. After Mincha, children in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades competed in a Torah Trivia Fest before joining the entire congregation for Maariv and Hakafot. Following Hakafot, children in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades enjoyed a special Yom Tov dinner with singing and divrei Torah led by college students and teachers.

Purim

The annual RJC Purim carnival and children's celebration will take place on Purim evening, Monday, March 17, 2003.

Yom HaShoah and Yom HaAtzmaut

The annual RJC observances of these two important days always includes special presentations by our children.

Shavuot

Shavuot night is always filled with learning opportunities for junior high and high school students. Programs are planned with interactive group and individualized learning throughout the night for all of these students.

Additional Programming

Age 2 Through Age 7 (2nd Grade)

Sensational Sundays - a new program for parents and children featuring exciting monthly events in Riverdale and elsewhere.

3rd, 4th and 5th Grades - Leader: Brian Shlusselberg

Monthly events, including movie nights, ice skating, arcades and professional sports games.

6th, 7th and 8th Grades (Junior High) - Leader: David J. Weissman

Educational and fun events each month have in the past included gym and video game nights at the shul, professional basketball games and a trip to ESPN Zone with a stop at Dougie's on the way home.

7th and 8th grades (only)

RJC Basketball team meets every Thursday night to participate in the Young Israel Basketball league

9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Grades (High School)- Leader: Doni Moscowitz

The high school program features activities every other Saturday night either at the RJC (movie night, gym night, etc.) or elsewhere (rock climbing, ice skating, Dougie's, movies etc.).

11th and 12th grades (only)

RJC basketball team meets every Monday night to participate in the Young Israel Basketball League.

Gym Night

On Wednesday nights, boys and girls between 1st and 6th grades are invited to play dodgeball, basketball and other sports in the RJC gym under the supervision of Wayne Samuels. Gym night meets at the following times:

1st-3rd grades meet at 6:30-7:30

4th-6th grades meet at 7:30-8:30