So much is going on for Youth Activities at Croton Jewish Center; I do believe I could fill up the entire CJC website.  As I previously described in my January letter to our teens, CJC is working with our Jewish neighbors from the surrounding area to build a strong Jewish community in our Northwest Westchester and Putnam area.    I am so optimistic about plans for both a new JCC in our community and our new joint synagogue “Hudson Valley Kadima.”  These endeavors will enable CJC to provide an even richer Jewish experience then ever before for our children.  Teens should all mark down April 18th for a movie and snack with our new friends from Beth Shalom in Mahopac.  We have been invited there to meet and have our first “Hudson Valley Kadima, “   teen event.  The invitations should be out soon…so don’t forget to mark your calendars!

During February, CJC enjoyed our first member ski trip.  I’m not sure if this should be considered a youth activity, but I can tell you that many CJC members, young and old, had a wonderful and bonding ski run down the slope.    From the early morning coffee and caravan up the road to the hearty breakfast and finally (after some lessons) down the Belleayre slopes.  Our skiers had such a wonderful time we are hoping to do it again.  We’ll let you know.

For our younger children, aside from bi-weekly   Friday Night Family and School Shabbats, Chelsea Lefland and I are about to unmask our first “Fun Night after Havdallah”.   Parent’s can leave their children at CJC from 6-9pm on Saturday March 14th, to enjoy homemade macaroni  and cheese, the movie “Field of Dreams”  and games with a Jewish twist.  The children will delight while Mom and Dad have a chance for some time to unwind.  If everyone behaves, we hope to make it a habit!

And last but not to be overlooked, I want to remind EVERYONE about the 2009 JCC State Maccabi Games coming in August.  There are so many ways that you can get involved with this proud Jewish Event going on right here in Westchester.  Please take a look at all the fabulous events you can chose to be involved with and consider the wonderful experience that your entire family may enjoy.