It’s July and summer is now in full swing. School is out, camp is in session, and hopefully things are feeling a bit more laid back. In between trips to the beach, snack time at your favorite local ice cream shop, and sessions at the sprinklers in the park, you might want to fit something Jewish into the schedule.
We’ve rounded up things for just about everyone—Shabbat celebrations on the beach, indoor events for the air conditioning lovers among us, and classes and story times for those of you looking for some daytime activities during the week. No matter what you choose, remember to pack your water bottle, wear a hat, and slather on the sunscreen.
Brooklyn
Under The Bridge
A community Shabbat celebration with live music. Bring your own picnic dinner, challah and grape juice will be provided.
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1 Bridge View Lawn
Fridays, July 22, August 19, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Kids to the Rescue
An interactive safety exhibit where kids can climb on life-size emergency vehicles, simulate responding to a variety of emergencies, and meet real-life safety heroes from the NYPD and FDNY. Included with museum admission.
Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway
July 5 – September 1, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Long Island
Shabbat on the Beach
Welcome Shabbat on the beach with the Jewish Center of the Hamptons with a festive, family-friendly, musical service.
Main Beach, East Hampton
Fridays, July 8, 15, 22, 29, 6 p.m.
Super Soccer Stars
Age-appropriate soccer classes for children ages 12-24 mos. and 2-4 yrs. RSVP requested.
Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore, 1001 Plandome Rd, Manhasset
Wednesdays, July 6 – August 17, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
JPlay Playgroup
A playgroup for children ages 1-3 accompanied by a parent. Coordinated by Jewish Without Walls and hosted in a private home in S. Setauket. RSVP required.
Private home, Address provided upon RSVP, S. Setauket
Mondays, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Shabbat in Montauk
Shabbat services and dinner hosted by Chabad of the Hamptons in a private home in Montauk. RSVP requested, all ages, free.
Private home, address given upon RSVP, Montauk
Friday, July 29, 7 – 10 p.m.
Manhattan
PJ Library Story Time in the Square 
Head over to Union Square Park for dramatic readings of PJ Library books along with music by Shira Kline (Shir-La-La) and Joanie Leeds.
Children’s Pavilion – Union Square Park South Plaza (near 14th St)
Thursdays July 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2 p.m.
PJ Library Story Time
Listen to a variety of classics, perennial kid favorites, and some new books as well. For children ages 4 and under, advance registration requested.
JCC of Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21 & 28, 3 – 3:30 p.m.
Young Family Rooftop Shabbat Dinner
Celebrate Shabbat with appetizers and an interactive sing-along followed by Shabbat blessings and a delicious, kosher dinner. For families with children ages 4 and under, grandparents and extended family members are welcome. RSVP required.
JCC of Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Friday, July 8, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Tot Shabbat
A warm, exciting, and accessible Shabbat experience including song, prayer, movement, and stories for families with children ages 5 and under. A light brunch will be served after the service.
Central Synagogue, 123 E. 55th St
Saturday, July 9, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Mr. G @ Central Park SummerStage
Groove along to PJ Library musician Mr. G and other performers in a free concert at Central Park Summer Stage.
Central Park SummerStage, E 72nd & 5th Ave
Sunday, July 10, 2 – 6 p.m.
The Jewish Museum – Mizrahi Mondays
Create your own original piece of art inspired by the museum’s exhibit, “Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History” free with museum admission.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave @ 92nd St
Mondays, July 11, 18, 25, 1 – 4 p.m.
Israeli Cuisine: It’s Not What You Think It Is
Award-winning filmmaker Roger Sherman will speak about Israeli cuisine using clips and stills from his documentary “In Search of Israeli Cuisine.” Light refreshments will be served. RSVP requested.
West End Synagogue, 190 Amsterdam Ave
Wednesday, July 20, 6:30 p.m.
Bim Bam
Explore Shabbat through songs in Hebrew and English, lighting candles, saying Shabbat blessings, and giving tzedakah. For children ages 3 and under, registration requested, sibling discount available.
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, 270 West 89th St
Fridays, June 10 – August 19, 9:15 – 10 a.m.
Kosher Cheese Tasting & Pajama Pizza Party
Enjoy a grown-ups only cheese tasting on the roof with “The Cheese Guy,” Brent Delman, or bring the kids along for a pizza and pajama party. RSVP requested, free.
Congregation Or Zarua, 127 East 82nd Street
Tuesday, July 12, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Hands-on Introduction to Sewing Workshop
Free, hands-on tour, gallery talk, and workshop held in conjunction with the exhibit Stitching History from the Holocaust. Open to all ages, advance registration requested.
Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place
Wednesday, July 13, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Central Tots – Midsummer Music
Led by experienced preschool teachers, this class includes music, outdoor time, water play, blocks, games, crafts, and more. For children ages 1-24 months with a parent or caregiver, limited space available, advance registration requested.
Central Synagogue, 123 E 55th St
Wednesdays, June 22 – August 10, 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Shababa Saturdays in Central Park
Celebrate Shabbat in Central Park with singing, sunshine, nature, and play time. For children ages 4 and under, drop-in. Bring your own blanket and meet up outside the 5th Ave and 96th St. playground.
Central Park, 96th St & 5th Ave
Saturdays, August 6 & 20, 10 a.m.
Westchester
Summer Bim Bam Shabbat
Sing Shabbat songs, listen to stories, and have challah and grape juice at this pre-Shabbat music class led by camp staff.
Ramah Day Camp in Nyack, 303 Christian Herald Rd, Nyack
Fridays, July 1 – August 12, 9:30 a.m.
Shabbat on the Beach
A family-friendly, musical Shabbat service on the beach with the Community Synagogue of Rye.
Rye Town Park Pavilion, Oakland Beach, 95 Dearborn Ave, Rye
Fridays, August 5 & 12, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
