Now that it’s July, you’re probably getting settled into the rhythms of summer—and the pace of life has (hopefully) slowed down (at least a little bit). In addition to all of your regularly scheduled summer fun, we’ve put together a list of fabulous Jewish things you can do as a family this summer. You can celebrate Shabbat in the park, at the beach, or at the playground, take in an outdoor storytime, get a little culture (and air conditioning) at a museum, and dance to the beat at free concerts featuring PJ Library musicians Mr. G and Joanie Leeds & the Nightlights.
Brought to you in partnership with PJ Library in New York
Brooklyn | Long Island | Manhattan | Rockland
Brooklyn
Sing-Along Shabbat
Family-friendly Shabbat morning experience with singing, guitar, and musical prayer for children ages 0 – 5 and their families, followed by challah and grape juice.
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Ave & 81st St
Saturdays, July 1 & 15, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
ShaJam Singalong: A Family Shabbat Experience
A free, interactive Shabbat experience for families with children ages 0 – 5 led by teachers from Tkiya: The Jewish Community Music School, RSVP requested.
Fort Greene Park, Dekalb Ave and Washington Park St.
Saturdays, July 1, 15, 29, 10:30 -11:30 a.m.
McCarren Park, 776 Lorimer St
Saturday, July 8, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, July 22, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sing ‘N Schmooze
Come join JCC Brooklyn for pop-up JCC-style sing-alongs in a park near you every Wednesday in July for music, movement, stories and more with song leaders from Tkiya: The Jewish Community Music School. Sponsored by the Windsor Terrace Kings Bay Y. Choose from three locations and times.
Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19 & 26
9:30 – 10:15 a.m. @ Vanderbilt Playground, 170 West Dr (Prospect Park)
11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. @ Slope Park, 644 6th Ave
4 – 4:45 p.m. @ Greenwood Playground, Ft. Hamilton Pkwy, Prospect Ave, Greenwood Ave
Sunday Morning Songs, Play & Snacks @ Busy Bodies
A free morning of songs, stories, open play, and schmoozing for neighborhood families with children ages 0-4, sponsored by PJ Library in New York. RSVP requested.
Busy Bodies Brooklyn, 1004 Fulton St
Sunday, July 9, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
Shabbat Katan
A family-friendly tot Shabbat service with songs, games, and snacks.
East Midwood Jewish Center, 1625 Ocean Ave
Saturday July 22, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
MonkeyDo Does Shabbat!
Celebrate Shabbat with other neighborhood families at Monkey Do in Gowanus with music and fun sponsored by the Kings Bay Y Fort Greene & Clinton Hill. RSVP requested.
Monkey Do Yoga, 279 3rd Ave
Friday, July 28, 6 – 7 p.m.
Long Island
Grand Children’s Carnival
Celebrate the opening of the new synagogue playground with face painting, moon bounce, carnival games, pony rides, cotton candy, and other treats. Free and open to all.
Chabad of the Hamptons, 17 Woods Lane, East Hampton
Tuesday, July 4, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Shabbat on the Beach
Welcome Shabbat while digging your toes in the sand with a family-friendly musical service hosted by the Jewish Center of the Hamptons.
Main Beach, 101 Ocean Ave, East Hampton
Fridays, July 1 – Sept. 1, 6 – 8 p.m.
Challah Day
A Shabbat playdate for kids and adults with challah braiding, Shabbat songs and stories, and crafts for families with children ages 5 and under. Drop-in, free.
Temple Adas Israel, Corner of Elizabeth St. & Atlantic Ave, Sag Harbor
Fridays, July 1- Sept. 1, 11 a.m. – Noon
Shalom Shabbat
A family-oriented Shabbat celebration with activities, Shabbat songs, blessings, and a B.Y.O. picnic dinner. Services on July 7 & 21 will also include water play.
Temple Adas Israel, Corner of Elizabeth St. & Atlantic Ave, Sag Harbor
Fridays, July 7, 21 & 28, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Shabbat on the Beach
Join Rabbi Moss for an inspirational outdoor Shabbat service sponsored by B’nai Israel Reform Temple of Oakdale. Bring your own chairs or picnic blankets.
Sayville Marina Park, Foster Ave, Sayville
Friday, July 14, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Shabbat in the Park
A festive Shabbat service followed by challah, grape juice, and a light nosh. Bring your own chairs or picnic blankets. Sponsored by Makom, NY.
Syosset-Woodbury Park, Jericho Turnpike, Syosset
Friday, July 21, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Manhattan
Downtown
Storytime in the Square
A free, interactive drop-in storytime featuring live music and sing-a-longs with local artists. Sponsored by PJ Library in New York and the 14th St Y. Drop-in. Free
Children’s Activities Pavilion, Union Square Park, South Plaza
Thursday, July 6 – Rebecca Schoffer
Thursday, July 13 – Joanie Leeds
Thursdays, July 20 & 27 – Naomi Less
2:30 – 3 p.m.
“All-of-a Kind-Family” Walking Tour
Follow in the footsteps of the characters from the beloved children’s series “All-of-a-Kind-Family” with a walking tour of the Lower East Side including visits to the pickle and candy stores. Recommended for ages 5 and up, advance registration required.
Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St
Sunday, July 9, 11 a.m – 12:30 p.m.
Midtown
Madison Square Park Kids Concert – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
A free concert by national kids’ music sensation Joanie Leeds featuring tunes from her newest CD as well as older favorites.
Madison Square Park, Farragut Lawn, 11 Madison Ave
Thursday, July 6, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Free Concert featuring PJ Library Musician Mister G at Madison Square Kids!
Dance to the bilingual beat of Latin Grammy winner, Mr. G as he shares songs from his newest album Mundo Verde/Green World.
Madison Square Park, Farragut Lawn, 11 Madison Ave
Thursday, July 13, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Shabbat Central
A warm, and accessible Shabbat experience for families with children ages 0 – 5 led by an experienced musician and synagogue clergy, followed by a light meal.
Central Synagogue’s Community House, 123 East 55 St
Fridays, July 15 & 29, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Upper East Side
Stettheimer Summer Mondays
Create your own original piece of art inspired by the paintings and theater designs of Florine Stettheimer. Free with museum admission.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Mondays, July 10, 17, 24 & 31, 1 – 4 p.m.
Upper West Side/Harlem
Family Shabbat Services
A lively Shabbat morning service with singing, dancing, and a close-up view of the Torah, followed by challah and grape juice. For families with preschool and kindergarten-age children.
B’nai Jeshurun, 270 West 89th St
Saturdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10:45 a.m. – Noon
Free Concert featuring PJ Library Musician Mister G at Hudson River Park!
Swing by the park for a free morning concert featuring PJ Library favorite and Latin Grammy winner, Mr. G.
Pier 1, Riverside Park South @ 70th St
Thursday, July 6, 10 p- 10:45 a.m.
Rooftop Shabbat Dinner
Celebrate Shabbat with other families with young children beginning with appetizers and an interactive Shabbat sing-a-long and followed by Shabbat dinner. Grandparents and extended family members are welcome. Advance registration required.
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Friday, July 7, 5:45 – 7 p.m.
Infant/Child/Adult CPR w/AED Certification
Learn how to perform CPR on people of all ages, course is designed for parents and caregivers as well as professionals requiring certification in CPR with AED. Advance registration required.
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Tuesday, July 11, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Shabbat Shabbang Jr.: Shabbat in the Lot
An al fresco Shabbat dinner complete with challah and grape juice followed by crafts, dessert, cocktails for the grown-ups and other family fun. Advance registration requested. All ages.
JCC Harlem, 318 W 118 St
Friday, July 28, 5:45 – 8 p.m.
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Rockland
Bim Bam Shabbat
Get ready for Shabbat with singing, stories, grape juice, and challah. For toddlers and preschoolers and their grown-ups.
Ramah Day Camp in Nyack, 303 Christian Herald Rd, Nyack
Fridays, July 7, 14, 21 & 28, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m