May has arrived and flowers are blooming everywhere. While you are planning playground dates, be sure to add some of these fun, family-friendly events to your calendar. You can celebrate Israel’s 69th birthday with a virtual trip to Israel in Brooklyn, have fun at a Lag B’Omer family field day in Washington Heights or on Long Island, run a 5K in the Bronx, or choose from several PJ Library family Shabbats in Westchester.
Yom Ha’atzmaut 2017, Israel Independence Day begins this Monday evening, May 1, and concludes at sundown on Tuesday, May 2
Lag B’Omer 2017 begins on Saturday evening May 13 and concludes at sundown on Sunday, May 14 (also Mother’s Day!)
Shavuot 2017 begins on Tuesday evening, May 30 and concludes at sundown on Thursday, June 1.
Brought to you in partnership with PJ Library in New York
Bronx | Brooklyn | Long Island | Manhattan | Staten Island | Westchester
Bronx
Riverdale Run
Kick off Mother’s Day with a 5K run (or walk), a 10K, and a half-marathon. All finishers receive medals and a light breakfast will be available during the awards ceremony. Children’s activities include a Kids Dash for ages 2 – 6, a bouncy castle, and other fun. All proceeds support scholarships at the Y.
The Riverdale Y, 5625 Arlington Ave
Sunday, May 14, 7:30 a.m. – Noon
Brooklyn
Freedom From Parenting 
A parenting seminar with author and educator Dima Zicer, sponsored by the Marks JCH of Bensonhurst. The seminar will be held in Russian, advance registration requested, adults only.
Dumbo Loft 155,155 Water St
Wednesday, May 3, 6 p.m.
Fridays @ 4
A Tot Shabbat led by guitarist and singer Ora Fruchter, with singing, dancing, and storytelling. Best for ages 5 and under. Free
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Pkwy, 4th fl
Fridays, May 5, 12 & 19, 4 – 5 p.m.
Israeli Family Shabbat & Dinner
Welcome Shabbat with singing, dancing, and storytelling. Advance registration required, contact the synagogue office 718-836-3103.
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Ave & 81st St
Friday, May 5, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Out of the Shabbox
A cross-cultural, interfaith drop-in program for toddlers through age 5 that explores Shabbat themes through movement, music, and stories. Free
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Pkwy, 4th fl
Saturdays, May 6, 13 & 20, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Bialy Rock
A music class for toddlers featuring Ora Fruchter and her puppets leading songs in English and Hebrew. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Kane Street Synagogue, 236 Kane St
Fridays, May 5, 12, 19, 26, 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Brooklyn Baby! Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights CD Release Concert
Celebrate the release of Joanie Leeds & the Nightlights newest album with a free concert. Fun for all ages.
The Atrium at City Point, 445 Albee Square West
Sunday, May 7, 11 a.m. – Noon
Israel Day (Yom Yisrael)
Take a virtual trip to Israel and hear Bedouin stories in a tent in the Negev, make art in Tzfat, visit the Dead Sea, and eat Israeli food from the Taim and Schnitzi food trucks.
Park Slope Jewish Center, 1320 8th Ave
Sunday, May 7, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ella’s Trip to Israel – Family Concert
Celebrate Israel’s birthday with a concert by MusicTalks. The book, “Ella’s Trip to Israel,” will be narrated by an actress, and will include a sing-a-long of Israeli songs as well as performances of original music written by an Israeli composer. After the show, get up close and personal with the instruments at a musical instrument “petting zoo.” Best for ages 3 – 8, free.
Park Slope Jewish Center, 1320 8th Ave
Sunday, May 7, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
It’s Time for Shabbat
Learn about Shabbat, make a take-home art project, and enjoy a Shabbat pizza lunch. For children ages 4 – 6 and their families. RSVP requested. Free
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Pkwy, 4th fl
Saturday, May 20, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tot Shabbat
Celebrate Shabbat with other families with young children ages 5 and under with songs, stories, instruments, and dancing.
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Ave & 81st St
Friday, May 26, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Long Island
JWOW Family Field Day
A free family fun day of crafts, snacks, activities and games for all ages. RSVP requested.
Hoyt Farm, 200 New Highway, Commack
Sunday, May 7, 1 – 4 p.m.
Make Your Own Tzedakah Box
Make a tzedakah box with your child and explore the mitzvah of giving. RSVP requested, Free
East Meadow Jewish Center, 1430 Prospect Ave, East Meadow
Sunday, May 7, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Stay, Play & Pray
Learn about Shabbat & Jewish holidays through stories, songs, and crafts. Best for ages 4 and under, RSVP requested, call 516-367-6100 ext. 128. Free
Temple Chaverim, 1050 Washington Ave, Plainview
Sunday, May 7, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Israelfest
Celebrate Israel Independence Day with live Israeli music, dancing, beach volleyball, crafts & other activities. Fun for all ages.
North Hempstead Beach Park, 175 West Shore Rd, Port Washington
Sunday, May 7, Noon – 4 p.m.
Lag B’Omer BBQ & Bonfire
Celebrate Lag B’Omer with live music, food, games, and a bonfire. Professional stylists will be on-site for hair donation purposes. RSVP requested, all ages.
HANC Plainview, 25 Country Drive, Plainview
Tuesday, May 16, 6 – 8 p.m.
Outdoor Story Time
Wear your favorite PJ’s and bring your own picnic blanket for a special PJ Library outdoor story time. RSVP requested, Free
East Meadow Jewish Center, 1430 Prospect Ave, East Meadow
Sunday, May 21, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Bagels & Blox – Israel Storytime
Celebrate Israel with stories, crafts, free play, music and movement, and a nosh. For children ages 5 and under accompanied by a grown-up. RSVP requested, Free
Temple Judea, 333 Searingtown Rd, Manhasset (LIE, Exit 36), Manhasset
Sunday, May 21, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Bubbe’s Kitchen and Shavuot Seder
Make blintzes and macaroni and cheese to eat at a Shavuot Seder and dairy potluck dinner. RSVP requested. Free
West End Temple, 147-02 Newport Ave, Neponsit
Tuesday, May 30, 4 – 8 p.m.
Back to top ^
Manhattan
Downtown
Story Time @ The Museum of Jewish Heritage
Drop-in story time for ages 0 – 4 years accompanied by an adult. Free
Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place
Wednesdays, May 3 & 17, 3:30 p.m.
“All-of-a-Kind-Family” Walking Tour
Bring PJ Library’s beloved children’s series “All-of-a-Kind Family” to life while strolling the streets of the Lower East Side, buying pickles and visiting a candy store. Advance registration strongly recommended, limited space available.
Museum at Eldridge St, 12 Eldridge St
Sunday, May 21, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Ice Cream on the Pier
Celebrate the holiday of Shavuot with the Jewish Community Project with live music and a sweet treat. RSVP required. Free
End of Pier 25 @ North Moore
Wednesday, May 31, 3 – 5 p.m.
Midtown
Shabbat Central
A Shabbat experience for families with children ages 5 and under with music, songs, prayers, movement, and stories, followed by a light nosh. Free and open to all.
Central Synagogue’s Community House, 123 East 55 St
Saturday, May 6. 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.Friday, May 19, 5 – 6 p.m.
Upper East Side
Studio Art Sessions: Sculptural Characters
Explore the “Florine Stettheimer: Painting Poetry” exhibit and then build your own 3D character using a variety of found objects, fabric, and paint. Free with museum admission, ages 3 and up.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, May 7, 1 – 4 p.m.
Studio Art Sessions: Fabric Portrait
Explore the “Florine Stettheimer: Painting Poetry” exhibit and then make your own fabric portrait. Free with museum admission, ages 3 and up.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, May 14, 1 – 4 p.m.
Archaeological Dig Drop-in
Learn about ancient artifacts with a simulated archaeological dig for kids – open the second Sunday of each month. Free with museum admission. Best for ages 3 – 10 years.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, May 14, 33 – 5 p.m.
Florine Stettheimer Family Day
Explore the world of painting and theater presented in the “Florine Stettheimer: Painting Poetry” exhibit. Design an imaginative character, pose in costume for a portrait, paint a dancer, and groove to the sounds of sounds of Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, May 21, Noon – 4 p.m.
Upper West Side & Harlem
Party by the Shore
A community-wide Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration including children’s activities, Israeli music, and Israeli food.
79th St Boat Basin
Tuesday, May 2, 5 – 8 p.m.
Saturday Afternoon Fun with PJ Library
Shabbat afternoon fun with PJ Library stories, music, movement and family activities. For families with children ages 5 and under. Free
JCC Harlem, 318 W 118th St
Saturdays, May 6 & 20, 3 – 5 p.m.
PJ and Play Story Time
Drop in for PJ Library story time, crafts, snack, and play on the indoor playground. Free
Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 West 83rd St (btw Columbus Ave & CPW)
Thursday, May 11, 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
PJ Challah for Hunger Community Baking Experience
Braid your own challah and one for a friend, while learning about hunger and food insecurity. Program includes fun, Shabbat friendly-activities, story time, and a light nosh. RSVP requested. Free
Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 West 83rd St (btw Columbus Ave & CPW)
Saturday, May 13, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Washington Heights
Lag B’Omer in the Park
Family fun in the park including bounce house, kosher hot dogs & hamburgers, crafts, and other activities. Sponsored by the Y of Washington Heights, Hudson Cliffs baseball, and PJ Library in New York. RSVP requested.
Dyckman Fields (Where Dyckman meets the Hudson River)
Sunday, May 14, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Staten Island
Shira & Friends
Celebrate Israel Independence Day with a concert with Jewish kid music favorites
JCC of Staten Island, 1466 Manor Rd
Monday, May 1, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Ring Around the Raffles
Family fun with crafts, games, and a raffle. Free
JCC of Staten Island, 1466 Manor Rd
Wednesday, May 10, 6 – 8 p.m.
Mountain of Blintzes
Celebrate the holiday of Shavuot with crafts and stories and make your own blintzes. For more information, or to RSVP, call 718-475-5230. Free
JCC of Staten Island, 1466 Manor Rd
Tuesday, May 30, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Back to top ^
Westchester
Family Shabbat
Have a Shabbat dinner picnic along with music, games, PJ Library story time, and havdalah-themed take-home craft. Bring your own picnic dinner, dessert will be provided. Dinner and activities will be followed by a family Shabbat service. RSVP requested. Free
Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont & Emanu-El, 2 Ogden Rd, Scarsdale
Friday, May 5, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Gan Shabbat Services
Family Shabbat service for preschoolers and their families followed by kid-friendly snacks.
Bet Torah, 60 Smith Ave, Mt. Kisco
Saturday, May 6, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
PJ Library Family Shabbat
A musical tot Shabbat service, arts & crafts, PJ Library storytime, and a nosh. Free
Congregation B’nai Yisrael, 2 Banksville Rd, Armonk
Saturday, May 6, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Tot Shabbat
A kid-friendly musical Shabbat celebration followed by a family-friendly Shabbat dinner. RSVP requested. Free
JCC Harrison. 130 Union Ave, Harrison
Friday, May 12, 5:45 – 7 p.m.
Shabbat Rocks & Family Night
Musical, family-friendly Shabbat service for all ages.
Congregation Sons of Israel, 1666 Pleasantville Rd, Briarcliff Manor
Friday, May 12, 7 – 8 p.m.
Tot Shabbat
Welcome Shabbat with stories, songs, activities, and snacks. For families with children ages 5 and under. RSVP requested. Free
Temple Beth Shalom, 760 Route 6, Mahopac
Friday, May 19, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Emanu-El Annual End-of-the-Year Carnival & BBQ
Kid-friendly carnival with bounce house, face painting, carnival games, BBQ and an ice cream truck. Children must be accompanied by a parent.
Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester. 2125 Westchester Ave East, Rye
Sunday, May 21, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
