Get in the Holiday Spirit by Celebrating with the JCC
Colder weather and the approaching end of the calendar year, means the celebrations of Thanksgiving and Chanukah are almost here. The community is invited to give thanks and put on their festive attire as they visit the JCC to light the menorah, eat traditional foods, and participate in games.
The holiday season kicks off with the Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP)’s Preschool and Pre-K Friendsgiving celebrations Tuesday, November 21. The children will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal in their classrooms with their friends and teachers. Each child will get the chance to show his or her creativity, by creating decorations for the occasion to place on their tables and chairs. Classrooms will discuss the importance of kindness and thankfulness to reflect on the meaning of the holiday, as well as celebrate the friendships they have made in ECDP.
Returning for its 3rd year, the JCC will host the annual Holiday Shopping Soiree. Join us in the JCC gymnasium for an evening of shopping on Monday, November 6th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. This is a wonderful fundraiser for our Early Childhood Development Program as all vendors donate a portion of their earnings back to the program. Get all your holiday shopping done in one place while supporting such a wonderful program. We will have a wide assortment of vendors this year and light refreshments will be served. Those interested in being a vendor at this year’s event should contact Amy Bisnett, [email protected]
As we transition to the Chanukah season which takes place Dec. 7 thru Dec. 15, Seniors who attend the JCC Senior Lunch Program, will have their own celebration on Friday, Dec. 8 at noon. With help from the Syracuse Hillel, the festivities will include a Klezmer band and traditional Chanukah foods: Sufganiyot (jelly doughnut), orange glazed chicken, green beans, fresh fruit, and potato latkes are on the menu! “There’s a lot of love, and a lot of festivity,” says Cindy Stein, director of adult and senior programming. Seniors must register in order to participate.
The highlight of the season is the annual Chanukah Party, which will happen Sunday, Dec. 10 from 12:30pm – 3pm in the JCC’s gymnasium. Families and community members are welcomed to embody the spirit of “dedication” through play and feast. The gymnasium will be transformed with traditional decorations and lots of fun activities for the kids including a bounce house, strolling magic show, and artists to paint their faces. Latkes and other traditional snacks and refreshments will also be provided.
