JFN Header

June 2013 

 
Welcome to Jewish Family Network! 
Wishing all our dads a very happy Father's Day!
 
Mitzvah Day Birthday Bash
Heritage at Framingham
Sunday, May 19, 2013
About Jewish Family Network 

Jewish Family Network (JFN)
connects young families raising Jewish children ages 0-5 to each other and the Jewish community. JFS of Metrowest and JCCs of Greater Boston have joined together to engage parents across the region. To find out more about JFS and its services, click here. To find out more about JCC and its programs, click here.


Bubble Shabbat in the Woods  

Friday, June 21  

5:30-7 p.m.

For families with children ages 0-5   

Free!

Register here!
  



Celebrate Shabbat and the first day of summer with Jewish Family Network. You bring the blanket and family picnic dinner; we'll provide the challah and juice and entertainment. Along with the Bubble Music Man, we will make fun, music, and lots and lots of beautiful bubbles!

Parking is limited. In case of inclement weather, contact 508-879-3300 x10 after 4 p.m. on the day of the show.

Mary Bunker Community Park (formerly called Camp Mary Bunker)
Vesta Rd., Natick 
(dirt road across from Building 19 at the 9/27 plaza)

For more information, please contact [email protected].


Summer's Here...
And So Are Playground Meet-ups!
Friday mornings, June 21-Aug. 16
10 a.m.
Geared for children ages 0-5 years, with adult
Free!
(Snack and drink will be provided for the kids)

June 21: Walnut Hill Playground
Intersection of Bacon, Walnut, and Belvedere Streets, Natick

June 28: SMILE
12 Fairbank Rd., Sudbury


Back by popular demand, it's Jewish Family Network's Playground Meet-ups! Come join us each Friday morning throughout the summer for fun and friends at playgrounds all over Metrowest. This is a great opportunity to explore our community and meet all the wonderful people in it. 

Look for the blue flag at all parks to find JFN at the playgrounds. We'll be looking for you, too!

Have a little one under 1 year? Bring a blanket, toys, and snacks, and we'll play in the shade.

Visit bostonjcc.org/metrowest for directions.

In case of inclement weather, meet at:
JFS Children's Room
475 Franklin St., Framingham

Visit facebook.com/jewishfamilynetwork after 9 a.m. on Fridays for weather updates.

Planning ahead? Here are the rest of the dates and locations for July and August:
July 5: Happy long weekend! No meet-up this Friday.
July 12: Choate Park, Medway
July 19: Kidspot, Ashland
July 26: EMC Park, Hopkinton

Aug. 2: No morning meet-up. We'll meet for Shabbat in the Park at the Framingham Village Green that evening instead.
Aug. 9: Hannah Williams Park, Wayland
Aug. 16: Walnut Hill Playground, Natick

For more information, contact [email protected] or 508-879-3300.

This Month with JFN
Welcome Baby!
Russian Jewish Community
Our Connectors
MW North and South on Facebook
Metrowest Fun for All
Sharing Our Stories
June Birthdays
Fridays at the Museum
JewishBoston.com
Community Connections
Tot Shabbat
JFN news every month!
Join Our Mailing List
Find us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
Welcome Baby!

Have you had or adopted a baby in the last six months? Are you expecting soon, or do you know someone who is?

 

Welcome Baby! has welcomed 226 new babies to our community already! 

 

Welcome Baby! visits new parents with babies aged newborn to 6 months and gives them a complimentary gift basket filled with high-quality baby gifts.

 

Welcome Baby! connects new parents to resources, family activities, and new friends -- and has expanded to Brookline, Newton, and all the CJP communities. If you have a new baby or know someone who does, and would like to connect, sign up here.

 

Welcome Baby Registration

 

Find Welcome Baby! on Facebook! Our Welcome Baby! page is filled with lots of great parenting information, including ways to connect with other families with a child aged newborn to 1 year. We hope you'll "Like" us!

добро пожаловать! 

 

Engaging Metrowest Russian Jewish Families in Jewish Community Life 

 

We are fortunate in 2013 for the continuing generosity of the Genesis Fund. Special thanks go to our Russian Jewish community connector, Luba Olshan, for her hard work in partnership with CJP to secure the funding that allows Russian Jewish Family Network to bring together members of this large and vibrant community through engaging programming and activities. 

 

As part of this program, JFN provides special Privet Malish visits -- Welcome Baby! visits with gift baskets and resources tailored for Russian Jewish families. 

 

If you are interested in learning more about our programs or Privet Malish, or if you know someone who is, please contact Luba for more information.   

Genesis Fund logo  

Connect with Us!
We're here for you! If you have ideas for activities or events, or you'd like to host a play date of your own, please let us know! Click on the name of the connector in your area.

North area (Sudbury, Acton, Marlboro, and surrounding communities)

Central area (Framingham, Natick, Ashland, and Southborough)

South area (Holliston, Bellingham, Franklin, and surrounding communities)

Russian community (all of Metrowest)
Metrowest North and South Jewish Families on Facebook! 

Jewish Family Network has two Facebook pages just for our parents in the North and South areas: 

On these pages, you'll find information about playgroups, museum visits, concerts, moms' nights out, and lots of other activities for families with young children.

Like us on Facebook, and learn all about YOUR community!
 
You can always visit Jewish Family Network's main Facebook page for even more information!
It's Always Playtime Somewhere
Join Jewish Family Network for these scheduled playtimes in your area! 

Thursday Playtime Meet-ups (Framingham)

Thursdays, June 6, 13, and 20      

9:30-11:30 a.m.

Free!

 

Please join us for the last three Playtime Meet-ups of the spring! Kids can play in a safe, stimulating environment while adults socialize and relax with new friends and old. A light snack and drink will be provided for the kids. Please contact Nissa for more information.

 

JFS Children's Room
475 Franklin St., Framingham
 
Playtime Meet-ups go on hiatus for the summer, but you can still get your weekly dose of JFN at our Friday-morning Playground Meet-ups! See the complete schedule above! Once summer's over, Playtime Meet-ups will be back. 
 
South-Area Playground Fun

Thursday, June 6, and Friday, June 14 

Free!

Can't wait for our Playground Meet-ups? South-area connector Diane Anderson has some outdoor activities planned for you. Join her and JFN for fun, friends, and fresh air for you and your little ones. Please contact Diane for more information. 

Thursday, June 6
10 a.m.-noon
410 Exchange St., Millis

Friday, June 14
3-5 p.m.
30 Green St., Holliston
David Cohen: "Doing the Good":
An Athlete and Entrepreneur "Pays It Forward"
by Julie Wolf, JFN Newsletter Editor

 

David Cohen founded the nonprofit Playing It Forward in 2008. Since 2011 he has also been the executive director of Doc Wayne, a nonprofit that offers at-risk youth an innovative group therapy experience through sport. In this interview, David tells us how lucky he feels to be able to use his love of sport to help children who have been dealt a difficult hand. He and his wife, Lauren, live in Framingham with their daughters Olivia (8) and Sydney (5).

 

How did you decide to combine sport and philanthropy and make the two your daily work?

 

As a former athlete, I know how powerful sport can be to youth. It wasn't until 2008 that I thought to combine my passion for sport with career aspirations. I was watching a documentary that included Lou Gossett Jr. and some other celebrities in Africa, and the youth they were visiting were playing soccer with rag balls. This impacted me quite a bit, and I knew I could find at least one soccer ball to make a difference. My first phone call was to my former coach and mentor at the Brooks School in North Andover, and immediately I had my first equipment donation from the school. That set the stage, and since then, through Playing It Forward, Inc., I have been able to reach more than 30,000 kids in 20-plus countries, including the U.S. There is incredible synergy between Doc Wayne and Playing It Forward. While the missions are different, the opportunity to impact youth through sport is the same.

 

Now tell us about Doc Wayne. How did this come about?

 

I met the founder of the organization and former president of the Justice Resource Institute, Susan Wayne, and she took an interest in my entrepreneurial experience as well as my passion for sport and youth. It was a natural fit for me to take over the organization in an effort to expand our reach through a therapeutic sports-based curriculum while impacting youth who have faced some serious challenges in their lives. Throughout our existence, we have focused primarily on youth who are burdened with complex trauma, serious emotional disorders, substance abuse, and severely challenging behaviors. Many of these children do not have a strong support system at home, or even a place to call home.


Our "do the good" curriculum is at the core of our programming. Our therapeutic sports program is designed to achieve four related objectives: promoting youth participants' personal development; improving their capacity for prosocial relationships [behaviors that benefit individuals and those around them]; maximizing their capacity for inclusion and participation in therapy and school; and becoming an experience that participants can apply to aspects of their lives on and off the field.

 

Are you from a nonprofit background originally?

 

No. I started my career working for the Redstone family at National Amusements in New Business Development. I had an incredible mentor who was one of the senior VPs of the company, and early on was traveling to Chile and Argentina while the company was expanding to those markets. After almost six years, I left that role in order to complete my MBA and then chose the entrepreneurial route. The past 18 years have not been easy, but all of my experiences have positioned me well to lead an organization that crosses both the human services and sports-based youth development fields.

 

Do your daughters understand what you do for work? Do you find yourself using any of the Doc Wayne methods when talking to them about their own participation on a team?

 

The kids are starting to understand what I do as they get older, though it is tricky and can be confusing to them, especially since many of the youth I work with come from troubling situations -- no family, have been abused or neglected, etc. They do ask questions, and I try to make sure I answer them with just the right amount of information. With Playing It Forward, my daughters have spent time helping to select equipment and pack boxes. Those are special moments as they do understand there will be children at the other end who will be smiling with the arrival of the sports equipment.

 

A circle-up (huddle) is very important to us at Doc Wayne as it provides equal space for all participants and is the place were we all offer praise to one another. I coach my older daughter's soccer team, and I have actually used this with them. Win or lose, we try to spend a few minutes reflecting on the game and find the positives with each member of the team. At this age especially, it's about providing joyful moments, bolstering one's self-esteem, and giving each kid the chance to grow and persevere at their own pace.

 

Are you conscious of modeling community-minded behavior for them? Is it something that was part of your own upbringing, and perhaps your Judaism? After all, Tikkun Olam -- repairing the world -- is one of the most important Jewish values that our children learn as soon as they begin their religious education. 

 

I grew up in a giving family, but it wasn't until Brooks School where I really learned a lot about philanthropy.  Lauren and I feel that it is extremely important for our daughters to get involved and help others. Wouldn't it be special for organizations like mine to grow and for our children and our community to have a deeper connection and involvement at the same time?

 

There might be people reading this who would like to help. How can members of our community get involved?

 

Just like any nonprofit, we need to build a stronger constituency so we are able to become a sustainable organization. We aim to offer more programming to more youth in need, and we need help spreading the word. Additionally, we could use volunteers in a variety of areas, including fundraising and event support, referees for games, and advocates for our mission. My professional experience has truly opened my eyes to the need for all of us to pitch in to assist those in need. It really doesn't take much.

 

If you've got skills you'd like to contribute, or are simply interested in learning more about Doc Wayne or Playing It Forward, please contact David at [email protected].
Happy Birthday,
June Babies! 
 

They grow up so fast, don't they?

JFN wishes all of the June babies in our community a very happy birthday!


Hannah Z. of Natick turns 4 on June 1.
Colin L. of Framingham turns 4 on June 2.
Mia A. of Ashland turns 1 on June 4.
Stone D. of Holliston turns 4 on June 5.
Jack S. of Ashland turns 4 on June 6.
Benjamin G. of Framingham turns 5 on June 6.
James K. of Ashland turns 5 on June 6.
Ethan S. of Framingham turns 4 on June 7.
Garrett R. of Marlborough turns 4 on June 7.
Madison R. of Natick turns 2 on June 8.
Micah F. of Franklin turns 4 on June 8. 
Jaymeson and Kenzie R. of Millis turn 3 on June 9.
Joshua G. of Wayland turns 5 on June 9.
Liya A. of Framingham turns 5 on June 10.
Sarah M. of Natick turns 2 on June 11.
Madelyn F. of Framingham turns 4 on June 12. 
David Z. of Wayland turns 5 on June 12.
Jeffrey H. of Marlborough turns 3 on June 15.
Nathaniel F. of Natick turns 5 on June 17.
Adam S. of Ashland turns 4 on June 19.
Mia Y. of Framingham turns 4 on June 19.
Skye F. of Ashland turns 5 on June 19. 
Susanna R. of Franklin turns 1 on June 20.
Ayelet A. of Natick turns 4 on June 20.
Eli K. of Framingham turns 4 on June 21.
James G. of Natick turns 4 on June 22.
Sydney T. of Natick turns 2 on June 24.
Reggie S. of Framingham turns 4 on June 24.
Jake B. of Holliston turns 5 on June 24.
Parker G. of Ashland turns 3 on June 26.
Noa G. of Ashland turns 5 on June 26.
Bentley K. of Marlborough turns 1 on June 28.
Sam and Ada G. of Framingham turn 3 on June 28.
 
Let us wish your child a happy birthday next month. Please click here for Birthday Wishes.
Free Fun Fridays  
Presented by the Highland Street Foundation
Every Friday, June 28-August 30

Giving new meaning to the phrase "TGIF," it's the Highland Street Foundation's 5th Annual Free Fun Fridays. Throughout the summer, 60 museums, cultural venues, and zoos across Massachusetts will open their doors and welcome you in for free!

Join us at our Playground Meet-ups every Friday morning, and then spend the afternoon sampling the best that Massachusetts has to offer.

For a complete schedule, visit the Highland Street Foundation's website.
jewishbostonlogo




Find what you need, when you need it. Share events, resources, and ideas, or simply have your voice heard. Go ahead, be Jewish the way you want to be.
 
While browsing JewishBoston.com, check out Jewish Family Network's blog under Personal Stories, where you can find Julie's interviews with some of the amazing people in our community in one place.
Community Connections

Gateways
Jewish Family Service of Metrowest
JCCs of Greater Boston-Metrowest
InterfaithFamily.com
MetroWest Jewish Day School
CJP (Combined Jewish Philanthropies)
Career Moves-JVS
Reform Jewish Outreach
Jewish Discovery Institute

The Jewish Birth Network  

Jewish Family Workshop 

      

Preschools 

Gan Elohim Nursery School, Wellesley 

JCC Early Learning Center, Acton  

JCC Early Learning Center, Wayland
Judy Gordon Nursery School, Natick
Temple Beth Sholom Preschool, Framingham 

   

Synagogues

Metrowest Synagogues-North

Congregation Beth El (R), Sudbury
Congregation Beth Elohim, Acton
Congregation B'nai Torah (R), Sudbury
Congregation Kerem Shalom, Concord 

Hineini (An Independent Jewish Spiritual Community), Weston 

Ma'ayan Tikvah, Wayland
Congregation Or Atid (C), Wayland
Temple Emanuel, Marlborough
Temple Shir Tikva (R), Wayland    

 

Metrowest Synagogues-Central

Sha'arei Shalom, Ashland
Temple Beth Am (R), Framingham
Temple Beth Elohim (R), Wellesley
Temple Beth Sholom (C), Framingham
Temple Israel of Natick (C)

Metrowest Synagogues-South

Congregation Ael Chunon, Millis 

Temple Beth Torah (C), Holliston
Temple Etz Chaim (R), Franklin

 

R=Union for Reform Judaism

C=United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Tot Shabbat

alephbetblocks
Congregation Or Atid, Wayland          
Children will enjoy this special Shabbat service with the award- winning Jewish early childhood educator Mindy Elins. Enjoy music time, a brief service and story, and a sticker project related to the program's theme. Of course there will always be time for a dance and snack.
 
Saturday mornings
10:30-11:30 a.m.

97 Concord Rd., Wayland
 
Please contact the temple for specific dates.

Jewish Family Network is a collaboration of Jewish Family Service of Metrowest and the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston with generous support from the Metrowest Jewish Community Fund, Clare and Richard Lesser and Combined Jewish Philanthropies. Interfaith families, single parents, people with disabilities, and GLBT families are welcome.   
logopng