Russian-Speaking Family Programs Celebrate Shared Heritage at JCC Manhattan
SPONSORED
For the past six years, JCC Manhattan’s Russian division (known as “Generation R”) has offered unique programs in Russian for children and families from throughout the five boroughs. Some of Generation R Director of Children and Family Programs Jane Tuv’s favorite events have included Shabbat Family Dinners, “Shakshukah in the Sukkah,” and a rooftop Friday night dinner “Shabbat Na Kryshe” replete with a retro-world-jazz ensemble performing in Russian.
This week, regular “Russian Language Shabbat Club” classes resume for children ages 2-4; a dance program taught by actress and choreographer, Tatyana Kot, begins; and on Saturdays, a Jewish-heritage centered Russian arts, theater, and culture class, Arlekino, runs throughout the year. Tuv says that weekly programs bring RSJ families together while one-time events enhance the community as they enjoy their shared background. She noted that the next large one-time family event, a Purim Carnival on Sunday, February 25th, will feature Russian-speaking art educators as well as a completely novel puppet show.
Generation R Founding Director Audrey David notes that over the past six years, Generation R’s concerted efforts to offer programming for RSJ families have been met with great enthusiasm by the community, noting that many programs sell out and that the initiative’s email database has more than 200 families. David is mindful that there are still many Russian-speaking Jewish singles out there who are looking for an inclusive, non-denominational place to be amongst peers, and for that she says Generation R at JCC Manhattan is also a great home. She points to numerous film and theater events in Russian, Shabbat dinners, and other Jewish holiday programs that have taken place exclusively for the Russian-speaking adult community since Generation R’s inception 12 years ago. She encourages anyone who has never been to join next Friday night, January 26th, for the first ever Generation R Comedy Night Shabbat Dinner–featuring Russian-born, American-bred Jewish comedian Ben Rosenfeld. Thanks to generous donors, tickets are $18. “You can’t beat that for dinner and entertainment,” says David, Russian or not!
SPECIAL OFFER! $50 OFF ANY NEW REGISTRATION TO A GENERATION R CHILDREN’S CLASS. USE CODE: WINTERFLASH18 OR CALL AUDREY AT (646) 505-4443 WITH QUESTIONS
