Creating a Culture of Service at Columbia Secondary School
Thursday, April 12, 2018In the fourth year of the Y’s SONYC program at Columbia Secondary School, we’ve rallied our program around the theme “Better Together.” As a campus with multiple schools, we jump at the opportunity to stretch this concept to foster building-wide community. One collaboration we’re particularly proud of is with Book Mentors, one of our SONYC electives, and P.S. 125’s literacy program for kindergarteners (also funded and staffed by the Y).
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Finding Our Story in the Passover Story
Thursday, March 22, 2018One of the most ironic aspects of the Passover Seder is the supposedly simple command of Passover: retelling the Exodus story. The whole point of Passover, we are told, is that every single person participating, in every generation, should see themselves as if they are the ones living the Exodus from Egypt. Everyone at the Seder – the ceremonial feast held at the start of the holiday which includes readings, stories, and song – should experience that liberatory moment of a status change from slave to free person. Yet the Seder line up does not actually include the full story we’re supposed to tell.
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Successful Drive to Aid Hurricane Maria Victims in Puerto Rico
Friday, March 16, 2018Following Hurricane Maria’s devastating blow to Puerto Rico, island residents are facing a long road to recovery. The Y and Upper Manhattan synagogues joined forces, resulting in collecting 20 boxes worth of items that are still desperately needed on the island.
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Hudson Cliffs Baseball League and Sports for Youth
Thursday, January 11, 2018Last year the parent of a former Hudson Cliffs Baseball League player and a Twelve Trails camper addressed UJA-Federation of New York to share the impact their Sports for Youth initiative has had on her family. This is what she had to say.
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The Y Partners with The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund to Keep One Man Connected
Thursday, December 28, 2017For 106 years The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund has provided direct assistance to those who are struggling. The Y is pleased that for another year, through our partnership with UJA-Federation of New York, we were able to secure funding so we could support a member of our community. Here’s the story behind the The New York Times story.
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The Endurance of the Festival of Lights
Wednesday, December 13, 2017Hanukkah is considered one of the top three most observed Jewish holidays in the United States. Yet, for a seemingly significant holiday in the American multicultural landscape, Hanukkah is barely made mention in the ancient rabbinic sources. The Talmud, one of Judaism’s central texts on Jewish law with rabbinic commentary, has little to say about the holiday. In its limited conversation, it starts off with a question, “Mai Hanukkah?” which translated to “What is Hanukkah?” What a strange opening, as if to say "we don't really know what Hanukkah is about, but we're about to figure it out." If I was writing my own guide to Hanukkah, I would start with a different question, "When is Hanukkah?" More specifically, "How were the dates of Hanukkah chosen?"
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Budding Green Thumbs: Gardening at the Y Nursery School
Monday, November 27, 2017Have you ever seen preschoolers in a garden? At that age, it is a truly magical time of exploration and investigation where young children see, touch, and taste herbs, tomatoes, and other delicious fruits and vegetables. This is what the 3 – 5 year olds at the Y Nursery School experience each week during their gardening and permaculture specialty classes in our rooftop garden. Our greening and gardening programs are sponsored, in part, by Con Edison in their support for environmental sustainability education for children of all ages.
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Birth of "Be Baby: Discovery Zone"
Thursday, November 02, 2017At the Y, we love to welcome neighbors of all ages – from expectant families with babies on the way, to adults celebrating birthdays age 100 and better. At the Y Beginnings Parenting Center, we focus on babies and toddlers. Now, thanks to a new partnership with PJ Library, we're excited to announce Be Baby: Discovery Zone, designed especially for babies between 6 and 12 months, along with their parents and caregivers.
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The Y's Kitchen is Back in Business
Tuesday, September 26, 2017In order to meet the needs of our patrons, last year the Y began renovations on our kitchen and auditorium. To the delight of all, that work is now complete and representatives from the Mayor's Office, the Department for the Aging, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Jewish Communal Fund, and UJA-Federation of New York joined us to celebrate.
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The Heart of Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, September 20, 2017What is at the core of Rosh Hashanah? Yes, it is one of the most widespread Jewish holidays celebrated in the United States. Most people know the food associated with it and some of the symbols, but far fewer know what the holiday is really about. Before we get to the heart of it, let’s start with an easier question: When is Rosh Hashanah?
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