73 Jewish Things to Do With Your Family in New York This November – Kveller
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73 Jewish Things to Do With Your Family in New York This November

Fall has finally arrived. The leaves are changing, and sweaters, boots, and pumpkins are popping up all over the New York area. As the days get shorter and temperatures get cooler, we know you’ll be looking for fun, indoor family activities—and we’ve got you covered.

We’ve put together a super-sized listing of more than 70 things to do in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester this month, including Shabbat celebrations, story times, concerts, museum tours, and volunteer opportunities. We’ve even thrown in a few things just for grown-ups—because everyone needs a night out once in awhile.

Brought to you in partnership with PJ Library in New York


Brooklyn | Long Island | Manhattan | Staten Island | Westchester 



Brooklyn

 

Fridays @ 4
A Tot Shabbat for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers led by guitarist and singer Ora Fruchter, with singing, dancing, and stories. Free and open to all.
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Parkway, 4th fl
Fridays, November 3, 10 & 17, 4 – 5 p.m.

ShaJam Fridays 
A weekly Shabbat celebration for neighborhood families along with children from the Y’s early childhood program, with music, dancing, stories, and snacks. Free and open to all.
JCC Brooklyn Clinton Hill, 309 Grand Ave
Fridays, November 3, 17 & 24, 9:10 – 10:15 a.m.

Family Shabbat
Welcome Shabbat with singing, storytelling, and dancing followed by a delicious Shabbat dinner. All ages. RSVP required
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Avenue & 81st St
Friday, November 3, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

JCC Brooklyn Shabbat Dinner with Repair the World
A free, participatory Shabbat sing-along, PJ Library storytime, and social justice project with Repair the World followed by Shabbat dinner. Advance registration and fee required for dinner. Free.
JCC Brooklyn Windsor Terrace, 1224 Prospect Ave
Friday, November 3, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Out of the Shabbox
A free, drop-in, cross-cultural, interfaith, arts-based Shabbat experience with music, movement, storytelling, and snack. Free.
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Parkway, 4th fl
Saturdays, November 4, 11 & 18, 9:30 – 11 a.m.

ShaJam Singalong 
An interactive family Shabbat experience with singing, dancing, and stories. Free and open to all.
JCC Brooklyn Clinton Hill, 309 Grand Ave
Saturdays, November 4 & 11, 4 – 5 p.m.

Shabbat Katan
A Shabbat service for families with young children, with games, songs, and snacks.
East Midwood Jewish Center, 1625 Ocean Ave
Saturdays, November 4 & 18, 11 a.m. – Noon

Saturday SoulSpa
A Saturday gathering for all ages including meditative music, poetic prayer, children’s activities, interactive adult learning, drinks, treats, and Havdalah. RSVP requested.
Congregation Mt. Sinai, 250 Cadman Plaza W
Saturday, November 4, 4 – 6:30 p.m.

Wee Jam
Drop-in class for babies and toddlers, with singing, dancing, stories, parachute, and bubbles. Choose from multiple times and locations.
Busy Bodies Brooklyn, 1004 Fulton St
Mondays, November 6, 13, 20 & 27, 3:30 – 4:15 p.m.
Edamama Cute Cuts & More, 568 Union Ave
Mondays, November 6, 13, 20 & 27, 9:30 – 10:15 a.m., 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. & Noon – 12:45 p.m.
JCC Brooklyn Clinton Hill, 309 Grand Ave
Tuesdays, November 7, 14, 21 & 28, 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.

Story Time & Play Time with Harriet Rhine
Drop-in circle time with songs and stories for babies and toddlers and a caregiver.
East Midwood Jewish Center, 1625 Ocean Ave
Tuesdays, November, 7, 14, 21, & 28, 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Sing-Along Shabbat
A family Shabbat experience with singing, stories, puppets, creative prayer, challah, and grape juice.
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, 4th Ave & 81st St
Saturday, November 11, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.

Sunday Morning Songs, Play, and Snacks
A free morning of songs, stories, and open play for neighborhood families with children ages 4 and under. RSVP requested, limited space available. Free.
Busy Bodies Brooklyn, 1004 Fulton St
Sunday, November 12, 10:30 a.m. – Noon

Shabbat-a-BimBom
Lively, child-centered Shabbat services followed by dinner. RSVP required for dinner.
East Midwood Jewish Center, 1625 Ocean Ave
Friday, November 17, 6 – 9 p.m.

Sing ‘n Sway in the Neighborhood
Jump, laugh, dance, and sing along to live music provided by Tkiya: The Jewish Community Music School. Sponsored by PJ Library NY and Bay Ridge Jewish Center. Best for ages 5 and under. Free.
Bay Ridge Library, 7223 Ridge Blvd
Friday, November 17, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

ShaJam Singalong
An interactive Shabbat experience for families, with singing, dancing, and stories. Free and open to all.
Kings Bay Y North Williamsburg (JCC Brooklyn), 14 Hope St
Saturday, November 18, 4 – 5 p.m.

Family Havdalah Experience
Say goodbye to Shabbat and welcome the new week with glow sticks, spices, singing, crafts, and snacks.
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, 4t Ave & 81st St
Saturday, November 18, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Thanksgiving Day @ The Jewish Children’s Museum
A full day of family fun . Explore the interactive music exhibit, participate in a game show, and create something in the crafts room. Free with museum admission.
The Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway
Thursday, November 23, Noon – 4 p.m.

Tot Shabbat
A fun-filled introduction to Shabbat for families with children ages 5 and under, with songs, stories, musical instruments, dancing, challah, and grape juice.
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, 4t Ave & 81st St
Friday, November 24, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.


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Long Island

 

Sensory Reads for Special Needs
A Shabbat-themed make-and-take program for preschool and school-aged children with special needs sponsored by Hewlett East Rockaway Jewish Centre. RSVP requested. Free
Kulanu Academy, 620 Central Ave, Cedarhurst
Thursday, November 2, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.

New Mom Series
An 8-week series for moms of newborns, facilitated by a social worker and focusing on a different parenting topic each week, includes lunch. Advance registration required.
Mid-Island Y JCC Parenting Center, 45 Manetto Hill Rd, Plainview
Thursdays, November 2, 9, 16 & 30, 12:45 – 2:30 p.m.

Tot Shabbat Pajama Jam
Celebrate Shabbat with a pizza and salad dinner followed by an interactive Shabbat evening service. RSVP requested. Free.
Central Synagogue – Beth Emeth, 430 DeMott Ave, Rockville Centre
Friday, November 3, 6 – 7 p.m.

Bagels & Blox
Free monthly drop-in program with free play, crafts, food, music and movement, stories and bagels. For children ages 1 – 6 accompanied by a grown-up. Siblings welcome. RSVP requested. Free and open to all.
Temple Judea, 333 Searingtown Rd, Manhasset
Sunday, November 5, 9:30 – 11 a.m.

If All The Seas Were Ink: Lecture & Book Signing
Book signing and lecture with author Ilana Kurshan about her memoir of seven years of daily Talmud study and her journey through divorce, aliyah, dating, marriage, pregnancy, and motherhood. Wine and cheese reception to follow. RSVP requested.
Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave
Tuesday, November 7, 8 – 10 p.m.

Nursing Circle
Free, drop-in nursing circle facilitated by the Mid-Island Y Parenting Center. Free and open to the community.
Buy Buy Baby Huntington, 350 Walt Whitman Rd, Huntington Station
Tuesdays, November 7 & 21, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Thanksgiving at RSNS 
Drop in for crafts, songs, stories, pizza, and salad. Best for ages 4 and under. Free and open to the community.
Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore, 1001 Plandome Rd, Manhasset
Wednesday, November 8, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Pop-Up Shabbat
A musical celebration of Shabbat with singing, dancing, challah and grape juice for children ages 0-6 and a parent or caregiver. Siblings welcome. RSVP requested. Free.
Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library, 999 Old Country Rd, Plainview
Thursday, November 9, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

JWOW Kids Around Town: Horseback Riding
Help groom and feed horses, take a pony ride, and make healthy snacks to feed the horses, all while learning about the Jewish value of taking care of animals and pets. Best for ages 3 – 8, RSVP requested.
Greenlawn Equestrian Center, 29 Wood Ave
Sunday, November 12, 2 – 4 p.m.

Parenting Lecture: Bullying & Social Media
Free lecture for parents of school-aged children. RSVP requested.
Mid-Island Y JCC Parenting Center, 45 Manetto Hill Rd, Room 206, Plainview
Tuesday, November 14, 8 – 9 p.m.

Tot Shabbat  
A monthly Shabbat celebration for families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, with singing, dancing, a Torah parade, crafts, and dinner. RSVP requested. Free and open to all.
North Shore Synagogue, 83 Muttontown Eastwoods Rd, Syosset
Friday, November 17, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Once Upon a Shabbat Mitzvah Project: Book Fairies
Celebrate Shabbat and do a mitzvah with old friends and new. Bring new and gently used books to donate and enjoy a light dinner and PJ Library story time.
Merrick Jewish Centre, 225 Fox Blvd, Merrick
Friday, November 17, 5:45 – 6:30 p.m.

Pajama Party
Come in your pajamas for dinner, a story, and activities. Parents get to schmooze while the kids have fun. Best for age 2 – 6 years. RSVP required. Free.
HANC Plainview, 25 Country Dr, Plainview
Monday, November 20, 6 – 7:15 p.m.

Read It In Hebrew
A five-session crash course in Hebrew reading. Advance registration required.
Chabad of the Hamptons, 13 Woods Ln, East Hampton
Tuesdays, Nov. 21 – Dec. 19, 10:30 p.m.

Veterans Day Volunteering
Help prepare for the Y’s Thanksgiving celebration by making decorations and cards, and delivering invitations to guests.
Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Dr, East Hills
Friday, November 10, 10 a.m. – Noon


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Manhattan


Downtown

 

Breastfeeding Brunch
A weekly, drop-in support group led by a lactation counselor in a relaxed environment, snacks included. Free.
Town & Village Synagogue, 334 East 14th St
Wednesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 11 a.m – 1 p.m.

Challah Tots
A weekly, drop-in challah-baking class including a Shabbat sing-along and story time. Best for ages 4 and under and a caregiver.
Town & Village Synagogue, 334 East 14th St
Fridays, November 3, 10, 17, 10 – 10:45 a.m.

RU TOTS
A weekly Russian-language immersion program for Russian Jewish toddlers ages 18-36 months with visual arts, storytelling, dramatic play, and a Shabbat celebration. Advance registration required.
Museum of Jewish Heritage, Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Place
Fridays, November 3, 10 & 17, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Community Shabbat
A joyful and musical Friday night Shabbat gathering followed by a casual buffet dinner. All are welcome. Sponsored by Tamid: The Downtown Synagogue.
The Chapel, 309 Broadway
Friday, November 3, 6:40 – 9 p.m.

Coffee with Parenting Author, Lea Waters
Learn about “Positive Parenting” and how this strengths-based approach can positively impact children and teens. RSVP requested. Free.
Tamid, 299 Broadway, Ste 1020
Friday, November 3, 9 – 10:15 a.m.

Tot Shabbat
A musical Shabbat morning experience for families with children ages 5 and under, with songs, dancing, age-appropriate prayers, and stories followed by grape juice and challah.
JCP Downtown, 146 Duane St
Saturday, November 4, 10 – 11 a.m.

Kompot
An interactive brunch get-together for Russian-Jewish families, featuring hands-on, interactive activities led by Maria Budnitsky with musical accompaniment by the Sunny Social Club. Best for families with children ages 2 – 8. Advance registration required,
Museum of Jewish Heritage, Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Place
Sunday, November 5, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Generation to Generation Festival
Experience the traditions, music, and art of Eastern European Jewish immigrants with synagogue tours, musical performances, art activities, a photo booth, and more. Free.
Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St
Sunday, November 12, Noon – 4 p.m.

JCP Downtown Community Shabbat Dinner
A pre-Thanksgiving community Shabbat celebration with singing, schmooze time for adults and games for kids. Advance registration required.
Jewish Community Project Downtown, 146 Duane St
Friday, November 17, 6 – 8:15 p.m.

FamilyLab: That Shabbat Feeling
A grassroots Shabbat celebration for families with children ages 8 and under (siblings welcome), facilitated by Lab/Shul with an everybody friendly, God-optional approach. RSVP required.
Private Home in Chelsea, Address Provided Upon RSVP
Friday, November 17, 5:30 p.m.

Midtown

PJ Library Havdalah
Havdalah-themed open play and family fun with stories, music, milk and cookies for families with children ages 4 and under. Families with children ages 5 – 11 begin the evening with a family Havdalah service followed by a drop-off movie night with pizza and snacks. Advance registration requested.
Central Synagogue’s Community House, 123 East 55 St
Saturday, November 4, 4 – 5:30 (Families with children ages 0 -4), 5 – 8 p.m. (Families with children ages 5 – 11).

Shabbat Central
A warm and accessible Shabbat experience for families with children ages 5 and under, including live music, prayer, movement, and stories followed by a light meal.
Central Synagogue’s Community House, 123 East 55 St
Friday, November 10, 5 – 6 p.m.

Tot Shabbat & Junior Congregation
Choose from two Shabbat morning experiences for ages 5 and under and K – 6, including age-appropriate prayers, songs, stories about the weekly Torah portion, challah, and grape juice. Free.
Sutton Place Synagogue, 225 East 51st St
Saturdays, November 11 & 18, 11 a.m. – Noon

The Shul of New York Story/Sing 
Interactive performance of the story “The Kugel Valley Klezmer Band” performed by klezmer musicians, including singing, dancing, and a healthy snack. RSVP requested.
Ripley Grier Studios, 520 Eighth Ave (btw. 36th & 37th) 16th Fl
Saturday, November 18, 3 – 5 p.m.

Fall Family Fun Day
Family fun for all ages, including live music from The Little Maestros, face painting, glitter tattoos, crafts, pizza and ice cream sundae bar. Register online.
Sutton Place Synagogue, 225 East 51st St
Sunday, November 19, 4 – 6 p.m.

Upper East Side

Modigliani Family Day: Art, Music, and More
A family extravaganza honoring the painter Modigliani with interactive gallery tours and hands-on activities. Make a collage portrait, sculpt a miniature head in clay, collaborate on a giant sculpture, and enjoy a live concert with Jo-Jo and the Pine Cones.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, November 12, Noon – 4 p.m.

Picture This
The second of a three-part series of family events with interactive activities, including gallery tours, craft projects, and a PJ Library story followed by a concert featuring the FunkeyMonkeys. Best for ages 4 – 10 years. Advance registration requested.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, November 19, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The FunkeyMonkeys
Groove and giggle to the tunes of kids’ music favorites, the FunkeyMonkeys. Advance ticket purchase recommended.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, November 19, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Upper West Side

 

Shabbat Sing-Along
Sing, dance, and celebrate Shabbat in the JCC lobby on the first Friday of every month. Best for ages 4 and under. Free.
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Friday, November 3, 9 – 9:30 a.m.

Tot Shabbat
Welcome Shabbat with a kid-friendly service, with singing and dancing followed by Shabbat dinner and supervised play. Advance registration required.
B’nai Jeshurun, 270 West 89th St
Friday, November 3, 5:15 – 7 p.m
.

Beit Rabban Fall Festival
Fall family festival with music and movement, art, Hebrew and kosher snacks. Free.
Beit Rabban Day School, 15 West 86th St
Sunday, November 5, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Pela at SAJ
Parents and children explore Shabbat and Jewish and American holidays and values  through storytelling, song, dance, movement, and creative play. Best for ages 4 and under, drop-in. Free. Choose from multiple days and locations.
SAJ, 15 West 86th St
Saturday, November 4, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Book Culture, 450 Columbus Ave
Tuesdays, November 7, 21 & 28, 11- 11:30 a.m.

Infant/Child/Adult CPR Non-Certification
Class for parents/caregivers, personal trainers, teachers, and counselors teaching CPR for all ages. Advance registration required.
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Tuesday, November 14, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Challah for Hunger Community Baking Experience
Monthly community challah-baking experience for families with children ages 6 and under. Participants braid two challahs — one to take home, and one to give away, followed by stories, songs, and snacks. RSVP requested. Free.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 West 83rd St, btw CPW & Columbus
Saturday, November 18, 10:15 – 11:30 a.m.

Expanded PJ Library Storytime
Stories, crafts, movement, and songs to celebrate Jewish holidays and traditions. Best for age 4 and under. Advance registration requested, limited space available. Free.
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Monday, November 20, 3 – 3:45 p.m.

Harlem

 

Songs & Stories with PJ Library!
Celebrate Shabbat with stories, music, and fun in the park. Best for children ages 5 and under and their families. RSVP requested but not required. Free and open to all.
Morningside Park, West 117th St
Saturday, November 4, 10 – 11 a.m.
Saturday, November 18, 4 – 5 p.m.

Pela at SAJ
Parents and children explore Shabbat and Jewish and American holidays and values  through storytelling, song, dance, movement, and creative play. Best for ages 4 and under, drop-in. Free. Choose from multiple days and locations.
JCC Harlem, 318 W 118th St
Friday, November 17, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Ants in Your Pants
Celebrate Shabbat by singing, dancing, and wiggling around, along with lots of challah and grape juice. Best for kids ages 5 and under and their families. Sponsored by Beineinu. Free.
JCC Harlem, 318 W 118th St
Saturday, November 18, 10 – 11 a.m.


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Staten Island

Bagels for Benny
Celebrate being thankful and the gift of giving through story, crafts, and snacks. Sponsored by the JCC of Staten Island. RSVP requested.
Temple Israel Reform Congregation, 315 Forest Ave
Sunday, November 26, 2 – 4 p.m.


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Westchester

 

Gan Shabbat Services
An interactive introduction to Shabbat for preschoolers and their families, with songs, stories, and prayers followed by kid-friendly refreshments.
Congregation Bet Torah Nursery School, 60 Smith Ave, Mt. Kisco
Saturday, November 4, 10:30 a.m. – Noon

Tot Shabbat
Families with children ages 2 – 6 celebrate Shabbat with music, crafts, a PJ Library story, and snacks. Free.
Congregation B’nai Yisrael, 2 Banksville Rd, Armonk
Saturday, November 4, 10 – 11 a.m.

Music and Munchies In The Park
Enjoy stories and songs in the park with a special guest song leader, cider, and snacks. Sponsored by Greenburgh Hebrew Center. Best for children ages 4 and under, RSVP requested. Free.
Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park, Dobbs Ferry
Sunday, November 5, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Israeli Art Festival & Sale at Beth El
A series of planned events showcasing artwork from the Safrai Art Gallery in Jerusalem. Framed pieces will be available for purchase at a variety of price points.
Beth El Synagogue Center, 1324 North Ave
Wednesday, November 8 – Sunday, November 12, 7:30 – 9 p.m.

Ruach Tot Shabbat
A lively Shabbat celebration led by Rabbi Stein and Cantor Leuchter, with a Shabbat-themed activity, songs, stories, grape juice and challah. Free.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center, 515 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry
Friday, November 10, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.

Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
A concert by award-winning children’s performer Joanie Leeds and her band. Free and open to all. RSVP requested.
Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, 2125 Westchester Ave East
Sunday, November 12, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.

Gymboree Fun & Tzedakah Craft
Open play, snacks, and a tzedakah-related craft. For new moms and babies ages 0 – 2. Sponsored by Shalom Baby of Northern Westchester and Southern Putnam Counties, RSVP requested. Free.
Gymboree Play & Music, 3631 Hill Blvd, Jefferson Valley
Tuesday, November 14, 9:30 – 11 a.m.

Friday Storytime With the Rabbi
Breakfast, a story, games, and crafts with the rabbi, for babies and toddlers. RSVP requested. Free.
Congregation B’nai Yisrael, 2 Banksville Rd, Armonk
Friday, November 17, 9 – 9:30 a.m.

Tot Shabbat
Family-friendly Shabbat service followed by dinner. RSVP requested. Free and open to all.
Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, 31 Glengary Rd, Croton-on-Hudson
Friday, November 17, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Family Musical Shabbat Service
A lively and participatory Friday night service with singing and musical instruments.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center, 515 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry
Friday, November 17, 6:30 p.m.

Tot Shabbat
A musical Shabbat morning experience for families with young children, including music, movement, games, and age-appropriate prayers — and concluding with grape juice, challah, and a snack. Free.
Shaarei Tikvah: The Scarsdale Conservative Congregation, 46 Fox Meadow Rd, Scarsdale
Saturday, November 18, 11 a.m. – Noon

Latkepalooza! Annual Hanukkah Fair and Celebration
Get started on your holiday shopping, make LEGO dreidels and menorahs and other crafts, buy a raffle ticket, and grab a bite to eat. Free.
Temple Beth Abraham, 25 Leroy Ave, Tarrytown
Sunday, November 19, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 

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