Community Events
Relocation does not begin and end with finding a home. It is the beginning of a new adventure filled with new social ties, connections and experiences. It is about creating a new life where one will grow and thrive as they find a sense of belonging within their new community.
For over 2o years, I’ve been accompanying families in their relocation process and they all agree that the connection they’ve made with the existing community, along with the information they were given to help prepare for their move has been the secret to their success. Therefore, it is my pleasure to continue to host and initiate continuous program and that positively contributes and impacts the growth; both professionally and socially of our new and existing community members. The following events are just some of the signature programs that continue to weave the thread of connectivity within our beautiful and mighty community.
Friday Night Dinner & Kiddish
Especially in the summer months, my husband and I open our home to the new families joining our community for Friday night dinner and Kiddush. There is no greater feeling of home than celebrating Shabbat together with dozens of other families. To witness children bonding with one another, new couples creating friendships and connecting with others – t is simply the beginning of finding your “home away from home” within the relocation journey.
Women’s Morning Meeting
Once a month on Friday mornings, both veteran and newer women of the Israeli community of Bergen County join together to engage and connect over coffee. Everything from employment opportunities to social connections are made; deepening their bond and supporting each other however they can!
Men’s Night Out
Why should the women have all the fun? About every two months and typically on a Thursday evening, the men of the community gather together to exchange commonalities and find ways to further engage and help each other – both socially and professionally.
Couple’s Night
Once a month and typically during the summer months, my husband and I host a meeting in our home for new couples who have recently joined our community. The evening is intended to provide couple’s the opportunity to connect with one another without the distraction of children and provide a space where they can get to know one another and build wonderful and thriving friendships!
Annual picnic for the Israeli community in Bergen County
Our annual picnic not only marks the end of the summer, but has become a signature program for our community. Dozens of families come together to celebrate and enjoy what we have together in one of the beautiful parks under the George Washington Bridge. Some of the participating organizations and companies include Tenafly Chabad, Tenafly Scouts and HaShomer HaTzair.
Celebrating Jewish & Israeli Holidays in the community
Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Purim and Hanukkah: just some of the special days we celebrate together! In preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Passover, we match host families with guests for the holiday meals and create fun projects related to the holidays. We tell stories about new beginnings, enjoy traditional dishes by local community chefs and more. On Hanukkah and Purim, we hold community-wide family celebrations.
“Starting Off on The Right Foot” Conference
This yearly program was designed for both our veteran and new families within the community, in hopes to ease their relocation journey and/or to better understand essential practices and protocols regarding Israel/US Taxation laws, building credit, private medical and medical insurance processes and the public school education system in Bergen County. The conference guest speakers are among the most respected of industry experts within our community. They graciously offer their time and expertise each year in early September and the conference is among one of the most coveted programs of the year.
“Family Meetup At The Park”
A day for parents and children in the park has become a fun and sought after annual play date and resource for the community. This day provides the parents and children a chance to make new friends, both newly relocated and existent. and meet old friends. The meetup is usually scheduled at the end of summer right before the school year begins.
Meetings and Events For independent Israeli businesses in the community
“To the community from within the community” also applies to practices of business and networking. We support the strengthening of independent Israeli businesses and enjoy holding events and initiatives throughout the year that can provide exposure to local business owners. During our “Israeli Independent Business Week in Bergen County”, we designate each day to a different business, providing them with our advertising platforms which reach extends to an audience of thousands. These programs are supporters through donations and sponsorships and we couldn’t be more honored to lend and offer our platform to support however we can!
International Women’s Day Events
Each year around International Women’s Day in March, we hold a series of events throughout the span of one week centered around the inspiring women in our community. The week features what we call a women’s stories project, an autobiographical summary from each featured women. These women are mothers who are brave, creative and pioneers within their careers. The main event of the week is a program with a panel of these impressive and inspiring women.
Essential Information Sessions
We often hold periodic meetings that address head-on specific content essential to life in the region. The meetings will usually cover content such as US-Israel taxes, the admission and screening process for American college, the American job market, family in relocation and more. All our guest lecturers are industry and content experts from within our community and happy to join and contribute.
