Fleetwood welcomes new families on a socially distanced walking tour of the neighborhood.

(Courtesy of Fleetwood Synagogue) Think of it as a Sukkah Hop without the sukkahs.

Moving into a new community can be difficult even in the best of times. During this pandemic, it is even harder to get to know your new friends and neighbors.

Fleetwood, a growing community in Westchester County, wanted to properly welcome the new families who moved in, but had to do so without the traditional kiddushes and Shabbat meals customary for introductions. Thus the idea was hatched to have a Shabbat walking tour, going to community members’ homes and socially distancing in backyards and on porches to meet and chat.

Several families opened their yards to greet the newest members of the shul, braving the heat and providing shade and water (individually packaged, of course).

The walking tour garnered such a positive response in the community that others are planned, with more shul members opening up their yards for an afternoon of outdoor camaraderie.

Fleetwood, located in the southern Westchester city of Mount Vernon, is located just north of the Bronx and is only 25 minutes away from Queens and Manhattan. It shares all the charm of Westchester suburbs at a fraction of the price, and was recently called “Westchester County’s Best-Kept Secret” by The New York Times. For more information or to get in touch with a member of the outreach committee, email [email protected].